Bay Area sports: Valkyries find their cadence, Giants pitching success

Axios

2 days ago

The Golden State Valkyries aren't doing so hot, but that doesn't mean a clearer picture of the team's identity hasn't emerged.
The latest: The Valks are 2-4, losing three straight after playing the two teams who were in the WNBA Finals last year — the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx.
Rookie forward Janelle Salaün is proving a consistent three-point scorer, while forward Kayla Thornton is tied for the league lead, averaging 2.3 steals per game.
What they're saying: "It is very clear what the identity of Golden State is," Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves said Sunday after the Lynx beat the Valkyries 86-55.
"They shoot threes, they play defense and protect the paint. And they out-effort people with the effort at every position, with everybody that comes into the game."
What to watch: Kate Martin scored a career high of 14 points on Sunday but is still struggling to get her footing.
Fun fact: Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is a fierce Valkyries fan, making courtside appearances at home games in lavender pants.
The bottom line:"I'm trying to get them to get the mindset of, let's just get 1% better every single day, just be in control of what we can control," Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase told ESPN.
Here are some other notable happenings in San Francisco sports:
Giants' pitching leads
The Giants head into June with a major league-best 2.64 ERA despite now going 14 straight games without scoring more than four runs.
Strong performances by pitchers Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong helped elevate the team to a 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday.
They need to figure out their offense stat as they begin a seven-game home stretch Monday with four against the San Diego Padres and three against the Atlanta Braves.
49ers' offseason without their heavyweights
Ahead of training camp, Jauan Jennings is the uncontested No. 1 wide receiver on the team.
The other player who's been put in the spotlight is running back Christian McCaffrey, whose lack of speed in offseason activity has drawn concern.
All eyes are on the expected dates of return for Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL), Ricky Pearsall (hamstring injury), Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle procedure) and Malik Mustapha (ACL injury).
Bay FC goes for the goals
Bay FC currently sits at No. 11 out of the NWSL's 15 teams.
Their aggressive possession-based offensive strategy, while often successful, has left them weaker on defense, sometimes leading to late-game goals.
Racheal Kundananji, who was called up to Zambia's national team for matches from May 26 through June 3, remains a critical player on the field with her ability to draw defenders and steal passes.