Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 109
June 6, 2025
SF Giants walk-off Braves in 10 innings, win third straight game since roster shakeup
SAN FRANCISCO — There are no adjectives in the win-loss column. A win is a win; a loss is a loss. Explanations reside elsewhere.
The Giants did not do the things conducive to winning baseball on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves at Oracle Park. Their starter, Hayden Birdsong, walked a season-high five batters. Birdsong and Erik Miller each plunked a batter. They went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Ryan Walker allowed a game-tying, two-run homer to Matt Olson in the seventh inning. They cost themselves three outs on the bases, two being a product of pickoffs.
No, the Giants did not play a clean, crisp game. They won, regardless. Tyler Fitzgerald, who was picked off to end the ninth inning, scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th on a wild pitch. San Francisco beat the Atlanta Braves, 5-4, improving to a perfect 3-0 since Buster Posey’s roster shakeup.
“It’s not our cleanest game of the year, but finding a way to win at the end. We’ve done that plenty of times here at home,” said manager Bob Melvin. “You put away the mistakes and everything that’s gone on over the course of the game and try to get one run in the ninth. How we did it was a little unorthodox but we’ll certainly take it after maybe not playing our cleanest game.”
Fitzgerald, in trying to use his elite speed, contributed to that lack of cleanliness. He reached base with two outs in the ninth to set the table for Heliot Ramos, San Francisco’s hottest hitter, but was picked off by Pierce Johnson to send the game to extras.
Fitzgerald explained that he was trying to be aggressive in that situation, knowing he’d be the automatic runner on second base if he got thrown out or picked off. Fitzgerald added that he tried to use a “vault lead,” which is when a baserunner does a small hop before the pitcher delivers the ball that allows him to get a better jump.
“Last year, that would’ve bothered me a little bit more but I was being aggressive in that situation with two outs,” Fitzgerald said. “Trying to take a vault jump to second and he just made a good play. I did all my homework. I kind of had his timing down, but he held it a little bit longer.”
After being picked off to end the ninth, Fitzgerald stood on second base as the automatic runner to begin the 10th. Fitzgerald advanced from second to third on Jung Hoo Lee’s one-out groundout, then dashed home with ease when catcher Sean Murphy couldn’t corral Johnson’s 1-2 curveball to Wilmer Flores, giving the Giants their third straight win.
This isn’t the first time Fitzgerald has scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch. Fitzgerald accomplished the same feat against the Toronto Blue Jays last year on July 9, 2024, and he said that play was on his mind as he stood on third base.
“(Johnson) was throwing a lot of curveballs, so I kind of had a feeling that maybe one might hit the dirt,” Fitzgerald said. “And if that guy’s curveball hits the dirt, there’s no stopping it. And then (third base coach) Matt Williams did a great job of reminding me, ‘Hey, this guy’s going to throw a lot of curveballs.’ It was in the back of my mind, for sure.”
Fitzgerald’s sprint home helped wash away what had been a sloppy nine innings of baseball.
Birdsong entered Friday having not walked more than two batters in a single outing this season, his walk rate having cratered from 13.7 percent last season to 7.5 percent this season. Against Atlanta, he inexplicably lost his command.
The 23-year-old cruised through the first three innings, working around two walks and striking out four batters. In the fourth, he lost the zone. Birdsong gifted the Braves a rally by plunking Matt Olson and walking Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies. Atlanta cashed in as Sean Murphy hit a sacrifice fly — a fan threw a ball onto the field during the play — then Michael Harris drove in a run with a single.
Birdsong went out for the fifth despite his erratic fourth, but Melvin went to reliever Tristan Beck with one out after Birdsong allowed a single to Ronald Acuña Jr. and walked Olson. Beck stranded both runners and kept the one-run lead intact, getting an assist from Yastrzemski when center fielder Jung Hoo Lee appeared to lose Ozzie Albies’ inning-ending fly out in the lights.
“I wish I could tell you, honestly,” Birdsong said of why he couldn’t find his command. “It’s one of those things that happens occasionally. Hopefully, we can build off it and learn from those mistakes.”
Related Articles ‘That’s a first’: Ball thrown from upper deck causes confusion at SF Giants game SF Giants’ Verlander inches closer to returning, Adames set for day off Photographer’s Notebook: The Final Frame Why A’s arrangement will delay Bryce Eldridge’s Sacramento debut Kurtenbach: Buster Posey successfully navigated SF Giants through his first real crisis in the most ironic waySan Francisco took a 4-2 lead into the seventh inning but lost that lead when Ryan Walker hung a slider to Olson, who went a two-run shot into the right-field arcade to tie the game at four apiece. The Giants had their chances to reclaim the lead in the bottom of the seventh against Craig Kimbrel, who made his first appearance with Atlanta since 2014, but cost themselves twice on the bases.
Heliot Ramos led off the inning with a single but was thrown out trying to steal second. Lee followed Ramos by drawing a one-out walk but was picked off at first base. Fitzgerald suffered that same fate two innings later. By the 10th, all those blunders faded into the background of their third win in three tries since Posey’s shocking flurry of roster moves.
An ugly win, yes, but a win all the same.
NorCal softball finals: King City’s magical run ends in title game
BIGGS — When you have ridden a wave of emotion for two weeks, where the magnitude of each game determines whether your season continues, adrenaline oozes through your veins.
The sudden impact of it ending without achieving the ultimate goal left softball players for King City in a state of despair that the journey was over.
“The girls took it hard,” King City softball coach Artie Carrillo said. “Especially for the seniors. There were a lot of tears. Emotions ran high.”
The Mustangs historical season through the playoffs took them on a magical ride that ended Friday with a 4-2 loss to top seed Biggs in the State Northern California Division V championships.
“I’m so proud of the girls for what they did,” Carrillo said. “These girls made history. It was an honor to represent King City and make a run with these kids.”
Having absorbed one of their worst losses of the season in the team’s regular season finale, the Mustangs (20-12) used the playoffs to turn their season around, capturing five straight postseason games to reach the finals.
During its journey, King City won the program’s first Central Coast Section Division V title, and the first section title in girls’ sports at King City since 1992.
“For them, understanding what they did will be a process,” Carrillo said. “The message we kept telling them during the playoffs was be in the moment. You don’t know if you’ll get back here. We were creating history as we were going.”
Having finished fourth in the Mission Division, King City was a team possessed in the playoffs, outscoring five teams 61-12 to reach the title game. Three of those games ended in the fifth inning because of the 10-run rule
“It’s been a turnaround look for us in the playoffs,” Carrillo said. “Today we just did not have enough to get the job done. It does not take away what this group accomplished.”
As the Mustangs have done throughout the postseason, they struck first when senior Amity Hearne singled home Avery Munoz to give them a 1-0 lead over the host Wolvernines, who finished the season 29-3.
Champions of the SAC Joaquin Section, Biggs came into the game riding a 13-game winning streak behind right-handed pitcher Gracie Sheppard, who improved to 21-1, compiling an earned run average of 1.34.
Anchored by freshman Arden Vine and her .534 batting average and eight home runs, Biggs put a pair of runs on the scoreboard in the fourth inning to erase the deficit, then added solo runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
“They were No. 1 for a reason,” Carrillo said. “Biggs had some hitters through its lineup. We made some good defensive plays to escape jams.”
Having relied all spring on the arm of Alizah Carrillo, the sophomore kept the Mustangs in the game with the aid of her defense for six innings.
And when Hearne’s fielder’s choice scored Munoz in the seventh, there was hope that King City had some magic left in their bats, only to have Sheppard slam the door.
The game was moved to Friday because of King City’s graduation is Saturday. Carrillo will be losing four starters from this year’s record-setting team.
“It was a one-of-a-kind team this year,” Carrillo said. “Jocelyn (Romero) and Amity (Hearne) will be hard to place. They were my team captains. It leaves a void. But we got a taste of what we can do if we push ourselves. It’s promising.”
SF Giants’ Verlander inches closer to returning, Adames set for day off
SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Verlander took another step in his return from a right pectoral soreness on Friday, throwing a live bullpen in the range of 35-40 pitches prior to the Giants’ night game against the Atlanta Braves.
Bob Melvin said the Giants will see how Verlander feels Saturday and determine the next steps. Melvin said Verlander, who has a 4.33 ERA with 41 strikeouts over 10 starts, would “have to feel really good tomorrow” to start the next time his turn in the rotation comes up, which could be on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. That creates the possibility that Verlander returns to the mound next weekend at Dodger Stadium.
Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 22, retroactive to May 19.
Kyle Harrison, who is currently replacing Verlander in the rotation, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after being diagnosed with a left elbow contusion due to being struck by a ground ball in his last start. Harrison told reporters that he feels good after receiving treatment.
Harrison is lined up to start on Tuesday when the Giants begin their three-game set against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. Harrison has made three starts since Verlander hit the injured list, posting fine outings against the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins before allowing five runs to the San Diego Padres.
Harrison stands to return to the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever assuming Verlander is set to return from the injured list. Despite ranking second last year on the Giants in starts (24) and innings (124 1/3), the 23-year-old Harrison stands to spend a good chunk of this season in the bullpen.
Harrison had never pitched as a reliever in the majors prior to this season. He allowed two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in four appearances out of the bullpen. The team still views Harrison as a starter long-term and Melvin said things will be “fluid” with Harrison, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing Harrison’s development and the needs of the team.
“One thing I do know is you’re not going to have five or six starters over the course of the season,” Melvin said. “When Verlander’s back in, that obviously could potentially be the move. There’s still some room for a length lefty, but that’s something we’re going to have to be cognizant of over the course of the season: make sure he gets some innings in to be prepared to do what we expect him to do for a long time.”
Adames scheduled for off day
Shortstop Willy Adames, who had played in all 63 of the Giants’ games this season entering Friday, will receive a scheduled off day on Sunday afternoon. With the Giants off on Monday, Adames will get back-to-back rest days.
Melvin did not formally announce who will start in Adames’ place on Sunday, but added that infielder Casey Schmitt is currently the Giants’ backup shortstop. This season, Schmitt has spent time at first, second and third base.
“(Schmitt) is the backup shortstop: don’t tell him,” Melvin laughed. “He’ll be back some ground balls the next couple days at short.”
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The 29-year-old entered Friday with a .198 batting average with five home runs and a .600 OPS after signing a seven-year, $182 million contract this offseason, the largest deal in franchise history. Along with the cold bat, Adames has rated out as a below-average defender as well (-8 defensive runs saved).
Last week president of baseball operations Buster Posey preached patience when discussing Adames’ lack of productivity on KNBR’s “Murph and Markus.”
“It’s all about them kind of finding their groove, and it’s our job to be patient,” Giants hitting coach Pat Burrell told this news organization last month. “Keep working, keep believing, and letting these guys find their way. Willy is super talented. He’s got a track record that shows it. He’ll be fine.”
Photographer’s Notebook: The Final Frame
Hey folks, your humble daily news photographer here.From time to time our editors ask us to do a “Photographer’s Notebook” — something to give readers a peek behind the lens.Well, the time is ripe for me.This is my final assignment.After 45 years of chasing deadlines (the last 35 here at the mighty Bay Area News Group), I am hanging up my press pass and putting down the viewfinder.With your kind indulgence, allow me to share a few images.I will limit this to 35 photos, maybe too many, but I want to recall the old film days when cameras let you shoot only 36 exposures.And I will save the last frame in case I see one more shot…
Residents flee Oakland Hills Fire, Oct. 20, 1991.
Bill Graham helicopter crash, 1990
PG&E lineman class, Livermore
USS Carl Vinson sailors call home after six months at sea. Alameda, 1993
Pugsley braves the rain. Concord, 1996
Apaloosa saved from drowning. Walnut Creek, 1998
The Drive-Thru Easter Pageant, 1995, Concord
Final pitch. Willie Mays and the Giants say good bye to Candlestick Park, Sept. 30, 1999
Candlestick Park demolition. June, 2015.
Less than two weeks after the 9/11 terror attack, Barry Bonds hits his 69th home run of the season in 2001.
Construction workers shag fly balls hit by San Francisco Giants during construction of Pacific Bell Park in 1991.
Cranes line up alongside the Bay Bridge as construction starts on the new eastern span. Oakland, 2004.
Lightning strikes the new Salesforce Tower. San Francisco, 2017.
Victorian home saved. San Francisco, 2021.
Transamerica Pyramid pokes through fog. San Francisco, 2022.
Sun rise through Stanford Dish. Stanford, 2019.
Moonset, Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Pescadero, 2020.
Olympian, swimmer Natalie Coughlin. Santa Clara, 2004
The Beast, Oakland Raider Marshawn Lynch, 2018
Oakland boxer Andre Ward wins Olympic gold, Athens, 2004
Capsize, Tiburon, 2011
America's Cup victory. San Francisco, 2013
Baby powder flies as St. Francis celebrates the first Northern California school to defeat De La Salle's powerhouse football time in thirty years, Mountain View, 2021
Robb Nen and Bobby Estalella, Giants clinch, San Francisco, 2000
Buster Posey and Brian Wilson celebrate Giants pennant win, Philadelphia, 2010
Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, Olympic victory, Scotland, 2012.
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson celebrate, San Francisco, 2022
Giants mascot Lou Seal sits among cardboard cutouts of fans during covid season, San Francisco, 2020
Caldor Fire, Lake Tahoe, 2020
Tubbs Fire, Santa Rosa, 2017
Camp Fire, Paradise, 2018
Water drop rainbow, Clear Lake, 2018
Bay Bridge lightning, San Francisco, Aug., 16, 2020
The Mercury News returns to downtown San Jose, 2014
NorCal baseball playoffs: Carmel numb after loss to Rancho Cotate
CARMEL — In time, the sting will subside and the focus will turn to next spring.
In the moment, Carmel was coming to grips that its magical spring — with a roster that featured just two seniors in the starting lineup — abruptly came to a halt.
“You’re glad it hurts because it shows you care,” Carmel baseball coach Mike Kelly said. “You have to realize we had a great run. We fell a little short. It hurts. But that’s life. That’s what is so great about sports. It has a parallel to life and the lessons it teaches.”
The Padres left the potential tying and winning runs on base Saturday, falling 6-5 to Rancho Cotate of Rohnert Park in the State Northern California Division III semifinals.
Central Coast Section Division III champions for the second time in three years, Carmel had its six-game winning streak snapped, finishing the season 21-11.
Just three seniors are on the Padres 19-man roster, as seven starters and all three starting pitchers are coming back next season.
“This is a young team with a big upside,” Kelly said. “We have all our pitching coming back. We have a couple of holes to plug. But I think we’ll be fine. Today was a huge game, and we had a freshman on the mound throwing to a freshman.”
Kelly was speaking of freshman hurler Kenny Sanchez, who after giving up a two-run homer in the first inning, set down 10 of the next 11 hitters he faced.
“He’s a harder-working kid,” Kelly said. “He takes his craft seriously and works at it.”
During the Padres postseason run, the pitching has been filthy, as the staff has posted three shutouts, allowing just two runs leading up to Saturday’s semifinal.
Sanchez, whose brother pitches at Loyola Marymount, tossed five shutout innings in the Padres win over Christopher in the section semifinals.
On the heels of a 9-0 win over Morro Bay last Tuesday in the NorCal opener, Carmel turned to hot-hitting Matt Maxon, who ripped a two-run double in the fourth inning to put them up 4-2, a lead that was stretched to three after five innings.
Maxon, who came into the game 7-for-10 in the playoffs, drove in eight runs in the postseason with a homer and three stolen bases. The Stanford-bound junior pitcher also tossed seven innings in the CCS title game with seven strikeouts.
A run-scoring single by Kaleb Herro erased a two-run deficit in the third inning for Carmel, as an error enabled both Bo Lewis and Skyler Brown to score.
The Padres, however, had no answer at the plate for Jeff Derammelaere, as he got No. 3 seed Rancho Catate back in the game in the sixth with a two-run double, highlighting a four-run uprising.
Derammelaere, who was intentionally walked in the seventh, also homered in the first inning, driving in four runs for the Lions, who will face top-seed Roseville on Saturday.
Carmel put runners at first and third with one out in the seventh, but Rancho Cotate’s defense made a play to get the lead runner trying to score, then induced a strikeout to end the game.
“I’m sure when summer rolls around and the sting wears off, they’ll look back and realize the job they did,” Kelly said. “I just told them lets keep working hard to exceed.”
US, Chinese officials to meet in London next week for new round of trade talks
By SEUNG MIN KIM, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior U.S. administration officials will meet with a Chinese delegation on Monday in London for the next round of trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing, President Donald Trump said Friday.
The meeting comes after a phone call between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, which the U.S. president described as a “very positive” conversation as the two countries attempt to break an impasse over tariffs and global supplies of rare earth minerals.
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“The meeting should go very well,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Friday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One Friday, Trump said Xi had agreed to restart exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S. which China had slowed, threatening a range of U.S. manufacturers that relied on the critical materials. The was no immediate confirmation from China.
The Thursday conversation between Trump and Xi, who lead the world’s two biggest economies, lasted about an hour and a half, according to the U.S. president. The Chinese foreign ministry has said Trump initiated the call.
The ministry said Xi asked Trump to “remove the negative measures” that the U.S. has taken against China. It also said that Trump said “the U.S. loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America,” although his administration has vowed to revoke some of their visas.
Monterey Regional Airport breaks ground on new terminal
MONTEREY – Monterey Regional Airport leaders had a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration Friday for its currently estimated $100 million new replacement passenger terminal and took the opportunity to say thanks to retiring Executive Director Mike La Pier.
“We’re here to celebrate the progress we’ve made,” said Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board of Directors Chair Carl Miller, a member of the board for nearly 19 years. “Not only are we building a new terminal where we’re standing right now, we’re also doing 425,000 feet of new airport ramp right in front of us. We’ve built a new fire station, we’ve built new hangars, there’s been a lot to do.”
The proceedings were held on the site where the new terminal building will stand with the recently constructed airport ramps as a backdrop. Aircraft were flying in and taking off nearby as the existing terminal building, constructed in the 1950s, continues its daily functions of serving travelers and housing the airport’s board and administration staff.
A jet is seen on the runway behind Monterey Peninsula Airport District Chair Carl Miller as he speaks to the crowd at the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Monterey Regional Airport passenger terminal in Monterey on Friday, June 6, 2025. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)Miller acknowledged La Pier’s last day by saying that following the groundbreaking, La Pier would be retiring after 44 years in the airport industry, adding, “Thank you, Mike, for everything you’ve done for us.”
La Pier said he considers it a great pleasure to have led the Monterey airport.
“I was handed a gem by Tom (Greer, former executive director) and we just carried it forward,” said La Pier. “I am filled with a lot of pride today. The airport team has worked tirelessly to bring the project to this point.”
Upon completion, the new replacement passenger terminal will boast nearly 63,000 square feet of public space to serve the more than 600,000 passengers annually who currently move through the Monterey airport. The new facility will likely be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified, have five passenger boarding bridges, eight commercial aircraft parking spaces and offer 440 public parking spaces. The new terminal is expected to deliver a modern, accessible and efficient travel experience once the terminal is open, estimated to happen in spring 2027.
“I am damn proud of where we are today,” said La Pier. “It’s a great way to end a career.”
La Pier took advantage of his time at the podium to acknowledge the person who will be stepping in during the search for his permanent replacement – Deputy Executive Director Chris Morello has been named interim executive director.
“I can’t think of a better person to do that,” said La Pier. “Chris will be the leader of this airport and is well-positioned to do that.”
Morello said she is at the helm through December. The airport district board is slated to begin an open search for the permanent executive director position in July.
“I’m excited, but a little nervous,” said Morello. “It’s a big responsibility and I have some big shoes to fill.”
On Thursday, one of La Pier’s last actions was to put his signature on a $14.2 million grant for the new terminal.
The replacement passenger terminal is one project of many in the more than $200 million Monterey Regional Airport Metamorphosis Safety Enhancement Program, which is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement to enhance safety at the airport. The program is made possible through multiple and significant federal grants.
Other projects in the program include, a state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station which opened in 2023, new general aviation hangars on the airport’s north side, completed in 2023, and the future relocation of Taxiway A, the final phase of the MRY Metamorphosis SEP.
Along with Miller, La Pier and Morello, other speakers included FAA Manager of the San Francisco Airport District Office Amy Choi, Hensel Phelps Construction Regional Vice President for Northern California Shannon Gustine, Otto Construction Vice President of Estimating and Pre-Construction Natalie Hayward and See Monterey President and CEO Rob O’Keefe.
Hensel Phelps Construction is the developer for the replacement terminal and Otto Construction is the developer for the roadways and parking areas.
Shared certificates of recognition on behalf of elected representatives were presented by Office of U.S. House of Representative Jimmy Panetta Director of District Operations Erin Davison, Office of Senator John Laird Press Secretary Justin Tran, Senior District Representative Isabel Meza, Office of State Assembly member Dawn Addis, and Communications Director Alexis Garcia-Arrazola.
North Salinas runner, family open to legal action: ‘We’re in another leg of the race’
SALINAS – Clara Adams and her family are open to exploring legal action against the California Interscholastic Federation for their decision to disqualify the teen from the May 31 track and field state championships in Clovis, her lawyers announced in a press conference Friday at the North Salinas High School library.
After finishing first in the 400 meters, Adams got hold of a fire extinguisher her father had brought into the stadium and sprayed her shoes. Adams, who just finished her sophomore year at North Salinas, did this act, according to her father, as an homage to Olympic sprint champion Maurice Greene, who made the same gesture in 2004. CIF officials deemed this as unsportsmanlike behavior and immediately stripped Adams of her state title.
The Adams family has sought representation from Pointer & Buelna LLP, an Oakland-based law firm dedicated to representing clients against large institutions including police and government corporations according to its website. Adanté Pointer, one of the firm’s co-founders, spoke Friday about the team’s approach to handling the situation.
Clara Adams, shown here earlier this season, won the state meet 400-meter race but was later disqualified. (John Devine -- Monterey Herald)“Whatever the CIF claims took place … she was a champion before that fire extinguisher and you cannot erase history,” said Pointer. “The time stood, the race was won and now we’re in another leg of the race.”
The law firm has reached out to the CIF to discuss ways to move forward but has so far not heard back, according to Pointer. The firm and the family would first like to settle the situation with the CIF, but are prepared to take legal action if necessary, he said.
“We’re going to give CIF an opportunity which they haven’t taken up till now, which is to do right by this young lady, by her family and by this community,” said Pointer. “They have a window of opportunity. But like all opportunities and windows, at some point in time, they close.
“I call on the CIF to right this wrong, acknowledge the champion that she is … if you won’t listen to the will of the people, then maybe you’re gonna have to listen to a judge,” said Pointer. “She won on the track but I guarantee we will win in the courtroom. She’s owed nothing less.”
After deeming the celebration unsportsmanlike, Adams was also disqualified from running in the 200 meters. She had one of the top qualifying times going into that race.
“The punishment has to fit the crime but in this particular situation, it seems like the crime was the manner in which they treated Clara,” said Marlon Monroe, also of Pointer & Buelna. “It was one thing to strip her of a championship she deserved … It wasn’t just about crushing her after the 400, they sought and successfully crushed her will a second time for no reason.”
Adams recalled the celebration, noting she knew to stay off the track and away from her competitors before spraying her shoes. After getting a high five from her dad, David Adams, who is also her coach, she took the small extinguisher away from the track and celebrated.
“I went on the grass and sprayed my spikes cause my feet were on fire,” said Adams. “That was a big moment for me… Yeah, I celebrated. I’ve never, ever celebrated like that ever before in my track career… I did that because it was well deserved.”
The CIF announcer, along with the crowd, cheered at Adams’ celebration, said Pointer. But the officials immediately grabbed the 16-year-old’s arm, yelled at her and disqualified her, Pointer added, repeating what Adams and her father had earlier asserted happened.
The day before the race, Adams had qualified for the final in the 200 by running a career-best 23.71 seconds.
“I knew the next day I was going to run faster because I was feeling myself,” said Adams. “We’ll never know what could’ve happened in that final because they didn’t give me a chance to run it.”
Adams has received widespread support from community leaders with many making official statements in support of the teen. During its meeting next Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will consider sending a letter in support of Adams to CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti and Bobbi Madsen, who oversees track and field for CIF, according to Supervisor Luis Alejo.
“CIF, a message to them, like the attorney said, we will give you guys a chance to do the right thing, there’s a window of opportunity,” said David Adams. “We all know windows close and that’s our first approach, non-aggressive, just do the right thing. Crown this queen.”
“I’m telling you next year, put your seatbelts on … now it’s personal,” said the older Adams. “Clara, if you know her, she’s humble, she’s quiet, she’s calm… they want to make her feel less than, that’s what I’m here to let her know, ‘you’re more than that.’”
Multiple messages to the CIF this week by The Herald seeking clarification and comment have not been returned.
June 5, 2025
Horoscopes June 5, 2025: Mark Wahlberg, indulge in what makes you happy
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Liza Weil, 48; Mark Wahlberg, 54; Ron Livingston, 58; Jeff Garlin, 63.
Happy Birthday: Start conversations, gather information, attend events that offer insight into something you may want to pursue this year and get the ball rolling. It’s an exciting time to let your free spirit jump into action and pay homage to that little voice within. Say yes and indulge in what puts a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Your numbers are 9, 14, 22, 28, 32, 35, 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Dig in, and don’t stop until you finish what you start. Your willpower and imagination will work to help you effectively coordinate your time and talent. Speak up, get answers and be the one to make a difference. Your drive and determination are your ticket to success. Live in the moment. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your desire for change will help you achieve your goals. Share your thoughts, promote your ideas and separate yourself from the crowd. A physical activity will lead to an interesting conversation and connection with someone who shares your beliefs. Put your ideas and theory to the test, and you’ll gain ground. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll get a different perspective if you are open to suggestions. A passionate discussion will grant you the vision to see new possibilities. Extend yourself if it will help you connect with someone of interest. You have plenty to gain through social activity, networking and expanding your circle of friends. Romance is favored. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a timeout, rethink your strategy and sit tight until you feel confident that any changes you want to enforce will fall into place and benefit you long-term. Change can be good, but it must be well-thought-out and executed with finesse. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into acting in haste. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Open a few doors, and opportunity will appear. The emotional landscape is changing, and charm and ingenuity will help you gain support to expand your interests. You are a leader, so take your place at the forefront and begin your ascent. It’s time to inject something new and exciting into what makes you feel passionate. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stop, look, listen and evaluate. You may be anxious to get started, put things behind you and move on to something different, but when warning signs appear, you are best to take note and protect yourself at all costs. Pay attention to precision, detail and timing; you’ll know when to move. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind and heart will carry you forward. Attend events and do your part, and you’ll feel good and connect with people who have as much to offer as you. Engage in social gatherings and pastimes that motivate you to stay healthy, active and helpful. Make love, romance and personal growth a priority. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Change is up to you, but before you mess with matters, consider your motives and the extended effects. A wrong move can set you back or cause opposition and controversy with someone you need on your team. Rethink your strategy and change anything that has the potential to compromise or alienate you. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Call on the people with the best qualifications for your pursuit. Home improvements, fighting for rights and making upgrades will make life, work and prosperity better. Set your sights on what motivates you, and move forward with enthusiasm and the intent to improve your position, prospects and personal connections. Romance is favored. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Push your agenda boldly, and you’ll draw the attention of those who can help you spin favorable results. Use facts and intelligence to avoid opposition and setbacks. Pave the way forward with competence, authority and promotion, but refrain from donating money you can’t afford to lose or signing contracts without legal advice. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You are on the right track, and time is of the essence. Distance yourself from wafflers and those who can disrupt your schedule, costing you time, money and reputation. Control is necessary to avoid disruptions, so put yourself, your plans and your future first. Networking and sharing your vision will pay off handsomely. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stick to basics, simplify situations and don’t believe everything you hear. Do your due diligence and speak up if you disagree. Protect your name, position and cash from fast-talkers, scammers and those trying to exploit you. Empty promises will tempt you. When confusion sets in, let doubt be your savior. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are curious, imaginative and outspoken. You are charming and kind.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.
2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.
3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.
4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.
5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
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June 4, 2025
SF Giants respond to roster shakeup with comeback win over Padres
SAN FRANCISCO — Heliot Ramos stood proudly on second base, pounding his chest. He roared at his dugout; his dugout roared right back. So did the thousands in attendance at Oracle Park, a pack of anxious fans desperate for a night like tonight.
Ramos delivered one of the most momentous swings in two weeks, a double that one-hopped the left-field wall that tied the game at five and erased a five-run deficit. Scoring one of those runs was Daniel Johnson, one of three new arrivals on Wednesday as Buster Posey executed his first roster shakeup. Posey sent a message, and that message was received.
Led by Johnson, Ramos and plenty others, the Giants responded to this morning’s flurry of roster moves by erasing a five-run deficit against the San Diego Padres to beat their divisional rival, 6-5. The 16-game streak of failing to score more than four runs in a single game is over. If for but a night, Johnson and Ramos helped bring those early-season vibes back to China Basin.
“The energy was crazy,” Johnson said. “It was electric in there. Those are the moments you live for right there.”
“That’s as loud as we’ve heard them all year,” said manager Bob Melvin.
There was no shortage of contributors as the Giants erased a 5-0 deficit and beat the Padres for the first time this year. Ramos tied the game with the double. Jung Hoo Lee drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Matt Chapman hit a two-run shot for his 11th homer. Sean Hjelle pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief after Kyle Harrison allowed five runs.
As for Johnson? He did a little of everything.
A graduate of Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo, Johnson not only filled up the box score — two hits, two runs, a steal — but preserved the Giants’ lead in the ninth by tracking down Luis Arraez’s drive to right-center field to prevent the tying run from scoring. Dominic Smith, who signed a major-league deal to join the team, went hitless in his first game but made a nice play on a line drive by Arraez.
“He went a long way for that ball,” Melvin said. “That was huge at the time. Had a couple hits and just looked like he was pretty comfortable out there. I thought Dom had some good at-bats too even though he (was hitless). A little different look today and next thing you know, you look up and we have six runs.”
San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) celebrates his two-run double against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The catharsis of Ramos’ two-run double was made possible by the frustration of falling into a five-run lead. Harrison pitched well in his first two starts (two runs, nine innings) but allowed a pair of runs in the first, then three more in the fifth.
Harrison’s final pitch of the night went to Gavin Sheets, who hit a grounder that deflected off Harrison’s left elbow and rolled into right field for a two-run single. Manager Bob Melvin was going to take Harrison out of the ballgame anyhow, but Harrison walked off the field alongside trainer Dave Groeschner. He would be diagnosed with a left elbow contusion, and the team will see if he can make his next start.
Given San Francisco’s recent struggles, San Diego was in position to cruise to a win. Down five, the Giants started chipping away.
Johnson helped manufacture the Giants’ first run in the fifth by singling, stealing second, then scoring on Patrick Bailey’s double to trim the deficit to 5-1. Chapman cut the deficit to 5-3 the following inning with a two-run shot that barely cleared the left-field fence. In the seventh, San Francisco landed its decisive blow.
San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) hits a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The Giants led off the bottom of the seventh with a walk from Willy Adames and a single by Johnson, the latter knocking the Padres’ Nick Pivetta out of the game and prompting manager Mike Shildt to go to reliever Jason Adam. A one-out single by Tyler Fitzgerald against Adam then loaded the bases for Ramos.
Over the last 16 games, the Giants consistently wasted these types of opportunities. Tonight, the offense delivered. Ramos drove in two with a double to tie the game at five, then Lee scored Fitzgerald with a sacrifice fly to give the Giants a 6-5 lead they’d never lose. But in the ninth, the Padres nearly played spoiler for a second straight night.
Related Articles SF Giants designate Wade, add veteran first baseman Smith in flurry of moves Doval records rare blown save as SF Giants fall to Padres in 10 innings Posey changes tune on top prospect Eldridge amid SF Giants’ massive slump SF Giants to promote top prospect Eldridge to Triple-A, source confirms SF Giants’ offensive woes continue in extra-inning loss to PadresWith Camilo Doval unavailable after blowing last night’s save, Melvin assigned former closer Ryan Walker the final frame. Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the inning with a single, then Arraez followed up by launching a deep drive to Triples Alley. Johnson, playing his first career game at Oracle Park, burst into a dead sprint, extended his right arm and tracked it down. Tatis, who had the speed to score, retreated to first.
“It’s a different baseball game if he doesn’t make that play,” Chapman said of Johnson. “It’s huge for us. Getting energy from new guys like that is always big.”
Following Johnson’s catch, Manny Machado gave the Padres runners on first and second with a one-out single when Ramos and Adames converged on a shallow fly ball and nearly collided. The tying run on second, Melvin went to Randy Rodríguez for the night’s final two outs. Rodríguez, as he is wont to do, shut the door.
San Francisco Giants’ Randy Rodríguez (73) throws against the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Tatis and Machado pulled off a double steal to put runner on second and third, but Rodríguez cooly struck out Jackson Merrill swinging and got Sheets to hit into a game-ending pop out. In putting out the fire, Rodríguez earned the first save of his career and lowered his ERA to 0.66, further bolstering his case for an All-Star selection.
“We could have easily been down 5-0 there and, with the way things have been going, rolled over and not found a way to come back in that game,” Chapman said. “But we kept grinding and kept battling. I think that’s how you get out of these kind of stretches. You find ways to win, and I think we can build off this game tonight and try to find some momentum and carry it into tomorrow.”
San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) throws to first on a ball hit by San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Tatis Jr. was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) hits an RBI double against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald (49) tosses the all to first base on a ball hit by San Diego Padres’ Jake Cronenworth (9) in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Cronenworth was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) high-fives San Francisco Giants third base coach Matt Williams (9) after hitting a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Ryan Walker (74) throws against the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald (49) scores the go-ahead run off of a sacrifice fly hit by San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Daniel Johnson (56) makes a catch for an out in right field on a ball hit by San Diego Padres’ Luis Arráez (4) in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) hits a two-run double against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) throws to first base after tagging out San Diego Padres’ Jake Cronenworth (9) at second base on an attempted double play on a ball hit by San Diego Padres’ Mason McCoy (18) in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. McCoy was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores (41) ducks under a pitch against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) hits a sacrifice fly to score the go-ahead run against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Sean Hjelle (64) throws against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) celebrates his double against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Daniel Johnson (56) heads to first base on his single against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) and San Francisco Giants’ Randy Rodríguez (73) embrace following their 6-5 win over the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 15San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) throws to first on a ball hit by San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Tatis Jr. was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand
