The Chicago Cubs demonstrated resilience and skill in their recent game against the Athletics, showcasing their ability to adapt to a minor-league ballpark atmosphere. With 21 hits, including six doubles and four home runs, the Cubs crushed the Athletics 18-3. A standout performance came from catcher Carson Kelly, who made history by hitting for the cycle—the first Cubs' player to do so since Mark Grace in 1993. Kelly's pivotal moment occurred in the eighth inning, where he sprinted for a triple, ultimately sealing a memorable night for the team and its fans.

Encouraged by their accomplishments, including equalizing their season-high in runs and hits, the Cubs embraced the unique experience of playing in a Triple-A venue. This game was celebrated not just as a victory, but as a once-in-a-lifetime event for the players, further solidifying their camaraderie. With a sellout crowd cheering them on, they relished the rare joy of such a dominant win, promising to make the most of their experience in Sacramento.

Carson Kelly achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle and contributing to the Chicago Cubs' dominant 18-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics. This accomplishment marks the first cycle for a Cubs player since 1993, ending the longest cycle drought in the National League. Kelly's performance included four hits and five RBIs, showcasing his offensive prowess.

In a display of offensive fireworks, the Cubs recorded 21 hits, with multiple players, including Kyle Tucker and Dansby Swanson, achieving multi-hit games. Kelly's cycle came after a strategic at-bat where he capitalized on a pitch from left-hander T.J. McFarland, ending a 30-year wait for a Cubs cycle. The Cubs' manager praised the rarity of such days, emphasizing their significance in a player's career.

Carson Kelly made history on Monday night by hitting for the cycle during an impressive 18-3 win against the Oakland Athletics, making him the first Chicago Cubs player to achieve this feat since Mark Grace in 1993. Kelly's performance included a single, double, triple, and home run, marking him as only the 348th player in MLB history to accomplish this. Kelly's memorable night featured four hits, five RBIs, and three runs scored, showcasing his versatility at the plate.

In addition to being the 18th catcher to hit for the cycle, Kelly's achievement adds to the Cubs' storied legacy. His journey to the cycle began with a walk followed by a series of hits culminating in a 395-foot triple. This game was also notable as it marked the first-ever MLB game played at Sacramento's Sutter Health Park, where the A's are temporarily located while working on relocating to Las Vegas.

The 2025 home opener for the Oakland Athletics was a dismal affair, marked by an overwhelming 18-3 defeat against the Chicago Cubs at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. Carson Kelly notably made history by hitting for the cycle, becoming the first player in the league to achieve this feat this season and the first Cubs player to do so since 1993. The A's, in their temporary home as they transition to Las Vegas, honored the late Rickey Henderson, with all players wearing his No. 24 jersey. Despite renovations to the minor-league stadium, the A's faced significant challenges, including poor field conditions and a media setup resembling a shed. Starting pitcher Joey Estes struggled early, giving up two home runs in the first inning, contributing to a slow start for the A's.

The Texas Rangers have successfully avoided arbitration with catcher Jonah Heim and outfielder Leody Taveras for the 2025 season, agreeing to contracts that total just under $10 million. Taveras will receive $4.75 million, while Heim will earn $4.575 million, as confirmed on Thursday. This marks a continued trend for the Rangers, who have not faced arbitration hearings since 2000, highlighting their commitment to reaching agreements with players.

While both players had standout performances during the Rangers' World Series run in 2023, their production dipped significantly in the 2024 season. Taveras, who faced challenges against left-handers, registered a low .624 OPS, while Heim's struggles left him with an even lower OPS, impacting his defensive contributions as well.