Tag: Sports Radio Service

Panthers Survive the Rumble in the Silicon Valley Jungle, 44-41 over the Oilers; third straight victory

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Bay Area Panthers had enough offense to get by the Tulsa Oilers at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Jun 7, 2025 in Indoor Football League action (photo by Antonio Garcia Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Bay Area Panthers (7-2) persevered in a back and forth battle with the Tulsa Oilers (6-4), 44-41, on a Saturday Evening in the South Bay.

The Panthers were backed deep in their own Red Zone within the 1-minute warning, up by three. Their defense and the home crowd were crucial factors in the exciting victory’.

Tulsa won the coin flip, but decided to defer their possession until the second half. San Jose capitalized on that gift with a rushing touchdown by Josh Tomas, but missed the extra point attempt.

The Panthers’ “Clawfense” blocked an Oilers’ FG attempt, preserving their shutout midway through the first quarter. San Jose later scored on a Justin Jones pass to BK Smith Jr., to put them up 12-0, due to another missed extra point.

Tulsa was held scoreless after one quarter. However, they wasted no time in the second quarter putting points on the scoreboard, on a 10-yard QB keeper by TJ Edwards. The Oilers actually made their extra point, bringing the score within five, 12-7 San Jose.

Later in the second, Edwards hit Cole Blackman for a touchdown, while putting the Oklahoma visitors in the lead by two, 14-12. The lead did not last too long for the guests.

Tomas put the home team back in front, on a 27-yard TD run. This time they made a 2-point conversion, putting them up by six, 20-14. Their lead did not last too long either.

Blackman made an acrobatic catch in the end zone on a 27-yard bomb by Edwards. The Oilers slipped into a one point lead, 21-20.

The tennis match on the football field continued, as the lead was volleyed throughout the contest.

Tomas scurried into paydirt again. This time for 10 yards. and another lead, 26-21. Another failed extra point gave them that particular score. It turned out to be enough to lead at the midway point of the IFL battle. Despite Tulsa’s Ross Moore converting a 27-yard FG, San Jose led 26-24 at the half.

In the second half, Tulsa had the ball first, due to their initial deference. Moore managed to convert a 22-yard field goal, and his squad took the lead, 27-26.

San Jose came right back and recovered the advantage by two, 29-27 on 21-yard FG. After the Panthers kicked off, the Oilers misplayed the ball and Franky West grabbed the loose ball, carrying it into the end zone for a huge touchdown. After the two-point dropkick, the Panthers were up by 10, 37-27.

Before the third quarter ended, Edwards used his legs again and scored on another QB keeper. Tulsa was within three, going into the final stanza, 37-34.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers had the ball on the enemy’s two-yard line, but turned the ball over on a miffed handoff. However, they were able to get the ball relatively soon, as Edwards threw an interception. No one scored off of the back to back turnovers.

Edwards scrambled again for a huge two-yard TD, placing his Oilers back in front 41-37. Shortly thereafter, Justin Jones does his own QB keeper for a two-yard score. The Panthers were up 44-41 in the closing minutes.

During the 1-minute warning, Tulsa had the ball inside the Red Zone, down by three. The recently reliable Edwards went from a game-winning scenario, or at least tying the game. to a game-losing interception in the endzone..

Panther eked out a close victory, 44-41.

A’s Lose To Orioles Despite Huge First Inning 7-4

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Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (32) waits for the pick off throw as the Sacramento A’s Jacob Wilson dives back into the bag in the bottom of the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sat Jun 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento A’s (25-41) had a perfect first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead in game two of their series with the Baltimore Orioles (26-37). They were unable to score for the rest of the game while Baltimore scored in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings winning the game 7-4 Saturday night at Sutter Health Park. Luis Severino struggled giving up eight hits and five runs.

After a hard fought win 5-4 in Friday’s game one, the A’s took on the Baltimore Orioles in game two of their three game series Saturday night. The A’s took a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth inning and held on for the win, their second win in a row.

Game recap: The Orioles were first up on the scoreboard taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Ryan O’Hearn sacrificed Jackson Holliday home for the early lead. The A’s pushed back in the first inning scoring four runs and taking a 4-1 lead.

Jacob Wilson singled Lawrence Butler home to tie up the game 1-1. Willie MacIver also singled Wilson home taking the lead 2-1 . The A’s continued to extend their lead when JJ Bleday walked with the bases loaded; Brent Rooker came home and the A’s tacked another run onto their lead. Tyler Soderstrom scored when Max Schuemann singled and the A’s had a great opening inning leading 4-1. It was a solid start for the A’s.

It was of course early in the game but it was really looking good for the Athletics going into the fourth inning still leading 4-1. This game really got sidetracked in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

The Orioles pulled to within a run in the fourth inning 3-4 scoring two runs. A familiar name, Ramon Laureano sent the ball soaring out of the park for a 2-run home run and the A’s were clinging onto a one-run lead.

Baltimore scored one run in the fifth inning to tie up the game 4-4. Gunnar Henderson singled Adley Rutschman home for the tie and the significant A’s lead had been erased but it was still early in the game.

Baltimore was not finished going on to score two more runs in the sixth inning via the Orioles second home run of the game. Colton Cowser hit a solo home run to take back the lead Baltimore had back in the first inning 5-4. Baltimore added to that lead in the sixth when Jackson Holliday reached first base on a throwing error by Logan Davidson.

Baltimore took the 6-4 lead into the seventh inning when Ramon Laureano struck again hitting a single driving Gunnar Henderson home for a 7-4 lead and the Orioles were cruising.

The A’s had not scored since the first inning and going into the bottom of the ninth inning they were down to their final three outs. They had a mountain to climb and it just did not happen. JJ Bleday struck out for the 3rd out and that was the ball game 7-4. The A’s were not able to put enough bats together to score again in the game. It all comes down to the rubber match tomorrow, the A’s looking for their first series win in quite awhile.

It was a tough game for starter Luis Severino allowing eight hits, five runs, four walks and five strikeouts. He pitched for 5 2/3 innings. Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler each had two hits apiece, both of them playing some great ball right now. The A’s unfortunately left 11 base runners; something that is going to hurt you every time.

The final game of the series, the rubber match is scheduled for 1:05 PM Sunday. The Orioles Tomoyuki Sugano will start this game with a 5-3 win/loss and a 3.04 ERA. At the time of this post, the A’s will start LHP Jacob Lopez (0-4 ERA 7.20). The A’s will be looking to take the series, something they have not done in quite some time.

157th Belmont Stakes: Sovereignty captures victory over Journalism at Saratoga

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Sovereignty (2) with jockey Junior Alvarado races to the finish line first ahead of Journalism (7) with Jockey Umberto Rispoli, and Baeza (6) with jockey Flavien Prat at the 157th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs New York on Sat Jun 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

The Kentucky Derby champion, Sovereignty, beat the Preakness Stakes winner to claim the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday evening.

Sovereignty won the first and third legs of the Triple Crown, leaving in second place both of those times Journalism, who won the second leg three weeks ago.

After skipping the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty emerged well rested at the Saratoga Race Course, where the event has been held for the second year in a row.

To start, Bob Baffert-trained Rodriguez took the lead with Crudo close behind around the first two turns. Meanwhile Sovereignty and Journalism, who was the pre-race favorite, battled for third.

Journalism surged forward to lead and seemed to be dashing towards victory, when Sovereignty passed him on the right side and overtook him by about two lengths. Sovereignty charged for the finish line and won. Baeza took third place, and the top three spots were a repeat of the Kentucky Derby in early May.

Jockey Junior Alvarado said that the race was “about two great horses, adding that Journalism “didn’t make it easy for my horse”.

“I just think today, he was great today,” Alvarado said of Sovereignty.

Alvarado admitted that winning the Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby was “surreal”, noting that there was a time in his career when he saw the chances for winning just one Triple Crown race seeming to slip.

“I could see everything fading away to be honest, you know, and here I am,” he said.

Sovereignty’s trainer Bill Mott, who faced criticism for withdrawing his horse from the Preakness Stakes and eliminating the possibility of a 2025 Triple Crown winner, said he had no regrets about his decision.

“It turned out good,” said Mott after the race. “If we didn’t win today, we would’ve taken a lot of criticism.”

Sovereignty’s owners took home $1.2 million, Journalism’s $350,000 and Baeza’s $200,000.

While celebrated, Sovereignty’s victory also raises the question of whether he would be the 14th Triple Crown winner in history, if he had been left to run the Preakness Stakes.

Belmont Stakes 2025 final results and odds:

  1. Sovereignty (5-2)
  2. Journalism (2-1)
  3. Baeza (7-2)
  4. Rodriguez (7-1)

Bay FC-Portland match wrap: Bay FC’s Malonson scores matches only goal in 1-0 win over Portland

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Bay FC celebrates Alyssa Malonson’s goal at the 39th minute against the Portland Thorns at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sat Jun 7, 2025 (Bay FC X photo)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC returned home to PayPal Park on Saturday, as they hosted the Portland Thorns during a matinee game. Considering the two teams were fighting for positioning at the end of the 2024 season and aren’t far apart so far this season, this was a matchup that could end up having major playoff implications late in the season. It was almost like a playoff match with Bay getting a narrow victory 1-0 at Pay Pal Park in San Jose.

Bay Starting XI: Silkowitz, Malonson, Brewster, Dahlkemper, Dydasco, Bebar, Conti, Huff, Oshoala, Hocking, Hill

Thorns Starting XI: Bixby, Reyes, Perry, Hiatt, Torpey, Coffey, Sugita, Moultrie, Alidou, Hanks, Linnehan

Asisat Oshoala nearly got Bay on the board in the 9th minute when Jayden Perry slipped on the ball, creating an opportunity in transition. Oshoala’s shot hit the goalpost, though, and it remained 0-0. Up to that point in the match, Bay’s pressing in particular seemed to be giving them an upper hand. Even when they turned the ball over, they were fighting hard to win it back. Payton Linnehan received some medical attention in the 12th minute after going down while holding her leg, but she remained in the match.

After the stoppage, momentum seemed to swing in favor of the Thorns. Jordan Silkowitz made her first difficult save of the night in the 21st minute, denying Portland from point-blank range. In the 23rd minute, Jordan Brewster went down and got attention from the trainer before leaving the game with a lower leg injury in the 26th minute. Kelli Hubly took her place.

Oshoala got another opportunity in the 29th minute, but her shot went just wide of the goal. In the 30th minute, Portland had a header opportunity off of a corner kick, but it went just over the bar. Silkowitz blocked another one-on-one in the 32nd minute, denying Olivia Moultrie whose pressing forced a turnover in the Bay FC backline.

Oshoala was shown a yellow card for a collision with Perry in the 33rd minute. Turnovers in the defensive third quickly became a theme for Bay FC late in the first half, as they were holding onto the ball too long or misplacing passes that allowed the Thorns to quickly regain possession and launch another attack.

Alyssa Malonson opened the scoring in the 39th minute, when her overlap left her plenty of open space inside of the box. A difficult, but perfectly placed shot left Bella Bixby no chance to save it. Once again, Silkowitz made a dazzling save in the 43rd minute to maintain the home side’s 1-0 lead, which Bay FC would carry into halftime.

The second half would start with momentum seemingly back in Bay FC’s corner, but overall, it was a lot of back-and-forth action early in the half with neither team really taking advantage. Bixby made an easy save 67th minute, after the ball deflected off of a defender in front of the goal. Bay FC made some wholesale changes in the 71st minute with Racheal Kundananji, Dorian Bailey and Kiki Pickett entering the match for Taylor Huff, Asisat Oshoala, and Hannah Bebar.

Kundananji tried to make an instant impact, going one-on-one with a centerback in the 74th minute, however, her shot went just wide. With Kundananji in the game, it seemed as if Bay FC were trying to take advantage of the worn-down defense and were taking a route-one style approach of lumping it down the field.

It was generating chances due to her speed, but they weren’t converting on those opportunities. Penelope Hocking came off for Tess Boade in the 78th minute. Pickett was shown a yellow card in the 80th minute. Caiya Hanks came out of the game due to the incident, leaving Portland with ten players for the time being.

In the 84th minute, Alexa Spaanstra took Hanks’ place for Portland. In the 95th minute, it seemed as if Rachel Hill had extended Bay FC’s lead to 2-0; however, the play was deemed a handball. Portland went down the other way and nearly converted a chance in the 98th minute, but it went just wide and the final whistle blew moments later. Bay FC walked away victorious, with a 1-0 win at home.

SF Giants game wrap: Chapman’s the hero and ends pitcher’s duel with walk-off HR in Giants’ fourth-straight win, 3-2 over Braves

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San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman runs the bases after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco Sat Jun 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California

Atlanta Braves 2 (27-36)

San Francisco Giants 3 (37-28)

Win: Tyler Rogers (3-2)

Loss: Pierce Johnson (1-3)

Time: 2:05

Attendance: 35,162

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants pulled off their fourth win in a row in what was a pitcher’s duel, as they were down to their final out, and Matt Chapman hit a walk-off home run to left field to cap off an epic Giants’ 3-2 win over the Braves Saturday.

After Buster Posey shook things up on Wednesday, the Giants have been undefeated. They blew a lead last night, but they were able to win it on a walk-off wild pitch for their seventh walk-off win of the season.

Saturday, on Pride Day, and another gorgeous day for baseball at Oracle Park. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie was on hand for pregame ceremonies, as were LGBTQ leaders, including State Senator Scott Weiner.

Iowayna Pena, Director of Government Affairs and Real Estate Development for the Giants, and a prominent leader in the LGBTQ Community, threw out the first pitch with the new Pride Ball. What is the Pride Ball you ask? It is a baseball with rainbow stitching. The Seattle Mariners first came up with the idea this year. To my knowledge, it was not used in Saturday’s game, but it would be pretty cool if they start using it for Pride Day next year.

Logan Webb took the ball. Let’s be honest here: Logan Webb is Matt Cain with a sinker. Webb looks like Cain; has the same build as Cain; and has the same mechanics as Cain. Most importantly and unfortunately, Logan Webb suffers the same level of being screwed by his offense as the great Matt Cain.

Saturday would be the same for the Giants’ ace. Webb started off strong, as he retired the first six men he faced. Webb ran into trouble but escaped a jam in the top of the third, and then he threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth.

Braves’ starter Bryce Elder started off almost just as strong. He threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the first, followed by a pair of scoreless innings in the second and third.

The Giants struck first in the bottom of the fourth, as Wilmer Flores led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to left field off a hanging slider by Elder. Elder retired the next three, but Braves Manager Brian Snitker decided to get thrown out of the game by Home Plate Umpire Gabe Morales afterwards.

Good chance Snitker got tossed to motivate his struggling team that has not had the kind of season they expected, and who has lost some tough games as of late. It appeared to work, as Michael Harris led off the top of the fifth with a home run to right-center to tie it. Webb retired the next three, and Elder threw a one, two, three inning in the bottom of the fifth.

The Braves then staged a rally off Webb in the top of the sixth, as they loaded the bases with nobody out on three-straight singles. Matt Olson popped up into an infield fly, and then Marcel Ozuna grounded into a fielder’s choice to put the Braves ahead.

Webb struck out Harris to end the top of the sixth and his day, as his pitch count got to him. Webb was just great over six innings, as he struck out ten, and didn’t walk a single guy.

The only problem? You guessed it: Webb couldn’t get any support. Elder one-upped Webb with 12 strikeouts over eight dominant innings. Elder, too, didn’t walk anybody, and on top of that, he only gave up three hits.

That’s why the Giants must have been ecstatic to see former Giant Pierce Johnson in the bottom of the ninth. Well, that, and the fact that it was a wild pitch by Johnson that won the game for the Giants last night.

Pierce Johnson struck out Daniel Johnson to start the bottom of the ninth, and then Heliot Ramos grounded a base-hit to left-center. Wilmer then popped up, and the Giants were down to their last out.

Matt Chapman came up to the plate as the Giants’ last hope on this beautiful afternoon. The count was 1-1 when Johnson threw Chapman a semi-hanging curveball in the bottom half of the zone. Chapman turned on it, and hit a two-run home run to left to win it for the Giants.

It was the eighth walk-off win for the Giants this season, and their second walk-off home run. Believe it or not, the Giants had nine walk-off wins at this point of the season in 2011.

Tyler Rogers, who pitched a scoreless inning in the top of the ninth, got the win, and Pierce Johnson took the loss for the second day in a row.

The Giants improve to 36-27, and they will go for the sweep Sunday with Landen Roupp (3-4, 3.18 ERA) on the hill. Spencer Strider (0-4, 5.68 ERA) will take the ball for Atlanta.

First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.

NBA Finals podcast Michael Roberson: Thunder will be out to protect the home floor advantage for game 2

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Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton (0) takes a jump shot converting the game winner a buzzer beater as the Pacers take game 1 from the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City on Thu Jun 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

NBA Finals podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The only way the Indiana Pacers were going to win game 1 was to chip away at the Oklahoma City Thunder and they were able to manage to pull it off with a one point 111-110 win over the Thunder.

#2 Another consideration was the Pacers turned the ball over 19 times in the first half and were still able to keep together and pull off the surprise win.

#3 There was no one from the Pacers who scored above 20 points it was total team effort and ball distribution do you see that kind of offense as key strategy to keep the Thunder off balance rather than the Pacers have a designated go to guy.

#4 Talk about Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer beater that sank in for the Pacers one point win. This team is carrying over momentum from the previous series.

#5 Pacers and Thunder get after it again in game 2 at Oklahoma City. You can be assured the Thunder will do whatever it takes to prevent a loss on their home floor at Paycom Arena in OKC?

Michael Roberson is an NBA analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva: Giants edge out Braves in walk off fashion in 3-2 win

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San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael, the San Francisco Giants Matt Chapman hit a two run walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park against the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Saturday for their fourth win in a row.

#2 Heliot Ramos got on board with a single and one out and relief pitcher Pierce Johnson who dropped his record to 1-3 got Wilmer Flores to pop up and then Chapman came up with his 12th homer of the season.

#3 The Braves starter Bryce Elder, allowed a run and three hits and struck out 12 in eight innings of work and the Braves lost another heartbreak losing their sixth straight game.

#4 Giant starter Logan Webb pitched six innings struck out ten and allowed two runs and surrendered six hits. It was the fourth time that Webb had strike outs in double digits this season.

#5 Atlanta and San Francisco match up again on Sunday afternoon at 1:05pm PDT. Starter for the Braves RHP Spencer Strider (0-4 ERA 5.68) for the Giants RHP Landen Roupp (3-4 ERA 3.18) first pitch slated for 1:05pm PDT at Oracle Park.

Michael Villanueva is an MLB analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Giants Fitzgerald scores on 10th inning wild pitch to beat Braves 5-4 to open three game series

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San Francisco Giants Tyler Fitzgerald is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning against the Atlanta Braves Fri Jun 6, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO–On Friday night at Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 5–4 in a thrilling walk-off, extending their winning streak to three games in a row. The Giants handed the Braves their fifth consecutive defeat, improving to 25–15 thanks to early offense, clutch pitching, and an exciting extra-inning finish. Despite a few rocky moments along the way, the Giants’ tenacity was demonstrated in this thrilling victory.

The Giants quickly took the lead, scoring three runs in the first inning as a result of timely hitting and Braves errors. Wilmer Flores and Jung Hoo Lee each contributed run-scoring knocks to take advantage of Atlanta’s defensive errors, while Heliot Ramos continued to be a force at the plate with three hits. The Braves refused to go quietly, even though the Giants appeared to be in control and had a 4-0 lead by the end of the second inning.

Atlanta clawed back in the middle innings, beginning with a run in the fifth before Matt Olson tied the game with a two-run homer in the seventh—his 13th of the season. The Braves’ bullpen held the line from there, including a scoreless ninth by veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, who recently returned to the roster. The Giants had chances but struggled with execution on the basepaths, including a costly pickoff of Tyler Fitzgerald in the ninth that nearly derailed their momentum.

The automatic runner rule gave San Francisco a new opportunity in the 10th inning despite the baserunning problems. On a groundout, Tyler Fitzgerald, who began the inning on second, moved up to third. Fitzgerald then raced home and scored the game-winning run in walk-off fashion after Braves reliever Pierce Johnson uncorked a wild pitch that bounced past catcher Sean Murphy with the game on the line. It was the Giants’ seventh season-long walk-off victory.

The Giants’ defense was crucial in keeping the score tied and facilitating the walk-off. Dominic Smith contributed with strong defense at first base, Mike Yastrzemski displayed good outfield positioning, and Matt Chapman made a crucial throw to cut down a runner. The Giants’ depth and composure under duress were demonstrated by Camilo Doval’s scoreless ninth inning on the mound and Spencer Bivens’ escape from a bases-loaded jam in the top of the tenth to secure the victory.

This game was a gut-punch for the Braves, who dropped to 18–20 amid mounting frustrations. For the Giants, it was another example of a team that continues to find different ways to win, even when the game gets messy. With momentum on their side, San Francisco will look to keep rolling as they head into the weekend, while the Braves are left searching for answers to halt their sudden skid.

Starting pitchers for Saturday for Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-3 ERA 4.56) for San Francisco RHP Logan Webb (5-5 ERA 2.55) first pitch 1:05pm PDT at Oracle Park.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa: Panthers Marchand send series back to Florida tied 1-1 after scoring 2 goals in double OT

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Florida Panthers Brand Marchand (63) is excited about scoring his second period goal against the Edmonton Oilers in game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final at Edmonton on Fri Jun 6, 2025 (Canadian Press via AP)

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Brad Marchand scored in the second overtime on a breakaway goal that led to the Florida Panthers winning 5-4 in game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final on Friday night in Edmonton.

#2 The series goes back to Florida on Monday for game 3 tied at 1-1. The Panthers have home ice for games 3 and 4.

#3 The Panthers battled all game long down 4-3 saw Corey Perry tie the game at 17.8 second left in the third period. Perry’s goal was key if not for that the Oilers would be up 2-0.

#4 Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who were key scorers in game 1 both battled with they had in game 2 on Friday but the Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was able to keep them out of the net. The Oilers ended up pulling goaltender Stuart Skinner for an extra attacker in the second overtime and Marchand took advantage of the open net and got the game winner.

#5 Game 3 moves to Florida on Monday night the Panthers have home ice for games 3 and 4 and it could give Florida a shot at taking a 3-1 series lead. The Oilers will have to regroup to avoid that from happening.

Mary Lisa is a NHL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Baseball Why Retire if you are having Fun?

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Former Spanish announcers Miami Marlins Felo Ramirez (left) worked until he passed away at age 94 and Los Angeles Dodgers Jaime Jarrin retired at 87 both Ramirez and Jarrin are in the Baseball Hall of Fame and are in the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum (photo from the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame)

Baseball: Why Retire if you are having Fun?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Most studies that did not account for individuals’ prior health status and demographic factors found that on-time retirement was associated with a higher risk of mortality compared to those who continued working beyond the retirement age.

In our American culture, it seems that when a person reaches a certain age, they are supposed to retire. You get free calls from your health provider trying to lure you in for another vaccine, because if your age is XX, something must be wrong with your health.

Remember that it is a business also. And some people get the same question, “Why are you not retired”?, which in my opinion is in the category of ‘that is not your business’ type of question. But what happens if you are past your retirement age and you have a job that you enjoy that brings you the pleasure some people cannot buy, even when they retire with a nice financial nest?

A recent report published by Investment News reveals that the “magic number” for retirement savings today is around $1.5 million, which is certainly enough to turn heads. Still, some advisors argue that such numbers are misleading at best.

—Vin Scully. There are specific jobs that, regardless of finances, could extend your life. Baseball broadcasting is a good sample; some of the best baseball announcers in history did not wait until 65 to retire. After all, they are not Airline pilots, who are required to retire at 65. In broadcasting, as long as you can talk, read, and entertain an audience, you can work longer than most people. Some of the best examples are people like Vin Scully, who broadcast the Dodgers for 67 years from coast to coast, from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles, California. The most extraordinary baseball announcer who ever lived passed at the age of 95.

Scully’s last season behind the mike at Dodger Stadium was 2016. I was privileged to meet and speak with Mr. Scully, including during his last season on the air, when I was working play-by-play for LA Fox Sports Spanish TV for the Los Angeles Angels. His booth at Angel Stadium was next to mine when he came in with the Dodgers, and he never disappointed. If he was the best ever baseball announcer, he was also one of the best human beings you could meet. He truly enjoyed his work, and his dedication and honesty were exemplary.

—Bob Uecker. He was the voice for the Milwaukee Brewers for 54 seasons and passed in 2024. Funny, this man who was an ex-player and, like he said about his playing career,”Sporting goods companies would pay me not to endorse their products” And “I always tried to stay around .190, with three or four RBIs” Plus also highlighting his experience catching knuckleballs and noted that his slumps sometimes lasted into the winter.

He was naturally funny, pleasant, and knowledgeable. He was the key character in the Mr.Belvedere television series. Mr. Uecker’s appearance on the most Johnny Carson shows in history. Bob Uecker appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than 100 times, the record.

Johnny Carson, for those of us who remember, was the best on television during that time slot and, in my humble opinion, the best. The Late-Night hosts today are not even close to Mr. Carson. The guys today often get into politics, which can be embarrassing, and also feature scripted and predictable participants as guests promoting their movies and series.

These individuals lack the spontaneity of Carson, who was genuinely clever and witty. Even the old-time great Groucho Marx said he liked Johnny Carson, and Groucho was famous for always speaking his mind.

–Rafael “Felo”Ramirez. Last but not least, Rafael “Felo” Ramírez, whom I proudly call my mentor. In 1998, I was selected to work with him during the NL Championship Series between the Braves and the Padres for the LBC Network, which broadcast to US and Latin American radio stations.

I used to listen to Felo when I was a little 12-year-old boy in Cuba; he called the Cuban Winter League games. Before the game, I asked him if it would be fine with him to mention what I have always told him in private, “I listened to you when I was a boy in Cuba”.

He said, of course, and during the broadcast, towards the end, I mentioned over the air. For me, that was one of the highlights of this business. The Legendary Spanish voice of the Marlins, while traveling with the team on April 26, 2017, fell off the team’s bus in Philadelphia, hit his head, and was hospitalized for two months before his passing in Miami, Florida, at the age of 94.

He was broadcasting until the very end, but that accident ended his historic career. Felo was like my second father. He loved his career broadcasting baseball; he called the landmark Roberto Clemente 3,000 hit in Pittsburgh. I have the 33 rpm record album with his call, and then President Richard Nixon calling Clemente to congratulate the great Puerto Rican player. About that recording, last time I visited Cooperstown it was there for every fan to listen to.

These three broadcasters are proof that specific jobs exist. If you enjoy what you do, you can outlive many people. Granted, these three were extraordinary people, but they were in their mid-90s and still working. How many other jobs aside from broadcasting can you do that? Maybe as a Senator in Washington?

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.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

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