NHL podcast Len Shapiro: Red Wings in flux looking for new GM and Larkin on hold; Will Hughes remain with Wild? plus more news

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Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings would be on the trade block but the Red Wings need to find a new general manager first (AP file photo)

NHL podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 Dylan Larkin with the Detroit Red Wings’ trade situation reportedly stalled while the club searches for a new GM, should Larkin remain in Detroit, or would a trade ultimately benefit both sides?

#2 Quinn Hughes and Minnesota: With the Minnesota Wild continuing to pursue an extension with Quinn Hughes while also looking for a top-line center, how realistic is it that Hughes stays long-term, and what would his contract mean for Minnesota’s roster construction?

#3 Los Angeles Kings: With Quenton Byfield taking on the No. 1 center role and questions surrounding Drew Doughty’s future, can the Kings take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention in 2026–27?

#4 2026 preseason schedule: The NHL has released its 2026 preseason schedule, with preseason action set to begin before the regular season. Which teams have the most intriguing preseason matchups or roster battles to watch?

#5 Hockey Canada suspensions: Following the independent appeal process involving the five players from the 2018 World Juniors scandal, what impact could the suspensions have on the players’ NHL careers and on Hockey Canada’s handling of future disciplinary matters?

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Raiders Mendoza looked sharp with 97 yards passed and a TD; Cardinals win 24-17 in Raiders first pre season game

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is expected to do some big things for the Raiders in the 2026 season. Here Mendoza is seen here between plays against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thursday Night Football on Aug 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza 97 yards one touchdown did he get some good looks, Mendoza hit Jeff Bech for a six yard pass in the Raiders first pre season game losing to the visiting Arizona Cardinals 27-14 at Allegiant Stadium.

#2 It was the first time that a top overall draft pick that was selected threw a touchdown in a pre season game since 2018 when Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against the New York Giants.

#3 Mendoza in the fourth quarter almost got a second touchdown pass that was out of the reach of wide out Deven Thompkins. Mendoza was on target finding rookie Malik Benson for a 19 yard second quarter pass that threaded between three Cardinal defenders.

#4 Raider pass rusher Maxx Crosby who underwent knee surgery back in January sat out Thurday’s game and Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak made the decision to sit Crosby out for this first pre season game.

#5 Raiders first string quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 50 yards and one touchdown how did he look compared to Mendoza?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: GM Feinstein says it won’t be the same without former GM Forst; A’s starter Perkins says he’s being tested after getting lit up by Rays Wednesday; plus more news

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Sacramento A’s pitcher Jack Perkins struggled in his outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wed Aug 12, 2026 at Sutter Health Park (Sports Illustrated)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Dan Feinstein the A’s new general manager spent 25 years working with A’s former general manager David Forst who said Forst was one of his closest friends. Forst was fired as A’s general manager, “So, the last few days have been difficult for me, personally. I have enormous respect for David and the impact he’s made not only on me, but for so many people in this organization for a very long time. Things will not be the same here without him.”

#2 Feinstein said that for the remaing 40 plus games he will get behind A’s manager Mark Kotsay, the staff, the players in trying to win the remaining 44 games.

#3 A’s starter Jack Perkins who struggled against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday pitching five innings allowing 12 hits and six earned runs

#4 Perkins said about his performance, I’m being tested,” Perkins said. “One day it’s the homer. Today, it was the singles. It’s just frustrating. I’m going to keep grinding and see where we go from here. … Right now, it’s tough to look at who I am out there.”

#5 Jeremiah on Tuesday night we saw A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson’s throw go wide at second that missed second baseman Donavon Walton that allowed the Rays runner Richie Palacios to advance to second the throw was ruled a fielders choice error at first by official scorer Mark Honbo but was reversed to just a fielders choice that kept Wilson’s errorless streak at 112 games.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the A’s podcasts each Thursday 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.

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy: Perkins gets lit up for 6 earned runs as Rays sweep A’s in 8-4 win

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Tampa Bay Rays Junior Caminero hits an RBI single during the top of the fourth inning against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Wed Aug 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy:

#1 What went wrong for A’s starter Jack Perkins, and how difficult was it for Sacramento to recover after Tampa Bay built an early lead?

#2 How important were Lawrence Butler’s two-run home run and Zack Gelof’s solo homer in giving the A’s a chance to get back into the game?

#3 What did Carlos Cortes contribute offensively, and did his performance provide a positive sign for the A’s going forward?

#4 How did the A’s pitching staff handle Tampa Bay’s lineup, particularly after the Rays scored seven runs through the first four innings?

#5 What can the A’s take away from the series despite the sweep, and which players—including Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof and Carlos Cortes—gave fans the most encouraging performances?

Join Bridget Mulcahy does the Sacramento A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com and read her for A’s commentary at the Davis Enterprise

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. 

NFL podcast Jessica Kwong: Bears secondary takes a hit Bryant out with left knee injury 4-6 weeks; Packers Jacobs out 1 wk groin injury; plus more news

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Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant speaks with the media during football training camp press conference Wed Jul 29, 2026 at Lake Forest Ill. The Bears announced on Tue Aug 11, 2026 that Bryant underwent left knee surgery and will be out 4-6 weeks (AP News photo)

NFL podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 Bears lose Coby Bryant for 4–6 months — Chicago safety Coby Bryant underwent surgery on his injured left knee, a major blow to the Bears’ secondary before the regular season.

#2 Josh Jacobs sidelined with a groin injury — Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Jacobs will miss at least this week. MarShawn Lloyd is getting additional first-team work with Green Bay preparing for its preseason matchup with Pittsburgh.

#3 Aaron Rodgers expects to skip the preseason — Rodgers is embracing what he describes as his final NFL training camp, but doesn’t intend to play in Pittsburgh’s preseason games, putting extra focus on his preparation and the Steelers’ quarterback situation.

#4 Jayden Daniels turning heads in Washington — The Commanders’ offense continues to generate strong camp buzz, with reports describing Daniels as looking particularly sharp and efficient during Tuesday’s padded practice.

#5 Texans’ C.J. Stroud-to-David Montgomery connection explodes — Houston’s final training-camp practice before its preseason opener featured an 80-yard touchdown from Stroud to Montgomery, while the Texans’ right-tackle competition remains unsettled.

Join Jessica Kwong for the NFL podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries Win on Violet’s Birthday over Chicago Sky, 91-71

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Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes, front, steals the ball from Chicago Sky’s Gabriela Jacquez in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (Photo credit Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Wednesday night was not just any ordinary night in Ballhalla. The Golden State Valkyries honored and celebrated their mascot Violet’s birthday. So the Valkyries wanted to get this win for Violet and extend their winning streak to five games, and they did. The Valkyries hosted the Chicago Sky and won by 20 points, 91-71.

Golden State Valkyries were riding a four-game winning streak but lost two key players who have been a huge part of the Valkyries’ success this season. The team lost Janelle Salaun (right knee) and Kiah Stokes (Concussion protocol) for this home game, with their return still questionable. So Golden State sent out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and center Laeticia Amihere.

Chicago came into Ballhalla riding a two-game losing streak, with their most recent loss to Seattle at the Storm’s home, with the final score being 97-88. Sky also announced yesterday that the team would play without their guard Sydney Taylor (groin). So Chicago went with guards Courtney Vandersloot, Jacy Sheldon, forwards Natasha Cloud, Azura Stevens, and center Kamilla Cardoso.

Chicago Sky Natasha Cloud would get the first bucket of the game, going inside the paint for a quick lay-up. Then, after another made jump shot from Sky, Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton hits a 27-foot three-pointer to give Golden State their first basket. Chicago has gone 6-for-9 and has taken an early 7-point lead. Sky is relying heavily on their midrange shots, and those shots are falling for them.

At the end of the 1st quarter, Sky found their offensive rhythm fast and collected nine team assists in the first ten minutes of play. The lead would extend for the Valkyries by eight points, 24-16. Chicago’s early offensive success was huge for Sky since they’ve seen season struggles on the road. Sky has gone 4-12 on the road, and the team uses 16 players, which is the 2nd most in the WNBA.

In the second quarter, it was a huge turnaround for the Golden State Valkyries. After just dropping 16 points in the 1st, the Valkyries would drop 27 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had a big contribution to that, coming off the bench. She also got help from her teammate, Gabby Williams. Their hustle and determination were necessary to take over this game. They both would drop 6 points each in this quarter.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, Golden State would hold the lead over Chicago at 43-40. Sky was only able to drop 16 points, compared to the hot start they had in the 1st when they dropped 24 points on the Valkyries. After that, the Valkyries took advantage of their home court and just locked in on their offensive plan, and their defense was starting to become a problem for Chicago.

Going into the 3rd quarter, we saw the Valkyries continue from where they left off in the 2nd quarter and just keep giving Chicago a hard time in Chase Center. This quarter would be another huge scoring quarter for Golden State, as this time, the team dropped 29 points in the 3rd. Again, Valkyries Tiffany Hayes had her foot on the gas the entire game, and really in the 3rd quarter. Hayes showed her mobility and athleticism as she kept attacking the basket and was getting sent to the free throw line because Chicago’s only response to stopping her was just fouling her.

Heading into the final quarter, it was all smooth sailing for Golden State. With Chicago struggling to get any points for themselves, the Valkyries’ defense was also a factor in that. Golden State would finish the game with 16 steals on Chicago. As the game clock would wind down, Golden State would get the win by 20 points at home, with the final score being 91-71. Tiffany Hayes would lead Golden State while coming off the bench with her 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. This was all done in less than 20 minutes, 17 minutes to be exact.

The Valkyries are gonna get a five-day rest before they return to action in Ballhalla. Golden State will host the Dallas Wings on Monday night, August 17th, with tip-off being at 7 p.m. Dallas is currently in 4th place in the Western Conference division. The game will be broadcast live on Peacock.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Hicks Takes Over as Two-Out Trouble Sinks A’s 8-4

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Tampa Bay Rays Liam Hicks looks on after being tagged out at the plate by Sacramento A’s catcher Brian Serven (not pictured) in the top of the third inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Wed Aug 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Maurcio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics kept Tampa Bay within reach for three innings, then watched the Rays turn a one-run game into a steep climb. Things are not changing for this Sacramento temporarily anchored ballclub. Liam Hicks’ three-run homer capped a four-run fourth inning and pushed Tampa Bay past the A’s 8-4, despite late solo homers from Zack Gelof and Lawrence Butler.

Jack Perkins escaped the first without allowing a run despite Hicks’ two-out double that sent Junior Caminero to third. The second was different. Jonny DeLuca opened with a double, Cedric Mullins beat out a bunt single, and Richie Palacios drove in DeLuca with a single to left. Taylor Walls moved both runners with a sacrifice bunt, and Mullins scored when Yandy Díaz reached on a fielder’s choice that included a fielding error by Perkins. Jonathan Aranda then grounded into a double play, limiting Tampa Bay to two runs.

The Rays added another run in the third when Caminero singled, Hicks followed with a base hit and Mullins doubled home Caminero. Hicks tried to score on the play, but Carlos Cortes started a relay through Donovan Walton to Brian Serven, who recorded the out at the plate. That defensive play mattered moments later.

In the bottom half, Walton was hit by a pitch and Gelof singled before Cortes drove a double into right. Both runners scored, cutting Tampa Bay’s lead to 3-2 and giving the A’s their best chance to turn the game around.

Tampa Bay answered immediately, scoring all of its fourth-inning runs with two outs. Díaz singled, Aranda followed with another hit, and Caminero brought Díaz home with a single to left. Hicks then changed the shape of the game with a three-run homer to right-center, scoring Aranda and Caminero for a 7-2 advantage.

Perkins finished five innings after DeLuca doubled again in the fifth but was left stranded. The right-hander allowed 12 hits and seven runs. His outing continued a difficult stretch that had already included an eight-game losing streak entering the start, while A’s starters carried a 6.62 ERA in August before the game. The club’s pitching staff also entered with a 5.49 season ERA, the highest in the majors.

The Athletics’ bullpen gave the offense a chance to chip away. Drew Rom retired all three batters he faced in the sixth, Scott Blewett worked around DeLuca’s single and stolen base in the seventh, and Seth Johnson handled a scoreless ninth. Hayden Juenger allowed Tampa Bay’s final run in the eighth when Palacios drew a walk, Walls singled and Díaz drove in Palacios with a base hit.

The A’s finally found the seats in the bottom of the eighth. Gelof hit his 13th homer to left-center, and after Cortes struck out, Butler added his ninth to right-center. The two solo shots made it 8-4, but Michael Grove stopped the inning there and Tampa Bay retired the side in order in the ninth.

Gelof’s day also carried a bigger streak. He entered with a 23-game home hitting streak, already the second-longest by an Athletic in the expansion era behind Carney Lansford’s 30-game run in 1984, and his third-inning single pushed it to 24. Tyler Soderstrom also extended his hitting streak to ten games with a first-inning double. He had already posted two other ten-game streaks this season, making him the first Athletic with three streaks of at least ten games in one season since Jay Payton in 2006.

After a Thursday breather, the A’s welcome the Rangers on Friday at 6:40 p.m. Pacific, with ESPN currently listing Kumar Rocker (4-9, 4.46 ERA, 103 K) opposite Gage Jump (5-7, 4.46 ERA, 84 K), although MLB still has both starters officially marked TBD.

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. 

Offense, bullpen and defense blow six shutout innings by Houser, and Astros top Giants 2-1 for series win

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Houston Allen Nick Allen (20) is tagged out in a rundown by San Francisco Giants shortstop Osleivis Basabe (39) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Aug 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Houston Astros 2 (62-60)

San Francisco Giants 1 (50-71)

Win: Steven Okert (6-1)

Loss: Keaton Winn (2-3)

Save: Josh Hader (16)

Time: 2:27

Attendance: 28,101

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–Adrian Houser gave up just two hits over six shutout innings in his first start in two months, but he only got one run in offensive support. The Giants’ bullpen and defense then faltered, as the Astros scored runs in the seventh and eighth to beat the Giants 2-1, and take the series Wednesday.

Adrian Houser took the ball for his first start since the rains limited him to just an inning during the suspended game in Cobb County on June 16. The Giants turned to him, as they looked to play spoilers, and take this series over the American League West-leading Astros, who came into Wednesday’s game a half game up on the Texas Rangers.

Houser opened up the day with a one, two, theee, inning in the top of the first. Now, it was up to the Giants’ offense to give him some support.

Joe Espada went with an opener on this getaway day, and that would be the lefty, Bryan King. After a pair of walks, Espada went to Enyel De Los Santos with two outs in the bottom of the first. Victor Bericoto was at the plate, and flipped a base-hit to left field. Willy Adames came in to score, and the Giants struck first.

Houser ended up retiring the first nine men he faced Wednesday. The Giants wasted an opportunity against Tasuya Imai in the bottom of the second, and Imai threw a one, two, three, inning in the bottom of the third.

The second time through the order started off a little bit different for Houser, as he survived a jam in the top of the fourth. He then settled back down for a one, two, three, top of the fifth.

Nick Allen singled to lead off the top of the sixth, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Christian Vazquez. Jeremy Pena then hit a ground ball to short, and Allen was caught in a rundown before being tagged out. Pena thought he would try and sneak into second base, but he was thrown out by a mile. For those of you interested, it was a 6-5-4-5 double play, with third-baseman Christian Koss tagging Pena out at second base.

That was an interesting and nice way to end Houser’s afternoon. Houser was good today, as he gave up just two hits, and walked just one over six shutout innings. He struck out five.

Unfortunately, the Giants’ offense couldn’t really do anything against a whole assortment of Astros’ relievers. That meant this 1-0 lead was in the hands of the Giants’ bullpen, which already blew a ninth inning lead on Monday night.

Sam Hentges was the man for the seventh inning, and Yordan Alvarez led off the top of the seventh with a base-hit. It was easy to guess that the Giants’ bullpen was going to blow it, but that wouldn’t be entirely accurate.

Paredes hit a ground ball right to short that was literally tailor made. Unfortunately, Adames just lobbed a throw over to second to get the lead runner, Alvarez, which allowed Paredes to beat out the back end at first.

Daulton Varsho then hit a fly ball to left, but Victor Bericoto lost it in the sun, and dropped it, which got Paredes over to third. Tony Vitello then brought in Keaton Winn to face Nelson Velazquez, who tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center.

Amazingly, only one run scored through that debacle of an inning. All I can say is that things like this happen when a team is having a bad season. That inning was just another clip for the 2026 San Francisco Giants lowlight reel.

After our old friend, Steven Okert, who pitched for the Giants from 2016 to 2018, set down the Giants one, two, three in the bottom of the seventh, Winn was back out for the eighth. However, Willy Adames was not after his lob to second base in the top of the seventh. According to Vitello, Adames was pulled due to a back issue.

Anyway, the Astros predictably took the lead, and it only took them four pitches to do so. Taylor Trammel led off the inning with a triple, and Nick Allen immediately got him in with a sacrifice fly.

Bryan Abreu threw for a one, two, three inning, in bottom of the eighth, and the Giants were up against Josh Hader in the ninth. With one out, Christian Koss gave one a ride to left with one out, but Yordan Alvarez had it right at the wall. Jung Hoo Lee then grounded out to second to end the game. Yes, it was a one, two, three, inning, but I guess that Koss’ long fly ball could count as a whimper.

Steven Okert got the win; Keaton Winn took the loss; and Josh Hader picked up the save.

The Giants are now 50-71, and they are just two games ahead of where they were through 121 games in their 98-loss season of 2017. The Giants were 48-73 after 121 games after 2017. I’ll say it again: it has been a bad season for the Giants.

The Colorado Rockies will come in for the third and final leg of the lone three-team homestand for the Giants this season. The Giants will get to enjoy a day off Thursday, and then they will get underway against the Rockies on Friday night.

Starting pitchers for Colorado LHP Kyle Freeland (3-10 ERA 6.63) for San Francisco Landen Roupp (7-11 ERA 4.22)

First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

Baseball America ranks Giants’ farm system as fourth-best:

As rough as this season has been, it has come with its positives. One of those being that the draft and the trade deadline have bolted the Giants’ farm system to the fourth-best in the eyes of Baseball America.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook–First Spanish Radio Broadcast of Major League Baseball in the Bay Area

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Amaury Pi Gonzalez calling the play by play on KBRG 105.3 FM in 1977 at the Oakland Coliseum radio booth (photo from the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

From My Notebook: First Spanish Radio Broadcast of Major League Baseball in the Bay Area —

By Amaury Pi-González

In 1978, the first Spanish radio broadcasts of Major League Baseball in the Bay Area were on KBRG 105.3 FM, Radio San Francisco (with studios in the Merchandise Mart). My booth for broadcasting was at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, home of the Oakland A’s.

That same season, when Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley failed to secure a commercial radio contract, I was doing weekend games in Spanish from Box 19. To my left (not in the photo) was Larry Baer, today President and CEO of the San Francisco Giants.. Larry was a student volunteer from KALX, the campus station at UC Berkeley, who broadcast the first 16 games of the season to do play-by-play on that very limited-coverage radio station.

Because the UC Berkeley campus radio had very low wattage to cover the Bay Area, Mr. Carl Finley, trusted right-hand man of Charlie. Finley, and cousin to the owner of the A’s, told me to mention the score after the end of each inning in English, because their English station did not have enough coverage in the Bay Area, and so I did.

I broadcast all the action in Spanish, but after each half-inning I would give the score in English.  Later on, after the 1979 season, when Rigoberto Tito Fuentes retired with the Detroit Tigers, I asked him to join me in doing color commentary.  Our main studios for KBRG were located at the San Francisco Merchandise Mart (later known as the San Francisco Mart, 1355 Market Street, San Francisco. That same location housed Twitter/X and was vacated in 2024 by tenant Elon Musk, who sold Twitter and rebranded it as X.  A historic building in many ways. In later years, the broadcast in Spanish moved to KOFY 1050AM Radio Burlingame.

The Oakland A’s changed owners a few years later, in 1980. Walter A. Haas Jr., the former president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., bought the Oakland A’s from Charles O. Finley on August 23, 1980, for roughly $12.7 million, with the formal acquisition completed later that year.

Yours truly, sales executive and very good friend Al Dougherty, with René DeLaRosa, owner of KIQI 1010AM La Grande 1010 in San Francisco, made a deal to move the games to that new station as we increased Spanish-language coverage in the Bay Area. Walter Haas Jr, Roy Eisenhart, and Andy Dolich, all great executives with the Oakland A’s, made these broadcasts, as well as the team, very successful with the Hispanic Community. Not to mention on the field, which culminated in a World Series title against the SF Giants in 1989.

I am very proud to have been part of this historic time in Bay Area Radio, as I worked very hard and faced many challenges to make these games in Spanish a reality. I remember writing to then-influential political figures at the local and state levels, who responded positively to the plans to extend this coverage for the largest minority in the Bay Area, the Hispanic community. This included the Mayor of San Francisco, the Honorable Dianne Feinstein, who later presented me with the City of San Francisco Award of Merit for my efforts to bring baseball in Spanish to the Bay Area.

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

Carson Whisenhunt

Whisenhunt sharp as Giants defeat Astros 4-1

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Photo: San Francisco Giants pitcher Carson Whisenhunt threw 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif. (Jay Choi/SF Bay News Lab)

By Vince Cestone

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carson Whisenhunt came into Tuesday night’s game with a 7.25 ERA, so it was reasonable to expect an offensive barrage from the Houston Astros.

But Whisenhunt said, “not so fast!” as the Giants young righty threw 5 2/3 strong innings to lead his team past the powerful Astros 4-1 at Oracle Park on Tuesday night. But it started off shaky for Whisenhunt.

Houston loaded the bases in the top of the first inning with one out, but Whisenhunt wiggled out of trouble after walking a batter and hitting a batter in that inning.

The Astros were able to break through in the top of the second inning when center fielder Daulton Varsho and outfielder Cam Smith each hit singles to start the inning. The next batter Yainer Diaz walked, loading the bases with one out. Shortstop Jeremy Peña then grounded one to the third baseman Christian Koss, who cut down the runner Varsho on the force out. Then, Yordan Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. The next hitter Isaac Paredes flew out to right field to end the inning.

San Francisco evened the score in the very next half inning. Designated hitter Rafael Devers led off with a walk. After Victor Bericoto struck out, center fielder Drew Gilbert singled in Devers, who took second on a wild pitch.

The Giants took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, which again started with a walk. After Gilbert’s one-out walk, Osleivis Basabe advanced him to second on a groundout to the pitcher. The next batter catcher Drew Cavanaugh singled Gilbert in to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead. That would prove to be enough to lead the Giants to victory.

In the fifth inning, the Giants extended their lead on a Bryce Eldridge solo home run. It was a long potato to left-center field that gave the Giants a 3-1 lead. Eldridge now has 12 home runs on the year.

San Francisco capped their scoring in the bottom of the sixth inning on a two-out rally. After the first two batters flew out, Cavanaugh singled to get things going. Koss then doubled him in and then advanced to third on a throwing error by the shortstop Peña. The Giants were up 4-1.

The Astros committed two errors in the game, which helped the Giants cruise to victory.

J.T. Brubaker came in to close it out in the ninth and earned the save. He retired the side in order, a rarity for a Giants pitcher in the ninth with a lead. The Giants bullpen as a whole pitched 3 1/3 innings of hitless ball.

In addition to Whisenhunt’s 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball, he gave up four hits and struck out two batters, while walking three.

For the Astros, starter Hunter Brown threw five innings of three-run ball. He gave up five hits, while striking out four and walking three.

Up next, the Giants will go for the series win against the Astros on Wednesday afternoon at Oracle Park. Neither the Giants nor the Astros have announced who is pitching in the matinee. Game time is at 12:45 p.m.

Starting pitchers for Houston LHP Bryan King (2-3 ERA 3.83) San Francisco has not determined a starter yet.

Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve left the game after getting hit on the left foot. He was diagnosed with a contusion. He is listed as day-to-day.