Sports

Pence Returns in Giants 5-3 Win Over Nats

Published

9 years ago

July 30, 2016

San Francisco, CA – The Giants made a collective effort and put runs on the board. Something that has been struggle for the last thirteen games, San Francisco did just enough to end their losing skid with a 5-3 win over the Nationals. They put up two runs in the fourth and tied the game before sailing away in the seventh. Hunter Pence’s return was the cherry on top as his energy is contagious.

A short outing for Jake Peavy who tossed four frames, gave up five hits, three runs, walked one and struck out seven. The two-run homer he gave up in the third was partly the reason his day ended quickly. Washington gained a 3-0 lead early and Giants manager Bruce Bochy felt putting up runs was more important than seeing his pitcher go far in the game and Peavy couldn’t agree more.

“Boch managing that like a playoff game with the way we needed to win was one hundred percent the right call,” Peavy said. “And that will happen every time we’re down 3-0 in a playoff game. Our offense needed every opportunity to kick the door down.”

Peavy gave up a leadoff single to start the game but good defense and great pitching allowed him to retire the next three batters to leave the first unscathed. By the second Peavy struck out Jason Werth but threw a wild pitch which allowed him safe at first. He then forced Ryan Zimmerman to hit into a force out and struck out two more batters without giving up a run in two innings.

“Bad pitch to Rendon… Felt we made a good pitch to Harper there but [umpire] Chad Fairchild didn’t think it was a good pitch, he thought it was a ball,” Peavy explained. “The way things have been going, there’s your break. Zimmerman got on it in the next inning and the pitch to Espinosa, how he that ball off the plate with so much authority and the ball wasn’t even going that way.”

A two-run homer by Anthony Rendon in the third changed the game. Peavy retired the first two batters he faced before giving up his first walk of the game to Bryce Harper. Rendon followed with a home run to left field making it a 2-0 game. Washington added on another run in the fourth. Zimmerman led off the frame with a single and Danny Espinosa followed with a RBI double extending the Nats lead 3-0.

In his first game back Pence received a standing ovation and on his first plate appearance he almost went yard. Pence double off the wall to leadoff the second. Lopez issued a free pass to Brandon Belt then walked Peavy to load the bases. But Eduardo Nunez popped out to catcher Pedro Severino to end the threat. San Francisco is 0-for-6 with RISP after two innings.

“A pretty impressive first at-bat,” said Bochy.

“Great team win,” Buster Posey said. “It’s no secret he’s our emotional, spiritual, whatever you want to go with leader and that’s definitely a big boost to have him [Pence] back.”

The Giants got another chance in the fourth and this time Nunez prevailed. Belt led off the frame with a walk. Joe Panik followed with a single and Lopez walked pinch-hitter Mac Williamson to load the bases again. Nunez hit a double to center field driving in both Belt and Panik making it a 3-2 game. San Francisco tied the game 3-3 when Angel Pagan grounded out to first and Williamson scored on the play.

Nunez went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI in his first start as a Giant. He was acquired by the club on Thursday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league LHP Adalbert Mejia. Nunez is hitting .296 with 49 home runs scored, 12 home runs and 47 RBI this season. He was leading the American League with 27 stolen bases, which was already the most by a Twin since 2012.

“I wasn’t familiar with the first pitcher, I’ve never faced him before,” said Nunez. “The second at-bat with bases loaded with two out I hit the sinker inside. He made a mistake and I took advantage.”

Pence was reinstated from the 15-day disable list today. He missed 48 games with a right hamstring strain while the Giants posted a 26-22 record in his absence. Pence was batting .298 (54-for-181) in 50 games for San Francisco prior to going on the DL. IF Ramiro Pena has been designated for assignment to make room for Pence on the active roster.

“I’m really grateful and really just love everything about playing for the Giants and this beautiful stadium and fans,” said Pence. “After the long road back, to be able to play and contribute and be a part of this city and the great organization we have here, it’s a special moment for me.”

Bottom of the seventh the Giants loaded the bases for the third time today. Another infield single from Posey, a walk to Pence and Belt hit a line drive to right field. Panik’s sacrifice fly to right field scored in Posey to make it a 4-3 game. Washington’s bullpen kept San Francisco’s momentum going, another walk loaded the bases. And reliever Blake Treinen walked pinch-hitter Trevor Brown to extend Giants lead 5-3.

“I didn’t have like half my bullpen,” Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. “We were pitched out the last two or three days. We’re getting some reinforcements in here.”

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.