Las Vegas A’s designated hitter Carlos Cortes gets around on the baseball for a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin NV on Wed Jun 10, 2026 (AP News photo)
Las Vegas A’s podcast:
#1 How did the Las Vegas Athletics overcome a 3–0 deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3 in the series finale Wednesday?
#2 Which Athletics players hit the key home runs in the seventh inning that turned the game around?
#3 What contributions did Gary Sánchez and Jackson Chourio make to Milwaukee’s early 3–0 lead?
#4 Why was Brandon Sproat’s performance considered one of his best starts despite the Brewers’ loss?
#5 The A’s now open a three game series against the Colorado Rockies Friday night at Las Vegas Ballpark starting pitchers for Colorado to be determined and for Las Vegas RHP Gage Jump (2-1 ERA 2.45) first pitch slated for 7:05pm PDT.
Rich Perez is covering the Las Vegas A’s during their six game trip at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin NV 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
New York Knicks Karl Anthony Towns (32) drives on the San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembyama (1) during the first half of game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wed Jun 10, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Finals podcast David Zizmor:
#1 The New York Knicks edged the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 rallying from a 29 point deficit at the Garden to go up in the series 3-1.
#2 Defense played a huge part in the fourth quarter for the Knicks holding the Spurs to just 16 points.
#3 The series for game five goes back to San Antonio the Spurs will need this game to stay alive in the series or face elimination.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembyama (1) blocks the shot of the New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) in the first half during game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York (AP News photo)
NBA Finals podcast Michael Roberson:
# 1 The New York Knicks were down 29 points came back to win game 4 107-106 talk about how the coaching of Mike Brown made the difference in a close game like this.
#2 What broke down for the San Antonio Spurs after having that 29 point lead.
#3 Talk about the Knicks Jalen Brunson who led with 36 points and OG Anunoby following up with 33 points they really put their shoulder into it in order to get back into this game.
#4 Defense played a huge part in the fourth quarter for the Knicks holding the Spurs to just 16 points.
#5 The series for game five goes back to San Antonio the Spurs will need this game to stay alive in the series or face elimination on Saturday night at Frost Bank Center.
Vegas Golden Knights Brett Howden (right) celebrates his goal as the Carolina Hurricanes right wing Seth Jarvis skates away in the second period during game 4 at the Stanley Cup Finals at the T Mobile Las Vegas Thu Jun 9, 2026 (AP News photo)
NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Jessica Kwong:
#1 With the series tied 2–2 after Carolina’s 5–3 win in Game 4, which team has the momentum heading into this pivotal Game 5 in Raleigh?
#2 Can Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal continue his remarkable scoring streak after recording goals in four consecutive Stanley Cup Final games?
#3 Will Carolina stick with rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi after his successful Game 4 performance, or return to veteran Frederik Andersen?
#4 How can Vegas slow down Carolina’s offense, which has helped produce one of the highest-scoring Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory?
#5 Which star player is most likely to be the difference-maker in what has essentially become a best-of-three series: Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Jordan Staal, or Sebastian Aho?
The Las Vegas A’s Alika Williams (12) connects for a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin NV on Wed Jun 10, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Mauricio Segura
The 95-degree-plus temperature didn’t faze the Las Vegas A’s as they pulled off another win, taking two out of three from the Milwaukee Brewers for their first home series victory since April. The Athletics spent the early innings getting shoved around by Milwaukee’s bats, then flipped the game with three swings in the seventh and held on for a 4-3 win. They started like a team running on low batteries, then someone swapped in a fresh pair, the current kicked in, and suddenly the whole team was abuzz.
Jack Perkins opened for the green and gold, who was making only his second start of the season after opening the year mostly out of the bullpen. Milwaukee began pressing from the start when Christian Yelich drew a free pass, moved to second on Brice Turang’s groundout, and scored when Andrew Vaughn sent a lined shot into right. A passed ball moved Vaughn to second, but Perkins limited the damage by forcing Jake Bauers to end the inning.
The second and third innings saw more Milwaukee runs, and both runs had the same simple theme. Gary Sánchez lifted a solo homer to left center in the second, then Jackson Chourio sent another one over the center-field wall in the third. Just like that, Milwaukee led 3-0, and Brandon Sproat was giving the A’s little room to breathe.
Athletics had early chances, but not enough movement on the scoreboard. Nick Kurtz opened the bottom of the first with a single before Tyler Soderstrom hit into a double play. In the third, Henry Bolte reached on an infield single and stole second, but another double play killed the inning.
The Athletics had spent the first two games of the series turning baseballs into souvenirs, setting a franchise record for homers in a three-game series before the third game was even done. Through five innings, though, the summer heat seemed to have completely dried up the pine tar.
Alika Williams stepped up to the plate in the sixth and switched on the Athletics power surge. With one out, he lined a solo homer to left, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Soderstrom followed later with a single, but Shea Langeliers struck out to leave the gap at two.
The seventh was where the spark really lit. Chad Patrick replaced Sproat, and Carlos Cortes greeted him by driving a “see-ya” homer to right center. Zack Gelof followed with a double, extending his hitting streak to 15 games after entering the day with the second-longest active run in the majors. Then Lawrence Butler, who had been fighting through a rough stretch at the plate, gave the Athletics their biggest swing of the game, a two-run homer to center that turned a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead.
That burst meant even more because of what the A’s bullpen did around it. Luis Medina replaced Perkins in the fifth and gave Sacramento two scoreless innings, escaping a two-on situation in the sixth when Joey Ortiz grounded into a double play. José Suarez handled the first two outs of the seventh before Scott Barlow ended the threat by striking out Bauers with two runners aboard.
Milwaukee tried again in the eighth after Sal Frelick and Luis Rengifo singled, but Hogan Harris got William Contreras to bounce into another double play. In the ninth, Elvis Alvarado finished it with force, striking out Yelich, retiring Chourio on a grounder, and fanning Turang to close the win.
This viva Las Vegas victory showed why the A’s power is dangerous even when the offense looks stuck. Kurtz reached base twice, Williams homered and singled, Gelof kept his streak alive, Cortes supplied the spark, and Butler delivered the swing that mattered most. The Brewers built the early lead with solo shots and small bites, but Sacramento answered with one inning that did all the heavy lifting.
After an off day on Thursday of blackjack and Red Bulls by the pool, the Las Vegas A’s will host the Colorado Rockies on Friday night with Gage Jump (2-1, 2.45 ERA, 13 K) set to match up against Kyle Freeland (1-6, 7.81 ERA, 45 K), with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 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.
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.
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).
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.
Las Vegas A’s Henry Bolte rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, NV on Tue Jun 9, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Lincoln Juarez
SUMMERLIN, NV – The Las Vegas A’s won their first regular season game in Las Vegas since 1996 backed by the long ball as all seven of their runs came thanks to the home run. J.T. Ginn recorded his fourth win of the season at Las Vegas Ballpark in front of 8,422.
Boots were on the ground at the site of the A’s future home on the Las Vegas strip Tuesday morning prior to game two of the Brewers and Athletics about 17 miles west in Downtown Summerlin. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was part of a group of A’s personnel that toured the $2-plus billion construction site. “You know, the ballpark in totality is there now. You can really see the future of an incredible stadium that fans are going to completely have the opportunity to be as close as they’ve ever been…but also being able to have an incredible view from everywhere in the building” Kotsay said, describing his perspective of the progress. The A’s 33,000 seat stadium won’t be complete and ready for use until the 2028 season and while the excitement builds the organization continues to give fans in Southern Nevada a preview of their young, eye-catching talent.
The Athletics opened up their Las Vegas Series homestand Monday night in the first of a three game set with the Milwaukee Brewers in what was an offensive showcase with 29 total runs, 34 total hits including 11 home runs. Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin sits just past 3,000 feet above sea level making for a hitter’s dream ballpark and it showed Monday night. It was the fifth game in A’s history where they hit seven or more home runs.
Acknowledging the elements that played a role in Monday’s 15-14 slugfest, Mark Kotsay said, “The biggest thing you don’t want to do in a hitter’s park is give away free bases and you also don’t want to make outs on the bases. Every chance you get to get an extra at-bat in a ballpark where it seems to be favoring the offense, those are things that can help lead to wins on both sides”. In the first inning it wasn’t a free base that Athletics’ starter J.T. Ginn (3-3, 2.74 ERA) allowed, but a leadoff single by Christian Yelich to pick up right where these teams left off the previous night. Five pitches later, Jackson Chourio hit a line drive to right field that the warm, windy Southern Nevada sky carried over the fence for a 2-0 Brewer lead.
Brewers’ starter Robert Gasser, who was making just his 11th big-league start, got the same nuclear welcome to Las Vegas his fellow starter Kyle Harrison did 24 hours before. Nick Kurtz, fresh off a two-homer game Monday, blasted his 15th home run of the season over the Milwaukee bullpen to put the A’s within one.
The big fly stayed contagious Tuesday night and found Henry Bolte for his first big-league home run. Bolte’s blast scored two to put the A’s ahead 3-2 after two full. Every run scored before the fourth inning came via the long ball and at the rate these teams were mashing, the baseball fans in Las Vegas who saw the first two games of the week might be disappointed when the A’s move into their climate-controlled stadium on the strip.
J.T. Ginn’s outing looked promising after setting down eight Brewers in a row from the end of the first to the top of the fourth, and only allowing one run from the second through the fifth inning. Sal Frelick tied the game for Milwaukee with an RBI-single in the visiting fourth, the first run of the game driven in by a hit, not a home run.
It took the A’s until the bottom of the fifth to respond with yes, you guessed it, two more home runs to regain the lead. Tyler Soderstrom with a two-run blast and Jonah Heim with his second homer in as many days to make it 6-3 Athletics. The next inning, Zack Gelof joined the party and homered to center field for the final A’s run of the night, all via the long ball.
With the offensive explosion Monday night and another home run fest Tuesday, it was easy to forget about the pitching. Ginn finally ran into trouble in the sixth inning where the Brewers forced two runs across and the right-hander out of the game. However, Ginn picked up the win, his fourth of the season with a line of 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K.
Seven runs were all the A’s needed for their first regular season win in Las Vegas since April 7, 1996 when they beat the Detroit Tigers 7-6 at Cashman Field. The 8,422 in attendance celebrated the green and gold with much anticipation for the day they get to celebrate an A’s win 17 miles east on the Las Vegas strip in 2028.
The rubber match of the three game set is Wednesday evening at Las Vegas Ballpark with first pitch scheduled for 6:05pm. A starter has not been named for the Brewers to face RHP Jack Perkins (2-3, 6.19 ERA) for the A’s.
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.
Carolina Hurricane center Jordan Staal (right) celebrates his first period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals at T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Tue Jun 9, 2026 (AP News photo)
NHL Finals podcast Ryan Hannagan:
#1 The Carolina Hurricanes Jordan Staal scored his second goal of game four at 6:32 that helped put away the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas tying the series up at 2-2.
#2 Next up is Game 5 in Carolina and that could very well give the Hurricane two games on home ice. If the Canes were to win it would be their first Cup in 20 years. If the Knights were to win it would be their second in four years.
#3 Of the four games this was the first game that was not decided by one goal. In the four games the two goal lead was erased.
#4 This is a series that has had incredible momentum with the Canes winning in Vegas going into game five at home this series could very well fall into their favor.
#5 Lots of goals in this series the 33 goals in the first four games of the series is third for the most goals in a NHL Finals.
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) celebrates her 3-point basket against the Phoenix Mercury in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO – After Golden State’s 0-2 road trip in their last couple of games, the Valkyries hosted the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday evening, who came into this game on a two game winning streak. What makes the Phoenix’s two game winning streak more impressive is that those two wins were on the road. So Mercury was feeling confident coming into Ballhalla. However, Golden State thrives on its home-court energy and will take the win, 87-81. This was another sellout for Golden State, making it their 30th sellout in Franchise history, and the team is also now 5-2 at home.
Valkyries are coming back from Las Vegas, where on Saturday they faced off against the Aces but lost 84-79. This loss made the team enter a two game losing streak, and it would now have a 1-2 record in the Commissioner’s Cup. Golden State’s Gabby Williams scored a career-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting for the team.
In the team’s second home game for the Commissioner’s Cup, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Veronica Burton. Burton, in the last game, had 15 points, as did Kayla Thornton, dropping ten points in the last game. The Valkyries came into this game wanting to shake off those road trip losses and take advantage of the home court energy.
Phoenix Mercury sent out Noemie Brochant, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, Kahleah Copper, and Monique Akoa Makani as their starters to continue their road games winning streak. In their last game, the Mercury was in Portland shorthanded on players. The team was out with their starters, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, due to injuries. However, Mercury would find a way and would be led by DeWanna Bonner, with a season-high 19 points. So with their starters returning, Mercury was ready for gameday in the Bay.
Golden State’s Veronica Burton would get the game going with a 13-foot floater as the Valkyries strike first. Then Phoenix’s Monique Akoa Makani makes a 24-foot running three-point jump shot to respond to Burton’s floater. In fact, Golden State’s first five points were all by Veronica Burton. Burton would end the first quarter with nine points for Golden State. The Valkyries would hold the lead at 22-18.
Halfway through the second quarter, Golden State would turn up the heat on Phoenix and build momentum to take the lead. Burton would continue to get buckets, as she made a 26-foot three-pointer to give Golden State a nine point lead. Then, Valkyries, Gabby Williams would get back-to-back buckets to fall for her, as she extends the lead to 13 points, 40-27. Golden State would have themselves a 27 points in the second quarter alone, compared to Phoenix’s low 14 points in the second.
At halftime, Golden State got itself a 17-point lead. Valkyries were up 49-32, and led by Veronica Burton’s 19 points and three assists. She would also get help from Gabby Williams, who had ten points and two rebounds for the team.
The third quarter was all Phoenix as they were able to turn things around after their bad shooting performance in the second quarter. Mercury would have themselves a 29-point third quarter, putting all their efforts to come back from behind and continue their winning streak. Halfway in the third, Phoenix Monique Akoa Makani would have a season high 14 points and going. From a 17-point lead to just a five point lead, Golden State is hanging on at 66-61 going into the final quarter.
Gabby Williams would get the fourth quarter going with a quick, inside floater for Golden State. Holding a seven point lead, Phoenix’s DeWanna Bonner would hit a 30-foot three-point jumper to cut the lead to four points. Then, after a quick timeout, Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper would make a three-pointer and, cutting the lead to two points, 74-72. Mercury would cut the lead to just one point, 76-75, with three minutes left. However, a big three-pointer from Golden State’s Kayla Thornton with two minutes left would ultimately hold off the Mercury.
Valkyries would secure the win on their home court, 87-81. Golden State’s Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams both would have 25 points in this game. They both would combine for 50 points in the win. Along with Kayla Thornton’s 12 points and four rebounds. The Valkyries lead the league in bench production, which was a big factor in their win as well.
After a quick two day rest coming up for Golden State, they’ll head on to the road to Seattle will they’ll face off against the Storm, who are 3-10 in the season so far. The two teams will play each other on Friday evening at 7 p.m. on ION. This game will be another feature of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, as the teams enter the last couple of games of the Cup. The Valkyries are currently holding a 2-2 record in the Cup.
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.
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