Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 78

Horoscopes July 14, 2025: Jane Lynch, reach beyond your boundaries

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Scott Porter, 46; Matthew Fox, 59; Jackie Earle Haley, 64; Jane Lynch, 65.

Happy Birthday: An open mind will help you overcome adversity and encourage you to try something new. Testing your skills, reinventing your purpose and deciding what you want to accomplish will stir your imagination and encourage you to reach beyond your boundaries. Explore, expand and experience what life offers, and you will see personal growth, gains and a more profound sense of gratitude. Your numbers are 7, 18, 22, 27, 30, 36, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Budget, and you’ll have more cash to enjoy your favorite pastime, hobby or entertainment. Pay attention to your diet, exercise and emotional well-being. A fitness routine can improve your demeanor and encourage you to spend more time with friends who take pride in their appearance, well-being and accomplishments. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Arguing is a waste of time. Focus on making a difference, volunteering your time to help others or standing up for your rights. Participating in community events can foster friendships with individuals who share your values, ethics and beliefs. Broaden your horizons, and new interests will develop. Self-improvement is favored. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may crave change, but before you make a move, question why and if you are trying to please yourself or someone else. Boredom will lead to regret. Try revamping what you already have and initiating changes that don’t require emotional or financial investment. Use your intelligence to ward off poor choices. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Dream it, believe it and follow through. Simplify your routine to ensure sufficient time to do what brings you happiness or makes you feel good about yourself. You have choices, and at the end of the day, what’s important is that you have no regrets. Be open to suggestions, but follow your heart. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): What you do will far exceed what you say. Actions speak louder than words. Be on guard for those who try to slow you down. Put your energy where it counts, finish what you start and take better care of your body, mind and spirit. Think positive thoughts, and rewards will follow. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take better care of yourself, your reputation and your job. Concentrate on your responsibilities and helping others. Volunteering your time will lead to an interesting encounter and a potential opportunity. Friendly banter will lead to a platform to voice your opinion. Positive suggestions will take flight. Keep your secrets to yourself. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Test your theories privately before sharing your thoughts. Too much of anything will backfire. Find middle ground; apply intelligence, discipline and hard work; and discover what satisfies you. Add to your qualifications to ensure you head in your chosen direction. Refuse to let temptation lead you astray. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Test your talents. Focus on completing tasks on time. Ask questions, hone your skills and apply your dedication and unique technique to ensure you stand out in any competition. Refuse to let partnerships suffer due to poor communication, anxiety or trust issues. Emotional spending will lead to regret. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Home improvements, decluttering and enhancing your environment’s functionality will help ease stress and encourage you to open your doors to visitors. Changing how you earn a living or handle your cash looks promising. The happier you are, the less you’ll spend. Self-satisfaction and gratitude have healing powers. Romance is favored. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Expand your interests and friendships. Take better care of your physical well-being by making healthy choices. Diet, exercise and spending time with people who prioritize health will help you establish a routine that fosters strength, confidence and leadership qualities. Refuse to let temptation and indulgence interfere with personal and physical progress. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to detail, and you’ll surpass your expectations. Use your imagination to implement changes at home that enhance your ability to shape your future and positively impact how you feel about yourself, your loved ones and your life’s direction. Romance is evident; however, jealousy and emotional instability are also present. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Direct your energy wisely. Show passion in all you do, and let your actions reflect your feelings. Once you execute your position and digest responses from others, you’ll know which path to take. When opportunity knocks, open the door and proceed with energy and the intent to do your very best. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are helpful, charismatic and proactive. You are curious and innocent.

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

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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NBA Summer League: Undrafted Warriors rookie puts on Splash Bros.-style shooting exhibition vs. Jazz

Madsen puts on a shooting display

LAS VEGAS – Whether fading left or drifting right, it made little difference to Golden State’s Gabe Madsen when he shot a 3-pointer on the Thomas & Mack floor on Sunday night.

After scoring eight points in the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ Las Vegas Summer League opener against the Hansen Yang-led Blazers, Madsen made a compelling case that the hot hand does exist in the Warriors’ 103-93 win over the Jazz. 

The undrafted rookie out of Utah scored a team-high 22 points, and did it in a style reminiscent of the shooting binges Steph Curry and former Warrior Klay Thompson often went on. 

Madsen and made six 3-pointers in the first half – three in each quarter – as he exhilarated both the crowd and the Warriors bench. He finished 6 of 10 from 3-point land. 

“My shot has been feeling good, and obviously I had a little bit of a down (season) last year in Utah, but I never lost my confidence,” said Madsen, who shot just 32% from deep as a super-senior.

Dylan Ennis’ record of eight from a 2017 game against the Clippers remained safe, though, as Madsen did not make a 3-pointer in the second half. The Warriors as a team took a franchise Summer League record 46 attempts from behind the line.

After his last make of the second quarter, he turned and celebrated with his teammates sitting courtside. 

Madsen spent his last four years in college plying his trade as a sniper for the Utes, making 105 and 101 triples in his final two seasons. 

Warriors draft picks progress

Golden State Warriors’ Alex Toohey (22) dribbles against the Miami Heat in the first quarter of their California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Alex Toohey had, by far, his best offensive game of the Summer League. After being a mind-boggling -47 in the loss to the Trail Blazers, Toohey rebounded with 15 points, five boards and two assists vs. Utah.

The Australian forward took full advantage of his matchup with the slow-footed Kyle Filipowski, using a herky-jerky change of pace style to keep his defender off-balance on drives that produced either free throws or layups. The former Duke center was so frustrated defensively that he threw Toohey to the floor in frustration with less than a second left in the first half, giving Toohey two free throws. 

He also had a spectacular reverse layup in the fourth quarter. 

“He just seemed to be a little bit more at ease,” Wilson said. “I think the first two games were just a little fast, and he’s taken time to adapt to things. I thought today, you really saw him find his footing.”

Will Richard was one of the few bright spots against Portland, and had another strong game on Sunday. The former Florida Gator had 10 points and six rebounds, running the floor and not hesitating on his open looks. 

Taran Armstrong, who did not play in any regular season games last season, scored nine and grabbed seven rebounds.

Other undrafted rookies impress

Golden State Warriors’ Coleman Hawkins (50) takes a shot against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of their California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Undrafted rookie Coleman Hawkins made it abundantly clear during his introductory press conference that the 23-year-old believed he should have been picked in the most recent draft. 

Instead of trying to impress Warriors coaches with his scoring ability, the Sacramento native and Prolific Prep-Napa alum emphasized his passing skills as being a good fit in the Warriors’ ball-movement system. 

“I’m going to be team-oriented, and do whatever the team needs me to do,” Hawkins recently told the Bay Area News Group. 

He made several slick passes from the high-post, dishing out four assists and playing an effective two-man game with Madsen. But the rangy forward was not strictly a playmaker.

He also took advantage of his athleticism to score around the rim, and nailed another triple as he scored seven points. 

Chris Manon, a defensive specialist out of Vanderbilt who had stumbled through a number of ineffective outings since a strong debut at Chase Center last week, was active and impactful against the Jazz.

When he was not harassing ballhandlers or playing passing lanes, Manon thrived as a cutter and scored 13 points to go along with three blocks. 

“I was a little more decisive, and just trying to build my confidence and find opportunities for myself whenever I could,” Manon told the Bay Area News Group. “The last few games, I’ve been a little tentative, and thankfully, was able to be more aggressive.”

Where were the Jazz rookies?

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Jazz rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. were left disappointed. Bailey, the most polarizing rookie from the 2025 Draft, was ruled out with hip soreness. 

Bailey, at Chattanooga native, missed the previous game with the same injury. 

Clayton Jr. was linked to the Warriors during the pre-draft process, with the Florida alum and teammate of Richard being compared to Steph Curry for his long-range shotmaking prowess. 

The guard sat out of Sunday’s matchup with a hamstring injury he sustained during Utah’s Las Vegas opener vs. the Heat. 

On the Warriors side, Jackson Rowe, LJ Cryer and Marques Bolden did not play. Rowe, the team’s top player in Summer League, did not dress.

SF Giants select shortstop Gavin Kilen with No. 13 overall pick of MLB draft

SAN FRANCISCO — For the Giants, contact was king on the first day of the 2025 MLB draft.

San Francisco selected a pair of contact-oriented, middle-of-the-diamond position players in Sunday’s annual draft, taking Tennessee shortstop Gavin Kilen out of Tennessee with the 13th overall pick and Rutgers outfielder Trevor Cohen in the third round (85th overall).

“We like living in the middle of the diamond, we like guys that make elite contact, and we think we accomplished both of those with these guys,” said Giants director of amateur scouting Michael Holmes.

Kilen, 21, spent the first two years of his collegiate career with Louisville before transferring to Tennessee, where he had a slash line of .357/.441/.671 with 15 homers and 46 RBIs as a junior. The middle infielder’s hit tool projects as his greatest strength, evidenced by his career .323 batting average in college and minuscule strikeout rate of 9.7 percent.

Kilen, interestingly enough, was drafted as a shortstop despite spending most of the 2024-25 collegiate baseball season at second base. As a junior with Tennessee, Kilen was named to the All-SEC first team as a second baseman. Baseball America and Perfect Game also named Kilen as a first-team All-American at second base. For now, Kilen will develop as a shortstop.

Related Articles Hard-luck SF Giants fall to Dodgers in 11th inning to enter All-Star break Following arduous Tommy John recovery, SF Giants’ Robbie Ray back to All-Star form Dodgers prospect De Paula hits 3-run homer to lift NL to 4-2 win in All-Star Futures Game SF Giants’ offense silenced as Ohtani pitches in rivalry for first time SF Giants make All-Star case for Tyler Rogers after Misiorowski selection

The Boston Red Sox originally drafted Kilen in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB draft, but Kilen elected to attend college.

“Elite bat-to-ball skills,” Holmes said of Kilen, who was originally drafted in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB draft but elected for college. “We think that he’s more of a line drive hitter, but he’s a guy that was able to hit 15 home runs this year, so we think there’s some power to come with him.”

As far as Cohen, MLB Pipeline did not list Cohen on its list of the best 250 draft prospects while Baseball America left Cohen off its list of top 500 draft prospects. The Giants, though, believed him to be underrated.

Cohen spent three years at Rutgers, hitting .338/.415/.430 with four homers and 39 steals. As a junior, Cohen set the Big Ten single-season record for most hits during conference play (56). While Cohen didn’t hit for much power, Holmes assessed that Cohen had some “sneaky good (exit velocities)” and believes the Giants’ player development group can help Cohen unlock additional pop by elevating the baseball.

Along with the bat-to-ball skills — Cohen only struck out eight percent of the time in college — Cohen impressed the Giants during his interview with the team at the draft combine.

“In a lot of ways, he won us over with his interview at the combine,” Holmes said. “I’m a big believer in not only betting on the players and talent, but people. The time we sat down with him at the combine kind of just really sold us on the individual he was. One thing we want to do is we want to bring winning players — championship-type players — in our organization that buy into a team winning concept. The way he presented himself at the combine in our meeting was definitely influential.”

At Rutgers, Cohen played alongside outfielder Peyton Bonds, whose uncle is none other than Barry Bonds.

The Giants did not have a second-round pick after signing shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal. Last year, the team also didn’t have a second-round selection after signing third baseman Matt Chapman. Based on experiences from the last draft, Holmes said the team learned to not spend too much time on players who were unlikely to be available in between selections.

“It was really important for us to get out, identify the players that we liked and wanted to spend time on,” Holmes said. “The worst part of the day was the waiting game between (picks) 13 and 85. I didn’t think it would ever get there. But making sure that we spent time on the players that we felt fit and identified those is I think what we’ve learned from it.”

Major League Baseball’s decision to schedule the start of the draft at 3 p.m. resulted in the Giants’ brass having its attention both at the ballpark and on the draft board.

Right before the start of the draft, Luis Matos hit a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the Giants’ final game of the first half into extra innings. San Francisco would end up losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 11 innings at 4:10 p.m. then making its first selection at 4:15 p.m.

“It was interesting, right? Had two things going on at once,” Holmes said. “It’d be nice for us to be able to handle this draft with all the games already being played. Then, of course, the game goes extra innings on draft day. So, how ironic. But it really wasn’t difficult to manage. Obviously the attention was in both places, but we knew what we were there to do. We were there to draft.”

With the first overall pick, the Washington Nationals made a surprising pick by selecting shortstop Eli Willits out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, the third-youngest player to ever be selected first overall.

he Los Angeles Angels made an even more shocking selection with the No. 2 pick by drafting UC Santa Barbara’s right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner, who most didn’t project as a top-10 pick.

Ethan Holliday, the son of outfielder Matt Holliday and the brother of Jackson Holliday, was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Colorado Rockies, where his Matt played for six seasons.

Ex-Shark Pavelski wins American Century Championship as Curry blows up late

STATELINE, Nev. — Former San Jose Sharks captain and longtime NHL player Joe Pavelski put it all together Sunday to win his first American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe.

Pavelski had 29 points in the modified Stableford scoring system during Sunday’s final round to finish with 73 points, capping off his day by making an eagle putt at the par-5 18th hole. Pavelski, who was making his ninth appearance in the event, won the event by nine points over Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, who finished with 64.

After making the long putt on the picturesque finishing hole on the shore of Lake Tahoe, Pavelski pumped his fist, hugged his son, Nathan, just off the 18th green, and later dove into the water.

Pavelski’s victory comes after Warriors great Steph Curry

“I don’t even know what to say, actually,” said Pavelski, who played with the Sharks from 2006 to 2019 and retired last year. “This place is amazing. You heard all the rumors that not a lot of current athletes are winning. Steph went and did it. So I had to retire a year ago to get this thing.”

Pavelski, who finished second behind ex-tennis player Mardy Fish last year, entered the day tied for first place with former soccer player Taylor Twellman with 44 points each. Pavelski double bogeyed the first hole and bogeyed the second, both par-4s, but had five birdies, 10 pars, and the eagle on 18 to end his remarkable day.

Pavelski finished with a tournament-best 4-under-par 68, matched only by Smoltz’s Sunday round.

“I think, coming into the round today, I felt really confident about my game,” said Pavelski, who went 7-under over his final 16 holes and won $150,000 of the $750,000 purse.

“It’s going to sound stupid, but I hit two fairly decent shots on one and make a double bogey, and hit two fairly decent shots on number two and make a bogey. I was just kind of searching for it, scratching my head a little bit and trying to tell myself to be patient, there’s a lot of golf left. And the birdie on 3 was huge.”

Pavelski’s victory capped off a memorable weekend, as he turned 41 on Friday and celebrated his 17th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sarah, on Saturday.

“Just an amazing week,” Pavelski said. “This place is incredible. Means the world to me.”

Curry birdied four of his first 16 holes and put himself within striking distance of the lead. But he triple bogeyed the final hole and finished with 58 points, good enough for fifth place.

“On the back nine, I was scoreboard watching crazy,” Curry said. “I was feeling kind of comfortable with it knowing what you need to do. Obviously, tough break on 18. I tried to kill it and give myself a chance, and do something crazy. Double crossed it left.”

Country music star Jake Owen finished alone in third with 62 points, followed by Twellman (61).

Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer, followed his best-ever round on Friday with a couple of tough rounds and finished tied for 69th, meaning those who bet on him to finish among the top 65 at sports wagering outlets lost their bet.

A handful of former champions made the top 10 – former Oakland A’s pitcher Mark Mulder (57), a three-time winner; LPGA great Annika Sorenstam (55), three-time winner and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (54); and defending champion Mardy Fish, a former tennis pro (53) and two-time winner here. Actor Michael Peña (51) finished in 10th place.

Pro football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice finished 22nd (28), 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk finished tied for 59th (-8), and tight end George Kittle was 81st (-34).

Hard-luck SF Giants fall to Dodgers in 11th inning to enter All-Star break

SAN FRANCISCO – Rafael Devers muscled up and got nothing in the 10th inning.

The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to hit the ball hard against Spencer Bivins in the 11th yet broke the game open.

“Baseball can be a cruel game,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s just the way baseball is sometimes. Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”

The Giants enter the All-Star break pondering the wicked nature of their sport after a 5-2, 11-inning loss to the Dodgers on Sunday at Oracle Park.

The Giants (52-45), who lost two of three to their longtime rivals in the series, will be six games back of the National League West-leading Dodgers (58-39) when play resumes on July 18.

When it looked as if the Giants would go quietly, pinch-hitter Luis Matos tied it up with a two-run blast to left center in the ninth.

Joey Lucchesi pitched a scoreless 10th for the Giants, with free runner Andy Pages getting no further than third base.

In the 11th, the Dodgers scored three times — a bloop run-scoring single by Freddie Freeman, an infield single on a chopper by Teoscar Hernandez which drove in a run, and a bloop RBI single to right by Pages. That made Bivins (2-3) a hard-luck loser.

San Francisco Giants’ Spencer Bivens (76) walks off the field after the final out of the top of the 11th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

With two out in the 11th, Freeman’s ball left the bat at 70.5 miles per hour and found open space 242 feet away. The dribbler by Hernandez traveled four feet, with Wilmer Flores and Bivins unable to make the play. Pages’ hit traveled 173 feet at 64.3 miles per hour.

Did Bivins feel any better because he had essentially done his job?

“Honestly, right now? No,” Bivins said. “But it’s nice to have support from your team. We’ve got some tough (guys) in this clubhouse.”

In the bottom of the 10th, Devers looked as if he’d sent the Giants home happy with a line drive to deep center with one out and runners at first and second. It left the bat at 106.1 mph and carried 381 feet, but center fielder Pages managed to track it down against the fence for the second out. Willy Adames grounded to third against Ben Casparius for the third out.

Down 2-0 in the ninth, the Giants electrified the home crowd when Matos, pinch-hitting for Mike Yastrzemski, hit a one-out, two-run home run off a slider to left center against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott to tie the game 2-2.

“It was very exciting, especially with the atmosphere at the ballpark, coming in in that situation and being able to contribute to the team,” Matos said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win, but it felt good.”

Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News GroupGiants' pinch-hitter Luis Matos hits a two-run home run in the ninth inning to tie the game 2-2 against the Dodgers Sunday at Oracle Park

Matos’ homer, his fifth of the season, drove in Matt Chapman, who had a one-out single as the Giants went into the ninth with just three hits.

The chaotic ending came after All-Star pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Robbie Ray looked the part through most of the game. Yamamoto threw 91 pitches, 64 of them strikes.  Ray was done in favor of Ryan Walker after six innings, giving up two runs on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts. He threw 92 pitches, 54 of them strikes.

“I felt like I did a pretty good job of mixing it up and kept them off balance for the most part,” Ray said.

Ray, who was moved up in the rotation and won’t pitch in the All-Star game as a result, said it was a no-brainer to pitch against the Dodgers.

“Getting recognized and making the team is great, and I’m super thankful for that,” Ray said. “But we’re getting serious here, and when they asked me to pitch this game, it made the most sense.”

Miguel Rojas homered for the Dodgers in the fifth inning, his fifth of the season.

After retiring the first nine men in order on just 24 pitches (17 strikes), Ray walked Shohei Ohtani on a 3-2 pitch to lead off the fourth and then walked Mookie Betts on a 3-1 pitch.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Will Smith flied to shallow left, and Freeman followed with a first-pitch double to right, scoring Ohtani and sending Betts to third. Ray averted further trouble in a 26-pitch inning by striking out Hernandez swinging and Pages looking.

Ray had to work even harder in the fifth, which included a solo home run by Rojas to left field with one out. It took Ray 30 pitches to get out of the inning, which also included a single by Ohtani.

Rojas’ home run came on a full count and left the bat at 102.7 miles per hour and carried 383 feet, well behind Heliot Ramos’ attempt to climb the fence for a miracle catch.

Devers was 0-for-5 with two comebackers and a strikeout against Yamamoto and a strikeout against Vesia in the eighth before his lineout in the 11th. He is hitting .202 (18-for-89) in 25 games since joining the Giants by trade from the Boston Red Sox on the final day of the Giants’ series at Dodger Stadium nearly a month ago.

Besides adjusting to a new team, Devers has also been playing with groin and back issues.

“It will be a nice break for everybody, including him,” Melvin said. “That last one was a good one. Just got unlucky there.”

Walker, Randy Rodriguez, and Camilo Doval each pitched a scoreless inning in relief for the Giants. Casparius (7-3) was the winning pitcher for the Dodgers.

San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) makes a catch for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (5) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ray Robbie (38) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) makes a catch at the left field wall on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (17) in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) throws to first base for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andy Pages (44) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) can only watch as a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas (72) leaves the park for a solo home run in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (17) rounds third base on his way to scoring a run off of a double hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (5) against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers (16) reacts to a strike against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee (51) celebrates his double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) makes a catch for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas (72) in the third inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Spencer Bivens (76) sits in the dugout after the Giants 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11 innings at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Luis Matos (29) celebrates his two-run home run with San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman (26) against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) throws to first base for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim (6) in the 10th inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco Giants’ Casey Schmitt (10) reacts to striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Show Caption1 of 14San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos (17) makes a catch for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (5) in the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Expand

WEBB PONDERING

Related Articles SF Giants select shortstop Gavin Kilen with No. 13 overall pick of MLB draft Following arduous Tommy John recovery, SF Giants’ Robbie Ray back to All-Star form Dodgers prospect De Paula hits 3-run homer to lift NL to 4-2 win in All-Star Futures Game SF Giants’ offense silenced as Ohtani pitches in rivalry for first time SF Giants make All-Star case for Tyler Rogers after Misiorowski selection

With Ray already out of the picture in terms of All-Star availability, Melvin said the status of starter Logan Webb is up in the air “depending on how he feels.”

Webb sounded game when talking to reporters afterward, saying if he did pitch, it would probably be early.

Webb (9-6) started Friday night’s 8-7 win over the Dodgers, pitched 5 1/3 innings and throwing 91 pitches to get the win.

Melvin said he wouldn’t set the post-All-Star break rotation “until we know what he’s doing.”

Hayden Birdsong, who was skipped in favor of Ray to finish out the All-Star break, will go back into the rotation when the Giants resume play Friday in Toronto.

“It’s been a good little break for him,” Melvin said. “He’s available in the bullpen.”

Melvin said he hadn’t talked with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who is leading the National League team, about the usage of Webb and Rodriguez.

“I hope they use Randy for about five pitches and get him out,” Melvin said

How to watch SF Giants’ streaming-only series finale vs. Dodgers

The Giants’ final game before the All-Star break won’t be on NBC Sports Bay Area — or on television at all.

Their game Sunday at Oracle Park against the Dodgers is this week’s Roku MLB Sunday Leadoff game, meaning it is only available via streaming.

Those who have Roku devices can watch the game by navigating to the Sports section from their home screen menu or putting “MLB Leadoff” into the search bar.

The game is still viewable if you don’t have a Roku device, though. The Roku Channel is available on Amazon Fire Stick and some smart TVs, as well as smartphones. Anyone using a regular browser can watch on TheRokuChannel.com. No login is required to watch the game.

Those with an MLB.TV or MLB Extra Inning subscription should also be able to see the game on those platforms.

According to MLB, the full game will be available via replay on The Roku Channel and on Roku devices six hours after final pitch.

Related Articles SF Giants select shortstop Gavin Kilen with No. 13 overall pick of MLB draft Hard-luck SF Giants fall to Dodgers in 11th inning to enter All-Star break Following arduous Tommy John recovery, SF Giants’ Robbie Ray back to All-Star form Dodgers prospect De Paula hits 3-run homer to lift NL to 4-2 win in All-Star Futures Game SF Giants’ offense silenced as Ohtani pitches in rivalry for first time

The Giants are looking to finish the unofficial first half of the season on a high note as Robbie Ray takes on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. San Francisco won Friday night’s series opener, staving off a comeback attempt by the Dodgers, then lost Saturday as Shohei Ohtani made his pitching debut in the rivalry.

A win would leave the Giants four games behind Los Angeles in the NL West. The Padres enter action Sunday 4.5 games back of the Dodgers.

MLB has partnered with Roku, a San Jose-based streaming device company, since 2024.

Terror on two wheels: A ride around Laguna Seca on a Superbike

LAGUNA SECA — The first thing I noticed was the only thing keeping me from bouncing off WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s tarmac at more than 100 miles per hour was my grip strength and the ample adrenaline shooting through my body.

I was on the back of a specially modified, two-person Superbike piloted by former professional Superbike racer Chris Ulrich, for a lap around Laguna Seca’s 2-mile, 11-turn course during this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest.

And I was scared out of my mind.

Student journalist Mason Bloom takes a 150-mph ride around Laguna Seca on the back of a motorcycle. (Special to the Monterey Herald)

I’m usually much calmer at the track. When I got the ride-along invite, I didn’t think it would be anything out of the norm. I’ve driven on-track before and know Laguna like the back of my hand.

But I’d never been on a motorcycle of any kind before — let alone a Superbike — with a power-to-weight ratio similar to a Lamborghini. Shoot, I hadn’t even ridden a bicycle in years! But no big deal; I was ready.

My thinking changed before the 90-second ride when I signed a waiver releasing liability in case of death or injury. I then suited up in full gear: a leather race suit, back brace, gloves, hardshell boots and helmet.

The pre-ride safety meeting was very specific: feet on the pegs, rear end firmly on the small seat, and — no matter what — don’t let go of the safety bar. Also provided were two signals to communicate with Ulrich: one elbow jab means don’t go faster; two means there’s something wrong.

My heart rate was increasing with each duly noted instruction.

Ulrich pulled up on his Suzuki Superbike, and after nervous pleasantries on my part, I hopped on and wrapped my bulky gloves around the safety handle.

Student journalist Mason Bloom takes a 150-mph ride around Laguna Seca on the back of a motorcycle. (Mason Bloom - Monterey Herald)

After my nod of approval, Ulrich did what Superbike riders do: unleashed over 200 horsepower with a turn of a wrist, sending us down Laguna Seca’s first straightaway.

I’ve seen countless race starts and stood nearby vehicles as they launched down the tarmac. This time I was “the driver” being launched. I’m in the word business but I don’t have any to truly describe what this felt like.

I’ve been in several very fast vehicles exceeding 100 mph, but those had a cabin and two doors separating me from the asphalt. Had my safety bar grip pressure not been turned up to 10, I’d have been shot off the bike like one of those old-time cartoon characters being shot out of a cannon.

This was the first time speed has ever scared me.

Ulrich and I rocketed through Turn 1 at well over 100 mph. The combination of G-force and, surprisingly, the wind were frightening and brutal.

Superbikes do have windshields, but they’re just large enough to cover riders when they’re tucked downward into standard superbike riding posture. Ulrich was prone but I was more upright, wrapped around him and the safety bar, desperately trying to see the corner I’m about to experience at felony speeds.

Several downshifts later, we dropped into Turn 2 and took the long, tight left-hander well past a 45-degree angle. I instinctively kicked my knee out and leaned my head into the turn like I’d seen pros do. It was the first time anything seemed instinctive. Maybe I was getting used to this.

Maybe not.

I realized just how close I was to the tarmac. Strikingly close. Close enough to see rapid flashes of red, white, red, white, red, white appear at 60 mph. These weren’t flashing lights, they were the colored curbs inside the turn that guide drivers. They were right there, inches from my visor. My safety bar grip pressure was now at 11.

Student journalist Mason Bloom takes a 150-mph ride around Laguna Seca on the back of a motorcycle. (Mason Bloom - Monterey Herald)

Feeling our rear tire squirm as we moved out of Turn 2’s apex and into Turn 3 at over 80 mph confirmed I was indeed not used to this. I’ve seen crashes there before. I was a tad queasy.

We blew through the sequence of turns 2, 3 and 4 in a blink. My ongoing flood of adrenaline kept me more than alert as we moved through several thunderous upshifts as we sped through 4, reaching 120 mph. The upshifts were impossible to ignore. Each ruthlessly jolted the bike and felt like a sucker punch to my stomach.

My chest was forced into Ulrich’s back as he broke into the left-hander Turn 5 as quickly as he accelerated out of Turn 4. As I braced my core with the bike nearly parallel to the track, I couldn’t ignore the burning in my forearms and biceps from my intense grip on the safety bar.

The brief climb to Turn 6 featured equally turbulent upshifts and showed why accidents often occur there. Its intense bank and sharp angle make it impossible to perfect. And we weren’t. Suddenly, the entire bike slid jarringly underneath me as it dropped into the 80-mph apex. The rear tire screamed as we hurled up to Turn 7 and I fought incontinence.

The Rahal Straight, between Turn 6 and 7, gave me a brief pause to breathe. This was among the fastest parts of the ride — over 110 mph — but it was straight, so I tried to adjust my now-sore rear end on the seat. The headwind resisted my movement and I was then thrown blindly into the Corkscrew.

So much for catching my breath.

Its six-story drop lasted barely two seconds and we picked up almost 30 mph in the process. Its severe shape prevented me from seeing the corner until I was leaning sideways into it, nearly kissing the tarmac. Ever been on a drop tower at an amusement park? Imagine that, except without a safety harness.

The speed gained exiting the Corkscrew rocketed us into the downhill, left-hander Turn 9. It’s one of the track’s fastest corners and I felt all my 160 pounds thrown to the outside of the bike as we neared 100 mph. My arms, core and neck were waving the white flag as the bike fought for grip and shot me into the next corner.

Turn 10 was nothing more than a slingshot into Turn 11. We’d descended more than 10 stories since entering the Corkscrew and the speed was more intense than any previous corner. My visor was fogging up from my heavy breathing. With now reduced vision, I leaned hard into the 75-mph corner.

The G-forces pushed my body — now tired and exceptionally sweaty — every which way while the wind forced my head back into my spine. Ulrich then pushed us full throttle into the slowest corner, Turn 11, allowing me to recenter my weight on the seat.

The force was so profound that it made it difficult to drop my shoulder into the turn’s apex one last time; I could barely move at this point. My surroundings — trackside photographers, bikes in the pits, the group standing by the start-finish line — were all a blur to me.

We were now in the home stretch and Ulrich had a final surprise for me. Our bike soared flat out to where the ride started, and he lifted the front wheel off the ground before slamming back on the tarmac with several barbaric downshifts. Ulrich stopped on a dime; I didn’t expect anything less.

Pulling myself off the bike, smelling the fumes from the exhaust and hot tires and feeling both feet back on the ground was the biggest relief I’d ever felt.

Ulrich climbed off after me and looked at me as I regained my balance.

“We went pretty quick,” he said with a smile.

Mason Bloom is a Herald correspondent and attends the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Journalism. 

210 fall athletes to watch over 70 days

Hollyn Hearne, King City volleyball: A punishing hitter at the net, Hearne collected over 200 kills last fall for the 18-win Mustangs.

Hearne also led the Mustangs in blocks, showcasing her athleticism by playing all-around, finishing second on the team in digs and service aces.

Tomas Rey-Avila, Salinas cross country: Emerging last fall as the Cowboys No. 1 runner, the senior ran 17:13 over 3.01 miles to lead his team to a Mission Division title.

A Central Coast Section finalist in the 1,600 meters last spring in track, Rey-Avila’s development has seen the distance ace drop over a minute off his mark in the 5,000 in each of his last two cross country seasons for Salinas.

Kitiona Tautolo, Monterey football: With the offensive line gutted by graduation, Tautolo — a CCS finalist in the discus — will be looked upon to fill a void on both sides of the ball.

A transfer from Pittsburg in the East Bay, injuries slowed his progress last fall. A punishing run blocker that is relentless, Tautolo will also see time on the defensive side of the field, adding depth.

Following arduous Tommy John recovery, SF Giants’ Robbie Ray back to All-Star form

SAN FRANCISCO — Robbie Ray remembers when everything clicked.

It was April 26, 2025 — 724 days since Ray underwent two surgeries that, in effect, robbed him of two seasons. The first three innings of Ray’s afternoon were fine but unspectacular, giving up a sacrifice fly in the first and another in the third. The fourth inning was different.

Ray began the frame with a strikeout, then induced a groundout and a fly out. Ray’s excitement didn’t lie in the results. As Ray walked back to Oracle Park’s third-base dugout, he realized his timing was back. He felt synced up.

He was finally back.

“Something clicked with my delivery,” Ray said. “I can’t necessarily put my finger on it. It was like that feeling where you haven’t ridden a bike in a long time, and then all of a sudden, you get on it. You don’t forget that feeling. That’s kind of what I was feeling in that fourth inning. I was like, ‘Oh, this is it.’”

Ray turned in his best outing as a Giant: seven innings, two runs, eight strikeouts. It was an outing that kicked off a two-and-a-half-month stretch of excellence — a stretch that has landed him a spot on the National League All-Stars alongside Logan Webb and Randy Rodríguez. Ray won’t pitch in the All-Star Game since he’s starting on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the selection itself is plenty rewarding.

“It’s definitely been a journey,” Ray said, “and it’s nice to see it pay off.”

For Ray, this journey began on May 3, 2023.

Ray experienced left forearm discomfort during his first start of the 2023 season with the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners placed him on the injured list the following day, and following a setback in his rehab, Ray opted for season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon in late April.

Further testing revealed Ray’s ulnar collateral ligament also needed repair. He’d need the dreaded Tommy John surgery. If Ray only needed to rehab his flexor tendon, he could’ve been back for the start of the 2024 season. Tommy John surgery ensured he’d be out for most of — if not all of — the first half. On May 3, 2023, Dr. Keith Meister performed the two procedures.

Ray, who was then in the second year of a five-year, $115 million contract, spent a good chunk of the rehab process at the Mariners’ Spring Training facility in Peoria, Ariz. In Ray’s absence, Seattle’s rotation evolved into one of baseball’s best, featuring Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller. Ray would never rejoin that group.

On Jan. 5, 2024, the Giants traded for Ray in exchange for outfielder Mitch Haniger, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and cash considerations. San Francisco understood Ray would miss most of the season. The team also knew that Ray wouldn’t instantly regain his Cy Young form when he did return. But former president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi saw the potential.

“I think for us, Robbie and the long-term vision of him being a tandem at the top of our rotation with Logan Webb was the No. 1 motivation but some of the flexibility it creates for opportunities internally and a little bit more maneuverability in terms of other free agent moves or trade acquisitions we’re looking at is certainly part of it,” Zaidi said at the time of the trade.

The key adjective: long-term.

Ray resumed his recovery with the Giants following the trade, not making the first of 10 rehab appearances until June 4, 2024. On July 24, 2024 — 448 days since his last start in the majors — Ray returned to a major-league mound, his task being the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

The rust was apparent when he walked in a runner with the bases loaded in the first inning. But the stuff was apparent when he threw five no-hit innings with eight strikeouts against a team that would go on to win the World Series.

As well as Ray pitched against the Dodgers, his return was defined by inconsistency. His third and fourth starts were prime examples.

On Aug. 9 against the Detroit Tigers, he pitched six innings of two-run ball, his first quality start since surgery. On Aug. 14 against the Atlanta Braves, he recorded two outs, walked three and allowed five runs, unable to finish the first inning. Over seven starts, Ray posted a 4.70 ERA.

Ray was back. But he wasn’t back.

“It just seemed like I felt really good, but it just wasn’t adding up,” Ray said. “I’d throw in bullpens and it was great. Then, I’d go out in the game and it was like I completely lost it.”

“In hindsight, with the trade for Robbie, with the salary, with our underperformance on the pitching end at times last year, I think a lot of the narrative around Robbie coming back was that he’d be this savior for the pitching staff, right? It was like, ‘As soon as we get Ray and (Alex) Cobb back, we’ll really start to roll,’ ” said pitching coach J.P. Martinez. “Looking back, I don’t think that was totally fair to him, to put so much pressure on him.”

Justin Verlander, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and missed all of 2021, knows firsthand the difficulty of fending off doubt.

“You just have to fight it,” Verlander said. “You have to trust the process. In my case, the rehab was going really well and there would be some small things that would creep up. You just got to remind yourself, ‘This is normal and not every day is going to be a great day.’ The only thing that really puts your mind at ease is performing — going out there and trusting it and letting it happen. Then, once that happens, you forget about it.”

One of the most influential figures in Ray’s recovery was Webb, who underwent Tommy John in 2016. Webb returned in 2017, missing only a little more than a year following his surgery, but it wasn’t until about 25 months following the surgery that Webb threw five innings in a single game. Despite being five years Ray’s junior, Webb helped the left-hander understand the peaks and valleys of the recovery process.

“Thankfully I had Webby here to talk me through that process of coming back from surgery and understanding there’s going to be days where you don’t necessarily have it,” Ray said. “You might feel great, but your body’s still trying to figure it out. He was a key piece in helping me to realize that.”

In his conversations with Webb and others, Ray learned that it’s not until 18-to-20 months post-surgery that pitchers started feeling like themselves again. During spring training — roughly 21 months after undergoing surgery — Ray hit that sweet spot.

The results during Cactus League play were exceptional. Over five starts, Ray had a 1.86 ERA with 23 strikeouts to one walk. Along with his usual repertoire of four-seam fastball, curveball and slider, Ray reintroduced a pitch to his arsenal that had been dormant for years: a changeup.

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Ray regularly threw a changeup as a rookie in 2014 but the pitch faded from his repertoire by 2017. He sprinkled in a couple changeups over the years, but the pitch wasn’t a prominent part of his mix. But at the conclusion of the ‘24 postseason, Ray texted Tarik Skubal, the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner, about how he threw his changeup. Skubal, in return, sent Ray “the kitchen sink.”

“I think it’s allowed me to get deeper into games,” Ray said, “not just necessarily going for the strikeout every single time, but getting early outs and being able to go deep.”

Added Martinez: “Just having something to keep those hitters honest — moving the other direction and pulling the string on them — has done wonders for him.”

Entering Sunday, Ray is 9-3 with a 2.63 ERA and has totaled 122 strikeouts over 113 innings. The Giants are 15-4 on days that Ray starts, which includes team wins in his first nine starts of the year. Earlier this month, Ray threw the second complete game of his career against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ray’s injuries robbed him of two prime seasons, but in his first fully healthy year back, he’s proving he’s still a top-of-the-rotation arm.

“The impressive thing about what he has done up to this point is it’s almost like you have to start your career over again,” said manager Bob Melvin. “You never really know. You go through rehab. It’s a lonely time, but he took it seriously. … Credit to him for hard work and going through what was a tough rehab period.”

Horoscopes July 13, 2025: Ken Jeong, go on a learning spree this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ken Jeong, 56; Cheech Marin, 79; Harrison Ford, 83; Patrick Stewart, 85.

Happy Birthday: Go on a learning spree this year. Follow your plans and develop the required skills to make your dreams come true. Reinvent yourself or tweak who you already are to suit your needs. Refrain from letting regret turn to anger; positively applying your energy will get you further ahead. Change your mindset from dreaming about what you want to living up to your aspirations. Your numbers are 3, 14, 21, 26, 38, 43, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Reconsider your options before you move forward with a home improvement project, move or change that can alter your living standard or financial future. Acting on impulse will lead to regret, but biding your time and negotiating with caution will lead to peace of mind and put a solid plan in place. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stick to what you know and do best. Making a change to appease someone will cost you, but putting your time and energy into self-improvement will make you feel better. Less talk and more “me time” will ensure you are ready to handle your responsibilities and achieve your goals. Choose peace over discord. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Live in the moment, enjoy the experiences you encounter, and turn your surroundings into a playground that eases stress and encourages you to forget your troubles and enjoy your life. Put the people and the things you love most at the forefront and enjoy the peace and gratitude they provide. Romance is favored. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take time to reminisce. Reach out to old friends, attend a reunion or tidy up loose ends to ensure you can move forward without strings attached. It’s up to you to make your life simpler. Don’t depend on or count on others to do the work for you. Take control and gain power. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Timing is everything; being in the right place at the right time can make a difference to your financial, emotional or physical well-being. Pledge to make the most gratifying moves, and you’ll feel your energy mount and your happiness surge. Do what’s best for you, and everything will fall into place. Love is in the stars. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Discovery is optimum if you participate in events, observe what others are doing and try something new that entertains and lifts your spirit. Movement is necessary for your health, but overdoing it will set you back. Moderation is the key to satiating your body, mind and soul. Embrace what fulfills you. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct 22): Channel your emotional energy into personal growth and physical activities, encouraging fitness and fun. Talks can be fortuitous if you are willing to meet halfway and contribute equally to the outcome. Don’t miss a romantic opportunity or a chance to don a new look. Positive action will push you to achieve your goals. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Count your money, protect your possessions and invest smartly. Concentrate on revamping your resume or looking for new outlets to apply your skills, experience and knowledge. Sign up for courses that help raise your marketability and point you in a trending direction. Refuse to let your emotions stand between you and your goals. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Travel, reunions and doing or learning something new will promote happiness and encourage new friendships. Reinvest your time in community events offering the human touch instead of spending time alone with your phone. Chase your dreams and enjoy what life can offer. A lifestyle change will boost your morale. Romance is favored. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Assess your situations, determine your best path forward and set a workable budget. Once you have your mind set on something and your plan ready, you will find it easy to parlay your preparation into something that gives back more than you anticipate. What you contribute, you will get back twofold. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your money and possessions separate. Dismiss joint ventures, shared expenses and untrustworthy offers. Concentrate on your living space; make changes that add to your comfort or lower your overhead and ensure that your meaningful relationships come first. A kind gesture will start a trend, and romance is favored. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Distance yourself from anyone using persuasive tactics to promote indulgence. Temptation will surface, emotions will swell and the need to walk away will increase if you don’t engage in something that positively impacts your mood. Choose a pastime you enjoy, and head in a direction that offers gains and growth. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are insightful, novel and curious. You are spontaneous and ardent.

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

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