News: The Oregon Ducks win in tennis, Bryan Woo shows form ahead of the season, and legendary broadcaster Rick Rizz announces his retirement.
Ducks convincingly beat the Huskies in Seattle
In Saturday’s college tennis match, the Oregon Ducks earned a convincing 4-1 victory over the Washington Huskies. Despite a slow start in doubles, the Ducks dominated the singles matches, which determined the final outcome.
According to the official University of Oregon website, the match did not begin well for the visitors. Oregon (13-3) dropped the doubles point. Although the pairing of Matthew Burton and Pierre Mouski won the top doubles match 6-3, Washington (7-10) prevailed on the second and third courts, taking the first point and leading 1-0 overall. However, in singles the Ducks took full control. Matthew Burton quickly evened the score, defeating his opponent 6-3, 6-1 at No. 4. He was followed by Vlad Breazu at No. 1, who added the second point with a 6-3, 6-3 win to put Oregon ahead. Russell Suku at No. 6 solidified the advantage with a straight-sets victory, 7-5, 6-4. The decisive fourth point came from Pierre Mouski. Playing at No. 2, he showed character by turning the match around after losing the first set. His contest with Stefan Kamendje ended 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) in Mouski’s favor. The two remaining matches were halted early once the overall victory was secured; Sam Olszakowski at No. 3 was leading in the final set, and Lachlan Robertson at No. 5 held an advantage late in his match. Thus, Oregon won four of the six singles matches, delivering the 4-1 team victory. The result underscores the team’s strength in individual play and their ability to regroup after a slow start. For context, a college tennis dual consists of three doubles matches (worth one combined point) followed by six singles matches (each worth one point), and the team that reaches four points first wins. The turning point was Oregon’s response after losing the doubles point: they not only quickly leveled the score but also outplayed their opponent mentally, most notably in Mouski’s three-set win. This victory helps Oregon solidify its standing at 13-3, while it marks Washington’s tenth loss of the season.
Bryan Woo shows regular-season readiness as Mariners beat White Sox
In a final preseason tune-up, the Seattle Mariners defeated the Chicago White Sox, and starting pitcher Bryan Woo was the game’s standout, leaving no doubt about his readiness for the regular season. The win was an important psychological boost for the team ahead of the new season’s start.
In Sunday’s game at Camelback Ranch, the Mariners beat the White Sox 4-2. The key to the victory was Bryan Woo’s brilliant six-inning outing. The right-hander logged six impressive innings, allowing just one run and three hits, issuing no walks and striking out four. Crucially, he held the White Sox scoreless through his first five innings, demonstrating excellent command: of 73 pitches thrown, 52 were strikes. His four-seam fastball, reaching 95.1 mph, as shown in the highlight video from Daniel Kramer, was a formidable weapon, producing six of the team’s 11 swings-and-misses on the night. Former catcher and current commentator Dan Wilson praised the pitcher’s focus: “Incredibly composed, incredibly focused, the determination he brings to the mound is unprecedented, and it’s really a big part of what he does.” Pitchers use different pitch types; the four-seam fastball is the fastest, straight pitch, and a swing-and-miss—when the batter swings but misses—is a measure of a pitcher’s dominance.
Offensive support came from Mitch Garver, who, on the day he learned he’d be in the Opening Day lineup, launched a solo home run in the first inning to set the tone. He later added an RBI via a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. An RBI (run batted in) credits a batter for drives that lead to runs scored. The Mariners added two more runs in the eighth inning to secure a comfortable margin.
The club also made notable roster moves, trimming the spring roster to 31 players. Catcher Johnny Pereda and pitchers Cole Wilcox and Yosver Zulueta were optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Infielder/outfielder Connor Joe and infielder Brock Rodden were reassigned to minor league camp. All are expected to play for the Tacoma Rainiers this season. The report highlights Pereda’s potential as a backup if Garver struggles, and Wilcox’s power arm, with forecasts suggesting he could debut in MLB by 2026. These transactions indicate the Mariners settling on their Opening Day roster.
The takeaway for Seattle is significant. Woo’s dominant outing is an encouraging indicator for the starting rotation, a key asset for the club. His command, confidence, and pitch mix suggest he fits the team’s plans well. Garver’s success is also meaningful, as his power and experience should bolster an already potent lineup. The team concludes Cactus League play with a game against the San Diego Padres, planning to give regulars a brief tune-up before the season opener. The win—and more importantly, the form of key players—creates a positive mood and confidence that the Seattle Mariners are entering the 2026 regular season in good shape.
The legendary voice of the Seattle Mariners announces his retirement
Baseball is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most recognizable figures. Rick Rizz, the voice that has accompanied Seattle Mariners fans for more than four decades, announced that the 2025 season will be his last behind the microphone. The decision marks the end of an era not only for the club but for the wider sports community of the Pacific Northwest, for whom Rizz has become a symbol of dedication and passion for the game.
The decision to retire after more than 50 years in broadcasting was not easy for Rizz, but it was driven by the most important life priorities. In an interview with KING5.com, the 72-year-old broadcaster explained that he wants to spend more time with his family, especially his three grandchildren, who are now 20, 17 and 11. The tragic loss of his son two and a half years ago made him reassess his priorities and realize how quickly time passes. “I just want to spend more time with my grandkids,” Rizz said, noting that the grueling Major League Baseball schedule—with constant travel and life on the road—played a role in his choice. “When you’re home, you’re not really home,” he admitted, describing the realities of a sports broadcaster’s life.
Rizz’s career in Seattle began in 1983, when he was invited to join the booth alongside the already-legendary Dave Niehaus, later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was Niehaus, Rizz said, who shaped him as a professional. “Dave Niehaus meant everything to me. His knowledge of the game and his ability to be one of the greatest storytellers of all time made him one of the greatest broadcasters,” Rizz recalls warmly. Over 41 seasons with the Mariners, Rick became known for his contagious energy and memorable calls, especially his signature home run exclamations that accompanied some of the franchise’s most iconic moments. Before arriving in Seattle, he honed his craft for eight years in the minors and spent three seasons with the Detroit Tigers; his total professional broadcasting tenure is 44 years.
But Rick Rizz’s legacy extends far beyond the broadcast booth. Off the air, he has been a philanthropist, co-founding the nonprofit Toys for Kids. For 30 years that initiative has bought new toys for children in the Pacific Northwest during the holidays and provided scholarships for higher education. Rizz expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of fan support after announcing his decision. His voice—full of enthusiasm and love for the game—will remain forever in the hearts of those for whom Seattle baseball is more than a sport, but a way of life. The upcoming season will be a long farewell to a living legend whose words served as the soundtrack to wins, losses, and unforgettable stories of one team.
