Mariners start May right with 6-3 win over A’s, thanks to Hernandez and Cruz

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Photo credit: @Mariners

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s knew that they were in for a tussle Tuesday night as they had to face their nemesis, Felix “King Felix” Hernandez. The Seattle Mariners’ big righty has owned the A’s over the years as he entered the game with a lifetime record of 25-10 against them. The A’s beat Hernandez in Oakland on April 15th, but they did not have any pixie dust working for them in Seattle. Hernandez went six-plus innings and gave up three hits and three runs. The A’s Andrew Triggs took the loss as he gave up six hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. His record is now 2-1 for the year. The Mariners won the first game of the three-game series 6-3.

The A’s Jed Lowrie gave his team an early lead in the top of the first when he blasted his seventh home run of the year to right field. The Mariners tied the game in the bottom of the second. Kyle Seager doubled to start the rally. He tagged and went to third when Mitch Haniger flew out. Mariners’ catcher Mike Zunino followed with a double to drive in Seager.

The Mariners got to Triggs in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Dee Gordon singled. He went to second when Triggs uncorked a wild pitch. Triggs walked Mariners’ shortstop Jean Segura to put men on at first and second. Triggs retired the next hitter but could not get by designated hitter Nelson Cruz. Cruz hit the pitch 410 feet and ended Triggs’ night. The Mariners lead 4-1 after five.

The Mariners added a run in the sixth, and the A’s came back and put two on the board in the seventh. Hernandez started the seventh, but had to come out after he walked Khris Davis and gave up a double to Matt Olson to put men on at second and third with no out. M’s manager Scott Servais brought in Nick Vincent to pitch. Vincent struck out Matt Chapman for the first out. Mark Canha reached on an infield single to drive in Davis with the A’s second run of the night. Matt Olson went to third, and he scored when Chad Pinder grounded out. The Mariners finished the scoring in the bottom of the eighth when they added an insurance run. The Mariners win 6-3.

Game Notes and Stats: The A’s drop to 14-15, while the Mariners improve to 17-11. The Mariners have won three in a row and six of the last seven. The Mariners are now just 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West. The Astros lost to the Yankees 4-0 earlier in the evening.

Dee Gordon had five hits in five trips to the plate. Nelson Cruz continued to pound Oakland as he hit his sixth big fly in the fifth to put the M’s in the lead for good.

The line score for Oakland was three runs on four hits and no errors. Seattle’s line was six runs, nine hits, and no errors. M’s closer Edwin Diaz picked his 12th save of the year. Diaz leads the majors in that department.

Up Next: Game 2 of the series will be played Wednesday night in Seattle. The A’s will send lefty Brett Anderson to the mound to handle the pitching chores. Anderson, who broke in with Oakland in 2009 at age 29, was recalled from Nashville where he had a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 1.89. Anderson pitched for the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays last year. Lefty James Paxton (1-1, ERA 5.12) will go for Seattle. Game time will be at 7:05 pm PT.

Hosmer’s 9th inning HR lifts Padres to 3-2 win over Giants

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Eric Hosmer definitely remembers AT&T Park from playing here in the 2014 World Series for the Kansas City Royals, and he got a little redemption Monday night.

Hosmer hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning off of Hunter Strickland with two outs, as the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 before a crowd of 36,735 at AT&T Park.

It was the only hit or runner that Strickland allowed in his only inning of work.

With the victory, the Padres evened up the three-game series and the win went Kirby Yates, and the save went to Brad Hand, who was unfortunate losing pitcher on Monday night after he allowed two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning

This loss by the Giants was a double whammy, as it was discovered before the game that right-hander Johnny Cueto was placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday with inflammation in his right elbow.

“Obviously not good news, when you have to put him on the DL,” said Bruce Bochy, who added, “Bum (Madison Bumgarner) and now him.”

Unfortunately, former Oakland A’s pitcher and Oakland native Tyson Ross did not fare in the decision.

Ross, who went to Bishop O’ Dowd High School in Oakland, went six innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while walking three and striking out nine.

It was also a tough no decision for Andrew Suarez, who went seven innings, allowing just two runs, while scattering four hits, walking just one and striking out five.

“Did a real nice job for us to win,” said Bochy.

Suarez was helped by the Giants defense, as the Giants turned three double plays and they all were started by Alen Hansen.

Christian Villanueva gave the Padres a 1-0 in the top of the first inning, as he hit a solo home run off of Suarez.

“I left the ball up to Villanueva,” said Suarez.

The Padres tacked on another run in the top of the fourth, as Hosmer hit a triple to right-center field and then scored on a Jose Pirela groundout to second base.

Hansen scored the Giants first run of the evening in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Hansen singled to lead off the inning, stole second and then scored on an Andrew McCutchen single.

The Giants tied up the game in dramatic fashion, as after they were two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the rally began with a Gregor Blanco double down the right field line just out of the reach of Hosmer at first base.

Blanco then went to third on a wild pitch by Craig Stammen, which came on ball four to Andrew McCutchen. Buster Posey then tied up the game, as he hit a double to right field that easily scored Blanco from third base.

NOTES: Derek Holland looks to close out the home stand on a winning note, as he will take the mound against the Padres left-hander Clayton Richard.

Will Smith, who missed all of the 2017 season after Tommy John surgery, appeared in what could have been his last rehab assignment for triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Smith pitched a scoreless inning

Hunter Pence, who is currently on the disabled list with a right thumb sprain began his rehab assignment on Friday night with Sacramento and is 3-for-12 with four runs scored and a walk in three games.

The Padres became just the 22nd time in major league history to have at least 30 plate appearances in a win, and no runners left on base (Since 1908), this according to Baseball Reference).

UP NEXT: The Giants and Padres close out their series at AT&T Park Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 pm PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Will playing opening season games in Japan be a norm; A’s and Mariners to open 2019 in Japan

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FILE – In this March 28, 2012, file photo, ground staff work prior to the American League season opening Major League Baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. Oakland and Seattle will play an opening two-game series in Tokyo on March 20 and 21, the fifth time Major League Baseball will start its season in Japan. Oakland will be the home team for both games, Major League Baseball said Tuesday, May 1, 2018.(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)

On the A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Major League Baseball has committed to Japan the Oakland A’s and the Seattle Mariners who will play two exhibition games against two Japanese teams and two regular season games, which will open 2019 on March 20 and 21st.

#2 The A’s look like they’re focusing on the Howard Terminal Waterfront as their new stadium.

#3  The rumors about those aerial trams to get fans to the waterfront from 12th Street BART.

#4 You got to visit the Bronx Zoo for the first time in your broadcast career. What was that experience like?

Charlie O does the Oakland A’s podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors could make this series a cakewalk with Curry back tonight

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Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

On the Warriors podcast with Dave:

Game 2 is set for tonight at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors made it look easy in Game 1. Dave takes a look if the Warriors can repeat Game 1’s performance. Will it be like taking candy from a baby?

The Pelicans know their in over their heads in this series, opening up the series at Golden State. The Warriors dominated on offense in Game 1 and Stephen Curry if he’s back on all cylinders can make this game look like nothing.

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcast each Tuesday at http://www.sportsraadioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News, and Commentary: Sharks in must-win situation in Game 4 Wednesday; A’s face tough customer Mariners tonight

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Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 The San Jose Sharks are pushing for a recovery from loses in Games 1 and 3 down 2-1, the Sharks got a second life after winning Game 2 when the officials waved off a goal in the first overtime and Logan Couture, who scored the game-winner on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights for the win.

#2 How much pressure is on the Sharks now after the Knights won an overtime game on Monday night? Game 4 is on Sharks’ ice Wednesday night.

#3 The Oakland A’s are coming off a two-game losing streak after losing two out of three from the Houston Astros. The A’s are setting up for a three-game series tonight against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Park.

#4 The M’s have a 16-11 record second place in the AL West and two games back of the Houston Astros and can make things interesting in their chase for first place.

#5 Felix Hernandez gets the start against the A’s tonight as the A’s will start Andrew Triggs.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish play-by-play announcer with the Oakland A’s and does News and Commentary for http://www.sportsraadioservice.com each week

SJ Sharks Rally, But Knights Karlsson Scores in OT to Give Vegas 2-1 Series Lead

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@GoldenKnights photo: Vegas Golden Knights celebrate the game winning goal by the Knights William Karlsson in the overtime stanza to beat the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center Monday night in game 3

By Jerry Feitelberg

The San Jose Sharks rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit, but the Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-1 series lead after winning Game 3 in overtime 4-3. William Karlsson scored the game-winner Monday night 8:17 into the extra session for his fourth goal of the posteason. San Jose fired 42 shots on netminder Marc-Andre Fleury, but the Knights netminder turned aside all but three.

Evander Kane scored in his return to the lineup after serving a suspension for a cross-check to the head of a Golden Knights player in Game 1. Tomas Hertl scored the tying goal with just 1:57 left in regulation, but his efforts would ultimately be for naught. Karlsson turned the defensive pair of Paul Martin and Brent Burns into a pair of traffic cones on the winning shift, skating by them with ease before beating Sharks goalie Martin Jones over his right shoulder for the win.

The Sharks were surging to that point in overtime, having killed off two self-inflicted penalties in a too many men on the ice infraction and a delay of game minor. Fleury also made a brilliant point-blank save from a centering pass from behind the net just a few seconds of game play before Karlsson’s strike.

The Sharks took a 1-0 lead after Timo Meier solved Fleury 6:59 into the second period with the Sharks on the power play, taking a pass from Chris Tierney after Tierney caught a rebound of defenseman Colin Miller’s shin pad. Despite being outshot nearly 2 to 1 (32-18) after two periods, Vegas found themselves up 3-1 after Miller atoned for his role in the Sharks goal, notching a power play goal on a cross-crease pass 9:40 into the second.

Jonathan Marchessault would score on a near-identical play on the man advantange with 6:51 left in the frame after he received Alex Tuch’s perfect one-timer feed. Reilly Smith added an even strength goal after Karlsson tipped a puck to him for the easy score with 5:34 left in the second. Evander Kane scored his fourth career goal in his sixth career playoff contest to pull San Jose within one 7:49 into the period on the power play after Brent Burns managed to keep a clearing attempt on the blue line and in to keep the play alive.

Burns then fed Kane on the backhand just outside the faceoff dot to Fleury’s left for a perfect one-timer. Hertl’s goal came after the forward jammed his way to the netfront from behind the goal. The puck bounced loose, but Hertl stayed determined, shoveling the loose puck home to force overtime with 1:57 left in regulation. San Jose outhit Vegas 44-35, but put Vegas on the power play six times, including twice for puck over the glass and once for a too many men penalty.

The Golden Knights converted on two of those chances, something San Jose will look to improve upon in Game 4 Wednesday in San Jose. The Sharks hope to be with Joonas Donskoi in the lineup after the first-line forward sat out Monday’s contest. Joe Thornton continued to skate with the team at morning skate, but there is no word yet on if he’ll return to the lineup at any point against Vegas.

Hundley to the rescue: Giants overcome two-run, ninth inning deficit to shock the Padres

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Nick Hundley anticipated batting with the bases loaded, two outs, and an opportunity to win Monday’s game.

He also knew manager Bruce Bochy would have few, palatable options beyond him if the game remained tied after the ninth inning.

And Hundley surmised these two scenarios before the inning began with the Giants facing an intimidating 5-3 deficit.

But if you’re a thoroughly invested, major leaguer being paid millions, what’s surprising about a little foresight if you have three hours of otherwise, idle time?

In Hundley’s case, not much.

“Just quick University of Arizona math on my part,” Hundley said.

The backup catcher’s pinch-hit single up the middle plated Buster Posey and Evan Longoria, and the Giants gained a 6-5 win over the Padres of weighty significance.

With a record of 15-14 the Giants are over .500 for the first time this season, and they have their first, full month of winning baseball in almost two years.

It appears the Giants are shedding that loosely defined label as MLB’s worst team based on their won-loss record since July 2016 when their issues arose. Simply, the NL West hopefuls have a nice set of gritty, late-inning wins already this season, and now they have a winning record, and second place in the division as well.

“It’s just great to see the guys fight all game and not quit,” said starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

The fight throughout the game couldn’t be minimized with the Giants scoring three times in the first, then going scoreless over the next seven frames as the Padres rallied, wearing down Samardzija, as they gained a 5-3 lead.

Longoria would commit two, uncharacteristic errors–the first a grounder that found its way through the third baseman’s legs in San Diego’s three-run sixth. But with the game in the balance, Longoria singled off closer Brad Hand, scoring Austin Slater, to narrow the deficit to 5-4. Brandon Belt, in a lefty versus lefty matchup, battled and drew a walk to load the bases. Hundley followed with his game-winning base hit, scoring Buster Posey and Longoria.

“We had some really long at-bats, and I’m sure that caught up with him,” Bochy said, explaining the tenor of the inning against a reliever in Hand that had plenty of previous success facing the Giants.

“I just didn’t shut them down. I didn’t have it today,” Hand revealed.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Hold onto your hats folks, this series is going to be tighter than you think

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photo from lasvegassun.com: Vegas Golden Knights players wait for an official review after a scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the first overtime period during the second period of Game 2 in an NHL hockey second-round playoff series at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, April 28, 2018. The goal was overturned due to goaltender interference.

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The Vegas Golden Knights’ opportune goal got called back because of goalie interference on the Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault for a play that was ruled not allowing the goalie to do his job and it was a pivotal decision that opened the door for the Sharks to win.

#2 With the overturned goal, it gave San Jose a chance to get back into the game with Logan Couture, who scored the game-winning goal in double overtime.

#3 What makes the Knights such a devastating team as they’re almost flawless at home?

#4 Can you see the Sharks beating the odds tonight in having the home ice and trying to go up one game in Vegas?

#5 What kind of a job will Martin Jones need to have in goal against a team like Vegas tonight in Game 3?

Len Shapiro does the Sharks podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: Giants try to keep it going tonight against Padres; Giants start Samardzija, who’s been struggling

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photo from the sandiegounion.com: Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley, left, heads back to the dugout after conferring with starting pitcher Eric Lauer in the first inning Tuesday night at Coors Field.

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Joe Panik is out with a thumb injury and will need surgery and will be out for 10 days maybe longer, according to the Giants’ medical staff.

#2 Evan Longoria’s home run helps San Francisco get a 4-2 win past the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday 4-2. It was Longoria’s sixth home run of the season.

#3 Pitcher Ty Blach got his second win, going six innings, six hits, two runs and four strikeouts.

#4 The Giants take three out four from the Dodgers and pick up their third straight series victory.

#5 The Giants open up a three game series tonight against Padres starter Eric Lauer (0-0) and Giants starer Jeff Samardjiza (1-1).

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s to meet the Mariners in Seattle for a three-game series

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Photo credit: seattletimes.com

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Seattle Mariners will host the Oakland A’s for a three-game series starting Tuesday night in the Emerald City. The A’s and Mariners met earlier this year on Mid-April, and the Mariners won two of the three games. The A’s only win came when Sean Manaea pitched. Manaea beat the M’s and their ace Felix Hernandez by a score of 2-1.

The Mariners’ record so far is 16-11, and they are in second place in the AL West two games behind the first place Houston Astros. The Los Angels Angels fell into third place as they were swept at home by the rampaging New York Yankees who have now won nine straight games. The Mariners had a good weekend, too, as they won three out of four from the Cleveland Indians. The A’s are in fourth place in the division with a record of 14-14. The A’s are 3-3 on the current road trip and return home to play the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros.

The Mariners will send Felix Hernandez to the mound Tuesday night. Hernandez lost his last start against the A’s but is 25-10 lifetime against Oakland. Andrew Triggs will pitch for the Green and Gold. Triggs is 2-0 and has an ERA of 4.70. He allowed just one run and four hits in six innings of work in his last start against the Rangers. Triggs has not allowed no more than two runs in four of his five starts. On Wednesday, left James Paxton will pitch for Seattle. Paxton is 1-1 with an ERA of 5.71. Paxton has been so-so this season but he has had success against the A’s, and his  MLB career record is 31-21 and an ERA of 3.41. The A’s have not announced their starting pitcher for Wednesday due to the demotion of Kendall Graveman to Nashville. There is speculation that the A’s will recall lefty Brett Anderson from Nashville to make a start. Daniel Gossett may also be recalled. On Thursday, Erasmo Ramirez will go fo Seattle. Ramirez is 0-7 lifetime against Oakland. A’s manager Bob Melvin has not named a starter for Thursday, either. Sean Manaea would be likely as he pitched last Friday against Houston.

Whatever pitcher faces the Mariners will have to be on the top of his game as the Mariners are loaded. Dee Gordon, who came to Seattle from Miami over the winter, is filling the bill as the leadoff hitter. Gordon is hitting .309 and has an OBP of .339. Shortstop Jean Segura has been steady, and he is hitting .298. Hopefully, the A’s pitchers can keep these rabbits of the bases as they will have to face the big boppers who are Robison Cano, Kyle Seager, Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger, and Ryon Healy. Cano has been an All-Star for most of his career, and he is off to a good start again. Cano is hitting .313 and has 3 homers and 14 RBIs. Cruz is getting warmed up, and he has done a lot of damage against Oakland over the years. Cruz has 5 dingers and 11 RBIs but he cannot and must not be taken lightly. The same goes for the veteran third baseman Kyle Seager. The leading power hitter in the Mariner lineup is right fielder Mitch Haniger. Haniger has sent 10 balls over the fences and has 27 RBIs to his credit. Haniger dealt the A’s some pain last season. The next fearsome power hitter will be former Athletic Ryon Healy. Healy was traded to Seattle for pitcher Emilio Pagan. Healy missed almost three weeks of the season due to a sprained ankle. He returned to action last Saturday and hit a home run in that game and two more on Sunday as the M’s beat the Indians 10-4. Ichiro Suzuki will be in left field as he fills in for Ben Gamel. Ichiro, who is his 40s, is no longer the hitter that he was when he started his career with Seattle in 2001, is still dangerous. The catching chores will be handled by Mike Zunino and David Freitas.

The Mariners’ bullpen is staffed by Juan Nicasio, Nick Vincent, Dan Altavilla, Marc Rzepczynski, James Pazos, Chason Bradford, Wade LeBlanc, and the closer Edwin Diaz.

The A’s will respond with an offense that has been quite productive. They have two players will an OPS(on-base percentage plus slugging) over 800 and three players with an OPS of over 950. Khris Davis leads the team with 7 homers. Matt Chapman and Jed Lowrie are second with six each. Mark Canha, Matt Olson, Chad Pinder, and Marcus Semien each have three. The A’s have been hitting well, and they have been getting excellent starting pitching from Manaea, Triggs, Trevor Cahill, and Daniel Mengden.

The A’s have made some adjustments to the bullpen. The A’s moved Chris Hatcher down from being the eighth-inning setup man. Hatcher has been struggling, and that role may go either Ryan Dull or rookie Lou Trivino or possible veterans Yusmeiro Petit or Santiago Casilla. Pett and Casilla have done well recently and have earned the confidence of manager Bob Melvin. The A’s have just one lefty, Daniel Coloumbe, in the bullpen and his performance this season has been shaky. Coloumbe was sent down to Nashville, but he was recalled due to the injury to Ryan Buchter. Blake Treinen remains the closer and Treinen has recorded three saves, the last coming on April 15th.

The A’s would like to win two of the three in Seattle and finish the road trip with a winning record. The Mariners have other thoughts as they know the Yankees are playing the Astros and will be able to gain ground if the Yankees take the series in Houston.