San Francisco Giants game wrap: Webb throws another eight strong inning, and Giants salvage series with 5-1 win over Cubs

San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb delivers against the Chicago Cubs in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco to conclude their three game series Sun Jun 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Chicago Cubs 1 (37-35)

San Francisco Giants 5 (29-43)

Win: Logan Webb (4-4)

Loss: Colin Rea (1-1)

Time: 2:40

Attendance: 40,093

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb delivered another strong eight-inning performance, and the Giants were able to salvage a game in this series with a 5-1 win over the Cubs Sunday at Oracle Park.

The Giants looked—well, were completely lifeless in the first two games in this series. Landen Roupp and Trevor McDonald were smoked in the first two games of this season, and the Giants could only back them up with a run in each game.

Logan Webb threw eight shutout innings against the Nationals on Monday night, but Keaton Winn blew the save. All the talk was whether Tony Vitello should have had Webb go back out for the ninth inning, or whether Webb should have volunteered to go back out for the ninth.

Today, Webb went another eight innings, and struck out seven, while giving up just one unearned run. The run scored in the top of the eighth. Tony went out to visit Webb, but Webb made it quite clear that he wanted to stay in the game, and the Giants’ rookie manager rightfully obliged.

Webb’s day ended on an incredible catch by Jung Hoo Lee at the wall in right to take away extra bases from Michael Busch. Webb specifically waited until Lee got back to the infield, so the Giants’ ace could let his appreciation be known for Lee.

In his three starts since returning from the injured list, Webb had given up just two runs—one earned—over 23 innings. Webb seems to be back to his old self.

Now the question is whether the Giants will entertain the prospect of trading their longtime ace. In a season like this, anything is on the table, especially a trade that could nab some major prospects. However, unlike hitters, starting pitchers tend to stay in their primes well into their 30s, occasionally even their early 40s.

Players like Luis Arraez and Rafael Devers—the latter, if the Giants are willing to eat a large chunk of his contract—will also nab the Giants some major prospects. At which point, they can keep Webb, and surround him in the rotation with talented young aces. Webb feasibly could be in his prime through 2037. We will just to see what happens over the next 50 days.

For those of you wondering, the Giants gave Webb the run support he needed. They broke through for three runs in the bottom of the fifth when Drew Gilbert knocked in Jung Hoo Lee with a double, and Matt Chapman hit a home run to left-center.

The Giants tacked on runs in the seventh and eighth, and Caleb Kilian threw a 1-2-3 top of the ninth.

The Giants go 2-4 on the homestand, and improve to 29-43 overall.

Now, it’s off to Atlanta, or shall I say Cumberland, to take on the best team in Baseball in the 46-25 Braves. Good luck, Giants!

For Tuesday night for San Francisco RHP Adrian Houser (2-6 ERA 5.54) will go up against Atlanta’s RHP Grant Homes (4-2 ERA 4.05) in the series opener on Tuesday. First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m. in Georgia, 4:15 p.m in San Francisco.

Chicago Cubs analysis: Cubs dropped finale against the Giants 5-1, but won the series (2-1) on a Sunny Sunday in the Bay

Chicago Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) steals second base ahead of the tag by San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (left) in the top of the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Jun 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Chicago Cubs (37-35) had a successful time in the City by the Bay, despite losing Game Three of the series 5-1 to the San Francisco Giants (29-43) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Northern California..

The game had an uninteresting beginning, as both teams were scoreless at the midway point of the game. After 4 1/2 innings of game time, both teams had goose eggs on the scoreboard. It had the appearance of a pitchers’ duel.

That scenario changed in the bottom of the fifth inning, as the Giants struck first. Center Fielder Drew Gilbert blooped a double to left field, knocking in Jung Hoo Lee. The Giants went up 1-0 at that point of the Contest. However, they weren’t finished scoring, as Matt Chapman added to the total with a two run homer, scoring the aforementioned Gilbert. After five full innings, the Giants led 3-0.

The Cubs were not as active crossing the plate as they were the previous two games. They had a few opportunities, but nothing came to fruition untill the latter innings.

San Francisco was at it again in the bottom of the seventh. Brian Eldsridge hit an RBI single to left, scoring Chapman. The lead extended to four runs, 4-0 after seven innings of baseball. The following inning the visitors from the Northside of the Windy City finally got onto the scoring column, due to a single, and throwing error on the Giants’ first baseman. The Cubs were within three runs, 4-1.

The Giants scored again in the bottom of the frame, scoring their fifth and final run on an “excuse me” RBI single to right by catcher Daniel Susac. Casey Schmitt crossed the dish for run #5 for the home team, to the delight of another sellout crowd..

The Cubs head back to the City of Broad Shoulders Monday, June 15, to host the Colorado Rockies at 7:05 PM CT on MARQUEE TV.. The pitching matchup: For the Rockies RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-8, 7,54) for the Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (4-6 ERA 4.44).

The Giants head down to Atlanta Monday, but will have a bye. They open the series against the Braves at Truist Field in Cumberland Cobb County Tuesday night starting pitcher for San Francisco RHP Adrian Houser (2-6 ERA 5.54) for Atlanta RHP Grant Holmes (4-2 ERA 4.05) first pitch 4:15pm PDT.

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Can Giants prevent getting swept by Cubs Sunday?

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Phil Maton faces a San Francisco Giants hitter in the top of the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Jun 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Can the Cubs complete a series sweep?
Chicago entered Sunday’s game having won the first two games of the series, including a 6–1 victory on Saturday.

#2 Will Giants ace Logan Webb shut down the Cubs’ offense?
Webb came into the game on a strong run, posting a 0.90 ERA over his previous three starts.

#3Can Pete Crow-Armstrong stay hot at the plate?
After hitting a leadoff homer and collecting three hits Saturday, Crow-Armstrong was one of the hottest hitters entering the finale.

#4 Will the Giants finally capitalize with runners in scoring position?
San Francisco went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position in Saturday’s loss, a key reason they struggled offensively.

#5 How much impact will the home crowd and Hello Kitty Day promotion have?
Sunday’s game featured the Giants’ Hello Kitty Day promotion, with special giveaways for fans attending the series finale

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

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For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary: GIANTS Time for Summer Sale

San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers had that deer in the headlights look when he first took over at first but has vastly improved at the position since taking over last season. Could Devers be one of the Giants on the trading block in July? (AP file photo)

GIANTS: Time for the Summer Sale

Tha’ts Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Summer begins on June 21; stores like Macy’s cannot wait to mark down merchandise, and some items are already marked down by as much as 30%. The baseball world, which is also big business like retail markets, is knocking on the door of what could be a busy summer for players changing uniforms.

During this time of the season, as July 4 approaches, teams usually conduct their evaluations. There are just two types of transactions for Front Offices, buyers and sellers. The San Francisco Giants, who were not considered serious contenders at the start of the season, but nobody could have predicted that their season could go south so quickly, and they might not even reach their 81-81 record season-ending last year, there is only one thing they can do: to improve the team for next season and beyond.

The Giants will be sellers; there is no doubt about it. They have some good veteran players who could go to teams that still have hope this year. Although the Giants do not say they are rebuilding, they insist that they are not buying players either, making a clear path for the future.

If the 2027 season is very much in doubt because a big labor battle is heating up between the owners, who want to lock out the players, and the players’ union, which refuses to accept a salary cap.However, there are a few scenarios where I believe the Giants can improve.

Big Giants items they could offer? 1- Logan Webb. He is still a very good pitcher, a #1 on most teams. He will bring other players of value and potential, giving the Giants a new look. 2-Luis Arraez. The three-time batting champion (with three different teams) could try his fortune somewhere else for a fourth batting championship; he is very capable, very good contact hitter. He is on an expiring one-year $12 million contract with a team going nowhere, and he is most likely the most valuable trade bait for the Giants today. 3-Rafael Devers. I would trade him, but they will probably not get rid of him, because of “mucho dinero,” lots of money still owed on his contract when he came from Boston.

However, I would not be surprised if they deal Rafael Devers. In over 40 years in this business, I have seen stuff that makes me scratch my head. I believe this trio of established stars is something the Giants front office could “sell”, as they are basically looking to unload impending free agents and expensive veterans; they have to shift their focus to acquiring prospects and retooling for the future.

These are some of the challenges the San Francisco Giants front office faces this summer. They have to “rebuild” a bullpen, which, in my humble opinion, is embarrassing. Giants could have a busy summer ahead. Sometimes, a team, even with talent, lacks that chemistry, that desire to win. This is the case of the 2026 SF Giants version.

Quote: The Business of Baseball: “Trade a player a year too early than a year too late.” — Branch Rickey, Hall of Fame Executive, on the philosophy of maximizing value at the trade deadline ESPN

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.

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Giants defense struggles in 6-1 loss to Cubs

Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong hits a leadoff solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, June 13, 2026 in San Francisco, Calif (AP Photo/ Scott Marshall)

By Maggie Akins

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants faithful stayed sitting down, while the Chicago Cubs overcrowded Oracle Park and stood loudly in a 6-1 win against the Giants on Saturday night. 

The game started with a solo homerun bomb at the first pitch by Cubs all-star Pete Crow-Armstrong. This set the tone for the Cubs’ offense, aiming to play with an attacking offense. 

The Giants went into this outing hoping to bring the winning energy they had against the Cubs in Chicago over to San Francisco. Rookie Bryce Eldridge came close as he hustled to second for a double, but the Cubs’ defense was right there, spying his enthusiasm for an extra bag from a mile away. 

The theme of the evening was clear from the start – the Giants’ defense and pitching continue to struggle. Vitello spoke with the media pregame and mentioned they are looking for ways to improve by rotating their bullpen lineup through guys that are up and feeling good to combat the injured relievers. 

The Giants’ pitching had three Cubs batters hit by a pitch through a two-inning stretch. A struggling look for the Giants’ bullpen.

The Giants starter, RHP Trevor McDonald pitched for 3.2 innings, being pulled during the fourth with the bases loaded. LHP Reiver Sanmartin relieved McDonald, finished the day with a 2-4 record and a 4.64 ERA. 

“I think TMac was a little bit out of sync…yanking some pitches to the glove side…He’s been so good at being one of our best strike throwers,” Vitello said.

“It wasn’t very good overall…got my pitch count up and just got to be better,” McDonald said. 

The Giants’ offense fought for some flow, but kept getting shut down by the Cubs’ pitching. In the third inning, Drew Gilbert walked, and Luis Arraez followed suit by hitting a triple, leading to Gilbert running home and scoring a run. The outing came to a close after Casey Schmitt and Rafael Devers struck out. This was the lone offensive success by the Giants throughout the evening. 

“In particular, tonight, I know he’s (Gilbert) as ambitious as all of them. So frustrated when he doesn’t do what he’s capable of doing,” Vitello said. 

The Cubs maintained a constant flow, having multiple batters hit solo home runs scattered across the box score by Ian Happ and Pedro Ramirez. 

Rookie Bryce Eldridge extended his on-base streak to a career-best of 19 games, and Devers had a 2-4 on his at-bats for the evening, the team’s best.

The Giants look to regain some momentum Sunday afternoon in the series finale against the Cubs who will start RHP Colin Rea (5-4 ERA 5.19) at Oracle Park with RHP Logan Webb (3-4 ERA 3.88) starting on the bump. First pitch at 12:10 p.m.

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At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

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For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

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Roupp Battles as Giants Drop Opener to Cubs, 5-1

Landen Roupp #65 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the top of the third inning at Oracle Park on June 12, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants were back in action at Oracle Park on Friday night. Entering the game on Friday night, the vibes couldn’t have been higher after an off day spent celebrating Bryce Eldridge’s walk-off grand slam on Wednesday afternoon. Granted, the win was only to avoid a sweep, but it was momentum the club desperately needed.

On Friday, the Giants lost their momentum as they fell to the Cubs 5-1 in the first game of a three-game series.

Landen Roupp got the ball for the Giants in what was his 14th start of the season. Roupp was solid, but a high pitch count and a little bit of bad luck did him in as he picked up his seventh loss of the season. Roupp was pitching a scoreless game and had faced just two batters over the minimum heading into the fourth inning before he ran into trouble. Roupp gave up an RBI double to Seiya Suzuki and a sac fly to Nico Hoerner to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead but managed to get out of the inning with no further damage.

Yet, in the fifth inning, more trouble found Roupp. Roupp gave up a walk and a double with two outs in the inning that prompted Tony Vitello to go with Erik Miller out of the bullpen. That decision proved disastrous for the Giants as Michael Busch promptly hit a three-run home run, and two of the runs were charged to Landen Roupp’s final line. All in, Roupp went 4 2/3 innings while giving up four runs on four hits, walking two and striking out five. Roupp needed 105 pitches to get through his work, which is almost certainly what led to his inability to finish the fifth inning.

Erik Miller, the first man out of the bullpen for the Giants, pitched just one-third of an inning, getting the final out of the fifth. Miller’s final line included one hit and one run (earned).

In the sixth and seventh innings, the Giants turned to JT Brubaker to give them some length out of the bullpen. Brubaker pitched well, allowing no runs and only one hit across his two innings of work while striking out one Cubs hitter.

In the eighth inning, it was Sam Hentges out of the bullpen for the Giants. Hentges completed one inning of relief in which he was perfect and didn’t allow a baserunner.

In the ninth inning, the Giants turned to Ryan Walker, who had recently rejoined the big league club. Walker pitched a scoreless top of the ninth inning and struck out one.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants had little to show for their efforts on Friday. The Giants totaled just four hits and one walk in the game and only managed to scratch one run across.

The Giants’ lone run came in the bottom of the ninth inning as Bryce Eldridge blasted his fifth home run of the season. The booming shot to right field traveled 377 feet and left the bat at 106 mph as Eldridge’s season RBI total is now at 13.

With the loss, the Giants fell to 28-42 while the Cubs improved to 36-34.

The Giants will take on the Cubs in game two of the three-game series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. PT. Ben Brown (2-2, 1.74 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs as the Giants will counter with Trevor McDonald (2-3, 4.15 ERA).

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.

For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Can 2026 Giants surge like the 1914 Boston Braves?

San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp pitches the Cincinnati Reds line up on Thu Apr 16, 2026 at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Roupp is the starting pitcher for San Francisco for their game Fri Jun 12, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco against the Chicago Cubs (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen coming into Friday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs the San Francisco Giants have won five of their last eight games.

#2 The last time the Giants face the Cubs they won two out of three games at Wrigley Field including an 18-3 win on Jun 5th. Could that have been the game that had given the Giants some confience getting after those last eight games.

#3 Monday night the Giants are starting Landen Roupp who makes his second consecutive start against the Cubs. In the Jun 6th game Roupp allowed one run on three hits, three walks, and striking out five over 5.2 innings. Roupp comes into Monday night’s game 5-6 ERA 4.00.

#4 Jung Hoo Lee who is on an 18 game hitting streak is one of three Giants players to record 31 or more hits over 13 games. Lee joins Bill Terry who did it in 1930 and 1932. Edd Roush did it in 1929.

#5 Fun Facts with Stephen R: You talked about the 1914 Boston Braves who pulled off one of the greatest miracles in baseball history down 15 games on Jul 4, 1914 at 26-40 they staged one of the biggest comebacks winning 41-53 and in September they overtook the New York Giants. The Braves finished with a 94-59 record winning the peannant by 10.5 games and went onto sweep Connie Mack and the Philadelphia A’s in four games. It was the first four game sweep in World Series history. The 2026 Giants are 16 games back and it’s almost July.

Stephen Ruderman does the San Francisco Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.

For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

Eldridge becomes youngest player in MLB history to hit walk-off grand slam to cap off impossible 11-10 comeback over Nationals

San Francisco Giants Bryce Eldridge (8) connects for a ninth inning walk off grad slam against catcher Keibert Ruiz and the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jun 10, 2026 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Washington Nationals 10 (35-34)

San Francisco Giants 11 (28-41)

Win: Reiver Sanmartin (1-0)

Loss: Mitchell Parker (2-3)

Time: 3:02

Attendance: 32,459

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–I still cannot believe it, but the Giants just completed a comeback for the ages, as they came all the way back from down 9-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning with back-to-back five-run innings to beat the Nationals 11-10 on a walk-off grand slam by Bryce Eldridge, who just became the youngest player to hit a walk-off grand slam in Baseball History.

The Giants showed some signs of life on the road, as they won four of five to end their three-city trip. However, a devastating loss in the opener of this three-game series against the Nationals on Monday night seemed to deflate this team.

The Nationals beat the Giants 6-3 last night, and today was more of the same. The Giants’ offense was still mostly stuck in home run mode after their 18-run outburst with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field on Friday, and really couldn’t muster much against Nationals’ starter Foster Griffin.

James Wood hit a two-run opposite-field home run to left-center field in the top of the third off Robbie Ray. Ray was solid for the most part through his first five innings. However, after Ray retired the first two men he faced in the top of the sixth, the Nationals put together a two-out rally, and scored four runs to open their lead to 6-0.

Well, that was certainly it. Matt Chapman put the Giants on the board in the bottom of the sixth, and then the Nationals scored three more runs off Carson Symour to make it a laugher at 9-1.

The Giants were going to be swept by a young and upstart Nationals’ team that is much further along in their rebuild, and they were going to be 15 games under .500. I just wanted it to end quickly.

Matt Chapman led off the bottom of the eighth with his second home run of the game, this one off Paxton Schultz. When he got back to the dugout, he started telling his teammates and coaches, “stranger things have happened.” Yeah, dream on.

Rafael Devers then followed it up to make it back-to-back home runs, and cut the deficit to 9-3. It was far too late for back-to-back home runs to matter for the Giants.

Or at least it seemed that way. The Giants kept chipping away. They put together a rally, and scored three more runs to suddenly make it 9-6 and tease us.

The Giants were back in it going to the ninth. Reiver Sanmartin had been called up this morning, and made his Giants’ debut with a 1-2-3 top of the eighth. Sanmartin was back out for the ninth, but he surrendered a leadoff home run to Curtis Mead, which made it 10-6.

To be honest, I still thought there was no way the Giants would actually come back to win this game. Gus Varland came in for the bottom of the ninth. Luis Arraez and Matt Chapman led off the inning with back-to-back doubles, and it was 10-7. The Giants just had to tease us. Devers quickly fell behind 0-2, but he worked a walk, and Blake Butera pulled Varland for the lefty, Mitchell Parker.

Parker would face back-to-back left-handed hitters in Jung Hoo Lee and Bryce Eldridge. Lee grounded a single the other way to left. Third Base Coach Gary Pettis held Chapman up at third, and the bases were loaded for the Giants’ young phenom, Bryce Eldridge, who came up as the potential winning run.

Now, I really felt teased. Eldridge was looking for his signature coming out moment. He had struck out to end Monday night’s game, and had thought a lot over the last two days about getting another chance.

Eldridge took two pitches to jump ahead in the count 2-0. He then hit a towering fly ball to right. It looked too high to be anything significant, and I thought at best, it would be a sacrifice fly. However, as Dylan Crews kept drifting back, it looked like something special could happen. Perhaps, it would hit off the wall, and the game would be tied. The ball kept carrying. Once it hit the green tin atop the 24-foot-high Willie Mays Wall in right, Eldridge threw his bat in the air, and those of the 32,459 who remained here at Oracle Park completely lost it.

In just a matter of, maybe 30-to-45 minutes, the Giants had done the impossible. They came all the way back, and won it 11-10.

I don’t know what else to say at this point, it was one of the most insane games I ever had the pleasure of being at. Chappy said it, stranger things have happened. Come October when the Giants are in the playoffs, we will all look back at this game and……FORGET IT!!!!!!!! Hey, stranger things have happened!

I want to give a major shoutout to Reiver Sanmartin, who stepped up to not only save the Giants’ bullpen, but keep the Giants in a position to come back. Sanmartin was rewarded with the win in his Giants’ debut. Mitchell Parker took the loss.

The Giants improve to 28-41, and will have a much-needed day off Thursday. Then, the Cubs will come to Oracle Park for a three game series starting Friday night.

First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

In the vibrant center of downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko offers a serene retreat defined by calm, understated luxury and the thoughtful precision of Japanese-inspired service. Each detail is designed to create a restorative experience where modern comfort and wellness come together effortlessly.

Guests are welcomed into spacious, contemporary rooms that blend clean design with subtle Japanese influences and intuitive, tech-enabled amenities. Throughout the hotel, a sense of tranquility is balanced with engaging, on-site experiences that elevate every stay.

At the top of the hotel, a glass-enclosed indoor pool offers a peaceful escape above the city an inviting space to unwind or, during the summer months, transform into a lively “dive-in” movie experience. Every Friday and Saturday night, families can enjoy classic kids’ films poolside, creating memorable moments in a truly unique setting.

Dining at Hotel Nikko is equally distinctive. ANZU Restaurant is home to San Francisco’s only Japanese breakfast buffet, offering an authentic and refined start to the day. In the evening,

Kanpai Sushi Lounge delivers an experiential dining atmosphere where craftsmanship and flavor meet in a sophisticated setting.

For entertainment, Feinstein’s at the Nikko brings world-class live music and cabaret performances directly to the hotel, offering an intimate and vibrant nightlife experience without ever leaving the property.

Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

Giants lose 6-3 to Nationals; SF pitching cant stop Nats hitting in late innings

The Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. watches his two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (AP Photo/ Jed Jacobson)

By Ryan Hannagan

San Francisco — The San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals faced off for game-two of a three-game series Tuesday night at Oracle Park. Following a loss off a 9th inning comeback by the Nationals in game one, the Giants looked to even up the series and get back in the win column.

Right-hander Adrian Houser was given the nod on the mound for the Giants. Houser came in with a 2-5 record and a 5.49 ERA through 13 games. On the other end, the Nationals went with rookie left-handed pitcher Andrew Alvarez. The 26 year old came into Tuesday’s contest with a 1-0 record and 3.54 ERA through seven games played on the season.  

The Nationals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Luis García Jr. launched a two-run homer to right field just two batters into the game, bringing home Wood and giving Washington an early lead. After the home run, Houser would exit the inning unharmed, but the Giants had to start their first at-bats behind. 

After a scoreless first inning from the Giants, the score remained 2-0 through the second, third and fourth. Although San Francisco was held scoreless in the third, outfielder Jung Hoo Lee extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a two-out single. The 17-game streak is a career high for Lee and currently stands as the longest active hitting streak in the majors.

Houser was back out to start the fifth, but after recording one out and allowing a Jacob Young triple, manager Tony Vitello went to the bullpen. Vitello resorted to 29-year-old left-hander Sam Hentegs. James Wood faced Hentegs out of the bullpen and immediately split a single through Chapman and Adames to score Young from third. Hentegs was able to hold the Nationals from further offense, keeping the score 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

The Giants answered with offense of their own in the bottom half. After walking Devers and allowing a single off the bat of Luis Arraez, Alvarez’s night was over. Going to the bullpen, Nationals manager Blake Butera turned to lefty reliever Brad Lord. The first batter Lord faced, Jung Hoo Lee, knocked home Devers and Arraez with a double. The score was 3-2. Devers and Arraez were the only Giants runs to score in the fifth, as Lord finished the rest of the inning unharmed. 

The sixth inning went by quietly, both teams going down scoreless. The Nationals added two more runs in the top of the seventh. Jacob Young scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch, and with the bases still loaded, Daylen Lile drew a walk to force in James Wood. The score had moved to 5-2 Nationals.

The eighth featured no offense on either side. Come the ninth, both teams added a run to their total. For the Nationals, CJ Abrams reached on a throwing error by third-baseman Matt Chapman, to then be brought home by a Daylen Lile triple. The Giants third run was a solo shot by rookie Bryce Eldrige with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Final score, Nationals win 6-3.

The Giants left 13 runners on base. This comes the night after leaving 12 on. The Nationals are heading into game three Wednesday up two games to zero looking to close out the sweep. As for the Giants, damage control will be the goal as they try to avoid being swept. Following Tuesday’s loss, the Giants moved to 27-41 on the season, losing seven of their last nine. Game three from Oracle Park is set for a 12:45 p.m first pitch Wednesday afternoon. 

Starting pitchers for Washington LHP Foster Griffin (7-2 ERA 3.63) for San Francisco LHP Robbie Ray (4-6, ERA 4.12).

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Located at 222 Mason Street near Union Square, Hotel Nikko places guests steps away from the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while offering a peaceful sanctuary to return to.

He Was A Giant? Mike Sadek: A Tony the Tiger Hayes Giants feature article

Former San Francisco Giant catcher Mike Sadek (right) puts a wet one on teammate Willie McCovey’s (44) cheek (photo from the SF Giants archives)

By Tony the Tiger Hayes

Mike Sadek wasn’t  physically imposing, nor  did he produce gigantic statistics, but the venerable 8-year big leaguer unequivocally had a #ForeverGiant heart. 

Sadek, who passed at age 73 in 2021, would have turned 80 last week. 

The feisty backstop, played  for San Francisco in 1973 and from 1975-81. 

A tightly coiled 5’9, 165 pounder, Sadek or “Sheik” to his teammates – was typically the backup to the backup receiver in San Francisco – averaging 50 contests per campaign. 

Not much of threat at the plate, Sadek batted a modest .226, with 5HR and 75 RBI in 383 career contests. 

But Sadek’s value to #SFGiants was never based on slugging percentage. 

Sadek was a big leaguer  for as long as he was, because of his catch & throw abilities and an innate ability to relate to pitchers. 

“His skills were extraordinary,” former Giants pitcher John D’Acquisto told Sadek’s hometown paper The Calaveras Enterprise at the time of his  passing. “His arm was above average. He had a really strong throwing arm. The ball never dipped down; it was always a straight shot from home to second. He had a very quick release. He blocked balls like there was no tomorrow.” 

So when managers Wes Westrum  or Joe Altobelli decided, say, to pinch hit for frontline receiver Marc Hill or spell regular Dave Rader, the club was in the capable hands of Sadek. 

Sadek – who rocked uniform # 3 to match his position on the backstop roster – also played a vital role in maintaining  a loose clubhouse culture. 

The eternal ice breaker, Sadek was like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Without him the team was incomplete. 

“It was mostly not about baseball, that’s for darn sure,”  D’Acquisto, said recalling the topics of conversations the pair would have on the sidelines. “We would just talk about life in general.”

Sadek was also a quite the lighthearted character – once riding the conveyor belt onto the baggage carousal at Montreal airport for laughs and a collective pot from his teammates. 

In 1975,  when the TV cop show “Kojak” was at the height of it’s popularity, Sadek, fellow catcher Rader and reliever Dave Heaverlo all shaved their to heads to ape the show’s red hot star Telly Savalas. 

Needless to say, they didn’t quite pull off the look. In a clubhouse full of mod Giants sporting blowout Afros and corkscrew perms, the ragged trio looked more like devotees to “Synanon” the 1970s Marin County based cult populated by shaven headed devotees. 

In 1966, San Francisco originally drafted Sadek out of his home state of Minnesota, but he opted to return to college. The Twins drafted him next, but San Francisco finally got their man in the 1969 Rule 5 draft. 

As the Giants reserve catcher, Sadek was often asked to do the unglamorous duties of a bench player, warming up pitchers between innings, catching ceremonial first pitches or taking the blame when the ace has a sour outing. 

The one place Sadek did receive preferential treatment was when verbose star pitcher John Montefusco was pitching. 

Not matter what. The “Count” wanted his beloved Sadek as his personal catcher. 

Montefusco bluntly stated Sadek was the best catcher he ever threw to because of his low target and great pitch- selection. 

Sadek was Montefusco’s caddy on most of the Count’s personal best performances, save his 1976 No-Hitter (Gary Alexander). 

In just over 10 days in 1975, “Shiek” was in the squat for Montefusco’s  top three career strikeout games. (Fanning totals of 14, 13 & 12 in three consecutive starts)

The brilliant back-to-back-to back performances were likely the reason Montefusco was unanimously voted NL Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association in ‘75. 

Sadek also caught a pair of 10 & 11 strikeout games by Montefusco in 1978 and produced with the bat. 

In the former, a 10-7 win at Dodger Stadium, Sadek batted 3-for-5 with a career topping 3 RBI (5/19/78). 

In the latter, a 9-3 win at Atlanta,  in the matinee of a doubleheader, Sadek flogged a solo HR off Jamie Easterly (6/25/78). 

After career highs in just about every offensive category in 1980, including batting (.254) Sadek just didn’t gel with new manager Frank Robinson. After the 1981 players strike was settled mid-season, Sadek was replaced on the roster by Triple-A catcher Bob Brenly. 

But Sadek did not leave the Orange & Black fold, immediately joining the club’s community relations department. 

His last day was in 1999 after the final Giants game played at Candlestick Park. 

Before they closed the home clubhouse doors for good, Mike Sadek was the last man to leave..