WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Of all the pitches that Matthew Liberatore threw in a prolonged slog through the fifth inning, the one that went the farthest fittingly did the most damage.
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Photos: Athletics rally past Cardinals, take Game 2 in Sacramento
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates with third baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) motions to team mates after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) points to the sky after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) motions to team mates after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics thirds baseman Max Muncy (3) places a gold chain on first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) after Kurtz hit a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates with second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) after hitting a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) walks back to the mound during the fifth inning of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) reacts after fouling a ball off his foot during the fifth inning of the game against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits a grand slam against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) throws the ball to first base against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics third baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) jogs to first base after hitting a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) throws the ball to first base against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics third baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) fields a ground ball against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) throws the ball to first base against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics third baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) hits a single against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) hits a single against the Athletics during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) attempts to avoid a tag by Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) attempts to avoid a tag by Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman (16) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) catches a fly ball against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) fields a ground ball against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Zack Gelof (20) throws the ball to first base against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) throws to first base during the first inning of the game against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) hits a double against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) catches his helmet after striking out against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Michael Stefanic (17) turns a double play against ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) checks the runner against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws a pitch against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws a pitch against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws to first base against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins (50) throws a pitch against the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) celebrates with first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) after defeating the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics right fielder Brent Rooker (25) and center fielder Henry Bolte (33) and right fielder Colby Thomas (32) celebrate after defeating the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins (50) and catcher Shea Langeliers (23) celebrate after defeating the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
