Author: Sports Radio Service

Golden State Warriors Podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors aim to snap the two-game loss spell against Lakers on Wednesday night

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On the Warriors podcast with David:

1. The Golden State Warriors tip off against Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night at Oracle Arena at 7:00 pm PT. The Warriors are coming off two straight loses to the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves both road loses. Dave talks about how injuries have played a role in the recent loses.

2. The Warriors’ head coach Steven Kerr who appeared at a Newark High School has encouraged students at the school that their walkout is a for a good cause that gun violence must see it’s end by gun control and gun bans. Kerr’s father was killed by gun violence when he was a teenager and he really believes that this movement has some substance now for the first time.

David Zizmor does the Warriors podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Jose Barracuda Podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Cuda hit the road for four games after successful four-game homestand sweep

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

On the San Jose Barracuda Podcast with Marko:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda 26-22-3-3) swept the Cleveland Monsters (20-31-4-3) in a two game series last Friday and Saturday at SAP Arena in a 4-0 shutout, which is a morale builder for the club.

#2 The win for the Barracuda represented the first time that the club swept a four-game series in franchise history.

#3 There’s a lot that goes into a shutout and to do it a lot was riding on goaltender Antoine Bibeau (18-11-2), who stopped 23 shots.

#4 The Barracuda’s John McCarthy help set up Manny Wiederer’s pass at 1:37 Widderer got an insurance goal when he shot it past the Monster goalie Jeff Zaltoff’s (2-4-1) for McCarthy’s fifth goal of the season.

#5 Marko answers the question: Is this where the real heavy lifting begins as the Barracuda start a four-game road trip starting Friday in Bakersfield, Sunday in Ontario, and Tuesday and Wednesday in Tucson?

Marko Ukalovic is the San Jose Barracuda beat writer and podcaster for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News and Commentary: Melvin says Lucroy on track to catch 115-120 games; benches empty between A’s and Giants could lead to a rivalry of sorts; Kerr has freedom of speech to speak out on gun control

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Photo credit: sfchronicle.com

On the Podcast with Amaury:

1. Amaury talks about catcher Jonathan Lucroy and says that this A’s team can really sneak up on teams.

2. Lucroy, one of the many free agents who were available, signed on for this season for $6.5 million, who manager Bob Melvin says will catch 115-120 games.

3. The A’s and Giants starting to show some preseason action. Giants pitcher Sam Dyson threw high and tight at the A’s Khris Davis on Monday. Two hitters later, they were bean, which forced the umpires to warn both benches. Could this be the beginning of a Bay Bridge rivalry?

4. Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors head coach, spoke at a Newark High School gym on Monday about gun control and how his father was murdered by gun violence and that he supports the student walk out and protest for gun control. Amaury says Kerr has a right to say what he wants and that he has the freedom of speech.

5. Amaury also talks about his Topps Basketball card from the 1990s when he was the Golden State Warriors’ Spanish play-by-play announcer.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the play-by-play Spanish talent for the Oakland A’s and does News and Commentary for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

 

Kings show heart, but fall to OKC Thunder 106-101

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Photo credit: @SacramentoKings

By: Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder came into their game at Chesapeake Energy Arena Monday evening, having very different seasons. The Kings have had a record of 21-46, and the Thunder a record of 39-29. The Kings lost their previous game to the Denver Nuggets 130-104. The Thunder won their last game 104-94 against the San Antonio Spurs. The tip-off was set for 5:00 pm PST.

In the first few minutes of the first quarter, it was all Thunder, especially Carmelo Anthony. Only three minutes had passed into the game and Carmelo had already drained three 3-pointers. The Thunder continued to look dominant with Russell Westbrook, slamming an authoritative dunk roughly halfway through the first quarter.

The Kings changed that narrative though. After battling back into position, Frank Mason would be fouled with 2:14 to go in the quarter. He made both of his free throws, and the Kings pulled within one, 16-17. The quarter would end with the Thunder leading 19-16.

The second would start with the Kings’ Buddy Hield drained a three to tie the game at 19 apiece. The game would go back-and-forth with only two points separating the two teams with 6:04 to play. Koufos, Bogdanovic, and Jackson would finish with the Kings scoring in the second. The game would go into halftime with the Thunder on top 46-40.

In the third quarter, the Kings would come out firing. Justin Jackson would drain a three to give himself eight points on the night and pull the Kings within three, 43-46.

With 10:30 to play in the third, the Thunder had extended their to 43-51 and it wasn’t looking good. The Kings jumped back into it though, thanks to a part by a Justin Jackson three that made it 50-53. Although it may sound like a broken record, this game constantly went back-and-forth.

No team really jumped out to a commanding lead, even though the Thunder has a couple leads in double digits. Vince Carter would hit a three with 1:40 to go, bringing the Kings within one, 73-74. To close out the third, Garrett Temple would throw a layup and make it 79-78 going into the final quarter.

The Kings went into the final quarter with little optimism after taking a small lead into the fourth quarter. However, the lead was short-lived as Ferguson would come out and drain a three to give the Thunder back the lead, 81-79.

The game didn’t have any real separation until the Thunder extended the lead to 102-92 with 2:48 to play in the game. The Kings would battle trying to fight their way back, but ultimately succumbed to their wounds. The final score was 106-101 and the Thunder got their 40th win on the season.

What’s Next?
Kings return home to face the Miami Heat on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm PST. The Thunder went on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday at 4:30 pm PST. 

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: After losing two out of three, Sharks set for Red Wings tonight; Sharks able to contain Ovechkin last Sunday

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Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

On the Sharks podcast with Len:

1 It’s two out of three for the Sharks as they drop their second on Sunday and their first a 3-2 one goal loss to Columbus on Saturday, March 4th. The Sharks got blanked 2-0 by the Washington Caps on Sunday after defeating the St Louis Blues on Thursday night 2-0.

2 The Caps got goals from Nick Backstrom and Lars Eller, which was enough offense to help them get past the Sharks.

3 The Sharks were able to contain Alex Ovechkin as he went 0-6 on shots on goal.

4 The Detroit Red Wings are in San Jose for a Monday night face off at SAP Center the Red Wings are 26-31-11 fifth in the Atlantic.

5 The Wings bring in goalie Jimmy Howard, who has a 2.82 GA, .911% save percentage. Backup goalie Petr Mrazek leads the team in shutouts with three.

Len has the Sharks podcasts every Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Morris Phillips: Buster has no problem with his ankle or swinging the bats; Pence gets break out slam; Giant legends pulling for the Baby Bull

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Photo credit: @BarryBonds

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

1 There was some concern that the Giants catcher Buster Posey would have ankle issues. but he answered that over the weekend, getting three hits including two doubles and left little doubt that his ankle and bat are back.

2 Giant outfielder Hunter Pence took a .056 clip into Sunday’s game struggling at the plate he got one that lept over the left centerfield fence for a grand slam. After the game Pence said his hitting has found a path and balance

3 Former Giant first baseman Orlando Cepeda was remembered by former Giant great Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Barry Bonds at the annual Spring Legends meeting, saying that Cepeda’s presence is sorely missed.

4 Giant pitcher Jeff Samardzija said he’s experimenting with several pitches for his 2018 repertoire. After having some rough spots in 2017, he wants an effective 2018.

5 Morris takes a look at the differences from last season’s club to this season’s team in Cactus League and says the Giants no doubt have improved.

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

A’s sign catcher Jonathan Lucroy to one-year, $6.5 million contract

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Monday, March 12, 2018

MESA, Ariz. – Free agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy landed with the Oakland Athletics on Monday morning after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced.

“We’ve been in touch for about a month,” A’s general manager David Forst said. “We kept the conversation going and ultimately, it got to the point where it became realistic and we became excited about it.”

To make room for Lucroy on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated left-handed pitcher Jario Labourt for assignment.

“It’s very positive for me,” Lucroy said. “I talked to Bob (Melvin, manager) and Kots (coach Mark Kotsay) about it. I know from calling some games against them, this is a pretty good lineup and (the A’s) have some pretty good arms on the mound.

“I think there’s a lot of positives to look forward to, and we can sneak up on some people. Our division is going to be good, but we’ll be right there with them.”

Lucroy, a two-time All-Star for Milwaukee in 2014 and 2016, split last season between the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies. After hitting .242 for the Rangers, Lucroy was traded to Colorado on July 30 for Pedro Gonzalez, and hit .310 in 46 games before becoming a free agent after the season.

The 31-year-old Lucroy is one of a growing list of free agents signing a one-year deal well into spring training.

“This is a good opportunity for me, both from a competitive standpoint and a playing time standpoint,” Lucroy said. “Any time you get a chance to compete for a division and the league, there’s a possibility to do that. And I’m happy and proud to put this uniform on.”

Lucroy figures to add a veteran presence and power to the otherwise youthful A’s lineup and will likely take over the starting duties behind the plate from incumbent Bruce Maxwell. He’s a .281 career hitter with 96 home runs and 458 RBIs over his eight-year career.

Lucroy, who finished fourth in the 2014 National League most valuable player voting, has also thrown out 177 base stealers, most by an MLB catcher over that span.

Labourt had not pitched this spring after Oakland claimed him off waivers on March 4 from Cincinnati, two days after he was picked up by the Reds on waivers from Detroit.

On Sunday, the A’s optioned Labourt and right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino to Triple-A Nashville. Oakland also reassigned left-handed pitchers Jeremy Bleich and Jarret Martin, right-handed pitchers Nolan Blackwood and Bobby Wahl, catcher Santiago Chavez and infielder Nick Noonan to their minor league camp.

The Athletics have 50 players in camp, including 39 on the 40-man roster (which is full) along with 11 non-roster invitees.

GIANTS UPDATE
The Giants, meanwhile, rank near the top of numerous Cactus League categories after 18 games. San Francisco leads in team batting average (.307), total bases (365) and on-base percentage (.371). Going into Monday’s game in Mesa, the Giants are also tied for second in home runs (34) and runs batted in (122).

Outfielder Mac Williamson is swinging one of those hot bats for the Giants. In 15 games, Williamson is hitting .412 with two doubles, two triples, four homers and 13 RBIs. Infielder Kyle Jensen, a non-roster invitee, has also had a strong spring for the Giants, with five home runs in 19 at-bats – most of any National League player.

The team reports that third baseman Evan Longoria is still listed as day-to-day with stiffness in his left heel and ankle. Catcher Hector Sanchez is dealing with a hamstring pull and hasn’t played since Feb. 28. He’s expected to possibly miss another week or two.

Following Monday’s game, the Giants optioned right-handed pitchers Tyler Herb, Pierce Johnson, Chase Johnson and Reyes Moronta; left-handed pitchers Steven Okert and D.J. Snelten; catcher Aramis Garcia and infielder Miguel Gomez to Triple-A Sacramento. San Francisco also reassigned right-handed pitchers Tyler Cyr, Jose Flores, Dereck Rodriguez and Madison Younginer; and infielder Alan Hanson to its minor league camp.

ORLANDO CEPEDA UPDATE
The Giants issued a brief update on the medical status of Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, saying, “The Cepeda Family would like to thank the baseball family for its concern and well wishes for Orlando. We are pleased to report that Orlando continues to make significant progress every day and is showing major signs of improvement. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”

Cepeda, 80, was hospitalized in February after suffering cardiac arrest and falling in a parking lot, where he sustained a severe blow to the skull.

THE GAME
Jarrett Parker’s RBI double in the eighth helped San Francisco regain the lead and take a 6-5 Cactus League decision Monday over the Athletics. Orlando Calixte, who was hit by a pitch from A’s reliever Daniel Gossett (0-1), scored on the play.

Righthander Roberto Gomez (2-0) threw 1 1/3 innings to get the win; Joan Gregorio and Manny Parra each threw a scoreless inning. Parra earned his first save of the spring.

The Giants broke the game open in with five runs in the top of the fifth inning. Centerfielder Steve Duggar’s two-run home run – his fourth – and a two-out, three-run double by catcher Nick Hundley were the key blows off A’s reliever Ryan Buchter.

Oakland rightfielder Stephen Piscotty belted his second CL homer, a solo shot to left in the second inning off San Francisco starter Chris Stratton. It was also the first hit off the righthander, who struck out three and walked one in four innings.

The A’s closed to within 5-4 in the sixth on Franklin Barreto’s two-run homer off Sam Dyson, and tied the game at 5-5 on Jake Smolinski’s sacrifice fly to center.

Jharel Cotton, the Oakland starter, struck out five and walked three in four hitless innings. Piscotty was 2-for-2 before departing in the fifth.

Announced attendance was 8,539.

THE WEEK AHEAD
The Giants (10-7-2) face a Chicago Cubs split-squad in Mesa on Tuesday, then head to Peoria on Wednesday (Seattle) and Thursday (San Diego) before taking Friday off. The A’s split squad visits Scottsdale on Saturday while the Giants send their other split squad to Goodyear to face Cincinnati.

Oakland (8-7-2) heads to Glendale to face Kansas City on Tuesday, has an off day on Wednesday, returns to Hohokam Stadium for games on Thursday (Seattle), Friday (Cleveland), Saturday (Seattle – SS) and Sunday (Chicago White Sox).

TAGS
San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, A’s, Jonathan Lucroy, Cactus League, Sports Radio Service.

NCAA March Madness Podcast with Michelle Richardson: NC and Duke fail to win ACC Tournament; Virginia gets a sweep in the ACC; Villanova and Kansas win conference tournaments

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Photo credit: @NovaMBB

On the NCAA March Madness Podcast with Michelle:

1 Michelle, the choices for the NCAA committee for a top seeded school selection was easy when North Carolina or Duke didn’t win in the ACC tournament?

2 Virginia (31-2) has clinched for a No.1 overall seed. They won the ACC in a sweep of the tournament that puts them up by four games. The Cavs had a most impressive record against quadrant one opponents going 12-1.

3 Villanova (30-4) and Kansas (27-7) won their conference tournaments. Kansas who won their title are 18-3 going up against the top two quadrants and swept Xavier and got wins from Tennessee and Gonzaga no easy tasks.

4. Michelle’s final thoughts.

Michelle Richardson invites you to listen to the March Madness Podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

 

 

NHL Podcast with Daniel Dullum: Caps absolutely shutdown Sharks’ offense; Knights roll to their 20th straight road win; NHL might consider winter Olympics next time around

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Photo credit: @GoldenKnights

On the NHL Podcast with Daniel Dullum:

1 Sharks lose a tough 2-0 game against the Capitals

2 Vegas Golden Knights win their 20th road game

3 Daly: NHL return to Olympics “a possibility,” but a long ways off

4 Gionta, Nash help streaking Bruins power past fading Blackhawks

Catch Daniel each Sunday for the NHL Podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Barracuda take down Monsters in a 4-0 shutout victory to sweep homestand

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Call it something out of The Matrix. It was deja vu for the San Jose Barracuda (26-22-3-3) as they carried a one-goal lead into the third period and once again were able to close out the game with three goals in the period for the second straight night to sweep the weekend series against the Cleveland Monsters (20-31-4-3) in a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday evening at SAP Center. It was also the first time in franchise history the Cuda swept a four-game homestand.

There was not much action in the opening period as neither team scored. San Jose had a good scoring chance when Manny Wiederer had an odd-man rush with Rudolfs Balcers, but Wiederer wasn’t able to connect a pass to Balcers who had an empty net to shoot at.

Cleveland had a late power play opportunity when Radim Simek went to the sin bin for holding. However, Cuda goalie Antoine Bibeau (18-11-2) held down the fort making key saves, including a point-blank save on Jordan Schroeder right in front of the net. Cleveland outshot San Jose 10-5.

The Cuda would break the deadlock early in the second period once again on the power play. Alexander True would score his eighth goal of the season at the 1:28 mark. Balcers would slide a pass over to True who snapped a shot under Monsters goalie Jeff Zatkoff’s (2-4-1) glove in the far left post. Nick DeSimone received the secondary assist.

The Cuda received a five-minute power play late in the second period when Kale Kessy slammed Wiederer against the boards for a major boarding penalty with 1:37 left. However, they weren’t able to generate many chances in the beginning of the third period as the Monsters were able to kill it off.

Wiederer would get an important insurance goal just seconds after the Monster penalty kill. Captain John McCarthy set up Wiederer with a nice pass and he was able to bury it past Zatkoff for his fifth goal of the season at the 3:24 mark. It was Wiederer’s first goal in his last 22 games. Rourke Chartier received the secondary assist.

Chartier thought he gave the Cuda a 3-0 lead when after a great toe drag move by Sam Warning was able to skate past Terry Broadhurst and send in a shot on Zatkoff that resulted in a rebound causing a mad scramble in front of the net that Chartier argued he had put the puck in the back of net. After video review, no goal was called.

Blacers did make it 3-0 when he blasted his team leading 16th goal of the season past Zatkoff from outside the hashes that hit just under the crossbar in the far left post at the 5:40 mark. McCarthy had a two-point night with his second assist of the night. Julius Bergman received the secondary assist.

Emerson Clark put the game on ice for the Cuda when he skated in on a power move on Zatkoff, then fired a shot that was initially saved but Zatkoff was unable to collect the rebound as Clark was able to jam it home for his seventh goal of the season at the 12:19 mark. Caleb Herbert and Alex Schoenborn received assists on the goal.

Bibeau had a great game, stopping all 23 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the season. Zatkoff took the loss, making 25 saves on 29 shots.

GAME NOTES: San Jose went 1/6 on the power play. Cleveland was 0/2.

There was a big post whistle scrum that led to roughing penalties to San Jose’s Emerson Clark and Zach Frye and Cleveland’s Kale Kessy and Calvin Thurkauf, who received a double minor for his actions.

The Cuda set an attendance record with an announced crowd of 8,046.

The game was the second part of Hockey Day in San Jose. The San Jose Sharks hosted the Washington Capitals earlier in the afternoon. FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Clark and Zac Delpe exchanged fisticuffs with under four minutes left in the third period. San Jose won the season series over Cleveland 3-1.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda take their four-game winning streak on the road where they begin a four-game road trip when they travel out to Bakersfield to take on the Condors on Friday 3/16 at 7 pm PT.