Post-Game Notes for Tuesday, August 30, 2016 – Diamondbacks (65-76) 4 at Giants (71-60) 3

Fotos Luis Alberto Torres - ISC Deportes@


 San Francisco Giants Notes

THE GIANTS: 

Have gone a season-high 14-consecutive games without committing an error.

JOHNNY CUETO: 

Allowed four earned runs in 4.2 innings, which marked his shortest start as a Giant…he is now 1-4 with a 4.25 ERA (25er, 53.0ip) in nine starts since the All-Star Break.

 

HUNTER PENCE: 

Went 3-for-3 with a walk and one run scored…it marked his first game with three-or-more hits since May 29 at Colorado.

DENARD SPAN: 

Exited the game in the sixth inning with a stiff neck.

  

Arizona Diamondbacks Notes

ZACK GREINKE: 

Improved to 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA (7er, 38.0ip) and a .220 opponents average against in six career starts at AT&T Park.

· Is now 9-1 with a 2.35 ERA (22er, 84.1ip) against SF in his career and has the all-time best winning percentage (.900) vs. the Giants (min. 10 starts).

WELLINGTON CASTILLO: 

Went 2-for-4 with two RBI tonight and has now hit .420 (21-for-50) with 19 RBI in his last 14 games.   

TOMORROW’S STARTER: 

RHP Shelby Miller will start for the Diamondbacks tomorrow…Miller went 2-9 with a 7.14 ERA (55er, 69.1ip) in 14 starts before being optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Earthquakes Weekly Update: August 29, 2016

The San Jose Earthquakes take a break from MLS action this week to face Liga MX powerhouse Pachuca in an international friendly on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Avaya Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and constitutes Bonus Game B for Quakes season ticket holders. 

Last Saturday, Aug. 27, the Earthquakes suffered a 2-0 road defeat at the hands of Columbus Crew SC. Quakes' rookie goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made his MLS debut in the match, replacing David Bingham in the 45th minute. Recently signed forward Henok Goitom also earned his first MLS start after making his Earthquakes debut last week against the Houston Dynamo.

THIS WEEK

Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 8/29/16

All training sessions are closed to the public. If you would lik   e to attend a training session, please contact Jake Pisani at jpisani@sjearthquakes.com. Media must be escorted to the Earthquakes Training Facility by a member of the team's media relations department. Please do not go out to the training field unattended. 

Tuesday, Aug. 30 - 10:15 a.m. - Training at Earthquakes Training Facility

Wednesday, Aug. 31 - Off 

Thursday, Sept. 1 - 10:15 a.m. - Training at Earthquakes Training Facility

Friday, Sept. 2 - 10:15 a.m. - Training at Earthquakes Training Facility

Saturday, Sept. 3 - 7:30 p.m. PT - Earthquakes vs. Pachuca - Avaya Stadium

Sunday, Sept. 4 - Off 

OPPONENT INFORMATION

Pachuca Scouting Report

Pachuca plays in Liga MX, the top professional league in Mexico, where they are currently second on the league table with a 4-2-1 record. Founded by British miners in 1901, Pachuca is one of the oldest football clubs in the Americas. They are the reigning league champions after defeating Monterrey 2-1 in the Clausura 2016 tournament. The championship marked the club's sixth career title, which ranks seventh all-time in the league. Since 1998, Pachuca has also won four CONCACAF Champions' Cups along with the 2007 SuperLiga. The club was also the first CONCACAF team to win a CONMEBOL tournament.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

All-Time in Friendlies 

San Jose is 10-8-8 all-time in friendlies, including an undefeated 7-0-4 record in their last 11 matches. The Quakes haven't lost a friendly match since falling 3-1 to the Canadian National Team at Spartan Stadium on June 5, 2004.

Meeting Again 

The Earthquakes and Pachuca previously met in 2002 in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. San Jose fell 3-0 on April 17, 2002 at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca before rebounding with a 1-0 victory at Spartan Stadium one week later.

South of the Border 

The Quakes are 2-8-4 against clubs from Mexico all-time, including a 1-5-3 record in friendlies.

Just the Second 

Saturday's matchup is the Quakes' second-ever international friendly at Avaya Stadium. The Earthquakes defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 in the stadium's first friendly on May 18, 2016.

Rookie Debut 

Rookie goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made his MLS debut against Columbus Crew SC last Saturday, entering as a substitute for David Bingham in the 45th minute.

Goitom Joins Starting XI 

Henok Goitom earned his first MLS start against Crew SC after making his debut with the Earthquakes on Friday, Aug. 19 against the Houston Dynamo at Avaya Stadium.

Francis Earns 50th Starting Nod Shaun Francis made his 50th start with the Quakes on Saturday against Columbus.

Imperiale Returns to Fold On Saturday, Andres Imperiale earned his first start since the Quakes 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City on April 24.

On the Leaderboard

Among the Earthquakes that rank near the top in various statistical categories in MLS are:
David Bingham - 75.5 saves percentage (4th in MLS)
David Bingham - 83 saves (6th in MLS)
David Bingham - 1.10 goals against average (7th in MLS)
David Bingham - 6 shutouts (t-5th in MLS)

Earthquakes Part Ways with General Manager John Doyle

The San Jose Earthquakes announced that they have parted ways with general manager John Doyle effective immediately. Technical director Chris Leitch has been named interim general manager, while head coach Dominic Kinnear and the coaching staff will continue in their roles.

Six Earthquake Players Called to National Teams for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

El Salvador 

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Darwin Ceren will join the El Salvador National Team as they attempt to advance to Round 5 in FIFA World Cup qualifying from Group A by finishing as one of the top two teams. 

El Salvador is currently in last place in Group A (2 pts; 0-2-2), behind Mexico (12; 4-0-0), Honduras (4; 1-2-1) and Canada (4; 1-2-1). After hosting group leaders Mexico at Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador on Friday, Sept. 2 (7 p.m. PT), El Salvador closes out group play against Canada at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday, Sept. 6 (7 p.m. PT). 

Jamaica 

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Simon Dawkins and defender Shaun Francis have been called to the Jamaica National Team for a series of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Jamaica is currently in third place in Group B (4; 1-2-1), trailing Costa Rica (10; 3-0-1) and Panama (7; 2-1-1) and ahead of Haiti (1; 0-3-1). Jamaica will take on Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama on Friday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. PT, before hosting Haiti at Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. PT.

Panama 

Midfielder Alberto Quintero has been called up to the Panama National Team as they look to advance from Group B in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

With seven points and a 2-1-1 record, Panama currently sits in second place in Group B behind Costa Rica (10; 3-0-1) and ahead of Jamaica (4; 1-2-1) and Haiti (0; 0-3-0). Panama will end group play with matches against Jamaica at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City on Friday, Sept. 2 (6:30 p.m. PT) and Costa Rica at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica on Tuesday, Sept. 6 (6:30 p.m. PT).

Trinidad and Tobago 

Earthquakes midfielder Cordell Cato will represent Trinidad and Tobago in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Trinidad and Tobago currently lead Group C with 10 points and a 3-0-1 record, ahead of the U.S.A. (7; 2-1-1), Guatemala (6; 2-2-0) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (0; 0-4-0). T&T closes out Round 4 with matches against Guatemala at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad on Friday, Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. PT, and against the United States at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:15 p.m. PT.

U.S.A. 

Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski was among 27 players named to the United States Men's National Team roster by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for a pair of decisive World Cup Qualifying matches against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. The first contest takes place at Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, Sept. 2 (12:30 p.m. PT, beIN SPORT), followed by the second match against T&T on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida (5 p.m. PT, FS1/UniMas). 

Santa Cruz County FC Revolution 03 Reign Victorious in Best Game Ever Santa Cruz County FC Revolution 03 girls defeated Tracy-Patterson Tigers U-12 girls 4-0 at Avaya Stadium Saturday, Aug. 27 in the 'Best Game Ever'. Lily Montesinos scored a brace while Daniela Alfaro and Tara Biakanja each notched a goal in the victory. 

Both teams arrived at Avaya Stadium on Saturday expecting a stadium tour, but were surprised with an MLS experience, including locker room access, a public address announcer and a running video board. Quakes players Bryan Meredith and Marc Pelosi served as guest coaches.

Earthquakes Part Ways with General Manager John Doyle

 SAN JOSE, California -- The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have parted ways with general manager John Doyle effective immediately. Technical director Chris Leitch has been named interim general manager, while head coach Dominic Kinnear and the coaching staff will continue in their roles.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to John for his nine years of service with the team as general manager," Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said. "He was an outstanding leader who helped relaunch the Earthquakes in 2007. We will be forever grateful for his contributions to the San Jose Earthquakes. We wish John the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Kaval continued, "At this time, we feel that the organization needs a fresh approach to our soccer operations. We believe that we have the players and coaching staff that can make a run at the playoffs and we are fully behind their efforts."

Doyle was named the general manager of the Earthquakes on Oct. 3, 2007. He was part of the core team that reestablished the Quakes after the team's return from a two-year hiatus. Under Doyle's leadership, the team made the playoffs two times and captured the Supporters' Shield with the best regular season record in MLS in 2012.

Doyle has also been a player, assistant coach and television color analyst for the Earthquakes. In 2005, he was the inaugural member of the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame.

"I want to thank the Earthquakes ownership group and Dave Kaval for their support during my time at the Quakes," said Doyle. "I also want to thank the players, the coaches and front office staff for all their hard work every day to make this organization better. I also want to recognize the great fans in San Jose and around the Bay Area that have always been loyal to this club. I wish the team and the organization the best of luck the rest of this year and into the future. I want to see this club succeed more than anyone."

Undefeated rising contender David "El Bandera Roja" Benavidez

 

Undefeated rising contender David "El Bandera Roja" Benavidez(16-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

Douglin, who is trained by his mother Saphya, opened the fight very aggressive, stealing the first round on all three judges' scorecards. Douglin continued to press the action, also winning the second round battle with two of the three judges, but Benavidez would soon settle in and take control of the war.

 

"I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I knew Douglin wasn't going to go out without a fight," said Benavidez. "So I came in here and started slower than I usually do, just using my jab a little bit more."

 

The 19-year-old Benavidez made the necessary corrections in round three and never looked back, chipping away throughout the fourth and fifth rounds. In the sixth, Benavidez teed off on Douglin with damaging punches to both Douglin's body and head.

 

In the seventh round, Benavidez was still having his way when one of the top turnbuckles gave out, causing the ropes on one side of the ring to collapse, and stopping the fight momentarily. When the action resumed, Douglin came forward with a flurry, but that burst of energy was short-lived.

 

Benavidez regained control in the eighth round, and in the ninth he scored the only knockdown of the fight. In the tenth and final frame, Benavidez threw a barrage of punches, several of which buckled Douglin, causing referee Gary Rosato to intervene and stop the fight at :35 into the round.

 

When asked about Douglin's resilience, Benavidez said, "I hurt him a lot of times, but I kept my cool. I knew I was going to get him out of there sooner or later and that's exactly what I did tonight. This is a good victory for me. Douglin is a tough veteran. He started fast and swinging wildly, and his offense probably looked better on-camera than it was, but he did what he had to do to survive until the final round."

 

Benavidez continued, "It was important to me to get the stoppage and show everybody that I am just as strong in the late rounds as I am early on. I love this. This is what I signed up for. I want tough fights."

 

A disappointed Douglin said, "I was in this fight, I just got winded. I was in great shape and everything, but I got winded there towards the end. Benavidez is a tough, young fighter. He was able to make me stay in there longer than I wanted to, but I feel good and I'll be back."

 

Benavidez concluded, "Right now, I would like to say that I don't think about who's next. I'm just trying to progress in my career and I'm not trying to call anybody out. But if I do dream about fighting anybody, it would be whoever is the champion at my weight. I'm going to work hard to get to that spot." 

 

Televised coverage began with exciting undefeated contender Alejandro "El Charro" Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) defeating Philadelphia prospect Naim Nelson (13-2, 1 KO) by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93) in a ten-round bout fought at a catch weight of 144 lbs.

 

Nelson, who stepped up to face Luna on only 24-hours notice, tried to bring the fight to Luna in the early rounds and make it a physical contest on the inside.

 

Despite Luna landing a couple of blistering uppercuts in the second and third rounds, Nelson still came forward. Luna later said, "Nelson was a tough guy and could bang a little bit."

 

By the close of the third round, Luna's left eye appeared to be swelling badly, but luckily for Luna Nelson's gas tank appeared to drain just in time. Although Nelson was all aggression and wanted to fight in a phone booth early on, he found himself landing fewer punches and looking to create distance in the middle rounds.

 

Luna soon took over the action, and in the seventh round a cut opened on Nelson's forward, but was quickly controlled by his corner. Nevertheless, Luna had done enough damage in the middle stages of the scrap and was able coast to a unanimous victory on the scorecards.

 

"Obviously we prepared for another opponent, but I felt I had a solid performance against him," said Luna. "Nelson came to fight and was in shape, and I thought I handled him pretty well, but I know I can still do better."

 

When asked about taking the fight on short notice Nelson said, "I make no excuses, but we took this fight at 9 p.m. last night and I knew I was stepping up to face a tough opponent. I didn't get the decision, but I felt good in there tonight, and I proved I can compete with a world class fighter.

 

Nelson added, "Luna is a good puncher and he's strong. I won't take anything away from him. We fought a hell of a fight, and I look forward to being back soon."

 

Luna summed up the night adding, "I'm looking to build on what I did here tonight and get back in the ring soon for another good fight."

 

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