Author: Sports Radio Service

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders draft–Can Gruden and McKenzie get what they want?

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Photo credit pro32.ap.org: Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie right and Raiders head coach Jon Gruden left will be making decisions on today’s draft

On the Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 For today’s draft, what are some of the positions that Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie will be looking for?

#2 The Raiders were taking drills with quarterback Derek Carr and the Raider offensive players and it was Gruden’s first practice drill to run since he was a head coach in 2008.

#3 For general manager Reggie McKenzie, how much success will he and Gruden have in recruiting and selecting players out of the draft on defense?

#4 Receiver Jordy Nelson said that the energy level that Gruden brings to camp is amazing. Knowing what you’ve seen of Gruden when he was in Oakland before and listening to Nelson, what’s your take on that energy level?

#5 The Raiders said that Khalil Mack remains absent from the Raiders camp as he wants to negotiate a contract extension. Mack was the Raiders 2016 Defensive Player of the Year.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Roadrunners make road kill out of Barracuda with 6-0 shutout in Game 3 of AHL first round series

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

The Tuscon Roadrunners (2-1) flexed their muscles early and often against the San Jose Barracuda (1-2) as six different goal scorers combined for a dominating 6-0 shutout victory in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series on Wednesday night at Tuscon Convention Center Arena.

The Pacific Division Champion would dominate from the drop of the puck and drew first blood early in the first period. Dylan Strome created a turnover inside the Cuda zone. He passed it over to Michael Bunting, the team co-leader in goals during the regular season with 23, in the low slot and he fired the puck past Antoine Bibeau (1-2) at the 2:27 mark.

San Jose dodged a bullet at the midway mark of the first period when a goal by defenseman Kyle Capobianco was disallowed after Bunting was called for goaltender interference. Bunting collided with Bibeau before he was able to center a pass to Capobianco who wristed a shot into the back of the net.

The Roadrunners would increase their lead 2-0 with Alex True in the sin bin for hooking. Lawson Crouse scored on a tic-tac-toe scoring play when Strome and Carter Camper made pretty one-time passes to get the puck to Krouse, who buried it home past Bibeau at the 12:47 mark. Crouse’s first goal of the series was also the first power play goal of the series for the Roadrunners.

Lane Perderson, who scored the game-winning goal in Game 1, skated down the left wing side and sent a rising wrist shot top-shelf past Bibeau’s left shoulder at the 16:16 mark. Andrew Campbell and Trevor Creek received assists on Pederson’s second goal of the series.

The closest chance the Cuda came toward a scoring chance was when Jacob Middleton’s shot hit the post during a mad scramble that Tuscon was able to clear the puck out that led to Pederson’s goal. They didn’t get their first shot on goal on Roadrunners goalie Adin Hill (2-1) until the 17:41 mark of the first period. They were outshot 10-3.

The Cuda responded with a better effort in the first five minutes of the second period as they outshot Tuscon 6-3 during that time frame. However, they weren’t able to get a puck past Hill.

Mike Sislo made it 4-0 with his first goal of the series when he tipped in a shot from the point by Dakota Mermis at the 6:53 mark of the second period. Strome received his third assist on the night. He now has six points in three games for the Roadrunners (3G, 3A).

Campbell fired a shot from the left point off the post into the back of the net for his first goal of the series. Campbell’s first goal of the playoffs ended a 32-game goalless drought at the at the 14:19 mark of the second period. Ryan MacInnnis–son of Hall of Fame defenseman Al MacInnis–and Conor Garland received the assists.

Bibeau’s night was done after that as he let in five goals on only 15 shots to suffer the loss. Stephon Williams relieved Bibeau to finish out the game with seven saves on eight shots. Hill earned the shutout victory stopping all 21 Cuda shots.

Mario Kempe made it 6-0 when he scored his second goal of the series just 53 seconds into the third period. Crouse and Mermis received assists on the goal.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 0/3 on the power play. Tuscon was 1/1 on their only attempt. They are now 1/5 overall in the first three games.

Tuscon had a .574 home ice winning percentage (18-13-0) at home during the regular season.

Forward Joachim Blichfeld and defenseman Thomas Gregoire made their debuts for the Barracuda.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! A big scrum that was led by Emerson Clark included 11 of the 12 skaters on the ice getting into it with Hill taking jabs at Clark with under eight minutes left in the lopsided game. Crouse also went after Julius Bergman with under five minutes left in the 3rd period. Crouse received a roughing penalty for his antics.

The 6-0 drubbing was the worst defeat for the Cuda since March 24th when they lost 7-3 to the Ontario Reign. It was also the first time they have been shutout in the post season.

The announced attendance was 4,799.

UP NEXT: Both teams return to action for Game 4 on Friday evening April 27 at 7:05 pm PT at Tuscon Convention Center Arena.

Giants Notes: Twists and Turns Keep on Coming

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By: Ana Kieu

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants defeated the Washington Nationals by close scores of 4-2 and 4-3, in that order. However, San Francisco was unable to complete a three-game sweep over Washington at AT&T Park Wednesday afternoon as they fell behind early and never came close to their opponent.

April 25, 2018
Final: 15-2 Nationals
Attendance: 35,126
Time: 3 hours, 13 minutes

Here are some Giants news and notes:
– Giants manager Bruce Bochy tweeted just minutes after the Giants’ 4-3 win over the Nats Tuesday night. Bochy and his team are 1-0 when he’s on Twitter.
– The Giants congratulated the Golden State Warriors on eliminating the San Antonio Spurs to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. They also announced their Bay Area Unite night at AT&T Park during their home game versus the San Diego Padres on April 30 at 7:15 pm PT. You can purchase your tickets here: atmlb.com/2qYFhQA
– The Giants congratulated the nearby San Francisco Dons on their recent win.
– The Giants brought fans a double dose of No. 25 Wednesday by giving out a collectible figurine of father-son duo Barry and Bobby Bonds.
– Longtime Giants fan Marci Salvador turned 100 last week, but celebrated her birthday at AT&T Park Wednesday.
– Dylan, who’s dealing with pediatric cancer, got to meet some of his favorite Giants players on the field prior to Wednesday’s game. Sam Dyson let Dylan use his glove and played catch with the little boy.
– Mac Williamson was scratched Wednesday due to neck stiffness.
– Chris Stratton was placed on paternity leave.
– Roberto Gomez was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.
– Jeff Samardzija made his AT&T Park debut Wednesday.

Up Next: The Giants host the rival Dodgers this weekend. Game 1 is scheduled for Friday, April 27 at 7:15 pm PT on KNTV and SNLA. Games 2 and 3 are scheduled for Saturday, April 28 at 1:05 pm PT on KNTV and SNLA and NSBA and SNLA, respectively. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, April 29 at 2:05 pm PT on NSBA and SNLA.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda need to pick up win in Game 3; Balcers what the doctor ordered

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The series restarts tonight in Tucson as both the Tucson Roadrunners and San Jose Barracuda are tied at one apiece. Is tied series an indication of who these two teams are?

#2 In Game 2 played at SAP Center on Friday, April 21, the Barracuda evened the series with a 6-3 win. Rudolfs Balcers scored two goals. Also, Balcers got four points in the game.

#3 The Cuda lost the first game last Wednesday night 4-2, but in Game 2, it was a quick turnaround. The Cuda also got goals from Helewka (1), Wiederer (1), and Chartier (2).

#4 In goal for tonight’s game in Tucson, Antoine Bibeau, who stopped 22 shots and they needed the defense to keep them in the Game 2.

#5 Game 3 is tonight. How do you see these two teams matching up in Tucson? Will San Jose be able to handle a series on the road that could possibly go five games?

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcast each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes have another test in Columbus; plus more Quakes news

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. After a 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo, the San Jose Earthquakes fell short 3-2 to Orlando City SC this past weekend.

2. Thanks to Florian Jungwirth’s two goals in the San Jose at Orlando match, the team has now raised $5,500 for the Goals for Education program presented by Wells Fargo.

3. Quakes Academy’s Sophie Jones scored her first international goal for the US Soccer Youth National Team U-17’s this weekend.

4. The Quakes announced their first ever Partner Summit on Monday.

5. The Quakes will induct Chris Dangerfield to the Earthquakes Hall of Fame on May 5th against the Portland Timbers.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week at sportsradioservice.com

 

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Thornton out for Game 1 Thursday night; Speed the key for Sharks in series where Knights have home ice

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Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks will play Game 1 of the second round in Vegas after some seven days off after playing their last game in San Jose against the Anaheim Ducks last Wednesday.

#2 Nothing official has been announced yetm but Game 2 in Vegas on Saturday, Games 3 and 4 in San Jose on Monday and Wednesday nights.

#3 The Knights’ head coach Gerard Gallant says the Knights are ready and are anxious to get started like San Jose is. Gallant said they’ve been waiting too long for round two to get started.

#4 Talk about the Sharks’ key players for this second round and how they match up for this series with Vegas. Also, the Sharks will be without Joe Thornton for Game 1.

#5 The Knights have one of the toughest goalies in the NHL, Marc-Andre Fleury. How do you see the Sharks faring against him?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Williamson and Belt each go deep in Giants’ 4-3 win over Nationals

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–It maybe early in the year, but the San Francisco Giants are beginning to show why they have three World Series in the past eight years.

Mac Williamson hit a towering home run to straightaway centerfield in the bottom of the sixth inning, as the Giants made it three straight victories with a 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals in front of a crowd of 37,147 at AT&T Park Tuesday night.

The Williamson home run measured at 423 feet went deep over the centerfield wall to give the Giants the second series win in a row.

There was a scary moment for Williamson in the top of the fifth inning, as he attempted to catch a Bryce Harper foul, Williamson went crashing into the padded wall near the bullpen area.

“Feeling fine, spiked my calf,” said Williamson.

Brandon Belt continued his hot hitting, as he extended his hitting streak to seven games, as he hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. It was the fifth home run for Belt in the last six games.

Joe Panik went three-for-four at the plate, as the Giants have won four out of their last five games.

Reyes Moronta pitched two innings, as he allowed just one hit and struck out two and won his first major league game.

“Reyes is doing a great job,” said Ty Blach.

Blach went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits, while walking two and striking out three, as he did not fare in the decision.

Blach was looking good until he got into trouble in the top of the fourth inning, as he walked Ryan Zimmerman, gave up a single to Moises Sierra and then Michael Taylor tied up the game with one swing of the bat. Taylor took a Blach pitch to the right-field arcade for a three-run home run that tied up the game.

It was a tough few days for Blach, as he suffered food poisoning in Anaheim, and was on IV yesterday, according to Bruce Bochy.

“Down eight or nine pounds,” said Blach.

Tanner Roark pitched six innings, allowing four runs on six hits, walked two, struck out four. Roark also threw two wild pitches, and gave up two home runs, as hid record fell to 1-2 on the season.

NOTES: Jeff Samardzija heads to the mound on Wednesday afternoon, as the Giants look for the sweep. The Nationals will send Max Scherzer to the hill, as they look to salvage the series finale.

In his last five starts against the Nationals, Samardzija is 0-5 with a 6.43 earned run average in 28 innings pitched.

On the other hand, in his last two starts versus the Giants, Scherzer has 21 strikeouts and just one walk.

UP NEXT: The Giants and Nationals conclude their three-game series Wednesday afternoon at 12:45 pm PT.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips and Michael Duca: Comparisons of Barry Bonds and Willie McCovey too early for Mac Williamson, but it’s fun

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Photo credit: @FareedNBCS

On the SF Giants podcast with Morris and Michael:

San Francisco Giant left fielder Mac Williamson has started his 2018 season in the show with a flourish. A right handed hitter mentioned with two left-handed hitters Willie McCovey–hence, the name Mac, and Barry Bonds for distance hitting. Williamson, who hits right-handed belted a two-run homer on Monday night against the Washington Nationals seven rows up the opposite way to right field in the 4-2 win to open the three-game series at AT&T Park.

Williamson belted a 464-foot home run to give fans a idea how far the blast was. This is an area that Bonds used to hit them and for that matter if McCovey was active and was able during his playing days he could do the same. Williamson hit Monday night was to the farthest part of the right field corner.

Michael Duca and Morris Phillips do the SF Giants podcasts Mondays and Fridays at http://www.sportsradoservice.com

Four San Jose State football games are part of 44-game Mountain West national television package

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Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

Two San Jose State football October home games along with two Mountain West road contests against rivals San Diego State and Fresno State are part of the 44-game Mountain West national television package.

San Jose State’s October 6 MW game versus Colorado State in CEFCU Stadium will be on a CBS Sports Network telecast. Game time will be 7:30 pm PT.

The Spartans will be back on the CBS Sports Network two weeks later when they take on San Diego State in San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, October 20 in a 7:30 pm PT Mountain West contest.

SJSU’s October 13 game with Army West Point and their November 24 Fresno State encounter in Fresno, Calif., to close out the regular season have been assigned to the ESPN Networks family of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ESPN3. The game with Army West Point will also be the first meeting between the two colleges.

Game times for the ESPN Networks games with Army and Fresno State will be announed during the regular season, but no later than 12 days before the contests.

The MW will announce more football broadcast designations for its conference schools with their broadcast partners AT&T SportsNet, Spectrum Sports (Hawaii) and Stadium in the future.

SJSU season tickets can be purchased by calling (408) 924-SJTX or by visiting www.sjsuspartans.com/tickets.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Baseball–Sabermetrics, Launch Angle and Statcast

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Photo credit: sportsbookreview.com

By: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Sabermetrics: The first-hand analysis of baseball, especially baseball statistics that measure in-game activity.

Launch Angle: When Barry Bonds hit 73 home runs in 2001, everybody was talking about the “bat speed” in his swing. Adios to “bat speed!” Today, the “launch angle” has become an obsession with hitters. According to the experts–along with the ball speed–the launch angle is a primary component to determining the height and distance of a home run. It is said that every golfer should be fitted to achieve the optimal balance of launch angle and spin based on their club speed and ball speed. There is a reason when a team goes on a road trip, you will see dozens of suitcases and golf bags.

​Statcast: Major League Baseball’s Statcast is a high-speed, high-accuracy, automated tool that was developed to analyze player movements and athletic abilities. The Statcast was introduced to all 30 MLB stadiums in 2015. There is a leader-board for Statcast:  Giancarlo Stanton (117.9 mph), Mike Trout (116.9 mph) and so on. It shows how fast the ball leaves the bat after a home run.

Today, we have self-driving cars today that can drive and park by themselves. We do not have to visit the bank and see the face of a bank teller. We go to a machine punch a number and we get money. In China, the Shanghai branch of the China Construction Bank (CCB) opened a branch run entirely by robots, first person-less bank branch where humanoids manage everything. Texting has replaced writing, as kids barely can write anymore. If you lose your cellphone, you probably will feel lost, depressed and abandoned, and may require therapy. People are working with their laptops at Starbucks while the local libraries are empty and continue to close.

Many fans at a baseball game are taking pictures, filming the action or just capturing themselves. At the ballpark or anywhere else, you can track a ballgame, pitch-by-pitch and you will know if it is a slider, curve, split or 96 mph fastball. More people are getting hurt by foul balls. You need more than two eyes to look at  your smartphone screen and at the game on the field at the same time. And only God knows where we will be in the next few years. Back in 1989, actor Michael J. Fox in the movie “Back To The Future II” had a line that read “the Cubs win the World Series!” and they did just that.

We have come a long way since the days when the US Army timed the fastest pitch ever thrown by a pitcher in 1958. Bob Feller at 98 miles per hour was recorded on the old US Army Chronograph. That was a big deal and it was even shown at your local movie theater before the main feature that was narrated by the legendary Lowell Thomas of Movietone Newsreel fame on the glorious Black and White.

Today, Elon Musk wants to go to the Moon and Richard Branson wants to colonize Mars

¿Qué hay de nuevo? Translation:  What else is new?