Twins' Max Kepler Becomes 3rd Rookie with 8 Homers in July

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler recently hit his eighth home run during the month of July, making this the first month in MLB history in which three rookies recorded eight or more homers, per Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN.com).

The 23-year-old lefty slugger did the honors during Thursday's 6-2 home win over the Baltimore Orioles, smacking a solo shot to right field in the sixth inning off Orioles reliever Odrisamer Despaigne to tie the contest at two apiece.

Kepler then played a role in a four-run rally the next inning, with his RBI single bringing home Twins first baseman Joe Mauer to extend the lead to 4-2.

Kepler would later come around to score on a triple by outfielder Eddie Rosario, extending Minnesota's advantage to 6-2, which ended up being the final score.

The other rookies with eight or more homers in July are San Diego Padres second baseman Ryan Schimpf (nine) and Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (eight), the latter of whom leads the National League with 27 home runs this season.

While Story's magnificent campaign has him in pole position for Rookie of the Year honors in the National League, Kepler will have a tough time earning American League honors, as he has only been a regular starter for the Twins since the beginning of June.