The San Francisco Giants visited Yolo County this weekend for an exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats.
In front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday evening at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, the River Cats prevailed by a final score of 8-1. Fans in attendance cheered for both teams and got an opportunity to get an up-close look at new Giants players like third baseman Matt Chapman and outfielder Jung Hoo Lee.
Sunday’s scrimmage also provided fans with a chance to see familiar faces, like 2012 World Series MVP, Pablo Sandoval. The three-time World Series champion 3B, who is affectionally referred to as “Kung Fu Panda,” pinch hit in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday and received a raucous standing ovation.
“It’s exciting! To be gone for three years and come back is amazing,” Sandoval said pregame. “Whatever can happen Tuesday is a blessed time. If it’s a farewell, it’s been an unbelievable journey to be back with the team I was with for 11 years. It’s a blessing to wear this uniform.”
The 103rd sellout crowd in franchise history reached its peak volume when Sandoval singled to left field. Then when he was thrown out at second base on a fielder’s choice, Sandoval received his third and final earsplitting cheer.
Woodland alumna Alyssa Nakken was in attendance as she enters her fifth season as a San Francisco coach. Nakken graduated from high school in 2008 before going on to play softball at Sacramento State.
Nakken wasn’t the only member of the Giants with local ties. 2023 Cy Young Award finalist, right-handed pitcher Logan Webb, graduated from Rocklin High School in 2014 prior to being drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco.
“It’s awesome, I know how much pride this area has in their sports teams. The Giants ties run deep in Sacramento and I grew up with all the Giants fans, I was the one lonely A’s fan,” Webb recalled. “It’s always special coming here. You guys know how much I root for the Kings. Sacramento, honestly I wish there was a baseball team here. I wish there was a major league team here and this city could for sure have one. You guys see how much Kings and River Cats fans show up. I love it here and I’m proud to say I’m from here.”
- Giants pitcher Logan Webb signs a baseball before an 8-1...
- Giants special advisor Dusty Baker poses for a photo after...© Provided by Woodland The Daily Democrat
- Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval autographs a jersey before an...© Provided by Woodland The Daily DemocratGiants third baseman Pablo Sandoval autographs a jersey before an 8-1 exhibition loss against the River Cats on Sunday, March 24 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
- Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee swings at a pitch during...© Provided by Woodland The Daily Democrat
- Giants coach Alyssa Nakken signs autographs before an 8-1 exhibition...© Provided by Woodland The Daily Democrat
Comments
Post a Comment