Elder Set to Pitch Against Spence in Wednesday’s Game

WEST SACRAMENTO: In a powerful display of offense, Lawrence Butler hit two home runs, and Nick Kurtz blasted his first-ever grand slam, leading the Athletics to a dominant 10-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Raley Field on Tuesday.

Jeffrey Springs delivered a quality start for the Athletics, pitching six innings and conceding only one run—a solo homer by Eli White in the fifth—while allowing six hits.

Brent Rooker and Max Muncy also contributed with home runs as the Athletics scored nine runs in the initial two innings.

Butler had an exceptional performance, scoring three times. He initiated the bottom of the first inning with an inside-the-park home run and added a solo shot in the third, extending the lead to 10-0.

However, the Athletics faced a setback when All-Star Jacob Wilson was struck by a pitch in the first inning and left the game due to a left-hand contusion.

The Braves’ sole run was provided by White, who led off the fifth with an impressive 452-foot home run.

Atlanta’s young pitcher, Didier Fuentes, at just 20 years and 21 days old, had a difficult outing. He surrendered eight runs on five hits—including three home runs—in just over one inning.

Justin Sterner followed with two scoreless innings of relief, while Elvis Alvarado concluded the game with a flawless ninth for the Athletics.

Braves’ All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. missed the game due to back tightness. Atlanta has now lost five straight games and seven of their last eight.

Bryce Elder is slated to start for the Braves on Wednesday in the second game of the three-game series, going up against Athletics’ right-hander Mitch Spence.