Month: April 2026

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Celebrini builds Sharks confidence in post season push

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San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (71) is exalted after scoring a third period goal against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks celebrates with defensman Dimitry Orlov (9) at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Apr 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Can the Sharks extend their momentum in the playoff race? San Jose enters this matchup on a winning streak and currently holds a wild-card position, making this a crucial game for maintaining momentum.

#2 Will Nashville’s recent surge continue on the road? The Predators are coming off a big shootout win and are tied in points with San Jose, highlighting how critical this head-to-head matchup is in the standings.

#3 Which team’s offense will break through defensively vulnerable opponents? Both teams allow over three goals per game on average, raising the question of whether this turns into a high-scoring contest.

#4 Can Nashville maintain its dominance in the head-to-head series? The Predators have already beaten the Sharks this season and have historically performed very well in recent matchups.

#5 How will goaltending impact a tightly matched game? With similar records and point totals, performances from key goalies like Juuse Saros could be the deciding factor.

Mary Lisa does the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

March Western Conference Rookie of the Month Raynaud leads Kings to thrilling 117-113 comeback win with 28 points over Pelicans

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Happy Sacramento Kings circle around the beam button from left to right Precious Achiuwa (left), Dylan Cardwell (32), Daeqwon Plowden, Nique Clifford (5), and Maxime Raynaud (42) after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Fri Apr 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Friday, April 3, 2026

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

New Orleans Pelicans 113 (25-53)

Sacramento Kings 117 (21-57)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–In a season that has lacked thrilling moments, the Kings created some Friday night, as they came all the way back from a 17-point deficit in the second quarter, led by March Western Conference Rookie of the Month Maxime Raynaud, to a late 117-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Following a 123-115 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, the Kings had a chance to do something they have only done four times all season, and that was win back-to-back games. The Kings would be up against another team that will be going home for the summer in less than 10 days, the New Orleans Pelicans.

Contrary to reporting by The Onion, the Kings won the opening tip, and we had a game here at Golden 1 Center Friday night. The Pelicans opened up an early 7-2 lead, as Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey led the early charge. Maxime Raynaud scored all of the Kings’ first eight points of the night, and helped close the deficit to 9-8.

DeMar DeRozan hit a jumper to give the Kings their first lead of the night, 10-9 with 7:31 left in the first quarter. However, after Trey Murphy the III slammed one down just 35 seconds later, New Orleans took control of the game.

The Pelicans led 30-21 at the end of the first quarter, and then had opened their lead to 55-38 with 4:25 left in the second quarter. This was looking to be an uneventful laugher. However, the Kings closed out the quarter with a 17-11 run to close the deficit to 66-55 at the half.

By the half, Jeremiah Fears, who had not started the game for the Pelicans, led both teams with 18 points. Raynaud led the Kings with 17 points in the first half, and it wasn’t even close. Daeqwon Plowden was second with nine points.

The Kings carried their momentum into the third quarter, as they went on a 9-3 run in just the first minute and 43 seconds. The Pelicans just as quickly regained the momentum, and opened their lead back to 81-71 with 6:54 to go. The Kings were able to tread along for the rest of the quarter, and trailed 92-85 at the end.

Nique Clifford and Precious Achiuwa came alive in the third quarter, scoring nine and eight points respectively in the quarter. Bey scored eight in the third quarter, doubling his overall point total for the night to 16.

DeRozan scored six points in the third quarter to get his total for the night to ten, and he opened the fourth quarter with a pair of jumpers to close it to just a three-point game at 92-89. Devon Carter, who had only scored three points on the night, then hit a three to tie the game at 92-92, and the 15,422 here at Golden 1 Center went berzerk.

The Pelicans immediately retook the lead on a dunk by Murphy. Fears then hit a layup after being fouled, and hit his shot from the line to open New Orelans’ lead back to seven at 105-98 with 6:10 to go.

Plowden hit a three to send a message that the Kings were still coming. Bey was fouled, and hit both from the line. Raynaud then hit a jumper and a layup, and it was back to a two-point game at 107-105 with 4:25 to go.

In what had seemed to be a lopsided affair between two teams completely out of contention, a real thriller was arising, as this one was going to go all the way down to the bitter end. Raynaud re-tied it with a jumper, and after Fears put the Pelicans back ahead with a jumper, Clifford hit one of his own.

It was now 109-109 with 3:23 left. Plowden took a flagrant foul from Derik Queen, and hit all three from the line. The Kings were now ahead for just the second time Friday night, and were two minutes and 37 seconds away from an improbable win.

The game stayed tight, but the Kings held their lead for the remainder of the game, and won it 117-113.

Maxime Raynaud has had an incredible couple of days. Thursday, he was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March. Friday night, he scored 28 points in an incredible come-from-behind win for the Kings. He also had nine rebounds, and four assists.

Raynaud was on hand courtside to light the beam, and most of the 15,422 here at Golden 1 Center Friday night went home happy.

Four games left for the Kings now, and they will welcome the Los Angeles Clippers to Sacramento for an evening game on Sunday. The Clippers are currently the ninth seed in the Western Conference, and are right now playing to determine which games they will play in in the play-in tournament.

Tipoff will be at 6 p.m.

A’s Power Past Astros 11-4 in Home Opener Behind Springs’ Strong Start

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Lawrence Butler #4 of the Athletics rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home in in the bottom of the fourth inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Eakin Howard/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Athletics played their home opener on Friday night at Sutter Health Park. The A’s came home to the friendly confines after a brutal 1-5 road trip to start the season that saw them make stops in Toronto and Atlanta. The A’s were swept in Toronto to open the year before losing 3-2 to the Braves in their second series of the season. The A’s bullpen and a myriad of other shortcomings were to blame for their slow start on the road, where the A’s would play three of their first four series of the year. However, the A’s traveled to Sacramento on Thursday in hopes of turning the tide of the early season at home.

On Friday, behind a terrific outing from Jeffrey Springs, an offensive outburst, and the energy of a sold-out crowd, the A’s defeated the Houston Astros 11-4 on a crisp 73-degree night.

Jeffrey Springs led the way and set the tempo for the A’s as he tossed six innings of two-hit, one-run baseball en route to the victory, his first win of the young season.

“I think working between outings, fastball, command at the top, moving it around. I felt like I did well in Toronto by getting to two strikes but not being able to put guys away. And today I feel like I did a better job of it,” Jeffrey Springs said after the game. “Obviously another really good lineup over there, but just game planning with Shay, I felt like we were on the same page. Just being able to make some moves, trying to keep ’em off balance as much as possible.”

It was an impressive outing from Springs, who lowered his season ERA to 2.38 with the win.

The rest of the A’s pitching staff struggled, but it proved to be a moot point as the A’s lead was large enough to withstand those struggles.

Michael Kelly came in following Springs to pitch the seventh inning for the A’s. Kelly wasn’t his sharpest self, as the right-hander gave up three walks, a hit, and one run while throwing 32 pitches in the inning.

In the eighth and ninth innings, Mark Kotsay gave the ball to J.T. Ginn to finish out the A’s win over the Astros. Ginn was not sharp as he surrendered a walk and three hits while giving up two runs in his two innings of work. Ginn was obviously laboring, but he managed to limit the damage and allowed Mark Kotsay to keep the rest of the bullpen rested.

The Athletics offense did the heavy lifting on Friday as they broke out for 11 runs on 13 hits while walking seven times.

The A’s production at the plate was highlighted by Lawrence Butler, who had three hits and four RBIs. Butler had two singles and a three-run homer on the day.

Max Muncy was close on Butler’s heels as he recorded a home run of his own while tallying three hits and three RBIs.

Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson also each recorded two hits, and Soderstrom drove in a pair of runs in the game.

Jacob Wilson was also responsible for an outstanding Jeter-esque jump throw from the hole to retire Jake Meyers in the top of the fifth inning. The play showed signs of Wilson’s improved speed and defense this season, which is a welcome sight for the A’s.

The A’s stay home to take on the Astros in game two of their three-game series in a matinee affair at 1:05 p.m. PST. Luis Morales (0-1, 10.38 ERA) is slated to go for the A’s, while the Astros will counter with Tatsuya Imai (0-0, 13.50 ERA).

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

Mets get Revenge on Giants, Tying the Series, Final Score: 10-3

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San Francisco Giants RHP Tyler Mahle throws a strike at 91.9 mph Four-Seam Fastball on New York Met (#7) Brett Baty on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credit by the author Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Following San Francisco’s first home win Friday, the team hoped to extend its winning streak to two on Good Friday and San Jose State Night. However, the New York Mets had other plans as it was their turn to make it a big hitting night here in Oracle Park. The Mets would bring in 15 hits Friday night and get the win. The final score would be 10-3.

The winning pitcher would be the New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean, who almost got himself a perfect game through six innings. San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle would take the loss in this game, as he gave up five runs and eight hits for the night.

Both of these teams had different direction performances. The Giants had a great hitting sequence yesterday, but struggled tonight and only got five hits. While on the other side, the Mets’ offense struggled yesterday but prospered overnight and came out swinging. The Mets would tally up 15 hits tonight.

The New York Mets strike first in the first inning with a couple of runs scored by Mets Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette, making the score 2-0. Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle was having some early struggles, and the Giants’ defense was letting line drives in, getting players on the bases. Also, the Giants had a quick 1-2-3 batting order and weren’t able to respond to the Mets’ hot start.

However, the Mets would go down a man in this game as Juan Soto was removed from Friday night’s game with right calf tightness. Soto will be replaced by left outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Soto went 1-1 in just playing the 1st inning. Though that wasn’t slowing down the Met’s defense, especially thanks to their starting pitcher, Nolan McLean.

The Mets were feeling determined to bounce back after that Game 1 loss to the Giants yesterday. So starting McLean was their clear choice, espcially that Nolan McLean, through his first 9 MLB starts: 2.21 ERA, 65 Ks. The only other pitchers to reach those marks since ER became an official statistic in 1913: Paul Skenes (2024), Orel Hershiser (1984), Jose DeLeon (1983), and Fernando Valenzuela (1981). Elite company to be in for McLean. Just after the first two innings, he would make the Giants go back-to-back, on a 1-2-3 batting order.

Top of the fourth, the Mets would see some success on their offense. As Mets Marcus Semien would get himself a homer and an RBI. The score would now be 4-0. Then Mets Francisco Alvarez would join the party, as he would get himself a solo homerun, making the score 5-0. Finally, once the Giants got the bleeding stopped, it was their turn at bat. Nothing much has changed, though, as the Mets’ defense and Nolan McLean have been a problem all night for the Giants.

By the top of the sixth, the Giants called it a night for their pitcher, Tyler Mahle. Mahle went four strikeouts, two HR, five Runs, and five hits. San Francisco would bring in RHP JT Brubaker. With that, the Giants’ offense was still not scoring. After a great hitting sequence last night, the Giants were struggling to make some contact with the ball. McLean is still in the game, pitching; he has four strikeouts, and is at 78 pitches.

San Francisco would finally get a hit, and it was a big one. Coming from the Giants, Willy Adames, who would hit a ground-rule double to right-center field. He would bring in a run, with Patrick Bailey scoring and Harrison Bader on third base. A much-needed turnaround is needed for the Giants, but the Mets would make the call to end McLean’s night after that hit from them. Nolan McLean was so close to giving him a perfect game. The Mets would bring in LHP Brooks Raley with just one out in the bottom of the sixth.

Mets pitcher Brooks Raley’s fastball would get by his catcher, Francisco Alvarez, which would bring in a run for the Giants. The score would now be 5-2, but the Mets’ defense would kick in and end that stretch for the Giants. So, top of the seventh comes, and Mets Francisco Alvarez made up for his mistake on letting the fastball get by him, and got a run in for San Francisco. So Alvarez decided and wanted to get his second homer of the night at 401ft distance, pushing the Mets’ lead, 6-2.

Still in the top of the seventh, the Mets just kept coming at the Giants. They were able to get two hits, dropping them right in front of the outfielders. So with the Mets’ smart placement hitting, they would get a couple of runs, making the score 8-2. So San Francisco responded by pulling out JT Brubaker, ending him at two strikeouts, one HR, and three hits. The Giants would put in LHP Matt Gage with one out, but he goes to work and gets his first strikeout on his first batter and stops the inning.

After the eighth inning, and going into the final inning of the game. The Giants got a run in to be down just five runs; the score was 8-3. However, that wasn’t enough to start the ninth inning. Mets Brett Baty would get a double down leftfield and an RBI, making the score 9-3. The Giants made one last pitcher change, so the Mets decided to get one last run in as well. By the bottom of the ninth, it was 10-3. So with the Giants one last time at bat, nothing came out of it as the New York Mets would win and tie the series this season, 1-1.

Once more, for the third time this week, the San Francisco Giants will host the New York Mets Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. back in Oracle Park. The Mets will send out RHP Clay Holmes (1-0) as their starting pitcher. The Giants will counter with RHP Landen Roupp, also (1-0), as their starting pitcher. This game again will be broadcasted on NBCS BA.

Musty’s career night sparks Barracuda in 6-3 win over Eagles

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San Jose Barracuda forward Quentin Musty (#13) tries to put the puck into the net while Colorado Eagles goalie Kyle Keyser (#37) spreads out to make a save on the shot attempt at Tech CU Arena on Friday APR 3, 2026. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Quentin Musty scored two goals for the San Jose Barracuda as they defeated the Colorado Eagles 6-3 on Friday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose snapped its four-game losing streak. Colorado had its three-game winning streak snapped.

San Jose (39-22-2-2-82 points) drew first blood early in the first period with an odd man rush. Jimmy Huntington led a two-on-one counterattack inside Colorado’s zone. Huntington sent a cross-ice pass over to Egor Afanasyev who blasted a one-timer past Eagles goalie Kyle Keyser for his 14th goal at the 2:07 mark.

Colorado (39-17-5-5-88 points) answered just over two minutes later back when Tristan Neilsen ripped a wrist shot over the shoulder of Cuda goalie Laurent Brossoit for his career best 25th goal of the season at the 4:11 mark. Gavin Bradley and Jacob MacDonald received assists on the play.

It didn’t take long for the Barracuda to regain the lead. Afanasyev returned the favor when he setup Musty who snapped home a wrist that beat Keyser to the glove side for his 18th goal of the season 52 seconds later. Noah Beck received the secondary assist.

Patrick Giles gave San Jose a 3-1 lead with a short-handed goal just past the halfway mark of the opening frame when he chased down a long pass from Jake Boltmann that caromed off the boards. Giles skates in all alone before beating Keyser with a point-blank shot for his ninth goal of the season at the 10:29 mark.

Filip Bystedt make a great individual move to give the Cuda its third unanswered goal of the period. Colin White fed Bystedt the puck in the slot. Bystedt fought around a Colorado defender for a backhander that was saved by Keyser. Bystedt followed up his own rebound diving to the ice to put the puck in the back of the net for his 20th goal of the season at the 11:53 mark.

The Eagles stopped the bleeding with its second goal of the opening 20 minutes. Matt DiMarsico’s slapshot was initially stopped by Brossoit but Maroš Jedlička poked home the rebound from inside the crease for his fifth goal of the season at the 15:03 mark.

Colorado made it a one-goal deficit when Ivan Ivan finished off a nice give and go down low from Nielsen for his 10th goal of the season with 1:38 left in a wild first period.

A surprisingly scoreless second period featured both goaltenders rebounding with steady play between the pipes. San Jose out shot Colorado 10-6 in the middle frame.

Musty scored his second goal of the game late in the third period while San Jose was on a four-minute power play when Alex Barre-Boulet went to the sin bin for a double minor for high sticking. White sent a back door pass down to Musty who tapped the puck into an open net for his 19th goal of the season at the 15:15 mark.

Musty finished with a career high four-point game with two goals and two assists.

Then White scored the team’s second power play goal of the game 55 seconds later. White centered a puck through the crease that deflected off of Sean Behrens and went underneath Keyser for his 17th goal of the season.

Brossoit (15-7-1) finished with 26 saves on 29 shots to earn his 15th win of the season. Keyser (9-4-1) made 29 saves on 35 shots in the losing effort

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 2-for-4 on the power play. Colorado went 0-for-4.

Lucas Vanroboys played in his 100th AHL game.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Musty 2) Afanasyev 3) Bystedt.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Colorado conclude their two-game weekend series on Saturday at 3:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

Sacramento A’s podcast Mauricio Segura: A’s looking for that second win in home opener at Sutter Health Park

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Sacramento A’s catcher Shea Langeliers (23) was the only A’s run against the Atlanta Braves on Wed Apr 1, 2026 at Truist Park in Cobb County GA (AP file photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Mauricio Segura:

#1 Brent Rooker didn’t get a hit Wednesday in the Athletics game against the Braves but he’s a hitter who can break out at anytime?

#2 Talk about Zack Gelof’s being sent down to Las Vegas until his hitting improves?

#3 Luis Severino got touched up for four runs, four hits, five walks, and seven strike outs.

#4 On Wednesday Shea Langeliers got two hits and a run scored with one RBI despite the A’s 5-1 loss Langeliers can break out the bats at anytime.

#5 A’s and Houston Astros open three game series on the A’s home opener. It’s a brief homestand before Sacramento heads out to play six games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Park in New York.

Mauricio Segura is a Sacramento A’s beat writers a http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks dominate with 3 goal win 4-1 over Leafs

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Dimitry Orlov (9) collides with the Toronto Maple Leafs center Bo Groulx (29) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Apr 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 San Jose Sharks Zack Ostapchuk’s long wait is over as Ostapchuk scored his first goal in three months helping beat the Toronto Maple Leafs at SAP Center for the Sharks fourth win in a row.

#2 Collin Graf, William Eklund and Adam Gaudette scored goals for San Jose and the Sharks goaltender Alex Nedelijokvic stopped 18 Toronto shots in the 4-1 win.

#3 The Sharks are cutting close in their chase for the last wild card spot the Sharks are closing in and they haven’t been in the post season since 2018-19

#4 Sharks Macklin Celebrini who had scored nine points in his last three games was pretty much double teamed by the Leafs defense was held to three shots and didn’t score a goal.

#5 The Sharks next game is against the Nashville Predators and the Predators are one of the teams that the Sharks had been chasing in the wild card race Saturday night at SAP Center.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings take on the Pelicans at Golden 1 Friday

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It’s keep away as the Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes (4) holds the ball away from the Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Apr 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points and of those scored 14 points in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.

#2 The Kings got a performance out of Precious Achiuwa who scored 28 points and had 19 rebounds the most for Achiuwa this season.

#3 This game was in Toronto and the odds were not in the Kings favor but they surprised the Scotiabank crowd with a 123-115 win beating the Raptors.

#4 DeRozan accomplished scoring his 26,668th career point and moved into 17th place past the former Atlanta Hawk Dominque Wilkins on the NBA all time scoring list.

#5 Next up for the Kings it’s the 11th place New Orleans Pelicans come into Golden 1 Friday night. The Pelicans are a struggling bunch having lost five in a row. Talk about how you see this match up.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sharks Keeps Hopes Up High in 4-1 Win over Toronto Maple Leafs

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San Jose Sharks players gather to celebrate their win at SAP Center over the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 2, 2026 (Sharks Media)

By: Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif.–– The San Jose Sharks continued their late-season push toward the postseason with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night at SAP Center, extending their winning streak to three games and moving into a crucial playoff position.

With the Western Conference wild-card race tightening by the day, San Jose entered the contest fully aware that anything short of a win could jeopardize its chances. Instead, the Sharks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, combining early offensive execution with disciplined defensive play and timely special teams.

San Jose wasted little time asserting control. Just four minutes into the opening period, the Sharks capitalized on a faceoff win in the offensive zone. A quick puck movement from the boards to the right circle set up a clean shooting lane, and a well-placed wrist shot beat the Toronto goaltender to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead and energize the home crowd.

The early goal established the tempo, as San Jose dictated play through aggressive forechecking and efficient puck movement. Toronto generated several scoring opportunities midway through the period, including a pair of quality looks from the slot, but were unable to solve the Sharks’ defensive structure and goaltending.

The Sharks extended their lead later in the first period when Colin Graf capitalized on a loose puck in front of the net. After sustained pressure in the offensive zone, a shot from the point created a rebound that Graf quickly buried, giving San Jose a 2-0 advantage heading into the first intermission.

Toronto came out with greater urgency in the second period and began to tilt the ice, earning multiple power-play opportunities. The Maple Leafs broke through on one of those chances, as John Tavares converted with a precise shot from the faceoff circle, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and briefly shifting momentum in favor of the visitors.

Despite the goal, San Jose remained composed. The Sharks adjusted defensively, closing passing lanes and limiting second-chance opportunities, while also regaining control in the neutral zone. Physical play increased as both teams battled along the boards, but San Jose’s structure prevented Toronto from building sustained pressure.

In the third period, the Sharks reestablished their offensive rhythm and began to pull away. Strong puck possession and effective zone entries led to extended time in the attacking end, eventually resulting in an insurance goal that pushed the lead to 3-1. The sequence highlighted San Jose’s depth, with multiple players contributing to the buildup before the finish.

Toronto attempted to mount a late comeback, increasing offensive pressure and pulling its goaltender for an extra attacker in the final minutes. However, the Sharks’ defensive unit held firm, blocking shots and clearing rebounds to protect the lead.

With under a minute remaining, Adam Gaudette put the game out of reach, collecting the puck in the neutral zone and scoring into an empty net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The win carries significant playoff implications, as San Jose now occupies the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. After spending much of the season on the outside of the playoff picture, the Sharks have surged at a critical moment, fueled by improved defensive consistency and timely scoring.

San Jose will now look ahead to Saturday’s matchup, which looms as potentially the most important game of its season. With multiple teams still in contention for the final postseason spots, the Sharks understand that maintaining their momentum will be essential as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Giants get 1st Home Win of Season on Sac State Night, taking Game 1 on the New York Mets, 7-2

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San Francisco Giants Luis Arraez (#1) singles on a ground ball to New York Mets right fielder Tyrone Taylor in the bottom of the 3rd inning on April 2nd, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credits to Jae SF Bay News Lab)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants get their first home win of the season Thursday night as they beat the New York Mets in the first game of their series 7-2. After just getting one run in their entire season home-opener against the New York Yankees, and losing their first three home games. San Francisco would put up 13 hits and seven runs in Thursday evening’s game on Sacramento State Night. The Giants would start off the month with a win.

The San Francisco Giants returned home Wednesday after a four-day trip to San Diego. The Giants would take the first two games against the Padres, but fell to them Wednesday, finishing the series 2-1. The Giants were hoping to take some of their best moments from San Diego and bring them to their home ballpark to get a win for the fans on Thursday evening.

After getting his first loss from the New York Yankees in the team’s season home-opener series. Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would start for the team again, this time, against the New York Mets. Robbie Ray has gone 4-2 with a 3.11 ERA and 46 strikeouts against the Mets. His last matchup against the Mets was dated back in August 1st, 2025. He pitched seven innings, six of those were scoreless, and striking gout six.

Giants left-hand pitcher Robbie Ray goes up against Mets Francisco Lindor and walks him to get the ball game going. Then, just two batters later, Mets Bo Bichette helps put New York on the board first with a double to left field, bringing in Mets Juan Soto to score. Just 26 pitches later, the Mets’ Luis Robert Jr. flies out, ending the top of the first.

With the Giants’ turn at bat, shortstop Willy Adames starts San Francisco off, but gets caught on a slider and strikes out. Left-hand Mets pitcher David Peterson starts off his first batter with a strikeout. Next in-fielder Rafael Devers, who has three career homers against the Mets, sneaks a single for himself. Setting up Luis Arraez to hit a triple, bringing in Devers to tie the game. Next, Matt Chapman would join the party with a double, bringing in Arraez to take back an early lead, 2-1. Matt Chapman would also score when Jung Hoo Lee reached on pitcher David Peterson’s failed catch error on trying to get an assist from first baseman Mark Vientos. After that, the Giants would reach 3 outs, ending their hot start with the score, 3-1, San Francisco leading.

Mets Mark Vientos took the Giants’ hot start personally and got under a slider from Ray and got himself a solo homerun at 406 FT. The score is now 2-3, top of the second at this time. However, Ray and the Giants would be able to hold the Mets off and end the top of the second. So Giants catcher, Daniel Susac, starts the batting order and gets himself a single. Daniel’s hit was his first in the MLB. With the Mets having some early catching errors, the Giants were able to get their batters on the bases. However, a double play and a strikeout later would end the Giants’ second inning stretch.

At the top of the third, Mets Francisco Lindor is back and starting it off once again in the game, and once again was walked for the second time. Once again, Ray’s slider and changeup would get him a couple of strikeouts and great outfield coverage from Harrison Bader. The Giants stand tall on their defense. The momentum shifted to the Giants when it was their turn at bat.

The Giants would be able to put up two runs in their third inning stretch. No outs, runners on all bases, so Jung Hoo Lee understood the assignment. He would do a sacrifice fly out, and bring in Heliot Ramos. Then Harrison Bader would do another sacrifice play to bring in Luis Arraez to get them that second run in to score. However, the Mets’ defense would kick in and get their third outs. By then, the score was 5-2.

At the bottom of the fifth, New York would shut down David Peterson for the night. The Mets would bring out left hand pitcher Sean Manaea, on his first batter up with Daniel Susac, he would walk Susac. Runners on first and second, Mets Manaea was in an awkward position, and Giants Casey Schmitt gets his cutter for a single line drive, and Schmitt gets an RBI Thursday night. The score is now 6-2, with Manaea able to get a strikeout as their 3rdout.

96 pitchers, seven strikeouts, 2 ER’s, and a 3.38 ERA, Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would be shut down at the top of the sixth for the team. Oracle Park would send off Robbie Ray with a standing ovation. San Francisco would bring in Ryan Walker with having one out to his count from ray. Walker, on his first batter, is a strikeout, followed by a pop-up to center field.

Giants were able to put up a run with Rafael Devers getting a homer in for the home crowd. That homer was his first one of the season as he pushed the score to 7-2. After that, the Giants weren’t able to get back on base as the inning closed out. Top of the seventh, the Giants would change pitchers again, this time to right-hand pitcher Blade Tidwell. Giants’ defense would get a double play then a ground out to end the top of the seventh.

In the last three innings of the game, both teams’ defense was able to put up easy three outs in that stretch. Ultimately sealing the Giants’ dub for the home crowd. Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would get his first win of the season Thursday night, and also Giants Blade Tidwell would get his first-ever career save. Also, Giants Casey Schmitt and Daniel Susac would go perfectly at bat, going 4-4 in the box. This was Daniel Susac’s first-ever MLB career start, a homecoming victory for San Francisco.

The San Francisco Giants and New York Mets will continue where they left off, Friday (4/3/26), right back in Oracle Park at 7:15 p.m. The Giants will send out RHP Tyler Mahle, who is 1-0, to go up against the Mets’ RHP Nolan Mclean, who is 0-0. The game will be televised on NBCS BA.