MLB The Show Post Season podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Rangers quickly take 2-0 ALCS lead; D-Backs-Phils could be a big surprise

Texas Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery shutout the Houston Astros in game 2 of the ALCS at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Mon Oct 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the MLB Post Season podcast with Augie:

#1 Augie, how surprising has it got to be for the Houston Astros and Dusty Baker to be down 0-2. The Astros are the experienced post season team in the post season.

#2 Talk about the Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. You knew him for years in San Francisco and with the Rangers he hasn’t lost his touch he’s got the Rangers just two games away from winning the American League title.

#3 The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies both surprised everyone when they each beat their opponents in the best 3 of 5 series. The Diamondbacks came into Championship an underdog and who beat the Los Angeles Dodgers to get there and the Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves to get into the NLCS.

#4 Former Oakland A’s pitcher Trevor May who announced his retirement on Monday didn’t hold back about his former owner John Fisher and would like to see the sale of the team saying, “Sell the team, dude,” May said. “.Sell it, man. Let someone who actually, like, takes pride in the things they own own something. There’s actually people who give a s— about the game. Let them do it. Take mommy and daddy’s money somewhere else, dork.”

#5 San Francisco Giants are interviewing Alyssa Nakken for manager of the Giants. If Nakken was to get hired she would become the first female manager in MLB history. Nakken was the first woman coach in MLB history as she was hired by former Giants manager Gabe Kapler. The Giants have also interviewed coaches Kia Correa and Mark Hallberg.

Augie Mesenburg is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show Post Season podcast with Augie Mesenburg: D-Backs put Dodgers on the brink; Bochy hasn’t lost a step takes Texas to ALCS; plus more MLB news

The Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll scores a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers and catcher Will Smith in the top of the first inning at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles in game 2 of the NLDS on Mon Oct 9, 2023. The Diamondbacks have a 2-0 lead in the series as of Wed Oct 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show Post Season podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 Augie, are the Dodgers done? They are in a 0-2 hole against the Arizona Diamondbacks and are down to their last strike. The Dodgers were the favorites to start the series but who would have expected game 1 with the Diamondbacks greeting the Dodgers with a six run first inning and blowing them out 11-3 not to mention taking game 2 of the NLDS. Both clubs are giving it a go as we record this podcast.

#2 The Texas Rangers took the Baltimore Orioles in three straight games. Critics look to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy for much of the credit in getting the Rangers to the next round of the playoffs.

#3 Bochy had everything working for him in the ALDS against the Orioles. In game three he had the pitching working giving up only one run and the Rangers offense poured it on with a 7-1 win.

#4 Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies came into this series well prepared and almost took a 2-0 series lead into game 3. The Atlanta Braves are not to be counted out at anytime as the Phillies found out in game 2 as they came back and held onto a 5-4 win to tie the series at 1-1. Augie do the Braves have anymore fight in them left in this series now down 1-2 after losing game 3 on Wednesday in a laugher 10-2.

#5 Astros and Twins tonight at Target Field in Minneapolis the Twins need this one badly as they are down 2-1 and it’s the elimination game. The Astros can make quick work of the Twins they’ve won by scores of 6-4 and 9-1 in games 1 and 3. Talk about tonight’s game 4.

Augie Mesenburg is a podcast contributor for MLB The Show and is a reporter for KHAI 103.5 FM Honolulu at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants Battle Their Way To Win In Ten Innings Over Phillies 8-6

San Francisco Giants Paul Delong strokes a two run home run off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Michael Lorenzen in the top of the fourth inning at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Wed Aug 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

Giants Battle Their Way To Win In Ten Innings Over Phillies 8-6

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (65-61) took on the Philadelphia Phillies (69-57) in game three on Wednesday in a 8-6 ten inning win at Citizens Bank Ball Park in Philadelphia. This after losing the first two games of the series.

Wednesday game wrap: The Giants got this game going early with a run in the first inning, Wilmer Flores hit a home run to left center for the early one run lead 1-0. They got a second run in the third, another hit from Flores, a single. Wade Meckler scored on that Flores single.

In the fourth inning, another San Francisco home run off the bat off Paul DeJong; a two- run homer extending their lead to 4-0. Everything was going well for the Giants when the Phillies came around. They had back to back home runs, both of them solo shots. Kyle Schwarber hit the first followed by Trea Turner. The Phillies had crept back into this game but still trailing 4-2.

The Giants added another run in the 7th inning to lead 5-2. Austin Slater doubled Thairo Estrada home. It all came down to the ninth inning. The Giants appeared to be in good shape on the verge of the win.

The Philadelphia Phillies are never out of the game as we have seen this season. Bryce Harper came to the plate, always a threat, and tied up the game with a 3-run home run. This was a brand new ball game all tied up 5-5.

Undeterred, the Giants put three runs up on the board in the tenth inning. DeJong singled bringing Patrick Bailey and Casey Schmitt home. Meckler scored the third run and the Giants had taken back the lead 8-5. Once again the Giants were three outs away from the win.

Edmundo Sosa doubled Realmuto home and the score was now 8-6 with one out. Taylor Rogers got the second out and the Giants were one out away from the win. Ryan Walker took the mound looking for that final out. Walker got the job done, got the final out and San Francisco had fought through this one.

It wasn’t easy but San Francisco battled their way through this game. The Giants needed this win with huge wild card implications.

Giants post game notes: Philadelphia won handily in game one. Game two was a Philly walk off win 4-3. It was really disappointing series for the Giants especially in Tuesday’s game.

The Giants were leading 3-2 going into the ninth inning when the Phillies answered with two runs in the ninth. It was a crushing loss. Wednesday the Giants avoided the sweep with the win .

They will now head back home to Oracle Park and ready themselves for a three game series starting this Friday with the Atlanta Braves. Starting for the Braves Spencer Strider (14-4 ERA 3.57) the Giants have not determined a starter as of Wednesday night. First pitch 7:15pm.

Giants Lose Backbreaker to Phillies In a Walk Off 4-3; SF drops 12 of 16 games

Philadelphia Phillies’ Trea Turner hits a game-winning two-run single against San Francisco Giants pitcher Camilo Doval during the ninth inning at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Tue Aug 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Giants Lose Backbreaker to Phillies In a Walk Off 4-3

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (65-61) took on the Philadelphia Phillies (69-57) at Citizens Bank Park in game two of their series Tuesday evening losing on a walk off by the Phillies 4-3.

On Monday night: The Phillies had a commanding lead throughout game one winning by the score of 10-4.

Tuesday night: San Francisco was looking to even up the series. The Giants had a great first inning in this game taking advantage of two errors from the Phillies and taking a 1-0 lead. They did leave two runners on base but this was an awful start for the Phillies. Wilmer Flores grounded into a fielders choice and Lamonte Wade Jr. scored for the early lead.

The bottom of the first inning show-cased Kyle Harrison in his MLB debut. Family and friends were in the stands to witness this, his first start for the Giants. He did finish the inning with three strikeouts but did allow a two-run home run from Bryce Harper giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead.

Harrison did put two runners on base but the Phillies failed to take advantage and the score remained 2-1 going into the third inning. It was a tough inning for Kyle but he held on, to get out of the inning unscathed.

Kyle Harrison was relieved after a little over three innings by Ryan Walker. Harrison had thrown 65 pitches, 49 of them in the first two innings allowing five hits and two runs with five strikeouts.

In the fifth inning the Giants took back the lead 3-2. Joc Pederson doubled Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrade home for the lead and San Francisco was back in business.

The Giants hung onto the 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The Phillis had one last chance to even up this game or take the lead and get the walk off.

They did threaten, putting runners on second and third with one out. The Giants intentionally walked Kyle Schwarber to load the bases. Trey Turner singled for the walk off. The Giants had lost another heartbreaker.

San Francisco will try to avoid the sweep Wednesday in game three in Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM. Going for San Francisco Alex Cobb (6-5 ERA 3.75) and for Philadelphia Michael Lorenzen (7-8 ERA 3.57).

San Francisco Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Giants see their second inside the park HR against in a week

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper, left, slides past San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey to score on his inside-the-park home run against pitcher Sean Hjelle during the fifth inning at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia on Mon Aug 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 The San Francisco Giants saw their second inside the park against them in as many as week apart. The first time was when the Tampa Bay Rays Luke Raley belted one at Oracle Park and on Monday night the Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper slugged a inside the park home run as one of many runs against the Giants in a 10-4 laugher at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

#2 Phillies starter Aaron Nola pitched seven innings, two earned runs, one walk and five strike outs in a ball game that looked like he could have gone the distance.

#3 Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa each hit home runs for Philadelphia the Phils are getting some offense and it came in droves on Monday night.

#4 With the win the Phillies now move three games ahead of the Giants in the NL Wild Card standings and the Giants wild card chances are starting to dim as their just having problems getting pitching whether an opener starts the game or if starters Alex Cobb and Logan Webb get the call.

#5 Phillies RHP Taijuan Walker (13-5, 4.03) and Giants rookie Kyle Harrison making his MLB debut first pitch 3:40pm PT.

Join Stephen Ruderman who does the Giants podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants lose 10-4 to Phillies in series opener

Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images

By: Mary Anne

The San Francisco Giants visited Citizens Bank Park to play a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Giants lost 10-4 to the Phillies in the series opener.

The Giants fell to 65-60, while the Phillies improved to 68-57. Giants pitcher Sean Manaea (4-4, 5.06 ERA) took the loss, while Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (11-8, 4.49 ERA) got the win.

The Giants’ starting lineup featured LaMonte Wade Jr., Joc Pederson, Wilmer Flores, Michael Conforto, Patrick Bailey, Johan Camargo, Blake Sabol, Wade Meckler, Casey Schmitt, and Scott Alexander. Alexander pitched just 2/3 innings and gave up three hits, one earned run, and two strikeouts.

The Giants wasted no time getting on the board. Joc Pederson homered on a line drive to right field for a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

But the Phillies quickly responded. Bryce Harper singled on a line drive to Blake Sabol, and Trea Turner scored to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning.

The Phillies took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Edmundo Sosa homered on a fly ball to center field, and Bryson Stott scored to make it 3-1.

The Giants made it a one-run game in the top of the third inning. LaMonte Wade Jr. homered on a fly ball to center field to cut the Phillies’ lead to 3-2.

The Phillies regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Alec Bohm homered on a fly ball to center field to make it 4-2. An umpire reviewed Bohm’s home run, and the call on the field was upheld.

The Phillies added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Bryce Harper hit an inside-the-park home run on a fly ball to left-center field to make it 5-2. Bryson Stott doubled on a line drive to Michael Conforto, and Alec Bohm scored for a 6-2 lead as J.T. Realmuto went to third base.

The Phillies took a double-digit lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Johan Rojas tripled on a sharp line drive to Wade Meckler, and Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto scored to make it 8-2. Kyle Schwarber homered on a fly ball to right field, and Johan Rojas scored for a commanding 10-2 lead.

The Giants bounced back in the top of the ninth inning but were still down by six runs. Johan Camargo was hit by a pitch, and Wilmer Flores scored to reduce the Phillies’ lead to 10-3 as Heliot Ramos went to second base. Blake Sabol singled on a ground ball to Trea Turner that was deflected by Dylan Covey, and Luis Matos scored to cut the Phillies’ lead to 10-4 as Heliot Ramos went to third base and Johan Camargo went to second base.

Notes
The Giants recently called up No. 1 prospect Kyle Harrison, a left-handed pitcher.

Up Next
The Giants and Phillies will continue their series on Tuesday at 3:40 pm Pacific. Kyle Harrison will debut for the Giants, while Taijuan Walker (13-5, 4.03 ERA) will start for the Phillies.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Logan Webb talks about his cousin’s fentanyl poisoning death in ESPN special; Giants open up series in Philadelphia tonight

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb throws in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies on Sun Jul 9, 2023 at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Webb is featured in a ESPN series discussing the death of his cousin Kade who passed away due to fentanyl poisoning. (AP file photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb is being featured in a very special and very important public message that he addressed at a local school where he grew up in Roseville CA. Webb was addressing the passing of his 20 year old cousin Kade who was found dead from fentanyl poisoning and wanted to warn students and young people of such a poisoning.

#2 Kade thought he was taking what he thought was Percocet which is used for moderate severe pain and should not be mixed with oxycodone or acetaminophen. Turns out that Kade was addicted to pain killers and Kade was like a little brother to Webb. Poisoning is an ESPN segment with Giants pitcher Logan Webb you don’t want to miss.

#3 Marko now to the Giants, pinch hitter Joc Pederson’s walk forced in a runner Michael Conforto into score from third bases with the bases loaded which defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Sunday.

#4 The Giants also got home runs from Luis Matos and Wilmer Flores as Braves pitcher Kirby Yates had control problems. San Francisco also avoids getting swept.

#5 Giants head to Philadelphia and Citizen’s Bank Ballpark for the first of three games on tonight. The Giants Scott Alexander ( 6-2 ERA 4.06) will be the starter and the Phillies will be going with right hander Aaron Nola (10-8 ERA 4.58) a 3:40pm PT first pitch.

Join Marko for the Giants podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants edge Braves 4-3, avoid sweep

Photo credit: Luis Matos #29 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates a home run with teammate Johan Camargo #10 during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 20, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

By: Mary Anne

The San Francisco Giants concluded their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon. The Giants edged the Braves 4-3, preventing the home team from a sweep.

The Giants improved to 65-59, while the Braves fell to 80-43. Giants pitcher Camilo Doval (5-3, 2.29 ERA) won, while Braves pitcher Kirby Yates (7-1, 2.96 ERA) lost.

The Giants’ starting lineup featured Austin Slater, Thairo Estrada, Wilmer Flores, Patrick Bailey, J.D. Davis, Heliot Ramos, Luis Matos, Johan Camargo, Casey Schmitt, and Jakob Junis. Junis pitched just 1 2/3 innings and gave up two hits, two runs, one strikeout, and one home run.

After a scoreless first inning, San Francisco got on the board first, but Atlanta took the lead. Luis Matos homered on a fly ball to left-center field for a 1-0 Giants lead in the top of the second inning. Orlando Arcia homered on a fly ball to left field, and Kevin Pillar scored to make it 2-1 Braves in the bottom of the second inning.

The Giants regained the lead in the top of the third inning. Wilmer Flores homered on a fly ball to left field, and Thairo Estrada scored to give the Giants a 3-2 lead.

The Braves tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ronald Acuña Jr. stole third base and scored to tie the game 3-3. Eddie Rosario went to second base. Patrick Bailey committed a throwing error.

The Giants regained the lead for good in the top of the ninth inning. Joc Pederson walked, and Michael Conforto scored for a 4-3 lead. Thairo Estrada went to third base, and Wilmer Flores went to second base.

Notes
The Giants placed Brandon Crawford on the ten-day injured list — retroactive to August 19th — with a left forearm strain and recalled Luis Matos from Triple-A Sacramento.

Up Next
The Giants will start a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday at 3:40 pm Pacific. The Giants’ starting pitcher is TBD and the Phillies named Aaron Nola (10-8, 4.58 ERA) as starting pitcher.

MLB The Show podcast with Jim On Bases: Angels struggling for post season spot could spell exit for Ohtani; Rays Wander on restriction list; plus more news

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP News file photo)

On the MLB The Show podcast with Jim On Bases:

#1 Los Angeles Angels are headed south as they have now lost three of their last ten games and their playoff hopes are sinking fast here in the home stretch of the season. The Angels owner Arte Moreno said he’s determined to keep two way star Shohei Ohtani for next season. Without a whiff of post season the chances of that look slimmer by the day and Ohtani could be shopping over the winter?

#2 Franco Wander the Tampa Rays shortstop before Monday’s night’s game here at Oracle Park was put on the restricted list for social media post involving a 14 year girl in the Dominican Republic the Dominican’s legal age of consent is 18 years old. Wander is on the restriction list for the rest of this road trip the Rays currently are in a three game series with the San Francisco Giants.

#3 Former Miami Marlins owner Jeffery Loria voiced his displeasure in an interview with the Miami Herald. Loria who owned the team before selling it to former New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter whose group owned the team from 2017-2022. Loria said that Jeter destroyed the public art at Loan Depot Park including a home run sculpture that lit up and sprayed water and had animated Marlins spins around the sculpture. Jeter also fired former Marlins and baseball greats Christian Yellich, Tony Perez, Andre Dawson who were team community and representatives as well as former manager Jack McKeon when he took over.

#4 Cleveland Guardians base runner Jose Ramirez who slide into second base as Chicago White Sox second baseman Tim Anderson stood over him and Ramirez got up and jawed with Anderson both squared off. Ramirez’ suspension was reduced from three games to two games. Ramirez will serve the two game suspension this Saturday and Sunday missing games against the Tampa Bay Rays.

#5 Can the San Francisco Giants figure things out as things could get tougher on the schedule as the Giants face the Tampa Rays this weekend, then go to Atlanta and Philadelphia and return to San Francisco to host the Braves and Reds starting Aug 18th.

Jim on Bases joins Sportstalk for the MLB The Show podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s day off report: Medina gets the call to open series in Cleveland on Tuesday; Ruiz leads off and has MLB stolen base lead

Oakland A’s Esteury Ruiz slides home safely after scoring on a Ramon Laureano single against the Seattle Mariners Tue May 23, 2023 in first inning action at T Mobile Field in Seattle (AP file photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s finished an up-and-down week, ending the seven-game homestand with two wins and five losses. The A’s had won seven games in a row before they lost two to the Tampa Bay Rays and three to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The A’s seven-game win streak saw them win two against the Pittsburgh Pirates and a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Pirates and Brewers are in a dogfight for first place in the NL Central. The A’s won the first two games of the four-game set with the Rays.

It was no easy task as the Rays own the best record in baseball. The team had almost 28,000 people in the seats on Tuesday, June 13th. Organizers of a reverse boycott hoped to show A’s owner John Fisher and baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred the fans would support the team in Oakland.

Fisher, as usual, said nothing. Manfred dismissed the effort as meaningless as he said their effort was no better than the average attendance at a game in Major League baseball. Manford also said the city of Oakland needed to do more.

Oakland needed a program in place to build the stadium. Manfred is tone-deaf. Oakland had raised over 400 million dollars in grants for infrastructure needs. The City Council was two days away from a vote. The A’s ownership had turned the fans off by trading away their best players and leaving the fans with a team with the worst record in all of baseball.

Winning brings people into the seats. Then, to make matters worse, the Nevada legislature voted to approve $380 million to give to the A’s to help build a stadium in Las Vegas. The Nevada governor signed the bill.

The only hope the A’s fans have is that the owners of the other 29 teams will reject the move. Manfred has said baseball will waive the $300 million relocation fee. The owners share those fees. Many of them say they want Las Vegas to get an expansion team. The fees for an expansion team are around two billion. That’s a lot more money to share.

None of the drama on the relocation situation should affect what’s happening on the field. The A’s still have to go out and play the game. A’s manager Mark Kotsay has to be pleased with his team’s performance in the last 12 games.

They went 7-5. During the winning streak, the A’s starters and relievers pitched well. The A’s offense came to life, and the team showed improvement. They split four games with the Rays. They lost three games to the Phillies. Two of the losses were by one run. The Phillies are the hottest team in baseball. They have won fourteen of the last 16. The Phillies were in the World Series last year.

The A’s start a six-game road trip in Cleveland Tuesday night. The A’s will play three against the Guardians and then finish the road trip with three against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Guardians are in second place in the AL Central with a record of 33-38.

They are two and 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins. Manager Terry Francona is in his 11th year as the skipper of the Guardians.

The A’s will send Luis Medina (1-6, 7.55) to the hill Tuesday night. Cleveland will counter with Aaron Civale(2-2, 2.67). Righty Paul Blackburn (0-0, 3.49) goes for the A’s on Wednesday. The Guardians have not announced a starter. Lefty JP Sears(1-4, 4.24) will be on the mound on Thursday. Logan Allen (3-2, 3.95) goes for Cleveland.

The key players for the Guardians are first baseman Josh Naylor, third baseman Jose Ramirez, and outfielders Stephen Kwan and Will Brennan. Their catcher is Josh Naylor’s younger brother Bo Naylor. Closer Emmanuel Clase leads the Guardians bullpen. Clase is 1-4 but has recorded 20 saves this year.

Their setup guy is Trevor Stephan. The Guardians do not have a left-handed pitcher in the bullpen. The A’s will see relievers Sam Hentges, Enyel De Los Santos, Elijah Morgan, Nick Sandlin, Xzavion Curry, and two recently recalled from Triple-A, Daniel Norris and Tim Herrin. The A’s will not see the Guardians’ ace Shane Bieber in the series.

The A’s want to get some wins on this road trip. They will need better pitching and timely hitting. They know they can win on the road. They are looking for players such as Esteury Ruiz, Ryan Noda, Brent Rooker, Seth Brown, JJ Blesday, Ramon Laureano, Roberto Perez, and Shea Langeliers to get back on the hit parade. Blackburn has pitched well since coming off the IL.

Also of note A’s leadoff hitter Ruiz leads the majors in stolen bases with 36 for the season and could get some good coverage on the base paths that could help Oakland get a leg up for this upcoming road trip.

Medina has improved, and Kotsay wants him to give the A’s a quality start on Tuesday night. JP Sears, acquired in the trade that sent Frankie Montas to the New York Yankees, has to find a way to stop serving up gopher balls. Sears has allowed 17 dingers in his starts this year.

The A’s still are the worst team in baseball. Kotsay continues to have a positive outlook. He has seen some improvement in the last two weeks. The A’s would love nothing better than winning each series against the Guardians and The Blue Jays.