Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 502

Routed in rainy Philadelphia, SF Giants lose more than just a game

PHILADELPHIA — It’s debatable what was more relentless Saturday evening at Citizens Bank Park: the rain, or the Phillies’ offense.

Neither let up for most of the night, and the ominous weather that delayed first pitch by 70 minutes proved to have some prescient qualities to it.

Adding injury to insult, the Giants lost their second catcher in as many days, their starting pitcher failed to make it out of the first inning, and nobody was smiling about enduring a 14-3 loss in a constant downpour. It ended with a position player, Tyler Fitzgerald, playing out the string on the pitcher’s mound.

“It definitely didn’t make it any easier,” Giants starter Keaton Winn said of the conditions after recording only two outs while being tagged for five runs on four hits, two walks and a hit batsman, adding nearly a point and a half to his ERA, to 4.41 from 3.18.

You could say Winn had the worst night of anyone, struggling to grip the baseball, find the strike zone or fool Phillies hitters. Making matters worse, the right-hander was battling a persistent head cold. But then again, he was granted shelter in the third-base dugout after recording only two outs while his defense slogged through a five-run first inning and a four-run second against Mitch White.

“Look, both teams had to play in it,” manager Bob Melvin said of the rain that never let up. “It’s not ideal for anybody. But as long as both teams are playing in it, you’ve got to figure out the best way to do it. … They kept saying that it was minutes away from lightening up.”

Winn acknowledged that he couldn’t grip his signature splitter because of the wet ball, but the suboptimal playing conditions took their biggest toll on his catcher, Tom Murphy. The backup catcher was forced from the game in the second inning when he injured his knee blocking a pitch in the dirt, leaving Blake Sabol as the only healthy backstop on the active roster after Patrick Bailey left Friday night’s loss with a concussion.

Murphy said that he felt his knee “pop” and that the constant downpour that delayed the start of the game by 70 minutes and never let up played a “big time” role in the injury. The catcher was set to undergo imaging on Sunday, but for now, Melvin said, “It feels like it’s significant.”

San Francisco Giants’ Tom Murphy strikes out against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

By the time the Giants came to bat for a third time, everyone was drenched and they were in a nine-run hole.

It was evident from the get-go that the wet conditions were bothersome to Winn, who issued walks to the first two batters he faced and hit the Phillies’ cleanup man, Alec Bohm. Winn was unable to command either of his two best pitches, the splitter and sinker, and mostly relented to four-seam fastballs before Bob Melvin came out to get him.

“It was mainly on the splits,” Winn said. “Just overcorrecting because it’s a pitch that slips. That’s what I was doing tonight.”

The Phillies batted around in the first inning, forcing Winn to exhaust 39 pitches before departed with an out remaining.

“I would have liked to have had him finish the first inning,” Melvin said, “but at 39 pitches, if he gets into a pitch count battle with the next guy, that’s just too many pitches.”

Winn’s two-thirds of an inning amounted to the shortest start by a Giants pitcher this season, besides their two games using openers, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Giants are in the middle of their longest stretch of the season without a day off — 16 straight games — and were already facing a bind to cover Blake Snell’s next turn through the rotation on Monday.

The schedule meant a bullpen game wasn’t a feasible option for Monday, Melvin said, and that was before he employed four relievers behind Winn.

“We’ve got Webby going tomorrow, so hopefully that’s a benefit,” Melvin said. “But we’re certainly going to have to look at some things coming up.”

Winn’s stinker also snapped a string of strong starts personally — he had allowed three runs over 18 innings in his past three outings — and for the rotation as a whole.

Giants starters had limited opponents to 11 earned runs over their past 11 games, a 1.92 ERA.

The Phillies’ 14 runs were the second-most by a Giants’ opponent this season, trailing only their 17-1 loss to the Diamondbacks last month.

As the Giants attempted to cut into the deficit, they faced the same challenges that have plagued them all season. They put runners on base but weren’t able to drive them in. Six Giants reached between the second and third innings, but Nick Ahmed, who doubled to lead off the second, was the only one to cross the plate.

It was no easy task against Ranger Suarez, the National League pitcher of the month for March and April. The 1.32 ERA the deceptive left-hander took into Saturday night’s start didn’t budge much over six innings, the only other damage coming on a two-run home run from Wilmer Flores in the fifth.

The homer was Flores’ first of the season and the 150th of his career but proved to be too little, too late.

Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | Tom Murphy leaves injured, throwing SF Giants catching situation into chaos San Francisco Giants | SF Giants lose Patrick Bailey to second concussion of young career San Francisco Giants | Miscues loom large in SF Giants’ series-opening loss to Phillies San Francisco Giants | Patrick Bailey leaves SF Giants game vs. Phillies after foul ball off face mask San Francisco Giants | Tristan Beck cleared to throw again after aneurysm, plus updates on SF Giants’ other injured pitchers

The last time the Giants scored more than three runs was April 23, nine games ago, outdoing even the offensive destitution to finish last season. It is their longest stretch without eclipsing three runs since going 11 games from September 4-16, 2018.

Notable

Randy Rodriguez made his major-league debut, entering in relief of White in the fourth inning. The 24-year-old right-hander was the fifth pitcher to debut this season out of the Giants’ bullpen. He fired a 99.5 mph fastball that froze Bryce Harper for his first career strikeout.

“Based on what we saw in spring training and what we saw tonight,” Melvin said, “completely different guy.”

Up next

RHP Logan Webb (3-2, 2.98) vs. RHP Taijuan Walker (1-0, 8.53), with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. PT on ESPN.

Tom Murphy leaves injured, throwing SF Giants catching situation into chaos

PHILADELPHIA — A difficult situation for the Giants turned disastrous Saturday evening.

Already without their starting catcher, they lost their No. 2 backstop not long into the second game of their series against the Phillies.

Barely 24 hours after Patrick Bailey suffered a concussion, forcing him to the injured list before first pitch, his backup, Tom Murphy, was forced to exit in the second inning when he injured his left knee attempting to block a pitch in the dirt from reliever Mitch White.

Murphy said that he felt his knee “pop” and that the constant downpour that delayed the start of the game by 70 minutes and never let up played a “big time” role in the injury. The catcher was set to undergo imaging on Sunday, but for now, manager Bob Melvin said, “It feels like it’s significant.”

Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | Routed in rainy Philadelphia, SF Giants lose more than just a game San Francisco Giants | SF Giants lose Patrick Bailey to second concussion of young career San Francisco Giants | Miscues loom large in SF Giants’ series-opening loss to Phillies San Francisco Giants | Patrick Bailey leaves SF Giants game vs. Phillies after foul ball off face mask San Francisco Giants | Tristan Beck cleared to throw again after aneurysm, plus updates on SF Giants’ other injured pitchers

The only other catcher on the Giants’ roster, Blake Sabol, took over for Murphy. Only on hand to fill Bailey’s roster spot, Sabol arrived in Philadelphia from Sacramento at 5 a.m. and was able to sneak in a few hours of sleep before getting called into emergency duty later that evening.

After designating Joey Bart for assignment last month, the Giants have no other catchers on their 40-man roster. They will have to get someone to Philadelphia in time for Sunday’s game — mercifully not a matinee, with a 7:10 p.m. local start — likely Jakson Reetz, the only other catcher at Triple-A.

“We’ll see tomorrow,” Melvin said of the Giants’ options. “We’re definitely getting tested there.”

Reetz, signed as a minor-league free agent last June, was originally in Sacramento’s lineup Saturday night but was scratched before first pitch.

SF Giants lose Patrick Bailey to second concussion of young career

PHILADELPHIA — Nobody, not even Patrick Bailey, thought the foul tip off his face mask early Friday night had been severe enough to concuss the catcher for the second time in seven months. He felt fine. Well enough to draw a leadoff walk, run the bases and score from second on a double to right field.

The next inning, though, Bailey was out of the game.

Before first pitch Saturday, the 24-year-old Gold Glove finalist was placed on the injured list with a concussion, ruling him out for at least the next seven days. To give the Giants a second catcher on their roster, they recalled Blake Sabol from Triple-A Sacramento.

“As far as these things go, hopefully it’s mild,” manager Bob Melvin said. “You can really tell the ones that really get you and bite you a little bit. I’m not sure he’s in that position yet, but based on the fact that he’s had these before it’s an easy decision to make.”

Last September, the Cubs’ Jeimer Candelario barreled into Bailey on a play at the plate. The next day, he was placed on the IL with his first concussion and missed the next seven days.

In the first inning of Friday’s 4-3 loss, Alec Bohm fouled back a 1-1 offering from Jordan Hicks that struck Bailey directly in his face mask, the traditional style with leather padding that straps on to the protective helmet covering the rest of his head.

Bailey initially remained in the game, finishing the inning, taking part in the two-run rally in the top half of the second and catching the first batter of the bottom half. After Nick Castellanos reached on ground ball to Matt Chapman, Bailey motioned to the dugout. After a conversation with Melvin and head trainer Dave Groeschner, Bailey returned to the dugout and was replaced by Tom Murphy.

“He said the at-bat was OK,” Melvin said. “The inning that he ended up waving us over, that’s when he was kind of like, ‘Something’s wrong.’”

Bailey told them he was dizzy and his vision was blurred, Melvin said. Because he was in concussion protocol, Bailey was unavailable to speak to reporters.

The previous at-bat, Hicks threw a slider in the strike zone that raised his attention to Bailey’s condition.

“He weirdly, like, flailed at it in a way,” Hicks said. “I’ve never seen that from him. I was like, hmm. I was wondering if something was wrong. … Hopefully he’s good. I’m thinking about him. I don’t want anyone out there with blurry vision when I’m pitching.”

The concussion was Bailey’s second just in the calendar year he has been in the big leagues. He wears a medical brace around his neck intended to reduce the risk. Murphy, who got the start Saturday in his stead, suggested switching masks could be beneficial.

“It’s terrifying, right?” Murphy said. “Pat’s been through some concussions and that sort of thing. I feel for that kid deeply. Hopefully he figures out a better mask for him or something. I know he’s wearing the neck thing to help him with that. I just really hope he’s OK.”

As a former catcher, Melvin is sure he experienced head injuries.

But, he said, “Back when I played nobody knew. You just had a headache. Nowadays they know a lot more about them.

“MLB has gone the extra yard to make sure we protect these guys,” he continued. “There’s tests that he’s going to have to pass to come back. There’s a lot more information these days and I think it protects the players.”

In the meantime, the Giants will split the catching duties between Murphy and Sabol, who represent a downgrade defensively but conveniently own strong platoon splits from the opposite sides. The Giants have a mix of righties and lefties coming up, and Melvin said, “We’ll go day-to-day.”

With the right-hander Taijuan Walker on the mound Sunday, Sabol will likely receive his first start of the season then. He was warming up Carson Seymour when Triple-A manager Dave Brundage called him into his office and told him to pack his bags and catch the next available flight to Philadelphia.

Connecting through Phoenix, Sabol arrived at the team hotel at about 6 a.m.

In 21 games at Triple-A Sacramento, the 26-year-old left-handed hitter is batting .243 with one homer and a .703 OPS but said he’s only recently begun to gain his timing. The bigger emphasis has been on his defense, making 16 starts behind the plate and only five at first base (none in the outfield).

Melvin said Sabol told him he “feels as good behind the plate as he ever has.” He has allowed four passed balls but thrown out four of his nine attempted base stealers.

“I’ve done a really good job back there,” Sabol said. “Blocking, that was a big point of emphasis for me this last year. … Been working really hard with (fellow catcher Jackson Reetz). It’s just us two down there, so it’s a lot of playing time. He’s an awesome guy just to bounce ideas off of and figure some things out.

“And Brundy does a great job with controlling the running game, teaching us what’s a good time to slide step, for pitch outs, to back pick, stuff like that. I think that’s part of the reason we’ve had success down there, just doing a really good job controlling the running game with the pitching staff.”

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While being optioned to Triple-A after spending all last season in the big leagues as a Rule 5 draft pick was disappointing, Sabol said, “I didn’t feel like it was a slap in the face by any means. … I think it was good for growth and development for me, honestly.”

As the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, Sabol was the obvious option if Bailey was required to miss time.

He was assigned No. 21, the digits that formerly belonged to Joey Bart, who was designated for assignment last month. The former second-overall draft pick landed in Pittsburgh, where he is batting .206 with three homers and a .857 OPS. It came as no surprise to Sabol, who spent his minor-league career in the organization before the Giants snatched him in the Rule 5 draft two winters ago.

“My boy, JB,” Sabol said. “I told him I was happy for him. I thought he fit the M.O. over there. (Pirates general manager Ben) Cherington loves those former first-round picks. As soon as he got DFA’d in the locker room guys were all taking different bets (about where he would land). I was like, it’s 100% the Pirates.”

Panetta Lecture Series: A look at the war in the Middle East

MONTEREY — The Leon Panetta Lecture Series will take on the politically charged subject of war in the Middle East in its next installment, May 13.

The third forum of this year’s series is “The Challenge of War in the Middle East – Will There Be Peace or More War?” Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will lead the discussion with a panel of experts starting at 7 p.m. at the Monterey Conference Center.

The panel is scheduled to include Anja Manuel, the former special assistant to the under secretary, U.S. Department of State; Tom Nides, the U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2021-2023; Dennis Ross, a former special advisor for the Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia in the U.S. Department of State and General Tod Wolters, who was the NATO supreme allied commander in Europe from 2019-2022.

“The Israel-Hamas War has already become one of the most destructive, deadly and intractable conflicts of the 21st century,” said Institute Chairman Panetta in a press release. “As violence spreads across the region and the humanitarian crisis grows, is there any hope for a peaceful resolution? Can a ceasefire be put in place that allows for the exchange of hostages, humanitarian aid and the return of refugees to Gaza? Can a viable Palestinian state be the end result of this war and negotiations? Or will the long history of war, destruction and death continue to consume the Middle East?”

So far this season, the lecture series has hosted discussions on immigration and artificial intelligence under the year’s overall theme  “Challenges to Democracy at Home and Abroad.” The final installment for the year will be June 3 on “The Challenge of the 2024 Election – A United or Divided America?”

Tickets for the May 13 and June 3 lecture are $100 each and may be purchased using a credit card by calling the Panetta Institute at (831) 582-4200.

Celebrating a state championship

Pacific Grove’s new museum director hopes to have more programs about heritage and cultures

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, founded in 1883, is nestled in the heart of the city across the street from Jewell Park, a bustling center of activity during the weekly farmer’s market.

The museum is a treasured piece of the Monterey Peninsula, says Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Peake, housing a field guide collection of species native to the Central Coast.

“My expectations are that the museum programs, which are excellent, will continue,” Peake said. “The museum will continue to provide engaging, educational and inspiring programs for the children.”

The museum has reported three years of historic growth and hopes to continue the trend as it heads into its next chapter led by Dr. Rachel Miller, the new executive director.

Dr. Rachel Miller, the new executive director.at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.(Kyarra Harris — Monterey Herald)

Miller has visited the Central Coast previously, but she is a new resident of Carmel. She took over the first week of March and has a schedule filled with meetings, social events and museum events.

Miller, accompanied by long-time Director of Engagement Susan Wolfe, took time on a recent Monday afternoon to speak with The Herald about goals, ideas and hopes for the future of the museum.

“So far when it comes to the people in the community, everybody’s been very welcoming, warm and patient, especially when it comes to directions,” Miller said. “Every time I tell people I just moved here they are full of recommendations and just very friendly and personable.”

Miller spent the past seven years leading the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas as executive director. One of her biggest accomplishments there, she said, was spearheading a $5 million restoration project of two historic buildings in the arts and events facilities, creating new uses for them while keeping the historic structure. During her tenure in Arkansas, Miller also helped to expand the staff and cultivate new community relationships resulting in a 60 percent increase in program partners.

“During my tenure we incorporated some other science-based programs, like science and health,” Miller said. “We had a nutrition program with a culinary lab and a food-producing garden, so looking out at this garden (in Pacific Grove), this is very familiar to me.”

On this day, Wolfe and Miller bounced ideas off each other, speaking about what kinds of herbs and small plants could be grown at the museum’s garden. Miller mentioned she is also interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM programs for the museum.

“I see opportunities to bring more technology into the types of programming that we provide to the community, and find ways to incorporate it into our exhibitions,” Miller said. “I’m still learning all about the facilities and getting out there. My biggest focus right now is getting to know the community and finding opportunities to get out there and learn more about our neighbors, and our partnering organizations and members.”

Miller, 46, also hopes to incorporate more programs about heritage and different cultures.

“I’m really looking forward to incorporating some more cultural heritage-based programs. Also with more art-based programs and tinkering, the museum already has a form of tinkering through its science and community programs, I want to expand upon that.”

Miller loves being outdoors and has already stopped by a couple of local trails for hikes. She plans to incorporate that passion into her work with the Natural Museum, which prides itself on being the local destination for learning about the Monterey Peninsula’s ecology.

“I’ve really enjoyed the area, it is such a beautiful place,” Miller said. “There’s so much I haven’t been able to explore yet since I pretty much hit the ground running as soon as I rolled into town. So I’m hoping to have some free time soon to explore more trails. I haven’t been to Point Lobos yet, and haven’t visited Big Sur in many years.

“I feel very fortunate to be here and to be with this great museum,” Miller said. “Everybody here is talented in their own right and with their own specialties and things they are knowledgeable about. That makes the job even easier when you have a really passionate team.”

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. (Courtesy of Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History)

 

Letters to the Editor: May 5, 2024

Marathon weekend

A tip of the ole fedora to the organizers of the Big Sur International Marathon from an 81-year-old guy who ran the 5K. Even with all the problems along some of the routes the starting gun fired right on time for all events.

The Rocky Creek slip-out was a hazard for runners and the course had to be adjusted. It meant some categories had to make a U-turn and run back the way they came.

There could have been chaos, but the interweaving was perfect. The result was a perfectly beautiful fun day. Kudos to the BSIM team.

— Dan Presser, Carmel 

Water

As reported in the Monterey Herald, Marina Coast Water District needs to raise rates to repair, replace and improve its water distribution infrastructure. These same factors are part of the reason we pay so much for water on the Peninsula. People in Monterey are reported to be paying the highest water rates in the country and Public Water Now says that is because Cal Am is privately owned. The district is paying lower cost to pump water from ground sources. On the Peninsula we have more expensive water because of limits on pumping from ground water and we must resort to more expensive options to meet our demand. I have been tracking the use of water for our two-person household for years.  We live in Del Rey Oaks and our monthly water bill has averaged $132 for the past 12 months.  Thirty-three percent is for taxes and fees other than water. According to the State Controller, the MPWMD spent $26.68M in 2022. How much of that could have been saved if we didn’t have the District? What is the value added of having the District? Do we need it and Pure Water Monterey? Could they be merged and save us money?

— Dennis Allion, Del Rey Oaks

Open space

I would like to shout out a big “thank you” to the Big Sur Land Trust for the work it is doing to preserve open space. The recent addition of 84 acres of oak woodland, grassland and wetlands habitat will be of great benefit to the community.  Thank you to the owners of the Hiss Parcel for selling it to the trust. The more protected open space the better for people and animals alike.

— Nancy Ponedel Parsons, Pacific Grove

Immigration

I wish to express my appreciation for your courage in printing Steven Camarota’s column on the necessity to enforce reasonable immigration limits. Despite the disastrous effects  massive immigration has on the natural environment, wage equality and the shortage of housing, criticism of the current actual federal policy has become the third rail of American public discourse. I would hope that the popular journalism will follow the lead of the Herald and restore even-handed coverage to a very big critical issue.

— Tom McCray, Moss Landing

Smart spending

In response to the Friday’s commentary by Dan Walters entitled “Lagging revenue drives budget deficit,” excuse me but overspending drives budget deficit or living outside your means drives budget deficit.

To say “lagging revenue drives”  the deficit would be like a family paying a $3,500 a month mortgage, going out and purchasing a new jacuzzi, new $125,000 truck and their child decides to go to an Ivy League school, eating out at Paris Bakery regularly, all while on a family income of $125,000 a year.

Its not the lagging revenue driving the deficit – it’s spending more than you make.

— Jim Clark, Del Rey Oaks

Commentaries

Tuesday’s Commentaries invite comment. After reciting numerous ways and reasons California government is secretive, Dan Walters announced that Truth in Accounting ranked California third from the bottom (48th) on transparency. Secretive governmental behavior is a result of super-majority leadership which leads to sub par bureaucratic appointments and function.

Lisa Truong fears that the budget shortfall may eliminate funding for the diaper bank. The headline of the article “Who will bail out the babies?” is easy to answer. Our generous society has many private charities that help moms when need exists. Families and friends help moms when need exists. Government intervention weakens and isolates.

Ruth Marcus’ Washington Post article alerts us to the documentary “Screams Before Silence” about sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorist. If one believes a view is shared by many, it is easy to be critical without analysis. Will “Screams Before Silence,” if carefully considered, change ones “framework?” Would knowing that Israel’s population is Palestinian (about 21%, 1.9 million), Arab (mostly Sunni Muslim; about 16%), Christian and Druse as well as Jewish and that all usually have representation in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) make a difference?

Thanks to the Herald for these well selected Commentaries.

— George Brehmer, Carmel

Horoscopes May 4, 2024: Will Arnett, stand up for what’s right

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shameik Moore, 29; Erin Andrews, 46; Will Arnett, 54; Randy Travis, 65.

Happy Birthday: Put your energy where it makes the most sense. Take control, contribute and stand up for what’s right. The people you encounter will offer a unique perspective and complement what you can offer. Your steady progress will bring about positive change and opportunities that allow you to use your skills while exploring personal options to improve your lifestyle. Your numbers are 3, 16, 19, 23, 31, 34, 39.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take charge and tidy up loose ends. Use your ingenuity and reform how you run your household. A few tweaks will lower your overhead and help you gain financial stability. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your desire to please. Don’t risk your health and well-being. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Assert yourself and make a difference. Don’t fold under pressure; a positive attitude and a stellar plan will outmaneuver any opposition. Reach out to people with something to offer; the connection will enrich your life. Participate in events that excite you. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Fact-check before you pass along information. Don’t risk your gains to prove a point. Participate in events that stimulate your mind and keep you updated regarding information and opportunities that can help you establish your position and get your way. Avoid personal injury. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t fight the inevitable. A partnership adjustment will help you gain confidence and control. Concentrate on learning something new and replace whatever holds you back with something that enables you to move forward. Participate in events that interest you, and offer connections and unique prospects. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Listen, and you’ll discover information that helps you decide if someone is scamming or offering you something valid. Back away from pressure tactics, and rely on your intelligence to decide what’s best for you. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Build momentum and continue until you get your desired results. The stars favor learning, traveling and communication, giving you the green light to make things happen. Partnerships look inviting, and opportunities will develop if you collaborate with people who offer creative vision. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your energy where it counts, challenge yourself to do better and participate in events that stimulate your mind, body and spirit. Pump up the volume and share your thoughts; the feedback you receive will shape prospects and encourage you to veer in a different direction. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): People who can offer originality and stability will attract you. Networking and attending events that provide something unique or thought-provoking will fine-tune how you want to demonstrate or sell what you can offer. Romance is on the rise. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sign up, participate, meet and greet, and do what you do best. The sky is the limit; however, when the tables turn, don’t believe everything you hear or buy into someone else’s dream unless it is in sync with your own. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t share too much personal information. What you find out through observation, questioning and using charm will more than pay off. Events that you find enriching will change your perspective. Growth, romance and participation are favored. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be a good listener and gain insight into what you can expect from others. Get involved in your community by offering a helping hand rather than donating and walking away. A challenge will make you think and contribute valuable information. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t be afraid to be different. Move forward with your plans, interact with like-minded people and make a difference in your circle. Traveling, learning and communicating will unfold if you attend a reunion or take a walk down memory lane. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are reliable, original and flexible. You are compassionate and industrious.

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. 

High School track and field: Adams breaks two school records for North Salinas at Masters Meet

PACIFIC GROVE — Extending their seasons or closing the spring with a personal best was preached all week.

Forgive Clara Adams if she wanted both.

It wasn’t about sending a message or making a statement going into next weeks’ Central Coast Section track and field trials for the North Salinas freshman as much as it was meeting her own expectations.

“I wasn’t pressuring myself to set a personal record,” Adams said. “I didn’t change anything in my approach leading up to today. But it was something of a goal.”

Mission accomplished.

The Vikings school record holder in the 200 and 400-meter sprints went out and lowered her marks Friday at the Masters Meet, clocking 55.29 seconds in the 400 and 24.32 in the 200 in sweeping both races at Pacific Grove High.

Clara Adams blisters the first 100 meters of the 400 Friday at the Masters Meet for North Salinas, taking Salinas' Jaslyne Coronado and North County's Nadia Anastacio to personal bests in qualifying for the CCS Trials pic.twitter.com/f7vlZsm0el

— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) May 4, 2024

Adams will go into next Saturday’s CCS trials ranked No. 2 in the CCS in both events.

“I felt good out of the blocks in the 400,” said Adams, who caught the field out of Lane 6 in the first 100 meters. “At the 300 mark, I had to pull something out.”

The 15-year-old Adams took Salinas’ Jaslyne Coronado (56.77) and North County’s Nadia Anastacio (57.98) with her, as both had massive personal bests in extending their seasons and cracking the top eight in the CCS.

The 200 was a blur as Adams ran the second fastest time in Monterey County history — behind only Monterey’s Sani Roseby in 2000 — in winning the event, with Coronado placing second.

“Same strategy for the 200,” Adams explained.

Distance ace Mack Aldi came in with a different plan for Carmel, choosing to run the 1,600 to avoid sitting around, returning an hour later to capture the 800 in 2:00.15, winning both events.

Aldi, a state meet qualifier last fall in cross country, will drop the 1,600 at next week’s CCS trials to put is full attention on the 800, where his ranked No. 2 in the section at 1:54.16.

“I wanted to help my friends out in the 1,600,” Aldi said. “I came here just to advance. I wasn’t looking to run any crazy times. It’s good to get some work in. I like running.”

Aldi will have a similar mindset next week at the CCS trials, with an eye on a big personal best in two weeks at the CCS finals, both of which will be held at Gilroy.

Mack Aldi of Carmel runs off with the 1,600 at the Masters Meet pic.twitter.com/yUMfNA7opE

— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) May 4, 2024

“Realistically, I believe I can dip under 1:52.00,” Aldi said. “There have been races where I’ve run well and felt I had more in me. I have not peaked yet.”

Joining Aldi as a double-event winner was Osbaldo Godoy, who doubled down on his performance at the Gabilan Division finals last week for league champion Palma by winning both the 110 high hurdles and 300 intermediate hurdles.

Salinas multi-sport athlete Joshua Na extended his season with a five-foot personal best in the discus (145-6) to win the event, sweeping the weight events by capturing the shot put (45-10 1/2).

Gabilan Division pole vault champion Jack Nolan took his first step towards a return trip to the state meet for Salinas, clearing 13 feet on his first attempt to win the attempt.

Nolan, who was third at last year’s CCS finals, has a season best of 15-feet, which ranks him No. 2 in the section.

“My steps were inconsistent today,” Nolan said. “It didn’t allow me to vault far enough into the pit. I was hoping to make a bigger height.”

Salinas’ Emma Beck held off Notre Dame’s Elsie Sargenti to win the 100 hurdles, then returned to the triple jump and sailed 34-7 1/2 to advance in both events. Her season best of 37-4 has her ranked No. 4 in the CCS.

Joining her next week in the field events will be two-time CCS finalist Kate De Los Santos, who sailed 16-2 in the long jump and 34-1/2 in the triple jump for Monterey.

“My first jump felt good,” the senior said. “But I was behind the board in the long jump. I need to work on my steps. You always want a personal record. As long I’m qualifying, that’s what really matters.”

Kate De Los Santos of Monterey has moved on to the CCS trials in the long jump pic.twitter.com/5JLUEqf4Ef

— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) May 4, 2024

Two weeks ago De Los Santos — a Cypress Division champion in both events — sailed a career best 17-11 1/2 in the long jump, which ranks her fifth in the CCS.

Focusing solely on the 300 low hurdles, Jenna Emerson dropped a second off her mark to set a school record at Rancho San Juan, clocking 45.80, which moves her to No. 6 in the CCS.

Anna Kosmont, whose sister Juliette went to the state meet two straight years in the 100 meters and now runs for Yale, won the 100 in 12.40 for Stevenson.

Miscues loom large in SF Giants’ series-opening loss to Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Facing the stiffest test of his short career as a starting pitcher, the biggest impact Jordan Hicks made Friday night against the Phillies wasn’t anything he did on the mound. It was his delay getting off of it.

With the speedy Trea Turner standing on second base with one steal already under his belt, Hicks remained stationary when his full-count splitter to Bryce Harper popped out of Tom Murphy’s glove. Turner advanced to third, saw home plate vacant and made a dash for it.

Hicks realized, but it was already too late.

Replay review confirmed Turner’s right foot slid across the plate just ahead of an acrobatic attempt at a tag from the pitcher, and that might as well have put the game out of reach for the Giants. It was the Phillies’ fourth run, a total San Francisco failed to reach for the eighth consecutive game in a 4-3 loss.

“That was the least of my worries today,” said Hicks, who failed to complete five innings for the first time this season and was handed his first loss, allowing four runs (two earned) and issuing four walks. “I mean, I saw him round (third) and I was like, ‘All right, this is going to be a play.’ … I thought I got him.”

It was another story of missed opportunities offensively, with the same main character.

Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded twice, Jorge Soler popped out to end the second inning and and grounded into a double play in seventh after the first three Giants had reached base. The double play, turned unassisted by shortstop Edmundo Sosa, drove in the Giants’ third run of the game but didn’t go into the stat column as an RBI, leaving the $42 million designated hitter’s total at eight, tied for eighth on the team, only three of which were not himself on home runs.

“We all feel like he’s going to get a hit in those situations,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It just hasn’t happened yet.”

Soler has come to the plate 26 times with runners in scoring position and delivered hits only three times, a .115 batting average. As a team Friday, the Giants stranded eight men on base and went 2-for-11 in opportunities with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies’ powerful lineup, meanwhile, provided a different look for Hicks, who took a 1.59 ERA into Friday’s start, sixth-best in MLB. That number had come in six starts against the Padres, Nationals, Marlins, Diamondbacks and Pirates, a group that includes only two teams performing at the league average or better, as measured by wRC+.

Entering the series, the Phillies owned a wRC+ of 111, with 100 as the league average, the seventh-best mark in the majors, so it should come as no surprise that they caused Hicks more trouble than he faced in any of his previous starts.

“I never really go into a game thinking how tough or how good this lineup has been,” Hicks said. “I like to use my strengths against everybody. They definitely have a really good lineup and took some good pitches. … I didn’t feel like I had everything today, but a lot of it was having men on. I feel like when I was executing first-pitch strikes, the at-bat went pretty good and I didn’t, it didn’t.”

The four innings from the converted reliever amounted to his shortest start of the season, running his pitch count up to 88 — only 47 strikes — by the time he recorded his final out. After issuing only three total walks in his first three starts, he has now walked three or more batters in three of his past four outings.

Allowing the Phillies to take a 3-2 lead in the third inning, Hicks threw 10 straight pitches outside the strike zone. Eight of them helped put Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto on base with free passes, and one Alec Bohm swung at and lined into left field, driving home Kyle Schwarber, who reached on Matt Chapman’s second error of the game.

Chapman, a two-time Platinum Glove winner, also airmailed a throw to first base, only the seventh time in his career he committed multiple errors in a game.

The most consequential miscues, however, came on Turner’s two-base passed ball the following inning.

In addition to Hicks’ oversight, Murphy was late retrieving the ball from the backstop and his throw took his pitcher up the first base line, away from the sliding Turner. The shortstop was also allowed to reach second base on a delayed steal that appeared to catch Murphy by surprise.

“It was weird, right? Splitter up — you don’t expect it to do anything,” Murphy explained. “At the last second, it dived on me. I just didn’t have sight of that as it was coming down. I thought I had it in my glove. I go back to pick up the ball and, sure enough, Trea’s coming around. I should’ve thrown a better ball to Jordan.”

Not to be overlooked: Jung Hoo Lee’s sensational running catch to rob Johan Rojas of extra bases in the fourth inning. Lee covered 87 feet and reached a sprint speed of 28.3 mph, according to Statcast, while tracking down and backhanding the fly ball that appeared destined for the warning track.

Hicks’ appropriate but not-fit-for-print verbal reaction was caught on Apple’s 4K cameras.

“I told (Lee’s interpreter, Justin Han), ‘Come here’ because he was on the other end of the dugout,” Hicks said. “I had to tell him how good that play was.”

Added Melvin, “There’s good catches, and there’s that one.

“There was a point in time where I didn’t think he was going to catch it. And I didn’t think, and I didn’t think. And all of a sudden he throws his glove out. That’s about as good of a play on the run as you’re going to see.”

Hicks wasn’t the only starter having trouble commanding the baseball.

Aaron Nola also walked four and was done after four innings, but the Giants failed to capitalize on his mistakes. They made him throw 46 pitches in the second inning alone but left the bases loaded when Soler popped up to end the inning.

The Giants managed two runs out of the situation, thanks to Thairo Estrada. He drove a double to the right field wall that scored Patrick Bailey and Chapman, who led off the inning with back-to-back walks.

The 2-0 advantage was the first time the Phillies had allowed their opponent to score first in their past 11 games. An inning later, it had evaporated.

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Bailey, who started behind the plate, left the game midway through the second inning with blurry vision. He was struck in the face mask with a foul ball the previous innings but initially remained in the game.

Afterward Melvin said Bailey was “doing a little better” and not in concussion protocol, though the club was still evaluating whether it would need to add another catcher — likely Blake Sabol, the only other one on the 40-man roster — before Saturday’s game.

Up next

RHP Keaton Winn (3-3, 3.18) vs. LHP Ranger Suarez (5-0, 1.32), with first pitch set for 3:05 p.m. PT. Suarez was named the National League pitcher of the month for March and April.