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A’s edge Twins, reduce magic number to 4

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(category Oakland Athletics)

(tags baseball,Athletics,MLB,Coco Crisp)

By Daniel Dullum
Thursday, September 19, 2013

Coco Crisp belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday, powering Oakland to an 8-6 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins at the Coliseum.

The victory lowers the Athletics’ magic number for clinching the American League West title to four. Any combination of A’s wins and Los Angeles Angels losses totaling four does the trick.

The A’s remain 6 ½ games ahead of Texas in the AL West race. The Rangers defeated Tampa Bay 8-2.

Minnesota’s Brian Dozier hit an RBI single in the top of the eighth that tied the game at 6-6. But in the bottom of the eighth, Crisp hit his 21st home run of the season off Twins reliever Shairon Martis (0-1).

The Athletics took a 6-3 lead in the sixth when, after Crisp and Josh Danaldson each singled, Jed Lowrie smacked a three-run bomb. Earlier that inning, pinch-hitter Alberto Callaspo tied the game at 3-3 with a solo homer.

Stephen Vogt’s sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Josh Reddick accounted for the other Oakland runs.

Oakland reliever Sean Doolittle (5-5) worked the final 1 1/3 innings to get the win.

Oswaldo Arcia homered in the seventh inning for the slumping Twins, who lost for the seventh time in their last nine games.

A sparse crowd of 11,461 watched the 3-hour, 41-minute contest.

A’s ACORNS: The AP reports that OF Yoenis Cespedes received a cortisone shot on Wednesday to address tendonitis in his right shoulder. Cespedes did not play Thursday, but could return to the lineup on Friday. … Before the game, Coco Crisp was named as recipient of the 2013 Jim “Catfish” Hunter Award, given to the A’s player that exudes “the good nature and spirit” of the late Hall of Fame pitcher.

Bumgarner paces Giants to series win

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By Jeremy Harness

Madison Bumgarner has been the most reliable pitcher for the Giants this season, and it showed again Thursday afternoon.

The left-hander tossed seven innings and gave up only a run on four hits while striking out 10 hitters as the Giants took down the New York Mets, 2-1, at Citi Field to come away with the three-game series.

Bumgarner got the runs he needed in the fourth inning, as Juan Perez and Ehire Adrianza each knocked in a run.

In the bottom of the fourth, Bumgarner gave up an RBI single to Daniel Murphy, but he was able to limit the damage, and that would be the only real trouble he would be in for the rest of the game.

Now usually we would say that the Giants got out of town with the series win, only if they got out of town. See, the Giants will go to another part of New York City to start a three-game series against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

The Wild Card Race

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by Jerry Feitelberg

The Wild Card Race

Well, here we are in the homestretch. The Dodgers won the NL west division and the Red Sox

are in the playoffs but haven’t clinched the AL east yet. The Wild Card race in the American League looks like it will go down to the final day. 2012 saw the addition of a second WildCard team and the

Wild Cards have a one game playoff to determine who plays in the Division Championship series.

The extra Wild Card is great for the fans. In the old days before 1969, the team with the best record in each league would advance to the World Series. Divisional play started in 1969 but there were just two divisions in each league. The divisional champs would play for the league championship then advance to the World Series. However, in 1994, due to expansion, each league now had three divisions. Baseball

needed a mechanism so that there would be four teams in the playoffs in each league and baseball came up with the Wild Card. There was no World Series in 1994 due to the players’ strike. However, the new format appeared in 1995 and has been used ever since.

Teams know that if they can somehow make it into the playoffs they have a chance of going to the World Series. As of Thursday evening, six teams are in the race for the two Wild Card slots in the American League. If play were to stop as of today, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Texas Rangers would be the Wild Cards. The Rangers were one of the Wild Card last year and were bounced out by Baltimore in the one game playoff. However, if either the Rays or the Rangers falter, Cleveland is right there as they are just a half game back of the Rays and Rangers. Baltimore’s hopes are fading as they are one and half games behind Tampa and Texas. Kansas City is 2 ½ back and the Yankees are three back.

Over in the National League, there is a three way race for the Division Title. St. Louis holds a game edge over the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati is two games back. The way its going, the Division champ and Wild Cards won’t be determined until the final game of the year. In any case, the Wild Cards will be from the NL Central.

The race for a playoff spot is fun for the players and fun for the fans. Think back to 2011 as the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves both faltered in September and were eliminated from the Wild Card race on the last day of the season. So, stay tuned , fans as you never know what will happen. That’s why we

love baseball.

SF Bulls pick up big defenseman Andrew Eastman

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by Kahlil Najar

 eastman
The San Francisco Bulls announced today that they signed defenseman Andrew Eastman. The 5’11” Aurora, Ontario native spent the last two seasons playing for the University of Western Ontario where he lead them to the University Cup championship game in 2012. in 25 games in the 2011-2012 season he notched three goals and 14 assists for the Mustangs which landed his first in points for defensemen on the team. Over his two years with Western Ontario he tallied a total of 27 points in 51 games. Eastman has also spent time playing in Germany and in the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Colts and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Moncton Wildcats.

“It’s exciting to start my North American professional career,” said Eastman. “I have some experience playing pro in Germany, but it’s a different test here. Talking with Pat, I liked what he wants to do with the team, so it intrigued me to come here. I’ve never been to the West Coast, but it shouldn’t be as big of a culture shock compared to going over to Germany.”

On his latest acquisition, Bulls President/Head Coach Pat Curcio said, “Andrew is a skilled smooth-skating defenseman. He should contribute in the offensive department from the blue line. I was familiar with his play in the OHL and Germany. There have been a lot of players that made the jump from CIS and made an immediate impact at this level, so we’re optimistic Andrew will do the same.”

Right Winger Christian Ouellet Returns With SF Bulls

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by Kahlil Najar

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francsico Bulls announced on Tuesday that they have resigned talented right winger Christian Ouellet through the 2013-2014 season. He’ll begin the season at the Bulls’ AHL affiliate’s Training Camp in Worcester, Massachusetts.

IIn 2012, he split time between both the Gwinnett Gladiators and the San Francisco Bulls racking up 17 goals, 20 assists and 46 penalty minutes. For the Bulls, Ouellet grabbed three assists in five games during their first ever playoff run against the number one seed Alaska Aces.

“Christian is a player that does everything well,” said Bulls President and Head Coach Pat Curcio. “He’s got offensive skills and is responsible in the defensive zone. He’s going to be a star. We wish him all the best at Worcester’s Training Camp.”

On his return, Oulette said, “I’m happy to be returning. I want to have a good season, since I had a great time with the team and in the city last year. I’m excited to be back playing with Scotty (Langdon), Kris (Belan) and Dylan (King) if I don’t make Worcester.”

Ouellet will be a welcome spark to Bulls who have already resigned Brett Findlay, Nick Czinder, Scott Langdon, Dylan King and Kris Belan back to the roster.

2013-9-10-ouellet

Czinder and Findlay return to Bulls, top prospect Chiasson signs

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By Kahlil Najar

SAN FRANCISCO– The San Francisco Bulls Professional Hockey Team announced today that forwards Brett Findlay, Nick Czinder and Paul Chiasson have agreed to terms. Nick Czinder and Brett Findlay are returning from last years Bulls roster while Paul Chiasson is entering his first year in professional hockey.

At 6-foot, 5-inches and 230-pounds Nick Czinder provided the much needed intimidation factor last year after the Bulls had traded away the feisty Jordan Clendenning to Utah. Although he didn’t contribute much in the way of points (2 goals, 1 assist) he did add some tenacious defense to the Bulls and was always around the puck on offense and defense.

Brett Findley who also joined the Bulls late last year rejoins the team and is a welcome sign to the offensive side of the ice. In six games last year he was able to notch three assists but during the Bulls first ever playoff run, we was able to get two assists against the number one seeded Alaska Aces.

Of the returning player, head coach Pat Curcio said “Nick is a big physical player with skill, we saw it in his brief stint with the team last season. Brett is a very skilled and smart player, with his skills he has the ability to play at the next level.”

Paul Chiasson who enters his first season of professional hockey after four years at Mercyhurst College comes in with some great numbers a some confidence from Curcio. “Paul is a very fast tenacious right winger,” said Curcio. “He shoots the puck well in stride and has always scored a lot of goals.” Chiasson totaled 109 points (55 goals, 54 assists) in 151 games with Mercyhurst College.

The Bulls have open tryouts the weekend of September 14th at the Cow Palace and open the season in Alaska on October 18th.

Former Retiree earns Defensive Back of the Year

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By Emily Zahner

August 13, 2013

SAN JOSE, CA—The San Jose SaberCats gave their fans another year worth watching, posting a record of 13-6 and making the post season once again. A crushing defeat the Arizona Rattlers saw the Cats eliminated and sent packing, but that wouldn’t be the last of San Jose in the news. The Arena Football League announced on Tuesday that SaberCats DB Clevan Thomas had been named the AFL Defensive Back of the Year, as well as being a First Team All-Arena Selection.

Clevan’s selection came as a shocker to some, as he had retired from the AFL in 2008. The Cats faithful weren’t surprised at all… and upon his return in 2013, Thomas posted an incredible year with the Cats. Playing in all 18 games for San Jose, Thomas blew the lid of all sorts of records, including a career and franchise-high 15 interceptions. Most notable, Thomas set a new AFL record with six pick-6; the previous record was four. Thomas picked up the final two in a win against the Chicago Rush.

San Jose’s star DB recorded 74 tackles and recovered two fumbles throughout the season. The Cats hope to see Thomas owning the field again next year.

Vancouver offers fine dining at Bridges Restaurant

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photo (3)August 9, 2013

VANCOUVER, BC — For a first time traveler to Canada, Vancouver was a great place to dip my feet in and get a feel for the place. Just a mere two hours (unless you get stopped at the border… *grumble*) from Seattle, Vancouver had so much to offer. Upon first glance, it seemed it had the same two seasons you see in Illinois; Winter and Construction. Once you get through the traffic and avoid all the tourists, Vancouver became a beautiful and extraordinary place.

From the “stadium city”, where the Whitecaps, BC Lions, and Canucks play, the Science Centre where I learned far too much about sexuality, and Convention Centre where a Pokemon Championship was being held, there wasn’t a day I spent in Vancouver I wasn’t in awe. The hospitality provided was just as I hoped for, and our hosts at Bridges Restaurant were no exception!

Located on Duranleau Street in Vancouver, Bridges Restaurant welcomed the four of us with open arms and warm hearts. When I think “Bridges”, the first thing that comes to mind is Mrs. Doubtfire and Robin Williams, but now I have a whole new memory to recall. Our waitress, Nicole, was exceptional. She laughed with and at us, cracked jokes, and even participated in our radio show, to which we are very grateful! The owner, Damien, stopped by and told us his story on air and even threw in a few jabs about the Canucks and Sharks!

The food was, simply put, amazing. The entrees we had around the table all came out perfectly. Fresh Oysters, Caeser Salad with grilled prawns, Caprese Pizza, and the fish and chips, all brought smiles to our faces and filled our stomachs. But wait, there’s more! We couldn’t leave without getting dessert! I had hoped to get a small slice of chocolate cake, but that just wasn’t in the cards… Do you remember in the movie Matilda where that kid had to eat the entire chocolate cake in front of everyone? I swear, the cake was that big, but WOW was it good. It came with raspberry sauce and a blob of ice cream, and sadly, extra spoons for the vultures around the table. If you are ever in Vancouver, look up Bridges. Head to Duranleau street and check out the scene… you won’t be disappointed.

One of the great opportunities Sports Radio Service provides me is the chance to meet new people and go new places. Bridges Restaurant, Nicole and Damien, and Vancouver, British Columbia will forever be one of the first things that come to my mind when I think of this trip. Not the fact the SJ Earthquakes lost, not the traffic or rain, but the friendship we created with people who extended the hospitality to us and joined in on something we care about deeply. That’s one of the special things sports can offer you; the chance to go somewhere you’ve never been and bond and relate with people you’ve never met.

So thank you Nicole, thank you Damien, and thank you Bridges Restaurant. Like our former Governor once said, We’ll be back.

Visit Bridges Restaurant

SF Bulls Pick Up A Pair of Power Forwards in Perdicaro and Paquette

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SAN FRANCISCO –

By Kahlil Najar

The San Francisco Bulls announced today they have agreed to terms with center Anthony Perdicaro and right wing Danick Paquette.

Perdicaro comes from the Quad City Mallards of the CHL where he tallied 43 points in 44 games. He’s a big guy standing 6-foot, 2-inches tall and weighing in at 190-pounds. “I’m excited to get out there and play for Pat and the Bulls fans,” said Perdicaro. “After talking to Pat this summer, the Bulls seemed like the right fit. I’m ready to go and win some games. I’ve never played in a big city, mostly small towns. But coming from New York and Florida, it won’t be too big of an adjustment.”

Paquette, 23, was a third-round draft pick, 64th overall, of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008. last season he split the season between the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and the ECHL-champion Reading Royals. The 6-foot, 210-pound Montreal, Quebec native has played in six AHL games between the Chicago Wolves and Hershey. Paquette had 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) and 466 penalty minutes in 131 career ECHL games with the Gwinnett Gladiators, South Carolina Stingrays, Utah Grizzlies, Chicago Express and Reading.

“Anthony brings skill and a physical style to our lineup,” said SF Bulls President and Head Coach Pat Curcio. “Last year he was a top player in the CHL and we are confident he’ll be a top player in the ECHL. We are excited to have Danick, who has the potential to get to the next level and the NHL. He’s a skillful power forward, who will fit well on our team this season.”

SaberCats fail to upset Rattlers, eliminated from playoffs

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August 4, 2013
US Airways Center
By Emily Zahner and Kahlil Najar

PHOENIX, AZ—The San Jose SaberCats were eliminated from the Arena Football League playoffs Sunday night, as they were defeated by the defending champion Arizona Rattlers 59-49. San Jose’s QB Russ Michna completed 20 of 36 passes for 238 yards and five total touchdowns (one rushing), but mistakes cost the Cats and Michna’s impressive play was not enough to move on to the second round.

Coming in to tonight’s game, every favored team had advanced to the next round, creating an opportunity for the SaberCats to become the first upset of the playoffs. Last season, the Arizona Rattlers dealt the SaberCats a heart breaking defeat, but on the backs on QB Russ Michna and wide receivers Jason Willis and James Roe, the Cats clawed their way back into the post season to find some revenge. With the top two scoring teams in the league, this first round game was expected to be high scoring and intense. With the odds against them, the Cats would turn the ball to Michna, who began this game with a successful 4-0 record against Arizona.

In the first possession, the Cats struggled and prevented from building the momentum they were looking to carry into this game. San Jose was unable to make any forward progress, and on the turnover, the Rattlers took no time to get the first score, going up 7-0 just seconds into the game. It didn’t take the Cats long to get on the board, as the next possession they were able to convert for a score. At the end of the first, the game was tied 14-14, but it took less than two minutes into the second for the Rattlers to score again. After questionable officiating and physical play, the first half came to a close with the Rattlers leading 28-21.

A potential turning point of the game for the Cats occurred in the third quarter when Arizona’s kicker Garret Lindholm missed the opportunity for a field goal and defensive back Clevan Thomas returned the miss 49-yards for a San Jose touchdown. This turned the momentum to the Cats, and one score later, they had brought the score to 35-35. Arizona’s QB Nick Davila faltered, and threw an interception to Huey Whitaker who returned the pick-6, giving San Jose their first lead 42-35. Arizona kept pressing, and at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the score was tied 42-42.

In the fourth, the Cats turned the ball over at the one yard line that the Rattlers managed to return to regain the lead, and it was all Rattlers from there. Russ Michna had to take matters into this own hands, running for the touchdown with 3:27 left in the game, shortening the deficit to 56-49, but it wouldn’t be enough. More mistake by the defense cost San Jose, and Arizona punched their ticket to the next round with a final score of 59-49. The San Jose SaberCats end their thrilling season 13-6.