PGA 2019: Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
PGA 2019: Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
Detroit, MI – Nate Lashley came into this tournament as a third alternate. He failed to advance from the Monday qualifier but his alternate status took effect when David Berganio Jr withdrew on Wednesday. Lashley would be the last player in the field to qualify for the Rocket Mortgage Classic. That may have been all the motivation he needed because he has been on tear, leading every round since Thursday.
With a 2:05 tee time Lashley had a chance to see how the field was shaping up but with a six-stroke lead going into the final round, it was his game to lose. Paired with J.T. Poston, they moved about the course greeted by fans at each hole. With the majority of superstars not making the cut to the third round, fans began to latch on to Lashley and others like, J.T. Poston, Ricke Fowler, Cameron Tringale and Patrick Reed .
PGA 2019: Harold Varner III during the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
Lashley became the fan favorite for the afternoon and that was evident by the cheers in the larger fan areas (holes 14-15-16). “It was great having them on my side. It made it feel like I wasn’t out there alone and I’m just really thankful for how great they were to me today.
“I was just happy to get in this week, and to end up winning is just a dream come true,” said Lashley.
With the win Lashley moves up to no 40 in the FedEx Cup standings and secures full PGA Tour membership through the 2020-2021 season. “Obviously getting into that Top-40, that’s going to be my goal for the rest of the year is to get to that Top-30 and make the TOUR Championship. So just looking forward to that with the rest of the season”
PGA 2019: Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
This was a big win for Lashley and even bigger win for Detroit who has never hosted a PGA Championship! With a sold out crowds both Saturday and Sunday I can see this event growing.
WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – After starting the season 4-2, the Los Angeles Sparks felt that they were well on track to be one of the best teams in the league when Candace Parker returned. However, things took a sour turn when on her return, the team ended up losing three straight with Parker back in the lineup and four in a row overall. Parker on her return struggled find any footing, scoring only four points on 2-for -18 shooting in her first two games back. After their fourth loss in a row, the team needed to learn how to adapt with their chemistry.
“After starting 4-2 and losing four in a row, we learned that we aren’t good enough,” Sydney Wise said. “Sometimes success makes you complacent and you can see that in the early wins. We let our foot off the gas pedal.”
After four players scored in double figures in a win against Las Vegas on Thursday, the cohesion continued as their offensive dominance across the board gave the Sparks a 94-69 win over the Chicago Sky and back-to-back victories to move on track.
WNBA 2019: Jantel Lavender back at Staples during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“Defense has been an area of concern, especially with Candace back in the lineup,” Sparks head coach Derek Fisher said. “Each game we are trying to find a rhythm, and it is nice to get back home and not worry about travel and just feel comfortable getting used to the game.”
Much like against the New York Liberty, the Sparks allowed the Sky to crawl back late in the first quarter. After just a three point lead in the first 10 minutes, Los Angeles dominated from all sides of the ball using just about everyone on the court.
“We have been working really hard all this week and managed to tighten up a lot of our defense,” Weise said. “We challenged each other. You saw it today when we loaded ourselves on the ball a lot more. We forced a lot of jump balls and bad possessions, and it’s a lot of fun to see things working.”
WNBA 2019: Rookie playing defense K. Brown #21 during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Everyone on the Sparks managed to make the stat sheet and score. In consecutive games the Sparks had five players score in double figures with Riquna Williams leading the way with 19. Chelsea Gray and Sydney Wise joined in on the fun with 13 and 11 points respectively. All in all, the Sparks throughout the game just seemed like they were having a lot of fun and let their flow of the game control the tempo.
The Sparks finished June on a high note, but keeping this pace will be tough as they will have a week off before they suit up against Washington next Sunday.
“The only thing we need to worry about now is see if we can maintain that kind of mentality a week from now,” Fisher said.
PGA 2019: Charles Howell III in the fairway during Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
Detroit, MI – This week the PGA Tour makes its first ever stop in the City of Detroit for the Inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. Nestled in the west side Detroit neighborhood of Palmer Park, the Donald Ross designed course has a rich history spanning 120 years.
Some of golf’s biggest names are in town to compete for $1,314,000, like Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland, Chez Reavie and Rocket Mortgage ambassador Rickie Fowler. A total of 156 golfers started Round 1 play on Thursday with tee times of 6:45 am & 12:55 pm. It turned out to be a rough start for Johnson and Woodland as they would finish the day outside of the top 100.
PGA 2019: Dustin Johnson on the tee box during the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
Surprisingly the last golfer in the 156 man field Nick Lashley ended up being the leader at the end of round one with a 63 (-9). When asked what the best part of his game was Lashley stated, “I hit really well on the back nine. But 9 under, you’re kind of doing everything well. Just hopefully can continue through the week.”
Lashley 130 (-14) would maintain his lead through Friday’s second round. The biggest news of round two would have to be the lowest 36 hole cut in relation to par since the RSM Classic in 2016……a 5-under. Missing that cut were most of the headliners and fan favorites Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Gary Woodland and Chez Reavie. Saturday and Sundays rounds have been sold out for weeks with fans hoping to cheer on their favorite golf stars. It will be interesting to see the crowds going into Sunday’s final round and missing most of the top stars. Honestly, I don’t think it will matter because the fans here are happy to have the PGA in town!
PGA 2019: Rickie Fowler writing in his book during the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
As of 12 noon EST on Saturday Lashley (-14), Champ (-13) and Howell III (-12) are your current leaders and are set to tee off at 2:00 pm EST.
PGA 2019: Charles Howell III teeing off during the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, MI (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)
Washington Mystic vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Washington Elena Delle Donne going up for a shot during the Washington Mystic vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – With Candace Parker making her 2019 season debut, the LA Sparks felt like they had a good chunk of their offense back as they took the court Tuesday to face the Washington Mystics. Instead, it became a struggle from practically start to finish. A bravado of turnovers, countless in-and-out shots, and lackluster shooting handed Washington a 81-52 victory that left the LA Sparks wonder where all the thunder has gone.
“Playing games like these will won’t win you any games,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “When you face yourself in such a large deficit you do beat yourself up at times. Throughout the game we were trying to figure out what worked and we really just could not peg that.”
What was supposed to be a big pick me up after a setback to the Liberty on Friday turned into one of the more lopsided losses Sparks fans rarely see.
Sparks Nneka Ogwumike goes up jump ball during the Washington Mystic vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“For us it turned into a day one type of game,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “Getting Candace back got us excited but it’s a rhythm. The missed shots and turnovers are tough. At the end of the day its basketball so its back to the grind.”
Candace Parker in her return only managed 3 points on 1-for-9 shooting. The rest of the team caught her bug finishing under 30 percent and were unable to recover after Washington pulled ahead on a 20-3 run to start the contest.
Turnovers were also a plenty. More than half its 27 turnovers, one shy of a team all-time high, came off of erratic passes that led to Mystics points. For the entire game, the LA Sparks were playing a mental game of their own trying to recover as Washington relished on each mistake.
Coach Derek Fisher arguing calls with referee Michael Price during the Washington Mystic vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“Coach Fisher and the rest of us took tonight as a learning curve.” Nneka said. “Sometimes these types of games happen and you can’t dwell off of this. It doesn’t excuse the mistakes we made but we have to look back at this performance as correcting all of our mistakes.”
Sparks Chelsea Gray going for a lose ball during the Washington Mystic vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Ariel Atkins for the Mystics quietly finished with a team high 22 points. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough led the bench with 17 points.
The LA Sparks played in a game they would like to truly forget. Seattle is up next on their schedule Friday night.
WNBA 2019 New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday June 15, 2019 (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)
WNBA 2019 New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday June 15, 2019 (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – A 24 hour turnaround down the I-10 freeway had the Los Angeles Sparks back to Staples Center facing the New York Liberty. While they had their answers to Brittney Griner and company, they were unable to figure out what sparked up Amanda Zahui B’s hot hand. Her three pointer with over a minute remaining finished off a 13-for-16 night, as well as going 7-for-8 from deep, that propelled the Liberty to a 98-92 win.
“In a game like this, it is strange to play against a team who also is playing in a back-to-back,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “However, this was no excuse to lose either way. This game was not a fatigue of the body but a fatigue of the mind trying to close things out. We had a game of runs, but the Liberty managed to outrun us late.”
WNBA 2019 New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday June 15, 2019 (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)
At no point did the Sparks find answers to put the game out of reach. No team managed a double digit lead, but while the Sparks would get close, suddenly Zahui B, Kia Nurse, and the rest of the Liberty offense would climb right back. Zahui B and Nurse both combined for 63 of the team’s total points, with Nurse contributing to 14 in the fourth quarter.
The Ogwumike sisters, Chiney and Nneka, combined for 46 of the teams points, while Chelsea Gray had 18.
The Sparks managed a nine point lead in the first quarter before the Liberty closed out on a 13-6 run in the final six minutes. Both teams were unable to take command in the second frame, but a no-look Gray assist to C. Ogwumike as time expired had the Sparks up 2 at halftime.
New York had some big makes in the third, but the Sparks starting five would respond trading baskets through the middle frames. Gray’s three followed by Chiney’s 15-foot baseline jumper on back-to-back takes gave the Sparks a seven point advantage. After a Liberty timeout another 12-5 run to end the third put New York back in the contest with a number of fast breaks, ending the third period tied at 72.
WNBA 2019 New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday June 15, 2019 (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)
Los Angeles just could not get over the hump to put the game out of reach. Once the lead reached as big as five late in the fourth quarter, a number of empty possessions were at hand. This allowed yet another Liberty run, capped off by a Zahui B three pointer with just over a minute to go that gave New York a two point lead. On the ensuing possession, Gray couldn’t hit a fade away jumper from 16 feet, eventually putting the game out of reach as New York’s Kia Nurse sank two free throws giving the Liberty a four point edge and what was their biggest lead of the night with over 30 seconds remaining.
The Sparks are off until Tuesday as they are back home at Staples center facing the Washington Mystics.
WNBA 2019:Kennedy Burke with a strong layup during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2019: Tiffany Mitchell with the fade way shot during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
INDIANAPOLIS — A loss is a loss, but most would agree to lose by seven beats out losing by 26. That’s the situation the Indiana Fever wound up in Sunday’s 94-87 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Fever starting five struggled early in the game, Phoenix’ Brittney Griner saw to that personally. Griner, the gold-medalist from Waco Texas, asserted dominance from the tip off. Indy’s Candice Dupree and Teaira McCowan had the talent and size to match up with Griner, but couldn’t contain her.
Phoenix had lost to the Lynx earlier in the week, scoring 56 points total. In Indy, the Mercury netted 53 in the first half. Phoenix All-Stars DeWanna Bonner and Griner combined for 51 points on 20-of-38 shooting, dished nine assists and grabbed 12 rebounds. Bonner, Griner and Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell all scored at least 25 points in the game.
WNBA 2019:DeWanna Bonner drive pass Betnijah Laney during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2019: Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2019: Brittany Griner goes up for a shot during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Poor shooting led to the Fever’s woes. In the first period, the home team only made 27.8 percent of its field goals, drastically behind Phoenix’ 55.6 percent.
“I think we let a couple of turnovers, miscues and missed shots bother us. I haven’t seen that happen to us this year. And while that was happening, Phoenix was punishing us,” Fever coach Pokey Chatman said in her media press conference. According to Chatman, her and the team had a gameplan prepared to focus on constraining Griner and Bonner, then playing their scrappy, energetic offense. “… you don’t have much time to get too excited about things, or to get pissed off. It just moves too fast, so we’re already on to Seattle on Tuesday. You know, I talk a lot about ‘cutting off the head of the snake.’ They [Griner and Bonner] got 51 on us. That hurt.”
WNBA 2019:Kennedy Burke with a strong layup during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Kelsey’s Comeback
Shooting didn’t improve for the Fever until it was too late. The second period played out much like the first, then after halftime, Chatman began changing the lineup around. Kelsey and Tiffany Mitchell combined for 25 points in the fourth quarter, desperately taking back the pace after being behind as much as 26 points in the third.
“It was good,” Kelsey said on the fourth quarter comeback. “Our first unit is always our pick-me-up, so we look to them for everything, no matter what the circumstance. I feel like the second group just came and kind of just tried to pick up where the first group usually leaves off. Take what we saw and compete for 40 minutes.”
Numbers Game
The numbers for Indiana between the first and second halves did indicate that that the Fever are plenty capable of coming back from behind. In the first two periods, Indy had only landed 11 shots and had no players in double digits, while Phoenix had four girls with at least 10 points. While Phoenix made over 50 percent of its shots in the first half, they declined to 38.9 percent in the second half, contrasting directly with the Fever, who made almost 60 percent of its field goals and 75 percent of its shots outside the circle.
Up Next
Indiana (3-2) welcomes Seattle (3-2) Tuesday. Phoenix (2-3) will stay in the Midwest to take on Chicago (2-2) Tuesday.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant #35 at Staples Center on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The NBA Finals this year are a battle between two teams on the opposite side of the spectrum. The Golden State Warriors looking to capitalize on another championship and the Toronto Raptors who are playing their first ever Finals game in franchise history.
One question on every fans mind is who will take the championship? After game 2 on sunday and Using the stats from both teams through every round and every game in the playoffs an answer could be found.
Taking their round percentages in shooting from the field, 3pt and at the line along with other stats such as turnovers per round, rebounds and assists comparing the teams, looking at consistency and who will come out on top from a numbers standpoint.
Round one for the Toronto Raptors saw them tipping off against the Orlando Magic and winning the series in five games. Through the round the Raptors shot 202/422 from the field coming in at 47.8%.
Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam (#43) warms up at Staples Center in 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
From the 3pt they shot 60/163 shooting shy of 40% at 36.8%. From the line they shot 68/81 and shooting 83.9%.
The Raptors averaged 45 rebounds per game and finished with a round total of 223 rebounds. In assists they averaged 25 per game and finished with 131 in the round.
The Raptors saw a large amount of turnovers through the first round as they averaged 14 turnovers a game and finished with a round total of 60.
Round one for the Golden State Warriors was a tough battle as it led to a game six against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Golden State shot 268/534 from the field for 50.1% and 77/193 from the 3pt line for a 39.8%.
From the line the Warriors shot 134/155 for an 86.4%. In rebounds they had 276, 187 assists and 86 turnovers through six games.
After looking at the numbers put up in the first round both teams are almost identical with Golden State taking a slight lead but also playing one more game than the Raptors.
Round Two saw the Raptors facing an exciting game seven against the Philadelphia 76ers.
From the first round the Raptors saw their percentages fall slightly as they shot 253/581 from the field for a 43.5% and 68/228 from the 3pt line for a below 30% at 29.8%.
At the line they shot 137/169 for 81% and totaled 279 rebounds. They also had 137 assists and 73 turnovers through seven games.
The Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in what would turn into six games.
They had dropped percentages in all categories and increased their turnover by 10 without a game seven. They shot 245/521 from the field for 47% and 69/199 from the 3pt line for 34.6%.
At the charity stripe they shot 11/144 for 77% and added up a total of 226 rebounds, 166 assists and 96 turnovers through six games.
In the second round the Warriors outplayed the Raptors by an average of 4% in every category and kept the Warriors at a more consistent play from the first round to the second.
In round three the Raptors would once again go on to a game six finish against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Raptors in round three kept their percentages close to what they were in the second round keeping things consistent.
Raptors shot 219/526 from the field clinging to a 41.6% and 86/230 from the 3pt line at a comfortable 37.3%.
At the line the Raptors shot 122/151 for 80.7% and tacked up 268 rebounds, 135 assists and 69 turnovers.
Round three saw the Golden State Warriors sweep the Portland Trailblazers in four games and saw brothers Seth and Steph Curry play against each other.
The Warriors played better basketball as they increased all of their stats from round two as they shot 171/349 from the field at 48.9% and 46/127 from the 3pt line for 36.2%.
The Warriors also 71/87 at the line for 81.6% and added 197 rebounds, 117 assists and 58 turnovers in the round.
Through the third round the Warriors are playing much better basketball and more consistent basketball from a numbers standpoint.
The fourth and final round of the NBA Finals is currently underway as the Toronto Raptors take on the Defending Champions the Golden State Warriors and are at a stalemate as the series is tied at one a piece 1-1.
In the field through the first two games the Warriors are 72/160 at 45% and the Raptors are shooting 74/171 at 43.2%.
The Warriors are shooting 25/65 from the 3pt line at 38.5% and the Raptors are 24/71 for 33.8%. The Warriors are 49/54 from the line for 90.7% while the Raptors are 50/58 at 86.2%.
Warriors are leading the Raptors in two categories. Rebounding at 80, assists 63 and turnovers at 31. While the Raptors are struggling as they are rebounding 72 through two games, 52 assists and 25 turnovers.
Looking at all of the rounds and the last two finals games it is safe to say that the Golden State Warriors are going to be NBA Champions once again. Although the percentages are close this series may go a full seven games.
WNBA 2019: #7 Paris Kea blow #3 Tiffany Bias past during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2019: #0 Kelsey Mitchell was on fire last night behind the arc during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, Ind. – It was on June 1, 2000, the Indianapolis Fever played their first game. Now 20 seasons later June 1, 2019, the Fever win their home opener to kick off the 2019 season.
The Fever took control early of the New York Liberty and never looked back in 92-77 victory.
“We got an 11-0 run early, we came out early and played our game, and it worked,” Erica Wheeler said after the win. “Our main focus was to come out and be aggressive on defense and that’s what we did.
The Fever ran a strong offensive against the Liberty, meaning the entire Fever line up scored in the game and contributed to the win. In the third quarter, the home squad led by as much as 28.
WNBA 2019:Head coach Pokey Chatman was not pleased with the official call during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Guard Kelsey Mitchell commanded the attention of everyone present in Banker’s Life Fieldhouse. Mitchell scored 23 points in just over 25 minutes. She went 5-7 from outside the circle and 2-2 for foul shots.
Mitchell was one of four teammates that scored in double figures for the team. Guards Tiffany Mitchell and Paris Kea came off the bench to score 11 points, 10 points making their presence felt.
The Liberty was lead by Tina Charles scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist in 22 minutes of play.
The Fever are now 2-1, already indicating improvement on their six-win 2018 season. Morale in the locker room appeared high and after such a powerful performance, the team’s energy didn’t diminish at all.
“It was a good win. A really good win. It’ll put more butts in seats.” Candice Dupree said . Dupree holds the WNBA record of most two-point field goals made.
WNBA 2019: New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Dallas Wings come to Indy Friday night to attempt to make up for a close preseason loss just weeks prior.
WNBA 2019: Nneka Ogwumike dribbling from the ground during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Sparks head coach Derek Fisher looks on during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks put the game out of reach with the help of the Ogwumike sisters. With 1:10 left in the game, Chiney Ogwumike converted a three-point play to give the Sparks a 72-67 lead.
Older sister, Nneka Ogwumike drained a three with 40 seconds left to send the crowd into a frenzy and extend the lead. The Sparks defeated Connecticut 77-70 in the home opener Friday night at Staples Center.
Sparks Nneka Ogwumike yells after making a basket to put game away during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“It was fun,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “That’s the only way I can describe it. Going into the game, we just wanted to compete and be better. I think we did that.”
The younger Ogwumike went 1-for-10 in her debut in the loss to Las Vegas. She rebounded with with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-11 against her former team. Nneka Ogwumike added 19 points and 15 rebounds.
Sparks Chiney Ogwumike fighting down low under the basket during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles went on a 13-4 run to close out the second quarter and Nneka Ogwumike drilled a three with 0.7 seconds left to give the Sparks a 38-31 lead into halftime.
“It’s always great to win at home,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “I’m really proud of the improvement we made during the week.”
Sparks Chelsea Gray playing tight defense during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Sparks head coach Derek Fisher got his first WNBA win. The former Laker was coach of the New York Knick from 2014-2016.
“As a team, they didn’t want to lose tonight,” Fisher said. “And hopefully our offensive continuity will continue to come along as we get used to playing with one another.”
WNBA 2019: Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
LA City CIF Baseball finals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/fi360 News
Los Angeles, CA – Palisades mounted a furious comeback with a five-run fourth inning to tie it. Birmingham responded in the sixth inning with an RBI single by Kevin Olmos and a two-run double from Daniel Velazquez.
“I tried to focus on hitting the ball up the middle,” Olmos, who had three hits with three RBIs, said. “It feels good being the underdogs and proving everyone wrong once again.”
The No. 8 seed Birmingham Patriots held on to beat Palisades 9-5 and win its third consecutive CIF Los Angeles City Section Open Division title Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
Birmingham’s victory makes them the third team in City Section history to win three straight titles. Fremont won three titles in 1946, 1947 and 1948. Chatsworth three peated in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
“What an unbelievable battle, Palisades came to play,” Birmingham coach Matt Mowry said. “I’m so proud of my guys. They could’ve easily folded when Palisades got back into it and put the pressure on us but they didn’t.”
Palisades loaded the bases with one in the fifth inning when senior pitcher Sebastian Cueva came in for relief. Cueva struck out a batter and forced another batter into a popup to get out of the inning.
Cueva closed the game out no hits on four strikeouts and three walks while the Palisades pitching staff allowed six walks and hit five batters.
“I wanted the ball,” Cueva said. “I felt good. I have not pitched in like a week or two so I was a little iffy in the bullpen but once I came on, I knew I couldn’t be beat.”
Birmingham jumped all over Palisades starting pitcher Will Coquillard in the first inning, scoring three after loading the bases. The Patriots added a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Olmos.
Palisades had back-to-back walks with one out in the sixth inning but Lucas Braun struck out and catcher Johnny Tincher threw a runner out trying to steal second base to end the threat.
“It feels amazing (to three peat),” Mowry said. “Not many people have done that.
