The New York Yankees are gearing up for an exciting weekend series against the Oakland Athletics, set to kick off on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. With the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET, fans are buzzing with anticipation as the Yankees look to extend their winning momentum.
Currently, the Yankees (21-16) are riding high after a hard-fought 2-1 series victory against the San Diego Padres, culminating in a thrilling 4-3 win in 10 innings on Wednesday. J.C. Escarra played a pivotal role, delivering a walk-off sacrifice fly that secured the win for New York. The Yankees are favored at -150 against the Athletics, who are underdogs at +125.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Athletics (20-18), all eyes will be on Aaron Judge, who is having a generational run this season. His performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a .400/.491/.750 triple slash line with 12 home runs, 34 runs, and 34 RBIs. Judge's hitting is drawing comparisons to legends like Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth, which is a testament to his current form.
However, it’s worth noting that earlier this season, Judge was robbed of a home run during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays due to an incorrect ruling by the umpires, who deemed a fair ball a foul due to the shorter foul poles at Steinbrenner Field. This incident has left Yankees fans with a sense of déjà vu as they head into this series against the Athletics, whose home park also features shorter foul poles.
Erik Boland of the Post highlighted this concern, stating, "Foul poles VERY short here, much shorter than at Steinbrenner Field where, as you recall, Judge had a HR taken away on a ball that sailed well over the LF pole." The Yankees faithful are hoping that history does not repeat itself, as any similar misjudgment could ignite frustration among the loyal fanbase.
Despite the earlier setback, Judge is expected to eclipse the 50 home run mark this season, a feat that would further solidify his status as one of the league's top hitters. With the Yankees' lineup featuring players like Trent Grisham, who has a .292 batting average and 10 home runs, the team is well-equipped to put runs on the board.
On the mound, the Yankees will send rookie Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA) to face the Athletics' Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71 ERA). Warren has shown flashes of brilliance, including a career-high eight strikeouts in a recent outing, but he has also struggled with command, making his performance a key point of interest in this matchup.
Warren's inconsistency has raised questions about his ability to handle the A's lineup, which has been productive this season, slashing .258/.319/.421 with 48 home runs. Conversely, Bido has been effective at times but has also faced challenges, making this matchup one that could swing either way.
As the Yankees take the field at Sutter Health Park, they will be looking to build on their recent success and assert their dominance over the Athletics. The Yankees won the season series against Oakland last year, taking five of seven meetings, and they will aim to replicate that success.
Fans can expect an action-packed series as the Yankees and Athletics clash in what promises to be an exciting weekend of baseball. With the stakes high and both teams eager to make a statement, this series is sure to deliver plenty of drama and unforgettable moments.
In terms of betting odds, the over/under for the game is set at 10.5, with -120 odds on the over and +100 odds on the under. Given the offensive capabilities of both teams, many analysts believe the over is a solid bet. The Yankees have covered the run line as a favorite in three straight meetings, and with their current form, they are poised to continue that trend.
As the Yankees step onto the field, they will also be hoping for a strong performance from their supporting cast. Players like Jasson Domínguez, who is batting fifth and playing left field, and J.C. Escarra, who has been a clutch performer, will need to rise to the occasion. With Cody Bellinger taking the day off, the lineup will rely on its depth to secure a win.
On the other side, the Athletics will look to their star rookie Jacob Wilson, who has been impressive this season with a .357 batting average, three home runs, and 21 RBIs. Wilson will lead off for the A's, and his performance will be crucial as Oakland seeks to upset the favored Yankees.
As the countdown to first pitch continues, fans are reminded to tune in to the game on MLB Network and catch all the action live. With the Yankees' powerful offense and the Athletics' determination, this series is set to be a thrilling showcase of Major League Baseball.
