Tag: mlb

Langeliers, Soderstrom Homer but A’s Fall to Rays in Series Opener

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Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Sutter Health Park on August 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics returned home on Monday night from a six-game road trip where they went 4-2 during stops in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Flying high, the A’s couldn’t keep the good times going as they fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 on Monday night.

The A’s pitching let them down on Monday in a game the A’s battled to stay in but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with the Rays.

Jeffrey Springs got the start for the A’s despite not feeling great physically going into it, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. 

“Pregame he wasn’t feeling great physically, but took the mound, took the ball, and again, you commend that effort and grind that he wanted to go out there and give us what he had.”

Give them what he had he certainly did, laboring through three and a third innings and allowing four runs, all earned. Springs did his best to scatter the seven hits he gave up while also only walking one Tampa Bay hitter.

“…Just kind of felt out of sync from the get-go,” Springs told reporters after the game. “…Just dealing with some stuff, felt like the body was kind of out of sync and fighting myself, and wasn’t able to make pitches and make the adjustment unfortunately. Just didn’t do my job, basically.”

Osvaldo Bido relieved Springs and gave Kotsay three and two-thirds innings of work while surrendering six hits in that stretch. Bido managed to work in and out of trouble most of the night. However, he gave up two solo home runs — that would prove to be the only run-costing mistakes on the night — in the seventh inning.

Michael Kelly came on in the eighth but wasn’t sharp, recording only one out and giving up a run, a hit, and two walks before being lifted for Hogan Harris. Harris would finish the eighth and ninth innings, working one and two-thirds innings and giving up just one hit.

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s scoring came thanks to two home runs from middle-of-the-order bats. Yet, it was too little too late as Mark Kotsay alluded to after the game.

“I think offensively we put together some good at-bats there late in the game and got ourselves back into it, which isn’t easy to do, especially against this club.”

Shai Langeliers got the A’s on the board with a solo home run in the fifth inning that traveled an impressive 425 feet and left the bat at 109.4 mph. The A’s would score one more time courtesy of a Tyler Soderstrom three-run homer that at the time brought the A’s to within two, 6-4, in the eighth. Soderstrom’s blast went 414 feet into the Sacramento night and left the bat at 104.3 mph.

The A’s fell to 53-68 with the loss as they continue to try and claw their way back toward the .500 mark on the season. That continues to be the focus of the club down the stretch with less than two months left in the season.

Game two of the series will be on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. PST at Sutter Health Park. Jacob Lopez (5-6, 3.59 ERA) will toe the rubber for the A’s as Tampa Bay will send Shane Baz (8-8, 4.92 ERA) to the hill.

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Francisco Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic: Verlander picks up ninth loss after SF gets clobbered 8-0 Sunday

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San Francisco Giants starter Justin Verlander got lit up for five runs and 11 hits in five innings of pitching at Oracle Park against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

SF Giants podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 San Francisco Giants starter Justin Verlander dropped his record even further to 1-9 after suffering a 8-0 clobbering by the sufferable Washington Nationals on Sunday.

#2 Despite the loss Verlander achieved a monumental career plateau striking out his 3500th strikeout becoming the tenth pitcher in MLB history to achieve such an accomplishment.

#3 The Nats CJ Abrams slugged a home run and made Verlander’s 3500th career strikeout almost forgettable after Verlander got lit up after pitching five innings allowing 11 hits, five runs, one walk, six strikeouts.

#4 The Giants open a three game set against the visiting San Diego Padres on Tuesday night at Oracle Park. Starting for the Padres RHP Yu Davish (1-3 ERA 6.51) for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (10-8 ERA 3.24)

Marko Ukalovic does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Barbara Mason: A’s on roll have won six of last ten

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Sacramento A’s second baseman Max Schuemann (left) tags out Baltimore Orioles Greg Allen on an attempted steal in the bottom of the fourth inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento A’s podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Athletics took on the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend losing game one friday night but coming on strong in games two and three winning the series

#2 The Orioles won the first game of the series in a close one 3-2 which set the stage for games two and three. The Athletics were on fire in game two winning the game 11-3 and coming away with 13 hits to the Orioles 4 hits thanks in part to the pitching of starter Jack Perkins who only allowed 3 hits and the three runs going 6 innings

#3 Sunday the A’s won a close one tying up the game in the sixth inning 1-1 and finishing it off in the ninth inning scoring two runs to win the series

#4 Willie MacIver was the hero in game three hitting a double in the ninth which allowed Lawrence Butler and Darell Hernaiz to score and seal the deal. Elvis Alvarado closed out the game in the ninth inning

#5 The A’s will now head home to begin a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Sutter Health Park.

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento A’s podcasts each Monday 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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame – Induction of Bobby Avila

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Photo of Bobby Avila for the article. you can use this under his photo if you want: Played in the 1954 Worl Series for Cleveland vs. New York Giants. (photo from the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum)

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame – Induction of Bobby Avila

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On August 15, 2025, Bobby Avila will be inducted into The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians. Family members, museum representatives, and the Cleveland Guardians will be in attendance for the ceremony.

Bobby Avila, born in Veracruz, México, was the first Hispanic player to win a batting title in the major leagues. He achieved this feat in 1954 while playing for the Cleveland Indians, leading the American League with a .341 batting average.

Avila, also known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, played for the Orioles, Red Sox, and Braves during his 11-year career. Avila was also the first Hispanic selected to play in an All-Star Game(1954). Bobby Avila was born on April 2, 1924, and died on October 26, 2004, at the age of 80.

In México, he was known as Roberto “Beto” Avila, and in the United States, as Bobby Avila. Years after he retired and while he was visiting the 1987 All Star Game at Oakland, California I interviewed Avila, a very humble and proud Mexican man who was already involved in Mexico’s politics.

In fact, after his career as a professional baseball player, Ávila entered politics and was elected mayor of his hometown of Veracruz in 1980. He later served two terms in the Mexican national legislature. He was also inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

Two Mexican League stadiums are named in his honor: Estadio Beto Ávila in Cancún and Parque Beto Ávila in Veracruz. The most famous Mexican-born baseball player. Fernando Valenzuela said, “Everyone knows who Avila was in Mexico.

He was an inspiration, of course, for Mexican ballplayers to follow to the States and play in the major leagues.” Museum Note: Fiesta Gigantes: This September 14, the Museum will be at Fiesta Gigantes, Oracle Park, San Francisco. Come and visit us.

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

Slow Las Vegas Start Finishes On Fire Beating Sun 94-86; Aces pick up fourth straight win

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) drives on Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Despite struggling this season, the Connecticut Sun (5-25) gave the Las Vegas Aces (18-14) all they could handle in the first half of their matchup with the two teams tied at the half 45 points apiece. Las Vegas fought back leading after three quarters 70-62 winning the game 94-86 Sunday.

With this win the Aces are tied with the Indiana Fever for fifth place. A’ja Wilson finished the game with 32 points and 20 rebounds. Jackie Young had a 12 point first quarter finishing with 21 points. This was their fourth win in a row.

Game recap: The Aces took their largest lead of the game 14-6 at 5:32 in the opening ten minutes of play. The Sun pushed back erasing the Aces eight point lead cutting it in half 18-14 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter.

Young started the game with a hot hand already hitting 12 points with two minutes left in the quarter. Every time the Aces extended their lead, the Sun pushed back hard pulling to within two points with under two minutes left on the clock 22-24. With under a minute left in the opening quarter the Sun took a 28-26 lead.

Connecticut had hit five of eight from beyond the arc and the Aces had to contain the Sun’s long ball in the second quarter. After the first ten minutes of play the Sun had taken a 31-27 lead and had gone on a 15 to 3 run. After a hot start, the Aces had really cooled off. Las Vegas already had five turnovers, the Sun only two. Las Vegas had to put the stops on the Sun’s success from beyond the arc.

The Sun did not back down to start the second quarter and in fact continued to extend their lead 39-30 in the opening minutes. This was not the start to the second quarter that Las Vegas had envisioned.

The Sun took a ten-point lead, the largest of the game, 43-33 prompting a time-out for the Aces. After a great first quarter start, the Aces had fallen flat offensively and were struggling defensively.

The Sun’s confidence continued to build as the second quarter wore on leading 45-38 with 4:33 left in the half. Las Vegas needed to trim the Sun’s lead before halftime. The Aces went on a 10-0 run in the final minutes of the second quarter cutting their 12 point deficit to two points. Las Vegas tied up the game at 45 going into the half and it was a new ball game.

The Aces had really turned this game back in their favor in the later minutes of the second quarter. Young had hit 14 points and Wilson was closing in on another double double with 13 points and nine rebounds after two quarters. Las Vegas had to take back control of this game and cut down on the turnovers.

Las Vegas turned this game around in the third quarter taking their largest lead of the game so far with 11 points and leading 70-62 after three quarters.

Connecticut continued to hang around but unlike the second quarter when the Sun pushed, the Aces successfully pushed right back taking an 82-71 lead after the Sun had pulled to within 6 points with 6:35 left in the game.

With 5 1/2 minutes left on the clock Wilson had 28 points and 18 rebounds taking her team to an 86-73 lead. The Aces continue to work their way up the standings. They are without doubt playing with playoff mentality. Their defense really clicked in the second half.

Wilson finished with 20 rebounds, a career high, and 32 points. The Aces locked in defensively to pull off their fourth win in a row.

Game notes: The Aces continued their homestand defeating the struggling Sun Sunday evening at Michelob ULTRA Arena. They had a great win over the Seattle Storm Friday night 90-86 in a nail-biter of a fourth quarter. With the win Friday night the Aces have pulled into sixth place a half game behind the fifth place Indiana Fever. There will be a lot of shuffling as the season enters its final push.

Las Vegas will face a tough assignment on Wednesday evening taking on the New York Liberty but will continue to play with home court advantage before heading out on the road taking on Phoenix on Friday night. Tipoff for the Aces game with the Liberty is scheduled for 6:30 PM PT.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Athletics Stun Orioles 3-2 with Late-Inning Heroics in Camden Yards Thriller

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Sacramento A’s catcher Willie MacIver (65) puts the tag on Baltimore Orioles Jeremiah Jackson (82) in the bottom of the fourth inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

Athletics Stun Orioles 3-2 with Late-Inning Heroics in Camden Yards Thriller

By Mauricio Segura 

The Athletics spent most of Saturday afternoon looking for the big hit that just wouldn’t come. For eight innings at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the A’s offense was a story of scattered singles, long outs, and missed chances. Then, in the top of the ninth, everything changed. A lineup that had been held to a single run suddenly found the clutch bats they had been searching for, and when the dust settled, the Green and Gold had stolen a 3-2 victory from the Baltimore Orioles.

For much of the day, the two clubs traded small jabs rather than haymakers. The early innings were defined by free passes and stranded baserunners. In the top of the first, Shea Langeliers popped out to start the game, Brent Rooker flied to center, and after a Nick Kurtz walk, Colby Thomas ended the frame with another pop out. Baltimore’s opening inning was equally frustrating. They drew three walks, including one to Jackson Holliday leading off, but Gunnar Henderson’s stolen base was all they had to show for it before Jeremiah Jackson struck out with the bases loaded.

Sacramento starter Luis Morales didn’t allow a hit through his first two innings but labored with control, handing out multiple walks. Tyler Ferguson came on in relief in the third and kept Baltimore quiet until the fifth, when Jordan Westburg finally broke the scoreless tie. With two outs, Westburg launched his 14th home run of the season, a fly ball that carried into the left field seats to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.

Up to that point, the A’s only real threat had come in the third when Rooker singled, only for Kurtz to fly out and end it. That changed in the top of the sixth. Rooker, again the spark, doubled to left and moved to third on a groundout. Colby Thomas delivered the first RBI of the day for Sacramento, bouncing a sharp single into left to bring Rooker home and tie the game 1-1.

Justin Sterner and Sean Newcomb handled the sixth and seventh, but the bottom of the seventh saw the Orioles reclaim the lead. With the score still tied, Alex Jackson doubled on a ball the A’s unsuccessfully challenged for being foul. After a strikeout, pinch-hitter Coby Mayo ripped a double to center, scoring Jackson for a 2-1 Baltimore advantage. Sacramento avoided further damage thanks to Luis Urías’ unassisted double play, but the A’s trailed heading into the late innings.

Dietrich Enns and Keegan Akin kept the A’s bats silent in the seventh and eighth, and by the time the ninth rolled around, the Athletics needed a rally against Baltimore’s bullpen to avoid defeat. Darell Hernaiz worked a leadoff walk to set the table. JJ Bleday struck out, but Gio Urshela’s sharp single to left pushed Hernaiz into scoring position. Manager Mark Kotsay made the call for speed, sending in Lawrence Butler to run for Urshela. That move paid off almost immediately.

Willie MacIver, who had been active defensively all afternoon, turned the game on its head with one swing. He smoked a line drive into the left-field corner for a double, and both Hernaiz and Butler came charging home. Just like that, the A’s were up 3-2, and the dugout roared to life.

Elvis Alvarado, who had finished the eighth, handed the ninth to the A’s defense. Greg Allen struck out swinging for the first out, Dylan Carlson grounded to second for the second, and after Holliday worked yet another walk, the game ended fittingly, with Jordan Westburg, Baltimore’s earlier hero, swinging through strike three.

Sacramento’s win was built less on offensive fireworks and more on patience, timely hitting, and keeping the Orioles from breaking the game open when they had the chance. Pitching depth was key, seven different A’s pitchers combined to hold Baltimore to just six hits, with the bullpen striking out eight in relief of Morales. Brent Rooker’s multi-hit afternoon set the tone offensively, and Colby Thomas’ sixth-inning RBI kept the A’s in striking distance. But the lasting memory will be MacIver’s two-run double in the ninth, the hit that turned a frustrating afternoon into a statement of patient triumph.

The A’s return to Sutter Health Field in West Sacramento Monday night starting pitchers for theTampa Bay Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (7-9 ERA 3.77) for the A’s RHP Jefferey Springs (10-7 ERA 3.89) first pitch 7:05pm PT.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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 Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum: Pilings and cement being poured at A’s Las Vegas ballpark site

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Still photo of the Las Vegas A’s ballpark construction site at the former Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas at 9:10AM Sat Aug 9, 2025. Some cement and pilings have been installed. (A’s live stream)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Reports from the A’s Las Vegas ballpark construction actual cement is being poured into the foundation of the dugout portion of the grounds.

#2 The pilings have been constructed where the cement has been poured a large pile of dirt sits in the middle of the construction site.

#3 The A’s have filed permits worth over $157 million that have been filed with Clark County. The permits allow the constructing of the concrete at the lowest level of the ballpark to the upper main concourse with the primary steelwork.

#4 There have been questions if A’s owner John Fisher has been able to come up with his share of the $1.75 billion construction cost. At the groundbreaking ceremony in July A’s team president Mark Badain said the A’s have the money or they wouldn’t be doing the groundbreaking.

#5 The A’s said that they would be scheduling a project update at the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Aug 21st. Expected to attend are Las Vegas Stadium Convention and Authority CEO Steven Hill, A’s executive Sandy Dean, and Badain.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Athletics Relocation podcasts each Sunday 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. 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander acknowledges the crowd after striking out Washington Nationals' Nathaniel Lowe in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Aug 10, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

Giants, Verlander stymied by Nats 8-0, lose another series at home to sub-.500 team

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Photo credit: San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander acknowledges the crowd after striking out Washington Nationals’ Nathaniel Lowe in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Aug 10, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

By Vince Cestone

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants had visions of getting back into the National League Wild Card race after an inspiring 4-2 road trip, but they came back to earth at the end of their home series against the Washington Nationals on Sunday in a 8-0 shutout loss.

The Giants currently sit four games out of the third and final Wild Card spot. In terms of the math, it looks doable. But in the eye test, the Giants look like they are a trek across the Sahara Desert away from reaching the postseason.

The Giants fell back to .500, 59-59. It was more of the same–wasted opportunities after getting the leadoff hitter on, a plethora of strikeouts, and a sub-.500 team with younger and more-exciting talent running circles around a seemingly-sluggish Giants team.

The top of the first inning started off great for the Giants. Verlander struck out the side, and in doing so, notched his 3500th career strikeout. A great feat for a great pitcher. But then, the trouble started.

“The rest was awful,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “I mean we have 40,000 people here, and we don’t give them anything to root for the entire game other than that. So, unfortunately, that probably is as disappointing a game as he had all year.”

Unfortunately for the Giants, the game was lost in the second inning. With runners at second and third and nobody out, Verlander struck out Nationals first baseman Brady House and got center fielder Jacob Young to ground out to second with the infield in.

But then, Verlander hung a 3-2 slider to James Wood, which he lined down the first base line for a 2-run double. Verlander had made Wood look silly on a couple of fastballs up in the zone earlier in the at-bat.

Then, CJ Abrams launched a two-run homer off the right-field foul pole on a similar hanging, 2-strike slider. The Nationals were up 4-0, but it may as well been 20-0.

The Nationals would add on lone runs in the fourth and sixth inning, followed by two unearned runs in the seventh.

Abrams would end the day 2-for-5 with a home run and a single. Former Giant Paul DeJong continued to torture the Giants with a 3-for-5 day.

The Giants had no answer for Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who pitched six shutout innings, striking out 10 Giants. 40,089 Giants fans at Oracle Park had very little to cheer about on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the city.

“I’m frustrated that our fans come out and support us every night, and we gave them literally nothing today,” Melvin said.

The Giants could only scatter three hits for the game.

The highlight of the game for the Giants? A scoreless ninth inning from Christian Koss, a position player who came in to save the bullpen.

The Giants will try to get right against the San Diego Padres on Monday night at Oracle Park. Ace Logan Webb will try to get the Giants back into the win column.

Time is running out for the 2025 season, and if the Giants don’t want to be a team on the outside looking in for the eighth time in the last nine years, they’ll have to find that jetliner in an oasis to get them across the Sahara.

Or will that jetliner be another mirage?

Starting pitchers for Monday night the San Diego Padres have not announced a starter and the Giants will be going with RHP Logan Webb (10-8 ERA 3.24) first pitch at 6:45pm PT.

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: Pawol did great job in first game as MLB’s first woman umpire; Yanks and Williams continue to suffer; plus more

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Jen Pawol makes baseball history as the first female umpire to work an MLB game in history working the first game of a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins at Loan Depot Park in Miami on Sat Aug 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 Jen Pawol made baseball history becoming the first female to work a MLB regular season game. Pawol’s made her umpiring debut on Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. Pawol worked first base and had a relatively quiet first game.

#2 New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams battled against the Houston Astros in a 5-3 loss on Friday night allowing three runs in the tenth inning. The Astros Carolos Correa got a base hit and Taylor Trammell hit a two run home run for a 5-2 score. Williams has allowed four home runs in his last eight appearances.

#3 Hall of Famer and former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera tore his Achilles tendon while chasing a fly ball at an Old Timer’s game on Saturday. Rivera will need surgery. Mariano’s agent Fern Cuza said that Rivera who is 55 will have the operation in less than a week.

#4 Former Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki has his No.51 retired in a pregame ceremony in Seattle before facing the Tampa Bay Rays. Ichiro said to the crowd, “What’s up Seattle!” and added “Iam so grateful to be here today to receive this highest of honors.”

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hit his 40th home run of the season on Saturday night against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 9-1 win. Ohtani hit a 417 foot shot off Jays starter Chris Bassitt which gave the Dodgers a three run lead.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

A’s Bats Erupt Early to Power Past Orioles 11-3 in Statement Win

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A’s Bats Erupt Early to Power Past Orioles 11-3 in Statement Win

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics didn’t waste any time reminding the Baltimore Orioles crowd that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary night at Camden Yards as the A’s blasted the O’s 11-3 on Saturday.

The first two pitches they saw didn’t even matter, Lawrence Butler worked a leadoff walk, and on the very next at-bat Shea Langeliers unloaded on a Brandon Young fastball, sending it on a low, screaming line into the left field seats. Just like that, the Green and Gold were up 2-0, and the tone was set.

Of course, the Orioles had an answer of their own in the bottom half. Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg opened with back-to-back singles before Gunnar Henderson launched a center-field shot that flipped the score in Baltimore’s favor, 3-2. For a moment, it looked like we might be in for one of those punch-counterpunch slugfests that test the stamina of both teams.

But instead, the Athletics turned it into a one-sided hitting clinic.

Langeliers got the rally started again in the third with a sharp single, and Nick Kurtz followed with another hit to set the table for Brent Rooker. Rooker didn’t miss, swatting his 24th home run of the season into the Baltimore night and reclaiming the lead, 5-3. Tyler Soderstrom, who seems determined to hit in every game he plays, doubled to extend his streak to ten straight, eventually scoring on a Darell Hernaiz sacrifice fly.

By the time the fifth inning rolled around, the Sacramento lineup decided it was time to bury Baltimore under a mountain of hits. Kurtz and Rooker kicked things off with another one-two punch, Rooker’s double plating a run.

The inning snowballed from there, JJ Bleday drew a walk, Hernaiz reached on a pitcher’s error, and Luis Urías brought home another with a single. That chased Young’s replacement Yaramil Hiraldo from the game, but the fresh arm didn’t slow the A’s.

Gio Urshela drilled a two-run double, Langeliers banged a ground-rule double to plate another, and the scoreboard blinked an eye-popping 11-3 by the time the Orioles could stagger back to the dugout.

Jack Perkins, meanwhile, quietly steadied the game for Sacramento after a bumpy first inning. Once he got the ball with a lead, he went to work, forcing weak contact and letting his defense back him up. The Orioles, who’d looked ready to slug along early, were suddenly reduced to a string of harmless fly balls and frustrated strikeouts.

Baltimore’s biggest problem wasn’t just that Sacramento was hitting, it was that the A’s lineup spread the damage around. Langeliers was a menace at the plate with three hits, including the opening home run, and drove in four.

Rooker was equally destructive with a homer and a double. Kurtz chipped in two singles, Urshela added a two-run double, and Urías joined the fun with two hits and two RBIs. Even the outs had sting to them, as several lineouts were ripped right at Baltimore fielders.

After the offensive explosion, the A’s bullpen kept things airtight. Michael Kelly took over in the seventh and, aided by a fine grab from Soderstrom in foul territory, kept the Orioles from building even a whisper of a rally. Hogan Harris slammed the door in the ninth with two strikeouts, ensuring the Athletics didn’t need to sweat the late innings.

For Sacramento, this was the blueprint game, patience at the plate, punishing mistakes, and pitching that tightens as the night goes on. They made an Orioles team fighting to stay in the playoff picture look like they were still in spring training mode.

The win also underscored the balance in the Athletics’ lineup. No single player carried the load; instead, they produced an assembly line of base runners and timely extra-base hits. They scored in four different innings, tallied 15 hits, and walked five times, giving their pitchers a cushion big enough to land a jumbo jet.

The Orioles, for their part, had no answer after the first inning. Henderson’s three-run blast was their only real highlight. Once Perkins and the bullpen adjusted, Baltimore went down in order in four separate innings and never truly threatened again. Even when they did put a man on, The A’s defense snuffed it out.

For fans of the Green and Gold, it was the kind of night that offers both entertainment and reassurance. Sacramento didn’t just win; they dictated every inning after the first. If this version of the Athletics shows up consistently, they’re going to make life miserable for opposing pitchers from now until the season’s final day.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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.