Tag: Sacramento A’s

A’s Falter in Sixth as Astros Run Away with Series Win 11-4

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Max Schuemann on Wednesday night in the Athletics game against the Astros. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — Having lost the first two games of the series to the Astros on Monday and Tuesday, the A’s hoped to flip the script on Wednesday night. But for Luis Severino and the A’s, the home woes continued as they dropped their third in a row, 11-4, at Sutter Health Park.

A’s starter Luis Severino pitched well—certainly well enough to keep the A’s in the game—as he worked in and out of trouble all night. All told, Severino tossed five innings of nine-hit, two-run ball and took the loss. He walked just one and struck out five before exiting after the fifth inning.

The real trouble came in the sixth when Tyler Ferguson came on in relief. The inning began innocently enough with a leadoff single, followed by a double play that gave Ferguson two outs with no one on. But the wheels came off from there. The next seven Astros batters reached base, and Houston erupted for seven runs—highlighted by a pair of three-run home runs from Jose Altuve and Victor Caratini. Ferguson was pulled shortly before the second homer but was still charged with six runs on six hits while recording only two outs. Sean Newcomb came on to relieve Ferguson and steadied things with 2.1 innings of two-hit, one-run ball.

Hogan Harris pitched the ninth, but the Astros reignited their offense, scoring two more runs on three hits. It marked the second straight night the Astros put up double-digit runs on the A’s.

Offensively, the A’s scored in the first and sixth innings but didn’t add much until a brief rally in the ninth. Austin Wynns delivered an RBI single in the first, and Nick Kurtz followed with one of his own in the sixth. In the ninth, Kurtz launched a solo home run—his third hit of the day—and Max Schuemann chipped in an RBI single. That would be all for the A’s comeback effort.

With the loss, the A’s dropped to 30-46 on the season and will try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Astros on Thursday night. Jacob Lopez (1-4, 4.80 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for the A’s, opposed by Colton Gordon (2-1, 4.70 ERA) for Houston. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM PST.

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. 

A’s Four-Game Win Streak Snapped in 13-3 Loss to Astros

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Luis Urias in the loss to the Astros on Tuesday night at Sutter Health Park. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s tried to keep their four-game winning streak alive on Tuesday against the Houston Astros, but poor pitching and a lack of offense doomed them in a 13-3 blowout loss at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.

The struggles started early. Starter JP Sears was only able to pitch three and a third innings in an abbreviated outing. Sears allowed five runs on five hits, walked three, and surrendered three home runs. Lacking command throughout, he threw 36 pitches just to get through the first inning. It was a rough showing and not what the A’s needed to try and extend their recent momentum.

Osvaldo Bido took over and didn’t fare much better. He gave up four runs on four hits over one and two-thirds innings, as A’s pitching continued to search for answers. Hogan Harris finally stopped the bleeding with a scoreless inning, but the Astros got right back to work against T.J. McFarland, scoring two more runs to stretch the lead to 11-0.

The A’s managed to break through in the seventh inning, scoring three runs on an Astros error, a Luis Urías groundout, and a Gio Urshela RBI single. But any momentum was short-lived.

Sean Newcomb gave up two more runs in his lone inning of work. By the ninth, manager Mark Kotsay waved the white flag and sent catcher Willie MacIver to the mound. MacIver needed just eight pitches to deliver a scoreless frame, the lone highlight in an otherwise forgettable night.

With the loss, the A’s fell to 30-45 on the season. They’ll look to bounce back on Wednesday in game three of the four-game set. Luis Severino (2-6, 4.47 ERA) will get the start for Sacramento, facing off against Houston’s Framber Valdez (7-4, 3.10 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.

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Renteria: A’s Kurtz delivers two run walk off homer to beat Astros 3-1

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Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz delivers a 447 foot two run walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth to win it for the A’s 3-1 against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Mon Jun 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento A’s podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz launches a walk off two run home run against the Houston Astros that broke a 1-1 deadlock at Sutter Health Park for a 3-1 win on Monday night.

#2 The A’s Brent Rooker walked against Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu that started the ninth inning and Rooker has now reached base 12 straight home games.

#3 Kurtz has been on a tear ripping his seventh home run of the 2025 season and his blast was 447 feet over the right field fence. Again proving the A’s have some solid young talent.

#4 Tony, A’s outfielder Denzel Clarke won the Electric Play of the week on Monday for the third week in a row. He was named the for the award after his home run robbing catch on Mon Jun 9 in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels.

#5 The Astros and A’s duel again at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Tuesday night. Starting pitcher for the Astros RHP Jason Alexander (0-0 ERA 18.00) for the A’s JP Sears (5-5 ERA 5.08) with a 7:05pm first pitch.

Tony Renteria does the A’s podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Nick Kurtz Walks It Off as A’s Beat Astros for Fourth Straight Win 3-1

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The Athletics celebrate after the Nick Kurtz home run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Monday night . (Photo: MLB on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENO–After a treacherous month of May, the Athletics have finally made it through and into June. After getting swept in Anaheim for the second time in just a few weeks, the A’s went into Kansas City and returned the favor with a sweep of the Royals this past weekend. On Monday, they welcomed the Houston Astros to Sacramento for the first of a three-game series. The A’s defeated the Astros 3-1.

Pitching dominated the game on both sides, as the starters and bullpens for each team were phenomenal. However, it was Nick Kurtz who played the hero for the A’s.

With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, Brent Rooker worked a walk against Astros reliever Bryan Abreu. Nick Kurtz stepped in and quickly got ahead 2-0 in the count. Looking fastball, Kurtz swung out of his shoes on a breaking ball that fooled him, bringing the count to 2-1. “…When you have a swing like that,” Kurtz said following the game, “there’s a good chance they’re going to throw it again.” Throw it again Abreu did. But this time, he missed his spot with another breaking ball inside, and Kurtz turned on it—launching the game-winning two-run homer 447 feet into the trees beyond the berm in right-center field. “I knew it pretty much right away… that’s the scenario you dream about as a kid, and being able to do it at this level was really cool,” Kurtz said of his walk-off shot.

Kurtz sent the A’s home happy, but the unsung hero of the night was the A’s pitching staff.

Mitch Spence started the game for the A’s and dominated, tossing five innings of seven-hit, one-run ball. His only major blemish was a slider that leaked over the plate, which Jose Altuve launched for a home run in the first inning. J.T. Ginn, fresh off the injured list, followed with three shutout innings of one-hit baseball while striking out five. Ginn was nasty—exactly what the doctor ordered in his return. Mason Miller pitched a clean top of the ninth, striking out two to keep the game tied.

The A’s will take on the Astros in game two of the series on Tuesday at 7:05 PM PST at Sutter Health Park. JP Sears (5-5, 5.08 ERA) is slated to start for the A’s, countered by Houston’s Jason Alexander (0-0, 18.00 ERA).

With the win, the A’s have now won four straight and are 30-44 on the season. The Astros fell to 41-31 with the loss.

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.

A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s open three game set with Houston tonight

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Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (right) is congratulated by Tyler Soderstrom (21) scores after hitting a home run in the top of the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Sun Jun 15, 2025 (AP News photo)

A’s podcast with Barbara Mason:

1.After getting swept in their last series by the Angels the A’s turned things around sweeping the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. Both the Angels and the Royals have similar records but the A’s were able to handle them winning Sunday’s game after trailing 2-0 going into the sixth inning.

2.Going into Sunday’s game the A’s were assured a series win win or lose but they fought back in the sixth inning to tie up the game. Each team finished the game with nine hits but it was the long ball that won this game for the Athletics.

3.Jacob Wilson continues to contribute in every game along with Lawrence Butler, and also got some hits from Denzel Clark, Luis Urias and Brent Rooker.

4.Jeffrey Springs and went six innings allowing the two runs but it was the relief pitching that earned the win for the Athletics.

5.The next series for the A’s will be the Houston Astros in Sacramento Monday night. The series gets underway today -a four game series with the division leaders. This will be a tough series for the team with Mitch Spence on the mound for the A’s. The Astros will start Lance McCullers Jr. How can the A’s handle the Astros.

6. The A’s will be holding a ceremonial groundbreaking on Mon Jun 23 at the old Tropicana Site in Las Vegas announcing they will have shovels in the ground. Actually team president Mark Badain said they’ve already started construction for the Vegas ballpark the big question that will asked did the A’s come up wit h the $1.75 billion for their share of the constructions costs?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento A’s podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

A’s game wrap: Kurtz Crush Caps Comeback as A’s Edge Royals 3-2 in Thriller

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Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz slugs a home run for the go ahead run against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Sun Jun 15, 2025 (AP News photo)

Kurtz Crush Caps Comeback as A’s Edge Royals 3-2 in Thriller

by Mauricio Segura

A rough couple of months got a rare highlight Sunday afternoon, as the Athletics rallied late and held on for a thrilling 3–2 win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium to take the 3-game series. Nick Kurtz, the A’s 22-year-old rookie first baseman, played hero with a go-ahead solo homer in the top of the ninth, his sixth of the year, and Mason Miller slammed the door in the bottom half to lock up the series win.

The A’s, owners of the third-worst winning percentage in baseball coming in, showed signs of grit that have often been absent this season. They trailed 2-0 after three innings, thanks to an RBI double by Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. and a line-drive single from Vinnie Pasquantino. But from there, starter Jeffrey Springs and a carousel of relievers kept Kansas City off the scoreboard, retiring 18 of the final 23 batters.

Offensively, the green and gold waited until the sixth inning to strike. Rookie Jacob Wilson, who leads all of baseball’s freshmen in just about every offensive category, singled to set the table. Austin Wynns then drilled a two-run homer to center field, knotting the game at two apiece. It was Wynns’ fifth long ball of the season and just the A’s 89th as a team, still top 10 in the majors despite their struggles.

In the ninth, Kurtz launched Carlos Estévez’s first offering deep to right-center to give the A’s a 3-2 lead. The Royals got the tying run aboard in their half, but Miller fanned two, including Tyler Tolbert to end it, recording his 14th save and flashing the triple-digit heat that’s made him a rare bright spot in a beleaguered bullpen.

The victory gave the Athletics their first road series win since early May, and snapped a 1-4 road trip. Springs, who began the season in the rotation but has recently shifted into a swingman role, allowed two earned runs across five innings. He didn’t factor into the decision, but his ability to avoid a blowup, a common theme for A’s starters this season, kept the game within reach.

The A’s now head back to Sutter Health Park for a four-game set against the division-leading Astros. With back-to-back wins under their belts and youngsters like Wilson and Kurtz heating up, the green and gold may finally be finding a little traction in a season filled with potholes.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Late pitcher Skaggs says he got drugs from teammate Wade Miley says family; Sox pitcher Crochet strikes out Yanks Judge 3 times; plus more news

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Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley (22) has been accused in a deposition of supplying teammate the late pitcher Tyler Skaggs with drugs. Miley in the deposition denied supplying Skaggs with any drugs (AP file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 The late pitcher of the Los Angels Angels and Arizona Diamondbacks Tyler Skaggs who died of a overdose of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol according to an autopsy report from July 1, 2019 Skaggs had died in a Texas hotel room as a member of the Angels. Skaggs was a teammate of left hand pitcher Wade Miley with the Cincinnati Reds.

#2 Further According to a court deposition Skaggs family had questioned Skaggs about his drug use and that Skaggs had admitted taking drugs and that he got them from Miley when they played for the Diamondbacks. Miley said he did not provide Skaggs with any drugs according to a court deposition. The deposition is part of a motion filed by the Angels for the Skaggs family to drop a lawsuit filed by the Skaggs family.

#3 In an extra inning win for the Boston Red Sox in Friday night’s 2-1 game against the New York Yankees. The Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet came out and held the Yankees to a shutout in 8.1 innings of work allowing four hits, striking out seven and striking out Aaron Judge three times. Crochet worked the count on hitters, kept them off balance and had good stuff that made the saying “good pitching beats good hitting” stand up.

#4  Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez will have his right elbow get a platelet rich plasma injection. Rodriguez’s elbow is in pain and he got a second opinion from Los Angeles Dodgers Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Dr. ElAttrache said that after getting the injection Rodriguez will need to get four weeks of complete rest before he can start working out. Said Pirates manager Don Kelly.

#5 Mon Jun 23rd morning bright and early at 8:00AM PDT the Sacramento A’s will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony at the old Tropicana in Las Vegas to get shovels in the ground for the new ballpark. According to A’s president Mark Badain groundbreaking took place in April but this is an official ceremony to make it official. Some members of the press questioned why is this groundbreaking being held at 8AM which is quite a bit early than usual press conferences or ribbon cuttings. Some say with the least amount of press it’s less questions about per say did the A’s come up with the construction costs yet.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum: Set your alarm clocks A’s will break ground at 8AM Monday Jun 23rd in Vegas

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This image shows a rendering of the baseball club’s proposed stadium in Las Vegas. AP photo

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel, the Athletics groundbreaking will be held at the old Tropicana Casino and Hotel on Monday June 23 at 8:00AM. Some question the time of the ribbon cutting being unusually early by press conference standards.

#2 Some said it could be a tactic to keep the amount of press away that will ask about A’s owner John Fisher’s construction costs and if he paid his share of the $1.75 billion yet?

#3 Do you look at this groundbreaking as a closer step to getting the stadium constructed or is this ceremony being done to keep the pressure off of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority when questioned when are there going to be shovels in the ground.

#3 A’s president Mark Badain said that construction for the Vegas ballpark started back in April and the A’s wanted to make Mon Jun 23rd ribbon cutting a celebration for the A’s and local officials.

#4 VIPs expected to attend the groundbreaking Mon Jun 23rd, A’s owner John Fisher, Badain, Las Vegas Stadium Authority president Steven Hill, Nevada State Legislature, members of the Clark County Commission and Governor Joe Lombardo.

#5 The Stadium Authority report says the construction of the park will take 32 months and is expected to be ready opening day 2028.

Daniel Dullum does the Sacramento A’s Relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Green and Gold Silence; Royals Behind Long Ball and Stellar Pitching in 4-0 win

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Jacob Lopez delivers to the Kansas City Royals line up in the bottom first inning at Kaufman Stadium at Kansas City on Sat Jun 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Green and Gold Silence Royals Behind Long Ball and Stellar Pitching

By Mauricio Segura

In a sharp and steady Saturday matinee showing at Kauffman Stadium, the Sacramento Athletics rode a power surge and airtight pitching to a 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals, shutting down Kansas City with clinical precision and just enough flash to keep things interesting.

The green and gold wasted little time getting on the board. After Tyler Soderstrom drew a walk to open the second inning, Max Muncy launched a two-run shot to left field, his fifth of the year, putting the Athletics up 2-0. It was a no-doubt line drive that never considered staying in the park.

Soderstrom later proved his value again in the fourth, working another walk, swiping second base, and scoring on a Luis Urías double to left. That made it 3-0, giving the A’s just enough cushion to settle into cruise control.

Lawrence Butler added an exclamation mark in the seventh with a solo blast to dead center, his tenth of the season. It was the only hit the Athletics managed off Kansas City reliever Daniel Lynch IV, who had just replaced starter Michael Lorenzen. The green and gold didn’t do much else after that, but they didn’t need to.

The Royals, meanwhile, could barely touch A’s pitching. They scattered just five hits and never advanced a runner past third. A disengagement violation in the third gave Kansas City its only brief spark when Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. advanced into scoring position with two outs. But Vinnie Pasquantino flew out to right, ending the threat.

Pasquantino, in fact, struck out three times, part of a larger struggle for Kansas City’s offense. Athletics pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts, and no Royal reached base more than once except for Garcia, who doubled and singled.

Athletics starter Jacob Lopez kept the Royals guessing with four crisp innings. Michael Kelly took over in the fifth and was equally effective, getting help from center fielder Denzel Clarke, who chased down deep flies from Jac Caglianone and Freddy Fermin in the seventh to maintain the shutout. Hogan Harris closed the door in the ninth, striking out Pasquantino once more and stranding a Mark Canha single that barely broke the infield.

On a day where offensive action was sporadic, Soderstrom quietly put together a strong performance: two walks, a stolen base, a run scored, and solid defense in left. Denzel Clarke also contributed on both sides of the ball, reaching base and covering serious ground in center.

The Athletics, who entered the series looking to shake off recent inconsistencies, now have their 28th win of the season and will look to build on this momentum to go back home with a sweep tomorrow afternoon.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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.

A’s Ride Rookie Bats and Road Warrior Severino to 6-4 Victory in Kansas City

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Luis Severino delivers against the Kansas City Royals line up in the bottom of the second inning at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Fri Jun 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

A’s Ride Rookie Bats and Road Warrior Severino to Victory in Kansas City

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento A’s rolled into Kansas City with the worst ERA in baseball, a battered bullpen, and a streak of futility that stretched across thousands of first-class travel miles. By the time Mason Miller squeezed the final out, they had a win that felt both rare and resilient, a 6-4 triumph over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium Friday night.

Luis Severino, who has quietly been a different pitcher away from home, turned in another solid road outing. The right-hander extended his dominant away split to 1-0 with a minuscule 0.87 ERA across five road starts. Friday night, he allowed just one run over five innings, putting the A’s in position to win, something they’ve rarely done for their starters this year, who’ve gone 3-16 since May 3.

Offensively, the green and gold leaned heavily on their young core. Rookie standout Jacob Wilson, who entered the game leading all MLB rookies in average, hits, and OPS, added two more hits and a walk, scoring twice. His performance helped extend a torrid stretch during which he’s hit safely in nine of his last ten games.

Austin Wynns opened the A’s scoring in the second with a solo home run, his fourth of the year, tying the game at 1-1. Then came a decisive rally in the third. After loading the bases, Nick Kurtz, another A’s rookie, delivered a go-ahead RBI single. In the fourth, Luis Urías added insurance with a solo blast, his seventh of the season, pushing the lead to 3-1.

The biggest blow came in the sixth. With the bases loaded, Tyler Soderstrom, who’s tied for eighth in the majors in go-ahead homers, drew a walk to force in a run. Max Muncy then followed with a two-run single to center, giving the A’s a commanding 6-1 lead.

Mason Miller, flashing his signature triple-digit heat, came on in the ninth to close it out. It wasn’t clean. A walk, another walk, and then a two-run triple by Nick Loftin suddenly made it 6-3. A sacrifice fly cut it to 6-4 before Miller slammed the door with a strikeout and a popup.

The win snaps the A’s 13-game road losing streak, their second longest in 29 years, and gives them a much-needed boost heading into Saturday’s matchup. Though they’ve still lost 24 of their last 29, they’ve now taken three of their last eight, and they’re finally showing signs of offensive life. Over their last 13 games, they’re averaging nearly five runs per contest and are batting .258 as a team.

Brent Rooker, who reached base again Friday night, has quietly reached in 19 of his last 21 games and is hitting .380 over that span. Meanwhile, Lawrence Butler extended his doubles lead (tied with Witt Jr.) and made things happen on the basepaths with his 11th stolen base of the season.

Even with the league’s worst bullpen ERA and the most home runs allowed, the A’s found a way to piece it together. For a team that’s cycled through 46 players, including 10 major league debuts, every win like this matters.

They’ll look to build on it Saturday with A’s starter LHP Jacob Lopez (0-4 ERA 6.00) on the mound, still chasing his first win of the year. For the Royals RHP Hunter Brown (8-3 ERA 1.82) first pitch 1:10pm PT.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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.