May 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
MINNEAPOLIS — At some point, the streak had to end for Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt.
Vogt, who homered in his final two at-bats Sunday in a 7-1 win against the Texas Rangers, hit his first career grand slam in the first inning Monday against the Minnesota Twins.
“Amazing. Righties, lefties, he’s getting good swings off everybody,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin said.
Vogt singled in his next at-bat in the third inning, extending his streak of reaching base to five plate appearances, before grounding out to short in the fifth inning, ending his streak.
It’s been a tremendous start to the season for Vogt. The slam was his seventh homer already this year, leaving him two short of his total from all of last season. His 25 RBIs are 10 short of his 2014 season total.
Both his home run and RBI totals, as well as his .372 batting average lead all catchers in Major League Baseball.
Vogt said the confidence the organization showed him by making him the every-day catcher has allowed him to relax more.
“I just feel good. I have confidence,” Vogt said. “For the first time, when the organization tells you ‘Hey, you’re going to be our catcher on opening day,’ that does a lot for your psyche and your confidence. I’ve just felt like myself all year
and I’ve been hot. Things are feeling good.”
