Daily Updates News 
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics delivered a commanding 11-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night, led by six shutout innings from JP Sears and home runs from Nick Kurtz and Denzel Clarke.
Early Offensive Explosion
The A’s jumped out to a quick lead, scoring six runs in the first three innings off veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. Jacob Wilson and Brent Rooker each drove in two runs as Oakland punished Verlander’s pitching early.
JP Sears was dominant on the mound, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out six batters. Rookie reliever Jack Perkins finished the game, pitching three innings and giving up two runs—one unearned—earning his second save in only his third major league appearance.
Verlander struggled again, giving up six runs on seven hits in just three innings. Despite striking out five, he failed to contain the A’s aggressive bats.
Power at the Plate
The Athletics’ offense stayed hot throughout the game. After the sixth inning was briefly delayed when home plate umpire Andy Fletcher exited due to an earlier foul tip to the mask, Clarke tripled and later scored on a single by Lawrence Butler. Moments later, Nick Kurtz crushed his 13th homer of the season to push the lead to 9-0.
In the seventh inning, Clarke added a two-run homer to seal the win, putting the game well out of reach for the Giants.
Verlander’s Winless Streak Continues
Justin Verlander’s struggles with the Giants continue, as he remains winless in his first 14 starts with the team. His last win came with the Houston Astros on September 28, 2024, against the Guardians.
Injury Note & Debut News
Meanwhile, top White Sox prospect Colson Montgomery made his MLB debut on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Though he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a walk, the moment was emotional and significant. Montgomery, ranked as the White Sox’s No. 5 prospect, was informed of his call-up in a heartfelt video by Triple-A Charlotte manager Sergio Santos.
The 23-year-old infielder has hit 11 home runs and tallied 30 RBIs in 55 games this season but has struggled with consistency, batting just .218. Despite the rocky start, the White Sox are hopeful about his future.
