The San Jose Giants took a commanding 1-0 lead in the 2026 California League North Division Series by defeating the Stockton Ports 10-5 on Tuesday night. The Giants’ power was evident early, continuing their season-long home run surge that set a franchise record with 151 homers.
Leading off the game, San Jose’s top prospect Josuar Gonzalez drew a walk before Lorenzo Meola launched a two-run homer 377 feet off the roof of the Black Oak Casino Back Porch to give the Giants a quick 2-0 advantage. In the second inning, Jeremiah Jenkins singled, setting the stage for Andy Polanco’s 430-foot home run to extend the lead to 4-0.
Polanco added a solo 401-foot shot in the fourth inning, pushing the Giants’ lead to 5-0. Drew Smith contributed a two-run homer down the right field line in the fifth, increasing San Jose’s lead to 7-0. Stockton finally scored in the bottom of the fifth with Max Durrington hitting a 378-foot home run off the same roof.
Both teams scored another run in the sixth inning, but an error by Stockton center fielder Drew Burress allowed San Jose to extend their advantage to 10-2. The Ports added runs in the seventh with a sacrifice fly by Michael Brooks and an RBI single from Burress. Roman Martin capped the scoring with his first professional home run in the ninth inning, finalizing the score at 10-5.
Game two is scheduled for Thursday at 6:35 p.m. at Excite Ballpark in San Jose. The Giants will start first-round draft pick Jackson Flora, making his second professional start, while Stockton will counter with Donny Troconis, who has a 2-6 record and 6.21 ERA this season.
CSB Take
San Jose’s offensive firepower overwhelmed the Stockton Ports in the opening game, placing Stockton on the brink of elimination. The Ports must improve their pitching and take advantage of scoring opportunities to force a game three. The upcoming start by Donny Troconis offers Stockton a chance to reset against a Giants lineup that has demonstrated formidable power throughout the season.
Source: Original report
