Lawrence Butler #4 of the Athletics rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home in in the bottom of the fourth inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Eakin Howard/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics played their home opener on Friday night at Sutter Health Park. The A’s came home to the friendly confines after a brutal 1-5 road trip to start the season that saw them make stops in Toronto and Atlanta. The A’s were swept in Toronto to open the year before losing 2-3 to the Braves in their second series of the season. The A’s bullpen and a myriad of other shortcomings were to blame for their slow start on the road, where the A’s would play three of their first four series of the year. However, the A’s traveled to Sacramento on Thursday in hopes of turning the tide of the early season at home.

On Friday, behind a terrific outing from Jeffrey Springs, an offensive outburst, and the energy of a sold-out crowd, the A’s defeated the Astros 11-4 on a crisp 73-degree night.

Jeffrey Springs led the way and set the tempo for the A’s as he tossed six innings of two-hit, one-run baseball en route to the victory, his first win of the young season.

“I think working between outings, fastball, command at the top, moving it around. I felt like I did well in Toronto by getting to two strikes but not being able to put guys away. And today I feel like I did a better job of it,” Jeffrey Springs said after the game. “Obviously another really good lineup over there, but just game planning with Shay, I felt like we were on the same page. Just being able to make some moves, trying to keep ’em off balance as much as possible.”

It was an impressive outing from Springs, who lowered his season ERA to 2.38 with the win.

The rest of the A’s pitching staff struggled, but it proved to be a moot point as the A’s lead was large enough to withstand those struggles.

Michael Kelly came in following Springs to pitch the seventh inning for the A’s. Kelly wasn’t his sharpest self, as the right-hander gave up three walks, a hit, and one run while throwing 32 pitches in the inning.

In the eighth and ninth innings, Mark Kotsay gave the ball to J.T. Ginn to finish out the A’s win over the Astros. Ginn was not sharp as he surrendered a walk and three hits while giving up two runs in his two innings of work. Ginn was obviously laboring, but he managed to limit the damage and allowed Mark Kotsay to keep the rest of the bullpen rested.

The Athletics offense did the heavy lifting on Friday as they broke out for 11 runs on 13 hits while walking seven times.

The A’s production at the plate was highlighted by Lawrence Butler, who had three hits and four RBIs. Butler had two singles and a three-run homer on the day.

Max Muncy was close on Butler’s heels as he recorded a home run of his own while tallying three hits and three RBIs.

Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson also each recorded two hits, and Soderstrom drove in a pair of runs in the game.

Jacob Wilson was also responsible for an outstanding Jeter-esque jump throw from the hole to retire Jake Meyers in the top of the fifth inning. The play showed signs of Wilson’s improved speed and defense this season, which is a welcome sight for the A’s.

The A’s stay home to take on the Astros in game two of their three-game series in a matinee affair at 1:05 p.m. PST. Luis Morales (0-1, 10.38 ERA) is slated to go for the A’s, while the Astros will counter with Tatsuya Imai (0-0, 13.50 ERA).