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.
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. Butler’s was his 12th, Brooker hit his 19th and Muncy his eighth.
Elmer Valo on June 25, 1943 was the last A’s player to hit a leadoff inside-the-parker.
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