WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In a historic night for baseball, Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs made headlines by hitting for the cycle during an 18-3 blowout victory against the Oakland Athletics on Monday, March 31, 2025, marking the first Major League Baseball game at Sutter Health Park in California's capital region. Kelly not only drove in five runs but also showcased his versatility at the plate, hitting a solo home run, a two-run single, and a triple.
The Cubs wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring four runs in the first inning. Michael Busch kickstarted the offensive onslaught with a two-run homer, followed by a solo shot from Dansby Swanson, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable night for the visitors.
Ben Brown (1-1), the Cubs' right-hander, pitched effectively, striking out five batters over five innings to earn his second career win. The Cubs amassed a total of 21 hits, their highest output since an 18-8 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates last August. This performance not only showcased their offensive firepower but also highlighted the struggles of the Athletics, who allowed 18 runs in their home opener — the most by any team in a century, according to Sportradar.
Kelly's cycle was a remarkable feat, making him the first Cubs player to achieve this since Mark Grace on May 9, 1993. The 29-year-old catcher, who was born in Chicago and raised in Beaverton, Oregon, expressed his joy post-game, stating, "I never thought I would ever get one. So, it’s pretty cool, it’s pretty special. Very raw emotions just to experience that. It really hasn’t settled in yet. I’m just happy we got the W." Kelly's night included a solo homer in the fourth inning, a two-run single in the fifth, a walk in the sixth, and a triple in the eighth, which scored Matt Shaw.
Amidst the Cubs' offensive outburst, A's shortstop Jacob Wilson hit his first career home run leading off the third inning, providing a brief moment of excitement for the sellout crowd of 12,119. However, the night was overshadowed by the Cubs' relentless scoring and the A's defensive woes.
In a touching tribute, all A's players wore No. 24 jerseys to honor late Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who passed away on December 20, 2024. A moment of silence was observed before the game, followed by Henderson's daughters throwing out ceremonial first pitches.
Despite the lopsided score, A's manager Mark Kotsay noted the unwavering support from the fans, saying, "You could feel the energy. Obviously, it's tough when you get down in a game like that. Fans continued to stay behind us." This sentiment reflects the community's excitement about the A's temporary move to Sacramento, as it marks the first time a major league team has called the city home.
As the game unfolded, the Cubs continued to build their lead, with the score reaching 10-3 by the top of the sixth inning. The Cubs' offensive explosion included contributions from multiple players, but it was Kelly's historic night that stood out. He ended the game with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, five RBIs, and four runs scored, solidifying his status as a key player for the Cubs.
Looking ahead, the Cubs will send left-handed pitcher Justin Steele (1-1, 8.00 ERA) to the mound for his third start of the season on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The Athletics will counter with right-hander Luis Severino (0-0, 0.00), who is making his second start after pitching in the season opener against the Seattle Mariners.
As the Cubs celebrate this monumental victory, the A's will need to regroup and find ways to bounce back in their new home. The historic significance of this game in Sacramento will resonate for years to come, as both teams look to make their mark in the 2025 MLB season.
