Sports

No Celebration Yet, Giants Beat Dodgers Behind Rookie

Published

9 years ago

October 1, 2016

San Francisco, CA – No champagne bottles on deck yet. The Giants clinched but only a tie, so the celebration is on hold for one more day.

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburg Pirates so the final game of the regular season will determine who will play for the final Wild Card spot tomorrow. However, in a San Francisco loss they’ll play the Cardinals for the Wild Card tie-breaker on Monday.

“One of the best pitching performances I’ve seen,” said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. “A month in the Major League, the stage he was on and knowing what was at stake. He had great focus and command. That’s why he started today because we had a lot of confidence in him.”

San Francisco’s 3-0 shutout win over the Dodgers was enough to maintain their lead for the second National League Wild Card spot but in order to keep their position they must win tomorrow. Either way, they’ll be traveling next week. The Giants season will definitely not end on Sunday.

“No matter what, we’re traveling,” Bochy said.

Their victory today came behind a dominating performance by rookie pitcher Ty Blach who made his second career start today. Blach also recorded his first Major League hit off Clayton Kershaw when he singled to led off the sixth inning.

The Southpaw scattered three hits and one walk over eight frames. Blach was simply stellar on the mound. After giving up a single in the fourth, Blach retired the next 10 batters.

“The big thing for me was to be able to move the ball on both sides of the plate and change speeds,” said Blach. “And let that defense work and they played great behind me all day.”

Blach only had one inning where he got himself into a jam in the second but the Giants defense had his back. After forcing Yasiel Puig to pop out, Blach gave up single to Adrian Gonzalez and walked Yasmani Grandal to put two on but Joc Pederson grounded into a double play to end the threat. He settled down and then struck out the side in the third.

Meanwhile Kershaw retired the first eleven players he faced until he gave up a single to Buster Posey in the fourth. And a solo home run to Angel Pagan in the fifth. Kershaw left one up to high in the fifth and Pagan took advantage to record a career-high 12 home runs. Kershaw lasted seven innings while allowing six hits, three runs and striking out four.

“It was where I wanted it to be,” Kershaw said in regards to Pagan’s home run. “If I could do it over again, I would have thrown a different pitch. I didn’t think he hit it that well, but I guess he did. Tip your hat.”

Pagan is now tied for the most career extra-base hits off Kershaw (others: Adan Dunn and Rickie Weeks, Jr.). To achieve this fete, Pagan recorded five doubles and one home run. The veteran outfielder was the heart of the offense today. His commitment is unwavering, Paga aspires to be the best everyday.

“I love the fire,” said Pagan of Bochy’s comment. “When the team needs me the most, I want to be the guy. That’s the way you got to think and every time where in a spot like that, if it’s me I want to do it.”

“Angel has a knack of coming through when you need him,” Bochy said earlier in his press conference.

By the seventh San Francisco added on two more runs. Pagan led off with a single, Brandon Crawford followed with a grounder deflected off Kershaw. A throwing error by third baseman Justin Turner allowed Pagan to score advancing Crawford to third base. Gordon Beckham’s sacrifice fly scored in Crawford to make it a 3-0 game. Blach got his second hit of the day when he single on a ground ball to right field.

After Kershaw’s exit in the seventh, the Giants had another opportunity but failed to score in any runs. Hanley Jansen loaded the bases in the eighth. Brandon Belt was issued a free pass to lead off the frame. Hunter Pence singled and Pagan walked to load them up with one out. Jansen struck out both Crawford and Beckham to end the inning.

Tomorrow Vin Scully will call his final game after a 67 years career as the Dodgers broadcaster. Scully has been the Dodgers broadcaster since 1950. He’s called three perfect games and 20 no-hitters. Scully has witnessed some of the best players in baseball. There’s nothing this 88 year-old man does not know. San Francisco will pay tribute to Scully before tomorrow’s first pitch.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

4 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

8 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.