SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: A detail view of the Athletics’ 125th Anniversary logo worn by Tyler Soderstrom #21 of the Athletics during an MLB game against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on April 03, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Following six games of offensive ineptitude, the Athletics’ offense erupted last night in the team’s home opener in front of a sold-out crowd at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. The team defeated the Houston Astros 11-4, all of the A’s runs coming with two outs. Third baseman Max Muncy finished a triple shy of the cycle, while right fielder Lawrence Butler contributed three hits, one of them a three-run home run to left field. Meanwhile, A’s starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs dazzled on the mound, pitching six innings of one-run ball.

This afternoon, the Athletics will look to make it two-straight home victories and continue their recent dominance over the Astros. Last year, the A’s claimed the season series with their division rivals, winning eight of the 13 games played between these two teams.

23-year-old right-hander Luis Morales is the A’s starting pitcher today. Set to make his second start of the season, Morales aims to rebound from a disappointing first outing against the Toronto Blue Jays. In that start, the Cuban pitcher allowed three home runs and five earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. George Springer hit a home run on Morales’ first pitch of 2026, a sign of what was to come that day. Facing the Astros for the first time, their unfamiliarity with him could allow Morales to pitch better, although it would not be a shock for the Astros to pounce on the youngster’s mistake pitches for multiple home runs like Toronto did.

Here’s how the Athletics line up behind Morales in their second home game of the year:

The A’s lineup is the same as yesterday, which makes sense considering that group put 11 runs on the scoreboard. Manager Mark Kotsay is continuing the Nick Kurtz leadoff experiment, despite Kurtz’s batting average in the leadoff spot a woeful .197. It would seemingly make more sense for the slugging first baseman to bat with runners on base to maximize the A’s scoring opportunities. However, the A’s lack alternative leadoff options. Shortstop Jacob Wilson’s contact skills make him a fit, yet the team has him further down in the lineup. Kurtz and designated hitter Brent Rooker continued their early-season struggles yesterday, making the A’s performance even more impressive considering those two did not get any hits.

That lineup will be up against Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who signed with the Astros this offseason in free-agency. The three-time Nippon Professional Baseball all-star was one of this offseason’s most-notable free agents. He seeks to follow in the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani, Seiya Suzuki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the next Japanese star to successfully transition from Japan to the U.S. Imai struggled in his MLB debut, allowing three hits and four runs in only 2 2/3 innings pitched. Making his first road start, the A’s need to take advantage of a pitcher who is likely still adapting to pitching in a new league and country.

Here is the Astros lineup:

Houston’s starting nine is mostly regular starters, with the exception of backup catcher Christian Vàzquez and right fielder Joey Loperfido. Given the concerns surrounding both pitchers, this afternoon’s game could be a high-scoring affair.

It should be a beautiful afternoon in Sacramento. The Athletics are wearing their new Sacramento jerseys, a sign that the team is at least partially embracing its temporary home. What better way to christen these new jerseys than with another win? Let’s go A’s!