Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 128

SF Giants’ Flores delivers walk-off walk in 10th inning to beat A’s

SAN FRANCISCO — Of all the games Wilmer Flores has played over his 13-year career, he described his performance on Friday night as his favorite. He hit three homers, a feat he’s never accomplished. He drove in eight runs as well, tying Aaron Judge for the most in baseball in the process.

With that backdrop, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay decided to put the bat in Flores’ hands on Saturday night with the game on the line. Flores, as he is wont to do, cashed in.

After powering the Giants to a win on Friday, Flores used his patience to deliver another victory on Saturday, working a nine-pitch, bases-loaded walk against All-Star Mason Miller in the bottom of the 10th to deliver a 1-0 win over the Athletics. A month-and-a-half into the season, Flores’ 42 RBIs represent the most in the entire sport.

“Just unbelievable,” said starter Landen Roupp, who threw six shutout innings. “He’s playing really good baseball right now, and I’m sure we’ll continue to see it going.”

Flores’ walk-off walk was made possible by Kotsay’s decision to walk Mike Yastrzemski with two outs and runners on second and third. Despite Flores’ RBI proficiency, the decision gave the Athletics a right-on-right matchup, as well as an out at every base. Miller has also fared oddly bad against left-handed hitters this season; entering play, opposing lefties had a .286/.423/.714 slash line against the All-Star.

Miller got ahead in the count, 2-2, beginning the plate appearance with six consecutive fastballs, topping out at 103.9 mph. On the seventh pitch of the battle, Miller finally varied speeds by dropping in a slider, one that Flores fouled off. Flores watched a down-and-outside slider go by, evening the count at 3-2.

On pitch nine, Miller fired a 102.2 mph fastball. The pitch missed low — an easy take — and the game was over. For the second time in as many nights, Flores found himself doused by the contents of a Powerade bucket. At the game’s conclusion, Flores’ 1.244 OPS with runners in scoring position is the third-best in all of baseball.

“Wilmer’s at-bat was incredible,” said manager Bob Melvin. “3-2 (count) right there, you know you’re going to get a fastball and you’re going to have to start really early to get to it because the guy’s throwing 103, 104 mph. For him to take that pitch was vintage Wilmer stuff. Even the 2-2 slider, to lay off that, just an incredible at-bat.”

Until Flores’ game-winning free pass, pitching ruled the night on both sides.

Roupp delivered his best start in roughly a month, tossing six scoreless innings with five strikeouts. The right-hander had struggled since his fine outing against the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 5.50 ERA over his last four starts.

The 25-year-old shared that he changed his pregame routine ahead of today’s outing. Roupp typically won’t talk to anyone in the four hours before starting, but on Saturday, he waited about an hour-and-a-half before locking in on his day, enjoying a late lunch with Webb before getting to work against the Athletics.

“It definitely felt good not to have to lock in for so long before the game,” Roupp said. “Most of the time, four hours before the game, I don’t talk to anyone. So, it felt good to just chat with some guys when I came in today.”

Roupp was matched by Luis Severino, who also tossed six shutout innings with five strikeouts. Both bullpens tossed up zeros as well, but San Francisco’s core four was especially  impressive.

Randy Rodríguez, Tyler Rogers, Ryan Walker and Camilo Doval didn’t just each throw a scoreless inning but only needed 34 combined pitches to do so. Rodríguez (nine pitches) and Rogers (four pitches) threw all strikes; Walker (seven pitches) threw just one.

Doval inherited the 10th inning, the automatic runner on second base representing an immediate threat. He retired his first two batters but walked Jacob Wilson on four pitches, putting runners at the corners for the perpetually dangerous Brent Rooker.

The right-hander began his battle against Rooker with a first-pitch ball — five straight  — creating anxiety among the sellout crowd, but Doval responded with three straight strikes, striking out Rooker with a low-and-outside slider to end the inning and hitting his signature hop as he walked off the mound. Doval has now gone 17 consecutive appearances without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to a crisp 1.25.

“He’s been incredibly composed here for a good stretch now,” Melvin said.

The same can be said about Flores, who continues to deliver when the Giants need him most.

NCAA DII Baseball West Regionals: CSUMB advances to Super Regionals

SANTA BARBARA — Walt White has talked about beating down the door to take that final step. The barriers in Cal State Monterey Bay’s path are part of the journey.

Sometimes the road is unorthodox. Yet, the bottom line is the Otters baseball season is still alive, advancing to the NCAA Division II Super Regionals for the third straight season Saturday — tying a school record for wins in the process.

Needing to win two games Saturday to extend its season, CSUMB looked like a program that’s been in this position before, securing a 6-2 win to force a second game, then sending Westmont home with a 6-4 decision in the title game.

“We are not done kicking that door,” said White, the Otters head coach, whose program came within an out of reaching the Division II College World Series last spring.

The celebrations never get old, as for the third time in three weeks, the Otters charged the mound and bounced toward the outfield to add another plaque to their resume, with White and his coaching staff embracing the moment, improving to 39-17.

“This never gets old,” said CSUMB pitcher Mitchell Torres, who threw a gem in the first game. “Each celebration is sweeter than the last. We keep proving to ourselves who we know we are.”

The Otters are likely ticketed to Nampa, Idaho for the Super Regionals to face the No. 13th ranked team in the nation in Division II in Northwest Nazarene, which defeated Point Loma 3-2 to win the other regional tournament and improve to 40-17.

“We played them last year in our regional and beat them,” White said. “They got a couple of kids in the transfer portal that created depth for their team. The biggest difference between us is the schedules we play. We feel we’re battle-tested.”

The Otters, who fell to Westmont on Friday in the double-elimination tournament, were in this position this time last year, needing to win two games to extend their season.

“We’ve been in this situation two years in a row, 365 days apart,” CSUMB first baseman Cole Murchison said. “The outcome was not what we wanted on Friday. For a lot of us, it’s our last collegiate run. Play with confidence. Don’t let the moment get too big.”

Murchison is one of 28 seniors on a CSUMB roster that has been through the postseason wars the last three years, having reached the Super Regionals for the third straight year.

“We believed we were going to play 18 innings today,” said Murchison, who ripped a pair of homers in the first game. “It felt like just another day. For the last two months, all these games have been playoff-type games. I’m so proud of the guys.”

Murchison, who was the California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament conference Most Valuable Player after going 8-for-11 at the plate last week, continued his torrid hitting with five hits in the two games Saturday.

“Toward the end of the year, I was going through a rough patch,” Murchision said. “I was pressing and trying to do too much. When you slow yourself down, you see the ball better. I’m just trying to put a good barrel on the ball. Hitting is contagious.”

Coming on the heels of his two-homer, four RBI effort in the first game, Murchison’s two-run single in the first inning of the second game highlighted a three-run first inning for the Otters.

When CCAA Most Valuable Player KW Quilici ripped his team-leading 13th homer — a two-run shot in the sixth inning — the Otters opened up a 6-3 cushion. Quilici’s two-hit effort raised his average to .401.

White then turned the ball over to Thursday’s starter Nate Rohlicek on just two days rest to shut the door on the Warriors in the final frame, with the senior tossing a shutout inning for the save.

“It’s something we prepared for,” White said. “He’s a guy that can typically bounce back. He told me before the game started that he felt good. When he was warming up in the bullpen, his stuff looked electric. You save these moments for special occasions.”

Earlier in the game, White inserted Drew Aguiar, who closed the game on Thursday, and his 96 mph fastball for 3.1 innings, with the right-hander striking out four, allowing just one run.

“He’s a stud,” White said. “I couldn’t be more proud of that kid. Drew’s been through so much these last few years. He’s put a lot into taking care of himself. Down the stretch, he really figured it out. Our bullpen is the strength of our team.”

Having fallen to top-seed Westmont on Friday in a best-of-three series, the Otters witnessed Torres throw seven shutout innings in the opener and reaped the rewards of a hot-hitting Murchison to force a third and final game.

Torres sailed through seven innings, allowing just three hits against the nation’s No. 12-ranked team, while striking out eight before turning the ball over to former Monte Vista standout Aiden Lee to finish it.

“I wanted to be fearless,” Torres said. “This could have been my last college start. I wanted to leave it all on the field. My teammates were behind me. I felt that energy in the dugout. I was mixing my pitches well and trying to keep them on their toes.”

Torres and Rohlicek have been the aces on the Otters staff, each making 13 starts this spring, with Torres improving to 6-1 on the season. Rholicek has made two relief appearances, earning saves in both outings.

Champions of the PacWest Conference at 43-14, Westmont moved to Division II two years ago after winning the 2023 NAIA College World Series.

“We knew what we came here to do,” Torres said. “We were playing 18 innings today. This is Monterey. We’re a powerhouse in the country.”

JC state track finals: Emerson, Ottmar earn All-American status

SAN MATEO —  All Jenna Emerson wanted to do when the season started was to eclipse her mom’s college marks.

While that’s on hold for one event, the Hartnell hurdler earned All-American status.

“I was so happy when I crossed the finish line,” Emerson said.

The former Rancho San Juan standout raced to a fourth-place finish Saturday in the 400 low hurdles at the 3A2A State track and field championships to become the Panthers’ third All-American in the two-day meet at College of San Mateo.

Jesse Blanco earned All-American status on Friday in the 10,000 with a mark of 31 minutes, 53.82 seconds, as did Dominayah Black in the women’s triple jump, sailing 35 feet, 8 inches. All three finished fourth in their respective events.

Monterey Peninsula College’s Oliver Ottmar was also an All-American, sailing a career-high 6-6 3/4 in the high jump to place third overall.

Emerson, who competed in seven events at the Coast Conference finals three weeks ago, clocked 64.52 in the 400 low hurdles, still a shade off her mom Tanya’s time of 63.14, achieved in the mid-1990’s.

“It was super crazy,” Emerson said. “I was coming down the last 100 meters behind five girls. As I came up to the last hurdle. I was still behind four girls. I opened up my stride and fought for it.”

While she didn’t set a personal best running into a headwind in the 100-meter hurdles, Emerson ran 15.23 to finish seventh, earning a podium finish.

“I’ll take two weeks off for mental health and do some summer track and have a little fun,” Emerson said. “I want to commit to track and see what happens when I focus on the sport full time. I want to do some weight training for the first time.”

Ottmar, who had near misses at 6-6 3/4 over his last three meets, soared over the height on his third and final attempt to lock in a top-three finish.

“I said to myself ‘I don’t want this to be over,'” Ottmar said. “That was the most power I’ve put into a jump. It’s one thing to jump high. It’s another to put it together with your run-up. Once I got my shoulder over the bar, it was easy money.”

A former three-sport athlete at Pacific Grove, Ottmar produced a two-inch improvement with his clearance.

“For me, I’ve been trying to hit this height for the last month,” Ottmar said. “I said ‘I need this right now.’ Nothing else matters. I’m sure being an All-American will sink in at some point.”

Ottmar, who came into the event ranked ninth at 6-4 1/2, has only competed in the sport for two years.

“I just picked up track last year as a senior for fun,” Ottmar said. “I really think my ceiling is much higher than it is right now. I have a long way to go.”

The Lobos got a podium finish in the shot put from Laura White, who tossed it 38-9 to finish seventh.

High School track: Adams records fastest times in the 200 and 400 at CCS trials

GILROY — Clara Adams has not ruled it out. Whether it’s for personnel reasons or a desire to achieve a rare feat, the sophomore will sleep on it.

The North Salinas High sprinter fine-tuned herself for the Central Coast Section finals by recording the fastest times in the 400 and 200 meters Saturday at the CCS track and field trials.

Yet, in between the two events, Adams also ran the 100 — 25 minutes after the 400 — advancing into the finals as well with a mark of 12.18 seconds at Gilroy High.

“It’s up in the air,” said Adams, in attempting to compete in all three sprints at the finals. “I did all three today for endurance reasons. I will base it on how I feel. I felt fine in the 100. I’m probably still thinking about it because I want to get under 12 seconds.”

While it might be easier for Adams to achieve that feat before blistering a 400, the thought of advancing in the 100 as an underdog fuels her. If she chooses to run the 100, she’ll go in ranked fourth.

Because the 400 is first and is Adam’s priority, the decision will not be a distraction leading up to the finals, where she ran 55.44 to earn Lane 4 for next Saturday’s finals at Gilroy.

“Lanes do matter,” insisted Adams. “I felt relaxed. No stress. My mentality was good. My body was good. I think it’s time to break 54 seconds.”

Adams, who holds the county record at 54.09, was the CCS runner-up last year in the 400 to Hannah Rutherford of Mountain View, who ran the second fastest time at 55.12.

“I can’t take her lightly,” said Adams, who became the first North Salinas female athlete to podium at the state championships last spring, finishing fourth in the 400.

The pair were in the same heat in the 200, with Adams winning the race in 24.20, and Rutherford clocking 24.46. Last year, Adams overtook Rutherford over the final 80 meters to become the first North Salinas female to win a CCS title.

“I had enough time after the 100 to get my mind right again for the 200,” Adams said. “I had a good start. My curve was good. I felt comfortable. I don’t know if I need to change anything. Just get my mind set for the finals.”

Carmel’s Mack Aldi sharpened himself for the 800 finals after posting the fastest time in trials at  1:54.82. The senior took teammate Bodhi Melton with him, as he advanced as well with a career best of 1:57.44.

“We took it out pretty slow,” said Aldi, who qualified for the state meet last year in the 800. “I kicked it over the last 300. I had a lot at the end. It felt good. It felt good to see Bodhi get in as well.”

Aldi will go into the finals with a season best of 1:52.64, which is second in the CCS behind Santa Cruz’s Eli Fitchen-Young, who will not be in the 800 finals after choosing not to run the race in the trials.

“All these kids are extremely talented,” Aldi said. “I believe the race will be strategic.  The goal is to run under 1:52. With placement, time will come.”

Ozzy Godoy did what he needed to do to position himself for next Saturday’s finals, advancing in the 110 high hurdles and 300 intermediate hurdles for Palma, running career bests in both events in the process.

As a result, Godoy has put his name in the state conversation, as he’ll go into the finals ranked No. 5 in the 110 high hurdles (14.96) and No. 2 in the 300 hurdles (39.03).

“I had to alternate over the last hurdle in the 300s,” Godoy said. “I just threw it (leg) up. I didn’t have the greatest warm-up because I was in the pole vault. My steps were a little off at the start. I had to come from behind.”

Godoy shaved nearly a half-second off his best time in the 300 hurdles, yet believes it will take another personal best to keep his season alive next week.

The top three in each event advance to the state championships, as well as anyone who meets a state qualifying mark at the CCS finals.

“I think I’ll have to break 39 seconds to put myself in a position to be in the top three,” Godoy said. “There are some good hurdlers out there. As for the 110s, I can’t wait until the second half of the race to get going.”

Godoy extended his season in the pole vault as well, as he was one of 10 vaulters to clear 13-feet, with all 10 advancing to the finals.

The Chieftains’ 400 relay team of Liam Henderson, Weldeon Chisum, Eli Dukes and Jaden Paul made an adjustment in their group, shaving a half second off their season best, to vault themselves into the finals with a mark 42.59.

Masters Division champion Keon Ealey is headed to the section finals in two events after qualifying in the 200- and 400-meter sprints for Seaside.

The multi-sport standout clocked a career best 49.54 in the 400 to secure the sixth fastest time, then came back later in the day to run 22.64 to earn the eighth fastest mark in the 200.

Salinas will be sending distance ace Tomas Rey-Avila to the finals in the 1,600 after the junior dipped under 4:20.00 for the first time in his career, clocking 4:19.92, putting him among the top eight.

Kitiona Tautolo of Monterey was one of three discus throwers from the Pacific Coast Athletic League to extend their season after a toss of 154-9, moving him to 10th. Watsonville’s Lisandro Pantoja and Salinas’ Joshua Na grabbed the last two qualifying spots.

Na extended his season as well in the shot put for the Cowboys after uncorking it a season-best 56-8 1/2. The senior will go into the finals seeded No. 5.

Joining Adams in the 100 girls finals — should she decide to run it — will be Anna Kosmont, who clocked a career best 12.47 to become the first Stevenson sprinter to qualify for the finals in the 100 meters.

Kosmont’s sister Juliette, who recently broke the Yale University school record in the 100, was a state meet qualifier in the 100 three years ago for Santa Catalina.

Having returned from a virus two weeks ago, Elsie Sargenti became the first Palma female athlete to qualify for the section finals, finishing fourth overall in the 100-meter hurdles (15.61).

Siobhan Ong was one of 10 pole vaulters to clear 10-6 to advance to the finals for the second consecutive year for Stevenson. The senior has a season best of 11-feet.

“I cleared the qualifying height on my first attempt,” Ong said. “It was a clean attempt. I’ll go into next week feeling a lot better about myself. I haven’t been consistent the last few weeks. It’s not ideal. But I have gotten stronger mentally.”

Ong, who is seven inches shy of the Hong Kong national record, had a near miss two weeks ago of 11-3.

“I’d like to extend my approach,” Ong said. “I’ve been on lighter poles. I’m a senior. These are my last meets. I think clearing 11-feet on a first attempt could get me to state.”

Emma Beck is returning to the section finals in both the long jump and triple jump for Salinas, sailing 37-5 in the triple jump and 16-11 in the long jump.

Beck, who missed a spot in the state meet last year by one inch in the triple jump, will go into the finals ranked No. 4, with Hollister’s Hannah Vincent the favorite in both the long and triple jump.

SF Giants move Hicks to bullpen, bring Birdsong into rotation

SAN FRANCISCO — On Monday, manager Bob Melvin shook up his starting lineup. Now, he’s altering his starting rotation.

Melvin announced prior to Saturday’s game against the Athletics that Jordan Hicks will move into the bullpen and Hayden Birdsong will join the rotation and make his first start of the season on Tuesday.

“We’re just trying to get it right at a particular time,” Melvin said. “Jordan came in last year and signed here as a starter. Came in here this year expecting to be a starter and he was, but we’re just making adjustments … a month-and-a-half into the season. We think it’s potentially going to make us better.”

Despite throwing six shutout innings in his season debut, Hicks has a 6.55 ERA over nine starts with 41 strikeouts over 45 1/3 innings. In his last outing, the 28-year-old went two-plus innings and allowed five earned runs, his shortest — and worst — start of the season. The surface stats aren’t great, but Melvin said Hicks’ numbers aren’t as bad as they may appear.

Melvin pointed to Hicks’ 3.48 FIP, or fielding independent pitching, which indicates that Hicks has been unlucky despite minimizing walks and home runs. In fact, the difference of 3.07 between Hicks’ ERA and FIP is the highest in all of baseball. Last year, by contrast, Washington’s Patrick Corbin had the largest discrepancy at 1.20. Along with FIP, Hicks has an expected ERA of 3.75.

“If you look at a lot of the internal numbers — FIP and so forth — he’s pitched a lot better than maybe his ERA and some numbers would suggest,” Melvin said. “But at this point, that’s what we’re going to do starting on Tuesday.”

It’s currently unclear how Melvin will use Hicks out of the bullpen. Hicks has experience as a closer (33 career saves) but Ryan Walker, Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval currently constitute Melvin’s typical high-leverage options. Birdsong, by contrast, was a multi-inning reliever in low-to-medium leverage situations.

Melvin maintained the Giants “haven’t figured out exactly where he’s going to fit” but given Hicks’ experience as both a starter and reliever, he could potentially fill either role depending on the needs of a specific game.

Kyle Harrison, a fellow starter-temporarily-turned-reliever like Birdsong, was not in consideration for the rotation.

“He was great about it. He really was,” Melvin said of Hicks. “He said, ‘I want our team to win. I want to do whatever I can to help the team win.’ He thought the way he’s pitched is better than his numbers — and I agree with him. But again, we have a lot of quality. We have a lot of good young arms. We have a lot of starters and we’re just trying to get it right for a particular time.”

San Francisco moved Hicks from the rotation to the bullpen last year as well, albeit under different circumstances.

Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants in January 2024 to join the team as a starter after spending years with the St. Louis Cardinals as a reliever. The right-hander started hot (1.59 ERA in April) but transitioned to the bullpen by late July as the innings added up and fatigue set in.

Birdsong, 23, cracked the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career and took the temporary transition to the bullpen in stride, posting a 2.31 ERA over 23 1/3 innings with 25 strikeouts. Interestingly enough, Birdsong has the opposite issue as Hicks in that he has a 4.74 FIP.

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The right-hander isn’t fully built up for a starter’s workload compared to his rotation mates, but Melvin said it’s reasonable he could throw somewhere in the range of five innings and 75 pitches in his first start of the season. On Wednesday, Birdsong threw a season-high 65 pitches over three innings.

Encarnacion’s rehab reset

Along with Hicks’ demotion, Melvin announced that the Giants are going to restart infielder/outfielder Jerar Encarnacion’s rehab assignment “just to be safe” as he recovers from a left hand fracture.

Melvin said there is “a little soreness” with his hand and the team expects him to play early next week. Melvin also said the Giants expect Encarnacion, who’s on the 60-day injured list, to be ready by May 26, the day he is eligible to return.

Encarnacion began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on May 10 but has only played two games. The 27-year-old was set to make the Giants’ Opening Day roster before suffering a left hand fracture in the final days of spring training.

Where are wolves roaming in California? New online map lets you see

In an effort to reduce conflicts between California’s growing gray wolf population and rural residents, particularly ranchers, who say the animals are killing their livestock, state wildlife officials on Thursday unveiled an online map that tracks wolves and provides their locations to the public.

The map, released by biologists at the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, shows the location of 14 wolves in California that have GPS collars.

Many of the other wolves in the state — whose total population has grown from about 7 in 2019 to between 50 and 70 today — often congregate in packs with the GPS-collared animals.

The map is updated daily, and shows hexagons of about 2,500 to 3,000 acres each, where a collared wolf is roaming. On Thursday afternoon, wolf locations were shown mostly in far Northern California, in Siskiyou, Lassen, Shasta and Plumas counties, with another location in the Southern Sierra, in Tulare County near Sequoia National Forest.

State wildlife officials say the goal is to give ranchers a real-time tool to take steps to protect their livestock if wolves are in the area, such as moving the herds, posting range riders on horseback, or using lights, loud noises, or other methods to chase wolves away.

The state isn’t providing the exact location to protect the wolves from poachers or others looking to harm them.

“California’s rural livestock producers living near wolves have faced real challenges as the wolf population grows in California. This is one more tool in our shared toolkit to protect their herds from wolf-livestock conflict,” said Chuck Bonham, director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We will continue to partner with ranchers and communities to navigate a positive path forward.”

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Thursday May 15, 2025 unveiled a new map to track the general locations of gray wolves in the state based on GPS collars some wear, shown here as orange dots. Most of the state’s 50-70 wolves live in rural far northern counties, such as Lassen, Shasta and Siskiyou. (Image: CDFW)

Last month, Bonham’s department announced that wolf population numbers have increased enough that they plan to relax rules that have set strict protections on the high-profile species.

The changes, when finalized by the end of this year, will allow ranchers and other rural property owners to obtain permits to use more aggressive methods to chase gray wolves away from livestock — including firing rubber bullets or bean bags to scare them away, and using ATVs, motorcycles or other equipment to chase them from herds of cattle or sheep.

The new rules won’t allow wolves to be shot or hunted however, since they are still listed in California under the state and federal endangered species acts, and it is illegal to kill a wolf unless in defense of a human life.

Wolves roamed California for thousands of years, like grizzly bears and mountain lions. But their interactions with ranchers, and fears of rural residents, caused them to be wiped out a century ago. The last wild wolf in California was shot in 1924 in Lassen County.

The first wolf returned to the state after an 87-year absence in 2011, when a young male walked across the border from Oregon.

Wolves are now found in nine of California’s 58 counties, in seven packs from the Oregon border to the mountains around Lake Tahoe, and in the Southern Sierra near Bakersfield. State biologists estimate that California north of Interstate 80 could support between 371 and 497 wolves, based on populations around the Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes.

Environmental groups were generally supportive but cautious on Thursday.

“Coexistence sometimes requires trying new things. So I’m excited that Californians can use this map to learn more about how our wolves move through the state,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I’m hopeful that livestock operators will responsibly use the map to head off conflict. I appreciate that the state stands ready to pull the plug immediately if anyone abuses this new system to harm wolves.”

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Environmentalists note the state pays ranchers for cattle killed by wolves, and that there have been no cases of a wolf killing a person in the lower 48 states in more than 100 years.

State officials are not posting the locations of collared female wolves having pups, or of wolves that leave California and roam into other states like Oregon or Washington, where there are fewer protections.

Ranchers, who have urged the state to help them limit livestock conflicts, welcomed California’s new map.

“Knowledge is power, and this mapping tool will empower ranchers throughout wolf territory to better understand where wolves might threaten their livestock, enabling them to increase human presence and adjust their herd management as necessary to deter wolf attacks,” said Kirk Wilbur, vice president of the California Cattlemen’s Association.

Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Carry out your mom’s intentions

Question: Before she died, she named me as her executor and part of my job is to set up trusts for an aunt and uncle. When they die, whatever is left comes to my brother and me. Problem is that my uncle has a drug problem and any money he gets is used to buy drugs. Also, the bank my mother named to run these trusts was bought and now bigger bank, is running their trust department. They don’t return my calls, and I have trouble dealing with them when they do. Help!

Answer: Responsible adults accept the fact that we must make plans for what happens to our estate after we are gone. Very few enjoy the process, so we often adopt a mindset of “set it and forget it” when it comes to our estates. You, as executor of your mom’s estate, are tasked with stepping into her shoes and assuring that her intentions are carried out. That may mean that you must go against what is actually written in her documents.

Your mom’s will or trust may give money to her brother, your uncle, but would she have wanted him to use the money to buy drugs? Unless she hated her brother, the answer is clearly no. The circumstances have changed since the time she wrote out her trust.

Similarly, when one bank buys another’s trust department, things change. The new bank has different policies for client service and trust administration, may charge different rates, handle investments differently and, most likely, the personnel of the trust department have changed, as well. Your mom named Bank A because she loved the people and knew they would treat you, your aunt and your uncle well. Unfortunately, when Bank B took over, it sounds like they also bought the right to take over the trusteeship of your mom’s trust. Again, the situation has changed.

So, you are standing in your mother’s shoes, what should you do? Good news and bad news – good news is that you can fix both problems with a court hearing. The bad news is that I have to throw some legal jargon at you: California Probate Code section 15409 permits a trust to be changed if “owing to circumstances not known to the settlor (person creating the trust) and not anticipated by the settlor, the continuation of the trust under its terms would defeat or substantially limit the accomplishment of the purposes of the trust.”

Most likely, your mom would not have known that your uncle would become an addict and the bank she loved would sell out. Had she known either, she would have written her documents differently. It is, however, your responsibility to make sure her intentions are carried out. Ask your lawyer to petition the court under “changed circumstances” to allow the trusts to pay for your uncle’s treatment, if he is agreeable, but to prohibit any cash from going directly to him. And change that trustee! Because you and your brother are the ultimate beneficiaries of any remaining funds, you will deal with the trustee for a long time. This gives you the right to be comfortable with the bank or trust professional handling the trusts and how they are distributing the trust. Ask yourself, WWMD (what would mom do)? Then, have the court help you accomplish her wishes.

Question: I am the trustee of my aunt’s estate and, as such, am entitled to fees for my work. My tax advisor tells me that I must declare this as income and pay taxes on it. Is this true?

Answer: The short answer? Yes, absolutely. If the amount is over $600, you will need to prepare a 1099 form for yourself at the end of the year that you take fees and you are required to declare those fees as income.

Some trust makers will give an extra cash gift, a “bequest,” to the person they have named as trustee and a gift like this from a trust is not normally taxable.

Liza Horvath has over 30 years of experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is the president of Monterey Trust Management, a financial and trust management company. This is not intended to be legal or tax advice. If you have a question call (831) 646-5262 or email liza@montereytrust.com

Horoscopes May 17, 2025: Trent Reznor, put on your competitive armor

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Nikki Reed, 37; Derek Hough, 40; Trent Reznor, 60; Craig Ferguson, 63.

Happy Birthday: You’re in a high cycle; push hard, dream big and concentrate on your objectives. Show compassion, empathy and understanding, and the support and help you receive will be tenfold. Refuse to let uncertainty stand between you and the possibilities you encounter this year. Have faith in yourself and your ability to compromise and change to fit your circumstances. Challenge yourself and put on your competitive armor. Your numbers are 6, 11, 24, 27, 33, 42, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Tag along and enjoy the ride, but don’t get caught in someone else’s fight. The way to a better life, mindset and happiness is to observe, learn and take responsibility for your life and happiness. Dedicate your time and invest your money in yourself and your vision. Strive for peace and positive change. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Letting situations and responsibilities linger will bring you down. Finish what you start and enjoy the serenity of completion. Reach out to those who can contribute to your quest, and it will bring you closer together. Don’t underestimate the power of unity, thoroughness and honesty. An open mind and conversation will help resolve disputes. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Clear a passage forward, and don’t look back. Be secretive about your intentions until you have everything in place. Pour your strength and energy into improving your day-to-day routine and making your surroundings user-friendly. You want your surroundings to feed your soul with positivity and confidence. Update your look and plan something romantic. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Note what’s happening in your community. Participate in events that matter. A healthy environment is the foundation for a good life. Take better care of your physical well-being. Reform your diet and fitness regime to point you in a healthy direction. Listen to complaints and exercise discipline while offering a thoughtful alternative. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your energy and temper are mounting. Refuse to let trivial matters or annoying people get to you. Put your energy and spirit to work for you, and you’ll achieve something that makes you proud and warrants a positive response. Challenge yourself to get in shape and to compete. Romance is favored. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set high standards and boundaries to safeguard against unrealistic requests, and move forward confidently. It’s up to you to set the stage for the performance you want to unveil. Trust and believe in yourself, and so will those you encounter. Keep your eye on the job market and network; something interesting will unfold. 5 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Open doors, plan your action and follow through. Stop waiting; now is the time to act. Lead the way instead of letting others determine your road map. Emotions are high, and being open will help you find your tribe. There is strength in numbers; make your effort count. Love is skyrocketing. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take the high road, and you’ll have no regrets. Sort through any differences with a positive attitude and a kind spirit. You are ready for change as you fight for certainty and the confidence to forge ahead. Embrace the moment and turn your attention to building a future, and you will have an impact. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look for opportunities; however, whatever you choose, do it with good intentions. Refuse to get caught up in someone’s hype. Do your research and consider going it alone if you see red flags pop up. Put your energy into home improvement, keeping the peace and doing what’s best for you and those you love. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take another look at your pursuits or offers before you get intertwined in situations with no track record. Use your intelligence and experience to guide you through force plays, scams and dealings with egotistical people. Know what you want and refuse to budge if you are skeptical or uncertain. Trust your instincts. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Focus on your target and refuse to let anyone outmaneuver you. Pay attention to who says what and act accordingly. Revise how you earn and spend your cash, and create a budget that allows you the lifestyle you want without adding too much debt. Balance and equality are everything when trying to achieve peace. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be the one to make a difference and inspire others to step up and do their part. A change is apparent, but living within your means will determine how much you enjoy life. Weigh the pros and cons and make yourself aware of the consequences before you agree to any proposition you receive. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are enthusiastic, creative and thorough. You are impatient and exclusive.

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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Flores hits three homers as SF Giants rout A’s in return to Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Wilmer Flores believed he had more game to give. His track record provided him with confidence that he could rebound from the worst season of his career, one plagued by a knee issue that never went away — ended his season. The Giants believed, too. Time and time again, Flores rewarded their faith.

He rewarded that faith on Opening Day in Cincinnati when he hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning.

He rewarded that faith by hitting a walk-off single against the Seattle Mariners.

He rewarded that faith by becoming one of the best hitters in baseball with runners in scoring position.

And on Friday night at Oracle Park, Flores, again rewarded their faith with the best game in his 13-year career.

He sent three home runs into the left-field bleachers — a grand slam among them —  a feat he’s never accomplished before. With those three swings, he drove in a career-high runs and tied Aaron Judge for the most RBIs (41) in all of baseball, single-handedly carrying the Giants to a 9-1 win over the Athletics in their return to the Bay Area.

“I’m so happy for him,” said starter Logan Webb, who allowed one run over season-high eight innings. “Dealing with injuries last year and coming back this year, he’s a huge part of our team. We missed him last year a lot. Seeing him healthy this year and back to doing what Wilmer does is really cool.”

Added manager Bob Melvin: “I don’t know that anybody would predicted this, but when he came back in spring training and you saw that it was pretty normal to what we’ve seen before, we felt good about him. But I don’t think anybody could’ve predicted this.”

The Giants gave Flores their vote of confidence multiple times this past offseason, hypothesizing that a healthy Flores could return to his 2023 form. That proposition was far from guaranteed.

Flores sustained a knee injury earlier last year and tried to play through the pain. The result was a .206 batting average, .595 OPS and four home runs, all of which were the worst marks since he became a full-time player. On his 33rd birthday, he underwent a season-ending Tenex procedure on his right knee.

Nine months later, he’s one of their most valuable players — value that can’t be fully captured in WAR. Most of that value derives from his at-bats when runs are on the line.

Flores, with a grand slam in the third and three-run homer in the sixth, now owns a slash line of .381/.469/.667 with runners in scoring position. His 1.136 OPS in these situations is the sixth-best mark in all of baseball, well above his overall mark of .786. To outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who has played with Flores for the last six years, that proficiency with men derives from his experience.

“You see the trends of trying to bring up guys when they’re so young and replace a lot of older players. I think that Wilmer is showing what a true veteran should be doing, and it’s really impressive. It’s incredible. He’s been in every situation that there has been in the game, basically. You see it in his at-bats. They’re consistent. They’re always really calm. He knows what he has to do, and he never tries to do too much.”

To Yastrzemski’s point, Flores said that he wasn’t trying to homer in any of his three at-bats that yielded one.

Flores stepped into the batter’s box in the third with an opportunity to break a scoreless tie: bases loaded, no outs. Flores got ahead in the count, 2-1, against the Athletics’ JP Sears before fouling off five consecutive pitches. He ran the count full on the ninth pitch, then capped off a 10-pitch battle by sneaking a middle-middle fastball over the left-field fence to give the Giants a 4-0 lead.

In the sixth, Flores strolled to the plate with runners on first and second with one out — another opportunity with runners in scoring position. The Athletics’ Michel Otañez left a four-seam fastball over the heart of the plate and sent it towards those same left-field bleachers. Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom leapt and extended his arm, but Flores’ drive had just enough juice to extend San Francisco’s lead to 7-0.

Flores’ final plate appearance of the evening featured empty bases. He’d hit two homers on nine other occasions up to that point, and Anthony Maldonado left him a fastball over the heart of the plate, he finally completed the trifecta.

“Everybody loves Wilmer here,” Melvin said. “Everybody around the league loves Wilmer. He’s about as respected as a guy as you’re going to come across. So, it’s great to have someone have a game like that. It’s doubly good that it’s Wilmer, and I think everybody really embraces him. He’s a leader.”

Expansion Valkyries make history with WNBA opener at Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO — Violet shirts adorned every seat with the script “First of a Lifetime.” Before long, they were filled with 18,864 fans as the Golden State Valkyries tipped off against the L.A. Sparks, and the WNBA had officially come to the Bay Area.

The attendance — and it was legitimate — was the most for a WNBA team in its home debut. The Valkyries lost 84-67, but it hardly damped the enthusiasm. They even got a standing ovation at the game’s conclusion.

“It was loud. I mean loud,” Valkries coach Natalie Nakase said. “It is everything I could have hoped for. To have that kind of crowd is just surreal.”

Said guard Julie Vanloo: “The crowd was amazing, It just goes through your veins and your whole body.”

The Valkyries were announced as the WNBA’s 13th franchise on Oct. 5, 2023 — the first expansion team in the league since the Atlanta Dream in 2008.

Season ticket sales have already exceeded 10,000, which makes the Valkyries the first to hit that milestone. They exceeded 15,000 season ticket deposits in July and are now past 20,000, an industry standard. There were 95 press credentials issued for the first game.

Fans were allowed in at 5:30, and Brie Reddick of San Bruno, adorned in her own Valkyries T-shirt, was among the first to absorb the scene and has been waiting for a Bay Area franchise since the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA folded following the 2009 season after playing 13 years.

Their first home exhibition game on May 6 drew 17,428 in an 83-82 loss to the Sparks.

“I was here at the first preseason game and it was emotional to see everything happening,” Reddick said. “It’s weird because it’s not that Warrior blue but it’s something that’s still ours.  We’re able to take ownership of it as fans and it’s so exciting.”

A basketball player in middle school, Reddick looked around the arena and took in the magnitude of the moment.

“I didn’t think it would get to the level it is today and to have the impact on girls, with college basketball in general and now the WNBA, it’s not something we ever expected but I’m glad to see it happen,” Reddick said.

Reddick’s aunt, Elisha Reddick, has always been a basketball fan “but I always wondered why (women) can’t have teams. That was back in the 70s.”

Jenny Quintal of San Francisco, seated with her daughters aged 13 and 10, is a season-ticket holder along with her husband and only recently got hooked on the women’s game.

“If it wasn’t for my daughters I wouldn’t be here,” Quintal said.

Astrie Martinez wearing a sequined purple Valkyries jacket, lives on the Peninsula and immediately went on the list for season tickets.

“I’m so glad this is happening now,” Martinez said. “I see so many little girls here and that’s the coolest thing.”

Richard Martinez of Daly City saw the exhibition games in which the Valkyries went 1-1 against the Phoenix Mercury and the Sparks and isn’t convinced the exhibition status will relegate the new team to the lower division.

“I like the whole spirit that the women have,” Gonzalez said. “Hopefully in the near future they can expand more. There are quality players here and they’ve got experienced players. I’m sure some of the players they cut they wanted to keep.”

Shae Hammond/Bay Area News GroupCommemorative T-shirts were draped over every seat for the Valkyries WNBA debut Friday night at Chase Center.

Los Angeles coach Lynne Roberts starred at Enterprise High in Redding as well as Seattle Pacific before moving up the coaching ladder starting at Chico State. She was mentored by former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer and as a Northern California native felt at home.

“I was raised on the 49ers and the Giants and the Warriors so it feels very comfortable to be back here,” Roberts said. “But what a day for women’s college basketball and this expansion team. We were here for a preseason game and the crowd was impressive. It’s a cool day for our sport and they seem to already have it kind of going here.”

Nakase could feel the intensity swelling in the Bay Area during the exhibition games and the run-up to the season.

“I mean, when we’re down by 14 they still have our backs,” Nakase said. “That’s the kind of fan base we want, someone that is going to support us when we’re down, and when we’re up, to start screaming again. They are definitely part of us.”

Nakase even got to shadow Warriors coach Steve Kerr for two days during the NBA playoffs to pick up a few pointers.

“He sat me down and before I could even ask a question had ideas and advice for a first-time head coach,” Nakase said. “What I learned from Steve was to always be yourself. His way of communicating to me, to his players, is second to none. Steve has so much experience and hopefully I’ll get just one percent of his knowledge.”

Nakase was too much in the moment to dwell on the historical significance.

Valkyries’ Julie Vanloo (35), Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries’ Kyara Linskens, and Valkyries’ Monique Billings stand on the court before the home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

“I think once I go through the full season, I think that will be history,” Nakase said.

The Valkyries are an affiliate of the Warriors, and the men’s team was well represented with Kerr, forward Kevon Looney, guards Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski and forward Jonathan Kuminga all in attendance and drawing big cheers from the crowd when shown on the scoreboard.

Podziemski even fired T-shirts in the crowd with the Valkyries support staff.

Vanloo even gained inspiration from Kerr before a sequence where she nailed three of our four 3-point shots to bring the Valkyries within four points.

“It was an awesome moment,” Vanloo said. “Right before, I saw Steve Kerr and I don’t know, I kind of got hyped, like, `Let me show you something.”

The Valkyies rightly pointed to their 22 turnovers as a problem worth fixing, but were encouraged by their fight and of course the atmosphere.

“This is the Bay Area,” Vanloo said. “This is Chase Center. Magic happens here.”

People head inside for the Golden State Valkyries first home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)Anna Wu, of San Francisco, and Alex Chyu, of San Francisco, bring a Golden State Valkyries to their home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)