Milwaukee catcher Kottaras hits for the cycle

Milwaukee Brewers catcher George Kottaras became the first player in the major leagues to hit for the cycle in 2011 on Saturday, as the Brewers topped Houston Astros, 8-2, in Houston. Kottaras became the first player to collect a single, double, triple and home run in the same game since Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez did it on July 31, 2010. Outfielder Jody Gerut was the last of six previous Brewers to do it, on May 8, 2010. Getting five at-bats on the night, Kottaras started his cycle in the fourth inning with a solo home run. He followed with a triple in the sixth inning and an RBI single in the seventh. With one out in the ninth inning, Kottaras drove a ball deep to center field that bounced out of Minute Maid Park for a ground rule double and a complete cycle. Kottaras finished the night 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs. The left-handed Kottaras usually only starts when Randy Wolf is on the mound for Milwaukee but got a start Saturday because Astros starter Bud Norris has better splits against right-handed hitters. Kottaras is the third catcher in Brewers history to accomplish the feat, joining Chad Moeller (2004) and Charlie Moore (1980). The other Brewers to hit for the cycle were Paul Molitor (1991), Robin Yount (1988) and Mike Hegan (1976).