Category: MLB

Giants beat Angels, 7-6, as San Francisco celebrates Autism Acceptance & Cal Poly Night

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (2) swings on a 91 mph slider and called for a strike against the Los Angeles Angels during the bottom of the 6th inning of a MLB baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, July 24th, 2026. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants returned home on Friday night to start the second half of the season. They hosted the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game series, and the Giants took game 1 in ten innings 7-6. This was the two teams’ first time seeing each other, and the rest of the weekend will be the only time they see each other this season.

The Giants came back home with some injuries and losses. After winning the first game back from the All-Star break, the Giants would lose the next five in a row, also being swept at Kansas City. Giants outfielder Harrison Bader stopped baseball activity and will see a foot and ankle specialist in Indianapolis this weekend.

Angels starting pitcher for this first game of three is RHP Grayson Rodriguez (3-3, 8.23 ERA). Rodriguez has 27 strikeouts and walked 17 so far this season. The Giants’ starting pitcher for the game was 2026 MLB All-Star, RHP Logan Webb (5-7, 3.87 ERA). Webb has 85 strikeouts and walked 27 this season.

Los Angeles leadoff hitter Zach Neto wasted no time for his team as on his first bat he got himself a triple on a sharp fly ball to right field. This put Giants pitcher Logan Webb in an early awkward position in the first. Then Angels Nolan Schanuel would bring home Neto on a single to give the Angels a 1-0 early lead.

After the Angels batted, it was the Giants turned and they responded. Giants Arraez singled, then got hit by a double play from the Angels. Giants Bryce Eldridge walked, but Rafael Devers came to bat and got the crowd going. Devers homered on a fly ball to left field, his 21st of the season, giving San Francisco the lead, 2-1.

Two innings later, in the third, the Giants were still connecting the bat with the ball. Giants Bryce Eldridge joins the fun as he gets a ground-rule double. Then the Angels intentionally walked Devers, setting up a three run homer for Casey Schmitt to left field. Schmitt’s homer was also his 21st of the season, and he would extend the Giants’ lead to 5-1.

At the top of the fifth, the Angels were getting their hitting momentum going after being shut out the last four innings. Starting it off would be Angels Jo Adell and Denzer Guzman with both getting singles. Then Tyler Heineman tripled on a fly ball to right field, bringing in Adell and Guzman to score, 5-3.

Next batter, Zach Neto would get walked, with now two players on base with no outs as well. Then the Angels’ Mike Trout was out on a sacrifice fly, but brought in Heineman to score, 5-4. Eventually, the Giants would stop the bleeding and get the final out by a force out at second.

It wouldn’t be until the bottom of the seventh that the Giants got back on the board. Giants’ Drew Gilbert gets walked and then subbed for pinch-runner Grant McCray. Then Daniel Susac would get out on a sacrifice fly, but would bring in McCray to score, 6-4. However, the Angels weren’t phased as they responded right into the next inning.

At the top of the eighth, Angels Jorge Soler singles, then Angels Vaughn Grissom homers on a fly ball to left field. This homer would be his sixth of the season and would tie the ballgame, 6-6. After that, both teams’ defense and pitching would sharpen up as they entered the ninth inning of the game.

In the ninth inning, the game is still tied, with both teams still having a chance to win and take game 1 of the season series. Unfortunately, both teams’ defense would step up, and neither team would score. So this “Battle of California” game is heading into extra innings.

Bottom of the tenth inning, it was all Giants. The Giants had runner Jesus Rodriguez on second, so at bat it was Luis Arraez who was able to get himself another single in this game. So now the Giants have two runners on base. Then the Giants’ Bryce Eldridge walked, which led to Rafael Devers hitting a single to left field and bringing in the game-winning run. The Giants would take game 1 against the Angels, 7-6.

These two teams come right back to action in Oracle Park Saturday, July 25th, at 1:05 p.m. for first pitch. The San Francisco Giants will start LHP Robbie Ray (8-6, 3.33 ERA) hoping to take game two as well. The Angels will respond with RHP Ryan Johnson (2-4, 6.10 ERA) as the Angels try to get the win and even the series. The game will be broadcast on NBCS BA.

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Giants return to SF to host LA Angels Friday night

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San Francisco Giants Jesus Rodriguez slides into home plate safely in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium on Wed Jul 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 How did starting pitcher Landen Roupp perform for the Giants, and what challenges did he face during the Royals’ five-run seventh inning?

#2 What offensive contributions did Luis Arráez make for the Giants, and how did his performance affect San Francisco’s scoring chances?

#3 How did Bryce Eldridge perform at the plate, and what impact did he have on the Giants’ offense during the 5–4 loss?

#4 Which Giants relievers pitched after Landen Roupp, and how effective were they in trying to hold Kansas City’s lineup?

#5 Despite strong efforts from players such as Luis Arráez and Bryce Eldridge, what were the key reasons the Giants were unable to hold their lead against the Royals?

Lincoln Juarez does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s open up three game series with Twins Friday

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Shea Langilers catcher for the Sacramento A’s is being sought after by other clubs before the Aug 3, 2026 trade deadline (Copyright: Geoff Burke, Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images, Creator: Geoff Burke)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The amount of runs scored by the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Sacramento A’s on Wednesday was a season high in the their 15-5 win at Chase field in Phoenix.

#2 A’s relievers just couldn’t shut down the D-Backs rallies scoring seven in the fifth and five in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

#3 A’s starter Gage Jump got lit up for eight hits and six runs in 4.2 innings of work. As a starter Jump struggled to get out of each of those early innings.

#4 Yunior Tur came into relieve Jump but also was on the other end of the Diamondbacks hitting barrage allowing five hits and eight earned runs in two third innings of pitching. That was most of the damage the A’s pitching suffered Hayden Juenger and position player Carlos Cortes settled the Diamondbacks bats down for the rest of the game as relievers.

#5 The A’s will take a much needed day off on Thursday before opening up a three game series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis. Starting pitchers for Sacramento LHP Jacob Lopez (4-4 ERA 6.64) for Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (4-7 ERA 5.40) first pitch 5:10pm PDT Friday night.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the A’s podcasts Thursdays 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

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy: Diamondbacks rally in fifth and six innings for 15-5 win over A’s to close out series

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Sacramento A’s reliever/outfielder Carlos Cortes records the last out of the bottom of the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The A’s in the last of the ninth couldn’t make a dent in the score in the 15-5 loss at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wed Jul 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy:

#1 The amount of runs scored by the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Sacramento A’s on Wednesday was a season high in the their 15-5 win at Chase field in Phoenix.

#2 A’s relievers just couldn’t shut down the D-Backs rallies scoring seven in the fifth and five in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

#3 A’s starter Gage Jump got lit up for eight hits and six runs in 4.2 innings of work. As a starter Jump struggled to get out of each of those early innings.

#4 Yunior Tur came into relieve Jump but also was on the other end of the Diamondbacks hitting barrage allowing five hits and eight earned runs in two third innings of pitching. That was most of the damage the A’s pitching suffered Hayden Juenger and position player Carlos Cortes settled the Diamondbacks bats down for the rest of the game as relievers.

#5 The A’s will take a much needed day off on Thursday before opening up a three game series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis. Starting pitchers for Sacramento LHP Jacob Lopez (4-4 ERA 6.64) for Minnesota RHP Zebby Matthews (4-7 ERA 5.40) first pitch 5:10pm PDT Friday night.

Bridget Mulcahy does the A’s podcasts Wednesdays 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. 

Desert Storm Buries the Athletics 15-5

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Arizona Diamondbacks Nolan Arenado (28) swings for a double for his 2000th career hit in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Sacramento A’s catcher Jonah Heim (left) at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wed Jul 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

For four innings both teams traded zeros, before the Arizona Diamondbacks spun the game completely out of control. A 2-2 tie became a seven-run deficit in the fifth, and the Diamondbacks kept piling on in a 15-5 rout of the Sacramento A’s that ended the series with a thud.

Sacramento had an immediate chance against Merrill Kelly. Tyler Soderstrom and Shea Langeliers collected consecutive singles with one out in the first, but Carlos Cortes grounded into an inning-ending double play. The A’s finally broke through in the third when Jonah Heim doubled to center and Jacob Wilson followed with a single that moved him to third. Soderstrom’s groundout brought Heim home for a 1-0 lead, and Wilson stole third before Kelly escaped by striking out Langeliers.

Gage Jump handled the early advantage well. Arizona put runners aboard in each of the first two innings, but the rookie left-hander received help from double plays behind him. Wilson and second baseman Donovan Walton turned one in the first, while Jump started another in the second. He then retired the Diamondbacks in order in the third.

Jump entered the game with a 0.75 ERA in four road starts, but he had also posted a 7.41 ERA over his previous four outings after opening his career with six strong starts. His 56 strikeouts through his first ten major-league games matched Sonny Gray for the most by an Athletics pitcher over that span during the previous 27 years.

Arizona changed the direction of the game with two swings in the fourth. Corbin Carroll tied it with a solo homer to left-center, and Nolan Arenado followed with another solo shot to left. Jump limited the damage there, striking out Tim Tawa and Ryan Waldschmidt with two runners aboard.

Jeff McNeil brought the A’s even in the fifth by sending a solo homer to right. McNeil entered the game having struck out only once in his previous 54 plate appearances, and his fourth home run of the season briefly restored order.

That order disappeared in the bottom half.

Ketel Marte doubled and scored on a wild pitch. Gabriel Moreno then homered to center, giving Arizona a 4-2 advantage. Arenado drew a walk and scored on Ildemaro Vargas’ double before Yunior Tur replaced Jump. James McCann greeted Tur with a two-run homer, Tawa singled and Waldschmidt launched the first home run of his major-league career.

Arizona sent 11 batters to the plate, scored seven runs and turned a tie game into a 9-2 beating within minutes. Jump was charged with six earned runs on eight hits, four walks and three home runs over 4 2/3 innings. His record dropped to 3-6.

The Diamondbacks added five more in the sixth. Carroll tripled and scored on Tur’s wild pitch before Moreno, Arenado and Vargas drew three consecutive walks. McCann singled home Moreno, and Hayden Juenger entered with the bases still loaded. Tawa greeted him with a two-run double, and Waldschmidt’s sacrifice fly extended the lead to 14-2.

McCann finished with three hits, a home run and four RBIs. Waldschmidt drove in three, while Carroll homered, tripled and scored three times. Arizona collected 17 hits, including five home runs, and scored 12 times during the fifth and sixth innings.

The Athletics did not quit producing at-bats. McNeil singled and scored on Heim’s seventh-inning single. Donovan Walton doubled to begin the ninth and scored on Lawrence Butler’s RBI single. Alika Williams added a sacrifice fly that brought home Tommy White.

McNeil, Heim and Langeliers each had two hits as the A’s finished with 10. Wilson’s third-inning single extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and he completed another errorless appearance at shortstop. He entered the game with a 101-game errorless streak, tied for the second-longest by a shortstop in major-league history.

Cortes recorded the final out of the eighth from the mound, marking his sixth pitching appearance of the season. He had already tied Charlie Jamieson’s 1918 franchise record for pitching appearances by a position player with his fifth outing.

Following Thursday’s off day, the Athletics head to Minnesota, where Jacob Lopez (4-4, 6.64 ERA, 49 strikeouts) will oppose Zebby Matthews (4-7, 5.40 ERA, 58 strikeouts) Friday at 5:10 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

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants Squander 3-0 Lead Losing to Royals 5-4

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San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez throws to second base for the first out in the bottom of the second inning to retire Salvador Perez at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Wed Jun 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

If you love the nuances of the pitching game, the opening innings of game three between the San Francisco Giants (42-60) and the Kansas City Royals (43-60) was definitely your cup of tea.

Through the first five innings of this game three it was a good old-fashioned pitchers duel with Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp and the Royals starter Seth Lugo putting up some brilliant work. Each team had a single hit through five innings. The Royals just get by the Giants for the three game sweep in a Wednesday 5-4 win.

GAME RECAP

The first five innings show-cased some excellent pitching from both starters. Landen Roupp for the Giants and for the Royals Seth Lugo were both amazing. Each pitcher had only given up one hit apiece.

The Giants finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning and they did it without a single hit. Willy Adames crossed home plate for the first run of the game. He had walked to open the inning. Drew Gilbert was hit by a pitch giving the Giants two runners on base. A sacrifice from Luis Arraez gave Adames the first run and the first lead of the day 1-0.

Going into the top of the seventh inning there had been a total of three combined hits for the two teams. Both pitchers had done a great job keeping the offenses in check until San Francisco got an impressive rally going with two outs in the inning.

Rafael Devers got the rally underway walking. Jung Hoo Lee came through big-time hitting a triple and Devers scored giving San Francisco a 2-0 lead. Willy Adames followed with a double that drove Lee home, the lead now 3-0 in favor of the Giants. Going into the bottom of the seventh the Giants had some ample breathing room.

The Royals displayed quite a rally of their own in the bottom of the seventh inning after a dispute on second base claiming that Vinnie Pasquantino had been pushed while trying to advance to second base.

It was a downright horrible call and disrupted play for a minute. After the incident Salvador Perez hit a 2-run homer and in a flash San Francisco was looking at a 3-2 lead. A pitching change for the Giants took place with Sam Hentges relieving Roupp.

Unfortunately Hentges gave up a couple of singles and the Royals had runners on first and third with only one out. Again a pitching change for the Giants and Keaton Winn relieved Hentge.

Winn allowed a run; Michael Massey scored when Starling Marte singled and this game was tied 3-3. When it had looked so very promising for San Francisco it all came crashing down.

With two outs the Royals had the bases loaded and Lane Thomas singled driving in Nick Lofton and Marte. The 3-0 Giants lead had become a distant memory now trailing 5-3. The bottom of the seventh got underway on a sour note and ended horribly for San Francisco.

The Giants got through the eighth inning without further damage and went into the top of the ninth inning, their last chance to avoid a sweep. Heliot Ramos was the first at bat and struck out.

Rafael Devers grounded out and Casey Schmitt was the last hope for the Giants. Schmitt hit a home run and San Francisco was still breathing. It all came to an end when Jung Hoo Lee popped out and that was the ball game 5-4 in favor of the Royals sweeping San Francisco. The Giants are now 18 games under .500.

GAME NOTES

The Giants jumped out in front early showing great energy. Willy Adames provided some really nice offensive sparks in the game as did Jung Hoo Lee and Casey Schmitt. The team just could not sustain rallies still struggling with runners on base.

The bottom line is that the Giants could not turn their scoring opportunities into enough runs to win this game. San Francisco was in a tight, winnable game but the big difference was clutch hitting and late execution by Kansas City. A huge moment for the Royals was the homer off the bat of Salvador Perez for his 317th home run tying the franchise home run record.

Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp had a stellar six innings which loosened toward the end of his outing. He was relieved by Sam Hentges in the seventh inning. Roupp had allowed four hits, two earned runs with seven strikeouts.

Hentges only lasted 1/3 of an inning allowing two hits and two earned runs. He was relieved by Keaton Winn who also allowed two hits and one earned run.

The Royals starter Seth Lugo pitched through seven innnings. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, one walk with five strikeouts. For the first six innings of the game both of these pitchers put on quite a show.

The Giants will now return home on what will no doubt be a very quiet flight. This had been an extremely tough series. They will be back on the field Friday taking on the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series.

Probable pitchers for Friday for San Francisco will be Logan Webb. He has a 5-7 win/loss record and a 3.87 ERA. The San Francisco offense will be facing Los Angeles starter Grayson Rodriguez. His ERA is 8.23 with a 3-3 win/loss record. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Wilson’s Blast Buys Extra Time but Vargas Cashes In As D-Backs edge A’s in 10 innings 6-5

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Wilson’s Blast Buys Extra Time but Vargas Cashes In As D-Backs edge A’s in 10 innings 6-5

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Idemaro Vargas turns a double play while avoiding the sliding Sacramento A’s Tyler Soderstrom (21) on a ball hit by the A’s Jonah Heim in the top of the third at Chase Field in Phoenix Tue Jul 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

Digging out of an early hole, the A’s finally reached level ground with two outs in the ninth, and even moved ahead in the tenth. One final answer from Arizona turned the comeback into a 6-5 loss when Ildemaro Vargas singled home Gabriel Moreno for the winning run.

Jack Perkins had barely settled on the mound when Arizona built a 3-0 lead. Ketel Marte drew a leadoff walk, Moreno singled with two outs, and Max Kepler drove a three-run homer to right-center. The opening inning had already been Perkins’ biggest trouble spot as a starter, with ten of his previous 24 runs allowed occurring in the first. Perkins recovered from there,allowing no more runs over his next four innings and giving the A’s enough time to work their way back.

That work began in the third. Lawrence Butler sent a grounder through the middle and raced to third for a triple, then scored when Alika Williams singled to right. Jacob Wilson was hit by a pitch and Tyler Soderstrom drew a walk, loading the bases with nobody out. It was the first major turning point, and Arizona starter Kohl Drake escaped it. Shea Langeliers lined to shortstop, and Jonah Heim grounded into a double play that held the score at 3-1.

Drake, making his major-league debut, limited the Athletics to that single run across five innings. Tommy White produced one of the few other threats with a fourth-inning single, one game after becoming the third player in Athletics history to record four hits within his first three major-league games.

Arizona added breathing room in the seventh without a hit. Geoff Hartlieb issued consecutive walks to Vargas and Jorge Barrosa, then threw a wild pitch that moved both runners. Marte followed with a sacrifice fly, scoring Vargas for a 4-1 lead.

The Athletics answered in the eighth when Langeliers drove Ryan Thompson’s pitch over the wall in left-center. It was his 23rd homer of the season, continuing another power-heavy year for the All-Star catcher. Heim and White followed with singles, putting the tying runs aboard, but Jeff McNeil grounded into an inning-ending double play.

The ninth began quietly and nearly ended the same way. Paul Sewald retired Carlos Cortes and Butler, leaving the Athletics one out from defeat. Donovan Walton then lined a triple to center, and Wilson followed with a two-run homer to left that tied the game at 4-4. Wilson entered the game riding an eight-game hitting streak and carrying the third-longest errorless streak by a shortstop in major-league history. One swing had rescued the Athletics from the edge.

Soderstrom began the tenth at second and moved to third on Langeliers’ groundout. Heim lifted a sacrifice fly to center, giving the A’s their first lead at 5-4. Late production has been a regular part of Heim’s season, with 18 of his first 30 RBIs recorded in the seventh inning or later.

The lead did not survive the bottom half. Luis Medina inherited Corbin Carroll at second, then issued walks to Moreno and Kepler. Nolan Arenado singled to center to score Carroll and tie the game, keeping the bases loaded. Medina struck out Tim Tawa, but Vargas followed with a ground-ball single to left that brought Moreno home and ended it.

The Athletics had several reasons to admire the fight, especially after falling behind by three runs before recording a hit. They also had two painful missed chances: the bases-loaded opportunity with nobody out in the third and the two-on threat in the eighth. Those moments separated a stirring comeback victory from a defeat that took ten innings to settle.

The series finale will send rookie left-hander Gage Jump (3-5, 3.78 ERA, 56 strikeouts) against veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly (7-8, 5.20 ERA, 62 strikeouts), with first pitch set for 12:40 p.m. Pacific and a rubber game waiting to be claimed.

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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Jeff Kent to the Hall of Fame before Barry Bonds

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Former San Francisco Giant Jeff Kent beat out former teammate and outfielder Barry Bonds to be inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame (AP file photo)

Jeff Kent to the Hall of Fame before Barry Bonds

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Who in their right mind, who followed baseball when Kent and Bonds were playing together on the Giants teams from 1997 to 2002, would have predicted that Jeff Kent would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, before Barry Bonds?

We can all come to our own conclusion. Bonds, who hit an incredible 762 home runs, the #1 all-time, and has all the accolades possible for a baseball player’s career, has not been inducted into the most famous Hall of Fame in sports in the United States.

At the ceremony in Cooperstown this July 26, there will be a record 61 Hall of Fame players in attendance to see Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltrán, and Andruw Jones inducted (Class of 2026). Jeff Kent will be inducted with a San Francisco Giants jersey.

I was broadcasting the Giants games during the years Kent and Bonds were playing with the Giants. Kent played for the Giants from 1997-2002; he also played for the Blue Jays, Mets, Astros, and Dodgers, while Bonds, who played for the Pirates for the first seven years, became a Giant in 1993 and played with the team until 2007.

The majority of the headlines during their careers were about Barry Bonds, and obviously his accomplishments are in a class by themselves. Jeff Kent also had a great career, and he will be remembered as a Hall of Fame player from 2026 until the rest of his life.

Jeff Kent’s career spanned 17 years, and he played for seven different teams. He ended with a .290 batting average, 377 home runs, and 1,519 runs batted in. Won the National League MVP in 2000 with the Giants and was selected to five (5) All-Star Games. Main position: Second base (the all-time leader in home runs for the position).

Maybe it was a clash of egos, but Kent and Bonds did not like each other, even though the Giants were a winning team and, on the field together, both were a dynamic offensive duo; a great majority of the runs scored by the Giants were because of Bonds and Kent; they were the big producers of the Giants’ offensive attack.

But it is a simple fact: their relationship even led to a physical dugout altercation, howevr both were great players deserving of the Hall of Fame. Barry Bonds spent 10years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot, peaking at 66% of the vote in 2022 (falling short of the required 75%). Continues to be considered by the Hall’s Era Committees, such as the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee.

This Sunday, July 26, will be a day of celebration for the three new members of the Hall of Fame, Beltrán, Jones, and Kent. May they enjoy it with their families in good health.

For information on the Hall of Fame tour    https://baseballhall.org/Visit/Special-Experiences/Museum-Tour

Quote: You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t come to yours.  -Yogi Berra.

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.

Avila and the Royals Hold On to Beat San Francisco 3-2 In Game Two

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Sam Hertges throws to the Kansas City Royals line up in the bottom of the sixth inning at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Tue Jul 21, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

 It was another disappointing game for the San Francisco Giants (42-59) dropping game two to the Kansas City Royals (42-60) by the score of 3-2.  In Tuesday night’s game the Giants did take a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning that was short-lived. 

Jesus Rodguiez and Drew Gilbert both scored in the inning but the Giants would not score again for the rest of the game.  The Royals would score a couple of runs in the sixth inning taking back the lead 3-2 which would be the final.  The Royals finished with eight hits, the Giants five hits.  San Francisco had their opportunities but failed to capitalize on them unable to produce timely hits and leaving runners stranded.

GAME RECAP

The two opening innings  were for the most part three and outs for both teams with a single here or a walk there.  It had so far been a pitchers duel until this game went into the bottom of the third inning.  The Royals took the first lead of the game in the third when Carter Jensen hit a solo home run giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead.

The Giants would tie up the game in the top of the fifth inning.  Jesus Rodriguez doubled and Drew Gilbert singled him home and this game was tied at one apiece.  San Francisco would take the lead when Drew Gilbert scored on an error for a 2-1 tally.  As the inning came to an end the Giants would count on their pitchers to keep the Royals off the board.

Going into the bottom of the sixth inning tha score had remained 2-1 in favor of the Giants.  That was about to change.  San Francisco would go through three pitchers in the inning.  Starting pitcher Mahle walked a runner and hit a batter to start the inning. 

He was relieved by Sam Hentges who did much the same, walking the first batter he faced and hitting the next at bat.  He was relieved by Keaton Winn who got out of the inning.  The damage had been with Salvador Perez and Isaac Collins both scoring giving the Royals a 3-2 lead that persisted to the final San Francisco out.

GAME NOTES

What went so wrong for the Giants in the second game of the series?  It looked very much like game one with the same deficiencies.  The Royals on the other hand made the key plays when they needed them most.   Avila kept the Giants offense under control for most of the game allowing only a couple of runs and preventing any big innings. 

Kansas City built a lead with timely hitting which included the first run of the game a solo home run by Carter Jensen.  RBI hits put a lot of pressure on Giants starter Tyler Mahle.  San Francisco had opportunities but didn’t string together enough hits until late.  They played from behind for much of the night..  

Luinder Avila outpitched Tyler Mahle.  He allowed just the two runs over 6 1/2 innings striking out seven which gave Kansas City a strong start.  The Giants offense managed only five hits and couldn’t score after the fifth inning despite having a few chances late.  The Royals bullpen finished the job.  The Kansas City relievers protected the one-run lead with Alex Lange earning the save.

Wednesday the Giants will be looking to avoid a sweep in game three.  The Giants will send Landen Roupp to the mound with a 7-8 win/loss record and a 3.98 ERA.  The Royals plan on starting Seth Lugo.  He has a 3-6 win/loss record and a 4.39 ERA.  First pitch for this game is scheduled for 11:10 AM.  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Tigers will need Skubal for post season why shop him? Diamondbacks on the move in NL West; plus more news

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has numerous suitors from other clubs before the baseball trade deadline will the Tigers trade him or keep him as they will need his services in the post season (AP News photo)

That’s Amury News and Commnentary podcast:

#1 How could trade deadline rumors involving Tarik Skubal impact the Detroit Tigers’ playoff hopes, and which contenders should pursue him?

#2 With injuries affecting stars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, which player is more critical to their team’s postseason chances?

#3 What does Max Kepler’s walk-off RBI in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ dramatic comeback over the St. Louis Cardinals say about Arizona’s resilience this season?

#4 Can Paul Skenes continue pitching at an elite level and emerge as the National League Cy Young Award favorite by season’s end?

#5 As the MLB trade deadline approaches, which player—the New York Mets Francisco Lindor, the Sacramento A’s Shea Longeliers, or another star—could become the biggest name on the trade market?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.