Sunshine State Showdown as Top Ranked University of Tampa takes on Florida Southern. The rivals are face off this weekend in Lakeland.

Published

6 days ago

March 29, 2025

Austin Reed

Tampa (24-4)

The Spartans hosted SSC opponents Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and Saint Leo this past week. Tampa swept the Eagles in a weekend series and beat the Lions in a mid-week matchup. They dominated both offensively and on the mound in the four conference games. They outscored their opponents 33-8 in the four games. In game one against Embry-Riddle, the Spartans starting pitcher C.J. Williams tossed eight innings of one-run baseball, and catcher Jhoander Irigoyen was 4-5 with five runs batted in on the night at the plate, including two doubles. In game two against the Eagles, Skylar Gonzalez pitched six innings, giving up one run. Despite Gonzalez‘s efficient outing, the Spartans found themselves down one heading into the ninth before Brayden Woodburn launched a solo shot to tie the game up. J.D. Urso walked it off for the Spartans in the bottom of the tenth with a single. In game three, Jake Stipp picked up his fifth win of the season, improving to 5-0 on the season, tossing seven scoreless in route to a Spartans 10-0 run-rule victory. Jordan Williams, Nico Saladino, Woodburn, and Kevin Karstetter all had multi-hit games, and Santiago Garavito hit his first moonshot of the year. In the mid-week matchup against St. Leo, the Spartans bullpen, Eli Thurmond, Ethan Brown, Jacob Fletcher, and Logan Wash, combined for seven scoreless innings while striking out 12. Jake Griffith hit his first long ball of the season, and J. Williams continues to inch closer to Eddie Cowans‘s single-season Tampa stolen base record (52), stealing four bags on the night. The No. 1 Spartans look to continue their dominance on the mound and at the dish as they take on No. 13 Florida Southern for a three-game series and Valdosta State during a mid-week matchup.

Florida Southern (22-6)

The Mocs are 22-6 on the season and 7-2 in Sunshine State Conference play. They started their season 15-2, including taking two of three from then-ranked No. 14 West Florida, before sweeping Georgia Southwestern State University, taking a mid-week matchup against Eckerd, sweeping USC Beaufort, taking two of three from Florida Tech, sweeping Barry, and taking another mid-week matchup this time against Roosevelt University. The Mocs then dropped a series to No. 25 Carson-Newman before taking two of three from Eckerd, a mid-week matchup from St. Leo, and three of four from Wayne State. The No. 13 Mocs look to make a statement as they host No. 1 Tampa for a three-game series.

Live stats for all games this week can be found at Tampastats.com. 

Live broadcasts for all games this week can be found at TampaSpartans.tv.

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What Is The Price For A Potential NBA Expansion Franchise?

Published

6 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Austin Reed

Las Vegas and Seattle seem to be the leading expansion candidates.

Here is a question. Does the proposed sale of the National Basketball Association’s Boston Celtics franchise for a reported $6.1 billion open the door for an NBA expansion? That is a question that has not yet been answered but it appears the NBA brass was waiting for the Celtics business sale to see how much someone was willing to pay for the franchise. The NBA now knows the price for the Boston market. More than six billion dollars. Could the NBA get that price for an expansion team or teams? It depends on just how much a potential NBA owner in Seattle or Las Vegas is willing to pay for an expansion franchise.

The NBA expansion process really has not started although the league brass is absolutely familiar with the two leading expansion candidates, Seattle and Las Vegas. The NBA has an interest in Mexico City as well but geopolitics may get in the way of a United States sports league putting a franchise in Mexico. The NBA wanted to accomplish two things before it was ready to add franchises. The NBA owners wanted a collective bargaining agreement with the players. That deal was reached in 2023. The NBA then wanted to finalize a new American TV deal and that happened in 2024. The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been somewhat vague about expanding the league to 32 teams. Another fly in the expansion ointment is this. The NBA could establish a permanent presence in Europe starting its own European league. There could be a new venue built in Las Vegas for an NBA franchise. Seattle politicians really did not want to spend money for a new venue for the NBA SuperSonics in 2006 and 2007. Seattle now has a venue. The SuperSonics ownership took the business to Oklahoma City in 2008. NBA expansion may be closer.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

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Sports

Let’em Run: Switching It Up for a High-Stakes Race Weekend

Published

15 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Austin Reed

Aqueduct race track

This weekend, we’re changing things up on Let’em Run! Instead of Gulfstream Park, our focus shifts to Aqueduct, where the Wood Memorial headlines an exciting slate of races. With the Santa Anita Derby featuring only five entries (and potentially just four by post time), we’ve opted to pass on covering that race. However, we still have an action-packed schedule, including the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, which has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 8th, due to inclement weather.

Aqueduct Selections – Saturday, April 5, 2025

The Gazelle Stakes (G3) Race 9 – 4:34 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt |

#2 Ballerina d’Oro – Returns to Aqueduct after an impressive second-place finish two back. With Dylan Davis riding for Chad Brown, she has the closing kick needed to capitalize on a strong pace set by speedsters (#1, #3, #8).
The switch to dirt has unlocked her potential.
#3 Vanilla Sundae – The Todd Pletcher-Repole Stable duo keeps Manny Franco aboard. Dominated last out by 15 lengths and was eased up late. This Gun Runner filly won’t mind an off track.

The Carter Stakes (G2) Race 10 – 5:06 PM EST | 7 Furlongs Dirt |

#2 Quint’s Brew – Third off the layoff and Mychel Sanchez’s only mount. Seeking a third consecutive win and could be undefeated but for trouble three starts back. Trainer wins at a 35% clip when last-race winners return.
#4 Full Moon Madness – Kendrick Carmouche, the 7-furlong wizard, teams up with this Aqueduct specialist. Prime Power #1, stretching out to 7F, should make him a major player.
#7 Maximus Meridius – Joel Rosario reunites with Butch Reid’s consistent colt. Loves Aqueduct and has the speed to be involved early.

The Excelsior ($150K) Race 11 – 5:38 PM EST | 1 1/4 Miles Dirt |

#4 Crupi – Class relief could be key. Has battled top-tier competition (White Abarrio, Skippylongstocking, Tapit Trice) but finds a softer spot here. Dylan Davis stays aboard.
#8 Masmak – Consistent runner (4 wins, 1 second in 5 Aqueduct starts). First time at this distance, but Manny Franco’s patient ride should suit.
#6 Phileas Fogg – Kendrick Carmouche (2-for-2 with trainer Rodriguez) gets the mount. If the track is off, stock rises further.

The Wood Memorial (G2) Race 12 – 6:10 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt |

#5 Sand Devil – Needs points to qualify for the Derby. Speed of the speed, loves Aqueduct, and trainer Linda Rice is red-hot.
#8 Passion Rules – Undefeated and trained by Brad Cox. Carmouche pulled off an upset in this race last year—can he do it again?
#2 Captain Cook – Likely favorite. Needs a win for Derby eligibility. Already victorious at this distance, and workouts suggest readiness.

Race 13 – 6:44 PM EST | 7 Furlongs Dirt | OC 45K/N2X

#10 Sohana – Big class drop for Brad Cox (38% off this kind of layoff). Rosario takes over.
#5 Ariana Rye – Speed threat with jockey Sophie Vives, who knows her well.
#3 Dolomite – Consistently firing, finished second three times in a row. Manny Franco stays up.

Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland – Rescheduled to Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Due to weather concerns, Keeneland’s entire Saturday card has been moved to Tuesday. The Toyota Blue Grass Stakesremains a pivotal Derby prep race.

Race 10 – 5:52 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt | The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1)

#5 East Avenue – Blinkers on for sharpness. Working out well and primed for a big return effort.
#1 River Thames – Likely favorite. Irad Ortiz Jr. takes over for Velazquez. Should benefit from a ground-saving trip from the rail.
#3 Burnham Square – Best value and a strong upset candidate. Brian Hernandez Jr. takes the reins.

Don’t Miss Our Live Coverage!

Join us for One Horse Wonders on Thursday at 8 PM EST on Capital Sports Network for our latest insights, and catch our updated program Saturday at 12:30 PM EST for race-day analysis. This is the biggest weekend for Kentucky Derby hopefuls—don’t miss a second of the action!

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Sports

Isak Joins Cole & Shearer in Newcastle’s Hallowed Ranks

Published

15 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Austin Reed

Alexander Isak has already lea Newcastle United to a trophy

Alexander Isak continues to etch his name into Newcastle United’s history books, equalling an incredible club record shared by legends Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer. The Swedish striker reached a milestone on Wednesday night, scoring his 20th Premier League goal of the season in Newcastle’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at St. James’ Park.

His crucial goal came just before half-time, with Jacob Murphy providing the assist. Isak’s instinctive finish not only gave Newcastle the lead but also cemented his place among the club’s all-time greats. The 25-year-old became only the third player in Newcastle’s Premier League history to score 10 or more goals at both home and away in a single season—an elite club previously occupied solely by Shearer and Cole.

Shearer, Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer, was the last player to achieve the feat in the 2001-02 season, while Cole first set the benchmark in the 1993-94 campaign. Now, over two decades later, Isak has matched their incredible achievements, underlining his status as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards.

A Thrilling Encounter at St. James’ Park

Newcastle’s clash with Brentford was far from straightforward. Despite taking the lead through Isak, the Magpies saw their advantage erased in the second half when Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo found the net in the 66th minute. His well-taken strike momentarily shifted momentum in the visitors’ favor.

However, Newcastle responded swiftly. Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has grown into a key figure in the Magpies’ midfield, restored the lead in the 74th minute with a composed finish. The goal ultimately proved to be the winner, ensuring Eddie Howe’s side secured all three points and kept pace in the race for a coveted top-four finish.

Isak Continues Sensational Season

Isak has been a revelation for Newcastle this season. Since his arrival from Real Sociedad, he has established himself as the club’s talisman, delivering in crucial moments and stepping up when it matters most. His goal against Brentford was yet another example of his ice-cold composure in front of goal.

His form has been instrumental in Newcastle’s strong campaign, and he was also pivotal in their EFL Carabao Cup triumph earlier in the season—ending the club’s long wait for silverware. With his blend of pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing, Isak has become one of the most feared strikers in the league.

The Race for the Golden Boot & Top Four

With 20 Premier League goals to his name, Isak remains firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot. He currently trails only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (27 goals) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (21 goals) in the race for the league’s top scorer award.

Looking ahead, Isak and Newcastle will shift their focus to their next league outing against Leicester City on April 7. As it stands, Newcastle sit fifth in the Premier League table with 50 points from 29 matches, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the battle for Champions League qualification.

With Isak leading the charge, Newcastle’s ambitions of returning to Europe’s elite competition remain very much alive.

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