Tag: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva: Giants and Dodgers gets set for battle for first place in NL West tonight

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Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants is none to happy after the pitcher gave up a home run to the Colorado Rockies Mickey Moniak in the bottom of the sixth inning at Coors Field in Denver on Thu Jun 12, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 The Colorado Rockies finally snapped out of their five game losing streak with a 8-7 win over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon at Coors Field in Denver. The Rockies were just happy they were able to win a game after such a long drought.

#2 The Giants had the lead 7-5 until the bottom of the ninth when the Rockies Orlando Arcia belted a two run single and the timing couldn’t have come at a better time with two outs and facing another loss. The loss for the Giants snaps their seven game win streak.

#3 The Rockies Sam Hilliard in the ninth walked with one out, Giants reliever Randy Rodriguez faced Thairo Estrada who hit a double to left and the Rockies had runners on second and third. Rodriguez went onto walk Ryan McMahon to load the bases. The Rockies Brenton Doyle then hit a double play ball that was bobbled by the Giants Casey Scmitt and that allowed a runner to score making 7-6.

#4 With the bases loaded for the Rockies pinch hitter Hunter Goodman struck out and Arcia got the game winner on a 3-2 pitch a two run base hit to end it. The Rockies 13-55 start tied the 1932 Boston Red Sox for the worst start in the modern era which ended with the win on Thursday.

#5 Giants open up a three game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night. The Giants will start RHP Logan Webb (5-5 ERA 2.58) he’ll be opposed by the Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-4 ERA 2.20) at Dodger Stadium.

#6 Downtown Los Angeles had been under a curfew due to huge protests with the presence the National Guard, Marines and ICE arrests on Los Angeles citizens suspected of being illegal immigrants. The curfew was lifted as of Wed Jun 11, 2025. The curfew was between 8:00pm to 6:00am. There was concern how fans were going to come and go from the ballpark with the curfew in effect. Now that it’s no longer in effect.

Michael Villanueva does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Unicorns defeated the Washington Freedom, 269/5-146/15

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Thursday, June 12, 2025

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–When I took my seat in the press box at the Oakland Coliseum this evening to watch the San Francisco Unicorns take on the Washington Freedom in the squads’ season opener, my knowledge of sport could, to paraphrase what Bob Murphy said about Chuck Dresen’s knowledge of pitching, be engraved on a grain of rice and still have room for the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. Still, I knew a few things about the world’s second most popular sport, stuff like their not having foul lines and the importance of keeping the ball from knocking over a wicket.

But all was not lost. Major League Cricket provides play by play descriptions, commentary, and statistics at https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/matches. I understood every word. I didn’t understand what any sentence meant, But I can tell you that your San Francisco Unicorns defeated the Freedom, 269/5-146/15.

The noise of the crowd, which I estimated at 6,000-7,000, was muffled by the closed windows of the press box, but when I went downstairs to where I could hear them (and shop for souvenirs and freebies), everyone seemed to be having a grand old time, both those watching the match and those strolling the concourse.

On my way back to my seat, I ran into a woman. We started chatting, and I told her what I’d been up to and what I planned to write. She graciously offered to sit next to me at the next game I covered and to explain what was happening and its significance as long as I needed it.

If my schedule, which these days is as changeable as a baby’s bottom, allows it, I’ll cover one more Unicorn game before the end of the regular season and, after then, with any luck, some playoff contests, and I can give you an informed account of the game.

My advice to you is

  • If you are familiar with cricket, go to a game. You’ll probably enjoy it and come back for more. • If you know someone who’s familiar with cricket, go to one or more matches together. • If you’re as ignorant of cricket as I am, go and strike up a conversation with someone seated near you who seems to be cricket wise. • In any case, give it a try. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the vibes are good.

The Unicorn’s remaining home games at the Coliseum in the regular season are

•Saturday, June 14 vs. the Los Angeles Knight Riders •Sunday, June 15 vs. the Texas Super Kings

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Saga of the A’s at Sutter Health Park — You don’t know what you have until you lose it

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Aerial look at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento (CBS still photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

The Saga of the A’s at Sutter Health Park — You don’t know what you have until you lose it

By Amaury Pi-González

After 70 games into the 2025 season, things continue to go poorly for the ATH playing at Sutter Health Park, while the team is buried in the cellar. Despite Mark Kotsay’s (a good manager) best efforts as skipper, the park itself has not helped the team, at least not psychologically.

Not one player yet on the A’s or any team that visited Sutter Health Park said publicly anything positive about that minor league facility. The comments have not been complimentary at all from players, A’s fans, or visiting fans, at least the ones I know who are honest fans.

Much honest than people I know there. For the Oakland A’s, who played at the Oakland Coliseum, it’s like living in an old spacious house that still features all the necessary conveniences, and realizing that while you thought you needed a new home, the current “new house” is not what you expected. This old saying applies: “You don’t know what you have until you lose it.”

Many people take things for granted, thinking they will always be there. This can lead to neglect and a lack of appreciation. That was the case with the Oakland Coliseum. Yes, it was dated and not particularly attractive to look at, but it worked; it was a major league park with impeccably kept field conditions.

Throughout the years, I spoke to numerous players who loved that field, and usually, A’s players and visiting players enjoyed playing there. This ‘old park new park’ situation for the team reminds me of an old Volvo 740 Turbo I used to own, some of the “luxuries” were gone, broken like the sun roof, the air conditioner, windows, it did not look pretty, but it ran, it took me where I needed to go, it was a strong car and highly efficient.

When Volvo was famous. Although I do not miss it today, on the other hand, I do not denigrate that Volvo, and yes, I, who spent thousands of hours broadcasting thousands of games at the Oakland Coliseum, do not denigrate that old historic Coliseum.

The best opportunity for a good owner who put his money on the field and in the community, to buy the A’s has gone away. Joe Lacob, the Warriors’ owner, had a deal in place to buy and keep the A’s in Oakland, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, just a couple of years ago.

One of the excuses for poor attendance at Sutter Health Park includes “wait until the school summer vacations” (thinking that kids will pack the park). However, it remains very challenging for this team to surpass the 10,000 attendance mark (done it only once) in a 14,000-capacity park, especially during the current school vacation period.

Enrique Oliu, my good friend and Spanish broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays in a recent telephone conversation told me that George M.Steinbrenner Park where the Rays are playing this year (while repairs are made at Tropicana Field because of the Hurricane) is a beautifully keep minor league park with capacity for 11,026 fans which also serves as the Spring Training Home of the New York Yankees.

According to Oliu, most comments by Rays players and visiting players have been on the positive side of things. So, at least we know that the other team, aside from the A’s, playing this year in a minor league park, the Tampa Bay Rays, are enjoying a better experience than the A’s in Sacramento.

Happy Father’s Day!

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

http://goaquaadventure.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s lose tough luck game 6-5 for third straight loss

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Sacramento A’s shortstop Max Schuemann (left) and second baseman Luis Urias (right) couldn’t field the ball that got through that was hit by the Los Angeles Angels Jorge Soler for an RBI single as the Angels Taylor Ward runs for second base in the bottom of the sixth inning at Angels Stadium on Wed Jun 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The A’s did all they can to try and win this game but once again suffered their third loss in row. This time to the Los Angles Angels getting swept in a three game series at the Big A in Anaheim in a close game 6-5.

#2 The A’s would score a run in each of the first, third, fourth innings and picked up two runs in the top of the seventh inning for five runs. The Angels would score six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and that’s all the runs they would need on Wednesday afternoon to defeat Sacramento 6-5.

#3 The A’s got offensive help from Brent Rooker who homered twice once in the third inning and again in the top of the seventh inning but once again too little too late for Sacramento who were shortchanged by one run.

#4 JP Sears started for the A’s pitching 5.1 innings, allowed four hits, two earned, struck out nine pitched well enough but couldn’t get enough run support.

#5 A’s head out to Kansas City to open up a three game set with the Royals. The A’s will start Luis Severino (1-6 ERA 4.77) Royals will start RHP Michael Wacha (3-5 ERA 3.01). First pitch is slated for 5:10pm PDT at Kaufman Stadium.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento A’s podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Rockies Steal One From Giants Winning In Ninth Inning 8-7; Colorado snaps 5 game skid; SF snaps 7 game win streak

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Colorado Rockies Sam Hilliard (left) and Mickey Moniak (right) give Orlando Arcia (center) the waterworks after Arcia’s walk off hit to defeat the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the ninth at Coors Field in Denver on Thu Jun 12, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

In an unlikely come back, the Colorado Rockies (12-55) won the third game of this series after trailing going into the ninth inning and beating the San Francisco Giants (40-28) 8-7. They scored three runs in the inning and this time it was the Rockies who had come from behind in a Thursday matinee at Coors Field in Denver.

Game recap: Rockies had their chances to beat one of the best teams in baseball today but could not close out either of the first two games in some very disappointing losses. This has been a terrible season for the Rockies and their fans and the empty seats say it all. Their relief pitching was a huge part of these losses.

San Francisco got on the board in the second inning scoring four runs for the early lead. It was the bottom of the Giants lineup that got this game underway. Tyler Fitzgerald sacrificed Mike Yastrzemski home for the opening run.

Logan Porter came to the plate and singled Dominic Smith home. Then along came the big hit, a single from Heliot Ramos, although a single it drove both Jung Hoo Lee and Porter home. When the dust had settled, San Francisco had put together a four run inning and led 4-0.

The Rockies scored a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Ryan Ritter singled to left field allowing both Brenton Doyle and Mickey Moniak to score and the Rockies had cut the Giants lead in half 4-2.

San Francisco pushed their lead back out in the fifth inning in a big way when Dominic Smith knocked his first long ball, a three run home run. Wilmer Flores and Mike Yastrzemski both scored giving San Francisco a 7-2 lead.

The Rockies pulled a bit closer when Mickey Moniak hit a home run in the sixth inning but they still had some work to do trailing 7-3. Colorado fought hard scoring two runs in the seventh inning when Thairo Estrada doubled and Sam Hilliard and Jordan Beck both scored; the Rockies had new life trailing 7-5.

San Francisco did not score in the top of the ninth inning but they still had the 7-5 lead and on the mound Randy Rodriguez was eager to close out this game. It did not go as planned.

It was a wild crazy finish for the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of the ninth inning. Randy Rodriguez walked a couple of runners and the Rockies had the bases loaded. Colorado pulled to within a run 7-6 when Brenton Doyle grounded into a fielder’s choice and Sam Hilliard scored a run plus San Francisco had a fielding error by third baseman Casey Schmitt.

The game had become very uncomfortable for the Giants at this point. With two outs it was not looking good for the Rockies but in a crazy turnaround, Colorado’s Orlando Arcia singled both Thairo Estrada and Ryan McMahon home and that was the ball game 8-7 in favor of the Rockies.

Colorado had avoided the sweep. Despite losing the series they did win the one game and it was heartening to see the joy on the faces of the Rockies as they raced onto the field in jubilation. They have had so little to celebrate this year.

Walks and errors killed the Giants in the ninth inning and reliever Randy Rodriguez did not have his finest game. They did win the series and came away with 11 hits in the game. Starting pitcher Hayden Birdsong pitched six innings allowing six hits, three runs, two walks and six strikeouts. Four relief pitchers worked hard to win this game but just came up short.

Game notes: Wednesday afternoon the Giants finished off their series with the Rockies and failed to get a sweep in game three. San Francisco has had two spectacular come-from-behind wins in game one and two but Thursday were looking to go into the latter innings with a lead instead of trailing. In Wednesday’s game the Rockies scored seven runs in the eighth and ninth innings for the win.

For Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela pitched four innings allowed nine hits, seven earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts. While Senzatela got shelled the offense came back for the win and got him some run support.

Friday a huge series begins for the Giants as they travel back to California for a three game series with the first place Los Angeles Dodgers. Logan Webb will take the mound for the Giants while the Dodgers plan on starting Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Webb has a 5-5 win/loss record and a 2.58 ERA and Yamamoto has a 6-4 win/loss record and a 2.20 ERA. This may come down to a pitcher’s duel in an exciting series that will determine first place in the National League West.

San Francisco Unicorns make presentation at press conference

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San Francisco Unicorns will be swinging into the regular season Thu June 12, 2025 at the Oakland Coliseum against the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket action (San Francisco Unicorns X photo)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–The power hitters of the East Bay political scene and Cognizant Major League Cricket were on hand at noon time Wednesday at an Oakland Coliseum that in many ways resembled the home of the A’s. For one thing, it was practically empty. The field of play, however, presented a different picture. A nascent cricket pitch occupied the area that had been center and right fields.

This was East Bay’s introduction to the Cognizant Major League Cricket and its local incarnation, the San Francisco Unicorns, whose will play their opening tournament at the “iconic and historical” Coliseum, which, it seems, is the only bay area stadium configured in a way conducive to playing cricket.

The version of the sport of the British Empire that MLC plays is Twenty20 cricket, a popular innovation that has led to a resurgence of interest in the world’s second most popular sport. Its supporters attribute some of its attractiveness to its briskness; games usually last about three hours.

No pitch clocks on this pitch. The three game series will give many of us, and I’m one of them, to learn some of the basics of classic cricket and its current truncated version. The Unicorns will face the Washington Freedom Thursday, evening at 6:00, the Los Angeles Knight Riders on Saturday, June 14 at 2:00, and then MI New York at 6:00 in the evening of Sunday the 16th . They won’t return to the Bay Area until after the regular season at the end of July. They play some more games here if they make the playoffs.

Oakland mayor Barbara Lee, ex-mayor Rebecca Kaplan, and Fremont maor Raj Salwan emphasized cricket’s ability to unify the varied population of an area like the East Bay, the economic stimulus having a high level professional team in Oakland would bring the city of Oakland and the rest of Alameda County.

Barbara Lee, the first of the mayoral trio to speak, was the star. It had been a blustery, cold, and overcast morning, but, as Kaplan pointed out, the sun broke through the moment Lee began to speak.

Mayor Salwan spoke of Fremont’s parks echoing to the sound of bats, cricket bats, all day long on Sundays. He also referred to something Kaplan discussed in an interview with another outlet, the south county cricket fans who stay up, or wake up, at 2:00 in the morning to watch the streaming of overseas cricket matches.

What Kaplan didn’t mention was that the sun hid behind the clouds as soon as Lee had finished. What no one mentioned was the contradiction between a team for all the East Bay and that squad’s name identifying it as a San Francisco team.

The mayors and the league’s representatives referred to cricket’s appearance at the 1926 Olympics and its return to them in next year’s games, scheduled for Los Angeles. Several suggested the possibility of the cricket matches being played here.

If, like me, you want to familiarize yourself with cricket, old and new, I suggest that you refer to britannica.com’s articles, “Twenty20 cricket” and “cricket.”

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Giants put it together again against a crumbling Rockies team

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San Francisco Giant Casey Schmitt dives in head first at home plate to score on Tyler Fitzgerald’s base hit as the Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman puts on the tag but too late at Coors Field in Denver on Wed Jun 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Mike Yastrzemski is making a difference for the San Francisco Giants. Yastrzemski once again helped the Giants in their come back on the Colorado Rockies after trailing 6-3. Yastrzemski slugged a two run double that helped the Giants beat the Rockies 10-7 on Wednesday.

#2 Stephen the Giants are rolling they’ve now won seven straight games.

#3 The Giants Willy Adames hit a home run and got three RBIs as the Giants trailed the 6-3 going into the eighth they took advantage of Rockie relief pitcher Tyler Kinley.

#4 Adames, Heliot Ramos, and Dominic Smith all had base hits that loaded the bases with one out. Casey at the bat Casey Schmitt walked that forced in a run and Yastrzemski hit a liner of the right center fence for a double that tied up the game.

#5 The Giants will close out their series with the Rockies on Thursday afternoon. The Giants will start RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-1 ERA 2.55) matches up against the Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (1-10 ERA 6.68). Tell us your take on this match up.

Join Stephen Ruderman for the Giants podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA Finals podcast Game 3: Pacers make comeback in fourth quarter to defeat Thunder 116-107; Indiana takes 2-1 lead

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein passes the ball around Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton right in game 3 of the NBA Finals at Oklahoma City Thunder on Wed Jun 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

NBA Finals podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Indiana Pacers Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to score 27 points, Tyrese Haliburton scored 22 points and the Pacers were able to hold the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

#2 Haliburton had 11 assists and nine rebounds. The Pacers Pascal Siakam scored 21 points the Pacers scored 49-18 from players coming off the bench.

#3 The Pacers back in March after a loss went 10-0 and have been a surprise team in the NBA beating the New York Knicks and now taking a 2-1 lead after beating the Thunder on Wednesday.

#4 Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points, and Chet Holmgren scored 20 high scorers for the Thunder in the loss.

#5 This Friday the 13th it’s game 4 between the Pacers and Thunder. The Pacers have the home floor in Indianapolis. and Pacers can go back to OKC with a 3-1 lead or the Thunder could go back to OKC and tie this series on Monday night in game 5. How do you see this match up on Friday night.

Join Michael Roberson for the NBA Finals podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Another Come From Behind Win for San Francisco Beating Rockies In Game Two 10-7

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San Francisco Giants Mike Yastrzemski watches his double fly that drove in two runs in the top of the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on Wed Jun 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This was another come from behind win for the San Francisco Giants (39-28) for a second night in a row. They trailed the Colorado Rockies (12-54) going into the eighth inning by the score of 6-3. They scored four runs in the eighth inning and 2 more in the ninth inning to win the game 10-7 for a 2-0 series lead.

Game recap: The Giants Heliot Ramos got the game started in the right direction for the Giants in the first inning. He hit a home run to center with Jung Hoo Lee on base and San Francisco had a 2-0 lead. Ramos got another run up on the board for the Giants when he sacrificed in the third inning and Lee scored from third base and San Francisco had a 3-0 lead.

The game had started well for San Francisco until the bottom of the third inning when the Rockies took their first lead of the game with four runs. Hunter Goodman doubled Tyler Freeman home followed by a couple of runs scored by Jordan Beck and Goodman on a Giants error at first base and this game was tied. They went on to score the go-ahead run 4-3 on a Hiura single driving Thairo Estrada home.

San Francisco starter Robbie Ray pitched four innings allowing six hits, two earned runs, two walks with five strikeouts. Tristan Beck relieved him in the fifth inning .

Colorado extended their lead in the fifth inning on an Orlando Arcia single driving Brenton Doyle home. Arcia was thrown out stretching for second base but the Rockies had established a 5-3 lead going into the sixth inning.

It was a quiet sixth inning for the Giants but the Rockies came back starting off the inning with a Ryan Ritter triple. Tyler Freeman sacrificed allowing Ritter to score from third base taking a 6-3 lead. Through six innings the Rockies had outhit the Giants nine to six.

After another quiet inning in the seventh the Giants had some catching up to do in the top of the eighth. They had Willy Adames, Heliot Ramos and Wilmer Flores to start the inning. Adames singled, Ramos singled and the Giants had two runners on base with no outs. After Wilmer Flores struck out, PH Dominic Smith singled loading the bases with Casey Schmitt at the plate.

Colorado relief pitcher Tyler Kinley walked Schmitt and the Giants only trailed by two 6-4. Mike Yastrzemski knocked the ball deep a few feet from being a grand slam but scored two runs and this game was tied 6-6 still with only one out.

San Francisco took their first lead since the third inning when Tyler Fitzgerald hit a sacrifice bunt and Schmitt scored from third base for a 7-6 lead. Last night’s relief pitcher Zach Agnos came in to close out the inning for the Rockies.

San Francisco took the 7-6 lead into the top of the ninth inning looking to score some insurance runs. Adames had yet another hit, a double and San Francisco had runners at second and third. Colorado pitcher Zach Agnos walked Ramos and Lee, allowing an Adames double and the bases were loaded with no outs.

Flores sacrificed Lee home and San Francisco had a 8-6 lead. The Giants added another run off a Schmitt single driving Adames home for a 9-6 tally. The hits just kept on coming, adding another run off a Mike Yastrzemski single and San Francisco took a 10-6 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Rockies had the top of the order in the bottom of the ninth inning after giving up another significant lead. Camilo Doval finished off the Rockies for a final score of 10-7 in favor of San Francisco giving the Giants a 2-0 series lead. Colorado hit a solo home run off the bat of Goodman. They also hit two singles and got the tying run up to the plate but again fell short.

Game notes: Tuesday night the Giants took game one in their series with the Rockies 6-5. This game went into the ninth inning with the Rockies leading 5-2. The Giants had an explosive top of the ninth taking the lead 6-5 scoring four runs.

Colorado closer Zach Agnos had a meltdown walking three runners allowing a solo home run and to top it off a wild pitch that advanced the San Francisco runners. Going into the inning, a Colorado win was looking pretty good but turned into a nightmare.

The Rockies tried to fight back in the bottom of the ninth but only managed two singles and drew a walk. Wednesday night both teams were back at it in what turned out to be another thriller. Colorado has been good but unable to close out and the Giants continue to struggle at the plate with only two hits through 8 innings. They did show up when it counted in the ninth inning and they did close out the game.

On Wednesday night starter Robbie Ray got knocked out of the box going four innings allowing six hits, with two earned runs, two walks, and five strikeouts but the Giants came back and won it. For the Rockies starter Kyle Freeland pitched six innings, allowed six hits and three runs.

First pitch for game three of this series is scheduled for 12:10 PM as the Rockies will be trying to avoid a sweep. Starting pitchers for Thursday afternoon at Coors Field for the Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-1 ERA 2.55) and for the Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (1-10 ERA 6.68).

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Rooker’s Firepower Not Enough as A’s Collapse in Wild Sixth Inning 6-5

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Sacramento A’s Luis Urias (left) scored on a sacrifice fly by Max Schuemann as Los Angeles Angels catcher Travis d’Arnaud takes the throw late in the top of the fourth inning on Wed Jun 11, 2025 at Angels Stadium (AP News photo)

Rooker’s Firepower Not Enough as A’s Collapse in Wild Sixth Inning 6-5

By Mauricio Segura

The green and gold wasted no time getting on the board Wednesday afternoon, but in true 2025 Athletics fashion, their early surge was undone by a bullpen implosion and a momentum-crushing sixth inning meltdown. Despite Brent Rooker’s two-homer afternoon and a promising start from JP Sears, the A’s fell 6-5 to the Angels, extending their losing streak to three games and cementing a winless season series against Los Angeles.

Rooker drove in three runs and continued to punish opposing pitchers, going 3-for-5 with a double and two home runs, his 14th and 15th of the year. His solo shot in the third and a clutch two-run blast in the seventh pulled the A’s within one, but the damage had already been done.

A strong offensive start saw the A’s jump ahead in the first inning. Max Muncy’s RBI single plated Rooker, who had doubled earlier in the frame. Rooker struck again with a solo homer in the third, giving the Athletics a 2-0 cushion. A fourth-inning sacrifice fly from Max Schuemann pushed the lead to 3-0, and with Sears in control early, things looked promising.

Sears, however, faced trouble in the sixth. After cruising through five innings with a two-hit shutout, he was pulled in favor of Grant Holman after issuing a walk to Mike Trout. That’s when the unraveling began. Holman loaded the bases, then plunked Taylor Ward to force in a run.

The bullpen carousel spun quickly, Osvaldo Bido came in and surrendered a game-tying single to Jorge Soler, and then gave up a go-ahead sacrifice fly and a two-run homer to Jo Adell. By the time the dust settled, the Angels had exploded for six runs in the inning, erasing the Athletics’ lead.

The chaos also saw an ejection; starter JP Sears was tossed by home plate umpire Gabe Morales from the dugout, presumably for voicing displeasure at the zone or the unraveling performance that followed his exit.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay rolled the dice with a quick hook for Sears, who had a rocky history at Angel Stadium (0-2, 9.72 ERA entering the day) but was showing signs of control. In five day-game starts this season, Sears held a 2.17 ERA , a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable campaign. Still, his early removal added to the chorus of second-guessing that’s followed this bullpen all season.

The Athletics’ relievers entered the day with a major-league worst 5.96 ERA and had only two saves in their last 29 games. On cue, they coughed up another one.

Rooker’s heroics in the seventh made things interesting. After Schuemann drew a walk, Rooker crushed a 2-run homer to center, bringing the A’s within one. But with the tying run on base later in the inning, Max Muncy struck out to end the threat.

The A’s had another chance in the eighth when JJ Bleday doubled to lead off the inning, but three consecutive outs stranded him at second. Reid Detmers closed the door in the ninth, fanning Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom to seal it.

With the loss, the A’s fell to 26-44 and remain firmly in last place in the AL West. They’ve now dropped all six matchups to the Angels this season, and are 4-22 when out-homered by opponents.

The Athletics’ road losing streak sits at 13, the second longest for the franchise in nearly three decades. Their bullpen has now blown 11 saves in their last 34 games, and their 103 home runs allowed leads all of Major League Baseball.

Brent Rooker, meanwhile, continues to shine. He has reached base in 18 of his last 20 games and now sits tied for seventh in the majors in homers with runners on base. But even his bat can’t patch the holes left by a bullpen that can’t seem to hold a lead.

Next up: a much-needed off day Thursday before the A’s head to Kansas City, where they’ll hope that right-hander Luis Severino (1-6 ERA 4.77) can stop the bleeding Friday night. The Royals have not decided on a starting pitcher for Friday night yet.

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.