Marlins deal final blow to Giants’ playoff hopes and take series with wild 7-5 win

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Miami Marlins Nick Fortes (right) is congratulated by teammate Jonah Bride (41) after scoring from third base on a Jesus Sanchez sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Miami Marlins 7 (51-86)

San Francisco Giants 5 (68-70)

Win: Xzavion Curry (1-2)

Loss: Logan Webb (11-9)

Save: Calvin Faucher (6)

Time: 2:38

Attendance: 41,187

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants just lost two out of three at home to one of the worst teams in Baseball in the Miami Marlins, who fought through a wild game to win 7-5 in what very well may have been the final dagger in the Giants’ playoff hopes here in 2024 on Sunday.

The dim orange sun shined on this beautiful first day of September at Oracle Park to signify the beginning of the meteorological fall, as well as the final month of the baseball season. With the Giants six and a half games back of the Braves for the third wild card in the National League, this unfortunately signified the beginning of the end of the Giants’ season.

Sunday was also Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day at the ballpark, and kids fighting cancer got to take part in a pregame ceremony on the field. Just before the Giants took the field, Rhydian Daniels, who had been diagnosed with muscle cancer at the age of nine, got to ring the bell signifying that he beat cancer in front of this sold-out crowd.

After a rough 4-3 loss Saturday night, the Giants looked to take the series against the Marlins. The Giants once again turned to Logan Webb to be the stopper. Webb got off to a great start with a one, two, three inning in the top of the first.

The Giants would be up against the young Miami right-hander, Darren McCaughan. Mike Yastrzemski led off, and he took the second pitch of the inning from McCaughan and hit it out to the arcade in right field to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. For Yastrzemski, it was his 100th-career home run.

After Yastrzemski’s home run McCaughan was all over the place. Tyler Fitzgerald was hit by a pitch, but he was caught trying to steal second base. Matt Chapman was also hit with two outs, and he was crouching in pain, but he stayed in the game.

Webb threw another one, two, three inning in the top of the second, and Curt Casali became the third Giant hit in just the first two innings of this game with one out in the bottom of the second. There was understandable frustration from the Giants’ bench when Casali was hurt, but since it was not intentional and had to do with McCaughan’s lack of control, no warnings were issued.

Nick Fortes singled on a ground ball up the middle and into center field for the first hit and base-runner for the Marlins with two outs in the top of the third. Webb ultimately threw a scoreless inning, and the Giants had a rally going against McCaughan in the bottom of the third.

Fitzgerald hit a ground ball the other way into right field for a base-hit to lead off the bottom of the third. That brought up Michael Conforto, who grounded into a weird play. Not a double play, a weird play.

Conforto hit a chopper up the middle that was fielded by Marlins’ shortstop Otto Lopez, who hesitated and then stumbled to the bag at second. Fitzgerald was called safe by Second Base Umpire Jim Wolf, but the Marlins challenged the play.

The boys in New York found an angle that that could say for sure indicated that Otto beat Fitzgerald to the bag, and the call was overturned. Bob Melvin and the Giants’ dugout were not happy about the overturned call, and they let Third Base Umpire and Crew Chief Alan Porter know. Porter then warned them and returned to his position at third.

Not to worry though. Chapman lined a base-hit to left to put runners at first and second with one out. LaMonte Wade then beat out the back end of a potential double play, and the throw sailed past first, which allowed Fitzgerald to come in to score and make it 2-0.

Both pitchers threw one, two, three innings in the fourth, and Webb was on a roll. Webb had set down 11 of the first 12 men he faced today, and he appeared well on his way to another dominant outing.

However, everything changed for Webb and the Giants in the top of the fifth. Jeff Conine’s son Griffin led off the inning with an opposite-field base-hit to left. Lopez lined out to second for the first out, and Jose Devers, the younger cousin of Rafael Devers, grounded into a fielder’s choice.

David Hensley then singled the other way to put runners at first and second with two outs. Nick Fortes followed that up by lining a base-hit to left-center to knock in Devers and put the Marlins on the board. The ball was over run by left-fielder Michael Conforto, and the runners ended up at second and third.

That brought up Kyle Stowers, who hit a home run to the 415 out in right-center, and the Marlins suddenly took a 4-2 lead. Webb was dealing through four innings, but the Marlins scored four runs out of nowhere in the top of the fifth to make it a new ballgame.

The Giants bounced back in the bottom of the fifth. Yastrzemski walked to lead off the inning, and Fitzgerald singled him over to second. That brought out Marlins Manager Skip Schumaker, who pulled McCaughan for the left-hander, Kent Emmanuel.

Michael Conforto walked to load the bases, and Matt Chapman knocked Yastrzemski in with a fielder’s choice to make it 4-3. Melvin sent Mark Canha to pinch-hit for Wade, and the move paid off, as Canha singled the other way to right to knock in Fitzgerald and tie the game.

Schumaker then brought in Xzavion Curry to face Jerar Encarnacion. After a seven-pitch at-bat, Encarnacion knocked in Conforto with a sacrifice fly to left-center, and the Giants retook the lead.

It was quite a wild fifth inning. The game appeared to be a pitcher’s duel through four, but the Marlins scored four runs in the top of the fifth, and the Giants bounced back with three in the bottom of the fifth.

Webb was back out for the top of the sixth, and he was right back in trouble. Jesus Sanchez singled to right and stole second, and then Jonah Bride tied the game with a double to center. Conine singled Bride over to third, and Lopez got Bride in on a ground out to third.

The Marlins had the lead again, and this game suddenly turned from a pitcher’s duel into a wild seesaw game.

Webb was done after six innings. He gave up six runs and eight hits, and he struck out four.

Curry stayed out to throw a one, two, three shutdown inning in the bottom of the sixth for Miami, and the Marlins looked to add on against Camilo Doval in the top of the seventh. Fortes singled into the hole at short to lead off the inning, and Stowers walked. Derek Hill bunted the runners over to second and third, and Sanchez got Fortes home with a sacrifice fly to center to make it 7-5.

From there, the game sailed the rest of the way. The Giants would not get another base-runner the rest of the game. Mike Baumann, John McMillon and Calvin Faucher did the honors of setting down the Giants one, two, three in the seventh, eighth and ninth.

As for Giants’ pitchers, left-hander Erik Miller threw a scoreless top of the eighth, and Landen Roupp had a one, two, three top of the ninth.

Xzavion Curry got the win; Logan Webb took a really tough loss; and Calvin Faucher got the save, his sixth of the year.

The Giants fall to 68-70, and after a day off Monday, they will welcome the powerful Arizona Diamondbacks into Oracle Park for a three-game series starting Tuesday night.

The Giants remain six and a half games back of the Braves, who lost their game in Philadelphia in 11 innings, but make no mistake, the Giants will be playing the role of spoilers in their series against the Diamondbacks this week.

The pitching matchup is still to be determined. First pitch will be at 6:45 p.m.

Giants News and Notes:

With today being Sept. 1, that also meant that rosters expanded from 26 to 28. Prior to the game, the Giants called up catcher Blake Sabol and right-handed pitcher Tristan Beck to fill the two extra spots on the roster.

The Giants drew a sold-out crowd of 41,187 at Oracle Park Sunday. It was the largest crowd for a Giants’ game at Oracle Park since 41,189 fans came to see Wilmer Flores walk off the Philadelphia Phillies on Sept. 4, 2022.

Major League Baseball News and Notes:

Darren Baker, the son of Dusty Baker who until today was most known for nearly getting trampled by David Bell before J.T. Snow saved him in Game 5, made his major league debut for the Washington Nationals today.

Baker was sent to pinch-hit with the Nationals trailing the Chicago Cubs 14-1 in the bottom of ninth inning at Nationals Park. Baker took the first big league pitch he saw from Cubs’ right-hander Ethan Roberts and grounded it over the mound and into center field for a base-hit.

Dusty, who had managed both the Cubs and Nationals, was on hand to see his son get his first big league hit.

Marlins swam comfortably in Bay waters, and/or Pacific Ocean, beat Giants 7-5 and series (2-1)on a beautiful day in the City by the Bay.

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Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (center-left) and left fielder Kyle Stowers (center-right) jump for joy after taking two out of three from the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Sep 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Miami Marlins (51-86) were the fish that got away in McCovey Cove, as they beat the San Francisco Giants (68-70) 7-5, and clinched the series, 2/3 on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the 415.

The Marlins had a pedestrian first inning, with a strikeout and two infield ground outas. The bottom of the frame was worse. Starting pitcher Darren McCaughan gave up a solo leadoff home run to right fielder and legacy player, Mike Yastrzemski, hit two batters before getting out of the inning.

In the bottom of the third, the Giants scored another run, on a throwing error by Otto Lopez. After three innings, Miami was down 2-0 and one hit to show for themselves. It wasn’t until the top of the fifth inning that the South Florida visitors showed life.

The Marlins used this inning to put up four runs and take the lead from the home team.. Catcher Nick Fortes hit an RBI single (David Hensley), putting them within one run, 2-1 SF. Later, their leadoff batter and left fielder Kyle Stowers, belted a 3-run dinger (Hensley & Fortes) to catapult them in front of San Francisco 4-2. However, they could not celebrate for very long, due to the Giants immediate response.

In the bottom of the fifth, the G-Men managed to get the bases loaded with no outs tallied. This scenario has played out before for SF, with nothing to show for it. This time was different, as Matt Chapman grounded out, but allowed Yastrzemski to score.

With a one run deficit, the Giants put in Mark Canha asa pinch hitter and defensive replacement for LaMonte Wade Jr. That chess move resulted in an RBI single, tying the game at four. Next DH Jerar Encarnacion hits a sacrifice fly to center field, plating Michael Conforto, simultaneously putting San Francisco back in the lead, 5-4..

After the eventful inning on both sides, the Giants were done scoring for the day. Miami scored again in the top of the sixth inning, when Jonah Bride’s RBI single scored Jesus Sanchez, to tie the contest again. Otto Lopez had a productive ground out, as Bride made it home to put Miami back in front. 6-5 after six complete innings.

In Biblical form, Jesus sacrificed himself for the betterment of others in the top of the seventh inning. Sanchez’ fly ball allowed the last run of the game (Stowers), and solidified the series win. The Giants were unable to respond the last three innings and the Florida Fish sealed the game, 7-5.

A bookend scenario for Yastrzemski, as he scored the first run of the game with a homer (100), but made the last out on the game with a strikeout.

Both teams are off Monday, but the Marlins will head back to South Beach and host the Washington National Tuesday, September 3 at 3:40 PM EST. LHP Patrick Corbin (4-12, 5.50) versus RHP Max Meyer (3-4, 5.44)

The Giants will also host (Arizona Diamondbacks) a team on Tuesday 9/3 at 6:45 PM PDT.. Pitchers for both teams are TBA.

Rangers Beat A’s In a Second Walk Off In a Row 6-4

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Oakland A’s reliever Mason Miller (19) walks off the field after the Texas Rangers Josh Jung (6) took Miller deep for a walk off home run in the bottom of the tenth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Sun Sep 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Oakland A’s (59-78) fought back in their game three with the Texas Rangers (65-72) Sunday tying it up in the eighth inning 2-2. Mason Miller got out of the bottom of the ninth inning but did not fare as well in the tenth.

Oakland took the lead in the tenth inning scoring two runs and taking a 4-2 lead. Things were looking very promising for Oakland. Miller pitched the tenth inning walking Wyatt Langford and with two runners on base Josh Jung knocked the ball out of the park for their second walk off win of the series winning 6-4 on Sunday at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

What was even more disappointing was that Miller was one strike away from an out twice in the tenth and just came up short.

Game recap: Texas took the early lead in the first inning 1-0. Adolis Garcia doubled Corey Seager home and the Rangers would extend their lead in the third inning to 2-0. Josh Smith singled Justin Forcue home and Texas had a great start in this game. Through seven innings the Rangers had seven hits (they would finish with ten hits) and Oakland had 11 (they would finish with 16 hits).

The A’s finally got on the board in the fifth inning. It was no surprise that it was Brent Rooker who started the Oakland rally hitting a single allowing Jacob Wilson to reach home for the single run.

The A’s would tie up the game in the eighth inning when Max Schuemann singled and Zach Gelof scored for the 2-2 game. Schuemann pushed his luck and attempted to reach second base and was thrown out.

This game went into the bottom of the eighth all knotted. It would be up to Michel Otanez to keep Texas from scoring giving the A’s one more chance to take the lead in the ninth inning. The A’s were still looking for their first homer of the game. Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker both had 3 hits apiece through eight innings but no long balls.

Oakland’s Mitch Spence went five innings allowing five hits, two runs, three walks and five strikeouts. He was relieved by Ross Stripling who allowed a couple of hits but no runs. He pitched the sixth inning before being relieved by T.J. McFarland in the seventh inning going three up and three down. Michel Otanez took over on the mound in the eighth inning also going three up and three down.

In the ninth inning Lawrence Butler had his fourth hit of the game, a single. Brent Rooker came to the plate singled and Butler reached third base with one out and Shea Langeliers at the plate.

Langeliers made contact but unfortunately hit into a double play and the game remained tied at two. Texas had another opportunity for a walk off after winning in a walk off in game two. Mason Miller took the mound for Oakland looking to extend this game into extra innings. Miller allowed a single but that would be it for the Rangers and this game went into the tenth inning.

JJ Bleday and Daz Cameron both struck out in the tenth and it was up to Seth Brown to save this game and he came up huge hitting a triple bringing home second base runner Shea Langeliers. Oakland took a 3-2 lead which they extended when Zach Gelof doubled and Seth Brown crossed home plate for a 4-2 Oakland lead.

Miller struck out first at bat Corey Seager on a full count looking to save this game. Josh Smith flied out for the second out. Adolis Garcia connected singling Marcus Semien home and we had a 4-3 ball game with two outs.

Miller walked Wyatt Langford and the Rangers had runners on first and second with Josh Jung at the plate. Jung took a mighty swing and sent the ball out of the park for a 6-4 Texas win and a Mason Miller blown save.

Despite the loss, Lawrence Butler continued to be on fire with four hits in this game. Brent Rooker also finished the game with four hits. Zach Gelof had three hits in the game and Seth Brown was terrific in the tenth inning with the triple that gave the A’s the lead in the top of the tenth.

Game notes: Saturday the A’s lost a close game to theRangers (65-72) after tying up the game in the sixth inning. They are looking for their 60th win of the season and it has not come easy. In today’s rubber game Oakland will have another chance of reaching that milestone. At season’s end last year they finished with 50 wins and with roughly a month left to play they could finish with a very nice second half of the season. In today’s game, Mitch Spence will take the mound with a 7-9 win/loss record and a 4.54 ERA. The Rangers will be looking to Walter Pennington to win the series for Texas.

Monday night the A’s will travel home to take on the Seattle Mariners in a four game series at the Coliseum. They continue to look for their 60th win of the season and right now it is like pulling teeth. It is painful, it is just not happening. Osvaldo Bido will take the mound for the Athletics with a 5-3 win/loss record and a 3.21 ERA. Seattle will start Logan Gilbert with a 7-10 win/loss record and a 3.09 ERA. First pitch on the holiday is scheduled for 4:07 PM.

Aces Dominate In Second Win In a Row Over Phoenix Mercury 97-79

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The Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to take a shot against the Phoenix Mercury’s guard Natasha Cloud (0) at the Footprint Center in Phoenix (photo by the Las Vegas Aces)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (20-12) put this game on ice early in fact it was in the first quarter. They won that quarter 29-10 and went on to win the second quarter extending their lead 51-28 at the half.

A’Ja Wilson had another double double with an amazing 17 rebounds and 41 points. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young both had double digits. The Phoenix Mercury (16-16) did come out on top in the third quarter 31-24 but it was far too little, far too late.

The Aces practically put this game on ice by the end of the first quarter leading 29-10. They extended their by the half leading 51-28. A’Ja Wilson was on a scorcher playing some extraordinary basketball that was just stunning.

The Mercury rallied in the third quarter winning it by the score of 31-24 but the first half sealed the win for the Aces. The fourth quarter was won by the Aces but by only a single point. The final was 97-79 Sunday afternoon in Phoenix.

This was a dominating win for Las Vegas. A’Ja Wilson finished with 17 rebounds and 41 points. This was the second time in the past three games that Wilson exceeded 40 points. Kelsey Plum had a nice game with 16 points and Jackie Young finished with 11 points, six rebounds and a career high 14 assists. Tiffany Hayes was terrific off the bench with 11 points and five rebounds.

Brittany Griner was the high score for the Mercury with 24 points. Sophie Cunningham made four of six from three point range finishing with 16 points.

The Mercury got a very slow start in this game and the Aces jumped over them in the first quarter. Phoenix missed their first six shots and committed three turnovers setting the pace for the game. After the first quarter came to an end with Las Vegas leading 29-10 the Aces would lead by double digits for the rest of the game.

Game recap: The Aces got back on the winning track last Friday night beating the Atlanta Dream 83-72. Sunday the Aces took on the Mercury and picked up their second win in a row and even more importantly are now fourth place and 3.5 games behind the third place Minnesota Lynx in standings where they are currently tied with the Seattle Storm who are in fifth place.

With the Ace’s win and Seattle’s loss to Connecticut Sun on Sunday the Aces take over fourth place knocking the Storm into fifth place. With the season rapidly heading towards the post-season every game is critical, every win is a must. It will be tough going getting ahead of the Lynx who currently hold first place in the Western Conference and third place overall.

The Aces are now in fourth place in the overall standings with the Storm losing to the Sun 93-86 and dropping into fifth place. With only eight games left in the regular season it is crunch time for every team. Next up for Las Vegas will be the Chicago Sky Tuesday that will be played in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. The Aces moved venues from Michelob ULTRA Arena to T Mobile due to the high demand for this upcoming game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Friday Night Lights for Stanford were turned off by TCU; Cardinal get another chance vs. Cal Poly Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The TCU quarterback Justin Hoover led the Horned Frogs with 353 passing yards and got TCU a go ahead touchdown in the second half to help defeat the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium last Friday 34-37.

#2 Former Cal Bears head coach and current TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said “We talked a lot about about being mentally tough,” Dykes said. “I thought we were. We got down and guys never blinked.”

#3 Stanford had the half time lead 17-10 taking a look at that first half how good did the Cardinal look they did get off to a good start.

#4 The Cardinal have used multiple quarterbacks as head coach Troy Taylor as promised with Aston Daniels and Justin Lamson. Is using quarterbacks working or confusing for the offense?

#5 The Cardinal host the Cal Poly Mustangs. The Mustangs last Saturday lost by a touchdown 27-21 to the San Diego Toreros. This might be one of those games where the Cardinal have not only the home field but a shot at getting in the win column next Saturday at 4:00pm PT.

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s jump into the frying pan known as Sutter Health Park in Sacramento

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A Brigham Young University survey shows the temperature comparisons on how hot artificial turf gets on hot days the increase is an astounding 40 degrees. The Sacramento A’s will be playing on artificial turf and will sharing be the park with minor league team the Sacramento River Cats for the 2025 season. (image by Brigham Young University)

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel the A’s are just one month away from saying good bye to Oakland for good. They will be playing in Sacramento for the interim for the next three seasons as they’re new ballpark in Las Vegas is scheduled to be ready in 2028.

#2 Lots of talk about how things will be in play for the visiting teams that come to Sacramento, the small clubhouses, going through the outfield fences to get to the clubhouse. Smaller weight rooms and family rooms. Just from a starting point how much of a mistake will this be for MLB who have the A’s play at Sutter Health next season.

#3 It was baking hot this week in Sacramento and it’s like that all summer no relief. How fans can sit in those hot seats all season long and fry at Sutter Health and it’s going to be no different next season with 99 or 100 degree heat. River Cat fans might be used to it but some of the big club visitors will not have cover that their used to.

#4 The first two rows at Sutter Health are going for $61,000 per season for a season ticket holder. How well do you see that going over? Tickets very well could go fast because of the novelty of having a big league club in minor league Sacramento.

#5 The heat for the players could be a disaster. They will be sharing some 160 home games a combination between the Sacramento A’s and Sacramento River Cats. Sutter Health is installing turf because with natural grass with that many games the field will get torn up. A turf surface on the field for a 99 degree day in Sacramento would be 120 to 180 degrees. Players falling or diving in or on the turf could suffer burns. How this is being allowed by MLB and the players union is perplexing?

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Marlins and Giants conclude series today at Oracle Park

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Miami Marlins Griffin Conine (56) circles the bases after hitting after hitting his first big league home run in the top of the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Sep 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Miami Marlins Griffin Conine hit his first Major League home run on Saturday night where all the runs were needed to edge out the San Francisco Giants 4-3 at Oracle Park. The sound off Conine’s bat on Saturday night you almost tell it was going to be a slash hit over the right field wall.

#2 Conine is the son of former Marlin Jeff Conine who the time passes since Jeff retired and Griffin getting his first home run at Oracle Park .

#3 Giants starter Mason Black gave up the Conine home run ball. Black took the loss going five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. Black raised his ERA to 7.45.

#4 Conine did get the ball back from the fan who fished it out of McCovey Cove and that fan received in exchange a bat, photo and another ball.

#5 Marlins and Giants conclude this three game series today at Oracle Park. Starting pitcher for the RHP Marlins Darren McCaughan (0-0, 8.62) and for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (11-8, 3.24).

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headlines podcast with Charlie O: Royals pick up Pham and Grossman off waivers; Dodgers Kershaw headed to IL with bone spurs; plus more news

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Former St Louis Cardinal Tommy Pham seen here hitting a sacrifice fly against the Milwaukee Brewers Wed Aug 21, 2024 at Busch Stadium in St Louis was picked up on waivers by the Kansas City Royals. (AP News photo file)

On Headline podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Kansas City Royals picked up Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman. Both players were in the World Series last season with Pham playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Grossman with the Texas Rangers. What triggered the signing was Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke his thumb earlier this week and is expected to be out six to eight weeks.

#2 Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw could be back on the IL having suffered bone spurs. Kershaw has had on going problems with the big left toe according to Manager Dave Roberts who said that it has effected his pitching. On Friday night against the Diamondbacks, Kershaw struggled in the first inning giving up two runs. Then in the second inning he gave up a home run to Corbin Carroll and that’s when Roberts and the head training came out and took Kershaw out of the game. Kershaw had already missed four months of the season before returning.

#3 Once again the Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is making history hitting his 43rd home run and stealing his 43rd base on Friday. Ohtani is on the way to winning his third straight MVP after the Dodgers defeated the Diamonbacks 10-9 at Chase Field. Ohtani is the first member of the 43-43 club.

#4 Que up the Rocky theme for pitcher Samuel Aldegheri from Italy who made his MLB debut on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. Aldegheri after a nice introduction at the Big A in Anaheim was rocked the M’s for five earned runs and seven in total. The Angels lost to the Mariners 9-5. Despite the loss Aldegheri said he was happy and admitted being nervous the first time out.

#5 One of the people that will be missed after this Oakland A’s season is over and the team leaves Oakland to start playing at Sutter Health in Sacramento will be A’s play by play announcer Vince Cotroneo. Controneo has been with the A’s since 2006 and did say after making the announcement that he was leaving last July and said at the time that he is capable of announcing beyond the 2024 season. Controneo was not renewed for a new contract and it was speculated in the industry that the move not to renew Controneo was a cost cutting measure.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Hlongwane’s brace the difference in Minnesota United 2-1 win over Earthquakes

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Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Robin Lod and Kelvin Yeboah celebrate “Bongi’s” first of two goals against the San Jose Earthquakes during their 2-1 win at Pay Pal Park on Saturday AUG 31, 2024. (Minnesota United)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Bongokuhle Hlongwane put on a show in the South Bay as his two goals were all Minnesota United needed to defeat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 on Saturday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose has lost three out of its last four league matches. Minnestoa United has won two of its past three league matches with both wins coming against the Earthquakes.

Hlongwane recorded his brace and eventual game winning goal in the 63rd minute. “Bogi” received the ball inside the box after a long throw in. His first two attempts were kept out of the net thanks to San Jose defenders blocking each attempt. However, third time was a charm for Hlongwane as his right footed shot made it into the back of the net for his team leading 9th goal of the season.

“We scored, and they come back and capitalize on a long throw, a set piece, basically. So it’s frustrating. But again, I felt like the players didn’t quit. We tried to get that second goal. We almost did with [Daniel] Munie, actually who was really injured at the time. As long as we’re fighting and trying to equalize late, that’s all we can do,” ‘Quakes interim head coach Ian Russell said.

It didn’t take Hlongwane long to score his first goal of the match as he tallied in the ninth minute for Minnesota. Robin Lod controlled a loose ball and found Hlongwane on a diagonal run for the one-timed finish that beat ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel to the left side.

On the flip side for San Jose Ousseni Bouda, who played in his second match since being called up from USL’s Monterey Bay FC, was the Earthquakes best player in the first half as Minnesota United had difficulty trying to contain the young forward.

Bouda scored the equalizer for San Jose in 33rd minute. Amahl Pellegrino headed an aerial ball in the box toward a charging Bouda, whose left-footed strike beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair for his first league goal of the season. Bouda also scored in the US Open Cup against the Oakland Roots back on May 7th that proved to be the game winner.

Bouda almost had a second goal of his own three minutes later in the 36th minute off a header but St. Clair made a spectacular diving save to keep the score level as both teams were even at intermission.

“For me, regardless of whether it’s one minute or 90 minutes, this is what I love to do. This is my dream. I love playing for the Quakes. I just want to just give it my all, all of the time, because that’s really all I can control. Whether I miss a chance, or whether I’m in for five minutes and maybe I don’t touch the ball, just always control whatever you control. And I hope that I continue to do that, and then just keep my head down whether I’m scoring hat tricks in games or not, that’s just the mentality I aspire to have,” Bouda said.

Fullback Daniel Munie injured his hamstring late in the second half but because ‘Quakes head coach had already used his five substitutions he put Munie up front with the forwards as he didn’t want to play a man down in the final stretch.

San Jose had one last ditch effort for the second equalizer when Paul Marie came around the right wing and crossed the ball into the middle of the box, but Munie’s right footed attempt sailed high over the net in the third minute of stoppage time.

St. Clair finished one save on two shots on goal to earn the victory. Daniel made four saves in six shots on goal in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with three corner kicks. Minnesota United had eight.

The Quakes move to 5-6-4 (21 GF, 26 GA) in the all-time series against Minnesota United FC and 3-3-2 at home (13 GF, 16 GA). Not counting the two clubs’ clash in the 2020 MLS Is Back Tournament where San Jose was technically the home team but the match was held at a neutral site in Florida, tonight’s loss snapped the Quakes’ home unbeaten streak over MNUFC in San Jose at three games (1-0-2).

Pellegrino stayed hot, notching his second assist of the MLS season on Bouda’s goal. The play also marked his 10th goal contribution across all competitions and fourth in as many total games.

Forward Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 102 with his start tonight (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but the seventh-longest in MLS history. Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).

UP NEXT: San Joses heads into the international break before resuming MLS regular season play on Saturday, 9/14 when they travel north of the Canadian border to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff from BC Place is set for 7:30pm.

Nationwide Crime Rate Hits Close To Home – Wide Receiver Ricky Pearsall Shot In Attempted Robbery

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San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott (left), Mayor London Breed (center), and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins (right) address the news media regarding the shooting of San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick Ricky Pearsall at Union Square on Sat Aug 31, 2024 (San Francisco Chronicle photo)

By Barbara Mason

As all eyes are focused on the fast approaching 2024 NFL football season, and there are few of us who would have ever expected the tragedy that occurred today in downtown San Francisco. It all happened in Union Square and involved San Francisco 49er wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

Pearsall had been sidelined for the entire pre-season with a shoulder injury as well as a hamstring issue. He had been out for the past 20 days with the injuries but had been able to at least practice.

He was looking forward to continued healing, getting back on the field and then today the unimaginable happened at 3:30 PM in the Union Square area. A 17-year-old male approached Pearsall and attempted to rob him.

Pearsall and the assailant got into an altercation and both men were shot with Pearsall sustaining an injury in the chest. Both men are being treated at San Francisco General.

The assailant observed Pearsall walking alone and saw opportunity. Ricky was reportedly shot on his way to an autograph signing in the Union Square neighborhood. It is not known what the suspect was attempting to steal from Pearsall.

Law enforcement has a good idea but at this time they are not ready to release that information. The 17-year-old from Tracy was arrested immediately by the police and charges are expected to be filed Tuesday or Wednesday in juvenile court.

This was a tragic event but thankfully Ricky Pearsall is going to be ok although he was listed in serious but stable condition after sustaining a bullet wound to the chest. We did hear from Deebo Samuel on X who stated that “He’s good, thank God.” 49ers GM John Lynch has been at San Francisco General visiting with Ricky.

While Major London Breed did address the public after the incident, she did cite that San Francisco has the lowest violent crime rate of major cities in the country. That is of course encouraging but it does nothing to downplay the severity of this terrible crime and the damage it has done to Ricky and how this will effect his life, his family, his team and his career.