A's Kurtz first rookie with 4 HRs in record-shattering game

Already a triple shy of the cycle through four innings and the Athletics holding a six-run lead on Friday night at Daikin Park, Nick Kurtz knew he would get at least a couple more opportunities to complete the 18th cycle in team history and first since Mark Ellis in 2007.

"We had a good lead,” Kurtz said. “So, I pretty much told [third-base coach Eric Martins] that, if I hit the gap, I’m going for three.”

With two triples on the year, Kurtz runs better than his 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame might let on, making a three-bagger well within reach. The problem was, he couldn’t keep the ball in the yard.