Bay FC blanked by Angel City in NWSL X Liga MXF Summer Cup 2-0

Bay FC battled in their NWSL X Liga MXF Summer Cup match with Angel City FC at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Fri Jul 26, 2024 but lost their second match in the Cup (photo by Bay FC)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC looked to bounce back and get some points on the board in the NWSL X Liga MXF Summer Cup on Friday night when they hosted Angel City FC. Bay lost their second match in the Femenil Summer Cup at Pay Pal Park 2-0 to Angel City.

Bay FC Starting XI: Rowland, King, Brewster, Sharples, Moreau, Bailey, Shepherd, Conti, Hill, Doms, Castellanos Angel City Starting XI: Anderson, Vignola, Reid, Gorden, Fuller, Dougherty Howard, Hammond, Emslie, Thompson, Spencer, Bright

Rachel Hill nearly got Bay FC an early lead, when a fantastic through-ball found her with only the goalkeeper to beat however Angelina Anderson made the save, knocking the ball out for a corner. The corner led to a scramble in front of the goal, and Maya Doms put a shot on target causing Anderson to make a second save to tip the ball over the night.

Off the second straight corner, Savy King’s pass found a player in front, but Anderson once again made the stop. Angel City got a chance of their own in the fifth minute when Dorian Bailey slipped while defending but the shot sailed over the goal.

Maddie Moreau was continuing her strong performance in the Cup, making a few solid defensive plays early in the night. Deyna Castellanos nearly scored a phenomenal goal in the 10th minute when Anderson was outside of her box.

Castellanos shot it from midfield, however it was just off-target and went to the right of the net. Bailey had another great opportunity in the 15th minute, but the ball rolled just enough to throw her shot off and it went out of play.

Bay FC came out of the gate very strong, maintaining possession and generating quite a few scoring opportunities while preventing Angel City from getting many of their own. Overall, they were playing well up and down the entirety of the pitch. It seemed like Bay could easily be leading by two or 3 goals. After a freekick in a dangerous area though, an own goal by Bailey put them down a goal in the 18th minute.

Madison Hammond got shown the first yellow card of the night in the 22nd minute when she grabbed Doms with two hands from behind. Caroline Conti forced Anderson to make another save in the 25th minute, and Bay was starting to get momentum back on their side after the energy had been taken out of PayPal Park following the goal.

There was a break in play as Anderson got evaluated for a potential head injury following a collision with Hill. Angel City nearly extended their lead in the 37th minute when King slipped inside the box trying to clear the ball, but Kayla Sharples was able to press the shooter a bit and force a rushed shot that trickled out of play.

Mary Alice Vignola got another opportunity for Angel City in the 38th but the shot went just over the crossbar. Sharples made a fantastic sliding block in the 41st minute, on a shot that could’ve easily gotten past Rowland.

As the first half reached stoppage time Bay desperately attempted to tie it before halftime, creating quite a few chances late in the half. They were unable to accomplish their goal though and entered the break still trailing by a goal.

Rowland needed medical attention roughly a minute into the second half after a collision with Claire Emslie. Bay FC’s goalkeeper was trying to play the ball inside her box, while Emslie slid directly into her trying to play the ball.

After a few moments, Rowland was back to her feet and remained in the match. Emslie was shown a yellow card for the dangerous play. Rowland got tested almost immediately after and made the save. Emslie would end up extending Angel City’s lead to 2-0 in the 54th minute.

Although it seems that Bay FC manager Albertin Montoya is taking a development approach to this Cup rather than attempting to win it, he certainly had to be disappointed in how the game was turning out. Sharples and King kept up the aggressive defending that we’d seen from them all night as we approached the hour mark, both were pulling off sensational slide tackles to deny their opposition scoring chances.

Bay made three substitutions in the 61st minute taking off Hill, Doms, and Castellanos for Alyssa Malonson, Princess, and Kiki Pickett. The substitutes attempted to make an impact right out of the gate, creating some pressure in the offensive third of the pitch.

Angel City made a substitution of their own in the 65th minute with Casey Phair entering the match for Messiah Bright. Montoya responded moments later taking off Jamie Shepherd for Joelle Anderson. Conti fired a long shot in the 69th minute following a pass from Princess,it was a great effort but went over the goal.

It’s certainly worth noting, Sharples really stepped up into a leadership role in this game. With a majority of the typical leaders out of the lineup, she was truly leading by example and putting her body on the line to make an impact. Princess nearly scored off of a cross in the 77th minute, but the shot went into the side netting after a deflection off the goalkeeper.

Ultimately Bay FC wouldn’t be able to complete a comeback and were shutout by Angel City, with a final score of 2-0.

Fitzgerald homers twice as Giants rout Rockies 11-4

San Francisco Giants Tyler Fitzgerald (49) gives thanks to the good Lord after belting a two run home run waiting at the plate teammate Jorge Soler (2) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Fri Jul 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Friday, July 26, 2024

San Francisco’s quest to remain on the NL West race took a positive step Friday at Oracle Park, as the Giants rolled past Colorado 11-4. It was a needed win for the Giants, who have lost five of their last seven games since the All-Star break.

The Giants (50-55) led 6-1 after four innings, while Kyle Harrison (6-4) gave
Dan Francisco a quality start, striking out 11 while giving up a run on one hit and two walks.

Tyler Fitzgerald delivered a pair of two-run home runs for the Giants – the first one in the fourth and the second one came in the bottom of the sixth, his seventh and eighth home runs of the season.

Fitzgerald was 3-for-5 with four runs batted in while continuing his recent power surge. He’s the first San Francisco player to hit seven home runs in an eight-game stretch since Barry Bonds did it in 2004.

Jorge Soler, batting leadoff as the DH, opened the scoring with a solo home run to left center in the bottom of the first inning. Soler added RB( singles in the second and fourth innings while going 3-for-3, scoring four runs and driving in three.

Heliot Ramos added a three-run shot for San Francisco in the bottom of the eighth off Rockies reliever Ty Bloch, his 15th of the season to go with 52 RBI. Ramos and Mike Yastrzemski each had two hits,

The Rockies (38-66) cut the San Francisco lead to 3-1 I the third on a sacrifice fly by Ezequiel Tovar. Colorado scored again in the eighth on a two-run triple by Brenton Doyle and picked up a run in the ninth on an infield ground out by Elias Diaz.

Most of the Giants’ damage came early against Rockies starter Kyle Freehand (2-4), who surrendered six earned runs on eight hits and s walk. He also struck out eight.

The San Francisco bullpen of Luke Jackson, Mike Baumann, Ryan Walker and Camilo Doral gave up three runs on a combined four hits in the last 2 1/3 innings.

Off the field, Giants right-hander Keaton Winn is scheduled to undergo season-ending elbow surgery next week. Also, infielder Thairo Estrada (wrist) was placed on the 10-day injured list, and infielder Casey Schmitt recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.

The Rockies and Giants have a scheduled doubleheader on Saturday. In the first game, San Francisco goes with left-hander Blake Snell (0-3, 5.83) against Colorado right-hander Ryan Feltner (1-10, 5.19). Starters for the second game had yet to be announced.

A’s Take Game Two In Another One-Run Win Over Los Angeles 5-4; Oakland wins six of last eight

Oakland A’s Seth Brown (15) gets congratulated in the A’s dugout after hitting a home run in the top of the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A in Anaheim on Fri Jul 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Los Angeles Angels (45-59) took the lead early in this game 4-0 but the Oakland A’s (43-63) came roaring back scoring five unanswered runs for a final score of 5-4 in favor of the A’s on Friday. The A’s are in fourth place in the league with 137 home runs hitting two long balls out of the yard in this game.

Game recap: Los Angeles got on the board in the first inning in a perfect start for the team. They hit back to back two run homers taking an early 4-0 lead. Taylor Ward hit the first long ball out of the yard with Luis Rengifro on board for the 2-0 lead. Nolan Schanuel followed that up with another two run home run with Logan O’Hoppe on base and the Angels were off and running.

Oakland cut the Los Angeles lead in half when Seth Brown hit a two run home run in the second inning with Shea Langeliers on base and just like that the score was 4-2 in favor of the Angels.

After five innings of work Oakland pitcher Paul Blackburn was relieved by Joey Estes. Blackburn finished with five hits, four runs and two strikeouts. He had four nice innings only stumbling early in the first inning allowing the two home runs.

Work on the mound took over for the next three innings, the third, fourth and fifth innings with neither team scoring any runs. In the sixth inning, the A’s Brent Rooker tied up the game 4-4 hitting a two run home run.

Oakland would take their first lead of the game in the sixth 5-4 in another one run game. Again Seth Brown stepped up big hitting a single that brought Shea Langeliers home.

When the Angels put a couple of runners on base in the bottom of the eighth inning Oakland pitcher Joey Estes was relieved by T.J. McFarland. McFarland got the A’s out of the inning and it was on to the ninth inning in this tight game.

Oakland was unable to score an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning and the A’s defense would take over in the bottom of the ninth looking for a second win in this series. Lucas Erceg sent the Angels packing only allowing a single hit. Jo Adell struck struck out, Anthony Rendon grounded out and Zach Neto lined out and that was the ball game with the A’s coming out on top with a one run win 5-4.

Post game notes: Friday night the A’s took on the Angels in game two of their four game series. Last night the A’s held onto a 6-5 lead through five innings. Oakland pitcher Ross Stripling had a rough second inning in game one Thursday but pulled it all together going 5 2/3 innings and the A’s stubbornly held onto the one run lead for the rest of the game.

Friday night, the A’s picked up the win in game two and assured themselves of at least tying this series and also a winning record for July. Oakland pitcher Paul Blackburn returned to start coming off the 60 day IR.

This was the first time since early May the A’s have seen him work on the mound. The Angels started Carmen Fulmer who was looking for his first win of the season. Fulmer pitched well enough in a close game going 5.2 innings, allowing two hits and three runs but still couldn’t win it.

Game three of this four game series is scheduled to start at 6:38 PM Saturday night. Probable pitchers for this game are Mitch Spence (6-6, ERA 4.67) for Oakland and for the Angels Tyler Anderson (8-8, ERA 2.91) gets the nod.

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: The wait continues for A’s share of construction costs; 1000s to be laid off after A’s season

Sandy Dean Oakland A’s owner John Fisher business partner addresses the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Thu Jul 18, 2024 (LV Sports Biz.com photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Lots happening the Oakland A’s still have time to come up with the $500 million for their share of the construction costs towards the Las Vegas ballpark on the strip. Sandy Dean Oakland A’s owner John Fisher business partner spoke to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority saying the A’s were in good shape financially.

#2 The truth of the matter is the A’s do not have the money right now for their share of the construction costs and it’s due by the end of this year. Dean says the A’s will have the money coming from debt that’s owed the team, the Fisher Family, and other interests.

#3 It was announced earlier this week that the A’s will be laying off over 1000 employees whether they be contractors or team employees that are not non baseball jobs because there are Sacramento Rivercats employees who are available to take up those jobs. Just a very few will survive the job cuts and will be coming up to Sacramento to work for the team.

#4 As far as we’ve learned most of the A’s radio and TV air talent will survive the cuts except for Vince Cotroneo who had broadcast with the team since 2006 will be leaving after this season due to the A’s not extending his contract.

#5 Amongst some of the departments being laid off at the A’s marketing, community relations, field operations, legal and ticket services which the Rivercats will cover when the A’s get to Sacramento.

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Mason Miller did pound trainer table to break pinkie; A’s edge Halos 6-5

Oakland A’s Daz Cameron is congratulated in the A’s dugout after hitting a two run fourth inning home run off the Los Angeles Angels on Thu Jul 25, 2024 at the Big A in Anaheim (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Oakland A’s All Star flame throwing reliever Mason Miller it was confirmed on Thursday did break his pinkie finger on his non throwing hand when he pounded a table in the trainers room on Monday night after he was told he needed to do a post game lifting after the A’s win over the Houston Astros.

#2 Jeremiah, Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker both hit their ninth home runs in the month of July. They’re efforts have helped the A’s win some games and series as well.

#3 The A’s kept up the offense when Daz Cameron hit a fourth inning two run homer off Angels starter Kenny Rosenberg. The A’s have been putting together some great offense hitting 21 homers in their last eight games.

#4 With Butler and Rooker’s nine home runs apiece that’s third best in baseball for the month of July.

#5 The A’s continue their series with the Angels on Friday night. The A’s RHP Paul Blackburn (3-2, 4.11) and the Angels RHP Carson Fulmer (0-3, ERA 3.66) starters for game two of this series.

Join Jeremiah for the A’s podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Bally’s merger helped A’s plan for Las Vegas

The Tropicana is seen in the process of demolition on the Strip in Las Vegas Monday, July 22, 2024. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @KMCannonPhoto

Bally’s merger helped A’s plan for Las Vegas

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

As the Oakland A’s prepare to end their over half-century playing at the Oakland Coliseum this 2024, things in Las Vegas are moving with Bally’s corporation. And according to Bally’s Corp CEO Soo Kim, “It’s business as usual.”

So what does this mean? According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, which has been the best source of information regarding the proposed A’s relocating to Las Vegas, Kim (who managed the hedge fund) bought out Bally’s in an announced $4.6 billion deal.

With this deal, Bally’s owns the rights to develop the 35-acre Tropicana site. Thursday’s announcement moved the A’s closer to the potential move, as the Tropicana is now scheduled to be demolished in October.

Bally’s owns the rights to develop the 35-acre site for the proposed A’s ballpark. According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, the A’s are negotiating and finalizing a trio of agreements with the Las Vegas Stadium Authority that would make up to $380 million in public funding available to the team to finance a portion of the stadium’s costs.

Steve Hill, the Stadium Authority Chairman, said last week that he expects the work of those agreements, the development, lease, and non-relocation, to go until about December when they will be approved as the A’s enter into a contract with Clark County.

Once those agreements are approved, the A’s must also spend the first $100 million on the ballpark project before the public money is available. According to the Las Vegas Business Journal, the A’s will likely use just $350 million of the available $380 million in public funds.

Plans call for the construction of the A’s stadium to begin in April and be completed in time for the 2028 MLB season. Meanwhile, the A’s are scheduled to play the interim year of 2025-2027 at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, as their tenure at the Oakland Coliseum ends September 26 against the Texas Rangers.

Like everything in a free enterprise capitalist Democracy, money rules, and like one: “philosopher” said, “money talks and BS walks”. Which is paraphrasing corrupt Democrat Congressman Michael Meyers in the 1980 Abscam probe.

It means, pay me a bribe or go for a walk, i.e., I’m not listening to you. It is similar to the “Pay to Play” corruption scheme in various parts of the country. “Pay to Play” is also why the FBI has investigated the Mayor of Oakland Sheng Thao.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer 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

A’s Edge Angels Winning Game One of a Four Game Series 6-5

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s Lawrence Butler goes head first into third base and the throw bounces off his helmet against the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim at the Big A on Thu Jul 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

The Oakland A’s (41-63) trailed for a minute in the third inning but recovered not only tying up the game but taking a 6-5 lead which was the final score. After a shaky 2nd inning in which the Los Angeles Angels (45-57) scored five runs, Oakland starting pitcher Ross Stripling reined it back in shutting down Los Angeles through the next 3 2/3 innings.

Game recap: The A’s got a quick start in this game scoring twice in the first inning taking a 2-0 lead. Lawrence Butler continued the great offensive play that has earned him the lead-off position. He doubled in the inning and scored on an Angels throwing error by catcher Logan O’Hoppe taking the early lead 1-0. Oakland would addd to that tally when Brent Rooker hit his 24th home run of the season.

Los Angeles would break this game open in the second inning scoring five runs. Oakland pitcher Ross Stripling walked two runners giving up two doubles, and a couple of singles struggling throughout the inning. He finally got through the inning but the damage had been done. The Angels had taken a 5-2 lead and Oakland would have to fight their way back into this game.

The A’s did indeed fight their way back into the game in the third inning. Again an amazing long ball to the tune of 413 feet from Lawrence Butler with Max Schuemann on base and Oakland was only trailing by a single run 5-4.

The A’s not only tied up this game in the fourth inning but took back the lead. Daz Cameron hit a two run homer out of the yard with Tyler Nevin on base and Oakland had a 6-5 lead. After a shaky second inning, A’s pitcher Ross Stripling really reeled it back in through the third, fifth and sixth innings.

Stripling finished the game going 5 2/3 innings allowing six hits, five runs and two base on balls. He really turned it all around after a rough second inning giving up next to nothing for the rest of his assignment. He gave up a single in the third inning, a three and out in the fourth and fifth innings. He was relieved in the sixth by Scott Alexander who has been a very tough pitcher to face. He got Oakland out of the sixth inning with a runner on base.

With one out, the A’s had the bases loaded and Abraham Toro at the plate. Toro grounded out to first and the A’s had missed a huge opportunity to extend their lead. They were hanging onto the one run lead 6-5 going into the bottom of the eighth inning. Oakland’s Lucas Erceg pitched the eighth inning going three and out and it was on to the top of the ninth.

Oakland had one last chance to score an insurance run in the ninth frame. The A’s left two runners on base and had blown another great scoring opportunity. A’s closer Tyler Ferguson would try to close out this game for Oakland and avoid an Angels’ walk off. Pillar struck out, O’Hoppe struck out and Schanuel flied out and the A’s had won game one of this four game series 6-5.

Game notes: After winning their third series in a row, the A’s traveled down south to take on the Angels at Angel Stadium. Southern California has also been toasty much like Northern California has been and this game was looking at 85 degrees at first pitch.

Oakland played the Angels earlier this week taking games one and two but dropping the third game of the series 8-5 at the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s opened the fourth series with a win by a run difference. Ross Stripling who had been on the IL returned and picked up his second win now 2-9. The Angels will starter Kenny Rosenberg pitched 3.1 innings, allowed six hits and six earned runs in the loss to Oakland.

First pitch for game two will be tomorrow evening at 6:38. Paul Blackburn will be the probable starting pitcher for Oakland after returning from IR and the Angels will assign Carson Fulmer to start.

24 rooker homers

Giants finish brutal road trip with late 6-4 loss to Dodgers, as season hangs in balance

San Francisco Giants Jorge Soler swings for a single in the top of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Thu Jul 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles, California

San Francisco Giants 4 (49-55)

Los Angeles Dodgers 6 (62-42)

Win: Blake Treinen (5-2)

Loss: Tyler Rogers (1-4)

Save: Brent Honeywell (1)

Time: 2:38

Attendance: 52,291

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants dropped the finale to the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium 6-4 to end this brutal road trip on Thursday afternoon, as back-to-back home runs by Nick Ahmed and Shohei Ohtani did the Giants in in the bottom of the eighth inning, and things are starting to become grim for the 2024 San Francisco Giants.

The Giants picked up a much-needed win Wednesday night, and they were hoping to salvage not just a split in this series, but a decent end to what has been a rough road trip to open the second half. Incredibly, here on July 25, this would be the final game between the Giants and the Dodgers this season.

This would also be a massive game for the Giants, who came into Thursday 49-54, and four and a half games back of the Cardinals for the third wild card spot. With the Trade Deadline coming up in five days, this would be a game that could potentially seal what Farhan Zaidi decides to do at the Trade Deadline next Tuesday.

The two rivals played a rare afternoon day game at Dodger Stadium, and Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in Dodgers History, would make his season debut. Kershaw and the Giants have had a lot of history since he first came up in 2008, and the Giants would once again be up against him in a big game.

Kershaw retired the first two men he faced to begin the game. Heliot Ramos doubled to center field, and Matt Chapman walked, but like the Giants have done throughout this road trip, they wasted this opportunity when Patrick Bailey struck out swinging to end the inning.

Giants’ ace Logan Webb took the ball in the bottom of the third. Webb gave up three runs in the bottom of the third inning at the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas last Tuesday, and he labored through a rough outing in Denver on Saturday.

Thursday, Webb made his biggest start of the season in a rivalry game that could very well determine the fate of the team. He got off to a good start, as he walked Shohei Ohtani to start the bottom of the first, but retired the side in order afterwards.

Kershaw pitched a scoreless top of the second, and the Dodgers struck first in the bottom of the second. Gavin Lux walked to lead off the inning and advanced to second base on a ground out by Jason Heyward. With one out, Kiké Hernandez singled the other way to right to knock in Lux.

The Dodgers were preparing to do more, as Austin Barnes singled to right to put runners at first and second with one out. However, Webb settled down and retired the next two hitters to end the inning.

The Giants would then strike in the top of the third. Jorge Soler lined a base-hit to left to lead off the inning, and the suddenly-red-hot Tyler Fitzgerland lined a triple into the corner down the left field line to tie the game. Ramos hit a bullet off Kershaw, which reflected over to second base for a base-hit, and Fitzgerald scored to give the Giants the lead.

Matt Chapman lined a base-hit to center to move Ramos over to second. The Giants were looking to do more, but that was of course too much to ask from them, and Kershaw retired the next three to end the inning.

Webb pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the third, and Kershaw threw a scoreless top of the fourth. The Dodgers retook the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth. Kiké Hernandez doubled in Gavin Lux, who walked to start the inning, and Austin Barnes singled in Hernandez.

Shohei Ohtani doubled Hernandez over to third, and Teoscar Hernandez walked, but Freddie Freeman popped out to third to end the inning. Being unable to add on had become an interesting theme in this game.

Joe Kelly came in for Kershaw in the top of the fifth, because Dave Roberts—or whatever nerd is managing the game in the Dodgers’ front office—obviously wasn’t going to stretch Kershaw in his first start back. Kershaw threw 72 pitches in his four innings Thursday.

The Giants wasted a shot against Kelly in the top of the fifth, and the Dodgers made them pay for it in the bottom of the inning. Andy Pages and Gavin Lux each singled to put runners at the corners with one out, and Pages scored when Jason Heyward grounded into a double play to make it 4-2.

Of course, Heyward did not get an RBI, as a player cannot get credited with an RBI if they ground into a double play. As for Webb, he was done after five, and it was another rough outing for him, as he gave up four runs and nine hits.

Daniel Hudson came in for Los Angeles and threw a scoreless top of the sixth. The Dodgers threatened to blow it open when they loaded the bases against Sean Hjelle with one out in the bottom of the sixth. For Hjelle, he was able to get Andy Pages to ground into a double play, and it remained 4-2 going to the late innings.

Evan Phillips threw a 1-2-3 top of the seventh inning, and Luke Jackson struck out the side in a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh.

The Giants showed that they still had some fight in them in the top of the eighth. David Villar doubled off left-hander Alex Vesia to start the inning, but Brett Wisely and Mike Yastrzemski both struck out. Michael Conforto hit a double off the bottom of the wall out in right-center to make it 4-3, and Roberts brought in Blake Treinen.

Jorge Soler came up, and he lined a base-hit to left to knock in Conforto and tie the game. The Giants indeed still had some fight in them, and they even had a chance to retake the league after Soler stole second. Though the Giants scored two runs to tie it, it was still too much of an ask for even the red-hot Fitzgerald to give them the lead, as he struck out to end the inning.

Submariner Tyler Rogers came in for the bottom of the eighth, and with one out, former Giant Nick Ahmed came to the plate. Ahmed and Ohtani may have put the dagger in the heart of the Giants’ season with back-to-back home runs to put the Dodgers back ahead 6-4. Brent Honeywell then threw a scoreless top of the ninth.

Blake Treinen got the win; Tyler Rogers took the loss; and Brent Honeywell picked up his first-career save.

The Giants end up going 2-5 on the road trip, as they fall back down to six games under .500 at 49-55, and they are now five and a half games back of the San Diego Padres for that third wild card spot in the National League.

The Giants end up going 4-9 against the Dodgers this season, and 1-6 at Dodger Stadium.

The Giants have the talent, and they’ve shown their potential at various times throughout the season. However, with the 2-5 start to the second half; the fact that they are now five and a half games back of the nearest playoff spot; and the frustration clearly mounting with the team, it is very possible that Farhan Zaidi could decide to sell at the Trade Deadline next Tuesday.

The one thing the Giants have going for them is that they are going to have the easiest schedule in Baseball over the next month. That will start when the Giants return home to face the Colorado Rockies in the first game of a four-game series Friday night.

Friday’s game will be a matchup of two left-handed Kyles. Kyle Harrison (5-4, 3.86 ERA) will make the start for the Giants, and Kyle Freeland (2-3, 5.63 ERA) will take the ball for Colorado. First pitch will be at 7:15 p.m.

Giants News and Notes:

The Giants signed Derek Hill, who was activated Wednesday. He got the start in left-field today and went 0-for-2.

Some interesting facts about Hill, who comes from a baseball family. His father, Orsinom, was a scout for the Dodgers, the Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. His cousin is Darryl Strawberry, and he was teammates with J.D. Davis and Rowdy Tellez at Elk Grove High School.

With Hill and Robbie Ray’s addition to the roster Wednesday, Luis Matos and Randy Rodriguez were sent back to Triple-A Sacramento.

According to Alex Pavlovic, the Giants’ beat writer for NBC Sports Bay Area, Jordan Hicks, who got off to a great start in April and May, after he was brought over by Farhan Zaidi and converted from a reliever into a starter but has struggled as of late, could be heading back to the bullpen.

Hicks was originally expected to start Sunday, but after saying his body felt “worn down,” he could be moved to the bullpen as early as this weekend.

Oakland A’s report: Miller fractures hand while trying to exercise

Oakland A’s closer Mason Miller is on the 15 day IL with a fracture on his left hand, reportedly his left pinkie is fractured. The fracture happened on Mon Jul 22, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum. (photo from MLB)

By Jerry Feitelberg

As opposed to first reports that Oakland A’s pitcher Mason Miller fractured his pinky finger on his left hand on Monday while pounding a padded training table in the training room after Monday’s win against the Houston Astros in Oakland. An updated report says that Miller fractured his hand while trying to get up to do exercises.

Miller’s injury triggered the A’s to take pitcher Ross Stripling off the 15 day IL. The loss of Miller no doubt sets the A’s back. Miller the ace of the A’s pitching staff as a closer has thrown over 100 MPH pitches, led the American League in saves, and has been reliable in save situations.

The injury is unusual but nonetheless the A’s who had won seven of their last 11 games and won their last 3 three game series from the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and Houston Astros heavily rely on Miller’s ability to be a game closer and will now have to figure on how to persevere in closing out games.

Miller was the subject of lots of trade interest before the trade deadline with the heat he brings in save situations and the success he’s had not only at the All Star Game but all season long. With his fractured hand and no telling when he’ll be healthy enough to come back he most likely will stay A’s property for the rest of the season.

Jerry Feitelberg is an Oakland A’s reporter at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports with Michael Roberson: Cora-Red Sox working on contract extension; Brew Crew’s Yelich on 10 day IL plus more news

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and the Red Sox are looking to work out a contract extension for the next three seasons. (AP News file)

On Headline Sports with Michael Roberson:

#1 Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and the Red Sox are in negotiations for a contract extension that would give him an extra three years at $21.75 million. The Sox as of Tuesday are 54-46 and are one game back of the Kansas City Royals for the final wild card spot.

#2 Michael you cover the Milwaukee Brewers pretty closely and the Brewers have place Christian Yelich on the ten day IL due back inflammation. Yelich is schedule to see a specialist Thursday to figure out what to do next. Yelich’s back had been bothering him in recent weeks. You saw him at the All Star game but after the break is now on the IL.

#3 It’s been said that the New York Yankees Juan Soto and Aaron Judge are the best one two punch since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. That said the Yankees have struggled and are 10-21 since the start of the season when the Yanks were 50-22.

#4 Turning to the NCAA you probably aren’t surprised that after realignment some schools would not be all too please. In the ACC, Commissioner Jim Phillips said he would fight lawsuits filed by Clemson and Florida State University. The lawsuits are over the schools withdrawal penalty and grant of rights and gets uglier as the NCAA has filed a countersuit. Phillips said the NCAA is fighting for the protection of league and it’s members and that both Clemson and FSU both signed off for the grant of rights.

#5 Tuesday the Cal Bears and Stanford Cardinal made their ACC Media Day appearances. Stanford football head coach Troy Taylor said that the Cardinal need to adapt quickly or they will not be relevant this upcoming season. Taylor as well as the ACC schools are trying to make the adjustment to the realignment and division switches that Taylor said was at first shocking to see such a traditional conference like the Pac 10 just suddenly go away.

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com