Tag: Houston Astros

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s open up series with Mariners tonight after getting swept in Houston

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Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz (1) reacts after initially being called out by second base umpire Brennan Miller, left, during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid in Houston on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Sunday afternoon the Oakland Athletics (10-38) played game three of their series with the Houston Astros (27-19) and couldn’t avoid getting swept by the Astros at Minute Maid Park 2-0.

#2 Saturday’s game was not decided until the eighth inning. Oakland played a very competitive game but just didn’t have enough to get past Houston in the Saturday contest and couldn’t get a run on Sunday getting shutout.

#3 There were some really encouraging moments in the Saturday game that started with pitcher JP Sears who was outstanding after digging out of a deep hole in the first inning. Another highlight were the two stolen bases from Esteury Ruiz who has been a standout this season. 

#4 Sam Moll had relieved James Kaprielian in the sixth inning. Jordan Alvarez did score on a wild pitch from Moll and Houston had taken a 2-0 lead.

#5 The A’s open a four game series with the Seattle Mariners on Monday night at T Mobile Park in Seattle starting pitchers Kyle Muller will take the mound for Oakland with an 1-3 record 7.71 ERA. Luis Castillo will be on the hill for Seattle with a 2-2 record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

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

Oakland Swept By Astros Losing Game Three 2-0; Astros Valdez throws 4 hit gem

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In this slowed down shutter speed photo Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez looks like he’s inside a Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card throws against the Oakland A’s at Minute Field in Houston on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

Oakland Swept By Astros Losing Game Three 2-0

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Oakland Athletics (10-38) played game three of their series with the Houston Astros (27-19) and couldn’t avoid getting swept by the Astros at Minute Maid Park 2-0. Saturday’s game was not decided until the eighth inning. Oakland played a very competitive game but just didn’t have enough to get past Houston in the Saturday contest and couldn’t get a run on Sunday getting shutout.

There were some really encouraging moments in the Saturday game that started with pitcher JP Sears who was outstanding after digging out of a deep hole in the first inning. Another highlight were the two stolen bases from Esteury Ruiz who has been a standout this season. With the losses mounting, special moments like these need to be recognized and appreciated.

Sunday’s post game wrap: Sunday the A’s were looking to win at least one game and avoid the sweep.

The first four innings were a pitchers duel and the A’s had the only hit. James Kaprielian went five innings and finished with five strikeouts, three hits and one run. After holding the Astros for four innings Jose Altuve singled in the fifth inning and Jake Meyers scored the Astros first run of the game 1-0.

The bottom of the sixth inning was a busy one for the Astros. A couple of walks and a Yordan Alvarez double and the Astros were threatening. Sam Moll had relieved Kaprielian in the inning. Alvarez did score on a wild pitch from Moll and Houston had taken a 2-0 lead.

The Astros agains threatened in the seventh inning. They had the bases loaded but the A’s kept the Astros off the scoreboard getting out of the inning.

Oakland had been able to hold off the Astros numerous times but were unable to generate any offense of their own. They had one last chance heading into the ninth inning with the Astros leading 2-0. Nick Allen had a hit in the inning but that was about it for the A’s. Houston had won their seventh game in a row and had their second sweep in a row. The Astros are the hottest team in baseball right now and certainly had proven it.

It was a tough loss for Oakland. They did a lot of things right today but didn’t have the offense to get on the scoreboard. The A’s did get to see another Ruiz steal which has become routine for this guy.

The Athletics will travel up to Seattle and T Mobile Park to take on the Mariners Monday night in a four game series. Kyle Muller will take the mound for Oakland with an 1-3 record 7.71 ERA. Luis Castillo will be on the hill for Seattle with a 2-2 record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

A’s Fall Short To Astros In Game Two 3-2

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Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz (1) scores as Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado kneels behind home plate during the sixth inning at Minute Maid Field on Sat May 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

A’s Fall Short To Astros In Game Two 3-2

By Barbara Mason

After being dominated Friday night in game one, the Oakland A’s (10-37) lost a close one on the field at Minute Maid Park to the Houston Astros (26-19) in game two of their series 3-2.

Game one of this series was a close one through the first five innings. Game two mirrored yesterdays game through five innings as well.

Saturday game recap: The Astros got a couple of runs in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead to get this game off to a great start for Houston. Yordan Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to center and Jose Altuve scored for the 1-0 lead. Kyle Tucker singled Alex Bregman home and the Astros had a 2-0 lead.

Oakland would get one back in the fourth inning. Brent Rooker singled allowing Ryan Noda to score and the A’s were back in this game trailing by a single run 2-1.

The A’s tied up this game in the sixth inning 2-2. Esteury Ruiz stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by Houston catcher Martin Maldonado. This was the 22nd steal for Ruiz. Ryan Noda then sacrificed to center and Ruiz scored for the tie game It was a brand new ball game.

Through the first six innings JP Sears was having a nice outing. The fifth inning was a 1,2,3 inning for him as was inning six and he was cruising. He finished the game with five hits, two runs and seven strikeouts in a solid showing. It was a shaky start for him with 37 pitches in the first inning, having to dig himself out of a deep hole, but he did it and went on to retire 17 batters in a very solid and deep Houston lineup. Adrian Martinez relieved Sears in the seventh inning.

The eighth inning was a replay of the sixth inning. Again Ruiz stole second base and advanced, on a Maldonado throwing error, to third base and the A’s had the go ahead run on third.

Oakland missed a great scoring opportunity and they would pay. The Astros Yordan Alvarez was first at the plate in the bottom of the eighth and he hit a 392 foot home run to give the Astros a 3-2 lead. It was his tenth home run of the year.

The Astros dismissed the A’s in order and the final was 3-2 in favor of Houston. It was a hard fought game, a very competitive game but the A’s came up just short.

James Kaprielian (0-3 ERA 10.17) will take the mound for the A’s tomorrow in game three. Framber Valdez will be on the hill for the Astros. Framber has a 3-4 W-L record and a 2.84 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 11.10 AM.

A’s Drop Game One In Houston 5-1

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Houston Astros’ Dusty Baker Jr., left, greets Oakland Athletics’ Aledmys Diaz to present him his 2022 World Series Championship ring before before a baseball game Friday, May 19, 2023, in Houston. (AP News photo)

A’s Drop Game One In Houston 5-1

By Barbara Mason

Thursday the Oakland A’s (10-36) had the day off before traveling to Houston to take on the Astros (25-19) in a three-game series. The A’s lost their last series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 while the Astros swept the Chicago Cubs in their three-game series.

This was a challenging series opener for Oakland dropping game one 5-1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. With the win the Astros have won eight of their last ten games.

Friday game recap: Houston scored first in the second inning of this game when Jose Abreu scored. Jeremy Pena had grounded into a fielder’s choice to give the Astros the early 1-0 lead.

The A’s would tie up the game in the third inning 1-1. Shea Langeliers doubled driving in Esteury Ruiz.

Houston took take back the lead in the fourth inning 2-1. Kyle Tucker doubled in Yordan Alvarez and the Astros began to flex their offensive muscle.

Houston added onto their lead in the sixth inning. Kyle Tucker knocked one out of the park with Jose Abreu onboard and the Astros had taken a 4-1 lead. Oakland pitcher Ken Waldichuk was forced to leave the game in the sixth inning with what appeared to be a possible hamstring injury. He had already thrown 91 pitches when he left the game.

Austin Pruitt would take over on the mound for Waldichuk in the sixth inning. He had a rough start loading the bases but got out of it allowing two hits but no runs. That score would remain going into the eighth inning.

In the eighth inning, an Oakland error advanced Jake Meyers to third base followed by an Alex Bregman single that drove Meyers home. With the score 5-1, the A’s had one last chance as they went into the top of the ninth inning. Oakland went quietly into the night only managing one hit in the ninth The Astros would hold on for the win.

The A’s continue to struggle as they go into game two of this series tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 pm PT. JP Sears will take the mound for the A’s with 0-3 record and a 5.27 ERA. They will be facing Houston’s Hunter Brown who has a 4-1 record and a 3.43 ERA.

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s will need serious game plan taking on Dusty and the Astros Friday night; Nevada lawmakers-A’s apart by $200 million

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Bally’s Casino-Hotel resort is a site that the Oakland A’s have their eye on for a new ballpark which is planned to be completed by 2027. The A’s and the State of Nevada legislature are some $200 million apart from the $395 million tax credits needed to build the new ballpark on the Vegas Strip. (file photo from Fortune Magazine)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 The Oakland A’s (10-36) open a three game series against the Houston Astros (25-19) on Friday night at Minute Maid Field. The Astros are in second place in the AL West and the A’s have a huge job in front of them if their going to beat Astros manager Dusty Baker and the Astros.

#2 Former Houston Astro Justin Verlander who now wears a New York Mets uniform heard it from the Mets fans when he took his first loss for New York. Needless to say the Mets fans expectations are win now or they will make you pay.

#3 Daniel, With the Astros having a different starting rotation from last season does and are in second place in the AL West and the A’s with a long, long, climb to catch them their best aim is to just go out and have a good series against Houston.

#4 Daniel, the Nevada Independent reported that the Nevada legislation and A’s are some $200 million apart for the tax credits needed to build at the Tropicana site in Las Vegas. The A’s need $395 million and the Nevada legislature are willing to part with $195 million in tax credits for the ballpark. The clock is ticking as both sides need to come to an agreement on the financing by June 4th.

#5 Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said that her door is still open on Howard Terminal if the A’s and the Nevada lawmakers can’t come to a financial agreement on the Tropicana siteThao stated today (Thursday) with ABC 7. Thao would resume negotiations on Howard Terminal. Sources have said that the City of Oakland and the A’s were 90% of the way to finalizing the deal on Howard Terminal until the A’s announced they had a binding agreement with the Wild Wild West site in Las Vegas back in mid April which is now off the table.

Daniel Dullum is the Oakland A’s analyst Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s off day report: A’s open three game series in Houston Friday night at Minute Maid

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FILE – Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches during the second inning in Game 6 of baseball’s World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies, in Houston, Nov. 5, 2022 (AP News file photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The A’s are in Houston to start a three-game series against the World Champion Houstons starting Friday night. The Astros, managed by longtime fan-favorite Dusty Baker, are currently in second place in the AL West Division. They trail the Texas Rangers by two games.

Baker has had to juggle his starting rotation as the Astros lost the 2022 AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander to free agency. Verlander signed with the New York Mets for the 2023 season. Two other starting pitchers are currently on the IL. Lance McCullers is on the 15-day IL with a forearm issue, and Jose Urquiddy is on the 15-day IL with a shoulder problem.

The Astros’ starting rotation still has lefty Framber Valdez available to pitch. Valdez is 0-4 with a 3.09 ERA. Other starters are Cristian Javier (1-3, 2.93 ERA), Hunter Brown, J.P. France, and Brandon Bleak. The guys out in the bullpen are Ryan Montero, Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, and closer Ryan Pressley.

The Astros saw first baseman Yuli Guriel leave for the Miami Marlins. Guriel loved to torment the A’s pitchers. He was a great clutch hitter as a member of the Astros. Former Chicago White Sox first baseman and former AL MVP Jose Abreu replaced Guriel.

Abreu has yet to homer for Houston. In 42 games, he has driven in 17 runs. Many people are wondering if Abreu will be the answer at first base. The Astros’ All-Star second baseman, Jose Altuve, has been out with a thumb injury. A pitch hit Altuve, and he has not played a game in the regular season.

He may suit up for Friday night’s game against the A’s. Mauricio Dubon, a former San Francisco Giant, will be at second in place of Altuve. Third baseman Alex Bregman has had a slow start for the 2023 season. Bregman is hitting .217, with three home runs and nine ribbies. The Astros hope Bregman can get going against the woeful A’s pitching staff. Jeremy Pena will be at shortstop.

The Astros will be without the services of hit master Michael Brantley. Brantley underwent shoulder surgery last year. He suffered a setback in spring training, and it isn’t certain when he will return. Corey Julks is taking Brantley’s spot in left field. Chas McCormick will remain in center field, and Kyle Tucker is the right fielder. Tucker is another Astro that loves to feed off the A’s pitching staff. Yordan Alvarez is the Astros’ DH.

The A’s are off to the worst start in their storied history. The team was founded in 1901, and the 10-35 record has them on target to surpass the 120-loss season the New York Mets put up in 1962.

Even with the terrible record, the A’s have had some bright spots. Esteury Ruiz has played well in center field. Ruiz is a threat to steal a base anytime he gets on base. He is very good at the plate with runners in scoring position. Brent Rooker has been a huge surprise.

Rooker got a chance to play when Seth Brown was injured. He is making the most of his opportunity to play. Rooker is hitting a smidge under .300, has 11 homers, and over 30 RBIs. Catcher Carlos Perez has also hit well for the A’s. Catcher Shea Langeliers also gives the A’s a hitter with a lot of pop in his bat.

The A’s pitching staff, relievers, and starters have been a problem for A’s manager Mark Kotsay. The team’s collective ERA is about 7.50 runs per game. The team’s 10-35 record reflects the bad pitching.

The Astros have owned the A’s for three or four years. Oakland would love nothing better than turning the tables on the Astros. It’s highly unlikely, but as they say in baseball: ” you never know.”

Starting for Oakland on Friday left hander Ken Waldichuk (1-2 ERA 7.02) going for Houston Brandon Bielak (0-1 ERA 3.29) first pitch 5:10pm PT.

Warriors Beat Lakers 121-106 to Stave off Elimination, Force Game 6

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Photo credit: @warriors

By: Mary Anne

Wednesday night was do-or-die for the Golden State Warriors, who hosted the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Warriors beat the Lakers 121-106 at the Chase Center.

There was star power in the building, as NBA on TNT analyst and former NBA player Baron Davis rang Wednesday’s bell ahead of Game 5. That said, Golden State was good to go.

The Warriors’ starting five featured Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Draymond Green. Curry scored from downtown to get the Warriors going early in the first quarter. Curry and Green weren’t the Splash Brothers, per se, but the two were the first-quarter kings. The Warriors led 32-28 after the first quarter.

The Warriors continued to pour in the points in the second quarter. Jordan Poole took in the basket to score a layup, Andrew Wiggins provided an offensive spark, and Gary Payton II was so good in scoring in the paint. The Warriors led 70-59 at the half.

The second half saw a superb statistic. Stephen Curry passed Mark Jackson for 22nd most assists in NBA playoff history. Jackson is a former NBA player who played point guard for the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets. Jackson also served as the Warriors head coach from 2011 to 2014.

Andrew Wiggins continued to deliver his offensive energy, and the Warriors led 93-82 after three quarters.

The Warriors came in hot in the fourth quarter. Andrew Wiggins was a key offensive player from start to finish, while Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all contributed offensively.

The Warriors survived a win-or-go-home Game 5 for a 121-106 victory.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors in scoring with 27 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and one block.

Andrew Wiggins recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal. Draymond Green scored 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.

Gary Payton II had 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Jordan Poole had 11 points, one rebound, and four assists. Klay Thompson had 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Moses Moody had six points and four rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga had five points, one rebound, and one assist. Kevon Looney had four points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

Donte DiVincenzo added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

The Warriors head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers in Game 6 on Friday at 7:00 pm Pacific.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants open 3 game set with Brew Crew Friday at Oracle

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San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores, right, celebrates with third base coach Mark Hallberg (91) after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Wed May 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Miguel, the San Francisco Giants (13-17) battled with the Houston Astros (16-15) Monday through Wednesday and took two out of three from the Astros at Minute Maid Field in Houston coming back from a three game losing streak.

#2 On Wednesday afternoon to conclude the three game series the Giants Wilmer Flores belted a home run, Joey Bart and Austin Slater both hit for single RBIs that helped get the Giants over the hump in their 4-2 win.

#3 The Astros Alex Bregman belted an eighth inning two run home run to get the Astros within a run before Flores slugged his ninth inning home run that got the Giants two runs up on the Astros.

#4 The Giants got pitching help from starter Logan Webb who 7.2 innings, five hits and was charged with two earned runs, with two walks and five strike outs. He looked like he could have pitched the distance.

#5 The Giants open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers (18-11) Friday the Brewers who are second in the NL Central and trail the Pittsburgh Pirates by two games will battle to move up in the standings. The Brewers and Giants have neither announced a starter for Friday night’s contest.

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

Giants Win Series Over Astros 4-2; SF takes two out of three from Houston

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San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores, center, celebrates with Michael Conforto (8) after hitting a home run as Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado kneels behind home plate during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Wed May 3, 2023 (AP News photo)

Giants Win Series Over Houston 4-2

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday afternoon the San Francisco Giants (13-17) finished up their three game series in Houston taking two out of three from the Houston Astros (16-15) at Minute Maid Field winning 4-2. Two exceptional pitchers pitched on the mound in this game. The Giants sent Logan Webb and the Astros gave Framber Valdez the nod.

Wednesday matinee recap: The game was scoreless through five innings. As expected a real pitchers duel was underway. There was a lot of hard contact and a lot of ground balls. Both aces were having terrific games.

The Giants were first on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Austin Slater singled Joey Webb home for the 1-0 lead. In the same inning Mitch Haniger singled and Thairo Estrada scored extending the San Francisco lead 2-0.

There was a pitching change for Houston in the seventh inning. Relief pitcher Phil Maton would take over on the mound. He did give up a hit in the inning; Joey Bart doubled and Michael Conforto, who had been hit by a pitch scored. San Francisco had a 3-0 lead going into the eighth inning.

Logan Webb took the Giants into the eighth with 90 plus pitches. He gave up a Martin Maldonado single. Whether or not fatigue entered into the equation, Webb gave up a home run to Alex Bregman and with a runner on base this became a one run game 3-2. Scott Alexander would come in to relieve Webb. He got the Giants out of the inning and it was on to the ninth.

The Giants Wilmer Flores came to the plate hitless for the day. He got a huge hit in the ninth inning, a solo home run giving San Francisco a 4-2 lead and a little cushion going into the bottom of the ninth. This was his fifth home run of the year.

The Giants were three outs away from a series win in the bottom of the ninth as relief pitcher Camilo Doval would try to put this game away. The lead off hitter walked and with one out Doval threw a wild pitch and Houston had a runner on second. Jeremy Pena and Jake Meyers both grounded out and that was the ballgame 4-2.

The Giants got a series win over one of the best teams in baseball. It will be a happy flight home for the team as they look ahead to a series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Thursday the Giants have the day off before their Friday night start against Milwaukee at Oracle Park. Neither the Brewers or Giants have announced a starter at press time for Friday night.

Giants break four game losing streak beating Astros 2-0

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San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani delivers during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Tue May 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

Giants Break Four Game Losing Streak Beating Astros 2-0

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (12-17) were able to break a four game losing streak with a 2-0 shutout on Tuesday night at Minute Field in Houston as they took on the Houston Astros (16-14) in game two of their three game series.

San Francisco had Mike Yastrzemski who is on the IL with a hamstring injury suffered in Mexico City that from the looks of it will need more then a little rest and physical therapy.

The Giants were on the board first as we have seen far too often this season. Joc Pederson singled Thairo Estrada home to take a 1-0 lead.

San Francisco would extend their lead in the fourth inning now leading 2-0. Blake Sabol doubled driving Joc Pederson home and the giants had four hits through four innings. San Francisco had the bases loaded in the fourth inning but only came away with the Pederson run.

The Giants again loaded the bases in the fifth inning but came away empty. San Francisco had a lot of opportunities through five innings but just wasn’t taking advantage of them. They had outhit the Astros through five inning 5-1.

The Giants loaded the bases for a third time in this game in the ninth inning only to come away empty. The Astros couldn’t get another hit in the game. The losing streak for the Giants had ended. They had out hit the Astros 7-3.

San Fransico’s Anthony Desclafani had a great outing. He went eight innings allowing three hits and no runs with three strikeouts.

Wednesday morning the Giants will play game three looking to win this series. Logan Webb (1-5 ERA 4.10) will take the mound for the Giants and for the Astros Framber Valdez (2-3 ERA 2.54) will start. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 AM.