Lawrence Butler's 9th-inning triple leads the A's to a 6-4 comeback win over the Rays on July 30, 2025. Recap the stunning finish and Butler's heroics.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like another tough road game, the Oakland Athletics ripped victory from the jaws of defeat in St. Petersburg. Down in the ninth, Lawrence Butler stepped to the plate and delivered the biggest hit of the night—a screaming two-run triple—to power the A's to a dramatic 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, capping a wild and unforgettable finish.
Two triples, three RBIs, and a go-ahead, two-out hit in the ninth. That wasn't just a good game for Lawrence Butler; it was a statement.
The A's entered the top of the ninth inning needing a spark, and they got a full-blown explosion. Facing the Rays' formidable closer Pete Fairbanks, Max Muncy and Schuman got on base to set the stage. That's when Lawrence Butler strode to the plate and laced his second triple of the game into the gap, clearing the bases and giving Oakland a stunning 5-4 lead. The A's bullpen slammed the door in the bottom half, with a little help from some slick leather.
Wednesday's win was a showcase for the A's emerging young core. Butler's heroics extended his hitting streak to seven games, cementing his role as a crucial offensive weapon with a rare blend of power and speed. But the heroics didn't stop there. In the bottom of the ninth with the tying run at the plate, rookie infielder Jacob Wilson coolly started a game-ending double play, flashing the defensive prowess that has made him an instant bright spot this season. It was a perfect one-two punch of clutch offense and lockdown defense from the kids.
While the major league club was providing fireworks, the front office remained quiet. With the trade deadline looming, no transactions were announced, suggesting GM David Forst is either standing pat or working on something behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the future is getting loud in Triple-A Las Vegas. The Aviators roster boasts nine of the organization's top 30 prospects, led by 2024 first-round pick Nick Kurtz. The first baseman is tearing it up, and whispers of a potential late-season call-up are growing louder. He could be the next impact rookie to join the big-league club.
This thrilling win against a tough Rays team is more than just a notch in the win column; it's a statement. It shows the fight this young A's team possesses and offers a tantalizing glimpse of the future. With the current roster clicking and top prospects like Nick Kurtz knocking on the door in Vegas, the rest of the season promises to be an exciting ride. Let's see if they can carry this momentum forward tomorrow.
