Month: July 2024

Scheumann leads A’s with homer and four RBIs to beat Halos 13-3 at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s Max Scheumann circles the bases after slugging a three run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland Coliseum on Fri Jul 19, 2024 (AP News photo)

Los Angeles (41-56). 010 101 000. 3. 9 1

Athletics (38-61). 002 407 00x. 13 14 1

Time: 2:39

Attendance: 11,596

Friday, July 19, 2024

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–The A’s returned Friday night from the all-star break to demolish the Los Angeles Angels, whom they’re chasing for the third spot in the four team western division of the American League, in the first of a three game series. The 13-3 triumph would have been a laugher if it hadn’t included the loss of one of the Athletics’ brightest hopes.

Jacob Wilson, the A’s top draft choice and sixth overall last year, was promoted from Las Vegas earlier in the day and started at short, batting in the eighth slot. The Angels’ Anthony Rendon hit the first pitch of the game to him.

The debutant handled it cleanly and threw Rendon out at first. He also made a nifty play to initiate a 6-3 double play in the top of the third, shortly before leading off the bottom of the frame with a single to center in his first major league at bat.

This outstanding performance was cut short when Wilson was removed from the game between innings because of a strained left hamstring. An injury to his right leg had put the prospect on the IL from May 18 to June 24.

The Athletics sent southpaw JP Sears (6-7, 4.56 at game time) to the mound. Had been excellent, if not durable, in his two previous starts, giving up just one earned run in 10-2/3 innings of work on July 4th and 10th.

The holiday win was against the Angels at the Coliseum, where he shut them out over five frames while allowing two hits. He wasn’t as sharp Friday night but still managed to even his won-lost record at 7-7 by allowing three runs, two earned, in 5-2/3 of nine hit ball.

Two of those hits were for the distance. Such is life on a warm evening at the Coliseum, as the Angels’ pitching staff had a chance to learn. 69 of Sears’ 81 offerings qualified as strikes. He struck out four and didn’t issue any walks.

The outing lowered Sears’ ERA slightly, to 4.49. Austin Adams was the first man to replace Sears. He was wild in the beginning but didn’t allow any runs, inherited or otherwise, in his third of an inning on the mound.

Tyler Feruson, Osvaldo Bido, and Michel Otáñez each pitched a hitless and scoreless inning. Adams and Ferguson, at one apiece, were the only A’s relievers to issue a walk.

Opposing Sears and the A’s was Griffin Canning, the Angels’ second round draft choice in 2017. The 28 year old 6′, 180 lb right hander made his major league debut on April 30, 2019 and brought a lifetime record of 22-30, 4.64, accompanied by a season’s record of 3-9, 4.84, to the game.

Canning won the 2020 Gold Glove for American League pitchers. He missed all of the 2022 season with what was described as “a low back stress reaction.” Canning lasted a mere 3-1/3 frames, in which he threw 62 pitches, 38 for strikes. The six runs scored against him were earned and came on six hits, one a four bagger, and a couple of bases on balls. He took the loss and now has a record of 3-10 5.20.

Angels manager Ron Washington’s crew also called on Roansy Contreras, whom they list as a starter. He lasted two innings and gave up two runs, earned, on two hits before being replaced by Matt Moore in the sixth. It was not a felicitous move for the Angelinos.

The A’s scored seven runs in that frame, two of them charged to Contreras and the remainder to Moore. Hans Crouse (a perfect seventh that included a strike out), and infielder Luis Guillorme got the fallen Angels to the finish line without allowing another run.

The Halos took an early lead in the top of the second. Zach Neto hit a soft grounder in front of the plate. Sears made a nice play to grab it but threw off balance into left field for a two base error that put Neto on third. He scored easily on Jo Adell’s bloop single to right.

The A’s went ahead in the bottom of the third. Wilson went to second on a disengagement violation after his leadoff single. Max Schuemann beat out a grounder to third, and both runners scored on Lawrence Butler’s triple. Neto’s 13th homer of the year, a 397 foot fly clearly fair, but not by much, to left, evened the score in the top of the fourth.

The Athletics took the lead back and drove Canning from the mound in the bottom of that inning. Brett Harris, who had taken over Wilson’s spot in the batting order, drove in Zack Gelof, who reached first on a bunt single and advanced to second on a walk to Seth Brown, on. a single to left. Max Schueman then homered to left, his sixth round tripper of the year, driving in his 21st, 22nd, and 23rd runs of the season.

When Sears made his exit in the visitors’ sixth, the Angels had narrowed the score to 6-3 on Nolan Schanuel leadoff homer to right. He got two outs after that but allowed a pair of singles before being lifted in favor of Austin Adams, who threw two wild pitches and issued a walk but got Matt Thaiss to ground out to second to end the inning.

The homeless hosts blew the game open in the sixth, when they sent ten batters to the plate. The mixture of athletic prowess and angelic ineptitude featured

  • Schuemann’s double that scored Seth Brown, who had led off the inning with a walk; • a passed ball; • a throwing error by Angels right fielder Jo Adell that let Schuemann score on Lawrence Butler’s single; • JJ Bleday’s homer (his 12th) into the stairway in right; and • Shea Langeliers’ home run (his 18th) with Rooker (who had singled) on base.

In addition to Wilson’s sparkling defense, Seth Brown made a notable over the shoulder catch of Brandon Drury’s foul that he chased deep into foul territory close to the visitors’ bullpen in the top of the sixth, and Geloff set off sparks with his play on Adell’s lead off grounder in the top of the ninth.

They’ll be giving away José Canseco bobbleheads Saturday, before the 1:07 start. Mitch Spence (5-6, 4.75) is scheduled to start for the A’s. Fellow righty Jack Kochanowicz (0-1, 12.00) will face him for the Disneyland Dandies.

Giants blow solid start from Harrison in wild 7-3 loss at Coors Field

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San Francisco Giants reliever Tyler Rogers reaction after he gave up a three run bottom of the eighth inning home run to the Colorado Rockies Jake Cave at Coors Field in Denver on Fri Jul 19, 2024 (AP News photo)

Friday, July 18, 2024

Coors Field

Denver, Colorado

San Francisco Giants 3 (47-51)

Colorado Rockies 2 (35-63)

Win: Jalen Beeks (6-4)

Loss: Tyler Rogers (1-3)

Time: 2:45

Attendance: 40,115

By Stephen Ruderman

Coors Field struck again to start the second half, as the Giants blew a 3-0 lead and a five-inning shutout performance from Kyle Harrison, and the Rockies came back to win a flatout weird game by a final of 7-3 on Friday night.

Following a thrilling win on a walk-off little league home run by Mike Yastrzemski on Sunday to cap off the first half, Logan Webb and Heliot Ramos went to Arlington, Texas for the All-Star Game, and the rest of the team had four much-needed days off. Friday night, they reconvened in Denver to open the second half and pennant race.

With the Giants playing at Coors Field, you just knew that it was going to be a weird and wild night. In fitting Coors Field fashion, it was overcast and rainy at the start of the game, as the Giants went down 1-2-3 against Rockies’ starter Cal Quantrill in the top of the first inning.

Kyle Harrison made the start for San Francisco Friday night in his third start back off the Injured List. In his first start back on July 6 in Cleveland, the Guardians got to him for four runs over three and a third innings. However, he fared much better last Friday, when he allowed just a run to the Twins over five and a third at Oracle Park. Harrison got off to a solid start Friday night with a scoreless bottom of the first.

Quantrill retired the first two men he faced in the top of the second, but Matt Chapman lined a double to left field with two outs, and Yastrzemski drew a walk. That brought up Thairo Estrada, who lined a base-hit to left that went under the glove of the diving Sean Bouchard in left and went to the wall. Two runs scored, and Estrada went into third with a triple.

Harrison pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the second, and the Giants had Quantrill back on the ropes in the top of the third. Jorge Soler lined a base-hit to right, and LaMonte Wade doubled Soler over to third. Heliot Ramos was unable to knock in Soler on a ground out to first base, but Bailey was able to on a ground out to second.

Harrison threw a scoreless bottom of the third, and Quantrill was in trouble once again in the top of the fourth. Chapman walked to start the inning, and Estrada was hit by a pitch with one out. The Giants then suffered a really bad break.

Brett Wisely hit a bullet off the bag at first that ricocheted and hit First Base Umpire Chris Conroy. The ball caromed over to first-baseman Michael Toglia, who slid to the bag to get Wisely. The ball was ticketed for extra bases, and the Giants were likely to get two more runs and a 5-0 lead, but it wouldn’t happen, and Soler struck out to end the inning.

Harrison survived a bit of a jam in the bottom of the fourth, and Quantrill threw a 1-2-3 top of the fifth. Harrison escaped another jam in the bottom of the fifth, and after 93 pitches over five shutout innings, he was done.

Harrison was solid, but his wildness, which has been his weakness, once again got to him Friday night. While he gave up just one hit, he walked four, which got him into trouble and extended his pitch count. Still, he has had two-straight solid outings, and he is having an all-around solid season.

Despite the tough break in the top of the fourth, the Giants seemed to be in control Friday night, but this was Coors Field, and as we all know, things can change very quickly. Quantill pitched a scoreless top of the sixth to end his night, and Randy Rodriguez took the ball for the Giants in the bottom of the sixth.

Elias Diaz was grazed by a pitch with one out, but after Home Plate Umpire Brian O’Nora sent him down to first, Diaz claimed he wasn’t hit. Bob Melvin challenged the call, and it was upheld. It was close, but one of three things happened: O’Nora blew the call; Diaz didn’t feel it; or Diaz was trying to pull an Albert Belle and wanted to keep hitting.

Anyway, Brenton Doyle immediately hit a home run out to left-center to put the Rockies on the board and make it a 3-2 game. The Giants wasted a golden opportunity against Tyler Kinley in the top of the seventh, and Ryan Walker came in and ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh.

Jake Cave doubled to lead off the inning. Sam Hilliard got Cave over to third with a fly out to left, and Charlie Blackmon struck out swinging. Walker now had a chance to get out of the inning unscathed, and with the Giants’ lead still intact.

Ezequiel Tover was now the hitter, and he hit a ground ball half way between second and third that third-baseman Matt Chapman fielded to his left, 360’d and threw the ball away, which allowed Cave to score to tie the game.

It was a tough break, and Chapman, one of the most sure-handed third-basemen in all of Baseball, would probably tell you that he should have had Tovar at first. It was ruled a base-hit, and since Tovar moved to second, Chapman got a rare error. Rare, because errors have gone mostly extinct this season.

Off to the eighth! Jalen Beeks, who finished the top of the seventh for Kinley, was back out for the top of the eighth, and threw a 1-2-3 shutdown inning.

The very-reliable Tyler Rogers came in for the bottom of the eighth, but at Coors Field, he ran into trouble too. Brendan Rogers reached on an infield hit to short; Toglia doubled Brendan Rogers over to third; and Cave hit a three-run home run to right to give the Rockies their first lead of the night.

Sam Hilliard popped out to third for the first out, and Melvin brought in Luke Jackson, who struck out Blackmon for the second out. Tovar then lined a home run down the left field line to make it 7-3.

There’s no getting around it. That was a brutal bottom of the eighth inning. Rogers and Jackson combined for 44 pitches, and the Rockies scored four runs.

Victor Vodnik then finished off the game with an eight-pitch 1-2-3 top of the ninth.

Jalen Beeks got the win, and Tyler Rogers took the loss. The Giants fall to 47-51, and in order to bounce back tomorrow, they just have to acknowledge that this is Coors Field, where weird things happen.

Giants’ ace Logan Webb (7-7, 3.47 ERA), who gave up three runs in the bottom of the third in the All-Star Game on Tuesday will take the ball for San Francisco Saturday night in the second game of the series. He’ll be opposed by veteran left-hander Kyle Freeland (1-3, 6.00 ERA). First pitch will be at 6:10 p.m. in Denver, 5:10 p.m. back home in San Francisco.

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s say they’re in good shape on ballpark construction costs won’t need to use all $380 million of state money

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Sandy Dean a family business partner of Oakland A’s owner John Fisher addresses the Las Vegas Stadium Authority at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Thu Jul 18, 2024 regarding the financing of the Tropicana ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. (photo by the Nevada Independent)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 The Las Vegas Stadium Authority was notified by the Oakland A’s that they are in good financial standing and will not need to use all of the $380 million in public funds to pay for the construction towards the Tropicana ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.

#2 The Stadium Authority met with Sandy Dean on Thursday. Dean a business partner with Oakland A’s owner John Fisher said the team is in “good shape” asked how the A’s are in good shape and where the finances were coming from to cover the $1.2 billion in construction costs Dean didn’t comment.

#3 Dean stated at the meeting that the A’s intend to use $350 million of the $380 million in public funds. Dean said the A’s never planned to use the full amount and that the remaining funding will be off set by debt financing.

#4 Public financing of the ballpark comes from transferable credits $180 million coming from the State of Nevada, another $120 million coming from Clark County bonds, and county infrastructure costs will run $25 million. So it looks like Nevada is ready to pitch in for their share of the costs.

#5 Still after the meeting the question of where Fisher was going to come up with his share of the construction costs at $1.2 million was an issue. In a March 2024 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle Fisher told the paper that payments for the construction costs at $200 million from debt, $500 million from the Fisher family, and another $500 million from investors. It’s mid July and there has been no word on where the money is coming from from Fisher’s share of the construction costs other than Dean saying the A’s are in “good shape” to cover the costs on the public money.

#6 News out of Sacramento Vivek Ranadive said that he’s prepared to spend millions for improvements to upgrade the park to MLB specs over the off season as the A’s will open the 2025 season at Sutter Health Park. The discussion of playing on turf has the Players Union concerned and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said all they have to do is put some water on the turf and that should cool things off and solve the problem.

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah: Reporters make it Miller Time with trade deadline talk with A’s closer

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Lots of questions for Oakland A’s reliever Mason Miller during the All Star Break in Arlington about possibly being traded before the July 30th deadline. Here is Miller throwing off the Oakland Coliseum mound. Miller leads the American League in saves with 15. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, Oakland A’s reliever Mason Miller said during the All Star Break he’s more focused on winning games and helping the A’s than focusing on the trade rumors.

#2 Miller was surrounded at the All Star Game and was pressed about the possibility of being traded before the July 30th trade deadline.

#3 Different members of the press were asking about what he thought about being traded and what would it be like to be on a pennant contending team Miller replied, “Until the day it happens, if it does, my loyalty and effort and all that lies in the clubhouse in Oakland.”

#4 Miller makes the MLB minimum at $740,000 and is under club control with the A’s through the 2029 season. Miller has been lights out all season throwing over 100 MPH and has an American League leading 15 saves is a sought after prospect that could be a closer on the Philadelphia Phillies or the New York Yankees making multi millions.

#5 The A’s open the second half of the season tonight at the Oakland Coliseum against the Los Angeles Angels. Starting pitchers for the Angels The last time these two teams met was at the Coliseum the A’s swept the Angels July 2-4 in a three game series. The A’s are coming off winning two out of three from the Phillies last weekend in Philadelphia. For a last place team the A’s do have their flashes.

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

Headline Sports with Michael Roberson: Davis taking United to court over “Don’t hit me” accusation; Caitlin sets WNBA record with 19 assists; plus more news

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left to right; Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar, Davis’ wife Tamiko Nash, and Davis sit during an interview on CBS News with Gayle King discussing being accused by a United flight attendant of being hit when he only tapped him for a cup of ice (CBS News still)

On Headline Sports podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Former Denver Bronco Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar is considering taking United Airlines to court after an UA flight attendant accused Davis of hitting when Davis and his family were flying from Denver to Orange County to go to Disneyland. Those vacation plans were set aside after the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs slapped the cuffs on Davis and accused him of assault. When it was later found out that he tapped the flight attendant supported by another passenger who said that Davis didn’t hit the attendant Davis was released from custody. Davis and Stinar are considering litigating United for defamation of character and the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs for false imprisonment. Michael did this all boil down to a matter of Davis “flying while black” as it was mentioned in some the interviews with Davis? Davis said, “I certainly felt like that wouldn’t have happened if I were a white person.”

#2 No one thought at least in Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark’s rookie season that she would be able to pull off some record setting numbers but Clark did it breaking the WNBA all time with 19 assists Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings, Clark also had 24 points and went 10-19 in shooting has hit her stride. This is the final WNBA game before the league takes an Olympic break for a month.

#3 Michael how much pressure is on Los Angeles Lakers Bronny James to go out and have a superstar performance each night. Bronny hit a 17 foot shot off a screen, he’s averaging 4.3 points per game with a 22% field goal percentage. That’s got to be a lot of pressure just for being LeBron’s son?

#4 Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been getting support from wide receiver DeVante Adams. Adams says that O’Connell has grown. Adams said he should be the starting quarterback for the season. Adams says the chemistry is right and he’s really looking forward to working with O’Connell this season.

#5 The 2024 MLB All Star Game in Arlington drew a TV rating of 7,443,000 viewers which outdrew the 2023 All Star Game that was played in Seattle. The bad news is the 2024 Mid Summer Classic was the second lowest rated All Star Game in TV ratings. There’s always next All Star Game in Atlanta.

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Dynamo get late goal from Steres to up end Earthquakes in 1-0 shutout win

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San Jose Earthquakes striker Jeremy Ebobisse battles for the ball against Houston Dynamo midfielder Artur during the Dynamo’s 1-0 win over the Earthquakes at Pay Pal Park on Wednesday JUL 17, 2024. (Houston Dynamo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE— Daniel Steres picked a great time to get his first goal of the season.

The Houston Dynamo fullback scored in the 86th minute as his heroics propelled the Dynamo to a 1-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose has lost seven of its last eight matches as it anchors the bottom of the Western Conference. Houston has won three of its past five matches and maintained the eight spot in the conference as it has a four-point lead over 9th place Minnesota United.

Houston (9-7-7-34 points) had the first scoring opportunity in the first 45 minutes. Sebastian Ferreira’s header attempt missed wide left after a corner kick in the 20th minute. Then six minutes later, the Dynamo had its closest chance at breaking the seal when Griffin Dorsey’s shot from the right wing was knocked away by Quakes goalkeeper Jacob Jackson, who made his second start of the season, in the 26th minute.

San Jose (4-18-2-14 points) had two quality scoring chances from Jeremy Ebobisse. First, in the 25th Ebobisse’s header attempt sailed wide left off of a cross from Hernan Lopez. Then in the 39th minute, another header attempt went wide right off of a Cristian Espinoza free kick from the left end line.

It was one of the Earthquakes best defensive games of the season, but they weren’t able to finish the few scoring chances they had.

“I told the guys you know; I thought it was a game where we brought a lot of energy,” said ‘Quakes interim head coach Ian Russell. “We brought a lot of fight and when you do that, you usually win those games, especially at home. I have no complaints when a team will work that hard. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I told the guys (to) continue to do that and we’ll be fine.”

The Quakes best scoring attempt in the first half came from Benji Kikanovic in the 31st minute when his running header attempt from the left wing sailed high over the net off of a free kick from Espinoza from 25 yards out.

Houston fired 13 shots in the first half with five of them on target that were saved by Jackson. Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark didn’t have a face a shot on net in the first half as San Jose only attempted four total shots.

The Earthquakes were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute by referee Natalie Simon when fullback Micael dos Santos tripped Espinoza inside the box. However, after a VAR review it was determined that dos Santos touched the ball first before hitting Espinoza’s foot.

The Dynamo had a good scoring in the 67th minute when Coco Carrasquilla sent a back pass over to Dorsey who kicked it very high over the net despite having a good look on net.

Houston finally broke through with time winding down in the match. McKinze Gaines sent a pass down low near the goal-line to Amine Bassi. The French midfielder then crossed the ball back into the middle of the box where an unmarked Steres one-timed the ball out of the air with his left foot into the left corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

Steres came into the match in the 73rd minute as he replaced Dorsey by Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen who wanted fresh legs deep into the match.

“It just comes down to the small details. There’s been a lot of games where we’ve given up goal late (in the match) and it kind of bites us in the ass. We gotta tighten that up. If we don’t, we’re going to keep losing,” Kikanovic said.

Things got chippy when Hector Herrera and Rodrigues had a moment of pushing and shoving after a foul near the left sideline in the fourth minute of stoppage time. No cards were issued by Simon despite the scuffle.

San Jose finished with no shots on target during the match and nine total, while Houston had 22 total shots. Clark earned his six clean sheet of the season despite not having to make a save throughout the evening. Jackson made six saves on seven shots on net in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with five corner kicks. Houston had seven.

San Jose is 10-19-4 in the all-time series with Houston.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels up north to take on Minnesota United on Saturday 7/20 at 5:30pm at Allianz Field.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Aiyuk makes formal trade request from SF

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk top makes a catch over the Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (bottom) during the NFC Championship Game on Sun Jan 28, 2024 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Aiyuk has made a trade request because of stalled talks between Aiyuk and the 49ers. (AP News photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly made a request for a trade from the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. Contract negotiations on both sides has stalled. In spite of the trade request this go two ways things could get worked out between Aiyuk and the 49ers or he will be granted a trade.

#2 Aiyuk is entering his fifth NFL season and would like to stay with the 49ers but has asked for compensation that is on par with some of the top wide receivers in the NFL. How much will trading Aiyuk away impact the 49ers?

#3 Dave, a team who would pursue Aiyuk would more than likely have to have more than a compensation package but also that could include that team’s number draft pick. The salary would have to be more than $28-30 million per year which the 49ers are offering Aiyuk.

David Zizmor does the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB All Star Game: American League Comeback Defeats National League 5-3 on a Very Hot Texas Evening

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The American League’s Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox goes yard for a bottom of the fifth inning home run against the National League at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

ARLINGTON, Tex. — The American League overcame a three-run deficit, to capture the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 5-3 over the visiting National League in Metropolitan Dallas.

Despite triple-digit temperatures, a full house (39,342) witnessed a great Mid-Summer Classic inside a cozy Globe Life Field with the roof thankfully closed. Boston Red Sox center fielder Jarren Duran earned the game’s MVP award, on the merits of his eventual game-winning two run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The first pitch was recorded at 7:19 pm CST, and the temperature at a cooler 99 degrees. The game opened with the ever so popular Shohei Ohtani taking first base on a walk, and Bryce Harper belting a double. However, the inning ended without a run to show for it.

In the top of the third inning, Ohtani was up again, with two men on base, To the delight of the National League fans, he blasted a three-run homer to right-center. The NL was up 3-0, and seemingly in control, That did not last long.

In the bottom of the frame, the AL came roaring back immediately.New York Yankees Juan Soto sliced a two-run double to center field, bringing his squad to within one. Next, David Fry knocked him in from second, with a liner to left field.. The game was tied 3-3 within a half inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Duran (Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player) broke the tie and essentially won the game on his two run homer a little over the midway point of the game. How apropos that he would win the award named after a legendary Red Sox player, and only the fifth in franchise history.

Obviously there was no more scoring the last four innings of the game, but there were a few elements left in the contest. The ASG only lasted 2:28, which is the shortest time since 1998 (2:26).

On a local note, San Francisco Giants center fielder Heliot Ramos came into the game in the top of the 8th inning. He struck out swinging in his lone at bat. Ironically, his cross-Bay neighbor, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller got credit for the AL win. His perfect fifth inning did it for him, and throwing 8 pitches clocking at 100 mph. The save went to Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase.

The American League closed out an exciting, although HOT, All-Star Week with a two run victory, 5-3 in the Rangers’ house.

Next year the festivities will remain in the South: However, it will be in a National League locale in the Peach State, Atlanta in particular. They will have a lot to live up to.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024 The Final Season of the A’s at the Coliseum (Part VIII) Krazy George and The Wave

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Krazy George works the Oakland Coliseum crowds in the 1980s during Oakland A’s games (photo by WBUR)

2024 The Final Season of the A’s at the Coliseum (Part VIII) Krazy George and The Wave

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For over half a century, the Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum has been the home of the Oakland A’s. In addition to all the great games, including postseasons, World Series, and one All-Star Game, many colorful characters have been among the fans in attendance.

One person stands out, one big A’s fan and professional cheerleader, and his name is Krazy George Henderson, known to all as “Krazy George. Krazy George originated ‘the wave’. On October 15, 1981, Krazy George (80 years old this year) initiated the first wave among Oakland A’s fans.

It was recorded during a playoff game between the New York Yankees and the Oakland A’s. This moment was captured in history and seen by a national television audience. 1981 is one of the years Billy Martin managed the Oakland A’s, and at the time when Krazy George started the wave, I thought it was just another A’s fan but little did I know at that time he would become a professional cheerleader, the one that invented the wave for thousands and thousands of fans in attendance. Although it is generically organized, the wave still happens in many stadiums.

Krazy George was a local personality. In 1968, he was a student at Cal State San José and a member of the National Championship Judo team. After graduating, he continued cheerleading for local sporting events. He was famous for leading cheers with his hand drum in the early 1970s. He was also a High School teacher in Santa Clara.

The California Golden Seals of the National Hockey League (who played their home games at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena) hired Krazy George as a cheerleader. Krazy George Henderson worked as a professional cheerleader for various professional organizations. He was also hired for private events.

Another colorful character at A’s games was Stacy Samuels, Banjo Man, a Bay Area resident from Fairfax who attended many San Francisco 49ers games during history. Banjo Man stopped attending A’s games at the Oakland Coliseum during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was great fun. He would stop and play his happy Banjo right in front of our crowd microphone under our broadcast booth with his propelled head beanie.

If you wonder what happened to Krazy George Henderson, he is still around, enjoying his job. He has appeared at the San José Earthquake games in San José 2024 and at a San José State women’s volleyball game. A pioneer who invented the wave at the Oakland A’s games, Krazy George Henderson was a historic personality for Oakland A’s for over 50 years of fun at the Oakland Coliseum.

El Loco George es parte de la historia de los Atléticos en Oakland.

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

Aces Slow Start Spearheads Loss to Chicago Sky 93-85

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The Chicago Sky’s forward Michaela Onyenwere (12) defends against the Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

Las Vegas Aces (16-7) struggled through the first quarter trailing by 19 points after the first 12 minutes. They continued to challenge throughout the game getting close but never led once. It was a real battle in the fourth quarter with the Aces getting as close as a single point but they were unable to get on top.

The Chicago Sky (9-14) won the game 93-85. A’Ja Wilson fought through this game finishing with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds but the Aces came up just short despite her effort.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was all Sky. They came out hard and fast and when the clock wound down on the first 12 minutes of this game, Chicago had taken a 25-12 lead and the Aces had some work to do in the second quarter.

The Sky had so far controlled the pace of this game and Las Vegas had to do a better job containing Chennedy Carter who already had scored 14 points. Chicago owned the shots from the field, from downtown and was out-rebounding the Aces 14 to 9.

Poor shooting was killing Las Vegas through the first half of the second quarter. With 4:50 left in the half, the Sky had taken a 40-21 lead. The Aces could not buy a long ball and Chicago was shooting at 44.4 % from downtown while Las Vegas was struggling only hitting 14.3 %.

They were getting shellacked. The Aces have not struggled like this at home all season. As the half came to an end, the Aces turned this game completely around after trailing by as much as 19.

Chicago continued to lead at the half but their lead had been cut to 44-37 as the Aces pushed back with ferocity. Las Vegas had a horrible start to this game but they were back on track going into the second half.

The Sky pushed their lead back to ten points 60-50 six minutes into the third quarter. Kelsey Plum continued to struggle only hitting two points for the entire game. The Sky had established a 12 point lead for much of the quarter and after three quarters, they continued to lead 69-63 and the Aces had one quarter left in this game to right the ship. Known for turning games around in the fourth quarter, they would have to show up in this one if they had any chance to win the game.

Las Vegas did indeed challenge in the fourth quarter trailing by a single point 73-72 with over seven minutes left in the game. Tiffany Hayes was having a great game off the bench hitting 14 points through three quarters and A’Ja Wilson already had another double double with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

With 7:15 left on the clock, the Sky were forced to take a full timeout and attempt to re-group as the Aces continued to forge a comeback. With 4:54 left in the game it continued to be a one-point game 75-74 with the Sky leading.

At 3:52, Las Vegas had at long last tied up this game at 77. The Aces had been unable to take the lead throughout the game as the Sky punched back taking an 88-81 lead with 1:32 left in the game and the Aces were running out of time.

Chicago had proven to be a most worthy opponent beating the defending champions 93-85. This was the Sky’s first win over Las Vegas in two years and they did in style.

The Aces were challenged the entire game by Chennedy Carter unable to contain herself and she finished with the game high 34 points. She led the way in this Chicago win. The slow start for Las Vegas was the determining factor and they never really recovered.

Game notes: Tuesday night the Aces took on the Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas ended their winning streak at four with the loss to the Sky. With the loss they fall a half game back behind first place Seattle in the Western Conference .

The Sky have come a long way since earlier in the season when they struggled with a .500 record at 6-6 record. The Sky have struggled at times this season but this not a team that you can take at all lightly as the Aces found out. They gave the Aces a run for their money despite being on the road.

A’Ja Wilson finished this game with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young had 17 points but Kelsey Plum struggled through the game with only two points at the half and eight points for the game. Tiffany Hayes had a nice game off the bench with 19 points.

The Aces will continue their season on Saturday August 17 taking on the New York Liberty with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 PM.