Rodriguez takes control as Giants shut out D-backs 7-0

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, June 30, 2018

PHOENIX, Ariz. – San Francisco used a long inning to build an early lead Saturday, a strong start from Dereck Rodriguez, and the Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 7-0 in the second game of their weekend series at Chase Field.

The Giants have won nine of their last 11 games and cut their deficit in the NL West division to 3 ½ games behind the first-place D-backs.

D-backs starter Shelby Miller (0-2) struggled through five innings, giving up six earned runs on nine hits and a walk with six strikeouts. Most of the damage occurred when San Francisco batted around in the third, scoring four runs.

“I thought Shelby had pretty good stuff. That four-run inning really put us behind the 8-ball,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “Shelby was making mistakes out over the plate with an aggressive fastball. At this time of year, it’s hard to be patient. We just have to remind him that this is part of the progression.”

It was Miller’s second start since returning to the D-Backs from over a year of rehab following Tommy John surgery in May 2017.

“This is to be expected,” Lovullo said of Miller’s progress. “These are situations where coming back from Tommy John isn’t going to be perfect. This is just part of the process. We know this outing was better than the last. He got nicked for a run in the fourth, but came back at the heart of their lineup and got them 1-2-3.

“Shelby got through that fifth inning, and that was progression to me.”

While Miller struggled, Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez (3-1) threw 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball. Rodriguez fanned five, walked two and scattered six hits before being pulled after throwing 102 pitches. It was Rodriguez’s first career start against the Diamondbacks.

Giants catcher Buster Posey said, “It was execution, moving the ball down and out and changing speeds,” Posey said. “He’s got a really nice feel for what he’s doing out there.”

After Rodriguez departed, Ty Blach and Cory Gearrin combined to retire eight of the last nine Diamondback hitters.

Posey said that “execution” has been the key to the success of Rodriguez and the other young San Francisco pitchers.

“That, and gaining confidence,” Posey said. “They’re able to come out with a game plan and they’re able to execute it. It’s been fun to watch their progression and hopefully, there’s more of that to come.”

The offense backed the shutout effort with a 12-hit attack, led by Andrew McCutchen (3-for-5) and Gorkys Hernandez (2-for-4). Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik each drove in two runs.

With one out in the San Francisco third, consecutive singles by Posey, McCutchen and Brandon Belt loaded the bases. An RBI walk issued to Crawford made it 2-0, and Sandoval followed with a two-run single.

Joe Panik’s sacrifice fly to center drove in Crawford with the fourth run of the inning. McCutchen added a solo home run in the fourth, extending San Francisco’s lead to 6-0. It was McCutchen’s ninth home run of the season.

At that point, Miller had thrown 80 pitches.

Panik tacked on a solo home run to right – his fourth of the season – in the eighth inning.

Crawford’s solo home run to lead off the San Francisco second put the Giants up to stay at 1-0. The blast – Crawford’s 10th of the season – cleared the right-center fence inside the 413-foot marker.

With Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija on the disable list, the emergence of young pitchers like Rodriguez has been crucial to the Giants’ recent success.

“It’s no secret that good pitching is what it’ going to take to get to the playoffs and win another championship,” Posey said. “It’s good to see him having this success.”

On Sunday, left-hander Derek Holland (5-7, 4.24) starts for the Giants, facing right-hander Zack Godley (9-5, 4.58). First pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

GIANTS JOTTINGS: Arizona SS Ketel Marte pulled up with a right leg injury while running out an infield single in the seventh inning. Lovullo said Marte had a right hamstring cramp and is day-to-day. … Giants RHP Johnny Cueto (right elbow sprain) threw 4-plus scoreless innings in his second rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento. Cueto threw 69 pitches, struck out five and walked one. RHP Jeff Samardzija (right shoulder tightness) will make his fourth rehab appearance on Monday for the PCL River Cats. … Arizona OF David Peralta played in his 500th MLB game on Friday. … D-Backs are 9-3 in their last 12 home games against San Francisco, going back to last season. … Outside temperature at game time was 105 degrees, 81 inside. Attendance was 38,117.

UP NEXT: The Giants and D-backs conclude their three-game set on Sunday at 1:10 pm PDT.

Cali Clasico: Earthquakes and Galaxy take 3-3 draw at Stanford Stadium

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By Alexandra Evans and Marko Ukalovic

PALO ALTO—The San Jose Earthquakes faced the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium on Saturday with an attendance of 50,743 fans. The Quakes were searching to close out the month of June by coming back from seven consecutive winless games (including four straight losses and back-to-back draws), but ended up taking another draw 3-3.

Numbers first went up on the board for the Galaxy in the second minute. Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicked the ball from nearly 10 yards out to the left of the net, passing both forward Danny Hoesen and Quakes goaltender Andrew Tarbell before either could make any defensive plays.

The Quakes almost responded when Vako danced into the Galaxy’s defensive zone, but was immediately robbed of the ball. David Bingham made an excellent save off in the 11th minute, when the ball was nearly sent over his head into the net from the right side.

LA tried to double their lead in the 12th minute. Romain Alessandrini made what looked like a promising shot toward Tarbell, but went wide of net to the right.

Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski was given a free scoring chance after LA’s Bradford Jamieson was issued a yellow card for tripping Quakes midfielder Magnus Eriksson. Wondolowski’s first shot was saved by Bingham, then rebounded, after which he struck the ball into the dead center of the net, tying the game 1-1.

Tarbell made a save off of a shot from Alessandrini in the 19th minute, who shot from the righthand side of the net. Alessandrini would reattempt from the left side a minute later, succeeding, and giving the Galaxy their lead back.

Wondolowski glided his way toward the net in the 23rd minute, nearly stripping LA’s lead with what was only to be halted by Bingham.

Ibrahimovic took a penalty kick in the 25th minute after Quakes’ Francois Affolter was fouled. This opportunity resulted in Ibrahimovic’s second goal of the night, giving LA a two point lead (1-3).

In the 36th minute, Hoesen carried the ball from center field to the left end of LA’s defensive zone, from which he made his shot, though the ball lost momentum and was picked up by Bingham.

Vako added a point for the Quakes in the 39th minute when he struck the ball from 20 yards out of the center of the net between the legs of Jamieson and directly past Bingham. The Quakes trailed 3-2.

In the 42nd minute, Florian Jungwirth almost tied the game when he took a pass from 10 yards out and dribbled the ball into LA’s penalty zone before the ball was deflected out of bounds. Wondolowski, in the 45th minute, stood approximately 10 yards away from the net and attempted a shot, which was also deflected.

The second half commenced with Tarbell making a save off of Ibrahimovic in the 46th minute, stopping what would have been a hat trick for the 6’5″, 209-pound native of Malmo, Sweden.

“Unfortunately, two [of the six goals] were scored by the big super star,” Jungwirth said, jokingly, of Ibrahimovic, sparking laughter amongst the media.

“It is going to be hard if you concede after one minute,” Hoesen said of Ibrahimovic’s goal in the second minute. “But we know Zlatan is a quality player, and he can punish you in those situations.”

“There was a minute in the game, in the second half, where I kind of looked him up and down, and I thought, ‘This is a big dude!'” Nick Lima laughed with the media. “But it is good to play against players like that, you can see the way he is thinking.”

Although they picked things up in the second half, the Quakes struggled to score much-needed goals, despite being given multiple chances. Vako danced around the defensive zone for some time in the 57th minute before giving up the ball, which then went to Jungwirth. He passed the ball to Eriksson effortlessly, who then gave it to Lima whose shot was deflected. In the 59th minute, Eriksson struck the ball directly toward the corner of the net, which was caught beautifully Bingham. Hoesen kicked the ball wide of net (to the left) in the 65th minute.

A penalty on Michael Ciani gave the Quakes a penalty kick opportunity. Wondolowski did the honor, giving the Quakes a long-awaited point and tying the score 3-3.

Shea Salinas stepped in for Lima in the 80th minute, during which Tarbell also made a solid save off of Jamieson, who made a breakaway in the 86th minute. It looked promising that LA would take the lead again. At the last second, though, the ball was shot left, wide of net.

Clearly in a panic, the Quakes hustled into LA’s defensive zone, where Wondolowski’s shot with 15 seconds left in regulation bounced off the post.

The game ended in a 3-3 draw, the Quakes’ third consecutive.

“I was quite direct in my instructions at halftime, if I am frank,” said Quakes head coach Mikael Stahre, who then explained that he was satisfied with the way the team played in the second half (they did not allow the Galaxy any additional goals after the three they tallied in 25 minutes).

The Quakes will head north for their next match against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. The game will stream live at 8:00 p.m. PST.

Game Notes:

  • Defender Harold Cummings and midfielder Anibal Godoy are absent due to international duty
  • Danny Hoesen has recorded six goals and assists throughout June (10 goals in the last eight matches), trailing first-place Victor Vasquez (who has seven) of Toronto FC
  • This was the first MLS match the Galaxy had competed in since June 9.

The winning streak continues as the A’s crush the Indians 7-2 on Saturday

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment
IMG_4719
Canha bangs an RBI-double off the left field wall Photo: Charlie O. Mallonee

By Charlie O. Mallonee

OAKLAND, Calif. — The well-traveled veteran pitcher Edwin Jackson made his second start for the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, and he worked 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on two hits, while walking none to come away with his first victory in a Green and Gold uniform. Jackson’s teammates rewarded his efforts by coming from back from a 2-0 deficit to score seven runs off just eight hit to win their sixth consecutive game.

Neither starting pitcher allowed a hit or baserunner in the first three innings of the game. The Indians were the first to strike when they hit two home runs off Jackson in the top of the fourth inning. Francisco Lindor hit his 20th homer of the season into the right-field seats on a 1-1 count to lead off the inning. With one out, Jose Ramirez stepped up to the plate to face Jackson and jacked a 2-2 pitch over the center-field wall for his 24th round-tripper of 2018. Things were not looking good for Jackson at that moment.

Jackson settled down in the top of the fifth and he did not allow another baserunner in the remaining 1.2 innings he would pitch.

The A’s struck back in the home half of the sixth inning. Franklin Barreto led off with a double. Josh Phegley then hit his second home run of the year into the left field seats to tie the game at 2-2. Dustin Fowler followed up with a single through the hole at second. Mark Canha hit a line drive to left that hit at the top of the wall for a double that allowed the speedy Fowler to race home from first to score the A’s third run and give them the lead. Canha was thrown out trying to advance to third. Oakland took a lead 3-2 and would never trail in the game again.

Oakland would score four more times in the eighth inning to make the final score 7-2.

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Bob Melvin came out to congratulate and take starter Edwin Jackson out of the game Photo: Charlie O. Mallonee

Edwin Jackson (1-0) gets credit for the win. The Indians’ starter Adam Plutko (4-2) is tagged with the loss. A’s reliever Lou Trivino picked up his third save of the season.

Oakland’s record improves to 46-38, and they are now 8.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West. The Indians fall to 44-37, but maintain an 8.0 game lead over the second-place Twins.

Melvin talks about his team after the game

In the Batter’s Box

A’s

  • Dustin Fowler snapped an 0-for-9 hitless streak with his single in the bottom of the sixth inning. Hitting his fifth home run of the year in the bottom of the eighth was just icing of the cake. Fowler was the only A’s player to have multiple hits in the game.
  • Matt Olson hit his 18th home run in the home half of the eighth inning as the A’s kept adding insurance runs to their lead. He has now hit 15 of his 18 home runs off right-handed pitching.
  • Mark Canha extended his hitting streak to nine games, which is the longest streak of his career. He has also reached base safely in his last 10 games.
  • Khris Davis hit a sacrifice fly to up his RBI total to 55 for the season.
  • The A’s went 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left just three runners on base.

Indians

  • Francisco Lindor is on fire. In his last 19 games, he is batting .306 (23-for-75) with six home runs, five doubles, 11 RBI and 20 runs scored.
  • Since the start of the 2017 season, Jose Ramirez leads the major leagues with 136 extra base hits. He entered the game on Saturday tied for fourth in the MLB with his teammate Francisco Lindor with 44 extra base hits so far this season.
  • Jason Kipnis has now reached base safely in each of his last 13 games. In those 13 games, he is batting .312 with three homers and eight runs scored.

On the Hill

A’s

  • Edwin Jackson still has not walked a batter since joining the A’s. He worked 6.2 innings giving up two runs (earned) off two hits (both HRs). He struck out six Cleveland hitters. Jackson threw 86 pitches (52 strikes).
  • The A’s used four relief pitchers to close out the game. Ryan Butcher, Emilio Pagan, Yusmeiro Petit and Lou Trivino worked the final 2.1 innings.
  • The plan was to have Petit close it out, but he looked a bit rusty when got up on the mound. Manager Bob Melvin said that was on him for not getting him into some games earlier in the week.

Indians

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Terry Francona has a little chat with umpire Tony Randazzo Photo: Charlie O. Mallonee
  • Indians starter Adam Plutko looked brilliant in the opening three innings but the wheels came off in the sixth inning. He pitched 5.2 innings allowing three runs (earned) on five hits. He walked one and struck out three.
  • The Indians used five pitchers in the contest.
  • Dan Otero and Josh Tomlin really struggled in the eighth inning when the A’s sealed the game by scoring four runs on just three hits. Two walks and two home runs were the fatal flaws for the relievers.
  • A familiar face to Bay Area baseball fans came into the game to shut down the A’s in the eighth inning, former Giant George Kontos was brought in to do the job.

Up Next

The A’s will try to complete their second consecutive series sweep on Sunday when they will close out this three-game series with the Indians. The Indians will start RHP Mike Clevinger (6-3, 3.03). The A’s will counter with RHP Frankie Montas (4-1, 3.68). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM PDT.

MLB The Show podcast with Matt Harrington: A’s Treinen just collecting saves up to 21; Yanks-Sox battle for first place tonight; Giants’ Samardjiza might end up closing

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Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) delivers a pitch in the first inning of their baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, June 29, 2018. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)

On the MLB The Show podcast with Matt:

Good pitching beats good hitting everytime and the Oakland A’s reliever Blake Treinen. whose ERA is 0.89, got his 21st save in a 3-1 win over Cleveland on Friday. Treinen came in relief for A’s starter Paul Blackburn, who lasted 6.1 innings, no runs, three hits, five strike outs, and one walk.

The A’s have jelled, winning five straight and 11 of 13. They also have showed signs of improving their home record taking two of the first three from Cleveland on this current homestand where they had previously struggled at home. The A’s and Mariners are going hot–both teams with five-game win streaks and could very well give the Astros a run if they continue to win games.

The New York Yankees tied for first with a win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday with a convincing 8-1 win behind the pitching effort of CC Sabthia. The Yanks and Sox continue the series tonight.

Finally, the Giants are considering using veteran Jeff Samardzjia as a closer. Samardzjia is coming back from pectoral tightness and might fill a void as the Giants’ closers have coughed up loses that put the Giants in second for the most blown saves in the big leagues this season.

Matt Harrington does the MLB The Show podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces beat Sparks 94-78 Friday night to knock LA out of first place

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ACES Drive Lane
The Aces won by driving to the basket and taking mid-range shots Photo: @LVAces

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The 10th place Las Vegas Aces played like World Champions on Friday night as they shocked the league-leading Los Angeles Sparks with an offensive barrage that led the underdogs to an impressive 94-78 victory on their home court. The Las Vegas (6-11) win not only surprised the Sparks — it knocked Los Angeles out of first place in the WNBA into a tie for second place.

The Sparks (11-5) are a team that has feasted on their opponents at home in LA. They own a 7-1 record at home, but entered the contest on Friday night with a road record of 4-3. The Aces knew about that road record and wanted to take advantage of it.

There was only one lead change in the game. The Sparks jumped out to an early lead, but the Aces kept chipping away at that lead until they erased it. The Aces’ Kayla McBride hit a 3-point basket with 2:05 remaining in the first quarter to give Las Vegas a 16-15 lead. The Aces would never trail the Sparks again in the game.

A’ja Wilson led the scoring attack for the Aces. She put up 29 points shooting 50 percent (10-for-20) from the field and converting 9-of-11 (81.8 percent) opportunities from the free throw line. Wilson also grabbed nine rebounds, added four assists and made three steals in her 35-plus minutes of playing time.

Las Vegas point guard Kelsey Plum came up big for her team, scoring 14 points while hauling in nine rebounds to go with five assists. She did not commit a turnover while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. Plum was also the Aces’ leading 3-point shooter who hit 2-of-3 attempts from downtown.

ACES Hamby
Dearica Hamby was very effective coming off the bench for the Aces Photo: @LVAces

Dearica Hamby was productive coming off the bench for Las Vegas. She scored 13 points, had four rebounds, dished out five assists, made two steals and blocked a shot in her 25 minutes on the floor.

Kayla McBride scored 12 points, recorded seven rebounds and had three assists. Tamara Young put up five points and had five rebounds.

The Aces shot 51.6 percent (33-for-64) for the game and hit 5-of-8 (62.5 percent) from behind the arc. Las Vegas went to the free throw line 31 times and converted 23 of those chances.

Las Vegas also had to be proud of their defense in their big win. They held the Sparks to just 39.7 percent (29-for-73) shooting overall in the game. Los Angeles did excel at 3-point shooting by hitting 13-of-28 (46.4 percent) from long-range, but the Aces defense stopped the Los Angeles mid-range shooting game, which kept them from making a comeback.

The other area that really hurt the Sparks was their inability to get to the free-throw line. They had only 12 chances from the line in the game and made only seven of those opportunities. LA attempted just two free throws in the first half.

ACES LA
Graphic: @LA_Sparks

Chelsea Gray led the Sparks in scoring with 22 points. Essence Carson added 17 points and six rebounds. Odyssey Sims came off the bench to record 11 points for LA.

The Aces will have very little time to savor their victory as they will have to face the Sparks in Los Angeles this Sunday. Remember — the Sparks are 7-1 at home this season.

Tipoff on Sunday is scheduled for 1:00 PM PDT.

Slater continues hot hitting, Giants nip D-backs 2-1

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Friday, June 29, 2018

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Since being called up from Triple-A Sacramento last Saturday, San Francisco Giants outfielder Austin Slater has merely picked up where he left off.

Slater’s hot bat continued to sizzle on Friday night at Chase Field, where he drove in both Giants runs in a 2-1 NL West victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“It’s really fun to see the young guys come up and have success up here. It’s hard,” Giants closer Will Smith said. “Slater had an incredible night, and Andy (Suárez) threw the ball great too.”

Slater, hitting .368 as a Giant, was batting .344 for the PCL River Cats with 24 doubles, five home runs and 32 runs batted in in 53 games. On Friday, Slater was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI doubles.

“Slater really stepped up and delivered for us,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “He had some good at-bats in the clutch, too. He did the damage today. He uses the whole field and has great hand-eye coordination.

“We were looking for someone against Corbin who could hopefully knock in some runs, and he’s the one who came through for us.”

The Giants (43-40) surged ahead to stay at 2-1 when Brandon Crawford led off with a walk against Arizona reliever Andrew Chafin (1-3) and scored on Slater’s double to right-center.

San Francisco, third in the NL West Division, trails the first-place Diamondbacks by 4 ½ games. With the victory, the Giants have won eight of their last 10.

“It was a great win to start the trip against a lineup like that,” Bochy said.

While both bullpens did well, the Giants’ Reyes Moronta, Tony Watson, and Will Smith held the D-Backs scoreless and hitless over the last three innings. Smith earned his first save.

“No extra pressure, really. I just tried to get guys out, put up a zero,” Smith said.

Smith struck out two of the three hitters he faced in the bottom of the ninth, including pinch-hitter John Ryan Murphy to end the game.

“I just tried to make good pitches, keep the ball down,” Smith said. “In a one-run ballgame, you don’t want to elevate anything he can put a good swing on.”

Giants starter Andrew Suárez (3-4) worked six innings, giving up one earned run on seven hits – five of them infield hits – striking out five and issuing two walks.

“What a terrific job he did,” Bochy said. “Good stuff today, had everything going. He had some tough luck with five infield hits, but that kid pitched his heart out. He really kept his composure out there; he’s got some saavy out there and knows when to make his pitches. He got out of pretty tough jam (in the sixth inning) but his stuff was still there – that’s what was impressive.”

On the unusual amount of infield hits he gave up, Suárez said, “It happens, so I made sure not to overreact and minimize damage and try to get some groundouts. It was just weird; I’ve never seen it like that. But it worked out, thankfully.”

Suárez, 2-0 in five June starts, said he doesn’t worry about other pitchers eventually coming back from the disabled list, saying, “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just focused on the next start.”

San Francisco opened the scoring in the second inning off D-Backs starter Patrick Corbin. Buster Posey led off with a single and took second on centerfielder Chris Owings’ error, then scored on Slater’s double to center.

A video review helped the Diamondbacks tie the game in the sixth at 1-1. After Ketel Marte led off with a double, Chris Owings was ruled safe at first on a sharp grounder to third that was reviewed. Jake Lamb followed with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Marte, who moved to third on Owings’ hit.

Earlier, Arizona (47-35) threatened in the bottom of the third, but came up empty. With two out, Nick Ahmad singled, Paul Goldschmidt walked and David Peralta reached on an infield single to load the bases. But Saurez worked out of the jam by retiring Marte on a grounder to short.

Corbin, 2-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three previous starts against the Giants, wound up with a no-decision. In his six innings, Corbin surrendered one earned run on four hits, with five strikeouts and two walks.

The weekend series resumes on Saturday night with a battle of right-handers – Dereck Rodriguez (2-1, 3.82) pitching for San Francisco against Shelby Miller (0-1, 12.27) for the D-Backs.

GIANT JOTTINGS: Attendance was 30,981; time of game was 2:41, even with seven pitching changes and a video replay challenge (:38 on Owings’ hit in the sixth). … RHP Johnny Cueto made his second rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento Friday against Fresno. Cueto has missed the Giants’ last 55 games with a right elbow sprain. … Arizona RHP Yoshihisa Hirano set a team record with his 25th consecutive scoreless appearance, passing J.J. Putz, who had two streaks of 24 scoreless games in 2012. … D-Backs OF A.J. Pollock (fractured left thumb) began a rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Reno.

UP NEXT: The Giants and D-backs will square off again Saturday night at 7:10 pm PDT.

Blackburn Deals: A’s Win 5th Straight, 3-1 Over Indians

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Photo credit: sfexaminer.com

By Matthew Harrington

OAKLAND, Calif. — The potential All-Stars were great for the Oakland Athletics Friday night, but it was Antioch’s own Paul Blackburn that stood out the most in the A’s 3-1 win over the Cleveland Indians. Blackburn (2-2, 6.46 ERA) fired 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball to give the A’s the edge over the Central Division leaders at home.

Darkhorse MVP candidate Jed Lowrie continued to be the best player in baseball no-one is talking about, mashing his 14th homer of the season. Blake Treinen nailed down his 18th straight save and the A’s won their fifth-straight game. Marcus Semien and potential American League All-Star Khris Davis knocked in a run each. Francisco Lindor knocked in the Tribe’s lone run.

Matt Olson scored the first run after doubling with one out in the second inning. Semien then came up to the plate against Indians starter Trevor Bauer and, after taking a knuckle curve for a ball, slapped the next one into left field for a 1-0 lead.

Davis, who has openly mulled his participation in the Home Run Derby, jumped on Bauer early in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and Matt Joyce on second, Davis took the first pitch he saw to left field for a run-scoring double. Bauer would finish off the inning and pitch two thirds of the seventh before coming out of the game after compiling eight strikeouts.

While Bauer (7-6, 2.45) was strong, he wound up the loser, thanks to Blackburn’s bounce back. In his previous outing, the righty went five innings while giving up six runs to the woeful Chiacgo White Sox. He was diealed in Friday, scattering three hits with five punch-outs in an outing that surely saved him from a trip to Nashville.

After Blackburn departed after 6 1/3 innings, Ryan Butcher took over. The Indians touched him up for one earned run on a double in the eighth by Lindor, but Lowrie tagged Zach McAllister in the bottom of the inning to preserve the two-run lead.

Treinen walked the tight rope in the ninth, opening the inning with a single to another MVP candidate, Jose Ramirez. Edwin Encarnacion mashed a ball to center field that looked like a game-tying shot, but his fly ran out of room and Mark Canha made the catch. Former Athletic Yonder Alonso struck out Rajai Davis walked. Jason Kipnis flew out to end the game and move the A’s seven games over .500.

Oakland sends Edwin Jackson to the hill Saturday in what already has been a historic season for the righty. By donning the Green and Gold, he tied Octavio Dotel for most teams played for with 13. He pitched well in his previous outing, holding the Detroit Tigers to one run over six innings. He’ll be opposed by Adam Plutko, who has gone 4-1 stepping into the rotation due to injuries to Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco.

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Latest news on the Black and Blue

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the SJ Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes brought a point back to California after a 1-1 draw in a tilt against Real Salt Lake last Saturday.

2. How’s everything going with the FIFA World Cup viewing parties at Avaya Stadium?

3. The Quakes’ homegrown defender Nick Lima signed a multi-year contract on Tuesday.

4. Give us more information on volunteering for the upcoming creek cleanups in San Jose.

5. What are a few things that people should know before the Cali Clasico between two of the biggest rivals–the Quakes and LA Galaxy?

Ana does the SJ Earthquakes podcasts each week for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors coach Steve Kerr to become one of the NBA’s highest paid coaches

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Photo credit: @gswdubnation_

By: Ana Kieu

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is reportedly finalizing a lucrative contract extension.

Kerr is entering the final season of the five-year, $25 million deal that he originally signed in May 2014. He led the Warriors to the NBA Finals every season during his tenure thus far. He delivered three out of four NBA championships.

When Kerr was initially hired, he told NBA.com that going to the Warriors “just felt like the right move on many levels.” That was the correct feeling as Kerr has been at the center of what many would describe as a new dynasty in the Bay Area.

Over the past four years, the Warriors have averaged 66 wins per season, seen two Kia MVP seasons from Stephen Curry, utilized a successful system that landed Kevin Durant in 2016, produced several individual NBA All-Star appearances and three NBA championship trophies.

Kerr currently has a 265-63 regular season record and a 63-20 postseason record, the best marks among NBA coaches since he joined the Warriors.

Oakland A’s podcast with Joey Friedman: A’s could be dealing the big names

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file photo by beyond the boxscore: Sean Manaea Oakland A’s starter threw a six inning game giving up two runs. The A’s open up against Cleveland tonight

On the A’s podcast with Joey:

Will the A’s shop third baseman Jed Lowrie, outfielder Khris Davis, or catcher Jonathan Lucroy before the trade deadline? The A’s are rolling. They’ve won four straight in a sweep over the Detroit Tigers. Although, they’re 10.5 games out. They’re just seven games back for a wild card berth.

A’s starter Sean Manaea had a good outing on Thursday, going six innings, five hits, two runs, one walk and two strikeouts. Although, pitcher Paul Blackburn had a rough outing in his last pitching appearance in Chicago, A’s pitching coach Scott Emerson likes what he can do. He saw him throwing his best stuff in the bullpen and he’ll get another start against Cleveland tonight at the Coliseum.

Joey does the A’s podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com