“THE SCOREBOARD”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MIAMI 7 TAMPA BAY 1
TORONTO 8 LA DODGERS 1
PHILADELPHIA 6 BALTIMORE 4
NY YANKEES 3 NY METS 1
BOSTON 5 ATLANTA 3
CHICAGO CUBS 10 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 7
SAN FRANCISCO 8 OAKLAND 3
CLEVELAND 8 KANSAS CITY 3
SEATTLE 8 MINNESOTA 7
LA ANGELS AT DETROIT POSTPONED
TEXAS 13 HOUSTON 5
WASHINGTON 5 COLORADO 4
WASHINGTON 5 COLORADO 4
MILWAUKEE 3 CINCINNATI 0
ST. LOUIS 11 ARIZONA 7
PITTSBURGH 3 SAN DIEGO 2
BOX SCORES: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/scoreboard.asp
STATS: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/index.asp
PLAYER NEWS: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/news.asp
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
INDIANAPOLIS 6 LOUISVILLE 5
SOUTH BEND 9 PEORIA 3
FORT WAYNE 1 WEST MICHIGAN 1 (GAME SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF RAIN)
WNBA
MINNESOTA 97 WASHINGTON 92
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
DC 1 MONTRÉAL 0
NEW YORK CITY 5 TORONTO 0
WEDNESDAY’S TRANSACTIONS
BASEBALL
Major League Baseball
MLB — Announced Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr.’s contract has been extended through 2029. Suspended Pittsburgh RHP Angel Perdomo for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at San Diego 3B Manny Machado during a July 25 game.
American League
BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Cleared INF/OF Josh Lester off waivers and sent him outright to Norfolk (IL).
BOSTON RED SOX — Agreed to terms with RHP Frank German and SS Eddy Alvarez on minor league contracts.
HOUSTON ASTROS — Reinstated 2B Jose Altuve and LF Yordan Alvarez from the 10-day IL. Optioned INF/OFs Bligh Madris and David Hensley to Sugar Land (IL).
MINNESOTA TWINS — Recalled RHP Josh Winder from St. Paul (IL). Optioned RHP Oliver Ortega to St. Paul. Acquired RHP Dylan Floro from Miami in exchange for RHP Jorge Lopez.
SEATTLE MARINERS — Acquired RHP Trent Thornton from Toronto in exchange for INF Mason McCoy and optioned him to Tacoma (PCL). Transferred Marco Gonzalez from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL.
TEXAS RANGERS — Sent RHP Josh Sborz to Round Rock (PCL) on a rehab assignment.
National League
ATLANTA BRAVES — Sent RHP Derek Rodriguez and LHP Lucas Luetge outright to Gwinnett (IL).
LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Reinstated INF/OF Kike Hernandez from the 10-day IL. Recalled RHP Tyson Miller from Oklahoma City (PCL). Optioned LHP Justin Bruihl to Oklahoma City. Placed OF Jonny DeLuca on the 10-day IL.
MIAMI MARLINS — Sent RHP Tommy Nance to the Florida Complex League (FCL) on a rehab assignment.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Placed OF Jesse Winkler on the 10-day IL, retroactive to July 25. Recalled INF Abraham Toro from Nashville (IL).
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Recalled INF Marco Luciano from Sacramento (PCL). Optioned INF David Villar to Sacramento.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Selected the contract of RHP Andres Machado from Rochester (IL). Optioned RHP Amos Willingham to Rochester. Transferred OF Victor Robles from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL.
BASKETBALL
National Basketball Association
BOSTON CELTICS — Re-signed G Jaylen Brown to a veteran extension.
Women’s National Basketball Association
CONNECTICUT SUN — Signed C Bernadett Hatar to a rest-of-season contract.
LAS VEGAS ACES — Released G/F Ashley Joens.
MINNESOTA LYNX — Cleared F Jessica Shepard to return. Released F Emily Engstler from her hardship contract.
FOOTBALL
National Football League
ARIZONA CARDINALS — Placed QB Kyler Murray, TE Zach Ertz and LB B.J. Ojulari on the active/physically unable to play (PUP) list. Placed CB Garrett Williams on the non-football injury list.
BALTIMORE RAVENS — Waived OT Brandon Kipper. Placed DB Trayvon Mullen on the non-football injury list.
CAROLINA PANTHERS — Waived WR Marquez Stevenson.
CHICAGO BEARS — Signed OL Aviante Collins. Placed OL Lorenzo Metz on waivers. Signed TE Cole Kmet to a four-year contract.
DALLAS COWBOYS — Signed DB Josh Butler.
GREEN BAY PACKERS — Signed WR Cody Chrest. Waived WR Jeff Cotton with an injury designation. Placed OT Caleb Jones on the active/non-football injury list. Activated TE Camren McDonald.
HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed OT Tytus Howard to a three-year contract.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Placed OLB Dawuane Smoot on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Placed WR John Ross on the reserve/retired list.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Activated WR Pokey Wilson from the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Placed WR Jalen Guyton, DLs Otito Ogbonnia and Austin Johnson on the PUP list.
LOS ANGELES RAMS — Claimed LB Sterling Weatherford off waivers from Chicago. Placed TE Hunter Long and OT Warren McClendon on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
NEW ORELANS SAINTS — Activated DB Anthony Johnson and WR. A.T. Perry.
NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed LT Andrew Thomas to a contract extension. Placed LB Elerson Smith on injured reserve.
NEW YORK JETS — Activated TE C.J. Uzomah from the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Signed QB Aaron Rodgers to a two-year contract.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Placed WR Devon Allen on the active/non-football injury list. Signed WR Deon Cain. Released TE Dalton Keene.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed CB Terrance Mitchell. Placed P Mitch Wishowsky on the active/non-football injury list. Placed DE Nick Bosa on the did not report list.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Placed S Jamal Adams, LB Jordyn Brooks, TE Noah Fant, DTs Austin Faoliu, Bryan Mone and CB Riq Woolen on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Signed OLB Levi Bell and CBs Andrew Whitaker and Christ Steele. Waived DT Jonah Tavai.
TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed DB A.J. Moore. Waived OT Curtis Brooks.
HOCKEY
National Hockey League
CAROLINA HURRICANES — Signed RW Sebastian Aho to an eight-year contract extension.
Minor League Hockey
ECHL
WORCESTER RAILERS — Signed D Artyom Kulakov.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
AUSTIN FC — Waived and exercised a buyout of a guaranteed contract on D Amro Tarek.
LOS ANGELES FC —Acquired M Filip Krastev on loan from Lommel SK (Belgian Challenger Pro League) through 2024, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. Acquired D Matt Hedges from Toronto FC in exchange for $375,000 in general allocation money (GAM). Re-signed D Eddie Seguara.
USL Championship
SAN DIEGO LOYAL — Signed D Michael Chilaka, pending league and federation approval.
National Women’s Soccer League
HOUSTON DASH — Acquired M Sarah Puntigam from FC Koln (Bundesliga) in exchange for cash considerations.
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 1
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
| BOYLE COUNTY (KY.) | AT | GIBSON SOUTHERN | 6:00 PM | ||
| CENTER GROVE | VS. | ST. EDWARD (OHIO) | 12:05 AM | ||
| SOUTHSIDE HOMESCHOOL | AT | PHALEN ACADEMY | 5:00 PM |
BIG 10 WEEKLY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
WEEK 1
MINNESOTA VS. NEBRASKA
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
WISCONSIN VS. BUFFALO
MICHIGAN STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
MICHIGAN VS. EAST CAROLINA
PURDUE VS. FRESNO STATE
RUTGERS VS. NORTHWESTERN
INDIANA VS. OHIO STATE
ILLINOIS VS. TOLEDO
MARYLAND VS. TOWSON
IOWA VS. UTAH STATE
PENN STATE VS. WEST VIRGINIA
WEEK 2
MARYLAND VS. CHARLOTTE
PENN STATE VS. DELAWARE
MINNESOTA VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS AT KANSAS
INDIANA VS. INDIANA STATE
IOWA AT IOWA STATE
NEBRASKA AT COLORADO
PURDUE AT VIRGINIA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. RICHMOND
RUTGERS VS. TEMPLE
MICHIGAN VS. UNLV
NORTHWESTERN VS. UTEP
WISCONSIN AT WASHINGTON STATE
OHIO STATE VS. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
WEEK 3
MICHIGAN VS. BOWLING GREEN
WISCONSIN VS. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
INDIANA VS. LOUISVILLE (IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
MINNESOTA AT NORTH CAROLINA
NEBRASKA VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
NORTHWESTERN AT DUKE
ILLINOIS VS. PENN STATE
PURDUE VS. SYRACUSE
MARYLAND VS. VIRGINIA
RUTGERS VS. VIRGINIA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. WASHINGTON
IOWA VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN
OHIO STATE VS. WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEEK 4
INDIANA VS. AKRON
ILLINOIS VS. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
PENN STATE VS. IOWA
NEBRASKA VS. LOUISIANA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. MARYLAND
NORTHWESTERN VS. MINNESOTA
OHIO STATE AT NOTRE DAME
MICHIGAN VS. RUTGERS
PURDUE VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 5
PURDUE VS. ILLINOIS
MARYLAND VS. INDIANA
MINNESOTA VS. LOUISIANA
NEBRASKA VS. MICHIGAN
IOWA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
NORTHWESTERN VS. PENN STATE
RUTGERS VS. WAGNER
WEEK 6
NORTHWESTERN VS. HOWARD
OHIO STATE VS. MARYLAND
MINNESOTA VS. MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS VS. NEBRASKA
IOWA VS. PURDUE
WISCONSIN VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 7
MARYLAND VS. ILLINOIS
MICHIGAN VS. INDIANA
WISCONSIN VS. IOWA
RUTGERS VS. MICHIGAN STATE
PURDUE VS. OHIO STATE
PENN STATE VS. UMASS
WEEK 8
MICHIGAN STATE VS. MICHIGAN
IOWA VS. MINNESOTA
NEBRASKA VS. NORTHWESTERN
OHIO STATE VS. PENN STATE
INDIANA VS. RUTGERS
ILLINOIS VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 9
PENN STATE VS. INDIANA
NORTHWESTERN VS. MARYLAND
MINNESOTA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
WISCONSIN VS. OHIO STATE
NEBRASKA VS. PURDUE
WEEK 10
MINNESOTA VS. ILLINOIS
NORTHWESTERN VS. IOWA (IN CHICAGO, IL)
MICHIGAN STATE VS. NEBRASKA
RUTGERS VS. OHIO STATE
MARYLAND VS. PENN STATE
MICHIGAN VS. PURDUE
INDIANA VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 11
ILLINOIS VS. INDIANA
NEBRASKA VS. MARYLAND
PENN STATE VS. MICHIGAN
OHIO STATE VS. MICHIGAN STATE
PURDUE VS. MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN VS. NORTHWESTERN
IOWA VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 12
IOWA VS. ILLINOIS
MARYLAND VS. MICHIGAN
INDIANA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
OHIO STATE VS. MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN VS. NEBRASKA
NORTHWESTERN VS. PURDUE
PENN STATE VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 13
NEBRASKA VS. IOWA
FRIDAY, NOV. 24
PURDUE VS. INDIANA
RUTGERS VS. MARYLAND
ILLINOIS VS. NORTHWESTERN
MICHIGAN VS. OHIO STATE
MICHIGAN STATE VS. PENN STATE
MINNESOTA VS. WISCONSIN
2023 BIG 10 FOOTBALL WATCH LIST
OFFENSE
QB J.J. MCCARTHY, MICHIGAN
QB TAULIA TAGOVAILOA, MARYLAND
QB KYLE MCCORD, OHIO STATE
QB DREW ALLAR, PENN STATE
RB BLAKE CORUM, MICHIGAN
RB BRAELON ALLEN, WISCONSIN
RB DONOVAN EDWARDS, MICHIGAN
RB TREVEYON HENDERSON, OHIO STATE
RB NICHOLAS SINGLETON, PENN STATE
RB DEVIN MOCKOBEE, PURDUE
RB MIYAN WILLIAMS, OHIO STATE
RB KAYTRON ALLEN, PENN STATE
RB ROMAN HEMBY, MARYLAND
RB JOSH MCCRAY, ILLINOIS
RB KALEB JOHNSON, IOWA
RB ANTHONY GRANT, NEBRASKA
RB SEAN TYLER, MINNESOTA
RB CAM PORTER, NORTHWESTERN
WR MARVIN HARRISON JR., OHIO STATE
WR EMEKA EGBUKA, OHIO STATE
WR ISAIAH WILLIAMS, ILLINOIS
WR CHIMERE DIKE, WISCONSIN
WR CHRIS AUTMAN-BELL, MINNESOTA
WR KEANDRE LAMBERT-SMITH, PENN STATE
WR JESHAUN JONES, MARYLAND
WR CAM CAMPER, INDIANA
WR CORNELIUS JOHNSON, MICHIGAN
WR DANIEL JACKSON, MINNESOTA
WR JULIAN FLEMING, OHIO STATE
WR TYRESE CHAMBERS, MARYLAND
TE CADE STOVER, OHIO STATE
TE BREVYN SPANN-FORD, MINNESOTA
TE LUKE LACHEY, IOWA
TE COLSTON LOVELAND, MICHIGAN
TE COREY DYCHES, MARYLAND
C DRAKE NUGENT, MICHIGAN
C GUS HARTWIG, PURDUE
C NICK SAMAC, MICHIGAN STATE
C LOGAN JONES, IOWA
OL OLUMUYIWA FASHANU, PENN STATE
OL ZAK ZINTER, MICHIGAN
OL MATT JONES, OHIO STATE
OL DONOVAN JACKSON, OHIO STATE
OL TREVOR KEEGAN, MICHIGAN
OL JACK NELSON, WISCONSIN
OL ISAIAH ADAMS, ILLINOIS
OL QUINN CARROLL, MINNESOTA
OL J.D. DUPLAIN, MICHIGAN STATE
OL DELMAR GLAZE, MARYLAND
OL JULIAN PEARL, ILLINOIS
OL TANOR BORTOLINI, WISCONSIN
OL MARCUS MBOW, PURDUE
OL MASON RICHMAN, IOWA
OL HOLLIN PIERCE, RUTGERS
OL JOSH FRYAR, OHIO STATE
OL MATTHEW BEDFORD, INDIANA
OL KARSEN BARNHART, MICHIGAN
OL CAEDAN WALLACE, PENN STATE
OL TEDDY PROCHAZKA, NEBRASKA
DEFENSE
DL JER’ZHAN NEWTON, ILLINOIS
DL JT TUIMOLOAU, OHIO STATE
DL KEITH RANDOLPH JR., ILLINOIS
DL CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE
DL AARON LEWIS, RUTGERS
DL JOE EVANS, IOWA
DL ADISA ISAAC, PENN STATE
DL KRIS JENKINS, MICHIGAN
DL MASON GRAHAM, MICHIGAN
DL MICHAEL HALL JR., OHIO STATE
DL LOGAN LEE, IOWA
DL SIMEON BARROW, MICHIGAN STATE
DL ANDRE CARTER, INDIANA
DL JAYLEN HARRELL, MICHIGAN
DL WESLEY BAILEY, RUTGERS
DL JACK SAWYER, OHIO STATE
DL TY ROBINSON, NEBRASKA
DL JALEN LOGAN-REDDING, MINNESOTA
LB TOMMY EICHENBERG, OHIO STATE
LB CAL HALADAY, MICHIGAN STATE
LB JUNIOR COLSON, MICHIGAN
LB ABDUL CARTER, PENN STATE
LB LUKE REIMER, NEBRASKA
LB AARON CASEY, INDIANA
LB MAEMA NJONGMETA, WISCONSIN
LB MICHAEL BARRETT, MICHIGAN
LB JAISHAWN BARHAM, MARYLAND
LB BRYCE GALLAGHER, NORTHWESTERN
LB DEION JENNINGS, RUTGERS
LB JACOBY WINDMON, MICHIGAN STATE
LB NICK JACKSON, IOWA
LB STEELE CHAMBERS, OHIO STATE
LB CURTIS JACOBS, PENN STATE
LB SETH COLEMAN, ILLINOIS
LB NICK HENRICH, NEBRASKA
LB C.J. GOETZ, WISCONSIN
LB NIC CARAWAY, PURDUE
LB GABE JACAS, ILLINOIS
DB KALEN KING, PENN STATE
DB COOPER DEJEAN, IOWA
DB WILL JOHNSON, MICHIGAN
DB LATHAN RANSOM, OHIO STATE
DB DENZEL BURKE, OHIO STATE
DB QUINN SCHULTE, IOWA
DB TYLER NUBIN, MINNESOTA
DB ROD MOORE, MICHIGAN
DB MAX MELTON, RUTGERS
DB QUINTON NEWSOME, NEBRASKA
DB JUSTIN WALLEY, MINNESOTA
DB CAM ALLEN, PURDUE
DB MIKE SAINRISTIL, MICHIGAN
CB TAHVEON NICHOLSON, ILLINOIS
CB BEAU BRADE, MARYLAND
DB KEATON ELLIS, PENN STATE
DB HUNTER WOHLER, WISCONSIN
DB MYLES FARMER, NEBRASKA
K DREW STEVENS, IOWA
K PARKER LEWIS, OHIO STATE
K CALEB GRIFFIN, ILLINOIS
K NATHANIAL VAKOS, WISCONSIN
P TORY TAYLOR, IOWA
P JESSE MIRCO, OHIO STATE
P JAMES EVANS, INDIANA
P BRIAN BUSCHINI, NEBRASKA
KR JAYLIN LUCAS, INDIANA
KR NICHOLAS SINGLETON, PENN STATE
KR QUENTIN REDDING, MINNESOTA
KR OCTAVIAN SMITH, MARYLAND
PR A.J. HENNING, NORTHWESTERN
PR COOPER DEJEAN, IOWA
PR ISAIAH WILLIAMS, ILLINOIS
PR EMEKA EGBUKA, OHIO STATE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
WEEK 0
SATURDAY, AUG. 26
NOTRE DAME VS. NAVY (DUBLIN, IRELAND) | 2:30 P.M. | NBC
MERCER VS. NORTH ALABAMA (MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
JACKSONVILLE STATE VS. UTEP | 5:30 P.M. | CBSSN
NEW MEXICO STATE VS. UMASS | 7 P.M. | ESPN
SAN DIEGO STATE VS. OHIO | 7 P.M. | FS1
VANDERBILT VS. HAWAI’I | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
JACKSON STATE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
USC VS. SAN JOSE STATE | 8 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
LOUISIANA TECH VS. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL | 9 P.M. | CBSSN
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
WAKE FOREST VS. ELON | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
UCF VS. KENT STATE | 7 P.M. | FS1
GEORGIA STATE VS. RHODE ISLAND | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN MICHIGAN VS. ST. FRANCIS (PA) | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UCONN VS. NC STATE | 7:30 P.M. | CBSSN
MINNESOTA VS. NEBRASKA | 8 P.M. | FOX
MISSOURI VS. SOUTH DAKOTA | 8 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UTAH VS. FLORIDA | 8 P.M. | ESPN
TULSA VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
UAB VS. NORTH CAROLINA A&T | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
ARIZONA STATE VS. SOUTHERN UTAH | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
EASTERN MICHIGAN VS. HOWARD | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
MICHIGAN STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN | 7 P.M. | FS1
MIAMI (FLA.) VS. MIAMI (OHIO) | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
GEORGIA TECH VS. LOUISVILLE (MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IN ATLANTA) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
KANSAS VS. MISSOURI STATE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
HAWAI’I VS. STANFORD | 11 P.M. | CBSSN
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
IOWA VS. UTAH STATE | 12 P.M. | FS1
KENTUCKY VS. BALL STATE | 12 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
LIBERTY VS. BOWLING GREEN | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
MICHIGAN VS. EAST CAROLINA | 12 P.M. | PEACOCK
PURDUE VS. FRESNO STATE | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SMU VS. LOUISIANA TECH | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
TENNESSEE VS. VIRGINIA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) | 12 P.M. | ABC
TCU VS. COLORADO | 12 P.M. | FOX
BOSTON COLLEGE VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
OKLAHOMA VS. ARKANSAS STATE | 12 P.M. | ESPN
OLE MISS VS. MERCER | 2 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
IOWA STATE VS. UNI | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
TEMPLE VS. AKRON | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
OHIO VS. LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
AIR FORCE VS. ROBERT MORRIS | 2 P.M. | ALTITUDE SPORTS
OREGON VS. PORTLAND STATE | 3 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
INDIANA VS. OHIO STATE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
AUBURN VS. UMASS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
MARYLAND VS. TOWSON | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
WISCONSIN VS. BUFFALO | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
WESTERN KENTUCKY VS. SOUTH FLORIDA | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
WASHINGTON VS. BOISE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
NOTRE DAME VS. TENNESSEE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | NBC
PITT VS. WOFFORD | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
CINCINNATI VS. EASTERN KENTUCKY | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS VS. RICE | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
APPALACHIAN STATE VS. GARDNER-WEBB | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
ARKANSAS VS. WESTERN CAROLINA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. SE LOUISIANA | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS VS. CAL | 4 P.M. | ESPNU
SYRACUSE VS. COLGATE | 4 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
GEORGIA VS. UT MARTIN | 6 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
CHARLOTTE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA ATLANTIC VS. MONMOUTH | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
GEORGIA SOUTHERN VS. THE CITADEL | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
JAMES MADISON VS. BUCKNELL | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MARSHALL VS. ALBANY | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL VS. MAINE | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
USC VS. NEVADA | 6:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
TEXAS A&M VS. NEW MEXICO | 7 P.M. | ESPN
UL MONROE VS. ARMY | 7 P.M. | NFL NETWORK
VANDERBILT VS. ALABAMA A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
COLORADO STATE VS. WASHINGTON STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
BAYLOR VS. TEXAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON VS. UTSA | 7 P.M. | FS1
KANSAS STATE VS. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
OKLAHOMA STATE VS. CENTRAL ARKANSAS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MEMPHIS VS. BETHUNE-COOKMAN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHERN MISS VS. ALCORN STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
TROY VS. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ALABAMA VS. MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
ILLINOIS VS. TOLEDO | 7:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTH CAROLINA VS. NORTH CAROLINA (CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
PENN STATE VS. WEST VIRGINIA | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
WYOMING VS. TEXAS TECH | 7:30 P.M. | CBS
LOUISIANA VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
VIRGINIA TECH VS. OLD DOMINION | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
TULANE VS. SOUTH ALABAMA | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
NEW MEXICO STATE VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
UTEP VS. UIW | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
ARIZONA VS. NORTHERN ARIZONA | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
BYU VS. SAM HOUSTON | 10:15 P.M. | FS1
UCLA VS. COASTAL CAROLINA | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
SAN DIEGO STATE VS. IDAHO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
RUTGERS VS. NORTHWESTERN | 12 P.M. | CBS
SAN JOSE STATE VS. OREGON STATE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
FLORIDA STATE VS. LSU (ORLANDO, FLORIDA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
MONDAY, SEPT. 4
DUKE VS. CLEMSON | 8 P.M. | ESPN
COLTS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – 10-11 A.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 8 – 9-10:30 A.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 10 – 9-10 A.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 15 – 9-10 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 – 6-8 P.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 17 – 6-8 P.M.
NFL PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 3
N.Y. JETS VS. CLEVELAND (NBC), 8:00
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
HOUSTON AT NEW ENGLAND, 7:00
MINNESOTA AT SEATTLE, 10:00
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
N.Y. GIANTS AT DETROIT, 7:00
GREEN BAY AT CINCINNATI, 7:00
ATLANTA AT MIAMI, 7:00
PITTSBURGH AT TAMPA BAY, 7:00
WASHINGTON AT CLEVELAND, 7:30
DENVER AT ARIZONA, 10:00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
INDIANAPOLIS AT BUFFALO, 1:00
TENNESSEE AT CHICAGO, 1:00
N.Y. JETS AT CAROLINA, 4:00
JACKSONVILLE AT DALLAS, 5:00
PHILADELPHIA AT BALTIMORE, 7:00
L.A. CHARGERS AT L.A. RAMS, 9:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
KANSAS CITY AT NEW ORLEANS, 1:00
SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS, 4:00
WEEK 2
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
CLEVELAND AT PHILADELPHIA, 7:30
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
CAROLINA AT N.Y. GIANTS, 7:00
CINCINNATI AT ATLANTA, 7:30
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
JACKSONVILLE AT DETROIT, 1:00
MIAMI AT HOUSTON, 4:00
BUFFALO AT PITTSBURGH, 6:30
CHICAGO AT INDIANAPOLIS, 7:00
TAMPA BAY AT N.Y. JETS, 7:30
KANSAS CITY AT ARIZONA, 8:00
NEW ENGLAND AT GREEN BAY, 8:00
TENNESSEE AT MINNESOTA, 8:00
DENVER AT SAN FRANCISCO, 8:30
LAS VEGAS AT L.A. RAMS, 9:00
DALLAS AT SEATTLE, 10:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. CHARGERS, 7:05
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
BALTIMORE AT WASHINGTON (ESPN), 8:00
WEEK 3
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
PITTSBURGH AT ATLANTA, 7:30
INDIANAPOLIS AT PHILADELPHIA (PRIME VIDEO), 8:00
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
DETROIT AT CAROLINA (CBS), 8:00
NEW ENGLAND AT TENNESSEE, 8:15
L.A. CHARGERS AT SAN FRANCISCO, 10:00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
BUFFALO AT CHICAGO, 1:00
SEATTLE AT GREEN BAY, 1:00
CLEVELAND AT KANSAS CITY, 1:00
ARIZONA AT MINNESOTA, 1:00
N.Y. JETS AT N.Y. GIANTS, 6:00
CINCINNATI AT WASHINGTON, 6:05
MIAMI AT JACKSONVILLE, 7:00
BALTIMORE AT TAMPA BAY, 7:00
LAS VEGAS AT DALLAS, 8:00
L.A. RAMS AT DENVER, 9:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
HOUSTON AT NEW ORLEANS (FOX), 8:00
WEEK 1 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
DETROIT LIONS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (THU) 7:20P (CT) 8:20P NBC
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
HOUSTON TEXANS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS 3:25P (CT) 4:25P FOX
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS 2:25P (MT) 4:25P CBS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P CBS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4:25P (ET) 4:25P CBS
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P FOX
DALLAS COWBOYS AT NEW YORK GIANTS 8:20P (ET) 8:20P NBC
BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW YORK JETS (MON) 8:15P (ET) 8:15P ESPN/ABC
TOP NATIONAL RELEASES/HEADLINES
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MLB ROUNDUP: BENCHES CLEAR, RANGERS SLAM ASTROS
Marcus Semien went 3-for-3 with a homer prior to his ejection in the fifth inning and Adolis Garcia capped a seven-run deluge with a grand slam that same frame as the Texas Rangers averted a series sweep with a 13-5 pummeling of the host Houston Astros on Wednesday.
The Rangers extended their lead in the American League West to two games over the Astros by inflicting massive two-out damage in the fourth and fifth innings, first against Houston ace Framber Valdez (8-7), and then off reliever Seth Martinez.
Garcia’s slam led to a bench-clearing incident as Semien and Astros catcher Martin Maldonado got in an argument. Semien had been hit by a pitch in the third inning, apparently in retaliation for Houston’s Yordan Alvarez getting plunked in the first.
Nathaniel Lowe homered and drove in three runs for Texas, and Sam Huff also went deep. Andrew Heaney (7-6) worked five innings of three-run ball for the win. Alex Bregman and Yainer Diaz homered for Houston, which had won six of its previous seven games.
Brewers 3, Reds 0
Right-hander Freddy Peralta struck out 13 and Tyrone Taylor hit a two-run home run to lead Milwaukee past visiting Cincinnati in the deciding game of a three-game series and complete a dominant season series between the National League Central rivals.
Peralta went six innings, giving up four hits with no walks and tied his career high for strikeouts in a mark he previously set in his major league debut at Colorado in 2018. He struck out the first five batters he faced. Elvis Peguero (2-3) picked up the win for the Brewers, following Peralta by pitching a scoreless seventh inning with two strikeouts.
Ben Lively (4-6) went six shutout innings before allowing a two-run home run to Taylor in the bottom of the seventh. He gave up two runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings with no walks and three strikeouts. The Brewers won 10 of 13 from the Reds, winning four by shutout.
Yankees 3, Mets 1
Carlos Rodon pitched 5 2/3 effective innings and Yankees beat the visiting Mets in the final game of the season between the New York rivals.
Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Falefa drove in the first two Yankee runs without hits and rookie Anthony Volpe added an RBI single as the Yankees won for the sixth time in 16 games and earned a split of the current two-game series and the four-game season series with the Mets.
Rodon (1-3) allowed one run on four hits while working out of trouble at times. The left-hander got his first win as a Yankee after losing his first three starts since returning earlier this month from back and forearm injuries. Jose Quintana (0-2) allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in six innings during his second start with the Mets since returning last week from a rib fracture. He struck out five and walked three.
Cubs 10, White Sox 7
Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ each had two hits and two RBIs and the bullpen delivered 5 2/3 innings of one-hit, scoreless relief to boost the visiting Cubs past the White Sox to sweep the two-game series between Chicago teams.
The Cubs closed with eight unanswered runs on the way to their fifth consecutive victory. Happ and Cody Bellinger connected for back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning to cap the spurt. A 7-2 lead after four innings didn’t hold up for the White Sox, who have lost five in a row and seven of eight.
Javier Assad (1-2) was the winner with 1 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. Adbert Alzolay earned his 11th save, his second in the two-game set against the White Sox, with a perfect ninth. Joe Kelly (1-5) took the loss after failing to record an out against four batters, surrendering one charged run and allowing two inherited runners to score.
Cardinals 11, Diamondbacks 7
Three high fastballs in the seventh inning doomed Arizona as St. Louis rallied late and cruised to victory in Phoenix.
With the game tied 3-3 after six innings, St. Louis scored three runs in the seventh and added five in the eighth as the Cardinals took the rubber game of a three-game series. Nolan Gorman homered twice among his three hits for the Cardinals, and teammate Lars Nootbaar also had three hits and a home run. Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Knizner also went deep for St. Louis.
Christian Walker and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Diamondbacks, while Walker, Jake McCarthy and Corbin Carroll had three hits apiece.
Phillies 6, Orioles 4
Edmundo Sosa hit a tiebreaking solo home run, J.T. Realmuto added a two-run double and Philadelphia won to take two out of three from visiting Baltimore.
Jake Cave contributed two hits and an RBI while Nick Castellanos and Bryce Harper each chipped in with an RBI single as the Phillies have won two in a row after losing five of their previous six. Seranthony Dominguez (2-2), who had missed the last five weeks with an oblique injury, earned the win in relief.
Adley Rutschman homered and knocked in three runs and Austin Hays had two hits and an RBI for the Orioles, who have dropped two straight after winning five of their previous six. Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish (6-6) gave up seven hits and five runs with three strikeouts and two walks in 6 2/3 innings.
Mariners 8, Twins 7
Dylan Moore hit two home runs and Julio Rodriguez added a home run and two doubles to lead Seattle past Minnesota in the deciding game of a three-game series in Minneapolis.
Bryce Miller (7-3) picked up the win despite allowing six runs on eight hits, including four home runs, over 5 2/3 innings. Miller didn’t walk a batter and struck out seven. Andres Munoz pitched around a leadoff single by Christian Vazquez in the bottom of the ninth to earn his second save.
Matt Wallner hit two home runs while Edouard Julien and Vazquez also went deep for Minnesota. Vazquez finished with three hits and two RBIs while Wallner, Trevor Larnach and Kyle Farmer each added two hits. Joe Ryan (9-7) absorbed the loss in allowing four runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.
Marlins 7, Rays 1
Sandy Alcantara recorded his second complete game of the season, lifting Miami to a win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Showing the form that made him the National League Cy Young Award winner, Alcantara (4-9) allowed one run on five hits and struck out seven to help snap Miami’s 10-game road losing streak. Luis Arraez had two hits and two RBIs, raising his MLB-leading batting average to .376. Jacob Stallings added two hits and drove in two runs.
Tampa Bay’s Zach Eflin (11-6) was tagged for five runs on seven hits in four innings. The Rays announced he was taken out due to left knee discomfort. Tampa Bay is 2-8 in its last 10 games.
Giants 8, A’s 3
Pinch hitter Austin Slater broke a tie with a two-run, sixth-inning homer and San Francisco completed a two-game home sweep of rival Oakland. J.D. Davis also homered for the Giants, who saw an early 3-0 advantage disappear before rallying, thanks to five innings of dominant relief.
After Oakland’s Jace Peterson and Shea Langeliers contributed RBI singles to a three-run fourth inning that tied the score, Alex Wood (5-4) took over in the fifth — the fourth Giants pitcher — and threw three shutout innings, allowing one hit.
In that time, one out after Wilmer Flores led off the last of the sixth with a double, Slater was called upon to hit for Michael Conforto. Slater drilled his fifth homer of the season to left-center field off bulk-inning A’s reliever Hogan Harris (2-5). Wood handed the ball to Tyler Rogers for a scoreless eighth before Luke Jackson, pitching with a five-run lead, threw a one-hit ninth. In all, Wood, Rogers and Jackson combined to get the final 15 outs in a 17-batter span.
Nationals 5, Rockies 4
CJ Abrams capped a four-run, ninth-inning rally with a walk-off RBI single as host Washington pulled off a victory over Colorado in the rubber match of a three-game series.
The Nationals trailed 4-1 entering the bottom of the ninth. Colorado closer Daniel Bard (4-2) loaded the bases with no outs and wound up charged with four runs on one hit with four walks in 2/3 innings. Matt Koch came on for Bard and served up Abrams’ game-winning hit. The rally spoiled a strong start from Rockies starter Peter Lambert, who allowed one unearned run on three hits in six innings.
Andres Machado (1-0) earned the win after striking out two while tossing a perfect top of the ninth. Elehuris Montero, Ryan McMahon and Michael Toglia each went deep for the Rockies, who are 6-5 since the All-Star break.
Blue Jays 8, Dodgers 1
Whit Merrifield hit a three-run home run and Yusei Kikuchi pitched six strong innings as visiting Toronto beat Los Angeles in the deciding game of a three-game series.
Merrifield drove in four runs, while Danny Jansen added a home run and Bo Bichette had four hits for the Blue Jays. Kikuchi (8-3) allowed one run on seven hits.
Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin (5-4) gave up five runs on seven hits in five innings. Enrique Hernandez, reacquired in a Tuesday trade, started at second base in his return to Los Angeles and had two hits.
Pirates 3, Padres 2
Johan Oviedo gave up one run on three hits over six innings as visiting Pittsburgh defeated San Diego in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Oviedo (4-11) had lost eight straight decisions entering the game. David Bednar allowed a run in the ninth but got his 20th save. Inning-opening home runs by Ji Man Choi, Bryan Reynolds and Carlos Santana provided the Pirates’ offense.
Seth Lugo (4-5) allowed two runs on three hits in seven innings for the Padres, who finished 1-5 vs. the Pirates this season.
Red Sox 5, Braves 3
A barrage of three home runs in the late innings helped Boston top visiting Atlanta to complete a two-game series sweep.
Rafael Devers, Triston Casas and Adam Duvall all homered for Boston, which has won four straight. Justin Turner hit a two-run double that flipped the score for good in the seventh. Turner, Casas and Connor Wong all had multi-hit games to support Brayan Bello, who allowed three runs on four hits over his six innings. Joe Jacques (2-1) followed with a scoreless inning to earn the win.
Ozzie Albies ripped a three-run homer into the right-center field bullpen for the Braves. Albies was 2-for-4 to lead the six-hit offense for the Braves, who have lost three of their last four games.
Guardians 8, Royals 3
Jose Ramirez homered twice to help Cleveland beat visiting Kansas City in the rubber match of their three-game series.
David Fry also homered and Gabriel Arias had two hits and a run scored for the Guardians, who have won two in a row to get back to .500, where they sat at the All-Star break. Cleveland starter Gavin Williams threw four shutout innings, allowing three hits. striking out five and walking two. The rookie right-hander was lifted after throwing 87 pitches. Nick Sandlin (5-3) replaced Williams and got the win.
Royals rookie right-hander Alec Marsh dropped his fifth straight start to begin his major league career. Marsh (0-5) allowed four runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings, striking out three and walking four. MJ Melendez had two hits, including a solo homer in the ninth, and Salvador Perez, Freddy Fermin and Michael Massey also had two hits apiece for the Royals, who have lost seven of eight.
ANGELS ACQUIRE PITCHERS LUCAS GIOLITO, REYNALDO LÓPEZ FROM WHITE SOX FOR PROSPECTS
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, signaling their determination to contend for a playoff spot with Shohei Ohtani.
The Angels traded two of their top minor league prospects – left-hander Ky Bush and catcher Edgar Quero – to the White Sox, who got a solid return for two talented veteran pitchers playing their final season before unrestricted free agency.
Los Angeles announced the deal shortly after Sports Illustrated cited an unidentified source in reporting the Angels will not trade Ohtani, the 2021 AL MVP. Ohtani will be an unrestricted free agent this winter, but the Angels clearly are pulling out all the stops to contend for their first playoff appearance in the two-way superstar’s six major league seasons.
Giolito is the centerpiece of the deal for the Halos, who were eager to add an experienced starting pitcher. The Los Angeles-area native was among the top available names on the market as an impending free agent unlikely to re-sign with the White Sox.
Giolito is 6-6 with a 3.79 ERA this season in 21 starts for Chicago. His 131 strikeouts are 10th in the AL, and he has limited opponents to a .211 average in his last nine starts.
Giolito is from Santa Monica, and he pitched alongside Atlanta’s Max Fried and St. Louis’ Jack Flaherty in high school in Studio City.
Giolito spent his past seven big league seasons in Chicago’s rotation, winning 59 games. He was an All-Star selection in 2019, and he threw a no-hitter on Aug. 25, 2020. He has finished in the top 11 in AL Cy Young voting three times in his career.
“Gio’s been a workhorse for us. I call him Mr. Consistency,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s the same guy every single day. A great teammate. He gives us everything we’ve got. He’s rooting for his teammates out on the bench. The Angels got a good guy. And they did in Lopey, too.”
The Angels’ six-man rotation has been inconsistent this season after a strong 2022 campaign, with even Ohtani having stretches of ineffectiveness. Giolito will join Ohtani, Tyler Anderson, Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval and Reid Detmers in the rotation.
Giolito’s most recent start was last Sunday, making him a likely candidate to pitch this weekend during the Angels’ important series in Toronto. Los Angeles must play a doubleheader in Detroit on Thursday after weather worries wiped out Wednesday’s game.
The Angels (52-49) have won six of their last seven to move four games behind the Blue Jays for the final AL wild-card spot, although the Yankees and Red Sox are also ahead of Los Angeles.
López will be another tested, veteran arm in the Angels’ bullpen. He is 2-5 with a 4.29 ERA and four saves in 43 appearances this season, and he has made eight consecutive scoreless appearances.
Giolito and López also were traded together in December 2016, when they were sent from the Washington Nationals to Chicago along with Dane Dunning in exchange for Adam Eaton.
“Certainly not where any of us in the organization thought when this year started we would become the trade deadline,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. “But clearly moves like these in terms of putting ourselves in the best position going forward are essential and we are certainly please to add Bush and Quero.”
The trade was announced after struggling White Sox dropped to 41-62 with a 10-7 loss to the Cubs. They have lost five in a row and 13 of 17 overall.
Bush, 23, was a second-round pick in 2021, and he is 1-4 with a 7.20 ERA while playing for two minor league teams this season. Quero is considered a future major league catcher, but his path to the show in Anaheim would be blocked by Logan O’Hoppe, who showed tremendous promise as a rookie early this season before a torn labrum sidelined him until next month.
“Quero is (among) the more highly regarded catching prospects in the game, at age 20, switch-hitting catcher who is one of the youngest players in Double-A,” Hahn said.
This aggressive trade is the latest move by the Angels to get rid of their reputation for wasting the talents of MVPs Mike Trout and Ohtani. Owner Arte Moreno’s club has the majors’ longest streaks of consecutive losing seasons (seven) and consecutive non-playoff seasons (eight, tied with Detroit).
REPORT: OHTANI OFF TRADE MARKET, ANGELS TO BUY AT DEADLINE
Shohei Ohtani is staying put, and his Los Angeles Angels will look to add – not subtract – ahead of the trade deadline Tuesday, reports Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci.
L.A. listened to several offers for the two-way superstar and discussed his future internally over the last two days before opting to pull the pending free agent from the market, Verducci adds.
“(Owner Arte Moreno) is committed to making a run this season, along with having Angels fans see Ohtani through September and hopefully into October,” a team source told SoCal News Group’s Jeff Fletcher. “The best way to try to make the postseason is through addition, not subtraction.”
The club began play Wednesday sitting four games back of a wild-card spot and 6.5 games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West. The Angels, who are 52-49 this season, saw their contest against the Detroit Tigers rained out Wednesday.
The Angels fell to 46-48 on July 16 after blowing a ninth-inning lead in a loss to the Houston Astros. That prompted inquiries from other clubs about Ohtani’s availability, but the talks didn’t progress far and L.A. has since won six of seven games to vault back into the wild-card race.
Ohtani came into Wednesday leading the majors in home runs (36), slugging percentage (.668), and OPS (1.066), with an average of .299 and an on-base percentage of .398. On the mound, the 29-year-old is 8-5 with a 3.71 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, 148 strikeouts, and 47 walks over 111 2/3 innings across 19 starts in 2023.
Fellow Angels star Mike Trout has been out since early July with a broken hamate bone but is expected back in mid-August.
The Angels haven’t made the playoffs since 2014. They’re tied with the Tigers for the longest current postseason drought.
GUARDIANS TRADE SHORTSTOP AMED ROSARIO TO DODGERS FOR PITCHER NOAH SYNDERGAARD AND NEARLY $1.9M
CLEVELAND (AP) Amed Rosario was never viewed as Cleveland’s long-term shortstop – more of a temporary fix.
On Wednesday, he became a former one.
Eager to give young infielders Tyler Freeman and Gabriel Arias more playing time, the Guardians traded Rosario to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Noah Syndergaard and nearly $1.9 million in a deal that addresses major needs for both contending clubs.
Rosario came to Cleveland from the New York Mets in the blockbuster deal for Francisco Lindor a few years back. And while he has been a reliable player and leader for the defending AL Central champions, the Guardians felt it was time to turn to their future.
Rosario started slowly at the plate this season, but is batting .265 with six triples, three homers and 40 RBIs. However, his defense has been lacking – he’s ranked among baseball’s worst shortstops in several categories – and the Guardians feel it’s better to see what Freeman and Arias can do.
“We felt that this made sense for us and now is the right time to give Gabby and Tyler some more opportunities,” said Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations. “We also wanted to be respectful to Amed. We recognize his place on our team and as a veteran leader and his expectations of himself and transitioning him to a lesser role would had an impact on him and the team and we were very mindful about doing that.”
Rosario, who is eligible for free agency this winter, has been the subject of trade speculation for months, and Wednesday he sat out Cleveland’s 8-3 win over Kansas City. Arias started at shortstop and had two hits.
The Dodgers are sending Cleveland $1,873,118 as part of the trade, in effect equalizing the salaries. Syndergaard is owed $4,682,795 from his $13 million salary and Rosario is owed $2,809,677 from his $7.8 million deal.
The move shores up the Dodgers’ current issues at shortstop.
All-Star Mookie Betts has played some short, but he’s the team’s primary right fielder. The Dodgers found themselves in need after Gavin Lux went down with a season-ending knee injury in spring training and Miguel Rojas has struggled offensively at the spot.
On Tuesday, the NL West-leading Dodgers acquired utilityman Kiké Hernández from the Boston Red Sox.
“I know he’s a heck of a ballplayer,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the deal was finalized. “I do know that I like him as a ballplayer.”
Cleveland, which trails first-place Minnesota by two games, needed to add a pitcher with starters Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill all dealing with injuries.
The 30-year-old Syndergaard should be able to eat up some innings for Cleveland – if he’s healthy. He’s been on the injured list with a blister on his right index finger since early June and pitching in rehab games for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Antonetti said Syndergaard is ready to join Cleveland’s rotation. The right-hander will join the Guardians in Chicago on Thursday for the opener of a four-game series, but it’s not clear when he’ll make his debut.
Earning the nickname “Thor” with a devastating fastball and long, blond hair, Syndergaard was once one of the game’s rising pitching stars. However, injuries have sidetracked his career. He signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers before the season and posted a 7.16 ERA in 12 starts before getting hurt.
The Guardians have been leaning on rookies Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams and Logan Allen and the club needs to closely monitor their workloads down the stretch. They’re hoping Syndergaad can help.
Antonetti said the club will recall outfielder Oscar Gonzalez from Triple-A Columbus to fill Rosario’s roster spot. Gonzalez, who was a postseason star for Cleveland in 2022, was sent to the minors after batting .192 in 25 games.
AARON JUDGE IS BACK IN NEW YORK AND COULD COME OFF INJURED LIST FRIDAY AT BALTIMORE
NEW YORK (AP) Aaron Judge is back in New York and could return to the Yankees’ lineup Friday night at Baltimore.
Sidelined since early June with a toe injury, Judge played another simulated game Wednesday at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida. He returned to the Big Apple after that, manager Aaron Boone said.
Speaking at Yankee Stadium following his team’s 3-1 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday night, Boone said he didn’t know yet if Judge would come off the injured list Friday to face the AL East-leading Orioles.
“We’ll kind of see where we’re at tomorrow,” Boone said. “I’m not sure if he’s going to run through a workout or if rehab stuff’s on the table. I don’t know that yet. When I talk to him and get with the trainers we’ll come up with a plan.”
Earlier in the day, the New York Post reported Judge is expected to be activated Friday barring a late setback.
“I certainly hope that’s the case but his timeline is his timeline and it’s most important that he feels comfortable where he’s at, obviously,” teammate Harrison Bader said.
Boone has maintained the last-place Yankees (54-48) are taking Judge’s status day by day and he wouldn’t rule out anything, including a return this weekend without a minor league rehab assignment. The team is off Thursday.
“I know he did play again. It sounds like it went well,” Boone said Wednesday afternoon. “Let’s huddle up and see what tomorrow brings and then we’ll see.”
Judge has been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe June 3 when he crashed into the right-field fence while making a catch at Dodger Stadium.
His progression has accelerated since the All-Star break, and the 2022 AL MVP faced live pitching Sunday at Yankee Stadium for the first time since the injury. He saw 16 pitches in a simulated game against teammate Jonathan Loáisiga, who is rehabbing from right elbow surgery. Judge fouled off four and did not put any balls in play.
Boone said Judge homered during a simulated game Tuesday in Florida. He also played the field and ran the bases.
Judge has acknowledged he won’t be pain-free when he returns, but the Yankees think he’ll be able to play right field rather than just serve as a designated hitter.
New York is 19-23 since Judge got hurt in Los Angeles. Last month, he received two injections before progressing to playing catch and taking light swings.
Judge set an American League record with 62 home runs last year. He is batting .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in the first season of a $360 million, nine-year contract he signed last offseason.
The Yankees are 30-19 with Judge, who also missed 10 games earlier this season with a right hip strain sustained when he tried to steal third base in Minnesota on his 31st birthday April 26.
ROB MANFRED’S TERM AS BASEBALL COMMISSIONER EXTENDED UNTIL 2029 BY MLB OWNERS
NEW YORK (AP) Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred’s term was extended until 2029 on Wednesday by major league owners.
The decision to give Manfred a third term in charge of the sport was made during a vote at an in-person meeting in Washington, D.C. The extension keeps Manfred in place until Jan. 25, 2029.
Manfred, 64, succeeded Bud Selig in January 2015 and was given a five-year term. Owners voted in November 2018 to offer Manfred a new deal through the 2024 season.
Manfred has overseen a period of on-field change for the sport, including instituting a pitch clock and limits on defensive shifts this season. Game times have dropped by about a half-hour and offense by left-handed batters has increased.
He presided over the deal with players that led to pandemic-shortened 60-game schedule in 2020, the institution of automatic runners at second base in extra-inning games that began that year and a 99-day lockout last year that ended with a five-year labor contract that runs through the 2026 season.
The collective bargaining agreement also expanded use of the designated hitter to the National League.
“It is an honor to serve the best game in the world and to continue the pursuit of strengthening our sport on and off the field,” Manfred said in a statement. “This season our players are displaying the most vibrant version of our game, and sports fans are responding in a manner that is great for Major League Baseball’s future. Together, all of us in the game will work toward presenting our sport at its finest and broadening its reach and impact for our loyal fans.”
Manfred has been criticized by some for granting players immunity in the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal – the team and management were penalized – and for allowing the Oakland Athletics to pursue a move to Las Vegas. His relationship with players has frequently been icy, and he said after last year’s lockout that he wanted to do better in that regard.
“At a critical moment in the history of our game, Commissioner Manfred has listened to our fans and worked closely with our players to improve America’s pastime,” Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton said in a statement. “Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans’ desire for more action and better pace, continued the game’s spirit of innovation, expanded MLB’s role in youth baseball and softball, and beyond. The significant momentum that MLB has built reflects his ongoing initiatives that are advancing the game.”
A graduate of the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations and Harvard Law School, Manfred became involved in baseball in 1987, when he was an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and the firm was retained as MLB labor counsel.
He became MLB’s executive vice president for labor relations and human resources in 1998, received an expanded role of EVP of economics and league affairs in 2012 and a year later was promoted to chief operating officer.
Manfred defeated Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner in August 2014 in the first contested vote for a new commissioner in 46 years. A third candidate, MLB Executive Vice President of Business Tim Brosnan, withdrew just before balloting.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
LINDSEY HORAN SCORES AS US EKES OUT 1-1 DRAW WITH THE NETHERLANDS AT THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) When the United States were desperate for a spark, Lindsey Horan channeled her anger into a much-needed goal to keep the Americans unbeaten at the Women’s World Cup.
Fuming after she was knocked over by Danielle Van de Donk in the second half, Horan scored a revenge goal minutes after to help the United States squeeze out a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday at the Women’s World Cup.
The Dutch struck first with a goal from Jill Roord in the first-half to surprise the Americans, who needed Horan’s goal to remain unbeaten in 19 consecutive matches.
Horan’s goal on a header off a corner kick from Rose Lavelle in the 62nd minute followed some jawing between Horan and Van de Donk, who both play professionally for the French club Lyon.
Horan was clearly angry after she was knocked off her feet, and she even cursed in the direction of Van de Donk.
“Dan is that type of player that, when she’s on my team, it’s incredible because she’s going to fight to the last second to win the game, and go into that last tackle, and that’s what she did,” Horan said. “Unfortunately, I did not take it in a good way, I got a little heated, and she got to hear it.”
Horan, who already had a yellow card from the previous match, was calmed by American defender Julie Ertz.
“She was like, `Linds, don’t get another yellow card, just score this goal to shut everyone up,'” Horan said.
She did just that for Horan’s 29th career goal, fourth in the World Cup, and second consecutive in this tournament.
Horan got the ball from Lavelle and before it even crossed the goal line, Horan’s expression showed she knew she was on target.
“Once we got through that tackle, all I wanted to do was score,” Horan said.
Van de Donk knew she had lit a fire in Horan.
“She got a bit feisty and she came over, we just had a little talk,” Van de Donk said. “The referee came in between, it wasn’t very necessary. I mean, we just played football again after that.”
Van de Donk even joked with Horan, telling her club teammate, “you’re going to be smiling at me 20 minutes after the game.”
With the draw, neither team secured a spot in the knockout round yet with one group match remaining. Both the Americans and the Dutch sit atop the Group E standings with a win and a draw, but the U.S. has the edge for the lead with more goals scored.
The United States plays Portugal in its group finale on Tuesday in Auckland, while the Netherlands plays Vietnam the same day in Dunedin.
The game was a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, a 2-0 win for the Americans in a game played in Lyon, France. It was the Americans’ second straight trophy in the tournament, and fourth overall.
Roord’s strike from atop the box went through Horan’s legs to put the Dutch ahead in the 17th minute and they held the lead going into halftime. It was just the sixth time the United States had trailed at the half in 52 World Cup matches, and first time since trailing Sweden at the break in the opening round in 2011.
Lavelle, who was hampered by a knee injury in the run-up to the World Cup, was subbed in for the United States at the half and immediately gave the team energy. Lavelle scored one of the goals in the World Cup final four years ago.
“I think the first half, we feel a little bit disappointed in how we played, but I think we fixed things right away, the pressure that we got on, and the amount of chances and opportunities that came from it,” Horan said. “Proud of the team and the response.”
The sky was sunny but temperatures were in the 50s in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, and there was a stiff breeze for the match. The crowd was announced at 27,312.
“It was a difficult match. Even though it didn’t finish the way we wanted it to finish, I thought it was a very good match for our team, especially for a group of young players. They grew throughout the game individually, but also as a team we grew throughout,” said U.S. Coach Vlatko Andonovski. Fourteen of the players on the U.S. roster are making their World Cup debuts.
The Americans, vying for a record third consecutive World Cup title , defeated Vietnam 3-0 in their tournament opener. Sophia Smith scored a pair of goals and Horan added the other.
Andonovski used the same lineup for the Dutch that he used against Vietnam. He’s turned to Julie Ertz, normally a midfielder, to play at center back in the absence of veteran Becky Sauerbrunn, who injured her foot and was not able to play in the World Cup.
Megan Rapinoe, the American star who came in as a substitute in the opening game against Vietnam for her 200th appearance with the team, was not used in Thursday’s match. Rapinoe has announced that this is her final World Cup and she will retire at the end of the season.
The Dutch were without forward Lineth Beerensteyn, who was hurt early in her team’s 1-0 victory over Portugal to open the tournament. Katja Snoeijs replaced her in the starting lineup against the United States.
The Dutch were also missing leading scorer Vivianne Miedema, who ruptured her ACL while playing for Arsenal in December. She has 95 career goals for the Dutch.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the team at their hotel on the eve of the match and was at the game. Blinken was in Wellington for a formal bilateral meeting with New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta, and he will also meet with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
The top finisher in the group opens the knockout round in Sydney against the second-place finisher in Group G, which includes Sweden, South Africa, Italy and Argentina.
The second-place finisher heads to Melbourne against the top Group G team.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
BIG 12 LEADERS VOTE TO ACCEPT COLORADO, CLEARING THE WAY FOR BUFFS TO DEPART PAC-12, AP SOURCE SAYS
(AP) — Big 12 presidents and chancellors voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept Colorado as a new member, clearing the way for the school to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin the conference, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 was not making its expansion plans public with Colorado still needing to go through a formal process on its campus and officially apply for membership. ESPN first reported the vote.
The university’s board of regents has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday with athletics operations on the agenda.
Another person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations told AP the school and league have been in contact for more than a month about a potential departure from the Pac-12; the person said it was unclear if CU had come to a decision, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 was not publicly discussing details of potential expansion plans.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months about his desire to expand the conference and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. He did not return an email seeking comment.
The Pac-12 has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten the longer it takes for it to land a media rights contract to take effect next year. The conference’s current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year.
The Big 12 has not formally announced a new media rights contracts, but last year it came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a six-year extension that runs through 2030-31.
Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff spoke confidently at football media days last week that the 10 remaining conference members were committed to stay together.
“What we’ve seen is the longer we wait for the media deal, the better our options get,” Kliavkoff said.
Colorado Chancellor Phil DiStefano told the Denver Post last week he was “eagerly awaiting” more details on the television negotiations.
The Pac-12 held a regularly scheduled board meeting Wednesday with its school presidents and a person familiar with the meeting said DiStefano did not notify his colleagues that Colorado was on the verge of making a decision on conference. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the conference was not speaking publicly about its internal operations.
The Pac-12 officially declined comment. Text messages to Kliavkoff and Colorado athletic director Rick George were not immediately returned.
Colorado was an original member of the Big 12 in 1996, and joined the Pac-12 in 2011. The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year – leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.
The person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions said the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.
The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year.
Big 12 leadership has also discussed the possibility of trying to add UConn, which won the men’s NCAA basketball tournament earlier this year, and Gonzaga, a basketball powerhouse which does not have a football team, the person said.
The Big 12 has been the strongest men’s basketball conference in the country over the last few seasons, and Yormark has said he feels the sport could be a source of untapped value in future media rights deals.
FAVORITE EMERGES IN ALABAMA’S THREE-HEADED QB RACE
Alabama is in a similar boat to several other powerhouse programs as the Crimson Tide approach August without a definitive answer at starting quarterback.
However, the Tide’s situation is even a bit murkier with a trio of potential signal-callers in the picture for the team’s season opener against Middle Tennessee.
Ty Simpson is the current +150 favorite by SportsBetting.ag to be under center for that Sept. 2 game. That’s slightly ahead of Tyler Buchner (+140) and Jalen Milroe (+300).
The trio are competing to replace Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and was named the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback on Wednesday.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this week that none of his 2023 quarterback options created separation in the spring and so, as with “Grandma Saban’s best cake in the world,” the plan is to “not rush it.”
“She’d say, ‘If I take it out of the oven too soon, it’s gonna turn to mush.’ We have to make sure we let the cake bake,” Saban said.
That oven could continue to be set to bake beyond the season opener, with Alabama set for a showdown against the Texas Longhorns in Week 2.
Alabama also has new coordinators following the exit of Bill O’Brien on offense, but Kevin Steele returned to fill the void at defensive coordinator for his third stint on Saban’s staff.
Tommy Rees has the dual role of coordinator and quarterbacks coach and drew raves from Saban. Rees was offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, where he played quarterback, for current LSU coach Brian Kelly.
“Tommy Rees is one of the brightest young minds I’ve seen in a long time in this business,” Saban said.
Buchner began his career under Rees at Notre Dame, so the two have more familiarity. Meanwhile, Milroe has the edge in on-field experience, having completed 31 of 53 passes for 297 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions last season.
Simpson saw only limited snaps in 2022, completing 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards in appearance in three blowout wins. However, many analysts are expecting the redshirt freshman to emerge as the Tide’s starter.
Simpson named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year after throwing for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns and leading his Westview team to the Class 2A state title as a senior.
Alabama will actually have five scholarship quarterbacks on its roster this season, including Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan.
While there are also quarterback competitions at SEC rivals Georgia and Auburn, oddsmakers believer there are clear frontrunners at both.
Carson Beck is the heavy -700 favorite by the book to start Week 1 for Georgia over Brock Vandagriff (+400); while Payton Thorne is the -200 favorite to start the season for Auburn ahead of Robby Ashford (+150).
IOWA’S KIRK FERENTZ CALLS ON NCAA TO ADDRESS GAMBLING POLICY
Gambling falls outside the interests of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, a topic he is getting up to speed on as the Hawkeyes begin the 2023 season.
At least 26 University of Iowa athletes across five sports are suspected of wagering on sports in violation of NCAA rules, the school confirmed in May. How many of them are part of the football program isn’t known.
Defensive tackle Noah Shannon was not alongside Ferentz as originally planned on Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis because of an ongoing NCAA investigation into Iowa players in multiple sports allegedly betting on game. Ferentz said “it’s not a large number of players, period,” when asked how his roster might be impacted by any ruling on the matter from the NCAA and called on the governing body of college athletics to take a closer look at the intersection of sports and gambling.
“Long story short, we don’t know what the outcome is going to be,” Ferentz said. “I don’t think anyone condones gambling, especially on the college game. I do think that being said, I have learned a lot the past two months just about gambling. I never really paid attention to it, other than we signed a form, probably the same form we signed when I was playing.”
Athletes, coaches and staff are prohibited from betting on any amateur, collegiate and professional sport in which the NCAA conducts a championship.
That means even NBA, NFL, MLB and PGA-related betting would be among pro sports wagering options that, while legal in many states, would be off-limits for college athletes, coaches and administrators.
It is also illegal in Iowa for a person under 21 to bet on sports.
“I think our world has changed dramatically,” Ferentz said. “Anybody who does pay attention to gambling knows that better than I — certainly the last couple of years. We live in a real different world right now. I think what the NFL’s done with their rules makes a lot of sense. I’m hopeful this is an opportunity with the NCAA to maybe reconsider two things: what the, quote-unquote, punishments or penalties might be that are … I would say, fair and relevant to the world we’re living in right now. And then probably the bigger thing is there’s an opportunity right now, I think, for better education process, if you will.”
Ferentz said he is not among viewers of ESPN’s popular pregame show “College GameDay,” but one of his sons informed him the college football kickoff show discusses betting lines and point spreads before games. Ferentz pointed this out Wednesday as an “illustration of the world we’re living in right now. It’s not going away. It’s going to continue to grow.”
In his 25th season as Iowa head coach, Ferentz equated his role in educating athletes about gambling to the same approach he might have with marijuana-use policies.
“Gambling is going to exist. It always has,” Ferentz said. “I hope eventually the policies will reflect what’s best for college athletics. Certainly not betting on college athletics would be a good starting point.”
Shannon, a fifth-year senior, started 27 games over the past two seasons and is on the radar of NFL scouts after being named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2021 and 2022.
DAVID BRAUN: NO ‘DREAM-LIKE SCENARIO’ BECOMING NORTHWESTERN COACH
David Braun is still coming to terms with the events and circumstances that made him Northwestern’s interim head coach.
“I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances. That said, I’m honored to lead this group moving forward,” Braun said at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Braun was hired as offensive coordinator in January and elevated when Northwestern fired Pat Fitzgerald in response to hazing and assault allegations made by former players. The pattern of alleged incidents prompted lawsuits and the university launched a new follow-up investigation due to the seriousness and sensitivity of multiple claims.
Braun said he met with every player one-on-one and plans to remain attentive and available for direct conversations with each player. He shared with the team the circumstances that made him a coach isn’t a “dream-like scenario” but encouraged what he considers a galvanized group to dig in and fight for each other.
He said the team is still facing “adversity” but sidestepped questions related to hazing within the program.
“When Coach Fitz offered our family the opportunity to come to Northwestern back in January, and I started work on January 16 of this year, my wife and I had to pinch ourselves,” Braun said. “An opportunity to coordinate in the Big Ten, to work for a man like Coach Fitz, to be close to my family in Wisconsin, to be a part of the Big Ten, and the opportunity to mentor young men that value what Northwestern stands for — a world-class education competing on the biggest stage in college football. This, obviously, has been a very difficult time for our team, our staff, our current and former players impacted, our alumni, the university and the broader Northwestern community.”
Players were dismissed from any media responsibilities on Wednesday. Typically, three players accompany each coach for Big Ten media interviews but linebacker Bryce Gallagher, defensive back Rod Heard II and wide receiver Bryce Kirtz, released a joint statement to announce they made the decision not to attend Big Ten Media Day after talking to Braun and their families.
Four lawsuits have been filed by former players, and Northwestern officials admitted some of the allegations are new or weren’t known at the time of the previous investigation that led to Fitzgerald being suspended, then fired.
“The hazing included forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature, in clear violation of Northwestern policies and values,” Northwestern president Michael Schill said in a July 10 statement.
Northwestern begins the season Sept. 3 at Rutgers. Braun said the Wildcats will be ready.
“I have found a team that has come together, that truly loves one another and has an incredible resolve to attack the 2023 season and write their own story about overcoming adversity. Let me be clear, this football team will be ready to go,” he said.
OHIO STATE UNSETTLED IN SEARCH FOR QB CJ STROUD’S REPLACEMENT
Ohio State continues to craft the mission plan for the 2023 season at a deliberate pace, largely due to a massive question mark at the quarterback position.
CJ Stroud, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, left the gaping vacancy for the Buckeyes when he opted to leave Columbus after two seasons as the starter. The decision came on the heels of a heartbreaking end to the season with a one-point loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinals.
“We’ve been in this situation quite a few times at Ohio State and just not knowing who the quarterback is going to be going into the season,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days. “You had a new one with Dwayne (Haskins), had a new one with Justin (Fields), had a new one with CJ (Stroud), and now here we are again.”
Day didn’t rule out playing multiple quarterbacks in the first game of the season, which is a rare conference opener at Indiana.
“When you go into these situations, you’d like for someone to emerge during camp, but who knows if that’s going to happen or not?” Day said. “You’d like to see somebody emerge, and then you name them, just like we’ve done with CJ and Justin and Dwayne. If that doesn’t happen, then maybe that is the case. We’ll have to evaluate it from there.”
Ohio State was 11-2 last season and returns a conference-best 16 players who received All-Big Ten notice.
Five-star recruit Kyle McCord lost the previous QB battle for the Buckeyes in 2021, when Stroud was named the starter. He’s competing primarily with sophomore Devin Brown, although Day pointed out the team’s depth at the position has never been better.
“They both had very good summers. They both have shown leadership,” Day said. “Now it’s going to be time to go put it on the field. We obviously would like for someone to emerge here quickly. We’ll kind of have to see once we get on the field.”
Help on the field exists in the form of Heisman Trophy candidate Marvin Harrison Jr. The junior All-American wide receiver, son of Colts Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, lived in the weight room in the offseason with a goal of fending off injuries like the ankle issue that nagged him for 10 weeks in 2022.
Harrison has looked the part of a future NFL receiver in every possible way at 6-foot-4, and that included a nod to his father by wearing royal blue tie and Colts-colors Louis Vuitton shoes to complete his suit for a media day appearance on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
His goals for 2023 aren’t centered around turning pro just yet.
“It starts with beating that team up north,” Harrison Jr. said, referring to Michigan. “We haven’t beat them the past two years. When you come to Ohio State, that’s the first goal we have as a program. It starts there, beating that team up north. And then it’s going to the Big Ten championship, winning that, and going on to win the national championship. When you come to Ohio State, it’s natty or bust. You can’t really have a down year or lose any games. An undefeated season, that’s a successful season.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: DUKE BLUE DEVILS
2022 Record: 9-4 overall, 5-3 in ACC
Head Coach: Mike Elko, 1st year: 9-4
It seemed like a curious hire at the time for a school known for head coaches with great offensive minds, but it’s Duke football. It’s not like Mike Elko taking over last year made the talk show circuit. But the star defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest pulled off one of the best turnarounds in the country.
No, it wasn’t quite as shocking as what Kansas or UConn did, but another basketball school that struggled suddenly discovered its football side – and did it with much better results. Duke won ten games over the previous three seasons and went 9-4 last year under Elko. It was just the third nine-win season for Duke since the 1941 Rose Bowl-bound – even if that turned out to be played at home – team did it.
This year’s version might need some more options at the skill spots, and it didn’t exactly rock the transfer portal to build up the depth, but the defense should be fantastic, especially in the secondary. The offense has a solid bunch across the board, and the style that was so sharp, so good in turnover margin, so strong in pass protection, and so smart when it came to limiting penalties should be every bit as dangerous this year. too.
Duke Blue Devils Preview: Offense
The improvements and attention were all paid to the defensive side of the ball last year, but the O was more than just functional. There’s always going to be an offensive shift in some ways when going from a head coach like David Cutcliffe to anyone else, but the attack managed to do a brilliant job of holding on the ball, controlling the clock, and being efficient enough to keep things moving.
QB Riley Leonard did everything for the attack. He led the team in rushing with 699 yards, threw for almost 3,000 with 20 touchdowns and just six picks, and he did exactly what the coaching staff needed – don’t screw up, and still be explosive. He gets back almost all of the main targets to work with – super-senior Jalon Calhoun being the best of the bunch – and …
The running backs can and should take on more of the heavy lifting. You don’t necessarily want your quarterback leading the team in carries, and Leonard doesn’t have to with Jordan Waters and all the top backs returning in the rotation. They’re all working behind an effective line that led the ACC in sacks allowed, was good enough for the ground game, and gets back three starters around All-ACC tackle Graham Barton.
Duke Blue Devils Preview: Defense
The defense went totally miserable to good enough in one year under the defensive-minded Mike Elko. He lost defensive coordinator Robb Smith, but gets Tyler Santucci in to keep it all going. More than anything else, the Blue Devils improved at getting to the ball and making big things happen. They locked down against the run after a few early hiccups, were good enough against the decent passers, and forced lots and lots of turnovers.
The secondary might be the team’s biggest strength. It was already going to be good with a slew of potential All-ACC performers at safety and a good young corner in Chandler Rivers, and the transfer portal brings an even bigger boost with Al Blades coming in from Miami and huge veteran corner Myles Jones in from Texas A&M.
The pass rush came from everywhere – the secondary helped here, too. Everyone is back on the line around DeWayne Carter – one of the ACC’s most active tackles – with help coming from the two linebackers in the 4-2-5 alignment. Veteran LB Shaka Heyward is done, but the combination of Cam Dillon and Dorian Mausi is terrific.
Duke Blue Devils Key To The Season
Third down conversions. It all ties together. Duke might have a whole lot of experience and plenty of good parts, but talent-wise it needs the entire package to work. The D needs to be on the sidelines, the O has to control the clock, and it all comes together by moving the chains.
After struggling on third downs in the blowout opener over Temple, Duke was 1-3 when failing to convert 40% of its chances and 8-1 when it did. Over the last three seasons the team is 2-14 when not getting to the 40% mark.
Duke Blue Devils Top Transfer, Biggest Loss
CB Myles Jones in from Texas A&M, C Addison Penn is gone, but undecided. Along with Al Blades, the already terrific Duke secondary is getting a 6-4, 188-pound veteran going into his seventh year in school. He made 122 tackles with four interceptions and 29 broken up passes in his first four years but got banged up and only played two games over the last two seasons. Penn was a backup, but he’s a good-sized center who could’ve worked as a swing backup anywhere in the interior.
Duke Blue Devils Key Player
Ja’Mion Franklin, DT, Sr. DeWayne Carter is a terrific-quick inside presence who made ten sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss over his last two years. The more he and the ends are able to move, the better. That’s where the 6-2, 307-pound Franklin comes in. He came up with three sacks last year, but his real worth is to hold up as much as possible against the run. While he’s not quite a true anchor, the more he can gum up the works, the more everyone else can make big things happen.
Duke Blue Devils Key Game
Clemson, Sept. 4. How good are you, Duke? Yeah, this might be the strongest Blue Devil team in a long, long time, and this is the chance to show it right out of the gate against the ACC’s superpower. Duke last beat the Tigers in 2004 and got rolled in the five games since – and lost ten of the last 11 – but pull this off and it’ll go 4-0 leading up to a hyped up showdown against Notre Dame.
NFL NEWS
PANTHERS NAME NO. 1 PICK BRYCE YOUNG TEAM’S WEEK 1 STARTING QB VS. FALCONS
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers have their QB1.
Coach Frank Reich wasted no time naming rookie Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, the team’s starting quarterback for the Sept. 10 opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
“When we decided to pick Bryce we imagined and saw the vision that we would be standing here today saying he is the QB1,” Reich said Wednesday.
The announcement came after the completion of the Young’s first training camp practice at Wofford College, although the decision seemed imminent after he took over first-team reps from veteran Andy Dalton during organized team activities in June.
Young, a two-year starter at Alabama and the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, will become the first rookie to start a season opener for the Panthers since Cam Newton in 2011. Newton was also a No. 1 pick and went on to earn league MVP honors for the 2015 season.
Reich vowed to be patient as Young develops as a rookie.
“We want to keep our expectations on the process and not try to make too much of any one play or any one game,” Reich said. “I think that is wisdom, that is good coaching and that is good playing. When we have a bad play, nobody is going to panic. And Bryce knows he is going to feel that from our staff. That has already been said: ‘Hey, you’re the guy, let’s go.'”
The Panthers made a commitment to Young when they traded away four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears to move up eight spots in the draft.
And owner David Tepper set the bar high in April when he said he expects the Panthers to win multiple Super Bowls under Young.
Reich knows there will be some ups and downs along the way this season.
“Nobody here is going to try to predict how it is going to play out the first year,” he said. “You just don’t know. As coaches and players we are going to try to make every attempt to avoid doing that.”
Young called it “a huge blessing ” to be named the starter so early in camp.
“That means a lot, but for me it doesn’t change my approach,” Young said. “I want to make sure I take things day by day. There are a lot of things that I want to keep growing in, keep improving in. We are all as a team in this together.”
The undersized but highly successful Young looked sharp in his first nonpadded practice at Wofford, working mostly during 6-on-8 drills.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound signal caller completed his first two pass attempts to veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who signed with the Panthers after spending the past 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
Young said he had some nervous energy before practice but settled down pretty quickly.
“The more reps, the more I’m able to start to feel comfortable,” Young said.
Reich said Young displayed good “mental carryover” from OTAs and he thought the 22-year-old made good quality throws, most notably a downfield strike to D.J. Chark when he was forced to get rid of the ball early after coming under pressure in the pocket.
Ultimately, Reich felt there was no need wait any longer to name Young the starter, a move that will allow him to get more reps during the preseason.
Young’s parents, Craig and Julie, attended their son’s first training camp practice and watched from the sideline.
“It was kind of like I was practicing. I couldn’t sleep last night,” Craig Young with a laugh. “I was like I can’t wait to get here, see him in the uniform and see him in the element.”
Julie Young said she is “beyond” proud of her son.
“Bryce will fool you now because he’s got this quiet demeanor, but this is a grown man,” Reich said. “He’s in control and knows what he wants and how he wants it done. And that’s a good place to start from.”
Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns decided to show up at training camp rather than holding out like San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa. Like Bosa, Burns is in the final year of his contract and is seeking a large extension.
“I feel like what he have going is bigger than (my contract situation),” Burns said. “… I feel like I’m a key piece to what we need to get done, so I feel like I need to be here whether or not I’m going through negotiations.”
NOTES: Starting cornerbacks Donte Jackson (Achilles) and Jaycee Horn (foot) both returned to practice after sitting out most of offseason workouts while recovering from injuries.
AARON RODGERS TAKES A PAY CUT AND AGREES TO A 2-YEAR, $75 MILLION DEAL WITH THE JETS, AP SOURCE SAYS
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Aaron Rodgers has a new deal with the New York Jets – and he’s taking a pay cut to try to help deliver a Super Bowl to the winning-starved franchise.
Rodgers agreed to a reworked two-year, $75 million guaranteed contract with the Jets on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The four-time NFL MVP had nearly $110 million in guaranteed money remaining on his previous deal signed with Green Bay. But Rodgers is taking less money with New York in a move that appears to also reiterate his stay with the Jets is likely to last beyond just this season.
The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t announce the contract, which will save the Jets nearly $35 million on Rodgers’ salary over the next two seasons. NFL Network, which first reported the sides had agreed to a new deal that includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, also said the contract includes two option years to help prorate a $35 million roster bonus Rodgers will receive Sunday, in addition to his $1.8 million salary for this season.
The news of the reworked contract came after Rodgers confirmed a ProFootballTalk report Tuesday night he had agreed to a reworked contract.
“Yeah, there’s going to be something hitting probably later on today,” Rodgers said.
Turns out, it was a totally new contract for a player who has repeatedly hinted he was more than just a one-year rental for New York, which hasn’t been to the Super Bowl since its only win with Joe Namath leading the way in 1969.
“The team gave up significant pieces for it to just be a one-year deal,” Rodgers said a few hours before the news of the contract circulated. “I’m aware of that. I think there was an awareness of that. Now, again, anything could happen with my body or the success that we have this year, but I’m having a blast, so I don’t really see this as a one-year-and-done thing.”
The Jets sent a first-, second- and sixth-round pick in this year’s draft to the Packers in April, along with a conditional second-rounder next year that could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65% of the snaps. Green Bay gave up first and fifth-round picks this year, along with the quarterback.
Rodgers previously agreed to a reworked contract that helped push the trade forward. He was due a fully guaranteed $58.3 million option bonus, but it was shifted to next year. That left New York needing to pay Rodgers the minimum during his first three months with the team, which cost only $1.2 million against the salary cap – helping the Jets make additional roster moves and signings.
But that restructuring also meant Rodgers’ 2024 salary would have counted $107.6 million against next year’s cap – an enormous hit.
Instead, the Jets and Rodgers were able to work out a new deal to satisfy both sides. It also gives Jets fans hope they can see a winner soon after the team has failed to make the playoffs for 12 straight years, the NFL’s longest active postseason drought.
“Change can be difficult, for sure, especially when it’s that drastic – 18 years in one spot,” Rodgers said, referring to his time in Green Bay. “But if you can lean into it and embrace it, there’s some really beautiful things on the other side. And I’ve been experiencing it so far and the people have been great, both in Jersey and in the city. And I’m just having a hell of a time.”
NEW YORK GIANTS LOCK IN LEFT TACKLE ANDREW THOMAS WITH LONG-TERM EXTENSION
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants locked in left tackle Andrew Thomas on Wednesday with a five-year contract extension worth $117.5 million.
The Giants announced the signing hours before the team stepped on the field for its first practice of the 2023 season.
The signing comes a day after star running back Saquon Barkley received a one-year, $11 million contract. In the offseason general manager Joe Schoen also worked out a four-year, $160 million deal with quarterback Daniel Jones and gave star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence a four-year, $90 million extension.
The fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Thomas has played in 45 regular-season games with 44 starts in addition to two postseason contests. He had a breakout season in 2022 helping the Giants (9-7-1) make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, while helping Barkley rush for a career-best 1,312 yard and 10 touchdowns.
New York finished fourth in the league in rushing.
Jones joined Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts as one of four quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 3,200 passing yards, a 65% completion percentage, and 700 rushing yards in a season. Jones also set the franchise single-season record for completion percentage and led the NFL by throwing an interception on just 1.1% of his passes.
CHIEFS PLACE SPEEDY WR JOHN ROSS ON RESERVE/RETIRED LIST
The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver John Ross on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday.
Ross, 27, reportedly told the team he was retiring earlier in the day. He did not participate in practice.
Ross was picked ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, one selection before the Chiefs picked quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Ross’ high selection was partly due to running the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.22 seconds) in NFL combine history.
Production didn’t follow as Ross caught just 51 passes for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns in 27 games (20 starts) over four seasons with the Bengals.
He requested a trade during the 2020 season that didn’t come to fruition and later sustained a season-ending foot injury. Ross played in just three games that season.
In 2021, he played 10 games (one start) for the New York Giants and caught 11 passes for 224 yards and one score. He was out of football last season.
The Chiefs signed Ross to a futures/reserve contract during the offseason.
Ross played college football at Washington and was a standout in his final season when he caught 81 passes for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns.
DESHAUN WATSON IS THE BOUNCEBACK BUY OF THE YEAR
Deshaun Watson made his return to the football field during the 2022 season in Week 13, facing his former team, the Houston Texans. It was evident that after being away since 2020, Watson was rusty, affecting his performance during the season. In his six games, he completed 90 of 170 passing attempts for 1,102 yards, throwing seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He also contributed 175 yards and one touchdown on 36 rushing attempts.
During Weeks 13 to 18, Watson ranked as the QB16 overall and 20th in points per game, averaging 14.2 points. While these numbers raised some concerns, there were glimpses of his pre-2021 self that led the Browns to make him the highest-paid quarterback in the league. It’s crucial to remember that before 2021, Watson had consistently been a top performer in fantasy football, never finishing lower than QB5. His average of over 22 fantasy points per game demonstrates his elite status as a fantasy asset.
Full Offseason with the Team
During the 2022 offseason, Deshaun Watson faced significant controversy and legal issues off the field, which understandably affected his ability to focus on football. These distractions led to a decline in his performance that year. We won’t delve into the allegations or criticisms; the focus here is on the impact it had on his preparation for the football season.
However, in the aftermath of the suspension, Watson has been actively participating in the league-mandated treatment and has fully engaged in the Browns’ offseason programs this summer. Notably, head coach Kevin Stefanski made crucial coaching moves to support Watson’s development. One such move was appointing offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as the Browns’ quarterback coach. Van Pelt, a former NFL quarterback with nine years of experience, has an impressive 18-year coaching career, including four years as the quarterback coach for the Green Bay Packers, where he worked with Aaron Rodgers.
Additionally, Stefanski brought in Bill Musgrave, an experienced offensive coach with a track record of developing quarterbacks, as a senior assistant for the offense. Musgrave has worked with several NFL teams and was notably instrumental in turning Derek Carr into an MVP candidate in 2016.
With these coaching changes and another year under Stefanski’s guidance, Watson is expected to show improvement in his performance. The support from the coaching staff, combined with his experience and talent, could lead to a significant jump in Watson’s play during the 2023 season.
Offensive Weapons
The Browns have made significant improvements to their roster during the offseason, providing Deshaun Watson with a more consistent system and a talented group of playmakers. One of their notable acquisitions was wide receiver Elijah Moore, whom they obtained in a trade with the New York Jets by giving up their 2023 second-round pick (No. 42). Despite having just 80 catches for 984 yards and six touchdowns in his first two seasons, Moore has demonstrated flashes of his potential as a dynamic playmaker, especially evident in his exceptional hands and ability to make defenders miss after the catch. All reports out of Browns camp are that Watson and Moore have established chemistry, and we could finally see a breakout season from Moore.
Additionally, the Browns added Marquise Goodwin and veteran tight end Jordan Akins to their receiving corps. Goodwin, though recently diagnosed with blood clots, can be a valuable veteran presence in the wide receiver room if he makes a successful return. With 102 games under his belt, Goodwin has recorded 187 receptions for 3,023 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.2 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Akins’ familiarity with Watson from their time together will benefit the offense. Throughout his career with Watson, Akins has made 90 catches for 1,046 yards. His addition provides depth behind fellow tight ends David Njoku and Harrison Bryant.
The addition of talented playmakers and the return of established receivers will further strengthen the Browns’ depth chart. Leading the receiving corps is All-Pro receiver Amari Cooper, who showcased his skills after being traded to Cleveland last season. Despite facing subpar quarterback play, Cooper managed to catch 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns. Though he and Watson initially struggled with chemistry, their impressive Week 17 performance, during which Cooper hauled in three passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, hints at the potential they could unlock with a full offseason together.
In addition to Cooper, the Browns have the underrated Donovan Peoples-Jones, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2022. With a career-high 19% target share, Peoples-Jones set personal bests in receptions (61), targets (96), receiving yards (839), and touchdowns (3). His chemistry with Watson and the continuity they share will be a valuable asset for the Browns’ passing game. Moreover, returning second-year receiver David Bell and rookie Cedric Tillman provide reliable depth options, capable of filling any gaps in the offense in case of injuries.
The combination of established veterans and emerging talents in the Browns’ receiving corps gives Watson a strong array of options to target. With increased continuity and better chemistry with his receivers, Watson’s overall performance is expected to improve significantly in the 2023 season.
The Browns’ offensive arsenal is loaded with potential breakout candidates, and one of them is tight end David Njoku. Despite being a sixth-year veteran, Njoku possesses incredible athleticism and could be in line for a breakout season in 2023. Watson has a history of elevating his tight ends, especially in the red zone, and Njoku could become his go-to target in critical situations. Coming off one of the best seasons of his career, Njoku is entering the prime of his career, and if he can maximize his potential, he could become a pivotal factor in taking the Browns’ offense to the next level.
Adding to the mix is the All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, who is poised for a career year in this high-powered offense. Chubb is widely recognized as one of the best pure rushers in the NFL, as evidenced by his impressive 1,500+ rushing yards in the previous season. Additionally, with Watson at quarterback, Chubb saw an increase in targets, including a season-high six in their last game in 2022. If Kareem Hunt remains a free agent, Chubb might see even more involvement in the passing game, which will undoubtedly boost Watson’s fantasy outlook.
With an array of talented playmakers like Cooper, Peoples-Jones, Moore, Njoku, and Chubb, coupled with the positive changes in the coaching staff, Watson is well-positioned to flourish in the Browns’ offense.
NFL PREVIEW: DENVER BRONCOS
To put it bluntly, Year 1 of the Russell Wilson experience in Denver was a disaster.
But the Broncos had 85 million reasons as to why they needed to continue it—that’s how much the team would have been penalized against the salary cap had they chosen to move on from Wilson this offseason.
Now it’s on new coach Sean Payton to make it work with Wilson for a turnaround season in 2023, or at least help him play better to raise his trade value next offseason.
Denver invested in its offensive line in free agency, and in the backfield with the arrival of Samaje Perine to pair with Javonte Williams. The Broncos also added a new weapon for Wilson with the second-round draft selection of wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., which created a logjam at the position with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler and Marquez Callaway also on the roster.
The Broncos also splurged on the defensive side with the addition of interior defensive lineman Zach Allen, who had a breakout season with Arizona in 2022. But the defense wasn’t the problem last year in Denver.
All eyes will be on the partnership between Payton and Wilson this season.
Biggest gamble this offseason: Trading for Payton to fix Wilson
For starters, the bigger gamble might be Payton taking a chance on the Broncos. The coach could have easily sat for another year after the jobs he likely desired (the Cowboys and Chargers) didn’t become available. Payton doesn’t have a Justin Herbert–like quarterback in Denver, and he took on a messy situation after the organization handed Wilson a lucrative contract extension (five years, $245 million) ahead of a dreadful season. Now it’s on Payton to fix the mess, but the Broncos are also gambling on the idea that the coach is refreshed from his year off—especially after trading a first-round pick to New Orleans for the right to hire him. This might be a forced partnership with a feel-out season before Payton completely rebuilds the roster the way he sees fit. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if he quickly pulls Wilson for backup Jarrett Stidham if the former starts 2023 as poorly as last season.
Toughest stretch of the season: Weeks 5 to 10
The Broncos face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs twice in a three-week span: on the road in Week 6 and at home in Week 8. Before facing the Chiefs, the Broncos are at home vs. Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. They also have a home game versus the Packers, which is sandwiched between the two Chiefs games. Green Bay, Rodgers’s old home, could be a surprise team with starting quarterback Jordan Love and a veteran-filled defense led by cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Broncos also have a tough road battle with the Bills in Week 10, but that’s after a bye week.
Breakout player to watch: TE Greg Dulcich
Wilson had a rough first season in Denver, but he found some comfort with throwing in Dulcich’s direction. After being inactive the first five games of his rookie season, Dulcich quickly gained the quarterback’s trust as a polished route runner. Dulcich fell to the third round of the 2022 draft partly because he needed to improve as a blocker, but being a productive seam stretcher provided a role for him with the Broncos. Perhaps Payton can utilize Dulcich’s strengths in the passing game, similarly to what he did with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans for many years. That’s setting the bar high, but the UCLA product showed plenty of promise last year, with 33 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns.
Position of strength: Secondary
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons are two of the best players in the league at their respective positions, making the secondary the obvious choice for position of strength. Surtain entered the realm of elite cornerbacks in his second NFL season, and he might have played better than even the Jets’ Sauce Gardner. Simmons made his third second-team All-Pro after recording a career-high six interceptions in 2022. Safeties Kareem Jackson and P.J. Locke also provide depth to a talented secondary.
Position of weakness: Edge rusher
The Broncos have plenty of unproven players behind Randy Gregory, who had a rocky first season in Denver after playing in only six games due to injury. And with the team trading Bradley Chubb to Miami last year, they’ll need second-year player Nik Bonitto to make drastic improvements this season. Bonitto, a 2022 second-round pick, struggled against the run and contributed only 1.5 sacks during his rookie season. But the Broncos will need more than just Bonitto to step up with Gregory’s lengthy injury history. Wilson gets the bulk of the spotlight for bad deals in Denver, but Gregory’s five-year, $70 million might be just as bad. The team also recently added veteran Frank Clark, the former pass rusher for the Chiefs, to help in case Bonitto doesn’t improve and/or Gregory can’t stay healthy.
X-factor: RT Mike McGlinchey
With the Broncos unable to move Wilson’s massive contract, the team went all in with giving him better protection via free agency, hoping that could lead to a bounce-back season from the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Right tackle McGlinchey was the prize signing from the 49ers, the team with which he developed into a standout run blocker. McGlinchey, however, has struggled as a pass protector and will be counted on to improve in that area after the Broncos signed him to a lucrative five-year, $87.5 million contract. The team also signed guard Ben Powers on a four-year, $52 million deal.
Sleeper fantasy pick: RB Samaje Perine
Perine was a strong waiver wire addition during a three-week stretch last season as the Bengals’ lead back. Now in Denver, he could open the season in the same role if Williams isn’t at 100% coming off a knee injury. Perine and Williams could even split the workload once the latter is back. —Michael Fabiano, SI Fantasy
Best bet: Over/under: Russell Wilson over 3750.5 passing yards (+120)
Wilson threw for more than 4,000 yards as recently as 2020. At plus money, I am willing to bet Sean Payton can help Russ get back on track. There’s no shortage of weapons in Denver, and Wilson has been one of the best deep passers in the league. —Jennifer Piacenti, SI Betting
Final record: 7–10, third in AFC West
WNBA NEWS
NAPHEESA COLLIER (24 POINTS), LYNX FEND OFF MYSTICS
Napheesa Collier collected 24 points and 11 rebounds to fuel the host Minnesota Lynx to a 97-92 victory over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday in Minneapolis.
Collier added four steals before sustaining a right ankle injury early in the fourth quarter. She did not return to the contest.
Rookie Diamond Miller recorded 21 points and a season high-tying nine assists and Kayla McBride added 15 points for the Lynx (11-13), who defeated the Mystics for the second time this season. Minnesota posted an 80-78 victory over Washington on June 3.
Natasha Cloud had 24 points and Brittney Sykes added 17 to go along with four steals for the short-handed Mystics (12-11), who have lost five in a row on the road.
Washington once again played without two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne (ankle), Ariel Atkins (ankle) and Shakira Austin (hip).
Rookie Li Meng made a 3-pointer to bring the Mystics within one at 91-90 with 2:38 remaining in the fourth quarter before Nikolina Milic made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession. Milic sank a short hook shot in the paint and sent a nifty feed to a cutting Miller for an easy layup to push Minnesota’s lead to 97-90 with 47.1 seconds left.
Cloud made a layup just over four seconds later, however the Mystics could not draw any closer.
Queen Egbo made a layup to stake the Mystics to a 71-69 lead with 4:18 remaining in the third quarter before the Lynx countered with an 11-2 run that spanned into the fourth. Bridget Carleton sank a 3-pointer to cap the surge.
Washington erased a four-point deficit by erupting for 29 points in the second quarter to seize a 60-52 lead with 1:09 remaining. Minnesota responded with a late flourish, as Tiffany Mitchell made a mid-range jumper, Collier added a pair of free throws and Kayla McBride sank a shot at the buzzer to pull the club within two points at halftime.
MEN’S GOLF
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER FIRST U.S. PLAYER TO QUALIFY FOR RYDER CUP
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the first player selected to the 12-man U.S. Ryder Cup team via points, the PGA of America announced Wednesday.
Scheffler has been dominant this PGA Tour season, with seven consecutive top-five finishes before tying for 23rd at The Open Championship on Sunday. The 27-year-old had not finished worse than a tie for 12th since the CJ Cup in October (tied for 45th), and over 19 tournaments had captured the WM Phoenix Open in February and The Players Championship in March.
“What can I say about Scottie that hasn’t already been said?” U.S. captain Zach Johnson said, per RyderCup.com. “He’s an amazing talent on the golf course, and someone that I know will do whatever is asked of him at the Ryder Cup with a smile on his face. He’s incredibly passionate about the Ryder Cup, and it’s nice to have the World No. 1 on the U.S. team this year.”
Scheffler is an automatic qualifier via points for the Ryder Cup on Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome.
A Ryder Cup rookie two years ago, Scheffler went 2-0-1 in his first experience on the U.S. team at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. He went 2-0-1 overall, including a win over world No. 1 Jon Rahm of Spain in singles (4 and 3) as the Americans downed the Europeans 19-9.
“The experience I had at the Ryder Cup two years ago in Wisconsin is something I will never forget and something I can’t wait to replicate in September,” Scheffler said. “Zach’s an amazing leader and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help him, and our team bring the Ryder Cup back home to the United States.”
MONAHAN: PGA TOUR WON’T SUPPORT PROPOSED ROLLBACK OF GOLF BALL
The PGA Tour does not think the plan to roll back the golf ball is good for the game and has notified the USGA and R&A that it will not support the proposal they have in mind.
The opposition to the “Modified Local Rule” came from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan in a Wednesday evening memo to the players. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the memo, which also outlines progress on the deal with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf.
The governing bodies had set a deadline of Aug. 15 to receive feedback on the proposal, which would give tours the option to require a golf ball that goes about 15 yards shorter for the biggest hitters. If adopted, it would not take effect until 2026.
“As you know, we have spent the last two years undertaking a comprehensive analysis of distance on the PGA Tour and its impact,” Monahan wrote. “Although there has been some level of support for limiting future increases, there is widespread and significant belief the proposed Modified Local rule is not warranted and is not in the best interest of the game.”
Monahan said the PGA Tour notified the USGA and R&A after a recent Player Advisory Council meeting.
“While the PGA Tour is committed to collaborating with them — and all industry partners — to arrive at a solution that will best serve our players, our fans and the game at all levels, we are not able to support the MLR as proposed,” he wrote.
Such a rule would have brought two sets of rules to golf for the first time.
Monahan also said in his memo Colin Neville of The Raine Group has been retained to advise the player directors on the PGA Tour board as it works toward details in the business partnership among Saudi Arabia’s national wealth fund and the European tour.
Neville was part of the Delaware player meeting last year that led to a restructuring of the PGA Tour schedule aimed at getting the best players together more often.
NHL NEWS
AVALANCHE RE-SIGN F BEN MEYERS
The Colorado Avalanche re-signed forward Ben Meyers to a one-year contract Wednesday on a league-minimum deal, according to The Athletic, that has a $775,000 cap hit.
Meyers, 24, played in 39 games for the Avalanche last season and scored four goals. In two seasons with Colorado, he has five total goals in 44 games. He also has appeared in six playoff games this past season without registering a point.
Meyers recorded 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 30 games for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles in 2022-23, and he added one assist in two playoff games.
The center played for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
TOP INDIANA NEWS/RELEASES FROM ORGANIZATIONS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
WHO ARE THE HIGH SCHOOL TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH IN INDIANA THIS SEASON?
(THE SPORTSPAGE)
The high school football season kicks-off August 18 and it’s time to take a look at the best of the best entering a new season. Mine you, this is in no particular order.
TYLER CHERRY, CENTER GROVE: The defending 6A champions will have their leader back in QB Tyler Cherry. Cheery will play his college football at Duke after leading the Trojans to another possible state title. Cherry’s numbers were solid as a junior passing for 2,269 yards with 22 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Cheery is also very accurate completing 65% of his passes.
Cherry will be better as a senior and will have to be with another very daunting schedule ahead of the Trojans.
NOAH COY, CENTER GROVE: Let’s stay with the defending 6A champions and put the name of Noah Coy in the mix. Coy may be a baseball player (Cincinnati recruit), but his football skills at receiver are second to none. While catching passes from Cherry, Coy caught 61 passes for over 1,000 yards and 13 scores. Cheery to Coy will be a huge weapon for the Trojans again this season.
THOMAS GOTKOWSKI, BEN DAVIS: If the Giants are to be series threat in 6A football this season, Tomas Gotkowski will need to have a huge season. Gotkowski was excellent last season for the Giants passing for 2,341 yards with 24TD’s. Many of his top receivers are gone from last season, but there are several talented players returning. Gotkowski will play his college football at Miami, OH.
JALEN ALEXANDER, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN: There is a reason HSE in in our pre-season top 10. Jalen Alexander helped the Royals to a 12-1 season as a junior by rushing for 1,533 yards and scoring 15 TD’s. If HSE is to make another run for a state title, Alexander will be expected to have a huge season. Alexander will play his college football at Ball State.
BRAUNTAE JOHNSON, FORT WAYNE NORTH SIDE: Now to the Northeast side of the state. Johnson is another in-state player who will play college football at Notre Dame. Johnson helped turn the program around with a steller junior campaign (69 receptions, 1,081 yards and 16 TD.) Johnson is as good of an athlete there is in Indiana.
MYLAN GRAHAM, NEW HAVEN: Graham isn’t the biggest receiver in Indiana, but the future Ohio State Buckeye is as good as it gets in the country. Graham caught 48 passes last season for 1,149 yards and 13 touchdowns. Graham will help Bulldogs improve on a 5-5 season of last year. Many feel Graham is the best football player in Indiana.
DANNY O’NEIL, CATHEDRAL: I know, you were wondering when we would get to O’Neil. The Irish have one of the most “pure” passers in the state. He rarely makes a bad throw. O’Neil will play college football at Colorado under Deion Sanders. O’Neil passed for 2,654 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior and will surpass 6,000 passing yards for his career.
GLENN PATTERSON, LAFAYETTE JEFF: Patterson plays in the NCC and that can’t help because the conference is top heavy and lacks enough good teams. Patterson rushed for 1,376 yards and scored 13 touchdowns last season. Patterson was an all-state selection as a junior.
JOSH RINGER, EAST CENTRAL: Ringer may be the best RB in the state. The Miami, OH recruit led the Trojans to the 4A state title by rushing for 2,368 yards and scoring 39 TD’s. Ringer may rush for more yards this season and another state title isn’t out of the question.
IAN MOORE, NEW PALESTINE
Another Indiana player headed for Ohio State. The 6-5 295 pound offensive lineman is undoubtedly the best in the state and should win the Indiana Mr. Football award for linemen.
STYLES PRESCOD, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN. Prescod is a late blumer, but he worked his butt off last season and college coaches took notice. The Notre Dame recruit probably won’t win the Mr. Football award, but his name will be up for every other award.
KHOBIE MARTIN, FISHERS: Martin has good size (6-0 200) and will play his college football at Miami,OH. Martin rushed for 1,194 yards and 16 TD’s. Martin will throw his name in the hat if the Tigers can beat HSE.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
BRAXTON BIRNER, MACONAQUAH
JACE STUCKY, TRITON CENTRAL
OWEN WANNER, SOUTH ADAMS
ADAM PAUL KUNKEL, SOUTH DEARBORN
MASON REYNOLDS, AVON
JOE WIDMER, BENTON CENTRAL
DJ GORSON, PARK TUDOR
TREY ROMINGER, PAOLI
ANTHONY SCHUH, TRITON
ALEX DEMMING, ROCHESTER
GREYSON THOMAS, NEW PALESTINE
TEAGAN BENNETT, LAWRENCEBURG
LANCE MOSER, BREMAN
LOGAN SHOFFNER, NOBLESVILLE
AHMAAD DUFF, LAWRENCE CENTRAL
NICK WITTE, LAPEL
OWEN BRIGHT, CENTER GROVE
NYLAN BROWN, BEN DAVIS
DONOVAN HAMILTON, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN
JADEN HART, MICHIGAN CITY
]ASHTON PESETSKI, CARROLL (FORT WAYNE)
AIDAN STEINFELDT, BLOOMINGTON NORTH
INDIANA SRN FOOTBALL WATCH LIST 2023
QB DANNY O’NEIL CATHEDRAL 6-1 180
QB MASON REYNOLDS AVON 6-2 210
QB BRADY FISHER MISHAWAKA 6-3 205
QB MARSHALL KMIECIK NEW PRAIRIE 6-0 170
QB XANDER HUNT VINCENNES LINCOLN 5-10 170
QB JACE STUCKEY TRITON CENTRAL 6-3 180
QB JACKSON WILLIS INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN 6-2 175
QB BRAXTON BIRNER MACONAQUAH 5-10 160
QB THOMAS GOTKOWSKI BEN DAVIS 6-1 185
QB OWEN WANNER SOUTH ADAMS 6-1 180
QB TYLER CHERRY CENTER GROVE 6-5 210
QB DJ GORDON PARK TUDOR 6-0 200
QB AUSTIN KUNKEL SOUTH DEARBORN 6-0 180
QB ELI EDWARDS EASTERN 6-4 215
QB BRET PERRY SEYMOUR 6-2 190
QB IZAAK WRIGHT WABASH 6-2 160
QB MONTEZ JONES LAWRENCE NORTH 5-11 175
QB LUKE ERTEL MT. VERNON 6-1 170
QB BO POLSTON DECATUR CENTRAL 6-2 185
ATH DAMARION JACKSON LAFAYETTE JEFF 5-9 168
ATH DASH KING BLOOMINGTON NORTH 6-2 188
ATH RYAN BROTHERTON EAST CENTRAL 6-4 195
ATH ROLAND VERA FJ REITZ 5-9 170
ATH TANNER BOYD GIBSON SOUTHERN 6-0 175
ATH SAMUEL LOCKHART FLOYD CENTRAL 5-11 208
ATH BRADEN WALTERS LINTON-STOCKTON 6-0 180
ATH WYATT WOODALL SOUTHMONT 6-0 215
ATH ZACH BALES SHERIDAN 5-9 175
RB GLENN PATTERSON LAFAYETTE JEFF 6-0 175
RB GARRETT SHERRELL BROWNSBURG 5-8 185
RB KHOBIE MARTIN FISHERS 6-1 200
RB XAVIER WILLIAMS LAKE CENTRAL 5-11 215
RB JADEN HART MICHIGAN CITY 6-0 215
RB ANTONIO HARRIS CASTLE 6-1 183
RB JOSH RINGERS EAST CENTRAL 6-2 195
RB DARRIAN STORY KOKOMO 5-11 205
RB TEAGAN BENNETT LAWRENCEBURG 5-9 180
RB BRAYTON BELCHER MONROVIA 6-2 190
RB ALEX DEMING ROCHESTER 5-10 200
RB SAWYER GUILLAUME PERRY CENTRAL 5-10 170
RB KEEGAN ELLIS CARROLL (FLORA) 6-3 215
RB ANTHONY SCHUH TRITON 6-1 215
RB TREY ROMINGER PAOLI 6-0 190
RB JALEN ALEXANDER HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 6-0 190
RB GRAYSON THOMAS NEW PALESTINE 6-0 187
RB LANCE MOSER BREMAN 5-11 170
RB NATHAN PARKER TIPPECANOE VALLEY 5-10 165
RB LOGAN SHOFFNER NOBLESVILLE 5-6 150
RB JAYDEN EAGLE EASTERN 5-9 190
RB JALEN THOMAS YORKTOWN 5-9 172
RB BRAYDEN SHRAKE MARTINSVILLE 5-10 175
RB GAGE ENGLE EASTBROOK 6-0 220
RB JAMES LEWIS EASTERN GREENE 5-10 165
RB DONTRELLE HARRIS HAMMOND MORTON 5-9 177
RB ALIJAH PRICE BEN DAVIS 5-7 165
WR BRAUNTAE JOHNSON FORT WAYNE NORTH SIDE 6-3 180
WR MYLAN GRAHAM NEW HAVEN 6-2 180
WR NOAH COY CENTER GROVE 5-10 175
WR AHMAD DUFF LAWRENCE CENTRAL 5-5 155
WR DREW CRUM-HIEFTJE BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 6-0 175
WR JACK PENNINGTON SEYMOUR 6-2 180
WR NITAREON TUGGLE NORTHWOOD 6-3 181
WR HAYDEN SUMMERS FJ REITZ 6-3 170
WR SEAN DELONG GIBSON SOUTHERN 5-11 180
WR TY’RON LARKIN JOHN GLENN 5-9 165
WR NICK WITTE LAPEL 6-3 210
WR PATRICK CLACKS III ANDREAN 6-1 185
WR KADEN MUCHERHEIDE NORTH DECATUR 5-10 145
WR COLTON POLLARD TRADERS POINT CHRISTIAN 6-0 145
WR TERRELL CALDWELL CALUMET TECH 5-9 145
WR PAT CLACKS ANDREAN 6-1 185
WR LIAM BURTON WEST LAFAYETTE 5-10 150
WR CORBIN COOLEY BENTON CENTRAL 5-11 155
WR DONOVAN HAMILTON HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 6-4 190
WR COREY SMITH BROWNSBURG 6-2 160
WR AJANI WASHINGTON FW CONCORDIA 6-2 164
WR LANCE BUTLER INDIAN CREEK 5-11 160
WR JACK PENNINGTON SEYMOUR 6-3-175
WR TREY JONES MT. VERNON 5-11 162
WR COLIN GUY BISHOP CHATARD 6-0 160
TE AIDAN STEINFELDT BLOOMINGTON NORTH 6-4 234
TE ZACK MEEKS CATHEDRAL 6-6 220
TE BROCK SCHOTT LEO 6-3 205
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OL JACKSON BELL HOMESTEAD 6-2 300
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OL LANDON ROBERTS SOUTH BEND ADAMS 6-1 260
OL JORDAN KING FORT WAYNE NORTH SIDE 6-5 315
OL MATT HOFER VALPARAISO 6-5 275
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OL HARLEN SUMMERS FJ REITZ 6-3 255
OL BRAYDEN FLENER GREENFIELD CENTRAL 6-2 300
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DL ANDRE HERNANDEZ CARROLL (FLORA) 6-1 260
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LB JUSTIN ANDERSON CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) 6-2 200
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LB MATAIO RUSSELL LAWRENCE CENTRAL 5-9 200
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LB CANNON BRUNES WESTERN BOONE 6-0 225
LB LUKE PURRICHIA BISHOP CHATARD 6-0 194
LB BRAYDON DURHAM HERITAGE HILLS 6-0 190
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LB GAGE ENGLE EASTBROOK 6-0 200
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LB WILL HARRIS PARK TUDOR 6-0 200
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COLTS NEWS
TAYLOR’S AGENT RIPS IRSAY AFTER COLTS OWNER TALKS RB MARKET CONTROVERSY
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay addressed the state of the depreciated running back market Wednesday, taking a shot at agents selling “bad faith” and insisting the current collective bargaining agreement shouldn’t be altered to help the position.
“NFL running back situation: We have negotiated a CBA that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides. To say now that a specific player category wants another negotiation after the fact is inappropriate. Some agents are selling bad faith,” Irsay tweeted.
The comments didn’t sit well with Malki Kawa, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor’s agent, who took a shot at Irsay on Twitter.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard addressed a potential Taylor extension and the running back market.
“The market is what the market is,” Ballard said, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. “But saying that you pay good players, you pay guys that are gonna help you win, regardless of the position. We think very highly of Jonathan. … We think that’ll play out over time and work out the way it should either way.”
A second-round pick in 2020, Taylor is entering the last year of his rookie contract with two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. In 2021, he led the NFL with 2,171 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns en route to a first-team All-Pro nod.
Taylor, who was limited to 11 appearances in 2022 due to injuries, has averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt in three NFL seasons.
The 24-year-old is one of numerous running backs who’ve criticized the perceived treatment they have received recently. Several voiced their concerns after all of this year’s franchise-tagged running backs – Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard – didn’t sign multi-year contracts before the July 17 deadline.
Pollard will play under the one-year tender with the Dallas Cowboys and earn $10.09 million in 2023. Barkley recently signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, but Jacobs is holding out from the Las Vegas Raiders’ training camp. Several high-profile free-agent running backs remain unsigned, including Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott.
San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey leads all running backs with a $16-million average annual salary. Only four NFL positions’ highest-paid player earns less per year: kicker ($6 million), fullback ($5.4 million), punter ($3.68 million), and long snapper ($1.58 million).
COLTS DEFENSIVE TACKLE DEFOREST BUCKNER RANKED NO. 71 ON NFL NETWORK’S TOP 100 PLAYERS OF 2023
Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was ranked No. 71 on NFL Network’s Top 100 Player ranking.
This marks the fourth straight season that he has made the list.
This past season, Buckner was second on the team with eight sacks, while also racking up 22 quarterback hits and a career-high 74 tackles.
In 2022, Buckner ranked No. 66. In 2021 he ranked No. 27 and in 2020 he ranked No.56. The annual NFL Top 100 is voted on by active players.
INDY ELEVEN
RECAP PIT 1:3 IND
PITTSBURGH (Wednesday, July 26, 2023) – Indy Eleven earned a solid three points on the road, taking down USL Championship Eastern-Conference leader Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 3-1 on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.
With the win, Indy improves to 6-7-7 on the season, while Pittsburgh falls to 10-4-8. The loss was the first at home for the Riverhounds in 2023 (7-1-3).
In a first half that was largely dominated by the Eleven in the possession column at 62%-38%, the Boys in Blue’s leading goal scorer Aodhan Quinn scored his first from beyond the spot in 2023 to give him seven this season. The midfielder collected a clearance by the Pittsburgh keeper nearly at half, played it down with his chest, and converted a volley from just past the center circle.
Indy doubled its lead in the 35th minute with a tally that goal scorer Sebastian Guenzatti started himself from half. By way of passes from Younes Boudadi and Solomon Asante, Cam Lindley found himself with the ball on the right flank and played it into Pittsburgh’s 18. Guenzatti came out on the other end just inside the attacking six and placed it into the lower right corner.
The Eleven tacked on a second insurance goal compliments of Harrison Robledo’s first of the season. Adrian Diz Pe delivered a spot-on ball to Douglas Martinez, who both entered at half, and Martinez took a touch before delivering the helper into the box for Robledo.
Pittsburgh was able to get one back off a Tola Showunmi goal in the 89th minute.
Indy out-possessed Pittsburgh 56%-44% in the match and had the 4-2 edge in shots on target. Tim Trilk registered one save in his first start of 2023.
Next up, the Boys in Blue head to rival Louisville City FC for a Saturday night match-up. Kick is slated for 8 p.m. ET Saturday and will air locally on MYINDY-TV and ESPN+. Indy returns home Aug. 5 to host Memphis 901 FC. Single-game tickets for all home games at IUPUI Carroll Stadium and specially-priced group tickets and an increased portfolio of hospitality options are available for purchase now via indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).
USL Championship Regular Season
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1:3 Indy Eleven
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2023 USL Championship Records
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: 10W-4L-8D (9), 38pts
Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-7D (1), 25 pts
Scoring Summary
IND – Aodhan Quinn 13’
IND – Sebastian Guenzatti (Cam Lindley) 35’
IND – Harrison Robledo (Douglas Martinez) 73’
PIT – Tola Showunmi (Marc Ybarra) 89’
Discipline Summary
IND – Cam Lindley (caution) 34’
PIT – Arturo Osuna (caution) 43’
PIT – Tola Showunmi (caution) 90+3’
Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1): Tim Trilk, Robby Dambrot (Roberto Molina 90+4’), Callum Champman-Page (Adrian Diz Pe 45’), Mechack Jerome, Younes Boudadi, Aodhan Quinn, Cam Lindley, Harrison Robledo (Sebastian Velasquez 78’), Sebastian Guenzatti (captain), Solomon Asante (Macauley King 78’), Stefano Pinho (Douglas Martinez 61’)
Indy Subs: Yannik Oettl
Pittsburgh line-up (3-5-2): Jahmali Waite, Burke Fahling (Kenardo Forbes 45’), Patrick Hogan (Juan Carlos Obregon Jr 45’), Arturo Osuna, Langston Blackstock (Daniel Rovira 78’), Danny Griffin, Trevor Zwetsloot (Tola Showunmi 62’), Brunallergene Etou, Robbie Mertz, Edward Kizza (Marc Ybarra 45’), Albert Dikwa
Pittsburgh Subs: Joseph Farrell, Christian Garner
INDIANS BASEBALL
PALACIOS BLASTS WALK-OFF WINNER, INDIANS OVERCOME FIVE-RUN DEFICIT
INDIANAPOLIS – Josh Palacios launched a 466-foot walk-off home run as the Indianapolis Indians erased a five-run deficit with six unanswered runs to defeat the Louisville Bats 6-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Victory Field.
With the game squared at five apiece and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Palacios crushed the longest home run by an Indian hitter this season and of his career, sealing the team’s second walk-off win this year. Prior to the walk-off blast – the first of Palacios’ career at any level – the Indians (46-51, 13-10) eliminated a 5-0 deficit thanks to a bases-loaded walk by Palacios in the fifth and a four-run eighth inning that included a three-run, opposite-field shot by Canaan Smith-Njigba and game-tying double off the bat of Vinny Capra.
Louisville (51-45, 11-12) nabbed an early lead with a sacrifice fly by Michael Siani in the third and an RBI triple by Cincinnati’s top-ranked prospect Noelvi Marte in the fourth. In the top of the fifth, Nick Martini extended the Bats’ lead with a two-run home run, his second of the series, and Marte chipped in a run-scoring single before Indy stormed back.
Palacios went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two walks to go with his eighth home run of the season. The walk-off dinger off Alan Busenitz (L, 2-2) was his second long ball of the series and fourth home run in his last six games.
Juan Minaya (W, 1-1) held Louisville scoreless in a perfect ninth. The right-hander combined with Rob Zastryzny, Duane Underwood Jr. and Yohan Ramirez for 4.1 scoreless innings of relief to aid the Indians’ comeback victory.
Capra went 3-for-4 and is batting .485 (16-for-33) with six extra-base hits and nine RBI in July.
The walk-off home run was Indy’s first since Oneil Cruz on April 24, 2022, in an 11-inning, 8-7 win over Columbus.
The Indians and Bats continue their series on Thursday at 7:05 PM ET. RHP Andre Jackson (1-1, 5.40) is scheduled to start for Indy against RHP Brett Kennedy (3-2, 3.67).
INDIANA MEN’S GOLF
MEN’S GOLF ANNOUNCES 2023-24 SCHEDULE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana head men’s golf coach Mike Mayer announced the program’s 2023-24 schedule on Wednesday afternoon. The schedule includes 11 regular season events, highlighted by the Hoosier Collegiate, hosted by the Hoosiers from April 6-7 at The Pfau Course.
“Our 2023-24 schedule is both exciting and extremely challenging,” said Coach Mayer. “We will be competing at some of the best venues in college golf including our own gem – The Pfau Course at Indiana University – which continues to move up in the rankings and is recognized as one of the best collegiate courses in the country. Our schedule will give us the opportunity to go head-to-head with the best teams in college golf. We will be ready for the challenge.”
Indiana opens the schedule with the second-annual Folds of Honor Collegiate from Sept. 4-6 at the American Dunes Golf Club in Gran Haven, Mich. Proceeds from the event with benefit the Folds of Honor and the GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund.
September will keep the Hoosiers busy with the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational (individuals only) at the Delaware Country Club on Sept. 9-10 in Muncie, Ind., the Chicago Highlands Invitational from Sept. 18-19 at the Chicago Highlands Club in Westchester, Ill., and the Windon Memorial Classic from Sept. 25-26 at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield, Ill.
The fall slate of the schedule will conclude with three tournaments in the month of October. Notre Dame will host the Fighting Irish Classic on Oct. 1-2 at the Warren Golf Course in South Bend. From Oct. 15-16, the Hoosiers will be competing in the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational in Vero Beach, Fla. Finally, IU will play the Steelwood Collegiate from Oct. 28-29 at the Steelwood Country Club in Loxley, Ala.
The six-event spring slate will begin with the Battle at Briar’s Creek from Feb. 5-6 at The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek in St. John’s S.C.
Indiana will compete twice in the month of March, beginning with the Colleton River Collegiate. The 54-hole event will be hosted by Michigan State on March 4-5 at the Colleton River Club in Bluffton, S.C. Indiana will stay south for the Seminole Intercollegiate on March 11-12 at the Seminole Legacy Golf Course in Tallahassee, Fla.
IU will send a group of individuals to the Butler Spring Invitational on April 1-2 at the Highland Country Club in Indianapolis before opening April in team competition as hosts of the Hoosier Collegiate (April 6-7) at The Pfau Course before closing the regular season at the Robert Kepler Invitational from April 19-21 at the OSU Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio.
Postseason play will begin with the Big Ten Championships at the Scioto Country Club from April 26-28 in Columbus, Ohio. NCAA Regionals will take place May 13-15 with the NCAA Finals May 24-29 in at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.
INDIANA MEN’S SWIMMING
HAFNAOUI CAPTURES WORLD TITLE IN 800-METER FREESTYLE
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana swimming and diving’s Ahmed Hafnaoui won his first world title on Wednesday (July 26), triumphing in the 800-meter freestyle at the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships.
Representing Tunisia, Hafnaoui blew away the field in the final 50 meters with a 26.24 final split. His 7:37.00 is the third-fastest swim ever and beat out Sam Short by .76 after the Australian out-touched him by two tenths in the 400-meter race earlier this week. Hafanoui now has a gold and a silver medal in his World Championships debut.
Hafnaoui won what was perhaps one of the greatest distance races ever held. Behind him, Short set the Australian record (7:37.76), Bobby Finke broke the American standard (7:38.67) and Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen established a European record (7:39.19). All four times are top 10 all-time.
Hafnaoui is Indiana’s first male swimmer to win a gold medal at a world championships since Zach Apple and Blake Pieroni were members of Team USA’s mixed 4x100m freestyle relay in 2019.
Hafnaoui began training at Indiana in 2022 and will make his collegiate debut this coming fall. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hafnaoui won Olympic gold in the 400-meter freestyle.
Josh Matheny captured his first world championships medal on Wednesday for his contributions to Team USA’s 4×100-meter medley relay. Matheny was a member of the prelim quartet that earned the United States the No. 1 seed for the final, blasting a 58.45 split. The IU junior was seventh in the 100-meter breaststroke earlier this week and will swim the 200-meter race later in the meet.
Indiana doubled its medal count on Wednesday, bringing its total to four. Diver Jessica Parratto also earned bronze in the women’s synchronized 10-meter event.
PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
CUNEIO RECLASSIFIES AND WILL JOIN PURDUE SOCCER THIS FALL
By: Charlie Healy
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue soccer coach Drew Roff has announced that Zoe Cuneio has committed to the program and will join the team for the 2023 season.
Cuneio, who had originally verbally committed to Purdue to be a member of the 2024 signing class, will join the Boilermakers a season early after she graduated from high school in three years.
Ranked No. 8 nationally among defenders and 37th overall in her class by Top Drawer Soccer, Cuneio is from Wildwood, Missouri. She is a four-star recruit by TDS and No. 2 in the Heartland region.
“Zoe is a special player who comes from an excellent soccer environment and a very supportive family,” Roff said. “She has all the characteristics of a top flight modern-day center back. She is physically strong, reads the game well and is very comfortable bringing the ball out and connecting passes through the lines. I have no doubts that Zoe is ready for the next step in her career, and we are very excited to have her join us this season.”
“The atmosphere and culture at Purdue is something special,” Cuneio said. “The coaches, the staff members and the players make it feel like a place where I belong. Purdue is the place I believe can help me accomplish my dreams and more. I am excited and ready to see what the future holds!”
Cuneio played club soccer for ECNL’s St. Louis Scott Gallagher Navy. Under the tutelage of coach Ralph Richards, Cuneio was named the U16 Midwest Player of Year and an All-American in 2021, and she collected First Team Midwest All-Conference accolades in 2021 and 2022. While this summer’s individual accolades have not been announced, Cuneio recently helped her team to the U18/U19 playoffs and a Midwest conference championship. She also was a team captain for SLSG.
At Eureka High, Cuneio played one season, in 2023, and was named the Class 4 Region 2 defender of the year and earned all-state accolades while playing for coach Gary Schneider. Additionally, she played basketball and helped lead Eureka to the state final four in 2022-23.
Cuneio was invited to the 2021 U.S. U17 Women’s National Team virtual camp, the 2021 U.S. Youth National Team regional ID camp and the 2020 U.S. U15 training camp. She also was selected to the Kansas City Current’s reserve team training in 2022.
Academically, Cuneio was recognized with Eureka High’s Gold Standard Award in 2023.
Cuneio plans to major in finance at Purdue, and she aspires to become a coach and pursue a career in finance following her playing career. Her parents are Amy and Doug, and she has one sister, Mia. Cuneio’s father, Doug, played NAIA basketball at Culver Stockton.
One of nine newcomers on the 2023 Purdue soccer team, Cuneio is joined by a six-member signing class announced last November, signee Makena Smith, who committed in January, and graduate transfer Charlotte Cyr. The newcomers will be joined by 22 returning players on this year’s roster. The 2023 Boilermakers begin preseason training next week before the season begins on August 17 at Folk Field.
PURDUE MEN’S GOLF
SEKNE RANKED NO. 17 IN INITIAL PGA TOUR U. RANKINGS
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue senior Herman Sekne is ranked No. 17 in the initial 2023-24 PGA Tour U. rankings, the PGA Tour announced Wednesday afternoon.
PGA Tour U. (all players are eligible) players earn points based on college, amateur and professional golf and will earn PGA Tour membership if they amass at least 20 “accelerated points”. Accelerated points are given for winning season-ending awards (Haskins Award, Hogan Award, etc.), ranking in the top 5 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), tournament wins (NCAA Championship, U.S. Amateur, etc.) or participating in one of the following national team competitions (Walker Cup, Palmer Cup, World Amateur Team Championship).
To be elevated, eligible players must exhaust four years of collegiate eligibility or complete four years of college academics, with a minimum of two years of collegiate athletics.
The No. 1 ranked player next June in PGA Tour U. rankings earns PGA Tour membership for the remainder of the current season and benefits range all the way down to players ranking 11th through 20th earning full membership on the PGA Tour Americas tour.
Sekne is currently ranked No. 28 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and already has international match-play experience under his belt this summer, competing for the European squad in the prestigious Arnold Palmer Cup in June. He will play in the prestigious Bollanack Trophy on Aug. 3-5 – a Ryder Cup-style competition between the best players in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
He finished fourth this summer at the elite Sunnehanna Amateur and with his WAGR ranking, will qualify for the U.S. Amateur in August in Colorado.
Last June, Sekne became Purdue’s first All-American since 2002 (Lee Williamson) and was named first-team All-Big Ten for the second straight season in May. He was selected as the Big Ten Golfer of the Week three times while owning seven top-10 finishes in 10 events. His seven career Big Ten Golfer of the Week honors are the fourth most in Big Ten history.
He finished tied for ninth at the Big Ten Championships, but set the tournament record, a school record and a Galloway National course record with a 9-under par 62 in the second round.
The Oslo, Norway, native became just the fifth player in school history with at least three victories when he earned co-medalist honors three weeks ago at the Boilermaker Invitational, leading the Boilermakers to a stunning, come-from-behind victory over No. 11-ranked Oklahoma by one shot.
Sekne totaled a 54-hole tally of 11-under par 202 (69-69-64) to earn the victory. He birdied his final two holes to rally for the medalist share and his 202 score is the fourth-best tournament score in school history, while his 64 in the final tied for the third-lowest round in Purdue history.
He posted a school-record 14 rounds in the 60s, while his seven top-10 finishes are second in school history, coming in just 10 events played. He owned a 70.41 stroke average, ranking first in school history – almost a half-stroke better than Williamson in second place (70.78).
Sekne’s career stroke average of 71.66 is tops in school history, more than a stroke better than second place (Austin Eoff – 72.82). He has set the career record for most rounds in the 60s (25) and ranks tied for seventh in career top-10 finishes with 13, coming in just 27 events played.
BALL STATE MEN’S GOLF
BALL STATE GOLFER KASH BELLAR TEES OFF THURSDAY AT PRESTIGIOUS SOUTHEASTERN AMATEUR
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University men’s golf junior and defending National Golf Invitational champion Kash Bellar tees off Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the prestigious Southeastern Amateur presented by Aflac, at the Country Club of Columbus (Ga.).
Bellar qualified for the event by winning the NGI championship last May – in what was the first tournament title of his college career. Since winning the NGI, Bellar has tied for a fourth-place finish this summer at the Indiana State Amateur, then tied for eighth in the Indiana PGA State Open. He finished as the first alternate in the U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Sand Creek.
The 94th Southeastern Amateur is conducted this week as one of the country’s top amateur events. The tournament was first established in 1922.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
HOW MARCUS FREEMAN HANDLED CHANGE, EXCITEMENT ON FALL CAMP DAY 1
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Flanked by a veteran group of starters but a new head atop the strength and conditioning program, Marcus Freeman had his second-ever first day of fall camp as Notre Dame head coach – and Freeman largely was pleased with what he saw from the Fighting Irish, who open their 2023 campaign one month from today against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.
Freeman candidly addressed the resignation of veteran strength coach Matt Balis earlier this week, acknowledging that he was “hurt” by Balis’s decision but focused on navigating the “bumpy road” through camp to kick off a season in which the Irish are expected to be a top-10 team and College Football Playoff-contender.
“Change is inevitable, and that’s what I told the group,” Freeman said. “I was as hurt as anybody by losing someone I respect and enjoy working with. That hurts. But time doesn’t stop. That’s the reality of this thing. We have to continue to move forward.
“Leaders lead. Leaders continue to lead. I don’t care if Matt Bails is our head training coach or Marcus Freeman’s the head training coach. Leaders lead, and that’s what they’ll continue to do because time is not slowing down. We understand that we have an objective in front of us in making sure we’re ready for Dublin, Ireland. Our guys did a great job of refocusing themselves.”
Freeman pointed specifically to the veteran starters on both sides of the ball for his second iteration of Notre Dame football.
The Irish have one of college football’s most experienced quarterbacks in Sam Hartman, who appeared in 48 career games at Wake Forest and threw 110 touchdowns but will make his Notre Dame debut against Navy. Tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher are generating plenty of preseason All-America buzz, and the linebacking trio of JD Bertrand, Jack Kiser and Marist Liufau has appeared in a combined 107 games in their Irish careers.
Freeman also acknowledged he believed he did a better job of being a head coach Wednesday than he did August 5, 2022 – the date of his team’s first practice prior to the 2022 campaign.
“I try to structure practice in a way to get the results that I want,” said Freeman, whose first full season as a head coach culminated with a 9-4 ledger that included a top-5 win against Clemson and a season-ending comeback triumph against South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. “I thought back to last year, my first practice. I was just like the kids. I’m not saying I’m not excited. It’s first day of practice. Everybody’s excited. But I was probably like the players in terms of (saying) ‘Oh, my God! It’s the first day of practice. Go, go, go, go!’
“I looked back at the results of that practice, and it probably wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to structure practice in a way that really could get the results I wanted. I think experience for myself was most important.”
Freeman’s personal experience afforded him the chance to relay a more specific message to his players in terms of what they needed to ascertain from this opening session – and players’ returning knowledge of the bedrock-elements that Freeman commands in his program also shined.
“I reiterated to the players, ‘Guys, there’s periods that are meant for this and periods that are meant for that,’” Freeman said. “’This is a run-through period’ or ‘This is a full-speed period.’ They understand the expectations. It is a mature group.
“A lot of those guys, especially the older guys, have been here with me through one season, so they understand the expectation. I thought they did a good job of practicing today.”
Notre Dame returns to LaBar Football Practice Complex Thursday for the second session of preseason camp, and it will do so again Friday.
VALPO MEN’S GOLF
VANARRAGON SUSTAINS SPECTACULAR SUMMER BY WINNING MGA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP, QUALIFYING FOR 3M OPEN
After winning the Minnesota State Open earlier this month, an unforgettable summer continued for Valparaiso University men’s golf rising fifth-year senior Caleb VanArragon (Blaine, Minn. / Blaine).
VanArragon won the Minnesota State Amateur in resounding fashion this past week, obliterating the event’s previous score-to-par record by going 23 strokes under par, 12 strokes better than his closest competitor. The tournament was held July 17-19 at Minneapolis Golf Club in St. Louis Park, Minn. He carded 66-62-65 in the event for a 54-hole score of 193.
VanArragon received more good news this week when he learned that he earned the final sponsor’s exemption for the 3M Open Pro-Am, which begins on Thursday as Valpo standout hopes to continue his majestic summer on the course.
TAYLOR ATHLETICS | BRAGG HONORED AS TU FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
UPLAND, Ind. – Kacy Bragg added one more accolade on Wednesday, being named the Taylor Female Athlete of the Year for her work as a senior setter for the TU volleyball program during the 2022 season.
The award is designed to recognize TU’s top female student-athlete among freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors based on athletic accomplishments throughout the current year. Athletes are nominated for the award by their head coach and voted on by members of the TU Athletics Department.
“I am beyond proud of Kacy for earning the TU Female Athlete-of-the-Year honor,” said TU head volleyball coach Erin Luthy. “She led our team on and off the court through her dedication to faithfully pursuing God’s call on her life. Her accomplishments this season were remarkable, but she truly exemplified what it meant to work hard and serve her teammates well. She is an amazing young woman and has an incredible future in store.”
Bragg was named a NAIA Third-Team All-American following her standout season, while also being named the AVCA Midcentral Region Setter of the Year and collecting a second-straight Crossroads League Setter-of-the-Year award. Along the way, Bragg was named the Crossroads League Setter of the Week a total of nine times and became the fifth player in Taylor volleyball history to reach 4,000-career assists.
Bragg posted the stats to back up those awards, ending third in the NAIA with 1,482 assists and fifth with 10.9 assists per set. The Warsaw, Indiana native also posted 2.5 digs, 1.0 kills and 0.6 blocks per set, while registering 13 double-double showings.
Bragg’s efforts helped Taylor to a 31-7 record and the regular season and tournament titles in the Crossroads League. Other highlights for Bragg and the Trojans included a 17-0 record inside Odle Arena, a NAIA national ranking of No. 11 and a win at home in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round.
TAYLOR ATHLETICS | KOLPIEN NAMED TU MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
UPLAND, Ind. – Kaleb Kolpien was recognized for his record-setting season on the diamond for Taylor baseball, being named the Taylor Male Athlete of the Year after anchoring the Trojan offense during a historic 2023 campaign.
The award is designed to recognize TU’s top male student-athlete among freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors based on athletic accomplishments throughout the current year. Athletes are nominated for the award by their head coach and voted on by members of the TU Athletics Department.
“Kaleb had an incredible year and was a major force for such a memorable season,” said TU head baseball coach Kyle Gould. “To break the single-season hits record ahead of so many great players is a testament to his ability, as well as his consistency over a long baseball season.”
Kolpien was named a First-Team All-Crossroads League selection after setting Taylor’s single-season hits record with 98 knocks during his sophomore season. The lefty’s 98 hits led the Crossroads League and ranked sixth among all NAIA players, while his .424 season average topped the CL and ranked 22nd in the NAIA.
Kolpien played in all 59 games for the TU lineup, posting an eye-catching slash line of a .424 average, .493 on-base percentage, .593 slugging percentage and 1.086 OPS over his 231 at bats. The Fort Wayne, Indiana native peppered opposing hurlers with 27 extra-base hits and posted 57 runs, 53 runs batted in and 12 stolen bases while logging a 30-to-15 walk-to-strikeout ratio.
With Kolpien helping to fuel its powerful offense, Taylor posted a 42-17 overall record during the 2023 season, winning the Crossroads League Championship with a 30-6 league mark. The Trojans also hosted and won the NAIA National Championship Opening Round, before claiming the best finish in program history by ending fifth at the NAIA World Series.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETIC SITES:
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/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
MLB STANDINGS
| American League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Baltimore | 62 | 40 | .608 | – | 30 – 20 | 32 – 20 | 19 – 12 | 18 – 7 | 10 – 7 | 5 – 5 | L 2 |
| Tampa Bay | 62 | 43 | .590 | 1.5 | 37 – 19 | 25 – 24 | 18 – 13 | 16 – 4 | 9 – 10 | 2 – 8 | L 1 |
| Toronto | 57 | 46 | .553 | 5.5 | 27 – 20 | 30 – 26 | 7 – 20 | 16 – 6 | 12 – 10 | 5 – 5 | W 1 |
| Boston | 55 | 47 | .539 | 7 | 30 – 23 | 25 – 24 | 16 – 11 | 11 – 8 | 11 – 8 | 6 – 4 | W 4 |
| NY Yankees | 54 | 48 | .529 | 8 | 32 – 24 | 22 – 24 | 13 – 17 | 11 – 8 | 14 – 11 | 5 – 5 | W 1 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Minnesota | 54 | 50 | .519 | – | 30 – 24 | 24 – 26 | 12 – 17 | 21 – 12 | 11 – 8 | 6 – 4 | L 2 |
| Cleveland | 51 | 51 | .500 | 2 | 28 – 24 | 23 – 27 | 7 – 8 | 15 – 14 | 13 – 9 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Detroit | 46 | 55 | .455 | 6.5 | 22 – 28 | 24 – 27 | 3 – 16 | 18 – 12 | 9 – 11 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Chi White Sox | 41 | 62 | .398 | 12.5 | 21 – 27 | 20 – 35 | 6 – 16 | 15 – 14 | 9 – 14 | 3 – 7 | L 5 |
| Kansas City | 29 | 75 | .279 | 25 | 15 – 36 | 14 – 39 | 5 – 15 | 10 – 27 | 4 – 11 | 2 – 8 | L 2 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Texas | 60 | 43 | .583 | – | 34 – 20 | 26 – 23 | 14 – 11 | 14 – 5 | 17 – 13 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Houston | 58 | 45 | .563 | 2 | 27 – 23 | 31 – 22 | 5 – 5 | 8 – 11 | 24 – 13 | 7 – 3 | L 1 |
| LA Angels | 52 | 49 | .515 | 7 | 29 – 23 | 23 – 26 | 11 – 9 | 12 – 8 | 16 – 14 | 7 – 3 | W 2 |
| Seattle | 52 | 50 | .510 | 7.5 | 29 – 25 | 23 – 25 | 9 – 12 | 12 – 11 | 15 – 11 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Oakland | 28 | 76 | .269 | 32.5 | 15 – 39 | 13 – 37 | 7 – 19 | 7 – 11 | 5 – 26 | 3 – 7 | L 3 |
| National League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Atlanta | 64 | 36 | .640 | – | 32 – 19 | 32 – 17 | 22 – 6 | 10 – 2 | 11 – 9 | 3 – 7 | L 2 |
| Philadelphia | 55 | 47 | .539 | 10 | 28 – 20 | 27 – 27 | 9 – 15 | 10 – 6 | 14 – 13 | 5 – 5 | W 2 |
| Miami | 55 | 48 | .534 | 10.5 | 31 – 20 | 24 – 28 | 13 – 16 | 11 – 9 | 10 – 12 | 2 – 8 | W 1 |
| NY Mets | 47 | 54 | .465 | 17.5 | 23 – 22 | 24 – 32 | 13 – 13 | 5 – 14 | 15 – 13 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Washington | 43 | 59 | .422 | 22 | 20 – 33 | 23 – 26 | 9 – 16 | 7 – 13 | 14 – 14 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Milwaukee | 57 | 46 | .553 | – | 29 – 24 | 28 – 22 | 9 – 4 | 22 – 10 | 8 – 15 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Cincinnati | 56 | 48 | .538 | 1.5 | 28 – 26 | 28 – 22 | 12 – 11 | 13 – 19 | 14 – 8 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| Chi Cubs | 50 | 51 | .495 | 6 | 27 – 26 | 23 – 25 | 8 – 14 | 15 – 12 | 9 – 8 | 7 – 3 | W 5 |
| St. Louis | 46 | 57 | .447 | 11 | 22 – 26 | 24 – 31 | 10 – 9 | 12 – 17 | 9 – 14 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Pittsburgh | 45 | 57 | .441 | 11.5 | 23 – 26 | 22 – 31 | 5 – 5 | 11 – 15 | 16 – 15 | 4 – 6 | W 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| LA Dodgers | 58 | 43 | .574 | – | 30 – 18 | 28 – 25 | 11 – 7 | 15 – 12 | 14 – 11 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| San Francisco | 56 | 47 | .544 | 3 | 28 – 22 | 28 – 25 | 10 – 12 | 18 – 9 | 15 – 10 | 4 – 6 | W 2 |
| Arizona | 55 | 48 | .534 | 4 | 27 – 26 | 28 – 22 | 13 – 15 | 11 – 10 | 17 – 11 | 3 – 7 | L 1 |
| San Diego | 49 | 54 | .476 | 10 | 26 – 25 | 23 – 29 | 13 – 13 | 8 – 15 | 12 – 13 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Colorado | 40 | 62 | .392 | 18.5 | 23 – 26 | 17 – 36 | 14 – 17 | 8 – 10 | 6 – 19 | 5 – 5 | L 2 |
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1918 After Harry Heitman gives up hits to four consecutive batters in his major league debut in the Robins’ 22-7 loss to the Cardinals, skipper Wilbert Robinson pulls him from the Ebbets Field contest. The 21-year-old Brooklyn rookie right-hander will never hurl again in the big leagues, ending his career with an ERA of infinity.
1919 With a hit in his 50th straight Western League contest, Wichita Jobbers’ outfielder Joe Wilhoit, en route to a 69-game streak, surpasses Jack Ness for the longest consecutive-game hitting streak in professional baseball. Ness’s mark, established four years earlier playing first base for the Oakland Oaks, will remain the Pacific Coast League record until Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 61 straight for the San Francisco Seals in 1933.
1930 Ken Ash, throwing just one pitch in relief of Larry Benton, is credited with a full inning of work when he induces Charlie Grimm to hit into a triple play in the Reds’ 6-5 victory over the Cubs at Redland Field. The 28-year-old West Virginian right-hander, replaced for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the frame, gets the win due to Cincinnati taking the lead for good in that frame.
1938 Hank Greenberg hits a pair of home runs, a feat the Tigers’ first baseman will accomplish a record-setting eleven times during the season. The Detroit slugger’s first and second-inning round-trippers drive in five runs, contributing to the team’s 9-4 victory over the Senators at Briggs Stadium.
1943 Without informing his current skipper, Philadelphia owner William D. Cox announces at a New York press conference that Freddie Fitzsimmons will be taking over the managerial reigns of the team, never mentioning Bucky Harris, the man he is replacing. The Phillies players considered going on strike in protest but, at the urging of their former field boss, decided to drop the plan after the owner threatened legal action.
1946 In a 13-6 beating of the Browns, Rudy York becomes the third major leaguer, second Red Sox player, to hit two grand slams in the same game. With his Sportsman’s Park performance, the Boston first baseman joins Tony Lazzeri (1936, Yankees) and Jim Tabor (1939, Red Sox) in accomplishing the feat.
1947 Jake Jones hits a 60-foot triple in Boston’s 4-3 victory over the Browns at Fenway Park. Umpire Cal Hubbard awards the Red Sox first baseman three bases when St. Louis hurler Fred Sanford, fearing the grounder might roll fair, throws his glove at the ball to keep it foul.
1948 Al Rosen clouts his fifth consecutive homer over two days for the Kansas City Blues, the Tigers’ Triple-A team in the American Association. The 24-year-old freshman, the American League MVP in 1953, will finish the minor league season batting .327, earning the circuit’s Rookie of the Year honors.
1950 Del Ennis drives in seven runs with a seventh-inning bases-loaded double and a grand slam in the next frame. The 25-year-old right fielder’s late-inning power surge helps the Phillies clobber the Cubs at Shibe Park, 13-3.
1959 The Continental League is formally announced, with franchises in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, and Toronto. The new major league is the brainchild of William Shea, an attorney who proposed the idea a year after the Giants and Dodgers left New York City to move to the West Coast.
1963 John Bateman’s eighth-inning homer at Colt Stadium scores the only run in the Mets’ 21st consecutive defeat on the road. The 1-0 complete-game decision to Houston is Roger Craig’s 16th straight loss, tying Craig Anderson’s dubious club record established in the franchise’s inaugural season last year.
1964 In the first clash of tenth-place teams in major league history, the Senators prevail, beating the Mets in the Hall of Fame exhibition game, 6-4. The Cooperstown combatants will collectively lose 209 games this season, but Washington will climb out of the cellar to finish ahead of Kansas City.
1964 The Hall of Fame inducts seven new members, swelling the ranks of the 25-year-old institution to 101. The recent inductees include Luke Appling, voted in by the BBWAA, and spitballers Burleigh Grimes and Urban Faber, pre-1900 era players Tim Keefe and John Montgomery, lifetime .330 hitter Heinie Manush, and skipper Miller Huggins, all selected by the 12-man Veterans’ Committee in February.
1965 League officials increase the number of foreigners allowed on each Japanese professional team from 2 to 3. However, the Yomiuri Giants announce their team will not have any foreigners on their roster, a policy which lasts ten years until the signing of Davey Johnson.
1966 Six weeks after the team plays their first game in the Peach State, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overrules a lower court decision of Wisconsin v. The Milwaukee Braves by a narrow vote of 4-3, declaring that the state doesn’t have the jurisdiction to keep the team from moving to Atlanta. Due to the close vote, the state of Wisconsin decides to appeal the majority’s decision to the United States Supreme Court.
1966 Sandy Koufax strikes out 16 Phillies, and Jim Bunning whiffs 12 Dodgers in the first 11 innings of a pitching duel between future Hall of Famers at Chavez Ravine. With both starters out of the game, Los Angeles beats Philadelphia, 2-1, thanks to an unearned run scored in the bottom of the twelfth inning.
1968 Denny McLain, en route to posting a 31-6 record, earns his 20th victory of the season when he blanks Baltimore at Memorial Stadium, 9-0. The Tiger right-hander is the third pitcher in history to reach the milestone this quickly, with only Rube Marquard (Giants, July 19, 1912) and Lefty Grove (A’s, July 25, 1931) accomplishing the feat earlier in a season.
1972 In his managerial debut, Cubs skipper Whitey Lockman watches Fergie Jenkins throw a one-hitter to blank the Phillies at Veterans Stadium, 4-0. Willie Montanez’s fourth-inning double spoils the Canadian right-hander’s bid for a no-hitter.
1975 The Mets release Cleon Jones after suspending him nine days ago for insubordination following an altercation with manager Yogi Berra. The outfielder from Mobile (AL) will not play again this year but will briefly join the White Sox next season, playing thirteen games with the club before ending his 13-year career with a .281 batting average.
1978 Light-hitting Indians’ second baseman Duane Kuiper becomes one of only three modern major leaguers to hit two bases-loaded triples in one game. The pair of three-baggers, previously accomplished by Elmer Valo (1949 A’s) and Billy Bruton (1959 Braves), helps the Tribe beat the Yankees, 17-5.
1978 Mike Cubbage completes the cycle when he connects for a two-run seventh-inning triple in the Twins’ 6-3 win over the Blue Jays at Metropolitan Stadium. The rare event becomes possible when the Minnesota third baseman is thrown out (9-4-5) at third base, trying to stretch a double into a triple in his first at-bat.
1979 On his first day back in a home uniform, eight years after leaving the Expos, Rusty Staub receives the most prolonged standing ovation in franchise history when he pinch-hits for Elias Sosa in the bottom of the eighth inning in a 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh. The first-place Montreal club re-acquired ‘Le Grand Orange’ from the Tigers to come off the bench as an experienced pinch-hitter and to fill in at first base.
1984 Pete Rose passes Ty Cobb as the all-time single leader when he collects his 3,053rd off Steve Carlton in a 6-1 Expo victory over the Phillies. The Montreal switch-hitter, who will also pass the ‘Georgia Peach’ to become the all-time hit leader, ends his 24-year career with 3,215 one-base hits.
1988 Tommy John becomes the first pitcher to commit three errors on one play when he (1) bobbles Jeffrey Leonard’s grounder and then, to recover, (2) throws the ball down the right-field line that Dave Winfield retrieves and fires home, where the Yankee left-hander cuts it off, (3) relaying the throw wildly to the plate, allowing two runs to score. The 45-year-old southpaw’s fourth-inning miscues don’t stop him from getting the victory in the Bombers’ 16-3 rout of the Brewers in the Bronx.
1989 In the team’s 10-1 rout of San Francisco, Dale Murphy becomes the 10th major leaguer to collect six RBIs in the same inning when he connects for two three-run round-trippers in the Braves’ ten-run sixth at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The 33-year-old right fielder also becomes the second player in franchise history to go deep twice in the same frame, joining Robert Lowe, who accomplished the unusual feat in 1884.
1998 Wade Boggs’ eighth-inning single in the Devil Rays’ 11-5 win over Oakland moves him past Babe Ruth and into 33rd place on the career hits list with 2,874. The future Hall of Fame third baseman will end his 18-year career with 3,010 hits, finishing with a .328 lifetime batting average.
1998 Pirates’ second baseman Tony Womack establishes a new major league mark by not grounding into a double play in 888 consecutive at-bats. Dodger outfielder Pete Reiser previously set the record in 1946.
1998 Sammy Sosa hits his first grand slam, establishing the mark for most career homers before hitting a grand slam (246). Tomorrow, ‘Slamming Sammy’ will hit another, becoming the 18th major leaguer to hit a grand slam on consecutive days.
1998 With a three-run blast in the sixth inning, Arkansas Travelers’ outfielder Tyrone Horne completes the first and only home run cycle in a professional baseball game. The minor leaguer also slugged a two-run homer in the first inning, a grand slam in the second, and a solo shot in the fifth during the 13-4 victory over San Antonio.
2000 Jim Fregosi wins his 1,000th game as a big-league skipper when the Blue Jays beat the Mariners, 7-2. The former major league infielder, who has also managed the Angels, White Sox, and Phillies, finishes his 15-year managerial tenure with a 1028-1094 (.484) record, with one postseason appearance.
2000 The Rockies and Red Sox complete a seven-player trade. The Red Sox receive pitchers Rolando Arrojo and Rick Croushore, infielder Mike Lansing, and an undisclosed amount of cash for second baseman Jeff Frye and pitchers Brian Rose and John Wasdin, as well as minor league pitcher Jeff Taglienti.
2005 Ryan Freel becomes the first player in the Reds’ 136-year history to steal five bases in a game, including two in the ninth that moves him to third base, where he scores the eventual winning run on Felipe Lopez’s sacrifice fly. The Cincinnati second baseman’s thievery contributes to the team’s 7-6 victory over the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.
2008 Brad Ziegler sets a major league record by pitching 27 innings without allowing a run from the start of his career. The A’s 28-year-old rookie right-hander hurls a scoreless seventh and eighth in Oakland’s 6-5 victory over the Rangers to surpass the previous mark of 25 frames established in 1907 by Phillies’ moundsman George McQuillan.
2009 Josh Willingham becomes just the 13th major leaguer to hit two grand slams in the same game. The 30-year-old outfielder’s fifth and sixth-inning bases-loaded home runs set the pace in the Nationals’ 14-6 victory over Milwaukee at Miller Park.
2011 With a 9-2 victory at Yankee Stadium thanks to Felix Hernandez’s seven innings of four-hit, one-run ball, the Mariners post their first win since July 5 to end their 17-game losing streak, a franchise record. Seattle’s recent futility surpassed the team’s previous longest winless drought, which consisted of 14 consecutive defeats in 1992.
2011 For the second straight season, the Cardinals trade a starting outfielder for pitching, dealing Colby Rasmus and relievers Trever Miller and Brian Tallet to the Blue Jays for Edwin Jackson (acquired from the White Sox a few hours earlier) and relievers Octavio Dotel and Marc Rzepczynski. Last year, the Redbirds dealt right fielder Ryan Ludwick to San Diego in a three-team deal that brought Indian starter Jake Westbrook to St. Louis.
2011 Ervin Santana, facing only two hitters over the minimum, no-hits against the hometown Indians at Progressive Field, 3-1. The Tribe’s only run against the Angels’ right-hander results from a first-inning wild pitch run following an error by shortstop Erick Aybar.
2011 “While we cannot begin to understand how umpire Jerry Meals did not see the tag made by Michael McKenry three feet in front of home plate, we do not question the integrity of Mr. Meals. Instead, we know that Mr. Meals’ intention was to get the call right. Jerry Meals has been umpiring Major League games for 14 years and has always done so with integrity and professionalism. He got this one wrong.” – FRANK COONELLY, president of the Pirates. Pirates file a formal complaint with the Commissioner’s Office expressing their extreme disappointment by how its 19-inning game against the Braves ended earlier this morning. The statement shares the organization’s dismay of umpire Jerry Meals not seeing the tag made by Michael McKenry three feet in front of home plate that resulted in Atlanta’s 4-3 victory at Turner Field.
2014 In front of an enthusiastic Cooperstown crowd of nearly 50,000, the Hall of Fame inducts White Sox slugger Frank Thomas, left-hander Tom Glavine, right-hander Greg Maddux, and managers Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, and Tony La Russa. Thomas becomes the first player to be enshrined, having spent more than half of his time as a designated hitter, and Torre is the only Hall of Famer to collect more than 2,000 hits as a player and win more than 2,000 games as a skipper.
2017 The top of the Nationals lineup hit four consecutive home runs in one inning when Brian Goodwin, Wilmer Difo, Bryce Harper, and Ryan Zimmerman go deep in the bottom of the third inning in the team’s 15-2 rout of the Brewers. Milwaukee right-hander Michael Blazek becomes the first pitcher in baseball history to allow five home runs in an inning when Anthony Rendon adds another round-tripper later in the frame.
2019 In the Angels’ 8-7 victory over the Orioles, Albert Pujols hits his 100th home run at Angel Stadium, becoming the 12th major leaguer to accomplish the feat at two ballparks, having passed the century mark at Busch Stadium. Also, the Anaheim slugger joins Mark McGwire (Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Busch Stadium) and Frank Robinson (Crosley Field, Memorial Stadium) as only the third player to do the deed in an American and National League park.
BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
BILL TERRY
1st Baseman
Bill Terry’s big league career almost ended before it began. Once he got his chance though, Terry became one of the National League’s best first basemen of the 1920s and ’30s – and at the same time proved to be a highly successful manager.
Terry originally tried to make it as a pitcher in the mid-1910s. He had some fine seasons in the minor leagues, but was never signed by a big league club. He actually left professional ball for a time, taking a job with Standard Oil in Memphis. He continued playing for his plant’s team though, and in 1922 he was brought to the attention of New York Giants manager John McGraw.
Much to McGraw’s surprise, Terry wouldn’t join the Giants unless McGraw met his financial demands, and the two would always have a frosty relationship. McGraw eventually relented, and Terry cemented himself as the Giants’ everyday first baseman in 1925 when he hit .319 – the third-best average on the team among regulars – at age 26 in his first season as a starter.
Terry never batted under .322 in the nine seasons in which he totaled more than 475 at-bats. He finished second in the National League in batting three times and captured the batting title once when he hit .401 in 1930. He remains the last National League player to hit .400.
The left-handed hitting Terry concentrated on hitting balls up the middle and to left-center. While he did have three 20-home run seasons and hit 154 for his career, some observers felt he could’ve hit more if he’d taken advantage of the short porches down the lines at the Polo Grounds. But Terry’s ability to hit for average produced a .341 mark for his career. Only eight batters who began their careers in the 20th century or after have topped that mark.
Terry succeeded McGraw as the Giants’ manager in the middle of the 1932 season. A year later, the 34-year-old Terry managed the Giants to the 1933 World Series title while continuing to be their leading hitter with a .322 average. Terry intended to end his playing career after the 1935 season, but he reversed course in the middle of 1936 and played through severe knee problems, continuing to hit while leading the Giants to another NL pennant that season.
Terry did retire as a player after 1936, but he continued managing the Giants for another five seasons, including another NL pennant in 1937. He totaled 823 wins, three NL pennants and one World Series title in his 10 seasons as Giants manager.
Terry was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1954. He passed away on Jan 9, 1989.
FOOTBALL HISTORY
July 27, 1929 – According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame , Chris O’Brien sold the Chicago Cardinals to David Jones on this day. Our friend Joe Ziemba in his book When Football was Football; The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL says that the 1928 season had been a debacle for the Cardinals as they finished the season with a 1-5 League record, being outscored 107-7! O’Brien had been secretly trying to find a buyer for his team for about three years. The first announcement of sale according to Joe took place on July 18, 1929 and Bears owner George Halas was involved in it.
July 27, 1929 – Orange Tornadoes / Newark Tornadoes franchise joins the NFL and is a League member from 1929 through the 1930 season.
July 27, 1929 – The Staten Island Stapletons or Stapes franchise forms as the Brooklyn franchise and then was transferred to Staten Island.
July 27, 1964 – Running back Willie “The Wisp” Galimore along with teammate Bo Farrington tragically died at age 29 in a car accident near Rensselear, Indiana. Galimore played for Florida A&M from 1952 through 1955. He was selected 58th overall by Chicago Bears in 1956 NFL Draft and played with Chicago right up until the season prior to his passing. Yahoo.com lists his NFL career Stats as 670 carries for 2,985 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Wisp was a Pro Bowl selection in 1958 and helped Bears win the NFL Championship in 1963. Experts claimed that he was able run side-to-side as fast as most players could run in a straight line. Hall of Famers Chuck Bednarik and Doug Atkins said Galimore was one of the best rushers they ever faced. The Bears franchise eventually retired Willie Gallimore’s is number 28 jersey as tribute to the fallen star.
July 27, 1973 – The Chicago College All-Star game was played in Chi-town’s Soldier Field and 54,103 fans watched as the Champion Miami Dolphins knocked off the All-Stars 14-3. The MVP award, always given to the college player team, happened to be Ray Guy the punter from Southern Miss.
July 27, 2018 – NFL Veterans of the following teams reported to training camp: Denver Broncos, LA Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings.
HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 27
July 27, 1910 – Waynesville, North Carolina – Fred Crawford was the fine tackle from Duke University. Mr. Crawford entered into the place of legends, the confines of the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1973 induction class. He was a consensus All American selection in 1933 and was the main contributor for the Blue Devil’s upset over the great Tennessee Volunteers squad that season, which happened to be the Vols only loss in 2-1/2 years. Duke’s head coach Wade Wallace described Crawford as the best lineman he had ever seen play.
July 27, 1950 – Detroit, Michigan – Reggie McKenzie was a guard out of the University of Michigan that entered the College Football Hall of Fame in the 2002 class. Mr. McKenzie followed up his stellar play in college with an 11 year career with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He was a mainstay force in the Bills O-line dubbed “the Electric Company”. The big man played an additional two season in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 1984. Reggie McKenzie started 169 of his total 171 NFL games, that is quite an accomplishment!
July 27, 1959 – Natchez, Mississippi – Hugh Green was a defensive end from the University of Pittsburgh. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in the entry group of 1996. Mr. Green was an outside linebacker in the NFL playing for the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Miami Dolphins. After his senior year season Green was awarded the Walter Camp Trophy, the Maxwell Award, Sporting News Player of the Year award, the Lombardi Award and the UPI Player of the Year. The Pitt Panthers appreciated his great play so much that before his final game played for the University, they retired his number 99 jersey.
JULY 27 IMPORTANT FOOTBALL BIRTHDAYS
July 27, 1939 – Hammond, Indiana – Cornerback Irv Cross of the Northwestern teams from 1958 through 1960 was born. According to a post on Yahoo.com, Irv was selected as the 98th overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft by the by Philadelphia Eagles. During his NFL career he played not only with the Eagles, but with the LA Rams as well. His career numbers include 22 interceptions and many passes defended. Cross was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in both 1964 and 1965. He is best known for his role as analyst/commentator on CBS’ The NFL Today from 1975 till 1990. Irv Cross was the first African-American to work full-time as an analyst on national television.
July 27, 1988 – Big Spring, Texas – Former Texas A&M Quarterback Ryan Tannehill arrived into this life. Ryan was selected eighth overall by Miami Dolphins in 2012 NFL Draft. He has had his vest seasons though as a Tennessee Titan though leading them to the playoffs.
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
4 – 3 – 17 – 5 – 18 – 7 – 36 – 14 – 25 – 24 – 16
July 27, 1927 – Mel Ott, who wore Number 4 for many years after, at the age of just 18, hit his 1st league home run which was of the inside the park variety.
July 27, 1946 – Boston Red Sox Number 3, Rudy York hit two grand slams in 1 game, and got 10 RBIs against the St. Louis Browns
July 27, 1953 – Dizzy Dean most famous for his Number 17 with the Cardinals, Al Simmons who wore Number 7 three times in his career, Chief Bender of the Philadelphia Athletics 1903 to 1914, Bobby Wallace famously of the St Louis Browns, Harry Wright a 19th century Boston Red Stockings pitcher, Ed Barrow an early MLB manager, Former Umpire Bill Klem and Tom Connolly were all inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
July 27, 1970 – Lou Boudreau Number 5 with the Indians, Earle Combs Number 1 on the Yankees, former executive Ford Frick, and pitcher Jesse Haines, Number 16 with the Cardinals all were enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame
July 27, 1978 – Indians Duane Kuiper, Number 18 became the third player to hit 2 bases-loaded triples as Cleveland played the Yankees.
July 27, 1983 – Gaylord Perry Number 36 joined Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton on the list of MLB pitchers to reach 3,500 career strikeouts, also winning his 1st game as a member of the Kansas City Royals
July 27, 1984 – Cincinnati Reds’ Pete Rose, Number 14 collects record 3,503rd career single (vs Philadelphia)
July 27, 1988 – Baseball star Tommy John, Number 25 commits record 3 errors on just one play as Yanks rout Brewers 16-3
July 27, 1993 – Detroit Tiger Travis Fryman, Number 24 hit for cycle but loses 12-7 to Yankees
July 27, 1997 – The Detroit Tigers retired franchise pitching legend Hal Newhouser’s Number 16 jersey
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
REDS BAGNELL
Position: Halfback
Years: 1948-1950
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Birth: Sep 15, 1928
Place of Death: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Death: Jul 10, 1995
Jersey Number: 44
Height: 6-0
Weight: 178
High School: Philadelphia, PA (West Catholic HS)\Philadelphia, PA (Germantown Academy)
Francis “Reds” Bagnell was a Pennsylvania sophomore in 1948. He came off the bench with five minutes to play in the third game of the season and led a Penn rally that beat Columbia 20-14. In 1949 his best game was against Army; he completed 15 of 20 passes. In 1950 he rushed for 214 yards and passed for 276 in a 42-36 victory over Dartmouth. His total offense of 490 yards was a national record. So was his streak of 14 straight pass completions. Bagnell finished 1950 with 1,603 yards on total offense, ranking eighth in the nation. He made All-America halfback, won the Maxwell Award, and was named Player of the Year by Football Digest and the Helms Foundation. Bagnell went all the way in Penn football. In the 1940s he was the team’s water boy; in 1949 he was team captain. He won nine letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He had a business career in Philadelphia and was president of Resource America Inc. President Ronald Reagan in 1981 named him a member of the Battle Monuments Commission, charged with preservation of U.S. military cemeteries on foreign soil. In 1984 he flew to France for ceremonies on the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Bagnell was elected president of the Maxwell Club in 1976 and president of the National Football Foundation in 1990. He was born September 15, 1928, and died July 10, 1995.
TV SPORTS THURSDAY
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| LPGA Tour: Amundi Evian Championship | 5:00am | GOLF |
| Senior British Open | 7:00am | GOLF |
| PGA Tour: 3M Open | 4:00pm | GOLF |
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Cleveland at Chi. White Sox | 1:10pm | Bally Sports NBCS-CHI |
| Washington at NY Mets | 7:10pm | MLBN MASN/2 SNY |
| Chi. Cubs at St. Louis | 7:45pm | MLBN MARQ Bally Sports |
| LA Angels at Detroit | 8:10pm | Bally Sports |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| SRX racing series | 9:00pm | ESPN |
| SOCCER MATCHES | TIME ET | TV |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup: Portugal vs Vietnam | 3:30am | FS1 |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia vs Nigeria | 6:00am | FS1 |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup: Argentina vs South Africa | 8:00pm | FS1 |
| Leagues Cup: Guadalajara vs Cincinnati | 8:00pm | Apple TV |
| Leagues Cup: Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire | 8:30pm | Apple TV |
| Leagues Cup: Nashville SC vs Toluca | 8:30pm | Apple TV |
| Leagues Cup: St. Louis City vs América | 10:00pm | FS1 |
| WNBA | TIME ET | TV |
| Indiana vs Los Angeles | 3:30pm | NBATV |
| Atlanta vs New York | 7:00pm | Prime |