A look at the Oracle Park scoreboard in San Francisco on Sun Jun 8, 2025 during Atlanta Braves-San Francisco Giants third game of three game series (photo Michael Villanueva)
PUBLISHED ON June 8, 2025 by Sports Radio Service
San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:
#1 Michael what impact will Matt Chapman presence in the lineup influence the Giants’ offense today and how important is he?
#2 Now how important is it for the Giants to take Advantage of the Braves’ losing streak and gain ground in the NL West race?
#3 What impact has Landen Roupp’s growth as a starting pitcher had on the Giants’ 2025 rotation?
#4 Since Wednesday night, Giants are now on a 5 game winning streak following the games from the Padres and now Braves and got the sweep over the Braves Sunday 4-3 at Oracle Park.
#5 Giants finish off the Braves with an early season sweep taking game 3 of another close game final score, 4-3. Next up for the Giants Tuesday night at 5:40pm PDT in Colorado at Coors Field. Starting pitcher for the Giants LHP Kyle Harrison (1-1 ERA 4.34) for the Rockies LHP Carson Palmquist (0-4 ERA 8.50).
The question that is still being asked when John Fisher Athletics owner will come up with his share of the construction costs for the Las Vegas ballpark (Daily Democrat photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Daniel Dullum:
#1 You might have heard that groundbreaking at the Las Vegas Tropicana for the A’s new Las Vegas ballpark was to happen last April, A’s president Mark Badain said ground had already been broken, now the A’s have said the date for a ground breaking will take Jun 24, 2025.
#2 The one question that has been asked “what happens if the A’s ballpark isn’t built?” Will that put the project in jeopardy and could that end any prospect for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark.
#3 John Fisher whose family owns the GAP have seen GAP stock fallen 15% this past week that could set back the A’s and is in need of $1.75 billion for the construction share for the Vegas ballpark.
#4 Some critics really feel the A’s might not get the project off the ground period and they would have to look at other options where to play. The A’s won’t return to Sacramento and if Vegas doesn’t get done where could they wind up?
#5 The A’s after losing 11 straight games and then losing nine in a row and then winning two in a row will play out the string as they are 11.5 games behind first place and still haven’t sold out a game yet at Sutter Health?
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (32) waits for the pick off throw as the Sacramento A’s Jacob Wilson dives back into the bag in the bottom of the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sat Jun 7, 2024 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
The Sacramento A’s (25-41) had a perfect first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead in game two of their series with the Baltimore Orioles (26-37). They were unable to score for the rest of the game while Baltimore scored in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings winning the game 7-4 Saturday night at Sutter Health Park. Luis Severino struggled giving up eight hits and five runs.
After a hard fought win 5-4 in Friday’s game one, the A’s took on the Baltimore Orioles in game two of their three game series Saturday night. The A’s took a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth inning and held on for the win, their second win in a row.
Game recap: The Orioles were first up on the scoreboard taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Ryan O’Hearn sacrificed Jackson Holliday home for the early lead. The A’s pushed back in the first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead.
Jacob Wilson singled Lawrence Butler home to tie up the game 1-1. Willie MacIver also singled Wilson home taking the lead 2-1 . The A’s continued to extend their lead when JJ Bleday walked with the bases loaded; Brent Rooker came home and the A’s tacked another run onto their lead. Tyler Soderstrom scored when Max Schuemann singled and the A’s had a great opening inning leading 4-1. It was a solid start for the A’s.
It was of course early in the game but it was really looking good for the Athletics going into the fourth inning still leading 4-1. This game really got sidetracked in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings.
The Orioles pulled to within a run in the fourth inning 3-4 scoring two runs. A familiar name, Ramon Laureano sent the ball soaring out of the park for a 2-run home run and the A’s were clinging onto a one-run lead.
Baltimore scored one run in the fifth inning to tie up the game 4-4. Gunnar Henderson singled Adley Rutschman home for the tie and the significant A’s lead had been erased but it was still early in the game.
Baltimore was not finished going on to score two more runs in the sixth inning via the Orioles second home run of the game. Colton Cowser hit a solo home run to take back the lead Baltimore had back in the first inning 5-4. Baltimore added to that lead in the sixth when Jackson Holliday reached first base on a throwing error by Logan Davidson.
Baltimore took the 6-4 lead into the seventh inning when Ramon Laureano struck again hitting a single driving Gunnar Henderson home for a 7-4 lead and the Orioles were cruising.
The A’s had not scored since the first inning and going into the bottom of the ninth inning they were down to their final three outs. They had a mountain to climb and it just did not happen. JJ Bleday struck out for the 3rd out and that was the ball game 7-4. The A’s were not able to put enough bats together to score again in the game. It all comes down to the rubber match tomorrow, the A’s looking for their first series win in quite awhile.
It was a tough game for starter Luis Severino allowing eight hits, five runs, four walks and five strikeouts. He pitched for 5 2/3 innings. Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler each had two hits apiece, both of them playing some great ball right now. The A’s unfortunately left 11 base runners; something that is going to hurt you every time.
The final game of the series, the rubber match is scheduled for 1:05 PM Sunday. The Orioles Tomoyuki Sugano will start this game with a 5-3 win/loss and a 3.04 ERA. At the time of this post, the A’s will start LHP Jacob Lopez (0-4 ERA 7.20). The A’s will be looking to take the series, something they have not done in quite some time.
San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman runs the bases after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Sat Jun 7, 2025 (AP News photo)
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Oracle Park
San Francisco, California
Atlanta Braves 2 (27-36)
San Francisco Giants 3 (37-28)
Win: Tyler Rogers (3-2)
Loss: Pierce Johnson (1-3)
Time: 2:05
Attendance: 35,162
By Stephen Ruderman
The Giants pulled off their fourth win in a row in what was a pitcher’s duel, as they were down to their final out, and Matt Chapman hit a walk-off home run to left field to cap off an epic Giants’ 3-2 win over the Braves Saturday.
After Buster Posey shook things up on Wednesday, the Giants have been undefeated. They blew a lead last night, but they were able to win it on a walk-off wild pitch for their seventh walk-off win of the season.
Saturday, on Pride Day, and another gorgeous day for baseball at Oracle Park. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie was on hand for pregame ceremonies, as were LGBTQ leaders, including State Senator Scott Weiner.
Iowayna Pena, Director of Government Affairs and Real Estate Development for the Giants, and a prominent leader in the LGBTQ Community, threw out the first pitch with the new Pride Ball. What is the Pride Ball you ask? It is a baseball with rainbow stitching. The Seattle Mariners first came up with the idea this year. To my knowledge, it was not used in Saturday’s game, but it would be pretty cool if they start using it for Pride Day next year.
Logan Webb took the ball. Let’s be honest here: Logan Webb is Matt Cain with a sinker. Webb looks like Cain; has the same build as Cain; and has the same mechanics as Cain. Most importantly and unfortunately, Logan Webb suffers the same level of being screwed by his offense as the great Matt Cain.
Saturday would be the same for the Giants’ ace. Webb started off strong, as he retired the first six men he faced. Webb ran into trouble but escaped a jam in the top of the third, and then he threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth.
Braves’ starter Bryce Elder started off almost just as strong. He threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the first, followed by a pair of scoreless innings in the second and third.
The Giants struck first in the bottom of the fourth, as Wilmer Flores led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to left field off a hanging slider by Elder. Elder retired the next three, but Braves Manager Brian Snitker decided to get thrown out of the game by Home Plate Umpire Gabe Morales afterwards.
Good chance Snitker got tossed to motivate his struggling team that has not had the kind of season they expected, and who has lost some tough games as of late. It appeared to work, as Michael Harris led off the top of the fifth with a home run to right-center to tie it. Webb retired the next three, and Elder threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the fifth.
The Braves then staged a rally off Webb in the top of the sixth, as they loaded the bases with nobody out on three-straight singles. Matt Olson popped up into an infield fly, and then Marcel Ozuna grounded into a fielder’s choice to put the Braves ahead.
Webb struck out Harris to end the top of the sixth and his day, as his pitch count got to him. Webb was just great over six innings, as he struck out ten, and didn’t walk a single guy.
The only problem? You guessed it: Webb couldn’t get any support. Elder one-upped Webb with 12 strikeouts over eight dominant innings. Elder, too, didn’t walk anybody, and on top of that, he only gave up three hits.
That’s why the Giants must have been ecstatic to see former Giant Pierce Johnson in the bottom of the ninth. Well, that, and the fact that it was a wild pitch by Johnson that won the game for the Giants last night.
Pierce Johnson struck out Daniel Johnson to start the bottom of the ninth, and then Heliot Ramos grounded a base-hit to left-center. Wilmer then popped up, and the Giants were down to their last out.
Matt Chapman came up to the plate as the Giants’ last hope on this beautiful afternoon. The count was 1-1 when Johnson threw Chapman a semi-hanging curveball in the bottom half of the zone. Chapman turned on it, and hit a two-run home run to left to win it for the Giants.
It was the eighth walk-off win for the Giants this season, and their second walk-off home run. Believe it or not, the Giants had nine walk-off wins at this point of the season in 2011.
Tyler Rogers, who pitched a scoreless inning in the top of the ninth, got the win, and Pierce Johnson took the loss for the second day in a row.
The Giants improve to 36-27, and they will go for the sweep Sunday with Landen Roupp (3-4, 3.18 ERA) on the hill. Spencer Strider (0-4, 5.68 ERA) will take the ball for Atlanta.
#1 Michael, the San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman hit a two run walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park against the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Saturday for their fourth win in a row.
#2 Heliot Ramos got on board with a single and one out and relief pitcher Pierce Johnson who dropped his record to 1-3 got Wilmer Flores to pop up and then Chapman came up with his 12th homer of the season.
#3 The Braves starter Bryce Elder, allowed a run and three hits and struck out 12 in eight innings of work and the Braves lost another heartbreak losing their sixth straight game.
#4 Giant starter Logan Webb pitched six innings struck out ten and allowed two runs and surrendered six hits. It was the fourth time that Webb had strike outs in double digits this season.
#5 Atlanta and San Francisco match up again on Sunday afternoon at 1:05pm PDT. Starter for the Braves RHP Spencer Strider (0-4 ERA 5.68) for the Giants RHP Landen Roupp (3-4 ERA 3.18) first pitch slated for 1:05pm PDT at Oracle Park.
San Francisco Giants Tyler Fitzgerald is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning against the Atlanta Braves Fri Jun 6, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO–On Friday night at Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 5–4 in a thrilling walk-off, extending their winning streak to three games in a row. The Giants handed the Braves their fifth consecutive defeat, improving to 25–15 thanks to early offense, clutch pitching, and an exciting extra-inning finish. Despite a few rocky moments along the way, the Giants’ tenacity was demonstrated in this thrilling victory.
The Giants quickly took the lead, scoring three runs in the first inning as a result of timely hitting and Braves errors. Wilmer Flores and Jung Hoo Lee each contributed run-scoring knocks to take advantage of Atlanta’s defensive errors, while Heliot Ramos continued to be a force at the plate with three hits. The Braves refused to go quietly, even though the Giants appeared to be in control and had a 4-0 lead by the end of the second inning.
Atlanta clawed back in the middle innings, beginning with a run in the fifth before Matt Olson tied the game with a two-run homer in the seventh—his 13th of the season. The Braves’ bullpen held the line from there, including a scoreless ninth by veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, who recently returned to the roster. The Giants had chances but struggled with execution on the basepaths, including a costly pickoff of Tyler Fitzgerald in the ninth that nearly derailed their momentum.
The automatic runner rule gave San Francisco a new opportunity in the 10th inning despite the baserunning problems. On a groundout, Tyler Fitzgerald, who began the inning on second, moved up to third. Fitzgerald then raced home and scored the game-winning run in walk-off fashion after Braves reliever Pierce Johnson uncorked a wild pitch that bounced past catcher Sean Murphy with the game on the line. It was the Giants’ seventh season-long walk-off victory.
The Giants’ defense was crucial in keeping the score tied and facilitating the walk-off. Dominic Smith contributed with strong defense at first base, Mike Yastrzemski displayed good outfield positioning, and Matt Chapman made a crucial throw to cut down a runner. The Giants’ depth and composure under duress were demonstrated by Camilo Doval’s scoreless ninth inning on the mound and Spencer Bivens’ escape from a bases-loaded jam in the top of the tenth to secure the victory.
This game was a gut-punch for the Braves, who dropped to 18–20 amid mounting frustrations. For the Giants, it was another example of a team that continues to find different ways to win, even when the game gets messy. With momentum on their side, San Francisco will look to keep rolling as they head into the weekend, while the Braves are left searching for answers to halt their sudden skid.
Starting pitchers for Saturday for Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-3 ERA 4.56) for San Francisco RHP Logan Webb (5-5 ERA 2.55) first pitch 1:05pm PDT at Oracle Park.
Denzel Clarke made an incredible catch in deep left center field as he crashed into the wall on Friday night. (Photo: Athletics on X)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
WEST SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Athletics were back in action on Friday night after snapping their nine-game losing streak the Thursday against the Twins. Looking to build a streak, the A’s defeated the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 in the first of a three-game series at Sutter Health Park.
JP Sears started the game for the A’s and pitched well. He didn’t have his dominant stuff on Friday, but that didn’t stop him from turning in a solid outing. Sears went five innings, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out three Baltimore hitters. He was a bit off with his command, walking three.
In relief, Grant Holman came in and pitched a scoreless sixth inning while striking out two. T.J. McFarland followed Holman and delivered a clean seventh as the A’s held onto a 5-4 lead. In the eighth, Tyler Ferguson took over and was only able to record one out, giving up a hit and two walks. Mark Kotsay had seen enough and went to his flamethrower, Mason Miller, to finish off the eighth inning. Miller came in and struck out the final two batters with the bases loaded to keep the A’s lead intact heading to the ninth. In the ninth, Mason Miller was as advertised. Miller picked up where he left off by striking out one and pitching a clean inning other than a walk. The A’s defeated the Orioles 5-4.
The A’s offense came early in the game as they scored four runs in the third inning and added a fifth run in the fifth. Lawrence Butler had an RBI double, Jacob Wilson an RBI single, and Tyler Soderstrom an RBI groundout in the A’s four-run third. In the fifth, the A’s run came thanks to a Brent Rooker RBI single.
With the win, the A’s improved to 25-40 on the season and have won two in a row for the first time in a month.
The A’s will take on the Orioles and look for a series win on Saturday at 7:05 PM PST at Sutter Health Park. The A’s will send Luis Severino to the hill (1-5, 4.54 ERA), countered by Baltimore’s Charlie Morton (2-7, 6.20 ERA).
Note of the day: I know I talk about A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson a lot in my columns. However, whatever praise and attention I bring to him isn’t nearly enough for what he deserves. Jacob is on an absolute terror. After Friday, Wilson is now hitting .369 on the season with eight home runs. He has also had 11 three-hit games this season— the most in MLB. Wilson is proving day in and day out that he is the best big league shortstop in the game, and it’s only his rookie season.
Former Spanish announcers Miami Marlins Felo Ramirez (left) worked until he passed away at age 94 and Los Angeles Dodgers Jaime Jarrin retired at 87 both Ramirez and Jarrin are in the Baseball Hall of Fame and are in the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum (photo from the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame)
Baseball: Why Retire if you are having Fun?
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
Most studies that did not account for individuals’ prior health status and demographic factors found that on-time retirement was associated with a higher risk of mortality compared to those who continued working beyond the retirement age.
In our American culture, it seems that when a person reaches a certain age, they are supposed to retire. You get free calls from your health provider trying to lure you in for another vaccine, because if your age is XX, something must be wrong with your health.
Remember that it is a business also. And some people get the same question, “Why are you not retired”?, which in my opinion is in the category of ‘that is not your business’ type of question. But what happens if you are past your retirement age and you have a job that you enjoy that brings you the pleasure some people cannot buy, even when they retire with a nice financial nest?
A recent report published by Investment News reveals that the “magic number” for retirement savings today is around $1.5 million, which is certainly enough to turn heads. Still, some advisors argue that such numbers are misleading at best.
—Vin Scully. There are specific jobs that, regardless of finances, could extend your life. Baseball broadcasting is a good sample; some of the best baseball announcers in history did not wait until 65 to retire. After all, they are not Airline pilots, who are required to retire at 65. In broadcasting, as long as you can talk, read, and entertain an audience, you can work longer than most people. Some of the best examples are people like Vin Scully, who broadcast the Dodgers for 67 years from coast to coast, from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles, California. The most extraordinary baseball announcer who ever lived passed at the age of 95.
Scully’s last season behind the mike at Dodger Stadium was 2016. I was privileged to meet and speak with Mr. Scully, including during his last season on the air, when I was working play-by-play for LA Fox Sports Spanish TV for the Los Angeles Angels. His booth at Angel Stadium was next to mine when he came in with the Dodgers, and he never disappointed. If he was the best ever baseball announcer, he was also one of the best human beings you could meet. He truly enjoyed his work, and his dedication and honesty were exemplary.
—Bob Uecker. He was the voice for the Milwaukee Brewers for 54 seasons and passed in 2024. Funny, this man who was an ex-player and, like he said about his playing career,”Sporting goods companies would pay me not to endorse their products” And “I always tried to stay around .190, with three or four RBIs” Plus also highlighting his experience catching knuckleballs and noted that his slumps sometimes lasted into the winter.
He was naturally funny, pleasant, and knowledgeable. He was the key character in the Mr.Belvedere television series. Mr. Uecker’s appearance on the most Johnny Carson shows in history. Bob Uecker appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than 100 times, the record.
Johnny Carson, for those of us who remember, was the best on television during that time slot and, in my humble opinion, the best. The Late-Night hosts today are not even close to Mr. Carson. The guys today often get into politics, which can be embarrassing, and also feature scripted and predictable participants as guests promoting their movies and series.
These individuals lack the spontaneity of Carson, who was genuinely clever and witty. Even the old-time great Groucho Marx said he liked Johnny Carson, and Groucho was famous for always speaking his mind.
–Rafael “Felo”Ramirez. Last but not least, Rafael “Felo” Ramírez, whom I proudly call my mentor. In 1998, I was selected to work with him during the NL Championship Series between the Braves and the Padres for the LBC Network, which broadcast to US and Latin American radio stations.
I used to listen to Felo when I was a little 12-year-old boy in Cuba; he called the Cuban Winter League games. Before the game, I asked him if it would be fine with him to mention what I have always told him in private, “I listened to you when I was a boy in Cuba”.
He said, of course, and during the broadcast, towards the end, I mentioned over the air. For me, that was one of the highlights of this business. The Legendary Spanish voice of the Marlins, while traveling with the team on April 26, 2017, fell off the team’s bus in Philadelphia, hit his head, and was hospitalized for two months before his passing in Miami, Florida, at the age of 94.
He was broadcasting until the very end, but that accident ended his historic career. Felo was like my second father. He loved his career broadcasting baseball; he called the landmark Roberto Clemente 3,000 hit in Pittsburgh. I have the 33 rpm record album with his call, and then President Richard Nixon calling Clemente to congratulate the great Puerto Rican player. About that recording, last time I visited Cooperstown it was there for every fan to listen to.
These three broadcasters are proof that specific jobs exist. If you enjoy what you do, you can outlive many people. Granted, these three were extraordinary people, but they were in their mid-90s and still working. How many other jobs aside from broadcasting can you do that? Maybe as a Senator in Washington?
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.
San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray was dealing on Thu Jun 5, 2025 against the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park in San Francisco (photo from Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:
#1 Michael big day for the San Francisco Giants Robbie Ray picking up his eighth win with a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres Thursday afternoon at Oracle Park.
#2 Ray had nine strikeouts over seven innings of work and is the first pitcher in the National League to win eight games.
#3 Ray at 33 retired the Padres in order four times and the Padres couldn’t get past first base in the last four innings of the ball game.
#4 What’s remarkable about Ray is when the Giants got him last season he couldn’t start pitching until July and coming into this year he’s showing shades of the 2021 Cy Young pitcher that he was.
#5 Giants open up a three game series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday night. Starting pitcher for the Braves RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (4-4 ERA 3.13) for the Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-1 ERA 2.37) first pitch 7:15pm PDT.
Sacramento A’s Tyler Soderstrom circles the bases after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Thu Jun 6, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:
#1 After losing nine games in a row it’s been awhile but the Sacramento A’s have overcome once again in a big way winning with a vengeance over the Minnesota Twins 14-3 on Thursday afternoon. How important was this win for the A’s in snapping their nine game losing streak.
#2 The A’s Tyler Soderstrom got hold of a pitch for a grand slammer and later hit off a two run homer. The A’s Max Muncy ripped a three run homer in the first inning to get things started for the A’s.
#3 Jacob Wilson got a home run before Soderstrom’s home run, Brent Rooker got three hits, three RBIs, and scored three times.
#4 A’s starter Mitch Spence now 2-1 surrendered a run and three hits in five innings of work for the A’s.
#5 The Baltimore Orioles and A’s open up a three game series on Friday night at Sutter Health. Starting pitcher for the O’s RHP Dean Kremer (5-5 ERA 4.70) for the A’s Mark Kotsay has not announced a starter yet.
Sports Radio Service 