Month: May 2018

Curry returns, Warriors hold off Pelicans in Game 2 121-116

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photo from nba.com: Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry made his return in game 2 of the NBA Playoffs Wednesday night at Oracle Arena against the visiting New Orleans Pelicans

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Tuesday, May 01, 2018

After five weeks off due to injuries, Steph Curry returned to the Golden State Warriors in grand fashion on Tuesday at Oracle Arena, bagging 28 points in 26 minutes off the bench, helping Golden State defeat New Orleans 121-116.

The Warriors have a 2-games-to-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal best-of-seven.

Warriors Coach Steve Kerr chose not to start Curry, going with Nick Young instead. Curry entered the game with 4:20 left in the first quarter, receiving a rousing ovation. Curry, who missed five weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee, sank a 3-pointer with his first shot and rolled on from there.

Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 points, hitting 5-of-6 in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green contributed 20 points, nine boards and 12 assists.

Klay Thompson suffered through an off-night, hitting 4-of-20 shooting – 2-of-11 behind the arc – finishing with 10 points. But the Warriors’ bench made up for it, outscoring the Pelicans’ reserves 44-13.

New Orleans received strong production from its core – Jrue Holiday scored 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists in 46 minutes; Anthony Davis finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks; Nikola Mirotic fouled out with 18 points and nine boards; and Rajon Rondo added 22 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists.

As an aside, Green and Rondo were seen having words going to the locker rooms at halftime. On TNT, Charles Barley said, “I just want somebody to punch him in the face.”

Upon learning what Barkley said, Green felt that if Barkley wants someone to do that, then Barkley should be the one.

“If you’re not going to punch me in the face when you see me, then shut up,” Green said.

The series resumes in New Orleans on Friday night.

Mariners start May right with 6-3 win over A’s, thanks to Hernandez and Cruz

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Photo credit: @Mariners

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s knew that they were in for a tussle Tuesday night as they had to face their nemesis, Felix “King Felix” Hernandez. The Seattle Mariners’ big righty has owned the A’s over the years as he entered the game with a lifetime record of 25-10 against them. The A’s beat Hernandez in Oakland on April 15th, but they did not have any pixie dust working for them in Seattle. Hernandez went six-plus innings and gave up three hits and three runs. The A’s Andrew Triggs took the loss as he gave up six hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. His record is now 2-1 for the year. The Mariners won the first game of the three-game series 6-3.

The A’s Jed Lowrie gave his team an early lead in the top of the first when he blasted his seventh home run of the year to right field. The Mariners tied the game in the bottom of the second. Kyle Seager doubled to start the rally. He tagged and went to third when Mitch Haniger flew out. Mariners’ catcher Mike Zunino followed with a double to drive in Seager.

The Mariners got to Triggs in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Dee Gordon singled. He went to second when Triggs uncorked a wild pitch. Triggs walked Mariners’ shortstop Jean Segura to put men on at first and second. Triggs retired the next hitter but could not get by designated hitter Nelson Cruz. Cruz hit the pitch 410 feet and ended Triggs’ night. The Mariners lead 4-1 after five.

The Mariners added a run in the sixth, and the A’s came back and put two on the board in the seventh. Hernandez started the seventh, but had to come out after he walked Khris Davis and gave up a double to Matt Olson to put men on at second and third with no out. M’s manager Scott Servais brought in Nick Vincent to pitch. Vincent struck out Matt Chapman for the first out. Mark Canha reached on an infield single to drive in Davis with the A’s second run of the night. Matt Olson went to third, and he scored when Chad Pinder grounded out. The Mariners finished the scoring in the bottom of the eighth when they added an insurance run. The Mariners win 6-3.

Game Notes and Stats: The A’s drop to 14-15, while the Mariners improve to 17-11. The Mariners have won three in a row and six of the last seven. The Mariners are now just 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West. The Astros lost to the Yankees 4-0 earlier in the evening.

Dee Gordon had five hits in five trips to the plate. Nelson Cruz continued to pound Oakland as he hit his sixth big fly in the fifth to put the M’s in the lead for good.

The line score for Oakland was three runs on four hits and no errors. Seattle’s line was six runs, nine hits, and no errors. M’s closer Edwin Diaz picked his 12th save of the year. Diaz leads the majors in that department.

Up Next: Game 2 of the series will be played Wednesday night in Seattle. The A’s will send lefty Brett Anderson to the mound to handle the pitching chores. Anderson, who broke in with Oakland in 2009 at age 29, was recalled from Nashville where he had a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 1.89. Anderson pitched for the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays last year. Lefty James Paxton (1-1, ERA 5.12) will go for Seattle. Game time will be at 7:05 pm PT.

Hosmer’s 9th inning HR lifts Padres to 3-2 win over Giants

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Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Eric Hosmer definitely remembers AT&T Park from playing here in the 2014 World Series for the Kansas City Royals, and he got a little redemption Monday night.

Hosmer hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning off of Hunter Strickland with two outs, as the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 before a crowd of 36,735 at AT&T Park.

It was the only hit or runner that Strickland allowed in his only inning of work.

With the victory, the Padres evened up the three-game series and the win went Kirby Yates, and the save went to Brad Hand, who was unfortunate losing pitcher on Monday night after he allowed two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning

This loss by the Giants was a double whammy, as it was discovered before the game that right-hander Johnny Cueto was placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday with inflammation in his right elbow.

“Obviously not good news, when you have to put him on the DL,” said Bruce Bochy, who added, “Bum (Madison Bumgarner) and now him.”

Unfortunately, former Oakland A’s pitcher and Oakland native Tyson Ross did not fare in the decision.

Ross, who went to Bishop O’ Dowd High School in Oakland, went six innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while walking three and striking out nine.

It was also a tough no decision for Andrew Suarez, who went seven innings, allowing just two runs, while scattering four hits, walking just one and striking out five.

“Did a real nice job for us to win,” said Bochy.

Suarez was helped by the Giants defense, as the Giants turned three double plays and they all were started by Alen Hansen.

Christian Villanueva gave the Padres a 1-0 in the top of the first inning, as he hit a solo home run off of Suarez.

“I left the ball up to Villanueva,” said Suarez.

The Padres tacked on another run in the top of the fourth, as Hosmer hit a triple to right-center field and then scored on a Jose Pirela groundout to second base.

Hansen scored the Giants first run of the evening in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Hansen singled to lead off the inning, stole second and then scored on an Andrew McCutchen single.

The Giants tied up the game in dramatic fashion, as after they were two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the rally began with a Gregor Blanco double down the right field line just out of the reach of Hosmer at first base.

Blanco then went to third on a wild pitch by Craig Stammen, which came on ball four to Andrew McCutchen. Buster Posey then tied up the game, as he hit a double to right field that easily scored Blanco from third base.

NOTES: Derek Holland looks to close out the home stand on a winning note, as he will take the mound against the Padres left-hander Clayton Richard.

Will Smith, who missed all of the 2017 season after Tommy John surgery, appeared in what could have been his last rehab assignment for triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Smith pitched a scoreless inning

Hunter Pence, who is currently on the disabled list with a right thumb sprain began his rehab assignment on Friday night with Sacramento and is 3-for-12 with four runs scored and a walk in three games.

The Padres became just the 22nd time in major league history to have at least 30 plate appearances in a win, and no runners left on base (Since 1908), this according to Baseball Reference).

UP NEXT: The Giants and Padres close out their series at AT&T Park Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 pm PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Will playing opening season games in Japan be a norm; A’s and Mariners to open 2019 in Japan

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FILE – In this March 28, 2012, file photo, ground staff work prior to the American League season opening Major League Baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. Oakland and Seattle will play an opening two-game series in Tokyo on March 20 and 21, the fifth time Major League Baseball will start its season in Japan. Oakland will be the home team for both games, Major League Baseball said Tuesday, May 1, 2018.(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)

On the A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Major League Baseball has committed to Japan the Oakland A’s and the Seattle Mariners who will play two exhibition games against two Japanese teams and two regular season games, which will open 2019 on March 20 and 21st.

#2 The A’s look like they’re focusing on the Howard Terminal Waterfront as their new stadium.

#3  The rumors about those aerial trams to get fans to the waterfront from 12th Street BART.

#4 You got to visit the Bronx Zoo for the first time in your broadcast career. What was that experience like?

Charlie O does the Oakland A’s podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors could make this series a cakewalk with Curry back tonight

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Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

On the Warriors podcast with Dave:

Game 2 is set for tonight at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors made it look easy in Game 1. Dave takes a look if the Warriors can repeat Game 1’s performance. Will it be like taking candy from a baby?

The Pelicans know their in over their heads in this series, opening up the series at Golden State. The Warriors dominated on offense in Game 1 and Stephen Curry if he’s back on all cylinders can make this game look like nothing.

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcast each Tuesday at http://www.sportsraadioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News, and Commentary: Sharks in must-win situation in Game 4 Wednesday; A’s face tough customer Mariners tonight

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Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 The San Jose Sharks are pushing for a recovery from loses in Games 1 and 3 down 2-1, the Sharks got a second life after winning Game 2 when the officials waved off a goal in the first overtime and Logan Couture, who scored the game-winner on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights for the win.

#2 How much pressure is on the Sharks now after the Knights won an overtime game on Monday night? Game 4 is on Sharks’ ice Wednesday night.

#3 The Oakland A’s are coming off a two-game losing streak after losing two out of three from the Houston Astros. The A’s are setting up for a three-game series tonight against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Park.

#4 The M’s have a 16-11 record second place in the AL West and two games back of the Houston Astros and can make things interesting in their chase for first place.

#5 Felix Hernandez gets the start against the A’s tonight as the A’s will start Andrew Triggs.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish play-by-play announcer with the Oakland A’s and does News and Commentary for http://www.sportsraadioservice.com each week

SJ Sharks Rally, But Knights Karlsson Scores in OT to Give Vegas 2-1 Series Lead

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@GoldenKnights photo: Vegas Golden Knights celebrate the game winning goal by the Knights William Karlsson in the overtime stanza to beat the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center Monday night in game 3

By Jerry Feitelberg

The San Jose Sharks rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit, but the Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-1 series lead after winning Game 3 in overtime 4-3. William Karlsson scored the game-winner Monday night 8:17 into the extra session for his fourth goal of the posteason. San Jose fired 42 shots on netminder Marc-Andre Fleury, but the Knights netminder turned aside all but three.

Evander Kane scored in his return to the lineup after serving a suspension for a cross-check to the head of a Golden Knights player in Game 1. Tomas Hertl scored the tying goal with just 1:57 left in regulation, but his efforts would ultimately be for naught. Karlsson turned the defensive pair of Paul Martin and Brent Burns into a pair of traffic cones on the winning shift, skating by them with ease before beating Sharks goalie Martin Jones over his right shoulder for the win.

The Sharks were surging to that point in overtime, having killed off two self-inflicted penalties in a too many men on the ice infraction and a delay of game minor. Fleury also made a brilliant point-blank save from a centering pass from behind the net just a few seconds of game play before Karlsson’s strike.

The Sharks took a 1-0 lead after Timo Meier solved Fleury 6:59 into the second period with the Sharks on the power play, taking a pass from Chris Tierney after Tierney caught a rebound of defenseman Colin Miller’s shin pad. Despite being outshot nearly 2 to 1 (32-18) after two periods, Vegas found themselves up 3-1 after Miller atoned for his role in the Sharks goal, notching a power play goal on a cross-crease pass 9:40 into the second.

Jonathan Marchessault would score on a near-identical play on the man advantange with 6:51 left in the frame after he received Alex Tuch’s perfect one-timer feed. Reilly Smith added an even strength goal after Karlsson tipped a puck to him for the easy score with 5:34 left in the second. Evander Kane scored his fourth career goal in his sixth career playoff contest to pull San Jose within one 7:49 into the period on the power play after Brent Burns managed to keep a clearing attempt on the blue line and in to keep the play alive.

Burns then fed Kane on the backhand just outside the faceoff dot to Fleury’s left for a perfect one-timer. Hertl’s goal came after the forward jammed his way to the netfront from behind the goal. The puck bounced loose, but Hertl stayed determined, shoveling the loose puck home to force overtime with 1:57 left in regulation. San Jose outhit Vegas 44-35, but put Vegas on the power play six times, including twice for puck over the glass and once for a too many men penalty.

The Golden Knights converted on two of those chances, something San Jose will look to improve upon in Game 4 Wednesday in San Jose. The Sharks hope to be with Joonas Donskoi in the lineup after the first-line forward sat out Monday’s contest. Joe Thornton continued to skate with the team at morning skate, but there is no word yet on if he’ll return to the lineup at any point against Vegas.

Hundley to the rescue: Giants overcome two-run, ninth inning deficit to shock the Padres

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Nick Hundley anticipated batting with the bases loaded, two outs, and an opportunity to win Monday’s game.

He also knew manager Bruce Bochy would have few, palatable options beyond him if the game remained tied after the ninth inning.

And Hundley surmised these two scenarios before the inning began with the Giants facing an intimidating 5-3 deficit.

But if you’re a thoroughly invested, major leaguer being paid millions, what’s surprising about a little foresight if you have three hours of otherwise, idle time?

In Hundley’s case, not much.

“Just quick University of Arizona math on my part,” Hundley said.

The backup catcher’s pinch-hit single up the middle plated Buster Posey and Evan Longoria, and the Giants gained a 6-5 win over the Padres of weighty significance.

With a record of 15-14 the Giants are over .500 for the first time this season, and they have their first, full month of winning baseball in almost two years.

It appears the Giants are shedding that loosely defined label as MLB’s worst team based on their won-loss record since July 2016 when their issues arose. Simply, the NL West hopefuls have a nice set of gritty, late-inning wins already this season, and now they have a winning record, and second place in the division as well.

“It’s just great to see the guys fight all game and not quit,” said starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija.

The fight throughout the game couldn’t be minimized with the Giants scoring three times in the first, then going scoreless over the next seven frames as the Padres rallied, wearing down Samardzija, as they gained a 5-3 lead.

Longoria would commit two, uncharacteristic errors–the first a grounder that found its way through the third baseman’s legs in San Diego’s three-run sixth. But with the game in the balance, Longoria singled off closer Brad Hand, scoring Austin Slater, to narrow the deficit to 5-4. Brandon Belt, in a lefty versus lefty matchup, battled and drew a walk to load the bases. Hundley followed with his game-winning base hit, scoring Buster Posey and Longoria.

“We had some really long at-bats, and I’m sure that caught up with him,” Bochy said, explaining the tenor of the inning against a reliever in Hand that had plenty of previous success facing the Giants.

“I just didn’t shut them down. I didn’t have it today,” Hand revealed.