Tag: San Francisco Giants

Cueto looks dominant in season debut, Giants get past Pirates 5-4

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sfexaminer.com

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — After missing over a year after Tommy John Surgery, Johnny Cueto looked phenomenal in his season debut.

Cueto went the required five innings, allowing just one hit, walking just and striking out four and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 before a crowd of 26,877 at Oracle Park.

With the one-run victory, the Giants are now 34-15 this season in one-run games and their .694 winning percentage is the best in the majors.

The Giants gave Cueto all the runs that he would need in the bottom of the first inning, as Mauricio Dubon singled to lead off the inning, Brandon Belt doubled Dubon to third and after an Evan Longoria strikeout, Stephen Vogt singled both Dubon and Belt for the first two of his four RBIs on the evening.

Kevin Pillar then singled and then Brandon Crawford squirted one thru the infield to score Vogt with the third run of the evening.

Vogt added a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning, as he hit his ninth home run of the season.

The Pirates, who could not muster anything off of Cueto, finally got in the top of the eighth inning with two outs. Kevin Newman got the rally started, then former Giants farmhand Bryan Reynolds singled, and then former Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera doubled down the right-field line to get the Pirates on the board.

Josh Bell then cut the Giants lead down to one, as he launched his 37th home run of the season into the left field bleachers.

Mitch Keller also went five innings, allowing five runs on nine hits, not walking a batter and striking out seven.

Shawn Anderson pitched the final 1.1 innings to notch his first major-league save and his first since pitching for the University of Florida.

NOTES: To make room for Cueto on the 40-man roster, Williams Jerez was designated for assignment.

Cueto is the 62nd different Giants player to suit up this season, the most in the National League and second most in the majors, behind the 63 that put on the uniform of the Seattle Mariners.

The 62 players are the most in Giants history and currently tied for the fourth-most in major league history.

Prior to this season, the Giants’ record for most players in a season was 51 set during the 1990 season.

Bruce Bochy won his 1,996th career game, leaving four shy of the magical 2,000 mark.

Pirates reliever and former Giants pitcher Kyle Crick underwent surgery on the index finger on his right hand as the result of an injury that occurred during an altercation with Felipe Vázquez in the clubhouse.

The behavior exhibited by these two players last night is unacceptable, inconsistent with the standards expected of a Major-League player and will not be tolerated by the organization,” general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement.

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s going for the gusto in big series in Houston; Giants can play for pride and prospects at this point; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: orovillemr.com

On the Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Oakland A’s always have their plate full when they go to Houston for a four-game series, and this series is no different, the A’s need each one of these games to keep pace in the AL wild card.

#2 The San Francisco Giants just want to win their games for prides sake. They have battled one of the NL’s best the Los Angeles Dodgers and took two out of three from them in LA. For a team that is struggling and out of the wild card race, a great effort by the Giants.

#3 The Oakland Raiders played in Denver on Monday Night Football, but the overshadowing story is how they let their big fish wide receiver Antonio Brown go and who turned around and signed with New England but as karma would have it Brown was accused of rape by his trainer in Florida and is on suspension until the NFL concludes it’s investigation. Brown has stated that he will countersue his accuser for civil extortion.

#4 The San Francisco 49ers got a key win on opening week in Tampa Bay. The Niners defense forced four turnovers and Kwon Alexander who was ejected for a personal foul going helmet to helmet on Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston got the game ball.

#5 The Cal Bears took the Washington Huskies by storm after a 2 1/2 hour delay. The Bears and Huskies played back and forth football until 1:30 in the morning and the Bears edged the Huskies out with eight seconds left in the game on a Greg Thomas field goal to win it 20-19.

Headline Sports with Barbara is heard every Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Thin Bullpen: Giants wilt in the ninth, Pirates win 6-4 in front of smallest crowd since 2010

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO — Kevin Newman maybe auditioning for a role as the Pirates’ leadoff man, but he maybe better suited as the team’s focal point.

Newman knocked in a pair of runs in a four-run ninth inning and the Pirates shocked the Giants 6-4 on Monday night. The Pirates improved to 11-5 in the games the speedy, powerful Newman has batted leadoff.

The Giants started Madison Bumgarner, who was attempting to win for the 61st time at Oracle Park, surpassing former teammate Matt Cain as the winningest pitcher in the park’s history. Bumgarner was in line for the win after allowing two runs and six hits in seven innings, but the Giants’ injury-ravaged bullpen let him down.

With relievers Reyes Moronta, Tony Watson and closer Will Smith unavailable due to injuries, manager Bruce Bochy stuck with Tyler Rogers, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning. But Rogers allowed Kevin Kramer to reach on an infield single, and was replaced by Fernando Abad after just one pitch in the inning.

Abad walked Josh Bell, and gave up Elias Diaz’ lengthy drive to the left field gap that one-hopped the wall. But the smash registered as just a base hit when Mike Yasztremski fielded the ball cleanly and appeared to have a catch to the Pirates’ baserunners. Both Kramer and Bell retreated as Diaz advanced almost creating an out-making logjam on the basepaths, but the Pirates were still set up with bases loaded and Newman up.

Newman delivered to tie it, the first time the Pirates had been even since the fifth inning. Kevin Reynolds’ base hit untied it, and Jose Osuna provided insurance with his sacrifice fly that scored Newman.

“Too bad we couldn’t hold on to give him a win,” Bochy said of Bumgarner, his strong outing squandered.  “You look at his body of work; he’s been a savior. Guys who give you innings like that are invaluable. Not just innings but quality innings.”

The Giants fell to 30-39 at home–the third worst record in the National League–after losing for the sixth time in their last seven home games. Meanwhile, the youth-infused Pirates have won 11 of 17 after being dreadful for almost all of July and August.

Newman and Reynolds, the former Giants minor leaguer acquired in the Andrew McCutchen deal, have been a big part of the recent surge.

“I think the combination of the two has them getting the results they’ve been getting,” said manager Clint Hurdle.

Sportstalk at Ping Yang Grill and Dessert in San Francisco remote podcast: Monday, September 9, 2019

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

yelp.com photo: Dining room section at Ping Yang Grill and Desert at 955 Larkin Street in downtown San Francisco which was formerly Little Henry’s Restaurant.

Cast: Mary Lisa Walsh (SJ Sharks beat writer), Marko Ukalovic (SJ Barracuda beat writer), Jeremy Harness (NFL analyst, PGA Golf reporter), Lewis Rubman (Oakland A’s beat writer), David Zizmor (SF 49ers podcast host), and Lee Leonard (producer).

On the podcast today from Ping Yang Grill and Dessert at 955 Larkin Street downtown San Francisco: Our thanks to your host Bay owner and proprietor at Ping Yang Grill and Dessert. Ping Yang serves some of San Francisco’s favorite Thai food: Pad Thai, Thai Crepe, Chicken Thigh, Tom Yum Soup, Curry Noodle Soup, Tender Pork Shoulder, Beef Short Ribs, Chocolate Crepe, Nutella Banana Crepe, and many more. Bay welcomes you to try many of Ping Yang’s dessert favorites. Located at the corner of Larkin and Sutter Streets in downtown San Francisco, Ping Yang Grill and Dessert.

On today’s podcast: Discussions on the National Hockey League 2019-20 season preparing to start. The San Jose Sharks what they added and how Erik Karlsson will be the face and impact of this year’s team. The Oakland A’s in the hunt for postseason play. The San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo and how the progress looks from week one. The Oakland Raiders, who lost Antonio Brown to the New England Patriots, plus much more.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: Giants have no offense in LA as they prepare for Bucs series tonight

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

from sfgate.com photo: San Francisco Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez reacts during a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019.

On the SF Giants podcast with Morris:

#1 The Los Angeles Dodgers in Sunday’s game had a breakout fourth and fifth innings when they scored two and three runs in each respective inning. One thing they’re noted for is they can swing the bats.

#2 The Dodgers wound up getting a 5-0 shutout against the San Francisco Giants behind Dodger starter Kenta Maeda, who pitched four innings surrendering just one hit and struck out six.

#3 Meanwhile, Giants starter Derek Rodriguez continues to struggle. He went 4.2 innings, three hits, two earned runs, and four strikeouts. Rodriguez drops his record to 5-9.

#4 No one hits RBIs in this one. Buster Posey just picked up two hits and a hit each for Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater simply no offense Sunday for the Giants.

#5 The Giants open a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Monday night at Oracle Park at 7:15 pm. Starting for Pittsburgh, Trevor Williams (7-6, 5.16 ERA), and for the Giants, Madison Bumgarner (9-8, 3.81 ERA).

Morris does the SF Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Beaty and Seager go deep in Dodgers’ 5-0 shutout

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @DodgerBlue1958

By Jeremy Kahn

On the day that Bruce Bochy managed the San Francisco Giants for the last time at Dodger Stadium, his team was unable to sweep the series.

Matt Beaty hit a two-run home run off of Dereck Rodriguez in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring their first runs since A.J. Pollocks third home run on Friday night and the Los Angeles Dodgers averted the sweep with a 5-0 shutout of the Giants at Dodger Stadium.

Corey Seager closed out the scoring in the bottom of the fifth inning, as he hit a three-run home run off of Rodriguez, giving the Dodgers 255 home runs on the season, extending their National League record.

Kenta Maeda came on in relief of Dodgers starter Julio Urias in the top of the third inning. And retired the first 10 batters he faced. Maeda gave up just one hit and struck out six, as he won for the ninth time this season.

Bochy, who will retire after the season will finish his career at Dodger Stadium with a record of 107-108, the most by any visiting manager in the ballparks 57-year history.

Beaty broke a 12-inning scoreless streak for the Dodgers in the bottom of the fourth inning, as his solo home run landed in the Giants bullpen.

Seager hit his 14th home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth inning, a three-run shot over the center field wall to give the Dodgers a 5-0 lead. Pollock then was walked by Rodriguez, who day ended with that walk to Pollock.

Rodriguez went 4.2 innings, allowing five runs on just three hits, walking three and striking out four, as his record fell to 5-9 on the season.

Buster Posey went 2-for-4 on the afternoon, as the Giants managed just four hits off of Urias, Maeda and four other relievers, as the Dodgers can clinch their seventh consecutive National League Western Division Championship with a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Tuesday.

NOTES: Johnny Cueto will make his season debut on Tuesday night at Oracle Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cueto was originally going to make his return from Tommy John surgery this weekend at Dodger Stadium; however, he was unable to go due to stiffness in his back.

UP NEXT: Madison Bumgarner will go for his 10th win of the season on Monday night, as the Giants open a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. Game time set for 6:45 p.m.

Pillar drives in only run in Giants’ 1-0 win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sfexaminer.com

By Jeremy Kahn

On a night where the San Francisco Giants got only one run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning, and it was able to stand up.

Kevin Pillar grounded out to Justin Turner to score Mike Yastrzemski from third base, helping the Giants to a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Yastrzemski singled off the game, when to second on a Evan Longoria walk and Stephen Vogt loaded the bases when he singled to right with one out in the inning.

Pillar, who grew up about 30 miles northwest of Dodger Stadium in West Hills grounded to third and Yastrzemski scored what proved to be the only run of the game.

Tyler Beede was fantastic, as he went the required five innings to pick up his fourth win of the season.

Beede went those five innings, allowing zero runs and scattering four hits, walking three and striking out five.

Six different closed it out for the Giants, as Shawn Anderson, Tyler Rogers, Andrew Suarez, Sam Coonrod, Fernando Abad and Jandel Gustave went the final four innings, allowing zero hits, walking one and striking out two.

Gustave closed it out, as he walked A.J. Pollock to lead off the inning, but Garrett Lux lined out to Pillar in center and then Gustave picked up his first major league save, as he got Enrique Hernandez to ground into a double play to end the game and give the series to the Giants with the finale coming on Sunday.

Abad came up huge to close out the bottom of the eighth inning, as he got Cody Bellinger to ground into an inning-ending double play on just two pitches.

Bellinger also ended the bottom of the fifth inning, as he flew out to Yastrzemski in left field with the bases loaded.

Tony Gonsolin was the hard luck loser on this night, as he went just four innings, allowing one run on just two hits, walking four and striking out four.

It was the 107th career victory for Bruce Bochy at Dodger Stadium, the most by any visiting manager since the ballpark opened in 1962.

NOTES: Alex Dickerson returned to the Bay Area to get a cortiaone injection for his sorre right oblique. Dickerson could comeback before the season closes on September 29. Zach Green was recalled from Sacramento and was placed on the 60-day injured list with an impingement in his left hip. With Green on the 60-day injured list, it made room for Left-hander Wandy Peralta, who was claimed off of waivers by the Giants from the Cincinnati Reds.

UP NEXT: Dereck Rodriguez closes out the series and the road trip for the Giants, as he takes the mound. Left-hander Julio Urias will take the hill for the Dodgers in the finale. Game time set for 1:10 p.m.

Dubon goes 3-for-4 in Giants’ 5-4 win over Dodgers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: mercurynews.com

By Jeremy Kahn

On a night where the Los Angeles Dodgers honored Bruce Bochy, the San Francisco Giants put a stop to the Dodgers clinching the National League West.

Mauricio Dubon went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs, as the Giants defeated the Dodgers 5-4 at Dodger Stadium.

With the loss, the Dodgers magic number to clinch their seventh straight National League West Division Championship at four.

This was a win that the Giants desperately needed if they want to have a chance to get into the National League Wild Card.

Prior to the win against the Dodgers in the opener, the Giants were in a big time slump, as they lost eight out of 10 and 12 out of their last 16.

Clayton Kershaw was not his usual self for the Dodgers, as he lost for the third time in a row and was frustrated when he was pulled from the game in the top of the fifth inning by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Kershaws frustrations boiled over into the dugout, as he was seen kicking the cooler, throwing his hat and glove after Roberts pulled him.

Dubon tied up the game, as he hit his second home run of the season, a solo blast off the left field pole.

Kevin Pillar drew a walk that was the end of the night for Kershaw, and his replacement Dylan Floro did not help Kershaw at all.

Evan Longoria grounded out, but after an intentional walk to Buster Posey, pinch hitter Mike Yastrzemski hit a two-run double that gave the Giants the lead for good. After an intentional walk to Belt, Dubon hit a two-run single that gave the Giants a 5-1 in the top of the fifth inning.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the ninth inning, as A.J. Pollock hit his third home run of the game off of Giants closer Will Smith to narrow the Giants lead down to 5-4.

Russell Martin then came off the bench and walked, but then Smith struck out Will Smith swinging to pick up his 32nd save of the season.

Jeff Samardzija won his 10th game of the season, as he went six innings, allowing three runs, not walking a batter and striking out three.

Two of those three hits allowed by Samardzija were solo home runs by Pollock. Kershaw lost for just the fifth time this season against 13 wins, as he went just four innings, allowing three runs, walking three and striking out six.

NOTES: Bochy received an autographed Sandy Koufax jersey, as the Dodgers honored the longtime Giants manager who will be retiring at the end of the 2019 season after a 25-year managerial career. In his career between the San Diego Padres and the Dodgers, Bochy is now 219-204.

Trevor Gott was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a right elbow strain. Johnny Cueto will throw a bullpen session this weekend in Los Angeles after experiencing tightness in his back.

UP NEXT: Tyler Beede will start Saturday for the Giants, while the Dodgers will counter with Tony Gonsolin. Game time scheduled for 6:10 p.m.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Seeing Red Birds, Giants drop 3 of 4 from Cardinals, lose in laugher on Thursday 10-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: mercurynews.com

On the Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 At this juncture, how anxious does this club seem to be to end this season regroup and see what next spring brings?

#2 The Giants faced two Cardinals pitcher Dakota Hudson and reliever Genesis Cabrera, who both shut the Giants out. The Giants simply could not figure either pitcher out.

#3 Giants starter Logan Webb got lit up going 2.2 innings, eight hits and seven runs, two walks and strikeouts with the Red Birds scoring three in the bottom of the first and five in the bottom of the third.

#4 The Giants used six pitchers, but most of the damage had been done in the five-run third. Webb was charged for all eight runs in the early going.

#5 The Giants hope to turn the page with a series coming up Friday night at Dodger Stadium. For the Giants, Jeff Samardzija (9-11, 3.61 ERA), and for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershawn (13-4, 2.96 ERA).

Michael does the Giants podcast each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Webb gets bombed, Giants go down in flames 10-0

Published on by jeremy2878Leave a comment

Photo credit: @sfgiants_fanly

By Jeremy Harness

It all went bad for Logan Webb on Thursday afternoon, and St. Louis Cardinals took advantage of every mistake that he and the rest of the Giants behind him made in a 10-0 rout at Busch Stadium.

With the loss, the Giants also dropped the season series to the Cardinals, and they continue to lose ground with the rest of the contenders in the National League.

Webb did not make it out of the third inning, as he gave up eight runs – seven of them earned – on eight hits, walking two and striking out another two.

Things got off to a bad start, as Webb gave up a leadoff double to Tommy Edman, who eventually scored on an infield hit later in the inning. Webb appeared to get the wheels straightened out, as he struck out Marcell Ozuna for the second out of the inning.

However, the next batter, Paul DeJong, took Webb over the center-field wall for a two-run homer that gave St. Louis a 3-0 lead.

He pitched a scoreless second inning, but the Cards resumed their assault on the young hurler in the third. They used hard-hit singles as well as a jam shot by Yadier Molina to score a run, and they scored another when first baseman Brandon Belt took a throw from second baseman Mauricio Dubon but forgot to touch the bag.

Manager Bruce Bochy eventually threw in the towel on Webb when he surrendered a two-run single to his pitching counterpart, Dakota Hudson.

On the positive side, the Giants bullpen did well in relief of Webb, keeping St. Louis off the scoreboard for the next four innings until Kyle Barraclough surrendered a two-run homer to Rangel Ravelo in the eighth.

Hudson, meanwhile, cruised through a suddenly-punchless Giants lineup, giving up only a hit over six innings, walking two and striking out two.

The Giants open a three-game series against the Dodgers in L.A. starting Friday night at 7:10 p.m.