Author: Sports Radio Service

Bay FC match wrap: KC Current just get by Bay FC 2-1

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Kanas City Current Izzy Rodriguez (18) boots the futbol against the Bay FC at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Fri Sep 4, 2026 (KC Soccer Journal photo)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC were back at PayPal Park on Friday night as they hosted the Kansas City Current, who brought a couple of familiar faces along with them, Kayla Sharples and Penelope Hocking. It was also a revenge game for Jordan Silkowitz, Claire Hutton and Alex Pfeiffer on Bay FC’s side of things, as they got an opportunity to face their old team. KC just got by the Bay FC in a close match with a 2-1 win.

Karlie Lema had a great run through the Current defense in the fifth minute, battling with the aforementioned Sharples in an attempt to get a shot on target. Lema’s shot ended up hitting the side netting, but she was making an early impact. Despite a strong start by Bay FC, it was Kansas City’s Izzy Rodriguez who scored the first goal of the night, kicking the ball into the net directly from a corner.

Kansas City’s Laney Rouse was shown a yellow card in the 37th minute, the first of the night, for a dangereous tackle on Alex Pfeiffer. Bay FC were clearly upset by the foul and thought it could have constituted a red card, but play continued regardless of their protests.

Bay FC tied things up in stoppage time as Karlie Lema was able to get her foot on a loose ball that was lying next to Current goalkeeper Marisa Jordan and put it in the back of the net.

By the halftime whistle, the game’s physicality had drastically become a key to success for both teams. Both sides were using heavy tackles and were committing fouls fairly regularly and it only seemed to increase as time went on. After 45 minutes, the game remained tied at a goal apiece.

The Current seemed very aggressive coming out of the break, leading to a few whistles. Roughly five minutes into the second half, there was a slight delay for Joelle Anderson who took an unfortunate hit to the head and exited the game. Aldana Cometti entered the game to take Anderson’s spot.

Lema tangled with Sharples again in the 67th minute, this time in a much more violent manner. After both players crashed to the ground, Lema was given a yellow card for her troubles.

In the 73rd minute, Emma Coates took Lema off the pitch, allowing Rachael Kundananji to make her return after an absence for international duty. Moments later, Croix Bethune was shown Kansas City’s second yellow card after she took down Cometti away from the ball.

Kundananji didn’t take long to make her presence felt, as her speed generated a scoring chance for Bay FC in the 83rd minute, but Jordan made the save to keep the game deadlocked. Hannah Bebar was shown a yellow card in the 84th minute.

Hocking made her return to PayPal Park in the 84th minute, while Bay FC brought on Dorian Bailey and Agostina Holzheier at the same time.

Kansas City broke the tie in the 89th minute, as Rocky Rodriguez was able to fire a shot from just outside of the box, which found the top corner of the goal and secured a 2-1 lead for the Current.

This time, Bay would be unable to find an equalizer and they suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Current, with the dagger coming in the closing moments.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Mets Alvarez hits two homers, Mets hit five home runs in 10-6 win

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New York Mets Mark Vientos rounds the bases after hitting a three run first inning home run against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field in New York on Fri Sep 4, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants game wrap:

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK. — The San Francisco Giants fell 10-6 to the New York Mets at Citi Field after the home team set off five home runs in the Friday night series opener.

San Francisco left 11 on base versus New York’s four – which Giants manager Tony Vitello attributed as a reason for the loss.

“I mean the left on base category is one. They actually don’t have it on the scoreboard here, most do because it does value but sometimes I think it can be overrated, you want guys to get on base, but tonight it kind of told the story,” said Vitello.

“They left four on base ’cause they ran the ball out of the park for majority of their damage and then we were in contention a bunch but leave 11 on there, so maybe it’s a little different if we can knock a lot around, but it’s, that was like a lot of games if you change a lot of things, the game would have been different.”

Mark Vientos hit a home run in the first inning on a fly ball to right field and Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette scored, giving the Mets a 3-0 start.

In the second inning, Francisco Alvarez hit a homer on a fly ball to right center field. Then Juan Soto grounded into a force out, first baseman Rafael Devers to shortstop Christian Koss, and Nick Morabito scored, making it 5-0 Mets.The inning got even worse for the Giants as Bichette homered on a line drive to left center field and Soto scored, putting the Mets up 7-0.

Rafael Devers in the third inning doubled on a sharp line drive to center field and Koss and Drew Gilbert scored, cutting the Mets’ lead to 7-2.

In the sixth inning, Lindor hit a home run on a fly ball to right field and Jared Young scored, expanding the Mets’ lead to 9-2.

Turner Hill singled on a ground ball to right field in the seventh inning and Jonah Cox scored, cutting the Mets’ lead to six runs.

The Giants rallied again in the eighth inning. Rafael Devers homered on a fly ball to right field and Koss and Jonah Cox scored, reducing New York’s lead to 9-6. But Alvarez responded with a home run of his own on a fly ball to left field and boosted the Mets to a 10-6 lead.

“I mean yeah you go back and look at the score and realize the opportunities we could’ve had, but nothing can change that you know,” Koss said. “Come out tomorrow and try to have better at-bats.”

Giants starting pitcher Matt Wilkinson allowed a career-high seven runs over three innings and multiple homers for the first time in his career.

“Just didn’t do my job,” he said.

Asked what he could do better next time, Wilkson said: “Pretty much everything. A lot of work to do, a lot of work to get better.”

Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean allowed two runs over six innings and marked his 18th quality start of the season, tying for for fourth-most in the National League.

Game two of the series at Citi Field takes place Saturday. Giants (58-84) right-handed pitcher Anthony Molina (2-0, 3.77 ERA) will face Mets (64-77) left-handed pitcher Zac Thornton (3-4, 2.93). First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. PT.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB 2027 Spring Training schedule-Optimistic or Ironic?

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Spring Training 2027 in either Florida or Arizona could be on the bubble as MLB and the Players Assocation are far apart regarding the salary cap (image from MLB)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

MLB 2027 Spring Training schedule.  -Optimistic or Ironic?

Amaury Pi-González

This is the time of the year when teams release their Spring Training schedules for the next season. But this time, we all know the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between players and owners is set to expire on Tuesday, December 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One thing Insiders on both sides agree is that they believe the owners will impose a lockout by this deadline.

There is precedent from the labor dispute leading up to the 2022 season: the owners’ lockout freezes the off-season, and players do not strike; they are not permitted to work until an agreement is reached. In other words, the 2026 season will end (as it should) after the World Series, but (as explained before) that December 1 day is the key as of today to which way baseball is headed. Many analysts and fans expect an owners’ lockout this winter that could delay or disrupt spring training, much like the lockout did just a few years ago in 2022.

A delay or disruption to spring training next year would not be good. Baseball spring training in Arizona’s Cactus League generates an economic impact of nearly $ 1 billion for the state. In Florida, the economic impact is almost the same.

For many years I have visited Spring Training, mostly in Arizona. For most fans, as well as the baseball media, it is a regular yearly event (to visit and see their favorite teams getting ready for the season, where media can get access to the players much more easily than during the regular season, not only media but fans with mostly a relaxed, vacation feel; wherever is in the desert or by the beach, nevertheless it is work as most teams broadcast some of their games from Arizona and Florida, this is an integral part of baseball, a very difficult game of repetition and practice, where Spring Training is paramount during the preseason.

It would be unfortunate for baseball if this Spring Training is disrupted, as most teams have already released their schedules. So for us, with no decision to make on this salary cap fight between players and owners, let’s hope for the best outcome for the best of the game; after all, this is not 1856 when baseball was called “The National Pastime, today, with social media and all other things going on,it is like we are living in another galaxy.

My favorite Spring Training quote (below) comes from a gentleman who played his whole 19-year career with the Chicago Cubs, as he is known as “Mr Cub“. Inducted into the HOF at Cooperstown in 1977.

Quote:”Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism, and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again.  -Ernie (Let’s Play Two) Banks.

Happy Labor Day weekend, and may your team win.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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. 

Sacramento A’s game wrap: A’s Erase Early Deficit and Sink Mariners 7-4

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Sacramento A’s reliever Hogan Harris (36) pitches to the Seattle Mariners line up in the bottom of the ninth inning at T Mobile Field Seattle on Thu Sep 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s game wrap:

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics watched a one-run lead disappear almost as quickly as they built it, then chipped away until the Seattle Mariners was the team chasing the scoreboard. Zack Gelof opened the scoring with a solo homer to right-center, and the Green and Gold eventually turned an early two-run deficit into a 7-4 victory behind Lawrence Butler’s two-run single in the fifth and a pitching staff that struck out 18 Mariners.

Seattle answered Gelof’s homer with three runs in the bottom of the first. Randy Arozarena drew a walk and stole second before Julio Rodríguez doubled him home. Cal Raleigh followed with a ground-ball single to right that scored Rodríguez, and Lazaro Montes added a two-out RBI single to left for a 3-1 lead. Jack Perkins finally escaped by striking out Brock Rodden with the bases loaded.

The A’s cut the margin to 3-2 in the second after Jeff McNeil walked, Michael Stefanic singled and Brian Serven singled to load the bases. Alika Williams then grounded into a double play that scored McNeil. The Athletics challenged the play, but the call was upheld.

Perkins kept Seattle scoreless over the next two innings and finished with seven strikeouts in three innings. His previous three career appearances against the Mariners had all been in relief, and he had not issued a walk in 8.2 innings against them before this game. This time he issued five, yet kept the A’s close after the rough first inning.

The game swung in the fifth. Henry Bolte drew a one-out walk, Gelof singled him to third, then stole second. Butler followed with a two-out single to center that scored both runners and put the A’s ahead 4-3. Butler began play with an 11-game hitting streak, tied for the longest active run in the majors, and his third-inning single had already pushed that streak to 12 games. Bolte also stayed hot after recording the first two-homer game of his career in the previous contest.

Donovan Walton added another run in the sixth, batting for Stefanic and sending a solo homer to right-center. A hit-by-pitch to Serven and an on-field delay followed, and Mariners manager Dan Wilson was ejected by home-plate umpire James Hoye. Seattle answered in the bottom half when Arozarena doubled, Dominic Canzone singled and Rodríguez brought Arozarena home on a force-play grounder. Rodríguez also stole second in that inning, one of his three steals in the game.

The Athletics never gave Seattle the tying run. Scott Blewett worked two scoreless innings after Perkins and struck out four. Chris Roycroft surrendered Seattle’s fourth run, but Luis Medina followed with three strikeouts while recording four outs, and Hogan Harris struck out two in a scoreless ninth. The staff’s 18 strikeouts were spread across five pitchers, with Perkins supplying seven of them.

The A’s added breathing room in the eighth. McNeil singled and Walton walked before Max Muncy lined an RBI single to left, scoring McNeil for a 6-4 lead. Bolte then reached on an infield single after an umpire review overturned the original call. In the ninth, Jonah Heim doubled and McNeil doubled him home to finish the scoring. McNeil began the game batting .348 since the All-Star break, third best in the majors, and his two-hit performance kept that second-half surge moving.

Gelof’s first-inning homer was his 15th of the season, and his fifth-inning steal gave him 11 stolen bases. Butler finished with two hits and two RBI, while Bolte reached base three times with two singles and a walk. The A’s began the game 25-58 against Seattle since 2021 and had lost five straight season series to the Mariners, making this a useful step toward changing a matchup that has treated them poorly for years.

Friday’s second game starters for Sacramento’s RHP Kade Morris (0-1 ERA 9.82, 10 strikeouts) for Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (11-8, 3.42 ERA, 166 strikeouts), first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. Pacific.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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. 

NHL podcast Len Shapiro: Stars Seguin trying to make a comeback from knee surgery; Will Blues Thomas face pressure as captain? Plus more news

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Dallas Stars Tyler Seguin (91) can he make a full come back after having off season knee surgery as training camp is underway (AP file photo)

NHL podcast Len Shapiro:

#1Can Tyler Seguin make a full comeback for the Dallas Stars after returning to the ice from knee surgery, and will he be ready for training camp?

#2 How much pressure will St. Louis Blues captain Robert Thomas face as he takes over the captaincy from Brayden Schenn?

#3 Could Kirill Marchenko be traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens, and would the move significantly strengthen Montreal’s second line?

#4 What’s the latest on Connor Hellebuyck trade the Winnipeg Jets want to trade one report says he might go to the Edmonton Oilers and the Wild signing Quinn Hughes on the dotted line.

#5 How significant is Amazon Prime Video’s new local streaming deal for the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues—and what will it mean for fans?

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s getting strength from their game in recent moves

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The Sacramento A’s Henry Bolte runs the bases after hitting a two run home run off the Texas Rangers pitcher Cody Bradford in the top of the fourth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Wed Sep 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Jeremiah talk about some of the A’s switches in the line up on Wednesday with Jonah Heim at first, Michael Stefanic at third base, and Denzel Clarke returning in the ninth hole and getting hit and run scored which helped the A’s avoid getting swept beating the Rangers 9-2.

#2 The A’s Henry Bolte had his first career multi home run game no doubt Bolte has been getting around on the ball.

#3 The A’s also got home run help from Zack Gelof, Alika Williams and Heim talk about their success at the plate?

#4 The A’s also scored nine unanswered runs so the line up shake up helped in this game can they do that in their series coming up with the Seattle Mariners.

#5 Sacramento opens up a four game series Thursday night at T Mobile Field in Seattle. Starting pitching for Sacramento RHP Jack Perkins (3-10 ERA 6.42) for Seattle LHP Kade Anderson (0-0 ERA 4.50) first pitch 6:40pm.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the A’s 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. 

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Can Cousins set the tone in the passing game against the Dolphins?

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the 2026 season as assigned by head coach Klint Kubiak (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 How much of an impact can Kirk Cousins make in his Raiders debut, and can he establish a strong passing game against Miami’s defense?

#2 Can Ashton Jeanty stay healthy and provide the Raiders with the explosive running game they need, particularly in new head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense?

#3 Will Maxx Crosby immediately set the tone for the Raiders’ defense, and can his pass rush create problems for Miami’s new-look offense?

#4 Can rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. continue the impressive form he showed during the preseason, and could he become a major contributor alongside Jeanty?

#5 Can the Raiders’ improved offensive line protect Kirk Cousins and open running lanes, allowing Las Vegas to control the game against the Dolphins?

#6 Can the Raiders defense put pressure on Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis?

Rich Perez does the Raiders podcast after every home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Poor Offense Results in Series Loss to Pirates 5-2

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Blade Tidwell collects himself after walking the Pittsburgh Pirates Oneil Cruz forcing in a run in the bottom of the first inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Thu Sep 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday the San Francisco Giants (58-83) wrapped up their three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates (69-72) as the Giants lost the three game set to the Pirates 5-2 at PNC Park.

First pitch was delivered under sunny skies with some uncomfortably warm temperatures each team looking for a series win. The Pirates took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

The Giants struggled at the plate through the first six innings getting very little offense. The Pirates would add two more runs in the sixth inning taking a 4-0 lead into the seventh inning.

The Giants rallied in the seventh inning scoring two runs cutting the Pirates lead in half 4-2. Jonah Cox and Turner Hill both walked and Jung Hoo Lee doubled driving in Cox for the first runs with Hill advancing to third base.

Nate Furman grounded out but Hill would add another San Francisco run in the inning. With two innings left in the game the Giants would be looking for more offense and it just was not happening.

They went three up three down in the top of the eighth. San Francisco relief pitcher Ryan Walker needed to keep Pittsburgh off base in the bottom of the eighth. Walker unfortunately gave up the Pirates fifth run of the game and baring another crazy San Francisco rally this game was all but a done deal.

The Giants struck out three times in the top of the ninth inning and that was the ball game in favor of Pittsburgh. The Pirates had walked off with the series.

GAME RECAP

The Pirates started off this game taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Spencer Horwitz scored the first run and Bryan Reynolds scored the second. The Giants offense was quiet in the opening inning in fact it was pretty silent through the first six innings of the game.

The Pirates scored two more runs in the sixth inning Oneil Cruz scoring the first and Jake Mangum scoring the second giving the Pirates a 4-0 lead. So far in this game it had been all Pittsburgh.

San Francisco got a rally going in the top of the seventh inning. After such poor production at the plate they started a comeback late in the game. They were able to score two runs and cut the Pirates lead in half 4-2.

They got a little help from the mound with both Jonah Cox and Turner Hill walking. With no outs Jung Hoo Lee doubled Cox home for the first run. Turner would score when Nate Furman grounded out. Christian Koss lined out to end the inning.

The Giants went three and out in the top of the eighth inning. The Pirates scored an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. Mangum scored on a Triolo sacrifice and Pittsburgh had a 5-2 lead going into the ninth inning.

San Francisco was down to their last three outs and desperately needed to get something going. Jonah Cox, Turner Hill and Jung Hoo Lee all struck out and that was the ball game 5-2. The Pittsburgh bullpen had done a great job holding the Giants to only two hits.

GAME NOTES

There were some glaring struggles today for the Giants in this loss. They couldn’t generate much offense. They were only able to score two runs and really struggled to put together sustained rallies.

They came away with only two hits in the game. While they were few and far between San Francisco did not cash in on opportunities with runners on base. Several innings ended without that one big hit that could have changed their momentum, could have changed the entire game.

The Pirates had a great day on the mound. They kept the Giants off balance. San Francisco wasn’t able to get into favorable counts or string hits together. The Giants fell behind early and were not able to mount any kind of comeback.

The San Francisco offense was really humming in games one and two but the Pirates controlled game three from start to finish. The Giants got timely hitting yesterday a huge contrast to game three today.

Blade Tidwell took the mound today for San Francisco. He went five innings allowing two hits, two earned runs, five walks and five strikeouts. Compared to his previous outing Tidwell had a fairly solid start. The positives were only giving up two hits and striking out five.

He did have a lot of walks, free baserunners, which is why he needed 95 pitches to get through five innings. The bottom line though is that he was not the main reason the team lost today. It all came to down to the production at the plate which was non-existent.

This was just an extremely rough day for the Giant’s offense. They have been so up and down all year and it’s just downright frustrating for the team. They have played some outstanding games here and there but they have just not been at all consistent.

Friday night the Giants will try to re-group beginning a new series taking on the New York Mets. Matt Wilkinson will take the mound for San Francisco. He has a 0-2 win/loss record and a 4.63 ERA. The Mets will start Nolan McLean. He comes into the game with a 10-8 win/loss record and a 3.06 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM.

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy: A’s win 9-2 with Heim at first, Stefanic at third, Denzel back, and Lopez’s great command

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Sacramento A’s Henry Bolte slugs a fourth inning two run home run in front of Texas Rangers catcher Danny Jansen and plate umpire Nic Lentz at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Wed Sep 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy:

#1 Jacob Lopez started on the mound for the A’s. How effectively did he keep the Rangers’ offense under control, and what did you think of his overall outing?

#2 Denzel Clarke returned to the lineup in center field. How important was his return defensively, and did he make an impact at the plate?

#3 Michael Stefanic filled in at third base for the injured Tommy White. How well did Stefanic handle the opportunity?

#4 Jonah Heim played first base while Brian Serven caught. How did the A’s perform defensively with those lineup changes?

#5 The A’s won 9–2 to avoid a sweep. Which A’s player—such as Denzel Clarke, Michael Stefanic, Jonah Heim, or another contributor—do you think was most important to the victory, and why?

Bridget Mulcahy does the A’s podcasts each Wednesday 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. 

Giants Beat Pirates In the Tenth Inning 5-4 Tying Up the Series; Devers earning that money hits 32nd home run

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San Francisco Giants Rafeal Devers rounds the bases after hitting his 32nd home run of the season in the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Wed Sep 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After a marathon game Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants (58-82) took on the Pittsburgh Pirates (68-72) in game two of their three-game series and edged the Bucs with a 5-4 win at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

After playing a 4 1/2 hour long game, and that was regulation on Tuesday, the two teams didn’t suffer any fatigue in Wednesday’s game and had a shorter evening playing a 2:57 ball game.

The first inning in Wednesday’s game was quiet for the Pirates but the Giant’s Rafael Devers put San Francisco first up on the scoreboard with a solo home run and a 1-0 lead. The Pirates would tie up the game in the fourth inning and it was a new ball game 1-1.

The Giants fought back scoring two runs in the fifth inning and took the 3-1 lead into the seventh The Pirates began to inch their way back into this game scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh and another in the eighth inning tying up this game.

There would be no walk-off for Pittsburgh this time and the game went into extra innings. The San Francisco offense stepped up in the top of the tenth. Bryce Eldridge doubled and Christian Koss scored giving the Giants the lead 4-3.

A Turner Hill sacrifice drove Rafael Devers who had been intentionally walked home and San Francisco had an insurance run taking the 5-3 lead into the bottom of the tenth.

After giving up a single to Nick Gonzalez which drove in Bryan Reynolds San Franciso closer Dylan Smith took control of this game. He struck out the next two at bats and Rafael Flores Jr. lined out and that was the ball game. San Francisco had crossed the finish line and won this game and tied up this series.

GAME RECAP

Pittsburgh’s starting pitcher Bubba Chandler gave up a solo home run in the first inning to San Francisco’s Rafael Devers and the Giants had a early 1-0 lead in game two of their series. San Francisco starter Landen Roupp went three and out.

Both pitchers had solid second innings going three and out each of them striking out two batters in the inning.

The Giants had an opportunity to add to their score in the third inning loading the bases. Turner Hill fouled out for the third out leaving the three runners stranded. Landen Roupp had another good inning going three and out.

In the top of the fourth inning, Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler dismissed Jung Hoo Lee, Drew Cavanaugh and Nate Furman in that order and the game went into the bottom of the inning.

San Francisco starting pitcher Landen Roupp struggled through the bottom of the inning. He gave up a couple of singles and a walk loading the bases. He walked Esmerlyn Valdez for his second walk of the inning and with the bases loaded Spencer Horwitz scored and this game was tied 1-1. Roupp would get out of the inning without further damage.

The Giants went on a rally in the top of the fifth inning. Shay Whitcomb doubled, Drew Gilbert walked and Rafael Devers singled; San Francisco again had the bases loaded. The Giants cashed in this time. Bryce Eldridge hit a sacrifice Christian Koss scored from second and San Francisco had taken back the lead 2-1.

Turner Hill singled Gilbert home and the Giants had a 3-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth. Landen Roupp wanted to finish off the bottom of the inning strong and he successfully went three and out. It was a great shut-down inning for Roupp.

The Pirates went into their bullpen to start the sixth inning. Branden Eisert came in to relieve Bubba Chandler. He gave up a single to Cavanaugh but closed out the inning. The Giants Ryan Walker took over on the mound for Landen Roupp in the bottom of the sixth inning. He gave up a double and a walk but kept the Pirates from scoring.

The Giants went three and out in the top of the seventh inning. The Pirates threatened in the bottom of the inning. With two runners on base, the Giants made a pitching change.

Carson Seymour relieved Walker who had allowed a Rafael Flores Jr. walk and a Jake Mangum single to start the bottom of the seventh. Jared Triolo hit a sacrifice bunt and the Pirates had the bases loaded. Spencer Horwitz grounded out but Flores Jr. scored and Pittsburgh was knocking on the door trailing 3-2.

The Giants had a quick top of the eighth unable to extend their lead. They badly needed an insurance run or two. The San Francisco lack of offense bit them in the bottom of the eighth inning. Carson Seymour gave up a double to the dangerous Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz hit an infield single and Reynolds scored tying up this game 3-3.

It was a three and out in the top of the ninth inning for Pirates reliever Carmen Mlodzinski. Pittsburgh would be looking for another walk-off in the bottom of the ninth. Jason Foley took the mound for San Francisco looking to keep this game tied. He gave up a double and an intentional walk but thanks to some amazing defensive work from the Giants this game went into the top of the tenth inning.

The top of the tenth inning went the Giants way from the get-go. Osleivis Basabe hit a sacrifice bunt that advanced Christian Koss to third base. Rafael Devers was intentionally walked and with two runners on base, Bryce Eldridge doubled and Koss scored.

San Francisco had taken back the lead 4-3. Turner Hill who was having a great day hit a sacrifice, Devers scored and the Giants had a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the tenth. Could San Francisco get this game to the finish line?

It would be up to Dylan Smith to close this one out. Smith did give up one run but struck out the next two at bats followed by a Flores Jr. line out and that was the ball game. The Giants had tied up this series winning in extra innings 5-4.

GAME RECAP

Wednesday night’s game was a far happier story than the wild loss Tuesday. The Giants came back to win this game 5-4 in 10 innings. Rafael Devers got the Giants going in the right direction with his solo home run in the first inning which was his 32nd of the season.

Landen Roupp pitched well keeping the Giants in this game working through some difficult situations. Turner Hill had a great game factoring in a number of innings. His single in the fifth inning put San Francisco ahead 3-1.

The Pirates fought back and tied the game sending it into extra innings. The Giants broke through in the top of the tenth inning scoring twice to take a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the tenth. Dylan Smith did give up a run in the tenth but pulled it all together closing out the inning and winning this game for the Giants. This was an excellent bounce-back win for San Francisco.

Landen Roupp had a very good outing today. He went five innings, only allowing two hits, one run, two walks and four strikeouts. Of the 75 pitches thrown 46 were strikes. He did not allow a home run.

He held it together after Pittsburgh scored in the fourth inning settling in efficiently. He retired the side in order in the fifth and left the Giants with the lead 3-1. He kept the Pirate lineup under control, struck out the four and gave San Francisco five solid innings.

Thursday the Giants will be looking to take this series in game three. RHP Blade Tidwell will take the mound for the Giants. He has a 0-1 win/loss record and a 4.54 ERA. The Pirates will start RHP Lake Bachar (1-3 ERA 3.70) in Thursday’s game. First pitch is scheduled for 9:35 AM.