HOUSTON, July 26, 2025
Rookie Smashes Four Homers in Stunning A’s Victory
Nick Kurtz delivered a historic performance, hitting four home runs and driving in eight runs to lead the Athletics to a commanding 15-3 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night.
In a display of raw power, rookie Nick Kurtz etched his name in baseball history. He became the first major league rookie to blast four home runs in a single game. Kurtz went an astonishing 6-for-6 at the plate, amassing eight RBIs and crossing the plate six times himself. This monumental performance also saw him match Shawn Green’s MLB record with 19 total bases in a game. Kurtz’s incredible day included a single and a double that flirted with the wall in the fourth inning, adding to his legendary outing.
Did Kurtz’s performance set any other records? Kurtz’s six-hit game was a rare feat for the Athletics, marking the first time a player achieved this since Joe DeMaestri on July 8, 1955. His 23 home runs this season are the most by an Athletics rookie since Yoenis Céspedes in 2012.
Kurtz opened his scoring with a two-run homer in the second inning, extending the Athletics’ lead to 5-0. He added a solo shot in the sixth to make it 10-2, followed by his longest drive of the night, a 414-foot blast into the second deck in the eighth. His final home run, a three-run opposite-field line drive to left field, came against outfielder Cooper Hummel, sealing the 15-2 scoreline.
A Streak of Success
Beyond his single-game heroics, Kurtz has been on a tear. His hitting streak has now reached 12 games. During this impressive run, Kurtz is batting a remarkable .553 (26 for 47) with nine home runs and 20 RBIs.
Supporting Power
The Athletics’ offense was potent throughout the game. Tyler Soderstrom and Shea Langeliers also contributed with home runs, helping the team achieve a season high in runs scored. On the mound, Jeffrey Springs (9-7) pitched six innings, allowing two runs. For Houston, Zack Short hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning. Ryan Gusto (6-4) took the loss, surrendering eight runs on eight hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Key Moment
The defining moment arrived in the ninth inning. With one run already in and two outs recorded, Kurtz stepped up and launched a 77 mph, 2-0 pitch from Hummel for his fourth home run of the game.
Up Next
The series continues Saturday, with Houston scheduled to start right-hander Hunter Brown (9-4, 2.57 ERA) against the Athletics’ left-hander Jacob Lopez (3-6, 4.60 ERA).
- Nick Kurtz became the first rookie in major league history to hit four home runs in a single game.
- He went 6-for-6 with eight RBIs and six runs scored, matching an MLB record with 19 total bases.
- Kurtz’s performance extended his hitting streak to 12 games and marked his 23rd home run of the season.
- The Athletics secured a 15-3 victory over the Houston Astros.
