Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 431

SF Giants silenced by Chris Sale in 3-1 loss to Braves

The Giants’ once-maligned offense entered their matchup with Chris Sale boasting one of their most impressive streaks of the season, 12 straight games with at least three runs, tied for the longest active streak in the majors and the longest such stretch by the club since 2004.

Held hitless into the fifth inning, they looked like a club facing a seven-time All-Star making a strong bid for his eighth — and first since 2018 — in a bounce-back age-35 season in Atlanta while being handed a 3-1 loss to even their series against the Braves.

The Giants’ first hit of the game came courtesy of catcher Curt Casali, and he was promptly erased when the next batter, Tyler Fitzgerald, popped up the first pitch of his at-bat to right field to end the inning.

Leading off the sixth, the Giants’ designated hitter-turned-doubles machine, Jorge Soler, laced his 11th two-bagger since the start of June and came around to score their only run of the game on two-out, two-strike double from Matt Chapman two batters later.

Another two-strike knock from Chapman with one out in the ninth allowed the Giants to bring the tying run to the plate against Braves closer Raisel Iglegias, but that was all the offense they could mount, snapping their scoring streak at 12 games.

Following a 5-2 home stand with a comeback win to open their series in Atlanta on Monday, the Giants had climbed within two games of .500 entering Wednesday, and the loss was only their third in their past nine games.

Soler’s 11 doubles are tied with the Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson for the third-most in the majors since the start of June, trailing only Jonathan India (13) and Francisco Lindor (12), batting .280 with a .854 OPS in that span.

Sale struck out nine over six innings, issuing two walks before the Giants notched their first hit. The Giants’ starter, Jordan Hicks, was handed the loss, allowing all three of the Braves’ runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking two over five innings.

Five’s the magic number

As Andrew Baggarly noted in The Athletic, when Hayden Birdsong notched his first major-league win Tuesday, following Spencer Bivens the day before, it became the first time the Giants starting pitcher had earned a victory in consecutive games since May 18-19.

Leaving the game trailing 3-1, Hicks was unable to make it three in a row but did extend another meaningful streak, with an assist from Austin Slater and MLB headquarters in New York.

With two outs in the fifth, two runs on the board and action stirring in the Giants’ bullpen, Hicks didn’t look long for the ballgame, and the Braves initially appeared to have scored a third run and kept the conga line going when Travis d’Arnaud ripped a single into right field for their fourth hit of the inning.

Austin Riley came charging around third base, and Austin Slater came up firing. The throw from right field arrived at home plate at the same time as the Braves’ third baseman, and home plate umpire Ryan Additon initially ruled him safe. But upon video review, it was determined that catcher Curt Casali applied the tag in time to end the inning.

By getting out of the inning, albeit in a hole, Hicks still became the third straight Giants’ starting pitcher to complete five innings. No surprise to any member of the most-taxed bullpen in the majors, but it was the first time they’ve done that since May 24-26.

Had Hicks earned the win, it would have been the first time the Giants starters strung together three in a row since May-26, 2023.

The good news is reinforcements are on the way.

Left-hander Kyle Harrison, out since June 13 with a sprained ankle, is with the team in Atlanta and is expected to be activated in Cleveland. Fellow lefty Blake Snell, who’s made six starts all season, is expected back to start their home stand Tuesday.

And sometime after the All-Star break, they expect to pencil in Robbie Ray and Alex Cobb, who will each continue their rehab assignments this week with Ray scheduled to start Thursday for Triple-A Sacramento and Cobb on Friday.

Hjelle rebounds

Far from full strength, the Braves’ lineup isn’t quite as scary as it once was with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris Jr. But Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson still make up an intimidating 2-3-4 combo, and Sean Hjelle made quick work of them in the eighth inning.

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Bob Melvin felt bad about allowing Hjelle to wear it in his second inning of work Saturday against the Dodgers, surrendering seven runs in the 11th inning of an eventual 14-7 loss, but just four days later in his next appearance, the 6-foot-11 right-hander showed why his manager continues to put him out there in high-leverage situations.

Hjelle needed only 13 pitches to strike out Albies, Ozuna and Olson in the seventh inning, burying breaking balls to the first two and firing a 96 mph sinker for the final out of a 1-2-3 inning that kept it a two-run ballgame.

He added a fourth punchout in a second scoreless inning of work, but it was moot, as Luis Matos flew out and Brett Wisely struck out following Chapman’s one-out single in the ninth.

Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey defend her wedding dress, which wasn’t supposed to ‘exude sex’

It’s been several days since Olivia Culpo donned a very traditional wedding gown to marry San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey — and explained to Vogue magazine that she didn’t want the custom Dolce & Gabanna dress to “exude sex.’

But the dress, and Culpo’s reasons for wearing it to her and McCaffrey’s lavish Rhode Island wedding Saturday, are creating a stir online.

Specifically, McCaffrey and Culpo have spent what should be their honeymoon, engaging in an online war with a style influencer, who went on a social media rant about Culpo’s dress on Tuesday. The Los Angeles-based stylist, Kennedy Bingham, said in a now-viral video posted to Instagram and TikTok that Culpo’s simple, long-sleeved gown lacked “personality” and suggested it was modest in a disturbing way, as if the bride was pushing “a conservative agenda” and she and her groom weren’t participating in a wedding but in “a conservative campaign.”

“Wow what an absolutely evil person you are,” the model and former Miss Universe wrote in response to Bingham’s video. Among other things, neither Culpo nor McCaffrey are known to speak out about politics or any particular agenda.

“I hope no one ever tears you apart in this way because it’s extremely hurtful,” Culpo continued. “I love this dress and it was everything I ever wanted and more.”

McCaffrey also called Bingham’s post “evil.” The NFL star said, “I hope you can find joy and peace in the world, the way my beautiful wife does.”

The world got to see multiple images of Culpo’s gown, thanks to Vogue magazine, which photographed the wedding at a historic resort in Rhode Island and published a series of photos online on Monday. The photos showed that Culpo’s gown was in a modest style, with long sleeves, a high crew neck, a voluminous skirt and a button-lined back, as Vogue magazine reported. Culpo wore the gown with a 16-foot lace veil and 15-carat De Beers diamond earrings.

“I didn’t want it to exude sex in any way, shape, or form,” Culpo told Vogue. “I wanted it to feel effortless and as if it’s complementing me, not overpowering me. There’s so much beauty and simplicity.”

At the start of her video, Bingham clarified that she initially had no problem with the dress or with a bride wanting to dress modestly on her wedding day. It was comments that Culpo made to Vogue about her dress that left “a bitter aftertaste,” she said.

“The way that she was talking about this went beyond just wanting something modest for herself and pushing this idea of what she thinks all brides should look like,” Bingham said, adding, “What you wear on your wedding day has almost nothing to do with whether or not you’re going to have a long and happy marriage.”

Bingham also expressed other misgivings about the dress, saying it had “no personality.” She compared it unfavorably to “gorgeous,” modest wedding gowns worn by other famous brides, such as Paris Hilton, Miranda Kerr or Lily Collins.

Bingham, moreover, questioned why Culpo chose Dolce & Gabbana to design her “covered-up” gown, given that the design house “is not known for its modesty.” Bingham also called out Dolce & Gabbana for its history of racism, homophobia and body shaming.

On Wednesday, Bingham said on Instagram Story that Culpo had blocked her, though only after the model posted additional replies to her criticism.

With regard to Bingham’s criticism of Dolce & Gabbana, Culpo asked, “Are you saying I’m racist, homophobic and misogynistic because of my wedding dress? So the millions of people who wear DG are all racist and homophobic? What a bizarre human you are.”

Bingham replied, “I’m not saying YOU’RE anything. I’m saying that your actions allude to a certain mindset that you aren’t doing anything to contradict.”

While some people joined Culpo and McCaffrey in criticizing Bingham for.her “hurtful” comments about someone’s wedding day, others agreed with her lack of enthusiasm for Culpo’s dress or her distaste for the model’s comments to Vogue.

On TikTok, someone told Bingham, “Yes call her out!”

“All she needed to say was she was looking for something simple and modest but she had to make it all righteous,” someone else said, while another pointed out that the dress was not appropriate for the setting —  “a coastal town in the summer. You’re spot on with your assessment.”

In the end, Culpo followed a current bridal trend for her wedding day. She changed her outfit multiple times, wearing a different white dress to the dinner reception and yet another outfit for a raucous-looking after-party.  And, according to images Culpo posted on her Instagram, she eschewed modesty for her after-party look, donning a silk bodysuit with bustier top and a “mini-cage” skirt, which allowed her to show cleavage, shoulders and legs.

“I actually liked the after-party dress the most because the other two were so underwhelming,” someone told Bingham on her TikTok. But the revealing nature of the after-party dress left this person “confused, with the comments she made.”

What the Warriors would add by acquiring Buddy Hield

The Warriors have been linked this week to Buddy Hield to replace some of the shooting they are losing as team legend Klay Thompson leaves in free agency.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that they are in discussions to acquire Hield, the former No. 6 overall pick in 2016, in a sign-and-trade deal with the 76ers.

So what exactly will the Warriors add if they bring in Hield?

The short answer is a whole lot of 3-point shots: Hield has been in the NBA’s top 10 in 3-point attempt rate since 2017-18. After four straight seasons in the top five, he dropped to seventh last year, attempting 12.6 shots per 48 minutes played.

Thompson (14.5) was only behind Warriors superstar Steph Curry (17.4) last season, so he doesn’t quite match that volume, but maybe Hield, 31, can be a Splash Cousin of Curry’s if he joins him in the Golden State backcourt.

That volume is justified: Hield has shot better than 36 percent on 3-pointers in all eight of his NBA seasons, including topping 42 percent three times.

It is also sorely needed on a team that last season had no player outside of Curry and Thompson attempt even four 3-pointers per game. With Thompson leaving, the Warriors must replace some of that volume to stretch defenses.

Hield started 14 of the Sixers’ 32 regular-season games after acquiring him from the Pacers this spring, but he fell out of the rotation toward the end of the year as Philly’s roster regained health. He played only 30 minutes over the first five games of the 76ers’ playoff series against the Knicks before coach Nick Nurse rode his hot shooting in a close Game 6 loss.

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One thing Hield does not provide is much resistance on the defensive perimeter. The good news is that his contribution on that end is not terribly different from Thompson’s at age 34 after two major leg injuries. The five-time All-Star’s defense was a liability for the Warriors, as his defensive rating of 116.1 last season was slightly worse than Hield’s 115.7.

For years, the Warriors didn’t have to plan for that problem with Thompson, who freed up Curry by taking the tougher backcourt assignment. While Hield would fill the shooting role vacated by Thompson, Steve Kerr may prefer to start a stronger defender alongside Curry and bring Hield off the bench to avoid placing more of a defensive burden on his 36-year-old star guard.

Monterey Peninsula College expands degree opportunities

Monterey >> Starting university can be daunting both financially and mentally, so attending a community college first and transferring to a four-year university can often help students navigate those challenges. Monterey Peninsula College is now offering those students more degree possibilities, all rooted in social justice and ethnic studies.

The college has added four new degree pathways for the upcoming school year: Law, Public Policy and Security, African American Studies, Chicano Studies and LGBTQ Studies. The Associate Degree for Transfer program allows an easy transition for MPC  students to transition into life at a CSU or other four-year university.

“These new degree programs and certificates mean MPC will continue to be a premier destination for students interested in advancing their careers and scholarship while advancing social justice and equity in our community,” said MPC Superintendent and President Marshall T. Fulbright in a news release regarding the new degrees.

“I congratulate our academic departments for working to expand what MPC offers students, particularly those from historically marginalized and underserved communities,” said Fulbright.

In addition to the new degree pathways, the college has also added five new Certificates of Achievement which signal a student’s commitment to social justice. In order to receive the certificates, students must complete 12 units including in areas surrounding inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility.

“Not only do these pathways provide new opportunities for students to pursue academic goals and achieve degrees in higher education that can lead to meaningful and fulfilling careers,” said Jeannie Kim, Dean of the Liberal Arts Department in an email. “But the nature of these degrees are rooted in social justice and provide a clear pathway to individuals interested in giving back to (the) community and engaging in social change.

“Our five new Certificates of Achievement … give students a chance to pursue growth and academic or professional development in several ways,” said Kim.  “Some students may already be working or pursuing more immediate career opportunities and could benefit from the formal education and recognition the certificate affords.”

Kim oversees the Liberal Arts department which these new pathways fall under. Liberal arts majors make up about a quarter of students at MPC, according to Kim.

This new opportunity will allow students “to transfer to a four-year college or university with the knowledge and confidence to thrive,” she said.

Cal State Monterey Bay is a common next step for MPC students. Last fall, out of the 857 transfer students at the university, 127 came from MPC compared to only 77 students in fall 2022. The university has seen a 51% increase in applications from MPC students for the upcoming school year compared to 2023-24, according to Ben Corpus, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.

“Cal State Monterey Bay highly values transfer students, especially from our local partner at MPC, given the work they do in preparing students academically,” said Corpus in an email.

The school has a Transfer Student Success Center that provides assistance to transfers throughout their time at the university. This April also marked the first Admitted Transfer Day, which drew around 800 students, according to university spokesman Walter Ryce.

“The center is a representation of our institutional commitment to transfer students, and has been a game-changer for students transitioning to our university,” said Corpus. “The center’s commitment to providing tailored resources and fostering a supportive environment ensures every transfer student thrives.”

MPC also does all in its power to set these students up for success and ready to take on a four-year education, according to Kim.

“Our instruction and support services are second to none, so students receive a first-class education right in their own backyard,” she said. Through close collaboration with professors, counselors and tutors and assistance with the application process, “at MPC, students have many opportunities to learn how to “do college” well and successfully.”

Gavin Newsom and Marshawn Lynch launch new podcast on politics

Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching a podcast.

The governor will join Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch and NFL agent Doug Hendrickson in a new weekly show called “Politickin’” that debuts July 15.

The podcast is billed as an “unexpected collaboration” by distributor iHeartMedia. The media company promises “Gavin Newsom like you’ve never heard him and Marshawn Lynch exactly how you’d expect him” in weekly episodes.

“Gavin Newsom, a leader making waves in politics, will address the current state of affairs in a way audiences have never heard from him before,” a news release from iHeartMedia explained. “Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’ Lynch, who spent the majority of his football career in Seattle, will share insider stories from the gridiron, lessons from the game, and what it takes to achieve greatness on and off the field; and veteran Wasserman agent Doug Hendrickson will offer insights into leadership, success and the drive to make a positive impact.”

The podcast has been in development for over a year, according to iHeart. In a minute-long trailer, Lynch explains the show is “about “bridging gaps. You sit down, you come to the round table. We need to figure it out.”

Newsom, who terms out of the governor’s mansion in early 2027, has his sights on what comes next.

While he insists he is not seeking the presidency this year and has become a top surrogate for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid, Newsom is considered a possible replacement if Biden were to drop out of the race following his poor performance against a debate with former president Donald Trump.

Tuesday night, Newsom abandoned a push to reform the crime-and-punishment Prop. 47 via ballot initiative so he could travel to Washington, DC to meet with Biden and other Democratic governors. He will be in Pennsylvania on Saturday and New Hampshire on Monday to campaign for Democratic candidates.

He recently announced his family would move back to a wealthy Bay Area community this summer.

©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

New Vegas attraction lets you become a player in a video game world

Jason Bracelin | Las Vegas Review-Journal (TNS)

LAS VEGAS — A joystick with a pulse, that’s what we’ve become.

An orb of light shoots our way, heading toward our toes.

Kick it!

Contact made, it rockets back in the other direction, where a team of four returns fire.

Back and forth it goes as we volley the pulsating sphere, trying to boot it past each other in order to score a goal.

It’s a Friday afternoon, and we’re engaged in a quick session of “Light Hockey.”

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The 10,000-square-foot venue, which bills itself as “a social gaming destination,” is designed to be a bridge between digital and physical realms, one that poses the question: Instead of merely playing a video game, wouldn’t it be more fun to inhabit one?

“You can get lost in a video game — they’re just so immersive,” notes Brandon Garrett, Electric Playhouse’s CEO and co-founder. “And so to me, as a parent, what better way to convince my kids to get off an iPad or off the screen than to say, ‘Why don’t we just literally, physically step into that world?’ ”

People play light hockey by kicking light projections with their feet at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

The outdoor space overlooking the Strip at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Co-Founder and Senior Design Programmer Luke Balaoro, left, with CEO/Co-Founder Brandon Garrett speak at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

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Expand‘Infinite’ experiences

Think of it as a VR experience without the goofy headset.

That’s kind of what it feels like navigating the Electric Playhouse, which is posited on state-of-the-art body-mapping technology utilizing around 110 projectors and 50 sensors throughout the venue.

“What we’ve done is installed a series of sensors throughout the entire facility that basically tracks your motion and creates what we call a point cloud,” Garrett explains. “It’s basically an avatar of yourself. And so you become a player in a video game world.”

As you move through the place, the walls, floors and tables react to your movements with 360-degree projection-mapping following your every step.

“I’ve been wandering all over the Strip, seeing a bunch of pre-rendered content,” notes Luke Balaoro, Electric Playhouse’s senior software architect and co-founder. “What’s really cool — and what differentiates us — is our real-time rendering. We’re taking in a lot of sensor data, we’re processing it, and we’re making it react to people, making games out of it.”

The gaming layout is divided among numerous “pods,” designed for one to two players who can choose from around 12 different games that range from “Crystalius,” where alien spaceships are targeted, to “Paint Pong,” where you create your own artwork.

Then there’s the larger arena area, where we play “Light Hockey,” and which can accommodate around two dozen players.

Guests pay by the hour and have access to all the games, which are created in-house in order to maintain a fresh, ever-growing selection.

“We build everything,” Garrett says. “And so, as we’re adding to the library, every time you come back it could be a completely different experience. It’s one physical footprint, but almost an infinite amount of experiences that we can pack into this facility.”

Projections of colorful cords cover the floor and walls at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

CEO/Co-Founder Brandon Garrett stands in a game pod being calibrated at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Financial Controller Patricia Garrett sets up an electronic reader board near the entrance at Electric Playhouse, a new high-tech social gaming place opening soon at The Forum Shops at Caesars on June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

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ExpandFrom New Mexico to new digs

The tables and walls flutter with butterflies, swarm with cartoon bugs and pulse with ocean waves, as if we’re plunging through some aquatic depths in the desert, somehow.

We’re in one of three party rooms at the Electric Playhouse, which are designed to host everything from birthday celebrations to corporate events to ticketed dining experiences (the Electric Playhouse’s culinary program is set to debut this summer).

“The magic here is the tabletop itself is actually interactive,” Garrett explains with a swoop of the hand, making the aforementioned bugs scatter.

This is the Electric Playhouse’s second location, having been launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in early 2020, just six weeks before the pandemic hit.

“For us, Vegas just made sense,” Garrett says of the company’s westward expansion, “because we’re trying to build our own brand, and what better place to do that than the world stage in Vegas?”

There are some unique-to-the-market flourishes here, namely an outdoor balcony offering killer views of the Strip and a new twist on an old staple: the Vegas wedding.

“We see huge opportunity for weddings within this space,” Garrett says. “You want to get married in the clouds or some total fantasy thing and make it a true destination?”

In the meantime, there are more games to build, more “Light Hockey” goals to be scored.

“There’s just so many ways we can kind of continue to bridge this physical/digital realm,” Garrett says. “I feel like a kid in a candy store every day. I mean, we’re constantly like, ‘Oh, my God, we can do that?’”

©2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com.. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

High School softball: Alisal’s Smith commits to Eastern Kentucky

SALINAS – A torn labrum in the back of her right shoulder 17 months ago put Jordan Smith’s softball career on hold, but never in doubt.

Losing her junior season at Alisal and a full summer travel ball campaign took Smith off of most colleges’ radar.

“I had a lot of schools reaching out,” said the recent Alisal graduate. “Then it just died down. It was frustrating. But it was also motivating.”

Returning to the softball field this past spring for the Trojans, the shortstop tore up pitching, set a school record for stolen bases and showed off a magical glove.

The endless hours that went into rehabbing her shoulder in reestablishing herself as a player in demand, was rewarded when Smith committed to Division I Eastern Kentucky University.

“It kind of came out of nowhere,” said Smith, who visited the campus last weekend. “All of this happened over the course of two weeks. I really didn’t know much about them.”

A former teammate on Smith’s traveling team from two years ago reached out to the just turned 18-year-old, telling her the school needed defensive help in the infield.

“I got a call and went out for a visit,” said Smith, who was weighing offers from two other schools. “The coaches pretty much told me they were offering a scholarship based on footage.”

While video of Smith was mostly compiled of her play from the past, she tore up pitching for the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Cypress Division champion Trojans this past fall.

The right-handed slugger hit .586, driving in a school record 44 runs in 21 games. Smith also ripped seven homers, scored 51 runs and shattered the school record for stolen bases with 37.

“Speed is a big part of my game,” said Smith, whose mother Tamisha ran track at Fresno State. “Gap-to-gap hitting is good. My glove work is what I was being recruited for before my injury.”

Contributing at the plate would be a bonus for Smith, who will be given a shot to earn a starting job at shortstop at Eastern Kentucky, which is 27 miles outside Lexington.

The school also sits roughly five hours from where Smith’s father grew up in Georgia, where several family members still reside.

“That was the first thing I looked up when she got the call,” Smith’s father Sunil said. “Their first tournament is at Georgia Tech. She will have family supporting her.”

Last spring Eastern Kentucky went 42-10 and won the Atlantic Sun Conference for the fourth time with a 21-3 mark.

“I wanted to go to a school with a competitive program,” Smith said. “But I also wanted someone who cared about your mental health. What the coaches had to say really mattered.”

The distance from being away from home didn’t weigh heavily on Smith’s decision, as much as the environment surrounding the campus.

“I thought it would be in the middle of nowhere,” Smith said. “It’s a college town. It’s very family-oriented. I’ve visited a lot of colleges. The sports facilities are some of the best I’ve seen.”

Having sported a school record .644 on-base percentage this past season, Smith came into the season not trying to prove herself, but reestablish herself as a player worth investing in.

“I didn’t feel pressure,” Smith said. “Sure, I needed to get recruited. Time was running out. But high school softball gave me a certain personality that there’s nothing I can do about the past.”

Still seeing all her travel ball teammates earn scholarships before their senior seasons had Smith feeling a little left out.

“A lot of my teammates who did commit as juniors said it was a sense of relief,” Smith said. “I did not feel that. I didn’t go into my senior year and press. In the back of my mind, I knew I’d get picked up.”

Instead, Smith went out and put together arguably the best statistical season in Alisal school history in leading the program to its first-ever league title.

“I feel I’ve helped lay the groundwork that Alisal has a softball program that’s being recognized,” said Smith, whose younger sister was among the team’s top hitters. “We are not just a soccer or basketball school anymore.”

Had a former teammate not reached out, the likelihood is this scholarship offer wouldn’t have materialized and the 5-foot-8 Smith would still be searching for the right spot.

“I had two other offers on the table,” Smith said. “Time was ticking down. I was very fortunate to have a former teammate reach out. This just felt right. I can’t explain it. You just know. I feel blessed.”

Horoscopes July 3, 2024: Olivia Mun, live life your way

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Olivia Munn, 44; Andrea Barber, 48; Shawnee Smith, 55; Montel Williams, 68.

Happy Birthday: Spice things up this year by taking a unique approach to improving lifestyle and romance. Stop thinking about your dreams, hopes and wishes, and implement the changes that make you feel passionate. Invest more time and money in yourself, and build a financial cushion to live life your way. An opportunity to expand your interests will bring you closer to the life you desire. Your numbers are 9, 17, 24, 29, 33, 38, 49.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your creative imagination will encourage you to follow your heart and to enjoy what life offers. Speak up and share your ideas, and you’ll gain insight into who can assist you in reaching your goals. You can’t please everyone, but make a point to please yourself. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Applied pressure may motivate you, but before you act, get your facts straight and your plans in place. Too much of anything will turn into something costly. Timing is everything; feel free to change your mind midway if something doesn’t feel right. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Verify and rectify your plans based on research and discovery. Don’t trust secondhand information or ads that promise the impossible. Source out the best information, and make decisions that fit your criteria. Preparation will make a difference in what and how you achieve your goal. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take pride in your work; the rewards will come your way. Making a change will enhance your chance to connect with someone who can offer a unique perspective regarding how you use your skills and experience to gain leverage. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Try something new, do things differently and let your creative imagination lead the way. Head in a direction that will provide excitement and enrich your life. Use your powers of persuasion to get those you love to join you and to push your way forward with enthusiasm and courage. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take note of what others do before you take on too much or get involved in something for the wrong reason. A change may excite you, but educate yourself before you indulge. The pros and cons may not be as equal as someone wants you to believe. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Boredom is a sign it’s time to enforce a move. Before you go to extremes to satisfy your whims, take it upon yourself to research and figure out what’s best for you and, more importantly, what you want. Having a purpose that appeases you is the challenge. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): All work and no play will drag you down. Make plans to get together with someone who makes you think and challenges you mentally, physically or emotionally. A change will enhance your life, but first, you must make plans that satisfy your needs. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Talk the talk and walk the walk. How you handle situations will turn into your calling card. Make your presence felt and your fairness welcomed by those you deal with, and everything will fall into place. Live up to your word, and you’ll meet expectations. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Welcome change and embrace new beginnings. Think outside the box, and dazzle everyone with your ingenuity and candor. Bring your feelings to the forefront and share your intentions with someone you love. What transpires will exceed your expectations. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put your energy and power where it brings the highest returns. Focus on what makes you happy, and explore how to increase your productivity and expand your interests to meet your emotional and financial needs. Rearrange your space, and you’ll make substantial gains due to efficiency. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stop, evaluate and avoid excess. Make self-improvement your goal instead of trying to change others. Once you are happy with yourself, you’ll know who you want in your life and who you want to set free. Don’t overreact; keep your thoughts to yourself. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are disciplined, giving and proactive. You are insightful and unique.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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SF Giants rookie Birdsong notches first win to open road trip

Hayden Birdsong’s first big-league win came in a big-time road debut Tuesday night.

Sure, the rookie right-hander gave up back-to-back solo home runs, but the Giants matched that feat against the majors’ ERA leader in Reynoldo López, then they pulled away for a 5-3 win at Atlanta’s Truist Park to open a six-game road trip.

“It’s very special. It will settle in later I’m sure. Now I’m in the books,” Birdsong told reporters, as broadcast by NBC Sports Bay Area. “I can’t really thank this team enough for being behind me and playing as hard as they can. It’s been awesome.”

Jorge Soler and LaMonte Wade Jr. hit the fifth-inning home runs to wipe out the Giants’ 2-0 deficit. Another Giants’ solo home run — Heliot Ramos’ opposite-field shot over the right-corner wall in the ninth — secured the Giants’ sixth win in eight games, after they had lost five straight away from Oracle Park.

Perhaps more impressive, Ramos made a diving catch and landed hard on his right shoulder to record the first out for closer Camilo Doval, who struck out the Braves’ next two batters for his 15th save.

Birdsong, pulled after 4 2/3 innings in last Wednesday’s impressive debut against the Cubs, was determined to pitch the five innings necessary to earn a decision. With runners at second and third, the Braves sent up the top of their order, and Birdsong courageously countered by recording his fifth strikeout and a rally-killing flyout to preserve the 2-2 tie.

“Trying to get through five, trying to get a win, had to pitch out of a jam, that’s when we found out the most about his night tonight,” Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters afterward.

Birdsong initially got into that jam by issuing an 11-pitch walk to Adam Duvall. “I was getting a little frustrated. It’s a good hitter. Everybody up here is a good hitter, as I’ve learned,” Birdsong added. “You just have to keep attacking. That’s what I did. It didn’t work out exactly what I wanted but I got what I needed and finished that inning.”

Birdsong, 22, was pitching four years ago at Eastern Illinois, the alma mater of another right-hander who won a lot in a San Francisco uniform, that being former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

“It’s been a short look but he’s had some bad at-bats and has been able to figure it out,” Melvin said. “He’s had walks that weren’t competitive and able to make adjustments. … That’s what you look for, being able to make adjustments.”

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The Braves pulled within 4-3 when Tyler Rogers allowed a Jarred Kelenic double and an Ozzie Albies RBI single; Rogers responded by striking out No. 3 hitter Marcell Ozuna and getting Matt Olson to ground out.

As was the case in Birdsong’s debut last Wednesday at Oracle Park, the Giants’ offense produced back-to-back home runs. Soler and Wade opened Tuesday’s fifth inning with solo shots, canceling out the Braves’ own back-to-back bombs in the second inning. López entered with a MLB-best 1.70 ERA and a 6-2 record, and he certainly labored before exiting after his 101st pitch struck out Ramos.

Soler entered this game 12-for-19 with three home runs against López, and after striking out his first two at-bats Tuesday, Soler blasted an 0-2 fastball 394 feet, reminiscent of his heroics that made him the 2021 Atlanta Braves’ World Series MVP. With a launching pad officially ajar, Wade followed with a 442-foot on a full-count slider to tie the score at 2-2.

Birdsong struck out three of the first four batters he faced. Then came Austin Riley and Sean Murphy with back-to-back solo home runs in the second inning, on 407-foot and 430-foot shots, respectively.

The Braves almost hit three bombs in a row, but Adam Duvall’s 396-foot blast couldn’t clear the center-field wall, nor could Heliot Ramos’ glove nab it to prevent a double. Riley belted a 2-1 fastball into the left field’s second deck on a 97.7-mph offering, which is what Birdson struck out Matt Olson in the preceding at-bat.

Mike Yastrzemski, out the previous nine games with an oblique strain, produced the Giants’ only two hits off López through four innings. The Giants worked deep into counts against López, starting with 29 pitches in the first inning when all four batters reached a full count; three struck out and Wade walked.

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NOTES: Matt Chapman’s seven-game hitting streak came to an end on an 0-for-5 night, but not without him lining out twice to the center-field track in his first two at-bats…Kyle Harrison was slated to throw a bullpen session on the side in Atlanta as part of his recovery from an ankle injury…Blake Snell (groin) will throw 75 to 80 pitches Wednesday and Robby Ray (elbow) will start Thursday for Triple-A Sacramento in Reno…Alex Cobb (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and then pitch Friday in a rehab assignment…Wilmer Flores (right knee tendinitis) and Thairo Estrada (left wrist sprain) stayed behind in San Francisco this week for rehabilitation, as is the case with Tom Murphy (left knee sprain) and Keaton Winn (right elbow)… ight-handed pitcher Landen Roupp got optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks in 2 2/3 relief innings before Tyler Rogers came in to get the final out of Sunday’s 10-4 win over the Dodgers…Monday, infielder Trenton Brooks and pitcher Raymond Burgos cleared waivers and were outrighted to Sacramento…Left-handed pitcher Kolton Ingram got claimed off waivers from St. Louis and was optioned to Double-A Richmond. Ingram is 3-0 with a 4.26 ERA in Triple-A for three different organizations this season (Mets, Cardinals, Rangers)…Bryce Eldridge, a 19-year-old infielder, was named to MLB’s Futures Game on July 13 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. He began the year at Single-A San Jose (10 home runs, 45 RBI, 34 runs in 51 games) before his promotion last week to High-A Eugene (6-for-12, four RBI in four games).

Warriors to hire pair of veteran coaches to bench

The Warriors wanted to add more experience to their coaching staff, and appear to have accomplished as much.

The Warriors are planning to hire Terry Stotts as their new lead assistant and Jerry Stackhouse as another assistant, league sources confirmed to this news organization. The additions come after Kenny Atkinson, Steve Kerr’s top assistant from last season, departed for the Cleveland job.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the news.

Stotts has 13 years of head coaching experience at the NBA level, most recently from 2012 to 2021 with the Blazers. In Portland, Stotts amassed a 402-318 record and helped the Blazers to eight postseason appearances in nine seasons.

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Stackhouse has spent the last five seasons as Vanderbilt’s head coach. He took a rebuilding program to a 22-15 record in 2022-23, but the Commodores took a step back and went 9-23 last year.

Stackhouse played 18 seasons in the NBA and was named to two All-Star teams. He averaged 16.9 points per game in his career and retired in 2013, having played for Detroit, Dallas, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Washington, Milwaukee, Miami and Atlanta.

If the Warriors’ coaching staff from last year returns, Stotts and Stackhouse will be joined by Chris DeMarco, Bruce Fraser, Anthony Vereen, Ron Adams and others.