That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Can Brewers and Blue Jays run away with rest of Division Series?

Milwaukee Brewers Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home in the bottom of the fourth inning at American Family Park in Milwaukee to go up in the series 2-0 on the Chicago Cubs in game 2 of the National League Division Series on Mon Oct 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Milwaukee Brewers moved two games ahead of the Chicago Cubs defeating the Cubs on Monday night at American Family Park in Milwaukee 7-3 in convincing fashion in game 2 in the NLDS.

#2 The Cubs are painted in a corner down 0-2 and have their backs to the wall as they send game 3 back to Chicago. The lovable losers need every inch of support from their friendly confines at Wrigley Field on Wed Oct 8.

#3 What’s happened to the New York Yankees they caved on Monday night to the Toronto Blue Jays 13-7 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

#4 It was all Blue Jays in the second inning with two runs, in the third inning with three runs, and the Jays fans turned their ball caps inside out in the bottom of the fourth as the Jays scored six runs and put away game two as the Jays go up in the series 2-0.

#5 Yankees pitchers got lit up in game two as well starter Max Fried who suffered pitching three innings allowing eight hits, seven runs, two walks and got only one strike out, reliever Will Warren went 4.2 innings seven hits and six runs and one walk and six strikeouts. What’s happened to the Yankees pitching?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Notes 2025 -Giants get No Satisfaction; A’s finally recognize Sacramento

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

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Tigers Skubal to return Monday after left side tightness; Brewers first club to clinch for playoffs; plus more news

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against Miami Marlins in the bottom of the first inning at LoanDepot Park in Maimi Fri Sep 12, 2025. Skubal was cleared to return Mon Sep 15, 2025 after suffering left side tightness. (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal got some relief after he had to leave Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins. Skubal took an exam and did not suffer any structural damage after feeling tightness in his left side. Skubal was cleared to pitch in his next start on Monday.

#2 The wait is over the Milwaukee Brewers became the first big league club to clinch for the post season. When the New York Mets lost on Friday to the Texas Rangers 3-2 that got a post season spot in the bag for the Brewers. Deservedly the Brewers have the best record in the majors so they get the first invitation to the playoffs.

#3 Anthony Rizzo the former Chicago Cubs first baseman who played with that Cubs team that won the World Series a decade ago and making it the first Cubs team to win a World Series after 108 years announced his retirement at age 36. Rizzo had suffered a broken arm last season and had been contemplating retirement. Rizzo after speaking to his parents and wife says he will hang it up this season.

#4 Big moment for New York Yankee great Aaron Judge who hit his 362nd career home run against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night to over take former Yankee outfielder Joe DiMaggio and move into fourth place on the all time Yankees home run list for home runs as the Yankees win 4-1.

#5 The San Francisco Giants Patrick Bailey’s walk off grand slam home run won it 5-1 Friday night and placed them into third place in the NL Wild Card race with a win over one of the top contenders for the NL Division Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers would be the Giants opponents in a Wild Card if the season were ending today.

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

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic: Giants return back to SF open series with Cubs Tuesday

San Francisco Giant Luis Matos slides safely into home plate in the top of the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Park in Milwaukee on Sun Aug 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos hit a two run single off Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill on Sunday with two outs in the top of the ninth as the Giants came back and beat the Brewers 4-3 at American Family Park in Milwaukee.

#2 The Giants were behind 3-2 when Matt Chapman came up and hit a ninth inning lead off double followed by Luis Matos who hit a single with one out. Rafael Devers struck out and Megill walked Jung Hoo Lee to load the bases that brought up Ramos who got a two run RBI single to give the Giants the lead 4-3.

#3 Ramos had been in a drought before coming to the plate in the ninth on Sunday going 0 for 12 over the last three games but tracked a 2-1 fastball and slugged it up the middle to get Chapman and Matos across the plate.

#4 Matos contributed earlier in the game with a two run home run that helped give San Francisco their first series win since beating the Pittsburgh Pirates back on Aug 4-6.

#5 The Giants have Monday off and return to Oracle Park to host the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs lead the National League Wild Card race by 6.5 games over second place San Diego Padres. The Giants are 6.5 games back for the last Wild Card spot.

Join Mark Ukalovic does the San Francisco Giants podcast each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Ramos and the Giants Come Alive In Ninth to Beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3

San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos connects for a ninth inning two run home run at Wrigley Field in Chicago Cubs on Sun Aug 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

When it looked grim going into the ninth inning, the San Francisco Giants (63-68) came to life turning this game around beating the Milwaukee Brewers (81-50) 4-3 Sunday. Matt Chapman doubled, Luis Matos singled and Jung Hoo Lee walked to load the bases in the ninth inning.

Heliot Ramos who had been hitless Sunday until the top of the ninth inning really came through. Ramos singled both Chapman and Matos home to take the lead 4-3. Closer Ryan Walker finished off the Brewers and the Giants had one of their best series wins this season.

Game recap: The Giants got after it in the second inning taking a 2-0 lead. Matos homered to left center for two-runs with WIlmer Flores on first base. Matos has been instrumental the entire series hitting a couple of home runs in game one looking really good in his return to Milwaukee since signing with San Francisco in the last off-season as a free agent.

Milwaukee cut the Giants lead in half in the bottom of the second inning. Brandon Lockridge singled Christian Yelich home from second base and the Brewers trailed by a single run 2-1. Milwaukee tied up the game in the bottom of the third inning 2-2. The Brewers doubled and singled in the inning. Yelich who was having a great day singled Caleb Durbin home from second base for the tie.

The Brewers took the lead in the fifth inning when Caleb Durbin, who was also having a banner day, hit the Brewers first home run of the game for a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth inning there was a pitching change for San Francisco. Ray had gone five innings, allowing six hits, three runs, four walks and no strikeouts. Ray was relieved by Joel Peguero in his second appearance on the mound.

There had also been a pitching change for the Brewers in the sixth inning. Starter Chad Patrick went 5 1/3 innings allowing four hits, two runs, two walks and seven strikeouts before being relieved by Nick Mears. Both relief pitchers got their respective teams out of the sixth inning and this game went into the top of the seventh.

The Brewers relief pitcher Shelby Miller took over on the mound in the seventh inning getting out of the inning. The game had reached the seventh-inning stretch in a one-run game with Milwaukee hanging onto the lead 3-2.

Joel Peguero would pitch into the seventh inning. There was a pitching change with two outs in the inning. Matt Gage came in to face Christian Yelich looking for the third out. With the way that Yelich has been playing in this series it was imperative to get that third out. Yelich lined out on the first pitch and it was on to the eighth inning.

San Francisco was running out of outs but the good news was that they had the top of the order to start the eighth inning with Jung Hoo Lee the first at bat. Relief pitcher Abner Uribe got the Brewers out of the inning and San Francisco was down to their last three outs.

With two outs this game took a huge turn in favor of the Giants. Matt Chapman doubled, Luis Matos singled, Jung Hoo Lee walked and the bases were loaded with Heliot Ramos at the plate. He had been 0-4 so far in the game but he connected when it really counted for a single and two runs scored for a 4-3 San Francisco lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning.

Giants Relief pitcher Ryan Walker came in to try and close out this game. With two outs, the Brewers were down to their last out. Sal Frelick singled when he was down to his final strike. Anthony Ziegler came to the plate and was down to his final strike. Ziegler struck out and this was one to celebrate for San Francisco taking a series from the best team in baseball.

The Giants fought back late in the game but came from behind to win not only the game but the series from the best team in baseball. They had an outstanding ninth inning scoring the tying run and the go-ahead run for a 4-3 lead that was enough to take the series. It was great to see Chapman and Ramos instrumental in that ninth inning. It was a well-deserved win after playing a really competitive series especially after struggling lately.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Giants played the rubber game of their three game series with the Brewers. Prior to the start of the game, under sparkling blue skies the stadium honored the late great Mr. Baseball Bob Uecker who passed earlier this year at the ripe old age of 90.

The sell-out crowd came early for this celebration of life that included dignitaries from the world of baseball, family, friends as well as the 42,000 plus fans on hand today for this very special commemoration.

The Hall-of-Fame Broadcaster was publicly honored at the perfect venue in fact no other venue would have been appropriate for Uecker than a game day at the stadium. A whole lot went into this celebration combining total respect, humor, memories, highlighting his unparalleled love of the game of baseball. It was a fitting tribute to a man who loved his job and his sport and will forever be remembered by baseball fans around the globe.

When the festivities came to the end that no wanted to see game three get underway. This could have without doubt been an entire day of love, celebration and tribute to Mr. Baseball. He is with all of us in spirit as his beloved Brewers got down to the business of baseball this afternoon.

The Giants tied up the series Saturday in a blazing display of great offense, solid pitching from start to finish and clean defense beating the Brewers 7-1.

San Francisco will now travel home for a series with the Chicago Cubs that gets underway Tuesday night at Oracle Park. Justin Verlander will have another go looking for win number two. He has a 1-10 win/loss record and a 4.64 ERA. The Cubs will start Matthew Boyd who comes into the game with a 12-6 win/loss record and a 2.61 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 6:45 PM. The Giants are 6.5 game behind for the last Wild Card spot in the NL.

Giants Offense Shines Beating Brewers 7-1

San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb was dealing against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Park in Milwaukee on Sat Aug 22, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giant’s (61-68) bats were lit in their game two against the league leading Milwaukee Brewers (81-48). They finished the game with ten hits beating the Brewers soundly 7-1.

Solid pitching with some very productive offense was the perfect formula for a win Saturday. The highlight in the game was the three run home run off the bat of Casey Schmitt. Giant’s pitcher Spencer Bivens closed out the game beautifully.

Game recap: Milwaukee took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Caleb Durbin doubled Jake Bauers home. The Brewers took the 1-0 lead into the top of the sixth inning. Freddy Peralta had walked four runners in the opening innings but had allowed only a couple of singles through five innings. Logan Webb was having a solid game through five with one single two doubles and one walk. He gave up the one run in the bottom of the second inning.

The Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta went five innings only allowing two hits no runs but gave up four walks in the early innings. He was relieved by Grant Anderson who struggled in the sixth inning giving up three hits with one run scored. Milwaukee also had a couple of errors in the same inning which resulted in two runs scored. That was it for Anderson who was relieved by Carlos Rodriguez.

San Francisco starting pitcher Logan Webb went six innings allowing five hits but only the one run. He had two walks and five strikeouts. Webb was relieved by Joey Lucchesi in the seventh inning and Spencer Bivens pitched the eighth inning and closed out the ninth inning.

The San Francisco bats came alive in the sixth scoring three runs, with three hits and taking advantage of two very uncustomary Brewer errors. WIlly Adames was safe at first base on a Milwaukee throwing error.

Dominic Smith had a single advancing Adames to second.. Casey Schmitt doubled driving Adames home for the first San Francisco run of the game and it was a tie score 1-1. Luis Matos grounded into a fielder’s choice and Smith scored.

Casey Schmitt scored on another Milwaukee error taking a 3-1 lead. It had been a very productive inning for San Francisco and Milwaukee had given the Giants some help with the errors.

By the time the dust had settled in a wild seventh inning San Francisco had taken a 6-1 lead in another very productive inning. Rafael Devers singled, Dominic Smith doubled and Casey Schmitt capped it off with a home run to left center for three more runs taking a 6-1 lead.

Patrick Bailey singled Matt Chapman, who had walked, home for a 7-1 lead and San Francisco was hitting lights out. They had nine hits to the Brewers five. All of the Giant’s runs had come in the sixth and seventh innings.

San Francisco pitcher Spencer Bivens had some great stuff going tonight closing out the game with a ground out, strike out and a final ground out. San Francisco had the kind of game they would like to see more often. The final was 7-1 and this series was tied. The Giants had clean defense with no errors and some great offense.

Dominic Smith, Luis Matos, and Patrick Bailey had two hits apiece and Casey Schmitt also had two hits one of which was the three run home run. Some pretty good pitching, some great hitting finishing with ten hits resulted in a great win for San Francisco. taking some of the sting out of yesterday’s loss and tying up the series.

Game notes: After a heartbreaking loss in Friday’s game one the Giants were back on the field for game two against the league-leading Brewers. The Giants offense was just shy of hits after tying up the game 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning. The Brewers were down to their last out if a walk-off was in the cards. Well Milwaukee had a full deck thanks to William Contreras’ solo home run winning the game 5-4.

Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb went six innings allowed five hits, one earned run and struck out five. The Brewers starter Freddy Peralta five innings, allowed two hits, four walks and six strikeouts.

Sunday’s game three will decide the winner of this series. San Francisco will be looking for more of the winning offense they had in Saturday’s game. The Giants Robbie Ray will take the mound with a 10-6 win/loss record and a 2.85 ERA. The Brewers right now are undecided as to who will start Sunday’s game. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 AM as San Francisco will be looking to win the rubber game.

Willie Contreras Homers – Brewers Walk-Off Beating Giants 5-4

San Francisco Giants Willy Adames connects for a top of the first inning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Park in Milwaukee on Fri Aug 22, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (61-68) tied up the game in the ninth inning 4-4 in their matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers (80-48). It was just not enough. Willie Contreras hit a home run with two outs to lift the Brewers to their 81st win of the season for a 5-4 victory.

After fighting so hard it was heartbreaking for San Francisco when it really looked like extra innings. San Francisco hit three home runs in the game 1 from Luis Matos and Willie Adames had two long balls.

Game recap: One again the Giants took an early 2-0 lead much like in yesterday’s game. San Francisco struck in the first and second innings. Willy Adames got the team up on the scoreboard in the first inning hitting a solo home run to left.

In the second inning San Francisco hit a second home run off the bat of Luis Matos for a 2-0 lead. Starting pitcher for San Francisco Whisenhunt had three great innings. The first and second innings were three and out for the Giants.

He got out of the third inning giving up a double. He hit a bit of a wall in the bottom of the fourth inning giving up a couple of walks, a couple of wild pitches (one that brought in a Brewer run) a single and a double. He did go four innings, giving up two earned runs, two walks and one strikeout. He was relieved by Matt Gage going into the fifth inning with the game all tied up 2-2.

The bottom of the fourth inning was the turning point for Milwaukee. Sal Frelich doubled driving Christian Yelich home cutting the Giants lead in half.. The Brewers would tie up the game 2-2 in the same inning when Andrew Vaughn scored from third base on a wild Whisenhunt pitch.

Going into the sixth inning the only hits the Giants had so far in the game were the Willy Adames and Luis Matos home runs. San Francisco needed some base runners although they were handling the Brewers pretty well; Milwaukee only had four hits so far in the game.

With two outs and two runners on base the Giants had a great opportunity to do some damage. Casey Schmitt walked and with Wilmer Flores and Rafael Devers on base the bases were loaded. Jung Hoo Lee came to the plate looking to break this game wide open. It didn’t happen. Lee struck out leaving the bases loaded. An opportunity lost.

The two teams took the tie into the top of the seventh inning. After jumping out to take the lead in the early innings the Giants had really stalled out with only two hits in the game. The Brewers were not having a great game at the plate either with only four hits.

Milwaukee starting pitcher Jose Quintana went 5 1/3 innings allowing two hits, two runs, two walks and two strikeout in this closely contested game. It was just a matter of time before the Brewers got on track and it all came down in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Milwaukee scored two runs to take a 4-2 lead. Willie Contreras doubled Andruw Monasterio home for the first run of the inning. Andrew Vaughn grounded out allowing Brice Turang to score.

San Francisco had their third hit of the game in the top of the eighth inning. Adames hit his second home run of the game fighting to keep pace with the Brewers.

The Giants were down to their last three outs in the top of the ninth inning. Schmitt was first at bat and struck out. Lee grounded out and San Francisco was down to their last out. Luis Matos doubled and the Giants were back in business with the go-ahead run at the plate.

Dominic Smith singled and San Francisco had runners at first and third with Patrick Bailey at the plate. Bailey struck out but the Giants scored on a wild pitch to tie up the game 4-4. This game went into the bottom of the ninth and the Brewers had three at bats to walk this game off. A fly out and a ground out set the stage for a game winning Contreras home run. Milwaukee had their 81st win of the season 5-4.

After fighting back to tie the game it was another terrible loss for the Giants. They fought hard the entire game and came so close. They made the Brewers earn this win.

Game notes: The Giants opened a weekend series with Milwaukee in a weekend series. The Brewers are the best team in baseball right now and presented all kinds of problems for San Francisco. The Giants played this game in front of yet another packed house at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

San Francisco is coming off a losing series against the San Diego Padres got some better offense but lost by a run. They have struggled at the plate for a bit and they couldn’t turn it around. The Brewers just finished a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs splitting the series after winning games one and four.

With only 34 games left in the season and a half dozen teams in line vying for a wild card now is the time for San Francisco to turn their recent struggles around but opened the series with a loss to the Brewers on Friday night. Giants starter Carson Whisenhunt pitched four innings allowing four hits and two earned runs in the loss.

Game two in this series is slated for a 4:10 PM first pitch. Logan Webb will take the mound for the GIants with a 11-9 win/loss record and a 3.19 ERA. Freddy Peralta will start for Milwaukee with 15-5 win/loss record and a 2.78 ERA.

Padres Rough-Up Verlander; Beat Giants 8-4 taking 3 out of 4 games

San Francisco Giants pitcher Joel Peguero throws against the San Diego Padres in the bottom of the seventh inning at Petco Park in San Diego on Thu Aug 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite a great start in this game taking a 2-0 lead through the third inning. the San Francisco Giants (61-67) lost to the San Diego Padres (72-56) 8-4 losing the four-game series 3-1 Thursday. The Giants got a great start but could not hang onto it.

The Padres outhit them 11-7. Verlander was looking very good until the fourth inning. He is getting no run support; many of these losses pinned on Verlander was not on him. Rafael Devers and Willy Adames both had solo home runs but when you are trailing significantly, solo’s do not get the job done. The San Francisco offense continues to putter along.

Game recap: The first two innings were quiet for both teams but San Francisco broke through in the third inning taking a 2-0 lead. Andrew Knizner doubled Luis Matos home for the 1-0 lead and then Heliot Ramos grounded into a double play allowing Knizner to score taking the 2-0 lead.

The San Francisco lead only lasted through the third inning. San Diego had a productive fourth inning coring two runs and tying up the game. Manny Machado singled Fernando Tatis Jr home and Xander Bogaerts hit a sacrifice fly and Luis Arraez scored for the 2-2 tally. It was a new ballgame.

Justin Verlander exited the game after 4 1/3 innings in another rough outing He had a great three opening inning but it all started to come apart in the fourth inning and continued into the fifth inning. He allowed seven hits, seven runs with four strikeouts. He was relieved by Matt Gage who got the Giants out of the inning.

The Padres were just getting started hitting lights out in the fifth inning scoring six runs. The Giants had a rough inning with a Casey Schmitt throwing error and a fielding error by Luis Matos allowing the Padres Ramon Laureano and Jake Cronenworth to both score taking their lead to 4-2.

Manny Machado doubled a couple of runners home; Freddy Fermin and Fernando Tatis Jr. both crossed home plate and San Diego was having a huge inning now leading 6-2. The hits just kept on coming for the Padres; Xander Bogaerts singled Machado home and Laureano singled Ryan O’Hearn home; when the dust had settled San Diego had a 8-2 lead.

After getting such a great start in the game, the Giants needed to not only stop the bleeding but to also start hitting. San Francisco answered in the sixth inning hitting a couple of solo home runs. Rafael Devers homered to right center and Willy Adames sent the ball sailing to center. They had cut the Padres lead in half but still had some work to do.

Neither team scored in the seventh inning and the Giants had a quiet eighth inning with the score remaining 8-4. The game went into the ninth inning and San Francisco was down to their last three outs. Christian Koss struck out, Luis Matos lined out, Patrick Bailey struck out and that was the ball game 8-4 in favor of the Padres.

Game notes: Thursday afternoon the Giants finished off their four-game series losing three out of four games in San Diego. After winning the first game of the series, the Giants dropped the next three games. They lost game three Wednesday night 8-1. Despite his record Verlander, had had some good games but just didn’t have the team support needed to win those games.

The Giants need to have some far better offense. The Padres have been dominant in the last two games and had better offense to win the series. The Padres started Dylan Cease who went five innings allowed six hits and four earned runs. Verlander went 4.1 innings, and allowed seven hits and seven earned runs..

After this most disappointing series the Giants will be off to Milwaukee for a three game series with the Brewers that gets underway Friday night. The Brewers are the first team this season to reach 80 wins and they are favored in this series.

San Francisco will have Carson Whisenhunt on the mound with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 5.02 ERA. The Brewers will start Jose Quintara. He has a 10-4 win/loss record and a 3.32 ERA.

Webb dominant, and Giants snap skid with 7-1 exorcism over Rays

San Francisco Giants centerfielder Jung Hoo Lee (51) makes a spectacular catch off his glove, thigh, calf, and between his legs off Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz in the top of the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Aug 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Tampa Bay Rays 1 (61-64)

San Francisco Giants 7 (60-64)

Win: Logan Webb (11-9)

Loss: Ryan Pepiot (1-2)

Time: 2:16

Attendance: 38,876

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants had a late exorcism, sparked by a four-run bottom of the sixth inning, to snap their seven-game losing streak, and get a much-needed 7-1 win over the Rays Sunday.

You all know what’s going on. The Giants have dropped seven-straight, as well as 15 of their last 16 and 19 of their last 22 games at home. Overall, they have gone 18-35 since June 13, and 7-21 since July 11. Plain and simply, they needed a win Sunday to show at the very least that they still had some fight in them.

Of course Logan Webb was on the mound Sunday, because the Giants can almost never win a game prior to one of his starts. Webb set the tone nicely with a one, two, three, top of the first inning.

Jung Hoo Lee then lined a double off the wall down the right field line to lead off the bottom of the first against Rays’ starter Ryan Pepiot. With the leadoff double, things felt different, almost as if the Giants were going to have a good day Sunday. So of course the Giants wasted it, as Pepiot set down the next three.

Webb continued to deal, and the game turned into a pitcher’s duel just like Saturday night. In fact, Webb retired 12 of the first 13 men he faced. Pepiot, meanwhile, threw one, two, three innings in the second and third, and worked out of a jam in the bottom of the fourth.

Webb ran into trouble in the top of the fifth, as the Rays put runners at first and second with one out after first-baseman Dominic Smith made an errant throw to second while trying to start a double play. However, Everson Pereira grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning, and Webb got out of it.

Webb settled back down to throw a one, two, three, top of the sixth, and Pepiot set down the first two men he faced in the bottom of the sixth. However, another opportunity would present itself for the Giants with two outs.

Heltio Ramos lined a base-hit to left field, and Devers singled to right. Adames then walked on four pitches to load the bases for Dominic Smith, who has been swinging the bat well, and has collected several big hits here in August.

You would think that the Giants would waste another opportunity, but Smith finally broke the ice with a broken-bat single down the right field line to knock in a pair. When right-fielder Jake Mangum’s throw came into second, Adames broke for the plate, and just got in ahead of the tag. Smith went down to second, and the Giants suddenly had a 3-0 lead.

There was a real roar from the 38,876 in attendance at Oracle Park this afternoon. It wasn’t one of those sarcastic cheers; it was a sincere expression of joy and excitement by the Giants’ faithful, who have had very little to cheer about over the last month.

Christian Koss then lined a double to left to knock in Adames and make it 4-0. For the record, It was a double, because left-fielder Chandler Simpson fell on his behind while trying to field the ball, and they gave Koss the time he needed to take second.

Do you want to know how bad things have been? The bottom of the sixth was the Giants’ first four-run inning in exactly two weeks. The Giants put up a four-spot and five-spot in their win against the Mets in New York on Aug. 3.

Nevertheless, the Giants got a much-needed crooked number in the bottom of the sixth. Adames, who had boldly taken home after Smith’s base-hit, was riling the troops and dancing around the dugout after Koss’ double. Even after everything the Giants have gone through since the All-Star Break, Adames is still doing everything he can to spark this team.

Webb came back out for the top of the seventh and threw a scoreless inning to cap off one of his best starts of the season. Webb gave up just three hits, and didn’t walk a single guy, while striking out seven over seven strong shutout innings.

It was almost identical to Verlander’s outing last night. However, unlike last night the Giants wouldn’t blow it today.

Drew Gilbert stepped up to the plate to lead off the bottom of the seventh against Rays’ reliever Mason Englert. Gilbert came into this at-bat 1-for-20 as a big leaguer, with his one hit being a broken-bat bloop single Monday night against the Padres.

Gilbert proceeded to hit a home run to the arcade out in right on a ball he knew was gone the second it left his bat. Tyler Fitzgerland then stepped up, and he immediately followed it up with a home run to left to make it 6-0.

The Rays would get on the board with a run off the struggling Tristan Beck in the top of the eighth. However, the Giants responded with a run in the bottom of the eighth, and it was Gilbert who got the two-out base-hit to right to knock in the run. 

This turned out to be a big day for the Giants’ young outfielder. Despite his slow start at the plate, Gilbert has shown some potential with his strong arm and his ability to field balls off the tough 24-foot-high Willie Mays Wall in right.

Keaton Winn finished off the game with a one, two, three top of the ninth, and the Giants got their win.

Logan Webb got the win, and Ryan Pepiot took the loss.

The Giants get their 60th win, and improve to 60-64. 

Now the Giants will head down to San Diego to take on the Padres for four games starting Monday night. The Giants have won six out of their last eight on the road, and the Padres were just swept by the Dodgers in Los Angeles, so the Giants could have an opportunity to try and get back towards the .500 range. 

However, that may be a tad difficult, considering the Giants will then go to Milwaukee for three next weekend to take on a Brewers’ team that had their 14-game winning streak snapped today.

Anyway, Robbie Ray (9-6, 2.98 ERA) will take the ball in the series opener for the Giants at Petco Park Monday night. The Padres starter RHP Nestor Cortes (1-1 ERA 5.71).

First pitch will be at 6:40 p.m.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Can’t keep a good club down Brew Crew on 14 game win streak; Phils Wheeler out with blood clot; plus more news

Milwaukee Brewers starter Quinn Priester delivers against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sat Aug 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 The Milwaukee Brewers are one hot club they have now won 14 straight games to rally from behind to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 6-5. The Brewers came back from behind in the second straight game to win it in 11 innings. The 2025 Brewers became the first team since the 1987 Brewers who won 13 straight to pass them with their 14 game win streak.

#2 Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced that Phillies ace pitcher Zack Wheeler has been placed on the 15 day IL on Saturday. Wheeler has a blood clot in his right arm. Dombrowski said there isn’t much they can say about it right now but doctors were commended for finding the clot. Dombrowski said it could have been a much more worse situation.

#3 Houston Astros All Star closer Josh Hader will not throw for the next in three weeks due to a left capsule shoulder strain last Friday. Hader hopes he can pitch again in the 2025 season. Hader said he wants to get as strong as he can in the next three weeks. Hader’s record for this year 6-2 ERA 2.05.

#4 The San Francisco Giants continue to spiral losing it’s seven in a row and 15 of their last 16 home games, marking the worst 16-game stretch at home since 1901. 

#5 The Sacramento A’s continue to roll winning their sixth game out of their last ten and defeating a Los Angeles Angels team that just swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in three games. The A’s have taken the first two games of the current series with wins on Friday 10-3 and on Saturday night 7-2. The A’s are four games behind the Angels to move out of the basement in the AL West.

Join Charlie O for MLB The Show podcasts Sundays 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.