A’s Rally at Home, Ready to Turn the Corner
The A’s three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento from April 22 to April 24 marked a pivotal moment in the team's 2025 season. After a challenging start, the A's demonstrated resilience and determination, culminating in a dramatic 4-3 victory on April 24 that brought their overall record to 12-13—just one win shy of .500.
The series opener on April 22 saw the A’s fall 8-5 to the Rangers. Despite a valiant effort, the pitching staff struggled to contain the Rangers offense, leading to the team's third consecutive loss. This setback dropped the A's to a 10-13 record, underscoring the challenges they faced early in the season.
On April 23, however, the A’s bounced back with a 5-2 victory. Starting pitcher JP Sears delivered a strong performance, earning his third win of the season. The offense came alive, with key contributions from Shea Langeliers, who had a standout four-hit game, and Lawrence Butler, who provided crucial runs. This win not only improved the A's record to 11-13 but also demonstrated their potential when firing on all cylinders.
The series finale on April 24 was nothing short of amazing. With the game tied 2-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the A’s mounted a two-run rally to secure a 4-3 victory. Fans were riveted and thrilled, glued to their seats, and then unable to stay seated when the winning run scored. The game-winning runs came courtesy of clutch hitting and aggressive baserunning, showcasing the team's growing confidence and cohesion.
With the series win, the A’s improved to 12-13, signaling a potential turning point. After a challenging start, the team has shown signs of settling into their temporary home at Sutter Health Park, a venue they will call home through at least 2027 while awaiting the completion of their new stadium in Las Vegas. The success of this series, particularly the dramatic win on April 24, has injected a renewed sense of optimism among players and fans alike.
The A’s will look to build on this momentum as they continue their homestand against the Chicago White Sox begging today, April 25. With a record now just one game below .500, the team is poised to make a push into territory perhaps only the faithful believed they could reach this early in the season. If the recent performances are any indication, the A's may indeed be turning the corner as they navigate the challenges of their transitional period, and from there, they can only go up.
As the season progresses, the Athletics' ability to maintain this level of play will be crucial. With a mix of emerging talent and experienced leadership, the team has the potential to surprise and compete in the AL West. The coming weeks will be telling, but for now, the A’s have reason to be optimistic about the direction of their 2025 season.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for two decades and has been covering professional baseball since 2005. All images taken by Tia Lee, Robert Longan, and John Larracas for American Presswire and ©2025 Tia Lee, Robert Longan, and John Larracas for their specific unique images for American Presswire and subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Tia Lee can be found on Instagram as @tiaraecreative. Robert Longan can be found on X as @robbielphoto and on Instagram as @robbielonganphotography. John Larracas can be found on Instagram as @JohnLarracas.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back - A's Continue Quest for Consistency
The Athletics' April 11–13 series against the New York Mets at Sutter Health Park presented the opportunity to mark a significant chapter in the team's transitional journey. While the club didn’t get the start to the season they had hoped for, they appeared to be adjusting and improving with every game and every series. First the Cubs, then the Rockies, and then the Padres; they’ve been up and down in the win-loss columns, but they’ve been improving. This series provided a further glimpse into their evolving identity, and while everyone always hopes for a sweep, notable improvement would’ve been realized if they’d won two out of three.
The series opener saw the Mets edge out the A's in a closely contested game that truly went down to the last swing of the bat. Griffin Canning earned the win for New York, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing four earned runs. Pete Alonso continued his hot streak, contributing three RBIs, including a homer in the eighth inning, and raising his National League-leading batting average to .378. Despite a late rally, the A's fell short, with JP Sears taking the loss in his return to face his former team. 7-6 is a disappointing way to have it end on a night at home, but it was still a sign of improvement.
The A’s bounced back in the second game of the series. A strong pitching performance from their starter, combined with timely hitting, led to a 3–1 victory. This win marked the A's second home victory of the season, providing a morale boost as they continue to adjust to their new surroundings. It also proved the A’s can compete. They logged wins on the road in Denver, at home versus San Diego, and now versus the New York Mets. This is absolutely a sign of improvement for a franchise that finished the 2024 season with a record of 69-93. In 2025, the club already has a record of 6-10 (6-9 at the end of this particular game), and while that places them at the bottom of the American League west standings, they’re only one win and 3.5 games behind Houston. The Astros won the World Series in 2022 and are only one win shy of .500 right now. Coming out of game 2 of this series, it really felt like the A’s were figuring things out, improving and ready to turn the corner.
Then came game 3. The series finale was dominated by the Mets. Kodai Senga delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching seven scoreless innings with four strikeouts and just two walks, leading the Mets to an astounding 8–0 victory over the A's. Senga became the first Mets starter this season to pitch into the seventh inning and has now gone two consecutive starts without surrendering a run. The Mets' offense broke open the game late, aided by a pair of A's defensive errors. Luis Severino, facing his former team, allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts but took the loss. Fans were left stunned. What happened? There was zero offensive production. The A’s appeared to be right back there they started the season, searching for.. everything!
Off the field, the A's continue to adapt to life in Sacramento. The team has made efforts to upgrade the stadium and accommodate their needs, including investing in a new clubhouse and improving shared spaces. Attendance has increased by about 50% compared to their last season in Oakland, although numbers remain mixed; a recent game drew only 9,632 fans. Despite the challenges, the A's are committed to making Sacramento feel like home during this transitional phase, but in order to capitalize on that, they need to win games.
As the A’s continue the season in Sacramento, they face the dual challenges of competing at a high level and adjusting to a new home. The April 11–13 series against the Mets highlighted both the potential and the obstacles of this transition. With a mix of promising performances and areas needing improvement, the A's are focused on building a competitive team while laying the groundwork for their future in Las Vegas.; however, the next measurable marker of success requires winning at least two out of three at home, and never being shut out, if not keeping it close and tight into the final inning.
The team's next series will be on the road against the Chicago White Sox, starting April 15.
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, Conrad Melendez, and David Barpal 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. Conrad Melendez can be found on X as @bionicslugg and on Instagram as @cam_spectrum. David Barpal can be found on X as @dbarpal and a selection of his work can be found on Instagram by searching for his name.
A’s Home Series vs Padres Sees Club Capture First Home Win
The 2025 Major League Baseball season is off to an exciting start for the newly relocated Sacramento Athletics, who are now playing their first season in California’s state capital. The club’s second home series at the newly christened Sutter Health Park against the San Diego Padres provided fans with thrilling baseball and unforgettable moments.
The A’s second home series began with an absolute nail-biter on the first night. In a game that went down to the wire, Sacramento came up just short, falling to the Padres 5-4 in what truly was a heartbreakingly dramatic finish. The disappointment was palpable.
The game featured an impressive pitching duel, with both teams’ starters—Sacramento’s ace and San Diego’s veteran—putting up solid performances. The A’s found themselves in a tight battle as they entered the bottom of the 9th inning, trailing 5-4. With two outs and a runner on first base, Sacramento’s hopes of pulling off a dramatic win came down to the final at-bat. Fans filled the stadium with a palpable sense of anticipation as the A’s batter stepped into the box.
The Padres closer, with his fastball cracking the air, got the out, sealing the win for San Diego and sending the Sacramento crowd home disappointed but hopeful for the next night. Despite the loss, the A’s showed signs of resilience and poise, offering a glimpse of their potential.
The second game of the series brought a wave of relief and excitement for the A’s and their loyal fanbase. After falling short the previous night, the A’s secured their first-ever home victory since relocating to Sacramento in a 10-4 triumph over the Padres.
The atmosphere was electric, as the team delivered a well-rounded performance. Offensively, the A’s capitalized on timely hitting, with key contributions from several players throughout the lineup. They came out strong with a 6 run first inning and settled in from there. Center Fielder JJ Bleday had a stellar night, chalking up 3 runs, 3 RBIs, and a homerun. Left Fielder Miguel Andujar and short stop Jacob Wilson both logged a pair of runs. The A’s also benefitted from solid pitching, with their starter Jeffrey Springs and the bullpen holding the Padres scoreless after the second inning.
This victory not only marked a historic moment for the franchise but also gave the city of Sacramento its first taste of MLB glory in decades. Fans, who had been waiting with bated breath for this milestone, erupted in celebration as the A’s made history on their new home turf. The win also demonstrated the A’s tremendous grit, as they bounced back from the previous night's heartbreak and showed their ability to fight for every victory.
With the series tied 1-1, all eyes were on the third game, which was just as thrilling as the first two. The Athletics sent their young rising star Osvaldo Bido to the mound, a pitcher who has shown immense promise in his first few starts of the season. The Padres, not to be outdone, countered with one of their most consistent starters, ensuring the game would be a competitive and hard-fought battle. Indeed, it was. The final score was 2-1. The Padre got the win. While it was disappointing for fans, it once again came down to the wire, to the final at bat, and the A’s once again demonstrated their ability to play and compete with the best in the league.
Sacramento’s fanbase, which has already shown incredible passion and support for their team, packed the stadium well for a 12:35 PM day game. For the pivotal rubber match, this was a good showing. People were on the lawn and in the salon. Fans wanted a series victory. Unfortunately for the A’s, it was the visitors who walked away with it.
While it's early in the season, the A’s have proven they can hang with some of the best teams in the league. Their resilience, even in the face of a tough loss, has sparked optimism for what’s to come. As the season progresses, the club will continue to build its identity, one win at a time.
For Sacramento, this marks the beginning of what they hope will be a long and prosperous era of Major League Baseball. The move from Oakland to Sacramento has already brought a fresh sense of excitement to the city, and with every game, the A’s are further ingraining themselves into the hearts of fans. The success of this season may not be defined by a single series or game, but rather the foundation the team is building in this exciting new chapter.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for two decades and has been covering professional baseball since 2005. All images taken by Robert Longan, and Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2025 Robert Longan and Ahsan Awan for their specific unique images for American Presswire and subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. 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.
Baseball is Back!
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.