Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 150

SF Giants win series as Adames drives in go-ahead run versus old team

SAN FRANCISCO — Comebacks have been the norm for the Giants this season. The Brewers learned that firsthand.

Willy Adames drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning against his former team to complete a three-run comeback as the Giants defeated the Brewers, 6-5, on Thursday afternoon at Oracle Park to take three of four games from Milwaukee.

“We feel confident that we have a really good team and that we’re going to make a comeback at any point,” said Adames. “That’s the mentality that we have. We don’t give up. We’re still resilient even though we’re losing by three, four. It doesn’t matter how many runs we’re losing (by). The whole team feels like we have an opportunity to win at some point.”

To Adames’ point, no team has been better at erasing deficits this season than the Giants.

Of San Francisco’s 17 wins, eight have come with them trailing by at least two runs, the most in all of baseball. Five of those wins — Thursday included — required them to overcome a deficit of at least three runs.

San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee, #51 Tyler Fitzgerald #49 and Willy Adames #2 celebrate their 6-5 MLB win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

On Opening Day, Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead, three-run, ninth-inning homer to stun the Cincinnati Reds. In New York, Jung Hoo Lee’s second homer off Carlos Rodón completed a three-run comeback. In Philadelphia, they responded to the Phillies’ three-run first with a six-run second en route to a blowout.

So, when San Francisco trailed Milwaukee, 5-2, entering the fifth, there was no sense that the game was over, even with the Giants playing a flat brand of baseball.

Landen Roupp, who struck out a career-high nine batters in his last outing, allowed five runs (four earned) over 3 2/3 innings. Catcher Sam Huff failed to block two balls in the dirt, leading to runs. First baseman LaMonte Wade Jr., now hitting .094, didn’t catch a throw from Matt Chapman, allowing a run to score. From the fifth onwards, the Giants looked like a different team.

Chapman brought the Giants within one run in the fifth by homering off Abner Uribe’s 100.4 mph sinker. Not only was it the fastest pitch that Chapman has ever homered against, but it was the fastest pitch that a Giants player has homered against in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008). Three innings later, San Francisco completed its comeback effort.

“For him, it was probably chill, but for the whole team, it was insane,” Adames said.

San Francisco Giants’ Tyler Fitzgerald #49 celebrates with teammate Willy Adames #2 after scoring on a fielder’s choice in the eighth inning of their MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Tyler Fitzgerald led off the eighth by drawing a walk, then advanced to third on Wilmer Flores’ pinch-hit single. Two batters later, Fitzgerald scored the tying run on Mike Yastrzemski’s weak grounder despite Milwaukee playing its infield in, using his elite speed to beat the short throw home. That set the stage for Adames to play the hero against his former teammates.

With one out and Christian Koss on third base — Koss pinch-ran for Flores — all Adames needed to do was drive a ball to the outfield. On a 3-2 count, Adames hit a line drive at left fielder Christian Yelich, just deep enough for Koss to tag.

Koss positioned himself to sprint home. Adames’ screamer bounced off Yelich’s glove and onto the outfield grass. Koss scored without a throw, Adames was awarded a sacrifice fly, and the Giants had a 6-5 lead. And when the bullpen gates swung open for the ninth, it would be Camilo Doval — not Ryan Walker — who would be called upon for the save.

Doval’s afternoon was not without drama. The one-time All-Star opened up his day by walking Caleb Durbin on four pitches and throwing two balls to Brice Turang, an errant start that prompted Adames and Chapman to consult Doval on the mound.

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval #75 throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

“We went there just to calm him down, just to give him some time to breathe and … take it easy and get himself back together,” Adames said.

The consultation worked wonders. Doval induced three flyouts to record his second save in the last 24 hours and the Giants’ sixth series victory of the early season. At 17-9, they reside in second place in the stacked NL West, sandwiched between the first-place San Diego Padres (17-8) and third-place Los Angeles Dodgers (16-9).

Regarding his selection of Doval over Walker, manager Bob Melvin said he wanted to give Walker the day off following a second consecutive unsharp outing.

On Sunday, Walker allowed four runs, recorded no outs, and blew a save against the Angels. On Wednesday, Walker allowed two runs in the ninth inning and recorded one out, forcing Melvin to call upon Doval to finish the game. The Giants’ closer situation now appears a bit more ambiguous than a week ago, but Melvin said Walker will have the save opportunity on Friday if the game warrants it.

Milwaukee Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell #5 slides safely under the tag of San Francisco Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald #49 on a steal in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski #5 hits a solo home run off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Tobias Myers #36 in the third inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski #5 is congratulated after scoring on an RBI single by Jung Hoo Lee #51 in the first inning of their MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp #65 throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 hits an RBI double off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Tobias Myers #36 in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Christian Koss #50 celebrates after scoring the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Willy Adames #2 in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Tobias Myers #36 throws against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee #51 calls for a timeout after hitting an RBI double as Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz #3 attempts a tag in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald #49 throws out Milwaukee Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell #5 at first base in the fourth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Milwaukee Brewers’ Vinny Capra #18 is safe after scoring past San Francisco Giants catcher Sam Huff #23 in the fourth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Spencer Bivens #76 throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman #26 watches the flight of his two-run home run off Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe #45 in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman #26 celebrates his two-run home run with teammate Heliot Ramos #17 in the fifth inning of their MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers #71 throws sidearm against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Spencer Bivens #76 is taken out by manager Bob Melvin in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe #45 throws against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval #75 and catcher Patrick Bailey #14 celebrate their 6-5 MLB win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman #26 celebrates their 6-5 MLB win over the Milwaukee Brewers with relief pitcher Camilo Doval #75 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. To the left is outfielder Heliot Ramos #17. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 18Milwaukee Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell #5 slides safely under the tag of San Francisco Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald #49 on a steal in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Expand

DNC chair rips vice chair David Hogg’s plan to challenge incumbent Democrats

By JONATHAN J. COOPER

PHOENIX (AP) — Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Thursday that party officers should be banned from taking sides in primaries, countering DNC Vice Chair David Hogg’s plan to raise money for candidates challenging Democratic incumbents.

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Martin’s proposal escalates a public feud between the new DNC boss and Hogg, who rose to prominence as a gun-control advocate after surviving the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Both were elected by DNC members earlier this year.

Martin said he’s drafting proposed bylaw changes to require officers to remain neutral in all Democratic primaries.

Martin said party neutrality is crucial to maintaining the confidence of voters, pointing to the bitter feud that emerged after supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign believed he was stymied by party insiders putting their thumb on the scale in favor of Hillary Clinton, who won the nomination but went on to lose the general election to Donald Trump.

“You can’t be both the player and the referee,” Martin wrote in an opinion piece published by Time.

Hogg has said he’ll raise millions of dollars through a political action committee unaffiliated with the DNC to support primary challengers running against longtime incumbents in solidly Democratic congressional districts. He says the party needs a shakeup to bring in leaders who will more aggressively confront Trump and connect with younger voters.

FILE – David Hogg talks to people after speaking at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Aug. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Hogg said in a statement posted on social media that he is not breaking any current DNC rules, and his actions don’t interfere with the party’s responsibilities, including setting a presidential nominating calendar, supporting state Democratic parties, building data infrastructure and creating the campaign infrastructure for a future Democratic presidential nominee.

Voters don’t view Democrats as a “real alternative to the Republican Party,” he said.

“That will not change if we keep the status quo,” Hogg said. “We have no other option but to do the hard work of holding ourselves and our own party accountable.”

Also on Thursday, Martin said the DNC would increase its financial support for state Democratic parties by $5,000 to $17,500 per month, with an additional $5,000 monthly for Republican-led states.

Supervisor Alejo’s youth program open for applicants

SALINAS – High school and first-year college students interested in learning about the legislative process can now apply to participate in the Young Supervisors Program.

The program, championed by Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, focuses on developing leadership skills and teaching students about civic participation. Alejo first began the program during his time in the state legislature to help mentor Salinas youth and inform them about local issues.

“Above all else, I hope to spark an interest in these young adults about becoming civically engaged and take part in the democratic process and decision making in their own communities,” wrote Alejo in a Herald OpEd about the program last year. “If we are not preparing the next generation of leaders in our counties, then we are missing a big part of solving the greatest challenges of tomorrow.”

The four-week program is set to begin July 2 and end July 24. Students will come into the Monterey County Board of Supervisors Government Building for a few hours a week Monday through Thursday. The program is available at no cost to participants and their families.

Participants observe the Supervisors’ board meetings and attend workshops on county government, policy and community organizing. The program will also take students on field trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn about sustainability and environmental issues, as well as a whale watching tour.

During the program, participants are prompted to research often controversial policy topics and hold mock legislative hearings debating the issue. The hearings are conducted in front of family and community members as part of a graduation ceremony.

At the end of the program, students will have gained communication skills and take part in community service “while illustrating an understanding of the legislative process and the workings of a county supervisor,” said a news release. Students will receive a certificate of recognition as well as a letter of recommendation from Supervisor Alejo.

Formerly known as the Young Assembleymembers Program, the initiative was originally created in 2011 during Alejo’s six years in the legislature. Over the years, more than 250 students have completed both programs and many of them have gone on to attend universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford University, according to the news release.

The application form is due June 20 and can be found at https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/139641  Applications can be turned in at the Supervisors District Office, located at 168 W. Alisal Street, Second Floor, Salinas, CA 93901 or by email at GomezJ@countyofmonterey.gov.

Horoscopes April 24, 2025: Kelly Clarkson, own the floor and command attention

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Katherine Webb, 36; David Boudia, 36; Kelly Clarkson, 43; Barbra Streisand, 83.

Happy Birthday: Be the one to make the first move. Control situations instead of playing catch up in a competitive world. Own the floor, command attention and articulate what you want and expect in return. Life is about choices, and it’s up to you to navigate your way forward with finesse. You’ll get ahead faster if you know what you want and are prepared to follow through. Your numbers are 4, 12, 23, 26, 31, 39, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stick to the facts. Exaggeration will lead to trouble. Put your efforts into personal growth, research and networking with people who can be an asset to you. An offer will tempt you to consider a professional move or a promising investment. Set a budget and say no to excessive behavior. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your plans to yourself until you have straightened out any wrinkles that might get in your way. Work hard until you are satisfied with your results and feel confident sharing your vision. Don’t expect a unanimous response or let those who oppose you stand in your way. Trust your instincts. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Reluctance to join the crowd is wise; doing things your way and maintaining balance and integrity has more benefits than becoming part of a following. Consider everything you see and hear, and make choices that protect your rights and freedoms. Let your insight and intelligence lead the way. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pool your resources and direct your energy into perfecting your skills, using your imagination and making suggestions, and you will stand out amongst your peers. Deal with contracts, legalities and medical and financial issues, and you’ll make headway. Simplify how you run your life, and you’ll gain respect and peace of mind. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Listen, discuss and rethink how you want to proceed. Consider what and who brings you joy or disrupts your life, and manage your time accordingly. Take responsibility for your happiness, and align yourself with doers, not complainers; it will speak volumes about who you are and what you can achieve. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s OK to change your mind and head in a direction that suits you better. Take care of matters that hold you back or make you feel indebted. Ignore those trying to railroad you in a direction that doesn’t suit your needs, and head down a healthy path. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your words of wisdom will impact those you encounter today. Stick to the facts and speak passionately without exaggeration. Become the conduit of healthy living, and your circle of friends and followers will grow. An unusual partnership will help you raise awareness about something purposeful. Do your best, and something good will emerge. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A change will do you good. Join forces with those who enjoy the same activities as you, and channel your energy into competitive challenges that help alleviate stress and anger. Strive to implement positive changes that encourage a lifestyle that meets your expectations. Romance and self-improvement are in the stars. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look for alternatives when someone disrupts your plans. Refrain from taking on someone else’s drama. Being a positive influence will give you the advantage of sidestepping negativity and poor choices. It’s up to you to make your opportunities and follow through. Don’t mistake someone’s intentions; what you see is what you get. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Refuse to let your emotions lead to overreacting to situations at work or related to money. Take a moment to gather facts, consider your options and talk with those affected by your choices. A collective decision will help you avoid negative feedback and blame. Choose a healthy lifestyle, and avoid excessive behavior. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sit tight and watch for signs indicating that positive action will have the effectiveness you require to improve your position, finances and reputation. Say no to unnecessary changes and yes to putting your energy toward what you need most. Focus and fortitude will help you excel. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Weed out fiction from fact before you decide what’s best for you. Overspending, taking on too much and an indulgent diet will lead to trouble, criticism and a need for positive change. Revise how you manage your day and to-do list, and focus on your health and well-being. Romance is favored. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are hardworking, accommodating and generous. You are quick-witted and spontaneous.

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.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Steve Kerr takes issue with Houston’s chants at Draymond Green as Warriors-Rockets series intensifies

Even as the physicality escalated on the court in Game 2 of the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, coach Steve Kerr believed the fans inside the soldout Toyota Center crossed the line.

“It’s not ideal when a crowd is chanting ‘F you, Draymond’,” Kerr said after Golden State’s 109-94 loss Wednesday night evened the series at a game apiece. “I’m all for fans cheering for their team, and if they want to yell at the opponents, great. But I just think ‘F you’ is a little much.”

The four-letter word rung out in unison as the clock wound down and Green splayed out on his seat on the Warriors’ bench. It wasn’t the first time an opposing crowd has directed the chant toward Green, notably happening in Boston during the 2022 NBA Finals.

Green seemed to be less bothered by the obscenities than his coach.

“It’s not original,” he shrugged while polishing his sunglasses behind the microphone. “Been there before, won a championship while it was happening. Can’t steal other peoples’ (stuff). That belongs to Boston.”

Nonetheless as the series shifts to San Francisco, it has already taken on the intensity of some of the Warriors’ fiercest previous battles.

“Houston played great; they were really physical, just like we expected,” Kerr said. “We’ve just got to lick our wounds, and back to work tomorrow.”

“This is who we’ve been all season,” Houston forward Tari Eason said. “We’ve been a tough team. We’ve been a gritty, grindy team all season. We are who we are.”

The Rockets outrebounded the Warriors by double digits and held them below 100 points for the second consecutive game but, moreover, showed they weren’t afraid to muck it up. The teams combined for six technical fouls — three apiece — and it could have been more.

Neither Green nor Fred VanVleet were T’d up after exchanging words late in the fourth quarter, leading to both benches spilling onto the court and needing to be separated. The only foul assessed was on Eason, who threw a towel into the group of Golden State players.

“With them, some of the guys they’ve got over there, their thing is to try to beat you mentally,” Eason said.

He didn’t name names. But the Houston crowd did.

“He’s a competitor, he’s always going to be in the mix. I’ll ride with Draymond forever,” Kerr said. “Because of his career, his championships, his fire, he’s going to be a lightning rod. That’s all part of it. I would prefer fans use a little bit more discretion and remember the guy has kids. Maybe I’m old school.”

Quinten Post, who earned one of the Warriors’ technicals, said, “I think you saw a lot more emotions from both sides” compared to the first game of the series. Green, on the other hand, didn’t just downplay the crowd but also the intensity on the court in a game that saw the Warriors lose Jimmy Butler III to injury battling for a rebound in the first quarter.

He said he thought it was “a little less physical than Game 1,” and after some thought, Stephen Curry concurred.

“There were just a couple crashes that happened out there,” said Curry, who wasn’t above getting on the ground for a loose ball, tussling with the Rockets’ leading scorer, Jalen Green, in the first half.

“We know what their M.O. is and what they’re trying to do: Use their size and their athleticism to try to bully us. We put up a pretty good fight in both games. … Probably as physical as Game 1, just a different style.”

Both teams get two days to recover before Game 3 on Saturday, but the Warriors’ fate likely rests in the results of the MRI that is scheduled for Butler in between. He was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion after falling hard on his tailbone.

While Amen Thompson was called for a common foul on the play, it wasn’t determined to be a flagrant. As he crashed the offensive glass, Thompson undercut Butler and took his legs out from underneath him.

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The Warriors didn’t believe it was a dirty play.

“I asked our guys behind the bench and they said it just looked like there was some physicality on the rebound and Thompson just inadvertently found himself underneath Jimmy,” Kerr said. “We didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play. It was just one of those plays.”

Green, as always, found himself in the middle of it.

“I was trying to box out Thompson,” he said. “Somehow he ended up under Jimmy’s legs.”

Warriors lose chippy Game 2 to Rockets after Butler injured

HOUSTON – The Warriors entered Wednesday night’s game against the Rockets at Toyota Center with eyes on a 2-0 series lead. 

After a disastrous first quarter, the Warriors were left hoping their championship hopes weren’t dashed when star Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvic contusion in a 109-94 loss to Houston that evened up the series.

“We wanted two, but we didn’t get two, we got one. They’re a hell of a team and the two seed for a reason,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “So it’s a good trip, not a great trip.”

The Rockets were up by double-digits for the entire second half, but that did not stop the game from ending on a contentious note. 

In the fourth quarter alone, Jalen Green was called for a flagrant foul on Draymond Green, Draymond was whistled for a technical himself, and the teams had to be separated at midcourt.

It was an inglorious conclusion to a game that saw Butler exit in the first quarter.

Butler will receive an MRI on Thursday, and the Warriors will have another day off before playing in San Francisco on Saturday.

Butler’s injury occurred with 2:28 left in the first quarter, when Amen Thompson undercut the Warriors forward as Butler was grabbing a rebound. He landed flat on his back and remained down for several moments.

He was eventually able to get up under his own power and split a pair of free throws, but was quickly subbed out of the game and taken back to the locker room. 

“It looked like there was some physicality on the rebound, and I think Thompson just inadvertently found himself underneath Jimmy just based on the tug of war going on,” Kerr said. “We didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play.”

In Butler’s absence, Curry scored 20, seldom-used reserve Pat Spencer added 11 off the bench and Jonathan Kuminga scored 10 in 26 minutes. 

It was Kuminga’s first game action since April 11 against the Blazers, as the forward didn’t play in the season finale against the Clippers, the play-in victory over the Grizzlies or Game 1 against the Rockets.  

Despite being down by double-digits for the entire second half, the Warriors kept the score manageable until late. An 8-0 run keyed by Curry and Quinten Post 3-pointers cut the deficit to 91-79 with seven minutes remaining. 

The Warriors had a chance to cut the lead to single digits when Draymond Green drew a flagrant offensive foul on Jalen Green a few seconds later. 

But Draymond Green split the pair of foul shots, the Warriors came up empty on the ensuing possession. The Rockets closed the game out from there. 

After outrebounding Golden State by 16 overall, and 22-6 on the offensive glass in Game 1, it was more of the same for Houston in the rematch while Merced native Jalen Green scored 38 on an assortment of layups, dunks and tough 3-pointers to lead the Rockets. 

Houston dominated Golden State on the glass 47-33 on Wednesday. 

Alperen Sengun had 17 points and 16 rebounds, and Tari Eason came off the bench to put up 14 points and six rebounds.

Butler was not the only Warrior who missed game time on Wednesday. 

Starting shooting guard Brandin Podziemski had dealt with a stomach illness throughout the day, and although he was able to start Game 2, he left late in the first quarter and did not return until the third quarter. 

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The Rockets controlled the game from the start, taking a 28-18 advantage after one quarter, and a 60-46 lead into the halftime locker room. 

The Warriors cut the lead to 79-68 with a Kevon Looney finger roll, and had some success with a 2-3 zone at times, but the Rockets retook momentum with a flurry of Jalen Green points, the most emphatic being an open-court poster dunk past Gui Santos. 

Despite Golden State keeping the game within striking distance for much of the second half, the Rockets pulled away late in the fourth quarter. 

The Rockets and Warriors — possibly without Butler — will tip off Game 3 at 7 p.m. Saturday at Chase Center.

SF Giants’ Webb continues excellent April by outdueling Peralta in win over Brewers

SAN FRANCISCO — For the second time this month, Logan Webb took the mound at Oracle Park against the ace of a team from the NL Central and pitched a fantastic outing. On April 8, he earned a no decision. On Wednesday night, he got the win.

Webb outdueled Freddy Peralta and Wilmer Flores drove in two runs to re-establish himself as baseball’s RBI leader as the Giants (16-9) defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-2. The Giants’ ace pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts to three walks as he recorded his fourth quality start of the year.

Through six starts, Webb now boasts a 1.98 ERA with 44 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings, the second-most in all of baseball behind only the Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler (37 1/3).

“He’s one of the elite pitchers in the National League,” said manager Bob Melvin.

Webb recorded his third win of the season but was close to ending up with a no decision after closer Ryan Walker endured a second consecutive rough outing.

The Giants entered the ninth with a four-run lead and Melvin called on Walker, his first outing since blowing a save against the Los Angeles Angels by allowing four runs and recording no outs. Instead of bouncing back, Walker allowed two runs on Brice Turang’s bases-loaded, ground-rule double with one out, a swing that trimmed San Francisco’s lead to 4-2 and forced Melvin to summon Camilo Doval with runners on second and third.

Doval experienced his own struggles earlier this year, but the one-time All-Star slammed the door on Milwaukee (13-12) by striking out Jackson Chourio and getting Chrisitan Yelich to ground out, recording his fourth save of the year.

Walker has been uncharacteristically off his last two outings, allowing six earned runs and recording one lone out after converting his first five opportunities of the year. When asked about the future of the closer role, Melvin said the Giants like both Walker and Doval and will “figure it out as we go along.”

“It’s too early for me to say anything,” Melvin said. “Not talking to anybody, but we’re in a great position that we have two guys who can close games.”

Webb worked his way out of his own jams en route to recording his fourth quality start of the year. The Brewers loaded the bases against Webb in the top of the second inning on a walk and two singles, but the right-hander escaped trouble by striking out Chourio with the bases loaded.

Beginning with the strikeout of Chourio, Webb proceeded to retire 11 consecutive batters until William Contreras opened up the sixth inning with a loud single. Contreras attempted to advance from first to third on Sal Frelick’s single to right field, but Mike Yastrzemski threw a textbook one-hopper to an awaiting Matt Chapman, who applied the tag and recorded the out. Webb, having collided with Brewers’ third-base coach Jason Lane, didn’t see the play unfold.

“I don’t know if that’s on video, but I smoked him,” Webb said. “I apologized. I was like, ‘My bad.’ He apologized. We both apologized. I saw William running and I was like, ‘Probably shouldn’t do that.’ Yaz is one of the best at throwing people out, especially third base. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that.“

San Francisco Giants’ Christian Koss (50) fields a ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers’ Rhys Hoskins (12) in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Hoskins was thrown out at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Webb got more help from his defense when Christian Koss snagged Rhys Hoskins’ tricky one-hopper, slid counterclockwise and threw to first for the out to end the inning.

“In close games in our ballpark — and we’re going to play a lot of them — that’s the type of defense that we need to play to win games,” Melvin said.

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Following six-and-a-half scoreless innings, San Francisco broke the scoreless tie by putting up a four-spot in the bottom of the sixth to establish a 4-0 lead.

Flores drove in two runs on a bases-loaded single to record his 26th and 27th RBIs of the year, the most in all of baseball, then the Giants scored two more runs thanks to a pair of errors from the Brewers. Chapman crossed home plate when Turang couldn’t handle LaMonte Wade Jr.’s grounder, then San Francisco added another run when Milwaukee shortstop Joey Ortiz’s errant throw allowed Flores to score.

The Brewers chased Webb from the ballgame with one out in the seventh after putting runners on first and second, but left-hander Erik Miller recorded two quick outs to strand the runners and ensure Webb didn’t get tagged for a run. Tyler Rogers pitched a scoreless eighth, and following Walker’s second straight hiccup, Doval closed the game out in the ninth.

San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) heads to first base on his single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) throws to first for an out on a ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers’ Caleb Durbin (21) in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) catches a ball for an out hit by Milwaukee Brewers’ Brice Turang (2) in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) grounds into fielder’s choice which scored San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) heads to home-late to score a run off of a two-run single hit by San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores (41) against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) and San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) high-five after they both scored off of a single hit by San Francisco Giants’ Wilmer Flores (41) against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) high-fives San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin after scoring on an error against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) scores on an error against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) hits an infield single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) waves to the crowd as he leaves the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) tosses a ball to fans in left field before the start of the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Camilo Doval (75) throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin pulls San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) from the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) high-fives San Francisco Giants’ Willy Adames (2) after their 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 16San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) heads to first base on his single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

This rustic dish of baked beans and smoked sausages is packed with deep, aromatic flavors

By Christopher Kimball | Milk Street

Tavče gravče, which translates as “beans in a pan,” is a Macedonian classic. Traditionally, large dried white beans called tetovac, named for a city in northwestern Macedonia, are the star of the rustic dish, while onions, garlic, peppers and paprika provide deep, rich flavor and color.

In this recipe from our cookbook ” Milk Street 365: The All-Purpose Cookbook for Every Day of the Year,” we opted for the convenience of canned butter beans, which are plump, creamy and the best widely available alternative to tetovac beans. If butter beans are difficult to find, cannellini beans work, too.

Combined with sautéed aromatics and baked for an hour with smoked sausages, the beans turn silky-soft and deeply flavorful. Both kielbasa and bratwurst work well. Optional dried mint adds sweet, woody notes that balance the richer flavors.

Don’t forget to reserve 1½ cups of the bean liquid before draining the cans. The liquid is added to the pot and keeps the beans plump and moist during baking. If the amount of liquid from the cans comes up short, make up the difference with water. To ensure enough liquid evaporates during cooking, use a Dutch oven with a wide diameter, ideally between 11 and 12 inches. Finish with chopped flat leaf parsley and serve with crusty bread on the side.

Baked White Beans and Sausages with Paprika, Onions and Sweet Peppers

Start to finish: 1 hour 50 minutes (20 minutes active)Servings: 6Ingredients:4 tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided2 medium yellow onions, chopped2 medium red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and choppedKosher salt and ground black pepper6 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced4 teaspoons sweet paprika1½ teaspoons dried mint (optional)Three 15½-ounce cans butter beans (1½ cups liquid reserved), rinsed and drained2 dried árbol chilies OR ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes1 to 1¼ pounds smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or bratwurst¼ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 400°F with a rack in the lower-middle position. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil until shimmering. Add the onions, bell peppers and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the garlic, paprika, mint (if using) and ½ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the beans and reserved liquid, árbol chilies and 1½ cups water. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then nestle the sausages into the pot and drizzle the surface with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to the oven and bake, without stirring, until the sausages are browned and the beans on the surface are slightly crisped, 1 to 1¼ hours.

Remove the pot from the oven and let stand, uncovered, for about 15 minutes; the bean mixture will thicken as it cools. Transfer the sausages to a cutting board. Cut them into pieces, return them to the pot and stir into the beans. Remove and discard the árbol chilies (if used). Taste and season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with the parsley. Serve from the pot.

For more recipes, go to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap

Pro Soccer: Union’s club record unbeaten streak ends in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A team record six game unbeaten streak has come to an end. And with it, Monterey Bay FC has fallen out of first place.

For the second straight match– and third in their last four on the pitch, the Union failed to produce a goal Wednesday in suffering a 1-0 loss at New Mexico United.

As a result, the Union’s two-week hold on first place in the United Soccer League Championship’s Western Conference has ended as New Mexico has overtaken them by one point eight weeks into the season.

New Mexico, who is the defending Western Conference champion, has won five straight matches since a season opening loss, and will go into the weekend holding a share of the conference lead with San Antonio.

The Union (4-2-2) came into the game unbeaten in their last six matches since a season opening loss to San Antonio, having played Lexington to a scoreless draw last weekend in Kentucky.

No one has had a more challenging last four weeks than Monterey Bay FC, who has played and beaten defending USL champion Colorado Springs, has faced the reigning Western Conference winner, as well as Eastern Conference power Detroit.

The Union, who were playing their second game in four days for the third time this season, won’t return to the pitch until May 4 when they entertain Miami at 4 p.m. at Cardinale Stadium.

New Mexico produced the matches only goal in the 29th minute of the first half when Ousman Jabang sent a shot through the left corner.

Goalie Nico Campuzano, one of 12 new faces on the Monterey Bay FC roster this season, came into the game having produced three shutouts between the pipes in USL play.

New Mexico, who produced its fourth straight shutout of the season, has gone nearly 400 minutes without allowing a goal, giving up just four goals in six matches this spring.

The Union, who went into the game minus four players, welcomed back Adam Larsson, who had missed five games because of an injury.

Monterey Bay FC has never won a match in Albuquerque, falling 3-2 last year. The two teams, who will meet again later this year, are even in their lifetime series at 3-3-1.

Warriors lose Jimmy Butler to hard fall in first half of playoff game vs. Rockets

The knockdown, drag-out first-round series between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets took its first casualty in the first half of Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Jimmy Butler III was ruled out for the remainder of the game after taking a hard fall late in the first quarter. The Warriors said Butler suffered a pelvic contusion and will undergo further imaging Thursday after he landed on his tailbone when his legs were taken out from under him while attempting to grab a defensive rebound.

The Rockets’ Amen Thompson, who undercut Butler crashing the offensive glass, was assessed a foul on the play. Butler gingerly sank 1 of 2 shots from the free-throw line before subbing out at the next stoppage of play. He was escorted back to the locker room by a member of the Warriors’ training staff and didn’t return.

Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets lay on the ground during the first quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 23, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The Warriors were already operating at less than full strength with Brandin Podziemski battling a stomach bug. Podziemski started the game after being questionable to play, but he missed the start of the second half.

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Golden State was already in a hole when Butler fell to the floor and the gap only widened with their No. 2 option in the locker room. The score was 24-16 when Butler departed with 1:51 left in the first quarter, and by the time he was ruled out midway through the second quarter, the Rockets were doubling up the Warriors, 40-20.

Butler had three points and two rebounds in eight minutes. He played 42 minutes, contributing 25 points, in the Warriors’ 95-85 win in Sunday in Game 1.

The Warriors had been a different team since trading for Butler in early February — 22-5 with him and Stephen Curry on the court — and his sudden absence forced coach Steve Kerr to get creative. Kerr expanded the rotation to 12 players, including the first playoff action for Jonathan Kuminga and former lacrosse star Pat Spencer.

Kuminga, the Warriors’ third-leading scorer, had been out of Golden State’s rotation for the past three games, with Butler logging at least 40 minutes in each contest.