San Francisco 49ers game wrap: San Francisco Ties Raiders In Wild Finish 24-24

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rolls out to make a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers played their final pre-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday night. San Francisco led for most of the game with the Raiders leading only once in this contest.

The Raiders had a great opportunity in the third quarter having a first and goal on the four yard line but failed to score. With under two minutes left in the game, the Raiders again had a great opportunity and drove downfield kicking the tying field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson with 16 ticks left on the clock. The game ended in a 24-24 tie.

Friday night’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders may only be a pre-season game but it does have huge implications for many of the players on the field Friday night.

Both of these teams will have to cut their roster to 53 by the end of next week and so it is imperative that every one of these players put forth their best efforts if they are to realize their dream of an NFL career.

For many of these players this is their super bowl. Front offices across the nation will be watching looking to bolster their final rosters with additional talent. This could be the last chance for many of these players to show-case their talent and just maybe earn a spot on an NFL team.

The 49ers will get to see starters in this game although a handful did not play tonight. Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all took the field in this game. This will be the first time the 49ers have been back to Allegiant Stadium since the (SBB) Super Bowl Bummer earlier this year.

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were dominant and they look to be even stronger this coming season. Last season they had two MVP frontrunners while most other teams barely had a single hopeful that’s just how good this team is.

The opening quarter was successful for San Francisco taking a 10-0 lead over the Raiders. Brock Purdy played some snaps in the first quarter and finished 9 of 12 for 96 yards and one interception.

Jake Moody had spear-headed the San Francisco scoring in the opening quarter with a 49 yard field goal at 12:59 giving San Francisco the early 3-0 lead. The Niners would extend their lead when Jordan Mason rushed for four yards with 3:33 left in the quarter giving the 49ers a 10-0 lead.

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyriek McAllister answered in the second quarter with a 81 yard punt return for the touchdown. The extra kick by Carlson was good and Las Vegas was back in this game trailing 10-7.

Less than a minute later, San Francisco scored their second touchdown of the game. Patrick Taylor Jr. rushed for three yards, the extra point was good and the 49ers had taken a 17-7 lead. With 13 ticks left on the clock until the half, the Raiders Kristian Wilkerson caught a three yard pass from quarterback Nathan Peterman and the score was 17-14 in favor of the 49ers at the half.

The third quarter was a wild affair with the two teams trading leads. The Raiders took the lead at 11:30 when quarterback Carter Bradley found McAllister for 35 yards giving Las Vegas their first lead of the game 21-17.

The Raider defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for the next ten minutes of the quarter hanging onto the lead. With 1:55 left in the third quarter, the 49ers offense wore down the Las Vegas defense scoring a passing touchdown. Joshua Dobbs found Jacob Cowing for 10 yards and the touchdown. San Francisco had taken back the lead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter.

When it looked as if San Francisco would win this game, the Raiders got their hands on the ball with under two minutes left in the game and drove downfield to within Daniel Carlson’s range. Carlson tied up the game with a successful 43 Yd Field Goal and this game would end in a tie 24-24 in one crazy game. What a way to end a pre-season game for both teams.

The season will get underway for the 49ers on Monday Night Football September 9th when San Francisco will open at Levi’s Stadium taking on the New York Jets. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 5:20 PM and will air on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders McAllister scores big return; Carlson boots field goal for 24-24 draw with 49ers

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The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyriek McAllister (32) returns a 81 yard punt in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Last week when the Raiders took a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys their quarterbacking was suspect. Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers a closer game with Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley under center was this the best game you have seen for a Raider quarterback this pre season?

#2 Bradley was 9-21, 169 yards and threw for a touchdown and kept the Raiders in the game pretty much most of the way.

#3 Rich talk about some of the scoring in this game from the Raiders starting with the Raiders Tyreik McAllister returning a 81 yard punt in the second quarter that was a return that inspired this team tonight.

#4 Going into the fourth quarter the 49ers looked like they were going to finish this game a winner leading 24-21 but with 16 seconds left the Raiders kick Daniel Carlson booted a 43 yard field goal to tie it up 24-24 for the final score.

#5 The Raiders now open the season at So Fi Stadium Sun Sep 8th in the Southland. The Raiders taking on rival the Los Angeles Chargers. How important how big is this one for the Raiders to get the opener in the win column under their belts?

Rich Perez does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Get Outplayed by Minnesota Lynx In Second Half Losing 87-74

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Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark (7) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces.com photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (17-11) were tied with the Minnesota Lynx (21-8) after the first quarter and trailed by a single point at the half 40-39 but were outplayed by Minnesota in the second half. They got within four points in the fourth quarter but the Lynx refused to back down continuing to hit shots from downtown. It was raining three’s for the Lynx and Nephessa Collier set a career high 18 rebounds. They proved to hot to handle for the Aces as the Lynx went on to win the game 87-74.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play this game was tied at 18 apiece. The Lynx rallied in the second quarter taking a 31-24 lead on the strength of their shooting ability from downtown.

They really have a talent for spreading the floor forcing the Aces to leave opponents open to shoot those long balls that are so successful for Minnesota. As the second quarter began to wind down, the Aces had taken a 35-31 lead.

Minnesota took back the lead and at the half the score was 40-39; and Nephessa Collier had her 14th double double with ten rebounds and 15 points. She was the only player from either team in double digits.

The Aces were still waiting on Jackie Young to get going after a huge game last Wednesday night in which she scored 26 points. Las Vegas would need a huge game from all of their starters if they hoped to pull this game out.

Minnesota wasted no time in the third quarter pulling a 46-41 lead early and they did not stop there. They were completely dominating the quarter taking a 62-45 lead with two minutes left in the third. Minnesota’s Nephessa Collier continued to dominate going 9 of 11 from the floor and the Aces could not stop her.

Collier already had 16 rebounds while the Aces only had 13 collectively. Las Vegas was losing on both ends of the ball. As the third quarter came to an end, the Aces were trailing by eleven points 65-54, after having trailed by as much as 17 points.

Las Vegas had a huge mountain to climb going into the fourth quarter. They have already fallen into 5th place in the league standings and they don’t want to lose more ground with a loss Friday night.

Minnesota had outscored the Aces in the third quarter 25-15. Las Vegas was making some uncharacteristic mistakes born of the frustration that they were all feeling. The Aces continued to fight playing some very physical and aggressive basketball only trailing by five points 67-62 with a lot of time still left on the clock.

With over six minutes left in the game a door had opened for Las Vegas. The Aces continued to leave wide open shots from downtown for the Lynx and watched their four point deficit grow.

Mid-way through the final quarter Minnesota had hit eight shots from downtown and the Lynx had pushed back their lead to nine points 76-67 after Las Vegas had pulled to within four points. With 3:45 left in the game, the Aces were running out of time. The Aces could not handle the offensive onslaught of the Lynx as they continued to dominate losing to Minnesota 87-74.

A’Ja Wilson was the high for the Aces with 24 points but she could not will her team to a win. Jackie Young did have double digits with 12 points but her team needed a whole lot more. Kelsey Plum had 11 but again it was just not enough. Right now it really looks like Minnesota is the team to beat this season.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (17-11) lost to the Minnesota Lynx (21-8) in game one of their back to back games. Friday night, the Aces were looking for a little payback again taking on Minnesota. The only problem is that Las Vegas lost at home and tonight they were playing in Minnesota. It was very tough play calling as the Lynx and their fans base at Target Center were quite vocal.

The Aces will play another road game on Sunday taking on the Chicago Sky. The Sky come into this game after a tough two point loss to the Connecticut Sun 82-80 Friday night. Las Vegas will be looking to get back on the winning track after dropping their last two games.

Bay FC falls short against Utah Royals 2-1; Four loss for Bay in last 5 games

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Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji takes off down field against the Utah Royals at America First Field in Sandy UT on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (photo from Bay FC X)

By William Espy

Bay FC’s inaugural regular season continued after the Olympic break and Summer Cup with a match against the Utah Royals on Friday night. Entering the match, Bay FC found themselves sitting in the final playoff spot for the time being, while Utah was last in the league. It turned out to be another tough night for Bay losing their fourth in their last five games 2-1 at America First Field in Sandy Utah.

After a strong Summer Cup though, the Royals were looking to get things on the right track for the remainder of the season. It was another battle of the top two picks in the 2024 NWSL Draft, which will now be known as the final draft in league history as Ally Sentnor and Savy King took the field against one another just days before they become teammates for the United States U20 team.

Bay FC Starting XI: Rowland, King, Beattie, Menges, Dydasco, Bailey, Pickett, Castellanos, Kundananji, Boade, Hill

Utah Starting XI: Haught, Griffitts, Del Fava, Riehl, Pogarch, Tejeda, Zornoza, Tanaka, Sentnor, Monaghan, Betfort

Just 30 seconds into the game, Rachael Kundananji went down in considerable pain after getting her toes stepped on and received medical attention just moments into the match. She would remain in the game though after a short delay.

In the sixth minute, she’d get Bay FC their first opportunity of the night after a strong run into the box which ultimately ended with a shot by Dorian Bailey. Katelyn Rowland got tested for the first time in the 10th minute when Hannah Betfort took the ball from her own end of the pitch into Bay FC’s box and fired a shot on the Bay FC goalkeeper who made the save.

Jen Beattie made a few mistakes in the opening minutes of the match, but seemed to get stronger as the game went on denying Sentnor of a scoring chance in the 12th minute. Tess Boade got her first chance in the 13th minute after a phenomenal run that resulted from a perfect through-ball from Kundananji, however the shot would go just wide.

Kundananji seemingly gave Bay FC the lead in the 18th minute, however, Mandy Haught’s clearance attempt hit her in the hand and it was ruled a handball so the game remained 0-0. Rachel Hill nearly got on the board in the 23rd minute, but the long shot was deflected out for a corner.

Overall, Bay FC was clearly the better team in the first 25 minutes, maintaining 65% of possession but the game was still scoreless. Betfort and Beattie collided at midfield around the half-hour mark, leaving Betfort in major discomfort but she remained in the game. It remained a 0-0 heading into the break, as neither team had been able to break the deadlock.

Paige Monaghan gave Utah the lead just moments into the 48th minute, with a shot just outside of the box. Rowland nearly got a hand on it, but her reflexes were just a millisecond too late. Once again, Utah was leading over Bay FC who for whatever reason had been unable to score against the Royals up to this point in the season.

Emily Menges’s own goal gave Utah a 2-0 lead. It was a disastrous opening to the second half for Bay FC, and now they had a major uphill battle to get back into the match. Bay nearly got on board in the 58th minute but Mina Tanaka swept it away on the goal line.

Tanaka exited her NWSL debut for Cloe LaCasse to make her Utah debut in the 60th minute while Amandine Henry entered for Zornoza. Alyssa Malonson and Asisat Oshoala entered the match for Deyna Castellanos and King in the 66th minute.

Betfort got behind the defense in the 69th minute, but Rowland came well out of the box to beat her to the ball and clear it out for a throw-in. The surging Maddie Moreau entered the match in the 76th minute for Jen Beattie.

Kundananji finally got her goal in the 83rd minute off of a great cross from Rachel Hill, making it 2-1 in favor of Utah with very limited time remaining. Ten minutes of stoppage time were awarded after the 90 minutes were completed, giving Bay FC a significant amount of time to get an equalizer.

Oshoala nearly got an equalizer in the final minute off of a corner kick, but Utah got another goal line clearance to maintain their lead and walk away with a 2-1 victory. Utah swept the season series, and as a result, Bay FC dropped important points to the team at the bottom of the table on two separate occasions.

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Nevada looking to spend more public money on Warner Bros Studios instead of public Schools; Like A’s ballpark a new tax will be created for studios

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Alexander Marks from Schools over Stadiums (above photo) and Chris Daly, political director of the Nevada State Education Association, attended the brief stadium board meeting to argue that the hiring of the LVCVA by the stadium board was a clear conflict that has been par for the course in a government process that saw the A’s receive the government money in lightning speed. Photo credit: Hugh Byrne/LVSportsBiz.com

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 According to Republican Governor Joe Lambardo saying Democrats” have been lying to Nevada families in need about free school meals for weeks.” Lombardo said that parents should see his open letter about free school meals. Lombardo is trying to show that the state is doing something with public money to help schools at the same time using public money for the A’s ballpark.

#2 On Tuesday Schools over Stadiums representative Alexander Marks said that while Lombardo claims he’s transparent then why does he refuse speak to the press about the free school meals budget when they’ve asked for public comment proves the point that the State of Nevada and the Lombardo are not being transparent.

#3 Also on Tuesday it was announced that a Nevada judge will rule if it’s legal to earmark $380 million in public funds to help fund the Las Vegas A’s ballpark on Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana.

#4 Marks writes on X Tuesday that if the State of Nevada were to a write movie about having a fully funded school system with 20 students per class it would be a like a rated F movie that requires billionaires to build their own studios without public money after news broke that Warner Bros wants to build studios in Vegas if the Nevada State Legislature approves a film tax for the studios. More public money being used for studios and stadiums instead of public schools.

#5 Marks also mentioned Las Vegas Stadium Authority CEO Steven Hill in last week’s meeting regarding the financial progress of the A’s paying for their share of the ballpark that “We’re rounding third and headed for home. There are not many open issues left.” Marks countered by writing on Schools over Stadiums X page, “Except for financing, final renderings, actual stadium location, the constitutional lawsuit, the 2026 referendum…yup very few open issues left”

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s in fourth can they catch Rangers for third? Series with Brewers opens tonight at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s starter Osvaldo Bido was dealing pitching into the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Oakland Coliseum on Thu Aug 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The A’s who battled with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays avoided losing the series coming away with a 2-2 split at the Oakland Coliseum with a two run 3-1 win on Thursday afternoon.

#2 A’s starter Osvaldo Bido threw five solid innings striking out six hitters and picked up his third straight win.

#3 Lawrence Butler, Miguel Andujar, and Darell Hernaiz each had two hits a piece to help contribute to the cause. The A’s with some key hits helped get this win over a very competitive Rays team.

#4 A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about Bido’s pitching performance, “I tip my cap to Bido for making those adjustments and being able to repeat them. I think that’s why we’re seeing the success we are.”

#5 The A’s are now in fourth place in the AL West just four game behind the Rangers for third place are they good and competitive enough the way you see it to move into third place?

#6 The A’s will open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers starting tonight at the Coliseum. Starting pitcher for the Brewers RHP Aaron Civale (4-8, ERA 4.78) going for the A’s LHP JP Sears (10-8, ERA 4.15) first pitch at 6:40pm PT.

Jeremiah Salmonson is an Oakland A’s analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

In Their Final Season in Oakland, the A’s Are Giving The People What They Want

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By Morris Phillips

OAKLAND—The Coliseum sound system remains on point. In the mid-fifth inning break Tommy Richman’s “The Devil is A Lie” is doing what it does. Later the Foo Fighters, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And prior to the fifth, Nelly’s “It Must Be The Money” bumped nicely, and thematically touched on the greater issue of the A’s final season in Oakland.

Initially, and through May and June, that music could have been the high point. The protests and the anger at A’s management could have been the low point. Now, as August gives way to the final September, the A’s surprising play on the field is the overriding theme.

The youthful, talent-challenged A’s could surprise and post a winning record at the Coliseum in their final season. They sit at 33-33 with 15 home games and five opponents remaining, and people want to see what they’re going to do, how they’re going to finish.

“Look at Bido, he pitched a great game,” Jerry Albright commented, from his choice seats right behind third base and home plate. “JP Sears is hitting his stride. Mason Miller’s been great.”

“We’re happy,” Albright continued. “We’re much happier.”

Albright is a true A’s fan. All he needs is green and gold uniforms in front of him, and at least one guy sitting near him to talk baseball. On Thursday afternoon, with just 5,142 people in the park, Albright had what he needed. And when I approached, I had to interrupt his enthusiasm for his team, and how swell they dispatched the Rays to even a competitive four-game series.

Albright’s taking his game to Sacramento in 2025. Two teams playing a full schedule on field turf in a burdened Triple-A stadium doesn’t compute to him. But he needs his team, and Amtrak will get him where he needs to be.

“We’re going to Sacramento,” he said. “We’re A’s fans. What are you going to do?”

Ten rows in front of Albright, reliever Jim Ferguson is anticipating his son Tyler’s entrance into the game as the A’s newly-minted setup man. Ferguson grew up loving Catfish Hunter, and his first game in the building was in the initial season in 1968. After raising Tyler in Fresno, and watching him pitch in Las Vegas, Phoenix with Diamondbacks, and a few other west coast ballparks, Jim Ferguson is back off Hegenberger Road, and he like Albright, appears to be in his element.

“Tyler’s coming in now,” he tells me in anticipation of the eighth.

The 31-year-old Ferguson worked fast and effectively. He needed just 12 pitches to retire the Rays despite surrendering a walk to Josh Lowe. Jim appeared satisfied after spending consecutive days in the park and getting to see his favorite pitcher work for six or so minutes.

“When I was here in May, we weren’t playing great ball, but we’ve made strides,” Tyler Ferguson said after the game.

Phil Peters, a few more rows closer to the A’s dugout, and joined by bookend friends, both wearing “Sell” t-shirts, was grumbling about the $50 seats and $30 parking. His guys fussed as well about not being able to change their seats when plenty of seats were obviously available. 

“There’s no one here. I’m here because I love baseball. It’s just sad,” Peters said.

The fans speak with their emotion. The players play. The actions aren’t similar, but the dynamic works. In a stadium where the sound system is the loudest thing, Mason Miller and Brent Rooker are the best things.

Lawrence Butler, JJ Bleday, Shea Langeliers, and JP Sears are stars as well in an environment that could be described theatrically. It’s a dense story, and Thursday’s winning pitcher Osvaldo Bido, Joey Estes, Zach Gelof, and Max Schuemann are scene stealers, too. Daz Cameron, Mitch Spence, and Tyler Nevin are promising actors. They, too, could one day be stars.

This is a story people want to see develop. But it’s leaving town, not for Broadway, but to some regional theater in mid-America.

The A’s open an engagement with Milwaukee on Friday. The slumping Mariners and Tigers open September, and the Yankees and Rangers close the home slate starting September 20.

This isn’t a promotional piece, but promotion is sorely needed. Oakland’s team, the A’s deserves a steady, stable audience.

A’s Tie Up Four Game Series With Tampa Bay Winning 3-1

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Tampa Bay Rays Jose Caballero (7) slides ahead of the tag by the Oakland A’s second baseman Zack Gelof (right) after hitting a RBI double in the top of the fourth at the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s went onto win a two run game over the Rays on Thu Aug 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After losing the last two games, the Oakland A’s (55-73) wanted to finish their four game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (64-63) with a tie. They did just that winning the game 3-1 with Mason Miller closing out the game on Thursday afternoon at the Coliseum.

The A’s had nine hits in the game with Miguel Andujar, Lawrence Butler and Darell Hernaiz turning in two hits apiece. Besides Mason Miller shutting the door on the Rays every one of the relief pitchers were outstanding as was .the five innings pitched by Osvaldo Bido winning his third game in a row.

Game recap: Oakland got a terrific start scoring in the second and third innings taking a 3-0 lead. There had been no home runs so far in the game but there were some nice base hits for the A’s. Zach Gelof sacrifice flied in the second inning driving Lawrence Butler home for the early 1-0 lead.

This was Gelof’s 40th RBI of the year. The A’s extended their lead to 2-0 in the same inning when Oakland’s Darell Hernaiz doubled Tyler Nevin home. The A’s added a third run in the third inning when Lawrence Butler singled and Daz Cameron scored for a 3-0 lead.

The Rays got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning scoring a single run. Jose Caballero doubled Christopher Morel home and Oakland held onto the 3-1 lead. The A’s continued to lead 3-1 lead going into the top of the ninth inning. Oakland was three outs away from tying up the fourth game series.

The Rays had run into some trouble in the bottom of the eighth inning with back to back walks. but the A’s were unable to score and this game went into the top of the ninth inning. Oakland’s Mason Miller took the mound looking to finish off Tampa Bay.

It was “Miller Time”. Much to his chagrin, Tampa Bay’s Taylor Walls was called out and next at bat Kameron Misner had his first big league career hit, a single. Junior Caminero struck out swinging for the second out and it was up to Yandy Diaz who grounded into a fielder’s choice for the third out. Oakland tied up the series with the 3-1 win.

Oakland finished this game with some great hitting and some especially outstanding pitching from Osvaldo Bido, in fact, the A’s pitching was great the entire game. Bido went 5 innings. allowingtwo hits and a single earned run striking out six.

It would have been great to see Bido go further in this game but at this time of year, you don’t want to overwork these young pitchers. Otanez, Holman, McFarland, and Ferguson turned in some great relief pitching closing this game out with super closer Mason Miller. Oakland had beat a solid Tampa Bay Rays team and had tied up this series. Since the all-star game, this team has continued to play some great baseball and have won some amazing games.

Game notes: The A’s got a great start in their series with the Rays in game one winning a shutout 3-0. Oakland lost game two 1-0 in a close one and went on to lose game three 4-2 on Wednesday night. Thursday they finished off this series winning game four to force a 2-2 tie in the series.

Oakland started Osvaldo Bido who pitched five innings, allowed just two hits and one run. Bido has won his last two outings the most recent a 2-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. The Rays Jeffrey Springs started and went 3.1 innings allowed seven hits and three earned runs.

Friday night the Oakland A’s will welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to the Coliseum for a three game series. JP Sears is the probable pitcher to start this game for Oakland. He has been pitching some great games with a 10-8 win/loss record and a 4.16 ERA.

The Brewers will send Aaron Civale to the mound. He comes in with a 4-8 win/loss record and a 4.78 ERA. He has won his last two outings . Sears lost his last outing against the Giants but won three in a row prior to that game. First pitch for Friday’s game is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

Rays outduel A’s 4-2; Both managers Cash and Kotsay get tossed by ump

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Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay expresses his displeasure in front of second base umpire Laz Diaz in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Oakland Coliseum Wed Aug 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

Tampa Bay (64-62) 000 020 200 4 7 1

Athletics (54-73) 100 001 000 2 5 0

Time:2:32

Attendance: 10,339

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Oakland, CA

By Lewis Rubman

Serial A’s killer José Siri, right handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot, and minor league call up umpire Brock Ballou combined to give the team from the western end of the Tamiami Trail a 4-2 triumph over the Erewhon A’s in this Wednesday night’s third game of their four game series.

A night earlier, the Athletics had battled the Rays to a scoreless tie until there were two out in the top of the eighth before succumbing 1-0. Wednesday night, JJ Bleday’s first inning home run, a 373 foot dinger to right, his 17th round trip shot of the year, was too late and, as it turned out, too little to overcome the dashing and resourceful Floridians, who lead the majors in steals since the All-Star break.

Bleday also figured in the Rays’ tying the score in the top of the fifth. He made a diving attempt to catch Siri’s dying quail in center field only to have the ball bounce off the heel of his upturned glove, allowing José Caballero to race to third and then score on Jonny DeLuca’s grounder that forced Siri out at second. Yandy Díaz then drove DeLuca home with the go ahead tally.

In the bottom of the sixth, Lawrence Butler raised the utopian hope that the Athletics might somehow pull off a win, doubling to left and scoring the tying run on Brent Rooker’s single to center. I call the hope utopian because utopia is Latin for nowhere, hence my reference to the Erewhon A’s in the first paragraph. In 1872, the British writer Samuel Butler wrote a once well known novel he called Erewhon. Pedantry and word play can take the sting out of the double loss of a tight game and a tightwad team owner.

Mitch Spence didn’t quite perform up to the standards of Joe Boyle on Monday or Joey Estes on Tuesday, but, even though he made a few mistakes (and what pitcher doesn’t?), he had little to be ashamed of. He struck out ten Rays in seven innings on the mound, allowing four runs on seven hits, one of them a serious four bagger from Tampa Bays’ interstate dwelling center fielder, who, even after three straight scorching games, still is looking up at the Mendoza line.

Nonetheless, the one time Yankee farm hand threw only 30 balls out of 105 total pitches, only to be charged with his ninth loss against seven wins and see his ERA creep up to 4.67. JT Ginn, promoted from the AAA Las Vegas Aviators on Tuesday, made an impressive big league debut, giving up one walk and striking out three opposing batters while shutting out the Rays in the two final frames.

Tampa Bay’s Ryan Pepiot celebrated his 27th birthday by earning a win that improved his record to 7-5, 3.65. His performance was a notch above Spence’s. The Athletics got to him for two runs, both earned, on five hits, one of them Bleday’s homer in the first.

He gave up one walk and hit one batter while striking out five of the 23 he faced. Half of his 105 offerings were balls. Drew Rassmussen, Garrett Clevinger, and Manuel Rodríguez held the A’s scoreless in the one inning that each of them spent on the bump. Rodríguez earned the save, his first.

Wednesday night’s game had the distinction of featuring the ejection of both teams’ managers. In the seventh, the Rays’ Kevin Cash was tossed by plate umpire Brock Ballou, whose atrocious work behind the plate was non-partisan, and A’s skipper Mark Kotsay got the heave-ho from first base arbiter Erich Bacchus in the eighth.

The A’s will try to even the series Thursday, at 12:37 in the afternoon. The Athletics will send righty Osvaldo Bido (4-3, 3.40), who gave up two walks and an infield single in his last start, beating the Giants on August 17th. The Rays will counter with southpaw Jeffrey Springs (1-1,3.86).

Aces can’t gain on third place Minnesota, lose to Lynx 98-87

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Aces guard Jackie Young (0) during pre-game of a WNBA basketball game on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces fell to 2.5 games back of third place Minnesota in a 98-87 loss to the Lynx at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Some of our big studs were not grinding tonight,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We made so many mistakes and it was my big dogs.”

Guard Jackie Young led the Aces with 26 points, going six for eight from three-point range.

“I think we just have to do a better job executing the game plan and not making as many mistakes,” said Young.

Kelsey Plum scored 20 points, while A’ja Wilson added 15 points and nine rebounds.

“They shot 60% from the field and they made us pay,” said Plum. “They were better than us tonight.”

The WNBA is coming off a break for the 2024 Olympics, but six Aces players traveled, played in France and didn’t have any time off.

“There is a point in the season where it becomes mental,” said Plum. “Obviously people have had a month off, but six of us haven’t.”

With the loss, Las Vegas fell to 17-10 on the season.

The Aces will head out on a three-game road trip starting in Minnesota on Friday against the same Lynx team.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Lynx shot 59.4% from the field.
Las Vegas went 13 for 30 from three-point range.
The Aces were outrebounded by the Lynx, 31-28.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 0 Jackie Young
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

None