Lawrence Butler's Opposite Field Blast Puts Athletics Over the Top Against Kansas City

Lawrence Butler came through in the biggest moment Wednesday night, launching a three-run homer to power the Athletics past the Kansas City Royals 5-2 in West Sacramento. It was the kind of swing that swings momentum in a series, and Oakland needed it badly to even things up at one game apiece through three contests.

The setup was perfect for Butler. The score sat 1-1 heading into the fourth inning when Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil each slapped singles to start the frame. After Zack Gelof laid down a sacrifice bunt, Butler stepped up to a 2-2 slider and ripped it over the right-center fence. That blast pushed the A's to a 4-1 lead they would not relinquish.

Severino's Arm Was Exactly What Oakland Needed

Luis Severino delivered seven strong innings on the mound, allowing just one run and four hits while striking out eight and walking two. The victory was his second straight and improved his record to 2-2. Since joining the Athletics before last season, Severino has now posted a 3-10 record in 18 starts at Sutter Health Park, but Wednesday showed what he can do when everything clicks.

Joel Kuhnel took over in relief and recorded five outs while giving up one run. Mark Leiter Jr. closed it out with the final strikeout, fanning Jac Caglianone for his third save of the season. That final out came with the bases loaded in the ninth when the Royals made one last push.

Oakland Added Insurance Late, Kansas City Couldn't Capitalize

The Athletics extended their lead to 5-1 in the sixth when Darell Hernaiz singled with one out and scored on Nick Kurtz's double to center. Kurtz has been on an absolute tear, reaching base in 24 straight games and drawing at least one walk in his last 18 contests.

Kansas City fought back in the ninth with Bobby Witt Jr. leading off with a single. Salvador Perez reached on an infield single deep into the hole at shortstop, and both runners moved up on a wild pitch. Michael Massey's sacrifice fly to deep center scored Witt, but that was all the Royals could muster. Leiter walked Isaac Collins, who stole second, then struck out Caglianone to end it. Kansas City has lost just twice in its last seven games, but Wednesday was not their night.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.