The Athletics took on the Braves at Truist Park, and it was a day to remember for A’s fans as they secured their first win of the season. Aaron Civale, the 30-year-old right-hander, made his season debut for the A's.
Last year, Civale had a challenging season with a 4-9 record and a 4.85 ERA across three teams. He faced off against the Braves' 28-year-old lefty, José Suarez, who had an impressive stint last season with a 2-0 record and a sparkling 1.86 ERA over 19 innings.
The game started quietly until the Braves' reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Drake Baldwin, launched his third homer of the season, putting the Braves up 1-0.
In the second inning, the A's offense came alive. Brent Rooker started with a single, but a double play quickly erased him.
Max Muncy then walked, advanced on a balk, and scored on an Andy Ibáñez single. Lawrence Butler and Denzel Clarke both drew walks, setting the stage for Jacob Wilson, who delivered a ground-rule double, driving in two more runs.
Muncy was at it again in the fourth, leading off with a double. Ibáñez notched his second RBI with another base hit, extending the A's lead to 4-1.
Shea Langeliers, facing the team that drafted him, smashed his fourth homer of the year, pushing the score to 5-1.
Civale wrapped up his day after five solid innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Hogan Harris took over in the sixth and had a shaky start, walking the first two batters, but managed to escape without damage.
In the seventh, Denzel Clarke singled, and Jacob Wilson surprised everyone with a bunt single. However, a double play ended the threat.
Justin Sterner relieved Harris in the seventh, and despite a throwing error by Muncy, he struck out Ronald Acuña Jr., preventing any comeback.
Scott Barlow came in for the eighth, delivering a flawless inning in his third appearance for the A's.
Mark Leiter Jr. had the task of closing it out in the ninth. It was his first save opportunity of the year, and he made it count.
Despite some tense moments, Leiter struck out Acuña Jr. and got Baldwin to pop out, sealing a 5-2 victory for the A's over the Braves. This win marked a promising start for the Athletics, showcasing their potential against a formidable Atlanta lineup.