The San Francisco Giants and Athletics continue their newly renamed “Highway 80 Series” on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Oracle Park as part of MLB’s inaugural Rivalry Weekend, adding a fresh narrative to this longstanding Bay Area showdown, especially following the Athletics’ relocation to Sacramento. Friday’s opener saw the Giants deliver a decisive 9–1 win, powered by an historic performance from Wilmer Flores, who belted three home runs and drove in eight runs—a feat that tied him with Aaron Judge for the MLB lead in RBIs at 41 and instantly shifted momentum in San Francisco’s favor. The Giants now enter Saturday’s contest with a 26–19 record, firmly in the hunt in the National League West and riding a wave of offensive productivity, having averaged 5.4 runs per game over their last ten outings. Manager Bob Melvin will send right-hander Landen Roupp to the mound, who carries a 2–3 record and a 4.95 ERA into the game. Roupp has flashed upside but will need to improve his command and keep the ball in the yard against an Athletics squad that, while inconsistent, features a few legitimate threats in the lineup. The Athletics, now 22–23, will counter with veteran Luis Severino, who holds a 1–4 record and a 4.70 ERA. Though Severino has shown flashes of his former All-Star form, he’s struggled with efficiency and will be tested by a red-hot Giants lineup that includes the surging Heliot Ramos, who is batting .405 in May and has emerged as a dynamic weapon in the outfield.

The Athletics’ offense has been led by rookie standout Jacob Wilson, who is slashing .347 with five home runs and 26 RBIs, and catcher Shea Langeliers, who adds some pop from behind the plate. Still, Oakland (or rather Sacramento) has battled inconsistency at the plate, averaging just 3.9 runs per game and struggling with run prevention, as their team ERA of 5.18 ranks near the bottom of the majors. Defensively, they’ve shown flashes of athleticism but have lacked the execution and experience to contain top-tier lineups. For the Giants, this game represents more than just a rivalry—it’s an opportunity to continue climbing in the standings while asserting dominance in a series that has taken on a new identity with the A’s transitional phase. The key for San Francisco will be maintaining their aggressive approach at the plate, taking advantage of Severino’s command issues, and getting another solid start from Roupp to keep the bullpen fresh. Meanwhile, the A’s will need their young hitters to deliver early and often while Severino gives them length and stability. Saturday’s game offers a chance to extend or even the series, depending on perspective, but more than anything, it’s a measuring stick for a Giants team on the rise and an Athletics team still trying to find its identity post-relocation. Expect an energized crowd, narrative-heavy commentary, and plenty of intensity as the clubs battle for regional bragging rights and a crucial May win.