Month: April 2026

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

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Yasiel Puig of Team Venezuela heads to first base after being walked against Curacao in the third inning of the Caribbean Series on Feb 2, 2024. (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Cuban-born ex-Major League star recently signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the CBL (Canadian Baseball League).

Puig is currently awaiting sentencing following his February 2026 conviction on federal charges. On February 6, he was found guilty by a Federal Grand Jury of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators. These charges stem from a 2019 investigation into an illegal sports gambling operation run by Wayne Nix, where Puig placed over 900 bets on sports, including tennis, football, and Basketball.

Yasiel Puig finds himself in quite a conundrum

The 2026 season for the Canadian Baseball League (CBL)—formerly the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL)—opens on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother’s Day.

The inaugural season as the rebranded, fully professional CBL begins with a matchup between the Kitchener Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs (where Yasiel Puig is expected to play) at Christie Pts in Toronto.

The situation, Puig is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, which is a couple of weeks after he begins playing in Canada with the Maple Leafs. Those might be the last games of professional baseball that the talented Cuban player will see for a while, since he faces up to 15 years in Federal Prison

The sentencing is set to take place in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

Unfortunate story for a baseball player who came into the major leagues with great talent and a lot of promise

MLB career. Puig played in 861 regular-season games with the LA Dodgers (2013-2018) and the Cleveland Indians, where he played his final game on September 27, 2019. 

  • Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
  • Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
  • Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.
  • As a braodcaster with the LA Angels for FOX SPORT LA,  I interviewed Yasiel in one ocassion,and for our pregame show when the Dodgers were visiting Angel Stadium at the time Yasiel Puig was the player everybody was talking about.
  • Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (2013–2018), Cincinnati Reds (2019), and Cleveland Indians (2019).
  • Career Stats: Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
  • Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
  • Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.  

“Wild Horse” -Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully nicknamed Yasiel Puig the “Wild Horse” shortly after his 2013 debut to describe his fearless, energetic, and often undisciplined style of play.

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Francisco Giants game wrap: Sweep would have been too good, as Glasnow strikes out nine and dominates Giants over eight in 1-hitter 3-0 LA win

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Los Angeles Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow was a mystery for San Francisco Giants hitters at Oracle Park pitching a one hitter on Thu Apr 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Los Angeles Dodgers 3 (17-8)

San Francisco Giants 0 (11-14)

Win: Tyler Glasnow (3-0)

Loss: Logan Webb (2-3)

Save: Tanner Scott (1)

Time: 2:06

Attendance: 38,619

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–It felt too good to be true for the Giants to take the first two games of this three-game series against the mighty Dodgers. Of course, Tyler Glasnow dominated the Giants with nine strikeouts, and gave up no runs and just one hit over eight shutout innings, as the Dodgers salvaged a game in this series with a 3-0 win. 

Thursday, the Giants actually had a chance to actually sweep the closest thing Baseball has ever had to the 1992 USA Men’s Olympic Basketball team. The weather was perfect. It was a spectacular day at Oracle Park, as small puffy clouds helped the sun glisten the crystal-clear hills across the day. It was one of the most beautiful days at Oracle Park in a long time. Of course it was too good to be true.

Logan Webb, who has been off to a rocky start this season, got the start for the Giants. Over the years, it has not been too common for Webb to take the ball after a Giants’ win. However, despite the Giants’ sluggish start this year, Thursday was Webb’s fourth start following a Giants’ win. The problem was that the Giants lost two of those previous particular three starts.

Webb started off nicely with a 1-2-3 top of the first inning. However, the Dodgers got on the board in the top of the second when Dalton Rushing, the new favorite guy for Giants’ fans to hate, knocked in a run with a two-out base-hit. 

The Dodgers scored two more in the top of the fourth to make it 3-0. Despite a couple of rough innings, Webb ended up turning in his first quality start of the season, as he threw seven innings.

As I said in my lead, Tyler Glasnow struck out nine, and gave up just one hit over eight lights-out innings for the Dodgers. All the Giants can do is tip their cap.

Blade Tidwell threw two scoreless innings, so no one else in the Giants’ bullpen had to be used. Tanner Scott, meanwhile, picked up his first save of the season with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth. With Edwin Diaz out until around the All-Star Break, there is a good chance Scott will be the Dodgers’ closer for the foreseeable future.

If anyone is interested, Webb did hit Dalton Rushing. Whether it was intentional or not, you can say the Giants got even for Rushing’s classless response to Jung Hoo Lee’s injury the other night. Just for the record, kids, there are things that you only do on the baseball field, and NOT in real life.

The Giants will be back at it Friday night against the Miami Marlins. Adrian Houser (0-2, 5.40 ERA), who got through a rough start in Washington last Saturday, will take the ball for the Giants. Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara (2-2, 3.06 ERA) will oppose him.

First pitch at 7:15 p.m.

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Despite mighty Dodgers and Ohtani Giants breakthrough; Glasnow-Webb match up today at Oracle

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Los Angeles Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani pitched six inning of shutout ball before being lifted. Dodger reilever Jack Dreyer gave up a three home to San Francisco Giants Patrick Bailey in the bottom of the seventh, (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey belted a three run sixth inning home run after Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani left the game as the Giants went onto to defeat the Dodgers for their fourth loss in five games 3-0.

#2 Bailey’s home run was off Dodger releiver Jack Dreyer (1-1) this after Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos both got on board with singles and Drew Gilbert bunt single moved them up a base.

#3 Ohtani for the evening went six innings pitching shutout ball striking out seven left the game with the score tied 0-0. It also ended Ohtani’s on base on base streak at 53 games.

#4 Giant starter Tyler Mahle improved his record to 1-3 and struck out five hitters over seven innings and picked up his first win since becoming a Giants in January. Closer Ryan Walker closed it picking up his second save of the campaign.

#5 Starting pitchers for today’s game for Los Angeles RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-0 ERA 3.24) for San Francisco RHP Logan Webb (2-2 ERA 5.10) first pitch at 12:45pm. Stephen talk about this game three match up.

Join Stephen Ruderman is San Francisco Giants reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Kurtz Cracks the Door and Seattle Slams It Shut 5-4 at T Mobile

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Seattle Mariners Josh Naylor front is hugged by teammate Julio Rodriguez back after celebrating Naylor’s walk off single against the Sacramento A’s at T Mobile Field on Wed Apr 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

Kurtz Cracks the Door and Seattle Slams It Shut 5-4 at T Mobile

By Mauricio Segura

The Sacramento Athletics came to Seattle riding a six-game road winning streak and sitting alone atop the American League West, and for most of Wednesday afternoon they looked ready to leave town with another gritty win. Instead, they got a reminder that baseball loves to wait until the last possible moment to break your heart dropping the third game against the Seattle Mariners 5-4 at T Mobile Field.

The A’s jumped on Logan Gilbert right away and looked sharp from the first pitch. Nick Kurtz opened the game with a walk, which fit the patient approach that has become part of his early-season identity. Shea Langeliers followed with a single, Carlos Cortes added another, and just like that the bases were crowded with trouble for Seattle.

Tyler Soderstrom lifted a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Kurtz for the game’s first run, and after Jacob Wilson flew out, Jeff McNeil lined a single to center that scored Langeliers. Julio Rodríguez misplayed the ball behind him, which allowed Carlos Cortes to move to third, and the A’s had a quick 2-0 lead before many fans had even settled into their seats.

Seattle answered in the bottom of the first, because this game had no interest in being calm. J.P. Crawford singled, Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor followed with base hits, and Randy Arozarena’s sacrifice fly cut the lead to 2-1. Aaron Civale managed to escape a bases-loaded jam by striking out Dominic Canzone, which felt important at the time and still did later.

The A’s stretched the lead again in the third, and Wilson was right in the middle of it. Carlos Cortes singled to start the inning, and Wilson drilled a double to left that brought him home for a 3-1 lead. Wilson has been swinging a hot bat lately, and the hit fit what the Athletics had already been seeing from him.

Wilson also entered Wednesday with a record-breaking 62-game errorless streak at shortstop, the longest ever by an Athletics shortstop, so his name was already all over the game notes before he added another extra-base hit. Nick Kurtz also came in with a walk in 11 straight games, one of the longest such streaks in franchise history, and he extended it right out of the gate. Those are not side notes anymore. They are becoming part of who these young A’s are.

Seattle kept punching back. Cal Raleigh led off the bottom of the third with his fifth home run of the season, sending a ball to right that made it 3-2. Civale then settled back down for a bit, and the A’s bullpen tried to carry the rest. Brady Basso entered in the sixth after Josh Naylor singled and Randy Arozarena popped out, but the Mariners got even when pinch-hitter Mitch Garver doubled and Rob Refsnyder lifted a sacrifice fly to center. That tied the game at 3-3 and erased the edge the Athletics had been protecting since the opening inning.

The seventh inning was where Seattle finally moved in front. Mark Leiter Jr. took over for the A’s, and Crawford singled again to set the table. Raleigh then ripped a double to right, pushing Crawford to third. Julio Rodríguez did not need a hit that time. He rolled a grounder to short, and while Wilson made the play cleanly, Crawford scored to give the Mariners their first lead at 4-3. Raleigh later stole third after a challenge overturned the original call, but Leiter escaped any further damage by striking out Naylor.

That should have been the swing that decided it. Then Kurtz showed up again.

Leading off the ninth against Andrés Muñoz, with the A’s down to their last three outs, Kurtz drove a ball to center field for a game-tying home run. It was his fourth homer of the season and the kind of shot that changes the whole mood of a dugout.

One minute the A’s were staring at a frustrating road loss, and the next they were six outs from maybe stealing another one-run game. That would have fit their season so far. The Athletics had already shown during this stretch that they were comfortable living close to the edge.

But the bottom of the ninth belonged to Seattle. Leo Rivas opened with a single. Crawford then grounded into a double play, which looked enormous. Two outs, bases empty, tie game. Then Raleigh singled. Rodríguez singled. Naylor lined another single to left, and Raleigh scored the winner. Just like that, Seattle had a 5-4 walk-off win, and the A’s were left staring at a game they nearly stole twice and still could not finish.

It was a bruising kind of loss because the Athletics did a lot right. They scored first. Wilson delivered again. Cortes kept hitting. Kurtz worked a walk and blasted the tying homer in the ninth. But this one turned on timing, not talent. The Mariners got the last swing, and the A’s left Seattle with a lesson that every contender learns sooner or later: being tough is not always enough when the other team gets the final word.

The A’s move onto Texas to face the Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Fri Apr 24, 2026. The A’s have Thu Apr 23, 2026 off it’s the A’s first day off in 16 days. Starting pitcher for Sacramento RHP Luis Severino (0-2 ERA 6.20) Texas has not announced a starter yet.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

Earthquakes second half goal bonanza bury Austin FC in 5-1 rout

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San Jose Earthquakes fullback Jack Jasinski (#17) celebrates his first ever career MLS goal against Austin FC in the arms of his teammate Niko Tsakiris (#10) during the Earthquakes 5-1 win at PayPal Park on Wednesday APR 22, 2026. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE–Preston Judd recorded his second brace of the season during a five-goal second half offensive explosion by the San Jose Earthquakes in a convincing 5-1 blowout victory over Austin FC on Wednesday evening at PayPal Park.

San Jose continued its best start in franchise history with its eighth win in nine games and went atop of the Western Conference standings with 24 points. Austin has lost two out of its past three matches.

Austin (1-4-4) drew first blood in the ninth minute. A giveaway by San Jose led to Joseph Rosales firing a shot off of Quakes goalkeeper Daniel and into the upper corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

San Jose (8-1-0) responded with scoring chances led by German superstar Timo Werner. Werner had two shots from the left side of the box in the 11th and 14th minutes only to have Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver stone away both chances.

Despite being down a goal in the opening 45 minutes, San Jose dominated the first half with seven scoring chances inside the box. They outshot Austin 13-4 and had a xG of 1.28 compared to 0.45 for Austin.

The Earthquakes carried the momentum they had in the first half at the start of the second half creating quality scoring chances including a header from Jack Jasinski that hit off the right post in the 57th minute.

San Jose finally hit paydirt a minute later off of a set piece. Werner’s corner kick sailed right into the middle of the box where an unmarked Jasinski headed the ball past Stuver for his first career MLS goal in the 58th minute.

Jamar Ricketts earned a penalty kick in the 76th minute when he was tripped up inside the box by Austin so and so. Werner cashed in the penalty kick two minutes later with a rifle of a shot to the left side of the net for his second goal of the season.

The Earthquakes iced the game in the 83rd minute when Preston Judd scored his first goal of the match after finishing off a cross into the box from Paul Marie with a one-timer past Stuver for his third goal of the season.

Ousseni Bouda scored his co-team leading fifth goal of the season after getting inside position on Jonanthan Bell inside the box to chase down a long ball. Bouda beat Stuver with a left-footed shot to the far corner of the net.

Judd completed his brace and co-team leading fifth goal of the season in the 89th minute after heading the ball into the back off the net after a perfectly timed cross into the box from Marie that sent the Quakes crowd into a frenzy.

Daniel finished the match stopping one of the two shots on target to earn his eighth victory of the season. Stuver, who was left hung out to dry for the majority of the match, made 11 saves on 16 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with 13 corner kicks. Austin only had one.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels to the Midwest to take on St. Louis CITY on Saturday April 28 at 5:30pm at Energizer Park.

Giants take pitcher’s duel over Dodgers, 3-0

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San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman hits a single during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

By Ryan Hannagan

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off in Game 2 of a three-game set at Oracle Park, with the Giants coming off a 3-1 win in a pitchers’ duel the night before. At 10-13, the Giants were looking to keep building toward a better record, having won four of their last five. It turned into another pitchers’ battle, this time between Tyler Mahle and Shohei Ohtani and the Giants prevented Los Angeles from any scoring coming away with a 3-0 shutout on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles threatened early in the first, putting runners on the corners after a bloop single from Freddie Freeman, but couldn’t push a run across. San Francisco created some traffic of its own in the bottom half with hits from Luis Arraez and Rafael Devers, but Ohtani struck out the side to keep the game scoreless. From there, both starters settled in. Mahle worked a clean second inning and matched Ohtani’s rhythm, as both teams went quietly through the second and third innings with back-to-back three up, three down frames.

The Dodgers applied pressure again in the fourth, putting runners in scoring position, but the Giants’ defense came through in a sequence that included a rundown finished by catcher Patrick Bailey to keep the game tied. Ohtani continued to deal on the other side, cruising through the middle innings and holding San Francisco hitless for a stretch while piling up strikeouts. The Giants’ best chance against him came in the sixth when Devers doubled and Matt Chapman reached, putting two runners in scoring position, but Ohtani worked out of it to preserve the scoreless tie.

Mahle matched him every step of the way. The right-hander, who entered the night 0-3 with a 7.23 ERA, was in complete control, keeping the Dodgers off balance and working efficiently through seven shutout innings. He allowed just three hits and struck out five, putting together his strongest outing of the season and giving the Giants exactly what they needed in a tight game.

The breakthrough finally came in the seventh, and it came quickly once Ohtani exited. After a pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt put runners on second and third, Bailey jumped on a 1-2 pitch from reliever Jack Dreyer and sent it out for a no-doubt three-run home run, breaking the scoreless tie and giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.

From there, the bullpen took over. Caleb Kilian handled the eighth inning cleanly, and Ryan Walker closed it out in the ninth to secure the win. The Dodgers threatened late with a walk in the ninth, but couldn’t generate any real offense as the Giants locked down the shutout.

With the 3-0 win, the Giants secured the series and picked up their first series victory over the Dodgers since June 28-30, 2024, at Oracle Park. Mahle not only earned his first win with San Francisco, but also played a key role in ending Ohtani’s 53-game on-base streak, the longest in MLB since Shawn Green in 2000. He also became the first Giants pitcher since Sean Manaea in September 2023 to throw at least seven shutout innings against the Dodgers.

Ohtani was sharp as well, going six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, no walks and five hits allowed, lowering his ERA to 0.38 through four starts.

The Giants will look for the sweep Thursday with a 12:45 p.m. first pitch. Starters for the Thursday matinee for the Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow (2-0 ERA 3.24) for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-2 ERA 5.40).

Barracuda fall to Silver Knights 5-4 in OT, down 1-0 in series

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San Jose Barracuda vs Henderson Silver Knights on Wednesday April 22nd at Lee’s Family Forum (via sjbarracuda/flickr)

By Madison Montez

San Jose Barracuda who are playing all three playoff games on the road in Henderson dropped the first game against the Henderson Silver Knights 5-4 in overtime.

San Jose opened up the playoff scoring, Kasper Halttunen scoring his first in the Calder Cup. Jett Woo registering the lone assist. Henderson tied the game at 1-1 on the powerplay when Lukas Cormier scored his first of the playoffs, Trevor Connelly and Tanner Laczynski with the assists.

Regaining their lead, 2-1, Jimmy Huntington scored his twelfth career playoff goal. Oliver Wahlstrom and Braden Hache with the assists. Three minutes later, San Jose scored their first powerplay goal to make it 3-1 Barracuda. Colin White with the goal, Luca Cagnoni and Oliver Wahlstrom with the assists. To get back within 1, Raphael Lavoie scored his first of the playoffs to make it a 3-2 game. Ben Hemmerling and Lukas Cormier with the assists.

Henderson tied the game at 3-3 when Jeremy Davies scored his first of the playoffs. Trevor Connelly with his second assist and Dylan Coghlan with his first assist of the playoffs. 1 minute later, Raphael Lavoie scored his second of the game to give them their first lead of the game, 4-3. Tying the game at 4-4, scoring their second powerlay of the night, Igor Chernysov scored his first playoff goal. Oliver Wahlstrom and Filip Bystedt with the assists.

Regulation wasn’t enough as the game went into overtime. 38 seconds into overtime, Henderson scored and are now up 1-0 in the best of 3 series.

After the first period, Henderson outshot San Jose, fifteen to six. After the second period, Henderson outshot San Jose fourteen to six. After the third period, San Jose outshot Henderson ten to eight.

Special Teams was a factor in Wednesday night’s game. San Jose went 2/5 on the powerplay while Henderson went 1/4 on the powerplay.

Laurent Brossoit got the start for San Jose. Making 34 saves on 39 shots, Brossoit recorded tonight’s loss. Carl Lindbom got the start for Henderson. Making 18 saves on 22 shots, Lindbom recorded tonight’s win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Trevor Connelly
  2. Raphael Lavoie
  3. Lukas Cormier

The Barracuda will be back in action for Game 2 of the best of 3 series, on Friday April 24th.

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s open three game set with Rangers Friday

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Sacramento A’s starter Luis Sevrino faces the Texas Rangers Fri Apr 24, 2026 at Globe Life Park in Arlington (AP file photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Seattle Mariners Josh Taylor hit a walk off single that helped the M’s defeat the Sacarmento A’s 5-4 Wednesday night at T Mobile Field.

#2 The win helps the M’s avoid a three game sweep by the A’s but it show how much the A’s are fighting and come back to try and win games.

#3 The loss ends the A’s seven game road win streak but a remarkable run and one of the key reasons why the A’s are in first place.

#4 No matter how tough a game is for the A’s you can always count on Nick Kurtz who hit a top of the ninth inning home run off M’s releiver Andres Munoz for a 438 foot home run to center field it was Kurtz’ fourth home run this season.

#5 The A’s have Thursday off but will open up a three game series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington. Starting for the A’s Luis Severino (0-2 ERA 6.20) the Rangers have not announced a starter yet.

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento A’s podcasts Thursdays 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. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Strikeout rates high is pitch clock helping offense?; Cubs Counsell says it’s bizzare Dodgers carrying 14 pitchers over MLB maximum; plus more new

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stands for the national anthem on opening day Thu Mar 26, 2026 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Counsell is questioning why the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to have one pitcher over the MLB maxium of 13 pitchers giving LA 14 (AP photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 With strikeout rates still high across Major League Baseball, are recent rule changes (like the pitch clock and shift ban) actually improving offensive production, or do pitchers still have the upper hand?

#2 Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell finds it strange that the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to carry 14 pitchers while the MLB maximum for pitchers on a roster is 13. The Dodgers use Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher and a designated hitter on his off days from pitching so it would seem Ohtani is not counted as being on the pitching staff. The underlying talk has been the Dodgers are an exception because Ohtani is a cash cow and huge draw for baseball so MLB looks the other way on the 13 maxium pitchers on a roster rule.

#3 With the Sacramento A’s recent success especially against some competive teams and recent series wins against a four game 2-2 split with Texas, winning two out of three with Chciago White Sox and taking the first of a three game series from the always tough Seattle Mariners and are first place in the AL West can this A’s team compete this season.

#4 The Mets continue to struggle losing their 12th straight game to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Francisco Lindor defened his manager Carlos Mendoza saying he’s not the problem the team just isn’t putting it together. The players like Lindor are standing up for Mendoza.

#5 Young Stars Taking Over Players like Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson are becoming faces of the league—how important is youth movement to maintaining fan interest and growing the sport globally?

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Mammoth Master Golden Knights 3-2 To Even Western Conference First-Round Series 1-1

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Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (99) and center Logan Center (92) celebrate after Cooley’s goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in third period in game two of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Wed Apr 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

Logan Cooley became the youngest American-born player to score goals in each of his first two playoff appearances in Utah win over Vegas 3-2.

The Utah Mammoth squared off against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday for the second game of the Western Conference First-Round Series hoping to tie up the series following Sunday night’s Game 1 loss.

Vegas received a golden opportunity eleven minutes into the first period when Utah forward Logan Cooley was whistled for interference against Mitch Marner. On the ensuing power play, Mark Stone scored his 2nd goal of the playoffs on a shot which deflected off the skate of Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to give the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead.

Jack Eichel and Marner assisted on the play. With 3:01 remaining in the frame, Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson reciprocated by kicking the puck into his own net, with the tying goal being credited to MacKenzie Weegar who was the last Mammoth to touch the puck.

At 14:56 of the second period, Dylan Guenther one-timed a slap shot from the top of the faceoff circle for his first goal of the post-season, assisted by Kailer Yamamoto who had gloved down a clearing attempt by Vegas and sent a cross-ice pass to the waiting stick of Guenther to give Utah its first lead of the night. That lead was short-lived, as Ivan Barbashev split two Mammoth defenders 62 seconds later and put the puck past Karel Vejmelka for his second goal of the playoffs, assisted by Eichel.

Exactly 14 minutes into the third period, Logan Cooley banged in a rebound off a shot by Guenther for his second goal of the playoffs to give Utah a 3-2 lead with six minutes remaining, with Yamamoto picking up the second assist. With the goal, Cooley made NHL history as the youngest American-born player to score goals in each of his first two career playoff games, edging out his captain Clayton Keller who had previously held that record at the age of 22 while with the Arizona Coyotes.

Earlier in the playoffs, 19-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone, born in Peterborough, ON, became the youngest player overall to achieve the feat while also becoming the third rookie in NHL history to score game-winning goals in consecutive games to start a postseason, joining Brett Hull (1988) and Cooney Weiland (1929). Vejmelka shut the door on the Golden Knights the rest of the way as the Mammoth split the two games in Vegas and return to Delta Center on Friday where they currently enjoy home ice advantage in the series.

Yamamoto, who assisted on the goals by Guenther and Cooley, said of those teammates in the locker room after the game, “Those two are unbelievable. Everything they do, very easy to play with, they just use their speed. They’re so quick, and heavy on pucks. They may not be the biggest guys, but very heavy on their sticks and win a lot of battles.”

Cooley said of Yamamoto, “He’s such a smart player. He reads off of me and Gunner really good. It seems like he’s always in the right position, really poised with the puck. Positive guy too. Keeps us loose and I feel, like Gunner, we just have a lot of speed, we read off each other really well, and it’s clicking right now.” On Utah’s performance in the game, Cooley added, “There’s a lot of emotions in these playoff games. A lot of ups and downs. I think you have to just find a way to stay level-headed. Different things happen. Good calls, bad calls, different momentum swings. We did a good job of staying level-headed, and that’s what we need to do moving forward.” Guenther, who was seated next to Cooley for the interview, said, “I think it’s contagious too. When everyone’s lifting each other up, it’s a good feeling. I think it feels like we ‘re always in it no matter what.” Cooley continued, “It’s nice to get the win, and to have a big goal in a big moment, and it’s nice that we could get the series tied up heading back home. … It’s so exciting playing in these games. You’re playing for the Cup. It’s what you dream of since you’re a little kid, and you just want to leave everything out there. The games are so intense, physical, fast, and I think that kind of fits my game. Just trying to add those attributes into these games and it’s clicking right now. Just gotta keep moving.”

“That was a hard game,” said Head Coach André Tourigny to begin his post-game remarks. “Not a lot of space out there. I like the way our guys responded. … You need to have the right balance, need to have poise, you need to be patient, you need to be aggressive, and you need to be intense. … You need to be 10 out of 10 in your drive, but at the same time you need to be calm. You need to be urgent, but you need to be patient. You need to be disciplined.” Asked about how impressive Cooley’s play has been, Bear responded, “I don’t know if it’s impressive when you see him every day. We know how competitive, how good he is, for us it’s just stay in the moment I think Cools has been really good for us since he’s with us – 3 years now – and right now his head is at the right place, he’s in the moment, and I think everybody in our room right now is focused and in the right place and we need to keep it there.”

On Friday night the State of Utah will host its first-ever NHL playoff match as the Mammoth and Golden Knights square off for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series.