In a remarkable display of power, Kyle Stowers hit three home runs in a single game, leading the Miami Marlins to a commanding 7-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on July 30, 2024. This performance was particularly significant as it marked Stowers’ return to his former home field, where he had previously played for the Orioles.
Stowers achieved the feat by hitting three home runs in three consecutive at-bats against Orioles pitcher Brandon Young. He became only the fourth player in Marlins history to accomplish this milestone, joining the ranks of Mike Lowell, Cody Ross, and Brian Anderson. The 27-year-old outfielder first launched a 403-foot solo shot in the second inning, followed by a two-run homer that traveled 398 feet in the third inning, capping off a four-run rally for Miami.
The highlight of the game came when Stowers hit his third homer in the fifth inning. He sent a fastball soaring down the right-field line, stunning the home crowd. All three of Stowers’ homers were hit with more than 100 mph of exit velocity and came on different pitches: a splitter, a curveball, and a fastball. Young’s struggles ultimately led to his early exit from the game after facing Stowers.
As Stowers sought to join the exclusive club of players who have hit four home runs in a single game, he settled for a single off reliever Colin Selby in the seventh inning, which was struck at 110 mph. This performance solidified Stowers’ position as one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball this season, with a batting average of .281, 19 home runs, and an OPS of .904.
Stowers, who was selected by the Orioles in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, previously had limited playing time in Baltimore, where he recorded only four home runs across 67 games. After being traded to the Marlins for left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers, he has thrived with more consistent opportunities, significantly improving his batting statistics. His increase in barrel rate and reduction in strikeouts have demonstrated his development as a player.
Reflecting on his return, Stowers acknowledged the significance of his former teammates, saying, “It’s just where I was drafted, I just keep going back to the people, just because those are the guys that I came up with in the minor leagues, and some of my best friends in the world.”
As of now, Stowers’ breakout season has made him a valuable asset for the Marlins and a player to watch as the season progresses. With his performance at Camden Yards, he has firmly established himself as one of the league’s emerging stars.