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Cal Golden Bears remain perfect at home as they defeat the Dominican Penguins, 93-71

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Dominican Penguin guard Nanik Tagore shoots a contested three pointer over California Golden Bear Justin Pippen. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Services.)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears welcomed the Dominican Penguins on Tuesday night at Haas Pavilion, with the game starting at 7:00 p.m. in front of another loud home crowd. The game featured two clubs that were on a roll early in the season. Dominican entered the match at 5-1, riding a two-game winning run but still looking for its first road victory since losing to Stanislaus State on November 22. Cal who is piling up wins tallied another one with a win over the Penguins 93-71.

Cal started the game with a familiar lineup: John Camden, Chris Bell, Justin Pippen, Lee Dort, and Dai Dai Ames. Ames began the night as the Bears’ leading scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game while shooting 55% from the floor, while Pippen led the team in playmaking with 4.3 assists per game.

The Bears came in on a five-game winning streak and stayed perfect at home, improving to 8-0 at Haas Pavilion. With both teams playing confident basketball and looking to build on their momentum, the stage was set for an interesting nonconference matchup.

Golden Bear Justin Pippen got the game rolling on a three pointer, but things turned south real fast. The Dominican Penguins overall dominated the first half, while the Golden Bears struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Cal shot only 18% from the field, going 6-of-33, while Dominican took advantage of the Bears’ slow start with consistent execution on the opposite end. The Penguins converted 10 of their 24 shots, shooting 42% and controlling the pace for much of the game.

Cal’s shooting struggles stretched beyond the arc, with the Bears starting 1-of-14 from deep and making only 7% of their three-point efforts. Despite their poor start, the Bears came alive in the final minutes of the half. A late 6-0 offensive surge gave them a boost and cut Dominican’s lead, sending Cal into the locker room trailing 31-28.

The Golden Bears returned from the locker room with fresh energy, playing with significantly more urgency on both ends of the court. Their offense began to settle down as Cal upped its shooting to 36% for the half, including a surge from the perimeter, where they shot 26% from three. The defensive pressure also increased substantially, pushing the Penguins to make numerous blunders. Dominican had already committed 14 turnovers with six minutes remaining, allowing Cal to take control of the game.

Justin Pippen fueled the Bears’ comeback, dominating the game down the stretch. He finished with a team-high 24 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including three of seven from beyond the arc. John Camden provided an important spark as well, scoring 18 points and matching Pippen’s 6-of-14 shooting effort.

Dominican’s attack crumbled as Cal kept up the pace. The Penguins went scoreless from the field in the final five minutes, relying on free throws to keep within reach, but it wasn’t enough to slow the Bears’ momentum. Cal finished the night with a dominating 93-71 comeback win.

Nick Medeiros led the Penguins with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, but Dominican couldn’t match Cal’s second-half surge.

The California Golden Bears will return to action on December 13th, 2025 at 2pm back in the Haas Pavilion to host the Northwestern State Devils (2-7). The Bears also remain perfect at home as they are (9-1) on the season and (8-0) at home.

Bears remain Golden & Undefeated at home as they beat Pacific Tigers, 67-61

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Pacific Tigers Justin Rochelin (1) drives to the paint for a layup, but is heavily contested on defense by Golden Bears Chris Bell (22) (Photo by Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY -Happy first Saturday of December in the Berkeley Hills, where the Cal Bears defeated the Pacific Tigers 67-61 in a matinee where they had faced off at 2 p.m Saturday afternoon. In a game featuring two teams on four-game winning streaks.

Pacific enters the weekend on a roll, having won four straight games, including a solid 80-65 road win over the Air Force Falcons on December 3. Elias Ralph had dropped 31 points in Pacific’s victory. The Tigers have held their own on the road, going 2-2 and averaging 75.0 points per game while outscoring opponents by 10.0 points.

On the other side, the Golden Bears have been nearly untouchable at Haas Pavilion, boasting a perfect 6–0 record on their home floor. Cal is also fresh off a high win, taking down the University of Utah 79–72 on December 2nd to extend its win streak to four. Dai Dai Ames had dropped 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting on the floor. Head coach Mark Madsen enters this matchup 0–1 against Pacific, with his first-ever loss as Cal’s head coach coming against the Tigers two years ago — a result he and the Golden Bears will look to avenge this afternoon.

These teams last met on November 10th, 2023, when Pacific defeated Cal in Berkeley 87-79. Despite the loss, the Golden Bears have a 27-3 series lead as they prepare to defend their home floor once again. The Bears are on game #2 out of their 8 game homestand that will end on January 2nd, 2026.

The Pacific Tigers’ starting lineup included a good blend of size and guard play. In the frontcourt, Elias Ralph and Isaac Jack provide length, rebounding activity, and interior presence. Justin Rochelin, Kajus Kublickas, and TJ Wainwright make up the Tigers’ backcourt trio, providing the team with ball-handling, perimeter scoring, and defensive versatility to start the afternoon.

The Golden Bears’ starting lineup has a good combination of guard play and frontcourt size. In the backcourt, Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen play guard, providing Cal with a dangerous scoring and playmaking pair. Lee Dort, John Camden, and DeJuan Campbell complete the starting lineup, offering rebounding, interior strength, and midrange shooting. Dort is Cal’s leading rebounder, averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, while Pippen leads the team in assists with 4.6. This was also DeJuan Campbell’s first start of the season.

From tip-off to the first five minutes, the Golden Bears struck first. Cal got on the board after Pacific’s Justin Rochelin was called for a personal foul on Dai Dai Ames, who went 1-of-2 from the line for the afternoon’s opening points. The Bears quickly established an aggressive tone by applying high-energy, full-court pressure that caught the Tigers off guard. Pacific’s first offensive possession resulted in a turnover, and with Cal’s defense swarming and controlling the pace early on, the Tigers were forced to call a quick timeout just four minutes into the game.

The Tigers struggled to find their flow after the timeout, going on a four-minute scoring drought and committing numerous turnovers, including shot-clock violations. Pacific’s only source of offence was Isaac Jack, who scored all six of the Tigers’ points in the first eight minutes of the game with quick, decisive finishes in the lane. Aside from Jack’s production, Pacific struggled to find a rhythm, going 4-of-17 from the field in the first 10 minutes (24%).

Meanwhile, the Golden Bears continued to put pressure on both ends. Cal’s offense was on fire, shooting an efficient 9-of-13 (69%) from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc (67%) as they gained early momentum and controlled the game’s pace.

The Tigers slowly settled into an offensive rhythm, thanks to Isaac Jack’s ability to create easy looks in the paint. Pacific began using him as a focal point at the top of the key, allowing the rest of the offence to either cut to the hoop or spread out on the perimeter. The change provided much-needed momentum, as the Tigers connected on three consecutive offensive opportunities, cutting the lead to ten points.

Cal, on the other hand, remained in control for the majority of the half thanks to its strong shooting and efficient passing. John Camden, Justin Pippen, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort all scored more than five points early, providing the Bears a variety of scoring options and stretching Pacific’s defence. Despite their great start, the Golden Bears experienced a three-minute scoring drought late in the half.

At halftime, Cal led 36-27. Despite Pacific’s 14-rebound advantage, which was mostly driven by Jack’s inside presence, the Tigers’ persistent shooting struggles prevented them from narrowing the distance. Pacific entered the half shooting only 33% from the floor, but the Golden Bears maintained their lead by impacting the game defensively and shooting over 45% in all categories.

The Golden Bears scored first again in the second half, this time with Justin Pippen hitting a free throw after drawing a personal foul on Kajus Kublickas, going 1-for-1 from the line. Cal remained true to its defensive identity, sticking with tight man-to-man coverage while adding a 3-2 pressure zone that extended high and interrupted Pacific’s early drives.

Despite their defensive persistence, the Bears struggled offensively, going 0-for-5 within the first five minutes. The Tigers took the opportunity and began playing with significantly more composure than they had in the first half. Pacific moved the ball with patience, attacked from better angles, and discovered cleaner looks.

The momentum changed quickly. The Tigers put together an 8-0 field goal run, cutting Cal’s lead to five points. TJ Wainwright started the charge with back-to-back three-pointers, giving energy and trust in Pacific’s bench. Meanwhile, Isaac Jack continued his strong effort inside, recording a double-double with 10 minutes left in the game.

Pacific refused not give up in the dying minutes, battling till the final whistle. The Tigers put together a late run, scoring six straight points to cut the lead to three, putting the Golden Bears on high alert. But when they needed it the most, Cal’s defence tightened. Pacific went scoreless on its final three offensive opportunities, and Lee Dort delivered the dagger – a game-winning block on Tigers guard Jaden Clayton that ended Pacific’s final effort to win the game.

The Golden Bears hung on for a 67-61 victory.  Justin Pippen led all Cal scorers with 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while Dai Dai Ames matched his scoring ability with 15 points on 4-of-8 from the field to anchor the backcourt.

The Tigers were led by Isaac Jack, who had 19 points and 16 rebounds, controlling the post on both ends and keeping Pacific in reach all afternoon. TJ Wainwright also reached double figures, scoring 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including a pair of crucial three-pointers that sparked the Tigers’ second-half surge.

The Pacific Tigers are now 7-3 and will return home to Stockton, California, on Thursday, November 13th, to meet the Simpson University Red Hawks. The Tigers will look to build on their competitive performance today and continue their quest for consistency on both sides of the court in front of their home crowd.

The Golden Bears remain undefeated at home, going 7-0 at Haas Pavilion and 8-1 overall this season. Cal will return home to face the Dominican Penguins on Tuesday, December 9th, at 7:00 p.m., hoping to extend their unbeaten record in Berkeley and build on their excellent start to the season.

Utah Utes can’t handle the ‘Haas of Pain’ as Golden Bears win, 79-72

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California Golden Bear #34 Lee Dort slams down an alley-oop from his teammate #2 John Camden. (Photo by Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Happy December from Berkeley, where the Golden Bears enter the final month of 2025 on the heels of a strong 6-1 start and a perfect 5-0 record at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears have transformed their home court into a legitimate advantage as they enter a pivotal eight-game home stretch, averaging 84.4 points per game and posting a +14.8 scoring margin.

That run started tonight against Utah (6-2), a Big 12 opponent who adds importance to the matchup. Cal is 0-1 this season against Big 12 teams, with its only encounter coming on November 13 at Bramlage Coliseum, a hard-fought 99-96 loss to Kansas State. Tuesday night, the Golden Bears get a second chance to make a statement against the Big 12 conference.

Utah comes into Berkeley on a high level, having won a close 75-74 game over Ole Miss behind Don McHenry’s 27 points. The Utes have a balanced, tough squad that ranks ninth in the Big 12 for offensive rebounds (9.6 per game), topped by James Okonkwo’s 4.0. They also have one of the conference’s leading scoring duos, Terrence Brown (21.8 PPG, 3.4 APG) and McHenry (17.9 PPG).

Cal entered the game with confidence after defeating No. 18 UCLA 80-72 on November 25 at Chase Center, the program’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2020. Offensively, the Golden Bears continue to rely on the efficient performance of Dai Dai Ames (18.1 PPG, 2.7 threes per game at 52.8%) and Chris Bell (16.6 PPG, 50.0% shooting).

The Golden Bears’ starting lineup tonight included Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, who combine scoring, experience, and defensive versatility. Utah responded with Josh Hayes, Keanu Dawes, Terrence Brown, Don McHenry, and Seydou Traore, a group meant for athleticism, rebounding, and perimeter shooting.

The game got off to a quick start, with both sides swapping early baskets. Utah scored first on the first possession, with Terrance Brown instantly establishing himself by scoring seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. Cal’s Dai Dai Ames matched the pace right away, making all three of his first field-goal attempts and scoring seven points in the first few minutes.

Despite Utah’s early efficiency, Cal kept pace thanks to Ames, who remained perfect from the field and aggressive in his drives. By the midpoint of the first half, he had already tallied 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting.

Cal’s balanced attack and sharp shooting in the final minutes of the half propelled them ahead to a 42–34 lead at halftime. The Bears finished the first 20 minutes with 6-of-12 shooting from three and 14-of-32 overall, displaying strong teamwork with 21 rebounds and nine assists. Ames continued his dominant performance, ending the half with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting in just 15 minutes, keeping Cal in control against a talented Utah squad. With help from John Camden, who is shooting perfect beyond the arc at 3 of 3 with 9 points and 1 assist.

The second half followed the same fast-paced, physical pattern, with both teams hitting the paint and battling for every possession. Within the first ten minutes of the half, the Golden Bears had stretched their lead to 62-55, thanks to a combination of aggressive drives and excellent free-throw shooting. Both teams were repeatedly sent to the free-throw line, but Cal took advantage of their chances, going 15-of-16 for a stunning 93% conversion rate.

Cal’s scoring was led by the dynamic combo of Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames, who each had 17 points by this time. Pippen shot 5-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three, while Ames went 8-of-13 overall despite missing his only three-point effort. Keanu Dawes and Seydou Traore, who combined scoring and playmaking, kept Utah in play. Dawes was on the verge of a double-double, with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Traore had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists.

Also, Cal maintained its domination on the glass, grabbing 30 rebounds to Utah’s 23, securing second-chance opportunities, and controlling the tempo inside the paint.

Cal’s shooting continued to click in the final minutes of the game, as the team approached 50% from the floor and maintained control of the game. Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames repeatedly attacked Utah’s defence, keeping the Utes’ lead barely out of reach. Utah, however, refused to go quietly. With three minutes remaining, Seydou Traore and Keanu Dawes scored rapid backdoor baskets to reduce the Bears’ lead to two points.

Cal answered at the line, with Chris Bell making 1-of-2 free throws to extend the advantage to 73-70 with a minute and a half left. At the 50-second mark, Ames was fouled on a drive and casually went 2-for-2 from the line, bringing the score to 75-70. From there, the Golden Bears’ defence took control. Utah failed to get a shot, resulting in a shot clock violation, and they missed their final four field-goal attempts. Cal’s defensive efforts, along with their efficient shooting, secured the victory.

Dai Dai Ames led all scorers with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, keeping up his strong season performance. Justin Pippen scored 23 points, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, to help secure the victory. Inside, Lee Dort anchored the paint, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring eight points. While five of Utah’s players scored in double digits, and their bench added 19 points, Cal’s mix of shooting, defensive pressure, and rebounding proved crucial.

The Golden Bears finished the game shooting 45.5% from the field, including 7-of-18 from three, proving that their balanced scoring and lockdown defence can carry them through difficult games. The 79-72 victory over Utah not only represented a great home opener for the December stretch, but it also showed Cal’s ability to produce under pressure, laying the groundwork for the future challenges in their eight-game homestand.

Looking ahead, the Golden Bears will face the Pacific Tigers (6-2) on Saturday, December 6, at 2 p.m., as part of their eight-game homestand. The game will be broadcast on ACC Extra, offering fans another opportunity to see Cal continue their December home stand and build on tonight’s hard-fought 79-72 victory against Uta

Las Vegas Raiders now on a 5 Game Losing Streak, lose to Cleveland Browns, 24-10

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. (Photo credit to Michael Clemens/Las Vegas Raiders)

By Michael Villanueva

LAS VEGAS, NV – On Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders hosted the Cleveland Browns for week 12. Coming into this game, the Cleveland Browns had officially named Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback, marking his first start in the National Football League.

His debut grabbed attention as the Browns tested his ability to manage NFL speed, decision-making, and pocket discipline in his first opportunity as a starter. Success came quick for Sanders as he coached the Browns to a 24-10 win over the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Sanders was able to secure the starting Quarterback title for this game, as third-round pick from Oregon, Dillon Francis, had sustained a concussion against the Baltimore Ravens, which led to Sanders taking the starting role.

For Las Vegas, tight end Brock Bowers came into the game having already set an NFL record, becoming the all-time leader in tight end receptions after two seasons. His productivity quickly established him as one of the league’s most dangerous young offensive players, and his role remained vital to the Raiders’ game plan.

On defense, Raiders DE Maxx Crosby was one sack away from adding to his already outstanding career. With one more sack, he will have seven consecutive seasons of 7.0 or more sacks, joining only 11 other players in NFL history to do so in their first seven seasons. Crosby, an experienced All-Pro pass rusher, saw another opportunity to cement his reputation as one of football’s best defensive talents.

Cleveland Browns Myles Garret leads the NFL in sacks so far in the 2025 NFL season, and he will be facing off against Left Guard, Stone Forsythe from Las Vegas, who has only allowed 5 sacks this season on his side of the offensive line. This was a key matchup, as the Cleveland defense proved they’re too much for the Raiders’ offense. The Las Vegas Raiders lead the all-time series against the Cleveland Browns at 15-10.

Cleveland scored first after a critical special teams play early in the first quarter. The Browns broke loose for a 44-yard punt return, and a tripping penalty on Las Vegas punter AJ Cole added an additional 14 yards, putting Cleveland deep into Raiders territory. Just two plays later, the Browns took advantage of the short field and punched in the game’s first touchdown, grabbing the lead with 8:24 left in the first quarter.

Cleveland soon stretched its lead later in the quarter. QB Shedeur Sanders rolled out to avoid pressure and threw a 52-yard pass to Isaiah Bond, setting up the offense on the goal line. Quinshon Judkins then scored a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Browns a 14-0 lead with 48 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Las Vegas struggled offensively, gaining only 40 yards, converting one of four third-down opportunities, and picking up three team penalties. Cleveland’s defense dominated early, putting pressure on the Raiders’ offense and setting a tough tone for the rest of the game.

The Raiders attempted to respond early in the second quarter, but their early drives failed. Las Vegas went three and out on its first possession and missed a 48-yard field goal, leaving the scoreboard blank. Cleveland took possession near midfield, but on the first play, Shedeur Sanders threw an interception to the Raiders’  DE Charles Snowden, who returned it 14 yards. The Raiders were still unable to capitalize immediately, but on their next play, they successfully completed a 41-yard field goal, bringing the score to 14-3.

Just before the two-minute warning, Cleveland had the ball at their own 48-yard line. Sanders fired a 39-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, but the ball was punched out by Raiders strong safety Jeremy Chinn, resulting in a turnover. Despite the turnover opportunity, the Raiders’ offense went three-and-out on the next play following a key defensive stop by Cleveland, showing that the Raiders’ offensive struggles are holding them back. Leaving the score 14-3 heading into halftime, with the Raiders’ ball at the start of the second half.

Las Vegas began the second half with the ball, hoping to gain momentum and reduce the gap between them. The Raiders converted a third-down play, which was a minor bright spot given their current third-down effectiveness of 2 of 11.

However, the drive ended shortly later, leaving Las Vegas with a 4th-and-4 situation. QB Geno Smith was pressured and sacked for a nine yard loss, handing the ball over to Cleveland on the Raiders’ 48-yard line.

The remainder of the third quarter was an offensive struggle for both sides, primarily Las Vegas. The Raiders’ offense continued to show symptoms of confusion and anger, as shown by evident attitudes from both players and coaches. Their fourth-down conversion rate was now 0-for-2, while their third-down efficiency had dropped to 3-for-14. Despite many drives, the Raiders were yet to reach the red zone, putting the score at Cleveland 14, Las Vegas 3, entering the fourth quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Browns RB Dylan Sampson broke loose up the middle for a 26-yard gain, putting Cleveland at the Las Vegas 21. The Raiders defense tightened after that, forcing a 53-yard field goal. Cleveland converted, extending their lead to 17-3.

With 8:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Browns increased their lead when Sanders connected with Dylan Sampson on a quick slant, and Sampson raced for a 66-yard touchdown. That made it 24-3, as Cleveland continues to capitalize on the Raiders’ offensive troubles. The Browns’ defense is not allowing Las Vegas to breathe, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs to maintain complete control of the game.

The Raiders eventually end up on the scoreboard. After their first red-zone trip of the night produced a defensive penalty, Las Vegas scored on a 5-yard touchdown throw from Geno Smith to Ashton Jeanty with 5:11 left. The score cuts the gap, but Cleveland maintains a commanding 24-10 edge.

Right before the two-minute warning, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was injured after Geno Smith’s 12-yard catch-and-run. On the next play, Las Vegas suffered another setback when Myles Garrett sacked Smith, knocking the ball loose.

Maliek Collins recovered the ball for Cleveland, giving the Browns possession with two minutes remaining and the opportunity to end the game by running out the time, and that’s exactly what happened in the remaining final minutes of the game. For the first time since 1995, a Browns starter has won his first career start. Browns Shedeur Sanders finished the game with 11 completions on 20 attempts. He was sacked just once in the game, also finishing with 1 touchdown pass, 1 interception, and an 87.3 rating.

The Raiders will travel to Inglewood for a rival conference game against the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday (11/30) at 1:25 p.m. in SoFi Stadium. Las Vegas will try to break their current five-game losing run and regain what’s left of its season confidence. At the post-game conference, Raiders head coach, Pete Carroll, had this to say after the game, “If you don’t score, you can’t win, and we couldn’t score. It was an incredible game of defense, both teams… we had opportunities to make big plays and we didn’t hit them.” Noted that the Raiders did not score until the 4th quarter with 5 minutes remaining in the game.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith finished with 30 completions on 44 attempts. He was sacked 10 times in this game, 1 touchdown pass, and also finishing a 93.5 rating. Raiders also did not see the return of Ashton Jeanty due to an ankle injury he sustained late in the 4th quarter. He and Michael Mayer are possibly out for the next game due to their ankle injuries.

The final score in Sin City: Cleveland 24, Las Vegas 10; the Browns leave with a road victory.

Pacific Tigers rallies back from 11 point lead and beats Long Beach State, 69-66

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Pacific Tiger #14 Isaac Jacks slams a putback from his teammate #6 Jayden Clayton with 17 minutes and 5 seconds left in the second half here at Alex g. Spanos Center. (Photo credit to Sports Radio Services Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific Tigers returned to the Alex G. Spanos Center for a non-conference matchup against Long Beach State. Tipoff was at 7 p.m. in Stockton – my hometown – making this a special night as I covered my first home sporting event.

One team looked to extend its early-season momentum, while the other opposing team just looked to get its first win under the bright lights in San Joaquin County. The Tigers relied on Elias Ralph after scoring 21 points in Pacific’s 78-77 loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack.

The starting lineup for the Pacific Tigers was: Justin Rochelin, Elias Ralph, Jaden Clayton, TJ Wainwright, and Isaac Jack. Leading the way in points per game is their senior forward, Elias Ralph, with 20.5, shooting 52% from the field.

Long Beach State started with: Isaiah Lewis, Leopold Levillain, Petar Majstorovic, Cole Farrel, and Gavin Sykes. Long Beach is still looking for its first win after being on the road for its first two games. With their most recent loss to Fresno State, 82-62.

The game began with intensity inside the Alex G. Spanos Center, with Pacific scoring first on a smooth mid-range jumper from Justin Rochelin to put the Tigers on the board. Long Beach State responded soon with a layup from Petar Majstorovic, setting an early back-and-forth pace.

The Beach made its presence known defensively, raising the intensity with upcourt man-to-man pressure and consistently pressuring Pacific’s guards on each inbound. Long Beach’s defensive intensity put the Tigers into challenging looks and contested shots, making it difficult for them to create a regular rhythm on offense.

Long Beach State led 15-11 with ten minutes left in the half, thanks in large part to Gavin Sykes, who scored 11 of the team’s 15 points in the first half. Sykes was also coming off the bench for Long Beach. Both teams shot less than 35% from the field and less than 16% from three-point range, but the few shots that fell early weighed heavily in what was shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive first half.

Pacific’s shooting struggles continued throughout the first half. The Tigers went without a three-pointer until the last minute, shooting only 26.3% from the floor and 10% from beyond the arc while committing 11 turnovers against the Beach’s swarming defense. Long Beach’s length and athleticism blocked passing lanes, resulting in six steals, sparking transition opportunities and easy baskets.

Pacific finally broke through late with its first three-pointer of the night, but both teams struggled with cold shooting throughout — the Tigers went 1-for-9 from long, while Long Beach only converted one of six free throws.

Long Beach State led 30-25 at halftime. The Tigers were led by Elias Ralph, who had 7 points and 4 rebounds, while Long Beach was led by Shaquil Bender, who had 11 points and a steal, giving the Beach a small lead heading into the locker room.

Pacific came out of the break with renewed intensity on both ends of the floor. Forward Isaac Jack led the charge and quickly established his presence inside. Jack dominated the first three minutes of the half, grabbing rebounds and finishing through contact for six quick points.

Despite the Tigers’ strong start, Long Beach State responded with poise and precision. Gavin Sykes, who struggled in the first half, came alive in the early second half, scoring 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), including 3-of-4 from deep after missing his only three-pointer earlier. Sykes’ performance allowed the Beach to expand their lead and keep control of the game.

As the second half went on, Pacific began to ramp up the intensity, attempting a determined rally. The Tigers’ big men dominated the paint, crashing the boards and attacking the hoop, forcing Long Beach to foul and sending Pacific to the free-throw line, where they began to capitalize.

The Tigers’ improved aggression paid off on the glass as well, as they outrebounded the Beach 33-26, gaining additional possessions and creating more scoring opportunities. Their hustling and inside presence helped trim Long Beach’s lead to two points, anticipating a chaotic finish with momentum shifting toward Pacific with seven minutes left of the game.

The final minute of the game was heated, coming down to the last second. Gavin Sykes of Long Beach State was fouled on a three-point attempt and made a four-point play, cutting the Tigers’ lead to four points.

Pacific soon turned the ball over on the inbounds, allowing Long Beach to score a fast layup and narrow the game even further. On their following possession, the Tigers advanced the ball past half court and found Isaac Jack, who was fouled on a putback attempt. Jack hit one of two free throws to give Pacific a three-point lead.

Long Beach had a last chance for a fast three-pointer but was unable to get it in, securing the Tigers’ hard-fought victory. Despite a poor perimeter shooting performance, Pacific’s resilience, hustle, and determination in the paint drove the comeback. Long Beach had many players in double numbers, but it was unable to fend off the Tigers’ second-half surge.

Despite a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, the Tigers found a way to win. Pacific shot 42.3% from the field and 15% from three, but their strength inside and on the boards carried the day. The Tigers scored 34 points in the paint, pulled down 42 boards, and added 31 points off the bench, showing that effort and inside scoring were crucial to their comeback.

Alexis Marmolejos led the way with 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, powering Pacific’s offense and defense. Isaac Jack scored 9 points and 4 rebounds in the paint, and Elias Ralph added 15 points and 9 rebounds to help secure the victory.

The Tigers will now turn their attention to the road, meeting Cal State University Fullerton (1-2) on November 15th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., hoping to build on their grit and inside domination from this hard-fought victory.

CAL Berkeley off to 3-0 start after defeating CSU Fullerton, 93-65

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California Golden Bear Rytis Petraitis, takes it to the paint on an acrobat layup against, CSU Titan Landon Seaman. (Photo Credit to Sports Radio Services Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY, Calif. – The California Golden Bears entered Monday night’s game at Haas Pavilion looking to keep their undefeated streak going. The Bears entered 2-0 after a win over Wright State, while the Titans arrived following a 92-82 loss to Wyoming only two days earlier.

California used the same starting lineup of Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort. Ames, who led the Golden Bears in scoring early this season with 20.5 points per game, continued to set the offensive tone as Cal worked to extend its unbeaten streak. Cal’s head coach, Mark Madsen, entered and left the game, recording his 100th career win as a head coach.

Cal State Fullerton’s starting lineup was Davis White, Joshua Ward, Bailey Nunn, Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro, and Kendrick De Luna. The Titans were coming off a 92-82 loss to Wyoming two days prior, with Bryce Cofield leading the way with 21 points. Although Cofield did not start in the matchup against Berkeley. The Titans are 0-2 all-time against Cal and have played them only on the road.

California took no time in setting the tone, coming out firing from beyond the arc. The Golden Bears took an early 12-7 lead over Cal State Fullerton by hitting four straight three-pointers. Dai Dai Ames caught fire right on, shooting three triples in the first three minutes, while John Camden added five points of his own to fuel Cal’s fast start.

Ames and Camden combined for all 19 of Cal’s points in the first 10 minutes, with Ames scoring 11 and Camden scoring eight, creating confidence across the Bears’ roster. Justin Pippen led the attack with four assists, while Lee Dort battled inside on the glass, allowing Cal to keep control.

In the closing ten minutes of the first half, both sides tightened up defensively, but Cal’s ball movement kept them efficient. Despite Fullerton’s pressure, the Bears shot 6-for-11 from three-point range (54.5 percent). The Titans relied on transition opportunities, with Joshua Ward scoring six points on fast breaks to close the gap to eight points at one point.

Bryce Cofield had a flagrant one penalty for an elbow during a drive, stopping Fullerton’s momentum. Cal missed four consecutive baskets in the final two minutes, but dominated the boards and maintained defensive discipline, securing a 42-27 halftime lead.

The Bears went into the locker room with Dai Dai Ames leading the way with 13 points, establishing the tone for the second half.

Cal State Fullerton came from the locker room with the same energy that California had displayed earlier in the game. The Titans went on a 6-0 run to start the half, hoping to reduce the Bears’ halftime lead.

Berkeley, on the other hand, responded fast, establishing a rhythm from the start. The Golden Bears connected on two more sets of three-pointers, slowing Fullerton’s momentum and regaining control of the game. Within the first three minutes, California led 50-38.

Cal ended up having a lead of 67-46 before the halfway point of the second half, thanks to hustle, defensive effort, and balanced scoring.

Dai Dai Ames led the way with 19 points, John Camden added 14, and Justin Pippen had 10 points and 5 assists. Lee Dort and Chris Bell controlled the boards, grabbing 7 and 5 rebounds, respectively, limiting Fullerton’s second-chance opportunities.

The last stretch showed which squad was determined to finish strong. California refused to let up, playing with intensity on both ends of the floor. The Golden Bears increased their lead to 29 points, capitalizing on Fullerton’s troubles from the field.

The Titans struggled to find their rhythm, ending their shooting 27-for-69 (39%), while Berkeley capitalized on turnovers and lack of effort. Chris Bell was especially good at clearing the glass and forcing turnovers while also contributing to the Bears’ scoring surge as the fourth player to reach double digits.

Ames’ three-point shooting was the night’s highlight, going 6-for-7 (85.7%), while Justin Pippen nearly had a triple-double with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, displaying his leadership on both sides of the court. Almost the whole starting five scored in double figures, showcasing Cal’s balanced and overpowering offensive performance.

With this dominant victory, the Golden Bears improved to 3-0 on the season while also marking Mark Madsen’s 100th career win as a head coach, a milestone in a program that is off to a good start. This is also Mark Madsen’s first 3-0 start at UC Berkeley.

The final attendance at Haas Pavilion was 2,377 as the Golden Bears secured a dominating home win. California now prepares for its first road game of the season, going to Manhattan, Kansas, to face Kansas State University (2-0).

Head coach Mark Madsen expressed excitement for the game during his post-game conference, stating he’s looking forward to “the battle and the test” and couldn’t wait to see what the Bears can do against a great Kansas State squad. The two teams will face off on Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m.

With an outstanding 93-65 victory over Cal State Fullerton and a perfect 3-0 start, Berkeley will aim to create energy as they faces one of the premier Big 12 programs early in the season.

San Jose Sports Hall Of Fame Class of 2025

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SAP Center hosted the 30th anniversary of the San Jose Sports Authority Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees ceremony. Honoring three decades of South Bay sports legends by inducting five new members on Thursday, November 6th, 2025 (photo by Vince Cestone Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The honorees come from the top levels of high school, collegiate, professional, Olympic, and international sports. Though they come from diverse sports and eras, they have had a long-lasting impact on and off the field.

Each inductee was presented with a bronze plaque permanently put on the concourse at the SAP Center in San Jose. Including the 2025 inductees, 136 South Bay sports heroes were inducted into the Hall. The yearly induction is organized by the San Jose Sports Authority, the San Jose Arena Authority, SAP Center Management/San Jose Sharks, and the City of San José. The event benefited Special Olympics Northern California and high school athletic programs.

The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 inductees were:

Eddie “Ed” Buller (football): Coach Buller took over Oak Grove football in 1983 and coached the Eagles to a 214-39-3 record, 18 conference titles, and five CCS championships. He built one of the most successful programs in CCS history, developing numerous collegiate and professional players. Buller, a Leland High School graduate, took over Oak Grove’s varsity squad in 1983 and led the Eagles to the CCS Division I championship game in his first season. During a three-year layoff in the early 1990s, Buller joined San Jose State’s coaching staff and helped the Spartans win two Big West championships and a California Raisin Bowl.

Todd Clever (Rugby): Known as “Captain America,” Todd Clever began his rugby career at Santa Teresa High School, A two-time High School All-American and three-time College All-American at the University of Nevada, Reno, he went on a spectacular 15-year professional rugby career that encompassed New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and England before eventually returning to the United States. Also eventually became the most decorated player for the United States Eagles, with 76 matches. He was the first American to play and score in Super Rugby, having won three Rugby World Cups and been named American Rugby Player of the Decade.

Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston (Wrestling): The Independence High School wrestler made history by being the first American to win a World Medal in Women’s Freestyle Wrestling. Roshanzamir Johnston was born in Iran and learned to wrestle through her father. After fleeing unstable politics, her family relocated to San Jose, where she became the first female wrestler in Santa Clara County history, competing on the boys’ varsity team at Independence High. In 1989, at the age of 18, she became a member of the first-ever U.S. Women’s Freestyle World Team, marking the country’s first participation in a World Championship.
Johnston went on to win a World Medal and several National Championships before becoming an Olympic coach and winning Gold in 2016.

Landon Donovan (Soccer): At the age of 19, Donovan helped the San Jose Earthquakes become MLS champions, winning two MLS Cups. He won six MLS Cups, was a three-time World Cup star, and was named to the MLS Best XI seven times. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in American soccer history. Donovan’s influence reached far beyond the Bay Area. On the international scene, he was a generational talent, appearing in three World Cups and guiding the United States to the quarterfinals in 2002, when he was voted FIFA’s Best Young Player. He also won four CONCACAF Gold Cups and retired as the all-time best scorer for the United States men’s national team, with 57 goals.

Mark Wilson (Baseball): After 38 years with the San Jose Giants, including three decades as General Manager, Wilson was named two-time California League Executive of the Year and received the Bowie Kuhn Award. He introduced fan favorites, including Beer Batter and the iconic mascot Gigante, earning him a spot among the league’s 150 most important figures. In 2021, the Giants recognized Wilson’s exceptional career by retiring his jersey number—#38—a distinction shared by only one other individual in franchise history.

In addition to the Class of 2025 Inductees, the November ceremony  honored the top athletes of the year from Santa Clara County high schools, universities, and the Special Olympics.

The 2025 San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Honorees included:

High School Athletes of the Year

  • Quinten Marsh, Valley Christian High School – Baseball
  • Nicole Steiner, Los Gatos High School – Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field

Amateur Athletes of the Year

  • Nick Nash, San Jose State University – Football
  • Emilia Sjöstrand, San Jose State University – Track & Field

Special Olympian of the Year

  • Michael Aguilar, Special Olympics Northern California

As the night came to an end, Mayor Matt Mahan took the stage to thank everyone in attendance for recognizing San Jose’s great sporting tradition. He acknowledged this year’s inductees, expressing optimism for the city’s sporting future and serving as a reminder that the spirit of competitiveness and community lives on in San Jose.

San Francisco Giants Game Recap: No Homers, No Comebacks as Giants Drop a Close One to Mets, 2-1

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New York Mets’ Mark Vientos hits a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, July 26, 2025 in San Francisco. (Photo Credits to AP photographer Godofredo A. Vasquez)

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Oracle Park

San Francisco Giants: 1

New York Mets: 2

Win: New York Mets Pitcher David Peterson (7-4)

Loss: San Francisco Giants Pitcher Robbie Ray (9-5)

Attendance: 39,029

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants were looking to even the series against the New York Mets with a win on Saturday evening, but have fallen short. The Giants have now lost eight of their last ten games dating back to July 12th, and have been held to three runs or fewer in six of those games. As the Mets get their 6th consecutive win.

The loss marked another frustrating night for the Giants’ offense, which outhit New York but couldn’t convert when it mattered most — leaving key runners stranded and hitting into multiple double plays. Despite Robbie Ray’s strong outing and Jung Hoo Lee’s standout performance, the Giants were unable to overcome the Mets’ two-run sixth inning.

Baserunners, defensive moments, and missed opportunities drove the early innings on both sides.

The Mets attacked immediately in the first inning. The Giants found themselves in difficulty after Francisco Lindor walked and third baseman Matt Chapman made a throwing error. However, Robbie Ray escaped by getting Starling Marte to line out, burning 25 pitches while causing no damage.

San Francisco responded with the same scenario in the bottom half. Rafael Devers singled, Willy Adames walked, and Chapman came in with two on, only to line into a rally-killing double play started by Mark Vientos at third.

In the second inning, Francisco Álvarez hit a two-out triple, but Ray struck out Tyrone Taylor to prevent more damage. The Giants responded with two singles in the bottom half, but the inning ended on another double play, this time by Luis Matos.

Both starters worked scoreless third innings, with Ray retiring the side in order and David Peterson matching him to keep the game tied at 0-0 after three.

A no-scoring game was finally broken in the fourth. Despite three consecutive hits, the Mets were unable to score as Vientos struck out and Álvarez grounded into an inning-ending double play started by Chapman.

The Giants made the break count in the second half. Adames and Chapman hit, Schmitt walked, and Jung Hoo Lee scored the game’s first run with a fielder’s choice, giving San Francisco a 1-0 lead.

Ray looked sharp in the fifth, striking out Taylor and pitching a clean one, two, three, inning. Despite putting two more runners on base, the Giants were unable to score, as Chapman struck out again with two on to close the period.

In the sixth, New York finally cashed in. Juan Soto walked, stole second, and advanced on a ground ball. After another walk and a botched potential double play at first, Vientos hit the Giants with a two-run double to left, giving the Mets a 2-1 advantage. Ray’s night ended after 102 pitches, and pitcher Ryan Walker saved further damage by striking out Nimmo with the bases loaded.

Wilmer Flores led off with a single in the bottom half for the Giants, but Brandon Nimmo caught him reaching for second on a perfect throw. Jung Hoo Lee got another single later in the inning, but Matos flied out to center, ending the inning.

The Giants had a chance to fight back as Randy Rodríguez, Tyler Rogers, Joey Lucchesi, and Ryan Walker held the Mets scoreless in the final three innings. Rogers pitched around a leadoff double in the 8th, and Rodríguez struck out two in the 9th, including Juan Soto with a runner on, to hold the score to one.

The Giants had their best chance to tie it in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, Jung Hoo Lee hit his 22nd double of the season into the gap in right. Pinch hitter Mike Yastrzemski struck out, leaving Patrick Bailey as the final hope. Bailey made contact but lined out to Pete Alonso at first, sealing the Giants’ loss.

David Peterson (7-4) got the win for New York after pitching six innings of one earned run. Ray (9-5) suffered a tough loss, giving up two runs in 5.1 innings with three strikeouts. Edwin Díaz secured his 23rd save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

The Giants are currently 2-6 since the All-Star break, trying to maintain consistency as the second half of the season has begun. Saturday’s game was also the first one in Major League Baseball without a home run, which is an unusual occurrence in today’s power-driven game.

San Francisco is looking to prevent a sweep in Sunday’s finale at 4:10 p.m. at Oracle Park. The Giants will play a bullpen game, with Matt Gage(0-0 ERA 0.00) starting and Carson Seymour likely covering multiple innings. The Mets will reply with right-hander Kodai Senga (7-3, 1.79 ERA), one of the National League’s most effective pitchers this season.

With playoff positioning tightening and frustration mounting, the Giants will need to find answers quickly to flip their fortunes around. Especially since the Giants went 0-8 with runners in scoring position tonight, and with the Giants bullpen throwing 35.1 innings since the All-Star break.

Bay Area Panthers Game Recap: Panthers Roar to Seventh Straight Jungle victory in Home Finale, 55-54

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Bay Area Panthers quarterback Josh Jones rushes pass Vegas Knight Hawks Bryce Hampton in for the touchdown. Sparking the roaring fans in the Jungle. (Photo credits to Sports Radio Services photographer Antonio Garcia)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE–The Bay Area Panthers defended The Jungle one last time this regular season, hosting the Vegas Knight Hawks in an intense and high-energy night at the SAP Center. With sirens flashing and the crowd roaring in support of local heroes, First Responders Night made the Panthers’ last home game of the season memorable.  

The Panthers had already secured their postseason journey, entering the game at 10-3. Meanwhile, the Knight Hawks came in with everything on the line — sitting at 8-5, a win would lock them into the playoff picture. Vegas arrived riding a two-game winning streak, while the Bay Area was looking to rebound after a tough 46-38 road loss to the San Diego Strike Force just four days ago — their first defeat since May.

The Bay Area wasted no time setting the tone early. After his 21-yard run earlier in the game, quarterback Josh Jones scrambled in for a 5-yard score on just the fourth play of their opening drive. The Panthers scored first, 6-0, but kicker Axel Perez missed the extra point.

Momentum stayed with the Bay Area immediately after, as they recovered a short squib kickoff and capitalized with another touchdown. This time, Jones connected with Tosin Oyekanmi for a 4-yard score to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

The defense held strong to cap off the quarter. The Knight Hawks’ offense was shut down on their opening possession, turning the ball over on downs. The Panthers regained possession and were back in control facing a 4th-and-6 as the first quarter came to a close.

Maurice Jackson sacked Josh Jones for a loss of eight yards, which turned the ball over on downs and started the second quarter with a rare Bay Area error. Vegas swiftly seized it. The lead was cut to 14-7 in just two plays as Vegas quarterback Johnson hit CJ Windham Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown.

Josh Jones took matters into his own hands once more on their turn, rushing for a 15-yard score after connecting with Tyrese Chambers for a 15-yard gain. The score was 20–7 after Axel Perez missed his second extra point of the evening. Vegas answered right back. On 4th down, Vegas QB Ja’Rome Johnson launched a 26-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Wimbush, bringing the Knight Hawks back within six after a successful extra point, 20-14.

The Bay Area offensive remained dominant. Jones gave Josh Tomas an 8-yard pass for a first down after opening the next drive with a 6-yard keeper. The Panthers reached the 1-yard line after a 14-yard pass to Tomas, who punched it in for another touchdown. Perez extended the lead to 28-14 by making a perfect drop-kick extra point this time.

However, Vegas continued to fight. The Knight Hawks gained possession of the ball at the 7-yard line after recovering the Panthers’ unsuccessful squib kick. Then Knight Hawks Johnson, cashed in with a short touchdown run, and the extra point was good — pulling Vegas within one score, 28-21.

The Knight Hawks attempted to score again as the half was coming to a close, but an interception in the end zone stopped a drive into the red zone, giving the Bay Area a 28–21 lead at the half inside The Jungle.
With an 18-yard touchdown run by Antonio Wimbush, Vegas started the third quarter with a change in momentum. Vegas took their first lead of the evening, 29-28, after making a perfect two-point deuce on the kickoff, even though the extra point was no good.

Josh Jones was unfazed and quickly recovered with a 10-yard completion before throwing his second touchdown pass of the game to Tosin Oyekanmi, who was 29 yards away. However, Perez missed his third extra point of the evening, another drop-kick, bringing the Panthers’ lead to 34-29.

When Vegas went into the red zone but was stopped on fourth down, the defense once again came through for the Bay Area. As the third quarter came to an end, the Panthers leaned on Josh Tomas to pick up two first downs, including a 9-yard gain in the air, with the ball back on their 7-yard line.

Josh Jones increased the lead with a 20-yard rushing touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Bay Area led 41-29 after Perez made the extra point. 

With the help of a defensive penalty from the Panthers, Vegas launched a determined drive in response, and Ja’Rome Johnson scored from the one-yard line. It was 41-36 after the extra point. On the Bay Area’s next possession, Vegas’ defense came up huge — forcing a turnover on downs deep in Panther territory. 

Vegas QB De Laura hit Randolph with a 33-yard touchdown bomb on their opening play. Vegas had a 42-41 lead, but the PAT failed. In the last two minutes, Vegas made a last push. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in, but the two-point attempt was swarmed and stopped, making it 48-47 Vegas snagging the lead.

With 49 seconds left, the Panthers had one last chance. The Panthers have a final opportunity with 49 seconds remaining. Jones dropped back and hit Tyrese Chambers with a dart for a 27-yard game-winning touchdown after they had started at their own 20. The Panthers led 55-48 with 36 seconds left after he followed that up with a successful two-point conversion to Alexander.

Vegas wasn’t done yet. The Knight Hawks made a last-second touchdown pass to Windham Jr. after swiftly pushing the ball downfield. They needed a two-point conversion to win with no time remaining, but the pass was dropped in the end zone. The final score was 55-54 Bay Area Panthers win.

With six touchdowns overall, three through the air and three on the ground, quarterback Josh Jones was the Panthers’ alpha leader throughout the game. He also regularly performed well under pressure. The Bay Area outlasted a determined Vegas team thanks in large part to his poise and dual-threat skill. The Panthers’ regular season isn’t quite done, despite the dramatic way they ended their home schedule.

The Bay Area will now travel for their final two games, first against the Tucson Sugar Skulls on July 19 and then the Massachusetts Pirates on July 25 for the regular-season finale. The Bay Area Panthers are now 11-3 with two more games.

San Francisco Giants 4 game Sweep The Colorado Rockies With A 5-4 Win at Oracle

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Sunday, July 28th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Francisco, CA – After sweeping Saturday’s doubleheader the San Francisco Giants took Sunday’s game 5-4 to finish off the four-game series sweep with a win in the finale against the Colorado Rockies. Last time SF swept any team in a four-game series was September 19-22, 2022, also against Colorado at Coors Field. The last time SF swept a four-game series at home was June 14-17, 2021 vs. Arizona. 

Erik Miller (3-3, 3.47) opened Sunday’s game for the Giants on the mound against Austin Gomber (2-6, 4.70). SF is 5-4 in games Miller has opened this season, with Miller posting a 0.93 ERA (1er, 9.2ip) with nine strikeouts as an opener.

With Saturday night’s win, the Giants improved to 26-5 vs. the Rockies here at Oracle Park since the beginning of the 2021 season, outscoring Colorado 181-86 (+95). The 26-5 mark is the best home record by any team vs. a divisional opponent since 2021. 

Tyler Fitzgeral continued his push for NL Player of the Week with another home run yesterday. Since Monday, Fitzgerald is batting .407 with nine runs, a double, a triple, five home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.074 slugging percentage. 

The first run of the game was a big one as Casey Schmitt hit a solo home run, his third of the season and the Giants went up early 1-0. 

Randu Rodriguez replaced Erik Miller in the second inning on the mound for SF. 

The Giants kept the pressure on the Rockies in the very next inning. Michael Conforto hit a two out double and then Derek Hill followed him up with a triple in triple’s alley that scored Conforto, 2-0 Giants. Right after that with a crowd still on their feet, Jorge Soler followed up Hill with a ground rule double that scored Hill and the Giants ended the inning up 3-0 and the momentum heavily in their favor. 

The Rockies finally got on the board in the fourth inning. A lead off double from Ezequiel Tovar got the battery in Colorado, but then Tovar scored after Charlie Blackmon hit a laser of a single, 3-1. 

In the sixth inning, Hunter Goodman scored Tovar on an RBI single which cut SF’s lead to 1, 3-2. 

SF responded with a rally of their own in the sixth. Hill and Soler got on base each with singles, then bases loaded after Fitzgerald got on base with an error. This set up a big two run RBI single from Matt Chapman that scored Hill and Soler, Giants take a 5-2 lead and the Giants fans see their chances growing. 

Michael Toglia attempted a rally with a big solo HR that silenced the crowd, but Jordan Hicks got the Giants out of the inning seemingly unscathed. Giants still up, 5-3. 

Camillo Doval came in for the save opportunity and started off rocky, giving up back to back singles.Jacob Stallings grounded out, but that scored Toglia and the gap was closed to 5-4. With the tying run on second base, Doval struck out Sam Hilliard and then with a full count, Tovar grounded out and the Giants won. 

The Giants improve to 53-55 and Randy Rodriguez gets the W, he’s now 3-1. Austin Gomber records a loss, his record becomes 2-7 and Doval secures his 20th save this season. 

It’s an off day for the Giants on Monday and then they are back in Oracle Park for the Battle of the Bay against the Oakland A’s on Tuesday night. Neither Oakland or San Francisco has announced a starter.

Troy Ewers is a staff writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com