Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz looks upward and gives thanks to the Almighty after slugging his first home run of the season against the New York Mets in the top of the third inning at Citi Field in New York on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK. — The Sacramento Athletics beat the New York Mets 1-0 at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon and swept them for the first time in franchise history.

With their fifth straight victory, the Athletics are in first place in the American League West a half game ahead of the second place Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels. The A’s came away 5-1 on their road trip against both New York teams, after giving up only the first game against the New York Yankees.

Nick Kurtz hit his first homer of the season, a fly ball to right field, in the third inning to put the A’s up 1-0. Kurtz laughed the shot off Freddy Peralta (1-1) after notching 36 home runs last season and the AL Rookie of the Year title.

In the sixth, Francisco Lindor singled on a sharp line drive to center fielder Denzel Clarke but the Mets failed to score a run.

A’s starting pitcher Aaron Civale set the tone early and never let up, working 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits. After surrendering a leadoff single in the first, Civale settled in and retired 13 consecutive batters at one point, keeping the Mets off balance all afternoon.

The bullpen continued the effort seamlessly. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, and Joel Kuhnel combined to finish the shutout, with Kuhnel locking down the ninth for his second save. It was a clinical performance from a staff that has quietly become a strength during this road trip.

After a slow start to the season, this road trip marks a turning point for the A’s.

The Athletics return home to West Sacramento and welcome the Texas Rangers (7-7) for a four-game series starting on Monday. A’s right-handed pitcher Luis Severino (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will face Rangers right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 7.98 ERA ) in the opener. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. PT.