San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants get hitting from Ahmed and Fitzgerald and pitching from Hicks in 7-1 win

San Francisco Giants hitter Tyler Fitzgerald connects for an RBI single in front of Washington Nationals catcher Drew Milas in the bottom of the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Apr 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 The San Francisco Giants took care of business Wednesday afternoon at Oracle Park avoiding a sweep and defeating the Washington Nationals by six runs 7-1. How important was it to avoid a sweep for the Giants especially on their first homestand.

#2 San Francisco pitcher Jordan Hicks allowed just one earned run in each of his three starts. Jordan said after the game that he feels he’s in a good spot.

#3 Giants manager Bob Melvin said that each of Hicks starts were very good each one of them. Hicks went six innings gave up four hits and just one earned run. Hicks said that his sinker was working for him.

#4 Nick Ahmed had two RBIs and scored three times. Melvin said that Ahmed is the fastest player on the team. That’s not to take anything away from Tyler Fitzgerald who stole two bases and score two times.

#5 San Francisco Giants starter Keaton Winn will get the start in the Giants next game in Tampa Bay. The Rays have not announced a starter for Friday yet.

Michael Duca does the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

#1

#2

A’s Win a Second Series Beating the Texas Rangers In a Shutout 1-0; A’s Sears takes no hitter into 7th against defending champs

Oakland A’s starter JP Sears pitched no hit baseball into the seventh inning against the World Champion Texas Rangers and eventually the A’s won the ball game at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Thu Apr 11, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

There was little offense in Thursday’s game between the Oakland A’s (5-8) and the Texas Rangers (8-5). It was a pitchers dual and showcased some great pitching by the A’s. JP Sears went 6 innings and Lucas Erceg and closer Mason Miller were perfect in the eighth and ninth innings with Miller getting the save. The lone run was a home run from Seth Brown.

Game recap: This game turned out to be a defensive game without a whole lot of offense. Through eight innings the A’s only had three hits and the Rangers only managed one. It was a pitchers duel from the start.

Jon Gray got the start for the Rangers. Oakland starter, JP Sears went six innings allowing no hits, no runs with 5 strikeouts. The Rangers, Jon Gray went five innings allowing 3 hits, one run and 9 strikeouts. Gray threw that one pitch in the second inning that Oakland’s Brown crushed for a home run and a 1-0 lead that would persist into the ninth inning.

The A’s put two runners, Tyler Nevin and Brown, on first and second in the top of the ninth inning looking for an insurance run. Oakland was unable to bring runners home and it was up to closer Miller to get the job done. He would face the top of the Texas lineup so he had his work cut out for him.

Miller dismissed Marcus Semien, Cory Seager and Wyatt Langford in that order, three up, three down and the A’s had won their second series of the season 1-0. It all came to down to some excellent pitching by Oakland. Lucas Erceg had a three up, three down eighth inning. The past few A’s wins showcased some solid pitching.

Brown had two hits for Oakland, Abraham Toro and Kyle McCann had the other two Oakland hits. It was a quiet day for both offenses.

Game notes: Thursday afternoon the A’s took two out of three games against the Rangers in game-three of their series. The A’s won the first game of the series 4-3 and the Rangers came back in game two winning 6-2, the A’s shocked the baseball world taking game three from the Rangers on Thursday afternoon with surberb pitching by JP Sears for a 1-0 shutout.

Friday night the Oakland A’s will take on the Washington Nationals at the Coliseum in a three game series. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 6:40 PM. Oakland is favored in this game. Paul Blackburn will take the mound for Oakland with a 1-0 win/loss record. The Nationals will start Jake Irvin who has a 0-1 win/loss record and a 5.73 ERA.

OJ Simpson death the podcast with Tony Renteria: Former football star and accused murderer passes at 76 had battled cancer

Ironically all three from left to right are now dead from the OJ Simpson defense team called the Dream Team, William F Bailey (left), OJ Simpson (center) and Johnny Cochrane (right) in the back ground in suit Simpson attorney Robert Shapiro who is still alive at 81 years old as seen after Simpson’s not guilty verdict in Los Angeles Superior Court on Oct 3, 1995. (AP News photo)

By Tony Renteria NFL Staff analyst

The family of OJ Simpson said that Simpson 76 passed away. Simpson had been in hospice battling cancer “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer” Simpson family said in a statement on X “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.”

Pro Football president of the NFL Hall of Fame Jim Porter said of Simpson, “O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” Jim Porter said “His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”

Simpson’s football career was over shadowed by being accused of being a double murderer of his wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. It was the police car chase during a televised NBA Finals in June of 1994 that put the Finals as the backdrop as the car chase of OJ who held a gun to his head while his friend Al Cowlings was driving him down a Los Angeles freeway in the famous white Ford Bronco.

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Dodgers Urias arrested for 5 counts of domestic violence, Astros Valdez out 15 days needs surgery for shoulder; plus more news

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias walks off the mound to the dugout in the fifth inning in the second game of a doubleheader against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sat Aug 19, 2023. Urias has been charged for five counts of misdemeanor domestic violence charges. (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias has been charged with five misdemeanors of domestic violence charges. The charges were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court at the city attorney’s office on Monday. One count of assault and two counts of domestic battery involving a dating relationship. Urias was arrested back on Sep 3 for suspicion of felony domestic violence where eyewitnesses at LAFC MLS game saw Urias having an altercation with his wife. Urias was arrested and posted bail $50,000 the next day.

#2 Houston Astros left hand pitcher Framber Valdez was placed on those 15 day injured list due to elbow soreness. Astros manager Joe Espada said that Valdez will miss at least a couple of starts. Espada said that the club will be watching the inflammation and hopes that it will go down.

#3 Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar a two time All Star has been struggling. Bednar a right hander blew a save opportunity on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers who rallied in a 5-3 win. After the game Pirates first baseman Randy Tellez said after blowing the lead that it’s something you just don’t do and that as a team they have to do better.

#4 Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada was helped off the field after hitting a grounder and pulled up injured and injured his hip and fell short of the first base bag. Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor tried to talk an comfort Moncada as he was on the ground in pain.

#5 Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story’s season is over after injuring his shoulder. Story will need surgery for a fractured glenoid. Baseball chief officer Craig Breslow said Story will be on the injured list for the next six weeks. Story was in a sling when he and his teammates were introduced at the pre game ceremonies.

Jessica does Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

#2

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

Rangers snap A’s three-game win streak 6-2 at Globe Life Field

Oakland A’s hitter Shea Langeliers hits into a ground out in the top of the third inning against the Texas Rangers as Rangers pitcher Cody Bradford, catcher Johah Heim, and plate umpire Ramon De Jesus looks on at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Wed Apr 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Texas Rangers halted the A’s modest three-game winning streak on Wednesday night at Globe Life Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game was dominated by the Rangers’ lefty starter, Cody Bradford, who went six innings, allowing one unearned run, to secure his third win of the young 2024 season.

The Rangers emerged victorious with a 6-2 score on Wednesday. On the other hand, the A’s Ross Stripling, who had a stellar performance last Wednesday against the Red Sox, was handed his third loss of the year. Stripling struggled, conceding three runs in the first and three more in the fourth.

The A’s took an early lead in the first inning. A’s DH Abraham Toro started the inning with a single. However, the game took a turn when Bradford struck out Zack Gelof for the first out. J.D. Davis hit a ground ball to Rangers’ third baseman Josh Smith, whose throw to second base went into right field.

This error allowed Toro to stop at third, and Davis advanced to second. The A’s Shea Langeliers, who had a remarkable performance with three home runs on Tuesday night, was unable to replicate his success and struck out. The A’s Tyler Nevin, son of the former LA Angels skipper Phil Nevin, capitalized on the opportunity and singled to drive in Toro, scoring the A’s first run.

The Rangers, defending their 2023 World Series Championship, have a lineup with guys who can rake. Stripling knew that it would be tough getting these guys to make outs. In the first, Stripling retired the first two hitters, Marcus Semien and Corey Seager.

The next hitter, the Rangers’ budding star, Evan Carter, doubled. Stripling walked Adolis Garcia. Josh Smit made up for his error in the first by singling to drive in Carter to tie the game. Garcia went third, and Smith went second on the throw to home plate.

The next hitter was catcher Jonah Heim. The A’s made one of the worst trades in recent memory when they sent Heim to the Rangers for shortstop Elvis Andrus. Heim became an All-Star catcher with the Rangers, and Andrus was cut adrift by the A’s last year. Heim singled driving in Garcia and Smuth. The Rangers led 3-1 after the end of the first inning.

Things went south for the A’s in the bottom of the fourth. The Rangers’ first baseman, Jared Walsh, who loved to torment the A’s when he was with the Los Angeles Angels, walked to start the frame. The Rangers’ DH Travis Jankowski beat out a bunt to put men on at first and second with no out.

Marcus Semien hurt his old team with a double to drive in the Rangers’ fourth run. The A’s walked Seager to load the bases. As A’s shortstop Nick Allen nailed Jankowski at home, Evan Carter reached on a fielder’s choice. The bases were still loaded. Adolis Garcia singled to drive in Semien and Seager. The Rangers led 6-1.

Bradford went six in 2/3rds innings. He allowed five hits and one run, which was unearned.

The A’s Zack Gelof homered in the top of the eighth, leading off the game. The A’s did not score again, and the Rangers won 6-2.

Game Notes-With the loss, the A’s are 4-8. The Rangers improved to 7-5. Cody Bradford was the winning pitcher. Ross Stripling was the loser.

Gelof homered for the second time this season. Rookie Darell Herniaz singled in the eighth to record his first Major League hit.
Langeliers, who homered three times Tuesday night, was the first A’s catcher to homer three times in a game. The last A’s catcher to achieve that feat was Mickey Cochrane, who did it in 1925. That was 99 years ago, fans. Baseball is a game that can humble any player. Langeliers was hitless Wednesday night, and he struck out twice.

The A’s finish the road trip on Thursday. They will then meet the Rangers for a day game that starts at 11:10 a.m PDT the A’s will start JP Sears (0-1 ERA 8.68) he’ll face the Rangers Jon Gray (0-0 ERA 6.14). The A’s return home to host the Washington Nationals Friday night.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Schools over Stadiums in appeals court to stop public funding of A’s Vegas ballpark

Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas who locked their doors to the public on Apr 2, 2024. This is a look at the outside of the Tropicana on Fri Apr 5, 2024. This is the hopeful site for the A’s to move to by opening day 2028. Schools over Stadiums are seeking to get the Nevada Court of Appeals to approve legal language for their petition drive to get an initiative on the ballot to stop SB1 the public funding of the Tropicana ballpark. Schools over Stadiums if allowed to go forward will need over 102,000 signatures split amongst four Nevada Districts ready by Jun 1, 2024 to the Nevada State register of voters. (photo by Sports Radio Service staff)

On the Oakland podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, Schools over Stadiums is in the Nevada State of Appeals Court trying to get the language for a petition drive to get an initiative on the state November ballot to stop SB1 public funding for the Tropicana ballpark for the A’s. In appeals court on Wednesday Schools over Stadiums remarks to the court were “John Fisher does not pay his lawyer because he cares about the finer points of constitutional law in Nevada…” and “What this has been about from the beginning is delay, driving up our bills, and keeping this off the ballot.”

#2 NBC reported that Schools over Stadiums also said in court on Wednesday that polling results from Jackson County MO an Emerson Poll that “a majority of Las Vegas voters oppose public money going towards a baseball stadium for the A’s, taxpayers should have the opportunity to vote on where this public money goes.”

#3 Also reported when the A’s president David Kaval turned down the Oakland Coliseum’s five year $97 million offer Kaval said it was above market rate and Oakland Mayor Chief of Staff Leigh Hanson countered saying while the deal was above market rate the city is not receiving parking revenue from the Coliseum, the city gets no cut from concessions from food or beverages and is only getting a small share of the ticket revenue. Kaval then said “this isn’t going to work for us.” Hanson said this isn’t about getting the cheapest deal for you but what is going to work for the city.

#4 Jerry, the national media has been working on this story about Schools over Stadiums being in the Nevada Court of Appeals and there is an indication that if allowed by the court to put the language on the petition drive it could spell trouble for the A’s financing for the Tropicana ballpark could it force John Fisher and David Kaval to possibly return to the table with the City of Oakland or hatch a deal with Sacramento. There could be a legal fight to try and keep the A’s in Oakland that’s a ways down the road right now.

#5 With 76 days left are left on how language on how a ballot initiative will read to stop SB1 the decision will rest in the hands of a seven member Supreme Court. Lawyers from both sides of the argument from the labor union arguing this measure will prevent jobs and have an economic impact on Las Vegas and Nevada. Schools over Stadiums lawyers argued that being the 48th state in education and 49th in class room sizes the $380 million of public money going to a stadium should be going to education and the time is critical to get the petition started.

#6 Jerry deputy executive director of government relations for the NSEA Chris Daly said that time is running out that once the court is to approve the legal language for the ballot initiative that gives Schools over Stadiums just less than 75 days to get these petitions printed and petition gatherers on the ground and start seeking over 102,000 signatures.

Jerry Feitelberg cover the Oakland A’s for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants Avoid The Series Sweep With 7-1 Win Over Washington Nationals at Oracle park

San Francisco Giants starter Jordan Hicks throws to the Washington Nationals in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Apr 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

Nick Ahmed and Tyler Fitzgerald had three hits apiece and Jordan Hicks allowed one run in six innings as the San Francisco  Giants avoided a three-game series sweep with a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals.

Hicks (2-0) has allowed one earned run or less in each of his first three starts this season after signing with San Francisco this offseason. The right-hander allowed four hits and had two strikeouts today.

“He’s talented, but what’s impressed me most is the mix of pitches he uses now,” said Manager Bob Melvin. “It was mostly fastball/slider [as a reliever], now he’s got a sweeper, a split. His velocity will go anywhere from 92-100 mph, which is very tough for a hitter to keep track of.”

Ahmed drove in two runs and scored three times, while Fitzgerald stole two bases and scored twice.

Melvin indicated that Fitzgerald could see more playing time.

What are we, 1-0 [in games] with three stolen bases?” Melvin joked. “Fitzy has got a lot to do with that. He’s got the best speed on our team, and he needs to play too. It’s good that he got a really good game under his belt.”

Fitzgerald also had a big day at the plate, as he went 3-for-3 with a double.

“It’d been a while since I last played,” said Fitzgerald. “I just had a lot built up, and I was ready to get after it and ready to play. I just got my opportunity, and I’m excited I finally took advantage of it.”

Fitzgerald’s performance also excited his teammates.

“That was sick,” said Hicks. “I’ve been waiting to see what he has in his game. He showed today he’s a baller.”

Joey Gallo homered for Washington, his third of the season.

San Francisco banged out 12 hits and went 6 for 8 with runners in scoring position after going 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position in the first two games of the series.

The Nationals stole two bases in the loss, giving them a MLB-best 25 this season.

Patrick Corbin (0-2) gave up 11 hits and seven runs with two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Despite the offensive outburst, San Francisco failed to homer for the sixth straight game.

Giants relievers Ryan Walker and Erik Miller pitched the final three innings, holding Washington hitless.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Diversity and Inclusion? Giants voted Yes for the A’s to leave

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred seen here on Thu Nov 16, 2023 addressing the media during an owners meeting in Orlando Fla. Manfred has been questioned about his stance on leaving Oakland a very diversified region for Las Vegas. Some have asked why Manfred is leaving a diverse community after saying baseball is trying to be more diverse and improve it’s minority fans, players and employees. (AP file photo)

Diversity and Inclusion? Giants voted Yes for A’s to leave

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–In 1989, the same year the Athletics swept the Giants in four games in the World Series with the Loma Prieta Earthquake, Oakland A’s owner Wally Haas ceded the San José territorial rights to the San Francisco Giants.

Giants owner Bob Lurie was frustrated in getting a new stadium for the Giants in San Francisco. At the time, a group of investors led by Vince Naimoli and a group of investors from St. Petersburg had agreed with the Giants to move them to the Tampa Bay Area.

However, the National League owners voted against the acquisition. Answering some fans’ questions: Owners can vote Yes or No when another team plans to move. Last November, the League 30 owners voted unanimously in favor of the Oakland A’s moving to Las Vegas, exceeding the 75% approval requirement.

Among these owners was the signature of Charles P. Johnson (or another Giants top executive with the blessings of Mr.Johnson, owner of the San Francisco Giants). Had the Giants voted “No,” that would at least have been a symbolic act of courage that I believe Bay Area baseball fans had respected and appreciated, keeping the rivalry with the team that plays in Oakland and the importance of keeping the Bay Area a two-team Major League market, which it is.

But that was not the case; the Giants swallowed the relocation pill the Commissioner had served all the owners in baseball. After all, from the beginning of this ordeal, one of the leading proponents of the A’s leaving Oakland is Mr.Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

The two Bay Area teams have won 7 World Series combined while playing in this great area we love called The Bay Area. The Giants have won three since moving from New York, and the A’s have won four since moving from Kansas City.

Diversity and Inclusion (something the MLB Commissioner’s Office in New York professes all the time) obviously won’t apply to “inclusion” for the A’s in the two-team Bay Area baseball market. So much for Diversity and Inclusion. How about Deception and Hypocrisy? Cynics will quote this famous line from The Godfather: “It is not personal; it’s just business.”

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

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors could very well catch Kings for a playoff spot as they head in different directions

Its raining threes as the Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry takes a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) and guard Austin Reaves (15) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tue Apr 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The Warriors are coming on strong and may not need the play in and could get a first round playoff series.

#2 Incredible game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena in the Southland as the Warriors hit 26 three pointers that was the most three pointers that the Lakers have given up in their history.

#3 Golden State tips off against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in Portland. The Trail Blazers are 21-58 and are 14th in the Western Conference and have lost eight of their last ten games. How much of a struggle has the Blazers been on since the departure of former Blazer and star player Damian Lillard who now plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Join David Wednesdays for the Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Blow 20 Point Lead; Lose to Thunder 112-105; Sabonis double double streak ends at 61 games

The Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren(right) drives on the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (left) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Tue Apr 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

After leading by as much as 20 points, the Sacramento Kings (45-33) lost to the OKC Thunder (53-25) 112-105. We have seen them blow hefty leads lately in the second half of games. De’Aaron Fox had a terrific game with 33 points but ugly play at the end of the game was the difference. Sacramento just could not finish this game.

Game recap: The Kings were still without Malik Monk who is still out with a sprained right MCL and from some reports is healing very well. Sacramento had a great opening quarter leading after 12 minutes 31-28 in this highly competitive contest.

The Kings continued to extend their lead in the second quarter and with 5:31 left in the first half led 51-34. So far in this game the Kings had played a quality first half of basketball. With 18.2 left in the first half, the Kings had their largest lead of the game 64-44. At the half Sacramento took a 64-45 lead into the locker room.

De’Aaron Fox had a banner first half with 21 points and was 5 of 10 from beyond the arc and Keon Ellis was having a stellar game with 20 points and was 6 of 8 from three-point-land. The Kings had 14 triples in the first half.

Points from beyond the arc we’re making a huge difference in this game. The Kings were shooting at 44% while the Thunder were struggling shooting 22%. The Kings needed to come out with the same energy in the second half.

They had recently squandered a 21 point to the Knicks ultimately losing the game and they can ill afford a repeat of that game. The second half would be two of the most important quarters they have played all season.

With all that was riding on this game, the Kings came out flat in the third quarter. The Thunder, who are one of the best third quarter teams in the league, cut the Kings 19 point lead to three points going into the fourth quarter 87-84 and it will all hinge on how Sacramento would respond in the final quarter.

The Thunder took a two-point lead to start the fourth quarter and history was rearing it’s ugly head for the Kings. It had been a disastrous third quarter for Sacramento; they looked like an entirely different team unable to hit a bucket.

They took five shots in a row in the early minutes of the fourth quarter missing every one of them. The Thunder took a four point lead but the Kings fought back regaining the lead and it was on as both teams traded the lead back and forth with 7:42 left in the game.

The three’s that were falling for Sacramento in the first half were missing in the second half. With 2:27 left in the game, the Kings had a one point lead 105-104. With 35.7 seconds left in the game the Kings had let this game slip right through their fingers. Ugly mistakes at the end of the game spelled doom for the Kings in the 112-105 loss to the Thunder.

The Kings finished this game with 20 shots from downtown. Fox had 33 points and 8 rebounds but despite the flurry of long balls and Fox’s offense the Kings still lost this game. The Thunder crushed them in the paint and Domantas Sabonis for the first time in forever did not come away with a double double breaking an incredible streak. This was the Kings last road game of the season. They will play their remaining three games at Golden 1.

Game notes: The Kings are currently sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and one game behind the seventh place New Orleans Pelicans. Tuesday night they took on the Thunderwho are currently in third place in the Western Conference and only one game behind the first place Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves who are tied in the top spot. The Kings could not hold onto a 20 point lead and ended up dropping the lead and the game. The Kings have only three games left.

Thursday night the Kings will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in Sacramento with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.