Lawrence Butler hits 3-run homer in Athletics' home opener win

Muncy also homers as A's pound Astros 11-4 in first game at Sutter Health Park

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the dynamic action on the field.The Athletics' home opener against the Astros showcased the team's offensive firepower, with key contributions from Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy.Today in Sacramento

Lawrence Butler hit a three-run homer and an RBI single, Max Muncy followed Butler's fourth-inning drive with a solo shot after his earlier two-run double, as the Athletics pounded the Houston Astros 11-4 in their home opener at Sutter Health Park.

Why it matters

The Athletics are looking to bounce back after a 1-5 start, the worst record in Major League Baseball. Their offense has struggled mightily, but Butler and Muncy provided a much-needed power boost in the home opener against the division-rival Astros, who have the best offense in baseball so far this season.

The details

Butler and Muncy led the way for the Athletics' offense, which has been the worst in MLB to start the year. Butler's three-run homer in the fourth inning broke the game open, and Muncy followed with a solo shot later in the frame after earlier hitting a two-run double.

  • The Athletics' home opener was played on April 4, 2026.
  • Butler hit his three-run homer in the fourth inning.

The players

Lawrence Butler

A key hitter for the Athletics who hit a three-run homer and an RBI single in the home opener.

Max Muncy

An Athletics player who hit a solo home run and a two-run double in the game.

Houston Astros

The Athletics' division rival who came into the game with the best offense in Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“I just think as a whole unit, you know I don't think we're all playing to the best of our ability. And that's going to happen throughout the year. So I think we're going to you know it's good to be back home. A fresh start here. So ready to turn it around.”

— Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics Player

“We've been here. We've got our bearings. Everyone is familiar with this ballpark now. And just being in Sacramento as a group last season, obviously there's a lot more comfortable to to coming here and getting prepared for opening day.”

— Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics Player

What’s next

The Athletics will look to build on their home opener win as they continue their series against the Astros over the weekend.

The takeaway

The Athletics' offense showed signs of life in the home opener, with Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy providing the power the team has been lacking. If the A's can sustain this offensive production, they may be able to turn around their slow start to the season.