MAGICAL

Nick Kurtz delivered a performance that will be talked about for generations. In a 15–3 blowout at Daikin Park, he became the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a single game, tying the all-time single‑game total‑bases record with 19 and racking up eight RBIs and six hits in six at-bats. Three of his homers came to the opposite field off four different Astros pitchers, including the ninth‑inning blast off position player Cooper Hummel, illustrating his plate discipline, raw power, and uncanny ability to adapt in real time. All told, he racked up 19 total bases, tying Shawn Green’s MLB single‑game mark from 2002 and marking the first four‑homer game by any MLB rookie ever. But it wasn't just Kurtz’s heroics—the context made it unforgettable. The A’s pounded Astros rookie starter Ryan Gusto early, tagging him for eight runs in just over three innings, then forced Houston to turn to a position player in relief during a game that got out of hand fast. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Springs quietly shut down the Astros in relief, keeping them to two runs over six innings. The blowout exposed Houston’s rotation depth issues and underscored the A’s emerging identity, with Kurtz firmly the centerpiece of their renaissance Nick Kurtz, Athletics rookie, four home run game, A’s vs Astros, July 25 2025, MLB record, first rookie four homers, 19 total bases, eight RBIs, Houston Astros blowout, Daikin Park, A’s historic night, MLB rookie history, Kurtz highlights, A's power surge Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Supply House Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb Gameday Hue Let your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.