PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks came out firing in their first four games of the 2024 season, scoring 32 runs in their first four games against the Colorado Rockies. Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. led the way for the D-backs, hitting three home runs and knocking in 10 of the runs. Now, Gurriel is being honored by Major League Baseball for his strong play.
Gurriel was named the first National League Player of the Week of the 2024 season on Monday, earning the honor over Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Mookie Betts, outfielder Teoscar Hernández and pitcher Bobby Miller, Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia, Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nick Martini, and New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez.
The 30-year-old from Cuba hit .471 (8 for 17) against the Rockies with three home runs, 10 RBI, two doubles, two walks, six runs scored and he stole a base.
Gurriel led MLB over the first four days of the 2024 season in RBI and total bases (he had 19) and he tied for the lead in home runs and extra-base hits.
The first four games of the season were truly some to remember for Gurriel.
He became the first D-back ever to hit three home runs in the first three games of a season and to have 10 RBI in the first four games of a season. He also tied Luis Gonzalez (2001) and Orlando Hudson (2007) for the most runs scored through the first four games. Those two seasons went very well for the D-backs, as they won the World Series in 2001 and advanced to NL Championship Series in 2007.
Gurriel was the first MLB player to homer in the first three games of a season since Toronto's Danny Jansen accomplished that feat in 2022.
Gurriel had five RBI in the D-backs 16-1 Opening Day victory over Colorado, which was a team record for Opening Day.
Outfielder Juan Soto of the New York Yankees was named the American League Player of the Week. The D-backs and Yankees begin a three-game series on Monday night at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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