San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Dodgers pound Giants 9-1 as SF suffers it’s fifth loss in six games at Dodgers Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, right, belts a solo homer off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Wood, left, and catcher Joey Bart can only watch in the bottom of the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wed May 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael wanted to get started asking you about Wednesday night’s second game as the San Francisco Giants (14-10) were swept in a two game series at Dodgers Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers (16-7) no doubt showed why their on top of the NL West?

#2 Dodgers Max Muncy and Mookie Betts always with the quick bats both homered and Fast Swinging Freddie Freeman hit a triple in the explosive offensive show that the Dodgers put on for the eight run 9-1 win at Chavez Ravine. How important are Muncy, Betts, and Freeman to the Dodger success?

#3 The Dodgers kept in up the run production as Trea Turner and Will Smith hit for RBI singles in fourth inning as the Dodgers scored twice to get things started. Was that fourth inning the spark that lit the Dodger flame?

#4 Giant starter Alex Wood went 5.1 innings giving up four hits on three runs, two walks and seven strikeouts. Wood had a good mix of pitches the Dodgers later were seeing him well Wood was going after the Dodgers early with seven strikeouts.

#5 The Giants open up a four game set against St Louis (14-10) tonight the Red Birds will start Miles Mikolas (1-1 ERA 1.52) and the Giants have not announced a starter a 6:45 pm PDT first pitch at Oracle Park in San Francisco. How do you see the Giants and Cards in this series?

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

Old nemesis Goldschmidt hits a big home run in Cardinals win 3-1

The St Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt watches the launch of his sixth inning home run at Busch Stadium in St Louis against the San Francisco Giants (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

Paul Goldschmidt maybe on another team these days, but he continues to be a thorn in the side of the San Francisco Giants.

Goldschmidt hit a two-run home run off of Anthony DeSclafani in the bottom of the fifth inning that proved to be the winning margin, as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Giants 3-1 at Busch Stadium.

With the loss, the Giants saw their five-game winning streak come to an end; however, they still have the best record in baseball at 58-33.

Tyler ONeill put the Cardinals on the board in the bottom of the second inning, as he led off the inning with his 16th home run of the season, and his first home run since he hit against the the Cleveland Indians on June 9.

Kwang Hyun Kim pitched six innings, allowing zero runs on three hits, walking two and striking out one, as he extended his scoreless streak up to 21 innings.

Over his last seven starts, Kim has one run or less in six of those starts. The left-hander was pitching in front of his wife, Lee Sang-Hee, their two children Minjoo and Minjae, who saw him pitch in the United States for the first time after they arrived from South Korea earlier this week.

DeSclafani went six innings, allowing three runs on five hits, not walking a batter and striking out four and he saw his record fall to 10-4 on the season.

The Giants scored their only run in the top of the seventh inning, as Wilmer Flores led off the inning with a walk and then advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley. Flores then scored on a single by Steven Duggar, when ONeill committed a fielding error on the single by Duggar.

Following the Duggar single, Alex Dickerson came off the bench as the possible tying run with one out; however, he struck out against Genesis Cabrera and the possible threat ended when Austin Slater struck out to end the inning.

The Giants put the first two runners on base in the top of the ninth inning, as Flores singled under the glove of Tommy Edman at second base, then Brandon Crawford came off the bench to pinch hit for Curt Casali and he walked on four pitches. Crawford was then lifted for a pinch runner, as Chadwick Tromp came on to replace Crawford.

After getting huge jam, Cardinals All-Star closer Alex Reyes then got Duggar to pop out for the first out, then struck Thairo Estrada and Mike Tauchman ended the game by grounding out to shortstop.

Reyes picked up his 21st save of the season in as many opportunities, and his streak stands at 23 going back to last season. The 23 successive save opportunities by Reyes to start a career tie a major-league record that was previously set by LaTroy Hawkins.

NOTES: Crawford was not in the starting lineup after he left Fridays 7-2 win in the opener with a cramped left hamstring.

Triple-A infielder/outfielder Drew Robinson, who survived a suicide attempt last year and attempted to make a comeback despite losing his right eye announced his retirement and this weekend will be his last for the Rivercats.

Robinson will transition into a role with the Giants front office and the role will focus on sharing his personal experience, providing education, and identifying other players interested in taking on a mental health peer support role…additionally, he will work with the Giants organization to create a program to support the mental health of players, will travel to affiliates during the season to promote mental health and support the peer program, and attend portions of Spring Training and other training camps.

UP NEXT: Johnny Cueto will close out the series for the Giants, as he takes the mound at Busch Stadium looking for his seventh win of the season, while the Cardinals will send Wade LeBlanc to the hill, as he looks for his first win of the season.

Yastrzemski hits two home runs in Giants win 7-2

San Francisco Giants Mike Yastrzemski (left) is greeted by teammate Mike Tauchman (right) after hitting a three run homer in the seventh inning. St Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (center) can only look at the scoreboard replay (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

What a way for the San Francisco Giants than with a huge win on the road against a team that just beat them two out of three.

Mike Yastrzemski hit two home runs and LaMonte Wade, Jr., added one of his own, as the Giants took game one of a three-game series with a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. It was the fifth win in a row for the Giants, who continue to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games and the San Diego Padres by six games in the National League West, and continue to have the best record in the major leagues with a record of 58-32.

Logan Webb started in place of Kevin Gausman, who was placed on the Family Medical List prior to the game.

Gausman stayed in his home state of Colorado due to an emergency and it is unclear when he will rejoin the team.

Webb, who was scratched from his start with the Single-A San Jose Giants went four innings, allowing one run on five hits, walking one and striking out two, as he threw 60 pitches, as he continues rehab from his shoulder strain injury earlier in the season.

Following Webb on the mound was Zach Littell, John Brebbia, Jarlin Dominic Leone, Jay Jackson and finally Tyler Rogers.

The sextet went the final five innings, allowing one run on six hits, walking three and striking out seven and Jackson picked up his first win of the season, as he pitched 1.1 innings, allowing just one walk and striking out two.

Yastrzemski gave the Giants an early lead in the top of the fourth inning, as he hit his 13th home run, a solo home run off of Adam Wainwright.

Unfortunately, that lead would not last long, as Tommy Edman drove in Nolan Arenado with a single in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Wade, Jr., decided that the tie needed to go away, as he slammed a three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning that gave the Giants the lead for good. It was the eighth home run of the season for Wade, Jr.

Yastrzemski added his second home run of the night that blew the game wide open, as he hit a three-run home run of his own in the top of the seventh inning to give the Giants a 7-1 lead over the home standing Cardinals.

Paul Goldschmidt hit his 14th home run of the season in the bottom of the seventh inning to the final touches on the scoring on the evening. Brandon Crawford was forced to leave the game early with what Giants manager Gabe Kapler said what was a left hamstring cramp, he received fluids and will be checked out prior to the game on Saturday.

NOTES: Asides from Gausman going on the Family Medical Emergency List, Jason Vosler was optioned to Sacramento and Evan Longoria was transferred to the 60-day Disabled List. Mike Tauchman returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

With three more home runs tonight, the Giants have hit 135 home runs on the season and are tied for the major-league lead with the Toronto Blue Jays, who have also hit 135 home runs after they hit five home runs in a 10-2 victory over the Texas Rangers at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y.

UP NEXT: Anthony DeSclafani will make the start for the Giants on Saturday, while the Cardinals will send Kwang Hyun Kim to the mound.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants looking forward to a healthier second half

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning on Sun Jul 11, 2021. Gausman will be the starting pitcher tonight against the St Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St Louis (AP file photo)

On the Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 After the first half and some of the injuries the Giants have gone through how important is it for the Giants to have a healthier second half of the season?

#2 Giants manager Gabe Kapler says the Giants have been pretty good about figuring out how to keep the starting pitchers healthy.

#3 Michael what chances do you see the Giants picking up possible available pitchers like the Texas Rangers Kyle Gibson, the Washington Nationals Max Scherzer, or some of the brilliant pitching from staffs of the Minnesota Twins or Miami Marlins.

#4 Michael do you see catcher Joey Bart getting a shot at a promotion he’s been seeing the ball a lot better with triple A Sacramento Rivercats.

#5 Giants open up the second half in St Louis tonight the Giants will start Kevin Gausman (9-3 ERA 1.73) and for the St Louis Cards no pitcher has been announced as of yet a 5:15pm first pitch.

Join Michael for the Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Webb gets the call tonight against Nats as Giants hold one game lead over LA

San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb will be looking for his fifth win tonight against the visiting Washington Nationals at Oracle Park Fri Jul 8, 2021 (file photo from San Francisco Chronicle)

On the SF Giants podcast with Miguel:

#1 Michael the Giants are coming off a series loss to the St Louis Cardinals dropping two out of three but winning Wednesday night’s game at Oracle Park 5-2 thanks to the fine pitching of Alex Wood.

#2 The Giants go into tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals just a game in front of the second place Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park every game counts to stay in front of the Dodgers.

#3 Michael talk about Darin Ruf for a moment big night Wednesday hitting a two run homer in the eighth a crucial blast that helped the Giants win that game by two runs.

#4 Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford heads to the All Star game with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .275 average and he’s had quite a first half with the glove at short. He should represent San Francisco well going into Denver on Monday.

#5 Michael starting pitchers for tonight’s game at Oracle Park for the Nationals Paolo Espino (2-2 ERA 2.48) for the Giants Logan Webb (4-3 ERA 3.86) a 6:45 pm (PDT) first pitch.

Join Michael for the Giants podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinals hang on at the end to defeat Giants 6-5 in second game of series

St Louis Catcher Yadier Molina belts an RBI single in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Tue Jul 6, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN FRANCISCO—The St. Louis Cardinals owe Dylan Carlson a really expensive steak dinner.

The Cardinals left fielder made an over the shoulder catch slamming into the left field wall to preserve a 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants 6-5 on Tuesday evening at Oracle Park.

Jason Volser, with two runners on and two out in the bottom of the ninth inning, hit a deep drive to left fielder that looked to have been the walk off hit until Carlson reached up and robbed the Giants of a comeback victory.

San Francisco were 3-16 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base as they have lost the first two games of the series. St. Louis have won two games in a row after losing two in a row.

St. Louis starting pitcher Adam Wainright (7-5) pitched five innings giving up three runs on six hits while walking four and striking out three to earn his seventh win of the season.

The Cardinals (43-44) jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Nolan Arenado golfed a 3-2 off speed pitch from Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto and deposited the ball into the left field bleachers for his 17th home run of the season.

“I think he was just off the plate with several of his pitches,” said Giants manager Gabe Kapler on Cueto’s outing. “Johnny is at his best when he’s getting ahead and staying ahead (of batters). I don’t think he was in count leverage enough to really have his best outing.”

Arenado, a known Giants killer when he played for Colorado, continued his barrage against the Giants as he now has 32 career homers against San Francisco.

The Giants (53-32) answered back in the third inning as their RBI leader came up with a clutch two-out hit. Brandon Crawford’s opposite field single off Wainright brought in Mike Yastrzemski and Wilmer Flores.

Crawford, who was named to the National League All-Star roster on Sunday, now has 55 RBI on the season, second in the the NL.

Paul Goldschmidt helped St. Louis regain the lead in the fourth inning. The other notorious Giants killer lined a bases loaded single into left field scoring two and giving the Cardinals a 4-2 lead.

Cueto (6-5) suffered the loss as he gave up four runs on nine hits while striking out seven and only walking one batter in six innings.

“I won’t be taking any days off. I’m going to be working very hard to get ready for the second half. My goal is to stay healthy and also for my teammates to stay healthy,” Cueto said.

Crawford, who went 4-5 on the evening and is now batting .275, drove in his third run of the game in the fifth inning with a double down the right field line to cut the St. Louis’ lead to one run.

“It’s hard to replace somebody like Buster (Posey) or (Brandon) Belt or (Evan) Longoria,” said Crawford when asked if injuries have began to take its toll on offense. “It’s kind of trying to get through this little time period without them with some wins and not dropping off too much.”

Yadier Molina gave the Cardinals an insurance run with a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning off reliever John Brebbia who replaced Cueto on the mound.

Edmundo Sosa hit his second home run off the season in the eighth inning off of Brebbia. The former Cardinals reliever gave up two runs on three hits in one and two-thirds innings.

“I thought Brebbia, in particular pitched well, outside of the breaking ball he threw to Sosa, I though he pitched really well. Sometimes it doesn’t look that and in this particular case it doesn’t. So I can understand that,” Kapler said.

The Giants rallied for two runs in the bottom half of the eighth. Mike Yastrzemski RBI single and a RBI double by Flores on a popup that landed in the Bermuda triangle in shallow center field between three Cardinal fielders.

Justin Miller recorded the final two outs to earn his first save of the season.

GAME NOTES: OF Jaylin Davis was placed on the 10-day injured list (left hamstring strain).

RHP Tyler Beede returned from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

IF/OF Jason Vosler recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.

RHP Jimmie Sherfy designated for assignment.

UP NEXT: The Giants look to avoid the sweep against the Cardinals as they conclude their three-game series on Wednesday 7/7 at 6:45pm at Oracle Park.

MLB The Show 2019 Postseason podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cole enjoys what could be his last days in Houston; Yanks in front of Twins with 2-0 lead; plus more

photo from latimes.com: The Astros’ Gerrit Cole struck out 15 in 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Rays in Game 2 the ALDS.

On the MLB The Show 2019 Postseason podcast with Daniel:

1 Astros’ Gerrit Cole making the most of what might be his last days in Houston

2 Yankees in the driver’s seat with 2-0 lead over Minnesota in ALDS

3 NLDS – Braves, Cards even at 1-1, Nats unsure if Max Scherzer will start game 3 vs. Dodgers

4 A’s Bob Melvin, Billy Beane believe Khris Davis will bounce back

5 Giants working to get GM in place while searching for manager

MLB The Show 2019 Postseason podcast with Matt Harrington: Verlander throws Hall of Fame stuff as Astros take Game 1; Yankees, Braves and Nats win

sfgate.com photo: The Houston Astros’ Justin Verlander, who struck out eight Tampa Bay Rays hitters on Friday night in Houston, picked up his first win in the ALDS.

On the MLB The Show 2019 Postseason podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is doing his Dizzy Dean or Hall of Fame best as he shuts the door on the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Verlander has a career 14-7 record in postseason play.

#2 Verlander threw for seven solid innings, giving up only one hit and eight strikeouts. He looked like he could have pitched well enough to complete the game.

#3 Verlander got some run support a home run from Jose Altuve and the Astros scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to add onto their run production.

#4 Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz threw shutout ball for seven innings giving up three hits, and seven strikeouts. He looked good enough to complete the game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

#5 After the Dodgers shutout the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, the Nats came right back and defeated Los Angeles by two runs 4-2 to tie the series at 1-1. Strasburg, who started for the Nats, pitched six, for three hits, one run, and 10 strikeouts.

#6 The New York Yankees win with a defeat over the Minnesota Twins 10-4 on Friday. The Yankees’ DJ Le Mahieu drove in four runs and hit a home run to provide some offense.