Jose Miranda of the Twins sets MLB record by getting a hit in 12 consecutive at-bats

Minnesota Twins infielder José Miranda made MLB history on Saturday by following a fourth-inning single against the Astros to extend his streak of consecutive at-bats with a hit to a record-tying 12. Then in the sixth inning, Miranda got his first out in days, hitting a fly out to left fielder Chas McCormick that ended his attempt at the record alone.

Miranda’s bid to become the first Major League Baseball player since at least 1961 to hit 11 consecutive times was dashed Saturday when he was hit by a pitch from Hunter Brown in the first inning. However, he did single in his first and second official at-bats. With his 10th consecutive hit on Friday night, Miranda set the Twins’ record for most consecutive hits.

Miranda’s streak will live on in a three-way tie for the MLB record for most consecutive at-bats with a hit, along with Walt Dropo (1952), Pinky Higgins (1938) and Johnny Kling (1902). Additionally, Miranda is the only player in the Expansion Era to extend his streak of consecutive hits to 12 at-bats in a row. Dustin Pedroia (2016) and Bernie Williams (2002) both managed streaks with 11.

Miranda, who served as DH on Friday, hit 4 for 4 with a double and a home run. He had previously hit 5 for 5 on Thursday and had a hit in his final at-bat on Wednesday. By hitting 10 consecutive hits, Miranda surpassed the Twins’ all-time record for consecutive hits, which had previously been set by three players since the team moved to Minnesota: Tony Oliva in 1967, Mickey Hatcher in 1985 and Todd Walker in 1998.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli replaced Miranda later in the game with Austin Martin as a pinch hitter. The Twins were down eight runs at the time. They later narrowed that deficit to one run, and Miranda was next in line when the final out was recorded.

“These guys play practically every day and do a good job,” Baldelli explained afterward. “In an eight-run game, they’ve been on their feet for quite a while. There’s no reason not to take them off the field.”

Miranda, 26, has been one of the most pleasant individual surprises of the season. In 71 games, he posted a batting average of .324/.364/.529 (150 OPS+) with nine home runs and 21 extra-base hits. For anyone interested, in the last three games alone, his season-long OPS has improved from .822 to .901.