Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 368
September 4, 2024
The SF Giants improved attendance in 2024, but could September hurt their progress?
SAN FRANCISCO — Oracle Park was the emptiest it has been all year on Tuesday night, at least if the announced paid attendance is the closest data point to gospel there is.
The Giants drew 23,545 fans for their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a few hundred fewer than their previous season-low set on an April Monday against the Mets (24,138).
Many fans stuck around for San Francisco’s eighth and ninth-inning rallies — which ultimately fell short — and made themselves heard during the comeback efforts. Still, the empty seats, particularly in the bleachers, were noticeable.
“Obviously, you see it, but it is what it is,” 2024 All-Star Heliot Ramos told this news organization. “We’ve got to come out and play.”
Two games into September, San Francisco (68-71) is all but eliminated from postseason contention. The Giants are on pace to have a higher total attendance this season compared to last season, a third straight year of overall improvement. But if Tuesday night’s showing is the start of a trend for light box office nights, that likely won’t go over well with the Giants’ ownership group.
“They’ve been unbelievably supportive this year,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said Wednesday. “And with some of the stuff we’ve done late in games, they’ve been really loud. Noticeable. Inspiring to everybody here. So I might’ve noticed earlier in the game, but it seems to fill up sometimes – maybe not in the beginning, but it seems to fill up sometimes.”
Melvin wasn’t aware that the series opener marked Oracle Park’s lowest attended game of the season. He has managed teams that draw far fewer fans than 23,545 before, and in fact, the Giants have had a strong showing at the box office in 2024.
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Gone are the days of perennial sellout streaks, but the Giants have had the seventh-largest attendance increase in MLB from 2023, according to The Athletic. With an average of 33,620 paid attendance per game, the Giants rank 10th in the sport a year after they ranked 17th.
Since 2021, when the Giants won a franchise record 107 wins, the Giants have had two middling seasons. They’re in danger of a third straight year at .500 or below, with the previous pair of mediocre results drawing attendance averages of 30,650 and 30,866.
This past offseason, San Francisco committed nearly $400 million to the roster via free agency and trades. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi stated the goal of playing meaningful September baseball, and the talent on the roster carried even higher expectations than that. But here the Giants are, out of the race once again; in six seasons under Zaidi, San Francisco has reached the playoffs once.
Despite the disappointing season, the Giants have given fans a lot to be excited about. Heliot Ramos broke out from the rubber of organizational depth to become an All-Star. Tyler Fitzgerald went on a historic tear at shortstop. Blake Snell threw a no-hitter and has been one of MLB’s most dominant pitchers in the second half. Grant McCray has been electric at times and Ryan Walker has emerged as a legitimate option to close games.
The Giants have walked 10 games off — tied for their most in a single season since 2018 — including three in extra innings. There have been fun moments, and the fans have been there for them.
But in September, without a postseason berth to play for, the moments might have fewer witnesses. And if part of the ownership’s goal, as Greg Johnson infamously said, is to “somewhat break even,” flailing attendance could be a red flag.
“I feel like they’ve showed out really (well),” Ramos said of Giants fans. “I feel like we have a really good fan base. It’s going to happen. I guess we’ve got to play better, I guess.”
Notable–About an hour before first pitch, the Giants scratched Matt Chapman from the starting lineup. Brett Wisely, initially playing shortstop to give Tyler Fitzgerald a day off, slid over to third and Fitzgerald reclaimed his regular spot at shortstop. Fitzgerald batted cleanup and Grant McCray was the odd-man out in San Francisco’s crowded outfield.
– Jordan Hicks (shoulder) threw about 20 pitches and felt pretty good, Melvin said. Robbie Ray (hamstring) also had two ups, throwing all his pitches. Each will throw another bullpen session Saturday, with Ray increasing his work load. The Giants will monitor their progress before deciding whether to send them on a rehab assignment or returning them to the big-league mound.
– Giants starter Hayden Birdsong entered Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks with a 5.14 ERA in 11 starts. In his nine starts against teams other than the last-place Colorado Rockies, that number shoots up to 6.15.
Why some of 49ers’ most faithful fans are fuming over team’s new parking rules
SANTA CLARA – Tailgating at 49ers games will look a lot different this season and many fans are frustrated with the team’s changes.
The 49ers recently reached out to longtime fans with new rules for tailgating on game days. One of the new policies is “directed parking” – a procedure in which cars are waved into particular spots, rather than drivers having their pick in a lot on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to the Levi’s Stadium website, the new parking procedure aims to maximize the available spaces in a given lot and helps prevent congestion.
The organization is scaling back the number of early tailgate parking passes that allow fans to barbecue and socialize in the parking lot before the game, ABC-7 reports, while also cracking down on loud music.
Some season ticket holders are not happy with the recent changes and have even started a petition in hopes of meeting with 49ers executives to talk about the recent changes. As of Tuesday morning, the petition has over 2,300 signatures.
Joe Leonor, a season ticket holder and president of 49er fan group The Niner Empire, said he was told by the organization that the new parking procedures will help people who are arriving closer to kickoff time.
His fear is that the new tailgating protocols will prevent longtime fans from interacting with each other, and thus make tailgating parties smaller as limited amounts of early tailgating passes have been available.
“We leave at five, six, seven o’clock in the morning on game day and we’re lined up ready to go,” Leonor told the Bay Area News Group on Wednesday. “Why not cater to your fans that are there through thick and thin? … It’s heartbreaking because it’s a tradition. It’s the one day a week we can let our hair down, enjoy each other and have fun.
“They said it’s for time-saving and improved traffic, but the hardcore fans are already in there. It’s the people that are coming late to the games for whatever reason. It’s the love for football and the tradition of football that gets us there early.”
Leonor said the pregame festivities are part of the gameday fabric and is why the team has so many fans.
“You meet lifelong friends,” Leonor said. “People come from all different parts of the world to enjoy tailgating. There’s tailgates all throughout Levi’s Stadium. It’s part of our escape from reality.”
The 49ers declined to answer specific questions about the changes in parking policy, but cited fan safety as a motivating factor.
“Safety is our top priority, and while we want to ensure all guests at Levi’s Stadium are able to enjoy themselves, tailgating guidelines are in place to protect the safety of all guests and staff,” a spokesperson for 49ers told the Bay Area News Group on Wednesday.
Fans on social media have also voiced their displeasure with the new parking rules.
“Thank you @49ers for raising our prices,” wrote sports photographer and longtime 49ers fan Ricky Helton on Twitter/X. “Giving the best parking spots to your corporate buds and taking away my early tailgater even though I’ve never been in any trouble my entire time @LevisStadium. Oh well, I guess the front office doesn’t care about fans.”
49ers fan and longtime DJ during 49er tailgates Scotty Fox posted on X: “For the first time in 15 years I won’t be able to tailgate early for @49ers. It’s been such a privilege and such a part of my fan experience to be there early with my son and friends. We built a small culture around it and they just took it away. No reason. Heartbroken.”
Fans are hoping to gain an audience with 49ers executives and come to a solution. Leonor said the best way to fix parking would be for the team to allow the fans to handle parking disputes should they occur.
“Let us be fans, let us enjoy tailgating and let us police ourselves,” Leonor said. “We have retired law enforcement, retired police officers at our tailgates. In 25 years, I’ve never had a big, giant issue at our tailgate at all. It’s a family atmosphere.”
Some fans are even going as far as to stop attending games this season if the policies are not reversed. Leonor said members of the Niner Empire are already looking at other ways they could get together and watch the games at different venues.
“For the first time since I became a season ticket holder, I’ve thought about selling my tickets,” Leonor said. “We’re 49er fans and we love our team, but what’s stopping us from coming together at my house and enjoying ourselves there for free?”
TRAFFIC NOTE
The 49ers have already released a traffic advisory for Monday night’s season opener against the New York Jets: Tasman Drive will be closed at 9:30 a.m. and will remain inaccessible until three hours after the game ends. Kickoff is slated for 5:15 p.m.
The team encouraged fans to carpool to avoid traffic snags, or take public transportation to the stadium, noting that the Valley Transit Authority will have extra services on Monday night.
Game of the week: Cowboys set to open season at Valley Christian
This weekend’s schedule and Top 10 are on the bottom of this story.
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SALINAS – Steve Zenk was a fan last week, watching a lot of football – in person and on film. It just wasn’t his team he was watching.
A bye to open the season for Salinas High’s football team would not appear to be ideal, especially if the expectation is to be playing well into December.
However, Zenk, who has guided the Cowboys to six straight Gabilan Division titles in the Pacific Coast Athletic League since becoming the head coach, has a different perspective.
“The last time we were given a Week 1 bye, we won a section title (2017),” Zenk said. “I do like having a scrimmage and a week to get better before starting game prep.”
Owners of the second-longest league title run in county history, the Cowboys will open the year on the road at West Catholic Athletic League nemesis Valley Christian of San Jose.
Dating back to last fall, Salinas shares the second-longest current regular-season winning streak in the Pacific Coast Athletic League with Greenfield and Scotts Valley at seven. Carmel has won 13 straight regular season games.
Ranked No. 7 in the Central Coast Section, the Warriors reached the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs last fall, opening the season with a 24-7 win over Wilcox.
Last season Valley Christian jumped out to a 4-0 start, allowing just 33 points, beating two Gabilan Division teams in the process.
Yet, it was Salinas’ late-season heroics that propelled it into the Open Division of the playoffs as one of the top eight teams in the section, while the Warriors were bumped down to Division I.
“It appears they have a lot more depth than a couple of years ago,” Zenk said. “They are getting their post-COVID-19 numbers back. I’ll take a top eight ranking in the CCS every year.”
Salinas’ 0-3 start last season included a 16-8 loss to Valley Christian, where it managed just one touchdown in its first 12 quarters against three power teams from three different sections.
“We want to get better, be prepared for league play,” said Zenk, who is eight wins shy of 100 for his career. “Find your weaknesses. We do not want to get stagnant and complacent.”
Ranked No. 9 in the section, Zenk has gone out of his section in the preseason in each of the last five full seasons to test his team against other section powers.
“It’s a great way to evaluate your program,” said Zenk, who will face Clovis and Arroyo Grande this year. “I like to know going into the playoffs we have seen that caliber of team.”
It’s not just the postseason that has become an expectation for Salinas, which has made 15 straight playoff appearances. Pride in winning a league title still holds value.
Last fall’s 0-3 start brought the eulogies out. Instead, the Cowboys ran off seven straight wins to complete their fourth undefeated Gabilan Division season among their six titles.
“In reviewing our scrimmage, we were competitive,” said Zenk, who has compiled a 38-2 record as a head coach at Salinas against Gabilan Division opponents. “When we’re on, we are really, really good. But we need to work on consistency.”
That will come with game experience as Salinas has five new starters on defense and eight on offense, including quarterback Rico Maturino.
Salinas quarterback Rico Maturino scans downfield for a receiver in the third quarter of last season’s game against Valley Christian of San Jose. Valley Christian held on for an 16-8 win over Salinas at The Pit. (Donald Fukui/Santa Cruz Sentinel)“Sometimes we have kids that start as sophomores and juniors, but not seniors,” Zenk said. “The best players will play. Everyone is coached the same. Who is the Cowboy this year?”
Maturino gives the Cowboys a dual dimension with the ability to use his feet, as well as his arm, averaging over 7 yards each time he touched the ball last year – albeit in limited opportunities.
“I feel offensively we’re a little ahead of where we were last year,” Zenk said. “We didn’t find our identity last year until after the fourth game. We are playing some really good teams.”
Maturino has one of the more gifted targets in the county to get the ball to in receiver Emarrcis Turner, who is likely ticketed to start on the defensive side of the ball as well.
While Maturino is a weapon with his legs, the return of tailback Dayven Marquez (injured in Week 1 of last year) and the addition of Brandon Palma give the Cowboys a solid combination in the backfield.
Dayven Marquez returns after an injury cut short his junior season for Salinas High. (John Devine — Monterey Herald)“We’re not stuck,” Zenk said. “We’re balanced. If something is not working, we will adjust. We take what the opponent gives us. We know what we want to do.”
Having split its last two games with the Warriors, Salinas will look for its front seven to set the tone against a run-heavy team.
Tailback Marcel Leggett and his 800 rushing yards and team-high seven touchdowns are back for Valley Christian, while a pair of 300 plus linemen anchor the trenches.
“I think their offensive line outweighed our defensive front by 50 pounds across,” Zenk said. “But we did not give up a touchdown in the second half against them last year.”
Defensive end Nate Crandall and linebackers Jake Mungaray and Jackson Scott provide stability up front, while Wyatt Marvilla and Gavin Flynn solidify the secondary.
“It’s an advantage for them because they have played a game and know how their kids go,” Zenk said. “I don’t have jitters anymore, except making sure I don’t trip and fall.”
This weekend’s gamesTHURSDAY’S GAME
Marina at North County, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Pacific Grove at Alvarez, 7:30 p.m.
Menlo-Atherton at Monterey, 7:30 p.m.
King City vs. Palma at Salinas High, 7:30 p.m.
Salinas at Valley Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Alisal vs. North Salinas at Rabobank, 7:30 p.m.
Rancho San Juan at Los Altos, 7:30 p.m.
Gonzales at Soledad, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Seaside at Carmel, 2 p.m.
Greenfield at Stevenson, 2:30 p.m.
Community colleges
Chabot at MPC, 1 p.m.
The Herald’s Top 10 schedule1. Carmel (1-0) vs. Seaside, 2 p.m. Saturday
2. Salinas (0-0) at Valley Christian (San Jose), 7:30 p.m., Friday
3. Monterey (1-0) vs. Menlo-Atherton, 7:30 p.m., Friday
4. Palma (1-0) vs. King City, 7:30 p.m., Friday at Salinas High
5. Soquel (0-1) at San Ramon Valley, 7 p.m., Friday
6. Hollister (1-0) at Wilcox, 7 p.m., Friday
7. Aptos (1-0) vs. Mitty, 7 p.m., Friday
8. Scotts Valley (1-0) vs. Branham (San Jose), 2 p.m. Saturday
9. Alisal (0-1) vs. North Salinas, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rabobank Stadium
10. North County (1-0) vs. Marina, 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Salinas man shoots, kills at least 80 animals in Prunedale
PRUNEDALE – Vicente Arroyo, 39, from Salinas was booked into the Monterey County Jail for willful discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, cruelty to animals, illegal possession of an assault weapon, vandalism, criminal threats and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
39-year-old Vicente Arroyo, from Salinas is arrested on multiple charges including cruelty to animals and illegal possession of an assault weapon. Arroyo reportedly started shooting dozens of animals in the early morning Tuesday. (Photo courtesy — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office)On Tuesday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls of numerous shots being fired near the 16000-block of Avery Lane in a vineyard in Prunedale. Deputies responded to the scene and could hear the shots when they arrived, but it was “extremely dark and covered in thick vegetation,” according to a press release, making it difficult for police to locate Arroyo.
Drones were provided by the Seaside Fire Department and Gonzales Police Department. With the help of the rising sun, police located a crashed vehicle near the vineyard and Arroyo.
Monterey County S.W.A.T. approached Arroyo in an armored vehicle and were able to take him into custody without further incident.
Once the scene was secured, police discovered that Arroyo had killed about 80 animals including miniature horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and other types of birds. Some animals survived but they were taken by SPCA Monterey to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.
Multiple long rifles, shotguns, handguns and an illegal assault weapon was located at the scene along with numerous loaded and empty magazines. (Photo courtesy — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office)Multiple long rifles, shotguns, handguns and an illegal assault weapon was located at the scene along with numerous loaded and empty magazines.
Arroyo’s bail has been set at $50,000.
Extreme weather and natural events disrupt travel around Southern Europe
Rich Thomaselli | (TNS) TravelPulse
Austria, Hungary, Greece and Italy have been especially vulnerable to Mother Nature of late.
A heatwave, wildfires and even a volcanic eruption are threatening to make things difficult for residents and to cause chaos for tourists.
These are unprecedented conditions that even forced the brief closure of the Parthenon earlier this year.
At times, the temperature across Europe has risen to 104 degrees. Austria and Hungary have been especially hard-hit, with residents and tourists alike being advised to stay indoors between noon and 4 p.m. Cities such as Vienna and Budapest have set up outdoor cooling stations.
The situation has been compounded by wildfires in some places in Greece and Italy. The heat and dry conditions have forced evacuations in southern Greece, including some tourist spots in the popular Greek islands. Some attractions and lodgings have already closed, making it advisable for travelers to check ahead. People have already been warned to use masks for the smoke and ash from the fires.
And there’s nothing anybody can do about Europe’s most active volcano.
Mount Etna in Italy erupted on August 14 and forced the closure of Catania International Airport in Sicily. It has since reopened, but tourists are urged to check with their airlines about any further disruptions. Tourists are also advised to invest in travel insurance.
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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hawaii considers new ferry service to connect Maui, Molokai and Lanai
Rich Thomaselli | (TNS) TravelPulse
The beauty of Hawaii is in its diversity. Each island has a different flavor and culture. Getting to and from those islands for both residents and tourists can sometimes be difficult, however.
Some government officials are looking to change that.
Hawaii is exploring ferry service that would connect Maui, Molokai and Lanai. There is inter-island transportation right now via air, but presumably a ferry would be less expensive and not bound to such a rigid schedule as the airlines.
There is a current ferry service, but it only connects two of the islands and is losing money because of the wildfires. This proposed ferry service promises more accessibility.
“The ferry is a lifeline for the residents of Lanai City,” Lanai Councilmember Gabe Johnson said. “Many of us travel for important medical and professional services not offered on Lanai or to buy food and essential goods that are much cheaper.”
He says the ferry also is vital because it connects students to the state school system.
One concern is whether it would lead to overtourism, which has been an issue in Europe. It’s a delicate issue in a state that is heavily reliant on tourism and has seen its vacation rental market plummet.
A feasibility study has been proposed, and the county of Maui is thinking of purchasing the existing ferry service and expanding it.
“If the county buys (the existing service), we will have all the necessary permits and vessels that are proven reliable in the sea channels. It will also allow us to apply for federal grants and to purchase more ferries, upgrade our harbors and even electrify our fleet,” Johnson said.
Residents of Molokai say a ferry would give them more opportunities for work and access doctor appointments and shopping. But the potential impact from tourism is on people’s minds.
“We need to prioritize our local essential travel,” Zhan Lindo, a Molokai resident, said. “This will serve no good to us if it’s filled with nonessential travelers.”
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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Aldrete an all-star in Independent Baseball League
Carter Aldrete has rediscovered his stroke and power at the plate for the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association of Professional Baseball.
The 6-foot-2 right-handed hitting Aldrete was named to the postseason all-star team at second base for the West Division champion Railroaders, who are based in Texas, and will face Chicago tonight in the opening round of the AAPB playoffs.
A Monterey High graduate, Aldrete finished fifth in the AAPB in hitting at .341, while belting 21 homers and driving in 74 runs in 100 games.
The manager for the Railroaders is former Monterey and Texas Rangers slugger Pete Incaviglia, one of a handful of players to go straight from college to the majors after being drafted.
Having spent last season with the San Francisco Giants Double A affiliate in Richmond, Aldrete was released by the organization after four seasons.
A two-time member of The Herald’s All-County baseball team, Aldrete spent three seasons at Arizona State before being drafted by the Giants in the 15th round.
The nephew of current Oakland A’s hitting coach Mike Aldrete, the younger Aldrete hit 47 homers and drove in 194 runs in 168 career games for the Giants minor league affiliates.
Horoscopes Sept. 4, 2024: Beyonce Knowles, captivate your followers
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Whitney Cummings, 42; Beyonce Knowles, 43; Wes Bentley, 46; Drew Pinsky, 66.
Happy Birthday: Step back, observe what’s happening around you and prepare to proceed with thought, high energy and the intent to convert any negative energy that comes your way into something positive and worthwhile. Be the one to decipher what’s best for you. Please don’t put yourself in someone else’s drama; write your own script and turn it into a reality. Use the element of surprise to captivate your followers. Your numbers are 6, 17, 22, 27, 33, 41, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Smile, be happy and do something energetic and fun to help you engage with like-minded people. Expand your awareness and interests; you’ll learn something new and discover your comfort zone. Trust your instincts, do what feels right and walk away from negativity and those standing in your way. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Build a strong base, good friendships and a healthy lifestyle. Don’t leave details up to someone who doesn’t share your vision. Put your energy into stabilizing your position, reputation and prospects. Control situations, create opportunities and spare yourself the aggravation of uncertainty or disappointment. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Broaden your outlook, expand your interests and engage in something that motivates you to participate more. What you discover about yourself will give you more confidence to strive for a better, more efficient lifestyle. Self-improvement, social interaction and romance are on the rise. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take better care of yourself, your surroundings and your relationships with those nearby. Learn from experience, and you’ll find a unique way to handle sensitive situations. Refuse to let emotions cost you or cause setbacks you can avoid by thinking before responding. Choose peace over arguing. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Give a shout-out to those you agree with and join forces to ensure you contribute to making a difference. There is power in numbers, and participating in something you believe in will positively impact you and your stomping grounds. Don’t sit back; be part of the solution. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Think about the best way forward, unleash your energy and plan strategically to make every move count. Refuse to let outside interference come between you and your target. Trust in yourself, your ability and your inner force to get you to the finish line. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Choose a creative outlet and immerse yourself. Refuse to let outside influences cause you grief or disrupt your peace of mind. Pay attention to what brings you joy and distance yourself from drama, chaos and those trying to engage you in something detrimental to your emotional well-being. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Help those less able or fortunate. Participate in events that encourage progress and a better life for everyone. Be the one to start a movement, make a difference or educate those who have lost their way. Paying for someone else’s mistake is not up to you. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Work ethic will separate you from your associates. Be the one to set high standards; ultimately, it will pay rewards. Detail, discipline and honesty will be less important to someone you least expect. Keep your guard up, keep your secrets to yourself and keep your progress top-notch. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Consider your next move, evaluate your choices and plan your actions carefully. The wrong move will be costly, and the time and effort you put into your decision will make a difference. Explore your options, reset your agenda and refuse to let emotional interference throw you off your game. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re in the groove and must trust your instincts. Look, see and do what feels right, and don’t waste time. Expect to go it alone and ignore those trying to deter you from what’s important to you. Consistency and preservation are your path to victory. Self-improvement is favored. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The aim is to simplify your life, not make it more complicated. Downsize, spend less and do whatever it takes to reduce stress. Indulge in heart-to-heart talks, gather information and insight into what’s possible, and stop waffling about what to do next. Take charge and do your part. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are clever, intense and speculative. You are detailed and influential.
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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September 3, 2024
Low-stakes September underway, SF Giants’ comeback falls short
SAN FRANCISCO — September for the Giants is going to be about experience and opportunities, and they checked off both boxes Tuesday night.
At Oracle Park, Tristan Beck made his season debut out of the bullpen and former top prospect Marco Luciano logged his first MLB innings at second base — what could be his primary position moving forward.
Beck struck out four in 3 ⅓ innings, and Luciano went 1-for-4, including an RBI single that brought the Giants within one. Luis Matos, another September call-up, got a pair of pinch-hit plate appearances but struck out both times.
With late comeback rallies, the Giants’ young players got to feel a competitive game against a playoff contender.
Even though San Francisco isn’t yet mathematically eliminated from the postseason, the stakes are low. It would take a miracle run for the Giants to even play games with playoff ramifications in the final month of the season, and a 8-7 defeat to Arizona ultimately wasn’t the start of one.
“It was great to see the fight at the end,” manager Bob Melvin said postgame. “Obviously, we were down to our last at-bat with a chance to potentially win the game, when early on, you know, how are we going to cover these innings? We’ve been doing that all year. Just when you think maybe we let down a little bit with this game, we continue to dig really hard at the plate and finish off games.”
In a sparsely attended game — the team announced a season-low paid crowd of 23,545 — the Giants scored five runs in the final two innings but needed even more to mount a comeback in a game they trailed from the jump.
Kyle Harrison (2.2 IP, 7H, 6ER, 3K, 1BB) pushed his season ERA from 4.22 to 4.56, describing his shortest career start as “just terrible from the get-go.” Randal Grichuk beat both him and Beck for home runs, powering the Diamondbacks offense to a 7-1 lead that home runs by Matt Chapman and Mike Yastrzemski only dented.
It took the Diamondbacks 10 minutes to touch home three times against Harrison. Geraldo Perdomo led off with a single up the middle, followed by Corbin Carroll’s double down the right-field line. Before Harrison could defuse the threat, Randal Grichuk took him deep into the visitor’s bullpen for a two-run homer.
The Giants got a run back in the bottom half of the first with a leadoff walk and Tyler Fitzgerald double into the right-field corner put Arizona starter Ryne Nelson in the same situation as Harrison: with no outs and runners on second and third.
But the Giants didn’t have a crooked number in them like the Diamondbacks did. And playing from behind against a divisional rival bound for the playoffs isn’t easy.
Arizona tacked on another run off Harrison in the second. That frame included Luciano’s first action at second base. The former top prospect is expected to play regularly at second in September, and he made a smooth transfer on a double play attempt, but his strong throw required LaMonte Wade Jr. to make a big scoop at first.
San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos (29) commits an error against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)In the bottom half, Luciano took a hack at the first pitch he saw, getting jammed on an inside fastball and lining out to first. In the third, he bobbled a tough play up the middle while ranging to his right — a difficult play for a seasoned second baseman, let alone one finding his footing at the position. Luciano later committed an error — his sixth in 10 games in the field at the MLB level this year.
“It’s going to be a little bit of a learning process at the position,” Melvin said of Luciano.
Luciano is with the big-league club to show how he might be able to help the Giants next year. With San Francisco all but eliminated from the postseason, it makes sense to start thinking about 2025.
That’s partly why the Giants didn’t push Harrison too hard, pulling him before he could get out of the third inning. Already past his career high in innings, Harrison departed with two outs and the bases loaded in the third, having thrown a taxing 73 pitches.
“To get forced out that early, it hurts,” Harrison said. “They did a great job fighting back, and we were in it to the last pitch. I definitely didn’t do my job today.”
Beck replaced Harrison, making his season debut after an arm aneurysm prevented him from building off a promising 2023 season. Beck gave up a single – charging two more runs to Harrison – but had a lot to be proud of from his outing.
Beck’s looping curveball was effective, getting Josh Bell to strike out swinging and Corbin Carroll to go down looking.
Grichuk tagged a hanging breaking ball from Beck for his second home run of the night, putting Arizona up 7-1 with a wall-scraper to left. Roughly six months after surgery to address his arm aneurysm, Beck allowed one earned run in 3 ⅓ innings, punching out four while walking two.
San Francisco Giants’ Tristan Beck (43) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The goal was always for Beck to return this season, even after the surgery prevented him from throwing (or lifting) for the longest time in his life. There wasn’t ligament or muscle damage, but the rarity of Beck’s ailment presented unique challenges in his long road back to the mound.
“Everybody throughout the whole process was really encouraging, really supportive,” Beck said. “Every little milestone — first day of catch, first bullpen, first game in Sacramento. It feels great. When I got activated, a lot of the guys came by and congratulated. And even today, after getting that first one out of the way, it was pretty special.”
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The Giants haven’t had a 30-homer hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004. There might not be many reasons for fans to come out to the ballpark in September, but Chapman’s quest to break a 20-year drought is as good as any.
For a moment, the Giants looked like they might have some magic up their sleeve in an otherwise tough night that included three errors. Yastrzemski led off the eighth with an opposite-field home run, and the Giants tacked on two more runs in the frame with singles from Heliot Ramos, Jerar Encarnacion, Patrick Bailey — on a perfect bunt — and Luciano.
But Matos struck out with two runners on to end the inning, reliever Erik Miller coughed up a run in the top of the ninth, and Encarnacion couldn’t drive in the game-tying run from second with the Giants’ last licks. What would have been a phenomenal comeback ended with his swinging strikeout.
Still, there’s value in just stepping up to the plate — and toeing the rubber — in a tight game. Miller, Matos, Luciano, Encarnacion and others should get to play through mistakes this month, and they’ll get to do so in a less-than-packed Oracle Park.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jorge Barrosa (1) scores a run off of a single hit by Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo (2) against San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll (7) steals second base against San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Jerar Encarnacion (59) RBI against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) scores a run on a bunt by San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Erik Miller (68) heads onto the field to start the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jorge Barrosa (1) steals second base against San Francisco Giants’ Marco Luciano (37) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Marco Luciano (37) throws to first base after tagging out Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kevin Newman (18) at second base on an attempted double play on a ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jorge Barrosa (1) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Barrosa was safe at first. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) scores a run on a bunt by San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski (5) celebrates his solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang throws out the first pitch before the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco Giants’ Marco Luciano (37) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Show Caption1 of 11Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jorge Barrosa (1) scores a run off of a single hit by Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo (2) against San Francisco Giants’ Patrick Bailey (14) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
ExpandEyeing 2025, SF Giants call up prospects Luciano, Matos
SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants haven’t been mathematically eliminated from the postseason, but they sent their strongest signal yet that they’re turning the page to next season.
San Francisco, 6.5 games out of a wild card spot and claiming a 0.3% playoff odds, per Fangraphs, recalled top prospects Marco Luciano and Luis Matos on Tuesday. Unless the Giants make a miracle playoff push, each player will have chances to play regularly in September as the Giants run out the clock on the season.
“They’re here for a reason now, so they’re going to get some at-bats,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “But it’s also looking at how things go next year. We’re looking toward next year and what the roster construction’s going to look like then. These are some of our best prospects, and they’re going to get a bit of a look right now.”
In promoting Luciano and Matos — San Francisco’s second and seventh-ranked prospects from their 2023 MLB Pipeline list — the Giants optioned catcher Blake Sabol and infielder Casey Schmitt.
Melvin noted that there’s no asterisk beside the Giants’ name in the standings, so anything is possible. San Francisco could make up ground in the next two weeks against the National League playoff-contending Diamondbacks, Brewers, and Padres, but they haven’t shown the ability to win consistently. Just recently, they went 4-4 in games against the sub-.500 Athletics, Marlins and White Sox.
So, realistically, September will be an opportunity to get a closer look at some young Giants who have been buried in the organizational depth chart.
Luciano, the former top prospect in the farm system, took pregame grounders at second base — where he’s most likely to get consistent playing time. Luciano committed five errors in nine games with the Giants at shortstop, his primary position, and has since been leapfrogged in the pecking order there by Tyler Fitzgerald.
“Fitzy’s doing a nice job at short,” Melvin said. “So that’s where the other spot is. And I think he’s played 20 or 21 (minor league) games at second base. So, middle infield, that’s kind of where he’s been. It’s going to feel a little different for him, even though he’s played some games there. But the bat is good, and with consistent at-bats, hopefully, he gets on a run offensively, and that makes the defense come a little easier for you, too.”
Luciano has appeared in 17 games for the Giants this year, hitting .289 with a .733 OPS. Just 22 years old, Luciano has potential as a power hitter, but finding a position he can stick at is the biggest question with his development.
At second base, Luciano’s path to regular playing time is cleaner than Matos’s. In the outfield, the Giants have Heliot Ramos, Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Conforto, Grant McCray, Jerar Encarnacion, and Mark Canha as options.
“We have six outfielders now, and at some time, we’re going to have to rotate all these guys in,” Melvin said. “You also have the DH spot, so you could have four in a particular day, but probably a little more of a rotation as far as the outfielders go.”
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Luciano and Matos join a slew of young players including Kyle Harrison — Tuesday night’s starter against Arizona — Fitzgerald, Encarnacion, McCray, Brett Wisely, Spencer Bivens and Tristan Beck who can use September as a launching pad for next year.
Notable— Michael Conforto was scratched from Tuesday night’s starting lineup due to side tightness. Encarnacion replaced him as the designated hitter batting sixth.
— Former Giant Darin Ruf officially began his coaching career, joining the University of Nebraska Omaha’s staff as an assistant. The Omaha native played nine MLB seasons, including four with the Giants; as a right-handed slugger, he made key contributions to the Giants’ historic 2021 campaign.
— Harrison is pitching on extra rest for a third straight time, with the team having no game scheduled on Labor Day Monday. The lefty has thrown a career-high 121 2/3 innings, and Melvin said he has responded well to the heavy work load. San Francisco has three off days in September, so there will be opportunities to get players extra rest, and Melvin said they’ll monitor Harrison as the season continues.
— Blake Snell was National League Pitcher of the Month for his work in August. Snell threw his career first no-hitter in August and posted a 1.64 ERA. He’s the first Giant to win Pitcher of the Month since Kevin Gausman in May of 2021. Snell, the two-time Cy Young winner has been Pitcher of the Month five five times in his career.
