Month: April 2022

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Jackie Robinson-The Scorebook-More than Baseball he is America

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April 15, 1947 Scorebook by sportswriter Tom Meany, historic first game for Jackie Robinson (Photo: National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown)

Jackie Robinson -The Scorebook – More than Baseball he is America

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On my first visit to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 2009, there was a very impressive book I was privileged to see. It is the official reporter scorebook, from April 15, 1947, by Sportswriter Tom Meaney of the New York World Telegram.

It is kept in the special historical archives and not for regular public viewing. It is a small book, with measures of 7 3/4 inches by 4 5/8 inches. It list Jackie Robinson (although in a sports hall of fame) it is one of the most important Civil Rights documents in history.

Craig W. Muder, Director of Communications and John B. Odell, Curator, were kind enough to give me a private tour and a look at this impressive piece of history. I forever am thankful to them. All in coordination with Debbie Gallas, of the A’s media department, the best.

Interesting enough, this book is not in Washington, DC, but in upstate New York at Cooperstown. Of all the great sports memorabilia at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in my opinion, this is the most impressive and definitely historical.

The many records by Babe Ruth and other legendary players, in this the greatest sports Hall of Fame in America, do not compare to the historical value of this little scoring book, because it changed the history of baseball and the country.

This April 15th we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson took the field at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York, as a Brooklyn Dodger.

No other figure impacted American sports history in America more than Jackie Robinson. This great moment in American history happened 16 years before the “I Have a Dream” speech by the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 1963.

Branch Rickey, the Dodger executive responsible for bringing Robinson to the major leagues, said he deserved ‘no credit for Jackie Robinson’. He received a lot of resistance not only in baseball but outside as well.

That should never be forgotten since at that time in history that was a courageous move. Branch Rickey was a man of vision and great courage, one of his quotes: “Problems are the price you pay for progress”. In these days of great fan cynicism regarding baseball from the Commissioner, to owners and even players, Branch Rickey was the right man at the right time in the history of the United States. History has told us so.

Although I never met Mr. Rickey (1881-1963) I did speak to Dodgers Vice President Al Campanis during the 1988 World Series between the A’s and Dodgers at the Oakland Coliseum and although he was fired as their VP for remarks he made on ABC’s “Nightline” comments that were seen as being insensitive at best and possibly racist, he gave me an interview for the pre-game regarding the great star in MLB that time, A’s José Canseco who that season became the first 40-40 man in baseball history and won the MVP in the American League.

Campanis spoke fluent Spanish. I also asked him about his relations with Hispanic players (Al Campanis who is in the Hall of Fame) who had signed such black and Hispanic players as Roberto Clemente and Tommy Davis. Many who knew Campanis said he embraced Jackie Robinson historic feat and that what he said on that interview with ABC’s Ted Koppel was a “slip of the tongue”

On April 15, all players on all major league teams will be wearing Robinson’s iconic number 42. An honor to all African-American players as well as all players in baseball, in the minors or major leagues. Many teams have their own tributes during this historic day. Worldwide, Nike is coming out with its own special this year.

A shoe they will be releasing they are calling it, Jackie Robinson Dunk Lows in honor of the legend celebrating (featuring at the tongue) a 75 for this special anniversary. The shoe designed in white and blue the colors of the Dodgers.

The All-Star game this year will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. On April 15, 2017 the Dodgers unveiled an 800 pounds Statue, located at the left field reserve plaza, since then have become one of the most photographs areas at the home of the Dodgers.

Baseball is very proud of celebrating Jackie Robinson Day, more than Baseball he is America.

Catch Amaury Pi Gonzalez on the Oakland A’s Spanish flagship station for all the A’s action at 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kotsay Collects First Win: A’s victorious in Philadelphia, 4-1 over the Phillies

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By Morris Phillips

One after another–youthful A’s with limited Major League experience, and even less big league success–stepped up and made an impact on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The totality of their contributions was a cleanly-executed 4-1 win over the Phillies, the first of the season for the A’s, and the first-ever for new manager Mark Kotsay. With so many player’s imprints on the victory, the immediate attention post-game turned to the manager, doused in beer, and filled with positivity as usual.

“The biggest story here is Kots’ first win,” said veteran Tony Kemp. “I can tell he’s gonna be a great manager. There’s no panic in him.”

With all the notable players leaving Oakland in the previous weeks, followed by two, competitive losses to start the season, Kotsay has stood as the only force to negate the constant stream of dour predictions. All along, Kotsay has maintained that he had a group that would embrace the challenge of proving everyone wrong, and he would be the one to guide them through the darkest moments.

If Sunday’s series finale was the first of those moments, the A’s proved themselves capable of handling them, with starting pitcher Daulton Jeffries stepping up first.

Jeffries, in just his third Major League start, and his first interleague experience, dealt, breezing through five plus innings, allowing two hits, two walks and no runs while expending just 48 pitches. The third youngest Athletic, but scheduled to turn 27 during this season, typifies a team that’s inexperienced, but not rushed. Jeffries benefitted from some well-struck balls being caught, and departed early, against common wisdom, the first of Kotsay’s prudent decisions.

“Early in the season, you try to build pitch count,” Kotsay explained. “But at this point, the opportunity to get Sam (Moll) lined up against Schwarber and the lefties, we felt that gave us the best chance to win.”

Moll was on point, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper with his unique combo of slower-than-slow sliders and low-90’s sinkers. And the 30-year old Moll’s level of experience entering this big spot? Just 17 innings of low-leverage appearances for the A’s in 2017 and 2021.

Domingo Acevedo, 28 and Kirby Snead, 27 would follow Moll, acing the seventh and eighth innings. Not surprisingly, that pair offered less big league experience than Moll with just 20 appearances between them, but like Moll, they succeeded, getting the A’s to Lou Trivino and the ninth inning with the A’s lead intact.

The A’s established that lead with Elvis Andrus’ double followed by Seth Brown’s run-scoring single in the sixth, and Billy McKinney’s solo shot in the seventh.

The A’s added insurance in the ninth with Kemp’s two-run single that chased home Christian Pache and Austin Allen.

The A’s lengthy season-starting road trip continues in Tampa on Monday with Paul Blackburn getting the start opposite the Rays’ Luis Patino.

NOTES: Manager Joe Girardi elected to sit catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Didi Gregorius in deference to getting backups Johan Camargo and Garrett Stubbs some playing time. Bryson Stott, 24, made his second-ever Major League appearance as the Philadelphia starting shortstop. Jean Segura homered in the ninth to register the Phillies’ only run.

The A’s failed to breakthrough against Zach Elfin, who pitched just four innings. They fared much better against three relievers, who surrendered seven hits and all four A’s runs. The first of those relievers, Bailey Falter took the loss.

Heliot connects for two hits and a run as Giants edge Marlins 3-2 at Oracle Park

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The San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos slides home for a second inning run. All the Giants runs were needed in this game as they win by a run over the Miami Marlins 3-2 at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Apr 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

Miami. 2. 11. 1

San Francisco. 3. 6. 0

Sunday April 10, 2022

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–People in classical Greece uncertain about their future would consult the oracles, who would respond with ambiguous words that left their petitioners more confused than ever. The last two days at the ballyard on McCovey Cove how well the name of Oracle Park suits the events that take place there.

On Friday, the Giants made a valiant comeback, only to throw one of them away and then make another, successful, one. Yesterday, they came from behind in the fifth inning only to give back the lead in the seventh and ultimately lose the game, the second consecutive game in which they blew a late inning lead.

What do we make of the decent but streak hitting, sure handed Brandon Crawford going 0 for the season and making a key error? Are these harbingers of things to come? And, if they are, what does that mean to the Giants’ future, short, medium, or long term?

The events on the field this afternoon may have contained some clues. What they mean is hard to tell, but we’ll give it a try.

The most obvious, and perhaps the least important, fact is that the Giants defeated the visitors, 3-2 before a crowd of 37,332 paying customers on Sunday. Of course, all the factoids that compose that obvious fact have to be put in context; and that context is that the three games the Giants have played this season constitute 1.85% of the regular season.

Indeed, the most significant of today’s Giant doings may well have occurred before game time. What does the promotion of the promising Puerto Rican prospect, Héliot Ramos, portend? He replaced John Brebbia, who will be on bereavement leave for three days, on the roster.

The Giants clearly thought enough of the 22 year old Ramos to start him today in left, batting in the sixth slot, for his major league debut. Indeed, Ramos was the only Giant to notch multiple hits. He replaced John Brebbia, who will be on bereavement leave for the next three days. When the game ended, the rookie had gone two for three and scored a run.

Starting on the mound for San Francisco was Anthony DeSclafani, starting his second season with the Giants. He had an impressive spring training, giving up only one earned run in 12-1/3 innings pitched, striking out 11 on his way to a 1-0,0.73 record. He went 13-7,3.17 for the Giants, much better than his lifetime big league mark of 50-46,406).

Facing the home team was Trevor Rogers, the runner up in last season’s National League rookie of the year balloting. The then 23 year old southpaw finished with the impressive mark of 7-8, 2.64, recording 157 in 133 innings and didn’t allow an earned run in his one inning stint at the all-star game. He was out of action all of August because of a family medical emergency. This was his first appearance against the Giants.

DeSclafani got off to a rocky start. Jorge Soler’s lead off liner just got past a diving Luke Williams, playing third in his first game of the season. Then Garrett Cooper’s broken bat blooper to right fell in for a hit, and, just like that, there were two on, none down, the meat of the coming up.

Exhibiting grace under pressure, the Giants’ starter struck out Jesús Sánchez and Jesús Aguilar—the first, swinging; the second, looking—before retiring Avisaíl García and the side on a broken bat pop up that threatened to fall into right but was corralled by Thairo Estrada at second.

DeScalfani was in hot water again in the second. Joey Wendle’s leadoff drive bounced a foot out of the hurler´s reach and into right for a single, and Brian Anderson’s blooped fell in front of Ramos for a Texas League single that sent Wendle to third. He scored on Jazz Chisholm, Jr.’s sacrifice fly that Maurcio Dubón harvested in left center field.

After Soler got a hit to center, a nice play by Crawford, diving to his right and riffling a throw to Estrada closed out the frame with minimal damage done and Miami leading by a scant 1-0.

Rogers handcuffed the Giants for an inning, but they broke loose in their half of the second. Flores led off with a four pitch walk, only to be erased in a short to second to first double play. Then Ramos, in his first major league at bat, hit a scorcher to second that Chisholm’s glove deflected to Wendle for an infield single.

Dubón slammed a drive down the left field line that sent Ramos racing home at full speed to tie the score as Dubón pulled into second with an RBI double. Then Luke Williams, in his first AB of the season, brought Dubón in with a single to right that gave San Francisco a 2-1 advantage.

The Marlins might have pulled even in the third, but what looked like some boneheaded baserunning by Sánchez turned what would have been a lead off double to right into a single and a failed attempt to advance when he was thrown out on Ruff’s relay to Crawford of Slater’s return of the ball to the infield.

In contrast, San Francisco took advantage of its third frame opportunities. Slater hit a full count pitch back towards the mound, and Rogers’s throw to first pulled Cooper off the bag.

Ruff’s blast to the foot of the Konica Minolta sign on the left center field wall went for a double that moved Slater to third, whence, after Crawford took a called third strike, he scored on Flores’s sac fly to left. Estrada grounded out to close the inning with the Giants now ahead 3-1.

Miami threatened in the top of the fourth. Windle singled to the mound. Anderson went down swinging. Then Chisholm sent a l o n g double to the right field wall.

With two runners in scoring position, Payton Henry flailed at a slow 2-2 count slider, missing it for out number two. It looked like Desclafani might have notched his third strikeout of the inning, but home plate umpire Ramón de Jesús called it ball four, loading the bases.

Desclafani plunked Cooper, which drove in Wendle, cut the Giants’ lead to a single run, and left the bases loaded. That was it for Desclafani, and Jarlín García entered the fray to retire Sánchez and preserve the Giants’ thin lead.

Desclafani had lasted 3-2/3 grueling innings in which he threw 74 pitches, about 75% of which counted as strikes. He was charged with two runs, both earned. He struck out five, walked one, and hit another of the 20 batters he faced. He left the game with no decision.

García faced five more Marlins without allowing a baserunner before giving way with two out in the sixth to Zack Littell.

Once Littell got his man, Payton Henry, out thanks to a beautiful play by Estrada, the Giants’ second sacker led off the home half of the sixth, facing Shawn Armstrong, who had just entered the game to replace Rogers.

Miami’s starter left the game after throwing 74 pitches with the same 75% strike to ball ratio as Desclafani. Like his counterpart, Rogers allowed two earned runs, but he also gave up an additional, unearned, tally that put him in line to be charged with the loss. He struck out three and walked one.

Armstrong hurled a perfect sixth inning, and his replacement, Anthony Bass also retired the hosts in order in the seventh, as well as getting Ruff, lead off man in the eighth, even though San Francisco’s first baseman drove a line drive to the right field warning track, right the fence before Steven Okert replaced Bass right after the ball was caught.

Littell lasted through the seventh for San Francisco without giving up more than a single to Sánchez, who was wiped out in a double play. Tyler Rogers then came in to set the Marlins down in order in the eighth.

Dominic Leone was called upon to execute the save. He struck out Chisholm for the first out. Stallings, pinch hitting for Henry, also went down swinging. Jorge Soler was the sole obstacle to the Giants’ second win of the season. He popped out to Ruff at first.

Jarlín García was the winning pitcher, with the save going to Leone. Trevor Rogers was the hard luck loser.

San Diego will come to Oracle Park on Monday, throwing Nick Martínez against Alex Wood at 6:45.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Knights Dorofeyev and Quine scores twice in 7-3 win over Barracuda on fan appreciation day

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Through all their tough efforts for defenseman Artemi Kniazev (25) and the San Jose Barracuda the Henderson Silver Knights dominated on offense scoring four times in the first period, twice in the second and third periods at SAP Center in San Jose on Sun Apr 10, 2022 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

On the SJ Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko, first period the Henderson Silver Knights (28-28-5) didn’t waste anytime getting on the scoreboard with a rip roaring 4-1 lead over the San Jose Barracuda (20-37-3). The Knights got goals from Colt Conrad, Ben Jones, Alan Quine, and Pavel Dorofeyev.

#2 Marko, taking a look at the Knights Ben Jones he’s been owning the red light with his first period goal he picks up his 22nd goal of the season truly a high mark in the AHL.

#3 The Knights scored three goals in the second period, Dorofeyev picked up his second goal of the contest and his 25th goal of the season scoring at 8:24. Dorofeyev is another guy who has found the back end of the net all season.

#4 The Knights in the third period didn’t waste anytime throwing two more goals at Emond and the Barracuda when Reid Duke scored an unassisted goal at 2:01 and Alan Quine at 2:57 who also scored twice for a four goal 7-3 Henderson win. This was the Barracuda’s tenth straight loss.

#5 The Cuda host the Bakersfield Condors (32-19-5) Wed Apr 13 at SAP Center in San Jose at 7:00 pm the last time the two teams met back on Mar 2 the Barracuda won it 5-3 at SAP Center. This will be the Barracuda’s last game at SAP Center before moving to their new home at Solar4 America Arena next season.

Marko does the Barracuda podcasts weekends at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Silver Knights beat Barracuda 7-3 sweep weekend series

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The Henderson Silver Knights kept San Jose Barracuda goaltender Zachary Emond (35) busy all day long with 26 saves on 33 shots on fan appreciation day at SAP Center in San Jose on Sun Apr 10, 2022 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — It was Deja vu at the Shark Tank.

The Henderson Silver scored four goals in the first period for a second consecutive game to defeat the San Jose Barracuda 7-3 on Sunday afternoon at SAP Center.

San Jose has lost a franchise worst 10 games in a row with five games remaining in the season. Henderson have won three out of its past four games.

Henderson (29-28-3-1) drew first blood early in the first period. Pavel Dorofeyev sent in Colt Conrad on a mini breakaway. Conrad skated in and beat ‘Cuda goalie Zachary Emond with a backhander for his seventh goal of the season.

San Jose (20-38-3-2) answered back at the 8:04 mark. Joachim Blichfeld found Anthony Bitetto in the slot. Bitetto sniped home a wrist shot past Silver Knight’s goalie Isiah Saville for his first goal in a Barracuda uniform and fifth of the season.

Bitetto, who was acquired at the trade deadline for Nick Merkley by the San Jose Sharks, snapped a 34-game goal less draught.

Henderson regained the lead 40 seconds later when Ben Jones cleaned up a rebound off of a Danil Miromanov shot from the point for his 22nd goal of the season.

The Silver Knights went up 3-1 with a power play goal. Alan Quine beat Emond with a wrist shot in the right slot for his fourth goal of the season at the 10:24 mark.

Henderson scored its third unanswered goal on a three-on-one odd man rush. Dorofeyev scored the first of his two goals as he made a move around Emond and slipped a backhander into an empty net for his 24th goal of the season at the 16:42 mark.

San Jose cut the lead in half with a short-handed early in the second period. Lane Pederson’s shot was initially saved by Saville, but a trailing Santeri Hatakka cleaned up the rebound for his third goal of the season and second in back-to-back games at the 2:12 mark.

Dorofeyev scored his second goal of the content when he was able to get behind the net and beat Emond with a wraparound goal, his 25th of the season at the 8:24 mark.

Blichfeld kept the Barracuda in the game when he scored an even strength goal late in the middle frame. Pederson found Blichfeld inside the face off circles and Danish native blasted a one-timer past Saville for his team leading 24th goal of the season at the 15:51 mark.

Henderson scored two goals in the first three minutes of the third period to put the game away.

Reid Duke took advantage of a giveaway from Bitetto. Reid intercepted Bitetto’s pass right in front of the crease and buried a shot past Emond for his sixth goal of the season at the 2:01 mark.

Quine scored his second goal of the game 56 seconds later when he got in front of a Barracuda defender and his wrist shot beat Emond for his fifth of the season.

Saville finished the game stopping 29 of the 32 shots he faced to earn his second AHL victory. Emond made 26 saves on 33 shots in the hard luck loss and has lost three straight games.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-6 on the power play. Henderson was 1-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Dorofeyev 2) Conrad 3) Blichfeld

UP NEXT: San Jose plays its final game at the Shark Tank when they host the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday at 7:00pm at the SAP Center.

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Phils touch up A’s Irvin early; Gibson pitches shutout ball through seven for Phils

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper holds his daughter Brooklyn after receiving the 2021 NL MVP Award before Sat Apr 9, 2022 game against the Oakland A’s at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Oakland A’s starting pitcher Cole Irvin started the ball game surrendering two runs in the bottom of the first in Philadelphia but settled down going 5.1 innings until he gave up two more earned runs and was lifted in the bottom of the sixth.

#2 The other problem was for A’s hitters Phillies starter Kyle Gibson kept the A’s line up off balance throwing a shutout through seven innings, striking out ten and giving up two hits. This is the era in baseball when you won’t see complete games but Gibson looked like he could have finished this one.

#3 The A’s made it interesting scoring a run in the top of each the eighth and ninth innings fell a day late a dollar short.

#4 Phillies relievers Jose Alvarado and Corey Knebel were feeling the pressure as the A’s who had dealt some of their big boppers over the off season and the pre season had enough in the line up to battle but couldn’t move guys over and took a two run loss in game two of the series 4-2.

#5 The A’s will try to avoid getting swept today at 1:05 pm in Citizen’s Bank they’ll be starting right hander Daulton Jefferies and will be matched against the Phillies right hander Zach Eflin. In spring training Jefferies was 0-2 with 1.79 ERA for Eflin 0-0 with an ERA of 0.96.

Join Charlie O every other Sunday for the A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

George, Clippers roll past Kings 117-98

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) battles his way to the hoop as Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) puts the stop on George in first half action at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, April 9, 2022

Paul George scored 23 points, dished out 12 assists, and pulled down eight rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night, leading the Clips past Sacramento 117-98.

It was the Clippers’ fourth straight win. Los Angeles will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday in the NBA’s play-in tournament. If the Clippers win, they will reach the playoffs for the fourth straight year and meet the No 2-seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

A loss to Minnesota would send the Clippers into a game against either New Orleans or San Antonio on Friday. The winner would face the overall top-seed Phoenix Suns.

George missed 43 games due to an elbow injury. Since his return, George is averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists while the Clippers are 5-1 in that stretch.

The Clippers led from start to finish, as Norman Powell scored 20 points off the bench and Ivica Zubac added 15 points and 12 boards for LA.

Davion Mitchell led the Kings with 22 points, followed by Trey Lyules with 15. Damian Jones scored 12 points to go with four steals, and Neemias Queta added 10 points off the Sacramento bench.

The Clippers led by as many as 20 points in the first half before Sacramento used a run to pull within 59-45 at halftime. The Kings scored the first seven points of the third quarter to cut its deficit in half.

That was as close as Sacramento would get, as Los Angeles used a 19-5 run over the last five minutes of the third quarter to take a 92-71 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Kings travel to Phoenix on Sunday.

Dynamo hang on to defeat Earthquakes 4-3

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The San Jose Earthquakes just couldn’t catch up to tie the game against the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo squeezed by with good defense keeping the Quakes out of the zone for a one goal win at PNC Stadium in Houston in MLS action on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (photo by the San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Houston Dynamo scored two goals in the second half and then hung on for dear life to preserve a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at PNC Stadium.

San Jose remain winless in their first six matches to start the season. Houston have won two matches in a row and have points in four consecutive matches.

Houston (3-1-2) drew first blood in the eighth minute off a set piece. Adam Lundqvist’s corner kick found its way on to the foot of Sebastián Ferreira and he buried a one-timer past Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski for the first of his two goals on the night.

San Jose (0-4-2) answered back in the 25th minute with the first of Jeremy Ebobisse’s two goals in the first half. Cade Cowell centered a pass in the box and Ebobisse slammed home a one-timer top shelf for his second goal of the season.

Three minutes later Ebobisse struck again for the Quakes. Jan Gregus crossed the ball into the box where an unmarked Ebobisse headed the ball into the lower left corner for his second goal and third of the season in the 28th minute.

“I think it’s tough to get too high on scoring in a defeat because ultimately it’s a defeat. It doesn’t advance the team’s goals. If the team’s goals aren’t advancing, then my individual goals aren’t either,” Ebobisse said.

Houston scored the equalizer just before halftime. Marcinkowski aggressively came out to stop Tyler Pasher’s one-on-one attempt, but Darwin Quintero cleaned up the rebound into an empty net for his team leading fourth goal of the season in the 43rd minute.

The Dynamo used the momentum of Quintero’s goal and seized the momentum in the second half with two unanswered goals 11 minutes apart.

Teenage Hadebe scored off a corner kick from Pasher with a left footed shot that beat Marcinkowski for his first goal of the season in the 57th minute.

Then in the 68th minute, Fafà Picault danced around a couple of Quakes defenders inside the box before finding Ferreira along the left side and the Paraguayan striker’s shot deflected off of Marcinkowski for his second goal of the match and of the season.

Tommy Thompson brought the Quakes back into the match in the 77th minute off a set piece. Thompson’s high volley off a corner kick beat Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark to the far side for his first goal of the season.

“It’s a difficult loss. Any time you concede four goals, you’re not going to be happy about it. It’s been a difficult start to the season. There’s no hiding from that. This is not how we planned it. It’s just something that we’re going to have to correct,” said Thompson.

San Jose had a chance to score the equalizer in the 85th minute but Clark robbed Ebobisse’s bid for a hat trick when he made a save on Ebobisse’s header that was headed for the far corner.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with two corner kicks. Houston had three.

The Quakes have a 9-15-4 overall record against Houston Dynamo FC.

Ebobisse’s two goals were also his 29th and 30th goals of his MLS career. He has now scored three goals in the last two matches. His brace marks the third of his MLS career and first since Oct. 7, 2020 (vs. LA).

Thompson also made his 163rd appearance for the Quakes, tying Richard Mulrooney for sixth most appearances in club history.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns home to host Nashville SC on Saturday 4/16 at 12:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

Sharks Fall 4-2 to Canucks, Canucks Sweep Season Series

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Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Chiasson and fans celebrate his goal during third period action at Rogers Place in Vancouver on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Chiasson and fans celebrate after Chiasson scores in the third period against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place in Vancouver on Sat Apr 10, 2022 (The Canadian Press via AP)

By Mary Walsh

VANCOUVER- The San Jose Sharks dropped their sixth in a row, a 4-2 road loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. The loss concluded the season series between the teams, with the Canucks winning all three games. The win put the Canucks within four points of a playoff spot. Jason Dicksinson, Conor Garland, Alex Chiasson and Luke Schenn scored for the Canucks. Thatcher Demko made 35 saves for the win. Tomas Hertl and Nick Bonino scored for the Sharks and Kaapo Kahkonen made 35 saves in the loss.

Like many of the Sharks recent losses, the game was close in many respects. Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner listed some of the missed opportunities that the Sharks had on Saturday:

“Had our scoring chances, again, I mean, I sound like a broken record but we had breakaways, we had three posts, you know, we had looks at the end in our six on five, six on four situation. You know, we had plenty of opportunities to score, we didn’t get it done.”

Sharks defenseman Ryan Merkley took a hit early in the first period after missing the mark with a drop pass in the Canucks zone. While he was getting to the bench, the Canucks went the other way and scored. He left the game until late in the period. Boughner discussed the hit and the play:

“I thought [the hit] looked a little high. Concerned about that, also concerned about the play. In the back of our net, that’s how we start the game. Things that we’re trying to get out of his game, out of our game. He’s a young guy. But I think that he got hit high, I looked at it a few times. He went through protocol, got checked out, it was good to see him come back healthy and ready to help us. But those are learning plays.”

Jason Dickinson gave the Canucks the lead just 2:05 into the first period. He intercepted a pass in the Sharks zone and went the other way two-on-one. He tucked the puck into the net at the last minute after Kahkonen had come too far out of the net.

Tomas Hertl tied it at 7:33 with a power play goal. Erik Karlsson set up Timo Meier for a shot from the circle. Demko stopped Meier’s shot but the rebound went right to Hertl on the other side. Assists went to Meier and Karlsson.

Conor Garland made it 2-1 at 4:49 of the second period. Garland picked up the puck at the Sharks blue line and went the other way with speed. He took the shot from the circle and to score his 15th of the season. Alex Chiasson got the assist.

Nick Bonino, playing his 750th NHL game, deflected a Brent Burns shot from the point to tie it at 18:37. Assists went to Burns and Noah Gregor.

Alex Chiasson made it 3-2 at 2:07 of the third period. He caught the puck low in the circle and put the shot through the short side. Assists went to Bo Horvat and Tyler Myers.

Luke Schenn scored a short-handed goal into and empty net with a second left in the game to make it 4-2.

The Sharks killed seven penalties in the game, allowing 12 shots to the Canucks power play. The Sharks power play had five opportunities and got one goal and five shots. In the face-off circle, the Sharks won 55% of the draws.

The Sharks next play on Tuesday in Nashville against the Predators at 5:00 PM PT.

Warriors Win Fourth in a Row Against Spurs 100-94

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Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (00) takes it to the San Antonio Spurs’ Joe Wieskamp (15) in the first half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Win Fourth in a Row Against Spurs 100-94

By Barbara Mason

With two games left in the 2021-22 season, the Golden State Warriors (52-29) traveled to San Antonio to take on the Spurs (34-47). The Warriors were looking for their fourth straight win and finishing strong and the got it with a 100-94 victory over the Spurs on Saturday night at the AT&T Center.

Klay Thompson got the night off in this game. They rested him keeping him fresh for the post-season. Thompson is playing some great basketball right now. He has his legs under him and his shot selection is excellent right now.

The Warriors can expect great things from him and to finish the season and going into the playoffs. This team is peaking at the right time. They got great offensive rebounding and limited turnovers in this game.

Damian Lee started the game along with Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney.

The first quarter was a close one. The Warriors had a slow start leading after one 23-21. As the second quarter wore on Golden State really got on track leading at halftime 54-44. The Spurs had totally shut down Poole.

Poole finished the first half with a goose egg. He was still looking for his first basket. Jonathan Kuminga was the high score for the first half with 13 points. The Warriors held the Spurs to 33% shooting after two quarters.

Green had an excellent 23 minutes through the third quarter with 11 rebounds 10 points and 6 assists. It doesn’t get much better than that. He would finish this game with 13 rebounds, 12 points and 8 assists.

It was a nervous time for the Warriors as they saw a 17 point lead evaporate to a 78-71 lead. Golden State went without a basket for over five minutes in the third quarter. Their shots from downtown went ice cold.

The Spurs Lonnie Walker IV was having a great game with 24 points off the bench in 21 minutes. The Warriors were 0 for 7 on three’s in the third quarter.

Kuminga entered the game in the fourth quarter and made an immediate impact with a shot from downtown. The Spurs clawed their way back into this game trailing 90-88 with five minutes left in the game.

This game would go down to the wire and it was decided by free throws from Poole. After a tough first half Poole finished with 18 points in the Warriors 52nd win.

Tomorrow the Warriors will play their final game of the regular season in New Orleans taking on the Pelicans. If the Warriors win this game they will finish in third place so their fate is completely in their hands. They will be looking for their fifth win in a row to end the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM.