Sacramento fans were treated to a rare spectacle the past few days: the New York Yankees, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, faced the A’s in a three-game series at Sutter Health Park. This matchup was significant, as it marked the first time the Athletics, temporarily relocated from Oakland, hosted the Yankees in their new home in West Sacramento. The games, played on May 9, 10, and 11, drew sell-out crowds, eager to witness the convergence of tradition and transition.

Sutter Health Park, traditionally home to the MiLB AAA Sacramento River Cats, underwent significant renovations to accommodate the MLB side A’s for their 2025 season. The upgrades included a new batter’s eye, enhanced lighting, and a revamped home clubhouse behind the left-field wall. These modifications ensured that the ballpark met Major League standards, providing both teams with a suitable venue for big-league play. Still, it’s a relatively small field, perhaps a big hitter’s paradise, and a place where fly balls turn to home runs more than they do outs.

The series opener on May 9 was an absolute wipeout. The A’s, eager to make a statement in their new home, faced off against the Yankees in front of a packed crowd and started pitcher Osvaldo Bido. He held up well for the first two innings, and then it all went downhill. Two runs in the third, then a one-run trickle through the fifth, sixth, and seventh, that came alongside a pitching change. It was 5-0 heading into the eighth before a massive grand slam all but sealed it.

On the other side, strong pitching from a second season who looked like a star; Will Warren delivered for the Yankees. He put in a solid seven innings before being pulled.  Coupled with the usual hot bats, led not by the big name, Aaron Judge, but by rising star Jason Dominguez, who logged three runs, three hits, and three homeruns in four at bats. The Yankees were unstoppable. They delivered five more runs in the eighth, doubling the count and raising their total to ten on the night. That’s how it would end, 10-2 Yankees win. The A’s were handed a convincing loss.

The second game on May 10 was incredible. JP Sears got the start on the mound for the A’s, and he delivered. He held the Yankees scoreless through the first three innings while the A’s bats delivered one run in the second and another three in the third. The A’s were up 4-0 through the fifth, and into the sixth, when the Yankees would finally come back with five runs of their own. The lead would change, but only briefly.

Sears put in a solid five innings before Justin Sterner replaced him. Sterner blew the lead and came out quickly, followed by Grant Holman. Despite only being in for a short time, Holman reclaimed the lead that would eventually secure the win, so he got credit for the win. The Yankees were held scoreless in both the seventh and eighth innings while the A’s logged an incredibly seven more runs. The score was 11-6 heading into the top of the ninth. The Yankees would add one more run when Trent Grisham scored off a Judge grounder to short that earned him an RBI, but that’s how it ended, 11-7 A’s win.

The final game of the series on May 11 saw the Yankees clinch the series with a decisive victory. The A’s, despite their best efforts, couldn’t overcome the Yankees’ potent offense and solid pitching. The game highlighted the challenges the Athletics face in their inaugural season in West Sacramento but also showcased moments of promise and potential.

With a final score of 12-2, it sure seemed one-sided. Indeed, the Yankees scored first with a whopping five runs in the second inning alone, a feat they would repeat later in the fifth, so it really did seem like the A’s went cold. One run in the fourth, and another one in the fifth, was simply not enough. Luis Severino got the loss, and no one in the A’s pitching lineup could really help turn things around. With the bats cold on a day when the best in the lineup, Jacob Wilson, sporting a .348 average, went 0-4 at the plate, the A’s were effectively doomed.

This three-game series was more than just a set of baseball games; it was a symbol of change and continuity. For the A’s, it represented big steps in a new chapter, playing before a new fanbase in a new city. For the Yankees, it was an opportunity to showcase their talent and history in a unique setting.

The sell-out crowds at Sutter Health Park reflected the community’s enthusiasm and support for Major League Baseball in the region. The series also highlighted the potential of Sutter Health Park as a temporary home for the A’s, with its intimate atmosphere and passionate fans.

As the A’s continue their season, the lessons learned from this series will be invaluable. The team has shown resilience and determination, qualities that will serve them well in the coming months. For the Yankees, the series was a reminder of their rich history and the bright future ahead. While everyone knows Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and others, the Yankees know that with young talents like Jason Domínguez and Will Warren leading the way, they will remain strong contenders for years to come.

Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for two decades and has been covering professional baseball since 2005. All images taken by Ahsan Awan, Robert Longan, and Jason Reed for American Presswire and ©2025 Ahsan Awan, Robert Longan, and Jason Reed 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 @robbielonganphotography. Jason Reed can be found on X as @fieldofdd and on Instagram as @fieldofdaydreams. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi. American Presswire can be found on X as @ampresswire and on Instagram as @ampresswire.