Mystics beat & stun the Valkyries, 90-82, on Golden State’s Hello Kitty Night

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Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) scores a 3-point basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, July 20th, 2026. (Photo credits to Santiago Mejia)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Back here at Ballhalla once again on Monday night for the 15th home game of the season so far. This time things would be different, as there was a surprising visitor for fans and everyone who came to the game. The Golden State Valkyries celebrated Hello Kitty Night while hosting the Washington Mystics. However, it would be the Mystics winning and snapping the Valkyries’ 9-game winning streak Monday night 90-82.

Just two days ago, on Saturday evening, the Golden State Valkyries hosted and defeated the Washington Mystics, 74-69. So, what a good turnaround for Washington, but for Golden State, this was a tough loss. The Valkyries were just one game behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx.

Just before this loss in this game, the momentum and spirits were high and alive for the Valkyries. The team is having an outstanding season, on a nine game winning streak, and has gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. So with that, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as the starting five.

Washington has already lost the last three matchups to Golden State, with their most recent game being on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Mystics have also gone 5-5 in their last ten games. So with them trying to stay above a .500 season record, they sent out Michaela Onyenwere, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore as their starters.

Golden State would win the jump ball and get the game going off of a three-pointer by Cecilia Zandalasini. The first two quarters were back-and-forth buckets by both teams. Although Golden State was only able to get their biggest lead by five points. It would be Washington holding the lead by one point, 21-20.

Going into the second quarter, both teams were doing great on their shooting, but things got cold for both teams. This was the lowest scoring quarter in the entire game. Washington and Golden State were only able to drop 15 points on each other. Going into halftime, it was a nail-biter as Golden State held the lead over Washington by one point, 36-35.

At the start of the third quarter, Washington’s Michaela Onyenwere hit a 24-foot three-pointer, but Golden State would take advantage of that halftime break and drop 23 points in the quarter. Washington would hang on, but Ballhalla and their fans were starting to get louder and louder as the end of the third approached. Golden State’s lead would be by five points, 58-53.

On to the final quarter, Washington would give it their all in the final minutes and stun the Valkyries and the fans in Ballhalla. The Mystics would have a big fourth quarter play as they drop 36 points alone on the Valkyries. Golden State would do their best to get back the lead and control the game, but too many shots were going in for Washington.

As the final buzzer goes off, it would be the Washington Mystics celebrating on the court this time. A lot can happen in a few days, where it was Golden State celebrating their win over Washington. The final score would be 90-82, and Golden State was led in this game by Kaitlyn Chen, coming off the bench as well; she would put up 20 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

Golden State will have the rest of the week off, as the WNBA prepares and gets ready to have their 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Valkyries’ Gabby Williams was selected and will participate in the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, in Chicago at the United Center. The Valkyries will return to the season on July 29th in Phoenix, where they will face the Mercury.

Cornerstone, Red Light Lounge Sacramento & Sportstalk podcast Mon Jul 20, 2026

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Cornerstone podcast cast: (left side Mauricio Segura and Charlie O) and (right side Bridget Mulcahy (front), Tony Harvey (center) Lee Leonard (back) not pictured Alex Leung (Cornerstone owner) photo by Daisy Amaya (advertising)

Welcome to another podcast edition of Sportstalk I’m your host Charlie O (MLB analyst-host), with my co hosts Mauricio Segura (Sacramento A’s road beat writer and Golden Bay Times), Bridget Mulcahy (Sacramento A’s podcast contributor and Davis Enterprise reporter) and Tony Harvey (NBC Radio), Daisy Amaya (advertising), Alex Leung (Cornerstone owner), and Lee Leonard (producer). .

Cornerstone Cafe & Bar. Conveniently located at 2326 J St, Sacramento, CA, we’re your neighborhood gathering place serving fresh, quality food from morning to night.

Whether you’re a local, visiting the city, a college student, or planning a family meal, you’ll always find something to enjoy here. Known for made-to-order dishes and friendly service, Cornerstone Cafe & Bar is proud to be a place you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Redlight Lounge in Sacramento, CA, offers a vibrant nightlife experience with a focus on Hip Hop and R&B music. The venue hosts various events, including karaoke nights every Thursday and special performances from artists and DJs.

The lounge provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy live music and entertainment. With options for guestlist tickets, attendees can easily join in on the fun at this popular local spot.

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: America Shines in World Cup — Will Soccer become Big in the US?

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Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) celebrates an opening goal which turned out to be the only goal in the World Cup match Final against Argentina at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey on Sun Jul 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

America Shines in World Cup   – Will Soccer Become Big in the US?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup in the United States was a total financial and cultural success, with record attendances at stadiums all over the country and massive television ratings. People from all over the world came to the US and had very positive experiences; many expected hostility and division but found great hospitality, diverse cultures, and communities welcoming people from Norway to Argentina, from Colombia to France.

Soccer, Fúbol, Balompie, is a sport played in 200 countries; there is no argument that this is the most popular sport in the world, and the United States of America, not a Fútbol-Soccer country, was well represented with their team; we should all be very proud of the USA Soccer team in the World Cup, England with the Premier League and Spain with La Liga dominate this sport by quantity of talent at the professional level and it is where the greatest Fútbol players show their talent. For the United States to join the South American and European soccer powerhouses, it could be and will be done, but it is not happening right away.

The USA has the most famous and highest-revenue professional sports leagues in the world. It is home to the “Big Four” most lucrative leagues globally: the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. The United States provides a canvas for sports like nobody else in this world. However, Soccer is NOT  “yet” a sport that can rival the popularity of these other sports. Major League Soccer (MLS) is the highest level of professional men’s soccer in the US and Canada, but it is not close to the quality of play that is featured in the European leagues.

I followed this World Cup like most people, as a fan watching most of the games on TV, unlike the first World Cup that took place in the US in 1994, when I was a credentialed member of the media with Telemundo as their Sports Anchor. 1994 was fun; it was great, but this 2026 World Cup, which also took place in the US, broke all the records. However, the United States, which, according to FIFA, remains an elite top-8% still has a long way to go.

What can the US do to improve their soccer? 

Overhauling our schools’ structures for sports, the great majority of our young athletes play  Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Hockey. Schools should increase their Fútbol-Soccer disciplines. The US does not develop players in this sport as it does in the other sports we have been doing for many decades. It will happen, but it will also take years, because the whole structure of sports in schools will have to change. Young athletes get drafted to play in our main professional leagues; that doesn’t happen today in the world’s most popular sport. We are a country of innovators; I do not see any reason why the US could not become a power in Fútbol-Soccer.

By the way: Felicidades España! 

Quote”  “It’s not that I hate soccer, it’s just that I have time to watch other sports.”  Jim Rome (Sports Broadcaster)

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

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s can’t get past Nationals in 5-2 loss

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Washington Nationals Dylan Crews is congratulated by teammates after hitting a top of the fifth inning home run against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Heatlh Park in West Sacramento on Sun Jul 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, the visiting Washington Nationals rebounded on the Sunday after getting clobbered by the Sacramento A’s on Saturday. The Nats held on for a 5-2 win getting pitching from starter Frank Griffin who pitched seven innings allowing eight hits and one run.

#2 A’s starter Jacob Lopez went 4.1 innings allowing two hits and two runs and strike out six hitters, Lopez was releived by Elvis Alvarado who pitched two thirds allowing two hits and three earned runs, which accounted for a bulk of the Washington runs Sunday.

#3 Alvarado got tagged for two home runs by the Nationals in the top of the fifth inning when CJ Abrams hit a 422 foot two run home run giving the Nats a 4-1 lead. The Nats picked up an insurance run from Dylan Crews who hit 362 foot home run to left field making it 5-1.

#4 The A’s only offense came from Tyler Soderstrom when he hit a single to right field to score Alika Williams in the bottom of the third. Later the A’s would add their last run of the game in when Jacob Wilson singled to center scoring Jeff McNeil to make it 5-2 which would be the final.

#5 The A’s head to Arizona to open up a three game series with the Diamondbacks. Starting pitchers for Sacramento LHP Jeffrey Springs LHP (3-9 ERA 6.08) for Arizona LHP Mitch Bratt (0-0 ERA 6.00) first pitch 6:40pm PDT at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Barbara Mason filled in for Daniel Dullum on the Sacramento A’s podcast. Barbara usually podcasts A’s baseball 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 game wrap: Robbie Ray’s outing cut short after two errors, Mariners slug two home runs off Houser to win 6-3 and take series

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray pitched four innings allowing seven hits and one earned run despite the effort the Giants took on a tough loss to the Seattle Mariners at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sun Jul 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sunday, July 19, 2026

T-Mobile Park

Seattle, Washington

San Francisco Giants 3 (42-57)

Seattle Mariners 4 (50-50)

Win: Logan Gilbert (8-6)

Loss: Adrian Houser (2-7)

Save: Andres Munoz (17)

Time: 2:35

Attendance: 36,204

By Stephen Ruderman

SEATTLE–The Seattle Mariners beat the San Francisco Giants 6-3, thanks to a pinch-hit solo home run by Luke Raley, and a two run home run off the bat of Cole Young, to take the series in Seattle.

The Giants looked to bounce back after another rough loss Saturday evening. Despite Saturday’s loss, they still had a chance to take the series.

The weather has been as perfect as you can get here in Seattle over the weekend. It has been sunny with puffy clouds, and temperatures have not gotten above the low 70s, nor below the upper 50s. Sunday would be another spectacular day for baseball with the roof open at T-Mobile Park.

Logan Gilbert struck out Luis Arrez to open the game. Bryce Eldridge then hit a home run that just cleared the wall in left-center field. For Eldridge, it was his tenth home run of the season.

Casey Schmitt immediately followed up Eldridge’s home run with a base-hit to left, and then stole second base. Rafael Devers struck out for the second, but Heliot Ramos then hit a ground ball that found a hole into right-center for a base-hit. Schmitt scored, and it was 2-0 Giants.

Robbie Ray took the ball for the Giants. Ray, who pitched two seasons for the Mariners in 2022 and 2023, came into today’s game 4-0 in his previous five starts, with a 1.08 ERA. 

Ray retired the first two men he faced in the bottom of the first inning, but Cole Young reached on an error by Casey Schmitt at third. Ray got Arozarena to fly out on what was a great sliding catch by Jung Hoo Lee, but Schmitt’s error made Ray have to throw six extra pitches.

Ray threw a quick and quiet bottom of the second. He then survived a two-out jam in the bottom of the third.

Ray would not be so lucky in the bottom of the fourth. Randy Arozarena led off, hit a ground ball into the hole on the left side. Schmitt came over to his left to get it, but he spun and threw the ball away, which allowed Arozarena to reach second. It was scored a two-base error, and it was Schmitt’s second error of the day.

Josh Naylor singled in Arozarena with one out to put the Mariners on the board. Naylor then stole second, and with two outs, Weston Wilson got a base-hit to knock in Naylor, and tie the game. 

It could have been worse. Colt Emerson got a base-hit, and J.P. Crawford walked to load the bases. Julio Rodriguez then flew out to right to end the inning.

With the fact that Arozarena reached on Schmitt’s air, and that Naylor scored with two outs, both runs were unearned.

Gilbert, meanwhile, retired ten straight batters after Ramos’ RBI base-hit in the top of the first. 

The Giants would have a response in the top of the fifth inning. Gilbert’s streak ended when Willy Adames led off the inning with a walk. Grand McCray then laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt softly along the third base line to move Adames over to second.

After Drew Cavanaugh struck out for the second out, Luis Arraez came up. Arraez had uncharacteristically struck out in his first two at-bats. In fact, it was the first time in over two years, since July 3, 2024, that Arraez had struck out twice in a game.

Of course Arraez had to come through to prove it was a fluke, and that is indeed what he did. Arraez lined a double off the end of the bat down the left field line, and the Giants retook the lead.

Unfortunately, the Giants’ lead would be short lived. Cole Young led off the bottom of the fifth with a base-hit, and then Randy Arozarena lined a base-hit the other way to right to put runners at the corners with nobody out.

That would do it for Ray, who had thrown 86 pitches. Sam Hentges came in, and got Cal Raleigh to ground into a double play, but Young scored to re-tie the game at 3-3. 

As for Ray, he had a decent start. He went four-plus innings, and gave up five hits and three runs, with just one of them earned. He walked two, and struck out six.

“I thought he was good,” said Vitello. “Robbie’s about as consistent as you could ever ask out of a pitcher. [He] had to deal with a little bit of adversity. Towards the end, whether it’s an accurate assessment or not, [the] pitch count climbs in a shorter amount of innings or time, and [he] also had to work through a lot of stuff.”

Gilbert closed out his day with a one, two, three top of the sixth. Gilbert went six innings, and gave up four hits and three runs. He walked just one, and struck out ten.

Adrian Houser came in for the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Luke Raley pinch-hit for Wilson, and hit a home run to right-center field to give the Mariners their first lead of the day.

It was Raley’s second-career pinch-hit home run. The other came on Aug. 16, 2023 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays against, you guessed it, the Giants.

Cole Young hit a two-run opposite-field shot to right off Houser in the bottom of the seventh to make it 6-3. Houser came back out for the eighth, and survived another jam.

Eduard Bazardo pitched a scoreless top of the seventh for the Mariners. Left-hander Sape Speier did the same in the top of the eighth.

Andres Munoz, who goes by the nickname of “Senior Smoke,” threw a one, two, three top of the ninth to close it out.

Logan Gilbert was rewarded for his ten strikeout performance with the win. Adrian Houser took the loss, but you have to hand it to him, as he did save the bullpen from being taxed, going into what is going to be a hot and humid three-game series in Kansas City. Andres Munoz got the save.

The Giants fall back to 15 games under .500 at 42-57. The Mariners improve to .500 at 50-50, and are now just a half game behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West. The Rangers lost to the Atlanta Braves 8-5 in Cobb County.

The Giants will now head from the beautiful and mile confines of Seattle to the hot and humid climate of Kansas City to take on the Kansas City Royals for a three-game series, and 2014 World Series rematch.

“Right now is a bad day,” said Votello. “Pouting on the flight isn’t going to change anything, so you do what you do on the flight: play cards, take a nap, whatever; and then when we land, it’s go time against the Royals.”

RHP Trevor McDonald (3-7, 5.02 ERA) will take the ball for the Giants starting pitcher for the RHP Royals Michael Wacha (5-7 ERA 3.77). Speaking of 2014, Wacha, who gave up the National League Pennant-winning home run to Travis Ishikawa as a St. Louis Cardinal. Yup, Michael Wacha is still around, folks.

First pitch from Kauffman stadium will be at 6:40 p.m. CDT, and 4:40 p.m. PDT back home in San Francisco.

Giants News and Notes:

  • The Giants have reportedly signed their first-round draft pick, right-handed pitcher Jackson Flora. The signing bonus is rumored to be $7,997,500.

Flora was selected out of UC Santa Barbara, where he pitched three seasons. He was 12-0 this season, and led D1 with a 1.06 ERA. He also struck out 133.

Flora, who is 21 years old, of course grew up a Giants’ fan during the Championship Era.

  • The Giants also signed their third-round draft pick, outfielder Peyton Bonds, the nephew of Barry Bonds. Bonds’ deal is worth around $887,000. 

Bonds, who was drafted out of Rutgers, can hit for both contact and power, and is a solid center-fielder.

MLB The Show podcast Marko Ukalovic: Yankees waiting for Judge’s rib to heal; Will work stoppage lock out newly announced MLB schedules?; plus more news

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The New York Yankees are waiting for Aaron Judge’s return from a fractured rib injury. Judge has been out of action since May 31, 2026. The Yankees have said that Judge is not ready to start doing phyical baseball activities yet (AP file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge’s fractured rib is still not healed and is not ready to return to baseball workouts and rehabbbing. The Yankees are still not certain when the next step will take place. Judge has been out since May 31the doctors said that Judge’s rib is showing partial healing.

#2 MLB released it’s 2027 regular season schedules despite the a severe labor dispute between the owners and players over the salary cap. The Collective Bargaining Agreement will expire on Dec 1, 2026 which makes the scheduled opening dates in doubt.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani had a lubricant injected into his left knee, Ohtani did not have fluid drained from the knee. Ohtani went 0-4 hitting two fly outs to the warning track against the New York Yankees on Friday’s win 2-1. Ohtani is not scheduled to pitch this weekend and should return to the mound on Wednesday in Philadelphia. The last time Ohtani pitched was on Jul 3.

#4 Marko, the way you see it whats the most likely team that Tarik Skubul of the Detroit Tigers could end up going before the trade deadline. Is there any way that Skubul can stay on the Tigers or is Detroit looking to shore up for younger propects? Skubul is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA.

#5 The Sacramento A’s who snapped a ten game losing streak on Saturday lost a tough game to the Washington Nationals 5-2 Sunday at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The struggled to get run production in this game and have now lost 11 of their last 12 games.

Marko Ukalovic filled in for Charlie O who does the MLB The Show podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Sacramento A’s game wrap: A’s Offense Sputters As Nationals Take Series Winning Game Three 5-2

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Sacramento A’s starting pitcher Jacob Lopez deals to the Washington Nationals line up in the first inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sun Jul 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Washington Nationals (50-50) had the A’s number in game one of their series severely beating them down 23-4 Friday followed by the Athletics (42-57) getting some outstanding payback in game two winning that game 15-1 on Saturday.

On Sunday it all came down to game three that would decide the winner of this series. It was a bit of an up and down game for starting pitcher Jacob Lopez. He was relieved by Elvis Alvarado who gave up two back-to-back home runs for three runs and the Nationals had a 5-1 lead.

Prior to those home runs the A’s were looking at a 2-1 deficit that was manageable but that all came to an end when the Nationals extended their lead to 5-1. While the Athletics did have 11 hits in this game and the Nationals only seven.

The two home runs were the deciding factor in Sunday’s National win along with the A’s inability to string together hits. They have only won one series this season at home another huge disappointment after sitting atop the division for quite a while earlier this season.

GAME RECAP

Going into this game three the series was up for grabs. After a couple of exciting offensive competitions both teams were eyeing a win in the final game of the series. A’s starter Lopez got the first out of the game but went on to walk the next two at bats.

25 pitches later Lopez got out of the inning leaving the two runners stranded. Jacob Wilson got a single in the bottom of the first but 13 pitches later the Nationals Foster Griffin closed out the inning.

The Athletics retired the Nationals in the top of the second as did Washington leaving one runner Colby Thomas stranded going into the top of the third inning.

The Nationals were first up on the scoreboard in the top of the third. Nasim Nunez scored on a Curtis Mead ground out taking a 1-0 lead. It was a very brief lead for the Nationals. The Athletics tied up the game in the bottom of the inning when Tyler Soderstrom singled Alika Williams home and this game was knotted at 1-1 after three innings.

The Nationals took back the lead in the top of the fourth when Harry Ford doubled Dylan Crews home for a 2-1 advantage. Ford hit the ball deep into left field and Soderstrom could not round it up for the easy Washington run.

Lopez hit a second batter in the inning but got out of the inning leaving two runners stranded only giving up the one run. The Nationals retired the Athletics three and out in the bottom of the fourth.

It all came apart in the top of the fifth inning when the Nationals picked A’s relief pitcher Elvis Alvarado apart hitting a couple of back-to-back home runs. The first a two run home run off the bat of CJ Abrams with Curtis Mead on base for a 4-2 lead. Dylan Crews hit a solo home run to finish off the top of the inning with the Nationals leading 5-1.

Henry Bolte had singled to start off the bottom of the inning, the only hit of the inning for the A’s.

The A’s Brady Basso came in to relieve Alvarado in the top of the sixth inning. Despite a throwing error from Joshua Kuroda-Grauer he got the A’s out of the sixth inning. Shea Langeliers doubled to start off the bottom of the sixth but there was not much else going on for Sacramento going into the seventh inning. The A’s had a lot of ground to make up and not much time to do it.

The Nationals went three and out in the top of the eighth. The A’s would face relief pitcher Tom Cosgrove in the bottom of the eighth inning who only lasted 2/3 of an inning after giving up back-to-back singles to Jonah Heim and Josua Kuroda-Grauer. He was relieved by Clayton Beeter after giving up the two singles. Beeter got the job done and the A’s were down to their last three outs.

The Athletics Geoff Hartlieb came into the bottom of the ninth inning looking for some sort of rally. While the A’s were able to score a run in the ninth that would be all from Sacramento. Wilson singled Jeff McNeil home for the one run. The final was 5-2 in favor of the Nationals.

GAME NOTES

The Nationals clearly took advantage of scoring opportunities. They were more effective with runners on base while the Athletics had a lot of trouble delivering timely hits. The A’s did struggle on the mound.

Lopez has been inconsistent this season and the Nationals this season have been able to capitalize when they have runners aboard. It was Alvarado who did the most damage in this game however.

A huge reason for the Nationals win in this game was starting pitcher Foster Griffin who has been one of Washington’s most reliable pitchers and he made it extremely difficult for the Athletics lineup to string together any sort of rally. It was another disappointing loss for the Athletics coming out of the all-star game.

Lopez took the mound in this game with a 4-3 win/loss record and a 6.83 ERA. He favored the slider to start the game and held fairly steady through four innings. He was relieved by Alvarado who gave up back-to-back home runs for three National runs in the fifth inning. Lopez pitched 4 1/3 innings allowing two hits, two earned runs, two walks with six strikeouts.

The Athletics faced the Nationals starter Foster Griffin with a solid 10-2 win/loss record and a 2.77 ERA. He had a solid showing pitching seven innings allowing eight hits, ine earned run, one walk and two strikeouts.

Monday the Athletics will head to Arizona for a three-game series with the Diamondbacks. Sacramento’s pitcher for the series will be Jeffrey Springs. He has a 3-9 win/loss record and a 6.08 ERA.

The Diamondbacks will probably start Mitch Bratt a newly acquired young left-handed pitcher. His two starts this season only went three innings so the win/loss decision went to the bullpen. He has no win/loss record so far this season but has a 6.00 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Wilson Starts a Green and Gold Turnaround Whip Nats 15-1; Sac skid ends at 10 games

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Sacramento A’s pitcher JT Ginn took a no hitter into the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals on Sat Jul 18, 2026 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s game wrap:

By Mauricio Segura

Jacob Wilson needed one swing to show the Sacramento Athletics had no interest in extending their misery. His leadoff homer to left launched a five-run first inning, J.T. Ginn carried a no-hitter into the seventh, and the A’s buried the Washington Nationals 15-1 to halt a season-high 10-game losing streak on Saturday night at Sutter Health Park.

The turnaround was comical in its size. The A’s had been outscored 91-25 during the disapointing streak, then scored more runs in this game than they had produced over their previous seven games combined. They also responded to a 23-4 loss in the series opener by taking control and dominating Washington almost immediately.

Ginn set the tone by striking out James Wood, Luis García Jr. and José Tena in order in the top of the first. Wilson then sent a Zack Littell offering over the left-field wall. Tyler Soderstrom followed with a single, Carlos Cortes doubled him home, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer added another RBI double for a 3-0 lead. Jonah Heim’s single scored Kuroda-Grauer, and Lawrence Butler’s force play brought home Donovan Walton to make it 5-0.

Rookie Kuroda-Grauer entered tied for the most hits by an Athletics player through his first 13 major-league games, matching Jack Hayden’s 21 in 1901. His first-inning double gave him 22 through 14 games, one more than Hayden had at the same point.

The A’s added another run in the second. Wilson singled, Shea Langeliers drew a walk, Cortes was hit by a pitch, and Kuroda-Grauer’s grounder scored Wilson for a 6-0 advantage. Littell then held the score there through the fifth, but Ginn gave Washington even less. The right-hander allowed only three walks through six innings and struck out seven while keeping the Nationals without a hit.

Jeff McNeil began the sixth with an infield single after an Athletics challenge overturned the original call. Two outs later, Soderstrom drove a two-run homer to right-center, stretching the lead to 8-0. It was a fitting burst from a hitter who had recently returned from a left hip injury.

Washington finally collected its first hit when Keibert Ruiz singled with one out in the seventh. Ginn departed after 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and three walks with seven strikeouts. Hogan Harris finished the inning by getting Daylen Lile on a force play and striking out Curtis Mead.

Then the A’s turned the bottom of the seventh into a long tour of the bases. Cortes opened with a solo homer for a 9-0 lead. Walton drew a walk, Butler later joined him aboard, and McNeil singled home Walton as an error by Wood moved Butler to third. Wilson followed with an RBI single before Soderstrom was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Langeliers cleared them with a three-run double to right, pushing the margin to 14-0.

Cortes had made his fifth pitching appearance of the season in the opener, joining Charlie Jamieson as the only Athletics position players to pitch five times in one year. Back at his usual job, Cortes finished with a double, homer, two RBI and two runs.

McNeil added another RBI single in the eighth, capping a three-hit, two-RBI performance and making it 15-0. Wilson also finished with three hits, three runs and two RBI. Soderstrom had two hits, three runs and two RBI, and every Athletics starter reached base at least once.

The Nationals avoided the shutout in the ninth. Ruiz opened with a ground-rule double, moved to third on Lile’s single and scored on Jorbit Vivas’ sacrifice fly. Luis Medina then retired Dylan Crews on a force play to finish the 15-1 victory, a result that replaced ten games of frustration with nine innings of complete control.

The series finale puts two left-handers on center stage as Jacob Lopez (4-3, 6.83 ERA, 43 strikeouts) starts for the A’s against Washington’s Foster Griffin (10-2, 2.77 ERA, 109 strikeouts), with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Pacific.

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

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Webb gives up just two hits, but one is “big blow,” as Mariners come back to beat Giants 4-3 in 10; Series even at 1-1

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San Francisco Giant starter Logan Webb is not at all too thrilled after giving up a three run home run to the Seattle M’s Cole Young in the bottom of the seventh inning at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sat Jul 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Saturday, July 18, 2026

T-Mobile Park

Seattle, Washington

San Francisco Giants 3 (42-56)

Seattle Mariners 4 (49-50)

Win: Jose Ferrer (3-1)

Loss: Dylan Smith (0-2)

Time: 3:02

Attendance: 43,485

By Stephen Ruderman

SEATTLE–It was another tough loss for the Giants, as Logan Webb had given up just one hit and two base-runners through the sixth inning, but Cole Young tied the game with a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh, and Julio Rodridguez hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th to give the Mariners a 4-3 win Saturday night.

The Giants were riding high after a win Friday night. It was just the sixth time this season they had won three-straight. Saturday, they looked to do something they have not done all season, and that was win four games in a row.

They had everything perfectly lined up to do so. Logan Webb was on the mound, and looking to put a pair of rough starts behind him. Webb was strong out of the gate, as he retired the first six men he faced. He also started each of the first two innings with first-pitch outs.

Drew Gilbert singled to lead off the top of the third. Daniel Susac struck out, but Luis Arraez hit a ground ball to second that Cole Young made a great diving stop to his left, and threw it away. Arraez was given a base-hit.

Up came Bryce Eldridge, who was looking for another big hit, following his three-run home run last night. Eldridge lined a base-hit to center. Luke Raley appeared as if he had a chance to catch the ball, so it didn’t look like a run would score. However, Raley bobbled the ball, and Gilbert came in to score the game’s first run.

Young led off the bottom of the third with a base-hit, but Webb continued his dominance, and retired the next seven.

Rafael Devers was up to lead off the top of the sixth, and hit a high fly ball down the left field line that had the look and feel of a long foul ball. However, it appeared that it may have tucked in just fair over the wall in fair territory. Devers certainly thought so. All four umpires gathered together, and determined that it indeed was a home run. It was Devers’ 20th home run of the season.

“When [Devers] uses his hands, it’s not only effective, but it’s a pretty swing to look at,” said Vitello. “All he’s gotta do is get the bat on the barrel, and it can go.”

Devers’ awkward home run made it 2-0 Giants. Three batters later, with two outs, Willy Adames smoked one the other way to right that was gone when it left the bat. 

Webb threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the sixth, and came back out for the bottom of the seventh. The last time four-straight Giants’ starting pitchers went seven or more innings was April 23-26, 2021.

Webb got Dominic Canzone to ground out to short to start the bottom of the seventh. However, he then walked Randy Arozarena, and hit Josh Naylor. Fans in the upper deck out in right started doing the Tarps-Off—if you know, you know—and Cal Raleigh came up as the tying run. 

The good news is that Raleigh has not been having the kind of season he had last season. In fact, he’s had almost the opposite. Raleigh popped out to Casey Schmitt way out in medium-deep left field. Since it took far more than ordinary effort to catch Raleigh’s pop up, the infield fly was not called.

“If you look at the whole thing, and not the result of the game, it was an outstanding effort,” Vitello continued.

Webb still had one batter to go to get out of it. However, Cole smoked a game-tying home run to right-center. Just like that, the Giants’ lead was gone.

Webb still had a chance to be the Giants’ fourth-straight pitcher to go seven innings. However, as the Tarps Off grew in the upper deck in right, Raley reached on an error by Arraez.

That was it for Webb, who had a solid start. Though Webb had given up the three-run home run, he gave up just two hits. He walked one, and struck out five.

“[Webb threw] one bad pitch, and he can probably walk you through from his perspective,” said Vitello. “He gave up [just] two hits. It just so happened to be that one [of the] hit[s] was the big blow.”

Sam Hentges came in, and Raley was caught trying to steal second base on Hentges’ first pitch.

Eduardo Bazardo pitched a scoreless top of the eighth for the Mariners, and Hentges found himself in a jam in the bottom of the eighth. Tony Vitello brought in Keaton Winn with runners at the corners and two outs. Winn hit Randy Arozarena with this crowd and the Tarps Off kids in right growing stronger. Now, the bases were loaded, but Winn got Naylor to ground out to end the inning.

Andres Munoz threw a one, two, three top of the ninth. Erik Miller, fresh off his save in the first half finale on Sunday, threw a one, two, three bottom of the ninth.

“[Using Miller in the ninth inning] was the intent from the beginning of the season,” said Vitello. “I think he’s found a confident spot [in the ninth].”

The Giants were unable to get pinch-runner Christian Koss in from second against left-hander Jose Ferrer in the top of the tenth. Mariners’ shortstop Colt Emerson made a spectacular diving play to his right to take away a hit—and perhaps, an RBI—from Arraez to start the inning.

Dylan Smith was the man who Vitello turned to in the bottom of the tenth with Victor Robles at second. Emerson got Robles over to third with a leadoff sacrifice bunt. J.P. Crawford then walked, and Julio Rodriguez won it with a sacrifice fly to left.

When all was said and done, Jose Ferrer got the win, and Dylan Smith took the loss.

The Giants are now 0-6 when they have a chance to win four games in a row, as they fall to 42-56.

“It was a really good game,” said Vitello. “It [was] a difficult loss to swallow, and that makes for a great challenge tomorrow (Sunday).”

LHP Robbie Ray (8-6 ERA 3.38) will take the ball, as the Giants look to bounce back, and take the series in the rubber match Sunday afternoon. RHP Logan Gilbert (7-6 ERA 3.32) will start for the Mariners


First pitch will be at 1:10 p.m. P.D.T.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries stymied Mystics’ powers 74-69, inside magical Ballhalla Saturday Evening

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Golden State Valkyrie forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) holds the ball above her head against the Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jul 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.– Another sold out Chase Center crowd witnessed the Golden State Valkyries (19-7) put a spell on the Washington Mystics (12-12) 74-69 Saturday night, and extend their winning streak (9) in the City by the Bay. 

Golden State started the contest off converting the first basket, to lead 2-0 immediately.  Washington managed to come right back and take the lead themselves, previewing a back and forth battle between the two squads. There were ten lead changes and seven ties overall.

In the initial quarter, the Mystics actually held an eight point lead, and managed to keep it at five by quarter’s end, 18-13.  There were multiple lead changes during the first ten minutes too and one tie.  However, the Capital City visitors were able to temporarily stave off the home team.

In the second quarter the Valkyries were able to complete a 17-point turnaround by leading as many as nine points during the second stanza.  They regained the lead around the 5:00 mark, and managed to keep it at recess.  At the midway point of the game, the Valkyries were in possession of a five point lead, 33-28.

No players from either team were able to achieve the double-digit scoring plateau after 20 minutes of WNBA action.  However, there was balanced scoring on both sides and the teams were fighting for the lead.  Golden State was halfway to extending their impressive winning streak, with game momentum in their favor.

In the second half, the Valkyries converted two free throws, to extend their halftime lead to seven.  However, the Mystics used their sorcery to actually overcome and place themselves in front by five at the end of the third ten-minute block, 57-52.  At that point, the raucous home fans were in a roar to will their team to victory.

In the final quadrant Golden State fought back from being six points down, to leading by seven, and desperately trying to hold on to their precious lead.  Despite Washington’s valiant efforts, the Valkyries were able to utilize their shield and win their ninth straight game, with one more before the All-Star break.  After the 40-minute war, Golden State was on top by five points, 74-69.

The Valkyries presented three ballers with 10+ points.  Gabby Williams led the way with 18 points and five assists, while Veronica Burton had a double-double, consisting of 11 points, 11 assists, and grabbed five rebounds.  Kayla Thornton added her 11 points to the team’s efforts.

The Mystics had two players with double-figures.  Shakira Austin  scored a game high 18 points and snagged an equally game high 16 rebounds.  Sonia Citron chipped in 12 points for her team.

Both teams will be right back at it versus each other, Monday July 20, at Chase Center at 7 PM PT on KOVR/KPIX.