Tag: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: 49ers crush Chargers 41-17 at SoFi on Thursday Night Football

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San Francisco 49ers Jacob Cowing (26) is upended by the Los Angeles Chargers at So Fi Stadium in Los Angeles (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 How impressive was Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt-return touchdown, and did that big play strengthen his case for making the 49ers’ roster?

32 What did Sincere McCormick’s 37-yard run and 7-yard touchdown show about the 49ers’ running-game depth heading into the regular season?

#3 How encouraging was Adrian Martinez’s performance, including his 9-yard rushing touchdown and 17-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins, as the 49ers evaluate their quarterback and receiver depth?

San Francisco 49ers podcasts are heard after every home and away game with David Zizmor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez: Giants open 3 game set with Red Sox Friday night at Fenway; It’s the return of Devers to Boston

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San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb will face the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston Fri Aug 21, 2026 (AP file photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Willy Adames hit his 20th home run of the season and 200th of his career. How important was his two-run homer in keeping the Giants within striking distance against the Cleveland Guardians?

#2 Landen Roupp allowed four runs—three earned—in 5⅓ innings. What did you think of his overall performance against Cleveland?

#3 Rafael Devers reached base to help set up Adames’ home run. How effective was Devers at creating opportunities for the Giants’ offense?

#4 Jung Hoo Lee contributed a hit in the game. What did you think of Lee’s performance at the plate and in the field?

#5 The Giants struggled offensively against Guardians starter Gavin Williams, who struck out 11. What adjustments could players such as Adames, Devers, Lee and Patrick Bailey have made against Williams?

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

Aces Take Sun Apart After Slow First Half 101-78

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Las Vegas Aces (center) A’ja Wilson (22) takes a jump shot against the Connecticut Sun defenders at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Aug 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (25-13) have assured themselves a playoff berth and now play for position. Tonight they took on the Connecticut Sun (9-26). After the first ten miniutes of play Las Vegas had the lead but by a single digit 25-24.

Unexpected yes but the Sun came out playing more aggressively than their record would indicate. Las Vegas began to turn it all around in the second quarter but the Sun came roaring back and at the half the Aces continued to lead by a single point 48-47.

The second half was a tale of two halves. The Aces outscored the Sun in the third quarter 27-16 and were leading 75-63 going into the fourth quarter. Las Vegas broke this game wide open throughout the final quarter. They outscored Connecticut 26-15. The final was 101-78.

GAME RECAP

Now that the Las Vegas Aces have assured them selves a spot in the playoffs position now becomes their focus and winning is imperative in order to do that. Thursday night the Aces take on a team that sits very close to the basement in the standings.

Because of their record, the way that the Sun came out in this game was totally unexpected. Britteny Griner was ruled out for tonight’s game. After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces were hanging onto a slim 25-24 lead.

The Aces had as much as a ten point lead in the game but when halftime came around, Las Vegas was still treading water with a 48-47 lead. The Aces would need to slow down the Sun. They came into the game a bit out of rhythm in the first quarter and seemed to have turned it around in second but let the Sun back in the game.

Las Vegas would have their hands full in the second half. The Sun had been getting good looks and they were moving the ball really well. The Aces needed to disrupt their rhythm and really needed some sharp defense.

In their last game against Atlanta Las Vegas’s defense was not on point and turnovers were horrendous. They have cleaned that up in Thursday night’s first half with only three turnovers. The Aces have beaten the Sun twice this season and the Sun came out looking like a team with something to prove.

Connecticut already had three players in double digits. In the second half, Las Vegas would need to start hitting shots from outside letting A’Ja Wilson work her magic inside. If the Aces could tighten up their defense and they have already put the stops on the turnovers, they have the talent and depth to start creating separation.

Las Vegas started the third quarter going on a 11-0 run and taking a 61-52 lead. Jackie Young was on a heater something we have been seeing quite often. Early in the quarter she had already hit 24 points. She was 3 of 3 from beyond the arc.

A little help from Chelsea Gray and A’Ja Wilson would be a good thing balancing out this offense. Mid-way through the third the Aces had their largest lead of the game 66-52. .After three quarters, the Aces had separated themselves from the Sun leading 75-63. They would have to play a clean fourth quarter with both Nalyssa Smith and Cheyenne Parker-Tyrus with four personals.

Las Vegas took over the fourth quarter taking their largest lead of the game a few minutes into the quarter 87-65. Connecticut was struggling with 17 turnovers as the Aces began to carve them up offensively. Las Vegas was out-rebounding the Sun 35-20. They had done an about-face taking control of this game offensively and defensively.

GAME NOTES

After struggling in the first half of this game, the Las Vegas Aces turned this game completely around. It all started in the third quarter when they outscored the Sun 27-16 and they never backed down for the rest of the game.

They dominated the boards finishing with 41 rebounds, 12 of them offensive to Connecticut’s 29. The extra possessions wore Connecticut down. Las Vegas took far better care of the ball committing only 11 turnovers to the Sun’s 19.

Jackie Young could not be stopped finishing with 24 points the game high and seven rebounds. A’Ja Wilson had 20 points and off the bench Cheyenne Parker-Tyrus was amazing with 18 points and nine rebounds. They totally dominated the second half of the game.

The Aces will now head out on the road taking on the Toronto Tempo. Tipoff for this game late Sunday afternoon is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Royal Flush Leaves the A’s Empty-Handed 6-2, No Dark Glasses Needed

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Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Athletics in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.Colin E. Braley/AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

By Mauricio Segura

Every time the Sacramento Athletics found ways to put runners on base, Kansas City kept finding ways to make those runners disappear. The Royals Bobby Witt Jr. supplied the early jolt, Isaac Collins delivered the biggest hit with men aboard, and the Royals finished a four-game sweep with a 6-2 win that sent the A’s to 49-79 and extended their losing streak to four.

Sacramento had an opening immediately. Henry Bolte singled to begin the game, but Jeff McNeil followed with a double play. Zack Gelof then drew a walk and Lawrence Butler singled, only for Max Muncy to strike out. Kansas City needed far less traffic. Witt turned the first pitch he saw from Gage Jump into a solo homer to left-center, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead. Maikel Garcia followed with a double, but Darell Hernaiz recovered from a fielding error on Salvador Perez’s grounder and helped cut Garcia down at home.

The A’s missed an even bigger chance in the second. Carlos Cortes singled, Donovan Walton drew a walk and Hernaiz added an infield single to load the bases with one out. Randy Dobnak escaped when Bolte struck out and McNeil grounded out. Sacramento put two more aboard in the third after a Muncy walk and Cortes’ second hit, but Brian Serven struck out. Dobnak worked four scoreless innings despite allowing six hits and four walks.

Kansas City made its chances count. Witt singled in the third, Perez followed with another hit and Vinnie Pasquantino drew a walk to load the bases. Collins then lined a two-run single to left for a 3-0 lead. In the fourth, Michael Massey singled and Nick Loftin tripled him home. Jump intentionally put Witt on, then retired John Rave on a fielder’s choice that erased Loftin at the plate. Perez followed with an RBI single to make it 5-0.

Jump entered the game with 85 strikeouts through his first 15 career starts, the third-highest total in Athletics history over that span, behind only Tim Hudson and Sonny Gray. Kansas City still reached him for five runs in four innings, ending his afternoon before the A’s finally mounted their only scoring push.

The response began in the fifth against Carlos Duran. Butler drew a walk, Muncy and Cortes followed with walks of their own, and Serven singled home Butler with the bases loaded. Connor Thomas replaced Duran and Walton brought Muncy home on a groundout, trimming the deficit to 5-2. Hernaiz lined out to end the threat.

Taylor Rashi then made his A’s debut after being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas. He allowed a run in the fifth when Collins reached and Massey doubled him home, but Rashi prevented further damage and worked a scoreless sixth. His appearance made him the 58th player used by the Athletics this season.

The Green and Gold never generated another rally. Butler singled to open the seventh, but Craig Kimbrel entered and retired Muncy and Cortes before Butler was caught stealing. The A’s did not put another runner on base. John Schreiber handled the eighth and Nate Pearson retired Bolte, McNeil and Gelof in order in the ninth.

Butler finished with two hits and a walk, while Cortes had two hits and a walk of his own. Walton doubled and drove in a run, and Serven supplied the other RBI. The lack of road offense has been a season-long problem for Sacramento, which entered the game with the second-fewest road runs in the majors and a .224 batting average away from home.

The next stop is Houston, where Sacramento starter J.T. Ginn (8-7, 3.53 ERA, 114 K) is set to face Houston starter Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 5.16 ERA, 18 K), with first pitch scheduled for 5:10 p.m. Pacific.

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. 

Giants Errors Along With a Decimated Roster Spells Another Series Loss At the Hands Of the Guardians 5-2

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San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (left) avoids colliding with Osleivis Basabe (right) against the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the fourth inning at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Thu Aug 20, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (52-74) and the Cleveland Guardians (61-66) met Thursday in game three, with the series all tied up. Both teams will be looking for more production at the plate in this game. Hits were few and far between as were runs yesterday for each of them.

The Guardians got a start similar to their game one win. They scored three runs in the first inning with Steven Kwan, Travis Bazzana and Patrick Bailey crossing home plate for the early 3-0 lead.

The Giants made this game a whole lot more manageable in the fourth inning. Willy Adames homered with Rafael Devers on base and San Francisco had pulled to within one run.

Cleveland would push their lead back out leading 4-2 going into the bottom of the sixth. Going into the eighth inning Cleveland continued to hang onto the 4-2 lead. The Guardians put up one more insurance run on the scoreboard for the final score 5-2. They had won the game and the series.

GAME RECAP

The Guardians jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Landen Roupp walked Steven Kwan and it was on. Travis Bazzana singled followed by a Jose Ramirez single and the Guardians had the bases loaded. Nathaniel Lowe sacrificed both Kwan and Bazzana home for two runs and a 2-0 lead. A Patrick Bailey single drove Ramirez home for the third run and a 3-0 lead. It had been a rough start for Roupp

Roupp pulled it together nicely in the second and third innings going three and out in both. The Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams had a great start rolling through the first three innings.

The Giants finally broke through in the fourth inning scoring two runs and only trailed by a single run 3-2. Devers singled in the top of the inning and Willy Adames hit his 200th career home run. The game now was completely within reach of San Francisco.

There was a pitching change for Cleveland in the sixth inning. Williams was relieved by Tim Herrin after 5 2/3 innings. Herrin got out of the inning. Cleveland would score another run in the bottom of the sixth.

Roupp allowed a single followed by a walk and that would be it for him relieved by Sam Hentges who gave up yet another single and Bailey scored the Guardians fourth run of the game. They led 4-2 going into the seventh.

San Francisco went three and out in the seventh still trailing late in the game. Carson Seymour had relieved Hentges in the bottom of the inning closing out the seventh. Going into the eighth inning the Giants needed some production at the plate only six outs away from losing the game and the series.

The Giants got something going in the top of the eighth. Bryce Eldridge walked followed by a Jung Hoo Lee single and San Francisco had two runners on base with two outs. Osleivis Basabe grounded out leaving the two runners stranded.

The Giants JT Brubaker would take the mound in the bottom of the eighth. He faced Patrick Bailey, former Giant, who was having a nice game with two hits. San Francisco suffered a second error in a rundown and the Guardians had Petey Halpin on second with only one out.

Halpin had gotten to second on the error and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A Brayan Rocchio single drove Halpin home and the Guardians were having a very lucrative inning. It had not gone well for JT Brubaker giving up the run. Cleveland took the 5-2 lead into the ninth inning.

San Francisco was three outs away from losing the game going into the top of the ninth. They had been unable to produce timely hits and had not played clean ball really digging themselves into a hole. Victor Bericoto lined out, and Jonah Cox struck out. Christian Koss walked and the Giants were still alive.

Andrew Knizner also walked and San Francisco had two runners on base against one of the best closers in the game Cade Smith. The Giants ran out of luck when Devers flied out and that was the ball game 5-2 in favor of Cleveland.

GAME NOTES

The Giants had struck out 40 times in this series against an amazing pitching squad in Cleveland. It was just to much for San Francisco having to come from behind while trailing 3-0 twice in the series.

In Thursday’s game again they fell behind 3-0 in the first inning. Too many errors today coupled with lack of production at the plate was a real recipe for a losing effort. Pitching has been a real problem with no consistency for the Giants.

Adames has not been playing clean ball lately and it has been tough to watch. San Francisco has had so many injuries and their lineup has been totally decimated, there is just no margin for error right now.

The Giants got close in the fourth inning but let it slip away with errors and lack of offense. Williams struck out 11 Giants in 5 2/3 innings allowing only four hits and two runs. All in all a comeback for San Francisco in this game was a stretch. The Giants were outplayed in the key moments of this game. They only had four hits to the Guardians 9.

Landen Roupp was stung in the first inning but settled down and kept the Guardians from breaking this game open. Adames two run home run was the highlight of the game for the Giants. Unfortunately this was the only offensive highlight for San Francisco.

The Giants will now take it to Boston for a matchup with the Red Sox. San Francisco will be looking to bounce back after this series loss and who better to look to than Logan Webb. He has had some amazing outings. He has a 8-7 win/loss record and a 3.50 ERA. The Sox will start Sonny Gray who has been impressive with a 15-3 win/loss record and a 2.65 ERA. He will be a handful. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM.

A’s Four-Run Lead Vanishes in a Royals Seven-Run Eighth for a 9-7 loss

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Sacramento A’s Henry Bolte warms up before the contest against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Wed Aug 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacamento Athletics watched a four-run advantage disappear in one brutal inning as Kansas City rallied for a 9-7 victory at Kaufman Stadium on Wednesday night. Sacramento scored twice in the first and three more in the fifth, while Jeffrey Springs delivered one of his better outings of the season, but the Royals turned the eighth inning into the difference with seven runs against Hayden Juenger and Drew Rom.

Henry Bolte started the game with a single and immediately scored when Jeff McNeil doubled to center. Zack Gelof followed with an RBI single that brought home McNeil, giving the A’s a 2-0 lead before Kansas City starter Seth Lugo recorded an out. Gelof later stole second, but the Athletics could not add another run in the inning.

Springs, making his first major league start since returning from a right hip injury, gave the A’s a strong chance to win. The outing was also the 200th appearance of his career. He entered with an 11-game losing streak, the longest active skid in the majors, but held Kansas City to two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, with two walks and one strikeout. He allowed only one run through five innings before Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the sixth. Springs left with a 5-2 lead and received a no-decision.

The Athletics built that cushion with a three-run fifth. Donovan Walton and Max Muncy opened the rally with back-to-back singles, and Bolte drove in Walton with another base hit. McNeil followed with an RBI single that scored Muncy, and Gelof brought Bolte home on a force play. Bolte finished 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI, while McNeil went 2-for-4 with two RBI. McNeil entered the game batting .380 since the All-Star break, while Bolte had been one of the club’s hottest hitters in August.

The A’s bullpen entered the game with the highest ERA in the majors, and the eighth inning showed why. Maikel Garcia opened with a triple against Juenger and scored on Pasquantino’s single. Salvador Perez then drew a walk, bringing Rom into the game with two runners aboard and nobody out.

Kansas City kept applying pressure. Kyle Isbel singled home Pasquantino, and Isaac Collins followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Perez and tied the game 5-5. Rom then intentionally walked Bobby Witt Jr., loading the bases for John Rave.

Rave delivered the biggest swing of the game, a three-run double to right that scored Tyler Tolbert, Isbel and Witt. Garcia, batting for the second time in the inning, added an RBI single that brought home Rave and pushed the Royals ahead 9-5.

Sacramento still had one final response. With two outs in the ninth, Walton singled and moved to second before Muncy launched a two-run homer to center, trimming the deficit to 9-7. Muncy finished 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, but Bolte grounded out to end it.

The loss was especially difficult because the A’s had put themselves in position to reward Springs for a strong return. Instead, another late collapse left the starter without a victory and gave Kansas City its third straight win in the series.

The series finale will match Sacramento rookie left-hander Gage Jump (5-7, 4.50 ERA, 85 K) against Kansas City right-hander Randy Dobnak (2-1, 1.73 ERA, 25 K), with first pitch scheduled for 11:10 a.m. Pacific Thursday.

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. 

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy: A’s fall as Royals rally for 7 runs in 8th inning for 9-7 win

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Sacramento A’s Jeff McNeil gets an RBI single in the top of the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium on Wed Aug 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Bridget Mulcahy:

#1 How did Max Muncy hit a home run to deep 414 feet to help the A’s make a late comeback attempt in the ninth inning although the A’s fell two runs short in a 9-7 loss?

#2 Jeff McNeil hit an RBI double and later scored on Zack Gelof’s single in the top of the first inning?

#3 Henry Bolte got a two run single and help get the A’s a two run 3-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning?

#4 Zack Gelof got a hit and two RBis in the top of the fifth inning to get the A’s a four run 5-1 lead?

#5 What went wrong for A’s pitchers Hayden Juenger and Drew Rom in the eighth inning, for Juneger didn’t retire a batter in the eighth inning allowing two hits and three earned runs and Rom pitched an inning allowed three hits and four earned runs.

Bridget Mulcahy does the Sacramento A’s podcast Wednesdays 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. 

Minnesota takes down Golden State, 77-66, snapping Valkyries 6-Game Winning Streak

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Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase argues with a referee in the second quarter of a WNBA game against the Minnesota Lynx at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo Credits to Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The best of the best battled each other on Wednesday night. The Golden State Valkyries, second place in the WNBA, hosted the Minnesota Lynx, first place in the WNBA, at Chase Center. Both teams have already clinched their spots in the playoffs. The matchup determined who would ultimately hold the first-place seed, and it went to Minnesota after the Gophers defeated the Valkyries 77-66. Golden State is also now 0-9 against Minnesota all-time.

Minnesota came into Ballhalla hoping to get their 30th win of the season. The Lynx have gone 19-2 against Western Conference teams. In their last ten games, the Lynx have gone 9-1, and are 15-2 on the road this season. Minnesota is also on a four-game winning streak, and not looking to slow down. So the Lynx started with guards Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams, forwards Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, and center Natasha Howard.

After Monday’s win over the Dallas Wings, Golden State have secured and clinched a spot for the postseason. The Valkyries are 10-6 against Western teams in the season so far. In the last ten games, the Valkyries have gone 8-2, and are 15-4 at home. So Golden State would send out guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and center Kiah Stokes. The team is also riding a six-game winning streak and is hoping to make it seven wins.

Minnesota’s Courtney Williams would score the first bucket of the night off of a 11-foot running jump shot. After that, Minnesota would have most control of the game over Golden State. The Valkyries would have a rough shooting start, but this isn’t anything new to the Valkyries. In their last three home games, Golden State would find themselves trailing going into the second quarter, and the highest they scored in the first quarter out of the three games was just 20 points. At the end of the first quarter, the Valkyries found themselves down by eight to the Lynx, 21-13.

Going into the second quarter, the Valkyries’ shooting on the floor was a low 22%, going 4-for-18 shooting as a team. While the Lynx were shooting comfortably in Ballhalla at 60% from the floor, going 9-for-15 shooting as a team. Minnesota’s passing has been all over Golden State’s defense, and the Lynx keep finding their players in the paint. The Lynx have scored 18 points compared to Valkyrie’s four points in the paint.

At the end of the second quarter, Minnesota’s lead would extend to 15 points over Golden State, 41-26. The Valkyries’ shooting still hasn’t improved, but the Lynx defense has been stellar on their close-out shots and covering the floor when they’re back on defense. Golden State is now shooting at a 24%, going 9-for-37 on the floor as a team.

At the start of the third quarter, the Lynx shooting in the paint didn’t slow down as Olivia Miles made a 15-foot step-back jump shot to start the second half of the game. In fact, Minnesota would make Golden State take an early timeout with not even two minutes in the third quarter due to the Lynx making their first three shots of the quarter. After that, Minnesota would start to slow down on their shooting, and the Valkyries were able to see some openings and shots to fall down. In the final three minutes of the quarter, Golden State was down by 18 points, and once the quarter was over, the lead would drop to 13 points, 54-41.

In the final quarter of the game, Golden State was able to get some life into them, and a lot of that had to do with their guard Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaun. Salaun would go on an 8-0 scoring run by herself, and then Hayes, showing off her toughness, was able to find her way to get in the paint for the easy buckets. In the final three minutes of the game, Minnesota had the lead by 8 points, 69-61. The Valkyries haven’t led the game once, while the Lynx held the lead the whole game.

Then Minnesota’s Kayla McBride would make a big-time three-pointer to push the lead back 11 points, 72-61. McBride would have herself a night, as she would set a new franchise record with 106 made three-pointers and counting. Then, with a minute and a half left in the game, Valkyries Gabby Williams would make a 26-foot three-pointer to cut the lead back to ten points, and hopefully find a way to come back and get the win. Unfortunately, with 30 seconds left and the score now at 77-66, the game was pretty much set and done in Ballhalla.

As the game time clock expired, the Minnesota Lynx would come into Ballhalla and take the win from the Valkyries, snapping their six-game winning streak. After a big adjustment in the second half, Golden State’s efforts weren’t enough. However, this is not the end of these two teams meeting. In five days, the Golden State Valkyries and Minnesota Lynx will face off one more time in the season. Golden State was led by Janelle Salaun with her 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The Golden State Valkyries will begin their five-game road trip starting on Friday, August 21st. The Valkyries will start in Chicago and take on the Sky, once again at 4:30 p.m. in Wintrust Arena. The game will be broadcast live on ION. This game will also be the final game that Golden State and Chicago will play against this season, with the winner taking the season series between them.

All aboard the Tugboat Express; San Francisco’s Matt Wilkinson a Part of Giants Shutout Win Over Guardians 1-0

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San Francisco Giants starter Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson was dealing agianst the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Wed Aug 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (51-74) took on the Cleveland Guardians (61-65) in game two of their three-game series at Progressive Field this evening. In Wednesday’s matchup San Francisco started Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson in his MLB debut.

He was just called up from Triple-A and could potentially be a part of their future rotation. Family and friends of Wilkinson were on hand to share what had to be one of the greatest moments of his young life.

The Guardians had Parker Messick on the mound today. Through six innings San Francisco had 5 hits, the Guardians 4. In the fourth inning the Giants got up on the scoreboard taking a 1-0 lead that would persist into the seventh inning and beyond.

Rafael Devers scored on a Victor Bericoto infield single for the only run of the game. It would come down to the relief pitching and the Giants ability to keep Cleveland off the bases protecting that lead.

Going into the bottom of the ninth inning it would be up to Dylan Smith to close out the game for the win. He first pitch was wild but he settled down and finished off this game beautifully.

GAME RECAP

Cleveland pitcher Parker Messick gave up a single in the first inning but got out of it and this game was off and running. The Giants young Matt Wilkinson in his first major league debut faced the top of the Cleveland lineup undaunted going three and out.

The second inning was more of the same a pitcher’s dual. Messick had a three and out inning and the Giant’s Wilkinson started off the bottom of the inning giving up a single but finishing off the next three Cleveland at bats.

There would be a change on the mound for the Giants in the third inning. Messick struck out a couple of Giants to end the top of the inning and Adrian Houser relieved Wilkinson who had a couple of great innings.

San Francisco got the fourth inning started with a Rafael Devers double. He reached third base on a Messick wild pitch. With two outs Victor Bericoto singled Devers home and the Giants had their first lead of the series 1-0.

Chung Hoo Lee doubled and the Giants had runners at second and third but left them both stranded, missing a great opportunity to score another run. In the bottom of the fourth, Houser got into a bit of bind giving up a single and a double back-to-back with two outs but avoided any damage. The Guardians also left runners stranded on second and third.

The battle on the mound continued through the fifth and sixth innings. There would be a change on the mound for the Guardians in the seventh inning. Hunter Gaddis relieved Messick getting out of the inning and in the bottom of the seventh the Giants Houser gave up a single but not much else. It had been a beautifully pitched game by both teams. The Giants’ Wilkinson and Houser had pitched seven innings of shut-out ball.

Going into the eighth inning Willy Adames had his third hit of the game but the Giants were just not getting the timely hits to support their runners. Adrian Houser remained in the game to start the bottom of the eighth but walked the first at-bat. That would be it for Houser who had pitched five innings.

Dylan Smith would relieve Houser in a tough spot with a runner on base and no outs. A wild pitch sent Steven Kwan to second base after walking but Smith closed out the inning with three strikeouts.

San Francisco went three and out in the top of the ninth inning and so Dylan Smith would take the mound looking to protect the 1-0 lead and tie up this series. With one out, Angel Genao singled, Petey Halpin struck out swinging and the Giants were one out away from winning game two. Dylan Smith got the third out, a Patrick Bailey strikeout, and San Francisco had tied up this series winning game two 1-0.

GAME NOTES

Wednesday night’s game show-cased some amazing work on the mound for San Francisco. The most memorable moment was the first major league appearance for Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson.

He had just been called up from Triple-A but there was not a trace of the jitters seemingly in total control of the two innings he pitched. He allowed just one hit with no runs and walked one.

He had completed two scoreless innings in his debut. You may ask why only two innings when he was pitching so well. It is possible that San Francisco was being cautious with him evaluating him as a young pitcher who could possibly be a part of their future rotation. It looked like it was a planned workload but he was absolutely amazing and it would have been nice to see at least one more inning from him.

The Guardians Parker Messick also had a great showing on the mound only giving up the one run in the fourth inning pitching through 6 2/3 innings. He allowed six hits, one run, no walks and 10 strikeouts.

There was not a lot of offense in this game; we saw more of a good old-fashioned pitching dual and they were all excellent on both sides. In order to win a one-run game the work on the mound has to be impressive and it sure was from Wilkinson, to Houser, to Smith it could not have gone better for the Giants.

Offensively the Giants Victor Bericoto had the hit in the fourth inning that won this game. Willy Adames had three hits in the game and Jung Hoo Lee had a couple. Not a lot of timely hits but the pitching more than made up for it.

Thursday the Giants will be looking to win this series taking game three. Landen Roupp will take the mound for San Francisco. He has a 7-12 win/loss record and a 4.31 ERA. Cleveland will start Gavin Williams. His win/loss record is 11-7 with a 3.74 ERA. First pitch for this game is an early one scheduled for 10:10 AM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2028 Olympic Committee policy on a controversial Issue

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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stands on the court during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, in Minneapolis. Cunningam said that she wants to protect females against bilogical men in female sports (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

 2028 Olympic Committee policy on a controversial issue.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The International Olympic Committee announced a universal policy restricting the female category in all Olympic events to biological females starting at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Eligibility will be verified via a one-time genetic screening test to check for the SRY gene, effectively excluding transgender women and athletes with certain differences in sex development (DSD) who experienced male puberty,

During the next Olympics scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, USA, July 14 to July 30, only male-born athletes will compete against male-born athletes, and female athletes will compete against females. It has been proven that a person who is born male and goes through puberty is genetically stronger than a female-born. It would not be fair to women in sports

Nationwide U.S. polls show that a clear majority of American adults believe transgender athletes should only compete on sports teams matching their sex assigned at birth. Major national surveys, including research from the Pew Research Center and Gallup, consistently find that roughly 69% to 73% of U.S. adults oppose allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity rather than their birth sex.

I am part ot the majority in this US poll. If my granddaughters were Olympic athletes, or just athletes in general, I would not be happy to have them compete against a biologically born male, and I am sure their parents would agree because they would be at a disadvantage, and that is very unfair. It is sad that this has become political here in the United States, because in my opinion this is just common sense.

I believe in inclusion, but it must be fair. A male who transitions to female during puberty has advantages in strength and bone density, which compromises competitive fairness and safety. This all began with US swimmer Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division 1 national championship in the 500-yard freestyle title in 2022 with the University of Pennsylvania. Her career ignited a national conversation about trans athletes in sports.

Here in the Bay Area, the San Jose State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball controversy centered on transgender player Blaire Fleming, sparking nationwide debate, team forfeitures, player lawsuits, and a major federal civil rights battle between the California State University system and the U.S. Department of Education. This also became a national story.

I would not be happy to have my two granddaughters have to compete against a biologically born male, and I am sure their parents would agree because the girls would be at a disadvantage, and that is very unfair. It is sad that this has become political here in the United States, because, in my opinion, this is just common sense. Over the past few years, this has been, and continues to be, a controversial topic in US sports, but let’s face it: sometimes common sense is not common.

2928 Olympics: 200 nations and regional territorial Olympic committees are projected to compete. Over 11,200 athletes will participate in the Los Angeles area.

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that protects people from sex discrimination in all education programs and activities that receive federal money. It applies to both sexes and has been the main law used to protect women and girls from unfair treatment in schools, sports and campus life.

Olympic Quote:  “I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.” – Nadia Comaneci.

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.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com