Tigres del Licey win the Dominican title for 23rd time

Tigres Del Licey shows good form in squaring around to bunt as the Tigres pick up their 23rd title in the Dominican title (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

Tigres del Licey win the Dominican title for 23rd time

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The Dominican Republic will have its 2023 team in the Caribbean World Series 2023. They are Los Tigres del Licey who beat the Estrellas Orientales 2-1 with a decisive hit in the seventh inning by Mel Rojas Jr. This is the 23rd title for the Licey club in the history of LIDOM (Liga Dominicana), they are like the NY Yankees of the Dominican Republic, nobody has won more titles.

This was the first title for the Tigers since the 2016-17 season when they beat the Aguilas Cibaeñas under Manny Acta in a nine-game series. Designated Hitter Jorge Alfaro was named MVP, with 18 votes over 15 votes that Mel Rojas Jr received. The Tigres del Licey dominated during the whole season and ended with a record of 34 wins.

The Tigres del Licey will be playing in the Caribbean World Series which takes place this February. They have won the most titles in the Dominican Republic with 23, but also are ‘número uno’ in the Caribbean World Series, which began in 1949, The Tigres have won 10 of them.

Last Caribbean World Series Title went to the Caimanes de Barranquilla, Colombia.

The 65th edition of the Caribbean World Series will take place in Caracas, Venezuela. February 2nd to 10th.

A total of eight teams (the most ever) will participate, representing these countries: Colombia, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, México, Panamá, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. For fans of Fútbol/Soccer, it is similar to the UEFA Champions League, just in a single tournament.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks remarkable comeback to defeat Stars; Sharks open 8 game road trip Saturday

A look at the San Jose Sharks bench during their game against the Dallas Stars at SAP Arena in San Jose on Wed Jan 18, 2023 (NHL/TNT photo grab)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 No one would have thought it after the San Jose Sharks (14-23-9) who were struggling to pick up a win could come back to win on their home ice and for that matter to come back on the Dallas Stars (26-13-7) for a two goal 5-3 win at SAP Center on Wednesday night.

#2 The Sharks who really needed some offense got some from their defenceman Erik Karlsson who scored a goal and had three assists in the two goal win for San Jose.

#3 Len talk about the second period where the Sharks got three goals from Steven Lorentz, Nick Bonino, and Timo Meier it was a crucial period for the Sharks if they were to prove something to themselves and their confidence.

#4 James Reimer the Sharks goaltender who stopped 32 shots and picked up his 200th career win said he had forgotten all about that and really wanted to get a win after the team had been struggling.

#5 The Columbus Blue Jackets (13-29-2) who are struggling have lost five of their last eight games will host the Sharks who open the first of eight road games on Saturday. How do you see the Sharks faring in Columbus and talk about the length of this long road trip.

Join Len Shapiro for Sharks podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Jan 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sweet Revenge for Kings Beat Lakers 116-111

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night LeBron James and the Lakers (19-25) hosted the Sacramento Kings (25-18) in a Western Conference matchup. The Kings in fourth in the conference and the Lakers sit in 13th place. The Kings came in on a three game win streak.

The last time they lost was at the hands of the Lakers in a two point game 136-134. Sacramento got a little revenge with a 116-111 win to extend their winning streak to four Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers won their last game against the last place Rockets.

The Lakers got off to a quick start leading at one time by 14 points winning the first 12 minutes 39-28. The Kings bounced back in the second quarter winning it 33-21 and leading at halftime 61-60. De’Aaron Fox had 20 points in the first half, the only King in double digits.

Sacramento continued to extend the slim one point lead they had at the half finishing the third quarter leading 90-82. The entire Kings starting roster finished the third quarter in double digits.

The Lakers began to challenge the Kings lead cutting the deficit to four points trailing 90-86 in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. With 7:30 left in the game, the Kings held a one point lead 98-97. The lead that Sacramento had in the third quarter had vanished and the Lakers had taken the lead 101-100 with 6:45 left on the clock.

The two teams began to trade baskets and this would be a close one to the finish. The game was tied with 4:11 left on the clock at 103. With 30 ticks left on the clock the Kings had a 111-108 lead and possession. Sacramento was able to hold on for the win.

Fox finished the game with 31 points the team high and Harrison Barnes had 20 points. LeBron James had 32 points for the Lakers and Los Angeles had some nice work from their bench scoring 59 total points. Friday night, the Kings will take on the Thunder at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Sharks come back from three goal deficit to beat Dallas 5-3

Photo courtesy of San Jose Sharks Twitter. Timo Meier and Erik Karlsson celebrate a goal on January 18th against the Dallas Stars.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE – Off of a incredible second period come back the Sharks rode that into a victory over the Dallas Stars by a final of 5-3.

Heading into this game the season series between these two teams was at a draw as both teams had beaten each other once.

This game also involved two of the best penalty killing teams in the league with Dallas ranked fifth and San Jose ranked third in the league.

The Sharks got off to a slow start in this one as they only had one shot in the first six minutes of the period.

On the other hand Dallas moved the puck efficiently and had the Sharks chasing the play.

With the momentum on their side Dallas pushed for a goal and Ty Dellandrea delivered at the 13:17 mark of the period.

Streaking down the right wing boards Dellandrea fired a shot towards the net that beat Reimer on the glove side scoring his fifth goal on the year.

Mario Ferraro took a penalty a little bit later for holding but the PK unit for the Sharks killed it off.

After the kill San Jose gained some momentum and Mikey Eyssimont came close to tying the game as he rang one off the crossbar.

The end of the first definitely ended a lot better for the Sharks than the beginning but they were unable to tie the game heading into the intermission down one.

The shots at the end of the period favored Dallas 10-6.

San Jose did have to start off the second on the PK but Jason Robertson towards the end of the power play took a penalty making it a four-on-four.

Once San Jose did get on the power play they weren’t able to muster any good looks as the Dallas’s PK unit killed off the opportunity.

With the Sharks hemmed in their own end Colin Miller circled the net and fed a pass out front to Jason Robertson who fired it past Reimer to score his 30th goal of the season.

Dallas did not stop the onslaught at the beginning of the second and less than five minutes after Robertson’s goal Radek Faska cashed in as well.

It was a sort of broken play on the Faska’s fourth goal of the season as he tried to feed his teammate but, the the shot instead went in off of a Shark.

The energy was definitely sucked out of the building after the Star’s quick start to the period.

San Jose did not give up though as Noah Gregor after keeping the puck in the Stars end got the puck to Steven Lorentz in the slot who scored.

With the score now 3-1 the Sharks smelt blood in the water and pushed for more.

As the Dallas defense backed up Alexander Barabonov rushed into the zone and wrapped a pass around the net to a waiting Nick Bonino who scored his seventh goal of the campaign.

The crowd was now into it and San Jose drew a penalty putting themselves in the perfect spot to tie the game.

Timo Meier did just that on the opportunity as similar to Faska’s goal he tried to feed it to a teammate but instead got a lucky bounce.

The goal sent the now already fired up crowd into a frenzy and the Sharks responded in kind by keeping the chances up.

That did end up being all the scoring in the period though with the shots still favoring Dallas at 20-18.

The third did get off to a tough start for San Jose as they had to kill off a tripping penalty taken late in the second by them.

The Shark’s PK once again showed why their a top five unit in the league though as they killed off another PP.

After the PK both teams exchanged chances back and forth as both goalies made big saves.

At the 9:19 mark of the third Nick Bonino found Erik Karlsson creeping in backdoor and fead the defenseman. Karlsson then proceeded to make a difficult shot look effortless as he scored his 15th goal of the season.

The lead now 4-3 the Sharks looked to hold on to their lead as they trapped it up.

Dallas pulled their goalie to try to tie it but Logan Couture got the puck and fired it into the empty cage to end the game at 5-3.

The shots at the end of the game favored the Stars at 36-28.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Erik Karlsson 2nd: Nick Bonino 3rd: Miro Heiskanen

With the victory over Dallas Reimer got the 200th win of his NHL career.

“I think we can be really proud of this win tonight and it was a solid effort,” Meier said after the game.

The Sharks next game will on Saturday and also kicks off a long road stand for the team were they will do battle with Columbus.

Not At Home Tonight: Cal’s offense disappears in 87-58 loss to visiting Oregon

By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Haas Pavilion is the home of the Golden Bears. It just didn’t seem so on Wednesday.

Not even close.

Instead, the visiting Ducks appeared right at home, shooting 60 percent in a lopsided 87-58 win over Cal that was initiated by the visitors’ attentive defense and punctuated by their mistake-free offensive attack. Amazingly, the Ducks piled up impressive shooting stats in all three areas while committing just five turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Bears couldn’t get untracked. They made just seven baskets in the first half, and trailed 34-21 at the break. Ten minutes in the second half, the Bears fell behind 60-34 allowing Oregon to cruise.

“I thought the guys really took the wind out of their sails just not giving up easy baskets,” coach Dana Altman said. “21 points at half, I love that. I thought defensively we had a lot better energy and a lot better movement than what we’ve had.”

Cal (3-16, 2-5) had won three of four at home, but they couldn’t recapture the magic. DeJuan Clayton, credited for inspiring the Bears’ improved play, didn’t score in this one until 25 minutes elapsed. Clayton finished with three points, and the team’s leading scorer, ND Okafor scored 10 points.

The Bears resume play on Sunday at noon against Oregon State in a battle of teams looking to avoid the Pac-12 basement.

Headline Sports with Jessica Kwong: 49ers Carthon to become Titans GM; Michigan’s asst coach Weiss under investigation; plus much more headlines

San Francisco 49ers director of player personnel Ron Carthon will be leaving the 49ers to become the Tennessee Titans general manager for the 2023 season in the fall the Titans announced on Tue Jan 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 Jessica, the San Francisco 49ers director of player personnel Ron Carthon will be leaving the 49ers to become general manager of the Tennessee Titans. Carthon met with Titan executives on Friday during the interview process and it was announced on Tuesday that he would become general manager. As director of player personnel Carthon has worked five years with the 49ers and over that time the 49ers have been to the Super Bowl and two NFC Championships during that time.

#2 Co-offensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines Matt Weiss was placed on leave by Michigan University. The school’s police department said that they are investigating a report of “computer access crimes” The Wolverines have said that Weiss has not been traveling with the team or been with the team. A neighbor of Weiss said that he saw a number of unmarked police cars outside of Weiss’ residence. Weiss said that he has no comment on the matter and said he is waiting for the investigation to be resolved.

#3 The celebration of the Georgia Bulldogs championship on Sunday went from utter joy to extreme sadness when it was learned of an auto accident that killed offensive lineman Devin Wilcock 20 and recruiting analyst 24 year old Chandler LeCroy who was the driver of a vehicle. LeCroy who was wearing a seat belt was driving at excessive speed. Bulldog offensive lineman Warren McClendon sitting in the right passenger seat survived the crash suffering minor injuries a laceration to the forehead. Victoria Bowles a member of the Georgia football staff was seriously injured and sitting with LeCroy in the back seat.

#4 In NBA news the Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving did not play Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs because of right calf soreness. Irving is expected back in the line up on Thursday according to Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn. The Nets are also currently playing without Kevin Durant who is out with a sprained knee and isn’t expected back for several weeks.

#5 Jessica four big playoff games scheduled in the NFL for this weekend lots of excitement over the final eight teams: In the AFC Jacksonville at Kansas City and New York at Philadelphia in the NFC on Saturday. On Sunday it’s Cincinnati at Buffalo and in the NFC it’s the Dallas at San Francisco. Jessica kind of get your picks for this weekend’s playoff games.

Join Jessica every other Wednesday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal hopes to rebound from last week’s double loss on the road

Cal Bears forward Grant Newell (14) led Cal with 21 points in their last game against the Washington Huskies at the Alaskan Airlines Arena in Seattle on Sat Jan 14, 2023 (Sports Illustrated file photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 18 games into a trying season, the Cal Bears have changed the discourse from losing to winning. But this one–with Cal in control for the majority of last Saturday afternoon–will sting. The Cal Bears led Washington the entire second half, only to lose in overtime 81-78.

#2 “We had every opportunity to win the game in regulation and just didn’t finish the plays, didn’t make free throws,” coach Mark Fox said. “When you have those opportunities, you have to seize them.”

#3 In overtime, the Huskies seized control, missing just one shot and leading the entire five minutes. Cal had an opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kuany Kuany’s 3-pointer was blocked.

#4 Cal led by as many as 11 points–with 10 minutes remaining, a showing spearheaded by Grant Newell’s breakout with 21 points, ten rebounds. Lars Thiemann added 13, and Joel Brown had 12 points, five assists.

#5 Cal returns to Haas Pavilion to face Oregon Ducks (10-8) on Wednesday at 7:00pm The Ducks have won five of their last eight games and coming into tonight’s game at Haas Pavilion Cal 3-15 and lost the last two game road trip to Washington State and Washington last week.

Michael Duca does the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal WBB podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal try to get over shock of losing to USC; Open 4 game homestand against Utah on Friday night

Stanford guard Haley Jones (30) and forward Brooke Demetre (21) grapple for a loose ball with Southern California guard Okako Adika (24) during the first half at USC in Los Angeles on Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal WBB podcast with Michael:

#1 Southern California pulled off a major upset in women’s basketball Sunday, as the Trojans defeated No. 2 Stanford 55-46 in Los Angeles, snapping the Cardinal’s 12-game winning streak in the process.

#2 Destiny Littleton led USC with 18 points and six assists, Okako Adika scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Taylor Bigby and Kayla Williams scored nine points apiece as the Trojans (13-4 overall, 3-3 Pac-12) snapped a 14-game losing streak to Stanford.

#3 It was Southern California’s first win over the Cardinal (17-2 overall, 5-1 Pac-12) since the 2014 Pac-12 Tournament.

#4 Though the Cardinal held USC to 27 percent shooting from the field, the Trojans compensated by hitting 8 of 19 behind the arc and sinking 17 of 26 free throws. Stanford hit only 4 of 21 3-point attempts.

#5 The Cardinal return home on Friday to host No. 10 Utah, opening a four-game homestand at Maples Pavilion.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: No one will touch Bauer now; Only a miracle now can prevent A’s from leaving Oakland; plus more news

Former Los Angeles Dodger Trevor Bauer was not claimed on waivers and the Dodgers could be on the hook for Bauer for $22.5 million if Bauer is not picked up by another big league club (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer who was unclaimed on waivers. Bauer’s leaving will cost the Dodgers $22.5 million which he will be owed if he not claimed by another club. Bauer if picked up by another big league club will be paid the MLB minimum at $720,000 that would offset the $22.5 million. The Dodgers as it looks right now will be on the hook for the balance as Bauer is persona non grata after several sexual misconduct allegations were made against him.

#2 The Oakland A’s will not see any kind of funding money in the neighborhood of $180 million in federal funds and now it’s a question of how the City of Oakland can finance the A’s ballpark at Howard Terminal at Jack London Square. The federal department of Megaprojects may not grant some of the monies or none of it at all.

#3 Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis expressed how Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas has now become less of a home field advantage for the Raiders because more fans travel to visit the visiting team than home fans that turn out. Also Davis observed that local fans in Las Vegas aren’t coming out to support the Raiders during the season home games.

#4 The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that they have come to an agreement with veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto to a one year deal with an option. Cueto formerly pitched for the Chicago White Sox last season going 3.35 ERA, 158 1/3 innings with 102 strikeouts and 33 walks. Cueto could get as much as $8.5 million this season from the Marlins.

#5 The Toronto Blue Jays keep on dealing they signed five players including a 16 year old pitcher named Emmanuel Bonilla who signed for $4.1 million the biggest contract for a bonus in Blue Jays history.

Join Amaury for News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NFL Playoff podcast with Tony Renteria: Final 8 match up this week in NFL playoff action here are the predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (left) matches up against the Kansas City Chiefs Pat Mahomes (right) this Sat Jan 21, 2023 in the AFC Divisional playoffs (AP/WJXT News 4Jax photo)

On the NFL Playoff podcast with Tony:

#1 Ok Tony we’ll take each playoff match up one at a time we’ll start in the AFC playoffs with the Saturday game between Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jags last Saturday defeated the Tennessee Titans 20-16. Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence 20-32, 212 yards and one touchdown. For the Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes in his last game against the Las Vegas Raiders went 18-26, 202 yards, and one touchdown to lead the Chiefs to a 31-13 win. How do you see the Jaguars and Chiefs matching up this Saturday.

#2 The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this Saturday. The Giants defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card last Saturday 31-24 many didn’t expect the Giants to win this one but it came right down to the fourth quarter and a badly needed touchdown for the Giants to just get by the Vikings by one touchdown 31-24 to advance to the NFC Division game against the Philadelphia Eagles who last played against these very same Giants in the last day of regular season back on Jan 8th for a 22-16 win. Now both meet in this crucial playoff matchup this Saturday who do you like in this one?

#3 They meet again the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills the last meeting on Mon Jan 2 resulting in the cardiac arrest of the Bills Damar Hamil after getting hit by the Cincinnati Bengals Tee Higgins resulting a week’s stay in a Cincinnati hospital. Having a successful recovery Hamil sent his heartfelt appreciation to fans and his teammates. That’s what Bengals and Bills mostly will remember when these two teams match up this Sunday in Buffalo. Who do you like in this one Tony?

#4 The Dallas Cowboys knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14. The Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott found success and his receivers on Sunday going 25-33, 305 yards, and a whopping four touchdowns for the win. The San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was just simply on point throwing 18-30, 332 yards and three touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks for a 41-23 win. It’s the Cowboys and 49ers at Levi Stadium this Sunday who do you like in this one?

Join Tony Renteria for the NFL post season podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com