Thursday, August 31, 2023

Marlins Roll By Nationals

     The Miami Marlins compiled a 6-1 victory over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday night. The Marlins have won four of their last 14 contests. 
     Miami(67-67) scored in the top of the first and ended a scoreless streak of 16 innings. Bryan De La Cruz doubled to the left-field wall and Luis Arraez crossed the plate. 
     It became 3-0 for the Marlins in the third inning. Arraez grounded into a double play and Jesus Sanchez scored. 
     The Fish upped their lead to a five-run margin in the top of the fifth. Jazz Chisholm, Jr. lifted a three-run homer to right field on a 2-1 pitch with Josh Bell and Jake Burger aboard. Chisholm collected his 14th home run of the season on the play. 
     Washington(62-73) answered back in the bottom of the fifth and trailed 5-1. C.J. Abrams hit a sacrifice fly to center field and Jake Alu scored. 
     The Marlins added one more run and led 6-1 in the ninth inning. Burger smacked a solo home run to left-center field for his 28th homer in 2023. 

Phillip Dorsett Heads To Broncos

     Phillip Dorsett has signed a contract with the Denver Broncos and will be placed on their practice squad. He was released a couple of days ago by the Las Vegas Raiders. 
     Dorsett played high school football with the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. He ended up winning three FHSAA Class 5A state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2010. Dorsett later was a wide receiver with the University of Miami Hurricanes. 
     He split his first NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. Dorsett helped the Pats win Super Bowl LIII. He spent last two seasons with the Houston Texans. 

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Inter Miami CF Tie Nashville SC

     Inter Miami CF tied Nashville SC 0-0 at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night. Lionel Messi participated in his first Major League Soccer home game with his new team. 
     Both Inter Miami CF(6-14-4) and Nashville SC(11-9-5) faced each other just 11 days ago in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship. Inter Miami CF prevailed in penalty kicks to get that victory. 

Rays Outlast Marlins

     The Tampa Bay Rays disposed the Miami Marlins 3-0 in 10 innings on Wednesday night at loanDepot park. The Marlins begin a four-game series at the Washington Nationals tomorrow. 
     The Rays clinched a winning record for the sixth consecutive year. The Marlins are below the .500 mark for the first time since May 25 when they were 25-26.
     Tampa Bay(82-62) eventually broke the tie against Miami((66-67) in the top of the 10th. Josh Lowe knocked in Jose Siri on a base hit into right field. Two batters later, Jonathan Aranda and Lowe scored on a single through the left side by Randy Arozarena. 

Dolphins Cut Myles Gaskin, Signs With Vikings

     The Miami Dolphins let go of running back Myles Gaskin. He did not stay unemployed for long as he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. 
     Gaskin was selected in the seventh round by the Dolphins in 2019. He compiled 1,355 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his four seasons with Miami. 

Mark Pysyk Moves To Penguins

     Former Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk will attempt to join the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has agreed to a professional tryout offer from the team. He was out throughout the 2022-23 season with the Detroit Red Wings due to an injury. 
     Pysyk was with the Florida Panthers for four seasons from 2016-17 to 2019-20. He chalked 62 points in 292 games with the club. 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Rays Rout Marlins

     The Tampa Bay Rays blasted the Miami Marlins 11-2 at loanDepot park on Tuesday night. It was the first contest of a two-game series between both teams. 
     Miami(66-66) scored first in the opening frame. The Marlins would regain the lead 2-1 during the bottom of the third. 
     Tampa Bay(81-52) would score 10 unanswered runs for the rest of the game. The Rays compiled three runs in the sixth, four runs in the seventh and three runs in the ninth. 

Dolphins Trading Noah Igbinoghene

     The Miami Dolphins have made another deal prior to the start of the 2023 season. They are trading defensive back Noah Igbinoghene to the Dallas Cowboys for defensive back Kelvin Joseph. 
     Igbinoghene was involved in 32 contests during his three seasons with the team. Joseph participated in 26 games for the Cowboys in the last two seasons. 

Dolphins Dropping Robbie Chosen

     The Miami Dolphins will be letting go wide receiver Robbie Chosen. He was signed by Miami back in April. 
     Chosen split his time during the 2022 regular season with the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the New York Jets from 2016 to 2019. 

Isan Diaz Leaving Tigers

     Former Miami Marlins infielder Isan Diaz has decided to leave the Detroit Tigers and become a free agent. Diaz was with the Marlins from 2019 to 2021 and played in 145 games. 
     He began the 2023 campaign with the San Francisco Giants and appeared in six games. Diaz was selected off waivers by the Tigers and participated in two contests. 

Dolphins Dealing Dan Feeney

     The Miami Dolphins will be trading away offensive lineman Dan Sweeney to the Chicago Bears. He signed with the Fins back in March. 
    Feeney began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He spent his last two seasons with the New York Jets. 

Monday, August 28, 2023

NHL Network Adds Jason Demers

     Former Florida Panthers defenseman Jason Demers has entered the broadcasting field. He started as a studio analyst at NHL Network on Monday. 
     Demers played for the Florida Panthers during the 2016-17 season. He ended up participating in 81 games and chalked up 28 points. He finished his 13-season NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers in 2022-23. 

Michael Irvin Joins Undisputed

     Michael Irvin began as a new co-host of Undisputed at FOX Sports 1 on Monday. He recently was a Monday co-host of First Take on ESPN. 
     Irvin, a St. Thomas Aquinas grad, played football for them along with the University of Miami Hurricanes. He later spent his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and captured three Super Bowl titles. 
     He entered the broadcasting field with Fox Sports Net as a panelist on The Best Damn Sports Show Period. Irvin later was a NFL studio analyst on ESPN and NFL Network. 
     Irvin did host a midday sports show on KESN-FM in Dallas. He worked middays as a sports talk host at 560 WQAM-AM in Miami from July 2010 until July 2012. 

Colts Cut Kenyan Drake

     The Indianapolis Colts have released former Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. He signed with the team in early August and participated in their three preseason games. 
     Drake was with the Dolphins from 2016 until 2019 and had 1,532 rushing yards in 54 contests. He later had stints with the Arizona Cardinals. Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Raves. 

Zach Sieler Signs Extension

     Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler has signed an extension with the team. It is a three-year pact worth at least $30 million. 
     Sieler has played the last four NFL seasons with the Dolphins. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft and stayed there for two years. 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Marlins Avoid Sweep To Nationals

     The Miami Marlins prevented a three-game weekend sweep with a 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday at loanDepot park. The Marlins host the Tampa Bay Rays beginning on Tuesday. 
     Washington(61-70) got out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. Dominic Smith ground out to first and C.J. Abrams scored. 
     Miami(66-65) took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third. Jorge Soler crushed a 0-2 pitch over the left-center field fence with Luis Arraez aboard for his 35th home run of the season. 

Jaguars Got By Dolphins

     The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-18 at TIAA Stadium on Saturday night. It was the third and final preseason game for both teams before the regular season. 
     The contest was stopped and not continued with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Miami wide receiver Daewood Davis was injured and unresponsive when a Jacksonville linebacker tackled him. 
     The Dolphins will open up their 2023 NFL campaign in Los Angeles against the Chargers. The Jaguars will play at the Indianapolis Colts in the first week. 

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Inter Miami CF Blanks New York Red Bulls

     Lionel Messi played in his first Major League Soccer regular season game as Inter Miami CF shut out the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The MLS picked up plenty of buzz with Messi participating in the largest populated metropolitan area in the United States. 
     Diego Gomez made it 1--0 for Inter Miami CF(6-14-3) in the 37th minute.  They increased it to 2-0 over New York(7-10-8) during the 89th minute when Messi scored. Messi now has 11 goals in nine Inter Miami CF games so far. 

Nationals Leap By Marlins

     The Washington Nationals came back on the Miami Marlins 3-2 on Saturday at loanDepot park. The Nationals will go for the three-game sweep against the Marlins on Sunday. The Fish dropped to the .500 mark for the first time in several months. 
     Miami((65-65) took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth. Washington(61-69) compiled two runs in the top of the ninth and led 3-2. 

St. Thomas Aquinas Falls To St. John Bosco

     The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders lost to the St. John Bosco Braves 20-7 at Simmons Family Field in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. It was a matchup between two of the top high school football programs in the United States. 
     It was a calm first half as St. John Bosco(1-0) got the only score in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead. St. Thomas Aquinas(0-1) evened it up 7-7 early in the third quarter. The Braves chalked up a field goal later in the third and added 10 points in the final quarter. 
     The Raiders lost their first regular season game since their defeat at Jesuit during the 2021 campaign. St. Thomas Aquinas, the four-time defending FHSAA state champions, hosts Fort Myers next week. 

Chaminade-Madonna Speed By St. Frances Academy

     The Chaminade-Madonna Lions pulled away from the St. Frances Academy Lions 35-21in Fort Lauderdale at Brian Piccolo Stadium on Saturday. The game was nationally televised on ESPN. 
     St. Frances Academy(0-1) were up 6-0 after one quarter and expanded it to 14-7 by halftime. Chaminade-Madonna(1-0) commanded the second half with seven points in the third quarter and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. 

Friday, August 25, 2023

Vero Beach Crunches Miami Northwestern

     The Vero Beach Indians held off the Miami Northwestern Bulls 19-13 at Billy Livings Field in Indian River County on Friday night. It was a rare meeting between two high schools that have shown their dominance in their own counties over the last decade. 
     Miami Northwestern(0-1) at one point did have a 13-6 lead. Vero Beach(1-0) evened it up 13-13 in the third quarter as quarterback Tyler Aaronson scrambled in on the right side from three yards out. Aaronson would score again from one yard away up the middle with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter. 
     The Indians remain home next week and challenge the Palm Beach Gardens Gators. The Bulls face the Jackson Generals in a week. 

Atlantic Manages Palm Beach Gardens

     The Atlantic Eagles survived the Palm Beach Gardens Gators 21-14 at Mullinax Ford Stadium on Friday night. These high schools are considered two of the best teams in Palm Beach County this year. 
     Atlantic(1-0) was able to go ahead and led 14-7 by halftime. Palm Beach Gardens(0-1) tied it 14-14 during the fourth quarter. Eagles running back Jayden Parrish scored his third touchdown run of the contest with eight seconds remaining in the game for a 21-14 Atlantic lead.
     The Eagles head to Broward County in a week and challenge the Monarch Knights. The Gators make a long trip up to Indian River County to take on the Vero Beach Indians next week. 

Cardinal Gibbons Overcomes Cardinal Gibbons

     The Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs got by the Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders 28-21 at Dr. Bud Tight Field in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night. It is the first time that both same-titled high schools faced each other on the gridiron. The Chiefs are based in Fort Lauderdale while the Crusaders are from Raleigh. 
     The Cardinal Gibbons(0-1) Crusaders rolled out to a 14-0 lead during the first half. The Cardinal Gibbons(1-0) Chiefs mounted a comeback in the second half and took the lead near the end of the contest. 
     The Chiefs host the defending FHSAA Class 1M state champions the Chaminade-Madonna Lions next week. The Crusaders return to North Carolina and take on Richmond in a week. 

Marlins Fall To Nationals

     The Miami Marlins lost to the Washington Nationals 7-4 at loanDepot park on Friday night. The Marlins started a six--game homestand following six contests in California. 

Alexander Johnson Signs With Dolphins

     Linebacker Alexander Johnson has signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins. It is likely a one-year deal between him and the club. 
     Johnson was with the Denver Broncos in his first four NFL seasons from 2018 until 2021. He spent one game with the Seattle Seahawks last year. 

Thursday, August 24, 2023

West Boca Raton Whomps John I. Leonard

     The West Boca Raton Bulls dismantled the John I. Leonard Lancers 63-0 in Greenacres on Thursday night. West Boca Raton(1-0) scored very quickly to begin the contest versus John I. Leonard(0-1) and never looked back. 
     The Bulls will play on the road for the second straight week as they travel to the Lake Worth Trojans. The Lancers will host the Olympic Heights Lions next week. 

Spanish River Sinks Lake Worth

     The Spanish River Sharks went on the road and came up with a 33-13 win over the Lake Worth Trojans. It was one of three high school football games held in Palm Beach County on Thursday night that opened up the 2023 regular season.
     Spanish River(1-0), who are an independent school not inside any district, will host Somerset Academy Key next week. Lake Worth(0-1) will be home next week against the West Boca Raton Bulls. 

Jensen Beach Jumps Fort Pierce Central

     The Jensen Beach Falcons shut out the Fort Pierce Central Cobras 28-0 on Thursday night in Fort Pierce. It was the beginning of the 2023 high school football season in the Treasure Coast region. 
     Jensen Beach(1-0) scored a touchdown in the first quarter and the second quarter for a 14-0 halftime lead. Fort Pierce Central(0-1) surrendered 14 points in the final quarter. 
     The Falcons will stay home next week and face the Dwyer Panthers. The Cobras will have a bye in a week and then visit Bayside on September 8. 

Seminole Ridge Stops Glades Central

     The Seminole Ridge Hawks knocked off the Glades Central Raiders 20-9 in Loxahatchee on Thursday night. It was the first regular season game to be played in Palm Beach County this year. 
     Seminole Ridge(1-0) had a 14-3 advantage at the midway point. Glades Central(0-1) could not keep up as they trailed for the rest of the contest. 
     The Hawks will host the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats in a week. The Raiders have a 2M District 9 clash at The King's Academy Lions next week. 

Broward County Football Districts

     The high school football season starts this week in Broward County. There were no changes in districts from last year.  
     It is a two-county group in Class 4M District 12 with Coral Springs, Monarch, Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Olympic Heights. Western, Cypress Bay, Taravella and Coral Glades are in 4M District 13. It remains the same for Class 4M District 14 with Flanagan, Cooper City, Somerset Academy and West Broward. 
     Class 3M District 10 has Blanche Ely, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek and Palm Beach County high school West Boca Raton. Class 3M District 11 consists of St. Thomas Aquinas, Dillard, Fort Lauderdale and Boyd Anderson. Class 3M District 12 lists Plantation, South Plantation, Piper and Nova. Class 3M District 13 has McArthur, South Broward, Hollywood Hills and Dade County school Dr. Krop. Miramar, Everglades, Pembroke Pines Charter and Dade County high school American are in Class 3M District 14.
     There are a couple of smaller school districts in Broward County. Class 2M District 12 has American Heritage, Cardinal Gibbons, Hallandale and Stranahan. Chaminade-Madonna, St. John Paul II, Avant Garde and Somerset Bay are in Class 1M District 6. 

Palm Beach County Football Disricts

     Palm Beach County high school football begins this week. All schools remain in the same districts as last year. 
     Royal Palm Beach exited Class 4M District 9 with Palm Beach County teams. They now grouped in 4M District with other Orlando area schools like Hagerty, Winter Park, Timber Creek, Colonial and University. 
     Staying in Class 4M District 9 are Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Lakes, Jupiter and Royal Palm Beach. Class 4M District 10 has Palm Beach Central, Wellington, John I. Leonard and Forest Hill. Class 4M District 11 consists of Park Vista, Boca Raton, Santaluces and Lake Worth. Olympic Heights along with Broward County teams Monarch, Coral Springs and Marjory Stoneman Douglas are in Class 4M District 12.  
     Class 3M District 9 has Atlantic, Dwyer and Seminole Ridge. West Boca Raton is in with Broward County schools Deerfield Beach, Blanche Ely and Coconut Creek for Class 3M District 10.
     In Class 2M District 9, Glades Central, Suncoast, King's Academy and Inlet Grove are in it. Class 2M District 10 consists of American Heritage, Boynton Beach, St. Andrew's and Somerset Academy Canyons.   
     Smaller schools Cardinal Newman, Benjamin and Sports Leadership & Management carry 1M District 5. Pahokee and Glades Day are in the 10-team Class 1R in Region 4 that is spread throughout the state. Spanish River, Jupiter Christian and new high school Dr. Joaquin Garcia are independents and are not in any district. 

Treasure Coast Football Districts

     Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County high schools return to the gridiron this week. There were no changes from last season in district assignments. 
     There is a total of nine high schools in the Treasure Coast region. Class 4S District 12 has Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce Central, Centennial and Martin County. 
     Class 3S District 11 is spread out with Fort Pierce Westwood, Okeechobee and Sebring. Two of the three Martin County teams are in Class 3S District 12 with South Fork, Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie. 

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Inter Miami CF Gets To U.S. Open Cup Final

     Inter Miami CF edged FC Cincinnati with a 3-3 penalty-kick victory in the U.S. Open Semifinals at TQL Stadium on Wednesday night. They advanced to the U.S. Open Final next week and will attempt to be become a double champion in 2023. Inter Miami CF captured the Leagues Cup on Saturday against Nashville SC.
     It was the first time that Lionel Messi was unable to score in a contest for Inter Miami CF since he joined them.  He has compiled 10 goals in eight games with his new team. 
     FC Cincinnati pulled out to a1-0 lead in the 18th minute. Luciano Acosta booted a nine-yard deflected shot into the cage with his left foot.
     In the second half, it became 2-0 FC Cincinnati on a tally by Brandon Vazquez. Inter Miami CF made it 2-1 during the 68th minute as Leonardo Campana scored. It was tied by Inter Miami CF in stoppage time as Messi sent a long lead pass and Campana put in a header from six yards out. 
     The game ended up going for another 30 minutes. Josef Martinez gave Inter Miami CF their first lead of the contest 3-2 on a right-footed goal from 14 yards out in the 93rd minute. Yuya Kubo blasted a right-footed shot from 17 yards away in the 114th minute to even it up for FC Cincinnati 3-3. 
     It would be decided on penalty kicks. Both teams would convert on their first four attempts. Hagglund had his penalty shot saved and Benjamin Cremaschi followed with a score for Inter Miami CF to win the game.

Padres Surf By Marlins

     The San Diego Padres breezed by the Miami Marlins 4-0 at Petco Park on Wednesday. The Marlins completed a six-game California road trip with a 2-4 record. The Fish return home on Friday and face the Washington Nationals. 
     San Diego(61-67) jumped on the Fish in the first inning for a 1-0 lead. Juan Soto singled through the right side to score Ha-Seong Kim. 
     The Padres expanded their lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Xander Bogaerts smacked a two-run homer to center field on a 1-1 pitch with Manny Machado aboard. It was the 14th home run for Bogaerts with his new club. 
     Miami(65-63) surrendered another run in the seventh inning and trailed 4-0. Fernando Tatis, Jr. knocked in former Marlins player Garrett Cooper on a base hit into right field. 

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Marlins Move By Padres

     The Miami Marlins cruised by the San Diego Padres 3-0 at Petco Park on Tuesday night. The Marlins snapped a three-game losing streak. The Marlins and San Diego(60-67) complete their three-game series tomorrow. 
     Miami(65-62) broke out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third. Jorge Soler walloped a solo homer to center field for his 33rd home run of the season. Three batters later, Jake Burger got an infield hit and Luis Arraez scored on a throwing error by Xander Bogaerts. Burger was able to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. 
     The Fish continued the rally during the frame. Avisail Garcia grounded out to third and Josh Bell crossed the plate. 

Josh Hammond Inks With Broncos

     Former Broward County high school football wide receiver Josh Hammond has signed with the Denver Broncos. He was with the DC Defenders of the XFL during the 2023 season. 
     He was a wide receiver with the Hallandale Chargers along with being a teammate of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley and Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss. Huntley moved on to the University of Florida Gators for college football. He participated with the Jacksonville Jaguars for two games in 2021. 

ESPN West Palm New Lineup

     ESPN West Palm 106.3 WUUB-FM will soon have changes in their weekday lineup due to shifts at ESPN Radio. It will occur on September 5.  
     Former West Palm Beach afternoon sports talk host Evan Cohen will co-host mornings with Michelle Smallmon and Chris Canty. Cohen was on the local airwaves at ESPN Radio 760 WEFL-AM and ESPN West Palm from 2003 until December 2021. Mike Greenberg will stay in the late morning slot. 
     Ken LaVicka along with his weekly co-hosts Ginette Javier, Theo Dorsey and Pierre Garcon will remain in middays at that radio station. ESPN West Palm will have one-hour blocks of Chris Carlin and Joe Fortenbaugh followed by Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas in mid-afternoons. 
     Josh Cohen and The Home Team with Kristina Costanza and Din Thomas stays in afternoon drive. Cyrus Wittig has a local evening program following that. Amber Wilson and Ian Fitzsimmons will co-host evenings while newcomer Qiant Myers appears in late nights.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Padres Slam Marlins

     The San Diego Padres bashed the Miami Marlins 6-2 on Monday night at Petco Park. The Marlins and the Padres both last played on Saturday due to Tropical Storm Hillary in California. 
     San Diego(60-66) moved out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Manny Machado hit a sacrifice fly to right field and Ha-Seong Kim crossed the plate. 
     It became 5-0 for the Padres in the bottom of the second. Kim smashed a grand-slam homer to left field on a 0-2 pitch for his 17th home run this season. Luis Campusano, Garrett Cooper and Trent Grisham scored in front of him on the play. 
     In the fifth inning, the Friars made it a six-run margin. Machado homered to left-center field on a 3-1 count for his 24th home run of the 2023 campaign. 
     Miami(64-62) cut the deficit to 6-2 in the top of the sixth. Josh Bell powered a solo home run to right field on a 2-2 pitch for his 18th homer this season. Four batters later, Jesus Sanchez knocked in Jake Burger on a ground-rule double down the left-field line.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Michael Palardy Off To Washington

     Former Broward County high school football player Michael Palardy has signed with the Washington Commanders. He was with the New England Patriots last season. 
     Palardy played high school football with the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. He captured back-to-back FHSAA Class 5A state championships with them in 2007 and 2008. Palardy then attended the University of Tennessee for college football. 
     He spent his first five NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers from 2016 until 2020. Palardy moved on to the Miami Dolphins for the 2021 campaign. 

Thomas Vanek San Jose Sharks Scout

     One-time Florida Panthers forward Thomas Vanek has joined the San Jose Sharks hockey operations department. He was named an amateur scout by the club. 
    Vanek had a short 20-game stint with the Florida Panthers back in the 2016-17 campaign. He compiled two goals and eight assists for 10 points with the team. 

Mariners Get Nick Wittgren

     The Seattle Mariners have signed former Miami Marlins relief pitcher Nick Wittgren to a deal for the rest of the 2023 season. It is likely a minor league contract. 
     Wittgren played for the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2018. He was with the Kansas City Royals this season and appeared in 27 contests.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Inter Miami CF Wins Leagues Cup

     Inter Miami CF captured the 2023 Leagues Cup with a 1-1 victory in penalty kicks over Nashville SC at Geddis Park in Nashville on Saturday night. It was the first trophy won by Inter Miami CF in their four-season franchise history. Lionel Messi was given the Golden Boot for the Leagues Cup tournament. 
     Messi gave Inter Miami CF a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute. It was his 10th goal in seven games for the team. All the contests he was involved in so far for Inter Miami CF this year have been Leagues Cup games. In the second half, Fafa Picault evened it up 1-1 for Nashville SC during the 58th minute. 
     The contest was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time and headed into a penalty-kick shootout. Inter Miami CF finally put away Nashville SC during the 11th round. 

Dodgers Sweep Doubleheader From Marlins

     The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Miami Marlins 3-1 at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night in the second game of a doubleheader. The Dodgers took the Marlins by the same score in the first contest of the doubleheader earlier in the day. 

Dodgers Roam By Marlins

     The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. It was the first game of doubleheader between both clubs due to Hurricane Hilliary approaching the California area. 

Dolphins Stomp Texans

     The Miami Dolphins dominated the Houston Texans 28-3 at NRG Stadium on Saturday. it was a rare afternoon preseason game for the Fins. The Dolphins and the Texans played their second of three games during the preseason. 
     Miami had a 21-3 halftime advantage against the Texans. The Dolphins had the only score during the second half. 

Doubleheader For Marlins And Dodgers

     The Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers will face each other in a split doubleheader on Saturday on Dodger Stadium. Doubleheaders are rarely played in Los Angeles over the past several decades due to the limited number of rainouts. 
     The contest on Sunday moved up to and earlier day. A hurricane near the California region may possibly impact the local area. 

Friday, August 18, 2023

South Fork Drops Somerset Academy Canyons

     The South Fork Bulldogs pushed by the Somerset Academy Canyons Cougars 14-0 on Friday night in Stuart. Both schools got ready for the 2023 regular season with a kickoff classic. 
     There were a couple of weather delays during the contest. Neither school scored in the first half. Somerset Academy Canyons gave up a touchdown in the third quarter and the fourth quarter to South Fork. 

Cardinal Newman Routs Park Vista

     The Cardinal Newman Crusaders crushed the Park Vista Cobras 41-0 at Sam Budnyk Field in West Palm Beach on Friday night. It concluded all 2023 kickoff classics being played in Palm Beach County this week. 
     Cardinal Newman had a 14-0 lead by halftime. Park Vista could not get on the scoreboard and surrendered 27 points in the second half. 

Marlins Shake Dodgers

     The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Miami Marlins 11-3 at Dodger Stadium on Friday night. The Dodgers had their 11-game winning streak snapped. The Marlins began a six-game road trip through Southern California. 
     Both Miami(64-59) and Los Angeles(74-47) scored one run int he first inning. The Marlins collected six runs in the top of the third and three runs in the top of the fourth for a 10-1 advantage. 
     The Marlins and the Dodgers will play a doubleheader tomorrow against each other. There may be a possible hurricane arriving in the California area sometime on Sunday. 

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Atlantic Outduels Palm Beach Central

     High school football returned to Palm Beach County as the Atlantic Eagles got past the Palm Beach Central Broncos 15-0 in a kickoff classic at Atlantic Stadium on Thursday night. Both schools lasted long in the FHSAA Playoffs last year. They are both expected to be two of the strongest teams in Palm Beach County for the upcoming 2023 campaign. 
     It turned out to be great defensive efforts by both squads. Neither school was able to score in the first half of play. 
     Atlantic broke the scoreless tie with 57.9 seconds left in the third quarter. Eagles running back De'Marion Alberic raced in on a 59-yard touchdown for a 6-0 lead. The point-after-touchdown ended up failing. 
     The Eagles scored on their next possession and extended their lead to 12-0 with 8:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Lincoln Graf fired a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mark Hanniford. They were unable to score on a two-point conversion attempt. Paul Schindler would later kick a 30-yard field goal with 1:36 to go in the fourth and made it 15-0. 

Jupiter Tops Boca Raton

     The Jupiter Warriors handled the Boca Raton Bobcats 23-3 on Thursday night in a kickoff classic in Boca Raton. Both teams will look to reach the 2023 FHSAA Playoffs. 
     Both schools battled it out in the opening two quarters. Jupiter held a 7-3 lead over Boca Raton at halftime. 
     The impact player in the contest was Warriors quarterback Luke Douglas. He had a touchdown pass, a touchdown run and an interception for a touchdown to give them a 20-3 lead. They later kicked a field goal to make it 23-3. 

Richard Bleier Shifts To Cubs

     One-time Miami Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier has found a new home. He has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. He was with the Boston Red Sox for 27 games earlier this season. 
     Bleier was associated with the Marlins from 2020 until 2022 and helped the club reach the postseason for the first time in 17 years. He made 143 relief appearances in his three-year stint with the Fish and chalked up a 3.16 earned run average. 

Nick Wittgren Exits Royals

     Former Miami Marlins pitcher Nick Wittgren has decided on free agency and has left the Kansas City Royals. He had a 1-0 record with a 4.97 earned run average in 27 relief appearances with the team in 2023. 
     Wittgren was once with the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2018. He compiled a 9-5 record in 118 relief appearances with a 3.60 earned run average in three seasons with the club. 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Astros Blitz Marlins

     The Houston Astros piled on five runs in the first inning as they rolled over the Miami Marlins 12-5 at loanDepot park on Wednesday night. The Astros were able to win two contests of the three-game series. The Marlins have off on Thursday and play in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Friday. Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander is now 103-0 when his team has a five-run lead in a game. 
     Houston(70-52) rumbled out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first against Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo. Alex Bergman smacked a solo home run barely over the left-center field wall on the first pitch for his 19th homer of the 2023 campaign. Kyle Tucker followed with a solo homer to right field on a 2-2 count for his 24th home run this season. Three batters later, Chas McCormick powered a two-run homer to center field on a 2-1 pitch with Yordan Alvarez aboard. It was McCormick's 17th home run of the year. 
     Miami(63-59) answered back with two runs in the bottom of the first and trailed 5-2. Jake Burger doubled into the left-center field alley to score Luis Arraez and Josh Bell.
     The Astros expanded their lead to 6-2 in the top of the third. Jeremy Pena knocked in Alvarez with a base hit into right field. 
     The Marlins put up two runs in the fourth inning and were down 6-4. Jon Berti grounded into a force out. A wild throw by Pena caused Burger and Jesus Sanchez to score on the play. The Fish got another run in the next inning. 
     In the seventh inning, Houston ripped out six more runs for a 12-5 advantage.  Mauricio Dubon hit a sacrifice fly to right and McCormick dove home. Two baters later, Jose Altuve walked with the bases loaded and Jon Singleton touched home. Bergman came up next and drove in Pena and Martin Maldonado with a double down the right-field line. Tucker then singled through the left side to bring in Altuve and Bregman. 

Jimmy Yacabonis Leaves Mets

     Former Miami Marlins relief pitcher Jimmy Yacabonis has elected free agency instead of staying with the New York Mets. He had a 2-1 record with a 6.59 earned run average in seven relief appearances with the Mets this year. 
     Yacabonis was with Miami during the 2021 regular season. He compiled a 1-1 record in his nine relief appearances with the Marlins.  

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Astros Slide By Marlins

     The Houston Astros edged the Miami Marlins 6-5 on Tuesday night at loanDepot park. The Marlins had their three-game winning streak snapped. 
     Miami(63-58) had a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Bryan De La Cruz singled into center field for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score. 
     The Marlins increased it to 3-0 in the bottom of the third when Jorge Soler blasted a solo homer to right field on a 2--2 pitch with Joey Wendle aboard for his 30th homer of the year. He became the first Marlins player to reached 30 home runs in a season since Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna in 2017.
     Houston(69-52) battled back with two runs in the top of the fourth and they were down 3-2. Yainer Diaz whacked a two-run homer to left-center field 0-2 pitch with Yordan Alvarez on base. It was the 16th home run of the year for Diaz. 
     The Fish answered back in the bottom of the fourth with another run. Jesus Sanchez knocked in Chisholm with a base hit into right field. 
     The Astros tied it up 4-4 in the top of the fifth. Jake Meyers scored on an Alex Bregman ground out to third. Kyle Tucker came up next and reached base when De La Cruz and Chisholm colluded in the outfield trying to catch a fly ball in deep left-center field. Mauricio Dubon was able to reach home on the error. 
     Miami moved ahead 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth. Josh Bell reached first on a throwing error and Wendle scored on another throwing error on the play. 
     It was evened up 5-5 by Houston in the sixth inning. Chas McCormick ripped a solo home run to right field on a 0-1 pitch for his 16th homer run of the campaign. 
     Houston pulled ahead for the first time in the contest 6-5 in the top of the seventh. Tucker belted a solo home run to right field on the first pitch for his 23rd homer of the season. 

Inter Miami CF Goes To Leagues Cup Final

     Inter Miami CF clobbered the Philadelphia Union 4-1 in the Leagues Cup Semifinals at Subaru Park on Tuesday night. They advanced to the Leagues Cup Championship Game to be played on Saturday against Nashville SC in Nashville. Inter Miami CF qualified for the CONACAF Champions Cup in 2024. 
     In the first half, Inter Miami CF rushed out to a 3-0 lead. Josef Martinez scored in the third minute. Lionel Messi followed with a goal from 32 yards away in the 20th minute. It was his ninth goal in six contests with the team. Jordi Alba put the ball in the cage during stoppage time at the end of the first half for his first goal with Inter Miami CF. 
     St. Thomas Aquinas High School grad Alejandro Bedoya helped Philadelphia get closer to the lead in the second half. He scored during the 73rd minute to make it 3-1. David Ruiz expanded it to 4-1 for Inter Miami CF with a tally in the 84th minute. 

Jorge Alfaro Returns To Marlins

     Jorge Alfaro has inked a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins. He was with the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies earlier this season. 
     It will be Alfaro's second stint with the Marlins organization. He spent three seasons with the Fish from 2019 to 2021. Alfaro helped the Marlins reach the postseason in 2020 for the first time in 17 years. 

Monday, August 14, 2023

Alex Collins Passes Away

     Former South Plantation Paladins running back Alex Collins passed away on Monday at the age of 28. He later played college football with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. 
     Collins was selected in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He eventually had two stints with that organization in 2016 and 2020-2021. Collins did play with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and 2018. 

Dalvin Cook Joining Jets

     Former Dade County high school running back Dalvin Cook is expected to sign with the New York Jets. He has spent his entire six-season National Football League career with the Minnesota Vikings.
     Cook played high school football with the Miami Central Rockets. He captured two FHSAA Class 6A state championships with them in 2012 and 2013. He later participated in college football with Florida State University for three seasons. 

Marlins Crown Astros

     The defending World Series Champions arrived in town as the Houston Astros lost to the Miami Marlins 5-1 at loanDepot park on Monday. The Marlins have won three straight games for the first time in over a month. 
     Miami(63-57) picked up two runs in the bottom of the third for a 2-0 lead. Jon Berti doubled into the left-center field gap for Nick Fortes to score. Berti later scored on a passed ball.
     Houston(68-52) got one run in the top of the seventh to make it 2-1. Jose Altuve knocked in Jeremy Pena on a double to left field. 
      The Marlins hit three consecutive home runs in the eighth inning and extended their lead to 5-1. Jorge Soler lifted a solo home run to left field on a 1-2 pitch for his 29th homer of the year. Luis Arraez homered off the right-field foul pole on a 1-0 count for his fifth of the campaign. Josh Bell then smashed a solo homer to right field on a 1-1 pitch for his third round-tripper as a Marlins player and 16th home run this season. It was just the second time in Marlins franchise history that they compiled back-to-back-to-back home runs. 

Dolphins Sign Keke Coutee

     The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Keke Coutee to a contract. He was with the New Orleans Saints since June and was released on Friday. 
     Coutee was with the Houston Texas from 2018 until 2020. He spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. 

Jamal Perry Re-Signs With Dolphins

     Cornerback Jamal Perry has re-signed with the Miami Dolphins. It is a one-year contract between him and the franchise. 
     Perry played with Miami in 31 regular season games from 2019 to 2021. He spent last season on the Dolphins practice squad. 

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Yankees Blow Lead To Marlins

     The Miami Marlins shocked the New York Yankees with five runs in the bottom of the ninth and were victorious 8-7 on Sunday at loanDepot park. The Marlins won two contests of the three-game series. It was the largest attended Marlins home three-game series in their current venue at 100,001. 
     The Marlins will host the defending World Series Champions the Houston Astros on Monday. The Yankees visit the Braves in Atlanta. 
     New York(60-58) moved out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. Isaiah Kiner-Falefa singled to center field for Harrison Bader to score. 
     It became 2-0 for the Bronx Bombers in the top of the third. Former Marlins player Giancarlo Stanton doubled into the left-field corner and Aaron Judge crossed the plate. 
     Miami(62-57) closed it to 2-1 in the bottom of the third. Luis Arraez drove in Joey Wendle with a base hit into shallow left field. 
     The Yankees increased it to 4-1 in the fourth inning. Anthony Volpe bashed a two-run homer to left-center field on a 1-1 count with Billy McKinney aboard. It turned out to be Volpe's 16th home run of the season. 
     In the fifth inning, the Yanks scored two runs to made it 6-1. Gleyber Torres was able to score on a wild pitch. McKinney later grounded into a force out and Stanton reached home. 
     New York expanded it to a six-run gap in the top of the sixth. Ben Rortvedt got his first home run in a Yankees uniform on the first pitch to right field. 
     The Marlins picked up a run in the bottom of the sixth and trailed 7-2. Jake Burger singled through the right side and Josh Bell scored. 
     The Fish added one more run in the eighth inning and were down 7-3. Bryan De La Cruz doubled into left field for Bell to score. 
     Miami compiled five runs in the bottom of the ninth to win the game 8-7. Bell hit the ball to the mound, but Clay Holmes made an error on a throw to first. Yuli Gurriel and Nick Fortes scored on the play. Arraez followed with a triple down the right-field line for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bell to score. Two batters later, Burger knocked in Arraez with a single to left field and Arraez touched home for the winning run. 

Dwyane Wade Inducted To Basketball Hall Of Fame

     Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Springfield, Massachusetts. He had to wait five seasons since his NBA career ended to be elected. 
     Wade played on all three Miami Heat NBA Championship teams in 2006, 2012 and 2013. He captured five Eastern Conference titles with that organization. 

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Marlins Cover Yankees

     The Miami Marlins got by the New York Yankees 3-1 at loanDepot park on Saturday. The three-game series between both teams will be decided tomorrow. Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara picked up a complete-game victory. 
     Miami(61-57) ripped out to a 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the first. Luis Arraez powered a two-run homer to right-center field with Jazz Chisholm Jr. on base. It was just the fourth home run for Arraez in the 2023 campaign. 
     The Marlins expanded it to 3-0 in the fourth inning. Joey Wendle singled into left field for Jake Burger to score. 
     New York(60-57) broke the shutout in the top of the seventh. Isaiah Kiner-Falefa knocked in Billy McKinney with a base hit to right field. 

Friday, August 11, 2023

Inter Miami CF Pounds Charlotte FC

     Inter Miami CF dominated Charlotte FC 4-0 on Friday night at DRV PNK Stadium in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals. They advanced and will play at the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup Semifinals on Tuesday. 
     In the first half, Inter Miami CF busted out to a 2-0 lead. Josef Martinez put in a penalty kick during the 12th minute and Robert Taylor made it a two-goal gap in the 32nd minute.
     Charlotte FC gave up an own goal by Adilson Maranda in the 78th minute and they trailed 3-0. Lionel Messi scored eight minutes later for an Inter Miami CF four-goal margin. It was the eighth goal in five games for Messi with his new club.

Yankees Handle Marlins

     The New York Yankees contained the Miami Marlins 7-4 at loanDepot park on Friday night. Former Marlins player Giancarlo Stanton made his return to South Florida. 

Falcons Flank Dolphins

     The Atlanta Falcons pushed by the Miami Dolphins 19-3 on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. It was the first preseason contest for both teams. 
     Atlanta got the only score in the first half. Running back Godwin Igwebuike raced in from 11 yards away with 12:33 left in the second quarter for a 6-0 lead.
     Miami picked up their only points of the game at the 9:29 mark of the fourth quarter. Jason Sanders cut it to 6-3 when he booted a 49-yard field goal and the Fins were down 6-3. 
     The Falcons took charge late in the fourth. Dee Alford returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown with 2:33 remaining in the contest. It became 19-3 for Atlanta 13 seconds later when Breon Borders intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone for a score. 

Miami Dolphins On WINZ-AM

     The Miami Dolphins will have their first game broadcast tonight on their new radio flagship station Fox Sports Radio 940 WINZ-AM. The Dolphins will host the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium. 
     The announcing team will remain the same from previous years while the radio rights were on AM 560 Sports WQAM-AM. Jimmy Cefalo will be the radio play-by-play announcer; WQAM morning host Joe Rose will be the radio game analyst and Kim Bokamper is the sideline reporter. Steve Goldstein, WFOR-TV sportscaster and Florida Panthers television play-by-play announcer, is the studio host while former Miami Dolphins wide receiver O. J. McDuffie is the studio analyst. 

Yankees At Marlins Preview

     The New York Yankees will play a three-game series against the Miami Marlins starting today at loanDepot park in Miami. The Yankees did hold their spring training at Fort Lauderdale Stadium just north of Commerical Boulevard from 1961 until 1993. 
     Usually it would be a six-year wait for the Bronx Bombers to participate in South Florida. That changed with the new Major League Baseball regular season schedule. The Yankees will now be involved in a three-game series in Miami every two years. 
     New York has a winning record of 59-56 and are fifth in the American League East Division. Miami is 60-56 and stand third in the National League East Division. 

Thursday, August 10, 2023

West Palm Beach Ratings July 2023

     The West Palm Beach ratings were released for sports talk radio stations. The time period went from the fourth week of June to the third week of July. 
     Fox Sports 640 South Florida WMEN-AM moved from a 0.4 to a 0.2 in the month. Not having any kind of game broadcasts over the last couple of months, which includes Florida Atlantic University, has hurt them. 
     Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler WBZT-AM remained at a 0.2 for the 11th straight period. The Miami Marlins were on the outside for a National League wild-card spot with a 53-44 record. 
     Both radio stations were tied for the first time since WBZT flipped to a sports format in late July 2017. It was lowest combined ratings for both organizations since February 2019 when WMEN had a 0.1 and WBZT was at a 0.0. 

Rachel Nichols To Join Undisputed

     Former local sportswriter Rachel Nichols will be joining Undisputed, hosted by Skip Bayless on FS1, as a panelist. She will continue as the studio host of Headliners With Rachel Nichols on Showtime and her role as a studio host at Monumental Sports Network
     Nichols worked as a sportswriter for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel in 1995 and 1996. She later was employed at the Washington Post, ESPN, CNN and Turner Sports. 

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Red Sox Dump Richard Bleier

     The Boston Red Sox have released former Miami Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier. He made 27 relief appearances with the Red Sox this year and had a 5.28 earned run average. 
     Bleier was with the Marlins from 2020 until 2022. He helped the Fish reach the postseason for the first time in 17 years during 2020. Bleier was 6-5 with a 3.16 earned run average in 141 relief appearances. 

Jose Urena Heads To White Sox

     Former Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Urena has inked a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. He was let go last week by the Washington Nationals. Urena spent time earlier this year with the Colorado Rockies. 
     Urena was with the Miami Marlins for six seasons from 2015 until 2020.  He had a 32-46 record with the Fish with a 4.60 earned run average. 

Marlins Come Back On Reds

     Josh Bell compiled home runs from both sides of the plate for his first time in the majors as the Miami Marlins beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. The Marlins begin a homestand against the New York Yankees on Friday. Miami leaped over the Reds in the National League standings. 
     Miami(60-56) got one run in the top of the fourth. Josh Bell sliced a solo home run to left field on a 2-2 pitch for his 13th homer of the year. 
     Cincinnati(60-57) responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Spencer Steer smashed a solo shot over the left-field fence on a 1-2 count for his 18th home run this season. Two batters later, Christian Encarnacion-Strand belted a two-run homer to left field on a 1-1 pitch for his third career home run. Joey Votto scored in front of him on the play.  
     The Red Legs increased their lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth. Encarnacion singled into center field and Matt McLain crossed the plate. 
     The Marlins evened it up 4-4 in the eighth inning. Bell blasted a three-run homer to right-center field on the first pitch with Jon Berti and Luis Arraez aboard. The switch-hitting Bell hit a home run from each side of the plate in a Major League Baseball contest. It was the first time that it was accomplished in Marlins franchise history. 
     In the ninth inning, the Fish regained the lead 5-4. Bryan De La Cruz smacked a solo home run down the right-field line on the first pitch for his 16th homer of the 2023 campaign. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Marlins Slip By Reds

     The Miami Marlins snapped a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park. The Reds have lost seven of their last eight contests. 
     Miami(59-56) picked up one run to lead 1-0 in the top of the second. Joey Wendle lined a double into the left-center field gap for Jake Burger to score. 
     Cincinnati(60-56) tied it 1-1 in the bottom of the second. T.J. Friedl doubled to left field which brought in Kevin Newman. 
     The Reds moved ahead 2-1 in the fifth inning. Spencer Steer tripled into the right-field corner and scored on a throwing error by Luis Arraez on the relay. 
     The Marlins took a 3-2 lead in the seventh inning. Jorge Soler bashed a two-run homer to right-center field with Nick Fortes on base for his 28th home run of the season. 

Evan Cohen Moves To ESPN Radio

     Former West Palm Beach sports radio host Evan Cohen will become the new morning co-host on ESPN Radio. He will be leaving his position as the morning co-host at Mad Dog Radio on SiriusXM Radio. 
     Cohen, a University of Wisconsin 2003 grad, was first noticed on the South Florida airwaves at ESPN Radio 760 WEFL-AM as an evening host. He was elevated to afternoon drive when executives Craig Karmazin and Steve Politziner cut back their time on the air. 
     Cohen shifted over to ESPN West Palm 106.3 WUUB-FM when the station moved to an FM frequency in February 2013. He added management duties during his time with Good Karma Brands West Palm Beach. They included roles as a program director and content director. 
     He later ventured into satellite radio and joined Sirius XM Radio as the Morning Men co-host at Mad Dog Radio. Cohen will continue as vice president of content for the Good Karma Brands organization. 

Miami Ratings July 2023

     Miami/Fort Lauderdale sports talk radio stations received their ratings. The ratings period went from the fourth week of June until the third week in July. 
     AM 560 Sports WQAM-AM dropped for the second straight period, this time from a 0.9 to a 0.7. They did have Inter Miami CF as their only game broadcasts. The local area was anticipating the upcoming Major League Soccer debut of 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi. 
     Fox Sports 940 WINZ-AM stayed at a 0.1 for the fifth straight month. The Miami Marlins were barely on the outside for a National League wild-card spot with a 53-44 record. They lost five consecutive contests following the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break. 
     The WQAM stream remained at a 0.1 for the second straight time. They did have a 0.2 for three straight period before that. 

Dolphins Waive James Blackman

     One-time Palm Beach County high school quarterback James Blackman has been waived by the Miami Dolphins. He was signed as an undrafted free agent. 
     Blackman played quarterback for the Glades Central Raiders from 2013 to 2016. He was with the Florida State University Seminoles for four seasons and did hold the starting quarterback spot at one point. Blackman moved on and joined Arkansas State for 2021 and 2022. 

Monday, August 7, 2023

Teddy Bridgewater Heading To Lions

     Former Dade County high school football player Teddy Bridgewater is about to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Bridgewater spent last season with the Miami Dolphins. He had 49 pass completions for 683 yards and four touchdowns. 
     He played high school football for the Miami Northwestern Bulls. Bridgewater went on to the University of Louisville. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and was with them for four seasons. 

Detroit Lions Sign Bobby Hart

     The Detroit Lions have signed former Broward County high school offensive lineman Bobby Hart. It is a one-year contract between him and the team.
     Hart played high school football with the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and college football with the Florida State University Seminoles. He recently finished his second stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2022. 

Reds Stop Marlins

     The Cincinnati Reds got a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park on Monday night. The Reds snapped a six-game losing streak. The Marlins have lost five straight contests. 

Isan Diaz Taken By Tigers

     Former Miami Marlins infielder Isan Diaz has been picked up on waivers by the Detroit Tigers. He participated in six games with the San Francisco Giants this season and went 1-for-19 at the plate. 
     Diaz played with the Marlins from 2019 to 2021 and helped the team reached the postseason in 2020. He had a .185 batting average in 145 contests with Miami. 

Marlins At Reds

     The Miami Marlins return to the road on Monday as they challenge the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Both teams have been going in same directions in the past week.
     Miam(58-55)i have lost four straight and also 16 contests in their last 21 games. Cincinnati(59-55) have been on a tear in the past two months until their current six-game losing streak. The Marlins and the Reds are barely on the outside for a National League wild-card spot. 

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Inter Miami CF Advance Past FC Dallas

     Inter Miami CF took FC Dallas 4-4 on penalty kicks at Toyota Stadium on Sunday night.  They outscored their opponent 5-3 in the penalty-kick shootout. The team moved on to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. 
     Inter Miami CF got out to a 1-0 lead. Lionel Messi was able to score during the sixth minute of play. FC Dallas leaped over Inter Miami CF for a 2-1 advantage late in the first half. They picked up goals by Facundo Quignon in the 37th minute and Bernard Camungo in the 45th minute. 
     It became 3-1 for FC Dallas in the 63rd minute on a tally by Alan Velasco. Inter Miami CF cut it to 3-2 with a goal by Benjamin Cremaschi during the 65th minute. FC Dallas got an own goal three minutes later when Robert Taylor accidentally put the ball into his own net for a 4-2 lead. 
     Inter Miami CF mounted a comeback late in the second half. They made it 4-3 during the 80th minute on an own goal by Marco Farfan. Messi tied it up 4-4 in the 85th minute as Messi scored on a direct kick for his seventh goal in four games with his new team. 
     The Leagues Cup game went to a penalty-kick shootout. There is no added extra time in this competition.  All five Inter Miami CF attempts went in by Messi, Sergio Busquets, Leonardo Campana, Kamal Miller and Cremaschi. Paxton Pomycal missed on the second penalty-kick attempt for FC Dallas, which ended up being the difference.

Rangers Shut Out Marlins

     The Texas Rangers blanked the Miami Marlins 6-0 on Sunday at Globe Life Field. The Rangers, who have been victorious in their last six contests, completed a three-game weekend sweep of the Marlins. Miami(58-55) is 5-16 since the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Zach Thomas Inducted

     Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. 
     Thomas played with the Dolphins from 1996 until 2007. He participated in 168 games with Miami and had 17 interceptions for four touchdowns. Thomas finished his National Football League career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. 

Rangers Take On Marlins

      The Texas Rangers face the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon at Globe Life Field. It is the second contest of a three-game series. 

Friday, August 4, 2023

Sara Cardona At WTVJ-TV

     Sara Cardona has been the sports anchor and sports reporter at WTVJ-TV Channel 6 and WSCV-TV Channel 51 in Miami since early June. NBC Miami had eliminated their sports department earlier this year. 
     Cardona arrived from WTVQ-TV in Lexington, Kentucky. She was a sports anchor and sports reporter at that television station from November 2021 until May 2023. 
     She was at WGFL-TV in Gainesville as a sportscaster until July 2021. Cardona worked as an ESPN3 sideline reporter on Middle Tennessee State University college football games during the 2021 season. 

Rangers Ride By Marlins

     The Texas Rangers moved by the Miami Marlins 6-2 at Globe Life Field on Friday night. The Rangers have won four straight contests. The Marlins have won five of their last 19 games since the MLB All-Star Game break in July. 
     Miami(58-53) scored one run in each of the first two innings and Texas(64-46) matched it. The Rangers pulled ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the third. They scored three more runs during the middle frames. 

Colts Ink Kenyan Drake

     The Indianapolis Colts are about to sign former Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. He spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens. 
     Drake spent his first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins from 2016to 2019. He had 333 carries for 1,532 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 54 games with the Fins. 

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Phillies Punch Out Marlins

     The Philadelphia Phillies knocked off the Miami Marlins 4-2 at loanDepot park on Thursday. The Phillies, who won three contests of the four-game series, leave South Florida with a 1 1/2 game lead over the Marlins for second place in the National League East Division. 
     Philadelphia(59-50) got two runs in the top of the second. Former Marlins player J.T. Realmuto socked a two-run homer to right-center field on a 2-1 pitch with Nick Castellanos aboard for his 13th home run of the 2023 campaign. 
     Miami(58-52) made it 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth. Jazz Chisholm Jr. doubled into the left-center field gap for Josh Bell to score. 
     The Phillies expanded their lead to 4-1 in the top of the seventh. Brandon Marsh singled through the right side which brought in Bryson Stott and Castellanos. 
     The Marlins closed it to 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh. Bryan De La Cruz cracked a solo home run to center field for his 15th homer of the season. 

Johanna Gomez Joins WPOW

     Former Miami Heat television sideline reporter Johanna Gomez has joined WPOW-FM as a midday host. She was a studio host and reporter for 6 In The Mix on WTVJ-TV Channel 6 from 2014 until earlier this year. 
     Gomez, a FIU grad, was once a Miami Dolphins cheerleader and a Miami Heat dancer. She was also a Florida Marlins game operations stadium host from 2008 to 2010. She worked as a television host on MUN2, Fuzion and American Latino TV. Gomez was a news reporter at LXTV.
     She joined WPLG-TV Channel 10 as a news reporter in 2007. Gomez added duties as a Miami Heat television sideline reporter for home games on Sun Sports from 2010-11 to 2012-13. She left her position at WPLG-TV in January 2013 and joined WRMA-FM as a morning show sidekick alongside DJ Laz. 

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Inter Miami CF Beats Orlando City SC

     Inter Miami CF defeated Orlando City SC 3-1 in the Leagues Cup Third Round at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night. Inter Miami CF advanced to the Fourth Round, which is the Round of 16. 
     Lionel Messi quickly scored for Inter Miami CF in the seventh minute with a chest trap and a left-footed volley shot from seven yards out for a 1-0 lead. Orlando City SC tied it up 1-1 as Cesar Araujo found the net during the 17th minute. 
     In the second half, it became 2-1 for Inter Miami CF. Jozef Martinez was able to score on a penalty kick in the 51st minute. Messi increased it to 3-1 with a right-footed volley shot from eight yards away during the 72nd minute for his second goal of the contest. 

Marlins Outlast Phillies

     The Miami Marlins bounced by the Philadelphia Phillies 9-8 in 12 innings at loanDepot park on Wednesday night. The Marlins closed the gap for second place in the National League East Division by a 1/2 game behind the Phillies.
     Marlins third baseman Jake Burger and first baseman Josh Bell made their debuts with the club. Burger went 2-for-4 with one run. Bell was 4-for-5 with two runs batted in and he scored twice.  
     Philadelphia(58-50) chalked up two runs in the fourth inning and added three more runs in the top of the sixth for a five-run margin. Miami(58-51) answered back with two runs in the bottom of the sixth and trailed 5-2. The Fish scored two runs in the eighth inning and tied it up 5-5 in the ninth inning. 
     The Phillies made it 7-5 in the 10th inning. Brandon Marsh smacked a two-run homer to center field on a 2-1 pitch with Trea Turner on base. The Marlins got two runs in the bottom of the frame and tied it 7-7. Avisail Garcia grounded out to score Jazz Chisholm Jr. Three batters later, Jon Berti drove in Burger with a sacrifice fly to center field. 
     In the 11th inning, the Phils reclaimed the lead 8-7. Alec Bohm knocked in Rodolfo Castro with a base hit into right field. The Fish responded as Bell singled through the left side to score Jacob Stallings. 
     The Marlins finished the game off in the bottom of the 12th. Jesus Sanchez fisted a single inside the left-field line and Chisholm reached home. 

Nationals Releasing Corey Dickerson

     The Washington Nationals will soon release former Miami Marlins outfielder Corey Dickerson. He has two home runs, 17 runs batted in and a .252 batting average in 49 contests this year with the Nats. 
     Dickerson was with the Marlins for two seasons and helped the club reach the postseason for the first time in 17 years. He had nine home runs and 31 runs batted in for Miami in 115 games. 

Vic Canales Media Group Sells WWNN

     Vic Canales Media Group has sold 1470 WWNN-AM to Radio Activa Media Group for $450,000. The radio station has been owned by Vic Canales Media Group since May 2022. 
     WWNN-AM has staffed numerous people from the local sports media. Jeff DeForrest was an evening sports host there during 2006. Jim Grieshaber hosted an evening program during the late 2000's. 
     The radio station did broadcast high school football games in 2010 and 2011 with longtime sports radio producer Erik Lengyel as a game analyst. Former South Florida Sun-Sentinel sportswriter Michael Mayo and DeForrest did co-host a one-hour general talk show on WWNN from November 2021 until 2022. 

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Phillies Run Down Marlins

     The Philadelphia Phillies passed by the Miami Marlins 3-1 on Tuesday night at loanDepot park. The Phillies increased their lead over the Marlins by 1 1/2 games for second place in the National League East.
     Miami(57-51) pulled ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the third. Avisail Garcia doubled down the right-field line and Luis Arraez crossed the plate. 
     Philadelphia(58-49) waited until the top of the ninth to take the lead against new Marlins relief pitcher David Robertson. Bryce Harper doubled off the left-field wall to bring in pinch-runner Jake Cave and tied it 1-1. Nick Castellanos came up next and hammered a two-run homer to left field on a 0-2 pitch for his 15th home run of the season to make it 3-1. 

Marlins Trade Garrett Cooper

     The Miami Marlins continued their array of transactions as they traded first baseman Garrett Cooper and minor league left-handed pitcher Sean Reynolds to the San Diego Padres for Ryan Weathers.
     Cooper has played with Miami for the last six seasons. He had his best numbers in 2023 with 13 home runs, 46 runs batted in and a .256 batting average in 82 games this year. 
     Weathers had a 1-6 record in 10 starts with San Diego this season. He holds a 6.25 earned run average in 2023. 

Marlins Deal Jean Segura For Josh Bell

     The Miami Marlins have traded third baseman Jean Segura and minor league prospect Kahlil Watson to the Cleveland Guardians for first baseman Josh Bell. 
     Segura joined the Marlins for the 2023 campaign. He was with the National League champions the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. Segura had three home runs, 21 runs batted in and a .219 batting average in 85 games this season with Miami. 
     Bell was dealt in the annual trade deadline for the second straight year. He compiled 11 home runs and 48 runs batted in and a .233 batting average in 97 contests with Cleveland this season. 

Marlins Acquire Jake Burger

     The Miami Marlins have acquired designated hitter/infielder Jake Burger from the Chicago White Sox for minor league left-handed pitcher Jake Eder. It was the final day of the Major League Baseball trade deadline this season. 
     Burger has spent the last three seasons with the White Sox. He has 25 home runs, 52 runs batted in, .214 batting average and a .805 OPS in 2023. Burger has one of the five lowest on-base percentage in the majors at .279. 

Robert Garcia Gone From Marlins

     The Washington Nationals have claimed left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia off waivers from the Miami Marlins. He has played mainly with the Marlins Triple-A affiliate in Jacksonville during 2023. 
     Garcia was called up to the Marlins Major League Baseball roster earlier this season. He played in just one game and surrendered one hit along with one walk in 1/3 of an inning. 

Steve Politziner ESPN Head Of Sales

     Former ESPN Radio 760 WEFL-AM afternoon co-host Steve Politziner has added more professional duties to his plate. He has been named the new ESPN head of sales for ESPN Radio and ESPN Podcasts. 
     Politziner, a New Jersey native, continues as the Good Karma Brands president. Good Karma Brands took over advertising sales and sales operations for several ESPN entities on July 28. 
     He co-founded and co-owned Good Karma Broadcasting with childhood friend Craig Karmazin back in 1997. Their first radio properties were in Wisconsin. Good Karma launched a sports talk format at ESPN Radio 760 WEFL-AM in the West Palm Beach market in March 2003. Politziner and Karmazin both co-hosted an afternoon show there for several years until shifting themselves permanently to company management.