Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 476

Jung Hoo Lee has structural damage in shoulder, but SF Giants don’t know next steps yet

SAN FRANCISCO — By the looks of it Tuesday afternoon, Jung Hoo Lee didn’t seem to be a man destined for season-ending surgery.

The Giants’ 25-year-old center fielder was all smiles as he walked through the home clubhouse before the second game of their series against the Dodgers. His dislocated left shoulder hung from a gray team-branded T-shirt, free of any supportive sling, while he joked around with some of his teammates.

Lee’s upbeat demeanor struck a different tone than the official update released by the club an hour or so later, which confirmed that he had suffered structural damage in his shoulder when he crashed into the center field wall in the first inning of Sunday’s win over the Reds.

Whether or not Lee requires surgery will be determined by a meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Thursday, though consultations with the renowned orthopedic surgeon often end on the operating table.

Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | Overmatched, undermanned SF Giants lose 5th in a row to mighty Dodgers San Francisco Giants | Blake Snell to make final rehab start before rejoining SF Giants’ rotation San Francisco Giants | In loss to Dodgers, SF Giants blow chance to build 3-game winning streak San Francisco Giants | SF Giants to debut City Connect uniforms Tuesday after production delays San Francisco Giants | What are SF Giants center field options after Jung Hoo Lee’s injury?

“I’d like to have more information for you but I don’t,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We’re getting a second opinion to make sure we have all our Ts crossed, Is dotted, that sort of thing.”

The Giants will announce the next steps determined by Lee’s visit with Dr. ElAttrache on Friday, when he will also take questions from reporters and speak publicly for the first time since the injury.

For now, the only clues to be had regarded his body language. Pointed out that his sidelined center fielder appeared to be in good spirits despite the difficult situation, Melvin responded, “He’s trying to be.

“He’s not happy about it. He wants to be out there with his new team, a fan base that embraces him. He loves playing here. So it’s hard on him.”

CCS boys golf finals: Brandler’s record round leads Stevenson to 16th section title

MONTEREY — Moments after rewriting a course record that had stood for 20 years, Luke Brandler sat on a barstool and took in a soccer game on one of the clubhouses big screens.

Attempting to grasp what he had just achieved on one of golf’s biggest stages for high school, Brandler didn’t want the historic achievement to be about him.

“You know what made me even more happy today is our team score,” the Stevenson junior said. “I was peaking at my phone to check scores on occasion. The performance of my teammates gave me more confidence. It gave me joy.”

No question the defending Central Coast Section champion Pirates put on an exhibition of dominance Tuesday, shooting 11-under as a team to capture their 16th section title by 23 strokes at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

Still, Brandler couldn’t just blend in with his teammates after carding a 9-under 62, breaking the previous record by one stroke, set 2004.

“It’s the best round I’ve ever had,” Brandler said. “I’ve never had anything like it before. Honestly, it hasn’t really set in. I’m kind of in awe of myself. I didn’t miss a shot.”

Brandler, who helped lead Stevenson to a CCS soccer title as a goalie and is the only individual to be a part of two CCS title teams this year, collected nine birdies — including the first five holes.

“Everything was feeling good,” Brandler said. “I just rode that confidence. The crazy thing is the score could have been lower. I had a couple of shots for birdie lip out.”

As Brandler’s score continued to dip, his teammates fed off his effort as four players finished even par or better, with Steven Lai carding a 2-uder 62.

Lai, who shared medalist honors with Brandler at the Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division finals two weeks ago, shot his best round at Laguna Seca.

“When you see Luke 6-under after nine holes, it allows you to relax a little,” Lai said. “I was consistent today. Everything was good today. If we play like this as a team over the next two weeks, we’ve got a shot at state.”

Stevenson, who shot 366 last week in winning the CCS Regionals by 19 strokes, improved by 22 strokes in defending its CCS title over runner-up Crystal Springs Upland, with Bellarmine finishing a distant third.

Adam Rohizam puts a chip shot within a foot of the 16th hole for Stevenson at Tuesday's CCS golf championships pic.twitter.com/8ZGsBBiHtz

— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) May 14, 2024

“Anyone of these guys can shoot under par,” Stevenson coach Justin Bates said. “That’s what gives us a chance. We are in a much better place from a head standpoint than last year. We’re so tested.”

The Pirates, who have the distinction of beating reigning two-time state meet champion De La Salle twice this year, will look to dethrone them first in next Monday’s Northern California Championships in Berkeley.

“These kids play for each other,” Bates said. “That hasn’t always been the case with past teams. These kids are putting in the work in practice. I’m just trying to help mold them into good human beings.”

Johshveer Chadha shot a 1-under 70 for Stevenson, with Calvin Etcheverry firing an even par 71. Adam Rohizam, the only senior that counted in the scoring — and shared medalist honors last week with Brandler, was 2-over.

“Our goal was to defend our CCS title,” Lai said. “There are so many good teams moving forward. We didn’t play well last year at NorCal and it cost us. I don’t know if it’s incentive. We have lot of confidence going forward.”

Brandler, who tuned up for the CCS finals by capturing the NCGA Four-Ball competition over the weekend with partner Finn McCall at Spyglass, felt sharp after his first shot off the tee was somewhat errant.

“It definitely helped my game winning that tournament,” the 17-year-old Brandler said. “Playing over the weekend helped me figure out some flaws in my swing. Coming back and birding that first hole set the tone.”

While the 6-foot-2 Brandler will likely feel the emotion of his achievement when he gets home, duplicating the effort is not on his agenda for next week.

“I don’t know if I can duplicate it,” Brandler said. “Today was a great day for the team. But we have to move off what we did today. It doesn’t matter next week. We have to focus on what’s ahead.”

The Pirates have not been to the state tournament as a team since 2014.

Joining Stevenson at the Northern California championships will be Alex Jarvis, who shot 2-under 69 to earn one of the four individual qualifying spots for Salinas.

Jarvis, who shot eight strokes better than at least week’s CCS Regionals, was part of the first foursome that went out, playing 18 holes in just a little over four hours.

“We were in a pretty good rhythm through 15 holes,” Jarvis said. “The goal was stay into it mentally. I wanted to shoot well to keep my team in it.”

Salinas finished sixth as a team. The top three teams and four individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the Northern California Championships.

The day didn’t start well for Jarvis after a double-bogey on his first hole. The junior, though, stayed composed and rebounded to birdie the next hole.

“I had to let it go,” Jarvis said. “I took the momentum from that birdie and kept it. I was driving the ball and putting well over the first nine holes. I burned a few edges on putts. But I was striking it well all day. Eventually they will fall.”

Following Jarvis for the Cowboys was Max Perez (77), John Georgariou (80), Luke Borel (81) and Drew Kapsalis (77). York’s Taiga Minami finished with a 77.

Police in France search for inmate after prison convoy attack

By Saskya Vandoorne, Julen Chavin and Joshua Berlinger | CNN

French authorities launched a manhunt on Tuesday after gunmen ambushed a prison convoy in Normandy to break out an inmate, killing two guards and wounding three others.

The violent incident, extremely rare for that part of northern France, took place as the vehicle was transporting a prisoner from court to a nearby prison, French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said.

Video from the scene showed a black SUV in flames that appeared to have crashed into a prison van near a motorway toll booth, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported. Two hooded individuals could be seen carrying what appeared to be long rifles.

Dupond-Moretti told reporters that the incident was the first time a French prison employee had died while working since 1992. He added that one of the guards leaves behind a wife and two children, and the other a spouse who was five months’ pregnant. Dupond-Moretti added that two of those hurt sustained life-threatening injuries.

The gunmen are still at large, national police said on X.

“Everything, and I mean everything, will be done to find the perpetrators of this heinous crime. These are people for whom life means nothing. They will be arrested. They will be tried. And they will be punished for the crime they committed,” Dupond-Moretti said.

A manhunt is underway to find suspects who carried out the prison break and the inmate, a 30-year-old who had been convicted of burglary and is being investigated for a kidnapping related to death, according to the French national prosecutor in charge of organized crime, which has already opened an investigation into the incident.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on X he has mobilized the national gendarmerie and “several hundred” police officers for the manhunt. Authorities on the scene are setting up roadblocks and establishing a perimeter, BFMTV reported.

Vehicles found

On Tuesday evening local time, French police said they had discovered two burnt out vehicles used by the attackers.

Paris state prosecutor Laure Beccuau told a press conference that the two vehicles were found in Houtteville and in Gauville-le-Campagne, two towns in the département of Eure where the attack took place near the Incarville tollbooth shortly before 11am local time (5aET).

One of the vehicles, a Peugeot, had been used to ram the police van during the attack, Becuau said. The other vehicle, an Audi, had been following the van and carried the two gunmen.

Forensic experts have been carrying out “meticulous tests” at the scene of the crime, and police had been studying video of the attack filmed by eyewitnesses and posted on social media, Beccuau told the press conference.

The prosecutor also revealed more details about the escaped inmate, identifying him as Mohamed Amra, and saying he is “very well known to the justice system,” having sustained a total 13 convictions.

Most of those convictions related to incidences of theft with aggravated offences, Beccuau said, adding that Amra had been incarcerated in various facilities since January 2022.

A minimum of three police officers had been decided as the security level for the escort several weeks ago, Beccuau told journalists. In the end, five officers were involved in the escort.

A 52-year-old officer and 34-year-old officer were both killed during the attack whilst their colleagues, a 48-year-old, a 52-year-old and a 55-year-old were all injured, she said.

On May 10, Amra was found guilty on the charge of burglary by a court in Évreux and was also under investigation in Marseille for a kidnap which led to a death, Beccuau said.

The prosecutor said the authorities’ priority now is getting to the bottom of this “outburst of violence.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that “every effort is being made to find the perpetrators of this crime so that justice can be done in the name of the French people.”

Recipe: Here’s how to slow roast vine-on tomatoes

Nancy Silverton, chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, slow-roasts tomatoes to perfection. She uses small, on-the-vine tomatoes and slow roasts the colorful orbs slathered with extra-virgin olive oil. Their skins shrivel but the tomatoes remain plump.

There are myriad ways to serve them. Once cooled, the room-temp, stem-on tomatoes can sit atop a generous mound of rich fresh burrata cheese graced with coarse salt and a smidgen of basil pesto.

I also like to serve them atop cooked store-bought ravioli that has been tossed with olive oil or lemon olive oil and minced fresh herbs (such as basil and parsley), seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I garnish the dish with slivers of pitted Kalamata olives.

Slow-Roasted Vine-On TomatoesINGREDIENTS

16 ounces small vine-on tomatoes, such as Campari tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Related ArticlesRestaurants Food and Drink | It’s asparagus season and we couldn’t be happier Restaurants Food and Drink | You may not be able to escape cicadas — but you can eat them Restaurants Food and Drink | This Asparagus, Sorrel and Pine Nut Salad is easy, bright and delicious Restaurants Food and Drink | Recipe: How to make Easy Chipotle Chicken Tacos Restaurants Food and Drink | Step up your outdoor grilling this summer: Beer can chicken is back Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Gently lift tomatoes out of boxes, taking care to keep tomatoes attached to stems as much as possible and place on rack. Brush tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in preheated oven until skins are shriveled but tomatoes are still plump, about 1 to 1½ hours.

Remove tomatoes from oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Use tomatoes immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate up to three days. Bring tomatoes to room temperature before serving.

— “The Mozza Cookbook” by Nancy Silverton with Matt Molina and Carolynn Carreno (Knopf, $35)

For more food and drink coveragefollow us on Flipboard.

Rancho Cielo, Hope, Horses and Kids, showcase program at open house event

SALINAS – Horsing around is not often encouraged in a school setting, but with Equine-Assisted Learning introduced at Rancho Cielo, horses can play a big role in student’s education and preparation for life after graduation.

The grand opening of the Hope, Horses and Kids new location at Rancho Cielo, 710 Old Stage Rd., in Salinas, will be celebrated May 26, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with an open house event that will include activities for all ages, and meeting the horses, goats and mini horses that are part of the program. Guests will also have the opportunity to speak with Hope, Horses and Kids staff members while enjoying coffee, donuts and items from a food truck. Scheduled activities include “Equine-Assisted Learning” starting at 11 a.m., followed by “Horse-Powered Reading” at 1 p.m., providing engaging experiences for attendees of all interests.

Equine-Assisted Learning is based on the idea that horses can help create new ways of thinking and behaving.

Established in 2000, Rancho Cielo is a comprehensive learning and social services center for underserved and disconnected youth in Monterey County who share its vision of their future success. Its goal is self-sufficiency, and the self-esteem it generates, for all young people.

“Touching lives one hoofbeat at a time,” Hope, Horses and Kids was founded in 2010 filling a need for children, especially those with special needs, in Monterey County, according to the organization.

Founder and Executive Director Lori Tuttle said she has been doing equine-assisted learning work for about 25 years.

The nonprofit has moved entirely out to the Rancho Cielo campus since February, becoming part of the curriculum and continuing to provide its brand of services to the community.

Hope, Horses and Kids Lead Facilitator Emily Pedrazzi explained that the program provides a variety of experiences and activities to a diverse group of clients each week. Its programs offer support to individuals with physical disabilities as well as those with emotional, cognitive and behavioral challenges.

“Horses are intuitive and mirror our emotions,” said Pedrazzi.

The facilitating part comes in as we know our horses, their body language and expressions. Working with them day-to-day, we develop a partnership with them and begin to become in tune with them, said Tuttle. They will often drive the direction of the lesson, giving the kids and teens we’re helping to identify their emotions and feelings, allowing them the ability to slow down and connect.

The program also benefits the animals who have exceeded their usefulness to the owners who had them previously.

The horses are donated to Hope, Horses and Kids and find their own voices as the program allows them to be who they are, have a say or have an opinion, said Pedrazzi. Sometimes they say ‘no’ and that’s OK. They are often shutdown because they were not able to have an opinion, but blossom and show their true personality once they are part of the program.

“We let them be who they are,” said Pedrazzi, who added that it is a lesson not lost on the kids and teens they are helping.

The nonprofit Hope, Horses and Kids, has moved entirely out to the Rancho Cielo campus since Feb., becoming part of the curriculum and continuing to provide its brand of services to the community. (Photo courtesy of Hope, Horses and Kids)

Hope, Horses and Kids is currently part of Rancho Cielo’s educational offerings and has brought professionally-facilitated, equine-assisted learning activities to the campus.

Working with the students, Hope, Horses and Kids realized it could develop aspects of leadership skills and how to become a good leader, through its program at Rancho Cielo.

It is about teaching basic life skills, such as empathy and effective communication, to be a productive member of society, said Tuttle.

“Horsemanship is one of seven Enrichment Programs we’ve rolled out over the last couple of years, along with beekeeping, visual arts and canine training, to name a few,” said Adam Joseph, Rancho Cielo spokesman. “In addition to HHK, local nonprofits, including UnChained, the Arts Council for Monterey County and others, have partnered with us to make these programs happen.”

With the Equestrian Program at Rancho Cielo, students develop life skills for educational, personal and professional growth, according to Rancho Cielo. Activities often center on problem-solving, relationship building and critical thinking, assisting students to develop trust, self-confidence, discipline, awareness and focus, among other skills, through the equine-human bond. Students also gain basic horsemanship in the process.

“There are about 40 Rancho students currently taking the horsemanship program,” said Joseph.

The organization’s expansion into Rancho Cielo aligns with its mission to provide enriching experiences and support to the community. It serves the students weekly and offers a range of programs, including horsemanship, life skills and emotional care.

Rancho Cielo offers vocational training and high school education in partnership with John Muir Charter Schools, according to the school. Students can earn a Western Association of Schools and Colleges-accredited high school diploma or equivalent, leave prepared to enter the workforce and/or enroll in post-secondary education.

Hope, Horses and Kids makes horses and horse care available to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The nonprofit is proud to be collaborating with Rancho Cielo, open to the community at large and offering programming to all kids, not just Rancho Cielo students, to make horses accessible to everyone.

The new location will allow Hope, Horses and Kids to broaden its reach and introduce its programs to a broader audience. Legacy horsemanship lessons and Horse Powered Reading sessions will now be accessible to more individuals, including those seeking alternative educational options and support.

Photos: Sports stars, celebrities rep new Golden State Valkyries merch

The new name and logo for the Bay Area WNBA team the Golden State Valkyries took flight Tuesday with a number of notable names touting the team and merch on Day 1.

Oakland-native Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the team to the league officially.

Welcome to the league, Valkyries! Glad to see you representing the Bay Area in the WNBA. https://t.co/peFxIc8TEr

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 14, 2024

And actress Tessa Thompson who played a in Marvel’s Avengers series called herself an “Instant Fan.”

Tessa Thompson’s a fan pic.twitter.com/Xl9VP4NymD

— Heather Lea (@vetmed11) May 14, 2024

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and members of the team showed off their shirts. The Valkyries and the Warriors are sports siblings and share the same owners and home court at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Squad is already reppin’!

Welcome to the family, Golden State Valkyries pic.twitter.com/kNLMsChN3d

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 14, 2024

Dubs Golden State Valkyries pic.twitter.com/5iFBidOmqJ

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 14, 2024

University of Connecticut basketball star Paige Bueckers also gave the team colors a shout-out. Bueckers is expected by many to be the No. 1 WNBA draft pick in 2025 — a pick that could bring her to the Bay.

Prettiest colorway ever https://t.co/9A0bEw5dBg

— Paige Bueckers (@paigebueckers1) May 14, 2024

San Francisco native and Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu also can’t wait to watch the team in action.

The Bay’s own Eileen Gu is hyped for the Valkyries pic.twitter.com/JirHds37Wb

— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024

And Good Morning America host Robin Roberts and huge WNBA fan gave the team a plug on her show.

Thanks for reppin’ the Valkyries, @RobinRoberts pic.twitter.com/FsgL6gpHnq

— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024

Check out the hype video narrated by Oakland-native singer Kehlani. She will perform Saturday at Thrive City with other Bay Area artists including E-40, Goapale and P-Lo at the Valkyries Block Party.

We are the Golden State Valkyries

Narrated by Kehlani pic.twitter.com/VGY0AAJKa5

— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024

 

 

High School boys basketball: Driscoll named Palma’s new basketball coach

SALINAS – Owning a office solutions business for 23 years kept Brian Driscoll from pursuing his passion of putting his full attention into leading his own basketball program.

As head basketball coaching opportunities at San Ramon High and De La Salle were turned down by Driscoll, he also wondered whether he had passed up opportunities of a lifetime.

“Turning down the De La Salle job was hard,” Driscoll recalled. “I was close. I passed up a couple of good ones because the timing just wasn’t right back then. I had a business and a young family.”

Brian Driscoll is Palma’s new head basketball coach. (Courtesy photo)

When he sold his business two years ago it opened an avenue. When the Palma High position was vacated, Driscoll found a home.

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m transitioning,” said Driscoll, who was named Palma’s new basketball coach recently. “I have always loved coaching. This time the timing was right to run my own program.”

Having assisted at various levels for more than two decades, the former St. Mary’s guard didn’t know if his opportunities had run their course.

“I have dedicated my life to basketball,” Driscoll said. “I’ve always been a gym rat. The sport has been great to me. But I had a business and a young family. I couldn’t make a full commitment.”

Having seen his oldest son Luke follow in his footsteps at Stevenson in being named the Herald’s Co-Player of the Year in 2020, Driscoll felt the time was right to chase his passion.

“My first thought when the job opened up is I was surprised,” Driscoll said. “I thought it would be a good fit. It’s a sweet spot in my life. I love leadership and basketball.”

Driscoll will be replacing Kelley Lopez, who stepped down after a decade on the job, having guided Palma to a State Division IV finals appearance in 2016 and five Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division titles.

“I have never run from a challenge,” Driscoll said. “I welcome expectations. That was the appeal to me at Palma. There is a tradition of excellence. The resume here is impressive.”

To help with the transition, Driscoll will keep longtime assistants Chad and Matt Amaral, who bring more than 20 years of coaching experience.

“I have so much respect for both of them,” Driscoll said. “We had some great battles when I was at Stevenson in the 1990s. I remember driving up to watch them win a state title.”

Driscoll spent 12 years as an assistant coach at San Ramon from 2002-2014 and two years in a similar position at De La Salle.

When his family returned to the Monterey Peninsula in 2018, the Cleveland native coached Palma’s seventh- and eighth-grade teams and spent a year on Lopez’s staff in 2022.

“It’s a very special place,” Driscoll said. “I want to embrace that and put everything I have into this.”

Owners of 19 straight postseason appearances – including two in the CCS’s Open Division — the Chieftains are coming off a pair of 12-14 overall seasons.

“You don’t take a job based solely on talent,” Driscoll said. “What draws me and gets me excited are the people, tradition and leadership. I love the energy and the guys in the program.”

Driscoll won’t be a stranger next season, having coached most of the current core of players at the seventh- and eighth-grade levels two years ago.

“I’m very optimistic of us coming together as a team,” Driscoll said. “I can’t wait to lead them. I can’t underscore my excitement enough.”

While Driscoll won’t officially meet with the team until later this week, he’s already reached out to some of the players through texts.

Last year’s roster for Palma was made up of five sophomores and a freshman, all of which were brought up to play, with an emphasis on the future.

“I know a lot of the kids,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been around them before for workouts. We’ll lay out our summer schedule. There is a lot of work to do. I’m so excited to get this going.”

Driscoll may still be pinching himself. The stars hadn’t aligned in the past for this moment to come to fruition.

“You do wonder if the right opportunity will present itself again when you keep passing on jobs – good jobs,” Driscoll said. “I consider myself fortunate. I believe I have a lot to give to the game and to these kids and this school.”

Horoscopes May 14, 2024: Cate Blanchett, don’t let yourself down

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Miranda Cosgrove, 31; Cate Blanchett, 55; Tim Roth, 63; George Lucas, 80.

Happy Birthday: Remember your purpose. Being the one to initiate change is necessary. Strive to find your peace and strength. Distance yourself from users, and pay more attention to what’s important to you. Actions are the road to personal gratification. Don’t let yourself down. Put a to-do list in place and start the personal cleansing process. Your numbers are 3, 10, 18, 27, 32, 35, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Revisit activities that put a smile on your face or passion in your heart and consider reintroducing such things into your life. An active lifestyle that encourages physical strength and a positive attitude will get you back on track and ready to conquer your dreams. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take the time to map out your best route. Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you or cause you to second-guess what you want in your life. Take better care of yourself physically, and pour your energy into gathering information and making intelligent decisions. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let anyone decide what’s best for you. Mull over your options, size up what’s involved and the time it will take, and press forward enthusiastically. It’s time to call the shots; do not hand over the reins when control will help you reach your goal. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Refuse to let emotional baggage weigh you down. Step out, participate and do your best to impact those you encounter throughout the day positively. You will receive insight and opportunity for your input and a clear indication regarding how someone feels. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stepping into the spotlight without preparation will slow you down. Preparation will turn the tables in your favor and help you recognize what’s important to those you need support from to join your team. Rely on your intelligence and charm to win. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change may be necessary, but first, you must gather the data and consider your options. Knowledge is powerful, and putting everything in place before you make your pitch is essential to drum up support. Learn from experience. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Participation will lead to insight, personal growth and a sense of what you want to pursue. Don’t let laziness set in when punctuality and putting muscle behind your plans will encourage healthy financial and physical opportunities. Set time aside to explore the possibilities. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Unusual people, places and pastimes will capture your attention. Be sure to take advantage of the chance to try something new or to meet people who can offer you a unique perspective on something that can add value to what you have to offer. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Domestic problems will surface if you ignore what’s happening in your backyard. By keeping a close watch over what the people in your life are up to, you’ll avoid being broadsided by an unexpected incident. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t let the little things get to you. Step out and enjoy a change of pace, scenery or lifestyle. What you discover will encourage you to revisit aspects of your life that are holding you back or bringing you down. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to detail, what others say and do, and your direction and choices. Refrain from letting what others decide mislead or misguide you. Do your research and consider the emotional travel and educational time it will take to get where you want to go. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Embrace the moment and command attention. Shrug off anything weighing you down, and decide what’s best for you. Take charge, make clear decisions and refuse to let anyone rain on your parade. The inspiration you give others will satisfy your soul. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are strong-willed, compassionate and reliable. You are original and observant.

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. 

In loss to Dodgers, SF Giants blow chance to build 3-game winning streak

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants are still all by themselves.

Done in by the Dodgers in extra innings Monday night, the Giants remained the only team in the majors yet to win three games in a row.

After prevailing the past two days against the Cincinnati Reds, it looked like the Giants were on their way to joining the 29 other clubs when Heliot Ramos laced a go-ahead single in the sixth inning, but their bullpen wasn’t able to hang on in a 6-4 loss to open a three-game series.

“We just haven’t played well enough in a lot of the facets of the game,” manager Bob Melvin said afterward. “You look at some of the numbers, they’re not that good offensively or on the pitching side and defensively, we made some mistakes, too. You have to do a couple of things really well to put together a win streak. I believe we will.”

Taylor Rogers took the loss for serving up a 0-1 sinker down the middle to Will Smith, who sent the pitch sailing over Luis Matos’ head in center field and to the warning track, allowing the Dodgers’ automatic runner, Mookie Betts, and the batter Rogers walked, Freddie Freeman, to score the decisive runs.

In four tries against their archrivals, the Giants are still seeking their first win this season, falling to 17-30 against the Dodgers at Oracle Park since 2018.

“It was their big boys at the end there,” Melvin said. “It’s tough to navigate around, too. You’ve got some lefties and you’ve got Smith sitting in the middle of them. He’s the guy that got the big hit off our lefty. You do the best you can to manage it. We had a couple other opportunities offensively, but it came down to that last inning and it was one big swing.”

San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos #29 hits a three-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

All of the Giants’ runs were generated by Ramos and Matos, two young outfielders not even on the roster a week ago.

With Jung Hoo Lee becoming the Giants’ seventh position player since last Friday to land on the injured list, the two rookies were inserted into the starting lineup as they are expected to at least until the team begins to heal.

Knocking Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the game with two outs in the sixth inning, Ramos delivered the go-ahead hit after the Dodgers starter issued his first two walks of the game. Ramos laced a first-pitch slider into left field at 108.2 mph, allowing Matt Chapman to score from second.

Before first pitch, Melvin said that Matos was “going to get a pretty good shot out there,” filling in for Lee in center field, and the 23-year-old Venezuelan wasted no time taking advantage of it. Jumping on a hanging curveball from Yamamoto, Matos deposited the ball about a quarter of the way up the left-field bleachers.

“That’s what we want; we want an opportunity,” Matos said through Spanish-language interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I already feel comfortable coming up here. I see a lot of players that I’ve seen before, plus I see a lot of young players that I saw in Triple-A. So that alone right there makes me feel comfortable when I come up here.”

The home run was Matos’ first of the season and put the Giants ahead 3-1, generating more runs on one swing than the Dodgers’ Japanese import had surrendered over his past three starts. Since the Padres tagged Yamamoto for five runs in his first MLB start, the four runs allowed to the Giants matched his most in eight starts.

“I thought we had a pretty good approach,” Melvin said. “We were probably a little more aggressive than typically; that’s why his pitch count (84 in 5⅔ innings) was low. But we scored four runs off him in five-plus. I think that’s pretty good based on how he’s been pitching this year.”

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

The Dodgers entered the series having limited their opponents to four or fewer runs for their past 19 games, going 15-4 in those contests. The Giants went 9-11 over the same time, widening chasm in the National League West standings from 1½ games on April 21 to eight entering Monday night.

The standout star of spring training, Matos had struggled to translate his Cactus League success into results at Triple-A to start the season. His contact skills allowed him to strike out only 13 times in 143 trips to the plate, but his .663 OPS paled in comparison to the 1.003 figure he posted in spring training.

“I keep making adjustments,” Matos said. “The swing has been there; I’ve been making good contact. It’s just that the results haven’t come. It’s baseball, and you always make adjustments.”

When Jorge Soler went on the injured list last Wednesday, the first call went to Ramos, who was leading the River Cats with eight home runs and a .953 OPS. It wasn’t until Michael Conforto joined Soler on the IL that Matos received his call, and not until Lee’s catastrophic collision on Sunday that opened a regular role for him in center.

The contributions stood in contrast to the base running blunder from another young player, Tyler Fitzgerald, who was picked off first as soon as he was called upon to pinch-run for Wilmer Flores in the bottom of the ninth, representing the potential winning run.

“You can’t get picked off there; he knows that,” Melvin said. “We’re going to have some mistakes from time to time, but there was a lot of energy. … That’s going to come with youth sometimes. You want them to be aggressive. Sometimes a little too (much).”

Opposing Yamamoto, Jordan Hicks pitched around traffic in all five of his innings but walked off the mound in line for the win. The Dodgers forced him to throw 93 pitches to complete five innings but mustered only one run after Mookie Betts led off the game by sneaking a line drive over the left-field wall.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks #12 rubs up a new ball as Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts #50 rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | SF Giants to debut City Connect uniforms Tuesday after production delays San Francisco Giants | What are SF Giants center field options after Jung Hoo Lee’s injury? San Francisco Giants | Kurtenbach: Why the SF Giants’ brutal string of injuries might be exactly what the organization needed San Francisco Giants | SF Giants lose Jung Hoo Lee, walk off Reds to win series San Francisco Giants | SF Giants’ Snell masterful in rehab outing in San Jose

Twice, though, the Giants’ bullpen coughed up the lead before Rogers ultimately blew the game for good.

The Dodgers tied the score at 3 in the sixth against Luke Jackson, who issued four straight balls to Max Muncy and allowed him to advance to second on a wild pitch, putting him in position to be automatically waved home when Gavin Lux’s ground rule double bounced over the wall.

Almost immediately after Ramos gave the Giants the lead again, the Dodgers had an answer. With the left-hander Erik Miller entering the game, Dave Roberts called on a pinch-hitter, Kiké Hernandez, who hooked Miller’s second pitch of the inning around the left-field foul pole — at 112.7 mph off the bat — for a game-tying solo shot.

“We’re relying heavily on the young guys right now,” Hicks said. “They’re bringing some new life, some new energy. It was a tough game, but I liked the way we fought overall. I think we’re going to be good going forward in these coming weeks as everybody comes off the IL.”

Up next

RHP Keaton Winn (3-5, 5.63) vs. RHP Gavin Stone (3-1, 3.55) in the middle game of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen #45 and catcher Will Smith #16 celebrate their 6-4 MLB win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Enrique Hernández, #8 Andy Pages #44 and Teoscar Hernández #37 celebrate their 6-4 MLB win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their 6-4 MLB win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval #75 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani #17 strikes out against San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers #71 in the tenth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval #75 takes the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Erik Miller #68 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin in the dugout in the seventh inning of their MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers #71 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy #13 is congratulated by teammate James Outman #33 after scoring on a ground-rule double by Gavin Lux #9 in the sixth inning of their MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 hits an an RBI single off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy #13 scores on a ground-rule double by teammate Gavin Lux #9 as San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Luke Jackson #77 looks on in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Gavin Lux #9 hits a ground-rule double RBI off San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Luke Jackson #77 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos #17 reacts after swinging for a strike against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the fourth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants shortstop Casey Schmitt #10 makes the play as Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani #17 is out at second base on a fielder’s choice in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski #5 reacts after striking out against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the fifth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 is talked to by pitching coach Mark Prior #99 in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Brett Wisely #0 strikes out against Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen #45 in the tenth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux #9 celebrates turning a double play to end the game as San Francisco Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski #5 is forced out in the tenth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. The Dodger’s won the game 6-4.(Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Luke Jackson #77 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos #29 hits a three-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos #29 celebrates after hitting a three-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos #29 celebrates after hitting a three-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the second inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts #50 watches the flight of his solo home run off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks #12 in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks #12 throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants’ Thairo Estrada #39 reacts after hitting a double off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

San Francisco Giants shortstop Casey Schmitt #10 forces out Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani #17 but doesn’t turn the double play in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts #50 celebrates his solo home run off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jordan Hicks #12 in the first inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Show Caption of

Expand

SF Giants to debut City Connect uniforms Tuesday after production delays

SAN FRANCISCO — Good news came Monday for a team in need of positive vibes.

On a table in the middle of the home clubhouse, an array of orange hats piled out of a cardboard box. Players passed by, one by one, getting fitted for the caps’ long-awaited reveal on Tuesday. The Giants’ creamsicle-colored good-luck charms had arrived at last.

The Giants will wear their City Connect uniforms for the first time this season Tuesday night against the Dodgers after production delays prevented them from donning them for the first six weeks — and two Tuesday home games — of the schedule.

Stylistically the reviews have been mixed from players and fans — “Where I rank it, we’ll have to see,” said manager Bob Melvin, who wore even louder colors with the Padres’ blue, pink and white ode to Tijuana, Mexico — but the team’s success in them is not up for debate.

Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | In loss to Dodgers, SF Giants blow chance to build 3-game winning streak San Francisco Giants | What are SF Giants center field options after Jung Hoo Lee’s injury? San Francisco Giants | Kurtenbach: Why the SF Giants’ brutal string of injuries might be exactly what the organization needed San Francisco Giants | SF Giants lose Jung Hoo Lee, walk off Reds to win series San Francisco Giants | SF Giants’ Snell masterful in rehab outing in San Jose

Since they were introduced in 2021, the Giants have gone 26-10 when wearing the bright white-and-orange jerseys — intended to invoke the fog rolling through the Golden Gate — but the alternate uniforms were caught up in MLB’s transition to Fanatics as its apparel manufacturer.

“(Uniforms) for this season were manufactured and distributed to Clubs with prioritization given to the primary home and road uniforms,” the Giants said in a statement last month, when the uniforms were unavailable for their first Tuesday home game of the season.

This year, the Giants planned to elevate the City Connect Tuesdays from a stylistic choice to a citywide celebration. In an effort to “re-energize San Francisco’s downtown business community,” the organization partnered with local businesses and large employers to generate a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere for every Tuesday Giants home game culminating in a celebration at Oracle Park.”