Brooklyn Nets: Sweating The Heat At Barclays

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SATURDAY

HEAT   124

NETS   128

FINAL

Analytics or Bad Math: James Harden and the Eight Point Swing

Despite getting outscored by ten in the fourth quarter, Brooklyn's Big Three wins their first game together.  But it wasn't easy.  They allowed the undermanned Miami Heat 124 points, and if it weren't for James Harden committing a smart foul with 3.3 seconds left in the fourth, maybe the Nets lose by several points instead of winning by four.  

James Harden continues showing he is the smartest situational player (sans KD) on the floor, knowing exactly when to foul.  He did it against Khris Middleton and the Bucks and did it again Saturday night when Miami was heating up at Barclays.  It's an issue I brought up even before the trade, but to be clear, I was directing my comments towards DeAndre Jordan.  

The defense will be problematic for this club as presently constituted.  The hope is the Nets simply outscore their opponents.  In the 13 games before James Harden's arrival, the Nets averaged 118.6 points for and 112.9 points against.  In the five games since the trade, they are averaging 124.6 points for and 126.8 points against.  They went from a +5.7 point differential to a -2.2 point differential, nearly an eight-point swing.  It's a small sample size, but the numbers speak for themselves.  

When things get down and dirty, DeAndre Jordan must impose his presence and utilize his size more.  In the meantime, James Harden is drawing more game out of Jordan than anyone previously.  In 21 minutes against the Heat, Jordan scored eight points with eight rebounds, one block, and one personal foul.  Before the trade, Jordan was averaging 4.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 18 minutes.  He hadn't scored in double-digits through the first 13 games, with Jarrett Allen still on board.  In five games since the trade, Jordan is averaging 8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 26.4 minutes.  Playing alongside Harden, DeAndre has twice scored in double-digits and posted his first double-double in their second game against Milwaukee.

Jeff Green picked up where DeAndre Jordan left off with eleven points and five rebounds with SIX personal fouls(!) in 26 minutes off the bench.

Harden also continues deferring to Kyrie Irving.  He started his first career game at power forward Friday night at Cleveland.  Yesterday against the Heat, Irving was 10/17 from the field, including 3/5 from three and 5/6 from the line for 28 points with seven assists in 36 minutes.  Harden was 2/8 from the floor and 0/5 from the arc, but a team-high 8/9 from the line gave him twelve points with eleven rebounds.  It's his lowest scoring output since arriving, yet he has posted a double-double in each of his five games with the Nets.  Harden is averaging only 15.8 shots per game, whereas Kyrie Irving, since the trade, is averaging 23 shots through three games.

After a night off at Cleveland, Kevin Durant returns to score a team-high 31 points in 37 minutes.  Not coincidentally, he is averaging 31.2 points in 36.2 minutes through his first 13 games.

Then there's Joe Harris.  After getting erased in back-to-back games by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Joe tapped back into his inner Dr. Jeckyll with 7/12 from the arc en route to 23 points in 37 minutes. 

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Criollos de Caguas Take Commanding 3-0 LBPRC Championship Series Lead Against Mayagüez

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

(0-3) Indios de Mayagüez   3

(3-0) Criollos de Caguas     7

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Seeking to climb back into this series after dropping two straight, Mayagüez jumps out to a first-inning lead on a run batted in from Ivan De Jesus.  Criollos catcher Jonathan Morales ties the game in the second with a single and run batted in.  Mayagüez starter Luis Medina's wild pitch allows  Jose Miranda to score from third for a 2-1 Criollos lead.  In the top of the seventh, Indios left fielder  Danny Ortiz doubles home the tying run.  Undeterred, Caguas continues answering back.  Center fielder Jarred Duran doubles home the go-ahead run, and Yadier Molina's sac-fly gives Los Criollos a 4-2 lead.  Right fielder Henry Ramos brings Los Indios within one with an RBI single in the eighth driving home Bronx native T.J. Rivera.  But Caguas is relentless.  Jarred Duran clubs a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, giving Los Criollos a commanding 7-3 lead and the final margin of victory.  Reliever Rayan Gonzalez retires Los Indios in order in the top of the ninth to close out Los Criollos' third straight victory over Mayagüez.  Right-hander Anthony Maldonado earns the victory in relief.  Jarren Duran is the big man on campus, going 2 for 5 with a double, home run, and four runs batted in.  Criollos starter Tommy Romero yields just one run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in a five-inning no-decision effort.  Top-seeded Caguas is one victory away from sweeping the series and advancing to the Caribbean Series being hosted this year by Mazatlán, Mexico.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LVBP and LMP Championship Series Game Two Recaps

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(2-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui    1

(0-2) Cardenales de Lara         0

F/11 innings

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Right-hander Andres Machado toes the rubber for Anzoátegui and is opposed by right-hander Raul Rivero for Lara.  Both engage in a scoreless duel through the game's first five innings.  Machado exits after facing 16 batters, allowing no runs on just one hit and no walks with two strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He is relieved by southpaw Liarvis Breto in the sixth.  Raul Rivero allows no runs on three hits, and no walks with four strikeouts through six innings pitched.  He is relieved by Vicente Campos for the seventh.  Through this point, second baseman Cesar Hernandez accounts for Lara's only hit back in the first inning.  The scoreless duel continues into the eighth.  With two outs in the bottom of the frame, Lara finally strings together consecutive base hits.  But reliever Jake Sanchez strikes out right fielder Ezequiel Carrera swinging to end the inning.  Los Caribes put a runner in scoring position with two hits in the top of the ninth but leave him stranded.  Reliever Mayckol Guajpe retires Los Cardenales in the bottom of the ninth, and into extra innings they go at Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez.  Los Caribes finally breakthrough in the top of the eleventh.  With two outs and runners on first and second, shortstop Luis Sardiñas singles home the game's first run.  To close out the bottom half of the frame Anzoátegui then summons right-hander  Lester Oliveros who immediately walks the lead-off batter, and before you know it, Los Caribes walk the bases loaded.  Right-hander Jean Toledo is summoned from the bullpen.  With one out, first baseman Osman Marval hits a comebacker to the pitcher resulting incredibly in a 1-2-3 inning-ending double-play to end the game.  Seven members of Los Caribes bullpen join together in limiting Lara to no runs on just two hits and five walks with two strikeouts through the game's final six innings.  Thrillingly, Los Caribes take a two-games to none series advantage over Los Cardenales de Lara.

1. GAME ONE

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(1-1) Tomateros de Culiacan        6

(1-1) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    1

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Early runs are scarce at Estadio Sonora at Hermosillo.  Southpaw Anthony Vasquez climbs the hill for Culiacan and is opposed by fellow southpaw Juan Pablo Oramas for Los Naranjeros.  Hermosillo opens the scoring in the third; shortstop Jasson Atondo doubles and scores.  Culiacan first baseman Efren Navarro ties the game with a home run leading off the fifth.  Los Tomateros then pull away in the seventh on right fielder Sebastian Elizalde's home run and catcher Alexis Wilson's single and run batted in for a 3-1 Tomateros lead.  Sebastian Elizalde then doubles home an insurance run in the eighth.  With two outs and a runner on second, Hermosillo brings in left-handed reliever and Mets farmhand  Heriberto Ruelas.  Center fielder Yoelkis Guibert greets him with a two-run home run to right field, giving Culiacan a late 6-1 lead and their final margin of victory.  Tomateros closer Alberto Baldonado enters the game in the ninth.  After yielding a lead-off single, he fans the next three batters to end the game.  Anthony Vasquez allows just one run on six hits and no walks with seven strikeouts through 6.1 innings pitched for the victory.  Naranjeros starter yields one run on just two hits and no walks with eight strikeouts through six innings but escapes with a no-decision.  The defending LMP champions even the series at one game apiece.

1. GAME ONE

PIGSKIN 2020: Championship Sunday

 

PIGSKIN

Championship 

Sunday

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

Week Eight

Week Nine
Week Ten

Week Eleven

Thanksgiving Day

Week Twelve

Week Thirteen

Week Fourteen

Week Fifteen

Week Sixteen

Week Seventeen

Wild Saturday

Wild Sunday

Divisional Saturday

Divisional Sunday

Regular Season

Overall Record ATS:  120-94-8 (+18)

Schmear of the Week:  4-13-1 (-30)

Bagels in the Basket:  -12

POST-SEASON

PLAYOFF RECORD ATS:  4-6 (-6)

SCHMEAR of the DAY:  2-1 (+10)  

BAGELS in the BASKET:  +4

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

Saturday Line ~ NYP/MGM

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

PACKERS -3 1/2 Bucs  🥯 🥯 🥯

Out of the NFL's regular-season top ten defenses in yards allowed per game, only two remain in the playoffs, and they meet this Sunday at Lambeau Field.  Tampa finished the regular season number one against the run, and they get after the quarterback well, but their secondary is very suspect.  Green Bay features the NFC's fourth-best run game.  That said, Green Bay's offensive line has been playing great of late, and Aaron Rogers poses a much larger threat to the Bucs secondary than did Drew Brees.  Tampa can slow down the Packers running game and even contain Rogers from scattering about.  But, afforded ample time, Aaron Rogers will pick them apart.  If the Saints put up twenty points against the Bucs, I expect the Packers to put up more.  Defensively, the post-season Packers are yielding the least amount of yardage of all four remaining teams.  Tom Brady is a statue; he can be found.  But can the Packers' pass rush get to him?  Pressure must come up the middle, not exactly Green Bay's forte.  But if the Packers bottle up Tampa's run game, they can afford to blitz, often.  The Bucs are running well of late, but it's starting to border on hype.  They still finished among the league's bottom tier in rushing.  Otherwise, Brady will kill them with timing and accuracy and has the weapons to get it done.  Whichever defense plays best and makes more plays wins.  Aaron Rogers can extend plays on the fly, Brady not so much.  Brady is copacetic with cold weather; is the rest of Tampa?  We'll see.  I'm not overly impressed with Tampa's victories over Washington and New Orleans.  Green Bay shut down the Rams offense, and their secondary is also better than Tampa's.  My gut says the Bucs are a better team, but I'm going with the Packers at home.

Loss  31-26 Bucs

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Bills +3 CHIEFS  🥯 🥯 🥯

Two defensively average teams who feature two of the more dynamic quarterbacks in football.  But after watching Pat Mahomes trying to stand up and recover from being concussed, one has to wonder about his state.  He's also dealing with a hurt toe.  But Mahomes will have help.  The Chiefs can run the ball much better than the Bills.  A mailman can rush better than the Bills.  Therefore, the Chiefs can potentially keep Josh Allen on the sidelines longer than Buffalo prefers.  But we're still talking about two of the most aggressive teams in football.  Buffalo (with no run game) defeated the Colts and the Ravens to get here.  The Chiefs disposed of the Browns, who had more problems than a math book.  These teams met back in October; the Chiefs won 26-17 at Buffalo.  Both quarterbacks threw two touchdowns apiece, but Buffalo had no answer for Kansas City's running game.  Josh Allen was just 14/27 for 122 yards with an INT that day.  Josh Allen, today, is an entirely different animal.  I foresee him performing substantially better this time around.  The Colts and Ravens featured top tier defenses, the Chiefs not so much.  There's something special going on with New York State's best football team.  My son believes the Bills will win the Super Bowl.  So, blame him if this goes awry.  As they say ... any given Sunday.

Loss  38-24 Chiefs

SCHMEAR of the DAY   🥯 10x

#BillsMafia +3

LOSS

Postseason Record ATS:  4-8 (-12)

Schmear of the Day:  2-2 (flat)

Bagels in the Basket:  -12

Brooklyn Nets: Suffer Flat Tire During Road Trip Through Cleveland

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

No Defense 

Against Second Lowest Scoring Team in League

NETS   250

CAVS   272

Two of the more disturbing losses of the season ...

Two games against the second-worst offensive team in the league and the Nets, the third highest-scoring team in the league, lose both getting outscored by a gross 250-272 margin.  Playing without Kevin Durant, the Nets were badly outrebounded 29-50 on Friday, while Cleveland nearly doubled them up at the free-throw line.  James Harden, starting at power forward for the first time in his career, scored 19 points with a game-high eleven assists in 37 minutes.  Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 38 points with only five assists in 31 minutes.  Coach Nash extended the bench to six, with Jeff Green and Timothe-Luwawu Cabarrot playing 26 minutes respectively.  Back in the starting lineup, Joe Harris was limited by Cleveland (and Kyrie's lack of distribution) to just eight points on 3/9 from the floor.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LBPRC, LVBP & LMP Championship Series Round-Up

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

(2-0) Criollos de Caguas      7

(0-2) Indios de Mayagüez    5

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21 - After two scoreless albeit active innings, Caguas breaks out for three runs in the top of the third.  Leading off, Mayagüez starter and Mets farmhand Joel Huertas plunks shortstop Edwin Diaz with a pitch then issues consecutive bases on balls to left fielder Rey Fuentes and to reigning league MVP and Mets product Johneshwy Fargas.  Center fielder Jarren Duran bounces into a (4 to 6) force play, with Diaz scoring on the play.  After which, Indios manager Luis Matos pulls Huertas from the game.  When play resumes with two outs, third baseman Jose Miranda singles home two runs.  Mayagüez gets one back in the bottom half of the frame on doubles by shortstop Jeremy Rivera and right fielder Jack Lopez making it a 3-1 game in favor of Caguas.  Indios second baseman Christian Colon is ejected by the home plate umpire for arguing a called third strike with one out in the bottom of the fourth.  That's when the saturated skies over Estadio Isidoro Cholo Garcia burst open, and down came the rain.  Caguas starter Hector Santiago does not continue after the delay.  He allows one run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts through 3.2 innings pitched.  Pitching duties are handed off to Luis Cruz.  In the top of the fifth, Caguas catcher Jonathan Morales is issued a bases-loaded walk by Indios reliever Eric Stout who soon after unleashes a wild pitch allowing Jose Miranda to score from third for a 5-1 Criollos lead.  Mayagüez claws back with a run in the bottom of the fifth on a sac-fly from Ivan De Jesus Jr.  The teams repeat the cycle in the sixth; Caguas scores twice, and Los Indios answer with one.  Yadier Molina and Jose Miranda drive in runs for Caguas; Jeremy Rivera drives in one for Mayagüez.  Los Indios manufacture two more runs in the ninth but ultimately come up short against Los Criollos for a second straight game.  Six Caguas relievers join to yield four runs on seven hits and two walks over the final 5.1 innings.  Chris Muller earns the victory in relief.

1. GAME ONE 

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional

LVBP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(1-0) Caribes de Anzoátegui   6

(0-1) Cardenales de Lara         0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21  Game one opens with a pitching duel pitting David Martinez of Anzoátegui against Logan Darnell for Lara.  The two traded zeroes for five innings.  Los Caribes finally break the scoreless tie in the sixth.  Darnell is removed from the game after yielding a lead-off single and issuing consecutive walks to load the bases.  Reliever Vicente Campos induces consecutive (six-to-four) force outs, but Los Caribes score each time.  Anzoátegui scores twice more in the seventh on runs batted in from right fielder Herlis Rodriguez and center fielder Rafael Ortega.  Not yet done, Los Caribes rally for yet another pair in the eighth on a run batted in from first baseman Tomás Telis and a bases-loaded walk issued to third baseman Niuman Romero for a 6-0 Caribes lead and the final margin of victory.  Caribes shortstop Luis Sardiñas finishes 4 for 4 with a double and a run scored.  Anzoátegui starter David Martinez allows no runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts through 4.1 innings but exits to a no-decision.  Long time Caribes veteran Jean Toledo earns the victory in relief.  Six members of the bullpen join in limiting Los Cardenales to no runs on just three hits and four walks with three strikeouts to preserve the shutout and close out their series-opening victory on the road.

• Game Two: Saturday

 

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

LMP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(0-1) Tomateros de Culiacan        1

(1-0) Naranjeros de Hermosillo    2

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/22/21  The much-anticipated series between this season's top-seeded club versus the defending LMP champions is underway.  Hermosillo jumps out to a prompt 2-0 first-inning lead looking to unseat the still reigning title bearers.  Right fielder Yadiel Hernández doubles home the first Naranjeros run, then soon scores on a fielder's choice.  Tomateros starter JC Ramirez and Naranjeros southpaw Ryan Verdugo continue dueling; the score remains unchanged through the eighth.  The defending champs ultimately bow to Los Naranjeros but not before ruining the shutout on the run batted in by first baseman Efren Navarro.  JC Ramirez allows two runs on six hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings pitched in a bit of hard luck losing effort.  Hermosillo starter Ryan Verdugo yields no runs on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts through seven innings for the victory.  Fernando Salas earns the save.

• Game Two: Saturday

Long Islanders Turn Away Visiting New Jersey Devils

From the desks:  NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT & THE BRICK CITY STYX

THURSDAY

Devils         1

Islanders   4

FINAL

Just a couple of observations:

Mackenzie Woodman did not play, and it showed.  The Islanders edged out the Devils (35-31) in shots on goal.  Backup Scott Wedgewood, making his first start of the season and playing in only the 25th game of his spotty career, made 31 saves.  Mathew Barzal opened the scoring at the 4:43 mark, and Jordan Eberle closed out the first period with a goal at the 19:39 mark.  That stings.  All the Devils could muster was an early second period goal from Nathan Bastian.  In the third period, Jordan Eberle scored his second of the game and Brock Nelson netted the Islanders fourth goal of the game, both on the power play, both early in the period.  Said another way, the Devils were undone by penalties and several ill timed goals.

The four-line Islanders had five forwards with at least four shots on goal, and five skaters all together.  Whereas the Devils had just one forward with at least four shots.  Rather they were led by their blue-liners, six shots from P.K. Subban and five by Damon Severson.  Nikita Gusev was next in with four shots from the wing.

Newark will host Long Island when these teams meet again on Sunday.

N.Y. Knicks: California Dreamin'

From the desk: KICKING CANS DOWN 33RD STREET WITH JIMMY

LEFT COAST SWING

THURSDAY

Knicks   119

Warriors 104

FINAL

A fifteen point victory over the Golden State Warriors ... be honest, considering their early schedule, who out there thought the Knicks would start the season win eight wins in their first sixteen games?

Not many, myself included.

The New York Thibs do it again.  A long flight to the Left Coast and playing the front end of back-to-back games means a long bench.  Coach Thibodeau went five deep, with all receiving at least eleven minutes.  Alec Burks led the effort with eleven points and five rebounds in 31 minutes.  Nerlens Noel adds six points, eleven rebounds, and four blocks.  Rookie Obi Toppin squeezed in five points in twelve minutes.

RJ Barrett scores a career-high 28 points on 10/17 from the field, including 2/3 from the arc in a team-high 37 minutes.  Julius Randle drops 16 points, distributes a game-high nine assists, and secures a game-high 17 rebounds in 36 minutes.  Mitchell Robinson was second on the team with 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Knicks outrebounded the Warriors by a 55-48 margin and shot an improved 46.3% from the field, including 45.8% from three.

Stephen Curry led the floor with 30 points.

Coach Thib's number one rated defense is at least three points better than the second-place Los Angeles Lakers.

FRIDAY

Knicks   94

Kings   103

FINAL

 

The Knicks defense stays true, but their scoring touch fails them yet again.  Sacramento pulls away down the stretch.  The Knicks were plus-three in total attempts but only convert on 36/94 shots for 38.3% percent from the field.  Mitchell Robinson scores twelve and grabs ten rebounds.  Julius Randle leads the floor with 26 points and 14 rebounds.   The Knicks continue leading the league with the fewest points scored per game yet still lead the league in allowing the fewest points on defense by a 3.6 margin better than the Lakers.  The bench shot just 11/37 (29.7%) from the field for 28 points in 87 minutes.  That just will not do.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Caguas Criollos Whitewash Mayagüez Indios in Game One LBPRC Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(0-1) Idios de Mayaguez    0

(1-0) Criollos de Caguas   4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/21/21 - Criollos starter Jose De Leon pitches a gem in game one of the LBPRC championship series, allowing Los Indios no runs on just two hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts through six innings for the win.  In facing 21 batters, De Leon threw 48 pitches with a pinpoint of 44 (91%) going for strikes.  Relievers  Andy Maldonado,  Zach Muckenhirn, and Fernando Cruz join together for three scoreless innings of no-hit ball with no walks and three strikeouts to preserve the shutout and secure victory.  Caguas, playing in their first game since Jan. 7, waste no time getting ahead of the competition.  League MVP and Mets farmhand Johneshwy Fargas leads off the home first with a double, and center fielder Jarren Duran draws a walk.  Designated hitter Yadier Molina follows with a triple, then scored on a fielder's choice for an instant 3-0 lead.  Catcher Jonathan Morales drives in Los Criollos fourth run with a sac-fly in the eight en route to a 4-0 whitewashing of Mayagüez.  Indios starter Hector Hernandez yields three runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts in a seven-inning losing effort.

Website:

• CriollosCaguas.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com

Twitter:

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas 
• @MayaguezIndios

YouTube:

• Caguas Criollos TV

A Metsian Podcast: Men, Manners, Mets and Other Life's Minutiae with Anna Brice

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

With SAM, RICH & MIKE

We Welcome Back New York Native/Jersey Girl, 

Current Arizona Resident, and Life-Long Mets Fan

Anna Brice

110-minutes

We were intent on having Anna Brice join us to provide a woman's perspective with regards to the Jared Porter incident.  Otherwise, where do we go from here ... no George Springer, but Mets trade for Joey Lucchesi, and what about Trevor Bauer ... we discuss it all.  We also talk Mets baseball circa 1971, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and a Gil Hodges/HOF rant, and more on this episode of A Metsian Podcast.

#LGM

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Cardenales de Lara & Caribes de Anzoátegui Advance to LVBP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Venezolana Béisbol Profesional 

SEMIFINALS

GAME SEVEN

(3-4) Navegantes del Magallanes    4

(4-3) Caribes de Anzoátegui          10

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/20/21 - With consecutive victories in games six and seven, Los Caribes advance to the LVBP championship series.  In a preview of things to come, Anzoátegui opens the scoring right away on a first-inning home run by center fielder Rafael Ortega.  In the third, the roof caves in on Magallanes.  Los Caribes strike for six runs on six hits highlighted by a two-run home run from designated hitter Oswaldo Arcia for a 7-0 lead.  Los Navegantes right fielder Danry Vasquez ruins the shutout with a home run leading off the fourth.  Still, Anzoátegui answers right back in the bottom half of the frame with runs batted in from Ali Castillo, Willians Astudillo, and Tomás Telis for a commanding 10-1 lead.  Magallanes makes a go of it with three runs in the ninth but falls far from a comeback.  Caribes starter Jesus Cruz allows no runs on just one hit and three walks with two strikeouts in a brief 2.1 inning outing.  Six members of the bullpen join together to yield four runs, but only one earned on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts over the game's final 6.2 innings.  Right-hander  Andres E. Perez earns the victory in relief of Cruz.  Los Caribes clinch the series four games against three.

GAME SEVEN

(3-4) Tigres de Aragua        2

(4-3) Cardenales de Lara  11

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/20/21 - Los Tigres cannot convert the momentum of victories in games five and six into a third straight win in Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez at Lara.  Los Cardenales, in commanding fashion, finally put the finishing touches on their semifinal series victory over Aragua.  Lara starter Williams Perez yields one run, just one hit, and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings pitcher for the win.  Four relievers then limit Aragua to one other run on six hits and no walks with two strikeouts over the final four innings.  A big five-run fourth inning effectively puts the game out of Aragua's reach.  Third baseman Carlos Rivero goes 1 for 3 with a home run and three runs batted in.  Shortstop Ildemaro Vargas goes 5 for 6 with a double and two runs batted in.  First baseman Osman Marval and catcher Yojhan Quevedo each drive in two runs apiece.  Los Cardenales de Lara advance to the championship series where they will face Los Caribes del Anzoátegui.

Brooklyn Nets: Triumvirate Debut is a Mixed Bag of Goods

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Team Says Need More Time In The Lab

WEDNESDAY

Nets  135

Cavs  147

Double-Overtime

(I STILL MISS JARRETT ALLEN . . . and Kyrie Irving is back)

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden played together for the first time as members of the Brooklyn Nets.  However, during the second overtime of Wednesday night's game at Cleveland, Collin Sexton outplayed them all.

I'm not getting caught up in a double-overtime loss.  Once it gets there, stuff happens.  However, through the game's course, it became clear the Flatbush Three obviously need more practice time together.  The starting lineup as a whole displayed a measurable lack of cohesion.  But also give the Cavs their due.  They are among the top two stingiest teams in the league and recently added Jarrett Allen to their ranks.  

Regarding who gets the ball and when the Nets offered another small glimpse into the near future.  After a poor third quarter, the Nets recovered from a double-digit deficit.  The ball was put in Kyrie Irving's hands with the score tied 113-113 and time running out in regulation.  In the first overtime, Harden handled the ball somewhat more and facilitated a key slam by Jeff Green.  With the score tied and time expiring in the first overtime, the final shot was put into Kevin Durant's hands.

On this night Harden clearly deferred to Irving.  Look no further than the first half.  Harden scored no points from the field.  Meanwhile, Kyrie attempted a team-high 28 shots from the field, while Harden attempted only fourteen shots.  Otherwise, Kyrie scored 37 points with only three assists in 48 minutes.  Whereas Harden scored 21 points with a game-high twelve assists and ten rebounds during a game-high 51 minutes.  Kevin Durant finished with a team-high 38 points with a game-high twelve rebounds and eight assists in 50 minutes.

Getting the start, old man Jeff Green had an active night with sixteen points and seven boards in 44 minutes.  The Nets "center of attention" DeAndre Jordan is working well with Harden, who provides him an on-court reeducation in working pick and rolls.  Jordan scored (6/7) thirteen points with four boards in 24 minutes.

Landry Shamet was a curious DNP, and Bruce Brown only saw seven minutes.  Just wondering what Coach Nash is thinking.  Meanwhile, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was 0/6 including 0/3 from the arc in twelve minutes.  

Joe Harris picked a bad night for feeling numb to the touch.  He was just 2/7 from the arc and missed three other shots from mid-range in 42 minutes off the bench.

The loss puts the Nets one game under .500 on the road.  The play the Cavaliers once again this Friday at Cleveland.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LBPRC Championship Series Preview

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

LIGA de BÉISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

LBPRC 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Indios de Mayagüez

vs.

Criollos de Caguas 

The much-anticipated series between Mayagüez and Caguas commences Thursday.  Joining Los Criollos will be All-Star catcher Yadier Molina selected from Manatí in the draw from eliminated teams, and catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini who was reactivated to the roster.  Los Indios will be reinforced by New York Mets farmhand and southpaw Joel Huertas selected from RA12.  Los Criollos finished the regular season first overall, with Los Indios finishing just one game behind.  The two teams split their regular-season series at three wins apiece.  Both Caguas and Mayagüez are founding members of LBPRC, established in 1938.  Los Indios last won the championship in 2014, while Los Criollos last clinched back-to-back titles during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.  Both teams are tied for most league championships with eighteen flags each.  The winner of this series will become the LBPRC all-time leader in titles.

Website:

• CriollosCaguas.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com

Twitter:

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas 
• @MayaguezIndios

YouTube:

• Caguas Criollos TV

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Culiacan To Face Hermosillo In LMP Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

SEMIFINALS

GAME SIX

(4-2) Tomateros de Culiacan  3

(2-4) Yaquis de Obregon         0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/19/21 - Strong pitching on both sides rule the night at Estadio de Los Yaquis.  With one out in the second, Culiacan first baseman Efren Navarro triples and scores on third baseman Michael Wing's double.  After which, all remains quiet through the seventh inning.  The defending champs score twice more in the eighth, first on a wild pitch unleashed by reliever Miguel Aguilar, then on an RBI hit from right fielder Sebastian Elizalde for a 3-0 lead.  Tomateros starter Edgar Arredondo yields just five hits and no walks with four strikeouts through six very efficient innings pitched for his second victory of the series.  The bullpen completes three scoreless innings to preserve the shutout.  Southpaw reliever  Alberto Baldonado earned the save.  Yaquis starter   Faustino Carrera allows just one earned run on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts through 5.1 effective innings, albeit a losing effort.  Both teams joined for just two extra-base hits all game.  Los Tomateros de Culiacan, who entered the post-season seeded number two behind Hermosillo, advance to the LMP Championship Series looking to defend their title.

GAME SIX

(2-4) Sultanes de Monterrey        3

(4-2) Naranjeros de Hermosillo   6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/19/21 On the strength of a big sixth inning, Los Naranjeros push themselves out of reach of Monterrey's best efforts.  Designated hitter Alex Robles puts Hermosillo ahead with an RBI single in the second.  Sultanes catcher Gilberto Galaviz ties the game with an RBI double in the fifth.  Los Naranjeros then push five runs across the plate in the sixth, highlighted by catcher Julian Leon's two-RBI hit and an RBI double from shortstop Jason Atondo for a 6-1 lead.  Monterrey chips away with home runs from designated hitter Jose Amador in the seventh and shortstop Roberto Valenzuela in the eighth, making it a 6-3 game, but Monterrey's final margin of defeat.  Naranjeros starter Cesar Vargas allows just one run on two hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings but does not figure in the decision.  Southpaw Marcelo Martinez earns the win in relief, and Robinson Leyer earns his third save of the series.  Top-seeded Hermosillo wins the series in six, four games against two.  Los Naranjeros advance to the LMP championship series.

N.Y. Rangers: No Shot Against Devils Mackenzie Blackwood

From the desks: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS & THE BRICK CITY STYX

Battle of the Hudson - I

TUESDAY

Devils       4

Rangers    3

FINAL

The Rangers commit one of the cardinal sins of hockey: allowing a goal inside the first two minutes or the last two minutes of a period.  Entering his fifteenth year with the Devils, Travis Zajac does just that, scores within the first 32-seconds of the game.  Thus, the Rangers play from behind all night.  

At practice, Coach Quinn implored his team to take more shots.  That translated into fifty shots on goal against the Devils.  The problem is Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 47 of them.  New Jersey's goalie stopped 33/34 shots at even strength, and 14/16 on the penalty kill.  Said another way, the Rangers averaged 2.6 shots per power play, but cashed in twice, first by Chris Kreider early in the second, then midway through the period by Mika Zebanejad.  Filip Chytil scored the Rangers' lone even-strength goal seven minutes into the third.

There's still no getting around the fact Blackwood and (centerman) Jack Hughes were for all intent and purpose the best two players on the ice.  Hughes, the Devils 2019 number one overall draft pick scored two goals within five minutes of each other in a back and forth second period and later assisted on another.

Alexandar Georgiev made his second straight start.  However, this one didn't go as well as his first.  Georgiev faced just twenty shots, stopping only sixteen, all at even strength.  Coach Quinn relieved him with Igor Shesterkin for the third period.  Meanwhile, the Rangers afford the Devils just two power-play opportunities.

gee I wish the #NYR had drafted a center ... just saying.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) January 20, 2021