The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season commenced with great anticipation, marking a new chapter for the Athletics, who relocated from Oakland to West Sacramento. Their inaugural home series at Sutter Health Park, however, proved challenging as they suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. The series not only highlighted the Cubs’ offensive prowess but also raised questions for the A’s regarding adaptation to their new environment.
The opening game on March 31 set a decisive tone, with the Cubs delivering an 18-3 victory. Chicago’s offense was relentless, amassing 21 hits. Catcher Carson Kelly led the charge, hitting for the cycle—a feat not achieved by a Cubs player since Mark Grace in 1993. Kelly’s performance included a solo homer in the fourth inning, a two-run single in the fifth, a double in the sixth, and a triple in the eighth. Pitcher Ben Brown secured the win, while A’s starter Joey Estes struggled, allowing five runs over four innings.
The second game, on April 1, saw the Cubs clinch the series with a 7-4 win. Seiya Suzuki ignited the offense with a first-inning home run, his second of the season. Pitcher Justin Steele delivered a solid performance, earning his second win by navigating through the Athletics’ lineup effectively. Despite a more competitive showing from the A’s, highlighted by Brent Rooker’s contributions, they couldn’t overcome the Cubs’ balanced attack.
In the series finale on April 2, the Cubs triumphed 10-2, with Seiya Suzuki emerging as the standout performer. Suzuki homered twice and drove in five runs, showcasing his offensive capabilities. Pitcher Jameson Taillon complemented the offensive surge with a strong outing, allowing two runs over six innings and striking out seven. The Cubs’ bullpen maintained the lead, sealing the sweep.
The series witnessed a total of 44 runs and 12 home runs, suggesting that Sutter Health Park could favor hitters. The park’s dimensions, including a 325-foot short porch in right field, combined with weather factors like wind and dry heat, may contribute to increased offensive numbers. A’s players such as Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom are anticipated to benefit from these conditions. Pitchers, however, may need to adjust their strategies to navigate the hitter-friendly environment.
The A’s pitching staff faced difficulties containing the Cubs’ offense, conceding 35 runs over the three-game span. Starter Joey Estes acknowledged the need to adapt to the new park’s conditions, emphasizing adjustments to pitching approaches. Managerial strategies will likely evolve as the team becomes more acquainted with their home field’s characteristics.
The sweep improved the Cubs’ record to 5-4, positioning them just half a game behind the division-leading Cardinals. The team displayed a potent combination of power hitting and effective pitching. Seiya Suzuki’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he concluded the series with a .958 OPS. The Cubs now return to Chicago for their home opener against the San Diego Padres, with Shōta Imanaga slated to start.
For the A’s, the series served as an early-season litmus test, highlighting areas requiring improvement. As they settle into their new home, understanding and leveraging the nuances of Sutter Health Park will be crucial. Offensively, capitalizing on the park’s hitter-friendly aspects could provide an advantage, while the pitching staff must devise strategies to mitigate opposing offenses. The A’s aim to rebound as they embark on a road trip to face the Colorado Rockies, seeking to recalibrate and regain momentum in the competitive landscape of the MLB season.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for two decades, and has been covering professional baseball since 2005. All images taken by Jason Reed, Robert Longan, and Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2025 Jason Reed, Robert Longan, and Ahsan Awan for their specific unique images for American Presswire and subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Jason Reed can be found on X as @fieldofdd and on Instagram as @fieldofdaydreams. Robert Longan can be found on X as @robbielphoto and on Instagram as @robbielonganphoto_and_graphics. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.