Category: Uncategorized

By DANIEL DULLUM
Sports Radio Service
Thursday, April 24, 2014

What sophomore jinx?

Josh Donaldson is doing his best to face down that old baseball superstition. He belted two home runs Thursday in Oakland’s 11-1 rout of the Astros at Houston.

This was Donaldson’s first career multi-home run game. The hard-hitting third baseman connected in the first inning and the seventh.

Alberto Callaspo added a two-run homer in the third inning, Coco Crisp and Brandon Moss each hit an RBI single, and Jed Lowrie collected three hits – including an RBI double – for the Athletics.

A’s starter Scott Kazmir (3-0) struck out seven in six innings while giving up five hits and one run. In the process, Kazmir lowered his earned run average to 1.62.

Brett Oberholtzer (0-4) took the loss for Houston. He surrendered six runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. The Astros scored their only run on a bases- loaded walk issued to former A’s farmhand Chris Carter in the bottom of the first inning.

The Astros, one of the better fielding teams in baseball, were plagued by five errors.

The four-game series continues Friday, with Jesse Chavez (1-0) on the mound for Oakland, facing the Astros’ Brad Peacock (0-2). Game time is 5:10 p.m. Pacific.

By George Devine, Sr.

The Giants are looking at their second homestand — this one involving interleague play — and monitoring the physical condition of their players. At the same time they are wondering how to put together the elements in the recipe for success in 2014.

Missing from the roster at this time is Marco Scutaro, on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 21. His projected return is uncertain since the back inflammation which pestered him last season is a persistent issue. Also sidelined is LHP David Huff, on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 22 after he was injured on an infield single on April 21.

The batting order is strong on paper, but the games are not played on paper. An increase in timely hitting can bring the team back to first place. They are now 12-10, 2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. San Francisco’s leading hitters at this time are Angel Pagan (.329, 12 rbi), Michael Morse (.279, 15 rbi, 5 hr) and Brandon Belt (.299, 13 rbi, 7 hr). Buster Posey is batting .229 and has 10 rbi with 4 hr.

The first series of the homestand is against the Cleveland Indians of the American League, who are slated to send Carlos Carrasco up against fellow RHP Tim Hudson in the first game on Friday, April 25; it will be the former Oakland Athletic’s first time against the Tribe. In the last series between the two teams at AT&T Park three seasons ago, the Giants swept, 3-0; they are 5-4 against Cleveland in general.

In a lighthearted promotion, the first 40,000 fans will receive a bobblehead commemorating the lone home run hit by former Indians’ infielder Duane Kuiper, later a Giant and now a renowned broadcaster for the two-time World Series champions. The souvenir is presented by Comcast SportsNet for whom “Kuip” calls the games. Had Kuiper hit one out of the park for San Francisco, he would have the distinction of one home run in each league, but it was not to be. Also, special event ticketholders will receive a limited edition Lou Seal plush golf head cover, featuring the Giants’ uniquely whimsical mascot.

On the following afternoon, the first 30,000 through the turnstiles will receive a 1954 replica World Series ring, honoring the sixtieth anniversary of the 1954 Giants, sponsored by AT&T. Sunday, April 27, is Little League Day at AT&T Park. Prior to the game, little leaguers who purchased special event tickets will be able to attend a Q&A session with current Giants players and coaches and participate in a parade around the warning track. The first 7,500 fans ages 14-and-under will receive a Pablo Sandoval Kids Bat, presented by Diamond of California. Following the game, all kids 14-years and younger are invited to come run the bases.

The Giants wrap up their homestand with a three-game series against the Padres (April 28-30). On Monday, April 28, the Giants will host Korean Heritage Night. Golfing legend, Se-Ri Pak, a 2007 inductee of the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame, will be in attendance to throw out the first pitch. Prior to the game, Korean cultural performances will take place on the field for fans to enjoy. Fans who purchase a special event ticket will receive a collector’s edition Se-Ri Pak Bobblehead.

Tuesday, April 29, is Chinese Heritage Night, presented by Graton Resort & Casino. Special event ticket holders will receive a Giants-themed “Year of the Horse”item. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket sold will benefit local Chinese base charities. All fans will be able to enjoy pre-game cultural entertainment, including drummers, dragon lion dancers and fan and ribbon dancers. On Tuesday, the Giants will also host a Sports Antique Show for special event ticket holders from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Seals Plaza. Fans who purchase a special event ticket will receive a Chumlee Bobblehead and have an opportunity to showcase their items at the pre-game antique show, where Chumlee, a cast member on the History Channel’s show Pawn Stars, will be serving as the curator. It is also Say Hey Tuesday as CSN Bay Area will host Yahoo! Sports Talk Live from Willie Mays Plaza. Fans are invited to come out early and watch their favorite sports analysts.

Wednesday, April 30, is the Giants annual Until There’s A Cure Night, raising awareness of prevention education, care and services, in an effort to help find a cure for AIDS, presented by the Giants Community Fundand Gilead. A portion of every special event ticket sold will go directly to the Until There’s A Cure Foundation. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive an Until There’s A Cure postcard. Wednesday is also Irish Heritage Nightat AT&T Park. Special event ticket packages include admission to the Irish Heritage Night pre-game party in Seals Plaza from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and an Irish-themed Giants T-shirt. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket sold will benefit local Irish charities. All fans will be able to enjoy an on-field performance by Healy Irish dancers prior to the game. In addition on Wednesday, Sharon Robinson, Consultant, Community Affairs and Educational Programming for Major League Baseball and daughter of Jackie Robinson will honor Raymond Beasley V, a 5th grade student from R. Paul Krey Elementary School in Brentwood, in a pregame ceremony. Raymond is the winner of the Breaking Barriers Essay Contest which encourages children to write about barriers and obstacles they have faced or are still facing in their lives and how they used the values exemplified by Jackie Robinson to deal with those barriers or obstacles.

By Jeremy Harness

The Giants had been in a serious funk ever since taking two of three from the Dodgers last week at AT&T Park.

Hector Sanchez made sure that cold snap did not extend into Wednesday.

With the winds swirling around Coors Field, bringing back memories of Candlestick Park, Sanchez uncorked a grand slam in the 11th inning off Colorado reliever Chad Bettis to bring the Giants to victory over the Rockies.

However, the Giants still managed to make things interesting in the bottom half. Closer Sergio Romo entered the game and gave up a two-run homer to Justin Morneau and then surrendered a one-out walk to Drew Stubbs.

But as the “oh-no” feelings started to rise up again, Romo came up with a big pitch that got the Giants the win, a grounder off the bat of Brandon Barnes that led to a double play.

Sanchez’s slam could not have come at a better time, as the Giants were on the verge of being swept in the three-game series in a ballpark that has always created problems for the Giants, regardless of how good the two teams are at given time.

By Jeremy Kahn

When you play at Coors Field, you know there is going to be alot of home runs hit; because of the altitude in the City of Denver, but the one thing you do not expect is a low scoring game.

Nolan Arenado hit a solo home run off of Madison Bumgarner leading off the bottom of the fifth inning, as the Colorado Rockies held on to defeat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 at Coors Field.

Arenado’s home run broke a 1-1 tie that lasted all of one-half inning, as Hunter Pence hit his second home run of the season in the top of the inning that tied up the game between these National Western Division rivals.

Troy Tulowitzki put the Rockies on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning ,as he hit his third home run of the season off of Madison Bumgarner.

Through the first two games of the series, both won by the Rockies, they have hit a whopping seven home runs off of Giants pitching.

Franklin Morales allowed just one run on seven hits in seven innings, as he matched the longest outing of his career.

On the other side of things, it was a tough loss for Bumgarner, who threw a complete game, allowing two runs on nine hits, walking just one and striking out six; however he lost for the second straight outing.

LaTroy Hawkins came on in the top of the ninth inning to pickup the save for the Rockies, despite the fact that he allowed a pinch-hit walk to Brandon Crawford and then a pinch-hit single to Gregor Blanco; however the eteran was able to regroup to strikeout pinch hitter Hector Sanchez and got Angel Pagan to ground out to Tulowitzki at shortstop to end the game.

By Jeremy Kahn

It seems even when the San Francisco Giants pickup just three hits in the game they find a way to win, and put an end to their losing streak.

Buster Posey hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, and Angel Pagan hit a two run single in the top of the second inning, as the Giants salavged the series finale with a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

The Posey and Pagan hits were two of the three hits that the Giants received from their offense on the afternoomn, as their pitching staff helped them put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Brandon Crawford picked the other Giants hit on the after just prior to Pagan’s two-run single in the top of the second, as the Padres stymied the Giants offense for the remainder of the afternoon.

Pagan’s two-run single came after Brandon Hicks walked, Crawford singled and then Tim Lincecum walked to load the bases against Padres starting pitcher Robbie Erlin.

Posey hit a long two-run home run off of Erlin in the top of the first inning that also scored Hunter Pence, who walked with one out in the inning.

After the Pagan hit in the top of the second inning, the Padres pitching staff simply dominated the game, as they retired 23 of the next 24 Giants.

Walks hurt Erlin, as he went six innings, allowing four runs on three hits, walking three and striking out three, as he retired 14 consecutive batters after Pagan’s single in the top of the second.

Lincecum, who threw a no-hitter at Petco Park on July 13, 2013, improved to 14-6 in 27 career starts against the Padres, his most against any team.

Nick Hundley hit a solo home run off of Lincecum in the bottom of the seventh inning that shortened the score down to 4-3 and finished Lincecum’s day on the mound.

Lincecum went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out seven, as he won for the first time in 2014.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the ninth inning, as closer Sergio Romo issued a leadoff walk to Chase Headley, went to second on Romo wild pitch, but Yasmani Grandal to popout to Crawford, Hundley flew out to left for the second out and then Yonder Alonso flew out to Pagan for the final out of the game, as Romo notched his fifth save in as many opportunities this season.

Bruce Bochy challenged a call in the bottom of the third inning, as former Giants outfielder Xavier Nady was called at the plate; however it was confirmed that Posey indeed placed the tag on the former CAL Golden Bears standout and the call was reversed.

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, April 19, 2014

Golden State bounced back from a slow start and outlasted the Clippers 109-105 in Saturday’s opening game in an NBA West best-of-seven playoff game at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Warriors trailed 12-1 early, missing their first eight shots, and Coach Mark Jackson had to burn two time outs. But Golden State eventually caught up and maintained a slim lead through most of the second half.

Golden State made its biggest surge in the third quarter, when the Clippers’ Blake Griffin and Chris Paul found themselves on the bench in foul trouble.

Back-to-back dunks by Jermaine O’Neal and a jumper by Kay Thompson helped the Warriors build an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

Paul led a furious comeback attempt by the Clippers. His fast-break layup brought LA to within 98-92, and his 3-pointer cut the Clips’ deficit to 100-97 with 3:30 to play.

After DeAndre Jordan, a poor free throw shooter, hit a pair of them to bring the Clippers to within one, Paul nailed another 3-ball to tie the game at 102.

LA took a 103-102 on a Darren Collison free throw. On the Warriors’ ensuing possession, Collison blocked a shot to start a 3-on-1 break. But Harrison Barnes blocked Paul’s 5-footer and proceeded to hit a 3-pointer, putting Golden State up 105-103.

Griffin sank a pair of free throws for the game’s 18th and final tie at 105-105 with 1:30 remaining. The Warriors lost the ball on its next possession on a shot-clock violation, Then Griffin fouled out, and with 37 seconds remaining, the Clippers committed one of their 17 turnovers and lost a video review.

Both teams were plagued by foul trouble. Golden State’s David Lee and Andre Iguldala both fouled out.

Thompson led the Warriors with 22 points, followed by Lee with 20 and Stephen Curry with 14. Lee also had 13 boards and three assists.

Paul netted a game-high 28 points for the Clippers, along with seven rebounds and eight assists. J.J. Redick added 22 points and Griffin fouled out with 16 points. Jordan finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Game 2 is Monday night, again at Staples Center.

By Jeremy Kahn

It seems that when the San Francisco Giants left the Bay Area after their afternoon loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday afternoon, they forgot something on the field.

Over their first two games against the San Diego Padres, the Giants have amassed just two runs on eight hits and the Padres have taken the first two games against their rivals from Northern California.

Former Giants pitcher Eric Stults along with three relievers allowed one run on just four hits, as the Padres defeated the Giants 3-1 at Petco Park.

After the Padres took an early 1-0 lead against Tim Hudson, Michael Morse hit a toweing home run to centerfield that tied up the game.

Unfortunately, that would not be the score for long, as the Padres scored the eventual winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning, when Everth Cabrera tripled to score Alexei Amarista from third base.

Amarista reached on a bunt single, went to second on a Hudson throwing error, moved to third on a Stults sacrifice bunt.

Chris DeNorfia sacrificed back to Jean Machi that allowed Will Venable, the son of former Giants outfielder Max Venable to score the third and final run of the game.

It was a tough loss for Hudson, who lost for the first time this season; however there is a bright note to the performance of Hudson on this night.

Hudson went seven innings, allowing two runs on eight runs, not allowing a walk and striking out four.

By not allowing a walk for the fourth straight game to start the season, Hudson became just the third pitcher in the last 101 years to pitch at least seven innings and not issue a walk.

Hudson joins Grover Cleveland Alexander, who pitched six consecutive games in 1923 and Tiny Bonham in 1944, when he pitched four consecutive games of not issuing a walk.

In his first year with the Giants, Hudson already broke a franchise record, by not allowing a walk in 30 innings to start the season.

By Jeremy Kahn

Once again, the San Francisco Giants played a tight game against an opponent from the National League West, and there is a pattern brewing.

Matt Cain pitched a great game, as he went seven innings, allowing one run and scattering four hits, as the San Diego Padres hung on to defeat the Giants 2-1 at Petco Park.

It is a tough start to the season for Cain, who drops to 0-3 on the season; however he struck out eight and walk two in seven innings.

Tyson Ross did not allow a run, while scattering four hits and struck out nine in eight innings, as he improves to 2-1 on the season.

This was the eighth consecutive one-run game for the Giants, the first time that the Giants have accomplished this feat since 1910, when they played in New York.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Giants are the first major league team to turn the feat since the Minnesota Twins accomplished it from July 10-20, 2005.

Chris DeNorfia scored the Padres first run of the night in the bottom of the first inning ,as the former Oakland A’s outfielder tripled off of Cain and then scored on a Hector Sanchez passed ball.

Yasmani Grandal gave the Padres some breathing room in the bottom of the eighth inning, as he took a Juan Gutierrez pitch over the right field wall to give the Padres a 2-0 lead.

It was the first home run of the season for Grandal, who was pinch hitting for Padres starting pitcher and former A’s pitcher Ross, who attended Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, before going to UC Berkeley.

Hunter Pence singled off of Street with two outs, but Street got Sanchez to struck out swinging to end the game.

Brandon Belt got the Giants within one run in the top of the ninth inning, as he took a former A’s closer Huston Steet pitch and put it into the right field stands for his sixth home run of the season.