Athletics Cruise Past Giants 11-2 Behind JP Sears’ Gem and Offensive Outburst
The Oakland Athletics delivered a dominant performance Friday night, defeating the San Francisco Giants 11-2 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. With fireworks scheduled for Independence Day, the A’s lit up the scoreboard early — and often — with a powerful offensive display and lockdown pitching from JP Sears.
JP Sears Sets the Tone Early
Southpaw starter JP Sears (7-7) was in complete control, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and two walks. He struck out six Giants hitters and lowered his ERA with another strong outing. Rookie Jack Perkins finished the final three innings, surrendering two runs — one earned — and securing his second save in just his third MLB appearance.
Justin Verlander’s Struggles Continue
Veteran ace Justin Verlander’s frustrating season with the Giants continued, falling to 0-6 after giving up six earned runs on seven hits across three innings. Despite striking out five, Verlander was hit hard, including during a four-run second inning sparked by Oakland’s aggressive hitting approach.
Athletics’ Bats Come Alive
The A’s jumped on Verlander early. After Lawrence Butler singled and later scored in the first, Oakland exploded for four more runs in the second thanks to back-to-back doubles by Tyler Soderstrom and Max Muncy. With two outs, Jacob Wilson ripped a two-run double and Brent Rooker followed with his second RBI of the game on another double.
Wilson continued to shine in the field as well, making a crucial catch in the sixth to rob Willy Adames of a base hit.
Long Ball Delivers Knockout Blow
After a brief delay in the sixth when home plate umpire Andy Fletcher exited due to injury, the Athletics resumed their offensive barrage. Denzel Clarke tripled and scored on another RBI single from Butler. Moments later, rookie sensation Nick Kurtz crushed his 13th home run to deep right, stretching the lead to 9-0.
Clarke added a two-run blast in the seventh to cap the Athletics’ scoring at 11.
Giants Avoid the Shutout Late
The Giants managed to get on the board in the eighth inning via a solo homer from Brett Wisely. They tacked on an unearned run in the ninth but never threatened the commanding lead built by Oakland.
Key Moment
Jacob Wilson’s clutch two-out, two-run double in the second inning on an 0-2 pitch from Verlander helped Oakland break the game wide open.
Key Stat
Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer with a career record of 262-152, remains winless in 14 starts with the Giants. His last victory came on September 28, 2024, with the Astros.
What’s Next
The Giants will look to rebound on Saturday as right-hander Logan Webb (7-6, 2.61 ERA) takes the mound. The Athletics counter with Luis Severino (2-9, 5.09 ERA), hoping to carry their momentum into the weekend matchup.
