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The Houston Astros' Tyler White was easily the best story coming out of Spring Training Camp. White, a 33rd round pick out Western Carolina, beat out Jon Singelton for the first baseman's job.
He earned the nod for sure, he batted .353 (18x51) with nine runs scored, three doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI, nine walks, .443 OBP, .588 SLG, and a 1.031 OPS. White got on base more than Singleton and uber prospects A.J. Reed. But don't think anyone expected White to thrive as much as he has in the Major Leagues.
On Opening Day, after not getting the start, he picked up a hit in his first major league at-bat. He also reached on his next at-bat with a hit-by-pitch.
In game two, White started his first major league game. He didn't disappoint. He went 2-for-3 with a double. In game three, he took it up another notch, going three-for-four with four RBIs and a home run.
The story didn't change in Milwaukee, White went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBI. White started the Astros' ninth inning comeback with a three-run home run off Sam Freeman.
As noted by Astros Media Relations Manager Steve Grande and Elias Sports:
Only 2 @astros players have had 7 hits within their 1st 4 career games: Tyler White (7x10, with 1 tonight) and Ken Caminiti (7x14) in 1987.
— Steve Grande (@AstrosGrande) April 9, 2016
Per @EliasSports, @twhite409 is the 1st MLB player to record 8+ hits in their 1st 11 AB since Ian Desmond also started 8x11 for WSH in 2009.
— Steve Grande (@AstrosGrande) April 9, 2016
Per @EliasSports, prior to @twhite409, the last MLB player to begin his career 9x13 or better was Mike Schemer for the Giants in 1945.
— Steve Grande (@AstrosGrande) April 9, 2016
White is batting .692 (9x13) with two home runs and seven RBIs through four games.
Enjoy it, Mr. White.