Tag: mlb

Webb gives up three runs in first, and Cease and Padres blank Giants 5-0

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The San Diego Padres catcher Elias Diaz (right) waits to put the tag on the San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos (left) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Fri Sep 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

San Diego Padres 5 (83-65)

San Francisco Giants 0 (72-76)

Win: Dylan Cease (13-11)

Loss: Logan Webb (12-10)

Time: 2:33

Attendance: 39,798

By Stephen Ruderman

The Padres came into Oracle Park Friday night, where they scored three runs off Logan Webb in the top of the first inning, and Dylan Cease blanked the Giants and handed them their second-straight shutout loss, 5-0, to open this three-game series.

The Padres were in town for the first time since the home opener. While the early-season excitement and expectations may have been gone, 39,798 fans still filed into Oracle Park to watch the Giants play spoiler against a Padres’ team in the midst of a four-team fight for the three wild card spots in the National League.

Logan Webb once again looked to be the stopper, and he would go up against Dylan Cease in a rematch from last Saturday, when the Giants beat the Padres 6-3. Despite the fact that the Padres are right in the thick of things and that the Giants are about a week away from being eliminated, the Giants came into tonight’s game 6-4 against the Padres this season.

The top of the first inning would not go well for Webb. Luis Arraez led off and singled to right on the second pitch of the game. Fernando Tatis Jr. then came up and hit a home run to center field to give the Padres an early 2-0 lead just four pitches into the game.

Webb got Jurickson Profar to ground out for the first out of the game, but Manny Machado singled and got to second on a wild pitch. Jake Cronenworth struck out looking for the second out, but Xander Bogaerts doubled to right, and Machado scored to make it 3-0.

The Giants were able to get to Cease last weekend, and it looked like they were going to get to him again in the bottom of the first, as they put runners at first and second with one out. However, Cease got out of it unscathed.

When the Giants got to Cease last Saturday, it was in large part due to the unusual heat at Petco Park. Friday night under the normal cold confines of Oracle Park would be a completely different story. Cease proceeded to retire ten straight, and 14 of the next 16.

Webb survived a leadoff double by Jackson Merrill in the top of the second, and it appeared that he had settled down when he threw a one, two, three inning in the top of the third. However, he ran into trouble again in the top of the fourth.

Merrill hit his second double of the game with one out, and then David Peralta struck out swinging. Webb seemed as if he was going to get out of it, as Machado hit a little nubber off the end of the bat in front of the mound. However, Webb just threw it over the head of LaMonte Wade at first, and Merrill scored to make it 4-0.

That would be it for Webb, who gave up seven hits and three unearned runs over just four innings. It was an usually-short outing for the Giants’ ace.

Tristan Beck came in for the top of the fifth and gave up a leadoff base-hit to Profar. However, Beck retired the side in order immediately afterwards, and he threw a one, two, three inning in the top of the sixth.

It looked like the Giants were finally going to break through against Cease in the bottom of the sixth. Heliot Ramos singled to lead off the inning, and after Cease retired the next two, Patrick Bailey came to the plate.

Bailey lined a double to right, and Giants Third Base Coach Matt Williams waved Ramos in from third. However, Padres’ right-fielder Fernando Tatis threw to second-baseman Jake Cronenworth, who made a perfect relay throw home. Ramos veered to his right to make a head-first slide around catcher Elias Diaz, but he was still tagged out, as he nearly took out Home Plate Umpire Mark Wegner.

It was a rough way to end the inning and waste another opportunity for the Giants, but it was a nice way for Cease to end his outing. Cease gave up just four hits and walked two over six shutout innings. Most importantly, he struck out ten and got his 1,000th-career strikeout when he struck Donovan Walton looking to start the bottom of the third.

Beck ended up going two and two thirds, as he was pulled with runners at first and second for the Padres and two outs in the top of the seventh. Taylor Rogers came in to get out of the inning, and he threw a scoreless top of the eighth.

Tanner Scott threw a one, two three bottom of the seventh for San Diego, and Jason Adam did the same in the bottom of the eighth.

After another rough outing for Camilo Doval last night, in which he threw three wild pitches in the top of the seventh inning, he was back in for the ninth Friday night. Doval retired the first two he faced, but the Padres were not going to do him any favors with two outs.

Profar singled to right, and Brandon Lockridge pinch-ran for Profar and stole second. Machado then doubled the other way to right, and Lockridge came in to make it 5-0.

Jeremiah Estrada came in for the Padres in the bottom of the ninth, and threw a one, two, three inning to end it.

Dylan Cease got the win, and Logan Webb took the loss.

Despite how much the Giants’ offense has struggled this season, this is the first time all year that they have been shutout in back-to-back games. However, Friday night was the 31st game this season in which the Giants have struck out 12 times, as pointed out by Sam Lubman of 95.7 The Game.

As also pointed out by Lubman, in the Giants’ first 60 seasons in San Francisco, they never struck out 12 times in 20 or more games in a single season. This is now the seventh-straight season in which the Giants have had 20 or more such games.

The Giants fall to 72-76, and their tragic number to be eliminated is now six. The Giants were eliminated from the National League West race last night.

As for the Padres, they’re the ones playing meaningful baseball, and they improve to 83-65. The Padres have eclipsed the Diamondbacks for the first wild card spot.

The Giants and Padres will be right back at it Friday night. Mason Black will make the start for the Giants, and he will be opposed by left-hander Joe Musgrove, whom the Giants got to on Sunday. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m.

National League Wild Card Standings:

  1. Padres 83-65 +1.5
  2. Diamondbacks 82-65 +1.0
  3. Mets 81-66 —

Braves 80-67 1.0

Giants News and Notes:

The Giants called up Donovan Walton prior to the game. Walton started and went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.

Walton is back in the big leagues for the Giants for the first time since he gave us some excitement in a 24-game stint in 2022.

He only hit .158, but he hit seven doubles in his first 10 games, earning the nickname “Donnie Doubles,” which was based off Donovan Solano’s nickname, “Donnie Barrels.” Solano left the Giants following the 2021 Season. In his 11th game for the Giants on June 5, 2022, Walton hit a grand slam at Marlins Park in Miami.

To make room for Walton, Luis Matos was sent back down to Sacramento.

Farhan Zaidi confirmed that his contract runs through the end of next season with an option for 2026, as does Bob Melvin’s. Even though he is signed through the end of next season, Zaidi’s future with the Giants remains uncertain.

Bryce Eldrige, after just nine games with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, has been called up to Triple-A Sacramento, where he will finish his season. Eldridge hit .270 in his nine games with Richmond with one home run, and four RBIs.

Eldridge, who was the Giants’ first-round draft pick last year, is only 19 years old. Getting to Triple-A at that age is quite an accomplishment.

Now, the question is how much of Eldridge we will see with the Giants next season.

A’s rookie Basso throws five plus innings of shutout ball against White Sox in 2-0 win; Sox lose 115th game of season now 5 short of 62 Mets loss record

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Oakland A’s catcher Shea Langliers (left) congratulates closer Mason Miller (right) after defeating the Chicago White Sox at Guarantee Rate Field in Chicago on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night, the Oakland A’s (65-83) took on the Chicago White Sox (33-115) in the first of a three game series winning in a shutout 2-0. This was Brady Basso’s first big league win going 5 1/3 innings without allowing a run to cross home plate.

There were no home runs in this game for the A’s but they did have nine hits. Oakland has now bettered their record from last season by 15 games which is huge and the season is not even over. Lawrence Butler continued his hit streak with at least 21 hits in his last 21 games.

Game recap: There was not a whole lot going on through the first three innings of this game. Oakland would finally get up on the board in the fourth inning when Zach Gelof doubled Daz Cameron home for the early 1-0 lead in this pitcher’s dual.

The A’s got a second run in the fifth inning to take a 2-0 lead. Brent Rooker singled driving Tyler Nevin across home plate. These two runs would be the only runs in the entire game for both team.

The A’s starter Brady Basso pitched the 2-0 shutout for his first big league career win. He went 5 1/3 innings allowing five hits and no runs. He walked one runner and had two strikeouts. He handed the White Sox their 16th consecutive home loss and their 18th shut out of the season.

He was relieved by Michel Otanez who was solid going 1 2/3 innings with no hits, no runs and three strikeouts. Tyler Ferguson relieved Otanez for one inning with the same result. No hits, runs or walks.

Closing out this game it was “Miller Time” with Mason Miller taking the mound and he did not disappoint. He allowed one hit, no runs, no walks and two strikeouts and that was the ball game with the A’s taking game one of this series 2-0. This was Mason Miller’s 25th save of the season.

Losing pitcher for the White Sox Garrett Crochet only went four innings allowing three hits, one run with four strikeouts. The White Sox sent four relief pitchers throughout the final five innings of this game.

The A’s finished this game with nine hits. Lawrence Butler continued his streak with his 21st straight game connecting for at least a hit. JJ Bleday had a couple of hits with 41 doubles this season so far. Brent Rooker had a hit in this game as well as Daz Cameron, Seth Brown, Zach Gelof (with two hits), and Tyler Nevin. The A’s offense had been so very good in the second half of the season.

Game notes: Friday evening the A’s traveled to Chicago taking on the White Sox in a three game series. The White Sox are struggling more than any other team in baseball residing in last place in major league baseball. The Sox need to lose five more games to tie the worst season loss record at 120 games held by the 1962 New York Mets. A’s starter Basso went 5.1 innings, allowed five hits, no runs and two strikeouts. The White Sox starter Garrett Crochet pitched four innings, allowed three hits, allowed an earned run and struck out four hitters.

Saturday the A’s will be looking to take game two in this series. They will be looking for some of those long balls although they got the job done Friday night without them. Probables for Oakland will be J.T. Ginn on the mound who lost his last outing. He has a 0-1 win/loss record and a 4.58 ERA. The White Sox will start Chris Flexen who has struggled and has a 2-14 win/loss record and a 5.28 ERA. The A’s could very well take advantage of Flexen and send a few balls out of the park. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:10 PM PT.

Brewers rally late to shutout Giants 3-0; Montas blanks SF for six innings; Chourio goes deep

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Milwaukee Brewers Jackson Chourio belts a two run home run in the top of the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu Sep 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024

Milwaukee used an unearned run and a late home run to blank San Francisco 3-0 Thursday at Oracle Park in a contest that was scoreless through six innings.

The Brewers (84-62), who lead the NL Central by nine games, broke the scoreless deadlock when Giants reliever Camilo Doval (5-2)walked Willy Adames, who advanced to second, third and home on three wild pitches by Doval.

In the Milwaukee ninth, Spencer Bivens, who replaced Doval, gave up a one-out infield single to Brice Turang, followed by a two-run home run by Jackson Chourio.

The Giants (72-75) threatened in the bottom of the ninth, facing Brewers reliever Devin Williams. After Matt Chapman struck out, Mark Canha singled and advanced to third on a double by Jerar Encarnacion. Williams struck out Grant McCray and pinch-hitter Patrick Bailey grounded out to end the game.

It was Williams’ 11th save of the season, while lowering his earned run average to 1.62. Frankie Montas (7-10) struck out eight, walked two and gave up two hits in six innings to earn the win. Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megan earned holds.

Giants starter Hayden Birdsong gave up two hits, struck out four and walked one in five innings. Eric Miller threw a scoreless inning before Doval surrendered the go-ahead run. Bivens gave up two runs on two hits while getting a strike out and a walk in two innings.

Chourio’s home run was his 20th of the season, giving him 71 RBI. Encarnacion was 2-for-4 as the San Francisco DH, and the Giants had a runner in scoring position six times and came up empty.

The Giants reported that right-hander Robbie Ray is expected to join the club for warmups prior to Friday’s game to evaluate his ongoing left hamstring issues. Also, Tyler Fitzgerald left Thursday’s game with lower back tightness.

The Giants host San Diego for a weekend series that starts Friday. Dylan Chase (12-11, 3.71 ERA) is the Padres’ Friday starter, while the Giants are waiting to name their starter.

A’s Uable to Sweep Series With Astros But Win Series; Oakland Losing Game Three 6-3

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Oakland A’s starter Mitch Spence delivers to the Houston Astros line up in the bottom of the first inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Thu Sep 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday afternoon the A’s took on the Astros looking for a sweep in game three of their series. Oakland tied the game in the eighth inning when Daz Cameron singled Jacob Wilson home and Brent Rooker followed that run up with a 420 feet home run for the 2-2 tally.

In the bottom of the eighth, Houston took it to A’s pitchers T. J. McFarland and Grant Holman scoring four runs and taking the game 6-3. Between the two pitchers they allowed five hits and the four runs. Oakland had two home runs in this game from Rooker and Tyler Nevin.

Game recap: Houston took the lead again in the second inning, again a 2-0 lead in a replay of game two. That 2-0 score persisted through the next four innings. Oakland would finally get up on the scoreboard in the seventh inning when Daz Cameron singled Jacob Wilson home and the score was 2-1 in favor of the Astros.

Oakland pitcher Mitch Spence went seven innings in this game allowing seven hits but only two runs. He had no walks and 2 strikeouts. T.J. McFarland relieved him in the eighth inning lasting 1/3 of an inning. He gave up two hits and two runs. Grant Holman got Oakland out of the inning but not before he allowed three hits and two more runs.

This game was all tied in the eighth inning courtesy of a Brent Rooker solo home run. This was his 36th long ball of the season.

With this game level, the A’s had a great opportunity to do some damage in the ninth inning. Houston foiled those plans with a wild bottom of the eighth inning. They beat up relief pitchers T.J. McFarland and Grant Holman to the tune of five combined hits and four runs taking a 6-2 lead.

It was too much of a lead for the A’s to overcome. Tyler Nevin did hit a home run in the top of the ninth inning but it was too little too late. Jacob Wilson struck out, Daz Cameron grounded out, Armando Alvarez struck out and that was the ball game. A 6-3 win for Houston.

Winning the series against the first place Houston Astros was of course a very good thing but it was the sweep that the A’s had their eyes on especially since they had tied up the game in the eighth inning.

Game notes: Thursday afternoon the A’s took on the Houston Astros and couldn’t complete the sweep after winning games one and two. A’s starter Mitch Spence pitched seven innings, allowing seven hits, gave up two earned runs and struck out two batters. A’s relievers TJ McFarland and Grant Holman each gave up two runs. The Astros starter Framber Valdez pitched 6.1 innings, allowing five hits, one earned run and struck out six hitters. After Valdez left the Astros used three relievers that kept A’s hitting off balance.

Oakland will now travel up to Chicago for a three-game series with the White Sox that will get underway Friday with first pitch scheduled for 4:40 PM PT. The White Sox are not to be taken lightly although they do reside in the MLB basement with a 33-114 record.

At this time of the year our bottom dwellers have nothing to do but play spoiler. The A’s have moved from fifth place in the American League West to the fourth spot 3 1/2 games ahead of the Angels. In Friday’s game, Oakland will send Brady Basso to the mound with a 0-0, 1.93 ERA record. Garrett Crochet will start for the White Sox with a 6-11 win/loss record and a 3.83 ERA.

Giants blow foam off Brewers 13-2 at foggy Oracle Park; SF gets home run help from Encarnacion, Yastrzemski and Chapman

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San Francisco Giants Mike Yastrzemski (5) slugs a second inning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Sep 11, 2024 (AP News photo)

Milwaukee (83-62). 001 000 100. 2. 6 1

San Francisco (72-74). 440 201 02x 13 17. 1

Time: 2:36

Attendance: 22,022

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

San Francisco, CA

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–This Wednesday night’s Giant 13-2 annihilation of the almost certainly playoff bound Milwaukee Brewers was more vaudeville than drama. In a laugher like this, there is no developing story to narrate, just a staggering collection of statistics to enumerate.

Five Giants had multi hit games: Tyler Fitzgerald (who went 3 for 5), Mike Yastrzemski (2 for 4), LaMonte Wade, Jr. (2 for 4), Jerar Encarnación (2 for 5), and Patrick Bailey (3 for 4).

Seven Giants hit for extra bases: Yastrzemski (a double and a home run, Wade (a double), Marco Luciano (a double), Fitzgerald (two doubles), Bailey (a double), and Luis Matos (a double).

Three Giants hit home runs: Yaz, Matt Chapman, and Encarnación, who became the first right. handed batter to hit the ball out of the park to right this year.

Six Giants drove in runs: Yaz (4), Chappy (1), Wade (2), Luciano (1), and Encarnación (2).

Chapman extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

San Francisco scored eight of its runs in the first two frames. They came off starter Colin Rea, who suffered his fifth defeat against a half a dozen wins. He faced 23 batters in his four inning stint and gave up 10 runs, all earned, on 11 hits, three of them yard, and saw his ERA soar from 3.72 to 4.21.

Three more Milwaukee pitchers combined to allow another six Giant hits. The last of the lot was infielder-outfielder Jake Bauers, who surrendered San Francisco’s final two runs and three hits.

Three Giant pitchers coasted to victory. Blake Snell bounced back from his awful previous start, when he needed 42 pitches to get through one inning of two run (one earned), two hit ball against the Diamondbacks on September 5.

He went five frames Wednesday night, throwing 95 pitches, 61 for strikes, and holding the Brewers to one run, which was earned, on four hits and two walks while striking out eight. The win improved his record to 3-3, 3.52.

Austin Warren and Sean Hjelle pitched two innings each. Warren allowed an unearned run on two hits and a pair of free passes. Hjelle held the Brew Crew to a walk. There was, of course, no save.

Héctor Ramos, the only Giant in the starting lineup who failed to get a hit, drew a walk, scored, and made two magnificent diving catches in left.

Thursday, Milwaukee veteran Frankie Montás (6-10, 4.69) will face off against San Francisco rookie Hayden Birdsong (3-5, 5.19) at 6:45pm PT.

A’s Beat Astros 5-4, Win Series and Will Go For the Sweep in Game Three Thursday

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Oakland A’s Jacob Wilson (5) and Kyle McCann (center) score after McCann’s two run top of the sixth inning home. The Houston Astros catcher is Yanier Diaz (right). (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite falling behind early, the Oakland A’s (63-82) tied up this game in the third inning and went on to beat the Houston Astros (77-67) 5-4. Thursday the A’s will be going for the sweep. Joey Estes struggled a bit early but got his game back on track going 6 2/3 innings.

Oakland has had some very good results when they hit those homers and they did have one home run off the bat of Kyle McCann in this game. Max Schuemann had two hits and stole a couple of bases and is now tied with Lawrence Butler with 14 steals apiece this season.

After winning a 12 inning game over the Astros Tuesday 4-3 the A’s took game two and won the series in Wednesday night’s game A’s starter Joey Estes went 6.2 innings, allowed seven hits, two earned runs, one walk and struck out two. Astros starter Hunter Brown pitched five innings, allowed nine hits and five runs which were all the runs that the A’s needed to win the ball game.

Tuesday night the A’s took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and Wednesday night, it was the Astros that got out in front early 2-0 in the second inning. Jake Meyers sacrificed driving Alex Bregman home and taking the early 1-0 lead. They would add to their lead when Mauricio Dubon singled Jeremy Pena home for the 2-0 lead.

Oakland would tie up this game in the third inning 2-2. Brent Rooker singled Max Schuemann home for their first run of the game. JJ Bleday grounded into a fielder’s choice and Ryan Noda scored on an error to even the score. Houston would take back the lead in the third inning when Yordan Alvarez scored on an Athletic error 3-2. Both teams had a couple of errors apiece in the third inning.

The fourth and fifth innings were quiet for both teams but the A’s turned this game around in the sixth inning. Kyle McCann hit a two run home run with Jacob Wilson on base and Oakland had taken a 4-3 lead. Brent Rooker would add another run in the same inning hitting a single driving Max Schuemann home and taking a 5-3 lead.

It was a terrific outing for Joey Estes who went 6 2/3 innings allowing seven hits and three runs. He struggled to start but pulled it together in a gutsy performance. He was relieved by TJ McFarland who got Oakland out of the seventh inning.

The Astros would make things interesting in the eighth inning scoring a run trialing by the score of 5-4. Kyle Tucker singled Alex Bregman home and this game got very uncomfortable for Oakland. The A’s got out of the inning and this game went into the ninth.

Oakland was three outs away from taking this series in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was ‘Miller Time” and it was a great showing. Mason Miller dismissed Jake Meyers, Mauricio Dubon and Victor Caratini, three and out and the A’s had won game two by the slimmest of margins 5-4. Oakland finished the game with ten hits only scoring in two frames.

There is nothing better than going on the road and winning and it is especially sweet when it’s the Houston Astros on the losing end. Max Schuemann had a terrific game with two hits and a couple of stolen bases.

Schuemann has stolen 14 bases this season. Lawrence Butler continued his streak with another hit in this game and he also has 14 stolen bases this season. He did miss Tuesday night’s game being somewhat under the weather but he was all hands on deck in Wednesday’s game.

After winning this game, Oakland now has the opportunity to sweep this series Thursday. Mitch Spence will take the mound in Thursday’s game. He has a 7-9 win/loss record and a 4.42 ERA. The Astros will be looking to avoid the sweep starting Framber Valdez. He has a 14-6 win/loss record and a 2.97 ERA and he will give the Oakland offense a run for their money. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 11:10 AM PT.

Brewers edge Giants 3-2; Contreras gets 3 hits, Mitchell takes SF deep

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Milwaukee Brewers Joey Ortiz belts a seventh inning triple against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Sep 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

Milwaukee (83-61). 200 001 000. 3. 9. 0

San Francisco (71-74) 100 001 000. 2. 4. 1

Time: 2:07

Attendance: 25,096

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

San Francisco, CA

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–Rookie righthander Landen Roupp celebrated his 26th birthday this chilly Tuesday evening by making his first major league start. It came against the National League’s central division runaway leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers.

After a rocky opening frame, in which he surrendered two runs, Roupp kept the visitors off the board until he was relieved by Tristan Beck, with the Giants trailing, 2-1. The Brew Crew won, 3-2, and Roupp was charged with the loss.

Regardless of the outcome, the rookie can be proud of his performance. He lasted five innings and allowed five hits, four of them in the fatidic first, and didn’t issue a single walk. 47 of his offerings were counted as strikes.

His record now is 0-1, 3.44. San Francisco used three other hurlers. Tristan Beck gave up a 411 foot home run to Garrett Mitchell on the first pitch he threw on relieving Roupp, and that was the deciding blow of the game. Beck surrendered another two hits in his two innings on the mound. Sean Hjelle and Taylor Roger pitched an inning apiece, the former allowing one hit and the latter two walks.

Roupp’s opposite number, Aaron Civile, began the season with Tampa Bay, where he went 2-4, 5.07. After being traded to Milwaukee on July 3 he was 3-2, 3.88 until today, a combined mark of 5-8, 4.62. Like Roupp, he yielded two runs, but the Brewers’ starter left with a lead and so was never in danger of being charged with the loss.

Both runs he allowed in his 5-1/3 innnings on the mound were earned. They came on three hits, one of them a homer, and a walk. 20 of his 68 pitches were balls. Civile was the winning pitcher, making his overall record 6-8, 4.57.

He was followed by DL Hall, who walked one and struck out another in his 1-2/3 innings of work, Trevor Megill (one K in one inning), and Devin Williams, who earned his 10 save, with a one hit, one walk, two strike out ninth.

Milwaukee’s two runs in the first came on a first pitch leadoff double to right, followed by an RBI single to right by William Contreras, who advanced to third on another single to right, this one by Jake Bauers. It was Mitchell’s solo blast off Beck that gave the Brewers the deciding run

San Francisco’s two tallies came in the first and sixth innings. Mike Yastrzemski walked to start the home half of the first. Héliot Ramos forced him out at second with a ground out to third and, after Michael Conforto was caught looking at a third strike, scored on Matt Chapman’s double off the Chevron advertisement in the left field corner.

Yastrzemski’s 346 foot leadoff home run off a 76mph Civale curve in the sixth brought the Giants their second and last run. It was round tripper #14 for the year.

The Brewers almost made it 4-2 when Joey Ortiz doubled to right center and reached third when Giants’ second sacker bobbled the throw he would have relayed to Chapman. Ortiz tried to score on what would have been a wild pitch by Beck, but Patrick Bailey recovered the ball and threw Ortiz out at home. Milwaukee challenged the call, but it was upheld.

Blake Snell, on whom the Giants had pinned their hopes when they signed him during spring training, is scheduled to start Wednesday’s evening’s 6:45 game. But it’s too late for the King Street Repertory Players’ version of Waiting for Lefty.

Colin Rea (12-4, 3.72) will be on the hill for Milwaukee. The series will conclude on Thursday evening with Frankie Montás 6-10, 4.69_ on the mound for the Brewers and Hayden Birdsong (3-5, 5.19) facing them for the Giants.

A’s Win Game One In 12th Inning Beating Astros 4-3 at Minute Maid

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Oakland A’s Brent Rooker (25) scores as Houston Astros catcher Victor Caratini (17) waits for the late throw at the plate in the top of the first inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Tue Sep 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (63-82) were on the winning side of a one run game beating the Houston Astros (77-67) 4-3. They led in the game going into the bottom of the seventh inning where the Astros tied this game up. There were three Oakland bunts in the 12th to helped seal this win. Daz Cameron not only had a terrific bunt to start the twelfth inning but a game-saving catch in the tenth inning.

Game recap: The A’s got the bats going early taking a 2-0 lead through the first two innings. In the opening inning Shea Langeliers sacrificed driving Brent Rooker home for the early 1-0 lead. In the second inning they extended their lead with something we did not see at all in their past two games and that was the home run.

Zach Gelof unleashed a 416 feet homer to left and Oakland had a 2-0 lead. Through two innings the Athletics already had three hits and were looking for more.

JP Sears finished this game going six innings allowing four hits, and no runs. He had a great outing . Tyler Ferguson would relieve Sears in the seventh inning getting pulled pretty early in the inning after allowing two hits and two runs. Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti went 6 2/3 innings allowing seven hits, two runs and seven strikeouts.

The A’s managed to hang onto the 2-0 lead going into the top of the seventh inning. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Astros were able to get up on the board. Jon Singleton hit a triple driving Ben Gamel home and Houston trailed by a single run 1-2.

The Astros would tie up this game in the same inning when Jose Altuve hit an infield single reaching second base and Jason Heyward scored to knot this game at two.

Going into the ninth inning the game remained tied and neither team could break the tie. This game went into extra innings With Nick Allen on third base the A’s had a scoring opportunity with two outs.

JJ Bleday struck out swinging and it was on to the bottom of the tenth inning. Mason Miller took the mound for Oakland looking to keep this game tied although lately he has struggled in extra inning games.

Daz Cameron made an exceptional play in right outfield making a game-saving catch for the third out. It was on to the 11th inning with Shea Langeliers at the plate striking out for the first out.

Seth Brown would strikeout followed by Zach Gelof thrown out at first for the third out. Hogan Harris would take the mound in the bottom of the 11th inning striking out Victor Caratini. Ben Gamel would ground out followed by a Jason Heyward strikeout and the game would go into the 12th inning.

Daz Cameron started off the 12th with a successful bunt and Oakland had runners on first and Zach Gelof on third, a huge scoring opportunity. Max Schuemann sacrificed and Gelof scored on an Astro throwing error at home plate.

Cameron would advance to third on another throwing error by Houston. Nick Allen came to the plate and bunted into a fielder’s choice allowing Cameron to score and Oakland had taken a 4-2 lead.

This game was not over by a long shot. Jose Altuve doubled into the gap and Jason Heyward scored for a 4-3 tally. Yordan Alvarez grounded out and Kyle Tucker struck out looking and the A’s needed one more out to seal the game.

Alex Bregman grounded out and that was the ball game with Oakland taking game one of the series 4-3. The A’s were on the winning side of this one run game. They fought hard and refused to let this game go with some exceptional defensive and offensive plays.

Game Notes: After a disappointing series over the weekend against the Detroit Tigers, the A’s traveled to the Lone Star state Monday to take on the Astros Tuesday night. First pitch was 5:10 PM on this incredibly busy media heavy Tuesday evening on numerous venues.

The A’s got back on the winning track in the first game of this series. The A’s got the offense they needed scoring two runs in the 12th to win it. A’s starter JP Sears pitched six innings, allowed four hits with two walks and a strike out. Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti went 6.2 innings, surrendered seven hits, two earned runs, one walk and seven strikeouts.

Game two will feature Joey Estes on the mound for the Athletics. He comes in with a 6-7 win/loss record and a 4.46 ERA. The Astros will start Hunter Brown who has an 11-7 win/loss record and a 3.41 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 5:10 PM Wednesday night.

He Was A Giant? Feature Article Mel Hall OF 1996 #2

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Former San Francisco Giant outfielder Mel Hall seen here at Tarrant County Court House in Fort Worth Texas on June 15, 2009 (AP News photo)

Mel Hall – OF – 1996 – # 2

He was a Giant?

By Tony the Tiger Hayes

A flamboyant, ego-centric player whose persona was part Randy “Macho Man” Savage and part Deion Sanders – the marriage between the swaggering Mel Hall and the Giants was mercifully annulled after the veteran outfielder appeared in 25 games during the dismal 1996 season.

Why was he a Giant?

After spending 1993-95 playing in Japan, the left-handed hitting journeyman signed with the Giants on a make good contract as a pinch-hitter and backup outfielder for 1996.

Hall in essence would replace “Neon Deion” himself after the short term Giant and dual Super Bowl winning 49ers cornerback decided to focus on football only.

During spring training, the 35 -year -old Hall proved he could still rake, slugging three long balls in Arizona exhibitions. But it was also clear the bombastic ball player didn’t have much else to contribute.

Hall’s knees were shot, making him a liability in the field and on the base paths.

One Giants beat writer described watching Hall try to leg out a spring training double as “painful.”

But the Giants, who were on their way to a 94-loss season, needed some type of spark.

Hall’s 134 career MLB HRs were a tantalizing gravitational pull for San Francisco. The Giants also didn’t have much in the cupboard as far as backup outfielder options, with Mark Leonard, the slowest rising prospect in baseball, being Hall’s main camp competitor.

“I knew Mel Hall could hit. He’s dangerous at the plate. Clearly he could be a magnificent DH somewhere,” said Giants manager Dusty Baker, wondering aloud if he could justify carrying Hall on a National League roster. “His bat’s as quick as ever. It’s a matter of if we can afford his lack of running.”

But Hall, hobbled as he was, was adamant he was the man for the job.

“Barry Bonds has been the only left-handed hitter on this team with power. I could add to that,” Hall proclaimed. “I add a little depth. If somebody goes down I can come in.”

The Giants would up keeping Hall as strictly a pinch-hitter. In two months with the club, Hall appeared on defense in just three games.

But Hall wasn’t exactly Johnny Clutch off the bench, hitting just 2-for-19 in a pinch-batter role.

In his waning days in Orange & Black, Hall complained that his relegation to bench duty was to blame for his anemic results in the batter’s box.

After striking out with the bases loaded as a pinch-hitter in one game, Hall said sitting on the bench had left him rusty and inefficient.

What’s more, Hall decided he was more than just a pinch-hitter.

“Pinch-hitting is a vital role,” Hall said. “ But I will never accept it.”

With that, Baker’s patience with Hall had reached its apex.

“I don’t want to hear anymore Mel Hall complaints,” an exasperated Baker said. “Every man has to find a way to stay sharp for his particular job. We all agreed Mel would be a pinch-hitter. He assured me he could do it.”

Hall was sent packing soon after. After mouthing his way out of San Francisco he was out of pro ball for good.

Before & After

Hall’s reputation as a malcontent blotted out much of his usefulness over his career. He was a clubhouse bully (as a Yankee, he reportedly terrorized a young Bernie Williams) and his opinion of himself was always three times greater than his actual value.

As a rookie with the Cubs, Hall he carried extra batting gloves in his back pocket to waive “good bye” to opposing players after he hit home runs. And he loved playing the eccentric star role. As a Yankee he lived in Trump Tower and kept a baby tiger as a pet.

Hall also carried on a long term sexual relationship with an underage teen girl during his playing career. The affair was later documented in an extensive ESPN investigation.

Overall Hall was a career .276 hitter for the Cubs, Indians, Yankees and Giants.

He Never Had a Giants Bobblehead Day. But…

In his Giants debut, Hall punched a pinch-hit RBI single off Marc Wohlers and scored a run in a 12-10 loss at Atlanta (4/1/96).

Giant Footprint

In 2009, Hall was convicted of three counts of aggravated sexual assault after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl he coached on an elite basketball team. He is currently serving a 45 -year federal prison term.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB- Hispanic Month -65 Million

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Team Mexico is excited in their game against Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (photo by MARCA News)

MLB: Hispanic Month – 65 Million

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of those of us who came here from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

By the way, Brazil, the largest country in South America, Portuguese is the predominant languor. The 2022 US Census lists (at least) 65 million Hispanics in the country, which is by far the most significant minority.

This is the most on the Continent, except for Mexico, which has a population of 130 million. In other words, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States of America and also in the Americas, north central and south.

Over 30 percent of all players on the 30 Major League teams are listed as Hispanics, Latinos. Although English is the official language in all 50 States, including in California, Spanish is the de facto second language, with some 40 million residents in the Golden State. The 2022 US Census, listed 16 million of us Latinos here in California.

At this 2024 MLB season’s end, California’s five teams: Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Giants, and A’s. The Dodgers, Padres, and Angels broadcast all 162 games home and away in the Spanish language, with the San Francisco Giants some 127 games home and away, with an increase in 2025. The Oakland A’s follow with 68 home games in Spanish, two “on the road” in San Francisco.

Highlights from the report: U.S. Latino gross domestic product is now valued at $3.2 trillion. U.S. Latino purchasing power is measured at $3.4 trillion. In 2021, Latino income in the U.S. amounted to $2.5 trillion and grew 4.7% compared with 1.9% for non-Latinos.

Any business that doesn’t invest in this huge Hispanic market is missing increasing their revenue.

Felíz Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com