Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on August 29, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s winning streak was snapped at three games as they lost game one of a three-game series to the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Friday night.

A’s starter Jeffrey Springs pitched well but not well enough to avoid being the losing pitcher for the game. Springs went five and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on seven hits in his outing. He also walked two and struck out five in what was a solid body of work overall.

The Bullpen

The A’s bullpen came in and did its part to keep the game close and give the team a chance.

Michael Kelly, the first arm out of the pen for the A’s, allowed two runs on one hit in his two-thirds of an inning of work.

Eduarniel Núñez came in as the second man out of the pen and tossed one and two-thirds innings. Núñez pitched well, giving up only one hit and no runs in his outing while showing good command.

Brady Basso finished off the game for the A’s out of the bullpen, tossing a scoreless ninth inning with his only blemish being a walk.

The Bats

The A’s bats weren’t able to get it done on Friday night as they came up short against the Rangers’ staff.

The A’s scored in the third inning on a two-run double from Brent Rooker that tied the game at two at the time.

However, the A’s wouldn’t score the rest of the way and only managed five total hits in the game, struggling to generate much traffic on the bases.

Nick Kurtz

A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz left Friday’s game with what the club described as “right oblique soreness.”

Afterward, Kurtz said the issue has been bothering him recently and that he felt it more in the second inning. To avoid making it worse, the team pulled him from the game.

Manager Mark Kotsay said Kurtz will be evaluated this weekend. “We’re going to get a look at it tomorrow,” Kotsay said. “But it’s a holiday weekend, so it might be difficult.”

Up Next

The A’s and Rangers will battle again in game two of the series on Saturday at 7 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park.

Merrill Kelly (10-7, 3.20 ERA) is scheduled to go for the Rangers, and he will be countered by Mason Barnett, who is making his major league debut for the A’s.

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.