Carlos Cortes after making a leaping catch in the right field corner on Monday night. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento A’s were back in action on Monday night in West Sacramento, coming off a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros. Riding high after the sweep, the A’s were unable to muster much offense in the series opener, falling to the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Monday night.

JP Sears took the hill for the A’s in hopes of extending their winning ways from the Houston series. However, Sears labored through his outing, only managing to toss four and one-third innings of five-hit, three-run ball. He struck out six, walked three, and gave up one home run.

In relief of Sears was Justin Sterner, who tossed two-thirds of an inning, giving up only one hit in a scoreless appearance. Michael Kelly followed Sterner and gave manager Mark Kotsay two innings of one-hit, scoreless work. Sean Newcomb tossed one inning of scoreless baseball after Kelly, and Elvis Alvarado finished it off with a scoreless top of the ninth. In total, the bullpen tossed four and two-thirds innings of shutout baseball to keep the Athletics in the game and give them a chance heading into the late innings.

On the offensive side, it was slim pickings for the Athletics in their return home to Sacramento.

The A’s lone run came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Brent Rooker was able to score Luis Urias on a fielder’s choice groundout. Beyond that, the A’s didn’t have many scoring opportunities until late in the game.

They did manage to load the bases with two outs in the eighth inning, but unfortunately, Tyler Soderstrom grounded out to third base in the ninth, unable to drive in the tying run. The Athletics showed some fight as they attempted to mount a comeback, but it was quickly snuffed out by a double play.

With the loss, the Athletics fall to 46-63 on the season, while the Mariners improve to 57-50. 

The A’s and Mariners will play game two of the three-game series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. 

Luis Severino is slated to start for the Athletics with a 4-11 record and a 4.95 ERA. 

Logan Evans is expected to go for the Mariners, bringing a 4-3 record and a 3.64 ERA into the contest.

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.