Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 161

Warriors-Grizzlies: Previewing Golden State’s NBA play-in matchup

SAN FRANCISCO — While Stephen Curry likened the to a Game 7, Steve Kerr was more measured, noting that it was merely the first of three chances at securing a playoff berth.

A win would have given them a much-needed week of rest, but after a 124-119 overtime loss Sunday, they’ll get a second try against a Memphis team trending in the wrong direction.

Golden State will host the Grizzlies in the No. 7-8 play-in game at Chase Center on Tuesday, televised on TNT. The winner advances to face the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in the first round, while the loser will face another play-in game against the winner of No. 9 Sacramento and No. 10 Dallas.

“We essentially had three home games to win one, and we didn’t get it done the first try,” second-year guard Brandin Podziemski said. “So we’ve got two more cracks at it.”

Storyline

While some of the main characters remain from the teams’ heated Western Conference semifinals in 2022, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins is gone. He was fired last month after Memphis fell from second place in the Western Conference at 38-20 to the play-in with a record of 48-34. Golden State, meanwhile, has gone 22-8 since adding Jimmy Butler III.

Jenkins was replaced by Tuomas Iisalo, but the coach on the opposite bench is still around.

“I don’t think they’d care if Steve Kerr wasn’t here anymore,” Draymond Green said. “But they still want to beat the hell out of us.”

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) fights for a rebound against San Antonio Spurs’ Bismack Biyombo (18) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Season series (GSW 3, MEM 1)

Jenkins was let go the last week of March, and the Warriors went to Memphis and beat the Grizzlies, 134-125, a few nights later. Ja Morant went off for 36 points, but Curry poured in 52. The Grizzlies’ one win this season came on Dec. 19, when Curry (2 points) and Morant (9) were both held to single digits.

Memphis made 27 3-pointers in the 144-93 win.

Play-in history

The Warriors are 0-3 all-time in the play-in, including an overtime loss to Memphis at Chase Center that eliminated them in 2021.

“The play-in games actually don’t exist,” Kerr joked. “I don’t remember anything about being in a play-in game in the past. It vanished into thin air.”

Recent history

The Grizzlies closed their season on a high note, routing the downtrodden Mavericks on Sunday, but Memphis hasn’t been much better since changing coaches. In nine games under Iisalo, the Grizzlies are 4-5 with the 10th-worst net rating in the NBA.

Morant, however, is averaging 29.8 points per game since the start of March, and his counterpart in the post, 6-foot-10 Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 ppg, 5.6 reb, 1.5 blk), gives them size the Warriors can’t match. And Desmond Bane (19.2 ppg, 6.1 reb, 5.3 ast), as Green put it, “has turned back into the Desmond Bane that signed a $200 million contract.”

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) takes a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)X-factor: Playoff Jimmy

The addition of Butler has turned the Warriors into the league’s best defensive unit and, against the odds, one of its best at getting to the free-throw line, too.

What hasn’t yet been on display is the next gear Butler has proven to have when the lights are brightest. His 17.5 points, 5.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game have been nice so far, but Butler is known to take it up a notch in the playoffs.

He averaged 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists while leading the Miami Heat to two Finals appearances the past five years. A return to that level would give Golden State the kind of second weapon that it hasn’t possessed since Kevin Durant.

Injury report

Since their last meeting, the Grizzlies lost a perimeter defender in former Sonoma State star Jaylen Wells, who broke his wrist on a hard fall. Morant only played 50 games this season and sat out Sunday’s finale but all indications are the two-time All-Star is ready to go for the postseason. Meanwhile, Curry is 37 and played Sunday with his right thumb wrapped in athletic tape, nursing an ailment that has bugged him all season. He also continues to deal with a pelvic contusion that cost him three games last month.

The bigger concern might be with Butler, who was heavily favoring his right leg during overtime against the Clippers.

While Kerr said that Butler was OK and pointed to Curry’s 36 points as a sign his thumb wasn’t a concern, the Warriors also played one of their most taxing games of the season. Butler played 48 minutes, Podziemski played 42, while Curry and Green logged 38 apiece.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) right hand his wrapped up during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)By the numbersRelated Articles Steve Kerr explains why Kuminga didn’t play for Warriors vs. Clippers Warriors' slide to play-in tournament doesn't bode well for playoffs Steph Curry expected to play in Warriors’ regular season finale vs. Clippers

Points per game: MEM 121.7 (2nd), GSW 113.7 (17th)

Opponents’ points per game: GSW 110.5 (8th), MEM 116.9 (24th)

Offensive rating: MEM 117.2 (6th), GSW 114.2 (16th)

Defensive rating: GSW 111.0 (7th), MEM 112.6 (11th)

Possessions per game: MEM 103.8 (3rd), GSW 99.7 (18th)

Rebounds per game: MEM 47.3 (2nd), GSW 45.4 (7th)

3-point percentage: MEM 36.7% (13th), GSW 36.4% (16th)

Warriors bound for play-in tournament after overtime loss to Clippers in season finale

SAN FRANCISCO — Entering overtime at Chase Center, the No. 6 seed was there for the taking on Sunday afternoon. 

But when presented with such an opportunity, two of the Warriors’ longtime foes sent Golden State to the play-in tournament with a 124-119 overtime defeat.

Kawhi Leonard, six years after leading the Raptors to the 2019 title over the Warriors in the NBA Finals, showcased a vintage collection of mid-range jumpers, strong drives and unguardable isolation moves to score 33 points. 

Then James Harden, who battled Golden State for years as the Rockets’ superstar, put in 12 points during overtime to help shut the door on the Warriors. 

With the Timberwolves, Grizzlies and Nuggets winning their games Sunday, the Warriors (48-34) are the seventh seed and bound for a Tuesday night play-in game at home against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

“We’ve got to turn the page quickly and move on to that game,” coach Steve Kerr said.

The Warriors had a 111-107 lead with two minutes left in regulation and failed to hold on after squandering a double-digit advantage in the second quarter.

Steph Curry scored 36 but had eight turnovers, and Jimmy Butler put in 30, while Brandin Podziemski scored 19. Harden scored 39 to lead the Clippers. 

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) dunks against Los Angeles Clippers’ Bogdan Bogdanović (10) in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Curry did his best to carry the Warriors to a playoff berth, scoring 18 in the fourth quarter alone and burying three 3-pointers during that stretch. 

But with an opportunity to break the deadlock with 32 seconds left, the franchise point guard turned it over. Leonard missed a mid-range shot at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime. 

Even after falling behind early in the extra period, the Warriors just wouldn’t go away. Curry, Draymond Green and Butler each scored to make it 121-119 with 50 seconds left. 

After Green forced Leonard to turn the ball over, he got open on a layup that would have tied the game with 26 seconds remaining.

Green clanged the layup off the rim.

“Gary Payton made the play in the post, and Jimmy in the pocket, and I smoked it,” Green said.

The game was far from over, though. Leonard missed 1-of-2 free throws to give the Warriors the ball, down three points with six seconds remaining.

Buddy Hield missed a potential game-tying 3 on the left wing, and Harden closed things out from the line.

It was a dramatic end to a game that left the Warriors battered and bruised. 

Butler was hurt late in the game, favoring his left leg after taking a knee to his quad while challenging a shot in the overtime period. He remained in the game until the final buzzer but was clearly hobbled.

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield (7) takes a 3-point basket against Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman Powell (24) with three seconds left in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. He missed the basket. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Green suffered an injury scare midway through the first quarter when he appeared to injure his neck after diving for a loose ball. The veteran forward went back to the locker room with 6:22 left in the first quarter, but returned a few minutes later and checked back into the game. 

Golden State finished the first quarter on a 13-1 run to take a 33-25 lead into the second period. Butler scored 10 points in the first 12 minutes, including six in the final 75 seconds of the first quarter. 

The Warriors scored the first four points of the second quarter to build a 39-25 lead. 

The defense deserved much of the credit: Moses Moody guarded Leonard, Norm Powell and Harden at different points, and thrived against all three. 

The Clippers responded shortly thereafter with a 16-4 run and took a 49-48 lead on a Harden baseline floater. 

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Curry gave the Warriors a 58-57 lead on a fading 3-pointer from the left wing with six seconds remaining in the half, but Powell sent the Clippers into the locker room with a 60-58 lead by making a contested 35-foot buzzer-beater. 

Green’s two third-quarter 3-pointers and more Butler buckets gave Golden State a 72-71 lead, but the Clippers continued to have success in isolation. 

Harden was able to get downhill, and Leonard buried one-on-one jumpers to help the Clippers take an 83-82 lead into the fourth quarter. LA’s two veteran stars repeated that method to put away the game in overtime, sweeping the season series and sending Golden State to the play-in tournament.

“If we can take care of business, then we’ll have four or five days before the first playoff game,” Kerr said looking ahead to Tuesday’s game with the Grizzlies.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) fights for a rebound against Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) in the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) leaves the court following their 124-119 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) takes a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) attempts to steal the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden (1) in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) high-fives Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after making a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The ball goes out-of-bounds in front of Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden (1) and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) in the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) celebrates his 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody (4) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The Golden State Warriors bench watches the final moments of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden (1) dribbles against Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (2) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody (4) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) reacts after being fouled on his 3-point attempt against the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Los Angeles Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr. (55) dunks over Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) walks on the court after Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) was called for goaltending against the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II (0) takes a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) right hand his wrapped up during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Los Angeles Clippers’ Ben Simmons (25) heads to the basket against Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr yells during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Los Angeles Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr. (55) dunks over Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) celebrates a 3-point basket by Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) heads to the bench next to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers late in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III (10) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers’ Bogdan Bogdanović (10) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) stands on the court after a missed 3-point basket by Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield (7) against the Los Angeles Clippers late in overtime at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody (4) takes a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody (4) leaves the court after San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) scored the game-winning 3-point basket at the buzzer to beat the Golden State Warriors 114-111 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 26Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (40) fights for a rebound against Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) in the second half at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

Lee’s two-homer day leads SF Giants to series win over Yankees

NEW YORK — Compared to the first two games of the Giants’ three-game series with the Yankees, Sunday afternoon in The Bronx may as well been the Bahamas. The temperature was up, the sun was out and the sky was blue-ish, those conditions making for a much fuller crowd. Jung Hoo Lee, in turn, turned the Bronx Zoo into the Bronx Library.

Lee hit his second and third homers of his sophomore season, the first multi-homer game of his career, and drove in four runs as the Giants (11-4) beat the Yankees, 5-4. San Francisco’s win not only clinched a series victory to kick off its 17-game gauntlet, but gave the team its first road series victory against New York since 2002, the first time the teams met in interleague play. Of those two crowd-silencing swings, there wasn’t much Lee needed to say.

“The results are talking on behalf of me,” Lee said through team interpreter Justin Han.

Said starter Logan Webb, who allowed three earned runs over five inning: “I don’t think he’s afraid of the spotlight. You watch baseball in Korea, it’s loud environments. I don’t think that will ever impact him that way. He’s used to that. That’s a plus for us. He’s just the guy that in big moments, I don’t think anything bothers him. You saw that today. You’ve seen it earlier this year. I’m excited to see him keep growing and keep getting better. I think there’s even more in there.”

There might, in Webb’s assessment, be another level for Lee to reach in time, the Giants are already plenty happy with the production Lee is currently providing.

Lee, who had never visited New York City prior to this series, embraced the bright lights of Yankee Stadium all series long. The 26-year-old set the tone for his time in The Bronx with a home run in his very first at-bat of the three-game set on Friday. In total, Lee racked up three homers, four hits, four walks, seven RBIs against the Yankees.

“Everything I’m doing right now, it’s all about just giving back to the Giants,” Lee said. “Throughout rehab, the team helped out so much, supported me in many ways. They took me to the road games. During rehab, during the offseason, the team was great. It’s all about giving it back to the team.”

With the caveat that he only played 37 games last season, Lee has already eclipsed last year’s totals in runs (16), homers (3), steals (3), RBIs (11) and doubles (8).

Lee might not have ever been to New York City prior to this series, but he leaves the Bronx having totaled three homers, four hits, four walks and seven RBIs against the Yankees.

“It’s pretty remarkable — and the fact that a lot of these guys, he’s never faced before,” said manager Bob Melvin. “He’s going to continue to face guys he’s never seen before. But that’s where the bat-to-ball skills come into play. It feels like he can put anybody in play, and when he’s seeing it good and he squares it up, those are the kind of results you’re going to get.”

Carlos Rodón, a former Giant, was one such pitcher who Lee had never faced prior to this series. Now, Rodón has the distinction of being the first pitcher that Lee has homered off of multiple times.

Lee hit his first homer of the afternoon in the top of the fourth, sitting on a hanging slider and launching a 406-foot no-doubter over the right-field fence. The solo shot not only cut the Giants’ deficit to 3-1, but gave San Francisco its first hit of the game. When Lee stepped to the plate two innings later, he’d have an opportunity to do more damage.

Rookie Christian Koss began the inning by legging out an infield single for the first hit of his career. Willy Adames drew a walk two batters later, putting runners on first and second for Lee with one out. Lee fell behind in the count, 1-2, but when Rodón left a curveball at the top of the zone, Lee cleared the fences with a three-run shot to give San Francisco a 4-3 lead that it would never lose. But the Yankees, for their part, had an opportunity to spoil Lee’s career day.

Ryan Walker entered the bottom of the ninth inning tasked with facing Austin Wells, Ben Rice and two-time MVP Aaron Judge, the last of whom already smashed a 116.8 mph double in the first inning. Walker handled the trio with ease. After getting Wells to fly out and Rice to ground out, Walker ended the game by freezing Judge on a perfectly-placed backdoor sinker.

“He had to be perfect,” Melvin said, “and he was.”

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Following a disappointing rookie season that ended last May with a shoulder injury, Lee is looking like the player the Giants hoped to acquire when he signed a six-year, $113 million deal. The National League is stacked with elite outfielders — Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr. to name a few — but Lee is the one leading the National League in OPS (1.130). The season is in its infancy, but a run at the Midsummer Classic is far from unrealistic.

Horoscopes April 13, 2025: Allison Williams, look out for your interests

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Allison Williams, 37; Lorenzo Cain, 39; Rick Schroder, 55; Al Green, 79.

Happy Birthday: Look out for your interests. Relying on someone else to take care of medical, financial or legal matters for you will result in regret. Communication and resourcefulness will be your passage to overcoming obstacles and achieving positive outcomes. Refrain from taking risks that can result in insult or injury. Concentrate on what you can do without compromising your health, wealth or happiness. Your numbers are 9, 13, 19, 28, 37, 41, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to let anger set in when common sense and action are necessary. Changing plans or financial management will put your mind at ease and increase your chance of gaining access to a lifestyle or pursuit you crave. An emotional incident can crush a meaningful relationship. Don’t say anything you’ll regret. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stick close to home. Declutter or alter your space to support your lifestyle. The changes you make will be uplifting and leave you plenty of opportunities to incorporate something you love to do into your daily routine. Shift your thinking to enforce saving and reduce debt. Make romance or self-improvement a priority. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Observe demonstrations and assess your position before you decide to get involved. Let your heart, intuition and integrity guide you to the foundation that shares your beliefs and offers alternatives you can wrap your head around. Get up to speed with what’s legit and what’s fake to ensure your safety and well-being. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get out your calculator and tally up your finances. A shift is taking place that can make or break your ability to maintain your lifestyle. Put energy and thought into long-term planning and whether it’s time to revise your portfolio, resume or skills. Avoid spending too much on expensive entertainment. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep moving in a direction that gives you hope and a desire to keep learning and pressing forward positively. Refuse to get caught in someone else’s drama or let anyone put unwarranted blame on you. Avoid groups eager to take advantage of you or compromise your reputation or position. Contain your emotions. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider your needs before you bend to support or please someone else. When you no longer like or support someone or something, it’s time to move on. Adjust your life to fulfill your dreams and satisfy your soul. Do what makes you happy and healthy, and head in your preferred direction. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A change will do wonders for your mental and emotional health. Go for a hike, or engage in a get-together with someone who brightens your day and offers positive suggestions that you can manifest into something profitable or personally gratifying. Look for opportunity, take responsibility for your happiness and seize the moment. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Participate in something that motivates you to make lifestyle changes. Attend a reunion, conference or social event that allows you to communicate with experts and gain insight into new and exciting possibilities. A chance meeting or connecting with someone whose contributions meld well with your expertise looks promising. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be an observer, a thinker and a fence-sitter. Refuse to jump into someone else’s scheme or put your reputation on the line. Make your way forward, take baby steps and invest time and money in pursuing something that benefits you. Reformat your schedule and surroundings to suit your needs. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Focus more on saving, lowering debt and adding greater security to your life and surroundings. Refrain from letting your emotions step in and take over. Don’t let anyone goad you into an argument that can leave you in a vulnerable position. Prioritize positive changes, kindness, peace and love. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put yourself and your emotional well-being first. Maintaining balance ensures you aren’t jeopardizing your health or letting temptation set in or lead you astray. Call the shots instead of letting someone else intervene or dictate what you can or cannot do. Favor choices that optimize what’s good for you. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Balance your books before you go on a spending spree. Avoid signing up for subscriptions or things you don’t need or won’t use. Put your energy into personal growth, self-improvement and spending time doing things that make you happy or that you can share with loved ones, and create fond memories. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are imaginative, emotional and outgoing. You are aggressive and tireless.

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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Pro Soccer: Malango’s late goal propels Monterey Bay FC into first place

SEASIDE — For all the assurances from management that this season wouldn’t be like the first three, no one envisioned this. Well except for the players in the Monterey Bay FC locker room.

Uncharted territory feels good for the Union as a late goal from Mayele Malango Saturday propelled them into first place for the first time in franchise history after a 2-1 win over defending league champion Colorado Springs at Cardinale Stadium.

The win moved the Union (4-1-1) past San Antonio FC — the only team to defeat them this season — into first place by a point with 13 in the United Soccer League Championship’s Western Conference.

The 13 points are the most in franchise history through six games in the USL for Monterey Bay FC, who is halfway to matching last year’s entire win total of eight. It also gives them the best record in the USL among both conferences.

Unbeaten in their last five USL matches, the Union — who visit Lexington SC next Saturday — can tie the single season franchise record for consecutive matches without a loss with a win or tie.

Malango, one of 12 new faces on this year’s revamped Union roster, took a pass from Anton Sojberg and headed it through the net in the 82nd minute to break up a 1-1 tie.

A tenacious defense continued its dominance in the second half in USL matches as Monterey Bay FC held its opponent scoreless in the final 45 minutes.

During their five-game unbeaten streak, the Union have outscored the opposition 9-0 in the second half, improving their record to 3-1-0 against the defending Western Conference champion Switchbacks when playing at Cardinale Stadium.

The Union used their heads in this match, as Adrian Rebollar gave them an early 1-0 lead when he headed one into the net at the 36-minute mark of the match.

Rebollar, a Watsonville native who played collegiately at Cal State, Monterey Bay, has produced two goals in the team’s last three matches, matching his entire total on the pitch from last year.

Nico Campuzano was dynamic between the pipes for the Union, who are 3-0-0 at Cardinale Stadium this year, 1-1-1 on the road.

The Union, who fell to Colorado Springs 1-0 in last year’s home meeting, are 3-4-0 lifetime against the defending USL champions.

SF Giants lose on frigid afternoon as Hicks allows career-worst seven runs

NEW YORK — The conditions at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon were far more tenable compared to Friday night, so much so that the Giants and Yankees were able to play a full, nine-inning game. That said, the bar to clear was as low as the temperature.

The weather was still frigid. The wind was still chilling. The rain was still pervasive. On Friday night, that was the recipe for San Francisco’s blowout win. On Saturday afternoon, it was the foundation for an 8-4 loss to the New York Yankees (8-6) as Jordan Hicks allowed a career-high seven earned runs over four-plus innings.

“Just kind of all over the place,” Hicks said. “First inning, had some traffic. I feel like it takes more to stay warm, stay loose. Besides that, just felt like a normal day pitching. Just got hit around a little bit.”

The biting weather couldn’t cool down Wilmer Flores, who continued his blazing stretch by driving in all four of San Francisco’s (10-4) runs and hitting his sixth home run of the season, a two-run shot that tied him with Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Kyle Schwarber, Tommy Edman, Tyler Soderstrom and Tommy Edman for the most in all of baseball. Along with the homer, Flores drove in two runs with a single to record his second four-RBI day of the season.

“It feels good. I keep saying it: It just feels good to help the team,” Flores said.

Of the seven runs that Hicks allowed, five of them crossed home plate in the bottom of the fifth — a frame where Hicks couldn’t record a single out. Hicks faced five batters in the fifth, and those plate appearances went as follows: single, single, single, double, walk. Hicks departed with the Giants trailing, 4-2, and Randy Rodríguez inherited loaded bases with no outs.

By the time Rodríguez ended the inning, the Yankees’ lead ballooned to 7-2. Anthony Volpe drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, Jasson Domínguez slapped a two-run single to left and Hicks ended up with an inflated ERA (5.87). Hicks said his body felt fine as he went out for the fifth, but tightened up as the inning went along.

“In these conditions, it’s going to be hard to stay that warm for that long,” Hicks said. “Just a battle day. Get them next time and kind of wash that one from the memory because most days you’re going to have better conditions.”

Added Melvin: “I had to give him a little rope there — we got 17 games in a row. But in the second, third and fourth, he looked really good as we’ve seen earlier in this year. Then in the fifth, just couldn’t get an out. (The Yankees) put together some good at-bats and strung them together on him.”

Hicks’ velocity was noticeably down with all four of his pitches. Compared to his season average, his sinker was 1.7 mph slower while his splitter was 1.8 mph slower. Hicks attributed the drop to the conditions, assessing that today’s weather was in the top-five of coldest games he’s ever pitched in.

“You’re not going to be fully as hot as an 80 degree day,” Hicks said. “I wasn’t really too worried about the velo. It had good action. It actually had a lot more movement today than any of my other starts and had some sinkers run a little too much. Wasn’t really expecting that, but that’s what you deal with coming from West Coast to East Coast.”

Hicks’ outing was on a different trajectory prior to the fifth inning. After allowing two runs in the bottom of the first on Cody Bellinger’s RBI triple and Paul Goldschmidt’s sacrifice fly, Hicks posted scoreless innings in the second, third and fourth, getting run support in the second on Flores’ two-run homer.

“It’s pretty insane,” Hicks said of Flores. “It’s fun to watch. Only got to see spurts of it last year, so to see Flo in his element, it’s been really fun to watch and a good surprise.”

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The Giants had an opportunity to make a last ditch comeback in the top of the ninth inning, putting runners on second and third with no outs, but squandered the opportunity as they finished 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Worth noting

Jung Hoo Lee has now reached base safely in 12 of the 13 games he’s played this year after drawing a walk and hitting a double.

As flu deaths finally slow, the season’s death toll is emerging

This year’s late flu season has turned out to be the deadliest in recent memory. Now, as test positivity rates have finally come down, and weekly deaths are starting to slow, the overall death toll is emerging.

At least 1,504 people died from complications of the flu by the 13th week of this year, the week ending Mar. 29, according to the most recent weekly respiratory virus report from the California Department of Public Health.

Tragically, 22 of those deaths were children, more pediatric flu deaths than in any of the previous six respiratory virus seasons. Surveillance of pediatric flu deaths did not begin until 2003, but since then, the deadliest flu season for children was 2008-2009, when 37 children reportedly died in the state.

Since 2000, the deadliest flu season nationally was in 2017-18, when an estimated 52,000 deaths around the country were attributed to the influenza virus, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC estimates that this season there have been 25,000 flu deaths nationally, and the deaths of 168 children have been reported.

Flu season typically runs from the fall through the winter, and typically peaks sometime between December and February. This year, the virus started to peak in December, but positivity rates continued to rise and remained high through February, staying higher for longer than in other recent seasons.

When the coronavirus pandemic started, and social distancing precautions came with it, flu was also suppressed. Flu deaths were at record lows in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, but since then, flu has returned as a threat, especially to the state’s elderly residents.

Some experts point to record-low vaccination rates as a contributing factor to the high death toll this year.

How SF Giants enjoyed unintended benefit from Friday’s rain-shortened win

NEW YORK — The Giants’ six-inning, 9-1 win over the New York Yankees on Friday night wasn’t a pleasant experience for any parties involved — fans, players or otherwise. But there was an unintended benefit to the rain-shortened game: fresh arms.

Following Thursday’s off day, manager Bob Melvin only had to use starter Robbie Ray and reliever Spencer Bivens on Friday, the latter throwing just one inning. With San Francisco just beginning a stretch of 17 games in 17 days, Melvin said it was “huge” for his bullpen to get a blow.

“Bivens was the only guy that was up one time before that, too,” Melvin said. “In what looked like a game where we’d have to go through quite a few guys, it was very beneficial.”

Aside from Bivens, every other reliever in the Giants’ bullpen enters the second game of their series against the Yankees on multiple days of rest. Ryan Walker, Tyler Rogers, Erik Miller, Randy Rodríguez and Lou Trivino haven’t pitched since Wednesday. Hayden Birdsong hasn’t pitched since Tuesday, while Camilo Doval hasn’t pitched since Monday.

The Giants, in all likelihood, won’t often be afforded a fresh bullpen over the next two weeks. Melvin can enjoy this luxury now, but one wonky game can completely change this dynamic.

On Friday, for example, the Yankees’ Marcus Stroman recorded just two outs and couldn’t finish the first inning, forcing manager Aaron Boone to dip deep into his bullpen as New York starts its own streak of 13 straight games. The Giants and Yankees didn’t complete six full innings, but Boone was forced to use five pitchers.

San Francisco has yet to make a roster move since the season started, but it is a very realistic possibility that the Giants call up a fresh arm from Triple-A Sacramento in the next two weeks if their bullpen gets taxed. They have plenty of pitchers with major-league experience awaiting in Triple-A, but it will be interesting to see how long the team can go without making a move.

Harrison scratched, but no call-up yet

Left-hander Kyle Harrison was scratched from his start on Friday with Sacramento just in case the Giants had to play a doubleheader in New York. With the Giants and Yankees managing to complete five full innings on Friday, enough for an official game, Harrison will remain with the River Cats.

“If we had a doubleheader, you have the 27th guy and we would’ve needed another pitcher,” Melvin said. “So, we had to be proactive on that.”

Harrison has made two starts with Sacramento this year, allowing one earned run over eight innings with 11 strikeouts to four walks. The left-hander averaged 93.5 mph on his four-seam fastball in his last start, an encouraging uptick from the 92.5 mph he averaged last year with the Giants.

Melvin shares coldest ballgame experience

Friday night at Yankee Stadium was not for the faint of heart, but Melvin recalled an even chillier experience.

“I remember in 2000, Opening Day in Detroit was about as cold as I’ve ever been. Probably the coldest,” Melvin said. “It was the first game in that park, and Opening Day there, you can’t wear your jackets out on the line. I think it was in the teens at the highest. It was pretty cold.”

The windy nature of Friday’s game also evoked memories of Candlestick Park, Melvin’s home ballpark from 1986-88. Melvin noted that many balls in the air were impacted by the wind, pointing out a pop up to Matt Chapman that started fair but flew foul.

“Our guys figured that out pretty quickly when the ball was in the air, which way it was going to go,” Melvin said.

Cal State Monterey Bay welcomes prospective students

Tulua making the most of her at bats at Syracuse

When called upon, true freshman Kaimi Tulua has delivered at the plate for the Syracuse softball team.

Having just 32 plate appearances this spring, Tulua has turned 11 of them into hits, raising her batting average to .344, which is No. 3 on the team.

The former Seaside High slugger has a home run to her credit, driving in 15 runs – which is fifth on the team, despite playing in less than half the games.

The 5-foot-11 power hitter hit over .700 during her junior season at Seaside in 2023, earning a spot on The Herald’s All-County team.

Used primarily as a pinch hitter for Syracuse, Tulua is 4-for-7 in that role over her last seven games, with four runs batted in.