NASCAR icon Kyle Busch dies at age 41 after severe illness

Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with daughter, Lennix Busch son, Brexton Busch, and wife, Samantha Busch in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on February 21, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo be Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

By Michael Villanueva

“Because you never know when the last race is”, said two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch just this past Saturday. NASCAR icon Kyle Busch was hospitalized after his social media team announced that he was battling a severe illness. Then, just hours later, they would announce the tragic news on Thursday. Kyle’s NASCAR time can be described in the race car world as longevity and greatness. Busch experienced shortness of breath, felt he was overheating, and was coughing up blood all day before his death, according to a 911 call obtained on Friday by the Associated Press.

To share what he left in his career and will forever be in NASCAR history: 234 wins across NASCAR’s three National series, an all-time record. As his win in 19 consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2023. He also hasn’t missed a race since 2015, including last weekend, where he just had won a truck series race. Busch ranks 9th on the all-time Cup series win list (63). He was nicknamed “Rowdy” for the rowdy racing style and for having one of the most polarizing personalities.

Just 11 days ago, Busch was dealing with a sinus infection at Watkins Glen, where he wanted to see a doctor after his race. However, medical history and treatment can not verify and say these were the early signs and stages of the illness. The sports world honored him, especially at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Busch was a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400.

He is arguably one of the greatest racer of all time; he has been a first ballot NASCAR Hall of Famer for a long time. Racers can say he was a guy who would make you just feel all the emotions a human being should feel. Whether you liked him or hated him, Kyle was a heartfelt man. He now leaves his two children, Brexton (11 years old) and Lennix (4 years old), with his widowed wife, Samantha.

Kyle Busch’s life will forever live on, whether it’s on the racetrack, in the Hall of Fame, or even being remembered by family and friends, because that was the type of racer Kyle was. His impact and the person he was have touched so many people deeply. The NASCAR community is still shocked by the tragic news, but the community will come together and honor his life. NASCAR officials have also said the Coca-Cola 600 will go as planned Sunday.

Michael Villanueva is a staff writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Lose series to Padres 5-1 Wed; Pads score twice in 7th and 8th for win

San Francisco Giants #16 Rafael Devers hits a homerun (365 ft) to left field on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo credits to Jay Choi SF Bay News Lab)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants have now lost back to back games in two days to the San Diego Padres. After Tuesday night’s loss, the Giants, again, dropped Wednesday afternoon’s game and the homestand to the Padres.

Although the Giants starting and losing pitcher, Adrian Houser, had one of his best starts as a Giant, San Francisco would lose to San Diego, 5-1. Thursday’s game was meaningful and special for the Giants regardless of the results, because Wednesday was Willie Mays 95th Birthday. Happy Birthday to the 12-time Gold Glove winner, two time MVP winner and 1954 World Series Champion.

Giants Adrian Houser had just thrown 73 pitches and got through six one-run innings. A solid start and performance the Giants needed, however their hitting would be a big factor on their loss. three hits in their own home park, the whole game, is a direction to a loss. Earlier in the season when Houser started the season, there was speculation on his performance, so to see a turn around from him this afternoon was great for the team and the fans.

At the start of the game there was solid pitching from both teams pitchers. Especially from the Padres and winning pitcher, Matt Waldron, who rang up seven strikeouts and just two hits allowed in the Padres win. It would go back and fourth all the way until the top of the fourth inning, when Padres, Gavin Sheets would get a homer to right field to the Padres on the board, 1-0.

An inning later, in the bottom of the fifth, Rafael Devers would get his third homerun of the season on a fly ball to left field. His homerun would get the Giants on the board, but it would be their only time they got to scoreboard. The score is tied, 1-1. However the San Francisco Giants would strikeout 13 times in this game, which showed both on how solid the Padres pitching was and how much the Giants are struggling on offense and hitting.

After Devers hitting sequence, the Padres would lock in and take over the afternoon in San Francisco. Going into the final stretch of the game, in the top of the seventh inning, Padres Ty France would hit a triple and bring in two runs with that hit. The score would jump to, 3-1, Padres holding the lead. Frances triple would be his second of the season.

Then again, just an inning later, the Padres weren’t done and would put up more runs. Padres Xander Bogaerts sent a 424 ft homer over the left field fence, his seventh of the season, and add second more runs to the Padres box sheet. With the score 5-1 the Giants had their backs on the wall. San Francisco would still have a chance for a comeback.

With just one inning left, the Padres knew what time it was. It was Miller time. Padres closer Mason Miller in one inning would put up two strikeouts to close the game. San Francisco has lost eight of nine and they’re now at their lowest record, 14-23 on the season. The win Wednesday would go to pitcher Padres Matt Waldron with seven strike outs, two hits, and one earned run. Also the losing pitcher would be Adrian Houser, three hits, one earned run, and three strikeouts.

The Giants will get a chance to rest Thursday, and get ready for their next series. The Giants will host the Pittsburgh Pirates starting on Friday, May 8th at 7:15 p.m at Oracle Park. San Francisco will send out starter LHP Robbie Ray (2-4, 2.95 ERA), and Pittsburgh will send out RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (2-2, 4.76 ERA). The game will be broadcasted on NBCS BA.

Giants Fall to the Padres on Cinco de Mayo, 10-5

San Diego Padres Sung-Mun Song hits a double on a sharp fly ball to center field in Game 2 of 3 at Oracle Park on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at San Francisco, CA. (Photo credits to Jay Choi SF Bay News)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Coming off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Caleb Kilian’s first Major League save last night and the team snapping their six-game losing streak, the Giants had a hard time picking up where they left off Monday with a loss to the Padres. Monday night’s win was special because it was the Giants’ 500th win in the all-time series between them. However, the Padres were in control the whole game and bounced back against the Giants Tuesday night 10-5.

The series between these two teams is now 3-2, with the Giants holding the lead thanks to their road wins earlier in the season. After Monday night’s win, the Giants have already matched their season win total versus the Padres from all of last season, as they went 3-10 against San Diego in 2025. This homestand between them is now tied, and the winner in Wednesday’s game will decide who wins this homestand.

Bottom of the first inning, Giants Casey Schmitt got his sixth homer of the season and was able to bring two runs in to give San Francisco an early 2-0 lead over San Diego. Schmitt also got himself a homer before, so in the last two days, he has gotten himself two homers. Not too far, in the top of the second, San Diego Padres Xander Bogaerts joins the party and gets his sixth homer of the season. Padres Bogaerts’ homer would cut the Giants’ lead to one, 2-1.

Getting his first Major League hit, Giants catcher Jesus Rodriguez singled on a line drive to right field, bringing the Giants Adames to score, and Gilbert to third with one out. Rodriguez would change the score and extend the lead to 3-1. His set up was nicely done, so then Giants Jung Hoo Lee grounded into a force out, but was able to help bring in Gilbert to score. They’d end the second inning with a new score, 4-2.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Padres were ready to start getting some hits, thanks to the Giants’ defensive errors. San Diego would put up five runs to give them their first lead of the night, 6-4. Especially credit to Padres Sung-Mun Song, who got a triple and brought in two runs. This was also Sung-Mun Song’s first career hit in the Majors.

Also, Giants shortstop Willy Adames had himself a throwing error that helped Song get a triple. An error the Giants wish they could’ve prevented in this game. San Francisco would pull out Logan Webb from pitching after four innings. The Padres had put up six runs on him, and also a five-run frame in his last inning of the game. The Giants would bring out JT Burbaker, but in his first inning, he threw already 39 pitches with another run to increase the Padres’ lead, 7-4.

Reaching the top of the sixth inning, the Giants would do another pitching change to LHP Ryan Borucki. However, the Padres would still see some success as they were able to get another run in on a single from Miguel Andujar, making the score now 8-4. The Giants’ offense has been quiet after the second inning, and San Francisco has struggled to get some hits going, to get them back in the game.

It would take San Francisco Giants Jesus Rodriguez to get some life in the ballpark as he got his first career homer in the Majors. Rodrigues would end this game with his first career hit and home run in the Majors. His homer in the bottom of the seven would change the score to 8-5. Although the Padres would have something to say about that homer from Rodriguez.

The Padres would go into the eighth inning and put up two runs. This was a big improvement for San Diego after their loss yesterday to the Giants. The Padres were determined to bounce back from last night, and that’s how they jumped back by hitting and making the most of the Giants errors and bullpen.

The winning pitcher for tonight’s game was San Diego Padres Walker Buehler. Buehler would have five strikeouts, seven hits, 5.1 IP, and one HR. On the other hand, the home team starting pitcher, Giants Logan Webb, would receive his fourth loss in the season. Webb would put up seven hits, six runs, four IP, and four strikeouts. Padres Bogaerts would receive player of the game, going 2-of-4 in his batting, and with his two RBI’s.

The Giants and Padres will see each other for the sixth time already this season, Wednesday, with the first pitch being held at 12:45 p.m. back in Oracle Park on NBCS BA. Wednesday’s game will be the last home game the Giants will host the Padres until September 11th, where they’ll return for the game on their 11th matchup of the season between them. However, the Giants will travel down to San Diego from June 30th through August 2nd.

Wedneday’s starters: San Francisco will send out RHP Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.12 ERA). While San Diego will send out RHP Matt Waldron (0-1 ERA 9.88).

Giants Comeback from Behind and Beat the Miami Marlins, 6-3

San Francisco Giants Casey Schmitt homered to left center (406 feet) on Sunday, April 26th, in Oracle Park at San Francisco, CA. (Photo credits to Jae/SF Bay News Lab)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants ended their series matchup with the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park for the season with a win on a cloudy Sunday afternoon in the city. The Giants had just beaten the Marlins Saturday, on April 25th, by a score of 6-2, evening the series between these two teams. Now, San Francisco leads the series 2-1 ahead of their matchups in Miami on June 19th-June 21st. The Giants beat the Marlins, 6-3, with Giants infielder Casey Schmit’s fourth home run of the season, bringing in three runs along with it in the bottom of the seventh stretch.

After losing the opener to the Miami Marlins, 9-4, the Giants would bounce back for the second game of the series and blast three home runs in that game. That game would tie the series and ultimately get the Giants’ hitting going for the next few games. San Francisco would put up 11 hits in that game as well, and also go 3-2 in their last five home games. With this win, this was the Giants’ first time since 2023 having won their home series against the Miami Marlins.

For this game, the Giants sent out RHP Landen Roupp (4-1, 2.28) to start and end the home series against the Miami Marlins. This was his sixth start of the season so far, and with just one career game under his belt against the Marlins in 2024, he threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Giants. Going on his fourth now, Roupp has won three straight starts for San Francisco and has thrown 17 strikeouts.

While the Marlins went with RHP Max Meyer (1-0, 3.96) to start the ballgame for Miami. The Miami Marlins have now completed the first half of their road trip of the season, with their finale being here at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Although the Marlins fell short Saturday against the Giants, they found some good news for their offense. With two stolen bases Saturday, the Marlins now have 31 stolen bases on the season and are just one of the two MLB clubs to have at least 30 or more (Milwaukee, 35).

The Miami Marlins Graham Pauley would get the game going with a homer and bring in two runs as well in the top of the second inning. The Marlins would hold an early 3-0 lead. Going into the bottom of the second inning, the Giants would get on the board from a throwing error by Miami’s shortstop Otto Lopez, and the score is now 3-1 heading into the third inning.

It would be solid pitching from both clubs as the score remained the same going into the sixth inning. However, what really got the Giants’ hitting going and the offense rolling was Jung Hoo Lee, who has been on an incredible hitting sequence the last few games. In fact, Lee would go 4-of-5 at bat this afternoon, and his impact and presence were vital for San Francisco’s comeback.

In the bottom of the sixth stretch, Giants Rafael Devers would get the offense going with a double on his bat, bringing in teammate Casey Schmitt to score. Then Drew Gilbert would get a single and bring in Devers for the score, and him being the tying run for the game. The crowd was back on their feet and roaring in the park as the comeback for the win was starting to happen.

With that, going into the bottom of the seventh inning. The score was still tied at 3-3 with the Giants at bat. Two runners are on base for San Francisco as Casey Schmitt walked up to the box. Schmitt would launch a 406-foot homerun and bring in three runs for the Giants as they take the lead for the first time in the afternoon, 6-3. Giants starting pitcher Landon Roupp would get subbed out during the eighth inning. The Giants would replace him with Erik Miller, and Miller would save the win, but end the game.

As Miller had no problem ending the game. Giants Roupp put Miller in a great position where Miller would only have to face off four batters for the day. So with that, the Giants’ defense pulled through and was able to get a win and close out Miami. The Giants are now 7-9 at home this season, as this would conclude the Giants’ homestands for a while.

RHP Landon Roupp would get the win and now go 5-1 with a 2.55 ERA. With Casey Schmitt’s big homer in the seventh and ultimately got the comeback win for the team, there was no doubt he would be the Player of the Game. The Giants will head east to Philadelphia, after a day off Monday, then the Giants will start off a three-game series against the Phillies on Tuesday, April 28th at Citizens Bank Ballpark, at 3:40 p.m. San Francisco won its three-game home series against Philly earlier this season, 2-1 Apr 6-8 at Oracle Park.

Starting pitchers for Tuesday for San Francisco RHP Tyler Mahle (1-3 ERA 5.26) for Philadelphia LHP Jesus Luzardo (1-3 ERA 6.91) first pitch 3:40pm PDT.

Golden State Warriors game wrap: Warriors Snap 4-Game Losing Streak & Beat Kings, 110-105

Golden State Warriors guard (#31) Seth Curry makes a 22-foot three-point jumper on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credits to Editor Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – After losing four games in a row, three of them at home, the Golden State Warriors were able to grab a Dub on the Sacramento Kings as Golden State celebrated Asian Heritage Night. This home game was their second-to-last home game, so the Warriors wanted to defend their home and hopefully end their last four games with wins, starting with this one. Also, this would be Golden State’s 605th consecutive sellout. The final score on this Tuesday evening was 110-105, with the Warriors winning by 5 points.

After missing 27 straight games (February 3–April 2) due to right patellofemoral discomfort syndrome, Stephen Curry returned to the starting lineup on April 5 against Houston (the Warriors were 9–18 in those games). Curry last played in a game before April 5 on January 30 against Detroit; he left the game with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter. At 8:38 in the first quarter, Curry came off the bench in a regular-season game for the first time since March 7, 2012, against Memphis, and for the seventh time in his career (Warriors 3-4 in those games).

The Golden State roster is still hurting from the team’s injuries. The Warriors sent out Patrick Spencer, Malevy Leons, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, and Brandin Podziemski as their starters. This is Golden State’s second-to-last home game, and the teams’ third time seeing each other this season. The series for this season was tied entering this game, 1-1, but now the Warriors lead the series match-up, 2-1. These two teams last faced off on January 9th, 2026, here in Chase Center at the Bay. With Golden State winning by 34 points, 137-103.

The Sacramento Kings are also in the same situation as the Warriors with injuries. The team has 8 players out due to injury. So with that, the Kings started with Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud, Daeqwon Plowden, Devin Carter, and Nique Clifford. The Kings have been eliminated from the playoffs, and is doing their best to end the season with some wins.

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski got the game from the free throw line after being fouled by Kings guard Nique Clifford. After that, both of the teams would go back and forth on exchanging buckets. With the Kings and Warriors both shooting the same on the floor. Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry would come off the bench again , after this game, just being his second game returning from injury.

After the first quarter, the Kings held the lead by one point, 26-25. One thing about these two teams is that the games will always be close to a certain point. The Kings and Warriors were shooting about the same on the floor in all categories. Sacramento and Golden State’s playing style and performance were the exact same, and already there were ten lead changes.

Halfway through the second quarter, the Warriors were starting to get comfortable, seeing some shots go in, and being cautious with the ball. Sacramento shooting above 50% in their categories is keeping them in, but Golden State hit some big three-pointers to give them the momentum. Also, the Warriors’ transition and hustle were big factors on how the score was starting to change.

The Warriors went into the final minutes making five three-pointers, two of which would end up being four point play conversions by Stephen Curry. His shots from deep are what helped push the Warriors’ lead even more. By halftime, the score was 66-53, and Golden State led over Sacramento. At the moment, the Warriors were being lead by guard Stephen Curry with his 14 points, three rebounds, and going 3-of-6 from deep.

Throughout the third quarter, both teams would have a big jump in their turnovers, especially Golden State. The Warriors would go from five turnovers to 16 turnovers. However, both teams took advantage of each other’s turnovers as both teams had pick up 19 points from it. The Warriors would shoot eight three pointers, but went cold, as they only made just one of them. Golden State would just drop 19 points in the third quarter.

The Kings’ resilience and hustle were their factor on how they kept them in the game. King’s guard Killian Hayes would hit his third three-pointer of the night. With that shot going in right before the end of the third quarter, the Warriors would hold on to the lead by just four points, 85-81. Although the Kings only made two three-pointers in the third as well, Sacramento’s presence in the paint helped a lot as they had more than the Warriors in there, the Kings would have 40 points compared to the Warriors’ 34 points.

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Kings were pressuring more on defense and showing more of their intensity as they were able to get within two points. By the eight minute mark, the Kings were up by two points, 91-89. The Kings were able to see more shots go in than the Warriors, and just fight for more rebounds than them when it mattered to help solidify their lead.

Entering the last three minutes of play, the score was 104-100, the Kings lead by three points. “The Battle of NorCal” never disappoints wherever its being played at, whether in San Francisco or Sacramento. As Kings and Warriors exchange three-pointers in back-to-back sequences. Warriors Brandin Podziemski would hit a 24-foot three pointer that gave Golden State the lead, and was ultimately the dagger on the Kings. After that, the Warriors would run out the clock and take the win.

Out of the nine players that Golden State played, six of them were in double digits. However, it would be De’Anthony Melton leading the team tonight with his 21 points, four rebounds, and five assists. In his second game back, Stephen Curry dropped 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists to get the Warriors’ 22nd home win this season. The Warriors would end the night with 17 made three-pointers.

The Golden State Warriors return to Chase Center on Thursday evening and will host the Los Angeles Lakers. That game will be the final home regular season game for the Warriors, so Golden State again will defend their home, and will try to get a win for Dub Nation in the home finale. The Kings and Warriors will see each other one more time, but in Sacramento this Friday on April 10th in Golden 1 Center.

Mets get Revenge on Giants, Tying the Series, Final Score: 10-3

San Francisco Giants RHP Tyler Mahle throws a strike at 91.9 mph Four-Seam Fastball on New York Met (#7) Brett Baty on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credit by the author Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Following San Francisco’s first home win Friday, the team hoped to extend its winning streak to two on Good Friday and San Jose State Night. However, the New York Mets had other plans as it was their turn to make it a big hitting night here in Oracle Park. The Mets would bring in 15 hits Friday night and get the win. The final score would be 10-3.

The winning pitcher would be the New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean, who almost got himself a perfect game through six innings. San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle would take the loss in this game, as he gave up five runs and eight hits for the night.

Both of these teams had different direction performances. The Giants had a great hitting sequence yesterday, but struggled tonight and only got five hits. While on the other side, the Mets’ offense struggled yesterday but prospered overnight and came out swinging. The Mets would tally up 15 hits tonight.

The New York Mets strike first in the first inning with a couple of runs scored by Mets Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette, making the score 2-0. Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle was having some early struggles, and the Giants’ defense was letting line drives in, getting players on the bases. Also, the Giants had a quick 1-2-3 batting order and weren’t able to respond to the Mets’ hot start.

However, the Mets would go down a man in this game as Juan Soto was removed from Friday night’s game with right calf tightness. Soto will be replaced by left outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Soto went 1-1 in just playing the 1st inning. Though that wasn’t slowing down the Met’s defense, especially thanks to their starting pitcher, Nolan McLean.

The Mets were feeling determined to bounce back after that Game 1 loss to the Giants yesterday. So starting McLean was their clear choice, espcially that Nolan McLean, through his first 9 MLB starts: 2.21 ERA, 65 Ks. The only other pitchers to reach those marks since ER became an official statistic in 1913: Paul Skenes (2024), Orel Hershiser (1984), Jose DeLeon (1983), and Fernando Valenzuela (1981). Elite company to be in for McLean. Just after the first two innings, he would make the Giants go back-to-back, on a 1-2-3 batting order.

Top of the fourth, the Mets would see some success on their offense. As Mets Marcus Semien would get himself a homer and an RBI. The score would now be 4-0. Then Mets Francisco Alvarez would join the party, as he would get himself a solo homerun, making the score 5-0. Finally, once the Giants got the bleeding stopped, it was their turn at bat. Nothing much has changed, though, as the Mets’ defense and Nolan McLean have been a problem all night for the Giants.

By the top of the sixth, the Giants called it a night for their pitcher, Tyler Mahle. Mahle went four strikeouts, two HR, five Runs, and five hits. San Francisco would bring in RHP JT Brubaker. With that, the Giants’ offense was still not scoring. After a great hitting sequence last night, the Giants were struggling to make some contact with the ball. McLean is still in the game, pitching; he has four strikeouts, and is at 78 pitches.

San Francisco would finally get a hit, and it was a big one. Coming from the Giants, Willy Adames, who would hit a ground-rule double to right-center field. He would bring in a run, with Patrick Bailey scoring and Harrison Bader on third base. A much-needed turnaround is needed for the Giants, but the Mets would make the call to end McLean’s night after that hit from them. Nolan McLean was so close to giving him a perfect game. The Mets would bring in LHP Brooks Raley with just one out in the bottom of the sixth.

Mets pitcher Brooks Raley’s fastball would get by his catcher, Francisco Alvarez, which would bring in a run for the Giants. The score would now be 5-2, but the Mets’ defense would kick in and end that stretch for the Giants. So, top of the seventh comes, and Mets Francisco Alvarez made up for his mistake on letting the fastball get by him, and got a run in for San Francisco. So Alvarez decided and wanted to get his second homer of the night at 401ft distance, pushing the Mets’ lead, 6-2.

Still in the top of the seventh, the Mets just kept coming at the Giants. They were able to get two hits, dropping them right in front of the outfielders. So with the Mets’ smart placement hitting, they would get a couple of runs, making the score 8-2. So San Francisco responded by pulling out JT Brubaker, ending him at two strikeouts, one HR, and three hits. The Giants would put in LHP Matt Gage with one out, but he goes to work and gets his first strikeout on his first batter and stops the inning.

After the eighth inning, and going into the final inning of the game. The Giants got a run in to be down just five runs; the score was 8-3. However, that wasn’t enough to start the ninth inning. Mets Brett Baty would get a double down leftfield and an RBI, making the score 9-3. The Giants made one last pitcher change, so the Mets decided to get one last run in as well. By the bottom of the ninth, it was 10-3. So with the Giants one last time at bat, nothing came out of it as the New York Mets would win and tie the series this season, 1-1.

Once more, for the third time this week, the San Francisco Giants will host the New York Mets Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. back in Oracle Park. The Mets will send out RHP Clay Holmes (1-0) as their starting pitcher. The Giants will counter with RHP Landen Roupp, also (1-0), as their starting pitcher. This game again will be broadcasted on NBCS BA.

Giants get 1st Home Win of Season on Sac State Night, taking Game 1 on the New York Mets, 7-2

San Francisco Giants Luis Arraez (#1) singles on a ground ball to New York Mets right fielder Tyrone Taylor in the bottom of the 3rd inning on April 2nd, 2026, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credits to Jae SF Bay News Lab)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants get their first home win of the season Thursday night as they beat the New York Mets in the first game of their series 7-2. After just getting one run in their entire season home-opener against the New York Yankees, and losing their first three home games. San Francisco would put up 13 hits and seven runs in Thursday evening’s game on Sacramento State Night. The Giants would start off the month with a win.

The San Francisco Giants returned home Wednesday after a four-day trip to San Diego. The Giants would take the first two games against the Padres, but fell to them Wednesday, finishing the series 2-1. The Giants were hoping to take some of their best moments from San Diego and bring them to their home ballpark to get a win for the fans on Thursday evening.

After getting his first loss from the New York Yankees in the team’s season home-opener series. Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would start for the team again, this time, against the New York Mets. Robbie Ray has gone 4-2 with a 3.11 ERA and 46 strikeouts against the Mets. His last matchup against the Mets was dated back in August 1st, 2025. He pitched seven innings, six of those were scoreless, and striking gout six.

Giants left-hand pitcher Robbie Ray goes up against Mets Francisco Lindor and walks him to get the ball game going. Then, just two batters later, Mets Bo Bichette helps put New York on the board first with a double to left field, bringing in Mets Juan Soto to score. Just 26 pitches later, the Mets’ Luis Robert Jr. flies out, ending the top of the first.

With the Giants’ turn at bat, shortstop Willy Adames starts San Francisco off, but gets caught on a slider and strikes out. Left-hand Mets pitcher David Peterson starts off his first batter with a strikeout. Next in-fielder Rafael Devers, who has three career homers against the Mets, sneaks a single for himself. Setting up Luis Arraez to hit a triple, bringing in Devers to tie the game. Next, Matt Chapman would join the party with a double, bringing in Arraez to take back an early lead, 2-1. Matt Chapman would also score when Jung Hoo Lee reached on pitcher David Peterson’s failed catch error on trying to get an assist from first baseman Mark Vientos. After that, the Giants would reach 3 outs, ending their hot start with the score, 3-1, San Francisco leading.

Mets Mark Vientos took the Giants’ hot start personally and got under a slider from Ray and got himself a solo homerun at 406 FT. The score is now 2-3, top of the second at this time. However, Ray and the Giants would be able to hold the Mets off and end the top of the second. So Giants catcher, Daniel Susac, starts the batting order and gets himself a single. Daniel’s hit was his first in the MLB. With the Mets having some early catching errors, the Giants were able to get their batters on the bases. However, a double play and a strikeout later would end the Giants’ second inning stretch.

At the top of the third, Mets Francisco Lindor is back and starting it off once again in the game, and once again was walked for the second time. Once again, Ray’s slider and changeup would get him a couple of strikeouts and great outfield coverage from Harrison Bader. The Giants stand tall on their defense. The momentum shifted to the Giants when it was their turn at bat.

The Giants would be able to put up two runs in their third inning stretch. No outs, runners on all bases, so Jung Hoo Lee understood the assignment. He would do a sacrifice fly out, and bring in Heliot Ramos. Then Harrison Bader would do another sacrifice play to bring in Luis Arraez to get them that second run in to score. However, the Mets’ defense would kick in and get their third outs. By then, the score was 5-2.

At the bottom of the fifth, New York would shut down David Peterson for the night. The Mets would bring out left hand pitcher Sean Manaea, on his first batter up with Daniel Susac, he would walk Susac. Runners on first and second, Mets Manaea was in an awkward position, and Giants Casey Schmitt gets his cutter for a single line drive, and Schmitt gets an RBI Thursday night. The score is now 6-2, with Manaea able to get a strikeout as their 3rdout.

96 pitchers, seven strikeouts, 2 ER’s, and a 3.38 ERA, Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would be shut down at the top of the sixth for the team. Oracle Park would send off Robbie Ray with a standing ovation. San Francisco would bring in Ryan Walker with having one out to his count from ray. Walker, on his first batter, is a strikeout, followed by a pop-up to center field.

Giants were able to put up a run with Rafael Devers getting a homer in for the home crowd. That homer was his first one of the season as he pushed the score to 7-2. After that, the Giants weren’t able to get back on base as the inning closed out. Top of the seventh, the Giants would change pitchers again, this time to right-hand pitcher Blade Tidwell. Giants’ defense would get a double play then a ground out to end the top of the seventh.

In the last three innings of the game, both teams’ defense was able to put up easy three outs in that stretch. Ultimately sealing the Giants’ dub for the home crowd. Giants pitcher Robbie Ray would get his first win of the season Thursday night, and also Giants Blade Tidwell would get his first-ever career save. Also, Giants Casey Schmitt and Daniel Susac would go perfectly at bat, going 4-4 in the box. This was Daniel Susac’s first-ever MLB career start, a homecoming victory for San Francisco.

The San Francisco Giants and New York Mets will continue where they left off, Friday (4/3/26), right back in Oracle Park at 7:15 p.m. The Giants will send out RHP Tyler Mahle, who is 1-0, to go up against the Mets’ RHP Nolan Mclean, who is 0-0. The game will be televised on NBCS BA.

Arizona Heads to the Final Four in 25 Years, Beating Purdue, 79-64

Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) dunks during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (Photo Credits to AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE – The Madness of March is over, as SAP Center welcomed 4 programs to the South Bay, but only saw only one of them would come out victorious. Between the No.1 Arizona Wildcats and the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, which both are champions to their conference. It would be the Arizona Wildcats moving on to Indianapolis with a 15 point win, and these dangerous Wildcats have now won 13 games in a row.

Arizona Wildcats went with guards Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, forwards Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov, and center Motiejus Krivas for their Elite Eight game. The Wildcats will be hoping to make it to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 and the fifth time in program history. This is their 12th Elite Eight appearance overall and their first since 2015.

Purdue Boilermakers sent out guards Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, forwards Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff, and center C.J. Cox on the teams Elite Eight run. Purdue has a 0-9 record against No. 1 seeds overall and is seeking its first victory over one. Purdue will be trying for its fourth Final Four overall and its second in the last three seasons.

After the first 7 minutes of play, Arizona was in the lead with 5 points, 17-12. Arizona went on a 8-2 scoring run for 3 minutes. The Wildcats saw a lot of their points in the paint which was giving them early control of the game. Arizona scored 12 points in the paint to their now, 19-12 lead. It should come as no surprise that Purdue is already having issues with Arizona’s size and agility. Oscar Cluff is holding his own so far, but if the Boilermakers don’t find extra help from the players down in the block, the Wildcats will dominate inside.

4 lead changes and 6 ties already happened 15 minutes into this game. Both teams are trying to send their school to the Final Four with the finishing line being just a couple of games away. With 3 minutes left of the 1st half the score was, 30-27, Purdue leads now. After a bad shooting performance in their Sweet 16 game, Purdue has shotten the ball better. Last game int he 1st half, Boilermakers only had 3 three-pointers in the 1st half, but tonight they had 6 three-pointers already. While Arizona is seeing some struggles as they only made 1 three-pointer so far out of 6 attempts.

Halftime, Purdue is leading Arizona by 7 points, 38-31. The Big-10 champions, Purdue, hit 7 three-pointers in the 1st half that got them feeling great heading into the lockers. While the Big-12 champions, Arizona, was struggling on the field. Only making 1 three-pointer would go a long way and a reason on why they’re down at halftime. While the Wildcats are struggling from deep as they only got 1 deep ball to go in.

The Boilermakers have gone on to lose after leading at the half just twice this season: Jan. 24 against Illinois and Feb. 26 against Michigan State. So with the start of the second half, the pressure for Purdue to win the game is on. Vice versa with Arizona as they started the final half playing catch up. Which Arizona really turned up the heat on Purdue and took it to them.

Wildcats were able to knock down 3 three-pointers in the second half, which was a lot better than the just the 1 three-pointer they made in the first half. The more this game goes on, the more the talent gap between Arizona and Purdue becomes clear. Arizona is more prepared to play in transition when the game breaks down, which has happened more often in the second half. The Wildcats are on the verge of making it to their first Final Four in 25 years.

In the second half, Arizona played with an entirely different feeling of urgency. At both ends of the floor, there are differences in physicality and intensity. However, the two crucial figures: Arizona had six turnovers in the first half but zero in the second. After a 7-14 first half, Purdue is now 0-4 3PT. By the 3 minute mark, Arizona had a 15 point lead on Purdue.

Ultimately, Arizona wrote their story to the Final Four in San Jose as they would win the game against the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, 79-64. Arizona Wildcats will head to Indianapolis, and wait on the winner of the No.1 Michigan vs No.6 Tennessee. That game will be played on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

Warriors Hold Off Wizards on Filipino Heritage Night, 131-126

Golden State Warriors center (#7) Kristaps Porzingis shoots a three-pointer against the Washington Wizards in the 1st Quarter on Friday, March 27th 2026, at Chase Center, San Francisco, CA (Photo Credits to Editor Michael Villanueva).

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – It wasn’t just any other ordinary Friday night at Chase Center. In this Warriors game, the team was celebrating their Filipino Heritage Night at their last home of the month. So Golden State ended the last Friday of the month with another Dub to their nation. The Warriors would win the regular season series with a 5-point win over the Wizards, 131-126. This win is now the Warriors’ 3rd straight in a row, going 3-7 in their last 10 games.

The Warriors went with guards Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, forwards Gui Santos, Draymond Green, and center Kristaps Porzingis as their starting five. In the Dub over the Nets on Wednesday, Gui Santos scored a career-high 31 points. Santos was 4-for-6 from three and 11-for-16 from the field. He scored 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting with three 3-pointers in just the third quarter, making up over half of his total points.

Wizards sent out guards Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, forwards Bilal Coulibaly, Leaky Black, and center Alex Sarr as their starting five, here, in San Francisco. In the Wizards’ most recent win over the Utah Jazz, Julian Reese recorded a career-high 26 points and 17 rebounds in just 30 minutes. Given that Reese’s sister, Angel Reese, is a top WNBA rebounder, it looks like rebounding runs in the family.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has now missed 24 games for the team as he is still out due to a bone bruising on his right knee. The team announced during head coach Steve Kerr’s pregame conference. Curry is making good progress coming back from an evaluation. He hopes to be able to play in a live 5-on-5 scrimmage in the upcoming days. With not many games left in the season, the Warriors are hoping to see Curry return for the Play-In Tournament starting on April 14th.

Also, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said in his pregame conference as well, “We won the last couple of games, but we turned it over 24, 25 times in each of them. We’re not going anywhere by doing that. We have to clean that up, and then that impacts our defense dramatically.” So, with that, the team was on all 10 toes and did exactly that. As in the first quarter, the team had no turnovers at all.

Warriors big man, Kristaps Porzingis, scored Golden State’s first points of the night with a three-pointer. After seeing that first shot going. Porzingis would have himself a quarter that would rub off on the team and took them off to a great start of the game. Porzingis would have himself 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist just in the 1st quarter. With that, the Warriors would also go on to make 7 three-pointers in the 1st as well, and also held a 15-point lead once already. Washington would be down 13 points after the 1st, 38-25.

Halfway through the 2nd quarter, Washington’s shots started to fall in and was able to cut the lead to 9 points. Wizards were able to get in the paint to get themselves some easy buckets, but the Warriors’ home court advantage makes the visiting team struggle from deep. Wizards were 4-for-16 (25%) from deep while the Warriors were able to get 10-of-20 (50%) from deep.

At half, the Warriors played great in all categories and aspects of the 1st half. Golden State had a 12-point lead at halftime, 72-60. The Warriors were shooting above 50% in all of their shooting categories with just 3 turnovers, and were a big reason why they’re holding this lead. Also, Golden State forward Gui Santos leads the lead at half with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Santos is also perfect from deep, going 2-of-2 with the team finishing 12 three-pointers at half as well.

The start of the 3rd quarter took place 4 minutes in the Warriors have only made 2 shots. While the Wizards came out with some magic in them and were able to get shots to drop. At this point, the score was 76-73, and the Warriors were now trying to hold the lead, but Wizards guard Bub Carrington would hit a corner three to tie the game, 76-76.

Wizards and Warriors would spend the rest of the 3rd going back and forth on exchanging buckets. With 2 lead changes in this quarter, Washington would now hold the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter, 94-92. Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly would drop 10 points himself in the quarter to get them the lead. Also, for the 1st half, the Warriors would make 5 or more three-pointers in the first two quarters. In the 3rd quarter, the team was only able to make 4 shots from deep, while Washington was able to knock down 6 three-pointers in the 3rd.

Washington would also finish the game without center Alex Sarr, who received 4 personal fouls in the 3rd quarter. He had 2 fouls coming back from halftime, and now ends the night with 6 fouls, 8 points, and 10 rebounds. So with 3 minutes into the last quarter, the Wizards still had the lead with 2 points, 101-99.

With 5 minutes 40 seconds left in the game, Warriors forward Gui Santos gets a three-point play to drop after being fouled on a layup and getting the and-1 to drop. His points would tie the game at 111-111. Then, the next possession, Player of the Game, Warriors Kristaps Porzingis, would get fouled and sent to the line. His two shots would give them the lead, 113-11.

As the game clock was winding down. The Warriors were able to lock in and focus on their shot selection to help them run away with the win in this one. The final score would be 131-126. Golden State was led by center Kristaps Porzingis with 28 points

The Warriors will play all seven regular season games in California, starting with a five-game home stand in April, but one on the road in Denver. They will finish the season against the Kings in Sacramento and the Clippers in Los Angeles. So with that, the Golden State will play its last away game of the month against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Ball Arena. This will also conclude the regular-season series between the Nuggets and the Warriors.

Wildcats dominated Razorbacks, 109-88, will face No.2 Purdue Boilermakers in Elite Elite

No.1 Arizona Wildcat guard (#5) Brayden Burries makes an 11-foot pull-up jump shot at the 14-minute mark of the 2nd Half on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, in San Jose, CA, at SAP Center. (Photo Credits to editor Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE – Just right after a crazy ending to the game between Purdue and Texas, SAP Center welcomed the 2nd game of the Sweet 16 West Region Tournament Games. The No.1 Arizona Wildcats vs. the No.4 Arkansas Razorbacks. This is their 2nd ever meeting in the NCAA Tournament, with Arkansas winning the last matchup in 1994 in the Final Four. With the Sweet 16, the road leads to the Elite Eight, and once again, the Razorbacks and Wildcats cross paths in this March of Madness. Arizona gave a show to the South Bay as they beaten Arkansas, 109-88.

Arizona is making its 40th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament. With this win, Arizona not only reaches its 35th win of the season but secured their spot to come back on Saturday evening for the Elite Eight and will face off against the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers. This will be the Wildcats 23rd trip to the Elite Eight in school history.

No.1 Arizona Wildcats started with guards Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, forwards Ivan Kharchenkov, Koa Peat, and center Motiejus Krivas. Arizona’s all-time record in the NCAA Tournament went to 64-38 after getting a couple of wins down in SoCal area, San Diego. This was the Wildcats 16th appearance in the Sweet 16, but their fourth in five seasons with head coach Tommy Lloyd. Arizona isn’t a stranger down here in San Jose, as this was their third NCAA Tournament appearance in San Jose (2002,2017).

No.4 Arkansas Razorbacks started with guards Meleek Thomas, Darius Acuff Jr., forwards Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin, and Billy Richmond III. Arkansas is enjoying its trip to the sweet 16, as this is the school’s 16th NCAA Sweet 16 and its 5th in a six-year span. The Razorbacks are being lead by head coach John Calipari who’s made quite a resume in the tournament. Coach Calipari is playing in his 17th NCAA Sweet 16 & his second straight. Calipari’s Sweet 16 record was impressive, but Arizona’s performance was too much for him and his team. His record is now 12-5 in the Sweet 16.

After the first 12 seconds, the Wildcats strike first on the Razorbacks with a layup from guard Brayden Burries. From there, it seemed like the whole 1st half was all Arizona. As they held the lead pretty much the entire 1st half. The two stud freshmen, Arkansas Darius Acuff Jr. and Arizona Brayden Burries, face off to close out this thrilling Thursday of games.

10 minutes into the first half of the game, Arkansas was starting to see some early struggles shooting from deep. Arizona has been seeing great success in its offensive possession. Wildcats are comfortably getting in the paint and protecting the paint with 2 blocks already in this game. So with that, Arizona would get on an early roll here in San Jose.

With 2 minutes left, Arkansas was down 13 points to Arizona, 50-37. The Razorbacks shooting has held them back and been their reason why they’re trailing. They were shooting 45% from the floor, but with a bad 17% from deep. While a hot team from the desert like Arizona, those missed three-pointers are big in playing the Wildcats. So, on that, Arizona went on a roll and saw a 15-point lead at one point on Arkansas.

At halftime, the Arizona Wildcats would lead the Arkansas Razorbacks by 11 points, 54-43. Arizona’s shooting is showing why they’re one of the best schools to take the West Region. They’re shooting a high 65% from the floor, going 18-of-28, just missing 10 shots on the floor the whole 1st half. The Wildcats are the first team to have 50+ points before halftime in multiple games within a men’s NCAA tournament since 2017. While Arkansas is hanging on, its problem is not hitting its shots and not being aggressive. The Razorbacks end the 1st half on 2-of-12 from deep at a low 17%.

The 2nd half was pure domination for Arizona. The Wildcats just proved to be too much for the Razorbacks. After the first 8 minutes, the Wildcats didn’t miss a shot in their possessions. A huge way to come back from where you left off in the 1st half. However, with his 13th point of the game, Darius Acuff Jr. has totaled 73 points across his first three NCAA tournament games, passing De’Aaron Fox for the most points scored by an SEC freshman in their first three career NCAA tournament appearances.

With the big and tough performance from Razorback freshman star Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas found itself down by 21 points just 7 minutes in the 2nd half. Arizona is pulling away from Arkansas in San Jose, holding that commanding 78-57 lead. The lead feels unreal to be in the Sweet 16, and the home travel team-Arizona crowd, is here and energized, chanting “U-of-A” as the Wildcats were getting closer to securing their spot in the Elite 8.

Now, with 7 minutes left of the game, nothing much has changed. Except the Razorbacks were starting to play frustrated from the performance and how the game is going. Arkansas would start to commit fouls, with some turning into a flagrant foul. The lead was still 20 points to Arizona, 92-72.

As the game reached the final 2 minutes, it was pretty clear who had won this game. Arizona is holding a 23 point lead. The Wildcats controlled the rest of the game and slowly played the clock out to officially get the win. With that, the final score was 109-88. Arizona will head to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 with its head coach, Tommy Lloyd.

Arizona Wildcat freshman Brayden Burries led the team with his 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Burries and the Wildcats will host the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers right back in the SAP Center on March 28th, 2026, at 5:49 p.m. in San Jose, CA. The final game that San Jose will host, as the winner of the Saturday game, will take the road to the Final Four.