The Indians go 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and strand 13 runners, but still beat the Red Sox, 3-2.

BOSTON, Mass. – The Indians played and won ugly Saturday at Fenway Park, but there were no complaints over style points in the visitor's clubhouse.

Not only did the Indians strand 13 runners, they went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Still, they managed to beat Boston, 3-2, and end a four-game losing streak on a lovely June afternoon.

"There are times when we are going to have to win games like this," said manager Terry Francona.

Saturday was one of those days. After a going 3-1 against Texas to start this 10-game trip, the Indians have lost four straight – two to Kansas City and the first two to Boston in this four-game series. They have a chance to go home at 5-5 with a victory on Sunday.

The Indians loaded the bases three times Saturday and managed to score two runs. Their two-run, game-winning rally came in the seventh and consisted of Asdrubal Cabrera scoring the tying run on an error by catcher A.J. Pierzynski and Carlos Santana forcing home the winning run with a bases-loaded walk.

The 1927 Yankees can rest easy. The 2014 Indians are still using training wheels when they come to the batter's box.

"This is a good win," said Jason Kipnis, who had three of the Indians' 10 hits. "Usually when we strand a lot of runners and don't come up with the big hit, we're usually on the downside of things.

"But the fact that is T.J. House competed and our bullpen competed and kept us in the game. And we got lucky with Cabbie scoring that run and Santana getting the bases-loaded walk. A win is a win, but with the skid we've been going through this was the kind of win we needed."

The Indians trailed 2-1 when they scored twice in the seventh against Craig Breslow (2-2).

Cabrera opened the inning with an infield single to short thanks to a bobble by first baseman Mike Napoli. Michael Brantley sent Cabrera to third with a single to right. Cabrera continued his tour of the bases as he slid home to make it 2-2 on Kipnis' grounder to Dustin Pedroia at second.

Pedroia's throw to the plate beat Cabrera, but it was up the first-base line and Pierzynski couldn't hold the ball. Pierzynski was charged with an error.

"I think Cabbie and I both thought Pedroia would go for the double play," said Kipnis. "But Pedroia is about as heads-up a defender as there is and he thought he had a chance to get him at home.

"If Pierzynski catches the ball and holds on to it, he might have got him."

Breslow retired Lonnie Chisenhall and Nick Swisher on fly balls, but walked David Murphy to load the bases. Junichi Tazawa relieved to make Santana hit left-handed. Lefty or righty, it didn't matter as Santana drew his 49^th walk for a 3-2 lead.

Santana, who reached base three times Saturday, is hitting .310 (13-for-42) with three homers and 12 RBI in his last 13 games. Overall, his average (.180) continues to creep toward .200.

"He's starting to look like Carlos Santana," said Francona.

The win went to John Axford (2-3), who pitched an inning in relief. Cody Allen, who threw 21 pitches in Friday's 10-3 loss, worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

In the eighth, however, it was still anybody's game.

Bryan Shaw, the third Indians' reliever, walked Pedroia to bring David Ortiz to the plate. Ortiz blistered a shot to the right of second base into the teeth of the Tribe's shift. Kipnis backhanded the ball as it almost skipped past him, wheeled and threw to Chisenhall, who had moved from third to short, for the force. Chisenhall completed the double play with his throw to first.

Cabrera, who was playing on the second-base side of the bag, hit the dirt to give Kipnis a clean throw to second.

"I thought Kip's play on Ortiz's ball saved the game," said Francona.

The Red Sox made life unpleasant for House in the first. Xander Bogaerts singled with one out and Pedroia nearly hit one off the center wall before Michael Bourn caught up to it. Ortiz followed with a double off the right-field wall for a 1-0 lead.

"I didn't know if Ortiz's ball was out or not," said House. "After that we made an adjustment in his next two at-bats (two ground outs)."

House allowed two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three and walked one.

The Indians tied the score, 1-1, in the third against Jake Peavy as Bourn singled and scored on Cabrera's double to right. Cabrera was cut down at third as he tried to advance on the throw.

Boston took a 2-1 lead in the sixth as Pedroia opened with a double. House retired Ortiz as Pedroia went to third and Axford relieved.

Axford walked Napoli on a 3-2 pitch that just missed. When Johnny Gomes sent a grounder to short it looked like the Indians were out of the jam. Kipnis took Cabrera's feed from short, but Napoli got under him with a hard slide and Kipnis' throw to first was too late to complete the double play as Pedroia scored for a 2-1 lead.

It's been a manic first three days in Brazil, but things are just getting started at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

It's been a manic first three days in Brazil, but things are only just getting started at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The action continues Sunday with games in Groups E and F, beginning with Switzerland vs. Ecuador at noon ET.

Here are the broadcast details for Day 4's tripleheader so you can catch all the action on your television, radio, computer or mobile device: 

Group E: Switzerland vs. Ecuador, 12 p.m.
At Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil

Group E: France vs. Honduras, 3 p.m.
At Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil 

Television

ABC

**Pregame show begins 30 minutes before kickoff of each match

Announcers

Switzerland vs. Ecuador: Adrian Healey, Alejandro Moreno

France vs. Honduras: Daniel Mann, Kasey Keller

===

Univision (Spanish-language broadcast)

**simulcast on Univision Deportes

Where to tune in

Verizon Fios: Channel 1524 (SD) and 1539 (HD)

On DirecTV: Channel 402 on SD and HD

On Dish Network: Channel 270 on SD and HD

On AT&T U-Verse: Channel 3002

On Comcast/Xfinity: Check local listings for channel number

On Optimum: Check local listings for channel number

On Time Warner: Check local listings for channel number

===

Radio

ESPN Radio 

*Click here to find your local affiliate.

Announcers

Switzerland vs. Ecuador: Ross Dyer, Shep Messing

France vs. Honduras: Ross Dyer, Shaka Hislop

===

Online

ESPN3.com

Stream the broadcast on your mobile device by downloading the WatchESPN app or the WatchABC app.

Listen to ESPN Radio online here or on your mobile device by downloading the app here.

===

Univision.com (Spanish-language broadcast)

Stream the Univision broadcast on your mobile device by downloading the Univision Deportes app here.

Group F: Argentina vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 6 p.m.
At Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Television

ESPN

**Pregame show begins 30 minutes before kickoff

Announcers: Derek Rae, Roberto Martinez

Where to tune in

Verizon Fios: Channel 70 on SD and 570 on HD

On DirecTV: Channel 206 on SD and HD

On Dish Network: Channel 140 on SD and HD

On AT&T U-Verse: Channel 602 (SD) and 1602 (HD)

On Comcast/Xfinity: Check local listings for channel number

On Optimum: Check local listings for channel number

On Time Warner: Check local listings for channel number

===

Univision (Spanish-language broadcast)

**simulcast on Univision Deportes

Where to tune in

Verizon Fios: Channel 1524 (SD) and 1539 (HD)

On DirecTV: Channel 402 on SD and HD

On Dish Network: Channel 270 on SD and HD

On AT&T U-Verse: Channel 3002

On Comcast/Xfinity: Check local listings for channel number

On Optimum: Check local listings for channel number

On Time Warner: Check local listings for channel number

===

Radio

ESPN Radio 

*Click here to find your local affiliate.

Announcers: JP Dellacamera, Tommy Smyth

===

Online

ESPN3.com

Stream the broadcast on your mobile device by downloading the WatchESPN app.

Listen to ESPN Radio online here or on your mobile device by downloading the app here.

===

Univision.com (Spanish-language broadcast)

Stream the Univision broadcast on your mobile device by downloading the Univision Deportes app here.

Will the Browns cut Josh Gordon once he's suspended? Will the Browns start Brian Hoyer over Johnny Manziel? How does Barkevious Mingo look? These and other questions are answered in this week's Hey Mary Kay!

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey Mary Kay!

Hey, Mary Kay:  Do you see the Browns removing Josh Gordon from the team?

- James Reese, Snow Hill, N.C.

Hey James: I don't see the Browns cutting Gordon when he's suspended. I think they'll give him a chance to turn things around and see if he can stay clean. If he can, they have a potential future Hall of Famer on their hands. The problem is, Gordon seems to struggle the most in the offseason when he's away from the team. If he's banned indefinitely and back home in Houston, it might difficult for him to do what it takes to get back into the league.

 Hey, Mary Kay:  If/when Josh Gordon gets suspended for an entire season, how does that affect his contract?  Does it count as a year or is it "extended" for another year?

- Geoff Pulsford, Willoughby, Ohio

Hey Geoff: If Gordon is banned for at least a year, his contract wouldn't count during the time he's out, and he'd pick it up again when he returns. If he comes back in 2015, he'd still have the two remaining years left on his deal, through 2016. Currently, he's set to make  $825,604 in 2014 and $1.068 million in 2015. If not for his current plight, the Browns would have been thinking extension soon.  
 
Hey, Mary Kay: How has Mitchell Schwartz looked in camp? Do the coaches see him as a good fit for the zone-blocking scheme? He flashed as a rookie, but seemed to regress last year.

- Rob Hollis, Columbus, Ohio

Hey Rob: The new regime and coaching staff likes Schwartz a lot more than the previous one did. Schwartz is a good fit for Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme, which places a premium on getting off the ball quickly. He's set to start at right tackle again and should have no trouble keeping the job. John Greco is a leading candidate to start at right tackle depending on how quickly second-round pick Joel Bitonio recovers from his sprained ankle.

Hey, Mary Kay:  If the Browns players really buy into the offensive and defensive schemes, they will be capable of winning eight games this year.  I can't see starting Johnny Manziel over Brian Hoyer.  The soonest I would let Manziel start is after the bye week against the Titans.  With or without Josh Gordon, the Browns have enough talent to win games.

- Emil Barter, Cleveland, Ohio

Hey Emil:  Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine seem genuine when they say that Hoyer is substantially better than Manziel right now, but I keep coming back to quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains saying in a radio interview that Manziel could be "one of the most exciting players in the NFL'' right now. Manziel's playmaking ability isn't always evident in the controlled drills of a minicamp, so it's hard to get a good read on him right now. The Browns will know a lot more during the preseason games, but they won't get the full Johnny Football effect until they throw him into a regular season game and let him do his thing. I do think the Browns have the talent to win this year depending on their quarterback play.

 Hey, Mary Kay:  Thinking of Josh Gordon's probable suspension, do the Browns still have the inner circle that Sam Rutigliano established or something similar for players battling addiction issues?

- Bill Rogers, Valparaiso, Ind.

Hey Bill: The Browns have a strong support system led by new Director of Player Engagement Jamil Northcutt and his assistant Russell Maryland. There are programs in place for players dealing with substance abuse and other issues. The Browns were really excited to land Northcutt, who previously worked at Mississippi and for the Chiefs, and are confident the players will relate to him.
 
Hey, Mary Kay:  The Browns took a lot of  criticism for not taking a receiver in the second round of the the draft. With all the second round busts the Browns have drafted at receiver since 1999 from Quincy Morgan to Greg Little. I'm happy to see a new approach to the filling out the position. Are any of the undrafted free agents turning heads?
 
- Zane Little, Dayton , Ohio

Hey Zane: Chandler Jones, the undrafted rookie from San Jose State has caught some eyes in camp. He's on the small side (5-9, 185) but has been making plays. Jonathan Krause, an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt has also been active. Others, such as Willie Sneak from Ball State, have been sidelined with injuries and haven't made an impact yet.

Hey, Mary Kay:  At the end of last season, the word on Barkevious Mingo was that he needed to get stronger and develop some more moves as a rusher. What kind of improvement have you seen in him so far?

- Dan D, Hickory, N.C.

Hey Dan: Mingo doesn't look any bigger to me, but I know the trainers have been working hard to develop his strength. I haven't noticed significant improvement in his pass-rush technique during these offseason practices, but I expect to see it when the pads come on. If anyone can bring out the beast in Mingo, I think it will be this group of attack-minded coaches. Last season, they produced three double-digit sackers in Buffalo.
 

Corey Kluber takes the mound Sunday against Boston looking to rebound from a loss to Kansas City on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium. In that game, Kluber allowed six runs, but only three were earned.

BOSTON, Mass. -- Here are the lineups for Sunday's game between the Indians and Red Sox at Fenway Park.

INDIANS

CF Bourn, LF.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, S.

LF Michael Brantley, L.

2B Jason Kipnis, L.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

DH Nick Swisher, S.

RF David Murphy, L.LF

1B Carlos Santana, S.

C Yan Gomes, R.

RHP Corey Kluber, 6-4, 3.35.

RED SOX

3B Brock Holt, L.

2B Dustin Pedroia, R.

DH David Ortiz, L.

1B Mike Napoli, R.

LF Nava, S.

C A.J. Pierzynski, L.

RF Grady Sizemore, L.

SS Stephen Drew, L.

CF Jackie Bradley Jr., L.

RHP Brandon Workman

UMPIRES

H Chris Guccione.

1B Eric Cooper.

2B Tom Hallion, crew chief.

3B Sean Barber.

Get live updates, pictures, videos and a leaderboard from the final round of the U.S. Open. The final group, Martin Kaymer and Rickie Fowler, tee off at 3:35 p.m.

PINEHURST, N.C. – Follow along during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Sunday at Pinehurst No. 2 as Martin Kaymer tries to hold off Rickie Fowler and others.

And track all your favorite golfers in a live leaderboard from the second major of the calendar year.

Check the box below for live Twitter updates, including pictures and videos from the PGA Tour's official Twitter account, the USGA and other notable Twitter feeds. Below the box is a live leaderboard. Click here to see tee times for Sunday. Play began at 9:32 a.m., with the final pairing of Kaymer and Fowler teeing off at 3:35 p.m.

Kaymer enters the final day with a five-shot lead despite carding a 2-over 72 on Saturday. Kaymer, who stands 8-under 202 overall, has a different cast of challengers behind him Sunday.

Fowler, with teen idol status in American golf, birdied the par-3 17th hole and shot 67 to get into the final group of a major for the first time.

Even more unlikely was the other player at 3-under 207 — Erik Compton, the two-time heart transplant recipient who considers it a victory just to be playing golf. Compton ran off five birdies and an eagle for a 67

"If I were to win the tournament, it would be obviously something that would be extremely special, not only for me, but for my family and for those who have been around me, and I think also for the community and those who have been through some tough times," Compton said. "I might just sail off and never play golf again."

Even so, this tournament is in the hands of a 29-year-old German who kept his cool on a broiling day of some wicked pin positions.

Only one player in U.S. Open history has lost a five-shot lead in the final round, and that was Mike Brady in 1919.

Only six players remained under par, and considering no one has come from more than seven shots behind in the final round to win a U.S. Open, they might be the only ones left with a realistic chance to catch Kaymer.

Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson each shot 70 and were at 2-under 208. Brandt Snedeker had a 72 and was another shot behind. Brendon Todd, playing in the final group with Kaymer, had a 79.

Phil Mickelson shot a 73 and was 13 shots out of the lead. He'll have to wait until next year to pursue the only major keeping him from the career Grand Slam. Adam Scott, the world No. 1, made bogey on all but one of the par 3s and was 11 shots behind.

The Indians scratched out two runs in the seventh inning Saturday to beat Boston, 3-2, and end their four-game losing streak.

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

Game 70: Indians (34-35) at Red Sox (31-37)

First pitch: 1:35 p.m. at the Fenway Park

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

Tweets from @clevelanddotcom/indians

Shaun Crawford has committed to Notre Dame, a month after opening his recruitment up after originally committing to Michigan.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Father's Day, St. Edward defensive back Shaun Crawford announced that he intends to play college football at Notre Dame. Crawford did not respond to a text message seeking additional comment Sunday afternoon after Tweeting the following:

Making my Dad PROUD on Father's Day.. I officially committed to the University of Notre Dame🏈🍀 The road to success.. pic.twitter.com/PHmkJv5SdC

— Crawf (@1ShaunCrawford) June 15, 2014

Crawford was originally committed to Michigan, but decided to open up his recruiting process up last month.

As a junior last season, Crawford had 82 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back, but also played a huge role on offense, finishing with 808 yards and 10 total touchdowns.

Crawford had a total of 16 other scholarship offers, including schools such as defending national champion Florida State, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

For St. Edward, he is the fifth player to be committed to a Division I school, as he joins Alex Stump (Kentucky), Troy Dipre (Kent State) and David and Andrew Dowell (Northwestern). The Eagles were recently named the No. 7 team in the country by MaxPreps.

Contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email mkern@cleveland.com or Twitter (@Markkern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Carlos Santana is hitting .310 (13-for-42) with eight runs, three homers, 12 RBI and 12 walks in his last 13 games.

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

Quieting of Santana: Carlos Santana has a lot of moving parts to his swing, but Francona said they've been "less harsh and a little quieter' since he came off the disabled list which coincides with him hitting better. In his last 13 games, he's hitting .310 (13-for-42) with eight runs, three homers, 12 RBI and 12 walks.

When Manny Acta managed the Indians, he asked Santana to scrap his leg kick to try and quiet his swing. It didn't work and Santana eventually went back to hitting his way.

Francona said he'd be reluctant to ask Santana to make a big change in his swing.

"Guys hit like they hit," said Francona. "Carlos has had some pretty good years hitting like he hits."

Let's talk: Francona said he'll talk with Zach McAllister on Monday to tell him what the plans are regarding his stay on the disabled list. McAllister and rookie T.J. House are scheduled to start Thursday. One of them will start against the Angels and one will start for Class AAA Columbus.

McAllister made his third rehab start Saturday.

"Health wise Zach is good," said Francona. "He's building up. We'll sit and talk with him on Monday and try to get organized what we're going to do."

House, who replaced McAllister in the rotation, has impressed the Indians in his five starts.

"In a good way, he's made this a tougher decision," said Francona.

DH for now: Francona says he'll DH Nick Swisher, who came off the disabled list Thursday, for the time being. Francona said Swisher will work his way back to first base.

Swisher went on the disabled list on May 28th with a hyper-extended left knee.

The Indians are making headway on signing the top picks in their 2014 draft class.

BOSTON, Mass.- Seen and heard Sunday at Fenway Park.

Clubhouse confidential: The Indians have come to terms with several of their top picks from the 2014 June draft.

Late last week they announced the signings of No. 5 pick RHP Julian Merryweather, Oklahoma Baptist University, for $20,000; No. 6 pick CF Greg Allen, San Diego State, $200,000; No.7 pick C/INF Simeon Lucas, Grant Community High School (Ill.), $168,200 and No.8. SS Alexis Partoja, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, $144,600 and No.10 pick INF Steven Patterson, University of Cal Davis, $10,000.

Lucas and Partoja signed right at their slotting prices. Allen signed for just below his slotted value of $224,300. Merryweather and Patterson are college seniors and were signed for well below their respective slotting prices of $299,600 and $137,600 to free more of the Indians' $8 million bonus pool to pursue other players.

The Indians have reportedly reached deals with high school pitchers Justin Sheffield and Grant Hocking for $1.6 million each, pending physicals. Sheffield, a left-hander from Tullahoma (Tenn.) High School, was the Indians' compensation pick for Ubaldo Jimenez. Hocking, a right-hander from Damien High School (Calif.), was their second round pick and fourth pick overall.

Sheffield's slotting price was $1,733,000. Hocking, if the deal is finalized, signed for above his slotting price of $928,700.

Still no word on No.1 pick, outfielder Bradley Zimmer from the University of San Francisco. The Indians took him with the 21^st pick in the first round. His slotting value is $2,008,100.

University of Virginia outfielder/first baseman, Mike Papi, has yet to sign as well. He was the Indians third overall pick, taken with their competitive balance lottery pick. Papi's slotted value is $1,495,000.

Stat of the day: The Indians have had four losing streaks of four or more games this season.

When Terry Francona was about 8-year-old, his father, Tito, a big league outfielder/first baseman, started taking him to the ballpark. It made a lasting impression on the Indians future manager.

BOSTON, Mass. -- It started out as a conversation about Indians' players bringing their young daughters into the clubhouse on Sunday's for home games and turned into a Father's Day story between manager Terry Francona and his father, Tito.

Several players have young daughters on the Indians and Jason Giambi asked Francona earlier in the year if they could bring them to the clubhouse for Sunday games at Progressive Field. Francona had no problem with that.

"I told G as long as the guys don't have a problem with it," said Francona. "I've always been a proponent of having kids in the clubhouse to the point where I'd get letters from the league saying, 'Hey, you can't do this.'

"I would rather get yelled at than have to tell our players they can't have their kids running around the clubhouse. As long as the kids are respectful, it's healthy."

Tito Francona played in the big leagues from 1956 through 1970. He started taking Terry to the ballpark when he was around 8-years-old.

"I started going to the clubhouse when my dad played for Atlanta (1967-1969)," said Francona. "I'd run around outside. I'd find some batboy or pitcher who wanted to play catch with an 8-year-old.

"When batting practice started, I'd go shag in the outfield. When the other team hit, I'd go in the stands with the rest of the kids and try to catch home runs. Then before the game, I'd go to the clubhouse door and my dad would give me a dollar.

"In Atlanta a $1 would get me a Chick-Filet sandwich, which cost 75 cents. So I could get a sandwich and nothing else or peanuts and a Coke. It taught me some responsibility."

Francona said he was 11 when his father retired.

"In the three years I went to the ballpark, from eight years old until my dad retired, I was not allowed to go one time," said Francona. "That's how much I wanted to go to the ballpark.

"I got my mom mad and she said, "Just wait until your dad gets home. You're not going to the ballpark.' I said to myself, "We'll see.'"

Francona's father held the parental line and his son stayed home. He said he was devastated and added, "I think my dad was, too."

Asked if he appreciated those memories more now, Francona said, "I don't know how I could. I was an 11-year-old in heaven."

What's up? Francona said he'll talk with Zach McAllister on Monday about the club's plans for him.

McAllister and lefty T.J. House are scheduled to start Thursday. One will face the Angels. The other will start for Class AAA Columbus. McAllister is on the disabled list with a strained lower back, but seems healthy after making his third rehab start Saturday.

Asked how the House-McAllister situation would play out, pitching coach Mickey Callaway, "I don't know. T.J. is throwing the ball well. It's a tough call. A lot of factors are going to go into that."

Teammates: The Indians are tapping into the University of Virginia's baseball program.

Last year they took lefty Kyle Crockett in the fourth round and he's already in the big leagues. Earlier this month, they took outfielder/first baseman Mike Papi as their third overall choice with their competitive lottery pick.

"He's a good hitter and a smart hitter," said Crockett. "He showed more pop this year, has a good arm in the outfield and can run a little bit."

Papi, a left-handed hitter, batted .297 (62-for-209) with nine doubles, 11 homers, 51 RBI and 51 runs in 60 games for Virginia.

Nasty Masty: After lasting only two innings in Friday's 10-3 loss to Boston, Justin Masterson and Callaway are searching for answers.

Masterson has been working on speeding up his delivery. It produced victories in his previous two starts until Friday.

He said while most of his body was following the new blueprint against the Red Sox, the most important part of his anatomy wasn't.

"My arm was dragging," said Masterson.

Callaway put it this way, "For two starts I saw Justin using his body and being aggressive in his delivery. I'm not really worried what's going on at the plate right now, I just want to see him be aggressive.

"I thought he did that for two starts. On Friday, he wanted to do it early, than he didn't. He just wasn't trusting it."

In Sunday's bullpen session, Callaway said, "Justin let everything go. That's going to the plan. Let's use our body, be an athlete and we'll adjust from there."

Callaway said Masterson's goal is to get consistency with his delivery and fastball. Right now his fastball ranges from 84 mph to 94 mph.

"We want to get him back to where there's maybe a four mile an hour difference," said Callaway.

Finally: Danny Salazar was activated from the disabled list at Class AAA Columbus and started Sunday for the Clippers . . .Francona said he's going to continue to DH Nick Swisher, just off the disabled list following a hyper-extended left knee, while he eases back into playing first base.

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach David Blatt will interview with the Cavaliers on Wednesday, according to a report by Yahoo Sports.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach David Blatt will interview with the Cavaliers on Wednesday, an NBA source confirmed on Sunday afternoon. Yahoo Sports was the first to report the day of the interview.

That will be a busy day for the Cavs, as Kansas star Andrew Wiggins also is expected to work out for the team that day. Duke's Jabari Parker is expected to work out for the teamon Friday. The Cavs hold the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26. Kansas center Joel Embiid worked out for the team last week.

As the Cavs search to replace Mike Brown enters its fifth week, Blatt becomes the seventh known candidate to interview with the positions, following Alvin Gentry, Tyronn Lue, Lionel Hollins, Vinny Del Negro, Adrian Griffin and Mark Price.

Gentry and Lue each had a second interview on Friday, though it's unclear if either is considered a front-runner.

The Indians finished this 10-game trip with a 5-5 record.

BOSTON, Mass. – A trip that started so well for the Indians in Texas before taking a wrong turn in Kansas City, suddenly righted itself Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Nick Swisher was the man who restored the balance with a leadoff home run in the 11th inning that wrapped around Pesky's Pole to give the Indians a 3-2 victory over Boston and a split in the four-game series.

The Indians ended this 10-game trip at 5-5. After winning three of the first four games against the Rangers, the Tribe lost four of the next six, but came away dead even thanks to Swisher's fourth homer of the season and the durable right arm of Cody Allen.

Swisher, who came off the disabled list Thursday, opened the 11th with a drive just inside the right field pole named after fabled Boston second baseman Johnny Pesky. The pole is located 325-feet down the right field line.

He homered on a 2-1 pitch from Junichi Tazawa (1-1) to break a 2-2 tie. It was Swisher's  first since May 16.

"I have a great view of it from my place in the dugout," said manager Terry Francona. "I knew he hit it pretty good."

Said Swisher, "No doubt it was a homer. . .I was so stoked I wanted to smile all the way around the bases."

The win went to Allen, who worked the last two innings, retiring six straight. Allen (3-1), who saved Saturday's game, was pitching for the third straight day.

"He had a quick 10th inning," said Francona. "If we didn't take the lead, I was going to go with Carlos Carrasco. But when we took the lead, I would have had to tackle Cody to get him out of there."

The two-inning outing was the longest by Allen since he went three innings against Boston April 16, 2013.

Unflappable Scott Atchison came into a bases-loaded two-out situation with in the ninth and retired Brock Holt on a close play at first to send the game into extra innings. Atchison bailed out teammate John Axford as well.

Axford, the deposed closer, entered the ninth and proceeded to walk the bases loaded. Yes, he got squeezed by plate umpire Chris Guccione on a 2-2 pitch to Jackie Bradley that should have ended the inning, but it's going to be a while before Axford's shadow darkens the ninth inning again.

"I went with Atchison because he throws strikes and won't beat himself," said Francona.

The mild mannered Axford could be hurt cursing in the pressbox the moment he stepped into the Indians' dugout after being removed from the game.

"I think Chris missed a couple of pitches," said Francona. 

In the 10th, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis walked with two out against lefty Craig Breslow. Francona opened himself up for the second guess when he pinch-hit Mike Aviles for Lonnie Chisenhall.

Chisenhall is in an 0-for-10 skid, but he's hitting .467 against lefties and had five hits, three homers and nine RBI last Monday against Texas. Aviles grounded out weakly to first to end the inning.

"Aviles had swing the bat good against him in the past," said Francona. "Lonnie is going through a little stretch where he's not seeing it as good as he has been, which is realistic. Lonnie will be right back in there tomorrow."

Chisenhall was 0-for-3 lifetime against Breslow, while Aviles is 2-for-7.

The Tribe won the last two games of the series despite going 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position and stranding 23 runners.

The Indians tied the score, 2-2, in the seventh on Yan Gomes' sacrifice fly off Burke Badenhop.

Brandon Workman walked David Murphy to start the inning. Carlos Santana's single to right sent Murphy to third and ended Workman's day. Gomes followed with a fly ball to deep left to score Murphy.

Workman allowed two runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out seven, walked two and threw 103 pitches.

Boston took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Bradley scored from third as Dustin Pedroia ran his way out of a double play grounder to short. Holt's hard slide into second base helped disrupt Kipnis' relay to first.

Corey Kluber walked Bradley with one out. Holt's single to right sent him to third, but Pedroia hit what appeared to be a double-play grounder to Asdrubal Cabrera at short, but the Indians didn't turn it and it cost Kluber a run.

Kluber, removed after he walked Daniel Nava with one out in the sixth, allowed two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four and walked four with Nava drawing three of the walks.

The four walks tied a season high for Kluber.

"It was a sloppy outing for me," said Kluber. "They were attacking my fastball early.

The Red Sox, who found themselves trailing with just two out in the game, recovered quickly as Kluber struggled to find his groove.

Holt, who seems to play every position for Boston, started the first with a single past third. He took second on a wild pitch and went to third when Kluber fielded Pedroia's dribbler down the first baseline for the second out.

David Ortiz, who came into the game 1-for-5 lifetime against Kluber, lined a shot off the top of the Green Monster to tie the score, 1-1. When Ortiz tried to reach second, Brantley erased him as he caught the rebound off the Monster barehanded and threw to second.

Brantley gave the Indians a 1-0 lead in the first as he homered just inside Pesky's Pole in right field with two out. It gave Brantley a career-high 11 homers. He finished last season with 10.

Brantley hit a 2-2 pitch from Workman.

That nearly nine inches of rain fell on Natal, Brazil, on Saturday ahead of the U.S. and Ghana opening World Cup play Monday is both highly disconcerting and highly appropriate. It's disconcerting because, climatologically speaking, it's not supposed to be happening. Natal averages just over six inches for the month of June. It's disconcerting because, of all the World Cup host...

That nearly nine inches of rain fell on Natal, Brazil, on Saturday ahead of the U.S. and Ghana opening World Cup play Monday is both highly disconcerting and highly appropriate.

It's disconcerting because, climatologically speaking, it's not supposed to be happening. Natal averages just over six inches for the month of June. It's disconcerting because, of all the World Cup host venues, Natal was billed as paradise: Perfect weather in a perfect resort city.

What's happening instead is threatening both the pitch at the Arena Das Duna and the city's World Cup fever, as team and fan events have been canceled and flooding has forced some evacuations.

It's appropriate because, well, every metaphor helps.

Think of the World Cup as Brazil's reliable climate patterns — the kind that, over centuries, have brought an average of six inches of rain to Natal in June.

Now think of the U.S.-Ghana match as an unexpected three-day deluge that disrupts daily life and then fades into history, having no long-term bearing on said climate.

This is where the match — kicking off at 6 p.m. Eastern and on ESPN and Univision — fits into the context of the World Cup.

For the U.S., it's everything at the moment: It's a chance to avenge elimination losses to Ghana in both the 2006 and 2008 World Cups, and a chance to see how far the team has come since Jürgen Klinsmann was appointed manager in 2011 with promise of a culture change. It's also and a chance to discover if topping CONCACAF qualifying and holding the Gold Cup really mean the team has progressed to the point where dropping Landon Donovan from the roster on the basis of increased expectations makes all the sense in the world or no sense at all.

For the U.S., it's also nothing in the context of this year's Cup: Win, lose or draw against Ghana and the U.S. still needs to take some points off of some combination of FIFA's second- and fourth-ranked teams — Germany and Portugal — in the remaining two group stage matches.

Landing in Group G — either the group of death or a group of death depending on perspective — could easily mean that the U.S. both fields the best team it has ever had and also goes out of the event with three straight losses.

The Ghana match is essentially a torrential downpour in your city on a day the forecast called for sun, and all you can do is blame the weatherman.

Meet meteorologist Jürgen Klinsmann.

On the eve of the World Cup, pressure on the manager was as arguably as intense as any U.S. coach has ever faced. First, for his decision to leave Donovan — the U.S.'s most successful international player ever — off the squad and later for a six-month-old soundbite.

"We cannot win this World Cup," Klinsmann told the New York Times Magazine in December. "For us, we have to play the game of our lives seven times over to win the tournament."

It was accurate, both at the time and as Cup play opens. But it was of course inflammatory. No less an authority than ESPN's Michael Wilbon suggested that Klinsmann leave the country.

That's where Klinsmann finds himself as Ghana awaits. The collective conscience in this country means that soccer is only front-and-center during the World Cup, and what's front-and-center right now is Klinsmann. Only a very strong showing in the tournament will satisfy critics hurt by Donovan's absence or offended at the half-year-old quote.

Lose to Ghana, and the match effectively turns into a referendum: Klinsmann's actions and deeds have no place in charge of U.S. soccer. Yet beating Ghana won't prove the manager's approach correct. (Note: The expert continues this hot take until something else hap-OH IS JOHNNY MANZIEL STILL A BACKUP?)

At the same time, Klinsmann is all-in against Ghana with house money. His contract has already been extended through the 2018 World Cup cycle. The U.S. topped CONCACAF qualifying and strolled to the Gold Cup title last summer. Klinsmann's teams have beaten Mexico at Azteca, Italy in Genoa and Germany in D.C. in friendlies.

When the fringe interest wanes and the national pundits find the next thing to pundit about, Klinsmann will fall back on support all the way to the top of U.S. soccer's board and among its diehard fans who know better than anyone how difficult those achievements are.

For the U.S. — and Klinsmann in particular — this match represents a squall line that eventually will dissipate, leaving soaked jerseys but long-term plans in tact, win or lose.

Immediately, even the best-case scenario won't bring the U.S. the same confidence in advancing that other teams have taken from opening-match wins.

That's the thing about groups of death: They tell you that conventional wisdom has gone to live on a nice farm upstate. You want to believe them (i.e., trust that beating Ghana lands one of Clint Dempsey's boots in the knockout round), but deep down, you know why they cry when they tell you (i.e., the little matters of Germany and Portugal).

Those two bring built-in cover if things don't work out. The likelihood any U.S. starter would make it in Germany's first XI is slim, and Portugal boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, holder of a standing invitation to "best player in the world" debates and capable of delivering the World Cup on his own.

The same foes also bring hope more familiar to U.S. fans — the underdog role: Germany is battling injuries, and Klinsmann will certainly be prepared against his ancestral home (to refresh: he was key player for West Germany's 1990 World Cup winners and he managed Germany to third place in the 2006 event).

Ronaldo's tournament fitness is anything but assured as he battles nagging injuries and witch doctors, and he missed Portugal's final warm-up match. Without him, the U.S. could well enter their June 26 match as favorites. Even with him, the U.S. will field a back line assembled from the start with stopping him in mind.

Klinsmann can approach either of those matches relatively free of pressure — shielded by his own remarks and having planned specifically to prove himself wrong for six months.

Ghana is wholly different. Only a deep run through the knockout stages will prevent it from defining Klinsmann's first World Cup Cycle. But maybe that's the way it should be. CONCACAF has performed admirably so far, with Mexico and Costa Rica opening with admirable wins and Honduras respectably limiting itself to one red card in a loss to France. During qualifying, the U.S. topped them, all the while quietly steamrolling the Gold Cup field.

So if culture change is Klinsmann's mandate, then it's time for the U.S. to play like the best team in its confederation, and it's time for the U.S. to stare down three cycles worth of Ghanian demons and put three or four past them.

But when full time hits, regardless of the forecast, Klinsmann will need an umbrella.

"It is definitely an awesome thing, especially because Ohio State was my dream school growing up," Haskins said. "It was great meeting with Coach Meyer - he has a great office and it was nice to sit down and have a great conversation. It was great talking to a legend about football and life."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The way Urban Meyer and his Ohio State coaching staff have approached recruiting the quarterback position in the 2015 class has been sometimes confusing. 

But what isn't confusing is what they're looking to do in 2016. 

His name is Dwayne Haskins, Jr. 

Though Haskins hasn't yet been rated by Rivals.com, the junior prospect of Potomac (Md.) Bullis school has already asserted himself as one of the quarterbacks in the country.

And he has more than 20 scholarship offers to show for it, including ones from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin and others.

Haskins was in Columbus over the weekend for an Ohio State visit, and he said Meyer, offensive coordinator Tom Herman and defensive line coach Larry Johnson weren't cryptic about how they view him. 

"It's very clear that they want me to be their guy - it was definitely apparent," Haskins told cleveland.com during a phone interview Sunday evening. "They stressed that, and I enjoyed talking to those coaches about it." 

That could clear up some confusion as to what Ohio State is doing in 2015.

The Buckeyes already have a quarterback commit in the 2015 class in three-star prospect Joey Burrow of Athens, Ohio, but they recently lost contact with four-star quarterback Torrance Gibson of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage.

It wasn't clear why Ohio State stopped communicating with Gibson – once one of the program's top targets – but if Meyer feels as if Haskins is the Buckeyes' quarterback of the future, maybe he's having second thoughts about taking two in 2015.

Whether the Buckeyes offer a scholarship to 2015 quarterback Travis Waller of Anaheim (Calif.) Servite will clear that up, but regardless, Haskins has their complete attention. 

"It is definitely an awesome thing, especially because Ohio State was my dream school growing up," Haskins said. "It was great meeting with Coach Meyer - he has a great office and it was nice to sit down and have a great conversation. It was great talking to a legend about football and life."  

Haskins has a busy summer ahead of him, starting on Tuesday when he visits Virginia Tech. Later in the summer he's also visiting West Virginia, Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Miami (Fla.) and Texas. 

So Ohio State will have its hands full trying to remain atop Haskins' list, but the quarterback said the Buckeyes won't be fading to the back of the pack anytime soon. Though Haskins has yet to make a list of top schools, he said Ohio State would be there if he did. 

"I haven't seen enough schools to make that list, but that's what I am doing right now - taking visits," Haskins said. "It's hard having all these places to choose from, but just having the opportunity to go to so many different colleges is definitely mind-blowing. 

"Ohio State is definitely a top school. I don't have a list right now, but when I put my list together they'll be one of my top schools."

#BuckeyeNation [?] [?] [?][?][?][?] pic.twitter.com/hxdoGtQpB4

— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) June 15, 2014

This is shaping up to be the World Cup of comebacks, and none was better so far in this competition than the first match of Day 4 between Switzerland and Ecuador.

This is shaping up to be the World Cup of comebacks, and Sunday's first match between Switzerland and Ecuador proved to be the tournament's best so far.  

Ecuador took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute thanks to Enner Valencia's goal off a set piece pass from Walter Ayovi and held it until Admir Mehmedi equalized for the Swiss very early in the second half. This match was headed for a draw until after the 90-minutes mark when things got wild in stoppage time. 

Enter the unsung hero of the match, midfielder Valon Behrami, a former refugee from Kosovo who became a Swiss citizen and a top footballer in his new land. 

Behrami, hustling on defense, made a fine tackle on the ball to keep Ecuador's Michael Arroyo from settling it and taking what would have been an open shot. Behrami then dribbled up the field, took a hit and tumbled for what should have been a foul on Ecuador, then somehow regained his balance and made the first pass on what turned out to be the winning goal for Haris Seferovic. 

See what Behrami started and Seferovic finished: 

Benzema, France blast Honduras

France looked strong against Honduras from the get-go in a 3-0 win, a physical match that saw some rough play on the part of both sides. It was pretty much all Los Catrachos could do to keep Les Bleus from staying on the offensive side of the pitch, especially in the first half when Honduras spent far too much time defending. 

In fact, two France shots hit the cross bar of the goal in the first half, and all of Honduras' tactics caught up to it in the last couple of minutes. Wilson Palacios got a second yellow card for basically ramming into the back of Paul Pogba in the box and was ejected. 

Karim Benzema converted the resulting penalty kick and France never looked back in a resounding victory. This after one of the best parts of watching any World Cup match, the playing and singing of the national anthems, did not take place for some reason. 

Benzema also scored in the 72nd minute and almost finished the day in Porto Alegre with a hat trick.

Here's that 72nd-minute goal:

Honduras had to play the entire second half with 10 men and were finished, especially after Benzema's shot in the 48th minute crossed the goal line when goalkeeper Noel Valladares mishandled the ball. Valladares was given an own-goal after goal-line technology was used to confirm the ruling. 

This was important because it was the first time the technology was put to use in a World Cup match.

Goal Line Technology. Here's the goal line technology shot. #Kickoff pic.twitter.com/B1DL6n6VeF

-- Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) June 15, 2014

This game had to be sweet redemption for Benzema, who was left off the World Cup roster in 2010, a World Cup the French would rather forget given all of the team's drama in South Africa. And for France, it was assured of a much better fate than it suffered in 2010.

Argentina feeds off Messi and Maracana madness

The fastest own-goal in the history of the World Cup benefited Argentina, which did enough to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in front of a decidedly pro-Argentine crowd at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana Stadium in the nightcap of Sunday's play. 

Bosnia got past the shock of the third-minute goal and played well in the first half, but the man 74,000-plus came to see, Argentina's Lionel Messi, put on a show with this 65th-minute goal: 

(Watch Messi's run leading up to the goal. This is why he is the No. 1 player to watch in the World Cup.)

It sent the pro-Argentina crowd into a singing frenzy, and Messi continued to be a difficult mark for the rest of the night. 

The Albicelestes had to hang on for the win, though, as Bosnia didn't quit and got an 84th-minute goal from former Saint Louis University player Vedad Ibisevic. As noted on the ESPN broadcast, the large Bosnian community in the Missouri city had to be going crazy when Ibisevic scored. 

Five of the 11 matches played in the World Cup have seen a team come back from a 1-0 deficit to win. There have been a combined 37 goals scored. Drama and offense equals a great viewing experience.

Player of the day: Benzema. Two goals in a statement-making match for France. 

Goal of the day: Messi's missile that got a friendly carom. It was his first World Cup goal since 2006, and served as the winner for Argentina in its Group F opener. 

The Spurs turned the rematch with the Heat into no match at all.

SAN ANTONIO -- From their low moment in the NBA Finals, back to the top of the league.

The San Antonio Spurs turned the rematch with the Miami Heat into no match at all.

The Spurs finished off a dominant run to their fifth NBA championship Sunday night, ending the Heat's two-year title reign with a 104-87 victory that wrapped up the series in five games.

A year after their heartbreaking seven-game defeat, their only loss in six finals appearances, the Spurs won four routs to deny Miami's quest for a third consecutive championship.

"Hard to believe, isn't it? Manu Ginobili said. "We played at a really high level."

Kawhi Leonard, named the finals MVP, had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs. San Antonio added this title to the ones the Spurs won in 1999, 2003, '05 and '07. They nearly had another last year, but lost to the Heat in seven games.

San Antonio rebounded from an early 16-point deficit by outscoring the Heat 37-13 from the start of the second quarter to midway in the third.

The celebration the Heat canceled last season was on by the early second half Sunday.

LeBron James had 17 first-quarter points to help the Heat get off to a fast start. But it wasn't enough. He finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who lost their spot atop the NBA to the team that had it so long.

The Spurs won four titles in nine years, but hadn't been back on top since 2007, making Foreigner's "Feels Like the First Time" and appropriate song choice after the final buzzer.

Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich have been here for all of them, and it was the fourth for Tony Parker and Ginobili, who with Duncan are once again the reigning the Big Three in the NBA.

"Just a great team and we do it together," Parker said.

Bosh finished with 13 points and Wade just 11 on 4-of-12 shooting for the Heat, providing James nowhere near the help he needed.

The painful conclusion to last year served as the fuel for this one, powering the Spurs to a 62-win season that topped the NBA and led to a rematch with Miami, the NBA's first in the finals since Chicago beat Utah in 1997-98.

Round 2 went to the Spurs, but both teams will challenges to navigate for a rubber match.

San Antonio will face questions -- as it has for years -- about the age of its core, and whether Duncan, Ginobili and Popovich want to stick around. The Heat will brace for the potential free agency of James, Wade and Bosh, and will need younger, fresher pieces around the three All-Stars if they all stay.

But this moment belongs to the Spurs. Playing a methodical style for many years that was predicated on throwing the ball into Duncan made San Antonio respected, but never beloved. The Spurs were TV ratings killers, casual viewers finding them not much fun to watch.

But Popovich opened up the offense a few years ago, making the Spurs an easy-to-like, tough-to-beat group that thrives on ball movement and 3-point shooting.

"You showed the world how beautiful this game is," Commissioner Adam Silver told the Spurs during the postgame award ceremony.

A decade and a half after winning their first title in 1999, when Duncan was in his second season, the Spurs remain the NBA's model organization, a small-market team that simply wins big and hardly ever does it with a high draft pick. Instead, the Spurs found players overseas or in other organizations who would fit the Spurs' way of doing things and mesh with the Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, the winningest trio in postseason history.

That included Leonard, acquired in a draft-night trade with Indiana after playing at San Diego State, and Patty Mills, an Australian national who scored 17 points off the bench.

No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals, but the Heat were confident they could keep this season going, Bosh saying earlier Sunday that the Heat were going to win.

It appeared they would do it easily the way the game started, with James coming out with force on offense and shutting down Parker on defense as Miami went ahead 22-6.

But it didn't last.

While it took San Antonio a little while to get warmed up, the Spurs eventually made it look stunningly easy again -- much to the delight of the home crowd, with fans standing, chanting and dancing much of the second half.

Notes: It was the Spurs' 12th win by 15 or more points, most ever in a postseason. The Spurs outscored opponents by 214 points in the postseason. ... Miami had won 11 straight series, tied for the fifth-longest streak in NBA history.

The Indians went 5-5 on a three-city trip.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians played the Red Sox in the finale of a four-game series Sunday. Here is a capsule look from The Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff:

Game: 70.

Opponent: Red Sox.

Location: Fenway Park, Boston, Mass.

Time of day: Afternoon.

Time elapsed: 4 hours, 3 minutes.

Attendance: 37,356.

Result: Indians 3, Red Sox 2 (11).

Records: Indians 35-35, Red Sox 31-38.

Unpack the bags: The Indians wrapped a three-city trip at 5-5. They went 3-1 against the Rangers, 0-2 against the Royals and 2-2 against Boston.

The Indians are 14-24 on the road.

Somehow, some way, at Fenway: The Indians have won two in a row at Fenway Park after going 1-8 in their previous nine games there.  

Boss of Boston: The Indians won the season series, 5-2. (Last year, the Red Sox won, 6-1.)

Overcoming themselves: The Indians easily could have been swept in this series. Instead, they can feel good about a split against the defending World Series champions in their house.

On Saturday, the Indians went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left 13  on base but prevailed, 3-2. On Sunday, they were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10.

Boston led both games, 2-1, through six innings.

Launch pad: Nick Swisher has struggled this season and been injured, but those realities meant nothing when he stepped into the box in the 11th inning against righty reliever Junichi Tazawa.

Swisher, leading off the inning, got ahead, 2-0, then swung and missed. With catcher Daniel Ross set up for an outside fastball, Tazawa missed in -- and Swisher pounced, flipping the hips and ripping the 93-mph pitch into the right-field seats for a 3-2 lead.

Swisher had been 0-for-4 in the game and 1-for-12 in the series, which was his first since being activated from the disabled list.

Swisher is hitting .207 with four homers and 20 RBI.

Superb 'penmanship: Five Tribe relievers -- Marc Rzepczynski, Bryan Shaw, John Axford, Scott Atchison, Cody Allen -- combined to give up one hit in 5 2/3 shutout innings. The quintet walked three and struck out seven.

On Saturday, four Tribe relievers gave up two hits in 3 2/3 scoreless.

Cody Allen earned the save Saturday and the victory Sunday, the latter coming after  two perfect innings.

Allen is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA and seven saves.

No Sizzle: Former Indian Grady Sizemore made the last out in the game's final at-bat in three Boston losses to the Indians. All came against Allen (June 2-3 in Cleveland, Sunday in Boston).

Spotlight on....Indians left fielder Michael Brantley.

Dr. Smooth went 2-for-4 with one homer, one RBI, one run and one walk. He should have been 2-for-3 with two walks, but plate umpire Chris Guccione's butchered full-count call in the eighth prevented it. Here is a breakdown of Brantley's at-bats:

First inning vs. righty Brandon Workman (none on, two outs) -- 93-mph fastball, called strike; 88 changeup in dirt, ball; 79 curveball, called strike; 80 curveball inner half, foul; 89 cutter inside, foul; 93 fastball high and outside, ball; 90 cutter inner half, homer to right.

The skinny: The first two Indians, Michael Bourn and Asdrubal Cabera, were out in a total of five pitches. Brantley not only prevented a quick half-inning for Workman, he gave the Indians a lead. Brantley did well to spoil the 1-2 cutter. After the fastball high and away, Workman tried to go back inside with the cut-piece. Brantley pulled in the hands and got the barrel to it, with power.

Fourth inning vs. Workman (none on, one out) -- 89 off-speed high and away, ball; 89 off-speed outside corner, called strike; 93 fastball, called strike; 93 fastball away, ball; 78 curveball down and away, single to left.

The skinny: Brantley did not agree with Guccione on the 1-1 fastball strike call. Brantley was correct: The pitch was outside. The single resulted from a good hitter doing just enough with a quality pitch. At that point, Brantley was 5-for-5 career against Workman.

Sixth inning vs. Workman (none on, none out) -- 92 fastball low, ball; 91 fastball outer half, foul; 92 fastball away, ball; 87 cutter inner half, foul; 78 curveball low, grounder to second.

The skinny: The 1-0 fastball was the pitch to hit; Brantley put a good swing on it. Workman deserves credit for a filthy curve that had Brantley off-balance.

Eighth inning vs. lefty Andrew Miller (none on, none out) -- 95 fastball high, ball; 95 fastball inside, ball; 95 fastball, foul; 96 fastball high, ball; 96 fastball outer half, foul; 86 slider, foul; 84 slider away, strikeout looking*.

The skinny: Brantley's two fouls showed he was on the fastballs. Brantley fouled a mediocre slider, then took a slider outside for ball four* -- except that Guccione called it a strike. Brantley, who rarely voices his displeasure, barked at Guccione. Even an inexperienced lip reader could see that Brantley said: "There's no way that's a strike.'' As he walked toward the dugout, Brantley yelled, "Come on!''

Indians manager Terry Francona came out to defend his player.

Guccione had blown a call that cost the Indians a leadoff runner, with speed, in a tie game.

Tenth inning vs. lefty Craig Breslow (none on, two outs) -- 86 cutter high, ball; 85 cutter, called strike; 90 fastball, foul; 74 breaking pitch, foul; 76 off-speed low, ball; 91 fastball away, foul; 75 breaking pitch low, ball; 75 changeup inside, walk.

The skinny: Breslow wasn't going to give in on the full-count pitch. Guccione got it right this time.

Multivitamin: Brantley has multiple hits in a career-best five straight games and six of seven. He is 14-for-26 during a seven-game hitting streak. 

Locked in: Brantley is hitting .322 with 11 homers, 45 RBI and 49 runs this season. He owns a .390 on-base percentage and .519 slugging percentage.

Oh, by the way: Brantley short-circuited a Boston uprising in the first inning with his eighth assist.

With a runner on third and one out, David Ortiz sent Corey Kluber's pitch high off the Green Monster. Brantley grabbed the carom with his left hand and fired to shortstop  Cabrera, who lunged to slap the tag on Ortiz. Yes, Ortiz: 1. has no business challenging Brantley under any circumstances on a ball in play; 2. lumbered from home to second; and, 3. slid awkwardly -- but Brantley still gets credit for a big play.

It become that much more important when Mike Napoli followed with a single and Daniel Nava walked. A.J. Pierzynski struck out.

El Oso growls: Here comes Carlos Santana.

First baseman Santana and his quieter swing mechanics went 3-for-5 on Sunday and is 12-for-35 in June, raising his average from .159 to .190.

After David Murphy led off the seventh with a walk against Workman, Santana singled to right. Murphy stopped at third. Workman exited in favor of Burke Badenhop, who gave up a sacrifice fly to Yan Gomes that tied the score, 2-2.

On Saturday, Santana's bases-loaded walk in the seventh drove in the go-ahead run. 

No ignition: Indians leadoff batter Bourn went 0-for-6 and was 1-for-19 in the series.

Simply brutal: Guccione had one of the worst ball-strike performances in a game involving the Indians this season. His zone -- for both sides -- was all over the place and seemingly changed by the inning. He would lose the outside corner for a while, then lose the inside corner for a while.

Live updates from the United States' World Cup 2014 opening game against Ghana.

 

The United States kicked off its run in the 2014 World Cup Monday night with a stunning 2-1 victory over Ghana, which sent the US home in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Team USA will face Portugal on Sunday night at 6 pm Eastern time.

We'll have live updates below, and please join the conversation as you watch the game! If you're on your mobile device, click here for the latest updates.

FIRST HALF

1-0, USA: Clint Dempsey marches the Americans right down the field, and with a nifty left foot strike just inside the right post, gives the US a stunning 1-0 lead in the first minute of play. Wow.

7': First very nice save for the US. Crazy pace to start the game thus far. To follow up, that was the fifth-fastest goal in World Cup history.

21': A HUGE blow for the US. Altidore goes down with what looks like a bad hamstring injury, at least.

34': It's still 1-0, USA, but the Americans are getting beaten up physically. The latest blow goes to Howard, who takes a wicked kick to the face and suffers a bad bloody nose. He comes back in to huge cheers from the US fans.

Halftime: The Americans get several good scoring attempts in the final minutes of the half, but are not able to add to their 1-0 lead. Ghana gets a late rush right before stoppage time ends, but the US stays in front at the break.

SECOND HALF

52': Ghana getting good pressure to start the second half. The US playing aggressive when it can. John Brooks came on to start the half for the US, replacing Matt Besler (leg ailment).

55': Two tremendous chances, back-to-back, for Ghana. A header just misses as the US breathes a sigh of relief. For the moment.

58': Howard. Again. He punches out another Gyan header, then makes another sliding save.

68': Corner for the US, and the Americans are taking their time with every play. US looking for a spark, and a second wind.

80': Best US scoring try in a WHILE, as Dempsey gets a nice shot off after a good move by Johnson.

1-1, tied: At the 82' mark, Ghana finally evens the match with Andre Ayew, scoring off a lovely left-foot smash past Howard. Now the worry is whether or not the US can hold on for at least the tie.

2-1, USA: ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME. Off a gorgeous Zusi corner, John Brooks heads it in to give the United States a stunning 2-1 lead at the 87-minute mark!

Extra time: Five minutes of stoppage play, and the US doing everything it can to hang on.

IT'S A FINAL! 2-1, UNITED STATES. A tremendous start, and a tremendous finish for the US. All sorts of injuries in the middle, but 3 points are in the books for the United States!

The United States takes on Ghana at 6 p.m. The forecast calls for clearing skies with the possibility of occasional showers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The United States plays Ghana on Monday in World Cup 2014 with a start time of 6 p.m. EDT. It will be the World Cup opener for both teams. Here is how you can watch those games on TV or streaming video.

View full sizeFormer United States men's national team and Columbus Crew defender Frankie Hejduk poses for a picture with fans in Columbus ahead of Monday's World Cup match featuring the US and Ghana.Tom Reed, NEOMG 

The Americans have never advanced from the group stage after failing to get at least a point in their opener. They reached the knockout phase after winning their first games in 1930 and 2002, and following draws in 1994 and 2010.

And the quality of opponent figures to get only more difficult for the U.S. After playing the 37th-ranked Black Stars, the Americans face No. 4 Portugal and close the first round against second-ranked Germany.

Join Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Tom Reed during the match from Fado's in Columbus. Former men's national team member Frankie Hejduk is here lending his support and offering insight. Longtime soccer writer Shawn Mitchell, of the Columbus Dispatch, also will share some thoughts during the match.

The Columbus Crew is hosting the indoor-outdoor viewing party.

You an interact in a live chat in the comments below:

Watch Cleveland Browns President Alec Scheiner updates the status of renovations underway at FirstEnergy Stadium and a recap with Mary Kay Cabot and Glenn Moore. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Phase 1 of the $120 million renovations underway at FirstEnergy Stadium are on schedule and on budget, said Cleveland Browns President Alec Scheiner during a tour for the media to see the progress.

Fans will experience new video scoreboards, nearly triple the size of the old ones, a new sound system and new LED boards around the stadium.  Sponsor decks near the scoreboards will feature fan engagement activities.

Also part of Phase 1 will be an increase in the amount of seating in the lower bowl and two new escalators on both the east and west sides of the stadium.

Construction should be completed by the first home preseason game Aug. 23.  The second phase will take place next year.

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