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Altuve smacks HR for cancer-ridden fan to cap monster day

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jose Altuve's first-inning blast against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on Thursday was special. Not because he practically hit that ball to Arlington, though, or because it marked the sixth time already this year that Altuve has led off the first inning with a long ball.

No, this one was special because Dillon, a young Houston Astros fan battling cancer, had specifically requested a homer from Houston's inimitable second baseman only a couple hours earlier.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Delivering on his promise wasn't enough, though. Altuve - the beloved Venezuelan whose 5-foot-6 frame belies his abilities - decided to add a double and a pair of singles, as well, finishing 4-for-4 in another virtuoso performance that offered a silver lining in his club's 6-3 loss.

This kind of performance is becoming increasingly routine for Altuve, an All-Star three times in four full seasons with the Astros who has led the American League in batting average (2014), hits (2014, 2015), and stolen bases (2014, 2015). He already has five three-hit games this year and double-digit steals. On Wednesday night, Altuve finished a triple shy of the cycle.

On Friday, Altuve will celebrate his 26th birthday, and if Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais is lucky, the dynamic second baseman will get the night off as a gift from his skipper, A.J. Hinch.

"That little guy at (second base) is some kind of player," said Servais. "It's not a good feeling when you see him walking to the plate."

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