The Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier, left, skates with the puck as the San Jose Sharks’ Timothy Liljegren defends during the second period of a preseason game on Monday night at Honda Center. The Ducks won, 3-2. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
By Mary Walsh
The San Jose Sharks lost to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in their third preseason game of 2025. Cutter Gauthier, Radko Gudas and Frank Vatrano scored for the Ducks.
Ville Husso made 22 saves for the win. Pavol Regenda and Adam Gaudette scored for the Sharks. Goalie Jakub Skarek played the first half of the game for the Sharks, making 13 saves on 16 shots. Gabriel Carriere made 14 saves in the second half.
In a scoreless first period, Anaheim outshot San Jose 9-6. Each team took a single penalty, overlapping for about 30 seconds of four-on-four play. Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais was called for cross-checking Ducks center Tim Washe, then Ducks winger Alex Killorn was called for slashing Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Just 21 seconds into the second period, Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba was called for cross-checking Sharks winger Pavol Regenda and roughing Vincent Desharnais. Desharnais received a matching roughing penalty. The resulting Sharks power play was unproductive.
At 6:22, the Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier scored a power play goal. He intercepted the puck as the Sharks tried to clear it up the middle and put it past Jakub Skarek on the glove side with a wrist shot.
Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas made it 2-0 at 7:09 with a snap shot through traffic that beat Skarek on the stick side. Assists went to Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko.
Frank Vatrano made it 3-0 at 9:13. Tyson Hinds got behind the Sharks defense and Vatrano was not far behind, ready to take a cross-ice pass to score with a snap shot. An assist also went to Ryan Strome.
Pavol Regenda ended the shutout, deflecting a shot from Mukhamadullin at 13:29. An assist also went to Oliver Wahlstrom.
In all, the officials called ten penalties in the second period. The shots were closer than in the first, 10-9 Anaheim.
The Sharks took another penalty at 2:50 of the third period, a high-sticking call to Kasper Halttunen. Desharnais was also called for high-sticking at 13:02.
Adam Gaudette cut the Anaheim lead to one with a snap shot at 15:59. Shane Bowers got the assist.
The Sharks next play on Wednesday in San Jose against the Ducks again at 7:00 PM PT.
San Jose Barracuda forward Igor Cherynshov (24) is preparing with his San Jose teammates for their first pre season game against the Bakersfield Condors on Sat Oct 5, 2025 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)
San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:
#1 Which new or recently signed Barracuda players are expected to make a big impact in camp, and what are their roles likely to be?
#2 Which prospects are on the bubble between Sharks vs Barracuda, and what would decide whether they stick with the AHL or get NHL minutes?
#3 How much is the coaching staff likely to lean on recent standout performances (AHL stats, prior season) when evaluating players, compared to potential and development upside?
#4 What are the expectations for players returning from injury (or who missed games), and how will that affect their chances in camp?
#5 San Jose Barracuda open up pre season action against the Bakersfield Condors next Sat Oct 4th in Bakersfield talk about some of the things that head coach John McCarthy is looking for in this upcoming game?
Sacramento Kings Dennis Schroder can be a huge difference working with the rookies and young players in camp for the upcoming 2025-26 season (Sacramento Kings X photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:
#1 Which young players or rookies in camp have the best chance to outperform expectations and earn a rotational spot, and why?
#2 How will the coaching staff manage the minutes and development balance between veterans and less experienced players during scrimmages and preseason games?
#3 How will the Kings integrate their veteran acquisitions shooting guard Dennis Schröder with young core players during camp, and will that impact early rotations?
#4 Which players on non‑guaranteed or Exhibit 10 contracts like Terence Davis have the best shot to make the opening night roster, and what will they need to prove?
#5 Which guard — among Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Devin Carter or others — might miss the rotation, and what factors defense, playmaking, shooting will decide that outcome?
Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday and throughout the 2025-26 NBA season 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.
Former San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin signs a hat for a fan on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Melvin was fired by the Giants on Mon Sep 29, 2025 one day after the regular season was completed. (AP News photo)
By Stephen Ruderman
The Giants announced Monday morning that they have dismissed Manager Bob Melvin after just two seasons.
Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey informed Melvin Monday morning.
“After meeting with ownership, I met with Bob today to inform him of my decision,” said Posey in a statement put out by the Giants this morning. “On behalf of the organization, I want to express my appreciation to Bob for his dedication, professionalism and class. I wish him all the best.”
Melvin was brought in following Gabe Kapler’s dismissal following the 2023 season. After several off-season acquisitions, expectations were high for the Giants last season.
However, a season-ending injury to Jung Hoo Lee, and complications surrounding then-President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi complicated things. The Giants were never able to put much together last season, and they finished their third-straight mediocre season at 80-82.
Posey was brought in to replace Zaidi at the end of last season, which gave Melvin more freedom to manage during games. The Giants also signed Willy Adames to bolster their offense, and following an 18-10 spring, expectations were high for the team.
The Giants started the season on fire, winning eight of their first nine games. They got their record to 24-14 after a win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 7. There was a true belief and determination by the team to make this a special season.
Unfortunately, the Giants lost their mojo and played .500 ball for the next month and a half. Following a sweep by the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in late June, cracks began to appear in the armor of the team.
Despite the Giants’ struggles, Posey exercised Melvin’s option for next season on July 1. The Giants regained their momentum to win seven of their next nine.
However, after a brutal loss to the Dodgers to end the first half on July 13, the Giants collapsed, losing 12 of their next 14 to fall the way to under .500. That led Posey to sell at the trade deadline, as reliever Tyler Rogers, closer Camilo Doval and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski were all dealt for prospects.
Things continued to get worse for the Giants in August, and they fell to seven games under .500 at 61-68 after a walk-off home run by William Contreras in Milwaukee on Aug. 22. The summer was lowlighted by a 1-15 stretch at home.
After a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, which was the Giants’ 14th loss in their previous 15 home games, Melvin raised eyebrows saying, “We take the field every day, and gotta do it the next day, unfortunately.” It was a comment that rubbed Giants’ fans in a negative way, and showed signs of a manager losing his edge.
After Contreras’ walk-off home run on Aug. 22, the Giants suddenly got hot again. They won 11 of their next 12, and 14 out of 18 in total to get to just a half-game back of the New York Mets for the third wild card spot in the National League on Sept. 12.
At the end, it was the same story. The following night, the Giants blew a 4-1 lead to the Dodgers with Logan Webb on the mound in a brutal 13-7 loss. Three nights later, the Giants scored four runs in the top of the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, but blew the lead in a brutal 6-5 loss.
The Giants ended up eight out of ten, and were eliminated on Sept. 23. The Giants did win their final four to finish right at .500 at 81-81 for the second time in the last four years, but the damage was already done. At the end, the Giants finished just two games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the third wild card spot in the National League.
What started off as a magical season eventually turned into the Giants’ fourth-straight mediocre season. It was also the third time in the last four years in which the Giants were at double digits in games over .500, but failed to finish over .500.
“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team,” Posey said in the statement. “The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward.”
Melvin’s tenure is the shortest of any Giants’ manager in 40 years. Melvin became the first Giants’ skipper to last less than four seasons—or shall we say less than three games shy of four seasons—since Jim Davenport was brought in in 1985, only to last 144 games in a brutal 100-loss season, the worst in the Giants’ 68 seasons in San Francisco.
The Giants went 131-133 in Melvins’ two seasons at the helm.
Posey and the Giants will now look for a new skipper to help break the spell of mediocrity that has engulfed the Giants over the last four seasons.
Sacramento A’s outfielder Brent Rooker models the Sacramento uniform the A’s will use when on the road for the 2026 season. (photo by Sacramento A’s X)
MLB Notes 2025 -Giants get No Satisfaction
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The San Francisco Giants got “No Satisfaction” like the great Rolling Stones song, as they ended the season with an 81-81 record, a tie, and. a .500 mark. Not going to the postseason. The Giants last qualified in 2021. They have a lot of work to do in the next few months to try to join the “big boys” of this division, LA and SD.
Mets learned that Money is not the Answer. The New York Mets, with the highest payroll in baseball, featuring Juan Soto at $765 million and Francisco Lindor at $341 million, among others, had a shot but failed to win game #162.
They are not going to the postseason. Manager Carlos Mendoza? His job is in danger. In New York, there is always danger for managers. The Cincinnati Reds had the 22nd-largest payroll among all 30 teams, approximately $90 million, and one of the best managers, Terry Francona.
They clinched a wild-card spot in the last game of the season. The last time the Reds were in a postseason was in 2020. Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) completed a historic comeback, overcoming a 15 1/2 game deficit to take the lead this month and won the AL Central Division on the last day of the season by leaving the Detroit Tigers in the rear view mirror.
The feat that makes it the largest deficit ever erased to win a division in Major League Baseball history. Manager and ex-Oakland A’s catcher Stephen Vogt, in his second season as manager, took the team to the top. Blue Jays, Oh Canada!
They won the LA East Title over the Yankees. Last time the Blue Jays were in the postseason? 2016. Again, Vlad Guerrero Jr. justifies his $500 million, multi-year contract. New York, New York, Start spreading the news.
The Yankees secured a wild-card spot and advanced to the postseason as they finished in second place behind the Toronto Blue Jays. While the Blue Jays have their eyes on their third World Series title, the Yanks are going after their 28th.
Could the #1 city in the country have another parade? As I was on vacation, I ran into their last parade in Lower Manhattan in 2009, the last World Series they won. The Seattle Mariners won the AL West division, clinching their first AL West title since 2001.
Catcher Cal Raleigh had 60 home runs, 125 RBIs, and a .248 batting average. First catcher ever to hit 60 home runs in a single season, and the 12th catcher in history to have multiple 30-plus HR seasons. Cal Raleigh holds the MLB record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s 1961 record of 54 home runs with his 55th of the 2025 season, and, like above-mentioned, he ended with 60 home runs.
He is one of two top candidates for the AL MVP, with Yankee Aaron Judge, who won the batting title. hitting .330 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs, plus an OPS of 1,149. The Brewers from Milwaukee ended with the best record in baseball, 97-65, winning the AL Central Division and marking their best year in franchise history.
They have never won a World Series. In 1982, they lost their only World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, in the battle of the “beer cities.” Four million Blue. The Los Angeles Dodgers surpassed 4 million in attendance.
The Dodgers hold the record for the longest active streak of consecutive playoff appearances in MLB, a streak that stands at 13 seasons. They were the favorites to win the World Series prior to the start. With the MLB postseason underway, the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are all involved.
“All World” Ohtani hit his 55th home run during their last game of the season at Chávez Ravine. My pick for the team that could go all the way, not mentioned here, is the San Diego Padres. They have all the talent necessary to make it all the way to the 2025 World Series Champions.
A’s Big News ! The A’s biggest news at year’s end. The Athletics will be introducing a new gold/yellow alternate jersey for the 2026 season, featuring “Sacramento” written on the front, in honor of their temporary home at Sutter Health Park. Why?
Lots of people, not only in California but all over the country, had NO IDEA where the A’s were playing. I know I missed other teams that are in the postseason, but I am exhausted.
Quote: Baseball was made for kids, and grown-ups only screw it up. ~Bob Lemon Adiós muchachos!
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
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) hits a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter with 6:45 left in the game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 28, 2025 (AP News photo)
Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:
# 1 Which player(s) made the pivotal play(s) (interception, sack, forced fumble, etc.) that ultimately swung momentum in favor of the Chicago Bears?
#2 How did Bears quarterback Caleb Williams perform under pressure — e.g. his passer rating, completion rate, or turnovers when blitzed or late in the game?
#3 Did Las Vegas Raiders Ashton Jeanty (or the Raiders’ run game) break through the Bears’ run defense — and if so, when / how often?
#4 Which team had the advantage in third‑down conversions, and how did that affect ball control and scoring opportunities?
#5 In a tight game, how did special teams (kickoff returns, field goals, blocked kicks) factor into the final outcome?
#6 Raiders fall to 1-3 next up they face the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. The Colts are colts are coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams today 27-20. The Raiders have now loss three in a row can they overcome and get a win against the Colts who are 3-1?
Jacksonville Jaguars Parker Washington returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers punter Thomas Morstead (7) and Isaac Guerendo (31) during second half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Sep 28, 2205 (AP News photo)
San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:
#1 The Jacksonville Jaguars defense held off the San Francisco 49ers offense for much of the game on Sunday to get their third win of the season defeating the 49ers in Santa Clara 26-21.
#2 It was the return of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who threw 22-38 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In spite of his efforts the 49ers fall by a touchdown for their first loss of the season.
#3 Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 21-31 for 174 yards and a touchdown. It was the second quarter when Jacksonville scored 17 points that was really the difference.
#4 For the 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey he tallied 49 yards in 17 carries is there still speculation he’s playing with pain?
#5 Next up for the 49ers the Los Angeles Rams long time rival. The Rams won 27-20 defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis today. The Rams improve their record to 3-1. 49ers head to Los Angeles for Thursday Night Football on Oct 2 for a 5:15pm kick off how do you see those two teams matching up?
Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics hits a two run home run during the bottom of the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
WEST SACRAMENTO–The Athletics welcomed the Kansas City Royals to Sutter Health Park for the final game of the 2025 season on Sunday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, the famously not Sacramento Athletics unveiled a new Sacramento gold jersey they will wear in 2026. The Athletics President, Marc Badain, released a statement about the decision for the new jersey.
“It’s been an unforgettable first season in West Sacramento, and this uniform is another way to celebrate the passion we’ve already felt throughout the community.”
On Sunday, the A’s fell in 9-2 fashion to finish off the regular season 76-86.
The A’s elected to go with a bullpen game on Sunday, starting things off with opener Brady Basso. Basso struggled in his one and a third innings of work as he allowed one run on three hits while walking two.
Next out of the bullpen was Tyler Ferguson, who got the last two outs of the second inning without issue.
Elvis Alvarado pitched a scoreless third inning for the A’s as he walked one and struck out two.
Mitch Spence, who proved to be the longman for the A’s on Sunday, pitched the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Spence labored and didn’t have his best stuff as he allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out one Royal hitter.
Michael Kelly came on for the seventh inning and also struggled as he only managed to get one out while allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits.
Osvaldo Bido finished off the seventh inning and also pitched the eighth, giving up two runs on two hits in his one and two thirds innings of work. He also struck out two batters and walked one.
Scott McGough pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the A’s to finish off the season on the defensive side of the field.
The A’s bats struggled all game against the Royals pitching staff. The A’s tallied seven hits and three walks in the game while scoring only two runs.
The A’s two runs came courtesy of Nick Kurtz, who hit his 36th home run of the season to get the A’s on the board in the eighth inning.
Mark Kotsay spoke about the season after the game—specifically, how he felt the team played after their nearly 20 straight loss stretch.
“…the character of the group showed up, mindset changed, and I think you saw a team that fought throughout the rest of the year to try to get back to the .500 mark and we fell short, unfortunately, but I thought we played our best baseball and the show each in the last three months with winning records.”
Kotsay was alluding to the winning records the A’s posted in July, August, and September to close out the season. The A’s were not an easy opponent in the second half and gave plenty of good teams a tough time.
Brent Rooker spoke with the media after the game, saying he was proud of how the team played even after a rough stretch during the middle of the season.
“I think when you look around the room, there’s a ton of guys that kind of established themselves this year as real pieces on a roster that can compete with those teams that made the playoffs and that’s what we’re going to do. I think we performed well, specifically three months of the season, and is pretty indicative of who we are as a team and we’re excited to go back to work this off season and come into spring training with higher expectations than we have.”
Nick Kurtz, who many regard as the next star of MLB, spoke to us on how he reflects on his first season with the A’s.
“I mean, it was awesome. It was fun, it was exciting, kind saw it all. I had personal tough at bats and tough times and we had the really highs also. As a team you also have a little bit of both as well. So I think moving on, we all learned a lot about ourselves and as a unit, what we need to do to come back here next year and get a potential playoff spot and play some October baseball.”
The A’s will open their 2026 season on the road in Toronto as they take on the Blue Jays on March 26th, 2026.
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb throws against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in San Francisco(AP photo: Thien-An Truong)
By Vince Cestone
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants ended the 2025 season strong behind Logan Webb’s 5 1/3 shutout innings, as they beat the Colorado Rockies 4-0 at Oracle Park on Sunday afternoon.
Webb, in his final start of the season, struck out 8 in his five-plus innings, while walking none. The Giants’ ace righty struck out the side in the first inning.
Webb finished 2025 leading the National League in innings (207) and strikeouts (224). He’s the first to do so since 1944.
The sold-out Oracle Park crowd showed their appreciation for Webb’s dominant season with a standing ovation.
The Giants offense started the game strong, as shortstop Willy Adames smacked his 30th homer of the year on the first pitch of the game. Adames became the first Giant since 2004 to hit at least 30 home runs in a season. Barry Bonds hit 45 home runs in 2004.
The Giants scored again in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Rafael Devers. Devers finished the season with 35 home runs, combined between Boston and San Francisco.
The Giants’ bullpen held the Rockies scoreless after Webb departed in the sixth.
The Giants tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning on a 2-RBI single by Jung Hoo Lee. Lee ended the day 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.
The Giants ended the year going 11-2 against the Rockies, but it wasn’t enough wins for the Giants to get into the postseason. It turns out that 84 wins would’ve been enough for the Giants to get into the 2025 MLB Playoffs.
San Francisco ended 2025 at 81-81.
The Giants will now go into the offseason trying to figure out why they finished the year at or around .500 yet again. After the game, Adames and third baseman Matt Chapman addressed the sold-out crowd promising that next year will be better.
But Giants fans have heard the same thing after season finales since 2022. Will 2026 be different?
Stay with Sports Radio Service all offseason for the latest San Francisco Giants hot stove news.
The Boston Red Sox clubhouse was spraying the bubbly after defeating the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston on Fri Sep 26, 2025 to advance to the playoffs. (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Bruce Magowan:
# 1 Did the Red Sox’s walk‑off clincher on Friday finally end their postseason drought?
#2 Can the Astros still salvage a wild‑card spot after their gut‑punch loss to the Angels?
#3 Will Shohei Ohtani’s jersey stay at No. 1 in MLB sales—for a 4th straight year?
#4 Is Aaron Judge being shortchanged in AL MVP debates?
#5 How many more teams will the Red Sox or Yankees displace in the AL wild‑card race today?”
Sports Radio Service 