Tag: Sports Radio Service

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Met’s now have 3 front office openings after firing GM; Jets have a quarterback controversy; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The New York Mets have lots to work on in the off season after the recent firing of Zach Scott which now creates three front office openings. AP file photo show the Mets hosting the Washington Nationals Sun Aug 29, 2021

On Headlines with Jessica:

#1 The New York Mets fired acting general manager Zack Scott, Scott who served for the Mets for only two months was arrested for driving under the influence. Mets team president Sandy Alderson has assumed Scott’s general manager duties.

#2 The Mets who fell apart in the second half of the season was an additional reason to the Scott firing, Alderson is now looking for a new general manager, a field manager as Luis Rojas was fired, and a new president of baseball operations.

#3The Mets also were trying to hire former Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin who has signed on with the San Diego Padres and A’s vice president Billy Beane. Beane is part owner of the A’s and it’s very unlikely he will leave Oakland for New York.

#4 Jessica it looks like a quarterback controversy at the New York Jets, back up quarterback Mike White threw for 405 yards and first stringer Zack Wilson came over to congratulate him after the game. White said that Wilson was “more juiced” about the win than he was. Jets head coach Robert Saleh said he’ll see how Wilson is doing coming off his knee injury regarding who he’ll start against the Indianapolis Colts this week on Sunday Night Football.

#5 Jessica, the New York Giants (2-6) are struggling having lost the Kansas Chiefs (4-4) last Sunday in Kansas City. The Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was 22-32 for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Giants host the Las Vegas Raiders (4-2) this Sunday in the Meadowlands.

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

Kings pour it on the Pelicans 112-99 at Golden One

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton expresses himself to the officials as the Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Wed Nov 3, 2021 at Golden one Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in the second night of a back-to-back as they started a four-game homestand. The Kings were welcoming in the New Orleans Pelicans who were without young and often injured star Zion Williamson.

The two teams were off to very different starts to the season. The Kings had played good basketball to start the year and have been showing promise with a record of 3-4 on the year. The Kings Harrison Barnes led the way with 23 points in the 112-99 victory at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

On the other hand, the Pelicans had started the year 1-6 reeling in the Western Conference and looking for anything to turn into momentum. The Kings and the Pelicans were set to play at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. However, before we dive into Wednesday’s action let’s look at how the Kings faired in their last game.

Flashback Tuesday: The Kings took on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in the first game of a back-to-back. The Kings were wrapping up a road trip that saw them win and lose. It was a solid trip but the Kings were looking to return home. On Tuesday, the Kings put up a solid fight but ultimately came up short.

The Jazz managed to put the Kings away in a 119-113 win. It wasn’t a bad loss for the Kings but Luke Walton after the game stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and not letting it snowball.

Wednesday recap: The Kings were set for tip-off in Sacramento at 7 PM PST.

In the first quarter, the game was fairly even. Neither team got off to a particularly hot start. The Kings managed to narrowly outscore the Pelicans 27-26 in the first quarter. Both teams seemed to not be able to get into a rhythm on either side of the ball.

In the second quarter, the Kings were able to improve their performance overall. The Kings were able to hold the Pelicans to the exact same total they amassed in the first quarter which was 26. On the offensive side of the ball, the Kings managed to score 29 points to increase their lead to 56-52 going into halftime.

Richaun Holmes led the Kings in the first half with 12 points. However, Holmes would be ejected in the game after receiving a technical foul for arguing. The Kings would look to build on the lead and close out a struggling Pelicans team in the second half.

In the third quarter, both defenses fell asleep. The Kings were still able to outscore the Pelicans in the third, but the defense was nowhere to be found. The Pelicans scored 35 points compared to the Kings 36. The teams were running in the open court and knocking down their shots in the fast-paced third quarter. The Kings took the 92-87 three-quarter lead into the final 12 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings finished off the Pelicans. The Kings dominated the flow of the game in the fourth. The Kings managed to outscore the Pelicans 20-12 as the Kings defense put the clamps on the Pelicans offense. It has the feeling of a blowout in the final minutes as the Kings dribbled out the clock to end the game.

It was a great win for the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back to even their record at 4-4. The Kings were led in victory by an impressive Harrison Barnes who scored 23 points. Tyrese Haliburton added 20 points behind Barnes in the win for the win. The Pelicans greatest contribution came from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte Graham who each scored 16 points. The Pelicans fell to 1-7 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings get a much-needed day off on Thursday before taking on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Warriors defense stop Hornets 114-92; Poole finishes on top with 31 points

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Charlotte Hornets guard LeMelo Ball (2) drives against the Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (right) Wed Nov 3, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

An amazing defensive display gets Golden State past the Charlotte Hornets 114-92 Jordan Poole finishes with 31 points for the win.

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (6-1) took on the Charlotte Hornets (5-4). This is probably the toughest team that Golden State has faced so far this season. The trio of Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward and LeMelo Ball will test the Warriors defense. The Hornets are number one in the league on scoring off turnovers so it is crucial that the Warriors keep turnovers to a minimum.

The Warriors came out really flat in the first quarter shooting nine of 19 and struggling with turnovers yet again with seven already in this game. The score after the opening quarter was 26-21 in favor of the Hornets. Charlotte’s Hayward, Bridges and Ball lived up to their reputation with 21 points in the quarter. Jordan Poole had a great start in this game scoring ten points, two of them from downtown.

Despite sluggish play by Steph Curry with five points, Draymond Green with three and Wiggins coming up empty the Warriors led 53-52 at the half. Golden State was in this game thanks to the reserves and Jordan Poole who had 22 points. He was 6-9 from downtown turning in a great first half.

The Hornets Miles Bridges had 21 points at the half and would be tough to stop in the second half. Golden State already had 10 turnovers in the first half and they could not continue on that path.

The Warriors defense continued to hold the highest scoring team in the league to 43 percent. Mid-way through the third quarter the Warriors held a 70-63 lead. The tale of this quarter was the Golden State defense. The Hornets could hardly buy a basket in the quarter and constantly turned the ball over accumulating eight. The Warriors led after three 80-67.

The Warriors would have to hold tight in the fourth quarter against Charlotte known for being a second half team. The Hornets started to turn things around and fought back from 15 points down to within seven. With three minutes left in the game the offense and defense really stepped up. Jordan Poole would finish with 31 points. Daniel Lee had 15 points and Gary Payton II with 14. This win came courtesy of the reserves and another amazing defensive display.

Despite 32 points Bridges could not get his team past Golden State. The two benches were a stark contrast. Golden State had 42 points while Charlotte had 11.

Friday night the Warriors will take on the New Orleans Pelicans going for their seventh win. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Heat first period outburst buries Barracuda 4-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda and Stockton Heat matched up at the SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Nov 3, 2021 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE—There’s a heatwave happening in the Central Valley. And it has nothing to do with the weather.

The Stockton Heat scored three goals is the first period en route to a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday evening at SAP Center.

San Jose is 2-2-0 in its past four games. Stockton have won five games in a row and still haven’t lost in regulation.

Stockton (5-0-1-0) drew first blood four minutes into the first period. A turnover by the Barracuda inside their own zone led to Adam Ruzicka all alone on ‘Cuda goalie Alexei Melnichuk. Ruzicka made one move before lifting a backhander past Melnichuk for his fifth goal of the season at the 4:04 mark. Jacob Pelletier was credited with an assist.

Pelletier now has eight points (2G, 6A) in fives game for Stockton to begin his rookie season.

Stockton doubled its lead just under two minutes later. Glenn Gawdin skated around Adam Parsells and sent a pass through the crease over to Luke Philip who tapped home the puck into an empty net for his third goal of the season at the 5:54 mark.

The Heat scored their goal of the period on the power play. Andy Welinski sent a pass from the point over to the right faceoff circle to Martin Pospisil who sent a wrist shot on net. Ruzicka, who was camped out in front of the crease, redirected the puck past Melnichuk for his second goal of the game and sixth of the season at the 11:13 mark.

San Jose (2-2-1-0) weren’t able to generate much offense as they were busy killing off penalties in the entire second half of the period. Their best chance to get on the scoreboard was on a short-handed odd man rush where Kyle Topping’s shot was saved by Heat goalie Dustin Wolf.

Stockton out shot San Jose 14-6 in the opening 20 minutes.

It’s been a tough few days for ‘Cuda head coach Roy Sommer. The game in Stockton was canceled due to two San Jose players and their goalie coach that tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday afternoon. That had left the team with only 12 players available to play.

There was no time for the recent callup from Orlando to get any practice time before tonight’s game.

“That’s probably the best team in the division and we were a little shorthanded on the back,” said Sommer. “And the guys (who just got here) haven’t had (a chance to) practice yet. They just got off the plane today. So that made a big difference.”

The Heat extended its lead with their second power play goal of the game midway through the second period. Ruzicka sent in a wrist shot on Melnichuk that was initially stopped but Pospisil cleaned up the rebound with a backhand shot for his second goal of the season at the 8:12 mark.

San Jose finally got on the board late in the middle frame. Cole Moberg sent a shot on net from the right end line. The puck ricochet off Wolf into the middle as Scott Reedy crashed in and put the puck into the back of the net for his third goal of the season at the 12:57 mark.

“Just not a real good hockey game (from us). (We) didn’t come out of our end real clean. Turned some pucks over in the neutral zone and didn’t have any (offensive) zone time,” Sommer said.

A scoreless third period featured lots of chippiness between the two teams that have no love lost for one another. Multiple scrums with pushing and shoving ensued throughout the final 20 minutes.

Wolf finished the game with 22 shots on 24 shots to earn the victory. Melnichuk stopped 24 of the 28 shots he faced in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-4 on the power play. Stockton went 2-for-5.

‘Cuda forward Timur Ibragimov was injured in the third period with an apparent lower body injury when he was tripped up inside the Heat zone. He was not able to finish the game.

This was the first meeting between the two clubs since March 10, 2020, marking a 603 day gap between games.

The Barracuda are 34-20-2, including 18-11-1-0 at home, all time against the Heat.

Forward Noah Gregor remained on the Covid-19 protocol list. Goalie Zachary Sawchenko was released from the list.

San Jose recalled goalie Zachary Emond, defenseman Montana Onyebuchi and forwards Jake McGrew and Kyle Topping from the ECHL’s Solar Bears on Monday.

UP NEXT: San Jose host the Texas Stars on Saturday 11/6 at 1:15pm at SAP Center.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: From Defecting his Country to World Series MVP

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Atlanta Braves Jorge Soler holds the 2021 World Series MVP Award in the Braves defeat of the Houston Astros on Tue Nov 3, 2021 at Truist Park in Cobb County GA (photo by the New York Times)

From Defecting his Country to World Series MVP

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Although there are no diplomatic relations between the US and communist Cuba, that has not stopped dozens of Cuban baseball players escaping the island for years now. They have traveled via small homemade rafts in the middle of the night (very dangerous journey) or when their national team plays in a foreign country. They ask for political exile. Later, these players find their dreams, to play in the major leagues.

Jorge Soler of the Atlanta Braves in one of those Cuban players. He just won unanimously the Most Valuable Player of the 2021 World Series. Their first World Series championship since 1995. After leaving Cuba, under awful circumstances, Soler was signed by the Chicago Cubs to a 9-year $30 million contract.

In 2016 was traded to Kansas City for reliever Wade Davis, two years later he fractured a toe in his right foot and missed the rest of the season. With the Kansas City Royals. Jorge Soler established their new season home run record. In 2019 Soler’s 48 home runs, broke the previously home run record for the Royals, held by Mike Mustakas of 38 home runs in 2017.

During the NLDS on October 12 Soler tested positive for covid a few hours before the Braves played the decisive Game 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He had to leave the stadium and remain away from the team for at least 10 days, also missing the first 4 games of the NLCS against the LA Dodgers. He returned last Thursday for the World Series and the rest (like they say) it is history.

The slugging outfielder has come full circle with a great performance in the 2021 World Series, especially the 3 run home run in the third inning of the six game, a line-shot over 440 feet, that left Minute Maid Park, “A la calle” into the street. The Braves won 7-0 against the Houston Astros and that home run was crucial to open the scoring as the Astros were under pressure against great pitching for 6 innings from their star left-hander Max Fried.

World Series MVP Jorge Soler from Pinar del Río, Cuba (province famous for producing the best cigars in the world) hit, .300 with 6 hits, 4 home runs, 6 runs batted-in, 4 runs scored and 3 walks.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s on flagship station 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Posey to retire on Thursday; Three time World Champ hangs it up after 12 seasons

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is seen here playing just one of a handful of games during spring training on Feb 24, 2020. Posey did not play in the 2020 regular season and returned in 2021 and is announcing his retirement Thu Nov 4, 2021 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News file photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Buster Posey, the last player to win all three World Series Championships with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012 and 2014 will be announcing his retirement on Thursday, according to sources.

Posey, who was drafted by the Giants with the fifth overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft, and when he signed with the team on August 16 of that year, he was given a $6.2 million signing bonus, the largest up-front bonus in team history.

After beginning the 2009 season with the San Jose Giants, Posey was promoted to the Fresno Grizzlies, then the Giants Triple-A and after 35 games, he was called up to the big leagues on September 2 of that year and eventually made his debut on September 11 at AT&T Park and struck out in his first career at-bat against Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Eight days later, Posey picked up his major league hit off of Jeff Weaver of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Posey began the 2010 season with the Grizzlies, and was called up on May 29, 2010, and went three-for-four at the plate with four runs batted in. On June 9, Posey hit his first MLB home run off of Aaron Harang of the Cincinnati Reds.

Then Giants General Manager Brian Sabean traded Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers on June 29, 2010 and after the trade, Posey became the Giants starting catcher.

After helping the Giants to their first World Series Championship over the Rangers later that season, Posey would be named the National League Rookie of the Year.

Just one month after the 2011 season began on May 25, Posey sustained a broken fibula, and torn ligaments in his left leg after a home plate collision with Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins.

Posey returned to the team for the 2012 season and became the first National League catcher since Ernie Lombardi of the Cincinnati Reds in 1942 to win the batting title, and helped the Giants to their second World Series Championship in three years, when the swept the Detroit Tigers.

During the post-season awards circuit, Posey won the NL MVP, the Silver Slugger Award for catchers and the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Posey also won the Willie Mac Award from his teammates.

Posey would help lead the Giants to their third World Series Championship in five years in a thrilling seven-game series against the Kansas City Royals in 2014.

Once again, Posey and the even year magic of the Giants would come into play again in 2016, as the Giants defeated the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card game; however, they would lose in the National League Division Series to the eventual World Champion Chicago Cubs.

With the 2020 season being shortened due to the coronavirus, Posey opted out of the season to help his wife Kristen take care of their twins Addison and Lee, and two premature born twins.

Posey returned to the field for the 2021 season, and helped the Giants to their first NL West Division Championship since 2012, as the Giants won a franchise record 107 games.

During the season, Posey batted .304 with 18 home runs and 56 Runs Batted In.

The organization said last month that they would exercise the $22 million club option for the 2022 season.

While playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, Posey showed hints of retirement to be at home with his wife and four children.

Eventually, Posey will be a member of the Giants Wall of Fame, probably get a statue at Oracle Park, have his number 28 retired and most definitely head to Cooperstown and into Baseball Hall of Fame.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast (Special Edition) with Rich Perez: Raiders find themselves in an another storm in Ruggs situation

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Henry Ruggs III mug shot has posted $150,000 bail and is under house arrest at his Las Vegas home. He was arraigned in court on Wednesday morning and will have another court date to appear. The court has also restricted him from driving, drinking, is under house arrest, must wear a ankle brace and Ruggs had to turn in his passport. (News 8 KLAS TV still photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, this team got through the Jon Gruden situation with flying colors now with former running back Henry Ruggs III how will they weather this storm.

#2 The Las Vegas judicial system rules that DUIs resulting in deaths will cost the offender two to 46 years either way Ruggs is looking at a long time in prison if convicted. It’s unfortunate as he was an up and coming star for the Raiders who has now gone from from hero to zero.

#3 Rich Wednesday morning in court Ruggs was wearing an neck brace as he listened to charges being read. There was a second DUI charge against Ruggs for the serious injuries of his passenger Kiara Kilgo-Washington and having a loaded weapon on the floor of his car. His bail was set for $150,000 in just an almost unbelievable situation. Driving 156 MPH after 3:20 AM on Tuesday and slamming into 23 year old Tina Tintor’s car that killed her and her dog.

#4 Ruggs is on bail the judge ruled he has to wear a ankle brace, no drinking, no driving, suspended license, passport confiscated and is under house arrest and Ruggs was never in any trouble before but faces some tough prosecution in his upcoming trial. His last game with the Raiders was Sun Oct 24th vs. Philadelphia at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

#5 The Raiders head to New Jersey with heavy hearts, they’ll be playing the New York Giants the Giants are a struggling team but in spite of that do you see the Raiders struggling this Sunday and being distracted regarding the Ruggs situation?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Roster moves made; Montana says Jones is the better choice than Lance; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) tries to skirt around Arizona Cardinal free safety Jalen Thompson (34) during Sun Oct 10, 2021 game at State Farm Stadium. Former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana said that New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones would have been a better pick than Lance. (AP News photo file)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Tuesday was a busy day at the San Francisco offices at the Marie DeBartolo Complex in Santa Clara as the 49ers (3-4) have made some roster moves as follows, acquired defenseman Charles Omenihu, linebacker Tyrell Williams released, kicker Joey Slye wavied, and safety Kai Nacua has been moved to the practice squad.

#2 Dave, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and legend Joe Montana said he would have taken the New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones over 49ers back up Trey Lance. Jones so far this season is piling up on the yards at 1,997, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, for Lance 354 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception this season. Where do you stand on Montana’s choice of quarterbacks?

#3 Dave after losing four straight and going into Chicago with a 33-22 win has 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo turned a corner, critics still are calling for Lance to be the starting quarterback.

Join David for the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Sharks pick up second straight win in front of all time smallest crowd

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Jose Sharks defenceman Mike Ferraro (38) celebrates his third period goal at 6:02 with teammates Brent Burns (88) and Nick Merkley (10) against the Buffalo Sabres on Tue Nov 2, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The last two goals in the third period made all the difference for the San Jose Sharks (6-3-0) to get a two goal win over the Buffalo Sabres (5-3-1) on Tuesday night at SAP Center for the 5-3. All things considered with seven Sharks players and head coach Bob Boughner out for Covid 19 protocols.

#2 The Sharks grabbing two goals in the first period certainly set the tone with Jonathan Dahlen at 7:25 and Ryan Merkley at 12:49.

#3 In the third period the Sharks got two goals one each from Mike Ferraro at 6:02 and Tomas Hertl scoring his fifth goal of the season at 11:46

#4 Last night’s game was the Sharks all time lowest attendance in their franchise history 10,059 still a lively crowd as San Jose has now won two straight games in spite of drawing such a small crowd.

#5 The St Louis Blues (6-1-0) are coming to SAP Center on Thursday night. The Blues edged the Chicago Blackhawks (1-7-2) on Saturday night 1-0. The Blues are on a roll winning six of their last seven games how do you see this match up between the Blues and the Sharks.

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s World Series News and Commentary podcast: Miracle Astros come back and keep coming back

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Houston Astro Jose Altuve gets congratulations after scoring on a single in the top of the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game 5 of the 2021 World Series at Truist Field in Cobb County (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaruy’s News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, it really says a lot about the Houston Astros that they could come back after the Atlanta Braves hit a grand slam in the first inning and the score twice in the second and third innings and three times in the top of the fifth in game four.

#2 How remarkable is it for the Astros who were down 3-1 have now cut the lead to just one game for the Braves at 3-2. The series goes back to Houston for games six and possibly game seven.

#3 If the Astros can pull it off at Minute Maid Field tonight and force a game 7 what will they say about about manager Dusty Baker whose been a bit of a strategist in this World Series?

#4 It looks like last game 5 will be one that will be for the ages if the Astros come back and win games six and seven it will be game 5 that will long be talked about by both sides the Braves and Astros.

#5 Amaury talk about the pitching match ups for tonight’s game in Houston. The Braves have announced that Max Fried will go in game six and the Astros will start Luis Garcia for tonight.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez has called past World Series on Spanish national radio and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com