Tag: mlb

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Warriors can’t hold on in OT vs. Bulls; Golden State takes third straight loss

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Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) tries to put the shot block on the Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (left) who connects with a three point shot in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Mar 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 How did Brandin Podziemski contribute offensively and defensively for the Golden State Warriors in their 130–124 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls?

#2 What impact did Draymond Green have on the Warriors’ playmaking and defense during the game against Chicago?

#3 How effective were Gui Santos with 17 points and Gary Payton II with 12 points in providing energy and scoring off the bench for Golden State?

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warrior podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at Giants Fanfest, Sat Mar 14th

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Hispanic Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame Mural on display. The HHMHF will be at Oracle Park in San Francisco at the San Francisco Giants Fanfest on Sat Mar 14, 2026 (photo from the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at Giants Fanfest, Saturday

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

This next Saturday, March 14, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the KNBR Giants FanFest Open House at Oracle Park, San Francisco. It is a free event, and as usual, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame will be present. The free event features alumni autographs. on-field access, photos with the World Series trophies, and a viewing of the Spring Training game, with admission requiring a reserved ticket.

Gabriel “Tito” Avila Jr., Founder and President of the Museum, and Amaury i-Gonxález, Vice President of the Museum, ex-Spanish play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and other teams, member of The Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, will be there to meet with fans and friends We love to meet you and celebrate our 27th Year of our Non-Profit organization founded in San Franciosco,.The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.

Remember “Hablamos Béisbol – “We talk Baseball”

Home hhbm

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: 2026 Season Predictions 

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Amaury Pi Gonzalez the author and as the Wizard of the MLB 2026 predictions writes about what is about to happen in the MLB 2026 season (Image by Mauricio Segura-Golden Bay Times)

 2026 Season Predictions  

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2026 MLB regular season begins with a special Opening Night game on Wednesday, March 25, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, followed by a full 14-game traditional Opening Day on March 26. This is the second time these two teams opened an MLB season; the last time was in 2023. 

Last season, the Yankees finished in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, both with an identical record of 94-68. The San Francisco Giants finished in third place in the NL West with an 81-81 record,12 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win their second consecutive World Series. Both teams are expected to be contenders. The Yankees and Toronto still will fight for the AL East. Giants will have to fight with the Padres, both pursuing the Dodgers.

 PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE (East) 1-Yankees 2-Blue Jays 3-Red Sox 4-Orioles 5-Rays.

 The Yankees are still looking to win their 28th World Series (last one was 2009)  I like their exciting offense, headed by Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and a lineup that led the majors with 274 Home runs. They signed Cory Bellinger and veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Good rotation with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried; they added lefty Ryan Weathers on a trade with the Marlins. Their bullpen was a problem, with a 4.47 ERA. They added closer David Bednar from the Pirates. The Yanks will have to hit and hit and hit, because their overall pitching is a big question mark. Defense is average.

 (Central) 1-Tigers 2-Guardians 3-Royals 4-Twins 5-White Sox. Tigers’ reigning Cy Young Award winner last year, Hayward’s own Tarik Skubal, is now joined by recently signed Free Agent  Framber Valdéz (3-year $115 million). Those are two of the best pitchers in the game. Detroit also signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander to a 1 year deal. They have enough offense and a smart defense; they’re the best team in the Central. The last time Detroit won the division was in 2014. They are going to win it this season.

(West)   1-Mariners 2-Rangers -3-Houston 4-Athletics 5-Angels,  -Mariners are “Always the Bridesmaid, but never the Bride”

As of the end of the 2025 MLB season, the Mariners are the only active MLB franchise that has never appeared in a World Series. Led by catcher Cal Raleigh, who tied Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season with 54 home runs, Julio Rodriguez is ready to win an MVP, and, as always, good pitching to contend: Logan Gilbert,  Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby. A solid defensive team. They should win this division again. A good guy and play-by-play man, Rick Rizzs, announced after 41 years that 2026 will be his last.   While the team renting in Sacramento showcases a powerful offense. Watch for a 19-year-old Dominican kid, Leo De Vries, who is a shortstop and can hit for power. Too bad the A’s do not have enough pitching to seriously contend, but they will continue to bang, and their defense has improved. Do not trust the LA Angels’ pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE (East) 1-Phillies 2-Mets 3-Braves 4-Nationals 5-Marlins. The Phillies should win that division again, one of the roughest teams at home; they won 55 of the 81 games in their casa. Phillies fans are among the most passionate in all of baseball; they are indeed the 10th man on that team. Super lineup, Schwarz, Turner, Harper, J.T.Realmuto, and company, and a stellar pitching staff, led by ace Zack Wheeler, followed by Jesús Luzardo, Cristopher Sánchez, three solid arms, and a solid defense, this is the team to beat again in this division.

(Central) 1-Cubs 2-Brewers 3-Reds 4-Pirates 5-Cardinals. The Cubs were busy this off season, restructuring their pitching and also adding veteran players Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson. The most interesting team here is the Pittsburgh Pirates; they could give Milwaukee and Chicago fits. I think it is time for a change here, and the Chicago Cubs will provide.

(West)1-Dodgers  2-Padres 3-Giants 4-Diamondbacks -5 Rockies.  -No reason to believe the Dodgers could not win this division again. The Padres and the Giants will battle for second (wild card). San Diego signed Miguel Tejada, Nick Castellanos, and Korean infielder Sung-Mun-Song. They have a solid offense with Machado, Tatis, Boagerts, and others. The Giants’ biggest off-season news is naming Tony Vitello from Tennessee as new manager. Became the first team ever to hire a college manager with no Major League experience. Giants added two good veterans: three-time batting champ Luis Arráez and talented center fielder Harrison Bader, along with pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. The top two pitchers, Brandon Webb and Robbie Ray, are Cy Young material,, they need Landen Roupp (7-7 3.80) to have his best season yet.

Quote: You look forward to Opening Day like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” — Joe DiMaggio

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

Giants report: SF players contributing in World Baseball Classic

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By Vince Cestone

The World Baseball Classic is underway, and a few San Francisco Giants players are contributing on the international stage.

Giants ace Logan Webb pitched the opening game for Team USA on March 7. He went four innings, giving up one hit and one earned run. He had six strikeouts in the game. The lone run Webb gave up came from a home run by Team Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez, the son of Manny Ramirez. USA won the game 15-5.

Giants second base free agent acquisition Luis Arraez is also representing San Francisco well in the WBC. In three games for Team Venezuela, Arraez is 6-for-11, with two home runs and seven RBIs in three games. He has two doubles, a walk, and only struck out one time in classic Arraez fashion. The Giants hope Arraez keeps this up when the regular season starts in two weeks at Oracle Park against the New York Yankees.

San Francisco outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is 5-for-18 in the WBC. He has two doubles over those four games with no strikeouts, which is always a great sign. Serving as the team captain for Team Korea, he was clutch on Tuesday in his team’s 7-2 win against Australia. Lee’s third inning double gave Korea a 3-0 lead. The Giants hope he can be a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup in 2026.

Giants left fielder Helio Ramos is only 1-for-13 with a double for Team Puerto Rico. He has struck out six times, which is almost half the time. The Giants are hoping Ramos can cut down on his strikeouts, but it doesn’t look like that’s been happening at least in the WBC.

New Giants center fielder Harrison Bader is only 3-for-14 in the WBC but has a home run. With Israel, he’s struck out five times and has two RBIs in four games. The Giants hope he can provide athleticism and speed in the outfield for the Giants in 2026. Outfield defense was one of their biggest weaknesses last year.

Reliever Jose Butto has pitched three perfect innings for Venezuela, notching one strikeout. The Giants acquired Butto from the New York Mets in the Tyler Rogers trade. The Giants hope he can help out their bullpen, which is still a big question mark for 2026.

Lastly, for Team Great Britain, Tristan Beck has given up one run in 1 1/3 innings. He has struck out one batter in two games. On Friday, Team Mexico first baseman Jonathan Aranda hit a 346-foot, three-run homer off of Beck that gave them the lead in the eighth inning. Great Britain lost the game 8-2.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Giants’ prospects have solid day in 5-4 win over Guardians

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong #60 delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 10, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (John Medina Special to the Mercury News)

By Stephen Ruderman

GOODYEAR AZ–The Giants’ prospects showed their worth in San Francisco’s 5-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear AZ on Tuesday.

Drew Gilbert finally returned after missing two weeks due to a left shoulder impingement. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat in the top of the third inning. Though hey, he was a bit rusty, and he was up against Guardians’ ace, Tanner Bibee.

Gilbert grounded out in the top of the fourth, but he singled the other way to left in the top of the seventh. Not a bad return for the Giants’ eccentric young outfielder.

Speaking of Giants’ prospects who hit for contact and don’t strike out much, catcher Jesus Rodriguez was back in the lineup after his big 5-for-7 weekend. 

Rodriguez made a nice two-strike adjustment against Bibee, and lined a high fastball for a base-hit into left-center field in the top of the first. As center-fielder Steven Kwan went over to field it, Rodriguez decided to take a chance, and was able to hustle out a double.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez struck out his next two times. Still, his double in the first was quite impressive, and any team will love a guy who will do anything to take the extra 90 feet. The fight for the Giants’ backup catcher’s rule between Rodriguez and Daniel Susac will be an interesting one.

As for other big prospects, Bryce Eldridge, the biggest of them all, went 1-for-2 with a walk.

Seymour has strong four innings in first start:

Carson Seymour took the ball in his fourth appearance and first start of the spring.

Seymour gave up a run and just two hits over four innings. He walked one, and struck out three.

Birdsong has much-needed solid inning:

Hayden Birdsong pitched a much-needed scoreless inning in the bottom of the sixth.

It is no secret that the last seven and a half months have been a nightmare for Birdsong. After not being able to record a single out after facing six batters in his start against the Braves in Atlanta on July 21 of last year, Birdsong did not pitch again in the big leagues the rest of the season. 

To make matters worse, Birdsong’s struggles continued this spring. He gave up five runs over just a third of an inning to the Seattle Mariners when he started the Giants’ cactus league opener on Feb. 21 in Peoria. He then gave up three runs in a relief inning against the Colorado Rockies on Feb. 26 in Scottsdale. 

Birdsong made his first appearance in 13 days when he was brought in for the bottom of the sixth. It was no easy task, as he immediately had to face one of the best hitters in baseball in Steven Kwan. Birdsong got out to a quick 0-2 count, but Kwan worked the count full. Kwan then fouled off the next two, but Birdsong got him to ground out to second.

That was a big break for Birdsong, but he faced trouble when Bryan Rocchio immediately followed up Kwan’s strikeout with a double. Birdsong then faced another dangerous hitter in Jose Ramirez, and struck him out. Chase DeLauter grounded out to second, and Birdsong ended up with a scoreless inning.

When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before:

You know the old saying. When you come to the ballpark, you may see something you’ve never seen before. Well the 4,844 in attendance here at Goodyear Ballpark had two such instances Tuesday.

The Giants had a runner at second in Jared Oliva with two outs in the top of the third with Jesus Rodriguez at the plate. Oliva broke for third, and the throw from Guardians’ catcher David Fry hit Rodriguez’s bat and went out of play.

Since Rodriguez had stood still in his place in the batter’s box, Home Plate Umpire Nic Lentz correctly did not call interference. Of course, since the throw ended up going out of play, Oliva was awarded home plate.

Now, had Rodriguez and/or his bat moved while Fry was throwing and the same thing happened, Rodriguez would have been called out for interference, and Oliva would have been returned to second base.

Then with one out and no one on in the top of the eighth, Grant McCray hit a ground ball that hit off the glove of Guardians’ first-baseman Juan Brito. The ball ricochetted over to pitcher Pedro Avila, who rolled over to the bag at first for one of the most incredible 3-1 putouts you will ever see. 

Even in Spring Training, you may see something you’ve never seen before when you came to the park. Tuesday, we were fortunate enough to see two of them.

Other notes:

  • The Giants scored two more unearned runs off Bibee in the top of the fourth.
  • Tyler Fitzgerald made it a three-run fourth for the Giants with a two-run home run down the left field line off Guardians’ reliever Steven Perez.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Yankees go with Fried to start on opening day Mar 25; Did Skubal step away to join Tigers in spring training; plus more news

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New York Yankees left hand pitcher Max Fried will be the starting pitcher against the San Francisco Giants on opening day Wed Mar 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Will New York Yankees’ new Opening Day pitcher LHP Max Fried lead the rotation to a strong start? .

#2 Which players could become surprise trade candidates before the 2026 MLB deadline?

#3 Why did Tarik Skubal leave Team USA after his World Baseball Classic appearance? The Detroit Tigers ace made headlines after stepping away from Team USA duties following his WBC debut.

#4 Which players are standing out in spring training as Opening Day approaches? Early performances—like big home runs and defensive plays—are drawing attention as teams finalize their rosters for the start of the 2026 season.

#5 MLB questions specifically about the Dodgers and Giants rivalry. The Dodgers multiple World Series wins and the Giants new manager Tony Vitello will he be able to get the Giants to the post season?

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

Quick afternoon in Scottsdale, as Angels beat Giants 2-0 in spring training version of pitcher’s duel

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San Francisco Giants Bryce Eldridge is in camp and is the most anticipated propect in camp (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–Robbie Ray was a bit shaky over four no-hit innings, and the Angels scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to hand the Giants just their third loss of the spring in a very-quick two-hour-and-11-minute game on a spectacular partly-cloudy day at Scottsdale Stadium..

Ray threw a 1-2-3 top of the first inning, and a scoreless top of the second. He was less sharp in the third, when he walked two, but he still got out of the inning unscathed. 

Ray then went into the fourth inning for the first time this spring. He walked two with one out, and then Christian Moore hit a bullet to third that was snagged by Matt Chapman, who threw to second to double off Vaughn Grisson for a spectacular inning-ending double play.

Ray threw 56 pitches overall.

Giants’ offense goes silent on live day at Scottsdale Stadium:

It was surprising to see the Giants’ offense go cold on a day where the ball was flying out during batting practice, but the Giants were limited to just three hits today.

Rafael Devers returned today, after missing 12 days due to a tight left hamstring. In his return today, Devers went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts. However, he was hammering the ball during batting practice. Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey also went 0-for-3.

There was hardly a cloud in the sky during batting practice, but it turned into a gorgeous partly-cloudy day here in Scottsdale. It was the most-perfect weather for baseball you could ask for. However, with the fact that some thunderstorms are heading into the valley tonight, perhaps the higher humidity—26%, but rather-high for the desert—kept the ball in the park during the game.

Drew Gilbert cleared to DH:

Prior to the game, Manager Tony Vitello said that outfielder Drew Gilbert was cleared by doctors to take at-bats as a designated hitter.

Gilbert has been out since Feb. 25 with a left shoulder impingement. He has been working out at the Giants’ practice facility.

Vitello indicated that Gilbert could be back in the lineup as soon as tomorrow or Wednesday. However, he also said that the team is trying to play it cautiously.

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: How will Tatum’s return from Achilles injury impact the Celtics; A’s showcasing in Vegas in exhibition play; plus more news

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Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum has returned after suffering an Achilles injury. Here he is blowing kisses to fans and playing against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half on Fri Mar 6, 2026 at the Boston Garden (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 How might Jayson Tatum’s return from a long Achilles injury impact the Boston Celtics’ playoff chances and team chemistry during the final stretch of the regular season?

#2 What factors usually enable teams to complete massive comebacks like the Spurs’ 25-point rally against the LA Clippers on Friday night, and what does it reveal about their resilience and in-game adjustments?

#3 The Sacramento Kings snapped a three game losing streak Sunday night defeating the Chicago Bulls 126-110. The Kings in recent games have been heavily dependent on Precious Achiuwa, Russell Westbrook, and Malik Monk.

#4 Turning to Major League Baseball the Sacramento A’s are playing a two game set in Las Vegas. On Saturday they lost to the Angles 3-0 and Sunday they played their split squad against the Angels all at Aviators Park in Las Vegas. How much was this series to get a measuring stick on local interest for the A’s who will be coming to Vegas in 2028?

#5 The San Francisco Giants in Sunday’s game improve to 13-3 in pre season play and have roll going in spring training. Is this just a look at guys trying to make the roster with a combination of double A and triple A players. Or has Giants manager Tony Vitello got this team firing on all cylinders?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Jesus Rodriguez making impression in camp, and shines in Giants’ 9-5 win over Cubs

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San Francisco Giants center fielder Will Brennan (7) rounds third base against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa AZ on Sun Mar 8, 2026 (San Francisco Giants X photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

MESA–Over the last year, Buster Posey has greatly improved the Giants’ farm system, and those improvements, particularly Jesus Rodriguez, shined Sunday in the Giants’ 9-5 win over the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa.

On July 30 of last year, the Giants traded closer Camilo Doval to the Yankees. In return, they got a young catcher and third-baseman in Jesus Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a contact hitter, who does not strike out often, and can hit over .300.

Since the start of camp, Daniel Susac has been the favorite to be the backup catcher to Patrick Bailey. Until yesterday, Rodriguez had been off to a rough start, and went 2-for-12 in his first eight games.

Saturday—in the Giants’ other split-squad game, which was against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick—Rodriguez got to start. The young catcher took full advantage of it, and showed just what he can do. Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs.

Tony Vitello gave Rodriguez another start Sunday, this time as the designated hitter. Rodriguez’s afternoon did not get off to the greatest start. He flew out to right-center field in his first at-bat in the top of the first inning. He then drew a walk off Cubs’ left-hander Luke Little to lead off the top of the fourth, but was picked off at first base on what was a questionable move by Little.

Rodriguez stepped up against Connor Schultz in the top of the sixth, following a lead-off home run by Grant McCray. Rodriguez hit a home run of his own to left-center field. Those two home runs were part of a four-run top of the sixth for the Giants, which made the difference today. Infielder Buddy Kennedy hit a home run as well in the sixth. His was a two-run shot to left.

Rodriguez capped off his afternoon with a line-drive base-hit to center with two outs in the top of the seventh. All in all, it was a 2-for-3 afternoon for Rodriguez, with an RBI, and a walk.

It is safe to say that Rodriguez will get some more playing time as camp winds down over the next two weeks. Daniel Susac, Rodriguez’s main competition for the backup catcher’s role, went 1-for-3, and upped his average to .350. Rodriguez is 7-for-19 overall this spring, and is hitting .368. This could turn out to be a big decision for Vitello.

Landen Roupp solid in second spring start:

Landen Roupp, who made 22 starts for the Giants last season, made his second start of the spring today.

Roupp struck out four over three shutout innings in his first start back on Feb. 24 against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe. Sunday, he made his first appearance in nearly two weeks.

Roupp got off to a rough start in the bottom of first. Michael Busch nearly had extra bases to lead off the inning, but center-fielder Will Brennan made a spectacular sliding catch at the track in left-center with his back completely to the infield. Nico Heorner then fisted a double down the left field line.

Roupp retired the next two, and then walked Dansby Swanson. Former Giant Michael Conforto came up, and grounded a base-hit up the middle to knock in Heorner.

Roupp then threw 1-2-3 innings in the second and third to wrap up what was a solid afternoon. Roupp went three innings, and gave up a run on two hits. He walked one, and struck out 2.

Blade Tidwell rocked in third appearance of camp:

Blade Tidwell, who came along with Drew Gilbert in the Tyler Rogers deal with the Mets last July, came in for his third outing of the spring in the bottom of the fourth.

Tidwell, once a starter, is now being looked at as a reliever. Tidwell threw a shutout inning in the Giants’ cactus league opener against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria on Feb. 21. He then gave up two runs over two innings against the Colorado Rockies five days later in Scottsdale, on Feb. 26.

Sunday was a day to completely forget for Tidwell. Like Roupp, Tidwell was coming off significant rest, as he had not pitched in 11 days. Perhaps that contributed to his nightmare outing Sunday.

The Cubs manufactured a run against Tidwell in the bottom of the fourth, and then put up a three spot on him in the bottom of the fifth. After Cubs’ catcher Moises Ballesteros knocked in a pair with a base-hit with two outs, Tidwell was pulled.

Tidwell gave up four runs and five hits over an inning and two thirds. He walked two, and struck out four.

First time at Sloan Park:

Sunday, I finally got to see Sloan Park for the first time.


It opened in 2014, and has the exact same dimensions as Wrigley Field, but without the bricks and ivey on the walls. Cubs’ fans have packed this place, and have made it perhaps the top destination in the Cactus League since.

There was a reason this park was on my bucket list. Beyond right field, you have a beautiful view of the mountains east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Beyond left field, behind the grass where fans sit, is a two-story building, which is mostly painted in the same red color of the bricks that make up Wrigley Field’s outfield wall. 

The first story consists of concession stands and a Cubs team shop. The second is a rooftop club, featuring two bars, where fans can sit and take in the game.

For any fan coming to Arizona for Spring Training, Sloan Park is a must-visit.

Other notes:

  • With their win today, the Giants are now 13-2 on the spring. They are two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the best record in Spring Training
  • Outfielder Luis Matos, who is out of options, has been off to a torrid start this spring. 

Matos came into yesterday’s game hitting .450. However, he took 0-for-2s, both yesterday against the Rangers, and today. He was also hit by a pitch his first time up today in the top of the second.

  • After a 3-for-3 game against the Rangers yesterday, outfielder Jerar Encarnacion went 2-for-4 today to get his average up to .300.
  • Reliever Keaton Winn pitched 1-2-3 innings in the sixth and seventh, and struck out two.
  • As for other prospects, infielder Parks Harber went 1-for-2, and put the Giants on the board with a two-run home run to right-center in the top of the fifth.

San Francisco Giants recap: Fun day in Scottsdale results in Giants’ 7-5 cactus league win over Rangers

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San Francisco Giants’ Adrian Houser throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Phoenix.Chris Carlson/AP

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–It was a fun day at Scottsdale Stadium, as the sun shined bright on a perfect day for baseball, and the Giants’ regulars exercised perfect fundamentals in what turned out to be a 7-5 Cactus League win for the Giants over the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers came all the way from across town in Surprise, and thus did something very rare in Spring Training. They took batting practice in another team’s park.

Two former Rangers’ managers were on hand in new Giants’ coach Ron Washington, and former Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy, who is back in the organization as a special advisor. Considering that Bochy just managed the Rangers over the last three seasons, and guided them to the world championship in 2023, it was no surprise to see him get embraced by his former players.

Prior to the game, during batting practice, Giants’ hitters were laying down bunts, and lining the ball the opposite way. It is part of the hitting approach of new Giants’ hitting coach Hunter Mense. Mense spent the last four years as the assistant hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, and his small ball approach played a key role in getting the Blue Jays to the World Series last season.

Prior to the game, it was chilly, and the wind was howling in from center field, which is quite uncommon in this ballpark. By gametime, the winds subsided, and the temperatures climbed up into the 70s.

Left-hander Carson Whisenhunt made the start for the Giants, and threw three shutout innings, giving up just one hit, and striking out five. Mense’s small ball approach was on full display in a three-run bottom of the fourth inning, when Jerar Encarnacion and Willy Adames kept the line moving with RBI base-hits.

In terms of relief pitchers, Spencer Bivens pitched through a jam in the top of the fourth. Ryan Walker, who is the favorite to reclaim the closer’s job this season, threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth. Left-hander Matt Gage struggled, as he gave up two runs in the top of the sixth.

The Rangers scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead, but the Giants’ non-roster invitees and minor leaguers responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth, and the Giants won it 7-5.

The Giants were playing a split squad, and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks over at Talking Stick, 7-4. Infielder Josuar Gonzalez, one of the Giants’ top prospects, hit a double in his first cactus league at-bat in that game.

Of course these games don’t count, but the Giants are 12-2 on the spring.