JG Sports Talk

NBA Draft Recap, USA Soccer's Tough Future: JGST 6/27

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:33:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri starts with a recorded interview with sports podiatrist and radio host Dr. Robert Weil in The Sports Doctor is In segment. Dr. Weil comments on the United States' men soccer team's game against Portugal on Sunday in the Amazon heat, and the potential dangers of those conditions.

Then, Amiri recaps the 2014 NBA Draft, giving his analysis on several of the big draft picks from the first round. Amiri explains his top selections in the draft, including players that he thinks was overrated and underrated on Thursday evening.

Finally, Amiri wraps the show up with his explanation as to why Team USA's World Cup journey will only get tougher from here on out.

Sports Doctor is In -- Heat Concerns for Team USA, 6/26

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:14:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of The Sports Doctor is In segment with sports podiatrist and radio host Dr. Robert Weil!

On today's episode, Dr. Weil discusses Team USA (soccer) playing in the Amazon on Sunday at the World Cup, the athleticism in youth and professional tennis, and answers a question from Twitter.

NBA Draft Preview with Jovan Alford: JGST 6/26

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 18:09:00 +0000

Jovan Alford, NBA Draft writer for Crabdribbles.com and founder of TotalSportsLive.com, joins Amiri Tulloch on JG Sports Talk to preview the 2014 NBA Draft!

The Draft, which starts on Thursday, 6/25, at 7:30 pm ET, features prospects like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle, Dante Exum and more.

Jovan fills us in on the pros and cons of each of the prized options, including who he thinks will go number one overall, who he thinks could be an overlooked player out of this class, and more draft talk.

NBA Draft Special -- Street Team Chat 6/25

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 03:44:00 +0000

Amiri Tulloch is joined by members of the Street Team to talk about the 2014 NBA Draft! They will discuss the top picks of the draft, Joel Embiid's injury, the draft's sleepers and overrated players, and the teams that should draft them!

We will be joined by Daniel Obed (STC Media), Yama Hazheer (STC Media), Andrew Doxy (STC Media), Thomas Khristenko (STC Media), Anthony Cardamone (STC Media), and Jamal Murphy (GothamHoops.com).

--

Visit StreetTeamCentral.com for more sports coverage on a 24/7 basis.

Patriots Complete Comeback in Thriller: Game Recap 6/24

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 04:38:00 +0000

NEW JERSEY -- It didn’t come pretty, but it came nonetheless.

DH Corey Smith continued his hot hitting at the right time, supplying the Somerset Patriots (39-20) with a walk-off double in the bottom of the ninth to provide a sweep of the Bridgeport Bluefish, 6-5. Tuesday night positively ends the team's five-game series at TD Bank Ballpark in New Jersey.

The Patriots, who trailed 5-0 entering the bottom of the sixth, needed a spark as their offense had gone cold. It was 3B Brian Barden that started the Patriots’ rally by driving both Smith and CF Luis Montanez on an error. 1B Ty Wright then returned the favor by scoring Barden on a single to center field, to slim the lead to 5-3, giving Somerset a slight glimmer of hope.

Then, down 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th, Aharon Eggleston walked on four pitches, stole second, and saw Mike Wilson advanced to first. With one out, hot-hitting Smith stepped to the plate, entering the situation with game-winning hits in the Patriots' last two victories against the Bluefish. Smith was poised to deliver yet again.

The Patriots celebrate on-field after their 6-5 victory against the Bridgeport Bluefish. CREDITS: Facebok.com/SomersetPatriots.

The 32-year-old drilled an 1-0 pitch to deep centerfield, allowing both Eggleston and Wilson to score, and completed off a frantic comeback with more clutch heroics.

Starting pitcher Erik Arnesen (7-3, 4.08 ERA) gave the Patriots a solid complete game – 9 innings, 6 hits, 5 runs on 95 pitches and 65 strikes. Arnesen let up the 5 quick runs, but settled down as the innings elapsed. At one point in the game, Arnesen had retired the last 15 batters he faced with an efficient 70 pitches through 7 innings. (source)

Arnesen was forced to be on top of his game, as Bridgeport starter Matt Iannazzo was putting on a show of his own. Iannazzo (1-2, 2.32 ERA) stifled the Patriots for 6 innings, allowing just 3 runs on 8 hits.

Bridgeport jumped out to an early lead after a 2-run homerun from Denny Almonte in the 2nd inning, and a 3-run barrage in the 3rd inning. The Patriots’ defense looked shaky to start, committing 3 fielding errors that led to Bluefish tallies. The offense didn’t help the cause, either, finishing the game by stranding 9 runners on base compared to Bridgeport’s 2.

But, for the 23rd time in the 2014 season, the Patriots came back and won. The victory also represents the team’s ninth win in their final at-bat.

For Somerset, it completes a successful home stand against the Bluefish, sweeping the five game series, including two 5-1 games. The teams next meet on July 4th in New Jersey. Somerset now travels to Texas for a four-game set against the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Official game recap graphic from SomersetPatriots.com

TIDBITS FROM THE GAME NOTES:

- In the Liberty Division Race, Somerset leads the Long Island Ducks, who were idle on Tuesday, by 5 games. Somerset’s magic number is now shrunk to 7 – the combination of Patriots wins and Ducks losses needed for Somerset to win the first half of the Atlantic League two-half season.

- The Patriots have won three walk-off games in 2014.

- Corey Smith finished the Bridgeport series with 8 RBI. Of his five home runs this season, four have come against Bridgeport.

QUOTES:

- Patriots manager Brett Jodie before the game: “I feel good about where we are [as a team], but I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement. … I think we’re all kind of coming together and doing those little things necessary to win a lot of ball games. … I still think we haven’t gotten everyone clicking on all cylinders all the time. … Obviously I’m happy where we are, but there’s still room for improvement.”

- DH Corey Smith before the game: “As a whole, the team is starting to come together real well. We’re starting to hit more consistently as a lineup, our pitching has been pretty much great all year … so for us, I think the main thing is to get our bats going consistently, keep having good at-bats and putting pressure on the other team’s defense, and we’ll be just fine.”

Responding to whether there is panic when bats aren’t hot (like start of the season): “In this game, if you panic, that’s when stuff really gets bad. … The main thing you want to do is stay consistent with your work. … With this kind of a lineup, we’re definitely more of a glass-half-full than glass-half-empty team.”

- Starting pitcher Matt Zielinski before the game about the pitching staff: “As a whole, as a group, overall this season, we’ve done a good job.”

Zielinski on if he’d wear MLB’s padded cap: “As long as you’re safe out there, that’s all that matters … I don’t know if I would, it’s a good question. I guess I’d have to try it on a few times and see how it feels.”

Minor League Team Succeeds On and Off the Field

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 03:14:00 +0000

NEW JERSEY -- The Somerset Patriots were founded in 1998, and over 16 years later, the minor league organization is still going strong.

Somerset has been in existence for over 16 years, and the team was one of the firsts to join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which was also founded in 1998. The team has also defined consistency with an organizational career win percentage of .537%. The Patriots' first manager, Sparky Lyle (who retired in 2012 after a 14 year run), won five championships and has over 1,000 career wins on his ledger.

The Patriots have had roster success as well. Although the ALPB is not affiliated with Major League Baseball teams, players for the Patriots (and other ALPB teams) can be signed onto MLB rosters. For manager Brett Jodie, that is the ultimate ambition.

The crowd at TD Bank Ballpark during a recent game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. (Click to open full screen)

“I’m very happy when we get guys back to affiliated ball,” said Jodie in May. “There’s nothing like coming off the field at night after our game, turning on the TV, and seeing one of our former Patriots pitching.” But, Jodie added: “We’re also trying to win a lot of games, here.”

The players, many of whom have professional aspirations, enjoy their time at Somerset, citing the family-like demeanor around the team and organization.

“It’s a lot of fun here,” says starting pitcher Erik Arnesen. Arnesen has been with the team for two seasons, including a brief stint at the AA level in 2013. “It’s relaxed, and we just go out and have a good time and win ballgames.”

Left fielder Ahron Eggleston has also been with the team for two years. He said: “the atmosphere [around the team] is great.”

CREDIT: instagram.com/SomersetPatriots

It is not always easy to win and attract tremendous fan interest, but it appears that Somerset has accomplished both. The team, which plays at TD Bank Ballpark in New Jersey, a stadium that can sit 6,100, has reached up to 8,012 fans in the first half of the 2014 alone. “A lot of the people here care about the baseball itself more than other crowds,” said Mike Ashmore, a Patriots’ beat reporter that has covered the team since 2003.

But Minor League Baseball, including unaffiliated leagues like the Atlantic League, has its pitfalls. Case in point: The Newark Bears, a team in the local New Jersey area and rivals with the Patriots, folded their organization in 2014 after struggling with finances for years. The Bears were not lacking skill or on-field talent – big names like Jose Canseco and Ricky Henderson played for the team in 2001 and 2003, respectively. But, after filing for bankruptcy in 2008 and officially folding in 2014, the team never found stable ground.

Despite the ambiguity in minor league baseball, longtime Patriots’ beat reporter Mike Ashmore believes the fan attention comes for a reason. “These guys deserve the support ... I’m glad they’re getting it.”

But for Brett Jodie, there is one omnipresent goal for the organization: thriving on the field.

“Everybody’s here for the same reason – to win and get picked up.”

Sports Doctor is In -- Youth Injuries, 6/20

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:39:00 +0000

THE SPORTS DOCTOR IS IN! Sports podiatrist and radio show host Dr. Robert Weil joined JG Sports Talk for another conversation about sports medicine and health.

This week, Dr. Weil comments on injuries in youth sports. Dr. Weil explains how overuse is an important cause of a lot of youth injuries, but he also mentions several other reasons for the high volume of sports-related incidents.

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Every week, Dr. Weil joins Amiri Tulloch on JG Sports Talk to discuss the latest in sports medicine and sports health. Listen to Dr. Weil's radio show, "The Sports Doctor," every Wednesday from 3-4 PM CST at www.healthylife.net.

Sports Podiatrist Dr. Robert Weil, Redskins Name Needs to Change: JGST 6/20

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 01:43:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with host Amiri Tulloch!

To start today's show, Amiri is joined by sports podiatrist and radio host Dr. Robert Weil. Dr. Weil's show, The Sports Doctor, airs Wednesdays from 3-4 pm CST at http://healthylife.net/. Dr. Weil comments on the growing number of injuries in youth sports, and highlights some of the reasons behind the epidemic.

Then, Amiri tackles the ongoing controversy that is the Washington Redskins name, explaining why he thinks owner Dan Snyder should change the team name.

Amiri looks at the history behind the name, including the franchise's first owner's racist past, the historic definition behind the term 'redskin,' and why tradition should be discounted in a decision to change the team name.

Riley's Press Conference, Heat's Future: JGST 6/19

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 02:18:00 +0000

On today's edition of JG Sports Talk, Amiri discusses Miami Heat president Pat Riley's press conference on Thursday morning.

Featuring audio bytes from Riley, Amiri offers his reactions on the champion's comments and what they mean for the future of the franchise. Plus, Amiri breaks down the future of LeBron James, and explains why LeBron has no other option than to stay in Miami.

Interview with Miami Heat AP Reporter Tim Reynolds: JGST 6/17

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 00:47:00 +0000

Tim Reynolds, who covers the Miami Heat for the Associated Press, joined Amiri Tulloch to recap the NBA Finals and the Heat's series!

Tim explains why the Heat couldn't close it out against San Antonio, who the predominant culprits were, and what the future holds for Miami in the offseason and next season.

Interview with NHL Play-by-Play Announcer Kenny Albert: JGST 6/17

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 00:24:00 +0000

Kenny Albert, radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers and NHL TV announcer for NBC Sports, joined Amiri Tulloch on JG Sports Talk!

Kenny discusses what went wrong in the NHL Finals for the Blueshirts, what they need to do in free agency, whether 2013-14 was a success, and how the NHL League Office should view the Stanley Cup Final series.

Biggest Reason for Miami's Struggles, Stanley Cup Game 5 Preview: JGST 6/13

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 00:16:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with your host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri starts with a preview of Game 5 of the NHL Finals, including why Gary Bettman should hope the Rangers-Kings series goes 6 or 7 games. Plus, Amiri discusses the biggest factor for the Rangers in their attempt to win Game 5.

Next, he looks at the NBA Finals between the Heat and Spurs, including his explanation as to why the Spurs have been able to blow out the Heat in back-to-back games. Amiri also analyzes the role players for the Miami Heat, and the impact those players have had on this series for Miami.

Then, Noah Miller, president at TheSportsCrave.com, chimes in with his thoughts -- as a Heat fan -- on what has transpired in the Finals. Noah answers who he'd give the Finals MVP to, and breaks down a few of the concerns with the Heat's current roster.

[AUDIO] Major League Football All-Star Game

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 01:07:00 +0000

Listen to the playlist of audio clips:

Clip 1: Cedric Brown interview (length 0:31)

Clip 2: American Conference Coaches interview (1:35)

Clip 3: Award presentation from Major League Football CEO Dexter Girven (8:32)

Clip 4: NaQuan James interview (1:13)

--------

Help? Press the PLAY button to play the audio clip, and the forward and back buttons to jump to the next clip.

Read Amiri's All-Star game recap: http://www.jgsportstalk.com/2014/06/national-conference-triumphs-in-major.html

Read Amiri's MVP article: http://www.jgsportstalk.com/2014/06/major-league-football-players-receive.html

Derek Fisher, NHL and NBA Finals: JGST Live 6/10

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 00:25:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with your host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri starts with the New York Knicks' decision to hire Derek Fisher as the team's newest head coach. Amiri explains why the Fisher signing is a nice move by the Knicks, but not great.

Then, Steven Liberman of TheSportsCrave.com joins the program. Steve analyzes the NHL Stanley Cup Final between the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. What has gone wrong for the Blueshirts this series? Steve offers his two cents.

Next, Amiri offers the two primary ways for the San Antonio Spurs to defend LeBron James in the NBA Finals series. Plus, Amiri also illustrates why the Spurs will bounce back to win Game 3.

Finally, Tom Law of ThisIsHorseRacing.com and "The Saratoga Special" (a daily horse racing newspaper) joins on the show. Tom gives his reasoning behind why there has been such a profound Triple Crown drought and what the sport needs to do to make horse racing a year-round attention-grabber.

Major League Football Players, Coaches and Owners Receive What They Deserve

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:42:00 +0000

Overlooking the squatting players resting in a semi-circle, Major League Football CEO Dexter Girven stood behind a table full of trophies and awards. The man in charge was taking care of what he called “old business” – over the next seven or eight minutes, Mr. Girven proceeded to reward some of the league’s best players.

“As you guys know,” Mr. Girven began, “we had the Big East Football Federation (BEFF) – that was our league to launch everything we do today – back in 2007, and then, of course, the Big North East Football Federation (BNEFF).”

Then, Mr. Girven handled lingering affairs by handing out several awards to deserving players.

Tailback Cedric Brown was given the 2012 BEFF League MVP trophy, but chuckled after receiving his trophy, admitting that he thought he “wasn’t going to get it, though.”

Next up was the 2012 BNEFF League MVP, running back NaQuan Jenkins. “Both of these gentlemen had done an unbelievable job, but [NaQuan], every year, just continues to put himself out there – you don’t think he can go any higher,” Mr. Girven praised. “It gives us great pleasure to give you what you earned, [the MVP].”

Mr. Girven then presented a joint All-Star MVP award to linebacker Ainsworth Minott from the American Conference and wide receiver Darnell Rose from the National Conference. Mr. Girven shared his appreciation for both players’ efforts.

“Leadership is never given – it’s earned,” he told Minott and Rose. “Wherever you guys have played at, you’ve constantly given it 100%. … You guys have always walked away [from games] as gentlemen.”

Plaques were also handed out to offensive and defensive MVP’s from the All-Star game, with team coaches announcing picks. On the offensive side, American quarterback T.J. Brown and National counterpart Mike Perrell went home with an award. American defensive back Ryan Petties and National linebacker Perrell acquired commemorations as well.

To wrap up the presentation, Mr. Girven handed a trophy to American Conference and Somerset Bears coach Lou Morra, and gave New Jersey Lions owner Paul Castillo a Champions Award. “Teams like that are needed in a league like this,” Mr. Girven asserted about the Lions.

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Amiri Tulloch
amiritulloch(at)gmail(dot)com
For more MFL, read my All-Star game recap article here.

Pondexter is the Difference as Liberty Dominate: Recap 6/8

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:53:00 +0000

Desperate for a win, the New York Liberty cruised to victory with a dominating 81-64 performance against the Washington Mystics on Sunday. The Liberty’s win, an important game for the team after three straight losses, improved their overall record to 3-5.

“The energy level was phenomenal in the first half and that’s what carried us,” head coach Bill Laimbeer said after the game. “When you’re that locked in, good things will happen.”

The Liberty played well from the opening tip. Strong play from guard Cappie Pondexter helped the team jump out to a quick 10-0 lead. “[She] was hot,” forward Delisha Milton-Jones said after the game. “She was just doing what she’s known to do all her career – she knocks down big shots.”

Pondexter’s blistering offensive pace continued for the entirety of the game, and the eight-year veteran poured in 21 points on a remarkable 10-11 shooting. The outburst surpassed her previous season high by a point. “She’s a scorer,” Milton-Jones said after the game with a laugh. Pondexter leads the team with over 14 points per game.

The Liberty took control of the game, suffocating the Mystics early. At one point, Washington trailed by 28 points. Center Tina Charles said the Liberty’s mindset was a big reason for the efficient start. “Just going out, competing, playing hard every possession is what helped us win this game.”

Charles finished with 14 points, guard Alex Montgomery finished with 13, and point guard Anna Cruz joined the onslaught with 10. There were plenty of cheers from the 8,747 in Madison Square Garden, and the team is now 2-2 at home. Kara Lawson made four three-pointers to lead the Mystics, although three of her buckets came in the first quarter.

The victory could not have come at a better time for the Liberty. After a tough 87-75 loss against San Antonio on Thursday, Laimbeer told his team the team needed to improve intangibly. “After last game, we realized the energy level – for forty minutes – has to be better.”

The Liberty players and staff still remain upbeat despite their slow start to the season. Milton-Jones asserts that their performance could result in more than just a win. “This game could be huge for us,” she said. “It’s a huge morale-lifter … and I’m hoping it can become contagious for us – the taste of victory.”

The Liberty will try to build off of their victory when the team travels to Oklahoma to take on the 1-5 Tulsa Shock. Tip-off is slated for 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time.

National Conference Triumphs in Major League Football All-Star Game

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:49:00 +0000

BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY – In an annual showing of the league’s talents, the National Conference triumphed over the American Conference, 25-16, in the Major League Football All-Star game.

It was a hot, humid day as the teams matched up, and the weather may have seeped into the American Conference's lackadaisical play. Donning bright red uniforms that contrasted the National’s blue, the American’s offense struggled for all four quarters. Despite scoring the game's first points on a touchdown from Longhorns’ receiver Rob Wright, the American team was shut out until a quarterback sneak late in the fourth quarter.

After that early score, however, the National team took control. The squad scored three touchdowns, kicked a field goal, and forced a safety, entering the fourth quarter with a commanding, 25-6 lead.

The American team’s struggles started at the most important position on the field: quarterback. Somerset Bears and American team coach Lou Morra was forced to undergo in-game roster shuffling, as the team had a quarterback go down – without a backup. Morra “had to scramble to play that position," which included inserting wide receivers as quarterbacks for several series.

No matter the target, the National’s defensive line consistently pressured the American offense, forcing several poor interceptions and a multitude of broken plays throughout the game.

It was a solid, all-around performance from the team in blue.

---
Amiri Tulloch
amiritulloch(at)gmail(dot)com
SEE ALSO: Major League Football Players, Coaches and Owners Receive What They Deserve

Sports Podiatrist, Kaepernick Extension, Belmont Stakes Pros and Cons: JGST Live 6/6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 03:00:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with your host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri opens things by featuring an interview with sports podiatrist, and radio host Robert Weil. Dr. Weil's show, Sports Doctor Radio, airs Wednesdays from 3-4 pm CST at http://healthylife.net/. Dr. Weil discuss the ramifications of LeBron James' cramping, what cramping actually means and what the effects really are, whether the Heat superstar made the right decision by not playing, and more.

Next, Amiri goes to horse racing and the Belmont Stakes, including a discussion on the positives and negatives of a triple crown opportunity for California Chrome.

Then, Shawn Stewart of The Shawn Stewart Show joins the program to give his thoughts on the first game of the Miami-San Antonio series, giving us his take on the one thing Miami needs to improve on to win Game 2.

Next, Amiri plays several audio clips after Game 1 of the Heat-Spurs series, and gives his thoughts on why San Antonio's performance is going undervalued. Plus, he tackles the A/C question concerning the Spurs' arena.

Finally, Amiri rounds up the show discussing Colin Kaepernick's contract extension and why he's a little cautious about the money Kaepernick is getting. Plus, what does this deal mean for the other mobile NFL quarterbacks? Amiri explains.

Interview with Dan Rosen, Senior Writer at NHL.com: JGST 6/6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:57:00 +0000

On today's show, JG Sports Talk host Amiri Tulloch is joined by Dan Rosen, a senior writer for NHL.com.

Dan comments on everything concerning the Stanley Cup Final between the Kings and Rangers, including his takeaways from Game 1. Dan also gives us adjustments needed for both teams in Game 2, the biggest reason for Rick Nash's struggles, and whether Game 2 is a proverbial Game 7 for the Blueshirts.

Plus, Dan informs us on the Penguins' new general manager and what it means for the team.

Interview Alan Amron, Inventor of the First Down Laser Line: JGST 5/6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:41:00 +0000

Alan Amron, the inventor of the First Down Laser Line, joins Amiri Tulloch.

Alan shares a new update on his system, explaining how it will debut in the 2014 NCAA Track & Field Championships and discusses the NFL's interest in his product.

The green laser made by Amron serves as "a visible first down line on the field, for everyone in the stadium, all the players, all the TV cameras, and all the officials to see."

Why Scott Brooks Needs to Go: JGST 6/3

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:07:00 +0000

On today's show, Amiri explains why Scott Brooks isn't the right guy to bring a championship to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Plus, Amiri dissects the one weakness of Brooks, and why it should cost the coach his job.

Biggest Key for Pacers, Kings are Cup Favorites: JGST Live 5/28

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 May 2014 00:44:00 +0000

It's the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with your host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri starts with the Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers series, explaining why Roy Hibbert will be the biggest factor for Indiana success in their attempt to stay competitive against the defending champions.

Next, Amiri goes through the NHL Conference Final series, including his reasoning behind saying that Montreal shouldn't be counted out of their series against the New York Rangers. Plus, should the LA Kings be considered Stanley Cup favorites? Amiri thinks so.

Then, heading back to basketball, Amiri reviews the Spurs' Game 4 defeat, including what the team needs to do to bounce back for the remainder of the season.

Then, on the JG Sports Talk Newswire segment, Amiri goes through Sean Lee's ACL injury, Paul George's quotes about officiating in Game 4 against the Heat, and Johnny Manziel's Las Vegas trip.

Somerset Patriots Recap: Offense breaks through in 13 inning marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 May 2014 15:58:00 +0000

NEW JERSEY – It took 4 hours and 11 minutes, but the Somerset Patriots (18-10) eventually prevailed in a 2-1 victory over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (11-17) on Saturday evening.

The winning run was scored when the Patriots came up-to-bat in the bottom of the 13^th inning. Despite the fact that Blue Crabs’ closer Erik Hamren had a road stat-line of eleven strikeouts in seven innings pitched, the 6’1 hurler faced the meat of the Patriots lineup.

Leading off the inning, 2B Nate Spears doubled to right field, RF Luis Montanez laced a single up the middle, and 3B Corey Smith induced a walk to load the bases. DH Ty Wright had a 3-2 count, but showed lack-of-discipline swinging on a ball out the zone that would have sent Spears in to win the game. Fear not: with one out and bases still loaded, 1B Robbie Widlansky stepped to the plate. After fouling off the first pitch, Widlansky drilled a groundball up the middle, advancing to first with a RBI fielder’s choice that sent Spears dashing across home plate.

The offense in the 13^th inning was not representative of the previous 12. Patriots’ lefty Matt Zielinski had a solid night, throwing seven strikeouts in just as many innings; his only blemish coming in the first inning after a RBI double from 1B Cyle Hankerd scored RF Jermaine Mitchell. The Patriots gave Zielinski some run protection in the fourth, when catcher Adam Donachie scored 3B Corey Smith from second base with a RBI single. The score remained 1-1 until Spears’s winning run, setting up a pitching duel for the 5,730 in attendance at TD Bank Ballpark on a brisk night.

To the 12th we head!

This is not unusual for either team – each has struggled offensively this season, resulting in two of the lowest team batting averages in the Atlantic League. After giving up the first inning run, Zielinski scattered four hits over the next six frames and kept Somerset in the game. Brian Baker, the Blue Crabs’ starting right-hander, countered with four strikeouts in six innings, throwing 61 of his 90 pitches for strikes.

A leaping catch from SS Edwin Maysonet saved 6’9 pitcher Jon Hunton’s impressive 1-2-3 frame for the Patriots in the top of the 12^th, and 5’11 righty Jason Lowey closed the win for the Patriots by cleanly maneuvering his way out of a two-out jam in the top of the 13^th with runners on first and second. That set up the winning frame for the Patriots offense, a group that now has 10 come from behind victories on the season.

After a tough 3-2 loss in the series opener against the Blue Crabs on Friday, the Patriots look to take the lead in a four-game series Sunday afternoon at 1:05.

NOTES:

Offensive opportunities were aplenty (the two sides left 25 runners on base – ten of which came in the final four innings), continuing a season-long trend for the Somerset Patriots: solid pitching but reluctant hitting. Manager Brett Jodie alluded before the game that hitting was a clear area of weakness for his team. “It’s a different guy every night coming out and contributing … which is a good thing,” Jodie said. “But, we’re gonna try to get more guys [hot].” Jodie added that he’d give the team a “B” grade on the season so far, citing that with better hitting, that grade could be improved.

As Jodie mentioned, the Patriots offense has gotten contributions from different guys, and it was no different against the Blue Crabs on Saturday. Robbie Widlansky, who hit the game-winning RBI in the 13th inning, is on a bit of a streak: in Widlansky’s first 16 games, he only had four RBI. In the Florida-native’s last six games, he has eight RBI.

In a bizarre moment, with the game tied through extra innings, a thick fog began to make its way into the ballpark, engulfing the outfield. Visibility was so bad that home plate umpire JB Torres even went into the outfield to check the sight himself. The game eventually resumed, after a lengthy delay, with the top of the 12^th inning.

Several Patriots extended hit streaks: Adam Donachie to 5 games, Luis Montanez to 4, and Robbie Widlansky to 6.

The 13 inning game was the second longest game of the season for the Patriots (season opener lasted 17), and the match tied the longest extra-inning game of the year (4 hours and 11 minutes long on 4/25).

The Somerset Patriots and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are a part of the Atlantic League.

Street Team Chat hosted by Amiri Tulloch: 5/23

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:06:00 +0000

Take a listen to the latest edition of "Street Team Chat," an NBA-related show hosted by Amiri Tulloch!

Listen as Amiri and the StreetTeamCentral.com panel discuss the Heat vs. Pacers and Thunder vs. Spurs series, dissect the meaning behind Mark Cuban's (below) comments on prejudice, and continue the debate concerning potential landing spots for prized-power forward Kevin Love.

Good and Bad of NBA Coaches, Hypocritical Roger Goodell: JGST 5/21

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 May 2014 13:50:00 +0000

Tune in to the latest edition of JG Sports Talk with host Amiri Tulloch!

On today's show, Amiri definitely breaks down why Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks has had a postseason worthy of a job loss.

Next up is former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark calling Roger Goodell a hypocrite, and Amiri offers his thoughts on Clark's statement.

Then, it's on to the the NHL playoffs. Amiri reveals what's keeping the Chicago Blackhawks from being a dynasty, and gives the New York Rangers biggest concern in their series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Amiri also explains his stance on Michael Jordan saying that Kobe Bryant would not be where the Laker star is without watching and using MJ's moves. Amiri also refutes the notion that the NBA Draft Lottery is rigged.