Oakland A’s catcher Shea Langeliers (23) became only the second A’s starting catcher to hit three home runs in a game in A’s history on Tue Apr 9, 2024 at Globe Life Stadium in Arlington. The last starting catcher to hit three home runs in a game was the Philadelphia A’s Mickey Cochrane on May 21, 1925 in a game against the St Louis Browns at Sportsman’s Park in St Louis. (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After winning their first series of the season against the Detroit Tigers this past weekend, the Oakland A’s (4-7) traveled to Texas taking on the Rangers (6-5). They won their third game in a row beating the Rangers 4-3. The A’s pulled this win out in the ninth inning scoring twice to take the 4-3 lead which turned out to be the final. Shea Langeliers had the game of his life belting a trio of homers in the come from behind win.

As this game unfolded we were treated to the Langeliers show. It’s not often that you see a trio of home runs from one guy. His third home run was a two-run drive in the ninth inning that gave the A’s a 4-3 lead and the eventual win.

Texas led 3-2 going into the ninth inning in fact they had led the entire game until that final inning. Seth Brown walked and Langeliers sent a first-pitch fast ball out of the park giving Oakland a 4-3 lead.

The Rangers had the bottom of the ninth inning to try and salvage the game but Oakland’s Mason Miller pitched a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save. This was by far the most exciting game this season for the A’s extending their win streak to three. Besides the offense from Langeliers, JJ Bleday and Zach Gelof also had hits.

The A’s had great success on the mound in this game. Besides the save from Mason Miller, Michael Kelly threw a perfect eighth inning. Starter Alex Wood went four innings before he was forced to leave the game with a calf cramp. Mitch Spence took over on the mound when Wood left the game. He went 3 innings allowing 2 hits and one run. Michael Kelly and Miller brought this game home for Oakland in the eighth and ninth innings.

Game notes: After a slow start to the season, the A’s took the first game of the series against the Rangers and handed the Rangers a loss and extend their winning streak to three. Oakland’s offense as well as their performance on the mound has been really good. Wood took the mound for the A’s in Tuesday’s game Wood gave up five hits and two earned runs. Eovaldi got the nod for the Rangers pitching 5.2 inning giving up three hits and one earned run..

Wednesday’s game two is scheduled for 5:05 PM at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Ross Stripling will take the mound for Oakland. Cody Bradford will start for the Rangers. The A’s will be in search of their fourth win in a row.