Tag: Arizona Diamondbacks

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.

Diamondbacks score 3 in the third and 4 in the seventh in 8-5 win over Giants at Chase; SF suffers sixth straight loss

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison pitches in the bottom of the first inning against the Arizona Diamondback at Chase Field in Phoenix on Tue Jun 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Chase Field

Phoenix, Arizona

San Francisco Giants 5 (29-33)

Arizona Diamondbacks 8 (29-32)

Win: Kevin Ginkel (4-1)

Loss: Kyle Harrison (4-3)

Save Paul Sewald (6)

Time: 2:59

Attendance: 23,548

By Stephen Ruderman

Make it six in a row for the Giants, as Kyle Harrison had better control, but he still gave up four runners over six innings; and while they showed a little fight later on, the offense was still pretty much shut down in an 8-5 loss to the Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Tuesday night.

The Giants came into Tuesday night losers of five-straight, and they turned to their young left-hander, Kyle Harrison, to be the stopper. It would be a matchup of left-handers, as Arizona went with Blake Walston.

Heliot Ramos, who was coming off a 2-for-4 game with a home run Monday night, was in the leadoff spot tonight and started the game off with a walk. Thairo Estrada, who was back in the lineup, struck out swinging, and Patrick Bailey grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Gabriel Moreno singled on a ground ball to left field with one out in the bottom of the first inning, but like the top of the inning, the three-hitter, in this case, Lourdes Gurriel, grounded into an inning-ending double play.

The Giants threatened in the top of the second. Matt Chapman singled to left, and Michael Conforto walked to put runners at first and second with nobody out. Jorge Soler popped out to second, and Wilmer Flores walked to load the bases.

The Giants were in a prime position to get out to an early lead, but Casey Schmitt struck out on a foul tip, and Luis Matos flew out to left-center to end the inning. The Giants had wasted another opportunity, but Kyle Harrison helped atone for it by throwing a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the second.

The top of the third was almost the exact same as the top of the first. Hellot Ramos reached first for free, though this time, it was due to a curve from Walston that awkwardly hit Ramos on the side of his left knee. The fact that the Giants’ trainers were laughing instead of coming out was a sure sign that the 76-MPH curve did not hurt Ramos. Like the top of the first, Estrada was retired for the first out, and Patrick Bailey grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Jake McCarthy grounded one the other way for a base-hit to start the bottom of the third. Blaze Alexander then doubled McCarthy over to third. That brought up Kevin Newman, who lined a base-hit off the glove of third-baseman Matt Chapman that ricocheted into left field. McCarthy and Alexander both scored to give the Diamondbacks a 2-0 lead, and Newman moved up to second on the throw from left-fielder Michael Conforto.

Ketel Marte singled Newman over to third, and Moreno knocked him in with a sacrifice fly to right to make it 3-0. Gurriel then grounded into his second double play of the game to end the inning. With that, both teams’ number-three hitters had grounded into double plays.

The Giants looked to get on the board in the top of the fourth, as Chapman doubled to lead off the inning, and he advanced to third on a ground out by Conforto. Soler then knocked in Chapman with a ground out to short. It wasn’t an RBI hit with runners in scoring position, which the Giants have been so-dearly lacking, but it was an RBI, period, with a runner in scoring position. Hey, the Giants were on the board, so they would take it.

Unfortunately for the Giants, their momentum would be short-lived. Christian Walker lined a double to left to start the inning, and he advanced to third when Randal Grichuk reached on an error by shortstop Casey Schmitt. Harrison looked to get out of it unscathed after Walker was thrown out at the plate for the first out, and McCarthy struck out swinging for the second out. However, Alexander knocked in Grichuk with a base-hit to left, and Arizona had their run back, as they led it 4-1.

The Giants were hoping to bounce back in the top of the fifth, and they were in a decent position to do so. Schmitt was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and Ramos walked with one out. Kevin Ginkel came in for Walston and struck Estrada out swinging for the second out. The Giants would then finally get an RBI hit with a runner in scoring position, as Bailey knocked in Schmitt with a soft single to left to make it 4-2.

Harrison settled down with a scoreless bottom of the fifth, and Ginkel retired the first two men he faced in the top of the sixth. Wilmer Flores singled to left, and after Bob Melvin sent up Brett Wisely to pinch-hit for Schmitt, and Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo countered by bringing in left-hander Joe Mantiply. Lovullo’s move paid off, as Wisely grounded out to short to end the inning.

Harrison finished off what was a so-so outing on a good note, as he threw a 1-2-3 bottom of the sixth. Harrison was in much better control, as he didn’t walk anyone in his six innings of work, but he still gave up four runs and eight hits.

“I could be better,” said Harrison. “[I’ve] been working on a lot of stuff with my mechanics. I’m just trying to get back to [being] the version of myself that I’m used to seeing. [It] was a good step forward for me today. [The] velo[city] was there, it felt good. The changeup was there, [and] the slider was there, so [this] was a good [outing] to build on for sure.”

Justin Martinez came in for Arizona in the seventh, and Luis Matos led off the inning with an infield hit. Matos eventually got to third after a ground out and a wild pitch, and Bailey walked with two outs to put runners on the corners. It was up to Matt Chapman, but he stood and stared at a 101-MPH sinker for strike three to end the inning. It was yet another wasted golden opportunity for the offense.

Luke Jackson came in for Harrison in the bottom of the seventh, and things imploded for the Giants. Alexander grounded a single to right and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Newman. Jackson had a chance to get the lead runner at second, but Wisely, who was now in at short, forgot to cover the bag, and Jackson had to settle for the out at first.

Marte walked, and then Moreno floated a base-hit to left to score Alexander and make it 5-2. Gurriel followed that up with a double down the left field line that scored two and opened up Arizona’s lead to 7-2. With two outs, Grichuk knocked in Gurriel with a base-hit to left, and the Diamondbacks had now made it a laugher at 8-2.

Bryce Jarvis came in for Arizona in the top of the eighth, and he set down the first two men he faced. Flores walked with two outs, but he got a couple of sinkers up and in, and he let Ginkel know that he didn’t like it. Perhaps, that might have woken up the Giants.

Wisely also drew a walk, and Mike Yastrzemski pinch-hit for Luis Matos and hooked a three-run home run down the right field line to suddenly but quietly close it back to just a three-run game at 8-5. Yastrzemski, who is one of the veteran leaders for the Giants, quietly rounded the bases, as he hoped to be a spark.

Left-hander Taylor Rogers, who finished the bottom of the seventh, threw a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Lovullo then brought in his closer, Paul Sewald for the ninth.

Estrada was hit by a pitch to start the top of the ninth, but it was an 82-MPH slider that Estrada leaned into with his bulky fastball orange elbow guard. Hey, it was a break for the Giants.

The Giants almost caught another break when Bailey hit a ground ball up the middle that Kevin Newman fielded from short, as when Newman fielded it, instead of taking the sure out at first, he flipped the ball behind his back to the second-baseman, Ketel Marte, to barely get Estrada at second. It was a mentally-boneheaded, but a physically-terrific play by Newman. Sewald then struck Chapman out swinging and struck Conforto out looking to end it.

Kevin Ginkel ended up getting the win, and Kyle Harrison took his third loss of the year, as well as his second-straight. Paul Sewald picked up his sixth save.

The Giants fall back to four games under .500 at 29-33, and they have also now lost six-straight, as things are beginning to spiral. They also looked out of it throughout a lot of the game.

“That was a terrible game by us today,” said a visibly-upset Bob Melvin after the game. “When you’re going through losing streaks, at least you fight. For the most part, we have. That was an awful game. We made it interesting at the end, but [we] didn’t play well…..We had [their] starter on the ropes every inning, [and we] couldn’t cash in. It’s a bad game and a bad stretch by us. We just look like we were running around in quick sand for awhile.”

The Giants will try to snap their losing streak and salvage a game in the finale of this three game series Wednesday afternoon its Jordan vs. Jordan with the Giants RHP Jordan Hicks (4-2, ERA 2.70) going against the Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (3-3, ERA 5.48) . First pitch will be at 12:40 p.m.

Giants News and Notes:

Jung-hoo Lee had successful surgery Tuesday to repair his dislocated left shoulder.

Lee dislocated his shoulder after crashing into the unpadded portion of the small right-center field wall at Oracle Park, as he was going for a fly ball in the top of the first inning of the Giants’ game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 12.

Lee’s recovery will take six months, and while he will be out for the remainder of this season, he should be good and ready to go when the Giants report to Spring Training next February.

Robbie Ray gave up a hit and struck out the side in the in the bottom of the first inning for the Giants’ team in the Arizona Complex League in their game against the Mariners’ team in Peoria.

This was Ray’s first appearance against live hitting since undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow on May 3 of last year.

Keaton Winn followed up Ray’s outing, and gave up a run and struck out six over three and two thirds innings. Winn has been on the 15-Day Injured List since leaving his start on May 14 against the Dodgers with a right forearm injury.

MLB News and Notes:

Major League Baseball officially concluded their investigation into the gambling accusations of Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara on Tuesday after Mizuhara pled guilty to bank and tax fraud charges. Mizuhara faces up to 33 years in prison.

Major League Baseball banned infielder Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on his own team’s ganes.

Marcano placed bets for games in October 2022, as well as for games from July to November of last year. He made 387 bets in total, some of which were made involving games of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who Mercano played for last season.

Marcano, who is from Tucupita, Venezuela, played for the San Diego Padres in 2021, and spent 2022 and last season with the Pirates.

Marcano becomes the first player since Pete Rose to be banned from Baseball for placing bets on games.

MLB also suspended four other players for a year for placing bets on major league games.

Those players include pitchers Michael Kelly of the Oakland A’s, Andrew Saalfrank of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jay Groome of the San Diego Padres, as well as infielder Jose Rodriguez of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pavin Smith and Diamondbacks hand Giants their fifth-straight loss with walk-off home run 4-2

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Arizona Diamondbacks Pinch hitter Pavin Smith thanks heaven above for the ability to hit the game winning walk off home run to defeat the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the ninth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Mon Jun 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

Monday, June 3, 2024

Chase Field

Phoenix, Arizona

San Francisco Giants 2 (29-32)

Arizona Diamondbacks 4 (28-32)

Win: Ryan Thompson (3-2)

Loss: Randy Rodriguez(1-1)

Time: 2:12

Attendance: 21,551

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants took another brutal defeat on the chin tonight at Chase Field for their fifth-straight loss, as their offense remained stagnant for the most part, and Pavin Smith hit a pinch-hit walk-off home run in the bottom the ninth to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a 4-2 win over the Giants in the series opener.

The Giants were looking to get a fresh start out on the road after suffering their worst loss of the season Sunday. Monday night, they would be up against the defending national league pennant winner Arizona Diamondbacks in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Right-handed Ryne Nelson made the start for Arizona, and he was perfect the first time through the Giants’ order, as he set down the first nine men he faced.

Bob Melvin decided to have a bullpen game for the Giants, and Erik Miller would do the honors as the opener. Miller immediately ran into trouble in the bottom of the first inning when Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno led off the inning with singles. Miller was then able to settle down, as he got former Giant Joc Pederson to fly out to center field, and he got Christian Walker to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Spencer Howard took the mound in the bottom of the second for the Giants, and he would not be so lucky. Lourdes Gurriel led off the inning with a line drive home run to left, and Arizona was still going. With one out, Eugenio Suarez hit a triple off the bottom of the wall in right-center, and two batters later with two outs, Blaze Alexander grounded a base-hit up the middle to knock in Suarez and make it 2-0.

Howard pitched a scoreless bottom of the third, and the Giants finally had their first base-runner when Brett Wisely singled to right to start the fourth. With one out and Wisely at second, Matt Chapman put the Giants on the board with a double out to the gap in left-center. The Giants were then looking to tie it, but Michael Conforto, who was in the lineup for the first time since May 11, popped out to second, and Heliot Ramos grounded out to second.

Spencer Howard then got into a groove. Starting with a Gurriel ground out to end the bottom of the third, Howard retired nine-straight until Melvin pulled him with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. Sean Hjelle came in for Howard and got Gurriel to ground out to end the inning.

Nelson remained mostly in control for the Diamondbacks. The Giants left Wisely at second in the top of the sixth, but with one out in the top of the seventh, Ramos tied the game with a long home run to right-center.

“I’m just trying to stay confident and stay positive all the time,” said Ramos. “Not everyday I’m going to feel the same, but I just want to make adjustments and keep going.”

“I think he already has [established himself here], really,” said Melvin. “From the minute he got here, [he has] played with a lot of confidence…..[we’ve] hit him everywhere in the lineup, from in the middle to leadoff, and [he] continues to play with a lot of energy. He’s playing great.”

Hjelle hit Corbin Carroll with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, and Alexander singled him over to second. Hjelle was then able to get out of it after Marte popped out to catcher Patrick Bailey.

Casey Schmitt started the eighth with a base-hit to center, and then Trenton Brooks grounded into a double play. That would be it for Ryne Nelson, who ate up seven and two thirds innings for Arizona. Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo brought in Ryan Thompson, who got Brett Wisely to ground out back to the mound to end the inning.

Tyler Rogers pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth for the Giants, and Thompson was back out for the top of the ninth. Matt Chapman singled with one out, and with two outs and Ramos at the plate, Melvin put on the hit and run, as Ramos singled Chapman over to third.

The Giants were in position to take the lead. They initially did when Jorge Soler hit a ground ball down the line to third-baseman Eugenio Suarez, who made an off-line throw to first, and anx First Base Umpire Brian Knight called Soler safe. However, Lovullo challenged the play, and on review, Soler was out to end the inning.

It was another wasted opportunity for the Giants, as Randy Rodriguez came in to try and send this one into extra innings. Gurriel struck out swinging to start the bottom of the ninth, but Jake McCarthy blooped an opposite-field double to left, and Pavin Smith pinch-hit and hit a towering two-run walk-off home run to the right of straightaway center to end it.

Thompson got the win, and Rodriguez was shoved with the loss. This is the fifth-straight loss for the Giants, who now fall to 29-32, and this is the first time they have dropped five-straight this year.

Despite another rough ending, there were some positives in this game for the Giants. Ramos went 2-for-4, and he showed some range in the outfield with a couple of running catches.

“[I try to] be aggressive with my position, trust myself and trust my instincts,” said Ramos. “As long as they keep giving me the opportunity, I’m going to be grateful, and I’m gonna try and do what I do best: that is play baseball.”

Kyle Harrison (4-2, ERA 4.15) will try and be the stopper Tuesday night, as the Giants will try and get their first win in a week in Game 2 of this series. The Diamondbacks will start Blake Walston (0-0, ERA 2.16) First pitch will be at 6:40 p.m.

News and Notes:

Michael Conforto was activated off the 10-Day Injured List prior to the game. In a counter move, Blake Snell was placed back on the 15-Day IL.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Was Snell damaged goods before coming to San Francisco?

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell (left) departs from the mound after being lifted in the top of the fifth inning by manager Bob Melvin (right) against the Arizona Diamondback on Fri Apr 19, 2024 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael, pitcher Blake Snell had been rocked in his last two outings in Tampa Bay on Apr 14 giving up six hits and seven runs and on Apr 19 against Arizona giving up nine hits and five runs. He’s on the 15 day IL for an adductor strain. Watching him in his last start was there any indication to you he was in any kind of physical struggle or discomfort?

#2 Snell comes to the Giants on a two year deal for $62 million. He was the touted free agent in the off season and during spring training signing with the Giants during pre season. It was said that another MLB team didn’t want Snell and he was damaged goods. How much confidence did general manager Pete Putila have in signing a healthy Snell?

#3 In Wednesday’s matinee the New York Mets avoided getting swept by the Giants with a 8-2 win. After Snell’s scratch it turned into a bullpen game with Ryan Walker getting the start after pitching one inning of shutout ball he was lifted for Sean Hjelle who gave up two hits and three earned runs and reliever Landen Roupp faired no better giving up three hits and three earned runs in one and one third innings of work.

#4 The Mets Francisco Lindor went yard twice against Giant pitching with two home runs and helped the Mets end their three game losing streak. The Mets had lost the first two games of the three game series.

#5 The Pittsburgh Pirates come calling for the first of three games against the Giants on Friday night at Oracle Park. The Pirates are coming off a series with the Milwaukee Brewers and will start Quinn Priester (0-1 ERA 8.31) for the Giants Kyle Harrison 2-1 (ERA 5.00) for a 7:15pm PDT first pitch.

Join Michael for the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com