Tag: Sports radio

San Jose Sports Hall Of Fame Class of 2025

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SAP Center hosted the 30th anniversary of the San Jose Sports Authority Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees ceremony. Honoring three decades of South Bay sports legends by inducting five new members on Thursday, November 6th, 2025 (photo by Vince Cestone Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The honorees come from the top levels of high school, collegiate, professional, Olympic, and international sports. Though they come from diverse sports and eras, they have had a long-lasting impact on and off the field.

Each inductee was presented with a bronze plaque permanently put on the concourse at the SAP Center in San Jose. Including the 2025 inductees, 136 South Bay sports heroes were inducted into the Hall. The yearly induction is organized by the San Jose Sports Authority, the San Jose Arena Authority, SAP Center Management/San Jose Sharks, and the City of San José. The event benefited Special Olympics Northern California and high school athletic programs.

The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 inductees were:

Eddie “Ed” Buller (football): Coach Buller took over Oak Grove football in 1983 and coached the Eagles to a 214-39-3 record, 18 conference titles, and five CCS championships. He built one of the most successful programs in CCS history, developing numerous collegiate and professional players. Buller, a Leland High School graduate, took over Oak Grove’s varsity squad in 1983 and led the Eagles to the CCS Division I championship game in his first season. During a three-year layoff in the early 1990s, Buller joined San Jose State’s coaching staff and helped the Spartans win two Big West championships and a California Raisin Bowl.

Todd Clever (Rugby): Known as “Captain America,” Todd Clever began his rugby career at Santa Teresa High School, A two-time High School All-American and three-time College All-American at the University of Nevada, Reno, he went on a spectacular 15-year professional rugby career that encompassed New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and England before eventually returning to the United States. Also eventually became the most decorated player for the United States Eagles, with 76 matches. He was the first American to play and score in Super Rugby, having won three Rugby World Cups and been named American Rugby Player of the Decade.

Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston (Wrestling): The Independence High School wrestler made history by being the first American to win a World Medal in Women’s Freestyle Wrestling. Roshanzamir Johnston was born in Iran and learned to wrestle through her father. After fleeing unstable politics, her family relocated to San Jose, where she became the first female wrestler in Santa Clara County history, competing on the boys’ varsity team at Independence High. In 1989, at the age of 18, she became a member of the first-ever U.S. Women’s Freestyle World Team, marking the country’s first participation in a World Championship.
Johnston went on to win a World Medal and several National Championships before becoming an Olympic coach and winning Gold in 2016.

Landon Donovan (Soccer): At the age of 19, Donovan helped the San Jose Earthquakes become MLS champions, winning two MLS Cups. He won six MLS Cups, was a three-time World Cup star, and was named to the MLS Best XI seven times. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in American soccer history. Donovan’s influence reached far beyond the Bay Area. On the international scene, he was a generational talent, appearing in three World Cups and guiding the United States to the quarterfinals in 2002, when he was voted FIFA’s Best Young Player. He also won four CONCACAF Gold Cups and retired as the all-time best scorer for the United States men’s national team, with 57 goals.

Mark Wilson (Baseball): After 38 years with the San Jose Giants, including three decades as General Manager, Wilson was named two-time California League Executive of the Year and received the Bowie Kuhn Award. He introduced fan favorites, including Beer Batter and the iconic mascot Gigante, earning him a spot among the league’s 150 most important figures. In 2021, the Giants recognized Wilson’s exceptional career by retiring his jersey number—#38—a distinction shared by only one other individual in franchise history.

In addition to the Class of 2025 Inductees, the November ceremony  honored the top athletes of the year from Santa Clara County high schools, universities, and the Special Olympics.

The 2025 San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Honorees included:

High School Athletes of the Year

  • Quinten Marsh, Valley Christian High School – Baseball
  • Nicole Steiner, Los Gatos High School – Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field

Amateur Athletes of the Year

  • Nick Nash, San Jose State University – Football
  • Emilia Sjöstrand, San Jose State University – Track & Field

Special Olympian of the Year

  • Michael Aguilar, Special Olympics Northern California

As the night came to an end, Mayor Matt Mahan took the stage to thank everyone in attendance for recognizing San Jose’s great sporting tradition. He acknowledged this year’s inductees, expressing optimism for the city’s sporting future and serving as a reminder that the spirit of competitiveness and community lives on in San Jose.

San Francisco Giants Game Recap: No Homers, No Comebacks as Giants Drop a Close One to Mets, 2-1

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New York Mets’ Mark Vientos hits a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, July 26, 2025 in San Francisco. (Photo Credits to AP photographer Godofredo A. Vasquez)

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco Giants: 1

New York Mets: 2

Win: New York Mets Pitcher David Peterson (7-4)

Loss: San Francisco Giants Pitcher Robbie Ray (9-5)

Attendance: 39,029

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants were looking to even the series against the New York Mets with a win on Saturday evening, but have fallen short. The Giants have now lost eight of their last ten games dating back to July 12th, and have been held to three runs or fewer in six of those games. As the Mets get their 6th consecutive win.

The loss marked another frustrating night for the Giants’ offense, which outhit New York but couldn’t convert when it mattered most — leaving key runners stranded and hitting into multiple double plays. Despite Robbie Ray’s strong outing and Jung Hoo Lee’s standout performance, the Giants were unable to overcome the Mets’ two-run sixth inning.

Baserunners, defensive moments, and missed opportunities drove the early innings on both sides.

The Mets attacked immediately in the first inning. The Giants found themselves in difficulty after Francisco Lindor walked and third baseman Matt Chapman made a throwing error. However, Robbie Ray escaped by getting Starling Marte to line out, burning 25 pitches while causing no damage.

San Francisco responded with the same scenario in the bottom half. Rafael Devers singled, Willy Adames walked, and Chapman came in with two on, only to line into a rally-killing double play started by Mark Vientos at third.

In the second inning, Francisco Álvarez hit a two-out triple, but Ray struck out Tyrone Taylor to prevent more damage. The Giants responded with two singles in the bottom half, but the inning ended on another double play, this time by Luis Matos.

Both starters worked scoreless third innings, with Ray retiring the side in order and David Peterson matching him to keep the game tied at 0-0 after three.

A no-scoring game was finally broken in the fourth. Despite three consecutive hits, the Mets were unable to score as Vientos struck out and Álvarez grounded into an inning-ending double play started by Chapman.

The Giants made the break count in the second half. Adames and Chapman hit, Schmitt walked, and Jung Hoo Lee scored the game’s first run with a fielder’s choice, giving San Francisco a 1-0 lead.

Ray looked sharp in the fifth, striking out Taylor and pitching a clean one, two, three, inning. Despite putting two more runners on base, the Giants were unable to score, as Chapman struck out again with two on to close the period.

In the sixth, New York finally cashed in. Juan Soto walked, stole second, and advanced on a ground ball. After another walk and a botched potential double play at first, Vientos hit the Giants with a two-run double to left, giving the Mets a 2-1 advantage. Ray’s night ended after 102 pitches, and pitcher Ryan Walker saved further damage by striking out Nimmo with the bases loaded.

Wilmer Flores led off with a single in the bottom half for the Giants, but Brandon Nimmo caught him reaching for second on a perfect throw. Jung Hoo Lee got another single later in the inning, but Matos flied out to center, ending the inning.

The Giants had a chance to fight back as Randy Rodríguez, Tyler Rogers, Joey Lucchesi, and Ryan Walker held the Mets scoreless in the final three innings. Rogers pitched around a leadoff double in the 8th, and Rodríguez struck out two in the 9th, including Juan Soto with a runner on, to hold the score to one.

The Giants had their best chance to tie it in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, Jung Hoo Lee hit his 22nd double of the season into the gap in right. Pinch hitter Mike Yastrzemski struck out, leaving Patrick Bailey as the final hope. Bailey made contact but lined out to Pete Alonso at first, sealing the Giants’ loss.

David Peterson (7-4) got the win for New York after pitching six innings of one earned run. Ray (9-5) suffered a tough loss, giving up two runs in 5.1 innings with three strikeouts. Edwin Díaz secured his 23rd save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

The Giants are currently 2-6 since the All-Star break, trying to maintain consistency as the second half of the season has begun. Saturday’s game was also the first one in Major League Baseball without a home run, which is an unusual occurrence in today’s power-driven game.

San Francisco is looking to prevent a sweep in Sunday’s finale at 4:10 p.m. at Oracle Park. The Giants will play a bullpen game, with Matt Gage(0-0 ERA 0.00) starting and Carson Seymour likely covering multiple innings. The Mets will reply with right-hander Kodai Senga (7-3, 1.79 ERA), one of the National League’s most effective pitchers this season.

With playoff positioning tightening and frustration mounting, the Giants will need to find answers quickly to flip their fortunes around. Especially since the Giants went 0-8 with runners in scoring position tonight, and with the Giants bullpen throwing 35.1 innings since the All-Star break.

Bay Area Panthers Game Recap: Panthers Roar to Seventh Straight Jungle victory in Home Finale, 55-54

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Bay Area Panthers quarterback Josh Jones rushes pass Vegas Knight Hawks Bryce Hampton in for the touchdown. Sparking the roaring fans in the Jungle. (Photo credits to Sports Radio Services photographer Antonio Garcia)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE–The Bay Area Panthers defended The Jungle one last time this regular season, hosting the Vegas Knight Hawks in an intense and high-energy night at the SAP Center. With sirens flashing and the crowd roaring in support of local heroes, First Responders Night made the Panthers’ last home game of the season memorable.  

The Panthers had already secured their postseason journey, entering the game at 10-3. Meanwhile, the Knight Hawks came in with everything on the line — sitting at 8-5, a win would lock them into the playoff picture. Vegas arrived riding a two-game winning streak, while the Bay Area was looking to rebound after a tough 46-38 road loss to the San Diego Strike Force just four days ago — their first defeat since May.

The Bay Area wasted no time setting the tone early. After his 21-yard run earlier in the game, quarterback Josh Jones scrambled in for a 5-yard score on just the fourth play of their opening drive. The Panthers scored first, 6-0, but kicker Axel Perez missed the extra point.

Momentum stayed with the Bay Area immediately after, as they recovered a short squib kickoff and capitalized with another touchdown. This time, Jones connected with Tosin Oyekanmi for a 4-yard score to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

The defense held strong to cap off the quarter. The Knight Hawks’ offense was shut down on their opening possession, turning the ball over on downs. The Panthers regained possession and were back in control facing a 4th-and-6 as the first quarter came to a close.

Maurice Jackson sacked Josh Jones for a loss of eight yards, which turned the ball over on downs and started the second quarter with a rare Bay Area error. Vegas swiftly seized it. The lead was cut to 14-7 in just two plays as Vegas quarterback Johnson hit CJ Windham Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown.

Josh Jones took matters into his own hands once more on their turn, rushing for a 15-yard score after connecting with Tyrese Chambers for a 15-yard gain. The score was 20–7 after Axel Perez missed his second extra point of the evening. Vegas answered right back. On 4th down, Vegas QB Ja’Rome Johnson launched a 26-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Wimbush, bringing the Knight Hawks back within six after a successful extra point, 20-14.

The Bay Area offensive remained dominant. Jones gave Josh Tomas an 8-yard pass for a first down after opening the next drive with a 6-yard keeper. The Panthers reached the 1-yard line after a 14-yard pass to Tomas, who punched it in for another touchdown. Perez extended the lead to 28-14 by making a perfect drop-kick extra point this time.

However, Vegas continued to fight. The Knight Hawks gained possession of the ball at the 7-yard line after recovering the Panthers’ unsuccessful squib kick. Then Knight Hawks Johnson, cashed in with a short touchdown run, and the extra point was good — pulling Vegas within one score, 28-21.

The Knight Hawks attempted to score again as the half was coming to a close, but an interception in the end zone stopped a drive into the red zone, giving the Bay Area a 28–21 lead at the half inside The Jungle.
With an 18-yard touchdown run by Antonio Wimbush, Vegas started the third quarter with a change in momentum. Vegas took their first lead of the evening, 29-28, after making a perfect two-point deuce on the kickoff, even though the extra point was no good.

Josh Jones was unfazed and quickly recovered with a 10-yard completion before throwing his second touchdown pass of the game to Tosin Oyekanmi, who was 29 yards away. However, Perez missed his third extra point of the evening, another drop-kick, bringing the Panthers’ lead to 34-29.

When Vegas went into the red zone but was stopped on fourth down, the defense once again came through for the Bay Area. As the third quarter came to an end, the Panthers leaned on Josh Tomas to pick up two first downs, including a 9-yard gain in the air, with the ball back on their 7-yard line.

Josh Jones increased the lead with a 20-yard rushing touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Bay Area led 41-29 after Perez made the extra point. 

With the help of a defensive penalty from the Panthers, Vegas launched a determined drive in response, and Ja’Rome Johnson scored from the one-yard line. It was 41-36 after the extra point. On the Bay Area’s next possession, Vegas’ defense came up huge — forcing a turnover on downs deep in Panther territory. 

Vegas QB De Laura hit Randolph with a 33-yard touchdown bomb on their opening play. Vegas had a 42-41 lead, but the PAT failed. In the last two minutes, Vegas made a last push. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in, but the two-point attempt was swarmed and stopped, making it 48-47 Vegas snagging the lead.

With 49 seconds left, the Panthers had one last chance. The Panthers have a final opportunity with 49 seconds remaining. Jones dropped back and hit Tyrese Chambers with a dart for a 27-yard game-winning touchdown after they had started at their own 20. The Panthers led 55-48 with 36 seconds left after he followed that up with a successful two-point conversion to Alexander.

Vegas wasn’t done yet. The Knight Hawks made a last-second touchdown pass to Windham Jr. after swiftly pushing the ball downfield. They needed a two-point conversion to win with no time remaining, but the pass was dropped in the end zone. The final score was 55-54 Bay Area Panthers win.

With six touchdowns overall, three through the air and three on the ground, quarterback Josh Jones was the Panthers’ alpha leader throughout the game. He also regularly performed well under pressure. The Bay Area outlasted a determined Vegas team thanks in large part to his poise and dual-threat skill. The Panthers’ regular season isn’t quite done, despite the dramatic way they ended their home schedule.

The Bay Area will now travel for their final two games, first against the Tucson Sugar Skulls on July 19 and then the Massachusetts Pirates on July 25 for the regular-season finale. The Bay Area Panthers are now 11-3 with two more games.

San Francisco Giants 4 game Sweep The Colorado Rockies With A 5-4 Win at Oracle

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Sunday, July 28th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Francisco, CA – After sweeping Saturday’s doubleheader the San Francisco Giants took Sunday’s game 5-4 to finish off the four-game series sweep with a win in the finale against the Colorado Rockies. Last time SF swept any team in a four-game series was September 19-22, 2022, also against Colorado at Coors Field. The last time SF swept a four-game series at home was June 14-17, 2021 vs. Arizona. 

Erik Miller (3-3, 3.47) opened Sunday’s game for the Giants on the mound against Austin Gomber (2-6, 4.70). SF is 5-4 in games Miller has opened this season, with Miller posting a 0.93 ERA (1er, 9.2ip) with nine strikeouts as an opener.

With Saturday night’s win, the Giants improved to 26-5 vs. the Rockies here at Oracle Park since the beginning of the 2021 season, outscoring Colorado 181-86 (+95). The 26-5 mark is the best home record by any team vs. a divisional opponent since 2021. 

Tyler Fitzgeral continued his push for NL Player of the Week with another home run yesterday. Since Monday, Fitzgerald is batting .407 with nine runs, a double, a triple, five home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.074 slugging percentage. 

The first run of the game was a big one as Casey Schmitt hit a solo home run, his third of the season and the Giants went up early 1-0. 

Randu Rodriguez replaced Erik Miller in the second inning on the mound for SF. 

The Giants kept the pressure on the Rockies in the very next inning. Michael Conforto hit a two out double and then Derek Hill followed him up with a triple in triple’s alley that scored Conforto, 2-0 Giants. Right after that with a crowd still on their feet, Jorge Soler followed up Hill with a ground rule double that scored Hill and the Giants ended the inning up 3-0 and the momentum heavily in their favor. 

The Rockies finally got on the board in the fourth inning. A lead off double from Ezequiel Tovar got the battery in Colorado, but then Tovar scored after Charlie Blackmon hit a laser of a single, 3-1. 

In the sixth inning, Hunter Goodman scored Tovar on an RBI single which cut SF’s lead to 1, 3-2. 

SF responded with a rally of their own in the sixth. Hill and Soler got on base each with singles, then bases loaded after Fitzgerald got on base with an error. This set up a big two run RBI single from Matt Chapman that scored Hill and Soler, Giants take a 5-2 lead and the Giants fans see their chances growing. 

Michael Toglia attempted a rally with a big solo HR that silenced the crowd, but Jordan Hicks got the Giants out of the inning seemingly unscathed. Giants still up, 5-3. 

Camillo Doval came in for the save opportunity and started off rocky, giving up back to back singles.Jacob Stallings grounded out, but that scored Toglia and the gap was closed to 5-4. With the tying run on second base, Doval struck out Sam Hilliard and then with a full count, Tovar grounded out and the Giants won. 

The Giants improve to 53-55 and Randy Rodriguez gets the W, he’s now 3-1. Austin Gomber records a loss, his record becomes 2-7 and Doval secures his 20th save this season. 

It’s an off day for the Giants on Monday and then they are back in Oracle Park for the Battle of the Bay against the Oakland A’s on Tuesday night. Neither Oakland or San Francisco has announced a starter.

Troy Ewers is a staff writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s Lose 6-3 To The Baltimore Orioles To End Series; A’s Mason Miller selected for All Star Game

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Oakland A’s pitcher Mason Miller was selected as the lone representative for the A’s at the 2024 All Star Game in Arlington (Athletics Nation file photo)

Sunday, July 7th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

Oakland, CA – In the Oakland Coliseum, it’s the final game of this series between the Oakland A’s and the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles fell to the A’s, 19-8 in the second game of the series. Baltimore has won seven of their last 10 games after dropping their previous five, the team’s longest since May 13-18 2022 (6 games). On the other hand, the A’s have won four of the last five games, but are 8-18 (.308) over the last 26 games… are 17-40 (.298) dating back to May 5, which is the lowest winning percentage in the majors. 

On the mound for both teams, Mitch Spence (5-4, 4.15) for the A’s and Grayson Rodriguez (10-3, 3.45) for the Orioles. 

Sunday the MLB will announce the rest of the American League and National League All-Star teams at 5:30pm EST. The A’s have announced that pitcher Mason Miller will be their representative at the All Star Game in Arlington. Miller has had an amazing season saving games the leading rookie with 14. Miller also has 66 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.

Two Orioles are already named starters, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. First time the O’s have multiple starters in the Midsummer Classic since Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz in 2014. The A’s couldn’t get some of those 19 runs they scored on Saturday and lost by three runs to the Orioles at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday 6-3. Losing two out of three in the series.

Game started with an immediate bomb being dropped on the A’s. With two outs Anthony Santander hit a solo home run off Spence, 1-0 Baltimore. Right after two straight singles, Heston Kjerstad hits a three run homer and the Orioles take 4-0 lead in the first inning. 

In the third inning, an inning where Santander got on base after Brett Harris lost the ball in the sun, Kjerstad got his second hit and brought Santander home with an RBI triple, because both JJ Bleday and Lawrence Butler lost the ball in the sun, 5-0 Orioles. 

A’s show signs of life in the sixth inning with 2 big runs. Tyler Soderstrom hits a double that scored Bleday to make it 5-1, but Shea Langeliers follows up Soderstrom with a sac fly to left that scored Brent Rooker, 5-2 Orioles as we headed into the seventh inning. 

In the seventh, Oakland kept fighting for their life as Bleday hit into a fielder’s choice that scored Butler, 5-3 Orioles still up, but the A’s showed they’re not out. 

The gap being closed to a 2 run game showed life for Oakland, but at the top of the ninth Gunnar Henderson hit a single that scored Jorge Mateo, who pinch ran for Ryan Mountcastle, 6-3 Orioles.

The A’s came into the bottom of the ninth down three runs and one final chance to get the W. Despite one single, the Orioles shut down the A’s and won the game 6-3. 

Grayson Rdriguez gets the win, Mitch Spence gets the loss, and Craig Kimbrel gets the save. 

Both teams have a day off on Monday, but the A’s next series will be Tuesday, July 9th in Boston against the Red Sox with Joey Estes (3-3, 4.39) and Bryan Bello (8-5, 5.19) on the mound for the first game.

No Mercy A’s lose in 7 run 2nd inning 10-2 in Twin killing

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Saturday, June 22nd, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Oakland A’s host the Minnesota Twins on Saturday matinee game. The starting pitchers are Bailey Ober for Minnesota and JP Sears for Oakland. Sears got lit up for nine hits and eight runs as the Twins took out the A’s 10-2.  

The game for the Twins opened up in the top of the first with Ryan Jeffers getting hit by pitch and scoring Manuel Margot, 1-0 Twins. The A’s followed up with JJ Bleday solo homer to even up the score 1-1, but the 2nd inning was where the Twins blew it up. 

Margot hit a three run homer and it was 4-1 Twins. JP Sears seemed visibly rattled after that home run and then gave up a Jose Miranda double to score Lewis and Correa. 6-1 Twins. Byron Buxton would then score Miranda off a double and it initiated a pitching change for the A’s. 7-1 Twins. 

Osvaldo Bido replaced JP Sears, but it didn’t matter in the inning. Kyle Farmer hit an infield single and scored Jeffers for an 8-1 lead in second.Tyler Soderstrom hit a home run to try to get some ground back for Oakland, 8-2.

In the third Miranda doubled and scored Lewis for a 9-2 lead for Minnesota. 

The next score would be in the seventh when Correa doubled to left and scored Margot to make it 10-2 at this point. From here it was a close job for Minnesota. Margot with a three hit game. 

Sunday the A’s face the Twins in the closing game of the series. With Hogan Harris (1-0, 2.37) on the hill for Oakland and Pablo Lopez (6-6, 5.63) on the hill for Minnesota.

Oakland A’s Lose 5-2 To Houston Astros To Close Out Their Series

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Oakland A’s shortstop Max Schuemann (right) throws to first base after forcing the Houston Astros Jeremy Pena (left) on a double play ball by Jon Singleton in the top of the second inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Sun May 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

Sunday, May 26th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

Oakland, CA – The Oakland A’s host the Houston Astros in the rubber game of a three game series. The Astros continue their seven game road trip here in Oakland. Aaron Brooks on the mound for the A’s and Ronel Blanco for the Astros.

A’s have won 3 of the last five games of the homestand, but are 5-15 over the last 20 games and 22-32 overall, which is the fifth lowest winning percentage in the majors. The Astros rallied for five runs in the top of the fourth that helped get past the A’s for a 5-2 win at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday.

The fourth inning was where the Astros took charge and didn’t just get a lead, but they had a rally that deflated a ballpark. Yanier Diaz hit a sac fly and scored Jon Singleton, who got on from a double, 1-0 Astros.

After Mauricio Dubon got on base from a horrendous double, Jose Altuve singled and scored Jake Meyers and Dubon, 3-0 Astros. Following the Altuve single, Kyle Tucker hit a 2 run homer, 5-0 Astros and Aaron Brooks was now fighting a different battle. 

A’s finally got on the board when Max Schuemann hit a lead off home run off Blanco, 5-1 Astros still in the lead. 

Ronel Blanco pitched seven innings in his first game since being reinstated after a ten game suspension for violating the prohibitions on foreign substances. Blanco allowed one run from the Schuemann home run, but six strikeouts only allowing four hits. 

Oakland attempted a comeback in the ninth inning and with one out, Shea Langeliers hit a home run, 5-2. There was no 9th inning rally and the Astros got the win, 5-2. 

Next game for the A’s is Tuesday in Tampa Bay against the Rays after a travel day. The A’s have not announced a pitcher for Tuesday the Rays will start Zack Littell (2-2 ERA 3.42) first pitch in Tampa Bay at 3:50pm PT.

A’s Fall Short In Tenth Inning Losing to Houston Astros 2-1; Astro starter tossed for foreign substance in glove

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Houston Astros starter Ronel Blanco (56) after having his glove confiscated by the umpires talks with second base umpire Tripp Gibson after being thrown out of the game for having a foreign substance in his glove against the Oakland A’s in the top of the fourth inning at Minute Maid Field on Tue May 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (19-25) hung in this game until the bitter end. Pitcher Mason Miller struck out five Astros late in the game giving the Oakland offense a couple of opportunities but they just came up short. Against a team like the Houston Astros (17-25) you have strike when you get the chance and the A’s had multiple opportunities but just could not get the job done offensively. The Astros ended up walking this game off 2-1.

Game recap: Through the first three innings the A’s JP Sears allowed a double in the first inning and a single in the third inning. Houston’s Alex Bregman hit a home run in the second inning, a solo shot, for the only Houston run through three innings giving the Astros a 1-0 lead.

Sears was keeping this game competitive. Oakland had the bases loaded in the first inning but came away empty something they have struggled with this season; leaving far too many runners stranded. The A’s singled in the 2nd inning and doubled in the third leaving more runners stranded.

JP Sears went five innings before being relieved by Austin Adams. He allowed five hits but only the one home run with two strikeouts. He had a good day on the mound and he kept Oakland very much in this game. The A’s were running out of time and after an uneventful seventh inning Oakland had a couple of innings to either tie or take the lead in the game. This remained anybody’s game.

Oakland’s Luca Erceg took over on the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning. He threw back-to-back strikeouts coupled with a Dubon line out and the side was retired. The Astros would face the top of the Oakland lineup in the eighth inning.

It was a productive eighth inning for Abraham Toro who doubled and Brent Rooker who singled driving Toro home and this game was tied 1-1. The bottom of the eighth inning saw the entrance of Mason Miller on the mound facing Jose Altuve.

Miller did was he does so well, he struck out Altuve for the first out and was looking for more. Miller walked Kyle Tucker on some very close pitches. He has been taking care of some of hottest hitters in the game today. He went on to strike out Yordan Alvaraz and Jeremy Pena and it was on to the ninth inning.

Oakland came up short in the ninth inning unable to score. The inconsistency of the umpire was more than frustrating and was really getting under some of the players skin. Mason Miller would try to force this game into extra innings.

Miller faced another huge Houston threat Alex Bregman and struck him out. A line out and a strike out later and it was off to the tenth inning. In two innings he had struck out five Astros.

Oakland had two runners on base in the tenth inning but failed to score. The A’s Michael Kelly took over on the hill trying to keep Oakland in the game. Victor Caratini singled Cabbage home and this game went to Houston; the Astros won this one in a walk off 2-1. Houston has now won 5 of their last 6 games.

Game notes: Tuesday the Oakland A’s went into game two in their series with the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Field in Houston. The Astros took care of business in game one soundly beating Oakland 9-2 in game one of the series thanks to an offensive flurry that included a couple of home runs from Alex Bregman who was unstoppable.

Houston had a very slow start this season but they have sure turned it around the past few games. The way they are playing right now they could very well make their way to the top of the West. Oakland had a lot of trouble handling the Astros offense even though they did have nine hits on Monday night. This was also another game in which Oakland did not clock a single home run. This so far has turned out to be a very tough series for the Oakland A’s who have now dropped the first two games of the series.

The Astros starter Ronel Blanco was ejected by third base umpire Laz Diaz for having a foreign substance in his glove the top of the fourth inning. While the umpires were discussing the foreign substance found in Blanco’s glove Blanco was talking with manager Joe Espada on the mound. It was decided by the umpires that Blanco would be ejected.

The umpires confiscated the glove and first base umpire first base umpire Erich Bacchus said that was the stickiest substance that he’s ever felt on a glove and that he’s been checking gloves for years now. Blanco said it might have been rosin that he might have put on his left arm and sweat and that’s maybe what they’ve found.

This game was a huge disappointment for Oakland having fought so hard and coming so close but just coming up short. They will try to avoid the sweep Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 5:10 PM. Aaron Brooks (0-0 ERA 0.00) will take the mound for the Athletics and Framber Valdez (2-1 ERA 3.64) will be on the hill for Houston.

A’s Complete 3 Game Sweep Against Pirates In 4-0 Win at Coliseum; Oakland now 2.5 games back of first place

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Oakland A’s pitcher Ross Stripling works on the Pittsburgh Pirates line up in the top of the sixth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Wed May 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

By Troy Ewers

In the final game of the series, the Oakland Athletics with Ross Stripling on the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates with Quinn Preister on the mound. The A’s took the final game of the series defeating the Pirates in a shutout in front of 4679 fans at the Oakland Coliseum. This was Oakland’s fourth consecutive win a streak that started on Sunday in Baltimore.

Oakland won the game 4-0 and Stripling got his first win since 2022. Stripling broke a 10 game losing streak with six shutout innings. Two strikeouts and only giving up three hits, Stripling survived his outing to hold off the Pirates. With the win the A’s now are 2.5 games behind first place Seattle in the AL West. The Mariners lost Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves 5-2.

The A’s had two solo home runs off Preister to put them on the board first. Abraham Toro in the second inning, his third of the season and Tyler Nevin in the third inning, with his fourth of the season, that put the A’s up 2-0 early. Nevin continued his nine game hitting streak and the A’s in this series against Pittsburgh hit five home runs. 

Toro was up again with the bases loaded and when a routine play at shortstop to end the inning resulted in an error, not only did Toro get to first safely, but a run was scored as well, 3-0 A’s.

An RBI single from Kyle McCann put the A’s up 4-0 in the eighth. McCann single drove in Esteury Ruiz, who had a stolen base while pinch-running for Toro, who got a walk to lead off the inning.

Mason Miller came in for a non-save situation and retired the Pirates in order with one strikeout, capping the series where Oakland pitching gave up three runs and 11 hits in three games. 

Next game for the A’s will be against the Miami Marlins for a three game series in Oakland. Probable pitchers for the first game on Friday, May 3rd will be JP Sears (1-2, 4.64) for Oakland and Ryan Weathers (2-2, 4.55) for Miami first pitch at the Oakland Coliseum 6:40pm PDT.

Bailey With A 3-Run Walk Off Gives San Francisco Giants A 3-0 Win Against The Pittsburgh Pirates

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Pittsburgh Pirates hitter Brian Reynolds (10) strikes out swinging with the bases loaded against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Fri Apr 26, 2024 (AP News photo)

Friday, April 26th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

Fresh from a rare home off day in the middle of a homestand, the  San Francisco Giants have reached the final series of their longest homestand of the year as they welcome in the Pittsburgh Pirates for three games beginning Friday night.

For San Francisco pitcher Kyle Harrison took the hill for his sixth start of the season pitched a gem shutting out the Pirates in a 3-0 win in front of a crowd of 37,110 at Oracle Park. Improved from his shortest outing of the season (4.0ip) vs. Arizona last Saturday.

Harrison facing the Pirates for the first time in his career…not one player on the Pirates has logged a plate appearance against Harrison in the regular season. Quinn Priester (0-1, 8.31) started for Pittsburgh pitching six innings no runs, three hits and seven strikeouts.

Harrison went six innings, five innings, seven strikeouts and no runs. Preister also went six innings, three innings, one walk, six strikeouts, and no runs as well. 

For the duration of the game, it was a scoreless game with at various times both teams scaring the pitchers, but to no avail. 

Pittsburgh had the bases loaded in both the seventh and ninth innings, but could not score. Brian Reynolds hit into a double play against Giants closer Camilo Doval (2-0) with the bases full and one out in the ninth. 

In the ninth Michael Conforto walked and Matt Chapman singled to begin the inning off reliever David Bednar (1-2). Bailey then knocked a 3-run homer to right field. 3-0 Giants win!!! “One thing this year I tried to build was just my confidence at the plate,” Bailey said. “I felt like I proved to myself last year that I could do it at this level, even with the struggles at the end. So that was my biggest thing this year was just going up confident every time no matter what.” Time of game was 2:23.

Next game for this series is Saturday night at 6:05pm PDT April 27th. Jordan Hicks (2-0, 1.61 ERA) was set to pitch for the Giants in the second game of the series against Martín Pérez (1-1, 3.45 ERA).