A First Time Trip To Sacramento — Series Preview: Phillies at Athletics, May 23-25
May 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate defeating the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Phillies are on fire.
Nearly one month ago, the Phillies were swept by their rival, the New York Mets. They lost five straight games and sat at a 13-13 record, and many people felt that the team was heading in the wrong direction. Today, the Phillies have won 19 of their last 24 games, sitting at 32-18, the best record in the National League and 0.5 games back for the best record in all of baseball.
They’re winners of their last seven games, sweeping both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies, and will travel to a city that they’ve never had to play a game in before. They’re going to Sacramento to play the former Oakland Athletics, now referred to as just the Athletics or the A’s, at Sutter Health Park, which is a minor league park for the A’s.
How Long Can The Win Streak Go?
No matter where they’re playing, the Phillies will attempt to continue their seven-game win streak and continue to build their lead atop the National League and the NL East. Their longest winning streak in the modern era is 13 games, but could this streak go longer? While their recent opponents haven’t been the best teams in the world, the Phillies are playing fun and complete baseball.
They’re producing runs, pitching outstanding, whether it’s starters or relievers, and playing good defense. They’re doing it all. But most importantly, out of everything they’re doing, it seems like the team is having fun. At their best, the Phillies are one of, if not the best, team in the MLB. They have a great mix of veterans and young players who hit home runs, steal bases, and pitch great, while also having fun doing it.
Yes, they have pressure to win the World Series. They haven’t gotten the job done yet, and the pressure to get it done is building, especially as this team begins to age. However, this team is at its best when they’re relaxed and enjoying themselves at the ballpark, playing baseball with the boys, and right now they’re doing just that.
Is The Showman Back?
One reason for the Phillies’ success recently has been the enhanced play from the team’s star player, Bryce Harper. Harper is one of the best players in baseball, but before a few weeks ago, you wouldn’t think that at his batting average had dropped to .228, and you could’ve made the argument that he was the worst player in the Phillies lineup for an extended period of time.
Over the last couple of weeks, Harper has drastically improved his game, jumping his average up to .275 and has 16 RBIs over his last 17 games. What’s the secret? It could be Harper’s new shaved head look, which he could’ve taken inspiration from Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni.
During the Phillies’ seven-game win streak, Harper has been on fire, hitting .500, slugging .750, totaling 14 hits and nine RBIs. When Harper is playing at his best, it seems like the Phillies are playing their best baseball. If Harper continues to play this well, the team will follow.
Stopping A Hungry A’s Team
Make no mistake, though, this Athletics team is on the rise. While their 22-29 record isn’t, this offense is good, and the pitching staff has a few excellent arms. For the offense, it’s led by Brent Rooker, who leads the team with 11 home runs, and Tyler Soderstrom, who has 10 home runs and 30 RBIs this year. On top of that, Lawrence Butler, Shea Langeliers, and rookies Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz make up a young core that is ready to take the next step.
The pitching staff isn’t as great, but they have solid players. The Phillies will see Jeffrey Springs, who has put together a nice season so far, totaling a 3.91 ERA and 41 strikeouts. In the bullpen, Mason Miller is one of the best closers in the game, and Justin Sterner‘s 1.88 ERA has been great. The Phillie can’t take this team lightly if they want to keep their winning streak alive.
Game Times and Broadcasts
Friday, May 23, 10:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Saturday, May 24, 10:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Sunday, May 25, 4:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP, WTTM 1680
Probable Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 5-1, 2.67 ERA) vs. Jeffrey Springs (LHP, 5-3, 3.91 ERA)
Game 2: Cristopher Sanchez (LHP, 4-1, 3.10 ERA) vs. J.T. Ginn (RHP, 1-2, 5.60 ERA)
Game 3: Jesus Luzardo (LHP, 5-0, 1.95 ERA) vs. Gunnar Hoglund (LHP, 1-2, 5.06 ERA)
By the Numbers
- Records
- Phillies: 32-18
- Athletics: 22-29
- Run Differential
- Phillies: 39
- Athletics: -74
- Runs Scored Per Game
- Phillies: 4.86
- Athletics: 4.25
- Runs Allowed Per Game
- Phillies: 4.08
- Athletics: 5.71
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Matt Brown
Matt has been a Philadelphia sports fan all his life and spent four years at Penn State University majoring in Broadcast Journalism and minoring in Sports Studies. He previously covered Penn State’s field hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball teams while writing for a Penn State blog called Onward State. He has now covered the Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers for Philly Sports Reports since October 2024 and wants to pursue a career in Sports Journalism.
