Fans filled Sutter Health Park on Sunday as the Sacramento River Cats beat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 in an exhibition game that offered an early taste of the baseball season.The matchup brought together River Cats and Giants supporters, many eager for baseball to return.“Finally, the drought is over between football and the start of baseball,” Giants fan Michael Hare said.For some in attendance, the exhibition game was as much about tradition as it was about the result.“These games are always great,” fan Allison Adams said. “We came in support of the River Cats and the Giants. Just seeing them together is perfect.”Liz Hoag said she attended with a large group that has been coming to the ballpark for years.“We’re here with a group of about 20 people, and we’ve been coming here since they opened,” Hoag said. “It’s a lot of fun.”With concession lines growing and families filling the stands, the atmosphere reflected the excitement of the season ahead. Hare, a Giants season ticket holder, said the game felt like an early step into what he hopes will be a memorable year.“I’m really excited,” Hare said. “We’re season ticket holders for the Giants, so it’s just dipping our toes in the water, getting ready for an awesome season.”The River Cats took control with a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, helping secure the 2-1 win.Adams said the close view of the action and the interaction between players and fans make games at Sutter Health Park especially appealing.“When you sit here, they’re right there, and they’re really interactive with the fans,” Adams said. “So it’s a great experience for all of us.”The River Cats return to Sutter Health Park on Friday for their home opener against the El Paso Chihuahuas.Major League Baseball is also coming to the venue soon. The Athletics’ home opener at Sutter Health Park is scheduled for April 3 against the Houston Astros. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Fans filled Sutter Health Park on Sunday as the Sacramento River Cats beat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 in an exhibition game that offered an early taste of the baseball season.

The matchup brought together River Cats and Giants supporters, many eager for baseball to return.

“Finally, the drought is over between football and the start of baseball,” Giants fan Michael Hare said.

For some in attendance, the exhibition game was as much about tradition as it was about the result.

“These games are always great,” fan Allison Adams said. “We came in support of the River Cats and the Giants. Just seeing them together is perfect.”

Liz Hoag said she attended with a large group that has been coming to the ballpark for years.

“We’re here with a group of about 20 people, and we’ve been coming here since they opened,” Hoag said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

With concession lines growing and families filling the stands, the atmosphere reflected the excitement of the season ahead. Hare, a Giants season ticket holder, said the game felt like an early step into what he hopes will be a memorable year.

“I’m really excited,” Hare said. “We’re season ticket holders for the Giants, so it’s just dipping our toes in the water, getting ready for an awesome season.”

The River Cats took control with a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, helping secure the 2-1 win.

Adams said the close view of the action and the interaction between players and fans make games at Sutter Health Park especially appealing.

“When you sit here, they’re right there, and they’re really interactive with the fans,” Adams said. “So it’s a great experience for all of us.”

The River Cats return to Sutter Health Park on Friday for their home opener against the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Major League Baseball is also coming to the venue soon. The Athletics’ home opener at Sutter Health Park is scheduled for April 3 against the Houston Astros.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel