Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (16) is greeted in the dugout after scoring on a single by Shea Langeliers (23) in the top of the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A in Anaheim on Fri Jun 26, 2026 (AP News photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Tony Harvey:
#1 The Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers got their sixth straight single in the top of the fifth inning during a seven run rally that help defeat the Los Angeles Angels 9-3 on Friday night. This coming after the Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian (Ma-Nah-ssian) on Thursday.
#2 A’s pitcher JT Ginn pitched six innings allowed eight hits, three earned runs, struck out five and walked a batter. Ginn was key in holding off the Angels. Ginn had a rugged June with a 6.14 ERA allowing 44 home runs overall Ginn 6-4 ERA 3.25.
#3 Angels starter Walbert Urena was perfect until the fifth inning. Urena threw for 15 straight strikes doing it over 36 pitches 31 of those for strikes and he retired the first 12 hitters he faced.
#4 Max Muncy got an infield hit that ended Urena’s perfect game and the eventually loaded the bases. The A’s built a 7-1 lead and did most of the damage in the fifth inning.
#5 The A’s and Angels due battle again at the Big A in Anaheim taking a look at the starting pitchers for Saturday night for Sacramento RHP Jack Perkins (2-3 ERA 6.26) for Los Angeles LHP Reid Detmers (3-5 ERA 3.93) first pitch 6:38pm PDT
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 Alika Williams (12) dives into home plate on a Henry Bolte (33) RBI base hit in the top of the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A in Anaheim on Fri Jun 26, 2026 (AP News photo)
Seven Run Surge Sends Athletics Rolling Past Angels
By Mauricio Segura
The Sacramento A’s could not solve Los Angeles Angels starter Walbert Ureña for the first four innings. In fact, Ureña had a perfect game going to that point. Every batter was retired in order, and the Green and Gold found themselves chasing a 1-0 deficit after Donovan Walton’s RBI single in the fourth gave Los Angeles the early advantage. Then everything changed in one unforgettable fifth inning.
The Angels looked firmly in control behind Ureña, who cruised through the opening dozen hitters without allowing a baserunner. J.T. Ginn matched him for much of the evening, limiting the damage despite traffic on the bases and keeping the game within reach.
Ginn escaped a first-inning threat with a double play and stranded another runner at third in the third before the Angels finally scratched across the game’s first run when Walton lined a two-out single to center after Wade Meckler’s double and a passed ball.
That slim lead disappeared in dramatic fashion in the fifth as the Athletics erupted for seven runs on seven consecutive scoring opportunities. Tyler Soderstrom drew a leadoff walk before Jonah Heim reached on a force play and Lawrence Butler added another free pass.
Max Muncy broke up the perfect game with an infield single to load the bases, setting the stage for Jeff McNeil. The veteran second baseman ripped a single to right that scored Heim and Butler, giving the Athletics their first lead of the night.
The rally only gained momentum. Alika Williams followed with an RBI single that also turned into an extra base after an Angels throwing error, bringing home another run. Henry Bolte delivered a two-run single, then advanced on a disengagement violation before Nick Kurtz lined another run-scoring hit to center.
A wild pitch moved Kurtz into scoring position, and Shea Langeliers capped the outburst with an RBI single before swiping second base. By the time the inning finally ended, the Athletics had transformed a one-run deficit into a commanding 7-1 advantage.
Los Angeles answered in the bottom half of the inning when Jo Adell crushed a two-run homer to right-center, trimming the margin to four. Ginn finished five innings, allowing three runs while continuing his strong work away from home. Luis Medina followed with two scoreless strikeout-filled innings before Hogan Harris escaped a late eighth-inning jam, and Elvis Alvarado handled the ninth to complete the victory.
The Athletics were not finished scoring. Bolte reached on catcher interference to begin the seventh, stole second, and raced home when Kurtz lined another sharp single to center. Langeliers singled again before Jonah Heim drove a ground-rule double into the left-center gap, plating Kurtz and stretching the lead to 9-3. Those insurance runs removed any lingering suspense.
McNeil finished with two huge RBI in the decisive fifth, while Kurtz continued adding to his outstanding season with two hits and two RBI after entering the game among the American League leaders in RBI, walks and on-base percentage. Langeliers chipped in two hits, an RBI and a stolen base while strengthening his case as the Athletics’ lone finalist for the American League All-Star Game. Bolte reached base twice, scored once, stole a base and drove in two more runs, continuing the impressive rookie campaign that has seen him become one of baseball’s top first-year hitters.
Friday night’s win was the A’s 40th of the season and continued their strong play against the Angels. After snapping a four-game skid with an impressive comeback over San Francisco, the club carried that momentum into another division matchup with an offense that took control when they needed.
The series continues Friday as A’s starter Jack Perkins (2-3, 6.26 ERA, 57 strikeouts) looks to quiet the Angels against left-hander Reid Detmers (3-5, 3.93 ERA, 104 strikeouts), with first pitch scheduled for 6:38 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.
Golden State Valkyries #3 Laeticia Amihere fighting her way in the paint against the Atlanta Dream’s defense at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Friday June 26th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Robert Edwards-Imagn Image)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to action at their home this Friday night. Once again, the Golden State is hosting the Atlanta Dream as the team celebrated Pride Night in Ballhalla. Just two days ago, Golden State got its first win over Atlanta, 77-66. Friday night, Atlanta came into Chase Center wanting to run it back, and they got it. As the Golden State would take an early-season series on them 2-0, the Valkyries hang on and beat the Dream, 78-75.
In their last matchup on Wednesday evening in San Francisco, Valkyries Gabby Williams dropped 23 points on her 9-of-16 shooting. With a big contribution from her teammate Kayla Thornton, as she knocked down five three pointers and topped it off with her 17 points in their win. That win against Atlanta also snapped their four-game winning streak.
So, once again, with no changes to their starting lineup. Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as their starting five. Golden State’s Cecilia, in the last game, also went 4-of-6 on shooting beyond the arc.
Hoping to bounce back in their last loss at Chase Center. The Atlanta Dream would send out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Coming off the bench and leading the Dream in scoring was Madina Okot with her 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
Valkyries Kiah Stokes would start the game off in Ballhalla with a 24-foot 3-point jumper and get the Valkyries’ first points of the night. Then, halfway through the first quarter, Kiah Stokes would throw a bad pass, leading Atlanta for a quick running layup, and tying the score, 10-10. Then in the final seconds of the first quarter, again Golden State would cause another turnover, and again leading to Atlanta scoring. Only this time, Dream’s Jordin Canada would make them pay with a 25-foot 3-point step back jump shot. Atlanta holds a 1-point lead, 21-20.
Two minutes into the second quarter, Golden State would get the first basket of the quarter with Kaitlyn Chen driving in for a layup. She would bring the Valkyries lead back by one point, 22-21. The Valkyries would also see more turnovers and shooting fouls called on them. So with that, Atlanta would take advantage and build some momentum, and even take the lead and push it to 6-points, 35-29.
Right before halftime, in the final minute and a half, Golden State’s Kiah Stokes would hit a big three point jumper. Getting the fans and her teammates back on their feet with full of excitement and hope. So at the end of the first half, Golden State is down to Atlanta in their home by just three points, 35-32.
At the start of the second half, Atlanta Dreams Angel Reese would make a quick, inside basket to start the third quarter. Followed right after in the next possession, with Kiah Stokes getting an inside bucket to go in for her own. Atlanta is getting in the paint and seeing some shots going in. Golden State was mentally struggling in their home court and trying to get their offensive momentum going.
Then, Valkyrie Tiffany Hayes fights off a defender for an and one, cutting the lead to two-points, 41-38. That basket would bring some life into Golden State because right after that possession. Golden State’s Kaitlyn Chen would make a 25-foot 3-point jumper and give them the lead, 42-41. In the final 19 seconds of the third, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada would knock down a 3-pointer while getting fouled for a four-point play, 55-49. However, Golden State quickly responded with a driving layup and bringing the lead within four points, 55-51.
So, entering the final quarter of the game, Golden State again would score the first basket of the quarter. Then, eventually, two minutes in, tying the game, 55-55, but it wouldn’t hold long as Atlanta’s Jordin Canada drove it in for the layup. Canada’s impact and style of play were crucial for Atlanta in this game. At the halfway point, Atlanta took the lead by two, due to Jordin Canada once again finding a way inside the paint to score, 63-61.
Entering the final two minutes of the game, both teams were exchanging buckets, back and forth, until Atlanta would challenge a ball possession and lose that challenge. Then, on the next possession, Gabby Williams would make a midrange jumper, giving Golden State the lead, 71-69. Just seconds later, Williams would get a steal on Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and go in for the layup with a minute remaining.
Then it was smooth sailing from there as Golden State would hang on and get the win against Atlanta as time winded down. The final score would be 78-75, as Gabby Williams would lead the Valkyries with her 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. With big help from her teammate, Kiah Stokes, off of her 13 points and had four rebounds.
With one more game remaining in the month of June for Golden State. The Valkyries will remain in their home at Ballhalla and host the New York Liberty. The New York Liberty are coming off a loss in Seattle against the Storm, 99-88. In that loss, Liberty was led by Jonquel Jones with 26 points and eight rebounds. The game will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN.
Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies, center, runs to first after hitting an RBI sacrifice fly in front of San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) during the fifth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
By Lincoln Juarez
SAN FRANCISCO – Last week in Atlanta the Giants took the first two games out of three from the Braves in the same day due to inclement weather that pushed the final half of game one a day later. San Francisco swept the partial doubleheader scoring a total of 14 runs in those two games including a combined six home runs. Friday night in the city by the Bay the Braves got a hold of the Giants offense and didn’t let go, holding them to just one run which came in the first inning.
A short while past 24 hours since the Giants’ bullpen blew a ninth inning lead to the A’s, Trevor McDonald (2-5, 4.93 ERA) toed the rubber on Orange Friday at Oracle Park. McDonald held the Braves scoreless in the first but proceeded to allow a run in three of the next four innings. Atlanta had a 3-1 lead when McDonald was pulled after 5.1 innings, giving up seven hits and three earned runs. Former Giants Dom Smith and Mauricio Dubon were in on the action for Atlanta, Smith with an RBI and Dubon with two runs scored.
Three members of San Francisco’s bullpen relieved McDonald after a disastrous Thursday afternoon where they gave up seven runs across the final three innings of the game to blow a four-run lead and cost Landen Roupp his sixth win of the season.
Friday night was different and the bullpen kept the Braves scoreless after McDonald’s departure. Gage, Hentges, and Houser combined for 3.2 scoreless, one-hit innings.
With the bullpen doing their part, the Giants’ offense had countless opportunities to cash in and tie the game or even take the lead. Instead the team went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, left nine runners on base, and failed to score after the first inning. Capped off by Luis Arraez making a poor read on a ground ball and getting thrown out at third base after his leadoff double in the first, and Willy Adames getting doubled up at first base on a shallow fly ball to center, it was a brutal night for the Giants’ offense.
The only bright spot in the batter’s box for the Orange and Black was catcher Drew Cavanaugh’s first big-league hit in his Major League debut. He went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout.
Atlanta used six pitchers, including starter Reynaldo Lopez (3-1, 3.50 ERA) to carve up the Giants’ order and secure game one to start their weekend in the Bay. Raisel Iglesias earned his 16th save of the season and Trevor McDonald fell to 2-6. Saturday night ace Logan Webb (4-5, 3.35 ERA) will try to get the Giants back in the win column against the Braves’ Bryce Elder (5-5, 3.71 ERA). First pitch at 6:05pm.
San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer (pictured) spoke with KNBR Talk Show hosts John Dickinson and Dieter Kurtenbach on Thu Jun 25, 2026 regarding team president Buster Posey’s press conference on Tue Jun 23, 2026 and his thoughts on how Posey is doing on the job. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)
San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:
#1 Lincoln just wanted to get the latest from the San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer who said on the air with KNBR talk show hosts John Dickinson and Dieter Kurtenbach on Thursday that Baer said that Oracle Park is a place where everyone and anybody of any ethnic or sexual orientation is welcome. In light of what took place on Fri Jun 5th on Pride night from what you have heard are the LGBTQ community asking for an apology from the players who wrote on their caps or more than that?
#2 Baer said that the Giants have created an experience for all fans that are welcoming saying that’s a north star and that will not change. Did Larry’s KNBR kind of answer any confusion there might have been about how the players who expressed their religous expression that might have offended anyone?
#2 Baer said that ownership has a lot of trust in Buster Posey who by the way who is a part owner himself. Even after the press conference where Posey said he only wanted to answer baseball questions.
#3 Baer was asked where does Posey stand in his job as team president and Baer said the Giants have a lot of trust in Buster but does that reflect with what has happened on the field and where the Giants are in the standings.
#4 Does giving the players an option to wear either the pride hat or the regular hat give them a way out if they choose not to wear the hat.
#5 Larry didn’t take any follow up questions after addressing the pride hat issue and went onto take other questions on other subjects. Is that seen as something that he wanted to move past this subject or that was all he had to say about?
The flags of Australia and Paraguay are on full displayed before the playing of the national anthems before both countries final match in Group D play of the FIFA 2026 World Cup at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Thursday JUN 25, 2026. (Marko Ukalovic-SRS)
by Marko Ukalovic
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Australia and Paraguay dragged out to a scoreless draw in their final match in Group D play of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday evening at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Australia finished Group D with four points, good enough for second place and an automatic bid to the Round of 32. Paraguay also finished with four points but ended up in third as they had a worse goal differential than the Aussies minus two to zero. Paraguay is in the fourth spot of the third-place teams and is in good position to advance to the knockout round. The top eight third-place team advance along with the 24 group winners and second place finishers.
Australia (1-1-1) made six changes to the starting XI that faced the United States in their 2-0 loss. Aziz Behich, Lucas Herrington, Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato were inserted to start by head coach Tony Popovic. Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano are injured, Cameron Burgess, Paul Okon-Engstler, Mohamed Touré and Nishan Velupillay were benched to begin the game.
Lucas Herrington made his World Cup debut at 18 years of age. Twelve months ago, he was barely playing senior football and now is playing for Barcelona in the La Liga.
Paraguay (1-1-1) made 3 changes to their starting XI that faced Turkiye. Alexandro Maidana, Gustavo Velázquez and Gabriel Ávalos come in today. Miguel Almiron is suspended from receiving a red card for covering his mouth in the last match, Junior Alonso and Isidro Pitta started on the bench for La Albirroja (white and red).
Both teams found it difficult to create quality scoring chances in the first half. Australia’s Jody Bos recorded his team’s first shot on target in the 36th minute. Bos’s shot from long distance was saved by Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil. The Socceroos finished with three shots on target while Paraguay didn’t register any in the opening 45 minutes.
The match featured a lot of physicality on both sides and things got even chippier in the second half as hard tackles as well as pushes and shoves were being allowed by referee Clement Turpin to the frustration of both teams.
Both countries had chances in stoppage time to break the deadlock and earn three points. Paraguay’s Mauricio attempt in the third minute of stoppage time was saved by Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach. Then a minute later Ajdin Rustic cut back into the middle and found Tete Yengi who wasn’t able to muster much power on his shot attempt as Gil gobbled up the last chance of the match.
Beach made five saves and Gil had two for their respective clean sheets.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) is fired up after scoring against the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Sheppard (right) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jun 25, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Rich Perez
They say third times a charm. In their first meeting back in late May the Dallas Wings (11-7) beat Las Vegas Aces (13-5) 95-87 and in their second matchup Dallas walloped the Aces earlier this month 96-66. Thursday night the Aces figured it out and via a great opening quarter and a terrific finish they finally beat the Wings in a solid offensive and defensive game 99-84.
Game recap: This was the start that had eluded the Aces in their two previous matches with the Wings. They built an early lead by forcing Dallas into some difficult shots. They also got balanced scoring rather than relying on just one or two players. They controlled the pace and took a 28-17 lead into the second quarter.
The fast start for Las Vegas set the tone for this game in one of their best opening quarters of the season. Aggressive defense, efficient shotmaking and controlling the glass forced Dallas to work overtime for most of their baskets in the first ten minutes of play.
In the second quarter Dallas raised its intensity outscoring the Aces but only by a single point 22-21. The Wings were more aggressive attacking the basket putting more pressure on the Aces. Dallas had found more offensive rhythm in the second quarter than they had had in the opening quarter.
The Aces had more turnovers and a number of empty possessions. They did however respond with timely baskets whenever the Wings threatened to make a major run. Las Vegas had a 49-39 lead at the half.
The Wings continued to hang around in the third quarter again outscoring the Aces by a couple of points 24-22 making this game a bit uncomfortable for Las Vegas. This had been the Aces most uncomfortable stretch in the game.
Dallas came into the quarter with a lot of energy putting a lot of pressure on Las Vegas. They continued to attack the paint playing with greater urgency. The Aces offense on the other hand became less fluid and they had fewer easy scoring opportunities.
By the end of the quarter the comfortable lead the Aces once enjoyed had shrunk. They needed to execute in the fourth quarter and avoid letting the Wings make a comeback.
The Wings had chipped away at the lead in the second and third quarters but the Aces did not panic. They came out and executed better in key moments in the final quarter. Las Vegas made timely buckets and the veterans made smart decisions by hitting key shots, getting to the free-throw line or creating great looks for teammates.
They really tightened up defensively with key stops in the closing moments which made all the difference in this game. They kept the Wings from getting too many second-chance opportunities. Las Vegas outscored the Wings in the fourth quarter 28-21 and the final score in the Vegas win was 99-84.
A’Ja Wilson had the high score in this game with 32 points and Jackie Young finished with 20 points. Chelsea Gray had 11 points and bench players Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Keirstan Bell both came away with double digits. Collectively the bench finished with 31 points.
The Wings’ Jessica Shepard finished the game with a double double, 22 points and 14 rebounds. Paige Bueckers had the high for the Wings with 25 points
Game notes: The Aces settled a score with the Wings with their first win after three tries against Wings. Thursday night they found a way to beat the Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena after losing to the New York Liberty Tuesday night.
The Las Vegas offense sputtered at times in that game and the Liberty came in with a solid game plan that they executed to perfection. The fourth quarter in that game saw the Aces threaten to make a come-back but came up just short losing 87-76.
The score that Las Vegas would dearly love to settle Thursday night however was regarding a loss to the Wings on June 15 to the tune of 96-66. It was a most unexpected lop-sided game with the Wings thrashing the Aces.
Las Vegas does remain in second place in the standings with the Dream nipping at their heels in third place. The season is approaching the half-way mark and the Aces got back on track with a win Thursday night over Dallas. The Wings are currently in fifth place in the WNBA.
The Aces will next take on the Chicago Sky at United Center. The game will take place this Sunday June 28th. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 1:00 PM PDT. It will be televised on CBS and Paramount.
Sacramento A’s Lawrence Butler (4) scores safely on a slide under the glove of San Francisco Giants catcher Eric Haase (18) after a base hit by Jeff McNeil in the top of the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francsico on Thu Jun 25, 2026 (Golden Bay Times photo)
By Mauricio Segura
SAN FRANCISCO–The Sacramento A’s mirrored the weather at Oracle Park. They opened the game cold and slow before settling into a steady rhythm through the middle innings. Then, as the sun finally broke through in the ninth, so did their offense. The bats heated up, their focus became crystal clear, and they seized the day with a dramatic 9-6 victory over the Giants.
For six innings, the Giants looked ready to continue their recent dominance over the Athletics. Then the Green and Gold reminded everyone that they did not need to adhere to the line written in the infield dirt by their rivals or accept an easy sweep.
Trailing by one run entering the ninth inning, the Athletics erupted for four hits, a walk, a stolen base, a wild pitch, and four clutch RBI knocks to storm back for a dramatic 9-6 victory. The comeback snapped a four-game losing streak, spoiled what appeared to be a comfortable Giants afternoon, and gave the Athletics a much-needed boost as they reached the halfway point of the season.
The game opened as a pitchers’ duel between Jeffrey Springs and Landen Roupp. Neither offense could solve the starters through the first three innings, although Henry Bolte and Jeff McNeil created a few opportunities that never turned into runs. Roupp repeatedly escaped trouble by striking out Nick Kurtz twice and Shea Langeliers twice during the early frames, while Springs matched him by retiring nine of the first 11 Giants he faced.
San Francisco finally broke the scoreless tie in the fourth when Willy Adames launched a solo home run into the left-center field seats. It was the only mistake Springs made through his first four innings, and it briefly gave the Giants the upper hand.
The Athletics answered immediately in the fifth. McNeil reached after being hit earlier in the game and later singled before Alika Williams delivered one of the biggest swings of the afternoon, lining a double to left that brought McNeil home to even the score. Moments later, Nick Kurtz hit a ground ball that produced a force play but still allowed Williams to cross the plate, putting the Athletics ahead, 2-1.
Williams continued to make an impact after replacing the injured Zack Gelof before the game. His RBI double ignited the comeback, and he later scored while adding solid defense at shortstop.
Springs carried the lead into the sixth, but everything unraveled after two outs. Bryce Eldridge drew a walk, Casey Schmitt followed with a single, and after Matt Krook entered from the bullpen, the Giants loaded the bases. Jung Hoo Lee then ripped a bases-clearing triple into center field, turning a one-run deficit into a 4-2 San Francisco advantage. Victor Bericoto followed immediately by crushing a two-run homer to center, capping a five-run inning that suddenly put the Giants in command, 6-2.
The Athletics refused to disappear.
In the seventh, McNeil and Williams reached again before Langeliers lined a two-run single into center, trimming the deficit to 6-4. An inning later, Lawrence Butler doubled and eventually scored when McNeil lined another single into right, bringing the Athletics within one run entering the final inning.
Then came the decisive rally.
Henry Bolte opened the ninth with a single and advanced on a wild pitch. After Kurtz struck out, Langeliers hit a grounder that moved Bolte no farther, leaving the Athletics down to their final out after Tyler Soderstrom earned a walk following a successful challenge.
Jonah Heim answered with the biggest hit of his afternoon, sending a ground-ball single into left to score Bolte and tie the game at six. Butler followed with another sharp single that scored Soderstrom and suddenly flipped the scoreboard in the Athletics’ favor. After Butler stole second, Max Muncy delivered the knockout punch with a two-run single to left, bringing home Heim and Butler to complete a breathtaking seven-run swing from the sixth inning onward.
Bolte quietly fueled the offense all afternoon with three hits and strong defense in center field. McNeil also collected three hits and scored twice while driving home a run. Williams finished with two hits and two runs scored, Butler contributed two hits, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base, Heim delivered the game-tying RBI single, Langeliers drove in two, and Muncy’s late two-run hit provided valuable breathing room. Soderstrom added three hits and reached base four times.
Mason Barnett handled the ninth with authority, striking out Victor Bericoto before retiring Eric Haase and Drew Gilbert to seal the comeback.
The victory carried extra significance for an Athletics club that had dropped 10 of its previous 12 meetings against the Giants and entered the afternoon having scored two runs or fewer in three of its previous four games. Instead of another frustrating finish, the Green and Gold authored one of their most memorable rallies of the season.
Next up, the Athletics head south to face the Angels, where right-hander J.T. Ginn (5-4, 3.16 ERA, 74 strikeouts) is expected to oppose Los Angeles right-hander Walbert Ureña (5-5, 2.41 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. Pacific as the Athletics look to carry their comeback momentum into a new series.
Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, The 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.
Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (16) is one of the leading home run hitters in baseball with 19 who meets up with the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco for the final meeting of the three game series on Thu Jun 25, 2026 (AP file photo)
I-80 Series podcast Jack Loeder (KNBR 680 reporter)
#1 Although the Sacramento A’s are just up the road it really doesn’t feel quite the same without these two clubs meeting as former Bay Area rivals.
#2 The A’s are just a year and half away from moving to Las Vegas you would think from the pure business stand point and economic aspect that having two baseball teams in the Bay Area would have benefited the San Francisco Giants rather than the Giants just having a corner of the market to themselves.
#3 The A’s are a fun team to watch Nick Kurtz is going to be an All Star he can be on track to be a Hall of Famer if he can keep his numbers up through his career.
#4 The match up of pitchers on Wednesday saw a pitching duel between A’s starter Gage Jump and Giants starter Landen Roupp which ended up with the Giants coming back after trailing 1-0 with home runs from Rafeal Devers and Victor Bericoto for the 2-1 win.
Joe Loeder is a reporter for KNBR 680 San Francisco better known as The Sports Leader
Sacramento A’s starter Gage Jump pitching here against the Los Angeles Angels on Thu Jun 18, 2026. Jump made the start against the San Francisco Giants on Wed Jun 24, 2026 (AP file photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Bruce Macgowan:
#1 Which rookie pitcher had the stronger outing on June 24, 2026: Athletics left-hander Gage Jump or Giants starter Tyler Mahle?
#2 How did the Giants erase a 1–0 deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game 2–1?
#3 Which Athletics player hit the game’s first and only Oakland home run, giving his team a late lead in the eighth inning?
#4 What defensive play by Giants rookie Victor Bericoto helped keep the game scoreless before his walk-off home run?
#5 Why was the loss particularly frustrating for the Athletics despite receiving an excellent start from Gage Jump? Consider both their missed scoring opportunities and bullpen performance.
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.
