The Indians conclude their three-game series against the Twins on Thursday night at Target Field. They dropped the first two games to damage their hopes of a wild card spot.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Join beat writer Paul Hoynes for a live chat and updates as the Indians and Twins play the last game of this three-game series with wild-card implications Thursday night at Target Field.

Game No. 151: Indians (74-76), Twins (78-73).

First pitch: 8:10 p.m. ET

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM, WMMS

Brian Hartline hasn't made many catches during the first two weeks of the season. He doesn't care as long as the team keeps winning. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline came away from Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans with a zero in the reception column. The lack of production didn't seem to bother him much following practice on Thursday.

"Not the first. Not gonna be the last," Hartline said of being shut out. "We won, so that's really what takes precedent."

"The way the game went, some of the personnel groupings we were in weren't necessarily an indication of his play," head coach Mike Pettine said. "Brian runs good routes and catches the ball, and he is a big part of what we are doing."

Hartline was targeted five times during the opening-week loss to the Jets, all by backup quarterback Johnny Manziel. He finished with two catches for 20 yards. One of Manziel's targets of Hartline was intercepted and one of Hartline's catches was a one-handed grab originally intended for tight end Gary Barnidge.

Even though Hartline wasn't involved much in the Browns' opening offensive series of the season -- the only series that starting quarterback Josh McCown has played -- the chemistry between Hartline and McCown was obvious throughout training camp and the preseason.

"I think Josh has a good feel for going from read-to-read and really moving the ball around," Hartline said, "and making it easy on the guys out there running routes and I think that, again, if we do our job, Josh will do his and everyone's alive on every play."

Pettine agreed that the chemistry between McCown and Hartline was there, but it doesn't mean Hartline will be more involved on Sunday.

"A lot of it is dependent on the coverage we get," Pettine said, "the way the routes are read, whether it's a progression read or however it plays out. We certainly don't want our quarterbacks forcing the ball to a certain player or position. At the same time, Brian's done a good job of getting open, and Josh did a good job of getting him the ball so there's no denying the chemistry that those two had."

Dwayne's World: Another player who wasn't targeted often in the win over the Titans was veteran Dwayne Bowe. It was for entirely different reasons. Bowe has been struggling with a hamstring since training camp and was active for the first time in the regular season against Tennessee. He was targeted just once.

"His early struggles here are well documented," Pettine said. "He fell behind in training camp from an X's and O's standpoint and from a conditioning standpoint, being injured and not being able to practice. I think he is still playing catch-up from that."

"I don't think Dwayne is 100 percent yet," offensive coordinator John DeFilippo said. "I don't. I think he is getting better, but I still don't think Dwayne is 100 percent. It is hard. It is hard to go out there and perform at this level when you are not 100 percent. It is hard enough on a good day when you are 100 percent."

"We are hopeful that Dwayne is going to be the player that we had here in the spring," Pettine said. "There is a lot of football left to be played. We are confident that he will get to that place."

Woodson plays on: When the Browns face the Raiders, they'll see a familiar face in the secondary. Safety Charles Woodson is in his 18th NFL season, his 11th with the Raiders.

"It's unbelievable," Hartline said. "I mean, I know we were doing some roster evaluations and they kind of just put up who's where and whatnot and how many years in the league and to see an 18 beside a guy. And then, not only an 18, but the level at which he still plays is unbelievable. Whatever he's doing, I need to do some of that. It's pretty impressive."

Woodson came into the league in 1998 after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan. He spent seven years in Green Bay between stints with the Raiders. He's recorded 60 interceptions in his career and has returned 11 for touchdowns on top of two fumble return touchdowns.

"I remember him doing the Heisman poise at some point," Pettine said. "He has just been around it for so long. It is amazing, especially at that position. I was in Baltimore with Deion (Sanders) right up to the point where he retired. He could still play at a relatively high level. (Woodson) has bounced around and played a lot of different positions. It is a testament of his professionalism and taking care of himself and being able to perform at a high level for a long time."

"If you watch the tape, you would never know Charles has played as long as he has," DeFilippo said. "I used to go up to him the last few years and tell him how fun it was to watch a pro. He is a pro's pro. The guy doesn't say a word when he shows up. All he does is work, studies tape."

Injuries: Defensive lineman Desmond Bryant (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday. Quarterbacks Josh McCown (concussion) and Johnny Manziel (right elbow) returned to full practice. Cornerback Justin Gilbert (hamstring) was limited. He appeared to injure a hamstring during practice.

Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on what happened in Berea Thursday. Also, video with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo discussing Johnny Manziel. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed take a look what happened in Berea on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 as the team continues preparations to play the Oakland Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Topics include:

• Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo says that Johnny Manziel has a bright future as a quarterback despite being sent back to the bench in favor of Josh McCown for the Raiders game.
• The players in the locker room are behind McCown as the starter.
• Travis Benjamin's speed should open up plays for other receivers as teams concern themselves with The Rabbit.
• Soon after coaches said that Justin Gilbert was healthy and having a good week of practice, he injures his hamstring.
• Dwayne Bowe is still not completely healed from his hamstring.
• Joe Thomas compares Raiders' defensive end Khalil Mack to Lawrence Taylor. 

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

On Facebook: CLEvideos

Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, didn't respond to the ESPN report, which eventually backed off to stating that Thompson "would agree" to 3-year, $53 offer -- which apparently hasn't been made.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you're a Cavaliers fan, your Thursday night went from being a joyous occasion to disappointment -- all in a matter of minutes.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Rich Paul, the agent for restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, was going to have his client sign a 3-year, $53 million deal.

NBA SOURCES CONFIRM AGENT RICH PAUL WILL HAVE TRISTAN THOMPSON SIGN A 3 YEAR - $53 MILLION CONTRACT WITH CAVS.

-- Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) September 24, 2015

Those terms would have been a pretty decent compromise considering Paul was demanding a five-year, $94 million max contract.

Everybody wins, right? Wrong.

Sources within the Cavaliers insisted no such deal was agreed upon and called the report "not true." Paul didn't respond to calls. Soon after, ESPN modified its report, stating Thompson was simply willing to take a three-year offer along those financial lines, not that it was a done deal.

Sources: Tristan Thompson is WILLING to sign a 3-year, $53 million deal with the Cavs. Cavs have not yet agreed to the deal.

-- Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) September 24, 2015

So now we're all back to where we were before: waiting for Thompson and the Cavaliers to reach an agreement.

This is the fourth time the Browns have worn all brown in franchise history.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Borrowing a page out of UPS' playbook, the Browns will find out "what can brown do for you?" when they take the field on Sunday. They'll wear brown jerseys, brown pants and brown socks for their game against the Oakland Raiders.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. The game will be shown on CBS.

This will be the first time the Browns have gone all brown in their new uniforms, though they have gone monochromatic three times in the past. The brown-on-brown look first made a splash on a nationally televised game on Oct. 3, 2013, when the Browns beat the Bills, 37-24. They lost in all brown to the Steelers later that season, 27-11. The uniforms resurfaced last year in a 30-0 loss to the Bengals in Johnny Manziel's first NFL start on Dec. 14.

Counting the preseason, the Browns will have worn five out of nine possible uniform combinations as of Sunday. They have yet to wear their orange jerseys, meaning white-on-orange, orange-on-white, orange-on-brown and the dreaded orange-on-orange are still in play for the final 13 games of the season.

Gavin Floyd continued his comeback from right elbow surgery with 2 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday night against the Twins. Floyd, a free agent at the end of the year, would be happy to re-sign with the Indians after missing most of this season.

MINNEAPOLIS - Under the cover of another wild-card damaging loss, the return of Gavin Floyd continued.

In the Tribe's 4-2 loss to the Twins on Wednesday night, Floyd made his longest appearance in a game since having his fractured right elbow surgically repaired in March. Floyd relieved Bryan Shaw to start the sixth inning and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

"From where he started this year, I don't want to say it's a miracle, but the fact that he's throwing 94 mph after what he had done to his elbow six months ago ... that's pretty awesome," said manager Terry Francona.

Floyd made his sixth appearance of the season Wednesday. It was not only the most innings he's thrown, but the most pitches (42) as well. He allowed one hit, one walk and struck out one.

The Indians signed Floyd to a one-year, $4 million deal in December even through he'd fractured a bone in right elbow during the 2014 season with Atlanta, underwent surgery and finished the year on the disabled list.

Floyd is a free agent at the end of this season, but said he'd be interested in re-signing with the Indians. If the Indians trade a starting pitcher during the winter to improve their offense, Floyd could help fill the void.

"Despite the circumstances of not being able to play, I loved getting to know the guys and the city," said Floyd. "Everything was a blessing for sure, despite the circumstance. I'd definitely be interested (in resigning) for sure."

The Indians signed Floyd, 32, as a starter and he still sees himself in that role.

"I realize that at some point in my career the bullpen might be in the picture, but I have a passion to start," he said. "I hope I get to go out and get many more years under my belt, but right now I just want to finish this year."

On the mend: Michael Brantley missed his second straight game Thursday with a sore right shoulder, but Francona said he's showing improvement.

"He's doing better," said Francona. "He hit in the cage today. I don't know if he'll play Friday, but I guess the fact that we're even thinking about it means that he's getting closer."

Brantley injured his shoulder trying to make a diving catch Tuesday night against Aaron Hicks in left center field.

"He still feels it when he finishes his swing," said Francona. "The good news is he's getting better. That was what we were really hoping for."

X-marks the spot: Managers and players say the day-by-day grind of baseball never ends until they put the X by your team's name in the standings. The X means that your team has been eliminated from the postseason.

The Indians were eliminated from the AL Central race following Wednesday night's loss to the Twins. They are still in pursuit of the second wild card spot, but Houston's magic number over them is seven.

"Since I didn't know we'd been eliminated, it was probably a foregone (conclusion)," said Francona. "Our sites are on what's realistic. Probably the most important thing is for us to play well. You can talk about all the others things ... if this team loses or whatever. If we win out and it's not enough, I would probably feel better than sitting around hoping."

Utility man Mike Aviles said being eliminated in the AL Central was not a shock.

"With the Royals pretty much being almost 30 games up (over 500) over the last month, everybody in our division was eliminated for the most part," he said. "It's unfortunate to say that, but they did exactly what they needed to do from day one. They took last year's season and just rolled it into this year."

The Royals lost to San Francisco in the seventh game of the World Series last year.

"They showed that they were the best team in the American League last year and they're showing it again this year," said Aviles. "When a team does that, you just have to look for the wild card."

Escape rout: Jeff Manship was drafted by the Twins in 2006 and spent seven years in the organization. He reached the big leagues in 2009 with the Twins and appeared in 41 games in parts of four seasons.

So when Manship faced the Twins at Target Field on Tuesday, he wanted to make a good impression. To say the least, it did not start well.

Manship, with the Tribe down 3-1, started the seventh inning and immediately loaded the bases as Aaron Hicks doubled, Brian Dozier singled and Joe Mauer walked.

"Having come from here, I definitely wanted to do my very best against this team of all teams," said Manship.

The solution was simple -- throw more strikes.

Manship struck out the next two batters, Miguel Sano and Trevor Plouffe, and retired Eddie Rosario on a pop up.

"I just buckled down and forced myself to throw more strikes," said Manship. "I was definitely happy with how things worked out."

Finally: Francona isn't sure how much Jesus Aguilar, recalled Wednesday from Class AAA Columbus, will play the rest of the way. He said Columbus manager Chris Tremie pushed for Aguilar to be promoted because he played well and was a good teammate. Aguilar hit .267 (136-for-510) with 29 doubles, 19 homers and 93 RBI in 131 games for the Clippers. He hit .309 (51-for-165) with runners in scoring position. ... Twins present Mudcat Grant with 1965 AL championship ring before the game. Grant, who broke in with the Indians, lost his original ring. Grant won 21 games that year.

Maple Heights withstood Chawntez Moss and a ferocious Bedford running attack Thursday night to give Devlin Culliver his first victory against the Bearcats, 22-14.

BEDFORD, Ohio – Maple Heights withstood Chawntez Moss and a ferocious Bedford running attack Thursday night to give Devlin Culliver his first victory against the Bearcats, 22-14.

Culliver, the fourth-year Mustangs coach, and his senior class had not beaten their Lake Erie League rivals before Thursday.

To do so this time, they held overcame 151 yards rushing from Moss and another 107 from senior Cameron Odom.

“Man, I’m not going to sleep when I’m going home,” said Mustangs senior safety Quartiz Long, whose team is ranked 14^th in the cleveland.com Top 25. “I don’t know what I’m going to. This win is big.”

Check back soon for video highlights. An in-depth video story with highlights and videos will be posted Friday morning.

For the last three years, Culliver lost bragging rights with Bedford coach Sean Williams. Both played defensive back at different times for Ohio University.

“He’s been talking junk for three years,” Culliver said with a smile.

Players such as Long helped change that.

Maple Heights (5-0, 1-0 LEL) faced No. 19 Bedford (2-3, 0-1) without junior safety Javonte Richardson. A Division I college recruit, Richardson suited up but remained on the sidelines. Culliver said Richardson’s back has bothered him all season, so Long slid over into Richardson’s spot.

Culliver pointed to Long in Maple Heights’ post-game huddle. He pointed to a few players, who helped the Mustangs win this one.

No Maple Heights player exceeded 50 yards rushing, yet the Mustangs compiled 221 yards on the ground. Quarterback Hollis Lemons had only 52 yards passing, but Maple Heights didn’t need it.

The Mustangs’ running game controlled the clock and kept the ball from Moss or Odom.

A University of Pittsburgh recruit, Moss was questionable earlier this week with an ankle injury, Williams said. Odom lined up at quarterback for many of the Bearcats’ plays, where he ran wild from the backfield.

“We knew they weren’t going to pass, so we game planned for that at halftime,” said Culliver, whose team led 14-7 at that point. “We told them, ‘Think hand off or pass,’ and it sort of became predictable. He’s a heck of a player. He can move, he’s tough.”

Maple Heights broke a 14-all tie with a 12-play drive to open the fourth quarter. Ohio State recruit Kierre Hawkins broke through the right side of his line for the go-ahead touchdown run.

Next week, Maple Heights plays its second LEL game at home Oct. 2 against Cleveland Heights. Bedford is at home for a nonleague matchup with Garfield Heights.

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

Ohio State hosts Western Michigan on Saturday in Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One last bit of #MACtion before the Ohio State football team enters Big Ten play.

The No. 1 Buckeyes (3-0) will host Western Michigan (1-2) on Saturday in Ohio Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m..

The game will be televised on ABC with a reverse mirror on ESPN2 in some markets (see a coverage map below). Adam Amin, Kelly Stouffer and Olivia Harlan will be on the call. A full list of Ohio State's radio affiliates can be found here.

Ohio State is coming off a tight, 20-13, win over Northern Illinois last week. It was the second straight game where the Buckeyes' offense struggled to move the ball consistently. It prompted some to think Urban Meyer would switch his starting quarterback, but he announced on Wednesday that Cardale Jones will start for the Buckeyes on Saturday.

* 7 things to know about Western Michigan

The Broncos are coming off their first win of the season, a 52-20 win over FCS program Murray State. Western Michigan opened the season with a home loss to Michigan State, and lost in Week 2 to defending Sun Belt champion Georgia Southern.

Ohio State begins Big Ten play next week at Indiana.

Here's the coverage map from ESPN on ABC for the big game this week: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan. pic.twitter.com/twBZWNuGvq

-- Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) September 24, 2015

Cleveland Indians, led by Cody Anderson (6 2/3 IP, R) and Carlos Santana (3-R HR), avoid series sweep with victory over Twins on Thursday night in Minnesota.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Cody Anderson allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings and Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 6-3, Thursday night at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. Tribe left fielder Michael Brantley missed his second straight game because of a right-shoulder injury.

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

Off the deck: The Tribe (75-76) avoided a three-game sweep.

Cooled: The Twins (78-74) had won three straight.

Early uprisings: The Indians scored three in the first inning and three in the third to build a 6-0 lead.

Jason Kipnis led off the game against right-hander Kyle Gibson with a homer into the flower box in left. After a fastball outside and a fastball on the outside corner, Gibson threw a fastball on the outer half that Kipnis handled. Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki had  set up on the inside corner.)

Later in the inning, Lonnie Chisenhall hit a two-out, two-run single to right. Chisenhall displayed excellent plate coverage against a 1-0 changeup.

Jose Ramirez led off the third with a double to right (first-pitch fastball) and advanced to third on Francisco Lindor's single to center (first-pitch changeup). Gibson's first pitch to Santana was 90 miles per hour, had nothing on it and stayed on the outer half at the thighs -- a sinker that didn't sink. Santana hammered it deep to right for his 18th homer of the season. Suzuki had set up on the inner half.

In the ninth inning Wednesday, Santana hit a two-run homer with two outs.

Gibson (10-11, 3.96 ERA) lasted 2 2/3 innings. In his previous six starts, he did not allow a homer.

Winning formula: The Indians improved to 45-2 when their starter receives four-plus runs -- the second-best such record in the majors.

Quality stuff: Anderson allowed 10 hits, walked none and struck out four. He threw 67 of 92 pitches for strikes.

Anderson needed just 49 pitches to log 4 2/3 innings.

In each of his past five starts, Anderson has worked at least 5 2/3 innings and allowed no more than two runs.

Anderson (6-3, 3.31) relied on a fastball/changeup/cutter/curve combination against the Twins. Each of the four produced important strikes and/or outs. The fastball featured late movement.

With one out in the fifth, Anderson threw a superb 1-0 cutter (89) to Torii Hunter, who grounded to second. With runners on first and second and two outs in the inning, Anderson took the sting out of lefty Aaron Hicks' bat with a 2-1 changeup (83). What seemed like a hard-hit ball turned into a routine fly to right.

The repertoire played because Anderson and catcher Yan Gomes moved the ball around and changed speeds. They were not predictable. The 2-1 changeup to Hicks was one of many examples.

Anderson's fastball command and movement paid off in the sixth. With a runner on first and none out, lefty Joe Mauer worked the count full. Anderson could not expect to get away with a get-me-over fastball; it needed to be a quality strike. The fastball zipped to the outer half with some wiggle, and Mauer grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.

The run against Anderson came from Hunter's one-out homer in the seventh. Hunter smashed a changeup that veered onto his swing plane.

Anderson allowed back-to-back singles with two outs in the inning. Bryan Shaw relieved and retired Brian Dozier on a liner to center.  

Teamwork: Anderson benefitted from stingy defense, the most notable play coming in the first inning.

Hicks led off with a double and moved to third on Dozier's single. Dozier reached because Anderson was late arriving at first on a roller to the right side.

Mauer popped to center, where Abraham Almonte made the catch and threw a one-hop strike to Gomes. As Hicks attempted to score, Gomes applied a swipe-tag to the backside that plate umpire Bruce Dreckman confirmed from a tight angle.

Sano grounded to short to end the inning.

The importance of Almonte's play can't be overstated.

Here is a compilation of high school football scores throughout Ohio for Thursday, Sept. 24.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is a compilation of high school football scores throughout Ohio for Thursday, Sept. 24.

Bedford 22, Maple Hts. 14

Day. Meadowdale 34, Cin. Hughes 0

Galloway Westland 35, Thomas Worthington 7

Kings Mills Kings 24, Loveland 17

Rookie Cody Anderson pitched 6 2/3 innings to win his fourth straight game and Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana hit home runs as the Indians beat the Twins to avert a three-game sweep.

MINNEAPOLIS - The Indians stirred the embers of their wild-card hopes on a chilly night at Target Field. They're still a long way from an inferno, but it's better than the subzero temperatures they were dealing with in the first two games of this series.

Before Thursday's game manager Terry Francona complimented rookie starter Cody Anderson on his composure. Anderson showed some of that composure in the first inning of a 6-3 victory over the Twins that cut the Tribe's wild-card deficit to four games behind idle Houston.

The Indians handed Anderson a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a lead-off homer by Jason Kipnis and two-run single by Lonnie Chisenhall against Kyle Gibson. In the first two games of the series, the Indians scored exactly three runs in 3-1 and 4-2 defeats. What the Indians needed right then was a shut down inning by Anderson.

What they got was a ringing lead-off double by Aaron Hicks. Brian Dozier followed with a slow grounder to first baseman Chris Johnson. Anderson was slow to cover first as Dozier was safe with a headfirst slide with Hicks hugging third.

Anderson pounded his glove in frustration, but then made a pitch that will help keep the Tribe's last 11 games of the season interesting. Joe Mauer, a .333 (177-for-532) lifetime hitter against the Indians, skied a 1-1 pitch to shallow center field. Abraham Almonte, catching the ball while moving toward the plate, made a strong throw home. Catcher Yan Gomes caught it and tagged Hicks as he slid past for the double play.

Miguel Sano, the next batter, grounded out to short. Crisis averted. Wild card hopes still flickering.

The Indians made it 6-0 on Carlos Santana's three-run homer in the third. Santana hit a two-run homer into the left field seats on Wednesday night for the Tribe's only runs. Thursday night Santana he drove his homer over the right field wall.

Santana has been terribly inconsistent this year, but he leads the Indians with 18 homers and is second with 77 RBI. Last year Santana hit 27 homers with 85 RBI in 152 games.

Anderson (6-3, 3.31) allowed one run and scattered 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He's won his last four starts, posting a 1.38 ERA (four runs in 26 innings).

The lone run Anderson allowed Thursday was Torii Hunter's one-out homer in the seventh. It was Hunter's fifth homer of the season against the Indians and the 37^th of his career.

The Twins made it interesting with a two-run homer by Eddie Rosario off Bryan Shaw with two out in the eighth to make it a 6-3 game. Cody Allen came on in the ninth and retired the side in order for his 32nd save.

What it means

The Indians (75-76) broke a two-game losing streak and improved to 6-9 against the Twins with four games left in their season series.

The Tribe still has the Twins, Angels and Orioles in front of them in the wild-card chase.

The Twins (78-74) had their three-game winning streak broken. They slipped to 11/2 games behind Houston for the second wild card spot.

Lead the way

Kipnis hit his lead-off homer on a 1-1 pitch from Gibson (10-11, 3.96). It was his fourth lead-off homer of the season and sixth of his career.

The six lead-off homers tie him for fourth in franchise history with Matt Lawton. Kipnis has nine homers for the season.

Home away from home

Santana likes the feel of Target Field. In fact, it's his second favorite road park to hit in.

His three-run homer Thursday gave him 11 at Target Field and three this year. The only park where he's done more damage as a visitor is Kauffman Stadium where he's hit 12.

Santana has hit more homers, 18, against the Twins than any other team.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Twins drew 21,366 fans to Target Field on Thursday night. The three-game series drew 61,047.

What's next?

The Indians open a three-game series against the Royals Friday night at Kauffman Stadium with RHP Carlos Carrasco (13-11, 3.62) facing RHP Edinson Volquez (13-8, 3.62) at 8:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Carrasco is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against the Royals this year. Volquez is 1-1 with a 6.43 ERA in three starts against the Indians this year. In his career he's 2-3 with an 8.88 ERA against the Tribe.

Nick Horton scores three rushing touchdowns and the Brunswick defense forces two turnovers en route to a 26-14 win over Elyria.

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Nick Horton scored three rushing touchdowns and the Brunswick defense forced a pair of turnovers, as the Blue Devils knocked off Elyria, 26-14, in Greater Cleveland Conference action on Friday.

Horton ran 20 times for 97 yards and the three scores, and added another 122 yards on 9-of-16 passing for Brunswick (1-4, 1-1 GCC).

The Blue Devils took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, but Elyria tied the score a few minutes later on Brendan Price's 63-yard punt return for the Pioneers (3-2, 0-2). 

Brunswick scored the next three touchdowns -- all on Horton touchdown runs -- to open a 26-7 lead before Elyria closed out the scoring with a Dontae Beckett touchdown run.

Elyria hosts Shaker Heights next Friday, while Brunswick travels to Medina.

The Mustangs won the battle of three-win Greater Cleveland Conference teams.

MEDINA, Ohio - In a Greater Cleveland Conference game with lots of playoff computer points on the table, Strongsville cleaned up Friday with a 42-19 win against Medina.

The Mustangs (4-1, 2-0 GCC), No. 16 in the cleveland.com Top 25, won their fourth straight game and will likely get a nice boost in Division I, Region 1 of the OHSAA's computer rankings thanks to Friday's win.

The Mustangs, out of the playoffs since 2008, are No. 7 in Region 1. The Bees (3-2, 1-1 GCC), out of the playoffs since 2010, are No. 14. The top 16 teams after Week 10 qualify for the postseason. 

Check cleveland.com/hssports on Saturday for another story with several videos from this game, including action highlights.

A first-quarter fumble deep in Bees territory shifted momentum early. The Mustangs scored twice in 34 seconds, taking a 14-7 lead.

"It was good because we really got the jump on them at the beginning," said Mustangs WR/DB Justin Collins.  "And we knew if we got on top of them at the beginning it would be easier for us in the long haul than keeping it tight until the end."

The Mustangs led 28-7 at halftime, then answered each Medina score in the second half. It could've been a bigger margin of victory because the Mustangs missed two field goals and turned the ball over on downs at the Bees 5-yard line.

"We talked to the kids at halftime and said it was like a boxing match, and you got punched in the face in the second quarter," said Bees coach Dan Sutherland. "We picked a horrible day to play a bad game. Playoff atmosphere. Computer points on the line and we laid a goose egg."

Mustangs quarterback Ryan Robertson had two short touchdown runs and threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Sami Mehmed and an 11-yarder to Josh Collins. Running back Zach Kahn and Collins both scored on the ground.

The Bees never got their offense going. Running back Jimmy Daw was held in check and quarterback John Curtis often seemed out of sync with receivers.

Daw broke free for an 86-yard touchdown off a swing pass in the fourth quarter, but the Bees were too far back to start a rally.

In Week 6, the Mustangs host Euclid Oct. 2, and the Bees host Brunswick the same night.

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.

The Madison Blue Streaks used a combination of a smash-mouth running attacked coupled with a lockdown defense to shut out Western Reserve Conference rival Chardon, 28-0 on Friday night.

MADISON, Ohio -- The Madison Blue Streaks used a combination of a smash-mouth running attacked coupled with a lockdown defense to shut out Western Reserve Conference rival Chardon, 28-0 on Friday night.

Junior running back Isaiah McClure scored three touchdowns and rushed for 187 yards, while his backfield mate senior Nick Brooks rushed for 200 yards and a score to lead the Blue Streaks — ranked No. 24 in the latest cleveland.com poll.

Madison outgained Chardon in total yardage, 379-156. The Blue Streaks defense limited Chardon to minus-6 yards passing and just 162 yards total on the ground. It was Chardon’s first loss of the season.

“We’re playing more Madison football,” Madison coach Tim Willis said. “We’re doing the little things right. We still have room to improve because we did make some mistakes. These guys fought tonight. To hold those guys (Chardon) out of the end zone, I’m very proud of my defense.”

It was the second straight year Madison shut out Chardon. Madison defeated the Hilltoppers last year, 14-0.

Madison has changed its identity as this season has progressed. It started the year running a spread offense, but following an early-season loss to Perry, Willis opted to become more of a running team.

“I think that’s what our makeup is this year,” Willis said. “You can’t always try to force things. We’re figuring it out week by week.”

Chardon was able to put together a pair of methodical drives, one of 10 plays and another of 13 plays, but both ended inside the Madison 20.

Madison got all the points it needed in early in the first quarter, when Brooks scored on a 52-yard touchdown run about two minutes into the game.

McClure scored his first of three touchdowns in early in the second quarter on a 26-yard scoring run to increase the lead to 13-0. He then added a 19-yard scoring run in the third quarter. That run capped an 88-yard scoring drive for Madison (4-1 overall, 2-0 WRC).

“Isaiah is a special kid,” Willis said of speedy junior running back, who is only 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds. “He’s probably one of the best in the area.”

McClure and Brooks were the recipient of some outstanding play by the Madison offensive line, which dominated the line of scrimmage.

“We have a great offensive line,” Willis said. “They beg me to run the football.”

Chardon coach Mitch Hewitt said his team was “dominated in every aspect” in the loss.

“They kicked our rear end," he said. "We’ve got to get a lot better and we don’t have much time to do it.”

Madison returns action on Oct. 2 when it entertains Riverside. Chardon (4-1, 1-1) hosts Kenston on Oct. 2.

Jayson Gobble ran for 253 yards and scored six touchdowns as Stow defeated Nordonia 65-37 Friday night.

NORDONIA, Ohio – Stow football’s Jayson Gobble took the ball to the end zone. Again and again, he returned there.

In all, Gobble ran for 253 yards and five touchdowns plus another score on a pass as Stow defeated Nordonia, 65-37, in a Suburban League National Division game Friday night.

“I am looked to as a leader on this team,” Gobble said. “If I am picked up, our whole team is picked up. I needed to be picked up today and I was, I was just feeling good the whole time.”

Stow (5-0, 2-0), ranked No. 8 in the cleveland.com Top 25, took a 24-14 lead into halftime on Gobble’s three first half touchdowns, but No. 20 Nordonia cut it to a 10-point game with a touchdown in the half’s final minute.

Check cleveland.com/hssports on Saturday for another story with several videos from this game, including action highlights.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with each team answering the other’s scoring drives until Stow finally took control late in the fourth quarter.

After Nordonia (2-3, 0-2) had made it a one-score game on a Justin Post 7-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Soltis with 6:27 left, the Knights attempted an onside kick. Nordonia appeared to recover but, after a lengthy delay as the officials unpiled the players, it was the Bulldogs who came out with the football.

“I think at that point, they were trying to get the ball back and score quick, so that was very huge for us and gave us a short field to work with,” Stow coach Mark Nori said. “When you get into a shootout like that, anything’s game.”

Stow recovered the ball and took advantage of the break when quarterback Kyle Vantrease faked a handoff to Gobble and took it to the end zone from 18 yards out with 5:36 remaining. Stow’s defense then held and got the ball back for Gobble and the offense. Gobble took it in from 12 yards for his sixth touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 58-37 lead with 3:12 to play.

Then, his brother Joe Gobble capped off the night with a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown just over a minute later.

“That was just crazy,” Jayson Gobble said of his brother's touchdown. “I was so happy for him. I was blowing up on the sideline.”

Post and running back Anthony Perrine led Nordonia’s offensive attack, with Post completing 16-of-34 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns. Perrine rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.

As for Gobble, he scored his first touchdown on a 43-yard touchdown catch on a pass from wide receiver Logan Lindsay on Stow’s first possession. Gobble then broke free for a 67-yard touchdown later in the first quarter. His third touchdown came on a 2-yard run in the second quarter, giving him three in the first half. He continued his scoring with two more touchdown runs in the third quarter – one from 4 yards and the other from 1 yard – before finishing his night on the 12-yard run in the fourth.

The two teams combined for 953 yards of total offense, with the Bulldogs outgaining the Knights 507-446.

Stow will return home to host Twinsburg on Oct. 2, while Nordonia will visit Brecksville.

Ryan Isley is a freelancer from Akron. For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

The Greenmen remain atop of the Suburban League American Division.

BARBERTON, Ohio -- The Aurora Greenmen remained undefeated with a 24-7 victory Friday night at Barberton.

The Greenmen (5-0, 2-0) remain atop of the Suburban League American Division. They used a balanced attack with quarterback Nolan Sotka throwing for 122 yards and 1 touchdown on 12-of-14 attempts. Sotka faced pressure all game, was sacked several times and rushed for 36 yards on 14 attempts vs. the Magics (3-2, 0-2).

Sotka's 16-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Blunt helped put the game away at 17-7 in the final nine minutes. Sotka found Blunt on a fade to the corner of the end zone.

"We made some key adjustments at halftime and became more physical," Sotka said. "We came out with a different mindset in the second half and didn't have to change too many things, scheme wise."

The Greenmen used a triple-threat backfield to run the ball with Ben Nelson, Bubba Arslanian and Austin Piunno carrying the load. Nelson had 134 yards on 20 carries. They used Piunno, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound fullback, at the goal line to score with 30 seconds to go in the first quarter.

The Aurora defense smothered its opposition in the first half, allowing only three first downs and minus-7 yards rushing. Barberton cut Aurora's lead to 10-7 on the final play of the second quarter. Zane Ries connected with Khalil Dunem from 26 yards out.

Aurora held Barberton running back Brandon McCall to 13 yards on seven attempts. Ries threw for 192 yards on 12-of-24 passing.

The Greenmen travel next week to face Suburban League foe Highland. The Magics will try to end a two-game losing skid at home vs. Akron North.

LeBron James is hosting a launch party for his new Nike basketball shoe with about 2,000 people at the University of Akron Sunday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - On the eve of the Cleveland Cavaliers' season getting off the ground, LeBron James will "launch" his latest Nike basketball show Sunday in an event at the University of Akron's E.J. Thomas Hall.

Nike's LeBron 13 hits stores next month at a cost of $200 per pair. But on Sunday, James will sit with shoe designers for a roundtable discussion at 5 p.m. and appear to about 2,000 people at 7 p.m. for an event being labeled "An Evening with LeBron."

Nike, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the Cavs invited most of the guests, but about 150 passes will be distributed to the public. Those passes can be obtained through Nike's website, nike.com.

James and the Cavaliers begin the 2015-16 season Monday with media day, followed by the first practice of training camp on Tuesday. James may take questions Sunday, though, which could be an opportunity for him to weigh in on Tristan Thompson's ongoing contract negotiation with the Cavs.

Nike is perhaps James' longest and most cherished corporate partner. Last month, he embarked with Nike on his annual trip to Asia, where he visited China and the Philippines.

James also has a formal partnership with the University of Akron, which will give scholarships beginning in 2021 to students who graduate from Akron Public Schools and participate in the James foundation's mentorship program.

When James' homecoming with the Cavaliers was celebrated in August of 2014 at Akron's InfoCision Stadium with 30,000 fans, the university rented out the stadium to the James Foundation for free.

It is not immediately clear if Nike or the James foundation has to pay the university to use E.J. Thomas Hall on Sunday.

Mario Monastero tosses three touchdown passes to lead Mayfield to a 42-13 win over Kenston.

MAYFIELD, Ohio – Mario Monastero threw three touchdown passes as No. 7 Mayfield stayed unbeaten with a 42-13 win over Kenston in Western Reserve Conference play on Friday.

Monastero threw touchdown passes of 47 and 25 yards to Gage Bican, and a 76-yard score to Luke Bican. Gage Bican finished with five catches for 90 yards and two scores, while Luciano caught three passes for 152 yards and the one score.

Kenston was led offensively by Parker Gdula, who carried 17 times for 54 yards and one score.

Mayfield (5-0, 2-0) plays host to Brush while Kenston (2-3, 0-2) travels to Chardon next Friday.

Carlos Carrasco's dominance, offense's three homers help Cleveland Indians defeat Kansas City Royals, 6-0, Friday night in Kansas City, Mo.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Carlos Carrasco pitched a one-hitter and struck out a career-high 15 as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals, 6-0, Friday night at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jose Ramirez, Abraham Almonte and Roberto Perez homered for the Tribe.

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

Nick Camino Scoreboard Watch: The Indians (76-76) pulled within 3.0 games of the Houston Astros (80-74) for the second AL wild card. The L.A. Angels (79-74) are 0.5 behind and the Minnesota Twins (78-75) are 1.5 back.

No GPS required: The Indians won the opener of a three-game series that will conclude the road portion of their schedule. At 41-38, they have secured an above-.500 road record for the season. 

Cookie Express: Carrasco faced a watered-down lineup because the Royals (89-64) clinched the AL Central on Thursday night. Of course it made a difference. But Carrasco need not apologize. His stuff was so nasty, the fully loaded Royals probably would have struggled.

Carrasco relied on a fastball/slider/split-changeup/curve combination. Everything moved and the vast majority of it ended knee-high or below. The Royals might as well have been trying to hit bowling balls with wet newspapers. Catcher Perez made all of the pieces fit by calling a fantastic game.

The Royals put one ball in the air fair. One. Drew Butera flied to right in the sixth.

Kansas City's hit came with one out in the seventh inning. Alex Rios punched a fastball on the inner half to center for a single. More credit to Rios than blame on Carrasco.

Carrasco walked two. He threw 78 of 113 pitches for strikes. The Royals swung and missed 26 times.

Carrasco (14-11, 3.44 ERA) struck out every Royal at least once, all of them swinging. He whiffed Ben Zobrist, a quality veteran hitter, three times -- and made him seem helpless.

Carrasco notched a Bill James Game Score of 98.

Here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of Carrasco's start (10 pitches reviewed twice in order to be sure whether slider or changeup; where Carrasco is concerned, both can feature similar action and velocity because he cuts underneath them so hard):

FIRST INNING

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- fastball inside; 95-mph fastball inside; 93 fastball called strike (outside corner); 95 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Francisco Lindor, forced to wait on a hop, threw out the speedy Dyson by a step.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 93 fastball called strike; 94 fastball foul; 88 changeup ball (supposedly); 89 slider down and in; 88 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Zobrist should have been struck out in three pitches -- and he knew it. Plate umpire Dana DeMuth butchered the call. AB ended with Bugs Bunny changeup.

(R) Alex Rios -- 93 fastball foul; 88 slider down and away; 88 slider swinging strike; 88 changeup foul; 97 fastball down and away; 89 slider, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Ridiculous spin rate on strikeout pitch, which landed over plate at shoes.

SECOND INNING

(R) Paulo Orlando -- 94 fastball called strike; 87 slider down and away; 95 fastball swinging strike (running deep inside); 88 slider down and away; 96 fastball foul; 88 slider foul; 97 fastball, swinging strikeout (running inside).

(R) Jonny Gomes -- 96 fastball foul; 87 slider swinging strike (outer half); 88 slider, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Carrasco became the 10th pitcher in Indians history with 200+ strikeouts in a season. He required the second-fewest innings (173 1/3; No. 1 Sam McDowell 172 in 1968.

(R) Cheslor Cuthbert -- 95 fastball inside; 95 fastball, grounder to second.

Skinny: Cuthbert jammed.

THIRD INNING

(R) Christian Colon -- 93 fastball low; 86 slider down and away; 95 fastball, grounder to pitcher.

(R) Drew Butera -- 95 fastball foul; 88 slider low (supposedly); 97 fastball low; 96 fastball up and in; 95 fastball inside (barely), walk.

(R) Francisco Pena -- 93 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball foul; 88 slider down and away (barely checked); 97 fastball, GIDP 5-4-3.

Skinny: Pena jammed.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- 84 changeup foul (deep to right); 90 changeup swinging strike; 86 slider in dirt; 90 changeup, swinging strikeout (in dirt).

Skinny: Carrasco's 17th straight start with five-plus strikeouts. First changeup squirted on Carrasco. Next two were filthy.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 95 fastball foul; 96 fastball called strike; 89 slider foul; 85 changeup down and in; 89 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Bugs Bunny struck again.

(R) Alex Rios -- 96 fastball foul; 95 fastball, grounder to third.

(50 total pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(R) Paulo Orlando -- 81 curve in dirt; 95 fastball called strike; 88 slider swinging strike (outer third); 95 fastball, swinging strikeout (running deep inside at knees).

(R) Jonny Gomes -- 94 fastball low; 93 fastball foul; 89 slider swinging strike; 96 fastball outside (barely); 90 slider, swinging strikeout (down and away).

(R) Cheslor Cuthbert -- 96 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball inside; 89 slider, grounder to short.

SIXTH INNING

(R) Christian Colon -- 95 fastball inside; 87 slider outside (barely); 95 fastball inside (barely); 95 fastball called strike; 95 fastball foul (on hands); 96 fastball high, walk.

(R) Drew Butera -- 94 fastball, fly to right.

(R) Francisco Pena -- 93 fastball foul; 95 fastball foul; 88 slider, grounder to second (Colon to second).

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- 94 fastball low; 94 fastball called strike; 89 changeup swinging strike; 91 changeup in dirt; 89 changeup, grounder to short.

Skinny: Lindor charged to make the play. Royals' only AB with a runner in scoring position.

SEVENTH INNING

(Sixth Indians start with no-hitter into seventh this season.)

(L) Ben Zobrist -- fastball foul; 82 curve swinging strike; 84 slider, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Second and third pitches were ridiculous.

(R) Alex Rios -- 92 fastball inside (barely); 87 slider swinging strike; 93 fastball, single to center.

Skinny: Rios dug out a decent pitch.

(R) Paulo Orlando -- 96 fastball called strike; 89 slider foul; 96 fastball, swinging strikeout (outside corner at knees).

Skinny: Carrasco's fourth start of 10+ strikeouts this season, seventh career. Indians starters with 20 games of 10+ in 2015.

(R) Jonny Gomes -- 96 fastball called strike; 95 fastball called strike; 84 slider down and away; 88 slider, swinging strikeout (over plate at shoes).

EIGHTH INNING

(R) Cheslor Cuthbert -- 94 fastball called strike; 94 fastball foul; 89 slider down and away; 89 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and in).

(R) Christian Colon -- 95 fastball foul; 96 fastball foul; 84 curve, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Because Cookie could.

(R) Drew Butera -- 96 fastball foul (Ramirez drops after slap-catch attempt near Tribe dugout); 96 fastball outside; 87 slider called strike; 88 slider foul; 95 fastball foul; 89 slider, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Nasty upon filthy upon nasty.

NINTH INNING

(R) Francisco Pena -- 95 fastball down and away; 87 changeup foul; 94 fastball foul; 83 curve foul; 89 changeup, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: More from Bugs Bunny.

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- 95 fastball called strike; 95 fastball outside; 89 changeup, grounder to second.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 95 fastball low (barely); 88 changeup, grounder to pitcher.

Cleveland Lumber Company: The Tribe scored five of its runs via homers.

1. Jose Ramirez -- solo to right-center in first off righty Edinson Volquez (2-1 fastball/93 mph).

Notable: Hard-charging Ramirez's helmet flew off between first and second.

2. Abraham Almonte -- two-run to right in second off Volquez (1-2 curve/81).

Notable: Almonte pounced on hanger on inner half.

3. Roberto Perez -- two-run homer in seventh off lefty Franklin Morales (2-1 fastball/92).

Notable: Perez pounced on room-service heater.

See high school football scores from Ohio games played on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are high school football scores from across Ohio for Friday, Sept. 25, 2015.

Ada 19, Columbus Grove 7