Houston Astros rookie Lucas Spence delivered a historic performance on Thursday night, hitting the first three home runs of his major league career in a single game. His offensive surge propelled the Astros to a 7-5 victory over the Athletics in West Sacramento, California, keeping them tied with the Texas Rangers atop the American League West division.
Spence, who was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land just a day prior, had only 40 major league at-bats before this breakout game. He initiated the scoring with a three-run homer in the second inning, followed by a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh, and capped off his night with another solo home run in the ninth. This remarkable feat made him only the third player in MLB history to hit his first three career home runs in the same game, joining Seby Zavala (2021) and Joshua Baez (2026).
The 23-year-old outfielder's unexpected power surge came at a crucial time for the Astros, who are vying for a playoff spot with just three games remaining in the regular season. Spence's performance not only showcased his potential but also provided a significant boost to Houston's postseason aspirations.
In addition to Spence's heroics, teammates Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes contributed home runs, further solidifying the Astros' offensive dominance in the game. The victory was essential for Houston, as they hold the tiebreaker over the Rangers with a 9-4 record in head-to-head matchups this season.
Spence's journey to this milestone has been noteworthy. Prior to his call-up, he was batting .238/.348/.426 with 13 home runs across three minor league levels. His rapid ascent and immediate impact at the major league level underscore the depth and talent within the Astros' farm system.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Astros will look to maintain their momentum, with Spence's breakout performance serving as a potential catalyst for their playoff push.