That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook; World Series Memories 1990

Todd Benzinger a former San Francisco Giants and outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds who passed away on Wed Oct 21, 2026 (Todd Benzinger facebook)

From My Notebook: World Series Memories. 1990

By Amaury Pi-González

The 1990 World Series was a sweep by an inferior Cincinnati Reds team over the Oakland A’s; In game four, Reds outfielder Todd Benzinger, who had just passed away at 63, made the final out. This four-game series stunned the Oakland A’s and their fans, many of whom traveled to Cincinnati.

The A’s had a chance to win three consecutive World Series in 88, 89, and 90. In the end, they won the Earthquake Series against the Giants in San Francisco in 1989. The A’s were also a much better team than the LA Dodgers in 1988, but Dodgers’ pitcher Orel Hershiser dominated in that series, giving the Dodgers the crown, and he was the MVP.

The 1990 World Series particularly brings back memories, as the A’s team hotel in Cincinnati was sold out; the team secured a Holiday Inn about 25 minutes away across the Ohio River in Kentucky, as yours truly and my wife Gail, and other A’s personnel stayed there.

This 1990 World Series was the typical upset. The Oakland A’s were a much better team than the Reds, but everything went right for Cincinnati and the other way for the A’s. That’s baseball.

In conclusion: The A’s were a dominant team back then and missed the chance to win three World Series in a row, 88, 89, 90. That would have been the second time in A’s history to accomplish such a feat, as they also won in 72,73,74. Only the New York Yankees can claim so much success in World Series history.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

NHL podcast Len Shapiro: Oilers just get by Canes in shootout in one of the best games of the year; Will Flyers Knuble be a factor in the offense; plus more news

Edmonton Oilers Zack Hyman (18), Connor McDavid (97), and Ryan Nugent Hopkins (right) celebrate Nugent Hopkins goal in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Thu Oct 22, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP)

NHL podcast Len Shapiro:

1. The exciting Carolina Hurricane and Edmonton Oilers Len tell us what happened?

2. Cole Knuble helped the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the Buffalo Sabres for their third consecutive win. Could Knuble become an important offensive contributor for Philadelphia as the season progresses?

3. Matthew Schaefer has recorded seven assists in his first five home games. Did the young defenseman extend his home point streak against the Los Angeles Kings, and did Kings defenseman Drew Doughty try to slow him down?

4. After Nikita Kucherov tied a Lightning franchise record in a victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, can he maintain his scoring pace and strengthen Tampa Bay’s chances of competing for the Stanley Cup?

5. Macklin Celebrini scored twice, including the overtime winner, as San Jose rallied to beat the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday and won a four goal game against the Ottawa Senators in a 6-2 win for their first regulation game. Thursday night. Can Celebrini lead the Sharks to another strong performance and help establish them as legitimate playoff contenders?

Len Shapiro NHL podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings try to regroup after opening night loss/ Sac hosts Trail Blazers Friday

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) is defended by the Los Angeles Clippers forward Isaiah Jackson in the first half at Intuit Dome Arena in Inglewood on Thu Oct 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

1. Can Zach LaVine lead the Sacramento Kings offensively against Portland, and will his scoring ability help Sacramento get an early-season victory over the Trail Blazers?

2. Will Domantas Sabonis control the boards and dominate inside against Portland’s frontcourt, particularly if the Kings need second-chance points to stay competitive?

3. Can Keegan Murray make a difference from beyond the three-point line while also helping Sacramento defend Portland’s versatile forwards?

4. Will Darius Acuff Jr provide the Kings with a scoring spark off the bench, and can his playmaking help Sacramento maintain offensive momentum against Portland?

5. Can De’Andre Hunter make an impact on both ends of the floor, especially defensively against Portland’s talented perimeter players, and help the Kings secure a home win?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Sharks get ready for tough Senators on Thursday Night Hockey in Canada

San Jose Sharks Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrates his goal over the Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes (75) with teammates Macklin Celebrini (71) and Kiefer Sherwood (44) during the third period at the Belle Centre in Montreal on Thu Oct 15, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

1. Can Macklin Celebrini continue his outstanding offensive play against the Senators after recording eight points in his previous five games, and will he lead the Sharks to another important road victory?

2. Will Will Smith and Tyler Toffoli provide the scoring support San Jose needs to challenge Ottawa’s defense and goaltending?

3. Can Yaroslav Askarov deliver a strong performance in goal against Ottawa’s dangerous attack, particularly with Tim Stützle leading the Senators offensively?

4. Will Michael Misa and Ivar Stenberg make a difference offensively and help the Sharks generate secondary scoring chances against the Senators

5. Can defensemen Dmitry Orlov, Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse contain Ottawa’s forwards, limit quality scoring opportunities and help San Jose earn two valuable points on the road?

Join Lincoln Juarez for the San Jose Sharks podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Bridget Mulcahy: Kings suffer playing the imbalanced game to Clippers 121-96

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine(8) drives on Los Angeles guard Darius Garland (left) at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Wed Oct 21, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Bridget Mulcahy:

#1 Bridget, talk about Wednesday night’s opener at Intuit Dome home of the Los Angeles Clippers who trounced the Sacramento Kings 121-96.

#2 First quarter the Kings just couldn’t get any offense going getting outscored by the Clippers 41-29.

#3 The Kings defense showed up in the second quarter outscoring the Clippers 25-20. The Clips took a first half lead 61-54.

#4 The Kings offense in the third quarter only could come up with 16 points and that was a factor in losing by 25 points in the end.

#5 Zach LaVine led the Kings in scoring with 28 points but it too much of a load to carry as the Kings go down losing their first game of the regular season.

#6 The Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Golden 1 Center. How important is it they get that first win in the home opener?

Bridget Mulcahy does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

NFL podcast Jessica Kwong: What Chiefs need to do to get back into the Super Bowl; Success of Buffalo Bills and Allen; plus more news

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrate a touchdown scored on a rushing play in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sun Oct 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

NFL podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 What do the Kansas City Chiefs need to improve most to get quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the team back into Super Bowl contention?

#2 How important is Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s performance to the Bills’ chances of winning the AFC East and making a deep playoff run?

#3 Can Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Eagles’ offense bouce back after their loss to the AFC East and making a deep playoff run?

#4 What does the San Francisco 49ers’ win over the Washington Commanders tell us about Brock Purdy and San Francisco playoff potential?

#5 What must Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys change to compete with the top NFC teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles?

Jessica Kwong does the NFL podcast every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

WNBA Finals: Dream Light Up Valkyries With Angel Reese Leading Atlanta To A 97-71 Win In Game Three

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) reacts after scoring during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday the Golden State Valkyries took on the Atlanta Dream in game three of the WNBA finals only to be defeated 97-71. The Dream now take a 2-1 series lead at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The Valkyries had to deal with a sold out energetic loud arena. This was the Dream’s first home game in the finals in 13 years and fans were more than ready to support their team.

The opening quarter was a close one with the Dream taking the lead after the first ten minutes of play 23-15. Golden State outscored the Dream in the second quarter 25-23 however Atlanta continued to lead 46-40 going into the half.

Golden State was able to tie up the game early in the third quarter 48 points apiece but the Dream came roaring back taking a 64-55 lead with under three minutes left. When it was all looking so good for the Valkyries, the Dream turned this game completely around taking a 71-57 leading going into the final quarter. Atlanta continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter leading 77-60 after only three minutes of play in the final quarter.

GAME RECAP

The Valkyries took the court in the first quarter expecting a riotous crowd and that’s just what they got . The sold out arena was rocking from the start as the Dream were looking to take the lead in the series. The Valkyries did not lead once in the first quarter. The Dream took the lead for most of the opening quarter and going into the second quarter Golden State was trailing 23-15.

Golden State began to amp up in the second quarter. The Dream did take as much as a twelve point lead in the first half but the Valkyries fought back cutting the lead and getting as close as four points but the Dream punched back every time the Valkyries threatened. When the second quarter came to an end the Dream had a 46-40 lead.

Golden State came into the third quarter with a different mindset tying up this game at 48 points apiece two minutes into the second half. Just when Golden State had momentum on their side, the Dream came roaring back taking a 59-53 lead with under four minutes left in the third.

Atlanta refused to back down in this game pushing back every time the Valkyries threatened. The Dream were shooting at 50%, the Valkyries 39% and turnovers were hurting Golden State committing 14 while the Dream had nine. Golden State conceded 20 points on their turnovers through three quarters. As the clock ran out on the third quarter the Dream had a 71-57 lead.

The Dream had taken over the game heading into the fourth quarter and Golden State needed to reverse the momentum in this game. The Dream had continued to get stronger offensively and defensively with each quarter especially the third quarter.

They took a lot of confidence going into the fourth quarter and it would be up to the Valkyries to disrupt their momentum. Atlanta continued to push their lead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter leading 80-65. Golden State was in a lot of trouble. Their turnovers continued to mount and they began to take low percentage shots. The final was 97-71 and it had been a dream game for Atlanta. They now lead the series 2-1.

GAME RECAP

Janele Salaun had the first half high points with 11 shooting four for five from the field including three 3-pointers. In this game she was a major offensive spark off the bench. Tiffany Hayes also brought a lot of scoring energy adding ten points on five for eight shooting giving the Valkyries another offensive option. Going into the second half of the game, the Valkyries needed to slow down Angle Reese but they just weren’t able to succeed on that score.

Angel Reese was on a roll and there wasn’t much Golden State could do about it. She had a double-double again in game three, her third of the series. She finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds. She was a force in this game as she was in game two. The high for the Valkyries was Gabby Williams with 15 points and Veronica Burton was really shut-down scoring only three points.

So breaking down this game what went so wrong for the Valkyries. Again the turnovers continued to plague Golden State finishing with 17. Atlanta again had the ability to force turnovers as in game two and they sure made Golden State paid for them.

The bottom line is that Angel Reese controlled the paint. Besides Reese, Rhyne Howard scored 16 points and Naz Hillmon finished with 15.

Golden State just could not sustain its offense or defense. The Valkyries did have stretches when they stayed close but they just couldn’t stop the Atlanta scoring onslaught and the runs that the Dream continued to go on throughout the game. Their defensive struggles and inconsistent offense allowed the margin to grow and grow.

The Valkyries were competitive for parts of the game, but Atlanta was more physical inside, they got contributions from several players, and were much better at turning momentum into a large lead. The third quarter was the turning point and there was no stopping the Dream in game three.

Game four will not get underway until this coming Saturday October 24 with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 AM and can be viewed on NBC. The Valkyries will be looking to tie up the series in this game.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2026 World Series Brewers vs. Rays Battle of the Small Markets

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jason Misiorowski has been one of the major reasons for the Brewers making it to the 2026 World Series (AP News photo)

2026 World Series: Brewers vs. Rays  Battle of the Small Markets

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 122nd edition of Major League’s Fall Classic begins Friday. Once in a while (not often enough), baseball becomes the fairest of any sport. That is the case in 2026, with two excellent teams opening in Milwaukee this week for a best-of-7 series against Tampa Bay. It’s the first time these two teams have met in a World Series. The Brewers have never won a World Series; the Milwaukee Braves won their first title in 1957.

–Milwaukee. Is the smallest television and media market in Major League Baseball (MLB), ranking 30th out of 30 teams. The Milwaukee Brewers led the major leagues and the National League with 103 regular-season wins and, most importantly, did something nobody expected: they swept the two-time in-a-row World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

World Series history. 1957 Milwaukee Braves won vs. NY Yankees 4-3… 1958 Braves vs. NY Yankees lost 3-4… 1982 Milwaukee Brewers lost vs. St. Louis Cardinals 3-4. The Brewers have never won a World Series; the city of Milwaukee won its first World Series title in 1957 as the Milwaukee Braves.

City of Milwaukee population: 502,000

–Tampa Bay is MLB’s 19th-largest television and media market. The Rays led the American League East (considered one of, if not the,elite divisions) with the Yankees and Red Sox. The Rays won 98 regular-season games, tops in the American League.

World Series history: 2008 vs. Philadelphia, lost 1-4. 2020 vs. LA Dodgers, lost 2-4. Note:2020: In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the World Series was played at a neutral site (Globe Life Field in Arlington) for the first time.

City of Tampa population: 417,635

Player to watch in this World Series.

Milwaukee’s 24-year-old right-handed pitcher Jacob Misioroswki, the best pitcher in baseball, will win the National League Cy Young Award. His numbers: 16-5, 1.80 ERA, 174.2 Innings pitched, and 252 strikeouts. He owns a lethal 4-seam fastball, which he throws at a record-average 101 to 105 mph, with a terrific curveball. The kid is 6’7″, 200 lbs. He should start Game #1 this Friday.

I am not predicting this, but just saying: there’s only been one perfect game in World Series history, thrown by Yankee pitcher Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series, when he retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers. If Misioroswki shows up with his best stuff… Who knows? Misioroski could throw a perfecto anytime, anywhere, including the World Series.

My prediction: Milwaukee in 6.

“I always got nervous the nights we played in the World Series. First pitch, I was nervous. Then after that, forget it; I’d start playing.”  -Yogi Berra.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Valkyries impact on being in WNBA Finals; Brewers get extra rest while waiting for next opponent; plus more news

Golden State Valkyrie head coach Natalie Nakase’s success of leading the Valkyrie to the WNBA Finals translates to Nakase’s winning the 2026 WNBA coach of the year award (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Talk about how much of impact that the Golden State Valkyries mean bringing the WNBA Finals to San Francisco not only economically but for the bigger picture of the sport?

#2 For the Valkyries to make the WNBA Finals in their second year of existence what does say about the job that head coach Natalie Nakase has done to get them this far?

#3 The Milwaukee Brewers had a few extra days off after eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers and making it to the 2026 World Series making to the series for the first time in 44 years.

#4 The Brewers got some great hitting and pitching all season long one player in particular who has been touted was pitcher Jacob Misiorowski who went 16-5 with a 1.80 ERA during the 2026 regular season.

#5 The San Jose Sharks have lost three of their last four games including a close contest against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday losing 4-3. The Sharks didn’t have their captain Macklin Celebrini for two games Oct 5th and 8th how much did that take out of their sails?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Could Jeanty receive less playing time?

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is stopped by the Buffalo Bills linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr (52), cornerback Dee Alford (33), and safety Cole Bishop (24) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Sun Oct 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) had an opportunity to score at the 4:12 mark but were three and out after the Buffalo Bills (5-1) scored and the Raiders couldn’t answer back to tie up the game in the fourth quarter.

#2 The Bills pretty much controlled the offense with two ten point quarters in each of the second and third quarters. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was 23-33 for 255 yards, and two touchdowns he got some time to throw Sunday.

#3 The third quarter the Raiders were completely shutout and couldn’t execute any scoring opportunities and was a costly quarter. Now there is talk that running back Ashton Jeanty who carried 22 yards on ten carries could lost playing time to running back Mike Washington?

#4 Raiders starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for the afternoon 22-40 for 269 yards and one touchdown throw but not enough of them to get past the Bills.

#5 Raiders Tre Tucker caught a 44 yard pass from Cousins up the middle with at 1:32 getting the Raiders within 3 points. The 33-30 loss is the Raiders third loss in a row.

#6 Next up for the Raiders the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium and the Raiders need to spruce up the run game to get a shot to get back in the win column.

Rich Perez filled in for Tony Renteria who podcasts Raiders football Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com