A meeting at the end of spring training changed the season for Danny Salazar.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Once in a while, a meeting with a player matters.

That's a big part of the Danny Salazar story. The Indians sent Salazar to the minors at the end of spring training.

Salazar entered training camp with a spot in the starting rotation. It was written in pencil, but it belonged to him. All he needed to do was have a decent spring training.

The 25-year-old right-hander became even more important to the Tribe once they lost Gavin Floyd (elbow surgery) and Josh Tomlin (shoulder surgery).

But Salazar had an 8.18 ERA and the Tribe had no choice but to assign him to Class AAA Columbus.

Before that happened, Salazar sat down with General Manager Chris Antonetti, Manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway. The Indians stressed how they believed in Salazar, and they wanted him to work on throwing his sizzling fastball lower in the strike zone. They asked him who was the pitcher on the staff that Salazar most admired.

Salazar said it was Cy Young Award Winner Corey Kluber.

They discussed exactly what it was that made Kluber so effective. They didn't want Salazar to pitch exactly like Kluber. Each pitcher needs his own style.

But Kluber has a very precise training method between starts. It's something that Carlos Carrasco adopted last season, and it helped Carrasco become a more consistent starter.

That led to a discussion about how to adapt what works for Kluber to Salazar, and Salazar was very open to suggestions.

Not long after the meeting, he headed to the bullpen with Callaway -- a first step in developing new work habits.

Salazar made only one start at Columbus -- six scoreless innings. The Indians were having problems in their rotation, and they decided to promote Salazar.

Salazar is now more serious. His average fastball is 96 mph, and he's keeping it low in the strike zone. He has refined his changeup, a very deceptive second pitch that is especially effective against lefties.

FAILURE ISN'T FINAL

Arriving in the Majors came easy for Salazar. He was promoted in the middle of 2013 and had a 2-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 10 starts. The Tribe was careful with his arm, keeping his pitch count below 90 in most games.

Salazar was so effective, he started the 2013 Wild Card Playoff game -- and lost, 4-0.

He was in the rotation to open 2014. But was sent to the minors after a 1-4 record and 5.53 ERA in eight starts. His velocity was in the low 90s mph. It was obvious that his arm was not in good shape to open the season.

Salazar came back to the Tribe after the All-Star break and had a 5-4 record with a 3.50 ERA.

The Indians convinced Salazar to report to spring training early. He arrived on January 11, 2015 -- his 25th birthday.

But he still struggled.

The Indians now see a more mature, determined Salazar. He's 5-1 with a 3.50 ERA.

Salazar is averaging 103 pitches per start. He's striking out 12.3 batters per nine innings compared to only 1.9 walks. Those are almost Kluber-like numbers.

ABOUT THE TRIBE

1. Shaun Marcum's average fastball was 85.3 mph in his Wednesday victory over the White Sox. Marcum allowed two runs (solo homers) in 6 2/3 innings. It was his first victory since June 6, 2013. The Indians signed Marcum before the 2014 season knowing they had to be patient as he recovered from Thoracic Outlet syndrome surgery in 2013. He's had two major arm operations. Marcum threw only 17 innings in the minors last year. He has regained some arm strength.

2. Marcum was a combined 26-15 with a 3.60 ERA with Toronto and Milwaukee in 2011-12. His average fastball was only 86.5 mph in those seasons, so he has always been well below the big league average of 90 mph. Marcum is a control pitcher. He changes speeds. And when healthy, he's pretty good. His career record is 58-46 with a 3.88 ERA.

3. In two appearances for the Tribe, the 33-year-old Marcum has a 2.31 ERA. In 11 2/3 innings, he has stuck out 10. The three runs he has allowed have all been solo homers.

4. The Tribe has T.J. House in Class AAA, where he threw five scoreless innings. House opened the season in the rotation and was shelled (0-4, 13.15 ERA). He had some arm problems and rested and strengthened his arm. The Indians know they will need another starter at some point. A healthy House supplies rotation depth.

5. Nick Swisher has been a real asset against left-handed pitching. He entered the weekend batting .326 vs. lefties, .172 vs. righties. He is a switch-hitter, but historically has been a better hitter from the right side of the plate.

6. David Murphy is batting .316 vs. righties. The lefty batter is 0-of-1 vs. lefties. The Tribe hopes to have Swisher and Ryan Raburn (.348 vs. lefties) help the offense against lefties, which gave them so many problems early in the season.  The Tribe is 7-10 vs. lefty starters, 10-13 vs. righties.

7. While the Indians are disappointed with Michael Bourn's hitting, they are pleased to see him playing a good center field. They have five pitchers on their staff characterized as "extreme fly ball pitchers." Trevor Bauer, Cody Allen, Zach McAllister, Bryan Shaw and Salazar fall into that category. So they need Bourn to be at his best in the field.

8. Tribe reliever Bryan Shaw will be at the Wahoo Club on June 8 at 6 p.m. The club meets at Harry's Steakhouse in Brecksville. For information, call Bob Rosen at 440-724-8350. You also can check www.wahooclub.com.

The Indians tallied 11 hits and eight walks, plenty of offensive backing for Carlos Carrasco, who tossed six strong innings in the Tribe's 7-3 triumph against the Reds on Friday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A productive lineup can ease the burden on a team's starting pitcher. A stellar outing can reduce the pressure on a team's batting order.

When both sides do their part, life in the dugout often seems much less stressful.

The Indians tallied 11 hits and eight walks, plenty of offensive backing for Carlos Carrasco, who tossed six strong innings in the Tribe's 7-3 triumph against the Reds on Friday.

Brandon Moss' bat contributed the most powerful damage. He socked a solo home run to right on the first pitch of the bottom of the third. That gave the Indians a 3-2 advantage. He followed with a two-out, two-run double in the following frame.

Jason Kipnis continued his sizzling month of May. He collected three singles and a walk and scored a pair of runs. Moss, David Murphy, Roberto Perez and Michael Bourn each reached base three times. Kipnis reached on four occasions.

Bourn walked with the bases loaded in the second, which plated Lonnie Chisenhall for the Tribe's first run of the game. That erased the Reds' 1-0 lead. Kipnis then singled home a run on a bloop base hit to center.

No Tribe hitter struck out until the eighth inning. Reds starter Mike Leake lasted only four innings, as he allowed five runs on seven hits and five walks. Chisenhall was the only starter not to reach via a hit or a walk.

The Indians have won six of their last eight games.

What it means

The Indians (18-23) are riding a season-long four-game winning streak. Previously, they had not strung together more than two victories in a row. The Indians upped their mark to 3-11 in series openers. A win on Saturday or Sunday would give the club its third consecutive series win. Before that, the Indians had registered only one series victory in 11 tries: the season-opening set in Houston.

Cookie express

Carrasco held the Reds to two runs on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out seven. Carrasco tied fellow right-hander Danny Salazar for the team lead with five wins.

Bottom feeding

Perez and Bourn, the Nos. 8 and 9 batters in manager Terry Francona's lineup, both reached base three times in four at-bats. Perez walked twice and tripled and scored in the seventh. Bourn walked in the second and singled in his ensuing two trips to the plate.

The eraser

Perez nabbed a pair of would-be base stealers. He threw out Jay Bruce at second base in the fourth and he eliminated Zack Cozart from the base paths in the fifth.

They came, they saw

An announced crowd of 23,617 filed into Progressive Field to watch Friday night's affair.

What's next

The Indians and Reds will reconvene at Progressive Field for a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch on Saturday, when Cleveland's Corey Kluber (1-5, 3.79 ERA) will oppose Cincinnati's Anthony DeSclafini (2-4, 3.80 ERA). In his last two outings, Kluber has totaled 17 innings, six hits allowed, one run allowed, one walk and 30 strikeouts. He did not factor into the decision on Monday in Chicago, despite limiting the White Sox to one run on five hits in nine innings.

Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis is batting .407 at Progressive Field this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Corey Kluber allowed one run in eight innings and second baseman Jason Kipnis went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Progressive Field.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Here they come: Manager Terry Francona's Indians (19-23) have won five in a row and seven of nine.

They clinched their third straight series. The finale of the three-gamer against Cincinnati is Sunday afternoon.

Reeling: The Reds (18-24) have lost seven straight.

Early fireworks: Cincinnati manager Bryan Price was ejected soon after the lineup cards were exchanged. Price squawked with crew chief Jim Reynolds, who warned him to stop before running him. Price continued the discussion with Reynolds near the plate, and Francona came out to ask them to move so Kluber could throw his warmup pitches.

Price likely was voicing his displeasure over ball/strike calls by Manny Gonzalez on Friday night.

Dirtbag locked in: Kipnis notched his 19th multi-hit game -- most by an Indian through the club's first 42 games since 2009 (Victor Martinez, 19).

Kipnis entered the day leading the majors with a .403 average at home. It is now .407 (33-for-81).

Kipnis has been sensational in May, batting .465 (40-for-86) with 10 doubles, two triples, three homers, 12 RBI and 24 runs.

Through 5 2/3 innings Saturday, leadoff batter Kipnis and his teammates were going nowhere against Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. Kipnis was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts, the Tribe had one hit, and the Reds led, 1-0.

In a 3-1 count, Kipnis sent a sinking liner to right that went in and out of the glove of Brennan Boesch as Boesch hit the ground. The play was tricky and correctly ruled a single -- but Boesch needs to make the catch.

After Carlos Santana walked, David Murphy shot a 2-1 fastball through DeSclafani's legs and into center field to drive in Kipnis. Murphy had gone to school on the fastball, which tailed down and away. In Murphy's previous at-bat, plate umpire Sean Barber called a similar fastball a third strike; Murphy thought it was outside, and he  probably was correct but didn't argue.

Reds lefty Tony Cingrani relieved to begin the eighth and walked pesky Roberto Perez in six pitches. Mike Aviles pinch-ran and was forced at second when Michael Bourn bunted too hard to Cingrani.

Kipnis took a 91-mph fastball over the inner half for a strike. Catcher Brayan Pena set up on the outer third for the next pitch, but Cingrani's 91-mph fastball caught too much of the plate. Kipnis dropped the barrel on it and doubled to left-center, Bourn scoring easily.

Klubot delivers: Kluber (2-5, 3.49 ERA) gave up nine hits, walked none and struck out seven. He threw 77 of 102 pitches for strikes.

In his past three starts, Kluber is 2-0 with two runs allowed in 25 innings. He has given up 15 hits, walked one and struck out 37.

Kluber did not have best stuff Saturday, especially early. He was missing high, and the cutter didn't feature its typical bite. However, Kluber, as the good ones do, figured out how to make it work.

The Reds put at least one runner on base in every inning except the eighth, but they  were 1-for-14 with runners on, including 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The Reds were aggressive all afternoon against Kluber, putting 16 balls in play within the first two pitches of an at-bat. They swung at 60 percent of Kluber's pitches (61 of 102).

Here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of Kluber's start:

FIRST INNING

(R) Brandon Phillips -- 92 fastball called strike, 90 fastball, infield single to short (hole).

(L) Skip Schumaker -- 91 cutter bunt foul; 89 cutter swinging strike (inside); 94 fastball foul; 83 curve foul; 88 cutter, GIDP 4-6-3.

(L) Joey Votto -- 92 fastball, single to right.

(R) Todd Frazier -- 90 cutter, grounder to third.

(9 pitches, 9 strikes)

Skinny: Indians shortstop Jose Ramirez, second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall did not field grounders seamlessly, but Kipnis and Chisenhall were able to recover to account for three outs.

SECOND INNING

(L) Jay Bruce -- 80 curve called strike; 92 fastball, single to right.

(L) Brayan Pena -- 92 fastball called strike; 88 cutter, double to right (inner third at thighs; Bruce to third).

(R) Zack Cozart -- 82 curve called strike; 84 curve foul (outside); 94 fastball foul; 83 curve in dirt; 89 cutter foul (flat and up); 95 fastball outside; 90 cutter foul (inside); 85 curve foul; 95 fastball, sacrifice fly to right (Pena to third).

(L) Brennan Boesch -- (infield in) 83 curve outside; 94 fastball foul; 94 fastball swinging strike (tip); 93 fastball foul; 84 curve, swinging strikeout.

(L) Billy Hamilton -- 94 fastball in dirt; 88 cutter, pop to center.

(20 pitches, 16 strikes)

Skinny: Reds continued to be aggressive. Kluber's cutter didn't have its usual tilt; Pena took advantage....Cozart had a superb AB....Kluber bowed his neck to strand Bruce at third.

THIRD INNING

(R) Brandon Phillips -- cutter called strike; 83 curve called strike (showed bunt); 84 curve in dirt; 94 fastball (hands); 88 cutter low (checked in time); 89 cutter down and away; 94 fastball, swinging strikeout.

(L) Skip Schumaker -- 85 changeup called strike; 89 cutter, grounder to second.

(L) Joey Votto -- 94 fastball outside; 93 fastball low and away; 93 fastball foul; 90 cutter foul; 95 fastball inside (barely); 84 curve foul; 90 cutter foul; 94 fastball foul; 95 fastball, double to right-center.

(R) Todd Frazier -- (shadows at home plate) 93 fastball foul; 85 curve called strike; 84 curve in dirt; 94 fastball, swinging strikeout (off outside corner at knees).

(22 pitches, 15 strikes)

Skinny: Kluber challenged Phillips over the plate....Votto had a terrific AB....Location and shadows helped put away Frazier.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Jay Bruce -- 92 fastball down and away; 88 cutter, double to right (inner third and up).

(L) Brayan Pena -- 94 fastball, fielder's choice 3-5.

(R) Zack Cozart -- 93 fastball low; 94 fastball, grounder to third (Pena to second).

(L) Brennan Boesch -- 93 fastball foul; 83 curve foul; 84 curve, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Bruce jumped on a flat cutter....Tribe first baseman Carlos Santana fielded Pena's one-hopper and never hesitated with an on-target throw to Chisenhall....Kluber overmatched Boesch again.

(8 pitches, 6 strikes)

FIFTH INNING

(L) Billy Hamilton -- 80 curve outside; 92 fastball, liner to short.

(R) Brandon Phillips -- 93 fastball, single to left-center.

(L) Skip Schumaker -- 92 fastball called strike (outside corner); 88 cutter foul; 82 curve, grounder to first.

(Catcher Roberto Perez visits)

(L) Joey Votto -- 94 fastball outside; 90 cutter high and away; 83 curve called strike (inside corner); 84 curve called strike (Phillips steals third); 94 fastball, called strikeout (inside corner).

(11 pitches, 8 strikes)

Skinny: Phillips' hit was Cincinnati's sixth (of seven) within the first two pitches of the AB....Walking Votto made sense, especially after Kluber fell behind, 2-0. But Kluber threw two nasty curves and a comeback fastball for three called strikes. Votto, of course, disagreed with the third strike.

SIXTH INNING

(R) Todd Frazier -- 88 cutter bunt foul; 82 curve inside; 93 fastball swinging strike (inside); 83 curve, bloop single to center (end of bat).

(L) Jay Bruce -- 93 fastball high and away; 92 fastball, fly to right (end of bat).

(L) Brayan Pena -- 94 fastball, grounder to second (Frazier in motion, reaches second).

(R) Zack Cozart -- 83 curve down and away; 89 cutter swinging strike; 90 cutter, fly to right.

(10 pitches, 7 strikes)

Skinny: Reds fail to score despite another leadoff hit.

SEVENTH INNING

(L) Brennan Boesch -- fastball called strike; 92 fastball, grounder to second.

(L) Billy Hamilton -- 84 outside; 88 cutter, single to right.

(R) Brandon Phillips -- 87 cutter called strike (Hamilton caught stealing); 83 curve called strike; 93 fastball, swinging strikeout (outside corner at knees).

(7 pitches, 6 strikes)

Skinny: Catcher Roberto Perez made a fantastic throw to erase Hamilton, who had been 17 of 19 attempting to steal. Hamilton's left hand jammed into Ramirez's left shoe before it got to base. Perez has thrown out five of last seven attempting to steal, including 2-of-2 in series opener Friday....Phillips was overmatched or didn't see the fastball through the shadows.

EIGHTH INNING

(L) Skip Schumaker -- 92 fastball outside; 88 cutter low; 93 fastball called strike; 93 fastball swinging strike; 94 fastball foul; 94 fastball, liner to right.

(L) Joey Votto -- 82 curve low (barely); 94 fastball foul; 82 curve outside (barely); 84 curve low; 90 cutter swinging strike (down and in); 94 fastball, grounder to second.

(R) Todd Frazier -- 83 curve swinging strike (down and away); 83 curve swinging strike (down and away); 94 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Right fielder Brandon Moss closed quickly on Schumaker's liner....Second straight time Kluber fell behind Votto before making quality pitches to get him out. Decisive fastball featured late life that surprised Votto....Frazier had no chance.

(15 pitches, 5 balls)

(Cody Allen relieved to begin ninth.)

With Yan Gomes scheduled to be activated Sunday, backup catcher Brett Hayes was being designated for assignment to clear a roster spot.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The locker room was nearly empty except for Brett Hayes. His bags were packed and he was sitting on a chair in front of his locker.

After Saturday's 2-1 win over the Reds, the Indians told Hayes that he was going to be designated for assignment to make room for Yan Gomes when he's activated on Sunday.

Hayes hit .156 (5-for-32) with three homers and six RBI while helping fill the void left by Gomes when he was sprained the MCL in his right knee on April 11. He appeared in 13 games.

Roberto Perez did the bulk of the catching when Gomes was on the disabled list. Hayes, who started the season at Class AAA Columbus, had his contract purchased on April 13.

Hayes came to camp with the Indians on a minor league deal. He didn't make the big league club and opened the year at Columbus. The Indians have 10 days to trade, release or put Hayes on waivers.

He is out of options.

The right-handed hitting Hayes, 31, has played for Miami and Kansas City in the big leagues.

"You're like 'Well, I didn't wear this shirt yesterday, so I cant wear it today,' and then you're like, 'Does that really have an impact on what I'm going to do at the plate today?' So, I try not to overthink it or add any superstitions that I don't need."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The field was empty, save for four umpires and one peeved manager standing to the right of home plate, and Corey Kluber.

"It was weird," said Tribe skipper Terry Francona. "I looked out there and I was like, 'It doesn't look real friendly.'"

Reds manager Bryan Price said he had a hangover from Friday night's home-plate umpiring, which frustrated several Reds hitters. As a result, Price started jawing with crew chief Jim Reynolds prior to Saturday's first pitch. He was asked to leave before Brandon Phillips even stepped into the batter's box.

Meanwhile, Francona momentarily joined the discussion just to make sure Kluber could warm up.

"I wanted them to let Kluber warm up," Francona said. "They were all standing around home plate and Kluber's standing out there."

Here are five calm and collected thoughts on the Indians, winners of five straight.

1. Fool me once: Tony Cingrani fired a 91-mph fastball, which Jason Kipnis took for a strike. Kipnis said he didn't see the pitch well. He saw the next one perfectly fine. Kipnis -- who else? -- provided the Indians with the decisive run on Saturday with an RBI double to left-center in the eighth inning. The pitch he struck for the game-winning knock? Another 91-mph fastball.

"I just wanted to make sure that if I got another one, I was going to be on time with it," Kipnis said.

2. Still scorching: Kipnis has at least one hit in 18 of 21 games this month. His 1.278 OPS during the month of May is higher than anyone in baseball not named Bryce Harper. This month, Kipnis is batting .465 with a .545 on-base percentage and a .733 slugging percentage.

"You just want to remain consistent," Kipnis said. "You want to just not try to do too much because that's probably what got you into the hot streak, so you want to continue with what's working."

3. Superstition ain't the way: That means following the same routine every day. It means invoking some superstition. Has Kipnis gorged on the same breakfast cereal every morning this month? Has he worn the same pair of socks every day?

"Little things, you try to make superstitious and other stuff you don't," Kipnis said. "You're like 'Well, I didn't wear this shirt yesterday, so I cant wear it today,' and then you're like, 'Does that really have an impact on what I'm going to do at the plate today?' So, I try not to overthink it or add any superstitions that I don't need."

4. Fool me twice: Corey Kluber actually appeared mortal on Saturday. He allowed at least one hit in each of the first seven innings, and nine in all over his eight frames. The Reds were aggressive early in the game, swinging early in the count. They couldn't capitalize on their traffic on the bases, however, and Kluber was able to last for eight innings while tossing only 102 pitches and yielding only one run. Francona said Kluber would have pitched the ninth, but the right-hander felt tightness in his hamstring during his final frame. Kluber said after the game that his hamstring wouldn't be an issue moving forward.

Over his last three starts, Kluber has allowed two runs on 15 hits in 25 innings. He has walked one and struck out 37.

5. Behind the plate: Billy Hamilton had swiped 17 bases in 19 attempts before Roberto Perez heaved a pinpoint throw to second base to erase him on Saturday. Perez also nailed a pair of would-be base stealers on Friday. He has thrown out five of the last eight to attempt to steal a base.

Yan Gomes will return to the lineup on Sunday and Perez will return to his reserve role. Brett Hayes was packing a duffel bag in the Indians' clubhouse after the game. He will be the odd man out, as Gomes rejoins the active roster.

See spring sports highlights for Saturday, May 23, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Here are spring sports highlights from Saturday's action based on box scores reported to the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

For more information on how to report box scores, please email High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis (kdavis@cleveland.com).

BOYS LACROSSE

Find out what happened at Hawken's emotional lacrosse playoff game, written by NEOMG reporter Robert Rozboril. 

BOYS TENNIS

Bay's Adam Krueger wins singles title, Beachwood's Alex Machtay and Griffin Calleghin win doubles at Division II Canton tennis districts

Willoughby South’s Vince Anzalone knocks off defending state champ Nathan Griffin of St. Ignatius at Division I Oberlin tennis districts

BOYS TRACK

DIVISION II DISTRICTS

At Bedford

See a game story and video from NEOMG reporter Tim Bielik.

Note: Top four finishers advance to Austintown Regional.

How they finished: 1. St. Vincent-St. Mary 131; 2. Woodridge 120.5; 3. Archbishop Hoban 82; 4. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 58.5; 5. Padua 55; 6. Benedictine 43; 7. Holy Name 38; 8. Central Catholic 36; 9. Warrensvile Heights 34; 10. Canal Fulton Northwest 30; 11. John Hay 19; 12. Akron Manchester 11.

Shot put: 1. Williams (SVSM) 49-6; 2. Sabol (HN) 47-10; 3. Freed (CFN) 43-11.25; 4. Mitchell (HN) 42-10.5.

High jump: 1. Mally (Wo) 6-1; 2. MaGee (WH) 6-0; 3. Pelima (SVSM) 6-0; 4. Howze (WH) 5-10.

110H: 1. Mally (Wo) 15.01; 2. Thurman (Wo) 15.08; 3. Valera (AH) 16.25; 4. Proctor (SVSM) 16.61.

100: 1. Harris (CVCA) 10.69*; 2. Szmiegelski (P) 11.25; 3. Liana (P) 11.27; 4. Brown (CC) 11.29.

4x200: 1. St. Vincent-St. Mary (Wooldridge, Williams, Shadie, King) 1:30.71; 2. Woodridge 1:31.97; 3. Archbishop Hoban 1:32.37; 4. Central Catholic 1:32.39.

1,600: 1. Adams (CVCA) 4:08.61*; 2. Rossetti (SVSM) 4:16.70; 3. Campbell (SVSM) 4:32.52; 4. Brennan (AH) 4:38.86.

4x100: 1. Padua (Medaglia, DiGeronimo, Szmiegelski, Liana) 43.02*; 2. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 43.76; 3. Warrensville Heights 44.15; 4. Benedictine 44.26.

400: 1. King (SVSM) 49.27*; 2. Garner (Wo) 50.61; 3. Wells (JH) 50.81; 4. Robinson (CCC) 51.12.

300H: 1. Medaglia (P) 39.99; 2. Thurman (Wo) 40.11; 3. Mally (Wo) 41.76; 4. Dinovo (B) 42.04.

800: 1. Adams (CVCA) 1:57.36; 2. Heller (SVSM) 1:57.90; 3. Starvaggi (Wo) 1:59.60; 4. Bullock (Wo) 2:00.50.

200: 1. Brown (CC) 22.59; 2. Wells (JH) 23.02; 3. Wooldridge (SVSM) 23.13; 4. King (SVSM) 23.19.

3,200: 1. Seth Conard (Wo) 9:48.22*;2. Patrick (SVSM) 9:58.43; 3. Rossetti (SVSM) 10:13.84; 4. Perrin (Wo) 10:20.90.

4x400: 1. Central Catholic (Crockett, Williams, Robinson, Brown) 3:27.32; 2. Woodridge 3:32.44; 3. St. Vincent-St. Mary 3:33.21; 4. Archbishop Hoban 3:33.58.

*-District record.

At Lakeview

How they finished: 1. Crestwood 100; 2. Streetsboro 93; 3. Lakeview 67; 4. Hubbard 58; 5. United 56; 6. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 54; 7. Garrettsville Garfield 43; 8. Pymatuning Valley 39; 9. Girard 38; 10. Niles McKinley 32; 11. Liberty 30; 12. LaBrae 28; 13. Champion 10.

Discus: 1. Penza (YCM) 162-05; 2. Cooper (U) 154-01; 3. Jones (H) 148-07; 4. Cox (Cr) 131-06.

High Jump: 1. Steiner (GG) 5-06.00; 2. Perdue (YCM) 5-06.00; 3. Weaver (YCM) 5-06.00; 4. Allen (C) 5-06.00.

Long jump: 1. Fillman (U) 22-08.25; 2. Phillips (L) 21-08.00; 3. Morgan (GG) 20-00.00; 4. Borawiec (H) 19-11.75. 

Shot put: 1. Penza (YCM) 58-09.75; 2. Jones (H) 55-06.75; 3. Cooper (U) 53-04.75; 4. Ryser (GG) 47-07.00.

Pole vault: 1. Greenwood (L) 9-00.00; 2. Giesy (L) 9-00.00; 3. Heym (PV) 8-06.00; 4. Davis (PV) 8-00.00.

4x800: 1. Crestwood (Lesnak, Davis, Usher, Ondash) 8:24.23; 2. Lakeview 8:48.64; 3. Pymatuning Valley 8:48.90; 4. Streetsboro 8:51.80.

100H: 1. Fillman (U) 14.48; 2. Harris (L) 14.68; 3. Harden (G) 15.68; 4. Florence (S) 15.81.

100: 1. Carter (S) 10.88; 2. Hill (H) 11.06; 3. Franklin (S) 11.20; 4. Picone (Cr) 11.53.

4x200: 1. Streetsboro (Franklin, K. Jones, M. Jones, Carter) 1:28.35; 2. Liberty 1:33.76; 3. Niles McKinley 1:34.11; 4. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 1:34.38.

1,600: 1. Fitzgerald (Cr) 4:26.34; 2. Butler (L) 4:39.12; 3. Lesnak (Cr) 4:39.76; 4. Mientkiewicz (PV) 4:40.17.

4x100: 1. Streetsboro (Franklin, Jonnes, Judd, Carter) 42.94; 2. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 44.37; 3. Niles McKinley 44.64; 4. Lakeview 45.07.

400: 1. Borawiec (H) 51.12; 2. Jones (S) 51.18; 3. Hanley (H) 51.70; 4. Jefferson (NM) 52.29.

300H: 1. Harris (LB) 38.66; 2. Fillman (U) 39.33; 3. Harden (G) 40.74; Florence (S) 41.91.

800: 1. Fitzgerald (Cr) 1:57.80; 2. Usher (Cr) 2:01.29; 3. Todd (S) 2:07.23; 4. Chamberlain (U) 2:09.15.

200: 1. Carter (S) 22.34; 2. Jones (S) 22.73; 3. Picone (Cr) 22.32; 4. Vaughn (NM) 23.48.

3,200: 1. Ondash (Cr) 9:59.66; 2. Oliphant (Cr) 10:05.02; 3. Basinger (G) 10:25.64; 4. Butler (L) 10:43.29.

4x400: 1. Streetsboro (K. Jones, M. Jones, Judd, Todd) 3:29.06; 2. Crestwood 3:29.08; 3. Garrettsville Garfield 3:34.63; 4. Niles McKinley 3:35.95.

At Perry

See a game story and video from today's track meet by NEOMG reporter Scott Patsko.

How they finished: 1. Lake Catholic 118; 2. University School 79.5; 3. Orange 73; 4. Jefferson Area 59; 5. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 45; 6. Chagrin Falls 43; 7. Perry 41; 8. Conneaut  27; 9. Ashtabula Edgewood 23; 10. Wickliffe 16.5; 11. Hawken 8; 12. Beachwood 7; 13. Grand Valley 6.

High jump: 1. Bell (University School) 6-2; 2. Burdyshaw (Perry) 6-1; 3. Stapulionis (Chagrin Falls) 6-0; 4. Payne (Jefferson Area) 6-0.

Shot put: 1. Bullock (University School) 49-0; 2. Gardner (Lake Catholic) 47-0.25; 3. Singer (Orange) 45-4; 4. Jernigan (Orange) 45-2.

110 hurdles: 1. Jackson (Jefferson Area) 15.37; 2. Marshall (Orange) 15.60; 3. Stewart (Conneaut) 15.61; 4. Johnson (Orange) 15.65.

100: 1. Parker (Jefferson Area) 11.49; 2. Von Hendrix (Orange) 11.60; 3. White (Orange) 11.62; 4. Chromik (Ashtabula Edgewood) 11.65.

4x200: 1. Lake Catholic (Robinson, Duricky, Alston, O’Toole) 1:31.89; 2. University School 1:34.71; 3. Wickliffe 1:35.74; 4. Ashtabula Edgewood 1:36.00.

1600: 1. Bistritz (Chagrin Falls) 4:13.24; 2. Stanovsek (NDCL) 4:18.84; 3. Hertz (NDCL) 4:24.68; 4. Onders (University School) 4:25.73.

4x100: 1. Orange (Johnson, Darrian White, Dejuan White, Von Hendrix) 45.15; 2. University School 45.38; 3. Conneaut 45.42; 4. Lake Catholic 45.56.

400: 1. O’Toole (Lake Catholic) 49.72; 2. Bell (University School) 49.88; 3. Folkman (NDCL) 52.36; 4. Cerny (Orange) 52.63.

300 hurdles: 1. Ludwig (Lake Catholic) 38.68; 2. Jackson (Jefferson Area) 40.02; 3. Duricky (Lake Catholic) 40.34; 4. Wynveen (Chagrin Falls) 40.97.

800: 1. Pritchard (Lake Catholic) 1:54.91; 2. Stanovsek (NDCL) 1:55.47; 3. Gannon (University School) 1:55.70; 4. Bistritz (Chagrin Falls) 1:56.97.

200: 1. Ludwig (Lake Catholic) 22.47; 2. Robinson (Lake Catholic 22.89; 3. Parker (Jefferson Area) 22.93; 4. White (Orange) 22.94.

3200: 1. Trojan (University School) 9:45.71; 2. Keating (Lake Catholic) 9:48.54; 3. Sampsel (Chagrin Falls) 9:54.98; 4. Beebe (NDCL) 9:56.47.

4x400: 1. Lake Catholic (Robinson, O’Toole, Duricky, Ludwig) 3:26.04; 2. University School 3:29.11; 3. Chagrin Falls 3:30.54; 4. NDCL 3:30.82.

GIRLS TRACK

DIVISION II DISTRICTS

At Bedford

See a game story and video from NEOMG reporter Tim Bielik.

Note: Top four finishers advance to Austintown Regional.

How they finished: 1. Woodridge 132; 2. St. Vincent-St. Mary 111; 3. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 103; 4. Hathaway Brown 55; 5. Buchtel 51; 6. Padua 49; 7. Cleveland JFK 44; 8. Independence 33; 9. Akron Manchester 30; 10. Holy Name 15; 11. Laurel 12; 12. Central Catholic 11; 13. Collinwood 7; 14. Canal Fulton Northwest 5.

Discus: 1. Garley (SVSM) 113-7; 2. Williams (Wo) 98-5; 3. Mally (Wo) 95-10; 4. Harmon (B) 95-0.

Long jump: 1. Cummings (CJFK) 17-1.75; 2. Whittaker (B) 16-6.5; 3. Pooler (SVSM) 16-3; 4. Albert (Wo) 16-2.25.

Pole vault: 1. Pucella (I) 10-0; 2. Gibbons (CVCA) 9-6; 3. Clymer (I) 8-0; 4. Seff (Wo) 7-6.

100H: 1. Milo (CVCA) 15.33; 2. Richards (HB) 15.81; 3. Albert (Wo) 15.90; 4. A. Howard (Wo) 16.20.

100: 1. Cummings (CJFK) 12.38; 2. Green (B) 12.58; 3. Sampson (CCC) 12.67; 4. Battle (HB) 12.73.

4x200: 1. St. Vincent-St. Mary (Fletcher, Pooler, Sieg, Garrett) 1:46.01; 2. Cleveland JFK 1:48.04; 3. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 1:48.10; 4. Padua 1:49.00.

1,600: 1. Bockoven (CVCA) 5:05.48; 2. M. Howard (Wo) 5:22.33; 3. Holzman (CVCA) 5:29.50; 4. Fleming (Wo) 5:31.87.

4x100: 1. Cleveland JFK (Medley, Cummings, Lee, Murray) 50.03; 2. Woodridge 50.49; 3. Buchtel 50.87; 4. St. Vincent-St. Mary 51.40.

400: 1. Davis (SVSM) 57.56; 2. Cowles (AM) 58.87; 3. Carroscia (CVCA) 59.75; 4. Sampson (CCC) 59.80.

300H: 1. Richards (HB) 44.93*; 2. A. Howard (Wo) 46.30; 3. Foster (SVSM) 46.93; 4. Milo (CVCA) 47.85.

800: 1. Jancewicz (P) 2:17.99; 2. Bockoven (CVCA) 2:19.43; 3. Wilson (CVCA) 2:20.88; 4. Howard (Wo) 2:21.23.

200: 1. Green (B) 25.45; 2. Davis (SVSM) 26.52; 3. Giel (P) 26.59; 4. Lessears (Wo) 26.96.

3,200: 1. Iacofano (SVSM) 11:38.15*; 2. Zaccardelli (I) 11:51.52; 3. Willett (Wo) 11:52.89; 4. Karayan (CVCA) 12:08.98.

4x400: 1. St. Vincent-St. Mary (Davis, Pooler, Foster, Garrett) 3:52.40*; 2. Woodridge 4:01.58; 3. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 4:03.10; 4. Hathaway Brown 4:03.51.

*-District record.

At Lakeview

How they finished: 1. Girard 132; 2. United 87; 3. Crestwood 82; 4. Garrettsville Garfield 71; 5. Lakeview 53; 6. Streetsboro 46; 7. Hubbard 39; 8. Youngstown Ursuline 36; 9. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 30; 10. Newton Falls 29; 11. Pymatuning Valley 22; 12. Champion 19; 13. Liberty 8; 14. Niles McKinley 3.

Discus: 1. Jones (GG) 145-00; 2. Barreca (NF) 128-06; 3. Svonavec (GG) 119-05; 4. Rockhold (U) 106-08.

High jump: 1. Teter (G) 5-00.00; 2. Desantis (YCM) 5-00.00; 3. Shonce (G) 5-00.00; 4. Jones (GG) 4-10.00.

Long jump: 1. Shonce (G) 16-00.00; 2. Jones (GG) 15-10.75; 3. Teter (G) 15-09.00; 4. Vega (L) 15-00.50.

Shot put: 1. Svonavec (GG) 37-11.00; 2. Harris (NF) 37.09.50; 3. Jones (GG) 36-10.00; 4. Kline (NF) 35-00.25.

Pole vault: 1. Trebella (G) 10-06.00; 2. Alejars (G) 8-00.00; 3. Wonderling (PV) 7-06.00; 4. Smith (L) 7-00.00.

4x800: 1. Crestwood (Judd, Fosnight, Soltiez, Sorrick) 10:11.25; 2. Garrettsville Garfield 10:24.78; 3. Lakeview 10:25.40; 4. United 10:29.47.

100H: 1. Judy (U) 16.26; 2. Marisco (G) 16.39; 3. Mackenzie (PV) 16.44; 4. Wylie (H) 16.56.

100: 1. Carantha (U) 12.71; 2. Nevels (S) 12.87; 3. Javey (YCM) 12.96; 4. Eisenbraun (U) 13.11.

4x200: 1. Girard (Wolfe, Alejars, Hamilton, Trebella) 1:48.65; 2. Ursuline 1:49.73; 3. Streetsboro 1:50.10; 4. Hubbard 1:51.05.

1,600: 1. Hofmeister (U) 5:37.27; 2. Head (Cr) 5:42.39; 3. Edic (Cr) 5:45.61; 4. Vega (L) 5:47.10.

4x100: 1. Girard (Wolfe, Trebella, Marsico, Alejars) 51.01; 2. Ursuline 51.67; 3. Streetsboro 51.79; 4. Lakeview 52.37.

400: 1. Sparks (C) 1:00.40; 2. Thut (Cr) 1:01.26; 3. Braunegg (L) 1:03.43; 4. Amos (U) 1:04.46.

300H: 1. Zigman (Cr) 46.61; 2. Blandine (NF) 47.65; 3. Marsico (G) 48.18; 4. Costick (H) 49.34.

800: 1. Trebella (G) 2:23.61; 2. Coulter (GG) 2:25.96; 3. Briceland (U) 2:27.83; 4. Sorrick (Cr) 2:28.48.

200: 1. Javey (YCM) 25.90; 2. Nevels (S) 26.32; 3. Carnatha (YU) 26.52; 4. Eisenbraun (U) 26.86.

3,200: 1. Judd (Cr) 12:13.34; 2. Fosnight (Cr) 12.26.21; 3. Becker (L) 12:32.52; 4. Hofmeister (U) 12:37.88.

4x400: 1. Crestwood (Soltisz, Thut, Sorrick, Zigman) 4:10.93; 2. Girard 4:12.49; 3. Garrettsville Garfield 4:15.44; 4. Hubbard 4:21.03.

At Perry

See a game story and video from today's track meet by NEOMG reporter Scott Patsko.

How they finished: 1. Beaumont 79; 2. Orange 60.5; 3. Chagrin Falls 58.5; 4. Kirtland 57; 5. Beachwood 53; 6. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 46; T7. Perry 40; T7. Wickliffe 40; 9. Conneaut 31; 10. Jefferson Area 25; 11. Hawken 21; 12. Ashtabula Edgewood 19; 13. Grand Valley 15.

Pole vault: 1. Sutyak (Perry) 9-0; 2. Schlachter (Orange) 9-9; 3. Ma (Orange) 8-9; 4. Kostelec (Chagrin Falls) 8-0.

Long jump: 1. Frandanisa (NDCL) 16-5; 2. Roush (Chagrin Falls) 16-1; 3. Gielink (Beaumont) 16-0.5; 4. Riedthaler (Wickliffe) 16-0.5.

Discus: 1. Cole (Conneaut) 103-00; 2. Sunmonu (Perry) 99-02; 3. Porter (Wickliffe) 97-02; 4. Farley (Beachwood) 97-00.

100 hurdles: 1. Harris (Orange) 14.93; 2. Straus (Kirtland) 15.50; 3. Gielink (Beaumont) 15.85; 4. Harding (NDCL) 16.95.

Chris Weidman and Andre Arlovski victories highlight action at UFC 187.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Heading into UFC 187, there was a lot of hype that this would be one of the better UFC pay per views of 2015, and that proved to be the case.

With two championship belts on the line, the fans were in store for a great night, and that is what they got.

Here is a look at some of the highlights from the fight.

Chris Weidman backs up his promise from the weigh-ins

The fight between Weidman and Vitor Belfort has been in the makings for 16 months, as the two have had to pull out various times due to Weidman having an injury.

On Friday at the weigh-ins, Weidman got into Belfort's face during the staredown, and promised to end the fight early.

He did just that on Saturday night, as he withstood an early flurry from Belfort to keep his middleweight championship belt.

Weidman, one of the best wrestlers in the sport, was able to take Belfort to the ground midway through the first round. Once he was able to do that, it was over as he started to drop elbows and punches on Belfort, forcing referee Herb Dean to call the fight with 2:07 remaining in the round.

Long Island stand up !!!!!!!!!!! @ChrisWeidmanUFC

 

-- Tobias Harris (@tobias31) May 24, 2015

Andrei Arlovksi wins thrilling fight against former roommate, Travis Browne

Just a few years ago, Arlovski and Browne were teammates living together. On Saturday night, they were fighting to see who would move up the heavyweight ladder, and they delivered a thriller.

Arlovski won the fight with just 20 seconds remaining in the first round, but both fighters had their moments when they were delivering vicious strikes.

Midway through the round, Arlovski appeared to be in control, but Browne recovered with a vicious left hook that momentarily stunned Arlovski.

However, it was just stalling the inevitable, as Arlovski once again got on the attack, and forced the referee to call the fight.

After the match, UFC analyst Joe Rogan said it was one of the best rounds in the heavyweight class that he had ever seen.

Best round in heavyweight history @ufc #UFC187

-- Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) May 24, 2015

Daniel Cormier wins the light heavyweight belt in convincing fashion

When Jon Jones was suspended by the UFC, that opened up an opportunity for either Cormier or Anthony Johnson for a chance at the belt. While Johnson came out swinging, Cormier was just too much in the end.

The former college wrestler at Oklahoma State, Cormier used Johnson's aggressiveness against him. At the beginning of each round, Johnson came looking for the knockout, and each time, Cormier was able to take him to the ground and wear him out.

In the third round, Cormier once again took Johnson to the ground, and this time was able to force him to tap to win the belt.

After the match, Cormier told Jones to get things figured out, and that he was ready for him.

That man Daniel Cormier once spotted me on bench, as I was working out in #AKA in San Jose. Legend, and his time is now!! #UFC187

-- Ty Powell (@tytan9) May 24, 2015

Donald Cerrone shows why he is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC

Very few fighters in the UFC are as beloved by the fans as Donald Cerrone, and he showed that on Saturday night in a victory against John Makdessi.

Cerrone, who had a huge reach advantage in this fight, established the pace early by delivering body kicks.

In the second round, Cerrone was able to connect with a knee to the jaw that really injured Makdessi. While he tried to battle, it would not matter as Cerrone connected with another kick to Makdessi's jaw, this time breaking it.

Cerrone has won his last eight fights, and could be in line for a lightweight championship fight against Rafael dos anjos.

This is what success looks like @AndreiArlovski @Cowboycerrone #UFC187 pic.twitter.com/d3b1sQHqFF

-- John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) May 24, 2015

The Cleveland Gladiators are held to just six points in the second half and fall to the host San Jose SaberCats, 70-58.

SAN JOSE, California -- The Cleveland Gladiators ran into the most potent team in the Arena Football League here Saturday and lost, 70-58, to the San Jose SaberCats.

San Jose remains perfect at 8-0, while the Gladiators fall to 5-4.

The Gladiators had jumped ahead, 21-14, after one period, then exploded for 31 points in the second quarter and led, 52-42, at the half. But they were held to just one touchdown in the second half, that coming with just four seconds remaining.

SaberCats quarterback Erik Meyer completed 30 of 41 passes for 406 yards and nine touchdowns. Receiver Reggie Gray caught 14 passes for 201 yards and five touchdowns.

Shane Austin threw for seven touchdowns for the Gladiators, completing 28 of 49 passes for 326 yards.

Collin Taylor led Cleveland's receivers with 11 catches for 152 yards and four touchdowns. Dominick Goodman had nine catches for 54 yards, while Amarri Jackson had three receptions, all for touchdowns, totaling 61 yards

The Gladiators play host to Orlando on Friday at 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

The loss of Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving's struggles have not shaken LeBron James' belief in the Cavs to win a championship.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - When the Cavaliers stood pat at the trade deadline in February, LeBron James said it was OK.

He believed then that his team -- which was on its way to the NBA's best record over the second half -- was good enough to compete for a championship.

Guess what? He still believes that now, even with no Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving battling a knee injury and the Cavs needing just two more wins to reach the NBA Finals against a Western opponent (likely Golden State) that would be favored.

"I think with the pieces we had, I felt like, if we continued to get better, we could compete for a championship," James said Saturday at the team's practice facility. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals is Sunday at The Q. The Cavs hold a commanding 2-0 lead over the Atlanta Hawks.

"I really truly believe that, and I've always preached that around here," James said. "If we work our championship habits both on and off the floor, we give ourselves the best possible chance to compete. Obviously, I still think that today."

James' primary reasons for confidence: the Cavs haven't missed a step without Love or Irving - at least Irving is "questionable" to return Sunday after missing Game 2. Friday. The Cavs have won 10 of 12 playoff games thus far with the next two at home, and are getting contributions nightly from Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and Matthew Dellavedova.

Also, the Cavs defend now, better than they ever did during the regular season. They're giving up 91.4 points per game in the playoffs (a league low) and are second in the NBA in opponent's field goal percentage in the postseason. The insertion of Thompson and Shumpert into the starting lineup has accelerated Cleveland's defensive progression and has mitigated the Hawks' ball-moving, high-octane offensive scheme.

The bottom line, though, is that that all of this is happening without Love (gone since Game 4 against Boston, two series ago, with season-ending shoulder surgery) and with Irving struggling. James left behind a Big Three in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh that was getting older, slower, and progressively less healthy, particularly in Wade's case.

Before James went to Miami, where he won two titles and played in four consecutive Finals, he had considerably less to work with on the Cavs. Without a healthy Love or Irving to count on, James might've again felt that helpless feeling of having to do it all on his own. But he's not feeling it. He's changed.

James isn't guaranteeing a championship for Cleveland -- he hasn't since he came home in July -- but he isn't backing off his bullishness about this team despite some clear obstacles.

"Even in the past, mentally I just wasn't who I am today," he said. "I wasn't ... My mind, my hard drive, wasn't as big as it is today, in the past. That's all it comes from. I'm able to handle a lot of situations that I wasn't able to handle at 24 and 25 and 23 years old. I just tried to do it by just playing the game of basketball, just going out and just playing.

"That's such a small dosage of what the game is all about. I think the mental side is way more important than the physical and going out and playing basketball."

James is dominating the Hawks, averaging 30.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in this series. For the playoffs, James is averaging 27.2 points, 9.9 boards, and 8.8 assists - all above his regular season averages.

"He's a very driven and committed and intelligent guy with the goal of going about his business and leading his teammates as one who's been there and gone through it before, and I think that you couldn't ask for more from a leader and you certainly couldn't ask for more from a player," Cavs coach David Blatt said.

"What I see is a guy that understands the moment and that handles it in a way that allows him to function at the highest level," Blatt said.

The Indians, for the second straight week, moved up in the the MLB power rankings of from No.26 to No.23.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -The St. Louis Cardinals held onto the top spot in this week's MLB power rankings, but the pressure is building from underneath their penthouse.

The Royals are making another run at their intrastate rivals. Detroit and Tampa Bay are looking to move up as well. But the most pressure is coming from the Washington Nationals. The Nationals were just about everyone's preseason pick to win the World Series, but they started slowly and poorly and are just now recovering.

Powered by Bryce Harper's bat, the Nationals have won six straight and eight of their last 10 games.

The Giants are making a push back toward the top of the rankings as well. All this upheaval should make for some interesting movement in the weeks to come. (All stats are through Friday).

No. 1. St. Louis Cardinals.

Last week: No.1.

Record: 27-15.

Manager Mike Matheny.

What gives: The Royals were shut out on Thursday by the Mets and on Friday by the Royals. They left 13 runners on base Friday.

No.2. Kansas City Royals.

Last week: No.3.

Record: 27-14.

Manager: Ned Yost.

What gives: Kendrys Morales, who drove in 42 runs last year for the Twins and Mariners, already has 37 this season for the Royals.

No. 3. Detroit Tigers.

Last week: No. 4.

Record 26-17.

Manager: Brad Ausmus.

What gives: Justin Verlander, who has been on the disabled list since the start of the season with a right triceps injury, will throw a simulated game this week.

No. 4. Los Angeles Dodgers

Last week: No.2

Record: 25-16.

Manager: Don Mattingly.

What gives: The Dodgers were swept in a three-game series by the Giants and have lost six of their last nine games. First place in the NL West has turned into a hot seat.

No. 5. Washington Nationals.

Last week: No.11.

Record: 25-17.

Manager Matt Williams.

What gives: The Nationals have won six straight and Bryce Harper has hit 11 homers in his last 16 games.

No. 6. Houston Astros.

Last week: No. 6.

Record: 27-16.

Manager: A.J. Hinch.

What gives: After going 15-7 in April, the Astros have maintained their lead in the AL West by going winning 13 of their first 22 games in May.

No. 7. Minnesota Twins.

Last week: No.7.

Record: 23-18.

Manager: Paul Molitor.

What gives: Ricky Nolasco is 4-0, but has an ERA over 6.00 since coming off the disabled list.

No. 8. Tampa Bay Rays.

Last week: No.9.

Record: 24-19

Manager: Kevin Cash.

What gives: The Rays moved into first place last week despite sending 14 players to the disabled list this season.

No.9. Chicago Cubs.

Last week: No.8.

Record: 23-18.

Manager: Joe Maddon.

What gives:  This is the Cubs best start since 2008.   

No. 10. New York Yankees.

Last week: No.5.

Record:22-20.

Manager: Joe Girardi.

What gives:  The Yankees have lost eight of the last nine games to fall out of first place in the AL East. Before that, they were on an 18-6 hot streak.

No. 11. San Francisco.

Last week: No.13.

Record: 24-18.

No. 12  . New York Mets.

Last week: No. 10.

Record: 24-19.

No. 13. Los Angeles Angels.

Last week: No. 15.

Record: 22-20.

No. 14.. San Diego Padres.

Last week: No.12.

Record: 20-23.

No. 15. Chicago White Sox.

Last week: No.19.

Record: 19-20.

No. 16. Arizona Diamondbacks.

Last week: 20-210.

Record: 20-21.

No. 17. Atlanta Braves

Last week: No.21.

Record: 20-21.

No. 18: Baltimore Orioles.

Last week: No.22.

Record: 19-20.

No. 19. Seattle Mariners.

Last week: No.20

Record: 19-22.

No. 20. Boston Red Sox.

Last week: No. 16.

Record: 19-23.

No. 21. Pittsburgh Pirates.

Last week: No.17.

Record: 19-22.

No. 22. Toronto Blue Jays.

Last week: 18.

Record: 19-25.

No. 23. Indians.

Last week: 26.

Record:18-23.

What gives: The Indians are finally headed into the right direction. Their starting pitching is producing and they're scoring runs enough runs to try and escape a poor start. How long will it last?

No. 24: Cincinnati Reds.

Last week: No.14.

Record: 18-23.

No.25. Texas Rangers.

Last week: No.25

Record: 19-23.

No. 26. Philadelphia Phillies.

Last week: No.27.

Record: 18-26.

No. 27. Milwaukee Brewers.

Last week: No.29.

Record: 16-27.

No. 28. Colorado Rockies.

Last week: No.28.

Record: 15-24.

No. 29. Miami Marlins.

Last week: No.24.

Record: 16-27.

No. 30. Oakland Athletics.

Last week: No.30.

Record: 14-30.

Has your Eastern Conference finals prediction set before the series began changed now that the Cavaliers lead 2-0? Vote in a poll.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - How confident are you feeling about the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference finals entering Game 3 Sunday night?

Are you thinking sweep after the Cavs took both road games for a 2-0 lead over the Atlanta Hawks with the next two games at The Q? Or do you believe there are bound to be some setbacks before it's all said and done? Or maybe too much struggle among Cleveland's pro sports teams in the playoffs prevents you from becoming overconfident.

We want to know -- has your Eastern Conference finals prediction changed in light of the Cavaliers taking a 2-0 lead in the series?

Vote in the poll below on which team you think will win the series, and in how many games.

In the comments section located at the bottom of this page we invite you to share how your prediction has changed, if at all, and why. And tell everyone why you made a certain prediction.

Look for a similar poll after every game in the series and see what kinds of feelings are trending among fans throughout the conference finals.

After the Cavs opened with a 1-0 lead Wednesday night, a poll on cleveland.com showed an abundance of confidence. As of Saturday night, 36 percent of 1,566 votes have the Cavaliers winning the series, 4-1. Another 36 percent picked the Cavs to win, 4-2. Eighteen percent thought a sweep was in the works.

How much will confidence soar now that the Cavs lead 2-0?

Game 3 tips off tonight at 8:30 p.m. and can be seen on TNT.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wants upgrades to The Q before Cleveland lands All-Star Weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the only thing that would prevent the city of Cleveland from hosting an NBA All-Star game is failing to make improvements to Quicken Loans Arena.

"They've expressed interest in it and we're waiting for them to get the additional work done on the building," Silver told Northeast Ohio Media Group during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The commissioner wouldn't expound upon the enhancements required to land the event.

The Q -- which opened in 1994 -- is the ninth oldest arena in the league.

Teams were made aware that up-to-date technological standards are exceedingly imperative to even being considered.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission submitted a bid to host the 2018 NBA All-Star game. The last time the city held the mid-season extravaganza was in 1997.

"We're very excited about returning to Cleveland at some point for an All-Star game," Silver said. "We know [Cavaliers' owner] Dan Gilbert would very much like it to happen and I think it's just a function of when. Making sure that the timing is right in terms of the upgrades to the building."

Toronto will host the All-Star game in 2016, leaving vacant slots for 2017 and 2018. Silver says ideally it's his preference to announce the wining bidder approximately two years in advance.

He said the Cavaliers know where they stand in the process.

"It really comes down to when are the upgrades going to made to the arena," Silver reiterated.

The Cavaliers are proposing a multimillion-dollar renovation project that would enlarge the facilities' footprint to increase the maximum occupancy the building can hold. There are also other enrichment blueprints in the works, but it sounds as if the county's involvement is critical to getting it all accomplished.

Once executed and the league finds everything to be up to standards, Silver sees no reason why Cleveland wouldn't be a prime destination for All-Star Weekend.

"It's a wonderful city to be in," he said. "One of my sisters lives in Cleveland. I love the market. I think there's no doubt we'll be back there for an All-Star game."

Gilbert says he is optimistic everything will work out and added that the excitement level would be through the roof.

"The city of Cleveland would embrace it," Gilbert told NEOMG. "They deserve to have it. We have the best fans in the NBA. We're going to do whatever is in our power to make it happen."

When and where to watch today's Indy 500.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Race Day for the 2015 Indianapolis 500 will include the traditional and the new, right down to the singing of "Back Home in Indiana." However, it will not be done by Jim Nabors. It will be sung instead by "Straight No Chaser." But Florence Henderson is still around to sing "God Bless America." As for "The National Anthem," it will be delivered by Jordin Sparks.

Today's TV schedule: For the 51st straight year, the Indianapolis 500 will be televised by ABC (WEWS, Ch. 5). Here's the schedule:

• 11 A.M. - Broadcast begins
• 11:37 - Driver Introductions
• 11:48 - "America the Beautiful"
• 11:52 - "God Bless America"
• 11:59 - Invocation
• 12:02 - Taps
• 12:04 - National Anthem/Flyover (A-10C "Warthog' Thunderbolt, Indiana Air National Guard).
• 12:06 "Drivers to your Cars"
• 12:10 - "Back Home Again in Indiana"
• 12:15 - "Start your engines" ... Parade Laps
• 12:21 - Green Flag, 99th Indianapolis 500

Updates on cleveland.com: You can get updates throughout the race, starting with the first lap and every 50 laps afterward in the 200-lap event, then complete race wrap and analysis later in the day.

On the track: Drivers James Jakes and Sage Karam will each be wearing a special sensor on the left side of their chests, near the base of the heart, during the race. Readings from this sensor will be part of the cars telemetry and ABC will be able to show the data on TV. The sensor will record heart and respiration rate as well as calories burned at any time during the race.

Tidbits: There are five former Indy 500 winners in the race: Juan Montoya (1999); Helio Castroneves (2000, 2001, 2007); Scott Dixon (2008); Tony Kanaan (2013);  Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014) ... There are two rookies in the race: Gabriel (Gabby) Chavez and Stefano Coletti ... There are two women in the race: Simona de Silvestro and Pippa Mann ... There are 11 Americans in the 33-car field, the first on the grid being No. 8 Marco Andretti ... There are 11 countries represented including Switzerland, Spain and Japan with Colombia (4) England (3) and Australia (3) leading the way.

Latest weather: Mostly cloudy, 72 degrees; 56 percent humidity, 6 percent chance of rain.

Defending winner: Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Pole sitter: Scott Dixon (226.760 mph)

Elton Alexander's pick: Will Power

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Sunday's series finale between Cleveland and Cincinnati. Yan Gomes is batting seventh.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Sunday's series finale between Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Pitching matchup: Trevor Bauer (3-1, 3.31 ERA) vs. Raisel Iglesias (1-0, 3.94 ERA)

Lineup

Indians 

1. 2B Jason Kipnis

2. 1B Carlos Santana

3. CF Michael Brantley

4. RF Brandon Moss

5. LF David Murphy

6. DH Nick Swisher

7. C Yan Gomes

8. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall

9. SS Mike Aviles

Reds

1. 2B Brandon Phillips

2. LF Skip Schumaker

3. 1B Joey Votto

4. 3B Todd Frazier

5. RF Jay Bruce

6. C Brayan Pena

7. DH Marlon Byrd

8. CF Brennan Boesch

9. SS Kristopher Negron

Avon quarterback Jake Sopko has verbally committed to continue his football career at the University of Cincinnati.

AVON, Ohio – Avon quarterback Jake Sopko has verbally committed to continue his football career at the University of Cincinnati.

Sopko announced the decision on his public Twitter account.

Officially committed to further my academic and athletic career at the University of Cincinnati! #Bearcats 🏈🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/BoVOR8xPgX

— Jake Sopko (@soppyboy88) May 22, 2015

Sopko passed for 2,864 yards and 24 touchdowns last season as a junior. It was his first full season as a starter after splitting time as a sophomore.

Cincinnati was the first school to offer Sopko a scholarship. It was extended after he visited the Bearcats in February. He also had an offer from Buffalo.

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko on Twitter (@ScottPatsko) by email(spatsko@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ranking NBA's all-time top 25 playoff scoring leaders for both points and points per game. Michael Jordan is No. 1 in both points scored and average points. LeBron James is seventh for points, fourth for assists and 20th for rebounds all-time in the NBA playoffs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James needs 16 points to tie Moses Malone for sixth-place all-time in NBA playoff scoring, and also ranks in the top 20 for both assists and rebounds.

James eventually could become the top scorer all-time in the playoffs as, at age 30, he is nearly 80 percent of the way to Michael Jordan's record of 5,987 points.

James has 4,745 points through 170 games, seventh on the all-time list behind Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan and Karl Malone. (See top 25 list below.)

In points per game, however, James is not close to matching Jordan's postseason production. Jordan is No. 1 all-time with 33.4 points a game in the playoffs.

Among players with at least 50 postseason games, James ranks fifth at 27.9, behind Jordan, Allen Iverson, Jerry West and Kevin Durant.

James also ranks high in other categories:

• He is fourth in playoff assists with 1,115, behind only Magic Johnson (2,346), John Stockton (1,839) and Jason Kidd (1,263).

• He is 20th in rebounds with 1,451. Bill Russell (4,104), Wilt Chamberlain (3,913) and Duncan (2,811) are the leaders.

All-time NBA playoff scoring leaders

Minimum of 50 games.

Apply now for a chance to play in the fifth annual Summer Solstice Golf Challenge at Hickory Nut. Deadline is May 29.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - What's better than free golf, and free food and drinks?

We've got you covered with the return of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Summer Solstice Golf Challenge, which returns for a fifth year on Friday, June 19 at Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station.

We are seeking at least six area golfers to play in the sunup-to-sundown Challenge to see how many holes they can complete.

Scroll down to access the short contest entry form. Golfers have until Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. to apply for a spot in the contest. The biggest criteria is telling us why we should select you. All greens fees and riding carts, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided free to the winners.

Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station is sponsoring the fifth annual Summer Solstice Golf Challenge on June 19. Scroll down to apply for the free contest.Hickory Nut 

Last year's foursomes played a combined 174 holes - 101 by one team and 73 by another team (see pictures in slideshow). Think you can top that? Tell us why in your application.

Also, we want to make this a golf event for many more people, not just the six players chosen to compete in the Challenge.

Hickory Nut will offer additional spots to play in the Challenge for a fee. The spots will be selected from the pool of applicants not chosen as one of six contest winners. Players chosen will be contacted in June.

Here are the full details on entering the free contest:

What, when, where: We are looking for six golfers from Northeast Ohio to play Friday, June 19 in the 16-hour Summer Solstice Golf Challenge at Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station. (We realize the summer solstice is June 21 but we wanted to avoid holding the contest on a weekend when courses are jammed).

Hours: Players will golf from sunup to sundown -- roughly 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

It's free for contest winners: All greens fees and riding carts will be covered, in addition to food and non-alcoholic drinks for the six contest winners.

How to enter contest: Fill out the form below. The most important factor is telling us why we should select you to participate. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. The six winners will be chosen in June.

Jason Kipnis doubled home the winning run in the eighth inning Saturday as the Indians beat Cincinnati for their fifth straight victory.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians don't want to spoil Corey Kluber. They're trying to keep him humble.

He came into Saturday's game with the lowest runs support in the big leagues at 2.19 runs per game. That won't change much following the Indians' 2-1 victory over the Reds on Saturday afternoon at Progressive Field, but at least Kluber was credited with the victory.

Jason Kipnis made sure of that when he doubled home Michael Bourn from first base with one out in the eighth inning off Tony Cingrani for the winning run. The Indians have won a season-high five straight games, while the Reds have lost seven straight.

Kluber (2-5, 3.49) alllowed one run on nine hits in eight innings. In his last three starts, Kluber has allowed two runs and one walk with 37 strikeouts in 25 innings.

Manager Terry Francona said he was going to send Kluber out for the ninth -- he threw only 102 pitches -- but Kluber felt a twinge in his right hamstring. Closer Cody Allen came out and retired the Reds in order for his ninth save.

The Indians struggled against Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani before finally tying the score in the sixth.

Kipnis started the rally with a two-out single that Jay Bruce couldn't hold in right field. After Carlos Santana walked, David Murphy singled through the middle to make it 1-1.

DeSclafani faced the minimum through 3 1/3 innings before Santana doubled to the wall in right. Brandon Moss drew a leadoff walk in the second, but was erased on a double-play ball by Nick Swisher.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead against Kluber in the second on Zack Cozart's sacrifice fly.

Bruce hit a leadoff single and went to third on Brayan Pena's double to right. Cozart followed with a fly ball to right.

DeSclafani allowed one run on three hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two.

The Indians, after losing the Battle of Ohio last year, have a 2-0 lead this season over the Reds.

Overall the Indians have won eight of their last 11 games. They're 12-9 in May after going 7-14 in April.

Slapping leather

Santana helped Kluber escape trouble in the fourth following a leadoff double by Bruce.

Santana grabbed a bouncer by Pena and fired to third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to get Bruce trying to advance.

Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton stole an extra base hit from shortstop Jose Ramirez with a diving catch in left center field to end the fifth.

Slapping leather II

The Indians had runners on second and third with two out in the sixth. They'd just tied the score, 1-1, when Moss sent a liner toward the right field corner. Before it cleared the infiedl, however, first baseman Joe Votto, playing near the line, made a leaping catch to end the inning.

Quick exit

Reds manager Bryan Price didn't get to see a pitch thrown in person Saturday. He was ejected at the home plate meeting where lineup cards are exchanged before the game.

Crew chief Jim Reynolds did the ejection. Price and the Reds players were upset Friday night by Manny Gonzalez's work behind the plate, but it's not known if that was the cause of the ejection.

It was Price's second ejection of the season.

He's out

Catcher Roberto Perez threw out Hamilton trying to steal second base in the seventh inning for the second out. Hamilton injured his hand when he hit the foot of Ramirez, who was coming over from short to cover the bag. Hamilton stayed in the game.

Hamilton came into the game leading the big leagues with 17 steals.

Perez was 1-for-2 on Saturday and 2-for-2 Friday night throwing out runners.

Take a bow

SportsTime Ohio analyst Rick Manning, former Gold Glove center fielder for the Indians, was honored before the game on the 40-year anniversary of his big league debut with the Indians.

Manning was 20 when he broke in with the Tribe.

There was a video tribute with messages from former teamates Duane Kuiper, Gaylord Perry and Paul Molitor. Manning and Molitor were teammates in Milwaukee.

Mike Hargrove, Lenny Barker and Joe Charboneau, three more of Manning's teammates, took part in the pregame ceremonies on the field.

Thanks for coming

The Reds and Indians drew 27,315 to Progressive Field on Saturday. It was the second largest home crowd of the season.

What happens next?

Cincinnati's RHP Raisel Iglesias (1-0, 3.95) will face RHP Trevor Bauer (3-1, 3.31) on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. at Progressive Field in the series finale. Iglesias is replacing John Cueto, who has been given some extra rest because of a stiff right elbow.

Bauer has struck out 17 while allowing two runs in his last two starts. He's 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in one start against the Reds.

Iglesias will be making his fifth appearance and third start. He's allowed seven runs and 14 hits in 16 innings. He's struck out 11 and walked six.

Get ready for a rollout all summer as we pick the top 50 players in the conference.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State will be the best football team in the Big Ten in 2015 - so everyone thinks.

The defending National Champion will return 14 starters, three star quarterbacks, a Heisman favorite at running back and a potential overall No. 1 NFL Draft pick at defensive end.

Michigan State will be a top 10 team at the start of the season. Wisconsin will hang around the top 25. Penn State will be better. Michigan will be Harbaugh-y.

But when you break down the teams, and look at the players, how does everyone compare?

We took a shot at answering that. Over the rest of the offseason, through the Big Ten media days in late July and right into the start of preseason camp in August, the Northeast Ohio Media Group will dish out its version of the top 50 Big Ten football players for the 2015 season.

The list leans heavily on past performance but also takes some guesses as to how players will fare in the fall. This is an attempt to reflect the best players you'll see on the field for the 14 Big Ten teams in 2015.

Many of them will be Buckeyes. You'll have to wait to see just how many, and where they land, but we can tell you there are a lot in the top 25.

To come up with our list, Bill Landis, Ari Wasserman and I ate wings, and then Ari and Bill went to play softball. But before that discussion, which took several hours, we consulted writers from around the Big Ten, analyzed the returning award winners and then filled in the gaps the best we could. Worth noting - of the 24 first-team All-Big Ten picks by the coaches last season, only nine are back, and that includes both the punter and kicker.

So the league is looking for a lot of new stars.

As we move along, tell us what you think of the growing list. Who we missed. Who we added and shouldn't have. How the order should be different.

Between the top 50, the Bill Landis ongoing breakdown of the top 10 Heisman Trophy challengers to Ezekiel Elliott, a running analysis of the Buckeyes' regular-season schedule (and what the chances are Ohio State could lose each game) and our usual range of OSU stories, we'll have something for you every day between now and early August.

And now, get ready for No. 50. He'll be dropping Monday as well. 

He's not a Buckeye. But a lot of the remaining 49 will be.

LeBron James rebounded from a poor start to lift the Cavaliers over the Hawks and give Cleveland a 3-0 series lead. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff and CineSport's Justin Termine discuss the win.

Joey Morona, Northeast Ohio Media Group 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James rebounded from a poor start to lift the Cavaliers over the Hawks and give Cleveland a 3-0 series lead. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff and CineSport's Justin Termine discuss the win and Al Horford's ejection in the second quarter.