L.J. Hoes hits a home run for his mom

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Happy birthday, Mom. 

Houston Astros outfielder L.J. Hoes hit a go-ahead home run in the 12th inning against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night, a swing that broke a two-month homer slump and served as a birthday gift to his mother. 

“It’s a really good feeling,” Hoes said to the Houston Chronicle. “Especially cause it was my mom’s birthday and that was the last thing she told me to do, was like, ‘Hit a homer for me.’ To be able to do that for her, it was a special thing.”

Playing time has been sparse for Hoes, who has been up-and-down with the Astros all season and hadn't homered since May 13. 

Hoes was quick to keep the focus on his mother, Gale, who may or may not have been awake when the home run left the yard. 

“She’s probably knocked out right now,” Hoes said. “She went to the beach with my little sister so they’re probably all a little tired right now. I know my dad’s up, he just called me.”

It was Hoes' third home run of the season, and first on his mom's birthday.