James Shields, affectionately known as “Big Game James,” lived up to his moniker in Game 2 of the World Series Thursday night, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, to even up the series. Shields threw 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball, giving up seven hits and[Read More…]
Baseball
Hamels silences Rays’ bats in Game 1
With one swing of Chase Utley’s bat, the Philadelphia Phillies stole home-field advantage from the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night. Utley’s two-run blast in the first inning was the difference, as the Phillies beat the Rays, 3-2, at Tropicana Field. Utley became[Read More…]
He’s one helluva Dirtbag
Tonight, another World Series begins and another young Long Beach State product is at the forefront. Evan Longoria and the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays will host Game 1 of the World Series against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies at Tropicana Field. The game will air on FOX[Read More…]
First playoff game, national stage doesn’t faze Longoria
On the first pitch of his first career playoff game, former Long Beach State standout Evan Longoria didn’t show any jitters — if he had any at all. The 22-year-old led off the second inning and blasted starter Javier Vasquez’s offering to left-center at Tropicana Field to give the Tampa[Read More…]
There’s no postseason like October
In comparison with the other two major U.S. sports leagues, Major League Baseball’s postseason stands at the top of the mountain — regardless of which teams are in the hunt for the World Series trophy. At least in terms of recent consistently competitive series and lasting memories, anyway.Like Kevin Dyson,[Read More…]
Giant Dirtbag living the Major League life
LOS ANGELES — John Bowker and the San Francisco Giants were in town to play the Los Angeles Dodgers and renew the rivalry in late September. The Giants were playing the role of spoiler as the Major League Baseball regular season came to a close. “I grew up a Giants[Read More…]
Longoria helps Rays clinch franchise’s first-ever playoff berth
Third baseman Evan Longoria has experienced his share of “firsts” in his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays. In October, the former Long Beach State star will be able to add “first playoff appearance” to that list. Longoria caught the final out as the Rays clinched the franchise’s first[Read More…]
Baseball helped heal nation on Sept. 11
Think back to the day before 9/11 and the word “normalcy” might refresh your memory. New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Pres. George W. Bush constantly used the word in press conferences. Major League Baseball helped the U.S. — New York, in particular — take that first step toward[Read More…]
Ex-Dirtbag Longoria shines in return home
ANAHEIM — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman and former Long Beach State star Evan Longoria returned home to Southern California with a bang, much to the dismay of the Los Angeles Angels’ pitching staff. Longoria’s meteoric rise from high school player to big league phenom is quite a story. From[Read More…]
Dirtbags hit the road for critical Big West weekend series
Trailing CS Fullerton by 2 1/2 games in the Big West Conference, the Long Beach State baseball team will need to build on its most recent road victory to keep pace. The Dirtbags (31-18, 11-7 Big West) are coming off a 10-0, one-hit shutout victory at San Diego State, improving[Read More…]