Chicago Cubs defeat the San Francisco Giants 5-2

Headed over to AT&T Park for Cubs vs the Giants.

Ryan Vogelsong came out to pitch for the Giants

Against Matt Garza for the Cubs.

The Giants are struggling right now, so I figured I'd get better shots from outside third base next to the Giants dugout, as opposed to shooting from the line near home plate. Sometimes sports is more about the emotion than it is the action. It's a neat perspective and challenge to try and capture the mood.

Sometimes I feel guilty/awkward sitting so close to the dugout after a player comes back from a bad inning offensively or defensively and is cursing and throwing stuff. But it's more enjoyable to catch Pablo Sandoval and Sergio Romo, trying to get everyone pumped up and dancing in the dugout before the game.

It was the first game back for Andres Torres who tried to make his mark. He got on base a few times, but somehow they aren't batting in runs.

Bottom of the ninth, Giants down 5-2 and even the young fans were starting to look sad.

Cody Ross was hit by a pitch to get on base, but left stranded as the game ended 5-2.

Certainly a bummer night. But to end on a fun note. Here's Pablo being silly, blowing kisses to fans, and being mischievous in general.

Leadership Award Scholars Freshman Induction Banquet

Headed over to Cal Alumni House for the Leadership Award Scholars Freshman Induction Banquet. As a student, receiving this award was a big part of my decision to enroll at UC Berkeley, and what a good decision that was! So now to be able to welcome the incoming freshman, is another reward!

I was the designated alum for a table of 9 students and they were all super inspiring in their unique ways. One was 16 and had her whole life mapped out to be graduating in 3 years then earn a PhD in MCB by 22. Another was fascinated with cars and looking forward to researching/creating the technology of the future. Everyone was enthused about the life they will live, experience and create for themselves and others while at Cal. One asked if I was a freshman, which was flattering, but then asked when I graduated and said "oh, wow, that is a while back".... haha Ouch. I'm old.

I am so grateful to be a Cal alum and the amazing community I am a part of forever! Though the event was made to inspire the freshman, I walked out feeling more inspired than anyone!

New Orleans Saints defeat the Oakland Raiders 40-20

Headed over to the O.co Coliseum for the Oakland Raiders vs the New Orleans Saints.

The big "story" we were supposed to focus on was all the law enforcement after the unfortunate events at the Raiders at Niners game last week.

But as I roamed around the parking lot, everyone seemed friendly, albeit outrageous =)

Photographed warmups as per usual for the only chance to get Terrelle Pryor as he serves a 5-game suspension.

Amidst controversy, Pryor wisely found representation from NFL agent, big shot Drew Rosenhaus, a great guy to have in your corner as a professional athlete.

Who is supposedly the character Jerry McGuire is based on... crazy!!

I spotted Saints head coach Sean Peyton, and I said to another photographer, "wow, he looks SO happy"... he replied with "that's cause he's playing the Raiders"... ouch

Game started, and Saints Mark Ingram scored a touchdown on their first drive. I thought uh oh, this is going to be a long game.

But Raiders answered with a touchdown of their own by Derek Hagan.

This worked out great for me because I'm supposed to send images after the first offensive drives of each team, nice that I could have touchdown photos in my first set, in addition to quarterback shots.

Back in the game Janikowski scored an impressive 57 yard field goal. If that is the range of your kicker and you still can't win games, you're in trouble.

Saints did a lot of damage in the end zone, finishing the game 40-20. Back up quarterback Chase Daniel, celebrating after a touchdown and two point conversion.

Though he certainly won't be beating out Drew Brees.

It was exciting to see Cal Bear Cameron Jordan in the big leagues playing defensive end for the Saints.

And of course had to get some cheerleader shots.

Also ran into a high school friend Tony at the game (far right) who had some pretty sweet seats. Always funny to think I'm hearing my name being called and have it actually be for me!

If you are my mother, stop reading this post now... if you are not my mother, check out this crazy photo of Montez Billings trying to leap over the cameraman! haha, gotta be quick on your feet!

I'm not going to lie, after being totally wiped out from last game, I hit the gym to make sure I can keep up, running up and down the sideline carrying camera equipment equal to 12% of my total body weight, haha. And looks like I'm getting there since Tony got me smiling while running the sideline instead of grunting =)

photo by Tony Capretto

To view the full set from fellow US Presswire photographer, Cary Edmondson, and myself go here

San Francisco Giants defeat the Houston Astros 2-1

Headed back to AT&T Park, same teams, same score, different story.

Eric Surkamp made his major league debut for the Giants getting the call-up from Double-A.

Though he had some first game jitters (as would anyone) I would say he had a great performance, allowing only one run, that could have been prevented were it not for an infield error.

I thought about shooting from his left side, being he's a left handed pitcher, but I figured the story was more going to be about him, than his pitching, so I wanted to sit near Giants dugout to get some shots of him between innings.

And hey, Tim Lincecum is just a bonus, on his bobblehead day.

You know it's Surkamp's first appearance with Giants as he put on a coat while running the bases, welcome to summer in San Francisco, kiddo =)

Tied up 1-1 since the fifth, the game went into extra innings and I was worried the 6pm start (more often 7:15 starts) would end up being negated and maybe I should have brought more layers. But Mark DeRosa got a single, then stole second... the first steal he's had in two years.

Then Jeff Keppinger, the hero, two nights in a row, hit a double to bat in De Rosa for a slide at home.

Benches cleared as everyone ran to Keppinger for the dogpile.

I remember when they made the trade for Keppinger in July (from the Astros actually) and everyone questioned Brian Sabean, but were more or less confident in his trade decisions... I'm going to say everyone is pretty happy with the trade.