Kurtz Makes History in Blowout, But Astros Seek Redemption with Hunter Brown on the Mound
HOUSTON, TX – July 26, 2025 – Daikin Park bore witness to a historic, albeit painful, night for the Houston Astros on Friday. Nick Kurtz of the Athletics exploded for a record-setting performance, hitting four home runs and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate to power his team to a dominant 15-3 victory over the Astros.
Kurtz’s incredible display etched his name in the record books as the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a single game. He also tied Shawn Green’s MLB record with a staggering 19 total bases in one contest, a mark only achieved one other time in big league history. The 22-year-old first baseman/designated hitter was simply unstoppable, collecting a single, a double, and then three more home runs after his initial two-run blast in the second, driving in an astounding eight RBIs and scoring six runs.
Astros rookie right-hander Ryan Gusto (6-4) had a rough outing, allowing eight runs on eight hits over just 3 1/3 innings as the Athletics jumped on him early. Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs (9-7), on the other hand, delivered a strong performance, allowing only two runs over six innings to earn his ninth win of the season.
The Astros’ offense managed little against Springs and the Athletics’ bullpen, with Zack Short’s two-run homer in the fifth being one of their few highlights. The lopsided score led to an unusual sight in the ninth inning, as position player Cooper Hummel came in from left field to pitch, giving the regular relievers a much-needed break in a lost cause. Kurtz even added his fourth homer off Hummel, a testament to his incredible night.
The loss pushes the Astros’ record to 60-44, while the Athletics improved to 44-62. It was a night for the history books thanks to Kurtz, but a forgettable one for the Astros and their fans.
Tonight’s Showdown: Hunter Brown vs. Nick Kurtz
Looking to turn the page, the Astros send their ace, right-hander Hunter Brown (9-4, 2.57 ERA), to the mound tonight. Brown has been one of the American League’s most dominant pitchers this season, boasting an impressive ERA and leading the league in strikeouts. All eyes will be on the intriguing matchup between Houston’s formidable hurler and the white-hot Nick Kurtz, who will undoubtedly be looking to continue his historic power surge. The Astros will need Brown to be at his best to contain the Athletics’ surging slugger and get back on track in the series.
