Lawrence Butler’s Three-Run Homer Lifts Athletics Over Pirates 4-3; Kurtz Ties A’s Rookie HR Record on September 19, 2025

Friday, September 19th, 2025

Athletics Secure 4-3 Win Over Pittsburgh Pirates With Late Home Runs

The Oakland Athletics rallied to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Friday night at PNC Park, driven by clutch home runs from Lawrence Butler and Nick Kurtz.

Game Recap

Pirates starter Mitch Keller dominated early, not allowing a baserunner until the fourth inning. Nick Kurtz, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania native, broke through with a two-out solo homer, cutting the Pirates' lead to 3-1. This marked Kurtz’s 33rd home run of the season, tying Jose Canseco (1986) for second-most homers by an A’s rookie, behind only Mark McGwire’s 49 in 1987.

Trailing 3-1 in the fifth, the Athletics mounted a comeback. Carlos Cortes singled and Zack Gelof walked before Lawrence Butler blasted a go-ahead, three-run homer—his 21st of the year—giving Oakland a 4-3 advantage. Butler’s home run traveled 424 feet to right-center.

Athletics' Pitching Holds On

The Pirates had jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with runs driven in by Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, and Nick Gonzales against Athletics starter Luis Severino. Severino (7-11) settled in, allowing three runs (one earned) on seven hits over five innings. In the ninth, Michael Kelly recorded his second career save by inducing a double play with runners on the corners.

Keller (6-15) gave up four runs on four hits in five innings for Pittsburgh.

Injury Update

Oakland’s Zack Gelof exited the game in the fifth inning after re-injuring his right wrist while diving for a ball. The second baseman previously underwent surgery in March and has played only 30 games this season.

Team Streaks

The Athletics (73-81) continue their hot streak, winning seven of their last eight games. In contrast, the Pirates (65-89) have now lost five straight and 12 of their last 13 games.

Key Moment

Rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson made a special return to PNC Park, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch. Wilson’s father, Jack Wilson, played shortstop for the Pirates from 2001 to 2009.

Key Stat

Nick Kurtz joins Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani as the only players this season with an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) above 1.000.

Up Next

The Athletics will send right-hander Luis Morales (4-1, 3.08 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The Pirates have yet to announce their starting pitcher.

In summary

The Oakland Athletics edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 in a tightly contested MLB matchup, highlighted by home runs from Lawrence Butler and Nick Kurtz. The Athletics have continued their strong performance in September, while the Pirates' struggles persist. Key injuries, notable rookie achievements, and shifting team momentum made this game a pivotal moment late in the 2025 MLB season.

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