That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves Strider returns after 1 years absence pitches perfect 2 plus innings; Twins Lewis out with hamstring injury; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (00) pitches to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Field in Cobb County GA on Apr 5, 2024. Strider hasn’t pitched in a year since and pitched over two innings of perfect ball against the Boston Red Sox in spring training on Mon Mar 17, 2025 (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1  Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider made his first appearance in a year to throw 2 2/3 innings of perfect ball against the Boston Red Sox. Strider struck out six of the eight batters he faced. Strider was pleased to return to the mound after being out,  “It was like a little reward sprinkled on the pathway, a good test for the work you’ve been doing.” Strider had Tommy John surgery last season.

#2  Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins will miss opening day due to a left hamstring strain injury the Twins announced on Monday. Lewis is the Twins third baseman and the Twins do not know when he will be back. Lewis will have to go on the IL and go through a recovery rehab period.

#3 Jace Jung was demoted from the Detroit Tigers to Triple A Toledo. Jung was trying to earn a spot on the roster at third base for opening day. The Tigers also optioned pitcher Sean Guenther to Toledo and the Tigers now have 39 players on the roster in the Grapefruit League camp in Lakeland Florida. Jung was under consideration to take free agent who went to the Boston Red Sox Alex Bregman’s spot on the roster. Jung was 4 for 33 with a .121 batting average with one home run and two doubles.

#4 There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Dodgers are loaded and are one of the most World Series ready teams in MLB. With an All Star cast, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Blake Snell just to name a few teams who face the Dodgers are going to have fits.

#5 Amaury, how important is it that the A’s have a grand opening success in Sacramento and a proper introduction to the Sacramento fans in the home opener on Mon Mar 31st at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento?

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.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings take on NBA’s best Cavaliers Wednesday night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) drives on the Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (left) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 17. 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis took a beating taking Memphis Grizzlies Luke Kennard’s head that hit him in the face resulting in a cut above his left eye and later returned only to roll his right ankle in the third quarter.

#2 The Kings however did the beating on the scoreboard with a 132-122 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and ending their four game losing streak at home at Golden 1 Center.

#3 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points, six rebounds with nine assists and Keegan Murray provided 16 point, ten rebounds in what contributed to the Kings win over the Grizzlies.

#4 Tony talk about interim head coach Doug Christie who won his 21st game since joining the Kings back in December?

#5 Next up for the Kings the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are the knock out punch of the Eastern Conference first place at 56-11. The Cavaliers have won nine of their last ten games and shockingly lost their last game to the Orlando Magic last Sunday 108-103. How do you see this match on Wednesday night at Golden 1?

Join Tony Renteria for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: 7 game win streak comes to an end shorthanded Nuggets defeat Warriors

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter (1) takes a jump shot against Golden State Warrior guard Moses Moody (4) and forward Jimmy Butler (10) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Mar 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Denver Nuggets Aaron Gordon scored a season high 38 points, teammate Russell Westbrook scored a critical 3 pointer and got a triple double that help lead the Nuggets to a 114-105 win over the Golden State Warriors 114-105 at the Chase Center on Monday night.

#2 Westbrook was key in this game scoring 12 points, 16 assists, and got 12 rebounds. You’ve seen the damage he could do when he was a Oklahoma City Thunder and he repeated that in the win over the Warriors on Monday.

#3 Jimmy Butler scored 23 points for the Warriors and grabbed eight rebounds and got six assists. But Butler couldn’t do it all as the Warriors couldn’t catch the Nuggets and ended their seven game win streak on their home floor at Chase Center.

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Bounce Back at Home with 132-122 Win Over Grizzlies, but Lose Sabonis to Injury

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Zach LaVine in the game on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings returned to action Monday night after a rough two-game road trip, where they suffered blowout losses to the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. Following the defeat in Phoenix, Doug Christie remarked, “That’s not us,” as the Kings struggled to find their rhythm. Back home, they had an opportunity to bounce back against a Memphis Grizzlies team playing without Ja Morant. The Kings capitalized, securing a 132-122 victory at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento got off to a strong start, with their offense firing on all cylinders. They outscored Memphis 37-26 in the first quarter, led by DeMar DeRozan’s eight points. Desmond Bane kept the Grizzlies in it with eight of his own. Christie had emphasized the importance of aggression after the loss to Phoenix, and the message clearly resonated.

The Kings maintained their intensity in the second quarter, remaining active in passing lanes and forcing turnovers that led to offensive opportunities. Both teams scored 28 points in the period, allowing Sacramento to hold onto its 11-point lead heading into halftime. Defensively, the Kings racked up nine steals and four blocks while forcing 12 Memphis turnovers. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk led Sacramento with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Bane paced Memphis with 14. The Kings shot 51% from the field in the half, compared to the Grizzlies’ 46%.

Coming out of halftime, Sacramento aimed to sustain its energy, but an early injury to Domantas Sabonis shifted the atmosphere. Just over a minute into the third quarter, Sabonis rolled his right ankle while driving to the basket and had to be helped off the court. The injury appeared significant, as he had only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Sabonis did not return, and his status remains uncertain. Despite the injury, the Kings edged Memphis 33-32 in the quarter and carried a 98-86 lead into the fourth. Bane continued to lead the Grizzlies with 34 points, while Monk led Sacramento with 20.

Memphis made a push in the final quarter, outscoring Sacramento 36-34, but the Kings held on to secure the much-needed win. Their 132-point performance marked their highest scoring game since February 24th against the Hornets. The victory improved their record to 34-33, keeping them in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies fell to 43-26, remaining locked into the fifth seed in the West.

Postgame, Christie praised his team’s effort, stating, “That’s us,” in contrast to his remarks following the Phoenix loss.

Sacramento’s defense was a key factor, with nine steals and four blocks helping to generate turnovers in the first half. When asked about the team’s aggressive approach, Christie responded, “A lot of it, to your point, is what we talk about and what we show them… It was pretty exciting for me, and I know it was for them too. I know our fans felt it as well.”

Monk, who had been struggling in recent games, delivered a standout performance with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting. When asked if he felt like he was back to form, he replied, “Nah, not yet. I need another two or three games, but holla at me after that.”

While the win was crucial, the Kings face a tough test ahead as they prepare to take on the top team in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday. They will be hoping for good news regarding Sabonis’ injury as they look to build on Monday’s performance.

Kings Key Performances:

Malik Monk led the Kings with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

Zach LaVine added 23 points on an efficient 7-for-11 from the field.

Jake LaRavia contributed 12 points and two steals, shooting 4-for-7.

Devin Carter recorded four steals in just under 11 minutes of action.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7 PM at Golden 1 Center.

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic Mon Mar 17, 2025: Cuda host Gulls for classroom matinee Wed at 10:30AM at SAP

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Tucson Roadrunners right wing Egor Sokolov (13) collides into the San Jose Barracuda forward Thomas Bordeleau (17) as Barracuda defenseman Lucas Carlsson (36) looks on at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson on Sun Mar 16, 2025 (Tucson Roadrunners flickr photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Tough loss for the San Jose Barracuda 6-5 to the Tucson Roadrunners in shootout at the Tucson Convention Center.

#2 Scoring in the first period the Roadrunners Hunter Drew scoring his 13th goal at 7:28 Yotes in the lead 1-0. The Barracuda would score two unanswered goals at 9:11 by Danil Gushchin (21) unassisted, at 10:27 by Lucas Carlsson (10), Cuda in the lead 2-1. The Roadrunners Ben McCartney (12) scored at 13:38, the Barracuda Andrew Poturalski (26) scored at 14:53 with the Barracuda in the lead 3-2 at the end of the first period.

#3 Potrualski (27) ended the first period with a goal and opened the second period with a goal at 4:38 it would be a crucial goal to keep the lead as the Roadrunners Curtis Douglas (7) scored at 5:50 and it was 4-3 Barracuda after the second period.

#4 In the third period at 0:56 Pavol Regenda (9) scored for the Barracuda, the Roadrunners Douglas (8) scored his second goal of the game cutting the Barracuda lead to 5-4. The Roadrunners Sammy Walker (7) would score at 18:10 to tie up 5-5 the game and force overtime and then a shootout. In the shootout the Raodrunners from Sammy Walker and Max Szuber to get them the 6-5 win.

#5 The Barracuda now in sixth place in the AHL Pacific Division at 29-21-4-4 will host the San Diego Gulls ninth place at 23-27-5-2. The puck drops on Wednesday morning at 10:30AM how do you see this match up?

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings hope to end 4 game skid tonight against Grizzlies

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Phoenix Suns Royce O’Neale (00) reaches up and commits a foul on the Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan (left) in the first half at Footprint Arena in Phoenix on Fri Mar 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings defense just couldn’t shut down the Phoenix Suns Devin Booker who had 22 points and 13 assists and Kevin Durant with 22 points as the Suns landslided the Kings last Friday night 122-106.

#2 Tyus Jones was another player that the Kings just couldn’t shutdown, Jones 20 points, hit six 3 pointers for the Suns who as a team scored 24 3 pointers.

#3 What was impressive was the Suns who did make those 24 3 pointers were just one short of the franchise record. They shot 55.8% (24 of 43) from behind the arc.

#4 Some Sacramento numbers for Domantas Sabonis 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds this after missing six games after suffering a hamstring injury. DeMar DeRozan 23 points, Zach LaVine 21 points and Malik Monk 18 points a hard effort but the Suns just pounced and the Kings could never keep up.

#5 Up next for the Kings the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies are fourth in the Western Conference have won five of their last ten games, are 43-25. The Kings are ninth in the conference and have lost four straight games and are .500 at 33-33. Tip off tonight at 7:00pm PDT. How do you see this match up?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Tucson completes the comeback, Barracuda fall 6-5 in shootout

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda vs Tucson Roadrunners on Sunday March 16th at Tucson Convention Center (via Will MacNeil)

By Madison Montez

Wrapping up the four-game roadtrip, the San Jose Barracuda looked to split the series against the Tucson Roadrunners. Bordeleau drew back into the lineup after missing last night’s game due to a lower-body injury. Bordeleau played on the first line alongside Brandon Coe and Andrew Poturalski. Despite Poturalski’s two goals the Barracuda fell short in the shootout losing 6-5 at the Tucson Convention Center on Sunday.

Tucson continued scoring early and playing with a lead. Hunter Drew scored his 13th goal of the season at 7:28 of the first. Travis Barron and Egor Sokolov registered the assists.

On San Jose’s first power-play opportunity, Danil Guschin scored his tenth power-play goal of the season, unassisted. To give San Jose their first lead of the weekend, Lucas Carlsson scored his fifth power-play goal on their second power-play goal. Colin White and Thomas Bordeleau registered the assists.

Tucson tied the game at 2-2 when Ben McCartney scored his 12th of the season. Hunter Drew and Travis Barron registered the assists.

San Jose regained their lead at 4:38 when Andrew Poturalski scored his 11th power-play goal. Luca Cagnoni and Danil Guschin registered the assists. Guschin’s second point of the game.

Starting the third period on the power-play, San Jose kept their foot on the gas, scoring at 0:56 of the third. Pavol Regenda with his fourth power-play goal of the season. Andrew Poturalski and Luca Cagnoni registered the assists, each with their third point.

Tucson cut into San Jose’s lead again at 14:00 when Curtis Douglas scored his second of the night. Julian Lutz registered the lone assist.

With 14 seconds left on the 5-3 powerplay, Sammy Walker tied the game 5-5 at 18:10 of the third to send the game into overtime. Walker scored his seventh goal of the season, Max Szuber and Andrew Agozzino registering the assists.

Overtime wasn’t enough as the game went into a shootout. Both Roadrunners scored, neither Barracuda scored. Tucson secured the comeback 6-5 win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Sammy Walker
  • 2. Curtis Douglas
  • 3. Hunter Drew

The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday March 19th at 10:30AM PDT against the San Diego Gulls in San Jose. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday March 5th. San Diego walked away with the win that night when former Barracuda captain Ryan Carpenter scored in overtime.

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Skenes to start opening day for Bucs; Dodgers Ohtani goes deep in front of fans in Japan; plus more MLB news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes will be the opening day starter for the Bucs on Thu Mar 27, 2025 against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes got the word from manager Derek Shelton that he would be the opening day starter. Skenes 22 years old a right hander was 11-3 and had an ERA of 1.96 in 23 starts for the Pirates in 2024 and won the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He said upon finding out that he would be the opening day starter “sweet.”

#2 Japanese and Los Angeles Dodger star Shohei Ohtani was raking at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night in exhibition play against the Yomiuri Giants. Ohtani slugged a Titanic two run home run to right field to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead and sent 42,000 fans standing and roaring for Ohtani.

#3 Miami Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez will be on the injured list for four weeks due to a oblique injury according to Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. Sanchez got hurt while playing in a spring training game against the Houston Astros. Sanchez 27 was a key hitter in the Miami line up last season hitting 18 home runs, 64 RBIs and 16 stolen bases an hit .252. He’ll be a bat that will be missed.

#4 Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray suffered a right wrist injury on Friday night which resulted in a fracture. Colorado Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia led off the fourth inning and lined one that struck Gray in the right wrist and will take him out of the rotation. The injuries are piling up for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy as left hand pitcher Cody Bradford is out with elbow soreness, pitcher Tyler Mahle is out forearm soreness. Not a great way to start the season as Bochy will have to work around the injuries to his pitching staff.

#5 Sacramento Athletic hitters are making good contact in spring training taking a look at some of the spring averages, starting with Lawrence Butler .355, 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, Shea Langeliers .348, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, Luis Urias .303, one home run, seven RBIs to name a few hitters who are doing some raking in the Cactus League for the A’s.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast: Taking an inside look at renderings and new Las Vegas A’s ballpark

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas ballpark rendering as presented by the Athletics and Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm (Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm rendering)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast:

#1 Frank Sharpe who is director of sports architecture for Bjarke Ingles Group the design firm for the Las Vegas A’s ballpark said that part of the design was to take the Vegas summer heat was to climate control the indoor park but to still give it that outdoor feel.

#2 Sharpe also said that portions of the armadillo shaped ballpark will have a 36,000 square foot glass curtain wall that will be in the outfield and give the fans a view of the strip and will have sunlight coming into the stadium.

#3 Athletics vice chairman Sandy Dean said that construction from a team of about 100 contractors have been working on the designs and had refined the renderings since the display was first presented in June 2023 when the A’s first announced they would be relocating to Vegas.

#4 The A’s ballpark will have six levels and will be all indoors and it will feel like a large arena with additional designs in the process according to Emily Louchart director of interiors with HNTB design firm.

#5 Louchart said that the park will have 20 suites, and 17 to 20 seat choices and nine lounge club spaces. That’s going to be quite luxury box.

Daniel Dullum does the Athletics Relocation podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Quakes Stymied by Rapids 2-1 on a cool Star Wars Night in Pay Pal Park

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Earthquakes lose the match at Pay Pal Park in San Jose to the Colorado Rapids in MLS action Sat Mar 15, 2025 (San Jose Earthquakes X image)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Force Was Not with the San Jose Earthquakes (2-2) as the Colorado Rapids (2-0-2) were able to flood the Silicon Valley 2-1, on Star Wars Theme Night.

San Jose was on the attack early, as they had two shots on goal within the first two minutes of the match.  Their aggression was impressive, but did not lead to any goals during the early moments.

Their defense was stellar, as they did not allow a shot, let alone a shot on goal for nearly 40 minutes,  However, Colorado used patience and was very efficient in their tactics.  They scored on their lone SOG and shot at the 38-minute mark on a timely kick by center midfielder Cole Bennett.  Rapids 1-0 over the home team.

At that point the ‘Quakes were Shakespearean Moment: Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing.  However, that would change before the end of the half.  They were playing at a 12:8 ratio, Shots:S.O.G., and 0 goals to show for their efforts.

At the 45-minute + 1 extra minute, attacking midfielder and newcomer, Cristian Arango converted a one-timer boot to the back of the net off of a corner kick assist by Cristian Espinosa.  The game was tied 1-1 at recess.

The second half was a continuation of the Earthquakes trying to shake things up for their opponent.  Although no scoring opportunities came to fruition.  on the other side of the pitch, Colorado parlayed their efforts into a game-winning goal by striker Calvin Harris.  At the 71st minute the Rapids took the lead for good, even though there were 19 regulation minutes left in the game, with an additional 7 minutes of stoppage time.

Ten minutes after Harris’ goal, Arango received a yellow card for violating the space of a Colorado player performing a free kick.  San Jose still tried to get a second equalizer with the multitude of minutes left in the contest.  Unfortunately for the Earthquakes, their last attempt to tie the game was a header that was easily stopped by the Colorado goalkeeper, Zachary Steffen.

After 90 minutes + 9 more stoppage ticks, the Earthquakes were on the losing end of a one goal game for the second straight week at PayPal Park, 2-1.

The Quakes are next in action in the state of North Carolina, as they take on Charlotte FC, Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.  The Rapids head back to the Rocky Mountain State to host the Portland Timbers on the same date, at 7:30 PM MT.