Tag: mlb

Springs Shines Again as A’s Take Tight 2-1 Win Over Rangers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers in the top of the second inning at Sutter Health Park on April 14, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeffrey Springs has had a great start to the 2026 campaign and is helping propel the Sacramento Athletics’ resurgence of late.

Springs, who carried a 2-0 record into his third start of the season on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers, has been impressing with his stuff so far this year. On Tuesday, it was another impressive outing from the left-hander out of Appalachian State University as the A’s defeated the Rangers 2-1.

Springs went six and a third innings of one-run, three-hit baseball while striking out five and walking two. Springs needed just 90 pitches in his outing, where he was pulled after striking out the first batter of the seventh and left to a nice ovation from the Sutter Health Park faithful.

Juston Sterner took over for Springs with one out in the seventh. Sterner immediately gave up a double but was able to settle down and not allow a run to score. He finished tossing two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit but no runs while striking out one and walking none.

In the eighth inning, Mark Kotsay gave the ball to Hogan Harris, who had an eventful inning and only lasted two outs. After getting a flyout and a popout, he promptly walked the next two hitters he faced and was lifted from the game. Elvis Alvarado came in to finish the inning on one pitch, getting Jake Burger to line out to left field. All in, Hogan pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs while walking two.

In the ninth inning, Mark Leiter Jr. came on to close the game for the A’s and was welcomed by a closer intro from the fans at Sutter Health Park. Leiter Jr. dominated the ninth in a one-two-three inning where he struck out two.

The A’s pitching was also aided by two terrific plays in the field, both victimizing Andrew McCutchen. Jacob Wilson made a great sliding play and spinning throw up the middle to rob McCutchen of a base hit in the sixth inning.

“When you are on defense with your pitchers on the mound, you wanna do whatever you can to make the plays to make their innings easier,” Jacob Wilson said after the game. “… being able to make the plays and see your guys fired up in the dugout… I’m excited to be able to do it again tomorrow.”

Denzel Clarke couldn’t let Wilson steal the show on defense, so he naturally had to add to his home run robbery lore. Denzel climbed the wall and took away what appeared to be a home run from Andrew McCutchen in the top of the fourth inning.

The A’s bats did just enough on Tuesday to earn the win in what could be described as a full team win. The Athletics only mustered four hits, but the timely hitting proved to win out in the end. The A’s rally came in the third inning with two outs after the A’s quickly made two outs in the inning. Denzel Clarke doubled, while Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz followed with two walks to set the table for Jacob Wilson. Wilson managed to rip a ball through the hole past third to score two runs that proved to be the difference in the game.

With the win, the A’s vaulted back over .500 with a 9-8 record to tie the Rangers for first place in the AL West. On Wednesday, the A’s and Rangers will go back at it in game three of the four-game series. The A’s will send J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.27 ERA) to the hill, while the Rangers counter with Kumar Rocker (0-1, 4.50 ERA). First pitch is slated for 6:40 on what will be another chilly night in West Sacramento.

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. 

Reds Hit Two Home Runs Beating San Francisco 2-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray deals against the Cincinnati Reds line up in the bottom of the first inning at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Tue Apr 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It was a battle between two teams struggling offensively. The Cincinnati Reds (10-7) won the battle in game one of the series 2-1. Cincinnati only had three hits in the game but two of them were home runs making all the difference in this game. San Francisco (6-11) had seven hits one of them a Willy Adames solo home run. He was the only Giant to cross home plate today.

Game recap: Lead off batter Willy Adames got on base but was thrown out attempting to steal second base for the second out of the first inning. When it looked like Matt Chapman had been thrown out, a review called him safe so San Francisco remained in the inning.

Rafael Devers flied out for the third out. Cincinnati came very close to hitting their first long ball of the game. When it looked as if the Reds Elly De La Cruz had knocked one out of the park it was caught at the wall. Matt McLain who had walked was thrown out trying to steal second base for the third out and the Giants had survived the first inning.

Going into the bottom of the third inning the game remained scoreless. The first hit of the night for the Reds was a Spencer Steer long ball to left center and Cincinnati was first up on the scoreboard 1-0.

Cincinnati would tack on another home run in the bottom of the fourth inning taking a 2-0 lead. The Reds rookie Sal Stewart hit his fifth home run of the season, a shot to right center. San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray had six strikeouts, three walks and the only hits he allowed were the two home runs so far in the game. The Reds were really making Ray work hard through four innings.

Adames put an end to the possible shut-out hitting a second deck home run in the fifth inning cutting the Reds lead in half 1-2. This was his third home run of the year. Three home runs were the extent of the offense for the two teams.

Ray was relieved after five innings of work throwing 94 pitches He allowed two hits, two earned runs, four walks and had six strikeouts. He was relieved by Caleb Kilian in the sixth inning. The Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer went six innings. He allowed six hits, one earned run and one strikeout He was relieved in the seventh inning by Graham Ashcraft.

The Giants pitcher Caleb Kilian was relieved in the seventh by Keaton Winn. Winn breezed through the inning and this game went onto the eighth. Winn struck out two and allowed no hits, no runs and no walks. This game went into the latter innings and San Francisco needed to make a move. The Giants would face a new pitcher for the Reds, Tony Santillan in the top of the eighth inning.

Going into the ninth inning the Giants were down to their last three outs. Jung Hoo Lee would be the first battter in the inning trying to get something going for San Francisco. He already had two hits and would be looking for a third. Emilio Pagan would come in for the Reds to close out the game.

Lee would fly out, Heliot Ramos followed Lee and struck out and the Giants were down to their final out. Daniel Susac would be San Francisco’s last hope. He came close but a deep hit in the outfield was the third out right at the wall and the Reds had held on for the win 2-1.

Game notes: After losing a series to the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend, the Giants traveled to Cincinnati for a three-game series with the Reds Tuesday night. Both teams are suffering offensive woes; neither team is hitting very well at all.

Over the weekend the Giants really struggled at the plate losing both games to the Orioles. They looked for improvement offensively but could only muster one run. They tried to score early and often in Tuesday’s game. Giant starter Robbie Ray pitched five innings allowing two hits and two earned runs. Ray pitched well enough to win the game but once again didn’t get the run support.

The Giants will be looking to bounce back Wednesday in game two of the series. Probable pitcher for San Francisco in game two will be Tyler Mahle 0-2 win/loss record and a 4.30 ERA. Rhett Lowder will take the mound for Cincinnati with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 3:40 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves have not lost a series so far this season; Ohtani record setter could be in All Time greats circle; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Atlanta Braves Mauricio Dubon clouts out a second inning RBI double against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Mon Apr 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Atlanta Braves remain unbeaten in series play so far—are they the early favorites for the World Series, or is it too soon to tell?

#2 Shohei Ohtani continues delivering historic-level performances—how is his 2026 start shaping his long-term legacy among all-time greats?

#3The Houston Astros are dealing with injuries, poor pitching, and internal issues—how serious is this early-season “crisis,” and can they recover?

#4 The Sacramento A’s came off a five game win streak defeating the New York Yankees twice and the New York Mets in a three game sweep but at home they continue to struggle losing to the Texas Rangers to open a six game homestand in Sacramento in a Monday night laugher 8-1. Is there a difference playing away than at home for the A’s?

#5 Anaheim Angels star Mike Trout had been struggling before the pandemic and battled injuries since 2019. Seven years later Trout had a big break out game hitting two home runs his 407th and 408th of his career that helped tie up the game 7-7 and later a home that got the Angels the lead. The New York Yankees however got a walk off wild pitch that allowed the Yankees Jose Caballero to score the game winning run. Despite the loss Trout is showing flashes of his old talent once again.

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Tony Renteria: Mets on six game skid what improvements do they need to make?; Cards Walker leads MLB in homers; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The New York Mets called up 38 year old veteran Tommy Pham on Mon Apr 13, 2026 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Mets were looking for a shot in the arm and are in the middle of a six game slump. Pham was 0-3 in the game and said to the meida before the game that he was glad he could “provide some sunshine.” (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Tony Renteria:

#1How concerning is the New York Mets’ six-game losing streak and 20 consecutive scoreless innings, and what adjustments could they make to turn their offense around?

#2 What does Jordan Walker’s MLB-leading eight home run pace suggest about his development, and how does it compare to past Cardinals greats?

#3 What factors contributed to the Diamondbacks blowing a 7–1 lead against the Orioles, and what does this say about bullpen reliability early in the season?

#4 How can long-term, high-value contracts—like the Orioles’ $161 million deal—impact a team’s competitiveness and roster flexibility?

#5 To what extent are injuries responsible for the early struggles of teams like the Blue Jays and Brewers, and which team is better positioned to recover?

Tony Renteria does MLB The Show podcast each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Early Hole Too Much for A’s in 8-1 Loss to Rangers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 13, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory photo credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Athletics made their triumphant return to Sacramento on Monday night after completing a six-game New York road trip. The A’s made stops in Queens and in the Bronx to face the Yankees and the Mets three games apiece in the frigid New York temperatures. The A’s took two out of three from the Yankees prior to sweeping the Mets to go 5-1 on the trip and improve their record to 8-7 on the season.

The A’s welcomed the Texas Rangers to Sutter Health Park for the beginning of a four-game series on Monday night.

Poor pitching and a lack of offense early doomed the A’s as they fell to the Rangers 8-1 in nine innings.

Luis Severino got the start for the A’s and pitched poorly early on, putting the A’s in an early hole. Severino allowed five of the first six hitters of the game to reach base, including a three-run homer from Jake Burger to put the Rangers up three to nothing in the first inning.

Severino continued to struggle with command and gave up another home run to Burger in the third inning to put the Rangers up 4-0. Severino needed 60 pitches to get through the first three innings, but he calmed down after that and settled in well for the rest of his outing. Severino ended up tossing six innings of four-run, six-hit baseball while walking three and striking out seven.

“I just need to stop walking people,” Severino told the media after his start. “I feel like the first inning, everything happened in the first inning and after that I’m good. I need to be able to handle the first inning. I don’t know why I’m walking people just in the first inning and then after that I’m getting better. I need to figure it out.”

A’s manager Mark Kotsay thought Severino settled in nicely, but the damage done early proved costly.

“He got into the zone with Burger, made a mistake with a fastball over the heart of the plate after walking two guys, which always hurts,” Kotsay said postgame. “We talk about a solo homer, the impact isn’t as big. So for him to settle back in after that first inning and really pitch well, that’s the Sevvy we expect, and I think that’s the one we’re going to see going forward.”

Severino seems more comfortable this season even if the conditions are similar to last season. He has frequently mentioned the lack of a nearby clubhouse as a factor in some of his issues in Sacramento, after which the A’s added a small room this season in between the dugout and the restroom for him to find some mid-start reprieve.

Asked if the room has made it any better for him:

“Yeah, of course. A hundred percent,” Severino said after the game. “You have a little AC machine out there. You get to be there by yourself, you aren’t looking at anybody. So I think that’s helping, being by yourself. [You can] think about what adjustment you can do to go out there and compete.”

Jack Perkins was first out of the bullpen for the A’s in the seventh inning, coming in for Severino. Perkins pitched well in the seventh inning, facing only three batters and striking out two, but trouble found him when he went back out for the eighth inning.

Corey Seager hit a ground-rule double that was close to being caught by Lawrence Butler in right field, and then Perkins struck out Jake Burger. Yet, it was the next at-bat that turned the tide for Perkins. Joc Pederson hit a relatively routine ground ball up the middle to shortstop Jacob Wilson, but Edwin Jimenez did a poor job vacating his spot, and the ball hit him, allowing Pederson to reach and Seager to advance to third base. It proved costly, as Perkins allowed four runs after that and surrendered a total of five hits while walking a batter. He finished with one and two-thirds innings while adding four strikeouts.

After the game, Mark Kotsay voiced his displeasure over that play and a no-call on a check swing that Kyle Higashioka appeared to have offered at.

“Great point [my question about the play] for Perk, he went one, two, three in the first,” Kotsay told me postgame. “One out [when the play happened], we were trying to obviously keep the game at four. He goes out and not only was there bad luck with the ground ball, there was a check swing that Higashioka went on that obviously wasn’t called. Easily, the inning could have gone differently.”

In what was a mostly tough outing for A’s pitchers, Luis Medina shined, allowing nothing but a walk while striking out one in his one and a third innings of work to finish out the game.

“We’re continuing to build him [Medina] up,” Kotsay told me. “This is a kid that we talk about a lot that hasn’t pitched in two years and needs to get out there and touch the mound. I thought for his inning and a third, he did a nice job.”

The A’s bats did little to nothing in the first game home after their East Coast road trip. The A’s tallied only five total hits and one run—a Lawrence Butler solo home run to right field in the eighth inning—and nothing else. Shea Langeliers added two hits in the game to raise his season average to .306 in what has been a hot start for the catcher.

Along with his home run, Lawrence Butler was responsible for some home run robbery in the fifth inning. Corey Seager was Butler’s victim on Monday as he tracked a ball to the short wall in right-center field and brought it back to save Luis Severino from giving up his fifth run of the game.

After the game, Severino was appreciative of Butler’s efforts, albeit in a loss.

“Law made a great play there,” Severino told me after the game. “Now I need to get something nice for him… I need to buy some shoes or something good. But yeah, he did a great play.”

The A’s fell back to .500 on the season at 8-8 with the loss as they prepare to take on the Rangers in game two of the four-game series on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. PST. Jeffrey Springs (2-0, 1.47 ERA) is slated to go for the A’s, while the Rangers will counter with MacKenzie Gore (2-0, 2.76 ERA).

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s successful road trip moves them in first place; Open series with Rangers Monday at Sutter Health

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s starter Aaron Civale delivers to the New York Mets line up at Citi Field New York on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast with Barbara Mason Mon Apr 13, 2026

#1 Barbara, a rather impressive road trip for the Sacramento A’s taking five out six games in three game series against the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

#2 In the first series against the Yankees the A’s narrowly lost that first and only game as they lost a 3-1 lead and the Yankees ralled for four runs to win it 5-3 but the A’s mastered five straight wins the rest of the way.

#3 In game three on Thursday at Yankee Stadium A’s starter Jefferey Springs took a no hitter into the seventh inning but lost it when the Yanks Ben Rice socked a single to break up the bid. But it shows you the depth of the A’s pitching and hitting to win against both New York teams five out of six games.

#4 Against the Mets once again the A’s got great pitching on Friday and Sunday with shutout wins on Saturday the A’s won in a slugfest 11-6 sweeping the three game series.

#5 The A’s open up a three game series against the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are tied with the A’s in the standings this will be a real test going up against their Western Division rival back in West Sacramento at Sutter Health Field on Monday night. Starting pitchers for the Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi (1-2 ERA 7.98) for the A’s RHP Luis Severino (0-1 ERA 5.40) first pitch 6:40pm PDT.

Join Barbara for the Sacramento A’s podcasts each Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Dodgers and Muncy on a run; Pitching injuries strike Astros, Braves, and Jays; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodgers Max Muncy hits a walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Fri Apr 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 How did Max Muncy’s three-home-run Friday night power the Los Angeles Dodgers to a dramatic walk-off win?

#2 Are early-season pitching injuries putting contenders like the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Toronto Blue Jays in danger?

#3 The Sacramento A’s starter Jeffery Springs took a no hitter into the seventh inning on Thursday the A’s defeated the New York Yankees 1-0. The A’s turned around and won two in a row from the New York Mets and won five straight games Wednesday through Sunday and moved into a first place tie with the Texas Rangers.

#4 What impact will Craig Kimbrel’s call-up have on the Mets’ bullpen moving forward? Kimbrel pitch an inning giving up a hit and striking out two on Saturday despite the Mets getting beat by the A’s 11-6.

#5 Did the Phillies’ back-to-back homers from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper signal a turnaround defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3. The Phils had lost two out of three in San Francisco before returning to Citizens Bank Friday.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Mason Miller, a closer with Cy Young Award potential

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller exhalts after shutting down another team in the closer role (San Diego Union photo)

Mason Miller, a closer with Cy Young Award potential

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On July 2025, the San Diego Padres acquired closer Mason Miller, together with starter J.P Sears, from the Oakland A’s. As of today, April 13, 2026, Mason Miller has saved four (4) of the ten games won by the Padres.

During the 2024 All-Star Game, representing the Oakland A’s, Miller pitched in relief. He did not save the game, but earned the win for the American League, and during that game, he threw the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history (103.6 mph) since pitch-tracking began in 2008, and struck out batters like Shohei Ohtani.

By the way, Miller was the sole A’s representative during that All-Star Game held at Arlington, Texas. He entered in the fifth inning and was credited with the victory, becoming the first rookie to win an ASG since 1954. Who threw the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history prior to Mason Miller? Aroldis Chapman had previously held the record with a 103.4 mph fastball.

Since last season the San Diego Padres reliever is as dominant thrower as there is in the game, consistently hitting over 104 mph in 2025 and also set a Major League record in ther 2025 playoffs with a 104.5 strikeout which is the fastest postseason pitch of the tracking era, at 37 years of age, his best years are ahead,he has cool head and is a very unasuming player, I remember covering him with the A’s, he did show one thing from the beginning,confidence.

This season, he could have the type of season that rivals Cy Young Award-winning starting pitchers, and he could have to contend with some great starters. Miller is an elite high-velocity closer with his 4-seam fastball, which he uses almost 50% of the time; a great slider to go with it, which he throws over 50%; and, for “good measure,” he makes hitters come off their uniforms when he throws a change-up. During his sensational career, Mariano Rivera, the best ever with 652 saves, received votes for the Cy Young Award, finishing in the top-three in voting four times, but never won it.

Today, Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres, the pride of Pittsburgh, PA, is the Rolls-Royce of closers in Major League Baseball. It’s easy to see why his nickname is “The Reaper.”

Quote: “The best pitchers have a short-term memory and a bulletproof confidence.” — Greg Maddux

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Kurtz hits Mets where it hurts with HR; Sac gets shutout pitching from Civale in 1-0 series sweep; A’s in first in AL West

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz looks upward and gives thanks to the Almighty after slugging his first home run of the season against the New York Mets in the top of the third inning at Citi Field in New York on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK. — The Sacramento Athletics beat the New York Mets 1-0 at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon and swept them for the first time in franchise history.

With their fifth straight victory, the Athletics are in first place in the American League West a half game ahead of the second place Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels. The A’s came away 5-1 on their road trip against both New York teams, after giving up only the first game against the New York Yankees.

Nick Kurtz hit his first homer of the season, a fly ball to right field, in the third inning to put the A’s up 1-0. Kurtz laughed the shot off Freddy Peralta (1-1) after notching 36 home runs last season and the AL Rookie of the Year title.

In the sixth, Francisco Lindor singled on a sharp line drive to center fielder Denzel Clarke but the Mets failed to score a run.

A’s starting pitcher Aaron Civale set the tone early and never let up, working 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits. After surrendering a leadoff single in the first, Civale settled in and retired 13 consecutive batters at one point, keeping the Mets off balance all afternoon.

The bullpen continued the effort seamlessly. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, and Joel Kuhnel combined to finish the shutout, with Kuhnel locking down the ninth for his second save. It was a clinical performance from a staff that has quietly become a strength during this road trip.

After a slow start to the season, this road trip marks a turning point for the A’s.

The Athletics return home to West Sacramento and welcome the Texas Rangers (7-7) for a four-game series starting on Monday. A’s right-handed pitcher Luis Severino (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will face Rangers right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 7.98 ERA ) in the opener. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. PT.

Giants Offense Sputters Losing Series to Baltimore in Game Three 6-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Baltimore Orioles Samuel Basallo slugs a two run home run in the bottom of the first inning agianst the San Francisco Giants at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It was not at all pretty as the San Francisco Giants (6-10) dropped their series with the Baltimore Orioles (8-7) losing 6-2 on Sunday. The Giants lost by scores of 6-2 Saturday and Sunday and picked up their only win on Friday 6-3.

The Giants struggled at the plate finishing with only seven hits getting a rough start going three and out in the first four innings from starting pitcher Adrian Houser who finished 4 2/3 innings giving up four runs and it was all down hill for the rest of the game. The one bright spot for the Giants were the three hits off the bat of Casey Schmitt, the third hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.

Game recap: Baltimore had a great start in this game taking a first inning lead. Samuel Basallo hit a two-run homerun with Pete Alonso on base for a 2-0 lead. San Francisco really struggled at the plate going three and out through the first four innings of the game, looking for their first hit going into the fifth inning. O’s pitcher Povich was doing a bang-up job in his first outing.

The Giants got their first hit of the game in the fifth inning off the bat of Schmitt. Schmitt scored when Daniel Susac got his third RBI hitting a single and San Francisco had cut the Baltimore lead in half.

In a little over an hour this game was going into the middle of the fifth inning. The impressive pitching of Povich had much to do with how quickly this game was moving. Going three and out through four innings moves a game along very efficiently.

Baltimore pushed their lead out in the bottom of the inning scoring two more runs with two outs. The Orioles Pete Alonso doubled driving Gunnar Henderson and Taylor Ward both home. Henderson and Ward had both singled scoring from first and third. That would be it for the Houser.

He finished 4.2 innings giving up five hits, four runs and a couple of walks. He was relieved by Matt Gage who took over with two Baltimore runners on base but he successfully got out of the inning. With the two runs scored in the fifth inning Povich and the Orioles took a 4-1 lead into the sixth inning.

Baltimore would add one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning taking a 5-1 lead. Coby Mayo singled and Leody Taveras scored from second base.

Through six innings Orioles pitcher Povich only had thrown 78 pitches finishing 6 2/3 innings. In the seventh inning he allowed a couple of hits, a Schmitt single and a Ramos double. He allowed five hits, one earned run, no walks and five strikeouts. He was relieved by Anthony Nunez to finish off the seventh inning.

With no outs Baltimore got a couple of hits in a row off right hand Giant pitchers. The Orioles Alonso and Ward and they were threatening again. There were more changes on the mound for San Francisco as Erik Miller relieved Ryan Walker who had pitched two thirds of the seventh inning.

With one out in the bottom of seventh, Miller was faced with a bases-loaded situation. Miller got out of the inning but he did give up another Baltimore run giving the Orioles a 6-1 lead. Ward had scored on an infield Colton Cowser hit.

This game went into the top of the ninth inning and the Giants were three outs away from losing the game and the series. San Francisco did score in the final inning when Schmitt had his third hit of the game and it was a dandy, a solo home run to left. That would be it for the Giants. San Francisco’s offense never really clicked in this game their season record dropping to 6-10.

Game notes: It was a beautiful day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for game three between the Giants and the Orioles. After winning the first game of the series Friday 6-3, San Francisco dropped game two 6-2 and lost the series to the O’s dropping game three 6-2 Sunday. Giants starter Andrian Houser got touched up early in the game pitching 4.2 innings, five hits, four earned runs, two walks and three strikeouts. For O’s starter Cade Povich 6.2 innings, five hits, one earned run and five strike outs.

The Giants will now travel to Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati for a three-game series with the Reds. Probable pitchers for game one will be Robbie Ray who comes into this game with a 2-1 win/loss record and a 2.08 ERA. For the Reds Brady Singer will probably get the nod. He has a 0-1 win/loss record and a 7.71 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 3:40 PM PDT Tuesday evening.