Early Turnovers and Poor Offense Factor in Warrior’s Loss to Heat 114-102; Golden State takes second loss in a row

The Miami Heat’s guard Tyler Herro (14) goes up for a shot against the Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Dec 28, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite eight Golden State Warrior (15-16) players scoring in double digits it was not enough to get past the Miami Heat (19-12). Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson each had 13 points, a low for both of them. The Heat dominated in the second half shooting at 48% to the Warriors 42%. The final was 114-102. The Warriors eight game home winning streak had come to an end.

Thursday night the Warriors took on the Heat at Chase Center. The Heat are playing great basketball getting past another red-hot team, Philadelphia, 119-113 on Monday. They got some great work from Jaime Jaquez Jr. who scored the team high with 31 points. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro both had terrific game as well. 

The Warriors fell short against the Denver Nuggets in a close contest on Christmas Day 120-114. The Warriors have been fighting to work their way into the top eight in the Western Conference but it has been a tough go. They are currently in a tie for tenth place in an extremely tight conference where 7 1/2 games separate first through eleventh. Golden State has some work to do.

Game recap: The Heat got a quick start and established an eight point lead before the Warriors went on a nice run in the first quarter and after the first 12 minutes of play Golden State led 25-22. 

The Warriors only had two turnovers in the opening quarter but it got ugly in the second quarter when they had seven turnovers. The Heat took their largest lead of the game at the three minute mark 54-40. The Warriors fought back in the quarter and cut the Miami lead in half trailing 58-51 at the half. The Warriors had some work to do in the second half of this game. 

The Warriors had to do a better job of taking care of the ball in the second half. The Heat finished the half with a single turnover giving them a definite edge. Curry was the only Warrior in double digits with 10 points. 

Adebayo and Herro both had double digits for the Heat at halftime. The Warriors had to try to stay out of foul trouble already committing nine fouls in the first half. The Heat had done a great job protecting the ball and forcing turnovers would be a real challenge for the Warriors.

Golden State had outshot the Heat, they had more three’s than the Heat and the had out-rebounded Miami. It was those pesky turnovers that was making things tough for the Warriors.

After being down fourteen, the Warriors were getting close in the third quarter but just were not able to take the lead. They had shut down the turnovers through the first four minutes of play in the third but let the Heat begin to extend their lead and at 8:20 Miami led 69-61.

 The Warriors chipped away at the Heat lead but Miami always answered. Just as the Warriors would make some headway the Heat came up with some big plays making the Warriors pay every time. Despite some excellent Golden State defense, the Heat came up with some great offense taking a 12 point lead 82-70 with four minutes left in the quarter.

There was not much going in for the Warriors missing a lot of shots. Offensively Golden State had gone ice cold. When the third quarter came to an end the Heat were shooting 52 % to the Warriors 41%. Miami had their largest lead of the game after three 91-76. Golden State had protected the ball well in the quarter with only one turnover.

It was Miami that had all the moves to start the fourth quarter leading 95-76 and Golden State had to get some offense going. Miami just opposed their will on the Warriors building on their lead and just like that had a 20 point lead 100-80 at 8:02. 

It had been all Heat in the second half and the clock was affording the Warriors no favors with 5:34 left in the game. The Warriors had spurts of offense but nothing consistent and Golden State had three minutes left in the game trailing by the score of 107-93.

It was a slow night for Curry and Thompson both of them struggling. The Heat doubled and even tripled Curry all night. It was an off night all the way around for the Warriors. Miami controlled the pace and tempo of the game. 

Eight Golden State players finished with double digits but it was not enough to get past the Heat who knocked the Warriors off rhythm all night. Four Warrior bench players scored in double digits with Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody finishing with 11 apiece.

The Warriors will face another challenge Saturday night when they take on the Dallas Mavericks at Chase. Golden State will be looking to get back on rhythm as they take on the sixth place Mavericks. Curry and Thompson will be looking for some improved energy in this game.  Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

 

   

Edmonton Oilers Destroy San Jose Sharks 5-0; Sharks drop seventh game in a row

San Jose Sharks goaltender Magnus Chrona (30) made his Sharks debut against the Edmonton Oilers surrendering four goals at SAP Center on Thu Dec 29, 2023 (San Jose Sharks photo)

Thursday, December 28th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks host the Edmonton Oilers in the final home game of 2023 and this game comes off a 4-1 loss Wednesday night to the Los Angeles Kings. Despite Kaapo Kahkonen making 37 saves and the Sharks killing all three Kings power plays, San Jose couldn’t get it done. The boys in teal lost another one at SAP Center in front of the home fans on Thursday night 5-0 to close out the year, as the hungry Oilers paved their way and went above .500 at 15-16-1 going into 2024. 

The game started with the Sharks starting Magnus Chrona in net for his first NHL game and it was a wakeup call of a first game for Chrona. A minute into the game, Ryan McLeod scored off of just great, efficient offense where the whole minute the puck was being passed tape to tape in Edmonton’s offensive zone and resulted in the first goal assisted by Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman, 1-0 Oilers.

For Hyman he wasn’t stopping there, because the offense was looking effortless for Edmonton as Connor McDavid hit a crisp pass to Hyman who tapped the puck past Chrona in net making it 2-0 Oilers. The wheels started to fall off for the Sharks as the Oilers continued this masterclass of offense with Bouchard firing a slap shot from the point, 3-0 Oilers.

The fans were already on their hands from this opening period mugging, but they would go completely silent after Leon Drasaitl scored off a wrist shot right in front of the net even with a defender draped on him, 4-0 Edmonton and that was our score going into the first intermission. The Sharks were outplayed the entire first period and the traveling Oiler fans were putting their shoes on the San Jose fans couch. 

Sharks changed goalies to start the second period and in net was Kaapo Kahkonen, but the only difference was less goals than the first period. Halfway through the period Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tipped in the puck past Kaapo and it was 5-0 Edmonton. The Sharks now down five were facing the reality that another blowout loss was in their future. 

Final period was both teams just trying not to make a mistake, because it was over and had been over since the first period. Fans chanting “one more goal”.  5-0 Edmonton wins the game in a major blowout and the arena erupted in boos as they left the building when the game was over. 

This game for the Sharks was just an egregious example of what has been happening in 2023. Bad defense, no offense generated, and missed opportunities. The final game for San Jose of the 2023 part of the season will be on New Year’s Eve against the Colorado Avalanche and maybe by some chance of a miracle, 2024 has more positives in store for San Jose. 

Golden State Warriors podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Warriors host Heat tonight; Miami on 3 game win streak can challenge Golden State

The Miami Heat defense guard Tyler Herro (14) and forward Caleb Martin (16) defend against the Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) in the first half on Mon Dec 25, 2023 in Miami. The Heat who are on a three game win streak take on the Golden State Warriors Thu Dec 28, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Jerry F

#1 There was no stopping Nikola Jokic on Christmas night Monday he went 18 for 18 on the free throw line and that actually made the difference in the Denver Nuggets (22-10) 120-114 win over the Golden State Warriors (15-15) at the Ball Center in Denver.

#2 The Nuggets Jamal Murray also poured it on with a team leading 28 points followed by Jokic who finished with 26 points.

#3 The loss also ended the Warriors five game winning streak. The Warriors have gone through this winning streak looking like they’ve found their traction until you meet a team like the Nuggets who have a strong offense like Jokic, Murray and Michael Porter Jr (19 pts).

#4 For the Warriors Andrew Wiggins led with 22 points followed by Stephen Curry with 18. In past games Curry has had to do all the heavy lifting to help the Warriors get over the goal line to win games but the Nuggets defense pretty much kept Curry under control.

#5 The Warriors tip off against the Miami Heat at the Chase Center at 7:00pm PT. The Heat have won three in row and have won seven of their last ten. The Heat are fourth in the Eastern Conference and could give the Warriors fits tonight. Jerry what’s your take on tonight’s thriller at Golden State.

Join Jerry Feitelberg for the Warriors podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Rangers Miller scores once and gets three points; Devils get by Jackets in a nail biter 4-3; plus more NHL news

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shersterkin (31) pushes the Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) in the second period at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wed Dec 27, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 Len, the New York Rangers K’Andre Miller was a big assist with three points and scoring two goals to help New York defeat the Washington Capitals 5-1.

#2 The Rangers got defensive help from goaltender Igor Shesterkin with 25 saves to help the Rangers pick up their five win out of their last six games.

#3 The Capitals Anthony Mantha scored the only goal for Washington and Alexander Ovechkin didn’t score and had four shots on goal.

#4 The New Jersey Devils edged the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Prudential Center 4-3 on Wednesday night. The Devils got goals from Dawson Mercer, Luke Hughes, Timo Meier, and Ondrej Palat. New Jersey got some good goaltending from Vitek Vanecek who stopped 26 out of 29 shots.

#5 In another close game of the Florida rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning just got by the Florida Panthers 3-2 in Sunrise Fl tonight. The Lightning had to score twice in the third period to win it from Nikita Kucherov at 29 seconds. With the score tied at 2-2 the Lightning got their third goal from Michael Eyssimont for the 3-2 win.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2023 Asian Winter in Baseball

Ichiro Suzuki the former Seattle Mariners star started a huge following for Asian players in MLB. Ichiro is on the cusp of being voted in the MLB Hall of Fame. Here is Ichiro addressing the media on Fri Aug 26, 2022 the day before he was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Ichiro will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025 (AP News file photo)

2023 Asian Winter in Baseball

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since the 2022 World Series ended and until today, some of the most coveted and expensive free agents in the game are players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshiubo Yamamoto, both Japanese, who signed with the Dodgers and shelled 1 Billion dollars total for both players. ($1 Billion US dollars is equal to 141,613,142,860 Japanese Yen)

Also, Jung Hoo Lee, a South Korean outfielder who signed with the San Francisco Giants; Masataka Yoshida with the Boston Red Sox; and Yuki Matsui, who signed with the San Diego Padres from the Japanese professional leagues.

Not signed yet: From Japan, the two free agents are Shota Imanaga, a lefty-control pitcher, and Naoyuki Uwasawa, a right-handed pitcher. Uwasaka was not even posted yet.

-The West Coast a Pioneer to Asian players:

-Japan: The first Japanese player was pitcher Masanori Murakami, who was with the San Francisco Giants. However, after just 2 years, the connection of players from Japan to the major leagues was closed

-South Korea: In 1994, Chan Ho Park, a pitcher, became the first Korean-born player to p[play in the major leagues.

The most impactful player from Asia?  Ichiro Suzuki played from 2001 to 2019 with the Seattle Mariners: a lead-off hitter-outfielder, great contact hitter, and tremendous throwing arm from right field. Ichiro had 200 or more hits in ten consecutive seasons with the Mariners from 2001 to 2010.

Ended his career with 3,089 hits and .311 average. He will be the first Asian player inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. No other Asian baseball player has played for this long and enjoyed this much success.

During my years calling Mariners games for Spanish radio in Seattle, I met Ichiro when he first came into the major leagues from Japan; a hard worker and eccentric player, he would carry his favorite bats inside a particular case like a great violinist carries a Stradivarius.

Ichiro was very reserved as a player, some say, shy; I did interview him a few times with one of his interpreters. I would answer the question in English to his interpreter, who would then ask him in Japanese, and he (the interpreter) would return the answer in English to me.

Later, I would take the tape upstairs to my broadcast booth to edit for my pre-game show. It was exciting. One of the most curious answers he ever gave me was when I asked him if he learned any words in Spanish, and it was ‘peligroso’, which means ‘dangerous’. I later learned that he was ‘miked’ during a  live game that was nationally televised and said a word that he did not mean to say.

On October 1, 2004, Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler’s single-season record with a  258th hit. I called that game; it was one of Ichiro’s greatest accomplishments. That season Ichiro ended with 262 hits.

Quote: If I’m in a slump, I ask myself for advice  -Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame until 2025.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Jackson was practically a one man show on Monday night

Quarterback LeMar Jackson (8) did it all for the Baltimore Ravens under center he carried, he threw and ran and it was successful against the San Francisco 49ers on Mon Dec 25, 2023 at Levi Stadium (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg:

#1 Augie, how much was this the battle of the two quarterbacks for the Baltimore Ravens LaMar Jackson he had all the time to throw the football and executed and frankly he could have kept going if the time didn’t run out on the game clock. Jackson threw 23-35, 252 yards, and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football Christmas night.

#2 For the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy a long and tough afternoon. Purdy 18-32, 255 yards, and those four big interceptions. Is this kind of game reflective of Purdy under center or was it just an old fashion beating by the best team in the NFL.

#3 The 49ers are hoping to turn it around in their next game against the Washington Commanders in DC. The Commanders have struggled they’ve lost six straight games and their last win came against the New England Patriots 20-17 back on Nov 5th. Commanders have the home field how do you see this one on New Year’s eve?

Augie Mesenburg filled in for David Zizmor. Catch Dave for the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Will Ohtani and Yamamoto be worth the $1 Billion spent; Dodger’s Ohtani gifts Kelly’s wife with new Porsche

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (left) showed his appreciation to Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly’s (right) wife Ashley (center) as Ohtani got Kelly’s jersey 17. This was actually a gift from both Ohtani and Kelly to Kelly’s wife for the numeral change on the jersey. (Getty photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 It was the two signings by the Los Angeles Dodgers this week with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for a combined $1 billion are these deals going to be worth all that money?

#2 The Seattle Mariners and catcher Mitch Garver have reached a two year $24 million agreement. Garver hit .270, 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. Tell us how Garver will have give the M’s boost in their line up.

#3 Got to ask you about Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly selling his uniform number 17 in exchange for a brand new Porsche from Ohtani for his wife Ashley Kelly. The new car was parked in front of Kelly’s home and his wife answered the door to see the new silver Porsche as the delivery driver told her “it’s yours.”

#4 The San Diego Padres signed Yuki Matsui for a five year $28 million contract. This was the Padres biggest splurge since last spring training. Matsui was the top reliever in Japan where he saved 236 games and had an 2.40 ERA. The Padres are expecting Matsui to be the core of the pitching staff.

#5 ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian said that it doesn’t seem right that the Cleveland Guardians got the number one draft pick and the Oakland A’s end up with the fourth lottery pick. Amaury despite the A’s coming in fourth in the lottery can you see the A’s getting talent for their future in spite of not getting the number one draft pick?

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Lose Despite 43 Points From Fox- Portland Bench Dominates in 130-113 win

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) goes shoeless while trying to recover and defend the Portland Trail Blazers guard Scott Henderson (00) at the Moda Center in Portland on Tue Dec 26, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It was a dismal game for the Sacramento Kings (17-12) Tuesday night losing to the Portland Trail Blazers (80-21). Portland’s bench turned in 60 points to the Kings 15 off the bench. DeAaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis had amazing games but got little support from teammates losing 130-113. Fox tied a season-high in this game. No other Sacramento player scored in double digits.

Tuesday night the Kings took on the Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Back in early November the Kings beat the Trail Blazers in overtime 121-118. Despite their record, the Trail Blazers gave the Kings all they could handle. Sacramento needed to start fast and set the pace and tone of the game. 

The Kings are coming off a loss to the Timberwolves Saturday night 110-98 and the Trail Blazers lost as well on Saturday to the Golden State Warriors 126-106. 

The Kings Malik Monk was still struggling with a right foot irritation missing the game on Saturday. He had been trying to play through the injury and did take the floor in this game. The Kings really needed his shooting and playmaking abilities. 

They leaned heavily on De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray in this game. Both Deandre Ayton and Shaedon Sharpe missed the game for Portland. Ayton is dealing with right knee tendinitis and Sharpe were out with a right adductor strain.

Game reacap: The first half was not the start that the Kings were looking for. While they did win the opening quarter, it was far too close for comfort 33-32. The Trail Blazers got the upper hand in the second quarter leading at the half 67-60. 

Portland won the second quarter 35-27. Keegan Murray played for 15 minutes in the first half coming away empty. Both Fox and Sabonis had good first halves but really needed the support of Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter. Portland was outshooting the Kings from the floor, and from downtown keeping their turnovers to a minimum with only five.

The Trail Blazers continued to extend their lead in the third quarter. Portland had led by seven points at the half and after three quarters led by nine points 104-95. At one time in the quarter the Kings got to within three points only to let it slip away. 

Sacramento had trailed by as much as 13 points but were able to cut the deficit at times. They were unfortunately unable to take the lead. Fox and Sabonis were having monster games. Going into the fourth quarter Fox had 38 points and Sabonis with 30. 

They were getting little support from Murray or Huerter who had eight points between them.  Monk had seven points but he was more than likely hampered by the irritation in his right foot. 

Early in the fourth quarter, the Kings trailed by 15 points 115-100 in a game that they had the talent to win. The Trail Blazers was getting some great play from their bench with a combined 60 points to the Kings anemic 15 points. 

With eight minutes left in the game, Sacramento was running out of time. Rather than cutting the deficit, the Kings continued to fall further behind trailing 122-105 with under six minutes left on the clock. 

With under five minutes Portland was winning the fourth quarter 23-12 after having won the third 37-35. The Trail Blazers had this game well in hand with 3:36 left in the game leading 127-111. 

Fox played his heart out finishing with 43 points and Sabonis came away with 34 points and 12 rebounds. They got little help from the rest of the starting lineup. Harrison Barnes scored nine points with five rebounds and next to nothing from Murray and Huerter. 

The bench was not much help with a total of 17 points when the Trail Blazer bench finished with 60 points. Portland’s starters finished with 65 points and the Kings starters produced 96 points. The Trail Blazers bench put this game away.

The Kings will now travel to Atlanta for a match-up next Friday taking on the Hawks. The challenge that Sacramento will face will come from Trae Young as the Kings try to turn things around on Friday. The Hawks also have a great bench player in Bogdan Bogdanovic who also presents a threat. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.  

   

 

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Does this Raiders team have a shot at making post season?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes (15) gets stopped by the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Max Crosby (98) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Mon Dec 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony, after all you’ve seen does this Raiders team have the confidence to make post season and what do they need to do to get there.

#2 Tony, talk about the Raiders getting two touchdowns in seven seconds all thanks to the Raiders defense forcing the turnover.

#3 Talk about how crucial running back Zamir White was in the fourth quarter with a 44 yard run and a 15 yard run to help secure a Raiders win against the Kansas City Chiefs late in the game.

#4 How amazing was it for Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell to throw a very limited amount of passes going 9-21 for 62 yards and no touchdown passes and come away the winning quarterback in a game like this?

#5 The Raiders prepare for their next game in Indianapolis next Sunday at the Lucas Oil Stadium against the Colts. The Colts are no slouch they are 8-7 although they lost their last game rather convincingly to the Atlanta Falcons 29-10. How do you see this match up next Sunday?

Join Tony for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Ravens defense dominates 49ers in 33-19 route in battle of best record teams

San Francisco 49ers defenders Fred Warner (#54) and Nick Bosa (#97) pursue Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (#8) at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday DEC 25, 2023. (Kym Fortino-San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

The battle of the Clash of the Titans was a one-sided affair.

The Baltimore Ravens defense recorded five interceptions and four sacks and Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns in a 33-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a game that featured the two teams with the best records in the NFL on Sunday evening at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco had its six-game winning streak snapped but still control its own destiny in clinching the number seed in the NFC as long as they win their final two games of the regular season. Baltimore has won five games in a row and are on track to clinch the number seed in the AFC.

Baltimore’s defense made life hell for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who suffered his worst game of his professional career. Purdy, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a stinger, was intercepted four times with no touchdowns on 18 of 32 for 255 yards.

Purdy threw the first of his four interceptions on San Francisco’s opening drive when his read to Deebo Samuel was thrown too late as Kyle Hamilton picked off Purdy for the first of his two interceptions of the game.

San Francisco’s (11-4) defense jumped out to a good start as they forced Jackson into an intentional grounding penalty in his own end zone that resulted in a safety. After a 45-yard Jake Moody field goal, the 49ers had a 5-0 lead with 5:58 left in the first quarter.

Baltimore (12-3) received a Justin Tucker 28-yard field goal on its next possession which began a string of seven straight possession where they scored points.

Hamilton made his second interception on a pass intended for tight end George Kittle that deflected off a Ravens defender. Jackson made the 49ers pay as he commanded a 11 play 53-yard drive that was finished off with a Gus Edwards one-yard rushing touchdown to give Baltimore its first lead of the game.

The 49ers scored on its final possession of the first half when running back Christian McCaffery was the catalyst of the drive as he touched the ball on all six plays. His 39-yard run set up his nine-yard rushing touchdown on the very next play.

The Ravens closed out the first half with another 28-yard field goal from Tucker as time expired on the second quarter.

Baltimore dominated the second half on both sides of the ball. After forcing San Francisco on a three and out to start the third quarter, Jackson needed only three plays to get the Ravens back in the end zone. Edwards short pass for 39 yards set up Nelson Agholor’s six-yard touchdown reception along the left sidelines.

Purdy threw his fourth interception when he was hit before throwing the ball that was intended for McCaffery but found the hands of Patrick Queen as he returned it 21 yards to the 49ers nine-yard line.

“I think the NFL scriptwriters did a great job tonight. I’ve never seen Brock Purdy throw four interceptions before,” Kittle said after the game.

Jackson threw for his second touchdown on the next play when he connected with Zay Flowers over the middle for a nine-yard touchdown reception to give the Ravens a 30-12 lead with 11:49 remaining in the third quarter.

Purdy suffered his injury when the 49ers turned the ball over on down with 14:57 left in the fourth quarter. San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan had seen enough and replaced Purdy the rest of the game with backup quarterback Sam Darnold.

“I have to look at myself in the mirror and ask why or how that happened,” Purdy said.

Darnold led the Niners down the field on its next possession with a 12 play 90-yard drive that cumulated with a 12-yard touchdown reception to Ronnie Bell on a post route. It was the rookie wide receiver’s first career touchdown.

San Francisco had one last ditch effort to cut the deficit to a one-score game on its final possession, but Darnold was picked off by Marcus Williams in the end zone on a 4th and goal from the Ravens 17-yard line with 1:09 remaining to seal the deal for Baltimore.

The 49ers lost more than the game as all-pro left tackle Trent Williams left the game in third quarter with a groin injury and did not return as Shanahan was forced to go with a makeshift offensive line during the second half which allowed the Ravens to continue to keep pressure on both Purdy and Darnold.

Jackson finished the game going 23 of 35 for 252 yards to go along with his two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also led Baltimore in rushing with 45 yards on seven carries including a 30-yarder on a 3rd and 16 that led to Tucker’s field goal before halftime. Flowers led the Ravens in receiving with nine catches for 72 yards and his one touchdown.

“We gotta get back to work, right back to work,” said Warner on his team’s worst loss of the season. “We can’t let this affect our confidence as a team. We know who we are. We gotta comeback on a short week and go on the road, in a big game. And find a way to win one game.”

Darnold was 8 of 14 for 81 yards with one touchdown and one interception in mop up duty. McCaffery led all rushers with 103 yards on 14 carries. Kittle led the 49ers in receiving with seven catches for 126 yards. Brandon Aiyuk chipped in six catches for 113 yards.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 6-for-14 on third down conversions. Baltimore was 4-for-11.

San Francisco allowed a team to score on seven straight possessions for the first time since 2005.

This was the first time the 49ers threw five interceptions in a game since 1980 when Steve DeBerg threw all five.

Jackson is now 20-1 against NFC teams in his career.

McCaffery’s rushing touchdown gave him 21 total touchdowns for the season, tying him with Miami Dolphins Raheem Mostert for the league lead.

UP NEXT: San Francisco travels out the nation’s capital for its final road game of the regular season to take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday 12/31 at 10:00am at FedEx Field.