JP Sears keeps Aaron Judge, Yankees ‘off balance’ as Athletics bats show up in shutout win

Left-handed starter JP Sears allowed just two hits over 5 2/3 innings to fuel the Athletics’ 7-0 win over All-Star slugger Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.

“I thought I came with a good game plan today, winning behind the plate,” Sears told reporters postgame. “I felt I was able to execute my fastball in and away and execute the sweeper good away — keeping the hitters off balance.”

Sears earned four strikeouts to three walks and went to his four-seam fastball and sweeper for 71 of his 90 pitches (79 percent). Sears now holds a 6-7 record and 5.09 ERA on the 2025 MLB season, and the A’s improved to 34-51.

It was the 29-year-old Sears’ first-career win against the Yankees, the franchise where he started his major-league career before being traded to the A’s in 2022. He entered 0-4 over six games against the reigning AL champions.

“This was a big start for JP, to be able to bounce back, to hopefully get some momentum going,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about Sears, who entered also having allowed 10 earned runs over three consecutive losses. “It was one that he needed.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Kotsay added when asked if Sears pitched with extra motivation. “He’s pitched against the Yankees before. This was a start where he knew he had to be good today, and he met that challenge.”

Athletics

Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

 

 

Earning his first-career save in his second-career outing, right-handed reliever Jack Perkins finished the job with a one-hit 3 1/3 frames, allowing Kotsay to use just two arms. Perkins allowed one hit in three innings against the Cleveland Guardians in his big-league debut last Sunday.

The A’s offense equally was in full force, as the entire lineup — except right-fielder Lawrence Butler — finished with exactly one hit.

Designated hitter Brent Rooker sent a centered sweeper from Yankees right-handed starter Clarke Schmidt 403 feet to left center to give the Green and Gold a 1-0 lead and all it needed to win in the fourth.

And A’s top prospect and rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz added three RBI with a 356-foot three-run shot off Schmidt in the sixth, and now is up to 18 hits and 16 RBI since returning from the 10-day injured list (strained left hip flexor) on June 9.

“Yeah, we’re hoping so,” Rooker said about using Saturday to build momentum on “A’s Cast” with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jenny Cavnar and Dallas Braden. “We know and we’re confident in the damage we can do one through nine. All it takes is one game like that to get things rolling and go on a little run here.”

The A’s still have a ways to go to climb back into the AL playoff race. But Saturday’s all-around dominance could serve as a blueprint for what the Green and Gold’s potential can be.

Related Posts

🚨 Braves Eye Blockbuster: Former Top Prospect Could Be Traded for Brewers’ $15M Cy Young Winner and 2-Time All-Star—What This Means for Both Teams

Atlanta Braves Eyeing Freddy Peralta in Big Trade Push for Starting Pitching The Atlanta Braves are actively pursuing a proven starting pitcher before the 2026 offseason wraps…

Breaking: Orioles are signaling a major shift in philosophy with an increased focus on 2026 international free agents. The renewed push could mark the end of a lengthy trend and reshape the organization’s future talent strategy

Orioles Finally Embrace International Free Agency, Headlined by Jose Luis Acevedo in Breakthrough Class For years, the Baltimore Orioles were known not just for their cautious spending…

🚨 A SMALL GESTURE WITH BIG IMPACT: Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox has captured hearts with a quiet act of kindness on a flight, demonstrating that greatness is about more than just what happens on the field. This simple, thoughtful gesture is helping to shape his legacy, showing fans and teammates the true measure of his character. Moments like these define an athlete’s real influence. 👇👇👇

 In a world obsessed with stats, championships, and headlines, it’s rare to find a moment that transcends the game itself. But that’s exactly what Jarren Duran of…

🚨 THE RED SOX CRISIS: After the Red Sox’s $175M miss, a fiery ultimatum has been delivered by a 4-time All-Star to the front office. This misstep has ignited a storm of frustration, and the pressure is mounting for the team’s leadership to act quickly. Can the front office respond in time to prevent further fallout? 👇👇👇

In a move that has set Boston Red Sox fans ablaze with frustration, a $175 million miss on a key free agent target has led to fiery backlash within the organization. The Red…

🚨 FREDDIE FREEMAN’S HEARTBREAKING REVELATION: In an emotional moment, Freddie Freeman tearfully opened up about his father’s illness. “I’ve lost my mother… I don’t want to lose my father too,” he said. His words have struck a chord with fans and athletes alike, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the importance of family. 👇👇👇

Los Angeles – The baseball world fell silent today. Not because of a decisive home run, not because of a blockbuster trade, but because of the heartbreaking…

💣 REPORT METS rock queens with a bold three-year swing as Kyle Tucker suddenly becomes the epicenter and the entire league holds its breath. the $120–$140m figure heats up front offices and makes rivals feel the pressure rising fast. one decision could flip the power race this season..ll 👇👇👇

The specifics surrounding the New York Mets’ aggressive pursuit of four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker are beginning to crystallize, as new reports from well-connected league insiders shed…