The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced that the team has hired Gunter Kronsteiner as their new head coach. It will be his second reign with the club. His first match he will manage is on Wednesday night at Lockhart Stadium when the Strikers host Boca Juniors of Argentina in an international friendly game.
Kronsteiner had a previous tenure with Fort Lauderdale as he coached the entire 2014 season with the team which included a championship appearance against the San Antonio Scorpions in Soccer Bowl 2014. He did coach in 14 games during the 2013 Fall Season. Raoul Voss will also return to his post as an assistant coach which he held with the Strikers in 2013 and 2014.
Items on South Florida Sports, local sporting events and the sports media
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Florida Panthers Development Camp
The Florida Panthers began development camp for all their recent draft picks, prospects and AHL personnel at Incredible Ice in Coral Springs on Monday. There were 26 players who were in attendance.
The Panthers first round selection from the NHL Draft on Friday left wing Lawson Crouse was on the ice for the practice. Other picks made by the Cats from the draft in Sunrise on Saturday also appeared which included left wing Karch Bachman, center Patrick Shea, defenseman Thomas Schemitsch and goalie Samuel Montembeault.
Defenseman Michael Matherson and forward Rocco Grimaldi are players who were previously drafted by Florida prior to this year. Both have a good chance to make the roster to begin the regular season in October.
The Panthers first round selection from the NHL Draft on Friday left wing Lawson Crouse was on the ice for the practice. Other picks made by the Cats from the draft in Sunrise on Saturday also appeared which included left wing Karch Bachman, center Patrick Shea, defenseman Thomas Schemitsch and goalie Samuel Montembeault.
Defenseman Michael Matherson and forward Rocco Grimaldi are players who were previously drafted by Florida prior to this year. Both have a good chance to make the roster to begin the regular season in October.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Dodgers Blank Marlins
The Miami Marlins were shut out by the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 on Sunday at Marlins Park. The Fish have lost six of their last seven games while the Dodgers have won four of the last five games and lead the San Francisco Giants by one game in the National League West. The Marlins host a three-game series with the defending World Series champion Giants on Tuesday.
Los Angeles(43-34) took the lead during the fifth inning against Jose Urena. Jimmy Rollins led off with an infield single and went to second on a balk. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Zack Greinke to the pitcher. After Joc Pederson walked, Rollins scored on a fielder's choice to second by Howie Kendrick.
Miami(31-46) surrendered another run to the Dodgers in the top of the seventh on a two-out rally with Mike Dunn on the mound. Greinke first grounded out to short and then Pederson struck out. Kendrick followed with a walk and would cross the plate on an Adrian Gonzalez double into deep left-center field.
Los Angeles(43-34) took the lead during the fifth inning against Jose Urena. Jimmy Rollins led off with an infield single and went to second on a balk. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Zack Greinke to the pitcher. After Joc Pederson walked, Rollins scored on a fielder's choice to second by Howie Kendrick.
Miami(31-46) surrendered another run to the Dodgers in the top of the seventh on a two-out rally with Mike Dunn on the mound. Greinke first grounded out to short and then Pederson struck out. Kendrick followed with a walk and would cross the plate on an Adrian Gonzalez double into deep left-center field.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Florida Panthers Draft Lawson Crouse
The 2015 NHL Draft was held at BB&T Center this weekend and the Florida Panthers selected left wing Lawson Crouse in the first round with the 11th overall pick. Crouse, who was projected to be a top-six selection, slipped down for the Panthers to take. The Florida Panthers and the city of Sunrise had previously hosted the National Hockey League Draft back in 2001.
Crouse played junior hockey for the past two seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. He had 29 goals, 22 assists, 51 points and 70 penalty minutes in 56 games during the 2014-15 regular season. Crouse had improved his scoring numbers from 2013-14 when he had 15 goals, 12 assists, 27 points and 64 penalty minutes in 63 games.
He had represented Canada in several international competitions. He helped them win the IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championship in 2015 and the Ivan Hlinka Under-18 Tournament in 2014. His team finished third in the IIHF Under-18 World Championship in 2014.
The Panthers had no selections during the second round and had to wait until the third round to gain two more prospects. They chose Blainville-Boisbriand Armada goalie Samuel Montembeault as the 77th overall pick and Owen Sound Attack defenseman Thomas Schmetsch as the 88th overall pick.
Florida finished off the NHL Draft picking Zurich center Denis Malgin in the fourth round, Culver Military Academy left wing Karch Bachman in the fifth round and Tri-City Storm right wing Christopher Wilkie in the sixth round. The Cats had two selections in the seventh round with Kimball Union Academy center Patrick Shea and Johnstown Tomahawks goalie Ryan Bednard.
Crouse played junior hockey for the past two seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. He had 29 goals, 22 assists, 51 points and 70 penalty minutes in 56 games during the 2014-15 regular season. Crouse had improved his scoring numbers from 2013-14 when he had 15 goals, 12 assists, 27 points and 64 penalty minutes in 63 games.
He had represented Canada in several international competitions. He helped them win the IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championship in 2015 and the Ivan Hlinka Under-18 Tournament in 2014. His team finished third in the IIHF Under-18 World Championship in 2014.
The Panthers had no selections during the second round and had to wait until the third round to gain two more prospects. They chose Blainville-Boisbriand Armada goalie Samuel Montembeault as the 77th overall pick and Owen Sound Attack defenseman Thomas Schmetsch as the 88th overall pick.
Florida finished off the NHL Draft picking Zurich center Denis Malgin in the fourth round, Culver Military Academy left wing Karch Bachman in the fifth round and Tri-City Storm right wing Christopher Wilkie in the sixth round. The Cats had two selections in the seventh round with Kimball Union Academy center Patrick Shea and Johnstown Tomahawks goalie Ryan Bednard.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Miami Heat Draft Justise Winslow
The Miami Heat made a huge splash at the 2015 NBA Draft in Brooklyn on Thursday night and selected Duke University shooting forward Justise Winslow in the first round as the tenth overall pick. Winslow recently helped the Blue Devils win their fourth national championship in school history earlier this year. It was a major surprise that he was passed by several clubs after being considered a top-six selection by most draft experts.
The Heat were in the unusual position of picking early in the NBA Draft for the first time since 2008. That was the last time that the franchise had failed to make a playoff appearance. The Heat chose University of Tennessee shooting guard Josh Richardson in the second round as the 40th overall pick.
The Heat were in the unusual position of picking early in the NBA Draft for the first time since 2008. That was the last time that the franchise had failed to make a playoff appearance. The Heat chose University of Tennessee shooting guard Josh Richardson in the second round as the 40th overall pick.
Cardinals Sweep Marlins
The St. Louis Cardinals pulled off a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on Thursday night with a 5-1 victory at Marlins Park. The Fish have lost four consecutive games while the Cards have won three straight and 10 of their last 13 games.
In the third inning, St. Louis(48-24) chipped away for one run against Dan Haren. Pete Kozma was hit by a pitch with one out then Lance Lynn sacrificed him to second. Kolten Wong knocked in Kozma with an RBI-double to deep center field.
The Redbirds pulled away from Miami(30-44) with three runs during the seventh inning. Jon Jay and Randal Grichuk both got base hits to left field to begin the rally. Kozma attempted a sacrifice in front of the plate, Dee Gordon made a fielding error on the play and Jay scored. Haren left the game for Mike Dunn and Greg Garcia came in to pinch-hit for Lynn. Garcia reached base on a ground ball to the pitcher when he beat the throw to first and loaded the bases. Wong would walk and Grichuk crossed the plate. After Matt Carpenter struck out swinging, Steve Cishek relieved Dunn. Mark Reynolds followed and hit a sacrifice fly to shallow right field for Kozma to score.
Cishek gave up one additional run to the Cardinals in the top of the eighth to make it 5-0. Grichuk reached first on a bunt single down the third-base line with one out and then scored on a single to shallow center by Kozma.
The Cardinals brought in Calos Villanueva for the bottom of the ninth to close out the game. He was able to get out Justin Bour and Jeff Baker on fly balls to the outfield. Adeiny Hechavarria broke the shutout as he took a 1-0 pitch over the fence in left field for his fourth home run of the season.
In the third inning, St. Louis(48-24) chipped away for one run against Dan Haren. Pete Kozma was hit by a pitch with one out then Lance Lynn sacrificed him to second. Kolten Wong knocked in Kozma with an RBI-double to deep center field.
The Redbirds pulled away from Miami(30-44) with three runs during the seventh inning. Jon Jay and Randal Grichuk both got base hits to left field to begin the rally. Kozma attempted a sacrifice in front of the plate, Dee Gordon made a fielding error on the play and Jay scored. Haren left the game for Mike Dunn and Greg Garcia came in to pinch-hit for Lynn. Garcia reached base on a ground ball to the pitcher when he beat the throw to first and loaded the bases. Wong would walk and Grichuk crossed the plate. After Matt Carpenter struck out swinging, Steve Cishek relieved Dunn. Mark Reynolds followed and hit a sacrifice fly to shallow right field for Kozma to score.
Cishek gave up one additional run to the Cardinals in the top of the eighth to make it 5-0. Grichuk reached first on a bunt single down the third-base line with one out and then scored on a single to shallow center by Kozma.
The Cardinals brought in Calos Villanueva for the bottom of the ninth to close out the game. He was able to get out Justin Bour and Jeff Baker on fly balls to the outfield. Adeiny Hechavarria broke the shutout as he took a 1-0 pitch over the fence in left field for his fourth home run of the season.
Florida Panthers Release Schedule
The Florida Panthers have announced their schedule for the upcoming 2015-16 season. They will open the season at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 10 and finish the campaign at home versus the Carolina Hurricanes on April 9.
The Panthers will play all their Northeast Division rivals twice at home and away except the Ottawa Senators who they will face three times at BB&T Center in Sunrise. Florida travels to face their cross-state rivals and defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning three times in 2015-16.
The rotation of teams from the Metropolitan Division that will show up in South Florida twice this season includes the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. The New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets will appear once.
Every club from the Western Conference will play once in Sunrise and host the Panthers once this season. The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Cats on January 22.
The teams from the most populated cities in the United States show up in South Florida around Thanksgiving week with a string of five straight games. They face the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders.
Florida will host six consecutive contests during the holiday season in late December and the first week of January. They will meet the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild. The Panthers will not play a game on December 31 during an 82-game season for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
The Panthers will play all their Northeast Division rivals twice at home and away except the Ottawa Senators who they will face three times at BB&T Center in Sunrise. Florida travels to face their cross-state rivals and defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning three times in 2015-16.
The rotation of teams from the Metropolitan Division that will show up in South Florida twice this season includes the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. The New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets will appear once.
Every club from the Western Conference will play once in Sunrise and host the Panthers once this season. The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Cats on January 22.
The teams from the most populated cities in the United States show up in South Florida around Thanksgiving week with a string of five straight games. They face the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders.
Florida will host six consecutive contests during the holiday season in late December and the first week of January. They will meet the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild. The Panthers will not play a game on December 31 during an 82-game season for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Cardinals Fly By Marlins
The Miami Marlins continued their losing skid with a 6-1 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night at Marlins Park. The Fish have lost their last six of their last seven games. The Redbirds, with the best record in Major League Baseball, have been victorious in eight of their last 11 games.
Things started off well for Miami(30-43) in the second inning against Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime Garcia. Giancarlo Stanton led off and hit the first pitch to center field for his 27th home run of the season.
St. Louis(47-24) bounced back with two runs during the top of the third off Marlins starting pitcher Mat Latos. Randal Grichuk got on base with a one-out walk and advanced to second on a ground out by Garcia to first. Kolten Wong followed with a two-run homer to right field on the first pitch for his ninth home run of the year.
The Cards extended their lead to 5-1 in the seventh inning with a quick none-out rally. Jhonny Peralta singled to left-center field then Mark Reynolds walked. Jason Heyward came up a smashed a three-run homer to right field on a 1-0 count for his ninth homer.
In the eighth inning, Miami reliever Brad Hand surrendered one run. Garcia and Wong had consecutive base hits to right field. Matt Carpenter knocked in Garcia with a single into right field, but was tagged out at second when he tried to advance on the relay throw.
Things started off well for Miami(30-43) in the second inning against Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime Garcia. Giancarlo Stanton led off and hit the first pitch to center field for his 27th home run of the season.
St. Louis(47-24) bounced back with two runs during the top of the third off Marlins starting pitcher Mat Latos. Randal Grichuk got on base with a one-out walk and advanced to second on a ground out by Garcia to first. Kolten Wong followed with a two-run homer to right field on the first pitch for his ninth home run of the year.
The Cards extended their lead to 5-1 in the seventh inning with a quick none-out rally. Jhonny Peralta singled to left-center field then Mark Reynolds walked. Jason Heyward came up a smashed a three-run homer to right field on a 1-0 count for his ninth homer.
In the eighth inning, Miami reliever Brad Hand surrendered one run. Garcia and Wong had consecutive base hits to right field. Matt Carpenter knocked in Garcia with a single into right field, but was tagged out at second when he tried to advance on the relay throw.
Aaron Ekblad Wins Calder Trophy
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad won the Calder Trophy on Wednesday night in Las Vegas for the best rookie in the National Hockey League during the 2014-15 season. He beat out Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames and Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators for the award. He joins Panthers teammate Jonathan Huberdeau who won the honor in 2012-13.
Ekblad was the first overall pick by the Florida Panthers at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in Philadelphia. He played 81 games for the Cats this past season and set several franchise records with the club. They included 12 goals, 27 assists and 39 points as a Panthers rookie defenseman.
Ekblad was the first overall pick by the Florida Panthers at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in Philadelphia. He played 81 games for the Cats this past season and set several franchise records with the club. They included 12 goals, 27 assists and 39 points as a Panthers rookie defenseman.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Patrick Peterson On Magazine Cover
Former South Florida high school football player Patrick Peterson appears on the annual preview magazine cover of Pro Football Weekly. Peterson has played cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals during the last four seasons and has 15 interceptions along with 194 solo tackles. He was drafted fifth overall in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Cardinals.
Peterson was known as Patrick Johnson when he played high school football for the Blanche Ely Tigers from 2004 until 2007. He was used in every part of the game by the Tigers which included cornerback, wide receiver, quarterback and punter. His final game with Blanche Ely was a heartbreaking loss in a 2007 Class 5A regional quarterfinal game to St. Thomas Aquinas 13-12.
He left for LSU to play his college football where he had 98 unassisted tackles, seven interceptions in 37 games with the Tigers in three seasons. He won the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award during his junior year in 2010.
Peterson was known as Patrick Johnson when he played high school football for the Blanche Ely Tigers from 2004 until 2007. He was used in every part of the game by the Tigers which included cornerback, wide receiver, quarterback and punter. His final game with Blanche Ely was a heartbreaking loss in a 2007 Class 5A regional quarterfinal game to St. Thomas Aquinas 13-12.
He left for LSU to play his college football where he had 98 unassisted tackles, seven interceptions in 37 games with the Tigers in three seasons. He won the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award during his junior year in 2010.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Andy King Exits WQAM
Andy King is about to leave Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM for a radio position in New York City. He is currently the producer for the Marc Hochman and Zach Krantz afternoon show on the station. King added duties at WQAM as the afternoon sports anchor earlier this month. He will join the NBA channel and NFL channel at Sirius XM Radio.
King, a University of Miami grad, began his professional broadcasting career as a producer at 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM from 2004 until 2012. He moved to WQAM in the spring of 2012 as the assistant program director and executive producer of the Dan Sileo Show.
He was given the title of interim program director when Lee Feldman left the organization in July 2012. King would move back to the assistant program director post in late August 2012 when Jorge Sedano arrived. He was promoted to program director in September 2013 when Sedano left for ESPN. King held that position until April 2015 and was replaced by Ryan Maguire.
King, a University of Miami grad, began his professional broadcasting career as a producer at 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM from 2004 until 2012. He moved to WQAM in the spring of 2012 as the assistant program director and executive producer of the Dan Sileo Show.
He was given the title of interim program director when Lee Feldman left the organization in July 2012. King would move back to the assistant program director post in late August 2012 when Jorge Sedano arrived. He was promoted to program director in September 2013 when Sedano left for ESPN. King held that position until April 2015 and was replaced by Ryan Maguire.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Phil Latzman Leaving Miami
Longtime Miami radio sportscaster Phil Latzman will soon be leaving South Florida. He is expected to join KJZZ-FM in Phoenix next month. Latzman spent the last two years working with Tribune Company.
He began his broadcasting career in an off-air capacity at WABC-AM in New York City as a producer for the Rush Limbaugh Show. He then relocated to South Florida where he held an on-air position at News Radio 610 WIOD-AM.
Latzman was hired by 560 WQAM-AM in late September 1991 as the studio host of the Miami Heat Radio Network and as a sports reporter for the station. He moved on to 940 WINZ-AM when the radio rights shifted from WQAM during the summer of 1993.
He became the sports director and sports anchor at WINZ along with being the studio host of the Miami Heat Radio Network during the 1993-94 season. Latzman retook the Miami Heat studio host position in July 1996, following a two-year tenure by Ed Kaplan, when the radio rights moved over to sister-station WIOD. He also replaced Jeff DeForrest as the sports director and sports anchor in late 1996.
Latzman added duties as an evening sports host at WIOD in the late 1990s and would remain the studio host of Miami Heat Radio Network through the 2001-02 season. He was released by Clear Channel Communications in June 2002. Latzman joined WLRN-FM where he worked for over a decade in several capacities which included news anchor, talk show host and news reporter until July 2013.
He began his broadcasting career in an off-air capacity at WABC-AM in New York City as a producer for the Rush Limbaugh Show. He then relocated to South Florida where he held an on-air position at News Radio 610 WIOD-AM.
Latzman was hired by 560 WQAM-AM in late September 1991 as the studio host of the Miami Heat Radio Network and as a sports reporter for the station. He moved on to 940 WINZ-AM when the radio rights shifted from WQAM during the summer of 1993.
He became the sports director and sports anchor at WINZ along with being the studio host of the Miami Heat Radio Network during the 1993-94 season. Latzman retook the Miami Heat studio host position in July 1996, following a two-year tenure by Ed Kaplan, when the radio rights moved over to sister-station WIOD. He also replaced Jeff DeForrest as the sports director and sports anchor in late 1996.
Latzman added duties as an evening sports host at WIOD in the late 1990s and would remain the studio host of Miami Heat Radio Network through the 2001-02 season. He was released by Clear Channel Communications in June 2002. Latzman joined WLRN-FM where he worked for over a decade in several capacities which included news anchor, talk show host and news reporter until July 2013.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Yankees Get Revenge On Marlins
The Miami Marlins had their four-game winning streak snapped as they lost to the New York Yankees 2-1 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. The Fish had defeated the Yanks two consecutive games in Miami prior to this contest.
In the first inning, New York(35-30) jumped out to a 1-0 margin against Marlins pitcher Jose Urena. Chase Headley reached first with one out when he was hit by a pitch. Brian McCann grounded out to first and Headley advanced to second. Alex Rodriguez came up and drove in Headley with a base hit to center field as he picked up his career 2,002nd RBI.
The Bronx Bombers rallied with another run during the fifth inning to make it 2-0. Headley singled to center field with one out then McCann lined out to left. Rodriguez followed with a single into center for his 2,997th career base hit and former Marlin Garrett Jones walked to load the bases. Carlos Beltran singled to center to knock in Headley, but Rodriguez was tagged at home on a strong throw by Marcell Ozuna. It was the fourth assist by Ozuna from the outfield this year.
Miami(29-38) had to wait until the sixth inning to break up the no-hitter by Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda. Christian Yelich led off the frame and hit the first pitch over the right-center field for his fourth home run of the season which ended the shutout.
In the first inning, New York(35-30) jumped out to a 1-0 margin against Marlins pitcher Jose Urena. Chase Headley reached first with one out when he was hit by a pitch. Brian McCann grounded out to first and Headley advanced to second. Alex Rodriguez came up and drove in Headley with a base hit to center field as he picked up his career 2,002nd RBI.
The Bronx Bombers rallied with another run during the fifth inning to make it 2-0. Headley singled to center field with one out then McCann lined out to left. Rodriguez followed with a single into center for his 2,997th career base hit and former Marlin Garrett Jones walked to load the bases. Carlos Beltran singled to center to knock in Headley, but Rodriguez was tagged at home on a strong throw by Marcell Ozuna. It was the fourth assist by Ozuna from the outfield this year.
Miami(29-38) had to wait until the sixth inning to break up the no-hitter by Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda. Christian Yelich led off the frame and hit the first pitch over the right-center field for his fourth home run of the season which ended the shutout.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Marlins Bash Yankees
It was the second game of a two-game set as the Miami Marlins pounded the New York Yankees 12-2 on Tuesday night at Marlins Park. Both teams will face each other in the next two days at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.
Both clubs started pitchers that were traded for each other back on December 19, 2014 as Nathan Eovaldi went for the Yanks while David Phelps threw for the Fish. It did not last long for Eovaldi who got blasted for eight runs during the first inning.
After Dee Gordon grounded out, Derek Dietrich singled to left field to begin the rally for Miami(29-37). Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton then hit infield base hits. Dietrich and Yelich would score on a single to right field by Marcell Ozuna. Justin Bour followed with a single into right field to bring in Stanton and then J.T. Realmuto knocked in Ozuna with an RBI-single to right to make it 4-0.
Adeiny Hechavarria ripped a double into left-center field as Bour and Realmuto crossed the plate. After Phelps grounded out to short, Gordon got a base hit to right field which brought home Hechavarria. Gordon would expanded the lead to 8-0 as he scored on a double by Dietrich into right-center field.
New York(34-30) surrendered three more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Chris Capuano was on the mound when he gave up a one-out base hit by Gordon. Dietrich struck out then Yelich walked. Chris Martin replaced Capuano and Stanton smacked a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right field for his 24th home run of the season.
The Yankees pulled off a two-out rally in the sixth inning to break the shutout. Didi Gregorius singled to right-center field and Mark Teixeira followed with a walk. Brian McCann connected with a base hit to right as Gregorius scored.
Both clubs started pitchers that were traded for each other back on December 19, 2014 as Nathan Eovaldi went for the Yanks while David Phelps threw for the Fish. It did not last long for Eovaldi who got blasted for eight runs during the first inning.
After Dee Gordon grounded out, Derek Dietrich singled to left field to begin the rally for Miami(29-37). Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton then hit infield base hits. Dietrich and Yelich would score on a single to right field by Marcell Ozuna. Justin Bour followed with a single into right field to bring in Stanton and then J.T. Realmuto knocked in Ozuna with an RBI-single to right to make it 4-0.
Adeiny Hechavarria ripped a double into left-center field as Bour and Realmuto crossed the plate. After Phelps grounded out to short, Gordon got a base hit to right field which brought home Hechavarria. Gordon would expanded the lead to 8-0 as he scored on a double by Dietrich into right-center field.
New York(34-30) surrendered three more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Chris Capuano was on the mound when he gave up a one-out base hit by Gordon. Dietrich struck out then Yelich walked. Chris Martin replaced Capuano and Stanton smacked a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right field for his 24th home run of the season.
The Yankees pulled off a two-out rally in the sixth inning to break the shutout. Didi Gregorius singled to right-center field and Mark Teixeira followed with a walk. Brian McCann connected with a base hit to right as Gregorius scored.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Marlins Get By Yankees
The Miami Marlins held the Yankees to just three hits in the game as they edged New York 2-1 on Monday night at Marlins Park. The Fish have won four of their last five games while the Bronx Bombers have fallen in four of their last five. This was the first in a four-game span in which both clubs will host two games each at home.
New York(34-29) started off strong in the top of the second against Marlins starting pitcher Tom Koehler. Mark Teixeira began with solo homer to right-center field on a 3-1 pitch for his 18th home run of the season.
Miami(28-37) responded in the bottom of the second with one run off Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka to even the contest. After J.T. Realmuto flew out to right, Derek Dietrich doubled into left field. Adeiny Hechavarria followed with a base hit to left field which brought home Dietrich.
In the seventh inning, the Marlins took their first lead of the game. Dietrich led off and smacked his first home run of the year to right field on a 2-0 pitch.
New York(34-29) started off strong in the top of the second against Marlins starting pitcher Tom Koehler. Mark Teixeira began with solo homer to right-center field on a 3-1 pitch for his 18th home run of the season.
Miami(28-37) responded in the bottom of the second with one run off Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka to even the contest. After J.T. Realmuto flew out to right, Derek Dietrich doubled into left field. Adeiny Hechavarria followed with a base hit to left field which brought home Dietrich.
In the seventh inning, the Marlins took their first lead of the game. Dietrich led off and smacked his first home run of the year to right field on a 2-0 pitch.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Dusty Rhodes Dead
Former professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes died on Thursday at the age of 69. Rhodes, known for his gimmick as The American Dream, was one of the most popular wrestlers in history and won the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship on three occasions.
Rhodes was a staple and the top box-office draw for Florida Championship Wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s. He performed on local television and at venues in South Florida including the Hollywood Sportatorium, the Knight Center, the West Palm Beach Auditorium and the Orange Bowl. Rhodes held the Florida Heavyweight Championship belt numerous times from 1978 to 1983.
Following his stint in Florida, Rhodes moved on to Mid-Atlantic Wrestling to work for Jim Crockett Promotions. He would appear regularly on Superstation WTBS in Atlanta during the mid-1980s as the top fan favorite. Rhodes would win almost every championship belt in the organization which included the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the United States Championship, the NWA Television Championship and the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship with the Road Warriors.
His best year was in 1986 when he captured the NWA Heavyweight Championship from Nature Boy Ric Flair. He would hold the belt for just several weeks during his third reign as champion before Flair regained it. Rhodes was involved in a War Games match at the Orange Bowl in July 1986 which had over 50,000 in attendance. His team consisting of him, Nikita Koloff and the Road Warriors defeated The Four Horsemen in that match.
Rhodes had two stints with what is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1977. Rhodes battled Superstar Billy Graham for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship in a feud, but was unable to capture the title.
He would rejoin that organization then known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1989 and never won any of their titles when he left in 1991. Rhodes was known to wear black trunks that had yellow dots on them during this tenure.
Rhodes was a staple and the top box-office draw for Florida Championship Wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s. He performed on local television and at venues in South Florida including the Hollywood Sportatorium, the Knight Center, the West Palm Beach Auditorium and the Orange Bowl. Rhodes held the Florida Heavyweight Championship belt numerous times from 1978 to 1983.
Following his stint in Florida, Rhodes moved on to Mid-Atlantic Wrestling to work for Jim Crockett Promotions. He would appear regularly on Superstation WTBS in Atlanta during the mid-1980s as the top fan favorite. Rhodes would win almost every championship belt in the organization which included the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the United States Championship, the NWA Television Championship and the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship with the Road Warriors.
His best year was in 1986 when he captured the NWA Heavyweight Championship from Nature Boy Ric Flair. He would hold the belt for just several weeks during his third reign as champion before Flair regained it. Rhodes was involved in a War Games match at the Orange Bowl in July 1986 which had over 50,000 in attendance. His team consisting of him, Nikita Koloff and the Road Warriors defeated The Four Horsemen in that match.
Rhodes had two stints with what is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1977. Rhodes battled Superstar Billy Graham for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship in a feud, but was unable to capture the title.
He would rejoin that organization then known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1989 and never won any of their titles when he left in 1991. Rhodes was known to wear black trunks that had yellow dots on them during this tenure.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Blue Jays Come Back On Marlins
The Toronto Blue Jays pulled off a ninth-inning comeback as they got by the Miami Marlins 4-3 at Rogers Centre on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays extended their win streak to seven games while the Fish have lost three of their last four games.
Giancarlo Stanton would hit the first of two home runs in the game during the first inning for Miami(24-35) against former Marlin pitcher Mark Buehrle. He hit a solo home run to left-center field on a 1-0 pitch for his 20th homer. Christian Yelich added another solo homer to right-center field in the fourth inning for the Fish to make it 2-0.
Toronto(30-30) evened it up in the bottom of the fourth with two runs off Dan Haren. Jose Reyes led off with a double to deep right field and Josh Donaldson followed with a base hit to left. Reyes would score on a sacrifice fly to right field. Edwin Encarnacion then sacrificed home Donaldson with a fly ball to left.
Stanton once again hit another solo home run for the Marlins in the seventh inning for his 21st homer of the season, however this time it was surrendered by Roberto Osuna on a 2-2 count.
A.J. Ramos was brought in by Miami to get the save and he failed. Donaldson started with a base hit to right field then Bautista struck out. Encarnacion came up and hit the first pitch over the center-field wall for a game-winning walk-off home run and the 4-3 victory.
Giancarlo Stanton would hit the first of two home runs in the game during the first inning for Miami(24-35) against former Marlin pitcher Mark Buehrle. He hit a solo home run to left-center field on a 1-0 pitch for his 20th homer. Christian Yelich added another solo homer to right-center field in the fourth inning for the Fish to make it 2-0.
Toronto(30-30) evened it up in the bottom of the fourth with two runs off Dan Haren. Jose Reyes led off with a double to deep right field and Josh Donaldson followed with a base hit to left. Reyes would score on a sacrifice fly to right field. Edwin Encarnacion then sacrificed home Donaldson with a fly ball to left.
Stanton once again hit another solo home run for the Marlins in the seventh inning for his 21st homer of the season, however this time it was surrendered by Roberto Osuna on a 2-2 count.
A.J. Ramos was brought in by Miami to get the save and he failed. Donaldson started with a base hit to right field then Bautista struck out. Encarnacion came up and hit the first pitch over the center-field wall for a game-winning walk-off home run and the 4-3 victory.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Miami Ratings May 2015
The Miami/Fort Lauderdale region for sports format radio stations was topped by 104.3 The Ticket WAXY-FM for the 21st consecutive month. It was a monthly period where all three competitors in the market remained stable.
104.3 The Ticket slightly dropped from a 1.6 to a 1.5 in May. It was the second straight month that they fell in the ratings. No play-by-play broadcasts of the Miami Heat did not help matters.
Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM stayed flat at a 1.1 and finished in second place while gaining ground. It has helped that the University of Miami Hurricanes baseball team has played well in the regular season. In addition, Ryan Maguire was named the new program director at WQAM during the ratings period.
Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM remained the same for the fourth consecutive month with a 0.2 in May. It is general surprise considering that the Miami Marlins broadcasts were expected to bump the ratings up for the station.
104.3 The Ticket slightly dropped from a 1.6 to a 1.5 in May. It was the second straight month that they fell in the ratings. No play-by-play broadcasts of the Miami Heat did not help matters.
Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM stayed flat at a 1.1 and finished in second place while gaining ground. It has helped that the University of Miami Hurricanes baseball team has played well in the regular season. In addition, Ryan Maguire was named the new program director at WQAM during the ratings period.
Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM remained the same for the fourth consecutive month with a 0.2 in May. It is general surprise considering that the Miami Marlins broadcasts were expected to bump the ratings up for the station.
Blue Jays Blitz Marlins
The Miami Marlins went up to Canada and were pounded 11-3 by the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night at Rogers Centre. The Fish are currently 2-2 on their six-game road trip while the Blue Jays extended their winning streak to six games.
Toronto(29-30) exploded on Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand with six runs in the first inning. Former Marlin Jose Reyes first single to right then two batters later Jose Bautista singled to left-center. Chris Colabello then got a base hit to center field which scored Reyes. After Russell Martin walked, Danny Valencia doubled off the top of the right-center field wall as Bautista and Colabello scored to make it 3-0. Kevin Pillar followed with a two-run single to center field for Martin and Valencia to score. Pillar would cross the plate two batters later when Munenori Kawasaki hit a ground-rule double to left .
The bright spot for Miami(24-34) was during the fourth inning when Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer to right-center field with none out against Marco Estrada. It was his sixth homer in the last nine games and his 19th home run of the season. Martin Prado had singled to center field prior to that.
Toronto(29-30) exploded on Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand with six runs in the first inning. Former Marlin Jose Reyes first single to right then two batters later Jose Bautista singled to left-center. Chris Colabello then got a base hit to center field which scored Reyes. After Russell Martin walked, Danny Valencia doubled off the top of the right-center field wall as Bautista and Colabello scored to make it 3-0. Kevin Pillar followed with a two-run single to center field for Martin and Valencia to score. Pillar would cross the plate two batters later when Munenori Kawasaki hit a ground-rule double to left .
The bright spot for Miami(24-34) was during the fourth inning when Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer to right-center field with none out against Marco Estrada. It was his sixth homer in the last nine games and his 19th home run of the season. Martin Prado had singled to center field prior to that.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Strikers Fall To Indy
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played their final home game of the NASL spring season and lost to the Indy Eleven 2-1 on Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium. The Strikers, currently in tenth place, are now winless in their last six games. Their next home game will be on July 11 against FC Edmonton.
Indy(2-3-4) scored the winning goal during the 90th minute of play with four minutes into injury time. Victor Pineda put in his second goal of the contest from 16 yards away. He scored an earlier goal at the 44th minute. Stefano Pinho scored in his second consecutive game for Fort Lauderdale(2-5-2) during the 23rd minute on a head ball from short distance.
Indy(2-3-4) scored the winning goal during the 90th minute of play with four minutes into injury time. Victor Pineda put in his second goal of the contest from 16 yards away. He scored an earlier goal at the 44th minute. Stefano Pinho scored in his second consecutive game for Fort Lauderdale(2-5-2) during the 23rd minute on a head ball from short distance.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Marlins Drop Cubs
The Miami Marlins finished up their short three-game homestand with a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night. The Fish have won four of their last five home games along with their two recent series. They now travel to Denver for a weekend series with the Colorado Rockies.
Miami(22-32) compiled four runs during a rally in the second inning against Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester. Marcell Ozuna got a one-out single to center field and advanced to second on a base hit to left by Ichiro Suzuki. J.T. Realmuto knocked in Ozuna with a stand-up double down the left-field line for a 1-0 lead. Adeiny Hechavarria followed with an infield single up the middle to score Ichiro from third base.
After Dan Haren popped out on a bunt attempt to the right side, Dee Gordon barely beat out an infield hit to short and Realmuto crossed the plate. Martin Prado made it a four-run lead for the Fish when he drove Hechavarria in on an RBI-single to right field.
The Marlins extended their margin to 6-0 on back-to-back home runs. Giancarlo Stanton came up with one out and crushed his 17th homer of the season on a 2-1 pitch to center field. Jeff Baker followed with a round-tripper as he hit one to left with a 0-2 count.
Chicago(27-24) broke the shutout during the top of the sixth inning as they got three runs. Anthony Rizzo was able to walk with one out then Junior Lake blasted a two-run homer to left field on a 0-1 pitch. Later in the frame, Matt Szczur singled to center field and brought in Starlin Castro on the play.
The Fish added one more run in the bottom of the sixth. Hechavarria led off with a double to left-center field. Three batters later, he scored on an infield single by Prado against Edwin Jackson.
Miami(22-32) compiled four runs during a rally in the second inning against Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester. Marcell Ozuna got a one-out single to center field and advanced to second on a base hit to left by Ichiro Suzuki. J.T. Realmuto knocked in Ozuna with a stand-up double down the left-field line for a 1-0 lead. Adeiny Hechavarria followed with an infield single up the middle to score Ichiro from third base.
After Dan Haren popped out on a bunt attempt to the right side, Dee Gordon barely beat out an infield hit to short and Realmuto crossed the plate. Martin Prado made it a four-run lead for the Fish when he drove Hechavarria in on an RBI-single to right field.
The Marlins extended their margin to 6-0 on back-to-back home runs. Giancarlo Stanton came up with one out and crushed his 17th homer of the season on a 2-1 pitch to center field. Jeff Baker followed with a round-tripper as he hit one to left with a 0-2 count.
Chicago(27-24) broke the shutout during the top of the sixth inning as they got three runs. Anthony Rizzo was able to walk with one out then Junior Lake blasted a two-run homer to left field on a 0-1 pitch. Later in the frame, Matt Szczur singled to center field and brought in Starlin Castro on the play.
The Fish added one more run in the bottom of the sixth. Hechavarria led off with a double to left-center field. Three batters later, he scored on an infield single by Prado against Edwin Jackson.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Marlins Beat Cubs
The Miami Marlins continued their short three-game homestand on Tuesday night as they defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-2 at Marlins Park. The Fish have won three of their last four home games while the Cubbies had a two-game win streak snapped.
Miami(21-32) opened the scoring during second inning. Marcell Ozuna led off with an infield single. He reached third on consecutive ground outs by Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto. Ozuna would score on a ground-rule double to right field by Adeiny Hechavarria.
In the third inning, Chicago(27-23) came back with two runs against Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand. Dexter Fowler reached first on an infield hit with one out then Kris Bryant flew out to left. Fowler scored when Anthony Rizzo lashed a line drive down the right-field line for a double. Junior Lake followed with another double down the foul line in right field and Rizzo crossed the plate to give the Cubs their first lead of the game.
The Fish regained the lead in the fifth inning with three runs off Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks. Hand first walked and advanced to second on a bunt single by Dee Gordon. Martin Prado walked to load the bases for Miami. Three batters later, Ozuna nailed a three-run double to right field which scored Hand, Gordon and Prado to make it 4-2.
Giancarlo Stanton got his 16th home run of the season with two out in the bottom of the sixth to extend the Marlins lead to 5-2. He smacked a 1-2 pitch barely over the wall in right-center field against reliever Zac Rosscup.
Miami(21-32) opened the scoring during second inning. Marcell Ozuna led off with an infield single. He reached third on consecutive ground outs by Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto. Ozuna would score on a ground-rule double to right field by Adeiny Hechavarria.
In the third inning, Chicago(27-23) came back with two runs against Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand. Dexter Fowler reached first on an infield hit with one out then Kris Bryant flew out to left. Fowler scored when Anthony Rizzo lashed a line drive down the right-field line for a double. Junior Lake followed with another double down the foul line in right field and Rizzo crossed the plate to give the Cubs their first lead of the game.
The Fish regained the lead in the fifth inning with three runs off Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks. Hand first walked and advanced to second on a bunt single by Dee Gordon. Martin Prado walked to load the bases for Miami. Three batters later, Ozuna nailed a three-run double to right field which scored Hand, Gordon and Prado to make it 4-2.
Giancarlo Stanton got his 16th home run of the season with two out in the bottom of the sixth to extend the Marlins lead to 5-2. He smacked a 1-2 pitch barely over the wall in right-center field against reliever Zac Rosscup.