Nick Kurtz becomes the first MLB Rookie to smash 4 Home Runs in a single game
Nick Kurtz of the Athletics stunned fans by becoming the first rookie in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. With his parents in attendance, Kurtz entered his final at-bat already boasting three homers and five hits, but the young slugger remained focused on the game.
Nick Kurtz had three home runs and five hits, with his parents and godparents watching, but despite the moment, the Athletics’ remarkable rookie had other thoughts.
Facing a position player, Kurtz’s main concern was simple: not embarrassing himself.
As just 22 years old, he more than delivered. Crushed a 77 mph, 2-0 pitch from outfielder Cooper Hummel deep into left field, capping off a performance that ranks among the greatest in Major League Baseball history.
I’m just trying to move the ball forward,” Kurtz said. “You don’t want to be the guy who strikes out.”
Kurtz went 6-for-6, becoming the first rookie in the Major League and tying the MLB record with 19 total bases.
“It’s the best game I’ve ever watched from a single player,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “This kid continues to have hats-off moments.”
Kurtz’s homers came in the second, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. Along with his four home runs, he also added a double and a single.
Fourth-inning double, which landed just below the yellow line over the visitor’s bullpen. Everyone was just laughing,” A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson said. “How is he doing it? This is not normal. He’s playing a different sport than us right now.
Standing 6-foot-5, slugger Nick Kurtz has smashed 23 home runs in just 66 games. He made his major league debut on April 23 and hit his first on May 13.
At just 22 years old, He is now the youngest player ever to record a four-homer game. The previous youngest was Pat Seerey, who was 25 when he hit four home runs on July 18, 1948. Kurtz homered off each of the Astros’ four pitchers, Ryan Gusto, Nick Hernandez, Kaleb Ort, and Cooper Hummel, who pitched the ninth inning with the already decided game. His longest blast was a 414-foot solo shot off Ort in the eighth inning. Fourth homer landed in the Crawford Boxes in left field at Daikin Park.
Nick Kurtz has been the hitter in July, leading the league in batting average (.425), on-base percentage (.494), slugging (.1.082), runs scored (22), doubles (13), home runs (11), and RBIs (27).
After his historic game, Kurtz kept the baseballs from his last two homers safely tucked inside a plastic bag in his locker. He also signed scorecards from all four Athletics broadcasters. One of those scorecards, along with a bat, is destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame.