Tag: mlb

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook–Mike Trout, a Great player, never in a World Series

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout (17) is congratulated in the Angels dugout after hitting a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago on Wed Apr 29, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

From My Notebook: Mike Trout, a Great player, never in a World Series

By Amaury Pi-González

This 2026 season marks Mike Trout’s 16th season in Major League Baseball, all 16 years with the LA Angels of Anaheim. I witnessed his first season, 2011, working the play by play for Fox Sports West TV (Spanish) and some of his best seasons thereafter, when he first came to the big club from the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate, Salt Lake Bees.

During his first 2011 season, he played only 40 games and did not show what all scouts at the time had advertised, but he was destined for greatness. Next season, 2012, he did not disappoint. Won the AL Rookie of the Year and the AL MVP, his first of three MVPs, won the Hank Aaron Award twice, ESPN Best MLB player three times, and it goes on and on and on. No doubt Trout is a future member of the Hall of Fame.

Trout is one of those dream players who excels at everything. He is a team leader, great with his teammates and all players, great with the press and the fans, and a top-of-the-line professional, serious and respectful about the game of baseball.

Too bad he might never play in a World Series, the Angels teams during this period have not been competitive. Once in the Hall of Fame, he will not be the only great player with no World Series experience. In fact, Mike Trout appeared in only one playoff in his career, and played in a total of three postseason games during the 2014 American League Division Series with the Angels, who were swept by the Kansas City Royals, resulting in 0 wins and 3 losses in his career

Some great Hall of Fame players who never played in a World Series. Seven-time AL batting champion Rodney (Rod) Carew, eight-time NL batting Champion Tony Gwynn, Nap Lajoie, Ernie Banks, Ken Griffey Jr, Andre Dawson, and legendary Red Sox star Ted Williams are still great players who often played on teams that did not win the pennant.

Per my request, below was sent to me by my good friend and LA Angels Radio Voice Terry Smith.

Beginning with Mike Trout’s 2012 Rookie of the Year season and continuing through the 2019 season, that eight season stretch was truly amazing to witness. He was, without question, the best player in Major League Baseball.

Mike’s five tool skill set was a joy to watch, but injury issues following the 2020 Covid season have slowed his performance, which has been unfortunate. It’s also been unfortunate in his illustrious career that he has only appeared in one postseason series. Mike’s career will earn him a spot in Baseball’s Hall of Fame, but for me, having the opportunity to watch his career firsthand, it’s sad he hasn’t been able to showcase it in October.   -Thanks socio, I appreciate it.

Terry Smith has been the radio voice of the Los Angeles Angels since 2002. As of the 2026 MLB season, he is in his 24th or 25th year with the club, making him the longest-tenured broadcaster in Angels team history. He calls games on AM 830AM KLAA.

Quote: “I don’t play for the fame, the money, or the endorsements. I’m still have that same old kid with a big dream and a decent swing”. -Mike Trout.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

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

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

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

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Rooker lit the Spark, but the Guardians Ignited the Night’s Fire With 8-5 win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (16) tosses his bat after being walked by the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the eighth at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Fri May 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura


WEST SACRAMENTO–For a while under the West Sacramento Friday night, the Sacramento Athletics looked ready to begin May the same way they ended April, with strong swings, strategic running, and just enough swagger to remind everyone they had spent five straight days alone atop the American League West. The A’s lead would diappear with the Guardins scoring three run in two different innings in the 8-5 final.

The A’s entered the night 17-14, their best record after 31 games since 2021, and they had won six of their previous nine. That early-season rise gave this matchup with Cleveland some extra weight, especially against a Guardians club that had given the Green and Gold trouble for years.

The first inning had danger written all over it for J.T. Ginn. Steven Kwan opened with a single, Chase DeLauter followed with another hit, and José Ramírez walked to load the bases with nobody out. Ginn, making his fifth start of the season after beginning the year in the bullpen, needed a trap door and found one. He struck out Kyle Manzardo, punched out Rhys Hoskins, then got Daniel Schneemann to fly out to right. It was a clean escape from a filthy mess.

The Athletics answered like a team that smelled a chance. Shea Langeliers, who came in swinging a hot bat after a three-double game against Kansas City, lined a single to right with one out in the bottom of the first. Nick Kurtz popped out, bringing up Brent Rooker, who entered the night stuck in an 0-for-20 skid. Rooker did not tiptoe out of it. He launched a two-run homer to left-center, his third of the season, snapping the drought and giving the A’s a 2-0 lead. For a hitter just back from the injured list, it was less a slump-breaker than a door kicked open.

Cleveland did not stay quiet. In the second, Travis Bazzana walked, Bo Naylor singled, and after Ginn nearly worked free again, DeLauter ripped a two-run double to right to tie the game. Ginn settled down in the third and fourth, retiring six straight, but the Guardians made him work for everything.

The A’s reclaimed control in the fourth with a bit of old-school baseball. Darell Hernaiz and Tyler Soderstrom walked, Colby Thomas moved them over with a sacrifice bunt, and Zack Gelof shot a ground-ball single to left to score both runners. Jeff McNeil followed with a single that put runners at second and third, but Jacob Wilson was thrown out at the plate on a fielder’s choice, a call that stood after an Athletics challenge. Still, the A’s had rebuilt a 4-2 lead.

Then came the inning that changed the temperature of the night. Ginn walked Kwan, DeLauter, and Manzardo around a Ramírez popout in the fifth, loading the bases for Hoskins. The Cleveland first baseman punished him with a sharp two-run double to right, tying the game at 4-4. Hogan Harris replaced Ginn, but Angel Martínez lifted a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Manzardo and giving Cleveland its first lead at 5-4.

The Guardians kept adding pressure. In the seventh, Hoskins homered to left off Justin Sterner, then Cleveland stretched the inning after Bazzana walked. Bo Naylor doubled him home, and Brayan Rocchio followed with another double to score Naylor, pushing the lead to 8-4. It was the kind of inning that turns a manageable game into a steep climb.

To their credit, the Athletics did not fold. Wilson singled to open the bottom of the seventh, Langeliers walked, and Kurtz drew another walk, continuing his remarkable on-base habit and loading the bases with nobody out. Rooker came through again, lining an RBI single to left to bring in Wilson and make it 8-5. The rally had a pulse, but Erik Sabrowski struck out Hernaiz and Soderstrom before Thomas flew out to center, leaving the bases loaded and the night’s best comeback chance stranded.

The A’s threatened once more in the eighth after McNeil doubled (the 200th of ihs career), and Wilson reached on an error, but Shea Langeliers and Kurtz struck out to end the inning. Cade Smith then handled the ninth with little drama, retiring Rooker, pinch-hitter Carlos Cortes, and Soderstrom to close Cleveland’s 8-5 win.

For the Athletics, Rooker’s return to impact was the brightest sign, with a homer and three RBIs after his career-long hitless stretch. Gelof’s two-run single and McNeil’s double also gave the lineup life. But Cleveland’s patience and extra-base punch won the night, with DeLauter, Hoskins, Naylor, and Rocchio all delivering big swings. The A’s built two leads, lost both, and learned the hard way that against Cleveland, missed chances tend to come back wearing spikes.

Starting pitchers for Saturday: Cleveland RHP Slade Ceccone (0-4 ERA 6.23) for Sacramento LHP Jacob Lopez (2-1 ERA 5.84) first pitch 1:05pm PDT at Sutter Health Park.

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. 

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Rays beat Ray doesn’t get run support in 3-0 SF loss

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) puts the tag on San Francisco Giants Luis Arraez (right) after trying to stretch a double into a triple in the top of the fourth inning at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay on Fri May 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln:Juarez:

#1 The Tampa Bay Rays Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero both hit home runs and Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan pitched six quality innings as the Rays blanked the Giants 3-0 Friday night.

#2 The Rays Taylor Walls hit a double to lead off the sixth inning and then stole third base and wound up scoring on Chandler Simpson’s sac fly for the Rays third and final run of the game.

#3 McClanahan was going smooth sailing unti the top of the fifth when the Giants Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee both singled that put them both on first and third base. McClanahan got Jerar Encarnacion to hit into a double play that ended the inning. McClanahan allowed five hits and struck out five batters.

#4 Ray allowed three runs and four hits in six and one third innngs of work. Ray gave up a bunt single to Simpson and later picked Simpson off at first base when Simpson was trying to seal three pitches later on. Ray pitched well enough to win but didn’t get the run support.

#5 Giants go at it again on Saturday afternoon they’ll start RHP Landen Roupp (5-1 ERA 2.55) he’ll be opposed by the Tampa Rays RHP Griffin Jax (1-2 ERA 6.35) first pitch 3:10pm PDT.

Lincoln Juarez does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Generate Little Or No Offense Getting Shutout by Rays 3-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Once again San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray throws to the Tampa Bay Rays line up at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay in the opening game of the three game series on Fri May 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After getting swept by the Philadelphia Phillies this week the San Francisco Giants (13-19) lost their fourth game in a row losing to the Tampa Bay Rays (19-12) 3-0 at the Tropicana in Tampa Bay. The Giants couldn’t get much offense going at all. It’s just more frustration for San Francisco as they watch their season record plummet. They only had six hits in the game and seldom had two runners on base in an inning.

Game recap: There was not a whole lot going on in the first inning for either team. The Giants went three up three down and the Rays had a single. Chandler Simpson had that single but was thrown out stealing second.

The Rays were first up on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning. Yandy Diaz hit a solo home run to right for an early 1-0 lead. Tampa Bay would add to that in the fourth inning with another long ball off the bat of Junior Caminero another solo home run for a 2-0 lead. The Giants went three and out in both the third and fourth innings. San Francisco had a very sluggish start in this game.

The Giants got some offense going in the fifth and sixth innings. In the fifth inning they got a couple of hits and left Rafael Devers stranded on third base. They also got a hit in the sixth but the inning came to an end when Heliot Ramos grounded into a double play. San Francisco had generated some offense but had nothing to show for it.

The Rays would score another run in the bottom of the sixth inning extending their lead to 3-0. Taylor Walls doubled followed by a Simpson sacrifice. Walls scored on that sacrifice and the Rays had it all going on going into the seventh inning while San Francisco was running out of time to make any impact in this game.

Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray finished 6.1 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 runs (2 home runs) striking out 5. He was relieved by JT Brubaker who took over in the seventh inning. The Tampa Bay starting pitcher Shane McClanahan went six innings before being relieved by Ian Seymour in the seventh inning.

The Giants had a single in the seventh inning but you are not to go anywhere if you can’t string out some hits. This game was headed in the wrong direction for the Giants. Going into the eighth inning San Francisco was looking at not only a loss but possibly a shutout. The Rays had gone three and out in the bottom of the seventh.

It was just at a standstill for the Giants going three and out in the eighth. With two outs in the ninth inning, it was up to Luis Arraez to keep this game going. He ground out and that was the ball game with the Rays winning. This was the seventh shutout this season for San Francisco as they drop to a season record of 13-19.

Game notes: Friday evening, the Giants traveled to Tampa Bay for a three-game series with the Rays. The Giants have lost four games in a row getting swept this week by the Phillies and losing the opening game of the series to Tampa Ray.

The Giants lost both ends of the doubleheader Thursday on walk-offs. San Francisco had some great opportunities in the late innings of both of those games but just couldn’t pull off a win in either.

On Friday in Tampa Bay, Giants pitcher Robbie Ray once again started and threw a game good enough to win but didn’t get the run support in the 3-0 loss. Ray went 6.1 innings, allowed four hits, three runs, and five strike outs. For Rays starter Shane McClanahan a quality start pitching six innings allowing five hits and struck out five.

The Giants need to generate offense if they plan on winning any games in this series. These guys have some great hitters on their roster but the offense is just stagnant right now.

The Giants plan on starting Landen Roupp in game two of the series on Saturday. He has been pitching well and comes into the game with a 5-1 win/loss record and a 2.55 ERA. The Rays will start Jesse Scholtens (2-1 ERA 3.20). First pitch for this game is scheduled for 3:10 PM PDT Saturday afternoon.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Guillotine for Managers is busy early this season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza could be on the hot seat unless the Mets start winning ball games as the Mets had a 12 game losing streak in April at one point (AP News photo)

The Guillotine for Managers is busy early this season.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

As April ended, it had already had two managerial casualties. Alex Cora was fired after managing the team for eight years and one World Series Title in 2018. He won 620 games during his tenure running the field for the Sox, one of their best managers in this legendary franchise, but their start of this season was pathetic, so he is gone, Adiós

Rob Thompson was also fired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, finishing with a 366-270 regular season record, the highest winning percentage for a Phillies manager since 1900. Thompson managed the Phillies from 2022 to 2026. He is gone, Adiós.

There are other managers in the hot seat as of May 1. The Mets’ Carlos Mendoza is trying to keep the ship afloat in Queens. This 2026 Mets are off to the third-worst start in franchise history, 10-21 through their first 21 games. Ranks only second behind the 1962 Mets of Casey Stengel.

The 2026 Mets are off to a 10-21 record through their first 31 games; this performance ranks only behind the notoriously poor starts of 1962 (9-22 or worse) and 1964 (9-22). As we begin May, this Mets team is already 11.5 games out of first place, totally unacceptable for a team with a payroll this year of $335 Million, the largest in the game.

Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada (Espada in Spanish means Sword), his Houston Astros lost their 31st pitcher to free agency, Framber Valdéz. They ended April with a 12-20 record in last place in a very close and competitive American League West behind the first-place Sacramento A’s; however, in last place just 4 games out of first. This month of May will be crucial for Espada’s Houston Astros.

I believe Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will get the next walking to the Guillotine, for obvious reasons. The Mets are a rich team in talent and payroll expected to win, and they are deep in a hole of 11.5 games in the cellar. Even though it is early, that record is below the Mendoza line.

On April 30, 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies became the first team in 22 years to win both games of a doubleheader via walk-off, sweeping the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies won the opener 3-2 on a Justin Crawford single and the second game 6-5 in 10 innings on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly

The story with the Giants is totally different because their rookie manager, Tony Vitello, should still be given a chance; he has only managed a bunch of games, and the whole season is still ahead. I will not ‘stick a fork’ in this Giants team yet; however, in this NY West with the Dodgers, Padres, and even the Diamondbacks, the Giants better start winning soon, because the Guillotine is waiting and it has no mercy.

You cannot win a pennant in April, but you can surely lose it.

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again.” — Bullet Bob Feller.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

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

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

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

Giants swept in a second walk-off by Phillies 6-5 In Night Cap; Phils first team in 22 years to walk off twice in a doubleheader

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs looks on in the second game of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Thu Apr 30, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (13-18) fought back throughout the game but lost in a second walk-off to the Philadelphia Phillies (12-18) in the same day 6-5 in the night cap of a doubleheader Thursday .

The Giants losing in the front game by a 3-2 decision was tough enough but they re-lived it in the second game of this doubleheader. It was especially disappointing since the Giants had played an amazing defensive game but once again came up just short.

Game recap: In the night cap in the bottom of the first inning was not all what San Francisco wanted to see. Two back-to-back home-runs for Philadelphia gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Trae Turner and Kyle Schwarber gave Philadelphia that early lead. The Phillies would take the 2-0 lead into the fourth inning.

The Giants cut the Phillies lead in the fourth inning in half 2-1. Eric Haase singled, Heliot Ramos also had an infield single sending Haase to third base. Luiz Ramos hit a sacrifice driving Haase home. San Francisco continued to fight tying up the game 2-2 in the fifth inning and it was a brand new ball game. Rafael Devers sacrificed Casey Schmitt home from third base. With one out in the inning Schmitt had tripled setting up the run.

The Phillies challenged the Giants rally scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning driving the score out to 4-2, once again taking a two run lead. San Francisco starting pitcher was relieved with two outs in the inning and was relieved by Ryan Borucki who gave up a double, a walk and a single in that order and giving up the two runs.

The expected rain made an early appearance in a total downpour for 24 minutes during the top of the sixth inning before moving out and play got back underway. The break in the game was a good thing for the Giants as they re-grouped and tied this game back up 4-4.

Jung Hoo Lee walked and Drew Gilbert doubled moving Lee over to third. With two outs in the inning Matt Chapman walked and Luis Arraez singled driving both Gilbert and Lee home for the tie game.

The tie persisted through the seventh inning and into the top of the eighth inning. There was a change on the mound for the Phillies in the eighth with one out and Gilbert on first. Brad Keller took over pitching to Heliot Ramos who had his fourth strikeout in the game each against a different pitcher and that was two outs for San Francisco. Matt Chapman struck out for the third out. The Giants got out of the eighth inning and it was on to the ninth in yet another nail biter.

San Francisco got a great start in the top of the ninth. With one out Casey Schmitt was hit by a pitch and the Giants had a runner on first. Devers singled and Schmitt moved over to third.

With one out Willy Adames struck out for the second out and it was up to Jung Hoo Lee to bring Schmitt home. Lee came through with a single, Schmitt came home and San Francisco had taken their first lead of the game 5-4.

Patrick Bailey walked and the Giants were threatening to break this game open with the bases loaded. It was a tough blow when Gilbert struck out for the third out leaving the runners stranded but the Giants had fought back taking a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth.

It was a shaky start in the ninth for the Giants. Pinch hitter Brandon Marsh doubled to center and Garrett Stubbs walked on four pitches. San Francisco closer Keaton Winn would now face the top of the Phillies batting order.

Trea Turner grounded into a double play and the Giants were one out away from the win. Schwarber doubled driving Marsh home and this game was once again tied. The Giants intentionally walked Bryce Harper and went on to get Garcia out. Again the Giants were so very close to winning this game but fell short.

The game went into the tenth inning. The Giants Ramos singled and San Francisco had runners on first and Drew Gilbert on third with no outs and a huge opportunity for the Giants. San Francisco again squandered a huge opportunity and did not score giving the Phillies another crack at sweeping this series.

It was like Deja vu for San Francisco, an absolute nightmarish bottom of the tenth. It was quick but hardly painless. Stott hit a sacrifice bunt advancing Garcia from second to third. Bohm sacrificed, Garcia scored and San Francisco had suffered two walk off losses in the same day. The final score was 6-5, the Phillies had swept the Giants.

Night Cap Game Notes: After losing a heartbreaker this morning in the first game of the doubleheader, the Giants took the field for the night cap of this doubleheader only to get swept by the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday night.

In the front game San Francisco led for 8 1/2 innings of the game before the Phillies rallied in the bottom of the ninth scoring two runs for the 3-2 win. The Giants took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning.

San Francisco was two outs away from a win but the Phillies Bryson Stott tripled driving in Adolis Garcia to tie up the game 2-2 and then the hammer fell when Justin Crawford hit an infield single, Stott scored for the 3-2 win. In second game of the doubleheader Adrian Houser who started for the Giants and went 4.2 innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs, two walks and two strike outs. For Phillies starter Tim Mayza two innings, allowed two hits, one walk, and two strike outs.

It was a horrible loss for the Giants after having fought so hard getting back into this game and having a great opportunity to win. It is sure to be a quiet flight to Tampa Bay where San Francisco will take on the Rays Friday night in a three-game series.

The Giants will have to do their best to put this series behind them and look ahead. Robbie Ray will take the mound for the Giants with a 2-3 win/loss record and a 2.70 ERA. The Rays will start leftie Shane McClanahan. He has a 2-2 win/loss record and a 3.91 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: The Green and Gold Turn One Big Inning Into a Royal Pain, 4 run second leads to 6-2 win for Sacramento; A’s now 1.5 game in first place

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz (16) stands at second after hitting an RBI double in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals. Later Kurtz drew a walk for his 19th straight game this season tying former Boston Red Sox Ted Williams for the third longest bases on balls streak. Detroit’s Roy Cullenbine in 1947 is second on the list and first is former San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds 2002-03. (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics did not wait around to let stomachs settle after lunch to decide what kind of game this would be on Thursday afternoon.

On a clear 12:06 p.m. first pitch West Sacramento day, the Kansas City Royals opened with Maikel Garcia ripping a double to right, then pushed across the first run when Starling Marte lined a two-out single to right. It was a fast, quick punch from Kansas City, the kind that can make a home crowd shift in its seat before the nacho sauce kicks in prompting an early inning bathroom break. But the A’s answered right away, and that response set the tone for a 6-3 win built on patience, sharp contact, and just enough bullpen backbone.

Jacob Wilson, who came in riding a strong stretch at the plate and carrying the longest errorless streak by an Athletics shortstop in franchise history, opened the bottom of the first with a single. Shea Langeliers followed with a double, putting the tying run 90 feet away. After Nick Kurtz struck out and Colby Thomas walked after an upheld ABS challenge, Darell Hernaiz punched a grounder through the left side of the infield, deflected by third baseman Garcia, to bring Wilson home. Just like that, the A’s had wiped away Kansas City’s opening jab.

The Royals briefly grabbed the lead again in the second when Garcia, already a problem, launched his third home run of the season to left-center. For Kansas City, Garcia was everywhere. He doubled twice, homered, scored twice, and even stole third in the fourth. But the game turned into green and gold hues in the bottom of the second, when the A’s lineup stopped tapping on the door and kicked it in instead.

Lawrence Butler started the rally with a walk, Wilson followed with another single, and Langeliers drilled his second double of the game to left to score Butler and tie it 2-2. Then came Kurtz, whose eye at the plate has been one of the biggest stories of the Athletics’ season.

He entered the day with an ongoing Athletics-record 18-game walk streak and one of the best on-base marks in the league, but this time he did not wait for a free pass. Kurtz smashed a double to center, scoring Wilson and Langeliers, and suddenly the A’s led 4-2. Hernaiz later added another ground-ball single, bringing home Kurtz after an error by second baseman Nick Loftin helped him move into scoring position. By the end of the inning, the Athletics had scored four runs and turned a one-run deficit into a 5-2 lead.

That second inning was the day’s heartbeat. A well-built rally from an old baseball textbook: a walk, singles, doubles, pressure, and a defense forced into mistakes. Langeliers was right in the middle of it, finishing with three doubles and two runs scored. Wilson added two hits and two runs, continuing to look like one of the steadiest young bats in the lineup. Hernaiz drove in three runs, a big swing of production from the lower half of the order without needing to actually swing big.

Kansas City had chances to climb back. In the fourth, Garcia doubled again, stole third, Bobby Witt Jr. walked, and Lane Thomas was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. But Luis Medina, who had replaced Jeffrey Springs to start the inning due to a possible injury, escaped when Salvador Perez flew out to center. Medina again had to work through traffic in the sixth after Isaac Collins singled and Witt walked, but Scott Barlow came in and got Thomas to ground out to end the threat.

The A’s added insurance in the seventh, and once again it came from the same cast. Langeliers opened with his third double, Kurtz was intentionally walked (tying none other than Ted Williams for the all-time top spot), and pinch-hitter Jeff McNeil forced out Kurtz while moving Langeliers to third. Hernaiz then beat out another grounder to short, scoring Langeliers and giving the Athletics a 6-2 cushion. It was not glamorous, but it was useful, and in baseball, useful wins a lot of afternoons.

The Royals got one back in the eighth on Elias Díaz’s first home run of the season, a fly ball to right that cut the lead to 6-3. But Brady Basso kept the damage there, and Jack Perkins handled the ninth after Jac Caglianone opened with a pinch-hit single. Perkins retired Perez on a flyout, struck out Michael Massey, and ended it when Vinnie Pasquantino lined sharply to center, where Zack Gelof put it away.

For the Athletics, the win carried a little extra weight. They entered the day two games over .500, in first place in the AL West, and trying to finish April with their best record in the month since 2014. They did it with exactly the kind of game that makes a first-place stretch feel less like a fluke and more like a team learning how to win in different ways.

Friday will see former A’s player, now Guardians manager, Stephen Vogt, bring in his boys from Cleveland for a three game weekend series. One that will no doubt include fireworks from both sides. First pitch Friday is schedule for 6:40pm with J.T. Ginn (0-0 / 3.24 ERA / 19k’s) on the mound for Sacramento against the southpaw Hawaiian Joseph Cantillo (1-1 / 2.97 ERA / 34k’s).

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. 

First game doubleheader: Last Minute Rally By Phillies Equals San Francisco Loss 3-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Philadelphia Phillies Bryson Stott (5) hits a RBI triple in front of San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (left) in the bottom of the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Thu Apr 30, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants lost the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday to the Philadelphia Phillies. After 8 1/2 innings and two outs away from winning at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. The Phils Adolis Garcia singled in the ninth inning followed by a Bryson Stott triple tied up the game 2-2.

The icing on the cake for the Phillies was a Justin Crawford single, Stott scored and that was the ball game 3-2. The Phillies now lead the series 2-0 and the Giants will be fighting to avoid the sweep in game three which gets underway this afternoon.

San Francisco got started early taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Heliot Ramos started off the game with a double followed by a Matt Chapman double and San Francisco was in business.

Luis Arraez grounded out and Ramos scored the first run of the game for a 1-0 lead. Casey Schmitt singled Chapman home for a 2-0 advantage. The Phillies cut the San Francisco lead in half in the bottom of the inning when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run. The score was 2-1 going into the second inning.

The second and third innings were quick ones for both teams pretty much three and outs. The Giants had a walk in the second and the Phillies a single but not much else for either team. The third inning was uneventful for both teams. With the score 2-1 the Phillies threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning. Philadelphia hit a couple of singles and a double but were unable to cash in.

The Giants took the 2-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning. The Phillies had a couple of runners on base desperate to at lease tie up this game but once again came up empty. San Francisco pitcher Erik Miller dismissed the Phillies one, two three.

It all came down to the top of the ninth inning. The Giants needed at least one insurance run to cap this game off. They had a couple of singles but could not score. Matt Chapman already had two hits in the game but couldn’t come up with hit number three striking out for the third out.

The bottom of the ninth inning came around and it was the last chance for the Phillies. Ryan Walker took the mound trying to save this game for the Giants. Garcia singled but the triple off the bat of Bryson Stott was the deciding factor.

Garcia scored off that single and this game was tied 2-2. Now the Giants were fighting to at least get into a tenth inning. San Francisco had led for most of the game but the Phils Justin Crawford single blew this game out of the water when Stott scored and game one went to the Phillies 3-2. Crawford reached first base by a half step so the Giants were a half step away from a tie. Just a crazy disappointment for San Francisco.

Front game notes: Thursday afternoon the Giants played the first of a double-header against the Phillies as Wednesday’s game was postponed due to some nasty weather but Thursday a mix of clouds and sun greeted fans on hand for the early game for the first game of the double dip.

San Francisco had an awful offensive game in the first of the series garnering only two hits and getting shut-out 7-0 on Tuesday night. The Phillies picked up the win in the first game of the doubleheader 3-2.

In the first game of the doubleheader starter Logan Webb (2-3 ERA 4.29) had a great game going seven innings allowing seven hits but only one run and striking out six. The Phillies started Christopher Sanchez went 6.2, four hits, two earned, three walks, and seven strike outs.

Giants-Phils second game of series postponed due to rain; Doubleheader scheduled for Thursday at Citizens Bank

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tarp covers the field at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia as the game for Wed Apr 29, 2026 between the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies was postponed due to rain. The two clubs will make up the rain out in a doubleheader on Thu Apr 30, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday the San Francisco Giants (13-16) dropped game one of their series with the Phillies (10-19) 7-0. The Phillies have struggled to start the season but lately they have turned things around and they played a great offensive game yesterday finishing the game with 11 hits.

The chief complaint was the Phillies inability to score runs but that was certainly in question in yesterdays game as they shutout San Francisco scoring seven runs. Wednesday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather and will be played as a doubleheader the front game starting Thursday at 9:35 AM. The nightcap will be played at 2:30 PM PDT.

There does seem to be the slight possibility that it will rain Thursday but in the early hours and right now the skies will be cloudy for all of game two and for game three a mix of clouds and sun so it does look good for the double header.

After the poor offensive effort in Tuesday’s game one, the Giants could use this breather. They only had two hits in the game although the solid outing for Phillies pitcher Jesus Luzardo had a whole lot to do with it. Thursday the hope for the Giants is for Logan Webb to return the favor. San Francisco desperately needs to get their bats working.

A lot of what we have seen this season from San Francisco is inconsistency. Along with that Willy Adames has been quiet in the past few games. They just seem to have those games where the bats go stagnant. Two Giants Matt Chapman and Jung Hoo Lee have been consistent game after game.

The Giants have been enjoying some measure of success however winning a few series in a row. They just ran into a buzzsaw at the hands of Jesus Luzardo in game one of the series,

Thursday the weather will have to cooperate and it appears that it will. With a win in the night cap they will be tied in the series and the Giants can go onto take the series with a doubleheader win.

First pitch scheduled in the front game 9:35 am PDT with RHP Logan Webb (2-3 ERA 4.86) on the mound for San Francisco for Philadelphia LHP Christopher Sanchez (2-2 ERA 2.94) starting pitchers for the night cap at 2:35pm PDT to be announced.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s ownership shopping for Investors

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s owner John Fisher during baseball owner’s meetings in Arlington Texas on Thu Nov 16, 2023. Fisher is looking for minority partners to buy shares of the A’s that would help go to pay towards construction costs for the Las Vegas ballpark (AP file photo)

A’s ownership shopping for Investors

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

There were rumors that the Sacramento A’s were for sale. Although it was not true at this time, what is true is that A’s ownership, led by John Fisher, is shopping for minority investors. They need the funds for their new billion-dollar stadium in Las Vegas.

The A’s ownership is selling a portion of its equity. while keeping the Fisher family in majority control. They are willing to sell small, local minority shares and to build community connections with plans to set shop permanently in Sin City by 2028.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the A’s have spent $300 million on Las Vegas ballpark construction. They continue to actively seek investors to finance their roughly $2 billion, 33,000-seat stadium, while $380 million in public funding is already secured, and Fisher is raising up to $550 million to reduce personal debt following a $100 investment from Aramark Sports and Entertainment.

Institutional Investments in Major League Baseball.

Arctos Partners: Cubs, Padres, Dodgers, Red Sox, Astros, Giants Sixth Street: San Francisco Giants RedBird Capital: Boston Red Sox (via Fenway Sports Group) Guggenheim Partners: Los Angeles Dodgers Point72 Ventures: New York Mets

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

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

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

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