Author: tonyrenteria

A’s and Braves Battle in The Heat; Sac’s Soderstrom gets 11th inning walk off single to beat Atlanta 5-4

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Sacramento A’s Tyler Soderstrom circles the bases after belting a first inning three run home run off the Atlanta Braves at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Thu Jul 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Tony Renteria

WEST SACRAMENTO- The Altanta Braves and the Sacramento Athletics who play at Sutter Health Park faced off in the rubber match of this three game series on Thursday night. The temperature at the 6:05 PM first pitch time was 99 degrees.

The Braves were coming off a huge win on Wednesday after a bitter loss to the A’s Tuesday night and came looking to to play some tough baseball and that is exactly what happened on this hot Thursday evening. An 11 inning battle that saw the A’s get a 5-4 victory.

The A’s Started strong in the first inning with a left field double by Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz followed with a walk, and then a towering three run blast to deep left by Tyler Soderstrom off a curve ball by starting pitcher Spencer Strider that 454 feet in deep right center.

In the top of the fourth Austin Riley lead off with a double, and Sean Murphy traded places with him with a double of his own in the left field pocket along the foul line. Then Jurickson Profar took a JP Sears fastball over the left center field fence to tie it up three to three.

In the top of the seventh the Braves Ozzie Albies hit a home run to to deep right center for a 4-3 lead. In the bottom of the eighth the A’s Nick Kurtz matched that feet with a home run of his own but this time to deep left center.

The game headed to into extra innings, in the bottom on the 11th with Brent Rooker on second, Tyler Soderstrom the hero from the first inning came through again with a single to deep center that brought Rooker in for the winning run.

The Braves head to St. Louis and Busch Stadium to take on the third place St Louis Cardinals, while the A’s host the fist place Toronto Blue Jays who are leading the American League East. Starting pitcher for the Blue Jays RHP Max Scherzer (0-0 ERA 4.76) for the A’s RHP Luis Severino (2-10 ERA 5.30) first pitch at Sutter Health Park 7:05pm PT.

A’s get to .500 with 6-5 Victory over Sox; Sac wins 7th of last ten games

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Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn (25) waits on the pick off throw as the Sacramento A’s runner Jacob Wilson (5) dives into first base in the bottom of the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Fri Apr 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Tony Renteria

The Sacramento Athletics (13-13) started the three game weekend stand with the visiting Chicago White Sox (6-20) but winning the first game of the three game home stand by the score of 6-5 on a cold West Sacramento Friday evening.

The home town ball club was able to even out their record at 13 wins and 13 losses to reach .500 for the first time this season.

Shortstop Jacob Wilson led the A’s with a three for four performance with home run and and two runs batted in. Tyler Soderstrom also added in three hits as well to help propel the A’s to victory.

The A’s are have gotten to the .500 with tough play and timely hitting as of late. They have started slow but have put in the work to go seven and three in the last ten games, as they sit in fourth place in the American League west.

The White Sox who maybe the worst team in Major League Baseball with a record of 6-20 really looked forward to playing the at Sutter Health Park who have had a losing record at home so far this season. Friday night win by the home town club has only proven that the Sox need to add talent and depth to compete on a Major league leave.

The A’s look to get above .500 Saturday 1:05pm PT as they again host the Sox in West Sacramento Saturday evening. The White Sox once again get to play in the most intimate ball park in the Major Leagues, will they be able to meet the challenge? The Sox will be starting RHP Jonathan Cannon (0-3 ERA 4.81) for the A’s LHP Jefferey Springs (3-2 ERA 5.64).

Mets Senga gets shutout over A’s 8-0; New York four run ninth seals the deal in Sacramento loss

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New York Mets starter Kodai Senga went seven innings against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Sun Apr 13, 2025 (AP News photo)

by Tony Renteria

West Sacramento– The Sacramento Athletics hosted the Visiting New York Mets on the most perfect of a Sunday afternoon that the City has seen since early October, The Mets ruined the day for the A’s crowd It was nice by handing the home team an 8-0 loss at Sutter Health Park.

It was a perfect 79 degrees at the start of the game. The A’s and Mets played a pretty uneventful game until the top the sixth when the red hot bat of Luis Torrens knocked in a RBI with a single to right field. Torres would continue to stay hot by going three for four with a double and two runs batted in.

Torres offense was not much needed as the Japanese sensation Kodai Senga pitched seven complete innings and only giving up four hits on the afternoon. Senga wins leaves him a 2-1 record in the early season with a earned run average of only 1.06.

The Mets would continue to scored in every inning remaining in the game and even topping of the ninth by adding four runs in that half inning alone. The Mets have started off the season pretty hot with this win bring their record to 10 wins and 5 losses.

The A’s have nearly the opposite record with 6 wins against 10 losses. The A’s have Monday off before hosting the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Starting pitcher for the A’s on Tuesday LHP Jeffrey Springs (2-1 ERA 4.20) for the Sox Sean Burke (1-2 ERA 6.08) first pitch 4:40pm PDT at Guaranteed Rate Field in the South Side.

The White Sox have completed a home stand over the weekend taking two of three from the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Kings Preseason Struggles Highlighted In Loss 105-85

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Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown hopes the Kings can win their last pre season game Tue Oct 15th at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City as the Kings are 0-3 in pre season (AP file photo)

By Tony Renteria

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in the third Preseason game Sunday at the Golden One Center losing 105-85. The Kings are still working on the new starting rotation with the new addition Demar DeRozan and Keon Ellis filling in for an injured Kevin Huerter and it showed as they had 26 turnovers.

Kings turnovers and the Trail Blazers three point shooting put the Kings in a very deep hole as Portland Took a seven point lead into the half. Portland out scored the Kings 35-24 in the second quarter behind great play from Scoot Henderson who finished with 17 points in only 25 minutes of play.

DeRozan who the Kings brought in to to help them get past the first round of the playoffs is still finding his footing with his new teammates and new head coach Mike Brown. General Manager Monte McNair brought DeRozan in fill a need of veteran leadership and the steady hand of Experience.

DeRozan only scored eight points on 4 for 10 shooting. His teammates did not fair much better De”Aaron Fox only had 11 points himself to show for his 28 minutes worth of playing time. Domantas Sabonis is working on adding a three point shot into his offensive repertoire but was only zero for three from past the three point line.

Brown is still working on this line up and hopefully it will perform better by the season opener than they did Sunday. The Kings travel to Los Angeles to play the Clippers for their final preseason game on October 17th. They open with season a week later by hosting the Timberwolves a week later on the 24th.

Wrexham Continues Wrex Coast Tour 2024; Match ends up in 2-2 draw

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The Wrexham Red Dragons and the Chelsea Blues battled to a 2-2 draw at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (photo by @CarolRadull)

By Tony Renteria

SANTA CLARA–The Hulu Documentary darlings the Wrexham Red Dragons played their second match of the teams 2024 United States tour playing Chelsea Blues at Levi Stadium. Wrexham which has been riding a wave of interest since the Docu series “Welcome to Wrexham” premiered in August of 2022 arrived in Santa Clara coming off One to One a tie against F.C. Bournemouth last Saturday evening in Santa Barbara.

The first half was pretty uneventful until the 35th minute with Christopher Nkunku put the ball in the back of the net to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead into the break. Nkunku a French Born player came over to Chelsea in 2023 on a six year deal that is whopping 52 million pounds.

The second half started out quickly as Wrexham’s Luke Bolton scored at the the 58th Minute to tie the score to One to One. Bolton’s teammate Jack Marriot was able to get ahead of a defender and take shot on the goal at the 71st minute that put the underdog Red Dragons ahead 2-1.

Wrexham turned up the aggressiveness as the ball seemed to stay on the Chelsea side of the pitch. Chelsea was able to exploit that over aggressiveness and get a game tying goal at the 81st minute by Lesley Ugochukwu.

After this goal both Wrexham Manager Phil Parkinson and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca started to replace all the starters with sub. A Friendly Match translated is an exhibition match. Parkinson must has memories of losing the amazing striker Paul Mullin last season in a friendly that hurt the start of Wrexham’s 2024 campaign in League Two. Both Managers played it safe in the last moments that lead to a 2-2.

Wrexham which was just promoted to League One has the uneasily task of taking on a top notch Premier league team. In context it would as an AA baseball team was taking on the Los Angels Dodgers. This marks the second time these two clubs have played in a friendly as Chelsea handed the Red Dragons a five to to nil lost last year in Chapel Hill N.C.

Chelsea is an established power house in the Premier league and commands fans from all over the world and Wednesday night was no different as the flood of Blue Jerseys in the stands stood out against the red that encompasses Levi Stadium.

Wednesday night’s Friendly actually marks the first match for Chelsea under the guidance of new head manager Enzo Maresca. Maresca comes over from Leicester City Football Club where he was there for two season coaching in the Championship League. Chelsea will open their season against Manchester City on August 18.

Raiders Answer Backup QB Question After 30-19 Win Over Seahawks

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Photo credit: @NBCSRaiders

By Tony Renteria

The Oakland Raiders have spent much of the preseason looking for the backup to All-Pro quarterback Derek Carr and have found that answer in a great game by EJ Manuel.   Manuel, who spent time in Buffalo before coming to the Silver and Black last season, has looked spotty at best during the first three preseason games, but came out tonight looking like a quality starter as he went an outstanding 18-for-22 with 255 yards and three touchdowns as the Raiders won 30-19 against the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on Thursday night.

Manuel found a security blanket in Keon Hatcher, who caught two of those touchdowns from Manuel, three overall and seemed to be everywhere on the field as he was the punt returner and on special team coverage. Hatcher did make a case for making the final 53-man roster, but might end up on the scout team.

Quarterback coach Brian Callahan took over the play calling duties tonight from head coach John Gruden and seemed to do a good job balancing the run/pass ratio. The Raiders, who did not dress 21 of the 22 starters, did a very good job with players who will be cut on by September 1.

The Raiders used this last game to ensure that Manuel had it in him to be the backup and with the team more than likely only keeping two quarterbacks this last meaningless preseason game carried some meaning for the Raiders’ coaching staff.

NFL preseason leading Rusher Chris Warren III had 41 yards on 12 rushing attempts, but looked much better in pass protection and route running and looks like he will be one of the five running backs to make the roster.

Manual, Hatcher and Waarren III all made a differance tonight, lets see if tonight turns in a roster spot for these three young men.

The Raiders host the Rams to open the season on Monday Night Football on Monday, September 10 at 7:20 pm PDT.

Kings black out Suns 99-92; Sac wins two out of last three

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Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph, left, drives against Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. The Kings won 99-92. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

By Tony Renteria

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings (9-18) were looking to rebound from a bad home loss against against the Toronto Raptors and got what they were looking for with a much-needed 99-92 win over the struggling Phoenix Suns (9-20) at Golden 1 Center in California’s capital.

The Kings, who have now won two of the last three games, are looking to make a move up from last place in the Pacific Division by beating the Suns, who are directly above the Kings in the standings. With tonight’s win, the Kings are now in fourth place and a game ahead of the Suns.

Kings’ George Hill made a nice return to the starting lineup with a solid stat line of 18 points with seven boards and five assists. Hill has been averaging only nine points a game, but in this return, he played a quality game in only 28 minutes. Veteran Zach Randolph, who has been playing center for the young Kings, chipped in 17 points himself.

The Suns, who are are really on a tail spin by dropping eight of their last 10 games before tonight’s loss, really need to turn things around soon if they hope to salvage this season at all.  Interim coach Jay Triano is not not helping his cause to remain at the helm of this once proud franchise with effort from his squad like tonight. The Suns were led by third player T.J. Warren, who scored 18 points, but had less than 40% shooting from the field.  He missed all four of his three point attempts against the Kings.

With the win tonight, the Kings have evened up the series this season to one game apiece with each team winning on their home floor.

The Suns head up to Canada to play the mentioned Raptors Wednesday night. while the Kings also head up north to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves on Thursday.

Kings Suffer Hangover From Win Over Warriors As Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 32 In 112-87 Romp

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Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, left, congratulates teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo after he scored during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. The Bucks won 112-87. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

by Tony Renteria

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings (6-14) came off a great over over the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Tonight, the Kings hosted the Milwaukee Bucks (9-9) and looked as if the team bus never arrived from Oakland as they fell embarrassingly 112-87 in front of the Purple and Black faithful.

When the Kings brought in Dave Joerger to coach the team two seasons ago, it was the hope he could bring life into a somewhat experienced group of seasoned NBA players. The squad he has now with Rookies and second year players getting many minutes, he has his hands full. This young squad is capable of a great win against the NBA elite in the Warriors, but also landing on a sour note against a mediocre Bucks squad.

The Kings were outscored 29 to 11 in the second quarter, and the Bucks cruised to an easy road win. It’s the type of loss that’s hard to swallow and forget, but that’s exactly what the Kings need to do as they start a road trip in Chicago on Friday as they take on the Bulls.

The Bucks were led by forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 32 points in just 26 minutes.  He also added five rebounds and assists. The Bucks needed this win as they tried to keep pace in a tough Central Division as they try to move up from fourth place.

The Kings, who are in last place in the Pacific Division, fall father back on what looks to be another very long year for this organization. A bright spot tonight was Garret Temple, who scored 18 points,  Temple has had two back-to-back games with solid production as he chipped in 14 points against the Warriors yesterday.

The Bucks face the Utah Jazz on Thursday before heading home to host the Kings on Saturday as the Kings look for some payback in Milwaukee.

A Sweet One Point Win Kings get by Sixers 109-108; Sac Town grabs second straight win

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, center, shoots the game-winning basket over Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington, right, in the Kings’ 109-108 win in an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

By Tony Renteria

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (2-8) hosted the visiting Philadelphia 76ers (6-4) on the first raining night in Capitol city as the country looked forward to celebrating Veterans day, as the Kings squeak out a one point victory 109-108.

The Kings may be on turning point as they won their second game in a row, while two wins may not seem impressive  but stack that against up against the overall record it may be a boost to the young roster that Kings seem to betting on.

The Kings were lead by Zach Randolph and his 20 points and seven rebounds.  Justin Jackson also chipped in 19 points.  The mixed of veterans and young players seems to be taking root in Sacramento as the youth movement maybe gaining momentum.

The Sixers were paced by forward Robert Covington who put in team high 24 points in slightly over 35 minutes of work.  The Sixers maybe the Houston Astros of the NBA as they have suffered for several seasons to ensure they had the high draft picks to start to assemble a rock star squad.   As the Kings are turning a corner it appears the Sixers are slightly ahead in the rebuild race.

The Kings travel to New York to play the Knicks on Saturday and the Sixers continue this west coast road swing as the take on the Warriors on the same day in Oakland.

 

 

 

A King Returns to Claim His Throne; Ex-King Cousins scores 41 in Pelicans win 114-106 over Kings

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Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) fouls New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as he goes to the basket with Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) on Thursday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com

By Tony Renteria

SACRAMENTO– DeMarcus Cousins return to the Capitol City resulted in a 114-106 win for the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.  Cousins who was the heart and soul of the Sacramento Kings for six seasons before being traded last season made his first return to the Golden One the stadium where Kings fans thought he who play for years to come.

Cousins who electrified the Sacramento fans with his talent but also polarized the fan base with his constant need to argue with officials and lead the league in technical fouls once again stood center court and received a huge standing ovation.  Cousins was acknowledge a few minutes in the first quarter during a time out  and reacted in a classy and professional way by waving to the crowd and pounding his heart to return the love that was being bestowed by the home town fans.

Cousins was the pregame story and he took that into the game as well as he scored 41 points and added 23 rebounds in showing the Kings and the fans what they gave up when they traded the All Star last season. “It was a special night,” Cousins told the Sac Bee “The fans were beautiful, they were into the game, they let it be well known they hated every shot I made but now I see how other players feel when I used to be on this side, on the other side of the fence. I can remember games where the crowd was the reason we won it. It’s well known the Kings have incredible fans. They showed up tonight as well.”

The Kings held an early lead but as in most NBA games the team behind made a run in third quarter and put the pressure on the Kings who folded late in the fourth.

The Kings were lead by Rookie De Aaron Fox who is continuing to show why the young man from Kentucky was selected fifth in this years draft as he scored a team high 14 points and five assists.

The Kings now drop to 1-4 on the year and host the Washington Wizards on Sunday.  The Pelicans 2-3 fly off to Cleveland to try to get to a .500 record on Saturday.