Tag: Sports radio

Defense and pitching leads Giants to 4-2 victory

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San Francisco Giants who came up with a victory on Sunday gets the conga victory line going from left to right Tyler Rogers (71), Donavon Solano, Brandon Belt, and Joey Bart after their win over the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO-Donovan Solano was flirting with a mark that was last seen in the National League by Joe Ducky Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937, but he continues to hit the ball very well.

Solano, who was hitting near or above the .400 mark for nearly the first month of the season, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 in Game Three of their Four-Game series at Oracle Park.

Austin Slater began the frame with a single and then Solano hit his third home run of the season to give the Giants the lead for good.

Things did not start out well for the Giants or starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, as Tim LoCastro hit the third pitch of the game into the left field bleachers to give the Diamondbacks a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. It was the first career leadoff home run for LoCastro and eighth career leadoff home run allowed by Cueto.

Following the LoCastro home run, Cueto was out of sync, as he gave up back-to-back singles to Kole Calhoun and David Peralta before getting Eduardo Escobar to strikeout for the first out of the inning

Josh Rojas then added another run for the Diamondbacks, as he hit a sacrifice fly that scored Calhoun from third base.

That would be the last run that Cueto would allow, as he went 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, walking three and seven hits, including ending a bases loaded jam, when he struck out Peralta to end the top of the fifth inning.

After being in a little rut, the Giants bullpen continues to look good, as the combination of Caleb Baragar, Jarlin Garcia, Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers went the final 4.1 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six. Baragar won for the fifth time and the second time in as many days, while Rogers picked up his third save of the season.

Diamondbacks starter Alex Young went 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, did not walk a batter and struck out three; however, those two home runs to Tromp and Solano were the difference and his record fall to 1-3 on the season.

The biggest play of the game did not come at the plate, but it came in the field in the top of the fifth inning.

LoCastro, who hit a leadoff home run to start the game, hit into a fielders choice that saw Wilmer Flores pick up the ball and throw to Chadwick Tromp, who tagged out Nick Ahmed at the plate for the second out of the inning. Following a walk to Calhoun that loaded the bases, Cueto got Peralta to strikeout to end the inning.

Tromp got the Giants on the board in the bottom of the third inning, as he hit his third home run of the season.

Brandon Belt extended the Giants lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, as he came off the bench and hit a pinch-hit home run, his seventh home run of the season. The pinch-hit home run by Belt was the fourth of his career and first since July 30, 2019 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Alex Dickerson made a huge defensive play as he made a diving catch off the bat of Carson Kelly in the top of the eighth inning.

NOTES: Curtis Granderson hit the last leadoff home run off of Cueto, on June 26, 2015, when Cueto was with the Cincinnati Reds and Granderson was with the New York Mets in a 2-1 Mets victory at Citi Field.

With their back-to-back triples last night, Joey Bart and Mauricio Dubon became the first 8th and 9th hitters in SF-era history to hit back-to-back triples. It also marked the first time since the Giants moved to California in 1958 the Giants had back-to-back triples in which each player recorded their first career triple.

Prior to today’s game reliever Rico Garcia was recalled from the Alternate Training Site and pitcher Andrew Suarez was optioned to the Alternate Training Site.

On this date in Giants history, Yusmeiro Petit came within one strike of a perfect game against the Diamondbacks at AT&T Park. Eric Chavez hit a single with two outs in the 9th to deprive Petit of his place in history, but he retired the next batter, A.J. Pollock, to end up with a 3-0 one-hitter.

UP NEXT: With the Giants looking for the series win, as they will send right-handed Kevin Gausman to the hill, while the Diamondbacks will send Zac Gallen to the mound, as they look for the split.

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: Triple Crown schedule could be changed; Harbaugh “Free the Big 10”; plus more

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Michigan Wolverines Head Coach Jim Harbaugh holding the hand of daughter Addie at the outside Michigan Stadium with parents, alumni, players and supporters protesting the closure of the Big 10 season for 2020 (Detroit Free Press photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum:

1 Upset win in Kentucky Derby, will Triple Crown scheduling be altered in the future?

2 We had some college football on Saturday — wins by Army and Marshall…Michigan coach Harbaugh says “Free the Big 10”

3 Alex Smith comeback continues, makes the Washington Football Team cut to 53

4 NHL: The bubble tournament moves to Edmonton for the Cup semifinals

5 Trout sets Angels’ career HR mark with No. 300

6 RIP: Tom Terrific, the Greatest NY Met

Catch Daniel each Sunday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Garoppolo says he’s excited to get to work with Compton, Garland, Williams and many others

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San Francisco 49ers Trent Williams (71) in training camp Aug 15th was mentioned by 49ers quarter Jimmy Garoppolo that Williams’ nervousness before games is a good thing to build emotion. (AP New photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, how will dealing with the in house noise level be for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo? Garoppolo says the team has tried out the noise level and they ended up getting a pretty good rhythm for it.

#2 Joe talk about center Joe Garland and right guard Tom Compton, Garoppolo says that it was good to get into camp early considering all the injuries and see what he had on hand up front.

#3 Joe, Garoppolo talked about what it was like working with left offensive tackle Trent Williams who said he’s more nervous than knocking the rust off after the off season. Garoppolo says it’s great he’s nervous that means Williams is up for the game and his emotions are in the game.

#4 Joe, Garoppolo also said that wide receiver Trent Taylor has been consistent throughout training camp. Taylor has related to Garoppolo what he sees out there and what he feels from the defensive backs.

#5 Next week is the real deal the Arizona Cardinals come into Levis Stadium to open up the season kind of set the stage for that game.

Catch Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday throughout the 2020 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Islanders advance to Eastern Conference Finals in 4-0 win over Flyers

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The New York Islanders Andy Greene (4) goes air borne after getting checked behind the gaoltender net by the Philadelphia Flyers right wing Nicolas Aube-Kubel (62) in the first period in game 7 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Canadian Press photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The New York Islanders got to work right away on the Philadelphia Flyers in game 7 in a 4-0 shutout.

#2 The Islanders Scott Mayfield scored in the first period at 9:27 for his first goal of the playoffs. The Islanders added more when Andy Greene scored his second goal of the playoffs goal at 13:12 for a 2-0 Islanders lead going into the intermission.

#3 The Islanders Brock Nelson has been the deal breaker for New York this post season lighting the lamp again for his seventh goal of the post season in the second period which turned out to be the only goal for the second period Isles up 3-0.

#4 Third period the Islanders put the frosting on the cake when Anthony Beauvillier scored his eighth goal of the playoffs at 13:42 for a 4-0 score.

#5 The Islanders advance to the next round of the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night Mary Lisa who do you like in that series there is no doubt it’s the best versus the best.

Join Mary Lisa every other Sunday for the NHL Stanley Cup podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Rapids score late, earn 1-1 draw with Earthquakes

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The Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes played to a draw on Saturday night at Avaya Stadium in San Jose (USA Today photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif- Drastic changes to the starting lineup almost paid off for Matias Almeyda.

Colorado Rapids Kai Kamara headed in a ball off a corner kick in the 81st minute as the set piece allowed the Rapids to earn a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Earthquakes Stadium.

San Jose is winless in three straight games since coming back from Orlando and started the first phase of teams returning to play in home markets. Colorado’s winless streak reached a season high at six games.

Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda went looking for answers after an embarrassing 5-1 loss to LAFC this past Wednesday as he dramatically shook up his lineup with six changes to the starting lineup. In was Chris Wondolowski, and Danny Hoesen up front, while three quarters of the back line was switched, including Orlando Alanis, who returned from an injury.

It was the Quakes’ first at Earthquakes Stadium since March 7, nearly six months since their most recent home game. The match is the first live sporting event in Santa Clara County since the onset of COVID-19.

Both teams had early scoring chances in the first half but weren’t able to cash in any of their opportunities as they headed into halftime tied at zero.

Colorado (2-3-3) came close to breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute when Diego Rubio was open on the right slot but his shot hit off the right post.

San Jose (2-3-3) capitalized on a gift from Colorado just four minute later when Sam Vines conceded a penalty kick for the Quakes when a Christian Espinoza cross attempt went off his hand in the 58 minute.

Wondo finished off the penalty the kick right down the middle as Rapids goalkeeper guessed wrong to the left side. The MLS all-time leading goal scorer now has three goals on the season and 162 for his career.

Colorado woke up offensively as they controlled possession for the final 30 minutes of the second half and generated quality scoring chances. Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega came up with some key saves during that stretch, including a diving save off a header by Cole Bassett in the 77th minute.

The Rapids tenacity finally paid off with Kamara’s 129th career goal as the set piece has been the Quakes Achilles heel ever since they came back from Orlando and is an issue Almedya’s squad has yet to remedied.

San Jose best chance to go ahead late in the game came at the 84th minute when Alanis’ free kick from 20 yards out just sailed high over the net resulting in a free kick for Colorado.

GAMES NOTES: Wondolowski was named Man of the Match.

San Jose had seven corner kicks. Colorado had eight.

San Jose had four yellow card. Colorado had three.

The Quakes are recognizing an honorary captain at each of the team’s next two home matches, that included tonight. Honorary captains were selected with program partner Austen Everett Foundation. Tonight’s honorary captain was 10-year-old Santiago Lopez from San Jose. He was diagnosed on Thanksgiving 2019 with a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG. He had have a custom player card created and shared on Instagram. He also received a goody bag with a customized Earthquakes jersey, plush toys and soccer balls, with gear given to his sibling as well. The club recently captured and sent Santiago a video message from his favorite Quakes player Andy Rios.

UP NEXT: The Quakes travel up to Seattle take on the Sounders on Thursday 9/10 at 7:00pm at Century Link Field.

Bumgarner return spoiled in Giants win 4-3

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner waits for pitching coach Matt Herges as catcher Carson Kelly and third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) wait with Bumgarner in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Saturday night (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–A former San Francisco Giants player returned to Oracle Park, but this was no ordinary player for the Giants.

Madison Bumgarner, who helped lead the Giants to three World Series Championships in a five-year period in 2010, 2012 and 2014 is now pitching for the NL West Division rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In his first start since going on injured list with a back injury, Bumgarner went four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out two and the Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 4-3 at Oracle Park. Bumgarner fell to 0-4 on the season in his first season with the Diamondbacks.

Bumgarner gave up back-to-back home runs to former teammate Evan Longoria and then Darren Ruf gave the Giants the lead, as his solo home run over the center field wall went half up the netting.

Those would be the only two runs that the Giants would score against Bumgarner, as they won for the fourth time in five outings against the Diamondbacks at Oracle Park.

Trevor Cahill went the first 2.2 innings, as he allowed one run on two hits, walked two and struck two.

Seven relievers went the final six and one-thirds innings, as Caleb Baragar won for the fourth time in five decisions, then Sam Coonrod, Jarlin Garcia, Trevor Gott, Tyler Rogers, Sam Selman and Tony Watson combined to allow two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out six. Watson picked up his first save of the season, and his first save since May 21, 2017, while with the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park.

Cahill gave up a sacrifice fly to Christian Walker that scored Kole Calhoun from third base in the top of the first inning. Calhoun walked against Cahill, went to second on a Cahill wild pitch and then went to third on a ground ball to first base that Brandon Belt fielded then threw to Cahill for the first out of the inning.

After Bumgarner retired his former team in order in the bottom of the first inning, things were different in the bottom of the second inning. On a 1-1 pitch, Longoria launched a solo home run halfway up the left field bleachers for his fifth home run of the season, then five later, Ruf launched a 454 home run over the center field wall.

This was the first time that the Giants hit back-to-back since August 21, 2019, when Stephen Vogt, who is now a backup catcher for the Diamondbacks and Kevin Pillar, who was traded from to the Colorado Rockies at the trading deadline from the Boston Red Sox turned the trick against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Pillar and Vogt each went deep off Yu Darvish in the top of the sixth inning, a game that the Cubs would win 12-11 after scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Giants increased their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Brandon Belt walked with one out, when to second on a by Daniel Robertson and then Joey Bart narrowly missed his first major-league home run; however, he did settle for his first major-league triple. Mauricio Dubon then tripled in Bart, as he also hit his first major-league triple off the Levis Landing wall in right field.

Daulton Varsho cut the Giants in half, as he hit his first major league home run in the top of the seventh inning off of Trevor Gott. Varsho, the son of former major leaguer Gary Varsho and who is named after the late Darren Daulton, who was a teammate of Varshos father with the Philadelphia Phillies hit the 53rd Splash Hit by an opponent.

Varsho is the first visiting player to have his first MLB homer be a splash hit.

It was the second Splash Hit by an opponent this season, as Shin-Soo Choo of the Texas Rangers hit one into San Francisco Bay off of Jeff Samardzija on August 2. This was the first one hit by a Diamondbacks player since Ender Inciarte hit one off of Yusmeiro Petit on September 9, 2014.

The Diamondbacks cut the Giants lead down to one in the top of the eighth inning, as Eduardo Escobar singled in Ketel Marte from second base, but Sam Selman came on to strikeout Josh Rojas to end the threat.

NOTES: This was the eighth Splash Hit by a Diamondbacks player since the park opened on April 11, 2000. Luis Gonzalez (2), Mark Grace, Miguel Montero and Adam LaRoche (2) and a total of three, as he also hit one for the Pittsburgh Pirates. LaRoche, Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies and Carlos Delgado of the New York Mets are tied for the Splash Hits by an opponent with three. Barry Bonds leads the Giants with 35 Splash Hits.

Austin Slater was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and to make room for Slater on the roster, Steven Duggar was optioned to the Alternate Training Site.

Entering the game, batters against Cahill were 7-for-49, a .143 batting average which was the seventh lowest batting average by a Giants starter since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958. Tonight, the Diamondbacks went 2-for-9 against Cahill and opponents are 9-for-58, a .155 clip.

When the Giants hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the second and then back-to-back triples in the bottom of the sixth inning, they became just the seventh team since 1974 to hit back-to-back homers and back-to-back triples in the same game (previous: White Sox on July 3, 2018 vs. CIN).

UP NEXT: Johnny Cueto goes to the mound for the Giants on Sunday afternoon, while the Diamondbacks will counter with Alex Young.

146th Kentucky Derby report: Authentic is the real deal, finishes ahead of Tiz the Law in Run for the Roses

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Authentic gets to the finish line first in the 146th Kentucky Derby Sat Sep 5, 2020 as jockey John Velazquez  rides to victory (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

Against the odds, Authentic raced ahead of favorite Tiz the Law to win the 146th Kentucky Derby on Saturday evening, giving its trainer Bob Baffert a record-tying sixth Run for the Roses victory.

Authentic, at 8-1 odds, showed he was the real deal, maintaining the lead from start to finish. Belmont Stakes champion Tiz the Law, at 3-5 odds, attempted to overtake Authentic in the final turn but was unable to and finished second. Authentic’s upset win brought an end to Tiz the Law’s bid for the Triple Crown.

“Yes! Yes!” Baffert exclaimed from the paddock where he viewed the race on video.

Authentic, ridden by John Velazquez, completed 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.61. Mr. Big News, at 46-1 odds, finished third and Honor A. P. came in fourth.

Velazquez, who captured his third Kentucky Derby victory, said, “Obviously, Bob, from the beginning, said ‘I’ve got a good one for you.’ This is it.”

Baffert, in turn, complimented Velazquez for “the most incredible ride.”

“The training was lights out. He was fresh. He’s a good horse, he’s our No. 1 pick from the beginning, and here we are,” Baffert said. “The greatest race in the world, and I feel very blessed and fortunate.”

Baffert is now tied with Ben Jones for the most all-time Kentucky Derby wins among trainers. In addition to Authentic, Baffert trained the last two thoroughbreds to win the Triple Crown, American Pharoah and Justify.

Authentic’s win was particularly meaningful for Baffert given his other horse, Thousand Words, reared in the paddock and got scratched minutes before post time. A few other thoroughbreds were scratched prior, making it a field of 15, the smallest since 1998.

The Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, but was postponed to the first Saturday in September due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year saw a “backwards Triple Crown” with the Belmont Stakes in June, followed by the Kentucky Derby and finally the Preakness Stakes scheduled for October 3.

Tiz the Law was the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont Stakes since 1882.

Churchill Downs was without the more than 150,000 spectators who usually attend with elaborate hats and outfits. This year’s Derby was also unusual with several protest groups converging outside the Louisville venue, including Until Freedom calling for justice for Breonna Taylor, the “Black militia” NFAC and Back the Blue counter-protesters.

2020 Kentucky Derby results:

1. Authentic – 8/1 – WIN: $18.80 – PLACE: $6.00 – SHOW: $5.00

2. Tiz The Law – 3/5 – PLACE: $3.40 – SHOW: $3.20

3. Mr. Big News – 46-1 – SHOW: $16.80

 

Oakland A’s game wrap: A’s Offensive Effort Gives Oakland A Big Win 8-4

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Oakland A’s third base Al Pedrique coach (left) gives the elbow bump to Matt Olson (right) after hitting a two run triple  in the first inning Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It has been a challenging time for the Oakland A’s between all the racial unrest and topping it off with a positive corona test within the organization. Pitcher Daniel Mengden tested positive and is quarantined at home in Houston going on a ten-day injured list. He is asymptotic and feeling fine. Thankfully no one else has tested positive in their traveling party and for right now there is no clue as to how he contracted the virus.

Last night the A’s were slammed by the Padres to the tune of a 7-0 final. They had a very tough offensive night and it was very obvious that the long lay-off did them no favors. They were back on the field in Oakland for game two looking for a very different outcome. Sean Manea was the starter in today’s game and it will be Chris Paddack for San Diego.

Manea dismissed the Padres in the first inning setting the stage for a productive bottom of the first for Oakland. Tommy LaStella singled and Matt Olson tripled to deep right scoring LaStella and Mark Canha who had walked giving the A’s an early 2-0 lead. The A’s would add a couple more in the second inning now leading 4-0. Stephen Picottty and Heim both singled and LaStella doubled to deep right in the bottom of the frame extending that lead.

The top of the third inning was productive for the Padres, however, the A’s were able to contain the damage with a bases loaded situation allowing only one run. Former A Jurickson Profar was able to score when Eric Hosmer grounded into a fielders choice and the Padres were on the board 4-1. There was not much action for the A’s in the bottom of the third but there would in the fourth inning. Sean Manea had struck out five through three innings and was having what could probably be his best showing of the year.

It was a quick top of the fourth for Manea and the A’s would try to extend their lead in the bottom of the fourth. It was a speedy inning for Paddack as well taking care of Oakland and the score remained 4-1 in favor of Oakland.

In the top of the fifth inning Manea would go through the Padres in quick order. Having a bit of a drought, Matt Chapman would strike out for the third time in the fifth and Oakland couldn’t get very much going in that inning.

Yusmeiro Petit would successfully take over on the mound to start the sixth inning. The Oakland pitchers were keeping the Padres offense pretty quiet. The A’s would extend their lead when wonder kid Jonah Heim connected for his second hit of the game. Ramon Laureano would come to bat and hit his fifth homer of the season and the A’s led 7-1 after six innings.

The seventh inning would see Jake Diekman take over on the mound. It had been another good showing from the A’s bullpen. Oakland had a nice seventh inning as Matt Olson would have his third hit of the game, Piscotty had an infield hit and Canha who had walked scored and the game was now 8-1. It was a very good thing to see the great showing by the Oakland offense. Laureano, La Stella, Olson, Piscotty, Machin and Heim all had one or more hits. It was a great turnaround from yesterday’s game.

Joakim Soria would start the eighth inning. San Diego would have a great offensive eighth. Austin Nola would homer, Wil Myers would double to deep left and Jake Cronenworth had an infield single that scored Myers. The Padres still trailed by the score of 8-3 as the game went into the bottom of the eighth. The Padres Trevor Rosenthal handled things from the mound and the game had reached the ninth inning.

The A’s were three outs away from a win as the ninth inning got underway. Liam Hendriks would come in and try to finish this game and give the A’s their 23rd win of the season. He would strike out Profar to start the inning. Trent Grisham would single to right and Fernando Tatis Jr. came to the plate and doubled to right center. Manny Machado hit a sacrifice fly to center and Grisham scored. The Padres were not going down easy now trailing 8-4 but also looking at two outs. It would be up to Mitch Moreland to keep the Padres alive. Hendriks had other plans striking him out and the A’s would win by the score of 8-4.

The final game of the series will be tomorrow with first pitch at 1:10.

 

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s Mengden recouping in Houston from Covid-19; Will Minor be a long reliever?

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A’s pitcher Daniel Mengden will stay under quarantine at his Houston home until he passes two Covid tests. The A’s will be taking a look at who will fill his spot as a long reliever in the meantime (sfgate.com file photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Oakland A’s were back Friday night hosting the San Diego Padres after having five games postponed the A’s were anxious to get back to work. Unfortunately the Padres had other ideas and got a three pitcher 7-0 shutout over the A’s.

#2 A’s general manager David Forst says that pitcher Daniel Mengden is staying at his Houston home recovering from Covid-19 and should be back after his quarantine is over.

#3 Mengden is a long reliever and with his absence the A’s are looking for someone who can fill that bill. Will that add pressure to A’s newest acquisition Mike Minor?

#4 Marcus Semien who suffered an injury in Houston sat out for Friday night’s game the A’s used newly acquired Tommy LaStella at second and Vimael Machin at shortstop to replaced Semien?

#5 Jeremiah taking a look at today’s starting pitchers for the San Diego Padres Chad Paddack (3-3 ERA 4.43) and for the A’s Sean Manaea (2-2 ERA 5.64)

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

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: Kapler optimistic Giants can reach wild card promiseland

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(photo file from San Francisco Chronicle) San Francisco Giants manager expresses himself from the Giants dugout against the Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout heading to the plate in a previous series between the two teams

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

#1 San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler has expressed his optimism that the Giants can push hard enough to be a wild card team and make post season what do you read into his optimism?

#2 The Giants had a six game win streak, had won three out of their last four before their 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday night.  There is no doubt this team has not given up trying.

#3 Would you say that when catcher Joey Bart was called up that turned the corner for the Giants they went on that win streak and sort of taken the tiger by the tail?

#4 Talk about what Willie Mays said about rooting for Alex Dickerson to hit four home runs last Tuesday he wound up hitting three.

#5 Talk about today’s starting pitchers at Oracle today for the Diamondbacks Madison Bumgarner makes his first appearance back at Oracle (0-3 ERA 9.35) is Bum who has struggled with back problems broken down and has seen better days? Or will he see better days? He will be opposed by the Giants Trevor Cahill (0-0 ERA 2.51)

Morris Phillips filled in for Michael Duca for Saturday’s Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com