Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco's season ended in defeat, but overall he had the best year of his career.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Carlos Carrasco's last start of the season ended poorly, but that did not spoil what came before.

Carrasco lasted just three innings Wednesday as the Indians lost the first game of a doubleheader to the Twins, 7-1, at Progressive Field. Carrasco allowed five runs on five hits. He faced six batters in the fourth inning and didn't record an out.

A bad start to be sure, but not a bad season.

Carrasco (14-12, 3.63) set career highs in wins, starts, innings pitched and strikeouts. He came within one pitch of a no-hitter and flirted with another one against Kansas City over the weekend.

He gave an indication of what was to come when he came out of the bullpen and joined the rotation in August of 2014 and went 5-3 with 1.30 ERA in 10 starts. Over the winter he underwent a procedure at Cleveland Clinic to correct a rapid heart rate. Before his first start of his season, he signed a four-year, $22 million contract.

Carrasco won that start, striking out 10 in a 2-0 victory over Houston. In his second start of the season, Melky Cabrera sent a liner off his chin in the first inning. Seven days later, Carrasco was back on the mound against Cabrera and the White Sox and beat them.

It has been quite a ride for Carrasco.

"He's been pretty damn good," said manager Terry Francona. "At worst, he's going to be a huge innings eater because he's a big strong kid and he goes deep into the game. And at best, he could probably be one of the best pitchers in the game. That's how I see the low high (for Carlos) and that's good.

"We've seen days where he's just about unhittable and he's managed the other things that used to get in the way. He's a pretty damn good major league pitcher is what he is."

Carrasco was not happy with the way his season ended, but was pleased his season overall.

"Every start I made this year, I learned something from," said Carrasco. "I'm going to take that into the off-season and work hard and get ready for next year."

As for the season itself, Carrasco said, "Yes, it is a bit of a surprise. I get hit with the line drive and then there was the heart issue. We just have great guys in the training room and they really helped me get through everything.

"In the end, I feel great about this season."

Browns quarterback Josh McCown participated fully in Browns practice Wednesday despite his swollen hand, which was stepped on in the Raiders game. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Josh McCown participated fully in practice Wednesday despite his swollen right hand.

"It's doing good, feeling better,'' he said. "I'm good.''

He said he wasn't hampered at all Wednesday by the hand, which he believes someone stepped on in the third quarter of the 27-20 loss to the Raiders.

"No, I felt good,'' he said. "It's a good day of work.''

Coach Mike Pettine acknowledged that McCown isn't 100% but "I think it'll for the most part be resolved by the end of the week,'' he said. "I don't think it's anything major.''

McCown still has the gash on the back of his hand and it's still swollen. But X-rays after the game were negative and he didn't need further exams on Monday.

In addition to the back of the hand, McCown's right ring finger -- which he jammed in the second preseason game -- has still been occasionally wrapped with an ace bandage.

But he's starting Sunday in San Diego and doesn't expect the hand to be an issue. Johnny Manziel was also a full participant with his elbow tendinitis.

Gipson among the players who didn't practice

The following players were idle Wednesday: Safety Tashaun Gipson, linebacker Craig Robertson (ankle), linebacker Scott Solomon (ankle), defensive end Randy Starks (rest) left tackle Joe Thomas (rest), running back Robert Turbin (ankle), K'Waun Williams (concussion).

Travis Benjamin among those limited

The following players were limited Wednesday: Receiver Travis Benjamin (ribs), defensive lineman Desmond Bryant (shoulder), linebacker Karlos Dansby (ankle), cornerback Justin Gilbert (hamstring), Joe Haden (ribs, finger).

Tristan Thompson has a deadline of Oct. 1 at 11:59 p.m. to accept the one-year, $6.8 million qualifying offer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The clock is ticking for restricted free agent Tristan Thompson and his camp.

The offensive rebounding machine has a deadline of Oct. 1 at 11:59 p.m. to accept the one-year, $6.8 million qualifying offer. The Cavaliers can extend the deadline on their own accord, but that's not happening.

It's not in their benefit to do so.

If Thompson allows the deadline to pass, he can continue dialogue with the Cavaliers towards securing a deal. He would still be restricted and would be considered "a holdout" at that point.

Rich Paul, Thompson's agent, informed the media that if his client took the qualifying offer, he wouldn't re-sign with the Cavaliers once he became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016. Anderson Varejao went through a similar scenario in 2007 when he was a restricted free agent. He didn't strike a deal with the Cavaliers until Dec. 4 of that year.

Cleveland is the favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference. This negotiating stalemate the team is experiencing with Thompson is a distraction they don't need.

The Cavaliers have upped their initial offer of five years, $80 million, but I'm being told by sources with direct knowledge of the situation that the new proposal is slightly modified in terms of contract length.

Paul has vacated a demand of a five-year, $94 million max contract and is now willing to take a three-year, $53 million deal. Thompson has missed the first couple of days of training camp.

The Cavaliers have $95 million in salary guaranteed for this upcoming season and that's not including what Thompson will eventually earn. That means currently they're $11 million over the luxury tax threshold, which is a tax bill of approximately $19 million.

The second-year linebacker's role will expand with the loss of Craig Robertson.

BEREA, Ohio - Inside linebacker Chris Kirksey is a bit like the Browns' defense - in his second year, expected to show improvement and the subject of pre-season hyperbole.

Over the summer, his position coach Chuck Driesbach shared a story about a meeting with members of the team's scouting department. They sought his insight on the ideal type of player for the Browns' system.

"Go clone Kirksey," Driesbach said. "He's smart, he's tough, he's athletic. ... He's what we are looking for."

The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder hasn't exactly played up to that lofty praise through three weeks. Then again, few on the high-priced defense have met expectations.

It's early in the season, however, and Kirksey gets an opportunity to expand his role because of an injury to a teammate. A year ago, the Iowa product thrived in the same scenario when Karlos Dansby was lost for four weeks to a knee injury. The Browns need the linebacker to elevate his game again in place of Craig Robertson (ankle), who likely will miss several games starting with Sunday's trip to San Diego.  

"Why wouldn't I be up for (for the challenge)?" Kirksey said. "Whenever your team needs you, you have to step up. That's all you have to do is step up, point blank. I'll be ready."

Browns fans are weary of all the talk from their defense. They listened all off-season as the unit vowed to be better at stopping the run in the second year under coach Mike Pettine and coordinator Jim O'Neil.

Less than a month into the campaign, the Browns rank last vs. the rush (158.3 yards per game). Against the Raiders, they looked at times like city slickers on a dude ranch trying to rope calves, missing 14 tackles in the 27-20 loss at FirstEnergy Stadium.

It's a prideful group, one that forced 29 turnovers and finished ninth overall in scoring defense a year ago. Kirksey didn't shield his eyes during Monday's film session, which teammate Paul Kruger said included a lot of "high-volume talking" from O'Neil and other coaches.

"You've got to look at yourself in the mirror and be real with yourself and when I say 'yourself' I mean this defense," Kirksey said. "We've got to get better. Sometimes, you need to sit back and watch film and watch a bad game just so you can get a slap in the face and realize we have to be better than this. Time is ticking."

Kirksey enjoyed a decent rookie season that was spent rotating with Robertson. He often was deployed in nickel and dime packages. His speed and coverage skills are coveted in today's NFL, which employs fewer lumbering, run-stuffing inside backers.

But Kirksey, a 2014 third-round pick, realizes he must be stouter against the rush. He's graded poorly in run defense, according to the analytics website ProFootballFocus.com.

"Just being a lighter guy than some of the other NFL linebackers, (Kirksey) needs to understand his pad level, at times, (he) needs to be a little bit better. ... You have to be lower," said Pettine, who plans to spot Kirskey with depth linebacker Tank Carder.

Kirksey delivered one of the few big plays defensively versus the Raiders, forcing a fourth-quarter fumble on receiver Amari Cooper that led to the Browns' final touchdown.

It's a veteran unit with six regulars age 29 and older. The Browns need their young defenders to make an impact. Former first-round picks Justin Gilbert and Barkevious Mingo don't fit the description. Tashaun Gipson reached the Pro Bowl in 2014, but could become a free agent at season's end.

Kirksey gained ample experience a year ago and has legitimate upside. The temporary loss of Robertson affords him another chance to prove he's a complete player. With the Browns' wobbly 1-2 start, they're looking for him to help stabilize a defense that was good against the Titans and suspect versus the Jets and Raiders.

"My level of confidence is skyrocketing," Kirksey said. "You're a football player, you have to have confidence. If you don't have confidence in yourself then you're not going to succeed so you have to have confidence."

Browns fans have heard the rhetoric and watched opponents average nearly 396 yards a game. Kirksey, among others, must provide an effort worth cloning.

Here are high school sports highlights from Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Wednesday. See below for information on how your team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups. 

BOYS GOLF

Division III Sectional at Seven Hills: Kirtland (340) qualified for districts as a team and the Hornets’ Michael Schnur was medalist with a 74. Independence (363) was third and qualified for districts as a team, while Open Door’s Max Vandermersch (77) and Trinity’s Joe Lesueur (84) and Jarrett Bennett (77) qualified as individuals.

Division III Sectional at Riverview: Waterloo’s Dylan Begue shot a 73 and was the only local district qualifier.

Division II Sectional at Elms: Canton Central Catholic won the event Tuesday. No local golfers qualified for districts.

Southwestern Conference Tournament: Avon won the tournament at Sweetbriar with a 318. The Eagles’ Sarah Warnkin was medalist with a 76. Teammate Anna Schatschneider shot a 79. Avon Lake (360) was second and Westlake (373) was third.

GIRLS GOLF

Division II Sectional at Punderson State Park: Lutheran West (343), Independence (349) and Hawken (382) qualified for districts as teams Tuesday. The Blue Devils’ Sophia Trombetta was medalist with a 73. Southeast’s Macie Hysell (77), Brooklyn’s Amanda Baker (79) and Beamont’s Erin Adams (86) and Perry’s Lindsey Miller (92) qualified for districts as individuals. 

GIRLS TENNIS

Division I Sectional at Harvard Park: Green doubles team Maria Zivick and Anne Zivick reached the semifinals Wednesday, clinching a spot in next week’s district tournament. The Zivicks are the No. 3 sectional seed, and face No. 2 Lynn Daugherty and Sydney Bergman of North Canton Hoover in Saturday’s semis.

GIRLS SOCCER

Lutheran West 4, Firelands 0: The Longhorns won behind a hat trick by freshman Abriana Rondin.

Trinity 9, Warren John F. Kennedy 1: The Trojans earned at least a share of the North Coast League White Division title. Brooke Garey had five goals.

Brunswick 1, Mentor 1: The Cardinals’ Amanda Cassella scored the tying goal with 19 seconds left in the game. Ariella Pitty scored for the Blue Devils.

Bay 6, Parma 0: Autumn Meisenburg (3), Maddie Holmes (2), and Ellie Irvine scored for the Rockets. Cheyene Carney had 12 saves for Parma.

How your team can be included in these roundups

These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com. 

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Cody Anderson's terrific start provides foundation for Cleveland Indians' 10-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins, who were offended by Jose Ramirez's homer antics late.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Francisco Lindor hit a two-run homer, Jose Ramirez thoroughly enjoyed his three-run homer with a pose and bat flip for the ages, and Cody Anderson pitched seven shutout innings as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 10-2, in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Progressive Field. The Twins won the opener, 7-1.

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

Streaks ended: The Tribe (78-79) had lost three in a row.

The Twins (82-76) had won four straight. They remain alive in the race for the second AL wild card.

Boo-de-hoo-hoo: The Indians led, 7-1, with two outs and Abraham Almonte on second base in the eighth. Twins righty Ricky Nolasco intentionally walked Jason Kipnis. Seriously, Twins and Ricky?

Two pitches later, Ramirez homered to right (No. 6). As the ball sailed into the night, Ramirez stood and admired and otherwise posed. Players call it pimping. Then Ramirez flipped the bat -- with authority -- in the general direction of the Minnesota dugout.

By the time Ramirez arrived at the plate, several Twins personnel, including manager and old-schooler Paul Molitor, were waiting with mouths foaming. A lip-reading degree was not required to see that Molitor, while giving an ejection motion with his arm, told Ramirez to get off the (bleeping) field.

In the top of the ninth, Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario homered to left. Between first and third, Rosario screamed and gestured toward second baseman Ramirez.

You told him, E-Rose. You the enforcer man.

The Twins continued to stew from the dugout after the game. Several players, including Nolasco, glared toward the Indians.

Fox SportsTime Ohio ace studio analyst and former Tribe closer Jensen Lewis said Ramirez's bat flip was uncalled for, no question. But Lewis also wondered: "Why are you intentionally walking a guy when you're down six runs in the eighth inning? It makes absolutely no sense. So (the Ramirez homer) is karma.''

Yes, Ramirez crossed the line. He showboated. He disrespected. An Indian will pay Thursday and both dugouts will be warned. At the same time, the Twins acted as if they never had seen an opposing player do anything remotely over the top. Ever. And of course their accomplished veteran outfielder, Torii Hunter, never flips bats.

Bottom line: Chillax, Twins. Take your 10-2 loss like men.

Terrific work: Anderson closed his first MLB season in style, allowing two hits -- each a two-out single. He walked four and struck out two. He threw 60 of 97 pitches for strikes.

Anderson, promoted from Class AAA Columbus in late June, went 7-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 15 starts. He won his final five starts.

In each of his final six starts, all in September, Anderson worked at least 5 2/3 innings and allowed no more than two runs.

Here is the result of each plate appearance against Anderson on Wednesday (count, pitch type in parentheses):

FIRST INNING

(R) Brian Dozier -- pop to first (0-0 fastball/92 mph).

(L) Joe Mauer -- pop to short (3-2 cutter/90).

(R) Miguel Sano -- fly to center (2-0 fastball/93).

Skinny: Sano missed a pitch to hit: over plate at thighs.

SECOND INNING

(R) Trevor Plouffe -- grounder to pitcher (0-1 cutter/88).

(L) Eddie Rosario -- liner to right (1-0 changeup/83).

(R) Torii Hunter -- single to right (0-1 fastball/92).

(L) Aaron Hicks -- fly to left (0-0 cutter/90).

THIRD INNING

(L) Chris Herrmann -- swinging strikeout (1-2 changeup/82).

(L) Eduardo Escobar -- walk (3-2 fastball/90).

(R) Brian Dozier -- fly to right (1-1 cutter/89).

(L) Joe Mauer -- walk (3-1 fastball/92).

(R) Miguel Sano -- fly to center (0-0 cutter/89).

Skinny: Biggest pitch of game for Anderson. Sano was too eager and thinking first-pitch fastball. Anderson read Sano's mind and opted for the cutter. Location -- off the outside corner -- took the sting out of Sano's bat.

FOURTH INNING

(R) Trevor Plouffe -- swinging strikeout (1-2 changeup).

Skinny: Previous pitch was 79-mph moon-scraping curve.

(L) Eddie Rosario -- liner to short (3-1 fastball down).

(R) Torii Hunter -- fly to center (0-0 cutter/88).

Skinny: Another well-located cutter to the outer half.

FIFTH INNING

(L) Aaron Hicks -- grounder to second (2-2 changeup/82).

(L) Chris Herrmann -- grounder to pitcher (2-1 fastball/92).

(L) Eduardo Escobar -- fly to right (1-2 curve/80).

SIXTH INNING

(R) Brian Dozier -- pop to first (0-2 changeup/82).

(L) Joe Mauer -- grounder to second (2-2 fastball/92).

(R) Miguel Sano -- walk (3-2 fastball/90).

(R) Trevor Plouffe -- single to center (0-0 fastball/92). Sano to second.

(L) Eddie Rosario -- grounder to pitcher (0-0 changeup/82).

SEVENTH INNING

(R) Torii Hunter -- grounder to short (1-2 changeup/82).

(L) Aaron Hicks -- walk (3-1 fastball/92).

(L) Danny Santana PH -- pop to left (1-0 fastball/91).

(L) Eduardo Escobar -- grounder to short (0-2 changeup/82).

Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson pitched seven scoreless innings and rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a two-run homer as the Indians beat the Twins to earn a split in Wednesday's doubleheader. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians, thanks to contributions from rookies Cody Anderson and rookie Francisco Lindor, gave themselves a chance to avoid elimination from the AL wild-card race Wednesday night, but in the end it was only a chance.

Anderson won his fifth straight start and Lindor hit a two-run homer as the Indians beat the Twins, 10-2, to earn a split in a doubleheader at Progressive Field.  When the Indians lost the first game, 7-1, they reduced their Tragic Number to one -- meaning if the Angels beat the A's Wednesday night, the Indians would be eliminated from race for the second wild card spot.

The A's beat the Angels, 8-7, at Angel Stadium. The loss knocked the Angels out of the second wild card spot to keep the Tribe's faint hopes alive, but there was another foe lurking. When Houston regained the second wild card with a victory over Seattle, that eliminated the Indians the chase.

The loss in the nightcap also hurt the Twins' chances. They had closed to within a game of the Angels with their win in the opener. Now they trail Houston by three games.

Anderson (7-3, 3.05) allowed two hits while throwing seven scoreless innings. His five-game winning streak has come against the AL Central with his last two victories against the Twins. In those games, Anderson has allowed one run on 12 hits in 13 2/3 innings.

The big right-hander struck out two and walked four in his final start of the season.  

The Indians jumped Mike Pelfrey (7-10, 4.26) early for four runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings. The runs all came in the second as Michael Martinez, Jose Ramirez and Carlos Santana drove in runs. Ramirez scored on a wild pitch.

Lindor hit a two-run homer in the fourth to stretch the lead to 7-0. It was his 12th homer since making his debut on June 14.

Ramirez closed the Indians' scoring with a three-run homer in the eighth. He did a bat flip on his way to first base and took his time running the bases. Twins manager Paul Molitor was on the top step of the dugout yelling at Ramirez to get off the field.

The homer gave Ramirez a career-high four RBI.

The Twins' two runs came on homers by Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario.

What it means

The Indians (78-79) ended a three-game losing streak and improved to 7-10 against the Twins (82-76), who saw their four-game winning streak end. They are 15-13 in September.

Thanks for coming

The Twins and Indians drew 10,228 fans to Progressive Field. The Indians have drawn 1,302,802 fans.

What's next

The Indians and Twins end their season series Thursday night at Progressive Field when RHP Trevor Bauer (11-12, 4.69) faces rookie RHP Tyler Duffey (4-1, 3.15). Sportstime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

This will be Bauer's first start since Sept. 13. He was moved to the bullpen after that, but has only made one relief appearance. He is 1-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts against the Twins.

Duffey beat the Tribe on Aug. 15, throwing six scoreless innings with one hit, seven strikeouts and five walks at Target Field.

No powder blue either for the Chargers, making this a ho-hum of a uniform matchup on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Chargers' alternate powder blue jerseys are a thing of beauty. The Browns' new orange jerseys have yet to see the light of day. So, it will be kind of a shame that both will be left hanging in the closet when the two teams take the field at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.

As the home team, San Diego has opted to wear white tops, though their choice of pants is still unknown. The Browns will wear brown jerseys for the third time in four weeks -- this time with white pants and brown socks.

Brown-on-white was a lucky look for the Browns the last time they wore it-- a 31-7 preseason romp at Tampa Bay. They were 4-2 in brown/white last season.

The Chargers are 1-1 in white tops this season, 1-0 at home.

Cleveland native Raynell Williams hopes to fight at home for the first time as a pro.

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Undefeated lightweight Raynell Williams knows his moment is coming.

With only nine fights under his belt, and if he keeps winning, Williams figures it is only a matter of time before he gets his title shot. But a title is not his only desire.

"I can't remember the last time I fought in Cleveland," said Williams, who has not fought back home since he was an amateur in 2012. "I would love to fight at home. I can't wait to bring a title to Cleveland."

Williams will fight an opponent yet to be named on the undercard of the Adrien Broner vs. Khabib Allakhverdiev WBA junior welterweight title bout on Saturday at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.

Saturday is Broner's first fight since he lost to Shawn Porter at 144 pounds in June. Broner (30-2) fights for the vacant 140-pound title against an opponent who has won 19 of 20 fights.

Broner, as has been the case throughout the buildup for this fight, was succinct at Thursday's press conference.

"I told [you all] I wasn't going to do any interviews or talk at the press conference," Broner said. "I thank everyone for coming. I will be victorious on Saturday, Oct. 3."

On the same card, that begins at 10 p.m. on Showtime, Jose Pedraza will fight Edner Cherry for Pedraza's IBF junior lightweight title.

Although Williams is not aware who he'll face on Saturday, he knows the opponent is an upgrade.

"Fighting here Saturday night means a lot because it's not that far from home, and the victory will mean a lot because the competition is getting better," said Williams, who fought in the 2008 Olympics. "The more you fight, the better the competition becomes, and the better you build your career."

Williams trains out of Cincinnati. He's trained by Mike Stafford, who also trains Broner.

See notes on high school football teams across Ohio in the weekly Associated Press notebook.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Football coaches know the discipline they preach so often is vital to success.

But the importance of self-discipline, such as when offenders realize their deficiencies and try to correct them, shouldn't be underestimated.

Just ask the Buchtel players who weren't satisfied after improving their record to 3-2 overall with a 38-12 win against Akron City Series opponent Firestone on Sept. 25.

The Griffins were flagged 15 times for 105 yards and were so upset with themselves that senior Marquis Sams and junior Brandon Tuck-Hayden suggested a team punishment for the next practice.

"I think we're going to be running on Monday for the penalties," Sams told the Akron Beacon Journal. "Every penalty we all run like 100 yards."

Check cleveland.com weekly for statewide football notes by the Associated Press. And check the graphic on the right for links to notebooks focused on local squads by Northeast Ohio Media Group staff reporters.

Buchtel coach Ricky Powers tried to talk his players out of it but was nonetheless pleased by their actions.

"I'm going to oblige because I think they're taking it personal now, which is something we've been waiting for a long time," he said. "They suggested that, which is amazing."

On the rebound: Kirtland, last year's Division VI state runner-up, responded to its first regular season loss in 56 games by defeating Villa Angela-St. Joseph 30-0, Richmond Heights, 44-0, and Berkshire, 39-7. On Sept 4, Orwell Grand Valley gave Kirtland (4-1) its first non-playoff game loss since Sept. 24, 2009. ... Since Oberlin's 33-17 loss to Milan Edison (5-0) in the first game of the season, the Falcons (4-1) have outscored opponents 158-0.

Whatever it takes: Wheelersburg, third in the Division V Associated Press state poll, went all-out to defeat Jackson 28-7 to end the Ironmen's 17-game regular season win streak.

Wheelersburg (5-0) ran fake punts on its opening two possessions, rushing for the first down on the initial try and passing unsuccessfully on the second against Jackson (4-1). The Pirates also opened the second half by recovering their own onside kick and scoring on the next play when Kyle Davis passed 38 yards to Jake Darnell.

Good sign: Oak Hill (2-3) has won five of the past six Southern Ohio Conference Division I championships, with only last year's not being an outright title.

In each of those years as the sole champion, the Oaks beat Willow Wood Symmes Valley and Portsmouth Notre Dame. On Sept. 18, the Oaks defeated the Willow Wood 33-6 and won Saturday at Notre Dame, 26-6.

Notables: Elyria Catholic senior quarterback Jake Kuchta went 10 for 10 for 243 yards and three touchdowns and ran for an 11-yard TD in a 49-7 win over Parma. … Austin Brenner threw for 399 yards and six touchdowns in Copley's 54-0 win against Revere (see Brenner honored in cleveland.com's Players of the Week). … Rhodes Jump ran for 295 yards and five touchdowns as Grandview defeated London 41-27. … In a battle of 4-0 teams, Perrysburg QB Trevor Hafner threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-3 win against Bowling Green. … Montpelier had three players rush for more than 100 yards and score two touchdowns each in a 48-28 victory over Toledo Christian. Jordan Birdall had 218 yards, Austin Grubb 132 and Dallas Royer 104. ... Ada (3-2) backup quarterback Trent Jolliff, replacing the injured Seth Conley, beat previously unbeaten Columbus Grove 19-7. Jolliff completed 17 of 31 passes for 287 yards for three touchdowns.

Battle of Johns: That Johnstown-Monroe is off to a 5-0 start isn't much of a surprise since the Johnnies have made seven playoff appearances since 2002 under coach Mike Carter. Meanwhile, Johnstown Northridge first-year coach Shawn Hinkle has the Vikings at 4-1 to match their highest number of wins since 2008. Northridge hosts the Johnnies on Friday seeking to break the Vikings' decade-long losing streak to their rival.

Defense department: Haviland Wayne Trace and Defiance Ayersville each returned an interception for a score in the first quarter of Ayersville's 48-28 win. Hunter Showalter put Wayne Trace on top with his return before Jacob Miller countered with a TD for the Pilots. ... Hamler Patrick Henry scored two defensive touchdowns in a 22-14 win over Delta. Kent Peterson recovered a fumble for a score and Brandon Bennett blocked a punt and returned it for six points. … The Steubenville Big Red (5-0) defense is allowing 68.6 yards per game rushing. … Sandusky Perkins (5-0) scored twice in the final 10 minutes to break a 14-14 tie in a 27-14 win at Clyde. The Pirates limited Clyde (4-1) to 26 net yards in the second half.

In the spotlight: Hopewell-Loudon quarterback Austin Tooker was 9 for 13 for 221 yards and a score and rushed for 99 yards and another TD as the Chieftains ended Liberty-Benton's 25-game Blanchard Valley Conference winning streak with a 28-21 win. … Athens senior Zacciah Saltzman had all of his production during a massive first half of the 48-13 win over McArthur Vinton County. He scored seven rushing touchdowns and gained 168 yards on 14 carries. .... Hamilton Township's Jacob Long had touchdowns on four of his five carries in the first half of a 56-21 victory over Liberty Union.

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The Twins were less than thrilled after Ramirez admired his three-run blast in the eighth inning of Wednesday's bout.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jose Ramirez, the most wanted man in the Twin Cities, batted first for the Indians on Thursday.

Coincidence?

"I don't know about [that]," said Tribe manager Terry Francona. "The game takes care of itself. Something happens [and] sometimes when you're trying to get somebody's attention, you do. And you live with it."

The Twins were less than thrilled after Ramirez admired his three-run blast in the eighth inning of Wednesday's bout. Ramirez grounded out in his first at-bat, an anticlimactic trip to the plate, given that Ricky Nolasco, the Twins pitcher who served up the homer, promised that Ramirez would eventually "get his."

"If that's the worst thing that kid ever does..." Francona said about Ramirez before trailing off. "He's a good kid. He even said he got caught up in the emotion of it. They know that, too."

Francona said plenty has changed since his playing days. He noted how "pretty much everybody" will point "to the heavens ... after pretty much everything."

"That's just the way it is," he said.

Ramirez's reaction -- fit with a pose at the plate and a bat flip for the ages -- was a bit excessive, in Francona's estimation.

"If you're trying to get a team's attention, you might," Francona said. "Because that's kind of what it looked like. I think there's a difference between hitting a home run to end the game and that. But everybody is different and that's part of the beauty of our game.

"The one thing I really like about Jose is, he's kind of fearless out there. You could tell that when they walked Kip, he took that as a [slight]. And I love that. I just don't think it had to go past that. What he did was enough."

Hot corner homecoming: Giovanny Urshela returned to the lineup on Thursday for the first time since Sept. 17. He doubled to right-center in his first plate appearance. Urshela has dealt with a sore shoulder for about two months.

"You get toward the end of the season," Francona said, "and it's easy to kind of slack off on some of those things, but he worked so hard at it. I thought it'd be good for him to play a couple games."

Urshela injured his left knee playing winter ball last year, but did not need surgery. He injured his back during spring training. Then, his shoulder started barking while the Tribe played in Milwaukee in late July.

"His body hasn't really allowed him to always do some of the things he wants to do," Francona said. "And it's hard enough being in the major leagues for the first time. I'm not sure we have a great read yet on what kind of hitter he is. I think we know what kind of third baseman he can be. Like a lot of guys, he's swung at a lot of pitches outside of the zone. Is some of that related to him not feeling good physically? Maybe. I'm sure we'll see in the future."

Before you go: The Indians began their exit interviews with players and staff on Thursday. They will continue through the weekend.

Winding down: Francona said he watched the tail end of the Astros-Mariners game on Wednesday evening. Houston's victory officially eliminated the Indians from postseason contention.

"It's not like that last ball is caught and you're like, 'Oh, man,'" Francona said. "You always hold out hope."

Turbin expects to return either next week against Baltimore or the following week against the Broncos.

BEREA, Ohio -- Things have changed for Robert Turbin since the last time he carried the football in a real game. The then-Seahawks running back logged two carries in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots, including a 19-yard run in the second quarter that was part of a Seattle scoring drive.

Eight months to the day later, Turbin sat in front of his stall in the Cleveland Browns locker room talking about getting closer to making his debut for his new team.

"I'm definitely anxious to play football," Turbin said on Thursday following practice. "The only thing I want to do is do the best I can for these guys, for the team, perform at the very highest level I can perform to help us win football games."

Turbin, who had hip surgery in the off-season, suffered a high ankle sprain during the Seahawks' third preseason game against San Diego, the team the Browns face this week. Seattle reached an injury settlement with the running back after Fred Jackson signed with them. The Browns snapped up Turbin off of waivers the next day, releasing quarterback-turned-wide-receiver Terrelle Pryor.

"Given where we were when we looked at our running back room, given our circumstances and having always been a Robert Turbin fan," Browns head coach Mike Pettine said after the team was awarded the running back, "just admiring how he plays and the mentality he takes to the field, that was an opportunity that we felt we couldn't pass up."

Turbin, who said he originally hoped to return this week but now plans to return either at Baltimore next week or at home against Denver the following week, has been forced to play the waiting game.

"It's hard, because you come in the locker room and you're talking to guys and you're building camaraderie with everybody but at the end of the day it comes down to playing football," Turbin said. "And guys, at the end of the day, they want to see you play. They want to see you out there. They want you to be practicing with them. They want you going to war with them on Sundays and really getting engaged in the game. It's tough being on the sideline because you want to be out there with them as well."

Over the course of his four-year career, the Utah State product, drafted in the fourth round by Seattle, has carried the ball 231 times, averaging 4 yards per carry. He has not scored a rushing touchdown in his career but has found the end zone twice in the receiving game, both last season.

"I'd say I'm balanced," Turbin said when asked to assess his game. "I feel like I can do a little bit of everything."

What does it mean to have a team already thin at running back willing to give up a spot on its 53-man roster to a player who was, at the time, at least a month away from playing?

"It's incredibly humbling," Turbin said. "You get a team that knows you're going to be out and teammates who are happy that I'm here although I'm not playing yet.

"To have those guys around is definitely encouraging. It's motivating. It's inspiring. That's why I want to get back on the field and be there for those guys and contribute for the team."

The new guy: The Browns announced today they have added Paul Dunn to their offensive coaching staff to assist George DeLeone with the offensive line. DeLeone has been leading the offensive line group since former line coach Andy Moeller was suspended prior to the season. Moeller and the Browns have since parted ways.

"I have a lot of respect for Paul," Pettine said. "I have known for him a long time."

Dunn, 55, last worked as the Houston Texans' offensive line coach in 2014. He spent the previous six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he was an assistant offensive line coach.

Gipson should go: Safety Tashaun Gipson is confident he'll play on Sunday. He was limited in practice on Thursday with a groin injury.

"I feel good, just bumps and bruises," Gipson said. "That's just a part of being in this league. It's 100 percent injury-ridden league, so I had a minor groin issue, but come game time, I'm more than confident I'll be out there with my guys."

Berea-Midpark LB Joey Bachie signed his mid-year financial aid agreement with Michigan State on Thursday and will enroll early. Watch video

BROOK PARK, Ohio -- Berea-Midpark linebacker Joey Bachie signed his mid-year financial aid agreement to play football at Michigan State on Thursday at the Brook Park Recreation Center.

Bachie (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) will enroll early at Michigan State in January and sign his National Letter of Intent in February on National Signing Day.

"Michigan State was just the place that's been on my mind since seventh grade," Bachie said. "I love everything about it."

Bachie committed to Michigan State on April 25. He committed as soon as Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio offered him a scholarship.

With friends and family in attendance Thursday, Bachie was emotional as he put pen to paper.

"Everything is going around. My mind is all over the place," Bachie said. "But emotions are in the air."

Bachie is the No. 57 prospect in Ohio according to 247Sports.com's composite rankings for 2016. He helped lead Berea-Midpark to the playoffs last season, in the school's second year since Berea and Midpark merged.

"It's a great testament to hard work and determination, as you always talk about as a coach, that sooner or later it's going to pay off," Berea-Midpark coach Ray Hradek said. "With Joey, it paid off immensely in regards to going to Michigan State."

Hradek has been a coach for 36 years and also coached Bachie's father, Joe Bachie Sr. But of all the players he's coached, Hradek said Bachie is the best of his career.

"He has the physical abilities, the speed, the strength and the height and all that," Hradek added. "But more importantly as we talk to our kids about this a lot, is that he's a football player. He's very instinctive. He understands the game. He knows when he sees certain things on defense, where the ball's going to go. He knows how to feed a defense when he's on offense. That's basically an innate thing."

Bachie's midyear agreement with Michigan State means his scholarship is guaranteed with the school although the player can end up signing with another college.

As of 10 p.m. ET Thursday, Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers have not worked out an agreement on a contract, nor has he accepted the $6.8 qualifying offer.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - As of 10 p.m. ET Thursday, Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers have not worked out an agreement on a contract, nor has he accepted the $6.8 qualifying offer.

This means that when the clock strikes midnight and he chooses to bypass the qualifying offer, Thompson will be classified as a player holding out. He will remain a restricted free agent.

The qualifying offer evaporating eliminates one leverage play Thompson had at his disposal. Rich Paul, the agent for Thompson and LeBron James, had stated that if his client played on the one-year qualifying offer, it would be his final season with the Cavaliers.

From here on out, his options are limited. An extended holdout is a possibility and Thompson is still allowed to talk with other teams to field an offer sheet. But the likely scenario is the Cavaliers and their offensive rebounding machine getting something done relatively soon.

On Thursday an extremely optimistic general manager David Griffin said in an interview with NBA-TV that he expects Thompson to report to camp on Friday.

"We fully expect that tomorrow he will be here in some form or fashion," Griffin said. "We're hopeful that he wants to move forward with his teammates in the same way that we want to have Tristan here. If we can come to some agreement, then we will."

We shall see.

Despite Thompson's absences from practice this week, his teammates continue to have his back.

"Once you take care of the business, when all the guys are here, we'll saddle up, we'll huddle up and we'll make adjustments," James Jones said. "But for now, we're just playing ball."

Highland football defeated No. 15 Aurora, 38-28, on Thursday.

MEDINA, Ohio -- Highland quarterback Tyler Zelinski rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hornets' football team to a 38-28 upset against No. 15 Aurora at North Gateway Tire Field. 

The Hornets (4-2, 2-0) wasted no time getting their rushing game established against their Suburban League American Division rival, which is exactly what coach Mike Gibbons said they needed to do hours before game time. 

"We knew that was the only way we could beat this team," Gibbons said. "They're so good on defense and have some great athletes in the secondary. We have five seniors up front and the way they played like mature seniors tonight." 

After receiving the opening kickoff, quarterback Tyler Zelinski rushed for a first down on his first touch and, a few plays later, scored on a short run. 

Later in the first quarter, Zelinski completed an 81-yard touchdown pass to Zach Filips over the middle to put the Hornets up by 14. 

Aurora (5-1, 2-1) came on strong in the second and closed the gap to 17-14 and went into halftime with momentum, having scored on a 15-yard run by quarterback Nolan Sotka with less than a minute to play. 

Highland began the second half much the way they did in the first: with effective running resulting in points. 

"They executed their offense to perfection," said Aurora coach Bob Mihalik. "They didn't do anything we hadn't practiced all week, however, our scout team doesn't run it as good as they do, obviously. Their speed and their execution was just outstanding tonight so give credit to them." 

The Hornets' first possession of the half ended with a touchdown pass to Evan Kasulones. Highland scored again in the fourth quarter before the Greenmen got on the board again. 

Sotka completed a pair of touchdown passes late in the fourth, bringing the Greenmen to within 10 points with 41 seconds to play but Highland was able to run out the clock, sealing a victory against a team which the weekly AP state football poll has ranked third in the state in Division II. 

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Second baseman Jose Ramirez went 0-for-4 and committed a costly error in the ninth inning as the Cleveland Indians lost to the Minnesota Twins, 4-2, Thursday night at Progressive Field. Tribe right-hander Trevor Bauer gave up one run in seven innings. Here is a capsule look at the game: Ouch: The Indians (78-80) have lost four...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Second baseman Jose Ramirez went 0-for-4 and committed a costly error in the ninth inning as the Cleveland Indians lost to the Minnesota Twins, 4-2, Thursday night at Progressive Field. Tribe right-hander Trevor Bauer gave up one run in seven innings.

Here is a capsule look at the game:

Ouch: The Indians (78-80) have lost four of five. Their regular season concludes with a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at home this weekend.

Grinding hard: The Twins (83-76) have won five of six. They are very much alive in the race for the second AL wild card. Their regular season concludes with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals in Minnesota.

Inexcusable: The Tribe finished 32-43 against the AL Central. They lost the season series to all four opponents (9-10 vs. the White Sox, 9-10 vs. Kansas City, 7-11 vs. Detroit, 7-12 vs. Minnesota).  

The game will find you out: On Wednesday night, Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning of the Tribe's 10-2 victory in the second game of a doubleheader. He posed and flipped his bat in the direction of the Minnesota dugout, infuriating the Twins.

The Twins did not retaliate Thursday because they were too busy trying to win. Ramirez helped them do so.

With one out in the Minnesota ninth and the score tied, 2-2, Trevor Plouffe faced Cody Allen and sent a chopper over the mound. Ramirez threw in the dirt to first baseman Carlos Santana, who was unable to make the pick.

Eduardo Nunez pinch-ran. Eddie Rosario dumped a single into right and Nunez aggressively sprinted to third. Rosario advanced to second on the throw.

Nunez scored on Allen's wild pitch and Rosario scored on Torii Hunter's sacrifice fly.

Ramirez, the Tribe's leadoff batter, grounded to second in the first inning. In the third, he grounded to first on a 2-1 pitch. In the fifth, he struck out on a 3-2 pitch after being ahead, 3-1. In the eighth, he flied to right on a 3-2 pitch after being ahead, 3-1.

Bauer power: Bauer made his first appearance since Sept. 19, his first start since Sept. 13.

Bauer gave up two hits, walked three and struck out three. He used his fastball effectively in mixed in breaking pitches at opportune times.

The Twins pulled ahead, 1-0, in the fourth. With one out, Joe Mauer doubled to left on a ball that Michael Martinez struggled to track over his head. With two outs, Plouffe doubled to center on a ball that Abraham Almonte struggled to track over his head.

The wind undoubtedly played a role in the respective uncertainty of Martinez and Almonte.

Bauer was in line for the victory once Roberto Perez hit a two-run homer to center in the seventh off righty Tyler Duffey (6 1/3 IP, 6 H, 2 R).

The Twins answered with a run in the eighth off Bryan Shaw.

Check out Northeast Ohio high school highlights for fall sports from Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Thursday. See below for information on how you team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.

FIELD HOCKEY

Hawken 9, Cleveland Heights 0: Elisabeth Blossom and Julia Hillenbrand scored three goals apiece for the Hawks while Mara Ursu added a goal and three assists.

BOYS GOLF

Padua 312, Holy Name 337, Elyria Catholic 337: Kyle Nekoloff shot a 78 to lead Holy Name.

BOYS SOCCER

Berea-Midpark 3, North Olmsted 3: Titans All-Ohio forward Danny Ruple scored with seven minutes left to give Berea-Midpark a 3-3 draw against North Olmsted. Berea-Midpark stays unbeaten at 11-0-1 and 6-0 in the Southwestern Conference. North Olmsted falls to 7-3-2 (4-2-1 SWC). After a 2-2 tie at halftime, North Olmsted defender Max Hess scored his second goal for a 3-2 lead. Ruple then tied it following a free kick by midfielder Danny Sasak. Cannon Dees and Alex Stanton each scored in the first half for Berea-Midpark. Max Becker added a goal for North Olmsted.

Cleveland Heights 9, Euclid 1

Independence 5, Lake Ridge Academy 1: Ryan Straub scored two goals to lead the Blue Devils. Marc Ayad scored the only goal for Lake Ridge.

Martin Luther King Jr. 10, Collinwood 1: Cordell Gaines scored three goals for Martin Luther King Jr.

Orange 6, St. Vincent-St. Mary 1: Jack Wright scored two goals while Jake Slesh added a goal and an assist for the Lions.

Shaker Heights 4, Chagrin Falls 2: Mac Mazzola scored two goals and Will Nafziger added an assist for the Tigers.

Solon 3, Twinsburg 0: Ian Erkkila scored two goals while Josh Baskind added a goal and two assists for the Comets in a shutout win.

University School 3, Beachwood 2: George Nageeb scored all three goals for the Preppers in the first half. Shai Yulish and Max Babbush scored in the second half for the Bison.

Woodridge 2, Norton 1: The Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the second half, but Woodridge roared back to tie the game late on a goal by Devin O'Laughlin. Caleb Whitaker scored the game winner on a corner kick from Alex Powell.

GIRLS SOCCER

Avon Lake 4, St. Joseph Academy 1: The Shoregals scored four times in the first half as Amber Achladis had two goals while single tallies went to Allie Heschel and Olivia Siko. Isabella Mastroianni scored for the Jaguars.

Mayfield 4, Cleveland Heights 2: Marissa Handel scored two goals and Tyler Klika added two assists to lead the Wildcats. Eryn Bernard scored two goals for the Tigers.

GIRLS TENNIS

Canton Division II sectional: Norton's doubles team of Sarah Whitaker and Hannah Kraus advanced to the quarterfinal round before falling to top-seeded Hannah Phillippi and Desaray Mullins of Canton South, 6-2, 6-1. Norton singles player Taylor Storad qualified for the district tournament with a 6-3, 6-0 win against Micah Rhodes of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Gilmour 4, Andrews Osborne 1: Allie Mikolanis earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 2 singles for the Lancers.

VOLLEYBALL

Brookside 3, Brooklyn 0

Cardinal 3, Hawken 1: Bailey Hagaedorn had 15 kills and six blocks for the Hawks in a losing effort.

Chardon 3, Brush 0

Holy Name 3, Valley Forge 0: McKenna Keir had seven kills for the Green Wave while Hannah Verba added 11 assists. Taylor Moga's 13 kills led the Patriots.

Independence 3, Wickliffe 0: Hallie Zumack had 12 kills, 13 digs and 19 assists to lead the Blue Devils.

John Hay 3, Lincoln West 1

Lake Catholic 3, Beaumont 0

Lutheran West 3, Wellington 0

Olmsted Falls 3, Berea-Midpark 1: Katie Edgington's 13 kills and 11 blocks led the Bulldogs. Kacie Burton dished out 52 assists.

Padua 3, Archbishop Hoban 0: Rachel Kopchu led the Bruins with 14 kills while Courtney Morris dished out 39 assists.

How your team can be included in these roundups

These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.

Here are Ohio high school statewide football scores for Oct. 1, 2015.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Here are Ohio high school statewide football scores for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015.

Bloom-Carroll 7, Circleville 0

Day. Belmont 30, Day. Ponitz Tech. 22, OT

Medina Highland 38, Aurora 28

Tol. Bowsher 21, Tol. Rogers 14

University of Cincinnati defeats Miami, 34-23.

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- University of Cincinnati quarterback Hayden Moore did not necessarily pick up where he left off during Thursday night's game at Nippert Stadium, but his second impressive performance was more than enough.

A week after his school record-setting performance, Moore passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns to help lead UC to a 34-23 victory over Miami before a campus record crowd of 40,101.

The Bearcats and Hurricanes combined for 47 points in the first half. UC led 14-3 midway in the first quarter before Miami rallied and led 20-17 with 11:26 left in the first half.

UC's fast-paced offense produced a touchdown and field goal in the final 2:17 for a 27-20 halftime lead.

What did we learn: Despite all of the hoopla about the UC offense that averages 40.2 points per game, it was the Bearcats defense that stepped up after playing miserably in a 53-46 loss to Memphis last week.

Miami's offense averages 42 points per game but the UC defense stepped on several occasions. Defensive tackle Alex Pace, out of Glenville High School, disrupted the Hurricanes offensive line. Linebacker Eric Wilson had 14 tackles. And UC's defensive backs consistently punished Miami's receivers after the catch.

Safety Tyrell Gilbert provided the biggest play with a pass deflection in the end zone on fourth-and-goal with five minutes left, and UC hanging onto an 11-point lead.

Backup QB: Moore became the 10th UC QB over the last 107 games to make his first start. UC has won nine of 10 when its QB makes his first start.

Did you know: This was only the second time UC has defeated Miami in 13 tries. The last time the Bearcats defeated Miami was in 1947. 

Cleveland connection: Shaq Washington caught eight passes for 106 yards. Pace had three tackles. 

Next game: Cincinnati (3-2) plays at BYU on Oct. 17. That will be the third straight Thursday game for the Bearcats, all on ESPN. Miami (3-1) plays at Florida State on Oct. 10.

Find all games for Northeast Ohio teams and links to statewide schedules for Week 6.