Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Sutter Health Park on August 01, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo Credit: Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics are playing really good baseball right now.

The A’s, fresh off a sweep of the Houston Astros in Houston and taking two of three from the Mariners in Sacramento, defeated the Diamondbacks in game one of a three-game series on Friday night, 5-1.

Jacob Lopez, who got the start for the A’s on Friday, labored through five innings of work. Lopez didn’t allow a run while giving up five hits and two walks to the D-backs. He wasn’t as sharp as he had been, but in the end it didn’t matter as he navigated his way through a scoreless outing.

The A’s bullpen continued to pitch well late in games and held the Diamondbacks to just one run in four innings of relief.

Luis Morales relieved Lopez, throwing two innings in his major league debut. Morales gave up a run on three hits while walking one in his outing to hold the lead for the A’s.

Elvis Alvarado and Sean Newcomb pitched the final two innings and gave up no hits and no runs between the two of them.

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s once again jumped out to an early lead. They scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning thanks to a Brent Rooker sac fly, a Shea Langeliers two-run homer, and a Carlos Cortez RBI single. The A’s only scored once more—a Tyler Soderstrom RBI double in the fourth inning—but the offense managed 11 hits on the night and put pressure on D-backs pitching all game long.

The A’s are on a roll. Winners of seven of their last eight games, they look to win another series on Saturday night in Sacramento. With the win, the A’s improve to 49-63 as the D-backs fall to 51-59 with the loss.

J.T. Ginn (2-2, 3.89 ERA) is slated to go for the A’s as the D-backs counter with Zac Gallen (7-12, 5.60 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 PM PST on Saturday night.