March Madness NCAA podcast Daniel Dullum: Arizona’s Peat leads with 20 points to put Purdue away 79-64 in San Jose

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) slam dunks against the Purdue Boilermakers defense in the second half of the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

March Madness NCAA podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What key adjustments did Arizona make in the second half to turn a halftime deficit into a dominant win? (Arizona outscored Purdue heavily after halftime and took control defensively.)

#2 How did Purdue’s offensive struggles—especially shooting efficiency—impact the outcome of the game? (Purdue had difficulty scoring consistently, particularly in the second half.)

#3 Which players had the biggest impact on Arizona’s victory, and how did their performances compare to Purdue’s top contributors? (Freshmen like Koa Peat and Ivan Kharchenkov played major roles.)

#4 How did the contrasting play styles (Arizona’s interior dominance vs. Purdue’s perimeter shooting) shape the flow of the game? (Arizona focused on inside scoring and defense, while Purdue relied more on outside shots.)

#5 What does this result reveal about each team’s strengths and weaknesses heading into future tournaments or seasons?

Join Daniel Dullum for analysis on the March Madness NCAA podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Giants can’t figure out Yankees; A’s lose twice on Jays walk off hits get swept in 3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Yankees Aaron Judge (99) circles the bases against San Francisco Giant pitcher Ryan Boruki (47) in the fifth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 How concerned should the San Francisco Giants brass of CEO Larry Baer and team president Buster Posey be. It’s been just three games but the New York Yankees swept the Giants in three games and the Giants could only muster a run in the three game series.

#2 Is these loses based on just some rookie decisons by Giants manager Tony Vitello or were the Yankees just ready for the Giants?

#3 For the second night in a row the Sacarmento A’s lost on walk off hits. The Jays Ernie Clement slugged a walk off base hit to win it in the bottom of the 11th inning beating the A’s 8-7.

#4 Tough loss for A’s reliever Luis Medina who came close to getting out of the inning but ghost runner Nathan Lukes scored from second on a base hit by Clement. For Medina 0.1 innings, one hit, one walk and one strike out.

#5 Charlie talk about Netflix taking over the national broadcasts for MLB. How costly is it for the fans and is the network competant in their national coverage?

Join Charlie O for the MLB The Show podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda swept by Firebirds 4-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda vs Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena on Sunday March 29th (via coachella valley firebirds)

By Madison Montez

Scoring their first goal with the special teams unit out again, Coachella Valley broke open today’s first goal. Mitchell Stephens scored a shorthanded goal for his tenth of the season and make it 1-0 Firebirds. This lead would hold them for a 4-1 win against San Jose.

To tie the game at 1-1, Colin White extended his point streak to seven games, scoring his sixteenth goal of the season. Filip Bystedt with the lone assist. Regaining their lead, Coachella’s J.R Avon scored his ninth goal of the season to make it a 2-1 lead.

To extend their lead even further, Jakov Novak scored his fourth of the season to make it a Firebirds 3-1 lead. To seal the win, Lleyton Roed scored an empty netter to make it 4-1.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley twelve to nine. After the second period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley eleven to seven. After the third period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley fourteen to seven.

Coming into today’s game, San Jose was second on the powerplay and third shorthanded. Today, San Jose went on 0/5 the powerplay. For Coachella Valley, they came into today’s game ninth on the powerplay and sixth shorthanded. Today, Coachella Valley went 0/1 on the powerplay.

Today, Jakub Skarek got his second start in two months for San Jose. Making 19 saves on 22 shots, Skarek recorded today’s loss. For Coachella Valley, Victor Östman got the start. Making 36 saves on 37 shots, Östman recorded today’s win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Victor Ostman
  2. J.R Avon
  3. Jakov Novak

The Barracuda will be back in action on Tuesday March 31st where they will host the Texas Stars for another one game series. The last time these two teams faced off was on Wednesday March 25th where San Jose fell 3-2, Colin White and Egor Afanasyev with the two goals.

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Springer Sets the Tone as Blue Jays Hold Off Late Push in 5-2 win over A’s

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) and catcher Tyler Heineman (left) exchange congratulations after defeating the Sacramento A’s at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sun Mar 29, 2026 (Canadian via AP photo)

Sacramento A’s game wrap

Springer Sets the Tone as Blue Jays Hold Off Late Push

By Mauricio Segura

The afternoon at Rogers Centre opened with a jolt, and the Toronto Blue Jays never really let the Sacramento Athletics recover from it. Toronto rode early power and steady pitching to a 5-2 finale, controlling the game from the first inning while fending off the A’s only real surge midway through.

It didn’t take long for the tone to be set. After Eric Lauer struck out the side in a dominant top of the first, George Springer stepped in and wasted no time getting the Jays airborn. His solo shot to left, his first of the season, gave Toronto a quick 1-0 lead and immediately put the green and gold on their heels. That early punch turned into a trend, as the Athletics struggled to solve Lauer and the Blue Jays’ pitching staff all afternoon.

Through the first four innings, the A’s offense was quiet to the point of frustration. They didn’t record a hit until the fifth and struck out repeatedly against a Toronto staff that looked sharp and confident. Lauer set the bar high with command and swing-and-miss stuff, retiring nine of the first ten hitters he faced while piling up strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Toronto bats kept building. In the third inning, Jesús Sánchez extended the lead with a two-run homer to center, scoring Tyler Heineman and pushing the margin to 3-0. The Blue Jays weren’t just hitting for power; they were capitalizing on opportunities. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a single in the same inning, keeping traffic on the bases and pressure on the Athletics’ pitching.

An inning later, Kazuma Okamoto added another blow, launching his first career home run to right-center. That made it 4-0 and gave Toronto a comfortable cushion. At that point, the game had the feel of one slipping away from the A’s, who still had yet to mount any kind of consistent threat.

Finally, in the fifth, the Athletics showed life. Jacob Wilson sparked the inning with a line-drive double to center, and Max Muncy followed with a towering two-run homer to right. In just a few pitches, the deficit was cut in half, 4-2, and the energy shifted slightly. For the first time all afternoon, Toronto looked slightly vulnerable.

But the Blue Jays answered immediately in the bottom half. After a pair of walks and a single loaded the bases, Addison Barger drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in Tyler Heineman, restoring a three-run lead at 5-2. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective, and it halted any momentum the Athletics had started to build. A double play from Okamoto ended the inning, but the damage had already been done.

From there, the game settled into a quieter rhythm. The A’s had chances to chip away but couldn’t deliver the key hit. Nick Kurtz singled in the sixth, and Shea Langeliers reached in the eighth, but each time Toronto’s bullpen tightened the screws. Braydon Fisher, Tommy Nance, Mason Fluharty, and Jeff Hoffman combined to keep the Athletics in check, preserving the lead without much drama.

Defensively, both teams had their moments, but Toronto’s pitching carried the day. The Blue Jays racked up strikeouts throughout, including a stretch that highlighted just how difficult it was for the A’s to make solid contact. Even when the Athletics put the ball in play late, it rarely turned into anything meaningful.

In the ninth, the A’s made one last push. Jacob Wilson singled with two outs to bring the tying run a little closer to the plate, but Max Muncy struck out swinging to end it, sealing Toronto’s win and capping a game that was defined by early control and timely responses.

The A’s offense never found a rhythm in this series finale across the border. Too many strikeouts and too little pressure allowed Toronto to dictate the pace from start to finish. For the Blue Jays, it was a complete effort, highlighted by power, patience, and pitching that never let the game slip away.

The A’s now head to Atlanta for a three game series Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, before heading back to Sacramento to open up before the home fans on Friday.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has covered sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for various magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, The Golden Bay Times. 2026 marks his 15th season covering Athletics baseball.

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. 

Utah Mammoth game wrap: Mammoth Celebrate No Kings With 6-2 Siege In Los Angeles

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (right) and defenseman Mikail Sergachev (98) celebrate Cooley’s goal in the in the first period at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

Logan Cooley and Alexander Kerfoot each scored a pair as the Utah Mammoth (38-30-6) defeats the Los Angeles Kings (29-26-18) twice in six days. Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in the Southland the Mammoth crushed the Kings 6-2.

On a day where so-called “No Kings” protesters took to the streets in many American cities to express their opposition to President Trump and ICE, the Mammoth (38-29-6) took to the ice in Los Angeles where they put their own spin on “No Kings” with a dominant 6-2 victory over L.A. who entered the game at 29-25-18, further solidifying their position atop the Western Conference Wild Card standings with eight games remaining in the regular season.

Utah forward Alexander Kerfoot gave the Mammoth an early lead at 2:31 of the first period, tipping in a perfect pass from John Marino as he attacked the net for his 4th goal of the season. With three and half minutes remaining in the frame, Mikhail Sergachev shot the puck from the far blue line all the way down the ice and banking off the end boards and in front of the net where a charging Logan Cooley slid the puck beneath the pads of Darcy Kuemper for his 19th of the year to make it 2-0.

Cooley had such a lead over the nearest defender that no icing was called on the play, and Dylan Guenther picked up the additional assist. With a little over 2 minutes remaining, Kings Captain Anze Kopitar brought L.A. back to within one with his 12th goal of the season, deflecting a shot in front of the net by Adrian Kempe. But a minute later, Kopitar went to the box for tripping Guenther, giving Utah the first power play opportunity of the game.

With 9 ticks left on the clock, Cooley had the puck down low with no one to pass to, so he drove to the net himself and flipped the puck top shelf over the right shoulder of Kuemper for his second goal of the game and 20th of the season, assisted by Clayton Keller and Sergachev, sending the teams to their locker rooms with the Mammoth taking a 3-1 lead. Cooley is the sixth Mammoth player to reach 20 goals this season, most of any team in the NHL, joining Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, JJ Peterka, Keller, and Lawson Crouse.

At 12:37 of the second period, Kerfoot made his way with the puck to the bottom of the left faceoff circle near the Kings net. As he looked for someone to pass to he realized that he had been left completely alone without a single defender challenging him, so he took his time to size up the angle between himself and Kuemper and placed a perfect shot over Kuemper’s right shoulder, a near mirror-image of Cooley’s earlier goal, for his 5th of the year assisted by Ian Cole as the Mammoth took a 4-1 lead.

At 16:17 of the period, with Scott Laughton riding the pine in the sin bin for slashing against John Marino, Nick Schmaltz made it a 5-1 game batting in a one-timer off a pass from Keller for his 27th of the season, further assisted by Sergachev.

The Kings got one back at 4:34 of the third period when Adrian Kempe launched a blast up the middle through traffic for his 27th of the season. Utah netminder Karel Vejmelka was completely screened and had no play on the shot which narrowed the score to 5-2.

With more than six minutes remaining in the game, Los Angeles rolled the dice in pulling Kuemper early for an extra attacker, but the gamble failed when Jack McBain scored an easy empty netter for his 9th goal of the year, assisted by Peterka and Sergachev, to effectively put the game away 6-2. The Kings hoisted the white flag at that point, leaving Kuemper in net for the remainder of the contest.

The Mammoth, who until last week had never defeated the Kings since moving to Utah, wrap up their L.A. season series with a 2-1-0 record.

“Obviously it’s a battle for the playoffs and they’re right behind us and it was kind of a four-point game for us and it’s huge,” said defenseman Mikhail Sergachev in the locker room. Talking about Saturday’s success on the power play including the closing seconds of the first period, Sergachev said, “We had a shot mentality. Everything started with the shot and then it opened up and our elite players made some elite plays and it paid off. Simplicity is the key. … Our power play hasn’t been great this year and lately it has been, and scoring that big goal shows the composure of the guys and the guys are not going down easily.” Speaking of the team’s defensive effort and the Kings’ pressure on Vejmelka, Sergachev added, “I think he was in danger tonight and he made some key stops and he played unbelievable.” The Mammoth have discussed what needs improvement as they continue the playoff stretch. “We know what we gotta do,” Sergachev said. “We’re just a young team. Sometimes emotions get the best of us like last game, we talked about it and today when emotions were getting the best of us we settled down, leaders, coaches, and it worked.”

Head Coach André Tourigny began his post-game remarks saying, “Offensively we did a good job of attacking through quick strikes, putting pucks at the net, winning battles down low.” Speaking of the Kings, Bear said, “L.A.’s a veteran team, a good team, they’re making a huge push. They’re have a ton of reasons to fight for it. Their experience of winning [and] pedigree in that room. … We believe in ourselves as well. I think we haven’t been as good as we wanted since we [last] played them, but I think tonight it’s an opportunity for us at the biggest stage in the season to come up big.” Talking about playing the same team six days apart, Tourigny said, “You see exactly how they attack you. Where was the hole and what they were trying to do. The other way around is true as well. They will know, they will make some adjustments, so you need to be proactive in your thinking and what can be the key point there. At the end of the day I think we knew what they will do. They knew what we will do. The best team will win and I think the players will fight hard on both sides and that will be a helluva game.”

The Mammoth (38-30-6) continue their three-game Pacific coast road swing next Thursday in Seattle followed by a Saturday tilt in Vancouver before returning home to face the Edmonton Oilers on April 7. Five of Utah’s final six contests will be at home.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Yankees Brought their Brooms to the Bay as Vitello still looking for a W

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (right) looks out onto the Oracle Park diamond against the New York Yankees on opening night Wed Mar 25, 2026 (Getty photo)

Yankees brought their Brooms to the Bay as Vitello is still looking for a W

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants were swept in a three-game series against the New York Yankees to open the 2026 season. The Giants could not hit water if they fell from a Kayak in McCovey Cove. I was like the Giants faced Whitey Ford, Red Ruffin, Roger Clements and Mariano Rivera, four of the best pitchers in Yankee history.

Giant scored 1 run in the three games. Yankee record: This was the third consecutive year the New York Yankees opened the season with a sweep of three teams. In 2024, the Yanks swept the Houston Astros, in 2025, they swept the Milwaukee Brewers, and this Saturday in San Francisco. The Yanks swept the kids by the Bay, who managed to score 1 run in 27 innings of ball.

Giants record: The Giants were held scoreless for 20 consecutive innings to start the season, matching a franchise record for the longest scoreless streak to open a season, dating back to 1909. Giants pitchers also did well overall; the problem was their anemic hitting, which opened this season with dead bats.

The Giants (who now head to San Diego) have more dead bats during the first three games of this season than Count Dracula at his Castle in Budapest, Hungary. San Francisco Giants Rookie Manager, Tony Vitello, is still looking for his first professional win of any sort in the sport, as a player, manager, or coach.

It would be silly to predict any type of outcome after the first three games of a 162-game season. However, I have wondered whether Vitello’s hiring by Buster Posey is just an experiment to see whether he can really win at this level of baseball.

When I was broadcasting Giants baseball, Ron Wotus, who was a coach for Dusty Baker, told me during an interview that he aspired to be a manager sometime during his career. Now he heads with this team to San Diego to see if they can figure out the Padres’ pitching staff, because the Giants’ bats look like an amateur team against the Padres this week.

Tony Vitello signed a three-year contract to become the San Francisco Giants’ manager, with an annual salary of $3.5 million. It includes a vesting option for a fourth season. Introduced to Giants fans in October 2025, after a successful career at the University of Tennessee.

It was good to see two of my good friends in the business: longtime Yankee broadcaster Susan Waldman, a real woman pioneer in baseball, and Dave Sims, who used to broadcast for the Mariners and is now working for the Yankees behind the microphone. Two very good people in the broadcast business.

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.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Sacramento A’s game wrap: Late Chaos Ends with Second Jays Walk-Off Stinging A’s 8-7 in 11 innings

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr slides in safely to score in front of Sacramento A’s catcher Shea Langeliers (23) in the bottom of the sixth inning at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sat Mar 27, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP News)

By Mauricio Segura

What started as a quiet, tightly wound pitcher’s duel turned into a full-blown nail biter by the time the Sacramento Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays staggered into extra innings for the second consecutive day. In the end, again, Toronto walked it off in the 11th, escaping with an 8-7 win after a game that flipped momentum so many times it felt like neither team ever truly had control.

The early innings belonged to the arms. Both lineups came out swinging but found little success, combining for just a handful of baserunners through the first two frames. The Athletics threatened in the third when Nick Kurtz walked and later reached third, but a Soderstrom strikeout ended the chance.

Toronto finally broke through in the bottom half of that inning, stringing together three straight hits capped off by George Springer’s RBI double to give the Blue Jays a 1–0 lead. Even then, it could have been worse, but a sharp defensive play from Tyler Soderstrom in left cut down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at third to limit the damage.

Toronto’s slim lead held until the sixth, when the Athletics finally cracked through. Kurtz walked, stole second, and came home on Tyler Soderstrom’s RBI double to tie the game at one. The response from the Blue Jays was immediate. After Guerrero Jr. drew another walk, Daulton Varsho delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom half to push Toronto back in front, 2–1.

The seventh inning changed everything.

The Athletics loaded the bases with a mix of singles and aggressive baserunning. With one swing, Shea Langeliers flipped the game on its head, launching a knuckleball grand slam 420 feet to center field. Just like that, a one-run deficit became a 6-2 Green & Gold lead. It was the kind of blow that usually seals a game, the kind that sends fans toward the exits. However…

Toronto didn’t leave. Nor did the fans.

Instead, the Jays chipped away. Guerrero Jr. drove in a run in the seventh to make it 6-3. In the eighth, they took advantage of walks and timely hitting, getting RBI singles from Jesús Sánchez and Andrés Giménez to pull within one. Suddenly, the pressure shifted back to the A’s bullpen, and the once-comfortable lead was hanging by a thread.

It snapped in the ninth.

Down to their final outs, the Blue Jays got a jolt from Alejandro Kirk, who lifted a solo home run to left field to tie the game at six. The stadium came alive, and what had looked like a missed opportunity earlier in the game was now a full reset heading into extras.

The 10th inning delivered more drama. With the automatic runner in place, Brent Rooker came through with an RBI single to give the Athletics a 7-6 edge. But Toronto answered again in the bottom half, tying the game on Addison Barger’s sacrifice fly after moving the runner into scoring position. Neither side could land the knockout punch, and the game marched on.

By the 11th, both teams looked exhausted, running on fumes and instinct. The Athletics failed to capitalize in their half, stranding a runner after a key strikeout. That opened the door for Blue Jays to take advantage of their bottom of the inning quest.

With a runner already in scoring position, the Blue Jays stayed patient. After a strikeout and an intentional walk, Ernie Clement stepped in and delivered the final blow, ripping a sharp single to left field that scored the winning run and sealed an 8-7 victory.

It was a game defined by swings in momentum, by missed chances and clutch hits, and by a refusal from either side to back down. The Athletics looked like they had it won after Langeliers’ grand slam, then again after Rooker’s go-ahead hit in extras. Each time, Toronto answered.

In the end, the difference wasn’t one big moment, but a series of them stacked together. The Blue Jays simply had one more answer left, and that’s what ultimately wins games in this beautiful game of baseball.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has covered sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for various magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, The Golden Bay Times. 2026 marks his 15th season covering Athletics baseball.

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. 

Arizona Heads to the Final Four in 25 Years, Beating Purdue, 79-64

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) dunks during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (Photo Credits to AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE – The Madness of March is over, as SAP Center welcomed 4 programs to the South Bay, but only saw only one of them would come out victorious. Between the No.1 Arizona Wildcats and the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, which both are champions to their conference. It would be the Arizona Wildcats moving on to Indianapolis with a 15 point win, and these dangerous Wildcats have now won 13 games in a row.

Arizona Wildcats went with guards Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, forwards Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov, and center Motiejus Krivas for their Elite Eight game. The Wildcats will be hoping to make it to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 and the fifth time in program history. This is their 12th Elite Eight appearance overall and their first since 2015.

Purdue Boilermakers sent out guards Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, forwards Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff, and center C.J. Cox on the teams Elite Eight run. Purdue has a 0-9 record against No. 1 seeds overall and is seeking its first victory over one. Purdue will be trying for its fourth Final Four overall and its second in the last three seasons.

After the first 7 minutes of play, Arizona was in the lead with 5 points, 17-12. Arizona went on a 8-2 scoring run for 3 minutes. The Wildcats saw a lot of their points in the paint which was giving them early control of the game. Arizona scored 12 points in the paint to their now, 19-12 lead. It should come as no surprise that Purdue is already having issues with Arizona’s size and agility. Oscar Cluff is holding his own so far, but if the Boilermakers don’t find extra help from the players down in the block, the Wildcats will dominate inside.

4 lead changes and 6 ties already happened 15 minutes into this game. Both teams are trying to send their school to the Final Four with the finishing line being just a couple of games away. With 3 minutes left of the 1st half the score was, 30-27, Purdue leads now. After a bad shooting performance in their Sweet 16 game, Purdue has shotten the ball better. Last game int he 1st half, Boilermakers only had 3 three-pointers in the 1st half, but tonight they had 6 three-pointers already. While Arizona is seeing some struggles as they only made 1 three-pointer so far out of 6 attempts.

Halftime, Purdue is leading Arizona by 7 points, 38-31. The Big-10 champions, Purdue, hit 7 three-pointers in the 1st half that got them feeling great heading into the lockers. While the Big-12 champions, Arizona, was struggling on the field. Only making 1 three-pointer would go a long way and a reason on why they’re down at halftime. While the Wildcats are struggling from deep as they only got 1 deep ball to go in.

The Boilermakers have gone on to lose after leading at the half just twice this season: Jan. 24 against Illinois and Feb. 26 against Michigan State. So with the start of the second half, the pressure for Purdue to win the game is on. Vice versa with Arizona as they started the final half playing catch up. Which Arizona really turned up the heat on Purdue and took it to them.

Wildcats were able to knock down 3 three-pointers in the second half, which was a lot better than the just the 1 three-pointer they made in the first half. The more this game goes on, the more the talent gap between Arizona and Purdue becomes clear. Arizona is more prepared to play in transition when the game breaks down, which has happened more often in the second half. The Wildcats are on the verge of making it to their first Final Four in 25 years.

In the second half, Arizona played with an entirely different feeling of urgency. At both ends of the floor, there are differences in physicality and intensity. However, the two crucial figures: Arizona had six turnovers in the first half but zero in the second. After a 7-14 first half, Purdue is now 0-4 3PT. By the 3 minute mark, Arizona had a 15 point lead on Purdue.

Ultimately, Arizona wrote their story to the Final Four in San Jose as they would win the game against the No.2 Purdue Boilermakers, 79-64. Arizona Wildcats will head to Indianapolis, and wait on the winner of the No.1 Michigan vs No.6 Tennessee. That game will be played on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

SF Giants game wrap: Giants swept by Yankees after missed opportunities, but finally score first run in 3-1 decison

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello heads out of the dugout to make a pitching change in the top of the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

New York Yankees 3 (3-0)

San Francisco Giants 1 (0-3)

Win: Jake Bird (1-0)

Loss: Tyler Mahle (0-1)

Save: David Bednar (2)

Time: 2:46

Attendance: 40,634

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–The Yankees have swept the Giants to open the season, as the Giants wasted three crucial opportunities, and the Yankees won 3-1, but hey, at least the Giants finally got their first run.

After being shut out in their first two games, I imagine a lot of Giants’ fans—well, at least this writer—didn’t have much faith that Saturday would be that much better. Though, I admit: the pregame performance by the Giants’ new mariachi band made things a little bit better at the beginning.

Tyler Mahle, who did not give up a single run over 10 innings during Spring Training, made the start, and his official Giants’ debut Saturday. Mahle survived a two-out triple by Cody Bellinger in the top of the first, and the Giants’ reshuffled lineup came up against Will Warren in the bottom of the first.

Warren retired the first two men he faced, but Luis Arraez, now in the three-hole in the lineup, singled over the mound. Rafael Devers then made a two-strike adjustment, and fisted a base-hit the other way to left. The Giants had runners at first and second for Heliot Ramos. Warren got out ahead to a 1-2 count, but Ramos started battling. Meanwhile, Arraez caught Ryan McMahon napping at third base, and stole third without a pitch. Ramos fouled off four two-strike pitches, and worked the count full. However, Warren got Ramos to go up the ladder on a high fastball—Reggie Sanders style—on the 10th pitch of the at-bat, and the Giants wasted a massive opportunity.

After the Giants wasted a big opportunity in the bottom of the first in the season opener on Wednesday, the Yankees responded with five runs in the top of the second. Thankfully, that would not be the case Saturday. However, the Yankees did score a pair of runs off Mahle in the top of the third on a two-out double by Ben Rice.

Some people wanted to attribute those two runs to Luis Arraez. Many people believed Arraez should have been able to get to Cody Bellinger’s a base-hit a batter before, which he dove for. Despite his impressive hitting abilities, Arraez is not exactly known for his defense, and that was definitely a risk in signing him. A lot of people are going to overreact to Arraez’s defense, but his work with Ron Washington has paid off. Me personally? I believe people are overreacting here.

Anyway, It looked like the Yankees were going to get a third run on a base-hit to left by Giancarlo Stanton, but Ramos cut Rice down at the plate with a great throw to end the inning. That gave the Giants some momentum going to the bottom of the third.

Jung Hoo Lee lined a double down the right field line to lead off the bottom of the third. Matt Chapman then lined a base-hit to left-center field, and at long last, the San Francisco Giants finally had their first run of the 2026 Season. That was the lone run the Giants would score in the bottom of the third, but hey, it’s a start!

Mahle was done after he threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth. Mahle had thrown 80 pitches, and there was every reason to believe that he could have gone out for another injury. With his injury history over the last couple of years, it’s understandable that Tony took him out. Mahle gave up the two runs in the third, and five hits. He walked one, and struck out five.

Ryan Borucki came in for the top of the fifth, and with two outs, Judge hit his second home run of the series—and season—to make it 3-1.

One thing I have noticed with Tony is that he seems to like to make pitching changes. Very Felipe Alou-esque. I guess that’s why the Giants gave him number 23. He certainly likes to get his relievers a lot of work. Matt Gage, Keaton Winn, Erik Miller, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker all pitched Saturday.

Though, the bullpen has been the biggest positive to start the season. They continued its nice start Saturday, as they gave up just a run and two hits over five innings.

The Giants wasted another massive opportunity in the bottom of the sixth, and then they would have one more opportunity in the bottom of the ninth.

Aaron Boone brought in his closer, David Bednar, for the bottom of the ninth. Ramos, who was truly the player of the game for the Giants today, used ABS to work a leadoff walk. Willy Adames finally got his first hit of the season with a single to left, and the Giants had runners at first and second with nobody out for Bader.

Well, let’s just say that Bader struck out, and that Patrick Bailey rolled over to second for a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.

And there you have it, the Yankees have swept the Giants. By the way, the Yankees have swept the Giants in the last three series they have played here at Oracle Park. 2019, 2024 and now here in 2026.

Though, look on the bright side! The last time the Giants were swept to open the season was 2012 in Arizona, and they went on to win the World Series that year. Hey, good omen!!!

Seriously though, one run through the first three games is a brutal and embarrassing way to open the season. The guy we need to talk about here is Willy Adames. He is 1-for-11 with five strikeouts to open the season. I get that players go through their slumps, but Adames refuses to make two-strike adjustments. That has to change.

Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Casey Schmitt are also off to rough starts. Lee finally got his first hit today, but Bailey and Schmitt remain hitless.

Another thing I have noticed with Tony is that he is still in his college mindset. From his pitching changes, to his do-or-die intensity in the opening series of the year, the guy is having his inevitable growing pains. He is going to have to learn to adjust to the big leagues. As I said Friday, with the Giants’ struggling offense, their tough schedule and Tony’s growing pains, the first two weeks are not going to be pretty.

Jake Bird got the win; Tyler Mahle got the loss; and David Bednar picked up his second save.

Oh, and before I forget, the Giants out-hit the Yankees Saturday. There’s another positive.

The Giants have a day off Sunday they will spend Saturday night in San Diego after a late-night flight. Then, the Giants will start a three-game series against the Padres at Petco Park on Monday night. RHP Landen Roupp will make his Giants’ debut on Monday Roupp will be opposed by the Padres RHP Walker Buehler.

I will say this as a way to make us all feel better. The Yankees are just a good team. The Padres have been a mess. They are now on their fourth manager in the last seven years in Craig Stammen, and their bullpen has taken a big step back. Perhaps, the Giants can come out of San Diego with a win or two. We’ll just have to wait and see.

First pitch on Monday will be at 6:40 p.m.

San Jose falls to Coachella 4-2 as FireBirds creep up in the standings

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda vs Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday March 28th at Acrisure Arena (via coachella valley firebirds)

By Madison Montez

With 48 seconds left on the powerplay, Coachella Valley scored to take the first lead of the game. Jani Nyman scored his 21st goal of the season to make it 1-0. This would be the first goal scored in the 4-2 loss. On a breakaway, Coachella extended that lead to 2-0 when Lleyton Roed scored his tenth goal of the season.

To avoid the shutout, San Jose’s Quentin Musty scored his 17th goal of the season to make it a 2-1 game. Egor Afanasyev and Jimmy Huntington registering the two assists.

To regain their two goal lead, Coachella Valley’s Ty Nelso scored his tenth of the season to make it a 3-1 game. Picking up a loose puck, Colin White scored his 15th goal of the season to make it a 3-2 game. Nolan Allan and Filip Bystedt registering the assists. To seal the win, Cooper Marody scored his ninth of the season to seal the 4-2 win.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley 17-8. After the second period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley fourteen to eight. After the third period, San Jose outshot Coachella valley eleven to seven.

Coming into Saturday night’s game, San Jose was second on the powerplay and third shorthanded. Saturday night, San Jose went 0/3 on the powerplay. For Coachella Valley, they came into Saturday night’s game ninth on the powerplay and sixth shorthanded. Saturday night Coachella Valley went one for two on the powerplay.

Gabriel Carriere was the starting goaltender, following Laurent Brossoit’s call up to the San Jose Sharks. Making 19 saves on 22 shots, Carriere recorded Saturday night’s loss. Nikke Koko was the starting goaltender for Coachella Valley. Making 40 saves on 42 shots, Koko recorded Saturday night’s win.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Ty Nelson
  2. Nikke Koko
  3. Cooper Marody

The Barracuda will be back in action Sunday against this same FireBirds team. San Jose will be looking to split the series.