WASHINGTON -- In their first game played at Nationals Park, the A’s carried a theme of firsts throughout Tuesday night’s 10-6 victory over the Nationals.

An impressive 13-hit night by Oakland’s offense was highlighted by a pair of blasts that carried some personal significance, beginning with Dermis Garcia’s first Major League homer, which sparked a five-run third inning that put the A’s ahead. Later on in the fifth, Sean Murphy broke the game open with his first career grand slam.

It might seem a bit surprising that Murphy had never hit a grand slam before Tuesday, considering the catcher’s supreme ability to drive the ball with an immense amount of force. Like most of Murphy’s homers, it was a no-doubter. He hammered a 2-2 hanging slider from right-hander Steve Cishek, registering an exit velocity of 106.7 mph and sending it an estimated 420 feet, which according to Statcast would have left the yard in every MLB stadium except Coors Field.

“It’s [usually] not surprising because grand slams are pretty rare,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay. “But for a guy with power that hits home runs, yeah. It’s nice to see. He had hooked a slider early in the count foul. He got the same pitch and hit it out. Big momentum swing for us in the game there.”

On a night that saw A’s starter Cole Irvin lacking his usual strong command of the strike zone, allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk while also hitting two batters over 5 1/3 innings, Murphy’s slam provided enough cushion for the left-hander to pitch into the sixth and lighten the load on a bullpen that was down a man after right-hander Zach Jackson was placed on the injured list less than an hour before first pitch.

“It’s a special one,” Murphy said. “You don’t always hit grand slams. Getting that first one is cool, and I’m glad it led to a win.”

Now at 17 homers on the year, which matches his career high set in 2021, Murphy stands a strong chance at becoming Oakland’s first catcher to reach the 20-homer mark since Ramón Hernández (21) in 2003.

Collecting three hits against Washington, Murphy continues an upward trend on offense that has seen him improve as the calendar turns. August is on track to be his best month yet, as he's now hitting .330 (30-for-91) with five homers, six doubles and 17 RBIs through 25 games.

“I talk about approach and him being willing to sacrifice some power to hit the ball the other way,” Kotsay said of Murphy. “He’s got the ability to hit it out of the park the other way. He’s been consistent in his at-bats, and the success is showing.”

Garcia’s first big fly -- a two-run homer to center off right-hander Erick Fedde that landed in nearly the same spot as Murphy’s slam -- was extra special given his journey. 

Once regarded as a can't-miss talent who ranked as the No. 1 international prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline and signed with the Yankees at age 16, Garcia went through eight years of Minor League ball before receiving his first callup to the Majors earlier this season. That was with the A’s, who are giving the 24-year-old a good look at first base to see if he fits their future plans.

Even as a teenager, Garcia's tremendous raw power was a shining quality that led to evaluators comparing him to legendary slugger Alex Rodriguez. After 483 Minor League games and 10 Major League appearances, Garcia finally got his first.

“Happy for the kid,” Kotsay said. “Big moment for him. I know those guys in the locker room are gonna celebrate with him pretty well.”

The celebration was grand. Garcia was the recipient of a full-on beer shower, which has become customary whenever an A’s player records their first Major League homer, win or save this season. After cleaning himself off, Garcia was a bit emotional at his locker while reflecting on his milestone.

“I’ve worked hard,” Garcia said in Spanish. “A lot of sacrifices. To hit that first one, it means a lot to me. It feels good. It’s very exciting to be here and to be able to help my team."