Tag: Los Angeles Dodgers

The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) and Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Jose Mota (right) are photographed in the Dodgers Spanish radio booth at Oracle Park on Sat Sep 26, 2026 (photo from the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary Friends in the Business

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–It was September 26, 2026, at Oracle Park, and the Los Angeles Dodgers were playing the second of a 3-game series (the last 3 games of the season for each team: the Dodgers and the Giants). One of my best friends in broadcasting is José Mota, son of the legendary Manny Mota of the LA Dodgers. José is a Spanish-language broadcaster for the World Champion LA Dodgers.

José and I worked together on the radio and television for the LA Angels of Anaheim. Saturday I was welcomed into the Spanish broadcast booth for the visiting Dodgers at Oracle Park in San Francisco. I was surprised that José called his father, Manny Mota. he did, and we spoke for a few minutes; he is fine and in good spirits following his beloved Dodgers.

Manny Mota is 88 years young, retired, and living in Los Angeles. In years past, I had the chance to interview Manny Mota on many occasions during his days as a player and later as a coach with the LA Dodgers, under skipper Tommy LaSorda. I also interviewed him when he joined his son José and yours truly in commentary in Anaheim.

Manny played 20 years in the Major Leagues with the Giants, Pirates, Expos, and Dodgers, finishing with1,149 hits, which was the MLB record when he retired. His pinch-hit average was .300; he drove in 115 runs (the current MLB record); he also hit four home runs as a pinch hitter. I always asked Manny if he wanted to manage; he always told me no, that he wanted to teach the game and coach.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Manuel (Manny) Mota is baseball royalty from an era when pinch hitters were essential to winning teams. His son José is one of the most talented MLB broadcasters in both English and Spanish and a good friend, currently working for a team going to the postseason with the goal of winning their third consecutive World Series, something no National League team has ever done. Manny is very proud of his son José and his work as a broadcaster, as he should; José is knowledgeable and well-liked in our business.

Quote: “There is only one legitimate trick to pinch hitting, and that’s knowing the pitcher’s best pitch when the count is 3-and-2. All the rest is a crapshoot.” Earl Weaver, manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

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

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Camilo Doval throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants game wrap:

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN FRANCISCO – The final Saturday afternoon of the Giants’ 2026 season saw LHP Matt Wilkinson make his final appearance in his debut season. Wilkinson entered Saturday 1-3 with a 3.65 ERA through 24.2 innings pitched, coming off a stellar performance last weekend at Dodger Stadium where he held the Dodgers scoreless on just three hits through 5.0 innings.

The young left-hander set down Betts, Ohtani and Will Smith in order in the first and got through the first two frames in just seven batters. Dodgers starter Blake Snell (4-1, 1.86) and old friend of the Giants gave up a double to Victor Bericoto and a single to Bo Davidson in the first that amounted to nothing for the Giants. In the second inning Snell stranded Shay Whitcomb at second base after a single and stolen base keeping the game scoreless.

Wilkinson was one out away from getting through three innings without allowing a hit when Mookie Betts stepped in and knocked an 86mph cutter into the third row of the left field bleachers.

The Giants had a chance to counter against Blake Snell in the home third with Jonah Cox reaching third with a double and stolen base. Turner Hill put the ball in play with nobody out and brought Cox home on a sacrifice fly to center.

Matt Wilkinson was pulled after his three innings of work, he gave up one earned on one hit, which was a home run, while striking out two. Following the game, it was revealed by manager Tony Vitello that a lower-back injury is what forced Wilkinson out of the game early. “He had a lower-back issue that started in the bullpen before the game so based off his warmups…we didn’t know if we’d get one inning.” Wilkinson described that he tried to fight through it the best he could but it didn’t last him very deep into the game.

He was replaced with RHP Duncan Davitt who got the first two outs of the fourth but also gave up two earned runs on three hits.

Snell finished after four complete, allowing one run on five hits and striking out three, and left the game with the Dodgers ahead 3-1.

Right-handers Tristan Beck and Carson Seymour got the Giants to the seventh inning, when Camilo Doval made his return to the Giants after being claimed off waivers from the Pirates Thursday night. Doval started the season in New York as a Yankee posting a 3-1 record with a 4.54 ERA, a save and 39 strikeouts. After being traded to the Pirates on August first, he was 0-1 with a 3.79 ERA, 23 strikeouts in 20 games.

“Well nothing like being back home… I’m super happy and super thrilled to be back and just to get on that mound” Doval exclaimed, also adding “I’m back at home, let me be who I am, and let me do what I know I can do.”

Doval faced Betts, Ohtani and Dalton Rushing, who pinch-hit for Will Smith in the seventh inning and struck them out in order during his Giants return. With that Doval became the 71st player used by the Giants this season, tying the 2025 Atlanta Braves for the most players used by a team in Major League history.

Safe to say Doval was thrilled to be back in a Giants uniform and hoping he can stick around to play a role in the bullpen in 2027. Tony Vitello mentioned “If you’re asking me, I’m all for anybody that can help us win and he looked like he can help us win” on the thought of hopefully locking up Doval for next season.

In the home seventh, the Giants got within a run as Drew Cavanaugh tripled home Drew Gilbert to make it 3-2. In the eighth, Turner Hill doubled and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Bo Davidson drove him home on a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game at three.

Just when the Giants got almost all of the momentum on their side, Kiké Hernández led off the ninth and batted a 1-0 pitch into the left field bleachers to a roar of Dodger fans at Oracle Park. Tanner Scott took the mound in the bottom of the ninth and recorded his second straight and his 25th save of the season.

The Dodgers spoiled the first two games of Mike Krukow’s retirement weekend celebration at Oracle Park but the Giants have one more opportunity to send Kruk off with the ultimate “Atta Babe”. A win on Sunday over LA would be the ultimate send off for the legend himself.

Giants fans come together once more in 2026 Sunday afternoon for the final game of the season and to celebrate Mike Krukow in his final game in the booth. No starting pitchers have been announced on either side but first pitch is at 12:05pm.

Camilo Doval has returned to the San Francisco Giants on Thu Sep 24, 2026 after a hiatus with the New York Yankees (2025) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2026). San Francisco Chronicle file photo

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Camilo Doval who the Giants traded to the New York Yankees last season has returned to San Franisco after pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Doval was 3.79 with 14 walks in 19 innings in 20 outings Doval is under club control and is making $6.1 million for this season and is eligible for arbitration after this season. The Giants could offer Doval a contract in the winter.

#1 Can Drew Gilbert provide a spark for the Giants’ offense against the Dodgers?

#2 How will Yunior Marté handle the Dodgers’ lineup as the Giants’ scheduled starting pitcher?

#3 Can Christian Koss contribute offensively and defensively for San Francisco against Los Angeles?

#4 What kind of impact could Jonah Cox have for the Giants in this matchup?

#5 Can Andrew Knizner give the Giants an advantage behind the plate against the Dodgers?

Lincoln does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants shortstop Christian Koss (right) throws out Los Angeles Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez at first after forcing Kyle Tucker at second for a double play in the bottom of the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on Sat Sep 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night fans flocked to Dodger Stadium for game two between the San Francisco Giants (64-91) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (95-60) and those fans were in for a treat as the Dodgers who played back and forth with the Giants ended up defeating San Francisco 10-4.

The game got underway with temps in the low 70’s on a mostly clear evening. After a very busy offensive game for the Dodgers Friday night with Los Angeles taking game one of the series the Giants will be looking to tie up this series Saturday night.

Los Angeles took up where they left off Friday taking the first lead of the game in the first inning 1-0 and extended that lead in the second inning 2-0. A San Francisco two run home run tied up the game in the third inning. Los Angeles took back the lead with a solo home run 3-2.

This game turned into a real see-saw contest. San Francisco tied the game back up in the top of the fourth inning 3-3 with the Dodgers roaring back in the bottom of the inning taking back the lead 4-3.

Once again San Francisco tied up the game in the top of the fifth inning 4-4. This would be the last run San Francisco would score for the rest of the game The Dodgers would score three runs in the fifth inning and three more runs in the sixth inning taking a 10-4 lead. That would be the final with the Dodgers taking game two 10-4.

GAME RECAP

Los Angeles starting pitcher Tarik Skubal gave up a walk in the top of the first inning but closed it out moving into the bottom of the inning. Leadoff batter Mookie Betts hit a double off San Francisco starting pitcher Yunior Marte to start off the bottom of the inning. Later in the inning Max Muncie doubled driving Betts home for an early 1-0 lead.

The Giants had two runners on base in the top of the second inning; Brett Harris singled and Osleivis Basabe walked but San Francisco left them stranded missing a great opportunity to tie up the game.

Los Angeles did score another run in the bottom of the second. Josue De Paula walked and Alex Freeland singled putting two Dodger runners on base with two outs. A Mookie Betts single drove De Paula home extending their lead to 2-0.

San Francisco would tie up the game in the top of the third inning. Turner Hill singled followed by a Victor Bericoto long ball and the Giants had tied up the game 2-2. The tie was short-lived in the bottom of the inning when first at-bat Wes Smith hit a solo home run and the lead bounced back to the Dodgers 3-2.

San Francisco tied the game back up in the top of the fourth inning 3-3. Knizner singled followed by a Basabe single and the Giants again had two runners on base. Christian Koss hit a sacrifice bunt and Knizner and Basabe advanced to second and third. Jonah Cox also hit a sacrifice bunt and Knizer scored tying up the game.

Again the Dodgers pushed back scoring in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs Freeland walked and the red-hot Mookie Betts doubled Freeland home Los Angeles taking a 4-3 lead.

Once again, the Giants tied the game back up 4-4. Bericoto doubled to start off the top of the fifth inning. Jung Hoo Lee also doubled driving Bericoto home. Los Angeles starting pitcher Skubal got the next three outs and this game went into the bottom of the fifth.

The bottom of the fifth inning proved to be a very lucrative inning for Los Angeles scoring three runs taking a 7-4 lead. Wes Smith singled, Teoscar Hernandez also singled and Kyle Tucker walked.

Earlier Smith had been thrown out on a double play. There was a pitching change for the Giants with Philip Abner relieving Marte. Abner walked De Paula and Tommy Edman singled driving Hernandez and Tucker home and the score was 6-4.

Miguel Rojas singled and De Paula scored and when the dust had settled, the Dodgers had taken a 7-4 lead. Abner had suffered another ill-fated appearance on the mound going 1/3 of an inning.

After going five full innings the Dodgers, Skubal was relieved by Evan Philips in the top of the sixth inning. He struck out two Giants and Christian Koss flied out easily closing out the inning.

Los Angeles would score three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning taking a 10-4 lead.Betts led off the inning with yet another hit, a double and he scored when Wes Smith singled taking a 8-4 lead.

With two outs the Dodgers continued to drive in runs. Kyle Tucker singled driving Muncy to second and Smith to third and Los Angeles had the bases loaded. A De Paula single drove in Muncy and Smith and the Dodgers were cruising 10-4.

The Giants went three and out in the top of the seventh inning their offense drying up a bit after playing 5 1/2 very competitive innings. It was also a quick inning for the Dodgers not getting a whole of offense. With two innings left in the game a quiet inning was no problem for Los Angeles.

San Francisco was running out of time in this game. Grant McCray walked to start the eighth inning but Whitcomb struck out, Knizner fouled out and Basabe struck out. Max Muncy who was having a great game doubled but that would be all in the eighth for the Dodgers.

Going into the top of the ninth inning, the Giants were down to their final three outs. They would face Dodger’s closer Seth Halvorsen who would try to finish off San Francisco. Koss grounded out, Drew Gilbert advanced to first after getting hit by a pitch. Both Bandura and Bericoto struck out and that was the ball game.

GAME NOTES

After a very competitive start, the San Francisco Giants pitching fell apart. The Giants starter Yunior Marte allowed eight hits, six earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts. Through the top of the fifth inning the Giants were looking good and this game was tied.

Then it all seemed to crumble; Los Angeles took advantage of the traffic on the bases and scored multiple runs after the game was tied at four. The Dodgers would go on to score three runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth taking the 10-4 lead.

Betts who has been hitting lights out lately crushed the Giants in both games one and two. San Francisco just couldn’t stop the two Dodger scoring bursts in this game tonight. The fifth and sixth innings gave Los Angeles a six-run cushion and San Francisco never recovered. This game turned into the Betts, Wes Smith and Max Muncy show.

The Giants had shown bits and pieces of some solid offense scoring the four runs and tying the game twice. Victor Bericoto had a great game hitting a home run and he and Jung Hoo Lee both doubled in the fifth inning to tie up the game.

They just couldn’t sustain that offense after the Dodgers took the significant lead. This whole game turned on a dime after the fifth inning. Every time the Giants challenged, every time they tied the game, the Dodgers answered.

The bottom line in this game is that the Giants were competitive early. Their downfall was allowing the Dodgers to turn a tie game into a multi-run lead in the fifth and sixth innings.

Pitching issues for the Giants continue to hamper them in many of these games. They are able to take early leads, play competitively only to let opposing teams back into games with poor showings from the bullpen and lack of offense. San Francisco has now lost the first two games of this series and do not want to get swept in this series with a loss Sunday.

Sunday the Giants will be fighting to avoid a sweep and at least win one game in this series. In the third game of the series Landen Roupp will take the mound for the Giants. He has a 9-14 win/loss record and a 4.01 ERA. Right now the Dodgers are undecided as to who will start on Sunday. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal (27) swings a bat at Los Angeles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro in the third inning at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Aug. 22, 1965 when Marichal apparently felt Roseboro had thrown too close to his head. Los Angeles pitcher Sandy Koufax, rear, tries to break up the fight. Marichal was ejected and Roseboro was treated for facial cuts after the incident. This photo is included in “Giants Past & Present” by Dan Fost, published in 2010 by MVP Books.Robert H. Houston/AP

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

How strong is the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry?

SAN FRANCISCO–A rivalry is when two teams compete for the same goal.  Baseball’s great rivalries include Yankees vs. Red Sox, Cubs vs. Cardinals, and Dodgers vs. Giants.  During the remainder of the 2026 season, the Giants and Dodgers will play five (5) more times in the final days.

The Dodgers already won their 13th NL West Division title in the last 14 years; the Giants, who had great hopes of contending this year against their eternal rival, crashed and were never really in contention. For the Giants, it is now “wait ’til next year’ if there is a season. For the Dodgers, they are going for the glory of a three-peat, trying to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series.

The only two teams that have won three (3) or more consecutive World Series are: the New York Yankees, who had dynasties of as many as five (5) consecutive World Series titles, and once where they won four (4) consecutive, and twice they have won it 3 times in a row. The other team is the Oakland A’s, who won three consecutive titles in 1972-1973-1974, but the Oakland A’s they will never have another shot at history, since they abandoned Oakland a couple of years ago.

‘Giants and Dodgers: The last time the Giants and Dodgers finished the regular season tied for first place was in 1962; the Giants eliminated the Dodgers. The New York Yankees won the 1962 World Series 4 games to 3 against San Francisco. 4 games to 3.

These years in the 1960s were the real rivalry between Koufax and Marichal. In my opinion, great rivalries are decided by great players; this so-called rivalry today between these two teams doesn’t have the same taste as in the past. If you are of age, you remember those years, and my friend, it was a rivalry to be remembered.

‘Today, as much as fans want to keep it a rivalry, in recent years the Dodgers have continued to dominate the Giants with better pitching, better hitting, better everything. Last night the Dodgers hit five home-runs and beat the Giants 8-2. Today is another day at Dodger Stadium for the “rivalry”

Quote: “As a player, to me the Dodgers were the Yankees of the National League because… you either loved them or you hated them.” — Joe Torre

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

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts (right) slugs a bottom of the first inning solo home run off San Francisco pitcher Cesar Perdomo (left) as Giants catcher Drew Cavanaugh and plate umpire Louie Krupa watch at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Fri Sep 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the San Francisco Giants (64-90) traveled to the west coast for their final road series of the 2026 season taking on their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers (94-60) the Giants came away getting clobbered 8-2 at Dodger Stadium in the first of a three game set.

The two teams will meet again at Oracle Park for a final three game series to finish off the season next weekend in San Francisco.

In front of a packed crowd, the Dodgers got a great start in this game taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, a solo home run off the bat of leadoff hitter Mookie Betts. Jung Hoo Lee would tie up the game 1-1 in the second inning with a solo home run of his own.

In the top of the third inning, the Giants would break the tie and take the lead 2-1. The Dodgers tied up the game in the bottom of the fifth inning and it was a new ball game. It didn’t take Los Angeles long to take back the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning 3-2 in this see-saw battle.

The Dodgers had a huge eighth inning busting this game wide open hitting back-to-back home runs taking a 5-2 lead. They would hit two more home runs in the inning taking an 8-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning.

GAME RECAP

Los Angeles starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow struck out a couple of batters on his way to a three and out in the first inning of tonight’s game. Dodger leadoff batter Mookie Betts hit a solo home run (his 53rd leadoff home run) and it was a nice start for the Dodgers taking the early 1-0 lead.

The Dodger lead didn’t last very long. In the second inning of the game it was all tied up when Jung Hoo Lee hit a solo home run to right. After that run Glasnow would strike out the next three at bats, five strikeouts so far in this game. Giants starting pitcher Cesar Perdomo gave up a walk but breezed through the inning.

Glasnow gave up his second hit of the game to Scott Bandura, a single in the top of the third inning. Bandura had made his MLB debut back on September 13 getting his first major league hit that day. This is his sixth day on the Giants’ roster.

With one out, Brantley Gilbert walked and the Giants had two runners on base. Not to be denied, San Francisco took advantage of the opportunity scoring a run when Jonah Cox singled Bandura home taking the lead 2-1. Los Angeles had some work to do.

Dodger starting pitcher Glasnow went three and out in the top of the fourth inning clocking a couple more strikeouts nine in total through four innings. While not throwing many strikes, Giants starter Perdomo was so far getting the job done and keeping Los Angeles from crossing home plate as this game went into the fifth inning.

Glasnow again went three and out in the top of the inning. San Francisco’s Perdomo got into a jam in the bottom of the fifth. He gave up a Josue De Paula single, followed by a Mookie Betts single and with one out he gave up a Teoscar Hernandez single driving in De Paula and tying up this game 2-2.

That tying run would finish Perdomo and he was relieved by Jason Foley. With two outs, Max Muncy came to the plate and grounded out and that would close out the inning. Foley closed out the fifth inning.

With the exception of an opening walk in the top of the sixth inning, Glasnow closed out the inning. The Dodgers took back the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Kyle Tucker walked and with two outs De Paula doubled Tucker home breaking the tie 3-2. De Paula was having a solid game already with two hits and one RBI.

After closing out the sixth inning Tyler Glasnow was relieved by Kris Bubic to start the top of the seventh inning. Glasnow finished the game with ten strikeouts. Bubic gave up a single but finished off the inning. The bottom of the seventh saw Carson Seymour take over on the mound going three and out. This game was still up for grabs going into the eighth inning.

Philip Abner took the mound for the Giants in the bottom of the eighth inning. It was a tough one for Abner giving up a solo home run to Max Muncy and the Dodgers had extended their lead to 4-2.

It went from bad to worse for Abner when the very next batter Kyle Tucker knocked one out of the park, back-to-back homers giving Los Angeles a 5-2 lead. Mookie Betts hit the third home run of the inning with De Paula on base giving the Dodgers a 7-2 lead.

This was his second home run of the game. The unbelievable happened when Will Smith hit the fourth home run of the inning. With two outs Abner was struggling to get out of the inning but finally got Hernandez out and the nightmarish inning had come to an end with Los Angeles breaking this game wide open by an 8-2 score.

Edwin Diaz closed out this game for the Dodgers. He gave up a single had a couple of strikeouts and Jung Hoo Lee fouled out and that was the ball game. Los Angeles had absolutely crushed the Giants 8-2.

GAME RECAP

Friday night’s game was of major importance to the Los Angeles Dodgers even though they have already clinched the NL West as of Thursday. The big issue right now is playoff seeding.

The Dodgers are trying to finish among the top two NL division winners which would earn them a first-round bye. This would send them directily into the NL Division Series. They currently have an advantage over Atlanta but they do need to keep on winning since Atlanta is still close behind.

Their magic number is six with nine games left to play. While San Francisco will not be playoff bound, they would have absolutely loved to play spoiler in this series.

Dodger starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow went six innings giving up only three hits, two runs, two walks with ten strikeouts. The Giants starter Cesar Perdomo went 4 2/3 innings allowing six hits, two earned runs, three walks and only one strikeout.

The turning point in this game was obviously the disastrous eighth inning. The Giants had played a pretty competitive game up until that point. They had led for some the game in the early innings but it was the four home runs in the eighth inning that turned the tide for Los Angeles breaking this game wide open.

There was not much going on offensively for the Giants coming away with only five hits while Los Angeles had 11, five of them home runs. This was a really frustrating game for San Francisco since they were competitive through the top of the eighth inning.

Saturday the Giants will be looking to bounce back. Probable starting pitcher for San Francisco will be Logan Webb. He has an 8-9 win/loss record and a 4.31 ERA. The Dodgers will start lefty Tarik Skubal. He has a 10-7 ERA 2.70. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 6:10 PM.

St Louis Cardinal Thomas Saggese (left) reaches base safely after San Francisco Giants pitcher Carson Seymour drops the ball and was charged with the error in the bottom of the seventh inning at Busch Memorial Stadium in St Louis on Thu Sep 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Can Giants left-hander César Perdomo rebound after allowing five runs over 4⅔ innings in his most recent start and keep the Dodgers’ lineup under control?

#2 How will the Giants attack Max Muncy, who has hit more home runs at Dodger Stadium than any other player in franchise history?

#3 Can Jung Hoo Lee provide enough offense for San Francisco against a Dodgers pitching staff that has been among the National League’s strongest?

#4 With Shohei Ohtani sidelined for Friday’s opener, how much will his absence affect the Dodgers’ lineup, and could San Francisco take advantage?

#5 Ohtani is eligible to return September 23 at the earliest. Can the Giants’ bullpen keep the games close late, particularly against a Dodgers club that enters the series with a 92-60 record compared with San Francisco’s 64-89 mark?

Lincoln Juarez does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com