Jack Perkins (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO —  It was the rubber game of a three-game series between the A’s and Guardians on Sunday afternoon at Sutter Health Park. The A’s won the first game of the series but dropped the final two, falling 3-0 on Sunday.

JP Sears wasn’t sharp for the A’s, but he managed to keep things close and the Athletics within striking distance all game. Sears tossed five innings of seven-hit, three-run ball, walking two and striking out five. Despite the loss, Sears saw positives in his outing.

“One of those outings where I felt like I handled the game okay—I just let a couple of those lefties get away from me a little bit,” Sears said. “A lot better command than my last outing, a lot better fastballs than my last outing, so those are the positives that I’ll take. But, ya know, it’s an L on the card, and I could have done a little bit better today.”

“He battled, right?” manager Mark Kotsay said of Sears. “I thought he did a decent job, like you said, of keeping us in the game, managing the game. Five innings and scattered around seven hits and three runs. Obviously for JP, those are the starts that we need. Offensively, we gotta provide some help for him.”

Meanwhile, the A’s bullpen was lights out. Sears was relieved by Tyler Ferguson, who tossed a scoreless inning without allowing a hit and struck out two. The highlight of the day for the A’s staff, however, was Jack Perkins making his big league debut. Perkins tossed three scoreless innings and gave up only one hit. It was a magnificent debut, something echoed by Kotsay.

“He looked really under control for a debut right there. That’s a pretty good landing spot for him. Obviously, you want to try and create those, but you never know if that’s going to happen. Those are the types of outings that we need from the bullpen to try and give us a chance.”

Perkins was elated with his performance, speaking postgame about how the outing felt.

“I kept telling myself all day—and the last couple of days since I’ve known—that it’s just sixty feet, six inches. The game doesn’t change. It might be a bigger stadium, it might be a bigger atmosphere, a bigger platform, but the game is the game. Just going out, executing my plan. Like I said pregame, having that bulldog mentality and just throwing my best stuff.”

Offensively, the A’s struggled against Guardians starter Slade Cecconi, who tossed seven shutout innings and kept Sacramento’s hitters off balance all afternoon. The A’s best scoring chance came in the bottom of the ninth when they loaded the bases with one out. But pinch hitter Max Muncy struck out, and Lawrence Butler grounded out to end the game. The A’s couldn’t push a run across.

With the loss, the A’s fell to 32-48 on the year. They’ll have an off day Monday in Detroit before beginning a three-game series against the Tigers. On Tuesday, Luis Severino (2-7, 4.42 ERA) will start for the A’s, countered by Tarik Skubal (8-2, 2.06 ERA) for the Tigers.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.