MLB roundup: A’s rookie Nick Kurtz belts record-tying 4 homers

Every so often, a player has a night so spectacular, so statistically impossible, that it transcends a single game and becomes a permanent part of baseball history. On Friday, Oakland Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz had one of those nights. In a performance that can only be described as legendary, Kurtz put on one of the greatest single-game offensive displays the sport has ever seen. It was the kind of performance that breaks statistical models and creates a legend overnight—an unforgettable night that left fans and sports handicappers in absolute awe and overshadowed all the other incredible action from around the league.

A Legendary Night: Rookie Nick Kurtz Ties MLB Record with 4 Home Runs

In a truly historic performance, rookie Nick Kurtz tied a major league record with four home runs, going a perfect 6-for-6 with eight RBIs and six runs scored to lead the visiting Oakland Athletics to a 15-3 demolition of the Houston Astros. It was the 20th four-homer game in MLB history, and stunningly, the first ever by a rookie. Kurtz also amassed 19 total bases, tying another MLB record. His incredible night extended his lead among all rookies in homers (23), RBIs (59), and extra-base hits (43). Kurtz’s historic performance is an all-timer, a game that will be at the top of every highlight reel and analyzed by all major sports picks sites.

Schwarber Stays White-Hot, Powers Phillies Past Yankees

Kyle Schwarber continued his torrid post-All-Star break tear, hitting two more home runs to lead the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to a 12-5 victory over the New York Yankees. Schwarber’s first hit of the night was the 1,000th of his career, and his two blasts gave him six homers in just seven games since the break. J.T. Realmuto hit the tie-breaking three-run shot in the seventh to put the Phillies ahead for good. Schwarber’s incredible power surge since the All-Star break has him flying up the home run leaderboard.

Giants Hand Slumping Dodgers Seventh Straight Loss

Willy Adames homered and drove in three runs as the San Francisco Giants continued the misery for the Los Angeles Dodgers with an 8-7 victory. The loss was the seventh straight for the slumping Dodgers, a shocking collapse for a perennial contender that has dramatically altered the odds and scores for the NL pennant race.

Suarez’s Sacrifice Fly Wins 11-Inning Pitcher’s Duel

In a classic pitcher’s duel, Eugenio Suarez delivered a sacrifice fly in the top of the 11th inning to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a 1-0 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The story of the game was Arizona’s pitching, as three pitchers combined on a brilliant one-hitter to secure the extra-inning shutout.

Neto’s Bobblehead Night Walk-Off Lifts Angels

Zach Neto had a storybook ending, delivering a walk-off RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on his own bobblehead night. The clutch hit spoiled a two-homer night from Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez, who joined Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez as the only Mariners with five multi-homer games before turning 25.

Rafaela’s Walk-Off Homer Caps Red Sox Comeback

In another dramatic finish, Ceddanne Rafaela crushed a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the host Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4.

Yelich’s Homer Sparks Brewers’ Fifth Straight Win

Christian Yelich hit a two-run homer as part of a six-run third inning, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to an 8-3 home victory over the Washington Nationals. The win was the fifth straight for the surging Brewers.

Scherzer Grabs First Win as Blue Jay Stays Hot

Max Scherzer earned his first win of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays held on for a 7-6 victory over the Athletics. The win was the 11th in 12 games for the first-place Blue Jays.

Machado Homers as Padres’ Bullpen Shines

Manny Machado homered and the San Diego Padres bullpen was lights-out, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings to lead them to a 4-2 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.

Vientos’ Go-Ahead Double Cools Off Royals

Mark Vientos laced a go-ahead, three-run double in the eighth inning to lead the visiting New York Mets to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Murphy’s Two Homers Lead Braves Past Cardinals

Sean Murphy hit two home runs and drove in three runs as the Atlanta Braves‘ bullpen blanked the St. Louis Cardinals for six innings to secure a 6-5 victory.

Kremer’s 7 Shutout Innings Blank Marlins

Dean Kremer was masterful for Baltimore, holding the Miami Marlins to just three singles across seven shutout innings as the host Orioles cruised to a 5-2 victory.

Rockies Snap Skid in Win Over Reds

A wild pitch in the eighth inning proved to be the difference as the Colorado Rockies edged the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 to snap a three-game losing streak.

Larnach’s Homer the Key in Twins’ Win

Trevor Larnach’s two-run homer in the fourth inning was all the offense the Minnesota Twins would need, as they held on for a tight 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Leiter and Power Bats Lead Rangers Past Astros

Adolis Garcia and Wyatt Langford both hit home runs to support an effective start from pitcher Jack Leiter as the visiting Texas Rangers earned a 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros.

Looking Ahead

All eyes will be on Oakland on Saturday to see what rookie sensation Nick Kurtz can possibly do for an encore after his historic four-homer game. Meanwhile, the baseball world will watch the Dodgers to see if they can finally snap their seven-game losing streak.