Big Amish is Krushing: Nick Kurtz is Making His Presence Known

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The Athletics are coming off a sweep of the Houston Astros last weekend, and rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz had his fingerprints all over the series. Kurtz slashed .733/.750/1.733 in the series. 

Friday night, the rookie had a game for the ages. Kurtz became the first rookie and 20th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. The most impressive thing about the four homers was three of the four were hit to the opposite field, and he added one double, tying a MLB record for most extra base hits in a single game with five. The best part is that he did all this with his family and friends in the stands.

Overall, Kurtz, aka “Big Amish", is having a season worthy of All-MLB consideration. He is slashing .309/.378/.683 with 23 home runs in only 67 games played. Kurtz has heavily contributed to a young Athletics lineup full of potential. 

The Athletics love the long ball. There are six players with at least ten home runs on the team, which ranks seventh in the MLB in total team home runs.

Kurtz has overtaken his teammate Jacob Wilson as the favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year with stellar month of July. Kurtz is leading the league in extra base hits this month with 25, the next closest player has 16. He is also leading all rookies in home runs (23), RBI (59), OPS (1.061), and extra base hits (43).

The Athletics start a home stand against the divisional rival, Seattle Mariners, on Monday. A rested Kurtz looks to extend his 13-game hitting streak after having a day off in the series finale Sunday. He continues his push towards being the first Athletic to win the Rookie of the Year award since Andrew Bailey in 2009. The Athletics have something special in Big Amish for years to come.

Thank you for reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)