Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Rewind: Alonso gets best of Machado, at least for a night
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 11:45pm
Follow @joestiglichcsn

OAKLAND — Yonder Alonso said there’s no extra satisfaction making a great defensive play to rob Orioles third baseman Manny Machado.

His smile suggested otherwise.

Of several great plays the A’s first baseman turned in during Monday’s 3-2 win over Baltimore, the prettiest was an over-the-head catch of Machado’s foul pop in the third inning, a play Alonso made on the run as he navigated a huge patch of the Coliseum’s expansive foul territory.

Never mind that the pop-out went for a sacrifice fly as J.J. Hardy tagged and scored on the play. It kept Machado, an American League MVP candidate who hit three homers a day earlier, from doing bigger damage with the bases loaded.

It also gave Alonso some bragging rights over his brother-in-law. Machado is married to Alonso’s sister, Yainee, so it makes for an interesting family reunion anytime Alonso and Machado take the field against each other.

“I treat everybody the same … Ha-ha,” Alonso said afterward.

So often when starting pitcher Kendall Graveman is at his best, the A’s defense is right in sync behind him. The right-hander had his sinker in strong form, but manager Bob Melvin said Graveman also featured his best cutter of the season to go along with an effective breaking ball and change-up when he needed it.

The result was a whopping 14 ground-ball outs of the 21 Graveman recorded in seven innings of one-run ball. That gave lots of opportunities for his infielders. Third baseman Ryan Healy converted one of the most unusual plays of the season. As the Orioles’ Jonathan Schoop shattered his bat on a grounder to the left side, Healy side-stepped a piece of the bat hurling at him, made a bare-hand pick of the grounder and threw to first for the out.

“I don’t know that you can make a better play than that,” Melvin said. “(The bat) was going right at him, and he’s got to dodge it and then he bare-hands it and makes a throw on the run. That’s as good a play as we’ve seen him make.”

Healy’s play was special to behold because of the rare circumstances. Coco Crisp’s running catch as he crashed into the center field wall in the second will land him on highlight shows.

Alonso’s exceptional glove work all season has been more subtle, not garnering a ton of attention simply because it’s been a daily constant. Not only does he excel at scooping short-hops, he’s quite a weapon for the A’s as a fielder. He hit the dirt for a diving backhand stop of Pedro Alvarez’s grounder in the fourth, then made a nifty bare-hand grab and flip to Graveman on Hyun-Soo Kim’s bouncer in the fifth.

A’s closer Ryan Madson said Alonso’s presence gives him confidence throwing inside to lefties because he doesn’t fear them pulling hard shots to the right side. He knows there’s a good chance Alonso will gobble them up.

“Especially from that corner, you don’t expect much other than just to catch the ball when they throw it to you,” Madson said. “It’s a huge bonus.”

Machado stayed at Alonso’s house in Alamo Sunday night. Did the two ever have lots to talk about after Machado hit three homers in his first three at-bats against the Chicago White Sox Sunday afternoon.

“He’s one of the elite players in the game, so it’s definitely a lot of fun to watch, and just to hang out with him for three or four days,” Alonso said.

A’s catcher Stephen Vogt, who homered and drove in two runs Monday, has developed an appreciation for Alonso’s defense as he’s watched the first baseman during his first season in Oakland.

“I don’t know what all these sabermetrics or whatever are, runs saved …” Vogt said. “He better be up there, because he’s some kind of good over there at first base. I’ve never seen anybody better. Maybe there’s some as good, but there’s nobody better. He’s incredible over there.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

1-on-1 with 49ers president Al Guido: Another Super Bowl in works
1-on-1 with Bob Myers: 'Hasn't really sunk in' Durant's a Warrior
Kelly sheds light on decision when naming 49ers QB
Kelly gushes over Anthony Davis: 'Really impressed with him so far'

Giants

Padres put Olivera on waivers, call up ex-Giants prospect
Dodgers lose to Phillies, fall one game behind Giants
Rewind: 'Confident' bullpen clinches a series win for Giants
Instant Replay: Giants beat Marlins, win first series since break
Read More

Athletics

Notes: Hendriks giving hitters more pitches to worry about
LIVE: Orioles vs A's
A's lineup: Maxwell catching in Detwiler's A's debut
Neal limits Orioles, A's beat Baltimore for second night in row
Read More

Sharks

Sharks introduce new secondary logos
Gretzky rookie card sells for nearly half million dollars
Historically young Coyotes GM already making waves
Bettman: Research on concussion-CTE link 'remains nascent'
Read More

49ers

49ers plan to pursue hosting another Super Bowl
49ers' RB Hyde sees 2016 as 'make or break year'
Staley: Dial, 49ers young D-line 'coming together'
49ers' Anthony Davis: 'I'm building pretty fast'
Read More

Raiders

Raiders practice 11: Carr impressed by Joseph's first pick
Raiders RT Watson healthy, playing free after 'letting the fear go'
Raiders practice 10: 'The McDonald boys' pushing for roster spots
Joseph 'wouldn't be surprised' to miss early preseason games
Read More

Warriors

Team USA survives big scare, holds off Australia 98-88 in Rio
Terry: Durant to Warriors 'best thing' to happen to Clippers
Kerr lays out the challenge facing Draymond next season
Kerr admits Curry's injuries forced 'a few adjustments' in Finals
Read More

NCAA

Biz Ball: Woodson excited Michigan 'got our swag back'
Snoop Dogg's son quits UCLA football team for second time
Arizona offensive lineman passes away in sleep at 22 years old
With no clear favorite, Pac-12 promises memorable race
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Padres put Olivera on waivers, call up ex-Giants prospect
(3)
Associated Press

GIANTS VIDEO

Samardzija shares thoughts on facing ex-Notre Dame teammate Phelps
Samardzija shares thoughts on facing ex-Notre Dame teammate Phelps
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Notes: Hendriks giving hitters more pitches to worry about
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

Melvin: 'Really impressive outing' by Neal vs Orioles
Melvin: 'Really impressive outing' by Neal vs Orioles
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Notes: Hendriks giving hitters more pitches to worry about
  • A's strength coach reinstated from suspension
  • Rewind: Alonso gets best of Machado, at least for a night
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks introduce new secondary logos
(8)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Team USA survives big scare, holds off Australia 98-88 in Rio
(7)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

1-on-1 with Bob Myers: 'Hasn't really sunk in' Durant's a Warrior
1-on-1 with Bob Myers: 'Hasn't really sunk in' Durant's a Warrior
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

Kings PG Collison among NBA's bounce back candidates
(1)
Rotoworld.com

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers plan to pursue hosting another Super Bowl
(1)
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

1-on-1 with 49ers president Al Guido: Another Super Bowl in works
1-on-1 with 49ers president Al Guido: Another Super Bowl in works
See more >

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders practice 11: Carr impressed by Joseph's first pick
(2)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Raiders look to keep Joseph healthy; Ward showing production
Bair: Raiders look to keep Joseph healthy; Ward showing production
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Team USA wins Group G despite draw with Colombia
Associated Press

More Stories

Lloyd's goal lifts US past France, to 2-0 start in Group G
(2)
Quakes, New York City FC play to scoreless draw
(6)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Notes: Hendriks giving hitters more pitches to worry about
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: 'Confident' bullpen clinches a series win for Giants
(11)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers plan to pursue hosting another Super Bowl
(1)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders practice 11: Carr impressed by Joseph's first pick
(2)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Team USA survives big scare, holds off Australia 98-88 in Rio
(7)
See more >

JAMES HAM

The Kings Insider Podcast with James Ham: Kosta Koufos
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks introduce new secondary logos
(8)
See more >

RAY RATTO

A make-believe conversation between Bochy and his heart

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

1-on-1 with 49ers president Al Guido: Another Super Bowl in works
1-on-1 with 49ers president Al Guido: Another Super Bowl in works
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California