Author: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: How Purdy will look throwing the football against the Dolphin defense

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Thu Sep 10, 2026. The 49ers host the Miami Dolphins at Levi Stadium Sun Sep 20, 2026 in week 2 of the NFL season. (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Can Brock Purdy build on his three-touchdown performance against the Rams by connecting with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle against Miami?

#2 Can Christian McCaffrey establish the 49ers’ running game against a Dolphins defense that will be looking to rebound from Week 1?

#3 Will Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ revamped pass rush continue creating pressure against Miami after San Francisco pressured Matthew Stafford 14 times in Week 1?

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Survive An Ugly Seventh To Beat Cardinals 6-5 In Ten Innings

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San Francisco Giants Drew Gilbert (right) is congratulated by Grant McCray (58) after hitting a two run home run in the top of the tenth inning at Busch Stadium in St Louis on Wed Sep 16, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday aftternoon the San Francisco Giants (64-89) finished up their three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals (75-78) with a one run 6-5 win in ten innings at Busch Stadium in St Louis.

With this series tied at one apiece it will be up for grabs today. The game got underway amid some some very warm temps, low 90s at first pitch. Both teams had quiet starts through the first two innings.

It was the Giants who drew the first run of the game. San Francisco would take the only run of the game into the seventh inning. The Giants lit up in the seventh inning scoring three runs taking a 3-0 lead.

In a crazy bottom of the seventh San Francisco had gone from playing clean ball to back-to-back errors allowing the Cardinals to score a run and load the bases scoring yet another run trailing 3-2.

The Giants were able to score an insurance run in the eighth inning taking a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. The Cardinals scored two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game but were unable to cross the finish line and this game went into extra innings.

San Francisco hit a two run home run to start the top of the tenth taking back the lead 6-4. It got dicey in the bottom of the tenth inning and although St. Louis did load the bases and score one run they came up a run short. The final was 6-5 in favor of San Francisco; they had won the game and the series.

GAME RECAP

San Francisco starting pitching Anthony Molina had a couple of great opening innings going three and out in both of them. St. Louis starter Matthew Liberatore was equally effective although did give up a walk in the first inning and a single in the second. Both starters were successfully limiting the traffic on the bases.

The Giants broke through in the third inning scoring the first run of the game. Jonah Cox singled followed by a Bryce Eldridge walk. With the two runners on base, Cox scored when Brett Harris hit into a double play and San Francisco was first up on the scoreboard and the Cardinals would have to play catch-up in a very close game. Molina closed out the fourth inning pitching with continued exceptional work.

The Giants had runners at first and third in the fifth inning but left them both stranded missing an opporunity to extend their lead. Molina gave up a single in the bottom of the inning, San Francisco taking the 1-0 lead into the sixth inning.

In the sixth inning the Giants again put two runners on base but just couldn’t bring them home. With two outs and nobody on base there was a pitching change for San Francisco. Anthony Molina had been terrific going 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball with an 82 pitch count. He was relieved by Philip Abner who closed out the inning.

San Francisco had more opportunity to advance their 1-0 lead in the top of the seventh inning. First at bat Andrew Knizner was hit by a pitch and advanced to first followed by a Christian Koss single. With the two runners on base Jonah Cox singled Knizner home and Koss scored on a throwing error taking a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

Carson Seymour would take the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning. It had been looking so good with the Giants playing some really clean ball. Unfortunately this game did a 360 in the seventh. With two outs and one runner on base San Francisco had back-to-back errors.

The Cardinals scored a run on the second error and were finally up on the scoreboard 3-1. With Seymour struggling, there was another pitching change for the Giants with Trent Harris relieving Seymour. It was a bit of an ugly start for Harris throwing a wild pitch that scored a second St. Louis run and this was a one run game 3-2. Harris went on to get the third out.

The Giants badly needed an insurance run and they achieved just that in the top of the eighth inning. Shay Whitcomb hit a single reaching second base on a throwing error. Andrew Knizner singled Whitcomb home and San Francisco had a little breathing room leading 4-2.

Harris did give up a double in the bottom of the eighth inning but closed out the inning. The Giants were three outs away from winning game three and the series despite some very unfortunate miscalculations. Leading by two runs they had a great chance to close out this game with a win in regulation.

There was not much going on in the top of the ninth inning and this game went into the bottom of the ninth. Dylan Smith would take the mound for the Giants looking to close out this game.

Smith walked Nolan Gorman the first at bat followed by a Thomas Saggese infield hit and the Cardinals had two runners on base with no outs. There would be more discussion on the mound but no changes.

The first out came at the expense of Nathan Church. The winning run Ivan Herrera came to the plate and Smith walked him loading the bases. The Giants were in deep trouble.

Fermin hit a sacrifice fly driving Gorman home and this was a one-run game 4-3. With two outs Smith gave up a single to Leo Bernal and Saggese scored and this was a tie game 4-4.

With two outs St. Louis had runners at first and third and that was it for Smith. Sanmartin relieved Smith and got out of the inning when one of the Cardinals best hitters Alec Burleson grounded out and San Francisco had survived a walk-off going into the tenth.

The Giants got a home run in the top of the tenth inning off the bat of pinch hitter Drew Gilbert with Grant McCray onboard taking back the lead 6-4 and San Francisco was back in business. What an amazing way to start extra innings.

The Cardinals continued to fight and with one out they had runners on first and third. Again the Giants were looking at another awful situation with the bases loaded when St. Louis drew a walk.

There had been some real struggles on the mound for both Smith and Joel Kuhnel. Kuhnel got the final out in this agonizing game although he did allow one run. The final of this crazy game was 6-5

GAME NOTES

After a bit of a blowout yesterday, the Giants had a mixed bag in game three. San Francisco again took the first lead of the game but some late inning defense almost cost the Giants this game.

The positive we can take from this game is that San Francisco found a way to win this wild game despite giving away some scoring opportunities late. They did win the series and the game 6-5.

The offense did enough early with some important contributions throughout the lineup. They survived the ninth inning and did not collapse completely after the defensive problems. St. Louis did put a lot of pressure on San Francisco late in the game.

The defensive collapse late in the game was problematic. This was by far their biggest negative in this game. San Francisco had played a clean, solid game going into the late innings and then it all seemed to fall apart committing back-to-back errors.

They sure gave St. Louis a lot of opportunities turning a game that looked pretty comfortable into a nail-biter. Routine defensive plays were not being made cleanly and there was a lot of pressure on the pitching staff because outs just were not being recorded.

The Giants defense continues to be an issue especially late in games when it most matters. Sloppy defense can erase good pitching and hitting in a flash. The Giants just made this game far more difficult than it had to be.

So the Giants were resilient and found a way to win but the late-inning defense was absolutely unacceptable. Shay Whitcomb who was playing second base had an error and Casey Schmitt followed that error with a second one. Those miscues helped to create the Cardinals’ rally and the reason that this game became so tight.

A bright spot in this game for sure was the outing that came from Anthony Medina. He was excellent; he went 5 2/3 innings allowing no runs. The Cardinals were having a lot of trouble accomplishing anything against him. He left the game with a shutout intact turning the game over to the bullpen which turned into chaos defensively as well as some command issues from the bullpen.

Friday night the Giants will take on their rival the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series their last road trip of the season. Cesar Perdomo will take the mound for San Francisco with an 0-1 win/loss record and a 3.68 ERA. The Dodgers will start Tyler Glasnow. He has a 4-1 win/loss record and a 3.50 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 7:10 PM.

5 2/3 shutout baseball

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Caminero Has Last Word as A’s Fall to Rays 2-1

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Tampa Rays Junior Caminero (center) celebrates his ninth inning walk off home run to defeat the Sacramento A’s at the Tropicana in St Petersburg on Tue Sep 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s game wrap:

By Mauricio Segura

A pitcher’s duel kept the Sacramento A’s within reach all night, but the Tampa Bay Rays Junior Caminero needed only one swing in the ninth to erase any hope of a Green and Gold victory, sending the ball into the right-field bleachers. His opposite-field home run off Elvis Alvarado gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory and handed the A’s a painful start to their final road trip of the season. It was Caminero’s American League-leading 41st homer and his second game-ending shot in five days.

For most of the game, Jack Perkins gave Sacramento every opportunity to steal one. The right-hander delivered the best start of his major league career, working 6 2/3 innings while allowing four hits, one unearned run and one walk with eight strikeouts. It was a dramatic reversal from his previous meeting with Tampa Bay, when the Rays tagged him for a career-high 12 hits and seven runs over five innings. Perkins began the evening with a 6.53 ERA, but his ability to miss bats had been a season-long strength, with 119 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings before this outing.

Tampa Bay scratched out the first run in the second without driving it home with a hit. Chandler Simpson doubled to right, moved to third on Richie Palacios’ grounder and scored when a passed ball got away from catcher Jonah Heim. Perkins limited the damage by striking out Jorge Mateo, beginning a long stretch in which Tampa Bay could do little against him.

The A’s had their own problems with Griffin Jax. Alika Williams doubled in the third and Shea Langeliers singled in the fourth, but neither advanced into scoring position. Jax worked five scoreless innings, allowing only those two hits while striking out seven without issuing a walk. He needed just 67 pitches before Tampa Bay turned the game over to its bullpen.

Sacramento finally found an opening against Ty Johnson in the sixth. Henry Bolte singled to left with one out, then Jeff McNeil sent a single into right that pushed Bolte to third. Johnson’s wild pitch did the rest, allowing Bolte to score and McNeil to move to second. Shea Langeliers struck out before Cam Booser replaced Johnson and retired Lawrence Butler, leaving the score tied at 1-1.

Bolte’s contribution continued a productive September. He began the series batting .318 for the month with four homers, seven RBI, 10 walks, 11 runs and six stolen bases, and his 20 steals for the season led American League rookies.

Perkins protected the tie until the seventh. Liam Hicks drew a walk and Simpson collected his third hit of the game, putting two runners aboard with two outs. Luis Medina replaced Perkins and struck out Palacios to strand both. Simpson finished 3-for-3, accounting for half of Tampa Bay’s six hits while raising his batting average to .308.

Medina and Hogan Harris carried the tie through the eighth. The A’s bullpen escaped after Mateo reached on an overturned call and stole second, with Harris retiring Yandy Díaz and striking out Jonathan Aranda. Sacramento then had one final chance in the ninth, but Bryan Baker retired McNeil, Langeliers and Butler in order. Langeliers nearly found grass in left, only for Simpson to make a sliding catch.

That brought Caminero to the plate against Alvarado. After falling behind 0-2, Caminero turned on a 100.4 mph fastball and sent it down the right-field line for a 344-foot homer, ending the game three pitches into the bottom of the ninth.

The series continues with a contrast on the mound as left-hander Brady Basso (1-2, 3.86 ERA, 28 K) gets the ball for the A’s against Tampa Bay right-hander Nick Martinez (14-4, 2.92 ERA, 98 K), with first pitch scheduled for 3:40 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. 

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie are back in action and host Portland Fire Friday night at Chase

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and Valkyrie forward Kiah Stokes (41) who defends at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With the Valkyries sitting at 29–11 and in second place, can Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and the rest of the team close the gap on the Minnesota Lynx during the final four regular-season games?

#2 How important will Gabby Williams’ return from the FIBA Women’s World Cup be for Golden State’s playoff preparation after she was named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player and selected to the All-Star Five?

#3 Can Janelle Salaün’s outstanding season continue to put her in contention for the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39.7% from three-point range?

#4 What impact could the Valkyries’ new multiyear partnership with Athleta have on the team’s fan base, merchandise and community programs aimed at empowering girls through sports?

#5 With Golden State returning to action September 18 against the Portland Fire, how will Natalie Nakase use the final four games to prepare the Valkyries for their second consecutive WNBA playoff appearance?

Michael Roberson is a WNBA and Golden State Valkyrie analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Overwhelm Cardinals Winning Game Two 10-3; SF skids ends at 4

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By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (62-89) went into game two of their series with the St. Louis Cardinals (75-76) looking for a more efficient start as well as tying up this series and tie up the series they did a huge way winning in a Tuesday night laugher 10-3 at Busch Stadium in St Louis.

San Francisco got all over St. Louis starting pitcher Andre Pallante big time scoring three runs in the first inning. There is no better way to start any game than taking a significant lead in an opening inning.

The Cardinals were able to hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning. Both team were quiet in the second inning but in the third San Francisco again began to flex their muscle scoring four runs and taking a 7-1 lead.

The Cardinals despite loading the bases in the third only scored a single run. The Giants would score a second run in the top of the fourth taking an 8-2 lead. The 8-2 score remained through the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Back-to-back San Francisco doubles in the eighth inning made it a 9-2 ball game. The Cardinals scored one more run in the bottom of the eighth and the possibility of a rally for St. Louis was all but gone. San Francisco would score their final run of the game tying up the series in game.

GAME RECAP

After losing a close one Mondday in game one the Giants were on a mission Tuesday night in game two. They scored early and often taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Bryce Eldridge led the charge hitting a two run home run. Jonah Cox reached first base and Turner Hill singled him home for a great opening inning leading 3-0. St. Louis’ Burleson hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning.

The Cardinals Andre Pallante allowed a Christian Koss single in the second inning and the Giants Blade Tidwell went three and out.

San Francisco got exactly the start they were looking for and pushed their lead out even further in the top of the third scoring four runs. The production at the plate in the inning was an offensive masterpiece.

Cox led off with a bunt single followed by a Jung Hoo Lee double driving Cox to third base. Turner Hill grounded out and Cox scored with Lee moving over to third base the score now 4-1.

Drew Cavanaugh walked followed by a McCray single driving in Lee for another run and a 5-1 lead. Christian Koss singled both Cavanaugh and Grant McCray home. St. Louis was relieved to finally get out of the inning but they were now facing a 7-1 deficit.

It had been a tough one for their starter Pallante. Giants pitcher Tidwell struggled a bit in the bottom of the inning giving up a run. He gave up a single, followed by hitting Fermin and then a walk loading the bases with no outs.

A sacrifice fly scored one run but that would be the only run in the inning for St. Louis. Tidwell went on to force the sacrifice, and a couple of strikeouts to end the inning. The Cardinals could have done massive damage in the inning but instead came away with a single run, the score 7-2.

San Francisco scored another run in the top of the fourth. Bryce Eldridge walked and a Osleivis Basabe double drove him home for an 8-2 tally. Tidwell was having a great outing in this game going three and out as this game headed into the fifth inning.

Despite some struggles the Cardinals Pallante remained in the game going three and out in the top of the inning. The Giants Tidwell also went one, two, three, in the bottom of the fifth shutting the door on the St. Louis offense.

There was a pitching change in the top of the sixth inning for the Cardinals. Brycen Mautz relieved Pallante dismissing the Giants three and out. San Francisco’s Tidwell closed out six innings going three and out and he could not have had a better showing. Through six inning, the Giants had 8 hits and the Cardinals with only two.

The Cardinals Mautz walked a couple and struck out a couple to close out the top of the seventh inning. The Giants Blade Tidwell gave up a single and with two outs in the bottom of the inning he was relieved by Jason Foley. He may have been pulled due to a 95 pitch count.

San Francisco had back-back doubles in the eighth inning with two outs scoring another run. Both Brett Harris and Eldridge had the two doubles that drove Harris home extending their lead to 9-3. San Francisco’s Foley gave up one run in the bottom of the eighth. Going into the ninth inning the score was 9-3 in favor of the Giants.

San Francisco would hit their second home run of the game in the top of the ninth courtesy of Turner Hill. The Cardinals went down quietly in the bottom of the ninth and that was the ball game 10-3. The Giants had tied up this game and would be looking for a series win tomorrow.

First pitch for Wednesday’s game three is scheduled for 10:15 AM. Anthony Molina will take the mound for the Giants. He has a 3-1 win/loss record and a 5.29 ERA. Matthew Liberatore will start for the Cardinals. He has a 5-14 win/loss record and a 5.53 ERA.

GAME NOTES

This was an encouraging game for the Giants from start to finish. They jumped all over Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante scoring three runs taking a very early lead and didn’t let their foot off the accelerator for the rest of the game scoring in five innings dominating the entire game. They had it all covered offensively and defensively.

We saw another incredible game from Bryce Eldridge show-casing some crazy power. He hit a two run home run in the first inning getting this game going in the right direction. It was supposedly the longest home run at Busch this season. (461 feet). He finished with three RBIs continuing to look like one of San Francisco’s most exciting young players.

Blade Tidwell delivered an excellent start, he was particularly impressive going nearly seven innings. He was relieved in the seventh after giving up a single with two outs. While it would have been nice to see him go the full seven, his pitch count was getting up there with 95. He did a great job keeping the Cardinals offense under control. This allowed San Francisco to continue to build a comfortable lead before the bullpen took over.

One of the biggest positives for the remainder of the season are the team’s younger players including Eldridge. They all continue to get meaningful major-league experience and have more than proven that they can contribute offensively.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria: Can Cousins keep it going against the Chargers Sunday?

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr (4) takes off from Miami Dolphins cornerback Juju Brents (left) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria:

#1Can Kirk Cousins build on his strong debut and keep the Raiders’ offense moving against the Chargers’ defense?

#2Can Ashton Jeanty follow his 102-yard rushing performance against Miami with another big game on the ground?

#3 Will Kwity Paye continue his strong pass rush and put pressure on Justin Herbert?

#4 Can Jeremy Chinn and the Raiders’ secondary create turnovers against the Chargers’ passing attack?

#5 How much will the Raiders’ offensive line — led by Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson — control the line of scrimmage against the Chargers.

Tony Renteria does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Skubal pitches 7 innings of shutout ball to help Dodgers clinch for the postseason; Guardians overtake ChiSox lead AL central by half game; plus more news

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal pitched seven innings of shutout ball against the Cincinnati Reds on Mon Sep 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Can Tarik Skubal continue his dominant postseason form after throwing seven scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to their record-tying 14th consecutive playoff berth?

#2 Can the Cleveland Guardians overtake the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central during their crucial three-game series, with the division race separated by only a half-game?

#3 Can the New York Yankees officially clinch a playoff berth soon after Cam Schlittler’s spectacular one-hit, six-inning performance against the Mets?

#4 Can the Houston Astros recover from being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays and hold off the Texas Rangers, who are now only one game behind in the AL West?

#5 Can the San Diego Padres maintain their strong wild-card position after sweeping the San Francisco Giants, while Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres’ other key hitters continue their late-season surge?.

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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: With the 2026 Season Ending , What’s Up with the A’s?

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Sacramento A’s manager Mark Kotsay says Sacramento could support an MLB team but the A’s have been drawing an average of 9,000 plus per game in a 14,000 seat minor league park. Will Sacramento be considered seriously for MLB expansion? (AP file photo)

With the 2026 Season Ending, What’s Up with the A’s?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The A’s are coming to the end of the 2026 season. They weren’t expected to contend; however, they also weren’t expected to lose 100 games. Today, they are 61-89 with 12 games left. They have a good chance of falling short of 100 losses, which is a good thing. The last time the team lost 100 games was in 2023, when they finished 50-112 in Oakland. It was a different story back then; there was still some hope, remote, but still there, of staying in the city of Oakland, where they played for 57 years. But it was a perfect storm: shaky A’s ownership, fans at the Coliseum chanting “sell, sell, the City of Oakland in transition, inept Mayors with poor leadership- the result. Adiós, Bay Area.

Just  12 games left this season; below is how the A’s rank (Obviously, the number could change in the next two weeks, but it will not be by much)

-2026 American League is made up of 15 teams (Below is the story of the 2026 A’s)

(Offense)… No.6 …246 average….656 runs scored….183 home runs. The strongest part of this team.

(Defense) No.14 (next to last) with a .988 fielding percentage and 70 errors. An ongoing weakness.

(Pitching) A’s are No. 15 and last in the American League with a combined team ERA of 5.33. They struggled with high ERAs in a hitter-friendly home

ballpark in West Sacramento; this was their biggest hurdle, and they failed.

A few months ago, just after Spring Training had ended, I wrote that this 2026 A’s team would go as far as their pitching takes them. They should finish in penultimate place in the AL West, just above the recently sold LA Angels, who own the cellar again.

Other 2026 happenings:

On August 7, the team parted ways with their General Manager, David Forst, a good man, but that was hardly a surprise.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay said Sacramento has shown it can support an MLB team. That doesn’t seem to be the case.

A’s average attendance: 9,916. Capacity for Sutter Health Park: 14,000

With 6 home games left (as of this article), the A’s total attendance is 743,673. Ranked No. 15 and last in the American League, this should not be a surprise; after all, this park is a minor league facility, it is what it is folks.

2026 A’s are the only team in MLB that did not draw 1 million fans. 2025 A’s attendance in Sacramento was 768,464. Last time the A’s drew over 1 million, they were in Oakland in 2019

The A’s are expected to play another season, 2027, in Sacramento (the season is threatened by an owners’ lockout) and then move to their new park in Las Vegas in 2028

This will be my final article on the 2026 A’s. I wish everyone working for the A’s a great and healthy off-season.

Quote:

  • “You could be a kid for as long as you want when you play baseball.” — Cal Ripken Jr

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. 

Cardinals Outlast Giants Winning Game One 2-1; Loss is SF’s fourth straight

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San Francisco Giants Jonah Cox (53) is caught stealing as the St Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) places a tag in the top of the sixth inning at Busch Stadium in St Louis on Mon Sep 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Monday evening the San Francisco Giants (62-88) took on the St. Louis Cardinals (74-76) at Busch Stadium amid some steamy conditions with rain forecast Tuesday and Wednesday. The Cards ended up edging the Giants with a 2-1 one run win on Monday to open up the road trip.

Through the first three innings it was a pitchers duel. Starting pitcher for the Giants got into a bit of trouble in the bottom of the first inning giving up a single and a walk but he closed out the inning.

The Cardinals starter Quinn Matthews breezed through the first three innings already striking out four Giant at-bats going three and out in every inning. After five innings, Matthews was cruising going three and out with exception of the fourth inning where he gave up a walk. San Francisco was still looking for their first hit.

San Francisco got into a bit of a jam in the bottom of the fifth inning making three pitching changes in the inning. The Cardinals put two runs up on the scoreboard taking a 2-0 lead.

The Giants would finally get their offense going scoring a run in the top of the sixth inning cutting the St. Louis lead in half 2-1. This game went into the bottom of the eighth with St. Louis still leading 2-1 and San Francisco was three outs away from a loss in game one. The Giants got two runners on base in the top of the ninth but just couldn’t bring them home losing game one.

GAME RECAP

St. Louis starting pitcher Quinn Matthews went three and out to open this game. Giants starter Landen Roupp allowed a couple of runners on base giving up a single and a walk. This scoreless game went into the second inning.

Again it was all Matthews going three and out. Roupp gave up a double and another walk but kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard.

This game continued along the same path in the third inning with Matthews striking out a couple more Giants and going three and out. Roupp was holding pretty steady giving up a couple of singles but no runs.

San Francisco got their first runner on base in the top of the fourth inning via a walk but remained hitless. St. Louis pitcher Matthews was crushing it through four his pitch count at 56.

Giant’s pitcher Roupp got his first three and out in the bottom of the fourth. His pitch count was at 69 and this game had turned into a good old-fashion pitcher’s duel. St. Louis had four hits through the first four innings. Both teams were looking for a break-through, and the first run of the game.

Matthews got his seventh strikeout in the top of the fifth inning and another one, two, three inning. Roupp got into a bit of a jam in the bottom of the fifth giving up a single and a walk putting two Cardinal runners on base with one out. There would be a pitching change for the Giants with Reiver Sanmartin relieving Roupp who was not at all pleased much of his angst due to the calls at the plate by the umpire.

Sanmartin loaded up the bases giving up a couple of runs and the San Francisco bullpen got busy. Sanmartin was shakey from the start and he was out. Now it would be up too Joel Kuhnel to get the Giants out of a big-time jam. He got a strike out and a ground out and the Giants had avoided further damage trailing 2-0.

The San Francisco offense came to life in the top of the sixth inning. Grant McCray started off the inning with a double. Jonah Cox singled, McGray scored from second base and the Giants were on the scoreboard cutting the St. Louis lead in half 2-1. Kuhnel went three and out in the bottom of the inning.

The Giants had a great chance in the top of the seventh inning to do some damage putting three runners on base with two outs. There would be a pitching change for St. Louis with Justin Bruhl relieving Matthews who had pitched a great game until the seventh inning rolled around.

He had gone 6 2/3 innings. Bruhl went to work getting out of the inning which was huge for St. Louis. The Giants Trent Harris relieved Joel Kuhnel and went three and out in the bottom of the inning.

The Cardinals Ryne Stanek relieved Bruhl striking out both Christian Koss and Jonah Cox in the top of the eighth inning. He went on to give up a single and a walk finally getting the third out and San Francisco got nothing in the inning and were three outs away from losing game one.

The Cardinals would be looking for some insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Leo Bernal got his third hit of the game but not much else and the Cardinals would be pinning their hopes on to Riley O’Brien to close out this game.

Nate Furman struck out, but Jung Hoo Lee hit a single and the Giants had the tying run on base and the go-ahead run at the plate. Drew Cavanaugh drew a walk and San Francisco had two runners on base with only one out.

Grant McCray struck out and the Giants were one out away from the loss with Christian Koss their final hope. A wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third and the Giants just needed that one hit. Unfortunately Koss grounded out and that was the ball game, the Cardinals winning game one of the series 2-1.

GAME NOTES

The Giants got excellent pitching from starter Landen Roupp. He pitched into the fifth inning and kept the Cardinals scoreless for much of his outing. It did seem that he did enough to remain in the game which made his removal in the fifth inning interesting.

There were three pitching changes in the fifth inning with Reiver Sanmartin giving up two hits and a walk being relieved by Joel Kuhnel who got out of the inning. It seemed that the pitching change came back to bite them. The Giants held St. Louis to only two runs which in most cases is good enough to win most games.

The only run of the day came in the sixth inning for the Giants when Jonah Cox delivered an RIB single. This was a huge at-bat giving San Francisco a chance to get back in the game.

The Giants remained competitive throughout once they started hitting. This was not a sloppy or high-scoring game and San Francisco was in the game throughout. They did have their opportunities to tie or even take the lead but were unable to cash in. Their pitching was very good and sure gave them a legitimate chance to win.

The biggest missed opportunity for the Giants was when they loaded the bases in the seventh inning coming away empty. In a 2-1 game that is huge. The timely hit they so badly needed could have completely changed the outcome.

They had limited scoring opportunities and San Francisco had to take advantage of them but came up short. This has been a problem for the team. The pitching is good but the work at the plate does not consistently deliver.

The bottom line is that the Giants could have won this winnable low-scoring game. The pitching was good enough, the game close enough and the Cardinals were not dominating San Francisco. It was that seventh inning that spelled out this loss.

Tuesday the Giants will be looking to bounce back in game two and tie up the series. Blade Tidwell will start for the Giants in game two. He has an 0-2 win/loss record and a 4.82 ERA. St. Louis will feature Andre Pallante on the mound. He is having a good season with a 12-6 win/loss record and a 3.45 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:45 PM

Spaghetti Factory San Jose/Sportstalk podcast Mon Sep 14, 2026

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San Jose Spaghetti Factory cast: front seat Michael Duca (host/ESPN), left side going up Vince Cestone (SF Giants reporter), Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Barracuda reporter), back seat Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal football reporter), right side left to right Lee Leonard (producer), Daisy Amaya (advertising) and Kelli Duca (SF Giants customer service). (photo by Old Spaghetti Factory servers)

Welcome to another edition of Sportstalk I’m your talkshow host Michael Duca (ESPN/host), with my co hosts, Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal reporter), Vince Cestone (MLB analyst), and Marko Ukalovic (SJ Earthquakes reporter) and my producer Lee Leonard. Were podcasting from the historic Old Spaghetti Factory at 51 North San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose. Our thanks to our host Old Spaghetti Factory Regional Operations Director Raina Cyphers, Jessica Russell West Coast Regional Manager, general manager Jen Godfrey, restaurant managers Ramon Barragan, and James Burkhouse.

Dedicated to satisfying dining in warm surroundings, the San Jose Old Spaghetti Factory, established in 1972, is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square. This Spanish-Mexican plaza was mapped out by Don Jose in 1777 and an adobe house, built by the early settlers, still stands in the Square. Within walking distance you can enjoy sporting events and entertainment at the Area, the Center for Performing Arts and the San Jose Museum of Art. We hope you will enjoy your visit with us and find many pleasant memories of the color and charm of San Jose.