Manager Mark Kotsay #7 of the Athletics takes the ball from pitcher Gage Jump #61 taking Jump out of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park on June 29, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory photo credit:Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Athletics were back in town after a six-game road trip wrapped up Sunday in Anaheim. The trip wasn’t kind to the A’s as they lost four of six games to the Giants and Angels combined, as their record fell to 40-44 on the season heading back to the friendly confines of Sutter Health Park. The A’s were looking to get back on track on Monday but were unable to do so as the Dodgers defeated them 9-4 in front of what felt like 12,000 Dodgers fans, with an announced attendance of 12,394.

Gage Jump got the ball for the A’s in the seventh start of his big league career. Jump, who hadn’t allowed a home run yet in his career, struggled on Monday as he surrendered two home runs to the Dodgers. Jump was hit hard as he allowed 11 hits and five runs over 4 2/3 innings, albeit without issuing a walk. He couldn’t get the Dodgers off balance as they jumped all over his fastball throughout the outing.

“I mean overall he battled,” Kotsay said of Jump after the game. “He competed. He didn’t have his best stuff tonight. Execution wise, the breaking ball was kind of inconsistent. The change up really couldn’t land, so he was really up against it.”

Jump was even harder on himself after the game.

“My job’s to go out and compete and win games,” Jump said in the clubhouse to the media. “I don’t care who the other team is. Just got to be better.”

Matt Krook came on for the A’s as the first reliever out of the bullpen to get the final out of the fifth inning. Krook struck out the only batter he faced to clean up the inning for Jump.

Justin Sterner was next out of the bullpen for the A’s as he came on to pitch the sixth inning. Sterner pitched a scoreless inning while allowing just one hit and striking out two batters.

In the seventh inning, Kade Morris was next out of the bullpen for the A’s. Morris pitched well and ended up finishing the final three innings of the game for the A’s. In his three innings of work, Morris allowed one run on three hits while walking one and striking out three.

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s did all of their damage early in the game before going quiet in the late innings.

Colby Thomas got the A’s on the board in the second inning as he hit an opposite-field home run to right-center field. It was Thomas’ third home run of the season and traveled 395 feet as it cleared the short wall over the bullpen.

Later in the second inning, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer recorded his first major league hit and RBI as he lined a single to right field to give the A’s their second run of the game.

It was a special night for Kuroda-Grauer, who recorded three hits, an extra-base hit, and an RBI in his major league debut.

“It’s kind of been surreal getting a call in the morning and hearing that you’re going to the big leagues and then hearing a couple hours later that you’re starting a big league game,” Kuroda-Grauer said postgame. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it was a ton of fun tonight.”

His parents weren’t able to attend his debut because of the short notice, but they will be on hand later in the series.

“It was the best day of my life,” Kuroda-Grauer said. “Getting to achieve a lifelong dream of mine and just thinking about all the people that supported me along the way.”

The A’s third and final run of the second inning came when Henry Bolte grounded into a force out that scored Alika Williams from third on the play.

The A’s next run, and final one of the game, came in the ninth inning when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer scored from third on a wild pitch during Nick Kurtz’s at-bat.

The A’s finished the game with four runs on 11 hits and didn’t draw a walk until Nick Kurtz walked in the ninth inning, their only free pass of the game.

The A’s and Dodgers will play game two of their three-game series on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. PDT at Sutter Health Park. Jeffrey Springs (3-7, 5.52 ERA) is slated to get the start for the A’s while the Dodgers will counter with Justin Wrobleski (9-2, 2.71 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.