Oakland, CA – In a night that will be etched into baseball history, Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz delivered a truly extraordinary performance on Friday, July 25, 2025, becoming the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a single game. The 22-year-old phenom led the Athletics to a dominant 15-3 victory over the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, showcasing an offensive display rarely seen in the sport.
Kurtz’s historic outing was part of a perfect 6-for-6 night at the plate, where he also added a double and a single. His remarkable power surge resulted in 19 total bases, tying the MLB record for most total bases in a single game, a feat previously achieved by Shawn Green in 2002. Beyond the four long balls, Kurtz drove in eight runs and scored six, contributing significantly to the A’s offensive explosion. (MLB.com, ESPN)
The young slugger’s home runs came off four different Astros pitchers: Ryan Gusto, Nick Hernandez, Kaleb Ort, and even outfielder Cooper Hummel, who took the mound in the ninth inning. His longest blast was a 414-foot solo shot off Ort in the eighth. In a testament to his incredible night, a double hit in the fourth inning traveled 381 feet, narrowly missing what would have been an unprecedented fifth home run. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay lauded the performance, stating, “It’s arguably the best game I’ve ever watched from a single player.” (ESPN)
Kurtz’s achievement places him in an elite club, as he is only the 20th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. What makes his feat even more remarkable is his age; at 22, he is the youngest player ever to accomplish this, surpassing Pat Seerey, who was 25 when he hit four homers in 1948. Furthermore, Kurtz joins Shawn Green as the only players to record six hits in a four-homer game. The significance of his night was immediately recognized, with the balls from his last two home runs and a bat destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame. (ESPN)
Reflecting on his monumental evening, Kurtz expressed his disbelief, saying, “It’s hard to think about this day being kind of real, it still feels like a dream. So it’s pretty remarkable. I’m kind of speechless. Don’t really know what to say.” His family, including his godparents, were in attendance, making the moment even more special. (ESPN)
This historic game caps off an incredible July for Kurtz, who has been the best hitter in the majors this month. Heading into Friday’s game, he led all MLB players in July with a .425 batting average, .494 on-base percentage, 1.082 slugging percentage, 22 runs, 13 doubles, 11 homers, and 27 RBIs. He also extended his hitting streak to 12 games. For the 2025 season, Kurtz now boasts a .305 batting average, 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, and a 1.060 OPS in 66 games. His 23 home runs are the most by an A’s rookie since Yoenis Céspedes in 2012 and rank fourth in franchise history. His odds for the American League Rookie of the Year award have dramatically shifted from -325 to -2500 following this performance, solidifying his position as the clear favorite. (MLB.com, ESPN)
Drafted fourth overall by the Athletics in the 2024 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Wake Forest University, Kurtz made his MLB debut on April 23, 2025. At Wake Forest, he earned First Team All-ACC honors in both 2023 and 2024, setting school records for career walks (189) and single-season walks (78). His rapid ascent to the majors and immediate impact underscore his immense talent and potential. (MLB.com, GoDeacs.com)
Nick Kurtz’s four-homer game is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for the Oakland Athletics, signaling the arrival of a generational talent poised to leave a lasting mark on Major League Baseball.
