Giants fall under .500 for first time this season with 2-1 loss to Pirates and season could be lost cause

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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers heads back to the dugout after flying out in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jul 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Pittsburgh Pirates 2 (47-62)

San Francisco Giants 1 (54-55)

Win: Isaac Matson (3-1)

Loss: Ryan Walker (2-4)

Time: 2:41

Attendance: 38,144

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants, who were 12 games over .500 on June 12, have just been swept by the Pirates with a 2-1 10-inning loss Wednesday afternoon after wasting another strong start by Logan Webb, and have fallen all the way to under .500 (54-55) for the first time this season, as the Giants suddenly now appear prepared to kick the tires on this season.

There is no way to sugarcoat it; this homestand and the second half thus far have been an absolute nightmare. The Giants came into today looking to avoid their first 0-6 homestand since 1896. That’s right; not 1996, 1896, before the modern era of baseball when Grover Cleveland was president.

The Giants have dropped 11 of their last 13, and have fallen from 12 games over .500 on June 13, all the to .500, and faced falling under .500 for the first time this season with a loss today. Thursday is also the Trade Deadline in Baseball, which meant Wednesday was the final day to determine who’s contending and who’s not. To be blunt: Wednesday was a must-win.

The Giants once again turned to Logan Webb to be the stopper. The Giants needed a strong performance from Webb, who was coming off a pair of rough starts to open the second half. 

Webb worked in and out of jams through the first five innings on July 19 in Toronto, but he ran into a brick wall, as the Blue Jays got to him for four runs in the bottom of the sixth. He then got torched by the Mets for six runs this past Friday.

The sun did everything it could to peak through the peaceful blanket of fog over Oracle Park this afternoon. It was great weather for pitching, and that was good news for Webb, who wiggled his way out of a couple of jams early on and looked more like his normal self

Unfortunately, it was the worst weather for the Giants’ faltering offense. Pirates’ starter Mike Burrows retired the first nine men he faced Wednesday, and we had ourselves a pitcher’s duel.

Early in the game, the Giants traded their longtime submariner, Tyler Rogers, the third-longest tenured Giant, to the New York Mets for reliever Jose Butto and a pair of prospects. This was a shocking move and a sign that the Giants are going to be sellers at the deadline tomorrow.

The Giants already came into Wednesday’s game at risk of falling under .500 for the first time this season. Now with the fact that they were ready to start selling, today suddenly felt like a last-ditch effort for the 2025 San Francisco Giants.

The Giants desperately needed something to go their way, and they got it in the bottom of the fourth. Heliot Ramos and Willy Adames both got base-hits, and the Giants had runners at first and second with two outs for Dominic Smith. Smith got a fastball right down the pipe, and lined it to right field for a base-hit. Ramos scored, and the Giants struck first.

Hey, the Giants finally got a line-drive base-hit with a runner in scoring position. They did a lot of that early in the season, and that is precisely what carried them to their 24-14 start. Jung Hoo Lee finally went the other way after trying to pull the ball the last several weeks, but it was right into the glove of the diving Jack Suwinski in left.

The Pirates had a response against Webb in the top of the fifth. Isaiah Kiner-Falefa lined an opposite-field base-hit to right to lead off the inning, and Spencer Horwitz followed that up with a double into the gap in right-center to tie it.

The Pirates then loaded the bases one out, and were threatening to do more. However, Webb got Nick Gonzales to hit a chopper back to the mound that Webb used to start a one to two to three double play, and he got out of it with the game still tied.

Burrows threw another one, two, three inning in the bottom of the fifth, and after Henry Davis singled with one out in the top of the sixth, Webb was done. Spencer Bivens then came in and retired the next two to end the inning.

Webb gave up five hits and walked four over five and a third innings, but he gave up just a run and struck out 11. Unfortunately, the Giants’ offense did what they’ve always done, and gave Webb very little support.

Burrows ended up giving up three hits, walking one and striking out seven over six innings.

The game fittingly went extra innings, and Ryan Walker took the ball for the top of the tenth. Oneil Cruz started the inning as the ghost runner runner at second and got to third on a ground out by Nick Gonzales. Jack Suwinski walked, and that brought up Henry Davis.

Davis hit a chopper back to the mound, and Walker had Oneil dead to rights between third base and home plate. However, for whatever reason Walker tried to turn a double play, and he failed to get Suwinski at second. Oneil scored, and the Pirates had the lead.

The Giants were three outs away from falling under .500 for the first time this season. Isaac Mattson, who had pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth, was back out for the bottom of the tenth. 

Lee was the ghost runner at second, and the Giants caught a break, as Casey Schmitt hit a blooper to left that Suwinski lost in the sun. Mike Yastrzemski then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners up to second and third.

It felt as if the Giants were mounting one last rally to try and save what many believe was going to be a magical season. Patrick Bailey took three-straight out of the zone to work a 3-0 count, but in typical fashion for this team, Bailey struck out. Heliot Ramos was the last hope, and he too struck out to end the game.

Fittingly, the Giants completely wasted their last-ditch rally, and they indeed lost to fall under .500 for the first time this season.

Isaac Mattson got the win, and Ryan Walker took the loss.

The Giants have now dropped 12 of their last 14 games, and they have gone 13-26 since June 12, the worst record in all of Baseball during that stretch. 

The Giants’ record is now 54-55, and with the Padres completing a sweep of the Mets down in San Diego today, the Giants are now six games back of the Padres for the third wild card.

The Giants will have the deadline off Thursday, as they will head back out on the road for a road trip that will mimic this homestand, with three in New York against the Mets, and three in Pittsburgh against the Pirates.

The Giants have yet to announce their starters for their series at Citi Field this weekend, and we may not even know what this team will look like after Thursday. At this point, the only thing I can say for sure is that if the Giants want to make a run at this thing, it will take a miracle.

First pitch on Friday will be at 7:10 p.m. in Queens, 4:10 p.m. back home in San Francisco.

Giants News and Notes:

  • The two prospects the Giants received for Tyler Rogers are right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell and outfielder Drew Gilbert. Both could feasibly be ready to be called up to the big leagues as soon as this season.
  • It’s also being reported that Giants’ closer Camilo Doval could be available to be traded before Thursday. It is a pretty clear signal that they are truly preparing to sell and start focusing on the future.
  • Mike Yastrzemski made what may have been the catch of the year for the Giants in the top of the eighth, as he ran a long way towards the right field line to catch a foul ball off the bat of Jack Suwinski, and was able to come up with it, as he bounced into the netting over the side wall.

It is quite unfortunate that this catch couldn’t have been part of the story of a much-needed win for the Giants.

Final Thoughts:

In 2022, the Giants were 10 games over .500 after a win in Pittsburgh on June 18. They then collapsed and fell all the way to eight games under .500 on Sept. 18. Though they did go on a tear to make it to play a meaningful game in the fifth-to-final game of the season on Oct. 1, and they ended up going 81-81. 

In 2023, the Giants were 13 games over .500 after winning the resumption of a suspended game on July 19. They suffered a massive collapse in the final two months of the season, and finished under .500 at 79-83

Here in 2025, the Giants went from 12 games over .500 on June 13, all the way to a game under .500 today. What looked to be a bounceback season for the Giants after three-straight mediocre seasons is now about to be their fourth-straight mediocre season.

It’s technically not over yet. The Giants are six games back of the Padres for the third wild card spot with 53 games to go, and mathematically, they still have a lot of opportunities. Baseball is a weird game, and this Giants’ team is certainly capable of winning 15 of their next 20 games to surge back into the race.

Buster Posey built this team around doing a little bit of everything. They hit home runs; they played situational baseball; they played small ball; they even stole bases; and they pitched and played defense. That’s why they got off to their 24-14 start.

Then for whatever reason, they revived the failed Farhan Zaidi strategy of relying on home runs, and they completely fell apart. It makes absolutely no sense, and I truly have no idea why they did that. Maybe they were pressing. I don’t know.

Really, all it took was the Giants going back to playing the way they did in Spring Training in April. It wasn’t rocket science.

Unfortunately, the Giants could never truly get it going again, and just 22 days after one of the most magical wins in Giants’ history, they suddenly now appear ready to focus on next season.

I still felt like the Giants could make a run, but this mediocre core is not a viable long-term strategy, and they’re going to get old in a couple of years. They need to develop guys around it to make it a stronger core. 

Buster inherited one of the worst farm systems in all of Baseball from Farhan, and he needed to start building it and preparing for the future. Blade Tidwell and Drew Gilbert are a good start, and the Giants could get even more for Camilo Doval.

It is unclear whether Buster is buying and selling, or strictly selling, though it seems to be the latter. Robbie Ray could also nab some good prospects, and the Giants would be wise to deal him if they are truly selling.

They still can compete over the next few years as they build the farm system, and I imagine that is what Buster has in mind. The Giants’ top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, should be up next season, and Helliot Ramos will be entering his prime. A trio of Eldridge, Ramos and Jung Hoo Lee could be akin to that of Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent and Ellis Burks in 2000.

I still wouldn’t rule out a miracle for this season, but that is quite unlikely. This has been a disappointing season, but if the Giants truly want to return to winning baseball next season, changes need to be made. 

The one positive you can take out of this collapse is that those necessary changes will be made, and that the future is about to get a whole lot better.

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Giants looking to end five game losing streak Wednesday against Bucs

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San Francisco Giants Willy Adames (2) and Matt Chapman (26) jump for joy over Adame’s solo shot in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Jul 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 The Giants on a five game skid took tough rough loses to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday and Tuesday and the Giants trying to rebound and end the five game loss streak this afternoon.

#2 Do you see Rafael Devers getting some more reps at first base last few games he’s back at the DH and the Giants have Dominic Smith at first.

#3 The Giants 3-12 at (.200) is San Francisco’s worst in the Majors since July 9th.

#4 The Giants are five games back of the last Wild Card spot which is held by the San Diego Padres who are 59-49 with Reds and Cardinals ahead of the Padres. Giants have a lot of work in front of them in order to get back into the hunt.

#5 Pirates and Giants conclude this three game series this afternoon. The Pirates can sweep the three game set today the Giants could avoid the sweep picking up a win and snapping their five game skid starters for the contest the Bucs are going with RHP Mike Burrows (1-3 ERA 4.15) and for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (9-8, ERA 3.38)

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Harper-Manfred prelude to Players-MLB CBA battle; Acuna on 10 day IL for Achilles; plus more news

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Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies in an meeting with MLB Commissioner made his feeling known how he feels about the salary cap that the owners will be proposing after the 2026 CBA expires (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 In speaking with other reporters Amaury the aftermath of the Rob Manfred-Bryce Harper F bomb tirade is considered the first volley as the Players Union and the Commissioner’s office teed off in the clubhouse in Philadelphia as the CBA expires at the end of the next year with a chance that the 2027 season could be locked out.

#2 Ronald Acuna Jr the Atlanta Braves outfielder had to leave Tuesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals due to tightness in his right Achilles tendon. Acuna was put on the 10 day injured list on Wednesday morning. Aucna was chasing a ball in right field and felt tightness in the Achilles. The Braves medical staff will be checking Acuna Wednesday before their game.

#3 As New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is out with an arm injury the Yankees traded for outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The Yankees are trying to strengthen their line up without Judge and might make some more moves before Thursday’s trade deadline. The Sox got minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl for Slater.

#4 Amaury the San Francisco Giants are on a five game losing streak, they have the worst record in baseball since July 9 at 3-12 (.250). People on the talk shows and the sports writers are asking questions. One of those has been is there any difference from the way the club is being ran since former Giants president Farhan Zaidi left to the it’s being ran with team president Buster Posey or it’s neither one of their faults and the buck stops with team CEO Larry Baer who signs off on who comes and goes?

#5 The Sacramento A’s after sweeping the Houston Astros in four games in Houston have won five of their last six games. The A’s are going well getting hitting from their big boppers Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, and Jacob Wilson. They’ve also been getting some great pitching from their starters JP Sears, JT Gin, Jacob Lopez and Luis Severino.

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.

http://goaquaadventure.com

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

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. 

A’s Even Series Behind Severino’s Strong Start

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Luis Severino falls in the first inning on Tuesday night after throwing a pitch. (Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics and Seattle Mariners were back in action on Tuesday night in West Sacramento for game two of a three-game series. Led by Luis Severino and their offense, the A’s defeated the Mariners 6-1 at Sutter Health Park.

Luis Severino turned in his best outing in Sacramento since arriving in free agency during the offseason. It wasn’t a spotless outing for Severino, who labored in the first and fourth innings, but it was a much improved showing compared to his previous appearances. All in, Severino tossed five innings of one-run, five-hit baseball. He also walked two and struck out six Mariners hitters.

The first inning didn’t get off to a good start for Severino. Yet, he was able to bounce back. Severino slipped and fell on the mound on his second and third pitches of the game in what appeared to be a grip issue with the foot he toed the rubber with.

“Yeah, I think me and the mound don’t like each other,” Luis Severino said after the game. “… going on there I dunno. Yeah, I just slipped. I feel like the mound is on top, it’s dry and then we dig out and it’s wet. So just those two pitches there, but after that everything was good.”

After Severino got out of the first inning, it was pretty smooth sailing until the fourth, when he gave up a run. A single, stolen base, and a double later, the Mariners would score their first run and only run. However, Luis beared down and managed to get out of the inning without surrendering anything more. Severino was aided by a tremendous play by his rookie shortstop Darell Hernaiz to end the fourth inning on a scorcher right back up the middle.

“Unbelievable play up there. I told him after that inning that I owe him something. I need to buy him something because of that… maybe some shoes or something that he likes.”

Darell Hernaiz spoke with the media afterward about his thought process making the play to get Severino out of the jam in the fourth inning.

“That was a tough play. I mean, it was kind of instincts and thankfully it worked out, but no, that’s a really hard play and thankfully I was just able to make the play.”

A’s manager Mark Kotsay also heaped praise on the young shortstop after the game.

“Yeah, I think that [Hernaiz play] was the turning point in the game really. Bases loaded there in the fourth. They had a lot of momentum, and that play is one that is very difficult. It’s a short hop up the middle. And for Darryl to come here, we’ve heard a lot about how well he’s playing in Triple-A and being very consistent on both ends of the baseball. I thought Darryl did a great job tonight…”

The A’s offense did a lot of the talking for the club as they scored six runs after only managing one on Monday night. The A’s put up four runs in the third inning and two in the fifth en route to their 6-1 victory. The offense was highlighted by a Brent Rooker three-run homer in the third inning and a Shea Langeliers solo shot in the fifth. Miguel Andujar also had two RBI doubles in the contest.

With the win, the A’s improved to 47-63 on the season and are winners in five of their last six games. The Mariners fell to 57-51 on the season with the loss.

On Wednesday, the A’s and Mariners will face off in the final game of the three-game series. Jeffrey Springs (9-7, 4.13 ERA) is scheduled to start for the A’s, and the Mariners will counter with Bryan Woo (8-9, 2.91 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park.

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. 

Verlander shines, Giants bats stymied as they fall to Pirates 3-1

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By Vince Cestone

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants mustered only 2 hits, wasting a strong Justin Verlander start, falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 on Tuesday night at Oracle Park.

With the Giants’ seventh-straight loss at Oracle Park, they fell five games out of the Wild Card race. With the trade deadline only two days away, it’s going to be hard for the Giants to justify buying.

San Francisco opened the scoring in the fourth inning, with a solo home run from the hot-hitting Willy Adames. After a horrendous first half, Adames smashed his seventh home run of July.

The Giants were up 1-0. They finally were ahead first, but then the mistakes happened.

Rewind to the first inning. Giants had runners at first and second with one out, when third baseman Matt Chapman hit a popup on the infield. The infield fly rule was called, but left fielder Heliot Ramos got caught between second and third. Rally killed there.

But it was the eighth inning where weirdness happened. With one on and one out and the scored tied at one, Pirates left fielder Tommy Pham hit an infield dribbler that Rogers fielded as he ran towards the third-base line. Rogers couldn’t get a grip on the ball and the runner was safe.

On the very next play, a ground ball to second turned ugly off the bat of Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. Giants second baseman Casey Schmitt fielded the ball but his throw hit Hayes as he approached first base. Rogers appeared to be looking at second base instead of the incoming throw.

Then, with the bases loaded, former Giants catcher Joey Bart singled on a grounder to left field, giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead. A lead they would not give back.

Before the eighth-inning chaos, the Pirates tied the game on a fifth-inning solo home run by ninth-place hitter Liover Peguero.

Lost in the weirdness of the late innings, was a great start by Verlander. He went five innings, giving up just 6 hits, one run, one walk, while amassing seven strikeouts.

Despite the defensive miscues, the Giants’ lack of offensive is forcing them to play perfect baseball, which is hard for any team to do. And it doesn’t help when their big trade acquisition Rafael Devers went 0-for-4 in the game and is hitless in his last 14 at-bats.

The Giants will try to get right on Wednesday in the series finale against the Pirates. Giants ace Logan Webb (9-8, 3.38 ERA) will take on Pirates’ pitcher Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.15 ERA) at 12:45 p.m. at Oracle Park.

Time is running out for the Giants. If they want to stay in this Wild Card race, the time for them to win is now.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Ichiro elected to Cooperstown, Not Unanimous?

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Ichiro Suzuki with Hall of Fame plaque at Hall of Fame induction Sun Jul 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

Ichiro elected to Cooperstown, Not Unanimous?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

In 2001, when Ichiro Suzuki made his debut in Major League Baseball, I was broadcasting all home games for the Mariners in Seattle and then returning to the Bay Area to do the same for the San Francisco Giants, both in Spanish.

Ichiro was a special guy, extremely focused, disciplined, hard-working, and a great contact hitter. For me, Ichiro was a leadoff hitter in the category of Rickey Henderson and Pete Rose, a great contact hitter, speed on the bases, and, for Ichiro, a great and accurate throwing arm from right field.

Ichiro took over the Mariners franchise record in stolen bases, previously held by Julio Cruz (who was my broadcast partner in Seattle, may he rest in Peace). Julio’s franchise record was 290. Ichiro surpassed that category for the Mariners.

Ichiro Suzuki’s American League records include a single-season hits record of 262 in 2004. I was privileged to call that hit in 2004 at Safeco Field. Since Ichiro arrived and during his first season, I believed and commented that he had the talent to be a potential Hall of Fame player.

In 2001, Ichiro provided an example of how his career was going to unfold. During that first season in the US, the Japanese star did something that nobody to this date has ever done.

1-Won the AL Batting title. 350 2-Won Rookie of the Year. 3-Won the Gold Glove. 4-Won the Silver Slugger, and (5) last but not least, was selected to be a starter in the All-Star Game. This was a first in history for a major league player.

This week, Ichiro Suzuki received 393 votes out of 394 cast in the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame election, making him one vote short of a unanimous selection. One vote short? How can anybody who covered this player’s career not vote for him for Cooperstown?

That is puzzling to me. Seattle again? Another great Mariner player, Ken Griffey Jr., was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2016, and was not elected unanimously, by a single vote. Could it be possible that this was the same Baseball Writer who did not vote for these two legendary Mariners players?

You tell me. Incredible. Increible,信じられない Today, many questions in the baseball world remain (obviously, by Mariners fans), and are not answered, although the Baseball Writers Association of America does not release the names of the writers who vote.

However, since we can always speculate, there could be a personal reason, including racism, if a player is racist, a writer could also be, and nobody really knows. We know that Ty Cobb, for example, who won twelve (12) batting titles, was not unanimously elected to Cooperstown; he was four votes short of unanimity.

Why? more than likely, since Cobb was a well-known racist, it is probably what cost him unanimity. In my book, this is the Hall of Fame for Baseball, for your skills as a baseball player, and that should be it. No more, no less.

I recommend a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. A beautiful part of the country. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY, is open seven days a week, 362 days a year.

It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Extended hours are offered from Memorial Day weekend through the day before Labor Day. If you are a baseball aficionado, this must be on your bucket list.

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.

http://goaquaadventure.com

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Renteria: Good pitching beats good hitting A’s win streak halted at 4 by M’s

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Sacramento A’s manager Mark Kotsay pulls pitcher JP Sears in the top of the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 The Sacramento A’s four game winning streak was stopped in it’s tracks by the visiting Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park in Seattle on Monday night 3-1 to open their three game series.

#2 The A’s were coming off a four game sweep against the Houston Astros returning to Sacramento and took a tough loss to the Mariners to open the three game series.

#3 Mariners starter Luis Castillo pitched seven innings allowing five hits, one earned run, and four strikeouts with three relievers they help the A’s to just one run.

#4 A’s Luis Urias was hit by a pitch to leadoff the top of the six and scored the A’s only run on a groundout by Brent Rooker as the A’s avoided being shutout.

#5 M’s and A’s on Tuesday at Sutter Health for game two of the series. Starting pitcher for Seattle RHP Logan Evans )4-3 ERA 3.64) for the A’s RHP Luis Severino (4-11 ERA 4.95) first pitch 7:05pm PT.

Tony Renteria does the A’s podcasts each Tuesday 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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Irchiro said that baseball taught him to be a professional and that’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame

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Former Seattle Mariners outfielder Irchiro Suzuki is honored and enshrined into the hallowed halls of the the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and becomes the first Japanese born player to make the Hall in Cooperstown on Sun Jul 27, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Ichiro during Sunday’s Hall of Fame ceremony said he withdrew his dinner offer at his house to the lone unnamed writer who did not vote for Ichiro who won Hall of Fame balloting 393 out of 394.

#2 Iricho said of the lone writer who voted for someone else to the hall “Three thousand hits or 262 hits in one season are two achievements recognized by the writers,” he said. “Well, all but one. “By the way, the offer for the writer to have dinner at my home has now expired.”

#3 Amaury do you believe that the lone writer who didn’t vote for Ichiro is truly anonymous or do you think he’s know to other writers in the BBWAA but his identity is protected?

#4 You were the Seattle Mariners Spanish play by play announcer for most of Ichiro’s career what was your biggest call during Irchiro’s career in Seattle?

#5 Irchiro said during his speech of his success, “Baseball taught me what it means to be a professional and I believe that is the main reason I am here today.”

#6 What puts a damper on the Hall of Fame celebration is the passing of former Chicago Cub second baseman and class of 2005 Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg who passed away from prostate cancer. What a career and what a respected player from in the lore of Cubs history.

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.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

A’s Bats Go Quiet in Series Opener vs. Mariners 3-1

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Carlos Cortes after making a leaping catch in the right field corner on Monday night. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento A’s were back in action on Monday night in West Sacramento, coming off a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros. Riding high after the sweep, the A’s were unable to muster much offense in the series opener, falling to the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Monday night.

JP Sears took the hill for the A’s in hopes of extending their winning ways from the Houston series. However, Sears labored through his outing, only managing to toss four and one-third innings of five-hit, three-run ball. He struck out six, walked three, and gave up one home run.

In relief of Sears was Justin Sterner, who tossed two-thirds of an inning, giving up only one hit in a scoreless appearance. Michael Kelly followed Sterner and gave manager Mark Kotsay two innings of one-hit, scoreless work. Sean Newcomb tossed one inning of scoreless baseball after Kelly, and Elvis Alvarado finished it off with a scoreless top of the ninth. In total, the bullpen tossed four and two-thirds innings of shutout baseball to keep the Athletics in the game and give them a chance heading into the late innings.

On the offensive side, it was slim pickings for the Athletics in their return home to Sacramento.

The A’s lone run came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Brent Rooker was able to score Luis Urias on a fielder’s choice groundout. Beyond that, the A’s didn’t have many scoring opportunities until late in the game.

They did manage to load the bases with two outs in the eighth inning, but unfortunately, Tyler Soderstrom grounded out to third base in the ninth, unable to drive in the tying run. The Athletics showed some fight as they attempted to mount a comeback, but it was quickly snuffed out by a double play.

With the loss, the Athletics fall to 46-63 on the season, while the Mariners improve to 57-50. 

The A’s and Mariners will play game two of the three-game series on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. 

Luis Severino is slated to start for the Athletics with a 4-11 record and a 4.95 ERA. 

Logan Evans is expected to go for the Mariners, bringing a 4-3 record and a 3.64 ERA into the contest.

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. 

McCutchen’s late-inning homer steals the show in Giants’ top pitching prospect’s debut, Bucs raise the Jolly Roger in game one

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San Francisco Giants’ Carson Whisenhunt pitches to a Pittsburgh Pirates batter during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 28, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN FRANCISCO–McCutchen homers late and leads Pirates to game one win amid Giants’ top pitching prospect respectable debut.

Monday night the Giants, worn out from a three game sweep against the Mets over the weekend, played host to the Pittsburgh Pirates to start the second half of a six game homestand. Falling to 2-7 since the All-Star break, the Giants turned to their top pitching prospect, left-hander, Carson Whisenhunt to get back in the win column. 

The 24-year-old got his contract selected by the Giants Monday afternoon in a series of roster moves sending RHP Sean Hjelle to AAA Sacramento and designating RHP Carson Ragsdale for assignment, clearing up a roster spot for Whisenhunt to make his MLB debut.

With AAA Sacramento, Whisenhunt posted a 8-5 record with a 4.42 ERA, 28 BB, and 86 K. Ranking in the Triple-A top-10 with 97.2 innings pitched at the time of his promotion, the southpaw also led qualified pitchers in ERA. 

Donning the first number 88 in Giants history, Whisenhunt represented his aunt’s birthday, dad’s football number, and the year his mother graduated. Safe to say their presence was felt on and off the field as his family got to enjoy the debut from the stands. 

It took the rookie two innings to shake off the nerves. Following two fly-outs to open up the game, the Pirates’ Nick Gonzales deposited a first-pitch changeup over the left field wall to start the scoring. A harsh welcome to the big leagues for Whisenhunt as the Pirates offense continued to slug in the second. Three more came across to score, two on an Isiah Kiner-Falefa double and one more via Tommy Pham single. Three hits, two walks, and four runs through the first two frames would be the only threat to Whisenhunt. 

In what shaped up to be a productive outing, Whisenhunt received a well-deserved ovation from the 35,000 plus as he walked off the field after five innings, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 3 K. He became the first Giants pitcher to start his MLB debut and go at least 5.0 innings in the game since RHP Logan Webb did back in 2019.

After his first big league start, the new Giant gave praise to his catcher Patrick Bailey and his ability to keep him calm while changing the game plan after the Pirates attacked the changeup in the first two innings. Whisenhunt, who is known for his changeup, had to switch things up to throw the Pirates lineup off balance and he prevailed.

2 H, 0 BB, and 0 ER through innings three, four, and five.  

His ability to adjust in-game and trust his relationship with Bailey behind the plate is a good sign for the Giants and hopefully something he can build off in his next outing. He could save the Giants some prospects if he can produce as he did in the minors and they don’t have to trade for another starter.

Prior to the game, manager Bob Melvin acknowledged the holes in the rotation for the Giants and said it was a good opportunity for Whisenhunt to take advantage of. Depending on how they view his five innings of work, we could see the rookie take over one of the vacancies in the rotation. 

The Giants offense, who went 0-for-23 with runners in scoring position over the weekend against the Mets, kept Whisenhunt in the game early on. Responding with a run of their own in the home first on a Matt Chapman triple that got by the diving Alexander Canario in right field allowing Heliot Ramos to score from first. 

In the home second, Yastrzemski led the way with a walk and Patrick Bailey followed with a single placing runners on the corners with no outs. Brett Wisely kept things going with a ground-rule double, scoring Yastrzemski and moving Bailey to third. A few batters later, Willy Adames went with an outside pitch to right field and drove in Bailey to make it a one run game. 

The Giants continued to trail by a run until the fourth, where Heliot Ramos doubled with one out and later advanced to third on a Devers groundout. Willy Adames lined a base-hit to left field, Ramos scored, and the game was tied. 

From Carson to Carson, the right-handed Seymour took over for Whisenhunt in the sixth yielding a hit and a walk, but keeping the Bucs off the board. 

The difference-maker came in the top of the seventh when former Giant, Andrew McCutchen blasted a two-run home run to left on a hanging slider. McCutchen’s 10th home run of the season brought home what wound up being the game’s winning run. 

The Giants fought until the final out in the ninth, putting together a rally that saw Willy Adames score to put them within one. Manager Bob Melvin said postgame that it “just felt like one of those games we were gonna come back and win”. 

Adames had himself a night going 3-for-5 with 2 RBI and three very hard hit balls, one of them right into a Pirates glove. 

With the tying run in scoring position in Jung Hoo Lee and the winning run at first base (pinch-runner Luis Matos), Patrick Bailey dug in with intentions to replicate his heroics he provided a few weeks ago with his walk-off inside-the-park home run to defeat the Phillies. 

Pirates closer David Bednar forced a weak groundball to second base and Bailey was thrown out at first to end the game. 

Still searching for that offensive magic, the Giants dropped their fourth straight and started the homestand 0-4. Another disappointing night with RISP, as the lineup hit a combined 4-for-13 and left a total of 12 men on base. 

With the Padres comeback win over the Mets down in San Diego Monday night, the Giants are now four games out of the final National League wild card spot. 

Justin Verlander (1-8, 4.70) takes to the mound Tuesday night against the Pirates’ LHP Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.82) and aims to keep his winning energy in the air, following his first win of the season last week in Atlanta. 

First pitch at 6:45pm.