Cubs hammer Estes to open Sacramento era, A’s lose 18-3

Not a great introduction to the new digs

The A’s lost their first game in Sacramento tonight, losing to the Chicago Cubs in embarrassing fashion by a final of 18-3 to open the home stand.

The club got their Sacramento era started this evening, but it did not go as planned. Right-hander Joey Estes got the ball for the Green & Gold tonight, making his first start of the season. Things went south very fast for the 23-year old tonight. Chicago tagged him with four quick runs in the very first inning, taking him deep twice in that very first frame. It would be a things to come later in the evening.

While Estes did settle down a bit after a rough start the Cubs were in the drivers’ seat all evening. The A’s mounted a small comeback attempt a few innings into the game, with young shortstop Jacob Wilson scoring the first runs for the Athletics in their new home:

The first of many! That’s big fly #1 for Wilson and definitely not the last.

The Cubs got that run right back in the next inning however. The A’s fought back and scored a pair in the bottom half of the frame, which included Max Munch’a first career double and second career RBI. That was all the club count mount against Chicago tonight, though. Cubs starter Ben Brown had an easy time against an A’s team that is still finding its way offensively. Doesn’t hurt that he was given a massive lead in the game either.

Estes just didn’t have it tonight. Chicago was all over him from the jump and while he kept the Cubs off the board for a couple innings there, they never relented against the A’s young starter. Chicago scored another run in the fifth inning to chase him from the game but they didn’t let up there. Righty Mitch Spence came on to relieve Estes but got hit just as hard as the guy who beat him out for the starting role. After securing just two outs Spence gave this game away, allowing four runs and not even finishing the frame. Rule 5 pick Noah Murdock made into the contest and got absolutely lit up, allowing six earned runs in an inning of work. Not a great showing from an arm that needs to post at least decent results if he wants to stick on the team for the next six months.

Chicago added on an extra couple insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings, which saw the Athletics send backup catcher Johnny Pereda to the mound to soak up that last inning. At the end of the evening it was a massive blowout, with the A’s dropping their “home” opener 18-3 and not looking like they’re at home.

The club gets another chance to win that first game in front of the home crowd tomorrow night. Opening Day starter Luis Severino will take the hill for the first time at Sutter Health Field and he’ll be aiming to get the club in the win column in front of the fans. Chicago will counter with ace lefty Justin Steele for tomorrow’s matchup. Another pitching duel on tap?