Kings Wrap Up Unbeaten California Classic With Plenty of Optimism

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Darius Acuff Jr. #5 and Head Coach Chris Darnell of the Sacramento Kings talk during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on July 6, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory photo credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Kings wrapped up their California Classic schedule on Monday night at Golden 1 Center against the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. PDT. It was a good atmosphere for the Kings in their final California Classic game as they defeated the Bucks 95-89 to go undefeated in the tournament.

Let’s take a look at the Kings’ performances across the July 4 weekend California Classic.

Coming into the Kings’ first basketball action since the end of the 2025-26 season, there was a lot of hype surrounding the Kings and their draft picks, Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, and Emanuel Sharp. The Kings had what many people around the league dubbed a highly successful draft night, getting high-upside players with all of their selections.

For Acuff, he had mixed results in his Kings debut during the tournament. Acuff finished the weekend playing in two of the three games and tallying 58 minutes of action. He went 16-of-48 from the field and managed 47 points during his first two games of his young Kings career. Acuff impressed in some areas of his game, namely his passing, while also looking a bit sped up during his time on the court. Overall, it was exciting for Kings fans to see what they hope will be their future franchise cornerstone on the court for the first time.

On Monday, Darius Acuff Jr. treated the Golden 1 Center crowd to a dagger three-pointer with 23 seconds left in the game to put the Kings up six. It was a great moment for Kings fans who hope they will see much more of that during the regular season. However, any sort of conclusion about the young guard would be purely an overreaction at this point.

I asked Chris Darnell how Darius compared to the expectations coming into the California Classic.

“Darius and Nique’s ability to impact the point of attack defensively, take teams out of their offense… I want to see Darius run the show. Obviously create for himself, create for others, just feel the game. I think he did a great job of that tonight. It looked like he settled in a little bit more.”

Nique Clifford came into the California Classic as a bit of a surprise participant. Clifford, who is in his second year with the Kings, wasn’t necessarily a player many thought would participate in the annual summer games. Yet, he played in the first and third games and meshed well with the other young Kings on the court. Clifford played 57 minutes over his two games while scoring 17 points on 7-of-20 shooting.

Coach Darnell also spoke on what Nique provided during the California Classic and the way he has improved since last year.

“As far as Nique, somebody that we like playing closeouts aggressively, somebody that can also handle the ball… relieve some pressure for our other ball handlers and somebody that can attack the paint relentlessly. He’s got good size and athleticism. I thought he did a pretty good job of that these last three games.”

Dylan Cardwell was another second-year Kings player who continued his growth during his second California Classic. Cardwell brought energy into the building while totaling 20 rebounds, eight blocks, six steals, and 20 points across his 53 minutes of action in the two games he played.

Cardwell is obviously highly impactful defensively, but it was his offensive improvements that impressed the Kings during the tournament.

“Dylan offensively, created advantages with his screening ability and then put pressure on the paint with his rolling,” Darnell said. “I think he did a great job of that. He had four offensive rebounds, a couple of assists as well. And he’s a super selfless player.”

As for Cardwell, he’s focused on all aspects of his game, including being in great shape for the “elite conditioning” the Kings are emphasizing this year as a team.

“I’m really good at playing… in short spurts. And the thing now is how can I do that from two, three minutes of playing like that to six to eight minutes. And so that’s my focus conditioning-wise. How can I be guarding the ball screens? How can I run the floor? How can I go chase down rebounds and block shots and steals and all these things and do that for a longer duration?”

Emanuel Sharp, known for his shooting at Houston, came into the California Classic and really impressed as a point-of-attack defender, something he told me a week ago was a major emphasis heading into his first season.

“For me, it’s probably my defense,” Sharp said to me during his introductory press conference. “When people see me, they probably think of my shooting, but I like to pride myself on my defense first.”

Sharp played in the first two games of the California Classic and put up 31 points on 8-of-26 shooting in 61 minutes across the two contests.

Alex Karaban sprained his ankle during Kings practice on Thursday of last week and is set to be reevaluated on Friday. As of now, it is anticipated that he will be able to participate in Summer League action in Las Vegas.

The Kings will head to Las Vegas to begin the 2026 NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday at 8 p.m. PDT against the Los Angeles Clippers.

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. 

Heliot Ramos

Roupp, Ramos shine as Giants rout Jays 10-1

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Photo: Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos celebrates in the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 6, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif. (Jay Choi/SF Bay News Lab)

By Vince Cestone

SAN FRANCISCO — After a disappointing 2-4 road trip through Arizona and Colorado, the San Francisco Giants got right back on track at home, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 10-1 at Oracle Park on Monday night.

The Giants came into Monday night’s game 15 games below .500 at 37-52. They seem to be gravitating around that mark, never going below it, and the same thing rang true yet again.

The Giants started out fast right out of the gate. The first batter of the game, Heliot Ramos, hit a long triple to right-center field that turned into a little league home run. The throw from shortstop Andrew Gimenez on the relay sailed past the third baseman Kazuma Okamoto and into the dugout. Ramos was allowed to score, and the Giants had the early 1-0 lead.

The Giants tacked on another run in the fourth inning. After Rafael Devers walked to lead off the inning, Jung Hoo Lee then singled, with Devers taking third on the hit. Willy Adames then hit into a 6-4-3 double play, but Devers came in to score, giving San Francisco a 2-0 lead.

In the fifth inning, the Giants got creative in scoring their third run. After Victor Bericoto singled to lead off the inning, he advanced to second on an Eric Haase sacrifice bunt. Ramos then grounded out. But after Luis Arraez was intentionally walked, Arraez attempted to steal second base. At that moment, Bericoto dashed home and made it ahead of the throw as Arraez, who knew he was dead to rights stealing second, stopped midway between first and second in order to let Bericoto score–and he did. The Giants were ahead 3-0.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Jays scored their lone run on a long Okamoto home run. The score was then 3-1, but the Giants put the game away in the very next inning–with the help of the Jays’ defense.

In the bottom of the sixth, Devers led off the inning with a walk. The next batter Lee grounded to the shifted third baseman Okamoto, but he missed the ball for his second error of the game, advancing Devers to third base. Adames then walked. After Bryce Eldridge struck out looking, Bericoto singled, bringing in two runs and giving the Giants a 5-1 lead. The next batter Haase popped out to the catcher. But with two outs and two on, Ramos hit a real home run just over the 24-foot wall in right field, giving the Giants an 8-1 lead.

Ramos wasn’t done. In the eighth inning, Ramos hit his second home run of the game, a two-run shot that put the Giants up 10-1. That would end up being the final score.

On the pitching side, Giants starting pitcher Landon Roupp was superb. He threw eight innings of one-run ball, giving up just three hits and two walks. Roupp struck out five Jays. In relief, Spencer Bivens threw a 1-2-3 ninth inning, including two strikeouts.

For the Jays, it was a not-so-good homecoming for Kevin Gausman. In 5 1/3 innings, Gausman gave up seven runs on five hits. Four of those runs were earned. He walked five batters and struck out eight.

The Giants improve to 38-52, yet again avoiding slipping below 15 games under .500. The Blue Jays are now 42-49.

Up next, the Giants will try to clinch the series against the Jays on Tuesday night. Trevor McDonald (3-6, 4.42 ERA) will pitch for San Francisco. The Jays have not yet decided who will pitch for them.

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s open series with Tigers in Detroit Tuesday

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Sacramento A’s Jonah Heim takes a hack against the Los Angeles Angels on Fri Jun 19, 2026 at Sutter Health Park. Heim hit a grand slam against the Miami Marlins on Sun Jul 5, 2026 at Sutter Health in the bottom of the eigthh inning against the Miami Marlins (AP file photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 Once again the Sacramento A’s dropped another game 9-8 and got swept by the visiting Miami Marlins at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sunday this was the A’s seventh loss in their last ten games in front of 8,086 fans.

#2 It was a game where the A’s who at one time had one of the hottest hitting line ups in the AL West have cooled off seeing hitters like Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, Jeff McNiel, Henry Bolte, Zack Gelof, all have cooled off.

#3 The Marlins starter Eury Perez was pitching a perfect, no hit game but was lifted after seven innings for reliever Lake Bachar after Perez reached his pitch limit. Bachar got lit up for five runs including a Jonah Heim grand slam as the A’s cut the Marlins lead to three runs 8-5.

#4 The A’s best record this season at one point was 21-18 when the A’s were 3 games over .500 and in first place back on May 9. The A’s with the loss Sunday are now 41-49 now eight games below .500 after Sunday’s sweep.

#5 The A’s hit the road in Detroit Tuesday night to open a series with the Detroit Tigers. The A’s starter and the Tigers will be going with their ace LHP Tarik Skubul (4-4 ERA 3.15).

Barbara Mason does the A’s podcast each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic: Giants cough up lead in 8th; Rockies 3 run rally wins it 7-6

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San Francisco Giants reliever Erik Miller works the count against the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of the sixth inning at Coors Field in Denver on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 How many home runs did Rafael Devers went 2-5, scoring two runs how did his performance help keep the Giants in the game?

#2 Drew Gilbert went 4-for-4 in the game. Including hitting a two run home run against the Rockies?

#3 Casey Schmitt hit a home run for the Giants. Schmitt’s offense has been key for the Giants of late so much so there are clubs inquiring about Schmitt’s services before the trade deadline?

#4 How did starting pitcher Tyler Mahle pitched 4.1 innings allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and struck out five hitters?

#5 The Giants open up a three game series with the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night at Oracle Park. Startng pitcher for Toronto former Giant RHP Kevin Gausman 4-7 ERA 4.19 for San Francisco RHP Landen Roupp 5-8 ERA 4.55 first pitch 6:46pm PDT.

Marko Ukalovic does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Daniel Dullum: Marlins Perez taken out after pitching 7 innings of perfect ball; A’s break up no hit bid in 8th but get swept 9-8; Fans yell “shame” over pitching changes

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Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Perez had a perfect no hit bid going until he was lifted in the top of the eighth inning against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Once again the Sacramento A’s dropped another game 9-8 and got swept by the visiting Miami Marlins at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sunday this was the A’s seventh loss in their last ten games in front of 8,086 fans.

#2 It was a game where the A’s who at one time had one of the hottest hitting line ups in the AL West have cooled off seeing hitters like Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, Jeff McNiel, Henry Bolte, Zack Gelof, all have cooled off.

#3 The Marlins starter Eury Perez was pitching a perfect, no hit game but was lifted after seven innings for reliever Lake Bachar after Perez reached his pitch limit. Bachar got lit up for five runs including a Jonah Heim grand slam as the A’s cut the Marlins lead to three runs 8-5.

#4 The A’s best record this season at one point was 21-18 when the A’s were 3 games over .500 and in first place back on May 9. The A’s with the loss Sunday are now 41-49 now eight games below .500 after Sunday’s sweep.

#5 The A’s hit the road in Detroit Tuesday night to open a series with the Detroit Tigers. The A’s have not announced a starter and the Tigers will be going with their ace LHP Tarik Skubul (4-4 ERA 3.15).

Daniel Dullum does the A’s podcast each Sunday 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. 

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Dodgers’ Ohtani out with right bicep tightness; Red Sox Chapman surpasses Willhelm for most strikeouts by a releiver; plus more news

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Los Angeles Dodgers takes a swing against the San Diego Padres in the bottom of the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on Thu Jul 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O

#1 The Los Angeles Dodgers kept two way player Shohei Ohtani out of the starting line up against the San Diego Padres on Saturday due to tightness in his right biceps. Ohtani incurred the tightness after taking a swing at the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Dodger superstar said during a post game press conference that it had happened before and that it went away relatively quickly.

#2 Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman struck out the Los Angeles Angels Denzer Guzman Friday night to put Chapman as MLB’s leading career strikeouts reliever. Guzman at 38 years old threw a 98.6 MPH pitch that Guzman couldn’t even touch. The strikeout was Chapman’s 1364th of his 17 year career and he surpassed Hoyt Wilhelm who pitched for 21 years whose career ended just five days short of his 50th birthday.

 #3 San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman who is on the 10 day IL with an abdominal strain could return before the All Star break according to Giants manager Tony Vitello. Reports said that the New York Yankees have expressed interest in Chapman. The Yankees are also shopping for a back up catcher and shoring up their bullpen.

#4 San Francisco Giants ultilty player Casey Schmitt is also be shopped by a number of clubs as the Giants could turn out be seller before the trade deadline. Schmitt has been having some offensive success hitting .281, with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs. The Giants who are struggling in the NL West standings also are getting inquiries from the Chicago White Sox regarding pitcher Robbie Ray. If Chapman, Schmitt and Ray were to all be traded the Giants will just be mailing it in for the rest of the season as these are their current key players. The Giants also lost relief pitcher LHP Matt Gage to the 15 IL due to a left elbow strain.

#5 This week Sacramento A’s owner John Fisher said that he wanted to be more public and answer some of the questions that the press had for him even during the process of the team’s relocation to Las Vegas from the time. He just said he wanted to come out now and be a little more tranparent then had been. The one big question is Bally’s now is coming up with funding for the ballpark when they were suppose to pay for all the nuances around the park as Fisher reportedly has not come up with share of the stadium construction costs.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Struggle Without A’Ja Wilson Lose to Fever Without Caitlin Clark 84-68

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Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) drives on the Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) in the first half at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces took on the Indiana Fever at T-Mobile Arena. A few of the Las Vegas games have been moved to this venue due to the high demand for tickets.

For a third game in a row, A’Ja Wilson will not take the floor due to an ankle issue. Caitlan Clark is also on the injury list for the Fever. After the first two quarters it became very apparent that beating the Fever today would be a challenge.

The Aces had a one-point lead after the first ten minutes of play 23-24. At the half the Fever had taken the lead 42-41. It didn’t stop there. Indiana outscored the Aces in the third quarter 26-14 and with five minutes left in the game Las Vegas was trailing 77-62. The final was 84-68.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces again took the court without A’Ja Wilson her third missed game in a row. The Aces are so reliant on her rebounding abilities that they may have a struggle on their hands. While they did have a slim lead after the first ten minutes of play, they were turning the ball over and unable to create very many open shots.

The Fever were successfully keeping them out of the paint and shots from beyond the arc just were not working. Las Vegas took a 24-23 lead into the second quarter looking to extend that lead.

The Fever outscored the Aces in the second quarter 19-17 and led at the half 42-41. It was still anybody’s game but Las Vegas was starting to struggle. The turnovers continued and they would have a lot to improve on in the second half. The Fever continued to keep Vegas out of the paint and second chance shots were non-existent. Despite how close this game was, the way that the Aces were operating was not looking good at all.

When the third quarter got underway the Indiana Fever took control with defense, rebounding and timely shooting. The absence of Wilson was really glaring, the team missing her scoring, rebounding and the defensive anchor that she is. The Fever were winning the battle inside. Aliyah Boston controlled the paint and the Fever grabbed key offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. Indiana outscored the Aces 26-14 in the quarter and led going into the fourth quarter 67-55.

The Aces would have to get after it to start the final quarter but they continued to struggle. As the fourth quarter wore on Kelsey Mitchell made several big baskets whenever the Aces attempted a rally.

The Las Vegas offense had cooled off in the second half. They struggled to make shots and could not string together enough stops and scores to erase a significant deficit. The bottom line was that the Fever played a disciplined, physical game and executed better in the closing minutes. Indiana had capitalized on the absence of Wilson. The final was 84-68.

GAME NOTES

The second half was a nightmare for the Aces. The turnovers continued Las Vegas finishing with 13 conceding 13 points. The Fever took a lot more shots than the Aces and came away with numerous second chance opportunities.

Through 3 1/2 quarters the Aces did not have a single second chance ball. The Las Vegas starting lineup struggled the high for the Aces Jackie Young with only 15 points. The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell finished with 27 points and Aliyah Boston a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Aces will not play again until this coming Thursday taking on the Portland Fire. A’Ja Wilson has an estimated return of July 9th which is next Thursday. While the team does not want her to re-injure her ankle they are really hurting without her.

They need her healthy upon her return. Not only is her skill invaluable, she lifts the entire team up when she is on the floor. Tipoff for Thursday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sacramento A’s report: Marlins Perez serves up perfect game lifted in 7th; Miami edges A’s 9-8 for three game sweep

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Miami Marlins starter Eury Perez pitched seven innings of perfect ball before being lifted by Marlins manager Clayton McCullough against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

WEST SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Athletics spent most of the afternoon digging out of a perfect crater, nearly completing one of the season’s wildest comebacks, but still came up a run short in a heartbreaking 9-8 loss to the Miami Marlins.

A six-run deficit became an eight-run hole before the Green and Gold finally found life in the final two innings, but Miami held on to finish the sweep and hand Sacramento another frustrating defeat. The loss also continued a difficult stretch for an Athletics club that entered the day having dropped six of its previous seven games.

Miami wasted no time spoiling the day for rookie left-hander Gage Jump, who had been one of baseball’s hottest young pitchers since his promotion. Heriberto Hernández put the Marlins on the board in the first inning with a towering solo home run to center, and the visitors never let up. In the second, Otto Lopez lined a ground-rule RBI double into left-center before Liam Hicks lifted a sacrifice fly to center, stretching the lead to 3-0.

The third inning proved even more damaging. After Esteury Ruiz reached on an overturned challenge and promptly stole second, Leo Jiménez launched a two-run homer into the left-center-field seats. Later in the inning, Brian Navarreto ripped a ground-rule double before Lopez added another run with a sacrifice fly.

By the time the dust settled, Miami owned a commanding 6-0 advantage while Jump’s afternoon had come to an end after three innings. It was an unusual outing for the rookie, who entered with a 2.93 ERA after putting together one of the American League’s best rookie pitching months in June.

Sacramento’s offense had no answer for Eury Pérez. The hard-throwing right-hander carved through the lineup for seven perfect innings, as his fastball and breaking pitches kept hitters off balance throughout his dominant performance.

Miami kept adding insurance in the sixth when Lopez connected for a solo home run before Hernández struck again moments later with his second blast of the afternoon. Hernández finished with two home runs, a double, three RBIs and three runs scored, while Lopez reached base four times, homered, doubled, drove in three runs and scored three more. Jiménez also supplied a two-run homer as the Marlins built what appeared to be an insurmountable 8-0 cushion.

Much to the dismay of even Athletics fans, Pérez was pulled after seven innings denying him a chance to pursue a full perfect game. The decision was partly due to his recent return from injury and the fact that he had already thrown 92 pitches.

Still, the crowd of more than 8,000 was disappointed to lose the chance to witness a potentially historic performance, and fans made their frustration known to the Marlins throughout the rest of the game. However, Pérez’s exit finally opened the door for the A’s to stage their comeback.

It began in the eighth after Lawrence Butler drew a walk and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer followed with a single. Carlos Cortes ripped an RBI double into right field to get Sacramento on the scoreboard before Jonah Heim delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon. Facing reliever Lake Bachar, Heim crushed a grand slam to right field, instantly cutting the deficit to 8-5 and injecting life into both the dugout and the crowd.

Miami answered with an important insurance run in the ninth when Hicks grounded softly back to the mound, allowing Lopez to score from third and restore a four-run advantage.

Even that wasn’t enough to put the game away.

The Athletics loaded up one final rally against Pete Fairbanks. Zack Gelof opened the inning with a single before Butler doubled to put runners on second and third. A passed ball allowed Gelof to score, trimming the deficit to 9-6. Max Muncy later worked a walk, and Heim once again delivered in the clutch, lining a two-run single to center that brought Butler and Muncy home. Suddenly, Sacramento was within one run with the tying run aboard.

Miami finally escaped when Brian Serven grounded out to second base, ending an afternoon that nearly turned into one of the club’s most dramatic rallies of the season.

While the final score favored the Marlins, the Athletics did uncover a few bright spots. Heim finished with six RBIs thanks to his grand slam and two-run single, Cortes continued to swing a hot bat with a pair of doubles in as many games, and Kuroda-Grauer added another hit as he continues to impress early in his Major League career.

Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers also entered the day carrying the momentum of their first American League All-Star selections, another encouraging sign for a young core that continues to provide hope despite the club’s recent struggles.

The Athletics now head out on the road searching for a reset after dropping the series to Miami and ending a difficult homestand.

Next up, Sacramento opens a three-game series in Detroit on Tuesday, where Tarik Skubal (4-4, 3.15 ERA, 57 strikeouts) is scheduled to start for the Tigers, while the Athletics had not yet announced a probable starter as of Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Comerica Park is scheduled for 3:40 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. 

Giants Give Up Lead In Eighth Inning Lose to Rockies 7-6

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San Francisco Giant Drew Gilbert swings for a top of the second inning two run home run against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on Sun Jul 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After tying up the series in Denver with the Colorado Rockies (37-54) Saturday, the San Francisco Giants (37-52) came into game three with a loss to the Rockies on Sunday. The Giants turned this game into a home run derby hitting four long balls through five innings. Drew Gilbert hit the first one good for two runs in the second inning and Casey Schmitt a solo in the fifth.

Rafael Devers had a couple of homers a solo homer in the fourth inning and then his second of the day in the fifth. He very nearly knocked the cover off the ball driving it into the third deck, a tremendous hit giving San Francisco a 5-4 lead.

The Giants would add to their lead in the sixth inning for a 6-4 advantage. San Francisco hung onto the lead going into the bottom of the eighth. It then all seemed to fall apart in that inning when Kyle Karros homered with TJ Rumfield and Braxton Fulford aboard and that was the ball game. The Rockies took game three 7-6 as well as the series.

GAME RECAP

The Rockies were first up on the scoreboard in the opening inning taking a 2-0 lead. Jake McCarthy scored the first run and TJ Rumfield the second for a 2-0 Colorado lead. Scoring first in game one worked great for the Rockies and San Francisco had to keep pace.

San Francisco took care of business in the second inning tying up the game 2-2. Drew Gilbert hit a home run with Willy Adames on base and we had a tie game. Colorado pushed back in the bottom of the second with Edouard Julien scoring on a Brett Sullivan double taking back the lead 3-2.

In the third inning the Rockies extended their lead to 4-2. Troy Johnston hit a sacrifice fly and Hunter Goodman scored. Again San Francisco would have to step up and keep pace with Colorado in a real see-saw game.

The fourth and fifth innings revealed three more home runs for San Francisco as the Giants took back the lead 5-4. Rafael Devers had his first home run in the fourth inning for a 3-4 count.

In the fifth inning Casey Schmitt hit his 17th home run of the season tying up the game 4-4. Devers would break the tie with his second home run of the game and what a crushing hit it was flying into the third deck.

There was a pitching change for the Giants in the fifth inning. Erik Miller relieved Tyler Mahle who pitched through 4 1/3 innings. He allowed eight hits three earned runs, no walks with five strikeouts. Miller pitched the fifth and sixth innings.

San Francisco would add to their lead in the top of the 6th inning 6-4. Drew Gilbert singled driving Willy Adames home from second extending their lead. The Giants Adrian Houser and Sam Hentges combined on the mound to close-out the bottom of the seventh inning.

Drew Gilbert had his third hit of the game in the top of the eighth. He was having some great production at the plate which included his two run home run and three RBIs. San Francisco had two outs and two on in the top of the inning looking for more insurance runs.

Colorado has an explosive offense so trailing by only two runs was not at all out of their wheelhouse. The Giants wanted to pad that lead but unfortunately Schmitt grounded out leaving Gilbert and Luis Arraez stranded.

The Rockies got a rally going in the bottom of the seventh. TJ Rumfield doubled and Troy Johnston was hit by a pitch and with only one out Colorado was threatening. Then disaster hit when Kyle Karros knocked the ball out of the park, a three run homer taking the lead 7-6.

San Francisco got out of the inning but had some work to do in the top of the ninth inning. When it was looking so promising, the Giants were now three outs away from losing the series.

Heliot Ramos was first up in the ninth facing Jordan Romano on the mound who came in to try and close out the game. This was only his second outing. Ramos grounded out for the first out.

Rafael Devers struck out and San Francisco was down to their last out. Jung Hoo Lee came to the plate and got his first hit of the game and there was a glimmer of hope for the Giants.

Adames struck out and the Rockies had won the game and the series in a huge disappointment. Unfortunately the Giants have seen this far too many times over the season.

GAME NOTES

Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle started today for San Francisco. He pitched 4 1/3 innings allowing eight hits, three earned runs no walks with five strikeouts. He was relieved by Erik Miller in the fifth inning. He pitched 1 2/3 innings spotless with two strikeouts.

Adrian Houser and Sam Hentges combined successfully on the mound in the seventh inning. Dylan Smith came in to try and close out this game and sadly gave up two hits and three runs. The Rockies took the 7-6 lead into the top of the ninth inning and Colorado closer Jordan Romano finished off San Francisco.

The highlights of this game were the four homers hit by the Giants but the late game loss was a tough pill to swallow. Rafael Devers had two home runs and Drew Gilbert with another, Casey Schmitt with the fourth. They came into the game with some nice plate production but left too many runners on base. This was just another blown lead for San Francisco.

It will be a quiet ride home for the Giants no doubt. It’s just been an awful season for the them. They will need to put this series in the rear view mirror having little time before they take on the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night.

The Giants plan on starting Landen Roupp. He has a 5-8 win/loss record and a 4.55 ERA. Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Blue Jays with a 4-7 win/loss record and a 4.19 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 6:45 PM PDT.

Kings Rest Top Rookies, Still Defeat Warriors 91-85 Behind Sharp, Stevens

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Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during a 2026 NBA California Classic game on July 5, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory photo credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After Nique Clifford, Darius Acuff Jr., and Emanuel Sharp led the Kings to victory in their first Summer League game of 2026, the Kings elected to sit most of those players on the second night of a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon.

The Kings defeated the Warriors 91-85 in front of a solid Golden 1 Center crowd that filled the lower bowl.

Jonathan Mogbo and Emanuel Sharp were the lone players from Saturday’s starting lineup to start again on Sunday for the Kings. It was Sharp, who was drafted 45th overall by the Kings in this year’s NBA Draft, who truly shined for Sacramento in Sunday’s game.

Sharp led the Kings in scoring with 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists.

Sharp spoke with the media after the game about the mindset he brings into each contest.

“I go into the game and whatever the game plan coach has, I’m just trying to follow that to a T and then just follow my own standards for what I have for myself,” Emanuel Sharp said. “Playing hard, you can’t control whether my shots are going in. Some games it is going in, some games it is not. But I can always control my defense, how hard I’m playing, my energy, my enthusiasm for my teammates, and being a good teammate.”

Isaiah Stevens was another major bright spot for the Kings as the two-way guard put up 18 points in 27 minutes of action.

“I have a lot of confidence that we can speed other teams up with those two [Sharp and Stevens],” Chris Darnell said after the game. “Those are your guys defending at the point of attack. So it takes teams out of their offense and then both of those guys can handle on the other end. You can kind of play one off ball, play one on. You can seek matchups in a different way just depending on who’s guarding those guys. So it’s great to have multiple handlers, but then when they both defend at such a high level, that’s really what you want to see as a coach.”

The Kings will wrap up their California Classic slate on Monday when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. PDT inside Golden 1 Center. Kings coach Chris Darnell could not confirm if Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp, or Nique Clifford would play in the last game on Monday. 

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.