Giants Face Athletics as Kurtz Extends Home-Run Streak and Market Prices a Shift in Momentum

Nick Kurtz homered for a third consecutive game, launching a go-ahead three-run shot in the fifth inning to lift the Athletics past the San Francisco Giants 5-2 on Friday night. The Athletics have now won the first game of the three-game series, and Polymarket traders are pricing a 74.5% chance they take the second game on Saturday.

The Athletics’ rookie first baseman hit a 417-foot blast off Giants starter Tyler Mahle, his eighth home run of the season. The play gave Oakland a 4-2 lead after singles by Lawrence Butler and Jeff McNeil, plus a sacrifice bunt from Darell Hernaiz. Rookie Henry Bolte drove in the final run with a two-out single.

Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos exited the game after 5 1/2 innings due to right quadriceps tightness. Manager Tony Vitello said after the game that Ramos will not be available on Saturday. Luis Arraez led the Giants’ offense with four hits, including a solo home run in the fourth inning, and Harrison Bader added a homer in the fifth.

Right-hander Trevor McDonald (1-0, 2.92 ERA) is scheduled to start for San Francisco on Saturday. He allowed one run over seven innings in his last start on May 4 against the Padres. The Athletics will counter with right-hander Luis Severino (2-4, 4.07 ERA), who has allowed five runs across his last four starts but has lost his past two outings.

The market has drawn $262,957 in 24-hour trading volume, with total volume of $263,279. The 74.5% price implies strong trader confidence in an Athletics victory, reflecting recent form and the Giants’ road struggles — San Francisco has a 8-15 record away from home. The contract will settle after Saturday’s game, with the outcome determined by official MLB results.