A's Bullpen Blows Lead in Extra-Inning Loss to Blue Jays

Oakland's relievers surrender six runs late as Toronto rallies for 8-7 win in 11 innings

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:18am

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The Oakland Athletics' bullpen collapsed late, blowing a four-run lead in the seventh inning and allowing the Toronto Blue Jays to rally for an 8-7 victory in 11 innings. The A's jumped out to a 6-2 advantage thanks to a grand slam by catcher Shea Langeliers, but several relievers combined to surrender six runs over the final five frames, including a game-tying homer by Alejandro Kirk in the ninth.

Why it matters

The loss extends the A's rough start to the season, as they have now dropped the first two games of the series against the defending American League champions. The team's bullpen, which was considered a weakness heading into the year, has struggled mightily in the early going, raising concerns about the club's ability to hold leads and compete in close games.

The details

The A's jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the seventh inning on Langeliers' grand slam, but the Blue Jays chipped away with runs in five straight innings from the sixth to the 10th. Toronto rallied against a parade of A's relievers, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Andrés Giménez, and Alejandro Kirk delivering key hits to tie the game. In the 11th, former Athletic Ernie Clement lined a walk-off single to left to give the Blue Jays the victory.

  • The A's took a 6-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning.
  • The Blue Jays scored at least one run in every inning from the sixth through the 11th.
  • Alejandro Kirk hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
  • Ernie Clement delivered the walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning.

The players

Jeffrey Springs

The A's starting pitcher, who allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings.

Dylan Cease

The Blue Jays starting pitcher, who struck out 12 batters over 5 1/3 innings in his Toronto debut.

Shea Langeliers

The A's catcher, who hit a grand slam in the seventh inning to give Oakland a 6-2 lead.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Blue Jays first baseman, who had an RBI single in the seventh inning to help Toronto rally.

Ernie Clement

The former Athletic who delivered the game-winning single in the 11th inning for Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“We have to find a way to close out games. Our bullpen just couldn't hold the lead today.”

— Mark Kotsay, A's Manager

“This was a tough one to swallow, but we'll regroup and come back ready to go tomorrow.”

— Shea Langeliers, A's Catcher

What’s next

The A's will try to avoid the sweep on Thursday, with Luis Morales making his first start of the season against the Blue Jays' Eric Lauer.

The takeaway

The A's bullpen woes continue to be a major concern, as their relievers were unable to protect a late four-run lead against the potent Blue Jays lineup. If Oakland hopes to compete this season, they'll need to find more reliable options in the late innings to complement their strong starting pitching.