A's Launch Historic First-Inning Barrage, Beat Rangers 8-1
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Arlington, Texas. The Oakland Athletics hit three solo homers in the top of the first inning and went on to defeat the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Friday, with Carlos Cortes launching two home runs and Nick Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom adding first-inning blasts to set the tone.
The quick scoring surge changed the game's momentum and left the Rangers trailing early; Luis Severino allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings, while Nathan Eovaldi surrendered six runs in six innings. Statcast recorded Kurtz’s 417-foot, 115.9-mph homer, and Elias confirmed the A’s first-inning three-homer sequence as a franchise first, moving Oakland into sole possession of the AL West.
More context
Timeline
- 1. April 13: Rangers beat Athletics 8-1; Eovaldi strong, Severino allowed multiple runs.
- 2. Leading into the series: Teams entered tied atop the AL West.
- 3. Friday: A's hit three solo homers in the first inning off Nathan Eovaldi.
- 4. Friday: Carlos Cortes added a three-run homer in the fifth; A's won 8-1.
- 5. After game: Statcast and Elias noted metrics and franchise-first historic achievement; Oakland moved into sole first place.
Why it matters
This historic win for the A's isn't just about baseball. It's about community pride. If you're an A's fan, you've got bragging rights today. And if you're not, you might want to check out the excitement. Either way, consider catching their next game.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
