San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva: Giants best chance are against dead last White Sox

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San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp gets the call against the Chicago White Sox on Fri Jun 27, 2025 to open a three game series at Rate Field in the Southside of Chicago (AP News file photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Kyle Stowers and Agustin Ramirez both hit home runs as the Miami Marlins came back from behind to beat the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon at Oracle Park in San Francisco 12-5 to sweep the Giants.

#2 Xavier Edwards hit for a two run double adding to the run total for the Marlins it’s their fourth straight win and they have now won five of six games and have won six straight wins on the road. The Marlins played with confidence and are using the small ball to beat teams on the road.

#3 The Giants Rafael Devers has found his groove despite the loss with three hits including a home run, a double. The home run was Devers 17th of the year and the second homer in nine games since he joined the Giants since last week.

#4 The Giants are in a bad slide, they got swept by the Marlins and have lost eight of their last 11 games.

#5 Giants open up a three game series with the Chicago White Sox Friday. For the Giants RHP Landen Roupp (5-5 ERA 3.67) opposes the White Sox RHP Aaron Civale (1-4 ERA 5.03) first pitch 4:40pm PDT.

Join Michael Villanueva for the Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Fall To Surging Mystics 94-83; Win was third straight for Washington

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Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) takes a shot over the Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jun 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez
LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (7-8) lost to the Washington Mystics (8-8) 94-83. The Aces Jackie Young had 13 points in the opening quarter but did not score again in the game. A’Ja Wilson had the game high with 22 points.

On the other hand the Mystics had the hot hand from outside hitting ten shots from beyond the arc. They were unstoppable. Las Vegas went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter but they had dug such a deep hole in the third quarter trailing by 22 points. They have now fallen below .500 again at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday night.

The Mystics took as much as an eight point lead in the first quarter but the Aces battled back tying the game at 22 with under two minutes left in the first ten minutes of play. As the first quarter came to an end the Mystics had a 29-25 lead. The Aces Jackie Young had a terrific start scoring 13 points. She definitely had the hot hand in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Washington again take as much as a nine point lead. With five minutes left in the half the Aces cut the Washington lead more than in half trailing 32-36. The Mystics Sika Kone pushed out the Washington lead hitting a three with 4:27 left in the quarter. Every time the Aces challenged, the Mystics answered and at the half Washington had their largest lead of the game 53-44.

The Mystics Sonia Citron had the first half team high with 12 points. She was the only Mystic in double digits. The Aces A’Ja Wilson had 14 points and Young had 13 at the half. Las Vegas would have to contain the Mystic offense in the second half. They already had hit six shots from downtown and the Aces would be looking to shut that down.

The Mystics continued to push their lead out leading 59-44 two minutes into the third quarter. The Aces shooting percentage continued to dip and turnovers continued to hamper Las Vegas. The Aces had conceded 17 points on eight turnovers. With 7:33 left in the quarter Head Coach Becky Hammon called a time out before this game got completely out of hand.

Washington had built a 62-46 lead at 6:47. The Mystics were on fire from beyond the arc hitting 8 already in 2 1/2 quarters. The Mystics success from beyond the arc was the tipping point in this game. With two minutes left in the quarter Washington had built a 22-point lead 79-57. Going into the fourth quarter Washington had a 79-61 lead.

As the final quarter got underway Las Vegas was not finished going on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter. The Aces got as close as seven points but they could not overcome the outside shooting that the Mystics brought in this game. The Aces had dug too deep of a hole in the third quarter. In an 11 point loss for the Aces and the win in favor of Washington.

This coming Sunday the Aces will head out on the road for another very tough matchup with the third place Phoenix Mercury. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM and can be viewed on NBA TV.

A wild buzzkill ends with Marlins’ 12-5 win and sweep of Giants at Oracle Park

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San Francisco Giant Brett Wisely takes off after hitting a two run double in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu Jun 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Miami Marlins 12 (34-45)

San Francisco Giants 5 (44-37)

Win: Josh Simpson (1-0)

Loss: Hayden Birdsong (3-2)

Time: 2:48

Attendance: 33,804

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–Thursday’s game was both a wild one and an absolute buzzkill, as tempers flared, and the Giants came back from down 5-0 to tie the game, but at the end, the Marlins smoked the Giants 12-5 to complete the three-game sweep at Oracle Park.

The Giants’ offense appeared to finally be back on track after their epic 9-5 win over the Red Sox on Sunday. However, the offense went stagnant again in the first two games of this three-game series against the Marlins. The Giants dropped both games against a young team that they should have beaten, and Friday, they faced the potential embarrassment of being swept by that team.

Hayden Birdsong got off to a great start after being added to the Giants’ rotation last month, but he was hit around by the Red Sox in his last start last Friday. Thursday, Birdsong would take the ball and hope to help the Giants avoid an embarrassing sweep. 

Some housecleaning notes. Three Giants were hit Wednesday night, and the last one hit Casey Schmitt on his left hand. Schmitt was in obvious pain and unable to play Thursday. The Giants were understandably sore about it. Birdsong retired the first two men he faced, but decided to hit Otto Lopez.

It was obvious what the intent was. Home Plate Umpire and Crew Chief Alfonso Marquez gathered his crew together, as has been the procedure for issuing warnings since 2020, and Marquez put out warnings. Predictably, Marlins Manager Clayton McCullogh came out to argue, and was promptly tossed.

The Giants wanted to send a message, but it would completely backfire. Agustin Ramirez lined a double down the right field line to put runners at second and third, and Kyle Stowers hit an absolute bomb more than half-way up the bleachers in right-center field.

I don’t know if I have ever seen a home run hit that deep to that part of this ballpark. Once thing was for sure though: the wind was blowing out, and the ball was certainly jumping today. Stowers’ blast would not be the last bomb hit Thursday.

Janson Junk took the ball for the Marlins, and with a name like that, you’d expect him to be a finesse guy who throws literal junk. Unfortunately, they’re really clamping down on that these days, and Junk is actually a fire-baller, whose fastball generally tops out at 96 miles per hour. Buzzkill!!! 

That was just the first buzzkill of the day. The Giants went down scoreless against Junk in the first two innings. Agustin Ramirez then hit a mammoth blast to the back of the bleachers in left in the top of the third to give the Marlins a 5-0 lead.

If you think about it, it seems like whenever the Giants trail 5-0 at home, they tend to come back. Especially if they’re on a losing streak, or on the verge of getting swept. 

The Giants came back from down 5-0 to beat the Reds on April 9 to avert a sweep. They then came back from down 5-0 to beat the Padres on the fourth of this very month when they were on the verge of being just four games over .500. 

With the Giants in danger of being swept by the Marlins and trailing 5-0 going to the bottom of the third, did the Giants have another comeback in them?

Well, Andrew Knizner led off the bottom of the third with a little fist job to right. Mike Yastrzemski struck out looking, but Rafael Devers put the Giants on the board with a home run to right-center, his second as a Giant, and it was 5-2.

Birdsong threw his first and only one two three inning of the day in the top of the fourth, and the Giants were ready to get to work in the bottom of the fourth. Jung Hoo Lee led off the inning with a triple, and Willy Adames got him in with a base-hit to make it 5-3. 

Christian Koss doubled to right to put runners at second and third. Up came Brett Wisely, who hit a double off the wall in right, and just like that, the game was tied.

The Giants were playing good fundamental baseball, but they had to be buzzkills. Koss was standing at second with nobody out, but the Giants were unable to get him in and take the lead.

Birdsong walked Jesus Sanchez and Otto Lopez to start the fifth, and he was done. Spencer Bivens came in and struck out the next two, and it looked like he would get out of the inning with the momentum still on the Giants’ side.

Unfortunately, Eric Wagaman doubled into the gap in left-center, and both runners scored to put the Marlins back ahead. Connor Norby followed that up with a base-hit to left to knock in Wagaman, and the Marlins bounced right back with a three-spot to take an 8-5 lead.

Though there was an entertaining end to the top of the fifth. Dane Meyers struck out swinging, and then he snapped his bat in half over his leg and slammed the handle of his bat and his helmet to the ground. To say the least, the crowd of 33,804 here at Oracle Park did not like it, and they let Mr. Meyers know it. Me? I found it entertaining.

The Giants’ offense of course went stagnant the rest of the way. The only drama was when Wilmer Flores got into it with Marlins’ pitcher Cade Gibson after he struck Wilmer out to end the bottom of the seventh. The benches cleared, and nobody was tossed, but Gibson must have done or said something that set Wilmer off.

A small little skirmish like that can fire up a team. Unfortunately, that team was the Marlins, who tagged Sean Hjelle for four runs in the top of the eighth to turn this game into a laugher. 

The Marlins went on to win 12-5, and the Giants suffered the greatest buzzkill of the day: being swept at home by the Marlins. I am not knocking on the Marlins, but this was a series the Giants had to take at least two out of three in, and getting swept by a team like the Marlins is never good.

Josh Simpson finished off the bottom of the fourth for the Marlins. Simpson only faced two guys, but since the Marlins scored three runs in the top of the fifth to take a lead that they would hold the rest of the game, the kid got his first big league win. Hayden Birdsong took the loss.

The Giants fall to 44-37, and they are now six and a half games back of the Dodgers in the National League West. Believe it or not, today was game number 81 for the Giants, which means they are exactly half-way through their regular season schedule.

However, the first half doesn’t officially end until the All-Star Break. That means the Giants have 97 games in the first half, and will have just 65 games in the second half. That’s how this works, folks!

I really jinxed it when I said on Sunday that the Giants playing the Marlins and White Sox was a treat. Now, the Giants really need to take at least two out of three when they go to the South Side of Chicago to take on the White Sox this weekend.

Friday’s game at Rate Field will also be the opener of a 10-game, three-city road trip. It will be three in Chicago, followed by four in Arizona against the Diamondbacks, and three against the A’s in Sacramento.

Another problem the Giants have is that their bullpen was taxed in this series against the Marlins, and today was just day three of 16-straight days of games. In fact, the Giants only have one day off between now and the All-Star Break. Dave Flemming hinted on Thursday’s radio broadcast on KNBR that the Giants may have to make some roster moves as a result.

Landen Roupp (5-5, 3.67 ERA) will take the ball in the series opener at Rate Field Friday night. Aaron Civale (1-4, 5.03 ERA) will take the ball for the South Siders.

First pitch will be at 6:40 p.m. in Chicago, 4:40 p.m in San Francisco.

Giants News and Notes:

  • There is no official word, but rumor has it that the x-rays on Casey Schmitt’s left hand were negative. A little piece of good news for the Giants on this rough afternoon, as Schmitt has been one of their hottest hitters as of late.

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s offense sputters Tigers Enns effective shutting down A’s hitting

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Sacramento A’s pitcher JT Ginn (70) deals to the Detroit Tigers line up in the bottom of the sixth inning on Thu Jun 26, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Detroit Tigers starter Dietrich Enns threw five innings of shutout ball against the Sacramento A’s for a 8-0 win. It was Enns return to the big leagues on Thursday at Comerica Park.

#2 Enns now 1-0 allowed a base hit and two base on balls in his first game back since Sep 24, 2021 when he pitched two shutout innings against the Miami Marlins when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays.

#3 A’s pitcher Jeffrey Springs now 5-6 had a tough afternoon surrendering three runs and five hits, two walks in five innings of work. As the Tigers demolished A’s pitching.

#4 The closest the A’s came to scoring was when they had runners at first and second in the top of the third with one down. Enns got Jacob Wilson to fly to right and Brent Rooker hit into a double play.

#5 The A’s are off to the Bronx and the New York Yankees on Friday for the first of three games. Starting pitcher for Sacramento RHP Mitch Spence (2-2 ERA 3.84) for New York RHP Will Warren (4-4 ERA 4.56) first pitch 4:05pm PDT.

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer 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: Candidate for Treasurer in Nevada not Optimistic about A’s ballpark

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Drew Johnson candidate for the State of Nevada Treasurer said that the A’s Las Vegas ballpark will not be ready by 2028 and that it is wrong to force the taxpayers to pay for a multi billion dollar stadium (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

Candidate for Treasurer in Nevada not Optimistic about the A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since we have listened to everybody, except Pope Leo XIV on the A’s, we should listen now to a future Treasurer. His name is Drew Johnson, and he is running for the office of Nevada State Treasurer. This is what he posted recently on X — “I’m excited to have the A’s in Vegas, but let’s get real: -It’s WRONG to force taxpayers to subsidize a stadium for a billionaire -It has NO CHANCE of being ready for opening day 2028 -I’ll be SHOCKED if it’s built at this location -The A’s will ask for MORE tax dollars.”

Johnson seems to side with the voting public. In this long story, so far, taxpayers have not been excited about the A’s moving to Sin City; in fact, polls taken in Nevada seem to favor those who prefer an expansion team over the now-maligned A’s franchise.

I believe by now in the world of baseball, the Athletics franchise does not have a good reputation, and I do not think you are going to see the A’s owner appear on one of those late-night television shows, smiling and having fun.

When Mr. Johnson stated, “It’s wrong to force taxpayers to subsidize a stadium for a billionaire.” It’s because he believes that is the consensus around the country, though there might be pockets that likely wouldn’t agree.

Drew Johnson makes sense, he is running for Treasurer of the State of Nevada, and in my mind, the people who have to deal with money are always more candid and realistic than, for example, entrepreneurs, politicians, and team owners and dreamers.

It is possible that if the A’s move to Sin City, Las Vegas will finally have one team from each of the main professional leagues. For the NBA, it would be more feasible to have a team, maybe even before the A’s play there.. NBA games are indoor, smaller capacity, and all at night, in a city that rocks at night, basketball is indeed perfecto for Las Vegas. Baseball? ay…ay…ay.

A’s ownership and representatives told the public that in Las Vegas, they were projecting sellout crowds of 33,000 per game for 81 games for the next 30 seasons. John Fisher wanted to leave Oakland, and the Commissioner Mr. Rob Manfred is a supporter, so basically we are just spectators.

We do not count here. But, we live in a free country and we all have opinions. Mine is below. Selling out a baseball park for 30 years in a town with little baseball tradition? Well, as a famous burlesque comedian once said in a punchline of a blue joke: “That I have to see.”

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Detroit slams the door on the Green and Gold 8-0

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Detroit Tigers Zack McKinstry (39) slid safely into second base under Sacramento A’s second baseman Luis Urias (17) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thu Jun 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

Detroit Slams the Door on the Green and Gold
By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics trudged through a long, lifeless afternoon at Comerica Park, managing just four hits and zero runs in a shutout loss to the Detroit Tigers, who capitalized on timely hits and crisp execution to walk away with an 8-0 victory on Thursday.

From the opening pitch, Detroit’s approach was surgical, while Sacramento’s lineup never found a pulse. The Tigers didn’t waste time either. Spencer Torkelson launched a solo homer in the second inning to open the scoring, and that early shot would hold up as the winning run in what quickly became a lopsided affair.

The Athletics’ best shot at producing offense came in the third, when Max Schuemann singled and swiped second before advancing to third on a deep flyout. But Brent Rooker followed that by grounding into an inning-ending double play, a cruel turning point that deflated any early momentum.

That twin killing wasn’t an outlier either. Rooker hit into another double play in the sixth, one of three the A’s grounded into on the day. Sacramento simply could not string together anything remotely threatening, and that futility was stacked up by nine quick outs from their top three hitters, who went a combined 0 for 12.

On the flip side, Detroit’s bats came alive in key spots. Jahmai Jones delivered the knockout punch early with a two-run double in the third. Later, Gleyber Torres continued the Tigers’ damage parade with a two-run homer in the seventh that pushed the lead to five to zero.

By the time Zach McKinstry tripled in two more in the eighth and Jake Rogers tacked on a sac fly, the damage was beyond repair. McKinstry was a thorn in the A’s side all day, racking up three hits, driving in two, and adding a stolen base just for good measure.

Defensively, the Green and Gold added to their own misery with an error in the sixth that nearly allowed another run to score before a strong relay nailed the runner at home.

But the lone highlight of the day for Sacramento may have been that single defensive stand because there was nothing else worth circling. Even the pinch-hitters offered no spark. Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom, sent up late in the game to inject life into a stagnant offense, went down quietly like the rest of the lineup.

On the mound, the A’s staff wasn’t particularly poor, but the Tigers were opportunistic. Starter Jeffrey Springs allowed three runs across three innings, and J.T. Ginn gave up Torres’ home run in relief. T.J. McFarland, tasked with mopping up, was shelled in the eighth as the Tigers broke the game wide open.

The A’s have once again dropped a game in which their game of play has looked more like a ghost than a threat. Even while showing signs of life here and there, they go cold quickly, a trend that has defined much of their season. 

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the team’s young core continues to get big-league reps, needless to say, in frustrating fashion. But moral victories don’t show up in the standings, and on this afternoon, the Athletics were simply overmatched and outplayed in every phase. 

Now it’s a quick flight up the coast to take on the Bronx Bombers Friday at 4:05pm. Starting pitcher for Sacramento RHP Mitch Spence (2-2 ERA 3.84) for New York RHP Will Warren (4-4 ERA 4.56) first pitch 4:05pm PDT.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Marlins rally for four runs in 10th to defeat Giants 8-5; Miami can sweep in Thursday matinee at Oracle Park

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San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb rubs up the baseball in the top of the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jun 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen, tough finish for the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night bowing to the Miami Marlins in extra innings 8-5. It was San Francisco’s fourth loss in extra innings this season.

#2 The Giants have been involved in a number of one run games this season. In this one the 49 runs in the ninth inning or later is tied for fifth most in MLB.

#3 The Giants are getting assists from the outfield the were able to cut down the Miami run game it was San Francisco’s 17th assist from the outfield which ranks them third in the Majors. It’s the first time since May 11, 2024 against Cincinnati that the Giants had three outfield assists.

#4 The flood gates were opened up when closer Camilo Doval came in for relief in the top of the tenth inning allowing four runs and the Marlins surpassed the Giants 4-4 score for a 8-5 three run win. Doval took the loss and the blown save and is now 3-2, pitching 3.2 innings, allowing two hits, four runs, two walks, and no strikeouts.

#5 The Giants who have lost the first two games of the series will try to get at least a win before the Marlins leave town. The Marlins on Thursday afternoon will start RHP Janson Junk (2-0 ERA 2.60) he’ll be opposed by the Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-1 ERA 3.25) first pitch 12:45pm PDT.

Stephen Ruderman is filling in for Morris Phillips for the Giants podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Marlins score four in 10th after spirited Giants’ comeback for 8-5 win

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San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin (left in black jacket) relieves closer Camilo Doval (right) in the top of the tenth against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jun 25, 2025 (photo by Jay Choi-SF Bay News)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Miami Marlins 8 (33-45)

San Francisco Giants 5 (44-36)

Win: Calvin Faucher (3-2)

Loss: Camilo Doval (3-2)

Time: 2:57

Attendance: 31,712

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–Despite a spirited comeback by the Giants in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, the Marlins scored four runs off Camilo Doval in the top of the tenth to win it by a final of 8-5 on Wednesday night at Oracle Park.

The Giants were riding high coming off a big 9-5 win on Sunday when their offense finally woke up and played good fundamental baseball. They would then get a treat on the schedule, as they would host the Miami Marlins for three. However, after a day off on Monday, the Giants’ offense went cold again last night, and the Marlins grinded their way to a 4-2 win in the series opener.

That meant that Logan Webb once again had to be the stopper, and he and the Giants would get off to a good start Wednesday night. Webb got his night started with a one, two, three, top of the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski then led off the bottom of the first against Marlins’ starter Edward Cabrera, and tucked a home run just fair down the right field line.

Webb worked his way out of a jam in the top of the second, and then settled back down for a one, two, three, top of the third. However, Webb would find himself in trouble again in the top of the fourth.

Agustin Ramirez led off the top of the fourth with a base-hit to center-field. With one out, Kyle Stowers worked out a great at-bat and lined a double to right to put runners at second and third. Up came Otto Lopez, who doubled in both runs to give the Marlins a 2-1 lead.

Cabrera pitched through the second, third and fourth, but the Giants would mount a rally in the bottom of the fifth. Jung Hoo Lee walked to lead off the inning, and Willy Adames singled him over to second. Bob Melvin put on the bunt for Patrick Bailey, who sacrificed the runners over to second and third. Christian Koss came up, and he tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center.

Webb survived a two-out jam in the top of the sixth, and that ended his night. Webb went six innings, and gave up two runs and six hits. He walked three, and struck out six. However, as has been the case throughout Webb’s career, he’s a Matt Cain clone with a sinker, so that meant that he got very little run support.

Cabrera went five and a third innings for the Marlins. Like Webb, Cabrera walked three, and struck out six.

Randy Rodriguez threw a scoreless top of the seventh, and then Melvin turned to his reliable setup man, Tyler Rogers, in the top of the eighth. Unfortunately, this would be a rare off-night for Rogers.

Ramirez led off the top of the eighth with a base-hit, and Liam Hicks doubled him over to third. Rogers gained a bit of momentum when he struck Stowers out on three pitches and got Lopez to pop out.

Rogers was an out away from getting out of it unscathed with the game still tied. Up came Heriberto Hernandez, and he lined a base-hit to left-center field, which scored a pair to put the Marlins back ahead 4-2.

After going down one, two, three, in the bottom of the eighth, the Giants were up against Marlins’ closer Calvin Faucher in the bottom of the ninth. Dominic Smith led off the inning for the Giants, and he immediately fell behind 0-2. However, after taking a curveball in the dirt, he was hit on the foot by another curve.

Casey Schmitt was also hit, but he took a fastball to his left hand. Schmitt slammed his bat to the ground with his right hand, and was in obvious pain. Schmitt was the third Giant hit by a pitch tonight, but he truly took one for the team.

The Giants had runners at first and second with nobody out, and despite the pain Schmitt felt in his left hand, the Giants had the momentum. Lee then walked, and the bases were loaded for Adames.

Adames hit a high drive deep to left field that he thought was going to go out for a walk-off grand slam. Adames was watching his shot and preparing to celebrate, but he ended up flying out to the wall. Not the end of the world, though. Smith scored to make it 4-3, and the back runners moved up to second and third.

Up came Patrick Bailey, and he lined a base-hit off the end of the bat to left. Schmitt scored to tie the game, but despite the fact that the Marlins were playing their outfield in, Giants Third Base Coach Matt Williams sent Lee home. The throw from left-fielder Kyle Stowers was off-line, but catcher Nick Fortes had plenty of time to regroup and apply the tag to get Lee at the plate.

It was the second night in a row that Matt Williams made a questionable send, but this one made absolutely no sense. The game was tied, and Bailey was able to get into scoring position at second. However, Koss hit a bullet right into the glove of third-baseman Connor Norby, and we were headed for some Manfredball (ghost runners).

Camilo Doval came in for the tenth, and Fortes was the Manfred runner at second. Liam Hicks led off the inning and fell behind 0-2, but he turned the 0-2 count into a walk, and from there, things fell apart for the Giants.

Stowers flew out, which moved Fortes over to third, and Lopez lined a base-hit to center, which gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead. Miami wasn’t done. Hernandez doubled to left-center to knock in a pair, and advanced to third when the Giants tried to cut down Lopez at the plate. Norby got Hernandez in with a sacrifice fly, just like that, the Marlins had put up a big fat four-spot.

Tyler Phillips came in for the bottom of the 10th. Koss was the Giants’ ghost runner, and Heliot Ramos got him in on a base-hit to right with two outs. However, that would be it, and the Marlins won it 8-5.

Despite giving up two runs and blowing the save in the bottom of the ninth, Calvin Faucher got the win. Camilo Doval was tagged with the loss.

The Giants fall to 44-36, and they have now lost the first two games of a series to a team they should have beaten. Thursday afternoon, the Giants risk the embarrassment of being swept by a team that was swept by the Rockies just three weeks ago.

The Giants will turn to Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 3.25 ERA) as they look to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon. Janson Junk (2-0, 2.60 ERA) will go for Miami.

First pitch will be at 12:45 p.m.

Giants News and Notes:

After getting hit, Casey Schmitt kept nursing his left hand while he was standing at third base in the top of the tenth, and while he was in the dugout in the bottom of the tenth.

Schmitt’s condition is not yet known, but I imagine the Giants will have his hand x-rayed.

Late Rally Falls Short as Valkyries Drop Thriller to Liberty, 81–78

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New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu is defended by Golden State Valkyrie’s Veronica Burton during the second quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/ San Francisco Chronicle)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.- The opening quarter of the Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty game was hard-fought, with Breanna Stewart and Tiffany Hayes putting up the most impressive performances. With 12 points on 5 of 9 field goals, including 1 of 2 from beyond the arc, Stewart developed as an aggressive player for New York. Although she didn’t have much help from her teammates in the first stretch, her early rhythm kept the Liberty offensively going. Yet Kennedy Burke, who came off the bench, provided New York with much-needed energy by scoring 8 points on a flawless 3-for-3 shooting effort, including 2 of 2 from deep range

On the other hand, Hayes went 3-of-6 from the field and made 2-of-4 from beyond the arc to match Stewart’s effort with 12 of her own. Her choice of shots and ability to create space during transitions provided the Valkyries with a much-needed attacking lift. Hayes taking it to the rack is how the team’s effort got going. 

However, Hayes wasn’t the only one who had an effect. The defensive tone was set by her and Kayla Thornton, who put constant pressure that made New York appear tough and stopped their rhythm. The Liberty shot just 11 of 23 overall and a poor 4-of-13 from three-point range in the first quarter, as they struggled to keep up with Golden State’s tenacity and pace early in the game.

Even as Breanna Stewart started to establish her dominance, the Valkyries relied on their aggressive defense to break Liberty’s rhythm in the second quarter. Despite their difficulties from beyond the arc, Stewart kept New York within striking distance by scoring nine more points in the quarter, increasing her first-half total to 21 on 8 of 14 shooting.

Golden State responded with tough defense and well-balanced team play. Backcourt pressure from Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes continued to push the Liberty into hurried shots and disrupted plays. Despite only shooting 15 of 37 from the field in the first half, the Valkyries made up for it with hustling plays and hard work on the glass, grabbing 19 rebounds and grabbing crucial second-chance shots.

However, by halftime, the Liberty were only 5 of 18 from three-point range and 18 of 46 from the field. Their interior presence kept them in the game, as they scored 26 of their first-half points in the paint despite their poor outside shooting. Even though their perimeter threats struggled to convert, they were able to effectively crash the lane due to their size and length across the lineup.

The Valkyries had a certain change of mind when they left halftime: defensive energy. In order to add more hustle and intensity to the perimeter, head coach Natalie Nakase started guard Kate Martin, and it paid off right away. With players continuously switching positions, getting hands in passing lanes, and running back in transition, Golden State’s defense was notably more active. Four steals during the quarter were the product of their effort, which created fast-break possibilities and held the Liberty attack.

Laeticia Amihere, Kayla Thornton, and Kate Martin all took advantage of those momentum plays, combining to make several crucial baskets that resulted from transition and second-effort hustling. The Valkyries played with a feeling of urgency that allowed them to momentarily recover control of the game, whether it was diving for loose balls or finishing through contact on the break.

However, New York’s Marine Johannès turned the tide just as Golden State appeared to take the lead. The shooter stunned the crowd by making three straight three-pointers in the third quarter, giving the Liberty a late-quarter lead. Johannès’ quick release and off-ball movement proved too much to contain during that stretch, reminding everyone that occasionally excellent offense wins over outstanding defense, even if the Valkyries’ defense had played strong defense the whole quarter.

With both teams exchanging big shots and changes in momentum, the fourth quarter was a back-and-forth contest. In the last period, Golden State Kate Martin made three critical three-pointers to get the Valkyries within striking distance, continuing her second-half surge. Martin finished with a career-high 21 points, going 4-of-10 from beyond the arc and showing composure in crucial situations after only scoring 7 points in the first three quarters.

Her late actions, however, were unable to lift the Valkyries to a higher level.

Kennedy Burke, who stepped up when it mattered most, responded for New York with a consistent scoring effort. Burke finished with 20 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 4-of-9 from three, after scoring 11 points early in the game. Her poise and well-timed buckets allowed the Liberty to withstand the Valkyries’ charge. Also, Sabrina Ionescu converted seven free throws in the final two minutes and made a key steal with 26 seconds left, even though she was shut down by Valkyrie’s defense going 1-11 on the floor, and 1-7 shooting threes. Lastly, Breanna Stewart also finished with a double-double, 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Golden State had late-game opportunities, but the 81-78 defeat was sealed by a few missed shots and New York’s dominance of the last possessions. After another tough and competitive performance, the loss puts the Valkyries at 0-3 in the season series against the Liberty.

The Valkyries will look to bounce back quickly as they return to action on Friday night when they host the Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. Still searching for consistency and a breakthrough win in close matchups, Golden State will aim to turn lessons from this hard-fought loss into momentum heading into the weekend.

Aces Crush Connecticut For Second Win In a Row 85-59; Wilson reaches 5000th career point plateau

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The Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) celebrates scoring her 5000th career point against the Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed June 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (7-7) won their second game in a row beating the struggling Connecticut Suns (2-13) 85-59 . A’Ja Wilson reached yet another milestone reaching 5000 career points in the second quarter.

Game recap: Wilson finished with 22 points and Jackie Young chipped in another 20 points. Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd both had double digits. The Aces hit 11 three’s and completely dominated in the second half of play. Despite having 15 turnovers in the game they breezed through this one.

Las Vegas got the perfect start going on a 19-0 run. The first basket the Sun scored was at less than two minutes left in the first quarter. Connecticut went on a 6-0 run to end the first ten minutes of play. The Aces won the opening quarter 21-6.

The Sun had a much improved second quarter outscoring the Aces 23-19 in quite a turnaround. At the half Las Vegas had a 40-29 lead. Connecticut was struggling from beyond the arc not able to hit one in the half. In the second quarter Wilson hit her 5000th career point. There is not a whole lot that Wilson cannot do, she is the epitome of skill and professionalism.

In the third quarter, the Aces had the upper hand in this game controlling the flow of the game. Each team had 9 turnovers but the Aces dominated in the field, beyond the arc, and defensively with 35 rebounds to the Suns 21. After three quarters the Aces had taken their largest lead of the game 68-46 crushing Connecticut.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Sun were looking at a close to impossible task; catching up with Las Vegas. The Aces continued to extend their lead taking a 24-point lead 70-46 in the opening minutes of the final quarter.

Las Vegas had hit 11 shots from downtown while the Sun only had two. Despite the significant lead, the Aces had a frustrating start to the fourth quarter with turnovers and missed shots. They did maintain at least a 20 point lead throughout the quarter and with under four minutes left in the game had a 77-55 lead.

The Las Vegas bench would finish off this game with Kierstan Bell hitting eight points. The final was 85-59 in a really lop-sided game. The Aces had won their second win in a row in a complete rout.

Game notes: After fighting their through the Indiana Fever Sunday, the Aces handled the Sun without much trouble at Michelob ULTRA Arena Wednesday night. The Aces beat the Fever in the fourth quarter of the game after trailing for much of it in the first half. A’Ja Wilson was back in form scoring 24 points in that game; the win breaking a 3-game skid.

Wednesday night they started a winning streak against the Sun picking up their second win in a row. Connecticut had been struggling but Las Vegas took nothing for granted and put out their best effort giving the home crowd another win. The win Wednesday night will put them at .500.

The Aces will not have much time to celebrate this win taking the court Thursday night against the Washington Mystics looking for their third win in a row. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Michelob ULTRA .