Langeliers' Hot Start Not Enough as A's Lose to Blue Jays

Oakland slugger hits 3 homers in first 2 games, but bullpen struggles in series opener

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:22am

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Despite a strong start from catcher Shea Langeliers, who hit 3 home runs in the first two games of the season, the Oakland Athletics have lost their first two games against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays rallied late in both games to win 3-2 on Friday and 8-7 in 11 innings on Saturday.

Why it matters

Langeliers' early power surge has been a bright spot for the struggling A's, who are looking to rebuild after a tough 2025 season. However, the team's bullpen has been unable to hold leads, highlighting an area that needs improvement if Oakland hopes to be competitive in the AL West.

The details

Langeliers hit a game-tying home run in the 9th inning on Friday and a grand slam in the 7th on Saturday, but the A's bullpen blew the lead in the latter game. Toronto rallied to tie it in the 9th and win it in the 11th. The Blue Jays got strong starting pitching, with Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease combining for 23 strikeouts in the first two games.

  • The series opener was on Friday, March 29, 2026.
  • The second game was on Saturday, March 30, 2026.
  • The series finale is scheduled for Sunday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Shea Langeliers

The A's catcher is off to a hot start, hitting 3 home runs in the first 2 games of the season.

Mark Kotsay

The A's manager praised Langeliers' performance, saying he's "as locked in as I've seen him in three years."

Ernie Clement

The Blue Jays infielder hit the game-winning single in the 11th inning of Saturday's game.

John Schneider

The Blue Jays manager said the team is "battling" and "fighting back," which was "special about last year's team."

Eric Lauer

The Blue Jays left-handed starter is scheduled to pitch in the series finale against the A's.

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What they’re saying

“I feel great at the plate. I'm confident in my approach and confident in myself. I'm just looking to be consistent throughout this year.”

— Shea Langeliers, A's Catcher

“Shea's picked up where he left off in spring training. He's the catalyst right now and as locked in as I've seen him in three years.”

— Mark Kotsay, A's Manager

“It's great to see. We're battling. We're fighting back. We're picking guys up. It's what was special about last year's team and it's what will be special about this year's team. We're never out of it.”

— Ernie Clement, Blue Jays Infielder

“We've just got to focus on playing our game, and let the chips fall where they may.”

— John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager

What’s next

The A's will look to avoid a sweep when they face the Blue Jays in the series finale on Sunday, March 31.

The takeaway

While Shea Langeliers' early power surge has been a bright spot for the A's, the team's bullpen struggles have cost them in the first two games of the season. If Oakland hopes to be competitive, they'll need to find a way to support their young slugger and shore up the relief corps.