“THE SCOREBOARD”
CENTRAL INDIANA BASEBALL SCORES
JAY COUNTY 12 SHENANDOAH 7
WAPAHANI 4 ALEXANDRIA MONROE 2
UNION CITY 13 TRI 2
HAGERSTOWN 10 FRANKLIN COUNTY 4
BLUE RIVER 10 MUNCIE BURRIS 1
CATHEDRAL 8 BREBEUF 3
PARKE HERITAGE 7 N. PUTNAM 2
WINCHESTER 4 ADAMS CENTRAL 3
MONROVIA 4 SCECINA 3
NEW PALESTINE 11 BEECH GROVE 0
PERRY MERIDIAN 3 SOUTHPORT 2
IRVINGTON PREP 10 PURDUE BROAD RIPPLE 0
CASCADE 7 INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN 3
CASCADE 11 INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN 10
PIKE 8 BEN DAVIS 3
GREENCASTLE 10 LINTON STOCKTON 2
INDY TECH 12 HERRON 2
EASTERN 20 ANDERSON PREP 1
NEW CASTLE 6 RUSHVILLE 5
WHITELAND 8 SHELBYVILLE 2
GREENFIELD CENTRAL 5 DELTA 1
SULLIVAN 5 TERRE HAUTE SOUTH 0
TERRE HAUTE NORTH 3 DECATUR CENTRAL 0
EDGEWOOD 13 MARTINSVILLE 4
FISHERS 5 WESTFIELD 3
ZIONSVILLE 7 BROWNSBURG 3
PENDLETON HEIGHTS 7 LAWRENCE NORTH 6
CRAWFORDSVILLE 6 NORTHVIEW 2
CLINTON PRAIRIE 19 SHORTRIDGE 4
NOBLESVILLE 7 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 2
COLUMBUS NORTH 2 FLOYD CENTRAL 1
GREENFIELD CENTRAL 8 DELTA 5
SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH 10 GUERIN CATHOLIC 0
STATE SCOREBOARD: HTTPS://WWW.MAXPREPS.COM/IN/BASEBALL/SCORES/?DATE=4/19/2024
CENTRAL INDIANA SOFTBALL SCORES
PENN 9 NOBLESVILLE 3
TRI 16 MONROE CENTRAL 3
WAPAHANI 11 NEW CASTLE 10
BREBEUF 16 GUERIN CATHOLIC 6
RIVERTON PARKE 9 S. VERMILLION 5
BEN DAVIS 8 BISHOP CHATARD 4
PERRY MERIDIAN 14 SOUTHPORT 2
TECUMSEH 5 BROWNSBURG 2
MORRISTOWN 17 IRVINGTON PREP 4
TRI-WEST 3 CASCADE 1
SHELBYVILLE 7 COLUMBUS EAST 2
PENDLETON HEIGHTS 1 RONCALLI 0
FISHERS 14 LAFAYETTE JEFF 3
BELLMONT 8 FRANKLIN COUNTY 5
NEW PALESTINE 6 ZIONSVILLE 1
SPEEDWAY 11 PIKE 1
YORKTOWN 10 MOUNT VERNON 3
FLOYD CENTRAL 16 BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE 4
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 1 LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
LAKE CENTRAL 14 CARMEL 4
CASTLE 7 CATHEDRAL 0
CASTON 9 WESTFIELD 7
STATE SCOREBOARD: HTTPS://WWW.MAXPREPS.COM/IN/SOFTBALL/SCORES/?DATE=4/19/2024
INDIANA TRACK RESULTS: HTTPS://IN.MILESPLIT.COM/RESULTS
INDIANA GIRLS TENNIS
FRANKFORT 4 TRI WEST 1
NBA PLAYOFFS
MIAMI 112 CHICAGO 91
NEW ORLEANS 105 SACRAMENTO 98
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME
• GAME 1: HEAT VS. CELTICS; SUNDAY, APRIL 21 (1 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: HEAT VS. CELTICS; WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 (7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: CELTICS VS. HEAT; SATURDAY, APRIL 27 (6 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: CELTICS VS. HEAT; MONDAY, APRIL 29 (TBD, TBD)
• GAME 5: HEAT VS. CELTICS; WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: CELTICS VS. HEAT; FRIDAY, MAY 3 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: HEAT VS. CELTICS; SUNDAY, MAY 5 (TBD, TBD)*
* = IF NECESSARY
(2) NEW YORK VS. (7) PHILADELPHIA
• GAME 1: 76ERS VS. KNICKS; SATURDAY, APRIL 20 (6 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: 76ERS VS. KNICKS; MONDAY, APRIL 22 (7:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: KNICKS VS. 76ERS; THURSDAY, APRIL 25 (7:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: KNICKS VS. 76ERS; SUNDAY, APRIL 28 (1 ET, ABC)
• GAME 5: 76ERS VS. KNICKS; TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: KNICKS VS. 76ERS; THURSDAY, MAY 2 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: 76ERS VS. KNICKS; SATURDAY, MAY 4 (TBD, TNT)*
* = IF NECESSARY
• GAME 1: PACERS VS. BUCKS; SUNDAY, APRIL 21 (7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 2: PACERS VS. BUCKS; TUESDAY, APRIL 23 (8:30 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 3: BUCKS VS. PACERS; FRIDAY, APRIL 26 (5:30 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 4: BUCKS VS. PACERS; SUNDAY, APRIL 28 (7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: PACERS VS. BUCKS; TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: BUCKS VS. PACERS; THURSDAY, MAY 2 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: PACERS VS. BUCKS; SATURDAY, MAY 4 (TBD, TNT)*
* = IF NECESSARY
• GAME 1: MAGIC VS. CAVALIERS; SATURDAY, APRIL 20 (1 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: MAGIC VS. CAVALIERS; MONDAY, APRIL 22 (7 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 3: CAVALIERS VS. MAGIC; THURSDAY, APRIL 25 (7 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 4: CAVALIERS VS. MAGIC; SATURDAY, APRIL 27 (1 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: MAGIC VS. CAVALIERS; TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: CAVALIERS VS. MAGIC; FRIDAY, MAY 3 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: MAGIC VS. CAVALIERS; SUNDAY, MAY 5 (TBD, TBD)*
* = IF NECESSARY
WESTERN CONFERENCE
ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME
(1) OKLAHOMA CITY VS. (8) NEW ORLEANS
• GAME 1: PELICANS VS. THUNDER; SUNDAY, APRIL 21 (9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 2: PELICANS VS. THUNDER; WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 (9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: THUNDER VS. PELICANS; SATURDAY, APRIL 27 (3:30 ET TNT)
• GAME 4: THUNDER VS. PELICANS; MONDAY, APRIL 29 (TBD, TBD)
• GAME 5: PELICANS VS. THUNDER; WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: THUNDER VS. PELICANS; FRIDAY, MAY 3 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: PELICANS VS. THUNDER; SUNDAY, MAY 5 (TBD, TBD)*
* = IF NECESSARY
(2) DENVER VS. (7) L.A. LAKERS
• GAME 1: LAKERS VS. NUGGETS; SATURDAY, APRIL 20 (8:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: LAKERS VS. NUGGETS; MONDAY, APRIL 22 (10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: NUGGETS VS. LAKERS; THURSDAY, APRIL 25 (10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: NUGGETS VS. LAKERS; SATURDAY, APRIL 27 (8:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 5: LAKERS VS. NUGGETS; MONDAY, APRIL 29 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: NUGGETS VS. LAKERS; THURSDAY, MAY 2 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: LAKERS VS. NUGGETS; SATURDAY, MAY 4 (TBD, TNT)*
* = IF NECESSARY
• GAME 1: SUNS VS. TIMBERWOLVES; SATURDAY, APRIL 20 (3:30 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: SUNS VS. TIMBERWOLVES; TUESDAY, APRIL 23 (7:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: TIMBERWOLVES VS. SUNS; FRIDAY, APRIL 26 (10:30 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 4: TIMBERWOLVES VS. SUNS; SUNDAY, APRIL 28 (9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: SUNS VS. TIMBERWOLVES; TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: TIMBERWOLVES VS. SUNS; THURSDAY, MAY 2 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: SUNS VS. TIMBERWOLVES; SATURDAY, MAY 4 (TBD, TNT)*
* = IF NECESSARY
(4) LA CLIPPERS VS. (5) DALLAS
• GAME 1: MAVERICKS VS. CLIPPERS; SUNDAY, APRIL 21 (3:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: MAVERICKS VS. CLIPPERS; TUESDAY, APRIL 23 (10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: CLIPPERS VS. MAVERICKS; FRIDAY, APRIL 26 (8 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 4: CLIPPERS VS. MAVERICKS; SUNDAY, APRIL 28 (3:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 5: MAVERICKS VS. CLIPPERS; WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 6: CLIPPERS VS. MAVERICKS; FRIDAY, MAY 3 (TBD, TBD)*
• GAME 7: MAVERICKS VS. CLIPPERS; SUNDAY, MAY 5 (TBD, TBD)*
* = IF NECESSARY
NHL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
EASTERN CONFERENCE
FLORIDA PANTHERS (1A) VS. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (WC1)
GAME 1: LIGHTNING AT PANTHERS — SUNDAY 12:30 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN, TVAS, BSSUN, BSFL)
GAME 2: LIGHTNING AT PANTHERS — APRIL 23, 7:30 P.M. ET (ESPN2, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 3: PANTHERS AT LIGHTNING — APRIL 25, 7 P.M. ET (TBS, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 4: PANTHERS AT LIGHTNING — APRIL 27, 5 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, TVAS, SNE, SNW, SNP)
GAME 5: LIGHTNING AT PANTHERS — APRIL 29, TBD
GAME 6: PANTHERS AT LIGHTNING — MAY 1, TBD
GAME 7: LIGHTNING AT PANTHERS — MAY 4, TBD
COMPLETE PANTHERS-LIGHTNING SERIES COVERAGE
BOSTON BRUINS (2A) VS. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (3A)
GAME 1: MAPLE LEAFS AT BRUINS — SATURDAY 8 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, TVAS, CBC)
GAME 2: MAPLE LEAFS AT BRUINS — APRIL 22, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)
GAME 3: BRUINS AT MAPLE LEAFS — APRIL 24, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC)
GAME 4: BRUINS AT MAPLE LEAFS — APRIL 27, 8 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, TVAS, CBC)
GAME 5: MAPLE LEAFS AT BRUINS — APRIL 30, TBD
GAME 6: BRUINS AT MAPLE LEAFS — MAY 2, TBD
GAME 7: MAPLE LEAFS AT BRUINS — MAY 4, TBD
COMPLETE BRUINS-MAPLE LEAFS SERIES COVERAGE
NEW YORK RANGERS (1M) VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS (WC2)
GAME 1: CAPITALS AT RANGERS — SUNDAY, 3 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN, TVAS, MSG, MNMT)
GAME 2: CAPITALS AT RANGERS — APRIL 23, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNW)
GAME 3: RANGERS AT CAPITALS — APRIL 26, 7 P.M. ET (TNT, TRUTV, MAX, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 4: RANGERS AT CAPITALS — APRIL 28, 8 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN360, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNP)
GAME 5: CAPITALS AT RANGERS — MAY 1, TBD
GAME 6: RANGERS AT CAPITALS — MAY 3, TBD
GAME 7: CAPITALS AT RANGERS — MAY 5, TBD
COMPLETE RANGERS-CAPITALS SERIES COVERAGE
CAROLINA HURRICANES (2M) VS. NEW YORK ISLANDERS (3M)
GAME 1: ISLANDERS AT HURRICANES — SATURDAY, 5 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN360, TVAS, MSGSN, BSSO, SNW, SNE, SNP)
GAME 2: ISLANDERS AT HURRICANES — APRIL 22, 7:30 P.M. ET (ESPN2, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 3: HURRICANES AT ISLANDERS — APRIL 25, 7:30 P.M. ET (ESPN2, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 4: HURRICANES AT ISLANDERS — APRIL 27, 2 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 5: ISLANDERS AT HURRICANES — APRIL 30, TBD
GAME 6: HURRICANES AT ISLANDERS — MAY 2, TBD
GAME 7: ISLANDERS AT HURRICANES — MAY 4, TBD
COMPLETE HURRICANES-ISLANDERS SERIES COVERAGE
WESTERN CONFERENCE
DALLAS STARS (1C) VS. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (WC2)
GAME 1: GOLDEN KNIGHTS AT STARS — APRIL 22, 9:30 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN360, TVAS, FX)
GAME 2: GOLDEN KNIGHTS AT STARS — APRIL 24, 9:30 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 3: STARS AT GOLDEN KNIGHTS — APRIL 27, 10:30 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 4: STARS AT GOLDEN KNIGHTS — APRIL 29, TBD
GAME 5: GOLDEN KNIGHTS AT STARS — MAY 1, TBD
GAME 6: STARS AT GOLDEN KNIGHTS — MAY 3, TBD
GAME 7: GOLDEN KNIGHTS AT STARS — MAY 5, TBD
COMPLETE STARS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS SERIES COVERAGE
WINNIPEG JETS (2C) VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE (3C)
GAME 1: AVALANCHE AT JETS — SUNDAY, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN2, SN, TVAS)
GAME 2: AVALANCHE AT JETS — APRIL 23, 9:30 P.M. ET (ESPN, CBC, TVAS)
GAME 3: JETS AT AVALANCHE — APRIL 26, 10 P.M. ET (TNT, TRUTV, MAX, CBC, TVAS)
GAME 4: JETS AT AVALANCHE — APRIL 28, 2:30 P.M. ET (TNT, TRUTV, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 5: AVALANCHE AT JETS — APRIL 30, TBD
GAME 6: JETS AT AVALANCHE — MAY 2, TBD
GAME 7: AVALANCHE AT JETS — MAY 4, TBD
COMPLETE JETS-AVALANCHE SERIES COVERAGE
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (1P) VS. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (WC1)
GAME 1: PREDATORS AT CANUCKS — SUNDAY, 10 P.M. ET (ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS)
GAME 2: PREDATORS AT CANUCKS — APRIL 23, 10 P.M. ET ( ESPN2, SN, TVAS)
GAME 3: CANUCKS AT PREDATORS — APRIL 26, 7:30 P.M. ET (TBS, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 4: CANUCKS AT PREDATORS — APRIL 28, 5 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 5: PREDATORS AT CANUCKS — APRIL 30, TBD
GAME 6: CANUCKS AT PREDATORS — MAY 3, TBD
GAME 7: PREDATORS AT CANUCKS — MAY 5, TBD
COMPLETE CANUCKS-PREDATORS SERIES COVERAGE
EDMONTON OILERS (2P) VS. LOS ANGELES KINGS (3P)
GAME 1: KINGS AT OILERS — APRIL 22, 10 P.M. ET (ESPN2, SN, CBC, TVAS)
GAME 2: KINGS AT OILERS — APRIL 24, 10 P.M. ET (TBS, MAX, SN, TVAS, CBC)
GAME 3: OILERS AT KINGS — APRIL 26, 10:30 P.M. ET (TBS, MAX, SN, TVAS)
GAME 4: OILERS AT KINGS — APRIL 28, 10:30 P.M. ET (TBS, TRUTV, MAX, SN, SN1, TVAS)
GAME 5: KINGS AT OILERS — MAY 1, TBD
GAME 6: OILERS AT KINGS — MAY 3, TBD
GAME 7: KINGS AT OILERS — MAY 5, TBD
COMPLETE OILERS-KINGS SERIES COVERAGE
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
CHICAGO CUBS 8 MIAMI 3
BOSTON 8 PITTSBURGH 1
PHILADELPHIA 7 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 0
CINCINNATI 7 LA ANGELS 1
HOUSTON 5 WASHINGTON 3
NY YANKEES 5 TAMPA BAY 3
CLEVELAND 10 OAKLAND 2
ATLANTA 8 TEXAS 3
KANSAS CITY 9 BALTIMORE 4
DETROIT 5 MINNESOTA 4
MILWAUKEE 2 ST. LOUIS 1 (10)
TORONTO 5 SAN DIEGO 1
NY METS 9 LA DODGERS 4
ARIZONA 17 SAN FRANCISCO 1
SEATTLE AT COLORADO POSTPONED
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
INDIANAPOLIS 7 ST. PAUL 2
FORT WAYNE 5 DAYTON 3
BELOIT 5 SOUTH BEND 4
UFL SCORES
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
STANDINGS: https://www.theufl.com/standings
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
STANDINGS: https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2024/conference#season=2024&live=true
COLLEGE BASEBALL SCORES
NOTRE DAME 14 BOSTON COLLEGE 3
ST. JOHN’S 7 BUTLER 1
EAST TENNESSEE STATE 9 PURDUE 7
MICHIGAN 4 OHIO STATE 0
ILLINOIS 5 NORTHWESTERN 3
IOWA 8 RUTGERS 1
NEBRASKA 6 MARYLAND 3
MICHIGAN STATE 6 PENN STATE 5
INDIANA AT MINNESOTA POSTPONED
YOUNGSTOWN STATE 10 PURDUE FORT WAYNE 7
MIAMI OHIO 13 TOLEDO 0
AKRON 13 EASTERN MICHIGAN 8
BOWLING GREEN 14 OHIO 5
BALL STATE 14 WESTERN MICHIGAN 1
KENT STATE 7 NORTHERN ILLINOIS 3
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 2 CENTRAL FLORIDA 0
VALPARAISO 7 MISSOURI STATE 6 (12)
ILLINOIS STATE 4 INDIANA STATE 3
EVANSVILLE 9 BRADLEY 7
TENNESSEE MARTIN 15 SOUTHERN INDIANA 10
COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES
CLEMSON 8 NOTRE DAME 5
NORTHWESTERN 9 PURDUE 0
PENN STATE 3 WISCONSIN 1
ILLINOIS 8 MICHIGAN STATE 6
RUTGERS 3 MINNESOTA 0
OHIO STATE 4 MARYLAND 0
INDIANA 8 IOWA 0
MICHIGAN 4 NEBRASKA 3
IUPUI 9 GREEN BAY 1
IUPUI 6 GREEN BAY 2
PURDUE FORT WAYNE 9 DETROIT MERCY 0
INDIANA STATE 2 ILLINOIS STATE 1
EVANSVILLE 4 MURRAY STATE 3
MISSOURI STATE 10 VALPARAISO 0
NATIONAL SPORTS RELEASES/HEADLINES
NFL NEWS
NFL DRAFT WILL INCLUDE MANY MICHIGAN MEN, MAYBE ENOUGH TO BREAK RECORD SET BY 2022 GEORGIA BULLDOGS
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the first of many Michigan men drafted from its national championship team.
The Wolverines had a record 18 players at the combine, giving them a chance to be the first school with at least 16 prospects picked in one NFL draft.
“We definitely have a shot because we have some great players on the team — and we won the natty,” running back Blake Corum said. “We could break the record.”
Georgia’s 2022 national championship team set the standard since the draft went to seven rounds in 1994 with 15 players picked, including a record-tying five first-round selections, in the 2023 draft.
McCarthy may be Michigan’s only player taken among the top 32 next Thursday night in Detroit and some expect him to be among the top five picks after teams have gotten to know him off the field.
“This process is so unique,” McCarthy said. “They put you through so many different loops and hoops.”
A handful of McCarthy’s teammates are projected to be picked in the second or third round next Friday night while many more will follow in the fourth through seventh rounds.
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, linebacker Junior Colson, defensive back Mike Sainristil, receiver Roman Wilson and Corum are candidates to get drafted in the second round.
Offensive linemen Zak Zinter and defensive end Braiden McGregor may go in the next wave of maize and blue, perhaps getting picked in the fourth or fifth round.
Sixth- and seventh-round selections could include edge rusher Jaylen Harrell, receiver Cornelius Johnson, linebacker Michael Barrett, tight end AJ Barner and offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and LaDarius Henderson.
“It just goes to show how many dogs we got on this team, and how many people are willing to play the role and humble themselves,” Jenkins said. “It’s special.”
The AP’s mock draft has McCarthy going at No. 8 overall. The Athletic listed 14 players from Michigan in a seven-round mock draft.
If those players are picked along with All-Big Ten center and Rimington Trophy finalist Drake Nugent, the Wolverines will tie the Bulldogs’ mark.
And if at least one of three others who were invited to the combine — offensive linemen Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart along with defensive back Josh Wallace — are drafted, Michigan will set a new mark.
“Walking around, you couldn’t do a 360 in Indianapolis without seeing a bunch of Michigan guys — or now that coach (Jim) Harbaugh is in the NFL — or coaches,” Nugent said. “It’s definitely something to appreciate on top of the incredible season we had.”
Three of Michigan’s prospects have fathers who played in the league.
Jenkins, whose dad has the same name, was a two-time All-Pro defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets. James Harrell was with the Detroit Lions and Terry Nugent played for Cleveland and Indianapolis.
A father figure of sorts, Harbaugh will likely lobby the Los Angeles Chargers to draft some of his former players.
Harbaugh attended Michigan’s pro day last month and though he may not be the most objective observer and he already has a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the former Michigan and NFL quarterback was blown away by McCarthy’s performance.
“I’ve been to a lot of pro day workouts and watched quarterbacks throw. That was the best I’ve ever seen a quarterback do at a pro day,” Harbaugh said.
JETS GM JOE DOUGLAS CALLS QB ZACH WILSON AN ‘ASSET.’ BUT THE TEAM REMAINS OPEN TO TRADING HIM
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson remains a member of the New York Jets. For now, at least.
General manager Joe Douglas was non-committal on the future of the quarterback, who received permission by the Jets during the offseason to seek a trade after a disappointing three years since being the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft.
“Zach is an asset and at that same time we’re obviously open to trading Zach,” Douglas said Thursday during his annual predraft news conference. “There have been discussions.”
Douglas said the 24-year-old Wilson was not present — as he usually has been — at the team’s facility this week as voluntary offseason workouts began.
“There’s quite a few players that haven’t come for the first week,” Douglas said. “So, look, that’s a decision for Zach to make if he wants to be here.”
Douglas acknowledged at the NFL combine in Indianapolis in February the team told Wilson’s agent he could gauge the trade market. Douglas reiterated that last month at the league meetings in Orlando, Florida, where owner Woody Johnson added the Jets wouldn’t just release Wilson if New York couldn’t find a trade partner.
“Nothing’s really changed since we talked down in Florida,” Douglas said. “But we’re open to trading him. There’s just no news to report on that.”
Aaron Rodgers is among the players at the facility after the 40-year-old quarterback was sidelined for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon just four snaps into his debut with the Jets. Rodgers is healthy and throwing passes on the field.
“Oh, it’s great,” Douglas said. “Just for him to come back now, early, just his presence.”
Rodgers is expected to start Week 1 for the Jets, who signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to serve as his backup. That would leave Wilson in the No. 3 spot, for now.
“I mean, look, we’re still in April,” Douglas said when asked if Wilson returning to the team remains possible. “I mean, training camp’s months away. So I think there’s a chance for a lot of different things. I’m not going to get into what’s going to happen.”
Wilson showed some flashes during his three years of the playmaking ability that made the Jets covet him in 2021 out of BYU. But Wilson mostly struggled with consistency and there have been questions as to whether he can be a legitimate NFL starter.
Wilson has thrown 23 touchdown passes with 25 interceptions in 34 games, including 33 starts. But his 57% completion percentage and 73.2 passer rating are among the league’s worst during that span.
While that could be alarming to some potential trade partners, they could also be wary of the $5.45 million Wilson is guaranteed this season on his rookie contract. The Jets might have to pay at least a good chunk of that for a team to consider a deal. New York also must consider that cutting Wilson would result in a dead money hit of about $11.2 million on the salary cap.
“That’s the magic trick, so to speak, is to try to make sure that Zach’s in a good spot, but also doing what’s right for the New York Jets,” Douglas said. “That is the line we’re walking, but we have to do what’s right for the ballclub.”
The Jets pick 10th overall in the draft that begins next Thursday night. Douglas said they have “flexibility” at the spot — meaning offensive tackle, tight end and wide receiver could all be in play. Douglas also wouldn’t rule out trading the pick.
Getting another young quarterback to sit behind both Rodgers and Taylor might also be under consideration by New York in the mid- to later rounds. Douglas cited the 1990s Green Bay Packers, who had Brett Favre, but still drafted quarterbacks such as Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks, who all developed as backups and went on to have success with other franchises.
“I would love to be a quarterback factory like that,” Douglas said. “I would love to have quarterbacks that we take every year in the draft and even if you hit on two or three like the Packers did, you can really turn those into future picks or they develop into starters elsewhere.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
TEXAS SPRING SIGNALS TIME FOR EWERS TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY FOOTBALL IN 2024 BEFORE NFL DRAFT
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers figured his football career had always been in such a rush that it was time to slow down.
Enjoy the spring. Enjoy the 2024 season, and Texas’ move into the Southeastern Conference. The NFL, which is still his goal and dream, can wait a year. And the payoff could be even bigger.
Texas, which made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff last season, concludes spring practice this week with an eye on Ewers leading the Longhorns into the SEC. The Longhorns’ annual spring scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, unless bad weather bad weather in the forecast cancels it.
Not that he didn’t consider leaving. It took more than a week after last season’s playoff loss to Washington before Ewers announced he would return instead of turning pro.
“I feel like I’ve been rushing my entire life, so just take a year, slow it down and not rush things,” Ewers said in March in his only media availability of the spring. “I skipped my senior year (of high school), that went by fast. I was at Ohio State for a semester, so it all went by fast also. So just take my time throughout the whole process and enjoy being here and just being present and not looking too far forward.”
He likely would have been considered a top-10 quarterback in this year’s draft class.
“I had some people put together a pretty good chart on, obviously, the more you play and more experience you have, the better you end up playing and succeeding in the NFL. I just wanted to put myself in a better spot to be able to succeed at a high level once I hopefully get there,” Ewers said.
“I always kind of knew in the back of my head I was going to be back for another year,” he said.
Still only 21, Ewers has yet to play a complete college season. Shoulder injuries forced him to miss all or part of six games the last two seasons. He passed for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2023.
Ewers lost weight and played at under 200 pounds last season. Quicker and more agile, he ran for five touchdowns, including sprints of 29 and 30 yards. But eyeing the NFL, Ewers wants to get back to around 210 by next season.
“Got to put more weight on. Was a few pounds too light last year,” Ewers said. “And it’s got to be good weight.”
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has said he expects Ewers will make the most of what is likely his final season in college, with big dividends for the Longhorns offense.
“There’s nothing like having a third-year starting quarterback. We haven’t had that luxury in our time here,” Sarkisian said this week.
Ewers’ decision to slow down his career trajectory has done the same thing to the guy with the famous name behind him on the depth chart: Arch Manning.
The grandson of one former NFL quarterback and nephew of two Super Bowl-winning ones, Manning is biding his time behind Ewers with more patience than some might have expected in the open-transfer era.
Manning, too, had said he would be in no rush to develop into the best quarterback he can be. And has already enjoyed the benefit of one transfer that helped thin the lineup behind Ewers.
Last season’s No. 2, Maalik Murphy, started two games when Ewers was injured and won both, but then transferred to Duke. That immediately elevated Manning as the top backup, and opened the door to him getting valuable reps in practice and likely expansive playing time in Saturday’s scrimmage.
But make no mistake: this spring was not an open competition at quarterback. Ewers is the No. 1. And barring something unusual happening, he will be when Texas opens the season Aug. 31 against Colorado State.
“Quinn’s our starter,” for 2024, Sarkisian said when spring drills began.
“I’ve grown a whole lot in every aspect of quarterbacking. My first year, the wheels were turning pretty fast,” Ewers said. “Last year it slowed down. Now, I can really play the quarterback position how it’s supposed to be played.”
ARIZONA STATE HIT WITH NCAA SANCTIONS FOR IMPROPER FOOTBALL RECRUITING VISITS DURING PANDEMIC
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State and four former members of its football coaching staff have reached an agreement with the NCAA on penalties for impermissible in-person contact with recruits during the COVID-10 dead period.
Two others are contesting portions of their respective cases via a written record hearing, according to a release by the NCAA on Friday.
Under the penalties, Arizona State was hit with four years probation, a fine, an already-served self-imposed ban for the 2023 postseason and vacation of records for games in which ineligible student-athletes competed. The Sun Devils also will have a reduction in scholarships and recruiting restrictions in alignment for the Level I-mitigated classification for the school.
The agreed-upon violations also include recruiting inducements, impermissible tryouts and tampering by the staff under former head coach Herm Edwards.
The resolution includes an agreement that the violations demonstrated unethical conduct by involved individuals and a head coach responsibility violation. The school also agreed that it failed to monitor the program.
“Arizona State’s cooperation throughout the investigation and processing of this case was exemplary, and the cooperation began with the leadership shown by the university president,” said Jason Leonard, executive director of athletics compliance at Oklahoma and chief hearing officer for the Committee on Infractions panel. “The school’s acceptance of responsibility and decision to self-impose meaningful core penalties is a model for all schools to follow and is consistent with the expectations of the NCAA’s infractions program.”
Splitting the decisions allows the school and other parties to immediately begin serving their penalties while awaiting the committee’s final decision on remaining portions of the case.
NBA NEWS
HEAT DISPOSE OF BULLS, CLAIM EAST PLAYOFF BERTH
Tyler Herro recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and the host Miami Heat punched their ticket to the playoffs with a convincing 112-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in the one-sided win in the final Eastern Conference play-in game. The Heat will face the top-seeded Boston Celtics on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs. Miami and Boston met in the two last East finals, with Boston prevailing in 2022 and the Heat winning last season.
Miami dominated Friday’s contest even with star Jimmy Butler sitting out with an MCL injury to his right knee. Butler was injured in Wednesday’s play-in loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kevin Love contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, and Bam Adebayo scored 13 points for the Heat.
DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points and Nikola Vucevic had 16 points, 14 rebounds and five assists for the Bulls. Coby White had just 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting after scoring 42 points against the Atlanta Hawks two nights earlier.
Javonte Green added 12 points off the bench, and Ayo Dosunmu had 10 on 3-of-15 shooting for Chicago.
Miami also defeated the Bulls last season in the battle for the final spot in the East. The Heat eventually lost to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.
Miami shot 46.3 percent from the field, including 14 of 33 from 3-point range.
The Bulls made 38 percent of their attempts and were 13 of 43 from behind the arc.
Chicago trailed 70-60 after a basket by Green with 3:15 left in the third quarter, and then Miami delivered the knockout punch.
Delon Wright and Herro made treys during the quarter-ending 12-0 run for an 82-60 lead, and Jaquez scored the first basket of the fourth quarter to push the lead to 24.
Jaquez later converted a three-point play and added two free throws 59 seconds later as the Heat built a 99-70 with 7:05 left in the game and cruised to the finish.
DeRozan’s trey gave Chicago an early 11-6 lead before Miami rolled off 19 straight points. Haywood Highsmith scored the final basket of the spurt as the Heat held a 25-11 advantage with 4:52 left in the opening quarter.
Miami later led by 19 in the quarter before taking a 34-17 lead into the second period.
Chicago trimmed its deficit to 47-37 at the break.
DeRozan scored 15 in the half for the Bulls, while Jaquez led Miami with 10.
PELICANS CRUISE PAST KINGS, CLAIM WEST’S NO. 8 SEED
Brandon Ingram recorded 24 points, six rebounds and six assists and the New Orleans Pelicans clinched the Western Conference’s final playoff berth with a solid 105-98 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Trey Murphy III added 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists as New Orleans cruised despite the absence of Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain).
Reserves Larry Nance Jr. (13 points), Naji Marshall (11) and Jose Alvarado (10) contributed off the bench for the Pelicans, who will face the top-seeded Thunder in the first round of the postseason. That series opens Sunday in Oklahoma City.
New Orleans went 6-0 against the Kings this season, counting the play-in victory.
De’Aaron Fox had 35 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Kings. Domantas Sabonis finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, Harrison Barnes scored 17 points and Keegan Murray had 11 for Sacramento, which will miss the playoffs for the 17th time in the past 18 seasons.
Williamson was hurt in New Orleans’ Tuesday loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and is slated to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
The Pelicans shot 51.8 percent from the field, including 7 of 19 (36.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Sacramento made 40.9 percent of its attempts and was 11 of 41 (26.8 percent) from behind the arc. Davion Mitchell added 10 points for the Kings.
New Orleans led by nine after three quarters and quickly elevated the gap to 20.
Valanciunas converted a three-point play, Ingram scored four straight points and Alvarado knocked down a 3-pointer during a 10-0 spurt that saw the Pelicans take a 97-77 lead with 6:35 left.
The Kings closed within seven in the final minute before Herbert Jones blocked a 3-point attempt by Fox and had the ball passed to him for a dunk with 8.1 seconds left.
Jones scored 12 first-half points as the Pelicans held a 54-45 halftime advantage. Fox scored 18 in the half for Sacramento.
The Kings led 31-29 early in the second quarter after a basket by Mitchell before New Orleans responded by scoring 24 of the next 33 points to open up a 13-point advantage.
Ingram began the third quarter with a three-point play to give the Pelicans a 57-45 lead. Jones made a 3-pointer to make it 65-51 with 9:11 to play in the period.
Mitchell later knocked down two treys during a 9-2 run as Sacramento moved within 71-64 with 5:37 remaining.
Ingram’s late basket gave New Orleans an 83-74 lead entering the final stanza.
WESTERN CONFERENCE BETTING PRIMER: SGA, OKC LOOK AOK
If someone says they know what will happen in the wild West during the NBA playoffs, they’re lying. The stacked Western Conference playoff field can’t help but offer value because the honest odds provide for a real handicapping challenge.
We’ll try to isolate the best value plays as we present the odds movements, key props worth your time and a look at the odds to win the West.
(Odds per DraftKings unless otherwise noted.)
No. 1 Thunder (-800) vs. No. 8 Pelicans (+550)
Series bet: While Oklahoma City is seen as a vulnerable No. 1 seed, New Orleans lost its star while emerging out of the play-in tournament.
Zion Williamson’s injury — no matter how great the Pelicans looked in turning back the Sacramento Kings — means New Orleans will need four pristine games to eliminate the Thunder.
There might not be a more eager team to begin the playoffs, and the Thunder will push to end this series as quickly as they can. Go with the Thunder in fewer than 5.5 games, -130.
Futures bet: If you’re looking only at the strengths and weaknesses, statistics and trends for the Western contenders, you might have the Thunder and the defending champion Denver Nuggets very close on your Western champs list. Both teams won 57 games, and the Thunder have a leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose game seems well-suited for the playoffs.
Oklahoma City hasn’t “been there” with this group, but it’s a close-knit collection of versatile talent that owns the home-court advantage through the conference finals. Take Oklahoma City to win the West at very generous odds of +650.
No. 2 Nuggets (-310) vs. No. 7 Lakers (+250)
Series bet: Denver’s late-season stumble in San Antonio cost the Nuggets the top seed — much to Los Angeles’ chagrin. If there were doubts as to whether Denver will be ready, the Spurs certainly helped to ease them. No way the Nuggets overlook Round 1, and there is a way to take back some of that -310 juice. Denver matches up very well and has answers to virtually every Lakers question — in Game 1 and for the series. Go with a parlay of Nuggets to win Game 1 and the series, -165.
Futures bet: The improved play of Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell has allowed LeBron James to be more selective and less ball-dominant this season. Couple that with the X-factor — Denver’s Aaron Gordon is the perfect playoff defender to match up against James — and you have a nice Game 1 player prop at plus money.
Bet on LeBron James under 24.5 points in Game 1, +102.
No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves (+125) vs. No. 6 Phoenix Suns (-150)
Series bet: Minnesota was the West’s top seed for much of the final month of the regular season, but the final week served to push the Timberwolves into disarray. Karl-Anthony Towns returned from an 18-game absence caused by a knee injury, but the feel-good chemistry did not, and then Phoenix showed how to beat Minnesota — convincingly and on the road.
The Timberwolves force teams into a high number of mid-range shots, but the Suns make their living burying mid-range jumpers. Bad matchup.
Take the good price on the Suns to win the series, -150.
Futures bet: Minnesota’s worst defensive game came on Nov. 15 against the Suns, who swept the three-game, regular-season series. The Timberwolves’ young leader, Anthony Edwards, must force the issue and be less of a facilitator and more of a scorer.
The Suns, meanwhile, will take the open shots inevitably created by Minnesota’s double-teams. Scoring will be comfortably split among Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, leaving the series’ top scorer bet in Edwards’ capable hands. Go with Edwards at +115 to be the leading scorer in the series.
No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers (+110) vs. No. 5 Dallas Mavericks (-130)
Series bet: No, Clippers fans, we just can’t believe in your team. Even though it’s become trendy to blindly back the Mavericks this week, there are good reasons. Dallas stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic shred efforts to double-team them, and each is a nightmare to guard one on one.
Los Angeles’ best player, Kawhi Leonard, missed the past two weeks, and the best the team could say after he reportedly received an injection in his ailing left knee this week was that it was “cautiously optimistic” regarding Leonard’s availability for Sunday. Feels like Dallas in six — or fewer. Go with Mavericks -1.5 games for the series, +118 at FanDuel.
Futures bet: Doncic averaged 37.5 minutes per game this season, pulling down 9.2 rebounds. Clippers center Ivica Zubac also averaged 9.2 rebounds per game, but in only 26.4 minutes.
The Los Angeles rotation figures to be shorter, yielding more minutes for Zubac. He is favored at DraftKings to be the top rebounder in the series, but at FanDuel it’s Doncic (-125) over Zubac (+130). Take Zubac.
Odds to win the Western Conference, per DraftKings:
Nuggets +135
Clippers +600
Thunder +650
Mavericks +700
Suns +850
Timberwolves +1100
Lakers +1100
Pelicans +4500
EASTERN CONFERENCE BETTING PRIMER: DON’T OVERTHINK ON CELTICS
There isn’t nearly much as drama in the NBA’s Eastern Conference when compared to the parity in the West, and the Boston Celtics are a deserving odds-on favorite to reach the Finals.
The Celtics might not have the value, but they aren’t without a few options in the prop markets.
We’ll seek the best value plays as we present the odds movements, a series bet, a futures bet (team or individual) and the list of each team’s odds to win the Eastern Conference.
(Series odds per DraftKings unless otherwise noted.)
No. 1 Celtics (-3000) vs. No. 8 Heat (+1300)
Series bet: The Miami Heat, with all their culture intact but without star Jimmy Butler, are obviously very likely to find the challenge difficult when they meet the Celtics, who are 13-point favorites for Game 1.
Shop the sportsbooks to find the best number on the Celtics to win the first half of Game 1, seeking -7 or better. Boston is a strong-starting team anyway, and with the Heat traveling for a Sunday early-afternoon tip, you have two good reasons for this wager.
Futures bet: This one is pretty square. It’s Boston to win the East (-200) because the Celtics are going to be listed as much heavier favorites round over round. Let the house hold your 20 for a few weeks, ride the winner and let them pay you back with an extra 10 tacked on.
No. 2 Knicks (-115) vs. No. 7 76ers (-105)
Series bet: Philadelphia opened as a narrow favorite but the New York money quickly swung the numbers. Joel Embiid is not 100 percent and his dropoff on defense will be exploited by Jalen Brunson and his Knicks teammates. If the Sixers aim to double Brunson, the 3-point barrage will bury Philly. Donte DiVincenzo, Brunson and Miles McBride all hit 40 percent or better from long range this season.
The Knicks have long adopted the personality of their coach, Tom Thibodeau, and since Jan. 1 are No. 2 in the East in defensive rating and fourth in Effective Field Goal percentage allowed. New York is a nice value to win the series at -115.
Futures bet: Josh Hart is a healthy, active option among the candidates to lead this series in rebounding. He’s +155 at FanDuel, with only Embiid as a more popular winner (-175). Hart will have more rebound opportunities — via playing time and the opponent’s missed shots.
No. 3 Bucks (+100) vs. No. 6 Pacers (-120)
Series bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo has a three-week injury and a three-day window to find full health. That’s not happening. The Bucks opened as favorites, but DraftKings reported the Pacers money came hard with 68 percent of the bets and a whopping 79 percent of the early handle.
That trend was similar at most sportsbooks. Indiana is the series play, but in seeking a better value, we found that FanDuel offers a Game 1/Series parlay option, and our choice here is to take the Pacers at +125.
Futures bet: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appears to have shaken off much of the rust that followed his injury absence, and now he squares off against the defensively challenged Bucks backcourt. This could be fun. Take Haliburton at +800 (FanDuel) to score 20-plus points in every game of the series.
No. 4 Cavaliers (-185) vs. No. 5 Magic (+155)
Series bet: This is another longshot for our board. Orlando was a slightly better team than Cleveland over the season’s second half, and this Cavs team is inconsistent. The Magic can steal one in Cleveland and cap off the series with a home-court win in Game 6. Take Orlando to win exactly in six games is +500 at FanDuel.
Futures bet: The pressure is on the Cavaliers, whose puzzling season left NBA observers confused. One thing is certain: Donovan Mitchell is going hunting. His offseason could become very interesting and he is likely eager to show his team — and potential trade partners — he is worth what he is making, and more.
Mitchell is only -210 at FanDuel to lead this series in points scored, which represents value while you can get it because he already is at -300 on DraftKings.
Odds to win the Eastern Conference, per DraftKings:
Celtics -200
76ers +700
Bucks +750
Knicks +1100
Cavaliers +1800
Heat +3000
Pacers +3000
Magic +6000
COLLEGE BASKETBALL NEWS
UCONN FRESHMAN STEPHON CASTLE DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT AND BECOMES SCHOOL’S SECOND ONE-AND-DONE PLAYER
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — UConn freshman Stephon Castle has entered his name into the NBA draft, becoming the fifth Husky starter to at least explore moving on after Connecticut’s latest NCAA title run.
UConn and coach Dan Hurley confirmed the move Friday on social media after it was first reported by ESPN.
“No Freshman impacted WINNING like this Champion…His combination of talent, work ethic and humility…And GREAT parents!!” Hurley posted.
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his only season as a Husky, while often drawing the defensive assignment to shut down the opposition’s top perimeter player.
He was even more impressive during the Final Four, scoring 21 points in UConn’s semifinal win over Alabama and putting up 15 points in the win over Purdue in the national championship game.
Castle becomes just the second UConn player to enter the draft after his freshman year, joining Andre Drummond, who was selected ninth overall by the Pistons in 2012.
His announcement comes one day after UConn forward Alex Karaban declared for the draft, but said he would retain his college eligibility, allowing him to make a final decision after going through the pre-draft workouts.
Castle and 7-2 sophomore center Donvan Clingan, who declared for the draft last week, are projected to be lottery picks.
UConn’s other two starters, All-American guard Tristen Newton, the most outstanding player in the Final Four, and graduate transfer Cam Spencer, a sharp-shooting guard who averaged 14.3 points, have no more college eligibility and are also draft prospects.
JUSTIN PIPPEN, SON OF SCOTTIE PIPPEN, COMMITS TO MICHIGAN
Justin Pippen, the youngest son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, announced on Friday his commitment to play for Michigan.
Justin Pippen, a 6-foot-3 senior guard at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, also considered Texas A&M, Florida, Stanford and Cal, according to multiple media reports.
Landing the four-star prospect was an early coup for new Michigan coach Dusty May, who is new on the job after being hired to replace Juwan Howard.
“The coaches were great to me,” Pippen said, according to The Athletic. “They showed me a lot of hospitality. They gave me really good pitches. They see me coming in as a player who can impact the floor right away.”
He added in an interview with ESPN, “I like the feel of the campus and school. I wanted to be at a big school. They can help me reach my end goal of making the NBA.”
Justin Pippen’s brother, 23-year-old Scotty Pippen Jr., is a guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. Their father spent most of his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bulls, teaming with Michael Jordan to win six NBA championships.
“I feel like my brother has increased my work ethic, for sure,” Justin Pippen told Yahoo Sports. “Just being in the gym with him and other pros this summer, and my dad as well. He’s just telling me to wake up every single day and put the work in.”
Justin Pippen was a high school teammate of LeBron James’ son Bronny at Sierra Canyon. According to The Athletic, he averaged 16.5 points and 4.9 assists in his senior season. ESPN reported that Pippen is likely to be listed among the nation’s top 100 prospects when the final list is published, though he wasn’t in that group previously.
BASEBALL NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: TRAVIS D’ARNAUD’S 3 HRS BOOST BRAVES
Travis d’Arnaud hit three home runs, including a tiebreaking grand slam, to power the Atlanta Braves to an 8-3 win over the visiting Texas Rangers on Friday and extend their winning streak to five games.
The veteran catcher was 3-for-4 with six RBIs. His first two homers were solo shots, but the third came against reliever Jacob Latz (0-1) with the bases loaded, a 433-foot blast to center field. It was his third career grand slam. D’Arnaud grounded out in his final at-bat.
It was the seventh multiple-home run game and the second three-homer game of d’Arnaud’s career. It was the first three-homer game by an Atlanta player since Adam Duvall did it twice in 2020.
Atlanta starter Chris Sale (2-1) pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. He improved to 9-2 in his career against Texas and hasn’t lost to the Rangers since 2014.
Astros 5, Nationals 3
Justin Verlander pitched six solid innings in his first outing of the season after a shoulder ailment and Houston beat host Washington to snap a three-game losing streak.
Verlander limited Washington to two runs on four hits without a walk. He struck out four. Chas McCormick drove in two runs, and Jeremy Pena and Mauricio Dubon each had three hits. Josh Hader allowed a run in the ninth but got out of the inning with the tying runs on base for his second save of the season.
Riley Adams homered for the Nationals, who were coming off a 5-4 mark on a West Coast trip. Starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore (2-1) took the loss, giving up three runs on seven hits in four innings. Washington used six pitchers.
Diamondbacks 17, Giants 1
Ketel Marte had four hits, Blaze Alexander belted his first grand slam and Jordan Montgomery won in his debut as Arizona pummeled host San Francisco.
The Diamondbacks’ 22 hits tied a franchise record set in 2013. Marte went 4-for-6 with an RBI and a run in the leadoff spot and Alexander finished 3-for-5 with five RBIs and scored twice. Christian Walker went 3-for-6 with three runs, a double and RBI.
Montgomery and his counterpart on Friday, San Francisco left-hander Blake Snell, were two coveted free agents who signed late this spring.
Montgomery (1-0) allowed one run on four hits in six innings. He struck out three without a walk. Snell gave up nine hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings to drop to 0-3. His ERA is 11.57.
Mets 9, Dodgers 4
Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the seventh inning, Harrison Bader had four hits and visiting New York increased its winning streak to five games with a victory against Los Angeles.
DJ Stewart homered and had three RBIs as the Mets won for the seventh time in eight games and improved to 11-3 since an 0-5 start.
Chris Taylor broke out of an 0-for-31 slump to deliver a two-run single for the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani scored a run and drove in another, but Los Angeles lost for the sixth time in the past eight games.
Royals 9, Orioles 4
MJ Melendez homered and drove in four runs and Alec Marsh tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings as Kansas defeated Baltimore for its ninth straight home win.
Melendez snapped an 0-for-23 skid with a two-out RBI single to ignite a five-run sixth inning. He added a three-run homer in the seventh inning. Marsh (3-0) scattered three hits, struck out six and walked two to defeat the Orioles for the second time this season.
Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman launched his first career grand slam among his three hits. Starter Dean Kremer (0-2) retired the first 11 batters he faced before the Royals’ big inning. Kremer surrendered three runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out three.
Reds 7, Angels 1
Elly De La Cruz hit a three-run homer, stole three bases and scored on a throwing error to lead Cincinnati past visiting Los Angeles.
Cincinnati starter and winner Nick Lodolo (2-0) allowed one run over 6 1/3 innings, and Tyler Stephenson blasted a tape-measure, tiebreaking home run for the Reds, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
Making just his second start back from the injured list, Lodolo kept the Angels scoreless until the fifth when Jo Adell singled home Luis Rengifo to tie the game. Lodolo allowed seven hits and one run, striking out six and without walking a batter.
Phillies 7, White Sox 0
Alec Bohm hit two home runs and tied a career high with six RBIs, Spencer Turnbull had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 innings and host Philadelphia defeated Chicago.
Turnbull (2-0) threw seven scoreless innings and gave up one hit while striking out six and walking two. He threw 92 pitches, 57 for strikes and lowered his ERA to 1.23.
Whit Merrifield hit a solo homer, Trea Turner had three hits and extended his hitting streak to eight straight, and Bryce Harper added two walks, two runs and a single as the Phillies earned their fourth win in a row.
Yankees 5, Rays 3
Juan Soto capped a five-run seventh inning by hitting a three-run homer as New York capitalized on shoddy defense by visiting Tampa Bay.
The Yankees won for the 14th time in 20 games following seventh-inning errors by Curtis Mead and Yandy Diaz. Oswaldo Cabrera forged a 1-1 tie with a grounder that skipped by Diaz’s glove. Anthony Volpe snapped the tie with a soft RBI single to center, and Soto lifted a 1-0 pitch from Chris Devenski (0-1) into the second deck in right field.
Richie Palacios homered in the sixth off New York starter Clarke Schmidt, and the Rays’ Issac Paredes hit a two-run single in the eighth off Ian Hamilton. Clay Holmes got a game-ending double play to finish off his eighth save in nine opportunities.
Cubs 8, Marlins 3
Jameson Taillon worked five strong innings in his season debut as host Chicago opened its four-game series with Miami on a winning note.
Activated from the 15-day injured list on Thursday, Taillon (1-0) surrendered just one run on three hits. He didn’t walk a batter while striking out four. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run for Chicago, which also got two hits apiece from Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson and Mike Tauchman.
Bryan De La Cruz went deep and Jazz Chisholm went 2-for-4 for Miami, which has dropped 16 of 20 games to open the season. The Marlins finished with six hits, three of which came in the ninth. In three innings, Miami starter A.J. Puk (0-4) surrendered seven runs on seven hits and three walks. He fanned four.
Red Sox 8, Pirates 1
Wilyer Abreu went 3-for-5 and was one of three players to hit their first home runs of the season for Boston in a rout of host Pittsburgh.
Boston’s offense pounded out 12 hits en route to its second win in a three-game span. Rob Refsnyder and Ceddanne Rafaela each drove in a pair with the help of their first homers of 2024, while Triston Casas also left the yard for the Red Sox. Enmanuel Valdez added a two-run double.
Brayan Bello (3-1) earned his second consecutive win in dominant fashion, allowing only one hit — Jack Suwinski’s leadoff double to left in the second — and two walks while striking out seven over six innings.
Guardians 10, Athletics 2
Tyler Freeman hit a two-run homer and Josh Naylor added a solo shot as Cleveland opened a three-game series with a victory against visiting Oakland.
Steven Kwan and Andres Gimenez each drove in two runs for the Guardians, who won for the fifth time in six games and improved to an American League Central-best 14-6. Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie (2-2) allowed one run on three hits with three walks and six strikeouts over five innings.
Abraham Toro hit a leadoff home run in the first inning to give the A’s an early lead. Brent Rooker added a solo shot against Scott Barlow in the ninth for Oakland’s only other run.
Tigers 5, Twins 4
Wenceel Perez went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, including a tiebreaking RBI single in the top of the ninth inning, and Detroit edged Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Kerry Carpenter finished 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs for the Tigers. Spencer Torkelson added three hits, including an RBI single. Tigers left-hander Andrew Chafin (2-0) earned the victory as was one of three relievers to follow starter Jack Flaherty, who gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits, walked one and struck out 10 in six innings.
Trevor Larnach went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer to lead the Twins at the plate. Byron Buxton contributed a two-run double for Minnesota, which dropped its fifth game in a row.
Brewers 2, Cardinals 1 (10 innings)
William Contreras drove in both runs, including a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, as Milwaukee edged host St. Louis.
Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta held the Cardinals to four hits and two walks in six scoreless innings. He struck out seven. Reliever Joel Payamps (1-1) earned the victory and Hoby Milner earned his first career save.
Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Gibson held the Brewers to one run on three hits and four walks while striking out three in six innings. Reliever Ryan Helsley (1-2) took the loss.
Blue Jays 5, Padres 1
Justin Turner homered and knocked in two runs as visiting Toronto opened up a five-run lead in the second inning during a win over San Diego.
Five pitchers teamed up on a five-hitter and fanned 14 as Toronto won for the fifth time in six games. Reliever Bowden Francis (2-2) got the win with two-plus scoreless innings after starter Yuriel Rodriguez fanned seven and allowed San Diego’s only run – a Fernando Tatis Jr. home run – in four innings.
Matt Waldron (0-2) absorbed the loss for the Padres, permitting seven hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Waldron walked one and struck out two. Turner, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Danny Jansen each collected two of the Blue Jays’ 11 hits.
GOLF NEWS
JIN HEE IM, ATTHAYA THITIKUL LEAD AT CHEVRON; NELLY KORDA 1 SHOT BACK
Jin Hee Im and Atthaya Thitikul carded matching rounds of 5-under-par 67 on Friday to share the lead after two rounds of the Chevron Championship, the first women’s major of the year at The Woodlands, Texas.
South Korea’s Im, who had a bogey-free round, and Thailand’s Thitikul, who recorded six birdies and one bogey, are tied at 8-under 136 after 36 holes at The Club at Carlton Woods.
Alone in third and one stroke back after a 69 on Friday is world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who is attempting to win her fifth straight start on the LPGA Tour. She didn’t look like the top golfer with a double bogey to start her day at the par-4 first hole, but she recovered quickly with birdies at two of the next three holes.
“Yeah, started out with a double. That was fun,” Korda quipped. “I hit two shots out of the left fairway bunker. Just kind of didn’t catch it super clean and it didn’t actually hit the bunker lining, just the grass, and bumped back in.
“Then I bounced back with a birdie and made a birdie on the following par-5.”
A bogey at the par-3 seventh hole set her back to 3 under for the tournament, but again she rebounded with two birdies, consecutively this time at Nos. 8-9. The back nine was less adventurous with birdies at Nos. 13 and 18 and seven pars.
“Yeah, kind of all over the place on the front nine, but pretty clean scorecard on the back with two birdies,” Korda said.
Korda said she isn’t thinking ahead to the possibility of winning a fifth event.
“I’m just at the halfway point right now,” Korda said. “The amount of golf that I’ve played, I still have that to go. There is still a lot of golf left and anything can happen.
“Just going to stick to my process and vibe with it is what my coach says,” she added with a smile.
South Korea’s Hae Ran Ryu has fourth place to herself after a 66, leaving her at 6 under for the tournament. Another South Korean, Shinsil Bang (65), is in a five-way tie at 5 under.
First-round leader Lauren Coughlin is in that group, as she followed her 66 on Thursday with a 1-over 73. Coughlin bogeyed par-4s at Nos, 2, 9 and 14 but came through with an eagle at the par-five No. 8.
“I would say I didn’t quite hit it as good as I did (Thursday) for sure,” Coughlin said. “I still kind of missed in some good spots and lipped out about a 6-footer on my second hole. Other than that, I played really solid still.
“(Thursday) I hit just some tap-ins but did make eagle (Friday) on 8, which was really solid,” she continued. “I hit it to like 3 feet. Other than that, yeah, just wasn’t quite my day.”
Im is playing her first major as an LPGA Tour member.
“It’s like (the) first time leading the tournament in LPGA, so like I don’t have any pressure. I enjoyed (the) rest of round,” she said.
Her bogey-free round featured birdies at Nos. 4, 6, 8, 13 and 17.
“Pretty hard to play bogey-free every course, but especially on this course,” she said. “Bogey-free today feels like four rounds bogey-free.”
Thitikul, a two-time LPGA winner, won the Vare Trophy last season for lowest scoring average. She had not played previously this season because of a left thumb injury.
“I think the mindset was kind of change after, you know, injury and then stay in my hometown,” Thitikul said. “So I kind of have a lot of the time with my family, my friends out there. And then, yeah, it’s kind of relax.
“And coming back being … able to play golf again (is) just the most important thing.”
THOMAS BJORN IN FRONT BY ONE SHOT AT INVITED CELEBRITY CLASSIC
Thomas Bjorn of Denmark fired seven birdies during a bogey-free 64 on Friday to lead the Invited Celebrity Classic at Irving, Texas.
Bjorn holds a one-shot lead over a quartet of players at Las Colinas Country Club.
Jerry Kelly, Clark Dennis, England’s Paul Broadhurst and South Korea’s Y.E. Yang were in the group who shot 65.
Bjorn had four birdies on the front nine and three on the back in his first tournament since playing in Morocco in late February.
“Yeah, a bit surprised really because I haven’t really played any tournament golf since Morocco, so it’s been a while,” Bjorn said. “I didn’t really know where I was at coming in here. It felt nice in practice. I got out there and calmed it all down with a couple of early birdies and just played golf.”
But one good round doesn’t make a weekend. Bjorn finished second in Morocco and is hoping to finish one spot higher in the Dallas-area tourney.
“You tee it up to win golf tournaments, and you want to get yourself in that frame of mind,” Bjorn said. “That’s why all of the players out here, they want to get in contention. The only thing you can do the first day or the first couple days is play yourself out of it. You’ve got to be in there with a chance.
“There’s still a few things that needs to be ironed out, but the score was very good, and that’s obviously very positive.”
Broadhurst started on the back nine and had four birdies and two bogeys over his first nine holes. He later birdied No. 3 and added three straight, Nos. 5 through 7, to conclude an eight-birdie round.
Broadhurst was conscious that weather reports aren’t favorable for Saturday so he wanted to be high on the leaderboard in case the tournament gets shortened.
“It was important to get off to a good start in case it may end up being 36 holes,” Broadhurst said. “I don’t know, but we’ll have to see what happens tomorrow. It doesn’t look very good I don’t think from the forecast. But yeah, we’ll just see. I’ve been in this position a few times recently, and I’ve not taken advantage. It’s important to keep this going now.”
Kelly carded seven birdies over his last 11 holes. He had a bogey on 13 — his fourth hole of the day — before later settling into a groove.
“I was happy to have adrenaline, but it was sending me all over the place, which was awesome. I loved having it,” Kelly said. “I knew once I could kind of button things up and start harnessing it that I could play well, so that’s what happened.”
Yang carded nine birdies and three bogeys, while Dennis bogeyed No. 2 and later had seven birdies over his last 10 holes.
In the celebrity competition, 2022 champion and former tennis pro Mardy Fish is in the lead at plus-37 in the Stableford scoring system. World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstram is second at plus-35.
HOGE, MORIKAWA PART OF FOUR-WAY TIE FOR HERITAGE LEAD; SCHEFFLER TIED FOR 10TH
Tom Hoge shot his low round of the season and tied for best round of the day, a 7-under-par 64, to share in a four-way tie for the lead Friday after two rounds of the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Hoge, going for his second career PGA Tour victory, is tied at 11-under 131 with Sepp Straka (65 on Friday), first-round leader J.T. Poston (68) and six-time tour champion Collin Morikawa (66), who tied for third Sunday at the Masters.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who claimed his second Masters title on Sunday, is tied for 10th at 8 under after a bogey-free 65 on Friday. Scheffler, who is seeking his fourth victory in his past five starts, evenly spread his six birdies with three on the front nine and three on the back.
Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick of England moved up 20 spots by following his opening-round 70 with a 5-under 66 and is tied for 18th at 6 under.
Hoge opened his bogey-free round with two birdies and had five on the front nine to make the turn in 31 strokes, followed by two birdies on the last nine holes.
Straka, on the other hand, began with a double bogey at the par-four first hole, then rebounded with a birdie at the par-five No. 2. He totaled eight birdies.
Morikawa also enjoyed a bogey-free Friday with five birdies, and Poston had a relatively quiet round with three birdies and 15 pars for 18 holes.
INDIANA SPORTS RELEASES/NEWS
INDY ELEVEN SOCCER
PREVIEW #COSVIND
#COSvIND Preview
Colorado Springs Switchbacks SC vs Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 20, 2024 – 8 p.m. ET /6 p.m. MT
Weidner Field | Colorado Springs, Colorado
Follow Live
Streaming Video: ESPN+(click to subscribe)
In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed
Stats: #COSvIND MatchCenter at USLChampionship.com
2024 USL Championship Records
Colorado Springs Switchbacks SC: 0-5-0, 0 pts (-8); 12th Western Conference
Indy Eleven: 1-4-1, 4 pts (-5); 10th Eastern Conference
Community Health Network Sports Medicine Indy Eleven Injury Report
OUT: A Quinn (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: TBD
SETTING THE SCENE
The Boys in Blue return to USL Championship action this Saturday with a road contest against Colorado Springs Switchbacks SC.
Indy is coming off a 4-2 loss to Eastern Conference leader Charleston Battery and sits at 1-4-1 in the USL Championship standings. Colorado Springs lost 1-0 to Phoenix Rising FC in its last outing and is 0-5-0 in 2024.
| COS | IND | |
| 5 | Games | 6 |
| 1 | Goals | 10 |
| 9 | Goals Conceded | 15 |
| 1 | Assists | 7 |
| 9 | SOT | 25 |
| 27 | Shots Faced | 31 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
LAST TIME OUT – USL CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 13, 2024) – Indy Eleven fell, 4-2, to USL Championship Eastern Conference leader Charleston Battery.
The first half saw a flurry of goals including back-to-back strikes from the Boys in Blue in the 27th and 28th minutes of action.
After going down early in the 19th minute off an Emilio Ycaza tally, Tega Ikoba found the back of the net for his first goal in an Indy Eleven uniform thanks to a through ball at the top of the 18-yard box. Just over a minute later, Sebastian Guenzatti moved himself up to a tie for sixth all-time in the USL Championship regular season rankings with his 72nd career goal. His second goal of the season was a diving header struck from the back post.
Max Schneider (Ikoba) and Aedan Stanley (Guenzatti) picked up assists on the goals, to bring their season totals to a team-high two apiece.
Despite Charleston holding 58% of the possession in the first frame, Indy out shot the visitors 10-3, with a 4-3 advantage in shots on target.
The second half went in favor of Charleston, after scoring got started with an own goal in the 75th minute and an insurance strike from MD Myers in the 86th.
Indy finished with the 18-14 shot advantage, including 7-5 on frame. Jack Blake registered a game-high four shots, with a pair on frame. Ikoba, Guenzatti and Augi Williams accounted for three apiece.
Scoring Summary
CHS – Emilio Ycaza (Nick Markanich) 19’
IND – Tega Ikoba (Max Schneider) 27’
IND – Sebastian Guenzatti (Aedan Stanley) 28’
CHS – Nick Markanich 45+2’
CHS – Own goal 75’
CHS – MD Myers (Emilio Ycaza) 86’
Discipline Summary
CHS – Chris Allan (caution) 31’
IND – Callum Chapman-Page (caution) 45+2’
IND – Jack Blake (caution) 52’
IND – Aedan Stanley (caution) 68’
CHS – Graham Smith (caution) 78’
IND – Macca King (caution) 90+1’
A FAMILIAR FOE
There will be plenty of familiar faces playing in Saturday’s match-up with five players spending time on each team’s roster dating back to the 2020 season.
Indy’s Adrian Diz Pe (2020), Cam Lindley (2022) and Macca King (2022-23) all spent time with the opposing side, while Jonas Fjeldberg (2022-23) and Juan Tejada (2022-23) both arrived in COS after a stint with the Boys in Blue.
TOTW X3
Jack Blake earned his third USL Championship Team of the Week honor of the 2024 season following a two-goal performance against Louisville City FC (4.6). Blake also earned back-to-back team of the week accolades following his performances in weeks one and two. Blake leads Indy Eleven with four goals in six matches after scoring a pair against LouCity, already besting his season total (3) from 2023.
Indy opened the season with back-to-back weeks with two players on the USL Championship Team of the Week. Blake and Younes Boudadi were honored after the week one match at Oakland, while Blake repeated alongside Aedan Stanley after the win over Memphis week two.
TOP-10 TEAMMATES
Sebastian Guenzatti (T6th, 72) and Augi Williams (9th, 67) serve as the only pair of active teammates in the USL Championship’s top 10 for all-time regular season goals.
INDIANS BASEBALL
INDIANAPOLIS OFFENSE IGNITES IN FOURTH-CONSECUTIVE WIN
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indians offense exploded for five runs in the eighth inning to defeat the St. Paul Saints on Friday night at Victory Field, 7-2. It was Indianapolis’ fourth consecutive win of the homestand.
Tied 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, the Indians (10-9) used free bases to their advantage. With the bases juiced following two walks and a single, Jake Lamb plated the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly. The inning featured another walk and two catcher interferences on Patrick Winkel to extend the outpouring, with RBI singles by Malcom Nuñez and Matt Gorski highlighting the offense.
St. Paul (7-11) got the scoring started in the second inning on a solo shot by Tony Kemp, but the lead was short-lived. Indianapolis responded in the bottom half with an RBI single by Grant Koch to score Canaan Smith-Njibga from second base.
In the fourth, the Saints turned to their three-hole hitter DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to retake the lead. Following a leadoff walk, he grooved a double into the left-center field alley to score Max Kepler. The offense quieted down from there, being held to just three additional hits through the end of the game.
An RBI two-out double by Nick Gonzales scored Ji Hwan Bae from first base to knot the game again in the bottom of the fifth. It was his league-leading 11th in just 18 games this season.
Brady Feigl (W, 2-1) closed out the game with 2.0 innings of hitless baseball and a season-high four strikeouts. He combined with starter Wily Peralta and Nick Dombkowski to hold St. Paul to only two runs on five hits.
St. Paul starter Simeon Woods Richardson cruised through 5.0 two-run innings to exit with the game tied. Hobie Harris (L, 1-2) entered in the eighth and was charged with all five Indians runs (three earned).
The Indians and Saints continue the six-game series on Saturday at 6:35 PM ET. Indianapolis will send southpaw Michael Plassmeyer (1-2, 8.62) to the hill against RHP Caleb Boushley (1-1, 7.20).
IU SB
INDIANA DOMINATES IN GAME ONE OF IOWA SERIES
IOWA CITY, IOWA ––– Indiana opened their road weekend at Iowa with an impressive win on Friday night, topping the Hawkeyes, 8-0.
Indiana’s record now stands at 32-13 on the season with an 8-7 Big Ten mark. The Hoosiers have won nine of their last ten games.
INDIANA 8, IOWA 0
KEY MOMENTS
• Indiana started the game off with a bang as junior Taylor Minnick ripped a ball well over the right field wall for a two-run home run to score her and junior Brianna Copeland in the top of the first inning.
• With the bases loaded in the top of the third, freshman Aly VanBrandt hit a ball along the left field line that stayed fair to score Minnick and put Indiana up 3-0.
• Indiana would add two more runs in the top of the fourth to make it a 5-0 game. Senior Brooke Benson had a double off the center field wall to score Andrews, later in the inning Minnick hit a single up the middle to score Benson.
• Copeland set the tone from start to finish in the circle. She only allowed two hits the entire night in a complete game pitched.
• With Copeland and Minnick on base, junior Sarah Stone laced a single to right field to score both runners and make it a 7-0 game in the top of the sixth.
• Senior Aaliyah Andrews hit a moonshot off the top of the scoreboard in center field for a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to make it an 8-0 game.
• In the bottom of the seventh, sophomore Cassidy Kettleman made an incredible catch at the wall in center field to keep Iowa’s offense at bay in their final frame.
NOTABLES
• Minnick and Andrews each hit a home run.
• Sarah Stone went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBI.
• Copeland pitched a complete game and only allowed two hits.
• Five Hoosiers recorded an RBI: Minnick (3), Stone (2), VanBrandt (1), Andrews (1), Benson (1).
• Indiana outhit Minnesota, 12-2.
UP NEXT
Indiana will be back in action for game two of the series tomorrow at 3 p.m. eastern/2 p.m. central at Bob Pearl Field.
PURDUE BASEBALL
CONSECUTIVE 4-RUN INNINGS TOO MUCH TO OVERCOME VS. ETSU
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Luke Gaffney’s three-run homer helped bring the go-ahead run to the plate in the ninth inning as Purdue Baseball’s third long ball of the night, but East Tennessee State was able to hang on to take the series opener 9-7 Friday at Alexander Field.
Keenan Taylor and Logan Sutter hit solo homers to right field in the second inning to give the Boilermakers (24-14) a 2-1 lead. However, the visitors responded with consecutive four-run frames to take a big lead. Purdue conceded more runs in the third and fourth innings Friday than it had surrendered in its last four games combined (six).
Gaffney went deep for the third game in a row and ninth time this season. Four of his last five homers have been three-run blasts, helping him reach the 50-RBI mark for the season Friday. Based on game-by-game data dating back to 2001, achieving the feat by April 19 makes Gaffney the fastest Boilermaker via date on the calendar to reach the 50-RBI benchmark. Purdue’s freshman record for RBI is 53, a mark that has stood since 2010. He’s just three runs scored away that freshman record (50) as well.
Gaffney is riding eight-game hit and 16-game on-base streaks. He has 11 RBI in the last four games.
Weston Gingerich’s two-out double reignited the Boilermakers’ ninth-inning rally. Jo Stevens was then hit by a pitch for his third consecutive plate appearance. Sutter worked the count into his favor at 3-1 and hit a line drive rocket that was snared by ETSU third baseman Cody Miller to end the game.
STREAKS EXTENDED
• Jo Stevens – 24-game on-base streak; 17-game on-base streak at home
• Mike Bolton Jr. – 17-game on-base streak; 10-game on-base streak at home
• Luke Gaffney – 16-game on-base streak; 8-game hit streak; 9-game on-base streak at home
• Logan Sutter – 9-game on-base streak
• Couper Cornblum – 91 consecutive games started (since start of 2023)
Avery Cook and Davis Pratt teamed up for 5 2/3 innings of two-hit scoreless relief as the Purdue bullpen enjoyed one of its finest games of the season. Pratt retired nine of the 10 batters he faced over three innings. Cook gave the Boilermakers eight outs after being pressed into action in the fourth inning. He escaped a base-loaded jam in the top of the sixth to keep Purdue in it.
The Buccaneers (23-12) entered the weekend ranked ninth nationally in batting average and they showed off their explosive lineup with six extra-base hits while scoring nine times from the second through fourth innings. Cameron Sisneros connected for his 14th home run of the season, a two-run blast that cleared the right field bullpen, in the top of the third. JD Yakubinis, Nick Iannantone and Jackson Green all delivered RBI doubles. Green’s two-run double chased starter Jordan Morales in the fourth inning.
The Boilermakers lost at home with Morales (5-4) on the mound for the first time this season.
Jace Hyde (4-3) excelled in a bulk role for ETSU, working 5 1/3 innings of one-hit relief after replacing starter Carter Fink to begin the third inning.
Camden Gasser was 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored from the 9-hole in the lineup for Purdue, raising his team-leading on-base percentage to .506. As a pinch hitter, Breck Nowik flew out to the wall in left field with two men aboard to the end the eighth inning. It proved an even more significant close call after Gaffney went deep as the Boilermakers rallied in the ninth.
Taylor hit his first career home run at Alexander Field on Friday. He made his second start of the season in right field as Purdue played without Keenan Spence, who had started the last 14 games in right. The Boilermakers also lost catcher and cleanup hitter Connor Caskenette after he grounded out in his first at-bat.
Game 2 of the series is slated for Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
PURDUE SOFTBALL
PURDUE FALLS IN 5 TO #21 NORTHWESTERN
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In the opening game of the series, Purdue softball fell to No. 21 Northwestern, 0-9 in five innings. With the result, Purdue moves to 21-21 (8-7 Big Ten) while Northwestern, the Big Ten leader, improves to 28-8 (14-1 Big Ten).
Purdue’s effort was led by Khloe Banks and Ashlynn Campbell, who each recorded a hit in the game. Banks, the leadoff, registered a double on the first pitch in the bottom of the first inning. Meanwhile, Campbell led off the fifth inning with a single up the middle and stole a base in the second inning.
Purdue left three runners stranded on the diamond, including two stranded on third in each of the first two innings. On the day, Purdue was out-hit 2-8. No errors were committed by either team.
Starting pitcher Julia Gossett was credited with the loss, allowing five runs on four bits and one strikeout over the first 2.2 innings. Olivia Cainey and Jules Raymond also saw time on the mound, each pitching an inning.
It was just the third time in 42 games this season Purdue has been shut out.
The Boilermakers return for Game 2 vs. the No. 21 Wildcats tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET on B1G+. Fans attending the game should plan for additional travel time to Bittinger Stadium, as events for Grand Prix, baseball and soccer occurring throughout the afternoon. Due to limited parking availability in the Northwest Complex, additional fan parking for the game will be in the R Lot, with a shuttle providing transportation to Bittinger Stadium/Alexander Field.
NOTRE DAME BASEBALL
NOTRE DAME DEFEATS BOSTON COLLEGE BY RUN-RULE, 14-3
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame (18-18, ACC 3-16) defeated Boston College (20-17, ACC 7-12) 14-3 in seven innings, their second-consecutive 10-run ruling. Starting RHP Matt Bedford (2-5) got the win, allowing only four hits, one earned run and two walks through five innings pitched.
The Irish offense hit their stride early into the matchup, scoring nine runs in the first two innings. The 9-0 start was their best since March 8, 2022 at Elon (Notre Dame went 10-0 through the top of the fourth in their 11-3 win). An impressive four Irish batters homered – OF TJ Williams, INF Tito Flores, C Joey Spence and PH Carson Tinney.
Tinney’s base rounder was an inside-the-park homer, marking Notre Dame’s first such home run since 2022 (Ryan Cole, May 1, 2022 vs. Boston College).
Notre Dame turned four double plays on the day, their most in a single game this season. No ACC program has posted more than four double plays in a game this season, and just three programs across Division I baseball have turned five in a single game.
INF Connor Hincks came into the series leading the ACC in triples (tied) and fielding double plays with four and 29, respectively. He added to both of those totals Friday, bringing his season figures to five triples and 33 fielding double plays.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish defense started strong, forcing a groundout to shortstop on Bedford’s first pitch of the game. After a single, the Eagles grounded into an INF Estevan Moreno to Hincks double play, quickly sending the game to the bottom half of the first inning.
Williams smashed a solo homer into left field to kick off a huge half inning for the Irish, marking the first time Notre Dame has led off a game with a homer since 2017 (Nick Podkul, April 21, 2017 at #19 Virginia). OF David Glancy singled, then INF Jack Penney doubled down the right field line to send Glancy home. A groundout pushed Penney to third. A Hincks single scored Penney, and INF Simon Baumgardt doubled, sending Hincks home. Flores then sent a three-run bomb to left field, bolstering the lead to 6-0. OF Brady Gumpf drew a walk on a full count, but a subsequent strikeout and groundout posted the last two outs as the Irish batted all the way through the order in the inning.
In the top of the second inning, the Eagles were able to reach base on a hit-by-pitch, and the next BC batter hit a ground ball to second, but was met by Penney, Moreno and Hincks for their second double play of the day, securing the first two outs of the inning. A popup ended the half inning, sending the red-hot Irish offense back to the plate.
Glancy led off with a single. Penney followed up with a double through the right side, his second of the day, to score Glancy. Penney again took third on a groundout, and Hincks singled to bring Penney home. Baumgardt walked on a 3-0 count and Hincks advanced to second. A Flores single advanced Baumgardt to second and scored Hincks, extending the Irish lead to 9-0. Gumpf was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but a pair of strikeouts brought the inning to a close.
The third inning began with a walk on a full count for the Eagles. A double put another runner on base. A groundout to third scored one for the Eagles. Another runner advanced into scoring position on a passed ball, then a single on the next at-bat tacked on another run for BC, making it a 9-2 ballgame. Two-consecutive flyouts got the Irish out of the half-inning. The Irish were held to a quick three up, three down in the bottom of the third.
It was another efficient inning for the Irish defense in the fourth. The Eagles drew a one-out walk, but the Irish were able to turn another double play, this one from Baumgardt to Moreno and Hincks, on the next at-bat to end the push.
Leading off the bottom of the fourth inning, Hincks tripled and Baumgardt doubled, scoring Hincks. After a popup, Gumpf drew his second walk of the day. With two runners on base, Spence slammed a three-run homer over the wall at right field, putting the Irish up 13-2. Williams was then hit by a pitch. A Glancy single brought Williams to third. However, the Irish grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Both teams went scoreless in the fifth inning. RHP Ricky Reeth came into the game for Bedford to start the sixth. Reeth immediately struck out the Eagles’ leadoff batter. The next batter took base on a hit-by-pitch, then advanced all the way to third on two-consecutive wild pitches. A double sent the runner home, making the score 13-3. In response, Reeth struck out another batter. After walking the next batter, a flyout put the game into the bottom of the sixth.
Tinney hit an inside-the-park homer, a long fly ball that bounced off the wall, to lead off the bottom of the sixth, keeping the Irish up 14-3. Williams then doubled, and after a strikeout, Penney drew another walk. A popup and groundout brought the game to the seventh.
After notching a single, the Eagles grounded into their fourth double play of the game, from Baumgardt to Moreno to Hincks. A groundout back to Reeth secured the third out, ending the game in seven innings.
UP NEXT
The Irish continue their three-game home series against Boston College on April 20 at 2 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ACCNX.
NOTRE DAME SOFTBALL
IRISH FALL IN EXTRA INNINGS TO #21/20 CLEMSON
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Fighting Irish softball scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings Friday night, but couldn’t complete the comeback as the University of Notre Dame fell 8-5 to the visiting No. 21/20 Clemson Tigers. Addison Amaral drove in the tying runs in the seventh, as part of a 2-for-5, three RBI performance. The Irish fall to 23-19 overall, and 7-12 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while Clemson improves to 30-14, and 12-7 in the league.
Alexis Laudenslager started in the circle, throwing 4.1 innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, three earned and striking out four. Micaela Kastor suffered the loss, throwing 5.1 innings in relief. The sophomore gave up six hits, four earned runs and struck out five. Shannon Becker retired the one batter she faced to get out of the 10th inning.
Along with Amaral, Carlli Kloss and Mickey Winchell finished with two hits each. Kloss added a pair of doubles, drove in a run and scored once. Winchell scored a pair of runs. Cassidy Grimm added a pair of runs scored to round out the offense.
How It Happened
After two scoreless innings, the Tigers got on the board in the third. A single started the rally as a fly ball to left field was misplayed, allowing a run to score from first as Clemson took the 1-0 lead.
The Irish answered in the bottom of the inning, scoring two runs. Winchell led off the inning with a single to the shortstop, and Grimm moved her up when Clemson misplayed the fielder’s choice at second as both were safe. A wild pitch moved both into scoring position as Kloss lifted a sacrifice fly to left to bring one in. Amaral followed with a double that kicked up the chalk down the left field line, bringing in a run and put the Irish up 2-1.
The Tigers regained the lead in the top of the fifth, scoring four runs. An infield single and a double to right put two on as another double off the wall in right scored two runs. The Clemson first baseman followed with a homer down the right field line to score two and put Clemson in front, 5-2.
Notre Dame battled back in the bottom of the seventh, tying the game. A two-out single and a wild pitch put Winchell in scoring position. Grimm reached when the throw from the Clemson shortstop was high, plating a run. A double from Kloss put two in scoring position as Amaral tied it up with a single to center to force extra innings.
After two scoreless extra frames, Clemson forged ahead in the 10th. A lead off solo homer followed by a two-run shot put the Tigers up 8-5. Notre Dame went down in order in its half of the frame as Clemson secured the victory.
Up Next
The series continues tomorrow at 1 p.m. on ACC Network Extra at Melissa Cook Stadium.
NOTRE DAME TRACK
O’BRIEN SETS SCHOOL RECORD AND QUALIFIES FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS
WALNUT, Calif. – Jadin O’Brien had a great week on the west coast as she recorded a PR in the women’s heptathlon at the 64th Annual Mt. SAC Relays April 17-20.
O’Brien scored a personal-best score of 6115, taking fourth overall and setting a new school record in the event. With a score over 6000, her performance meets the Automatic standards and qualifies her for the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials.
For full results, click here.
100m Hurdles – 10th | 13.62 | 1033 points
High Jump – 6th | 1.70m | 855 points
Shot Put – 5th | 14.04m | 797 points
200m – 9th | 24.43 | 940 points
Long Jump – 6th | 6.09m | 877 points
Javelin Throw – 8th | 42.90m | 723 points
800m – 2nd | 2:15.16 | 890 points
BUTLER BASEBALL
BUTLER DROPS GAME ONE AT ST. JOHN’S 7-1
QUEENS – St. John’s earned a 7-1 victory over Butler on Friday night to improve their overall record to 24-8-1. The setback moves Butler to 14-23.
The Johnnies broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth inning with six runs coming off five hits. Garrett Scavelli tripled down the right field line to score Marty Higgins and the two-out rally would last seven more batters allowing STJ to take control.
RBI singles from Chad Falcon, Jackson Tucker, and Blake Mayberry were scattered all over the field before a BU error would extend the frame.
The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh to breakup the shutout, but the St. John arms kept the Butler bats quiet for most of the game.
Billy Wurch was the only Butler player to record an RBI on Friday. He hit a double down the line in left to score Zach Munton. Wurch was 2-for-2 in the game with a walk. He was also the only Bulldog to have more than one hit in the contest.
Tyler Banks pitched well overall, but was hit with the loss on the mound. He tossed 5.2 innings and limited STJ to three runs. Simon Linde got the final out of the sixth and Christian Finnigan tossed the seventh and eighth.
The win went to Louis Marinaro. Kyle Chase excited the game after five full and the Johnnie bats came alive with Mariano on the hill. He is not 4-2 on the year.
Butler and St. John’s will return to the diamond tomorrow for a 3 PM first pitch. The game will stream on ESPN+.
BUTLER SB
PETRAN’S COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT GIVES @BUTLERSOFTBALL GAME ONE WIN OVER CREIGHTON
INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team won a pitcher’s duel with Creighton in game one of a three-game BIG EAST series. The Bulldogs (20-23, 9-10 BIG EAST) scored the game’s only run in the sixth inning and limited the Bluejays (25-19, 9-7 BIG EAST) to three total hits.
Game 1: Butler 1, Creighton 0 (7 innings)
Through five innings, Butler had stranded five runners and Creighton, four, but no one had been able to cross the plate.
In the bottom of the sixth, Ella White was hit by a pitch and then advanced to second on a ground ball. Two batters later, pinch runner Kaylee Gross scored from second on a Makena Alexander single to left field, and the Dawgs took a 1-0 lead.
In the top to the seventh, the Bluejays hit a single with two outs, but the following batter grounded out to short.
Katie Petran (13-5) pitched a complete game for Butler. In 7.0 innings of work, she allowed just three hits with no walks while striking out three.
Bulldog Bits
Makena Alexander’s second-inning double was her third of the season.
Cate Lehner’s stolen base was her 21st of the season and 28th of her career.
Katie Petran’s win in the circle was her 10th complete game victory of the season.
Up Next
Butler hosts game two of the three-game series with Creighton on Saturday, April 20. First pitch is scheduled for noon, and Senior Day and Alumni Day will be a part of the festivities.
IUPUI SOFTBALL
SOFTBALL EARNS FRIDAY SWEEP OVER PHOENIX
INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI softball team defeated the Green Bay Phoenix in back-to-back games on Friday afternoon. Alexa Holman earned the complete game win in the first game while Carly Metcalf took the win in game two.
In game one, the Jags outhit the Phoenix 12-2 to earn the five inning victory, 9-1.
Kennedy Cowan singled to left field to score Kendal Calvert in the third inning to start the scoring for the Jags, 1-0. Green Bay tied it up in the top of the fourth inning with one run, 1-1, but the Jags quickly retook the lead in the bottom half of the frame.
With the bases loaded, Morgan Gilbert reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Kasie Keyes to take the lead. Calvert then singled up the middle to score Kelli Riordan and Emma Wheatley. Cowan continued the scoring in the fourth with a triple, scoring Calvert and Gilbert. Victoria Sivert added one more run in the fourth inning with a single through the right side, scoring Cowan, 7-1.
IUPUI added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to walk it off in runrule fashion. Gilbert doubled to right center to score Kalee Roberts then Cowan singled up the middle to score Gilbert.
Holman earned the five inning win, giving up just two hits with three strikeouts. Cowan led the Jags at the plate going 3-for-4 with four RBI while Calvert went 3-for-4 with two RBI. Gilbert also added two RBI on one hit. Rachael Gregory added two hits while Sivert, Jordan Barnes and Riordan each added one hit.
In game two, the Jags totaled nine hits to earn the 6-2 victory. After a back-and-forth battle, IUPUI punched a five-run fourth inning to seal the victory.
The Phoenix took the lead first with one run in the first inning. Gregory quickly tied the game at 1-1 with a single to left field, scoring Gilbert.
With a double to left center, Green Bay took the one run lead in the top of the fourth inning, 2-1.
IUPUI then totaled a five-run inning to retake the lead in the bottom of the fourth frame. Barnes hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Paige McPhearson to tie the game at 2-2. Riordan followed with another sacrifice fly to score Keyes to take the lead, 3-2. Sivert singled to score Calvert and Gilbert then Gregory singled to right field, scoring Cowan to extend the lead to 6-2.
Metcalf earned the complete game win giving up just two runs (one unearned) on five hits and nine strikeouts. Gilbert, Calvert and Gregory all recorded two hits while Sivert and Gregory totaled two RBI each. Cowan, Sivert and McPhearson all recorded a hit.
IUPUI and Green Bay will close out the three-game series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM. The Jaguars will also celebrate their ten seniors prior to first pitch.
BALL STATE BASEBALL
BASEBALL BEATS BRONCOS IN SERIES OPENER
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Ball State baseball team rode another strong start from Merritt Beeker and an offensive outburst in the fourth inning to a 14-1 win over Western Michigan in the series opener Friday afternoon at Robert J. Bobb Stadium.
The Cardinals (24-14, 11-8 Mid-American Conference) rallied for nine runs in the fourth to pull away from the Broncos (20-15, 11-5 MAC), while Ball State starting pitcher Merritt Beeker tossed 6.0 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts to earn his sixth win of the year (6-2).
Ball State started the day’s scoring with a Blake Bevis single that plated Michael Hallquist in the top of the first inning. Eight different Cardinals drove in a run and crossed the plate in the fourth frame, with Clay Jacobs hitting a two-run double and Hunter Dobbins scoring twice as part of the big inning.
Dobbins, who finished the day 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored, smashed a two-run homer in the sixth for his fifth deep fly in the last five games. Nick Gregory and Max Kalk tacked on an RBI single in the seventh inning and RBI hit by pitch in the ninth, respectively, to make the score 14-0 in Ball State’s favor before Western Michigan scored its lone tally in the bottom half of the final frame.
Joining Dobbins with multiple hits were Bevis, Gregory and Hallquist. Bevis and Gregory knocked in two runs each while Hallquist crossed home plate three times.
Will Jacobson struck out five in 3.0 innings of one-run ball to collect his second save of the year, while Western’s Brady Miller (3-4) surrendered 12 runs in 5.0 innings to suffer the loss.
“Our boys played well in all facets of the game today,” head coach Rich Maloney said. “Strong pitching, good defense and timely hitting. A lot of guys contributed.”
Ball State and WMU are scheduled to play the middle game of the set at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
INDIANA STATE BASEBALL
REDBIRDS WALK-OFF SYCAMORES TO TAKE FRIDAY NIGHT OPENER
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State’s Daniel Pacella hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as Indiana State fell in the Friday game at Duffy Bass Field, 4-3, to open the Missouri Valley weekend series against the Redbirds.
Indiana State (27-8, 10-3) took a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning following Dominic Listi, Parker Stinson, and Mike Sears solo home runs in the frame as the Sycamores utilized the long ball to take control of the game early.
Illinois State (20-15, 8-5) rallied back late with Shaydon Kubo’s pinch-hit RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning tying the contest, before Pacella connected on the game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the ninth.
Six different Sycamores finished with hits in the game led by the trio of home runs in the contest, while Grant Magill recorded a stolen base.
Jared Spencer went the first 5.1 innings in the game allowing three hits and a run while walking six and striking out seven. Cameron Holycross allowed a run over a brief stint, while Cam Edmonson (5-1) went the final 3.0 innings allowing four hits and two runs while striking out five.
Pacella led the Redbird going 3-for-5 from the plate with a home run, while Tyler Herron added an RBI double among his two hits on the day.
Cameron Mabee went the first 6.0 innings allowing six hits and three runs while striking out three in the no-decision. Joe Husak (3-2) highlighted four relievers on the mound for the Redbirds throwing a scoreless top of the ninth to take the win.
How They Scored
Auggie Rasmussen’s RBI groundout in the bottom of the first inning scored Luke Lawrence from third base ahead of the tag to give Illinois State the early 1-0 lead.
Dominic Listi, Parker Stinson, and Mike Sears all homered for the Sycamores in the top of the fourth inning to stake Indiana State to the 3-1 lead. Listi led off the inning with a solo shot, while Stinson and Sears went back-to-back with two outs in the inning to give ISU the lead.
ILS’s Tyler Herron doubled home Luke Stulga in the bottom of the sixth inning to cut the Sycamores lead down to 3-2.
The Redbirds tied the game up at 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth on Shaydon Kubo’s pinch-hit RBI single scoring Stulga to even the contest.
Daniel Pacella connected on the walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the 4-3 win for Illinois State.
News & Notes
Indiana State hit back-to-back home runs for the third consecutive game and fourth time overall in the 2024 season in Friday night’s game. Parker Stinson and Mike Sears went back-to-back in the fourth inning joining Adam Pottinger & Mike Sears (Apr. 13 & 14 vs. Bradley), and Luis Hernandez & Parker Stinson (Mar. 19 vs. Indiana) to achieve the feat.
Friday also marked the second consecutive game the Sycamores connected on three home runs in the same inning after Dominic Listi, Parker Stinson, and Mike Sears all homered in the fourth frame against the Redbirds. Adam Pottinger, Mike Searson, and Joe Kido went back-to-back-to-back in the bottom of the first inning on April 14 against Bradley.
Indiana State connected on three home runs on Friday night marking the 16th game of the 2024 season with multiple homers on the year and ninth game with three or more this season.
Josue Urdaneta ran his on-base streak to 24 consecutive games on Friday night as the second baseman drew a seventh inning walk.
Since the start of the final series of the 2022 season, Indiana State has posted a 36-6-1 record in MVC play. All six losses have come in the opening game of the series.
Jared Spencer went a career-long 5.1 innings allowing three hits and a run while striking out seven.
ISU opened up its second road MVC series in the same fashion as its first – surrendering a walk-off home run. The Sycamores dropped a 5-4 decision at Murray State back on April 5 on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning against the Racers.
Up Next
Indiana State continued the weekend series against the Redbirds at Duffy Bass Field tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. ET with the game to be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE GOLF
MASTODON MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF TEAMS PREPARE FOR HORIZON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s and women’s golf teams will put their seasons of preparation on the line when they compete in the Horizon League Golf Championships this weekend (April 20-22).
Event: Horizon League Championships
Host: Horizon League
When: April 20-22
Where: Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
Course: El Campeón
Format: Play 5, take 4
Par: 72 men | 73 women
Live Results: Men | Women
About the Course
Amidst the enchanting embrace of Florida’s pristine wilderness, El Campeón, an 18-hole championship course, emerged from the visionary genius of Chicago-based course architect George O’Neil in 1917. This scenic masterpiece witnessed its evolution in 1926, courtesy of Charles E. Clarke, hailing from the legendary golfing grounds of Troon, Scotland. Embrace the legacy, the history, and the vision that defines this golfing gem.
Mastodon Lineup
Men: Kasey Lilly, Hunter Mefford, Burke Pitz, Nick Holder, Brock Reschly. AJ Agnew will be an alternate.
Women: Anna Olafsdottir, Olivia Jang, Adrienne Rohwedder, Hunar Mittal, Natalie Papa. Lillie Cone will be an alternate.
Seeding the Field
Men: Wright State (128), Purdue Fort Wayne (204), IUPUI (208), Oakland (225), Cleveland State (247), Northern Kentucky (254), Robert Morris (256), Detroit Mercy (274), Youngstown State (276), Green Bay (278)
Women: Oakland (154), Youngstown State (196), IUPUI (215), Purdue Fort Wayne (220), Green Bay (239), Cleveland State (243), Northern Kentucky (252), Detroit Mercy (254)
All The Records
The men’s and women’s golf teams have set several program records this season.
Men’s
Team single-season scoring: 290.0
Team win/loss percentage: .661
Low 18-hole: 272 at Don Benbow Butler Spring Invitational
Low 36-hole: 557 at Joe Feaganes Marshall Invitational
Low 54-hole: 846 at Joe Feaganes Marshall Invitational and Tom Tontimonia Invitational
Women’s
Team single-season scoring: 307.6
Team win/loss percentage: .593
Low 54-hole: 901 at Shirley Spork EMU Invitational
Wins: 2 – The Julie and Indiana State Invitational
Last Time Out
Men: The ‘Dons tied for ninth at the Hoosier Collegiate.
Women: The Mastodons won the Indiana State Invitational thanks to a 296 in the second round.
Coming Up
With a championship at the Horizon League, the Mastodons would move on to compete in the NCAA Regional.
PURDUE SOFTBALL
ALANAH JONES HAS SPECIAL PERFORMANCE IN 9-0 WIN OVER DETROIT MERCY
DETROIT – Alanah Jones of the Purdue Fort Wayne softball team finished with 14 strikeouts with just two hits allowed on Friday (April 19) in the Mastodons’ 9-0 win over Detroit Mercy. Jones struck out 12 consecutive batters en route to the victory.
After giving up a single and a walk in her first two batters faced, Jones struck out the next 12 Titans. None of those 12 were even able to get a full count against Jones. Jones’ two hits allowed tie a career-best mark in complete games. Her 14 K’s is one shy of her personal best, which came last weekend against IUPUI. She now owns the Nos. 1 and 2 spots in the single-game strikeout records list.
In addition to her 14 strikeouts, she was 2-for-2 from the batter’s box with a run.
Grace Hollopeter set the tone from the opening moments of Friday’s game. She hit a home run from the leadoff spot in the first inning. This is the second time she has done so this week.
From there, Gwen McMenemy singled in the second and drew a walk in the fourth to score the next two runs. The ‘Dons added two more in the fourth on wild pitches.
In the fifth, Brooke Wintlend battled through an eight-pitch at bat and sent a long ball over the left field wall. Shortly after, Brooke Lickey doubled to bring McKenna Minton home.
An inning later, Aglaia Rudd doubled to score Bailey Manos, then Wintlend had another RBI with a single through the right side. This put the Mastodons up enough to end the game early.
Rudd and Minton both finished 2-for-4. Jones and Lickey were both 2-for-2. Wintlend and McMenemy had two RBIs each.
Jones picked up her sixth win of the season in the complete game. Olivia Warrington of Detroit Mercy was credited with the loss.
Purdue Fort Wayne improves to 10-30, 5-11 in the Horizon League. Detroit Mercy falls to 3-31, 2-11. These two teams will meet again on Saturday (April 20) for a doubleheader at noon.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE BASEBALL
MASTODONS COLLECT 14 HITS IN LOSS TO YSU
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Five Mastodons posted multi-hit efforts in Purdue Fort Wayne’s 10-7 loss to Youngstown State on Friday (April 19) in Horizon League baseball play.
Nick Sutherlin, Jackson Micheels, Cade Fitzpatrick, Luke Miles, and Nate Simpson each had two hits on Friday. Grant Thoroman and Ben Higgins each reached base twice via a hit and a walk. In total, the Mastodons out-hit Youngstown State 14-10.
After Youngstown State scored four runs in the top of the first inning, the Mastodons responded with three runs in their half of the inning. Jacob Walker led off with a base hit and later scored on a sacrifice fly. Thoroman got on with a double and later scored on a single from Micheels, who would later score the third run of the inning came by way of Miles’ first double of the season.
After two runs for Youngstown in the top of the fifth, Higgins’ double began the ‘Dons’ response and brought in a run to reduce the deficit to two. Fitzpatrick tied the game in the next at bat with a 2 RBI single. With two outs in the innings, Brooks Sailors gave Purdue Fort Wayne the lead with a single that scored Fitzpatrick.
Youngstown State added a run in the sixth and took the lead with three runs in the seventh. Ian Francis led the way with three hits and three RBI.
Casey Marshalwitz (3-1) got the win for the Penguins after throwing 1.2 scoreless innings. Owen Willard (0-6) got the loss for the ‘Dons. He threw three innings and allowed three runs. Chris Domke (4) got a six-out save without allowing a hit.
The ‘Dons will continue their series with Youngstown State on Saturday with a first pitch at 2:00 p.m.
YSU is now 6-30 (4-12 Horizon League). The Mastodons are 13-24 (7-9 Horizon League).
EVANSVILLE BASEBALL
BASEBALL ACES OUTLAST BRADLEY, 9-7
PEORIA, Ill. – The University of Evansville baseball team exploded for nine runs in the first three innings on Friday night, and then held off a late charge by the homestanding Bradley Braves for a 9-7 series-opening victory at Dozier Park in Peoria, Illinois.
The Purple Aces opened the game with three runs in the first inning to grab a lead it would never lose. Senior outfielder Kip Fougerousse and graduate designated hitter Chase Hug hit back-to-back RBI doubles into the left-center field gap to open the scoring, before a run-scoring error added UE’s third run in the first inning.
Bradley would get a run back in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by first baseman Timmy O’Brien, but UE starter Kenton Deverman would hold the Braves scoreless through the next four innings while his teammates would explode for six runs in the third inning.
After a pair of walks to open the inning, graduate third baseman Brent Widder produced an RBI single through the left-side of the infield to open the six-run frame. Another Bradley error on a hard-hit ball by UE junior first baseman Cal McGinnis scored another run, before graduate catcher Brendan Hord followed two batters later with an RBI single to right field to give UE a 6-1 lead. Senior shortstop Simon Scherry then blasted a three-run home run to left field to give UE a 9-1 advantage and end the night for Bradley starter Noah Edders (4-5).
Deverman (5-1) would cruise through the first five innings with a 9-1 lead, before the Braves would rally for four runs in the sixth inning to cut UE’s lead to 9-5. O’Brien would launch his second home run of the game as part of a two-run seventh inning for Bradley to get back within two runs at 9-7. But, that would be as close as the Braves would get, as junior reliever Drew Fieger worked a scoreless eighth inning, and senior Jakob Meyer recorded a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning for his second save of the year.
Hug led Evansville’s offense by going 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI. Scherry added three RBI, as he homered in his second-straight game.
With the victory, Evansville improved to 20-17 overall and 8-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference, as UE picked up its sixth-straight victory, and tenth win in the last 11 contests. Bradley, meanwhile, dropped to 10-25 overall and 4-9 in the MVC with the loss. The series will continue on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., with graduate left-hander Donovan Schultz expected to earn the start for UE. Saturday’s game can be heard live on 107.1 FM-WJPS and seen live on ESPN+.
EVANSVILLE SOFTBALL
ACES RALLY FOR WALK-OFF WIN OVER MURRAY STATE
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With one out in the bottom of the 8th inning, Hannah Hood picked up the game-winning single to give the University of Evansville softball team a 4-3 walk-off win over Murray State at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.
An exciting finish saw the Purple Aces tie the game in the bottom of the 7th before completing the comeback one inning later to open the weekend series with a victory. Alexa Davis, Zoe Frossard and Brooke Voss each recorded two hits while Frossard led all players with two runs scored. Sydney Weatherford went the distance in the circle, allowing three runs on six hits in eight innings of work.
After Weatherford sat the Racers down in order to open the game, the Purple Aces plated two runs in the bottom of the inning. Alexa Davis singled and Zoe Frossard reached on an error and with one out, Jenna Nink hit into a fielder’s choice. Both runners scored on a Racer error to give UE the advantage.
Murray State cut the deficit in half when Bailey Broemmer hit a solo home run in the top of the third. Evansville was in prime position to counter in the bottom half of the frame when a Frossard single was followed by a Brooke Voss double to put runners on second and third with one out. Unfortunately, two quick outs ended the threat. In the ensuing half inning, the Racers pounced as the tying run would cross the plate.
Evansville did its best to retake the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Lacy Smith and Davis led off with singles. An error would load the bases with one out, however, the Aces were unable to push the go-ahead run across the plate. Things remained tied at 2-2 until the top of the seventh when Murray State took their first lead of the game on a Taylor Jackson single.
Down to its final three outs, the Aces found some late magic. Frossard came to the plate with two outs and her patience paid off as a single up the middle gave the Aces a chance. Voss came through with the game-tying double in the bottom of the inning to send the game to extras.
Frossard got the job done on the defensive side, making a diving catch to secure the first out as the side was retired in order. Jess Willsey led off the bottom of the 8th with a single to center to bring up Taylor Howe. She reached on a fielder’s choice with Willsey out at second. Next up at the plate was Marah Wood. Her double to right advanced pinch runner Dori Brown to third. With the game on the line, Hannah Hood approached the plate and singled up the middle to bring in Brown to clinch the victory.
On Saturday, the teams will play the second game of the series at 2 p.m.
SOUTHERN INDIANA BASEBALL
EAGLES OUTLASTED BY SKYHAWKS, 15-10
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball was outlasted by the University of Tennessee at Martin, 15-10, in the opening game of a three-game series Friday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI is 15-23 and 5-8 in the OVC, while UTM goes to 14-23, 6-7 OVC.
The Screaming Eagles found themselves in a hole early as the Skyhawks scored five times in the first two innings to lead 5-0. USI would rally to cut the deficit to 5-4 with a pair runs in the third and fourth frames.
USI sophomore shortstop Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) pushed the first Eagle run across with a two-out double, while senior first baseman Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) drove in the second run with a two-out single in the third. The USI fourth inning runs featured RBI-singles by junior second baseman Lane Crowden (Jackson, Missouri) and senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan).
UTM re-extended the lead to 11-4 with five runs in the sixth and one run in the seventh. USI rallied to close the gap to one run, 11-10, for a second time in the contest by scoring once in the seventh and five times in the eighth.
The five-run eighth featured a two-run bomb by Ebest, his fifth home run of the season. Senior third baseman Nolan Cook (Evansville, Indiana) opened the scoring in the frame with a RBI-single and was followed by a RBI-ground out by Niehaus before the Ebest round tripper. The Eagles final run of the frame was a RBI-single by junior catcher Logan Mock (Livermore, California), who also had the RBI-single in the seventh.
The Skyhawks rebounded to take command with a four-run ninth and close out the 15-10 final.
Ebest led the Eagles at the plate in the loss, going three-for-five with a run scored, three RBIs, and the eighth inning home run.
On the bump, freshman right-hander Grant Parson (Owensboro, Kentucky) started and took the loss. Parson (3-2) allowed five runs in the first two innings, four earned, on six hits and two walks, while striking out six in five innings of work.
Up Next for the Eagles:
The Eagles continues the five-game homestand and the series with the Skyhawks Saturday for a 3 p.m. contest. The series is set to conclude Sunday at 1 p.m., while the homestand ends Tuesday with a 6 p.m. game versus Belmont University.
VALPO BASEBALL
RENFRO DELIVERS WALK-OFF BLAST AS BEACONS BEAT BEARS IN INSTANT CLASSIC
An incredible game got the incredible ending it deserved on Friday afternoon – or should we say, evening – at Emory G. Bauer Field.
Senior Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) is no stranger to the big moment as his grand slam in a road victory over No. 22 Southern Miss last season was one of the most memorable Valpo swings in the recent past. But perhaps the biggest moment of his career came in the bottom of the 12th inning on Friday with Valpo down to its final out as he jacked a 406-foot shot over the right-field fence to send the dugout and fans alike into a frenzy after a 7-6 victory over visiting Missouri State in an important game in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
The victory represented Brian Schmack’s 200th as Valpo head coach as he became just the third skipper in program history to reach that milestone.
How It Happened
Making his first start in a Valpo uniform, Bryce Konitzer (Mukwonago, Wis. / Mukwonago [Oakland]) went toe-to-toe with Missouri State ace and MVC Pitcher of the Year candidate Brandt Thompson in the early going. Neither hurler yielded a run until the fifth, when Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) ripped a 395-foot solo shot to make it 1-0 in favor of the hosts.
The Bears belted a home run and scored twice more in the sixth, with two of those runs being charged to Konitzer before his exit.
Missouri State extended the edge to 4-1 thanks to a wild pitch in the top of the seventh, but Valpo responded with two in the bottom of the inning. Alex Thurston (Fowler, Ind. / Benton Central) stroked a run-scoring single, then a fielding error by Missouri State’s shortstop helped Valpo cut the deficit to one at 4-3.
The Bears picked up a single tally on a sac fly in the top of the eighth, but two Beacon bombs in a three-batter span in the bottom of the eighth inning altered the game’s complexion. Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) and Liam Patton (Barrington, Ill. / Warsaw [Wabash]) both went yard to help Valpo get back to even at 5-5.
Another solid relief performance from Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) played an important role as he yielded just one run on two hits over 2 2/3 innings. He gave way to Joe Seiber (Homer Glen, Ill. / Lockport [College of DuPage]), who picked up two big outs to escape a jam in the top of the 10th. Seiber then sent down the side in order in the 11th, but was touched for a single tally on a solo shot in the top of the 12th, allowing Missouri State to take a 6-5 lead.
After a leadoff walk to start the bottom of the inning, the next two Beacons were sent down, and the outlook appeared bleak. That’s when Renfro delivered, helping Valpo move into a tie with Missouri State in the MVC standings.
Inside the Game
Schmack became just the third head coach in program history to reach the 200-win milestone, joining Paul Twenge (378) and the legendary Emory G. Bauer (359).
Each of Valpo’s last two wins have come in walk-off fashion after a walk-off balk last Saturday vs. Belmont. This marked Valpo’s first walk-off home run since Jonathan Temple on April 23, 2021 vs. Southern Illinois. Coincidentally, that game also featured a final score of 7-6.
Valpo snapped a six-game skid in head-to-head matchups with Missouri State and improved to 2-19 all-time against the Bears. Both of Valpo’s wins over Missouri State have come in extra innings as the previous one was May 25, 2021 in an MVC Tournament elimination game. This marked Valpo’s first regular-season victory over Missouri State.
Renfro’s home run was the 18th of his collegiate career and his third this season.
Valpo hit four home runs in a game for the first time since Feb. 26, 2023 at UT Martin.
Ryan’s home run was his fifth of the season and the eighth of his collegiate career.
Maka’s long ball was his second this season and the 14th of his career.
Patton ripped his first home run in a Valpo uniform.
Half of Valpo’s hits were home runs as the Beacons prevailed despite being outhit 11-8 and outwalked 6-2.
Valpo played its eighth one-run game of the season and improved to 3-5 in such contests. Three of Valpo’s last four games have been decided by the slimmest of margins including back-to-back games that featured identical scores of 7-6.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Valpo is 6-0 in one-run games played at Emory G. Bauer Field.
Fifth-year senior Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) climbed into the top 10 in program history in career hits with his 205th, moving into a tie for 10th.
This marked Valpo’s longest game in terms of innings played since May 10, 2019, a 5-4, 14-inning win over Southern Illinois.
Up Next
Valpo (13-23, 4-9) will continue the series on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
VALPO SB
SOFTBALL FALLS IN SERIES OPENER AT MISSOURI STATE
The Valpo softball team fell in its MVC series opener at Missouri State Friday evening by a 10-0 final.
How It Happened
Missouri State scored a single run in its first turn at the plate on a sacrifice fly.
The Bears plated five in the second inning, capped by a three-run homer from Olivia Krehbiel.
Senior Caitlyn Kowalski (Temperance, Mich./Notre Dame Academy) faced the minimum in the third inning, including a strikeout.
MSU capped the scoring with four in the fourth inning, including another three-run homer by Krehbiel.
Inside the Game
Senior Emily Crompton (Salem, Ill./Christ Our Rock Lutheran) picked up an infield single in her first turn at the plate, boosting her batting average in MVC play to .333.
The hit extended her current hitting streak to six straight games. Crompton is hitting at a .471 clip over that stretch.
Senior Alexis Johnson (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) drew a walk in the third inning.
Freshman Sydney McDermott (Stout, Ohio/Portsmouth West) started in the circle and took the loss, going the first 1.1 innings. Kowalski closed out the game, tallying a pair of strikeouts.
Next Up
Valpo (8-30, 2-13 MVC) continues its weekend series against the Bears Saturday at 2 p.m.
UINDY BASEBALL
CARDENAS WINS PITCHING DUAL AS HOUNDS CAPTURE SERIES OPENING COMEBACK
INDIANAPOLIS – Diego Cardenas, lined up against the GLVC leader in strikeouts in Jacob Kroeger, protected Greyhound Park and helped propel the University Indianapolis baseball team to a series-opening victory versus No. 23-ranked Maryville on Friday evening.
The redshirt-sophomore out of South Bend, Ind. went seven innings of only two-hit baseball, tossing 107 pitching on route to just one earned run in the Hounds victory.
Bryce Goodwine and Drew Donaldson both came up big for the Hounds offensively, with Goodwine bringing in the winning run in the eighth inning.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Cardenas and Kroeger dueled for the first four innings, neither budging as both teams struggled to plate runs. Long at bat, after long at bat for the Hounds versus Kroeger eventually wittled him down in the fifth. That wear and tear came to fruition as Cole Hampton ripped an RBI double down the right field line, scoring the first run of the ballgame.
An RBI-bunt single by Caleb Vaughn, a stolen base and then a wild pitch set the stage for some electric baserunning by the Hounds right fielder.
The No. 23-ranked Saints refused to go away, using a pair of homers in the eighth alongside a bases loaded hit by pitch to take the lead 4-3. But, the Cardiac Hounds never quit and that was never more evident than today when they hammered home their own four-spot in the bottom of the eighth. Goodwine played hero ball, scoring the winning run with a bases-loaded spot.
UP NEXT
The Hounds and Saints will play two more at Greyhound Park tomorrow. The doubleheader will start at noon.
UINDY SB
HOUNDS DOMINATE PEACOCKS IN DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP
FAYETTE, Iowa – The No. 3 UIndy softball team defeated Upper Iowa in two five-inning games on Friday. Totaling 23 runs, it marked the most runs that the Greyhounds have scored in a GLVC doubleheader this season. The pair of victories upped the Hounds’ in streak to 13.
GAME 1 | UIndy 14, Upper Iowa 0 (5 innings)
After scoring seven runs in the first four innings, the Greyhounds capped the game with a seven-run rally in the fifth to enact the run rule. The frame included two home runs, both being two-run homers. The first came from Braxton Downs, and the second from Lauren Mosele. Mosele’s pinch-hit dinger was good for her first career home run. Emily O’Connor and Sydnee Perry grabbed an RBI off doubles in the rally, while Lexy Rees earned her own off a sac fly.
Rees opened the game with a bomb over the right-field fence for three RBIs. The senior finished the day with a team-high five ribbies. Megan Nichols slipped passed the Peacock defense and stole two bases.
Kenzee Smith had another standout day inside the circle. Finishing with eight strikeouts, three hits, and no walks, Smith is now on an eight-game win streak. With the shutout, the senior continues to have the lowest ERA in DII with 0.18.
GAME 2 | UIndy 9, Upper Iowa 1 (5 innings)
The Hounds broke the game open with an eight-run rally in the fourth. After two-run hits courtesy of Dominique Proctor and Nichols, O’Connor hit the ball over the center field fence. The senior had three ribbies on the hit and finished the game with four.
MARIAN SB
MARIAN AND SPRING ARBOR TRADE SHUTOUTS IN FRIDAY’S SERIES FINALE
Spring Arbor, Mich. – The Marian softball team ended their season-series with Spring Arbor on Friday afternoon, splitting the doubleheader as each team recorded a shutout win on the day. Marian is now 34-8 overall on the season and 22-6 in the Crossroads League following the exchange in wins and losses.
Game 1 | Marian 3-0 Spring Arbor
Olivia Stunkel and Elena Jones locked horns in a pitcher’s duel in the opening game on Friday afternoon, as each pitcher opened the game with five shutout innings. Both sides faced the minimum in the first inning, while in the second Jones stranded a Grace Meyer single, while Stunkel scattered a walk with Anna Pritchett recording an outfield assist at second on a two-out single.
Marian’s trips to the plate in the third and fourth inning went down in order as the shutout continued, while Stunkel stranded a base hit in the third and a walk in the fourth. The Knights again were retired in order by Jones in the fifth, while Stunkel returned to her first inning form with a three-up, three-down frame in the fifth.
In the sixth inning Marian was able to shake off their funk, as Hayley Greene reached on an error in the outfield, taking two bases on the free pass. Anna Pritchett followed by reaching on an error as well, and two batters later Brooke Knox singled to load the bases. Abby Madere broke the shutout following Knox’s base hit, driving home two runs with a base hit to center field. Sierra Norman added to Marian’s lead with an RBI base hit of her own, pushing Marian’s lead to 3-0.
With a lead at hand, the Knights locked down the final two innings behind Stunkel’s right arm, as the junior pitched back to back scoreless frames to close the win. The junior scattered a base hit in both innings, striking out the side in the sixth while ending the game in the seventh with a groundout to shortstop, closing the 3-0 win.
In the win, Marian put up five hits, coming from five different players. Madere and Norman combined for the team’s three RBI, and Lily Wendt joined the quartet of Madere, Norman, Meyer, and Knox with a base hit. In the circle, Stunkel claimed her 19th win of the season, allowing four hits in the shutout win. Stunkel retired seven batters on strikeouts, closing her seventh shutout on the season.
Game 2 | Marian 0-1 Spring Arbor
The second act of the doubleheader also featured a pitching masterclass, as Macy Coan and Emmalee Hamp put up strong outings from the circle. Marian was retired in order in the first, and in the home half Hamp helped her own cause with a lead-off single, reaching third after a walk and fielder’s choice groundout. With runners on the corners, the Cougars executed a double-steal, with Maddy Thrush swiping second base to allow Hamp to steal the plate, putting the game’s first and eventual only run.
Both sides sent just three batters to the plate in the second inning, with Hamp retiring the side in order while Coan utilized a double play to wipe out a lead-off single. In the top of the third Marian had a chance to break the game open as Hayley Greene reached on an error and Caroline Roop scored a base hit, putting two runners on. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners over and an error allowed Savannah Harweger to reach base safely, but Marian came up empty in their quest for runs as a foul out and ground out ended the inning with Marian scoreless.
The Knights again put a runner on in the fourth on Abbey Hofmann’s two-out hit following Coan stranding two runners in the home half of the third, but a strikeout closed the opportunity. Coan pitched out of trouble in the fourth as she left three Cougars on base, stranding three base hits with a pair of groundouts. Two runner’s reached base for Marian in the fifth, but Hamp and Spring Arbor did their job to prevent runs as Jenna Minnix and Savannah Harweger were caught stealing. The game would remain 1-0 in favor of the home team after five complete as Coan left two Cougars stuck on the base path.
Marian was retired in order in the sixth, and in their final opportunity to rally in the seventh, Marian got a good start as Grace Meyer was hit by a pitch. Emily Phillips came on to pinch run for the designated player, but would fail to move to second base, as a pair of flyouts and strikeout closed the game, as Hamp and Spring Arbor recorded the 1-0 shutout.
Coan threw six innings of one-run softball on Friday, allowing eight hits and two walks in the complete game loss. The freshman pitcher recorded one strikeout on the day. At the plate, Harweger, Hofmann, and Roop had one base hit each. The Knights left five runners on base in the defeat, while Coan stranded nine Cougars.
Marian will play their final ranked opponent of the regular season on Saturday afternoon, traveling to No. 17 Indiana Wesleyan. Game one of the twin bill starts at 1:00 p.m.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETICS
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
9 – 15 – 14 – 22- 33 – 23 – 7 – 4
April 20, 1910 – Cleveland Naps, pitcher Addie Joss, tossed his second career no-hitter, as he and the Naps closed out Chicago White Sox, 1-0. The future Hall of Famer, Addie remarkably only is credted with one strike out in the game. Joss had a 9-year career ERA of 1.89 and claimed the best Earned Run Average in the MLB in two seperate seasons.
April 20, 1920 – Philadelphia Phillies skipper Gravvy Cravath, entered himself into the lineup as a pinch hitter. Unbelievably in this at bat, Cravath’s belted a 3- run homerun as the Phils blanked the New York Giants 3-2. Reportedly shortly before the heroics in the batter’s box, manager Cravath was on the verge of being ousted from the game for arguing an Umpire’s call.
April 20, 1939 – Ted Williams, Number 9 of the Boston Red Sox has an historic milestone in his career. Williams had his first MLB hit on this day off of New York Yankees fellow future Hall of Fame player, Red Ruffing, who wore Number 15 that day, in Boston’s 2-0 opening day defeat at Yankee Stadium, NYC
FOOTBALL HISTORY
Football History Headlines of April 20
April 20, 1888 – The University of Notre Dame played it second official football game ever at South Bend, Indiana’s Green Stocking Ball Park. The Wolverines triumphed 26-6. The two teams would meet again the following day.
April 20, 1944 – NFL legalizes coaching from the bench. According to an article found in the Mason City, Iowa’s Globe-Gazette on that day by the United Press, NFL Commissioner Elmer Layden announced that the League would adopt a rule similar to professional ice hockey where players could enter the game freely without reporting to an official during periods when play was suspended. Also kick-offs that went out of bounds were determined as a foul and the offending team would receive a five yard penalty. The coaching rule allowed coaches to openly move around within ten yards of the center of the bench on either side as well as allowing players to come to the bench to talk to coach during timeouts for instruction.
April 20, 1945 – The Cleveland Browns organization was formed by Arthur “Mickey” McBride. Mickey acquired the franchise in the new All-America Football Conference that would begin play in the 1946 season according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. McBride’s first act after acquiring the team was to hire a coach and general manager and he did both with the selection of one man, Paul Brown. Coach Brown had been a very successful high school, college and service coach and he was the right man for the job. The Browns dominated the AAFC winning all four of its championships and also won the NFL championship shortly after the leagues merged the Browns, Colts and 49ers into the NFL.
The Newspapers.com headline of the day: Johnson Has Jets Fans Flying High! Was the bold print for the April 21, 1996 edition of the Rockland Journal News in White Plains, New York.
April 20, 1996 Indeed at the 1996 NFL Draft Keyshawn Johnson a wide receiver from USC was the first pick by New York Jets. Who can forget the fans in Jets gear cheering their famous J-E-T-S chant and “Keyshawn, Keyshawn, Keyshawn” after the pick in the theatre audience at the NYC venue. Players from this Draft class that have so far made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame are the fourth selection of tackle Jonathan Ogden by the Ravens, Indy’s wide receiver Marvin Harrison pick at the 19th spot and Baltimore’s Ray Lewis choice at number 26. According to the Pro Football Reference website other HOF members include Brian Dawkins at 61 by Philly, Terrel Owens to the Niners with the 89th selection.
If you want to be able to be able to read through some old articles like the Rockland Journal News, you need to check out Newspapers.com. At Newspapers.com, you can get access to over 640 million pages’ worth of news from the US, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland and more dating back from 1798 to yesterday. Get a free one week subscription to Newspapers.com by visiting SportsHistoryNetwork.com – slash – newspapers. And with a paid subscription, you’ll also be helping to support the production of this and other Sports History Network shows.
April 20, 2002 NFL Draft of the year 2002 had Fresno State quarterback David Carr appearing as the first pick by Houston Texans. Julius Peppers was the second selection by the Carolina Panthers followed by Joey Harrington, Mike Williams and Quentin Jammer to round out the top five selections.
Hall of Fame Birthdays for April 20
April 20, 1893 – Dunkirk, New York – Cornell’s top tier end from 1913 to 1915, Murray Shelton was born. The National Football Foundation selected Murray Shelton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
April 20, 1915 – Petersburg, Virginia – Duke University’s standout halfback of the 1936 to the 1938 seasons, Eric “The Red” Tipton arrived into the world. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Eric Tipton into their legendary museum in 1965.
April 20, 1925 – Prinzing-By-Cham, Bavaria – The stout defensive tackle from Boston College, Ernie Stautner was born. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Ernie with the second overall selection in the 1950 NFL Draft per the Pro Football HOF website. Stautner was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
April 20, 1926 – Amarillo, Texas – Hub Bechtol the end that played for both Texas Tech in 1943 and Texas in 1944 to 1946 was born. The reason for Hub’s transfer was that he had enlisted in the Navy’s V-12 program and due to it being facilitated out of Texas he had to leave Tech. As far as playing football the Football Foundation states that Bechtol made the AP All-America team in 1944 and then in 1945 and 1946 was selected on six All- America squads, making him the first Southwest Conference player to become a three-time All- America. Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne was feeding him the passes and HOF Coach Dana Bible gave his assignments. His standout game of his career was on the big stage as Texas beat Missouri 40-27 in the Cotton Bowl, January 1, 1946, with Layne completing 11 passes with nine of them corralled by Bechtol. Hub Bechtol’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1991.
April 20, 1929 – Lynn, Massachusetts – Harry Agganis the Boston University quarterback of 1949 and 1951 to 1952, marked his date of birth. Harry was often referred to as the “Golden Greek” and his emergence as a player for the Terriers coincided with BU arising as a football team to be reckoned with. Against West Virginia, he threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in a 52-20 victory. Harry piloted an offense that averaged almost 40 points per game per the NFF. The only thing that seemed to slow Agganis great play for BU down was in 1950 when he served with the US Marine Corp. But just less than two days after his discharge from the Corp, the Golden Greek was back on campus showing no signs of rust as he tossed two TD passes and ran in another. At the end of that season he became the first Terrier All-American selection ever. Harry held Boston University career records with 27 interceptions and a lofty punting average of 39.5 yards per kick. Harry Agganis received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
April 20, 1935 – Los Angeles, California – The University of Southern California’s brilliant halfback from 1954 through 1956, “Jaguar” Jon Arnett arrived into this life. Arnett was not only an efficient runner but his punt return skills were off the charts too. The NFF tells us that in 1954, the Jaguar led the Trojans in rushing with 601 yard), he scored 55 points, tacked up 129 punt returns and intercepted 3 passes. He also completed 17 passes for 164 yards was there anything the man couldn’t do well that year? In 1955, he was again tops in most categories, leading USC in rushing, total yards and punt return yardage. As a senior Jon rushed for 625 yards and averaged 6.3 yards per rush while leading Troy in scoring with 43 points and he even threw a touchdown pass. He was also an All-America in 1955 and took home the Voit Trophy as best player on the Pacific Coast in 1955-56. Jon Arnett was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes.
April 20, 1945 – Miami Beach, Florida – The University of Florida’s fine quarterback Steve Spurrier was born. Steve was the 1966 Heisman Trophy winner as the quarterback at Florida. The National Football Foundation selected Steve Spurrier for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 as a player. But he is also in the same HOF as a coach. The footballfoundation.org states Spurrier began his 26-year head coaching career at Duke from 1987-89. The ACC Coach of the Year in both 1988 and 1989, his 1989 team won the university’s first ACC title since 1962 and made its first bowl appearance since 1960. Spurrier became the head coach at his alma mater, Florida, in 1990, compiling a 122-27-1 record over 12 seasons in “The Swamp.” His Gators appeared in back-to-back national championship games, winning the 1996 national title after defeating rival Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Coach also broke into the Pro ranks as the head coach with Washington and then returned to college to coach South Carolina. He had a 10-year playing career with the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
April 20
1910 — Addie Joss of Cleveland pitched the second no-hitter of his career, a 1-0 win over the White Sox in Chicago.
1912 — Fenway Park was opened in Boston and the Red Sox defeated the visiting New York Highlanders, later known as the Yankees, 7-6 in 11 innings. Tiger Stadium in Detroit also opened its doors as the Tigers defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-5.
1916 — The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park — renamed Wrigley Field in 1926 — defeating the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 in 11 innings.
1920 — Manager Gavvy Cravath of the Philadelphia Phillies inserted himself as a pinch hitter and beat the New York Giants with a three-run homer, 3-0. It was his last home run in the majors.
1937 — Gee Walker hit for the cycle on opening day to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 win over Cleveland. Walker hit the cycle in reverse order: home run, triple, double, single.
1938 — Cleveland’s Bob Feller pitched the first of 12 career one-hitters, beating the St. Louis Browns 9-0.
1939 — In his first major league game, Ted Williams hit a 400-foot double in four at-bats as the Boston Red Sox lost 2-0 to New York at Yankee Stadium.
1941 — The Brooklyn Dodgers become the first major league team to wear protective headgear.
1967 — Tom Seaver of the New York Mets recorded his first major league victory with a 6-1 triumph over the Chicago Cubs. Seaver went 7 2-3 innings and gave up eight hits and one run.
1982 — The Atlanta Braves recorded their 12th consecutive victory from the beginning of the season — a 4-2 decision over Cincinnati in Atlanta — and eclipsed the major league record set a year earlier by the Oakland A’s.
1988 — The Baltimore Orioles set a major league record with their 14th straight defeat at the start of the season, losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6.
1990 — Seattle’s Brian Holman lost his bid for baseball’s 13th perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning on Ken Phelps’ pinch-hit home run in the Mariners’ 6-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
1997 — The Chicago Cubs stopped their season-opening losing streak at 14 games, rallying in the sixth inning to beat the New York Mets 4-3 in the second game of a doubleheader. The Mets won the opener 8-2. Chicago’s 0-14 start set a National League record and was the second worst behind the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who began 0-21.
1999 — Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott agrees to sell her controlling interest in the Reds to a group headed by Carl H. Lindner, ending her 14-year tenure.
2001 — Carlos Delgado of the Blue Jays hit three homers for the second time this season, as Toronto beat the Kansas City Royals 12-4.
2006 — Julio Franco became the oldest player in major league history to hit a home run when he hit a two-run, pinch-hit shot in the eighth inning to help the New York Mets rally for a 7-2 win over San Diego. Franco, 47, replaced Athletics pitcher Jack Quinn in the record book who was 46 years, 357 days old when he homered on June 27, 1930.
2007 — Alex Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with two home runs in a 7-6 loss to Boston and joined Mike Schmidt, who hit 12 homers in the first 15 games in 1976, as the fastest to reach a dozen in baseball history.
2008 — The Blue Jays release former superstar Frank Thomas, who has 516 major league home runs.
2010 — Pitcher Edinson Volquez of the Reds is suspended for 50 games for failing a PED test during spring training.
2011 — Commissioner Bud Selig steps in and takes control of the day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt.
2012 — Drew Stubbs had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-4 win over the Chicago Cubs — the 10,000th victory in franchise history.
2021 — Corbin Burnes strikes out 10 batters and walks none in 6 innings in a 6-0 Brewers win over the Padres.
BASEBALL YEAR IN REVIEW: 1980 (BASEBALL ALMANAC)..
Off the field…
Former Beatle John Lennon was shot dead by Mark David Chapman who opened fire outside the musician’s New York City apartment. The forty-year-old was hit several times as he entered the Dakota, his luxury apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, opposite Central Park. He was later rushed in a police car to St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, where he died of four gunshot wounds to the back. Chapman, a disturbed individual who identified with Holden Caulfield, the irked hero of J.D. Salinger’s cult novel “Catcher in the Rye” still remains in jail to this day.
Eighty-seven million American TV viewers wondered “Who Shot J.R.?” as America’s hottest prime-time series, a slick soap opera depicting the private lives and public connivances of the somewhat dysfunctional, oil-rich Ewing family ended with one of the most shocking season finales ever produced on television. Eight months later the show earned the second largest audience share in television history with a record 53.3 rating. The final tally: forty-one million of the nearly seventy-eight million households in the U.S. tuned in and the answer was…
A failed U.S. military rescue mission called “Operation Desert One” was attempted several months after Shiite Muslim militants had attacked and seized the Embassy in Teheran, taking fifty-two Americans hostage. The attack upon the American Embassy occurred after the Shah of Iran was overthrown and power was seized by the Ayatollah Khomeini. The American hostages were subjected to four-hundred forty-four days of brutal conditions including mock executions and unfortunately their rescue attempt (ordered by President Jimmy Carter) failed miserably in the Iranian desert resulting in the deaths of eight Americans.
In the American League…
Both Dwayne Murphy and Rickey Henderson stole home in the first inning of an Oakland ‘A’s 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals to tie a Major League record originally set in the American League by the Minnesota Twins (1969) and in the National League by St. Louis Cardinals (1925).
The Cleveland Indians tied a Major League record on June 1st after hitting four sacrifice flies in a single game thanks to Ron Hassey, Dave Rosello, Gary Alexander, and Dell Alston. Despite their selfless efforts, the Indians went on to lose 8-7 to the Seattle Mariners.
Despite missing forty-five games with injuries, George Brett was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. The twenty-seven year-old third baseman’s .390 average was the highest in the Major Leagues since the Boston Red Sox’s Ted Williams’ .406 in 1941. He also added twenty-four home runs and one-hundred eighteen RBIs to lead the Kansas City Royals to their first American League pennant.
In the National League…
The Cincinnati Reds’ Cesar Geronimo experienced déjà vu at the plate, as he became the three-thousandth career strikeout of the Houston Astros’ Nolan Ryan. Ironically, he was also Bob Gibson’s three-thousandth career strikeout victim six seasons earlier.
Pitcher Steve Carlton, then with the Philadelphia Phillies, fanned 7 St. Louis Cardinals in a July 6th, 8-3 win, crowning him as the major leagues’ left-handed strikeout king with 2,836 K’s.
Ron LeFlore, of the Montreal Expos, stole his sixty-second base on July 28th, during the seveth inning of a 5-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds, but was tagged out after stepping off the bag while trying to read the scoreboard that was noting the first stolen base occurrence one-hundred fifteen years earlier.
Around the league…
Henry Aaron refused an award from Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn honoring him for hitting his 715th home run in protest of Major League Baseball’s treatment of retired black ballplayers.
The National Labor Relations Board ruled in favor of the umpires’ union after they demanded that the National League release its umpire evaluations, particularly those of the replacement officials who were retained after filling in for striking umps in 1979.
On May 23rd, five hours after the midnight deadline passed, the players and owners averted a strike by announcing a new four-year basic agreement. The new deal raised the minimum player’s salary from $21,000 to $30,000 and increased the clubs’ contributions to the players’ pension fund.
On August 20th, Pittsburgh Pirate centerfielder Omar Moreno stole his seventieth base of the season off the Houston Astros, becoming the first player in the 20th century with three consecutive seventy-steal seasons. Moreno swiped seventy-one in 1978, seventy-seven in 1979, and finished 1980 with a career-high ninety-six.
BASEBALL’S GREATS
Roberto Alomar
Baseball was a family affair in 1988. In Baltimore, Cal Ripken Sr. was a coach for his two sons, Billy and Cal Jr., while in San Diego, Sandy Alomar coached his two sons, the eldest, Sandy Jr., and the younger Roberto. It was the younger Alomar who would shine first. The switch-hitting Roberto became the Padres’ regular second baseman in 1988, and immediately established himself on both offense and defense. He collected his first hit off Nolan Ryan, hit .266 with 24 stolen bases, and was involved in 88 double plays, tied for second amongst NL second baseman.
On Opening Day of his first full season in 1989, he was the youngest player on any National League roster. As the season wore on, his inexperience started to show. That year, he led NL second baseman with 28 errors. But he solved most of his defensive problems in his third season and after making his first All-Star team in July 1990, Roberto committed just six errors in the second half.
But after the 1990 season, he was traded with Joe Carter to the Toronto Blue Jays for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez, giving the Blue Jays the core of its championship teams. On May 10 in 1991, he became one of only 55 players to hit home runs from opposite sides of the plate in the same game, and later tied a Blue Jay record when he swiped four bases in a game against Baltimore. He ended the season second in the league with 53 steals, became only the second Blue Jay to be voted to the All-Star team, and won his first Gold Glove. Then, in the post-season, he batted an ALCS-leading .474.
Alomar solidified his superstar credentials in his next two seasons, leading the Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series victories. In 1992, he again finished high among the league leaders in both offensive and defensive categories. He then shone in the ALCS, when he won the MVP award while batting .423, and carried an 11-game hitting streak into the World Series. Alomar had his best season to that point in 1993, hitting career highs in BA (.326), runs (109), and RBI (93). He also was the model of consistency with three 11-game hitting streaks, stole 18 consecutive bases without being caught, and reached base safely in 30 straight games. And as usual, he had a brilliant postseason, batting .292 and swiping four bases in the ALCS, then stole four bases and batted .480 in the World Series victory over the Phillies.
He was hobbled in the spring after he broke his leg while playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. He recovered by the end of spring training, but drove in a career-low 38 runs in the strike-shortened 1994 season. In 1995, Alomar’s defense took center stage. On June 17, he broke Jerry Adair’s AL record for consecutive errorless games by a second baseman with his 90th error-free game (the streak reached 104 before it was snapped). Then on June 27, he set another AL record for errorless chances with 460, eventually running that record to 482. For the season, he led the majors’ second basemen with a career-high .994 fielding average — just four errors in 643 total chances — and led AL second basemen in putouts (272).
Much to the anger of his loyal fans in Toronto, Alomar then signed a lucrative free agent deal with Baltimore for the 1996 season, creating an All-Star double play combo with Cal Ripken Jr. In his first season with the Orioles, Alomar set career highs in batting average (.328), hits (193), runs (132), and RBI (94). But then came his altercation with umpire John Hirschbeck. On September 27, after being called out on strikes and then arguing his subsequent ejection, Alomar turned and hit Hirschbeck in the face with a gob of spit. Alomar later claimed that Hirschbeck said some nasty things about Alomar’s family, adding that the umpire had become “real bitter” since his son died of a rare brain disease in 1993.
The spitting clip was played in slow motion on the news for several nights, and when Baltimore faced Cleveland in the Division Series, Alomar was booed incessantly by fans at Jacobs Field. He responded by tying Game Four in the top of the ninth with a two-out single off Indians closer Jose Mesa. An hour later, Alomar knocked Cleveland out of the playoffs with a game-winning homer in the 12th.
The uproar resulted in a five-game suspension to open the 1997 season, but worse was the blow to Alomar’s heretofore sterling reputation. Although he and Hirschbeck had publicly made up, Alomar was still frequently booed during the 1997 season. But he didn’t let the boos bother him. He hit three homers in a game on April 26, all from the left side. And despite the seeming fan anger, he was again voted in as the league’s starting All-Star second baseman, his eighth appearance in the mid-summer classic.
Alomar hurt his left shoulder while batting on May 31 against the Indians, and for the rest of the season was only able to bat left-handed. Though he did hit .333, he appeared in just 112 games and required surgery to repair the labrum cartilage of the shoulder socket during the offseason.
Alomar never again felt at home in Baltimore. Owner Peter Angelos publicly opined that Alomar’s play had suffered in the wake of the Hirschbeck controversy and by the time the Orioles’ miserable 1998 season came to an end Baltimore fans were convinced that Alomar was not giving his all. Alomar, who blamed his troubles on nagging injuries, vented his frustration in a heated closed-doors argument with manager Ray Miller in late August.
As a free agent after the season, Alomar signed with the Cleveland Indians, where he was reunited with his brother Sandy and manager Mike Hargrove, who had played with Alomar’s father in Texas. Despite Cleveland’s earlier animosity towards Alomar, the Indians needed a second baseman — they had used eighteen in the previous two seasons. Inspired by the change in his surroundings, he won over Indians fans with an MVP-caliber season, hitting .323 with 24 home runs and 120 RBIs and leading the league in runs scored with 138. He also provided sparkling defense that earned him his eighth Gold Glove. Alomar’s fielding continued to shine in 2000 when he had a league-best 437 assists.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES TEAM HISTORY (BASEBALL ALMANAC)
Baltimore had a gritty taste of baseball in the late 19th century with a team of hard-nosed Orioles who hit with their fists as often as they did with bats. The team read like a “Who’s Who” of 19th century stars, including Wee Willie Keeler, Wilbert Robinson, Hughie Jennings, John McGraw and Ned Hanlon. These Orioles joined the new American League as a charter franchise in 1901.
But behind the scenes, American League President Ban Johnson believed for his fledgling league to succeed he needed a team in New York City. With the help of two businessmen, he maneuvered the Orioles out of Baltimore and into New York, where they eventually became the Yankees. The city of Baltimore would go another half-century without a major league team.
ST. LOUIS BROWNS HISTORY
Meanwhile, about 800 miles to the west, the future Orioles were born when St. Louis joined the American League in 1902 with a team transplanted from Milwaukee (the original Milwaukee Brewers had been an American League charter franchise in 1901 but finished dead last). The team was christened the Browns in honor of the St. Louis Brown Stockings, an American Association team which had won four consecutive pennants in the 1880’s.
The Browns debuted on April 23, 1902, defeating Cleveland 5-2 at Sportsman’s Park. It was a rare highlight for a team that finished sixth that first season, and rarely did much better during the next half-century. They endured so much losing that sportswriters said of St. Louis, “First in booze, first in shoes and last in the American League.”
The Browns had a brief run of first-division success in the early 1920’s led by George Sisler, the premier hit-maker of his era. Sisler’s 257 hits in 1920 stood as the single season standard until passed by Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki in 2004; his .420 average in 1922 is still the third highest single season average on record since 1900. Sisler was backed by a solid outfield trio of Ken Williams (1922 home run champion), Baby Doll Jacobson and Jack Tobin.
During this brief run of quality, the Browns made a momentous mistake unnoticed in most quarters. They dismissed a young, front office executive named Branch Rickey, who went on to build dynasties with the Cardinals and Dodgers.
After the brief glory of the early 1920’s, the Browns fell back to second division status, reaching a new level of haplessness in 1939 when they drew only 81,000 fans FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON.
The Browns fortunes turned upward one more time when they captured the 1944 pennant with the leadership of manager Luke Sewell and slugging shortstop Vern Stephens (league leading one-hundred nine runs batted in). The success hardly won the Browns respect, as the running joke at the time said that baseball talent was so diluted by World War II, even the Browns could win.
Although they won two of the first three games, the Browns lost their only World Series to their cross-town rival Cardinals. They finished third in 1945, and then plummeted to the bottom of the American League never to see the first division again.
An executive with a flair for promotion named Bill Veeck bought the team in the early 1950’s, but his imagination could not hide reality – the team was in dire straits with minimal attendance and no money to attract or retain talent.
Veeck sold the team to a Baltimore conglomerate after the Browns played their final game on September 27, 1953, losing 2-1 to the Chicago White Sox. Fittingly, it was the team’s 100th loss of the season.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES HISTORY
The Baltimore Orioles picked up where the Browns left off, losing their inaugural game to Detroit, 3-0 on April 13, 1954. They would lose ninety-nine more games that season and finished 57½ games behind Cleveland (which set the American League record at the time of 111 wins).
The Orioles made an inspired choice by hiring well respected baseball executive Paul Richards into the front office, and, with an emphasis on pitching and defense, the team began a steady climb. By the early 1960’s the Orioles were a young club on the rise, and when they completed the one-sided trade with Cincinnati for Frank Robinson prior to the 1966 season, they became a powerhouse.
Led by Robinson’s triple crown season (.316 average, 49 homers and 122 RBIs) they won their first World Series championship in 1966. Earl Weaver succeeded Hank Bauer midway through the 1968 season and the Orioles marched to three consecutive pennants, winning 109, 108 and 101 games in 1969-71. They won five of the first six American League East titles and the 1970 world championship.
Along with the fiery Robinson’s leadership on and off the field, they featured slugging first baseman Boog Powell, an air tight defense with Brooks Robinson and Mark Belanger on the infield and Paul Blair anchoring the outfield. Their pitching dominated, reaching its apex in 1971 when all four starters – Dave McNally (21 victories) Jim Palmer (20), Mike Cuellar (20) and Pat Dobson (20) – each won 20 games.
Weaver and the front office kept the Orioles in contention through the 1970’s and the advent of free agency, when they lost many of their stars in the later part of the decade. Continued player development, astute trades and pitching were the keys, as Weaver juggled lineups and players through some offensively challenged years.
They made it back to the World Series in 1979, although they lost to Pittsburgh in seven games. They were back again in 1983 with new manager Joe Altobelli and defeated Philadelphia. This time, the sluggers were Eddie Murray, Ken Singleton and Cal Ripken, Jr., and the dominating pitchers were Mike Boddicker, Scott McGregor, Mike Flanagan and Tippy Martinez.
The Orioles hit a downward spiral after the 1983 championship. During the next decade the team finished no better than third place, frequently doing much worse – such as the last-place 107 loss effort in 1988.
The franchise and the fans were rejuvenated by the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992. The Orioles won a wild-card berth in 1996 and the American League East in 1997. The franchise experienced another lull well into the next decade, as an emphasis on redeveloping the farm system and young talent slowed results on the field.
The Orioles reached the postseason in 2012 after a 15-year absence when Baltimore defeated the Texas Rangers in the American League Wild Card Game. The Orioles went to the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. Under manager Buck Showalter, the Orioles earned a spot in the 2014 ALCS against the Kansas City Royals and were swept in four games, 4-0.
Overall, since moving to Baltimore, the Orioles have had considerably more success than their St. Louis forefathers, winning eight division titles, six American League pennants and three world championships.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
April 20
1912 — Fenway Park opens in Boston with the Red Sox beating the New York Yankees 7-6 in 11 innings. Tiger Stadium in Detroit also opens its doors as the Tigers defeat the Cleveland Indians 6-5.
1939 — Ted Williams’ first MLB hit.
1944 — NFL legalizes coaching from bench.
1958 — The Montreal Canadiens win the NHL Stanley Cup for the third straight year with a 5-3 victory over the Boston Bruins in the sixth game.
1967 — NY Mets pitcher Tom Seaver wins his 1st game
1986 — Chicago’s Michael Jordan sets an NBA single-game playoff scoring record with 63 points in a 135-131 double overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, in Game 2 of the first round in the Eastern Conference.
1990 — Pete Rose pleads guilty to hiding $300,000 in income.
1991 — Mark Lenzi becomes the first person to score 100 points on a single dive. On his last dive, Lenzi scores 101.85 points on a reverse 3½ somersault from the tuck position to win the 3-meter springboard title at the U.S. Indoor Diving Championships.
1996 — NFL Draft: Keyshawn Johnson from Southern Cal first pick by New York Jets.
1997 — Chicago’s Michael Jordan wins an unprecedented ninth scoring title with an average of 29.6 points, the first time in those nine seasons that he fails to average at least 30 points.
1997 — PGA Seniors’ Championship Men’s Golf, PGA National GC: Defending champion Hale Irwin wins his second of 3 straight Senior PGA Championships.
2002 — NFL Draft: Fresno State quarterback David Carr #1 pick by Houston Texans.
2007 — Roger Federer wins his 500th career match, defeating David Ferrer 6-4, 6-0 in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
2008 — Danica Patrick becomes the first female winner in IndyCar history, capturing the Indy Japan 300 in her 50th career start. Patrick takes the lead from pole-sitter Helio Castroneves on the 198th lap in the 200-lap race and finishes 5.8594 seconds ahead of Castroneves.
2008 — Lorena Ochoa becomes the first LPGA Tour player in 45 years to win four tournaments in consecutive weeks. Ochoa shoots a 3-under 69 in the final round of the Ginn Open and beats rookie Yani Tseng by three strokes for her fifth victory in six starts. Mickey Wright did it in 1963.
2014 — Bernard Hopkins, 49, becomes the oldest to win a unification light heavyweight bout as he captures a split 12-round decision over 30-year-old Beibut Shumenov of Kazakhstan. Hopkins, who improves to 55-6-2, retains his IBF title and wins the WBA and IBA belts.
2015 — Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia wins the 119th Boston Marathon, his second victory here. Desisa, who finishes in 2:09:17, also won the 2013 race just hours before a pair of bombs exploded at the finish line. Caroline Rotich of Kenya wins the women’s race.
2017 — LeBron James finishes with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA postseason record by erasing a 25-point halftime deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-114 and take a 3-0 lead. Cleveland trailed by 26 in the first half and was still down 74-49 at halftime. The largest halftime deficit overcome to win a playoff game had been 21 points by Baltimore against Philadelphia in 1948.
2017 — Roman Josi scores twice, Pekka Rinne has 30 saves and the Nashville Predators beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 to complete a surprising sweep of the Western Conference’s top seed. It’s the first time a No. 1 seed is swept in the first round since the NHL adopted its current playoff format in 1994.
2021 — All six EPL clubs withdraw from the controversial European Super League just 3 days after it was announced – Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.
TV SPORTS SATURDAY/SUNDAY
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (MEN’S)
5:30 a.m.
FS2 — AFL: Geelong at Brisbane
AUTO RACING
10:30 a.m.
FS1 — NASCAR Cup Series: Qualifying, Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala.
12:30 p.m.
FS1 — ARCA Menards Series: The General Tire 200, Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala.
4 p.m.
FOX — NASCAR Xfinity Series: The Ag-Pro 300, Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala.
4:30 p.m.
USA — IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship: The Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach, Long Beach, Calif.
2:55 a.m. (Sunday)
ESPN — Formula 1: The Lenovo Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai
BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE
10 a.m.
NBATV — City Oilers vs. Bangui SC, Cairo
1 p.m.
NBATV — Al Ahly Ly vs. Al Ahly, Cairo
BOWLING
7 p.m.
FS1 — PBA: The WSOB PBA World Championship – Semifinals, Allen Park, Mich.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
6 p.m.
SECN — Auburn at Mississippi St.
7 p.m.
ESPNU — TCU at Texas
8 p.m.
ACCN — Louisville at Miami
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Noon
FOX — Michigan Spring Game: From, Ann Arbor, Mich.
1 p.m.
PEACOCK — Notre Dame Spring Game: From South Bend, Ind.
2 p.m.
ACCN — Wake Forest Spring Game: From Winston-Salem, N.C.
BTN — Illinois Spring Game: From Champaign, Ill.
3 p.m.
PAC-12N — Oregon St. Spring Game: From Corvallis, Ore.
4 p.m.
ACCN — Florida St. Spring Game: From Tallahassee, Fla.
BTN — Michigan St. Spring Game: From East Lansing, Mich.
5:30 p.m.
PAC-12N — California Spring Game: From Berkeley, Calif.
6 p.m.
ACCN — Duke Spring Game: From Durham, N.C.
COLLEGE GYMNASTICS (WOMEN’S)
ABC — NCAA Championships: Finals, Fort Worth, Texas
COLLEGE LACROSSE (MEN’S)
11:30 a.m.
ACCN — North Carolina at Notre Dame
Noon
CBSSN — Boston U. at Lehigh
2 p.m.
ESPNU — Virginia at Syracuse
4 p.m.
ESPNU — Maryland at Johns Hopkins
7 p.m.
BTN — Michigan at Ohio St.
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Noon
ESPN2 — LSU at Tennessee
SECN — South Carolina at Florida
2 p.m.
SECN — Missouri at Georgia
4 p.m.
SECN — Kentucky at Auburn
7 p.m.
PAC-12N — UCLA at Stanford
9 p.m.
ESPN — Alabama at Arkansas
PAC-12N — Oregon St. at Oregon
SECN — Alabama at Arkansas
FISHING
7:30 a.m.
FS1 — Bassmaster Elite Series: The 2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
FUTSAL (MEN’S)
7:55 p.m.
FS2 — CONCACAF Championship: Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, Third-Place Match
9:55 p.m.
FS2 — CONCACAF Championship: Cuba vs. Panama, Final
GOLF
1 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The RBC Heritage, Third Round, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C.
3 p.m.
CBS — PGA Tour: The RBC Heritage, Third Round, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The Corales Puntacana Championship, Third Round, Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Club), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
NBC — LPGA Tour: The Chevron Championship, Third Round, The Club at Carlton Woods, The Woodlands, Texas
5 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: The Invited Celebrity Classic, Second Round, Las Calinas Country Club, Irving, Texas
HORSE RACING
1 p.m.
FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
LACROSSE (MEN’S)
10 p.m.
ESPNU — NLL: Buffalo at Las Vegas
MLB BASEBALL
1 p.m.
MLBN — Tampa Bay at NY Yankees
4 p.m.
FS1 — NY Mets at LA Dodgers
7 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Texas at Atlanta OR Baltimore at Kansas City
NBA BASKETBALL
1:10 p.m.
ESPN — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Orlando at Cleveland, Game 1
3:30 p.m.
ESPN — Western Conference First Round Playoff: Phoenix at Minnesota, Game 1
6 p.m.
ESPN — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Philadelphia at New York, Game 1
8:30 p.m.
ABC — Western Conference First Round Playoff: LA Lakers at Denver, Game 1
NHL HOCKEY
5 p.m.
TBS — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: NY Islanders at Carolina, Game 1
TRUTV — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: NY Islanders at Carolina, Game 1 (BetCast)
8 p.m.
TBS — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Toronto at Boston, Game 1
TRUTV — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Toronto at Boston, Game 1 (BetCast)
OLYMPIC TRIALS
6:30 p.m.
USA — 2024 U.S. Summer Olympic Trials: Wrestling Finals Championship Series, State College, Penn.
RODEO
12:30 p.m.
CBS — PBR: Bucking Battle, Tacoma, Wash. (Taped)
RUGBY (MEN’S)
5:30 a.m.
FS1 — NRL: Canberra at Brisbane
SOCCER (MEN’S)
10 a.m.
USA — Premier League: Brentford at Luton Town
2:30 p.m.
USA — Premier League: Arsenal at Wolverhampton
SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
1 p.m.
CBS — NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham FC at Washington Spirit
7:30 p.m.
ION — NWSL: Bay FC at Kansas City Current
10 p.m.
ION — NWSL: Houston Dash at Portland Thorns FC
TENNIS
7:30 a.m.
TENNIS — Barcelona-ATP, Munich-ATP, Bucharest-ATP, Stuttgart-WTA, Rouen-WTA Semifinals
TRACK AND FIELD
1 p.m.
CNBC — IAAF World Athletics Diamond League: The Wanda Diamond League Xiamen, Xiamen, China (Taped)
UFL FOOTBALL
12:30 p.m.
ABC — Memphis at St. Louis
7 p.m.
FOX — Regional Coverage: D.C. at Birmingham OR Michigan at San Antonio
_____
Sunday, April 21
AUTO RACING
3 p.m.
FOX — NASCAR Cup Series: The GEICO 500, Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala.
3:30 p.m.
USA — NTT IndyCar Series: The Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach, Long Beach, Calif.
1 a.m. (Monday)
CNBC — AMA Supercross Series: Round 14, Nashville, Tenn. (Taped)
BOWLING
Noon
FOX — PBA: The WSOB PBA World Championship – Finals, Allen Park, Mich.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
4 p.m.
ESPNU — Oklahoma St. at Kansas St.
9 p.m.
PAC-12N — Washington at Utah
COLLEGE LACROSSE (WOMEN’S)
Noon
ACCN — Atlantic Coast Tournament: Louisville at Virginia Tech, First Round
BTN — Northwestern at Michigan
2 p.m.
ACCN — Atlantic Coast Tournament: Pittsburgh at Clemson, First Round
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
11:30 a.m.
SECN — South Carolina at Florida
2 p.m.
ESPN2 — LSU at Tennessee
ESPNU — Alabama at Arkansas
2:30 p.m.
BTN — Indiana at Iowa
3 p.m.
PAC-12N — Washington at California
4 p.m.
ACCN — Syracuse at Pittsburgh
ESPN2 — UCLA at Stanford
5 p.m.
PAC-12N — Arizona St. at Arizona
6 p.m.
ACCN — Clemson at Notre Dame
7 p.m.
PAC-12N — Oregon St. at Oregon
SECN — Kentucky at Auburn
COLLEGE TENNIS (MEN’S)
2 p.m.
SECN — Southeastern Tournament: Championship, Baton Rouge, La.
COLLEGE TENNIS (WOMEN’S)
4:30 p.m.
SECN — Southeastern Tournament: Championship, Athens, Ga.
CYCLING
9 a.m.
CNBC — UCI: The Liege Bastogne Liege, 158 miles, Liege, Belgium
FISHING
8 a.m.
FS1 — Bassmaster Elite Series: The 2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
GOLF
1 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The RBC Heritage, Final Round, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C.
3 p.m.
CBS — PGA Tour: The RBC Heritage, Final Round, Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, S.C.
GOLF — PGA Tour: The Corales Puntacana Championship, Final Round, Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Club), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
NBC — LPGA Tour: The Chevron Championship, Final Round, The Club at Carlton Woods, The Woodlands, Texas
5 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: The Invited Celebrity Classic, Final Round, Las Calinas Country Club, Irving, Texas
HORSE RACING
1 p.m.
FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
5 p.m.
FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races
MLB BASEBALL
1:30 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees OR Houston at Washington
4:30 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: NY Mets at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m.) OR Toronto at San Diego (4:10 p.m.)
7 p.m.
ESPN — Texas at Atlanta
NBA BASKETBALL
1 p.m.
ABC — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: TBD at Boston, Game 1
3:30 p.m.
ABC — Western Conference First Round Playoff: Dallas at LA Clippers, Game 1
7 p.m.
TNT — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Indiana at Milwaukee, Game 1
TRUTV — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Indiana at Milwaukee, Game 1 (BetCast)
9:30 p.m.
TNT — Western Conference First Round Playoff: TBD at Oklahoma City, Game 1
TRUTV — Western Conference First Round Playoff: TBD at Oklahoma City, Game 1 (BetCast)
NHL HOCKEY
12:30 p.m.
ESPN — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Tampa Bay at Florida, Game 1
3 p.m.
ESPN — Eastern Conference First Round Playoff: Washington at NY Rangers, Game 1
7 p.m.
ESPN2 — Western Conference First Round Playoff: Colorado at Winnipeg, Game 1
10 p.m.
ESPN — Western Conference First Round Playoff: Nashville at Vancouver, Game 1
RODEO
5 p.m.
CBSSN — PBR: Round 2 & Championship Round, Tacoma, Wash.
RUGBY (MEN’S)
10 a.m.
FS2 — European Champions Cup: Harlequins at Sale
6 p.m.
FS2 — MLR: Utah at San Diego
SOCCER (MEN’S)
8:30 a.m.
USA — Premier League: Nottingham Forest at Everton
11:25 a.m.
ESPN2 — Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen at Borussia Dortmund
11:30 a.m.
USA — Premier League: Liverpool at Fulham
Noon
CBSSN — Serie A: Fiorentina at Salernitana
6 p.m.
FS1 — MLS: Minnesota United FC at Charlotte FC
8 p.m.
FS1 — MLS: San Jose at LA Galaxy
SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
7:30 p.m.
CBSSN — NWSL: North Carolina Courage at Angel City FC
TENNIS
7 a.m.
TENNIS — Barcelona-ATP, Munich-ATP, Bucharest-ATP, Stuttgart-WTA, Rouen-WTA Finals
UFL FOOTBALL
2 p.m.
FS1 — Arlington at Houston
VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
2 p.m.CBSSN — Pro Volleyball Federation: Atlanta at Orlando