Aces four game winning streak comes to an end with loss to Sparks 99-78

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Photo credit: Shawn McCullough, Sports Radio Service

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces kept the game close through three quarters, but Las Vegas was outscored 35-15 in the fourth quarter by the Los Angeles Sparks in a 99-78 loss at Delano Las Vegas on Sunday.

“Once things got going well for them (Los Angeles), they just kept going and kept pushing and they’re a good team, they’ve been together for a while,” said rookie A’ja Wilson of the fourth quarter run by the Sparks.

“I got a sense that we got worn down mentally,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer.  “Los Angeles is a very strong team. They’ve been to the finals three years in a row and are former champions. They execute under pressure. We didn’t.”

Laimbeer also publically had very strong words on the performance of Wilson.

“After the game I made it clear to her (Wilson) and the team that she can’t put her head down like that,” said Laimbeer of Wilson.  “It was clear to everybody on her team and everybody in the gym that she missed a couple of shots, became disengaged from the game and dragged the rest of the team down. For the undisputed leader of our ball club, that cannot happen. I think that was made very clear to her. She understands it. We’re going to find out how she deals with it.”

“I take full blame for tonight,” said Wilson. “I didn’t engage the way I needed to be engaged and it showed.  I can’t afford to do that for my team, so in the stretch it was all about mental toughness and I take full blame for it because I was not good.”

Wilson scored 15 points while shooting 6-for-20 from the field and Kayla McBride added 18.

With the loss, the Aces fell to 10-13 on the season, but have still won four of their last five games.

The Aces trail the Connecticut Sun and the Minnesota Lynx by 2.5 games for the 8th spot in the WNBA standings, as the top eight teams in the league make the playoffs.

The Aces will next play the Mercury on Thursday in Phoenix.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • The game saw 19 lead changes and six ties.
  • A’ja Wilson scored in double figures (15) for the 23rd straight game.
  • The Aces have won four of their last 5 games.
  • 4,810 Aces fans were in attendance.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 1 Tamera Young
C – 3 Kelsey Bone
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 10 Kelsey Plum

A’s rout Giants 6-2 in laugher, thanks to Manaea

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — This was not the way that the San Francisco Giants wanted to go into the All-Star break with back-to-back losses against a team that will face when they return from the break, the Oakland A’s.

Andrew Suarez gave up four runs in five innings of work, as the A’s took the finale of the Bay Bridge with a 6-2 victory over the Giants before a sellout crowd of 42,098 at AT&T Park on Sunday afternoon.

Asides from the four runs that he allowed, Suarez also gave up four hits, walked two and struck out five in his final start prior to the All-Star break.

This was the first series loss for the Giants at home since dropping two out of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks from April 9-11, as they went 10-0-2 in that span. The two series that the Giants split were with the Colorado Rockies from May 17-20, and the St. Louis Cardinals from July 5-8.

The A’s got to Suarez in the top of the fourth inning, as five straight batters reached and four of those five scored to give the A’s the only runs that they would need on the afternoon.

American League All-Star second baseman Jed Lowrie got the inning started, as he walked to lead off the inning and then scored on a Stephen Piscotty single to tie up the game for the A’s. Matt Olson then gave the A’s the lead for good, as he drove in Mark Canha with a single of his own.

Matt Chapman then made it three hits in a row, as he singled to score Piscotty with the A’s third run of the frame. Jonathan Lucroy drove in the fourth run of the inning, as he hit a sacrifice fly to score Olson from third base.

The four-run inning made a winner of Sean Manaea, who pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking and striking out one, as his record improved to 9-6 on the season.

The Giants took an early lead 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, as Gorkys Hernandez doubled with one out and then scored on a Gorkys Hernandez single.

Piscotty extended the A’s up to 5-1 in the top of the sixth inning, as he took a Reyes Moronta pitch and put it into the left-field bleachers. It was the 12thhome run of the season for Piscotty.

It was the first hit allowed by Moronta since he gave up a single to Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 16 at Dodger Stadium. The last run allowed prior to Piscotty’s home run came on June 13 against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park, and it was the just the second home run he allowed this season. (April 19 at Arizona).

Chase d’Arnaud cut the A’s lead down to 5-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, as he took a Manaea offering and put it into the Garden beyond the center-field fence. It was the second home run of the season for d’Arnaud.

Lucroy put the finishing touches on the scoring in the top of the ninth inning, as he singled to centerfield off of Will Smith to score Chapman, who doubled with one out in the inning.

NOTES: Dereck Rodriguez will open the second half for the Giants, as they head across the Bay Bridge to face the A’s at the Oakland Coliseum beginning on Friday night.

Following Rodriguez out of the All-Star break will be Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and then Suarez will start the series opener against the Seattle Mariners on July 24 at Safeco Field.

Steven Duggar’s major league career is only a week old and he is setting team records already. Duggar is the first Giants in the live-ball era (since 1920) to have five or more doubles in his first five games, this according to STATS, LLC.

When the Giants went to the break last season, they were 34-56, their worst record at the break since 2008, when they were 40-55. This season at the All-Star Break, the Giants are 50-48.

UP NEXT: The Giants and A’s will battle it out in round two of the Bay Bridge Series at O.co Coliseum on Friday night at 6:35 pm PDT.

A’s Head to All-Star Break With Win Over Giants, Take First Round of Bay Bridge Series 6-2

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By Matthew Harrington

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics took round one of the Bay Bridge Series, winning the rubber game over the San Francisco Giants 6-2 at AT&T Park Sunday afternoon. Oakland rallied for four runs in the fourth inning off Giants’ starter Andrew Suárez and Sean Manaea (9-6, 3.42 ERA) fired six innings, scattering five hits for a pair of runs to pick up the victory. Oakland (55-42) heads into the All Star break, having won seven of its last 10 contests.

For the Green and Gold, the interruption might be unwanted after a torrid stretch of play. Oakland hasn’t lost a series in over a month since dropping a June 12-14 sweep at the hands of the defending World Champion Houston Astros. Since then, the A’s have gone 21-6, but still find themselves three games behind Seattle for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

Stephen Piscotty, Matt Olson and Matt Chapman singled in runs in the fourth and catcher Jonathan Lucroy lofted a sacrifice fly for the Green and Gold. Piscotty also hit his 12th homer of the season in the top of the sixth inning to collect a pair of RBIs on the day. Leadoff man Chase D’Arnaud hit a solo homer for San Francisco and center fielder Gorky Hernández plated a run for the home team.

The rookie Suárez was staked to a 1-0 lead after Brandon Crawford doubled with one out in the bottom of the second, then crossed the plate on a single Hernández. He shut down the A’s in the top of the next frame 1-2-3, but struggled after getting the first out in the fourth.

All-Star Jed Lowrie, making his first start since exiting Friday’s game after suffering a contusion following a collision with Stephen Piscotty, worked the one-out walk. Saturday’s hero Mark Canha singled to put runners on the corners. Piscotty, Olson and Chapman then hit consecutive run-scoring singles for a 3-1 lead. Lucroy would fly out to knock in the fourth run of the inning, his first of two RBIs on the day. Suárez finished the frame with a groundout from his counterpart Manaea.

The A’s would chase the eventual loser Suárez (3-6, 3.94) after five innings, bringing reliever Reyes Moronta, the magician who helped the Giants win Friday’s game by coaxing three outs with the bases loaded with A’s in the seventh inning. He didn’t pitch a clean inning Sunday though, with Pleasanton native Piscotty crushing an 82 mile-per-hour slider over the wall in left field for a 5-1 Oakland lead. Jonathan Lucroy singled in an insurance run in the top of the ninth off Will Smith for a six-pack of runs.

Manaea cruised after the A’s took the substantial lead, giving up just two hits over his next three innings of work. The only rough patch came when the Giants third baseman D’Arnaud took a 1-0 offering over the wall in center field for his second homer and second RBI on the season. Manaea finished out the inning with a trio of groundouts, hitting the showers staked to a 5-2 lead after allowing just five hits with a single walk and punch-out each. He threw just 73 pitches in the outing heading into the break.

The A’s bullpen triumverate of Ryan Buchter, Lou Trivino and Blake Treinen held the Giants (50-48) scoreless over an inning each to pick up the win and put the A’s 13 games over .500 at the midseason point.

The Bay Bridge series resumes on the other side of the Midsummer Classic, with first-time All-Stars Jed Lowrie, Blake Treinen, and the A’s welcoming the Giants to the East Bay for a Friday through Sunday series. Oakland can win the outright inaugural trophy made from the original Bay Bridge by winning the series. San Francisco would need a sweep to win it outright. If Oakland drops two of three, they’d tie at three games apiece. Starting pitchers have yet to be announced.

They may be down, but they’re never out! A’s beat the Giants 4-3

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
Celebration
A’s celebrate after beating the Giants Photo: @Athletics

By Charlie O. Mallonee

SAN FRANCISCO — The Oakland Athletics (54-42) really do not know when to quit. In the major leagues, teams that are trailing as they head into the late innings (the seventh inning and beyond) are pretty much doomed to failure the majority of the time. The goal for every big league team is to score early and often because later is usually too late.

The 2018 A’s are breaking all of those rules. The A’s are tied for second in runs scored in the seventh inning or later (173). They did it again on Saturday night against the San Francisco Giants (50-47).

The A’s were trailing the Giants 3-2 as they came to bat in the top of the seventh inning. Tony Watson was the new pitcher for San Francisco. Josh Phegley led off the inning with a single to right. The pitcher’s spot was due up (National League park), so manager Bob Melvin put in Mark Canha as a pinch hitter. Canha hit a 3-2 pitch halfway up into the bleachers in left field for his 12th home run of the season and his 38th and 39th RBIs of the year.

The A’s took a 4-3 lead and never looked back. Lou Trivino worked 2.0 innings of scoreless relief for his team. All-star Blake Treinen then came on in the bottom of the ninth. Treinen struggled a bit as he walked two Giants, but he worked his way out of trouble to earn his 24th save of the season.

The win went to Yusmeiro Petit (4-2) who was pitcher of record in the top of the seventh inning. The loss goes to Tony Watson who also receives a blown save for his record.

Neither starter had a great night. Brett Anderson worked just 3.1 innings for Oakland giving up three runs (all earned) on eight hits. Jeff Samardzija made the start for the Giants and he lasted just 4.0 innings. He allowed two runs (both earned) off three hits. He walked two and struck out one batter.

Steven Duggar had another good game for the Giants, going 2-for-4 at the plate while scoring two runs and adding an RBI. Buster Posey had a 2-for-4 night hitting as well.

Samardzija Swan Song?

To say that the Giants have been disappointed with the performance of Jeff Samardzija this season — may be one of the great understatements of 2018. His performance on Saturday did nothing to help his standing with the team. His 10th start lasted just 4.0 innings and saw “the Shark” give up two runs (both earned) on three hits. He walked two and struck out just one Oakland batter. The real concern was his velocity or lack of it. Samardzija had trouble breaking into the 90’s with his pitches. The Giants would love to open his spot for a younger pitcher, but they have to figure out what to do with the 33-year old veteran who will make $18-million per season through 2020.

A little bullpen irony 

In the seventh inning, the Giants’ lifted reliever Tony Watson and gave the ball to Ray Black with one out and two runners on base. The A’s had Lou Trivino warming up in their bullpen and would ultimately pitch the seventh inning for Oakland. The irony is that Trivino credits Black for his success as a pitcher. The A’s RHP said he was watching Black pitch at Class-A San Jose when he was with the Stockton Ports and he liked the way Black pitched. Trivino incorporated some of Black’s technique into his own style and now both are facing off in the major leagues.

So long Santiago and other transactions

Relief pitcher Santiago Casilla was designated for assignment (DFA) by the A’s. Casilla appeared in 26 games pitching 31.1 innings while posting a 3.16 ERA. He struck out 22 and walked 20 which lead to a WHIP of 1.213. Casilla had a poor outing on Friday night in San Francisco. If no team claims Casilla off waivers, he will have to decide if he will accept an assignment to the minors.

Ryan Dull received an airline ticket back to Nashville. Dull had a rough outing for the A’s on Friday night and has struggled to find any consistency on the mound this season. He had worked 18 innings for Oakland giving up 21 hits (3 HRs) while striking out 17 and walking five. Dull was carrying an ERA of 6.00, which will not keep you in the Major Leagues.

Franklin Barreto continues to rack up the frequent flier miles as he has returned from Nashville. His return is related to the leg contusion suffered by Jed Lowrie on Friday night. Lowrie did not play on Saturday and do not expect to see him on Sunday. Lowrie’s status for the All-Star game has not been addressed.

Good news for the starting pitching rotation

Daniel Mengden has been brought off the disabled list by the A’s. Mengden was put on the 10-day DL due to a foot sprain. The RHP is 6-6 this season in 16 starts with a 4.47 ERA in 90.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 55 and walked just 19 batters. Mengden could well see action in the Bay Bridge Series Part 2 in Oakland next weekend.

 

Canha’s pinch-hit lifts A’s past Giants 4-3

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Photo credit: @NBCSAthletics

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — Mark Canha changed the outcome of game two of the Bay Bridge Series with one swing of the bat.

Canha smashed a two-run pinch hit home run off of Tony Watson in the top of the seventh inning, as the Oakland A’s came back to defeat the San Francisco Giants 5-4 before a sellout crowd of 41,970 at AT&T Park on Saturday night. It was the first pinch hit home run for Canha in his Major League career.

It was a tough game for Watson, who was usually lights out for the Giants, as he gave up a leadoff single to Josh Phegley, and then Canha put a Watson offering half way up the left field bleachers to give the A’s the lead for good.

Buster Posey continues his well against the A’s, as he picked up two hits in his first two at-bats on the night. This is the 11th time in his last 16 games against the A’s that has had multi-hit games against the A’s, during the stretch, Posey is 29-for-67 with a batting average of .433.

Chase d’Arnaud picked up two more hits for the Giants, and is batting .294 since being called up from Sacramento.

Giants starter Jeff Samardzija went just four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out one, as he did not fare in the decision.

It was a tough night for A’s starter Brett Anderson, as he did not make out of the fourth inning, as he went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, not walking a batter and striking out one.

Anderson picked up his eighth career hit in the top of the second inning, and first since April 24, 2017, while a member of the Chicago Cubs against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 14-3 victory for the Cubs at PNC Park.

The A’s took an early 1-0 lead on Samardzija in the top of the second inning, as Matt Chapman walked and then scored on a Phegley sacrifice fly.

That would be the score for a half inning, as Steven Duggar led off the inning with a double, then scored on a Alen Hanson.

Khris Davis then gave the A’s their second lead of the night, as he hit a sacrifice fly that scored Stephen Piscotty, who led off the inning with a double off of Samardzija.

Duggar continued his hot hitting, as he double in the bottom of the fourth inning to score Hernandez, who doubled just before Duggar.

Over his last two games, Duggar has four doubles against A’s pitching and is hitting .320 since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.

Two batters later, Austin Slater gave the Giants the lead once again, as he singled in Duggar from second base.

“d’Arnaud and Duggar had great games tonight,” said manager Bruce Bochy.

Derek Holland came on to replace Samardzija, and he did an outstanding job, as he struck out the first five batters he faced, but then gave up a long single to Chad Pinder off of Levi’s Landing in right field. Holland then regrouped to get Dustin Fowler to ground into a force play to end the threat.

Holland is the eighth National League pitcher this season to strikeout five or more in two innings.

Watson lasted just 0.1 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking one and striking out one, as he lost for the third time this season against two wins.

Rookie Ray Black came on to replace Watson, and he responded by striking out Davis and Chapman to end the inning.

Brandon Belt was ejected from the game in the between the fifth and sixth innings by third base umpire Greg Gibson for arguing a third strike call. Belt was ejected after he struck out in the bottom of the fifth inning on a check swing.

“I have not looked at it to be honest,” said Bochy.

The Giants put the winning run on first base, as Andrew McCutchen and Posey each walked with two outs off of A’s closer Blake Treinen, but Treinen was able to strikeout Crawford to end the game.

Crawford was intentionally walked in the bottom of the seventh inning by A’s reliever Leo Trivino, and it was the 11thintentional walk of the season for Crawford, a new career high and the second most in the National League.

NOTES: With the Giants and A’s playing in six straight games prior to and after the All-Star break, this is the first time since July 3-6, 1969 against the Atlanta Braves that the Giants have played the same opponent in six straight games. Both July 4 and July 6 were doubleheaders against the Braves, this according to Stats, LLC.

On this day in 2005, the Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3, and the Giants became the first team in major league history to win 10,000 games. The Giants, who were founded as the Gothams in 1883 were 10,000-8511 after their win over their longtime rivals.

UP NEXT: The Giants and A’s will battle it out in Sunday afternoon’s rubber game at 1:05 pm PDT.

Giants rookie Andrew Suarez will close out the first half, as he looks for his fourth win of the season. The A’s will send eight-game winner Sean Manaea to the mound.

“Lets go live”: MLB Network live cut-ins breathe life into the grand old game

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By Morris Phillips

MINNEAPOLIS — A three-minute drama in two parts–there for all who squared up with their local cable outfit to see–played out Thursday night starring Tampa Bay’s Jake Bauers and Minnesota’s Brian Dozier.

With a very opinionated, supporting role played by MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds.

Bauers, a rookie just six weeks into his big league career, doubled leading off the fourth inning. Pitcher Kyle Gibson, a big guy of whom more has always been expected, and in the midst of his most impressive start of 2018, wasn’t in the mood to concede anything. So after his change of pace, first pitch offering to cleanup hitter Wilson Ramos landed in the dirt, Gibson set his sights on garnering the 13th successful pickoff of his big league career.

With Bauers off to an aggressive lead, and his eyes focused on Gibson, the baserunner had a lapse, looking toward home plate. At that exact moment, Gibson spun and threw to second baseman Dozier, deftly sneaking in for the catch and tag. The bang bang play, according to second base umpire James Hoye, saw Bauers get his hand on the bag a fraction of a second ahead of Dozier’s tag.

The Twins and Dozier felt differently, and they took their alloted time to consider issuing a challenge.

Back at the MLB Network studios in Seacaucus, New Jersey it was a good time for a live cut-in on the Rays and Twins, two AL squads with almost no significant relationship to the 2018 postseason. While the Rays have surged of late to become just the seventh American League team currently with a winning record, the Twins have lived below .500 in the AL Central, a division that already seems ceded to the first-place Indians.

But on Thursdays, with a limited schedule and games spread across day and night time frames, the Rays and Twins garnered some attention, and the pickoff drama played out live on the MLB Network.

“You cannot do that!” Reynolds said repeatedly, as he instructed his production crew to freeze the replay at the point Bauers’ attention lapsed. Reynolds didn’t ease up on the rookie regarding the call to the point it felt like the retired second baseman was lobbying for Bauers to be out just based on his attention lapse, regardless of what went down with the tag.

Of course, Reynolds is in the studio, and talking, when it may have been more beneficial at that moment to listen to Rays announcers Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson. But that’s live television, full of bluster and entertainment, but maybe a little short on accuracy. Need more concise info? In this case, Bauers, speaking 48 hours later, provided just that.

“When I get my lead off second, I like to look at whoever is holding me on,” Bauers recounted. “In this case, it was Dozier, the second baseman. I was looking at him, seeing how far I could get off. Right when I panned from him to go back to Gibson, he broke in and picked off on me. I thought I was dead to rights out there. But I think I was so late getting back, that he kind of tagged early, and I snuck my hand in.”

Regardless of the truth, it looked bad for Bauers. He knew it, and so did Dozier. But ultimately, no challenge was issued.

“It was a bad feed, as far as blurriness,” Dozier admitted. “That’s why we didn’t challenge it. On one of the angles you can see he was probably out, but not enough to overturn it. When I tagged him, he was still about a foot away from the bag.”

As Reynolds continued to scold the rookie, the live shot showed Bauers smiling at Dozier. Reynolds quickly assumed Bauers’ smile to be an admission of guilt. Well, Reynolds got that right.

“I was smiling because I knew I was caught,” Bauers said. “I knew it was a good pick play. Obviously, I’m not used to being held that close at second. I don’t know if that’s just something that he does because he likes to do it, or that they’re having him do it.”

Dozier, given the same 48 hours as Bauers to reflect, explained that Bauers’ aggressive lead was immediately noticeable. Seeing that, Dozier signaled to Gibson that it was time for the pitcher to display his acumen for picking off runners.

And how did Dozier interpret Bauers’ smile and small talk?

“I think he knew he was out. That’s probably the ‘I know I’m out’ feeling,’ but let’s just hope they don’t have enough evidence to overturn it,” Dozier said.

Meanwhile, Reynolds remained out of the information loop.

“He’s still standing at second base!” Reynolds said incredulously as play continued without Bauers being penalized, or Reynolds knowing that no formal challenge was issued.

Oh, the powerlessness of live television.

Piatti helps lift Impact over Earthquakes 2-0

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Photo credit: @philthisisphil

By Pearl Allison Lo

Ignacio Piatti helped the Montreal Impact get back to its winning ways, especially at home with their 2-0 shutout of the San Jose Earthquakes at Saputo Stadium on Saturday night. 

After the Impact went scoreless last game, they have now blanked their opponents in five of their last eight games. At home, Montreal has won five straight games.

Piatti, who led all with a season-tying six shots, was also on a four-game point streak before their last loss.

Matteo Mancosu and Alejandro Silva returned to the Impact’s starting XI. Silva earned an assist and Mancosu had three shots.

The Quakes were left with a now 10-game season winless streak and one road win on the season as they remained winless in Montreal. Though they could not get get past goalie Evan Bush, the last time San Jose was held scoreless was May 25. That was also the last time Quakes’ goalie Andrew Tarbell did not record any saves.

Vako had a team-high four shots for San Jose.

Quakes’ Nick Lima’s shot was blocked in the 3rd minute.

In the eighth minute, Saphir Taider helped Montreal score on their first shot of the game after an assist from Piatti.

Anibal Godoy received a yellow card in the 26th minute for a foul versus Piatti, so Godoy will miss next game due to accumulation.  

Quakes’ Jackson Yueill missed two shots from outside the box in the 30th and 41st minutes.

Godoy also left in the 41st minute, straight to the locker room, for Fatai Alashe.

Quakes’ Florian Jungwirth’s missed shot in the 44th minute, was sandwiched by two attempts from Jahmir Hyka in the 43rd and 44th minute that were saved by Bush, the 43rd the best attempt by San Jose.  

Possession in the first half was almost even between the two teams, with San Jose edging out the Impact 50.1% to 49.9%.

Alashe was replaced at half time by Jimmy Ockford after what looked to be disagreement with coach Mikael Stahre. Later, the reason for the subbing decision was reported as a groin strain.

Montreal made an injury substitution in the 63rd minute, Michael Petrasso for Chris Duvall.

Piatti doubled the Impact’s lead when he scored almost straightaway from outside the box in the 74th minute. Silva gave him the assist.

Up Next: After a break and hosting Manchester United July 22 at 2 pm PDT, the Quakes next host two games at Avaya Stadium within a week of each other, first up the Seattle Sounders Wednesday, July 25 at 7:30 pm PDT.

Opinion: Wedding bells are ringing, but what’s the scoop on San Jose State football?

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Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — By now, you should already know that former San Jose State linebacker Frank Ginda was the guy who delivered the hits at CEFCU Stadium. Ginda went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft and was signed by the Arizona Cardinals, but his stint was short-lived, as he was waived by the team on June 15. Pro Football Talk has reported that Ginda will try to continue his bid with another NFL team, but let’s see what happens. After all, Ginda was rushed to the emergency room following a car crash just months before the draft.

Anywho, Ginda may not be a Spartan anymore, but he was still one of the many tough guys with a lovely lady by his side. The Spartan roster–and coaching staff–have some of the most beautiful wives and girlfriends in the nation. But what’s the scoop on the team itself?

Now, I’m not green with envy. I’m actually happy for the Spartans and their WAGs and I wish them nothing but happiness. Most recently, SJSU receivers coach Kevin Cummings wed his college sweetheart, Nellie, and head coach Brent Brennan was in attendance for their picturesque Portland, Ore. wedding.

However, I’m also concerned about the future of this team, just like any other SJSU alumna out there.

Last year, SJSU finished with a 2-11 record (1-7 Mountain West). That’s so awful to say the least. I understand that it’s likely difficult for a first-year head coach, like, say, Brent Brennan to find what works for a NCAA team, but two wins is a downright disappointment. Hopefully, things will start to look up this year.

Right now, there are 12 receivers and 4 tight ends on the current SJSU roster. Most of the receivers are returning from last season, which is a good thing. The 6 players that’ll be contending for playing time at their position include Thai Cottrell, Jeremy Kelly, Bailey Gaither, Tre Walker, JaQuan Blackwell, and Justin Holmes–all of whom have had some playing time in the past. The other 5 players include Steven Houston, Leki Nunn, Antwaun Ayers, Ray Surry, and Austin Liles–all of whom face the unfortunate possibility of being the odd men out once the 2018 season kicks off.

Though, the TEs are currently competing for game day roster spots. For example, Gurdeep Chopra and Jackson Parks, who are having a hard time getting reps at their position and will likely continue facing adversity, as the starter and backup TEs will return, as Josh Oliver and Billy Humphreys are here to stay. Also, it’s likely that Humphreys will take Oliver’s place after Oliver graduates after the end of the 2018 campaign.

As for the running back position, there are currently 8 guys who are competing for playing time: Brendan Manigo, Francoise Sims II, Tyler Nevins, Jamar Williams, Brandon Monroe, DeJon Packer, and Malike Roberson. I believe that Nevins and Roberson will contribute the most, and Monroe will (hopefully) return to full strength.

When it comes to the quarterback position, Montel Aaron will return as a starter, while his backup has yet to be announced. But it’ll be 1 of these 4 guys: Ryan Johnson, Terrell Carter, Josh Love, or Michael Carrillo. I believe that the Spartans will try Carter instead of Love this year, as Love was fairly ineffective last year. Plus, Carter finished 4-of-5 with 77 yards in the Spring Game following a redshirt season. Spring Game numbers aren’t regular season numbers, but I can definitely see Carter proving his worth in times of need.

Of course, I could be wrong and you could be right, but I’m just sharing my opinions for the 2018 season, which is just around the corner. . .There’s a chance that SJSU may need another year to continue their rebuild that was centered on offense and now defense. Lows are nothing new for SJSU, but let’s hope that there’ll be some highs to talk about in August.

MLB The Show with Matt Harrington: Is A’s Lowrie injury enough to keep him out of All-Star game?; Red Sox win streak ends at 10; plus more MLB news

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sfgate.com photo: Oakland A’s second baseman Jed Lowrie (8) collides with rightfielder Stephen Piscotty (25) which resulted in Lowrie getting a leg contusion. Lowrie is questionable for the All Star game this Tuesday it would have been his first All Star game of his career.

On the MLB The Show podcast with Matt:

The Oakland A’s announced that second baseman Jed Lowrie has a leg contusion after colliding with the rightfielder Stephen Piscotty, Matt talks about Lowrie and if he can make it to the All Star game on Tuesday in Washington.

The Boston Red Sox 10-game win streak ended on Friday night after the Toronto Blue Jays’ Kevin Pillar got four hits and Justin Smoak three hits, which included two homers.

With the A’s loss on Friday, they couldn’t gain any ground on the Seattle Mariners, who also lost to the Colorado Rockies 10-7. The A’s remain nine games out of first place and five games behind second place Seattle.

The A’s will be hosting the Giants next Friday at the Oakland Coliseum next weekend for the Bay Bridge Series. Will the A’s security do what they did the last time the Giants played in Oakland during the preseason Bay Bridge Series last March and charge Giants fans $50 to park and reduce it to $30 if the Giants fans say “Go A’s” or throw their Giants cap in a garbage can?

Cleveland continues to roll picking up a win over the New York Yankees 6-5. Cleveland got great pitching from Shane Beiber for eight innings. The Yankees scored a run in the top of the eighth and ninth, but couldn’t close the gap as Cleveland came away with a one-run win.

Matt Harrington does the MLB The Show podcast each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com