Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 467

Pro soccer: Monterey F.C. falls at Hartford, remains winless in May

HARTFORD — It has been a month Monterey Bay F.C. would just assume forget.

Minus their top two scorers, the Union remained winless in the month of May, falling 2-1 in a rare Friday night match on the pitch to the Hartford Athletic.

The setback stretched the Union’s winless streak to six games — including a loss in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup — four of which have come on the road.

Yet, despite the setback, the Union remain locked in a tie for the third spot in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League Championship at 4-5-3.

With seven teams separated by two points or less in the Western Conference, Monterey Bay F.C. could go from third to ninth, depending on this weekend’s results.

The Union went through a similar slump last season when they went winless in the month June, failing to register a win in nine straight games.

Injuries have depleted the Union’s offense as current scoring leader Tristan Trager missed the game with a rib injury, while Alex Dixon, who set a single-season team record for goals last year — was out with an illness.

Monterey Bay F.C. did produce the game’s first goal when former Cal State Monterey Bay sniper Adrian Rebollar scored his first goal of the season and the seventh in his three-year career 18 minutes into the match.

Hartford (4-6-0) had an answer, scoring in the 33rd minute to tie it, then taking the lead early in the second half with what proved to be the game-winning goal.

The Union played the game without six players for various reasons.

Things will not get any easier for Monterey Bay F.C., who closes the month of May hosting Eastern Conference leader and 2023 USL finalist Charleston Battery on Wednesday at Cardinale Stadium at 7 p.m.

Cardiac Giants do it again, then barely hang on to beat Mets

NEW YORK — If you are reading this, see a cardiologist immediately.

That has to be the first piece of advice for any fan who has recently watched these Giants, who climbed out of yet another hole late Friday night to seize the first game of the series against the Mets at Citi Field, 8-7, that once again looked out of grasp when the eighth inning began and nearly slipped out of their hands again in the ninth.

Trailing 6-2 after being held in check by a third rookie in a row, Mets right-hander Christian Scott, the Giants rallied for five runs against reliever Reed Garrett. Before this week, they had never erased deficits of four or more in consecutive road games but have now done it three days in a row.

Don’t look now, but with their ninth win in the past 12 games, the Giants evened their record back to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2.

“That’s a big deal,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We came on this road trip we were hoping to do something like that, come home .500 or a little bit better. We lose a really tough game to start in Pittsburgh, which puts us back at three (below) again, which didn’t feel too terribly good.

“But to win three in a row like that, in the fashion that we did, really good.”

The latest comeback was made possible by Patrick Bailey’s grand slam that capped a five-run eighth inning, crucial insurance provided by Mike Yastrzemski’s solo shot the following inning and potentially the defensive highlight of the career for Matt Chapman, who has no shortage of them as a two-time Platinum Glove winner.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and the tying run on third, Chapman charged a slow roller down the line off the bat of Mark Vientos. The 26,658 on hand roared, believing the home team was about to tie the score or more, but quickly fell silent as Chapman gloved the grounder and fired to first base, where LaMonte Wade Jr. made an acrobatic stretch, falling to the dirt and holding his glove up to first-base umpire C.B. Bucknor, who raised his fist in the air to signal the third and final out.

“Maybe the best,” said Melvin, who’s seen Chapman play third base since he managed him in Oakland. “That’s a ball that you just hope goes foul. That’s not a ball you make a play on. At some point in time, he’s got to figure out if he’s got a chance, and I didn’t think he did. And I’ve seen him make every great play he’s ever made.”

Game over. Deep breath.

“That was incredible, one of the better plays that I’ve ever seen,” Bailey said. “In that moment, he’s unbelievable over there. … That whole inning was full of good plays. I feel like LaMonte is a sneakily elite defender over there with what he’s done this year. It’s just really exciting to watch this team right now.”

They were very nearly sent backward in their quest to even their record as Camilo Doval loaded the bases and allowed a run in the ninth inning. Doval’s ineffectiveness, coupled with another high-stakes error from Marco Luciano at shortstop, made Yastrzemski’s solo shot in the eighth inning stand up as the decisive run.

A grand slam, one way or the other, seems to unlock something for this squad.

“Well,” Melvin said. “This one time, it was on our end.”

They became the fourth team in history to allow grand slams in consecutive games and win the past two days in Pittsburgh, and Friday night in Queens broke out the rye bread and mustard themselves.

“I was looking to see if we gave up four home runs,” Melvin quipped. “That’s the same thing as a grand slam. But we only gave up three.”

Sailing into bullpens beyond right-center field, Bailey’s grand slam traveled an estimated 420 feet and gave the Giants a second home run for only their 10th game this season. Jorge Soler provided one of the two runs they scratched across in six innings against Scott with a no-doubter to left field for his first homer since returning from a shoulder strain. When leaving the yard more than once, the Giants improved to 7-3.

Yastrzemski provided crucial insurance in the eighth with a third homer into the second deck in right field.

“Obviously I was looking for something middle-down that I could do damage with, and I was able to put a good swing on it,” Bailey said. “(We’re) just taking each bat at a time and never giving anything up.”

The late offense picked up Harrison, who was in line for the loss after being tagged for five runs (four earned) while failing to pitch deeper than the fifth inning for his third consecutive start. Missing armside time and time again, Harrison found the strike zone on only half of his 98 pitches.

When he took the mound in the fifth inning, Harrison’s gray jersey was soaked with sweat, and the Mets took advantage of the visibly tiring left-hander, teeing off for back-to-back home runs that extended their lead to 5-2. Another homer from Pete Alonso off Nick Avila in the seventh widened the gap to 6-2.

For the third game in a row, it didn’t matter.

“That’s insane,” said Harrison, who has been on the winning end his past eight starts. “It’s a credit to what they’re doing on offense. But we’ve got to be better on the pitching side, definitely.”

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The Giants agreed to terms with LHP Drew Pomeranz on a major-league deal and activated him before first pitch, adding him to their bullpen and giving the 35-year-old veteran of flexor tendon surgery his first big-league opportunity since 2021.

It remains a long shot that either OF Austin Slater (concussion) or OF Michael Conforto (hamstring) is activated on this trip, but the Giants did get good news about a number of their injured players not with them. LHP Robbie Ray (elbow surgery) will throw 20 pitches in a live batting practice session Saturday in his first time facing hitters since undergoing Tommy John and flexor tendon surgeries, and RHP Alex Cobb (elbow) also resumed his throwing progression.

Next up

RHP Jordan Hicks (4-1, 2.38) vs. RHP Luis Severino (2-2, 3.48) in the second game of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 10:40 a.m. PT.

SF Giants sign Drew Pomeranz, out of MLB since 2021, to boost bullpen

NEW YORK — The veritable rainbow of assorted team-issued shirts, shorts, spikes and other equipment that populated the newest locker in the Giants’ clubhouse Friday afternoon might as well have told the story of Drew Pomeranz’s arduous past few years.

The brown and yellow of the Padres, the last major-league team for whom he appeared in a game.

The red of the Angels, who released him at his request after nine appearances this spring, as he put it, “probably to be like, ‘Is this guy broken or not?’”

The one hue considered colōris non grata represented his last stop, where he was when he received a call from his agent telling him there was a team willing to give him another major-league opportunity for the first time since 2021, before undergoing flexor tendon surgery the complications of which sent him into a continuous cycle of rehabilitation.

Pomeranz, 35, signed a major-league deal to reunite with the Giants and manager Bob Melvin, and was activated before the opening game of their series at Citi Field to provide some relief for a bullpen that, in Melvin’s words, “been pretty beat up here as of late.”

Rookie right-hander Mason Black was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento and catcher Jakson Reetz was designated for assignment in corresponding moves.

“I got wind of it and I was like, ‘Make it happen now. I’m there. I don’t care. I’ll drive there if they want me to,’” Pomeranz said. “I had anyone on my radar. I was trying to pitch in the big leagues. I was chasing this for – I haven’t pitched in the big leagues since August 2021 — so I was determined not to give up. I’d go anywhere.”

Pomeranz was granted his release by the Dodgers on Thursday, and arrived in New York from Oklahoma City, the home of their Triple-A affiliate, at about 2:30 a.m. Friday. The Dodger-blue cleats didn’t last one hour in his locker. One clubhouse attendant joked of setting them aflame.

In eight appearances at Triple-A, Pomeranz had a 6.00 ERA but had limited opponents to two runs over his past seven outings and struck out 14 batters while issuing only one walk over nine innings. His last outing came against the River Cats in Sacramento, where he fanned five over two scoreless innings.

“I was hoping it was someone who I knew who would give me a shot just because they know me,” he said. “You see all the stuff I’ve been through the last few years, I don’t blame teams for overlooking (me). The Angels definitely ran me through it this spring. But I just kept pushing.”

Since his half-season stint in San Francisco, going 2-9 with a 5.68 ERA, Pomeranz reinvented himself as a shutdown reliever and was rewarded with a four-year, $34 million contract from the Padres after the 2019 season. He lived up to the deal, with a 1.62 ERA in 41 appearances, until his elbow began to bark in an Aug. 10 game against Marlins. He recorded two outs and earned a hold in what could have been his final big-league game.

The original nine-month timetable for the operation on his flexor tendon turned into three years. He went on three rehab assignments and suffered setbacks each time. The contract he signed with San Diego expired after last season, and he took a minor-league deal with the Angels on the first day of spring training.

“I basically took the first offer I got,” he said. “I didn’t want to just hang out. I didn’t care about contracts or whatever; I just wanted to play baseball.”

All around him, he said, people asked, “You’ve got 10 years (of service time), why are you still playing?” He was an All-Star and a World Series champion who had appeared in nearly 300 games over the course of a long and successful career.

“I just need to finish on a good note,” he told them. “Whatever that is.”

Pomeranz’s guess is as good as anybody’s.

Since Opening Day, the Giants have asked their relievers to cover more innings (200) than all but two other teams (Miami and Oakland). The burden on the bullpen only increased on the first leg of their road trip as the Giants played extra innings in consecutive games while getting less than four innings from their starter in either contest.

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“We were looking for some experience and a major-league arm, especially from the left side, today to give us a little bit of break for the bullpen,” said Melvin, who managed him Oakland and San Diego. “He’s at a point in time of his career where he could say, ‘You know what, I’m done.’ But he doesn’t. He still wants to play and he still wants to pitch. He’s had a nice career when healthy while doing it. It’s nice to have him here.”

It’s not clear what the Giants’ plans for the veteran reliever are after Friday’s game.

Pomeranz will always know that he made it back.

“Finally,” he said, “back here today.

“It’s what I’ve been chasing the past few years. I was so close. And there was just something that would always happen.”

College baseball: Farfan, Otters knock off Pt. Loma in Super Regionals

SAN DIEGO — Max Farfan never saw the field in the month of March. In fact, had a personal decision from a teammate to leave the team not occurred, his role on the bench might have remained in place.

While the bat was slow to come around once inserted into the lineup at the end of the regular season, Farfan took some advice from Cal State Monterey Bay coach Walt White and embraced it.

“I just took myself out of the equation and played selfless for the team,” Farfan said. “I was trying to do too much. Now the results are coming in.”

The former Salinas High standout ripped a two-run homer in the ninth inning Friday, erasing a one-run deficit, igniting a six-run uprising in propelling the Otters to a 10-5 win over host Pt. Loma in the NCAA Division II Super Regionals.

The Otters (39-19) are one win away from advancing in the best-of-three series to their first Division II World Series, which will begin on June 1 in Cary, North Carolina.

“The message to the team after the game is lets not get too excited about one win,” White said. “The job isn’t done. We still have some scars from being in this position last year.”

CSUMB, who tied the single-season school record for wins with 39, is in the Super Regionals for the second straight year, having fallen in two games last year to San Bernardino.

“We’ve been in big games for the last month,” White said. “We had to win our last five conference games to win the title. We had comeback wins in the tournament. And we had to win two games in the regionals to get here. We’re battled tested.”

Champions of the PacWest Conference, Pt. Loma (43-11) will have to beat CSUMB twice on Saturday if it wants to return to the World Series for the second time in three years.

“Getting that next win is not going to be easy,” said Farfan, who after college stops in Texas and Illinois, has found a home with CSUMB. “I love it here.”

The Sea Lions came into the game having won seven consecutive games. Ironically, CSUMB had beaten Pt. Loma seven straight times in San Diego.

“Something had to give,” White said.

The reigning three-time California Collegiate Athletic Association champions have used ninth inning magic on two other occasions in the postseason, rallying for five runs in the conference tournament to beat San Francisco State.

“I was hoping, thinking it,” White said. “But you don’t know if it will happen. Getting the leadoff guy on when you’re down by a run puts pressure on the opponent. Big innings happen because you build them.”

This time the Otters erupted for six runs in the ninth inning, with Farfan erasing a one-run deficit with a two-run homer with one out.

“I just trying to see the ball, hit the ball,” said the right-handed hitting second baseman. “I wasn’t trying to do too much. But when you know, you know. I hit it hard.”

Farfan, who had one homer in the regular season, has hit four in the postseason, including three in one game in the West Regionals last Saturday to keep CSUMB’s season alive.

“Max was putting too much pressure on himself, too much emphasis on results,” White said. “He wasn’t enjoying the game. I told him make baseball enjoyable again. Make practice fun. It will come back to you. He has a little more pep in his step. “There’s not a player having more fun playing baseball right now than Max Farfan.”

The Otters were familiar with Pt. Loma, having dropped three of four to them in the preseason — ultimately the difference in who hosted this best-of-three series.

Jaden Sheppard continued his torrid and timely hitting for the Otters with three more hits, including his team leading 15th homer in the sixth inning to tie the game at four.

Cole Murchison added a solo homer in the fourth and delivered a two-run single during CSUMB’s six-run ninth, providing insurance runs.

“We got stubborn and patient at the plate,” White said. “We took a couple of walks. We needed all those runs. This place is not easy to manage.”

Aiden Lee tossed a scoreless ninth for the Otters, striking out a pair, with Ryan Io throwing a perfect eighth inning to pick up the win in relief — his fourth in the postseason. Both relievers threw less than 30 pitches.

“I thought Aiden pitched well,” White said. “He came up big with a couple of big strikeouts. Aiden and Ryan’s pitch count was not too heavy. Both should be able available to relieve.”

Nate Rohlicek hurled the first seven innings for the Otters, allowing six hits, while striking out four. Mitchell Torres will likely get the start on Saturday.

San Jose man sentenced for human trafficking in Salinas

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that Courtney Davenport, 43, from San Jose had been sentenced to 10 years in state prison on one count of human trafficking of an adult for commercial sex purposes and one count of domestic violence. In addition to the prison sentence, Davenport will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The Salinas Police Department got a 911 call back in February 2023 from a Jane Doe, an adult and resident of Wisconsin, who was calling from a restaurant on Kern Street. When police arrived, she explained that her boyfriend, Davenport, had hit her after she refused to leave their motel room and engage in commercial sex work for Davenport’s financial benefit according to the release from the DA’s Office. In response, Davenport allegedly struck Jane Doe in the eye with his elbow. As she was speaking with police, Davenport came out of a different restaurant and started yelling. He was detained and found to be in possession of a knife, said police.

Police conducted multiple interviews, searched the motel room and searched through cell phones to find that Davenport appeared to have been forcing Jane Doe to engage in sex acts for his financial gain. This included forcing Jane Doe to abide by a set of strict rules which controlled her movements though tracking, held financial control over her day-to-day activities and threatened her with violence whenever she refused.

Police say Davenport controlled what sex acts Jane Doe would perform, for whom she would perform them, how much she had to charge and how much she had to make each before she was allowed to return to their motel room.

Law enforcement authorities ask that if you or someone you know is being forced to engage in commercial sex work or some other type of labor, call 911 or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Rep. Panetta’s Office announces $6 million grant for floodplain restoration

CARMEL VALLEY >> Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, announced a $6 million federal grant has been awarded to the California State Coastal Conservancy for ongoing work on the Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project.

The grant was awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Coastal Zone Management Program to help restore a 1-mile section of the Carmel River that is needed to connect the historic floodplain habitat.

The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District collaborated with numerous federal, state and local government agencies in addition to non-profits to start the restoration of a migration and spawning habitat for South-Central California Coast steelhead trout and other species. This project is also expected to enhance multiple wildlife corridors and create new opportunities for nature-based environmental education and recreation, according to Panetta’s office. The reconnected, lowered floodplains are expected to create a self-sustaining, climate-resilient river system that can respond to a changing climate.

“Through this new federal investment, we will empower community partners in their work to restore the Carmel River watershed’s floodplain which is essential to sustaining the wide variety of wildlife found in our home,” Panetta said in a press release.  “I’m continuing to ensure the federal government plays its part in the stewardship and conservation of our natural world so that we can share its wonder with the next generation.”

Right now, the Carmel River watershed contains over 100 stream miles of high-quality spawning grounds, but the floodplain is practically nonexistent. A natural floodplain is essential to the survival of local fish and native vegetation, according to the press release, while also providing a slow water refuge during high-flow events.

The project will also strive to accommodate the existing public trails on the property and will consider other public access amenities that are compatible with habitat protection, according to Panetta’s office.

‘Hush trip’ hideouts: Where to go for your next remote work vacation

Terika L. Haynes | (TNS) TravelPulse

COVID-19 changed our lives and gave us a new normal on many things including the way that we work and where we work from. An increasing number of employees are embracing the concept of “hush trips” — a secret vacation away from the office that combines remote work with an enjoyable getaway.

A hush trip, sometimes called a workcation, gives employees a change of scenery away from their regular office environment to achieve their work responsibilities while also balancing vacation activities including dining, wellness, outdoor adventures, and more. The name “hush” reflects the fact that typically the employer does not know that their employee is out of town and on vacation.

While there are some that are against hush trips, there can be some benefits that include:

Work-life balance — Traveling to a new destination can provide a more favorable work-life balance. Employees can leave workplace stress behind while still tending to professional duties from a relaxing environment better suited for work-life integration.

Renewed focus — A change of scenery and routine can reinvigorate employees’ motivation, mental sharpness, and creativity. New sights and experiences recharge their focus.

Wellness boost — With more time for fitness, mindfulness, sleep, and nutrition, hush trips are a prime opportunity to reboot mental and physical health.

Relationship strengthening — Bringing a partner or family along can maximize quality time together in a new, exciting setting.

Cultural experiences — Immersion in a different locale allows for new cultures, cuisines, and customs that can broaden horizons.

The rise of remote work has made hush trips a viable option for many professionals looking to mix business with leisure (“bleisure”) while they are traveling. With just a laptop and WiFi, employees can embrace the digital nomad lifestyle for days or weeks at a time at accommodations and destinations that are responding to the increased demand of remote workers for bleisure travel. An increasing number of hotels are rolling out specialized packages catering to those seeking a workcation experience. There are also a number of destinations that are welcoming travelers for hush trips. Here are some standout “hush trip” offerings:

AC Clearwater Beach (Clearwater Beach, Florida)

The AC Clearwater Beach Hotel has created a fabulous offer for hush trip travelers. Their Hush Trip Haven package includes a Worker’s Welcome Packet that has a portable charging dock, printing credits, a branded notepad, an eye mask for rest, lavender sachets for relaxation, a complimentary drink voucher, and a door hanger with custom messaging for the room service team. Guests will also have access to a personal refreshment concierge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make sure that they stay energized and hydrated without distraction.

For guests who do not want to work in their rooms, they will have access to a dedicated co-working space in the AC Business Center, equipped with essential amenities. If guests need a space for virtual meetings they will receive priority access to the AC Media Salon. To entice guests to stay longer, Hush Trip Haven guests can enjoy a 10% discount on stays of three or more weekday nights.

Bayfront Marin House in St. Augustine, Florida. (Cheri Alguire/Dreamstime/TNS)

Bayfront Marin House (St. Augustine, Florida)

The Bayfront Marin House is a great option for guests who want an intimate vacation experience during their hush trip. The historic inn offers the Working Hard Hush Trip package that includes complimentary breakfast daily, a portable desk, printer access, and happy hour. Bayfront Marin House is also a wonderful option for couples who wish to travel together as they offer a complimentary trolley ticket for the non-working guest to occupy themselves during the day and in-room couples massage treatments. The Working Hard Hush Trip Package is currently available as an add-on to any reservation.

Grey Havens Inn (Georgetown, Maine)

At Grey Havens Inn they promise not to tell your boss if you indulge in their Hush Trip Extended Stay Package. This package includes daily breakfast, free internet, a complimentary upgrade, a welcome pack of snacks and libations, and personalized afternoon itineraries for guests to enjoy once all of their work is completed. Guests can receive 25% off if they stay 7 days or longer.

The William Vale (Brooklyn, New York)

The William Vale hotel is an excellent option for luxury travelers who are looking to take a hush trip work trip while simultaneously seeking leisurely experiences whilst in the city. The hotel offers their Workin Williamsburg package to employees who wish to work under the radar. The package includes a discount of up to 20% off of guest rooms and suites, complimentary daily breakfast, and a complimentary day pass to The Malin Williamsburg, a design-forward communal workspace located inside of the hotel’s building.

Destinations

While hotels are rolling out enticing hush trip packages, there are some cities that are also getting in on the action. Recognizing the appeal of destinations that combine remote work opportunities with urban amenities and outdoor adventures, these destinations are actively courting digital nomads and traveling professionals:

Visit Pittsburgh

Known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions, Pittsburgh welcomes employees to experience hush trips amidst all that the city has to offer. Travelers can explore parks, museums, and serene neighborhoods. The former industrial city is rolling out the red carpet for digital nomads as they provide a detailed list and tips on where to stay, where to dine, and things to do while visiting the city.

Visit Dallas

With plentiful hotel options, free public WiFi lounges, and a lively mix of urban and outdoor pursuits, Dallas provides a perfect setting for hush trips. The city promises to keep your trip “hush-hush” and offers a range of bleisure experiences for travelers to enjoy during their hush trip. Dallas provides an extensive list of ‘hotspots for hush trips’ including coworking spaces and non-traditional spaces with free wi-fi for travelers to easily attend to their work obligations.

Hush trips offer a valuable opportunity for employees to recharge and revamp their productivity while exploring a new destination. Whether you choose to escape to a comfortable hotel property or explore a fun destination, a break away from the office will help you to prioritize work-life balance and mental well-being during your hush trip experience. Embrace the vacation vibes with a hush trip and then return to the office refreshed, ready to tackle new challenges with renewed energy and clarity.

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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes May 24, 2024: John C. Reilly, stand behind your word

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Mark Ballas, 38; John C. Reilly, 59; Priscilla Presley, 79; Bob Dylan, 83.

Happy Birthday: Preparation is your key to overcoming adversity this year. Knowing what you want and scouring the internet for answers will lower the chance of mistakes. Don’t be afraid to enforce pressure when necessary; you’ll set the standard you want others to follow. Stand behind your word, and you’ll gain respect and a leadership position. A commitment will lead to stability and security. Your numbers are 3, 12, 18, 23, 31, 37, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t limit what you can do. Work around obstacles, and you’ll prove you can handle whatever responsibility you face. Actions speak louder than words and will win you a seat at the table when it’s time to discuss what’s next. Put your best foot forward. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You need time to ponder your options. Consider your budget, who you may have to deal with or where your journey will take you. Change will arrive unexpectedly, and being ready mentally, physically and financially will help you make better decisions and get stellar results. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sign up for something interesting. What you discover about yourself and the journey you want to pursue will put your mind at rest. Expanding your credentials and reloading your resume with skills will point you in an exciting direction. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Reposition yourself for success. Put your skills, knowledge and experience to the test. Don’t fear a challenge; use your imagination to make the impossible functional. The spin you put on an old idea or concept will give it life. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate, blow off steam and test your physical skills. A personal challenge will encourage you to show off to someone you want to impress. Set the bar high and give your all. Love, commitment and finding your happy place are within reach. Relax and enjoy the moment. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a moment to review, recover and redo what isn’t working for you, and you will find a solution that helps you regain momentum and point you in a positive direction. A change of location, associates and direction will send you down a better path. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Set a budget, plan with a destination in place and pursue your dream. Associate with positive people and allow positive influences to infiltrate your plans. Nothing will stand in your way once you establish what you want to do and who you want to stand beside. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Believe in your abilities, skills and experience, and display what you can offer others to discover. Leave nothing to chance; be clear regarding important details you pass along to someone else. Take responsibility, run the show and control the outcome. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Emotional matters will fluctuate, leaving you vulnerable. Refrain from limiting what you can achieve by hinting at something unimportant. Stick to what you know, and be precise with details. A change or move is in your best interest. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Try something new. The people you meet will offer valid suggestions that encourage you to rethink how you use your skills, money and knowledge to advance. A lifestyle change will be eye-opening and help you gain insight into revising your budget to suit your needs. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get out of the house and into something that can brighten your day. Spending time with someone special or getting back to nature or a hobby you enjoy will give you the boost you need to feel exhilarated. Self-improvement will lead to compliments, and romance is favored. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Shake things up and see what’s left. Question anything and anyone who doesn’t appear to be on the same page as you. Finding your tribe will lead to personal growth and connect you with individuals who can offer support and guidelines to help you reach your objective. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are gentle, kind and enthusiastic. You are ambitious and fortunate.

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.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. 

CCS softball playoffs: Monterey to chase third straight section title

SAN JOSE — Sequels rarely live up to the hype.

Yet, if Monterey and Salinas come close to the fireworks displayed in last season’s Central Coast Section Division II softball title game, it will be memorable.

The reigning two-time CCS champion Toreadores will chase a third straight title — this time in Division I, after salvaging a 4-3 win over Branham Thursday at MacDonald’s High in San Jose.

The title game will be a rematch of last year’s Division II championship battle with Salinas, in which Ella Myer’s walk-off two-run homer gave Monterey a dramatic 4-2 win.

“I try not to look past the opponent,” Myers said. “But yeah, I knew it was a possibility in the back of my head. I know them and they know me. I’m looking forward to it.”

The two Gabilan Division rivals met twice this year in the regular season, with Myers shutting out Salinas twice by identical 2-0 results.

“I watch a lot of film from previous games,” Myers said. “With each batter, I try and notice patterns in their swings and what they tend to do, what pitches they missed the last time. It’s insanely hard to beat a team three times.”

Dating back to 2022, the No. 3 seeded Toreadores (21-7) have won eight consecutive CCS postseason games, capturing a Northern California Division III title in 2022.

With five strikeouts Thursday, Myers went over 500 strikeouts in her first three seasons at Monterey, earning her 17th win of the season, finishing with five strikeouts.

“I knew Branham was a good hitting team,” Myers said. “I knew I needed to rely on my defense. If I got to 500 strikeouts, great. But I was trying to pitch for outs.”

With the aid of a three-run homer from Ryanna Elliott in the third inning, the Toreadores opened up a 4-1 lead over the upset minded Bruins, who knocked off No. 2 seed Gunn Saturday in the quarterfinals to extend their season.

“I don’t think people realize we’ve moved up a division,” said Myers, who verbally committed to pitch in 2026 for UC Santa Barbara. “We can’t just power through these opponents. Every game is a fight.”

Myers, who added a pair of hits and an RBI, was touched for a run in the fifth, while trading an out for a run in the seventh before inducing the final hitter to fly to deep center.

“I’ll be honest I was praying please catch the ball,” Myers said. “But I knew it wasn’t leaving the yard. I started walking off the field. Because this game was close, it was relief.”

Myers, Ashley Gallagher and Taylor Page all had two hits for Monterey, who has won five straight and eight of its last nine games.

Santa Teresa 10, North Salinas 0, five innings: Living up to their No. 2 seed in Division III, Santa Teresa has been on a mission in the postseason, sending the Vikings home in five innings.

In two playoff games, the Saints (16-13) have outscored the opposition 16-1, as they will face defending CCS Division III champion Alvarez on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s title game at a site yet to be determined.

Alvarez (16-12), who has won five straight games, will be seeking its third straight section title, having beaten the Saints 5-2 in last year’s championship game.

North Salinas, who won the CCS Division V title last year, came into the game riding a four-game winning streak, averaging over 10 runs a game.

Yet, for the first time since March 24 and just the third time all year, the Vikings failed to produce a run in seeing their season come to an abrupt close.

“They (Santa Teresa) were that good,” North Salinas coach Bernie Medina said.

Clarissa Corona doubled for North Salinas, while Valerie Nunez added a single, as North Salinas finished the season 12-13.

CCS baseball playoffs: Palma falls in Division III semifinals

SALNAS — There is no preparation for the abruptness of a season coming to a close. Processing it minutes after a game is painstaking for one dugout.

“Trying to process it right now is tough,” Palma baseball coach Brian Neff said. “These kids have put so much into this. The dedication, the improvements. Right now, it really hurts.”

Leaving the potential tying run on base in the seventh inning, the Chieftains will be turning in uniforms Monday after falling 8-7 to Christopher in the Central Coast Section Division III semifinals at Hartnell College.

The two former Gabilan Division rivals were meeting for the second time this spring, with Christopher opening the year with a 12-4 win over Palma back on February 22.

“We had some learning curves this year,” Neff said. “We have some inexperience at some positions. We will convene next week and talk about what we did well and what we need to improve upon. But we’re definitely pointing in the right direction.”

Seeded No. 3 in the tournament, Palma finished the season 17-13. Its last section title came during the 2009 season while in Division III.

“A lot of these kids have been going at it for 10 months,” Neff said. “You don’t plan on your season ending early. It stinks.”

Returning to the finals for the second time in three years, Christopher (18-8) will continue its Gabilan Division tour through the playoffs, as it will face Hollister — 13-0 winners over Pioneer — on Saturday in the championship game in San Jose.

In two postseason games, the No. 8 seeded Balers have outscored the opposition 24-0, knocking off the No. 1 and No. 4 seeded teams.

On the heels of a 5-4 walk-off win over Westmont last Saturday, the Chieftains took that momentum into the semifinals by producing two runs in the top of the first with RBI coming from Manny Dorantes and Kaleb Shannon.

The lead, however, was brief as the No. 2 seeded Cougars answered with five runs in the bottom of the inning, tacking on a another run in the second to open up a four-run cushion.

“Our Achillies heel all year is we haven’t been able to throw strikes at a consistent rate,” Neff said. “That’s kind of led to our undoing. We don’t have guys that have logged a lot of high school innings.”

A two-run single from the hot-hitting Shannon cut the deficit to two in the fourth, before the Mount Hamilton Athletic League runner-ups answered with a pair of their own, with the aid of a pair of throwing errors.

“What killed us in the end is we made five errors,” Neff said. “That’s super uncharacterized of us. We’ve taken care of the baseball this year. We made some costly mistakes. We had a hard time playing catch.”

The Chieftains stung the ball at the plate the entire game. Even their outs were hit hard as Johnny Carnazzo’s third hit of the game drove in a run in the fifth, followed by Rocco Razzeca run-scoring single.

Yet, having the bases loaded in the sixth with one out and manufacturing just one run on a single from Aiden Velez took the wind out of their sales as Christopher induced a double-play to end the threat.

“If I was to ever bet money, I would have believed we would have taken the lead,” Neff said. “The ball was hit hard. It was just hit right at the shortstop.”

Even Palma’s last out to end the game was a sharply hit line drive into the glove of a Christopher player.

The Chieftains finished with 16 hits with Carnazzo, Bubba Martinez and the Cal bound Dorantes each collecting three hits. Razzeca, Shannon and Andre Medina all finished with a pair.