Tag: Arizona Diamondbacks

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Diamondbacks Gallen throws six innings of no hit ball against Giants line up

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Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen was dealing against the San Francisco Giants here he is pitching to Michael Conforto in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Sep 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Zac Gallen led the way for the Arizona Diamondbacks bringing a no hitter into the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants and after Gallen was lifted the Giants finally were able to get a hit.

#2 Gallen improved his record to 11-6 after pitching six innings, walking four and striking out eight batters. Michael no doubt about it he had a good mix of pitches working for him?

#3 The Diamondbacks got home run help from Eugenio Suárez and Pavin Smith and cut the lead on the NL West first place Los Angeles Dodgers trailing the Dodgers by five games.

#4 LeMonte Wade carried the load for San Francisco on Wednesday night with a home run and four RBIs but the Giants fell two runs short.

#5 The Giants are dueling with the Diamondbacks as we speak right now Arizona starter RHP Merrill Kelly (4-0, ERA 4.30) is matched up against Giants LHP Blake Snell (2-3, 3.56) first pitch at 12:45pm PT at Oracle Park.

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Birdsong’s command burns him again, and Gallen shuts Giants down with six no-hit innings in 6-4 win for Arizona

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Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen shown throwing against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Sep 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Arizona Diamondbacks 6 (79-61)

San Francisco Giants 4 (68-72)

Win: Zac Gallen (11-6)

Loss: Hayden Birdsong (3-5)

Time: 2:42

Attendance: 22,855

By Stephen Ruderman

The Diamondbacks beat the San Francisco Giants again Wednesday night, 6-4, to take the first two games of this series, as Hayden Birdsong had another outing cut short due to his command, and Zac Gallen threw six no-hit innings to hand the Giants their fourth-straight loss.

After losing two of three to the Marlins of all teams at home, the Giants dropped their third-straight game in a wild and somewhat-emotional 8-7 loss to the Diamondbacks in the series opener Tuesday night. The Giants would look for Hayden Birdsong to turn the page on a brutal August.

Birdsong got off to a great start for the Giants after getting called up at the end of June, and his strong July earned him a spot on MLB.com’s top 100 prospect list. However, things were completely different for the young right-hander August.

Birdsong was lit up by the Washington Nationals for seven runs over just two innings in our nation’s capital on Aug. 6, and he got hammered for five more runs by the Detroit Tigers in his next start on Aug. 11. Birdsong went 0-4 with an 8.68 ERA in his five starts in August. What magnified his problems was that he struggled with his control as well.

Unfortunately, Birdsong’s control problems followed him into his first inning of September, as he walked the first two hitters of this game. Former Giant and D-Backs outfielder Joc Pederson struck out swinging for the first out, but Josh Bell grounded a base-hit into right-center field to knock in Geraldo Perdomo for the first run of the game.

Birdsong struggled again in the top of the second. Eugenio Suarez led off the inning with a home run to left field to make it 2-0. Birdsong then walked two more as the inning progressed, but he was able to escape without any further damage.

Diamondbacks’ starter Zac Gallen started his night with a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the first, but he ran into some trouble after he issued three-straight two-out walks to load the bases in the bottom of the second. However, with the Giants being the Giants, Curt Casali struck out after a lengthy eight-pitch at-bat to end the inning.

Birdsong pitched his first and only scoreless inning of the night in the top of the third, but it didn’t come without its drama. He was done after just three innings, as he walked five and threw 77 pitches.

Spencer Bivens picked up the fort and gave the Giants four innings. Pavin Smith hit a home run in the top of the fifth to make it, and The Diamondbacks manufactured a run in the top of the seventh to make it 4-0.

Meanwhile, Gallen retired ten straight, starting with his strikeout of Casali to end the bottom of the second. Mike Yastrzemski drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the sixth to snap that streak, but Heliot Ramos grounded into a double play, and Michael Conforto struck out to end the inning.

Gallen also had a no-hitter going through six innings, and he had struck out eight. However, he threw 100 pitches, so Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo opted to bring in Kevin Ginkel in the bottom of the seventh.

Earlier Wednesday night, Shota Imanaga, Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates for the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Diamondbacks were now nine outs away from throwing the second combined no-hitter of the night as this game went to the bottom of the seventh.

However, it would not come to be, as Tyler Fitzgerald grounded a base-hit up the middle for the Giants’ first hit to lead off the bottom of the seventh. LaMonte Wade then hit a home run to the water in right for splash hit number 104, and it was now 4-2.

The Giants were making a late comeback just as they did Tuesday night. The only question was whether they could complete it this time.

Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks got both runs back against Camilo Doval in the top of the eighth, and it was now 6-2. A.J. Puk then came in and threw a one, two three shutout inning in the bottom of the eighth.

Taylor Rogers, who finished the top of the eighth, came out to throw a scoreless inning in the top of the ninth. Luvollo then brought in Justin Martinez, who converted a four-out save Tuesday night, in a non-save situation in the bottom of the ninth.

Like Tuesday night, the Giants made a charge in the bottom of the ninth. Michael Conforto walked to lead off the inning, and Fitzgerald doubled to put runners at second and third with nobody out. Wade then grounded a base-hit to knock in a pair, and it was now 6-4. The tying run was now coming up to the plate in Luis Matos, but Martinez retired the side in order to close it out.

Zac Gallen got the win after his six no-hit innings, and Kyle Harrison took his fifth loss in his last six starts. Harrison’s last five decisions have all been loses.

The Giants fall to 68-72, and if anyone still cares, they are now eight and a half games back of the Braves for the third wild card with 22 games to go. Their tragic number is now 14.

The Giants can salvage a game in this series with a win on getaway day Thursday. The National League Pitcher of the Month for August, Blake Snell (2-3, 3.56 ERA), will make the start for the Giants. Merrill Kelly (4-0, 4.30 ERA), who recently came back after being out for four months, will take the ball for Arizona. First pitch will be at 12:45 p.m. PT.

After the game ended, the Giants and Matt Chapman agreed to a six-year $151-million extension. Chapman was scratched from the lineup Wednesday night, but his leadership and defense have been a big boost for the Giants this season.

Harrison struggles, as Giants’ comeback falls short in wild series opener 8-7 loss to Diamondbacks at Oracle

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San Francisco Giants starter Kyle Harrison leaves for the dugout after being lifted by Giants manager Bob Melvin in the top of the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Sep 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Arizona Diamondbacks 8 (78-61)

San Francisco Giants 7 (68-71)

Win: Ryne Nelson (10-6)

Loss: Kyle Harrison (7-7)

Save: Justin Martinez (8)

Time: 2:47

Attendance: 23,545

By Stephen Ruderman

The Diamondbacks torched Kyle Harrison for six runs in just two and two thirds innings and jumped out to a 7-1 lead, and even though the Giants made a late spirited comeback, Arizona ultimately held on to win a wild 8-7 series opener at Oracle Park on Tuesday night.

President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi had himself a solid off-season in which he signed Jung-hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler and Blake Snell. As a result, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the Giants at the beginning of the season. Expectations were high, and fans were showing up.

The Giants went through the usual ups and downs of the long 162-game grind. At three separate times this season, they looked like they were done only to get hot and play the kind of winning baseball we all have known they’re capable of.

However, things were never able to truly materialize. Now with the Giants now wrapping up their third-straight season of mediocrity, there was a very different vibe on the shores of McCovey Cove Tuesday night.

23,545 fans, the lowest crowd of the season, filled into Oracle Park to watch a Giants’ team six and a half games out of the third wild card spot with 24 games to go. There was a real sense that the patience of this fanbase had run out with the meritocracy of the last three years, and that feeling carried right into the game.

While the Giants were still barely hanging by a thread onto contention, everyone knew the reality that with the Diamondbacks in town, the Giants were really playing spoilers. They called up Marco Luciano and Luis Matos prior to the game, and it appears that the Giants have begun their transition to play-for-next-year mode.

Luciano would be at second base tonight. It was a new position for the Giants’ young phenom, who committed five errors in five games in his brief stint with the team in late May.

The Diamondbacks got to work right away against Giants’ starter Kyle Harrison in the top of the first inning. Geraldo Perdomo singled on a ground ball up the middle to start the game, and Corbin Carroll roped a double down the left field line.

I told ya the lack of vibes had carried over into the game. The Diamondbacks had runners at second and third with nobody out and had a chance for a crooked number right off the bat.

Josh Bell grounded out to short, which knocked in Perdomo to put Arizona on the board, but it was a big first out for Harrison. Harrison struck Christian Walker out for the second out, and he had a chance to limit the damage to just a run.

Harrison then got ahead of Randal Grichuk 1-2, but Grichuk fouled off four pitches with two strikes to work the count to 2-2. He then hit a home run to right-center field to give the Diamondbacks their crooked number.

Ryne Nelson took the ball for Arizona in the bottom of the first with an early 3-0 lead, but the Giants would have a response. Mike Yastrzemski drew a leadoff walk, and Tyler Fitzerald slashed a double off the end of his bat down the right field line to put runners at second and third with no one out. Sound familiar?

Like the Diamondbacks, the Giants got on the board via an out, as Heliot Ramos knocked in Yaz with a sacrifice fly to right. However, the Giants would not be able to add on.

Harrison hoped to settle down after his offense got him a run, but the Diamondbacks got that run right back in the top of the second. Nelson then threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the second, but Harrison wouldn’t be able to stay out of trouble.

Harrison set down the first men he faced, but the Diamondbacks were relentless, and they loaded the bases with two outs. That ended Harrison’s night after just two and two thirds innings.

Bob Melvin brought in Tristan Beck, and I’ll get the bad news out of the way. Kevin Newman came up, and he lined a base-hit up the middle to knick in a pair. The Diamondbacks had a 6-1 lead, and this was turning into an ugly night for the Giants.

The one shiny spot on the ugly start Tuesday night was the appearance of Beck. Beck was pitching just six months after having an aneurysm in his right arm that required surgery.

Beck was acquired from the Braves in the Mark Melancon Trade in 2019, and he had a solid rookie season when he finally made it to the big leagues last year. Beck was unable to pitch for most of this season, but he put in the hard work to find his way back to the Giants.

Beck threw three and a third innings, and he gave up a run in the top of the fifth. It was a big day for him, and he made clear after the game how thankful he was for the support following everything he went through this year.

Matt Chapman hit a line drive home run to left-center in the bottom of sixth to make it 7-2, but Nelson was dominant Tuesday night over six and two thirds. He gave up just two runs and four hits, and he struck out nine.

Despite the lows the Giants have suffered this season, they have never phoned it in. They have been a group of true fighters who have grinded out every out all season. Even at their lowest points, they never gave up. Tuesday night was no different.

Diamondbacks Manager Torrey Lovullo brought in Ryan Thompson for what was expected to be a quiet bottom of the eighth inning. However, the Giants had other plans with the top of the order up.

Yastrzemski led off the inning with a home run to left-center to make it 7-3, and the Giants put runners at first and second with two outs. Jerar Encarnacion and Patrick Bailey then knocked in runs with base-hits to cut the deficit to 7-5.

Lovullo brought in Justin Martinez to face Luciano. Luciano committed another error in his return to the big leagues tonight, but he had a chance for a big hit in the bottom of the eighth. On the first pitch, he took a slider right on the inside corner and fisted it the other way to right for a base-hit, and it was now 7-6 with the tying run just 90 feet away at third.

The Giants and the 23,545 fans at the ballpark tonight were making noise. Luis Matos came up, but he struck out on three pitches, and the Diamondbacks kept their lead going to the ninth.

Arizona would get a run back against Erik Miller in the top of the ninth to make it 8-6, but the Giants still kept it going against Martinez in the bottom of the ninth. Yastrzemski lined a base-hit to right to start the inning, and after Fitzgerald struck out for the first out, Heliot Ramos lined a double down the line in left to make it 8-7.

It was a one-run game again, and the Giants had the tying run in scoring position with one out. The Giants had a chance to once again pull off a big win and give themselves and their fans a faint glimmer of hope with their season all but done.

However, it was not meant to be. Chapman grounded out back to the mound, and after Lovullo elected to walk LaMonte Wade, Encarnacion struck out swinging to end the game.

Ryne Nelson picked up the win; Kyle Harrison took the loss; and Justin Martinez got his eighth save of the year. The Giants have now lost three-straight and fall to 68-71. They are now seven and a half games back of the Braves with 23 games to go, and their tragic number to be eliminated is 16.

Hayden Birdsong (3-4, 5.14 ERA) will try and bounce back after a rough August, and he will take the ball for the Giants in the second game of this series Wednesday night. Zac Gallen (10-6, 3.87 ERA) will make the start for the Diamondbacks. First pitch will be at 6:45 p.m PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s hope to rebound after losing series to D-Backs; Oakland hosts LA Angels Tuesday

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (left) fields the ball against the Oakland A’s Tyler Nevin (right) in the top of the ninth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sun Jun 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara:

#1 Once again the Oakland A’s struggled to get any kind of run production on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the A’s lost in a four run contest 5-1. The Diamondbacks scored three times in the bottom of the seventh that pretty much sank the A’s boat.

#2 The Diamondback Brandon Pfaddt pitched six innings allowed five hits, one earned run and walked two batters and struck out eight.

#3 The Diamondbacks Blaze Alexander hit for two run RBI single that was part of the D-Backs three run seventh, A’s pitcher TJ McFarland was the pitcher of record and was charged for the three runs, giving up a hit and one walk.

#4 The A’s continue to struggle Barbara losing 12 of their last 13 games and the A’s starters continue to struggle as they’re ERAs continue to climb after since Luis Medina’s start it’s gone up to 8.31.

#5 The A’s head back to Oakland Tuesday after a day off on Monday to face the Los Angeles Angels at the Coliseum. Starting pitcher for the Angels RHP Jose Soriano (4-5, ERA 3.48) for the A’s RHP Mitch Spence (4-4, ERA 4.35) first pitch 6:40pm.

Join Barbara Mason for the Oakland A’s podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Lose Rubber Match to Arizona 5-1; Loss is A’s 12th of last 13 road games; Oakland hosts LA Angels Tuesday

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The Oakland A’s second baseman Zack Gelof (20) gets the putout on the Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll (7) and relays the ball to first for the double play in the bottom of the eighth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sun Jun 30, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s hung in this game going into the bottom of the seventh inning. This is when the Arizona Diamondbacks broke this game wide open scoring four runs and shutting down the Oakland offense. The final was 5-1 in favor of Arizona as they won this series.

Game recap: Through the first three innings of this game neither team was able to score but going into the fourth inning Arizona’s Christian Walker singled Ketel Marte home from third and the Diamondbacks had scored the first run of the game and taken the lead 1-0. Arizona had a great opportunity in the bottom of the fourth inning when they had the bases loaded but came away with only the one run in the inning.

Oakland answered back in the fifth inning tying up this game 1-1. A solo home run from Zach Gelof knotted this game. Through five innings, each team had 3 hits apiece and the A’s were already having a more productive offensive effort.

The A’s had a couple of singles in the sixth inning but left those runners stranded. The Diamondbacks had a couple of runners on base in the sixth inning as well but Medina got out of the inning holding steady through six innings. This game went into the seventh inning remaining tied at 1.

The Diamondbacks again loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning. Oakland starting pitcher Luis Medina had been relieved by T.J. McFarland after going six innings allowing four hits and one earned run with five strikeouts.

It was a quick appearance for McFarland who allowed one hit and three earned runs before being relieved by Austin Adams after less than an inning. Adams stopped the bleeding but the damage had been done in the inning. Arizona scored three runs taking a 4-1 lead. Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte all scored giving the Diamondbacks a nice lead late in the game.

In the eighth inning when Oakland desperately needed hits Miguel Andujar and Brent Rooker both struck out and Tyler Soderstrom flied out. Sean Newcomb took the mound trying to keep Oakland in this game.

Newcomb walked Eugenio Suarez who moved onto second base on a wild pitch. Geraldo Perdomo came to the plate, doubled, Suarez scored and Arizona had a 5-1 lead breaking this game wide open going into the final inning of this game. The Diamondbacks were three outs away from winning this series.

It was a quick one two three inning for Oakland. Kyle McCann struck out swinging, Tyler Nevin grounded out and Zach Gelof also struck out. It was a quick and quiet inning for the A’s losing the game 5-1.

Post game notes: Sunday afternoon the A’s met the Diamondbacks in the rubber match of their three game series the A’s dropped a 5-1 decision losing two out of three to the Diamondback. Friday night the A’s offense went crazy hitting three home runs in the ninth inning. They finished the game with four home runs and 14 hits.

Then along came Saturday night and Oakland’s bats went ice cold losing 3-0 only managing two hits in the entire game. In Sunday’s game, A’s starting pitcher Luis Medina went six innings, allowing four hits and a run. It was McFarland the A’s reliever who ran into trouble giving up three runs in the seventh inning in the four run loss for Oakland.

After another disappointing series, the A’s will now head back to Oakland for a series with the Anaheim Angels. The last time these two teams met back on June 24-26 the Angels swept Oakland. This three game series is set to get underway Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM. RHP Mitch Spence will take the mound for the A’s with a 4-4, 4.35 ERA. Starting pitcher for the Angels RHP Jorge Soriano (4-5, ERA 3.48).

A’s Offense Falters Losing to Diamondbacks In Shutout 3-0

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Oakland A’s first baseman Tyler Soderstrom (left) dives towards first base to beat the Arizona Diamondback runner Corbin Carroll (7) to first base in the bottom of the seventh inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sat Jun 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After an impressive offensive display in last night’s game, the Oakland A’s (30-55) offense today was equally unimpressive. They only managed two hits the entire game getting shutout by the Arizona Diamondbacks (39-43) 3-0. The pitching was terrible allowing ten hits and three runs in 3 1/3 innings. They still have the opportunity to win this series if they can get get their bats going in game three.

Game recap: Although the A’s did fall behind early as in Friday night’s game, there was no reason for alarm. This team has proven that they can comeback as they did in last night’s game. The Diamondbacks took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Ketel Marte singled Eugenio Suarez home for the early lead. With so much game left there was still a lot of baseball to be played. Oakland needed their offense to get this game on track.

Arizona did not back down scoring a run in the third and fourth innings. Jake McCarthy singled Christian Walker home and in the fourth inning Lourdes Jose Gurriel Jr doubled Herrera home and the Diamondbacks had a strangle hold on this game and Oakland could not do much about it.

The A’s bats remained silent through the entire game with only twp hits, one in the first inning and one hit in the seventh inning. It was such a stark contrast from what we saw last night. In game one, they had 14 and in today’s game a complete shutdown with the two hits.

Brent Rooker and Miguel Andujar had a single hit apiece but that was it offensively for Oakland. Friday night seven batters for the A’s were hitting and today only Rooker and Andujar. Consistency has been a real problem for Oakland this season and the game today was no different.

The good news is that the rubber game Sunday is a new start and could very well bring the A’ a series win. A’s pitcher Luis Medina will do his best to make that happen. His win-loss record is not great 1-3 and his ERA is 5.25. Arizona has also struggled on the mound this season. They will send Brandon Pfaadt (3-6, ERA 4.45) to start as they will be looking to take the series as well.

It was not a great outing for Hogan Harris in game two. He only lasted 3 1/3 innings allowing 10 hits and three runs and had only three strikeouts. On the other hand the Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen returned from IR holding the A’s to a single hit in six innings for the 3-0 win. Gallen threw 77 pitches, 50 strikes striking out seven A’s. Ketel Marte had another solid game with three hits which put the stops on a three-game losing streak for Arizona.

Game notes: After a banner night Friday night the A’s took on the Diamondbacks in game two of their series. There was not much that Oakland could not do Friday night in game one from hitting, to defense to pitching; it was magic and the team needed to keep the ball rolling into the second game of the series.

They have suffered setbacks far too often in the past and ended up repeating an old pattern Saturday with no run production and no hitting. Hogan Harris took the mound for the A’s and couldn’t keep this winning streak alive in the loss. The Diamondbacks assigned Gallen who made his first start since May coming off the IL and wound up shutting out the A’s in six innings pitched.

Sunday afternoon, the A’s will be looking to win this series. They will need a lot more then two hits to do it and they will need Luis Medina to set the stage. Medina will be challenged with a very solid and deep Arizona roster. First pitch for game three is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

A’s 11 Game Road Losing Streak Comes to an End Beating Arizona 9-4

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Oakland A’s Zack Gelof (20) is congratulated at the plate by Shea Langeliers (23) after scoring against Arizona Diamondbacks in the top of the third inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Fri Jun 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (29-54) losing streak came to an end beating the Arizona Diamondbacks (39-42) 9-4. The A’s had 14 hits and four home runs in this game. Three of those home runs came in the ninth inning, the first two back to back. JP Sears had a great game on the mound. This was an all-around complete game for the team.

Thursday, Oakland had the day off, a badly needed bit of time off. These guys have been struggling for a long time now in fact the last time they won a road series was back on April 26. This series could be a tough call for the A’s as they take on last seasons’ National League Champions.

Arizona had a very slow start this season and they are still fighting to catch up although they are third in the NL West. Their offense has been solid but they have stumbled considerably on the mound. Friday night the A’s battled and ended their long 11 game road losing streak with a win over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Game recap: The Arizona Diamondbacks got this game going early scoring twice in the first inning. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled Ketel Marte home for the 1-0 lead. They extended their lead when Randal Grichuk hit a ground rule double and Gurriel scored taking a 2-0 lead and the Arizona offense had not disappointed. Arizona pitcher Slade Cecconi blew right through Oakland in the first two innings.

The Oakland starting lineup got a feel for Arizona pitcher Blade Cecconi in the opening innings and took it to the Diamondbacks in the third inning. Brent Rooker singled Zach Gelof home followed by a single off the bat of Shea Langeliers that drove Miguel Andujar home and this game was tied 2-2. Cecconi got a little shaky walking two runners in the third inning as the A’s had settled in offensively.

Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning. Max Schuemann sacrificed Armando Alvarez home. Schuemann has made great strides making his way from near the bottom of the lineup moving on up. He has been consistent and Alvarez has also made waves. Both of these guys were responsible for giving Oakland a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning.

The Oakland lead was short-lived when the Diamondbacks tied up this game 3-3 in the sixth inning. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had his second hit of the game and it was a hit that left the yard for a solo shot.

After a rough start A’s pitcher JP Sears came alive. He gave up the two runs in the first inning but then it was Sears who was blowing through the Arizona lineup. He would finish going six innings allowing five hits, three runs with six strikeouts. After a fine pitching performance Sears was relieved by Scott Alexander.

The Diamondbacks took back the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning 4-3. Ketel Marte had his second hit of the game, a single that drove Corbin Carroll home. Oakland got out of the inning but with only two innings left in the game they had some work to do trailing by a single run.

Oakland got to work straight away with their first at-bat in the eighth inning. Tyler Soderstrom hit his seventh home run of the season to tie up this game 4-4. The Soderstrom home run was just the beginning for the A’s. They took the lead 5-4 when Zach Gelof tripled and Armando Alvarez scored. Oakland finished off the inning on a Max Schuemann single that drove Zach Gelof home giving the A’s a 6-4 lead.

A Brandon Hughes pitch right down the middle sailed out of the yard off the bat of Brent Rooker for the A’s first home run of the ninth inning. Oakland would hit a second home run in the same inning; this one from Shea Langeliers in back to back homers and an 8-4 lead.

There was no quitting for these guys as they hit their third home run of the inning, this one courtesy of Daz Cameron extending their lead to 9-4. Oakland had four home runs in this game and they also had 14 hits in a highly productive offensive effort.

It was “Miller Time” as pitcher Mason Miller came in to close out this game. He struck out the first two batters he faced. The reaper secured the win 9-4 in a three up, three out ninth inning. The Athletic drought had come to an end.

Game notes: Friday night the A’s went into Phoenix with a single purpose in mind: to end an 11-game road losing streak. The A’s took on the Diamondbacks after getting swept by the Anaheim Angels earlier this week dropping their fifth straight game overall.

While manager Mark Kotsay blames the slide on a lot of mental mistakes, it goes deeper than that. The A’s lefty JP Sears made the start. Sears has also been struggling going 0-3 in his first four starts in June with a 9.18 ERA. In his past two starts he did not get past the second inning. His struggles with command are no secret Sears has never faced Arizona in his three-year career. Sears had a much better game than his last three outings going six innings, giving up five hits, three runs , striking out six hitters in the A’s win.

The Diamondbacks came into this game after losing to the Minnesota Twins Thursday 13-6. Arizona started right-hander Slade Cecconi to open the series. Cecconi has never faced Oakland in his two-year career. Cecconi went four innings, giving up five hits, three earned runs, and struck out seven hitters.

Game two in this three game series will be played Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 PM. Hogan Harris will get the start for Oakland with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 2.72 ERA. The A’s offense will be facing Zac Gallen with a 5-4 win/loss record and a 3.12 ERA.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s have given up 30 runs in the last five games; Hope to stop the skid tonight in Arizona

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Oakland A’s pitcher JP Sears seen here throwing against the Houston Astros on Sat May 25, 2024 struggled in his last outing against the Minnesota Twins giving up eight runs on Sat Jun 22, 2024. Sears starts Fri Jun 28, 2024 in Arizona in an effort to get back on track. (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, for A’s manager Mark Kotsay the struggles continue as the A’s lost their fifth straight game on Wednesday in Anaheim.

#2 The pitching has struggled in the last five games the A’s have given up 30 runs that’s six runs allowed. Once again Kotsay is trying work with the pitching staff. It’s critical that the A’s work on keeping the run production down its one of the reasons why the A’s are on this skid.

#3 Of the 14 runs the A’s pitching have given up have come from two pitchers JP Sears (8) and Mitch Spence (6). The rest of the starters have also struggled to keep the A’s in games.

#4 Jeremiah, with the loses it’s kept the A’s from seeing closer Mason Miller to come in and shut down their opponents. So when Miller does get a chance he could be cold or his timing off because he hasn’t seen action in awhile.

#5 Tonight the A’s will start JP Sears (4-7, ERA 5.04) he’ll face the Arizona Diamondbacks Slade Cecconi (2-6, ERA 5.74) at Chase Field in Phoenix. First pitch 6:40pm PT. After having Thursday off could that help get the A’s get back on track and give them a chance to end the 5 game skid tonight?

Join Jeremiah each Friday for the A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants open 3 game series in Texas Friday night

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Erik Miller (68) deals against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the bottom of the sixth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wed Jun 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, the San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores was key in the Giants 8-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Wednesday afternoon. Flores helped out with a third inning grand slam.

#2 The Giants who snapped their six game losing streak got a rally going with six runs for a 9-3 win. The run production came through to conclude the three game series for the Giants.

#3 The Giants also got a home run from Heliot Ramos in the third inning off Diamondbacks pitcher Jordan Montgomery.

#4 Ramos found six ways to get on base with two hits and four walks, Flores got his first home run in 50 games so needless to say Giants manager Bob Melvin had faith in Flores.

#5 The Giants are headed for Texas for a three game series starting Friday night. They’ll start RHP Logan Webb (4-5, ERA 2.95) for the Rangers Michael Lorenzen (3-3, ERA 2.96) 5:05pm PT first pitch.

Join Michael Duca for the San Francisco Giants podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Melvin motivates and six-run third inning leads Giants to much needed 9-3 win to snap six-game losing streak

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San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores salutes after getting a single in the top of the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wed Jun 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Chase Field

Phoenix, Arizona

San Francisco Giants 9 (30-33)

Arizona Diamondbacks 3 (29-33)

Win: Sean Hjelle (3-1)

Loss: Jordan Montgomery (3-4)

Time: 3:30

Attendance: 24,178

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants finally snapped their six-game losing streak, and the offense finally came back to life, as a six-run third inning, capped off by a grand slam by Wilmer Flores carried the Giants to a 9-3 win over the Diamondbacks to salvage a game in Phoenix on Wednesday.

The Giants weathered some massive blows, and they won 10 of 12 to get to a season-high two games over .500 at 29-27. However, they have since taken a couple more blows, and have fallen back on hard times with a brutal six-game losing streak.

The Giants were three outs away from salvaging a game in their three-game series against the white-hot New York Yankees on Sunday, but the Yankees scored four runs off Camilo Doval in the top of the ninth inning to sweep them.

The Giants then lost the first two games of their three game series in the Sonoran Desert against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They lost on a walk-off home run by Pavin Smith on Monday, and then they lost again last night and just seemed lifeless and out of it.

Manager Bob Melvin aired out his frustrations with the team in the clubhouse following last night’s game, and today, the Giants desperately needed a win. There was no other way to say it.

The Giants would turn to Jordan Hicks, who President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi has successfully converted from a reliever to a starter. Hicks came into Wednesday’s game 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 12 starts, and the Giants would need another solid start from him Wednesday afternoon.

The veteran left-hander, Jordan Montgomery would make the start for Arizona, and the Giants had him on the ropes in the top of the first inning. Heliot Ramos walked with one out, and Thairo Estrada lined a base-hit to left field to put runners at first and second.

However, it would be another wasted opportunity for the Giants. Matt Chapman grounded out softly to first base, and Jorge Soler struck out swinging, as the Giants once again came up empty handed.

Hicks also ran into trouble in the bottom of the first. Corbin Carroll singled to right to get things started, and he advanced to second when Hicks used three disengagements with Blaze Alexander at the plate. Hicks then struck Alexander out swinging, and he also struck Joc Pederson out looking.

Hicks was looking to get out of it without any damage, but Lourdes Gurriel lined a single to left to knock in Carroll and put Arizona on the board first.

Both teams went down scoreless in the second, and the Giants looked to finally break through in the top of the third. Austin Slater, who was activated off the 10-Day Injured List prior to the game, led off the inning and did what he does best, and that’s line a base-hit the other way to right. Heliot Ramos then stayed hot and hit a towering two-run home run to left-center, his fifth home run of the season, to give the Giants their first lead of the series.

The Giants were just getting started off Montgomery. Estrada lined a base-hit to left, and Chapman walked. Soler singled on a soft ground ball to center, as Estrada was held at third, and that meant the bases would be loaded for Wilmer Flores. Flores hit a grand slam to left, and suddenly the Giants’ offense had woken up to score six runs in the top of the third, as they led it 6-1.

The Giants were looking to keep going. Mike Yastrzemski grounded a single up the middle, and Montgomery’s day was done after just two-plus innings.

Logan Allen was the new pitcher for Arizona, and he immediately walked Tyler Fitzgerald to put runners at first and second with still nobody out. Curt Casali, who got the start behind the plate Wednesday, flew out to left for the first out.

The Giants had now batted around, as Slater came back to plate after leading off the inning with a base-hit. With Slater up, Yastrzemski and Fitzgerald executed a double steal of second and third, but Slater struck out swinging for the second out. Ramos walked to load the bases, but Estrada grounded out to third to end the inning.

Hicks had to sit for awhile, and he ran into a bit of trouble in the bottom of the third. Alexander started off the inning with an infield hit, and Gurriel walked with one out. Hicks was then able to settle down, and he struck Pavin Smith and Eugenio Suarez out, both looking, to end the inning.

Allen pitched a scoreless top of the fourth, and Hicks ran into more trouble in the bottom of the fourth. Jake McCarthy walked to start the inning, and Kevin Newman singled him over to second.

Catcher Tucker Barnhart tried to lay down a bunt, but he popped it back to Hicks. Hicks then struck Carroll out swinging for the second out, but Alexander reached on an infield hit up the middle to load the bases.

Hicks thought he had struck out Joc Pederson to end the inning on a 3-2 slider that nicked the outside corner, but Home Plate Umpire Chris Guccione called it ball four, and McCarthy scored to make it 6-2. Hicks had been getting pinched by Guccione throughout the day, and that helped drive his pitch count up to 92 pitches.

As a result, Hicks was done after three and two thirds innings. Hicks had a bloated pitch count, but he still received praise from his manager, Bob Melvin, when he got back to the dugout. Sean Hjelle came in for Hicks and got Gurriel to ground out to end the inning.

Allen pitched a 1-2-3 top of the fifth, and Smith made it a 6-3 game with a home run to right to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Hjelle then retired the side to send the game to the sixth.

The Giants looked to add on against Allen in the top of the sixth. Ramos led off the inning with a base-hit to left for his second hit of the day. Estrada reached on an error, and Chapman walked to load the bases.

Yastrzemski thought he had walked to knock in a run with two outs, but Guccione called it a strike. After Yastrzemski flew out to left to end the inning, he had a few choice words for Guccione, and Melvin tore into Guccione, but the cool and collective veteran umpire kept both Yastrzemski and Melvin in the game.

“You know what, that’s a hard time to call for an umpire,” said Melvin. “I went and told [Guccione] that afterwards. It really is. It’s excruciating to have to call a game like that [with] so many really really close pitches at the bottom of the zone. I’m very understanding of that, but you know, you’re trying to stand up for your team. I appreciate him keeping me in the game. I’m shocked I was still in the game after that play, so I thanked him for that.”

Bryce Jarvis came in for Allen, and just as soon as the Giants’ offense had finally awakened, they just as quickly reverted back to their old ways. Jarvis retired the side in order, and the Giants wasted a bases-loaded, no-out golden opportunity.

Left-handed flame thrower Erik Miller pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the sixth, and the Giants wasted another opportunity against Jarvis in the top of the seventh. Ryan Walker came in and pitched a scoreless bottom of the seventh for the Giants. Jorge Soler hit an absolute bomb to left off Brandon Hughes with one out in the top of the eighth to make it 7-3.

Submariner Tyler Rogers pitched a scoreless bottom of the eighth, and the Giants added on two more runs in the top of the ninth to open it up to 9-3. Thairo Estrada knocked in Michael Conforto with a double high off the wall in left-center with nobody out, and Wilmer Flores, who was up with the bases loaded for the third time today, knocked in Heliot Ramos with a sacrifice fly to right.

The Diamondbacks got two runners on against Randy Rodriguez in the bottom of the ninth, but Rodriguez closed it out to end it.

Sean Hjelle, who came in for Hicks in the bottom of the fourth, got the win, and Jordan Montgomery took the loss.

Bob Melvin’s message after Tuesday night’s game certainly worked, as the Giants looked like a completely different team. The Giants have finally snapped their six-game losing streak, and they improve to 30-33 on the year.

“It had nothing to do with me,” Melvin humbly said. “We just had good at-bats today.”

Now, the Giants will head to Arlington, Texas for a day off Thursday and the second leg of this all-2023 World Series road trip to take on former Giants Manager Bruce Bochy and the Defending World Champion Texas Rangers for a three-game series starting on Friday.

For Friday night Giants’ ace Logan Webb (4-5, ERA 2.95) will be on the mound. The Rangers will start Michael Lorenzen (3-3, ERA 2.96) First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. in Arlington, and 5:05 p.m. back home in San Francisco.

Giants News and Notes:

Heliot Ramos had himself quite a day, as he went 2-for-2 with two runs and four walks. He also became the fifth San Francisco Giants’ number-two hitter to reach base six times in one game.

“I’m just staying with my pitch [and] trying to attack the right pitch and make the right decision,” said Ramos. “It was really tough [to take those four walks], because I like swinging the bat.”

“He’s just so balanced,” said Manager Bob Melvin. “Every take, every swing, he’s completely locked in. I mean who walks four times, especially when you’re hitting like he is? You want to swing…..It’s really cool to watch, because he’s such a good kid. It’s been kind of a hard road for him to get here, and he’s taking full advantage of it.”

Austin Slater was of course activated off the 10-Day IL prior to today’s game. Luis Matos, who has considerably cooled off since winning the National League Player of the Week Award with his historic 16-RBI performance from May 13-19, was sent back down to Triple-A Sacramento.