Author: Sports Radio Service

Giants have been shutout now for 27 straight innings; SF gets blanked by San Diego 8-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants Marco Luciano (left) and the San Diego Padres Manny Machado advanced on a two run single in the top of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Sep 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

San Diego (84-65). 100 103 030. 8. 17. 1

San Francisco (72-77). 000 000.000 0. 5. 1

Time: 2:33

Attendance: 31,243

Saturday, September 14, 2024

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–The San Diego Padres cut the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lead for first in the National League’s Western Division to 3-1/2 games by shutting the San Francisco Giants out, 8-0, this chilly Friday evening on the banks of McCovey Cove while Los Angeles was overwhelmed, 10-1, by the Braves in Atlanta. The Giants have now been shutout in three games and for 27 straight innings.

San Diego led their hosts from the start and never looked back, but they didn’t break the game open until they posted a three spot against rookie starter Mason Black in the top of the sixth, when Donovan Solano’s double, followed by singles off the bats of the indomitable Luis Arraiz and right fielder Fernando Tatís, Jr., a walk to the versatile veteran Jurickson Profar, and Jackson Merrill’s two bagger.

That, added to single runs in the first and fourth frames, made it 5-0 in favor of the Padres, who tagged on a trio of tallies in the eighth, getting to Erik Miller on a uncursed leadoff double by Arraez, an RBI single by Tatís, a base on balls to Profar, and a two RBI double by Jackson Merrill. The Pads scored their eight runs on 17 hits off five San Francisco pitchers.

Erik Miller, who faced only two batters in the top of the seventh, was the sole unscored upon San Francisco hurler, unless you include Donovan Walton, an infielder by trade, who gave up two hits but no runs in the ninth.

Black, who fell to 0-4, 6.75 with the loss, lasted only four innings and surrendered two runs, one earned on six hits, one of them a fourth inning solo home run to Xander Bogaerts, and a walk. 55 of his 79 offerings met the criteria to be counted as strikes.

Sean Hjelle pitched two innings and surrendered three runs, all earned, on five hits and two free passes. Jordan Hicks, just back from paternity leave, was touched up for three runs, all of them earned, on four hits and a walk in his inning and a third.

Joe Musgrove earned his sixth win against five losses for his six innings of three hit ball, in which he struck out eight of the 22 Giant batters he faced. Adrián Morejón struck out the side in seventh, and Alek Jabob mopped up with two hits and a K in the final two frames.

Arraez extended his streak of consecutive plate appearances without being struck out from 129 to 135. He also stretched his hitting streak to a dozen games. Only Bobby Witt, Jr., now has more three hit games than Arraez’s 18.. Merrill’s two RBIs raised his total to 85, tops for NL rookies.

The free falling Giants will try to recover Sunday afternoon. The game, scheduled to begin at 1:05pm PT, will follow a celebration of the life of Orlando “Peruchín” Cepeda at 12:30pm. Martín Pérez (4-5, 4.46) will take the mound for the Friars; The Giants Landen Roupp (0-1, 3.44) will throw his curve balls at the Padres.

A’s Fall To White Sox After Tying Up the Game – Benintendi homers For Walk-Off 7-6

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Chicago White Sox Andrew Benintendi slugged a walk off home run against the Oakland A’s as catcher Shea Langeliers looks on in the bottom of the ninth inning at Guarantee Rate Field in Chicago on Sat Sep 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland Athletics (65-84) fought hard in their second game with the Chicago White Sox (34-115). Twice they fought back from three run deficits, the first in the sixth inning and the second in the ninth. It all came crashing down in the bottom of the ninth inning when Andrew Benintendi homered to right and Chicago had the walk-off 7-6 on Saturday.

Game recap: Neither team would score in the opening inning but it was the White Sox who got up on the board first in the second inning. Oakland pitcher J.T. Ginn gave up three hits in the first inning but kept the White Sox off the board.

He did not get off so easy in the second inning giving up four hits and two runs for a 2-0 Chicago lead. The White Sox extended their lead in the third inning when Ginn gave up a solo home run off the bat of Gavin Sheets.

Ginn would get out of the inning but not before he allowed two more hits. Through three innings he had allowed ten hits. The White Sox have struggled with letting teams back in games but the A’s were starting to dig a bit of a hole which all started on the mound.

Ginn started to pull it together in the fourth with a one, two, three inning and the Oakland offense had some damage control to attend to. This season the A’s have come from behind on many occasions but they were struggling offensively in this game with only 5 hits through four innings.

Brent Rooker hit another milestone in the fifth inning connecting for his 24th consecutive hit. With two outs in the fifth inning, Oakland had Rooker on second and JJ Bleday at first base. Shea Langeliers struck out and the A’s had come away empty.

Oakland’s Kyle Muller relieved Ginn in the fifth inning and he would go three up and three down. The sixth inning was also solid for Muller with another three up three down inning.

Oakland threatened again in the sixth inning but as in the fifth inning there were two outs. The A’s had runners on second and third. Jacob Wilson was hit by a pitch which loaded the bases. Leadoff hitter Lawrence Butler was next up at the plate.

Chicago pitcher Chad Kuhl walked Butler and Soderstrom scored from third and the A’s were on the board 3-1. Brent Rooker singled Max Schuemann and Jacob WiIson home and this game was tied 3-3. Oakland still had runners at the corners but a JJ Bleday ground ball ended a huge sixth inning for the Athletics. Now there would be a tie to break.

In the seventh inning, it was the White Sox breaking the tie. Andrew Benintendi singled Nicky Lopez home for one run and then Gavin Sheets sacrificed driving Luis Robert Jr. home taking a 5-3 lead. Chicago would tack one more run on in the eighth inning when Zach DeLoach scored off a Nicky Lopez single and the White Sox had another three run lead 6-3.

Oakland rallied in the top of the ninth inning. With Lawrence Butler on second and Brent Rooker on first with no outs, the A’s were threatening. JJ Bleday walked and the Athletics had the bases loaded again with Shea Langeliers at the plate.

Langeliers delivered driving both Butler and Rooker home and the score was 6-5 in favor of the White Sox. With runners on first and second Seth Brown would be looking for his first hit of the game.

Brown also delivered loading the bases still with no outs. Zach Gelof singled JJ Bleday home to tie up this game at six. Shea Langeliers attempted to reach home plate but was thrown out which was reviewed and confirmed.

The White Sox would look for the walk off in the bottom of the inning. Both of these teams were fighting for the win and it would be the White Sox that would finish on top. Andrew Benintendi knocked the ball out of the park for the walk-off and the 7-6 win.

It was a terrible disappointment for Oakland after coming back twice in this game to tie up the score. The A’s will play in the rubber match looking to take the series. Lawrence Butler continued his hitting streak as well as his stolen bases. This guys does it all. Brent Rooker had three hits in this game as did Zach Gelof. The A’s finished the game with 11 hits.

Game notes: Saturday evening the A’s took on the White Sox in game two of their three game series after beating them last night in a shut out 2-0. Oakland was looking for a win in game two but the Sox broke a 6-6 deadlock in the bottom of the ninth to come away with a one run win 7-6 at Guarantee Rate Field. A’s starter JT Ginn went four innings. allowed ten hits, three runs and struck out three earned runs. The Sox starter Chris Flexen pitched five innings allowing six hits, walked two hitters and struck out eight.

JP Sears will take the mound for the Athletics Sunday. This will be his 30th start this season. He has a 11-10 win/loss record and a 4.18 ERA. Sean Burke will start for the White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 AM.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Let the showcasing begin; On display San Jose’s Celebrini and Will Smith; Pacioretty not giving up trying to make Leafs in tryout; plus more NHL news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Macklin Celegrini of the San Jose Sharks (71) scored against the Utah Hockey Team in the third period in the prospect tournament game at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (Los Angeles Kings photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 No.1 NHL draft pick center Macklin Celebrini is expected to play a huge role in his rookie season. Celebrini will be joined by center Will Smith who was selected No.4 in the 2023 NHL draft.

#2 He’s not giving up the former Montreral Canadien superstar Max Pacioretty signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pacioretty last played for the Washington Capitals in 47 games, scored four goals, 19 assists, and 23 points. Pacioretty is 35 years old is he at the end of the line or can he help the Leafs this season?

#3 21 years old Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils injured his left shoulder during off season training. Hughes will be out from six to eight weeks. Hughes will not need surgery. Hughes is New Jersey’s lead defenseman who has 49 points, ten goals and 39 assists last season.

#4 It was the first time ever that the Utah Hockey Team took the ice in their inaugural season during the prospects tournament game in El Segundo. For Utah to land an NHL team came under the most unusual circumstances as the Arizona Coyotes just couldn’t land a permanent arena after playing at Arizona State University and the Coyotes were forced to sell the team to Utah Hockey Team owner Ryan Smith. The Utah Hockey Team lost in that first game 3-2 to the Sharks.

#5 The New York Islanders Maxim Tsyplakov is out to make a strong impression. Tysplakov signed a one year deal as a free agent on May 16. Tsyplakov 25 has stood out amongst the rookies, free agents and players trying to make the team. “It’s clear that he’s a little more physically mature than a lot of guys out there,” said Rick Kowalsky, coach of Bridgeport, New York’s American Hockey League affiliate.

Len Shapiro does the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Wheelers deal Ballers season ending loss 6-4 in game 3 of Pioneer Playoffs

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Oakland Ballers make their way back to the clubhouse following their game 3 playoff game against the Yolo High Wheelers at Raimondi Field in West Oakland on Fri Sep13, 2024 (Oakland Ballers X photo)

Yolo (2-1) 201 100 200 6 10 2

Oakland (1-2) 001 020 100 4 5 2

Time: 2:47

Attendance: 2,662

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–The Oakland Ballers’ successful inaugural season came to a depressing close this Friday the 13th when the Yolo High Wheelers, who have the same principal owners as the Oakland nine and also are newcomers to the Pioneer Baseball League, played Cain to the the Ballers’ Able.

The raucous crowd of 2,662, about 65% of Raimondi Park’s capacity, made enough noise that you’d have thought their favorites had fared better than they did. The decibel level of the West Oakland revelers exceeded that made in the East Oakland venue where the other (for now) Oakland ball club used to drive George Steinbrenner crazy. Nonetheless, Oakland fell to what on this occasion was clearly a superior team.

The game was closer than the score indicated, although the final outcome wasn’t seriously in doubt after Yolo jumped off to 2-0 lead in the top of the first.The High Wheelers’ starting pitcher, Ben Ferrer, struck out the three Ballers he faced in the bottom of the frame, and that set the tone for the rest of the contest.

Oakland rallied a few times but never caught up with their opponents, who won through a combination of their own good performance, some Oakland shortcomings, and a few sequences in which everything seemed to happen to the Ballers at just the wrong time..

The visitors outhit their hosts, 10-5. A pair of High Wheelers, José González and David Glancy, hit the ball out of the park, and three more, Brayland Skinner, Braylin Marine, and Angel Mendoza logged doubles. A trio of Ballers, Brett Carson, Daunté Stuart, and Tyler Lozano, homered, but those were the team’s only extra base hits. Brett Carson, Thursday’s hero, was the only Oaklander to turn in a multi-hit performance, a two out single in the fifth and a two out solo home run in the seventh, the home team’s swan song.

Ferrer went six innings to earn the win. For all his dominance in the opening frames (he struck out eight of the first 12 Ballers he faced), he allowed four hits and three runs, all earned, in six innings of work. That might be a quality start, but would you call someone with an ERA of 4.50 a quality pitcher?

Only if you were his agent. Jack Zatasky gave up a run on Carson’s four bagger. Connor Langrell and Ty Buckner followed him and held Oakland hitless and runless in the inning that each of them pitched, which earned Buckner the save.

The best pitching performance the Ballers got was from Zach St. Pierre, who relieved starter Luke Short (four runs, all earned, on six hits in 3-1/3 innings). St. Pierre allowed two runs in his three innings on the mound, but neither of them was earned. He allowed two hits and struck out two.

The crowd cheered and chanted “ZSP” as he left the field to make way for Christian Cosby in the top of the seventh. (“Oh, Tyler Lozano” was another chant that echoed across Raimondi Park several times over the course of the game).

Cosby promptly served up a sacrifice fly for a run that was charged to St. Pierre. The reason that neither that run nor the one that preceded it was earned is that Mendoza had reached third on an error by Oakland shortstop Brad Burkel that would have been the third out.

(That’s an example of what I meant by bad sequencing for the Ballers. An earlier one came on Skinner’s down the left field line RBI double in the third that Dandrei Hubbard could have handled if he hadn’t been playing in to defend against a bunt). Neither Cosby in his 2/3 of an inning nor Carson Lambert in his two full innings allowed a run, although each of them was touched for a hit .

The Glacier Range Riders whalloped the heavily favored Missoula Paddleheads, 17-3, Friday evening to take a commanding lead in the other first round playoff series. It looks like a Glacier-Yolo championship is in the offing while the Ballers wait ’til next year.

Webb gives up three runs in first, and Cease and Padres blank Giants 5-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Diego Padres catcher Elias Diaz (right) waits to put the tag on the San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos (left) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Fri Sep 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

San Diego Padres 5 (83-65)

San Francisco Giants 0 (72-76)

Win: Dylan Cease (13-11)

Loss: Logan Webb (12-10)

Time: 2:33

Attendance: 39,798

By Stephen Ruderman

The Padres came into Oracle Park Friday night, where they scored three runs off Logan Webb in the top of the first inning, and Dylan Cease blanked the Giants and handed them their second-straight shutout loss, 5-0, to open this three-game series.

The Padres were in town for the first time since the home opener. While the early-season excitement and expectations may have been gone, 39,798 fans still filed into Oracle Park to watch the Giants play spoiler against a Padres’ team in the midst of a four-team fight for the three wild card spots in the National League.

Logan Webb once again looked to be the stopper, and he would go up against Dylan Cease in a rematch from last Saturday, when the Giants beat the Padres 6-3. Despite the fact that the Padres are right in the thick of things and that the Giants are about a week away from being eliminated, the Giants came into tonight’s game 6-4 against the Padres this season.

The top of the first inning would not go well for Webb. Luis Arraez led off and singled to right on the second pitch of the game. Fernando Tatis Jr. then came up and hit a home run to center field to give the Padres an early 2-0 lead just four pitches into the game.

Webb got Jurickson Profar to ground out for the first out of the game, but Manny Machado singled and got to second on a wild pitch. Jake Cronenworth struck out looking for the second out, but Xander Bogaerts doubled to right, and Machado scored to make it 3-0.

The Giants were able to get to Cease last weekend, and it looked like they were going to get to him again in the bottom of the first, as they put runners at first and second with one out. However, Cease got out of it unscathed.

When the Giants got to Cease last Saturday, it was in large part due to the unusual heat at Petco Park. Friday night under the normal cold confines of Oracle Park would be a completely different story. Cease proceeded to retire ten straight, and 14 of the next 16.

Webb survived a leadoff double by Jackson Merrill in the top of the second, and it appeared that he had settled down when he threw a one, two, three inning in the top of the third. However, he ran into trouble again in the top of the fourth.

Merrill hit his second double of the game with one out, and then David Peralta struck out swinging. Webb seemed as if he was going to get out of it, as Machado hit a little nubber off the end of the bat in front of the mound. However, Webb just threw it over the head of LaMonte Wade at first, and Merrill scored to make it 4-0.

That would be it for Webb, who gave up seven hits and three unearned runs over just four innings. It was an usually-short outing for the Giants’ ace.

Tristan Beck came in for the top of the fifth and gave up a leadoff base-hit to Profar. However, Beck retired the side in order immediately afterwards, and he threw a one, two, three inning in the top of the sixth.

It looked like the Giants were finally going to break through against Cease in the bottom of the sixth. Heliot Ramos singled to lead off the inning, and after Cease retired the next two, Patrick Bailey came to the plate.

Bailey lined a double to right, and Giants Third Base Coach Matt Williams waved Ramos in from third. However, Padres’ right-fielder Fernando Tatis threw to second-baseman Jake Cronenworth, who made a perfect relay throw home. Ramos veered to his right to make a head-first slide around catcher Elias Diaz, but he was still tagged out, as he nearly took out Home Plate Umpire Mark Wegner.

It was a rough way to end the inning and waste another opportunity for the Giants, but it was a nice way for Cease to end his outing. Cease gave up just four hits and walked two over six shutout innings. Most importantly, he struck out ten and got his 1,000th-career strikeout when he struck Donovan Walton looking to start the bottom of the third.

Beck ended up going two and two thirds, as he was pulled with runners at first and second for the Padres and two outs in the top of the seventh. Taylor Rogers came in to get out of the inning, and he threw a scoreless top of the eighth.

Tanner Scott threw a one, two three bottom of the seventh for San Diego, and Jason Adam did the same in the bottom of the eighth.

After another rough outing for Camilo Doval last night, in which he threw three wild pitches in the top of the seventh inning, he was back in for the ninth Friday night. Doval retired the first two he faced, but the Padres were not going to do him any favors with two outs.

Profar singled to right, and Brandon Lockridge pinch-ran for Profar and stole second. Machado then doubled the other way to right, and Lockridge came in to make it 5-0.

Jeremiah Estrada came in for the Padres in the bottom of the ninth, and threw a one, two, three inning to end it.

Dylan Cease got the win, and Logan Webb took the loss.

Despite how much the Giants’ offense has struggled this season, this is the first time all year that they have been shutout in back-to-back games. However, Friday night was the 31st game this season in which the Giants have struck out 12 times, as pointed out by Sam Lubman of 95.7 The Game.

As also pointed out by Lubman, in the Giants’ first 60 seasons in San Francisco, they never struck out 12 times in 20 or more games in a single season. This is now the seventh-straight season in which the Giants have had 20 or more such games.

The Giants fall to 72-76, and their tragic number to be eliminated is now six. The Giants were eliminated from the National League West race last night.

As for the Padres, they’re the ones playing meaningful baseball, and they improve to 83-65. The Padres have eclipsed the Diamondbacks for the first wild card spot.

The Giants and Padres will be right back at it Friday night. Mason Black will make the start for the Giants, and he will be opposed by left-hander Joe Musgrove, whom the Giants got to on Sunday. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m.

National League Wild Card Standings:

  1. Padres 83-65 +1.5
  2. Diamondbacks 82-65 +1.0
  3. Mets 81-66 —

Braves 80-67 1.0

Giants News and Notes:

The Giants called up Donovan Walton prior to the game. Walton started and went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.

Walton is back in the big leagues for the Giants for the first time since he gave us some excitement in a 24-game stint in 2022.

He only hit .158, but he hit seven doubles in his first 10 games, earning the nickname “Donnie Doubles,” which was based off Donovan Solano’s nickname, “Donnie Barrels.” Solano left the Giants following the 2021 Season. In his 11th game for the Giants on June 5, 2022, Walton hit a grand slam at Marlins Park in Miami.

To make room for Walton, Luis Matos was sent back down to Sacramento.

Farhan Zaidi confirmed that his contract runs through the end of next season with an option for 2026, as does Bob Melvin’s. Even though he is signed through the end of next season, Zaidi’s future with the Giants remains uncertain.

Bryce Eldrige, after just nine games with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, has been called up to Triple-A Sacramento, where he will finish his season. Eldridge hit .270 in his nine games with Richmond with one home run, and four RBIs.

Eldridge, who was the Giants’ first-round draft pick last year, is only 19 years old. Getting to Triple-A at that age is quite an accomplishment.

Now, the question is how much of Eldridge we will see with the Giants next season.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Boras says health and safety at issue with playing in Sacramento; Agent says A’s should work out deal with AASEG to stay in Oakland

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Major League Baseball agent Scott Boras appeared on 1530 KFBK Sacramento Thu Sep 12, 2024 saying that Sutter Health Park is a minor league facility and that Oakland A’s games should continue to be played at the Oakland Coliseum. Boras said that the players are not happy about the Sutter Health upgrades which includes artificial turf that will raise the temperature surface on the field and a much smaller facility for big league players. (photo taken Mar 20, 2024 by AP News)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Construction at Sutter Health Park is being worked on for the clubhouses, weight rooms, family facilities, press boxes, and seats at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento to get it ready for both the Sacramento River Cats and Sacramento A’s for 2025.

#2 With the latest wrinkle last Thursday when baseball agent Scott Boras said the players are not on board with the upgrades including artificial turf being installed due to it raising the temperature on the field. Boras said that Sutter Health Park would be the only artificial turf outdoor stadium in MLB and with players being worth millions of dollars they could get burned sliding on the hot turf causing significant injuries.

#3 Another issue like the public funding in Las Vegas for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark the A’s need to get their share of the construction costs in order before the December deadline or that funding from the State of Nevada goes away . With the Sacramento ballpark if the players and MLB can’t get to a middle ground on playing the next four seasons on artificial turf and playing in a minor league stadium that also could end up being a stalemate.

#4 Boras said one of the best solutions is for the A’s to go back to the Oakland Coliseum where the players want to finish up at until the Las Vegas ballpark is built (if at all). Another scenario the new Oakland Coliseum property owners the African American Sports Entertainment Group can offer the A’s a good rental deal to come back and play at the Coliseum and offer to help build a stadium at the Coliseum.

#5 Baseball Commissioner said there is no deal in Oakland, Oakland is a dead issue, and MLB does not want to play at the Oakland Coliseum anymore. This is where the Players Association and MLB might hit a fork in the road over forcing the players to play in an outdoor minor league stadium with artificial turf and minor league facilities vs. getting back to Coliseum which the MLBPA want to play out until the Las Vegas scenario is worked out. This is a scenario that could go sideways and hold up the Sacramento relocation.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Oakland A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s rookie Basso throws five plus innings of shutout ball against White Sox in 2-0 win; Sox lose 115th game of season now 5 short of 62 Mets loss record

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s catcher Shea Langliers (left) congratulates closer Mason Miller (right) after defeating the Chicago White Sox at Guarantee Rate Field in Chicago on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night, the Oakland A’s (65-83) took on the Chicago White Sox (33-115) in the first of a three game series winning in a shutout 2-0. This was Brady Basso’s first big league win going 5 1/3 innings without allowing a run to cross home plate.

There were no home runs in this game for the A’s but they did have nine hits. Oakland has now bettered their record from last season by 15 games which is huge and the season is not even over. Lawrence Butler continued his hit streak with at least 21 hits in his last 21 games.

Game recap: There was not a whole lot going on through the first three innings of this game. Oakland would finally get up on the board in the fourth inning when Zach Gelof doubled Daz Cameron home for the early 1-0 lead in this pitcher’s dual.

The A’s got a second run in the fifth inning to take a 2-0 lead. Brent Rooker singled driving Tyler Nevin across home plate. These two runs would be the only runs in the entire game for both team.

The A’s starter Brady Basso pitched the 2-0 shutout for his first big league career win. He went 5 1/3 innings allowing five hits and no runs. He walked one runner and had two strikeouts. He handed the White Sox their 16th consecutive home loss and their 18th shut out of the season.

He was relieved by Michel Otanez who was solid going 1 2/3 innings with no hits, no runs and three strikeouts. Tyler Ferguson relieved Otanez for one inning with the same result. No hits, runs or walks.

Closing out this game it was “Miller Time” with Mason Miller taking the mound and he did not disappoint. He allowed one hit, no runs, no walks and two strikeouts and that was the ball game with the A’s taking game one of this series 2-0. This was Mason Miller’s 25th save of the season.

Losing pitcher for the White Sox Garrett Crochet only went four innings allowing three hits, one run with four strikeouts. The White Sox sent four relief pitchers throughout the final five innings of this game.

The A’s finished this game with nine hits. Lawrence Butler continued his streak with his 21st straight game connecting for at least a hit. JJ Bleday had a couple of hits with 41 doubles this season so far. Brent Rooker had a hit in this game as well as Daz Cameron, Seth Brown, Zach Gelof (with two hits), and Tyler Nevin. The A’s offense had been so very good in the second half of the season.

Game notes: Friday evening the A’s traveled to Chicago taking on the White Sox in a three game series. The White Sox are struggling more than any other team in baseball residing in last place in major league baseball. The Sox need to lose five more games to tie the worst season loss record at 120 games held by the 1962 New York Mets. A’s starter Basso went 5.1 innings, allowed five hits, no runs and two strikeouts. The White Sox starter Garrett Crochet pitched four innings, allowed three hits, allowed an earned run and struck out four hitters.

Saturday the A’s will be looking to take game two in this series. They will be looking for some of those long balls although they got the job done Friday night without them. Probables for Oakland will be J.T. Ginn on the mound who lost his last outing. He has a 0-1 win/loss record and a 4.58 ERA. The White Sox will start Chris Flexen who has struggled and has a 2-14 win/loss record and a 5.28 ERA. The A’s could very well take advantage of Flexen and send a few balls out of the park. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM PT.

Bay FC and North Carolina play to a 1-1 draw at WakeMed Park in Cary NC

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Bay FC were happy to come away with a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage in NWSL action at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary NC on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (Bay FC X photo)

By William Espy

Bay FC was back on the road Friday night as they visited WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the North Carolina Courage who currently sit fifth in the NWSL. Bay’s victory over Racing Louisville last week allowed them to climb into 7th in the league, but the teams trailing weren’t far behind.

As a result, points were a must for them. A loss would put them directly in the clutches of the Chicago Red Stars and Angel City FC, which a tie or win would help them stick with both North Carolina and the Portland Thorns in the standings. Solid performance by Bay FC in a 1-1 draw against North Carolina.

Bay FC Starting XI: Rowland, Dydasco, Menges, Dahlkemper, Malonson, Pickett, Bailey, Boade, Hill, Oshoala, Kundananji Courage Starting XI: Murphy, Berkely, Kurtz, Rauch, Williams, O’Sullivan, Narumi, Sanchez, Lussi, St-Georges, Hopkins

Bay FC got out to an early lead as the surging Asisat Oshoala scored in the ninth minute off of an assist from Tess Boade. The 29-year-old striker has been on fire since the friendly against her former team FC Barcelona, scoring both against Louisville and in this game.

It’s no coincidence that the team has been winning quite a few games now that Oshoala and Rachael Kundananji are seemingly much more comfortable following the Olympic break. Ashley Sanchez tied it up for the Courage in the 28th minute from a difficult angle. The 1-1 tie would be maintained into halftime.

In the 84th minute, Oshoala nearly set up a game-winning goal for Kundananji but she was able to get to the ball with a diving kick attempt and got called for a handball in the process. Caprice Dydasco had a strong run a few minutes later, getting the ball to Oshoala inside the box but her shot sailed well over the goal.

North Carolina were unbeaten at home entering this game, with a home record of 8-0-1 and they were desperately trying to make sure their unbeaten streak continued. A diving header from Feli Rauch nearly gave the Courage the lead in stoppage time, but the aim was just off and it went wide left.

Bay FC got one final attempt with a throw-in in the 96th minute, but were unable to do anything with it. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, which was a phenomenal outcome for the Courage. It marked Bay FC’s first draw of the season, so it’s hard to be upset with a result that at least got them a crucial point.

North Carolina dominated in terms of possession, leading 59% to 41% for Bay FC. In most other areas though, Bay was doing a great chance of producing chances throughout the game. They had a total of 12 shots, six of which were on target compared to the Courage who had seven total, with only two on target.

Although it wasn’t the result Bay FC was undoubtedly hoping for, keeping a top-five team in the league to a draw certainly shows that they have what it takes to make the playoffs interesting if they’re able to secure a spot.

Their next game isn’t going to be much easier either, as they’ll face the so-far unbeaten Orlando Pride at PayPal Park. Luckily for Bay, they’ll have the home field advantage in that matchup, but it hasn’t mattered much to Orlando so far this season.

Aces Beat Indiana Fever In Second Matchup 78-74

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) takes a jump shot against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) at Gainbridge Field in Indianapolis on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The second game of the two game series between the Las Vegas Aces (24-13) and the Indiana Fever (19-19) was a hotly contested game with Las Vegas coming out on top 78-74. Chelsea Gray had the team high with a high-powered effort scoring 21 points.

The Fever were able to tie the game in the second half but that was as close as Indiana would get. A’Ja Wilson had another double double scoring 15 points and had 17 rebounds. The Fever have not beaten Las Vegas in the past five years.

Game recap: The Aces had a great start leading after the first ten minutes 19-13. After the first quarter, the Fever’s Caitlan Clark already had two personals in this very competitive game.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Fever rallied after trailing by as many as eight points. With under four minutes left in the half the Aces had established a 35-27 lead. Every time the Fever challenged, the Aces had the answer pushing back the lead.

Both Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum had a great start in this game. Las Vegas continued to fight hard but the feisty Fever continued to hang around. At the half, the Aces continued to maintain the lead 43-35.

Clark had to exit the second quarter after committing her third foul. In the quarter she set the record for the most assists in a season as she continues to set milestones. The Aces Wilson and Plum each had ten points and Young chipped in seven points. Wilson already had eight rebounds on her way to another double double.

This game began to really heat up in the third quarter with both teams trading shots. Mid-way through the quarter the Aces continued to lead 56-46 in a fast paced game. Wilson had a double double in the quarter and four Ace starters had double digits.

With two minutes left in the quarter the Fever had pulled to within four shots 52-56. Las Vegas had to tighten up and start hitting shots. In the final minute of play, the Fever had pulled to within one point 57-58.

After three quarters Las Vegas was hanging onto a slim 60-57 lead. Clark had 14 points in the third quarter a huge reason for the Fever’s comeback. Indiana won the third quarter 22-17.

With 8:27 left in this game it was all knotted up 60-60. Indiana had held the Aces to 17 points in the third quarter. Plum hit a much needed three her third of the game in the fourth quarter giving the Aces a 65-60 lead.

This game would come down to a wild finish. The Fever were only shooting at 43 % from the line and in a game so hotly contested this could be the difference between a win and a loss. So far shots from the line were undoing the Fever’s efforts.

Clark was called for her fourth foul with three minutes left in the game. With under three minutes in the game the Fever had pulled to within three points until Wilson, who gets to the line more than anyone else in the league, hit a couple of free throws.

Indiana fouled Wilson again on their next possession good for another two points. With under two minutes left on the clock, it was again a two-point game. With under a minute Plum hit her fourth three giving Las Vegas a 75-70 lead in a thriller.

The Fever pulled within three points with 42.1 seconds left in the game 75-72. With 23 seconds on the clock Indiana had the ball and the opportunity to tie up this game. Aliyah Boston shot at an open three and missed.

The Fever went on to foul Gray who made both free throws followed by a second foul on Gray to end the game with Las Vegas hanging onto the game 78-74.

Las Vegas played consistently throughout the entirety of the game. The Fever threatened throughout every quarter. It was all Kelsey Mitchell in the first half for the Fever and in the second half it was all Clark but they came up just short.

The Aces were far more consistent at the line than the Fever and one of the reasons that Indiana lost this game. The amazing play of Gray turned this game around as well. She had the team high with 21 points. Plum finished with 18 points and four shots from downtown. In was an all-out effort for the Aces in a well played game.

Game notes: In a Friday night special, the Aces took on a second game against the Fever. Wednesday night, the Aces beat the Fever in a competitive game 86-75 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Friday night’s was played at the same location in Indianapolis.

The Aces had beaten the Fever for the 14th straight time Wednesday and for the 15th time at the Fever’s site Friday night. There has been a lot of discord among Fever fans but Friday night was a clean game that played out.

After losing in the first game of the two game series, the Fever no doubt came out with renewed energy. Las Vegas had their starters take control of this game from the get go. Aces superstar A’Ja Wilson (15 pts) Jackie Young (12 pts) and Kelsey Plum (18 pts).

Las Vegas will be back home at Michelob ULTRA Arena taking on the Connecticut Sun this Sunday. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 3:00 PM PT.

Ballers keep playoff hopes alive in edging Wheelers 1-0 at Raimondi; Series tied at 1-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A sell out crowd of 3,277 took in the action at Raimondi Park in Oakland in game 2 of the Pioneer League Playoff between the Yolo High Wheelers and the Oakland Ballers on Thu Sep 12, 2024 (Oakland Ballers photo)

Yolo High Wheelers (1-1) 000 000 000 0 4 1

Oakland Ballers (1-1) 000 010 00x 1 5 0

Time: 2:13

Attendance: 3,277

Thursday, September 12, 2024

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–This Thursday evening, before an enthusiastic near sellout crowd of 3,277, the Oakland Ballers forced a third and final game to the opening round of the 2024 Pioneer Baseball League playoffs by defeating the Yolo High Wheelers in a thrilling, well played, and tight pitchers’ duel, fending off their rivals, 1-0, in a contest that featured consistently elegant fielding by Yolo’s second baseman, Bobby Lada; brilliant mound work by Yolo’s four and Oakland’s three hurlers; a leaping over the wall first inning catch of Brett Barrrera’s drive to left by Yolo’s David Glancy; Oakland’s Brett Carson’s powerful, game deciding homer over the left centerfield fence in the fifth; and some clutch pitching in the ninth by Braydon Nelson, who, after a leadoff single to the speedy Brayland Skinner, who took second on a passed ball, retired Yolo’s second, third, and fourth batters to preserve Oakland’s win and gain the save.

Carson was the only player on either team to have a multiple hit night; his leadoff single to center in the third preceded his game winning shot. Yolo’s Braylin Marine got the only other extra base hit of the evening, a double off the centerfield wall to open the visitors’ fourth. That should give you an idea of how good the pitching was.

Chandler David went six innings for the Ballers to earn the win, allowing but one hit. It was Marine’s two bagger. David showed good control; although he hit one batter, he didn’t walk any. He notched nine strikeouts, and his ratio of fly outs to ground outs was 3-6.

He threw 68 pitches to the 20 High Wheelers he faced. Conner Sullivan allowed two hits and struck out four in his two inning relief stint. It took Nelson 15 pitches to earn the save I described in the first paragraph of this dispatch.

Brandon Mitchell pitched 5-1/3 strong innings, during which he allowed five hits, including Carson’s decisive blow,and a walk. He was charged with the tough loss. Ethan Bates faced three batters in his inning on the mound.

He retired all of them, one on a called third strike, but threw a wild pitch with an inherited runner on base. Andrew LaCour walked one and struck out one in his 2/3 of an inning. And Connor Langrell fanned one batter in the eighth. His brief mound tenure would have been perfected if the third strike hadn’t been a wild pitch that allowed Barrera to reach first, where he was stranded.

The Ballers’ victory forced a third, elimination game between the two California entries in the Pioneer League, both of which have the same principal owners. That game will be played Friday the 13th, at Raimondi Park in West Oakland. The scheduled starting time is 6:35. A few tickets still are available and can be purchased at oaklandballers.com.

The league championship series that awaits the survivor of Friday’s all or nothing set-to will be against the winner of the Glacier Range Riders-Missoula PaddleHeads series. On Tuesday, the Range Riders won the first game between them, and Thursday’s match was rained out.

That contest has been rescheduled for Friday. A third game, if necessary, is set for Saturday. The championship round schedule depends on who does what to whom in the coming days.

For the Ballers right now, the day that matters is Friday the 13th.