A’s Offensive Struggles Continue in 4-0 Loss to Braves

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: Athletics pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) throws a pitch during the MLB game between the Athletics and the Atlanta Braves on March 30th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Following a season-opening sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Athletics began their second series against the Atlanta Braves hoping to finally get in the win column this season. Alas, that will have to wait another day as the Braves shut out the A’s 4-0, extending the visitors’ losing streak to four games.

Making his first start of the season, A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez’s command issues were apparent from the jump. In the top of the first, Braves starter Bryce Elder retired the first three A’s batters in order. Then Lopez took the mound and immediately put his team in a hole.

He walked three, gave up three hits and three runs. The Braves sent all nine batters to the plate in Lopez’s 41-pitch first inning. Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson’s RBI double and shortstop Mauricio Dubón’s two-run single were both bloops that found grass.

So, in a sense, Atlanta got lucky, yet Lopez deserved to get punished for his command struggles that inning. Lopez endured three more innings without allowing any more runs. He only allowed one hard hit ball as four of Atlanta’s five hits had exit velocities of 81 mph or lower.