NCAA Baseball 2018: Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
USC at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA- With the game tied 1-1 in the 10th inning, CSUN’s Ben Martz drew a walk and rounded first base on his way to second base. Martz got into a rundown between bases with Joey Cooper on third base.
As Martz dove back to first, the throw bounced off his helmet and allowed Cooper to score, giving CSUN a 2-1 lead and ultimately the victory against USC in extra innings on Thursday at Dedeaux Field.
“Defensively, we played well up until that play,” USC coach Dan Hubbs said. “Offensively, we didn’t do a good job adjusting. Our guys weren’t patient and we didn’t put anything together.”
CSUN took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly. USC’s Stephon Dubb got on base with a leadoff walk and later scored on a grounder by Brandon Perez to make it a 1-1 game. USC loaded the bases in the third inning but couldn’t plate the go-ahead run.
USC starting pitcher Kyle Hurt did all he could to help the Trojans, allowing one hit and one run in seven innings of work. Hurt struck out two batters, walked four and retired 10 batters in a row at one point.
“He (Hurt) commanded three or four pitches in the zone,” Hubbs said. “He was able to throw his fastball and he had his changeup working. That’s two really strong starts for Kyle to finish the year. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
USC will look to bounce back on Friday when they host CSUN at 6 p.m. and will wrap up the season on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Rachel Garcia on the release during the 2018 NCAA Regional Softball UCLA vs Cal State Fullerton at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – Facing an uphill battle going into Championships Sunday at Regionals, UCLA Softball dropped Cal State Fullerton in back to back games to advance.
In the night cap which was the Bruins third elimination game in a row, Rachel Garcia three-run homerun slammed the door in the fifth inning 6-4 ballgame.
This performance by the No 3 Bruins this weekend will carry them to next week for the Super Regionals as they host foe No 14 Arizona.
UCLA pinch runner Imani Johnson sliding under the tag at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
With its back against the wall in game one, UCLA’ softball team stays alive in the Los Angeles Regional round with a 3-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton.
The Bruins were lead once again by Pitcher Rachael Garcia who threw a shutout. This time, UCLA was able to take the lead in the 4th inning and Garcia did the rest with the dominating out. Garcia struck out 6 batters and went 5 innings without conceding a hit.
UCLA’s Bubba Nickles continued her strong plate appearances against the Titans. Nickles crushed a double with two outs to bring in the games first 2-runs.
UCLA Bubba Nickles sliding into third at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
With a 3-0 lead in the 7th inning, the Titans were going to go down swinging. Fullerton was able to get a runner on base with one out. Garcia forced Fullerton into a double play to keep UCLA’s hopes alive.
Now 5 PAC-12 teams advance to the Super Regionals on the Road to the Final Four!
2018 NCAA Regional Softball UCLA vs Cal State Fullerton at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
No 1 Oregon vs No 16 Kentucky
No 3 UCLA vs No 14 Arizona
No 8 ASU vs No 9 South Carolina
No 5 Washington vs No 12 Alabama
2018 NCAA Regional Softball UCLA vs Cal State Fullerton at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Dallas Wings Kayla Thornton looking for a teammate. (Photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
Arlington, TX – In a Sunday afternoon home opener, the Dallas Wings did not disappoint an audience of lively fans. In fact, the Wings gave the home crowd every reason to anticipate a season full of great performances from a dynamic Dallas duo.
Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage combined for 46 points, as the Wings defeated the Atlanta Dream 101 – 78.
After a rather competitive first quarter, the Wings began to apply serious pressure to the Atlanta Dream’s frontcourt. Center Liz Cambage scored 17 points in the first half alone and did an exceptional job securing several tough rebounds. While she only scored four points in the second half, the Wings enjoyed a comfortable lead of more than 20 points.
Wings’ fans appeared to be quite impressed by the newly acquired Cambage. Her footwork, her wingspan and her overall hustle solicited several jolts of energy from the crowd.
Forwards Kayla Thornton and Karima Christmas-Kelly provided great energy on defense for the Wings, in addition to their scoring of 13 and 15 points respectively. Christmas-Kelly led the team in rebounding, with a total of 10 boards. Her aggressive drives to the basket got her to the free-throw line more than any other player on the court. She made 11-14 from the foul line.
Kaela Davis’ contributions off the bench proved invaluable, as her tenacious defense frustrated the Dream. She also contributed 15 points in 28 minutes.
Dallas Wings talk during a quick break in play. (Photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
Five Wings players finished in double digits. Even rookie Azura’ Stevens showed flashes of what’s to come, including her long distance shot that put the Wings over 100 total points. Overall the Wings appear to have a very balanced plan of attack. Perhaps the season-opener in Phoenix, an 86-78 loss was just a way to shake off the dust.
With Diggins-Smith at the controls, Cambage holding down center and very capable role players spreading the floor – the Wings give the home crowd great hope for the young season.
In attendance to celebrate Sunday’s home opener were special guests – Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith, rap artist Dorrough and gospel artist Kirk Franklin.
EUGENE, OR - November 25: Benny The Beaver during a game between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers in Eugene, OR. Oregon. Final Score Oregon 69 Oregon State 10. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
USC at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – Oregon State second baseman Nick Madrigal fouled pitch after pitch with a full count before he slapped a bases clearing triple to right field for a 7-1 lead in the sixth inning.
That was more than enough for starting pitcher Bryce Fehmel who threw eight solid innings to help No. 2 ranked Oregon State defeat the Trojans 8-1 on Saturday at Dedeaux Field.
In the second game of a three-game series, Fehmel allowed one run on five hits as he confused the Trojan with a variety of pitches.
USC falls to 24-25 overall and 11-12 in Pac-12 play while the Beavers improve to 42-8-1 overall and 18-7-1 in conference.
NCAA Baseball 2018: USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
An RBI-single by Trevor Larnach and a sacrifice fly by Adley Rutschman gave Oregon State a 2-0 lead in the first inning. USC got a run back in the bottom of the first inning on Stephen Dubb’s RBI-single but that’s the only run the Trojans would manage on the day.
Oregon State third baseman Michael Gretler hit a shot over the left field fence for a 2-run home run and a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning.
USC starting pitcher Quentin Longrie lasted four innings before being replaced by freshman lefty John Beller who struck out six but gave up the big triple to Madrigal in the sixth.
The Trojans wrap up the series against Oregon State on Sunday at noon.
WNBA 2018: Stephanie Mavunga in the paint during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Fever did not keep pace with the visiting Chicago Sky in the WNBA season opener at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Sky rookies upstaged the Fever rookies in a 82-64 final. The Sky is now 1-0 to get off on a good foot.
Stephanie Mavunga being right at home in Indiana debut was acceptable for her 11 minutes of play with no points.
“I don’t have to rush everything. I can take my time,” said Mavunga. “Make everything as slow as possible.”
For the Sky their rookie Diamond DeShields, scored 7 of 11 from the field and made all four of her free throws.”
Fever veteran Candice Dupree lead her team with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and Erica Wheeler scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
“I think we kind of got lazy on defense,” said Fever guard Erica Wheeler, “We weren’t making shots and that’s what killed us.”
The Fever will have to gel as a time playing four rookies, which is not an easy task.
“We knew we would have a lot to learn in terms of experience, but that wasn’t about experience,” said Fever head coach Pokey Chatman. “You compete at the highest level each possession, regardless.”
The Sky in the second half is where they did their damage to out score the Fever 46-30.
WNBA 2018: Fever Head Coach Pokey Chatman during Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Now it’s no reason to hit the panic button for Chatman because this was only one game, one loss.
“We’ve got to learn from it, improve and get back at it tomorrow.” said Mavunga.
The Fever will have an opportunity to avenge this loss in five days when these teams play a quick rematch back in Indiana.
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – UCLA softball head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez believes the first playoff victory is the biggest to obtain, that proved to be Friday night as the Bruins fended off Sacramento State 3-0 in the first round of the Los Angeles Regional of the Women’s College World Series.
“Sac State, there is a reason they are here. They competed,” said Inouye-Perez. “Their pitcher was effective, they swung their stick with authority and I thought it was a good game.”
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
The Bruins rallied behind pitcher Rachael Garcia who didn’t allow a hit until the games final inning. Garcia struck out 14 batters and was really able to dominate on the mound by getting ahead in the count on her first pitch.
“It felt great (on getting the victory),” said Garcia. “Especially It being on our home field.”
The Bruin finally broke through on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Taylor Pack was able to reach base by drawing a walk. A single by Kinsley Washington put Pack in scoring position and senior Kylee Perez did the rest with another single to bring in the games first run.
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“We were kind of swinging kind of big in the beginning of the game,” said Perez. “It’s easier said than done to tell us to calm down but by the middle of the game we did calm down.”
Sacramento State made the final inning interesting. With one out, Garcia allowed her first hit, a double to Sydney Rasmussen. Garcia would then strike out the following batter, followed by a pop up.
UCLA moves to 51-4 and will face Cal State Fullerton Saturday 2:00pm in round 2 of the LA Regionals.
The second-seeded Bobcats (42-15) play Sacramento State (31-19) in an elimination game Saturday at 4:30pm
The winner plays the loser of the UCLA-Cal State Fullerton game at 7:00pm
NCAA Softball 2018: ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA Madeline Jenecki taking the bases on her walk off homerun during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – UCLA Senior Madeline Jenecki had both of the Bruins RBI’s Saturday afternoon to lead UCLA to a 2-1 victory over Arizona State.
In the 9th inning Jenecki let it rip on the first pitch of her at-bat for a walk-off home run.
“Their pitcher, just hats off to her,” said Jenecki. “I think that was the best thing that could’ve happen before post-season. Is getting to see a pitcher with that caliber of pitches.”
UCLA’s Briana Perez bunting during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA never trailed. The Bruins took the lead in the 4th inning. UCLA’s Briana Perez reached base with a walk. After a sack fly that moved Perez to 3rd, Jenecki stepped up to the plate and delivered a single to bring Perez home for a 1-0.
Freshman Holly Azevedo got the starting nod for the last game of the series and was impressive the entire afternoon. Azevedo pitched 5 2/3 innings striking out 7 batters, allowing 1 run.
ASU Denae Chatman cracking a solo home run during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Freshman Rachael Garcia finished off the game for the Bruins. Garcia struck out 3 in 3 1/3 innings.
The Bruins head into the Post-season ranked #1 and will hold regionals at home.
UCLA Kinsley Washington ready to bat during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
April 4, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
LA Football Club shows off the LAFC Performance Center $30 million facility will serve as home of the LAFC players, staff, coaches and academy on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles campus in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore
Carlos Vela in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, CA – LAFC forward Latif Blessing used his leaping ability to out jump MInnesota United defender Francisco Calvo and head it to Mark-Anthony Kaye who slammed it into the back of the net.
Kaye’s goal was the cushion LAFC needed as they held on to defeat Minnesota United 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday night.
“He can jump, that guy (Blessings),” Kaye said. “I knew he was capable of flicking it on. Sometimes you have to be in the right spot and thank God I was.”
LAFC (6-2-1) continued their unbeaten streak at home and remain second in the Western Conference with 19 points.
The Black and Gold got on the board first when Diego Rossi sent a low cross into the box to Eduard Atuesta who finished with ease in the 31st minute. It was Atueta’s first MLS goal.
LAFC continued the pressure in the second half and had multiple scoring opportunities but the third goal never came.
“I think tonight we saw some really good moments,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “I think we could’ve been sharper and better in the second half but overall, I think they did a really good job.”
With a short week between games , LAFC turns its attention to NYCFC who will travel to Los Angeles on Sunday for a Mother’s Day showdown.
“Every game we want to improve,” LAFC forward Carlos Vela said. “We want to be a better team.”
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
Atlanta, GA – This week Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes signed a contract extension that will make him the longest tenured coach in MLS. And ATL UTD 2 goalkeeper Paul Christensen signed a four-day contract with Atlanta United as an Extreme Hardship call-up due to injuries to usual backups Alec Kann and Mitch Hildebrandt.
Sporting KC traveled to Atlanta for a midweek matchup pitting the top team in the Western Conference against the top team in the Eastern Conference. Little did Christensen know, he would make his first-team debut in this environment, substituting for regular starter and US international Brad Guzan. Atlanta selected Christensen with the 70th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
In the 34th minute, Guzan attempted a sweeping kick save on Khiry Shelton who broke one-on-one on goal. Guzan missed the ball and swept Shelton’s legs, resulting in a red card ejection. Tito Villalba substituted off in exchange for bringing on Christensen in goal.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
Christensen described his entrance, “you don’t really have time to be nervous because you’re already thinking about the free kick.”
He did not have family in attendance but said his “family’s watching back home.” The free kick went high and the half ended 0-0.
When asked if he got a toe on the pass that led to the red card, Captain Michael Parkhurst explained “No I didn’t…I’m not sure how I missed it; I thought I had it. I think that’s why Brad froze—he thought I had it as well, but it skipped on the turf really quick and I just missed it.”
The red card changed the game drastically from what Atlanta fans perceived should have been a 1-0 halftime lead.
In the 6th minute, Josef Martinez scored a goal for United that referee Mark Geiger reversed for offside after a brief video review.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
On the shot, Atlanta’s Ezequiel Barco played a through ball toward Tito Villalba when KC defender Jimmy Medranda deflected the pass to Josef Martinez in an offside position (to receive a direct pass from Barco).
In a post-match interview, Geiger stated he ruled Medranda’s touch to be an unintentional deflection rather than an intentional playing of the ball, which resulted in Martinez being ruled offside.
Because Medranda extended his leg in a clear effort to derail the pass, the call remains controversial including across Major League Soccer and its analysts.
To Atlanta fans the call magnified over the course of the game as fans booed repeated calls for Sporting KC and repeated perceived no-calls for Atlanta.
The teams played an even game early in the second half, with both teams in the final third resulting in limited true chances. But ultimately the lost man hurt United.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
The impasse broke in the 67th minute when Kansas City’s Dániel Sallói curled in a shot from distance, bending it around a diving Paul Christensen and into the back of the net. Kansas City went up 1-0.
To Atlanta’s credit, the team searched hard for a goal throughout the second half. The dynamic offense remained dangerous and generated multiple shots, though Sporting KC’s defense remained disciplined. Tim Melia made several quality saves and deserved to be Sporting Kansas City’s man of the match.
Kevin Kratz substituted on for Atlanta in the 75th minute in place of Jeff Larentowicz. Calling upon his magic from the last home win against Montreal, Kratz took two free kicks from the top of the 18-yard box after the 80th minute. The second was nearly an exact replica of the first—both bent over the wall and onto frame as Melia made diving saves to his right.
Sporting KC finally put the match away with a late break by Gerso Fernandes in the 89th minute. Fernandes dribbled around Christensen in the box and placed a rolling shot toward goal. An attempted save by a racing Sal Zizzo became emblematic of United’s night as the great effort couldn’t stop the ball from rolling meekly into the goal. The score ended Kansas City 2-0 Atlanta.
Up next, Atlanta must recover tired legs to travel to Orlando this Sunday May 13th to take on one of the hottest teams in MLS on Mother’s Day. Sporting KC play next on Sunday May 20th at Minnesota United, where they will try to stay undefeated to start coach Peter Vermes’ new contract extension.
WNBA 2018: Stephanie Mavunga in the paint during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2018: Victoria Vivians shooting during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, Ind – After first few days of camp the Indiana Fever win their preseason opener over the visiting Chicago Sky 79-65 at Bankers Fieldhouse.
The Fever lead from start to finish with rookie Stephanie Mavunga leading all scores with 18 points, and 8 rebounds.
“Steph was tough and strong inside,” said Fever head coach Pokey Chatman, “You know, she’s only 6-3 and Chicago is a pretty big team, but she plays bigger, like she’s 6-4 or 6-5.”
WNBA 2018: Fever Head Coach Pokey Chatman during Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Playing aggressive on offense helped the Fever get to the line going 26-29 free throws attempts, which was 20 more attempted by the Sky.
“We did some good things and we got to the free throw line so that always makes a coach happy,” said Chatman, “but we got them and at this stage of the preseason, that’s what’s important.”
Alexis Peterson dropped 17 points, 10/10 from the free throw line for the Fever.
“I just wanted to come in, play with a lot of energy,” said Peterson, “I’m really excited.”
WNBA 2018: Bashaara Graves going to the basket during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Sky were led by Kahleah Copper and Cheyenne Parker with 10 points a piece off the bench.
After dropping their second preseason game, it was common theme about ironing out wrinkles and working on chemistry.
Indiana Fever will travel to DC next to play Washington Mystics on May 12, at 4pm (PST)
WNBA 2018: Preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
