Category: MLB

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Kurtz Fuels Rally but Twins Outrun Athletics 11-8

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Jeffery Springs (59) speaks with A’s trainer Jeff Collins (left) in the bottom of the second inning. Springs left the game in the second inning due to right hip discomfort against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis on Sun Jul 26, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s game wrap:

By Mauricio Segura

For five innings the Minnesota Twins built a seven-run cushion, then the Sacramento A’s turned the final four frames into a chase that was far more interesting than the Twins wanted. Nick Kurtz launched a three-run homer, the Sacramento bench helped produce a three-run seventh, and the A’s added two more in the ninth. The early damage and four Athletics errors, however, gave Minnesota enough room to hold on for an 11-8 victory.

Minnesota began its attack with Austin Martin’s leadoff double. Ryan Jeffers followed with a single, and Royce Lewis brought Martin home on a force play. Lewis then stole second and scored when Kody Clemens drove a triple into right. A throwing error by shortstop Alika Williams allowed Clemens to circle the bases, giving the Twins a 3-0 lead before the Athletics had recorded a hit.

The second inning brought more trouble. Jeffrey Springs left after an injury delay with one out and two runners aboard. Luis Morales replaced him, issued a walk to Martin, and escaped an apparent bases-loaded threat when a Minnesota challenge changed Byron Buxton’s result from a ball to a lineout. The relief lasted only a moment. Morales was called for a balk that scored Alex Jackson, and Jeffers followed with a two-run single. Athletics hitting coach Chris Cron was ejected during the inning, which ended with Minnesota ahead 6-0.

Ryan Kreidler kept applying pressure. He doubled in the fourth, stole third and scored when catcher Jonah Heim’s throw sailed away. Kreidler later added a ground-rule double, another stolen base and a triple. He finished with three extra-base hits, three runs and two steals. Clemens collected two triples, while Jeffers delivered three hits and three RBIs.

The Athletics had only one hit through five innings before Kurtz changed the mood in the sixth. Jeff McNeil singled, Jacob Wilson was hit by a pitch, and Kurtz sent Cole Sands’ splitter 411 feet to center at 104.1 mph. It was his 21st homer and his first since returning from the injured list, cutting the deficit to 7-3. Kurtz had been reinstated one day earlier after a right thumb capsule sprain and entered the game in an 0-for-24 skid.

Minnesota answered when Kreidler doubled, stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly that became more costly when left fielder Tyler Soderstrom misplayed the ball. The error ended Soderstrom’s 159-game errorless streak in the outfield, which dated to June 2025. The Athletics entered the game with the fifth-fewest errors in the majors, but their four mistakes helped Minnesota turn baserunners into extra runs.

The A’s made their strongest move in the seventh. Soderstrom doubled, Tommy White singled and Lawrence Butler drew a walk to load the bases. Donovan Walton then earned a run-scoring walk, McNeil brought home White on a groundout, and Carlos Cortes lifted a sacrifice fly that scored Butler. Three pinch hitters contributed to the rally, a notable reversal for a bench that entered the game with the second-lowest pinch-hit batting average in the majors. Suddenly, the score was 8-6.

Minnesota kept the Athletics from drawing closer. Clemens tripled again and scored on Luke Keaschall’s sacrifice fly in the seventh. In the eighth, Brooks Lee singled, Kreidler drove him home with a triple, and Jeffers added an RBI single for an 11-6 advantage.

The Athletics still made Minnesota finish the job. White and Walton singled in the ninth, McNeil drove in White with his third hit, and Cortes brought home Walton on a force play. Jacob Wilson represented the final chance, but his grounder to first ended the game. The A’s finished with eight runs on eight hits, yet Minnesota’s 13 hits, aggressive baserunning and the Athletics’ defensive breakdowns decided the series finale. The defeat also extended the Athletics’ streak to 11 consecutive series without a victory.

The Athletics return home for the opener against Boston, with Jack Perkins (2-5, 6.75 ERA, 76 strikeouts) facing Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle (5-6, 3.31 ERA, 96 strikeouts); first pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. Pacific, giving Sacramento a difficult assignment and a fresh chance to stop the slide.

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. 

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Whisenhunt struggles, and Giants are unable to complete sweep in 4-3 loss to Angels

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (left) puts the tag the Los Angeles Angels base runner Mike Trout (27) in the top of the fifth after trying to stretch a hit into a double at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Jul 26, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Los Angeles Angels 4 (42-64)

San Francisco Giants 3 (44-61)

Win: Jose Soriano (9-6)

Loss: Carson Whisenhunt (2-1)

Save: Mitch Farris (1)

Time: 2:33

Attendance: 34,111

By Stephen Ruderman

Once again, the Giants were unable to get the sweep. The Angels got to a semi-wild Carson Whisenhunt for four runs, and despite a two-run charge in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Angels held on to beat the Giants 4-3 Sunday.

There are two things the Giants have yet to do this season. They have not won four games in a row, and they have not swept a three-game series this entire season.

After a thrilling 10-inning win on Friday night, followed by a 9-2 blowout Saturday, the Giants had a chance to sweep the Angels Sunday. 

The Giants had called their young eccentric left-hander, Carson Whisenhunt, back up to make his third big league start of the season. Whisenhunt struck out Zach Neto to start the game, but Whisenhunt got wild.

MIke Trout doubled down the left field line, advanced to third, and then nearly had his head taken off by a line drive. Vaughn Grissom walked, and former Giant Jorge Soler got Trout in with a ground out to short.

Jose Soriano made the start for the Angels. Soriano allowed base-runners in each of the first three innings, but all were scoreless.

Whisenhunt settled down for a one, two, three top of the second, and a scoreless top of the third. Unfortunately, the top of the fourth would be about power. Jose Soler led off the inning with a home run to center. Two batters later, Jo Adell hit a two-run bomb half-way up into the bleachers in left-center to make it 4-0.

Soriano threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the fourth, and then Whisenhunt did the same in the top of the fifth. That would be it for Whisenhunt, who despite his struggle with command at times, only walked two, and struck out seven. 

The Giants would manufacture a run to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth, As was the case for Whisenhunt, the fifth would be the final inning for Soriano.

Just as he did last Sunday in Seattle, Adrian Houser came out of the bullpen and ate up some innings. Houser gave up just two hits over four shutout innings.

As for the Angels, Samy Natera Jr., Case Silseth and Ryan Zeferjahn pitched scoreless sixth, seventh and eighth innings respectively.

The Giants were down to their last three outs, but still had one last chance to come back and complete the sweep. Kurt Suzuki brought in Sam Bachman for the bottom of the ninth. 

Jesus Rodriguez drew a leadoff walk, and Willy Adames grounded into a fielder’s choice. Ryan Cavanaugh also walked, and Suzuki went to Mitch Farris. Daniel Susac pinch-hit for Grant McCray, and lined out to center for the second out.

It was left up to Luis Arraez. Arraez hit a high drive to right that hit just above the glove of the leaping Jo Addel and off the wall. Two runs scored to make it 4-3, and Arraez stood at second as the tying run.

Up came Heliot Ramos. A base-hit would most likely tie it up, and a home run would win it. Ramos battled to a 2-2 count. Farris then threw a fastball about an inch or two off the inside corner that was called strike three by Home Plate Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. 

Unfortunately, for the Giants, Willy Adames wasted the Giants’ final challenge on a pitch that was called a strike to make the count 3-1. That meant the game was over. Honestly, it was a close-enough pitch that used to be called a strike quite frequently. 

Despite ABS, hitters still need to protect with two strikes. Certain hitters also need to be more mindful of the overall picture when they think about challenging strike calls.

Jose Soriano got the win, Carson Whisenhunt took his first loss of the season, and Mitch Farris pitched up his first big league save.

The Giants are 0-6 when they have a chance to win four in a row. They are now 0-5 when they have a chance to sweep a three-game series. The Giants fall to 44-61 on the season.

The Giants failed to sweep one of the worst teams in baseball, and now they will welcome in one of the best teams in baseball in the Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series. Tyler Mahle will make the start for the Giants in the series opener Monday night. Brandon Sproat (3-5, 5.09 ERA) will go for Milwaukee.

First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic: Kent goes into the Hall of Fame; Remembered as being guarded combative with the press

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Former San Francisco Giant second baseman Jeff Kent was inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame on Sun Jul 26, 2026 (MLB sitll photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko, former San Francisco Giant second baseman Jeff Kent was inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame on Sunday. Kent’s lifetime batting line hit .290, 2461 hits, 1320 runs, 1518 RBIs.

#2 Marko, Kent was one of baseball’s most guarded and combative stars with the press. That reputation wasn’t based on a single incident—it developed over nearly two decades and reflected both his personality and the media environment he played in.

#3 Kent generally disliked discussing his personal life, emotions, or motivations. Many reporters described him as someone who viewed media obligations as part of the job rather than an opportunity to build relationships with fans.

#4 Kent said that after being traded to New York in 1992 after breaking in with the Toronto Blue Jays it might have been New York that Kent built an exterior and made him very guarded against the press and news media.

#5 Kent, while he difficult with the media as a player he said during his playing days in San Francisco were special under manager Dusty Baker and he gave props to his former teammates Bill Mueller, Kirk Rueter and Barry Bonds.

Marko Ukalovic is a San Francisco Giants podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast Augie Mesenburg: Giants looking to deal Ramos but plan on keeping JH Lee

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Don’t look now San Francisco Giant Rafael Devers rounds the bases after connecting for a fourth inning a three run home run against the Los Angeles Angels Sat Jul 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Augie Mesenburg:

#1 Saturday the Giants got the bats going with five runs in the third and four in the fourth to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Angels at Oracle Park on Saturday 9-2.

#2 Talk about Jung Hoo Lee and Rafael Devers both hit three run home runs Saturday in their contribution to the Giants run total.

#3 The Giants on Sunday according to sources report that Jung Hoo Lee is off the table but are looking to move Heliot Ramos that deal could be coming as soon as before Sunday’s game ends with the Angels.

#4 In what might be Robbie Ray’s last home game pitching for the Giants as he’s pursued by numerous team. Ray pitched six innings of shutout ball against the Angels on Saturday. He’s been pretty much the anchor for the Giants starting pitching this season.

#5 Talk about today’s starting pitchers as the Angels and Giants conclude this series Sunday at Oracle Park Los Angeles will going with starter Jose Soriano (8-6 ERA 3.43) for San Francisco LHP Carson Wisenhunt (2-0 ERA 3.38) with a 1:05pm PDT first pitch.

Augie Mesenburg is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com and is a reporter for 1080 KWAI radio Honolulu

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Roden’s Two Run Answer Leaves A’s Bats Stumped in 2-0 loss

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Minnesota Twins Alan Roden swings for a two run single in the single in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Sacramnento A’s at Target Field in Minneapolois on Sat Jul 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

Roden’s Two Run Answer Leaves A’s Bats Stumped in 2-0 loss

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics spent eight innings searching for one useful hit and never found it. Alan Roden supplied Minnesota’s only scoring with a two-out, two-run single in the sixth, and the Twins held the A’s to three hits in a 2-0 victory that evened the series at one game apiece.

Minnesota had to change plans before the first pitch when scheduled starter Mike Paredes was scratched during warmups because of a left oblique strain. Kendry Rojas took the assignment with little notice and looked fully prepared, allowing only Tyler Soderstrom’s first-inning single while striking out five across four scoreless innings. He retired 10 of the final 11 hitters he faced and gave the Twins’ bullpen a game it could protect.

The A’s first serious chance developed in the third. Henry Bolte drew a leadoff walk, Lawrence Butler moved him to second with a sacrifice bunt, and Jacob Wilson’s fly ball sent Bolte to third. Nick Kurtz then struck out, leaving the runner 90 feet away.

Kurtz was activated from the injured list before the game after recovering from a right thumb capsule sprain. His return produced four strikeouts in four plate appearances. The contrast was especially harsh because one year earlier, Kurtz went 6-for-6 with four home runs, eight RBI and 19 total bases in one of the greatest games in franchise history.

Brady Basso did his part as the A’s opener, working 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Minnesota threatened in the third when Ryan Kreidler doubled and stole third, but Mason Barnett struck out Byron Buxton and retired Kody Clemens on a fly ball. Barnett kept the game scoreless through the fifth, giving the Athletics several chances to move ahead.

Jeff McNeil created another opening in the fifth with a fan-interference double to right. Butler drew a two-out walk, but Wilson grounded into a force play. McNeil doubled again with two outs in the seventh, only for Bolte to fly out. Those two doubles made McNeil the only Athletics hitter to reach safely twice.

Minnesota finally broke through in the sixth. Josh Bell drew a one-out walk, and Royce Lewis doubled to left, putting two runners in scoring position. Barnett retired Victor Caratini on a fly ball and was one out from escaping, but Roden sent a ground ball into right field. Bell and Lewis scored, giving the Twins all they needed. José Suarez replaced Barnett and struck out Brooks Lee to end the inning.

The A’s best opportunity unfolded in the eighth and ended with nothing. Butler drew a leadoff walk, and pitcher Andrew Morris made a throwing error on Wilson’s fielder’s choice, putting Butler at third and Wilson at second with nobody out. Kurtz and Soderstrom struck out, then Jonah Heim grounded out. Heim entered the game one hit shy of 500 for his career, but an 0-for-4 performance kept him at 499.

Hayden Juenger and Luis Medina each delivered a scoreless inning for the A’s, but Minnesota’s relievers never surrendered the lead. Taylor Rogers earned the victory with two scoreless innings, while Yoendrys Gómez finished the ninth for his 13th save. Mason Barnett took the loss after allowing two runs over 3 1/3 innings. The finale still gives the Athletics a chance to end a stretch of 10 consecutive series without a victory.

The rubber match features Jeffrey Springs (3-9, 5.96 ERA, 86 strikeouts) for the Athletics against Joe Ryan (6-6, 3.38 ERA, 131 strikeouts) for Minnesota, with first pitch scheduled for 11:10 a.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. 

Rafael Devers

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: What the Giants need for next Season, if there is a Season

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San Francisco Giants Rafael Devers (16) might not get picked up by a club before the trade deadline because of his huge remaining six years left on his contract which pays an average of $28 million per year. (AP News photo)

What the Giants need for next Season, if there is a Season

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–Baseball is headed to a lockout by the baseball owners. Some say the players’ only leverage is to strike, maybe during this postseason. However, MLB players cannot strike because the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) remains in effect through December 1, 2026, which means labor peace is totally guaranteed during the playoffs.

The playoffs are during October and sometimes until November, with some World Series taking place that late in the year, but nobody plays in December. Players cannot strike. But owners have been telling everybody in the media they are ready to lock out the players. It would be inconceivable for the 2027 season as a whole not to be played; however, there is also a good chance they will not play 162 games. The only question is how long this lockout will last.

What about the Giants? What are they going to do to improve the product on the field? That is their biggest problem. Oracle Park is one of the most beautiful sports facilities in the world; fans are happy and enjoy taking their families and friends to watch the Giants play. This season has not been fun. The Giants will finish in either last or penultimate place this year, and that was not what Posey and the front office had in mind.  Next week and a half could give us an idea of what they are thinking.

1-The Big Deal.  Rafael Devers is making $27 million this season and is owed $28.5 million every year from 2027 through 2033. If the Giants trade him, somebody will have to pay him. Devers is not a failure; it is just that his production is close to average levels in the league and that 10-year $313.5 million total commitment is tough for any other baseball club to absorb.  Can they trade him? And who needs Devers that badly to make the difference and win? There are only a few teams that would take Devers, not because of his play, but because of the money involved there.

2-Another Big Deal.  Willy Adames with a huge contract and a full no-trade clause; Adames has underperformed at the plate. Adames’ contract, including his signing bonus of $22 million, is the largest total value contract in San Francisco Giants history, surpassing Buster Posey’s previous record. Adames and the Giants agreed to a seven-year $182 million contract, which was finalized in December 2024. Remember also, his full no-trade clause gives him the power to refuse any deal he doesn’t like. Is he going to be traded? You tell me, but I am not convinced he will.

3-The Easy One: Luis Arraez. This guy is just a solid star player who is a four time MLB All-Star, three time batting champion, and 2-time Silver Slugger winner; what is not to like here? Oh yeah, he also plays a very good defensive second base. He will be traded, and Giants fans will miss him. Arraez’s salary this year with the Giants is $12 million. And he is worth every penny.

The Chapman Chapter: Chapman’s manager in Oakland Bob Melvin’s favorite player in Oakland. The manager always talks big about Matt Chapman, and one of the reasons he crossed the bay to San Francisco to play for the Giants was because Bob Melvin was managing the Giants and he wanted him, and he got him.

The question is: what can Chapman bring in return to the Giants if they trade him? Nobody knows. But it is most likely that Matt Chapman will be traded. A Gold Glove third baseman who has won five Gold Glove Awards, two Platinum Gloves Awards, and one All-Star selection. At 33 years old, he is still a good player for any team that values defense, and he can also give you a big hit in a key moment in a game. I never underestimate Chapman.  He will be traded. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox can use a third baseman with experience, especially Boston.

Robbie Ray. A pitcher with lots of value. Since Webb is untouchable, Ray is the one starter that could fly away. Lots of teams can use a pitcher with his stuff. A Cy Young Award winner and two-time All-Star, he is somebody who will definitely help a team point to the postseason. Ray will change uniforms again soon; he has pitched for Detroit, Arizona, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco, and soon_______?

The Giants have a dysfunctional bullpen: They need talented arms who can hold leads and close a game at any given time; the Giants lack all that. A major weakness for this team is relief meltdowns; they need more reliable arms and guys who can pitch in high-pressure situations. They have to find a way to have a better bullpen, because this 2026 version is not even close. There is no contending team without an established closer.

Note: When you think of any work stoppage, players’ strike or owners’ lockout, think of this. Major League Baseball has reached record-high gross revenues, hitting approximately $12.1 billion. This growth is driven by rising ticket sales, strong sponsorships, and massive individual franchise earnings. As we can see, any prolonged work stoppage is not good for anybody, and it could cause irreparable damage to the game’s reputation.

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

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Ray dominant over six shutout inning in potential final home start as Giant in 9-2 blowout over Angels

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Saturday, July 25, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Los Angeles Angels 2 (41-64)

San Francisco Giants 9 (44-60)

Win: Robbie Ray (9-6)

Loss: Ryan Johnson (2-5)

Time: 2:32

Attendance: 39,102

By Stephen Ruderman

San Francisco Giants Jung Hoo Lee (right) is congratulated by Rafael Devers (16) after hitting a three run home run in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Jul 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

SAN FRANCISCO–Robbie Ray pitched six shutout innings in what could have been his final showing for Giants’ fans here at Oracle Park, and his offense backed him up in a 9-2 Giants’ blowout of the Angels.

After what I can admit was a thrilling win last night to snap their five-game skid, the Giants looked to make it two in a row against one of the few teams throughout Baseball that has had it more difficult than the Giants over the last decade.

The Trade Deadline is in nine days. A lot is going to happen over these next nine days, and with the not-so-low probability that Robbie Ray will be one of the Giants dealt for prospects, today was set to potentially be his final home start for the Giants here at Oracle Park. 

Ray signed with the Giants in 2024, when he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, and only pitched in seven games that season. Last season, an incredible 7-0 start earned him a trip to the All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Saturday, Ray was his usual self, as he threw six shutout innings. He walked two, struck out five, and gave up six hits. Tony Vitello pulled him after just 80 pitches.

Angels’ starter Ryan Johnson opened the day with two shutout innings. However, the Giants exploded for five runs against him with two outs in the bottom of the third inning. 

Rafael Devers, the hero from last night, lined a base-hit to left field to knock in Luis Arraez, and put the Giants on the board. Casey Schmitt grounded a single the other way to right, which scored Heliot Ramos to make it 2-0. Up came Jung Hoo Lee, who slapped a home run to the metal tin atop the Willie Mays Wall in right field.

The Giants followed that up with four more runs in the bottom of the fourth. That was capped off by a three-run home run by the red-hot Devers, who went 6-for-10 in the first two games of this series.

With this Giants’ bullpen, no lead is ever safe. Tristan Beck gave up a run in the top of the seventh, but he settled down to throw a one, two, three, inning in the top of the eighth.

Former Giants’ catcher Tyler Heineman was on the mound for the Angels in the bottom of the eighth. Believe it or not, he threw an 11-pitch one, two, three, inning.

Keaton Winn was the man for the ninth, and of course he had to give us a little bit of “drama.” He walked Vaughn Grissom with two outs, but that would be it. The Giants won 9-2.

Robbie Ray gets the win, and Ryan Johnson takes the loss. The Giants are now 43-60, and they will have a chance to do something Sunday that they have not done all season: sweep a three-game series.


Carson Whisenhunt will be brought up to make the start Sunday. However, Whisenhunt is only expected to be up here for one start. Jose Soriano will go for the Angels.

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

Jeff Kent goes to the Hall of Fame:

Don’t forget, folks. Legendary Giants’ Second-baseman Jeff Kent will officially be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York Sunday. 

Kent, who was voted in by the Veteran’s Committee, will be inducted alongside outfielders Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones.

The Giants have a contingency in Cooperstown, which includes President and CEO Larry Baer.

The ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 10:30 a.m. Pacific.

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Harvey: A’s get a 2-0 shutout against Twins; A’s sell share of team to Mark Cuban

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Sacramento A’s third baseman Tommy White (left) attempts to catch the ball while the Minnesota Twins Royce Lewis slides safely into the third base in the bottom of the fourth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis on Fri Jul 24, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Sacramento A’s starting pitcher Jacob Lopez and four relievers got a shutout against the Minnesota Twins 2-0 at Target Field in Minnesota on Friday night. As opposed to some previous struggles the bullpen came through and kept the Twins off the basepaths for most the game.

#2 The Twins only could muster five hits was it a matter of getting good pitching or the Twins just never saw this A’s bullpen and just couldn’t figure A’s pitching out?

#3 Lopez in his start had a great outing with five innings pitched allowing just one hit and four strikeouts with good command to get things started for Sacramento.

#4 The A’s didn’t get a hit through the first four innings until Tommy White hit a double in the fifth inning with one down. With the bases loaded Lawrence Butler came up and hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Donavan Walton for one of the A’s two runs.

#5 Former Dallas Mavericks managing partner Mark Cuban has bought a minority share of the A’s. The undisclosed amount by sources say Cuban bought five percent of the team. The investment was in preparation of the A’s move to Las Vegas in 2028.

#6 The A’s and Twins match up for the second game of the three game set Saturday. Starting pitchers for Sacramento RHP Mason Barnett (1-0 ERA 4.64 21 strikeouts). Minnesota Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp (2-5, 5.00 ERA, 71 strikeouts), with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. Pacific.

Join Tony Harvey for the A’s podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Win against Angels huge after getting swept in Kansas City

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (2) puts the tag on Los Angeles Angels Zach Neto (9) at second base during a steal attempt at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Fri Jul 24, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

A win is a win no matter who you get it against the Giants had blown a 5-1 lead to the Los Angeles Angels of all teams after getting swept by the Royals of all teams whatever you could do to get a win and you know what. The Giants fought back and in the bottom of the tenth inning Rafeal Devers got a single to score the walk off winning run for the Giants 7-6 win.

Devers hit bounced over the wall the runner didn’t come into score he was too busy celebrating a similar thing happened in the 1995 NLCS the New York Mets had come back in game six as the Mets won game five. Robin Ventura was mobbed by his teammates at first base and he was charged with only a single.

The Angels and Giants match up for game two of the series on Saturday at Oracle Park. Starting pitchers for Los Angeles RHP Ryan Johnson (2-4 ERA 6.10) for San Francisco LHP Robbie Ray (8-6 ERA 3.33)

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat writer for www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Two Runs and a Wall of Zeroes A’s shutout Twins 2-0

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Jacob Lopez pitches against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis on Fri Apr 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics scored twice, collected five hits, and made both runs stand up in a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins. This was not an offensive showcase. It was a nine-inning exercise in surviving trouble, turning ground balls into outs, and making Minnesota regret every missed chance.

Jacob Lopez set the tone with five scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out four. His command wandered at times, resulting in four walks and a hit batter, but the Twins never found the swing that could turn traffic into damage.

Lopez struck out Ryan Jeffers to strand two runners in the third, then escaped an even tighter spot in the fourth after Royce Lewis stole second and third and Luke Keaschall stole second. Brooks Lee ended that threat with a popout to Jacob Wilson.

Minnesota’s only hit against Lopez was in the fifth, when Austin Martin sent a ground-rule double down the left-field line. Byron Buxton followed with a liner to Tyler Soderstrom, and Jeffers flied out to Lawrence Butler. Lopez finished his outing with another zero and improved to 5-4, providing a major lift for a rotation that had gone 3-15 with a 6.42 ERA over its previous 27 games.

Twins starter Zebby Matthews was nearly untouchable early, retiring the first 10 Athletics he faced. Soderstrom finally reached with a fourth-inning walk, though Shea Langeliers erased that chance with a double play. The breakthrough developed in the fifth. Donovan Walton drew a walk, rookie Tommy White drove a double to center, and Jeff McNeil drew another walk to load the bases. Butler lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Walton for a 1-0 lead. White later tried to score on a wild pitch but was cut down at home.

The Athletics added their second run in the sixth with a simple three-batter sequence. Henry Bolte singled, Wilson moved him to second with a groundout, and Soderstrom sent a ground ball through the left side to bring Bolte home. Soderstrom had entered the series batting .294 with three home runs and seven RBI in 10 games since returning from a hip injury, and his run-scoring single gave the pitching staff a little more room to work.

That room became valuable immediately. Geoff Hartlieb began the bottom of the sixth by issuing walks to Josh Bell and Lewis. A wild pitch advanced both runners, and another walk to Keaschall loaded the bases with one out. José Suarez entered and needed only one batter to escape. Lee hit a grounder to Tommy White, who stepped on third and threw to first for an inning-ending double play.

From there, the Athletics turned the infield into a roadblock. Suarez retired the Twins in order in the seventh, with all three grounders going from Wilson to McNeil. Elvis Alvarado allowed a leadoff single to Jeffers in the eighth, then got Bell to bounce into another double play. Wilson handled that one as well, extending his errorless streak to 103 games, seven shy of Mike Bordick’s major-league record for a shortstop.

Hogan Harris handled the ninth. He struck out Victor Caratini, hit Keaschall with a pitch, then fielded Lee’s grounder and started a game-ending double play. Harris earned his eighth save, and the Athletics completed a shutout with four scoreless innings from the bullpen.

The win extended the Athletics’ streak against Minnesota to five games and gave them four consecutive victories in Minnesota. The A’s now have a chance to claim their first series victory in 11 tries.

Game 2 brings right-hander Mason Barnett (1-0, 4.64 ERA, 21 strikeouts) against Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp (2-5, 5.00 ERA, 71 strikeouts), with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 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

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