The Oakland Athletics secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday, with rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz continuing his remarkable performance. Just one night after making history as the first rookie to hit four home runs in a single game, Kurtz contributed with a 2-for-4 outing and a walk, adding to his impressive season statistics.
Kurtz’s four-homer game on Friday not only marked him as the 20th player in Major League Baseball history to achieve this feat but also tied the record for the most total bases in a game at 19. Since his big league debut on April 23, 2024, he has maintained a batting average of .309, with 23 home runs and 59 RBIs across 243 at-bats in 67 games.
As the A’s look to complete a four-game sweep of the Astros on Sunday, Kurtz faces the challenges that come with being a rookie. Mark Kotsay, manager of the Athletics, acknowledged the physical demands on the young player: “This kid is 22 years old. I don’t know if he’s reached the physicality that you get when you’re 27… Nick’s going through it a little bit right now,” Kotsay said, reflecting on the rigorous schedule and its impact on players who have yet to experience a full season.
On the mound for the Athletics will be rookie right-hander J.T. Ginn, who holds a record of 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA this season. Ginn recently pitched five innings against the Texas Rangers, allowing one run on five hits and a walk, but did not receive a decision in that game, which ended in a 6-2 loss. His previous outings had been in relief, where he maintained a 4.11 ERA without a decision. Overall, Ginn has posted a 4.76 ERA across five starts.
The Astros will counter with rookie left-hander Colton Gordon, who has a record of 4-2 and a 4.53 ERA. Gordon has struggled in his last four appearances, posting a 5.82 ERA during that span, allowing more earned runs than strikeouts. On June 19, 2024, he faced the Athletics but did not factor into the decision after giving up three runs (two earned) across five innings.
In a curious statistical trend, the Astros have allowed their opponents to score first in 17 consecutive games, resulting in a 7-10 record during that stretch. Despite their struggles at home, Houston has shown resilience, winning six of those games on the road. Joe Espada, manager of the Astros, emphasized the team’s capability to come from behind, stating, “We’re a really good team coming from behind. It’s just a matter of not letting that be a conversation.”
The A’s will aim to leverage their recent momentum as they continue their series against the Astros, looking to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities. With both teams heading into this crucial matchup, the stakes are high for a tightly contested showdown.
