Breaking the Hex: Mark Kotsay Tackles the Athletics’ First-Inning Curse
Breaking the Hex: Mark Kotsay Tackles the Athletics’ First-Inning Curse
In the world of professional baseball, superstitions and trends often take on a life of their own. For Mark Kotsay and the Athletics, the early part of the 2026 season has been defined by a baffling and persistent trend: the inability to score in the first inning. Despite a winning record and some stellar individual performances, the A's find themselves as the only team in Major League Baseball yet to cross the plate in the opening frame. It is a "curse" that Kotsay is determined to tackle head-on as the team continues its homestand in West Sacramento.
The statistical anomaly has become a major talking point in the clubhouse. While the A's have shown a remarkable ability to rally in the middle and late innings—exemplified by their recent 2-1 and 4-0 victories—the lack of early-game production puts immense pressure on the starting rotation. Kotsay, speaking to the media, acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the need for a relaxed approach. "We’re aware of it, but we can't let it change our philosophy at the plate," Kotsay said. "The goals remain the same: see pitches, get on base, and pass the baton."
The Search for Early Momentum
The "first-inning curse" is particularly jarring given the talent at the top of the Athletics' order. With hitters who have shown the ability to work counts and drive the ball, the lack of a breakthrough is more about timing than talent. On Wednesday night against the Rangers, the trend continued as the A's went down quietly in the first, only to find their rhythm later in the game. This Jekyll-and-Hyde offensive profile has led to some tense early innings for the fans at Sutter Health Park.
To combat the slump, Kotsay has experimented with different lineup combinations, searching for the right spark. Whether it's moving a high-OBP hitter into the leadoff spot or encouraging more aggression on the first pitch, the coaching staff is exploring every avenue. The hope is that once the first run finally scores, the floodgates will open. Until then, the A’s will have to continue relying on their pitching staff, led by the likes of J.T. Ginn, to keep them in games while the bats wake up.
Rangers Pitching Exploiting the Slow Start
The Texas Rangers have been happy to exploit the A's early-inning struggles. By attacking the zone early and forcing the Athletics into defensive swings, Texas pitchers like Kumar Rocker and Mackenzie Gore have been able to navigate the first few innings with minimal stress. This allows the opposition to dictate the pace of the game, forcing the A’s to play catch-up. In the high-stakes environment of the AL West, giving away early opportunities can be the difference between a division title and a Wild Card chase.
However, the Rangers have also faced their own hurdles. Despite the A's slow starts, Texas has struggled to pull away in these games, allowing the Athletics to hang around and eventually strike. The Rangers’ own offensive inconsistencies have kept the series close, turning what could be blowouts into nail-biting finishes. As both teams battle for positioning, the first inning remains the most critical—and most frustrating—stretch of the game for Oakland.
Standings Check: Athletics at 9-8
Despite the first-inning woes, the Athletics sit at a respectable 9-8 record through the first 17 games of the season. Their ability to win games despite the slow starts is a testament to the team's grit and the quality of their bullpen. If they can solve the "curse" and begin providing their starters with early leads, the A's could become a formidable force in the American League. Currently tied with the Rangers in the standings, every adjustment Kotsay makes could have long-term implications for the playoff race.
The move to West Sacramento has provided a unique backdrop for this 2026 season. The smaller stadium and vocal crowd have created a home-field advantage that the players have clearly embraced. Now, the goal is to give those fans something to cheer about in the first fifteen minutes of the game. Kotsay’s tactical adjustments over the next week will be closely monitored as the A's look to finally break the hex.
What’s Next?
As the Athletics prepare for their next series, the focus remains squarely on the top of the first inning. Will they finally break through, or will the streak continue to grow? For Mark Kotsay, it’s about balance—fixing the problem without creating a sense of panic. "It’s a long season," Kotsay reminded reporters. "A lot of weird things happen in April. We just have to keep playing our brand of baseball." For A’s fans, the hope is that "their brand" starts including some early-game runs sooner rather than later.
