photo from chron.com: Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley (23) is high-fived by members of the Astros coaching staff after the team’s 7-1 win of Game 5 of the World Series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.
On Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast:
#1 With the Washington Nationals’ Max Scherzer out as a starter for Game 6 on Tuesday night in Houston and the Astros leading the series 3-2, the Nationals have their backs to the wall.
#2 In Game 2, the Nationals took a 12-3 win to take a 2-0 lead. At that point, it looked like the Nats could win the whole thing, but obviously, it would be almost miraculous if they could even keep up with Houston.
#3 On Sunday night, the Astros trounced the Nationals for a 7-1 to take the current 3-2 lead, and in Sunday’s game, the Nationals simply could not get any offense working to make any noise.
#4 The Houston Astros are granting permission to bench coach Joe Espada to talk with the San Francisco Giants for a second interview for the manager’s job. Espada met with Giants operations manager Farhan Zaidi and CEO Larry Baer for 4 1/2 hours last Thursday and at great length on Monday.
#5 The Astros became the fourth team in pro sports to lead in road victories. They’re undefeated in the series going 3-0 in Washington.
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish radio voice for the Oakland A’s on KIQI 1010 San Francisco and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
#1 Kings take a tough loss, their third straight, to remain 0-4. They did have a chance against Denver, but just couldn’t seal the deal.
#2 For the Nuggets, their top three scorers — Jamal Murray 18, Gary Harris 17 and Will Barton 13 — led the way for Denver.
#3 Close game in the first half, but the Kings struggled in the second half to seal the deal. Was the second half a matter of shutting off Denver’s offense or the Kings couldn’t quite get past Denver going down the stretch?
#4 Four guys in double figures for the Kings. Richaun Holmes 24, De’Aaron Fox 20, Harrison Barnes and Nemanja Bjelica — both with 12 points — good numbers. How did the Kings come up short?
#5 Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets (1-3) come calling at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday as the Kings (0-4) look to get their first win of the season.
Tavita Pritchard was not sure who his starting quarterback was going to be against Arizona until Saturday morning. He was hoping it would be senior K.J. Costello, who had missed the last three games due to injury.
When did Pritchard find out?
“When I showed up at the team hotel,” said Pritchard, the Andrew Luck Director of Offense and Kevin M. Hogan Quarterbacks Coach. “He didn’t know. I looked at him and said, ‘Yep, he’s going.'”
Costello was itching to get back on the field. He resumed practice this week on a limited basis, but was questionable until pregame warmups.
Once Costello got the go-ahead from Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, David Shaw, he jump-started the Cardinal offense. Costello’s experience, leadership, personality and right arm sparked Stanford to a 41-31 victory on Reunion Homecoming. Showing little rust, he connected on 30-of-43 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in helping Stanford record a season high in points.
“It seems like it’s been an eternity,” Costello said. “Three, four weeks standing on the sideline, guys going down left and right. Being one of those guys, it doesn’t feel good. It feels awful, especially when you play this game because you want to do anything for your boys.”
Teammates loved having Costello back.
“He ran the ship today,” said junior offensive tackle Foster Sarell. “He’s fun to block for and I love playing with him. He’s got great energy.”
Added fifth-year senior running back Cameron Scarlett, who eclipsed 100 yards (102) for the second time this season and scored two touchdowns, “He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around. I know it was hurting him not to play but having him back shows how dangerous he and our offense can be.”
Shaw gave Costello a game ball afterward in the raucous locker room.
“I can’t say enough about K.J. Costello, him coming back, and it wasn’t just him throwing the football,” Shaw said. “Two-time captain, senior leader, felt his energy, felt his passion, pushing guys, talking to them, giving us great feedback. Can’t say enough about the juice he gave us.”
Once Costello made it through warmups, Shaw knew he was ready.
“We got over the hump this week in practice,” Shaw said. “Last week, he tried to go, and he threw the ball extremely well on Monday night, and the next day he couldn’t throw it. This week, we got past Monday and crossed our fingers for Tuesday; got past Tuesday and crossed our fingers for Wednesday. It was just one of those weeks.”
Costello, however, isn’t 100 percent.
“We gave him that opportunity and he went out there and played one of the better games of his career,” said Shaw. “Really, really proud of him.”
TEAM EFFORT
Costello had plenty of help. After allowing seven sacks the previous week against UCLA, the young offensive line surrendered zero against the Wildcats and helped the Cardinal accumulate 222 yards on the ground.
“It was awesome,” said Sarell. “We ran the ball right down their throat until the game ended. It’s what you dream about.”
Freshmen Walter Rouse (left tackle), Barrett Miller (left guard) and Jake Hornibrook (right guard) continue to learn and improve with every snap.
“I think as a whole, the O-line did a great job,” Rouse said. “There are always little things we can get better at. I feel like we have come a long way and still have so far to go.”
Apparently, the young unit’s fight surprised the Wildcat defense.
“I guess we underestimated their line,” said Wildcat senior safety Tristan Cooper. “We didn’t think their line was going to be that good. They came out balling. They’re better on the field than they are on film.”
RECEIVER, RECEIVER
Eleven Stanford players caught passes — 12 if you count a deflection Costello caught. Sophomore wide receiver Simi Fehoko hauled in three for a career-high 97 yards and two went for scores.
Sophomore wide receiver Brycen Tremayne made a one-handed grab in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown; junior Connor Wedington collected a team-high seven passes for 61 yards; sophomore wide receiver Michael Wilson caught six for 45; and junior tight end Colby Parkinson grabbed five for 68.
“I feel like it was just a long time coming,” Tremayne said. “We’ve been working so hard to make those plays and it’s finally clicking. Coach (Bobby) Kennedy said it was just a matter of time.”
It was the most downfield throws the Cardinal has attempted all season.
“Our guys knew it was a possibility and were ready for it,” said Pritchard, citing man-to-man and soft coverages they had seen on film. “We got those opportunities early and all of our guys capitalized.”
TWO PICKS
Junior cornerback Paulson Adebo intercepted two passes and is now tied for the Pac-12 lead with four on the season. He also ranks first in passes defended with 14.
“Big-time players make big-time plays,” said Shaw, who awarded Adebo a game ball.
Both of Adebo’s thefts came in the fourth quarter.
“It felt really good just to help my team and come out with a win,” he said. “It was fun to finish it at the end.”
TRIPLE DUTY
Freshman Ryan Sanborn joined a small club of Stanford players by doing all kicking duties against Arizona. He kicked off eight times, with six going for touchbacks; punted five times and averaged 43.8 yards; made both field goal attempts and all five extra points.
“The special thing is the game is not too big for him,” said special teams coordinator Pete Alamar. “You would hope a senior would handle it the way he handled it. He had one punt he’d like back, but everything else, he hit the ball pure.”
Sanborn’s role expanded when senior kicker Jet Toner was lost for the season against UCLA. Alamar limited Sanborn in practice and pregame warmups.
“We had to change everything we do just to keep him fresh,” Alamar said.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
UP NEXT
Stanford (4-4, 3-3 Pac-12) has a welcome bye next week and resumes play on November 9 at Colorado. The Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12) fell to USC on Friday night, despite stellar performances from senior quarterback Steven Montez and junior wide receiver Laviska Shenault. The scrappy Montez threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, while the elusive Shenault caught nine for 172 yards, including a 71-yard score.
Colorado plays at UCLA on Saturday.
Blake Strenstrom, a redshirt freshman and the son of former Stanford quarterback Steve Stenstrom, spelled Montez briefly and ran once for 27 yards. Steve Stenstrom played five seasons in the NFL, including 1999 with the San Francisco 49ers. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
REAL RECOGNIZE REAL
Members of the 1999 Pac-12 Championship Stanford football team and head coach Tyrone Willingham were recognized on the field in the second quarter. The upstart team was the first to play in the Rose Bowl in 28 years.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
NOTES
Senior inside linebacker Andrew Pryts led the Cardinal in tackles with eight, while junior strong safety Stuart Head added seven … Stanford produced seven tackles for loss — two by sophomore defensive end Thomas Booker — and three sacks … Fifth-year senior outside linebacker Casey Toohill had a sack and now ranks third in the conference with five and fifth in tackles for loss with 7.5 … Wedington had two nice kickoff returns and ranks first in the Pac-12, averaging 28.4 yards per attempt. He’s also fifth in all-purpose yards (114.1) and 10th in receiving with 39 catches … The Cardinal ranks second in the league in red zone scoring at 92.3 percent … Stanford ranks first in the conference in kickoff returns and kickoff coverage … Former Stanford great Paul Wiggin was recognized as part of the program’s 125-year celebration of football. A standout defensive tackle, he received All-America accolades in 1955 and 1956. Wiggin played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957-67, then turned to coaching. He was head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1975-77 and returned to The Farm as head coach of the Cardinal from 1980-83. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 … David Yankey, a stellar offensive guard/tackle for the Cardinal and a member of the 2013 and 2014 Rose Bowl teams, served as Stanford’s honorary captain. He started 40 games for the Cardinal and was a consensus All-American in 2012 and unanimous All-America in 2013.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
QUOTE
“It seems like an eternity.” — Freshman offensive tackle Walter Rouse on his progression since his first start against USC on September 7.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — After a horrendous win to Army last year, San Jose State bounced back with a 34-29 victory over the Black Knights this year. So what happens next? The Spartans will watch the tape and prepare for their next opponent, Boise State, this Saturday. The Broncos are currently ranked #21 in the AP Top 25 Poll.
Here’s what you need to know before Saturday’s game.
Game #9
San Jose State vs. #21 Boise State
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, Calif.
Saturday, November 2, 2019, 7:30 p.m. PT
CBS Sports Network
SJSU record
4-4, 1-3 Mountain West. Most recently, San Jose ended a two-game losing streak with a 34-29 win at Army West Point.
#21 Boise State record
6-1, 3-0 Mountain West. Boise State lost their first game of the season to BYU, 28-25, on October 19. The Broncos had a bye the week ending October 26.
Radio coverage
KKSF (910 AM, Oakland), RealTalk 910, is the new flagship radio station for San Jose State Spartans football. Justin Allegri calls the play-by-play. Kevin Richardson provides commentary. The Boise State broadcast begins at 7:00 p.m. PT with a pregame show.
KSJS (90.5FM, San Jose) also will carry a play-by-play broadcast of the San Jose State vs. Boise State football game. Air time is 7:15 p.m. PT with a pregame show.
Television
CBS Sports Network will provide broadcast coverage. Carter Blackburn calls the play-by-play. Aaron Taylor provides commentary. Jenny Dell is the sideline reporter. The CBS Sports Network presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Series history
Boise State leads the series, 13-0. The teams are meeting for the first time since the 2016 season when the Broncos won, 45-31, in Boise. Saturday’s game will be the seventh time the teams have played in CEFCU Stadium.
Of the 13 meetings, the 2004 and 2006 games in San Jose were the closest. In 2004, Boise State pulled out a 56-49 double overtime win. Both teams scored a touchdown in the first overtime. In 2006, Anthony Montgomery kicked a 37-yard field goal on the final play of the game for a 23-20 Boise State win.
.500 again in 2019
For the fourth time this season, San Jose State’s at the .500 plateau with a 4-4 win-loss record. The Spartans have been above .500 three times and below .500 once.
Playing ranked teams the first weekend in November
Two of the biggest wins in San Jose State football history occurred on the first full weekend in November. The Spartans are 2-5 against nationally-ranked teams the first full weekend in November. Two of the five losses are to Boise State.
November 4, 2000 at San Jose State 27, #9/#9 TCU 24
November 1, 1980 San Jose State 30 at #10/#11 Baylor 22
Next opportunity for a winning streak
San Jose State has its 17th opportunity since the 2014 season to have a two-game winning streak when it hosts Boise State. The last Spartan two-game winning streak was a pair of victories hosting UNLV, 33-10, on October 4, and at Wyoming, 27-20, in overtime, on October 18, 2014.
2019 season win total matches 2016
The 34-29 win at Army West Point on October 26 gave San Jose State its fourth win of the season matching the win total of the 2016 season with four regular season games remaining. The last time the Spartans won five games in a regular season was in 2015 with a 5-7 record before capturing the inaugural AutoNation Cure Bowl over Georgia State, 27-16.
Victories in three time zones
For the first time since 2015, San Jose State has victories in three time zones. The Spartans have two home field wins in CEFCU Stadium in the Pacific Time Zone, a 31-24 win over Arkansas in the Central Time Zone, and a 34-29 win at Army West Point in the Eastern Time Zone.
In 2015, the Spartans won regular-season games in the Pacific Time Zone, won at Hawaii, and defeated Georgia State in the AutoNation Cure Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
The win over Army West Point gave San Jose State three wins in its last four games and 3-7 overall playing in the Eastern Time Zone.
30-point games in 2019
San Jose State has scored 30 or more points in five of its eight games this season compared to four a year ago. The Spartans are 4-1 in games the team scored 30 or more points this season. The one loss was a 41-38 defeat at Nevada on October 12.
Points off of turnovers
After eight games, San Jose State has scored 58 points off of opponent turnovers compared to the opponent’s seven. Seven of the Spartan points came in the win at Army West Point in a 34-29 decision. The first opponent points off a Spartan turnover came in the October 12 Nevada victory on an interception return for a touchdown.
Penalty countdown
In San Jose State’s last three games, the Spartans were assessed nine penalties — five at Nevada, one versus San Diego State, and three at Army West Point. In the first five games, San Jose State was charged with 33 penalties. The Spartans enter the Boise State game ranked 23rd nationally in fewest penalties per game at 5.25 per game.
Finding the quarterback
Despite just 12 quarterback sacks on the season, San Jose State has seven of them in the two most recent games prior to the Boise State contest.
The Spartans had two against San Diego State on October 19 and a season-high five in the win at Army West Point on October 26.
Five possessions lead to five first-half scores
For the first time this season, San Jose State scored every time it was on offense in the first half of a game. Against Army West Point, the Spartans scored two touchdowns and kicked three field goals to build a 23-10 halftime lead.
Adding a two-point play to the scoring column
For the first time since the 2016 season, San Jose State successfully converted a two-point PAT when quarterback Josh Love completed a pass to wide receiver Tre Walker in the October 26 win at Army West Point. The Spartans are 1-for-2 on the season on two-point conversations.
It should not be a surprise to anybody that Bruce Bochy might want to manage again. The future Hall of Fame manager who began his career as the San Diego Padres manager (1995-06) and continued as San Francisco Giants Manager (2007-19) seems to be leaning that way.
“I’d love to have one more shot,” Bochy said Thursday in an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on SiriusXM.
Bochy can call his own shots when it comes to where he wants to manage. His reputation is impeccable — players love to play for him, they respect his knowledge and leadership. However, he might want to end his managerial career with a winning record. After those 25 years divided between the Padres and the Giants his record is 2,003 games won and 2,029 games lost for a .497 winning percentage.
Today, Bochy is #11 among the top managers with over 2,000 wins. However, of those 11, only two ended their careers with an under .500 winning percentage — Connie Mack and Bucky Harris. If Bochy doesn’t manage again, he will be the third among the top 11 managers win under .500 winning record.
The San Francisco Giants gave Bochy a great sendoff, where many of his players — past and present — spoke, where Bochy’s family was present, where he spoke in front of a sellout Oracle Park, and at that time, one would think that was it “no más” or “no more” for Bochy, but those people could be wrong.
Bochy wants to take a year off and then look at the possibilities available to him. Who is going to tell him otherwise? Last week, the Padres named Jayce Tingler, who was a Texas Rangers’ major league field coordinator, as their new field manager. The ex-Padres and ex-Giants manager lives in the San Diego area, and there were rumors that if he came back from “retirement,” it would be with his first team, the Padres. The only one that knows if Bochy is coming back to manage, is him, his wife, and his family; and I am sure he will make a good decision.
So, for those that have said “No,he is not coming back,” you better wait until the whole Bochy story is complete and his book is out.
photo from sfgate.com: Utah’s Zack Moss (2) reaches the end zone while scoring one of his two touchdowns in his a win over Cal in Salt Lake City.
On The Cal Bears Football podcast with Morris:
#1 In one of the most difficult games of the season for the Golden Bears (4-4) and no doubt their worst of 2019. The Utah Utes (7-1) went to work on the Cal scoring the opening volley with a touchdown. Running back Zack Moss carried for a 4-yard run at 4:50 in the first quarter.
#2 Cal would remain scoreless in the first half as the Utes would score three more touchdowns in the second quarter on a Utes quarterback Bryan Thompson 40-yard pass to Tyler Huntley, a Jason Shelly 1-yard run, and a Brant Kuithe 1-yard pass to Jason Shelly. At the half, Cal could have asked for the mercy rule. It was 28-0.
#3 In the second half, the Utes picked up one more score in the third quarter at 9:26. Zack Jones carried for ten yards to put the frosting on the cake as the Utes would win it 35-0.
#4 Morris, what best explains best why Cal just simply couldn’t get any offense going and did quarterback Spencer Brasch, who went 7-19 for 47 yards, lack enough time and protection to throw the ball?
#5 Washington State (4-4) is up next. Cougars lost to Oregon on Saturday 37-35 and are 1-4 in their last five games. Taking some of WSU’s defensive issues under consideration, do you see Cal with a light at the end of the tunnel to win this game this coming Saturday?
Deshaun Watson showed the Oakland Raiders why he is already one of the top quarterbacks in the National Football League.
Watson threw for 279 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown pass to Darren Fells late in the fourth quarter, helping the Houston Texans to a come-from-behind 27-24 victory over the Raiders at NRG Stadium.
That game-winning touchdown pass gave the Texans their only lead of the game, and sent the Raiders to their second straight loss.
After the Texans next drive stalled, former Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley, who was traded to the Texans earlier this week knocked down a key third down pass to Tyrell Williams.
It was a nice afternoon for Fells, who ended up with 58 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while DeAndre Hopkins caught 11 passes for 109 yards.
In the loss, Derek Carr threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, as the Raiders could not secure what would have been a huge win on the road before returning to the friendly confines of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for the first time since a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on September 15.
Carr gave the Raiders a 21-13 lead in the third quarter, as he found Williams for a 46-yard touchdown pass.
Watson got the Texans within one at 21-20, when he found Fells for a four-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the third quarter.
Daniel Carlson kicked a 44-yard field goal to give the Raiders a 24-20 with a little under 11 minutes remaining in the game.
Unfortunately, the Raiders were unable to hold onto the lead, as Watson found Fells for the eventual game-winning touchdown.
Carr got the Raiders on the board in the first quarter, as he found Watsons former college teammate Hunter Renfrow for a 65-yard touchdown pass.
NOTES: Texans All-Pro defensive lineman J.J. Watt was lost for the season for the Texans, as he tore his pectoral muscle.
Josh Mauro was forced to leave the game in the first quarter with a groin injury and Rodney Hudson left the game in the first half with an ankle injury.
UP NEXT: Finally, the Raiders return to the Coliseum next Sunday when they host the Detroit Lions at 1:05 p.m.
#1 The USC Trojans (5-3) just got by on Friday night against the Colorado Buffaloes (3-5) 35-31 win. With the Buffaloes leading by ten, 31-21, the Trojans stormed back with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for the 35-31 win in Boulder, Colorado.
#2 In West Division of FBS, SMU (8-0) remained undefeated on Friday night with a road win over the University of Houston (3-5) 34-31. SMU quarterback Shane Buechele threw for 203 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the win.
#3 To the big game of the week, it’s the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-6) against the Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0). Crimson quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is having himself a season. So far, 2166 yards and 27 touchdowns. No doubt a very hard act to follow. Crimson Tide comes a way with a crushing win 48-7.
The Stanford men’s basketball season is just around the corner. The Cardinal’s home opener will take place on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. against the Montana Grizzlies. But, until then, let’s learn more about the Cardinal, who were projected to finish 10th in the Pac-12 preseason poll.
Here are five Stanford men’s basketball players you should get to know, courtesy of GoStanford.com.
1. Rodney Herenton
Photo credit: gostanford.com
Who or what inspires you and why?
My parents inspire me. They have work ethics that are unmatched and are always trying to improve in some way.
What part of your game did you work on the most this offseason?
My jumpshot.
What’s your favorite class at Stanford?
Real Estate Development and Finance.
Do you have any nicknames?
Rod Rod.
You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only listen to one album for eternity. Which album do you pick?
“Views” by Drake.
2. Neal Begovich
Photo credit: gostanford.com
What are you most excited about this season?
Competing and winning games together as a team.
What part of your game did you work on the most this offseason?
My body. Trying to get stronger and faster. Also, continuing to work on defense.
Is there any significance behind your jersey number?
21 is the same number my late father wore when he played at Cal.
Who or what inspires you and why?
My family and my father. I want to live on the legacy of my dad and make him proud.
What’s a fun fact about one of your teammates?
Ty makes dance videos.
3. Keenan Fitzmorris
Photo credit: gostanford.com
What’s your favorite class at Stanford?
Genes, Memes and Behavior, or Public Speaking.
Is there any significance behind your jersey number?
I’m the youngest in a family of six. My family is really important to me, and I want to wear something that represents them. I have always had double digit numbers, and six times two is twelve, so I decided on that. My sister wears number twelve too, so it makes it even more cool to me!
Who or what inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my family, and generally by people who have stood up for their beliefs and values despite adversity. People like Muhammad Ali, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. come to mind.
You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only listen to one album for eternity. Which album do you pick?
“21” by Adele.
What’s a fun fact about one of your teammates?
Spencer is one step away from becoming a certified Eagle Scout.
4. James Keefe
Photo credit: gostanford.com
What are you most excited about this season?
Getting on the court with my brothers and winning games!
What part of your game did you work on most this offseason?
I worked most on my body and especially spent a lot of time in the weight room.
What’s your favorite class at Stanford?
Principles of Economics.
Is there any significance behind your jersey number?
I idolize TJ Leaf who wears 22.
You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only listen to one album for eternity. Which album do you pick?
“Illmatic” by Nas, “Rodeo” by Travis Scott, and “In Between Dreams” by Jack Johnson.
5. Sam Beskind
Photo credit: gostanford.com
What is your favorite class at Stanford?
Perspectives on the Good Life.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My favorite sport to watch on TV is tennis.
Who or what inspires you and why?
My mom, because she was a walk-on at the University of Washington for high jump and she still holds the record there and is in the hall of fame. She is also the kindest person I know.
You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only listen to one album for eternity. Which album do you pick?
“Scorpion” by Drake.
What’s a fun fact about one of your teammates?
Isaac White gets 5+ sample cups every time he gets froyo.
photo from the Washington Post: Yordan Alvarez put the Astros on the board first with a two-run home run in the second inning. (Jonathan Newton /The Washington Post)
On the MLB The Show 2019 World Series podcast with Daniel:
1 World Series tied at 2-2 after Astros take Game 4; home team yet to win
2 Nationals fans boo Astros’ Roberto Osuna in wake of controversy
3 Commissioner Rob Manfred said President Trump opted out of World Series’ first pitch to improve fan experience
4 Red Sox hire Tampa Bay Rays’ Chaim Bloom as Head of Baseball Operations
5 Longtime MLB umpire Chuck Meriweather dies at 63, second umpire to die this month after Eric Cooper
Daniel did MLB commentary throughout the 2019 season and will return next Sunday doing NHL podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
