Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 366

Horoscopes Sept. 7, 2024: Evan Rachel Wood, change looks promising

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Evan Rachel Wood, 37; Shannon Elizabeth, 51; Toby Jones, 58; Michael Emerson, 70.

Happy Birthday: Snap decisions will cost you. Get a better grip on what works best and pay attention to detail. A well-planned approach to achieving your expectations will require knowing when to call in an expert and not scrimping to get things done right the first time. Change looks promising if you micromanage each step yourself. Being in the know will pave the way to success. Your numbers are 5, 8, 14, 21, 33, 42, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay more attention to yourself, your needs and meaningful relationships. Your actions will paint a picture of what’s to come, and your words will seal the deal. Speak frankly, make plans and follow through with your commitments. Love is on the rise. Make romance a priority. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Sidestep inconvenience and put the changes that will improve your life into play. Put more energy into discovering, verifying and assembling a lifestyle pattern that ensures you meet your deadlines and enjoy the ride. Life planning is essential if you want to avoid detours. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let the changes others make tempt you. Take the path that makes your life easier, and enjoy the benefits of being satisfied with who you are and what you achieve. Home improvement projects require consistency and a budget that doesn’t cause stress. Trust your instincts, not the hype. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put your emotional energy to good use. Focus on self-improvement, challenges and being positive instead of seeing the downside of everything and everyone you encounter. Participate in activities that promote friendships and romance, and convert what you don’t like about yourself into something you do. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Fly under the radar and tie up loose ends. The less interference, the easier life will be and the more time you’ll devote to salvaging personal gain, rejuvenating or spending time with someone who makes your heart flutter. Invest in personal improvements, not in trying to change others. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep an eye on what everyone else is doing. The fewer surprises, the easier it is to get things done on time and to your specifications. Let your instincts guide you, and your patience, discipline and thoroughness will pay off. When opportunity knocks, you’ll be ready to rumble. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your energy into learning or taking physical action to improve your health and emotional well-being. It’s okay to focus inward and decipher how to bring out the best in you, your loved ones and those you encounter. Mixed emotions will stifle your lifestyle or home improvement projects. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Look at your finances and medical records, and consider options that ease stress. Revise your plans to include older relatives, or make changes to your living space that accommodate your needs. Use your imagination to bring changes that enrich your life and meaningful relationships. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Engage in events or activities conducive to networking, and seek introductions to people who can help you get ahead. Don’t fall short when proving your reliability. Do what you can to pitch in, regardless of how big or small the request is. A positive, can-do attitude will pay off. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid health risks. Put your energy where it brings the highest return. Focus on partnerships, organizing your finances and dedicating time to discovering what you want to do next. Keep the ball rolling and your enthusiasm growing, and you’ll reach your destination of choice. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Separate your emotions from any situation involving friends, relatives or lovers. Having a clear view of what’s unfolding and what you can do to offset any foreseeable problem is essential. Use your wisdom, connections and physical ability to get what you want. Romance is favored. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Simplify your life, size down and delegate what you don’t want to do to someone who can do as good a job. Relinquishing can be freeing if done correctly and with good intentions. Focus on “less is more,” and recognize that happiness is feeling good about yourself. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are precise, intriguing and unpredictable. You are sensitive and engaging.

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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High School football: Maturino, Turner connection leads Salinas past Valley Christian

SAN JOSE — As difficult as it was to stand on the sidelines as a spectator last season while dealing with a broken ankle, Emarrcis Turner never lost his faith.

“I just stayed positive,” the Salinas receiver said. “This year I show up every day like it’s my last practice. Positively and strength.”

The hype is real.

Turner showed of his speed, hands and precise route running Friday, catching two touchdown passes in Salinas’ season opening 24-7 win at Valley Christian of San Jose.

“It was a freak injury,” recalled Salinas football coach Steve Zenk. “Emarrcis was hustling in practice, blocking his butt off when it (ankle) got rolled on.”

The younger brother of former Hartnell College receiving yards record holder Ronnie Turner, the younger Turner is a version of his older brother with his hands and route running.

“He’s different than his brother,” Zenk said. “I don’t know if he’s faster. Maybe they’ll have to race. But Emarrcis has a bigger body. He has great hands and runs great routes.”

Not only did the win avenge last year’s loss to the West Catholic Athletic League powers, but it moved Zenk to within seven wins of 100 for his career.

“I wanted to see us compete and win every play,” said Zenk, who has guided the Cowboys to six consecutive Gabilan Division titles. “Who is the next great Cowboy? We found a few today.”

The preseason redemption tour will continue next Friday for Salinas when it hosts Clovis in what will become an annual rivalry, as the teams will play for a coveted larger-than-life belt buckle.

The two teams agreed to play the game for at least the next five years. The belt buckle was created in part, because Salinas and Clovis have the two oldest rodeos in the State of California.

“No one plays a preseason schedule like we do,” Zenk said.

While Turner lit up the scoreboard with his two touchdown catches, Rico Maturino had a hand in it, tossing both touchdown passes to his teammate in just his second start as Salinas’ quarterback.

“Rico did a great job in getting him (Turner) the ball,” Zenk said.

Maturino found Turner six times for 101 yards, hooking on scoring strikes of 31 and 32 yards — with the last touchdown putting the game out of reach for the Cowboys.

“It felt amazing,” Turner said. “I’m breathless. On the first one, Rico said ‘I’m throwing it to you’. He closed his eyes and threw it up there. The second touchdown was the most important play of the game. It closed the game.”

Valley Christian, who reached the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs last fall, was coming off a season opening 24-7 win over Wilcox.

“When guys went down, others stepped up,” Zenk said. “It was nice to go two deep at several positions tonight.”

Zenk was speaking about losing an offensive lineman earlier in the week and another during pre-game warmups. Yet, the offense didn’t skip a beat as Maturino orchestrated three scoring drives.

“We moved the ball all night,” Zenk said. “We got stopped a couple of times in the red zone. But our kicker did a great job tonight. Good kickers win you games. We got another one.”

Zenk was referring to Matteus Mariscal, who kicked a 38-yard field goal and sent three kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. He also averaged 45 yards on a pair of punts.

Yet, it was the defense that rose to the occasion with Gavin Flynn intercepting two passes, returning one 75 yards for a pick six and a 17-0 Salinas cushion.

“He also converted a fake punt for a first down,” Zenk said.

The Cowboys linebacking core of Jackson Scott, Alex Jarvis and Jake Mungaray shut down the Warriors run game, while Josh Na played with his hand wrapped in a protective club to protect a broken thumb.

Salinas forced three turnovers, as Flynn’s second interception led to a field goal, while Madden Edwards added an interception to stop a Valley Christian drive.

“Josh played a great game,” Zenk said. “Our defense might be better than last year. I thought last year was the best one I’ve had. It was a fun night.”

SF Giants’ youth movement provides good, bad and ugly moments in loss to Padres

SAN DIEGO — Out of the playoff race, the Giants are committed to playing the kids this September.

That comes with the good and the bad — and the ugly — on display Friday night in a 5-1 loss to begin their series against the postseason-bound Padres (81-62).

Making his second spot start in place of Robbie Ray, Mason Black surrendered four of the Padres runs and put the Giants (69-73) in an early hole. But the 25-year-old rookie right-hander also came one out shy of completing five innings for a second straight start after accomplishing the feat for the first time in the big leagues his last time out.

“I’m just trying to put everything together,” Black said afterward. “I feel like there have been some good moments and some rough ones out there. So just kind of put everything together, try to develop and learn and just keep rolling.”

Black was speaking to his goals for the final three weeks of the season but just as well could have been describing the Giants’ latest loss.

Three of the Padres’ four runs came in the first inning, aided by some shoddy defense, but Black rebounded to retire 13 of the final 16 batters he faced before being chased from the game after back-to-back two-out base hits in the fifth.

Leading off the bottom of the first, Luis Arraez and Fernando Tatis Jr. got things started with back-to-back singles off Black. They both came around to score on a sacrifice fly from the next batter, Jurickson Profar, despite them occupying first and second base.

When the runners bolted on Profar’s fly out to right, Mike Yastrzemski made an aggressive and ill-fated attempt to nab the lead runner at third. The throw was already past second base when rookie shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald cut it off and made the play’s most crucial error trying to recover and get Tatis advancing to second.

He made a quick, hard throw to rookie second baseman Marco Luciano, who let the ball get by him and roll all the way back to Yastrzemski in the right-field corner.

The next batter, Manny Machado, launched a breaking ball into the left-field seats, extending the Padres’ first-inning lead to 3-0. But Black got his revenge in their next battle, firing a fastball past the All-Star third baseman to end the third inning.

At 94.6 mph, it would have matched Black’s fourth-hardest pitch of the season. But it was only his fourth-hardest of the night, with his velocity was up across the board — 92.8 mph on his four-seamer (+0.9 mph) and 93.2 mph on his sinker (+1.2 mph).

“We’ve seen his velo go down at about the 70-pitch mark, the 60-pitch mark, and he kept it up today,” Melvin said.

Machado padded the Padres’ lead twice more, with a single off Sean Hjelle in the fifth to drive in one of the runners left on by Black and a second solo shot off Austin Warren in the seventh that made it 5-1 and tied him for the all-time home run lead in San Diego franchise history.

But the misplay that preceded Machado’s first home run, Melvin said, “set the tone for the game.”

“We’re gonna get some mistakes from time to time, but early in the game like that, it’s just a little bit of a downer.”

While Yastrzemski hit the cutoff man — Fitzgerald — Melvin said his throw “probably” should have gone to second to prevent Tatis from advancing. The only mistake Fitzgerald made was with the accuracy of his throw, Melvin said, not his intention.

“You’ve just got to make a good throw, regardless, and it just got away from him,” Melvin said. “He’s learning the position in the big leagues. He’s moved around a bunch. He’s played the outfield. It’s his first time where he’s gotten all his games at shortstop. There’s going to be some mistakes.”

Afterward, Matt Chapman took Fitzgerald under his wing with a lengthy discussion at his locker.

“I just kind of figured he was a good guy to talk to about it,” Fitzgerald said, keeping the details of their conversation private. “Just like hitting, you can get into a little fielding slump, so I’m just trying to get out of own head and ask the guy who’s the best defender I’ve ever seen.”

Crediting Tatis’ base running, Fitzgerald said he wasn’t sure if a good throw would have gotten him. But it would have kept runners at second and third, at least until Machado drove one over the wall a batter later.

“It just kind of sped up,” he said. “I saw the ball flying and out of the corner of my eye see Tatis going to second. I had to make a transfer as fast as I could. I probably should have slowed it down a bit, but it was just instinctual.”

Offensively, the Giants were sulking along against Padres starter Michael King, who had taken no-hit bids into the seventh inning twice this season and seemed like he was pining for another until San Francisco’s No. 9 hitter, rookie Grant McCray, lined their first hit into left field with two down in the third.

The Giants finished with six hits, half coming from first or second-year players, as McCray went the opposite way for a second time and Heliot Ramos singled to start a fruitless bases-loaded opportunity in the fourth. The Giants went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.

“We just couldn’t take advantage of opportunities,” Melvin said. “Their guy pitched good, but when you have opportunities, you have to get some big hits, and we didn’t do it.”

To crack the scoreboard, it took the work of a veteran, as Michael Conforto contributed their only run with a solo shot to lead off the sixth inning.

Nevertheless, Friday night offered a preview of what’s to come over the final three weeks of a season that started with much bigger aspirations than September silver linings. The starting lineup featured five players 25 or younger, plus one more on the mound in Black.

With his 4⅔ frames, Black increased the workload shouldered by Giants rookie pitchers to a league-leading 459 innings, already the most in one season in franchise history since 1975. Their rookie position players have logged only the 14th-most games of any team but contributed the league’s second-best OPS at .759 entering Friday.

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“You prepare to go out there and win every game. Now, we’re going to do it a little differently,” Melvin said before the game. “We’re going to have younger guys in the lineup, which we’ve had here for a while. But the younger guys have also produced. …

“I think at this point in time there are some questions that need to be answered in terms of development that needs to take place going into next year, which probably wasn’t the case a couple weeks ago. So, that’s a little different. But it’s still the major leagues and every game we go out there, we prepare to win.”

Notable

Conforto’s home run was his 16th of the season — and the 13th that has come away from Oracle Park, where he owns a .650 OPS compared to an .814 mark on the road. … Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Giants’ road ERA rose to 4.71, fifth-worst in the majors, almost a full point higher than their 3.76 mark at home.

Up next

The second game of the series has the makings of a pitchers’ duel with RHP Logan Webb (11-9, 3.43) matched up against RHP Dylan Cease (12-10, 3.62). First pitch is schedule for 5:40 p.m.

49ers RB McCaffrey says little, says enough about MNF opener plan after August calf injury

SANTA CLARA — Christian McCaffrey insisted Friday his calf is feeling “much better” and his Achilles is “not a concern for me,” even though he has remained limited in this week’s practices leading into the 49ers’ season opener Monday night.

Any doubt in his mind if he will play against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium? “Nope,” McCaffrey replied.

So, the usual workload for the NFL’s reigning rushing champion and AP Offensive Player of the Year? “Hope so,” he added.

McCaffrey missed four weeks of practice in training camp and the preseason. He’s looked spry enough in practice that it would be stunning if he skips the 49ers’ prime-time debut, leaving Jordan Mason to make his first career start.

Regardless, McCaffrey will share the spotlight with another running back, and we’re not talking about Jets’ counterpart Breece Hall, with all due respect to Brock Purdy’s former Iowa State teammate. At halftime, the 49ers will hold a ceremony honoring Frank Gore, their all-time rushing leader, who is being formally inducted Sunday night into the 49ers’ Edward J DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame.

McCaffrey loosely recalled meeting Gore during a joint practice in 2019 camp, when they were with the Carolina Panthers and the Buffalo Bills, respectively.

“Sometimes when you meet people that you’ve watched as a kid, you’re just worried about not saying anything stupid,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t remember exactly what he said to me, but I remember meeting (him), and it was a big honor when I did.”

Gore made it a point to meet McCaffrey back then only because he heard Bills’ defenders praising the 2017 Stanford product. So, after that first joint practice, Gore went to review video of him and liked what he saw.

“The next day, I went up to this kid and said, ‘Bro, the way you play and how you practice, you’re going to do special things,’” Gore recalled Friday morning on KNBR 680-AM. “Now I’m not shocked at all the compliments he gets. The way he comes to play is the right way. I’m all for him and happy for him.”

McCaffrey did recall those “cool compliments” and said they meant a lot “hearing it from someone like that.”

Gore is in his second year as a 49ers personnel advisor, so their paths continue to cross.

“I want him to go out and kill it for me so we have a big celebration when I get inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame,” said Gore, adding that McCaffrey should decide himself how many touches he can handle Monday.

Tight end George Kittle is on board with that, saying of McCaffrey: “He has an incredibly high standard for himself. He takes this incredibly seriously. … There is an anonymous poll, and Christian should compete for the MVP, but I wasn’t allowed to pick someone on my own team, which is bull. But Christian is going to have another fantastic football season.”

PROGRESS REPORT

Left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk impressed with their progress as they integrated themselves into practice following their contract disputes.

“Trent is Trent and continues to be Trent,” offensive line coach Chris Foerster said. “Getting guys ready to play, there’s that push and pull of playing full speed with somebody shoving on you. That got him a little bit (Thursday). But today he seemed much better, and tomorrow he’ll continue to push himself and see how it goes.”

Brock Purdy said he benefitted greatly from a throwing session last week after Aiyuk signed his four-year, $120 million extension.

“When it comes to our base, route trees and concepts and me throwing to him out of his breaks, I’m not going to lie, it feels pretty normal, it feels pretty good,” Purdy said. “I remember a lot how he runs and how he moves. We’ve been connecting pretty well.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (right knee) and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) remained the only 49ers out of practice, doing individual conditioning on the side. Limited, along with McCaffrey, were safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee), guard Aaron Banks (finger), and running back Isaac Guerendo (groin).

LATEST ON PEARSALL

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall stood with coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch as they watched others warm up for Friday’s practice. Pearsall continues to appear in good spirits with no obvious hindrance from last Saturday’s gunshot wound to his chest by an attempted robber in San Francisco.

“Absolutely he’s going to play this year,” Lynch said Friday morning on KNBR 680-AM. “We’re going to give him the time to do it when right for him, and that’s physically, mentally, and emotionally. But he’s doing well.”

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Pearsall is out at least the first four games. On Thursday, he watched practice in cleats and spun a football in his hands, to which Lynch said: “Three days ago, it wasn’t like that. He was holding it like he was immobile on the right side of the body. He’s come along quick, and it’s a miraculous outcome.”

SCOUTING JETS’ OFFENSE

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen knows to expect the best from Aaron Rodgers, even though Sorensen admittingly does not remember playing on the Browns’ special teams in a 2009 game against Rodgers and Green Bay.

“Having one of the best quarterbacks that’s played the game, it does change them a lot,” Sorensen said. “He’s been ready. He came back so fast last year from that injury, so I think we’re going to see his best.”

Sorensen said the Jets’ offense is also bolstered by a dynamic weapon in running back Breece Hall.

HUFANGA’S STATUS

It sounds like safety Hufanga remains limited to individual and scout-team duties as his comeback progresses from last year’s anterior cruciate ligament tear. “He looks good when I see him out there moving around,” Sorensen said. “It’s part of this process, and this is the next step. There are benchmarks they have to hit, and he’s hitting the next one.”

OPENING NIGHT MENU

Aside from Gore’s halftime ceremony to acknowledge Sunday night’s induction to the 49ers’ Hall of Fame, the 49ers have much more on Monday’s agenda, including Boyz II Men singing the national anthem and the San Francisco Firefighters Veterans Association performing the colors. Parking lots open at 1:45 p.m., with gates opening to season-ticket holders at 2:15 p.m. and others an hour later.

49ers fans: Brock Purdy pizza, cheesesteaks and cannoli coming to Levi’s Stadium

The Faithful are also foodies, so Levi’s Stadium and its hospitality partner, Levy, make a concerted effort every year to come up with craveable culinary experiences for those devoted Niner fans.

For the 2024-25 season, which starts with the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets, the new vendors include two family-owned restaurants with long histories in the Bay Area and an all-halal Middle Eastern menu. Fans will also find a new craft beer courtesy of a local chef-brewery partnership; a creative new menu from the stadium’s executive chef, Alvin Kabiling; and a little later in the season, a new pizza designed with one of quarterback Brock Purdy’s favorites in mind.

In introducing the new lineup, Nick Wolfe, the vice president of hospitality and retail for the 49ers and Levi’s Stadium. said he’s excited about the opportunity to “reinvent and reimagine” the fan experience every season — and to showcase local partners while doing so.

Here’s a sampling. Keep checking back because we’ll add more returning favorites and details as chefs finalize their menus:

NEW VENDORS THIS SEASON

Toto’s Pizzeria: This San Bruno and Belmont classic, in business since 1932, will make its debut at the stadium. Several generations of the Spadarella family will be making and serving personal size Neapolitan-style pizzas in pepperoni and cheese versions, along with cannoli from (of course) an old family recipe.

IB’s Berkeley: This family-owned business has been feeding students and football fans in Berkeley since 1991. For their first foray south, co-owners Fuad Baba and Michael Dughman — the latest generation to run the business — will serve the IB’s Original Cheesesteak and their popular Honey Garlic Wings.

Kabob Trolley: The wife-and-husband owners of this cable car-themed food truck and catering company, Ghezal and Yasir Wesa, will present an all-halal menu of Afghan-fusion street food, including falafel, wraps and hummus plates. The Contra Costa County couple launched the SF-based business in 2013.

Crumbl: Credit Wolfe’s wife for suggesting that these large, decadent cookies join the stadium lineup. Crumbl will offer five flavors on a rotating basis — and at least one will be chocolate.

RETURNING FAVORITES

Tony G’s Slice House: The Bay Area’s global pizza champion, Tony Gemignani, discovered QB Purdy’s affinity for cheeseburgers and decided to create a new themed pizza with him in mind. The beef pizza will be topped with white cheddar cheese, mozzarella, bell peppers and applewood-smoked bacon and finished with green onions, peppadews, romano cheese, oregano and drizzles of barbecue sauce and garlic oil. (The Purdy Pie won’t make its debut on Monday Night Football but perhaps for the next home game.)

The Shop by Chef Rodney Baca: This San Jose chef will make his signature pastrami sandwiches featuring house-cured meat, maple aioli coleslaw, pineapple molasses mustard and housemade pickles along with the East Side Burger, inspired by wife Maddie’s San Jose heritage. It’s topped with candied bacon, red relish, jalapenos and cheese. New from Baca is an IPA, Apricot Summer Orchard, a collaboration with Hapa’s Brewing.

Starbird: These folks helped launch the local fried chicken mania back in 2014 in Sunnyvale, then expanded throughout the Bay Area. This season they’ll be serving crispy chicken tenders with two housemade sauces and seasoned fries, both cooked in non-GMO rice bran oil

This is an evolving lineup of menus. Return for updates.

‘Good chance’ Kyle Harrison is done for the year after SF Giants place left-hander on IL with shoulder inflammation

SAN DIEGO — With three weeks to go in the regular season, Kyle Harrison may have thrown his last pitch of 2024.

The Giants placed the rookie left-hander on the injured list Friday, and manager Bob Melvin said there’s “probably a good chance” he will eventually be shut down for the season, given the time constraints to get back into game shape by the time his 15 days are up.

After Harrison was hit around in his last start, Melvin took him aside and after their conversation, the 23-year-old underwent imaging that revealed some mild inflammation in his left shoulder. While there was no evidence of structural damage, it was enough to prompt potentially a season-ending IL stint.

“He tries to push through things – he’s a tough kid – but after the last start, I sat down with him, and he admitted it was probably bothering him a little bit more the last time,” Melvin said before the Giants started a three-game series against his former club.

Harrison won’t be eligible to be activated until September 19, when the Giants will have 10 games left on their schedule, and will not throw until he is reexamined in the next week, according to the club. He did not travel with the team to San Diego, so Melvin was left to discuss the specifics.

The skipper said Harrison had been experiencing discomfort in his shoulder “off and on for a little bit” and attributed his diminished velocity to it. In his last start Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, Harrison lasted a career-low 2⅔ innings while allowing six runs, topping out at 93 mph and registering three fastballs below 90 mph.

“I think that’s all kind of getting through this season,” Melvin said. “Identifying what he needs to do as far as building himself up, get a little stronger maybe. But going through what he did this year, you wear down a little bit. I think that’s kind of what happened toward the end.”

If that’s it for the San José-born graduate of De La Salle (Concord), he will finish his rookie season 7-7 with a 4.56 ERA, 118 strikeouts, and 42 walks in 24 starts and 124⅓ innings.

At times, he flashed the potential that made him the top left-handed pitching prospect in the game when he debuted last August, such as his seven shutout innings at Coors Field in May or the 11 strikeouts he racked up against the Rockies in his final start of July.

But since the start of August, after the Giants placed their bets in him to make up one-fifth of their “best rotation in baseball,” as termed by the president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, they won only two of his six starts, while he posted a 7.76 ERA and allowed opponents to bat .303 against him. Of bigger concern was their success against Harrison’s bread-and-butter four-seam fastball.

The home run he allowed to Randal Grichuk in the first inning of Tuesday’s loss was the sixth time opponents took his heater deep since the start of August. He averaged 91.2 mph on 35 fastballs in his final start, down from 93.9 in his first start of the year, 94.4 when he debuted last August, and 94.9 at the peak of his minor-league career.

“There have been times he’s been effective with (lower velocity),” Melvin said. “It certainly will play a lot better for him if it’s a little higher.”

If it sounds familiar, well, the Giants already had one starting pitcher on the injured list with shoulder inflammation after showing a drop in velocity and effectiveness as he surpassed his previous career-high in innings. Jordan Hicks said he was suffering from full-body fatigue in his first full season as a starter, and Melvin didn’t rule out the possibility that Harrison hit a wall, too.

“He’s trying to finish the season and push through,” Melvin said. “There are going to be times where you don’t feel great. Other times it becomes a concern, and I think it finally got to that point with him.”

Harrison’s previous career-high in innings came in 2022 when he threw 113 between High-A and Double-A, and he tossed 102⅓ in 2023 as a baseline for this year. Hicks blew past his previous career-high of 77⅔ as a rookie in 2018 and last year’s total of 65⅔ by even more with 108⅓ in 28 games (20 starts) this season.

Hicks said he would like to return and finish strong, and he’s taking steps toward that goal with a bullpen scheduled for Saturday. Likewise, Robbie Ray (hamstring) will join him on the bullpen mound at Oracle Park and looks poised to rejoin the Giants’ rotation before the end of the season.

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As for Harrison’s newly vacant rotation spot, the Giants are still determining how to cover it.

They recalled right-handed reliever Austin Warren from Triple-A Sacramento to take Harrison’s roster spot and lend a hand to a bullpen that has pitched at least six innings in each of their past three games — 20 frames in total — and with Mason Black starting Friday in Ray’s spot, one potential option is already off the board.

Harrison’s next scheduled turn in the rotation would be Sunday, in the final game of their series in San Diego, but the Giants listed that slot as TBD when they announced Black and Logan Webb as their probable starters for the first two games of the series.

“We’ll see how we get there,” Melvin said. “Our bullpen’s been beat up a little bit. We’ve had to cover a lot of innings for a while now. So we’ll see how we get there, if we do it internally or have to do something different. A lot will be ironed out after today and tomorrow.”

Historic car destroyed in trailer fire, more than $2 million in damages

MONTEREY >> Another historic vehicle exhibited during Classic Car week was destroyed in a trailer fire Wednesday, this time on Monterey-Salinas Highway and York Road.

The Monterey Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed commercial trailer with a car inside just after 5:30 p.m. The fire was spreading to nearby vegetation.

The vehicle was a 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet. The vehicle had just taken second place in the J-1: European Classic Touring Early at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 18.

The crews moved quickly and extinguished the fire on both the trailer and the vegetation, preventing further spread according to a news release from the city of Monterey. The Monterey-Salinas Highway was closed in both directions and traffic was diverted through Lower Ragsdale Drive for about an hour and a half until the trailer and vehicle was removed.

Both the vehicle and trailer sustained damage during the fire. The driver of the tow vehicle was able to get away with minor injuries. (Photo courtesy — Monterey Fire Department)

A total of 16 fire personnel worked together, led by the Monterey Fire Department, including two division chiefs from Monterey Fire and Monterey County Regional Fire District, four engines and one water tender. The Monterey Police Department also helped with traffic control and Pacific Gas & Electric inspected nearby power lines for any damage.

The vehicle was destroyed in the fire. It had an estimated value of $2 million and the trailer’s estimated value was $15,000.

The driver was able to successfully detach the tow vehicle from the trailer during the incident. The tow vehicle did not sustain any damage. The driver had minor injuries. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but firefighters say it is not considered suspicious.

This is the second car show vehicle to be destroyed in a fire in less than a month. A 1979 Ford Ghia Probe 1 Concept Car valued at approximately $1 million was destroyed in a trailer fire Aug. 18 in Monterey, on the northbound Highway 1 Munras Avenue off-ramp.

The car was fully engulfed in flames and totaled during the incident, similar to the fire Wednesday, and crews had to stop the fire from spreading to nearby vegetation.

Horoscopes Sept. 6, 2024: Idris Elba, put strategy to work for you

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Idris Elba, 52; Rosie Perez, 60; Jane Curtin, 77; Swoosie Kurtz, 80.

Happy Birthday: Draw from all your resources this year and make the changes you’ve dreamed about forever. It’s time to let go of uncertainty and to have trust and belief in who you are and what you can do. Lift the negativity, put strategy to work for you and turn your expectations into a reality. Forward motion takes guts, ingenuity and initiation; act accordingly, and see what happens. Your numbers are 9, 14, 22, 27, 30, 36, 41.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Embrace what comes your way. Turn negativity into positive action. Use your energy to excel and not to disrupt, and you’ll rise above anyone trying to sabotage your intentions. Use incentives and thoughtfulness to win support. Social events and networking will raise your profile, and romance is favored. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t give up or give in. Set boundaries, standards and worthwhile goals. Put your energy where it counts; the returns will boost your confidence. Use your imagination, improve how you approach work and apply your skills to maximize your input and productivity. Say less and do more. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Know your limitations and boundaries, and proceed cautiously. Listen, observe and test your thoughts and theories on those you trust to offer valid input. Expect to face competition and some underhandedness. Prepare and proceed with intelligence and integrity. Self-improvement is favored, and romance is in the stars. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A passionate approach will get you where you want to go. Engage and make things happen when there is progress at stake. Engage in networking, socializing and charming those you encounter with your generous spirit. A kind gesture will bring high returns. Offer something out of the ordinary. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be open to change that improves your domestic situation. Reach out to people who share your beliefs and those who can provide you with valid information that encourages good decisions. Only change what’s necessary and affordable and that guarantees you’ll get the results you require to reach your objective. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set the record straight, live up to your potential and don’t allow anyone to outshine you. Use what you already have in a unique way. You don’t need the latest and greatest or to spend the most to have an impact. What you need is honesty, integrity and a solid plan. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind, heartfelt attitude and charm will help you reach your destination. Change what holds you back or brings you down; wear your best attire and take the initiative to achieve. Anger and negativity are the enemy; feed your soul positive energy, and anything is possible. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Set the stage for success. Work behind the scenes, perfecting and assembling every detail masterfully. Take pride and confidence in what you do. Refuse to let anyone’s negativity shape your future. It’s okay to be different. Own the spotlight and be proud of your uniqueness. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Let go of what’s no longer working for you; clear space in your heart, head and house. Be open to suggestions and ready for a fresh start, and take the path that offers challenges that make you feel alive and ready to morph into someone new and exciting. 2 stars.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Refuse to let anyone take over or stand in your way. Use your time and energy to perfect your intent and to prove your point. Anger will stifle your progress and frazzle your mind and ego. Separate yourself from the drama, and you’ll find your happy place. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put a little zip into your life. Choose whatever boosts your confidence or a desire to aspire to something that motivates and moves you. It’s up to you to clear the path, so don’t wait for someone to do it for you. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t fold under pressure. Step outside your comfort zone and face problems head-on. Show your strengths, and you’ll gain respect for yourself and others. Say no to temptation, indulgence and those trying to exploit you. Set high standards and live by them. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are unique, understated and competent. You are dedicated and persistent.

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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High School football: Big plays and stingy defense lead North County past Marina

CASTROVILLE — The emotions exhibited in the locker room, the jubilation on their faces — is genuine. The path to respectability has been a slow growing process for North County.

Blaming the loss of an entire football season from the pandemic in 2020 had validity. Heartbreaking setbacks over the last two years have challenged the Condors character.

Yet, two weeks into this season is painting a different picture on the Castroville campus. For the first time since 2010, the Condors are 2-0 after Thursday’s 43-0 win over visiting Marina.

“We’re a loose team, having fun,” North County coach Juan Cuevas said. “Confidence is a real thing. Momentum is a real thing. We are going to ride this wave. These kids are bumping music — don’t want to leave the locker room.”

The last time North County started a season 2-0, it opened the year with six straight wins, finishing 10-2 overall, falling in the Central Coast Section Division III playoffs. Both of its losses that fall came from Monterey.

“We talked about how there’s a long road in front of us,” Cuevas said. “These are the games you have to look the part if we think we are who we are. To have validation, you have to earn it.”

The hurdles to clear over the next five weeks will include four of its next five opponents all having reached the postseason last year, including a league champion, a CCS finalist and a state champion.

The Condors, who own the second most league football titles in the county behind Palma, will host unbeaten Sobrato of Morgan Hill next Saturday at 1 p.m. Last year Sobrato posted a 48-28 win.

“Sobrato is hard to prepare for because it has a unique offense and is big up front,” Cuevas said. “If you don’t check every box, they will bully you around. It left a bad taste in our mouths last year.”

The demons that had seen North County fail to hold four second half leads over the last two seasons were erased last week when it rallied from a 19-point deficit to stun Alvarez 20-19 — its first win over an ‘A’ league opponent in a decade.

Yet, for the second straight game, the Condors got off to a sluggish start before erupting for 29 points in a span of 15 minutes in the first half.

“There are two versions of us right now,” Cuevas said. “The first quarter hasn’t been good. The last three quarters is the reason I love showing up to work. Maybe it’s the water. I need to find answer.”

JT Islas woke up the sidelines in the first quarter with a 64-yard touchdown run, followed by Chris Rasmussen nearly matching the feat with a 60-yard scoring run in the second quarter.

The pair combined for over 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with Islas scoring from 13 yards out, and Rasmussen bursting nine yards for six, set up after Victor Padilla recovered a fumble in the second quarter.

“We want to get as many guys the ball as we can,” Cuevas said. “That is our identity. Our offense is predicated on multiple players getting touches. We made adjustments to what Marina was doing on defense.”

The Condors forced a pair of turnovers that led to points, with Marcos Mendoza picking off a pass in the third quarter. Mendoza added a touchdown run, while quarterback AJ Gomez connected with Jacob Rede for six.

The shutout by North County’s defensive unit was the fourth in the last three years.

“We shot ourselves in the foot with some silly penalties,” Cuevas said. “That’s got to stop. We play with a lot of passion and emotion. We call it a tone setter. We want to dictate the game. We don’t hide from what we do or how we line up.”

Marina, who had just three days to prepare after playing on Saturday, is searching for its identity on offense, having been outscored 81-6 in its first two games. It will visit King City next Friday. The Mariners have never beaten King City.

Los Altos 34, Rancho San Juan 2: The Trail Blazers are still looking for their first offensive points of the season after falling on the road in Los Altos Hills.

Two years after setting a school record for wins with eight, Rancho San Juan has dropped eight straight games dating back to last season.

“The scoreboard won’t show it, but we are improving” insisted Rancho San Juan coach Troy Emrey, whose squad will host Alvarez next Friday. “Little by little.”

Rancho San Juan recorded a safety when Tyson Ousbye blocked a punt, with Levi Torres making the tackle to get credit for the two points.

Pro soccer: Volesky returning to Monterey Bay F.C.

SEASIDE — Looking for a spark to ignite a slumping offense, Monterey Bay F.C. has brought back forward Christian Volesky for the final eight matches of the season.

Volesky, who spent the first half of this season playing in the Canadian Premier League, remains the Union’s all-time leader in goals with 18.

The Union, who are winless in their last seven matches on the pitch and sit in the 10th spot in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League Championship, will host San Antonio FC on Saturday at Cardinale Stadium.

“I’m beyond excited to be back, this place feels like home to me,” Volesky said. “I’m just looking to get on board with what they have been building and contribute in any way possible.”

The forward spent two seasons with Monterey Bay F.C., where he remains the all-time leader in assists with defender Morey Doner with 10. He also holds the club record for game-winning goals (7), having played in 3,986 minutes over 58 appearances.

Ironically, the Union will honor Doner before Saturday’s match for participating in his 100th career match for the Union, who sit at 7-12-7. The top eight teams in each conference advance to the postseason.

Despite its recent struggles, Monterey Bay F.C. remains just two points out of a postseason spot. The franchise is 0-2-2 since the firing of sporting director and head coach Frank Yallop.

“I know the goal is to make the playoffs, so every game is a final for us,” said the 31-year-old Volesky. “Let’s get the fans behind us for the final push, and make a run into the playoffs and beyond.”

Monterey Bay F.C. has not won a match since July 6. It hasn’t produced a goal in its last two matches and has been shutout nine times this season.

“At this point in the season, it’s important that we get guys who can score goals and not just rely on Tristan,” said Monterey Bay F.C. coach Jordan Stewart. “Christian was available, and our squad is light right now. He is going to add some firepower up top.”

The Union are currently 21st among 24 teams in the USL in goals with 24. A bright spot all season has been the play of goalie Antony Siaha, who leads the entire USL in saves between the pipes with 102. He’s fourth in shutouts with six.

Tristan Trager is seventh in the Western Conference in goals with eight, while Soquel native Walmer Martinez and Carlos Guzman are tied for 11th in assists.