American Lauren Davis' run at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England, ends in a 6-1, 6-1 loss to top-seeded Ana Ivanovic in the third round.

Birmingham, England -- Gates Mills native Lauren Davis' run on the grass courts at the Aegon Classic tennis tournament ended abruptly Thursday, as top-seeded Ana Ivanovic of Serbia needed just over an hour to crush Davis in a lopsided 6-1, 6-1 third-round victory.
It was the second time the two had squared off this year, and Ivanovic dominated both times by the same 6-1, 6-1 score. Their previous meeting was in March at Key Biscayne, Fla.
This time out, Ivanovic hit 28 winners to just 13 for Davis, who had beaten Austrian Tamira Paszek and American Victoria Duval in earlier rounds. Ivanovic also served up five aces.
Ivanovic next plays Australian Casey Dellacqua in the quarterfinals. Also advancing to the quarters Thursday was 21-year-old American Sloane Stephens, who beat fellow American Alison Riske, 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-1. The third-seeded Stephens next plays Zhang Shuai of China.

Manager Terry Francona doesn't start hot-hitting Lonnie Chisenhall against Boston lefty Jon Lester.

BOSTON, Mass.– Seen and heard Thursday at Fenway Park.

Clubhouse confidential: And on Thursday, Lonnie Chisenhall and his .393 (66-for-168) batting average rested against Red Sox lefty Jon Lester.

Manager Terry Francona didn't have Chisenhall in the starting lineup when the Indians opened a four-game series at Fenway Park. Chisenhall went into the game with a nine-game hitting streak and two days removed from his nine RBI performance against Texas.

It couldn't have been bad numbers against Lester that kept Chisenhall on the bench because he has never faced him. Besides, Chisenhall is hitting .500 (14-for-28) against lefties this year.

"I almost did put Lonnie in the lineup, but I think it will be good for him," said Francona. "Mike Aviles (third baseman) is not feeling great, but then again Lonnie has played a lot lately and having him sit over here ready to pinch hit isn't so bad either."

With Nick Swisher coming off the disabled list, it allowed Francona to use his three switch-hitters – Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana and Swisher – to break up the stream of lefties in the lineup.

Business as usual: Time heals all wounds and perhaps it has healed some with Francona and the way he parted company with the Red Sox at the end of the 2011 season.

"For the most part it was a really good run," said Francona, who led Boston to two World Series titles in eight years. "The end wasn't a lot of fun. I wouldn't have scripted it that way, but I don't wake up in the morning bitter.

"I won't forget, but you move on."

Stat of the day: The Indians entered Thursday's game at 33-33. It's the eighth time they've been at the .500 mark this season.

Football fever swept Greater Cleveland Thursday with the start of the World Cup. But interest was especially keen in Eastlake, the heart of the region's Croatian American community. Watch video

EASTLAKE, Ohio--The grills were blazing early on the grounds of the American-Croatian Lodge in Eastlake Thursday afternoon. Croatia was meeting mighty Brazil to kick off the 2014 World Cup and Cleveland's Croatian community savored and celebrated the moment.

Across the region, football lovers descended on bars and restaurants and living rooms to watch the start of the World Cup. But interest in the debut game ran at a fever pitch in Eastlake, the heart of the region's Croatian American community. 

Hundreds gathered under a picnic pavilion next to the soccer field before the 4 p.m. start, many wearing Croatia's distinctive red-checkered shirts. A festival atmosphere pervaded. Texting teens wrapped themselves in Croatian flags and their parents dug into cevapi hot off the grill and sipped cold beer.

When the game began, all eyes were riveted to a giant outdoor screen beaming the action from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Croatia scored first--evoking a thundering chorus of cheers. But Brazil tied the game and scored twice more to send the Croatian fans home quiet but proud.

The game presented a tough draw for tiny Croatia, a soccer-loving nation of fewer than 5 million people, but an honor as well.

"We're very excited for Croatia to be opening the Cup, especially against Brazil," said Mario Grgic, who played professional soccer in Croatia and now helps run the lodge's youth soccer leagues, which are growing with eager boys and girls.

"Soccer really has been the lifeblood of our community," observed league president Dennis Basic. "It's held us together."

Croatia needs only to win its next two matches to move on in the tournament, he observed. Grgic likes its chances.

The grills are ready. Bring on Mexico and Cameroon.

Second-year pro has had his share of dust-ups since joining the Browns.

BEREA, Ohio – Garrett Gilkey revealed Thursday he hasn't cut his hair in four years, save for the trimming of split ends at the insistence of his mother and sisters.

Troy Polamalu need not worry about losing his Head & Shoulders endorsement to an obscure Browns offensive linemen. Especially with news that Gilkey might return next month for training camp with a new look following his latest scrap in practice.

"There was some hair pulled and it's a byproduct of my hair style," said Gilkey, who threw several uppercuts in a nasty exchange with defensive tackle Phil Taylor on Wednesday. "Going into camp that's one thing I'm considering changing. ... I'm going to come in with a bang and the style is going to be unique and I'm hoping to make a splash."

Once bullied in high school, the red-haired, freckle-faced mountain of a lineman probably leads the Browns in practice skirmishes since being drafted a year ago in the seventh round from small-school Chadron State. His dustup with Taylor marked his second of spring ball. He sparred with former Browns defensive lineman Brian Sanford last summer and, "a few others."  

But Gilkey's most important fight is a metaphorical one and will take place starting in late July. The 6-foot-6, 313-pounder plans to compete for one of the starting guard spots. Rookie Joel Bitonio, nursing an ankle sprain, is likely to win one spot, while Gilkey, John Greco, Jason Pinkston, Paul McQuistan and possibly Justin Faulk vie for the other.

It figures to be one of the most intriguing position battles not involving Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel. Greco, who started 14 games last season, must be considered an early favorite, but Gilkey plans to push for playing time. The Browns need to upgrade their guard play from a season ago.

With Bitonio sidelined, Gilkey and Greco have been working with the first team in recent practices. Gilkey said the zone-blocking scheme offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan employs is similar to one run at Chadron.

"I'm absolutely confident," he said. "It's a matter of consistency and confidence. At the end of the day whoever is in the starting lineup is going to be part of one of the most elite offensive lines in the country. ... I have no doubt the competition level is going to drive all of us."

Gilkey played primarily on special teams last season after making the significant jump in class from Chadron to the NFL. He started the season finale due to injury and conceded it was a "baptism by fire."

Overall, he earned 97 snaps offensively in 2013.

The upcoming season is an important one for his future with the club. He wants to prove to coach Mike Pettine, who speaks often of toughness, that he possesses that quality. Bitonio's orneriness is a major reason the Browns used the No. 35 pick to select him from Nevada.

Gilkey's decision to trade punches with Taylor, who plays with the disposition of a hungover grizzly, caught the attention of observers. Practice spats are commonplace, but this one took longer than normal to break up and at one point an enraged Taylor shoved receiver Miles Austin to get back into the fracas.

On Thursday, Gilkey made sure reporters understood the bad feelings didn't leave the practice field.

"Phil is a great competitor, great player and great guy," he said. "His presence in the locker room means a lot to the guys, it means a lot to me. It's easy for people in the media to see something like that on the field and assume it transcends into the locker room (but) it doesn't. I have a good relationship with Phil and I have respect for him and I'm confident he has respect for me."

Sometimes things get heated. Doesn't change the fact we stand together on Sundays. One common goal!! #GoBrowns

— Garrett Gilkey (@gagilk73) June 12, 2014

Gilkey said tempers between linemen often flare near the end of camps. Thursday's practice marked the last one until training camp opens in late July.

Pettine, who wants players competitive without being combative, said some are more apt to get involved "just by the nature of how they play." Does Gilkey take that as a compliment?

"The reality is I (attribute) it to my blue-collar work ethic and how I was coached in college," he said. "Never give up, white knuckles to the end. ... It goes back to the competition.

"In the NFL the battles between the offensive and defensive lines, it's the most physical environment outside something in the military. We're modern-day gladiators."

Gilkey's hair likely was tugged after his helmet flew off during the altercation. He said his long mane has been pulled before and that it might be time for a makeover. Taylor certainly looked ready to go Edward Scissorhands on him Wednesday.

"As it's gotten longer, even just blocking, it's become a hazard," he said.

The second-year pro might need a trip to Great Clips prior to training camp. That's when the hitting and positional battles get serious.   

Brazil pulled out the win over Croatia to open the World Cup on a colorful day, but they needed a little help from a cooperative referee to do it.

The World Cup opener began Thursday with an earthquake, but it ended how most expected: with a Brazil win.

Brazil walked out with a 3-1 win over upstart Croatia, but didn't exactly impress while doing it. The tournament favorites needed help from two controversial refereeing calls to win a match that was much more closely contested than the final score might indicate. 

Croatia stunned the home side, the Sao Paulo crowd and the country by picking up the tournament's first goal in the 11th minute when Brazilian left back Marcelo deflected a wayward ball into his own net.

But Croatia's lead didn't hold up long, as Brazilian star Neymar tied the score with a 29th minute goal that slipped past Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Brazil then got the benefit of a poor refereeing call in the 69th minute to take the lead. Brazilian attacker Oscar sent in a low cross to striker Fred inside the penalty area. Fred turned toward goal, felt a defender's hand on his shoulder, and took a theatrical fall to the ground that fooled nobody but Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura, who promptly blew his whistle. Nishimura called the foul, gave Croatian defender Dejan Lovren a yellow card and pointed to the penalty spot over furious Croatian objections.

Brazil's David Luiz (4) celebrates teammate Oscar's (11) goal to cap Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)Ivan Sekretarev 

Neymar then slammed the penalty kick past Pletikosa, who got two hands on the ball with his diving effort but couldn't save it.

Croatia seemed to have answered again in the 83rd minute, but Nishimura again changed the game, this time by disallowing a Croatia goal. Croatian forward Ivica Olic leaped near goal to contest a header with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar. The ball bounced out to a Croatian player in position to score with Cesar out of position, but Nishimura called Olic for the foul.

While contact was made, the question is whether Olic had the right to make that contact. Unlike the penalty call, this one was a bit closer, but Croatia certainly felt aggrieved.

Either way, Oscar put the game out of reach with a stunner of a goal in stoppage time. He picked up a loose ball near midfield, dribbled through two defenders and somehow snuck a toe-poked shot past Pletikosa into the left corner to secure the 3-1 scoreline.

It wasn't pretty -- and in Brazil, that means a lot -- but it was a win.

Player of the day: Oscar. Neymar may get the biggest accolades (and in this case, a pair of goals), but Oscar was the best player on the field. He looked like a cross between a dancer and a puppeteer the way he played Croatian defenders.

Play of the day: Oscar's goal was an improbable thing of beauty. It was equal parts playground ball, luck and creative skill.

Biggest moment: Fred's dive and the corresponding penalty. Plays like this give soccer detractors all the fuel they need to light the sport on fire.

Dancers perform during the World Cup opening ceremony on Thursday in Sao Paolo. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)Frank Augstein 

Strangest moment: Was it during the opening ceremony with the people dressed as flowers? Or how about the dancers dressed as soccer balls who looked more like acrobatic Storm Troopers in Star Wars or, better yet, Spaceballs? It looked a bit like Carnival, but with just a bit more clothing. 

Brazil being Brazil: The upper stadium floodlights at Arena de Sao Paulo went out in the first half around the 16th minute. Yep, bang-up job building and renovating all these stadiums. 

What about the protests? They continued in Sao Paulo, just in a different part of town. 

What today means: For Brazil, it's business as usual on the field, but not beyond it. The team expects to go through the group stage unbeaten, and they probably will. Off the field, it's a mixed bag, as protests and infrastructure problems once again highlighted how the country remains divided and ill-prepared over the expensive tourney. But it's Brazil, and there is a show to put on.

Much to his delight, Martin Kaymer discovered that Pinehurst No. 2 was even more different than he imagined in the U.S. Open.

PINEHURST, N.C. -- Much to his delight, Martin Kaymer discovered that Pinehurst No. 2 was even more different than he imagined in the U.S. Open.

This wasn't the beast of a course that Kaymer and so many other players were expecting.

This was a day for scoring.

Kaymer made six birdies Thursday afternoon, three on the final five holes, that sent the 29-year-old German to the lowest score in three Opens held at Pinehurst No. 2. He made a 6-foot par putt on the 18th hole for a 5-under 65 and a three-shot lead.

"It was more playable than I thought," he said. "I think that made a big difference mentally, that you feel like there are actually some birdies out there, not only bogeys."

So much was made of the new look at No. 2, which was restored to its old look from more than a half-century ago. There also was plenty of talk that this U.S. Open would be as tough as any U.S. Open.

When he finished his final day of practice Wednesday under a broiling sun, Kaymer was asked what it would take to win.

"I said plus 8 because the way the golf course played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," he said. "But obviously, they softened the conditions a little bit so it was more playable. So hopefully, I'm not right with the plus 8. I would be disappointed."

Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell took the conservative route on his way to a 68 that featured 15 pars, one bogey, one birdie and one eagle. He was joined by Kevin Na, Brendon de Jonge and Fran Quinn, a 49-year-old who last played a U.S. Open in 1996, when Tiger Woods was still an amateur.

"This was a golf course where I spent the last few days just preparing myself mentally for the challenge, really, knowing that this golf course wasn't going to give much and it was only going to take," McDowell said. "I'm assuming they put some water on this place this morning. And we were able to take advantage of that a little bit early on and actually think about getting at some of those flags."

Brandt Snedeker, who had a chance at 30 on his front nine, had to settle for being part of a large group at 69 that included 20-year-old Jordan Spieth, Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson.

The 15 players to break par were the most for an opening round at the U.S. Open since 24 players did it at rain-softened Olympia Fields in 2003.

Phil Mickelson, in his latest quest to win the one major keeping him from the career Grand Slam, shot a 70. He was among the early starters, who received additional help by cloud cover that kept moisture in the greens. Mickelson doesn't expect Pinehurst to be any easier the rest of the week.

"There was some low scoring out there -- some good scoring, I should say," he said. "Anything around par, it's usually a good score."

Masters champion Bubba Watson was among the exceptions. He shot a 76 and said, "This course is better than me right now."

The sun broke through shortly before noon and began to bake the course, though not enough to stop Kaymer. He watched some of the tournament on television in the morning, and he was particularly struck by the sight of Stenson's 6-iron into the par-3 15th only rolling out a few feet. Kaymer expected it to roll off the green.

"Last night I thought that it's going to be very, very firm in the afternoon," he said. "But actually, it was more playable than I thought."

Not everyone was able to take advantage.

Defending champion Justin Rose had a 72, making his bid a little tougher to become the first repeat winner in 25 years. Adam Scott, the world No. 1 who has been formidable in every major the last two years except the U.S. Open, had a 73.

Scott wasn't about to panic. Pinehurst only figures to get more difficult.

"You know how it's going to be at the end of the week," Scott said. "We're going to be looking at even par, or something around that."

Kaymer picked up four birdies with relative ease -- three wedges to inside 3 feet, and a high draw with a 3-wood to about 20 feet on the par-5 fifth for a two-putt birdie. A few longer putts at the end really dressed up the score.

He hit a 6-iron at the flag on the 16th hole and made a 12-foot birdie putt, and then hit another 6-iron at the par-3 17th to about 10 feet for birdie.

Kaymer tied the course record with a 63 in the opening round when he won The Players Championship last month, ending a drought of some 18 months. That only boosted his confidence, and the 65 on Thursday only adds to it.

Even so, he realizes it's only one round, and that the course probably won't be so kind or gentle the rest of the way.

"I would have never expected myself to shoot such a low round at Pinehurst ... but it's a good round of golf," he said. "I wasn't expecting it. I'm not freaking out about it. It's the first round of a very, very important tournament. I put myself so far in a good position, but we have three rounds to go. The golf course can change a lot.

"If other people want to make more out of it, it's fine," he said. "But for me, it's a great start into one of the most important weeks of the year."

The Indians activate Nick Swisher before Thursday's game against Boston. Jason Giambi went on the disabled list to make room for him.

BOSTON, Mass. -- Nick Swisher is back in the lineup and the idea is for him to return to the player the Indians signed to a four-year, $56 million contract before the start of the 2013 season.

"I just want to pick up where I left off," said Swisher, activated from the disabled list on Thursday. "I just want to keep stinging the baseball. I just want to try and find some holes."

The season has not gone well for Swisher, but just before he went on the disabled list with a hyper-extended left knee on May 27, he was on a 7-for-18 (.313) roll.

"My swing feels good," said Swisher, following a two-day rehab assignment at Class AA Akron. "The first night in Akron, I swear that pitcher was standing 500 feet away from me. Wednesday was great. I kind of felt that I was back in the rhythm of the game a little bit and hitting some balls on the button."

Swisher went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI on Wednesday for the RubberDucks.

"I'm just so proud of the way the guys have played since I've been down," said Swisher. "These guys have really stepped up their game. Coming back in here I just want to get myself back to the player I am and we'll go from there."

Swisher, who DH'd and batted seventh against the Red Sox on Thursday, is hitting .211 (39-for-185) with three homers and 19 RBI.

Jason Giambi, 43, went on the disabled list with a sore left knee to make room for Swisher. This is Giambi's third trip to the DL this season, two conveniently coming when the Indians needed a roster spot.

"My left knee has been bothering me," said Giambi. "We tried to work it through until Swish got back to help the ball club out.

"This works out. It's good for the team, puts us in a good spot and lets me heal."

Swisher opened the year on the DL with a broken rib. His next trip to the DL was because of a strained right calf.

Giambi is hitting .128 (6-for-47) with two homers and five RBI.

Zach McAllister update: McAllister threw a rehab start Tuesday and was in Boston on Thursday, but won't be added to the rotation just yet.

Francona said McAllister, who went on the DL with a strained lower back, will make his third rehab start Saturday for Class AAA Columbus. He'll be held to 65 pitches and will be in line to go head-to-head with T.J. House for Thursday's start against the Angels at Progressive Field.

House, who replaced McAllister in the rotation, will start Saturday against the Red Sox. Francona said House pitched well enough to earn Saturday's start. It did not sound as if Francona had made a decision on who would start Thursday.

"We have some things to think about moving forward," said Francona. "There's T.J. There's Zach. There's Zach's development. We have multiple off days coming up, which doesn't happen very often.

"We have a road trip coming up where we have a day off, play two against Arizona, and then have another day off. We don't want guys sitting for a week. We told Zach all that and told him, "Just go pitch like you can pitch and let us worry about everything else."

McAllister threw six innings Tuesday for Columbus.

"I felt good Tuesday," said McAllister. "I kept the ball down in the zone and got a lot of soft contact. I'm just feeling a lot better physically."

Three's company: By activating Swisher and putting Giambi on the disabled list, the Indians continue to carry three catchers -- Yan Gomes, George Kottaras and Carlos Santana. Kottaras was the most likely candidate to be optioned to Columbus to make room for Swisher until Giambi was conveniently placed on the DL for the third time this season.

Francona, while mindful that Santana has had two concussions since 2012 while catching, said he has no qualms about putting Santana behind the plate.

"While George is still on our roster, it seems to make sense to catch him," said Francona. "But rosters change with injuries. There's no fear (about catching Santana). We've talked about it out of concern in order to keep him healthy and productive.

"But he's assured us that he'll do whatever we ask. We want to do the right thing. When he's able to be our backup catcher, it gives you another roster spot. We've talked about what makes us better and what is in his best interest, too."

Sign 'em up: The Indians have signed 10 of the 42 players they selected in the June draft. They signed six Thursday, including seventh-round pick Simeon Lucas, a catcher/infielder from Grant Community High School in Fox Lake, Ill.

Finally: X-rays on Mike Aviles' right foot were negative after he stubbed his big toe last week in his hotel room in Arlington, Texas. The utility infielder, however, still isn't running well.

Part of the league officiating development program, Thomas worked Browns' minicamp this week.

BEREA, Ohio – The best on-field officials are usually the ones who go unnoticed.

If Sarah Thomas makes it to the top rung of her profession, that's going to be quite difficult.

This mother of three and a pharmaceutical sales representative is one of two females in the NFL officiating development program. No woman has ever earned her stripes for a regular-season game, but she aspires to work on Sundays.

Thomas joined a crew of officials this week at the Browns' mandatory minicamp.

"Being raised with brothers I'm just one of the guys, I guess," the Brandon, Miss., resident said. "I don't try to be one of the guys. I am a female, but I don't look at myself as just a female. I look at myself as an official. With their respect and the respect that I have for them, it just doesn't feel like it's a male-dominated profession."

Thomas began officiating football in 1996, working her way from high school to Conference USA in the college ranks. She accepted an invite to join the league's development program a year ago. Thomas expects to draw training-camp duty and preseason assignments.

She tucks her long blonde hair inside her cap in an effort to blend in with her crew.

"Yes, I think sometimes they go 'what is that?' Thomas said, smiling. "I like it when I leave the field and people go 'I told you that was a girl.'"

Thomas said she's accustomed to the salty language from players and coaches, conceding it's part of the "profession."

The former college basketball player admits there's a learning curve for someone who's never competed in the sport they officiate. But she's reached the NFL's doorstep for a reason.

Thomas doesn't detect resistance from players, who she believes only want the game called "consistently the right way."

Browns cornerback Joe Haden said Thomas wasn't shy about blowing the whistle this week.

"She did a good job. She was calling everything," Haden said. "I couldn't snap on her. I was chilling."

The NBA has had women officiating its games since 1997. Thomas believes the NFL also is a league that welcomes diversity. Last month, the first openly gay player, linebacker Michael Sam, was drafted by the St. Louis Rams.

"I think when the (league is) ready, there are officials who are going to be ready to go," Thomas said.

The Indians fall to 3-4 on this 10-game trip after losing 5-2 to Boston on Thursday night at Fenway Park.

BOSTON, Mass. – The Indians experienced another game of faulty pitching, bad defense and substandard offense on this long and winding trip.

After winning three out of four against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, the Indians lost their third straight game Thursday night on this 10-game trip, falling to the Red Sox, 5-2, at Fenway Park.

Josh Tomlin and the Indians were down, 3-0, after five innings to Boston's hot-and-cold lefty Jon Lester when they tried to get back in the game.

Michael Bourn started the sixth by reaching on Lester's error. After Asdrubal Cabrera flied out to right, Michael Brantley doubled to left as Bourn stopped at third. Jason Kipnis delivered both runners with a hard single that somehow got through Justin Pedroia at second base to make it a 3-2 game.

Kipnis has hit in 10 straight since coming off the disabled list. He has nine RBI in the streak.

The Indians, with just one out, had a chance to do more damage, but it didn't happen. After Carlos Santana flied out to center, Ryan Raburn singled off Brock Holt's glove at third to put runners on first and second for Nick Swisher. Just off the disabled list, Swisher bounced into a force play at second.

Tomlin (4-3, 3.33) retired the first two batters in the sixth, but gave up a triple to shortstop Jonathan Herrera to end his night. Lefty Nick Hagadone relieved to face lefty Jackie Bradley, the No.9 hitter. Hagadone walked him on four straight pitches.

Next up was Holt, the leadoff hitter and another lefty. Holt worked the count full, Bradley stealing second along the way, before he doubled over Brantley's head just in front of The Green Monster in left to make it 5-2. Scott Atchison relieved to get the final out, but Hagadone's performance left much to be desired.

Before the Indians reached Boston, they were swept in a two-game series by the Royals. Kansas City put on a defensive clinic for the defensively-challenged Indians and the Red Sox did the same.

In the seventh, following a Mike Aviles' single, Bourn crushed a ball to deep center. Bradley caught it right in front of the wall and fired a one-hop strike to first to get Aviles, who had made the turn at second and had to retreat to first.

The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead in the second when Mike Napoli reached on a ground ball to shortstop. Cabrera made a one-hop throw to Santana at first, but the short hop handcuffed Santana as Cabrera was charged with his 12^th error, which is the most among all AL shortstops.

Napoli went to third on Daniel Nava's single and scored on Grady Sizemore's ground-rule double over David Murphy's head in right. After Tomlin walked David Ross to load the bases, Herrera hit into a 3-2-3 double play and Bradley struck out to keep the score at 1-0.

Boston made it 3-0 on a booming two-run homer by David Ortiz with two out in the fifth. After Bradley singled, he went to second on Tomlin's errant pickoff for the Indians' second error of the game. Tomlin came back to retire the next two batters to bring Ortiz to the plate.

With first base open, the Indians elected to pitch to Ortiz. Big Papi was 0-for-10 lifetime against Tomlin, but now he's 1-for-11 after drilling a 0-1 pitch deep into the center field bleachers.

Tomlin allowed four runs, three earned, on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. He's 1-2 in his career against the Red Sox.

Lester (7-7, 3.33) allowed two runs, one earned, in 7 2/3 innings. He struck out four, walked one and allowed eight hits.

Koji Uehara pitched the ninth for his 14^th save.

Kentucky's Julius Randle wants to dispel reports that he will need surgery on his right foot after the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Julius Randle put his foot down on Friday.

After the Kentucky power forward worked out for the Celtics on Friday in Boston, he addressed reports that he will need surgery on his right foot after the draft.

Yahoo Sports first reported that on Thursday, saying that a screw inserted in the fractured right foot he suffered in high school would have to be removed as a precautionary measure. Though Randle missed three months as a high school senior, he did not miss any games last year at Kentucky. ESPN and others later confirmed the initial report by Adrian Wojnarowski.

Randle responded to Wojnarowski on Twitter on Thursday with two tweets:

I never do this but it was brought to me and it's crazy how people put stories out there and have no clue what they are talking about.

— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) June 12, 2014

No disrespect but check with the actual source next time before you put something like that out there @WojYahooNBA

— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) June 12, 2014

Randle's mother, Carolyn Kyles, told the Louisville Courier-Journal on Thursday that there was no surgery scheduled.

"Everything with Julius is fine,'' she said.

Then on Friday Randle addressed reporters after his workout with the Celtics. "My foot is fine," he told reporters. "Everybody has their opinion on what they should do. But I'm pain-free. No pain before, during, or after. I'm fine. ... [Surgery has] never been considered. I've met with my own doctor and talked to specialists, some of the best doctors in the world, and they said they wouldn't do anything with it."

Asked about working out for the Celtics alone, instead of in a group, Randle said, "Less risk of injury. There's no me being afraid of competing. I think guys know that competing is what I do."

For all the uproar, it should be noted that Wojnarowski pointed out in the original story that NBA executives considered the injury a minor issue and said they doubted it would impact his draft status. If Randle had surgery, Wojnarowski wrote, he likely would be out only six to eight weeks, missing summer league but probably back in time for training camp.

Each week The Plain Dealer will examine one position heading into the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26.

TOP FIVE POWER FORWARDS

1. Julius Randle, Kentucky, 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, 19 years old, averaged 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists last season.
Comment: SEC Freshman of the year but stock appears to be slipping.

2. Aaron Gordon, Arizona, 6-9, 220 pounds, 18 years old, averaged 12.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists last season.
Comment: Versatile and athletic but needs to work on shooting.

3. Dario Saric, Croatia, 6-10, 223 pounds, 20 years old, averaged 16.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season.
Comment: Withdrew from 2013 NBA Draft but likely to stay in this year.

4. Adreian Payne, Michigan State, 6-10, 239 pounds, 23 years old, averaged 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists last season.
Comment: One of the older players in the draft and one who excels on the defensive end.

5. Clint Cappella, France, 6-11, 222 pounds, 20 years old, averaged 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists last season.
Comment: Stock has fallen since poor showing at Nike Hoop Summit in April.

Next week: Centers

The last time Justin Masterson faced the Red Sox, he threw seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in a 3-2 victory over John Lackey on June 2 at Progressive Field.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn, L.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, S.

LF Michael Brantley, L.

2B Jason Kipnis, L.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

RF David Murphy, L.

C Yan Gomes, R.

1B Carlos Santana, S.

DH Ryan Raburn, R.

RHP Justin Masterson, 4-4, 4.61.

RED SOX

LF Brock Holt, L.

3B Xander Bogaerts, R.

2B Dustin Pedroia, R.

DH David Ortiz, L.

1B Mike Napoli, R.

RF Daniel Nava, S.

C A.J. Pierzynski, L.

SS Jonathan Herrera, S.

CF Jackie Bradley Jr., L.

RHP John Lackey, 7-4, 3.18.

UMPIRES

H Tom Hallion, crew chief.

1B Sean Barber.

2B Chris Guccione.

3B Eric Cooper.

Cleveland State sophomore guard Bryn Forbes has transferred to Michigan State, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The long rumored transfer of Cleveland State guard Bryn Forbes to Michigan State has been completed as Forbes, a native of Lansing, Mich., has been granted his release from the Viking basketball program.

"We want to thank Bryn for his contributions to the Cleveland State program," head coach Gary Waters said in a release. "He has represented our program well and although it is disappointing to see him leave, we wish him the best."

Forbes, the 2013 Freshman of the Year in the Horizon League, averaged 12.7 points his first season and 15.4 last season, leading the team in scoring. His forte is 3-point shooting, making 42.4 percent of his shots from behind the arc last season.

The 6-3 guard, who left CSU in early May, still has his junior and senior years of eligibility available. According to NCAA rules, Forbes will have to redshirt one season due to his transfer, unless the NCAA clears him to play immediately due to family hardship.

Forbes, a second team All-Horizon League choice after last season, has a child in Lansing.

"We are excited to add Bryn Forbes, a homegrown product, to our roster," said MSU coach Tom Izzo in a press release. "He was extremely well coached by former Spartan Carlton Valentine at Lansing Sexton, and brings with him the championship attitude that he developed there as he teamed with Denzel Valentine (current Spartan) to win back-to-back state championships.

"Bryn enjoyed two great seasons at Cleveland State, but he's decided to come back closer to home. He brings the ability to shoot the basketball and you can never have enough shooters on your team.

"Look at some of his best performances. you can see that they've come against top-notch competition, such as scoring 22 points against Kentucky."

The Vikings will not be left undermanned in the backcourt as senior Charlie Lee (9.8 ppg) and junior Trey Lewis (13.1 ppg) return, along with transfer Andre Yates, a sophomore from Creighton, and two freshman backcourt recruits.

"That's what they tell me, to come for a visit and that an offer could be coming soon," Waller told cleveland.com in a phone interview Friday evening. "So I plan to visit Ohio State at the end of the month, and hopefully they'll give me some good news when I'm there."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – It took everyone by surprise when Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage quarterback Torrance Gibson dropped Ohio State to the bottom of his top seven, citing that he has lost contact with the Buckeyes coaches as the reason. 

Even Travis Waller was taken back by it. 

But that could mean good news for Waller, a four-star quarterback of Anaheim (Ca.) Servite whom Rivals.com rates the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class.

That could mean he's close to landing an offer from Ohio State. 

"That's what they tell me, to come for a visit and that an offer could be coming soon," Waller told cleveland.com in a phone interview Friday evening. "So I plan to visit Ohio State at the end of the month, and hopefully they'll give me some good news when I'm there." 

Waller was on his way back from a two-day visit from Alabama during the interview, and the Crimson Tide haven't waited to offer the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder. Neither have Northwestern and Notre Dame, the other programs, who along with Ohio State, make up the quarterback's top – and final – four. 

Ohio State is the only program who has waited, which could be because the Buckeyes' are still figuring out how they want to approach recruiting the quarterback position in the 2015 class. 

Urban Meyer already secured an oral commitment from three-star quarterback Joe Burrow of Athens, Ohio this month, and he could be pleased with having only him representing quarterbacks in this class. 

But Gibson, once Ohio State's top quarterback target, said the Buckeyes told him they are taking two before they lost contact. Ohio State has told Waller the same thing. 

So Waller is operating under the assumption that Ohio State still wants him in this class. He said it hasn't hurt the Buckeyes yet that they haven't offered him. 

"They told me an offer should be coming soon and that they're happy they are in my top four," Waller said. "I still talk to them a lot, and I understand there's a quarterback commit there and I understand that if I do commit there that I have to compete against him. I'm not worried about that." 

Waller may not be saying that Ohio State is behind because it hasn't offered, but he hasn't yet booked his flight for the Columbus visit he says he's taking. He has, however, made arrangements to stop by Northwestern and Notre Dame the weekend of June 23. 

Perhaps he just hasn't gotten around to booking his flight, or maybe he's protecting himself from the potential that Ohio State may not be interested. 

Regardless, Waller said that he's making all three remaining visits before announcing his college decision on July 1. 

"I just want to see what all the schools have to offer," he said. "Alabama was great, they have amazing facilities and it was a great trip. But the biggest thing is having a good relationship with the coaches, so I want to see and meet all of them. I am looking forward to seeing how those trips go." 

Mike Pettine is understandably straddling the fence on his quarterback competition. The money is on Brian Hoyer's experience and poise when training camp begins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – To play it anymore down the middle than he did at Browns mini-camp, head coach Mike Pettine would've had to address his quarterback competition while wearing a "Money Manziel" T-shirt and a St. Ignatius hat.

Pettine called Brian Hoyer's No. 1 status "secure" but "not insurmountable."

Even if you only believe half of that, even if you believe as I do that Hoyer will start the opener in Pittsburgh in September, did you really expect Pettine to say anything different?

Pettine is a rookie head coach who wants to establish the concept of earning jobs through talent, diligence and effort, not through incumbency or draft status. The rest of his approach is particular to the participants in the competition.

Hoyer made just three starts last year and is coming off knee surgery. He's not Tom Brady.

Johnny Manziel -- you may have heard of him -- fell to No. 22 in the draft and elicited the most polarizing opinions in recent NFL history. He isn't Andrew Luck. Any pressure to start him is media and fan driven. Those are officially Worst Reasons No. 1 and IA to rush a kid into the huddle before he's ready.

The organized training activities (OTA) and mini-camp were less a quarterback competition than an orientation to a new offensive system.

There is absolutely no reason Hoyer shouldn't be significantly ahead of Manziel. The shock would be if Manziel gets the time and the opportunity to unseat Hoyer by the opener.

"The issue for us as a staff is finding the right time to name a starter," Pettine said of training camp. "If you wait too late, then nobody's ready for the opener. If you do it too soon then it wasn't a true competition.

"That will be part of our discussions as well as far as 'okay, here's the plan, here's a date that we want to go ahead and name him.'''

Pettine is new to this. So is GM Ray Farmer, but Farmer's earlier and rather definitive take that only injury is likely to keep Hoyer out of the opener against Pittsburgh should be seen for what it is -- the presiding organizational plan.

It makes perfect sense, which isn't something we've always been able to say about organizational plans in Berea.

Pettine and Farmer want to establish "winning" as the regime's mission. Not "developing" players.

Hoyer won last year with less of a team and no running game. The Browns went from a quarterback (Brandon Weeden) who had the slowest release time in the league to a quarterback who had the quickest. The brief tenures of Rob Chudzinski and Mike Lombardi, respectively, also make winning now a pretty wise choice for the new head coach and GM.

Not sure Manziel will get a great opportunity in limited snaps against vanilla defenses in the exhibition season to make Pettine feel good about sending him out to Heinz Field to establish a tone for the new season.

Hoyer will look good in preseason. So will Manziel. Weeden looked good early in preseason. By the time he didn't (Indianapolis), he already had the starting job sewn up.

Pettine and Farmer will discuss the right time to name a starter, but chances are they won't wait until the final preseason game. The Browns have a veteran who can play (and who had the city excited a year ago, remember?) and a rookie who was the most dynamic player in college football.

The abbreviated timetable favors Hoyer's experience and poise. I'd say his status is more than secure.

Barring injury, not too long into training camp it will become insurmountable. And the Browns will be better for it.

For more Bud Shaw, read "Spinoffs" and "You Said It."

The Boston Red Sox shook off a rough offensive series to open their four-game set with the Cleveland Indians in strong fashion. But given how they fared the last time they saw Justin Masterson, their lineup could be in for a challenge Friday night.

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Get updates and chat with other users in the comments section as the Indians take on the Red Sox in the second game of a four-game set.

Game 68: Indians (33-34) at Red Sox (30-36)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. at the Fenway Park

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

Tweets from @clevelanddotcom/indians

Get live updates from 2014 GCFCA Cuyahoga County East-West All-Star Game.

BEREA, Ohio — Get live updates from Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Bill Landis and Scott Patsko from the 2014 GCFCA Cuyahoga County East-West All-Star Game in Berea. 

Updates will be posted in the comments section. You can join the chat, register here for an account if you don't have one already.

A first-time father at age 16, Desir played football, attended classes and worked odd jobs to support his family. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio – Johnny Manziel isn't the only Browns draft pick taking weekend getaways from Cleveland.

Cornerback Pierre Desir is expecting to be gone again. He's got big plans with some girls -- dancers, too.

Before checking TMZ's Twitter feed for all the details, know that Desir's wild times might wind down at Chuck E. Cheese's. No magnums of champagne, but free refills on all soft drinks.

"I've never missed a Father's Day," said Desir, who's returning home to St. Charles, Mo., to join his wife and two young daughters. "We're a tight group and we've never been separated from each other."

At a time when many NFL rookies are getting their first taste of financial freedom and splurging a bit with friends, the fourth-round pick is paying on student loans and buying a used car for his wife so they can start saving for their children's futures.

Buttressed by the lessons from his father, the 23-year-old Desir became the nation's top small-college defensive back while raising a family, working odd jobs and learning to stretch dollars like magician's handkerchiefs.

Talk about growing up fast. He had his first child before his first driver's license at age 16. The Haitian-born corner with the long frame and limbs has never shirked his responsibilities of parenthood.

"I knew he wanted to be there for us from Day One," said his wife, Morgan, who deferred her dream of becoming a professional dancer in New York or Los Angeles to care for Keeli, 7, and Kamryn, 3. "We've been blessed that he thought so much of me and the girls. Some people would have given up and not wanted to sacrifice, but he never has."

The past month has been a blur for Desir, living apart from Morgan and the kids and learning the NFL game from coaches and All Pro cornerback Joe Haden. Thank goodness for modern technology and the inventor of Skype.

Desir has shown flashes and made mistakes on the practice fields in Berea running with the second and third units. The competition is much tougher here than at Lindenwood (Mo.) University. The Browns used their first pick, No. 8 overall, to select Justin Gilbert, considered by many the best corner in the draft.

But secondary coach Jeff Hafley sees in Desir someone "mature beyond his years" and willing to sacrifice to reach his goals. The club knows how important the women in his life are, Hafley said, but it's the male influences that helped drive him to overcome hardships.

Long journey to Berea

Jean Pierre didn't live long enough to see his grandson drafted into the NFL. He died in the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 220,000 people in Haiti.

His son, Wilfrid, had left the island nation in 1994 to escape a bloody coup with his wife and two children, Myriam, 6, and Pierre, 4.

Jean worked construction and drove taxis. He earned the respect of his community, Wilfrid said, through a selfless philosophy:

View full sizePierre and wife, Morgan, rarely have been apart since the birth of their children, Keeli, 7, and Kamryn, 3.Morgan Desir photo

"He would tell us if you have something in your hand you must share it with others," Wilfrid said. "You cannot keep it all to yourself."

Wilfrid had played soccer professionally in Haiti, but as war grew imminent he applied for a visa and moved his family to America, settling in St. Charles. He and his wife, Marie, spoke Creole and provided for their growing family – they have five children altogether – through a series of low-wage jobs.

They sent their first three kids to private schools on the strength of a relentless work ethic.

"Both of my parents worked two jobs," Desir said. "There were times when we'd only see them on the weekends."

He excelled in soccer as youngster, his lean athletic frame making him a difficult mark. But the Americanization of Desir took hold during his freshman year of high school as friends convinced him to try football. His size made him a natural for receiver and defensive back. Scouts from Michigan State, Kansas and Kansas State took notice.

Desir developed other interests besides sports. He took a liking to Morgan Julian, a competitive dancer from time she was a child.

"He was a good athlete and he was fun to be around," Morgan said. "He was like silly all the time and I love that about him."

Their relationship, however, took on a more serious nature when Morgan learned she was pregnant. Initially, there was shock and anger in both families before all parents pledged their support.

Keeli was born on Feb. 22, 2007.

Wilfrid stressed the need for his son to be part of his daughter's life. Desir wanted that anyway. While the teenagers lived with their parents, Desir, became a fixture at Morgan's house. Although he continued to play prep sports and prepare for college, his life changed dramatically.

"I missed a little bit of my youth," he said. "My friends were hanging out, going to parties, and I was home babysitting, changing diapers."

Despite being a solid student, he was a poor test taker when it came to the ACT. He scored a 17 three times and saw Division I interest in him evaporate.

Desir earned a scholarship at small college Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. While he played well, he grew lonely apart from Morgan and Keeli back in St. Charles. He put more than 210,00 miles on a 1997 Toyota Camry, driving four-plus hours home at every opportunity.

The family reunited in Topeka for his sophomore season, but the couple had no support system and little money. Because of Desir's scholarship, the government denied them child support services. Morgan, who worked as a gymnastics instructor, recalls it being the lowest point in their relationship, making dinners on $5 a day.

Desir opted to transfer to Lindenwood in St. Charles, expecting Washburn to release him from one scholarship so he could accept another. The coach, however, would not allow it for reasons Desir still does not comprehend.

"I was so upset," Morgan said. "It put us in such a bind. ... We've got about $15,000 or $20,000 in student loans."

Without a scholarship, Desir had to take temporary jobs, paying $40 a day, while still attending class and practice. Many mornings at 6 a.m., he arrived at the agency looking for work. Desir drew plenty of undesirable tasks, but one stands out.

"It was during flood season in Missouri and we were in an apartment complex," he recalled. "Excuse my French, but I had to clean human feces. I had to take out furniture, clean out the water. They gave us knee-high boots, but the water was knee level. That was the worst one.

"Got $40 out of it, but I did it. I look back at it (and) it's not something I want to do again."

Eventually, he found a more sanitary work environment selling cell phones. Desir and Morgan were wed at the end of 2011.

"It was my responsibility to take care of my family, it wasn't my parents' responsibility," he said. "I didn't rely on them to provide food. It was on me. ... I had to do those jobs even though some were gross and disgusting."

Desir (6-2, 206 pounds) parlayed a strong senior season into invites to the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. He also won the Cliff Harris Award, presented annually to the best small-college defender.

His personal story was compelling enough for ESPN to feature him on Draft Academy, which chronicles prospects journeys to the NFL.

"You know what you're getting when you take a guy like Pierre," said Hafley, who worked him out at Lindenwood and took him to dinner. "You're getting a guy who's going to do what it takes. ... He knows how to come to work every day and he's learning how to be a pro and how to push himself and that's going to important to him – to push himself."

An ideal day

Desir planned this weekend to make his third trip home since being drafted May 10. Morgan said her husband wants to surprise the girls at a recital.

Easy-going Keeli takes after her mother with a love for dance running in the family genes. Kamryn is "the boss of the house," and a speedster who has a future in track, Desir said.

The girls speak to "Papa Bear" every night on the computer before going to bed. They love the silly faces he makes and all the questions he asks about their days.

As Desir learns the nuances of the pro game and tries to rely less on his athleticism, he's buoyed by the knowledge Morgan and the girls will be moving here in August.

Asked to describe an ideal Father's Day, he volunteers: "It would be having my wife relax and taking my daughters to IHOP in the morning."

If you have something in your hand you must share it. That's what the men in the Desir family have done for generations.

The Indians own the busiest bullpen in the American League and they're looking for reliever to link the middle innings to the late-inning arms of Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen.

BOSTON, Mass.– Seen and heard Friday at Fenway Park.

Clubhouse confidential: Manager Terry Francona is looking for a bridge. Not a real bridge, but a bridge consisting of one or two middle relievers who can carry a lead or close game to the late-inning arms of Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen.

"We need to find a way to get to Shaw and Cody," said Francona. "We can't pitch those guys every night that early."

Lefty Nick Hagadone got a chance Thursday when he relieved Josh Tomlin in the sixth with two out and a runner on third with Boston leading, 3-2. It didn't go well and he was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on Friday with Kyle Crockett, another lefty, taking his place.

Francona has been using John Axford more in that role lately, but with runners on he's susceptible to the stolen base. So Francona is going to need a couple of options. Perhaps Crockett will help fill the need or at least give Francona a fresh arm to use.

"Last year, going down the stretch, part of the reason we won, is because of Shaw and Cody," said Francona. "They were strong ... they had pitched a lot, but not too much. You walk a fine line. You want your horses to pitch a lot, but not too much."

Indians relievers are the runaway AL leader in appearances with 233. Six of Francona's relievers, including Allen, Shaw, Axford, Scott Atchison, Josh Outman and Marc Rzepczynski, each have 28 or more appearances.

T-shirt of the day: Jason Kipnis, who took a 14-game hitting streak into Friday's game, has been wearing T-shirt lately with this proclamation printed on the back: "All me. PED free."

Stat of the day: Yan Gomes leads AL catchers with 16 multi-hit games this season.

Martin Kaymer is playing a brand of golf rarely seen in the U.S. Open. It might even be enough for soccer-mad Germany to pay attention.

PINEHURST, N.C. -- Martin Kaymer is playing a brand of golf rarely seen in the U.S. Open. It might even be enough for soccer-mad Germany to pay attention.

The other 155 players at Pinehurst No. 2 certainly are.

Kaymer set the 36-hole scoring record at the U.S. Open on Friday with another 5-under 65 -- this one without a single bogey -- to build a six-shot lead over Brendon Todd and leave the rest of the field wondering if the 29-year-old German was playing a different course, or even a different tournament.

"If he does it for two more days, then we're all playing for second spot," Adam Scott said.

Kaymer was at 10-under 130, breaking by one shot the record set by Rory McIlroy at rain-softened Congressional in 2011. He had an eight-shot lead when he finished his morning round. Todd made some tough par saves to keep bogeys off his card for a 67.

"I heard he played the No. 3 course. Is that true?" Kevin Na said after a 69 put him seven shots behind. "It's unbelievable what he's done. Is 4 or 5 under out there? Yes. Ten under out there? No, I don't think so. I guess it was out there for him. I watched some of the shots he hit and some of the putts he's made and he looks flawless."

The six-shot lead after 36 holes tied the U.S. Open record first set by Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach in 2000 and matched by McIlroy at Congressional. Woods wound up winning by 15 shots. McIlroy won by eight.

"I played Congressional and I thought, 'How can you shoot that low?' And that's probably what a lot of other people think about me right now," Kaymer said.

At least a few of them allowed for some hope going into the weekend. Todd, who won the Byron Nelson Championship last month for his first PGA Tour win, will play in the final group Saturday in his first U.S. Open.

Brandt Snedeker had a 68 and joined Na at 3-under 137.

Phil Mickelson was 13 shots behind after going back to his conventional putting grip and giving up too many shots. He had a 73.

A fast-moving thunderstorm dumped rain on Pinehurst overnight, though it didn't make the course that much easier. The pins were in tougher locations. Trouble is waiting around any corner at Pinehurst No. 2. Kaymer rarely found it.

He opened with a short birdie on the par-5 10th hole, added birdie putts from 20 and 25 feet, and then hit a gorgeous drive on the par-4 third hole, where the tee was moved up to make it play 315 yards. His shot landed perfectly between two bunkers and bounced onto the green to set up a two-putt birdie.

And the lead kept growing.

"I look at the scoreboards. It's enjoyable," Kaymer said. "To see what's going on, to watch yourself, how you react if you're leading by five, by six. ... I don't know, but it's quite nice to play golf that way."

It looks like a typical U.S. Open -- except for Kaymer.

Dustin Johnson opened with a pair of 69s, a score he would have gladly taken at the start of the week and perhaps thought it would be good enough to lead.

"I wouldn't have thought it would be eight shots behind," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka, the American who is carving his way through the European Tour, birdied his last hole for a 68 and joined the group at 2-under 138 with Brendon de Jonge (70), Henrik Stenson (69) and former PGA champion Keegan Bradley, who played in the same group with Kaymer and rallied for a 69.

"He's as dialed it as I've seen," Bradley said.

Kaymer was the sixth player in U.S. Open history to reach double-digits under par, though McIlroy was the only other player to get there before the weekend. Kaymer already won the PGA Championship in 2010 at Whistling Straits, and he added the next best thing to a major last month at The Players Championship. It's tough for any golfer to make headlines in Germany, especially in a World Cup year.

At least Germany doesn't start in Brazil until Monday.

"That's the first game, so maybe I got a little bit of some ... things in the newspapers about me," Kaymer said. "Football is our biggest sport, and I can't wait to watch the first game. I think golf, it's not that important, but not much I can do. I can just try my best and hopefully I can put myself out there."

And if were to win?

"It will probably last until Monday, 12 o'clock, and then that's it," he said with a smile.

This is the "Germanator" everyone expected when he won the PGA Championship, and then a year later rose to No. 1 in the world. Kaymer felt his game was not complete enough, so he set out to develop a draw -- his natural shot is a fade -- and it took two years of lonely hours on the range to get it right.

At the moment, he can do no wrong.

Each time he looked to be in trouble, Kaymer escaped. He drove toward the lip of a bunker on the 14th and did well just to reach the front of the green, some 70 feet away. The long putt on the turtleback greens Donald Ross created was so difficult that his first putt nearly ran off the putting surface. He made a 12-footer for par.

Kaymer felt tired toward the end of the round, and it showed. He hit into bunkers on the sixth and seventh holes, and both times blasted out to short range. He also converted a difficult two-putt from the front of the eighth green.

He spent the whole day going forward. Now, everyone else is going to need him to come back to have any chance.

Kaymer doesn't want to change his strategy.

"Because if you think of defending anything, then you're pulling back, and that's never really a good thing," he said. "You just want to keep going. You want to keep playing. You want to challenge yourself. If you can stay aggressive and hit the right shots. And that's quite nice that it's a battle against yourself."

That's what this U.S. Open is right now. A one-man show.

Manager Terry Francona told reporters that he thinks Carlos Santana is a better first baseman than third baseman.

BOSTON, Mass. -- Quick hits from manager Terry Francona's pre-game press conference Friday at Fenway Park.

DH bound? The only positions Carlos Santana has played since coming off the disabled list on June 6 have been first base and DH. Santana, who won the third base job in spring training, has yet to make a start at the hot corner since being activated.

Francona said the reason for that was that first baseman Nick Swisher was on the DL and Santana had played much more first than Lonnie Chisenhall, a third baseman by trade. Chisenhall, by the way, has started six of the last eight games at third.

Now, with Swisher off the DL, it will be interesting to see who plays where. Will Santana return to third or will hot-hitting Chisenhall stay at third with Santana moving more to a full-time DH role?

Swisher didn't play Friday because of a scheduled day off. Francona believes that when a player just comes off the DL, he shouldn't play every day until his body gets used to the grind of the schedule again.

All three players were healthy Thursday, but Chisenhall didn't play against lefty Jon Lester. Saturday should be the first test to see where Santana, Swisher and Chisenhall play. Just to add a bit of intrigue to the situation, Francona told reporters, "I just thought playing Carlos at first was an easier way for him to come back (after being on the DL). I think we're better defensive team that way. I think Carlos is probably a better first baseman than he is a third baseman."

Santana, of course, spent the winter converting from catcher to third base.

Let's talk: Regarding Friday's demotion of lefty Nick Hagadone to Class AAA Columbus after a poor performance in Thursday's 5-2 loss to Boston, Francona said, "I talked to Nick for about 20 minutes. Then Mickey (Callaway, pitching coach) talked to him because we didn't want this to be a penalty (because) he didn't throw strikes."

Francona added, "We want to help him get over some hurdles, whether that's anxiety or whatever. When he throws strike one, what comes after is usually pretty good. When he throws ball one, there's a little bit of anxiety and hoping he'll throw a strike instead of having conviction behind a pitch.

"There's a good pitcher in there, a guy with special stuff, and we desperately want to tap into that."

Outside the box: Francona said the Indians will have to creative with their pitching plans because of the off days on June 23 and June 26.

"It may cost somebody a start," he said. "That's what we were talking to Zach (McAllister) about on Friday. But we'll see how that works out."

McAllister will start Saturday for Class AAA Columbus. It will be his third rehab start since going on the disabled list with a lower back strain.

League leader: Asdrubal Cabrera leads AL shortstops with 12 errors.

"He's made some errors where you can see he's mad at himself," said Francona. "Stating the obvious, the less errors we make the better team we are.

"On Thursday he threw the ball in the dirt (second inning). It's not like he non-chalanted it. He just threw it in the dirt."

Francona said he thinks Cabrera is moving better this season than he did in 2013. Last year Cabrera made nine errors.

"There was about a 10-day period when he got hit in the knee and took the foul ball off his toe when he didn't move great," said Francona. "But last night he moved without the limp as well as he has in quite a while."

Nyjer Morgan update: Morgan (right knee) has started playing catch at the Indians' spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz. He's also been running in the pool.

Morgan strained the PCL ligament in his right knee on May 14. He's currently on the 60-day disabled list.