The Oakland Athletics kicked off their 2025 home season at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, but the debut was far from ideal. The Chicago Cubs dominated the game, securing an 18-3 victory.
This game marked a significant transition for the Aโs, who are set to move to Las Vegas in the near future. Despite the loss, there were a few notable moments.
These include Cubs catcher Carson Kelly hitting for the cycle and Aโs shortstop Jacob Wilson hitting his first career MLB home run.
The Aโs New Home: Sutter Health Park
Sutter Health Park, typically home to the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giantsโ Triple-A affiliate, will serve as the Aโs temporary home for the next three seasons. The ballpark, with a capacity of 14,014, has undergone several renovations to accommodate the Aโs.
These include a new two-story clubhouse, renovated hitting tunnels, and expanded dugouts and bullpens.
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Honoring Rickey Henderson
In a heartfelt tribute, Aโs players wore No. 24 jerseys to honor the late Rickey Henderson, who passed away in December at the age of 65. Hendersonโs daughters were present to throw out the first pitch, adding an emotional touch to the gameโs opening ceremony.
Game Highlights
The game started on a sour note for the Aโs, with pitcher Joey Estes giving up back-to-back home runs in the first inning. The Cubs capitalized on this early momentum, scoring four runs in the first inning, five in the fifth, and six more in the sixth.
This offensive onslaught left the Aโs struggling to keep up.
Carson Kellyโs Historic Cycle
One of the gameโs standout performances came from Cubs catcher Carson Kelly, who hit for the cycle. Kellyโs achievement marks the first cycle of the MLB season and the first for a Cubs player since 1993.
He completed the cycle with a triple in the eighth inning, having already hit a home run in the fourth, a single in the fifth, and a double in the sixth.
Jacob Wilsonโs Milestone
Despite the lopsided score, the Aโs had a moment to celebrate when shortstop Jacob Wilson hit the teamโs first home run in their new stadium. This home run was also Wilsonโs first career MLB home run, providing a silver lining in an otherwise tough game for the Aโs.
Looking Ahead
The Aโs have an option to extend their stay at Sutter Health Park for a fourth season in 2028 if their new fixed-roof ballpark in Las Vegas is not ready. However, the current setup at Sutter Health Park has its drawbacks.
These include a less-than-ideal media setup and field conditions that left much to be desired.
Ownerโs Optimism
Before the game, Aโs owner John Fisher expressed confidence in the teamโs future, stating that he was excited about the direction they were heading. This optimism is crucial as the team navigates this transitional period and prepares for their eventual move to Las Vegas.
Final Thoughts
The Aโs opening game at Sutter Health Park may not have gone as planned, but it was filled with memorable moments and significant milestones.
As the team continues to adjust to their new temporary home, fans can look forward to more exciting games and the eventual move to a state-of-the-art ballpark in Las Vegas.
For more details on the game and the Aโs future plans, you can read the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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