Month: July 2023

Underdog Nationals Sweep Giants in 6-1 win; SF drops fifth straight game

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, left, relieves starting pitcher Scott Alexander, with catcher Patrick Bailey, during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in DC on Sun Jul 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

Underdog Nationals Sweep Giants in 6-1 win; SF drops fifth straight game

By Barbara Mason

Sunday the San Francisco Giants (54-45) took on the Washington Nationals (40-58) looking to avoid a sweep. The Giants lost the first two games of this series getting beaten badly in game two 10-1. The Nationals had 14 hits in that game while the Giants offense fell short with fie hits.

The Nationals Lane Thomas matched a team most stolen bases record in a game with four and helped in the 6-1 win over the Giants at Nationals Park in DC. It was the Giants fifth consecutive loss on this current road trip.

In today’s game, the Giants had two runners on base in the first inning but left them stranded. Washington loaded the bases in the first and finished the inning scoring two runs taking an early 2-0 lead. San Francisco had fallen behind early as they had in the first two games of this series. Despite their struggles this season, the Nationals sure seemed to have dialed into the Giants number.

Washington went on to score a run in the third inning and two more in the fourth for a 5-0 lead. The Nationals already had eight hits through four innings. We have seen San Francisco come from behind numerous times but lately that has not been the case. They were digging yet another hole in this game.

That hole got a little deeper in the fifth inning when Riley Adams hit a solo homer for a 6-0 Washington lead.

Starting pitcher for the Giants Scott Alexander was pulled in the first inning. He allowed two hits and two runs. Anthony Desclafani relieved Alexander but also had a rough time. Through five innings he allowed seven hits and four runs giving the Nationals that 6-0 lead.

The Giants would cut into the Nationals lead in the seventh inning. Joc Pederson hit a solo home run. That would be all that San Francisco could manage and the Giants had lost their fifth game in a row. The Nationals had their first sweep of the season with this win.

Despite the Giants being favored in all three games, the Nationals had the winning formula in this series. Washington’s pitching was a huge part of this series sweep. The lack of offense by San Francisco was what hurt them but also the pitching.

It was not their finest moment from Alex Wood to Logan Webb and finally Anthony Desciafani. All three starters struggled. Wood allowed five hits and five runs, Webb allowing five hits and six runs and finally today reliever (relieved Alexander in the first inning) Desciafani allowing eight hits and four runs.

San Francisco is looking forward to coming home to Oracle Park. They do have one game to make up in Detroit on Monday. This game is a make-up game from back on April 18. The Giants have not announced a starter and most likely will go with an opener for the Tigers Tarik Skubal will get the start (0-1 ERA 5.25) First pitch is a 10:10 AM start.

Whether it comes down to fatigue in this long road trip or not, San Francisco will be beyond relieved to come home. Tuesday night, the Giants will welcome the Oakland A’s to Oracle Park for a two game series. Projected pitchers are; for San Francisco Alex Cobb (6-3 ERA 3.15) and for Oakland Ken Waldichuk (2-6, ERA 6.75) a 6:45pm PT first pitch.

MLB The Show podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Manfred predicted slam dunk for re-election; ex-A’s Fujinami had improved before trade; plus much more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is pleased with the 2024 All Star Game logo which will be held in Texas next season. Manfred was in Arlington on Thu Jul 20, 2023 for the unveiling. Things have been going well for Manfred and he is expected to be re-elected that will take him as Commissioner through 2030. (AP News photo)

On the MLB podcast with Stephen:

#1 MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is no doubt going to be elected according to a dependable source said. Manfred needs 16 of 30 votes by MLB teams to be reelected and the source it won’t even be that close he’s a slam dunk to be re-elected. Once re-elected his new term will run five years or ending in 2030.

#2 Manfred has received criticism from the media and fans alike over his handling of the Oakland A’s relocation and if there was any doubt that the owners are split on the A’s relocation Manfred’s predicted slam dunk re-election might be an indication that the owners are together and will vote to relocate the A’s to Las Vegas.

#3 Former Oakland A’s pitcher Shintaro Fujinami said that Japanese players are rarely traded in Japan but Fujinami was prepared for anything when he signed wit the A’s for two years at $3.25 million. Yet and still Fujinami was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles last Wednesday.

#4 Fujinami’s value had improved over the last 12 appearances and his ERA had gone down the Orioles who are in the thick of the hunt saw that and got a deal with the A’s sending double A pitcher Easton Lucas in exchange for Fujinami.

#5 Will the Los Angeles Angels deal two way player Shohei Ohtani? The Angels had said they want to keep Ohtani and Ohtani said he was open to stay in Anaheim but both sides are also listening to offers. The Angels said they would absolutely not deal Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers but money and talented players talk. Amongst some of the top teams named in the Ohtani sweepstakes, the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres.

Stephen Ruderman does MLB podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast with Charlie O: Rangers Seager out with right thumb sprain; Dodgers Kershaw recovering from shoulder injury; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Texas Rangers Corey Seager is on the 10 day IL suffering from a right thumb injury and had an MRI (AP News photo)

On the MLB The Show podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, the Texas Rangers have put shortstop Corey Seager on the 10 day IL due to a right thumb sprain. Seager came up with the injury on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers an MRI showed no structural damage.

#2 Charlie, the Dodgers really miss pitcher Clayton Kershaw he’s been out since Jun 27. Saturday Kershaw threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session and is expected to another one on Monday this time facing live hitting. Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw looked “well” and said it’s a step by step situation on getting Kershaw to return. Kershaw has been going through left shoulder soreness.

#3 The Texas Rangers who had five starters at the All Star Game in Seattle in the middle of this month had right fielder Adolis Garcia out got hit in his right hand by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. Garcia leads the American League with 80 RBIs so there is little doubt that they’ll miss his bat if he is out for a length of time. X-Rays showed negative on his hand but Garcia is still being evaluated by team physicians.

#4 Charlie, tough break for the St Louis Cardinals Wilson Contreras who left Saturday’s game with a hip injury. Contreras slugged for two RBIs when he hit a double in the fifth inning against his former team the Dodgers. Contreras has to leave the game in the sixth inning and was replaced by Ivan Herrera.

#5 The Nevada teachers are serious Charlie they are in their third week of gathering petitions to stop the use of the $380 million in public money for the A’s new Tropicana ballpark and want to put public monies towards education. Nevada is 49th in education and the educators and teachers are looking for support from the voters. Charlie this might be Oakland’s last chance to keep the team in Oakland if the Nevada educators get enough signatures and pass the referendum to stop public money being spent on the Tropicana ballpark.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcast each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Timbers take down Earthquakes 2-0 in League’s Cup match opener

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Portland Timbers Felipe Mora celebrates his goal with his teammates during his team’s 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at Providence Park on Saturday July 22, 2023. (Portland Timbers)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Portland Timbers took advantage of their scoring opportunities in a 2-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in both team’s opening match of the League’s Cup competition on Saturday evening at Providence Park.

‘Quakes Head coach Luchi Gonzalez welcomed back forward Cade Cowell and his captain Jackson Yueill back into the lineup after being away during their Gold Cup duty with the United State Men’s National Team.

Portland (1-0–3 points) drew first blood in the 33rd minute. Jaroslaw Niezgoda set up Evander in the middle of the pitch. The Brazilian midfielder then curled in a blast from 20 yards out into the upper left corner of the net, far out of the reach of ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his first goal of the competition.

Despite controlling the possession for the majority of the first half, San Jose (0-1–0 points) went into the intermission down by a goal.

“On the road you have to have that extra (killer instinct),” said Gonzalez regarding his team’s lack of scoring. “We were lacking that; we didn’t get on the score sheet. Even though we created in terms of volume, XG-shots and crosses. But we gotta put the shot on target, we gotta get the shot off. We need to put it away.”

The Timbers came flying out of the gate to start the second half with three quick scoring shots on target in the first three minutes, including a shot off the crossbar by Cristhian Paredes in the 48th minute.

“Those adjustments, I think that the guys understood very well, how to do them. And I felt we played really well in the second half. I really felt that the guys who also came in (the second half) with a good mentality and refresh the game as well,” Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese said.

Portland had a chance to double its lead in the 57th minute when Yimmi Chara made a move around a Quakes defender deep inside the box and centered a ball to unmarked Niezgoda whose shot attempt was blocked by ‘Quakes fullback Tanner Beason.

The Earthquakes best scoring chance came three minutes later when Cowell made an impressive run with the ball dribbling through multiple Timber defenders with lots of contact throughout the run. His pass for Cristian Espinoza was too far to handle to create a scoring chance.

The Timbers iced the game in the 86th minute. Marvin Loría led a pass up the middle to Felipe Mora who beat Beason to the ball inside the box. The Chilean striker chipped the ball past Daniel for his first goal of the competition.

Timbers goalkeeper David Bingham finished with a clean sheet stopping all three shots on target. Daniel made two saves on five shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose had five corner kicks. Portland had zero.

Portland leads the all-time series 19-6-10.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts Tigres UANL in its second League’s Cup match on Sunday 7/30 at 8:00pm at Pay Pal Park.

Champion Astros Grounded by A’s 4-1, but still lead series 2-1; Astros No hit bid broken up by A’s Gelof in 6th

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s second baseman Zack Gelof gets the force on the Houston Astros runner Jose Abreau (79) but Gelof makes a throwing error to first in the top of the fourth inning. Gelof made up for it later breaking up Astros pitcher Cristian Javier’s no hitter in the sixth inning and getting his first MLB home run in the seventh inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Jul 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

OAKLAND, Calif.– The World Champion Houston Astros (55-44) took an “L” from the struggling Oakland Athletics (28-73) , losing 4-1 on a Saturday Evening in the Bay. Oakland snapped their eight game skid with the victory.

In Game # 99 for the Astros, the first five innings were uneventful and scoreless. As for the Athletics, they weren’t able to even get a hit through that segment of time. After five complete innings, 0-0.

The Top of the sixth changed the theme of the game, when Houston’s third baseman Alex Bregman belted a homer to left field, chasing A’s Paul Blackburn from the game after a base hit and walk. However, the Oakland relief pitcher, Austin Pruitt forced an inning-ending double play, keeping the game close, 1-0 Astros.

In the Bottom of Stanza Number six, the A’s flipped the script, by ending the no-hitter (Zack Gelof), chasing the starting pitcher, and taking a lead 2-1 on a two-RBI base hit by third baseman Jace Peterson. He knocked in Gelof and first baseman Seth Brown.

Gelof was at it again in the bottom of the seventh, as he blasted a solo dinger to right center to give Oakland a comfortable 3-1 lead after seven.

The Athletics were not finished scoring, as they tallied another run on the scoreboard on a home run blast by Seth Brown. After 8, 4-1 Oakland.

That was all Oakland needed, as they slammed the door shut in the top of the ninth, despite a near three-run homer by the Astros. Athletics win 4-1!

The two teams will play the series finale Sunday Afternoon (1:07 PDT), with projected starters: Astros RHP Hunter Brown (6-7, 4.24) vs. A’s Luis Medina (3-7, 5.79).

Oakland Roots Win 3-1 Against El Paso

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Oakland Roots got through to the El Paso Locomotive SC at Southwest University Park in El Paso on Sat Jul 22, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

The Oakland Roots took on the El Paso Locomotive FC in El Paso TX. The Roots came into this game in sixth place and needed a victory to move them up the table and that’s exactly what they did with a 3-1 road victory.

The first half saw even possession amongst both teams with big scoring opportunities each way. One major scoring chance came when Matsoso for the Roots missed a shot of the crossbar that was scooped up by El Paso’s goalkeeper in the 38th minute.

Two minutes later Petrovic of El Paso took a shot that look like the shot to put El Paso over but Roots goalie Paul Blanchette stopped it in its tracks. The first half ended in a scoreless stalemate but the second half would move in a very different direction.

Two minutes into the second half Petrovic shot the ball and it deflected off Roots defender Klimenta in the goal and 1-0 El Paso. Oakland would get the equalizer when Lindo Mfeka would hit a gorgeous chip in the goal to make score 1-1 in minute 65.

In the 68th minute Roots leading scorer Johnny Rodriguez would hit his eighth league goal off a header that was assisted by El Paso raised Memo Diaz on a corner set piece, 2-1 Oakland. The game looked in the Roots grasp, but they still got an insurance goal in the 85th minute with an easy shot by Pelaez and ten minutes later the final whistle blew and Oakland locked in their second win in a row after what seemed like a grueling losing streak.

Next game for the Roots will be on Wed July 26th against the Las Vegas Lights SC and the Roots will be back in the Bay Area looking for their third straight victory. Kick off is 7:00pm PT.

Giants Lose Fourth In a Row to Nationals 10-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Washington Nationals CJ Abrams rounds the bases after connecting for his ninth home run of the season against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park in DC on Sat Jul 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Giants Lose Fourth In a Row to Nationals 10-1

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the San Francisco Giants (54-44) lost their third game in a row and the first game of their series with the Washington Nationals (39-58). They needed to put a stop to the string of losses and even up this series, they couldn’t do it dropping their fourth game in a row losing a in laugher to Washington 10-1 at Nationals Park in DC on Saturday night.

The Nationals had a very hot second inning scoring six runs and putting the Giants in a pretty good size hole. There was a lot of baseball left in the game with those runs coming early but San Francisco would have to really get the offense going.

The Giants got up on the scoreboard in the third inning, J.D.Davis sacrificed bringing LaMonte Wade Jr. home from third. San Francisco had scored their first run of the game and needed a whole lot more.

The Nationals made any comeback by the Giants even more challenging. Washington scored four more runs in the fourth inning. The 10-1 lead gave the Nationals control of this game.

Neither team would score for the remainder of the game.

S.F.’s pitcher Logan Webb had a tough outing. He lasted 1.1 innings giving up five hits and six runs. Sean Manaea came in to relieve. He had trouble with the Nationals as well. He allowed nine hits and four runs. It was a tough day on the mound for the Giants.

CJ Abrams continued his hot streak homering on what just so happened to be his bobblehead night. The Nationals won a game that, just like last night, had them as underdogs. The Nats will be going for the sweep Sunday and the Giants are just looking to break a four game losing streak.

First pitch is scheduled for 10:35 AM. Anthony Desclafani (4-8 ERA 4.72) will be on the mound for the Giants. The Nationals will start Mackenzie Gore (5-7 ERA 4.59).

MLB The Show podcast with Charlie O: Rangers Seager out with right thumb injury; Dodgers Kershaw throwing bullpen sessions; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Texas Rangers Corey Seager (5) seen here running the bases after slugging a bottom of the sixth inning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Ballpark in Arlington on Fri Jul 21, 2023. In the next game Seager on Sat Jul 22, 2023 was out of the line up due to a sprained right thumb. (AP News photo)

On the MLB The Show podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, the Texas Rangers have put shortstop Corey Seager on the 10 day IL due to a right thumb sprain. Seager came up with the injury on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers an MRI showed no structural damage.

#2 Charlie, the Dodgers really miss pitcher Clayton Kershaw he’s been out since Jun 27. Saturday Kershaw threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session and is expected to another one on Monday this time facing live hitting. Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw looked “well” and said it’s a step by step situation on getting Kershaw to return. Kershaw has been going through left shoulder soreness.

#3 The Texas Rangers who had five starters at the All Star Game in Seattle in the middle of this month had right fielder Adolis Garcia out got hit in his right hand by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. Garcia leads the American League with 80 RBIs so there is little doubt that they’ll miss his bat if he is out for a length of time. X-Rays showed negative on his hand but Garcia is still being evaluated by team physicians.

#4 Charlie, tough break for the St Louis Cardinals Wilson Contreras who left Saturday’s game with a hip injury. Contreras slugged for two RBIs when he hit a double in the fifth inning against his former team the Dodgers. Contreras has to leave the game in the sixth inning and was replaced by Ivan Herrera.

#5 The Nevada teachers are serious Charlie they are in their third week of gathering petitions to stop the use of the $380 million in public money for the A’s new Tropicana ballpark and want to put public monies towards education. Nevada is 49th in education and the educators and teachers are looking for support from the voters. Charlie this might be Oakland’s last chance to keep the team in Oakland if the Nevada educators get enough signatures and pass the referendum to stop public money being spent on the Tropicana ballpark.

Join Charlie O for the A’s podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NCAA/Pac 12 Football podcast with Michael Roberson: Pac 12’s plan once USC-UCLA departs conference

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pac 12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff addresses the press during Pac 12 media day in Las Vegas on Fri Jul 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NCAA Sports podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 It was was Pac 12 Media Day Friday when Pac 12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff addressed the media and was not surprised about being asked the hot topic in the room regarding the departures of USC and UCLA after this season.

#2 Next up for curiosity what direction will the Pac 12 go after the two Southland schools leave will the Pac 12 got back to being the Pac 10 or will they disband and merge teams with other conferences?

#3 Kliavkoff said regarding getting the right deal for the Pac 12 is important and that he and the board are trying to get an answer expeditiously.

#4 Television plays a huge part in the future of the Pac 12 and Kliavkoff is trying to find an answer, he said that it’s been long term in the shift in the media market and short term that it has caused some hic ups.

#5 USC and UCLA leaving the Pac 12 voids a lot of the traditional match ups and Kliavkoff is taking that in consideration. The Pac 12 could end up going back to the Pac 10 and that would grow the College playoff format. If there is decision to merge teams to other conferences Kliavkoff will have to explore what that looks like.

Join Michael Roberson for the NCAA podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Players union want temporary A’s home deal with MLB; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A look at MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark seen here talking at the 2022 ALCS in Houston at Minute Maid Field. Clark and the union would like to resolve where the players are going to play after the 2024 season regarding the Oakland A’s. (AP photo file)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury discussion on Bally’s plans to implode the Tropicana to make space for the Las Vegas A’s nine acre ballpark is still on hold until the relocation plans are submitted by the A’s and voted on by the MLB owners.

#2 A vote on the A’s relocation could take place within the next two months and shovels in imploding the old Tropicana tower could take place as early as January.

#3 The MLB Players Association has informed MLB that they need to know where the players will be playing in the interim while the Tropicana is under construction. The Players Union has said they would need to know if they’ll be playing their games between 2025-27 at Las Vegas Ballpark home of the Triple A Aviators. The union needs to know so they could inform it’s members.

#4 Amaury, we didn’t get a chance to ask you about former A’s pitcher Shintaro Fujinami when he was sent packing after Wednesday’s game. Fujinami was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Easton Lucas. The O’s are coming on strong and Fuji can help a team like that?

#5 Amaury, the A’s had won two straight before loosing their last two games no doubt that the Houston Astros are tough customers and A’s pitching had a tough time pitching to the Astros Kyle Tucker who hit three home runs on Friday night in Oakland.

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