Brent Rooker made history by hitting two home runs in one inning for the Athletics, something not seen in almost 30 years. His big hits in the third inning helped the Athletics crush the Miami Marlins 20-4 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to six games.
Rooker, who was an All-Star for the Athletics last year, smashed a two-run homer off Marlins pitcher Trevor Rogers, then followed it up with a three-run shot off Darren McCaughan in a massive 10-run inning.
Manager Mark Kotsay praised Rooker’s ability to capitalize on mistakes and noted that he had shown this talent last year as well.
The Athletics recorded their highest run and hit count of the season with 21 hits.
Rooker’s achievement makes him the 60th player in MLB history to hit two home runs in one inning. The last player to do this was Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies on August 19. The last time an Athletics player achieved this was Mark McGwire against the Seattle Mariners on September 22, 1996.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Rooker expressed admiration for Mark McGwire, whom he watched closely during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. He sees matching McGwire’s achievement as a significant milestone in his career.