# Athletics Need Big Game 2 Push

> Athletics must score early to bounce back after losing opener.
- Title: Athletics Need Big Game 2 Push · Athletics On SI | Shortify
- Summary: Athletics must score early to bounce back after losing opener. Athletics need strong offense in Game 2 to avoid series loss after walk-off loss.
- Keywords: athletics, rays, seattle, mlb, game 2, bullpen, offense, pitcher, sports, Need, Big, Game
- Source: Athletics On SI — https://si.com/mlb/athletics/onsi/las-vegas-how-can-bounce-back-game-2-rays
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:00:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: athletics, rays, seattle, mlb, game 2, bullpen, offense, pitcher, sports
## Athletics Lose Opener
Athletics lost series opener after Junior Caminero walk-off home run.

> walk-off Junior Caminero home run
## Offense Needs to Shine
Athletics must run up score to counter series' bullpen game.

> bullpen game
## Shea Langeliers Back
Shea Langeliers returns to finish season with offensive boost.

> Shea Langeliers
## Butler MVP Hope
Lawrence Butler eyes second-half MVP with strong offensive support.

> Lawrence Butler
## Brady Basso Pitching
Brady Basso needs to reach fifth inning to avoid series loss.

> Brady Basso
## Bullpen Plan
Bullpen must deliver masterclass if Basso reaches fifth inning.

> bullpen
## Unlikely Pitchers
Joey Estes, Seth Johnson, and Yunior Tur ready to pitch if needed.

> Joey Estes
## Game 2 Pressure
Athletics must win Game 2 to avoid series loss after opener.

> Game 2
## Key takeaway

Athletics need strong offense in Game 2 to avoid series loss after walk-off loss.