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Rally Chicken reappears at Progressive Field: Cleveland Indians chatter

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Reliever Scott Atchison lost a bet with rookie Kyle Crockett and had to come home to roost in the Indians' outfield.

CLEVELAND, Ohio. – Seen and heard Wednesday at Progressive Field.

Clubhouse confidential: Until now the Rally Chicken brand has been used only for one purpose – to get the Indians back on the winning track.

Last year a live chicken was brought to Progressive Field when the Indians were struggling. The chicken roamed the outfield during batting practice and the Indians' play improved.

This season Cody Allen and Corey Kluber donned chicken costumes, complete with headgear, during BP. Once again, the Indians lifted their game.

Before Wednesday's game, Scott Atchison took to the outfield wearing the Rally Chicken costume, but this wasn't to invoke the baseball gods for a better record, but to pay off a bet. Atchison and rookie Kyle Crockett bet on the TCU- University of Virginia game at the College World Series.

Atchison's TCU Horned Frogs lost on Tuesday night. Thus Atchison wore the Rally Chicken costume.

Yo, Vinnie: Vinnie Pestano earned his sixth save Tuesday night at Class AAA Columbus and hasn't allowed a run in his last 13 innings. In that stretch, Pestano has four saves, 12 strikeouts and four walks.

Pestano might never get back to where he was in 2011 and 2012, but the Indians believe he's throwing better now than he was earlier in the year.

Stat of the day: Tribe pitchers matched a season high by allowing four homers in a 9-3 loss to the Angels on Tuesday. The only other time they've allowed four long balls in a game was May 16 against the Angels.


Report: Cleveland Cavaliers had 'a good talk' with David Blatt

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David Pick, a well-respected senior correspondent at Eurobasket.com, reported Wednesday that David Blatt's interview with the Cavaliers went well, but Pick also reported that people close to Blatt have advised him to take an assistant's job with Golden State instead of the head coaching position in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Pick, a well-respected senior correspondent at Eurobasket.com, Sportando.com and ONE.co.il, the Israeli equivalent of ESPN, sent out three tweets on Wednesday after former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach David Blatt's interview with the Cavaliers.

First, he tweeted: "It's finished. Went good, I'm told.''

Then he added, "Cavaliers have interviewed David Blatt for head coach position. Source, "was a good talk."'

Finally, he tweeted, "People close to David Blatt advised he join Golden State as assistant over diving into head coach role in Cleveland.''

Blatt interviewed with the team for the first time Wednesday, although he previously spoke with general manager David Griffin on the phone. Clippers associate head coach Alvin Gentry and Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue already have had second interviews, so it looks like a three-man race at this point.

Blatt, a Massachusetts native who played for Pete Carril at Princeton, led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a 54-18 record this past season, winning the Israel league, the Israeli Cup and the Euroleague championships. He also is believed to be weighing offers from Golden State and Minnesota, looking to hire him as an assistant.

In addition, Kansas star forward Andrew Wiggins worked out for the team Wednesday, an NBA source confirmed. His teammate, center Joel Embiid, worked out with the team last week, and Duke forward Jabari Parker will work out here on Friday. Those three are widely viewed as the group from which the No. 1 pick will emerge.

Unlike many teams in the NBA, the Cavs do not let the media see any of the workouts or speak to the players afterward.

The 2014 NBA Draft is June 26 in Brooklyn.

World Cup 2014: Champs dumped, Cahill brilliant in defeat

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Spain will go home in disgrace, while Australia's Tim Cahill will leave with the world's respect.

The champs are going home. 

Spain's 2-0 loss to Chile on Wednesday effectively knocks the reigning World Cup champions out of the World Cup. It's the first time the reigning champ has ever been mathematically eliminated after just two games. 

Spain has one more group stage match against Australia, but even a win won't be enough. Chile and the Netherlands sit atop Group B's table with six points, while Spain has none and only one game left to play, against Australia, who the Dutch eliminated Wednesday with a 3-2 win. The three points a win would bring won't be enough to push Spain ahead of the two frontrunners into one of the group's two spots in the tourney's second round. 

Spain will go home ruing the mistakes that once again cost them a game. There's this sitter that Sergio Busquets blew: 

And then there was goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who punched a save right back into the heart of the Chilean attack when he should have either caught it or punched it aside. 

Just like that, the champs have been dethroned. 

Today's scores

Netherlands 3-2 Australia

Chile 2-0 Spain

Croatia 4-0 Cameroon

An MLS star goes out with a bang

Australia's Tim Cahill has likely played his last World Cup game. At 34, the former Everton and current New York Red Bulls star couldn't really expect another tourney after this one, and he will be suspended for Australia's final match against Spain due to yellow card accumulation. 

He will depart the World Cup with two goals in two games, having led lightly regarded Australia in putting serious scares into the Netherlands and Chile. 

What most will remember is this moment of brilliance. 

Here is some context on just how far that pass went.

Not easy, folks. 

Chilean fans come in with a bang

Brazil Soccer WCup Spain ChileChile fans run through the press center prior to the match between Spain and Chile at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Akmal Rajput) 

Meanwhile, at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, about 100 Chilean fans without tickets decided to find a way into the stadium to see their team take on Spain. 

They found a weak spot, broke down a temporary wall, burst past an undermanned security team and through the stadium's media center, and headed on into the stadium. 

Unfortunately, most were wearing red Chile jerseys, and they just happened to pick an entry point with plenty of cameras, courtesy of the gathered media. And that meant evidence of the photographic kind. 

In the end, security caught most of the perpetrators, who were left with these sour expressions: 


Chilean fans are surrounded by security personnel after breaking into Maracana Stadium before the match between Spain and Chile in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Player of the day: Tim Cahill. Saying he has the heart of a lion isn't appropriate. Rather, they should say the fiercest lion could just hope to have the heart of Tim Cahill. 

Rapper/soccer star of the day: U.S. captain Clint Dempsey is set to release a rap album under his stage name/nickname, Deuce. The Guardian reports that Dempsey raps on the album about "banging G's" -- goals, that is. What else could it be? He's married. 

Saddest World Cup news of the day: A suicide bomber killed at least 21 people at a public screening of the World Cup in the northeastern Nigerian city of Damutaru, the BBC reports. Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram is believed responsible for the attack. 

Best match to watch Thursday: Uruguay vs. England, 3 pm ET. Each team needs a win to keep their advancement hopes alive. Both teams are ranked among the world's top 10 teams

Zach McAllister ready for his next test: Cleveland Indians notebook

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Zach McAllister knows the difference between the big leagues and the minors, but he also knows a test can come at any level of competition.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Zach McAllister knows the Class AAA Columbus is a long way from the big leagues. He's pitched at both levels and he knows the difference.

So when McAllister pitched out of a bases-loaded jam with no one out Saturday for the Clippers against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he knew he was ready for another chance with the Indians.

McAllister's test came in the fourth inning when Scranton's first three hitters reached bases.

"You don't want to get in those jams, no matter where you're at," said McAllister. "But those things happen. I thought it was a good test for me. I was able to relax, calm myself down and execute one pitch at a time.

"I understand it's a different level, but I felt the way I pitched out of that translated up here. Yes, that's hard to say. But at that moment, I was extremely pleased with the way I went about my business right there."

With the bases loaded, McAllister retired three straight batters. He threw four scoreless innings on the day with one walk, two strikeouts and five hits.

"He really pitched his way out of that jam," said pitching coach Mickey Callaway.

McAllister went on the disabled list with a strained lower back on May 22. The Indians activated him Wednesday and he was scheduled to pitch Thursday against the Angels, but Wednesday night's rainout will push him back. Justin Masterson, Wednesday's starter, will start Thursday.

Still, McAllister is on the active roster again and that's a big step.

"I thought my rehab starts went well," said McAllister. "I'm happy to be activated and I'm looking forward to the opportunity of getting back out there and competing again."

McAllister opened the season in the Indians' rotation and went 3-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 10 starts.

Outman out: To make room for McAllister, lefty Josh Outman was designated for assignment.

The Indians acquired Outman in a December trade with Colorado for outfielder Drew Stubbs. If they are unable to trade him, they will be on the hook for what remains of his $1.25 million salary.

Manager Terry Francona said the move was made because of the emergence of rookie lefty Kyle Crockett.

"When Crockett came to the big leagues, it kind of changed Josh's role and the role really didn't fit," said Francona. "We were looking for a little of length and I'm not sure that role quite fit him.

"We feel Crockett will throw strikes. We feel he'll do nothing but get better. We just think he's good and we intend to use him in leverage situations with Marc Rzepczynski. That's what changed Outman's role."

Outman was 4-0 with a 3.28 ERA in 31 appearances. He struck out 24, walked 16 and the opposition hit .234 against him.

Lefties hit .180 against Outman, but that's Rzepczynski's role. Outman struggled against righties, who hit .295 against him. It appears the Indians feel Crockett, their fourth round pick last year, gives them better balance against lefties and righties.

So far lefties are hitting .083 against Crockett and righties .333.

Change at the top: The Royals moved into first place in the AL Central with a victory over the Tigers on Tuesday night. They beat Detroit against on Wednesday.

"The Royals are good," said Francona. ""I was surprised when we went in there that they were hovering at .500 because they're a very tough team to play. They have good starting pitching, a very good bullpen and a very good lineup.

"They're athletic. They catch the ball and they run. That pretty much sums it up."

Plenty of options: Wednesday's rainout gives the Indians three off days in the next nine days. Francona, Callaway and General Manager Chris Antonetti have been talking for several days on how they can set up their starting rotation to best take advantage of that.

"We want to get through Thursday and assess where everybody is physically," said Francona. "We want to see where our bullpen is. Mickey will set up four or five different options and we'll taking into account the starters, our bullpen and winning and try to balance all of that."

Wednesday night's Cleveland Indians-Angels' postponed by rain

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Fans are asked to keep their tickets for Wednesday night's postponed game for when the game is rescheduled.

Gallery preview 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' game against the Angels on Wednesday night at Progressive Field has been postponed by rain. No makeup date has been announced.

The Indians conclude this four-game series against the Angels with a 12:05 p.m. game Thursday. The Indians said a doubleheader will not be played Thursday.

Justin Masterson will face Angel lefty C.J. Wilson on Thursday. The same two pitchers were scheduled to pitch Wednesdasy night.

Indians postgame video: Nick Swisher on his first career walk-off grand slam, "I'm a little giddy right now"

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Watch video from the Indians clubhouse following the Tribe's 5-3 win over the Angels in 10 innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Watch video from the Indians clubhouse following the Tribe's 5-3 win over the Angels in 10 innings.

Nick Swisher won it with a two-strike, two-out walk-off grand slam, sending 20,361 fans at Progressive Field home happy.

"I've never hit a walk-off grand slam before, man, I'm a little giddy right now," Swisher said.

Click play to watch postgame interviews with Swisher, manager Terry Francona and starting pitcher Justin Masterson.

Be sure to watch our postgame show with Paul Hoynes here.

Swishalicious is extra-innings delicious, again, for Cleveland Indians: DMan's Report, Game 73, Thursday

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The Indians have won 11 of their last 12 home games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians played the Angels in the finale of a weather-shortened, three-game series Thursday. Here is a capsule look from The Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff:

Game: 73.

Opponent: Angels.

Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland.

Time of day: Afternoon.

Time elapsed: 3 hours, 36 minutes.

Attendance: 20,361.

Result: Indians 5, Angels 3 (10).

Records: Indians 37-36, Angels 38-33.

Nick Camino Scoreboard Watch: The third-place Indians moved to within 2 1/2 games of first-place Kansas City (39-33) in the AL Central. The Royals lost to the Tigers, 2-1, at Comerica Park. The Royals had won 10 straight.

Comforts of home: The Indians have won 11 of 12 at Progressive Field, where they are 23-12. They won their fourth consecutive series at home.

Big-time redemption: Indians designated hitter Nick Swisher hit a walkoff grand slam off Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri with two outs in the 10th inning.

Swisher entered the at-bat 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the game, hearing boos along the way. He was 0-for-11 in the series and 2-for-24 since being activated from the disabled list. He was hitting .196 with four homers for the season.

Frieri had inherited a bases-loaded, one-out situation. He retired David Murphy on a pop to left.

Frieri opened against Swisher with a 93-mph fastball high for a ball. Frieri threw another 93-mph fastball, this time on the inside corner at the thighs, and Swisher popped it foul. Frieri threw a third 93-mph fastball, on the outer half, and Swisher fouled with a strong swing. Frieri threw a fourth straight fastball, at 92 mph, above the belt and over the plate. Swisher hammered it over the right-field wall for his fourth career walkoff homer and first career walkoff slam.

Swisher punished Frieri and catcher Chris Iannetta for deciding that nothing but fastballs could retire him, especially in 0-2 and 1-2 counts. And it is not as if Frieri throws 100 mph. For a hitter of Swisher's resume, no matter how much he might be struggling, such an approach qualifies as an insult.

Late, late thunder: Swisher delivered an enormous extra-inning homer for the second time in five days. On Sunday in Boston, Swisher led off the 11th with a solo blast to give the Tribe a 3-2 lead that held up. Swisher had been 0-for-4 with one strikeout.

Economizing: Swisher is 42-for-210 this season, making him the most dangerous .200 hitter on the planet.

Setting the table: Three quality Tribe at-bats off Angels reliever Cam Bedrosian made Swisher's heroics possible.

1. Michael Bourn led off the 10th with a walk. He fouled a full-count pitch before taking ball four. Asdrubal Cabrera struck out swinging. 2. Jason Kipnis fell behind, 1-2, took a ball and doubled to center. Kipnis's hustle gave the Indians a second runner in scoring position. 3. Carlos Santana, down in the count, 1-2, worked a walk.

Overcoming themselves: Entering the 10th, the Indians had scored one run on four hits against lefty C.J. Wilson and two relievers, one of whom was former Indian Joe Smith.

Fast facts: The Indians own six walkoff victories, which, at the conclusion of their game, ranked tied for first in the majors.

Their four walkoff homers ranked first in the majors; their 11 victories in the last at-bat were tied for first in the American League; and their 19 comeback victories were second in the American League.  

Two-out uprising: The Angels strung three hits with two outs in the 10th against Tribe reliever Scott Atchison to pull ahead, 3-1. Two of the three occurred in two-strike counts.

Kole Calhoun fell behind, 0-2. After a ball and a foul, he grounded a single past diving first baseman Santana.

Mike Trout ripped a 3-1 breaking pitch to left for a double, Calhoun stopping at third (Plate umpire Rob Drake did Atchison no favors, butchering the 2-1 call. Atchison's breaking pitch was all over the zone but Drake gave the benefit of the doubt to the young superstar.)

Albert Pujols beat the shift by punching a full-count breaking pitch off the plate away through the vacated second baseman's spot. The Indians had denied Pujols three times in the series directly because of the shift, so Pujols was very happy with himself for beating it.

Terrific rebound: Indians right-hander Justin Masterson allowed one run on four hits in seven innings of a no-decision. He walked three and struck out five. He threw 116 pitches.

Masterson pitched like a No. 1 when his offensive-challenged club desperately needed it. The Angels' run against him scored on a wild pitch.

Masterson's start, superb in a vacuum, seemed that much better given from whence he came. In his previous start, June 13 in Boston, he allowed five runs in two-plus innings of a 10-3 loss. He exited after 59 pitches.

Masterson also can feel good about how he overcame command issues in the early innings, and how he escaped a major problem in the fourth. Yes, Masterson benefitted from the wind blowing in -- two fly balls were knocked down enough to stay in the ballpark -- but no asterisk need be attached.

Defying the odds: Masterson pitched well despite throwing first-pitch strikes to just eight of 26 batters.

Up and down: Masterson has made 16 starts this season. Eight have lasted six or more innings, with a composite ERA of 1.98. In the other eight (one of which was shortened to three innings because of rain), the composite ERA is north of 9.00.

He is 4-5 with a 4.75 ERA overall.

Turning point: Josh Hamilton opened the Angels fourth with a five-pitch walk. During Erick Aybar's at-bat, Masterson threw a pitch in the dirt that bounced away from catcher Yan Gomes. Aybar waved Hamilton to second, but Hamilton was not paying close enough attention and didn't go.

The lapse by Hamilton hurt the Angels when Aybar singled. Hamilton only was able to advance to second.

Masterson fell behind Howie Kendrick, 2-0. (At that point, Masterson had thrown as many balls as strikes for the game.) After two strikes, Kendrick hit a sinking liner to right, where Ryan Raburn made a good catch and fired to second to double off Hamilton. Raul Ibanez grounded into a force to end the inning.

Masterson faced one over the minimum in his final three innings.

Three strange ones: The score was tied, 1-1, through three innings. The runs were scored on a wild pitch and grounder. Both pitchers threw 56 pitches.

Masterson allowed one hit, walked two and struck out three. He threw two first-pitch strikes. Twenty-six of his pitches were balls.

Wilson allowed one hit, walked three three and struck out two. Twenty-seven of his pitches were balls.

Chris Clark, one of Ohio State's top 2015 tight end targets, commits to Michigan: Buckeyes recruiting

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Avon (Conn.) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark, a 2015 prospect, committed to Michigan on Thursday. He was a top target for Ohio State.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Avon (Conn.) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark visited Ohio State this week and posted on his public Twitter account how much he enjoyed being in Columbus. 

He must have really liked Michigan on Thursday. 

That's because Clark, a four-star prospect rated by Rivals.com the No. 4 tight end propsect in the 2015 class, pledged to the Wolverines while on an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor. 

Clark told cleveland.com earlier this month that he was taking a final wave of visits before announcing at The Opening camp in Oregon in early July, but he opted not to wait instead. 

Before committing to Michigan, Clark was down to the Wolverines, Michigan State and Ohio State, but he had offers from most of college football's major programs, including Penn State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and many others.


Gates Mills' Lauren Davis loses to American Madison Keys in Eastbourne quarterfinals

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American Lauren Davis loses quarterfinal matchup with Madison Keys, 6-2, 6-1, at the Eastbourne International tennis tournament in England.

davis-wimb-2013-ap.jpgAmerican Lauren Davis, shown here at Wimbledon last year, can now focus on playing that tournament, after falling in the Eastbourne quarterfinals on Thursday. Play at Wimbledon begins next week. 

Eastbourne, England -- American Lauren Davis' run on the grass courts at the Eastbourne International tennis tournament came to an abrupt halt Thursday in the quarterfinals.

The Gates Mills native fell to fellow American Madison Keys, 6-2, 6-1, in a match that lasted just over an hour. Keys, 19, overpowered Davis, 20, serving up six aces in the match.

Eastbourne is a tune-up match for Wimbledon, which begins next week.

With the win, Keys has evened the career score with Davis, each with two wins in their four WTA matchups. Keys is ranked No. 47 in the world; Davis is at No. 58.

Davis, who went through qualifying to make the main draw, had beaten two higher-ranked players in her earlier matches. In the first round, she upset Italy's Sara Errani (ranked No. 14) and, in the second round, she got the best of Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova (ranked No. 35).

Keys will face Britain's Heather Watson in today's semifinals. Watson advanced after Petra Kvitova was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

The other semifinal features former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Angelique Kerber of Germany. Wozniacki beat Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-2. Kerber had an easier time with Russian Ekaterina Makarova, winning 6-2, 6-1.

Summer Solstice Golf Challenge Closest to the Pin highlights

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Mark Nekic won the competition.

COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio -- Mark Nekic won the 2014 Summer Solstice Golf Challenge Closest to the Pin competition. Nekic's first ball was the lucky one. His other two shots sailed over the green.

Golfers lined up 130 yards away and took three shots each. 

Watch highlights from the competition above and see what Nekic had to say after his victory. 

'I'll have to race him': Denzel Ward, Ohio State's newest commit, could be faster than Dontre Wilson: Buckeyes recruiting

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"I knew before I got here that's what I wanted," said Ward, who became the ninth member of Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class Thursday. "So when I got it, I took it."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Denzel Ward says it was because he had a bad jump that he didn't win the "Smokehouse" race at Ohio State's camp Thursday, a drill designed to find the fastest participating player. 

Then he spoke about how the 40-yard-dash time he ran on this particular day – clocked at 4.40-seconds – was disappointing. 

"I feel I could have done way better," Ward said with a smile. 

So it would seem as if it were a bad day for the product of Macedonia (Ohio) Nordonia because he was trying to prove he was one of the fastest high school players in the country. 

But there was a reason he was smiling. 

Because it was a great day. 

Ward was just walking out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center after earning and accepting an Ohio State offer to become a member of the Buckeyes' 2015 recruiting class. It wasn't his best day running, but coach Urban Meyer was already well aware of Ward's speed. 

On this day, Ward, a cornerback, proved that he had good enough football skills outside of just his raw speed to be a member of the Buckeyes. 

When Meyer, who has a love affair with fast players, offered Ward a scholarship, he didn't have to think twice before accepting. 

"I knew before I got here that's what I wanted," Ward said. "So when I got it, I took it." 

Back to Ward's speed. After a visit to Ohio State in late March, Ward told cleveland.com that his best 40-yard-dash time was 4.31 seconds. He confirmed that Thursday after making his oral commitment. 

So he's faster than Ohio State sophomore running back Dontre Wilson? 

"I don't know," Ward said. "I'll have to race him." 

Wait, was Ward's confidence rattled? 

No. Not on a day like this. Not on a day when he became the ninth member of Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class despite being a prospect that doesn't have an impressively long its of scholarship offers. 

Ward chose the Buckeyes over Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rutgers, Syracuse and Washington State. He's rated by Rivals.com a three-star prospect and the No. 54 cornerback in the class

And he's admittedly still raw. A 5-foot-11, 165-pound prospect, Ward understands that he needs to gain size and continue to work on his football skills. But he's gotten better since his last visit, and now he can focus solely on being a Buckeye. 

"It feels good," Ward said. "It feels really good." 

Highlights from backswing, downswing clinic with instructor Lou Cangelosi: Summer Solstice Golf Challenge 2014 (video)

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The Summer Solstice Golf Challenge 2014 featured a clinic with Hickory Nut Golf Course instructor Lou Cangelosi who demonstrated how to properly execute a backswing and downswing with an iron. Watch video

COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio -- Hickory Nut instructor Lou Cangelosi demonstrated the finer points of how to properly execute a backswing and downswing with an iron during a clinic at the Summer Solstice Golf Challenge 2014 on Thursday. Cangelosi addressed some common mistakes golfers tend to make with their iron game and offered tips on proper techniques to help students improve their mid-range and short-games. See some of what he had to say during the video in this post and share your thoughts on his advice in the comments section. 

Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Winning and losing by the shift: Cleveland Indians chatter

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With more and more MLB teams shifting their infield defenses based on who is hitting at the plate, team's commitment to the shift will be tested.

CLEVELAND, Ohio. – Seen and heard Thursday at Progressive Field.

Clubhouse confidential: Teams win by the shift. Teams lose by the shift. Sometimes they just get lucky.

In the 10th inning Thursday, Scott Atchison gave up a harmless looking grounder to Angels' first baseman Albert Pujols with two out and runners on second and third. By all rights the inning should have been over, but the Indians had three infielders place between second and third against the pull-hitting Pujols so his grounder bounced unhindered into right field for a two-run single and a 3-1 lead.

Nick Swisher's two-out, two-strike grand slam in the bottom of the 10th turned defeat into a 5-3 victory and got Atchison off the hook.

"They obviously have info that says what he's going to do," said Atchison. "You have to live with it. I felt like I made an all-right pitch. He did a good job of defeating the shift in a big situation.

"If I don't give up a single and a double with two out and nobody on, we're not in that situation anyway. "

What the shift comes down to is playing the percentages.

"They have numbers that backup all this stuff that they're doing," said Atchison. "So you just have to trust them and keep making your pitches. Hopefully, they hit it where they normally do."

Boo-birds: After striking out three straight times and flying out to center field with the winning run on first base in the ninth inning Thursday, Swisher heard the boos from the crowd of 20,361 Thursday at Progressive Field.

"Hey, that's what happens when you're a baseball player," he said. "You have to keep going out there fighting and scrapping. You just have to know that good things are going to happen."

Stat of the day: The Indians aren't expected to makeup Wednesday's rainout with the Angles until Sept. 8.

Cleveland Cavaliers in negotiations with David Blatt for head coaching position, source confirms

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Blatt, who resigned as head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv last week, is expected to reach an agreement soon to be the Cavaliers' 20th head coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cavaliers are in negotiations with David Blatt for him to become their head coach, according to an NBA source. YahooSports first reported that Blatt was the Cavaliers' top choice.

This would be the first NBA job for Blatt, an American who played for Pete Carril at Princeton, and has played and coached in Europe for the past 33 years.

Blatt, 55, has been on the Cavaliers' radar from the beginning of their extensive five-week search that included at least a dozen candidates. The Cavaliers narrowed their finalists to Blatt and L.A. Clippers Tyronn Lue, an NBA source confirmed earlier today.

Blatt is widely viewed as an offensive genius who just led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a come-from-behind victory over CSKA Moscow in the Euroleague semifinals, and an upset victory over Real Madrid for the championship. Maccabi Tel Aviv also won the Israeli and Israeli league titles this year.

World Cup 2014 roundup: Uruguay's Suarez breaks British hearts; Colombia salsas to another win

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Those stiff upper lips in England are much harder to maintain after a 2-1 loss to Uruguay left the Brits on the verge of elimination from the World Cup.

Those stiff upper lips in England are much harder to maintain after a 2-1 loss to Uruguay Thursday left the Brits on the verge of elimination from the World Cup.

Sure, the fans in Liverpool love their high-scoring forward, Luis Suarez, during the English Premier League regular season, but they couldn't have been too happy to see Suarez score twice for Uruguay against the England national team, including this final blow in the 85th minute:

This after the England fans in Sao Paulo went berzerk when Wayne Rooney, a much-criticized player for his lack of productivity with the national team, finally scored his first-ever World Cup goal. 

Alas, England came up on the short end for the second time in the World Cup, and could be officially gone by Friday pending the result of Friday's Italy-Costa Rica game.

Thursday's World Cup scores

Colombia 2, Ivory Coast 1

Uruguay 2, England 1

Japan 0, Greece 0

Colombia moving on to the knockout round

Playing with 10 men for the entire second half, Greece hunkered down on defense and salvaged a scoreless draw with Japan Thursday. Both teams are still alive to advance, but the scoreline ensured that Colombia will move on to the Round of 16 because it has six points after Thursday's win over Ivory Coast and can finish no worse than second in Group C. Colombia joins the Netherlands and Chile as teams already assured of advancing the next round with one more group stage match yet to play. 

Player of the day: Suarez. What a day. He didn't even play in Uruguay's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica in the first group match because of injury, yet dazzled against England in his Brazil debut. 

Moment of the day: Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die was caught by TV cameras crying during his country's national anthem. Why? Not because his father had just passed away, as some initially reported, but because of "the emotions of pride to be Ivorian and serve my country," he later revealed on Instagram.

Team of the Day: Colombia is establishing itself as not only one of the best teams competing in Brazil, but also the most fun. Not only are Los Cafeteros standing atop Group C with six points from two wins, they celebrate in an infectious manner. I mean, who doesn't want to salsa with the Colombians anytime, anywhere? See the number they performed on their way to defeating Ivory Coast, which would make countrywoman Shakira very proud:

Brazil Soccer WCup Japan GreeceJapanese fans pose with their face paint before the World Cup match between Japan and Greece. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama) 

Fans of the Day: These guys to the left seem pretty cool.

Tune in Friday: Costa Rica looks for another monumental upset in Group D against Italy. England needs a win from the Azzurri to stay alive for advancement, but the confident Ticos have already defeated Uruguay and look to be giant-killers again. 

Watch what you say

No matter which channel you choose for your viewing of the World Cup, there's no escaping a unique chant Mexican fans like to use against the opposing goalkeeper. FIFA hears it, too, and is looking into the traditional cheer to determine how offensive it is. 

Injury updates

Uruguay's Alvaro Pereira got knocked out cold against England, but waved off his coaches and was allowed to stay in the game after regaining consciousness. I guess the danger of concussions isn't as hot-button a topic in Uruguayan sports as it is here in the USA.

And from the U.S. camp:

In case you missed it

You might be glad you missed this. Wednesday night after Cameroon fell to Croatia 4-0 and was officially eliminated from title contention with still a match to play, these two players took the traditional jersey exchange a bit further. As in, down to their underclothes. In full public view. The spirit of the World Cup on (almost) full display! 


Justin Masterson letting his pitches 'eat': Cleveland Indians notebook

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Justin Masterson, trying to be more aggressive in his delivery, goes seven innings against the Angels.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Justin Masterson made his 16th start of the season Thursday afternoon. Just how many adjustments he's made during those games in search of what made him one of the top starting pitchers in the American League last year would be hard to calculate.

As Masterson says, "I'm making adjustments all the time."

The latest is adaptation comes from the "grip-it-and-rip-it' school of golf swings. In Masterson's words he's letting his fastball "eat."

In Thursday's 5-3 victory over the Angles in 10 innings, Masterson allowed one run in seven innings. He left with the score tied 1-1 after throwing a season-high 116 pitches.

"Our goal was to let it eat and get the arm out there," said Masterson, who struck out five, walked three and allowed four hits.

Pitching coach Mickey Callaway and Masterson have worked on quickening the 6-6, 250-pound right-hander's delivery. In Boston, after Masterson lasted only two innings on June 13, Callaway said he didn't care how many balls and strikes Masterson threw, he just wanted to get his delivery to where it was producing more power.

Masterson could feel it Thursday – the power and wildness.

"It led to some moments where I was yanking some balls and stuff like that, but I think the overall sense was we started to get in a decent rhythm," said Masterson.

Manager Terry Francona was concerned because Masterson's split between balls ad strikes was nearly 50-50 in the fourth. After that he started to find the strike zone with more regularity.

"No matter what this feels like, we're coming through hard," said Masterson, referring to his delivery. "We wanted to be more aggressive and we were. You just want to get back to what makes you, you."

This is easy: All rookie Kyle Crockett had to do to earn his first big league win was get one, and only one, out.

He did so by Thursday retiring Josh Hamilton in the 10th inning in a lefty-on-lefty match up. The Tribe's four-run rally in the bottom of the 10th, keyed by Nick Swisher's grand slam, made him a winner.

"It felt incredible," said Crockett. "It was a team win. Masterson went out and dominated them for seven innings. Out bullpen was able to come out and hold them.

"It's just a one-out win, but it's nice to get the first one."

Pushed back: Wednesday's rainout has delayed Zach McAllister's return to the rotation. He was scheduled to start Thursday, but Masterson made that start.

For the Tigers' series, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin are scheduled to start. After Monday's off day, the Indians embark on an eight-game, nine-day trip.

Francona and the coaching staff were scheduled to meet after Thursday's game to align the rotation the rest of the way. McAllister was activated on Wednesday and was in the bullpen Thursday.

The way the rotation is set up right now, they could go with four starters until the last day of the upcoming trip on July 2 against the Dodgers. Recently Francona said there was a possibility that a starter could be skipped on the upcoming trip.

Testing, testing: Michael Brantley worked out on the field before Thursday's game.

"He threw and ran," said Francona. "He'll hit in the cage. If all goes well, and to this point it has, he'll possibly be on the field to do everything but hit on Friday."

Brantley, recovering from a concussion, could play Saturday.

Lefty usage: With lefty Josh Outman being designated for assignment, Francona has two lefties at his disposal – Marc Rzepczynski and Crockett.

But how will he use them?

"A lot of things come into play – the score, how much guys have been used," said Francona. "If you have Zep come in to get a lefty, and it's a one or two-run game and you have Bryan Shaw, Cody Allen or Scott Atchison sitting out there, it's hard not to go to a righty.

"It all depends on the situation. We'd love for Zep to face more lefties than righties . . .that just makes more sense. But there will be situations where the other team goes lefty, righty, lefty in the lineup. If Zep is commanding his two-seamer, we'll let him go sometimes."

Francona likes Crockett's ability to throw strikes.

"That's very important and as we get to know him better we'll have a better feel for what he can do," he said.

Strong outing by Will Roberts, clutch hit from Francisco Lindor give Akron RubberDucks 3rd straight win

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Akron starter Will Roberts (7-7, 3.67) gave up two runs on just four hits in eight innings, and Shawn Armstrong pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save of the season.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor's two-run double in the fifth inning gave Akron a lead it wouldn't relinquish as the RubberDucks beat the Fightin' Phils, 3-2, in a Class AA game Thursday in Reading, Pa.

Akron starter Will Roberts (7-7, 3.67) gave up two runs on just four hits in eight innings, and Shawn Armstrong pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save of the season.

Reading took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run homer by third baseman Carlos Alonzo. It was the only mistake of the night by Roberts, who had seven strikeouts.

The RubberDucks (43-30) made it 2-1 in the fourth with a solo homer by first baseman Bryan LaHair before Lindor's double in the fifth gave the RubberDucks the lead.

The Phils had runners on first and third with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, but Armstrong ended the game by getting Brock Stassi to ground out.

Lindor was 2-for-5 on the night with a double and triple. LaHair was 2-for-4 with the homer, and left fielder Anthony Gallas was 2-for-4 with a double.

The RubberDucks lead the Western Division by 2-1/2 games.

'Ohio State is still high on my list': Maryland DE Darius Fullwood hoping to earn committable offer from Ohio State: Buckeyes recruiting

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"They want to look at the film from camp and take the chance to sit down as a staff and take a look at each play. Ohio State is still high on my list, just like they've always been. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Four-star defensive end Darius Fullwood of Olney (Md.) Good Counsel has reported an Ohio State offer for quite some time, but even he's not sure whether the Buckeyes would accept an oral commitment. 

So he went to Columbus on Thursday to camp at Ohio State for the second time in June with the hopes of proving to Urban Meyer that he's worthy of a Buckeyes offer. 

But shortly into the camp, Fullwood pulled his groin. 

He still thinks he showed enough. 

"I was moving a little bit slower today, but I didn't want to stop (after the injury) and I kept going to show them something," Fullwood told reporters after the camp. "I still think I did well, and I did really well before I got hurt." 

Rated by Rivals.com the No. 18 strongside defensive end in the country, Fullwood is down to six schools that he'll choose between when he announces his committment on June 28 – Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Duke, Maryland and Rutgers. 

Whether the Buckeyes are really an option should be clear for Fullwood on Sunday, the day he's planning to speak with Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson to hear his status. 

"After I hear from Coach Johnson, I'll figure out what schools I'll be choosing from," Fullwood said. "I'll be making my decision at my house (the following) Saturday, so it will be good to talk to him first. 

"Every conversation (Johnson and I) have, he keeps it real, so he said they are going to evaluate me and a few other players in the next day or so. They want to look at the film from camp and take the chance to sit down as a staff and take a look at each play.

"Ohio State is still high on my list, just like they've always been. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Can 8 golfers play 100 holes today? Get live updates, pictures, videos all day from Summer Solstice Golf Challenge 2014

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Get live continuous updates, including videos and pictures, from fourth annual Summer Solstice Golf Challenge at Hickory Nut. Golfers are invited to free clinics and skills contests being held all day. Watch video

COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio – The quest for Northeast Ohio golfers to play 100 holes from sunup to sundown was reached Thursday, despite the morning downpour that lasted over three hours.

The fourth annual Summer Solstice Golf Challenge at beautiful Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station featured six local players who won a spot in the Challenge along with the Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Fedor and The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer.

The lead group of Fedor, Matthew Blum, Bob Heiss and Matt Hudak set a new record of 101 holes, eclipsing the mark of 91 from 2013. And the second group of Schmitt Boyer, Ian Anderson, Richie Brickman and Mark Svette finished 73 holes, walking off the final green nearly 16 hours after the first shot of the day in the pouring rain. 

Relive all the highlights and not-so-great-lights of the day below, which includes live continuous updates, videos and pictures, as well as Tweets from the day.

9:47 p.m.: The second foursome completed its final hole, No. 73, by each scoring par on the Par-3 third hole in total darkness. They stayed on the course so much longer to reach a special goal, finishing 73 holes in honor of teammate Brickman, a 73-year-old retired letter carrier from Fairview Park.

9:14 p.m.: The lead group is in the clubhouse after finishing its 101th hole of the day. Time for reminiscing about the day, air-conditioning and a few cold drinks.

9:01 p.m.: It's official, the 100th hole has been completed at the fourth annual Summer Solstice Golf Challenge.

photo[1].JPGView full sizeThe scene just before the 100th hole is finished at Hickory Nut as golfers and spectators chase the last sunlight. 

It happened on the par-4 10th hole. Hudak nearly chipped in from behind the green, the ball hitting the stick and rattling out before a gallery of about 15 people.

8:52 p.m.: The 99th hole was just completed. Needless to say, there was no stop at the turn. It was directly to the 10th tee for No. 100.

8:14 p.m.: The final free clinic is in the books. Hickory Nut instructor Lou Cangelosi demonstrated tips on backswing and downswing and general iron play. See a post about the clinic here, including a video.

And golfers won't want to miss recaps and videos from clinics held earlier by PGA pro/TV star Jimmy Hanlin (how to hit the ball longer), as well as LPGA pro Jamie Taylor (chipping best practices).

7:53 p.m.: The new Challenge record is official as the 92nd hole of the day is completed by Blum, Fedor, Heiss and Hudak. Overheard on the putting green:

"Our goal was 100, let's not get cocky," Heiss said after a teammate bragged about setting the contest record in its fourth year.

 

7:51 p.m.: The second group makes a quick pit stop at the turn after finishing its 63rd hole. These players -- Anderson, Brickman, Schmitt Boyer and Svette -- also have 10 holes on their mind as they want to get to 73 for 73-year-old Brickman.

7:48 p.m.: One milestone reached.

photo.JPGView full sizeThe lead group, from left, Matt Hudak, Bob Heiss, Chris Fedor and Matthew Blum mark the occasion of tying the record for most holes played in four Summer Solstice Golf Challenges at 91 with a group picture on the green 

The lead group has tied the record for most holes played in four Summer Solstice Golf Challenges at 91.

A new record has been set every year of the Challenge.

They tied the record on the par-4 fourth hole and with plenty of sunlight left it looks like this could be a tough number to beat.

7:28 p.m: The 90th hole is in the books, with a birdie to boot -- and plenty of sunlight left.

blum.JPGView full sizeMatthew Blum attempts to land on the green on the 18th hole, the 90th hole of the day. The group just finished its fifth round, and now have only 10 more holes to go to reach their goal. 

The lead group walked off the 18th green for the fifth time today just before 7:30.

Heiss carded a bird on the par-5 hole.

At the turn several outburst of "Ten more holes" are heard. The record, set last year, is 91 holes.

7:07 p.m.: The final skills contest of the day was a 130-yard closest to the pin shot on the ninth hole.

See video highlights at right and read about the competition here.

6:51 p.m.: Fatigue perhaps is setting in as three of four players in the lead group come up short on their approaches on the back side.

photo.JPGView full sizeGreens in regulation are becoming more and more rare as the sun starts descending at the Summer Solstice Golf Challenge at Hickory Nut. Pictured is Bob Heiss taking the first of three chips below the green with his foursome. 

6:36 p.m.: The second group finishes its 58th hole of the day. Realizing they will run of daylight before nearing 100 holes they form a new goal -- 73.

"We figured we might try for 73 because that's my age," says Brickman, a retired letter carrier from Fairview Park.

6:19 p.m.: The lead group makes the turn but there's no stopping. The pressure is on to reach 100 holes and now they have late afternoon leagues to navigate through. Thankfully they have the Hickory Nut rangers and gracious patrons letting them play through.

"Love it. I feel like a celebrity," Hudak said.

6:14 p.m.: After hitting his tee shot on No. 9, Blum rhetorically asks is this is the third time his ball has been in the lake. Replied Fedor, "I think so. They're going to start calling it Lake Matt."

WeissBob Heiss tees off on the 81st hole of the day for Chris Fedor's group, the par-4 ninth. 

6:11 p.m.: The chase for 100 holes for the lead group is heating up. The team of Fedor, Blum, Hudak and Heiss just completed their 80th hole. They have a little over three hours of daylight left.

6:01 p.m.: The final clinic of the day is set to begin out on the driving range. Hickory Nut instructor Lou Cangelosi will work with golfers on backswing and downswing, and general iron play.

5:46 p.m.: The scorecards are in for the fourth round for the lead group. If this was a PGA event these would be the Sunday scores. Clearly, this is nothing close to a PGA tournament.

ScorecardsHere are the scores from Chris Fedor's group from its fourth round of play at the Solstice Golf Challenge 2014. 

At the turn on the way to hole No. 73, the players remark it's some of the best golf they have played all day. Heiss had the low round, carding an 80. Blum was next at 84, followed by Fedor (88) and Hudak (91).

5:32 p.m.: Ian Anderson, playing in Mary Schmitt Boyer's group, is starting to feel the effects of playing marathon golf. He told NEOMG reporter Robert Rozboril, "I'm going to be seeing this golf course in loop in my nightmares tonight," after playing the 15th hole.

 

5:21 p.m.: Richie Brickman, the 73-year-old from Fairview Park, is going strong. Nearing the 12-hour mark, the retired letter carrier is still taking full practice swings. See some shots and hear Brickman talk about his favorite lifetime memories on the golf course in the video to the right.

4:59 p.m.: Chris Fedor's group is back in the clubhouse after finishing its fourth round of the day. That's 72 holes down, and the group on average is playing a round in just under three hours. There's also some complaining a bit about being sore after playing golf for the last 11 hours.

There's certainly enough daylight left to get in another 18, which would leave the group at 90. But is there enough time left for the group to complete 100 holes?

 

4:55 p.m.: Mary Schmitt Boyer took some time to give an update on her group before heading off to No. 10.

4:51 p.m.: Fedor's group is on its 72nd hole. Looks like they're well on pace to break the 91-hole record.

Fedor's Group 72nd holeBob Heiss tees off on No. 18 to kick off the 72nd hole for Chris Fedor's group during the Solstice Golf Challenge 2014. 

4:31 p.m.: Playing this long in the sun can help you find the humor in things. After hitting tee shot into a bunker on 16, Fedor says, "Welcome to the beach."

3:28 p.m.: Fedor's group makes a quick pit stop in the clubhouse before making the turn. That's 63 holes for his group so far today. Asked if the group was tired yet, Fedor said, "We're getting there."

3:11 p.m.: Fedor and his group have played 60 holes, and it looks like they're not slowing down. On No. 7, Matt Hudak rips his tee shot and Bob Heiss delcares it the best drive of the day.

2:51 p.m.: It's not all good news for Mary Schmitt Boyer's group, though, as Ian Anderson rips his tee shot on No. 4 into the trees and laments, "That is horrible."

Richie BrickmanRichie Brickman tees off on No. 3 at Hickory Nut. 

2:46 p.m.: Richie Brickman, playing in Mary Schmitt Boyer's group, is playing the front 9 strong. He made par on No. 1 and birdied No. 2.

2:33 p.m.: Finally a bit of adversity for Fedor's group. Matt Hudak hits the group's first shot into the sand in 57 holes. His shot from the sand overshoots the 3rd green by about 20 feet. 

2:20 p.m.: Chris Fedor's group continues its torrid pace and has lapped the other group. Though according to our reporter on the course, Robert Rozboril, Fedor's group is taking its time now that it's in the lead. Mary Schmitt Boyer let's out a, "While we're young!" to keep the group moving.

Jimmy HanlinPGA pro Jimmy Hanlin on the driving range giving lessons on how to get more distance on your shot. 

2:08 p.m.: PGA Pro and local TV star Jimmy Hanlin is out on the driving range conducting a free clinic on how to hit the ball farther. It's the second of three free clinics today. LPGA Pro Jamie Taylor led a chipping clinic this morning, and Hickory Nut instructor Lou Cangelosi will hold a clinic on backswing and downswing, and general iron play at 6 p.m.

See a video of Hanlin here.

1:58 p.m.: When you're trying to play 100 holes of golf in one day, there is no patience for slow groups ahead of you. When Fedor's group encounters one, there's discussion of when, not if, to pass them.

 

1:57 p.m.: While both groups don't mind being followed around all day, neither is shy to ask to delete a video of a bad shot. And of course, they always ask if there's video of a good shot.

1:49 p.m.: Heiss cards a birdie on the par-4 17th hole. The key shot? A gap wedge four feet from the cup.

1:38 p.m.: See pictures and a video from the longest drive competition, which took place on the 421-yard first hole. The winner was Tim Baker of Valley City, who hit the fairway 242 yards out.

1:35 p.m.: Progress report from Fedor's group: They have finished their 50th hole. Goal of reaching 100 holes by sundown is within reach.

12:58 p.m.: The green at Hickory Nut's No. 12 hole is a fickle one. One putt causes Schmitt Boyer to throw her hands up and exclaim, "Really?" while Anderson sinks a tough putt of his own which results in a round of applause.

photo.JPGView full sizeThe scorecard for Chris Fedor and Bob Heiss for holes 37 through 45. 

12:41 p.m.: The lead group is almost at the halfway point of the 100-hole quest, finishing its 45th hole. "We're getting there," Hudak said. "I've got beer now." And a banana. Some highlights from the Heiss-Fedor cart: The duo combined for seven pars, with Heiss carding a 40 and Fedor a 41. The best hole was No. 6 with the Heiss birdie and Fedor par.

flagbrokeView full sizeMark Svette holds the remains of one of Tom Cull's solstice golf cart flags. 

12:19 p.m.: Another birdie for the first group. This time it's Heiss, who sank a 15-foot putt on the par-4 sixth hole.

11:52 a.m.: We have our first casualty of the day. Mark Svette walked into the clubhouse carrying the remains of one of Tom Cull's solstice golf cart flags. Tragically, it was the purple flag with the frosty mug of beer emblazoned on its side. 

11:43 a.m.: Blum, playing his 37th hole -- a par 4 -- sends a perfect tee shot down the middle of the fairway. The second shot isn't as lucky for Blum, who catches a bit of the fairway with his club and sees the ball sputter a few hundred feet forward. His third shot goes a little long of the green, but isn't in bad shape. With a chance to get up and down for bogey he chips within inches of the cup and taps in for a very respectable bogey.

11:36 a.m.: According to sources in the field, Heiss has fired up his first stogie of the day at the top of his group's third 18.

11:29 a.m.: From David Cassilo: With 36 holes done, Fedor's group takes a break at the clubhouse. After a wet morning, the most important part of this break is a change of socks. They still have about three-and-a-half rounds to go.

11:26 a.m.: Check out this recap of the longest putt contest won by Tom Cull via NEOMG's Tim Bielik. (video)

11:23 a.m.: Heiss on his team's goal of playing 100 holes: "There's no quit in this team."

11:18 a.m.: Update: Fedor's group is finished with 36. Schmitt Boyer's group is on hole No. 25.

11:15 a.m.: Flight 1 is currently playing its 36th hole and appears to be well ahead of Flight 2, and they're proud of it. NEOMG reporter David Cassilo, who is embedded with the group on the fairway, says Fedor's crew is asking for updates on Mary Schmitt Boyer's group to make sure they are still ahead. #competition

10:44 a.m.: A ringtone featuring the Derek and the Dominos hit "Layla" causes some excitement among the golfers in Mary Schmitt Boyer's group. Solstice golfers were seen breaking out their air guitars and a few dance moves on hole No. 4.

blum_chanView full sizeMatthew Blum laments a putt that came up just short. 

Check out this photo gallery from Gus Chan of The Plain Dealer featuring images from the early morning (rainy) portion of today's Summer Solstice Golf event at Hickory Nut Golf Course.

10:37 a.m.: Tom Cull of Wickliffe wins the longest putt contest, sinking the 30-footer during the first round. His prize? A gift bag, including four free passes for 18 holes at Hickory Nut.

10:30 a.m.: Solstice Golf "Class of 2012" Dorothy Kasper of Cleveland Heights is here to play 36 holes with some of the other veterans. "We made it through 72 holes with Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff," Kasper said. "It was 95 degrees that day. We were dying!"

10:21 a.m.: It was only a matter of time before the group started asking Mary Schmitt Boyer about the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James' possible return. Meanwhile, Mary spends a good part of her round checking her iPhone to make sure there isn't any breaking news about the team hiring a new coach.

crown"This is how you get through 100 holes of golf before sundown," Heiss says. 

10:17 a.m.: NEOMG reporter Tim Bielik says there are eight contestants lined up for the longest putt contest about to get underway on the practice green. 

10:14 a.m.: A light rain starts up again, but that does not deter the golfers. Some add an extra layer of clothing and continue on towards 100 holes. Though the round of golf isn't ruined, other things haven't been so lucky. Referencing her hair, Mary Schmitt Boyer says: "This hat is staying on ALL day."

10:09 a.m.: Check out photos and video from this morning's free chipping clinic with LPGA pro Jamie Taylor of the Cleveland Metroparks.

10:01 a.m.: As the weather improves and the sun fights to peek through the clouds, Fedor laments via Twitter that his scores are getting worse. Meanwhile, Mary Schmitt Boyer is proud of her accomplishments for the day already. She brags in a Tweet: "18 holes in #solsticegolf. What have YOU done so far today?"

9:47 a.m.: Solstice Golf veterans Mark Nekic of Willoughby and Tom Cull of Wickliffe arrive at the Hickory Nut clubhouse. Nekic and Cull were part of the first Solstice Golf event four years ago. "We're the East Side contingent," Nekic says. The duo is back to play 36 holes today. "Half a solstice," Cull said. 

sharkOn a water-filled day like this, the shark might feel more at home than the golfers. 

9:45 a.m.: The rain gear is coming off as Flight Two arrives at the clubhouse after completing their first 18 holes. Brickman: "It's getting a little better out there."

9:22 a.m.: Workers here in the Hickory Nut clubhouse just got a phone call from some golfers in Beachwood who were wondering if the #solsticegolf event was still going on. The answer: A resounding YES! Come on out for our next scheduled public event: a free longest putt contest at 10 a.m. on the practice green!

group20holesBlum, Hudak, Heiss and Fedor after completing 20 holes of #solsticegolf. 

9:20 a.m.: Even though these golfers have already played 20 holes, the day is still in its infancy. When asked what stands out most so far from this experience, the answer was unanimous from the first flight -- wet socks.

Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter David Cassilo has arrived at Hickory Nut and is with both groups on the course. Updates from David will appear above.

9:16 a.m.: The first flight has completed 20 holes.

9:04 a.m.: The chipping clinic with LPGA pro Jamie Taylor is wrapping up. Next public event is the free longest putt contest at 10 a.m.

8:43 a.m.: Realizing that it's the number of holes played, not score that matters, Fedor unofficially reinstated.

8:41 a.m.: Fedor fires a 41-44--85 on the first 18, but forgot to sign his card at the clubhouse. Unofficially disqualified.

CardsSolstice1Check out the score cards for Flight 1 after 18 holes of the 2014 Summer Solstice Golf Challenge. 

8:39 a.m.: The first flight stops in the clubhouse to fuel up. Heiss grabs three trail mix bars and two Motrin. "Emphasis on the two Motrin," he says. Fedor munches on a sandwich and Blum grabs a bag of Cheerios.

8:26 a.m.: The first birdie of the day is in! Heiss sinks a 15-foot putt on the par-4, 275 yard 17th hole.

8:24 a.m.: Chipping clinic begins after rain lets up. LPGA pro Jamie Taylor is working with Jim Kiss of Middleburg Heights and Mitch Goldberg of Sagamore Hills.

chipp.jpegMorning chipping clinic underway with LPGA pro Jamie Taylor. 

8:21 a.m.: With the rain out of the picture, maintenance workers are making plans to cut the greens around 10:30 a.m.

8:15 a.m.: "Well, it's stopped raining completely," says Hickory Nut pro shop worker Dave Adamany. A former Regional Sewer District employee, Adamany started in the cart garage at Hickory Nut five years ago after he retired. "It's a great place to retire to," Adamany said.

7:44 a.m.: Mitch Goldberg, 70, is among the first to arrive for the chipping clinic. "I came all the way from Sagamore Hills to work on my short game," Goldberg says.

 

7:19 a.m.: When asked what was the best shot of the first nine, Fedor responds that he knocked one stiff within 8 feet on hole No. 3.

7:15 a.m.: Blum arrives in the clubhouse at the first turn: "We've already set a record in club tossing." According to Blum, the toss was not intentional. "Wet grips and a hard swing," he says.

7:14 a.m.: LPGA pro Jamie Taylor arrives under a golf umbrella. Taylor works as the head pro at Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights and will conduct a chipping clinic at 8 a.m.

7:11 a.m.: Fedor and Heiss take aim at a media golf cart on hole No. 9. Both tee shots land within a few feet of intrepid (albeit soaking wet) reporter Nate Cline.

7:06 a.m.: The first flight of players has completed eight holes.

6:46 a.m.: Blum comes up a little short on his first birdie attempt of the day.

6:17 a.m.: Cleveland federal law enforcement agent Bob Heiss says it's not dry enough and is interruped by Chris Fedor commenting, "not so good" watching the flight of his shot. 

6:06 a.m.: Mark Svette tells 73-year-old player Richie Brickman his golf bag is so big it should have its own zip code. 

 

5:59 a.m.: Plain Dealer Cavaliers reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer says she can't even see the golf balls in the rain.

5:57 a.m.: Play is underway -- finally. Matthew Blum, 35, of Solon hits the first tee shot.

5:53 a.m.: Players depart for the first tee.

shark.JPGView full sizeBob Heiss and his shark friend wait for the rain to subside near the entrance at Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station. 

5:44 a.m.: Players debate if they should get going or wait for the tail end of the radar to pass. The goal of completing 100 holes, which seems much more daunting considering the weather, wins out. 

5:39 a.m.: It's starting to get light but the rain is relentless. Players decide to load carts, complete with four flags: a smiley face, a finish flag (the finish line is, what, 16 hours away), a frosty beer mug and a parrot flag proclaiming "It's 5 o'clock somewhere."

clubhouse.JPGView full sizeFrom left, Matthew Blum, Matt Hudak and Mark Svette wait for the sun to arrive and rain to depart inside Hickory Nut's clubhouse. 

5:11 a.m.: Players gather in the dry and lit clubhouse. Players power up on coffee and munchies, put on their rain gear, mingle and wait for first light.

5:07 a.m.: All eight players have arrived. It's pitch black but everyone sees the rain still coming down.

4:48 a.m.: The first player has arrived at Hickory Nut. It's Mark Svette, 40, of Chagrin Falls, a firefighter in Shaker Heights. The rain beat Svette. It has been coming down steadily since alarm clocks started going off around 3:30 a.m.

Updates above by Nathaniel Cline of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

Here is info on the free clinics and skills contests:

No purchase at the course is required and no preregistration is needed. First place in each contest wins a gift bag, including four free golf passes to Hickory Nut. Look for coverage from the contests and clinics, one of which is being conducted by PGA pro and local TV star Jimmy Hanlin, in this post.

The schedule (click here for more details): 8 a.m., chipping clinic; 10 a.m., longest putt contest; noon, longest drive contest; 2 p.m., clinic on how to hit the ball longer; 4 p.m., closest to the pin contest; and 6 p.m., clinic on backswing and downswing/general iron play.

If you're at the course and on Twitter, we invite you to Tweet using #solsticegolf

11:58 a.m.: Players are starting to gather for the longest drive competition, which will take place on the 421-yard, first hole.

Pat Riley challenges LeBron James, Miami Heat players to have 'guts' to stay, gets strong reaction from Cleveland Cavaliers fans

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Cavs fans believe Pat Riley's challenge to LeBron James is hypocritical.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Miami Heat's Pat Riley apparently is a guy who values loyalty.

The Heat's president of basketball operations tried to make that clear Thursday during a news conference in Miami, where he challenged LeBron James and other players to stick with the team after losing the NBA Finals in five games to the San Antonio Spurs.

From USA Today:

"This stuff is hard. And you got to stay together, if you've got the guts. And you don't find the first door and run out of it," Riley said. ... Positive that (Dwyane) Wade and (Chris) Bosh want to stay in Miami, Riley acknowledged James "has the right to do whatever he wants to do" and needs time to get away from basketball to consider his options. But Riley also said, "I didn't come down here 19 years ago for a quick trip to South Beach and a sun tan. ... I don't think they did either."

It was an impressive performance from Riley but it didn't go over well with Cavs fans and other observers, who quickly noted that Riley didn't seem to mind James taking the "first door" out of Cleveland to Miami in 2010:

 Go below to see plenty of other responses on Twitter (a common word: hypocrite) and comment at the end of the story.

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