Author: Sports Radio Service

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: MLB Players break out the strange bats for Players Weekend; Rangers deGrom to face live hitters soon; plus more news

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Toronto Blue Jays Ernie Clement stands in at the plate with his pencil bat during “Players Weekend” the weekend where players used unusual looking bats on their trips to the plate. (photo by mlb.com)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie wanted to ask you about something kind of fun yet very strange it’s “Players Weekend” Major League players are using bats painted like a giant pencil, lightsabers, team bats, and green colored bats. No doubt this was a marketing ploy to get fans to buy these “freaking bats” as they call them.

#2 You might remember Jacob deGrom who starred with the New York Mets, deGrom who now pitches for the Texas Rangers has been rehabbing and pitched to live hitters for the third time in recent weeks. deGrom hopes to pitch for the Rangers for the first time since June 2023.

#3 Charlie do you believe MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s new rule change for starting pitchers requiring them to pitch six innings with the exception if a pitcher throws over 100 pitches, gives up four or more runs or gets injured. This new rule for pitchers will be implemented starting next season. Will this put a pitcher’s health in jeopardy?

#4 Last Monday a host of cameras and photographers and broadcasters near the left field line where the Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani was throwing and playing catch with intensity. Ohtani made 71 throws with a wide legged spread apart set while the trainer using the radar gun. While it was said that Ohtani will not return as a pitcher this season and he’s been the DH he is making a attempt to return after having two elbow surgeries.

#5 The San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s play what will be their final Bay Bridge series game today at the Oakland Coliseum. Bob Melvin who managed with both the A’s and Giants and broke in at the Coliseum after coming up with Cal Berkeley said he will leave a lot of memories out on the field after Sunday’s game in completed.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Minshew and O’Connell just couldn’t convert as Cowboys defeat Raiders 27-12 at Allegiant

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell warms up on the sidelines before the game against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2 of the pre season at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Rich, defense was the name of the game for the Dallas Cowboys holding the Las Vegas Raiders to just four field goals for the entire game in a 27-12 loss at Allegiant Stadium.

#2 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was 14-20 and could only execute 96 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He did struggle as the Cowboys defense were blitzing and forcing O’Connell to run with the ball most of the evening.

#3 The Raiders really needed some offense from their running backs and Zamir White also ran into roadblocks set up by the Cowboys defense. White ran for only 23 yards on four carries something that Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce will need to address in practice this week.

#4 The Raiders defense couldn’t stop Cowboys starter Trey Lance who helped the Cowboys to score ten points in the second quarter and another 14 in the fourth quarter. For Lance he threw 15-23, for 151 yards and one touchdown.

#5 The Raiders now 0-2 in pre season action take on the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant on Fri Aug 23 at 7:00pm PT for the third and final pre season game.

#6 The regular season starts on Sun Sep 8th when the Raiders open up the season in Los Angeles against the Rams and Rich you’ll be on hand for the opener in the Southland.

Rich Perez covers the Las Vegas Raiders and podcasts after every home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Giants’ offense stays dead, as A’s open most-likely final Bay Bridge series with 2-0 shutout

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San Francisco Giants Tyler Fitzgerald (right) strikes out for the final out as Oakland A’s catcher Shea Langeliers (left) puts the squeeze on the ball behind the plate at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Aug 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 

Oakland, California

San Francisco Giants 0 (62-63)

Oakland Athletics 2 (53-70)

Win: Osvaldo Bido (4-3)

Loss: Hayden Birdsong (3-3)

Save: Michel Otanez (1)

Time: 2:37

Attendance: 37,551

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants’ offense once again went dead, as the A’s shutout the Giants 2-0 in the opener Saturday of what will most likely be the final Bay Bridge Series at the Oakland Coliseum, and the Giants have been knocked back down under .500.

Saturday began what will likely be the Giants’ final series at the Coliseum, and this weekend would highlight the history between the two Bay Area rivals. Jose Canseco was inducted into the A’s Hall of Fame prior to the game on this mostly-cloudy late afternoon at the Coliseum.  

It was fitting that Canseco was inducted today, as he was of course a big part of the 1989 A’s, who swept the Giants in four games in the historic Bay Bridge World Series that fall. The series was most noted for the tragic Loma Prieta Earthquake that struck right before Game 3 was supposed to begin at Candlestick Park on Oct. 17.

Despite the tragic nature of the quake and the lives that were lost, the fact that many people left work early to either go to the Stick or watch the game on TV kept the freeways mostly empty during rush hour and saved many lives. The series resumed 10 days later on Oct. 27, and prior to the game, the two teams came together to celebrate the Bay Area and honor the lives that were lost in the disaster. 

Canseco broke down during his speech Saturday and described himself as an emotional wreck, as he felt the emotions of this likely final season for the A’s in Oakland. However, Canseco was the very man who ended the honeymoon after a pair of up-and-in pitches from Scott Garrelts caused Canseco to react and the benches to begin to empty in the top of the first inning of Game 3.

With the implementation of Interleague Play in 1997, these two teams created many more memories. Barry Bonds tied Babe Ruth for second place on the All-Time Home Run list with his 714th-career home run on May 20, 2006 at the Coliseum. Nate Schierholtz electrified fans at then-AT&T Park with an inside-the-park home run on June 14, 2009.

As for A’s fans, they had their memories too. Eric Byrnes hit for the cycle at then-Pacific Bell Park on June 29, 2003. Another memorable moment for A’s fans was when Derek Norris walked off the Giants at the Coliseum with his first major league home run on June 24, 2012.

One memory that both teams’ fans will never forget was when Barry Zito and Tim Hudson squared off at the Coliseum on Sept. 26, 2015, as the two pitchers wound down their careers. Zito, Hudson and Mark Mulder constituted the Big Three, which played a vital part in the A’s success in the early 2000s. 

Zito then signed a seven-year deal with the Giants prior to 2007. After five brutal seasons across the A’s in San Francisco in which he drew the ire of Giants’ fans, he won the love, admiration and respect of the fans when he played a massive role in the Giants’ world championship in 2012.

Hudson signed with the Giants prior to 2014 and made his mark in the Giants’ world championship this season. Zito had re-signed with the A’s for the 2015 Season and was back with the Green and Gold after spending most of the season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.

Neither pitcher went very far on Sept. 26, but that game proved to be quite special for Giants’ outfielder Jarrett Parker. Parker hit three home runs that afternoon with the third being a grand slam en route to a dramatic 14-10 win for a Giants’ team that was grinding down the stretch with a roster of minor leaguers to defend their title.

The two teams created many more memories, and fans hoped that perhaps there could be some final memories created this weekend. The Giants looked to build off a desperately-needed win over the Braves on Thursday. The A’s have not had the greatest season, but they have been playing solid ball this second half, as they came into today 22-14 in their last 36 games.

The A’s were relishing in their role as spoilers, and they were going to make things difficult for a struggling Giants’ game that snapped a four-game losing streak with their win Thursday. Osvaldo Bido made the start for Oakland Saturday, and he got things started with a 1-2-3 top of the first inning.

Hayden Birdsong got off to a great start in his first six big league starts, as he went 3-0 and didn’t give up more than three runs in any of those starts. However, after the Nationals pounded him for seven runs on Aug. 6 in Washington, D.C., he struggled against the Tigers at Oracle Park on Sunday. 

Birdsong, like Bido, started his afternoon with a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the first. This game turned into a pitcher’s duel, as through four innings, the A’s got just one hit off Birdsong, and the Giants didn’t get a single base-runner against Bido. Mike Yastrzemski drew a two-out walk in the top of the fifth to be the Giants’ first base-runner of the day, but Patrick Bailey then flew out to right field to end the inning.

Birdsong had pitched much better Saturday, but the A’s loaded the bases against him with one out in the bottom of the fifth. Lawrence Butler then put the A’s on the board with a sacrifice fly to center. It would end Birdsong’s day, and it was an unfortunate end, but he still had a strong start Saturday, as he gave up just a run and three hits, and he struck out five over four and two thirds innings.

The A’s led 1-0 going to the sixth. With one out in the top of the sixth, Grant McCray got the Giants’ first hit with a swinging bunt. Tyler Fitzgerald then walked to put runners at first and second with one out. However—you guessed it—the Giants were unable to come through and wasted it.

Spencer Bivens, who finished the bottom of the fifth, was back out for the bottom of the sixth, and he ran into trouble. Miguel Andujar doubled to left with one out, and he scored two batters later on a two-out base-hit off the bat of Seth Brown to make it 2-0.

Left-hander Scott Alexander, who pitched for the Giants the last two seasons, came in for Oakland in the top of the seventh. With one out, two former A’s made some noise. Matt Chapman walked, and Mark Canha lined a base-hit to left to put runners at first and second. However, just as they did in the sixth, the Giants wasted this golden opportunity in the seventh.

Jordan Hicks came in for San Francisco in the top of the seventh and survived a two-out jam to keep the deficit at 2-0 going to the eighth. 

As the sun broke through the clouds for the top of the eighth, McCray started the inning by lining a base-hit to right-center, and then he alertly took second, as A’s center-fielder JJ Bleday casually fielded the ball. However, it would just be another wasted opportunity for the Giants, as Grant Holman and T.J. McFarland combined to retire the side in order.

Erik Miller threw a scoreless bottom of the A’s, and with the fact that A’s Closer Mason Miller had to convert a six-out save on Thursday, Mark Kotsay went to rookie Michel Otanez instead for the top of the ninth. 

Otanez struck out the first two he faced in the top of the ninth. However, Canha extended the game with a swinging bunt, and Patrick Bailey walked to put runners at first and second for the potential go-ahead run in Casey Schmitt. 

The Giants had already wasted opportunities in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, so of course they were going to do the same in the ninth. Schmitt struck out on three pitches, and the A’s won 2-0.

Osvaldo Bido got the win; Hayden Birdsong took his first tough-luck and third-career loss; and Michel Otanez picked up his first big league save.

I can keep saying the same thing over and over about the Giants’ offense, but we all can see with our eyes that they just can’t buy a crucial hit with runners in scoring position right now. They are just floundering as the clock begins to wind down on the Giants’ already-slim playoff chances this year.

The Giants have now dropped five of their last six, as they fall back to under .500 at 62-63—so much for winning 100 games—and four games back of the Braves for the third wild card. They will look to get back to .500 again and split the series with Blake Snell (2-3, 3.91 ERA) on the hill Sunday. JP Sears (10-8, 4.32 ERA) will take the ball for Oakland in what will most likely be the final-ever game of the Bay Bridge Series.

First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.

National League Wild Card Standings:

1. Padres 70-54 +4.5

2. Diamondbacks 69-55 +3.5

3. Braves 65-58 —

Mets 64-59 1.0

GIANTS 62-63 4.0

Cardinals 61-62 4.0

Cubs 61-63 4.5

Reds 60-63 5.0

A’s Bido takes no hitter into sixth; A’s two runs stands up to defeat Giants 2-0

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Oakland A’s starter Osvaldo Bido in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Aug 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

San Francisco (62-63). 000 000 000. 0. 4. 0

Athletics (53-70). 000 011 00x. 2. 6 0

Time: 2:37

Attendance: 37,551

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–The Athletics have been obscenely promoting this evening’s encounter with their soon to be erstwhile Trans Bay rival, the San Francisco Giants, as celebration of past Bay Bridge Series past and the culmination of a glorious tradition. The was a doozy in which five Athletics pitchers combined to shut the Giants out on four hits to the departing A’s two runs on six hits to defeat the Giants 2-0 at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday.

The pregame festivities centered around the induction of the members of the 2024, and last, class of the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame. The honorees were José Canseco, Terry Steinbach, Miguel Tejada, Dick Williams, Bill King, seven years after the major league HOF had awarded him the Ford Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, and Eddie Joost. Canseco was effusive in his praise of Tony LaRussa, the man who called him “the village idiot.”

The A’s starter, Osvaldo Bido, went 4-2/3 innings before allowing his first base runner. It came on a walk to Mike Yastrzemski after Bido had thrown 67 pitches. In the next frame, the Giants touched him for their first hit, a swinging bunt in front of the mound that the athletic Grant McCray beat out for a single.

That was the only safety Bido allowed in his six innings of work that got the win and improved his record to 4-3, 3.40. He walked two and struck out six of the 21 batters he faced. His final pitch count was 91,with 58 considered strikes.

Scott Alexander relieved him to open the top of the sixth and, in spite of walking Matt Chapman and Mike Yastrzemski, escaped he seventh unscathed, thanks to Grant Holman, a right hander whom the A’s had promoted Saturday from Las Vegas and was making his major league debut.

The youngster came through, needing only four pitches to shut down the threat by getting a pinch hitting Casey Schmitt to ground out to Gelof at second. Holman gave up a leadoff double to fellow rookie Grant McGray and struck Tyler Fitzgerald out looking in the visitors’ eighth before TJ McFarland replaced him to face the left handed La. Monte Wade, Jr., who popped out to short.

The slumping right handed batter Héliot Ramos followed with a ground out to Darell Hernáiz at third. TJ Righty Michel Otáñez struck out Michael Conforto and Matt Chapman for a quick two outs in the top of the ninth.

Next up was one time Athletic Mark Canha, who worked a full count before scratching out an infield single, 1-3. Patrick Bailey also worked a full count. Otáñez walked him, putting the tying run on base and the potential leading run, in the person of Casey Schmitt, at the plate. Otáñez fanned him to earn his first save.

San Francisco’s rookie starter, Hayden Birdsong couldn’t match Bido’s performance, but he acquitted himself well, going 4-2/3 innings and allowing one run, earned, on three hits and an equal number of free passesand throwing 78, of which 30 were balls.

The Giants used three relievers. Spencer Bivens finished up the fifth and got one out in the sixth. He allowed the A’s’ second run, which was earned and came on JJ Bleday’s one out double down the left field line and Seth Brown’s single to right. Jordan Hicks allowed a single and a walk in the seventh, and Erik Miller allowed a walk and struck out two in the the eighth.

Seth Brown went three with an RBI. Lawrence Brown went one for three, also with one run batted it

The A’s will try to repeat their success Sunday, afternoon afternoon at 1:07, in a battle of southpaws. JP Sears (10-8, 4.32) for the Athletics and Blake Snell (2-3, 3.91) for the Giants.

Aces Fall to WNBA Number One New York Liberty 79-67

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The Las Vegas Aces Guard Jackie Young (0) takes the ball down the floor against the New York Liberty’s guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Aug 17, 2024 (photo by the Las Vegas Aces)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (16-9) took on the New York Liberty (23-4), returning for their first league game since the Paris Olympics. They had a great start but they could not sustain that momentum. The Liberty went on to win the next three quarters after dropping the opening quarter 28-24. A’Ja Wilson had another terrific game with a double double finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds but it was just not enough to get past New York losing 79-67 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Game recap: Las Vegas got a nice start winning the opening quarter and leading 28-24 after the first ten minutes. The Liberty came roaring back punishing the Aces 18-8 in the second quarter taking a 42-36 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Aces struggled with far too many turnovers in the first half committing six in the second quarter alone and they really fell short rebounding. The Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu went on a crazy run which accounted for the success that the Liberty had not only in the second quarter but in the remainder of the game.. The Aces had some work to do in the second half.

Las Vegas got close in the third quarter trailing by as little as two points but were never able to take the lead. After three quarters, the Aces still trailed 59-51 as the Liberty continued to flex their muscle. Las Vegas needed the physicality and tenacity that they had in the first quarter if there was any chance to win this game. Las Vegas has been a fourth quarter team this season and they were hoping to continue on this path in the final quarter.

Jackie Young had a quiet first half and the team would really need her in the fourth quarter. She only scored two points in the first half of play. In the early minutes of the final quarter, the Liberty had established a ten-point lead 62-52.

The Aces challenged a play in the fourth quarter but it did not go Las Vegas’ way and head coach Becky Hammond was not happy with the result and also not happy with the way the team was playing.

The Aces were just not knocking down shots in the first four minutes of the quarter but they had no choice but to take as many shots as possible. At 6:23 the Aces started to make a push pulling to within four points 67-63.

Mid-way through the quarter Las Vegas began to struggle making shots, not taking advantage of a lot of opportunities and falling behind by a significant margin 75-63. With under five minutes left in the game the Liberty had taken their largest lead so far and Las Vegas was running out of time. The final was 79-67 in favor of the Liberty.

A’Ja Wilson had a double double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray each had 13 points and Gray also turned in six rebounds. Jackie Young had a rough game only scoring four points; two points in the first half and two in the second. The Aces really cleaned up the turnovers with none in the second half.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon, the Aces got down to business after an amazing showing in the Paris Olympics. They took on the Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena as play got back underway in the 2024 season which is rapidly winding down.

The teams will now fight for the eight places in the playoffs. Olympic teammates will return to their respective teams as play has already gotten underway the first games played last Thursday. The Las Vegas Aces dropped to fifth place in the WNBA, and dropped into third place in the Western Conference after Saturday’s loss. The Liberty right now are sitting on top of the League with a 23 and 4 record. This game was expected to be a real dogfight between two of the best teams in the WNBA but the Liberty just laid into the Aces coming away with a 12 point win.

Sunday, the Aces will be back on the court in Las Vegas taking on the Los Angeles Sparks. The Aces will not only be looking to get back on track but they will also be concentrating on moving up in the standings in the final season push with 15 games left in the regular season for the team. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Kuiper can’t find another broadcast job is he done?; Looking back on the Bay Bridge series

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Oakland A’s broadcasters Dallas Braden (left) and Glen Kuiper (right) on the portion of the broadcast when Kuiper used an offensive racial slur which some say was a slip of the tongue on May 5, 2023 when the A’s were playing the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City. (NBC California still photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Former Oakland A’s broadcaster who was fired last season for using the N word on live TV on NBC California is once again making news again. He still can’t get hired for another broadcasting job and Kuiper in an Chronicle interview said he does understand some of the criticism of why he shouldn’t get another broadcasting job.

#2 Kuiper has used the word twice on live TV the first time August 2020 while talking about Negro League players during the pandemic when the teams were using cardboard cutouts of fans in the stands and the infamous second time on May 5, 2023 in Kansas City after visiting the Negro League Museum. Seattle Mariners TV broadcaster Dave Sims says no sale as far as Glen Kuiper getting another broadcasting job.

#3 I know you mentioned that Glen should have been allowed to finish the 2023 season and in the off season the A’s should have made a decision on his future. The A’s said a in press release after the game that Kuiper used the N word saying that was unacceptable and they had fired him immediately. Did the A’s handle it the right way the way you see it?

#4 Turning to the last and final Bay Bridge Series which ends this weekend here in Oakland between the A’s and San Francisco Giants. Lots memories here since interleague started in 1997. Many great names over the years that played in the Bay Bridge series.

#5 Las Vegas Stadium Authority CEO Steven Hill is pretty confident that the A’s will have their financial health in order by October 17th to discuss how the A’s will pay for the Tropicana Park on the Las Vegas strip. Hill said in a meeting last Thursday that by October the A’s should come forward with their share of the construction costs and should be set to move forward to finances their share of the park.

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Last Bay Bridge Series between Giants and A’s at Coliseum Saturday

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Oakland A’s JJ Bleday rounds third base and heads home after hitting a top of the fourth inning grand slam against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on Thu Aug 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, the offense for the Oakland A’s came alive on Thursday defeating the New York Mets 7-6 after they got trounced on Wednesday 9-1. The A’s JJ Bleday hit his first career grand slam home run in the top of the fourth inning at Citi Field in New York.

#2 Shea Langeliers had an offensive day getting on base five times a for the second time in three games. No doubt he’s reaching.

#3 It was also the longest game of the time clock era lasting three hours and forty five minutes in 85 degree weather. “It felt like the longest game in the pitch clock era,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay.

#4 Jeremiah lots of pitches thrown in the contest 425 also the most in a nine inning game this season. So the pitchers got a lot mileage out of this one and the A’s wind up edging the Mets 7-6 to take the three game set.

#5 A’s return to the Coliseum on Saturday to host the San Francisco Giants for a 4:05pm PT first pitch. For the Giants starter Hayden Birdsong (3-2, 5.40) and for the A’s Osvaldo Bido (3-3, 3.92).

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

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Las Vegas official says A’s can present financing plan at October meeting

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Rendering of what some call the Armadillo ballpark for the Las Vegas A’s that could be ready for the 2028 MLB season opener (AP photo file)

On the A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Steve Hill the president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said on Thursday that the three key documents that was needed to start construction on the Las Vegas A’s ballpark would most likely be approved by December 5th.

#2 So confident was Hill he said that the ballpark construction was rounding third and headed for home. Hill said that the three approvals should make it by a schedule October 17th meeting and had scheduled a December 12th meeting as a “safety valve.”

#3 The three documents that Hill was referring to are the lease, non-relocation and development agreements. No vote was taken for the lease agreement on Thursday.

#4 The lease agreement starts out at 30 years but could extend out as long as 99 years. The football Las Vegas Raiders have a 30 year agreement with no language after their lease runs out.

#5 The A’s are in their final season in Oakland and will be playing in Sacramento for the 2025 season. The A’s said they are financing $300 million for the stadium cost and the private costs at $850 million will come from a private equity. Hill said that the A’s could present their financing plan at the October meeting.

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

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Webb, relievers shutout Braves 6-0; SF avoids getting swept at Oracle

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San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb waves to the crowd after leaving in the top of the eighth inning after pitching against the Atlanta Braves at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu Aug 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb pitched shutout baseball against the Atlanta Braves into the eighth inning and the Giants avoided getting swept in a 6-0 win at Oracle Park on Thursday afternoon.

#2 Rookie outfielder Grant McCray who made his MLB debut on Wednesday night hit his first home run on Thursday in the sixth inning. McCray went 2-3 on Thursday after going hitless on Wednesday.

#3 McCray also got an RBI single in the first inning that scored a run for his first MLB hit. McCray’s father Rodney who was in the stands was shown on the big board after Grant’s hit excited for his son. As Rodney is a former major leaguer.

#4 Webb picked up his fourth straight win and has allowed a run or less in his last four starts. Webb pitched 7.2 innings, allowed four hits and struck out seven.

#5 The Giants will have Friday off and do battle with the Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night at 4:05pm. Starting pitcher for San Francisco RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-2, 5.40) for Oakland RHP Osvaldo Bido (3-3, 3.92 ERA). Talk about how you see this match up and the Giants last appearance at the Oakland Coliseum.

Join Michael Duca for the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Offense comes alive to back Webb, who pitches 7 2/3 shutout innings, and Giants pick up desperately needed 6-0 win over Braves

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San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb was dealing against the Atlanta Braves at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu Aug 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Atlanta Braves 0 (64-57)

San Francisco Giants 6 (62-62)

Win: Logan Webb (11-8)

Loss: Max Fried (7-7)

Time: 2:23

Attendance: 29,319

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–Logan Webb gave the Giants seven and two thirds shutout innings, as the Giants were able to score some runs and salvage this series with a desperately-needed 6-0 win on Wednesday.

Following Sunday’s tough loss against the Tigers in which they missed a lot of opportunities and committed a pair of devastating base-running gaffes, the Giants have fallen into a predictable spiral.

On Monday, Blake Snell and Chris Sale squared off in what very well may have been the best-pitched game in Baseball this season only for the Braves to win 1-0 with their automatic runner in the 10th inning. On Tuesday, the Braves won again thanks to the automatic runner in the 10th. Then Wednesday night, Robbie Ray couldn’t even make it out of the first inning, as the Braves slaughtered the Giants 13-2.

The one thing that was consistent over the first three games of this series—well, other than the losing—was the Giants’ inability to get the big hit with runners in scoring position. The Giants went 3-for-24 with runners in scoring position in the first three games of this series.

Thursday, Logan Webb would once again have to be the stopper—seems like he’s had to be the stopper a lot this season—as the Giants looked to avert the sweep. The Giants came into today’s game four and a half games back of the Braves for the third wild card spot in the National League, so today was really a must-win game.

To further complicate things, the Braves won the season series against the Giants with their win Wednesday night, so they hold any potential tiebreaker. If the Braves were to win Thursday, the Giants would be five and a half games back and would have to gain six and a half games in their final 38 games. Simply put, the Giants really needed to win Thursday.

Webb got off to a nice start with a one, two three, inning in the top of the first, and the Giants would threaten against Braves’ starter Max Fried in the bottom of the first. Tyler Fitzgerald singled and stole second, but Fried retired the side, and it was another wasted opportunity for the Giants.

Webb threw another one, two, three, inning in the top of the second, and the Giants would mount a rally in the bottom of the second. Jerar Encarnacion, Mike Yastrzemski and Casey Schmitt all singled to load the bases with nobody out, so the question was how they would waste this opportunity.

Catcher Curt Casali struck out swinging for the first out, so yup, here we go again. Grant McCray—the son of former major leaguer Rodney McCray—who was called up to make his major league debut Wednesday night was now up.

Bob Melvin, who likes to bunt from time to time, put on the safety squeeze. McCray tried laying down a bunt at the first pitch from Fried, but he missed. Two pitches later, he got the bunt down right in front of the plate, but when Fried got it and flipped it to catcher Travis d’Arnaud, d’Arnaud juggled it and did not have full control of the ball. Encarnacion scored, and the Giants finally had their first lead of the series.

It wasn’t a base-hit to the outfield, but it was an RBI hit with runners in scoring position, and it was a tremendous shot in the arm, so hey, the Giants will take it! Plus, it was an interesting and cool way for McCray to get his first big league hit and RBI. Fitzgerald then got Yaz in with a sacrifice fly to center to make it 2-0.

Both teams went scoreless in the third, and then the Braves had their first real rally of the day in the top of the fourth. Michael Harris II led off the top of the fourth with a base-hit to left.

Austin Riley then hit a ground ball to short that Tyler Fitzgerald flipped to Casey Schmitt at second to try and get Harris. Schmitt had the ball and grazed the bag at second with his foot, but he dropped it on the transfer, which prompted Second Base Umpire Jeremy Riggs to call Harris safe. The play went to replay, but the call was upheld.

The Braves had runners at first and second with nobody out following a tough break for Webb and the Giants. With everything that has gone on in this four-game losing streak, it could have spelled disaster.

However, with how tough Webb is, it was no problem. Marcel Ozuna worked an 0-2 count into a full count, but Webb got Ozuna looking on a sinker at the knees for a much-need first out. Webb then caught a massive break when Matt Olson lined a bullet to Mark Canha at first, and Canha stepped on the bag to double off Riley for an unassisted double play to end the inning.

Webb escaped the jam without any damage, which was another shot in the arm for the Giants. He then settled down to throw a one, two, three, innings in the fifth and sixth.

Yastrzemski walked with one out in the bottom of the sixth, and that ended the day for Fried. Jesse Chavez then came in for Atlanta, and Casey Schmitt hit a line drive home run to left field to make it 4-0. Two batters later, Grant McCray, who had gotten his first big league hit and RBI with his bunt single in the second, hit his first big league home run to right-center.

Webb hasn’t had the greatest run support this season, but now, he had a 5-0 lead heading to the seventh. Webb pitched another scoreless inning in the top of the seventh, and back-to-back doubles by Heliot Ramos and Matt Chapman off Chavez in the bottom of the seventh plated another run for the Giants to make it 6-0.

Bob Melvin let Webb go back out for the eighth, and Webb retired the first two hitters he faced. With two outs, Ramon Laureano was up with a 2-2 count. Webb threw a pair of pitches that were very close, but were called balls by Home Plate Umpire Dan Iassogna, and Laureano drew the walk.

Webb was a strike away from throwing eight shutout innings, but after Laureano walked, Whit Merrifield singled to right-center to put runners at the corners with two outs. That ended Webb’s day, and he exited to a standing ovation from this grateful crowd of 29,319.

Melvin wasted no time bringing in Tyler Rogers in a 6-0 game. It was definitely a move that would be made in a must-win game, especially with a powerful Braves’ offense very much capable of coming back. The move paid off, as Harris flew out to left to end the inning.

Webb didn’t get eight shutout innings, but seven and two thirds shutdown innings isn’t bad. He gave the Giants an outing they really needed, as he gave up just four hits and a walk, and he struck out seven.

Aaron Bummer, who finished the bottom of the seventh for Atlanta, pitched a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Melvin then brought in Spencer Bivens, who was called back up this morning, for the ninth, and Bivens pitched a one, two, three, top of the ninth to end it.

Logan Webb got the win, and Max Fried took the loss.

The Giants were able to score six runs, and they did a bit better with runners in scoring position, going 3-for-11. However, they are still going to need to consistently get those key RBI hits with runners in scoring position if they want to make a run at the Playoffs.

The Giants get back up to .500, as they improve to 62-62. Funny thing: The Giants were 2-11 when having a chance to get back up to .500 prior to last week, but they have now won three-straight games in that situation.

The Giants also gained a game on the Braves and are three and a half back of the third wild card spot. The Giants will still have to gain four and a half games in their final 38 games, but it’s still a lot better than having to gain six and a half games in that span, which they would have had to do had they lost Thursday. The bottom line is that this was a desperately needed win.

The Giants will have their lone Friday off-day of the season Fri Aug 16th, and then they will begin a short two-game set in Oakland against the A’s on Saturday. It will most likely will be the Giants’ final series at the Oakland Coliseum, and most likely the final Bay Bridge Series ever.

Hayden Birdsong (3-2, 5.40 ERA), who is coming off a pair of rough starts, will look to bounce back as he takes the ball in the series opener at the Coliseum on Saturday. Right-hander Osvaldo Bido (3-3, 3.92 ERA), meanwhile, will make the start for Oakland. First pitch will be at 4:07 p.m.

National League Wild Card Standings:

*1. Diamondbacks 69-53 +4.5

*2. Padres 69-53 +4.5

  1. Braves 64-57 —

Mets 62-59 2.0

GIANTS 62-62 3.5

*Reds 60-61 4.0

*Cardinals 60-61 4.0

Cubs 59-63 5.5

*Tiebreaking procedures taken into account.

Giants News and Notes:

Randy Rodriguez was placed on the 15-Day Injured List prior to the game Thursday due to inflammation in his right elbow. Rodriguez has pitched in 33 games this season, and is 3-2 with a 3.93 ERA. He has also proven to be quite valuable in late-inning situations. It is unknown how long he will be out.

Major League Baseball News and Notes:

Rob Manfred is at it again. As if the atrocious rule changes he has implemented aren’t bad enough, he is now suggesting a rule in which starting pitchers would have to complete six innings with some possible exceptions. Those exceptions could include reaching the 100-pitch mark and giving up four or more runs.

As much as it would be good for the game to see starting pitchers go deeper into games, this is a move that is guaranteed to lead to more injuries.

Speaking of Manfred’s rule changes, the A’s beat the Mets 7-6 at Citi Field in what was the longest nine-inning game since the implementation of the pitch clock last season at three hours and 45 minutes.

The previous longest nine-inning game with the pitch clock was the first of the two games between the Giants and Padres in Mexico City on April 29, 2023. The Padres beat the Giants 16-11 7,350 feet above sea level. That game lasted three hours and 44 minutes.