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Nick Kurtz Makes History: Athletics’ Rookie Slugs 4 HRs in Unforgettable Night
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Nick Kurtz Delivers Historic Performance with 4 Home Runs
In what will go down as one of the greatest single-game performances in MLB history, Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz stunned the baseball world by hitting four home runs in a 15-3 rout of the Houston Astros on Friday night.
The 22-year-old phenom didn’t just stop at homers—he went a perfect 6-for-6, matching the MLB record with 19 total bases, a feat only achieved once before by Shawn Green in 2002. Kurtz also drove in eight RBIs and scored six runs, cementing his place in baseball lore.
A Night for the Record Books
Kurtz became:
- The first rookie in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game.
- The youngest player ever (22 years, 66 games) to accomplish the feat.
- Only the second player (alongside Shawn Green) to record six hits in a four-homer game.
- The fastest player (66 career games) to hit four homers in a game—shattering the previous record of 425 games.
“It’s arguably the best game I’ve ever watched from a single player,” said Athletics manager Mark Kotsay. “This kid continues to have jaw-dropping moments.”
Kurtz’s Dominant At-Bats
Kurtz homered off all four Astros pitchers he faced:
- Second inning: A solo shot off Ryan Gusto.
- Sixth inning: A two-run blast off Nick Hernandez.
- Eighth inning: A 414-foot moonshot off Kaleb Ort.
- Ninth inning: A three-run opposite-field liner off position player Cooper Hummel.
He also doubled (nearly a fifth homer) and singled, making his night even more extraordinary.
From College Star to MLB Sensation
Drafted fourth overall in 2023 out of Wake Forest, Kurtz made his MLB debut on April 23, 2024, and hit his first big-league homer on May 13. Since then, he’s been on a tear, leading all rookies in home runs (23) and RBIs (61).
His July stats are otherworldly:
- .425 batting average
- 1.082 slugging percentage
- 11 HRs, 27 RBIs, 22 runs
Rookie of the Year Lock?
Before Friday, Kurtz was already the AL Rookie of the Year favorite (-325 odds at ESPN BET). After his historic night, his odds skyrocketed to -2500, making him the undisputed frontrunner.
Family, Teammates, and the Hall of Fame React
Kurtz’s parents and godparents were in attendance, making the night even more special. “They probably have to come the rest of the year now,” he joked.
Teammates were in awe. Shortstop Jacob Wilson quipped, “He’s playing a different sport than us right now. It’s not baseball, it’s just T-ball.“
The Baseball Hall of Fame requested one of Kurtz’s bats and a scorecard for display—proof that his performance was truly legendary.
Where Does Kurtz Rank in MLB History?
- 20th player ever with a four-homer game.
- Second this season (after Eugenio Suárez on April 26).
- Most HRs by an A’s rookie since Yoenis Céspedes (2012).
What’s Next for Nick Kurtz?
With his 12-game hitting streak and MVP-caliber numbers, Kurtz is quickly becoming the face of Oakland’s rebuild. If he keeps this up, he won’t just win Rookie of the Year—he could enter the AL MVP conversation.
Final Thought: Nick Kurtz’s historic night wasn’t just a breakout—it was a statement. Baseball has a new superstar, and his name is Nick Kurtz.