Tag: Sacramento A’s

A’s pile on Angels with 17-4 laugher at the Big A in Anaheim

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Sacramento A’s Cody Thomas rounds the bases after slugging a three run home run in the bottom eighth against the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A in Anaheim on Sat Sep 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Athletics Hammer Angels with Relentless Barrage 17-4

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard at Angel Stadium, jumping all over Los Angeles pitching in a 17-4 massacre that was never in doubt after the opening attack.

The Green and Gold came out swinging in the first, setting the tone with a two-out rally. Nick Kurtz and Colby Thomas each drew walks before Jacob Wilson lined a single to load the bases. Tyler Soderstrom then cleared them with a bases-clearing double, giving the Athletics a quick 3-0 cushion.

Sacramento kept the pedal down in the second inning. After Brent Rooker’s RBI double extended the lead, Thomas followed with a towering three-run homer to left center, putting the A’s up 7-0 before the Angels had even recorded their sixth out. By the time Kurtz launched his 29th homer of the year in the fourth, the Angels were reeling, down 8-1 and looking for answers.

Sacramento’s offense wasn’t finished. In the sixth, Wilson singled and came around to score on a groundout to push the lead to 9-1. Then came the knockout punch in the eighth, when pinch-hitter Carlos Cortes drilled a three-run shot for his first big league homer. The onslaught continued with six consecutive hits, capped by Shea Langeliers’ two-run single that ballooned the score to 14-1.

Even after Los Angeles answered with back-to-back homers in the bottom of the eighth from Matthew Lugo and Jo Adell, the A’s refused to let the night end quietly. In the ninth, JJ Bleday crushed a three-run homer to right, giving Sacramento its final total of 17 runs on 20 hits.

Every part of the lineup contributed: Wilson collected three hits, Langeliers added four with three runs batted in, and Thomas homered and singled in a strong performance. Cortes’ storybook blast highlighted a bench that kept pouring it on.

On the mound, Sacramento’s pitching was just as sharp. The Angels managed only scattered singles until Yoán Moncada tripled in the third for their first run. Starter J.T. Ginn and relievers Hogan Harris and Scott McGough combined to hold Los Angeles largely in check, striking out eight and stranding runners in nearly every frame.

By the end, the Angels were left searching for positives in a lopsided loss, while the Athletics cemented another statement victory powered by patience at the plate, timely hitting, and a relentless offensive attack. For Sacramento, the message was clear: when the bats wake up this early, the game can be decided before the sun even sets.

Starting pitchers for Sunday’s game at the Big A for Sacramento RHP Luis Severino (6-11 ERA 4.65) for Los Angeles LHP Mitch Ferris (1-0 ERA 1.80) first pitch 1:07pm 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.

A’s Bats Break Out in Anaheim as Butler and Bleday Power Past Angels 10-4

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Sacramento A’s centerfielder Lawrence Butler chases down a Los Angeles Angels Luis Rengifo fly ball in the eighth inning at Anaheim Stadium on Fri Sep 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

A’s Bats Break Out in Anaheim as Butler and Bleday Power Past Angels 10-4

By Mauricio Segura

For a club that has spent too many nights watching its offense sputter, the Sacramento Athletics finally flipped the script in Anaheim. What began as a sloppy first inning on both sides quickly turned into a showcase of the Green and Gold’s young power core, capped by Lawrence Butler’s ninth-inning blast and JJ Bleday’s statement swing in the third.

By the end of the Friday night, the A’s walked off with a 10-4 win that reminded everyone why they still rank among the league’s most dangerous lineups since the All-Star break.

The early frames hardly suggested excitement Rookie starter Mason Barnett, making just his second big league appearance, immediately found himself in a mess. After Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, and Brent Rooker all walked to load the bases before a single out, Tyler Soderstrom’s grounder produced both a double play and the game’s first run.

Jacob Wilson followed with a sharp RBI single, giving Sacramento a 2-0 cushion. Barnett promptly gave it right back. He hit Zach Neto, walked Mike Trout, and watched Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo chip away. By the time Oswald Peraza lifted a sac fly, the Angels led 4-2 and Barnett had already thrown 40 stressful pitches. For a rookie trying to settle in, it looked like another long night.

But Sacramento’s offense, which entered the day leading the majors in doubles and ranking among the top five in OPS since the break, had other plans. In the third, the lineup erupted. Langeliers singled, Soderstrom followed, and Wilson worked a walk to load the bases.

Butler chopped a single to first to drive in a run, and Zack Gelof’s liner tied the game. A wild pitch pushed Sacramento back on top, setting the stage for Bleday’s thunderclap. The outfielder launched his 13th homer of the year into the left-field seats, a three-run shot that turned Angel Stadium into a library. Suddenly, it was 8-4, and the A’s never looked back.

The inning wasn’t done. Darell Hernaiz singled, stole a base, and eventually scored when Rooker wore a pitch with the bases loaded. Nine runs through three innings was more than enough for manager Mark Kotsay’s bullpen, which has been the club’s strongest unit for months.

Relievers Justin Sterner, Elvis Alvarado, and Michael Kelly combined for six scoreless innings, racking up strikeouts while keeping Trout and company swinging through air. It was the exact type of performance the organization envisioned when rebuilding the relief corps after Mason Miller’s departure earlier in the year.

From there, the only drama came in Butler’s final at-bat. Leading off the ninth, the 24-year-old belted his 19th homer, a shot to dead center that punctuated the Battle of Anaheim. Butler’s glove has been steady all season, ranking among the league’s best in outfield putouts, but his bat has lagged. If this swing sparks a September surge, Sacramento will happily take it.

There were other encouraging signs. Kurtz, the rookie phenom leading all first-year players in home runs, RBIs, and walks, reached base three more times. Wilson, who tops all rookies in hits and batting average, delivered again with two big swings.

Langeliers, who has been an extra-base hit machine since the break, kept the line moving with two more knocks. When the Athletics get contributions from all three, the lineup lengthens in a way that forces pitchers into mistakes.

The win pushed Sacramento to 65-77, still lodged in the cellar of the AL West but showing glimpses of a club better than its record. They have now scored 96 first-inning runs this year, second most in the majors, and continue to play spoiler with power. More importantly, they shook off a disastrous start from their rookie pitcher without ever looking rattled, a trait that bodes well for the final stretch.

For the Angels, the frustration deepens. Trout went hitless with two strikeouts, Moncada fanned twice, and their pitching staff unraveled under the weight of walks and wild pitches. By the late innings, the game felt less like a rivalry clash and more like a showcase for Sacramento’s next wave.

The A’s will try to build on the outburst with RHP J.T. Ginn (2-6 ERA 5.17) set to start on Saturday. If the lineup carries over the same swagger, Anaheim could be in for another long night. The Angels will start LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-10 ERA 3.83).

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 Baseball podcast Lincoln Juarez: A’s start final month of season in another slump

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Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino has shown vast improvement since the All Star break. Despite the 2-1 loss in St Louis Tuesday Severino has improved his ERA. (AP file photo)

A’s Baseball podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 The A’s opened up the final month of the regular season losing two of three in St. Louis to the Cardinals. The offense could only come up with one run in each of the final two games.

#2 Luis Severino threw five shut-out innings Tuesday night in St. Louis but the A’s eventually fell to the Cardinals 2-1. He only allowed three hits as well.

#3 Jeffrey Springs also pitched very well Wednesday night in the A’s 5-1 loss to the Cardinals, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out four.

#4 Looking ahead to the weekend, the A’s are in Anaheim for a three game set against the Angels and at this point it just seems like they are trying to get through the last month of the season however they can and build onto next year.

#5 The A’s putting out on social media some footage of walls being put up at the stadium site in Las Vegas saying, “We’re going vertical”. Interesting to see the progress being made out at the site.

Lincoln Juarez does the Sacramento A’s podcasts Fridays 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. 

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s Mason Barnett makes start against Angels Friday

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Mason Barnett is the starting pitcher against the Los Angeles Angels on Fri Sep 5, 2025 at the Big A in Anaheim to open a three game series (photo from A’s instagram)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 St Louis Cardinal Wilson Contreras got three hits, four RBIs and the Cards Nolan Gorman slugged a home run and the Cards pitcher Matthew Liberatore threw for five and one third innings as the Cards beat the Sacramento A’s Wednesday night 5-1 at Busch Stadium in St Louis.

#2 Libertore picked up his seventh win of the season and the Cards Jo Jo Romero got the last four outs to pick up his seventh save of the season.

#3 The Cards Gorman hit a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to pick up his 14 of the year. Gorman also had two base hits in the contest.

#4 The A’s Nick Kurtz hit an opposite field homer in the top of the eighth for his 28th of the season. For Kurtz it was his 14 opposite field home run this season.

#5 The A’s are off Thursday and are in Anaheim Friday night at the Big A to face the Los Angeles Angels. Starting pitcher for the A’s RHP Mason Barnett (0-1 ERA 11.25) the Angels have not announced a starter as of yet. First pitch 6:35pm PT.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson does the A’s podcasts Thursdays 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. 

Sacramento A’s game wrap:Contreras Crashes the Party as Sacramento’s Late Rally Falls Short 5-1

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St Louis Cardinals Wilson Contreras celebrates after hitting a two run triple in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Sacramento A’s at Busch Stadium in St Louis on Thu Sep 4, 2025 (AP News photo)

Contreras Crashes the Party as Sacramento’s Late Rally Falls Short

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics were looking to shake off the dust and get something going at Busch Stadium on Thursday night, but despite a late spark, they couldn’t claw back from a steady St. Louis Cardinals squad. The game felt more like a chess match than a slugfest for most of the night until Willson Contreras flipped the board with a monster performance, powering the Cards to a 5-1 win over the Sacramento A’s.

Things started off quietly enough, with both teams going scoreless through the first two innings. Sacramento’s lefty Jeffrey Springs was in control early, keeping the Cardinals guessing and escaping a second-inning jam with runners on the corners. The A’s offense, meanwhile, looked more like they were hitting with pool noodles than bats, managing just two baserunners through the first three frames.

It wasn’t until the bottom of the third that the Cards cracked through, and guess who made the noise? That’d be Contreras. After a Masyn Winn single and Iván Herrera walk, Contreras stepped up and roped a two-run single to right. Brent Rooker tried to play hero with a strong throw, but Contreras was gunned down trying to stretch it into a double. Still, damage done. Cards up 2-0.

From that point, the game had a sluggish rhythm. Sacramento had a chance to answer in the top of the fourth after Rooker singled and swiped second, but a pair of flyouts and a strikeout stranded him. The A’s had runners in scoring position again in the seventh, but came up empty after Zack Gelof grounded out and Carlos Cortes was erased on a force play. If there was a theme to the night for Sacramento, it was missed opportunities, and not in the poetic, coming-of-age movie way.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals kept doing just enough. Nolan Gorman sent a solo shot into the Missouri sky in the bottom of the seventh, giving St. Louis a 3-0 cushion and reminding everyone that even low-scoring games can turn on a single pitch.

Finally, in the top of the eighth, Sacramento fans got something to cheer about. Rookie Nick Kurtz stepped in and launched his 28th homer of the season into left field, cutting the lead to 3-1. Rooker followed with his second double of the night and things started to feel a little different.

Tyler Soderstrom singled to put runners on the corners, and suddenly the tying run was at first. But just as quickly as the moment swelled, it popped. Gelof struck out, and Hernaiz grounded out after a failed challenge at first.

The bottom of the eighth? That’s when Contreras buried it.

After a leadoff groundout and a walk to Winn, the A’s intentionally walked Lars Nootbaar, a smart move on paper. But with two outs and runners on first and second, Contreras stepped up and lasered a triple to center, clearing the bases and putting the game effectively out of reach at 5-1. That brought his RBI total to four for the night. Not bad for a guy who also played first base all game, a position he’s still relatively new to.

In the ninth, Lawrence Butler tried to ignite one final rally with a leadoff single, but Brett Harris rolled into a double play and Langeliers grounded out to seal the deal.

For Sacramento, the night was frustrating. They had ten hits, just one fewer than the Cardinals, but went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base. Brent Rooker continued to rake, collecting his 36th double and adding a single, while Nick Kurtz’s solo shot was the only tally on the scoreboard. Butler chipped in three hits of his own, but it wasn’t enough.

Defensively, the A’s didn’t boot the ball around. No errors. And Springs gave them a respectable start. But they just couldn’t string the hits together when it counted. That’s been the story of the season in too many games like this one: a solid outing, flashes of potential, but no finish.

Meanwhile, St. Louis didn’t do anything flashy outside of Contreras’ bat and Gorman’s bomb, but they were efficient. And in a game where every hit mattered, that was the difference.

A’s have Thursday off will take on the Los Angeles Angels Friday night at the Big A in Anaheim. Starting pitcher for Sacramento RHP Mason Barnett (0-1 ERA 11.25) no pitcher has been announced for the Angels.

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. 

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Athletics Miss Their Chance in St. Louis as Cardinals Capitalize Late for 2-1 win

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St. Louis Cardinals’ Victor Scott II, left, grounds out as Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz handles the throw during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
 (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Athletics Miss Their Chance in St. Louis as Cardinals Capitalize Late for 2-1 win
By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics ran into a familiar frustration: timely hits from the other side, a bullpen mistake at the wrong moment, and bats that just couldn’t find enough holes. The St. Louis Cardinals made the most of their opportunity, turning one swing from Iván Herrera into the difference in a 2-1 defeat for the Green and Gold Tuesday night.

For the first five innings, this game felt like it belonged to the A’s. Luis Severino set the tone early, retiring batters with a mix of sharp fastballs and well-placed breaking stuff. He allowed a few singles but escaped any real damage, highlighted by picking off Nathan Church in the third inning. Severino looked completely in control, striking out three and keeping the Cardinals from generating any real momentum.

Meanwhile, the A’s did their best to scratch across a run against St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas. In the top of the third, JJ Bleday doubled and advanced to third after a misplay in right field by Church. That opened the door for Nick Kurtz, who smacked a sharp double of his own to score Bleday and give Sacramento a 1-0 lead. It was the kind of at-bat that showed why Kurtz has quickly become a vital piece in the middle of the order.

Sacramento threatened again in the fifth when Zack Gelof doubled and moved to third, but the A’s failed to cash him in. Jacob Wilson’s popup ended the inning and kept it a one-run game. That inability to tack on runs turned out to be the theme of the night. Time after time, the A’s got men on base but couldn’t string together the hits needed to break the game open.

Severino’s night ended after five scoreless innings, and manager Mark Kotsay turned to the bullpen. That’s where things unraveled. Hogan Harris came on in the sixth and immediately allowed a leadoff walk to speedster Victor Scott II. A sacrifice bunt and a soft grounder moved Scott to third with two outs. With first base open, the A’s still chose to pitch to Herrera. The Cardinals catcher made them pay, crushing a two-run homer to center field off reliever Michael Kelly. Just like that, Sacramento’s slim lead had evaporated.

From there, the A’s couldn’t find an answer. Matt Svanson and JoJo Romero shut them down over the final three innings, allowing just one walk and striking out two. Sacramento’s last chance came in the eighth when Jacob Wilson drew a two-out walk, but pinch-runner Max Schuemann was stranded after Brent Rooker popped out. The ninth brought more of the same: three quick outs, capped by Shea Langeliers going down on strikes and pinch-hitter Colby Thomas grounding out to end it.

It was the type of loss that gnaws at a team. The Athletics outhit the Cardinals early, had runners in scoring position multiple times, and still couldn’t find that one clutch knock to put the game out of reach. Instead, the story became a single mistake pitch and a wasted gem from Severino, who deserved far better than a no-decision.

Starting pitchers for Wednesday for Sacramento LHP Jefferey Springs (10-9 ERA 4.17) for the Cardinals Matthew Liberatore (6-11 ERA 4.32) first pitch 4:45 pm PT at Busch Stadium St Louis.

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.

Bleday and Gelof Power Sacramento to 11-3 Win Over Cardinals

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Athletics’ JJ Bleday follows through on a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday Sept. 1, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP/Jeff Roberson)

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics rolled into Busch Stadium on Sunday afternoon with a chip on their shoulder and left with a resounding 11-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, fueled by a pair of timely home runs and a relentless offensive push. What started as a tight pitcher’s duel unraveled quickly once the Green and Gold bats came alive in the fourth inning, changing the game’s complexion in a hurry.

Luis Morales set the tone early for Sacramento, working through traffic in the first inning after Lars Nootbaar’s leadoff single. Despite a wild pitch that moved the runner into scoring position, Morales regrouped to fan Nolan Gorman and leave the Cardinals empty-handed. That early escape gave the Athletics a chance to settle in, though the bats needed time to wake up. For three innings, Sonny Gray looked sharp for St. Louis, keeping the A’s quiet while Morales matched him with his own clean frames.

Everything shifted in the top of the fourth. Darell Hernaiz reached on a single, and JJ Bleday punished a pitch over the right-field wall for his 11th homer of the year, putting Sacramento on the board. Moments later, Zack Gelof followed with a blast of his own to right-center, suddenly turning a scoreless tie into a 3-0 A’s advantage. The Cardinals answered quickly with a solo shot from Iván Herrera in the bottom half, but Morales once again steadied himself by retiring the next three hitters to hold the damage to a single run.

The Athletics kept applying pressure. In the sixth, Hernaiz doubled and came home on a Colby Thomas single before Bleday went deep again, crushing his second homer of the afternoon and extending the lead to 5-1. While Morales tired in the bottom half, allowing a run-scoring single by Masyn Winn, Justin Sterner entered to snuff out a brewing rally and protect a 5-2 cushion.

Sacramento’s knockout punch came in the seventh. Lawrence Butler worked a walk, Jacob Wilson lined a single, and Brent Rooker split the gap with a ground-rule double to score one. Tyler Soderstrom then added an RBI knock of his own, and suddenly it was 7-2 with the Cardinals gasping for air. Two innings later, the A’s turned Busch Stadium into their own batting practice facility. Bleday reached on an error, Gelof doubled, and after a fielder’s choice scored a run, Butler and Wilson combined for back-to-back hits to make it 9-2. Soderstrom capped the rally with a two-run double, pushing the advantage to 11-2 and sending much of the St. Louis crowd heading for the exits.

The Cardinals tried to scrape together a rally in the ninth. Thomas Saggese doubled and came home on a pinch-hit single by José Fermín, trimming the deficit slightly, but it was far too little, far too late. Scott McGough, closing things down for Sacramento, silenced the final three hitters in order to seal a dominant win.

Bleday finished with two home runs and three RBIs, pacing the offense with authority. Gelof added a homer, a double, and two runs scored, while Butler and Wilson each reached base multiple times and crossed the plate with consistency. Soderstrom’s three hits and three RBIs rounded out a balanced attack that saw nearly every spot in the lineup contribute. Morales picked up the win despite some control hiccups, striking out five and allowing just two runs across five and two-thirds innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s 2025 Reprise of 2024

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Jefferey Springs is the only pitcher on the A’s staff to have double digits for wins with a record of 10-9 (AP News photo)

A’s 2025 Reprise of 2024

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Beginning September 1, the last month of the regular season, the A’s have 24 games left, currently with a 63-75 record. The 2025 version appears to have a much more explosive lineup than the 2024 version; with much less talented pitching, nevertheless, they are very close to ending with the same record, albeit with a very similar one, and have an outside (and although unlikely) shot at ending exactly as they did last season, which was a 69-93 record. Like the legendary Yankee broadcaster Mel Allen would say, “How about that!”

The 2025 version, as of the conclusion of August, has Brent Rooker with 27 home runs, rookie Nick Kurtz (probably AL Rookie of the Year) also with 27 home runs, and catcher Shea Langeliers with 29 home runs, with an excellent opportunity to reach 30-plus HR this season for the first time in his career. Mathematically, all three, Rooker, Kurtz, and Langeliers, could each finish with 30 home runs or more.

The team signed Luis Severino to a 3-year deal for $67 million (the biggest in franchise history) back in December 2024 to be the #1 starter and leader with his experience helping a young pitching staff; however, from the beginning, he complained about the park and was not happy at all in Sacramento.

As of today, Severino’s record is 6-11 with a 4.82 ERA. Since pitching is the most mentally demanding of all positions, I believe his negative feelings at the beginning of the season were detrimental to his mindset, which affected him and ultimately led to his inability to straighten out his season.

Jeffrey Springs is the only A’s hurler to have double-digit wins; 10-9 with a 4.17 ERA. In 2025, prior to his trade to the San Diego Padres on July 31, JP Sears had a 7-9 record with a 4.95 ERA for the Oakland A’s (or, the temporary “The Athletics”) over 22 starts and 111 innings.

He was the team’s second-leading winner at the All-Star break. Sears (La Tienda, in Spanish for The Store), as I nicknamed him during our Spanish broadcast, could find himself in the 2025 World Series, with a Padres team that is super-loaded with talent.

The Padres are so deep and have one of the best bullpens anywhere. They do not have to use Mason Miller to close every game; that is how deep this San Diego ballclub is today.

Starting Labor Day, these are the teams Los Atléticos will play during the home stretch: Cardinals, Angels, Red Sox, Reds, Pirates, Astros, and the Kansas City Royals. Only Houston, Boston, and Kansas City are teams playing over .500 with a good chance of advancing to the postseason. Will they finish in penultimate place, like last season, or in last place, like in 2023?

Quote: “For many in baseball, September is a month of stark contrast with April, when everyone had dared to hope” – John Thorn.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Mauricio Segura: A’s open six game road trip in St Louis; Morales gets the start for Sacramento Monday

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Luis Morales will get the start against the St Louis Cardinals on Mon Sep 1, 2025 at Busch Stadium in St Louis (AP file photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Mauricio Segura:

#1 The Texas Rangers Joc Pederson doubled with three RBIs. Ranger pitcher Jacob deGrom struckout six batters and pitched shutout ball for five innings in the Rangers 9-6 win over the Sacramento A’s. What did A’s starter JT Ginn need to do try and shut the Rangers hitting down?

#2 The loss was a sweep as the A’s lost all three game to the Rangers and just couldn’t really get past the Rangers throughout the series. How did you see the A’s hitting in the series?

#3 deGrom had been struggling he was 0-4 in his last five starts resulting in Ranger losses. deGrom’s last win was back on July 22 in deGrom first appearance since the All Star break. deGrom had skipped a start during that stretch due to shoulder fatigue. Despite deGrom’s earlier struggles he’s got experience and he gave the A’s line up fits?

#4 It’s getting rough for the A’s, they have now been swept nine times this year and this was the first time they were swept at home since May 19-22 by the Los Angeles Angels. The Rangers swept Sacramento in Texas for the first time this year. How frustrating how it got to be for Sacramento to have been swept that amount of times.

#5 On Monday the A’s open a six game road trip starting in St Louis. Starting pitcher for the A’s Monday Luis Morales (2-0 ERA 1.19) and for the St Louis Cardinals former A’s pitcher Sonny Gray (12-7 ERA 4.19) first pitch 11:115AM PT. How do you see this match up and can the A’s get it moving again on this road trip?

Join Mauricio Segura filled in for Barbara Mason who does the 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 Show Late Fight but Fall Short in 9-5 Loss to Rangers

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Jacob Wilson #5 of the Athletics looks on after hitting an RBI double against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on August 31, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s will look to move past the rubble of the last weekend in August after being swept by the Rangers this weekend.

Sunday, the Rangers completed the sweep in 9-6 fashion in front of an announced 8,716 fans at Sutter Health Park. The first pitch was tossed in 97-degree heat.

J.T. Ginn, who has had a really up-and-down season for the A’s this season, got the nod for manager Mark Kotsay and the A’s looking to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.

Ginn wasn’t impressive and clearly didn’t have his best stuff. J.T. ran into trouble immediately in the game as he surrendered a two-run homer to Joc Pederson as the Rangers got off to an early start.

On the other hand, Ginn at least gave the A’s some length. Ginn was able to go six innings while allowing five runs on five hits while walking two and surrendering two home runs.

“I think there’s still a lot to work with, J.T.,” Mark Kotsay said after the game. “He did throw strikes today, which is a positive. The balls up on the sinker today is what they took advantage of today, really.”

Ginn elaborated after the game on his thoughts on the start.

“I think I just had some sinkers over the plate… I thought it was good to get through six innings. That’s something that has kind of been a struggle for me throughout the year, but I think I attacked the zone given the circumstances.”

The Bullpen

The A’s bullpen wasn’t sharp either on a forgettable Sunday afternoon in 100-degree temperatures.

Elvis Alvarado, who has really come into his own this season for the A’s, was only able to record one out in the seventh inning while giving up two runs on two hits and walking two.

Mark Kotsay elected to go with Eduarniel Núñez to clean up Alvarado’s mess and he did just that, striking out the two batters he faced in the seventh. In the eighth inning, Núñez ran into trouble of his own. He gave up two runs on two hits while also walking two in a rough inning. He would finish his outing tossing one and two-thirds innings.

Tyler Ferguson was the last man out of the pen for the A’s and gave up a run on two hits in the ninth inning for the A’s.

The Bats

The A’s bats were quiet most of the day. However, the A’s found some life late in the game in the eighth inning.

After the A’s loaded the bases with one out, Jacob Wilson doubled home a pair to pull the A’s to within six and make it an 8-2 game.

Brent Rooker came up next in the eighth and hit an RBI groundout to give the A’s their third run of the game. Yet, the A’s didn’t stop there.

Tyler Soderstrom hit an RBI double to the opposite field and Carlos Cortez followed with an RBI double of his own as the A’s drove in two more runs to make it an 8-5 game.

In the ninth inning, the A’s got one more run as Lawrence Butler doubled home JJ Bleday, who pinch-hit for Brett Harris and walked earlier in the inning.

The A’s finished the game with those six runs and managed to tally nine hits in the contest.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay was pleased with the fight his club showed, albeit coming up short.

“I thought the effort and the fight that we had in the eighth inning shows a lot about the club and easily could have shut it down today down by eight runs in the eighth inning, and they didn’t.”

Up Next

The A’s head on the road to take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday at 11:15 a.m. PDT. It is a rare tough day away game followed by a day home game where the visiting team must travel east.

Luis Morales (2-0, 1.19) is set to go for the A’s as the Cardinals will send Sonny Gray (12-7, 4.19 ERA) to the hill in the matinee affair.

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.

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Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.