Liberty Prove Too Hot to Handle In Game One of Series As Aces Fall 87-77

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New York Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot drives on the Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark (left) in game 1 of the WNBA playoffs at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sun Sep 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (27-13) got within two points of the New York Liberty (32-8) in the second quarter but that’s as close as they would get falling in the first game of their best of five series 87-77.

A’Ja Wilson finished the game with 21 points but it was Kelsey Plum with the team high scoring 24 points. The Aces have the unenviable task of trying to contain Breanna Stewart throughout this series. Stewart finished with 34 points.

Game recap: The New York Liberty got right down to business in the opening quarter leading after the first ten minutes of play 28-21. As the clock began to wind down on the second quarter the Liberty began to push their lead out after leading by only two points at the five minute mark.

New York led by ten points 46-34 with 1:10 left in the first half going on a 9-0 run. At halftime the Liberty had maintained their ten point lead 48-38 and Las Vegas had a lot of work to do in the second half. They were missing far too many shots and they had to find a way to contain Breanna Stewart who finished the first half with 20 points.

This is the series that one would expect to see in the finals. The struggles that the Aces had in the first part of the season had a lot to do with how these matchups look today. Las Vegas is known to be a second half team and they will need to show up in this one.

Stealing a game in New York is exactly what the Aces will be looking to do. Plum succeeded in the first half making quick decisions because of the defensive pressure that the Liberty were bringing. Las Vegas had some catching up to do in the third quarter but they have the talent to do just that.

New York continued to extend their lead in the third quarter and Las Vegas continued with spotty shooting. At 7:43 the Liberty led 55-40 and New York was dictating the pace of this game continuing to pile on the points. At 5:46 they led 62-44 totally dominating the Aces.

Plum continued her intensive play verbally sparring with Spike Lee who shouted at her from the sidelines only getting her even more heated up. Play took a turn with Las Vegas going on a 12-0 run pulling to within six points after trailing by 18.

Las Vegas just did not have the defensive answer for Stewart and this was glaring throughout the game. As the third quarter came to an end the Aces had cut the Liberty’s 18 point lead in half. New York was up nine 71-62 going into the fourth quarter.

With 28 points, Stewart sat out the start of the fourth quarter with four fouls. The Liberty continued to clog up the paint and Las Vegas was struggling to be able to make those inside shots that have made them so successful.

New York was hitting from inside, from outside, making ridiculous long shots. There was no stopping them today. The Liberty took full advantage of the turnovers, missed shots and defensive ineffectiveness that the Aces brought winning the first game of the series 87-77.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Aces lost the first game in their best of a five game series against the Liberty in what promises to be a incredibly intense, competitive and exciting series. The reigning champions Aces could be pushed to the brink in this series if the Liberty put up a tough battle throughout.

If the Aces want to win another title, they will have to beat the best and right now the Liberty are the number one team in basketball. The New York starting roster is loaded with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and they are primed and have tested the Aces.

On the other hand the Aces starting roster are no pushover with the amazing A’Ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelseas Gray. Las Vegas also has Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes who have been invaluable off the bench. This is going to be one crazy series.

While this is only the beginning, the Aces have a lot to figure out going into game two. Putting the stops on Stewart (34 points) and Ionescu (21 points) will be a tough call. When the Aces went on runs, the Liberty put a stop to it every time.

New York is hungry for their first championship and you can see it in their play. Game two is scheduled to tipoff in New York Tuesday evening the time still to be determined.

San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s 2024 season wrap up with Stephen Ruderman

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Former San Francisco Giants Jorge Soler who was dealt to the Atlanta Braves during the 2024 season. Was his leaving San Francisco something that impacted the Giants line up? (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s 2024 season wrap up with Stephen Ruderman:

San Francisco Giants: After a mediocre 2024 season it’s the hope for the San Francisco Giants that they’ll be better. The status regarding Giants team president Farhan Zaidi is yet to be determined and most likely it will be figured Monday. Zaidi was signed to an extension last season but he’s been very much been on the hot seat this season.

The Giants didn’t want him to be a lame duck, they didn’t want him to negotiate with free agents and the Giants have failed to make the playoffs and they failed to finish over .500 finishing 2024 80-82 losing their last game of the season on Sunday 6-1.

Farhan is a very smart guy he had his weird successes he started in 2019-2022. He’s had a hard time managing the day to day operations he’s a new age guy and you don’t let the new age guys run the show and hopefully that will be announced on Monday.

Sacramento A’s: Regarding the A’s move to Sacramento an artificial turf expert said went on Friday’s show and said temperatures can range from 160-180 degrees on the field at Sutter Health Park. Now the Players Association they cannot veto the Sacramento move.

However, the MLBPA to the conditions and they could kind of defacto veto it and not agree to the conditions. The way it’s set up the players will not be able to play on natural grass. One rumor is that the Giants minor league team the Rivercats would go to Fresno but good luck with that and they would have to put artificial turf in Fresno.

Stephen Ruderman covered San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s baseball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB Headline podcast with Bruce Magowan: Giants Farhan admits he mishandled young pitchers; Also a look at 49ers and Raiders

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San Francisco Giants president Farhan Zaidi’s job is reportedly on the rocks. Zaidi admitted that he mishandled the young pitchers on the staff this season (AP file photo)

MLB Headline podcast with Bruce Magowan:

#1 Bruce, talk about San Francisco Giants president Farhan Zaidi where do you see him ending up next season. Zaidi said Sunday that he has regret on how he handled the young pitchers.

#2 Farhan assembled the hiring of manager Bob Melvin and the singing of third baseman Matt Chapman but the Giants couldn’t get tracked and end up missing the post season.

#3 The Giants released during the season Jorge Soler, Luke Jackson, and Thairo Estrada do you think that was a mistake and how did that impact the line up.

#4 The San Francisco 49ers have lost two in a row and need to get back in the win column as they faced the New England Patriots on Sunday.

#5 The Raiders who defeated the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago on a field goal and last week simply got beat convincingly by the Carolina Panthers and are taking on the Cleveland Browns in Vegas Sunday.

Bruce Magowan writes for the Bay Area Sports Guide and is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hoping to recover from Clemson loss, host Virginia Tech next Saturday

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The Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) is tackled by the Clemson Tigers RJ Mickens safety (9) and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart (19) in the first half at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Clemson Tigers struggled early on to get on the scoreboard Saturday but later in the first quarter they were able to put ten points up and come away with a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.

#2 Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell shrugged off that early struggle and said they were confident in what they had to do in first half.

#3 For Stanford the defense gave up four touchdowns as the Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik had plenty of protection and time to throw.

#4 Stanford quarterback Austin Daniels threw 9-19, 71 yards, and had one touchdown and had three interceptions.

#5 The Cardinal face Virginia Tech who lost their last game 38-34 to Miami Florida. The Hokies are 2-3 and this one is at Stanford Stadium this Saturday for a 12:30pm PT kick off.

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O and Brian Burkett: White Sox owner Reinsdorf getting heat from fans; Marlins manager Schumaker out after Sunday; plus more MLB news

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Chicago White Sox Andrew Vaughn (25) walks off the field after loosing to the Detroit Tigers. The Sox surpassed the 1962 New York Mets for the most loses in the modern era with 121 on Fri Sep 27, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Headlines Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie O, well the Chicago White Sox did it they set the all time record for most loses at 121 in the modern era as the Sox eclipsed the 1962 New York Mets loss record at 120. The Sox losing to the Detroit Tigers on Friday night 4-1. Needless to say the criticism of the state of the team is being blamed on White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

#2 Charlie you were there for that last historic game in Oakland where the A’s played their last one in Oakland history last Thursday. I know what you said about Sacramento is a sure thing but some reporters who cover the A’s think the players union will doing everything they can to prevent that from happening. Do you see that small possibility of it not happening?

#3 Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker will not be back for the 2025 season. His departure comes after managing two season with the Marlins his last game as skipper was last Friday. Schumaker said he will not be managing the club for the last two games of the season due to personal family business. Ironically Schumaker led the Marlins to the post season last year and won NL Manager of the Year. The Marlins were 60-111 this season.

#4 What rebound for the Kansas City Royals as they clinched for the post season against the Washington Nationals . The Royals made one of the biggest turnarounds in MLB history. Last season the Royals had a record of 106 loses and turned it around this season with a 85-75 record and are ten games over .500

#5 The Detroit Tigers win over the White Sox on Friday night clinched them a birth for the post season. The Tigers have waited for a decade to get in the post season and will face the Baltimore Orioles or the AL Champions Houston Astros.

Charlie O does Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Brian Burkett is a broadcast partner with Charlie O.

Sacramento A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: How Sacramento fits in the baseball scheme of things

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Sutter Health Park in Sacramento aerial view the future home of the Sacramento A’s for the 2025 season (CBS TV file photo)

On the Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, as this season winds down and the post season starts the renovations at Sutter Health Park the next step for the Sacramento A’s for their new home will face many new challenges.

#2 The Players Union who we’ve talked about several times, the idea of playing in a minor league park doesn’t not sit well and there are legitimate health and safety concerns that need to be addressed.

#3 One of those challenges the A’s will face at Sutter Health is accommodating sell out crowds but how to fit all the employees, press, front office employees, and players to make it all work.

#4 Daniel we didn’t get a chance to talk to you about the last day at the Oakland Coliseum last Thursday for the thousands of fans and the millions watching on TV it was on doubt one of the saddest days in baseball history seeing this storied franchise playing that last home game.

#5 One thing for sure Sutter Health Park is on the map with all the buzz about the remodeling of the park and trying to see if they can accommodate everyone. Sacramento is know for it’s NBA team the Kings but will further it’s position in the sports world with their adapting the A’s.

Join Daniel Dullum Sundays for the Sacramento A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal hopes to get back in win column face Miami Sat Oct 5

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Florida Seminoles lineman Marvin Jones (right) drags down Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) in second half action at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris, a tough difficult loss for the Cal Bears (3-1) to the Florida Seminoles last Saturday in Tallahassee in low scoring defensive game 14-9.

#2 The Bears really needed to scratch out a touchdown and they could have been able to get away with their fourth straight win but the Seminoles didn’t allow Cal one touchdown all game long.

#3 Cal had to rely on their kicker Ryan Cole to put the ball through upright three times for all their scoring twice in the second quarter and once in the third quarter.

#4 As opposed to the kind of game that Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza had the previous week against San Diego State in a 31-10 win the Seminoles shutdown Mendoza’s passing game. Mendoza throwing 22-36 for 303 yard, and one interception. The Seminoles defense prevented Mendoza from getting the ball in the end zone.

#5 The Miami Hurricanes (5-0) will come calling Sat Oct 5 at Cal Memorial. The Canes upended South Florida last Sat Sep 21, 50-15 and on Sat Sep 29 the Canes did it again getting by Virginia Tech 38-34. Look out for Canes quarterback Cameron Ward who threw 24-34 for 404 yards and three touchdowns against So Florida. Also having a big day against Virginia Tech throwing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. The question is can the Cal defense stop Ward?

Join Morris Phillips Thursdays for Cal Bears football podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Quakes can’t stop CF Montreal’s Martinez scores twice in four minutes in 3-0 shutout win

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CF Montreal’s Josef Martinez left takes a shot against the San Jose Earthquakes goalie Daniel in the first half in MLS action at Stade Saputo in Montreal on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (Canadian Press via AP News)

By William Espy

The San Jose Earthquakes were on the road once again, this time they went north of the border to visit Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec to face CF Montreal. Montreal entered the night two points behind the Philadelphia Union for a playoff spot. Their 3-0 victory over San Jose on Saturday night wouldn’t be enough to put them into a playoff spot though, as the Union recorded a point of their own in a draw against Atlanta United on Saturday.

Montreal Starting XI: Sirois, Campbell, Alvarez, Waterman, Marshall-Rutty, Piette, Saliba, Edwards, Duke, Clark, Martinez

Earthquakes Starting XI: Daniel, Costa, Rodrigues, Munie, Akapo, Gruezo, Tsakiris, Pellegrino, Lopez, Espinoza, Ebobisse

The Earthquakes were able to keep Montreal off of the scoresheet in the first half, but it was pretty clear that Montreal was in control for most of the night. Right out of the gate, Caden Clark drew two fouls on Carlos Akapo.

The first ten minutes were all Montreal, as Daniel was forced to make two early saves before the Quakes got an opportunity of their own. Rodrigues nearly gave San Jose an early lead against the run of play, but his header went high to the left.

The next five minutes, the Quakes showed some life, getting quality chances of their own but they were unable to get them on target. From there, momentum swung back in the home team’s favor as they maintained a majority of the pressure for the remainder of the half.

Montreal’s Josef Martinez opened the scoring in the 51st minute off of a corner. The assist was given to Bryce Duke, who’s cross found Martinez’s head perfectly. Montreal picked up a couple of yellow cards early in the half, with Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Raheem Edwards each getting a booking within four minutes of one another.

Martinez made it a brace, scoring his second of the night four minutes later with a shot from inside of the box. At that point, the Quakes made a few changes to try to spark the team’s energy levels but ultimately Ii wouldn’t help. Clark would extend Montreal’s lead to 3-0 in the 72nd minute with another shot from inside of the box.

The Earthquakes applied some pressure as the minutes winded down, but they weren’t able to disrupt Jonathan Sirios’s clean sheet. Montreal would walk away with a 3-0 win in a pretty one-sided match up. Montreal lead in almost every category, including a dominant 57/43% possession percentage.

They took 16 shots, ten of which were on target, compared to San Jose’s 12 general shots but a majority were low quality as only two were on target. San Jose likely didn’t deserve to be on the other end of a shutout, they had some quality chances overall but it was clear right out of the gate that Montreal was likely taking home three points.

The Earthquakes are going to finish last in the MLS at this point, with just 18 points through 31 games but they’ll look to crawl out of the league’s basement as much as possible in their next game against FC Dallas at home.

A’s Lose to Seattle In Tenth Inning 7-6 – Oakland Still Looking For 70th Win; M’s Ghost runner haunts A’s in 10th inning

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Oakland A’s starter Joey Estes adjusts his hat after giving up a bottom of the fourth inning home run to Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh (foreground running the bases) at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Oakland A’s (69-91) made a valiant effort to win their 70th game of the season but fell short in the tenth inning. Trailing 3-0 after three innings Oakland tied up the contest up in the sixth inning at 3-3. In the bottom of the ninth down 6-4 the A’s tied it up with two runs making 6-6. The Seattle Mariners (83-77) would win it in the bottom of the tenth 7-6 at T Mobile Park in Seattle.

Game recap: It was a pitchers duel through the first three innings of this game. Oakland had a chance in the first inning with two runners on base. Hancock walked Brent Rooker and allowed a JJ Bleday single with one out.

Shea Langeliers grounded into a double play to end the inning. The A’s Joey Estes allowed a Victor Robles double and walked Luke Raley but got out of the opening inning. Oakland had a single in the second inning and Seattle went three up and three out in the second as both pitchers had good starts. The A’s had the bases loaded in the third inning but came away empty squandering a great opportunity. The A’s Joey Estes had a three up three down third inning.

The A’s had nothing going offensively in the fourth inning. The Mariners broke the game open in the fourth starting off with a Cal Raleigh solo home run taking a 1-0 lead followed by Luke Raley advancing to first base after getting hit.

With no outs Estes allowed a Jorge Polanco single and Seattle had two runners on base. Estes got the next two at bats out but gave up a single to Victor Rojas driving J.P. Crawford and Raley home and Seattle had a 3-0 lead.

This game had turned sideways for Oakland but they righted the ship in the fifth inning. Brent Rooker hit his 39th home run of the season driving Max Schuemann and the A’s had something going trailing 3-2.

Tyler Soderstrom started off the sixth inning with a home run and this game was all tied up 3-3. The A’s had two runners on base in the sixth but left them stranded. Ross Stripling took over on the mound in the sixth inning in place of Estes and walked Mitch Haniger but dismissed the next three at bats.

Estes despite getting into a jam in the fourth inning had a pretty good showing going five innings allowing five hits, three runs, and two walks. He only had two strikeouts in the five innings. Seattle’s Emerson Hancock also went 5 1/3 innings allowing five hits three runs and four walks. He was relieved by JT Chargois and Tayler Saucedo to get out of the sixth inning.

Oakland went three up three down to start the seventh inning. Seattle would break the tie in the seventh inning. Luke Raley doubled driving Rodriguez home from first and with Jorge Polanco intentionally walked the Mariners had two runners on base with two outs. Tyler Ferguson who had taken over for Ross Stripling got out of the inning with minimal damage.

Oakland’s T.J.McFarland started the bottom of the eighth inning allowing a Dylan Moore single followed by a Moore stolen base to second. McFarland got the job done getting out of the inning and Oakland had one last inning to tie up the game or take the lead.

Oakland started a rally in the ninth inning off a Max Schuemann single. Lawrence Butler would strike out for the first out in the ninth. Brent Rooker popped out for the second out and it was down to JJ Bleday to keep this game going.

The rally continued when Bleday hit a single and the A’s had runners at first and third with Shea Langeliers at the plate and boy did he deliver hitting a home run giving Oakland a 6-4 lead. It was a huge blast to right field for #29 and Oakland’s third home run of the game. Seattle got Tyler Soderstrom out for the third out and Oakland was three outs away from their 70th win of the season.

The Mariners would send the top of the batting order to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning. Mason Miller took the mound for Oakland looking to lock down his 29 save of the season.

Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez hit a single off Miller and the Mariners had started a rally of their own. Cal Raleigh struck out for the first out of the inning. Luke Raley came to the plate and tied up this game for a two run home run 6-6.

The energy had turned on a dime and the Mariners were looking for a walk-off. Miller struck out Jorge Polanco for the second out with Mitch Haniger at the plate. Haniger struck out and it was on to extra innings.

Seth Brown struck out for the first out in the top of the tenth inning. Zach Gelof struck out for the second out and Nick Allen grounded out and Seattle had a second chance to win the game with a walk-off. The Scott Alexander took the mound for Oakland looking to keep this game going. The M’s J. P. Crawford grounded out and Leo Rivas advanced to third base. Justin Turner singled driving in Rivas for the walk-off 7-6.

Game notes: Friday night the A’s lost the first game of their final season series up in Seattle against the Mariners in a shut-out 2-0. The A’s were looking to win their 70th win of the season Saturday night in game two the A’s came close but it got away in the tenth inning. For A’s starter Joey Estes five innings, five hits, three earned runs, two walks, and two strikeouts.

Seth Brown struck out for the first out in the tenth inning. Zach Gelof struck out for the second out and Nick Allen grounded out and Seattle had a second chance to win the game with a walk-off. Scott Alexander took the mound for Oakland looking to keep this game going. J. P. Crawford grounded out and Leo Rivas advanced to third base. Justin Turner singled driving in Rivas for the walk-off 7-6.

The A’s complete their three game series Sunday with the Mariners and as an Oakland brand concluding their 2024 season. Starting pitcher for Oakland Sunday RHP Mitch Spence (8-9, 4.35) for Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (8-12, 3.33) first pitch 12:10pm PDT at T Mobile Park.

No. 17 Clemson rolls past Cardinal 40-14

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) sprints for a first down past the Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Quarterback Cade Klubnik ran for one touchdown and threw for four more for Clemson Saturday night, as the No. 17-ranked Tigers rolled to a 40-14 Atlantic Coast Conference football win over visiting Stanford.

The Cardinal (2-2 overall, 1-1 ACC) saw their two-game winning streak get snapped. Clemson (3-1 overall, 2-0 ACC) rolled up 405 yards in total offense.

Klubnik completed 15 of 31 passes for 255 yards. Bryant Weesco Jr. caught two of those passes for 104 yards. Phil Mafah was the Tigers’ top rusher with 58 yards on 10 carries.

Micah Ford was the top Stanford ballcarrier with 122 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Quarterback Ashton Daniels was next with 87 yards on 11 carries. Daniels completed 9 of 19 passes for 71 yards and was picked off three times. Justin Lamson was 4 of 8 passing for 54 yards.

Clemson jumped to q 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 34-yard rushing touchdown by Klubnik at 12:19 and added a 20-yard field goal by Hauser Nolan. With 1:49 to play in the second quarter, Jake Briningstool caught a 3-yard scoring pass from Klubnik giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.

The Cardinal got on the board with 39 seconds remaining in the first half on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Elic Ayomanor, cutting the Stanford deficit to 17-7 at halftime.

Clemson scored 10 more points in the third quarter before blowing the game open for good in the fourth. Hauser booted a 33-yard field goal at 10:06 and 9 minutes later, Klubnike connected with Cole Turner for a 43-yard score, putting the Tigers up 27-7.

Clemson wasn’t finished yet, as the Tigers added two more touchdowns in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. Bryant Wesco Jr. caught a 34-yard scoring strike from Klubnik 50 seconds into the fourth, and at 10:36 to play, Klubrik’s fourth TD pass of the night was a 2-yard scoring toss to Olsen Patt-Henry.

With 2:31 to play, Lamson completed a 22-yard TD pass to Emmett Mosley V to complete Stanford’s scoring.

Next week, the Cardinal return home to host Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 5, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific.