Month: September 2021

Casali drives in both runs in Giants win 2-0

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San Francisco Giants hitter Curt Casali swings for a two RBI single as Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d’Arnau looks on in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Sat Sep 18, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO-Alex Wood made his return to the starting rotation, but his return was a short one.

Wood, who was reinstated from the injured list prior to the game went only three innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits, walking no one, striking out four and hit by a batter and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 2-0 before a crowd of 32,058 at Oracle Park.

With the victory, the Giants maintained their two-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 earlier on Saturday at Great American Ballpark.

On the other side of things, this was the fourth loss in a row for the Braves and their lead in the National League East now stands at one game over the Philadelphia Phillies, who have won four in a row.

The Giants finally got to Charlie Morton in the bottom of the fourth inning, Curt Casali hit a two-run single to right field that scored both LaMonte Wade, Jr., and Brandon Crawford with what proved to be the only runs of the game.

Wade, Jr., walked to lead off the inning, then Crawford singled to right field to send Wade, Jr., down to second base. The duo then advanced an additional 90 feet, when Mike Yastrzemski dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt that he nearly beat out and then Casali hit the two-run single.

Once again, the Giants bullpen was dazzling in relief of Wood, as the combination of Zach Littell, Jay Jackson, Jarlin Garcia, Jose Alvarez, Tyler Rogers and Dominic Leone combined to go the final five innings, allowing zero runs on five hits, walking three and striking out five.

Morton went the first five for the Braves, as he allowed two runs on four hits, three walks and struck out three.

It looked like the Braves took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning, as Jorge Soler it looked like he hit his 24th home run of the season; however, Steven Duggar robbed him of the home run, when he brought the ball back into play and it was called a double off of Littell, who then gave up a single to Freddie Freeman.

Littell was able to get out of the inning unscathed, as he struck out Austin Riley on a foul tip that was reviewed and confirmed after 67 seconds to be the third strike, then Littell struck out both Adam Duvall and Travis dArnaud to get out of the jam.

With the Giants scoring the two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, it gave the win to Littell and he raised his record to 4-0 on the season and Leone, who came on to close the game picked up his second save of the season.

NOTES: Wood was reinstated, as he started the game for the Giants, to make room for Wood, Sammy Long was optioned to Sacramento and Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment.

The Giants home run streak came to a halt at 12 consecutive games (26 home runs overall) and this was the longest streak by the team since they hit home runs in 13 straight games from June 25-July 12 of 2019 and hit 25 home runs during the streak.

When Donovan Solano hit his pinch-hit home run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday night, it was the 16th pinch-hit home run of the season for the team and are one shy of the Major-League record set by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017, when they hit 17.

The Giants record of 97-52 thru 149 games is the best by the team since they moved to California in 1958, passing both the 1962 and 1993 team that was 93-56 thru 149 games.

This was the 1,250th win by the Giants over the Braves all-time and have lost 1,097 times and tied 26 times.

UP NEXT: Anthony DeSclafani goes to the mound for the Giants, as they look for the sweep and DeSclafani goes for his 13th win of the season, while the Braves will send Max Fried to the hill, as he looks for his 12th win of the season.

It’s a shootout Cal bests Sacramento State 42-30

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Cal Bears quarterback Chase Garbers passes against the Sacramento State Hornets at Cal Memorial Stadium during the home opener at UC Berkeley on Sat Sep 18, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Morris Phillips and Michael Duca

Cal Bears quarterback Chase Garbers lead Cal to the Bears first victory of 2021 with a convincing 42-30 win over the visiting Sacramento State Hornets at Cal Memorial Stadium. Garbers had himself an afternoon throwing 22-34 for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears offense dominated in the first half 21-6 and the Hornets made it interesting in the second half outscoring the Bears 24-21 but the Bears hung on for the 12 point win.

The Bears Nikko Remiglio returned a second half kick off for a touchdown. Bears head coach Justin Wilcox said that winning in college football is not an easy task and he’s not taking the Bears first win of the season for granted, “You never minimize a win. It’s hard winning in college football, regardless of who you’re playing. … It’s good to get a win. But we all know that we need to be much, much better.” said Wilcox.

The Bears upon returning back to Berkeley and a full season schedule wanted to avoid going 0-3 for the first time since 2001 and in the abbreviated season of six games in 2020 the Bears lost the first three games of the season.

The Bears offense has improved over the last two games, Garbers didn’t waste anytime contributing to getting the Bears on the scoreboard on the first two drives Garbers gave to Bears running back Damien Moore who carried twice for four yard touchdowns. Moore had 87 yards in Saturday’s game.

Cal wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter caught a Garbers pass for a 45 yard touchdown. Hunter would come away with five receptions for 78 yards and the one touchdown. The Bears Trevon Clark scored a 12 yard touchdown in the third quarter and carried for a 16 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“Each and every week we have gotten better, we have taken steps forward. As the season goes on and weeks go on, we’ll keep taking that next step.” said Garbers. Remiglio’s kickoff return to open the second half a 99 yard return really set the tone and the Bears confidence carried the rest of the game.

It’s off to Seattle and the Washington Huskies next Sat Sep 26th the Huskies got a huge win this Saturday against the Arkansas Redwolves 52-3. Huskies quarterback Dylan Morris went 23-39, 367 yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Incognito out of the line up for Sunday; Raiders focus on shutting down Steelers Roethlisberger

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Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Richie Incognito in drills back on Wed May 26, 2021 will not be in Sunday’s line up against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)

On Las Vegas Raiders podcast:

#1 Rich, offensive lineman Richie Incognito will not be in the line up Sunday and Denzelle Good is out for the season the pressure to hold the Steel Curtain Sunday will be on John Simpson like last week against the Ravens. Simpson will have to be on his A game against the Steelers defense Sunday.

#2 Rich, talk about the front seven and how difficult it will be for Raiders center Andre James and the offensive line against the Pittsburgh Steelers front seven Sunday at Heinz Field.

#3 Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs impressed the coaching staff in camp and in practices to earn the job at starting nickel back. The coaches after the Baltimore game said Hobbs hasn’t seen competition until he faces the Steelers Sunday.

#4 Rich, Hunter Renfrow had himself a game the coaches say he was a huge part of the receiving core last Monday night with six catches for 70 yards and of those 59 yards came from catching them in the slot.

#5 The Raiders defense will try and read the Steelers offense all game long Sunday. The Steelers handled the Buffalo Bills in their last win last week 23-16. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was 18-32 for 188 yards and threw for one touchdown. How do you see the Raiders defense attempting to shut down Roethlisberger’s game down Sunday?

Join Rich for the Raiders podcasts each Sunday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com



San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: 49ers gear up for a potent Eagles offense led by QB Hurts

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts carries the football against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the first half of action last Sun Sep 12, 2021 during week 1 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw who picked off Detroit Lions quarterback Jerod Goff’s pass for a 39 yard return last Sunday during week one will have surgery for an injured groin. Greenlaw is one of three starters for the 49ers who will be out of the line up this Sunday in week 2 in Philadelphia. Greenlaw is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.

#2 The other two 49ers who will be lost for the rest of the season are cornerback Jason Verett and running back Raheem Mostert out with knee injuries.

#3 Azeez Al-Shaair will taking over Greenlaw’s spot at linebacker Al Shaair impressed head coach Kyle Shanahan in the game in Detroit last Sunday with seven tackles, two of those he threw for loses, and broke up two passes.

#4 The 49ers will used Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles who will be in the starting line up Sunday at strongside linebacker. Flannigan-Fowles was a safety when he came in as a 2019 undrafted free agent.

#5 The Philadelphia Eagles will host the 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for week 2. Last week the Eagles crushed the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta 32-6. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts put the hurts to the Falcons with 27 completions out of 35 throws for 264 yards and three touchdowns. How do you see the Eagles matching up against the 49ers in week 2?

Join Jeremiah for the 49ers podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Win Game One of Angels Series 5-4

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Los Angeles Angel designated hitter Shohei Ohtani takes a few warm up swings on the on deck circle in preparation in facing Oakland A’s reliever Jake Diekman in the top of the seventh inning at the Oakland Ring Central Coliseum in Oakland on Fri Sep 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After winning their series with the Kansas City Royals the Oakland A’s traveled to southern California to take on the Los Angeles Angels in a three game series.

Cole Irvin was on the mound for Oakland and Jhonathan Diaz started for the Angels. Irvin has a 3.97 ERA and Diaz comes in with a 10.80 ERA.

The A’s took the early lead 2-0 in the second inning and Los Angeles answered with four runs in the same inning leading 4-2. Suzuki had a solo home run in the second inning to start off the scoring for the Angels.

The A’s would score a run in the third inning to pull to within one 4-3. The A’s had the bases loaded in the fifth inning and came up empty. This was a great opportunity squandered by Oakland and is something that they have struggled with this season. Leaving runners stranded has been a sore spot for the team.

In the sixth inning the A’s would take the lead 5-4 and win it in this closely contested ballgame.

After going six innings Cole Irvin was relieved by Jake Diekman in the seventh inning. Oakland needed the bullpen to step up and protect the slim lead. It was a three up, three down for Diekman.

With two innings left in the game the A’s needed an insurance run or two to take this first game of the series.

The Angels threatened in the eighth inning but a brilliant throw from Starling Marte to Matt Chapman tagged Kean Kong out at third for the third out of the inning.

Sergio Romo would take the mound to try and close out this game for Oakland. The A’s would hang on for their 80th win of the season. It was a very nice outing for the Oakland bullpen. There were no long balls for the A’s in this one but some great defensive play which salvaged this game for the A’s Game Two is scheduled for 6:07.

Fortinet Championship: A little local flavor on top

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Maverick McNealy takes the lead with a eight under par 64 lead and is on top of the leaderboard with a -12 at the Silverado Resort Fortinet Championship in Napa (file photo birdiesforeducation.com)

FORTINET CHAMPIONSHIP: A little local flavor on top

By Jeremy Harness

This tournament has been known for guys going low throughout the weekend, and for the leaderboard to change rapidly at a moment’s notice.

Friday’s second round did not disappoint, as several players took advantage of the calm conditions at Silverado Resort & Spa, and the birdies continued to roll in without ceasing. And yes, there were a band new set of leaders atop the Fortinet Championship.

Maverick McNealy, a Stanford grad who is seeking his first professional victory and whose best finish is second in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year, shot up to the top of the leaderboard with an eight-under round of 64 on Friday.

Starting on the 10th hole, he got off to a very nice start to his round, birdieing his first two holes and then adding three more birdies on his front nine. He hit a major snag on his back nine by bogeying the first three holes there but quickly rallied with four birdies in a row and capped things off with an eagle at the par-5 ninth.

“It’s great, but there’s a lot of great players on this leaderboard and every shot’s going to matter,” McNealy said. “I just keep telling myself every putt you make now is one less you have to make later and you have to keep the pedal down. My goal tomorrow’s to get out there and give myself a birdie look on the first hole. I’m just going to have to keep doing that. Yeah, it’s great to be at the top of the leaderboard now, but it means a heck of a lot more to be at the top at the end of 72 holes.”

If you ask any good player the easiest way to shave strokes off your game, that person will most likely tell you to work on your putting. You want proof? Take a look at McNealy’s second round.

He drove the ball less accurately off the tee – he hit only six fairways Friday, compared to eight on Thursday – and didn’t hit it as far as he did in the first round, and he hit fewer greens in regulation (13 as opposed to 15) as well.

However, he made considerably more putts on Friday than was the case the day before, resulting in four more birdies and four fewer strokes. He is now second in the field in putts-per-green-in-regulation with 1.536.

While many were going low,first-round leader Chez Reavie went the opposite direction, carding a three-over round of 75. He was even-par after nine, but this time, he did not get hot. Instead, he went four-over in holes 11 through 13, including a double at the par-3 11th. He made back-to-back birdies at the 14th and 15th, but the damage was done.

He did not make nearly as many putts as he did in the first round. In fact, he lost more than a full stroke to the field in putting, in addition to being at a severe disadvantage off the tee and got up and down only 33 percent of the time on Friday, as opposed to 80 percent the day before.

Gausman wins it in extras with a sacrifice fly edge Braves 6-5 in 11

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By Jeremy Kahn

San Francisco Giant pitcher Kevin Gausman in front of Brandon Belt (9) and Brandon Crawford (35) celebrate Gausman’s pinch hit sacrifice RBI that scored Crawford in the 11th inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco to edge the Atlanta Braves on Fri Sep 17, 2021 (AP News photo)

SAN FRANCISCO-If you had Kevin Gausman to get the game-winning run batted in for the San Francisco Giants, you should be a gambler.

Gausman came off the bench to pinch hit for Camilo Doval and hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning, as the Giants came back to defeat the Atlanta Braves 6-5 before a crowd of 26,644 at Oracle Park.

Coupled with the Cincinnati Reds win by the final of 3-1 at Great American Ballpark over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants lead over the Dodgers is up to two games in the National League West with 14 games to play.

The Giants, who ran out of position players after Curt Casali came off the bench to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth inning, were forced to send a pitcher to the plate to bat and the call went to Gausman, who walked in his only previous pinch-hit at bat.

Last walk-off RBI by a Giants pitcher prior to tonight was September 25, 2018 versus the San Diego Padres when Madison Bumgarner singled home Gorkys Hernandez in the bottom of the 12th inning.

Brandon Crawford was the runner on second in the bottom of the 11th inning, and after eventual losing pitcher Justin Webb threw his pickoff attempt into centerfield, Crawford got up and moved to third base. Webb then intentionally walked Evan Longoria, but then Webb was able to get Steven Duggar to fly out to Adam Duvall for the first out of the inning; however, Crawford was unable to score.

Webb then walked Donovan Solano intentionally for the second intentional walk of the inning and the fourth between the 10th and 11th innings alone that brought up Gausman, who ran the count to 3-2 and then on sixth pitch of the at-bat, launched the ball into right field and Crawford beat the throw from Joc Pederson to give the Giants one of the most dramatic wins of the season.

In each of the last 10 losses by the Braves, they have been by one or two runs. During the streak, they have seven one-run losses and three two-run losses and this was the 29th one-run loss by them this season, only the New York Mets with 32 have more.

Solano, who was walked intentionally in the bottom of the 11th inning sent the game into extra innings, as hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning with two strikes and two outs off of former Giants closer Will Smith.

This was the 16th pinch-hit home run of the season for the Giants, the most in the National League.

Solano, who was out for 21 games and in quarantine for a period of 14 days after tested positive for Covid-19.

Dominic Leone pitched a perfect eighth inning after replacing Logan Webb, who pitched a fantastic first seven innings for the Giants.

Tyler Rogers came on to close it out for the Giants, but got into immediate trouble in the top of the ninth inning, as he allowed back-to-back hits to Riley and Duvall and nearly gave up a third straight hit; however, Tommy La Stella made a great catch off a ball hit by Eddie Rosario for the first out of the inning. Then dArnaud launched what looked like a game-winning three-run home run into the left field bleachers just out of the reach of Kris Bryant that gave the Braves a short-lived 5-4 lead.

Brandon Belt, Crawford and Lamont Wade, Jr., joined Solano as they each hit home runs for the Giants.

Go figure, on the night that the Giants would hit three home runs, bringing their total to 227, passing the 2000 team for the second-most in team history and trailing the 2001 team for the most in team history, when they hit 235, the man who hit 122 of those home runs, would be at the game and his name is Barry Bonds.

Logan Webb pitched fantastic, as he went seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking not a single batter and striking out nine, but did not fare in the decision.

Webb fell into a jam in the top of the first inning, as after he struck out the first two batters of the game, he then gave up three straight hits to Freddie Freeman, Austin Riley and Duvall, who drove in both runs in the inning, when he doubled off of Webb. Both Freeman and Riley singled prior to the Duvall double.

That lead would not last long, as Ian Anderson walked Darin Ruf to lead off the bottom of the first inning and then on a 2-0 pitch, Belt hit his team-leading 26th home run of the season.

Crawford gave the Giants the lead for the time being in the bottom of the second inning, as he led off the inning with his 21st home run of the season on a 3-1 pitch.

Wade, Jr., hit the third home run of the night for the Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning, as he hit a solo home run into McCovey Cove. It was the second Splash Hit of the season for Wade, and the 91st since the ballpark opened on April 11, 2000.

Crawford not only came up big at the plate, he also came up with a dazzling play in the field off of the bat of Riley in the top of the sixth inning. In what looked like was going to go into left field, Crawford dove into the hole, snared the ball with his glove, got up to throw across the infield to get Riley by a few steps at first base.

Anderson pitched the first 5.2 innings for the Braves, as he allowed four runs on five hits, walking two and striking out and like Webb did not fare in the decision.

Leone came on to replace Webb and promptly got out of the inning, as he retired the Braves in order, including Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP on a ground ball to end the inning. Freeman went 2-for-4 on the night.

Bryant doubled in the bottom of the sixth inning, it was the 16th straight game that Bryant would reach, his longest streak since July 4-26, 2019, when he also reached in 16 games, while with the Chicago Cubs.

NOTES: Solano returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the IL, while Jay Jackson was recalled from Sacramento, Jake McGee was placed on the 10-day IL (retro to September 14) with a right oblique strain and Thairo Estrada was optioned to Sacramento.

The Giants tied for the third most hits in a game, that were all extra base hits (since 1901): 5/5/1901 Reds: 10 8/18/1998 Braves (vs SF): 9 Tonight Giants: 8 6/3/2017 Yankees: 8 7/10/2010 Tigers: 8 9/18/2002 Cardinals: 8, this according to Sarah Langs.

The only other time that the Giants received a game-winning pinch hit RBI from a pitcher was Don Robinson on July 31, 1990 at Candlestick Park against Juan Agosto of the Houston Astros, when Robinson singled to score Brett Butler from third base.

This was the 16th four-home run or more game of the season, passing the Toronto Blue Jays for the most in the Major Leagues.

Also, the Solano home run was the 74th by the team this season, ranking third in the majors, behind the Tampa Bay Rays and the Blue Jays.

UP NEXT: Alex Wood takes the mound on Saturday night for the Giants, as he looks for his 11th win of the season, while Charlie Morton will take the mound for the Braves, as he looks for his 14th win of the season for the visitors from Atlanta.

Aces secure playoff double bye with win over Sky, 103-70

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: Riquna Williams (2) of the Las Vegas Aces seen playing the Los Angeles Sparks on June 30, 2021 at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces rolled off a 34-17 second quarter enroute to a 103-70 blowout win over the Sky in Chicago.

“Tonight was one of our better games,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We will take the win.”

With the win, the Aces secured the second seed going into the playoffs and a double bye.

“We haven’t done anything yet,” said Laimbeer. “We were expected to get the double bye.”

Six players scored in double figures including Riquna Williams, who scored a game high 22 points.

“Defense wins games,” said Williams on the Aces defense. “We need to just lock up and defend.”

A’ja Wilson recorded a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum came off the bench and dropped 20.

“I was just trying to play free and be myself,” said Plum. “We knew that we had to bring up the intensity level.”

The Aces improved to 23-8 on the season heading into their final game of the regular season on Sunday in Phoenix against the Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 56.2% from the field.
– Las Vegas was outrebounded by Dallas, 47-33.
– The Aces went 9 for 18 from three-point range.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL
Liz Cambage – Out, health and safety protocol

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Tony Kemp A’s Clemente Award winner; Royals tried to play spoiler during series in KC

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Oakland A’s second baseman Tony Kemp was recognized as the Roberto Clemente Award winner for 2021 for not only his hard work on the field but his community service off the field (file photo White Cleat Beat)

On the A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Roberto Clemente day has been designated annually every September 30th as all MLB players will wear #21 to honor the former Pittsburgh Pirate. Teams will be naming a player each season who best represents the attributes of Clemente on and off the field. The A’s have named Tony Kemp as that player whose kept up with fans on instagram discussing everything from race, and local issues in the greater Oakland community and what it’s like to compete with the A’s this season.

#2 Kemp said in writing and speaking with fans about issues is a work in progress he gets to hear some of the fans personnel issues whether it pertains to race issues, crime in neighborhoods, chaperone services for the elderly in Oakland Chinatown and concerns about working people who are just trying to make ends meet everyday. Kemp is certainly well respected amongst his teammates and truly appreciate him taking a key role in reaching out.

#3 The Kansas City Royals who are well out of the post season contention battled the A’s during the three game series this week and the Royals who are playing spoiler were not mailing it in. Even though the A’s took two of the three games from the Royals the A’s won by two runs in each of their wins and the Royals won the second game by 10-7. It just shows you teams are getting up for the A’s who are trying to survive with their post season hopes in their own right.

#4 A’s starter Chris Bassitt is making progress since his cheek surgery after getting hit in the face back on Aug 17th at Guarantee Rate Field in Chicago. Bassitt has been doing bullpen sessions in Kansas City and will face live hitter in Anaheim this weekend in a simulated game. A’s manager Bob Melvin says “looked like himself.”

#5 A’s open up a three game series in Anaheim tonight the A’s will be going with Cole Irvin (9-13 ERA 4.04) and the Angels have not announced a starter yet. First pitch is slated for 6:38 PM (PDT) at the Big A. The Angels are 14 games out and have won four of their last ten games.

Join Jeremiah Fridays for the Oakland A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Fortinet Championship: Clear skies, bright start to the PGA Tour season

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Chez Reavie on the 18th green looks at his handy work a putt at the Silverado North Course on Sep 16, 2021 at the Fortinet Championship PGA golf tournament first round (AP News photo)

FORTINET CHAMPIONSHIP: Clear skies, bright start to the PGA Tour season

By Jeremy Harness

At this point last year, this tournament was played at a time where the skies were a dark orange color because of the fires that seemed to engulf the entire Northern California region. An eerie sight to see, to be sure.

Furthermore, there were no spectators allowed on the grounds due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making this a thoroughly-depressing tournament to watch on television.

Fast forward 12 months, and even though there are fires burning around the region – particularly in the Lake Tahoe area – and COVID-19 is still most definitely a real thing – the atmosphere around Silverado Resort & Spa could not have been any different from 2020.

Golfers teed off Thursday morning and afternoon under clear skies, with no smell of fire smoke to speak of. And just as important, spectators were free to follow their favorite players, something they could only hope to be able to do again months earlier.

As for the Fortinet Championship itself, Chez Reavie overcame a tough start to take the lead after Thursday’s first round.

Starting on the 10th hole, he was one-over after the first six holes, but then he got rolling in a major way. He birdied eight of the final 12 holes, including three in a row to close out his round. When it was all said and done, he finished with a seven-under round of 65.

He isn’t the longest hitter out there – he was 117th in the field in driving distance Thursday while hitting 8 of 14 fairways, which ranked 23rd – but he hit 13 greens and was 2nd in putts-per-green-in-regulation, and he was the eighth-best putter overall.

“It was kind of a slow start but I told myself to stay patient, you have plenty of chances to make birdies, and I was able to do that coming in,” Reavie said. “But I was 1 over through six holes, I think. I was like, okay, stay patient, don’t become impatient. Yeah, fortunately I was able to make some birdies.”

The only real downer of this tournament is that since the Ryder Cup is next weekend, there aren’t nearly as many big names out there as a lot of fans would like. In fact, the only Ryder Cup participant who is playing this week is Jon Rahm, this year’s runner-up for the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year.

The Spaniard, who won the 2021 U.S Open, did not exactly get off to the kind of start he would have liked, particularly after also finishing second in this year’s Tour Championship, eventually losing out to Patrick Cantlay.

He was one-under for his first nine but endured a pair of tough bogeys on his second nine against one birdie, and he finished with an even-par round of 72. To be fair, Rahm had been battling a stomach ailment this week leading up to this event and has not felt anywhere close to 100 percent until Thursday.

“Not my best ball-striking day, a little tight today probably from having to be in bed for so long yesterday,” Rahm said. “So a little tight, just didn’t feel as fluid as it usually does. Even with how I felt, I played a little bit better than I thought I was going to, to be honest. Started great, started to hit some good shots, too bad I couldn’t capitalize on some of the good chances early on.

“Towards the end a lot of times my mind just wasn’t in it, I was having a hard time focusing given the fact that I haven’t had a solid meal since Tuesday morning. It is what it is. I just started, I’m feeling good now, so get a good meal right now and rest up the rest of the day. We have three more days to go. You can’t win it today, you can certainly lose it and it wasn’t my best day.”