Month: May 2023

Crushing Defeat For Warriors Losing to Los Angeles 104-101

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) gets airborne driving to the net against the Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in game 5 of the NBA Playoffs on Mon May 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

Crushing Defeat For Warriors Losing to Los Angeles 104-101

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (1-3) are in a bit of a pickle trailing the Los Angeles Lakers (3-1) 3 games to 1 in the Western Conference semifinals. Yes they do thrive when faced with adversity but they couldn’t do it Monday night at Crypto.com Arena in a game 4 104-101 loss.

Game 4 game wrap: The opening quarter was a slow one for both teams. The Warriors took a five point lead mid-way through the quarter going on an 8-0 run. The Lakers answered with their own 8-0 run. The first quarter was a close one with Golden State leading 22-21.

The Lakers were upstaged by Warriors guard Stephen Curry in the second quarter. He had 17 points at, the half 14 of them in the second quarter. The Warriors finished the first half with six turnovers. Curry also had seven rebounds and seven assists. At the half the Warriors held a slim 52-49 lead. It was Anthony Davis who was keeping the Lakers in this game.

The Warriors would have to find a way to contain Davis who finished the half with 19 points and was having another outstanding game. In the first half Davis was doing whatever he wanted. Klay Thompson needed to get going only hitting one triple in the first half.

Going into this game the Warriors wanted to score more points in the paint and they did have that going but they also needed to get a few triples as well. They only had five from downtown in the first half. They needed to keep Davis on the perimeter in the second half.

Whenever it began to hinge in one direction or the other neither team could distance themselves in the opening minutes. The Lakers got a 10-0 run going as the quarter wore on taking a 59-57 lead at 8:30. The tide turned in this game when the Warriors went off taking the largest lead of the game 73-61 with under six minutes left in the third quarter. Golden State led 84-77 going into the fourth quarter.

Golden State watched their lead evaporate in the final quarter. The Lakers are the top scoring fourth quarter team in the league and they really showed it. Curry already had a triple double in the game getting the Warriors fired up. This game was going into a higher level of intensity the Warriors have yet to see so far in these playoffs. It was insanity.

With five minutes left in the game it was tied at 94. Thompson had a huge three in the waning minutes but he also missed a couple of shots from downtown. With 15 ticks left on the clock the Warriors were trailing 104-101. Two late turnovers by Golden State made all the difference in this game. Davis had a horrible second half with only four points, but the Warriors just couldn’t cash in.

Curry had his third career triple double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. It was just so close and the Warriors needed just a bit more from Thompson to take this game. It was a tough loss for Golden State after they had finally taken a double digit lead. They just couldn’t hang onto it. They could not be in any tougher of a situation trailing 3-1 in the series.

Game Five will be played at Chase Center on Wednesday night with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Nats five run first inning rally ends Giants hopes early 5-1

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San Francisco Giants Joc Pederson hit a ninth inning home run for the Giants only run of the night against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Washington (14-20). 500 000 000 – 5. 11 0

San Francisco (15-18). 000 000 001 – 1. 6. 0

Time: 2:14

Attendance: 20,502

Monday, May 8, 2023

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–The old saying went, “Washington, first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” Times have changed, and now it would go, “Washington, first in war, first in peace, and last in the National League East.” The Nats came to town, flushed with victory after their come from behind 9-8 victory over the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. They sent Jake Irvin, who at 0-0, 2.08, was making his second major league start, to the mound.

Irvin throws four seamers about 35.8% of the time and curves another 34.6% Their average velocities are 92.6 and 79.3 mph, respectively He’s gone to the change of pace 16% of the time, averaging 87.7. His sinker (13.6) comes in at 92.4 mph.

The Giants opposed the 26 year old rookie with 33 year old veteran of eight big league campaigns, Anthony DeScalfani, who toed the rubber at (3-1,2.13).

The encounter ended with Washington on top, 5-1.

The Nationals jumped all over DeSclafani in the first, batting around and circling the bases five times on singles by Lane Thomas, Luis García, Keibert Ruíz, Joey Meneses, Dominic Smith, and CJ Abrams, with a double by Alex Cal thrown into the mix.

They probably would have scored more if it hadn’t been for some bonehead baserunning by Ruíz, who tried to advance to second on his safety even though Thomas, whose single had preceded his, was occupying the base.

Irvin didn’t exactly dominate the home team, but he did hold the Giants in check with a little help from a pitcher’s best friend; the Nationals pulled off three twin killings in the first four frames.

What’s more important is that the rookie righty didn’t allow a run while he was on duty, although he did leave two men on when exited after 6-1/3 innings. He’d allowed four hits and three walks, striking out five. 54 of his 92 pitches were strikes, and Carl Edwards, Jr., who replaced him, stranded the two legacy runners. He got his first big league win, and he deserved it.

DeScalfani had some rocky moments, but a couple of double plays and a great diving catch in the t top of the seventh by Mitch Haniger on Candelario’s dying swan kept the deficit down to five runs until his departure after seven frames, allowing those five first frame tallies, which came on seven hits, to which they added another three but no more runs, He struck out three and walked one. His replacement was Tristan Beck. But that first inning did the Giants’ starter in, and he took the loss.

Edwards pitched an ugly bottom of the eighth, allowing a single to Wisely, unleashing a wild pitch, and plunking LaWade, but the a double play wiped out his sins and the Giants.

San Francisco had one more shot at a win. They faced Andrés Machado, who fell behind leadoff hitter Joc Pederson before surrendering a 399 foot face saving home run to left. Davis then struck out on a clock violation called third strike. A grounder to the mound and a nice grab by shortstop Abrams of a liner by Hanger, and that was that.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:47, the Nats’ Patrick Corbin (1-4, 5.17) will duel against Logan Webb (2-5, 3.80) in the second of this three game series.

Yanks do all the damage in middle innings bury A’s 7-2

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By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK.—Even with star Aaron Judge on the injured list, the struggling New York Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7-2 on Monday night in game one of the series at Yankee Stadium.

A’s starting pitcher JP Sears allowed five runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. A’s manager Mark Kotsay acknowledged that Sears’ slider became less effective as the game went on and that “tonight was for growth”.

“He’s a student of the game,” Kotsay said of Sears.

“I’m sure he’s down tonight based on the performance but overall through five innings, he gave us a chance to win a game and offensively we didn’t help him either. We had some good opportunities to capitalize… and we didn’t come through.”

Sears said he “felt good” and has been feeling as such for the last four starts.

‘They’re all great hitters over there, obviously,” he said of the Yankees.

Oswaldo Cabrera hit a homer on a fly ball to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning and Harrison Bader scored, putting the Yankees up 2-0.

In the sixth, Tony Kemp hit a soft ground ball to first baseman Anthony Rizzo and allowed Brent Rooker to score and cut New York’s lead to 2-1. Then Jace Peterson walked and Jesus Aguilar scored, tying the game.

But Gleyber Torres hit a home run to left field, then DJ LeMahieu homered on a fly ball to left center field and Rizzo scored, boosting the Yankees up 5-2. In the seventh, Aaron Hicks homered to right field and Jose Trevino scored to make it 7-2.

A’s outfielder Ramón Laureano is in concussion protocol and will remain day-to-day, Kotsay said.

Oakland (8-28) is 2-2 in their current six-game road trip. The series continues on Tuesday with A’s right-handed pitcher Drew Rucinski facing Yankees right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt at 4:05 p.m. PT.

The Yankees (19-17) are set on Tuesday to activate Judge who has been on the injured list with a strained right hip, so it won’t be getting any easier for the A’s.

Yankees four home runs beat A’s 7-2

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The New York Yankees were knocking on the door of the base knock all night which led to a five run win to open a three game series against the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium on Mon May 8, 2023 (@Yankees photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The New York Yankees won the first game of three-game series with the Oakland A’s 7-2. In the first four innings of the game, the A’s starter JP Sears allowed the Yanks just one hit. Things went south in the fifth. The Yankees’ right-fielder Oswaldo Cabrera homered with a man on board to give the Yanks a 2-0.

The A’s tied the score in the next inning. Sears gave up a solo home run to Glyber Torres and a two-run blast to D J LeMahieu. New York added two more in the seventh when Aaron Hicks hit a two-run dinger to put the game out of reach.

The Yankees put two runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Center fielder Harrison Bader led off the frame when he tripled into the gap in left-centerfield. Sears retired Isiah Kiner-Filefa for the first out. The next hitter, Oswaldo Cabrera, homered over the 318-foot marker in left field. New York leads 2-0 after five complete.

The A’s tied the game in the top of the sixth. Brent Rooker singled to start the rally. Yankees’ starter Nestor Cortes walked Jesus Aguilar to put men on at first and second. JJ Bleday singled to right to load the bases. The Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone brought in Ron Marinaccio to pitch.

A’s skipper Mark Kotsay sent up Tony Kemp to pinch-hit for Jordan Diaz. Kemp reached on an infield single to drive in Rooker with the A’s first run. Sheal Langeliers struck out. Kotsay sent up left-handed hitter Jace Peterson to pinch-hit for Kevin Smith. Marinaccio walked Peterson to force in the A’s second run. Nick Allen hit into a double play to end the inning. The score is tied 2-2 midway through the sixth.

The Yankees sent JP Sears to the showers in the sixth. Sears struck out Anthony Volpe for the first out. Sears served up a gopher ball to Glyber Torres. The Yanks led 3-2. The next hitter Anthony Rizzo singled. DJ LeMahieu blasted his fifth home run of the year to give the Yanks a 5-2 advantage after six innings.

The Yankees continued the homer parade in the seventh. With one out, catcher Jose Trevino singled. The next hitter, the much-maligned Aaron Hicks, who had been hearing from the boo birds after his first two at-bats in the game, homered. The booing stopped as all Hicks heard was the cheering from the crowd when he crossed the plate with the Yanks’ seventh run. The Yanks lead 7-2.

The Yankees bullpen kept the A’s scoreless after the fifth inning to secure the win. The Yankees beat the A’s 7-2 to take game one of the three-game series.

Game Notes- With the loss, the A’s are now 8-28. The Yankees improved to 19-17.

The line score for Oakland was two runs, ten hits, and no errors. New York’s line was seven runs, nine hits, and no errors. Four of the nine Yankee hits were home runs. Sears was the losing pitcher. He is now 0-3 for 2023. Ron Marinaccio was the winning pitcher.

Sears’ line was five and 1/3rd innings pitched. He allowed five runs and six hits. Three of the hits were homers.
The A’s play game two of the series Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Drew Rucinski (0-2 ERA 7.71) will go for Oakland, and the Yankees will send Clark Schmidt (0-3 ERA 5.83) to the mound to face the A’s. The game will start at 4:05 pm.

The time of the game was 2:34. 33,011 fans were on hand to watch the Yankees beat the A’s.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Marko Ukalovic: NJ gets big win over Carolina; Panthers could finish off Leafs Wed; plus more

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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) fights with Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho during the second period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Newark, N.J (AP News photo)

On NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast:

#1 The New Jersey Devils avoided going down 0-3 with a four goal win over the Carolina Hurricanes 8-4 to cut the Hurricanes lead to 1-2. New Jersey’s Jack Hughes scored twice and scored three goals in the first period in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup.

#2 The Florida Panthers Sam Reinhart scored at 3:02 in overtime to give the Panthers a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs to put the Leafs on the brink of elimination 3-0. The Panthers can advance to the third round for the first time since 1996 for the Eastern Conference Finals.

#3 Seattle Kraken scored five goals in the second period of game 3 to go up 2-1. The Kraken blew away the Dallas Stars 7-2. Game 4 is scheduled to face off Tuesday. The Kraken’s Matty Beniers, Eeli Tolvanen, Alex Wennberg, and Justin Schultz all scored and had assist in the second period.

#4 The Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisatl has scored 13 goals the most goals through eight games, the second place holder with the most goals goes back to 1985 who was an Oiler Jan Kurri who had 13 as well. The record holder is Newsy Lalonde of the 1919 Montreal Canadiens with 15.

#5 Marko, the series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Oilers is tied 1-1. The Oilers got a four goal win over the Knights 5-1. The Oilers opened up with four goals in the first period. The Oilers top scorers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl scored two goals each in the win.

Join Marko for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts on Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Vida Blue a Special man, great Pitcher

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Cy Young and All Star pitcher Vida Blue is seen here dealing in this circa 1971 photo at the Oakland Coliseum. Vida passed away at age 73 on Sun May 7, 2023 (AP photo file)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

By Amaury Pi-González

In Spanish the word Vida means Life. And Vida Blue was that type of guy, he loved life and people, he loved life and never took himself very seriously, he knew what he did as a baseball player and that was that. He was a pitcher that won three World Series in three consecutive years, a Cy Young winner and many other awards playing for the real dynasty of the 1970s and one of the greatest dynasties of baseball, definitely “the” true dynasty for baseball in the Bay Area.” The last time I spoke with Vida at length was last year during the A’s 1972 players reunion.

Vida was a people’s person, last time we spoke in some length was in June 2022 as the A’s held their 1972 World Series reunion at the swanky and historical Claremont Hotel in Berkeley. A’s players of that year (and other years), since even Rickey Henderson made an appearance, we were on hand with their families as they mingled with A’s employees.

Vida looked very good as he was ready to talk to anybody that approached him, he knew a lot of people and he seems always to remember when I spoke with him about people of years past, like my first partner doing A’s broadcast in the 70’s Julio González or his good friend (now retired and living in Florida) Adalberto “Ucho” López. Ucho knew Vida and all those guys including his Cuban compatriot, shortstop Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris, whom as a very young player stayed in Ucho’s house in the Bay Area, during the 1970s.

Vida’s memory was very good and clear all the time, he seemed to be happy when talking not only about his great baseball career, but the many friends he had made because of baseball throughout the years.

I will personally miss Vida. May he Rest in Peace.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead radio talent on the Oakland A’s Spanish network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors need this one tonight; Lakers could go up 3-1

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, and forward Jarred Vanderbilt defend during the first half in Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat May 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, game 3 how surprising was it that after the Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) took a tough game 2 loss 127-100 they bounced right back with a 127-97 win against the Golden State Warriors (1-2) to take a series lead of 2-1.

#2 Barbara, Warriors guard Stephen Curry led with 23 points the Lakers defense put the pressure on Klay Thompson who led the Warriors with 30 in game 1 the Warriors just couldn’t get any offense going in game 3.

#3 When you consider the Lakers wide 30 point win on Saturday and that LeBron James didn’t didn’t take a shot in the first quarter in 275 career NBA playoff games and still the Lakers capitalized on the Warriors defense.

#4 Once again the Lakers hot handed Anthony Davis led with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Davis starred in game 1 with 30 points the Warriors know he’s got that outside shot and plenty of them.

#5 Lakers have the home floor and game 4 with a chance to go up 3-1 tonight at Crypto.com Arena which would put Golden State behind the eight ball. The Warriors have been here before with their backs to the wall tell us how you see this one tonight.

Join Barbara Mason for each edition of the Golden State Warriors podcasts heard Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants taste bitter beer as Brewers avoid sweep 7-3, on a somber day that SF legendary pitcher Vida Blue passes away

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San Francisco Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr (31) stands on the foul line paying his respects to former Giants pitcher Vida Blue who passed away at the age of 72 on Sun May 7, 2023 as the Giants prepared to face the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco (@SFGiants photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The San Francisco Giants took the field with heavy hearts, as they lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 trying to honor the Late Vida Blue.

The announcement of Blue’s death was released approximately 9am PST, with a 1:05pm game start time.

The visiting Brew Crew got the scoring started in the top of the second inning, when catcher William Contreas hit a two run homer, scoring himself and first baseman Rowdy Tellez. 2-0 Brewers in the middle of the second.

The Giants equaled the Brewers tally in the bottom of the frame on a single by second baseman Brett Wisely, scoring catcher Blake Sabol. First baseman LaMonte Wade Jr.knocked in center fielder Austin Slate on a single to left field. 2-2 after two.

Milwaukee was not content with the tie and got back on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning, when shortstop Willy Adames hit a sacrifice fly to left field, sending left fielder Christian Yelich home from third base. 3-2 Milwaukee midway through the third.

The Brewers were at it again during their half of the fifth inning, when Adames knocked out a two run homer, also scoring DH Jesse Winker. 5-2 Brew Crew, midway through five.

Milwaukee added two more runs in the top of the ninth, Yelich single to left field brought in center fielder Joey Wiemer, Adames knocked in Yelich with a single between the third baseman and shortstop. The Brewers were up five runs, 7-2 in the middle of the ninth.

San Francisco showed some pride in their home half of the last inning, with a solo homer to left by shortstop Thairo Estrada, bringing the score to 7-3, which was the final run count.

The Giants are next in action Monday Night, May 8 (6:45 pm) hosting the Washington Nationals. Starting pitchers are righty Jake Irvin (0-0, 2.08) for the Giants and also right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (3-1, 2.13) for the Nationals.

The Brewers fly back home to Milwaukee to host the Los Angeles Dodgers, also May 8.

REST IN PEACE to Vida Blue, Giants, Athletics and Royals Hall of Fame pitcher and all around good guy.

Oakland’s Relief Pitching Struggles in Loss to Kansas City 5-1

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Oakland A’s Brent Rooker (25) turns third base to score the A’s only run of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Sun May 7, 2023 (@Athletics photo)

Oakland’s Relief Pitching Struggles in Loss to Kansas City 5-1

By Barbara Mason

The Kansas City Royals (9-26) hosted the Oakland Athletics (8-27) in game three of their three game series Sunday afternoon at Kaufman Stadium in Kanas City.

The A’s took the first two games in this series and were lookin for that sweep but they just couldn’t seal the deal losing to the Royals 5-1. Mason Miller who started for the A’s finished with six innings pitched giving up five hits and two earned runs and striking out five hitters.

The Royals took a 1-0 lead into the fourth inning where the A’s tied up the game 1-1. Salvador Perez got the Royals up on the board in the first inning with a solo home run.

Ramon Laureano hit an infield single in the fourth inning that drove Brent Rooker home for the tie. Kansas city answered in the same inning when Maikel Garcia singled Salvador Perez home to take back the lead 2-1.

The 2-1 Royals lead persisted into the eighth inning where Kansas City broke this game wide open leading 5-1. Nick Pratto doubled driving MJ Melendez and Salvador Perez home. Michael Massey sacrificed sending Pratto home for the 5-1 score which was the final and Kansas City had avoided the sweep.

The Royals had outhit the A’s in this game 9-4. Oakland’s relief pitching was the culprit in this one. Again Shintaro Fujinami had a tough game going 1.1 innings and allowing four hits and three runs. He had a rough game one going 0.1 innings with three earned runs.

The A’s will now travel to New York for the ultimate showdown, a series with the Yankees. This will be a tough series for the green and gold. It will certainly test their limits. JP Sears (0-2 ERA 5.06) will take the mound for Oakland and Nestor Cortes (3-2 ERA 4.91) will start for New York. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM.

MLB podcast with Charlie O: Was A’s announcer’s slur slip of tongue or deliberate?; A’s-Giants great Vida Blue passes at 73; plus more

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher and NBC Bay Area Sports baseball analyst Vida Blue is seen in this 1971 photo on the second deck of the Oakland Coliseum passed away at 73 on Sun May 7, 2023 (photo from Joe Salvatore facebook page)

On the MLB podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie got to ask you on question number one did Oakland A’s broadcaster Glen Kuiper have a slip of the tongue or he knew what he was doing as some on social media have asserted.

#2 A fan fell into the Boston Red Sox bullpen in right field falling over the protective railing during the first inning at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. The fan was attended to by medical personnel and assisted to Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado immediately ran onto the outfield and was calling for help. Some of the players in the Red Sox bullpen thought that the fan had died they later learned that he was alive and breathing to the players relief.

#3 Former San Francisco Giant and current New York Yankee pitcher Carlos Rodon will need more time off as his back issues continue as Rondon has not pitched in one regular season game. Rondon had a great year in San Francisco last season going 14-8 ERA 2.88. Rondon signed with the Yankees in the off season for $168 million for six years.

#4 San Francisco pitcher Alex Wood is coming around and hopes to come off that left hamstring injury. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said that he feeling batter and threw a bullpen session on Saturday. Wood last pitched on Apr 18th and left in the third inning in Miami. Wood is one of the crucial pitchers in the rotation.

#5 New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is expected back in the line up against the Oakland A’s on Tuesday coming back from a hip strain. Judge has been out since Apr 27 and missed his eight games on Saturday. He worked out with minor league Tampa Bay team. The Yankees are last with ten games back of first place Tampa Bay Rays.

#6 Former Oakland A’s pitcher and San Francisco Giant NBC Sports Bay Area analyst Vida Blue passed away at age 73 on Sun May 7, 2023.