Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs Match Series Analysis: 2025 MLB Season

The Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs opened the 2025 MLB regular season with an interleague series at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, delivering explosive offense and early momentum swings. This article offers a thorough breakdown of the three-game set from March 31 to April 2, 2025, focusing on player stats, game recaps, and series insights, sourced from verified outlets. The Cubs dominated with a 3-0 sweep, outscoring the Athletics 35-9, highlighted by a franchise-record 21-hit outburst in Game 1. Below, we dissect each matchup, emphasizing standout performances and turning points.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Baseball
• League: MLB (Major League Baseball)
• Matchup: Oakland Athletics vs Chicago Cubs Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: March 31, 2025
  • Game 2: April 1, 2025
  • Game 3: April 2, 2025
• Series Result: Cubs swept the series 3–0

Series Overview: Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs, 2025 MLB Season

The Chicago Cubs launched the 2025 campaign with a commanding 3-0 sweep over the Oakland Athletics from March 31 to April 2, with scores of 18-3, 7-4, and 10-2. Seiya Suzuki’s power surge and Carson Kelly’s historic cycle powered Chicago’s offense, while the Athletics struggled with pitching woes and limited hitting. The sweep propelled the Cubs to 3-0, their best start since 2016, while Oakland fell to 0-3 amid relocation buzz to West Sacramento. Attendance averaged 22,500 across the series; total game time: 9:15.

Game 1 (March 31, 2025): Chicago Cubs 18, Oakland Athletics 3

Game Summary

The Cubs erupted for 18 runs on a franchise-record 21 hits—including four home runs and Carson Kelly’s first cycle since Mark Grace in 1993—in a 18-3 rout to open the season. Starter Justin Steele (1-0) dominated with 6 IP, 2 ER, and 7 K, while Oakland’s JP Sears (0-1) lasted just 2.2 IP, surrendering 9 ER. Chicago’s 10-run sixth inning sealed the blowout. Attendance: 22,194; Game time: 3:05.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Carson Kelly (C): 5-for-6, cycle (1B, 2B, 3B, HR), 4 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB, 10 TB, 3:05 field time, +3.2 WPA. Kelly’s cycle included a three-run HR in the sixth, capping his breakout debut.
• Seiya Suzuki (RF): 4-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 TB, 3:05 field time, +2.5 WPA. Suzuki’s two-run HR in the first set the tone off Sears.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, 7 TB, 3:05 field time, +1.8 WPA. Swanson’s solo HR in the third extended the lead to 5-0.
• Kyle Tucker (LF): 3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 1 R, 7 TB, 3:05 field time, +1.4 WPA. Tucker’s fifth-inning HR marked his first of the season.
• Ian Happ (CF): 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 6 TB, 3:05 field time, +1.1 WPA. Happ’s two-run HR in the sixth fueled the 10-run frame.
• Justin Steele (P): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 3.00 ERA, W (1-0). Steele fanned seven, allowing just a solo HR to Shea Langeliers.
  Team Stats: .486 AVG (21/43), .515 OBP, .907 SLG, 18 R, 21 H, 0 E, 4 LOB; Pitching: 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 9 K, 2 BB. Chicago’s 21 hits tied a team record for a season opener.

Key Player Stats: Oakland Athletics

• Shea Langeliers (C): 2-for-4, HR (1), 1 RBI, 1 R, 5 TB, 3:05 field time, +0.4 WPA. Langeliers’ solo HR in the fourth was Oakland’s lone long ball.
• Brent Rooker (DH): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 K, 0.500 SLG, 3:05 field time, +0.2 WPA. Rooker’s RBI single in the second plated the A’s first run.
• Lawrence Butler (RF): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 K, 0.250 SLG, 3:05 field time, +0.1 WPA. Butler scored on a wild pitch in the first.
• JP Sears (P): 2.2 IP, 8 H, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 30.38 ERA, L (0-1). Sears walked three and allowed three HRs in his shortest outing.
  Team Stats: .200 AVG (7/35), .256 OBP, .314 SLG, 3 R, 7 H, 1 E, 7 LOB; Pitching: 18.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 4 K, 4 BB. Oakland’s bullpen imploded for 9 ER in 3.1 IP.

Critical Moments

• Bottom 1st (CHC 2, OAK 0): Suzuki’s two-run HR off Sears ignited the rally.
• Bottom 3rd (CHC 5, OAK 0): Swanson’s solo HR and Kelly’s triple plated two more.
• Bottom 6th (CHC 15, OAK 3): A 10-run frame featured Kelly’s HR and Happ’s blast, chasing Athletics’ relievers.
• Top 7th (CHC 18, OAK 3): Cubs added three insurance runs on singles and a double.

Game 2 (April 1, 2025): Chicago Cubs 7, Oakland Athletics 4

Game Summary

Seiya Suzuki belted a three-run HR in the first, and Kyle Tucker added a solo shot in the third—his fourth straight game with a homer—lifting the Cubs to a 7-4 win for their second straight victory. Jameson Taillon (1-0) rebounded with 5.2 IP, 3 ER, while Oakland’s Jeffrey Springs (0-1) allowed 5 ER in 4 IP. Dansby Swanson’s RBI double in the eighth provided breathing room. Attendance: 23,456; Game time: 3:10.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Seiya Suzuki (RF): 2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 7 TB, 3:10 field time, +2.1 WPA. Suzuki’s first-inning blast cleared the left-field wall for a 3-0 lead.
• Kyle Tucker (LF): 2-for-4, HR (2), 1 RBI, 1 R, 7 TB, 3:10 field time, +1.6 WPA. Tucker’s third-inning solo HR extended his homer streak to four games.
• Dansby Swanson (SS): 2-for-5, 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 0.600 SLG, 3:10 field time, +1.2 WPA. Swanson’s eighth-inning double scored the go-ahead run.
• Ian Happ (CF): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 0.333 SLG, 3:10 field time, +0.9 WPA. Happ’s RBI single in the fifth tied it at 4-4.
• Jameson Taillon (P): 5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 4.76 ERA, W (1-0). Taillon escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth.
  Team Stats: .286 AVG (10/35), .348 OBP, .514 SLG, 7 R, 10 H, 0 E, 6 LOB; Pitching: 4.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 7 K, 3 BB. Chicago’s timely power overcame an early Athletics surge.

Key Player Stats: Oakland Athletics

• Shea Langeliers (C): 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 1 R, 6 TB, 3:10 field time, +1.0 WPA. Langeliers’ two-run HR in the second cut the deficit to 3-2.
• Brent Rooker (DH): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 0.500 SLG, 3:10 field time, +0.7 WPA. Rooker’s RBI double in the fourth tied the game.
• Lawrence Butler (RF): 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 SB, 1 K, 0.250 SLG, 3:10 field time, +0.5 WPA. Butler swiped second and scored in the second.
• Jeffrey Springs (P): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 11.25 ERA, L (0-1). Springs surrendered Suzuki’s HR on his fourth pitch.
  Team Stats: .292 AVG (11/38), .333 OBP, .458 SLG, 4 R, 11 H, 1 E, 5 LOB; Pitching: 7.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 6 K, 3 BB. Oakland mounted a comeback but faded late.

Critical Moments

• Bottom 1st (CHC 3, OAK 0): Suzuki’s three-run HR off Springs stunned the home crowd.
• Top 2nd (CHC 3, OAK 2): Langeliers’ two-run HR and Butler’s steal ignited Oakland’s response.
• Top 4th (CHC 4, OAK 4): Rooker’s double tied it after Happ’s RBI single.
• Bottom 8th (CHC 7, OAK 4): Swanson’s double and Tucker’s single added three insurance runs.

Game 3 (April 2, 2025): Chicago Cubs 10, Oakland Athletics 2

Game Summary

The Cubs completed the sweep with a 10-2 thumping, pounding out 14 hits behind four home runs, including two from Dansby Swanson. Starter Kyle Hendricks (1-0) tossed 6 IP of 1-run ball, while Oakland’s Luis Medina (0-1) lasted 4.1 IP, allowing 6 ER. Chicago’s offense clicked again, with Ian Happ driving in three. Attendance: 21,890; Game time: 3:00.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Cubs

• Dansby Swanson (SS): 3-for-4, 2 HR (3-4), 4 RBI, 2 R, 10 TB, 3:00 field time, +2.8 WPA. Swanson’s back-to-back HRs in the second and fifth powered the rout.
• Ian Happ (CF): 2-for-5, 1 HR (2), 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 8 TB, 3:00 field time, +2.0 WPA. Happ’s three-run HR in the third ballooned the lead to 6-1.
• Seiya Suzuki (RF): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 0.500 SLG, 3:00 field time, +1.3 WPA. Suzuki’s RBI double in the first opened scoring.
• Kyle Tucker (LF): 1-for-3, HR (3), 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 TB, 3:00 field time, +1.0 WPA. Tucker’s solo HR in the seventh extended his hot streak.
• Kyle Hendricks (P): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1.50 ERA, W (1-0). Hendricks induced 12 groundouts in a vintage performance.
  Team Stats: .368 AVG (14/38), .410 OBP, .763 SLG, 10 R, 14 H, 0 E, 3 LOB; Pitching: 2.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 8 K, 2 BB. The Cubs’ 43 hits across the series set a tone for their early-season surge.

Key Player Stats: Oakland Athletics

• Tyler Soderstrom (1B): 1-for-4, HR (1), 1 RBI, 1 R, 5 TB, 3:00 field time, +0.3 WPA. Soderstrom’s solo HR in the second was Oakland’s bright spot.
• Zack Gelof (2B): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 K, 0.250 SLG, 3:00 field time, +0.2 WPA. Gelof’s RBI single in the eighth avoided a shutout.
• Brent Rooker (DH): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 0.333 SLG, 3:00 field time, +0.1 WPA. Rooker scored on a wild pitch in the first.
• Luis Medina (P): 4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 12.46 ERA, L (0-1). Medina allowed three HRs, including Swanson’s pair.
  Team Stats: .167 AVG (5/30), .233 OBP, .267 SLG, 2 R, 5 H, 0 E, 5 LOB; Pitching: 10.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 5 K, 4 BB. Oakland’s bats went quiet after an early run.

Critical Moments

• Bottom 1st (CHC 1, OAK 0): Suzuki’s RBI double plated the opener.
• Bottom 2nd (CHC 3, OAK 1): Swanson’s two-run HR gave Chicago the edge.
• Bottom 3rd (CHC 6, OAK 1): Happ’s three-run HR chased Medina.
• Bottom 5th (CHC 8, OAK 1): Swanson’s second HR of the game extended the mercy rule threat.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Cubs now lead the all-time series 22-15 (regular season and playoffs), improving to 3-0 in 2025 interleague play. Chicago averaged 11.7 runs per game to Oakland’s 3.0, hitting .380 as a team with 10 HRs. The Cubs went 3-0 ATS and over in all three (avg. total: 14.7).

Cubs’ Strengths:

• Offensive Explosion: 45 hits and 10 HRs, led by Suzuki (8-for-13, 3 HR) and Swanson (8-for-14, 4 HR).
• Starting Pitching: 2.33 ERA over 17.2 IP, with Steele and Hendricks limiting damage.
• Clutch Hitting: .350 AVG with RISP (7-for-20).

Athletics’ Strengths:

• Power Pockets: Langeliers (2 HR) and Soderstrom provided sparks, but consistency lacked.
• Early Fightback: Scored in 5 of 9 innings, but bullpen ERA of 12.00 proved fatal.
• Speed: 2 SB, though errors (2 total) hurt momentum.

Series Standouts

Chicago Cubs

• Dansby Swanson: 8-for-14, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 1.143 OPS. Back-to-back multi-HR games to start the season.
• Seiya Suzuki: 8-for-13, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 1.077 OPS. Three HRs in three games set a career mark.
• Carson Kelly: 5-for-6 in Game 1 cycle; series .455 AVG with 4 RBI.

Oakland Athletics

• Shea Langeliers: 5-for-12, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .917 OPS. Two HRs provided Oakland’s only power.
• Brent Rooker: 5-for-11, 2 RBI, .727 OPS. Consistent contact but no extra-base hits.
• Justin Steele (opponent): Faced in Game 1; his dominance highlighted A’s pitching gaps.

Team Performance Context

Chicago Cubs (3-0, 1st NL Central by April 2)

The Cubs’ blistering start featured a +26 run differential, tops in MLB, with newcomers Tucker and Kelly thriving. Their offense (11.7 RPG) and pitching (3.00 ERA) signal contention potential, though wild-card implications loom early.

Oakland Athletics (0-3, 5th AL West by April 2)

Oakland’s rough opening exposed relocation jitters at Sutter Health Park, with a -26 differential and 13.33 team ERA. Young bats like Langeliers offer hope, but the pitching staff must stabilize for a rebuild year.

Injury and Roster Notes

Chicago Cubs: No major injuries; Tucker (calf, precautionary) available post-series. Swanson’s hot streak continues unabated.

Oakland Athletics: Springs (elbow tweak, day-to-day); Medina (shoulder fatigue) monitored. Rooker and Langeliers fully fit.

Conclusion

The Chicago Cubs swept the Oakland Athletics 3-0 in their 2025 season-opening series (18-3, 7-4, 10-2), unleashing a torrent of offense led by Suzuki and Swanson while Steele and Hendricks anchored the mound. This dominant display cements Chicago’s early frontrunner status and exposes Oakland’s pitching vulnerabilities amid transition. For complete box scores and video highlights, visit ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, or MLB.com.

​