Tag: mlb

Cubs Strike Early Again, Spoil A’s Bid for First Win at Sutter Health Park 7-4

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Shai Langeliers touches home plate and is congratulated by Brent Rooker after hitting a two-run homer in the A’s 7-4 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday night. (Photo: Athletics on Instagram)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento A’s returned to action for game two at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Tuesday night. After suffering an 18-3 blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, the Athletics aimed for redemption in their new home ballpark. Luis Severino took the mound for the A’s, hoping to deliver the club’s first victory at Sutter Health Park. However, the offense couldn’t rally late, and the A’s ultimately fell 7-4 to the Cubs.

As they did on Monday, the Cubs quickly jumped ahead with three runs in the first inning courtesy of a Seiya Suzuki homer on a 94 MPH sinker down the middle from Severino. From that point on, the Cubs maintained the lead.

The A’s responded in the bottom of the second inning, as Brent Rooker blasted a two-run homer to left field, scoring Lawrence Butler. This narrowed the gap to 3-2, giving Sacramento momentum heading into the third inning.

After a scoreless second inning, Severino surrendered two more runs in the third on a Kyle Tucker home run and a Dansby Swanson RBI double. The A’s again battled back, with Shea Langeliers hitting a two-run shot in the bottom half of the inning, scoring Rooker, trimming the deficit to 5-4.

Despite the A’s resilience, their offense stalled from there. The Cubs added another run in the fourth when Ian Happ drove in Pete Crow-Armstrong with a sacrifice fly to center field, extending the lead to 6-4.

Severino concluded his night with scoreless fifth and sixth innings, ending with six innings pitched, allowing six hits, six runs (five earned), three walks, and six strikeouts. Although the final stat line may not reflect it, Severino delivered a solid outing overall.

Reliever T.J. McFarland allowed another run in the seventh inning on a Justin Turner RBI single, pushing the score to 7-4 Cubs. McFarland recorded just one out in his brief appearance. A’s relievers Ferguson and Sterner combined to pitch the final two and two-thirds innings without allowing any further runs.

The Athletics went quietly in the ninth, dropping the second game of the series 7-4. Cubs starter Justin Steele earned the win, pitching six and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out six. Severino was credited with the loss, and Ryan Pressly secured his second save of the year for Chicago.

The A’s will aim to avoid the sweep on Wednesday, facing the Cubs again at 12:35 PM at Sutter Health Park.

Giants Take Series Lead Beating Astros 3-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

By Barbara Mason

San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb delivers against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston on Tue Apr 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

The San Francisco Giants (4-1) won their third straight game in a row beating the Houston Astros (2-3) 3-1. The Giants only had four hits cashing in for three runs and Houston had seven hits in the game but only the one run. Heliot Ramos had the only home run of the game as San Francisco now has a 4-1 season record.

Game recap: Both pitchers breezed through the first and second innings. Logan Webb allowed one hit in the two innings and Hayden Wesneski had not allowed a single hit.

The Giants got something going in the third inning when Astro pitcher Wesneski walked two runners, Patrick Bailey and Christian Koss, in a row with no outs and the top of the lineup coming to bat. San Francisco was looking at a golden opportunity.

The top of the batting order LaMonte Wade Jr. struck out for the first out in the inning but Willy Adames hit a line drive to left field driving Bailey and Koss home and the Giants had a 2-0 lead. Jung Hoo Lee lined out and Matt Chapman struck out for the third out. The Astros had one hit in the third inning but a strikeout and a double play sent the game into the fourth inning.

The Giants extended their lead in the fourth inning when Heliot Ramos homered to left and San Francisco had a 3-0 advantage. The Astros got out of the inning but there was some action in the Houston bullpen as Taylor Scott warmed up indicating possible changes in the fifth inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Astros got on the board off the bat of the veteran Jose Altuve who homered to left and it was a 3-1 ball game.

The game headed into the fifth inning and Wesneski remained on the mound for Houston. Neither team scored and it was on to the sixth inning, in fact the fifth, sixth and seventh innings were quiet for both teams. Through seven innings the Giants had three hits cashing in on all of them and Houston had seven.

The Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers took over on the mound in the eighth inning giving up two hits but got out of the inning. The Giants continued to lead 3-1 going into the ninth inning. Other than a Houston pitcher error, Astro pitcher Bryan King struck out Wilmer Flores, Patrick Bailey and Casey Schmitt and Houston had one last chance in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was a three and out for Houston and that was the ball game with San Francisco winning their third game in a row 3-1.

Game notes: Tuesday evening the Giants faced the Astros in game two of their series. While it is early in the season, the Giants have already shown some encouraging improvement over last season. Since their season opener they have scored 21 runs some of which came on a two out count. They have been bringing base runners home and not leaving them stranded.

Saturday the Giants starter Logan Webb went to the mound and pitched five innings giving up seven hits and a run. The Astros righty Hayden Wesneski pitched five innings, giving up two hits and three runs.

Game three of this series is slated for a 1:10 PM PDT first pitch. Landen Roupp will take the mound for the Giants with a 3.58 ERA. The Astros will be looking to pitcher Framber Valdez to salvage at least one game in this series.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Sacramento A’s media room make shift shed; Cards veteran Lynn retires at 37; plus more MLB news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The media facility at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento is a shed like looking building. This photo was the talk of baseball circles that a shed would be used for Major League Baseball media. (photo by Ben Ross KRON 4 TV San Francisco)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Reporters on Monday night covering the Sacramento A’s first home game at Sutter Health Field the minor league park for the triple A team Sacramento River Cats got the full treatment of what going back to covering minor league baseball is like. The park was cramped it was sold out, the reporters said their work space was reduced to a makeshift shed for a media room and it was cramped. This is going to be a complicated working environment for those covering A’s home games.

#2 St Louis Cardinal veteran right hand pitcher Lance Lynn 37 is hanging up the cleats for the last time. He has announced his retirement from baseball after 13 big league seasons. Upon retiring Lynn said, “Baseball season is upon us and I’m right here on the couch and that is where I’m gonna stay,” Lynn also said “Dymin in the Rough.” and “I am officially retiring from baseball right here, right now.”

#3 Right hand pitcher for the New York Yankees Adam Ottavino will be returning to the mound as he agreed to a one year contract. Ottavino 39 signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox on Feb 18 but wound up exercising his right to be released on March 23. Ottavina had a 10.80 ERA during spring training. Ottavino pitched for the New York Mets last season.

#3 Who needs steroids when you have the torpedo bat say some who observed the astronomical rise in hitting stats for players who use the hitting weapon. The Yankees the other day hit four home runs in the first inning and for the game nine home runs. Now Cincinnati Reds slugger Elly De La Cruz has got into the act hitting a single, double and two home runs on Monday night and has accumulated seven RBIs so far.

#4 A’s owner John Fisher was at Sutter Health ball park in Sacramento on Monday night and heard a smattering of “Let’s go Oakland”, “Sell the Team.” Some fans wore t shirts saying “I’d rather be at the Oakland Coliseum.” Despite the protests that was blended over with fans who were excited to see big league baseball being played in Sacramento.

#5 Carson Kelly became the first Chicago Cub in 32 years to hit for the cycle which he achieved on Monday night against the A’s in Sacramento. Kelly needed a triple to complete the cycle in his last at bat in the eighth inning as the Cubs stormed the A’s 18-3 in the Cubs first road game stateside of the 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

Cubs Spoil Sacramento Debut with 18-3 Blowout of Athletics

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A Rickey Henderson tribute is played on the screen after the Athletics are introduced at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — Major League Baseball made its debut in the Sacramento region Monday night under chilly conditions that resembled a Bay Area evening, as the cool Delta breeze swept through Sutter Health Park. The stage was set for the Athletics, now calling Sacramento’s newly renovated ballpark home, to host the Chicago Cubs in the first of their 81 home games this season. An enthusiastic, sellout crowd of 12,192 fans packed the stands to witness history.

Unfortunately for the home crowd, the Cubs dominated, handing the Athletics an 18-3 blowout loss.

Coming off a promising start to their season in Seattle, where the A’s split a four-game series thanks to strong pitching performances, Oakland’s pitching staff collapsed entirely on Monday night. 

The Cubs quickly established momentum, jumping out to a four-run lead in the first inning against A’s starter Joey Estes. Estes struggled with command throughout his brief outing, lasting only four innings while surrendering nine hits, six earned runs, four walks, and three home runs.

The Athletics briefly showed signs of life in the third inning when Jacob Wilson hit a solo home run to cut the deficit to 4-1. However, the Cubs responded immediately in the top of the fourth with a solo homer by Carson Kelly, restoring their four-run advantage.

In the bottom of the fourth, the A’s offense showed resilience again. Max Muncy drove in a run with an RBI double, followed by an RBI groundout from Jacob Wilson, bringing the Athletics closer at 5-3. Unfortunately, this would mark the end of the scoring for the home team.

The Cubs’ offense relentlessly attacked the A’s bullpen, piling on five runs in the fifth inning, six more in the sixth, and adding runs in both the eighth and ninth innings. Oakland’s bullpen struggled significantly: Mitch Spence allowed four runs (two earned) in just two-thirds of an inning, Noah Murdock surrendered six earned runs, and TJ McFarland and Jhonny Pereda each contributed an earned run. Ultimately, no A’s pitcher had an answer for the relentless Cubs lineup.

The Cubs defeated the Athletics 18-3 as they spoiled the A’s home debut in their new home. 

The A’s will seek to bounce back in game two of the series on Tuesday, with Luis Severino scheduled to take the mound following a solid outing in Seattle last week. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m.

San Francisco Wins Series Opener Against Houston 7-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores right celebrates his three home run with Patrick Bailey (14) at Daikin Park in Houston on Mon Mar 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (3-1) had a great start to their three game series with the Houston Astros (2-2) winning the opener 7-2. They outhit the Astros 9-3 scoring in four innings. Unlike last season they are not leaving runners stranded when in scoring position.

They are getting on base via hits, steals and walks so they are getting the job done. Wilmer Flores had his second home run of the season with four RBI’s and Jung Hoo Lee continues to impress with two more runs scored.

Game recap: San Francisco was first up on the scoreboard in the second inning taking a 1-0 lead. Wilmer Flores singled Heliot Ramos home and the Giants were off and running. They would strike again in the fifth inning scoring a single run extending their lead to 2-0. LaMonte Wade Jr. hit a sacrifice fly sending Mike Yastrzemski home for their second run of the game.

After Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco allowed the two runs in the second and fifth innings he was relieved by Luis Contreras on the mound. He went five innings allowing three hits, two runs with six strikeouts.

The Giants really piled it on in the sixth inning scoring three runs. Wilmer Flores hit a three-run home run with Jung Hoo Lee and Patrick Bailey on base and San Francisco took a 5-0 lead going into the seventh inning.

The Giants had seven hits in the game while the Astros had only one hit. After the sixth inning Astros relief pitcher Luis Contreras was finished allowing three hits and three runs. Ryan Gusto would take over on the mound.

The Astros stepped it up in the eighth inning scoring two runs trailing 2-5. Isaac Paredes doubled driving both Jose Altuve and Cam Smith home. The Giants lead prevailed going into the ninth inning.

The Giants threatened in the ninth with runners on second and third, two outs and Matt Chapman at the plate. Chapman singled and two more San Francisco runners crossed home plate for a 7-2 lead.

Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee both scored on the Chapman single. San Francisco had nine hits in this game. The Astros had one last chance in the bottom of the ninth inning. Ryan Walker took the mound to try and close this game out for the Giants.

Ryan was perfect closing out the game for the win. He did have one walk in the inning. San Francisco had won the first game of this three game series 7-2.

Jordan Hicks set the stage for this win. He went six innings, allowing one hit with six strikeouts in a great showing tonight. San Francisco has had more success scoring with runners in scoring position which so far this season has been a nice improvement.

Matt Chapman has been a huge offensive and defensive weapon with stellar play at third base. Wilmer Flores hit his second home run of the season and the team came away with nine hits in the game. The Giants stole three bases in this game, two of which resulted in runs so this team is getting on base whether it be through hits, walks or steals. They are getting the job done.

Game notes: After winning their series with the Cincinnati Reds this past weekend, the Giants took on the Astros in Houston to open a three game series on Monday night. Jordan Hicks took the mound for the Giants Monday night and pitched one hit ball for six innings before being lifted. Starter for Houston was Ronel Blanco went three innings and gave up of three hits and three runs.

Tuesday night the Giants and Astros will clash in game two of this series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM. Probable pitchers for Tuesday’s game are slated to be Logan Webb for the Giants with a 5.40 ERA and for Houston Hayden Wesneski will take the mound.

Kings Drop a Heartbreaker to Pacers 111-109

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) takes a foul as he take a shot in between the Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Mon Mar 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (36-39) had every opportunity to beat the Indiana Pacers (44-31) Monday night but when push came to shove they collapsed in the final minutes of the game losing 111-109.

They made some critical mistakes in the fourth quarter but did lead going into the final two minutes. The Pacers had not led the entire second half until Tyrese Haliburton hit a three to take a one-point lead 100-98 with 1:17 left in the game.

With the Kings fighting for a playoff spot this loss is a killer for Sacramento. DeMar DeRozan had the game high with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had another double double with 16 rebounds and 25 points. Malik Monk missed numerous shots finishing with only five points in 29 minutes of play.

Game recap: The Kings led Indiana after the first 12 minutes of play in a tight match-up 28-27 and at the half had a 60-54 lead. Sacramento outscored the Pacers in the second quarter 32-27. This had been a hotly contested game and going into the second half it was up for grabs.

The Pacers won the third quarter 27-26 but continued to trail in the game 86-81. They had not led since late in the second quarter as the Kings continued to fight to keep the lead. Going into the fourth quarter, the Kings had a fight on their hands.

Throughout the final quarter neither team was able to hit very many shots. It was a very sloppy fourth quarter for both teams. The Kings had the lead in this game with 1:27 left in the game. The Pacers had missed a slew of three’s in the final minutes of the quarter but at 1:17 Tyrese Haliburton hit the three that got Indiana their first lead of the second half 100-98.

The Kings lost this game with some very ineffective offense. They missed five shots in the final two minutes of play and committed five fouls. What is so disappointing is that the Kings had a 16 point lead at one time in the second half.

They were not at all good at the line shooting 64% while the Pacers were perfect at the free throw line. This game was a nail-biter from start to finish but the Kings could not hit the shots that would have made the difference in this game losing it to the Pacers 111-109.

DeMar DeRozan had the game high scoring 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had a double double with 16 rebounds and 25 points. Zach LaVine also had a good game with 20 points. Malik Monk had a sub-par game only scoring five points in 29 minutes of play but he was very good defensively with seven rebounds along with starter Keegan Murray who also had seven rebounds. In this final countdown none of these players can letdown and there was a real letdown Monday night for Sacramento. The fourth quarter was especially sloppy at times.

Game notes: With seven games left on the season, the Sacramento Kings (36-39) took a tough loss the Indiana Pacers (44-31) in a crunch situation. The Pacers are sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference while the Kings are hanging on for dear life in tenth place in the Western Conference.

The Kings have to win most of these upcoming seven games. They were blindsided by the Orlando Magic Saturday night to the tune of 121-91. They were due for a productive game and couldn’t get the win over Indiana to start this seven game stretch. It is crunch-time for the Sacramento Kings if they want to get back in this.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the 16-59 Washington Wizards. This is a must-win for Sacramento despite being on the road. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PMPDT at he Capital One Center in DC as Sacramento will be looking to put on end to this horrible nine game losing streak on the road.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Seattle Mariners own the Pacific Northwest

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez is paid a tribute being on the Seattle Mariners Wall of Fame as a former Mariners broadcaster (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

The Seattle Mariners own the Pacific Northwest

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The ATH of Sacramento opened the 2025 season in Seattle, winning two of the three games in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners have been a regional team since 1977, when they were born. Before the Oakland Athletics moved, they were the closest team to the Mariners. But today, since the Athletics departed Oakland, the Mariners’ “closest”Major League rival are the San Francisco Giants, 800 miles away to the south, across two and a half States.

The Mariners draw from the Seattle/Tacoma area, eastern Washington, Vancouver, Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and northern California. Especially during weekend games, many people travel from all these areas to visit Seattle.

The Seattle Mariners have one of the most extensive radio coverage with affiliates not only in Washington State, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada, but also all the way up to Alaska, and in the middle of the Pacific in Hawaii. In all those places, you can hear their games on the Mariners radio network and watch them on their Root TV Network, including as far east as Montana.

Nintendo owned a stake in the Mariners until 2016, when it sold most of its shares to First Avenue Entertainment, retaining a 10% ownership stake. Mr.Joh W. Stanton, an American businessman, is currently the owner of the Seattle Mariners.

T-Mobile Park in Seattle is their home; previously, it was called Safeco Field.

Of all the indoor stadiums in baseball, this is my favorite. A retractable roof can be closed or opened in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the climate conditions. If there is a city in MLB that needs a roof to play baseball, it is Seattle. Here it rains for a good 9 months of the year., So, during the baseball season, fans do not worry about the rain because with a retractable roof, “rain or shine,” they will always see Mariners baseball.

Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the country, and in baseball especially, I had the good fortune of broadcasting their games. However, I first discovered Seattle when I was stationed in Ft Lewis, a US Army active service base about 45 miles north of Emerald City. This area is beautiful and green all year round.

Mariners fans are loyal and enthusiastic. Beginning this season, they have never appeared in a World Series. They were also riding the longest playoff drought in any of the four major sports, at 20 seasons, before snapping that in 2022. A very famous quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I believe Mr.Franklin, so maybe the Mariners can make it all the way to 2025. Good luck to them.

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

M’s just get by A’s 2-1 to take three game set; Athletics home opener Monday in Sacramento vs. Cubs

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s baserunner Miguel Andujar (22) slides underneath Seattle Mariner shortstop JP Crawford who throws to first to complete a double play in top sixth inning at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sun Mar 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

Mariners Edge Athletics in Tense Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1

By Mauricio Segura

Under a chilly March sky at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners narrowly secured a 2-1 victory over the Sacramento Athletics, bringing their early-season record to 2-2. Julio Rodríguez delivered the decisive hit: a pivotal two-run homer in the sixth inning, his first longball of the season, electrifying the Seattle faithful and providing just enough offense for a resilient Mariners squad.

For most of the game, pitching controlled the tempo. Athletics left-hander JP Sears practically matched Mariners starter Bryan Woo pitch-for-pitch, both hurlers maneuvering through five innings without surrendering a run. Sears held Seattle hitters in check until Rodríguez changed the momentum of the game with his towering shot to left field, scoring Victor Robles and putting Seattle ahead for good.

The green and gold got on the board first, thanks to first baseman Tyler Soderstrom. Continuing his scorching start to the season, Soderstrom launched his third home run: a solo blast in the fourth inning, highlighting his early-season .467 batting average and team-leading four RBIs. Despite Soderstrom’s valiant effort, the Athletics struggled offensively, stranding multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Outstanding defensive plays from both teams ensured the game remained close. Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena was particularly active, including a key catch on JJ Bleday’s sharp line drive in the sixth, helping stall a potential Athletics rally. Meanwhile, Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler consistently covered significant ground, notably catching multiple sharp flyouts from Mariners hitters Mitch Garver and Donovan Solano to keep the score tight.

The game reached a tense peak in the ninth inning when Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz took the mound to close things out. After Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom singled to spark a flicker of hope, Muñoz quickly shut the door by striking out Gio Urshela, sealing the win for Seattle.

With the loss, the Athletics are even at 2-2, mirroring their rivals’ tight early-season competition. While their offense struggled overall, collecting just four hits, the Sacramento squad has bright spots to build on, notably Soderstrom’s standout performance.

Next up, the A’s will make their long-awaited debut in Sacramento with their home opener at Sutter Health Park. They’ll host the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The newly upgraded ballpark, now the smallest in Major League Baseball by capacity, will offer fans an up-close look at the team’s next chapter, as excitement builds for big-league baseball in California’s capital.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

Giants Win Season Opening Series Over Cincinnati Reds 6-3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Heliot Ramos (left), Jung Hoo Lee (center), and Mike Yastrzemski (right) celebrate the San Francisco Giants win over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Park in Cincinnati on Sun Mar 30, 2025 (San Francisco Giants X)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (2-1) finished up their opening series of the season beating the Cincinnati Reds (1-2) 6-3.

The Giants played a very clean while the Reds had a couple of errors en-route to the loss. Both Matt Chapmand and Heliot Ramos had home runs in the win. San Francisco had seven hits and displayed some great defense. They won this game on the road to open the season which is a great confidence builder as the team moves on to their next series.

Game recap: The game had a sluggish start with both teams going hitless through the first four innings. It was a pitcher’s dual until it wasn’t. The first hit of the game came in the fifth inning off the bat of San Francisco’s Heliot Ramos, a solo shot to left field, and the Giants were on the board with the early 1-0 lead.

The Ramos hit opened the flood gates as San Francisco scored three more runs in the sixth inning taking a 4-0 lead. Jung Hoo Lee doubled Tyler Fitzgerald home extending their lead to 2-0. The Giants were not finished as Matt Chapman knocked one out of the park with Lee onboard and San Francisco had established a comfortable lead 4-0.

The lead was not quite as comfortable as thought. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Reds made a lot of noise scoring three runs very nearly catching San Francisco. Austin Wynns got the inning going with a home run to left with Gavin Lux on base and the Reds had cut the Giants lead in half 4-2.

Matt McLain followed the Wynns homer with one of his own, a solo shot and Cincinnati was within a run of the Giants 4-3. After such a quiet start for both teams, this game became really competitive. Each team had scored three runs in the sixth inning. After a rough inning for Giants pitcher Robbie Ray there was a pitching change as Erik Miller took the mound for the remainder of the sixth inning.

San Francisco pitcher Lou Trevino pitched the seventh inning dismissing the Reds, three up and three down hanging onto the slim 4-3 lead. The Reds Ian Gibaut also went three up and three out in quick succession and it was on to the eighth inning.

San Francisco would add to their lead in the eighth inning taking a 5-3 advantage giving them a little breathing room. Willy Adames sacrificed and the throw from deep center field was well off the mark as Tyler Fitzgerald easily crossed home plate to extend the Giants lead.

The eighth inning was a productive one for San Francisco as they tacked on yet another run. Heliot Ramos singled baserunner Jung Hoo Lee home and the Giants had scored twice in the inning for a 6-3 lead. Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers brought his nasty spinning dropping pitch to the bottom of the eighth and San Francisco got out of the inning with a double play.

The Reds retired the Giants in the top of the ninth and Cincinnati was looking at one last chance to salvage the game. San Francisco finished off the Reds in the ninth with a three up and three down inning and that was the ball game with the Giants winning their opening series of the season 6-3.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the San Francisco Giants (2-1) clashed with the Cincinnati Reds (1-2) in game three of their series and took the series with a third game win. With the threat of rain, lightning and thunder forecast for later in the day, this game got underway on time under cloudy skies with a balmy temperature in the low 70s for the Reds fans to enjoy.

San Francisco was looking to come out on the right side of this series after winning the opening game and dropping yesterday’s game to the Reds 3-2. The Giants Robbie Ray took the mound and for the Reds, Nick Martinez was the starter.

San Francisco will continue on the road next taking on the Houston Astros in a Monday opener for a three game series. Probable pitchers for game one will be Jordan Hicks for San Francisco with 4:10 ERA. On the mound for Houston will be Ronel Blanco with a 2.80 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 5:10 PM.

Langeliers Leads A’s Past Mariners, 4-2, With Power and Poise

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers (23) crosses the plate to the congratulations of teammate Brent Rooker (25) as Seattle M’s catcher Cal Raleigh (right) tries to set up for the next batter at T Mobile Field in Seattle on Sat Mar 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

Baseball fans often whisper about the magic hiding in spring evenings at T-Mobile Park, but Saturday night, it was Sacramento Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers who conjured something special, powering his team to a gritty 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

After a quiet start, the Mariners scratched out an early run in the second inning, sparked by a single from the always-imposing Rowdy Tellez, who eventually came home after a stolen base and throwing error by Langeliers himself. Unfazed, the A’s catcher redeemed himself quickly and dramatically in the fourth inning.

With two outs and Brent Rooker perched on second after a crisp single, Langeliers stepped into the batter’s box and unleashed a towering two-run homer to left field, stunning the home crowd and flipping the momentum decisively in Sacramento’s favor. The Mariners, previously in control, now found themselves trailing.

The Athletics added insurance in the sixth when Miguel Andujar knocked in JJ Bleday, widening the lead to 3-1. But Seattle wasn’t ready to concede. A resilient Jorge Polanco delivered an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning, closing the gap to a tense 3-2.

Clinging to that narrow lead, the Athletics manufactured another crucial run in the seventh when Brent Rooker’s sharp grounder eluded Mariners third baseman Polanco, allowing Jacob Wilson to cross home plate and extend their lead to 4-2.

On the mound, Athletics starter Osvaldo Bido showed resilience, overcoming early traffic to limit the Mariners to two runs. His steady composure was vital, especially following a challenging spring where he struggled with a 7.02 ERA. Saturday night, he proved those statistics don’t always predict the future.

Seattle’s Bryce Miller was similarly gutsy but less fortunate, victimized by timely A’s hits and his defense’s shaky moments. Miller, who allowed three earned runs through five-plus innings, demonstrated flashes of brilliance overshadowed by costly missteps.

The Mariners mounted a late threat in the ninth with J.P. Crawford’s single igniting hopes of a comeback. However, A’s closer Mason Miller extinguished Seattle’s rally with authority, striking out Victor Robles and Julio Rodríguez in succession, earning his first save of 2025 and securing the green and gold’s second consecutive victory.

Saturday night’s win was the A’s small but meaningful revenge after losing their season opener to Seattle. They are now 2-1, have notably turned a page in their history by opening this season with youthful energy; their Opening Day roster features three infielders under the age of 24, a first since 1965. Max Muncy, just 22, underscored this youthful renaissance by turning an impressive unassisted double play in the first inning, a highlight that set the game’s defensive tone.

As these AL West rivals gear up for another clash tomorrow afternoon, with JP Sears taking on Seattle’s Bryan Woo, the series promises more excitement. The Athletics, rejuvenated by tonight’s triumph, aim to carry forward their fresh energy and youthful swagger. Meanwhile, the Mariners seek redemption, hoping to recapture their opening-night spark.

  • Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.