Category: MLB

Rangers Spoil Kurtz’s Blast as Green and Gold Falter 7-2 in Arlington

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Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (16) scores against the Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka (right) on a single in the top of the fourth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Mon Jul 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

Rangers Spoil Kurtz’s Blast as Green and Gold Falter in Arlington

By Mauricio Segura

It was a night that began with promise and power, but for the Sacramento Athletics, it ended with another frustrating loss deep in the heart of Texas, clap! Clap! Clap! Not! Despite a solo shot from rookie phenom Nick Kurtz and a few glimmers of offensive life, the A’s couldn’t overcome a middle-innings surge by the Texas Rangers, falling 7-2 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Jacob Lopez got the nod for Sacramento and looked sharp early, working around a walk and fanning two in the opening frame. But despite his best efforts, the Green and Gold bats were just as cold as the air-conditioned stadium they played in. Through the first three innings, the Athletics managed just one baserunner, a walk by Kurtz, and didn’t register a hit until his double in the fourth.

That double nearly turned the tide. Following a walk by Shea Langeliers and a two-out single from Tyler Soderstrom, Kurtz came around to score and evened things up at 1-1. It was a brief jolt of energy in what had been a sleepy offensive night. The Rangers had taken an early lead in the bottom of the third thanks to a solo homer from Josh Jung.

But that fourth inning RBI was the high-water mark for the A’s. The bottom of the fifth brought a collapse that Sacramento simply couldn’t recover from. After surrendering a leadoff single to Josh Smith, Lopez gave way to Elvis Alvarado, and the wheels came off. A walk, a double, and then a three-run homer from Michael Helman blew the game open and gave Texas a 5-1 lead.

Kurtz wasn’t finished. The 22-year-old continued to make his case for AL Rookie of the Year, launching his 19th home run of the season to lead off the sixth. No one else in the Sacramento lineup has hit more long balls, and Kurtz is now the MLB rookie leader in both homers and RBIs. With the swing of the bat, he trimmed the lead to 5-2 and injected a spark of hope.

But that hope, like the game, fizzled fast.

Despite some bullpen stability from Alvarado and Sean Newcomb, who each pitched scoreless innings, Texas kept applying pressure. A sac bunt and a pair of timely singles in the seventh and eighth innings added two more runs for the Rangers, stretching their lead to 7-2 and putting the game out of reach.

The Athletics threatened again in the top of the seventh when Gio Urshela led off with a double and Urías followed with a walk. But a failed bunt attempt from Lawrence Butler, a flyout from Jacob Wilson, and a groundout from Kurtz stranded both runners and killed the rally. The A’s never threatened again.

The A’s have now dropped three of their last four games and remain in last place in the AL West. Tuesday’s probable starter still to be announced. They’ll face off against Jacob deGrom, who enters with a 9-2 record and a sparkling 2.32 ERA.

For Tuesday the A’s will start RHP JT Ginn (1-2 ERA 4.91) for the Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (9-2 ERA 2.32) first pitch 5:05pm PT

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 Lose Opener to the Braves 9-5 Via Ugly Defense and Pitching

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The Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin (30) slugs a first inning two RBI single against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Field in Cumberland Cobb County GA on Mon Jul 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Horrible pitching from Hayden Birdsong lasting only one inning started the downward slide for the San Francisco Giants (52-48) losing to the Atlanta Braves (43-55) 9-5 in game one of their three game series.

Top it off with some very sloppy defense and the Giants outfield was awful. Willy Adames is in fifth place with the most errors in the majors and San Francisco has a lot to clean up going forward.

Mistakes from Jung Hoo Lee which we don’t expect to see was just another factor. Put it all together and you have a string of losses.

Game recap: The Giants had a productive start in the top of the first inning scoring a run taking an early 1-0 lead, Matt Chapman hit an infield single and Heliot Ramos was able to cross home plate.
The San Francisco lead was short-lived in the bottom of the first inning. The Braves scored five runs taking a 5-1 lead. A huge hit for Atlanta came off the bat of Drake Baldwin who doubled driving in three runners, Ronald Acuna Jr., Jurickson Profar, Matt Olsen and just like that the score was 3-0. The Braves would score two more runs off a Nick Allen single. Ozzie Albies and Drake Baldwin both scored on the Allen hit and Atlanta had a 5-1 lead after the opening inning.

It was a disastrous start for Birdsong in the first inning. He walked the first three at bats, gave up a double followed by another walk and then hit Sean Murphy. The Braves had scored three runs off one hit.

Birdsong was relieved by Matt Gage who struck out a couple of Braves but gave up the Nick Allen single for two more runs. This was not an outing that Birdsong will want to remember any time soon and this was not the way San Francisco wanted to start this game but it was still very early with a lot of ball still to be played.

The Giants got something cooking in the second and third innings but was only able to score in the second inning. Patrick Bailey sacrificed and Wilmer Flores scored. San Francisco trailed by three runs 5-2 but it was still manageable.

In the bottom of the fourth inning the Braves had another scoring frenzy taking an 8-2 lead. Drake Baldwin who was having a great game singled Matt Olsen and Ronald Ocuna Jr home. Another run would score off an Ozzie Albies single and the Braves were really humming.

The Giants would score one run in the top of the fifth inning but more than half-way through the game they would need more while putting the skids on the offensive effort from Atlanta which had been very productive.

Willy Adames doubled Rafael Devers home for the single run. The Giants Tristin Beck took over on the mound coming away with the Giants first three and out inning in the game.

The Braves scored again in the bottom of the sixth inning when both Ronald Acuna Jr and Drake Baldwin hit doubles. The Baldwin double drove in Acuna Jr. taking a 9-3 lead.

Willy Adames hit his 15th home run of the season in the seventh inning, a solo shot and the score was 9-4 in favor of Atlanta. San Francisco already had ten hits through seven innings but it was the first inning that put them behind the eight ball. The Giants had some work to do with two innings left in the game.

The score was 9-4 going into the ninth inning. San Francisco got a run in the ninth but it was too little too late. They have now lost six games in a row. They had 12 hits in the game but ugly defense and trouble on the mound was the deciding factor in the 9-5 loss. Mental errors cost San Francisco dearly.

Game notes: After losing a series to the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend, the San Francisco Giants (52-48) dropped the first game of the three game series on Monday night in steamy Atlanta (43-55). At first pitch the temperature was an uncomfortable 86 degrees and dry but rain is called for Tuesday, in fact eight days of rain in a row. Hopefully they will be able to work in games two and three without delays.

Birdsong didn’t pitch long relieved without retiring one batter in the first inning allowing one hit and five earned runs and walking four. For the Braves starter Bryce Elder five innings pitched, eight hits, three earned runs, and one strike out.

Tuesday the Giants will try to break the six game losing streak and come away with a win. It can’t get much worse than what was seen Monday. Landen Roupp will take the mound for the Giants with a 6-6 win/loss record and a 3.27 ERA. The Braves plan on starting Davis Daniel (0-0 ERA 1.80). First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:15 PM PT.

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s open 3 game set with Rangers Monday night in Arlington

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Sacramento A’s starter Jefferey Springs who get lit up by the Cleveland Guardians on Sun Jul 20, 2025 is hoping for a better outcome as the A’s face the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field for a three game series against the Rangers on Mon Jul 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 The A’s ran into a hot hitting of the Cleveland Guardians David Fry and Angel Martinez who were too much for the A’s and the A’s also ran into some good pitching and never catch up getting defeated on Sunday 8-2.

#2 The A’s Nick Kurtz hit a couple of doubles. Kurtz has been seeing the ball rather well for the A’s in the lineup.

#3 Tough skid for Sacramento they have now lost nine of their last ten games when playing in Cleveland.

#4 Cleveland pitcher Gavin Williams improved his record to 6-4 and went seven innings to pick up his first win since June 1st. Williams has gone 2-1 in his last nine starts.

#5 The A’s open up a three game series in Texas Monday night and will start LHP Jacob Lopez (3-5 ERA 4.20) for the RHP Rangers Jack Lieter (5-6 ERA 4.37) first pitch 5:00pm PT.

Barbara Mason does the A’s podcasts each Monday 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 Marko Ukalovic: Talking Giants Birdsong and the other Bird the Blue Jays

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong (60) pitches against the Kansas City Royals on Tue May 20, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco and will start against the Atlanta Braves Mon Jul 21, 2025 at Truist Field in Cumberland Cobb County GA (AP file photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays hit a two run homer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr and George Springer slugged home runs as the Jays beat the Giants in a two run decision 8-6 last Sunday.

#2 The Giants were swept in the three game set with the Jays and the sweep for the Jays matches a franchise record for their tenth straight home win.

#3 The Giants starter Robbie Ray struggled in this one allowing five hits, five earned runs, five walks and three strike outs in 4.1 innings of work.

#4 The Giants Justin Verlander didn’t last long on Friday night he got shelled by the Jays line up with nine hits and four earned runs in 2.2 innings of work. Verlander dropped his record to 0-8. Marko do you think Verlander should move to middle relief from the starting role?

#5 Staring pitchers for Monday’s game in Atlanta for the Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (4-3, ERA 4.11) for the Braves RHP Bryce Elder (3-6, ERA 5.65) first pitch is 4:00pm PT at Truist Field in Cobb County.

#6 The White House said they want the Washington Football Team to immediately return the name to Redskins and their is talk that the Cleveland Indians name will be ordered to return. The Braves name has been offensive for some Native American tribes do you see the Redskins and Indians returning back to their old names by order of the White House which many find offensive?

Join Marko for the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Guardians Tame the Green and Gold 8-2 in Cleveland Clunker

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Cleveland Guardians David Fry (left) claps his hands after hitting a three RBI double in the fourth inning as the Sacramento A’s infielder Max Schuemann (12) looks away at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Sun Jul 20, 2025 (AP News photo)

Guardians Tame the Green and Gold 8-2 in Cleveland Clunker

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics arrived at Progressive Field looking to build momentum, but they left shaking their heads after a frustrating 8-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians Sunday. A red-hot David Fry and the bat of Angel Martínez proved too much to handle, while the A’s offense sputtered early and never found enough rhythm to mount a comeback.

Gavin Williams set the tone for Cleveland from the first pitch, silencing the top of the A’s order with two strikeouts in the first frame. The Guardians wasted no time grabbing the lead in the bottom half, as Angel Martínez lined a double into left, then came home on a sharp RBI single from Fry. It was the beginning of a very long day for the Green and Gold.

Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, and Brent Rooker, a trio the A’s have leaned on this season for run production, couldn’t solve Williams. Each struck out multiple times as Williams racked up nine K’s through seven innings. The A’s struck out 15 times overall, and through the first four innings, they looked overmatched.

Meanwhile, the Guardians were putting on a clinic in timely hitting. After adding a second run in the second on Austin Hedges’ RBI single, the game quickly slipped away in the fourth. Sacramento starter Jeffrey Springs was trying to grind through his outing when Cleveland strung together three hits and a critical fielder’s choice to load the bases. David Fry stepped up and delivered again, clearing the bags with a bases-clearing double that made it 5-0.

While the A’s showed small signs of life in the middle innings, including a pair of hits in the fifth and a run scored by Tyler Soderstrom on a wild pitch, they never seriously threatened the Guardians’ control of the game. Soderstrom and Schuemann each tallied two hits, but the damage was minimal and sporadic.

The lone bright spot in the lineup was Nick Kurtz. The rookie first baseman doubled twice and drove in a run in the eighth, providing a small glimmer of fight. Denzel Clarke also contributed a double and a run scored, but the team’s inability to string together consecutive productive at-bats kept them chasing shadows all afternoon.

On the pitching side, Sacramento’s bullpen fared no better than its starter. After Springs departed following four innings, Michael Kelly and Osvaldo Bido were tasked with holding the line. They gave up three additional runs, including a solo shot from Angel Martínez in the seventh and an RBI single from the same bat in the eighth. Martínez finished a triple shy of the cycle and was a headache from the leadoff spot all game long.

Defensively, the A’s were steady but not spectacular. There were no errors, but Cleveland’s sharp contact exposed the gaps. Tyler Soderstrom, despite a multi-hit game, was targeted in left field where several crucial hits landed. Denzel Clarke and Lawrence Butler made routine plays in the outfield but weren’t tested with anything exceptional.

By the time Shea Langeliers ripped a double in the ninth, the game was all but over. Jakob Junis closed the door on Sacramento without incident. The Athletics never quite looked synced up, and the lack of offensive urgency gave the feeling of inevitability.

The Guardians, on the other hand, played like a team ready for October baseball. Their pitching was dominant, their bats timely, and their approach disciplined. For the A’s, the loss drops them further into the abyss of a development-heavy season, where flashes of talent continue to be overshadowed by inconsistency.

The good news for Sacramento? There are still games left to iron out the kinks and give younger players experience. The bad news? Games like today make it clear just how wide the gap still is between the A’s and the league’s top-tier clubs.

Sacramento A’s open up a series with the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington Monday night the A’s will start LHP Jacob Lopez (3-5 ERA 4.20) the Rangers have not determined a starter yet.

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. 

Red-Hot Blue Jays Sweep San Francisco Winning Game Three 8-6

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Toronto Blue Jays Addison Barger watches his two run home run sail in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sun Jul 20, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

By Barbara Mason

This was another tough loss for the San Francisco Giants (52-48) getting swept by the hottest team in baseball right now the Toronto Blue Jays (58-41). The final score was 8-6. San Francisco made it close in the sixth inning pulling to within one run in the top of inning.

The Giants did have 12 hits in the game outhitting the Blue Jays who had nine. Robbie Ray had a rough outing only going 4 1/3 innings so it is back to the drawing board for the team as they continue their road trip.

Game recap: The Giants got a good start in the first inning taking a 1-0 lead. Heliot Ramos singled Jung Hoo Lee home but as we have seen all week, the Blue Jays came surging back tying up the game 1-1 off a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. solo home run.

The Blue Jays continued their surge scoring two runs in the third inning extending their lead 3-1. Bo Bichette doubled driving both Vladimir Guerrero and Ernie Clement home. There was no holding the red-hot Blue Jays down. They are on a mission right now whether it be pitching, defense or offense It is pure magic in Toronto right now.

In the fifth inning the Giants did score a run when Andrew Knizner singled Matt Chapman home. Every time the Giants challenged Toronto came roaring back and the fifth inning was no exception scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning taking a 7-2 lead.

George Springer had a solo home run, Alejandro Kirk singled Bo Bichette home and they finished off the inning with a two run home run courtesy of Addison Barger with Bichette on base.

San Francisco was behind the eight ball going into the sixth inning. The Giants had a very productive inning scoring four runs and they were right back in this ball game trailing by a single run 7-6.

Matt Chapman got the rally going with a two run home run. Brett Wisely came to the plate singling Dominic Smith home followed by a Jung Hoo Lee single driving Wisely home. Unfortunately Lee was thrown out trying to reach second base.

With this game being so very close, Toronto was looking for some insurance runs and they did get one in the bottom of the sixth inning. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled George Springer home and they had an 8-6 lead which they took into the top of the ninth inning.

The Giants were three outs away from being swept in this series. Casey Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee both grounded out, and Heliot Ramos lined out and that was the ball game and the hottest team in the American League had won the game 8-6 and swept the San Francisco Giants in their tenth win in a row at home.

It was a most disappointing game for San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray. He did not have his best appearance allowing five hits, five runs, five walks with three strikeouts. He only lasted four 1/3 innings and Toronto had beaten two of the Giants best pitchers in Ray and yesterday Logan Webb.

Game notes: The Giants were swept on Sunday in game three of this series. San Francisco lost game one despite having 11 hits and their offense really stalled out in game two with only four hits. They did lead in game two going into the bottom of the sixth inning but the Blue Jays took the lead in that inning and never looked back. The Jays on Sunday scored four runs in the fifth inning that helped in their two run 8-6 win over the Giants.

The Giants will continue their road trip tomorrow heading into Atlanta for a three-game series with the Braves. Hayden Birdsong will take the mound for the Giants while the Braves will start Bryce Elder. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 4:15 PM.

Insomniac Lunatic Fringe Post game 7-18-2025 Giants @ Blue Jays; Will Verlander get demoted to bullpen?

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San Francisco starter Justin Verlander who lost Fri Jul 18, 2025’s ball game dropping his record to 0-8 to the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto is part of the talk show discussion with Stephen Ruderman (Canadian Press via AP photo)

Stephen Ruderman at sportsradioservice.com is a talk show host with his post game show following the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blues from Fri Jul 18, 2025. This show is pre recorded.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Mets retire Wright’s No.5; Yankees Gil looking good in rehab; plus more MLB news

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David Wright waves to the New York Mets fans after his jersey number 5 was retired by the club at Citi Field in New York on Sat Jul 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 The New York Mets have inducted David Wright into the Mets Hall of Fame on Saturday. Wright broke in in the Majors 21 years ago and the Mets retired his number 5. Wright recalled saying he was excited to get to the big league and after getting off the plane arriving at the Grapefruit League he was curious what number he was going to wear and was happy to see he was going to sport number 72.

#2 New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was keeping a close eye on on right hand pitcher Luis Gil who was working in his second rehab assignment on video and Boone said he was happy with what he saw on the tape. “Stuff was good, decent command,” said Boone, who watched a recording of Friday’s game Saturday morning. “More importantly, another step and kind of building that pitch count into 57 pitches.” Gil had been rehabbing with the Yankees double A affiliate. Boone said his fast ball was playing and that Gil had suffered a sprained lat.

#3 Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and former Sacramento A’s scout Jeff Bittiger has passed away at age 63 the A’s announced Sunday. Bittiger was a scout for the last 22 years and all with the A’s organization. Bittiger broke in in the bigs on Sept 2, 1986 he also pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox.

#4 Houston Astros second baseman Brendan Rodgers collided with a teammate in a triple A minor league assignment for Sugar Land on Friday night. It was Rodgers first game of his assignment as he was recovering from an left oblique strain. Rodgers in the collision broke his nose and suffered a concussion. The Astros say the will evaluate Rodgers condition over the next few days.

#5 Charlie since starting the second half of the season the Sacramento A’s have won three of their last five games. The two games they did lose were close games in efforts to try and come back. They are having a strong showing to start the second half and are seven games behind the LA Angels to climb out of the cellar so still a lot of work for the A’s

Join Charlie O for the MLB The Show podcast Sundays 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

 

Kurtz, Clarke and Langeliers Spark Sacramento’s Electric 8-2 Comeback in Cleveland

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Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers (right) is congratulated by Jacob Wilson (left) after hitting a two run home run off Cleveland Guardians pitcher Nic Enright in the top of the eighth inning at Progressive Field on Sat Jul 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

Kurtz, Clarke and Langeliers Spark Sacramento’s Electric 8-2 Comeback in Cleveland

By Mauricio Segura

It was a quiet beginning that gave way to a symphony of power as the Sacramento Athletics staged a thrilling turnaround in Cleveland, turning an early deficit into an 8-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night at Progressive Field.

The night started unassumingly for the Green and Gold, with the top of the order going down in order in the first inning. By the bottom of the third, Cleveland had taken a 2-0 lead thanks to José Ramírez’s two-run blast into the right field seats.

Sacramento’s bats woke up with a vengeance in the top of the fourth. Brent Rooker and Nick Kurtz each smacked sharp doubles to bring in a run, and catcher Shea Langeliers followed with another RBI double to even the score.

Miguel Andujar added the go-ahead blow with a line drive RBI single to center, giving the A’s a 3-2 lead. The three-run outburst was as sudden as it was efficient, a masterclass in execution against Guardians starter Logan Allen.

From that point forward, Sacramento’s pitching staff made sure the lead would never be threatened. Severino delivered a strong six-inning performance, allowing just two runs on four hits and striking out six.

Jack Perkins came in for relief and slammed the door over two scoreless frames, showing maturity beyond his years by inducing ground balls and staying ahead in counts. By the time Justin Sterner took over in the ninth, it was just a matter of wrapping up a win.

The real action came in the eighth and ninth innings, courtesy of some of the A’s brightest young talents. Nick Kurtz led off the eighth with his second double of the night, a rocket into the right-center field gap. Langeliers, fresh off an earlier RBI, stepped up and launched his 14th homer of the season over the right-field wall to give the A’s breathing room at 5-2.

Not to be outdone, rookie Denzel Clarke showcased his speed and flair in the ninth with a blistering triple to center. Jacob Wilson followed by unloading on a hanging pitch for a two-run homer, extending the lead to 7-2.

Kurtz capped off his monster night with a solo shot of his own, a majestic fly ball to left-center that put the exclamation point on Sacramento’s offensive explosion. With two doubles, a homer, and three RBIs, the first baseman gave a performance that not only boosted his rising profile but also proved why the A’s view him as a cornerstone of their future.

Defensively, the A’s were crisp and well-positioned throughout. Jacob Wilson turned a pair of slick double plays, Max Muncy showcased his versatility by shifting between third and second base without missing a beat, and Clarke’s glove in center saved extra bases more than once.

Even when Cleveland tried to apply pressure with aggressive baserunning, Sacramento countered with calm execution, like catcher Austin Wynns gunning down Angel Martínez in the fifth to kill a budding rally.

Manager Mark Kotsay’s decision-making was on point, from the timely pinch-hitting move to bring in Tyler Soderstrom to the defensive switches that solidified the infield late. Soderstrom made the most of his appearance, swiping second base and adding another spark to the team’s aggressive tone on the basepaths.

The Guardians, meanwhile, never found their rhythm after Ramírez’s early homer. Carlos Santana walked twice but couldn’t produce a hit, and Daniel Schneemann was struck out twice by Severino in key spots. Cleveland’s bullpen didn’t fare much better, as both Matt Festa and Nic Enright were tagged in Sacramento’s scoring surges.

While the Athletics still sit in the thick of a long road to .500, Saturday’s game offered a tantalizing glimpse into a promising future if they remain consistent enough. Power from the corner spots, speed in the outfield, timely hitting from the middle of the order, and a bullpen that locks things down, all the elements of a competitive club were on display.

The A’s conclude the three game series Sunday at Progressive Field against the Guardians. Starting pitcher for the A’s LHP Jeffrey Springs (8-6 ERA 3.93) for Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (5-4 ERA 3.70) first pitch 10:40AM PT.

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. 

2025 INSOMNIAC LUNATIC FRINGE ALL-STAR BREAK SPECIAL with Stephen Ruderman

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Instagram photos of umpires who worked the 2025 All Star Game which used the Auto Ball Strike system (photo MLB Instagram)

Discussion on the San Francisco Giants with guests Bruce MacGowan SRS podcast contributor and 95.7 The Game Sam Lubman join Stephen.

Stephen says that he really misses the days when the MLB All Star Game was a game. Guys were playing to win like the 2018 All Star Game. One of the worst decisions that was made was MLB used ABS at the All Star Game. Now booing umpires and disliking umpires is a tradition as old as time itself.

The umpires were respected and you had fun booing them. I used to boo umpires before I became one. Kyle is in the comments and said that the swing off and the derby was awesome. MLB is using the ABS challenge and it’s looking more and more like this ABS is going to be implemented next season.

Stephen Ruderman kicks off his first podcast the Insomniac Lunatic Fringe at http://www.sportsradioservice.com