Athletics’ Lawrence Butler slides into home plate as he hits an inside-the-park home run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
Athletics’ Brent Rooker jogs around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
Athletics’ Max Muncy points to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
The Athletics trainer and manager Mark Kotsay, right, come to check on Athletics’ Jacob Wilson (5) after he is hit by the pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. Wilson would go on to leave the game. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
Lawrence Butler hits 1st leadoff inside-the-park homer for A’s in 82 years, adds solo shot in 3rd
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Lawrence Butler became the first Athletics player in 82 years to hit a leadoff inside-the-park home run when he rounded the bases Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.
Athletics’ Lawrence Butler slides into home plate as he hits an inside-the-park home run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Lawrence Butler became the first Athletics player in 82 years to hit a leadoff inside-the-park home run when he rounded the bases Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.
Butler hit the first pitch from Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes off the right-center field wall at Sutter Health Park, and the ball bounced hard toward right and out of reach of outfielders Stuart Fairchild and Eli White. Butler slid headfirst across the plate but didn’t draw a throw.
The next batter, All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson, was plunked on his left wrist and left the game. He is the leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, according to BetMGM Sports.
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Butler hit the first of three first-inning homers for the A’s, who took a 5-0 lead. Brent Rooker and Max Muncy each hit two-run shots. Brooker hit his 19th and Muncy his eighth.
Butler also to center field in the third inning. He has 13 homers this season.
Elmer Valo on June 25, 1943 was the last A’s player to hit a leadoff inside-the-parker.
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