Category: MLB

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: Giants Pederson a huge feature to open two game series against A’s at Oracle Park

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San Francisco Giants rookie Luis Gonzalez slugs what would be the game winning home run at Miller Park in the top of the ninth inning in Milwaukee against the Milwaukee Brewers on Mon Apr 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris, no doubt that the San Francisco Giants (12-5) outfielder Joc Pederson has been a rock for the team in the last two games in Washington on Sunday with two homers, three hits and three RBIs and hit a two run homer in the eighth inning to tie up the ball game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.

#2 Morris, Pederson was touted when it was first learned that he was coming to San Francisco after seeing what he has done recently are you surprised?

#3 Rookie Luis Gonzalez couldn’t wait to get into the act with a two run homer of his own that put the Giants in the drivers seat for keeps it was Gonzalez’ first MLB home run to help win the ball game.

#4 Morris, Alex Wood got a groin injury on the trip in New York last week he got to do a 30 pitch session off the mound and is expected back pretty soon.

#5 Morris, talk about the match up tonight for the Oakland A’s (9-8) Daulton Jefferies (1-2 ERA 1.17) and for the Giants Carlos Rodon (2-0 ERA 1.06) a 6:45 pm PDT first pitch at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Morris does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Mondays was on for a special Tuesday edition at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s expect to have lots of fans behind them at Oracle Park

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Oakland A’s starter Cole Irvin combined with the bullpen for a shutout over the Texas Rangers on Sun Apr 24, 2022 at the Oakland Coliseum (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Oakland A’s (9-8) have been getting lots of mileage out of centerfielder Cristian Pache with the defensive job that he’s done with the glove.

#2 Jerry, was Pache everything you expected him to be coming over from the Atlanta Braves in the Matt Olson trade in March?

#3 Daulton Jefferies starts for the A’s tonight (1-2 ERA 1.17) he’ll be opposed by the San Francisco Giants Carlos Rondon (2-0 ERA 1.06) Jefferies has been great at not allowing runs but Rodon has been lights out in April for the Giants.

#4 Jerry, the A’s have been playing in front of empty crowds at the Oakland Coliseum what will be ironic they’ll be playing in front of a capacity Oracle Park tonight and a good number of those customers will be A’s fans should be an interesting to have a few more vocal fans in an opposing team’s park?

#5 The A’s two games in San Francisco sandwich between homestands the A’s just completed a seven game homestand against the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers and after this two game series in San Francisco they start a six game series in Oakland against the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jerry did a special Tuesday edition of the A’s podcast and does the A’s podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Fly In Win: Giants beat Brewers 4-2 with dramatic finish

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By Morris Phillips

For struggling National League offenses–and there are a bunch of them–knowing opponents’ aces aren’t quite ready to pitch deep into games is a welcome break.

The Giants caught a break Monday. Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes mowed down hitters into the seventh but was lifted, leading 1-0 in deference to the shortened spring due to the lockout. Teams just aren’t going to risk their best arms to finish a game this early in a long season.

Burnes won the Cy Young last season and has looked the part again thus far. The St. Mary’s alum allowed two hits and registered 11 strikeouts while lowering his ERA to 1.75.

But then he was gone.

And in Burnes’ absence the Giants’ early-season magic appeared. This time to cap their best, lengthy road trip in 28 seasons with a pair of dramatic home runs. Manager Gabe Kapler sensed his club’s locked in mentality that had them engaged despite having just one day off thus far this season and needing to rally in the environment of a rare, one-game trip to Milwaukee.

“I’m not always sure what day of the week it is,” Kapler said. “You come to the ballpark, you prep for the game, you’ve got a good understanding of all the teams around the league.”

And you rake.

Joc Pedersen–fresh off a two home run game in D.C. on Sunday–struck first. With fans audible behind the Giants’ dugout, Pedersen responded to their heckling with a two-run blast off Trevor Gott that put San Francisco on the scoreboard for the first time on the eighth inning.

And after Milwaukee’s Wily Adames answered with a homer to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the inning, rookie Luis Gonzalez took over in the ninth.

The base hit off Burnes (earlier in the fifth inning) really gave him a lot of confidence,” Kapler said of Gonzalez. “In that situation, it was the best time for his first Major League home run to show up and so clutch. Also aesthetically, really pretty.”

In only his 23rd official MLB plate appearance–all over the previous week on the road–Gonzalez delivered, with two outs and a man on off reliever Jake Cousins. In a two-strike count, and by just barely avoiding the right field foul pole with his shot that silenced American Family Field.

“It’s just incredible,” Gonzalez gushed. “I’m just loving life right now.”

The Giants completed the road trip 8-3, a record last achieved on a trip of 11 games in July 1994. They swept the Guardians and Nationals each in three-game sets.

“The road trip finished in dramatic fashion with one of our newer players introduced with his first Major League home run. I think we’re going to enjoy the flight home and get ready for when we get back.”

The Giants open a two-game set on Tuesday with the A’s. Carlos Rodon faces Oakland’s Daulton Jeffries at 6:45pm.

Preview of A’s series with San Francisco Giants; Two game series begins Tuesday night at Oracle Park

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Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay pictured here during 2022 Spring Training Cactus League will lead the A’s into Oracle Park in San Francisco for a two game series beginning Tue Apr 26, 2022 (photo from the San Francisco Chronicle)

By Jerry Feitelberg

SAN FRANCISCO–After playing 17 straight games, the Oakland A’s have a day off on Monday to rest up before facing the San Francisco Giants in the annual Battle of the Bay interleague series. The A’s were 9-8 in that stretch and surprised many baseball experts.

Many still think the youthful A’s will end up near the bottom of the standings in the AL West. A’s manager Mark Kotsay doesn’t feel that way. He knows he has some talent on his team, and he implores his players never to quit.

The young A’s have quite a task ahead of them. They have to find a way to make up for the loss of key players such as Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and pitchers Chris Bassitt and Sean Manaea.

This past weekend, the A’s offense was nearly non-existent in the series with the Texas Rangers. The Rangers took two out of three from Oakland. Cole Irvin’s great pitching helped the A’s earn a win in Sunday’s game.

The A’s lineup will feature catcher Sean Murphy. Either Billy McKinney or Christian Bethancourt will play first base. McKinney can also play in the outfield, and Bethancourt can also catch. Tony Kemp has been busy for Oakland this season.

Kemp is usually at second base. He has played several games as the left fielder. Christian Lopes or Nick Allen are backup choices to play second. Elvis Andrus will be at shortstop. A’s manager Mark Kotsay will use Nick Allen to backup Andrus. Sheldon Neuse will be at third base.

Neuse can play other infield positions, too. Rookie Cristian Pache will be in centerfield. Stephen Piscotty is off the IL and will resume his position in right field. Chad Pinder is on the IL. Ramon Laureano, currently serving a 27-game suspension for using a banned substance, will be eligible to return to the A’s on May 8th.

The A’s bullpen is a work in progress. Yusmeiro Petit, who was a stalwart in the bullpen, is gone. Lefty Jake Diekman now works for the Boston Red Sox. Sergio Romo left as a free agent. Lou Trivino, the closer, is on the 10-day IL.

Dany Jimenez has the job for the time being. The new names in the bullpen are righties Domingo Acevedo and Dany Jimenez. The A’s have four left relievers. They are A.J.Puk, Kirby Snead, Sam Moll, and Adam Kolarek.

The Giants swept the Washington Nationals three straight in the Nation’s Capitol. The Giants have started the season and are 11-5 this season. The Giants are playing a one-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee Monday before returning home to face the A’s for two games starting Tuesday night.

The Giants, who won a team record 107 games last year, had most of their key personnel return for the 2022 season. However, several of their key players are on the injured list. They include third baseman Evan Longoria, second baseman Tommy LaStella, outfielder La Monte Wade, Jr, Steven Duggar, Mike Yastrzemski, and pitchers Anthony DeSclafini, Alex Cobb, and Matthew Boyd.

Giants’ manager Gabe Kapler is fortunate to have players on his squad who can play different positions. Wilmer Flores, Darin Ruf, Austin Slater, and Mauricio Dubon all can play well at different positions in the Giants’ lineup.

The Giants signed Palo Alto product Joc Pederson to a one-year deal. Pederson, a member of two World Series championship teams, the Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, has started the season well. He has hit five dingers and is hitting over .300.

Even with all the players on the IL, the Giants can put a very good lineup on the field. Brandon Belt, the Captain, will be at first base. Thairo Estrada will be at second. Brandon Crawford, who won the Gold Glove last year, will be at shortstop, and Wilmer Flores will play third base. Joc Pederson will be in left field, Austin Slater in center, and Darin Ruf in right field.

The probable pitchers for the two-game series look to be righty Daulton Jefferies going for Oakland Tuesday night. Jefferies has pitched well in the early going. He is 1-2 and owns a sparkling 1.17 ERA. The Giants’ lefty, Carlos Rodon, has also been impressive.

Rodon, who came over to San Francisco as a free agent from the Chicago White Sox, is 2-0 with a minuscule ERA of 1.06. He has struck out 29 hitters, too.

The A’s Paul Blackburn will pitch Wednesday night. Blackburn is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA. The Giants have not announced their starter yet. The Giants have three starters on the IL right now.

The teams are meeting very early in the season. They usually don’t meet until later. Nevertheless, it should be an entertaining set. There will be a lot of fans in the seats at Oracle Park. The first game of the series will start at 6:45 pm Tuesday.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Jeremy Harness: Giants face Brewers in one game match today at Miller Park after three game sweep of Nationals

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San Francisco Giants Brandon Crawford (35) adds to the score on an RBI single by Wilmer Flores as Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz, left tries to apply the tag in vain at Nationals Park in DC on Sun Apr 24, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Giants podcast with Jeremy:

#1 The Giants have had a lot of success in the early innings of games this season and they went right to work in the first two innings of Sunday’s game leading after two innings 4-1 in Washington. Joc Pederson hit a home run to lead off in the first inning and he did not look back.

#2 The Giants continued to extend their lead in the second inning when Joc Pederson hit a sacrifice and Thairo Estrada scored from third base. Pederson at the plate has been keeping the offense going and the Giants continuing to pile on in the three game series sweep of the Washington Nationals.

#3 Brandon Belt came to bat and tripled in the second driving Joey Bart home to extend the lead 4-1. Belt seeing the ball well and contributing in big ways towards Giant leads.

#4 The Giants added six more runs in the top of the ninth inning and ran away with an uncontested game 12-3 this was second in this three game sweep where the Giants have won by six or more runs.

#5 The Giants get right back at it again with a one game match up later today in Milwaukee’s Miller Park against the Brewers (10-6) starting for the Giants Sam Long (0-0 ERA 0.00) and for the Brewers Corbin Burnes (1-0 ERA 2.37) a 3:10 pm PDT first pitch.

Join Jeremy Harness filled for Morris Phillips for the San Francisco Giants podcasts heard Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s vs. Giants Bay Area Rivalry on Tap

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The Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants open up a brief two game series at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Apr 26, 2022 (photo from sfgate.com)

A’s vs Giants: Bay Area Rivalry On Tap

That’s Amaury News and Commentry

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–The two Bay Area teams will face each other in a quick two-game set at Oracle Park this Tuesday and Wednesday, with both games’ first pitch scheduled for 6:45. Two teams right now on different paths. A’s rebuilding and with an uncertain future, the Giants try to prove they can win again over 100 games and advance into the playoffs over the heavily favorite LA Dodgers.

This is a friendly rivalry, with many families split with their support of their favorite team. April is usually the lowest attendance month of the baseball season but there should be no problem with attendance at Oracle during this mid-week series between the A’s and the Giants, maybe not sellout crowds but definitely plenty of people.

This regional rivalry had it’s epic moment during the 1989 World Series, interrupted by a strong Earthquake which postponed that October Classic for 11 days.

The A’s swept the Giants during that historic and memorable 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Those were different times, the Giants were playing at Candlestick Park one of the most maligned major league stadiums in history and the A’s were playing in the middle of their very successful late 1980’s when they advanced to three consecutive World Series with the direction of their Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa.

In 1988 World Series the A’s lost to the Dodgers, in one of the biggest upsets in history. 1989 they swept the Giants and in 1990 they lost to Cincinnati.

Nobody was talking about the Oakland Coliseum and how bad it was because the team was winning, and winning cures everything. For many hardcore A’s fans they still talk about the great team that should had won those three consecutive World Series.

The A’s are only the second team do to such when they won three consecutive World Series in 1972,1973 and 1974. Only the New York Yankees under various dynasties, winning as many as five World Series in a row during the 1950’s.

The A’s have a rookie manager in Mark Kotsay and a cast of inexperienced players, mixed with veterans like Jed Lowrie and Stephen Vogt. The Giants under skipper Gabe Kapler in his second season trying to disprove most of the experts that predicted they will not win as many games again as last season.

That prediction is not fair, because 2021 was a great surprise for the Giants as many of their players (including veterans Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford) enjoyed their best season. In a way the Giants have a chip on their shoulders.

They still are not getting a lot of respect from the national baseball media. The Giants organization would like nothing more than to win this year’s World Series, and in the process, tie the A’s with a fourth World Series title.

The history of these two major league franchises is similar in many ways. With the A’s today threatening to possibly leave Oakland for Las Vegas, if the plan for the new Howard Terminal stadium is not approved.

In 1992 the Giants under owner Bob Lurie who agreed to sell the Giants and move them to Florida almost came to fruition. The Giants have longer roots in the Bay Area, they arrived from New York (1958) 10 years prior to the A’s arriving from Kansas City (1968).

Oracle Park is one the most attractive major league parks. I broadcast their inaugural game in the year 2000, doing their Spanish play by play, today, the park that has shared four names: Pac Bell, ATT, SBC Park and now Oracle Park, is 22 years old, hard to believe.

It is always fun to see the A’s and Giants playing on the same field.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A Lot From A Little: A’s avoid sweep, win 2-0, Irvin sharp for first, five innings

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By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND–Don’t be surprised if you see A’s pitching star Cole Irvin on Monday… possibly on the back nine of your prized East Bay golf course seeking conditioning and relaxation.

Irvin was the biggest piece of the A’s lockout-tinged, shutout by committee which subdued the Rangers, 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum. Irvin’s one-hitter lasted just five innings and expended 87 pitches, but it was plenty effective. Irvin allowed a leadoff double, and three relievers consumed the final, four innings, scattering three Texas base hits.

The A’s avoided a sweep, winning the series finale despite scoring just three runs in three-game set.

This weekend was kind of tough offensively,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “We did a better job of being patient and working counts (in Sunday’s game).

A weekend absent of offense fits right in with the A’s quirky, but effective start of the season. They’ve impressed by scoring runs–they led the AL in runs scored at the start of this home stand–but 21 of those came in games 4 and 5 and not much more through 17 games now. While they haven’t frightened any opponents the team’s 9-8 start is encouraging.

Especially given that centerfielder Ramon Laureano is suspended, COVID absences marred the home stand, all the fans apparently didn’t get the memo to attend the games, and–don’t forget–a lot of talented players left town right before the season started.

Dizzying if you’re not a player, but for the A’s themselves, a bunch to digest. That and the first 17 games without a day off. Not surprisingly, Monday will be for mind and body rejuvenation for the team, with Irvin making his intentions clear in the clubhouse.

“I will be on the golf course,” Irvin said. “Taking my time, enjoying it. I’ve got to get on the links a little bit. Going to have some fun.”

Irvin’s already made four starts and he’s had some success. But he’s gearing up for the busiest of his four seasons at the big league level, and that was apparent in his post-game comments. Irvin’s making adjustments, developing characteristics and enjoying the process.

“I found some confidence in my slider grip and I figured out what I was doing to throw it more consistently,” Irvin said. “The cutter was moving like a slider but it was fun to throw, kept guys off balance. Fastball command was big, too.”

Relievers Zach Jackson, Kirby Snead and Dany Jimenez were unshakeable as the back end of Oakland’s inexperienced, but not youthful bullpen. Jackson cruised through the sixth and seventh, Snead retired Cory Seager after Marcus Semien doubled, and Jimenez survived an eventful ninth to earn the save.

I’m tipping my cap to Dany right now,” Kotsay said. “He’s done a tremendous job. He gets a little bit of traffic and still keeps his composure. Today, I still felt he threw quality pitches.”

“They’re pitching like they have experience,” said Stephen Piscotty of the relievers.

Piscotty’s home run in the fourth gave Oakland the lead and the only runs of the afternoon. The A’s homegrown outfielder doubled on Saturday, making his first two games back from the COVID-list eventful after he was hampered by injuries last season and saw his power disappear.

“I’m definitely trying to have more fun and it’s more fun when you’re healthy, no doubt about that,” Piscotty said. “I don’t know, just to get in there, get to play. It feels natural.”

The A’s visit Oracle Park and the Giants on Tuesday, the first of two by the Bay. Dalton Jeffries gets the start in the opener.

Joc Pederson Slugs His Way To SF Win 12-3; Giants sweep Nats in three games

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San Francisco Giants hitter Joc Pederson slugs a first inning home run a solo shot against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in DC on Sun Apr 24, 2022 (AP News photo)

Joc Pederson Slugs His Way To SF Win 12-3

By Barbara Mason

In the past the Giants have had problems with the Washington Nationals. That was then and this is now and the San Francisco Giants (11-5) were playing today for a sweep of the Nationals (6-12). They beat Washington in the first two games of the series the first game a 7-1 beatdown Friday night.

The Giants have had a lot of success in the early innings of games this season and they went right to work in the first two innings of this game leading after two 4-1. Joc Pederson hit a home run to lead off in the first inning and he did not look back.

As this game progressed it became obvious that he was just getting warmed up. Wilmer Flores singled in the first innings driving Brandon Crawford home to lead 2-0.

The Giants continued to extend their lead in the second inning when Joc Pederson hit a sacrifice and Thairo Estrada scored from 3rd base. Brandon Belt came to bat and tripled in the second driving Joey Bart home to extend the lead 4-1

Yadiel Hernandez had a single for the Nationals in the 1st inning and hit a homer in the third inning pulling to within a single run of San Francisco 4-3. The Nationals would fail to score for the rest of the game.

San Francisco had a single in the fifth inning from Wilmer Flores driving Joc Pederson home. Joc Pederson had his second home run of the game in the seventh inning for a 6-3 lead.

The ninth inning of the game was a monster inning for the Giants scoring 6 runs. Brandon Belt scored on a single from Flores who had an incredible game. Luis Gonzalez would single and drive in Crawford and Mauricio Dubon.

Estrada hit a sacrifice and Flores would score. Next up at bat was Austin Slater who hit a single and Gonzalez and Jason Vosler scored for a final score of 12-3. This was one of the most productive innings from the Giants all season.

San Francisco had a great start in this game and an equally strong finish in the ninth inning. The Giants had swept the Nationals not an easy feat in today’s game. Joc Pederson was the heavy hitter in this game and kudos to Wilmer Flores who also contributed so much to this win.

Monday the Giants will take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Carlos Rodon will be on the mound to start tomorrows game for San Francisco and Corbin Burnes will start for the Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 PM PT.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Rangers Martin leads with shutout over A’s; Montas’ great outing is showcase for other teams shopping him

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Texas Rangers Martin Perez throws against the Oakland A’s in the third inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Apr 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

Michael Duca joins Amaury on That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Oakland A’s (8-8) having a tough time getting some offense they dropped the first game of this three game series to the Texas Rangers (5-9) on Friday 8-1 and then were shutout on Saturday 2-0.

#2 On Saturday A’s starter Frankie Montas actually had a decent outing with eight strikeouts, giving up just two earned runs on three hits the two runs coming in the top of the eighth inning in a heartbreaker 2-0 loss.

#3 This is a showcase game for Montas a lot of teams who were shopping for Montas will continue to bang on the A’s door it’s surprising that Montas is still with the club.

#4 Sunday starters for the Rangers Garett Richards (0-0 ERA 4.50) and for the Athletics Cole Irvin (1-1 ERA 4.32) for a 1:07 pm PDT first pitch at the Coliseum.

Michael Duca joins Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Lack of hitting leads to A’s recent loses

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Texas Rangers’ Eli White (41) gets in ahead of the tag by Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy, front left, after a ball hit by Rangers’ Brad Miller in the eighth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Apr 23, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Oakland A’s (8-8) having a tough time getting some offense they dropped the first game of this three game series to the Texas Rangers (5-9) on Friday 8-1 and then were shutout on Saturday 2-0.

#2 On Saturday A’s starter Frankie Montas actually had a decent outing with eight strikeouts, giving up just two earned runs on three hits the two runs coming in the top of the eighth inning in a heartbreaker 2-0 loss.

#3 This is a showcase game for Montas a lot of teams who were shopping for Montas will continue to bang on the A’s door it’s surprising that Montas is still with the club.

#4 Charlie, talk about the Rangers Brad Miller who did get a big hit in the eighth inning for two RBIs that was the difference as the A’s have lost three of their last four games.

#5 Sunday starters for the Rangers Garett Richards (0-0 ERA 4.50) and for the Athletics Cole Irvin (1-1 ERA 4.32) for a 1:07 pm PDT first pitch at the Coliseum.

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