Josh Hamilton's 4 Home Runs Prove That He Deserves a Contract Extension

Josh Hamilton was an offensive force on Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, hitting four home runs and driving in eight en route to a 10-3 victory.

Hamilton kicked off the scoring with a two-run shot in the top of the first inning off of starter Jake Arrieta. He then proceeded to hit another two-run shot off of Arrieta in the third.

Zach Phillips was the victim of Hamilton's third two-run shot of the night in the seventh inning.

Hamilton hit his historic fourth two-run shot in the eighth off of Darren O'Day.

He stroked a double in the contest as well and went 5-for-5 on the night.

Hamilton joined elite company Tuesday night, becoming the 16th player in history to hit four home runs in a single game. 

Elvis Andrus scored on all four of Hamilton's home runs, and he is now third on the Rangers with 19 runs scored.

Hamilton now has 14 big flies early on in 2012, taking over the major league lead from Matt Kemp (12), who last homered on April 30 against Colorado.

The home run production comes at a great time for Hamilton, as he is currently trying to work out a contract extension with the Rangers that will keep him in Arlington for the foreseeable future.

He most certainly deserves one, and Tuesday night's game proves it.

When healthy, Hamilton is one of the premier offensive forces in the game today. Right now, he is playing like the Matt Kemp of the American League and is absolutely tearing the cover off the ball.

Not only is he hitting it out of the ballpark, but Hamilton is also now hitting .406 with 36 RBI and 25 runs scored.

There aren't many players hitting as well as Hamilton right now, if any, and he deserves to be compensated as such.

Barring an injury, Hamilton may be taking home the AL MVP trophy this season.