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April 28 -- May 4, 2025
Issue No. 587
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"Deep Bench": The Game Three 104-93 Golden State Victory
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"Deep Bench" -- We all know what it means, but none more than Steve Kerr who, in the absence of Jimmy Butler, masterfully utilized Buddy Hield, "The Dutch Master" Quinten Post, GPII and JK, to help Steph and Draymond secure a hard fought 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 at a rockin' Chase Center.
Highlights are in the below YouTube:
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors -- Full Game 3 Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jTvfHoU0oY (7:42)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
Marketing Director, Sports Today
(Photo by Darren Yamashita, Imagn Images)
Another Zany Win!
I think I must be the Giants good luck charm for their wildly successful first month of the season. Of their 19 wins, I’ve seen five of them at the waterfront ballpark, four of which they’ve won in their last at bats.
Their 3-2 win yesterday featured the craziest of finishes: a Little League home run. Outfielder Heliot Ramos’ slow infield grounder was fielded by the Texas pitcher but he threw the ball past first base and Ramos scurried all the way to third. Then the throw across the diamond from first sailed past the third baseman and Ramos came flying home, finishing his run around bases with a flourish by diving headfirst across the plate.
That’s nine wins for San Francisco in the last inning of games in 2025. After three years of mostly mediocre and boring baseball, this summer is shaping up to possibly be a good one for San Francisco baseball fans. As someone who started going to Giants games in the late 1950s at old Seals Stadium, I’m getting really good vibes about this team.
Bruce Macgowan
Fairfax, CA
| | Joe DiMaggio, age 55, taking BP in an empty Yankee Stadium | | |
Contents
Games
Bay FC 1, Seattle Reign FC 1
Cal Bears 4, Virginia Tech Hokies 0
Oakland Spiders 22, New York Empire 17
Oakland Roots SC 1, Spokane Velocity 2
San Francisco Giants 3, Texas Rangers 2
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Columbus Crew SC 2
Features & Commentary
Anonymous Athletics, by Andy Dolich
Around The Horn, by Robert Moselle
Golden State vs. Houston Rockets: Rounds One through Three,
by Bruce Macgowan
Lancaster From Screen to Green, by Dave Newhouse
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Tom Watson, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
Two Weeks Without TV or Phones, by Howard Pearlstein
Organizations
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A's
Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
San Francsco Giants
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San Francisco Nighthawks
San Francisco Unicorns
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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In Game Three, Gary Payton II was a star, scoring 16 points
with 2 rebounds and 1 assist
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Golden State vs. Houston Rockets: Rounds One through Three
by Bruce Macgowan
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The Warriors’ series with Houston is proving to be the most rough-and-tumble battle in the NBA’s first round. Houston has a bigger, stronger, younger team which has been doing anything within the rules to disrupt and distract the Warriors. But so far they’ve had only limited success as Stephen Curry’s on-court wizardry has nearly driven Rockets’ defenders batty.
The refs, as they usually do, are letting a lot of hard contact go. The fans mostly appreciate that, as they don’t want to see a constant parade to the foul line. (It’s not good for the games, as it breaks the flow of the end-to-end excitement.)
So they have allowed Houston’s Dillion Brooks and Amen Thompson, among others, to operate with a degree of impunity as they swarm, jostle and smack Curry around in an effort to slow him down.
In Game Two the strategy worked, particularly after Jimmy Butler was undercut as he went for a rebound. resulting in a frightening injury ending Jimmy Buckets’ night. How effective Butler will be in Game Four, IF he plays, remains to be seen.
After being held to 20 points in Game Two, Curry, who at age 37 is playing the best basketball of his career, came up with yet another brilliant performance in Game Three, scoring 36, He will probably need a similar effort if the Warriors are to prevail again.
Perhaps one of Curry’s cohorts such as Moses Moody or Buddy Hield will pick up the slack. Guard Gary Payton Jr’s stunning play was the key in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win, as the gritty vet scored nine straight points in a stunning burst which put Game Three away.
Expect to see Draymond Green, the intense, emotional leader of the Warriors, at his best Monday, countering Houston’s sometimes back-alley tactics with elbows and bumps and shoves underneath. The Warriors’ longtime enforcer will do his best to protect his longtime friend and teammate, Curry.
Houston has to play with a sense of desperation as they can ill afford to go back to Texas down three games to one. They must continue to win the battle of the boards, as man-mountain Steven Adams who gobbles up offensive rebounds, needs to continue to use his size underneath to give Houston those much coveted second-chance shots.
The Warriors strategy for Game Four is pretty simple; dictate the tempo, continue to play bruising defense and give Curry a maximum number of opportunities to shoot from distance.
Houston, as virtually every team in the NBA has learned, sometimes gets flustered by the Warriors' constant motion and effective spacing. All too often, it results in an open shooter hitting a clutch three-point shot.
To stop Curry, the Rockets must deny the long distance shots. But they will also need their defenders to collapse down low in the key, as Curry has that amazing ability to virtually slalom through a forest of arms and legs to float up a shot or lay one in gently off the glass.
After the intensity and drama of Game Three, expect more of the same in Game Four. Should be fun to watch!
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Magowan published in
Sports Today, click HERE.
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Lancaster
From Screen
To Green
by Dave Newhouse
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I’m not much into golf, since I didn’t play it very well — broke 100 once — and didn’t write about it often. But the sport brought me an interview with my favorite actor, Burt Lancaster, and thus I'm eternally grateful for all those divots I dug up.
That chance meeting with a cinematic superstar occurred at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. Lancaster's very last movie was Field of Dreams (1989), and he died in 1994 at 80, so I’m guessing our interview occurred around 1990.
Yes, he was an old man by that time, but he had just walked 54 holes, proving that he was film land’s ageless he-man. Eat your heart out, John Wayne.
But, first, some history. The AT&T began in 1937 as the Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Rancho Santa Fe, though immediately became known as the Crosby Clambake, the vision of singer-actor Bing Crosby. Sammy Snead won the first purse at $500, but it was then only an 18-hole tournament.
Celebrities showed up in droves to support Crosby even after he moved his tournament to Pebble Beach in 1947. By 1958, it was lengthened to 72 holes. Bing died in 1977 and AT&T became the sponsor in 1986, eliminating the Crosby name altogether.
Purses kept growing, and Rory McIlroy pocketed a $3.6 winner’s check earlier this year. But when McIlroy earned $4.2 million for winning the Masters recently, it made me think of Snead’s $500 purse, which then made me think of Burt Lancaster.
Back in those days, the celebrities who showed up for the Crosby Clambake, with or without the clams, were as equally popular as the golfers. So I would pick Saturday as a perfect time to interview celebs before Sunday’s final round.
One such Saturday, I spotted Clint Eastwood walking away from the clubhouse. I called out, “I’m Dave Newhouse of the Oakland Tribune," knowing that he had delivered the paper as a Piedmont teenager. "The Oakland Trombone," he replied and kept walking.
Nonplussed, I moved to the 18th green seeking other stars. Singer Vic Damone was extremely nice as was actor Ken Howard of the White Shadow TV series. Next came Charley Pride, the first African American country music star, who was most cordial. He immediately addressed me as “Brother Newhouse,” and after we finished talking, he walked away a few steps, turned around, and asked me my name again. I repeated it, and he said., “It was a pleasure meeting you, Brother Newhouse, a real pleasure.” Wow!
I knew Elmer Gantry, excuse me Burt Lancaster, was still on the course, and so I made to beeline to his grouping when he finished.
| | Burt Lancaster in The Swimmer, takes on the weight of a tragedy | | |
Nervously, I approached him, introduced myself, and asked if he had been an athlete before his Hollywood breakthrough.
“I was a basketball player, and I received a scholarship to New York University,” he replied congenially.
I quickly followed, “What was your position, and your strong points on the court.”
“I was a forward, and good around the basket,” he said. ”But, then, I left to join the circus.”
Lancaster's circus life swallowed up a decade, with his learning to do acrobatic feats, before Hollywood discovered him.
His athleticism plus his diversity as an actor were unmatched. I asked about his favorite role, and he said The Leopard, a religious movie.
Then I brought up the movie, The Swimmer, a John Cheever tale about a disoriented man who relieves his sad life by visiting neighbors’ swimming pools unannounced and unwanted.
“I never understood that movie,” he said.
Yet what was amazing about that role, Lancaster was 52 when he made the film, wearing a swimming suit the entire movie, and he didn’t have an inch of body fat.
Then his golfing partners began moving in, protectively, leaving me time for one more comment.
“By wearing just a swimming suit, Burt, that proved you were the macho man of Hollywood.”
“Macho man,” he said quickly. “I'm nothing but an old fart.”
In writing this, I feel the same way.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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San Francisco Giants 3
Texas Rangers 2
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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Cal Bears 4
Virginia Tech Hokies 0
Levine-Fricke Field, Berkeley, CA
Sunday, April 27, 2025
| | Cal Bears left fielder Kaylee Pond broke up a 0-0 game with a three-run home run in the fifth inning as the Bears defeated the 14th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies, 4-0, at Levine-Fricke Field on Sunday, April 27th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | | A view of the field before the last home game of the season. Cal will be renovating the facility with a completion date in time for the 2027 season. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | | | | |
Anonymous Athletics
by Andy Dolich
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When the Athletics decided to jettison their city name of
Oakland along with their temporary home in West Sacramento on their uniforms and beyond it caused a Uni-storm. The Athletics have had a city designating their home for 124 years. Philadelphia (1901-1954), Kansas City (1955-1967) and Oakland 57 years (1968 -2025).
It maddened the Oakland A’s loyal fanbase. In my mind it raised a question about the names of cities and the unique monikers of the teams in their home markets across the country. How Many teams have the city, state, district, geographical areas, animals, Mother nature or flights of fancy and beyond in their first and last names. Ex: Memphis Grizzlies - incidentally there are no Grizzly Bears in the region of Elvis.
Please forgive me. I compiled a list of teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NWSL, WNBA where they play and how their team names came about.
Feel free to add the MLS, MiLB, XFL, PBR, NLL and any other pro leagues first and last names that you choose. It could make a wonderful reference for winning trivia bets.
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CITIES -- with teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NWSL:
Chicago, District of Columbia (the nation's capital), Los Angeles, New York City (named after a city or state? I’m going with the Big Apple.)
STATES -- Minnesota's teams all proudly have the state in their official names. Vikings, North Stars, Twins, Lynx, T-Wolves. GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS -- New England -- NFL, Islanders -- NHL, Texans -- NFL, Capitals -- NHL
NICKNAMED LOCATION -- Gotham. HIGH SEAS -- Pirates, Mariners, Buccaneers, Vikings, VERY LARGE HUMANS -- Giants. HORSING AROUND -- Racing Louisville, Houston Dash, Cowboys. LAW ENFORCEMENT -- Rangers. POLITICS -- Senators
NATIONALITY -- Canadians. Canucks
MUSIC -- Jazz. SWISH NECESSITY -- Nets (some say it fits with the Mets and Jets). BODY OF WATER -- Tampa Bay, Bay FC. Sea Monster -- Kraken. HEAD COACH/CO-OWNERS LAST NAME -- Browns (Paul Brown). OWNER’S BUGLE CALL REACTION -- Chargers. NAME THE TEAM CONTEST GONE WRONG -- Raiders supplanted the Senors. WILLIAM “BUFFALO BILL” CODY -- Bills.
WORKING HISTORY OF CITY/REGION -- Brewers, Packers, Steelers, Oilers, 49ers, Clippers, Warriors. NATURE -- Sky, Suns, Storm, Hurricanes, Stars, Wave, Earthquakes, Thorns, Mercury, Current, Fever, Rockies, Twins, Avalanche, Thunder, Sparks, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Flames, Nuggets, Wings, Heat. RELIGION -- Saints, Angels, Padres. HIGHLANDERS, nah! -- Yankees, yeh! NORSE MYTHOLOGY -- Valkyries. NASHVILLE/GREEK MYTHOLOGY -- Titans. NEW JERSEY MYTHOLOGY -- Devils. PLAYING CARD -- Aces. ROYALTY -- Reign, Royals, Kings, Golden Knights.
INDY 500 -- Pacers. ANTI-AMMUNITION -- Wizards. MOVED FROM MINNESOTA -- Lakers. NAME AFTER A TV SHOW -- Mavericks. OWNERS CHOICE -- Sabres, Red Wings, New York Rangers, Knicks. NAME CHANGE TIME -- Guardians, Commanders. LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION -- Trailblazers.
ANIMALS -- Lynx, Blue Jays, Rays, Orioles, Tigers, Marlins, Dolphins, Cubs, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Bucks, Hawks, Falcons, Seahawks, Cardinals, Raptors, Ravens, Eagles, Hornets, Grizzlies,
T-Wolves, Pelicans, Bengals, Panthers, Bulls, Lions, Bears, Rams, Colts, Jaguars, Broncos, Ducks, Sharks, Bruins, Penguins, Predators.
COLORS -- Reds, Blue Jackets. WATCH THOSE TROLLEYS! -- Dodgers. MUSIC -- Blues.
AIRCRAFT/SPACE -- Jets, Astros, Rockets. NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY -- Black Hawk, Braves, Chiefs. AUTO PARTS -- Pistons
FOOTWEAR -- Red Sox, White Sox, Spurs. STATE OF MIND -- Spirit, Courage, Pride, Dream, Liberty, Mystics, Magic.
The Bedouin Ballers
Let’s not forget that they will always be the Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland, West Sacramento and Maybe even the Las Vegas ATHLETICS, no matter what John Fisher and MLB want to call them.
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Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Around The Horn -- The Voyage Ends
by Robert Moselle, Esq.
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Around The Horn, the seaman's infamously dangerous voyage, has once more emerged victorious over a would-be sailor, this time of the television variety.
Captain and Host Antonio Giuseppe Paolo Reali, (Tony Reali to viewers of this popular sports-talk show on ESPN), is the latest victim. How a show which airs repeatedly every weekday, with no shortage of commercials, merits cancellation is a puzzle. In my opinion, it is the only actually funny sports show on the air, with a Hollywood Squares look which features a rotation of top sports journalists from around the country who opine on the Topics du Jour, with Reali poking and prodding to move the show along at a brisk pace.
The show has introduced numerous panelists from various parts of the country who combine humor, knowledge and collegiality in this contest-format. Reali awards points at his own discretion based upon the quality of the panelists' comments, and, at his discretion, may deduct points or mute guests when nonsensical comments are provided, or award points when a panelist makes a convincing argument, bold prediction, or humorous reference. The winner gets the opportunity to speak on any topic -- from worthy causes to bold predictions.
As noted, the term Around the Horn is an old nautical phrase referring to the long voyage between the Atlantic ocean and the Pacific ocean, which, before the opening of the Panama Canal, required a vessel to go around the tip of South America at Cape Horn, as alluded to in the musical link for this article, A Salty Dog, by Procol Harum.
In baseball, "around-the-horn" describes a ground-ball double or triple play that starts with the third baseman and involves a throw to second followed by a throw to first. In the television show, it refers to the fast-moving pace of the show with panelists called either "safe" or "out."
Reports are that ESPN cancelled Around the Horn after a 23-year run to prepare for the launch of an upcoming direct-to-consumer service. The seas are rough in the world of sports TV. What some may call "progress" is just another shipwreck.
Across the straits, around the Horn, how far can sailors fly?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9ZNC3GIy7I
A Salty Dog, Procol Harum, with lyrics.
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Robert A. Moselle, Esq., Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA. https://www.cce-mcle.com
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Goodbye, Oakland: Winning, Wanderlust and a Sports Town’s Fight for Survival, written by Andy Dolich and Dave Newhouse (Triumph Books), transitioned from hard cover to paperback in April.
The book, dealing with Oakland’s disappearance as a major sports town, has sold in excess of 3,000 copies, thereby prompting the move to paperback.
All aspects of Oakland’s sports dissolution is covered by the authors, including interviews with civic leaders, economists, politicians and sports figures, plus in-depth studies of team owners who lifted Oakland to the top of the national sports scene, then left for San Francisco and Las Vegas (twice), stamping Oakland as America’s most abandoned sports city.
Sports commentator Chris Berman wrote on the book cover: “Goodbye Oakland takes us through all of it, from when the sky was the limit to when the bottom fell out.”
Oaktown is trying to recover with minor-league baseball and men’s and women’s soccer, but it’s a significant uphill climb.
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| | Thanks to the following generous donors! | | |
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Elisabeth (Betty) C.
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Andy Dolich
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Bill & Nona Hool
Sheila Jordan
Arif Khatib
Mitchell Kim
David Larson
Ann McNaughton
Timothy Maroney
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Dave Newhouse
Timothy Palacios
James Reynolds
Ross & Vicki Robinson
Chloe Satterlee
Selina Satterlee
Robert Scheer
Leonard Schwab
Narda Zacchino
| | Brandon Crawford joins the booth | |
'I got to live the dream': Crawford's legendary career celebrated
Maria Guardado
@mi_guardado
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fans came out in full force to Oracle Park on Saturday afternoon to celebrate a native son who developed into the best shortstop in franchise history: Brandon Crawford.
Back in town for the first time since announcing his retirement in November, Crawford was feted during a special pregame ceremony that included plenty of highlights from his iconic 13-year career in San Francisco, as well as speeches from former Giants teammates Buster Posey and Hunter Pence.
Crawford, 38, admittedly doesn’t love talking about himself, but the two-time World Series champion delivered a heartfelt address when he took the mic, taking the time to thank his family, the Giants organization and the fans for making his storybook career possible.
“I’ve played in some big games throughout my career -- postseason games, All-Star Games, a couple of World Series,” Crawford told the sellout crowd. “I can honestly say I’ve never been more nervous than giving a speech right now. I’m not a big speech guy, but seriously, this is incredibly special. It’s hard to put into words what this day means to me.
continued...
www.sfgiants.com
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Jeffrey Scott Springs, age 32. Draft: 2015, Texas Rangers, Round: 30, Overall Pick: 888 College: Appalachian State
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A's, Springs search for solutions to lefty's first-inning woes
Martín Gallegos
@MartinJGallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here and subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
WEST SACRAMENTO -- It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s behind Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs’ first-inning struggles in 2025.
To A’s manager Mark Kotsay, it “could be a mindset thing,” or perhaps a lack of command. Springs, meanwhile, wondered if he might be “giving some stuff away to hitters.”
Whatever it is, if the A’s hope to win the left-hander’s starts, it simply can’t continue.
That seemed to be the consensus reached after yet another poor first inning put Springs and the A’s behind the eight-ball for good in Saturday’s 10-3 loss.
continued...
www.athletics.com
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Join Our Star Investors
We’re proud to have some incredible supporters backing the Oakland Ballers and the vision we’re building for Oakland sports. Here’s what a few of our investors—who know the power of community and sports—have to say about why they’re involved:
- Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day Frontman:
"I just want to see people have fun and root for a home team that Oakland deserves. They are a team that contributes to the culture that Oakland can be proud of.”
- Too $hort, Hip Hop Superstar and Entrepreneur:
“Oakland has produced some of the best athletes and sports fans in the world and The Ballers commitment to feeding that competitive fire is exciting for me as an Oakland native. I’m proud to be joining the Ballers ownership group, and excited for the impact we’re going to have on the community and the overall sports landscape in the Bay Area and beyond!”
- Blair Underwood, Emmy and Grammy-winning Actor/Director/Producer/Author:
“I truly appreciate the social fabric of inclusion that the Oakland Ballers are promoting through their love of baseball.”
- Natalie Coughlin, Olympic Swimmer:
“As a Bay Area native who grew up cheering for the Raiders, A’s, and Warriors, it’s heartbreaking to see Oakland lose team after team. But the city’s love for sports has never wavered, and that’s why I’m so excited to support the Oakland Ballers. Oakland deserves teams that are committed to this community, and I can’t wait to see the Ballers bring that passion back to The Town!”
- Antonio Davis, Former NBA Player:
“Excited to be a small part of the movement. I wanted to support empowerment and change in Oakland! I’ve watched Oakland’s sports team leave and being given the opportunity to bring a team back brings me joy!”
These passionate investors understand the importance of the Oakland Ballers to the community, and now, you have the opportunity to join them in transforming the future of Oakland sports.
We’re thrilled to have you on board as we continue this exciting journey.
Become an Oakland Ballers shareholder while you still can!
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Important Note: To ensure your investment is processed, all forms must be signed and funded by April 30th. After that date, there will not be another opportunity to invest in this current round.
Important Note: Investments will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be included in this round, we strongly encourage you to fund your investment as soon as possible. We'll update you promptly if you don’t make it into this funding round. Any investments received after hitting the maximum funding amount will be refunded.
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San Jose Earthquakes 1
Columbus Crew 2
Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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Earthquakes 1, Columbus Crew 2
San Jose go toe-to-toe with Crew for 90 minutes but quest for late equalizer falls short; Quakes return home next Saturday to face Portland Timbers
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Columbus Crew 2-1 on Saturday night at Lower.com Field in front of 20,737 fans.
The hosts opened the scoring off a free kick in the 29th minute when Sean Zawadzki finished a Diego Rossi service from the left wing. But San Jose would equalize in the 40th minute when Dave Romney intercepted a loose ball and found midfieder Beau Leroux, whose through ball was expertly chipped by Josef Martínez over Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte into the back of the net. The two teams went into intermission deadlocked 1-1.
Columbus came out the gate firing in the second half, with a Rossi attempt hitting the post in the 52nd minute. San Jose answered in the 56th minute on the other end when Leroux stole the ball in the box and cut back, but his right-footed curling attempt was just wide of the far post.
In the 62nd minute, the Crew regained the lead off a Max Arfsten blast from the left wing that tucked just inside the near post. Down 2-1, the Quakes almost drew level just two minutes later when an Ian Harkes through ball connected with Preston Judd, but his attempt for the far post was just wide of the net. In the 83rd minute, Chicho Arango crossed a ball that bounced off Ousseni Bouda, and Mark-Anthony Kaye emerged from a scrum to push the ball over the goal line for an apparent equalizer. However, the goal was annulled due to an earlier handball and the scoreline remained the same until the final whistle.
The Black and Blue will now travel home next Saturday, May 3, to take on the Portland Timbers in a match presented by Valley Health Plan. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
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Oakland Roots SC 1
Spokane Velocity 2
One Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA
Sunday, April 27, 2025
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Roots Fall 1-2 to Spokane Velocity in Group Stage Fixture of USL Jägermeister Cup
Oakland’s struggles in the Pacific Northwest continued on Sunday afternoon, as Roots fell 1-2 to USL League One side Spokane Velocity FC in their first fixture of the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup.
Spokane started the match looking very dangerous, putting the ball in the back of Oakland’s net just two minutes into the contest, but doing so while playing offsides and negating the tally.
Both teams traded good offensive possessions for the first phase of the half, but it was Spokane that would draw first blood. In the 25th minute of the contest Velocity took an 0-1 lead when Luis Gil headed one home towards the left side of goal off a long cross into the box from Derek Waldeck.
As Oakland began to build some offensive pressure, Spokane doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when a lighting fast counter attack saw Velocity move the ball from box-to-box as former Roots player Anuar Peláez beat the defense and found space inside the Oakland penalty area, finishing an easy strike after receiving a pass in front from teammate Pierre Reedy to make it 0-2.
Roots nearly took one back in the 46th minute when a rocket off the foot of Baboucarr Njie found space through traffic in front of the net, but a diving save from Spokane netminder Carlos Merancio kept Oakland off the board entering halftime.
The beginning of the second half saw Oakland dominate the initial phase of play, spending prolonged periods of possession in the attacking third. Roots were rewarded for this pressure in the 52nd minute when a long throw-in into the box from Njie found Gagi Margvelashvili who fought through the netfront scrum and put just enough on a shot to trickle it across the goal line and bring the score to 1-2.
Oakland continued to fight for an equalizer, but failed to find one before the final whistle.
Roots will now return home to the Oakland Coliseum to resume USL Championship regular season play. Their next action comes on Sunday, May 4th when they host NorCal rivals Sacramento Republic FC at 4 PM PT.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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Bay FC 1
Seattle Reign FC 1
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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Match Recap: Bay FC, Seattle Reign FC share the points in 1-1 draw
San Jose, Calif. (April 26, 2024) — Bay FC played to a 1-1 draw with Seattle Reign FC Saturday night, claiming a point and earning its second straight result. Forward Rachel Kundananji scored the club’s lone goal, opening the scoring with a 32nd minute tally, also her first score of the season and sixth of her NWSL career. Seattle would equalize five minutes after the start of the second half, with forward Jordyn Huitema heading one over the line. Bay FC challenged for a winner late, but the final whistle sounded with the scoreline even at 1-1.
“Overall, we’ve got to be happy, we got a good point against an excellent team. On any given day, anything can happen, so that’s why it’s so important we get a point whenever we can,” said Head Coach Albertin Montoya. “Overall, a great performance from the team and we’re looking forward to our next game.”
Bay FC threatened early on. After a pair of corner kicks were sent away by Reign’s backline, Kundananji challenged the opposing goalkeeper in the sixth minute. The Zambian steered a cross from midfielder Taylor Huff at goal from inside the box, but the attempt was stopped by Seattle goalkeeper Claudia Dickey between the sticks.
Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz came up with a heroic save to keep the scoreline level just before the half hour mark. After a giveaway in the defensive third, Reign forward Jordyn Huitema took possession with just Silkowitz between her and the goal. The Iowa State product came up big to deny the striker’s shot from point-blank range. Silkowitz finished the match with four saves.
continued...
| | |
Oakland Spiders 22
New York Empire 17
Fremont High School, Oakland, CA
Thursday, April 24, 2025
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Kicking off the start of the UFL (Ultimate Frisbee League) 2025 season, the New York Empire traveled west for a double-header starting off Thursday night in Oakland. The Spiders were ready for the defensive battle that would ensue, as the scoring fluctuated only by 1 to 2 points all game until the last four minutes, when a few key plays would allow the Spiders to capitalize on some breakpoints to pull away for a franchise win against the once dominant powerhouse. Above, the captains from their respective teams share pleasantries before the flip of the coin moments before the first pull. The next home game for the Oakland Spiders is May 9 at Fremont High School in Oakland.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| | |
Nothing to see here,. Co-captain Robin Vickers Batzdorf (#2) gets run over by the defender with the call that a foul was not committed during the disc’s arrival, giving the disc to the visitors.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| | Preventing the reception, defensive specialist and enforcer Dylon Burns (#99) was on a mission running through the Empire players like a bull in a china shop and would later in the game be ejected for his physical play. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | | |
Employing a double-team strategy early in the first quarter,
the Spiders direct the pull towards the sideline, forcing the offense to battle defenders Sawyer Thompson (#18) and Aiden Curry (#71). Pinning an opponent against the sideline has a high rate of causing an errant or misdirected throw leading to a turnover. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
| | Late in the fourth quarter, coming in hot with some heat on it, a blade pass streaked through--not over--the defense to find Dillon Whited (#8) all alone in the end zone for another Spider score. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | | |
NEW ZEALAND WICKETKEEPER
TIM SEIFERT SIGNS FOR SAN
FRANCISCO UNICORNS
- New Zealand international wicketkeeper batsman signs for San Francisco Unicorns for the 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC) season.
- Seifert set to make MLC debut on the back of impressive form for the Kiwis in the recent T20 series against Pakistan.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. (April 23, 2025) — The San Francisco Unicorns has added wicketkeeper batsman Tim Seifert to its roster for the 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket season, adding proven T20 quality with the gloves and at the top of the order to the Bay Area team.
New Zealand international Seifert, 30, joins the Unicorns with a wealth of top-level experience on the international stage, with 66 T20I caps and over 250 franchise appearances to his name with teams including the Kolkata Knight Riders, Melbourne Renegades, and Northern Districts in his native New Zealand.
Signed for his dual threat with the bat and behind the stumps, Seifert averages over 28 on the international T20 stage with a strike rate of 142, and his signing follows his recent star performance in New Zealand’s T20 series against Pakistan, where he was top scorer, smashing 249 runs at an average of 62, while opening the batting with fellow Unicorns’ star Finn Allen.
continued...
www.sfunicorns.com
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Two Weeks Without TV
or Phones
by Howard Pearlstein
In one way, it’s like having had a forced vacation. I mean coming back to it, old things seemed new.
Unfortunately, my tolerance for the drug (TV) had dropped down to almost any news channel being an overdose. Got my cable back in time to see the Dub’s first playoff game, and discovered I could no longer tolerate the usual doses of sleaze, greed, sucker-enticements, hypocrisy, and the rest without feeling sick.
I had lost my hard-won immunity, getting shocked, angered and disgusted all over again. The first, the worst, was Gambling Promos in full force, detailing the many ways a viewer could develop a lifestyle as what casino management calls “a degenerate gambler.” They love those.
Oh, they talk about “the whales,” the big spenders for whom they bow and scrape, rich guys who can come in and drop 100 grand or so in a day or so and still smile.
But it’s the “degenerate gamblers” who pay the bills through slot machines, craps tables, roulette wheels and whatever other shiny noisy games catch their eyes.
These are the people who believe in things like “winning streaks,” as if the odds of physics give a flying wazoo about which side of the dice turn up. Believing you’re on a winning streak pushes the coincidence of several successful passes for ONE MORE, until it’s not.
They used to describe such people as “they’ll bet on which raindrop sliding down on the window will get to the frame first.” And, hurray for high tech -- the magic of computerized online gambling means any fool can bet on anything -- how many shots a player might take or make, three-pointers or not. How many fouls he will draw, or technicals.
It’s not coincidental that teams move to Las Vegas, a city where the unspoken underlying never-ending bet being made is always whether or not an electrical failure will find them sauteed to death in the desert heat.
In the recent drought, the water in Lake Mead, the hydroelectric source of those bright lights, was ALMOST down to the non-operative level. Lake Mead is what helps the place become more than a New World home for displaced Bedouins and their camels -- the few living creatures who have adapted to living in those conditions.
Gambling on sports has its supporters, always justified with “Hey, it’s like making a bet with another guy at the bar.” No, it’s not.
There’s no fellowship or camaraderie there. These are not your friends or neighbors who might give you a chance to make it up next time, or failing that, will tell your other neighbors you’re a deadbeat. It’s a multi-national corporation who will take everything you have -- your home, your savings, your kids’ college fund trust – take it all and sell it and maybe/maybe not give you the change.
It creates an audience base that doesn’t care about the game, only wagerable statistics. And no one is really nostalgic for the days when point shaving and “taking a dive” (whether in the ring, on the court or the field), were the way the careers of college players and coaches ended in unemployment, banishment, or prison.
Which is why, whether its pinch-faced fun-hating puritanical or not, the ban betting on sports was a good thing, especially for the fools who believe winning streaks won’t end but losing streaks will.
Gambling is an addiction that makes “performing enhancing drugs” as insignificant as time out to catch your breath. It replaces the game of athletes and excellence with gamblers and bankruptcy.
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* * *
Someone once told me that my peripatetic life-path reads like the dust jacket of an experimental novel. He didn't realize that it is the novel, still being written.
| | Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | | |
The first round of the NBA West Playoffs between the Rockets (#2) and the Warriors (#7) is on:
The Warriors lead the series 2-1 and the seventh seed Dubs have a chance to make some history. Highly unlikely, but if they make it to the finals and win, they would be the first seventh-seed to win the finals.
One sixth-seed team has taken it all.
What sixth-seed team knocked off an "invincible"
team not so long ago?
answer below....
| | Tom Watson -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | | |
I met professional golfer Tom Watson at Macy's San Francisco many years ago when he was doing a promotional for Polo clothing. He signed this promotional photo for me and also a golf ball, but the golf ball is badly smeared. I didn't get a chance to chat with him much but I did get a chance to shake his hand.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
| | Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 129 Arkansas AD Takes A Bold Stance on Enforcing Athlete Buyout Clauses | | |
by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
On April 22, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek published a tweet, quoting himself, which stated, in a graphic, "I have spoken with the leadership team at Arkansas Edge and expressed my support in their pursuit to enforce their rights under any agreement violated by our student-athletes moving forward. We appreciate Edge's investment in our student-athletes and acknowledge the enforcement of these agreements is vital in our new world of college athletics. We look forward to continued dialogue with all parties in resolving these matters."
As Ross Dellenger noted, Yurachek's tweet about the Arkansas NIL collective came a day after Madden Iamaleava (brother of Nico) entered the transfer portal and ultimately decided to follow his brother to UCLA. Dellenger also recognized that most buyout language in the NIL space has not been enforced.
I responded to Dellenger and commented that the key for schools and collectives is to avoid crafting buyout clauses as penalties, which are unenforceable as a matter of law. I further stated that most jurisdictions distinguish between enforceable liquidated damage provisions and unenforceable penalties, and mentioned that I have represented multiple players on this issue. I added the following:
continued...
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WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca
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QUESTION:
WHO’S THE ONLY DRIVER IN HISTORY TO WIN THE INDIANAPOLIS 500, THE DAYTONA 500 AND THE F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?
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ANSWER:
Mario Andretti, one of the most versatile and legendary motorsports champions of all time.
Named “Driver of the Year” in three consecutive decades - the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s - by a voting panel of automotive and racing journalists, Mario Andretti had a storied career as a driver and racing legend. Mario has continued his motorsports dominance as a team owner and consultant and is still very active today with Andretti Global competing in multiple series including INDYCAR, INDY NXT, Formula E, Super Copa, Supercars, and Formula 1 starting in 2026 with the newly formed Cadillac team.
The Andretti Hairpin at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca:
Turn 2 at Laguna Seca is a technical double-apex, and was named “The Andretti Hairpin” as a tribute to Mario’s exceptional contributions and history in motorsports, as well as his final race at Laguna Seca in 1994. Also as a nod to Mario’s career, the hit 2006 film CARS included Andretti as a 1967 Ford Fairlane, the car he drove to win the Daytona 500. Mario and Andretti Global will next compete at Laguna Seca this July 25-27, when INDYCAR returns to the iconic raceway.
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Sonoma Raceway and The Save Mart Companies Extend Toyota/Save Mart
350 NASCAR Cup Series Partnership
The 33-year partnership marks The Save Mart Companies as one of the longest entitlement sponsors of any
NASCAR Cup Series race
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SONOMA, Calif. (April 10, 2025) – Sonoma Raceway announced today that The Save Mart Companies has signed a multi-year extension to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, amplifying the raceway’s most enduring partnership.
Having first partnered with Sonoma Raceway for the NASCAR Cup Series race in 1992, The Save Mart Companies looks to celebrate their 33-year partnership July 11-13th this year. The Save Mart Companies relationship as either title or co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Cup Series event in Sonoma is one of the longest running event sponsorships in all of NASCAR Cup Series history.
“We couldn’t be more proud to continue the relationship we share with The Save Mart Companies,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “The Save Mart name has become synonymous with Sonoma Raceway and we look forward to making many more race memories with our friends from Save Mart in the years to come.”
“This enduring partnership showcases The Save Mart Companies' appreciation for the NASCAR community, creating excitement and shared experiences that continue to inspire,” said Shane Sampson, chief executive officer of The Save Mart Companies. “The Save Mart Companies' dedication to our shoppers resonates in every aspect of our business—from our stores to the heart of our communities. Our customers share a deep love for NASCAR, and this partnership is a testament to that shared passion.”
The 2024 race weekend saw a thrilling finish as fans witnessed Northern California’s own Kyle Larson take the checkered flag on Sunday, holding off Martin Truex Jr. on the last lap to clinch his third win of the season. Larson grew up in Elk Grove, California and considers Sonoma Raceway his home track. His last wine country victory was in 2021, the same year he was named NASCAR Cup Series Champion. Legacy Motor Club driver John Hunter Nemechek was behind the wheel of #42, Save Mart’s first sponsored NASCAR Cup Series car, which made its race debut in front of a great race day crowd.
As part of its race sponsorship, The Save Mart Companies is once again launching the popular “Chase the Savings Sweepstakes” during the buildup to race day at all Save Mart and Lucky store locations, giving shoppers a chance to win more than $1,500,000 in cash and prizes. On race day, George Pulido, The Save Mart Companies’ 2024 Outstanding Store Manager of the Year, will serve as Honorary Starter and have the honor of waving the green flag to start the race.
Tickets, camping, premium seating and upgrade options for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 are all available at SonomaRaceway.com.
www.sonomaraceway.com
| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
Houston Rockets
The 1994-95 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team
to ever win the NBA Finals.
Houston entered the NBA Playoffs as a No. 6 seed, defeating the Jazz, Suns, Spurs and Magic to capture the Larry O'Brien Trophy. To add insult to injury, the Rockets swept the Magic, 4-0...
https://tinyurl.com/28zj9wst --
Go Celtics
Go Red Sox
| | |
If you enjoy our free publication, a
contribution to help defray costs
would be appreciated.
| |
Fight for California Challenge
Cal Family,
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our Fight for California Challenge, a pivotal initiative that will take Cal Football to the next level.
Stephanie and I, along with Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox and Kevin and Jeanette Kennedy, have each pledged to match every dollar raised, up to $500,000.
This moment presents a unique opportunity for Cal to lead the conference. Giving now provides Cal Football with the critical resources needed to compete for a conference championship and beyond. If we fall short, we risk falling behind. Recruiting and retaining top-tier student-athletes and coaches is essential to our program’s long-term success, and your support empowers us to be more competitive than ever before.
You’ve heard about the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. The upcoming House Settlement will have major implications for how college football operates moving forward. I know we have turned to you for support in the past, but the need has never been greater than it is today.
We're in a new era. The rise of the transfer portal, recruiting dynamics, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), and the push for increased revenue have fundamentally changed the landscape of college athletics, particularly football.
Cal has always risen to meet the moment. We've led with innovation and embraced change when it mattered most. Now is another one of those moments.
So please, join me and make a gift today. Let’s win. Let’s compete for ACC championships and College Football Playoff berths. Let’s show the nation what Cal is all about.
Investments will flow through the Cal Football Strategic Opportunity and Excellence Fund. Resources will be allocated at the discretion of Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox and myself, and will be directed toward advancing the football program and strengthening key priorities that support competitive success and the student-athlete experience.
All contributions are tax-deductible, and gifts of $10,000 or more qualify for Championship CALiber benefits, offering exclusive access and experiences with the Cal Football program.
And remember, a gift of $100 grants you Cal Athletics Fund membership.
Together, we can Fight for California.
Ron Rivera
General Manager, Cal Football Program
| |
Ayomanor Lands with Titans
Stanford wide receiver taken in the fourth round
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was drafted Saturday by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round with the 136th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. He becomes the 282nd Cardinal to be drafted and the 57th since 2010, the fourth most among ACC schools.
Over two years, the Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada native caught 125 passes for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the team in all receiving categories during that span. Twice, Ayomanor was named all-conference, including Stanford’s first All-ACC honoree in 2024, and he was named the 2023 recipient of the Jon Cornish Trophy, given to the best NCAA football player from Canada.
During his second season on The Farm, Ayomanor finished with a career-high 63 receptions and finished sixth in the conference with 831 receiving yards. For the second time in as many seasons, he scored six touchdowns, including a three-game stretch to begin ACC play where he became the first Cardinal to record receiving touchdowns in three-straight games since Brycen Tremayne in 2021
Ayomanor burst onto the scene on Oct. 13, 2023, at Colorado, when he set the Stanford single-game receiving record of 294 yards. His three-touchdown performance against the Buffaloes, highlighted by his spectacular catch against future Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, helped fuel the largest comeback (29 points) in Stanford history as the Cardinal won 46-43 in double overtime.
continued...
Photo: Karen Hickey /ISI Photos
| |
Pitching, Timely Hitting Lead Spartans to Win Over Boise State
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Lacie Ham went the distance in a complete game effort while Shay McDowell and Ahmiya Noriega turned in multi-hit performances to lead San José State softball (21-24, 8-10 MW) in a 4-2 win over Boise State (30–19, 8-10 MW) in game two of this three-game series from Spartan Softball Complex as Head Coach Tammy Lohmann reached 100 career wins on Saturday afternoon.
Senior pitcher Ham threw a complete game, allowing just five hits and striking out two, to lead the Spartans to a crucial conference victory.
The Spartans jumped ahead early with a first-inning RBI single from McDowell, scoring Noriega, who opened the game with a single up the middle. After Boise State tied the game in the second inning, San José State responded with a decisive three-run fourth, capitalizing on a bases-loaded walk by Sarah Deplitch and a two-RBI single from Reina Zermeno.
Boise State attempted a rally in the fifth, scoring once on a wild pitch, but Ham and the Spartan defense shut the door over the final two frames to seal the win.
Noriega paced the Spartans' offense with a 2-for-3 day at the plate and two runs scored. McDowell also contributed two hits and an RBI, helping lead the way.
The game was played in front of 345 fans on a cool, partly cloudy afternoon at Spartan Softball Complex.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MGOLF | Connor Reis Tied First Place Individually as Gaels Sit Fourth In WCC Championships
FAIRFIELD, Calif. - The WCC Championships got underway Friday morning in the Gaels' home state of California. The Gaels are trying to build on their momentum from two weeks ago when they finished the regular season with back-to-back second place team finishes. In round one, they did just that, finishing in sixth place, four-under par, with a total team score of 284.
The Gaels made the front nine look effortless in both rounds one and two, where they were a combined fifteen-under par, with twenty birdies and an eagle. The back nine was a more challenging feat for them, where they still managed to put up eleven birdies and four eagles, but fifteen bogies bogged down the scorecard.
Avery Lazarski began his round with a birdie on his first hole, the 10th, and would go on to finish even par through the first 18 holes of the day. Fellow Gael Go Nakatsukasa also had an impressive round finishing (-2), t-6th in total pars and t-5th on par four scoring. Lazarski and Nakatsukasa also both collected an eagle during their second round, which saw them tie for 3rd place in terms of total eagles.
Aidan Lee also stepped up big time for the Gaels in round two as he teed off at the first, the easiest hole on the course, a 451-yard par five, where the average scoring was 4.15. A birdie-par-birdie start for him would lead to a three-under second round, which helped catapult the Gaels from sixth place to fourth with a score of (-19), eight shots ahead of 5th place at the end of day one.
continued...
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Beach Volleyball Concludes Season at WCC Championship
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The University of San Francisco beach volleyball team (10-23) concluded the 2025 season at the West Coast Conference Championship, playing three dual matches on Thursday and Friday, falling to Santa Clara (15-17) twice while defeating Portland (5-17) 4-1.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
- San Francisco beat Portland in the lone victory in the tournament, securing its 10th win of the season.
-
Letizia Aquilino and Branson Lennon won in just two sets against the Pilots. Francesca Stanschus and Rainie Stevens also earned a straight-set win at the fifth doubles flight.
-
Rylie Reeves and Burkeligh Smith earned a come-from-behind victory over Elizabeth Ortiz and Elena Bullemer, taking the final two sets after dropping set one, 21-18.
-
continued...
Photo: Christina Leung
| |
Baseball Flexes Power in
Setback to Pacific
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Another back-and-forth battle ensued Saturday, featuring four lead changes and five extra-base hits from the Santa Clara University baseball team, but it was visiting Pacific who'd again escape with a narrow one-run victory, clinching a West Coast Conference series triumph with a 9-8 win over the Broncos at Stephen Schott Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- It was Déjà vu all over again for the Broncos (15-23, 4-10 WCC), as Pacific (18-25, 6-8 WCC) again used a big, two-out, three-run homer to take the lead for good, just like Friday night. This time it was Braeden Schnabel who capped a six-run, come-from-behind rally in the eighth inning with a three-run bomb high over the center field wall to put the Tigers ahead, 9-6.
-
Santa Clara didn't lie down though. It got back a run in the bottom half of the eighth thanks to an RBI double from Max Ross. The Broncos started rallying again in the bottom of the ninth, getting the first two batters on base to bring the winning run to the plate. Thomas Ferroggiaro brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and the tying run was still in scoring position, but a groundout ended the threat and the game.
- Santa Clara used three pitchers in the top of the eighth trying to preserve its 6-3 lead. But four free passes in the frame (three walks, one hit-by-pitch) all came around to score as part of Pacific's six-run outburst. Andrew Sloan drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk on a full count to make it 6-4. DJ Scott tied the game at 6-6 by punching a two-run single through the left side of the infield, and Schnabel's homer punctuated the rally.
continued...
Photo: Santa Clara Athletics
| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
No. 21 Pacific Falls in Semifinals
of GCC Tournament
LOS ANGELES – The chase for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament concluded Saturday for the No. 21 Pacific women's water polo program as No. 8 Fresno State was able to grab a 19-12 decision in the semifinals of the Golden Coast Conference Tournament at the Burns Aquatics Center on the campus of LMU.
Pacific (13-10, 5-2 GCC) will conclude the season Sunday at 11 a.m. in the third-place game.
The third-seeded Tigers started slow and conceded the first four goals of the game to the second-seeded Bulldogs (14-7, 6-1 GCC) when they came storming back in the third quarter. Pacific cut it to a one-goal deficit three times in the third, but Fresno State was able to deny the equalizer and answered with a run to pull away.
Pacific's offense was led by senior Hila Futorian and junior Dora Alaksza who netted four goals apiece. Futorian was an All-Conference Second-Team selection, while Alaksza earned a spot on the First-Team.
Alaksza is up to 239 career goals and ranks third all-time in Pacific history in scoring. She's chasing Molly Smith's program-leading tally of 286 goals from 1997-00 and Jessica Schroeder who is second with 268 goals from 2001-05.
continued...
| |
Aggies Defeat Hawai'i and
Advance into Semifinals
Score: UC Davis 4, Hawai'i 1
Location: La Jolla, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 14-6, Hawai'i 4-17
The short story: UC Davis men's tennis advances to the semifinals of the Big West championships, defeating Hawai'i 4-1, winning four singles in a row despite the early doubles setback.
COURTSIDE
HOW IT HAPPENED:
-
The Aggies opened the morning with doubles, where Ryan Torres and Ivan Savkin finished first, losing to their opponent 6-4.
-
Next to finish were Lucas Bollinger and Kaveh Taheri, who also lost to their opponents, giving the early doubles point to Hawai'i.
-
The match of Sam De Vries and Rithvik Katpelly went unfinished since Hawai'i had already clinched the doubles point.
- The Aggies started singles off strong with a win from junior Bollinger, who took down his opponent in just two sets.
-
Freshman Perry DiGiulio would follow with his own two-set win over his Rainbow Warrior opponent.
- Keeping the same momentum, freshman Katpelly fought through a tie-breaker and ultimately took down his opponent in just two sets.
continued...
| | Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Softball Wins 2025 CCAA Regular Season Championship
on Friday
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — On a historic Friday afternoon at the CSUSM Softball Field, No. 13 Cal State East Bay secured the 2025 CCAA Regular Season Championship with a 5-2 victory in game one against No. 25 Cal State San Marcos. The win guaranteed the Pioneers the No. 1 seed in next week's CCAA Tournament and their first-ever CCAA regular-season title. East Bay capped the day with a hard-fought 2-1 loss in nine innings in the second game, but the opening triumph ensured their place in program history.
GAME SUMMARIES:
Game One: Cal State East Bay 5, Cal State San Marcos 2
Cal State San Marcos took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an error that allowed a run to score after a stolen base by Madison Waymire.
The Cougars extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth on a solo home run by Gianna Lombardi, but Cal State East Bay responded immediately. In the fifth.
Annelise Garcia ignited the rally with a leadoff double, later scoring on a Cynthia Carrillo RBI single. After Ashley Reyes entered as a pinch runner and eventually reached third, Marissa Farias drove in the tying run. Then two more walks, and Evyn Morriss' bases-loaded walk gave the Pioneers a 3-2 lead.
continued...
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Registration Opens for 2025 F4 Foils Summer Wingding US Wingfoil Championship
National championship set to take place at
St. Francis Yacht Club June 20-22
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—St. Francis Yacht Club and US Sailing have opened registration for the second annual US Wingfoil Championship, to be held in San Francisco, California, June 20-22, 2025.
St. Francis Yacht Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s development, with a growing number of members and locals participating in wingfoil events and competing in the club’s weekly wingfoiling series, held throughout the summer. They offer wingfoil courses for junior sailors and hosted the first National Championship in 2024 and the first Pacific Coast Championship in 2023.
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continued...
Photo: © US Sailing / Simone Staff
| | | | |
Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, April 28, through
Sunday, May 4, 2025
| | |
Monday, April 28
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets, 7 p.m.
A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m.
A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30
Golden State Warriors @ Houston Rockets, 4:30 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m.
A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Thursday, May 1
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 6:45 p.m.
A's @ Texas Rangers, 11:35 a.m.
Friday, May 2
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 7:15 p.m.
A's @ Miami Marlins, 4:10 p.m.
Saturday, May 3
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
A's @ Miami Marlins, 1:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Soul SC @ Stockton Cargo, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 4
San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:05 p.m.
A's @ Miami Marlins, 10:40 a.m.
Oakland Roots FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC, 4 p.m.
Bay FC @ San Diego Wave FC, 5 p.m.
| | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired)
Artist: Carl Macki
Webmaster/Sports Today Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| | |
FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | | The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | | To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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