Author: Sports Radio Service

SF Giants game wrap: Giants take the early sweep on Atlanta going 3-0, & 5 game winning streak

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp (65) pitches against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif. Roupp’s doggedness and Yastrzemski’s breakthrough hits, give the Giants sweep the Braves. (Photo credits to Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Atlanta Braves: 3

San Francisco Giants: 4

Win: SF Giants Pitcher Landen Roupp (4-4)

Loss: Atlanta Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider (0-5)

Saver: Camilo Doval (9)

Attendance: 41,026 (Oracle Park Sellout)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants complete a three-game sweep and increase their winning streak to five games, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 4–3 at Oracle Park on Sunday afternoon. The Giants defeated Atlanta by just one run for the third consecutive game thanks to a clutch breakout effort from Mike Yastrzemski and a composed display from starter Landen Roupp.

When the club most needed him, Yastrzemski, who has been in a long slump and had not scored an RBI since early May, came through. Starting with a sacrifice fly in the second inning that scored the Giants’ first run, the veteran outfielder scored all three of his RBIs in the first half of the game. Then, in the fourth inning, with the Giants behind 3-1, Yastrzemski blasted a double into the gap to tie the score and energize the Oracle Park crowd. In addition to eliminating Atlanta’s lead, the hit marked an important moment in Yastrzemski’s season as he looks ahead to make plays and moments like this. Yastrzemski was one of the Giants’ most effective hitters at the beginning of the season, but once May arrived, he found it challenging to maintain his strong start.

Roupp improved to 4–4 on the season after going through six innings on the mound to earn the victory. Although giving up three runs in the first inning, all of which were driven in by Braves hitter Matt Olson, Roupp remained cool and kept Atlanta scoreless after the fourth inning. The bullpen took it from there after a solid performance that kept the game within the Giants’ offensive control. Following the trio of Walker, Rodriguez, and Dova.

With the win, the Giants made a statement: this team is on the rise. They also swept a Braves squad that came into the series in dire need of a spark. In each series game, the Giants found different ways to win, and a single run settled each game. The team showed the kind of grit that successful ballclubs are known for, whether it was Matt Chapman’s walk-off home run on Saturday or their clutch bullpen performance on Friday.

The Giants will have a well-earned day off on Monday before starting a home series against the Colorado Rockies. They are currently sitting firmly above .500 and gaining momentum. Kyle Harrison, a left-hander pitcher, (1-1, 4.34) is expected to start on Tuesday. One game at a time, the Giants are finally giving answers to a club that began the season with worries about depth and consistency. Giants are now on a five-game winning streak, looking to make it six on Tuesday in Colorado.

Headline Sports podcast Bruce Macgowan: Bill King clearly the best play by play announcer in Bay Area history; What was Raiders owner Al Davis like?; plus more news

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Former Oakland A’s play by play announcer Bill King (photo from the Press Democrat)

Headline Sports podcast Bruce Macgowan:

#1 Bill King was the legendary play by play voice for the Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders, and Golden State Warriors he was the word picture broadcaster. What was it like working alongside one of the great play by play voices in sports history?

#2 You had a chance to cover some of those legendary Oakland Raider teams in the 1970s you knew Raiders owner Al Davis what was it like to work some of those great Raider teams and have access to Davis?

#3 Did you have a chance to cover the 1972-74 A’s World Series teams and the 1988-90 A’s World Series teams.

#4 Since the Giants released LaMonte Wade, Christian Koss, and Sam Huff that might have been the shot in the arm the club needed as they have now won five in row.

#5 A’s Las Vegas situation. They said their putting shovels in the ground with a groundbreaking ceremony later in June. After all this time it’s a question are the A’s really going to get started with the construction of the ballpark like they say they will.

Bruce Macgowan is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Michael Villanueva: Giants standing tall in the Bay

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A look at the Oracle Park scoreboard in San Francisco on Sun Jun 8, 2025 during Atlanta Braves-San Francisco Giants third game of three game series (photo Michael Villanueva)

PUBLISHED ON June 8, 2025 by Sports Radio Service

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael what impact will Matt Chapman presence in the lineup influence the Giants’ offense today and how important is he?

#2 Now how important is it for the Giants to take Advantage of the Braves’ losing streak and gain ground in the NL West race?

#3 What impact has Landen Roupp’s growth as a starting pitcher had on the Giants’ 2025 rotation?

#4 Since Wednesday night, Giants are now on a 5 game winning streak following the games from the Padres and now Braves and got the sweep over the Braves Sunday 4-3 at Oracle Park.

#5 Giants finish off the Braves with an early season sweep taking game 3 of another close game final score, 4-3. Next up for the Giants Tuesday night at 5:40pm PDT in Colorado at Coors Field. Starting pitcher for the Giants LHP Kyle Harrison (1-1 ERA 4.34) for the Rockies LHP Carson Palmquist (0-4 ERA 8.50).

Michael Villanueva is a Major League Baseball podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: Knicks looking at Kidd as next coach; Can Pacers Haliburton lead again?; plus more news

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd yells to his players during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 The New York Knicks have expressed interest in obtaining the services of Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. The Knicks have not requested to speak with Kidd who has two years left on his current contract extension that he signed with the Mavericks in 2024.

#2 Former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau took the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals. It was the deepest that a head coach had taken the Knicks in 25 years. The Knicks looked like a contender and then after losing to the Indiana Pacers Thibodeau was fired in what the Knicks called a “difficult decision.”

#3 In game 1 of the NBA Finals the Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer beater shocked the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110. The Pacers take a 1-0 lead going into game 2. A win by the Pacers would give them a leg up 2-0 going back to Indiana. A loss by the Pacers would tie the series with the Pacers having home court advantage for game 3.

#4 Charlie switching to baseball, do you look at the Los Angeles Dodgers slump like a this is a time to panic situation. The Dodgers have scored only once on a wild pitch after going 18 innings and 19 hits over the weekend against the St Louis Cardinals.

#5 What do you make of the blinking lights for game winning home runs and for closers coming into the games. It’s now part of the baseball culture that closers are getting a lot of the hype on social media with the lights and coming into games.

Charlie O does Headline podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum: Money still owed on ballpark construction costs; Gap stocks fall 15%

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The question that is still being asked when John Fisher Athletics owner will come up with his share of the construction costs for the Las Vegas ballpark (Daily Democrat photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 You might have heard that groundbreaking at the Las Vegas Tropicana for the A’s new Las Vegas ballpark was to happen last April, A’s president Mark Badain said ground had already been broken, now the A’s have said the date for a ground breaking will take Jun 24, 2025.

#2 The one question that has been asked “what happens if the A’s ballpark isn’t built?” Will that put the project in jeopardy and could that end any prospect for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark.

#3 John Fisher whose family owns the GAP have seen GAP stock fallen 15% this past week that could set back the A’s and is in need of $1.75 billion for the construction share for the Vegas ballpark.

#4 Some critics really feel the A’s might not get the project off the ground period and they would have to look at other options where to play. The A’s won’t return to Sacramento and if Vegas doesn’t get done where could they wind up?

#5 The A’s after losing 11 straight games and then losing nine in a row and then winning two in a row will play out the string as they are 11.5 games behind first place and still haven’t sold out a game yet at Sutter Health?

Daniel Dullum does the A’s relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Panthers Survive the Rumble in the Silicon Valley Jungle, 44-41 over the Oilers; third straight victory

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Bay Area Panthers had enough offense to get by the Tulsa Oilers at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Jun 7, 2025 in Indoor Football League action (photo by Antonio Garcia Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Bay Area Panthers (7-2) persevered in a back and forth battle with the Tulsa Oilers (6-4), 44-41, on a Saturday Evening in the South Bay.

The Panthers were backed deep in their own Red Zone within the 1-minute warning, up by three. Their defense and the home crowd were crucial factors in the exciting victory’.

Tulsa won the coin flip, but decided to defer their possession until the second half. San Jose capitalized on that gift with a rushing touchdown by Josh Tomas, but missed the extra point attempt.

The Panthers’ “Clawfense” blocked an Oilers’ FG attempt, preserving their shutout midway through the first quarter. San Jose later scored on a Justin Jones pass to BK Smith Jr., to put them up 12-0, due to another missed extra point.

Tulsa was held scoreless after one quarter. However, they wasted no time in the second quarter putting points on the scoreboard, on a 10-yard QB keeper by TJ Edwards. The Oilers actually made their extra point, bringing the score within five, 12-7 San Jose.

Later in the second, Edwards hit Cole Blackman for a touchdown, while putting the Oklahoma visitors in the lead by two, 14-12. The lead did not last too long for the guests.

Tomas put the home team back in front, on a 27-yard TD run. This time they made a 2-point conversion, putting them up by six, 20-14. Their lead did not last too long either.

Blackman made an acrobatic catch in the end zone on a 27-yard bomb by Edwards. The Oilers slipped into a one point lead, 21-20.

The tennis match on the football field continued, as the lead was volleyed throughout the contest.

Tomas scurried into paydirt again. This time for 10 yards. and another lead, 26-21. Another failed extra point gave them that particular score. It turned out to be enough to lead at the midway point of the IFL battle. Despite Tulsa’s Ross Moore converting a 27-yard FG, San Jose led 26-24 at the half.

In the second half, Tulsa had the ball first, due to their initial deference. Moore managed to convert a 22-yard field goal, and his squad took the lead, 27-26.

San Jose came right back and recovered the advantage by two, 29-27 on 21-yard FG. After the Panthers kicked off, the Oilers misplayed the ball and Franky West grabbed the loose ball, carrying it into the end zone for a huge touchdown. After the two-point dropkick, the Panthers were up by 10, 37-27.

Before the third quarter ended, Edwards used his legs again and scored on another QB keeper. Tulsa was within three, going into the final stanza, 37-34.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers had the ball on the enemy’s two-yard line, but turned the ball over on a miffed handoff. However, they were able to get the ball relatively soon, as Edwards threw an interception. No one scored off of the back to back turnovers.

Edwards scrambled again for a huge two-yard TD, placing his Oilers back in front 41-37. Shortly thereafter, Justin Jones does his own QB keeper for a two-yard score. The Panthers were up 44-41 in the closing minutes.

During the 1-minute warning, Tulsa had the ball inside the Red Zone, down by three. The recently reliable Edwards went from a game-winning scenario, or at least tying the game. to a game-losing interception in the endzone..

Panther eked out a close victory, 44-41.

A’s Lose To Orioles Despite Huge First Inning 7-4

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Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (32) waits for the pick off throw as the Sacramento A’s Jacob Wilson dives back into the bag in the bottom of the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sat Jun 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento A’s (25-41) had a perfect first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead in game two of their series with the Baltimore Orioles (26-37). They were unable to score for the rest of the game while Baltimore scored in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings winning the game 7-4 Saturday night at Sutter Health Park. Luis Severino struggled giving up eight hits and five runs.

After a hard fought win 5-4 in Friday’s game one, the A’s took on the Baltimore Orioles in game two of their three game series Saturday night. The A’s took a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth inning and held on for the win, their second win in a row.

Game recap: The Orioles were first up on the scoreboard taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Ryan O’Hearn sacrificed Jackson Holliday home for the early lead. The A’s pushed back in the first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead.

Jacob Wilson singled Lawrence Butler home to tie up the game 1-1. Willie MacIver also singled Wilson home taking the lead 2-1 . The A’s continued to extend their lead when JJ Bleday walked with the bases loaded; Brent Rooker came home and the A’s tacked another run onto their lead. Tyler Soderstrom scored when Max Schuemann singled and the A’s had a great opening inning leading 4-1. It was a solid start for the A’s.

It was of course early in the game but it was really looking good for the Athletics going into the fourth inning still leading 4-1. This game really got sidetracked in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

The Orioles pulled to within a run in the fourth inning 3-4 scoring two runs. A familiar name, Ramon Laureano sent the ball soaring out of the park for a 2-run home run and the A’s were clinging onto a one-run lead.

Baltimore scored one run in the fifth inning to tie up the game 4-4. Gunnar Henderson singled Adley Rutschman home for the tie and the significant A’s lead had been erased but it was still early in the game.

Baltimore was not finished going on to score two more runs in the sixth inning via the Orioles second home run of the game. Colton Cowser hit a solo home run to take back the lead Baltimore had back in the first inning 5-4. Baltimore added to that lead in the sixth when Jackson Holliday reached first base on a throwing error by Logan Davidson.

Baltimore took the 6-4 lead into the seventh inning when Ramon Laureano struck again hitting a single driving Gunnar Henderson home for a 7-4 lead and the Orioles were cruising.

The A’s had not scored since the first inning and going into the bottom of the ninth inning they were down to their final three outs. They had a mountain to climb and it just did not happen. JJ Bleday struck out for the 3rd out and that was the ball game 7-4. The A’s were not able to put enough bats together to score again in the game. It all comes down to the rubber match tomorrow, the A’s looking for their first series win in quite awhile.

It was a tough game for starter Luis Severino allowing eight hits, five runs, four walks and five strikeouts. He pitched for 5 2/3 innings. Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler each had two hits apiece, both of them playing some great ball right now. The A’s unfortunately left 11 base runners; something that is going to hurt you every time.

The final game of the series, the rubber match is scheduled for 1:05 PM Sunday. The Orioles Tomoyuki Sugano will start this game with a 5-3 win/loss and a 3.04 ERA. At the time of this post, the A’s will start LHP Jacob Lopez (0-4 ERA 7.20). The A’s will be looking to take the series, something they have not done in quite some time.

157th Belmont Stakes: Sovereignty captures victory over Journalism at Saratoga

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Sovereignty (2) with jockey Junior Alvarado races to the finish line first ahead of Journalism (7) with Jockey Umberto Rispoli, and Baeza (6) with jockey Flavien Prat at the 157th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs New York on Sat Jun 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

The Kentucky Derby champion, Sovereignty, beat the Preakness Stakes winner to claim the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday evening.

Sovereignty won the first and third legs of the Triple Crown, leaving in second place both of those times Journalism, who won the second leg three weeks ago.

After skipping the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty emerged well rested at the Saratoga Race Course, where the event has been held for the second year in a row.

To start, Bob Baffert-trained Rodriguez took the lead with Crudo close behind around the first two turns. Meanwhile Sovereignty and Journalism, who was the pre-race favorite, battled for third.

Journalism surged forward to lead and seemed to be dashing towards victory, when Sovereignty passed him on the right side and overtook him by about two lengths. Sovereignty charged for the finish line and won. Baeza took third place, and the top three spots were a repeat of the Kentucky Derby in early May.

Jockey Junior Alvarado said that the race was “about two great horses, adding that Journalism “didn’t make it easy for my horse”.

“I just think today, he was great today,” Alvarado said of Sovereignty.

Alvarado admitted that winning the Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby was “surreal”, noting that there was a time in his career when he saw the chances for winning just one Triple Crown race seeming to slip.

“I could see everything fading away to be honest, you know, and here I am,” he said.

Sovereignty’s trainer Bill Mott, who faced criticism for withdrawing his horse from the Preakness Stakes and eliminating the possibility of a 2025 Triple Crown winner, said he had no regrets about his decision.

“It turned out good,” said Mott after the race. “If we didn’t win today, we would’ve taken a lot of criticism.”

Sovereignty’s owners took home $1.2 million, Journalism’s $350,000 and Baeza’s $200,000.

While celebrated, Sovereignty’s victory also raises the question of whether he would be the 14th Triple Crown winner in history, if he had been left to run the Preakness Stakes.

Belmont Stakes 2025 final results and odds:

  1. Sovereignty (5-2)
  2. Journalism (2-1)
  3. Baeza (7-2)
  4. Rodriguez (7-1)

Bay FC-Portland match wrap: Bay FC’s Malonson scores matches only goal in 1-0 win over Portland

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Bay FC celebrates Alyssa Malonson’s goal at the 39th minute against the Portland Thorns at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sat Jun 7, 2025 (Bay FC X photo)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC returned home to PayPal Park on Saturday, as they hosted the Portland Thorns during a matinee game. Considering the two teams were fighting for positioning at the end of the 2024 season and aren’t far apart so far this season, this was a matchup that could end up having major playoff implications late in the season. It was almost like a playoff match with Bay getting a narrow victory 1-0 at Pay Pal Park in San Jose.

Bay Starting XI: Silkowitz, Malonson, Brewster, Dahlkemper, Dydasco, Bebar, Conti, Huff, Oshoala, Hocking, Hill

Thorns Starting XI: Bixby, Reyes, Perry, Hiatt, Torpey, Coffey, Sugita, Moultrie, Alidou, Hanks, Linnehan

Asisat Oshoala nearly got Bay on the board in the 9th minute when Jayden Perry slipped on the ball, creating an opportunity in transition. Oshoala’s shot hit the goalpost, though, and it remained 0-0. Up to that point in the match, Bay’s pressing in particular seemed to be giving them an upper hand. Even when they turned the ball over, they were fighting hard to win it back. Payton Linnehan received some medical attention in the 12th minute after going down while holding her leg, but she remained in the match.

After the stoppage, momentum seemed to swing in favor of the Thorns. Jordan Silkowitz made her first difficult save of the night in the 21st minute, denying Portland from point-blank range. In the 23rd minute, Jordan Brewster went down and got attention from the trainer before leaving the game with a lower leg injury in the 26th minute. Kelli Hubly took her place.

Oshoala got another opportunity in the 29th minute, but her shot went just wide of the goal. In the 30th minute, Portland had a header opportunity off of a corner kick, but it went just over the bar. Silkowitz blocked another one-on-one in the 32nd minute, denying Olivia Moultrie whose pressing forced a turnover in the Bay FC backline.

Oshoala was shown a yellow card for a collision with Perry in the 33rd minute. Turnovers in the defensive third quickly became a theme for Bay FC late in the first half, as they were holding onto the ball too long or misplacing passes that allowed the Thorns to quickly regain possession and launch another attack.

Alyssa Malonson opened the scoring in the 39th minute, when her overlap left her plenty of open space inside of the box. A difficult, but perfectly placed shot left Bella Bixby no chance to save it. Once again, Silkowitz made a dazzling save in the 43rd minute to maintain the home side’s 1-0 lead, which Bay FC would carry into halftime.

The second half would start with momentum seemingly back in Bay FC’s corner, but overall, it was a lot of back-and-forth action early in the half with neither team really taking advantage. Bixby made an easy save 67th minute, after the ball deflected off of a defender in front of the goal. Bay FC made some wholesale changes in the 71st minute with Racheal Kundananji, Dorian Bailey and Kiki Pickett entering the match for Taylor Huff, Asisat Oshoala, and Hannah Bebar.

Kundananji tried to make an instant impact, going one-on-one with a centerback in the 74th minute, however, her shot went just wide. With Kundananji in the game, it seemed as if Bay FC were trying to take advantage of the worn-down defense and were taking a route-one style approach of lumping it down the field.

It was generating chances due to her speed, but they weren’t converting on those opportunities. Penelope Hocking came off for Tess Boade in the 78th minute. Pickett was shown a yellow card in the 80th minute. Caiya Hanks came out of the game due to the incident, leaving Portland with ten players for the time being.

In the 84th minute, Alexa Spaanstra took Hanks’ place for Portland. In the 95th minute, it seemed as if Rachel Hill had extended Bay FC’s lead to 2-0; however, the play was deemed a handball. Portland went down the other way and nearly converted a chance in the 98th minute, but it went just wide and the final whistle blew moments later. Bay FC walked away victorious, with a 1-0 win at home.

SF Giants game wrap: Chapman’s the hero and ends pitcher’s duel with walk-off HR in Giants’ fourth-straight win, 3-2 over Braves

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San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman runs the bases after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Sat Jun 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Atlanta Braves 2 (27-36)

San Francisco Giants 3 (37-28)

Win: Tyler Rogers (3-2)

Loss: Pierce Johnson (1-3)

Time: 2:05

Attendance: 35,162

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants pulled off their fourth win in a row in what was a pitcher’s duel, as they were down to their final out, and Matt Chapman hit a walk-off home run to left field to cap off an epic Giants’ 3-2 win over the Braves Saturday.

After Buster Posey shook things up on Wednesday, the Giants have been undefeated. They blew a lead last night, but they were able to win it on a walk-off wild pitch for their seventh walk-off win of the season.

Saturday, on Pride Day, and another gorgeous day for baseball at Oracle Park. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie was on hand for pregame ceremonies, as were LGBTQ leaders, including State Senator Scott Weiner.

Iowayna Pena, Director of Government Affairs and Real Estate Development for the Giants, and a prominent leader in the LGBTQ Community, threw out the first pitch with the new Pride Ball. What is the Pride Ball you ask? It is a baseball with rainbow stitching. The Seattle Mariners first came up with the idea this year. To my knowledge, it was not used in Saturday’s game, but it would be pretty cool if they start using it for Pride Day next year.

Logan Webb took the ball. Let’s be honest here: Logan Webb is Matt Cain with a sinker. Webb looks like Cain; has the same build as Cain; and has the same mechanics as Cain. Most importantly and unfortunately, Logan Webb suffers the same level of being screwed by his offense as the great Matt Cain.

Saturday would be the same for the Giants’ ace. Webb started off strong, as he retired the first six men he faced. Webb ran into trouble but escaped a jam in the top of the third, and then he threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth.

Braves’ starter Bryce Elder started off almost just as strong. He threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the first, followed by a pair of scoreless innings in the second and third.

The Giants struck first in the bottom of the fourth, as Wilmer Flores led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to left field off a hanging slider by Elder. Elder retired the next three, but Braves Manager Brian Snitker decided to get thrown out of the game by Home Plate Umpire Gabe Morales afterwards.

Good chance Snitker got tossed to motivate his struggling team that has not had the kind of season they expected, and who has lost some tough games as of late. It appeared to work, as Michael Harris led off the top of the fifth with a home run to right-center to tie it. Webb retired the next three, and Elder threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the fifth.

The Braves then staged a rally off Webb in the top of the sixth, as they loaded the bases with nobody out on three-straight singles. Matt Olson popped up into an infield fly, and then Marcel Ozuna grounded into a fielder’s choice to put the Braves ahead.

Webb struck out Harris to end the top of the sixth and his day, as his pitch count got to him. Webb was just great over six innings, as he struck out ten, and didn’t walk a single guy.

The only problem? You guessed it: Webb couldn’t get any support. Elder one-upped Webb with 12 strikeouts over eight dominant innings. Elder, too, didn’t walk anybody, and on top of that, he only gave up three hits.

That’s why the Giants must have been ecstatic to see former Giant Pierce Johnson in the bottom of the ninth. Well, that, and the fact that it was a wild pitch by Johnson that won the game for the Giants last night.

Pierce Johnson struck out Daniel Johnson to start the bottom of the ninth, and then Heliot Ramos grounded a base-hit to left-center. Wilmer then popped up, and the Giants were down to their last out.

Matt Chapman came up to the plate as the Giants’ last hope on this beautiful afternoon. The count was 1-1 when Johnson threw Chapman a semi-hanging curveball in the bottom half of the zone. Chapman turned on it, and hit a two-run home run to left to win it for the Giants.

It was the eighth walk-off win for the Giants this season, and their second walk-off home run. Believe it or not, the Giants had nine walk-off wins at this point of the season in 2011.

Tyler Rogers, who pitched a scoreless inning in the top of the ninth, got the win, and Pierce Johnson took the loss for the second day in a row.

The Giants improve to 36-27, and they will go for the sweep Sunday with Landen Roupp (3-4, 3.18 ERA) on the hill. Spencer Strider (0-4, 5.68 ERA) will take the ball for Atlanta.

First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.