Author: Sports Radio Service

Barracuda split series with Canucks in 3-2 shootout win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Abbotsford Canucks right winger Damila Klimovich (46) puts one on net against the San Jose Barracuda goaltender Alexi Melnichuk (1) who makes a save on Sun Nov 14, 2021 in Abbotsford BC (photo by the Abbotsford Canucks)

by Marko Ukalovic

ABBOTSFORD, British Colombia—Sasha Chemlevski scored the lone goal in the shootout as the San Jose Barracuda beat the Abbotsford Canucks 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Abbotsford Centre.

San Jose split the two-game series with their newest Pacific Division rival in the first ever series between the two squads. The Vancouver Canucks moved its AHL team from Utica, New York to the border town 45 miles south of Vancouver.

A scoreless first period saw the Barracuda out shoot the Canucks 10-5 in the opening frame. Both goalies were on their game early on as both Alexei Melnichuk and Michael Dipierto were perfect.

Abbotsford (4-4-2-1) drew first blood early in the second period. Will Lockwood knocked Artemi Kniazev off the puck off from behind the net. Lockwood centered the puck out in front to Chase Wouters who buried the puck past Melnichuk for his first career AHL goal at the 3:35 mark.

San Jose (4-4-1-0) answered back just over a minute later. Zachary Gallant skated out to the point from behind the net and he sent a shot on net that pinballed off of DiPierto over to Evan Weinger who punched home the puck in the crease for his second goal of the season at the 4:52 mark.

Weinger has two goals in his past three games.

Abbotsford regained the lead late in the middle frame. Cameron Shilling sent a shot in on net from the left point that Melnichuk wasn’t able to handle and a crashing Jaris Lukosevicius cleaned up the rebound for his second goal of the season at the 15:38 mark.

The Barracuda scored the equalizer in early in the third period. Ryan Merkley found Noah Gregor with a pass at center ice. Gregor skated into the Canucks zone and fired a rolling puck top-shelf past DiPierto for his co-team lead fourth goal of the season at the 7:47 mark.

With the goal, Gregor has a career high six-game point streak for the ‘Cuda.

San Jose had the ice tilted in their favor in the third period as they out shot Abbotsford 12-1.

Not many scoring chances were generated in the overtime period as there were only a combined four shots on goal.

Melnichuk finished the game 20 saves on 22 shots to earn his third victory of the season. DiPierto made 37 saves on 39 shots in the losing effort.

Each goaltender was brilliant in the shootout as nine straight shooters failed to score until Chmelevski’s heroics ended the game.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-4 on the power play. Abbotsford was 0-for-6.

The Stars of the Game were: 1) Gregor 2) DiPierto 3) Wouters.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda return home to start a three-game homestand on Wednesday 11/17 as they host the Bakersfield Condors at 7:00pm at SAP Center.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Oakland A’s could have a Winter Sale

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Matt Chapman (26) and Matt Olson (28) look to be seriously shopped by the Oakland A’s this off season as the A’s are expected to be putting a lot of free agents up on the trade block (file photo Athletics Nation)

Oakland A’s Could have a Winter Sale

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Some of the best Oakland A’s players could be on the move this winter. Two of the team’s All Stars this year, first baseman Matt Olson and starting pitcher Chris Bassitt head the list; they both can become free agents next year. Matt Chapman, the best defensive third baseman in the American League won his third Gold Glove in 2021. Aside from Olson, Bassitt, and Chapman there are other A’s players that could be traded. Should not be any surprise, under the A’s system players do not stay too long. A good friend of mine and A’s fan for decades, tells me “Hollywood marriages are usually longer than A’s players in Oakland”.

–Matt Olson’s 2021 season was his best since he started his career with the A’s in 2016; he ended with a .271 average, 39 home runs (sixth best in the league) for the first time Olson drove over 100 runs, with 111 RBI. His 111 RBI tied No.5 in the league with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a contender for the MVP trophy. His batting average, home runs, and runs batted it was all personal highs for Olson. The most consistent slugger of the A’s could bring some very good prospects to Oakland. The New York Yankees (always looking for sluggers) have shown interest. Olson is the perfect fit as a left-handed hitter for Yankee Stadium.

–Matt Chapman recently won the 2021 Gold Glove (his third) he has now won the award in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Was going for his third Golden Glove last year but his season was shortened by injuries. His High School friend Nolan Arenado (both went to El Toro High School in Southern Orange County) has won nine (9) consecutive Gold Gloves at third-base, eighth with Colorado, and one with St Louis. Brooks Robinson (Baltimore) aka “The Vacuum Cleaner” won 16 Gold Gloves, the most for any position player in history.

–Chris Bassitt was 12-4 with a 3.15 era in 27 games he started but missed a month and a half after he got hit by a 100MPH line drive in Chicago in mid-August. His best season since he joined the A’s in 2014.

–Frankie Montas, had his best season as he ended with a 13-9 and 3.37 ERA in 32 starts and established himself as a “top of the rotation” arm. Back in 2019, he was up to his best start in the majors with 9-2 and 2.63 ERA in 16 games he started but was suspended 80 games at the end of June because testing positive for PED use. He missed the rest of the season and did not return until 2020.

–Sean Manaea. The lefty had a productive season in the rotation with 11-10 and 3.91era in 32 starts, most for him in a season, as well as innings, pitched with 179 1/3 and 194 strikeouts, all personal highs.

Starting pitching is a big commodity this off-season. Needless to say, position players with the talent of Olson and Chapman are also very attractive on an everyday lineup. However, not much is happening in the trading/free-agent market and that might be the case for a while, the way it looks now. Fast approaching is December 2.

That is a very important day because if there is no new CBA contract by then, it is widely known that owners will be locking out players and all transactions will be frozen. I will have more of the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) later this week.

“Baseball people, and that includes me, are slow to change and accept new ideas. I remember that it took years to persuade them to put numbers on uniforms.” -Branch Rickey.

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

Warriors 7 game Winning Streak Comes To An End 106-102

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) looks to throw the ball inbounds over Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) Sun Nov 14, 2021 in Charlotte (AP News photo)

Warriors Winning Streak Comes To An End 106-102

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (11-2) missed far too many wide open looks from downtown against the Charlotte Hornets (8-7) losing 106-102. The Warriors shot 9-39 from long range and just the fact that they were in this game till the end was amazing in itself.

Sunday afternoon the Warriors faced the Hornets on the road. The Warriors will be minus one of their weapons and that is their fan base, one of the loudest crowds in the NBA. The Warriors are coming off an eight-game home stand in which they went 7-1 winning all seven games by double digits. Road games can be an entirely different challenge.

The Hornets will be looking for a little revenge after having lost to Golden State less than two weeks ago. The Hornets can be inconsistent but they can also heat up and give the Warriors some real trouble.

The Warriors have to have a fast start and control the turnovers. Charlotte is the worst defensive team in the NBA but they are also a high octane offensive team. The Warriors have to take advantage of the Hornets ineffective defense. They will also have to contain the trio of Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward.

The Hornets led at the end of the first quarter 30-27. They were up to their old tricks and had seven turnovers which robs them of a possible seven shot attempts. They will have to clean that up going forward in this game.

There were far too many turnovers by Golden State in this game and at the half this game was all tied up at 57. The two highest scoring teams in the league were living up to their reputations. In the third quarter the Warriors would have to contain Ball who already had 19 points and was 4-6 from downtown. They needed to convert those wide open looks that they were missing in the first half as well.

Mid-way though the third quarter this game was as tight as the Warriors have seen all season. They were tied up at 70 and the Hornets were giving the Warriors all they could handle.

28 points in 26 minutes for Andrew Wiggins was big for Golden State. The fourth quarter of this game saw lead changes every minute or two. This game was going down to the wire with both teams struggling offensively in the final three minutes of this game.

Would this be the game that saw the winning streak end for the Warriors? With 44 seconds left in the game it was all knotted up at 102. The Warriors were 9-39 from downtown which is something seldom seen from this team and could prove to be their undoing.

The Warriors continue their road trip on Tuesday night taking on the Brooklyn Nets. Tipoff is at 7:30PM.

NCAAF podcast with Michelle Richardson: Michigan gets by Penn State; New Mexico St gets clobbered by Alabama; Cincinnati stays perfect

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Cade McNamara gets a pass away in front of  Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie (17) on Sat Nov 13, 2021 at Penn State (AP News photo)

On the NCAAF podcast with Michelle:

#1 No.6 Michigan Wolverines (9-1) keep rolling this time they bested the Penn State (6-4) Nittany Lions 21-17.Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara was 19-29 for 217 yards, and three touchdowns. Good defense by the Wolverines held the Nittany Lions to two field goals in the first half while they scored a touchdown in each of the second, third, and fourth quarters.

#2 There was no mercy rule for the New Mexico State Aggies (1-9) who got crushed by the Alabama Crimson Tide (9-1) 59-3. The Aggies only bright spot in this one was they were able to shutout Alabama in the third quarter. The Crimson Tide used four passers in the game. Starter Bryce Young went 21-23 for 270 yards and five touchdowns.

#3 The No.5 Cincinnati Bearcats (10-0) maintained their perfect record taking to the South Florida Bulls (2-8) 45-28. The Bearcats kept pouring it on with 17 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the fourth quarter. Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder went 31-39 for 304 yards and two touchdowns.

Michelle’s Final Thoughts

Join Michelle Sundays for the NCAA Football podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

(Recording starts at 0:53)

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Beckham and Rams heading to Santa Clara for clash with 49ers on Monday Night Football

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver and now Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr will be making his Rams debut on Monday Night Football Nov 15 at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (3-5) who have lost five of their last six games will be tested again as they face the Los Angeles Rams (7-2) on Monday Night Football. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says the 49ers situation is a sense of urgency.

#2 The 49ers were defeated soundly in their last game by the Arizona Cardinals (8-1) 31-17 last Sunday

#3 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw 28-40, 326 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Garoppolo’s line looked good enough to win the game but the Cardinals just kept adding up the scoring and no matter what Garoppolo did the 49ers just couldn’t catch Arizona.

#4 Los Angeles Rams (7-2) wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr who joins the Rams this week will be all the rage as the Rams are rolling and with the addition of Beckham that gives the Rams just that more yards in receiving going into Monday Night’s game.

#5 Joe, set this one up the 49ers having lost five of their last six and have trouble keeping teams from scoring once in the red zone what do you expect out of the 49ers defense in stopping the Rams high potent offense going into Monday Night’s contest?

Join J Hawkes for the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Loses Fifth In A Row to Oregon 35-14

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford quarterback Ari Patu (11) is sacked by Oregon State defensive linesman Keonte Schad (32) Sat Nov 13, 2021 in Corvallis (AP News photo)

Stanford Loses Fifth In A Row to Oregon 35-14

By Barbara Mason

The Oregon Beavers (6-4) scored in all four quarters beating the Stanford Cardinal (3-7) 35-14 with relative ease becoming bowl eligible with the win.

The Cardinal are still reeling from a devastating loss last week to Utah 52-7. This was Stanford’s worst loss in the last 18 years. Last weekend two coordinators one from Washington and one from Oregon State were fired for poor performances but they did not make any staff changes.

Stanford was on a four-game losing streak and was looking to turn that around when they played Oregon State (6-4) in Oregon this afternoon.

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee was forced to miss a second week of action. He was seen on the sidelines leaning on a crutch in the Utah game so it was not a surprise when it was announced that he would be unavailable for the Oregon State game. Head Coach David Shaw started freshman quarterback Ari Patu in the game. At 6’3” the dual-threat Patu has a quick release and a strong arm.

Because of the Stanford quarterback injuries as well as struggles on the line of scrimmage, the Cardinal are close to a two-touchdown underdog. This could be another tough game for Stanford.

The Beavers would score at 6:30 in the first quarter taking a 7-0 lead. Quarterback Chance Nolan would rush for four yards and a touchdown. The Everett Hayes kick was good and so Oregon drew first blood. Stanford would come up empty in the first quarter.

Stanford was trying to open up the run game not having much passing success in the second quarter. Trying to force a pass, Patu threw an interception. At 6:24 Stanford quarterback Patu began to heat up completing two passes in a row driving close to Oregon territory. Up to that point Patu was one of six for a mere two yards.

Stanford now had some momentum going with both the running and their passing game. The Cardinal would try a 55 yard field goal that was blocked by Oregon. As the second quarter began to wind down the Beavers would score a second touchdown extending their lead to 14-0 at the half.

Oregon would score again in the third quarter now leading 21-0. Chance Nolan would find Trevon Bradford for 67 yards and the touchdown. At 10:24 the Cardinal would find the end zone via an Ari Patu pass to Benjamin Yurosek for eight yards and their first touchdown of the game. Trailing 21-7, Stanford had a lot of work left to do in this game.

When Oregon went on a fourth down deep in Stanford territory, the Cardinal defense held fast and took over on downs. They had a terrific scoring opportunity that they squandered away when Patu threw another interception. With 14 seconds left in the third Stanford fumbled setting up another Oregon score. The three Stanford turnovers would not win very many football games.

The Beavers would start the fourth quarter with a Nolan pass for five yards to Teagan Quitoriano and Oregon kept racking up those scores now leading 35-7. Mid-way through the final quarter Stanford was again driving deep in Oregon territory. This time the Cardinal cashed in on the opportunity scoring a rushing touchdown. Nathaniel Peat rushed for 18 yards and the Joshua Karty kick was good now trailing 35-14. It was too little too late for Stanford once again scoring late when trailing by a lot.

So it was a story of fumbles, interceptions, missed tackles and missed opportunities for Stanford. This was their fifth loss in a row.

The Big Game is on the horizon for Stanford as they take on their rival, the California Bears Saturday November 20th. Kickoff will be at 4:00 PM.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Eichel expected back from surgery by Feb; Blackhawks win 3 in a row under new coach

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Vegas Golden Knight Jack Eichel underwent successful disk surgery the Knights announced everything went as planned and expect Eichel to make his Knights debut by Feb 2022 (photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The Vegas Golden Knights announced that Jack Eichel to make his Vegas debut by mid Feb 2022 Eichel wanted to have disk surgery when played for the Buffalo Sabers but the Sabers wanted Eichel have a fusion procedure. Eichel elected to come to Vegas and get the surgery he was requesting the disk surgery that turned out to be a success.

#2 The Chicago Blackhawks (4-9-2) who had their share of problems with the David Aldrich sex scandal and the team had previously lost 11 out of 12 games now have won three straight games under new head coach Derek King. The Blackhawks since King has taken over are feeling good and much better about themselves and hoping their situation since the scandal can improve.

#3 Washington Capitals (8-2-4) star Alexander Ovechkin continues to set records scoring his 742nd goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets (8-4-0) on Friday night in the first period at 10:19 passing Brett Hull on the all time goals list moving into third place.

#4 Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames had doubts that he would be a stand out All Star hockey player when he first join the NHL back in 1999-98 but Iginla who won two Olympic medals will be inducted with five other NHL players into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Monday. Iginla scored 625 goals and has 675 assists during his career.

#5 Matt, Brandon Coburn has announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons. Coburn last played for the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders this season. Coburn played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and was the third person to lift the Stanley Cup after the Bolts won the Finals. Coburn started with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2003 and finishes with 49 goals and 185 assists.

Join Matt for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Their back Magnificent Seven returning from Covid 19 list

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Seven of the San Jose Sharks who were on the Covid 19 protocols list will join the team tonight after being in quarantine list. The Sharks had players from their AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda filling in during their absence. (AP News photo)

On Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The San Jose Sharks (7-5-1) after losing three straight games have got re-enforcements as seven players have come off the Covid 19 list to return to the Sharks roster, Kevin Labanc, Erik Karlsson, Timo Meier, Jake Middleton, Matthew Nieto, Radim Simek and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

#2 The seven will meet the Sharks in Denver tonight as the Sharks prepare to face off with the Colorado Avalanche (4-6-2) with that in mind will the seven need to get their timing down or do you see them good to go after being away for two weeks?

#3 Len, little doubt that Sharks head coach Bob Boughner, head trainer Ray Tufts, and equipment manager Mike Aldrich are also joining the seven players who were all also in quarantine.

#4 Artemi Kniazev, Nicholas Meloche, Jaycob Megna, Ryan Merkley, Joel Kellman, Sasha Chmelevski and John Leonard who filled in for the missing Sharks were sent back down to their AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda.

#5 The Sharks face off with the Avalanche tonight in Colorado the Avalanche are coming off a 7-1 crushing of the Vancouver Canucks (5-7-2) the Avalanche scored six unanswered goals three in the first period and three again in the second period. Len talk about how you see this match up tonight?

Join Len Shapiro for the Sharks podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Canucks route Barracuda 7-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

It was quite an introduction for the San Jose Barracuda meeting the Abbotsford Canucks for the first time on Fri Nov 12, 2021 at Abbotsford Centre as goaltender Alexi Melnichuk was later pulled for Zachary Emond (35) (photo by sjbarracuda.com)

by Marko Ukalovic

ABBOTSFORD, British Colombia—The Abbotsford Canucks had their way with the San Jose Barracuda in a 7-1 victory on Friday evening at Abbotsford Centre in the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

The Vancouver Canucks moved their AHL team from Utica, New York to Abbotsford, British Colombia for the 2021-22 season. Abbotsford is right on the Canadian-US border, south of Vancouver.

Abbotsford took control of the game with three unanswered goals in the first period.

Sheldon Rampal opened the scoring with a power play goal just under two minutes into the first period. Nic Petan and Phil Di Giuseppe set up Rampal’s second goal of the season at the 1:57 mark.

It didn’t take long for the Canucks to double its lead. 64 seconds later Jet Woo scored his first goal of the season at the 3:01 mark. Di Giuseppe earned his second point in three minutes with his primary assist on Woo’s goal.

Abbotsford (4-4-2-0) scored their third unanswered goal of the period exactly three minutes later when Woo set up Will Lockwood who beat ‘Cuda goalie Alexei Melnichuk with a shot for his first goal of the season at the 6:01 mark.

San Jose (3-4-1-0) scored its only goal of the game on the power play late in the opening frame on the power play. Jayden Halbgewachs set up Scott Reedy who beat Canuck’s goalie Michael DiPierto with a shot for his fourth goal of the season at the 18:13 mark.

Abottsford scored the lone goal of the second period with its second power play goal late in the second period. Woo set up Vincent Arseneau who put the puck past Melnichuk for his first goal of the season at the 18:23 mark.

Despite outshooting the Canucks 10-6 in the middle frame, the Barracuda were down three goals entering the third period.

The Canucks made the game a laugher in the third period with three more goals to seal the game.

Zachary Emond replaced Melnichuk to start the third period. Melnichuk finished 17 saves on 21 shots as ‘Cuda head coach Roy Sommer looked to change things up in the final frame.

Sheldon Dries, who finished with four points in the game, scored an unassisted goal at the 1:08 mark for his sixth goal of the season.

Just over four minutes later, Rampal scored his second goal of the contest and third of the season at the 5:13 mark.

Adam Brubacher closed out the scoring for Abbotsford with his first goal of the season at the 14:40 mark.

Di Giuseppe finished with four assists on the night and Woo had a three-point night with one goal and two assists.

Di Pierto finished the evening stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced to earn his fourth victory of the season. Emond made two saves on five shots in mop up duty for the ‘Cuda.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-9 on the power play. Abbotsford was 2-for-4.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes its two-game series with Abbotsford on Sunday 11/14 at 4:00pm at Abbotsford Centre.

Hot-shooting Broncos defeat Stanford 88-72 on opening night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Stanford Cardinal suffered their first loss on opening night against the Santa Clara Broncos on Fri Nov 12, 2021 at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

By Daniel Dullum
Friday, November 12, 2021

A big shooting night for PJ Pipes and Jalen Williams sparked Santa Clara to an 88-72 non conference men’s basketball win over Stanford Friday.

Pipes finished with 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Williams was next for the Broncos (2-0) with 19 points. Keshawn Justice contributed 14 points, along with a career-high 13 rebounds to go with four assists and two steals. Josip Vrankic had a career-high eight assists along with 15 points.

Stanford (1-1) took an early 5-0 lead after the Broncos missed their first three shots, but Santa Clara caught fire from the perimeter, hitting 11 of its next 12 shots while forging a 21-0 run to take the lead for good.

A 13-2 Cardinal run, sparked by six points from Maxime Raynaid, cut Stanford’s deficit to 30-24 at 6:32 of the first half. Santa Clara responded with a 10point run that prevented the Cardinal from getting any closer.

Harrison Ingraham led the Cardinal with 19 points, including three 3-pointers. Raynaid finished with his first career double-double, as the 7-foot-1 freshman center tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while hitting 7-of-9 field goal attempts.

The Broncos hit a blistering 60 percent from the field (34-of-67), including 12-of-24 from behind the 3-point arc. However, Santa Clara struggled at the free throw line, hitting 8-of-15.

The Cardinal host San Jose State on Monday, and Valparaiso visits Maples Pavilion on Wednesday.