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Red Sox Walk On By

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BOSTON – (Staff report by Terry Lyons) – The Boston Bruins had a “must win” game last night and they came away victorious. The Boston Celtics are sure to have a “must win” game in the next two weeks as they begin their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series against the top-seeded and NBA best Milwaukee Bucks. Chances are good with Celtics’ renewed chemistry, they’ll come through in that most difficult situation.

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“Must win” major league baseball games come along in October, maybe September. 

On April 24th of a relatively new MLB season, it’s far too early to proclaim any one spring game in a marathon 162-game season a “must win,” but tonight’s Red Sox game against the Detroit Tigers was a “better damn well win” game.

Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and the Sox complied, taking the Tigers down, 11-4, behind six innings of one-run ball tossed by the Boston lefty who allowed two hits and struck-out seven.

Leading 4-1, Boston broke open the game with a seven-run, bat-around 8th inning which came about after the Tigers’ reliever Jose Manuel Fernandez hit a batter (Michael Chavis) then played a large part in Detroit imploding with a series of five base-on-balls, three of them with the bases loaded and three coming from Fernandez’ relief of RHP Drew VerHagen before RHP Buck Farmer finally retired the side after coughing up a two-run single to Jackie Bradley Jr.. 

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For the Red Sox, DH J.D. Martinez went 3-for-5 with an RBI, and Mookie Betts went 2-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI. All-in-all, Boston scored 11 runs on 12 hits and 10 walks as every member of the Sox starting lineup reached base multiple times.

Boston catcher Christian Vazquez went 2-for-4 with a walk and two RBI. He has 13 RBI in 20 games this season, 11 coming in the last 10 games. Meanwhile, third baseman Rafael Devers went 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBI which were the 100th and 101st of his career. At 22 years and 182 days, Devers joins Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Tony Conigliaro and Jim Rice as the only Red Sox players to reach 100 RBI at such a young age.

Rodriguez (2-2) recorded the win while Tyson Ross (1-3) took the loss. 

The Red Sox have won four of their last six, seven of their last 13 and eight of their last 15 after starting the season 2-8.

NOTES: RHP Rick Porcello (0-3, 8.47 ERA) is scheduled to pitch the fourth and final game of this series pn Thursday, going up against Detroit’s Jordan Zimmermann (0-3, 4.94 ERA). … As a reminder, SP Nathan Eovaldi underwent successful elbow arthroscopy surgery to repair loose bodies in his right ‘bow. The surgery was performed by Dr. Christopher Ahmad at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Eovaldi is expected to make a full recovery and the time frame is six weeks. … Both the Boston Bruins (seven-game triumph over Toronto) and the Boston Celtics (sweep over Indiana) extended their playoff hopes and will play in the second round of their respective league post season tournaments. The Red Sox started a championship streak last October (’18) and the NFL’s New England Patriots continued with their Super Bowl win this past February. … Red Sox pitchers have combined to record 10+ strikeouts in nine of their last 13 games. Sox starter Chris Sale had 10 Ks himself in Tuesday’s series opener, a 7-4 Sox loss. Boston’s staff struck-out 14 batters tonight.

Well-Rested CBJ Await Bruins

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BOSTON – (Wire Service Report) – The Boston Bruins barely caught their breath after an exhausting seven-game first-round series before talk shifted to their next opponent: the well-rested Columbus Blue Jackets.

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That second-round series, after all, begins in Boston on Thursday night.

“I don’t mind the quick turnaround necessarily when you’re playing well,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said after his team’s 5-1 victory Tuesday against rival Toronto in Game 7.

“Our last two games we have played well. I thought the start of this series we had time off, we rested players. We had a couple of practices and all of a sudden maybe it’s too much information. I think they were overloading. This way they won’t be able to get so (overloaded).”

While the Bruins rallied from three separate series deficits to oust the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jackets have been idle since April 16 after sweeping the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning.

Columbus has won 11 of its last 12 games dating back to the regular season, with its lone setback being a 6-2 decision against Boston on April 2.

Brad Marchand collected a goal and an assist in that contest and had four and three, respectively, as the Bruins won two of the three regular-season meetings against the Blue Jackets. The 30-year-old scored four goals and set up five others in the first-round series against Toronto.

Boston’s fourth line took over in Game 7, as Sean Kuraly, Joakim Nordstrom and Noel Acciari totaled five points to set up the showdown with Columbus.

“(The Blue Jackets are) playing really well and probably one of the hottest teams in the league right now after taking down Tampa,” said the 26-year-old Kuraly, who starred at the University of Miami (Ohio). “They’re going to be a really tough team.”

Matt Duchene posted team-leading totals in goals (three) and points (seven) in the first-round series against the Lightning and scored three goals this year against the Bruins.

Two-time Vezina Trophy recipient Sergei Bobrovsky silenced some critics by turning aside 109 of 117 shots against Tampa Bay.

“I’m proud of Bob,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said of the 30-year-old Russian. “I’m not saying some of the questions about playoffs were wrong. I have never backed away from that. I’ve asked the questions, too, about him, and I think it’s a fair question as we’ve gone through it over the years.

“I think Bob has basically, for one round here, given (that narrative) the finger. I just think he’s handled himself so well.”

Bobrovsky split a pair of encounters with Boston this season to improve to 3-6-2 with a 3.90 goals-against average and .889 save percentage in his career versus the club.

Tuukka Rask, who captured Vezina Trophy honors in 2014, has a 9-4-2 record with a 2.67 GAA and .904 save percentage in his career against the Blue Jackets.

With the Lightning eliminated, the Bruins will have home-ice advantage in this series and the remainder of the playoffs.

Although Columbus dropped a 2-1 overtime decision in Boston on March 16, the Blue Jackets’ 25 road wins in the regular season were second best in the NHL behind Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Latest NFL Mock Draft

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NASHVILLE – Even with five first-round quarterbacks in the 2018 draft, there were clues as to how the proceedings might play out.

We knew quarterbacks would go No. 1 and No. 3, and the Buffalo Bills’ interest in trading up for Josh Allen was no secret. We also knew the Arizona Cardinals were likely targeting a passer.

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This year, Kyler Murray is on track to go first. It’s anyone’s guess after that. Every team appears to have Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones ranked in a different order.

And who’s interested?

The Giants? Probably, but at No. 6 or No. 17?

The Redskins? Most likely, but who will be left for them?

The Broncos or Bengals? Who knows?

A surprise team like the Raiders? Perhaps.

Add in Cardinals 2018 first-rounder Josh Rosen — who becomes expendable if Arizona opts for Murray — and you essentially have five quarterbacks available and an unknown number of suitors. Oh by the way — 10 of the 11 first-round quarterbacks since 2016 have been drafted after a trade-up.

There will be fireworks. It’s just a matter of how early they start. Things appear to be settled at the top… for now.

  1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma

Josh Rosen has yet to be traded, and the Cardinals have insisted no decision is final. But all signs point to Kliff Kingsbury running his offense through Murray this fall.

  1. San Francisco 49ers: DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State

Assuming the Cardinals don’t take Bosa, this appears all but locked in. Few prospects — in any draft — bring as complete of a package, even after he missed much of his final year to injury.

  1. New York Jets: DT Ed Oliver, Houston

The Jets want to trade out, but it’s hard to see who might pay enough to trade up. Quinnen Williams or Josh Allen are options, but Mike Maccagnan rolls the dice on Oliver’s athleticism.

  1. Oakland Raiders: DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama

This should be the best remaining defensive player, which is Williams in this case. If he’s gone, Oliver or Devin White would make sense.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Josh Allen, Kentucky

The Bucs might also try to trade out, or go with a popular choice here in White. But with Allen available, they favor the position value of an edge rusher.

  1. New York Giants: LB Devin White, LSU

Even if Dave Gettleman has a quarterback he likes, it doesn’t appear he loves any of them. Here, he sticks to his board and takes the best remaining player.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State

Jawaan Taylor or T.J. Hockenson would make plenty of sense, but Jacksonville loves pass rushers and likes to go best player available.

  1. Detroit Lions: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

An edge rusher would fill a need, but Matt Patricia’s defense doesn’t usually prioritize them. Instead, the Lions grab a two-way tight end after nearly trading for Rob Gronkowski last year.

  1. Buffalo Bills: DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson

Most don’t have Wilkins in the top 10, but 315-pounders who can rush the passer don’t come along very often. He would be a nice consolation prize for a team that might be eyeing Oliver.

  1. Denver Broncos: LB Devin Bush, Michigan

Passing on top quarterback prospects in consecutive years could come back to haunt John Elway, but Bush fits right into Vic Fangio’s scheme. Denver would probably prefer White or Hockenson, if available.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Drew Lock, Missouri

In what is a mild surprise, both Lock and Haskins remain on the board. In this case, Zac Taylor passes on the Buckeyes star and rolls the dice on Lock’s upside.

  1. Green Bay Packers: OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida

Expect Green Bay to address the offensive line with at least one of its two first-round picks. With Taylor available, the Packers get a successor to oft-injured Bryan Bulaga who can compete at guard in the meantime.

  1. Miami Dolphins: DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson

Ferrell fits perfectly in the type of defense Brian Flores ran in New England. He can rush the passer but also sets a mean edge and is very technically sound.

  1. Atlanta Falcons: DE Rashan Gary, Michigan

With a reported shoulder issue and more potential than production on his resume, Gary could slide a bit. Dan Quinn pounces on one of the draft’s best athletes.

  1. Washington Redskins: QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Washington could wind up deciding between Rosen — who might cost only a second- or third-round pick via trade — or Haskins, who starred in high school in Maryland. If Haskins falls this far, he’d be difficult to pass up.

  1. Carolina Panthers: OT Andre Dillard, Washington State

Daryl Williams is back, but only on a one-year deal, and he has an injury history. Between Dillard and Taylor Moton, Carolina would be in great shape on the edges.

  1. New York Giants (from Cleveland): QB Daniel Jones, Duke

Most signs suggest Jones is the Giants’ preferred option at quarterback, but not necessarily a slam-dunk option. Would they trade up slightly to get him, or hope he falls to No. 17?

  1. Minnesota Vikings: C Garrett Bradbury, NC State

It’s unclear how much influence Gary Kubiak will have on the offense, but Bradbury — the draft’s best center — would fit perfectly in Kubiak’s famed outside-zone-heavy scheme. Pat Elflein would bump to guard.

  1. Tennessee Titans: OG Chris Lindstrom, Boston College

Marquise Brown or an edge rusher would make plenty of sense, but the Titans need more athleticism on the interior. Head coach Mike Vrabel is well connected at Boston College.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Brian Burns, Florida State

Burns may well go earlier than 20, but in this case, he’s available. The Steelers kept Bud Dupree into his fifth-year option, but he’s a free agent next March.

  1. Seattle Seahawks: OL Jonah Williams, Alabama

Seattle is normally a trade-down contender, but a mini trade-up for Burns would make sense if he slides. In this case, no edge rushers on the board stand out, but Williams is a nice consolation prize.

  1. Baltimore Ravens: C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M

A solid, scheme-versatile pivot, McCoy could fit the Ravens better than Bradbury, if both are on the board. Marquise Brown would also be tempting.

  1. Houston Texans: OL Cody Ford, Oklahoma

The Texans might prefer Dillard or Williams, but Ford should get a chance at right tackle. If they view him as a guard and the top tackles are gone, a corner would make sense here.

  1. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago): RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama

With so many defensive needs, it would be bold for Oakland go running back (and tight end a few picks later?). But Jon Gruden just can’t help himself sometimes.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State

Perhaps more than any other team, the Eagles believe in using first-round picks in the trenches. Here, Howie Roseman bets big on one of the five best players in the draft hoping to have him at full strength in 2020.

  1. Indianapolis Colts: WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma

Some might see Brown and T.Y. Hilton as redundant in the same offense, but Frank Reich’s options could really open up with one on the outside and one in the slot. Safety could also be a possibility.

  1. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas): TE Noah Fant, Iowa

Fant lacks nuance as as a route-runner and doesn’t have great natural hands, but his speed is a weapon that would help replace Jared Cook.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple

Set at one cornerback spot (Casey Hayward) and in the slot (Desmond King), the Chargers take a swing at a rising talent to fill the No. 2 role.

  1. Seattle Seahawks: WR A.J. Brown, Mississippi

Could Brown go before workout-warrior college teammate D.K. Metcalf? Stranger things have happened. Doug Baldwin is 30 and has been very banged up.

  1. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans): WR D.K. Metcalf, Mississippi

If Metcalf makes it this far, it would be tough for the Packers to pass, given their need for explosive playmakers on offense.

  1. Los Angeles Rams: C Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State

Three centers in Round 1? You bet. Jenkins has been garnering buzz lately, and the Rams need help on the interior. They could try to target him in a trade down.

  1. New England Patriots: DL L.J. Collier, TCU

Collier plays exactly like a Patriot. He’s big, powerful and versatile — with some ability at end and at tackle — and is an excellent technician.

–David DeChant, Field Level Media

Seven Alive!

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BOSTON – Sean Kuraly and Joakim Nordstrom each had a goal and an assist, and the Boston Bruins defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 tonight in the seventh and deciding game of their first-round playoff series. 

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Marcus Johansson, Charlie Coyle and Patrice Bergeron also scored for the Bruins, and goaltender Tuukka Rask made 32 saves.

Coyle and Bergeron scored into an empty net.

It was the second consecutive year that Boston beat Toronto in the seventh game of a first-round playoff series.

John Tavares scored for the Maple Leafs and goaltender Frederik Andersen made 27 saves.

The Bruins scored twice in the first period.

Both goalies were tested early in the first. Andersen thwarted a wrap-around attempt by David Pastrnak. And Rask was alert to cover Mitch Marner’s shot on his own rebound.

Nordstrom scored at 14:29 of the first period when he shot from a sharp angle to the right of the goal and the puck squeezed between Andersen and the goal post. The sequence started when the Bruins intercepted the Maple Leafs’ attempted long outlet pass. Matt Grzelcyk and Kuraly earned the assists.

Johansson put Boston ahead 2-0 at 17:46 of the first after Toronto defenseman Jake Gardiner lost the puck behind the net. Johansson whirled to the front and shot from the right circle.

Toronto led 12-11 in shots on goal after the first period.

Tavares cut the lead to 2-1 at 3:54 of the second period, with a quick release from the right circle after Tyler Ennis won the puck at the boards.

The Maple Leafs failed to take advantage of the first power play of the game when Boston defenseman Brandon Carlo was called for cross checking at 8:22.

Toronto had a 25-19 advantage in shots on goal after two periods.

Kuraly restored Boston’s two-goal margin at 2:40 of the third period when he split the defense and shot from the left circle.

Toronto was again unsuccessful on the power play when Boston was called for too many men on the ice at 5:19 of the third.

Coyle scored into an empty net at 17:26 of the third. Bergeron added another empty net goal at 19:59.

–Field Level Media

Fenway to Host Liverpool FC

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BOSTON – Fenway Park will host famed Liverpool FC as part of the legendary futbol club’s off-season preparations this July. The Premier League club will play three of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States, visiting Notre Dame Stadium (July 19th) and New York’s Yankee Stadium (July 24th) surrounding the stop in Boston.

Fenway Sports/LFC exec Billy Hogan, Liverpool’s Phil Babb and Sox Sam Kennedy announce Liverpool’s three-city summer tour at Fenway Park (T.Peter Lyons/DSD).

Kicking off the trip, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana will host a competitive football match for the first time in the 90-year history of its 77,000-seat venue, when the LFC face Borussia Dortmund of Germany on Friday July 19 (8pm kick-off local time).

The team will make its way to Boston for a welcome return to the home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, to meet Spain’s oldest football club, Sevilla FC, on Sunday July 21 (6pm kick-off local time). Fenway Sports Group represents Liverpool FC.

Then, on Wednesday July 24, Yankee Stadium in The Bronx will be transformed into a football pitch when Liverpool takes on Sporting CP of Lisbon (8pm kick-off local time).

“A preseason tour is an important time of the year for our first team to prepare for the upcoming season while also providing the opportunity to bring the first team to our fans around the world,” said Billy Hogan, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Liverpool FC.

“We’re heading to three incredible locations this year,” he added. “Each of the stadiums has their own deep-rooted heritage similar to our own and we’ll face three great opposing teams in Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Sporting CP.

“This trip to the USA will be very special and we’re really looking forward to having as many of our supporters with us along the way.”

Red Sox Game Scout

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Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox

When: 7:10 PM ET, Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Where: Fenway Park, Boston
Special to Digital Sports Desk by Gracenote

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BOSTON – There was a sense that the Boston Red Sox had turned around their rocky start with a series sweep in Tampa Bay, but the positive vibes were short-lived. The Red Sox will try to recover from an ugly doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers when the teams continue a four-game series tonight.

Digital Sports Desk will be on-site at Fenway.

After the opener of the set was rained out, the Tigers picked up 7-4 and 4-2 victories in Tuesday’s twinbill, dropping the defending World Series champs to 9-15. Struggling second baseman Josh Harrison had four hits and a pair of RBIs on the day for Detroit, which has won four of its last five after losing five in a row. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts went deep twice in the matinee and added an RBI single in the nightcap for the Red Sox. Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez starts Wednesday for Boston and will try to give his team some length after its bullpen was forced to pitch 9 2/3 innings during the doubleheader.

The last time the Detroit Tigers swept a doubleheader at Fenway Park was August 20, 1965.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Tyson Ross (1-2, 3.38 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (1-2, 7.20)

Ross has lasted at least six innings in three straight starts, allowing two earned runs in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He has made three appearances in his career at Fenway Park – all in relief – and has been pounded for five runs in 1 2/3 innings. Steve Pearce has a single and a double in two previous at-bats against Ross.

After allowing six runs in each of his first two starts, Rodriguez has given up a total of six (five earned) over his last two outings. He has 14 strikeouts and one walk in 12 innings during the improved stretch, helping the Red Sox to wins in both appearances. JaCoby Jones is 3-for-4 with a triple and a double against Rodriguez, who is 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four career starts versus Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox IF Michael Chavis hit his first career homer in Tuesday’s nightcap – his third game since being called up over the weekend, 

2. Tigers 1B/DH Miguel Cabrera is 9-for-32 with five runs scored during an eight-game hitting streak.

3. Detroit’s starting rotation has a 3.13 ERA; Boston’s is at 6.22 – last in the majors.

PGA Tour: At a Glance

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LAST TOURNAMENT: RBC Heritage (C.T. Pan)
THIS WEEK: Zurich Classic, April 25-28
TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La. (Par 72, 7,425 yards)
Purse: $7.3 million (Winner: $1.05 million to each winning team member)
Defending champions: Billy Horschel/Scott Piercy
FedEx Cup leader: Matt Kuchar
Television: Thursday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:45 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS Sports).

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NEW ORLEANS – The two-player team event will include Four-ball (best ball) rounds on Thursday/Saturday and Foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday/Sunday. … No official world rankings are awarded for the team event, but each member of the winner team will earn 400 FedEx Cup points and a two-year winner’s exemption on the PGA Tour along with entry into the Tournament of Championship and The Players Championship next year. … The field will be cut from 60 teams to 35 following the second round. …

The 2017 Zurich Classic was the first official PGA Tour team event in 36 years. … Horschel is the only player to win the event in both the individual and team formats. … The Australian team of Jason Day/Adam Scott is the only team in the field with two players ranked inside the top 30. Other notable teams include Brooks Koepka playing with younger brother Chase and European Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood. … Walk-up music will be used on the first tee during Saturday’s round.
NEXT WEEK: Wells Fargo Championship

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