Luis Morales #19 of the Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics were back in action on Saturday afternoon for game two of a three-game series against the Houston Astros. The Athletics, who famously snubbed the city of Sacramento last season by not wearing the name on their uniforms, debuted a new “Sacramento” gold jersey on Saturday for their matinee affair with the Astros.

Poor pitching, poor defense and a lackluster offensive performance doomed the A’s as they fell to the Astros 11-0.

Luis Morales took the hill for the A’s in his second start of the 2026 campaign after a rough outing in Atlanta to open his season, where he gave up five runs and three home runs in four and a third innings of work.

On Saturday, Morales didn’t fare much better, going only 3+ innings while giving up five runs on eight hits and striking out none. However, it wasn’t just the Astros hitting Morales around. Luis did himself no favors, giving up six walks during his outing, where command was clearly an issue.

The rest of the A’s staff didn’t perform much better.

Elvis Alvarado came on to relieve Morales and struggled. Elvis gave up two runs on three hits while walking two and striking out none.

Hogan Harris was next out of the pen for the A’s as he pitched the sixth inning. Harris gave up three runs while allowing four hits and two walks in his one inning of work.

Luis Medina came on to pitch the seventh and eighth innings, in which he allowed one run on two hits while walking two and striking out four in his two innings of work.

Michael Kelly was last out of the bullpen for the A’s as he worked the ninth inning and surrendered no runs while giving up a walk and a hit.

The A’s committed some costly defensive miscues in the game, but none counted as errors. Max Muncy missed two ground balls at third base that Mark Kotsay described after the game as, “I thought there were plays at third base we could have made today.”

Tyler Soderstrom also lost a ball in the high sky and sun that ended up costing the A’s a run. “Obviously he did everything you could right up until the last second,” Kotsay said after the game. “Obviously day games, sun, tough situation, ended up costing us a run. Not lack of effort.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s struggled all game as they managed only eight baserunners. The A’s tallied five hits and walked three times while failing to score any runs against the Astros staff.

Max Muncy managed two more hits to follow up his three-hit performance on Friday night.

The A’s will stay home to take on the Astros in the rubber game of the three-game series on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PST. Jacob Lopez (0-1, 6.75 ERA) will go for the A’s, while the Astros will send Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 1.29 ERA) to the mound looking for the series win.

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.