Oakland A’s game wrap: Oakland A’s Lose To The San Francisco Giants 4-1, JP Sears Gives Up 2 Homers To Tom Murphy

Lawrence Butler (2) of the Oakland A’s stands in at the plate against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (Oakland A’s X photo)

Monday, March 25th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Oakland A’s host their cross the bridge rivals the San Francisco Giants in a Spring Training game at the Oakland Coliseum. 

The game was off to a hot start for the Giants as Tom Murphy hit a second inning lead off home run off A’s starting pitcher JP Sears making it 1-0. Sears in the third inning started off by walking Jung Hoo Lee, but got out of that jam and kept it at 1-0, but in the fourth inning Murphy banged another homer off Sears and that led to a pitching change for the A’s as they went into the bottom of the fourth down 2-0. 

Michael Kelly was the new pitcher for Oakland and he started his first full inning in the fifth giving up a leadoff double to Marco Luciano. Luciano would move to third on a Lee groundout, then would score off an Austin Slater sac fly, 3-0 Giants.

Wilmer Flores would then follow up Slater with a solo homerun, 4-0 Giants and again when the A’s would get to the plate, would have no hits as Jordan Hicks ended his outing with just a walk against him. 

Giants pitcher Juan Sanchez gave up the A’s first hit in the sixth inning to Lawrence Butler and he would then score from an Abraham Toro single with the new SF pitcher Erik Miller, 4-1. The A’s looked like they had a chance to deliver a real comeback with the bases loaded, but a ground out from Esteury Ruiz and Miller escaped the jam. 

In the 8th inning Oakland had Lucas Erceg start the inning on the hill and he faced off against Giants hero Pablo Sandoval and gave up a single. It looked like Sandoval would get a run when he would make it all the way to third after a single and a walk, but a ground out ended the inning for Oakland.

The 8th inning looked like the A’s would have a chance from Ryan Noda who made it to third off two wild pitches and it looked like they’d close the gap, but a double play would get San Francisco out the 8th and closer to a win. 

Mason Miller would stop the Giants from any insurance runs by striking out the side, but the A’s would go three up and three down at the plate and lose to the Giants 4-1. 

Before the A’s go into their opening series against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, they face the Giants one more time for Spring Training, tomorrow in Oracle Park in San Francisco. Still no announcement on who will be pitching.

Duclair Gets 2 Points In His Return Game At The Tank As Tampa Bay Lightning Beat The San Jose Sharks 4-1

The Tampa Bay center Brayden Point (21) gets the puck past San Jose Sharks goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (29) in the third period at SAP Arena in San Jose on Thu Mar 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks host the Tampa Bay Lightning in Anthony Duclair’s return to the tank. The Sharks hope to turn it around here at the SAP Center against the Lightning who are 37-25-6 and fourth in the Atlantic Division.

Tampa Bay have won four straight games and have for years been one of the toughest opponents in the NHL. The Sharks lost their sixth game in row after the Lightning came back after the Sharks tied it 1-1 in the first period. Tampa Bay wins it 4-1.

The first period was an exciting surprise for fans watching the game, because it went from day to night at the drop of a hat. The first goal was scored by Tampa Bay in the first five minutes courtesy of Nicholas Paul.

Paul’s 19th was off an unfortunate bounce for San Jose goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, making it 1-0 early in the period. The Sharks tied it up on a breakaway goal from their young star William Eklund, who was assisted by Jacob MacDonald. 1-1 and it was that way until the first intermission. Duclair was awarded a big ovation from the San Jose crowd when he was put on the jumbotron, but had a quiet opening period in his return to SJ. 

Quiet second period for both teams. The only thing that got the crowd on their feet was a fight between Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Conor Sheary that didn’y last even 30 seconds, but was enough to keep the fans energetic. 1-1 still by third intermission.

While on a power play, Brayden Point scored a goal past Blackwood, giving him 39 on the season so far and the Lightning a 2-1 lead early in the third period.

The Lightning weren’t done in the third. Duclair got on the board with a goal that counted for his 20th of the season and recording his 80th assist on the season was Nikita Kucherov as Tampa Bay gained a two goal lead in the final period and the momentum seemed to be nowhere near the Sharks favor.

The nail in the coffin was Point scoring his second goal of the night on a timer assisted by Kucherov (his 81st assist) and Duclair (his second point of the night).

The positive for the Sharks in this game was that Eklund now has 5 points in 5 consecutive home games, but other than that, there was nothing to write home about. Next game for the Sharks will be Saturday against Conor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks as the race for the draft lottery continues. 

Sharks Break 9 Game Losing Streak Beating Ottawa 2-1

San Jose Sharks goaltender Magnus Chrona (30) celebrates the win over the Ottawa Senators with Fabian Zetterlund (20) at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, March 9th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks hosted the Ottawa Senators and finally ended their nine game losing streak on Saturday night at SAP Center with a 2-1 win after a wild trade deadline. The Sharks made a total of five trades before the trade deadline Friday.

Anthony Duclair, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Tomas Hertl were amongst the five traded and fans may not seem happy, but that also has to do with their current losing streak. Last game on Thursday night was the ninth loss in a row against the New York Islanders, 7-2.

The Sharks played in their 2,500th NHL game in franchise history. San Jose now owns an all-time record of 1,139-1,041-121-199. Thomas Bordeleau (1g, 0a) netted his first power goal of the season and now has three points (2g, 1a) in seven NHL games this year.

Mike Hoffman (1g, 0a) has logged points in three of his past five games played (2g, 2a). William Eklund (0g, 1a) has a career-long four-game point streak (2g, 2a). Fabian Zetterlund (0g, 1a) has tallied six points (1g, 5a) in his past five games played.

Givani Smith (0g, 1a) equaled his career high in assists with his third marker of the season and is now three points shy of tying his career high (7) set during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

Game recap: First period for the Sharks was a big boost especially with a big crowd on this weekend day game. Brady Tkachuck got a tripping penalty five and a half minutes into the period and the Sharks capitalized on the Ottawa captain’s penalty with good special teams offense.

Fabian Zetterlund and Mikael Granlund gained assists as Bordeleau scored right in the slot making it 1-0 for San Jose off the power play goal. The rest of the period, the Sharks were generating good shots and controlling a lionshare of offense. On top of that Magnus Chrona had a good period blocking eight shots on goal, keeping the score by intermission 1-0 Sharks. 

The second period was a better offensive period shooting wise for Ottawa, but that wouldn’t change the fact that at the end of this period the Senators would be still down one goal. Ottawa would tie it up with a power play goal quickly after a Mario Ferraro penalty.

Tim Stutzle with a shot past Chrona, 1-1. The Sharks came right back minutes later with a great set up power play that consisted of crisp passing and smart movement that led to Bordeleau’s second goal of the night. 2-1 Sharks as the game enterted the third period. 

It was a quieter third period for both teams, but both goalies stopped what came into their path. Ottawa completely out shot the Sharks, but that didn’t matter because the real number was on the scoreboard. A cheap shot on Mike Hoffman by Tkachuck doesn’t get called, but it motivated the Sharks to close this game out and break their losing streak. Sharks put up a steel curtain while Ottawa had an empty net and Sharks won 2-1.

Breaking a nine game losing streak, especially after the last two days with trades and everything led to the crowd making a lot of noise and a huge ovation for Chrona and the Sharks. The Sharks now go on a road trip before being back to San Jose on Thu March 21st a 7:30pm PDT face off.

San Jose State Loses Final Game To Utah State 90-70

The San Jose State Spartans guard Latrell Davis (6) and forward Tibet Gorener (5) battle Utah State Aggies forward Great Osobor (1) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Wed Mar 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

By Troy Ewers 

San Jose, CA – In the final home game of the season, the San Jose State Spartans host Utah State. Last game Alvaro Cardenas scored 17 points to lead San José State (9-21, 2-15 Mountain West) in a 68-50 loss at UNLV (18-10, 11-5 Mountain West) on Saturday night. • Cardenas shot an efficient 6-for-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. On Wednesday night San Jose State lost their last game of the season by 20 points to end the season 90-70 to Utah State.

The first half for the Spartans was a fast paced half, but not with the results SJSU was hoping for. Missed shots and turnovers created a gap between Utah State and SJSU where the Spartans were further and further away from the lead.

A lack of offensive boards didn’t help the fact that the Spartans were missing shots. Only 4 offensive boards in the half. MJ Amey Jr. was taking over on offense for SJSU with 15 points in the first, but the lead was still significant for Utah State. Mason Falslev of Utah State hit a 3 pointer to end the half with a statement as they led the Spartans 53-37 at halftime. 

Hot start for Utah State and they didn’t let up the whole half. Darius Brown II had 21 points and 9 assists and Falslev had 20 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3pt) which led Utah State in a big lead.

Falslev, despite a great game went down with two minutes left in the game with what appeared to be an ankle injury. For SJSU Amey Jr. led the Spartans with 20 points, but it was nowhere enough as they clocked in a 90-70 loss in their final regular season game.

Despite A Big Night For Anthony Duclair, But The Sharks Lose 7-6 To The Stars Making It 8 Losses In A Row

Dallas Stars defensman Chris Tanev (3), Wyatt Johnston center (53), and center Logan Stankoven (11) celebrate Tanev’s third period goal as the San Jose Sharks forward Mike Hoffman (68) skates away from the scene at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Mar 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

By Troy Ewers 

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks lost the Dallas Stars in a weeknight faceoff here at the SAP Center 7-6 on Tuesday night. Last game for the Sharks on Sunday was a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Sharks netted three unassisted goals for the first time since Feb. 26, 2000. Anthony Duclair (1g, 0a) has seven points (6g, 1a) in his past ten games played, including a team-leading five goals since the All-Star break.

Mikael Granlund (1g, 0a) scored his first power play goal of the season and has seven points (3g, 4a) in his past eight games played. Nico Sturm (1g, 0a) notched his fifth marker of the campaign, a shorthanded goal, and has found the back of the net in two of his past four games played.

Kaapo Kähkönen logged a 28-save performance in his appearance against his former team (Minnesota). SJS Goals: Granlund (8pp), Sturm (5sh), Duclair (14).

Game recap: The first period seemed promising for San Jose fans, but by the end of the period they were reminded that the Sharks are going to “Shark”. The first goal was a power play goal courtesy of a one timer from Duclair. His 15th of the season and 1-0 start for San Jose.

The Sharks stayed on a hot start as a breakaway goal by Fabian Zetterlund with a crisp tape to tape pass from Duclair not only gave the Sharks a 2 goal lead, but Zetterlund took the top spot as leading scorer for the Sharks now with 16 goals.

By the later half of the period a Kyle Burroughs penalty led to a Dallas power play goal of their own by Jamie Benn, 2-1. 50 seconds later Stars tied it up on another power play goal from a rebound shot by Logan Stankoven, 2-2 and that was our score by intermission. 

Electric second period from the Sharks and it started with Ryan Carpenter scoring his first goal in 13 games that gave the Sharks the lead to start the period. 3-2 Sharks. Dallas would tie it up with a goal from Wyatt Johnston and that was his 20th goal of the season, 3-3.

Former Shark star Joe Pavelski got a tripping penalty and that would be the game shifter. Duclair would shove in the loose puck for his second goal of the night and that at this point tied him up with the Sharks leading goal scorer Zetterlund at 16 goals on the season, 4-3 Sharks.

The crowd would then explode when the lead for San Jose would extend to two as Filip Zadina found an open spot in the slot and scored one past Jake Oettinger, 5-3 Sharks. The period ended and the San Jose fans felt a little bit more relief going into the final period of this game. 

The final period may be one that the Sharks want to forget, but Wyatt Johnston will definitely remember. Duclair got his 4th point with a pass to Granlund, who scored while falling to his knees, 6-3 Sharks. It seemed like the game was over, but that assumption was a mistake.

Kaapo Kahkonen couldn’t find the puck as the Stars snuck one past him, 6-4 Stars and that was Stankoven’s second goal of the night. Wyatt Johnston would then get back to back goals, earning a hat trick and sending this game to OT, 6-6.

In OT the game was over pretty quick as a minute and a half in, Roope Hintz scored a wrist shot past Kappo and the game was over 7-6, Stars won.

The game was a high scoring affair and a big night for Anthony Duclair, but again for the Sharks it’s another one for the loss column, making it now eighth losses in a row. Next game for the Sharks will be Thursday, March 7th against the Islanders back at the SAP Center.

San Jose State Loses In Las Vegas Against UNLV 68-50

The San Jose Spartans forward Tibet Gorener (12) studies the basket during a free throw against the UNLV Runnin Rebels at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sat Mar 2, 2024 (San Jose Spartans photo)

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Runnin Rebels of UNLV host the San Jose State Spartans in the final away game of this regular season for the Spartans. Last game San Jose State lost to No. 20 San Diego State. – Myron (MJ) Amey Jr. produced a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead San José State(9-20, 2-14 Mountain West) in a 72-64 loss at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.  

A low scoring first half, neither team shooting more than 40% from the field. UNLV started the game with a 13-2 run eight minutes in and even though SJSU would bring it close at points in the half, the Spartans couldn’t string together a good enough run to take the lead. UNLV with the lead at halftime 33-18. 

Second half it was clear San Jose State couldn’t get a bucket at all. Shooting better than the first half, but not so much better as they only could generate 17-53 from the field. Neither team was hitting well from three, but UNLV shot well enough from the field to hold a commanding lead.

Spartans leading scorer Alvaro Cardenas delivered 17 points to try to get the Spartans to close the gap, but Runnin Rebels Dedan Thomas Jr. led UNLV in points with 18 points and it was a big part of UNLV’s lead here. The clock ran out and it was forsure over at this point as UNLV beat the Spartans 68-50. 

Next game for San Jose State is tier final game of the season in San Jose at the Provident Credit Union Event Center and it’s against Utah State, Wednesday night March 6th. 

Sharks Lose 6-4 to Ducks Despite Duclair’s 2 Goals; San Jose drops fifth straight game

Anaheim Ducks right winger Jakob Silfverberg (33) puts a shot on net but the puck is deflected by the San Jose Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen (36) at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Feb 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – Celebrating Black History Month, the San Jose Sharks host their rival the Anaheim Ducks to close out the month of February. Last game on Tuesday the Sharks lost to the New Jersey Devils 7-2. Nico Sturm (1g, 0a) opened the scoring for the Sharks with his fourth goal of the season. The Sharks dropped their fifth straight game losing to Anaheim 6-4 at SAP Center on Thursday night.

He led San Jose in faceoff percentage (64.3%; min. 2 FO). Justin Bailey (1g, 0a) netted his fifth marker on the campaign and now has four points (2g, 2a) in his past five games. Ryan Carpenter (0g, 1a) and Henry Thrun (0g, 1a) were each credited with an assist on Bailey’s goal in the third.

Alexander Barabanov (0g, 1a) was credited with his seventh assist of the year on Sturm’s marker in the first period, giving him double-digit points on the campaign with 10 (3g, 7a).

20 seconds into the first period of the game, Cam Fowler of the Ducks was hit with a puck and bled as he skated off the ice to get stitched up. When the game resumed, the Sharks found their energy early and it was a hot start as Anthony Duclair scored off a slapshot with assists from Fabian Zetterlund and Nikita Okhotiuk, 1-0 Sharks.

Duclair’s 12th goal and Zetterlund’s ninth assist. Zetterlund is having a career year on the offensive end with a career best 15 goals, tying Tomas Hertl for the team lead and Zetterlund now has a career high in points with 24 points after that assist.

Ducks even it up 20 seconds after the Duclair goal thanks to Leo Carlsson poking in the puck, 1-1. A minute after the game tying goal, Alex Killorn of Anaheim earned a tripping call, but that didn’t stop the Ducks from keeping their fire burning.

Short handed goal for Anaheim came from Brett Leason, his eighth of the season, 2-1 Anaheim. The remainder of the period was an exchange of hits and physical play between both teams and when the period ended, Anaheim held the lead 2-1. 

The second period was a collection of penalties and goals. First goal came from Anaheim after Killirn scored on a breakaway that went net to net, 3-1 Ducks. Mike Hoffman scored on what looked like Duclair’s second goal, but it was given to Hoffman for a power play goal after Frank Vatrano earned an interference penalty, 3-2.

The Ducks had another penalty thanks to Mason McTavish’s holding penalty and it resulted in another power play for San Jose and this goal tied it up 3-3. The Ducks responded quickly with a power play goal of their own courtesy of Vatrano, 4-3.

Anaheim got one more goal before the period came to a close and it was another power play goal after a Zetterlund high sticking call. Adam Henrique scored and by intermission it was a 5-3 game, Ducks in the lead. 

The third period was high intensity and very physical. What looked like it was going to be a fight with Eklund and Uhro Vaakananainen were giving penalties that led to a 4 on 4. During the 4 on 4 LaCombe got a tripping call making it 4 on 3 for San Jose and Duclair got his second goal of the game in front of the net assisted by Granlund and Hoffman to make it 5-4. Duclair and Granlund both with three points each. After a Ducks empty netter, the game was officially over 6-4. Anaheim wins.

This game was an impressive game as each goal for Anaheim was scored by a different player. Lundestrom, Henrique, Killorn, Vatrano, Leason, and Carlsson each with a goal in this rivalry game. Next game for the Sharks will hopefully be a different outcome for Coach Quinn as they make a trip to Dallas on March 2nd against the Dallas Stars.

San Diego State Beats San Jose State 72-64 Thanks To Jaedon Ledee With A Double-Double

San Jose State Spartans forward Trey Anderson (15) and the Spartans took a tough loss to the San Diego Aztecs in San Diego on Tue Feb 27, 2024 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The San Jose State Spartans are in San DIego facing the San Diego State Aztecs.  Myron (MJ) Amey Jr., Latrell Davis and Alvaro Cardenas each scored more than 10 points to lead the Spartans (9-19, 2-13 Mountain West) in an 84-63 loss to Nevada (22-6, 9-5 Mountain West) on Friday night.

When the Spartans played San Diego State on Jan. 9, they were down two with a chance to tie the game with three seconds left but Trey Anderson’s layup attempt was blocked by Jay Pal. The Spartans lost the contest by only three, 81-78, against the Aztecs who were ranked 19th in the nation. 

The first half was a back and forth game, but both teams shot under 40% from the field for the majority of the half. At the end of the half it was a low scoring performance where SDSU led 29-22. 

A more eventful second half for the Spartans as the Aztecs held the lead the whole way, but SJSU was able to close the gap at a point in the game. MJ Amey Jr. put up a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but compared to Jaedon Ledee came through with 27 points and 11 rebounds to defeat the Spartans 72-64.

Alvaro Cardenas who leads the conference in assists only had 2 assists this game and the Spartans only shot two free throws all game (they went 50%). 

The next game for the Spartans is in Las Vegas against UNLV on Saturday, March 2nd. With only 2 games in the season left, it seems like the Spartans season may be over, but they proved tonight this team won’t quit.

San Jose State Loses To Wyoming 80-75

San Jose State Spartans guard Latrell Davis takes a jump shot against the Wyoming Cowboys at the Provident Credit Event Center in San Jose on Sat Feb 17, 2024 (San Jose Spartans photo image)

Saturday, February 17th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The Wyoming Cowboys come to the Golden State for a matchup with the San Jose State Spartans in the Provident Credit Union Event Center. For Wyoming it’s the first of a two-game road trip. In these two teams’ first meeting of the season and the first conference game for the Spartans, SJSU lost at the buzzer, despite leading for most of the contest.

Wyoming heads into this game with a 12-12 record and a 5-6 conference record, while the Spartans are 9-16 with a 2-10 conference record. San Jose State comes into this game shooting 45.7% from the field and 35.2% from behind the arc and after a win against Air Force last game, SJSU looks to keep the fire burning against the Cowboys. The Spartans just couldn’t hold their own dropping the contest to the Cowboys 80-75 on Saturday night.

The first half was primarily dominated by Wyoming as three pointers were falling for the Cowboys. Wyoming hit 9-18, going 50% from behind the arc keeping a wide distance between them and the Spartans.

Wyoming’s guard Sam Griffin led the Cowboys in the first half in points (11), rebounds (4), and assists (3), while MJ Amey Jr. led the Spartans in points with eight. At halftime Wyoming had a clear cut lead 43-29 and if the Spartans needed to get any type of momentum to win this game, shots needed to fall both in the paint and behind the arc. 

SJSU started the second half generating a comeback, but it was halted when they went on a three minute scoring drought. Akuel Kot of Wyoming dropped 20 points before going to the bench with what appears to be an ankle injury.

The game went within five points for San Jose State  with five minutes left after Latrell Davis got a basket by goaltending. The game got closer and closer for the Spartans all the way to a one point game, but Wyoming pulled away and ended up winning the game 80-75. 

The Spartans lose another conference game making their record in the Mountain West record 2-11. San Jose State’s next game will be in Boise, Idaho against Boise State on February 20th.

Spartans Lose Again As Colorado State Beats San Jose State 66-47

Nique Clifford guard (10) goes for the easy lay up for the Colorado State Rams against the San Jose State Spartans guard Alvaro Cardenas (13) at Moby Arena in Fort Collins CO on Fri Feb 9, 2024 (image by Colorado State Rams)

Friday, February 9th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Colorado State Rams host the San Jose State Spartans in this Friday night Mountain West Conference battle. Friday night’s game was Tim Miles’ second time back at Moby Arena in Fort Collins since he left Colorado State after the 2011-12 season to become the head coach at Nebraska.

Miles was the head coach at CSU for five seasons, from 2007-08 through 2011-12, where he compiled a 61-78 record. Unfortunately Miles couldn’t turn back his old team as the Spartans were dropped by the Rams 66-47.

A shaky first half for the Spartans as Colorado State ran away with this game early. Scoring 22 points in the paint, the Rams were in top of the Spartans all half. Rashaan Mbemba led the Rams at the half with 10 points and was one of the pivotal pieces that was scoring in the paint.

San Jose State was not shooting well, especially from three. On Tuesday night against Fresno State, Tibet Gorener made his 162nd career 3-pointer, becoming the Spartans’ all time leader in 3-pointers made, but made none in the first half. SJSU at halftime fell behind Colorado State, 38-19 and needed a quick solution to the offensive takeover the Rams were providing. 

Even though SJSU made a slight comeback in the beginning of the second half with 12 points in the first four minutes, it didn’t matter as the Rams never stopped dominating the game. 23 points off the bench for CSU and 38 points in the paint made it difficult to gain any ground for the Spartans. The game was a runaway as it ended with Colorado State winning 66-47. 

The positive in this loss for the San Jose State Spartans was that Alvaro Cardenas continued putting up double digit points against the Rams just like he did in both games of the 2022-23 season. This game Cardenas scored 14 points going 6-13 from the field, but still didn’t equal a W for SJSU. The next game for San Jose State is back at home against Air Force on February 13th and as the season winds down before we approach March Madness, the Spartans want to end with pride and some noise in their favor.