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Daily Clips September 12, 2014

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 LOCAL 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-david-hernandez-mlb- D-backs' offense continues to falter as road trip ends surgery/15452769/ Delgado allows three runs in four to red-hot D-backs' offensive woes continue against Giants' Peavy By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com By Janie McCauley (AP) / FOX Sports Arizona http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/giants-sweep-d- ?gid=2014_09_11_arimlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id backs-behind-peavy-s-solid-start-091114 =ari D-backs' CEO updates the team's general

Stults rides second-half resurgence into Arizona search Padres left-hander squares off with D-backs' Nuno in By Vince Marotta / Arizona Sports opener http://arizonasports.com/42/1765873/Dbacks-CEO-Derrick- By Ryan Hood / MLB.com Hall-updates-the-teams-general-manager-search http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp ?gid=2014_09_12_sdnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=preview D-backs' road trip ends with -sweeping loss to Giants: By The Numbers Giants, D-backs commemorate 9/11 heroes in pregame Arizona Sports ceremony http://arizonasports.com/42/1765994/Dbacks-road-trip-ends- Moment of silence observed as first responders are honored with-seriessweeping-loss-to-Giants-By-The-Numbers By Ryan Hood / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/94217466/san- D-Backs a with Phoenix Children's Hospital patients francisco-giants-arizona-diamondbacks-commemorate-911-in- By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News pregame-ceremony http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2014/09 /12/d-backs-hit-phoenix-childrens-hospital-patients/15496045/ Diamondbacks executives address payroll, front-office questions NATIONAL By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports MLB mulled domestic violence policy http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 By Associated Press / ESPN 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-derrick-hall-tony-la-russa- http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11509005/major-league- mlb/15468005/ baseball-players-union-discussed-blanket-domestic-violence- policy-bud-selig-says throws his bat for RBI against Diamondbacks concerned about lack of minority By Andrew Joseph / azcentral sports managers http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat- By Paul Palladino / Sports Illustrated index/2014/09/11/hunter-pence-throws-his-bat-for-rbi-single- http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/09/11/commissioner-bud-selig- against-diamondbacks/15469467/ minority-managers

Arizona Diamondbacks struggling to reach finish line Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports By Reuters / Chicago Tribune http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-rt-bbo-padres- 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-struggling-reach-finish- diamondbacks-preview-20140911-story.html line/15492455/ Giants complete sweep, home win streak to 9

Arizona Diamondbacks fall to for 6th By Sports Network / FOX News straight defeat http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/09/11/giants- By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports complete-sweep-run-home-win-streak-to/ http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-san-francisco-giants-game- solid again as Giants sweep Diamondbacks, 6-2 3/15444895/ By John Shea / SFGate http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Peavy-solid-again-as- Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez talks about Giants-sweep-Diamondbacks-5749011.php comeback By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports Giants complete three-game sweep of Diamondbacks By Carl Steward / San Jose Mercury News 1

│ http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_26515922/giants-complete- three-game-sweep-diamondbacks http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140912&conten t_id=94315570&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t516&sid=t516 SF Giants win 6-2, two games back — it’s time for the Dodgers Rawhide take Game 1 By John Shea / SFGate By Andrew Bettencourt / Visalia Times-Delta http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/2014/09/11/sf-giants-win-6-2- http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/2014/09/12/ra two-games-back-its-time-for-the-dodgers/ whide-take-game/15497311/

A look back at September 11, 2001: What America was like SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS then (front page gallery) Silver Hawks exploring their options for big league By Amanda Harnocz / Northeast Ohio Media Group affiliation http://www.cleveland.com/interact/2014/09/september_11_20 By Angelo Di Carlo / WNDU 01_what_america.html http://www.wndu.com/sports/headlines/Silver-Hawks-going- after-Cubs-but-likely-to-stay-with-Diamondbacks- Padres-Diamondbacks Preview 274827731.html By STATS / ESPN http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=340912129 South Bend Silver Hawks seeking new affiliate By Annie Chang / WSBT Arizona Diamondbacks - PlayerWatch http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-silver-hawks- By Reuters / Global Post seeking-new-affiliate/28015296 http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson- reuters/140912/arizona-diamondbacks-playerwatch-0

Giants complete three-game sweep of Diamondbacks

By Carl Steward / Bay Area News Group MISSOULA OSPREY http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_26517776/giants-complete- three-game-sweep-diamondbacks

NATIONAL Giants sweep into big weekend series against Dodgers MLB NEWS By Matt Kawahara / Sacramento Bee September 12, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/11/6700629/giants-sweep- http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_ind into-big-weekend.html ex.jsp

Instant Replay: Giants sweep, inch to Dodgers ASSOCIATED PRESS By Steve Berman / CSN Bay Area September 12, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/instant-replay-giants-sweep- http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews inch-closer-dodgers MLB TRANSACTIONS September 12, 2014 • MLB.com Aces even series with four-run second http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions Best-of-five series tied 1-1 going to Omaha By Chad Seely / Reno Aces http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140911&conten t_id=94163162&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t2310

Aces head to Omaha with tied series By Johanna Huybers / Reno Gazette-Journal http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2014/09/11/aces-head- omaha-tied-series/15486983/

MOBILE BAYBEARS

VISALIA RAWHIDE Almadova, Rawhide run away with Game 1 scores winning run from second base on grounder By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com' http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140912&conten t_id=94280042&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

Almadova Sprints Rawhide to Thrilling Game 1 Victory 2

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LOCAL Second half: 3-5, 3.74 ERA, .258 opponents' avg, 6.5 K/9 in D-backs' offense continues to falter as road trip ends nine starts. Delgado allows three runs in four innings to red-hot San Francisco Prior to Wednesday night's series finale against the Dodgers, By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com Stults spoke a bit about how a tweak in his delivery has really http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp helped him be more consistent. ?gid=2014_09_11_arimlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id =ari "I think I have the tendency sometimes to get slow through my delivery, and I think in the end it affected the overall SAN FRANCISCO -- The D-backs' long road trip came to an effectiveness on my pitches," Stults said. "Pitches weren't as end Thursday afternoon with another loss, this one by a 6-2 sharp. Pitches weren't as crisp, whereas I think picking up my margin to the Giants at AT&T Park. tempo allowed my arm speed to pick up. It didn't necessarily make me throw harder, but I think the better arm speed meant a After 11 days and 10 games, the D-backs are headed back to little more deception on my pitches." Phoenix having misplaced their offense while going 2-8 on the trip. He's 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA in two starts against Arizona this year.

Arizona managed just 21 runs on the trip and 11 of those came He'll be opposed by D-backs lefty Vidal Nuno, who is 2-10 with in their two wins against the Padres. a 4.37 ERA this season.

After being shut Wednesday night, the D-backs did at least Padres: Injured players close to return manage to score Thursday against Jake Peavy and a host of Manager said Monday he thought Everth relievers. Cabrera could return to the team as soon as this weekend against Arizona. But on Wednesday, Black said that might not be the Much like the night before, they did have their opportunities, but case after all. were not able to cash them in. Cabrera has missed 27 games with his second left hamstring The D-backs stranded a leadoff in the second and they strain of the season. He was also arrested on Sept. 3 on also left runners on second and third in the sixth. suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana, according to the Highway Patrol. Meanwhile starter Randall Delgado (3-4) was not as sharp as his last start. "We were hopeful. I was hopeful personally, just because he's a good player," Black said. "But let's just see how this whole The right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits over four process plays out -- even how his hamstring is. I still think innings as the Giants steadily built a 3-0 lead. there's some information gathering going on as we speak with MLB and CHP and doctors that I'm not privy to." The D-backs finally got on the board in the sixth thanks to a by Cliff Pennington and an RBI double from Mark Though Cabrera's status remains up in the air, the Padres could Trumbo. soon be getting outfielder 's bat back in the lineup. The Giants, though, responded with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to balloon their lead to 6-1. Almonte hasn't played since Saturday after spraining his ankle going after a fly ball against the Rockies, but he took Stults rides second-half resurgence into Arizona practice on Wednesday. Padres left-hander squares off with D-backs' Nuno in opener Black said right-hander Joaquin Benoit (shoulder) played By Ryan Hood / MLB.com Wednesday and should throw off a mound by the weekend, http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp putting him in line to return next week. ?gid=2014_09_12_sdnmlb_arimlb_1&mode=preview Black said right-hander , also dealing with a sore The second half hasn't been much like the first half for Eric shoulder, is four or five days behind Benoit. Stults, and that's a good thing. D-backs: GM search in full swing He's 6-16 with a 4.55 ERA this year, and he's lost his last three Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine on Wednesday starts, though his last two were quality starts. became the 10th candidate for the D-backs' general manager job to be revealed. He has performed much better after the All-Star break, though, which is a trend he'll look to continue in Friday's series opener Levine is in his ninth season with the Rangers, assisting GM Jon against the D-backs at . The numbers? Daniels in all areas of Major League operations. Prior to his tenure in Texas, he spent six years with the Rockies. First half: 3-11, 4.98 ERA, .298 opponents' avg, 5.3 K/9 in 19 starts. 3

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This past April, former GM Jim Bowden, who now writes for ESPN.com, asked current general managers who they thought How has this season affected the bottom line for the future? were the best future GMs, and Levine was at the top of the list. With nine home dates remaining, the Diamondbacks are on pace Bowden wrote: "[Levine] has high character and has the to draw a franchise-low 2,029,751 in attendance this season, and endorsement of most GMs in baseball as next in line in the the financial hit from that will affect next year's payroll. Hall industry. Daniels is still in his 30s, so it's likely that he will have expects it to drop to the $100 million range after beginning this to go elsewhere to get a GM job." season at a franchise record of around $112 million.

Levine joins Allard Baird, Larry Beinfest, , Gary "The formula that really works for major-league teams is to try LaRocque, Ray Montgomery, Hal Morris, , Dave and keep your payroll at about half of your revenues," Hall said. Stewart and DeJon Watson as the confirmed candidates. "For us, that's what we're looking at. We're going to be budgeting right around $100 million. If we think we can spend D-backs chief baseball officer has said he would more, we're going to." like to have a GM in place by the end of the season. The Diamondbacks already have $67.25 million committed in Worth noting salary for next season, and that's without factoring in raises in • With an RBI single in Tuesday's 6-3 Padres win, rookie Cory arbitration for players such as Mark Trumbo, Cliff Pennington, Spangenberg reached six RBIs in his first seven Major League David Hernandez, Wade Miley and Addison Reed. Together, games, tying a Padres record shared by (2012), those five players made $11.237 million this year, a that Sandy Alomar (1988-89) and (2003). would rise significantly next season.

• Arizona leads the Majors with a club-record 18 rookies That wouldn't leave much room to swing for the fences in free currently on the roster. agency this winter, although Hall said further cost-cutting moves could be made to clear space, like the deadline trades that saved Giants, D-backs commemorate 9/11 heroes in pregame Arizona $10 million in payroll this season. ceremony Moment of silence observed as first responders are honored "Obviously we know there are some holes we have to fill," Hall By Ryan Hood / MLB.com said. "We've talked about wanting to go out and get a bat and http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/94217466/san- we've talked about wanting to get starting pitching, and in order francisco-giants-arizona-diamondbacks-commemorate-911-in- to do that you're either going to have to go through trade or free pregame-ceremony agency and either way you're going to probably spend dollars on it. To spend more dollars, we're probably going to have to find SAN FRANCISCO -- In remembrance of the lives lost in the areas to more dollars." Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, the Giants held a special pregame ceremony at AT&T Park before Some options could be nontendering seemingly redundant their Thursday afternoon game against the D-backs. players like Pennington, but that would be a drop in the bucket if the Diamondbacks are looking to go after top-flight Prior to the first , both teams lined up on the baselines for a such as . moment of silence and the national anthem. The could also wait until 2016 to make a splash, Hall suggested. San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and S.F. Police The only true aces likely to be available this winter are Shields, Chief Greg Suhr threw ceremonial first pitches to Giants Jon Lester, and . Hall judge the 2016 class, which and D-backs outfielder , respectively. could include David Price and , to be deeper.

Diamondbacks executives address payroll, front-office "I would say the list this year, this offseason, is not as long as the questions list we're going to have the following year," Hall said. "We're By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports going to be active, but just how competitive it gets with fewer http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 arms where the next year the free-agent market is much bigger 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-derrick-hall-tony-la-russa- and brighter. We're going to be active, but there's no crystal ball mlb/15468005/ that'll tell me if we're going to outbid other teams in larger markets." The Diamondbacks' search for a new general manager is in full swing, with Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa having What will happen to manager and the coaching conducted preliminary interviews with four of 10 candidates. staff? Second-round interviews will be held within the next week and a half, with potential hires coming to Phoenix to meet with La La Russa doesn't remember where he saw it written, but he Russa and team President and CEO Derrick Hall. remembers it bugged him. The suggestion that the fate of Gibson and the coaching staff will be left up to the new general But beyond the question of who will be the next GM, there are manager is just "not correct," he said. many others to be answered as the Diamondbacks seek to move on from a disappointing, injury-filled season. Here are a few of When the announcement was made last week that them. would not be returning as GM, La Russa said a decision on the 4

│ manager would be made before the end of the season. It will be leaked early so that the initial headline said 'dismissed, fired.' his call, not the new GM's. That's 180 degrees from the arrangement we have potentially. Kevin has got a lot he can offer." "There are a lot of things in this organization that I am learning competency, but one thing I think I can help identify and have Hunter Pence throws his bat for RBI single against the responsibility for is the manager and the coaching staff," La Diamondbacks Russa said. By Andrew Joseph / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat- Where is Managing Partner ? index/2014/09/11/hunter-pence-throws-his-bat-for-rbi-single- against-diamondbacks/15469467/ Kendrick has been vocal in the past when discussing the team, whether it be bemoaning the short shrift given to analytics in the Giants outfielder Hunter Pence finds success doing a lot of organization or chiming in with opinions on since-departed goofy things on the . players and . From how he runs to how he throws and swings, nothing he Kendrick was also heavily involved in the team's last GM search, does looks "normal." but is letting La Russa and Hall handle things this time around while he summers in Aspen, Colo. But hey, it's what Pence does best.

When La Russa was hired, Kendrick made it clear that the During Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks, Pence former St. Louis manager had carte blanche to do what he saw opened up the scoring with a two-out RBI single up the middle. fit on the baseball side of things, and it seems like the owner is The ball went flying past Randall Delgado, and so did his bat. keeping his word. Instant replay would show that Pence threw his bat before "As I told him, 'I don't think you need to or I need to interview actually making contact. everybody now that we have Tony. Let's let him do that and Tony and I can decide on the finalists,' " Hall said. "When we (VIDEO EMBEDDED) think we've picked the candidate, we'd like him (Kendrick) to sit down with him to make sure he's comfortable with he or she as Hunter Pence, ladies and gentlemen. well." Arizona Diamondbacks struggling to reach finish line ("He or she" is likely just political correctness on Hall's part. No By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports female candidate has interviewed for the position, although MLB http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 executive was considered for the Padres 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-struggling-reach-finish- opening earlier in the summer.) line/15492455/

How will the emphasis on analytics take place? With fewer than three weeks remaining in their season, the Diamondbacks hardly resemble the team that stumbled through Hall was encouraged to hear that La Russa wanted a bigger the franchise's worst opening month since its inaugural season. emphasis on analytics, but how that's going to manifest itself is They're still just as good, if you will, at losing games, only they've unclear. La Russa left open the possibility that it could come in found new ways to lose them. the form of a GM or a lower-level hire. Early on, the Diamondbacks' rotation registered just seven That could mean some restructuring in the front office besides quality starts in its first 31 games, but right-hander Randall the GM position. What La Russa doesn't envision is a Delgado on Thursday afternoon registered the club's 14th dramatically increased baseball operations staff. consecutive game in which the starter allowed three earned runs or fewer. "Baseball ops, I think we have a pretty healthy situation there as far as numbers, and everyone will be reviewed and analyzed," he But with their offense non-existent and the inconsistent, said. the Diamondbacks are sputtering toward the finish line. Their 6- 2 loss to the San Francisco Giants was their sixth in a row, What will happen to Towers? giving them an 2-8 record on this 10-game West Coast swing.

La Russa made it clear he views Towers as a valuable member of From San Diego to to San Francisco, the organization, and Towers has expressed interest in staying in Diamondbacks starters posted a 3.02 ERA. Not every outing some role, though Towers hasn't given up on being a GM again. was impressive — Wade Miley got an early hook from manager Kirk Gibson after just two innings on Friday night, and Delgado Towers is waiting to see if he meshes with the new GM before went only four innings on Thursday — but the group's body of deciding on whether he stays, but is free to look at other work was good. opportunities in the meantime. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks hit just .199 with two home runs "I'm sure that the word will get out that he's available," La Russa and a .278 slugging percentage. They scored a total of 21 runs, said. "I've said very clearly I'm very distressed that the report was 11 coming in the two wins and only 10 in the eight losses. 5

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without a win. … He has made 11 starts since coming to the In fairness, the Diamondbacks are without their best hitter, Paul Diamondbacks in early July and has yet to be the winning Goldschmidt, who is out with a broken hand. They have traded pitcher. … Nuño gave up two runs in 7 1/3 innings against the away Martin Prado and Gerardo Parra. And they are committed Padres last week. … Stults has been pitching fairly well, owning to giving younger players more at-bats. Still, the struggles have a 2.79 ERA in 42 innings over his past seven starts. … C Miguel been pronounced. Montero has four doubles, two homers and is 6 for 22 against Stults in his career. "You've got to find a way to win when your pitchers are keeping you in a game like that," Diamondbacks A.J. Upcoming pitchers Pollock said. "Offense and the defense have to step up. (The other team has) good pitching, too, so you've got to play good Saturday: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Chase defense and you've got to scratch some runs and we did a bad Anderson (8-6, 3.71) vs. Padres RHP (13-13, 2.66). job of both." Sunday: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Trevor Delgado's line was not impressive — four innings, seven hits, Cahill (3-11, 5.04) vs. Padres RHP (3-6, three runs — but he probably deserved a better fate. He gave up 3.55). a double in the first inning when Angel Pagan hooked a that was down and out of the into right field. Buster Monday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Wade Posey turned an off-balance swing into an infield single. Miley (7-11, 4.28) vs. Giants RHP (8-10, 3.90).

And then there was Hunter Pence's RBI single, which was a Arizona Diamondbacks fall to San Francisco Giants for 6th clear indicator this was not the Diamondbacks' day. With the straight defeat 0-2, Delgado threw a down-and-away slider at which By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports Pence literally flung his bat. Somehow, he made contact, and the http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 ball rolled through the middle and dinked off the second-base 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-san-francisco-giants-game- bag. 3/15444895/

"There are some things you can't control," Delgado said. Recap: Jake Peavy allowed just one run in 5 2/3 innings and the San Francisco Giants completed a three-game sweep on Said Giants manager , "Nice job on his part hitting Thursday afternoon at AT&T Park, sending the Diamondbacks the bag." home with a 2-8 record on what was a three-city road trip.

The Diamondbacks faced Jake Peavy on Thursday, but before The Diamondbacks were outscored 37-21 over the 10 games. that they were shut down by Ryan Vogelsong and Yusmeiro The loss dropped them into a tie with the for Petit. They matched up with the inconsistent Dan Haren in Los last place in the West, where the Diamondbacks Angeles and with Odrisamer Despaigne in San Diego. And each haven't been since July 11. pitcher threw well against them. (Editor's note: Refresh page if linescore does not appear) When asked for his thoughts on his hitters' approaches at the plate, Gibson said he wanted to see more consistency. Delgado's day: Right-hander Randall Delgado wasn't especially sharp in his second start since returning to the rotation, but he "Your opponent is trying to get you to do certain things and you did not appear to have luck on his side. can't give into it," Gibson said. "You've got to be willing to go to two strikes. If that's what it takes then you have to do it, then Aside from a tough-luck first inning in which he gave up one you have to be more in protect mode, but before that you don't run, he allowed another run in the third on a two-strike want to swing at their pitch." in that appeared to jam the Giants' , who dumped it into center field for an RBI single. Up next "The first inning he could have easily been out of with no runs Padres at D-Backs and probably facing a couple less hitters," Tuffy Gosewisch said. "He didn't have his best stuff today, but I think When: Friday at 6:40 p.m. he battled really well. Some things didn't go his way, but he still went out there and executed pitches, for the most part." Where: Chase Field, Phoenix (roof hotline 602-462-6262) Roughed up: Reliever had another poor outing, TV/radio: FSAZ/ KMVP-FM 98.7, KTAR-AM 620, KSUN- giving up three runs on three hits and three walks in two-thirds AM 1400 of an inning.

Pitching matchup: LHP Vidal Nuño (0-5, 3.16) vs. LHP Eric For nearly a month, from July 26 to Aug.22, Stites gave up just Stults (6-16, 4.55) one run in 11 appearances. But his past six have not been good: 3 1/3 innings, 10 hits, eight runs, six walks. Notable: For the fifth consecutive start, Nuño gave up two runs or fewer on Friday against the Dodgers and yet again came away 6

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"Stites is not throwing with a lot of confidence right now," said day-in and day-out. There's always something to play for, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson, who stuck with Stites whether it be for each other or trying to win a job for next year. because of the overworked bullpen. "That turned into a tough That's good to see that they're still trying. inning. At some point he's got to figure some things out on his own, too. He's still young, so it will be a learning experience for Q: How encouraging was it to see Daniel Hudson come back him." after two years?

Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez talks about A: It was weird. I was watching the game by myself at the house comeback and the whole time, every pitch, I had the biggest smile. I was so By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports happy for him. Not a lot of people see the hard work that he's http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 put in, not just to come back from one but two Tommy Johns. I 014/09/11/arizona-diamondbacks-david-hernandez-mlb- couldn't even imagine having to go through it again. It's just a surgery/15452769/ long process. He said it well, that if it were to blow out again all that hard work was worth it just to come back for just one game. Pitch and catch with ... David Hernandez Q: A couple of years ago you were lined up to play with Team Each week, azcentral sports visits with a Diamondbacks player Mexico in the , but ended up with Team or for Diamondbacks Extra. USA. How did that happen?

Today: Reliever David Hernandez. A: It was a mix-up in paperwork in that whole ordeal. I just completely didn't expect to play. I definitely wanted to play for Question: You threw for the first time since your surgery on Team Mexico, but it was a miscommunication on both sides of Tuesday. How did it go? what kind of documents and paperwork I needed to turn in. I was completely content with not even playing and getting ready Answer: It felt good. You just never really know what to expect for the season, and then a roster spot opened up with Team after six months. You just build up to this day. We literally threw USA. Obviously I wasn't going to pass up that opportunity. It for five minutes, which is not very much. It just felt weird. worked out. You've got to teach yourself how to throw again, I guess. Q: You were born in California. Do you have Mexican Q: Does it feel like you're using someone else's arm? citizenship through your parents as well?

A: It's definitely the longest I've gone without throwing. It feels A: I don't. I'm third generation, so my great-great-grandparents like I'm throwing left-handed. You've just got to find the arm are from Mexico. I'm 100 percent Mexican, I just don't speak slot and make sure your mechanics are where they need to be. Spanish. It's basically getting the ligament used to throwing again. Q: What do you think communication would have been like on Q: What's the plan going forward? Team Mexico if you don't speak Spanish?

A: I think we're going every other day. It's about three times a A: Most of them speak English. I understand some Spanish, but week. Today was 45 feet, and I'm sure in a couple weeks we'll speaking it is a whole different ballgame. move it back to 60 and then 90 and then shut it down at the end of October. D-backs' offensive woes continue against Giants' Peavy By Janie McCauley (AP) / FOX Sports Arizona Q: How big of a step is this mentally? http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/giants-sweep-d- backs-behind-peavy-s-solid-start-091114 A: Mentally it's a very big step. You just never know how your arm's going to feel or how it's going to react. I think it feels way SAN FRANCISCO -- Jake Peavy struck out eight and didn't better than it did before I had surgery. That's always a good sign. walk a batter to win his third start in a row and the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 on Q: Outside of rehab stuff, how do you fill your free time? Thursday for their ninth straight home victory.

A: Just a lot of shoulder strengthening and forearm. All the Hunter Pence put the Giants ahead on a quirky RBI single in the muscles that you use to pitch, just strengthening all the muscles first. Pence literally threw his bat at the ball, which hit the front around it so when you come back everything is nice and strong. corner of second base and skipped into shallow right-center. A lot of cardio. Pence also drew a bases-loaded walk.

Q: Have you ever watched this much baseball on TV? had a more traditional RBI single among his three hits, helping the Giants extend their season-best home winning A: It's been a long time since I pretty much had a summer off streak. It's their longest unbeaten run at AT&T Park since nine from baseball. I can't even remember the last time that's in a row in May 2011. happened. It's hard. It's frustrating seeing the guys just battle day-in and day-out. Obviously the season hasn't gone the way we wanted it to. It's good to see them still working, working hard 7

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San Francisco, which leads the NL wild-card standings, pulled And as team president and CEO Derrick Hall told Doug and within two games of the idle Dodgers a day before a key Wolf Thursday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the list is a sizeable weekend series against the NL West leaders at AT&T Park. one.

Peavy (5-4) walked off to a standing ovation in the sixth after "We've got a list, I'd say it's ten-deep," Hall said. "Tony is allowing Mark Trumbo's RBI double. The right-hander is 5-1 meeting with them now, rapidly. He's moving fast and he's doing with a 1.12 ERA over his last six starts, finally getting ample run a great job in the process. support. Peavy allowed six hits in all over 5 2-3 innings. "What I've asked is when he's narrowed it down to two or three, homered against Santiago Casilla in the ninth. at that time the two of us will interview them and probably bring them to Phoenix. As you know, we want to get that done before The Giants swept Arizona at home for the first time since May the end of the season and time is of the essence." 2011. San Francisco plays all of its remaining games against division opponents. There haven't been any candidates mentioned by the D-backs' front office, but MLB.com's Steve Gilbert published an initial list Randall Delgado (3-4) was tagged for three runs and seven hits of possible hires this week. in four innings, making just his second start since April 10. He spent most of the season as a reliever. "It started out with three or four names, and then I would get calls or (La Russa) would get calls with so many people he Arizona's starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 14 knows in the game -- both of us, we would hear from people straight games. who said 'hey, you owe it to yourself to at least have a conversation with this person or this guy.' The Giants have outscored opponents 58-14 during their home winning streak. "As long as we're going through this process, we may as well exhaust all options that we're getting such high TRAINER'S ROOM recommendations on, so we're doing just that."

The D-backs were hopeful rookie OF David Peralta could Three of the candidates presumed to be on the candidates list -- return Friday from a back injury, but manager Kirk Gibson Allard Baird, Tim Purpura and Larry Beinfest -- have prior GM indicated it could be a few more days. Peralta, who hasn't played experience in . Others, like Billy Eppler, since Sept. 5, is scheduled for an MRI exam Friday. and DeJon Watson have assistant GM experience.

UP NEXT Hall admitted not all initial candidates are going through the same vetting process. LHP Vidal Nuno (0-5, 3.16) tries again for his first victory since joining Arizona from the , when the D-backs "A few of them out of that group of ten have been more of a open a six-game homestand by hosting the . 'meet and greet' with Tony," Hall said. "Others have been more Nuno's last win came June 27 against the Red Sox. He has of a serious interview. He'll recommend two or three to me, and allowed two runs or fewer in his last five starts. we'll go through that process as quickly as we can."

SELIG VISIT D-backs' road trip ends with series-sweeping loss to Giants: By The Numbers Commissioner Bud Selig stopped at AT&T Park and toured the Arizona Sports new edible garden in center field as part of his farewell ballpark http://arizonasports.com/42/1765994/Dbacks-road-trip-ends- tour. He said he is 18 ballparks into his schedule, with four or with-seriessweeping-loss-to-Giants-By-The-Numbers five more upcoming stops on the calendar and more in the playoffs. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Matt Stites, right, stands next to shortstop Cliff Pennington after walking San Francisco Giants' D-backs' CEO Derrick Hall updates the team's general Hunter Pence with the bases loaded during the sixth inning of a manager search baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014. (AP By Vince Marotta / Arizona Sports Photo/Jeff Chiu) http://arizonasports.com/42/1765873/Dbacks-CEO-Derrick- This season can't be the worst in Arizona Diamondbacks Hall-updates-the-teams-general-manager-search history, but it's certainly going to go down as one of the worst.

Last week, the Arizona Diamondbacks relieved Kevin Towers of With 16 games remaining on the schedule, the D-backs can't his general manager duties. amass their previous franchise-worst loss total of 111, which came in 2004. But after Thursday's 6-2 loss to the San Francisco Towers is still performing the day-to-day tasks of the position Giants, the D-backs are headed home with a six-game losing while chief baseball officer Tony La Russa assembles a list of streak, having gone just 2-8 on a three-stop road trip. candidates to fill the office. They seem set to surpass 2009's loss total of 92, which would make manager Kirk Gibson's 2014 D-backs the fourth-worst team in franchise history. In 2010 and in 1998, Arizona's 8

│ inaugural year, the D-backs lost 97 games -- a mark that may be D-backs starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 14 reached if current trends continue. straight games, the longest active streak in the majors, and second longest in club history. Thursday at AT&T Park, the problem was more of the same as of late for the D-backs. That is, namely, no offense. 31

In the trip finale, the D-backs once again scored just two runs -- Stites made his 31st appearance of the season Thursday, giving the eighth time they'd scored two runs or less on the road trip. A up three earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. His ERA is night after scavenging just two hits off of Ryan Voglesong and a up to 6.11 in 2014. trio of Giants pitchers, D-backs hitters Thursday did better to heap up hits off of opposing starter Jake Peavy. D-Backs a hit with Phoenix Children's Hospital patients By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News It was making use of those hits -- getting the corresponding http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2014/09 runners to cross home plate -- that was once again the problem. /12/d-backs-hit-phoenix-childrens-hospital-patients/15496045/

On the mound for the D-backs, starting pitcher Randall Delgado David Peralta might be a tough out for major-league pitchers, and Matt Stites each allowed three earned runs, but the outfielder was no match for 12-year-old Corey Heartwell with the damage on Stites coming in just two-thirds of a frame. at air hockey.

The D-backs squandered an opportunity in the 8th, when Mark On a recent Tuesday, Peralta and Arizona Diamondbacks Trumbo struck out to end the frame, leaving and teammates , Tuffy Gosewisch and Ender Cliff Pennington on. Later, in the 9th, Jake Lamb hit the third Inciarte hung out with patients in Phoenix Children's Hospital's homer of his career to give the D-backs their second run of the Child Life Zone, playing video games, foosball and board games. day. Their first came in the 6th when Trumbo drove in They also visited visited children who couldn't leave their rooms. Pennington with a double -- giving the his 40th RBI of the season. Inciarte quickly found himself at a pool table, losing to a teenage girl. Here's a look at the loss, by the numbers: "It touched my heart, you know. Seeing them, how happy they 4 are and how they see life," Inciarte said. "So I'm really happy to come share these moments with them, and seeing that they can Delgado made his fourth start of the season Thursday, struggling smile makes me really happy and really enjoy this moment." to regain any kind of form, lasting just four innings while giving up seven hits and three earned runs. Heartwell got to know Anderson and Peralta by sweeping the pair in air hockey. Gosewisch helped a young girl finish her 6.61 sudoku puzzle.

Delgado's ERA as a starter this season swelled to 6.61 after After a few minutes into the visit, it became hard to tell who was Thursday's outing. He is 1-2 in four starts. As a reliever, he enjoying the visit more. Inciarte was locked into a game of hasn't been much better -- pitching to a 5.13 ERA while going 2- NBA2K like he had money on it, and Super Mario on Super 2 in 28 appearances and 52.2 innings of work. Nintendo sparked an instant connection with Anderson and an 8-year-old boy. 7 Anderson, whose wife played board games and made bracelets The D-backs left seven on base Thursday, batting 1-for-9 with with patients during the visit, said he wants to coach at the youth runners in . level after he's done playing and that his family looks forward to getting involved with the community as much as possible. 8 "It's important for us to help out whenever we can," he said. The D-backs have scored two runs or less in eight of the 10 games they've played thus far on the road trip, which they Peralta said he wished the children good health first and finished going 2-8 on a six-game losing streak. foremost, but also said he hopes they pick up a baseball in the future. 11 Anderson, Gosewisch, Inciarte and Peralta aren't the only Outfielder A.J. Pollock stole his 11th base of the season Diamondbacks who visit the hospital. Stacy Diller, a Wednesday. Only (14) has more on the season. spokeswoman of the hospital, said All-Star first baseman Paul Injured first baseman has nine. Goldschmidt regularly visits unannounced.

14 "The kids love when athletes visit," she said.

NATIONAL. MLB mulled domestic violence policy 9

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By Associated Press / ESPN progress. Not always as quickly as I’d like, but I’ll repeat it for http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11509005/major-league- the 200th time already today, we are a social institution. We need baseball-players-union-discussed-blanket-domestic-violence- to do as much of that as possible. And should.” policy-bud-selig-says Yahoo Sports' David adds that in 2009 there were 10 SAN FRANCISCO -- Major League Baseball commissioner Bud minority managers. Selig said Thursday that the league and players' union have previously discussed the idea of a blanket policy regarding Selig will retire early next year and is set to be replaced by chief domestic violence during collective bargaining, yet so far operating officer . baseball has opted to handle any issue on a case-by-case basis. Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks "Yes, it has been discussed, because we're sensitive to all issues. By Reuters / Chicago Tribune But I'm not going to sit here and (hypothesize)," Selig said http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-rt-bbo-padres- Thursday. "Fortunately we don't have that issue in front of us. diamondbacks-preview-20140911-story.html But we deal with all issues." Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks Selig, speaking at AT&T Park as part of his farewell tour before the San Francisco Giants hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks, With their wild-card chances all but wiped away, the San Diego declined to address the NFL's situation surrounding the Ray Padres continue a nine-game road trip Friday against the Arizona Rice case and whether he thought there could be an impartial Diamondbacks. Following a 6-1 surge, the Padres woke up Sept. investigation. 3 trailing the second wild-card spot in the National League by six games in the loss column and talking of getting into the mix by Selig said he can't remember the last domestic violence case the end of the month. A subsequent six-game losing streak and a involving a baseball player. Talks about a policy could come up 1-7 mark overall since has virtually eliminated that opportunity. again in the next collective bargaining, but Selig leaves office Jan. 25 and Rob Manfred takes over as commissioner. San Diego has been shut out three times during the swoon, which began with a pair of losses at home to Arizona earlier this "We haven't had any cases I'm happy to say for a long, long month. The Diamondbacks will be looking to avoid their first time. I can't remember when the last time was," Selig said. "I'm seven-game losing streak of the year after matching the club's grateful for that. But we deal with situations as they occur. The worst with a 6-2 setback in San Francisco on Thursday. only thing I want to say, I've said it before and I'll say it again, Although he only lasted four innings, Arizona starter Randall we are a social institution and I'm proud of our record in dealing Delgado extended the club's streak of allowing three or fewer with a myriad of subjects, and we deal with them, I think, quite runs to 14 games, the longest active string in the majors. effectively." TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona Commissioner Bud Selig concerned about lack of minority managers PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LHP (6-16, 4.55 By Paul Palladino / Sports Illustrated ERA) vs. Vidal Nuno (2-10, 4.37) http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/09/11/commissioner-bud-selig- minority-managers Stults was tagged with his league-leading 16th loss despite allowing three runs in 6 1/3 innings at Colorado last Friday. The MLB commissioner Bud Selig said he is concerned about the Padres have scored a total of two runs over his last three outings decreasing number of minority managers, the Houston and Stults has been given an MLB-low 2.54 runs of support per Chronicle's Evan Drellich reports. game on the season. The 34-year-old is 2-3 with a 5.40 ERA in eight career games (six starts) at Arizona. Bo Porter was fired by the earlier this month, and Ron resigned as manager of the Nuno fell to 0-5 with Arizona despite another outstanding start last week. manager Lloyd McClendon is the league's only last Friday at the . He allowed two runs in black manager. seven innings in that contest, leaving him 0-2 with a 2.15 ERA over his last four starts. One of those outings came versus San The ' and Braves' Fredi Diego at home Aug. 23, when Nuno had a no-decision after Gonzalez are the only other managers who are persons of color. permitting two runs and only two hits in 7 1/3 frames.

“Well, both teams are looking for ‘em,” the commissioner said WALK-OFFS of the Astros and Rangers in response to a question from the Chronicle. “I’m very concerned about that. I’m very proud of 1. Diamondbacks 3B Jake Lamb is 6-for-18 with a homer and what we’ve done in minority hiring. And I think we’ll have some two doubles in his last five starts. good news on that front, too, from everything I’m hearing in other areas. 2. Padres OF left Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers with a back strain and is expected to miss a “I’m sorry to see Ron Washington to go. I didn’t know Bo couple of days, according to manager Bud Black. Porter very well, but I did know Ron well. But we’ll see what the clubs do. I think the clubs have been pretty good. We made 10

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3. Arizona C Miguel Montero has a 13-game versus By John Shea / SFGate the Padres, hitting .333 during that stretch. http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Peavy-solid-again-as- Giants-sweep-Diamondbacks-5749011.php PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Padres 3 Jake Peavy has wonderful numbers against the Dodgers, but he’ll Giants complete sweep, run home win streak to 9 be a no-show in this weekend’s series because he pitched in By Sports Network / FOX News Thursday’s matinee. http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/09/11/giants- complete-sweep-run-home-win-streak-to/ “This is a big game today,” reminded manager Bruce Bochy, explaining why he didn’t juggle his rotation to set up Peavy for San Francisco, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Hunter Pence the Dodgers. knocked in two runs, Buster Posey collected three hits with an RBI and the San Francisco Giants completed a three-game They all count the same, as they say, and the Giants’ 6-2 victory sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 6-2 victory on over the Diamondbacks counts like any game that’ll be played Thursday. the next few days.

Angel Pagan had two hits with a walk and scored twice for the Just maybe a little less dramatic. Giants, who have won a season-best nine games in a row at home and 12 of their last 15 games overall. Peavy, whose start in last Friday’s marathon game in spanned a nearly three-hour rain delay, pitched into the sixth San Francisco will remain at AT&T Park for a crucial weekend inning before surrendering a run, a continuation of his recent set against Los Angeles. The Giants are two games behind the hot spell. In his past six starts, he’s 5-1 with a 1.12 ERA, one of NL West-leading Dodgers. many reasons for the Giants’ turnaround in recent weeks.

"It's going to be exciting baseball. We're playing a very, very They’ve won 12 of 15. At home, they’ve won 10 in a row. good team," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "There's going to be a lot of excitement, intensity out there." Gaining a half-game in the standings on the idle Dodgers, the Giants, now two back, are in position to take over first place Mark Trumbo and Jake Lamb both drove in a run for Arizona, with a sweep. It’s the Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu, and which matched a season high with a sixth straight loss. against , and . Diamondbacks starter Randall Delgado (3-4) gave up a run in three of the four innings he pitched. Peavy will sit and watch. Too bad, maybe. Peavy’s a Dodgers- nemesis from way back: 14-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 26 starts in his Pagan doubled down the right-field line to open the bottom of career. the first and scored on Pence's unconventional two-out single. Pence threw his bat at an 0-2 pitch, sending a grounder up the Though Dodgers manager tweaked his rotation middle that ricocheted off second base. so that his three main men would face the Giants this weekend — and again at , Sept. 22-24 — Bochy made no Pablo Sandoval plated Pagan with a two-out single in the third, such change. and singled home in the fourth to make it 3-0. Peavy will get a shot at the Dodgers next time. If the Giants’ rotation stays in place, they’ll start Peavy, Bumgarner and Tim San Francisco starter Jake Peavy (5-4) tossed five scoreless Hudson in L.A. innings before Cliff Pennington tripled and scored on Trumbo's double in the sixth. Peavy allowed six hits and struck out eight On Thursday, Peavy struck out eight batters, including five in with no walks in 5 2/3 innings. the first two innings, and walked none. He gave up six hits, two in his final inning, Cliff Pennington’s triple and Mark Trumbo’s In the home sixth, the Giants put up a three-spot against Matt double. At that point, he was done after 92 pitches, Jean Machi Stites. Juan Perez hit an RBI double, Posey had a run-producing getting the inning’s final out. single and Pence drew a bases-loaded walk. George Kontos, Javier Lopez, and Santiago Lamb homered off Santiago Casilla in the ninth. Casilla finished the game, Casilla surrendering a Jake Lamb homer in the ninth. Game Notes Buster Posey had three hits and knocked in a run during a three- The Giants last won nine straight home games May 6-22, 2011. run sixth inning, and Angel Pagan had two hits and scored the Their last home sweep of the D-backs also came during that first two runs on singles by Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval. streak from May 10-12 ... Arizona starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 14 consecutive games, the second-longest Brandon Crawford singled home a run in the fourth, and the streak in club history. sixth-inning rally clinched the win and three-game sweep, the Giants’ first at home over the Diamondbacks since May 2011. Jake Peavy solid again as Giants sweep Diamondbacks, 6-2 11

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Kershaw versus Madison Bumgarner, Tim Hudson and Giants complete three-game sweep of Diamondbacks Yusmeiro Petit. By Carl Steward / San Jose Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_26515922/giants-complete- Peavy will sit and watch. Too bad, maybe. Peavy’s a Dodger- three-game-sweep-diamondbacks killer from way back: 14-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 26 starts.

SAN FRANCISCO — Jake Peavy allowed one run over the first While Dodgers manager Don Mattingly tweaked his rotation so 52/3 innings and the Giants pounded out 12 hits to beat the that his three main men would face the Giants this weekend – Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 Thursday and complete a three- and again at Dodger Stadium Sept. 22-24 — Bochy made no game sweep at AT&T Park. such change.

The Giants (81-65) won for the ninth straight time at home and Peavy will get a shot at the Dodgers next time. If the Giants’ pulled to within two games of the idle Los Angeles Dodgers in rotation stays in place, they’ll start Peavy, Bumgarner and Tim the , against whom they'll host in a three- Hudson in L.A. game series starting Friday night. Thursday, Peavy struck out eight batters, including five in the San Francisco scored a first-inning run on a Hunter Pence RBI first two innings, and walked none. He gave up six hits, two in single against Arizona starter Randall Delgado (3-4) and his final innin, Cliff Pennington’s triple and Mark Trumbo’s continued to add on throughout the game. Pablo Sandoval drove double. At that point, he was done after 92 pitches, Jean Machi in a third-inning run with a two-out single and Brandon getting the inning’s final out. Crawford's fourth-inning one-out single made it 3-0. George Kontos, Javier Lopez, Hunter Strickland and Santiago Peavy (5-4 with the Giants, 6-13 overall) limited the Casilla finished up, Casilla surrendering a Jake Lamb homer in Diamondbacks to just three hits and no runs over the first five the ninth. innings. Arizona got back within two on an RBI double by Mark Trumbo with two outs in the sixth inning, ending Peavy's day. Buster Posey had three hits and knocked in a run during a three- run sixth inning, and Angel Pagan had two hits and scored the Jean Machi got the final out of the sixth, and the Giants then first two runs on singles by Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval. scored three in the bottom half of the inning to break it open. Juan Perez drove home the first run with an RBI double, Buster Brandon Crawford singled home a run in the fourth, and the Posey singled home Perez and the third run scored on a Pence sixth-inning rally clinched the win and three-game sweep, their bases-loaded walk. first at home over the Diamondbacks since May 2011.

SF Giants win 6-2, two games back — it’s time for the A look back at September 11, 2001: What America was like Dodgers then (front page gallery) By John Shea / SFGate By Amanda Harnocz / Northeast Ohio Media Group http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/2014/09/11/sf-giants-win-6-2- http://www.cleveland.com/interact/2014/09/september_11_20 two-games-back-its-time-for-the-dodgers/ 01_what_america.html

Jake Peavy has wonderful numbers against the Dodgers, but he’ll NEW YORK, New York — At 8:45 a.m. on September 11, be a no-show in this weekend’s series because he pitched in 2001, an American Airlines Boeing 767 flew straight into the Thursday’s matinee. north tower of the World Trade Center in New York. As TV stations broke from regular programming to show the flaming “THIS is a big game today,” reminded manager Bruce Bochy, tower, a second commercial jet flew into the south tower. Early explaining why he didn’t juggle his rotation to set up Peavy for speculation about an accident was gone; this was a deliberate the Dodgers. attack.

As they say, they all count the same, and the Giants’ 6-2 victory That's from the Plain Dealer's 10-year anniversary coverage. over the Diamondbacks counts like any game that’ll be played View more details about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001 here. the next few days. (VIDEO EMBEDDED) Just maybe a little less dramatic. THE WHITE HOUSE: Peavy pitched into the sixth inning before surrendering a run, a continuation of his recent hot spell. In his past six starts, he’s 5-1 • George W. Bush entered office in January 2001 for his first with a 1.12 ERA, one of many reasons for the Giants’ term with Dick Cheney as his vice president. turnaround in recent weeks. •Donald Rumsfeld was the secretary of defense. They’ve won 12 of 15. At home, they’ve won 10 in a row. • Bush declared a "war on terror" on Sept. 20. Gaining a half-game in the standings on the idle Dodgers, the Giants – now two back – are in position to take over first place "I will not forget the wound to our country and those who with a sweep. It’s Hyun-Jin Ryu, Zack Greinke and Clayton inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in 12

│ waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome Nuno opposes Stults as the Diamondbacks host the Padres in is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always the opener of a three-game series Friday night. been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them," Bush said to a join session of Congress and the nation. Since being acquired from the New York Yankees for Brandon McCarthy on July 6, Nuno has gone 0-5 despite a 3.16 ERA in GASOLINE: At the beginning of Bush's term, the price was 11 starts. He's pitched at least seven innings in each of his last $1.47 per gallon (cnsnews). four outings while posting a 2.15 ERA, but he's received just six runs of support in that stretch and took the loss in the last two. MAYOR: Michael R. White was Cleveland's mayor until he lost to Jane Campbell in November 2001. Nuno gave up two runs in seven innings of a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his most recent outing last Friday. MUSIC: "It's not frustrating," Nuno said of the lack of run support. "It's • Three days after the attack, Clear Channel Communications going out there and putting up zeros and giving guys a chance to issued a controversial memorandum to more than 1,200 of its win. It is in the back of my mind a little bit, but I just go out radio stations with 165 songs that have lyrics considered to be there and try to have fun and get the job done." questionable. Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into Me", Metallica's "Fade to Black", Savage Garden's "Crash and Burn" The left-hander's only career start against the Padres was Aug. and Van Halen's "Jump" were included on the list. (Wikipedia) 23, when he gave up two runs in 7 1/3 innings of Arizona's 5-2 win. • Gerard Way, the lead vocalist for My Chemical Romance, witness the attacks and said in a Noisey.com story that it was Stults (6-16, 4.55) knows a bit about lack of support, as his 2.84 why he was inspired to start the band. run-support average is the lowest of any qualified major league starter. He's lost his last three starts, receiving two runs MOVIES: (Information from IMDB.com) combined in those outings.

• On Sept. 14, The Glass House and Hardball opened in theaters The left-hander allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 3-0 loss across the country. to Colorado last Friday.

• The West Wing, Sex and the City, James Gandolfini & Edie "My job is to pitch. I have to give us a chance to win," Stults Falco won Emmy's. said. "If we don't score runs, I can't control that."

SPORTS: Manager Bud Black again felt Stults did all he could to keep the Padres in the game. In October, his 70th which tied the single-season home run record with Mark McGwire at the time. "There are certain guys in certain rotations that happens to," Black said. "It just falls on his day, which is tough luck. Eric (VIDEO EMBEDDED) battled again. He was a victim of a night when we didn't score."

World Series: The Arizona Diamondbacks beat The New York Stults is trying to avoid becoming the first Padres pitcher to lose Yankees in the 97th edition. 17 games since Bobby J. Jones had 19 in 2001.

NBA Championship: The beat the San Diego has scored four times for Stults in his two starts 76ers. against the Diamondbacks this season. He gave up three runs in six innings of the Padres' 4-3 win May 27 before allowing three Super Bowl: The Baltimore Ravens beat the St. Louis Rams in runs -- two earned -- in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-1 loss June 28. Super Bowl XXXV. N*Sync performed the halftime show. The Padres (67-78) have scored the fewest runs in the majors by (VIDEO EMBEDDED) far and were shut out for the 19th time in Wednesday's 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They wasted a solid start from Ian Padres-Diamondbacks Preview Kennedy and have been outscored 43-18 while dropping seven By STATS / ESPN of eight. http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=340912129 "We had a couple of times when he had men on second and Vidal Nuno hasn't earned a victory despite pitching well since third and no outs or one out, and we didn't score any runs," joining the Arizona Diamondbacks more than two months ago, catcher Rene Rivera said. "It's bad when you don't have any run and Eric Stults is tied for the most losses in the majors as the support." San Diego Padres have failed to produce for him at the plate. San Diego is on the verge of being the first team to suffer 20 Neither should expect anything different pitching for two of the shutouts since the 2008 were blanked 21 lowest-scoring offenses in the majors, but they're refusing to times. succumb to frustration. 13

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The Diamondbacks (59-87) are tied with Colorado for the worst hit safely in 10 of his last 11 road starts, a stretch during which record in the NL and rank just two spots ahead of the Padres in he has hit .317. runs. They've scored eight times during a six-game losing streak after falling 6-2 to San Francisco on Thursday. Giants complete three-game sweep of Diamondbacks By Carl Steward / Bay Area News Group Arizona's only victories over its last 10 came when it split a four- http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_26517776/giants-complete- game road series with the Padres from Sept. 1-4. three-game-sweep-diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks - PlayerWatch SAN FRANCISCO -- Jake Peavy won't pitch against the Los By Reuters / Global Post Angeles Dodgers this weekend at AT&T Park, a bit of a shame http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson- considering he is 14-3 lifetime against them with a 2.28 ERA. reuters/140912/arizona-diamondbacks-playerwatch-0 But that doesn't mean the fiery right-hander will be idle after RHP Daniel Hudson pitched twice in his first three games since setting the tone with 52/3 innings of stingy pitching in a 6-2 returning from a second surgery earlier this month. Giants victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, But after watching the right-hander get roughed up a bit (three framing the upcoming National League West showdown in a runs in two-thirds of an inning) by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the most proper way. Diamondbacks have decided to take things a bit slower. Hudson threw a bullpen session Wednesday in San Francisco, four days When the Dodgers roll into town, a mere two games ahead of after his outing in L.A., and reported no discomfort. By design, the 81-65 Giants with 16 games to go, Peavy said he'll wear any he saw no game action in the series against the Giants, but likely hat required to help the cause during this huge three-game series will be a bullpen option this weekend at home against San between two rivals -- promoter, adviser, strategist, spy, head Diego. cheerleader. That last one, especially

RHP Randall Delgado put the Arizona pitching staff in the "I will have my pompons out all weekend, that's for sure," said Diamondbacks' record book Thursday, but certainly not with his Peavy. "Energy is huge. Energy is key. You have to have some best effort. When Delgado allowed three runs in Arizona's 6-2 chatter on the bench to understand, 'Hey, we're all invested in loss to the San Francisco Giants, it marked the 14th consecutive this together.' " game in which the Diamondbacks' starting pitcher had surrendered three or fewer runs in a game. That set a franchise Peavy, who has won five of his last six starts and is now 5-4 with record. Unfortunately for Delgado, his three runs came on seven San Francisco, went through a similar scenario with the Boston hits and two walks in just four innings, prompting manager Kirk Red Sox last year and sees the same kind of late-season Gibson to give him an early hook. momentum building at just the right time for the Giants. To wit, they will welcome the Dodgers having won nine games in a row LHP Vidal Nuno would like nothing better than to record his at AT&T. first win as a Diamondback against Friday's opponent, the San Diego Padres. Nuno attended high school at Sweetwater High, "We're excited about this opportunity in front of us, and there's about a 15-minute drive from . The left-hander surely nobody in this clubhouse who believes we can't get it done," has pitched well enough to have multiple wins already. He's 0-5 Peavy said. "There's a championship pedigree around here. despite having allowed two or fewer runs in five consecutive These guys have done it before, they've been in the fight. starts. One of those starts was against the Padres, a game in which he allowed two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings in a game the "We're in great position," he continued. "We'd certainly like to Diamondbacks rallied late to win 5-2. It was the only time Nuno be two games up, because our main focus is trying to win this has faced the Padres in his career. division. You don't want to get in that one-game playoff, where anything can happen. Our sights are on the division, and we're 3B Jake Lamb is hitting the ball consistently since being called going to do everything we can do to get that done." up from Triple-A Reno. But when he does connect, the baseball tends to go great distances. Lamb belted his third home run of Part of that was not looking too far ahead during this Arizona the season in Thursday's 6-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants. series. But the Giants paid remarkable attention to the present The hit was his sixth in his last five starts, a stretch during which against the Diamondbacks, outscoring them 16-3 over the three he also has smacked a pair of doubles. Lamb's 1-for-4 afternoon games. Everything seems to be firing on all circuits for San Thursday raised his average, but just to .214. Francisco -- the pitching, the defense, the hitting. Hunter Pence even drove in the first run of this latest victory by fully letting go SS Cliff Pennington knows the Diamondbacks would like to play of the bat on his swing yet connecting on a single up the middle their young shortstop, , as much as possible that, for good measure, also hit the second base bag. down the stretch this season. But the veteran is making it tough on Kirk Gibson to keep him out of the lineup. Pennington was For all the other tangible things the Giants are doing so well, one of the Diamondbacks' few bright spots in Thursday's 6-2 they also seem to have good mojo working. loss to the San Francisco Giants. Starting for the first time in the three-game series, one in which Gregorius started twice and "It's going to be a fun series, a big series," Pence said. "It's going went hitless, Pennington had a triple, single and walk in four to be exciting for players, fans and baseball in general. It's a plate appearances against a Giants pitching staff that was tough division rivalry, and we're battling for the division, so it doesn't on pretty much every other Diamondback. Pennington has now get much better than that." 14

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Said manager Bruce Bochy: "It's what the game is about. It's SAN FRANCISCO -- The last time the Dodgers were at AT&T what you're hoping to be in, playing important games in Park, they handed the Giants a three-game sweep in which the September. I know our guys are excited, which I'm sure is just home team managed a total of four runs. It was, however, a like them. I look forward to the series. You should embrace this, Giants team that was reeling and a lineup in flux at the top. and I think our guys are." For one thing, the Giants in that late-July series were still missing Buster Posey, who had three hits in Thursday's victory, said injured Angel Pagan, whose role as spark plug of the offense was there is no better time to be playing the Dodgers than right now. on display again Thursday in the Giants’ 6-2 win over the He barely remembers when L.A. last came to AT&T in late July Diamondbacks. Pagan doubled leading off the first inning and and swept three straight, when the Giants were injured and out singled to start the third, scoring the Giants’ first two runs as of whack. Things are totally different, he said. they completed a sweep of Arizona to enter this weekend’s showdown just two games behind the Dodgers. "We're definitely feeling good right now," Posey said. "We know (the Dodgers) are a really good team coming into town. They've The Giants have won 12 of their past 15 games and nine in a got good pitching, good offense, so we know we're going to row at home, and are 16 games over .500 for the first time since have a battle on our hands." June 22. They held onto the possibility of leap-frogging Los Angeles in the division with a sweep this weekend – just as the The prelude was methodical and efficient. The Giants scored Dodgers did to them July 25-27, the last time the Giants held a single runs in the first, third and fourth. Peavy held the share of first place. Diamondbacks scoreless for the first five, and when he ran into a little trouble in the sixth, Jean Machi came in from the bullpen “We’re excited,” said Jake Peavy, who earned Thursday’s win to bail him out. A three-run sixth effectively put it away. against Arizona. “We had to take care of business today, and we certainly did that. Going into this weekend with some Pence marvels at what Peavy has brought to the Giants when momentum ... we like the way we’re playing.” they needed it most, not only the pitching prowess but the passion. Though missing to an abdominal strain and still without concussed , the Giants are more stable "He brings a lot of intensity, energy, veteran leadership, guts, and offensively than when they last played the Dodgers given that passion feeds into everybody," Pence said. "He's been a big Pagan’s return and ’s emergence as a No. 2 hitter. charge to this run we've made in the second half." Pagan has hit safely in 18 of his past 20 games, batting .341 with 18 runs, and Panik has hit .361 in his past 14 games, scoring as The pitcher hopes to bring even more than that during the part of the Giants’ three-run sixth Thursday after reaching on a Dodgers series. walk.

"When you only influence the game once every five days, it's the That, manager Bruce Bochy said, has been a factor in the Giants least I can do," Peavy said. "When the game starts, I try to find playing better at home recently – they’ve won 11 of 12 since an ways to help -- maybe the pitcher might be tipping, maybe I can 8-23 stretch that Bochy said remains “hard to explain” but get signs from the other , and then just encourage guys. stemmed partly from a lack of offensive consistency. You'll hear me yelling this weekend, that's for sure." “We need the guys at the top of the order to get on base, After being examined in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Brandon Belt especially since this is a pitcher-friendly park,” Bochy said. “And (concussion) received clearance to resume full baseball activity. that was missing.” "Great news," said Bochy, noting that the club hopes to get Belt up to speed in 7-10 days. Another factor in the home success: The starting pitching, which FRIDAY'S GAME has posted a combined 1.00 ERA in the Giants’ past 10 games at AT&T Park. Peavy helped that cause against Arizona by L.A. Dodgers (Hyun-Jin Ryu 14-6) at Giants (Madison allowing only one run, on a Mark Trumbo double in the sixth Bumgarner 17-9), 7:15 p.m. NBCBA inning, in 52/3 innings, striking out eight and improving to 5-1 with a 1.12 ERA in his past six starts.

N.L. WEST RACE Had Bochy been inclined to shuffle his rotation in anticipation of this weekend’s series, a la Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, Team W L PCT. GB he might have found it difficult to omit Peavy, who in addition Dodgers 83 63 .568 -- to his 2.29 ERA in nine starts for San Francisco this season has a Giants* 81 65 .555 2 career 2.28 ERA and 14-3 record against Los Angeles.

*Lead N.L. Wild-Card standings Peavy also embraces big moments and admitted: “There was not any part of me that wanted to miss this series against the Giants sweep into big weekend series against Dodgers Dodgers. By Matt Kawahara / Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/11/6700629/giants-sweep- “But you’ve got to win them all at this point,” Peavy said. into-big-weekend.html “These ones head-up vs. the Dodgers, you don’t have to hope 15

│ for them to lose. But it doesn’t matter if we don’t beat Arizona, With the win, the Giants' lead grew to 4.5 games ahead of idle San Diego and the other teams we have left. Pittsburgh in the Wild Card standings. They'll end the day at least 5.5 games up on the Braves and Brewers, depending on “I’ll have my pompoms out all weekend,” he added. “That’s for how both teams fare on Thursday evening. sure.” Starting pitching report Peavy was on the receiving end of the cheers Thursday, as he held the Diamondbacks scoreless for the first five innings while Peavy scattered six hits and struck out eight over 5 2/3 innings, the Giants built a 3-0 lead. The right-hander struck out five of lowering his ERA to 2.29 since joining the Giants in late July. He the first seven hitters he faced and pitched out of a first-and- didn't walk a batter. third, one-out jam in the third by getting No. 3 hitter Chris Owings to ground into a . He looked dominant early, with five over the first two innings. Peavy also struck out the side in the fifth. Peavy didn’t allow another hit until Cliff Pennington tripled with one out in the sixth. Two batters later, Trumbo doubled into the He only had two shaky innings – with one out in the third gap in right-center field, and with Peavy at 92 pitches, Bochy inning, he got Chris Owings to ground into a double play with opted to bring in Jean Machi, who induced a grounder from A.J. runners on first and third. Peavy started giving up loud contact Pollock for the third out. in the sixth, and was chased after giving up a run on two booming shots to right-center, a triple for Chris Pennington and “Since we’ve gotten (Peavy), it’s been fun to watch him,” Bochy a double by Mark Trumbo. said. “He’s been on (in) every start. A couple starts, our defense probably hurt him, but he’s really commanding the ball well, all Peavy's ERA since Aug. 9 is 1.12, tops in the National League his pitches.” and third in the majors behind Alex Cobb and Carlos Carrasco.

The Giants, who have outscored opponents 58-14 during their Bullpen report nine-game home winning streak, supported Peavy with another balanced attack, with five players driving in runs. Pence Jean Machi came in and got out of a two-out jam for the second accounted for two, one on a first-inning single on which he consecutive game, stranding a man on second in the sixth. actually threw his bat at an outside and another on George Kontos was perfect over 1 1/3 innings, striking out two. a bases-loaded walk in the sixth. Javier Lopez retired the lefty he faced before hitting Pennington (a righty) with a pitch that bounced. That balance could be a key this weekend, with the Giants again facing the Dodgers’ top three starters in Hyun-Jin Ryu, Zack That brought in Hunter Strickland, who made his AT&T Park Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. debut. After allowing a single, he pumped fastball after fastball “It’s going to be exciting baseball,” Bochy said. “That’s what the to Trumbo, finally striking him out looking with a 99 mph game’s about, and what you’re hoping for in September, is heater. Jake Lamb hit a home run off Santiago Casilla in the playing important games. ninth that landed in the garden. Casilla then allowed a single to Jordan Pacheco before retiring Tuffy Gosewisch and Alfredo “I’m looking forward to the series. You should embrace this, and Marte to end the game. I think our guys are.” At the plate Instant Replay: Giants sweep, inch closer to Dodgers By Steve Berman / CSN Bay Area The Giants took an early 1-0 lead, thanks to a single from http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/instant-replay-giants-sweep- Hunter Pence that was reminiscent of his base hit in Game 7 of inch-closer-dodgers the NLCS, when his bat hit the ball three times.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Before hosting a raucous party against With runners on first and third and two out in the first, Pence their biggest rival on Friday night, the Giants needed to do a swung at an 0-2 slider that was low and away. Actually, that's little bit of housecleaning on Thursday afternoon. They got out inaccurate. Pence threw his bat at the ball, and somehow made the brooms, sweeping the lowly Diamondbacks with a 6-2 contact. victory. The bat ended up between the mound and the first base line. The Giants moved within two games of the idle Dodgers, who The ball bounced up the middle and made contact with second come to town for the first time since sweeping the Giants in base, ricocheting over the head of Chris July. That was back when the Giants were struggling mightily at Owings and into center field. home – today's win was San Francisco's ninth straight at AT&T Park. Pablo Sandoval gave the Giants a 2-0 lead in the third when his bloop single to center scored Angel Pagan, who had two hits, Jake Peavy (6-13) earned his fifth win in his last six starts. The two runs and a walk. D-Backs scored a run in the sixth to make the score 3-1, but the Giants answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning and The Giants struck again in the fourth, when Brandon Crawford cruised the rest of the way. singled home Gregor Blanco. Crawford was thrown out at second easily on the play, one of two baserunning gaffes for the 16

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Giants. Buster Posey wasted a leadoff double when he tried to Hagens retired the side in order in the fifth, but allowed a run in advance on a ball in the dirt and was thrown out at third. the sixth, the first for Omaha. He gave way to Jess Todd in the However, it's tough to knock Posey on a day he went 3-for-5. seventh who needed only 11 pitches to retire the Storm Chasers in the seventh. The Giants got some insurance in the sixth with a three-run, three-hit, three-walk rally. Pence walked with the bases loaded to Omaha plated their second run of the game in the eighth on a score the Giants' sixth run. RBI double by . It looked like they had another run when hit into a double play with runners at the In the field corners and nobody out. The crew ruled Merrifield interfered with Ahmed sliding into second, calling the runner With all due respect to Brandon Hicks, Brandon Crawford's best and batter out, and ruling Janish back to third. Kevin Munson double play partner since making it to the big leagues is Joe followed the turn of events by getting Paulo Orlando to fly out Panik. Bruce Bochy spoke before the game about Panik's athletic to right-field. ability and arm as a former shortstop, and that was on display when the Giants turned two in the third inning. With a 4-2 lead, closer was summoned to work the ninth. He struck out Brett Eibner to start the inning, then The current shortstop wasn't too shabby either – he made a recorded two groundouts to notch his second save of the fantastic backhanded play in the hole to get A.J. Pollock in the playoffs. fourth inning. The Giants' defense is often an indicator of their overall level of play, and it's been a strength in recent weeks. The series shifts to Omaha for the remaining games with game three scheduled for Friday night. Left-hander (1- Attendance 0, 0.00) will start for the Aces against right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon (1-0, 0.00) for the Storm Chasers. First pitch is The paid crowd for Thursday's game was 41,039. That goes in scheduled for 5:05 PST. the books as the 320th consecutive sellout at AT&T Park. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the postseason and Up next offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook. The most anticipated series of the season starts Friday night, as the Dodgers come to AT&T Park for three games. Hyun-Jin Aces head to Omaha with tied series Ryu (14-6, 3.16 ERA) and Madison Bumgarner (17-9, 3.02) take By Johanna Huybers / Reno Gazette-Journal the mound in the series opener, first pitch at 7:15 pm PDT. http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2014/09/11/aces-head- omaha-tied-series/15486983/ RENO ACES Aces even series with four-run second inning The Reno Aces left town with some momentum heading into Best-of-five series tied 1-1 going to Omaha the final games of the Championship By Chad Seely / Reno Aces series. http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140911&conten t_id=94163162&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t2310 The Aces beat the Omaha Storm Chasers, 4-2, on Wednesday night at Aces Ballpark in Game 2 of the best-of-five series. The RENO, Nev. - The Reno Aces used a four-run second inning to win tied the series at a game apiece after Omaha won the first top the Omaha Storm Chasers, 4-2, and even the best-of-five game, 6-2, on Tuesday, also in Reno. Pacific Coast League Championship Series at a game apiece. The series moves to Omaha for the final games of the series. Omaha starter John Lamb issued three walks in the second The series is guaranteed at least games Friday and Saturday with inning, loading the bases for Reno center fielder . an if-necessary game on Sunday. Friday's game is scheduled for a On a two-strike, two-out pitch, Freeman lined a base hit up the 5:05 p.m. first pitch. Saturday-Sunday would start at 12:05 p.m. middle, scoring Mike Jacobs and Danny Dorn to give the Aces a 2-0 lead. In Game 3, Reno left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin will face Omaha right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon. Lamb then jumped out in front of Aces shortstop before he belted a 1-2 pitch off the left-field wall, plating Argenis Former Wolf Pack catcher Brett Hayes plays for the Storm Diaz and Freeman to extend the lead to 4-0. Chasers.

Reno starter Bradin Hagens settled in with the big lead. The The Aces swept their four-game, regular-season series against right-hander faced the minimum through three innings. In the Omaha in late August. fourth, Omaha's Whit Merrifield and Pedro Ciriaco started the inning with back-to-back singles to put runners on first and PCL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES second. Hagens came back and got Paulo Orlando to hit into a 2-5 fielder's choice, then induced an inning-ending 5-3 double Reno 1, Omaha 1 play to halt the rally. Tuesday: Omaha 6, Reno 2

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Wednesday: Reno 4, Omaha 2 "Any time you can get an out, it's great. An is beautiful. Plus, his ends the inning, ends the threat," Hammock Today: at Omaha, 5:05 p.m. said. "His sac fly got us on the board. He did a phenomenal job in that at-bat. He understood the situation and got us a sac fly. Saturday: at Omaha, 12:05 p.m. The guy is just a baseball player. That's the best way to describe him. He's always going hard, and that showed tonight." Sunday: at Omaha, 12:05 p.m.* George Roberts went 3-for-4 with a run scored, falling a triple MOBILE BAYBEARS shy of the cycle.

"Monstrous game. He hit the three hardest balls all night," VISALIA RAWHIDE Hammock said. "They were laser beams. He handles lefties really Almadova, Rawhide run away with Game 1 well. He's a tough out, a tough at-bat against anybody." Outfielder scores winning run from second base on infield grounder The Rawhide bullpen combined to throw 3 1/3 no-hit innings, By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com' with Enrique Burgos fanning two in a perfect top of the ninth to http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140912&conten improve to 1-0 in the playoffs. t_id=94280042&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb "The bullpen, so far to this point, has been lights-out," said Game 1 of the best-of-5 Championship Series Hammock. "In the Stockton series and in the Bakersfield series, ended in such dramatic fashion on Thursday, even the winning they were lights-out. Our bullpen has stepped up and put zeros team was shocked. on the board."

"It was crazy," said Visalia manager . "It was Ruiz, the Astros' No. 9 prospect, was 2-for-4 with a double and insane." a run scored.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, D-backs Visalia hosts Game 2 on Friday. prospect Breland Almadova raced from second base to home on a would-be double-play ball off the bat of Kevin Medrano to Almadova Sprints Rawhide to Thrilling Game 1 Victory give the Rawhide a 3-2 win over the Lancaster JetHawks. Visalia Rawhide http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140912&conten With Almadova on second and Raul Navarro on first, Medrano t_id=94315570&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t516&sid=t516 bounced a pitch from Tyler Brunnemann to second baseman Austin Elkins. Elkins relayed to shortstop Chan Moon to retire VISALIA--Every other baserunner would've stopped. Navarro, but Moon, seeing Almadova rounding third, pumped and threw to . Almadova kept running. Breland Almadova isn't every other baserunner.

"Moon did a good job right there of realizing who the runner With a dash for the ages, Almadova scored from 2nd on a was," Hammock said. "My thought was, when Medrano hit the fielder's choice in the bottom of the 9th, giving Visalia a heart- ball, there was a chance he was going to be at first base. So, stopping 3-2 win in Game 1 of the California League Finals. I was sending Almadova. With runners at 1st and 2nd and 1 out, Kevin Medrano hit a "If [Moon] pump-fakes and looks to third, then goes home, they chopper to the 2nd baseman, who fed his shortstop for an out at would have had him caught. But in Ruiz's mind, he was getting 2nd. Chan Moon, seeing he had no chance to throw Medrano ready to put the tag on Almadova turning and coming back," out at 1st, pump-faked, then spun around towards 3rd, hoping Hammock added. "That's why he hesitated for a split second to catch Almadova rounding the bag too far. before he realized he had to throw home." He did...but Almadova kept right on going. Moon, never Almadova dove head-first into home plate, and umpire Sean expecting him to actually try to score, threw towards 3rd, and Allen ruled he beat the tag from catcher Roberto Pena. The call when 3rd baseman Rio Ruiz relayed the ball to the plate, prompted an argument from Ruiz and JetHawks manager Almadova beat it with a head-first dive. It was a close call, and Rodney Linares. Lancaster were adamant that plate umpire Sean Allen's call was wrong (one Lancaster player, who couldn't be identified, was "Pena was all over the dish, but 'Dova' got in there," Hammock ejected in the post-call argument). said. "I thought he was safe. I haven't seen the replay, and it was tough from where I was standing, but I thought he was safe." For 8 1/2 innings, the game was all about pitching. Both starters threw well; Blayne Weller allowed a run on back-to-back 2-out Almadova started the final frame with a double and plated a run doubles by Rio Ruiz and Tyler White in the top of the 1st, but in the second with a . He also started a double play settled in after that. from center field in fifth, catching Lancaster's Danry Vasquez trying to advance from second to third on a fly ball by Brett Down 1-0 early, the 'Hide tied it in the bottom of the 2nd of Phillips. JetHawks lefty Brian Holmes; Alex Glenn was hit by an 0-2

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│ pitch, George Roberts doubled him to 3rd, and with 1 out, Pinch-hitter Raul Navarro was intentionally walked to provide Almadova knocked him in with sacrifice fly to right. It was 1-1. the JetHawk defense a possible inning-ending, double-play opportunity. In the last of the 4th, Roberts crushed a pitch from Holmes well over the wall in right-center field, giving Visalia a 2-1 lead. It was Rawhide Kevin Medrano almost complied the Roberts' 2nd homer of the playoffs, after not hitting one in a JetHawk wishes with a ground ball in the direction of Elkins. regular season month with the club. Elkins threw to shortstop Chan Moon to force Navarro out at Lancaster tied it in the 6th, when Moon was hit by a pitch, Ruiz second base, but the ball wasn't hit hard enough to double-up singled, and White picked up his 2nd RBI of the game with a sac Medrano. And Moon knew it. fly to right-center. So instead of trying a futile attempt to get Medrano out at first, From there, it became a battle of the bullpen, and the Rawhide he looked in the direction of third base in hopes of trying to pick were very comfortable in that familiar setting. After Weller off Almadova. departed with 2 out in the 6th, Keith Hessler retired a batter to end the frame, Will Locante worked a scoreless 7th, Joey Big problem for Moon, though: Almadova was way past third Krehbiel tossed a 1-2-3 8th, and Enrique Burgos hurled a perfect base and headed to home. 9th (and then earned the win). Rawhide relievers struck out 7 JetHawks batters over the final 3 frames. Moon was able to change his body's direction, and threw an on- line rocket to catcher Jobduan Morales, but Almadova beat the In bottom of the 9th, Almadova set up his own heroics by throw and was ruled safe for the game-winning run. doubling to left-center, with the ball just grazing off the glove of the lunging Danry Vazquez. After a popout and an intentional The rest of the Rawhide sprinted toward Almadova to celebrate, walk to pinch-hitter Raul Navarro, Medrano hit his ground and now the Rawhide have a 1-0 series lead. ball...and the rest was history. The best-of-five series continues today with Game 2 at Wonderful history, the Rawhide hope. Their quest to claim the Recreation Park. Game time is 7 p.m. This is the last home game franchise's first California League title since 1978 is now 2 wins for the Rawhide. from becoming a reality. The series moves to Lancaster for Saturday's Game 3, and any They'll look to take another massive step towards the crown other games needed to crown the league champion will be tomorrow, with Game 2 at Rawhide Ballpark beginning at 7:00. played in Lancaster. It'll be the last home of the season, and there'll be a live alligator and everything (seriously!), so don't miss it! The JetHawks plated the first run with back-to-back, two-out doubles in the first inning by Rio Ruiz and Tyler White, Rawhide take Game 1 respectively. By Andrew Bettencourt / Visalia Times-Delta http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/2014/09/12/ra The Rawhide tied the game at 1-all in the second inning with whide-take-game/15497311/ Almadova lifting a sacrifice fly to right that scored Alex Glenn.

If the Visalia Rawhide are indeed going to end the franchise's 36- Rawhide third baseman George Roberts blasted a solo home run season league title drought at some point over the next four to dead center field in the fourth to give the Rawhide a 2-1 lead. days, it looks like they're going to do so in a fashion that will be memorable to a fan base that is well-deserving of a California The JetHawks tied it at 2-all in the sixth inning with Tyler White League championship. drilling a sacrifice fly to deep center that scored Moon.

The Rawhide took Game 1 of the California League White believed he broke the 2-2 deadlock with a towering home Championship Series with a dramatic 3-2 victory Thursday night run down the left field in the eighth inning. But the third-base at Recreation Park. umpire ruled it a , and White ended up striking out against . With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Rawhide center fielder Breland Almadova began the frame with The Rawhide squandered an opportunity in the bottom of the a double to left-center field that glanced off the glove of eighth to take the lead. Ryan Gebhardt opened the frame with a JetHawk Danry Vasquez. flare single to center, and he advanced to second two outs later on a single by George Roberts. But struck out to But in a head-scratching move, Rawhide extinguish the threat. Andrew Velazquez did not try to advance Almadova over to third base with a sacrifice . Instead, Velasquez, who was 0- Rawhide starting pitcher Blayne Weller gave up five hits and two for-3 at that point with three strikeouts, hit a high infield pop-up runs in a solid start that lasted 5 2/3 innings. that was retrieved by JetHawk second baseman Austin Elkins for the first out. Four Rawhide relievers combined to blank the JetHawks over the final 3 1/3 innings. Enrique Burgos pitched a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning with two strikeouts to earn th ewin. 19

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http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-silver-hawks- What's Next seeking-new-affiliate/28015296

The Visalia Rawhide will play the Lancaster JetHawks in Game 2 (VIDEO EMBEDDED) of the California League finals at 7 p.m. tonight at Recreation Park in Visalia. SOUTH BEND - The Silver Hawks are looking for a new dance partner. SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS Silver Hawks exploring their options for big league The Arizona Diamondbacks have been the team's major league affiliation affiliate for the past 17 years, but the Silver Hawks are now By Angelo Di Carlo / WNDU shopping around. http://www.wndu.com/sports/headlines/Silver-Hawks-going- after-Cubs-but-likely-to-stay-with-Diamondbacks- Joe Hart, president and general manager of the Silver Hawks, 274827731.html says he'd prefer finding an affiliate closer to South Bend. The Diamondbacks have been great to work with, he says, but there's The South Bend Silver Hawks would love to team up with the not much of an Arizona fan base in town. Chicago Cubs as they're affiliated big league baseball team, but if that doesn't happen, the Silver Hawks will likely stay with the It's time to see what else is available, he says. The Silver Hawks' Arizona Diamondbacks, a source close to the situation tells me. contract with the Diamondbacks is up at the end of 2014, and the month of September is set aside for negotiations between Silver Hawks President Joe Hart says the Silver Hawks will minor league and major league teams. explore their options when the window opens next week. By rule, he can't talk specifics but adding a team closer to South The Diamondbacks affiliation never made much sense to Silver Bend is certainly something the Silver Hawks would want. Hawks fan Shane Wirt.

If things don't work out to find a closer partner that makes "I think it's too far, and I don't think there's enough fans here," sense, the Silver Hawks have no issues with stay affiliated with Wirt says. the Diamondbacks, an organization they've had a relationship with since 1997. The two sides aren't close in location but have That's exactly why the Silver Hawks are searching for a new shared a very positive relationship over the years. parent team. The last and only other affiliate was the ; that partnership lasted from 1988 to 1996. The Silver Hawks also explored their options two years ago and ultimately stayed with the Diamondbacks. Testing the waters to Hart says he still hears about those good ol' days. see who might be out there is something minor league squads do all the time. It's a very common practice. "I hear so much about the years when we were a Chicago White Sox affiliate, and people talk about that so fondly -- how you The White Sox, Tigers and Cardinals are all not options for the could watch our players here, and then a year or two later, you Silver Hawks. All three of those teams are locked into contracts. could watch them play in the Major Leagues," Hart says.

That leaves the Cubs as the possibility. Chicago's Midwest So the team is pulling out all the stops. It's planning to build a $1 League affiliate is currently the Kane County Cougars, who play million facility right outside the stadium in hopes of 35 miles outside of Chicago. The source says luring the Cubs getting the attention of some big names in the MLB. The team from such proximity to Chicago is a long shot, but something hopes to break ground in October and finish the 15,000 sq. ft. the Silver Hawks will certainly try and do. cages by next April, before the season opener.

Kane County does not have the best facilities and the Silver The City of South Bend gave them the go-ahead to start Hawks are constantly improving their facilities. They already construction on Thursday. plan to replace artificial turf with natural grass and recently announced they will build a brand new indoor batting cage "Certainly this will make South Bend a much more attractive facility. So South Bend's improved fixtures could be something destination for a major league affiliate," says Scott Ford, that could interest the Cubs. executive director of the city's Community Investment team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be another possibility. While So who will the Silver Hawks team up with? they are another big name franchise, they are obviously no where near South Bend and whether they would be an added attraction "I personally would rather see the Cubs affiliation here," Wirt for the Silver Hawks is unclear. says.

So by all accounts, the Silver Hawks will aim for the Cubs and if And it could be the Cubs. Their contract with Kane County, Ill., that doesn't work out, South Bend will likely stay with the is up at the end of the year. But the Fort Wayne TinCaps want Diamondbacks. them, too.

South Bend Silver Hawks seeking new affiliate Hart couldn't give specifics but does say any team within 2-3 By Annie Chang / WSBT hours of South Bend would be ideal. 20

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 Marlins-Phillies Preview 1:35 am EDT (The Associated Shane, for one, has only one demand: "Just not the Cardinals. Press) That's all."  Red Sox-Royals Preview 1:30 am EDT (The Associated Press) The process to start "shopping" for a major league team starts  Stanton hospitalized after beaning vs Brewers 1:26 am Tuesday, Sept. 16, and the official decision will be made in EDT (The Associated Press) October.  Aybar leads surging Angels beat Rangers, 7-3 1:20 am

EDT (The Associated Press) If the Silver Hawks can't get the team they want, they will stay with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Marlins' Stanton taken to hospital after scary beaning 1:20 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

HILLSBORO HOPS  Stanton beaning: Multiple fractures, dental damage 1:16 am EDT (The Associated Press)  diagnosed with multiple facial MISSOULA OSPREY fractures and dental damage 1:06 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Young's 3-run HR in 9th rallies Yankees over Rays 1:04 NATIONAL am EDT (The Associated Press) MLB NEWS  Marlins slugger Stanton bloodied by errant pitch 12:57 September 12, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews am EDT (Reuters) http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews  Rays-Blue Jays Preview 12:49 am EDT (The Associated Press) September 12, 2014  Red Sox capitalize on miscues, beat Royals 6-3 12:31  Orioles slugger suspended 25 games 11:31 am EDT (The Associated Press) am EDT (The Associated Press)  Cubs-Pirates Preview 12:07 am EDT (The Associated  Orioles' Davis suspended 25 games for Press) amphetamines 11:28 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay September 11, 2014 Area)  LaRoche, Rendon homer as Nationals beat Mets 6-  Chris Davis suspended 25 games for amphetamine 2 11:36 pm EDT (The Associated Press) use 11:17 am EDT (NBC Sports)  SNC Update: Chris Sale dominant as White Sox shut  Nationals-Mets Preview 11:13 am EDT (The out A's 11:34 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) Associated Press)  Liriano fans 12 in Pirates' 4-1 win over Phillies 11:30  Matt Harvey predicts the Mets will win next April pm EDT (The Associated Press) 6 11:03 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Liriano outduels Burnett as Pirates down Phillies 11:30  Francisco Liriano and his filthy slider are dominating pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) again 10:47 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Brandon Belt cleared for baseball activities 11:16 pm  Will Giancarlo Stanton’s injury usher in mandatory face EDT (NBC Sports) guards on helmets? 10:36 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Rewind: Peavy brings energy on the field and in the  feeling “miles better” with rotator cuff dugout 10:45 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) injury 10:15 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Jake McGee hits in mouth with pitch  Albert Pujols gets his first ever 9:14 before giving up walk-off homer to Chris Young10:38 am EDT (NBC Sports) pm EDT (NBC Sports)  It’s about time: Kiss pays video tribute to Derek  Two Nationals players plunked by Colon in 6-2 Jeter 8:55 am EDT (NBC Sports) win 10:32 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Fourteen players were hit by pitches yesterday. And  Instant Replay: Pirates 4, Phillies 1 10:19 pm EDT that doesn’t count Giancarlo Stanton 8:23 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) (NBC Sports)  Rays' Cobb gives up 1st hit in 8th against Yankees 9:53  Orioles get two chances to reduce magic number 7:21 pm EDT (The Associated Press) am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  breaks up Alex Cobb’s no-hit bid in the  And That Happened: Thursday’s scores and eighth inning 9:32 pm EDT (NBC Sports) highlights 6:00 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Twins-White Sox Preview 9:28 pm EDT (The  Daily Dose: Stanton Scare 2:28 am EDT (Rotoworld) Associated Press)  Braves-Rangers Preview 2:11 am EDT (The Associated  Starling Marte exits game after being hit in arm by Press) pitch 8:59 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Yankees-Orioles Preview 2:01 am EDT (The  Padres-Diamondbacks Preview 8:54 pm EDT (The Associated Press) Associated Press)  Astros-Angels Preview 1:55 am EDT (The Associated  Indians-Tigers Preview 8:53 pm EDT (The Associated Press) Press)  Reds-Brewers Preview 1:39 am EDT (The Associated  Dodgers-Giants Preview 8:48 pm EDT (The Press) Associated Press) 21

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 Giants' Belt fully cleared to resume baseball  Man charged in Florida in Yasiel Puig smuggling 4:48 activities 8:44 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Colon hits 2 batters, ejected along with Collins 8:43 pm  2 minor league pitchers get drug bans 4:47 pm EDT EDT (The Associated Press) (The Associated Press)  Rangers coach Jones presented with Vietnam  Selig: Domestic violence policy has been discussed 4:41 medal 8:41 pm EDT (The Associated Press) pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Peavy strikes out 8, pitches Giants past D-backs 8:24  Chris Sale dominates struggling A's in White Sox pm EDT (The Associated Press) victory 4:36 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  House, Indians sweep from Twins 8:17  Sale outduels Kazmir, A's drop series to White pm EDT (The Associated Press) Sox 4:29 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Brock Holt sent to Pittsburgh to see concussion  Cueto outlasts Lynn as Reds slow Cardinals 1-0 4:26 specialist 8:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports) pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Phils Notes: Howard, Utley struggling with power 8:05 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) MLB TRANSACTIONS  Selig settles HR king: 'Bonds set the record' 7:59 pm September 12, 2014 • MLB.com EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions  scheduled to open on a Tuesday 7:52 pm EDT (The Associated Press) LAST UPDATED: FRI, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, 10:30 EDT  Athletics-Mariners Preview 7:38 pm EDT (The Associated Press) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014  Ryan Braun back in Thursday’s lineup 7:32 pm EDT (NBC Sports) TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION  Instant Replay: Giants sweep, inch closer to Dodgers 7:15 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) New York David Removed From 15-Day DL, (Right

Yankees Phelps elbow tendinitis)  Miami man charged with smuggling Cuban baseball star to U.S. 7:15 pm EDT (Reuters) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014  Sale, White Sox shut down fading Athletics 1-0 7:09 pm EDT (The Associated Press) TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION  Holland, Duffy close to returning for Royals 7:00 pm EDT (The Associated Press) Kansas City Chris Outrighted to Minors  Red Sox 2B Pedroia has season-ending surgery 6:56 pm Royals Dwyer EDT (The Associated Press) Kansas City Blake  MLB announces 2014 postseason schedule 6:40 pm Outrighted to Minors EDT (NBC Sports) Royals Wood  Why Jason Hammel could fit in Cubs plans again 6:30 Los Angeles Ryan pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) Outrighted to Minors Angels Wheeler  Is this the one thing O's need to succeed in postseason? 6:25 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  How crucial is J.J. Hardy's health to Orioles postseason? 6:11 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Altuve's climb won't stop after passing Biggio 6:07 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Houston)  In-Game Live: Phillies vs. Pirates 6:06 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Johnny Cueto threw eight shutout innings, but only because Jay Bruce robbed a homer 5:55 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Hunter Pence threw his bat at a ball, got a hit anyway 5:31 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Selig forms committee on pace of game issues 5:22 pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Rockies-Cardinals Preview 5:10 pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Dustin Pedroia underwent wrist surgery 5:03 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Chris Sale shuts down the A’s, lowers ERA to 1.99 4:48 pm EDT (NBC Sports) 22