CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City left fielder Alex Gordon has made a terrific leaping catch against the Chicago White Sox.
Gordon hustled over and jumped into the stands down the left-field line to grab a foul ball off the bat of Micah Johnson in the sixth inning on Sunday. He landed in a group of fans, but Gordon returned to the field and it looked as if everyone was OK.
Gordon has won four consecutive Gold Gloves.
Iowa City, Iowa – With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 10th and the bases loaded with two outs, Jimmy Frankos had a full count against Garett King. The Hawkeye catcher hit a low line drive to left and Christian Cox nearly made a diving catch to send the game to the 11th inning, but the ball bounced out of his glove and the Hawkeyes walked off the Huskers to take the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday at Duane Banks Field.
The Huskers jumped out a 2-0 lead after the top of the third, but then were held scoreless the rest of the game on three hits.
For the sixth straight starter Kyle Kubat was unable to pick up his 20th career win, as he didn’t factor into the decision. Kubat went 7.1 innings for the Huskers, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks.
The Huskers took their first lead of the series in the second when Blake Headley led off the inning and cruised into second base on an by John Barrett in left field. Tanner Lubach then moved Headley to third base with a sacrifice bunt and the moved paid off when Austin Darby followed with a deep sacrifice fly to right field that took Joel Booker to the warning track.
Nebraska extended its lead to 2-0 in the second, with the run again scoring on a sacrifice fly. Ben Miller notched his 33rd RBI of the season with a fly ball to left field that easily scored Wes Edrington from third base, who walked to start the inning.
Kubat kept the Hawkeyes scoreless through the first five innings, but couldn’t hang a zero in the sixth. Facing the top of UI’s lineup, Eric Toole started the frame with a single and then scored on a triple to left center off the bat of Jake Mangler. Following a groundout to Kubat for the first out of the inning that kept Mangler at third, the Hawkeyes had runners on the corners when Kris Goodman walked. Kubat’s defense stepped and turned an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Dan Potempa to keep the Huskers in front, 2-1.
Kubat then sat the Hawkeyes down in order in the seventh, but Kubat was quickly in trouble in the eighth when No. 9 hitter Joel Booker led off the frame with a triple. Four pitches later Eric Toole lifted a sacrifice fly to left field that was deep enough to score the tying run. With one down, the Huskers brought in reliever Jeff Chesnut and Mangler welcomed him with a double. Chesnut got Grant Klenovich to foul out for the second out of the inning, but he then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks. Without nowhere to put Nick Roscetti, Chesnut got the UI shortstop to ground out 6-3 to end the inning, but not before Iowa tied the game, 2-2.
After the Huskers stranded a two-out single in the ninth, the Hawkeyes had a chance to win the game. Chesnut retired the first two batters he faced, but then Booker and Toole delivered singles that put Booker in scoring position at second base. Mangler came through with UI’s third straight single, but on the play Darby threw out Booker at the plate to send the game to extra innings.
Reliever Nick Hibbing sat down the Huskers down in order in the top of the 10th, setting the stage for the Hawkeyes to win the game in extras.
Game two of today’s doubleheader is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA’s newly appointed Division I chief believes it is time to change transfer rules and contain costs of championships in college sports.
In a 40-mintue interview with The Associated Press, Kevin Lennon outlined a broad, ambitious plan of what he believes can be accomplished over the next year.
One of the hottest topics: finding a way to stem the wave of transfers, particularly in men’s basketball.
Two ideas being floated would dramatically affect graduate transfers. One would give schools some ability to restrict where those players land. The other would require grad students to sit out one year before becoming eligible, something undergrads already must do.
Lennon also believes university leaders should look at cutting the cost of Division I championship events without changing the athlete experience.
CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City outfielder Lorenzo Cain is ready to move on after the Royals brawled with the Chicago White Sox in the series opener on Thursday night.
Cain was suspended for two games for his part in the melee and is appealing the punishment. Kansas City pitchers Yordano Ventura (seven games), Edinson Volquez (five games) and Kelvin Herrera (two games) also are appealing their suspensions by Major League Baseball.
Cain said Sunday he thinks the tension with the White Sox is over.
“I think we got all our emotions out that night and I think it’s over and done with,” Cain said before the resumption of a suspended game against Chicago. “I think we’re going to try to go out here and go back to just playing baseball and leave it at that.”
DENVER (AP) — The game between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies has been rained out.
A makeup date has yet to be announced. The Giants return to Denver in late May for a three-game series.
Sunday’s matchup was scrubbed about two hours before the scheduled start. Right-hander Tim Lincecum (1-1) had been set to take the mound for San Francisco against lefty Tyler Matzek (1-0) of Colorado.
The rainout came on the 20th anniversary of opening day at Coors Field on April 26, 1995. Colorado brought in several former players for the occasion, including Larry Walker.
KEARNEY, Neb. – Game 2 of the USHL Western Conference Final between the Tri-City Storm and Sioux Falls Stampede has been rescheduled for Wednesday night, April 29in Kearney at the Viaero Event Center at 7:05 p.m.
All tickets originally purchased for Saturday’s Game 2 will be honored on Wednesday.
The Viaero Event Center will be offering a special deal at concession stands for $2 16 oz cans of Bud Light and Coors Light, as well as $2 Coca-Cola products.
Tickets for Wednesday’s makeup game will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m.
For any additional ticketing questions, please contact Alicia Korte, Director of Ticketing and Fan Relations at 308-338-8011.
The remaining series schedule will remain unchanged. The Storm apologize for any inconveniences the postponement may have caused.
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL draft heads to Chicago this year, with the top overall choice in our mock draft not planning to be on hand. No matter: Tampa Bay will already have let its selection know when the crowd in the Windy City gets, uh, wind of the pick.
Barring trades, a mock look at Thursday night’s first round:
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1. Tampa Bay (2-14)
Player character and behavior should be even more of a deciding issue in this year’s draft. The Bucs, desperate for a quarterback, say they are convinced the guy they choose is not a bad apple and is a great prospect.
JAMEIS WINSTON, QB FLORIDA STATE
2. Tennessee Titans (2-14)
Do the Titans also go QB, or pull the trigger on a trade with someone eager to move up to get one? Hard to believe they see sixth-rounder Zach Mettenberger as the real deal, but they also love this crop’s top defensive player, Leonard Williams. Barring a deal …
MARCUS MARIOTA, QB, OREGON
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)
The Jaguars are going defense here no matter who goes in the first two slots. And that best defensive player is available …
LEONARD WILLIAMS, DE-DT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
4. Oakland Raiders (3-13)
Al Davis would be proud of the folks now running his team if they select a breakaway threat receiver — exactly what he would have done. Philosophy hasn’t changed much in Oakland.
KEVIN WHITE, WR, WEST VIRGINIA
5. Washington Redskins (4-12)
Like Jacksonville, the Redskins are thinking defense, defense, defense. Perfect for a team representing Washington.
DANTE FOWLER JR., LB, FLORIDA
6. New York Jets (4-12)
Did we mention that many teams at the top of these proceedings are eager to bolster their defense? And will we mention it again? Uh, yeah.
VIC BEASLEY, LB, CLEMSON
7. Chicago Bears (5-11)
Trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets opened the door for one of the college wideouts to blow into Chicago and start. Receiver is a deep position in this draft, and the Bears bite immediately.
AMARI COOPER, WR, ALABAMA
8. Atlanta Falcons (6-10)
Yes, we’re beginning to sound repetitive on this, but defense is the focal point again. The Falcons can score, but they allowed 417 points last season.
SHANE RAY, DE, MISSOURI
9. New York Giants (6-10)
Eli Manning needs time to find his strong corps of receivers, especially 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year Odell Beckham Jr. Eli isn’t one to plead for a solid blocker, but he’ll get the best one in the draft, a former teammate of Beckham.
LA’EL COLLINS, OT, LSU
10. St. Louis Rams (6-10)
Another team on the prowl for behemoths in the trenches. There are several enticing prospects even with Collins gone, and the Rams find one.
BRANDON SCHERFF, OT, IOWA
11. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
While eager to help young QB Teddy Bridgewater by grabbing an offensive weapon, the Vikings also are looking for pieces in their secondary. The first DB flies off the board.
TRAE WAYNES, CB, MICHIGAN STATE
12. Cleveland Browns (7-9)
One of their two first-rounders, the Browns could package to move up. But if they stay put, they can get an impact player to help their rushing defense, which is porous.
DANNY SHELTON, DT, WASHINGTON
13. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
As the Saints ponder their pick — yep, defense once again — they debate the character issue. Outside linebacker Randy Gregory has tested positive for marijuana; Kentucky’s Bud Dupree has a solid rep. Not an easy decision in the Big Easy.
RANDY GREGORY, LB, NEBRASKA
14. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Pretty strong need here for a wideout with deep speed, but there are plenty of those in this crop. So the Dolphins wait for the second round to address that area, and go for another O-line building block.
ANDRUS PEAT, OT, STANFORD
15. San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
At some point, the Niners will take a linebacker (or two) and a wideout (or two). For now, they can help themselves on the defensive line, which could use some bulking up.
ARIK ARMSTEAD, DT, OREGON
16. Houston Texans (9-7)
The best player in franchise history, Andre Johnson, is gone. The huge hole in the receiving corps, if not in the locker room itself, gets filled by the top remaining wideout.
DEVANTE PARKER, WR, LOUISVILLE
17. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
Tempted to take an RB here, the Chargers also could trade down and still get one. If they stay put, the O-line has needs better addressed at this spot.
ERECK FLOWERS, OT, MIAMI, FLA.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)
A wideout makes sense here and Parker would have fit nicely. He’s gone, so the Chiefs mull taking a blocker, but then remember they had zero — yep, zero — TD catches from wide receivers last year.
JAELEN STRONG, WR, ARIZONA STATE
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo Bills) (7-9)
Having filled a big need with Shelton, the Browns look to replace Josh Gordon; does anyone expect his future to be in Cleveland if he returns to the NFL?
BRESHAD PERRIMAN, WR, UCF
20. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
If you think the first 19 picks were tricky, well, no one has a clue what Chip Kelly might do. He could make a megadeal in pursuit of his college QB, Mariota. He could trade down from here, maybe more than once. He could … never mind.
LANDON COLLINS, S, ALABAMA
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)
Either line would make sense, as would linebacker. The choice could come down to the higher-rated guy in the trenches. We think that will be …
MALCOM BROWN, DT, TEXAS
22. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
The Steel Curtain is a bit tattered, with holes in a lot of places. That’s blasphemy in Pittsburgh, so the Steelers plug up one of those chasms immediately.
JALEN COLLINS, CB, LSU
23. Detroit Lions (11-5)
Both incumbent DTs are gone, saving the Lions a ton of money, but leaving them without much proven tonnage inside. They work immediately to help replace Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
EDDIE GOLDMAN, DT, FLORIDA STATE
24. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
For a playoff squad, the Cardinals have lots of spots to fill or strengthen. Boosting the running game as QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton work their way back from injuries is a starting point for the NFL’s best-coached team.
TODD GURLEY, RB, GEORGIA
25. Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)
Someone on the offensive line is headed for Charlotte. The Panthers have several options here, and will go for versatility and a proven winner.
CAMERON ERVING, OL, FLORIDA STATE
26. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Guys who catch the ball and guys who prevent receptions are needed in Baltimore. Not as many standout cornerbacks remain as receivers, but don’t expect the Ravens to go for a player with character issues such as Marcus Peters.
KEVIN JOHNSON, CB, WAKE FOREST
27. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
Had Gurley been on the board, Dallas would have dived in. He’s gone, but there is plenty of RB talent available in later rounds, so defense is the word once more.
SHAQ THOMPSON, L, WASHINGTON
28. Denver Broncos (12-4)
Peyton Manning’s late-season injury and the impact it had on the Broncos means finding someone to help keep him upright is paramount — even if this turns into his final season.
T.J. CLEMMINGS, OT, PITTSBURGH
29. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Manning’s former team also could use improvement on the offensive line, and needs to address the secondary. The best remaining prospect is a blocker, so …
D.J. HUMPHRIES, OT, FLORIDA
30. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
The Packers need to target linebacker so they don’t have to move Clay Matthews inside like they did last season. Several good ones remain, but the only true inside backer is …
BERNARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
31. New Orleans Saints (from Seattle Seahawks) (7-9)
If the Saints stay put here, they’ll stick with the defensive philosophy and tag a brilliant athlete who has risen up the draft boards this offseason.
BYRON JONES, CB, CONNECTICUT
32. New England Patriots (12-4)
And if the Patriots stay put here, they also will address the secondary after losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Bill Belichick doesn’t seem to mind players with character issues in their past, either.
MARCUS PETERS, CB, WASHINGTON
DENVER (AP) — Nori Aoki scored from third on Joe Panik’s bunt down the first base line in the 11th inning, lifting the San Francisco Giants to a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.
Aoki reached on a leadoff walk from Brooks Brown (0-1) and was sacrificed to second. Angel Pagan followed with a single to center but Drew Stubbs’ strong throw forced Aoki to hold up. Panik followed with a well-placed bunt down the line that allowed Aoki to break for the plate, and he slid into the bag just ahead of the throw home.
Jean Machi (1-0) pitched 1 2-3 scoreless innings for the win.
The North Platte Community College Knights softball team defeated the Central Community College Lady Raiders 5 – 4 to claim the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Division II softball championship.
Central got the scoring started when Logan Zeleney homered in the top of the second to give Central a 1 – 0 lead. The Knights answered back in the bottom of the third with four runs. Jessica Jarvis singled with two outs. The next hitter Mehana Chang hit a two-run homerun. Sara Villalobos then singled and scored on a home run by Sara Runia.
The score stayed 4 – 1 until Jayd Roberts and Zeleney hit back-to-back home runs to cut into the Knights lead 4 – 3. It was Zeleney’s second home run of the day. Janey Pasold in the fifth singled, stole second, stole third and then scored on the throwing error to tie the score at four.
In the Knights’ sixth, Tara Crouch walked and scored the winning run on a double by Jarvis.
The Lady Raiders threatened in the seventh when Kira Ramirez walked and advanced to third on a single by Morgan Uldrich. Runners were on first and third and Roberts lined to Baileigh Oleson, the Knights’ pitcher, to end the ball game.
Oleson pitched the complete game for the win. Oleson allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks. She also struck out two Lady Raiders.
Knights Head Coach Janelle Higgins said, “They wanted to win; they wanted to show that their hard work paid off. They came out here ready to go, ready to fire. They battled. They could have gave up but battled through it and it’s great.”
Higgins received a bucket of ice over her head by her jubilant players.
Central defeated Southeast in the first game of the day 3 – 1 to eliminate Southeast.
The Knights, who are now 19 – 27, continue their season and will play the winner of Region 11 on May 1 – 2 at the home field of the winner of Region 11. The Region 11 tournament was postponed until Sunday due to inclement weather.
KEARNEY, Neb. – Game 2 of the Western Conference Final between the Tri-City Storm and the Sioux Falls Stampede has been postponed due to an ice issue at the Viaero Event Center.
No makeup date has been announced. Stay tuned to stormhockey.com, and more details will be announced soon.
Tickets purchased for the postponed game will continue to be honored by the Viaero Event Center when a makeup date is announced.
