A's Collapse in Series Finale Against Yankees

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 31: Jonah Heim #15 of the Athletics celebrates with teammates Nick Kurtz #16 and Henry Bolte #33 after hitting a three-run home run against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park on May 31, 2026. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Athletics faced a disappointing end to their weekend series against the New York Yankees, losing 13-8 in a match marked by a disastrous inning from starting pitcher Jacob Lopez. The Yankees took full advantage of Lopez's struggles, scoring 13 runs in just one frame and ultimately securing the series victory, pushing the A’s into a tie for second place with the Texas Rangers.

The game started promisingly for the Athletics, as Carlos Cortes opened the bottom of the first with a solid double against Yankees pitcher Will Warren. Following a fielding error by center fielder Trent Grisham, A’s catcher Jonah Heim and center fielder Lawrence Butler both scored, giving the home team an early 3-0 lead.

However, the tide turned in the third inning when Lopez faltered. After loading the bases through a series of walks and a single, he surrendered a two-run double to Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice, allowing New York to take the lead. Manager Mark Kotsay replaced Lopez, but newly called-up reliever Michael Kelly struggled even more, giving up multiple hits and walks, culminating in a record-setting 12-run inning for the Yankees—the highest the Athletics have allowed in a single inning since 1983.

In a valiant attempt to rally, the A’s offense fought back, with Brent Rooker hitting a solo home run and Heim later contributing a three-run shot. Despite their efforts, the Athletics fell short in the end, stranding runners and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the game. The A’s bullpen did manage to keep the Yankees off the board for the remainder of the contest, with Jack Perkins and Luis Medina both pitching effectively in relief.

This defeat highlights the ongoing struggles of the Athletics as they look to regain their footing in the season.