Month: March 2026

Utah Mammoth game wrap: Mammoth Celebrate No Kings With 6-2 Siege In Los Angeles

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Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (right) and defenseman Mikail Sergachev (98) celebrate Cooley’s goal in the in the first period at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

Logan Cooley and Alexander Kerfoot each scored a pair as the Utah Mammoth (38-30-6) defeats the Los Angeles Kings (29-26-18) twice in six days. Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in the Southland the Mammoth crushed the Kings 6-2.

On a day where so-called “No Kings” protesters took to the streets in many American cities to express their opposition to President Trump and ICE, the Mammoth (38-29-6) took to the ice in Los Angeles where they put their own spin on “No Kings” with a dominant 6-2 victory over L.A. who entered the game at 29-25-18, further solidifying their position atop the Western Conference Wild Card standings with eight games remaining in the regular season.

Utah forward Alexander Kerfoot gave the Mammoth an early lead at 2:31 of the first period, tipping in a perfect pass from John Marino as he attacked the net for his 4th goal of the season. With three and half minutes remaining in the frame, Mikhail Sergachev shot the puck from the far blue line all the way down the ice and banking off the end boards and in front of the net where a charging Logan Cooley slid the puck beneath the pads of Darcy Kuemper for his 19th of the year to make it 2-0.

Cooley had such a lead over the nearest defender that no icing was called on the play, and Dylan Guenther picked up the additional assist. With a little over 2 minutes remaining, Kings Captain Anze Kopitar brought L.A. back to within one with his 12th goal of the season, deflecting a shot in front of the net by Adrian Kempe. But a minute later, Kopitar went to the box for tripping Guenther, giving Utah the first power play opportunity of the game.

With 9 ticks left on the clock, Cooley had the puck down low with no one to pass to, so he drove to the net himself and flipped the puck top shelf over the right shoulder of Kuemper for his second goal of the game and 20th of the season, assisted by Clayton Keller and Sergachev, sending the teams to their locker rooms with the Mammoth taking a 3-1 lead. Cooley is the sixth Mammoth player to reach 20 goals this season, most of any team in the NHL, joining Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, JJ Peterka, Keller, and Lawson Crouse.

At 12:37 of the second period, Kerfoot made his way with the puck to the bottom of the left faceoff circle near the Kings net. As he looked for someone to pass to he realized that he had been left completely alone without a single defender challenging him, so he took his time to size up the angle between himself and Kuemper and placed a perfect shot over Kuemper’s right shoulder, a near mirror-image of Cooley’s earlier goal, for his 5th of the year assisted by Ian Cole as the Mammoth took a 4-1 lead.

At 16:17 of the period, with Scott Laughton riding the pine in the sin bin for slashing against John Marino, Nick Schmaltz made it a 5-1 game batting in a one-timer off a pass from Keller for his 27th of the season, further assisted by Sergachev.

The Kings got one back at 4:34 of the third period when Adrian Kempe launched a blast up the middle through traffic for his 27th of the season. Utah netminder Karel Vejmelka was completely screened and had no play on the shot which narrowed the score to 5-2.

With more than six minutes remaining in the game, Los Angeles rolled the dice in pulling Kuemper early for an extra attacker, but the gamble failed when Jack McBain scored an easy empty netter for his 9th goal of the year, assisted by Peterka and Sergachev, to effectively put the game away 6-2. The Kings hoisted the white flag at that point, leaving Kuemper in net for the remainder of the contest.

The Mammoth, who until last week had never defeated the Kings since moving to Utah, wrap up their L.A. season series with a 2-1-0 record.

“Obviously it’s a battle for the playoffs and they’re right behind us and it was kind of a four-point game for us and it’s huge,” said defenseman Mikhail Sergachev in the locker room. Talking about Saturday’s success on the power play including the closing seconds of the first period, Sergachev said, “We had a shot mentality. Everything started with the shot and then it opened up and our elite players made some elite plays and it paid off. Simplicity is the key. … Our power play hasn’t been great this year and lately it has been, and scoring that big goal shows the composure of the guys and the guys are not going down easily.” Speaking of the team’s defensive effort and the Kings’ pressure on Vejmelka, Sergachev added, “I think he was in danger tonight and he made some key stops and he played unbelievable.” The Mammoth have discussed what needs improvement as they continue the playoff stretch. “We know what we gotta do,” Sergachev said. “We’re just a young team. Sometimes emotions get the best of us like last game, we talked about it and today when emotions were getting the best of us we settled down, leaders, coaches, and it worked.”

Head Coach André Tourigny began his post-game remarks saying, “Offensively we did a good job of attacking through quick strikes, putting pucks at the net, winning battles down low.” Speaking of the Kings, Bear said, “L.A.’s a veteran team, a good team, they’re making a huge push. They’re have a ton of reasons to fight for it. Their experience of winning [and] pedigree in that room. … We believe in ourselves as well. I think we haven’t been as good as we wanted since we [last] played them, but I think tonight it’s an opportunity for us at the biggest stage in the season to come up big.” Talking about playing the same team six days apart, Tourigny said, “You see exactly how they attack you. Where was the hole and what they were trying to do. The other way around is true as well. They will know, they will make some adjustments, so you need to be proactive in your thinking and what can be the key point there. At the end of the day I think we knew what they will do. They knew what we will do. The best team will win and I think the players will fight hard on both sides and that will be a helluva game.”

The Mammoth (38-30-6) continue their three-game Pacific coast road swing next Thursday in Seattle followed by a Saturday tilt in Vancouver before returning home to face the Edmonton Oilers on April 7. Five of Utah’s final six contests will be at home.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Yankees Brought their Brooms to the Bay as Vitello still looking for a W

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San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (right) looks out onto the Oracle Park diamond against the New York Yankees on opening night Wed Mar 25, 2026 (Getty photo)

Yankees brought their Brooms to the Bay as Vitello is still looking for a W

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants were swept in a three-game series against the New York Yankees to open the 2026 season. The Giants could not hit water if they fell from a Kayak in McCovey Cove. I was like the Giants faced Whitey Ford, Red Ruffin, Roger Clements and Mariano Rivera, four of the best pitchers in Yankee history.

Giant scored 1 run in the three games. Yankee record: This was the third consecutive year the New York Yankees opened the season with a sweep of three teams. In 2024, the Yanks swept the Houston Astros, in 2025, they swept the Milwaukee Brewers, and this Saturday in San Francisco. The Yanks swept the kids by the Bay, who managed to score 1 run in 27 innings of ball.

Giants record: The Giants were held scoreless for 20 consecutive innings to start the season, matching a franchise record for the longest scoreless streak to open a season, dating back to 1909. Giants pitchers also did well overall; the problem was their anemic hitting, which opened this season with dead bats.

The Giants (who now head to San Diego) have more dead bats during the first three games of this season than Count Dracula at his Castle in Budapest, Hungary. San Francisco Giants Rookie Manager, Tony Vitello, is still looking for his first professional win of any sort in the sport, as a player, manager, or coach.

It would be silly to predict any type of outcome after the first three games of a 162-game season. However, I have wondered whether Vitello’s hiring by Buster Posey is just an experiment to see whether he can really win at this level of baseball.

When I was broadcasting Giants baseball, Ron Wotus, who was a coach for Dusty Baker, told me during an interview that he aspired to be a manager sometime during his career. Now he heads with this team to San Diego to see if they can figure out the Padres’ pitching staff, because the Giants’ bats look like an amateur team against the Padres this week.

Tony Vitello signed a three-year contract to become the San Francisco Giants’ manager, with an annual salary of $3.5 million. It includes a vesting option for a fourth season. Introduced to Giants fans in October 2025, after a successful career at the University of Tennessee.

It was good to see two of my good friends in the business: longtime Yankee broadcaster Susan Waldman, a real woman pioneer in baseball, and Dave Sims, who used to broadcast for the Mariners and is now working for the Yankees behind the microphone. Two very good people in the broadcast business.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Late Chaos Ends with Second Jays Walk-Off Stinging A’s 8-7 in 11 innings

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr slides in safely to score in front of Sacramento A’s catcher Shea Langeliers (23) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sat Mar 27, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP News)

By Mauricio Segura

What started as a quiet, tightly wound pitcher’s duel turned into a full-blown nail biter by the time the Sacramento Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays staggered into extra innings for the second consecutive day. In the end, again, Toronto walked it off in the 11th, escaping with an 8-7 win after a game that flipped momentum so many times it felt like neither team ever truly had control.

The early innings belonged to the arms. Both lineups came out swinging but found little success, combining for just a handful of baserunners through the first two frames. The Athletics threatened in the third when Nick Kurtz walked and later reached third, but a Soderstrom strikeout ended the chance.

Toronto finally broke through in the bottom half of that inning, stringing together three straight hits capped off by George Springer’s RBI double to give the Blue Jays a 1–0 lead. Even then, it could have been worse, but a sharp defensive play from Tyler Soderstrom in left cut down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at third to limit the damage.

Toronto’s slim lead held until the sixth, when the Athletics finally cracked through. Kurtz walked, stole second, and came home on Tyler Soderstrom’s RBI double to tie the game at one. The response from the Blue Jays was immediate. After Guerrero Jr. drew another walk, Daulton Varsho delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom half to push Toronto back in front, 2–1.

The seventh inning changed everything.

The Athletics loaded the bases with a mix of singles and aggressive baserunning. With one swing, Shea Langeliers flipped the game on its head, launching a knuckleball grand slam 420 feet to center field. Just like that, a one-run deficit became a 6-2 Green & Gold lead. It was the kind of blow that usually seals a game, the kind that sends fans toward the exits. However…

Toronto didn’t leave. Nor did the fans.

Instead, the Jays chipped away. Guerrero Jr. drove in a run in the seventh to make it 6-3. In the eighth, they took advantage of walks and timely hitting, getting RBI singles from Jesús Sánchez and Andrés Giménez to pull within one. Suddenly, the pressure shifted back to the A’s bullpen, and the once-comfortable lead was hanging by a thread.

It snapped in the ninth.

Down to their final outs, the Blue Jays got a jolt from Alejandro Kirk, who lifted a solo home run to left field to tie the game at six. The stadium came alive, and what had looked like a missed opportunity earlier in the game was now a full reset heading into extras.

The 10th inning delivered more drama. With the automatic runner in place, Brent Rooker came through with an RBI single to give the Athletics a 7-6 edge. But Toronto answered again in the bottom half, tying the game on Addison Barger’s sacrifice fly after moving the runner into scoring position. Neither side could land the knockout punch, and the game marched on.

By the 11th, both teams looked exhausted, running on fumes and instinct. The Athletics failed to capitalize in their half, stranding a runner after a key strikeout. That opened the door for Blue Jays to take advantage of their bottom of the inning quest.

With a runner already in scoring position, the Blue Jays stayed patient. After a strikeout and an intentional walk, Ernie Clement stepped in and delivered the final blow, ripping a sharp single to left field that scored the winning run and sealed an 8-7 victory.

It was a game defined by swings in momentum, by missed chances and clutch hits, and by a refusal from either side to back down. The Athletics looked like they had it won after Langeliers’ grand slam, then again after Rooker’s go-ahead hit in extras. Each time, Toronto answered.

In the end, the difference wasn’t one big moment, but a series of them stacked together. The Blue Jays simply had one more answer left, and that’s what ultimately wins games in this beautiful game of baseball.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has covered sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for various magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, The Golden Bay Times. 2026 marks his 15th season covering Athletics baseball.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Arizona Heads to the Final Four in 25 Years, Beating Purdue, 79-64

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Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) dunks during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (Photo Credits to AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE – The Madness of March is over, as SAP Center welcomed 4 programs to the South Bay, but only saw only one of them would come out victorious. Between the No.1 Arizona Wildcats and the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, which both are champions to their conference. It would be the Arizona Wildcats moving on to Indianapolis with a 15 point win, and these dangerous Wildcats have now won 13 games in a row.

Arizona Wildcats went with guards Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, forwards Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov, and center Motiejus Krivas for their Elite Eight game. The Wildcats will be hoping to make it to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 and the fifth time in program history. This is their 12th Elite Eight appearance overall and their first since 2015.

Purdue Boilermakers sent out guards Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, forwards Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff, and center C.J. Cox on the teams Elite Eight run. Purdue has a 0-9 record against No. 1 seeds overall and is seeking its first victory over one. Purdue will be trying for its fourth Final Four overall and its second in the last three seasons.

After the first 7 minutes of play, Arizona was in the lead with 5 points, 17-12. Arizona went on a 8-2 scoring run for 3 minutes. The Wildcats saw a lot of their points in the paint which was giving them early control of the game. Arizona scored 12 points in the paint to their now, 19-12 lead. It should come as no surprise that Purdue is already having issues with Arizona’s size and agility. Oscar Cluff is holding his own so far, but if the Boilermakers don’t find extra help from the players down in the block, the Wildcats will dominate inside.

4 lead changes and 6 ties already happened 15 minutes into this game. Both teams are trying to send their school to the Final Four with the finishing line being just a couple of games away. With 3 minutes left of the 1st half the score was, 30-27, Purdue leads now. After a bad shooting performance in their Sweet 16 game, Purdue has shotten the ball better. Last game int he 1st half, Boilermakers only had 3 three-pointers in the 1st half, but tonight they had 6 three-pointers already. While Arizona is seeing some struggles as they only made 1 three-pointer so far out of 6 attempts.

Halftime, Purdue is leading Arizona by 7 points, 38-31. The Big-10 champions, Purdue, hit 7 three-pointers in the 1st half that got them feeling great heading into the lockers. While the Big-12 champions, Arizona, was struggling on the field. Only making 1 three-pointer would go a long way and a reason on why they’re down at halftime. While the Wildcats are struggling from deep as they only got 1 deep ball to go in.

The Boilermakers have gone on to lose after leading at the half just twice this season: Jan. 24 against Illinois and Feb. 26 against Michigan State. So with the start of the second half, the pressure for Purdue to win the game is on. Vice versa with Arizona as they started the final half playing catch up. Which Arizona really turned up the heat on Purdue and took it to them.

Wildcats were able to knock down 3 three-pointers in the second half, which was a lot better than the just the 1 three-pointer they made in the first half. The more this game goes on, the more the talent gap between Arizona and Purdue becomes clear. Arizona is more prepared to play in transition when the game breaks down, which has happened more often in the second half. The Wildcats are on the verge of making it to their first Final Four in 25 years.

In the second half, Arizona played with an entirely different feeling of urgency. At both ends of the floor, there are differences in physicality and intensity. However, the two crucial figures: Arizona had six turnovers in the first half but zero in the second. After a 7-14 first half, Purdue is now 0-4 3PT. By the 3 minute mark, Arizona had a 15 point lead on Purdue.

Ultimately, Arizona wrote their story to the Final Four in San Jose as they would win the game against the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, 79-64. Arizona Wildcats will head to Indianapolis, and wait on the winner of the No.1 Michigan vs No.6 Tennessee. That game will be played on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

SF Giants game wrap: Giants swept by Yankees after missed opportunities, but finally score first run in 3-1 decison

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San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello heads out of the dugout to make a pitching change in the top of the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

New York Yankees 3 (3-0)

San Francisco Giants 1 (0-3)

Win: Jake Bird (1-0)

Loss: Tyler Mahle (0-1)

Save: David Bednar (2)

Time: 2:46

Attendance: 40,634

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–The Yankees have swept the Giants to open the season, as the Giants wasted three crucial opportunities, and the Yankees won 3-1, but hey, at least the Giants finally got their first run.

After being shut out in their first two games, I imagine a lot of Giants’ fans—well, at least this writer—didn’t have much faith that Saturday would be that much better. Though, I admit: the pregame performance by the Giants’ new mariachi band made things a little bit better at the beginning.

Tyler Mahle, who did not give up a single run over 10 innings during Spring Training, made the start, and his official Giants’ debut Saturday. Mahle survived a two-out triple by Cody Bellinger in the top of the first, and the Giants’ reshuffled lineup came up against Will Warren in the bottom of the first.

Warren retired the first two men he faced, but Luis Arraez, now in the three-hole in the lineup, singled over the mound. Rafael Devers then made a two-strike adjustment, and fisted a base-hit the other way to left. The Giants had runners at first and second for Heliot Ramos. Warren got out ahead to a 1-2 count, but Ramos started battling. Meanwhile, Arraez caught Ryan McMahon napping at third base, and stole third without a pitch. Ramos fouled off four two-strike pitches, and worked the count full. However, Warren got Ramos to go up the ladder on a high fastball—Reggie Sanders style—on the 10th pitch of the at-bat, and the Giants wasted a massive opportunity.

After the Giants wasted a big opportunity in the bottom of the first in the season opener on Wednesday, the Yankees responded with five runs in the top of the second. Thankfully, that would not be the case Saturday. However, the Yankees did score a pair of runs off Mahle in the top of the third on a two-out double by Ben Rice.

Some people wanted to attribute those two runs to Luis Arraez. Many people believed Arraez should have been able to get to Cody Bellinger’s a base-hit a batter before, which he dove for. Despite his impressive hitting abilities, Arraez is not exactly known for his defense, and that was definitely a risk in signing him. A lot of people are going to overreact to Arraez’s defense, but his work with Ron Washington has paid off. Me personally? I believe people are overreacting here.

Anyway, It looked like the Yankees were going to get a third run on a base-hit to left by Giancarlo Stanton, but Ramos cut Rice down at the plate with a great throw to end the inning. That gave the Giants some momentum going to the bottom of the third.

Jung Hoo Lee lined a double down the right field line to lead off the bottom of the third. Matt Chapman then lined a base-hit to left-center field, and at long last, the San Francisco Giants finally had their first run of the 2026 Season. That was the lone run the Giants would score in the bottom of the third, but hey, it’s a start!

Mahle was done after he threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth. Mahle had thrown 80 pitches, and there was every reason to believe that he could have gone out for another injury. With his injury history over the last couple of years, it’s understandable that Tony took him out. Mahle gave up the two runs in the third, and five hits. He walked one, and struck out five.

Ryan Borucki came in for the top of the fifth, and with two outs, Judge hit his second home run of the series—and season—to make it 3-1.

One thing I have noticed with Tony is that he seems to like to make pitching changes. Very Felipe Alou-esque. I guess that’s why the Giants gave him number 23. He certainly likes to get his relievers a lot of work. Matt Gage, Keaton Winn, Erik Miller, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker all pitched Saturday.

Though, the bullpen has been the biggest positive to start the season. They continued its nice start Saturday, as they gave up just a run and two hits over five innings.

The Giants wasted another massive opportunity in the bottom of the sixth, and then they would have one more opportunity in the bottom of the ninth.

Aaron Boone brought in his closer, David Bednar, for the bottom of the ninth. Ramos, who was truly the player of the game for the Giants today, used ABS to work a leadoff walk. Willy Adames finally got his first hit of the season with a single to left, and the Giants had runners at first and second with nobody out for Bader.

Well, let’s just say that Bader struck out, and that Patrick Bailey rolled over to second for a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.

And there you have it, the Yankees have swept the Giants. By the way, the Yankees have swept the Giants in the last three series they have played here at Oracle Park. 2019, 2024 and now here in 2026.

Though, look on the bright side! The last time the Giants were swept to open the season was 2012 in Arizona, and they went on to win the World Series that year. Hey, good omen!!!

Seriously though, one run through the first three games is a brutal and embarrassing way to open the season. The guy we need to talk about here is Willy Adames. He is 1-for-11 with five strikeouts to open the season. I get that players go through their slumps, but Adames refuses to make two-strike adjustments. That has to change.

Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Casey Schmitt are also off to rough starts. Lee finally got his first hit today, but Bailey and Schmitt remain hitless.

Another thing I have noticed with Tony is that he is still in his college mindset. From his pitching changes, to his do-or-die intensity in the opening series of the year, the guy is having his inevitable growing pains. He is going to have to learn to adjust to the big leagues. As I said Friday, with the Giants’ struggling offense, their tough schedule and Tony’s growing pains, the first two weeks are not going to be pretty.

Jake Bird got the win; Tyler Mahle got the loss; and David Bednar picked up his second save.

Oh, and before I forget, the Giants out-hit the Yankees Saturday. There’s another positive.

The Giants have a day off Sunday they will spend Saturday night in San Diego after a late-night flight. Then, the Giants will start a three-game series against the Padres at Petco Park on Monday night. RHP Landen Roupp will make his Giants’ debut on Monday Roupp will be opposed by the Padres RHP Walker Buehler.

I will say this as a way to make us all feel better. The Yankees are just a good team. The Padres have been a mess. They are now on their fourth manager in the last seven years in Craig Stammen, and their bullpen has taken a big step back. Perhaps, the Giants can come out of San Diego with a win or two. We’ll just have to wait and see.

First pitch on Monday will be at 6:40 p.m.

San Jose falls to Coachella 4-2 as FireBirds creep up in the standings

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San Jose Barracuda vs Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday March 28th at Acrisure Arena (via coachella valley firebirds)

By Madison Montez

With 48 seconds left on the powerplay, Coachella Valley scored to take the first lead of the game. Jani Nyman scored his 21st goal of the season to make it 1-0. This would be the first goal scored in the 4-2 loss. On a breakaway, Coachella extended that lead to 2-0 when Lleyton Roed scored his tenth goal of the season.

To avoid the shutout, San Jose’s Quentin Musty scored his 17th goal of the season to make it a 2-1 game. Egor Afanasyev and Jimmy Huntington registering the two assists.

To regain their two goal lead, Coachella Valley’s Ty Nelso scored his tenth of the season to make it a 3-1 game. Picking up a loose puck, Colin White scored his 15th goal of the season to make it a 3-2 game. Nolan Allan and Filip Bystedt registering the assists. To seal the win, Cooper Marody scored his ninth of the season to seal the 4-2 win.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley 17-8. After the second period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley fourteen to eight. After the third period, San Jose outshot Coachella valley eleven to seven.

Coming into Saturday night’s game, San Jose was second on the powerplay and third shorthanded. Saturday night, San Jose went 0/3 on the powerplay. For Coachella Valley, they came into Saturday night’s game ninth on the powerplay and sixth shorthanded. Saturday night Coachella Valley went one for two on the powerplay.

Gabriel Carriere was the starting goaltender, following Laurent Brossoit’s call up to the San Jose Sharks. Making 19 saves on 22 shots, Carriere recorded Saturday night’s loss. Nikke Koko was the starting goaltender for Coachella Valley. Making 40 saves on 42 shots, Koko recorded Saturday night’s win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Ty Nelson
  2. Nikke Koko
  3. Cooper Marody

The Barracuda will be back in action Sunday against this same FireBirds team. San Jose will be looking to split the series.

Kings Bested By Yet Another Playoff Bound Team – Losing to Hawks 123-113

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Atlanta Hawks Guard Nickeil Alexander Walker drives against the Sacramento Kings guard Killian Hayes in the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (19-56) had a great shot in their contest with the Atlanta Hawks (42-33) tying up the game in the fourth quarter after trailing for much of the game. The Kings just could not sustain the effort falling to the Hawks 123-113; DeMar DeRozan had the team high with 22 points and Maxime Raynaud had a double double, 18 points and 10 rebounds. Precious Achiuwa finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings led in this game 30-27. The Hawks turned the game around in the second quarter outscoring Sacramento 39-24 totally dominating the quarter taking a 66-54 lead at the half.

Sacramento would have a lot of work to do in the second half of this game. The largest lead of the game for the Hawks was 16 points but as the third quarter came to an end, Sacramento was only trailing by six points 88-82. The Kings Killian Hayes made some noise in the final two minutes of the quarter hitting a two-point jump shot followed by a 39-ft three pointer to close out the third.

After getting bounced around pretty badly for much of the game the Kings had put themselves in a great spot going into the fourth quarter only trailing by six points. Sacramento would need more from their starters. So far in this game the Kings were perfect from the line and had matched the Hawks from the field.

Four minutes into the final quarter the Kings had tied up this game at 97 mounting an impressive rally. The Hawks answered and within a couple minutes had pushed their lead back out to 105-97.

Atlanta had scored quickly and did not let-up for the remainder of the game. After having tied up the game the Kings found themselves trailing 111-99. With under five minutes left in the game, Sacramento was running out of time. The Hawks took back complete control and with 2 1/2 minutes left on the clock they had a 117-109 lead. For the remainder of the game Atlanta was locked in finishing off the Kings 123-113.

Three of the Hawks starters had scored 20+points in this game. Neikeil Alexander-Walker had the game high finishing with 27 points. Jalen Johnson had 26 points and CJ McCollum with 22 points. Every Atlanta starter had double figure in the game.

DeMar DeRozan had the team high for the Kings finishing with 22 points and 4 rebounds. Sacramento had three bench players in double digits. Daquan Jeffries had 15 points, Daeqwon Plowden 14 points and Killian Hayes 10 points. Plowden continues to really contribute off the bench.

Game notes: After losing a close game to the Orlando Magic Thursday night the Kings traveled to Atlanta for a matchup with yet another team in playoff position the Hawks. The Kings had Nique Clifford back on the court but Russell Westbrook was out with a toe injury with a possible return date of April 1st.

Keegan Murray has a projected return date of April 1st as well after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. Malik Monk started in place of Westbrook. The Hawks are missing some key players as well. Jonathan Kuminga is out with a knee injury, Onyeka Okongwu has a finger injury and Dyson Daniels also out with a toe injury. All three are projected to return March 30 for their matchup with the Celtics.

Sunday the Kings will take on the Brooklyn Nets looking for a win after beating the Nets last Sunday in a close one 126-122. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sharks Beat Blue Jackets 3-2, Chernyshov Scores Twice, 6 game skid comes to an end with victory

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (33) saved 24 shots and allowed two Columbus Blue Jacket goals. Macklin Celebrini (71) in the foreground approves at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 Saturday. The win ended a six game losing streak for the Sharks. Igor Chernyshov and Macklin Celebrini scored the Sharks’ goals. Alex Nedeljkovic made 22 saves for the win. Denton Mateychuck and Cole Sillinger scored for the Blue Jackets. Elvis Merzlikins made 33 saves in the loss.

Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic talked about the win after the game:

“Tonight, minus thirty seconds there at the start, the rest of the game I thought we were all over them, we took it to ‘em, played hard and I think wore ‘em down. It’s what opened up that lane for Smitty there to make that pass and Cherny’s got an unbelievable release, an unbelievable shot so it’s good to see it go in for him today.”

Macklin Celebrini crossed the 100 assists mark on Saturday, reaching that goal faster than any other Sharks draft pick who started his career with San Jose.

The Blue Jackets scored first with a goal from Denton Mateychuck just 31 seconds in. Mateychuk scored with a wrist shot from the top of the faceoff circle. An assist went to Adam Fantilli.

Igor Chernyshov tied the game late in the period. He scored with a snap sot at 17:17 from inside the faceoff circle. Will Smith got an assist.

The first period shots were very close, 9-8 Blue Jackets with no penalties called.

Cole Sillinger gave the Blue Jackets another lead at 12:09 of the second period. Ivan Provorov got an assist. That was the only goal of the middle frame. San Jose outshot Columbus 18-8 and there were just two penalties called, one per team.

Macklin Celebrini tied the game again 51 seconds into the third period. His power play goal came from a shot high in the zone. The puck came to him on a quick play after the Sharks won the faceoff. Assists went to Dmitry Orlov and Alexander Wennberg, the winner of said faceoff.

Chernyshov scored his second of the night, the game-winner, at 18:35 of the period. The puck found him at the end of a quick play off the rush. Assists went to Celebrini and Will Smith.

The Sharks next play on Monday at 7:00 PM PT at home against the St. Louis Blues, kicking off a six-game homestand.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings catch Hawks on a 3 game win streak in Atlanta on Saturday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Jan 20, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) is greeted by teammates during player introductions before the game against the Miami Heat at Golden 1 Center. Raynaud and the Kings face the Atlanta Hawks Sat Mar 28, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Can the Atlanta Hawks continue their dominant post–All-Star break form? The Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the league recently, with a surge in wins and strong two-way play.

#2 Will the Sacramento Kings’ offense keep up with Atlanta’s high-scoring attack? Atlanta averages strong offensive numbers, while Sacramento has struggled defensively, allowing high point totals.

#3 How will the Kings handle Atlanta’s improved defense and rebounding? The Hawks have significantly improved in forcing turnovers and controlling the glass, which could disrupt Sacramento’s rhythm.

#4 Which team’s key players will step up in this matchup? Players like Jalen Johnson (Hawks) and Sacramento’s leading scorers (Maxime Raynaud) could heavily influence the outcome.

#5 Can the Kings snap their recent struggles, especially on the road? Sacramento has had a tough season and poor away record, while Atlanta has been strong at home.

Tony Harvey does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

March Madness NCAA Womens Tournament: Bruins and Blue Devils advanced to the Elite 8, Friday Evening in the California State Capital City

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) blocks Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Amaya Battle (3) in the first half of the women’s Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Fri Mar 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Both the University of California – Los Angeles (34-1) and the Duke Blue Devils (27-8) won their respective Sweet 16 games in the Western Regional #2 in Northern California.

UCLA took care of their half of the doubleheader by dominating their Big Ten foe, the Minnesota Golden Gophers by 24 points, 80-56 at Golden 1 Center. The #1 Bruins led from wire to wire and ended the game with their largest lead of the contest.

They shot 53% from the floor , while holding the rodents from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to a lowly 38%. Despite being outscored by Minnesota in the second quarter, UCLA was never in danger or losing the lead of game.

The Bruins presented four players with double-digits scoring. Senior guard Kiki Rice led her squad with 21 points. Senior center Loren Betts gave the Bruins 16 points and five rebounds, while senior guard Angela Dugalic had a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds) and senior guard Gabriela Jaquez contributed 10 points and five rebounds.

The golden Gophers had two players reach the 10+ plateau. Grace Grocholski scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. Sophie Hart tallied 11 points.

The Bruins will take on the Duke Blue Devils in Elite action Sunday, March 29 at Noon PT & # PM ET.

Th Duke Blue Devils garnered a buzzer-beating three pointer, ended the LSU Tigers tournament hopes. The two combatants had a very competitive battle that came down to the last seconds of the game.

LSU started the game with two made free throws. That was their only lead in the first half. Duke followed those two FTs with a 9-0 run. They led by five after one and by seven at recess.

LSU made a serious push in the second half, and actually took the lead for the first time, since the beginning of the game. The third quarter had five ties and seven lead changes. However, Duke did survive the onslaught at the 3/4 mark of the NCAA battle, and led by two, 67-65.

The Final stanza added two more ties and one lead change. Both teams had large runs in the fourth quarter. Duke ran off an 11-0 run, but LSU pulled off a 10-0 one themselves. Then the dramatic final seconds came into play.

Duke seemingly had the game in control with approximately 20 seconds left on the clock, with a 1-point lead, and two free throws to be shot. Duke senior guard Ashlon Jackson unexpectedly missed both free throws, and gave LSU another chance to win.

LSU junior guard Mikayla Williams drew a foul on the other end with a little more than 9 seconds left in regulation. She promptly converted both gifts from the Charity Stripe, and put her Tigers up by one, 85-84.

Jackson had less than 10 seconds to redeem herself, or someone bail her out of “goat-dom.” Jackson not only made up for her errors, but pulled off a historic NCAA miracle. She pulled and hit a dagger three pointer at the buzzer to advance to the next round. The crowd was ecstatic with the finish, at least most of them. Duke was the victor, 87-85 over LSU.

Jackson finished with 19 points and 5 assists, while two teammates, Toby Fournier (9 rebounds) and Taina Mair (5 rebounds) scored 22 points.

LSU was led by junior guard MiLaysia Fulwiley’s 28 points, while fellow junior guard Mikaylah Williams scored 22 points and senior guard and rapper, Flau’jae Johnson chipped in 13 points for the Tigers.

UCLA and Duke are set to fight for a Final Four bid in Phoenix.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.