Sean Hjelle of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sun Jun 15, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Francisco Giants podcast Augie Mesenburg:
#1 Augie, on Friday Rafael Devers went 0-5 and today got his first home run as a San Francisco Giant.
#2 Heliot Ramos got a hold of one for his 13th home run of the season. Ramos has been very reliable in the lead off role and has been on a tear.
#3 The Giants got some pitching holding off the Boston Red Sox on Saturday with starter Landen Roupp pitching six innings and allowing three hits with seven strikeouts.
#4 Sean Hjelle made some headlines that he didn’t need. Hjlle’s wife Caroline posted on Tiktok Friday afternoon that Hjelle was an abusive husband, that he abandoned his wife and two sons on Mothers Day, and he was cheating on her. Hjelle was asked about the Tiktok posts before Saturday’s game and said he didn’t want to talk about it.
#5 It was Camilo Doval in relief who got into a ninth inning jam allowing two runs that allowed the Sox to close it within one run but the Giants held onto win it 3-2.
Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz hits a two run home run in the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Fri Jun 20, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:
#1 Sacramento A’s pitcher Jefferey Springs had a quality start going 7.1 innings allowing three hits striking out six and walking a batter. The 7.1 innings for Springs was his longest start for the season.
#2 A’s rookie Nick Kurtz is on a homer hot streak hitting the big fly for his third straight game his tenth of the season as the A’s beat the Cleveland Guardian on Friday night 5-1 at Sutter Health Park.
#3 The A’s got the pitching from Springs and it was the good pitching that beat the good hitting holding the Guardians to only four hits. The A’s have now won three of their last five games and after suffering a number of losing streaks have the A’s found their way out of it yet.
#4 The A’s also got some offense early that helped in the winning cause scoring two runs in the first inning and once in the second inning to jump on the Guardians starter Tanner Biebee who went the distance pitching eight innings, allowing 11 hits and four runs.
#5 The Guardians and the A’s are back at it again tonight at 7:05pm at Sutter Health. For the Guardians RHP LL Ortiz (3-8 ERA 4.64) for the Athletics RHP Mitch Spence (2-1 ERA 3.50) can Spence deliver that good pitching that can beat good hitting for Sacramento tonight?
Sacramento A’s starter Jeffery Springs delivers to the Cleveland Guardians line up in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Fri June 20, 2025 (AP News photo)
Kurtz Power Surge Lifts A’s to Commanding 5-1 Win Over Cleveland
By Mauricio Segura
WEST SACRAMENTO–The green and gold wasted no time lighting up the Sacramento night, riding a thunderous first-inning blast from Nick Kurtz and a sharp outing from Jeffrey Springs to a 5-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park. In front of a lively Friday crowd, the A’s snapped Cleveland’s rhythm with early offense and crisp defense, stretching their win total to 32 while tightening their grip on a promising homestand.
Kurtz, who came into the night tied for second among MLB rookies in home runs, continued his torrid pace. After Brent Rooker kept the inning alive with a two-out single, Kurtz deposited a Tanner Bibee fastball deep into the left-center night for his tenth homer of the season, giving the A’s a 2-0 lead. It marked Kurtz’s fourth home run in five games and eighth hit in his last 20 at-bats. Even more impressively, five of his homers have come in the seventh inning or later, a league-leading total.
In support of the slugging first baseman, the A’s strung together a mix of timely hitting and Cleveland miscues in the second. Tyler Soderstrom reached on a sharp single, Luis Urías advanced on an error, and another miscue allowed Soderstrom to reach third. Lawrence Butler then punched a single through the right side to score Soderstrom, making it 3-0. Jacob Wilson grounded into a double play to end the threat, but the damage was already done.
Springs, meanwhile, turned in a vintage performance on the mound, continuing a string of strong starts from the Athletics rotation. He pitched six scoreless innings, scattering hits and avoiding damage even when José Ramírez doubled in the fourth. Springs held the Guardians to just one run across his start, extending the rotation’s stretch of holding opponents to two runs or fewer in 11 of the last 12 games. For Springs, it was his third straight outing of at least six innings, showing signs of midseason form after a rocky May.
The A’s tacked on insurance in the seventh and eighth. In the seventh, Denzel Clarke and Butler each singled, then Jacob Wilson laced a line drive to left, scoring Clarke and moving Butler to third. An errant throw by Steven Kwan allowed Wilson to take second. In the eighth, Tyler Soderstrom, who had snapped an 0-for-9 streak earlier, singled again and promptly stole second base. Urías followed with a base hit to center, bringing Soderstrom around for the fifth and final run.
Cleveland finally cracked the scoreboard in the top of the eighth with a solo home run from Angel Martínez, but that was all the visitors could manage. Mason Miller slammed the door in the ninth, overpowering Daniel Schneemann with a strikeout to end it. Miller, who now has 46 strikeouts in just 27.2 innings, notched his 15th save and continued to rank among the elite relievers in strikeout rate.
The Athletics are now 9-6 over their last 15 games and have won six of their last eight, showing resilience after a brutal early season stretch. They have also improved to 17-6 when out-homering their opponent. Despite sitting in fifth place in the AL West, the team’s offense ranks ninth in batting average and sixth in extra-base hits, while the rotation has started to stabilize.
The A’s will look to keep the momentum rolling Saturday night when right-hander Mitch Spence (2-1, 3.50 ERA) takes the hill against Cleveland’s Luis Ortiz (3-8, 4.64 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
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
⚡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.
Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) grabs a rebound against the Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) in the second half of WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Jun 20, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Rich Perez
LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (5-7) welcomed A’Ja Wilson back on the court in a matchup with the Seattle Storm (8-5). The Aces dropped their third straight game this time to the Storm 90-83 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The Aces came up just short in a real battle. Two missed free throws to end the game sealed the win for the Storm.
Wilson finished with a double double shooting 20 points with 14 rebounds. Jackie Young had a solid game with four rebounds and 22 points. It was just not enough to get past the surging Storm.
Game recap: As the players took the floor rousing applause arose when Wilson took the court. She was back just when the team really needed her. Her return could change the course of the rest of the season.
The Storm came out strong taking as much as a ten-point in the opening quarter but by the end of the first ten minutes of play the Aces had pulled to within two points trailing 23-21. Las Vegas briefly took the lead in the second quarter but Seattle fought back leading for most of the game.
With 38 seconds left in the half, the Aces had taken a 39-36 lead. Las Vegas had a great run in the final 30 seconds of the half taking a 45-38 lead. The Aces had taken control of this game and would need more of the same in the second half.
The Aces picked up where they left off in the second quarter taking a ten point lead two minutes into the third quarter 52-42. Just having Wilson on the floor show-cased the ball control and the flow of the game was slick.
The Aces were hitting the three’s and with only seven turnovers so far in the game they looked like the new and improved Aces. With under three minutes left in the quarter this game got uncomfortably close, the Storm trailing by only three points 61-58.
The Las Vegas lead had evaporated. With 36 seconds left in the third quarter the Storm made a push taking back the lead 64-63. The Aces had some untimely turnovers that seemed to disrupt their rhythm. After three quarters the Storm had taken a one-point lead 67-66.
The fourth quarter was a see-saw affair with the two teams trading leads. As the clock began to wind down Las Vegas had just over three minutes left in the game to overcome the Storm’s 86-81 lead in this game.
Every possession going forward would be critical. The Storm continued to extend their lead and time was not on the Aces side trailing 88-81. This was a photo finish, Las Vegas fighting to the end but coming up just short losing.
Game notes: The Aces took on the Storm in a Friday night matchup at Michelob ULTRA Arena. This season finds the Aces having to contend with something that we never saw coming. So far this season they have a season record below five hundred while last year they finished with a 27-13 record finishing in fourth place in the Western Conference and losing in the Semi-final to the eventual winner, the New York Liberty.
The Aces beat the Storm in the first round of last year’s playoff to advance to the semi-finals. This year they have been really struggling and it has been compounded with the loss of A’Ja Wilson who has been out for two games after suffering a head injury back on June 11 playing against the Los Angeles Sparks missing the entire fourth quarter.
It has not gone well for the Aces since then although they did pull out a victory against the Dallas Wings on June 13th. Wilson’s return date was previously determined to be June 17 but she did not play. Wilson returned on Friday night scoring the second highest points with 20.
She has led the team in almost every statistical category. It has not been a great start to the 2025 season but the good news is that there are more than 30 games left on the schedule and there is plenty of time to turn things around.
The loss set the Aces back six games out of first place the Aces are now in eighth place in the Western Conference. The Aces have a lot of work to do and they could start with capitalizing on second chance points and more ball protection in their next game on Sunday. In their last three games they have averaged 18 turnovers per game and cleaning that up would make all the difference.
Las Vegas will now go back to the drawing board in preparation for their game this coming Sunday with the Indiana Fever. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for12:00 PM and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+
Ryan Walker during the Giants vs Red Sox game on Friday night at Oracle Park. (Photo: SF Bay News Lab on Instagram)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SAN FRANCISCO–Struggling recently, the San Francisco Giants looked to turn the page on two losing series over the past week. On Friday, the Giants welcomed the Boston Red Sox to town for a three-game set. Rafael Devers faced his former team for the first time since being traded from Boston to San Francisco just five days ago. The Giants had their chances but ultimately fell to the Red Sox, 7-5, on Friday night.
The problem for the Giants was their pitching—a rarity this season. Along with the uncharacteristically poor performance on the mound, the Giants also failed to come through with timely hits when it mattered most.
In the second inning, the Giants loaded the bases with no outs for Christian Koss, who hit into a double play. In the fourth inning, they loaded the bases again with no outs for Koss. Once again, he grounded into a double play.
Granted, each double play brought in a run, but it let the air out of an otherwise dialed-in offense early. The Giants loaded the bases one more time in the eighth inning with two outs before Mike Yastrzemski struck out swinging. Those moments were big missed opportunities—but they weren’t the sole reason for the loss. They played a part, but the pitching never found a groove.
Starter Hayden Birdsong had an uncharacteristically rough outing, going only four and a third innings while allowing seven hits and five runs. After the game, Birdsong cited control issues as the reason for his struggles. “I know I got behind. Whenever I gave up hits, it’s because I got behind. When I’m ahead, it’s a lot better. I feel a lot better and a lot more comfortable… something I gotta work on.”
Sean Hjelle relieved Birdsong and gave up one run in an inning of work. Erik Miller threw two-thirds of an inning, followed by Joey Lucchesi, who was only able to record one out and gave up a run. The Giants capped off the night with Ryan Walker and Spencer Bivens combining for two and two-thirds innings of no-hit baseball. It was one of Walker’s best outings in a while, and the Giants hope it will boost his confidence moving forward.
On the offensive side, the Giants’ only run that scored without also recording an out came on a Mike Yastrzemski RBI single in the second inning. Every other Giants run came on a play where they also made an out—not ideal for a team struggling to score runs and badly in need of timely hitting.
Wilmer Flores and Aroldis Chapman exchanged words following the final out of the game in what appeared to be a misunderstanding. It remains unclear what was said to Wilmer, but it seemed to be in an angry tone—something he took exception to.
After the game, Wilmer was still puzzled, telling reporters, “I want to know what he said. I still don’t know.” When asked if it may have had to do with a pitch violation during the at-bat, Flores responded, “I guess, I don’t know.”
With the loss, the Giants have now dropped five of their last seven games and are looking to get back on track Saturday. They’ll send Landen Roupp (4-5, 3.99 ERA) to the mound against Boston’s Brayan Bello (3-1, 3.49 ERA) in Game 2 of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM PST.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) rebounds over the Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (front) in second half action of game 6 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City on Thu Jun 19, 2025 (AP News photo)
Michael Roberson on NBA Finals podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 The Indiana Pacers lives to play another game as they dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday with a 108-91 win to tie the series up at 3-3.
#2 The Pacers Obi Toppin scored 20 points, Andrew Nembhard scored 17 points and were key in helping the Pacers forcing a game 7.
#3 Pascal Siakam scored 16 points, 13 rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton scored 14 points and played with a strained calf.
#4 After getting blown out in game 5 by the Oklahoma City Thunder the Pacers turned things around in game 6 they had a slow start but later blew the game up later to tie up the series and force a game 7.
#5 So the stage is set for game 7 for Sunday night in Oklahoma City for the deciding game. The Thunder have the home floor. Could the Thunder make a come back and win the finals or could the Pacers stay with their game 6 momentum?
Tampa Bay Rays future ballpark renderings. Construction will start this year. The park is scheduled to be ready opening day 2028 (Tampa Bay Rays renderings)
MLB Team for Sale
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
Unfortunately, for those real Athletics fans who are here in the Bay Area, the team is not the A’s. Sorry to give you the bad news. The Tampa Bay Rays are now officially for sale, after Major League Baseball put a lot of pressure on their owner.
Patrick Pulaski, a developer from Jacksonville who signed a letter of intent to purchase the Rays (according to Sportico) and the New York Times for around $1,7 billion Unlike the ATH, who have no choice but to play at the Minor League Sutter Health Park at West Sacramento, for at least 2027, maybe more, the Tampa Bay Rays, who are playing at Hal Streinbrener Stadium in Tampa, with only 10,000 capacity, the Spring Training Home of the New York Yankees, the Rays are expected to move to their regular home, Tropicana Field next season.
The Tampa City Council approved $22.5 million for a Teflon-coated fiberglass roof. Hurricane Milton in 2024 caused the damage. The Tampa Bay Rays are typically at the bottom of MLB teams in payroll and attendance, alongside the Miami Marlins and the Athletics; however, the Rays operate a much better front office than most of these ‘bottom dweller’ teams (including the A’s), despite having a very similar payroll.
Example. Currently, this season, the Rays’ payroll is $88 million. Yet, they are in second place behind the New York Yankees ($289 million payroll) by a couple of games in the mighty American League East, while the Athletics are in last place with a payroll of $77 million.
Over the past five seasons, the Rays have consistently finished with a competitive and sometimes winning record, despite having a smaller payroll, unlike the Athletics, who have not achieved such a feat recently. The Tampa Bay Rays have a reputation for excellent scouting, player development, drafting players, and starting pitching, which has kept them very competitive in comparison to the other two lowest teams in payroll and attendance, the Miami Marlins and the ATH of Sacramento.
Moneyball, a few years ago, did not win any Oscars, but was a decent film. However, the concept of Moneyball is no longer working for the A’s, as the data-driven approach to evaluating players that emphasizes using statistical analysis and other methods that made Bill Beane famous is no longer practical. Beane was the Oakland A’s General Manager from 1979 to 2015—Adiós to Moneyball. All success in business comes from the top.”
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” – Babe Ruth
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Jamaica forward Leon Bailey battles for the ball alone the endline with Guadeloupe defenseman Steve Solvet during Jamaica’s 2-1 win in Group C play of the Gold Cup at PayPal Park on Friday JUN 20, 2025. (Soy502)
by Marko Ukalovic
SAN JOSE — Jamaica scored two late goals in the second half to defeat Guadeloupe 2-1 in group play of the Gold Cup on Friday evening at PayPal Park.
Jamaica earned its first win of the tournament and is currently tied for the top spot with Panama with three points in Group C. Guadeloupe has two matches in a row and anchors the bottom of the group.
Jamaica striker Leon Bailey’s right footed attempt was knocked away over the net by Guadeloupe goalkeeper Brice Cognard in the second minute as Jamaica earned an early chance in the match.
Thierry Ambrose gave Guadeloupe its first quality scoring chance in the 15th minute but his shot attempt from just outside the box sailed high and wide left.
Bailey had his second scoring chance after receiving a long ball from 30 yards out from his goalkeeper Andre Blake. Bailey dribbled over to the left wing before firing a shot off of the post.
In the 24th minute, Demari Gray tried to catch Cognard napping. Gray kicked the ball from 65 yards out with Cognard retreating back to his goal only to see the ball ricochet off of the crossbar.
Guadeloupe broke the ice in the 32nd minute off a set piece. After corner kick, Noah Cadiou sent a back pass out to Ambrose who one-timed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the tournament.
Jamaica scored the equalizer in the 42nd minute. Warner Brown centered the ball into the middle of the box where an unmarked Bailey buried a one-timer past Cognard for his first goal of the tournament.
Jonathan Russell gave Jamaica its first lead in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time in the first half. Gray centered the ball into the box where Russell jumped high in the air and headed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the tournament.
The second half saw chippiness from both sides as referee Kwinisi Williams issued four yellow cards, two each by both countries that were a result of unsportsmanlike fouls.
Guadeloupe had three chances to score the equalizer during 10 minutes of stoppage time. In the first minute, Blake stoned a close-range chance from Ange-Freddy Plumain. A minute later, Florian David sent in a cross over to Nathanaël Saintini but his header attempt was blocked. Blake made one final save in the ninth minute when he made a save on David’s right-footed shot attempt.
Blake, who plays for MLS’s Philadelphia Union, finished with four saves on five shots to earn his first win of the tournament. Cognard made two saves on four shots in the losing effort.
GAME NOTES: Jamaica finished with four corner kicks. Guadeloupe has six.
UP NEXT: Jamaica finishes up group with Panama on Tuesday June 24th while Guadeloupe concludes their group play against Guatemala also on the 24th.
Casey Schmitt (10) greets Jung Hoo Lee (right) at home plate after both score on San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores two run double in the bottom of the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Thu Jun 19, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:
#1 San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb put together seven dominant innings with nine Ks and no walks. What do you feel clicked for him yesterday compared to the past starts?
#2 Wilmer Flores came through with a clutch two-run double off the bench — should the Giants be using him more in key late-game situations?
#3 Michael do you remain worried about the offense’s inconsistency, or are you more inspired by the Giants’ ability to fabricate a victory with just two runs scored?
#4 The bullpen held strong again, with Doval locking down the ninth — is the Giants’ bullpen quietly becoming the most reliable part of this team?
#5 Looking at the upcoming schedule, can a close win like this be a turning point to assert dominance in the league, or do the Giants still have too many unanswered questions?
#6 The Giants continue their homestand tonight at Oracle Park with a key game against the Red Sox, following a much-needed victory over the Guardians. When Rafael Devers plays his old team for the first time since the trade, everyone will be watching him closely. Boston’s Hunter Dobbins (3.74 ERA) will face Hayden Birdsong (2.79 ERA). 7:15 is the first pitch.
Indiana Fever center Caitlin Clark drives to the basket past the Golden State Valkyrie defense in the second quarter in WNBA action at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Jun 19, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Michael Roberson
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (6-6) fought off the Indiana Fever (6-6) 88-77, in front of another sellout Bay Area crowd.
Although Indiana made the first bucket of the game, Golden State went on a 7-0 run, to take their largest lead in the first half, The Fever had their own big run of 14-0, and led by as many as 10 points.
After the first ten minutes of play, the visitors from the Hoosier State led by nine, 21-12. The first quarter had two lead changes and zero ties. The Valkyries took their first punch, and managed to stay within a reasonable competitive distance.
However, the Fever increased their advantage to as high as 12 before recess. Golden State continued to fight back, and got the deficit below double-digits, 44-36. Caitlin Clark was scoreless until around the 4:00 mark, when she converted a layup. Although she had six assists to her credit.
Aliyah Boston was the only player on both sides to reach the 10+ points plateau, with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Valkyries shot 35% from the field, while the Fever were at a heated 49%, matching their nickname. Neither team shot extraordinarily well from beyond the arc.
In the second half, the Fever posted their largest margin of 13 points, but the Valkyries continued to battle back, outscoring the Fever in consecutive quarters. By the end of the third stanza, Golden State narrowed the margin to four points, 59-54.
In the Final quadrant, the Valkyries managed to overtake the Fever around the 8:00 segment (62-61), at the hands of a Tiffany Hayes bucket. Once they put themselves in front of the Fever, they had to stave them off for nearly 80% of the last quarter.
Despite Indiana’s valiant attempts to regain the lead, Golden State forged the lead up to 11 points. That was also the lead they had at the final horn, 88-77. A raucous crowd was more than excited with the home team’s fight and resilience.
Golden State had five players in double-figures, led by Kayla Thompson (16), Tiffany Hayes (14), Chloe Bibby (12) and Laeticia Amihere with ten points.
Indian produced four players with that scenario. Aliyah Boston topped her team with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell (16), Natosha Howard (13) and Clark nearly had a triple-double with 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Valkyries are next in action Sunday, June 22, as they host the Connecticut Sun at 5:30 PM PT, while the Fever head down to Las Vegas to take on the Aces, the same date, but at Noon PT.
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