A’s Rookie Nick Kurtz Had Record-Setting Night Against The Astros In Blowout Win

• It marked the second time in MLB history that a player has gone 6-for-6 with four home runs in a game. The only other player was Green, who did so for the Dodgers on May 23, 2002.
• It was the second time an A’s player has recorded five-plus hits and three-plus homers in a game. Before Kurtz, you’d have to go back to the Philadelphia era, when Jimmie Foxx did it in 1932.
• Kurtz scored six runs in the game — just the ninth time that has happened since at least 1900.

Even Kurtz is having a hard time believing what he did as he reflected on his performance. “It still really hasn’t set in that it actually just happened,” Kurtz said. “A game like that is stuff you don’t even dream about, because it doesn’t really happen. It’s an unbelievable feeling.” And he added, “I could not have expected this,” Kurtz said. “But it’s awesome. I’m very confident in myself and what I can do. This exceeded that confidence, for sure. I’m just happy and grateful. Thanks to everyone who helped me get here.”

A’s Rookie Nick Kurtz Had Record-Setting Night Against The Astros In Blowout Win

Even manager Mark Kotsay was singing the praises of the rookie paying him the highest of compliments. He said:

“Arguably the best game I’ve ever watched from a single player,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “I say that because I watched Barry Bonds in the [2001] season he had. I was in center field for it, and what Barry did was hands down probably one of the greatest seasons you can have. … This kid continues to have jaw-dropping moments. To witness that tonight was pretty special for all of us.”

Kurtz was already having an amazing rookie season and last night he probably had his career game. It was the kind of game that is rarely seen and certainly not from a rookie. And speaking of rookies, this game has catapulted him to the front of the AL Rookie of the Year race. Congratulations to Kurtz on his four home runs and host of other accomplishments!