Athletics’ Butler Hits Rare First-Pitch Inside-the-Park Homer vs. Braves

Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler opened Tuesday night’s game at Truist Park with an inside-the-park home run on the first pitch from Atlanta Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes, staking the visitors to a 1–0 lead. According to Statcast, Butler became just the sixth player—and the first since Toronto’s Kevin Kiermaier in May 2022—to belt an inside-the-park homer on his team’s first pitch of a game since pitch-tracking began in 2015. Fuentes’ troubles escalated when his second pitch struck Braves shortstop and 2025 All-Star Jacob Wilson on the left hand, forcing Wilson from the contest. Oakland’s third batter then added a conventional home run, giving the Athletics a 3–0 cushion with none out in the first inning.