CHIEFSI read somewhere once that, in a seven-game series tied at 2-2, the team that wins game five goes on to win the series 107 percent of the time. I also read that the team that loses game five wins the series just 105 percent…
PREPSThere has been a lot of discussion concerning softball – and, in my mind, baseball as well – blowouts here, though it has turned more toward a discussion of Shadle Park's softball program, which isn't what I wanted.But that's the way you decided to go,…
COLLEGE FOOTBALLWith the University of Idaho opening spring football Friday, the Idaho Statesman had this piece on new coach Robb Akey.• Idaho State also has a new coach, former Central Washington coach John Zamberlin. The Twin Falls Times-News asked him 10 questions.• The Salem paper…
CHIEFSIt seems like the post-game fight Saturday night was just what the Chiefs needed. Either that, or some home cooking.Whatever it was, Spokane has tied the first-round playoff series with Everett at two games apiece after the 3-1 win Wednesday night at the Arena.Jeff Bunch…
PREPSThe morning has been full already. It took almost an hour to wade through the e-mail and comments. But that's behind me – somewhat, because later today I'm going to weigh in with my thoughts about softball and baseball routs and what can be done…
MARINERSIt's not often a minor league game on a back field has most of the Mariners' brain trust in attendance, but that's what happened Tuesday in Peoria.The reason was simple: J.J. Putz was throwing an inning in competition. And the M's closer came through with…
PREPSYou knew this would happen.Following Woodinville's 64-0 rout of Franklin last week, Seattle's Metro league is contemplating adding another level of scoring to its "mercy rule." The league already has the 10-run after five innings rule in effect, but now is talking about a 15-run…
COLLEGE SPORTS UPDATED: 8:40 A.M.Gonzaga opens West Coast Conference baseball play this weekend hosting the University of San Diego at Washington Trust Field. Do you think Bill Grier will be there rooting for USD?All this and more from the local college baseball scene can be…
MARINERSDang it. I thought Brandon Morrow was perfect. He's not. The Rangers scored a run on him yesterday. That's it. The season's over.OK, now that I got that out of my system, I can be a little more intelligent. A little.Though Morrow did give up…
COUGARSWith spring football in full swing, Glenn Kasses caught up with one of the Cougars' most valuable returning players, H-back Jed Collins.Collins has big shoes to fill (Cody Boyd's) at tight end, but will continue to play the multi-dimensional role in the upcoming season as…
CHIEFSAs we reported yesterday, the WHL has handed down its suspensions from Spokane's fight with the Everett Silvertips, a fight you can watch on Jeff Bunch's blog.Jeff also had this story in today's paper, with comment from everyone in Spokane connected to the incident.The Chiefs…
BULLDOGSIt is official. Billy Grier is the head basketball coach at the University of San Diego.If you want to hear what he had to say – and count how many times he referred to Gonzaga as "we" – you can do it by clicking this…
MARINERSBaseball is in my blood. So are baseball superstitions.I always pick up pennies – they are hits after all – and hairpins – ditto. I never liked to step on the baseline headed to the field, and if there was a catcher's box, forget about…
PREPSIf you click on this post, you can answer a question I posed about high scores in baseball and softball.Interestingly, the abundance of scoring in Greater Spokane League softball is the lead to Mike Vlahovich's prep notebook today.There is a fastpitch game Tuesday that I…
THE EVENING NEWSHad to get this up. Steve Bergum has some news about Billy Grier and the USD head coaching position on his Zags blog.But what I really wanted to get to tonight is this question: There was a 64-0 rout in prep fastpitch softball…
COUGAR FOOTBALLOne quick link to Glenn Kasses' story on the new assistants working this spring with the football team.Glenn also has more information about football and basketball on his blog.
COLLEGE BASKETBALLThe Billy Grier-to-San-Diego news you read first on the S-R's website last night has been amplified a little bit with Steve Bergum's story in today's paper.• The Times' Bud Withers also has a story on Grier moving to the Toreros, and the San Diego…
BULLDOGSBilly Grier just couldn't wait any longer.The long-time Gonzaga assistant coach, who has been promised the top spot if Mark Few ever left, has decided to become the head coach at the University of San Diego instead. You can read Steve Bergum's story here.The Toreros'…
CHIEFSThe one thing the Spokane Chiefs didn't need Friday night in their WHL playoff opener was to have Everett get off to a quick start.But that's what happened, and the Chiefs ended up losing 4-2. You can read all about it in Jeff Bunch's story…
MARINERSGot together last night with our group of guys who own Mariners' season tickets together. Eight of us buy two seats, ensuring each get 10 games in a decent spot – we sit behind the hand-operated scoreboard in left.Three of the group live in the…
CHIEFSThe playoffs open tonight (7:30; 790-AM) in Everett, and the Chiefs say they have no fear of the Silvertips.OK. Yes, Spokane was 4-4 against the winners of the U.S. Division, with Everett's goal difference in those eight games (plus four) all coming in the final…
COUGARSThe first day of spring football had some changes, highlighted in Glenn Kasses' story. But the most important aspect of spring – building depth – is the same as it is every year. Only the positions in the most need have been altered. Last year,…
MARINERSWhen it comes to baseball writing, the guy I enjoy reading the most in the Seattle market is Tacoma's Larry LaRue. Today's J.J. Putz story just reinforces that feeling.LaRue not only covers baseball in an intelligent way … it's time for a break in the…
COUGAR FOOTBALL UPDATED 4:20 P.M.OK, I know it's hard to believe but WSU spring football starts today.And coach Bill Doba is adding responsibilities.As Glenn Kasses' story relates, Doba is taking over the defensive coordinator's role now that Robb Akey is in Moscow. And Doba will…
CHIEFS, WHLThe playoff series with Everett begins on the West Side Friday, and Jeff Bunch previews Spokane's readiness in today's S-R.Owner Bobby Brett and general manager Tim Speltz think this year's team is building a foundation for future success. The numbers may back them up.…
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