Luis Morales #58 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Sutter Health Park on September 08, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Red Sox made a statement early on Monday as they defeated the Athletics 7-0 in front of 10,073 fans at Sutter Health Park.

Athletics starter Luis Morales gave up a run in the first inning to the Red Sox on a Trevor Story home run and it didn’t stop at that.

Morales, who had pitched really well in his last few starts for the A’s, gave up five runs on seven hits on Monday as he couldn’t keep the Red Sox in check. Luis tossed four and two thirds innings while giving up two home runs on the night and only striking out two batters.

“Morales today, the sweeper wasn’t really working great early in the game,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said after the game. “He made some mistakes. The story of the fastball was supposed to be out a third and it leaked back to the middle. Overall, I think that this stuff probably wasn’t as sharp tonight. The mistakes just got hit.”

Brady Basso relieved Morales and pitched two and a third very good innings. Basso recorded the final out of the fifth inning by way of the strikeout and went on to toss two more scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh. Basso gave up only one hit while walking no one en route to four strikeouts in his appearance.

Scott McGough came on to pitch the eighth and ninth innings for the A’s. McGough wasn’t sharp and was hit around in the eighth inning as he gave up four hits and two runs in the inning. However, the ninth was a different story as he retired the side in order and struck out Jarren Duran in the process.

Mark Kotsay spoke on the bullpen after the game praising the outing from Brady Basso.

“…those guys, those back end guys, Basso threw the ball really well. It was a great outing for Brady two and a third and to get out of that inning showed a lot of poise and maturity for him.”

The A’s offense really struggled all night long. The A’s managed to only tally three hits all night as they were blanked by Garrett Crochet and the Red Sox bullpen. Crochet went seven strong innings giving up three hits all night while striking out 10. The Red Sox bullpen tossed hitless eighth and ninth innings to send the A’s out to pasture quietly.

One bright spot on Monday was the defensive play from Max Schuemann at third base. Schuemann made a number of tough backhanded plays deep at third base look routine during the game. Mark Kotsay praised his efforts after the loss.

“Yeah, coming off a couple of balls in Anaheim, Max is a good defender and he has been for us all season,” Kotsay said postgame. “So tonight he showed how he can play third base, he played really well. A few nice back hands, he did a nice job.”

Up Next

The A’s will take on the Red Sox in game two of the three game series on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park. Jeffrey Springs (10-10, 4.13 ERA) is slated to start for the A’s Tuesday and will be countered by the Red Sox and Dustin May (7-11, 4.96 ERA).

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.