That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s With this Offense, they deserve better Pitching

Former San Diego Padres top pick Leo De Vries has been promoted by the Sacramento A’s and is a promising future hopeful for the A’s (Sports Illustrated photo)

A’s: With this Offense, they deserve better Pitching –

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

I get it, the Sacramento A’s plan is to keep improving, so by the time they open their new digs in Las Vegas, they can be real contenders. My broadcast partner, Manolo Hernández-Douen, and I talked about that during the 2024 season, when the team had a legendary Spanish-language radio station in the Bay Area, and last season in Oakland. You might say, “Oh, that is disrespectful to Sacramento”, but there is no mystery theater here.

The A’s are leasing Sacramento for a couple of years (not counting 2027), with a possible owners’ lockout looming. They are playing well so far in their young 2026 season, with their manager, Mark Kotsay, who has continued to do a good job since he was hired in December 2021.

The team improved their pitching during the off-season and acquired Aaron Civale, and relievers Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. to provide experience. Overall, this 2026 A’s club is a scrappy team with very young and exciting hitters like Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. They are on the up and up, and could surprise a lot of people in baseball. I just wish they had a more settled, experienced pitching rotation and overall pitching to go along with that juicy lineup.

Yes, I like the A’s lineup; however, their rotation with these five starters, Severino, Springs, Civale, López, and Morales, is ranked #26 among the 30 MLB teams by Sports Illustrated. Ironically, the last “big pitcher: the A’s lost was not a starter, but a reliever, Mason Miller, the Rolls-Royce of closers, who is now with the Padres, however this was a trade that could bring very good dividends to the young Athletics in the future, especially young shortstop Leo De Vries among with three other players, all pitchers who came to the A’s in the trade. Leodalis “Leo” De Vries is a 20-year-old Dominican shortstop who was ranked No.4 prospect in baseball as recently as this month of April 2026.

A good friend of mine and ex-Oakland A’s fan asked me recently, “Are they going to trade a player for a good starting pitcher? I have no idea. Starters are not cheap; for example, Framber Valdéz signed a 3-year, $115 million contract with Detroit this year.

This version of the A’s is exciting and promising; they have a “maybe” chance of making the postseason. However, in my opinion, their pitching is still not at the level to be considered a real contender, because it is very simple; it all starts with pitching. If you are one of their fans, are you happy so far with the A’s?

Of course. Here is one reason: in April, the Athletics completed their first-ever series sweep of the New York Mets.

I will end with a quote from one of my favorite major league managers of all time, who happens to be my original favorite team as a kid, the Baltimore Orioles. It says a lot about pitching. . The reason you win or lose is darn near always the same – pitching.” — Earl Weaver

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s can’t hold lead as Rangers rally for four runs to win it in the ninth 9-6

Texas Rangers Joc Pederson (3) slides in at home plate scoring a ninth inning run against the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Thu Apr 16, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Texas Rangers Joc Pederson hit a single in the top of the ninth inning that contributed to four runs scoring as Texas came up with a 9-6 win that gave a 2-2 series split between the Rangers and Sacramento A’s.

#2 The A’s Nick Kurtz hit a blooper that turned into a three run double outfielder Wyatt Lanford couldn’t get to in left field thart help give the A’s a one run two out 6-5 lead in the bottom of the eighth.

#3 The Rangers Jake Burger and Josh Jung got a base hit in the ninth against A’s reliever Justin Sterner. Kyle Higashioka was safe when Sterner picked up a bunt that went over the head of Darrell Hernaiz playing third base for an error that allowed Burger to score tying up the ball game.

#4 The A’s Jacob Wilson got a two run single off Rangers releiver Jack Leiter in the bottom of the fifth. Carlos Cortes next up hit and RBI base hit and it gave the A’s a 3-2 lead that was later short lived.

#5 Next up for the A’s the Chicago White Sox with starter right hand pitcher Davis Martin (2-1 ERA 2.50) for the A’s right hander Aaron Civale (2-0 ERA 1.72) with a first pitch at 6:40pm PDT.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson who does the Sacramento A’s podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants Break Losing Streak Beating Reds 3-0 Amid Fiery Game Conclusion

San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp deals against the Cincinnati Reds line up at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Thu Apr 16, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

There wasn’t a lot of offense for the Giants but the team turned the hits they got into runs in the seventh inning beating the Cincinnati Reds in game three of their series. The Reds were looking for a sweep but what they got was a shut out. Not only was the Giant bullpen terrific but starting pitcher Landen Roupp continues to be outstanding, a huge reason for Thursday’s 3-0 shutout win.

Game recap: This game turned into a real pitchers duel with a slew of three and outs for both teams. This game was moving along at a crazy clip due to the excellence the Giants saw on the mound today. The game had been scoreless through six innings. Then along came the seventh inning and everything would change.

Landen Roupp had another stellar game allowing only one hit and two walks with six strikeouts through six solid innings. Then the bullpen would take over with one huge difference. For the first time in this series the Giants came into this game to pitch and they were not trailing because of an exceptional seventh inning. Ryan Walker would relieve Roupp in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The speed that this game was moving at came to a grinding halt in the top of the seventh inning. The struggling San Francisco offense turned this whole game around. Luis Arraez reached first on a Reds fielding error.

The next two at bats struck out, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers. With the two outs all the pressure was on Matt Chapman to keep this inning going and he did not disappoint hitting a double and Arraez scored giving San Francisco their first lead in not only this game but in the entire series 1-0.

With Chapman on second, Jung Hoo Lee singled Chapman home extending their lead to 2-0. Heliot Ramos was walked and Lee advanced to second. A Casey Schmitt single allowed Lee to cross home plate and the Giants had a 3-0 lead.

Drew Gilbert would strike out for the third out but the Giants had had their best inning in the series. They would now rely on their relievers to seal the deal and bring this game home. Walker would be San Francisco’s first reliever in the seventh inning of the game. He was spotless, no runs, no hits, no walks and one strikeout.

The Giants had a quick three and out in the bottom of the eighth inning. Relief pitcher Keaton Winn dismissed three Red batters in order. Erik Miller would relieve Winn to close out this game for the Giants in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was pretty clean pitches striking out Myers and De La Cruz but walking McLain.

Miller finished off the Reds striking out Stewart for the third out and that was the ball game with San Francisco breaking a four-game skid in a shutout 3-0.Hopefully this win will get the team fired up.

The ending of this game was certainly fiery with both benches emptying when San Francisco closer Erik Miller got really pumped on the third strike against Sal Stewart. He supposedly yelled something at Stewart. (unprintable)

At this point Steward moved towards Miller and with that both benches rushed onto the field. There had been tension between the two teams when in the eighth inning Red’s pitcher Connor Phillips hit Willy Adames with a pitch which he was ejected for.

Earlier in the game Giant’s pitcher Landen Roupp had hit Spencer Speer. And so it goes in the game of baseball. No punches were thrown but it for sure indicated some bad blood between the two teams who will meet up again in August.

Game notes: In an early afternoon game the San Francisco Giants matched up with the Cincinnati Reds for game three of their series. The Reds won the first two games of the series and Thursday the Reds couldn’t get the sweep.

The Giants struggles at the plate as well as on the mound for the most part have contributed to their current losing streak which they were able to snap getting a shutout over the Reds. The Giants got the fire in the belly after Adames got hit by a pitch and started out in front of the plate asking what that was all about of Reds reliever Connor Phillips who was thrown out of the game.

Later Giant closer Erik Miller struck out the last batter in the bottom of the ninth for the win. Miller showing some emotion and pointed towards the Reds dugout after striking out Sal Stewart emptying both benches. There was a ton of emotion as Miller was jawing with Stewart and the Reds and with everyone out on the field.

Next up for the Giants will be a weekend series with the Washington Nationals. While they did struggle with only six hits in Thursday’s game the Giants did string together hits and were able to score three runs on those hits.

The Reds only had one hit in the entire game. If San Francisco can get those bats to cooperate, with their pitching, their bullpen and their defense they should be solid. For Friday Logan Webb will start the game for the Giants with a 1-2 win/loss record and a 5.25 ERA. The Nationals will feature Zack Littell on the hill still in search of a win with a 0-1 record 4.20 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for Friday evening at 3:45 PM PDT.

NBA Play In podcast Michael Roberson: Warriors get by Clippers with five point play in win 126-121

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots in front of the Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during the first round of the NBA Play In game on Wed Apr 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How did Stephen Curry’s performance influence the outcome of the Warriors vs. Clippers play-in game, especially given his recent return from injury?

#2 What were the key factors behind the Golden State Warriors’ late-game comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly in the fourth quarter?

#3 How did roster health and injuries (including absences like Moses Moody and Bradley Beal) impact both teams’ strategies and rotations in this elimination game for the Clippers?

#4 Why were the Clippers considered favorites heading into the matchup, and what went wrong for them despite holding a late lead?

#5 What does this win mean for the Warriors’ postseason chances, and how does it set up their next play-in game against the Phoenix Suns Friday?

Michael Roberson does the NBA Play In podcasts for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Long Balls Hand Giants Loss In Game Two of Cincinnati Series 8-3

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle throws to the Cincinnati Reds line up in the bottom of the first inning at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Wed Apr 15, 2026 (AP news photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco Giants (6-11) suffered another disappointing loss at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The Reds hit three home runs in the game two of them three run long balls. San Francisco was playing catch up the entire game.

The Giants had a few scoring opportunities but left runners stranded to end innings. The Reds won the first game of the series and now they lead the series 2-0 on Wednesday and are looking for a sweep Thursday.

Game recap: San Francisco went three and out in the opening inning. The Reds however got going early unfortunately for Mahle. Sal Stewart hit a three run home run to right center driving TJ Friedl and Matt McClain home. Following that home run, Eugenio Suarez came to the plate and hit a solo home run to right and the Reds had a 4-0 lead much to Mahle’s disappointment. It was not the way he had envisioned the start of this game. He got out of the first inning but San Francisco was now way behind the eight ball with a lot of work to do. The only upside was that it was very early in the game.

The Giants cut the Reds lead in half in the top of the second inning and it was the bottom of the lineup that brought in those runs. Susac doubled driving Jung Hoo Lee and Matt Chapman home. (Chapman had singled and Lee walked).

The Giants now only trailed by two runs 4-2 going into the bottom of the second inning. Giants pitcher Mahle had still not settled in missing too many pitches by a lot as well as throwing some dangerous pitches.

Once again, he gave up another three run home run pushing the Reds lead to 7-2. The Reds extended their lead when Sal Stewart connected for a home run off a lousy Mahle pitch driving in Matt McClain and Elly De La Cruz. It was a disastrous inning for Mahle allowing three walks, a single and the three run home run.

San Francisco was unable to score any runs in the third inning but more importantly they kept the Reds from doing anymore damage. The score remained 7-2 going into the top of the fourth inning. The Giants needed the top of the batting order to start hitting.

The Giants went quietly in the top of the fourth inning going three and out. Mahle started the bottom of the fourth striking out McClain, but then it went sideways when the Reds De La Cruz crushed a home run to center (442 feet) and the Reds had taken an 8-2 lead. Mahle remained in the game, his pitch count continued to rise, he is now at 89. It certainly appeared to be time for a change.

Once again the Giants went three and out in the top of the fifth. The bottom of the batting order wasn’t doing very much other than Susac. Blade Tidwell relieved Mahle in the bottom of the inning. Mahle had allowed eight hits, eight runs, five walks, six strikeouts and four home runs. Tidwell pitches with intense velocity and breezed through the inning with a strikeout, a ground out and a pop out. He had a great outing.

The Giants had not gotten a hit since the second inning when Luis Arraez singled in the top of the sixth but that was erased when with one out, Casey Schmitt hit into a double play and San Francisco now had three innings left to try and rally.

Tidwell was relieved in the sixth inning by Ryan Borucki. Tidwell had dismissed the three Reds batters he faced. Borucki also had a nice inning closing out the inning.

San Francisco crept a bit closer in the top of the seventh inning when the top of the batting order got a little something going. Devers singled; Susac would single driving Devers to third with two outs.

Heliot Ramos would hit for Will Brennan driving in Devers. Encarnacion came in as a pinch hitter hitting a single loading the bases for San Francisco but that all came crashing down when Willy Adames struck out for the third out.

The Giants could not catch a break at all in this game. Going into the eighth inning, the Reds had an 8-3 lead. San Francisco did not allow any runs in the bottom of the seventh. JT Brubaker who relieved Borucki pitched two innings allowing a couple of hits, a walk but no runs.

The Giants had another opportunity in the eighth with two runners on base and Chapman at the plate. The Giants have been pretty bad in the latter innings of games this year. The inning came to an end when Chapman hit into a double play and San Francisco would be down to their final three outs.

The Giants were three outs away from losing the series after losing game one. The Reds Pierce Johnson would take the mound looking to close out this game for Cincinnati. Lee hit a double in San Francisco’s first at bat in the ninth inning. What followed is pretty much what we have seen for much of the season.

A foul out, a strikeout and a fly out. The Giants fell behind early and now with the loss have a 6-12 season record. They did have nine hits in the game but left quite a few runners stranded.

Game notes: Wednesday the Giants lost game one of their series with the Cincinnati Reds 2-1. The Giants have been struggling offensively especially in the bottom of the roster. Wednesday those positions will look different. The offense is screaming for change and that’s what the Giants once again lacked again Wednesday. are going to see today. San Francisco will start Tyler Mahle who has an 0-2 win/loss record and a 4.30 ERA. Rhett Lowder will get the nod for the Reds. He has a 1-1 win/loss record with a 3.31 ERA.

The roster changes Wednesday failed to get San Francisco offense on track. Wednesday’s catcher for San Francisco Daniel Susac hit seventh with two hits and two RBIs, Will Brennan hit eighth and was 0-2 and Drew Gilbert hit ninth and also went 0-2.

Wednesday MLB celebrated #42 Jackie Robinson Day and all that he brought to the game of baseball from his skill, his determination, to his resiliency. Against all odds he persevered with courage and established equality in MLB.

On April 15, 1947 he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the first black player in modern MLB history. Celebrated every year on this day every team member, coaches as well as umpires will wear the number 42 to honor all that he achieved.

Thursday the Reds will be looking for a sweep and the Giants will try to win at least one game in the series. The Giants have to figure out a way to get this offense going because changing the lineup around in this game didn’t do a whole lot although Daniel Susac did have 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

Rafael Devers also had two hits and ome run but not much else was going right for the team. The Giants will send Landon Roupp to the mound. He has a couple of wins, one against the Orioles and a second against San Diego. His only loss was against the Mets. His ERA is 3.24. The Giants will be facing Chase Burns who has a 1-1 win/loss record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch for this game is an early one with a 9:40 AM PDT start.

Sharks Fall 5-2 to Blackhawks, Crevier with 2 Goals

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) tries to make a move as San Jose Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais (5) defends in the first period of a game at the United Center in Chicago on April 15, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks lost 5-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday. Sam Rinzel, Louis Crevier, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis scored for the Blackhawks. Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the win. Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored for the Sharks. Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves in the loss.

Mario Ferraro scored the first goal of the game at 8:09 of the first period. Kiefer Sherwood set Ferraro up with a cross-ice pass for the shot.

The Sharks outshot the Blackhawks 7-3 in the period. The Sharks took two penalties and the Blackhawks took one.

Michael Misa scored on the power play at 5:17 of the second period to make it 2-0 Sharks. In what looking like a centering attempt, Misa sent the puck into Del Mastro’s skates and it ended up going under the goaltender. Assists went to Dmitry Orlov and Kiefer Sherwood.

Sam Rinzel started the Blackhawks comeback at 19:30. Rinzel took his shot from the bottom of the faceoff circle off a drop pass from Ryan Donato.

Chicago outshot San Jose 10-6 in the second period. Each team took two penalties in the middle frame.

The Blackhawks tied the game at 3:51 of the third with a goal from Louis Crevier. Crevier and Connor Bedard skated into the zone two-on-three. Bedard made a cross-ice pass and Crevier took the shot from right at the edge of the blue paint.

Ryan Greene gave Chicago the lead at 8:35 with a snap shot from right in front of the net. Assists went to Ethan Del Mastro and Andre Burakovsky.

Louis Crevier scored his second of the night at 10:32. He scored with a slap shot from the blue line off a pass from Tyler Bertuzzi.

Nick Lardis made it 5-2 at 14:44. Lardis caught a pass from Bedard in the slot and scored with a wrist shot. An assist also went to Wyatt Kaiser.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at 5:00 PM PT in Winnipeg against the Jets.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson signs autographs for fans at spring training at Ciudad Trujillo now Santo Domingto in the Dominican Republic on Mar 6, 1948 (AP News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke Baseball’s color barrier when he made his historic MLB debut. Every April 15th, baseball honors Jackie’s legacy by celebrating his life, values, and accomplishments. MLB officially declared April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day in 2004.

Since 2009, all players, coaches, and managers across MLB have worn number 42. April 15 is not only celebrated in baseball, but also in the United States as a historical day. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. features Jackie Robinson heavily and often hosts events for Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), including the Sports exhibit “Leveling the Playing Field.”

Jackie’s character was much more important than his batting average.” — Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame outfielder. “Jackie Robinson was the best athlete ever to play Major League Baseball.” — Ralph Kinner, Hall of Fame outfielder “There was never a man in the game who could put mind and muscle together quicker and with better judgment than Robinson.”

— Branch Rickey, Dodgers GM. “Jackie was the only person without prejudice I ever met.” — Buck O’Neil Negro League teammate.

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

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong: Brewers Yelich on IL for a month hamstring injury; O’s manager Albernaz face fractured in 7 places; plus more news

Milwaukee Brewers Christian Yelich (22) runs the bases to score on a double by Jake Bauers in the top of the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City on Sun Apr 5, 2026 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 Milwaukee Brewers outfielder/designated hitter Christian Yelich suffered an abductor strain and will be on the IL for at least a month. Yelich left in the fifth inning when he felt tightness in his left hamstring against the Washington Nationals.

#2 Horrible break litterally for Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz who was struck in the face by a line drive on Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tests showed that Albernaz won’t need surgery but will not be able to eat regular food for six weeks and will have a diet of baby food until then. Albernaz also was back in the dugout on Tuesday night.

#3 Cincinnati Reds releiver Emilo Pagan looked as if he injured hinmself on the final pitch of Tuesday’s game at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati after delivering a pitch to San Francisco Giants pinch hitter Daniel Susac. Red manager Terry Francona said “His hammy grabbed a little bit and we need to check him out”

#4 San Diego Padres right hand pitcher Nick Pivetta suffered inflammation in his pitching elbow placing him on the 15 day IL. Pivetta left Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning when he felt stiffness his throwing arm.

#5 The Tampa Bay Rays moved right hand pitcher Ryan Pepiot on the 60 day IL. Pepiot is trying to recover from right hip infalmmation an injry that Pepiot suffered in spring training. Pepiot got an injection in his hip after throwing a bullpen session this week. Pepiot will be out at least six more weeks.

Join Jessica for the MLB The Show podcast every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mammoth Sweep Season Series Against Jets In 5-3 Victory

Utah Mammoth teammates celebrate a third period goal by center Nick Schmaltz (8) against the Winnipeg Jets at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tue Apr 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

April 14, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY–Winnipeg Jets fought back from 4-1 in the third to within striking distance, but Kerfoot’s empty netter sealed Utah Mammoth’s 5-3 win, securing the top Western Conference Wild Card berth. The Mammoth (42-32-6) began the final homestand of the 2025-2026 regular season Tuesday night against the visiting Jets (35-33-12).

Ironically, despite the legal technicality of being designated a new franchise when the Arizona Coyotes were sold to Smith Entertainment Group following the 2023-2024 season, the Mammoth DNA nevertheless traces to Winnipeg, whereas the Jets which currently play in the city began their existence in 1999 as the Atlanta Thrashers before becoming the Jets 2.0 beginning with the 2011-2012 season.

Logan Cooley kicked off the Mammoth scoring at 8:05 of the first period with his 24th goal of the campaign on a backhand, assisted by Nate Schmidt. Schmidt was at the top of his defensive faceoff circle when he launched a stretch pass up the middle of the ice where Cooley was positioned at the offensive blue line and drove straight to the net uncontested where he slipped the puck through the five-hole of Jets netminder Eric Comrie to give Utah a 1-0 lead.

16 of Cooley’s goals have come in the first period, fourth-most in the NHL despite having missed 28 games with a lower body injury. Courtesy of the Mammoth stat crew, he is also one of only four active American players to score 20 or more goals in each of his first three NHL seasons, joining an elite club consisting of Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel, and he ranks third with Adam Fantili for most goals of any NHL player 21 or younger. The Mammoth more than doubled up the Jets in shots on goal in the frame, outshooting Winnipeg 14-6.

At 4:13 of the second period, Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo was whistled for high-sticking against JJ Peterka, giving the hot Utah power play an opportunity to double up on their lead. Prior to the 4-1 road loss to Calgary on Sunday, the Mammoth set a new franchise record with power play goals in eight consecutive games.

31 seconds into Tuesday’s man-advantage, Nick Schmaltz gave Utah a 2-0 lead with his 32nd goal of the season, knocking in a rebound off the pads of Comrie who had stopped a blast by Mikhail Sergachev, with the additional assist by Dylan Guenther.

With under four minutes remaining in the period, Lawson Crouse went to the sin bin for holding against Josh Morrissey, enabling Kyle Connor on the power play to bring the Jets back to within one with his 39th goal, assisted by Gabriel Vilardi and Mark Scheifele. The period ended with the Mammoth leading 2-1. Shots on goal in the period were nearly identical to the first, with Utah putting up 15 and Winnipeg adding another six.

Six minutes into the third, the Mammoth power play was given another shot at extending Utah’s lead when Jonathan Toews was whistled for slashing against Brandon Tanev. Schmaltz, who already tallied a goal on the man advantage in the second period, came through again for his 33rd goal of the season, assisted by Cooley and Clayton Keller.

Keller’s assist gives him points in nine consecutive games, a new franchise record. 40 seconds later JJ Peterka picked up a loose puck near the Winnipeg net and put a wrist shot past Comrie, unassisted, for his 25th goal of the season, padding the Utah lead at 4-1.

In the final eight minutes the Jets made a push to get back in the game, with Scheifele halving the deficit with his 36th of the year, assisted by Kyle Connor and Vilardi. 13 seconds later Winnipeg went on the power play when Michael Carcone went to the box for high-sticking against DeMelo, which Isak Rosen was able to cash in for his sixth of the season, unassisted, suddenly narrowing the gap to 4-3 with 5:37 to play.

The previous two contests between these clubs were each decided by a goal, and this one seemed to trend the same direction, but with Comrie pulled for an extra attacker Alexander Kerfoot scored his seventh of the season into an empty net with 24 seconds remaining to seal the Mammoth season sweep of the Jets. Karel Vejmelka stopped 21 of 24 in the effort while notching his 38th win of the season, second most in the NHL. With one game remaining in the regular season, Utah is still contending to complete the schedule without a single shootout.

In the winning locker room, Nick Schmaltz reflected on the third period. “We had a little adversity there. They made a push, but we stuck with it. A big goal by JJ kind of gave us that extra cushion we needed. We hung on, and we fought to the end. Guys made some big blocks, and Veggie made some big saves at the end.” Of Vejmelka’s performance, Schmaltz added, “Yeah, it’s huge. He’s been good for us all year. You’re gonna need those saves this time of year, and it’s a big momentum shifter for either team. And he did a great job for us.”

JJ Peterka, whose goal was the difference maker in the game, talked about Utah’s pace. “I think you (saw) it today; the way we can play. We all play with speed. I think it’s like day and night, compared to other games we’ve played before. … We’re just trying to play North every time. I think seeing another goal from Cools, that’s the best example. We don’t hold it back there, we just move it up. I think no team can handle us if we play with that pace.”

Head Coach André Tourigny opened his post-game remarks, saying, “I’m really happy about the way we played. When we talk about our identity, we talk about how we want to play, and we talked about that this morning. We talked about the speed we played at, the battle we have, the net-front presence there, and the tempo we have, and I am really happy about that. Obviously, in the third period, we made it tougher than we should have, but it will be good learning for us. All of our guys are pros. We know that. So it is not like we learned something tonight. We knew that, so it just happened. I am glad it happened, though.” Bear continued, “we made it tougher than we should have. But when push came to shove and when it was tight, we played solid. No, we didn’t give much; we were stingy. Even when they had a shift around four minutes, they had the puck in our zone a lot, but nothing other than that. The guys were rock solid.”

The Mammoth (43-32-6) wrap up the 2025-2026 regular season on Thursday at home against the St. Louis Blues. Their opening round playoff schedule remains unknown, but they will open on the road against either the Edmonton Oilers or Vegas Golden Knights.

Reds Hit Two Home Runs Beating San Francisco 2-1

San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray deals against the Cincinnati Reds line up in the bottom of the first inning at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on Tue Apr 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It was a battle between two teams struggling offensively. The Cincinnati Reds (10-7) won the battle in game one of the series 2-1. Cincinnati only had three hits in the game but two of them were home runs making all the difference in this game. San Francisco (6-11) had seven hits one of them a Willy Adames solo home run. He was the only Giant to cross home plate today.

Game recap: Lead off batter Willy Adames got on base but was thrown out attempting to steal second base for the second out of the first inning. When it looked like Matt Chapman had been thrown out, a review called him safe so San Francisco remained in the inning.

Rafael Devers flied out for the third out. Cincinnati came very close to hitting their first long ball of the game. When it looked as if the Reds Elly De La Cruz had knocked one out of the park it was caught at the wall. Matt McLain who had walked was thrown out trying to steal second base for the third out and the Giants had survived the first inning.

Going into the bottom of the third inning the game remained scoreless. The first hit of the night for the Reds was a Spencer Steer long ball to left center and Cincinnati was first up on the scoreboard 1-0.

Cincinnati would tack on another home run in the bottom of the fourth inning taking a 2-0 lead. The Reds rookie Sal Stewart hit his fifth home run of the season, a shot to right center. San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray had six strikeouts, three walks and the only hits he allowed were the two home runs so far in the game. The Reds were really making Ray work hard through four innings.

Adames put an end to the possible shut-out hitting a second deck home run in the fifth inning cutting the Reds lead in half 1-2. This was his third home run of the year. Three home runs were the extent of the offense for the two teams.

Ray was relieved after five innings of work throwing 94 pitches He allowed two hits, two earned runs, four walks and had six strikeouts. He was relieved by Caleb Kilian in the sixth inning. The Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer went six innings. He allowed six hits, one earned run and one strikeout He was relieved in the seventh inning by Graham Ashcraft.

The Giants pitcher Caleb Kilian was relieved in the seventh by Keaton Winn. Winn breezed through the inning and this game went onto the eighth. Winn struck out two and allowed no hits, no runs and no walks. This game went into the latter innings and San Francisco needed to make a move. The Giants would face a new pitcher for the Reds, Tony Santillan in the top of the eighth inning.

Going into the ninth inning the Giants were down to their last three outs. Jung Hoo Lee would be the first battter in the inning trying to get something going for San Francisco. He already had two hits and would be looking for a third. Emilio Pagan would come in for the Reds to close out the game.

Lee would fly out, Heliot Ramos followed Lee and struck out and the Giants were down to their final out. Daniel Susac would be San Francisco’s last hope. He came close but a deep hit in the outfield was the third out right at the wall and the Reds had held on for the win 2-1.

Game notes: After losing a series to the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend, the Giants traveled to Cincinnati for a three-game series with the Reds Tuesday night. Both teams are suffering offensive woes; neither team is hitting very well at all.

Over the weekend the Giants really struggled at the plate losing both games to the Orioles. They looked for improvement offensively but could only muster one run. They tried to score early and often in Tuesday’s game. Giant starter Robbie Ray pitched five innings allowing two hits and two earned runs. Ray pitched well enough to win the game but once again didn’t get the run support.

The Giants will be looking to bounce back Wednesday in game two of the series. Probable pitcher for San Francisco in game two will be Tyler Mahle 0-2 win/loss record and a 4.30 ERA. Rhett Lowder will take the mound for Cincinnati with a 1-1 win/loss record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 3:40 PM.