Sir Winston wins the Belmont Stakes

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Photo credit: @BelmontStakes

By: Ana Kieu

The 151st running of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets was a Grade 1, $1.5 million race at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday. Sir Winston won the Belmont Stakes, but the victory en route to the Triple Crown was crazy. Sir Winston held off the favored Tacitus by a length.

The win gave trainer Mark Casse the final two jewels in the showcase for three-year-old thoroughbreds. He won the Preakness with War of Will, who was expected to battle Tacitus in the 1 1/2 mile Belmont.

Instead, Casse’s other’s colt took the lead after a ground-saving ride by Joel Rosario.

However, it wasn’t really a shock to Casse.

“I said all week he was doing really well,” Casse told ESPN. “He had a race over the track. What can I say? It’s just exciting.”

Sir Winston, who made his Triple Crown debut, finished second in the Peter Pan Stakes, the traditional prep for the Belmont.

Rosario rode him for the first time in that race, and the two put on a show Saturday in front of a crowd of 56,217, earning $800,000 for owner Tracy Farmer.

Long-shot Joevia finished third and Tax was fourth.

The Triple Crown grind caught up to Preakness winner War of Will, who ran in all three races. He finished ninth in the 10-horse field.

“I could see where War of Will was struggling a little bit,” Casse told ESPN. “He looked like maybe he was a little flat today.”

The Belmont capped an entertaining Triple Crown highlighted by the disqualification of Maximum Security in the Kentucky Derby. It sparked interest in thoroughbred racing despite no possibility of the third Triple Crown winner in five years, coming on the heels of Justify in 2018 and American Pharoah in 2015.

Last but not least, the Belmont was a positive event with no tragedies on the track, and most importantly, no horse deaths.

Earthquakes and FC Dallas settle for 2-2 draw on Pride Day

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: London Marq

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes returned to Avaya Stadium after two road matches. After a rocky start, he Quakes have officially turned their season around and found a sense of consistency. Sitting in the middle of the Western Conference table entering play on Saturday afternoon, they would host FC Dallas on Pride Day presented by Wells Fargo.

The beginning of the match was not easy on the eyes for San Jose after a huge mistake from their goalie Daniel Vega. Vega should have received a routine pass from Florian Jungwirth. Instead he let the ball pass through his legs and over the goal line into the net. The own goal was assessed to Vega in the 27th minute.

After a demoralizing first half, Chris Wondolowski came back onto the pitch with a vengeance, scoring almost immediately after play resumed, bring the score even, 1-1. Magnus Eriksson would follow Wondo’s example, scoring just eight minutes later. Eriksson was particularly effective in this match, as he also assisted Wondolwski’s goal. Eriksson’s goal gave the San Jose the lead for the first time, despite scoring all three goals of the match.

Despite Vega’s early blunder, San Jose looked to be the better team and on their way to three points. That all changed when Francis Atuahene subbed in for FC Dallas in the 64th minute. Playing on his birthday, he scored a goal 48 seconds after stepping on the pitch. Tying the game at 2-2, and the score would hold for the remainder of the match.

San Jose will feel that this match slipped away and all eyes will be on Vega, who has made mistakes earlier in the season as well. This was a golden opportunity for San Jose as Dallas was missing key players who are out with International Duty.  A bright spot for Dallas is that they we able to pick up a point despite being short-handed. Conversely, the silver lining for San Jose is that they know that if they can limit their mistakes, they can play well enough to get three points against playoff level opponents. 

Final: San Jose vs. Dallas, 2-2 draw. 

Up Next: San Jose play the Sacramento Republic in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 11th at 7:30 pm.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Matt Harrington: Bruins get that ‘backed in the corner feeling’ entering Game 6 in St. Louis

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photo from masslive.com: Boston Bruins’ Brandon Carlo, left, and St. Louis Blues’ Tyler Bozak jockey for position during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final, Thursday, June 6, 2019, in Boston.

On the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Matt:

#1 The St. Louis Blues who are the front runners in the series now evened the series twice in Games 2 and 4. They are certainly aware of the surroundings on the ice and on the series scoreboard too.

#2 Taking a look at some of the key players in the series thus far starting with the Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand in the postseason with eight goals, 13 assists, and 21 points, David Pastrnak with eight goals, nine assists, and 17 points, just two of the many talented players on the B’s who are now trying to solve the Blues at this time.

#3 Matt talks about St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington. While he had a rough Game 3 in which the Bruins beat up on the Blues 7-2, Binnington had two great back-to-back games in Games 4 and 5.

#4 The Bruins are just one game down 3-2 in the series. Do the Bruins feel they’ve got their backs to the wall in an elimination game in St. Louis in Game 6 on Sunday night?

#5 The Blues won two one-goal games in this series. That tells you also a little about their defensive prowess.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Lawrence Fan promoted to Associate Athletics Director at SJSU

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Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Longtime San Jose State University Athletics Media Relations Director Lawrence Fan has been promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Football Communications and Special Projects, per Director of Athletics Marie Tuite.

“During my time at San Jose State, Lawrence has become an integral part of my team and is the person I turn to often for guidance and advice. I look forward to working with him, not only during the football season, but working directly with him on special projects and initiatives that will move our athletics program forward,” said Tuite. “In addition, he will continue his day-to-day interaction with our student-athletes who admire and value their relationship with him.”

In his new role, Fan will coordinate and oversee all San Jose State football media relations, including interacting with all local, regional and national media members who cover Spartan football. He will also work on special projects for the department and serve as historian for all relevant projects.

“Thank you to Marie Tuite for the opportunity to venture into new frontiers for San Jose State University Athletics,” said Fan. “In the big picture, what is best for San Jose State University, its athletics department, and those with any connection to the program? Information is collected, shared and archived in a much more dynamic, social and digital way today. The San Jose State’s athletics media relations area is growing. This move is a positive and the right step for all that follow, support, and are interested in the program.”

Fan has been an integral part of the Spartan Athletics Department since the Fall of 1980. He has served the Bay Area media in many capacities, including arranging interviews for all Spartan athletes as well as the spokesman for San Jose State Athletics. He has been the primary contact for football and men’s basketball as well as many of the other Spartan sports during his tenure. He coordinated the Heisman Trophy campaign for former Spartan quarterback Mike Perez during the 1987 season. He also coordinated all publicity for the three women’s golf NCAA Championships (1987, 1989, 1992). He handled all the publicity for the 1996 men’s basketball team that won the Big West Tournament and played top-seeded Kentucky in the first round of the 1996 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Respected and revered around the country, Fan has received a long list of awards from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). He received the 2017 President’s Award at the annual convention. In 2012, he was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame. That same year, he received the prestigious Arch Ward Award that goes to a CoSIDA member who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of college sports information, and who by his or her activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession. In 2013, he was honored with the Trailblazer Award, presented annually to an individual who is a pioneer in the profession and who has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity within CoSIDA.

Fan is a founder of the Job Seekers Committee for CoSIDA and served as the chair from 1994-2017. With the assistance of a diverse group of committee members, he organized and managed job fair activities at the annual convention. He started and managed what’s now the CoSIDA Career Center email blast about job vacancies and movement within the profession.

In his 39th year at San Jose State, Fan has served the Bay Area media in many capacities and is the spokesman for the Athletics Department. He currently handles the publicity efforts for the Spartan football, men’s golf, track and field, women’s water polo and women’s tennis teams. Fan, know for his “Fan Cake,” has also been the men’s basketball and women’s golf team contacts during his tenure, traveling to national tournaments and championships with the teams.

Two-run sixth inning does it for the Giants

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Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO-What a difference one week and a day off did for Drew Pomeranz and the San Francisco Giants.

Kevin Pillar singled with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning to score Brandon Belt, who walked to lead off the inning and the Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 before a crowd of 35,157 at Oracle Park.

Stuck that big 14 sized shoe in there, said Belt.

Pomeranz, who did not make it out of the 2nd inning in his last start, went five innings, allowing just three hits, walking one and striking out seven.

The seven strikeouts by Pomeranz tied a season-high that was first accomplished against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 18.

Pomeranz escaped a first inning jam that could have been tragic, but he settled down after loading the bases and got David Freese and Corey Seager to strikeout to end the inning.

Just made my pitches, said Pomeranz.

During the Belt at-bat, he fouled a ball off down the left field line that saw Chris Taylor fall over the bullpen mound. Belt regrouped in the at-bat to pick up the key baserunner that helped the Giants get on the board and eventually win the ballgame.

We got a break there when Taylor fell over the mound, said Bochy.

Following the Pillar single, Brandon Crawford grounded into a fielders choice that saw Longoria beat the throw from Max Muncy.

Not only did Belt come up big at the plate with that key walk, but he also dropped a bunt with the Dodgers in the shift and also came up big on the defensive side of things.

With Muncy on first base after a leadoff walk against Reyes Moronta, Justin Turner lined out to Belt, and with Muncy running on the play, Belt just stepped on first base for the double play.

Things were looking great for the Giants until Chris Taylor uncorked a solo home run over the center field wall to cut the Giants lead in half in the top of the eighth inning.

After the Taylor home run, Tony Watson, who gave up the home run to Taylor, then gave up a single to Muncy; however, Watson was able to regroup, as he got Turner to lineout to Crawford at shortstop and then Cody Bellinger flew out to Steven Duggar to end the inning and the threat.

Clayton Kershaw, who went seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking one and striking out four, as he saw his record fall to 5-1 on the season. This was Kershaws first loss since July 21, 2018 against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

Will Smith came on to close out the game for the Giants, as he is now 14-for-14 in save opportunities this season.

Since moving to San Francisco in 1958, Smith is third all-time in save opportunities to start a season. Smith trails Rod Beck, who converted 28 in a row to start the 1994 season and Craig Lefferts picked up 15 straight in the 1989 National League Championship season for the Giants.

NOTES: This was the Giants’ 14th win of the season in one-run games, and they have the best winning percentage in baseball (14-5), a winning percentage in one-run games.

Kershaw last lost at Oracle Park on October 1, 2016, and it was just his second loss in San Francisco in his last 10 decisions.

Bellinger saw his career-high 12-game hitting streak come to an end, as he went 0-for-3 on the night.

UP NEXT: Jeff Samardzija heads to the mound on Saturday afternoon for the Giants, while Rich Hill will take the mound for the Dodgers.

Warriors fall to the Raptors 105-92, now on the brink of elimination

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Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors were hoping to even the series against the Toronto Raptors Friday night at Oracle Arena. The Warriors had two things going for them. Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney, who were both injured in Game 2 of the series, were cleared to play. The second factor was the crowd at Oracle. The fans were behind the team for the entire game, and the noise level was unbelievable.

The Raptors’ game plan was to double team Curry every time he touched the ball and not let him make three-point shots. The Warriors needed Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins, and Andre Iguodala to help out putting points on the board. The Warriors knew that if they were going to win, they would have to shut down the Toronto offense.

The Warriors won the first half 46-42. It was a defensive struggle for the entire 24 minutes of action. Both teams didn’t shoot well at the start of the game. The Warriors defense was terrific. Toronto’s three-point shooter, Danny Green, was held to zero points for the first 24 minutes. They held Pascal Siakam to six. Kawhi Leonard scored 14 to keep Toronto close. Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 14 points. The Raptors held Curry to just 8. Kevon Looney was terrific. Everyone thought he was out for the rest of the series. He implored the doctors to check him, and they cleared him to play. Kevon responded with 8 big points. Toronto knew if they could stay within 5 points of the lead at halftime, they had a chance to win.

The Raptors took it to the Warriors in the third quarter. They made five threes, and Leonard knocked 17 points to propel Toronto to a 79-67 advantage at the end of three quarters.

The Warriors knew that it would be difficult to overcome a twelve -point lead in the final 12 minutes of play. They tried, but Toronto answered every Warrior bucket with a bucket of their own. They continued to pressure Curry, and as much as he wished, he could not bring the Warriors back. The Warriors fell to Toronto 105-92 and now trail the series 3-1. The next game will be played in Toronto Monday night.

Game Notes: The Raptors won the game on the strength of their third-period outburst. They connected on eight three in the second half. The Warriors made six. The Raptors had 24 shots from the free throw line and made 23. The Warriors made 14 in 21 tries. On defense, the Raptors had 12 steals and four blocked shots. The Warriors did a poor job of handling the ball. They turned the ball over 17 times. The Raptors committed nine.

Klay led the Warriors with 28. Steph had 27. Draymond Green and Kevon Looney were the only other Warriors in double figures. They each scored 10. Cousins had six, and Iguodala had three. The Warrior bench, other than Looney, added eight.

Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard led his team with 36 points and 12 rebounds. Leonard knocked down five threes. Serge Ibaka had 20, and Pascal Siakam added 19. Kyle Lowry scored 10, and Fred VanVleet had eight. VanVleet, who hounded Curry all night long, left the game with a cut under his right eye. He went to the locker room, and the wound was closed with seven stitches.

The Warriors’ Kevin Durant was not cleared to play again. The doctors would not let him practice, and it is becoming apparent that Durant may not play at all in the series.

If the Warriors lose Monday night, they will no longer play another game at Oracle Arena. The team moves to the Chase Center in San Francisco for the 2019-2020 season.

The last team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and to win on the home team’s court was the Cleveland Cavaliers. They did it to win the 2016 NBA Championship over the Warriors.

Semien Spectacular, A’s Edge Rangers 5-3

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Photo credit: sfchronicle.com

By Matthew Harrington

The Oakland A’s found themselves a game over .500 once again after beating the Texas Rangers 5-3 in Arlington Friday night. Marcus Semien went 4 for 5 with two homeruns, including the game-winning two-run shot in the ninth and Blake Treinen wriggled out of a bases loaded one-out rally in the ninth to preserve the win for Yusmeiro Petit. Petit (1-1) also escaped a bases loaded jam in the seventh.

The A’s were trailing 3-2 entering the seventh inning, but Semien stepped up with one out and runners on first and third, singling home Mark Canha off Shelby Miller to tie the game. He knocked in his third and fourth runs of the game, launching a Jose Leclerc (1-2) offering over the wall in right for a two-run blast in the top of the 9th and a 5-3 A’s lead.

Treinen entered the bottom of the inning looking to nail down the game. He got a fly out of Rougned Odor but pinch-hitter Ronald Guzman singled and Delino DeShields and Logan Forsythe walked to load the bases. Treinen coaxed a 5-4-3 double play out of Elvis Andrus to end the game and notch his 13th save.

Oakland led 2-0 by the fifth inning after a Matt Olson RBI single and Marcus Semien’s first homer of the game, his eighth of the season, both of Texas starter Lance Lynn. A’s starter Brett Anderson was cruising through five, giving up no runs, but the 6th inning proved his downfall. Elvis Andrus hit an RBI triple, Nomar Mazara grounded out but plated a run and Hunter Pence blasted his 13th longball of the season to give the Rangers a 3-2 edge late in the game, a lead Semien would single-handedly erase.

The A’s and Rangers, separated by one game in the standings, will play two Saturday. Paul Blackburn draws the game one assignment for the Green and Gold, while Chris Bassitt gets game two. Joe Palumbo and Adrian Sampson get the ball for Texas.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Joe Lami: Blues shock hockey world, now take series lead

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Photo credit: @ESPNStatsInfo

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Joe Lami:

#1 Is it any surprise that the St. Louis Blues are up by one game leading the Finals 3-2?

#2 The Blues got scoring help from Ryan O’Reilly and Dave Perron. That was all the help they needed in the 2-1 win.

#3 Talk about how big O’Reilly and Perron’s performance was for the Blues.

#4 In goal, the Blues’ Jordan Binnington stopped 38 of 39 Bruins shots and allowed a goal.

#5 Bruins and Blues bring it back to St. Louis this Sunday. Will the Bruins turn it around as the Blues are on the brink?

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Joe Lami can be heard each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Down goes Frazier, but more like downtown with two homers

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Photo credit: @NYDNSports

On the Giants podcast with Miguel:

#1 For the second game in a row the New York Mets came up winners with a 7-3 on Thursday and won the previous game 7-1 on Wednesday. For a 4-5 road trip.

#2 Todd Frazier put new meaning to the famous term “down goes Frazier” but it’s more like going downtown with two home runs.

#3 The Giants in those two games got lit up including on Wednesday when Tyler Beede pitched five innings for five runs, five earned, four walks, and five strikeouts. Was Tyler off balance or was he grooving the ball?

#4 On Thursday Mark Melancon got lit up in one inning of relief five hits and four runs. Is this a matter of his breaking ball won’t break, they’re seeing his fastball or he just isn’t a mystery?

#5 It’s the Dodgers and the Giants at Oracle Park for the first of three on Friday night. The Dodgers start Clayton Kershaw (5-0, 3.20 ERA), and for the Giants, Drew Pomeranz (1-6, 8.08 ERA), a 6:45 pm start.

Michael Duca does the Giants podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: The black and blue remain in the Bay Area this month

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. After coming off a two-game road trip, San Jose’s now ranked 11th in the MLS Power Rankings following Week 14.

2. The Quakes’ U-12 Boys Academy capped off their season with results against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Crossfire Premier.

3. Nick Lima and Jackson Yueill were called up to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) camp.

4. Jackson Yueill embraced the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) experience.

5. The Quakes received backlash for deciding to celebrate Pride Month this Saturday at Avaya Stadium against FC Dallas.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week for Sports Radio Service