Minnesota Twins’ José Miranda Ties MLB Record for Consecutive At-Bats

José Miranda has swung into the MLB history books…

The 26-year-old Minnesota Twins infielder tied Major League Baseball history on Saturday, running his streak of consecutive at-bats with a hit to a record-tying 12 after a fourth-inning single against the Houston Astros.

Jose MirandaMiranda subsequently made his first out in days in the sixth inning, hitting a fly out to left fielder Chas McCormick that ended his bid at sole ownership of the record.

While Miranda’s attempt to become the first Major League Baseball player since at least 1961 to record a hit 11 plate appearances in a row was snapped earlier on Saturday, when he was hit by a pitch from Hunter Brown in the first inning, he did single in his first and second official at-bats.

Miranda set the Twins’ record for most consecutive hits with his 10th in a row on Friday night.

Miranda’s streak will live on in a three-way tie for the MLB record for most consecutive at-bats with a hit, alongside Walt Dropo (1952), Pinky Higgins (1938) and Johnny Kling (1902).

Jose MirandaAdditionally, Miranda is the only player in the Expansion Era to extend his consecutive hits streak to 12 at-bats in a row. Dustin Pedroia (2016) and Bernie Williams (2002) both ran streaks to 11.

Miranda, who served as DH on Friday, went 4-for-4 with a double and a home run.

He had previously recorded a 5-for-5 showing on Thursday, and had notched a hit in his final at-bat on Wednesday. In the process of linking together 10 straight hits, Miranda eclipsed the Twins’ all-time record for consecutive hits, previously established by three players since the team relocated to Minnesota: Tony Oliva in 1967, Mickey Hatcher in 1985, and Todd Walker in 1998.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli pinch-hit for Miranda with Austin Martin later in the game. The Twins were trailing by eight at the time. They would later cut that to one run, with Miranda’s spot due up next when the final out was recorded.

“Those guys, they play virtually every day and they’re doing a good job,” Baldelli explained afterward. “In an eight-run game, they’ve been on their feet for a while. No reason not to get them off.”

Miranda has been one of the most pleasant individual surprises of the season. In 71 games, he’s batted .324/.364/.529 (150 OPS+) with nine home runs and 21 additional extra-base hits. For those wondering, he’s seen his seasonal OPS improve from .822 to .901 over the last three games alone.

Rivera Named All-Star Game MVP

He’s considered the greatest closer of all time in Major League Baseball… And, now Mariano Rivera is also an All-Star MVP.

The 43-year-old Panamanian baseball star, who has played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees, was named the Most Valuable Player at the 84th All-Star Game on Tuesday night, as the American League blanked the National League 3-0.

Mariano Rivera

When Rivera came out of the bullpen to pitch the eighth inning of the game, his AL teammates stayed next to the dugout, leaving Rivera – who will be retiring after this season – on the field alone to soak up the applause from the crowd.

“I was standing right there watching,” said Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “It was pretty cool. I had goosebumps the whole time. I’m sure a lot of people did.”

Rivera tipped his cap to all sides of Citi Field, then started his warmup throws.

He went on to pitch a perfect inning, throwing 16 cutters. Catcher Salvador Perez threw an arm across Rivera’s shoulders as they walked off the field.

The historic moment was part of a nearly flawless performance by 10 American League pitchers in their victory over the National League, which was was held to three hits and a walk.

Rivera won the Ted Williams Award as the game’s most valuable player, the first pitcher to be so honored since Pedro Martinez in 1999. He’s also is the oldest player to win.

“I wanted to come to the game and since this will be my last one, I wanted to enjoy and be able to pitch for the last time in the All-Star Game,” Rivera said. “The rest was indescribable.”

The AL snapped a three-game losing streak in the game. The NL leads the series, 43-39-2.