San Francisco Giants visit Yolo County for sold out exhibition game vs. Sacramento River Cats

Shaun Holkko

March 26

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 sell out 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 exhibition loss against the River Cats on Sunday, March 24 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

Giants special advisor Dusty Baker poses for a photo after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before an 8-1 exhibition loss against the River Cats on Sunday, March 24 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

Giants 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. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee swings at a pitch during an 8-1 exhibition loss against the River Cats on Sunday, March 24 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

Giants coach Alyssa Nakken signs autographs before an 8-1 exhibition loss against the River Cats on Sunday, March 24 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. (Shaun Holkko/Daily Democrat)

World Series-winning manager Dusty Baker threw out the ceremonial first pitch. After retiring from Houston following last season, the Del Campo High School graduate signed on to become a special advisor for the Giants. New San Francisco manager Bob Melvin had several AL West battles against Baker and the Astros during his time as the Oakland Athletics skipper.

"This is cool for all of Sacramento. Then on top of that, you get Dusty throwing out the first pitch and Steve Sax doing the game (commentary)," Melvin said. "It's good for us to visit affiliates, especially for the guys who haven't been here for a long time like myself and some of the new coaches to see what the organization is all about.

"I was with the A's here at one time, so it looks different now then it did back then. I'm very familiar with how Sacramento supports baseball. It always felt like, at least when I was with the A's, that there's kind of a line here between A's and Giants. It's a great baseball town."

The Giants begin the 2024 season on Thursday afternoon in San Diego against the Padres at 1:10 p.m. The River Cats host their season opener on Friday night at 6:45 p.m. versus the Los Angeles Angels' AAA squad, the Salt Lake Bees.