In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, the Oakland Athletics secured a 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers, thanks to a stellar performance by Shea Langeliers. The 26-year-old slugger showcased his power by hitting three home runs, including a game-winning two-run shot in the ninth inning.
Langeliers, who had 29 career big league homers entering the game, started his home run spree with solo blasts in the second inning off Nathan Eovaldi and in the seventh inning against David Robertson. Trailing 3-2 in the ninth, Langeliers stepped up when it mattered most, crushing a first-pitch fastball from José Leclerc to left-center field for his fourth homer of the season.
This remarkable feat marked Langeliers' first three-homer game, adding to his previous multi-homer performances in October 2022 and August 2021. His timely hitting tied the game at 1-1 and 2-2 with his earlier home runs off Eovaldi and Robertson, respectively.
The Athletics' pitching staff also played a crucial role in the victory, with Michael Kelly delivering a perfect eighth inning and Mason Miller closing out the game with a flawless ninth inning to secure Oakland's first save of the season.
On the Rangers' side, Marcus Semien and Josh Smith contributed offensively, while pitchers like Alex Wood and Mitch Spence faced tough challenges throughout the game. Rangers' All-Star shortstop Corey Seager received his second day off this season as he continues his recovery from sports hernia surgery.
Looking ahead, the middle game of the series promises an exciting pitching matchup between local talents. Ross Stripling, a Southlake Carroll High graduate residing in Granbury, will take the mound for the A's, while Cody Bradford from Aledo aims to extend his winning streak for the Rangers.
As the season progresses, both teams will seek to build on this intense contest and continue their pursuit of success in the competitive MLB landscape.
