In the mid-August heat at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, the A’s squared off against the Tampa Bay Rays over three intense games from August 11 to 13, 2025. The series was charged with streaks, star power, and intense struggles as both teams exchanged dramatic victories before the Rays ultimately took the series.
The Rays broke free from a slump with a 7-4 victory in the series opener. Ryan Pepiot delivered a solid outing, going six and a third innings and allowing just one run. Brandon Lowe and standout youngster Junior Caminero unleashed back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning, extending a 6–1 lead that the A’s could only partially chip away at. A solo shot from Shea Langeliers and a three-run blast by Tyler Soderstrom made it interesting late, but Tampa’s bullpen closed the door. The win snapped the Rays’ three-game skid and gave them early momentum.
The A’s responded in force the following night, blanking the Rays 6-0 behind a pinpoint effort from Jacob Lopez. He retired 11 of the final 12 batters, punched out nine over seven shutout innings, and allowed just four hits. Offensively, Colby Thomas and Lawrence Butler fueled the attack, with each driving in two runs via doubles, a sacrifice fly, and timely hustle. Two insurance runs came later, on a wild pitch and error, and Tyler Ferguson knocked down the ninth with a clean frame. It was the A’s eighth shutout of the season and a statement that they would not go quietly. The Rays appeared soft early as Shane Baz never found a good rhythm. It was clear he was off early when they went down two. By the time they were down three runs, it was time to make a move, but there was no meeting at the mound until they were down four. The Rays appeared content to sacrifice both Baz and the game in favor of letting him earn a triple digit pitch count, as well as saving the rest of the bullpen for game 3.
However, that’s where the home team celebration ended. In the finale, the Rays struck early and often, dominating 8–2 to clinch the series. Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero continued to shine. Lowe’s two-run homer in the second and Caminero’s late two-run shot salted the game away. Drew Rasmussen spun six efficient innings, securing his tenth win while lowering his ERA into the mid-2s. Though Lawrence Butler blasted a two-run homer in the third for the A’s, and Gio Urshela added a run in the sixth, the A’s offense sputtered beyond that. Rookie J.T. Ginn struggled in just two innings, yielding six runs before being pulled. A late solo blast by Butler provided some pride, but the Rays’ firepower prevailed.
After just one day off, the A’s will start yet another home series that begins August 15 versus the Anaheim Angels. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM Pacific time.
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 for his 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 @lngn_media. 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.