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Dorsey’s late goal pulls Dynamo even in 3-3 draw with Earthquakes

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The San Jose Earthquakes Starting XI posed for a group shot just before kickoff in their match against the Houston Dynamo at PayPal Park on Saturday MAY 24, 2025. (San Jose Earthquakes)

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — In a match that saw fireworks in the second half in terms of goals scored, the San Jose Earthquakes drew 3-3 with the Houston Dynamo on Saturday evening at PayPal Park.

San Jose is unbeaten in its past seven overall matches (4-0-3), including five in MLS play. Houston is winless in their past three matches but earned a point after two straight defeats.

San Jose (5-6-5) had two quality chances early in the first half by Josef Martinez. First in the seventh minute, Martinez’s attempt from 10 yards out was stopped by Dynamo goalkeeper Jonanthan Bond. Then in the 20th minute, Martinez’s point-blank chance from inside the box was knocked away with a two-handed save by Bond.

Houston (4-6-6) drew first blood in the 31st minute. Ondřej Lingr’s counterattack found Griffin Dorsey down the right wing. Dorsey crossed the ball in the box where Ezequiel Ponce headed the ball into the far corner of the net past Quakes goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. for his team’s leading fourth goal of the season.

The Dynamo doubled its lead seconds after a corner kick in the 50th minute. Lingr centered the ball from the right wing over to the back post. An unmarked Felipe Andrade tapped home the ball into an open net for his second goal of the season.

The game seemed to have been judged one-sided to the benefit of the Dynamo from referee Sergii Demianchuk who missed some obvious fouls committed by the Dynamo throughout the match.

“I give our players a lot of credit for coming back down from two goals and basically have the game won at the end,” said Quakes head coach Bruce Arena. “We didn’t manage the game very well at the end….I think we could have done better on all the goals. We could have scored more goals. We should have come in at halftime ahead. We had some very good chances. We just have to be a little bit cleaner.”

San Jose cut the deficit in half in the 66th minute. Beau Leroux got the ball down low to DeJuan Jones near the right goal line. Jones centered the ball to Preston Judd who one-timed the ball past Bond with a right-footed shot for his first goal of the season.

Judd recorded his brace in the 72nd minute. Fullback Ian Harkes centered the ball squarely into the box where Judd got behind two Dynamo defenders and headed the ball over Bond into the upper left corner of the net for the equalizer and second goal of the season.

“Josef (Martínez) helped me out there because they paid a lot of attention to him, so I was able to get on their back shoulders, and they didn’t know where I was at, so I took advantage of that and finished those chances when I got them,” Judd said.

The Earthquakes gained its first lead of the match four minutes later. Once again it was Harkes setting up the goal. After a Cristian Espinoza corner kick, Harkes gathered the ball along the left side line. The Quakes fullback deked out a Houston defender before centering the ball into the middle of the box. An unmarked Daniel Munie made a diving header into the far corner of the net for his first career MLS goal in the 76th minute.

Houston scored the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time on a fluke goal. Jack McGlynn had the ball just outside the box. McGlynn found Franco Escobar along the right wing. Escobar made a quick back pass to Dorsey whose right-footed shot deflected off of Dave Romey and into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

Bond finished the match with five saves on eight shots on target and was mainly responsible for Houston earning a point in the contest. Edwards Jr. did not record a save on the three shots on target.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with 11 corner kicks. Houston had seven.

The Earthquakes are currently 10-19-5 all-time vs. Houston Dynamo FC with an 8-6-4 home record.

Heading into tonight, the Quakes’ attack led all MLS with 29 goals. To celebrate, the club gave away 2,900 hot dogs to fans before the match. With another three goals tonight, the Quakes stayed atop the league leaderboard with 32 goals and 34.13 expected goals. 

Judd scored his fifth and sixth goals of his career. Combined with his goal and assist in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, he’s up to four goal contributions in all competitions (2g/2a).

DeJuan Jones, recently called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for June training camp ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup, amassed his fourth assist of the season and 26th of his MLS career.

The Quakes stayed unbeaten (3-0-3) in all games started by recent acquisition DeJuan Jones, who joined the team via trade with the Columbus Crew last month.

Ian Harkes had his first two assists of the MLS season tonight, running his career total to eight. He also had a goal vs. Inter Miami in his last league outing, giving him three goal contributions in his last two matches.

Edwards Jr.’s shutout streak in all competitions ended at 197 minutes after conceding Ezequiel Ponce’s 31st-minute goal.

Luca Ulrich, acquired via short-term loan earlier today from the Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro team, The Town FC, was an unused substitute backing up Earl Edwards Jr. at goalkeeper.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels down south to take on their SoCal rival Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday May 28th at 7:00pm at Dignity Health Sports Park

San Francisco Musters Little Offense Losing Game Two to the Nationals in a 3-0 Shutout

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James Wood puts good wood on the baseball for a two run home run for the Washington Nationals against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sat May 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (30-22) lost game two in their series with the Washington Nationals (24-28) 3-0. The Giants generated very little offense with only three hits. The National’s pitcher Jake Irvin blew through batter after batter going eight innings.

San Francisco’s lack of hitting has been obvious for the last seven or so games. The Giants will be looking to win this series in Sunday’s rubber game. They still have a chance for a series win but they have to get their bats going and play with a lot more intensity.

Game recap: After the lack of scoring in Friday’s game, the Nationals got up on the scoreboard in the first inning taking an early 2-0 lead when James Wood hit a home run with Amed Rosario on base for the early lead.

The Giants were looking for their first run of the game and through eight innings they had come up empty. The Nationals added another run in the seventh inning when Robert Hassell III grounded out to the pitcher and Luis Garcia Jr. scored giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Through eight innings the Giants only had three hits while the Nationals had eight.

It had been a silent day for San Francisco at the plate going into the ninth inning. They were three outs away from losing game two. The Nationals pitcher Jake Irving had an amazing time on the mound lasting eight innings allowing the three hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was handling the Giant’s batters with ease. He was relieved by Jorge Lopez who came in to close out this game for Washington.

San Francisco had their final chance going into the ninth inning. Jung Hoo Lee was first up at the plate but grounded out to the pitcher. Wilmer Flores struck out with Matt Chapman the Giant’s last hope at the plate. Chapman hit a deep ball to right field but Daylen Lyle made an amazing play stretching for the final out and that was the ball game 3-0 in favor of the Nationals to even up the series.

The Nationals pitcher had a great game with Jake Irvin going for eight innings. He just blasted through the Giant’s lineup in record time, the game lasting only 1:52. He used his sinker very well pitching to the Giant’s weakness. He only gave up the three hits with seven strikeouts and now has a 4-1 win/loss record. In this game he had 96 total pitches and 64 of them were strikes.

Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison lasted four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. He did not walk any batters and had four strikeout. He was relieved by Tristan Beck who allowed two hits and the third run with two strikeouts and went for three innings.

This was the fifth time the Giants have been shutout this season. San Francisco got completely shut down and didn’t even have a hit after the fifth inning and didn’t have a runner in scoring position after the fourth. They had very few scoring opportunities. With the series all tied up, the rubber game will be played Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 10:35AM PDT.

Game notes: The Giants took on the Nationals Saturday afternoon in the second of their two game series at Nationals Park. San Francisco won game one day 4-0 after six scoreless innings by both teams. The Giants got on the board in the seventh scoring two runs extending their lead in the eighth inning with two more runs for the eventual final of 4-0.

The Giants starter Kyle Harrison struggled pitching four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. The Nats starter Jake Irvin had a strong outing going eight innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Robbie Ray will take the mound for San Francisco who has been pitching very well with a 6-0 win/loss record and a 2.67 ERA so the Nationals will be challenged by him. Washington will start Michael Soroka who has a 1-2 win/loss record with a 5.95 ERA.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s manager shows discontent with Sutter Health Park

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A’s manager Mark Kotsay checks things out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning on June 29, 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Kotsay recently said that he can not see the ball when it’s going down the left field line from the A’s dugout at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. (AP file photo)

A’s Manager shows Discontent with Sutter Health Park

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Players complaining is one thing, and many times it goes ignored by…well, they’re players in a way spoiled, after all, they are playing in the Major Leagues, making more money than most of us can count. But when the Manager is also unhappy with where his home team is playing, that is another thing.

This was the case for A’s Manager Mark Kotsay during a game against the LA Angels recently at Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento. Imagine a manager sitting in the dugout watching the game, and during a controversial play and call by an umpire, he had to say this to the media: “I’m completely blind on anything that goes down the left field line.” Because Kotsay could not see they play as it was happening

It should not be a surprise since the ownership decided to play 81 home games in a Minor League Park, during that play A’s Manager said, “I was relying on the umpire crew to see the play and make the call, and then from his replay team to tell him to challenge it.”

According to today’s MLB regulations, MLb has 15 seconds to ask for replay reviews. What happens at Sutter Health Park should not surprise anybody, but when stuff like this happens, it is confirmation of the ineptness of their front office management.

The A’s most expensive signing this off-season, Luis Severino, their number one starter, has called Sutter Health Park “not a big league park.” He has also highlighted issues with the clubhouse location and the stadium’s size and noted how they affect his routine and rhythm as a pitcher. For the record, he is not having a good start.

With all the problems the Oakland A’s had at the Oakland Coliseum, as dated as it was, it was still a Major League facility—not the best, but still to Major League standards, the condition of the field was excellent all the time, I spoke to many players who played for the A’s and from visiting teams who told me the infield and outfield were always in excellent condition, some infielders told me: “it is soft and smooth infield and easy to field the ball”. Some fans who traveled from the Bay Area and many hardcore veteran A’s fans who were curious about the experience in Sacramento said they had concerns about the long lines for concessions, the lack of MLB-standard amenities, and the cost of parking and food.

I can imagine what many A’s players believe (but will not say) about playing in this facility. It would not be an exaggeration on my part (from personal experience through the years) of what players are thinking. They are probably the ONLY team in Major League Baseball that cannot wait to go on a long road trip.

This popular quote is in doubt for the A’s today in Sacramento

“There’s nothing like playing at home.” – This quote expresses the unique and positive feeling of playing in front of a home crowd.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Athletics Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sat May 24, 2025: A’s efforts to try and avoid tariffs on construction costs for Vegas ballpark

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Construction starts on the new Athletics ballpark as crews drill caissons for the foundation and grinding rock piles on the former Tropicana site on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Athletics Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sat May 24, 2025:

#1 The Athletics are trying to avoid tariff costs for imported materials that could add to the price tag of constructing the Las Vegas ballpark on the former Tropicana Hotel and Casino site.

#2 A’s President Marc Badain and CAA Icon vice president Todd Bishop have a plan that would offset costs that increase the price of constructing the park from imported good and materials from foreign parts and materials.

#3 Badain and Bishop addressed a breakfast gathering at NAIOP at The Orleans Hotel which was held by an commercial real estate industry provider. Badain said he wasn’t sure how the tariffs would impact stadium costs but did outline three ways to solve costs.

#4 Badain said the first move was to source materials and products domestically, where Badain and the A’s aren’t able to secure items needed to prevent tariff costs Badain said he’s trying to lock items into place before the costs climb further.

#5 While grading work started in April for the nine acre ballpark at Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd Bishop said he anticipates the foundation permit will give them the green light to begin construction towards deep foundations for the new park.

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

Lopez Shines in Duel, but A’s Fall 4-3 to Phillies After Ninth-Inning Collapse

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Jacob Lopez during his start on Friday. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — For the second straight night, the A’s got a great effort from their starting pitcher. This time, it was Jacob Lopez who turned in a fantastic outing to give the A’s a chance to snap their losing streak. Yet, an all-too-familiar late-inning bullpen mishap spoiled the A’s chances as they lost to the Phillies 4-3 at Sutter Health Park.

Lopez was fantastic. His only blemish was a solo home run by Trea Turner to lead off the game. Otherwise, he tossed a masterful seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball, striking out eight and surrendering only one walk.

After the game, Lopez described his turnaround from his last start for the A’s: “I went back to Las Vegas and just really focused on getting ahead and being the aggressor and pounding the strike zone…”

Lopez indeed displayed his strike-throwing prowess, with his only walk coming against Kyle Schwarber in the first inning.

“This was a great night. A big performance out of Jacob. He’s going up against one of the best pitchers in the game right now and matched him inning for inning pretty much,” Mark Kotsay said of Jacob Lopez following the loss.

On the other side, Zack Wheeler stifled the A’s offense, allowing just three hits over six and two-thirds innings of work.

Justin Sterner relieved Lopez in the eighth and tossed a scoreless inning to keep the game a 1-0 affair.

In the top of the ninth, the A’s brought in Mason Miller looking to keep the game close. Unfortunately for the A’s, Miller was not sharp, surrendering three runs on four hits while recording only two outs. He was relieved by Anthony Maldonado, who recorded the final out of the frame.

Down 4-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the A’s didn’t give in. Brent Rooker singled to start the inning, followed by a walk to Shea Langeliers. After Miguel Andujar struck out, Nick Kurtz—who seems to be finding his power stroke—hit a booming 425-foot home run to straightaway center to bring the A’s within one. That would be the last of the scoring, however, as the A’s ultimately fell 4-3.

“One thing I want to talk about is the fight that the club showed and the at-bats they took in the ninth inning. That says a lot about where we’re at—the focus that we have—and that we are able to continue to focus on the positives through a difficult time. There’s not a lack of effort in that locker room. There’s still fight in that locker room, and these guys will get through this,” Kotsay said about his team’s outlook during this rough stretch.

With the loss, the A’s skid balloons to 10 games as they fall to 22-30 on the season. The Phillies have now won eight straight and sit at 33-18 in 2025.

On Saturday, the A’s will try once again to snap the losing streak as they send Jeffrey Springs (5-3, 3.91 ERA) to the hill against Cristopher Sánchez (4-1, 3.10 ERA), who will start for Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM PST at Sutter Health Park.

Note of the day: Denzel Clarke made his major league debut on Friday, manning center field for the Athletics. Clarke, who was pinch-hit for in the ninth, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts looking. It’s worth noting that neither of those strikeouts came on pitches that should have been called strikes—home plate umpire Bill Miller missed the mark on both strike-three calls, as replay clearly showed they were outside the zone. Clarke dazzled in the field, catching a ball in left-center that had a 20% catch probability.

After the game, Denzel spoke with the media about his debut: “The experience was awesome. Playing against guys that you grew up watching on TV on the same field as them is really, really cool… I honestly thought I would be really nervous going into today, but I felt really relaxed. Same game, just a different level. I’m just very happy to go out there and play the game I love at the highest level today.”

Aces Jewell Loyd Hits Three To Steal Game From Mystics 75-72

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and the Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) go after a rebound in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (2-1) trailed for the entire game coming to life in the final minute of play to beat the Washington Mystics (2-2) 75-72. The Mystics refused to back down every time the Aces made a run continuing to hang onto the lead. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson shutting her down.

She did have a double double with 12 rebounds and 15 points and Jewell Loyd had a disappointing six points but that disappointment disappeared when she hit a three with 2.1 left in the game giving the Aces their first lead since the first quarter. The Mystics got a great effort from Kiki Iriafin who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces trailed by a basket 16-18. The Mystics got a fast start that they carried into the second quarter of play leading at the half 42-33. Washington outscored the Aces in the quarter 24-17.

Las Vegas would need more from their starters in the second half. Jewell Loyd had a quiet first half as did A’Ja Wilson. After the first two quarters of basketball the only player that scored double digits was the Mystics Kiki Iriafen.

Iriafen also had seven rebounds. The Aces were beaten from beyond the arc, 46% to 31% as well as from the field 42% to 31%. It was a slow start in the first half from Las Vegas.

The third quarter turned into a very physical game as the Aces made a push. They had trailed by 11 points but began to turn it all around at 6:38. Neither team had scored a basket in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the quarter.

At 5:43 the Aces had pulled to within six points 44-38. The Mystics pushed back extending their lead to 49-38. Las Vegas was committing some uncharacteristic turnovers and it was really hurting them.

A’Ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd were both struggling and the team was missing far too many layups. The Mystics continued to extend their lead and at 3:36 had built a 12-point lead 54-42. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson at times with two to three guards covering her.

They were having a lot of success shutting her down. Jewell Loyd continued to struggle with only four points. With 1:07 left in the quarter the Aces had pulled to within six points only to watch Washington hit a three pushing their lead back out to nine points, 59-50. After three quarters the Mystics led 59-50.

Las Vegas had one quarter left to turn this game around. The Mystics had built momentum that all began in the second quarter and they continued to feed off of it in the third quarter. The Aces had to dictate the pace of play and they had one quarter to do it.

Las Vegas pulled to within six points 59-53 when Jackie Young hit three shots from the line but every time the Aces got close, the Mystics shut it down. Las Vegas had not led in this game since the opening quarter in a really frustrating game for them.

With 2:01 left in the game, the Aces had pulled to within two points 68-66, the closest they had been since the first quarter. A glimmer of hope for Las Vegas which was shut down by a shot from downtown from the Mystics Sonia Citron.

With 11.6 left on the clock this game was tied at 72. The Aces took a time-out with 7.1 left in the game and the score tied at 72. Despite a disappointing game, Jewell Loyd hit the shot that made all the difference in this game and the disappointment was replaced by pure joy. With 2.1 left on the clock she hit a three that gave Las Vegas a 75-72 win in one wild game.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces took on a young Mystics team at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The one game that Las Vegas had lost this season was at the hands of the defending champion New York Liberty. A’Ja Wilson had a monster game with 31 points in the loss but came right back shooting for 20 points in their second game of the season beating the Connecticut Sun 87-62.

Jewell Loyd also had a solid game against the Sun with 20 points. The Aces got more tonight although it was close it was a win for Las Vegas. Wednesday night, the Mystics lost a close one to the Golden State Valkyries 76-74 in a real battle. Despite playing this game at home, the Aces had a real battle on their hands and they needed all hands on deck for this one.

Next up for the Aces will be a road trip up to Seattle for a matchup with the Storm. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM this Sunday May 25th at Climate Pledge Arena.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa: Oilers Skinner stops 25 Dallas shots in 3-0 shutout; Series tied 1-1 goes back to Edmonton

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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) and defenceman John Klingberg (36) defend the goal against Dallas Stars centre Tyler Seguin (91) during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. The Oilers aim to reset for Game 2 after a 6-3 loss in Game 1. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 The Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 25 shots shutting out the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals 3-0 at American Airlines Center on Friday night tying the series at 1-1.

#2 The Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal and picked up an assist. The Oilers got additional help from Brett Kulak and Connor Brown who scored a goal each. Evan Bouchard got two assists for the Oilers.

#3 The Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger saved 22 shots. The Stars had won seven home playoff games in a row before losing Friday’s game 2 in Dallas.

#4 An injury report Roope Hintz of the Stars had to leave the game in the third period and did not return. Hintz got slashed by the stick of the Oilers Darnell Nurse at 3:46. Hintz was helped off the ice and had to have ice put on his leg by the team trainers in the Dallas dressing room. Further Hintz did not put any weight on the leg.

#5 Game 3 up next with the series tied 1-1 going back to Edmonton on Sunday. The Oilers are 4-1-0 so far in the playoffs. With a win for the Stars or the Oilers could put either club up 2-1 in the series.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Landen Roupp Leads Giants to a Win Against Nationals in Game One 4-0

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By Barbara Mason

San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp pitched six innings of five hit ball against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

The San Francisco Giants (30-21) beat the Washington Nationals (23-28) in game one of their series 4-0 at Nationals Park in Washington DC. The keys to this game were the Giants Willy Adames single driving in Jung Hoo Lee for the first run of the game in the seventh inning 1-0.

The Nationals walked in a run in the same inning extending the San Francisco lead to 2-0. Wilmer Flores’ had his 43rd RBI driving in a second run from Lee and a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning. A wild pitch allowed a fourth San Francisco run and the great start that Mackenzie Gore had given Washington faded quickly when he left the game in the seventh inning.

Game recap: Going into the bottom of the fourth inning the game remained scoreless. Neither team was having a lot of offense as this pitchers duel went into the fifth inning. Through four innings, each team had two hits. The Giant’s starter Landon Roupp was having a great showing on the mound.

He knocked out the first three at bats for Washington in the opening inning, allowed a double in the second and a single in the third. He did walk Luis Garcia Jr. in the fourth inning but that would be it for Washington. Gore was also having a very solid game only allowing two hits through the four innings.

As this game wore on the stalemate continued going into the top of the seventh inning. The pitchers duel continued into the inning. Lee walked in the top of the inning and the Giants had another runner on base with no outs.

Gore left the game in the inning and was relieved by Jackson Rutledge. Gore had been hit in the leg in the second inning which could have been the reason for the eventual relief. Both the trainer and manager came out to the mound making the decision although Gore argued that he was ok.

Rutledge walked Matt Chapman and San Francisco had runners at first and second still with no outs. The Nationals had their second double play of the game with Lee advancing to third.

Adames singled Lee home and the Giants were first up on the scoreboard with the first run of the game 1-0. San Francisco still had two runners on base, Adames and Casey Schmitt looking to extend their lead.

Rutledge walked Mike Yastrzemski and the Giants had the bases loaded with a great chance for more. Rutledge walked in a run and the Giants had drawn five walks in the inning now leading 2-0. That would be it for Rutledge as Zach Brzykcy came in to relieve him the bases still loaded. Brzykcy got out of the inning putting an end to any more San Francisco runs.

The Nationals put two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh and that would be it for Roupp. Randy Rodriguez one of the Giants best relievers took the mound. The Giants got out of the inning with a double play taking the 2-0 lead into the top of the eighth inning and the combination of Roupp and Rodriguez had been perfect.

The Giants got a great jump in the eighth inning off hits from Lee and Chapman, now with runners at the corners and one out. Flores singled driving in his 43rd of the season and San Francisco had a 3-0 lead. A wild pitch scored a fourth Giant’s run and not much was going right for the Nationals trailing 4-0.

Erik Miller took the mound for the Giants in the bottom of the eighth inning. He allowed one walk but that would be it for the Nationals who were three outs away from losing the first game of the series.

Camilo Duval closed out this game for San Francisco in the ninth inning. Nathaniel Lowe popped, Keibert Ruiz flied out and Luis Garcia Jr. lined out and that was the ball game 4-0 in favor of San Francisco.

Game notes: After dropping their last series to the Kansas City Royals winning game two but losing the first and third game, the Giants left the Bay Area traveling back east for a series with the Washington Nationals Friday night.

For the Giants starter Roupp pitched six innings allowing five hits and didn’t allow a run with two walks and two strike outs. For the Nat’s starter MacKenzie Gore pitched six innings allowing two hits and one earned run.

San Francisco was able to get back on track holding down second place in the National League West right now trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games.

This was exactly the way that the San Francisco Giants wanted to get this road trip underway. They will be looking for a second win Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM. Lefty Kyle Harrison will take the mound for San Francisco with a 0-0, 3.38 ERA. The Nationals will start Jake Irvin who had a 3-1 win/loss record and a 3.88 ERA.

A’s Make Roster Moves Ahead of Phillies Series Amid Nine-Game Skid

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Seth Brown (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The Athletics made a flurry of roster moves on Friday following a four-game sweep at home against the Los Angeles Angels. The A’s, now losers of nine straight games, will look to get back on track against the Philadelphia Phillies, who come to Sacramento having won their last seven contests.

A’s roster moves leaving the big league club:

The Athletics optioned RHP Carlos Duran to Triple-A Las Vegas. Duran made his MLB debut just yesterday (Thursday) for the Athletics. Duran, who missed most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery while with the Dodgers organization, walked three batters and gave up three runs, managing to record only one out in his debut.

The Athletics optioned C Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Las Vegas. Pereda struggled in 42 plate appearances with the A’s this season, batting only .167 while managing just one extra-base knock.

The Athletics optioned OF JJ Bleday to Triple-A Las Vegas. JJ has struggled with the big league club this year, hitting only .204 for the A’s. He did manage six home runs up until his demotion on Friday.

The Athletics DFA’d OF/1B Seth Brown. Drafted by the A’s in 2015 out of Lewis-Clark State College, Brown made his MLB debut for the A’s in 2019. Brown was the longest-tenured Athletics player on the roster prior to Friday’s move, playing parts of seven seasons with the A’s. His best season came in 2022 when he posted a 1.9 WAR, a .230 average, and clubbed 25 homers. This will most likely be the end of Brown’s tenure with the A’s as he is exposed to waivers and may be claimed by any club.

A’s roster moves joining the big league club:

The Athletics have recalled LHP Jacob Lopez from Triple-A Las Vegas. Lopez will make the start for the A’s on Friday against the Phillies.

The Athletics have recalled INF CJ Alexander from Triple-A Las Vegas.

The Athletics have recalled OF Denzel Clarke from Triple-A Las Vegas. Clarke, who is seen as an elite defender, will take over the majority of the work in center field vacated by JJ Bleday. Per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, A’s GM David Forst confirmed the plans for Clarke. Clarke is in the starting lineup for the A’s tonight, batting ninth and playing center field.

The Athletics selected INF/OF Logan Davidson from Triple-A Las Vegas. Davidson, selected in the first round by the A’s in the 2019 draft, plays multiple positions. He will undoubtedly serve in a utility role for the A’s and was hitting .303 with a .879 OPS for the Aviators.

The Athletics selected C Willie MacIver from Triple-A Las Vegas. Willie will serve as the replacement for Jhonny Pereda in backup duties behind Shea Langeliers.

A’s injury roster moves:

Zack Gelof was transferred to the 60-Day IL as he recovers from a fractured hamate bone. A stress reaction in Gelof’s ribs has delayed his return.

The A’s placed INF Gio Urshela on the 10-Day IL with a hamstring injury he suffered yesterday against the Angels.

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025: Former Brewer Ruf’s career ending injury over metal at end of tarp; When will Mets Soto snap out of funk?; plus more news

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Former Milwaukee Brewer Darin Ruf hit his knee while chasing a foul pop towards the stands. The tarp had a metal ending that he hit his knee on. Ruf said the injury ended his career on June 2, 2023. (AP News file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025:

#1 Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Darin Ruf got hurt by a metal ending from the tarp at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati which he said caused him career ending injuries two years ago. Ruf during the June 2, 2023 game gave chase of a pop up toward the first base stands in foul ground hit his knee on the metal ending of the tarp rolled up by the stands. Ruf had successes with the San Francisco Giants 2021 and 2022 before going to Milwaukee.

#2 Michael, what is wrong with the New York Mets Juan Soto. You remember the one game where he didn’t leave the batters box and watch a fly ball hit the fence and he only got a single out of it. He might eventually get out of this funk but is the pressure of being one of the highest paid players in the number one market something that’s been overwhelming for him?

#3 Since the 1962 New York Mets it took until 2024 for another team to become the worst team in MLB history in the Chicago White Sox. The Sox this season have some competition with the Colorado Rockies who are on a pace to catch and pass the Sox. After a 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday the Rockies now have dropped their record to 8-42 and have the worst start of a club in MLB history in the first 50 games. That record was previously held by the 2023 Oakland A’s who were 10-40.

#4 The Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward belted a grand slam and the Angels took it to the Sacramento A’s on Thursday afternoon with a 10-5 win. For the Angels a seven game win streak for the A’s their ninth consecutive loss. To think the A’s at the beginning of this month were just one game away to get a tie for first place in the AL West but have since sank to dead last place.

#5 After rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee Atlanta Brave Ronald Acuna will be returning to the Braves on Friday night. Acuna has been out for almost a year after injuring the knee May 26, 2024. He had surgery on June 6th. Acuna returns to the Braves after playing six games in the minors going 6-15 hitting two home runs. How ready is Acuna for his return?

Join Michael Duca Fridays for the MLB The Show podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com