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Hello and happy Thursday. More importantly, happy Opening Day!
Four months, one pandemic, and roughly 5,827,930 negotiations later, the 2020 MLB season is about to get underway.
The season starts with a doubleheader. First up it’s the New York Yankees at the defending champion Washington Nationals. Then it’s what you’re all here for: the San Francisco Giants at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Here’s everything you need to know:
How to watch
Time: 7:08 p.m. PT
Regional broadcast: None
National broadcast: ESPN
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM
At some point between when you’re reading this and when you watch the baseball game, presumably we’ll learn who is on the team. Details, details.
Did Barry Bonds hit a home run today?
Absolutely.
July 23, 1993: Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Bonds hit a solo home run in the 9th inning off of Curt Schilling. It tied the game 1-1, but the Giants would lose 2-1 in 14 innings. It was his 28th homer of the year.
July 23, 1994: Against the New York Mets, Bonds hit a solo home run in the 9th inning off of Roger Mason. It gave the Giants a 4-2 lead, which was the final score. It was his 31st homer of the year, and his 3rd straight game with a home run.
July 23, 1997: Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Bonds hit a grand slam in the 3rd inning off of Mark Leiter, scoring Rick Wilkins, Darryl Hamilton, and Jose Vizcaino. It gave the Giants a 9-4 lead, and they would win 16-4. It was his 26th homer of the year.
July 23, 2003: Against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bonds hit a 2-run home run in the 6th inning off of Steve Randolph, scoring Marquis Grissom. It gave the Giants a 4-0 lead, and they would win 7-1. It was his 32nd homer of the year.
July 23, 2004: Against the St. Louis Cardinals, Bonds hit a 3-run home run in the 7th inning off of Jeff Suppan, scoring Michael Tucker and J.T. Snow. It gave the Giants a 6-0 lead, and they would win 7-2. It was his 25th homer of the year.
Giants links
- Grant Brisbee on how the Dodgers signing Mookie Betts isn’t great news for the Giants (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Marcus Thompson II on respecting Gabe Kapler’s kneeling, and its context (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Bruce Jenkins on Mike Krukow’s path to work, and other notes on the broadcasters (SF Chronicle)
- Alex Pavlovic on how Giants hitters rushed to get ready (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Maria Guardado on how the Giants will prioritize matchups (MLB)
- Monte Poole on how Gabe Kapler won’t stop fighting against racial injustice (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Andrew Baggarly on how the Giants planned for disruption (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Kerry Crowley on the coronavirus challenges (Mercury News)
- Josh Schrock on how Warriors coach Steve Kerr was “thrilled” that Gabe Kapler took a knee (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Alex Pavlovic on the pitcher classifications (NBC Sports Bay Area)
- Brian Murphy on the curious case of Gabe Kapler (KNBR)
- Tim Kawakami with predictions for the Giants and A’s (The Athletic, subscription required)
Enjoy Opening Day, everyone!