SB Nation Bay Area: All Posts by Ernie Pominhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2012-10-12T11:51:28-07:00https://bayarea.sbnation.com/authors/ernie-pomin/rss2012-10-12T11:51:28-07:002012-10-12T11:51:28-07:00Worcester Sharks begin AHL season Friday
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<figcaption>Jamie Sabau - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Without the NHL, the AHL's Worcester Sharks are stepping to fill the void for San Jose Sharks fans during the lockout. </p> <p>With the NHL lockout in full effect, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">San Jose Sharks</a> have nothing to do but wait. But their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, begin their season this weekend with back-to-back matchups against the Norfolk Admirals out in Virginia. </p>
<p>Friday's season opener will start at 7:30 p.m. while Saturday's game will start 15 minutes earlier at 7:15 against the defending Calder Cup champions. Norfolk also lead the AHL in wins, points, and goal differential during the regular season last year as well, meaning the Sharks will have their hands full this weekend.</p>
<p>Worcester continues their roadie against the Portland Pirates next Friday, followed by their home opener on Oct. 20 against the Albany <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a>. </p>
<p>The Sharks' schedule for the upcoming week is below. You can check out their complete schedule <a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=369" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>
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<p>Fri, Oct 12, 2012</p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=370">Worcester</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
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<p align="center">at </p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=314">Norfolk</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
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<p align="center">7:30 pm EDT</p>
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<p>Sat, Oct 13, 2012</p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=370">Worcester</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
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<p align="center">at </p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=314">Norfolk</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
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<p align="center">7:15 pm EDT</p>
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<p>Fri, Oct 19, 2012</p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=370">Worcester</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
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<p align="center">at </p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=310">Portland</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
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<p align="center">7:00 pm EDT *</p>
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<p>Sat, Oct 20, 2012</p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=369">Albany</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p align="center">at </p>
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<p><a href="http://theahl.com/stats/roster.php?season_id=40&team_id=370">Worcester</a></p>
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<p align="center"> </p>
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<p align="center">7:00 pm EDT</p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/sharks/2012/10/12/3494524/ahl-schedule-2012Ernie Pomin2012-10-12T10:22:21-07:002012-10-12T10:22:21-07:00Cardinal prepare for battle with Fighting Irish
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<figcaption>Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Stanford Cardinal slow down the undefeated Fighting Irish this Saturday? </p> <p>As the No. 17 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> prepare for meeting with the No. 7 Notre Dame fighting Irish this weekend, SB Nation's Stanford blog, <a href="http://www.ruleoftree.com" target="_blank">Rule of Tree</a>, sat down with our Notre Dame blog, <a href="http://www.onefootdown.com" target="_blank">One Foot Down</a>, for a <a href="http://www.ruleoftree.com/2012/10/12/3493096/stanford-vs-notre-dame-q-and-a-one-foot-down" target="_blank">question and answer session</a> heading into their matchup. </p>
<p>--</p>
<p><b>Most Cardinal fans are familiar with Manti Te'o. Who are some of the other big names to watch on the stout Irish defense?</b></p>
<p>The strength of the Irish defense resides on the defensive line. Sophomore defensive end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143530/stephon-tuitt">Stephon Tuitt</a> is probably the most physically gifted athlete on defense outside of Te'o. He's 6'6, 303 pounds, and runs like a gazelle. He took a fumble back 77 yards against Navy and outran their entire offense. He was quiet against Miami but needs to have a good game against Stanford if the Irish want to win on Saturday.</p>
<p>The other big name is OLB/DE Prince Shembo. He's been maybe Notre Dame's best pass rusher this season. Stanford's offensive line is a stiff test, but he'll be asked to get in Nunes's face so he can't stand in the pocket and wait for his big targets to get open down field.</p>
<p><b>How do you expect the Irish to attack a Stanford defense coming off its worst performance of the season?</b></p>
<p>It's hard to tell, actually. I'm sure Kelly would love to run the ball in order to take some of the pressure off of Golson, but I don't know if that's realistic against the Stanford front seven. The Cardinal secondary has given up a lot of yards, but with a young quarterback and young receiving corps, I don't know if Notre Dame is in a position to take advantage of it.</p>
<p>I think we'll see Kelly test the waters in the run game in the first drive or two. If the Irish can move the ball on the ground, fantastic. If not, then I think Kelly will put the game into Golson's hands, for better or for worse. Either way, I think the Irish will try to spread the field to neutralize the Stanford linebackers a bit and maybe get them into a nickel package. Ramming the ball into that defense seems like a losing battle, but spreading the field might open things up a bit.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>You can check out the entire Q&A <a href="http://www.ruleoftree.com/2012/10/12/3493096/stanford-vs-notre-dame-q-and-a-one-foot-down" target="_blank">here</a>. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT with coverage on NBC. </p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-ncaaf/2012/10/12/3494130/stanford-vs-notre-dame-football-2012Ernie Pomin2012-10-12T09:54:01-07:002012-10-12T09:54:01-07:00Warriors top Haifa Maccabi 108-100
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Warriors remained undefeated in exhibition play with their win over Israeli professional team Maccabi Haifa. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a> had their third dress rehearsal of the season on Thursday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland, and used a well-rounded attack to take out Israel's Haifa Maccabi by the score of 108-100.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Rookie </span><span>Harrison Barnes</span> made his first-career start and netted 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Fellow rookie <span>Festus Ezeli</span>, who will see a brunt of the minutes at center with <span>Andrew Bogut</span> still out, looked strong from the get-go and had 15 points and eight rebounds. <span style="line-height: 9px;">Newcomer </span><span>Carl Landry</span>, a free agent signee, led the way for Golden State, with 24 points and eight boards.</p>
<p><span>Stephen Curry</span>, who is still working his way back from offseason ankle surgery, finished the game with 13 points and 10 assists on just under 23 minutes of play for the Warriors, who are now 3-0 in exhibition play.</p>
<p>American <span>Donta Smith</span>, a 2004 second-round draft choice of the Atlanta Hawks, led visiting Maccabi Haifa with 28 points and eight rebounds. Speedy 5'10 point guard Paul Stoll gave several Warriors matchup problems all night, adding 18 points and three steals to the Haifa total.</p>
<p>The Warriors now prepare for their next preseason matchup against the<a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link"> Nuggets</a> at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Monday, Oct. 15. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. PT.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/warriors/2012/10/12/3493990/warriors-preseason-2012-golden-state-tops-haifa-maccabi-108-100Ernie Pomin2012-10-12T09:41:10-07:002012-10-12T09:41:10-07:00Gary Brown doing big things in AFL
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<figcaption>Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco Giants are well represented in the Arizona Fall League this year, and Gary Brown is looking to make the most of his time there. </p> <p>On a day that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> moved on to the NLCS, a number of future Giants were getting some work down in the Arizona Fall League, including the likes of <span>Gary Brown</span> and <span>Joe Panik</span>.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Brown </span>went 3-for-5 with two RBIs during the Scottsdale Scorpions loss to the Salt River Rafters on Thursday by the score of 6-5. He singled to start the game, extended Scottsdale's lead to 3-1 with an RBI single in the fourth and singled home a run to in the ninth as well.</p>
<p>Brown had a terrific season for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, batting .279 with 73 runs and 33 stolen bases. He is hoping that the AFL will give him a <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121012&content_id=39740036&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf">head start </a>on making an impression during Spring Training next year. "I always say it's a game of adjustments and that's what I'm doing here," the California native said. "I'm trying to work on and minimize my flaws and put myself in the best chance to make the club next year."</p>
<p>Other Giants prospects include <span>Ricky Oropesa</span>, who went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs and Joe Panik, who scored a run but went 0-4 at the plate. Reliever <span>Dan Runzler</span> is getting some work in the AFL as well, tossing 0.2 innings with one strikeout.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/10/12/3493796/arizona-fall-league-gary-brown-giants-joe-panikErnie Pomin2012-10-12T05:05:06-07:002012-10-12T05:05:06-07:00Giants confidence leads them to NLCS
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco Giants are NLDS champions, and react to their victory in game five in Cincinnati. </p> <p>The San Francisco Giants have made history, but are hungry for more in the 2012 MLB playoffs. They've taken care of the Cincinnati Reds in comeback fashion, but believed in themselves from day one and used that confidence to fuel their way to victory. </p>
<p>Game four starter <span>Matt Cain</span> describes the feeling of coming back from 0-2 in the series, noting that many had <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/video/?plfmxtax=video#" target="_blank">already written them off</a>.</p>
<p><embed src="http://www.csnbayarea.com/common/thePlatform/web_45/swf/flvPlayer.swf" flashvars="v=http://www.csnbayarea.com/common/thePlatform/PDK/CSN/vars.txt&overlayImageURL=http://www.csnbayarea.com/common/thePlatform/PDK/CSN/logo/csnbay.png&pluginAkamai=type=player|URL=http://www.csnbayarea.com/common/thePlatform/web_45/swf/akamaiHD.swf|priority=1|hosts=-f.akamaihd.net&pluginTremor=type=plugin|URL=http://objects.tremormedia.com/embed/swf/tpacudeoplugin46.swf|progId=4f74a17ded35f&skinURL=http://www.csnbayarea.com/common/thePlatform/web_45/swf/skinGlass.swf&allowscriptaccess=always&releaseURL=http://link.theplatform.com/s/-/j5_2cYNzucRDOpEr4iCh0pjykVZ5CDsU?MBR=true&zone=video_archive&playerURL=http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/video?PID=j5_2cYNzucRDOpEr4iCh0pjykVZ5CDsU&embeddedPlayerHTML=%3CEMBED+SRC%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fcommon%2FthePlatform%2Fweb_45%2Fswf%2FflvPlayer.swf%22+flashvars%3D%22v%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fcommon%2FthePlatform%2FPDK%2FCSN%2Fvars.txt%26overlayImageURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fcommon%2FthePlatform%2FPDK%2FCSN%2Flogo%2Fcsnbay.png%26pluginAkamai%3Dtype%3Dplayer%7CURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fcommon%2FthePlatform%2Fweb_45%2Fswf%2FakamaiHD.swf%7Cpriority%3D1%7Chosts%3D-f.akamaihd.net%26pluginTremor%3Dtype%3Dplugin%7CURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fobjects.tremormedia.com%2Fembed%2Fswf%2Ftpacudeoplugin46.swf%7CprogId%3D4f74a17ded35f%26skinURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fcommon%2FthePlatform%2Fweb_45%2Fswf%2FskinGlass.swf%26allowscriptaccess%3Dalways%26releaseURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Flink.theplatform.com%2Fs%2F-%2F%7BreleasePID%7D%3FMBR%3Dtrue%26zone%3Dvideo_archive%26playerURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.csnbayarea.com%2Fpages%2Fvideo%3FPID%3D%7BreleasePID%7D%22+height%3D%22379%22+width%3D%22600%22+type%3D%22application%2Fx-shockwave-flash%22+allowFullScreen%3D%22true%22+allowscriptaccess%3D%22always%22+bgcolor%3D%22%23ffffff%22%3E%3C%2FEMBED%3E" height="379" width="550" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed></p>
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<p><span>Hunter Pence</span> spoke at the podium after the game, describing the best he can the <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/video/?plfmxtax=video#" target="_blank">unique chemistry</a> these players have with one another. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Game five hero <span>Buster Posey</span> has already won a World Series title, but called his grand slam on Thursday the "<a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/video/?plfmxtax=video#" target="_blank">top one for me</a>" as well as the tough last four outs from <span>Sergio Romo</span> with him behind the dish. </p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> fell 2-1 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> Thursday to force a game five on Friday. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/baseball-san-francisco-giants/giants-talk/Giants-stuck-in-Cincy-as-they-await-NLCS?blockID=787817&feedID=2796" target="_blank">will be staying in Cincinnati</a> for one extra day because if the Cards win they will have game one in San Francisco. But if Washington wins, they will start the NLCS in the Nation's capital. Either way, it's a great place to be for the time being for the Black and Orange. </p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/giants/2012/10/12/3492012/giants-vs-reds-2012-nlds-giants-players-react-to-historic-videoErnie Pomin2012-10-11T15:10:02-07:002012-10-11T15:10:02-07:00Giants make history with grit, determination
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m94Bjnll_W5R8kArmbF7BT4KfCo=/0x30:4000x2697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1186935/153938240.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco Giants have done the impossible, completing a three-game sweep in Cincinnati to take the NLDS in five games 3-2.</p> <p>With their victory on Thursday afternoon the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a> not only advanced to the NLCS for the sixth time in their history, they became the first National League team in MLB history to win a best-of-five series after being down 0-2. They also were the first team to hand the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reds</a> three losses in a row at the Great American Ballpark all season long. Wow. Just wow.</p>
<p>Skipper Bruce Bochy made some great decisions once again today, leaving <span>Brandon Crawford</span> in the lineup istead of <span>Joaquin Arias</span> to hit and RBI triple and a 97-mph fastball from <span>Aroldis Chapman</span> for a single, not to mention his spectacular diving catch in the eighth inning.</p>
<p>What more can be said about <span>Buster Posey</span>? Hitting his second grand slam of his career in one of the biggest games of his life, not only turning a double-play on a pickoff at third base in the sixth as part of a strike-em out throw-em out double-play. It was the first grand slam by a Giant in the postseason since Will Clark's iconic <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Clark">"lip reading" homer</a> off <span>Greg Maddux</span> of the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> back in 1989. He is certainly a prime candidate for series (and league) MVP.</p>
<p><span>Sergio Romo</span> might have had his must gut-wrenching outing of his career. A 4-out, 35-pitch outing with two hits, one run, one walk and one strikeout, filled with classic Giants torture. But his 12-pitch at bat against <span>Jay Bruce</span> was one to remember, getting him to pop out before retiring <span>Scott Rolen</span>.</p>
<p>The Reds had runners on base in every inning after Buster's bash, getting 17 runners on base but only plating four runs. Just another credit to the San Francisco bullpen and Bochy's use of it.</p>
<p><span>Angel Pagan</span> had a great game as well with an RBI, run scored and a run-saving catch to end a Reds rally in the eighth. <span>Hunter Pence</span> may have become a legend during this series with his epic motivational speeches for his teammates. He had a 2-4 day with a stolen base, his best game of the series.</p>
<p><span>Pablo Sandoval</span> may have said it best on CSN Bay Area after the game:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We don't play for the name on the back [of our jerseys], we play for the name in the front."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Now these 25 men will wait to see if the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> or <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nationals</a> will be their next opponent, getting a few days to rest up before going back into battle. Either way, they will be in for quite the challenge in these 2012 Giants.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/giants/2012/10/11/3490656/giants-vs-reds-2012-nlds-historic-comeback-buster-poseyErnie Pomin2012-10-11T11:39:49-07:002012-10-11T11:39:49-07:00Giants take 6-0 lead in game 5 of NLDS
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Giants broke the stalemate in the fifth inning of game five in a big way, taking a 6-0 lead over the Reds. </p> <p>After four scoreless innings between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> in Game 5 of the NLDS - with elimination for the loser awaiting - the Giants finally got on the board in the top of the fifth, breaking open the game with a huge six-run inning.</p>
<p><span>Mat Latos</span> had been solid but gave up a <span>Gregor Blanco</span> opposite-field single to start the fifth, followed by an RBI triple for <span>Brandon Crawford</span> to make it 1-0 Giants. <span>Angel Pagan</span> would hit a dribbler to shorttop <span>Zack Cozart</span>, which he would bobble to allow Crawford to score, making it 2-0 San Francisco.</p>
<p>Latos would walk <span>Marco Scutaro</span> on four pitches to force the Reds to activate their bullpen, while <span>Pablo Sandoval's</span> single loaded the bases with one out for <span>Buster Posey</span>, setting up the nightmare scenario for the Reds. Buster would lauch a grand slam to left-center field off of Latos, giving his team a 6-0 lead.</p>
<p>As for <span>Matt Cain</span>, he has tossed four innings of two-hit ball with one walk and four strikeouts thus far.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/giants/2012/10/11/3489662/giants-vs-reds-nlds-game-5-in-game-updateErnie Pomin2012-10-11T10:59:36-07:002012-10-11T10:59:36-07:00Odds not in Raiders favor against Falcons
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<figcaption>Justin Edmonds - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Oddsmakers see the Falcons taking out the visiting Raiders on Sunday from the Georgia Dome. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> head East after their bye week to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> from the Georgia Dome, looking to make a statement on the road and get back in the win column. The oddsmakers don't necessarily see it that way though as the Falcons are favored at home against the Silver and Black.</p>
<p>Atlanta began the week as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds" target="_blank">7-point favorites</a>, though the line has moved to from 9-10.5 across the online betting sites, with 5 Dimes with the largest spread.</p>
<p>As for the over/under, that started the week at 48.5, and has remained there at all the online sites all week.</p>
<p>Oakland is 1-4 in their last five games against the spread, and are also 1-4 during their last five games away from the Coliseum. The total has gone over in eight of the Raiders last 11 games as well.</p>
<p>Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m. PT with coverage on the CBS Network.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/raiders/2012/10/11/3489470/raiders-falcons-odds-spread-betting-linesErnie Pomin2012-10-11T10:43:03-07:002012-10-11T10:43:03-07:00Warriors, Kings heavily unfavored to win NBA title
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nRqmnoJZDw7l7G51NKMZZUeyhJ8=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1168221/20120324_tjg_ax5_550.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Warriors and Kings are long shots at winning an NBA championship this year. </p> <p>It's pretty safe to say that the oddsmakers don't see the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> making a run at an NBA title in the 2012-13 season as both have <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/basketball-golden-state-warriors/warriors-talk/Warriors-granted-1251-odds-to-win-title-?blockID=786633&feedID=2799" target="_blank">incredibly high odds</a> to win a championship.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bovada.eu" target="_blank">Bovada</a> shows that the Kings have 200/1 odds to win the NBA Championship this season, and 100/1 odds to win the Western Conference. As for the Warriors, they have 125/1 odds at the title this season, and 60/1 odds for the Western Conference. </p>
<p>Below are the complete odds for the 2012-13 season. </p>
<p><b>Odds to win 2013 NBA Championship</b>:</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> 11/5<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> 5/2<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> 9/2<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> 14/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> 18/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> 18/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> 25/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> 30/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> 33/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> 35/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> 35/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> 35/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> 50/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> 66/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> 75/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> 75/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> 75/1<br>Portland Trailblazers 100/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> 100/1<br>Golden State Warriors 125/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> 125/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> 150/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> 150/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> 150/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> 200/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> 200/1<br>Sacramento Kings 200/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> 200/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> 200/1<br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> 500/1<br><br><b>Odds to win the 2013 NBA Western Conference</b>: </p>
<p>Los Angeles Lakers 13/10<br>Oklahoma City Thunder 9/5<br>San Antonio Spurs 17/2<br>Los Angeles Clippers 12/1<br>Dallas Mavericks 16/1<br>Memphis Grizzlies 16/1<br>Denver Nuggets 33/1<br>Houston Rockets 40/1<br>Minnesota Timberwolves 40/1<br>Utah Jazz 45/1<br>Golden State Warriors 60/1<br>Portland Trailblazers 60/1<br>Phoenix Suns 75/1<br>New Orleans Hornets 100/1<br>Sacramento Kings 100/1</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/warriors/2012/10/11/3489410/warriors-kings-odds-nba-championshipErnie Pomin2012-10-11T09:55:14-07:002012-10-11T09:55:14-07:00Andrew Bogut optimistic for season opener
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J1d71yWk0TfuRynXCbgPY61mxi4=/0x230:2666x2007/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1164155/20121002_kkt_st3_004.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Warriors center Andrew Bogut remains optimistic that he will be ready for the season opener against the Phoenix Suns. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> big man <span>Andrew Bogut</span> remains optimistic that he will be ready to go for the regular season opener on Haloween night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>, according to a report from <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/basketball-golden-state-warriors/warriors-talk/Bogut-still-hoping-he-can-play-on-openin?blockID=787151&feedID=2799" target="_blank">CSN Bay Area's Matt Steinmetz</a>.</p>
<p>Bogut fractured his left foot on Jan. 25 when he was still with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, and has yet to resume all basketball activities, including playing 5-on-5. He has been ramping up his rehab work lately in hopes of playing in a preseason game, but is remaining pragmatic when dealing with the injury:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I can't let what other people are thinking and wanting affect the injury. I need to come back 100 percent. I want to be out there. I've thought of many scenarios, and I want to be 100 percent ready for that first game."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bogut knows the importance of the preseason when coming off of an injury, and is looking to sharpen his skills before the regular season starts. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I would love to play in a preseason game or two because I haven't play a game of basketball since January," Bogut said. "For my mental capacity I want to get out there and play a game or two before the first (regular-season) game. I don't want to be rehabbing and then go straight into an NBA game. It's a tricky situation, but you just have to stay positive." </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rookie Festus Ezeli will see many of the minutes at center while Bogut works his way back. The seven-year veteran out of Austrailian could be cleared for 5-on-5 play as early as next week. </p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/warriors/2012/10/11/3489158/andrew-bogut-injury-warriors-center-still-hoping-to-play-in-openerErnie Pomin