Headline Sports podcast Bruce MacGowan: Giants comeback Sunday to sweep A’s; Can 49ers Purdy live up to salary expectations?; Warriors to regroup after post season elimination

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San Francisco Giants Heliot Ramos slugs a go ahead RBI single against the Sacramento A’s in the bottom of the eighth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun May 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Bruce MacGowan:

#1 San Francisco Giants came back down 2-1 with their 13th comeback of the season to sweep and defeat the Sacramento A’s 3-2 on Sunday. The Giants are now tied for the most comeback wins in MLB.

#2 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who signed a $265 million five year contract becomes the eighth highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Question is will Purdy get the protection from his offensive line or will he be running for his life. Also the 49ers have been scheduled for five prime time games despite struggling and losing their last four games in a row in 2024.

#3 Golden State Warriors will regroup after their rough post season losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves and losing their start player Stephen Curry due to a hamstring injury. The Warriors are still trying to decide Jonathan Kuminga’s role for next season and will he be back?

Bruce MacGowan is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico: Journalism was the favorite going into Preakness

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Jockey Umberto Rispoli rides Journalism is all fired up as he edges out Jockey Luis Saez riding Gosger in the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

After taking second place in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism charged to the finish line and won the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday evening.

Journalism came down the stretch from behind for a thrilling finish over eight other horses in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The three-year-old colt passed Gosger, who finished as the runner-up a half-length behind. Journalism entered with 8-5 odds and won the $2 million race in 1:55:37, while Sandman took third.

It was jockey Umberto Rispoli’s first victory in a Triple Crown race and he became the first from Italy to achieve the feat.

“I couldn’t sleep for four nights after the Derby. But today, I had faith in my horse. I waited 20 years for a moment like this, and it was worth every second,’ said Rispoli. “I wish everybody over there (in Italy) are proud of me.”

Rispoli fully credited Journalism for the victory.

“I still can’t realize what this horse did,” he said. “It’s all about him. It’s a pleasure and privilege to ride a horse like him.”

Journalism delivered the second Preakness win for his trainer, Michael McCarthy, who last won with Rombauer in 2021.

“A lot of bouncing around there. When I saw that, I kind of resigned myself to the fact it was another fantastic effort and maybe come up a little bit short,” said McCarthy. “But it just goes to show the testament that this horse has. Couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Journalism’s co-owner, Aron Wellman, called the horse, Rispoli and McCarthy all champions.

Though Journalism came up short in the Derby, he was still the favorite for the Preakness.

The Derby winner, Sovereignty, did not run in the Preakness after his trainer withdrew him due to the two-week turnaround between the races. It marked the fifth time in seven years that there was no chance for a true Triple Crown winner.

However, there will be a possible rematch between Journalism and Sovereignty in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, which will take place on June 7 at Saratoga Race Course.

Preakness Stakes 2025 finishing order:

1. Journalism (EVEN) – 1:55.47

2. Gosger (15-1) – ½ lengths behind

3. Sandman (6-1) – 2¾

4. Goal Oriented (8-1) – 6¾

5. Heart of Honor (20-1) – 8¾

6. River Thames (9-1) – 11½

7. Pay Billy (11-1) – 16½

8. American Promise (9-1) – 18¼

Preakness Pimlico Race Course A Big Come Back For Journalism

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Umberto Rispoli jockeys Journalism (2) to victory at the 150th Preakness Stakes Baltimore (AP News photo)

By Michael Villanueva

On May 17, 2025, at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Journalism won the 150th Preakness Stakes in an exciting demonstration of willpower and planning. Journalism, ridden by Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy, overcame early obstacles to secure the victory in the closing stages, completing the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:55.37.

Journalism started the race in the middle of the pack, where he was bumped and pushed by rivals. However, Journalism stormed ahead and defeated longshot Gosger by half a length as Rispoli maneuvered a tiny gap down the barrier. Sandman completed the top three finishers with third place.

This win was an unforgettable turning point for the jockey and the horse. Rispoli became the first jockey born in Italy to win a Triple Crown race, and it was his first victory overall. In addition to his remarkable career achievements, trainer Michael McCarthy celebrated winning his second Preakness title.

Since Sovereignty, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, chose not to enter the Preakness, there was no chance of a Triple Crown winner this year. Journalism, who had placed second in the Derby, took advantage of the situation and became just the fourth Derby runner-up to win the Preakness since 1961.

Given it being the last race carried out at the legendary Pimlico Race Course before the course’s scheduled $400 million renovation, the 2025 Preakness Stakes also had historical significance. The venue’s rich history in horse racing was honored with heartfelt farewells from pros and fans. It is believed that the newly renovated Pimlico Race Course will be finished by 2027, and the Preakness Stakes and other well-known races will return at the restored course.”

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman: Verlander gets the call still looking for that first win

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San Francisco starter Justin Verlander pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tue May 6, 2025. Will face the Sacramento A’s on Sun May 18, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 San Francisco Giants had the bases loaded with Wilmer Flores at the plate and Sacramento A’s pitcher Mason Miller trying to close the door in relief with two out in the bottom of the tenth. Miller wound up walking Flores to force base runner Willy Adames in from third base for the game’s only run for a 1-0 win.

#2 Miller who is the A’s ace closer intentionally walked Mike Yastrzemski to get to Flores and the A’s had their backs to the wall with Flores coming up who had hit three home runs on Friday. Some questioned after the game why give Yastrzemski four wide ones to get to Flores?

#3 A’s starter Luis Severino pitched well enough to win the ball game going six innings allowing six hits and no runs scored. Severino looked like he could pitch into the ninth he was doing so well until relieved.

#4 San Francisco starter Landen Roupp pitched six innings, gave up five hits and no runs and also could have lasted two more innings.

#5 The A’s and Giants return for game three of the series Sunday the Giants could get the sweep if they can finish off the A’s. If so that would be the A’s fifth straight loss. The A’s will be starting LHP Jeffery Springs (5-3 ERA 4.27) for the Giants RHP Justin Verlander (0-3 ERA 4.31) who continues to look for his first win of the season.

Join Stephen Ruderman for the Giant podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast The Show Charlie O Sun May 18, 2025: It’s raining boos and cat calls for Mets Soto in return to Bronx; O’s fire manager Hyde after falling 15-28; plus more news

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New York Mets Juan Soto is greeted with boos and tips his hat to the New York Yankees fans upon his return to Yankee Stadium in New York on Fri May 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB podcast The Show Charlie O Sun May 18, 2025:

#1 New York Mets Juan Soto made his return to his old place of work Yankee Stadium this time as a member of the New York Mets. He was welcomed with loud boos, cat calls, and chants. Yankees fans have not got over his decision to leave and join the Mets. Soto said the fans still hurt a little over his departure.

#2 Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 beginning to the 2025 season have fired Hyde. The O’s are in last place in the AL East and they have appointed third base coach Tony Mansolino as their interim manager. Mansolino has been on the coaching staff for the O’s since 2021.

#3 Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr allowed two unearned runs in four innings against the Texas Rangers on Friday. Last week on Sat May 11th McCullers gave up seven runs and was only able to get one out against the Houston Astros in the Astros loss 13-9 loss. McCullers received death threats that were directed at his children over the lost game. The Astros said the Houston Police and Major League Baseball security are aware of the threats.

 #4 Charlie have to ask you about the Friday night that the San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores had hitting three home runs which included a grand slam home run and eight RBIs which were both career high plateaus. Flores is the player that the Giants can rely on in the line up right now.

#5 The Sacramento A’s pitching have been getting lit up in their last few series. In their last homestand they host the New York Yankees and got ripped in a couple games 10-2 and 12-2 and then at Dodger Stadium they got piled on losing two tough games 11-1 and 12-2. The A’s lost in San Francisco 9-1 on Friday night.

Join Charlie O for the MLB podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sun May 18, 2025: Report-A’s have already started drilling in Tropicana foundation

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Large caisson drills can be seen lining the former Tropicana/future A’s stadium site in this still from an aerial video taken on May 10. (Image: Chris Holmes X/@seventensuited)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Reports in Las Vegas have said the Athletics have already started drilling as of this month in the foundation at the Tropicana site. The initial grading and preparation are now being formed with concrete being poured and steel caissons inserted to start the building of the park on the Tropicana’s nine acre corner which sits on 35 acres of land. There has been no ribbon cutting or ground breaking ceremony whatsoever since construction has started.

#2 On the stadium design one of the options is the roof will be retractable or a permanent roof with windows around and above the field so the sunlight will come through. The park will be temperature controlled.

#3 If the A’s decide to go retractable it’s unlikely that they will not open their roof for the months of June through mid September. It stays hot in Vegas like it does in Sacramento in the summer months. So the roof will stay shut.

#4 The questions of the aesthetics of the park on the outside is something that fans and media have question looking like the Sydney Opera House or an armadillo. Critics simply say the park doesn’t look anything like a Major League stadium.

#5 Reports say that A’s president Mark Badain said that the team is on track for the team’s target date to complete the project by opening day 2028. Further the A’s have secured the $1.75 billion for the construction costs for their share. The State of Nevada will soon come up with the SB1 bill public funding towards the stadium worth $380 million the A’s reportedly will not be taking that full amount towards the stadium costs.

#6 A’s owner John Fisher reportedly is still looking for investors to come up with $500 million to soften the $1.75 billion hit and reduce his share to $1.1 billion towards the construction costs.

Daniel Dullum does the Sacramento A’s relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Severino Shines Again on the Road, but A’s Fall to Giants in Extra-Inning Walk-Off

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Luis Urias on Saturday in the game against the Giants at Oracle Park. (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SAN FRANCISCO — Luis Severino and Landen Roupp engaged in an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel on Saturday night at Oracle Park. Neither starter gave up a run, as the Giants defeated the A’s in walk-off fashion, 1-0.

The game remained scoreless heading into the bottom of the 10th inning after the A’s failed to score in the top half. Mason Miller came in to face the Giants with Willy Adames as the designated runner at second base. LaMonte Wade then walked, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Patrick Bailey that moved the runners to second and third with one out. A’s manager Mark Kotsay elected to walk Mike Yastrzemski to load the bases and have Miller face Wilmer Flores. Flores then drew a walk after a tough at-bat, and the Giants won the game 1-0.

After the game, Kotsay defended the decision, saying, “Lefties have done a better job of taking good at-bats against Mason. I had full confidence with him against Flores there. Flores took a good at-bat and fouled a couple pitches off, and obviously, the walk is big.”

Kotsay continued, reflecting on where he felt the A’s came up short.

“We had chances with runners in scoring position early in this game—I think we were 1-for-10 or worse. That’s where the game was lost. Offensively, we didn’t execute and didn’t get the job done.”

Landen Roupp (6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K) and Luis Severino posted nearly identical lines, as both were dealing. Severino went six innings, allowing no runs on four hits while walking one and striking out five.

“I thought Sevy did a great job,” Kotsay said. “This is the start we needed out of him, like we talked pregame.”

It was another fantastic road performance from Severino, who continues to display extreme home/road splits. At home this season, Severino is one of the worst starters in baseball, sporting a 6.75 ERA across six starts, with a 1.50 WHIP and .271 opponent batting average. On the road, however, he’s been dominant. In four road starts, Severino has a 0.72 ERA, a .200 opponent batting average, and a 0.96 WHIP. The contrast is striking.

“I just have to figure out a way to pitch good at home,” Severino said Saturday. “I feel like if I only pitched on the road I would be freaking Cy Young. I need to get better at home. I need to figure out something.”

The A’s offense managed no runs to support Severino’s strong outing on Saturday night in San Francisco.

With the loss, the A’s fall to 22-24 (8-13 at home), while the Giants improve to 27-19 (15-7 at home).

On Sunday, the A’s will try to avoid the sweep, sending Jeffrey Springs (5-3, 4.27 ERA) to the hill. He’ll be opposed by Giants starter Justin Verlander (0-3, 4.31 ERA). First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m. PST at Oracle Park.

NBA Playoffs Western Conference semifinals podcast Michael Roberson: It’s do or die for Nuggets or Thunder Sunday in OKC

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) drives on the Oklahoma City Thunder guards Alex Caruso (9) and Lugentz Dort (5) during game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at the Ball Center in Denver on Thu May 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Playoffs Western Conference semifinals podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray who had an undisclosed illness said there was nothing that was going to have him sit this game 6 out. Murray ended up scoring 25 points as the Nuggets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 on Thursday night.

 #2 Murray had been sick the previous 24 hours but who’d thunk when Murray had a four point play and shot a three pointer to get the fourth quarter started. It was a quarter that the Nuggets wound up edging the Thunder by five points 29-25.

#3 The Nuggets Nikola Jokic led with 29 point and 14 rebound and eight assists. Christian Braun scored 23 points which is a career best in a playoff game. Julian Strawther helped the Nuggets getting a playoff career high 15 points in the second half of the game.

#4 The Nuggets and Thunder conclude this seven game series Sunday in Oklahoma City on Sunday afternoon. It’s been a back and forth series with the Thunder winning games four and five and the Nuggets avoiding elimination in game six. How do you see this match up.

Join Michael Roberson for the NBA Playoffs podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: How will A’s stop opponents from taking batting practice off pitching

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Sacramento A’s starter JP Series lasted four innings giving up six hits and four earned runs against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Fri May 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 San Francisco Giants Wilmer Flores connected for three home runs which included just one grand slam and had eight RBIs.

#2 San Francisco pitcher Logan Webb pitched eight innings, giving up five hits and one run. The A’s didn’t give Webb any trouble on Friday night.

#3 The A’s pitching from Friday night allowed nine runs, starter JP Sears went four innings allowing six hits, four earned runs, reliever Michel Ortanez one third of an inning two hits three runs. A’s pitching are struggling to keep runs off the board.

#4 Ever since the A’s last homestand they have cooled off tremendously and have got beat by landslide laughers. Against the New York Yankees last week they got beat by scores of 10-2 and 12-2. In their next series against the Los Angeles Dodgers they got swept by scores of 9-3, and 19-2.

#5 Starting pitchers for Saturday night’s contest for the Sacramento A’s Luis Severino (1-4 ERA 4.70) he’ll be matched up against the San Francisco Giants RHP Landen Roupp (2-3 ERA 4.95) first pitch at 6:05pm PDT.

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa Sat May 17, 2025: Game 7 goes back to Toronto Sunday, series tie 3-3

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Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) loses his helmet in front of the net in game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Amerant Arena in Sunrise on Fri May 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 There was a scoring drought for more than a year against the Florida Panthers Sergei Bobrovsky the Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews. Matthews got his first goal to break a scoreless deadlock and the goal saved the Leafs season.

#2 The Leafs also got some good defense between the pipes from Joseph Woll who stopped 22 shots.

#3 Woll also gets credit for the shutout with a 2-0 win in game 6. It’s practically the only way your going to have to stop the Florida Panthers if your going to win games.

#4 The Leafs Max Pacioretty scored an extra insurance goal for the Leafs. Since the beginning of the 2023 playoffs the Leafs are 4-2 in elimination games.

#5 Sunday is the big day in Toronto as the series is tied 3-3. The Leafs who took a 2-0 lead to start the series but lost three in a row to make it 3-2 and Friday’s win tied the series for the Leafs now it’s game 7 the elimination game. How do you see this one the Leafs have home ice or the Panthers still have momentum after winning three in row.

Mary Lisa talks NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com