Tag: AT&T Park

Samardzija looks good, despite Giants’ hard-fought 3-2 loss to Cardinals

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Photo credit: @mlbtraderumors

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — With the exception of one bad inning, it was a sufficient return for Jeff Samardzija to the San Francisco Giants’ starting rotation before game three versus the St. Louis Cardinals.

Carlos Martinez helped out his own cause, as he doubled in the top of the third inning, as the Cardinals defeated the Giants 3-2 before a crowd of 39,606 at AT&T Park on Saturday afternoon.

Martinez’s double scored Kolten Wong, who singled to lead-off the inning, went to second on a Francisco Pena ground out and then scored on the Martinez double.

With the loss, the Giants have lost five out of their last six following the sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks from June 29 to July 1.

During this six game stretch, the Giants are hitting .167, as they are 31-for-186 at the plate against the Colorado Rockies and the Cardinals.

The Cardinals added two runs in the top of the fourth inning, as Dexter Fowler hit a sacrifice fly that scored Marcell Ozuna. After the Ozuna singled with one out in the inning, Paul DeJong then singled Ozuna to third base.

Wong picked up his second hit in as many at-bats, and then Francisco Pena drove in DeJong with a sharp single of his own.

Through the first three games of the series, Wong has multi-hit games in all three games and is batting .500 (6-for-12) with a double, triple and two runs batted in.

Brandon Belt drove in the Giants’ lone run of the afternoon in the bottom of the sixth inning, as he doubled off the right field wall to score Gorkys Hernandez, who led off the inning with a single.

Belt got back in on the act in the bottom of the eighth inning, as he singled off of Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks, who replaced Martinez in the bottom of the frame.

Alen Hanson singled with one out, went to second on a Hicks wild pitch and then scored on Belt’s third hit in four at-bats.

The 41 runs batted in by Belt lead the team, as he drove in both runs in the one-run loss.

Martinez went seven innings, allowing one run on six hits, while walking no one and striking out three, as he improved to 6-4 on the season.

Samardzija ended up going five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking just one and striking out three, as he fell to 1-5 on the season.

This was the first game all season that the Giants’ top three starters of Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Samardzija were active at the same time. Bumgarner missed 60 games, Cueto missed 70 games and Samardzija missed 53 games.

NOTES: Bumgarner will take the mound on Sunday, as the Giants look to salvage the finale and he attempts to raise his record to 2-3 on the season. The Cardinals will look to take the series, as they will send Jack Flaherty to the mound, as he looks to improve to 4-4 on the season.

As expected, Joe Panik was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left groin strain, and the contract of Chase d’Arnaud was purchased from Triple-A Sacramento.

To make room for d’Arnaud on the 40-man roster, Hunter Strickland was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

With Samardzija coming off the disabled list, Chris Stratton was optioned to Sacramento. Prior to being optioned to Sacramento, Stratton was 8-6 on the season with a 4.93 earned run average.

Since the 2017 season, the Giants have lost six out of their last eight games against the Cardinals, and have been outscored 48-23 during that stretch.

UP NEXT: The Giants and Cardinals conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 pm PDT.

McCutchen comes through in the clutch; Giants edge Cardinals 3-2

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Photo credit: @MLBONFOX

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — Two of the veterans came through when the San Francisco Giants needed it the most, in the late innings versus the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hunter Pence came through in the clutch with a pinch-hit to lead-off the bottom of the seventh inning, and after a Buster Posey intentional walk, Andrew McCutchen singled to right to score Pence to give the Giants a 3-2 victory over the Cardinals before a crowd of 37,996 at AT&T Park on Friday night.

Alen Hanson sent Pence to second with a sacrifice bunt, and then eventual losing pitcher John Brebbla intentionally walked Posey and McCutchen singled to score Pence from second.

The Cardinals took an early 1-0 lead off of Dereck Rodriguez in the top of the second inning, as Kolten Wong double in Paul DeJong. The inning could have been worse for the Giants, but the smart thinking of Brandon Crawford put a stop to that.

Jedd Gyorko hit a triple to right-center, but Rodriguez got DeJong to ground to Crawford, who home to Buster Posey, and who tagged Gyorko out.

The Giants tied up the game in the bottom of the second inning without the benefit of a hit, as both Brandon Crawford and Pablo Sandoval each walked. Joe Panik then lined out to right field that sent Crawford to third base, and with Gorkys Hernandez at the plate, Jon Gant unfurled a wild pitch that allowed Crawford to score the tying run.

Panik’s single snapped a 0-for-16 streak with that single in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Sandoval gave the Giants in the bottom of the sixth inning, as he launched a Gant pitch and put it into the left field bleachers for his seventh home run of the season.

The Cardinals tied up the game in the top of the seventh inning, as after Rodriguez retired the first two batters of the inning, he allowed a single to DeJong and then Wong tripled to right field to tie up the game.

That would be the last pitch that Rodriguez would throw, as Bruce Bochy replaced the rookie with Reyes Moronta, who promptly struck out Bader to end the Cardinals’ threat.

Rodriguez went 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking two and striking out one, but he did not fare in the decision.

Over his last three starts, Rodriguez has an earned run average of 1.35, as he has given up just three earned runs in 20 innings.

Gant went six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking three and striking out five for the Cardinals.

Moronta faced just one batter, as he struck out Bader to end the seventh inning and picked up his fifth win of the season.

Brebbla pitched one inning, allowing one run on three hits, walking one and striking out one, as his record fell to 1-2 on the season.

With his scoreless inning in the top of the eighth, Tony Watson became just the third Giants reliever in the San Francisco era to throw 19 or more scoreless at home in a single season.

Watson joins Gary Lavelle, who threw 21 scoreless innings in 1979, and Greg Minton, who threw 27 scoreless innings in 1980.

NOTES: Jeff Samardzija will make his return to the starting rotation on Saturday afternoon, and it will be his ninth start of the season. The Cardinals will send Carlos Martinez to the mound, as he will look for his sixth win of the season.

Panik was forced to leave the game with a strained left groin after he came up limping on a double by a Gorkys Hernandez in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The second baseman will undergo an MRI on Saturday, and it could result in Panik returning to the disabled list for the second time this season.

This is the second of 34 consecutive games for the Giants in the Pacific Time zone. The next game outside of the time zone will take place on August 17, when the Giants open a three-game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.

Outfielder Heliot Ramos (World) and Right-Handed Pitcher Shaun Anderson (United States) will represent the Giants in the Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15 in Washington, D.C.

UP NEXT: The Giants and Cardinals face off again Saturday afternoon at 1:05 pm PDT.

Giants’ Johnny Cueto gets rude awakening from Cardinals, who won 11-2 in a laugher

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Harness

SAN FRANCISCO – Johnny Cueto had such a fantastic start to the 2018 season. The St. Louis Cardinals, however, made it look like it never happened.

Thursday marked starter Cueto’s return to the rotation after missing the previous two months with inflammation in his pitching elbow, and the Cardinals did not welcome him very kindly in a 11-2 drubbing of the Giants at AT&T Park on Thursday night.

It was clear from the outset that Cueto did not have his usual command, and the Cardinals capitalized. They loaded the bases off him in the first inning before they recorded an out. An RBI groundout later, Jedd Gyorko skied one the opposite way into the arcade in right field to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead.

Although he got out of that inning with no further damage, the Cardinals weren’t done with him. That’s because in the second, Matt Carpenter drilled one into the stands in right-center – the deepest part of the ballpark – to extend the St. Louis lead to five.

“He got himself in trouble there, but after that, it just got better, and that’s encouraging,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “His stuff picked up, his command picked up.

“It got to a point where I thought he was comfortable out there, but we’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” he added. “You have to be encouraged that he got better as he went. He should feel pretty good about this start. Sure, you’d like to take that first inning away, but that counts, too.”

Cueto lasted three more innings and ended up surrendering 10 hits and those five runs. It was a far cry from his performance earlier in the season, as he was 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA – the fourth-lowest ERA through five starts in Giants history – prior to going on the disabled list.

Ty Blach didn’t fare any better. He relieved Cueto in the sixth and was promptly hit with a four-spot. He recorded only two outs before being yanked in favor of Derek Holland, who was moved to the bullpen to make room for Cueto in the rotation.

Meanwhile, the Giants could not get anything going against Cardinals starter Luke Weaver at all. In fact, the Giants didn’t get a single baserunner on. The closest they came was with two out in the fifth inning, when Pablo Sandoval was initially issued a walk before the umpiring crew realized that it was still a full count.

The momentum was short-lived, as three pitches later, Weaver got Sandoval to chase a slider out of the strike zone to end the inning.

Gorkys Hernandez, who is making a serious case for being a National League All-Star, broke up Weaver’s no-hit bid in the sixth, when he legged out an infield single. Two batters later, Weaver made a rare mistake out over the plate, and Alen Hanson sent into the right-field arcade to give the Giants a little bit of life, 9-2.

Those would be the only two hits that the Giants would get from Weaver, who went eight innings and improved his record to 5-7 with a 4.92 ERA, in the best performance of his young career.

The Giants look to bounce back against the Cardinals on Friday night at 7:15 pm PDT.

My Memories of the 2007 Futures Game

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Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 11 years since AT&T Park hosted their only All-Star Game.

Yes, it will be best remembered for Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners hitting the inside-the-park home run, as the American League defeated the National League 5-3 before a crowd of 43,965 at AT&T Park.

Just two days prior to the Midsummer Classic, the Minor Leaguers were on Center Stage, or the baseball field, as they showed off their skills under San Francisco Giants legend Orlando Cepeda and Dave Winfield, who was born on the same day (October 3, 1951) that Bobby Thomson hit “The Shot Heard Round the World” home run off of Ralph Branca to give the New York Giants a 5-3 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers that propelled the Giants to the World Series, where they lost to the New York Yankees.

There were some notable players on the field on that Sunday afternoon in July of 2007 that have made a big splash on the game since then.

Joey Votto, who would go onto win a National Most Valuable Player Award for the Cincinnati Reds, hit a home run for the World Team off of future Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz, as the World team defeated the U.S. team 7-2.

Clayton Kershaw, a multi-time Cy Young Award winner for the Los Angeles Dodgers gave up a home run to James Van Ostrand to give the World team a commanding 6-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning.

“I took a good swing and got a good pitch to hit,” Votto said. “It was a fun day. I had a good time. I just had an awesome timeplaying with all these guys. I love playing with these guys. Playing against the U.S. team was just fun. Great stadium and thefans were awesome.”

Justin Upton put the U.S. on the board, as he hit a solo home run off of Faustino De Los Santos in the bottom of the third inning.

Jacoby Ellsbury, who played in six games for the Boston Red Sox prior to getting sent to the minors on the Friday prior to the game replaced Cameron Maybin of the Detroit Tigers, who was unable to play due to an injury.

“It’s been a crazy week,” Ellsbury said. “It means a lot tome to play with these guys. There are a lot of guys who will be inthe big leagues in the near future.”

There were players with Giants ties then and now, as current Giants third baseman Evan Longoria played for the U.S. team, as he represented the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez played for the World team, as he was a member of the Detroit Tigers organization and was later named the Midwest League Most Valuable Player, while playing for the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Both Brian Bocock and Henry Sosa played in the game, as they represented the Giants’ organization. Bocock and Sosa played for San Jose that season.

ESPN.com contributed to this story.

Hernandez comes up big in Giants’ 3-2 win over Rockies

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Photo credit: @elbee37

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — Gorkys Hernandez and maybe the San Francisco Giants are unsung heroes thus far during the 2018 season.

Hernandez walked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning, helping the Giants to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies before a crowd of 36,070 at AT&T Park on Tuesday night.

After Pablo Sandoval struck out for the first out of the inning, Brandon Crawford came up with his third hit of the night. Crawford proceeded to steal second base, then losing pitcher Adam Ottavino intentionally walked Joe Panik.

Austin Slater was unable to move the runners over, as he struck out for the second out of the inning; however, Ottavino was unable to get that elusive third out, as he walked pinch hitter Alen Hanson and then Hernandez to give the Giants their third win in a row and sixth in eight games on this 10-game home stand.

The Rockies attempted to tie up the game in the top of the ninth inning, as Tom Murphy came up with bloop hit and he was able to get second base, when no one was covering the base, but Sam Dyson got Gerardo Parra to strikeout for the third time in four at-bats.

Dyson was then able to induce DJ LeMahieu to ground into a game-ending double play, but it did not come without some looking into by the umpires. Rockies manager Bud Black challenged the close play at first base, as Black thought that LeMahieu was safe; however, after a 36-second replay review, the play stood and the Giants got their 14thwin of the month against nine losses.

Chris Iannetta then walked following the Parra strikeout that sent the Giants bullpen scrambling, as Will Smith immediately got down there to start throwing

Ian Desmond gave the Rockies a 1-0 in the top of the second inning, as he took a Derek Holland offering and put it into the left field seats.

Hernandez got the Giants on the board, as he hit his 10thhome run of the season, as he led off the bottom of the third inning against Chad Bettis.

Coming into the season, Hernandez’s previous career high for home runs in a season was three, when he played for the Miami Marlins in 2012. During the 2017 season, Hernandez went to the plate more times than player in the major leagues without hitting a home run.

The defense of Brandon Belt kept the score 1-0 in the top of the third inning, as he snared a Charlie Blackmon line drive and immediately stepped on first base to get LeMahieu to complete the double play.

Holland went 6.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits, walking two and striking out eight, as he was replaced by Reyes Moronta with two outs in the top of the seventh inning after he was able to get Bettis to sacrifice for the second out of the inning. Moronta got out of the inning, as he was able to strikeout LeMahieu for the final out of the inning,

LeMahieu would be the only batter that Moronta would face, as Sunday’s hero, Pence came on to pinch hit for Moronta and came up with an infield single and stayed fair, as he hit off the third base bag to stay fair. The hit by Pence was the second in a row allowed by Bettis, as Slater led off the inning with a sharp single to left field.

Slater got a rally in the bottom of the seventh inning started, as he singled off of Chad Bettis to lead off the inning.

Following the Slater single, Bettis then gave up an infield single to Hunter Pence that stayed fair, as it hit off of third base. After a sacrifice bunt by Hernandez, and an intentional walk to Buster Posey, Bettis was replaced by Adam Ottavino.

McCutchen then hit a sacrifice fly to Parra in left field, and Slater slid underneath the Murphy slide to give the Giants the lead.

Bettis went 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking four and striking out four and like Holland, he did not fare in the decision.

Unfortunately, the usual lights out Giants bullpen was unable to hold the late lead, as Mark Melancon gave up a single to Trevor Story and then scored the tying run, when Desmond came through in the clutch for his second RBI of the game, as he doubled just out of the reach of McCutchen in right field. Melancon was then replaced by Tony Watson, who was able to get out of the jam, as he got Carlos Gonzalez to ground out to end the inning.

The Rockies tried to get a rally started in the top of the fifth inning, as Carlos Gonzalez and Tom Murphy each singled to lead off the inning, but Holland settled down to get Parra and Bettis out on strikes and then Holland got LeMahieu to fly out to Hernandez in center field to end the threat.

Bettis also got out of a mini-jam in the bottom of the second inning, as he gave back-to-back singles to Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik, but Bettis then regrouped to get Slater out on strikes and then Holland grounded out to Bettis to end the inning.

After the fifth inning jam was thwarted by Holland, the Rockies put together another attempt at a rally in the top of the sixth inning, as Nolan Arenado walked and then Story singled with one out; however, Holland was able to end the threat, as he got Desmond to strike out for the second time in a row and then Gonzalez grounded out to Crawford, who on the other side of second base in the shift to end the Rockies second threat in a row.

NOTES: Madison Bumgarner goes for his second win in a row, as he takes the mound on Wednesday for the Giants, while the Rockies will send Kyle Freeland to the hill and looks to improve on his 7-6 record.

Jeff Samardzija went four innings, allowing six runs on seven hits (two home runs), two walks and six strikeouts in his third rehab start. Samardzija threw 88 pitches, 53 for strikes.

UP NEXT: The Giants and Rockies will meet again on Wednesday night at 7:15 pm PDT.

Pence’s walk-off double lifts Giants past Padres 3-2 in extras

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — With their first day off since June 7 looming, the San Francisco Giants are happy to get a day off.

Hunter Pence hit a two-run double just out of the reach of Eric Hosmer at first base, as the Giants came back to defeat the San Diego Padres 3-2 before a crowd of 39,240 at AT&T Park on Sunday afternoon.

“Just wanted to put a good swing on the ball,” said Pence. “Fortunately, I found the hole.”

Thru the first seven games of the 10-game home stand, the Giants are now 5-2 with a three-game series looming against the Colorado Rockies beginning on Tuesday night.

With the victory, this was the fourth straight home series win for the Giants.

Things were not looking good for the Giants, as they went to the bottom of the 11th inning against one of the best closers in baseball, in Brad Hand.

After Hand struck out Brandon Belt for the first out of the inning, Hand began to unravel, as he gave up a double to Andrew McCutchen, then after an intentional walk to Buster Posey that setup the possible double play, Hand hit Brandon Crawford on the elbow to load the bases.

“Cutch got the guys going with that double,” said manager Bruce Bochy.

On an 0-2 pitch from Hand, Pence hit a cue ball shot down the first base line just out of the reach of Hosmer at first that McCutchen with the tying run and Posey with the winning run.

“Ecstatic for him, been a tough road for him (Hunter),” said Bochy.

The walk-off double by Pence was his 11th career walk-off hit, and the first since May 23, 2016, also a double against the Padres.

This was the fifth walk-off of the season for the Giants, and first since June 6, when Crawford hit a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks that helped the Giants to a 5-4 win in 10 innings.

The Padres took the lead in the top of the 11th inning, as Manuel Margot singled to lead-off the inning, then Hosmer grounded out to Brandon Belt at first base, and Margot advanced to second. Margot then went to third on a Moronta wild pitch, and then scored what looked like the winning run on the Spangenberg single to right field, until Pence’s heroics in the bottom of the inning

Margot scored both runs for the Padres, as he hit a 3-2 offering from Dereck Rodriguez into the left field seats to give the Padres an early 1-0 lead. It was the fifth career lead-off home run for Margot.

The Margot leadoff home run was the first by a Padres player this season.

Lauer was cruising, as he did not allow a hit until McCutchen singled with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning. Posey then followed up with a single of his own, but the rally ended, when Brandon Crawford grounded into a double play that ended the rally and the inning.

Through nearly 8,000 games into their team’s history, the Padres have not never thrown a no-hitter.

Gorkys Hernandez hit a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie up the game. Posey doubled with two outs, and Crawford was robbed of a hit, as Freddy Galvis made a leaping catch that kept the game all tied at one.

Brandon Belt hit a double in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Kirby Yates, but the inning ended on a fantastic catch by Hunter Renfroe, who leaped into the stands to end the inning off of a ball hit by McCutchen.

Lauer went six innings, allowing just one runs on five hits, walking one and striking out four; however, he did not fare in the decision.

On the other side of things, Dereck Rodriguez went seven innings, allowing one runs on four hits, walking one and striking out six and like Lauer, he did not fare in the decision.

“Gave up a lead-off home run and seven super innings,” said Bochy.

This was the longest outing of Rodriguez’s career, and he tied his career high with six strikeouts. Rodriguez also struck out six against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 3, and on Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins.

“Felt good, commanded my pitches,” said Rodriguez. “Today my curveball was my best pitch,” he added.

NOTES: After the day off on Monday, the Giants will begin a three-game series against the Rockies beginning on Tuesday night. Derek Holland will take the mound in the opener, while the Rockies will counter with Chad Bettis.

Johnny Cueto went 3.1 innings on Saturday night, as he allowed one hit and struck out four, while pitching in 99-degree heat at Raley Field in Sacramento. Cueto threw 48 pitches, 33 for strikes.

“I want to do just one more,” said Cueto.

The 17 days between days off ties for the teams longest stretch of the season, and they ended the stretch 9-8 against Washington, Miami, Los Angeles (NL), Miami (again) and San Diego.

They also went 17 days from May 4th, when they opened their series against the Atlanta Braves at Sun Trust Park in Atlanta and it ended on May 20, when they hosted the Rockies. During that stretch, the Giants went 8-9 against the Braves, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Colorado.

Robert Stock made his Major League debut for the Padres in the bottom of the ninth, and pitched one inning, allowing one hit and striking out two.

UP NEXT: The Giants will welcome the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at 7:15 pm PDT.

Crawford goes 3-for-3 in Giants’ 5-3 win over Padres

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — After being mired in an 0-for-18 slump, Brandon Crawford broke off that slump in a big way.

Crawford hit a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning, as the Giants defeated the San Diego Padres 5-3 before a crowd of 40,348 at AT&T Park on Saturday afternoon.

Alen Hanson got the rally started in the bottom of the sixth inning, as he dove headfirst into first base to beat out an infield single. Hanson then stole second with Andrew McCutchen at plate, and went to third base on a Brandon Belt single.

Both scored easily on Crawford’s double, his second extra base hit in as many at-bats, as he tripled in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie up the game and score McCutchen, who walked to lead off the inning.

Crawford ended up going three-for-three on the afternoon, as he picked up a double to lead-off the bottom of the eighth inning against Robbie Erlin.

“It was a matter of time, and today he found it,” said manager Bruce Bochy.

Austin Slater, who was recalled from Sacramento prior to the game was robbed of an extra base hit, as Renfroe made a terrific catch in the right field corner; however, Crawford was able to score easily from third base and Slater got an RBI on the sacrifice fly.

“Slater did a good job today,” said Bochy.

The Padres took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning, as Hunter Renfroe hit his fourth home run that was just out of the reach of Hanson in left field.

Andrew Suarez pitched a strong 5.2 innings, allowing just one run on eight hits, walking one and striking out four.

Despite not getting the win, Suarez joined some very elusive company in the history of major league baseball. He became the first Giants pitcher ever to begin his career with 12 starts or fewer since 1913 and to allow two walks or fewer. The only other pitcher to have more two walks or fewer in consecutive starts is Trevor Williams, who started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates with 15, Williams did this from 2016-2017, this is according to STATS, LLC.

Suarez was helped out by his defense on the field, as the Giants turned double plays to end the second, third and fourth innings. The second double play to end the top of the third inning was started by Suarez, who made a leaping stab at the Wil Myers ball, he then threw to Crawford and then onto Brandon Belt to end the inning.

“Didn’t have my slider today,” said Suarez.

Reyes Moronta pitched an inning, allowing a walk and striking out one, as he won for the third time this season.

Padres starter Jordan Lyles never even made a pitch, as he was scratched from his start mere moments prior to the game. It was confirmed that Lyles was unable to pitch due to tightness in his right forearm.

“We did not know about Lyles,” said Bochy.

Matt Strahm replaced Lyles on the mound, and pitched 3.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits, walking two and striking out five.

Former USF Dons pitcher Adam Cimber took the loss for the Padres, as he gave up two runs on three hits, as his record dropped to 3-4 on the season.

The Giants turned their fourth double play in the top of the eighth inning, as Renfroe grounded to Crawford, who threw to Hanson, who in turn threw to Belt to end the inning and stop the potential Padres rally.

The four double plays turned by the Giants are their most in a game since they turned four against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 15, 2016.

NOTES: Dereck Rodriguez looks for his third win of his career, as he takes the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon for the Giants. Left-hander Eric Lauer will take the mound for the Padres, as he looks to even his record at 4-4 on the season.

Slater was recalled from Sacramento, and Mac Williamson was optioned to the Rivercats to make room for Slater.

Johnny Cueto, who is out with a right elbow and missed the last 50 games will go for the Rivercats tonight against El Paso at Raley Field. Cueto is expected to throw around 45 pitches.

Jeff Samardzija is going to make his next rehab start on Tuesday night, as the Rivercats play the Albuquerque Isotopes at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque.

UP NEXT: The Giants conclude their series versus the Padres on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 pm PDT.

My Favorite MLB Ballparks

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Photo credit: cleveland.com

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — After revealing my favorite MLB cities, I thought I would give you a list of my all-time favorite stadiums that I have covered games in, or went to as a fan since my first MLB game with my father on June 14, 1977.

Here goes the list of the ballparks that I have gone to over the past 41 seasons, and some of them, are no longer in existence.

1. AT&T Park: Yes, I am here on almost a daily basis, but this ballpark is amazing with its views of the East Bay Hills, Coca Cola Bottle and Glove in left field.

2. PNC Park: A very close second to AT&T Park, as their view of Downtown Pittsburgh is absolutely amazing and along the Three Rivers of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio.

3. Wrigley Field: What is there not too like about Wrigley Field? Besides being the second oldest ballpark in the MLB, you have lots of baseball history there. Anywhere from the ivy-covered walls, to the scoreboard, and of course, Wrigleyville.

4. Fenway Park: The Green Monster, Pesky Pole and the short walls in right field is amazing. Outside of the park on Yawkey Way is very comparable to Wrigleyville.

5. Citizens Bank Park: This is an underrated ballpark in South Philadelphia, but I have enjoyed my three different trips there. The Liberty Bell that lights up when the Phillies hit a home run or win is way cool, and the Philadelphia skyline in the distance is cool.

6. Coors Field: Another one of the newer ballparks, but it has pizzazz with its views of the Rocky Mountains, a section of seats that shows that you are exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (Mile High) and the forest beyond the center field fence.

7. Dodger Stadium: This is the stadium where I saw my first Major League game on June 14, 1977 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, when I was five years old and my father took me there. The views of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond center field, and of course, the view of Downtown Los Angeles is pretty amazing as well.

8. Comerica Park: The sight lines are amazing, and the view of Downtown Detroit is amazing. You have Ford Field, the home of the Detroit Lions literally across the street. Also, you have to enjoy all the statues of the famous Tigers players as well.

9. Petco Park: An underrated ballpark in my opinion, but the park is real nice. Gotta enjoy the Western Offices beyond the left field and the Gaslamp Quarter is cool.

10. Citi Field: They did it right, as the incorporated old Ebbets Field into the Rotunda when you first walk in and the Mets Hall of Fame is way cool. Also, the William Shea Bridge is a nice touch in right field.

11. Yankee Stadium I: This is the House That Ruth Built for god sakes, 85 years of Yankee Baseball says enough. However, the names like Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, Munson, Jackson and Jeter are not too shabby either. Bob Shepphard on the P.A. System and Monument Park were amazing as well.

12. Busch Stadium: Nice ballpark that replaced the cookie-cutter park that the Cardinals played in from 1966-2005. The view of the Gateway Arch and Big Mac Land are cool.

13. Nationals Park: Great park, never went to RFK Stadium, but this place is much better than the cookie cutter stadium that was mainly football stadium for the Redskins. The view of the United States Capitol is a great touch as well.

14. Globe Life Park: Went here as a fan in 1996, as it was the first of the new ballparks I went to and I thought it was great.

15. Yankee Stadium II: Does not have the same pizzazz as the Original, but it does have Monument Park and the Bleacher Creatures.

16. Chase Field: The Swimming Pool is a cool thing, especially since it is always hot there. The hangar like look to the ballpark is not bad.

17. Angel Stadium: Has changed on three different occasions in its history, and the current one is cool with its rock pile in center field and of course, the Big A sign. Have not been there since 1998.

18. Candlestick Park: Spent many days there as a fan in the 1990s, and then worked there for the final 13. However, this place had its aura as well, from the Giants to the 49ers onto the final concert by the Beatles on August 29, 1966.

19. Oakland Coliseum: Small crowds and an old stadium that needs to be replaced.

20. Kingdome: Went here twice as a kid in 1987, and it was the first dome I ever saw.

21. Marlins Park: I am a college football fan, and this place reminds me of the stadium that was once there, the Orange Bowl.

My 13 Favorite MLB Cities

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Photo credit: youtube.com

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — Over the past eight summers, I have taken at one least road trip with the San Francisco Giants, and I thought that it was about time to reveal my favorite road cities.

When this annual road trip began in 2010, I thought that it would be a one-time thing; however, it was not like that at all.

Of the 15 National League Cities, I have not been to Atlanta, Cincinnati, or Milwaukee, but they are definitely on my list.

As for the 15 American League Cities, I have yet to go to games in Anaheim, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Minnesota, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto.

Here is the list of my favorite major-league cities I have been to since the 2010 World Championship year.

1. New York City: There is not a bad thing that you can say about “The City That Never Sleeps.” The food is fantastic, especially the deli and pizza. The museums are amazing as well, especially the 9/11 Memorial and the New York Transit Museum.

2. Chicago: This is the hometown to my mother, my grandparents, and many other relatives. Try deep dish pizza, hot dogs with no ketchup (a crime in Chicago) and a hot beef Sandwich. Walk the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) run along Lake Shore Drive.

3. Philadelphia: The history in “The City of Brotherly Love,” goes back to when this country was founded, as the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall. You also have to visit The Liberty Bell and check out City Hall. Have a cheesesteak at Dalesandro’s, my personal favorite. Also try Dinic’s in The Reading Terminal, where you have to a Roast Beef sandwich, double dipped with broccoli rabe. After the sandwich at Dinic’s, you must go to Bassett’s Ice Cream, a legendary in the Philadelphia area since 1861. A definite sight for me is the Rocky Statue at the base of the steps at The Philadelphia Art Museum, and you also must run the 72 steps and stand in the same spot that Sylvester Stallone stepped on in the classic Rocky back in 1976.

4. Los Angeles: This is my hometown, so I have no complaints about this city. My first stop when I go home is the corner of West Beverly and Rampart for a Chili Burger at Tommy’s. I still have a lot of friends in Los Angeles, so I try and get together with some of them each trip.

5. Boston: Another great historical American city. Definitely do The Freedom Trail, have some clam chowder and lobster while you are in Beantown. Being a diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan, you know that there is no love lost with the Boston Celtics, but a trip to the Gahden is a must. I could not get into the building, but I saw it the outside and got to one of the doors that leads into the building.

6. Washington, D.C.: This is a city I have been going to since I was 11 years and it has changed over the years, but I love this great city. Go to the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial and the Washington Monument. I am a huge fan of museums, so you must see the Smithsonian, especially the U.S. History, Air and Space and the African American Museum. As for food, you must to the U Street Cardozo area for a Half-Smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution since 1958.

7. Detroit: Since Michigan is the home state of my father, I have traveled here many times in my life. Go to Greektown, where you can gamble, walk along the Detroit River and view Canada, which is South of Detroit. It is the only place that Canada is South of the United States. Check out the Fist of Joe Louis at the corner of Woodward and Jefferson, also go to The Spirit of Detroit, in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Woodward. Even though I have yet to go there, but it is on my list is the Motown Museum. I also want to visit the Detroit Historical Museum. You must go for a Coney at both American (since 1917) and directly next door at Lafayette (Since 1923). The two restaurants were founded by the Keros Brothers.

8. Denver:Even though the airport is far away, this is a great city. I loved walking there, especially to the State Capitol, which when you are on one step is exactly 5,280 feet above Sea Level (A Mile High). Also walk along the river, which is a peaceful walk as well. Go to Sam’s #3 near the 16thStreet Mall for a big breakfast.

9. San Diego:A great city that you can definitely walk around. Check out Navy Ship Row down near the San Diego Harbor. Old Town San Diego is awesome as well. Take the Amtrak to Los Angeles, and it is an amazing view, as you are on the Pacific Ocean for a lot of the ride up the coast.

10. St. Louis: Great walking city, go to the Gateway Arch, as the view from the top is amazing. Walk along the Mississippi River. Go to the Budweiser Plant for a tour. You must try Pappy’s for BBQ.

11. Pittsburgh: When you get into Pittsburgh from the Airport, and you travel through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and come out in the City, that is one of the best views in the United States. Another great walking city, as you walk along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Definitely go to Primanti’s for a sandwich.

12. Phoenix: Too hot to remember, as I did not spend a lot of time outside of my room and the ballpark. Did go to Alice Cooperstown for the Big Unit Hot Dog.

13. Miami: South Beach is a must to go to–either to eat, drink or walk along the Atlantic Ocean. Go to Calle Ocho to Versailles for Cuban Food.

Rodriguez goes 5 innings in Giants’ 6-3 win over Marlins

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — On a day where the San Francisco Giants learned their closer will be lost for anywhere from six to eight weeks, the team responded with a hard-fought victory.

Buster Posey got the Giants on the board in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, as the Giants defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 before a crowd of 37,242 at AT&T Park on Tuesday night.

Dereck Rodriguez pitched a strong five innings, as he allowed three runs on seven hits, while not walking a batter and striking out six and won for the second time this season.

Rodriguez hit Lewis Brinson in the top of the second inning, Brinson was the batter that Hunter Strickland yelled at on Monday night prior to leaving and eventually breaking his right hand when put his right hand through a door and broke it.

Both the Giants and the Marlins were warned by home plate umpire Andy Fletcher after Rodriguez hit Brinson.

“He handled himself well, terrific job,” said head coach Bruce Bochy.

Gorkys Hernandez extended the Giants lead up to 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning, as he hit his eighth home run of the season.

Following a Rodriguez strikeout, Joe Panik walked and then things got very interesting at 24 Willie Mays Plaza.

Dan Straily, whose pitch broke Evan Longoria’s left hand on Thursday afternoon at Marlins Park then hit Posey after Panik, and was immediately ejected from the game by Fletcher. Marlins manager Don Mattingly was also ejected.

Straily went only 1.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, walking two and striking out one, as his record fell to 2-3 on the season.

The Marlins finally got on the board in the top of the fourth inning, as JT Riddle tripled to right center field to score both Starlin Castro, who singled to lead off the inning and then Miguel Rojas, who also singled.

Rodriguez would then regroup, as he struck out Brinson and Elieser Hernandez, but then Rodriguez hit Derek Dietrich and then Brian Anderson doubled in Riddle to get the Marlins within one run. He ended up striking out the side, as he got J.T. Realmuto swinging to end the inning.

“Thought he threw the ball well,” said Posey.

The Giants extended their lead up to three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Alen Hanson picked up his third hit of the night, as he doubled to score Pablo Sandoval, who walked to lead-off the inning. After the Hanson double, Hernandez picked up his third hit, as he hit a bloop double that fell between Castro, Brinson and Riddle that scored Mac Wililamson.

After Rodriguez left after five innings, Bochy turned the ball over to his bullpen and they responded in a fantastic manner.

The quartet of Ty Blach, Mark Melancon, Will Smith, and Sam Dyson pitched four strong innings, not allowing a run on one hit, walking two and striking out five.

Dyson pitched the ninth inning, as he picked up his second save of the season, both coming in the last five days. Dyson also saved the Giants 16-inning win over the Marlins on Thursday afternoon at Marlins Park.

“Sam will get most of the saves,” said Bochy.

NOTES: Derek Holland takes the mound in the series and season finale against the Marlins, as he looks to raise his record to 5-7 on the season, while the Marlins will Jose Urena to the mound, as he looks for his third win of the season.

Strickland will be lost to the team for six to eight weeks after he broke his right hand after punching a door after Monday’s heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Marlins.

He underwent surgery on his broken hand this afternoon, as the surgery was performed by Giants team Hand Surgeon Dr. Scott Hansen.

Longoria, who broke his left hand on Thursday when he was hit by a Straily pitch, underwent surgery in Los Angeles to repair his left hand.

UP NEXT: The Giants will conclude their series with the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon at 12:45 pm PDT.