Sports – Page 475 – North Platte Post Archive

Chiefs’ Charles Sets Sights on Hall of Fame

Posted on August 4, 2014

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — At some point this season, likely within the first couple of games, Jamaal Charles will slide past Larry Johnson and breeze past Priest Holmes to become the Chiefs’ career rushing leader.

It’s a goal, sure. But it’s only a rest-stop on the way to loftier expectations.

After arguably the best season of his career and now armed with a new contract extension, Charles has his sights set on the Hall of Fame. The two-time All-Pro running back wants his name to be mentioned in the same breath as Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders, players he grew up idolizing in Port Arthur, Texas, and who will forever be considered some of the best to play the game.

“It’s all about staying consistent,” Charles said. “I want to be in the Hall of Fame when I retire. I want to win a championship. That’s what it’s all about.”

Montee Ball to Undergo Appendectomy

Posted on August 4, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos starting running back Montee Ball is sidelined with appendicitis.

Ball was scheduled for an appendectomy Monday afternoon.

Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson shared snaps with the first-string offense at practice.

The Broncos haven’t said how long Ball will be out, but it’s a possibility that he’ll miss the entire preseason.

In a tweet, Ball said, “I appreciate the get well wishes everyone! I will be ok and come back stronger than ever!!”

Ball, who set an NCAA record with 83 touchdowns at Wisconsin, assumed the No. 1 running back job this offseason. He was Knowshon Moreno’s backup last year and ran for 559 yards and four touchdowns in 2013.

Denver Broncos’ TJ Ward Gets Community Service

Posted on August 4, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Prosecutors have agreed to drop charges against Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward in exchange for community service.

A judge accepted the deal on Monday during a brief hearing in Denver.

Ward previously pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace charges for allegedly throwing a glass mug at a female bartender at PT’s All Nude Club in May.

Ward told the judge he understood the conditions of the program but said nothing else.

A judge will review the status of the case on Oct. 31.

The deal comes as the Broncos get ready for their preseason opener Thursday night against Seattle.

Shields Sharp as Royals Top A’s 4-2

Posted on August 3, 2014

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — James Shields pitched eight sharp innings for his first win in nearly a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 4-2 on Sunday.

Shields (10-6) retired his first 15 batters before Josh Reddick hit a leadoff homer in the sixth. Alberto Callaspo then had a one-out single before Sam Fuld lined into an double play.

The 32-year-old Shields (10-6) allowed two runs and four hits. He walked none for the fifth time this season.

Billy Butler and Omar Infante had three hits apiece for Kansas City.

Reddick homered twice, getting to Shields again in the eighth.

Sanchez Fans 12, Tigers Blank Rockies for Sweep

Posted on August 3, 2014

DETROIT (AP) — Anibal Sanchez struck out 12, Victor Martinez hit a three-run homer and the Detroit Tigers finished off a weekend sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 4-0 victory Sunday.

Sanchez (8-5) became the third straight Tigers starter to dominate the Rockies, allowing only two hits in seven innings.

In the three-game sweep, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello and Sanchez combined for a 1.57 ERA with 27 strikeouts and two walks in 23 innings.

Joba Chamberlain allowed one hit in the eighth. Joakim Soria, who put up a 27.00 ERA in his first three outings with Detroit, gave up a leadoff single to Josh Rutledge in the ninth before retiring the next three batters.

Jorge De Le Rosa (11-7) gave up four runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. All six hits came with two outs.

Chiefs’ Berry, Cooper Return to Practice

Posted on August 3, 2014

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry and starting cornerback Marcus Cooper are practicing again at training camp following minor injuries.

Berry missed time with a sore right heel. Cooper tweaked a hamstring.

Their return Sunday was the first positive injury news in a while for the Chiefs. They have been struggling with injuries, especially in their suspect secondary.

Backup safety Sanders Commings is out after surgery for a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula. Reserve defensive backs David Van Dyke, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Phillip Gaines also have missed time with various injuries.

Linebacker Dezman Moses left Sunday’s workout after hurting his elbow.

NFL Sideline Tech Inches Forward, Still No Video

Posted on August 3, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Tablets are making their debut on the NFL sideline Sunday.

The devices will be used by players and coaches to view aerial photos of previous plays. In the past, those images were transmitted to a printer on the sideline, and teams would review black-and-white pictures on paper.

Now they’ll be in color on a screen, and players and coaches can zoom in.

The specialized tablets were designed to withstand the elements, from heat to cold to rain during NFL games. Until now, only medical staff were allowed to carry digital devices on the sideline.

The tablets can be used solely to view the photos — there’s no Internet access or replays of previous plays.

The devices were developed as part of the league’s sponsorship deal with Microsoft.

Tigers Hammer Rockies 11-5

Posted on August 2, 2014August 2, 2014

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez homered and the Detroit Tigers beat the Colorado Rockies 11-5 on Saturday night.

Alex Avila had three hits and drove in two runs and Ian Kinsler three hits and an RBI for the Tigers, who scored in all eight innings they batted, had 16 hits and got at least a hit from each batter in the starting lineup.

Rick Porcello (13-5) got the win to tie teammate Max Scherzer for the American League lead in victories. He struck out a season-high 10 on the same day that newly acquired David Price joined his new teammates and a starting rotation that also includes Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez.

Porcello allowed two runs and five hits in eight innings, walking two.

Colorado starter Tyler Matzek (2-6) allowed eight runs and 10 hits in 4-plus innings.

Lester Wins A’s Debut, Gomes Backs Him to Beat KC

Posted on August 2, 2014

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Jon Lester won his Oakland debut while pitching into the seventh inning and Jonny Gomes got two hits during an eight-run burst in his return to the Athletics as they beat the Kansas City Royals 8-3 Saturday.

Two days after being traded from the sagging World Series champion Boston Red Sox, Lester and Gomes teamed up to boost the club with the best record in baseball.

The 6-foot-4 Lester (11-7) instantly became an imposing presence on the mound in the pitcher-friendly Coliseum. Fans in the crowd of 30,097 cheered the lefty as he went through his warmup routine in left field, then Lester tipped his cap to a roaring ovation when he left after throwing 6 2-3 innings.

Back with the AL West-leading A’s, Gomes delivered in an eight-run fifth inning. He singled and scored off Jason Vargas (8-5), then hit a hit a two-run single off Aaron Crow.

Chiefs’ Cooper Latest Defensive Back to Go Down

Posted on August 2, 2014

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Cooper joined the lengthy list of Chiefs defensive backs that were forced to watch practice Saturday after tweaking his hamstring during an early portion of the workout.

Cooper has been starting at one of the cornerback positions throughout camp.

The Chiefs were already missing Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, who hurt his right heel during Thursday’s drill. Backup safety Sanders Commings is out after having surgery on a severe high ankle sprain and for a fracture to his fibula.

Reserve defensive backs David Van Dyke, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Phillip Gaines have also missed time with injuries. All the banged-up bodies forced the Chiefs to sign veteran defensive back Steve Gregory earlier this week.