Tag: Sports Radio Service

Willie MacIver almost single-handedly snaps A’s 11-game losing streak in major league debut, as A’s top Phillies 5-4 in finale

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento A’s catcher Willie MacIver throws the ball to the pitcher in the top of the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Sun May 25, 2025

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Sutter Health Park

West Sacramento, California

Philadelphia Phillies 4 (34-19)

Sacramento Athletics 5 (23-31)

Win: Tyler Ferguson (1-2)

Loss: Matt Strahm (1-3)

Save: Mason Miller (12)

Time: 2:19

Attendance: 10,068

By Stephen Ruderman

WEST SACRAMENTO–New A’s catcher Willie MacIver was the hero in his major league debut, as the A’s snapped their 11-game losing streak in dramatic fashion in a wild seesaw game that saw comebacks and ejections, and at the end, the A’s beat the Phillies 5-4 Sunday.

It wasn’t just the 11-game losing streak. The A’s have been horrible at their rental home here in West Sacramento, as they came into Sunday’s game 8-19 at home.

Gunnar Hoglund took the ball for Oakland, ahem I meant Sacramento, Sunday. Hoglund got off to a nice start with a one, two, three top of the first inning, with all three outs being flyouts.

The A’s certainly looked like a team taking out their anger over an 11-game losing streak on Phillies’ starter Jesus Luzardo in the bottom of the first. It started when Jacob Wilson clubbed the first pitch of the day from Luzardo for a home run off the clubhouse buildings out in left field.

Brent Rooker followed Wilson’s home run with a base-hit to left, and Miguel Andujar lined a base-hit to center with one out. With two outs, Logan Davidson shot a two-run double off the wall out in left-center to make it 3-0.

The A’s came out swinging, and something definitely felt different in that bottom of the first. However, there was still a long way to go, and the A’s would have to fight with every fiber in their being to snap the skid.

The Phillies would get on the board and plate a run without a hit in the top of the second. Brandon Marsh led off the top of the third with a double over the glove of A’s center-fielder Denzel Clarke, and into the gap in right-center. Two batters later, Trae Turner grounded a base-hit up the middle to center, which scored Marsh to make it 3-2.

The A’s wasted an opportunity to further add on to their lead against Luzardo in the bottom of the second. From there, Luzardo settled down for the most part.

Hoglund settled back down to throw a one, two, three, inning in the top of the fourth. However, the Phillies manufactured a run in the top of the fifth to tie it. It would be the end of the line for Hoglund, who gave up three runs and four hits over five innings.

The A’s finally had a rally going against Luzardo in the bottom of the seventh, as they put runners at first and second with one out. Tyler Soderstrom was unable to get the job done, as he flew out to right for the second out, and both runners had to hold.

Then when Miguel Andujar came up, things got a little spicy. The first pitch to Andujar was a called strike right on the outside corner that may have been a bit generous. When Mark Kotsay voiced his displeasure with Home Plate Umpire Roberto Ortiz from the A’s dugout, Ortiz gave Kotsay the boot. Kotsay came out and said his piece, and then he made the long trek to the A’s clubhouse beyond the left field fence.

Andujar ended up striking out on three pitches. On his way back to the dugout, Andujar had some choice words for Ortiz, and Andujar was tossed as well.

Luzardo would be done after seven for the Phillies. Despite giving up nine hits and the three-run bottom of the first, Luzardo walked just seven and struck out ten. Not a bad day on the mound.

With one out in the top of the eighth, Trea Turner hit a home run to left off Hogan Harris to give the Phillies their first lead of the day. The A’s were now six outs away from being swept and losing their 12th-straight.

Phillies Manager Rob Thomson brought in Matt Straham for the bottom of the eighth. Straham retired the first man he faced, as he got Luis Urias to fly out to center. However, Logan Davidson walked, and then Lawrence Butler lined a triple down the right field line to tie the game.

It was suddenly now a brand-new game. Up came A’s catcher Willie MacIver, who got the start behind the plate in his major league debut today. MacIver came up 0-for-3, but the fourth time would be a charm, as he flipped a base-hit to right-center to knock Butler in and put the A’s back ahead.

Mason Miller came in for the top of the ninth and set down the first guys he faced. Of course, the Phillies would not make it easy, as Alec Bohm reached on an infield hit with two outs to extend the game for Brandon Marsh.

Johan Rojas came in to pinch-run for Bohm at first. On the first pitch to Marsh—which missed up and away for ball one—Rojas broke for second, but he was called out by Second Base Umpire and Crew Chief Bill Miller after a perfect strike from MacIver behind the plate.

The Phillies challenged with nothing to lose, and the call was confirmed. In his major league debut, Willie MacIver almost single-handedly snapped the A’s 12-game losing streak. Welcome to the big leagues, kid!

Tyler Ferguson, who finished off the top of the eighth for Oakland, got the win; Matt Straham took the loss; and Mason Miller picked up his 12th save.

The A’s get their 23rd win and improve to 23-31.

The A’s will hit the road for a six-game road trip, which will feature two in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday, and then four north of the border in Toronto against the Blue Jays starting on Thursday.

The A’s will be off on Memorial Day Monday, but they will begin their two-gamer against the Astros in Houston on Tuesday with JP Sears (4-4, 4.00 ERA) on the hill. Hunter Brown (6-3, 2.04 ERA) will counter for Houston.

First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m. in Houston, 5:10 p.m. back wherever the A’s call home in Northern California.

Giants Win Series Over the Nationals 3-2; SF’s Ray stays perfect at 7-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray pitches to the Washington Nationals line up in the bottom of the third inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sun May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite having a fairly quiet offensive game, the San Francisco Giants beat the Washington Nationals 3-2. San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray went six innings and continued his brilliant play picking up his seventh win against no loses. A lot of credit to the San Francisco bullpen which is the best in baseball right now and has been a huge part of their success.

Game recap: San Francisco got their bats working early taking a 1-0 lead into the second inning. Willy Adames grounded out to the pitcher allowing Wilmer Flores to score for the first run of the game and the San Francisco 1-0 lead.

The Giants carried the offensive momentum into the third inning scoring two more runs and taking a 3-0 lead. Sam Huff hit a home run to left center for the first third inning run. San Francisco extended that lead off a Heliot Ramos ground out sending Michael Yastrzemski home for the 3-0 tally.

The Nationals scored their first run of the game on a Ray wild pitch in the third inning. Nasim Nunez got the Nationals up on the scoreboard with the Giants still leading 3-1.

San Francisco did not score for the rest of the game coming away with only five hits as they continue to struggle offensively. They stubbornly hung onto the 3-1 lead going into the ninth inning. The Nationals threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Giant’s Ryan Walker was the closer in the game giving up two hits and one run. The Nationals James Woods doubled in the ninth inning and CJ Abrams scored their second run threatening to at least tie up this game. After Walker gave up two doubles, he shut Washington down getting out of the inning closing out the game with a 3-2 San Francisco win and also a series win.

Despite the win in this game, the Giants continue to look for more success offensively. The home runs have quieted down and the bats have been sluggish. While a win is a win, San Francisco needs to start closing out games with a lot more hits.

As expected Ray was brilliant on the mound with his contagious energy and solid pitching.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Giants wrapped up their series with the Nationals. After being shut out in Saturday’s game 3-0 the Giants were looking for a whole lot more offense but just got enough to win it on Sunday.

In game two on Saturday San Francisco only had three hits while the National’s had eight. Giant starter Robbie Ray whose been excellent all season pitched six innings, gave up three hits, one earned run and struck seven with an ERA of 2.56 was the winner now 7-0. Nationals starter Michael Soroka pitched six innings allowing five hits, three earned runs, one walk, and two strike outs for the loss.

The Giants will now take the energy from this series win into Detroit on Monday where they will face the Tigers in a three game series in what will be three challenging matchups. The Tigers are second in all of baseball with a great pitching staff. San Francisco will have to get the bats going. They will start Hayden Birdsong (2-0 ERA 1.91) while the Tigers will send Keider Montero coming into this game with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 5.28 ERA. First pitch for this Memorial Day matchup is scheduled for an early start 10:10 AM.

Ballers get the offense with seven run win over Raptors 9-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland Ballers pitcher Reed Butz delivers to the Ogden Raptors line up at Raimondi Park West Oakland on Sat May 24, 2025 (Oakland Ballers photo)

Ogden Raptors (2-3) 000 000 002 2 7 1

Oakland Ballers (3-2) 030 200 22x 9 13 1

Time: 2:08

Saturday, May 24, 2025

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–Last Thursday’s self-inflicted 13-9 walloping of Oaktown’s B’s by the visiting Ogden Raptors turned out to be the kick in the pants the locals needed to get their individual and collective butts in gear. They reacted by humiliating their guests, 16-1 on Friday night, Saturday the 24th the Ballers disposed of the Raptors neatly in the late afternoon contest, 9-2.

It almost was the Ballers first shutout of the nascent season. Their starting pitcher, southpaw Reed Butz, needed only 67 pitches to hurl seven scoreless innings in which he allowed only three hits and a walk to 23 batters, just two over the minimum.

Carson Lambert relieved him to open the eighth and just managed to preserve the shutout. Adam Bogosian took over in the ninth and didn’t. There was action in the Oakland bullpen when he finally got the final out after yielding the Raptors their two runs.

Runner were on second and third when he did. Rookie Tremayne Cobb, Jr. extended his eye popping work at the plate. His three for four performance, including a run producing two bagger, upped his batting average to .462.

Michael O’Hara also went three for four, a satisfying afternoon’s work for the center fielder who had spent the previous season on the Raptors’ roster. Two other B’s had multi-hit games, both Daniel Harris and Marques Titialii got two hits in four at bats. One of the latter’s was a two run homer in the second frame.

Leadoff batter was the only Raptor to log more than one hit, going three for four. None of their three hurlers emerged unscathed. Samuel Bass suffered the loss, yielding five runs, four earned, requiring 84 pitches to get through five innings.

Nico Saltaformaggio (two innings pitched, two runs, both earned and coming on Dave Drewek’s seventh inning round tripper) and Kyler Stancato (four hits and two runs—both earned — in an inning) completed Ogden’s unimpressive mound record.

An Asian-Pacific Island Heritage Day celebration preceded the action, adding to the festivities.

Sunday, the series will conclude with the Ballers’ first true afternoon game, with a 1:05 start against the Raptors, following a pregame “Salute to Our Soldiers.” Right hander Dylan Porter is expected to start the game for the B’s.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O Sun May 25, 2025: Red Sox Bregman out with right quad strain; Mets slumping Soto gets a breakthrough with RBI double; plus more MLB news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Boston Red Sox Alex Bregman bends over in pain after straining his right quad against the Baltimore Orioles on Sat May 24, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston. Bregman has been placed on the 10 day IL. (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O Sun May 25, 2025:

#1 Between games of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Alex Bregman had a significant injury. The injury is similar to the one he had back in 2021 when h e was out for two months. The injury put Bregman on the ten day IL with a right quad strain.

#2 New York Mets Juan Soto said after hitting the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher’s Tony Gonsolin’s splitter that was right over the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning with two down and the bags loaded “Don’t catch it” as Soto wound up getting a double and drove in runs that led to 5-2 win. Soto breaks out of his slump. Soto in five at bats had two hits and two RBIs on Saturday night.

 #3 Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees says he a work in progress and he’s saying that after he hit back to back home runs on two consecutive nights at Coors Field in Denver against the Colorado Rockies in a 13-1 win. Judge is hitting .395, with 18 home runs and 46 RBIs. If he’s a work in progress than you can only wonder what his finished work will look like?

#4 The Texas Rangers continue to have more troubles in losing players after it was learned that Joc Pederson broke his right hand when he was hit by a 87.5 mph cutter by White Sox right hand pitcher Bryse Wilson. Pederson hit the ground after he was hit. Ironically Pederson stayed in the game and scored on Marcus Seimien’s sac fly. Pederson is in a two year contract with the Rangers worth $37 million. The Rangers are on a six game losing streak

#5 The A’s continue with their losing streak as it reaches 11 games. In the bottom of the tenth inning the bases loaded sac fly to the Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Brandon Marsh threw the ball to catcher Realmuto for the sweep tag on the A’s base runner Logan Davidson review ruled Davidson out. The Phillies wind up scoring three runs in the top of the 11th inning and put the A’s away 9-6.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcast Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Musters Little Offense Losing Game Two to the Nationals in a 3-0 Shutout

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

James Wood puts good wood on the baseball for a two run home run for the Washington Nationals against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at Nationals Park in Washington DC on Sat May 24, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (30-22) lost game two in their series with the Washington Nationals (24-28) 3-0. The Giants generated very little offense with only three hits. The National’s pitcher Jake Irvin blew through batter after batter going eight innings.

San Francisco’s lack of hitting has been obvious for the last seven or so games. The Giants will be looking to win this series in Sunday’s rubber game. They still have a chance for a series win but they have to get their bats going and play with a lot more intensity.

Game recap: After the lack of scoring in Friday’s game, the Nationals got up on the scoreboard in the first inning taking an early 2-0 lead when James Wood hit a home run with Amed Rosario on base for the early lead.

The Giants were looking for their first run of the game and through eight innings they had come up empty. The Nationals added another run in the seventh inning when Robert Hassell III grounded out to the pitcher and Luis Garcia Jr. scored giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Through eight innings the Giants only had three hits while the Nationals had eight.

It had been a silent day for San Francisco at the plate going into the ninth inning. They were three outs away from losing game two. The Nationals pitcher Jake Irving had an amazing time on the mound lasting eight innings allowing the three hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was handling the Giant’s batters with ease. He was relieved by Jorge Lopez who came in to close out this game for Washington.

San Francisco had their final chance going into the ninth inning. Jung Hoo Lee was first up at the plate but grounded out to the pitcher. Wilmer Flores struck out with Matt Chapman the Giant’s last hope at the plate. Chapman hit a deep ball to right field but Daylen Lyle made an amazing play stretching for the final out and that was the ball game 3-0 in favor of the Nationals to even up the series.

The Nationals pitcher had a great game with Jake Irvin going for eight innings. He just blasted through the Giant’s lineup in record time, the game lasting only 1:52. He used his sinker very well pitching to the Giant’s weakness. He only gave up the three hits with seven strikeouts and now has a 4-1 win/loss record. In this game he had 96 total pitches and 64 of them were strikes.

Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison lasted four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. He did not walk any batters and had four strikeout. He was relieved by Tristan Beck who allowed two hits and the third run with two strikeouts and went for three innings.

This was the fifth time the Giants have been shutout this season. San Francisco got completely shut down and didn’t even have a hit after the fifth inning and didn’t have a runner in scoring position after the fourth. They had very few scoring opportunities. With the series all tied up, the rubber game will be played Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 10:35AM PDT.

Game notes: The Giants took on the Nationals Saturday afternoon in the second of their two game series at Nationals Park. San Francisco won game one day 4-0 after six scoreless innings by both teams. The Giants got on the board in the seventh scoring two runs extending their lead in the eighth inning with two more runs for the eventual final of 4-0.

The Giants starter Kyle Harrison struggled pitching four innings allowing five hits and two earned runs. The Nats starter Jake Irvin had a strong outing going eight innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Robbie Ray will take the mound for San Francisco who has been pitching very well with a 6-0 win/loss record and a 2.67 ERA so the Nationals will be challenged by him. Washington will start Michael Soroka who has a 1-2 win/loss record with a 5.95 ERA.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s manager shows discontent with Sutter Health Park

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A’s manager Mark Kotsay checks things out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning on June 29, 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Kotsay recently said that he can not see the ball when it’s going down the left field line from the A’s dugout at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. (AP file photo)

A’s Manager shows Discontent with Sutter Health Park

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Players complaining is one thing, and many times it goes ignored by…well, they’re players in a way spoiled, after all, they are playing in the Major Leagues, making more money than most of us can count. But when the Manager is also unhappy with where his home team is playing, that is another thing.

This was the case for A’s Manager Mark Kotsay during a game against the LA Angels recently at Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento. Imagine a manager sitting in the dugout watching the game, and during a controversial play and call by an umpire, he had to say this to the media: “I’m completely blind on anything that goes down the left field line.” Because Kotsay could not see they play as it was happening

It should not be a surprise since the ownership decided to play 81 home games in a Minor League Park, during that play A’s Manager said, “I was relying on the umpire crew to see the play and make the call, and then from his replay team to tell him to challenge it.”

According to today’s MLB regulations, MLb has 15 seconds to ask for replay reviews. What happens at Sutter Health Park should not surprise anybody, but when stuff like this happens, it is confirmation of the ineptness of their front office management.

The A’s most expensive signing this off-season, Luis Severino, their number one starter, has called Sutter Health Park “not a big league park.” He has also highlighted issues with the clubhouse location and the stadium’s size and noted how they affect his routine and rhythm as a pitcher. For the record, he is not having a good start.

With all the problems the Oakland A’s had at the Oakland Coliseum, as dated as it was, it was still a Major League facility—not the best, but still to Major League standards, the condition of the field was excellent all the time, I spoke to many players who played for the A’s and from visiting teams who told me the infield and outfield were always in excellent condition, some infielders told me: “it is soft and smooth infield and easy to field the ball”. Some fans who traveled from the Bay Area and many hardcore veteran A’s fans who were curious about the experience in Sacramento said they had concerns about the long lines for concessions, the lack of MLB-standard amenities, and the cost of parking and food.

I can imagine what many A’s players believe (but will not say) about playing in this facility. It would not be an exaggeration on my part (from personal experience through the years) of what players are thinking. They are probably the ONLY team in Major League Baseball that cannot wait to go on a long road trip.

This popular quote is in doubt for the A’s today in Sacramento

“There’s nothing like playing at home.” – This quote expresses the unique and positive feeling of playing in front of a home crowd.

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

Athletics Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sat May 24, 2025: A’s efforts to try and avoid tariffs on construction costs for Vegas ballpark

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Construction starts on the new Athletics ballpark as crews drill caissons for the foundation and grinding rock piles on the former Tropicana site on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Athletics Relocation podcast Daniel Dullum Sat May 24, 2025:

#1 The Athletics are trying to avoid tariff costs for imported materials that could add to the price tag of constructing the Las Vegas ballpark on the former Tropicana Hotel and Casino site.

#2 A’s President Marc Badain and CAA Icon vice president Todd Bishop have a plan that would offset costs that increase the price of constructing the park from imported good and materials from foreign parts and materials.

#3 Badain and Bishop addressed a breakfast gathering at NAIOP at The Orleans Hotel which was held by an commercial real estate industry provider. Badain said he wasn’t sure how the tariffs would impact stadium costs but did outline three ways to solve costs.

#4 Badain said the first move was to source materials and products domestically, where Badain and the A’s aren’t able to secure items needed to prevent tariff costs Badain said he’s trying to lock items into place before the costs climb further.

#5 While grading work started in April for the nine acre ballpark at Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd Bishop said he anticipates the foundation permit will give them the green light to begin construction towards deep foundations for the new park.

Daniel Dullum does the A’s Relocation podcasts weekends at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Jewell Loyd Hits Three To Steal Game From Mystics 75-72

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and the Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) go after a rebound in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (2-1) trailed for the entire game coming to life in the final minute of play to beat the Washington Mystics (2-2) 75-72. The Mystics refused to back down every time the Aces made a run continuing to hang onto the lead. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson shutting her down.

She did have a double double with 12 rebounds and 15 points and Jewell Loyd had a disappointing six points but that disappointment disappeared when she hit a three with 2.1 left in the game giving the Aces their first lead since the first quarter. The Mystics got a great effort from Kiki Iriafin who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces trailed by a basket 16-18. The Mystics got a fast start that they carried into the second quarter of play leading at the half 42-33. Washington outscored the Aces in the quarter 24-17.

Las Vegas would need more from their starters in the second half. Jewell Loyd had a quiet first half as did A’Ja Wilson. After the first two quarters of basketball the only player that scored double digits was the Mystics Kiki Iriafen.

Iriafen also had seven rebounds. The Aces were beaten from beyond the arc, 46% to 31% as well as from the field 42% to 31%. It was a slow start in the first half from Las Vegas.

The third quarter turned into a very physical game as the Aces made a push. They had trailed by 11 points but began to turn it all around at 6:38. Neither team had scored a basket in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the quarter.

At 5:43 the Aces had pulled to within six points 44-38. The Mystics pushed back extending their lead to 49-38. Las Vegas was committing some uncharacteristic turnovers and it was really hurting them.

A’Ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd were both struggling and the team was missing far too many layups. The Mystics continued to extend their lead and at 3:36 had built a 12-point lead 54-42. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson at times with two to three guards covering her.

They were having a lot of success shutting her down. Jewell Loyd continued to struggle with only four points. With 1:07 left in the quarter the Aces had pulled to within six points only to watch Washington hit a three pushing their lead back out to nine points, 59-50. After three quarters the Mystics led 59-50.

Las Vegas had one quarter left to turn this game around. The Mystics had built momentum that all began in the second quarter and they continued to feed off of it in the third quarter. The Aces had to dictate the pace of play and they had one quarter to do it.

Las Vegas pulled to within six points 59-53 when Jackie Young hit three shots from the line but every time the Aces got close, the Mystics shut it down. Las Vegas had not led in this game since the opening quarter in a really frustrating game for them.

With 2:01 left in the game, the Aces had pulled to within two points 68-66, the closest they had been since the first quarter. A glimmer of hope for Las Vegas which was shut down by a shot from downtown from the Mystics Sonia Citron.

With 11.6 left on the clock this game was tied at 72. The Aces took a time-out with 7.1 left in the game and the score tied at 72. Despite a disappointing game, Jewell Loyd hit the shot that made all the difference in this game and the disappointment was replaced by pure joy. With 2.1 left on the clock she hit a three that gave Las Vegas a 75-72 win in one wild game.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces took on a young Mystics team at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The one game that Las Vegas had lost this season was at the hands of the defending champion New York Liberty. A’Ja Wilson had a monster game with 31 points in the loss but came right back shooting for 20 points in their second game of the season beating the Connecticut Sun 87-62.

Jewell Loyd also had a solid game against the Sun with 20 points. The Aces got more tonight although it was close it was a win for Las Vegas. Wednesday night, the Mystics lost a close one to the Golden State Valkyries 76-74 in a real battle. Despite playing this game at home, the Aces had a real battle on their hands and they needed all hands on deck for this one.

Next up for the Aces will be a road trip up to Seattle for a matchup with the Storm. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM this Sunday May 25th at Climate Pledge Arena.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa: Oilers Skinner stops 25 Dallas shots in 3-0 shutout; Series tied 1-1 goes back to Edmonton

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) and defenceman John Klingberg (36) defend the goal against Dallas Stars centre Tyler Seguin (91) during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. The Oilers aim to reset for Game 2 after a 6-3 loss in Game 1. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 The Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 25 shots shutting out the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals 3-0 at American Airlines Center on Friday night tying the series at 1-1.

#2 The Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal and picked up an assist. The Oilers got additional help from Brett Kulak and Connor Brown who scored a goal each. Evan Bouchard got two assists for the Oilers.

#3 The Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger saved 22 shots. The Stars had won seven home playoff games in a row before losing Friday’s game 2 in Dallas.

#4 An injury report Roope Hintz of the Stars had to leave the game in the third period and did not return. Hintz got slashed by the stick of the Oilers Darnell Nurse at 3:46. Hintz was helped off the ice and had to have ice put on his leg by the team trainers in the Dallas dressing room. Further Hintz did not put any weight on the leg.

#5 Game 3 up next with the series tied 1-1 going back to Edmonton on Sunday. The Oilers are 4-1-0 so far in the playoffs. With a win for the Stars or the Oilers could put either club up 2-1 in the series.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025: Former Brewer Ruf’s career ending injury over metal at end of tarp; When will Mets Soto snap out of funk?; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Milwaukee Brewer Darin Ruf hit his knee while chasing a foul pop towards the stands. The tarp had a metal ending that he hit his knee on. Ruf said the injury ended his career on June 2, 2023. (AP News file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Michael Duca Fri May 23, 2025:

#1 Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Darin Ruf got hurt by a metal ending from the tarp at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati which he said caused him career ending injuries two years ago. Ruf during the June 2, 2023 game gave chase of a pop up toward the first base stands in foul ground hit his knee on the metal ending of the tarp rolled up by the stands. Ruf had successes with the San Francisco Giants 2021 and 2022 before going to Milwaukee.

#2 Michael, what is wrong with the New York Mets Juan Soto. You remember the one game where he didn’t leave the batters box and watch a fly ball hit the fence and he only got a single out of it. He might eventually get out of this funk but is the pressure of being one of the highest paid players in the number one market something that’s been overwhelming for him?

#3 Since the 1962 New York Mets it took until 2024 for another team to become the worst team in MLB history in the Chicago White Sox. The Sox this season have some competition with the Colorado Rockies who are on a pace to catch and pass the Sox. After a 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday the Rockies now have dropped their record to 8-42 and have the worst start of a club in MLB history in the first 50 games. That record was previously held by the 2023 Oakland A’s who were 10-40.

#4 The Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward belted a grand slam and the Angels took it to the Sacramento A’s on Thursday afternoon with a 10-5 win. For the Angels a seven game win streak for the A’s their ninth consecutive loss. To think the A’s at the beginning of this month were just one game away to get a tie for first place in the AL West but have since sank to dead last place.

#5 After rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee Atlanta Brave Ronald Acuna will be returning to the Braves on Friday night. Acuna has been out for almost a year after injuring the knee May 26, 2024. He had surgery on June 6th. Acuna returns to the Braves after playing six games in the minors going 6-15 hitting two home runs. How ready is Acuna for his return?

Join Michael Duca Fridays for the MLB The Show podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com