The Cleveland Gladiators fall to 7-7 after dropping a 74-41 decision to the Jacksonville Sharks.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- The Cleveland Gladiators committed six turnovers in falling to the Jacksonville Sharks, 74-41, in an Arena Football League game Saturday at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Stadium.

With the loss, the Gladiators fall to 7-7 on the season, while Jacksonville improved to 7-6, winning six of its last seven games.

Quarterback Shane Austin was intercepted three times, twice in the end zone, and the Gladiators also lost two fumbles. Austin completed 16 of 25 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Backup Chris Dieker replaced Austin in the fourth quarter and completed 8 of 12 for 61 yards with one touchdown, one interception and one fumble.

Jacksonville's LaRoch Jackson and Alvin Jackson each scored a touchdown on recovered onside kick attempts by the Gladiators.

Sharks quarterback Tommy Grady picked the Gladiators apart, completing 23 of 26 passes for 284 yards and seven touchdowns.

Anthony Johnson caught seven passes for 141 yards and four touchdowns and Londo Crawford caught nine for 101 and one touchdown.

Collin Taylor led Cleveland receivers with eight catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns. Thyron Lewis had seven catches for 120 yards and Amarri Jackson had seven for 67 yards. Jackson also had a 58-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Jacksonville scored on its first two possessions and was never headed, although the Gladiators did get close a couple times. The Sharks led, 20-7, after one period and 26-14 at the half. Jacksonville then outscored the Gladiators in the third quarter, 34-26, and 28-14 in the fourth.

The Gladiators get a week to rest as the AFL shuts down next weekend, but then must travel to first-place Philadelphia on July 11.

After trading their first draft pick of the night it was finally time. The Cleveland Cavaliers were on the clock, ready to make a selection, one that would belong to them.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After trading their first draft pick of the night it was finally time. The Cleveland Cavaliers were on the clock, ready to make a selection, one that would belong to them.

They had entered the draft in search of more help on the wing with Shawn Marion set to retire, Mike Miller being ineffective and James Jones becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer. Point guard was another target, especially with Matthew Dellavedova being one of three restricted free agents and Kyrie Irving recovering from a fractured left kneecap.

But the point guard position pool had been cleaned out, prompting general manager David Griffin to turn somewhere else.

That's when NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum made the surprising announcement.

Cedi Osman. Small forward. Turkey.

"Cedi Osman is a player that I believe in immensely as a human being as well as a player," Griffin said following Thursday night's draft. "I think his skill set suits us very, very well in terms of his athleticism, ability to play in transition and his ability to slash as an athlete."

The Cavs started the night with pick No. 24, but traded the draft rights of Duke point guard Tyus Jones to the Minnesota Timberwolves for pair of second rounders in 2015, one that turned into Osman, as well as a 2019 second rounder.

"We were trying to be strategic obviously and big-picture oriented," Griffin said of the decision to trade the first rounder. "In order for us to take somebody that was going to be better than a veteran that may want to come here, they have to be able to contribute right away."

Jones, the 19-year-old lead guard, wasn't going to make that immediate impact. The Cavs decided no one else was going to either.

"There were guys if they had fallen we would have taken," Griffin admitted. "It was a smaller group probably this year than most because we had to be absolutely certain."

Making a pick at that spot in the first round would've cost around $1.1 million in salary, but about $5 million after cap taxes. Wanting to avoid that, the Cavs traded out of their original position and assuaged the cap holds and guaranteed contracts that accompany first-round selections.

The shrewd maneuver dropped the Cavs to the first pick of Round Two and led them to Osman.

They were drawn to his versatility, something the team values after seeing it become Golden State's trademark during the NBA Finals. At 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, with terrific vision and unique playmaking ability, Osman can play a few different positions.

But it will be at least two years, according to Griffin, until the Cavs will see those alluring skills in Wine and Gold.

"Other than the lottery picks that were taken (Kristaps Porzingis and Mario Hezonja), he was by far the player we valued the most in Europe," Griffin said. "Somebody that we think we're going to grow with in a very positive way. This is something we look at two years from now, we would never be able to get a player of this caliber in the draft if we're playing at an elite level."

The draft-and-stash approach is nothing new. The Bulls, an East roadblock, made a similar move in 2011 with Nikola Mirotic, a Euroleague rising star at the time.

Even though Chicago knew he was going to stay overseas, it traded for his rights on draft night anyway, hoping to eventually profit. That time arrived this past season as Mirotic finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, and after averaging 10.2 points per game, the 24-year-old forward looks to be a new member of Chicago's core.

It will take patience and development for the Cavaliers to net the same reward.

Osman, 20, spent last season playing for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish Basketball League first division. He was selected to the All-Star Game after averaging 8.5 points on 43 percent shooting, a number that needs to increase.

"He's somebody who has a shot that's on the come," Griffin said. "It's certainly not broken to any degree at all, but he's somebody whose shot is going to continue to grow and evolve."

It doesn't always look like a sophisticated piece of art. But underneath an unpolished canvas lies a talented youngster who plays the game with a non-stop motor and infectious aggression. He hustles, dives for loose balls, fights for position on the offensive glass and sprints from end to end. Always willing to do the little things, Osman is like Tristan Thompson, but on the wing.

The Cavs clearly believe in the Turkish sensation, even thinking he has the tools to be the best wing player in Europe in a few years. But when assembling the roster, Griffin and his staff aren't only focused on talent. Blending into Cleveland's winning culture is essential and Osman leading Turkey to the gold medal at the U20 European Championships in Greece while being named the MVP is part of the appeal. So, too, is his love of the game.

After developing the passion at a young age, something instilled by his mother who was also a basketball player, Osman was discovered by the staff from Anadolu Efes in Istanbul. He signed a youth team contract in 2007 when he was 13 years old. A few years later, Osman was invited to the Jordan Brand Classic Invitational, where he played alongside reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and Hezonja, who was selected fifth overall in this year's draft.

Last summer, Osman played for the Turkish National Team at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball, an unusual honor for a 19-year-old kid.

"He reminds me a great deal, as a person, of Goran Dragic," Griffin said. "This kid is about all of the right stuff and he's going to be about winning basketball games before and after everything else. He's about that now."

It was seven years ago when Griffin, with the Suns at the time, helped acquire Dragic, an unknown point guard who had just helped his team win the Slovenian League Championship.

It took Dragic a few years to find his NBA footing, but has blossomed into a high-level point guard, winning the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2014.

That's Griffin's comparison. As for Osman, he watches the NBA as much as he can and likes Dirk Nowitzki. However, since he views himself as a small forward, Osman wants to play like Kevin Durant one day, something he mentioned during an interview last September. That's quite ambitious.

When talking with the Cavs during the draft process, Osman used a more realistic comparison: Houston Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza.

Dragic. Nowitzki. Durant. Ariza. Osman will set his sights high because that internal belief has already led him from Macedonia to Bosnia to Turkey. And now to being selected by the Cavs in the NBA Draft.

"This is a player I feel really confident in," Griffin said. "We feel Cedi is going to contribute more two years from now than anybody was going to be able to contribute right away."

LeBron James faces a Monday deadline on his player option. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff explains to CineSport's Justin Termine why LeBron should be more active as the face of the franchise.

Joey Morona, Northeast Ohio Media Group 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James faces a Monday deadline on his player option. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff explains to CineSport's Justin Termine why LeBron should be more active as the face of the franchise.

A.J. Almendinger continues to bring his NASCAR career back to life qualifying on the pole for the road course race in Sonoma, California.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A.J. Almendinger, one of several NASCAR drivers who switched over from the IndyCar ranks, showed off his open-wheel chops during qualifying for Sunday's Toyota-Save Mart 350 on the rare NASCAR road race circuit in Sonoma, California.

The race is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Fox Sports I, with broadcast coverage beginning at 2 p.m. You can follow the race here on NASCAR's live scoreboard.

Almendinger is on the pole, but also in the top 10 on the starting grid is Tony Stewart, who also began his career racing without fenders. Another prime contender in the top 5 is Jeff Gordon, who has five career wins at Sonoma and is looking for his first win of the season.

For Almendinger, this is just another successful notch on his belt since being suspended from NASCAR in 2012 after failing a substance test. He raced one season in open wheel after that then returned to NASCAR, where he has been rebuilding his name and reputation ever since.

Last year Almendinger started on the front row for the Sonoma race and led the most laps, but was taken out with 35 laps to go after contact with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Clearly a track where he races well, Almendinger will be going for another top finish.

He has not had a top 10 finish since the third race of the season.

Here's a guide to today's race:

NASCAR

TOYOTA-SAVE MART 350

Site: Sonoma, California.
Schedule: Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (Fox Sports 1, 2-6 p.m.).
Track: Sonoma Raceway (road course, 1.99 miles).
Race distance: 218.9 miles, 110 laps.
Last year: Carl Edwards raced to his first road-course victory.
Last race: Kurt Busch won the rain-shortened race at Michigan on July 14 for his second victory of the year.
The points race: There remains a tight battle for drivers trying to finish in the top 10 standings. Currently Matt Kenseth is eighth, Kasey Kahne ninth, Jeff Gordon 10th, Kurt Busch 11th and Paul Menard 12th with just 35 points separating them. Of those drivers, only Kenseth (1) and Busch (2) have won a race this season. But the strength shows in top 10 finishes where Kenseth (9), Gordon (8) and Busch (7) are strongest.
Driver to watch: How about Tony Stewart. If there is a driver who could use a shot in the arm this season, Stewart is it. The former series champ just has not fared well in 2015, sitting 26th in the standings with just one top 10 finish. Stewart is nimble enough behind the wheel on road courses with seven road-course victories, two at Sonoma, to work his magic in and out of corners. If his car is dialed in well enough, a top 10 finish is not out of the question.
Did you know: Jimmie Johnson has a series-high four victories this season. Defending series champion Kevin Harvick has won twice and leads the standings, 15 points ahead of Martin Truex Jr. ... Jeff Gordon has a series-record nine road-course wins, five at Sonoma and four at Watkins Glen.
Next race: Coke Zero 400, July 5, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Indians will play a day-night doubleheader today against the Orioles to makeup for Saturday's rainout. First game is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. The second game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

BALTIMORE -- Get live updates and chat with beat writer Paul Hoynes in the comments section below as the Indians play the Orioles at Camden Yards on Sunday in a day-night doubleheader.  The first game will feature Tribe right-hander Trevor Bauer facing Baltimore righty Ubaldo Jimenez. 

Game 73: Indians (33-39) vs. Orioles (39-34)

First pitch: 1:35 p.m. ET at Camden Yards.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

Jason Kipnis takes a 20-game hitting streak in Sunday's day-night doubleheader against the Orioles. It is tied for the fourth longest streak by an Indians' player since 1998. Casey Blake hit in 26 straight from May 20 through June 17, 2007.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Here are the lineups for the first game of Sunday's day-night doubleheader between the Indians and Orioles at Camden Yards. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.

INDIANS

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

LF Michael Brantley.

RF David Murphy.

1B Carlos Santana.

C Yan Gomes.

DH Brandon Moss.

CF Michael Bourn.

3B Giovanny Urshela.

RHP Trevor Bauer, 6-4, 3.86.

ORIOLES

3B Manny Machado.

DH Jimmy Paredes.

CF Adam Jones.

RF Chris Davis.

LF Steve Pearce.

1B Chris Parmelee.

SS J.J. Hardy.

2B Ryan Flaherty.

C Caleb Joseph.

RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, 6-3, 3.40.

While Love said as recently as May 31 that he planned to remain with the Cavaliers, doubt began to creep up when national reports surfaced that teams such as the Lakers, Celtics, Blazers and Rockets would make a run at him.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You can (probably?) breathe easier, Cavs fans, Kevin Love plans on coming back to the Cavaliers next season. That's the word from Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico, who tweeted, "Kevin Love has indicated to [the] Cavs recently he plans to return."

Questions about Love's future popped up when he opted out of his contract last week, making him a free agenct on July 1. While Love said as recently as May 31 that he planned to remain with the Cavaliers, doubt began to creep up when national reports surfaced that teams such as the Lakers, Celtics, Blazers and Rockets would make a run at him.

The thought was if Love actually visited with other teams, could they convince him to leave his seemingly ideal situation in Cleveland? Maybe? Perhaps?

No, as Cavaliers GM David Griffin indicated last week, "I think he has been very clear with what his intentions are all along."

The Cavaliers are expected to offer Love a five-year max deal worth about $100 million, The Plain Dealer reported. Or he could sign a 1-and-1 deal, giving him  the maximum salary for next year with a player option the following season.

Amico also reported the Cavaliers hope to trade Brendan Haywood and his unique $10.5 million contract quickly after July 1. That would give the Cavaliers the ability to add a player making up to about $14 million. The team acquiring Haywood could then waive him without paying him the full amount while clearing a big chunk of cap space.

LeBron opts out: As expected, LeBron James is opting out of his contract with the Cavaliers. Nobody expects him, however, to leave.

Sources say LeBron has notified the Cavs he will opt out of his contract

-- Joe Vardon (@joevardon) June 28, 2015

Sources with knowledge were asked if LeBron would take any meetings with other teams: "expect him to sign back"

-- Joe Vardon (@joevardon) June 28, 2015

Quick hits: The Clippers want him back, but DeAndre Jordan will take meetings nonetheless when free agency begins. Besides the Clips, the Mavericks, Lakers, Bucks and Knicks are in play, according to Bleacher Report

* North Carolina State guard Trevor Lacey will play for the Cavaliers summer league team in Las Vegas, according to the official Wolfpack Twitter account.

* Is there still hope for LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland? OregonLive reports Blazers GM Neil Olshey is denying reports that Aldridge definitively said he would leave Portland in free agency.

* The Lakers would be willing to trade D'Angelo Russell to the Kings for DeMarcus Cousins, Forbes reports.

* Marc Gasol has no interest in playing for the Lakers because of the way the team treated his brother, Pau, the L.A. Times reports.

* The Pacers are looking to trade center Roy Hibbert, ESPN reports. David West already plans to become a free agent, indicating a rebuild is underway in Indiana.

* One-time super sub Ben Gordon will be an unrestricted free agent after the Magic declined to pick up his option, Yahoo reports.

Rudock enters the fall in a heated quarterback competition with Shane Morris, a former five-star prospect. So there's also the possibility that he could finish his collegiate season either as a starter or a benchwarmer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The running countdown of the Northeast Ohio Media Group's top 50 Big Ten football players for the 2015 season.

No. 28, Jake Rudock, Michigan

Senior quarterback, 6-foot-3, 210 pounds

* See players No. 50 through No. 31

* See players No. 30 through No. 11

What he's done: Before Rudock transferred to Michigan after last season, he was a multi-year starter at Iowa. During that time, though, the Hawkeyes were up and down and Rudock's play was rather inconsistent. 

Though Rudock was second in the Big Ten in completion percentage and threw the fewest interceptions among starters last year, he was replaced by backup C.J. Beathard multiple times during the season. Beathard replaced Rudock in the TaxSlayer Bowl and out-performed Rudock despite the fact Iowa lost to Tennessee. 

After the season, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz named Beathard the No. 1 quarterback on the Hawkeyes' depth chart. That sparked Rudock's decision to transfer to Michigan to finish his career under first-year Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh. 

In all, Rudock threw for almost 2,500 yards, 16 touchdowns and had only five interceptions last season. The numbers weren't bad, and his experience in Big Ten football make him the front-runner to start for the Wolverines. 

How he got here: A former three-star quarterback at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, Rudock committed to Iowa as part of the Hawkeyes' 2011 recruiting class. He chose the Hawkeyes over Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and others. Now he's a graduate transfer at Michigan, which has given him instant eligibility and the chance to start for the Wolverines this year. 

What's ahead: This is the most intriguing part for Rudock, and here's how it's even fair that he's ranked ahead of Beathard, who checked in at No. 45. Rudock posted some solid numbers at Iowa despite the fact that the Hawkeyes aren't very talented. Combine that with Harbaugh's tutelage, and depending on how Michigan's season goes, Rudock has a chance to be a very intriguing player in this conference by the end of the season. 

But putting him at this point on the list comes with risk. Though he's the favorite to land as the starter -- why else would he transfer there? -- Rudock enters the fall in a heated quarterback competition with Shane Morris, a former five-star prospect. So there's also the possibility that he could finish his collegiate season on the bench or without a solidified spot. 

Elsewhere: 

* QB transfer Rudock eager to show U-M what he can do

* Iowa DE surprised by Jake Rudock's transfer decision: 'I thought he had a little more fight in him'

Former Indians' right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez won his fourth straight decision for Baltimore on Sunday with an easy victory over the Indians in the first game of a day-night doubleheader at Camden Yards.

BALTIMORE - On a hot Sunday afternoon, the Indians saw the good Ubaldo Jimenez and the not-so-good Trevor Bauer in the first game of day-night doubleheader.

Jimenez, with a history of inconsistency throughout his career, threw eight sparkling innings to lead the Orioles past the Indians, 4-0, in a quick 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Brian Matusz and Chaz Roe worked the ninth to finish the four-hit shutout.

The Indians have lost 12 of their last 18 games and are about to close the books on a brutal June which saw their offense vanish. In June the Indians have scored three or fewer runs in 16 games. This marked the third time they've been shut out in those 16 games.

The streaking Orioles have won 17 of their last 22 games.

Bauer not only fell prey to the Tribe's lack of offense, but to the power of the Orioles. Jimmy Paredes hit a two-run homer with two out in the third inning for the only runs needed to hand the Indians their 40^th loss of the season.

Manny Machado made it 3-0 with a leadoff homer in the sixth. Doubles by Paredes and Chris Davis in the same inning stretched the Orioles lead to 4-0.

Bauer (6-5, 3.96), who leads the AL with 41 walks, has allowed 10 homers this season. After Paredes' homer, Bauer retired seven straight, but couldn't maintain the pace.

Machado broke the streak when he drove a 1-2 pitch into the left field seats for his 15th homer of the season. Bauer allowed four runs on five hits in seven innings. He struck out five and walked one.

The loss gave Bauer a 0-2 record against the Orioles and a 2-3 record in June.

When Jimenez (7-3, 3.09) pitched for the Indians he was an annual contender for the dubious triple crown of pitching - walks, hit by pitches and wild pitches. The Indians did not see that Jimenez on Sunday.

What they saw was the Jimenez who led them to a wild card berth in 2013 by allowing three or fewer earned runs in his last 13 starts of the season. It was the reason the Orioles signed him to a four-year $50 million contract.

Jimenez, in seven innings, allowed four hits, struck out seven and didn't walk batter. He threw 109 pitches, 74 for strikes.

In his last four starts, Jimenez is 4-0 with a 4.86 ERA.

What it means

The Indians, 1-4 against the Orioles this season, are 9-14 in June. They are last in the AL with 66 runs this month.

The Orioles (40-34) have won three straight and eight of their last 11 games. They are 6-2 against the AL Central.

End of the line

Jason Kipnis took an 0-for-4 against Jimnez to bring his 20-game hitting streak to an end. It was the longest streak in the big leagues this year.

Among Indians hitters, it was tied for the fourth longest streak since 1998. Casey Blake led the way with a 27-game streak in 2007.

Kipnis' streak began on June 3. He hit .380 (30-for-79) in the streak.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Orioles drew a sellout crowd of 45,674 to Camden Yards on Sunday. It was the Orioles third sellout of the season.

What's next

The Indians open a four-game series against Tampa Bay on Monday night at Tropicana Field. Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson (0-0, 0.00) will face Tampa's Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28) in the series opener at 7:10. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Anderson made his big league debut against the Rays on June 21 and pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a no decision. Karns beat the Indians on June 19 at Progressive Field as he threw 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 victory.

In the rest of the series, Danny Salazar will start Tuesday, Carlos Carrasco on Wednesday and Corey Kluber on Thursday for the Tribe. Erasmo Ramirez will start Tuesday for the Rays, but they have not named starters for the last two games of the series.

Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis's hitting streak ended at 20 games on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, Md.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ubaldo Jimenez allowed four hits in eight innings and Jimmy Paredes and Manny Machado homered as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Cleveland Indians, 4-0, Sunday afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md. Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis went 0-for-4, snapping his hitting streak at 20 games.

Here is a capsule look at the game. No DVR review was necessary.

Stuck in the mud: The Indians (33-40) are going nowhere, fast.

They have dropped the first two of a three-game series that concludes Sunday night. They are 9-14 in June.

Rolling: The Orioles (40-34) have won six of seven and are 17-8 in June.

They notched the franchise's 5,000 victory since the move from St. Louis in 1954.

Good U: Former Indian Jimenez authored one of his best starts in two seasons as an Oriole. He gave up four singles, walked none and struck out seven. He threw 74 of 109 pitches for strikes. 

Jimenez recorded an out in the eighth inning for the first time this season.

This was not the same Jimenez who took the mound June 6 in Cleveland (5 IP, 6 H, R, ER, 6 BB, 5 K; 107 pitches). 

Jimenez improved to 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in seven home starts (48 IP, 11 ER).

Jimenez (7-3, 3.09 ERA) relied on a fastball/breaking pitch/off-speed combination. He changed speeds and arm angles while keeping pitches out of the middle of the plate.

Tribe batters helped Jimenez by periodically swinging at pitcher's pitches. They were 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.   

Jimenez sent a message with his second pitch of the game. He threw a fastball with serious comeback action to the inside corner against Kipnis to get ahead in the count, 0-2. Kipnis eventually struck out swinging.

Kipnis continued to struggle against Jimenez. He struck out swinging to end the third, flied to left in the sixth and grounded to second to end the eighth.

When Kipnis is uncomfortable in the box these days, the pitcher is doing work.

No enough power: Bauer (6-5, 3.96) allowed four runs on five hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out five.

Paredes and Machado homered off Bauer.

Paredes hit a two-out, two-run shot in the third to give Baltimore a 2-0 lead. He smoked a first-pitch fastball to right.

Paredes, who has been lethal with two outs and runners in scoring position this season, finished 2-for-2 with two walks after going 3-for-4 in the series opener.

Machado led off the sixth by sending a 1-2 pitch into the first row in left field to make it 3-0. He finished 2-for-4. Later in the sixth, Chris Davis had an RBI double.

Manager Terry Francona made two changes in his lineup from the first to the second game in Sunday's day-night doubleheader. Mike Aviles replaced Giovanny Urshela at third base and Roberto Perez replaced Yan Gomes at catcher.

BALTIMORE -- Here are the lineups for the second game in Sunday's day-night doubleheader between the Indians and Orioles at Camden Yards.

INDIANS

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

DH Michael Brantley.

LF David Murphy.

1B Carlos Santana.

RF Brandon Moss.

3B Mike Aviles.

CF Michael Bourn

C Roberto Perez.

RHP Toru Murata, major league debut.

ORIOLES

3B Manny Machado.

1B Chris Parmelee.

DH Jimmy Paredes.

RF Chris Davis.

C Matt Wieters.

LF Travis Snider.

SS J.J. Hardy.

2B Ryan Flaherty.

CF David Lough.

RHP Chris Tillman, 5-7, 6.22.

UMPIRES

H Ron Kulpa.

1B Vic Carapazza.

2B Brian Knight.

3B Toby Basner.

The Indians, after losing the first game in Sunday's day-night doubleheader, 4-0, will be looking for a split in the nightcap.

BALTIMORE -- Get live updates and chat with beat writer Paul Hoynes in the comments section below as the Indians play the Orioles at Camden Yards on Sunday in the second game of a day-night doubleheader.  The second game will feature Tribe right-hander Toru Murata, in his big league debut, facing Baltimore right-hander Chris Tillman.   

Game 74: Indians (33-40) vs. Orioles (40-34)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

Rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor is the latest candidate trying to fill the No.2 spot in the Indians lineup.

BALTIMORE - Rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor, under different circumstances, probably wouldn't be hitting second in the Indians lineup in his first venture into the big leagues.

The Indians would have probably liked to hit him lower in the order so he could get used to the environment. It's what they're doing with rookie third baseman Giovanny Urshela. The Indians, however, have run through their backlog of No.2 hitters.

Jason Kipnis, their best No.2 hitter, has become one of the hottest leadoff hitters in the game.

When the Indians moved Carlos Santana into the No.2 spot, they told him not to change a thing with his swing. Unfortunately, he did and started acting like a No.2 hitter instead of a run producer.

Santana, in 30 games in the No. 2 spot, hit .196 (22-for-112) with four homers and 16 RBI. He scored 17 runs and drew 24 walks, but his preference always was to hit in the middle of the lineup.

Mike Aviles has spent 12 games in the No.2 spot. He's hit .234 (11-for-47) with one homer, four RBI and nine runs.

The Indians best No.2 hitter, outside of Kipnis, is Jose Ramirez. He's currently residing at Class AAA Columbus after faltering as the Tribe's starting shortstop. Ramirez hit .289 (11-for-38) in 10 games in the No.2 spot.

Which brings us to Lindor, promoted from Class AAA Columbus on June 14 to replace Ramirez.

"When we called him up, Chris (Antonetti, general manager) made sure to tell me, 'You're going to have to have to show patience.' I get it.

"He wants to be good so bad. The other day (Thursday against Detroit) when he rounded second base and got picked off, he came right up to me. We talked about it and it gave me a chance to say some things about how we like to do certain things. You have to have your head on a swivel and know where the ball is.

"He doesn't feel like you're beating on him. My guess is he won't do that again."

Lindor went into the second game of Sunday's day-night doubleheader against Baltimore hitting .244 (11-for-45) in 12 games. He has three runs, one homer and five RBI.

"He's so eager to learn and be good that it makes it fun," said Francona.

Two-edged sword: Trevor Bauer, who started and lost the first game Sunday, allowed four runs in seven innings in a 4-0 loss to the Orioles.

A lot of pitchers could earn a win by allowing four runs in seven innings. That does not apply to the Indians starters, who are starving for run support. The Tribe has scored 66 runs, the fewest in the AL, in June.

"It's hard to win when you score zero, but it's so hard to win when your starter gives up four," said Bauer.

The Big U: The eight scoreless innings Ubaldo Jimenez threw in the first game were a season high for the former Indians right-hander.

"I thought he looked really good," said Tribe pitching Mickey Callaway, who did so much work with Jimenez when he was in Cleveland. "He has such good action on his pitches. When he's throwing the ball over the plate, his stuff plays.

"That was the Ubaldo we saw at the end of the 2013 season."

What's he got? Several Japanese reporters came to Baltimore on Sunday after the Indians announced that right-hander Toru Murata would make his big league debut in the second game.

Murata, born in Osaka, Japan, was 5-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 14 appearances, including 13 starts, at Class AAA Columbus. The Indians were able to promote him for the start because of the rule that allows teams to add a 26^th player for the second game of a doubleheader.

See ya later: Reliever Scott Atchison was released by the Indians on Sunday. He was designated for assignment last week and cleared waivers.

The Indians are on the hook for Atchison's $900,000 salary this season.

Finally: Asked if he stayed dry during Saturday's all-day rain in Baltimore, Francona said, "It wasn't raining in the casino." . . .The Indians threw three wild pitches in the first game. Bauer threw two of them. It was the first time they'd thrown three wild pitches in a game since Sept. 14, 2014 against Detroit.

Binghamton had only five hits, but the RubberDucks only had seven.

The Binghamton Mets got only five hits off the RubberDucks on Sunday, but one was a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning that proved to be the difference, sending Akron to a 3-1 loss in a Class AA Eastern League game at Canal Park.

The RubberDucks didn't do much at the plate, either, getting only seven hits, with outfielder Anthony Gallas collecting three of them. Gallas also brought in the RubberDucks' only run with a solo homer in the ninth inning.

There was no score entering the fifth inning when Akron starter Shawn Morimando (5-7, 3.10 ERA) walked leadoff batter Josh Rodriqguez. Aderlin Rodriguez followed with a single, then after getting an out on an attempted sacrifice bunt, Jared King loaded the bases after reaching first on a throwing error by shortstop Erik Gonzalez.

Gavin Cecchini then doubled to left field to bring in three runs.

Morimando pitched six innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on three hits and striking out six. Mets starter Luis Cessa (7-4, 2.56) went seven scoreless innings, giving up six hits and striking out six.

The RubberDucks (40-36) again will face Binghamton at 7:05 p.m. Monday at Canal Park.

Japanese right-hander Toru Murata lasted just 3 1/3 innings Sunday night as the Orioles completed a doubleheader and series sweep of the Indians.

BALTIMORE - A good story had a bad ending Sunday night at Camden Yards, but some day Toru Murata will get to tell his grandchildren that he indeed did pitch in the big leagues.

Perhaps by then the echoes of the home runs hit by Chris Davis and Travis Snider will have faded and only the satisfaction of making it to baseball's highest level will remain.

As for the Indians, they have a real mess on their hands.

Not only did they get swept in Sunday's day-night doubleheader by scores of 4-0 and 8-0, but they have lost eight of their last 11 games and 13 of their last 19. The Indians trail first-place Kansas City by 12 games, their largest deficit since Terry Francona became manager in 2013.

If they aren't irrelevant in the AL Central race, they're close.

"We have some soul searching to do," said second baseman Jason Kipnis.

It is the first time the Indians have been swept in a doubleheader since Sept. 8, 2009 against Texas. It's the first time they've been shut out in both ends of a doubleheader since Sept. 26, 1975 by Boston.

Murata, throwing a variety of off-speed pitches, retired the first six men he faced. A two-out error by Kipnis led to the Orioles taking a 2-0 lead in the second.

After Kipnis muffed Snider's routine grounder, J.J. Hardy doubled him to third. Ryan Flaherty delivered both unearned runs with a single.

Murata retired the Orioles in order in the third, but they were waiting for him in the fourth on his second trip through the order. Davis started the inning by hitting a 3-1 pitch to right for a 3-0 lead. One out later, Snider made it 4-0 with another homer to right.

After Murata walked Hardy, manager Terry Francona went to the bullpen, but the inning did not end quietly. Marc Rzepczynski issued a two-out walk to No.9 hitter David Lough. Ryan Webb relieved and in quick succession allowed a two-run double to Manny Machado and a two-run homer to Chris Parmelee for an 8-0 lead.

Murata (0-1, 8.10) was optioned to Class AAA Columbus after the game. A rule allowing teams to add a 26^th player for doubleheaders allowed for Murata's promotion. If not for Saturday's rainout and Sunday's rescheduled doubleheader, he wouldn't have been needed.

The 30-year-old Murata spent three years in the Japanese minor leagues before signing with the Indians after the 2010 season. This is his fifth season in the Tribe's minor league system.

The win went to Chris Tillman (6-7, 5.67). He threw seven scoreless innings to beat the Indians for the second time this season.

What it means

The Indians (33-41) have scored three or fewer runs in 18 of the 24 games they've played in June. They are 9-15 in June.

The Orioles (41-34) have won 18 of their last 23 games.

He's gone

Francona was ejected with two outs in the ninth by plate umpire Ron Kulpa for arguing balls and strikes following Ryan Raburn's strikeout.

They deal in zeroes

Oriole starters Ubaldo Jimenez and Tillman combined for 15 consecutive scoreless innings and 13 strikeouts against the Indians.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Orioles drew 40,006 fans to Camden Yards for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. The one-day total was 85,681.

What's next?

The Indians open a four-game series against Tampa Bay on Monday night with rookie right-hander Cody Anderson (0-0, 0.00) facing RHP Nathan Karns (4-3, 3.28) at 7:10. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Danny Salazar (6-3, 4.06), Carlos Carrasco (9-6, 4.16) and Corey Kluber (3-9, 3.66) will start the last three games of the series for the Tribe. The Rays only scheduled start for those three games is RHP Erasmo Ramirez (6-2, 4.23) for Tuesday night.

The Indians' offense combined for 10 singles, two doubles and two walks in losing both games of a doubleheader Sunday in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Chris Tillman allowed four hits in seven innings and three teammates homered in a six-run fourth as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Cleveland Indians, 8-0, Sunday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md.

Here is a capsule look at the game. No DVR review was necessary.

Reeling: The Indians (33-41) have lost 13 of 19. They are 9-15 in June.

Sizzling: The Orioles (41-34) have won seven of eight. They are 18-8 in June.

Doubleheader to forget: The Indians were outscored, 12-0, in losing twice Sunday. In the afternoon, they were shut down by Ubaldo Jimenez (8 IP, 4 H, 7K).

The Indians' offense combined for 10 singles, two doubles and two walks.

Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis, who entered the day riding a 20-game hitting streak, went a combined 0-for-7 with four strikeouts.

Historical: The Cleveland franchise had not been blanked in both games of a doubleheader since 1975. 

Series to forget: The Indians were swept in a three-game set that began Friday night (Orioles, 4-3).

Fourth-inning fireworks: On Sunday night, Chris Davis, Travis Snider and Chris Parmelee homered in the six-run fourth that made it 8-0.

Superb defense: Left fielder Snider made a full-extension dive in left-center to deny Francisco Lindor extra bases for the second out of the sixth inning. The ball was behind Snider.

Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado charged, barehanded and threw out Carlos Santana for the first out of the ninth.

Defying the odds: Tillman struck out six and walked none. He threw 70 of 110 pitches for strikes. He used his fastball to great effectiveness. 

In his previous start, June 21 in Toronto, Tillman allowed six runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Tillman is 6-7 with a 5.67 ERA in 15 starts overall, but he went 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two starts against the Tribe.

Good for Tito: With one out and runners on second and third in the Tribe ninth, Ryan Raburn was called out on strikes. As he walked to the dugout, Raburn respectfully voiced his displeasure to plate umpire Ron Kulpa.

Instead of letting it go, Kulpa gave two dismissive waves in the direction of the Tribe dugout. The blatant disrespect set off Tribe manager Terry Francona, who was ejected, then went nose-to-nose with Kulpa.

Francona no doubt was letting off frustration-based steam, but he had every right to berate Kulpa for the waves.   

Oh, well: Tribe right-hander Toru Murata, the "26th man'' for the doubleheader, made his MLB debut after being promoted from Class AAA Columbus. He allowed five runs (three earned) on four hits in 3 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out two.

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

FIRST INNING

(R) Manny Machado -- 89 fastball low; 86 inside (barely); 86 fastball, pop to second (outer half).

(L) Chris Parmelee -- 87 fastball, fly to center (inner half).

(L) Jimmy Paredes -- 86 fastball called strike (inside corner); 79 splitter outside; 78 splitter swinging strike; 87 fastball inside; 78 splitter outside; 79 splitter, fly to left (down).

(10 pitches)

Skinny: Excellent first inning for Murata, especially for MLB debut. At the same time, Machado and Parmelee no doubt would say they missed pitches to hit.

SECOND INNING

(L) Chris Davis -- 85 fastball, pop to short (up; Francisco Lindor made catch on second-base side in shallow center).

(L) Matt Wieters -- 86 fastball called strike (outer third); 67 curve called strike; 86 fastball high; 79 forkball outside; 77 forkball foul (down and away); 88 fastball, grounder to second (sharply hit).

(L) Travis Snider -- 67 curve called strike; 78 forkball low; 86 fastball foul (inside); 78 forkball foul; 88 fastball, error second baseman (ball under Jason Kipnis glove during routine backhand; snaps his 44-game errorless streak)

(R) J.J. Hardy -- 86 fastball outside; 86 fastball, double to left-center (outer third; Snider stops at third).

(L) Ryan Flaherty -- 90 fastball inside; 88 fastball called strike (scraped bottom of knees); 79 forkball, two-run single to right (over plate at knees).

(L) David Lough -- 87 fastball called strike; 87 fastball foul; 87 fastball foul; 87 fastball inside; 76 off-speed outside; 87 fastball foul; 87 fastball outside; 86 fastball, pop to short.

(25 pitches)

Skinny: Murata should have been out of the inning with the side retired in order in 12 pitches. ... Hardy got a look at two similar pitches. ... Flaherty entered at .360 with RISP. He hit a forkball that stayed up enough and caught too much plate.

THIRD INNING

(R) Manny Machado -- 76 breaking pitch, called strike; 85 fastball inside; 74 breaking pitch foul; 87 fastball foul (inside); 86 fastball, called strikeout (outside corner at knees).

(L) Chris Parmelee -- 86 fastball outside; 87 fastball inside; 87 fastball foul (outer third); 78 forkball low; 86 fastball foul (inside); 75 breaking pitch, swinging strikeout (under hands).

(L) Jimmy Paredes -- 67 curve swinging strike; 86 fastball foul; 87 fastball up and in; 74 breaking pitch foul; 88 fastball, grounder to pitcher (inside; broken bat).

(16 pitches)

Skinny: Another excellent inning for Murata, who kept Orioles on the defensive by working quickly. He continued to work inside with the fastball, forcing Orioles to respect it.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Chris Davis -- 66 curve high and outside; 87 fastball outside; 85 fastball foul (inside); 78 forkball outside; 86 fastball, homer to right (over plate at thighs; gone in a blink).

Fox SportsTime Ohio play-by-play voice Matt Underwood's call: "Hammered. Oh, my. Long gone.''

(L) Matt Wieters -- 86 fastball outside; 75 breaking pitch foul; 87 fastball swinging strike; 87 fastball high; 87 fastball, grounder to first.

(L) Travis Snider -- 67 curve called strike; 66 curve, homer to right.

(R) J.J. Hardy -- 76 breaking pitch called strike; 74 breaking pitch low; 76 breaking pitch swinging strike (outside); 74 breaking pitch low and away; 87 fastball outside; 85 fastball outside, walk.

(Lefty Marc Rzepczynski relieves.)

(18 pitches)

Skinny: Decisive pitch to Davis amounted to a batting-practice fastball. ... Re: Snider's HR: Why Murata and catcher Roberto Perez doubled up with slow breaking pitches to a lefty power threat is mystifying.

Sources confirmed but downplayed the importance of the bonding time shared by LeBron James and Kevin Love Sunday in L.A.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and Kevin Love may not be "best friends." But pool buddies?

Two of the Cavaliers' most important, expensive free agents to be were spotted hanging out Sunday at a Los Angeles-area hotel pool.

Sources confirmed that James, who is in L.A. for his annual skills camp for high school and college players, and Love did spend time together Sunday, but downplayed its importance.

The reasons the meeting matters to Cavs fans are fairly obvious. James, who notified the team Sunday he would opt out of his contract, and Love, who opted out last week, went through some awkward, public moments in their first season together.

Though Love has said he plans to play for the Cavs next season, it was widely assumed around the league (until recently) that he would consider leaving Cleveland this summer, in part because he didn't fit with James and Kyrie Irving on the Cavs' offense.

A source close to James said last week that he didn't plan to recruit Love to stay. Sources said Sunday that the James-Love hangout poolside wasn't a recruitment meeting.

Listen, I'm no @WojYahooNBA, but pretty sure I just stumbled on a Lebron / Kevin Love meeting. pic.twitter.com/d6cWe63zuy

-- Jensen Karp (@JensenClan88) June 29, 2015

"They were teammates and probably still will be," a league source said. "What's the big deal?"

The Cavs have remained steadfast in their belief that Love would return. He may be offered a five-year contract worth about $100 million on July 1. James intends to sign another one-year deal with Cleveland, too, for the maximum $22 million.

As for the pool picture, it was captured and shared via Twitter by writer, producer, former rapper, and podcaster Jensen Karp.

LeBron James has told the Cavaliers he will opt out of his contract, as expected.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As expected, LeBron James will decline the player's option on his contract for next season and become a free agent July 1, though he intends to re-sign with the Cavaliers.

James' team notified the Cavs over the weekend that he would pass on his $21.57 million option. But he's also expected to sign a new, one-year deal with an option for 2016-17 with Cleveland.

A source with knowledge of James' thinking was asked if the superstar, who will become a free agent for the third time in five years, planned to meet with any other teams after July 1, and the source said "I expect him to sign back" with the Cavaliers.

The first day James can sign a new contract is July 9, and a source close to James said there is no "timetable" for when he'll sign.

The deadline for James to pick up the option on his current contract is June 29, and the Cavs weren't expecting the notification they received from him.

James could've simply let the deadline pass without action, like Kevin Love and J.R. Smith did last week.

James, who returned to Cleveland as a free agent last summer after four years with the Miami Heat, would make about $22 million next season with a new contract.

The $400,000 raise isn't the reason for him to opt out. Instead, James gets a year's protection should something bad happen to him physically this year.

He wants contract flexibility next summer when he's expected to maximize his earning potential by signing a long-term deal when revenues begin pouring in from the NBA's new $24 billion TV contract.

Also, though virtually all signs point to James re-signing with the Cavs next month -- he told the Northeast Ohio during the Finals he was "happy" in Cleveland -- his free agency does give him leverage to use on the front office if he chooses, with matters such as personnel.

And after posting the NBA's best record in the second half of the season and rumbling all the way to the Finals despite injuries to Love, Kyrie Irving, and Anderson Varejao, the Cavs' roster situation is somewhat fluid.

For instance, big man Tristan Thompson, who is represented by James' agent Rich Paul, is a restricted free agent this summer. James wants him back and Thompson could be in line for a huge contract -- potentially a four-year, $70 million deal.

The Cavs appear willing to keep Thompson at any cost. They're also widely expected to offer Love a five-year contract worth about $100 million.

Smith, who declined a player option worth $6.4 million, may not be back with the Cavs if his asking price is too high. He was suspended for two games in the playoffs for punching Jae Crowder, shot 31 percent from the field in the Finals, and was just one technical foul away from another one-game suspension.

Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova are restricted free agents, too. The Cavs are trying to trade Brendan Haywood's $10.5 million contract and possibly some other pieces to improve the roster with a veteran guard or wing player.

The most important piece, of course, is James. He's 30 and coming off arguably the most productive Finals in league history, when he averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.

The two times he's left an organization -- in 2010 when he bolted Cleveland for Miami, and in 2014 when he came back to the Cavs -- the franchise he left behind failed to make the playoffs.

The two teams he joined went to the Finals.

It's only one of any number measures to show just how great James is and how much he can impact a team. And, at least for a few days, he's a free agent.

Again.

"Expected," Cavs coach David Blatt said when asked for his thoughts Sunday. "And, of course, hopeful that it will all work out fine."

The reminders come often for Cory Snyder. "In every ballpark I go to, somebody has me sign a cover somewhere," Snyder said. "I still get them in the mail."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The reminders come often for Cory Snyder.

"In every ballpark I go to, somebody has me sign a cover somewhere," Snyder said. "I still get them in the mail."

Snyder and Tribe teammate Joe Carter graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in April 1987. They stood in uniform and in their batting stances as bright yellow letters spelled out the words "Indian Uprising." The cover declared the Indians -- on the heels of an 84-78 campaign a year earlier -- the best team in the American League. Snyder's squad sputtered out of the gate.

Sound familiar?

Sports Illustrated, known for its propensity to jinx the teams and athletes it features, placed Michael Brantley and Corey Kluber on one of four regional covers this spring. The magazine projected that the Indians would capture the franchise's first World Series title in 67 years. That prognosis, no matter how justified it was at the time, seems far-fetched at the moment.

"When you're losing in the beginning, you get to a point where it's like, you have to start doing something, because you can't fall too far behind," said Snyder, now the hitting coach for the Tacoma Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate. "You understand that it's a hard game. It's a tough game, but you have to keep pushing yourself, knowing it's going to get better as you move forward."

The Indians registered a 7-14 mark in April. They plummeted to 14-23 before rattling off 11 wins in 14 games. They own an 8-15 mark in their last 23 affairs, however.

The 1987 club limped out to a 1-10 start. It never really got better. By the end of June -- a couple of weeks before manager Pat Corrales received his walking papers -- the Indians sat at 26-49. They finished with a 61-101 record.

"Most players, when the season starts, they have a pretty good idea," Snyder said. "Everyone wants to compete and make the World Series. We all get it. But the more you're around the game, you understand and realize, 'This is what we have.' Is it enough to compete with the teams that have a little more? Sometimes [it's] not.

"It's not like you go out there every day and say, 'Well, they're just better than us.' Sometimes, on paper, the teams that are better are not the ones that win. It's the camaraderie, the chemistry, the heart of the team. There's a lot that goes into it. That's why it's such a great game. You can be in last place and beat the first-place team three straight. It depends on who clicks, who gets on a roll and who starts feeling it." 

Sports Illustrated predicted big things for the Tribe in 2015.Sports Illustrated 

Granted, the Indians' presence on a magazine cover is far from the reason the club finds itself 12 games behind first-place Kansas City in the AL Central. Prior to the start of the regular season, the Indians scoffed at the notion that the national attention would add unwelcome pressure. Snyder felt the same way in 1987.

"For me, at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter," Snyder said. "Expectations, being on the cover, how much money you're making -- when you take the field, all of that goes away. Expectations are just what people put on you. The most important thing is preparation. Expectations are a dime a dozen.

"Whether you're on the cover or not on the cover, when you take the field, it really doesn't matter. You're just going to play hard every single day and the chips are going to fall where they may. Pressure is what you put on yourself, in my opinion."

Snyder doesn't mind if people bring up the 1987 cover.

"They bring it up just because another team is on the cover and they're struggling," he said. "I'm not going to lose sleep over it."

Snyder played in Cleveland from 1986-90. He said conversation about the infamous magazine issue evokes more "good memories" than frustrating ones. Of course, the frustrating ones persist in images of the blue cover with the large, red Chief Wahoo logo in the background.

"When you're losing and you're struggling, everything is magnified," Snyder said. "All of the little things. That's society. That's life. That's the way it is. When everyone is winning, things are going well, you're winning games -- all of the little things, a little error here, you didn't beat this one out -- those things get overlooked because you're winning games. It's just a natural thing that when you're struggling, everything is magnified. They look at all of the small things that you're not doing and that's why you're losing games. That's just the way it is.

"Anytime things like this come up, I don't think about any of the negative stuff. I enjoy talking about it and remembering the good times I had there. It's all good."

Kurt and Kyle Busch are both strong for NASCAR in California.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- NASCAR is 'Busch-ed.' At least it was over the weekend in Sonoma, California, as brothers Kyle and Kurt became a rare family twosome to finish first and second in a pro stock car race.

It was a big win for Kyle, coming amid a tough season that began with a serious  injury in the Daytona season opener. He did not return to the track until five races ago. In those five events he has two Top 10 finishes and one at 11th.

Yes, the win came on a road course in Sonoma, where many of the stock car drivers are at less than their best. But it still counts in the standings. And in some cases, it hurt. Jeff Gordon fell out of the Top 10 with a 16th-place finish at Sonoma, a race where he is traditionally expected to finish among the Top 10.

And Danica Patrick continued her season-long struggles with an eighth straight finish outside of the Top 10, with six of those coming outside of the Top 20. One has to start questioning now how she'll get a quality sponsor for next season with efforts like this.

The fender benders now travel to Daytona this week as the season gets closer to the run for the finish. One driver to watch continues to be Tony Stewart. While he did not have a Top 10 finish at Sonoma, he did finish 12th for one of his better efforts this season.

Only 10 races remain before The Chase for the championship begins. Drivers currently on the outside looking in include Patrick, Stewart, and AJ Allmendinger with the likes of Ryan Newman and Carl Edwards on the cusp.