A’s game wrap: Rays Can’t Hold the Line as A’s Langeliers and Miller Hammer It Home for 4-3 win

The Sacramento A’s Austin Wynns (29) hits a sacrifice fly in the top of the tenth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Bay on Tue Jul 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

Rays Can’t Hold the Line as A’s Langeliers and Miller Hammer It Home for 4-3 win

By Mauricio Segura

It took a few home runs, a few heart-pounding moments, and one dramatic finish for the Sacramento Athletics to fight their way to a 4-3 win in extra innings Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays. Fueled by a pair of long balls from Shea Langeliers and a late-game lockdown from flamethrower Mason Miller, the Green and Gold secured their second straight road victory and once again showed why they can’t be counted out after nine innings.

The action began early but quietly for the A’s. Lawrence Butler led off with a single, stole third, and watched helplessly as the middle of the lineup went down on strikes. Tampa Bay struck first in the bottom of the second when Christopher Morel blasted a solo shot to center field off starter Jeffrey Springs, who was facing his former club for the first time as a starter. Brandon Lowe added to the Rays’ tally with another solo homer in the third, giving the home team a 2-0 cushion.

But the Athletics responded in the fourth with a burst of power. After a leadoff strikeout, Langeliers lashed a double to center, setting the stage for Max Muncy, who launched his sixth homer of the season to tie the game. Rookie Luis Urías followed with a single, and Colby Thomas, making just his second big league appearance, doubled sharply down the line and nearly brought Urías around before the rally fizzled.

Langeliers wasn’t done. Leading off the sixth, he launched his second extra-base hit of the night, this one a go-ahead solo homer to left that gave the A’s a 3-2 lead. The catcher’s bat has been heating up since returning from the injured list, and his work behind the plate would later prove just as vital.

Springs, who had been inconsistent early in games this season, held firm after the second inning and worked into the sixth, scattering five hits and two earned runs. The bullpen took over from there, with Justin Sterner and Sean Newcomb holding the Rays in check until the bottom of the seventh when Danny Jansen tied the game with a solo blast to left off Newcomb.

As the game pushed deeper into the night, the bullpens took center stage. Garrett Cleavinger and Pete Fairbanks each pitched scoreless frames for the Rays, while Michael Kelly escaped a jam in the ninth for the A’s thanks in part to a clutch caught stealing by Langeliers.

With the score still knotted at 3-3 in the tenth, Colby Thomas was placed at second to start the inning. After a sacrifice bunt and a walk, the Athletics turned to pinch-hitter Austin Wynns.

What happened next was chaos. Wynns lifted a fly ball to left, deep enough to score Thomas. But a perfect throw to the plate by José Caballero forced a wild sequence. First baseman Jonathan Aranda mishandled the relay, leading to a throwing error.

Then Chandler Simpson threw home to catch Max Schuemann trying to score behind Thomas. After a pair of challenges, one for a home plate collision and the other on a tag play, both calls stood. Wynns was out. Schuemann was out. But the run stood. Athletics 4, Rays 3.

In the bottom of the tenth, it was Miller time. Mason Miller came in throwing absolute gas. With Taylor Walls on second as the free runner, the righty struck out Brandon Lowe, induced a flyout to left from Caminero, and after an intentional walk and a rare balk that advanced both runners, he finished it off by striking out Josh Lowe with a 101 mph fastball to end the game.

It wasn’t the cleanest win of the year for the Sacramento A’s, but it was one of the grittiest. With Langeliers’ power surge, Miller’s muscle, and just enough help from the rest of the lineup, the A’s keep showing glimpses of the kind of fight that stats and standings can’t quite measure. They have now won four of their last seven and are slowly climbing back into relevance, one wild win at a time.

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 podcast: BoSox Abreu’s grand slam and inside the park home run first since 1958; Phils Harper returns off 10 day IL; plus more news

Boston Red Sox Wilver Abreu was the first player to hit a grand slam and a inside the park home run in the same game since Roger Maris did it in 1958. Here is Abreu after hitting an inside the park home run in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds on Mon Jun 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Boston Red Sox Wilver Abreu’s grand slam and inside the park home run helped in a 13-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds Monday night at Fenway Park. Abreu is the first player since Roger Maris in 1958 to hit a grand slam and inside the park home run. Abreu was 2-5 with five RBIs. Jacoby Ellsbury was the last Boston player to hit an inside the park homer on Sep 19, 2011.

#2 Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper who came off the ten day IL after getting hit in the right wrist returned after a month off and started at first base on Monday night while hitting in the three hole against the San Diego Padres. Harper wound up getting hit on the left foot and later walked and hit into a unassisted double play and 0-2. Just the same the Phillies are glad to have Harper back in the line up.

#3 Seattle Mariners switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijintje was the first of nine draft pick from 2024 was selected to represent the Mariners at the All Star Futures game at Truist Park on Jul 12 in Cobb County. Cijintje is a 22 year old from the Netherlands and was the 15th overall pick. Cijintje was 4-4 ERA 4.88 with 12 starts and three relief appearances at High A Everett.

#4 San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt was placed on the ten day IL on Monday suffering from left hand inflammation after getting hit by a 95 mph sinker by Miami Marlins pitcher Calvin Faucher in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park in 8-5 loss. The Giants ended up recalling Tyler Fitzgerald from Triple A Sacramento and started against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night.

#5 Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers hit a three run home run in his first at bat since returning from the IL and Lawrence Butler hit a two run triple to break a ninth inning deadlock as the A’s defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 on Monday night at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Fl. The A’s also came up with some defense making defensive plays in the bottom of the eighth to keep the game tied up at 4-4.

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

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Renteria: Any chance the A’s get out of playing in a minor league park? A’s say they can’t wait to trade Severino

Reportedly the Sacramento A’s are anxious to trade pitcher Luis Severino who has complained about playing at minor league park Sutter Health Park in Sacramento due it’s dugout to clubhouse access and other issues. (AP file photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Luis Severino announced this week that he’s has buyers remorse on signing up with the Sacramento A’s why Sacramento. Severino is used to having a tunnel from the dugout that connects to the clubhouse so he can do some lifting and exercising between innings in Sacramento’s minor league park he doesn’t have that luxury because you have to walk to the outfield gates to get to the clubhouse from the dugout. The A’s reportedly said they can’t wait to trade Severino.

#2 It’s turned into a debate whether Severino is right or wrong on the matter. One side says Severino knew what he signed up for and that the layout of playing in a minor league park was designed that the dugout would not be connected to the clubhouse. Severino frustrated can not do his regular routines and his win loss record may reflect that frustration at 2-9.

#3 Severino is in the first year of his $67 million three year contract he recently said he doesn’t care if the A’s get mad at him or not for bashing the A’s minor league stadium set up. The situation has Severino out of his routine he can’t tracked and he said he wants to be honest about playing at Sutter Health Park.

#4 Severino represents a voice of what other players say about playing at Sutter Health Park including visiting players too. The field is played on 162 days a season the A’s are sharing it with the minor league Sacramento River Cats and the players can feel the difference on a field that is in use everyday for six months.

#5 The players union signed an agreement to play at Sutter Health Park for this season and the next two seasons. Were not even at the All Star Break yet and the players are dropping hints that they want to get out from playing at the minor league park. If they push it a little hard enough in the off season could they get baseball to turn reconsider playing there and finish playing the remaining two years before the A’s move the Vegas at the Oakland Coliseum?

Join Tony Renteria for 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.

Giants Drop Game One Against Diamondbacks 4-2, Bob Melvin Ejected

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin says his piece after being ejected by plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the ninth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Mon Jun 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (45-40) came up short in their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks (42-42) losing 4-2. It was an interesting game for a number of reasons. Manager Bob Melvin was ejected from the game when he complained to the home plate umpire.

Heliot Ramos got a miserable call and Melvin was out there standing up for his player. When it appeared that Christian Koss had hit a home run and tied up the game, the play was reviewed and it was determined that there was fan interference and Koss was awarded second base. It was not the way the Giants wanted to start this series. They were not able to catch a break in this game.

Game recap: San Francisco was quiet offensively through the first five innings with only 3 hits. The Diamondbacks were fairly quiet as well although in the third inning they were able to put one run up on the scoreboard taking an early 1-0 lead. Jose Herrera hit a sacrifice bunt allowing base runner Alek Thomas to score the early run from second base. Going into the sixth inning, each team had only managed three hits apiece.

The Diamondbacks struck again in the bottom of the sixth inning a home run off the bat of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a shot to left center extending the Arizona lead 2-0.

San Francisco’s Dominic Smith got the Giants fourth hit of the game in the seventh inning and it was a good one, a double with only one out and Willie Adames at the plate. Adames got an infield single and San Francisco had runners at first and second base with two outs.

Tyler Fitzgerald would try and bring some runs home as he took the plate. Fitzgerald got the job done with some good wood, a bullet deep into center field bringing both Smith and Adames home to tie up this game 2-2. With one good swing, Fitzgerald got the Giants right back in this ball game.

The D’Backs got something going in the bottom of the seventh inning. Alek Thomas hit a single followed by a Jose Herrera single and Arizona had runners on first and third with only one out. The tie was short-lived when Geraldo Perdomo singled driving Thomas home for a 3-2 Arizona lead.

Giving up three singles in a row resulted in Giant’s pitcher Logan Webb exiting the game, relieved by Randy Rodriguez. Rodriguez got San Francisco out of the inning and it was onto the eighth inning.

When it appeared that San Francisco’s Christian Koss had homered in the eighth inning the play was reviewed and it was determined that there was a possibility of fan interference. After a very lengthy review Koss was awarded second base and Brett Wisely would run for Koss when it appeared he had a hip issue.

Arizona got out of the top of the inning hanging onto the 3-2 lead. As it turned out the Giants would need more than one run to tie the game. Eugenio Suarez hit the second Diamondback home run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, a solo shot giving Arizona a 4-2 lead.

This game went into the ninth inning and the Giants had their work cut out for them needing at least two runs to tie up this game. It was a three up and three down for San Francisco and the Diamondbacks had won the first game of the series 4-2.

Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb had a very good game but San Francisco just didn’t get the hits or the breaks needed to win this game. Webb got through 6 1/3 innings and allowed seven hits, three earned runs, one walk and seven strikeouts.

Game notes: Monday afternoon the Giants took on the Diamondbacks getting a three-game series underway. The Giants are coming off a disappointing series with the Chicago White Sox losing the series. Some poor production at the plate has hampered the Giants and Monday night was no exception as the Giants again were able to tie the Diamondbacks but couldn’t surpass them and Arizona was able to score twice to hand the Giants seventh loss in their last eight games.

Tomorrow game two will get underway at 6:40 PM. Hayden Birdsong will take the mound for San Francisco with a 4.13 ERA. The Diamondbacks will start Zac Gallen who had a 5-9 win/loss record and a 5.75 ERA. San Francisco will be in search of some improved offense and a win in game two of the series.

Clarke Comes Through as A’s Snap Skid with Late Inning Heroics 6-4

Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers swings for the fences with a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Fla on Mon Jun 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

Clarke Comes Through as A’s Snap Skid with Late Inning Heroics 6-4

By Mauricio Segura

It was beginning to feel like another repeat performance for the Green and Gold. A red-hot start, a mid-game collapse, and a familiar sinking feeling by the seventh inning. But Monday night in Tampa, the Sacramento Athletics refused to play to script.

With a two-run triple in the top of the ninth off the bat of Lawrence Butler, the A’s broke a 4 -4 tie and held on for a gutsy 6-4 win over the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The win snapped a two-game skid and showed some of the resilience this young A’s team has been grasping for all season.

The Athletics wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. Brent Rooker extended his scorching stretch with a two-out double in the first before Nick Kurtz walked to put two aboard. That set the table for Shea Langeliers, who launched a three-run rocket into left center for his 11th homer of the year, giving Sacramento a quick 3-0 lead.

The next inning saw Tampa starter Drew Rasmussen exit, and from there the game turned into a tug of war. Rooker added an RBI single in the third to make it 4-0 but that lead would not last. The Rays, sparked by a two-run blast from Junior Caminero and a flurry of singles, put up a four-run fourth that chased starter Jacob Lopez and knotted things at four apiece.

Lopez, facing his former team for the first time, was tagged for four earned runs over three and two-thirds innings, a tough outing following his scoreless start in Detroit. The A’s bullpen, frequently a source of anxiety this season, delivered when it mattered most.

J.T. Ginn, Sean Newcomb, Michael Kelly, and ultimately fireballer Mason Miller combined for five and a third innings of shutout relief. Miller closed it out with his 16th save, shutting the door after inducing a game-ending double play.

Despite offensive lulls in the middle innings, the A’s refused to fold. Jacob Wilson doubled in the fifth but was stranded after a bases-loaded jam. Yet it was the ninth that brought the breakthrough. After Max Muncy and Luis Urías opened the frame with singles, pinch-runner Max Schuemann stole second to set the stage. Butler, who had struck out twice earlier, rocketed a triple past José Caballero in left to score both runners and give the Athletics a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.

The victory was an encouraging sign for a club that has battled inconsistency, injuries, and a bullpen ERA that remains the highest in the majors. It was also a notable debut day for outfielder Colby Thomas, who was called up from Triple-A and made his first Major League appearance in the eighth.

Meanwhile, Rooker continued to look like the heartbeat of the lineup, raising his average to .324 over his last 36 games and cementing himself as the most dependable bat in the order. Wilson added two more hits, lifting his batting average to .338, second best in the majors.

With the win, the Athletics improve to 35 and 52 and, though still on a life raft in last place in the AL West, showed they have the fight to row their way to the mainland. They will try to build on this momentum Tuesday with Jeffrey Springs taking the mound against Shane Baz in Game Two of the series.

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. 

Gildas Seafood Santa Cruz/Sportstalk podcast remote Mon Jun 30, 2025

Gilda’s Seafood Restaurant podcast cast left going up Alisa Dodds (Gilda’s general manager), Vince Cestone (MLB podcast contributor), Carlo (advertising), Michael Villanueva (Bay Area Panthers beat writer), Lincoln Juarez (MLB podcast contributor), right side going down Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Earthquakes beat writer) Lee Leonard (producer), and Michael Roberson (host and San Jose Earthquakes beat writer) (photo by George-Gilda’s Seafood Restaurant)

Gildas Seafood Santa Cruz/Sportstalk podcast:

I’m your host Michael Roberson beat writer from the San Jose Earthquakes, we’ll be covering all the latest sports headlines here at Gilda’s with my co hosts Marko Ukalovic (San Francisco Giants podcast contributor), Michael Villanueva (Bay Area Panthers beat writer), Lincoln Juarez (MLB podcast contributor), and Vince Cestone (MLB podcast contributor). Our thanks to Gilda’s Seafood Restaurant general manager Alisa Dodds for hosting us Mon Jun 30, 2025.

Sportstalk is honored to do a remote podcast at historic Gilda’s Seafood Restaurant now serving the greater Santa Cruz area for 50 years. Gilda’s near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk serving pasta and great seafood selections. Our thanks to general manager Alisa Dodds, server Danny and the fine staff at Gilda’s Seafood Restaurant at 37 Municipal Wharf near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. This has been a production of Sports Radio Service.

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s drop series with Yankees; Open up series in Tampa Bay tonight

Sacramento A’s third baseman Max Muncey (10) watches a ball fall in the outfield hit by the New York Yankees Cody Bellinger the ball fell in front of A’s outfielder Tyler Soderstrom in the bottom of the first inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbra Mason:

1. The A’s finished a series with the New York Yankees last night getting a real beat down in game three losing 12-5 on Sunday.

2.The A’s made a valiant effort in the sixth inning scoring four runs to cut the Yankee lead in half trailing 10-5 but New York continued to score a couple more runs while the A’s were unable to score for the rest of the game.

3.It was another huge game for Aaron Judge who continues to hit those homers in fact there were a multitude of homeruns in this game for the Yankees.

4.This was a tough outing for Luis Severino who only pitched for 3 2/3 innings allowing five hits, seven runs, and three walks. The Yankees Marcus Stroman had a much better outing only allowing three hits and one earned run.

5.The A’s now head to Tampa Bay for a three-game series with the Rays. LHP Jacob Lopez (2-4 ERA 3.56)will take the mound for the A’s and the Rays will start RHP Drew Rasmussen (7-5 ERA 2.45). First pitch 3:35pm PT.

Barbara Mason does the A’s podcasts Mondays 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: Giants hoping to rebound from Sox trip; SF opens 3 game set with Diamondbacks tonight

San Francisco Giants starter Justin Verlander still searching for that first win of the season after 13 starts. Verlander deals against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago on Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko rough trip to Chicago as the Chicago White Sox took two out of three from the Giants. The White Sox took Saturday’s game by a narrow margin 1-0 and on Sunday kept the Giants hitting to a low roar with a 5-2 win.

#2 The Sox Kyle Teel hit a go ahead two run double with the bags juiced in the bottom of the seventh inning. It also left Giants starter Justin Verlander winless in the 2025 campaign in 13 appearances.

#3 The Sox starter Jonathan Cannon with the help of five relievers were all able to strike out 11 batters. Tyler Gilbert was able to strike out two hitters in an inning of work to get the win. Closer Mike Vasil was able to close the door for his second save of the season.

#4 Verlander has not won in 13 straight starts which is the longest streak for a starter since 1901. The previous loss streak for Verlander was seven games. Verlander is a three time Cy Young Award winner.

#5 Monday night it’s the Giants and Diamondbacks. Starting pitcher for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (7-5 ERA 2.52) for the Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (4-2 ERA 3.71) at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Catch the Giants podcasts with Marko Ukalovic each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper

Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino delivers a pitch at Sutter Health Park. Severino pitched against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News file photo)

A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Luis Severino, in his first season with the A’s is the #1 starting pitcher on the team’s rotation. Severino received the largest contract in Oakland A’s history. A three-year deal worth $67 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. With this contract, the Dominican right-hander surpassed the previous record for an A’s player (any position), which was in Oakland, a six-year, $66 million contract extension for third baseman Eric Chávez in 2004.

The Severino deal was finalized in December 2024. The highest-paid A’s player is also the most outspoken. He explicitly stated that Sutter Park in West Sacramento feels like a Spring Training game, indicating the lack of intensity and atmosphere of a regular Major League Baseball Game.

That is very understandable. Remember, Severino came from pitching all his career (10 years) in New York. In the Big Apple, there is never a lack of intensity or atmosphere. He mentioned that the clubhouse in Sacramento, being in left field, is an inconvenience. And then during day games, pitchers are subjected to the sun, which adds to the discomfort, and added, “I was not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying that.”

Leaving New York for Sacramento for Severino must feel like leaving a real metropolis to play in a ranch. For the record, he did not say that; I did. I lived in New York City for a few years. Luis Severino’s problems extend not only to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, but also on the road.

This Sunday at Yankee Stadium, he pitched 3.2/3 innings, gave up five hits, of which two were home runs, and lost. His record today, a week away from the All-Star Break, is 2-9 with a 5.18 earned run average in 19 games as a starter.

For their #1 starter, that is not what the A’s envisioned this season. He is having a bad season, and from his comments, it’s very clear that he’s not having fun. Severino’s best season was in 2018 with the New York Yankees, 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA. Quote: “Pitching is the art of instilling fear” -Sandy Koufax.

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

Valkyries defeat Storm 84-57, Extend Sellout Streak to 10

Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries emotes after a call in the second half against the Seattle Storm at the Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Golden State Valkyries are now (9-7) after a lights-out performance from the team in their matchup against the Seattle Storm making them (10-7) in their second matchup of the season. 

The Golden State Valkyries led the Seattle Storm 23–14 at the start after playing with intensity and consistency in the first quarter. In her pregame mentions, head coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the importance of execution and intensity, and her players delivered on both fronts.

On both ends of the court, Golden State’s effort was clear. They were able to get into a rhythm offensively because of their early 3-point shooting, going 3-of-7 from outside the arc. The Valkyries scored 12 points in the paint by dominating Seattle with smart off-ball movement and strong cuts to the rim, so it wasn’t simply perimeter play. It was challenging to control the attack because of their ability to combine aggressive inside plays with outside shooting.

Tiffany Hayes, one of the skilled guards, took the lead and confidently attacked the hoop. She contributed to the Valkyries’ early momentum with five points in the quarter, going one of three from the field and one of two from three-point range.

On the other hand, Seattle relied largely on Skylar Diggins, who kept up her hustling and leadership. She scored eight points on three of five shots, including a three-pointer, and had an assist and a rebound. Despite the early disadvantage, her tireless efforts played a significant role in keeping the Storm within reach for a while.

Golden State had a cold moment from beyond the arc, but they were still ahead 34-27 at the half. In the second quarter, the Valkyries were unable to score from beyond the arc after making three three-pointers in the first. Nevertheless, Tiffany Hayes finished the half with 11 points, continuing to lead the attack with aggressive play. Golden State also made the most of their transition, scoring 10 points on 4 of 5 shots.

With experienced guard Erica Wheeler making two three-pointers to help change the pace, Seattle started to create a small rhythm behind the arc. With seven turnovers each at the end of the half, both teams had trouble controlling the ball.

Golden State came out and dominated the game after halftime, scoring 31 points in the third quarter and coming out on an attack. The Valkyries increased their energy on both ends and demonstrated their dominance by extending their lead to 65–44 at the end of the quarter, a 21-point advantage. Turning and going defense to offense as the whole team thrives on the energy from the crowd in Ballhalla. 

A well-rounded team effort, especially from Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes, drove the charge. With 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, Burton continued her consistent two-way presence. Hayes scored 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2 of 5 from three, after exploding in the third. The intensity and performance of the rest of the Valkyries were greatly enhanced by both players.

The Golden State team thrived by spacing the floor and distributing the ball effectively. With 34 points now gained from their selfless ball movement, their shooting rhythm came alive to start the second half. The Valkyries dominated the third quarter, making it a statement drive.

In this match, Golden State led the Seattle Storm 84-57 from start to finish, never falling behind. The Valkyries established the tone right away and didn’t let up thanks to their constant speeding transitions, strong defense, and skilled play on both ends of the court.

As the team’s top scorer, Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points on an effective 8-of-13 shooting effort, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. She started the attack early and maintained the intensity all through. Burton and Laeticia Amihere, who each scored 15 points, were just behind her. Amihere added a strong presence in the paint that Seattle found hard to handle, and she also controlled the glass with a team-high eight rebounds.

The Valkyries’ tenth consecutive sellout, the longest in the team’s history, made the evening at Chase Center even more memorable. The home audience embraced the team’s enthusiasm and vice versa. Golden State’s victory gives them more momentum going into their upcoming game in Minnesota.

This Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Golden State will travel to Minnesota to play the Lynx, continuing their two-game winning streak.