San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman is all smiles being congratulated after hitting grand slam in the top of the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on Fri Jun 5, 2026 (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:
#1 San Francisco’s Friday Offensive Explosion The San Francisco Giants hit seven home runs and scored 18 runs against the Chicago Cubs. What factors contribute most to an offensive breakout of this magnitude, and how sustainable are these performances over a season?
#2 Shohei Ohtani’s Dominance Shohei Ohtani continues to excel both as a pitcher and hitter pitching six innings then going 3-4 as the lead off DH on Wed Jun 3. How does his two-way impact compare to the greatest individual seasons in MLB history?
#3 Nationals Emerging as a Surprise Contender The Washington Nationals have become one of baseball’s best road teams and rank among the league leaders in scoring. What has been the biggest reason for their success so far this season?
#4 Yankees–Red Sox Rivalry Renewed With the New York Yankees dealing with injuries and the Boston Red Sox gaining momentum, how could this series affect the balance of power in the American League East?
#5 MLB Expansion on the Horizon Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that progress on new stadium projects could pave the way for MLB expansion to 32 teams. Which cities would make the strongest candidates for expansion franchises, and why?
Jockey Jose Ortiz is fired up after crossing the finish line with Golden Tempo (9) at the 158th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs NY Sat Jun 6, 2026. It was Golden Tempo’s second triple crown win winning the Kentucky Derby May 2, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Jessica Kwong
Golden Tempo closed from the back of the pack once again, surging through the stretch Saturday to win the 158th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and add a second Triple Crown race victory to an already historic season.
Under jockey Jose Ortiz, the Kentucky Derby winner covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.49 over a fast track, overtaking Commandment in the final furlong to capture the final leg of the Triple Crown. Renegade, the race favorite, finished third.
The victory capped another milestone for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to win multiple Triple Crown races after guiding Golden Tempo to victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. She is the second female trainer to win the Belmont, following Jena Antonucci’s triumph with Arcangelo in 2023.
Golden Tempo broke from the outside post in the nine-horse field and settled at the very rear during the early stages as the leaders set a moderate pace. Ortiz kept the colt relaxed before asking for his run around the far turn. Golden Tempo responded with the same powerful late kick that carried him to victory at Churchill Downs five weeks earlier.
Commandment appeared poised for an upset after taking command entering the stretch, but Golden Tempo steadily reeled him in and drew clear to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Renegade, who went off as the 8-5 betting favorite after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, could not match the winner’s acceleration and settled for third.
The result further established Golden Tempo as the leading 3-year-old in the country and provided another memorable moment for DeVaux, who was born in Saratoga Springs and celebrated the victory at the historic upstate New York venue.
“He needed to do this to show that he was meant to win the Derby, and that he is a horse that belongs in that conversation of being in the top 3-year-olds,” DeVaux said after the race.
The victory also renewed discussion about the Triple Crown that never materialized. After winning the Kentucky Derby, Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes to rest, ending any possibility of a sweep of the series. Questions about that decision resurfaced immediately after the Belmont.
Asked whether Golden Tempo might have had a chance to complete the Triple Crown had he run in Baltimore, DeVaux declined to look backward.
“We made our decision, and he won today, and we’re going to be happy about that,” said DeVaux. “It’s not something I want to think about.”
Instead, the focus remained on what Golden Tempo accomplished. The colt became the 13th horse to complete the Kentucky Derby-Belmont Stakes double and delivered another signature moment in a season already filled with them.
For DeVaux, the victory added to a groundbreaking year. Following her historic Kentucky Derby triumph, she spoke about the significance of her accomplishments for women in racing, saying, “I’m glad I can be representative of women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to.”
Saturday’s Belmont marked the third and final scheduled running of the race at Saratoga before its planned return to a newly renovated Belmont Park in 2027. The historic venue delivered one last memorable Triple Crown event, highlighted by another dramatic rally from a colt who has made a habit of saving his best for last.
Belmont Stakes 2026 Finishing Order:
1. Golden Tempo 2. Commandment 3. Renegade 4. Chief Wallabee 5. Emerging Market 6. Growth Equity 7. Vitruvian Man 8. Ottinho 9. Powershift
Former New York Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games from Jun 1, 1925 to Apr 30, 1939. Gehrig passes away from ALS at age 37 in 1942. (photo from the Lou Gehrig photo gallery)
The Pride of the Yankees
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The Pride of the Yankees is the famous nickname given to the great New York Yankees first baseman, Lou Gehrig, by Paul Gallico, a Sportswriter who covered the Yankees in those years. Those who are not well-versed in baseball might remember the classic Academy Award-winning film of the same name. Gallico coined the phrase for the title of his 1942 biographical book.
There was also the “Iron Horse,” another nickname the great Gehrig carried until his untimely death from ALS at the age of 37. According to the ALS Foundation, ALS is a progressive disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. Although there is still no cure or treatment that halts progression, new treatments are helping to slow and ease symptoms.
Baseball is well within its rights to hold an annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 to honor the legendary New York Yankees first baseman and raise global awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. MLB designates numerous days at ballparks across the country each season:
Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Roberto Clemente Day, the fight for Cancer, and many other special days, like a very fun day and my favorite, Little League Day at the park, with thousands of kids parading in full garb around the field.. But overall, remembering, honoring, and celebrating the game of baseball. This is why we go to the park to watch baseball. That’s it.
In 2025, for the third consecutive year, MLB drew over 71 million fans to its ballparks during the regular season. This trend has not been seen since the 2004 to 2007 seasons. Even with the looming potential lockout by owners this next December, MLB is a healthy sport.
Baseball should always continue to promote the game, its great roots/ history, and its players. I honestly do not believe baseball should celebrate any personal lifestyle, whatever it might happen to be. That is just my opinion. Like, I respect every human being, and of course, I also respect your opinion.
Quote: Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” Satchel Paige.
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.
LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874
From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.
We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.
LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.
Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) gives thanks to the good Lord after hitting his third inning home run against catcher Shea Langeliers (23) and the Sacramento A’s at Minute Maid Field on Sat Jun 6, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Mauricio Segura
Kade Morris took the baseball for the Sacramento Athletics with a fresh major league slate, a big-league mound under his feet, and a team hoping his debut would be worth remembering. In one way, it was. Just not the way a rookie pictures it.
The Houston Astros jumped ahead early, broke the game open in the second inning, and kept pressing the A’s until a rough road trip sank further into a 13-2 loss on Saturday that was mostly decided before the scorekeeper’s ink had dried in the middle innings.
The first inning gave Morris a small taste of the challenge. Jeremy Peña grounded out to open the Astros’ half, but Yordan Alvarez drew a walk and Christian Walker followed with a double to left. That set up Isaac Paredes, who lifted a sacrifice fly that brought Alvarez home for a 1-0 Houston lead. Morris escaped further damage by striking out Jose Altuve, but the Astros had already shown they were not going to spend much time guessing.
The second inning turned the rookie debut sideways. LaMonte Wade Jr. led off with a home run to left-center, and Houston kept stacking traffic from there. Taylor Trammell drew a walk, Christian Vázquez singled, and Peña drew another walk to load the bases.
Alvarez then delivered the swing that defined the afternoon, sending a bases-loaded homer to right field that pushed Houston ahead 6-0. For Morris, who became the 182nd pitcher in Athletics history to start his major league debut, the afternoon ended with a long walk off the mound and the quiet hope that baseball had a “mulligan” clause tucked somewhere inside the 2026 official rules booklet. It doesn’t.
The A’s did show some fight in the third. Nick Kurtz drew a walk with two outs, Brent Rooker singled, and Tyler Soderstrom drove in Kurtz with a single to center. Henry Bolte was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Zack Gelof followed with a walk that forced in Rooker, cutting the deficit to 6-2.
It was the one inning where the Athletics made Tatsuya Imai work, and it had a chance to become something bigger. Jeff McNeil struck out to end it, leaving three runners aboard and leaving the A’s with a missed chance that grew heavier as the game moved along.
Houston answered right back. Altuve led off the bottom of the third with a solo homer to left, restoring a five-run lead. The Athletics did get one defensive highlight when Carlos Cortes threw out Wade trying for third after a Trammell single, and Darell Hernaiz helped start a double play that ended the inning. But Houston already had the scoreboard tilted hard in its favor.
The fifth inning finished the job. Walker and Paredes opened with singles, and José Suarez replaced Morris. From there, Houston poured on six more runs. Wade doubled home two. Jake Meyers singled in Altuve. Vázquez doubled home Wade. Peña doubled home Meyers and Vázquez. By the time Alvarez struck out and Walker followed with another strikeout to end the inning, the Astros had a 13-2 lead and the rest of the game had become a matter of finishing the paperwork.
The Athletics’ offense never found another real push. Cortes had two hits before later taking the mound in a position-player pitching appearance, while Soderstrom reached base and drove in a run. Gelof’s RBI walk extended his productive stretch, and Bolte reached twice, once by hit-by-pitch and once by walk. Still, the A’s struck out 12 times and went quiet against the Houston bullpen. AJ Blubaugh handled the middle innings, and Alimber Santa finished the ninth after allowing two baserunners but no runs.
For the Athletics, the loss stung because it followed a stretch in which the club had played Houston well over the past year, including a winning season series in 2025. It also added to the recent strain on a rotation that has been patched together often, with Morris becoming the ninth different A’s starter over a 12-game span. His final line, nine runs allowed over four-plus innings, will not make for pretty reading, but the larger story is still development. Big-league hitters do not offer soft landings.
Game 3 gives the Sacramento A’s another chance to right some wrongs, with Gage Jump (1-1, 3.75 ERA, 10 K) set to face Houston’s Mike Burrows (3-7, 5.66 ERA, 57 K) in an 11:10 a.m. Pacific first pitch, a breakfast baseball test for a team that could use a strong cup of left-handed recovery.
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
Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) takes a run on the floor against the Golden State Valkyries Janelle Salun (13) and Kalla Charles (6) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Jun 6, 2026 (Las Vegas X photo)
By Rich Perez
The Las Vegas Aces (7-3) won their game with the Golden State Valkyries (6-5) 84-79 after trailing with seconds left on the clock. In the third quarter each team scored 20 points and it was the fourth quarter that closed this game out for the Aces.
This game was uncomfortably close with 38 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Aces pushed back took the lead 82-79. A’Ja Wilson closed this game out with two free throws for the final score of 84-79.
Game recap: The Aces took a 20-13 lead in the first ten minutes of play. The Valkyries made up some of the difference in the second quarter outscoring the Aces 22-18 in the second quarter. At the half it was a very close game with Las Vegas leading 38-35.
This game could not have been any closer as the third quarter came to an end. Each team had scored 20 points in the quarter with the Aces still hanging onto a three-point lead 58-55. It was anyone’s game going into the fourth quarter.
Las Vegas led by as much as 12 points in this game but the tenacious Valkyries refused to go away fighting back for the entire game. The Aces outscored Golden State in the fourth quarter 26-24 winning the game 84-79.
The difference in this game was A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Wilson had a double double scoring 28 points with 14 rebounds. This was her third consecutive double- double and her fifth this season. Jackie Young really rose to the occasion scoring 27 points and was red-hot from beyond the arc hitting six of eight shots.
This was their first home win this season. Chelsea Gray had a terrific game scoring 12 points, with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The Aces have now won three games in a row; they have really started to play some great ball. This is the Aces second win over the Valkyries beating them last Sunday in San Francisco the score 91-81.
Las Vegas was without Chennedy Carter who missed her second consecutive game with a left leg and hip injury. She collided with an opposing player in a game with the Valkyries in San Francisco last Sunday causing her to fall on her hip.
Carter has been nothing short of amazing and the team really needs her. It was hinted that she would return last week against the Sparks but it didn’t happen. There has been no announced timeline for the return of Carter but it hopefully will be in the near future.
The Valkyries are currently in seventh place in the standings and they got some great work from Gabby Williams who scored 27 points. Veronica Burton scored 15 points and Kayla Thornton got so close to a double-double with ten points and nine rebounds. The Valkyries will continue to nip at the heels of the Aces, the Dream and the Wings. They had an amazing inaugural season and look to be even better this season.
Game notes: The Aces are having a solid season and right now they are sitting in second place tied with the Dallas Wings in the Western Conference. The Golden State Valkyries are in fourth place a game and a half behind the Aces.
Saturday’s matchup with the Golden State Valkyries had all the makings of a very competitive game. The Valkyries Gabby Williams 28 points and Veronica Burton 15 points . On the other hand the Valkyries dealt with the incomparable A’Ja Wilson who led Vegas with 28 points as well as Jackie Young 27 points and Chelsea Gray with 12 points. This game was decided by five points as the Aces stayed ahead of the Valkyries on Saturday.
Next up for the Aces will be a matchup with the Seattle Storm at home Monday night. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. With such a quick turnaround chances are that the Aces will not be seeing Chennedy Carter as they await her return to the court.
Chicago Cubs Michael Busch watches his game winning RBI single that walks off a win against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the tenth inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sat Jun 6, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
In a vast contrast over Friday’s game between the San Francisco Giants (26-38) and the Chicago Cubs (33-31) it was the Cubs who prevailed winning the game 3-2. Hits were few and far between in this game two of this series.
The Giants scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning but the Cubs answered with a Pete Crow-Armstrong home run to tie the game and go into extra innings. Crow-Armstrong had four hits in the game. A Victor Bericoto error allowed the Cubs to score in the bottom of the tenth inning and that was the ball game.
Game recap: The Giants were of course looking to take an early lead in this game but it did not go that way at all. In fact through four innings this game was scoreless and had turned into a pitcher’s duel.
San Francisco had only one hit going into the fifth inning; that hit a single by Luis Arraez in the first inning. The Cubs had a couple of hits a Pedro Ramirez single in the second inning and a Crow-Armstrong infield single in the bottom of the third.
Hits were few and far between so far in this game with both starting pitchers doing a great job. The pitch count through five innings for Brown was 88. In his last outing he went six innings in a loss to the Pirates 2-1. San Francisco starter Roupp had 78. Roupp’s last outing was against the Brewers on June 1st a 16-2 loss.
In a surprise move the Cubs made a pitching move in the top of the sixth inning with one out. San Francisco had only gotten one hit off of Brown and he was dominating so go figure; it was puzzling.
He was relieved by Caleb Thielbar and San Francisco welcomed him with open arms. On Thielbar’s fourth pitch Rafael Devers knocked the ball out of the park and the Giants had a 1-0 lead. It sure leads one to question the change on the mound for the Cubs when Brown had been cruising. Brown had given up only one hit, one walk with five strikeouts.
The Cubs tied up the game in the bottom of the sixth inning 1-1. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a solo home run to right and it was back to square one all even. After the home run, Roupp gave up a walk and the Giants bullpen got busy.
Roupp had 87 pitches with no outs in the inning. After walking Michael Conforto, Michael Busch and Alex Bregman both struck out. With the two outs San Francisco made a pitching change. Caleb Kilian came in to relieve Roupp. Roupp went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, one run, three walks with five strikeouts. He had a heck of an outing in fact both starting pitchers were very good.
With the two outs, the Cubs had loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning and San Francisco desperately needed that third out. Chung Hoo Lee caught a deep hit in the outfield for the third out and Chicago left them loaded.
The Cubs again threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning with two runners on base but two outs. Erik Miller had relieved Kilian Kilian finished with one hit, no runs, one walk and one strikeout.
Chicago again loaded the bases but an outstanding Miller slider got the third out and the Giants got out of the inning. The Cubs had the bases loaded in back-to-back innings but were unable to cash in.
With one out in the bottom of the eighth there was yet another pitching change for San Francisco. Miller pitched 2/3 of an inning and was relieved by Keaton Winn who has been red-hot. Winn got out of the inning and this game went into the top of the ninth still locked at 1.
The Cubs brought one of their best power pitchers to start the top of the ninth inning Daniel Palencia. He struck out Willy Adames but Chung Hoo Lee had his second hit of the game a single with one out. Eldridge ripped a shot to right and the GIants had runners at the corners.
This was the first time San Francisco had a runner on third base today. Eldridge stole second base and the Giants were in business. Chapman sacrificed and Lee scored taking back the lead 2-1. Chicago got the third out and the Giants would try to close out this game. They were three outs away from winning game two.
The bottom of the ninth got underway with Pedro Ramirez grounding out, Carson Kelly lining out and San Francisco was one out away from closing out this game. The Cubs dangerous Crow-Armstrong who already had three hits came to the plate. He got his fourth hit, a home run and this game once again was tied 2-2. This game would go into extra innings.
The Giants did not make much headway in the top of the tenth inning. Bericoto struck out as did Rafael Devers. Luis Arraez grounded into a fielders choice for the third out. San Francisco would now have to take this game into the 11th inning. They did not get the chance. Michael Busch singled and Dansby Swanson scored from second on a Victor Bericoto fielding error and that was the ballgame. The Cubs had tied up the series winning this game 3-2.
Game notes: Saturday afternoon the Giants took the field in game two of this series with the Cubs. Friday the Giants set records galore hitting seven home runs with Chapman, Adames and Schmitt each hitting two homers a piece.
The Giants finished the game with 19 hits. The most exciting moment in the game was the fourth grand slam in Chapman’s career. It was an amazing game that does not come along every season. Saturday’s game had a completely different feel.
If anyone expects to see the fireworks the Giants saw Friday they will be very disappointed. It was of course a new game and a pair of new pitchers on Saturday. It was quite certain that the Cubs did not take kindly to getting blown-out and the Giants had a much more competitive game Saturday. The Giants did not see the crazy home runs and hits Saturday.
Sunday night the series will be decided. It will be a 5:30 game broadcast on NBC/Peacock. Trevor McDonald will take the mound for San Francisco. McDonald has a 2-3 win/loss record and a 4.50 ERA. The Cubs will start Jameson Taillon. He comes into this game with a 2-5 win/loss record and a 5.13 ERA.
In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.
Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.
At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.
Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,
Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.
For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.
Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.
Sacramento A’s pitcher Jack Perkins delivers in the bottom of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Field in Houston on Fri Jun 5, 2026 (AP News photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Harvey:
#1 Who had the pitching advantage in the matchup between Sacramento A’s starter Jack Perkins and Houston Astros starter Peter Lambert, and why?
#2 Can the Athletics get back in the win column against the Astros who the A’s lost to on Friday night 5-1 at Minute Maid Field.
#3 Which player is most likely to have the biggest offensive impact: Yordan Alvarez for Houston or one of Sacramento’s emerging stars such as Shea Langeliers or Nick Kurtz?
#4 How important is this series for the A’s, who entered the game 2.5 games and have fallen from first to third place in the AL West.
#5 Tony, talk about Saturday’s starters for Sacramento RHP Kade Morris (0-0 ERA 0.00) for Houston Tatsuya Imai (2-3 ERA 5.52) first pitch in Houston 1:10pm PDT.
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.
Vegas Golden Knights Mark Stone (61) is fired up after scoring a goal under the grasp of the Carolina Hurricane’s Jackson Blake (53) with goaltender Frederik Andersen (right) in goal at the Lenova Center in Raleigh during game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Thu Jun 4, 2026 (AP News photo)
NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa:
#1 The Carolina Hurricanes made a come back Thursday night tying up the series 1-1 with a 4-3 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
#2 The stage got set for Seth Jarvis to score the game winning goal in a power play sequence that got the Hurricane by the Knights.
#3 How suprised was this for Knights head coach John Torterella the plan almost worked but it’s hard to fool the Hurricane on their home ice.
#4 Talk about the coach’s challange about Frederick Anderson was pushed into the net during scrum which drew a delay of game penalty which Carolina scored which was the tying goal making it 3-3.
#5 The Knights and Hurricane bring game three to Vegas Saturday night will this be an advantage for the Knights who have home ice or do the Hurricane have momentum after their game 2 win.
San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman (center) jumps for joy after hitting a grand slam home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Fri Jun 5, 2026 (AP News photo)
San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:
#1 Lincoln if you like home runs this was your kind of game as the San Francisco Giants pounded out seven home runs against Chicago’s lovable losers the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.
#2 The Giants Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Casey Schmitt all had two home runs a piece. Have these guys broke out yet of their past struggles.
#3 Robbie Ray pitched five innings and held the five innings, two hits, five walks and four strikeouts and needless to say a large cushion to work with.
#4 Chapman besides his two home runs set a all time personal record for the most RBIs in a game with eight.
#5 Starting pitchers for Saturday at 11:20am PDT for San Francisco Landon Roupp (5-6 ERA 4.22) for Chicago Ben Brown (2-2 ERA 1.92) talk about how you see this match up.
In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.
Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.
At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.
Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,
Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.
For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.
Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.
Sacramento A’s reliever Mason Barnett throws to the Houston Astros line up in the bottom of the fifth inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Fri Jun 5, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Mauricio Segura
The Sacramento Athletics have spent this season proving they can travel well, but the Houston Astros reminded them fast that a good road record does not protect anyone from a rough first inning. Sacramento fell behind early, wasted a bases-loaded chance in the second, and never climbed back in a 5-1 loss to the Astros.
Houston wasted little time making Jack Perkins work in his first start of the season. Jeremy Peña opened the bottom of the first with a single, Yordan Alvarez drew a walk, and after Christian Walker flew out, Isaac Paredes turned the inning into Houston’s game.
Paredes lifted a three-run homer to left-center, putting the Astros ahead 3-0 before the Athletics had much of a chance to settle in. Perkins recovered enough to strike out Jose Altuve and Cam Smith, but the damage had already landed.
The A’s had their best early chance in the second. Tyler Soderstrom drew a walk, Henry Bolte followed with an infield single, and Zack Gelof added another hit to load the bases with one out. It was the sort of inning that could have flipped the mood fast, especially with Soderstrom carrying a ten game hitting streak into the game and Bolte showing signs of life at the plate. But Peter Lambert escaped by striking out Jeff McNeil and Darell Hernaiz, leaving three Athletics stranded and keeping Houston’s lead at three.
Houston added more in the third. Alvarez singled, Walker drove him home with a triple to right, and Paredes added a sacrifice fly that scored Walker for a 5-0 Astros lead. Paredes finished with four RBIs, giving Houston the big swing and the extra nudge it needed. Walker also had a strong night, reaching base three times with the triple, a walk, and a run scored.
Perkins lasted four-plus innings and was charged with five runs. He did have moments where the ball looked better than the line score, including a perfect second inning with two strikeouts and a fourth where he worked around a Jake Meyers single.
Still, Houston made him pay for the traffic. Mason Barnett took over in the fifth and gave Sacramento useful relief, allowing no runs while striking out five across four innings. Barnett’s outing kept the game from getting out of hand and gave the Athletics bullpen a needed lift after a tough finish the day before.
Sacramento finally broke through in the sixth when Brent Rooker sent a solo homer to left, trimming the deficit to 5-1. It was Rooker’s ninth homer of the season and a needed swing for a hitter who had been searching for results. Soderstrom then drew another walk and Bolte doubled to center, putting two runners in scoring position with one out. Once again, the inning teased the A’s with a chance to make Houston sweat. Once again, the Astros escaped, this time with Enyel De Los Santos striking out Gelof before McNeil lined out to Jose Altuve.
Bolte was one of the better stories for Sacramento, finishing with three hits, including the sixth-inning double. His night matched the growth noted around his recent stretch, as the young outfielder continued to give the lineup energy near the bottom of the order.
Soderstrom did not record a hit, ending his hitting streak at ten games, but he reached twice on walks. Nick Kurtz also drew two walks, though Houston kept him from doing the kind of damage he has often done against the Astros.
The Athletics’ defense had one of the game’s brighter moments in the fifth. After Peña drew a walk, Shea Langeliers threw him out trying to steal second, with Jeff McNeil applying the tag. The call survived a Houston challenge, adding to Langeliers’ strong season controlling the running game.
That play briefly quieted an Astros inning and showed why Langeliers remains one of the more complete catchers in the American League, even on a night when his bat stayed quiet.
Houston’s bullpen handled the final four innings without allowing another run. Bryan King erased Kurtz’s leadoff walk in the eighth when Tyler Soderstrom grounded into a double play, and Josh Hader struck out the side in the ninth. For the Athletics, it was a game of missed turns: bases loaded in the second, two men in scoring position in the sixth, and too many strikeouts when the lineup needed contact.
Game 2 will give Sacramento a fresh arm and a good storyline, with Kade Morris making his Major League debut after going 5-3 with a 4.45 ERA and 49 strikeouts at Triple-A Las Vegas, while Houston counters with Tatsuya Imai (2-3, 5.52 ERA, 28 K); first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Pacific Saturday .
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.
