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 A’s, 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 A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson hitting his first career MLB home run.
The A’s New Home: Sutter Health Park
Sutter Health Park, typically home to the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, will serve as the A’s temporary home for the next three seasons. The ballpark, with a capacity of 14,014, has undergone several renovations to accommodate the A’s.
These include a new two-story clubhouse, renovated hitting tunnels, and expanded dugouts and bullpens.
Honoring Rickey Henderson
In a heartfelt tribute, A’s players wore No. 24 jerseys to honor the late Rickey Henderson, who passed away in December at the age of 65. Henderson’s daughters were present to throw out the first pitch, adding an emotional touch to the game’s opening ceremony.
Game Highlights
The game started on a sour note for the A’s, 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 A’s struggling to keep up.
Carson Kelly’s Historic Cycle
One of the game’s standout performances came from Cubs catcher Carson Kelly, who hit for the cycle. Kelly’s 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 Wilson’s Milestone
Despite the lopsided score, the A’s had a moment to celebrate when shortstop Jacob Wilson hit the team’s first home run in their new stadium. This home run was also Wilson’s first career MLB home run, providing a silver lining in an otherwise tough game for the A’s.
Looking Ahead
The A’s 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.
Owner’s Optimism
Before the game, A’s owner John Fisher expressed confidence in the team’s 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 A’s 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 A’s future plans, you can read the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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