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Clint Frazier leads six Akron RubberDucks in Eastern League All-Star game

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Former Cleveland Indians No. 1 picks Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer among six Akron RubberDucks named Eastern League All-Stars.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron RubberDucks landed six players on the West Division for the Eastern League All-Star Game, which is set for Akron's Canal Park on July 13.

Outfielders Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer, first baseman Nellie Rodriguez, catcher Jeremy Lucas and pitchers Shawn Morimando and Perci Garner will all play before a home crowd. The game is set for July 13 at 7 p.m. with a Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball game on for July 12.

The only mild surprise on the list, as determined by fan vote and balloting by league managers, broadcasters and writers, is Zimmer (first-round pick, 2014). He has 12 home runs and 45 RBI, but is only hitting .237 with 95 strikeouts in 73 games played.

Frazier (2013/firsts round), on the other hand, has been a shining star, hitting .286 with nine home runs and 38 RBI and 21 doubles. Both players have been stellar in the outfield with Frazier playing all three outfield positions.

Lucas is a stellar defensive backstop who has not made an error this season. He has also been productive at the plate with seven home runs and 25 RBI while hitting .241. Rodriguez, also playing his first season at AA, is no stranger to All-Star games. He was an All-Star and postseason MVP in the Carolina League last season.

With the Ducks, Rodriguez ranks fourth in the EL in homers (15) and fifth in RBI (49). He is batting a respectable .252 and has 18 doubles and two triples.

Morimando has been Akron's ace from the outset as one of the dominant left-handed starters in the league. His record is now 10-3 after a 9-0 start. He leads the EL in wins, and his 3.09 ERA ranks seventh. Morimando has held the opposition to a .225 average. He is also undefeated (6-0) at Canal Park.

Garner, from Dover, Ohio, has been the ultimate middle-relief man. He has appeared in 22 games, going 4-1 with two saves and a 1.84 ERA. Garner has struck out 45 in 49 innings vs. just nine walks.


Carlos Carrasco strikes out 14 as Cleveland Indians beat Toronto for 13th straight win

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The Indians behind the dominant pitching of Carlos Carrasco and just enough offense tied a franchise record with their 13th straight victory Thursday night against Toronto. Watch video

TORONTO -- It's hard to tell who was hotter Thursday night at Rogers Centre -- Team Streak or Carlos Carrasco. Or maybe they simply burned as one bright flame.

Carrasco struck out 14 batters as the Indians beat Toronto, 4-1, for their franchise-tying 13th straight win. They share the record with the 1942 and 1951 Indians.

It is the longest single-season winning streak in the big leagues since Atlanta won 14 straight in 2013. It's the longest winning streak in the American League since the A's won 20 in 2002.

"This has only happened three times in history and the Indians have been playing baseball for a long time (1901)," said closer Cody Allen. "That show you how special it is."

Carrasco, showing a great change of pace and a high-velocity fastball, didn't strike out his first batter until the second inning. Then he couldn't stop himself. The 6-4 right-hander struck out the side in order in the third and sixth innings. At one point, Carrasco (4-2, 2.56 ERA) struck out six straight Blue Jays.

"He had a really good change up tonight and great movement on his two-seam fastball," said manager Terry Francona.

Carrasco opened the eighth by striking out Justin Smoak, but gave up a double to Darwin Barney. That marked the end of Carrasco's night as Bryan Shaw relieved. Carrasco allowed one run on three hits in 7 1/3 innings.

The Tribe's rotation in the streak is 10-0 with a 1.86 ERA (20 earned runs in 97 innings). In his last two starts, Carrasco is 2-0 and has allowed one earned run with 21 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.

Carrasco, Shaw and Cody Allen combined on a three-hitter. Allen pitched the ninth for his 17th save and third in as many days.

"I felt my change up coming on in my last start against Detroit," said Carrasco. "Now that I have the feel for it, I threw it a lot tonight. There was one inning where I think I threw 10 change ups."

Catcher Chris Gimenez said Carrasco's change up didn't play that big a role in the pre-game meetings, but when a pitch can't be hit, it's probably a good idea to keep throwing it.

"I don't think I've ever seen a pitcher (throw that many change ups)," said Gimenez. "If he threw 110 pitches (113), he might have thrown 75 change ups. He's got the ability to throw that change up from 93 mph to 85 mph."

The Indians built their lead on first-pitch homers, the magic bat of Jose Ramirez and some late-inning hustle.

Rajai Davis gave the Indians a 1-0 lead with a first-pitch homer off knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (5-9, 4.21) to start the second. It was the eighth homer of the season for the Davis and if it looked like he knew what to expect from Dickey, well, maybe he did.

Davis came into the game hitting .455 (5-for-11) against Dickey, but that was his first homer against him.

Jason Kipnis followed the same course of action in the third inning when he hit Dickey's first pitch over the right field wall for a 2-0 lead. Kipnis has hit 11 homers this year, two more than he hit all last season. He did not have as much previous success against Dickey as Davis did. Kipnis, who extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single in the first inning, entered hitting .286 (2-for-7) against Dickey.

Josh Donaldson made it 2-1 in the fourth. Donaldson, like Davis and Kipnis, hit Carraasco's first pitch over the center field fence. It was his second homer against Carrasco.

Ramirez, who came into the game hitting .400 (20-for-50) with runners in scoring position, bounced a single through the middle in the sixth to score Mike Napoli for a 3-1 lead. Napoli opened the inning with a double.

Tyler Naquin stretched the lead to 4-1 with a triple in the ninth. Davis scored after reaching on a bloop double to right.

What it means

The Indians finished June at 22-6. Not only is it the best June in the big leagues, but it was the Indians best calendar month in their history. The Indians went 22-7 in June of 1965.

They've won 22 of their last 29 games and have outscored the opposition, 80-26, in the streak.

The pitchers

Carrasco threw 113 pitches, 77 (68 percent) for strikes. Dickey threw 92 pitches, 62 (67 percent) for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Blue Jays drew 41,365 fans to Rogers Centre on Thursday night. First pitch was 7:08 p.m. and the temperature was 77 degrees. Oh yeah, and the roof was open.

What's next

RHP Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.32) will face Toronto RHP Marcus Stroman (6-4, 5.33) on Friday at 1:07 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Tomlin went eight innings to beat the Tigers in his last start. He's 1-0 with a 5.19 ERA in against Toronto. Troy Tulowitzki is hitting .333 (2-for-6) against him.

Stroman is 1-3 in his last five starts, pitching past the sixth inning just once. He's faced the Indians once in his career, allowing four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. Davis is 2-for-4 against him.

Akron RubberDucks again lay egg at plate, get shut out at Erie

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A miserable June for the Akron RubberDucks comes to a sorry end with another futile effort at the plate.

ERIE, Pennsylvania -- The RubberDucks woes at the plate continued Thursday as Akron had only two hits, wasting a solid effort from three pitchers in a 1-0 loss to the SeaWolves.

It was the second game in a row in which the RubberDucks had only two hits. They have only nine hits over the past three games.

No surprise, it's translated to a three-game losing streak that started in Richmond, Virginia.

It also brings to an end a miserable June in which the RubberDucks (44-37) went 8-22. They started the month leading the Class AA Eastern League's Western Division by double-digits, and are now tied for second, 1 1/2 games behind the Altoona Curve.

The RubberDucks never posed a threat Thursday to SeaWolves right-hander Tommy Collier (7-5, 3.22 ERA), who didn't give up a hit until the fourth inning. He went eight innings, striking out five. Akron never got a runner past second base.

Erie closer Joe Jimenez struck out the side in the ninth to secure the victory.

A bright spot for Akron was right-handed starter D.J. Brown, who gave up four hits over five scoreless innings. Right-hander Cole Suiser (0-3, 4.15 ERA) gave up the lone run in the seventh on a single by Erie's Corey Jones.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

Cleveland Indians ride Cookie Express to 13th straight victory: DMan's Report, Game 78 (photos)

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Right-hander Carlos Carrasco struck out 14 in 7 1/3 innings and Rajai Davis and Jason Kipnis homered as the Cleveland Indians toppled the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1, Thursday night in Toronto. The Indians extended their winning streak to 13.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Carlos Carrasco allowed one run and struck out 14 in 7 1/3 innings as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1, Thursday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Indians extended their winning streak to 13, which ties the franchise record and is the longest in MLB this season.

Here is a capsule look at the key aspect(s) of the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Time Ohio:

Nick Camino Scoreboard Watch: The Indians (48-30) remain 6.0 games in front of second-place Kansas City (42-36) in the AL Central. The defending world champion Royals defeated the Cardinals, 4-2, Thursday night in St. Louis, Mo.

Historic: Indians teams in 1942 and 1951 also won 13 straight.

Not bad: The Indians own the second-longest winning streak in the majors in the past 10 years. The 2013 Braves won 14 in a row.

The previous AL team to win 13 straight was the 2002 Athletics (20).

Action-packed month: The Indians finished an MLB-best 22-6 in June. The .786 winning percentage is third-highest for a month in franchise history (minimum 20 games), trailing only August 1954 (26-6; .813) and September 1952 (19-5, .792).

The Tribe hit 44 homers in June, the most for the franchise in any month since a record 51 in September 2005.

Comforts of road: The Tribe is 7-0 on a 10-game trip to Detroit (3-0), Atlanta (3-0) and Toronto (1-0). The series against the Blue Jays continues Friday afternoon.

'Cookie' magnificent: Carrasco gave up three hits and walked two. He threw 77 of 113 pitches for strikes.

Carrasco (4-2, 2.56 ERA) dominated using a fastball/split-changeup/slider combination. The changeup was absolutely devastating.

Toronto's run came on Josh Donaldson's homer with two outs in the fourth. Donaldson pounced on a flat slider (89) and sent it an estimated 449 feet to center.

There is no shame in giving up a bomb to reigning AL MVP Donaldson, especially in recent weeks. He has hit safely in 20 of 21 games, with six of his 19 homers and 23 of his 53 RBI.

Wow: During The Streak, Tribe starting pitchers are 10-0 with a sub-2.00 ERA. They have logged 7+ innings 10 times. Carrasco is 3-0 with three starts of 7+ innings; he has allowed three earned runs in 23 2/3 innings.  

Wicked: Here is the list of Carrasco's strikeouts:

2nd inning

(L) Michael Saunders swinging (3-2 changeup/91).

3rd inning

(L) Justin Smoak swinging (0-2 changeup/92).

Darwin Barney swinging (1-2 fastball/94).

(L) Josh Thole swinging (2-2 changeup/90).

4th inning

(L) Ezequiel Carrera swinging (2-2 changeup/89).

(L) Michael Saunders looking (0-2 fastball/95).

5th inning

Kevin Pillar swinging (2-2 fastball/95).

(L) Justin Smoak looking (2-2 fastball/96).

6th inning

Devon Travis swinging (0-2 changeup/91).

Josh Donaldson looking (1-2 slider/88).

7th inning

Edwin Encarnacion swinging (3-2 slider/86).

(L) Michael Saunders swinging (3-2 changeup/91).

Kevin Pillar swinging (0-2 changeup/91).

8th inning

(L) Justin Smoak swinging (2-2 changeup/91).

The strikeout of Donaldson occurred with a runner on second and the Tribe leading, 3-1. Carrasco fixed the slider problem.

Locking them down: Bryan Shaw relieved Carrasco with a runner on second. Blue Jays against Shaw went swinging strikeout, walk, swinging strikeout.

Cody Allen worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 17th save. The save had teeth. Allen struck out Donaldson swinging and got Encarnacion to pop to short and Saunders to ground to short.

Encarnacion finished 0-for-3 with one walk. He was denied a 30-RBI, 30-run month by one run. He has hit 21 homers and leads the American League with 70 RBI.

Ragin' Rajai: Tribe center fielder Rajai Davis went 2-for-4 with one double, one homer, one RBI and two runs.

Davis led off the second inning against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey by drilling the first pitch -- a knuckleball over the outer half at the thighs that screamed, "Smash Me!'' -- off the facing of the second deck in left. It gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead.

Davis' eighth homer of the season pushed him to 6-for-12 career against Dickey.

With one out in the ninth, Davis blooped a double near the right-field line against righty reliever Bo Schultz. Davis scored on Tyler Naquin's triple past diving Carrera in right.

Davis has played in nine games during The Streak, going 13-for-32 (.406) with three RBI, eight runs, four doubles, one homer and four steals.

Kip, Kip, hooray: Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis went 2-for-3 with one homer and one walk.

With one out in the third, Kipnis' blast off Dickey's first-pitch "fastball'' of 81 mph gave the Tribe a 2-0 lead.

Kipnis has hit safely in all 12 games he has played during The Streak, going 14-for-48 (.292) with 12 RBI, six runs, two doubles, two triples, three homers, three walks and two steals.

Impressive: The Indians are 36-7 when scoring first.

Timofey Mozgov reportedly receives early interest from Los Angeles Lakers, two sides agree on four-year deal

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It didn't take long for the first call to come in on Cleveland Cavaliers free agent center Timofey Mozgov.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It didn't take long for the call to come in on Cleveland Cavaliers free agent center Timofey Mozgov and for the first deal to get struck.

According to The Vertical, Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak reached out to Mozgov's reps shortly after free agency tipped off at 12:01 a.m. ET. 

Mozgov, who made nearly $5 million last season, was expected to garner interest from several teams, including Houston, Miami, Golden State and San Antonio. The Cavaliers were also expected to take a run at re-signing the 7-footer, but his high demand put him out of range. 

Early reports indicate that Mozgov and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year contract worth around $64 million.

During the NBA's moratorium, players can agree to deals, but can't officially sign until July 7. 

After arriving in a midseason trade during the 2015 season, Mozgov, 29, played 46 games, making 45 starts. But his production tailed off this past year as he fell out of the rotation.

He played only briefly during the Cavs' postseason run: 13 games, averaging 5.8 minutes, 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. 

In going to the Lakers, Mozgov will receive financial security on a multi-year deal and a more defined on-court role -- two things he was looking for this summer. 

Cavs restricted free agent Matthew Dellavedova receiving early interest from five teams

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Sacramento, Atlanta, Dallas and Milwaukee have all reached out to Dellavedova to gauge interest.

CLEVELAND, Ohio. - Cleveland Cavaliers restricted free agent guard Matthew Dellavedova is receiving some early interest during the start of free agency.

The Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks have all reached out to the camp of the Australian backup point guard to gauge interest, league sources informed cleveland.com.

The interest is mutual, I'm told.

The Cavaliers have let it be known that they would like to retain his services, but it could potentially get too pricey for them. At this juncture, contract dialogue hasn't taken place. It remains a feeling-out period.

Dellavedova, 25, will not have a face-to-face meeting with suitors, a source told cleveland.com. He is in Australia preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

If the third-year guard were to receive an offer sheet from the market, the Cavaliers would have three days to match or let him walk. Dellavedova is coming off a season in which he produced career-high numbers of 7.5 points, 4.4 assists and shot the three-ball at a 41-percent clip.

Bridgestone Invitational 2016: Leaderboard, tee times, TV schedule, updates for Round 2 (photos)

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Will William McGirt hold onto his three-shot lead in today's second round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron?

AKRON, Ohio -- Round 2 of the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational begins today at Firestone South with William McGirt as the leader, but Jimmy Walker, Jason Day and Emillano Grillo are all three shots behind in second place.

McGirt will certainly receive a challenge from Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman and Anirban Lahiri, who are all four shots back.

Gates open at 8:30 this morning and the first group tees off at 10 a.m. Below you'll find the live leaderboard, tee times, TV schedule, event schedule, ticket information, live stream, food truck guide and more.

Bridgestone is the third of four World Golf Championships events and draws an exclusive field of 75 golfers, including PGA Tour winners in the last year and the top 50-ranked golfers in the world. The winner receives a three-year PGA Tour exemption.

Day was the winner of the WGC-Dell Match Play in March. Day and Adam Scott, the WGC-Cadillac winner, will seek to become just the third players ever to win two WGC events in the same season. They would join Tiger Woods (six times) and Phil Mickelson, who has done it twice.

Scott won this event in 2011.

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL

AT A GLANCE

  • When: Thursday-Sunday
  • Where: Firestone Country Club, South Course, 452 East Warner Road, Akron.
  • Event link: worldgolfchampionships.com/bridgestone-invitational
  • Format: 72-holes, stroke play, no cut
  • Purse: $9.5. million Winner's share: $1.6 million
  • Tickets: Visit www.bridgestoneinvitational.com or call                       1-844-868-7465.
  • Youth admission: Youth 18 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There is no limit to the number of youth 18 and under who can attend with a ticketed adult.
  • Military admission: Active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, and their dependents admitted free by showing a Department of Defense-issued military ID at the gate, along with a military ticket voucher. Non-retired veterans may also receive complimentary admission, and may purchase one guest ticket each day at the discounted rate of $40. Register in advance at birdiesforthebrave.sheerid.com.

TEE TIMES

TODAY'S LIVE LEADERBOARD

TV SCHEDULE

Today:

  • 1:30-6:30 p.m., Golf Channel

Saturday

  • 12-1:30 p.m., Golf Channel
  • 2-6 p.m., CBS

Sunday

  • 12-1:30 p.m., Golf Channel
  • 2-6 p.m., CBS

LIVE STREAM

  • Today, 9-6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9-6 p.m.

EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Today: Second round. Gates open 8:30 a.m.
  • Saturday: Third round. Gates open 8 a.m. Military appreciation ceremony 6 p.m. at Fan Zone.
  • Sunday: Final round. Gates open 8 a.m. Closing ceremony with trophy presentation at the conclusion of play at 18th green.

WEATHER FORECAST:

  • Today: High 78, 70 percent chance of storms
  • Saturday: High 77, partly cloudy
  • Sunday: High 78, partly cloudy
  • Updates: Weather.com

COURSE

  • Firestone Country Club South Course
  • Par: 35-35--70
  • Yardage: 7,400
  • Architects: Bert Way (1929), Robert Trent Jones (1960) 

MUSIC AFTER PLAY

Concerts at Fan Zone after the conclusion of play

  • Today: Mark Leach
  • Saturday: Red Wanting Blue

FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks have become increasingly popular at Bridgestone.

  • 12th green: Barrio, Lobster Louies, Hatfields Goode Grub
  • Fan zone: Swensons, B Spot Burgers

PARKING:

  • All traffic should proceed eastbound on Route 224 to 1204 Masillon Road, Akron, then proceed left on Masillon Road following the signs to public parking entrance at Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems & Lockheed Martin
  • Fee: $5
  • Shuttles will transport spectators to the main entrance
    - Handicap accessible parking is located near Firestone Country Club. Follow posted signs for directions to the lot.

Purdue football recruiting: A look at the Class of 2017 so far

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Purdue has seven hard commitments for its 2017 recruiting class, which includes six three-star prospects.


Johnny Manziel's viability as a NFL player hits rock bottom -- Bud Shaw's Spinoffs

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The NFL has suspended former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel for four games for substance abuse. Normally that would hurt a player's chances of getting signed. But Manziel's prospects had already hit rock bottom.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A four-game suspension for Johnny Manziel for substance abuse -- first reported by TMZ -- won't have any effect on his viability as a NFL player in 2016.

That's amazing in itself.

That he already had no viability as a NFL player in 2016. His prospects had hit rock bottom, even if we don't know for sure that he has. His father, for one, fears there's worse ahead.

No NFL team could've seriously considered signing him before the suspension.

In his latest social media post - from Cabo San Lucas - Manziel wore a Josh Gordon jersey and added a hashtag #hidad. That came a few days after his father felt the need to call his son a "druggie" in an interview. The elder Manziel said the best place for his son might be "jail."

Troy Vincent, the NFL VP of Football Operations, says the league and the Browns have continued to reach out to Manziel.

"You kind of see him, you get notice of where he is off social media and that's a challenge, but we won't stop," Vincent said in an interview on The Rob Maaddi Show in Philadelphia. "We'll continue to keep reaching out, letting Johnny know we love him, we care for him and we're here when he's willing and wants and is able to accept assistance, we'll be there for him."

Manziel could face an additional suspension stemming from his domestic violence case in Texas.

His next NFL employer, if there is one, should treat him like a red-shirt freshman for his own good until he can get through a season without relapsing.

* Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain saw Manziel's four-game suspension and raised him six more. McClain has been arrested three times. Twice he announced his retirement. And now he's been suspended twice, this time for 10 games.

McClain was a No. 8 overall pick in 2010.

Shockingly, by the Raiders.

* I wish Manziel only the best. But a report saying he decided to start his "complete sobriety" Friday (July 1) sounded like my dieting schedule: start it on the first of the month, give up by the fourth or fifth, start another the first of next month.

* The Browns still owe Manziel guaranteed money in 2016 and 2017. It amounts to approximately $2.1 million.

Or what his boys spend Saturday night in Cabo.

* With the Tigers coming to town over July 4 and the Yankees right behind them, the Indians are getting some love at the turnstiles. They still rank last in MLB attendance. The last time they didn't rank last or next to last was in 2011.

Cleveland might not rival Boston as a baseball town.

But it's not Tampa.

Right?

Right?

* Headline: "Michael Phelps is older, wiser and Rio bound."

If he were really wiser, would he be going to Rio?

* Mutilated body parts washed up on the beach where Olympic beach volleyball will be contested.

Unless a film crew is shooting "Sopranos: Rio" the most dangerous job in the world has now been changed from stunt man to Olympic triathlete.

* Rio is Phelps' fifth Olympics, an incredible accomplishment. He is expected to add to his medal collection.

I don't want to say J.R. Smith, Mo Williams and Iman Shumpert could've been more professional at the Cavs parade, but even Phelps wears a shirt for his awards ceremonies and he's been in the pool.

* The Browns released quarterback Connor Shaw, which was probably inevitable as soon as they signed Robert Griffin III and drafted Cody Kessler.

Shaw played pretty well in a loss to the Ravens in the final game of the 2014 season, completing 14 of 28 passes for 177 yards. Even Mike Pettine, who liked Shaw, admitted the "ball looked big coming out of his hand," meaning the arm strength wasn't there.

Undrafted. Undersized. Not a big arm.

And - comparing NFL debuts - he still outplayed Manziel.

* Charles Barkley contends he got fat as a player after he says the Rockets told him they'd give him $12 million but offered him only $8 million one year.

So it's their fault.

* John Daly posted a picture to Instagram of a portable Jacuzzi with a checklist:

Champions Tour My Bus on site Meet Miller Lite guy to load up Plenty of John Daly Cocktail Bottles Smokes BBQ Portable Jacuzzi

We will add the postscript he forgot: "not necessarily in that order."

* Daly hasn't made much of an impact on the Champions Tour, a fact he traces to "slow greens."

And possibly his caddy's refusal to hold his cigarette while he putts.

* Not sure golf at the Olympics was ever a burning pursuit among PGA players.

Some who are staying away from Rio cite the Zika virus. Jason Day is one. And there's no reason to doubt their sincerity. But the guess is other reasons would fill the gap if Zika were eradicated. Crime. Financial issues in Rio that could compromise security.

Golf has returned to the Olympics for the first time in a century. But historical context still leaves golf behind the four majors and the Ryder Cup in importance for players.

Some might argue that. And if they do, let's hook 'em up to the polygraph like they do in the Zurich insurance commercials.

* Did Richard Jefferson say he was going to retire? Check that. He wants to play two or three more years.

Damn autocorrect.

* Draymond Green says the loss to the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals "will never wear off."

Fittingly, the pain will last even longer than a shot to the groin.

AFC North preview: Three Pittsburgh Steelers storylines to follow

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What's going on in Pittsburgh as the Steelers prepare for training camp.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to the real NFL off-season, that dull period between OTAs and training camp when not a whole lot happens (except for the life of Johnny Manziel). So while we're waiting for the Browns to return, let's take a look around the AFC North and see what's going on.

Today: Pittsburgh Steelers.

1. Can the Steelers stay healthy?

Perhaps only Game of Thrones lost more key characters than the Steelers did last season. They began the year with a run of retirements (Troy Palamalu, Ike Taylor), then All-Pro RB Le'Veon Bell was suspended for two games due to poor car-pooling judgment. Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey broke his ankle in preseason, and an MCL injury ended Bell's season after six games. QB Ben Roethlisberger played in just 12 games and was mostly held together with duct tape by season's end, and a concussion shut down WR Antonio Brown.

But they still made the playoffs, and that - along with knowing Bell should be ready for Week 1 - has the Steelers optimistic about 2016.

2. Will they totally commit to 2-point conversions?

With extra point attempts pushed back last season (it's a 33-yard field goal now), it was expected that 2-point conversion tries would increase. The Steelers led the way, finishing with 11 attempts. The Packers were a distant second with six.

The Steelers converted eight attempts, which isn't that surprising considering they practiced 2-point conversions relentlessly last season. At one point, the team asked head coach Mike Tomlin to give it a rest for at least one day a week. But now, Roethlisberger wants more.

"I think we should go for it every time,'' Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette during OTAs. "Why not? If we do it every day and we're 50 percent, I mean if you don't make the first one but make the second one there's your 14 points, so why not give it a shot?"

While it's not likely the Steelers go all in on 2-point conversions, another season with a high success rate will surely be noted by other teams. And that's how attitudes change in the NFL.

3. Will James Harrison get Roger Goodell on his terms?

In case you forgot, Harrison is back with the Steelers. He briefly retired before signing with Pittsburgh in 2014. The Akron native will play his 14th season if he can survive the league's investigation into possible PED use.

Harrison was named in Al Jazeera's PED report earlier this year along with Peyton Manning and other NFL, MLB and Olympic athletes.

Earlier this week, Harrison decided to use Instagram to set the terms of his cooperation with the league's request for an interview.

@NFL I look forward to speaking with you. Goodnight

A photo posted by James Harrison (@jhharrison92) on

Let's hope Harrison has Periscope on his phone, too.

13 eye-popping statistics from the Cleveland Indians' 13-game winning streak

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Cleveland could play .500 baseball the rest of the regular season and still finish with a 90-72 record.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland produced some of the most prosperous major-league teams in recent memory from 1995-2001.

The offenses sizzled. The defenses dazzled.

None of those teams ever won 13 straight games, though.

The 2001 Tribe rattled off 10 straight victories in late April and early May. The 1995 Indians maxed out at nine straight wins en route to a 100-44 regular-season mark. The 1999 club won eight straight. The 1995 team also had a pair of seven-game streaks.

The 2016 Indians have established a new, modern standard. Here are 13 statistics from the Tribe's 13-game winning streak.

1. The Indians' streak matches the franchise record. The Indians also won 13 in a row from April 18-May 2, 1942, and from Aug. 2-15, 1951.

2. The Indians amassed a 22-6 record in June. It's their best month since August 1954, when they went 26-6. The club advanced to the World Series that season. Perhaps the players will pretend Friday is June 31.

3. Cleveland could play .500 baseball the rest of the regular season and still finish with a 90-72 record. That would possibly be enough to win the division, too. The Royals, who sit in second place in the American League Central, would have to go 48-36 to reach the 90-win mark.

4. During the streak, Indians starting pitchers have posted a 1.86 ERA. They have limited the opposition to 55 hits in 97 innings.

5. No Tribe hurler has allowed more than three earned runs in a game during the winning streak.

Indians' rotation is best bargain in baseball

6. The Indians have scored first in 10 of the 13 games. They have scored in the first inning in seven of the 13. The Indians are 36-7 when they score first.

7. The Indians' winning streak is the AL's longest since the Oakland Athletics produced 20 consecutive victories late in the summer of 2002.

8. The Indians have outscored the opposition by an 80-26 margin during the 13 games.

9. Tribe relievers have logged a 1.29 ERA during the streak, though they have totaled only 21 innings in the 13 games. They have tallied 29 strikeouts and have issued only six walks.

10. Carlos Carrasco recorded 14 strikeouts in Thursday's win. In the last 40 seasons, only four Tribe pitchers have struck out at least 14 batters in a game: Corey Kluber (four times), Carrasco (twice), Bartolo Colon and Greg Swindell (once each).

Tribe's starting pitchers better than advertised

11. The Indians have belted 24 home runs during the 13 games. Juan Uribe leads the way with five of those 24.

12. The Indians have spent 27 consecutive days in first place in the AL Central.

13. No Cleveland team has lost a game in more than two weeks. It has been a remarkable run for the city's sports teams, highlighted by the Cavaliers' historic comeback and triumph in the NBA Finals. The Indians fell to the Royals on June 15. The next night, the Cavs claimed Game 6. Since, the Indians are 13-0. Even the Gladiators of the Arena Football League are 2-0. The Lake Erie Monsters captured the Calder Cup trophy earlier in June.

Live chat, updates: Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays, Game 79

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The Indians and Jays meet for the second game of this four-game series on Friday afternoon at Rogers Centre. The Indians will be trying to extend their winning streak to 14 straight games.

TORONTO -- The Indians and Blue Jays play the second game of a four-game set Friday at Rogers Centre. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs meet.

Game 79: Indians (48-30) vs. Jays (43-38).

First pitch: 1:07 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, WMMS/FM 100.7, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Josh Tomlin (9-1, 3.32) vs. RHP Marcus Stroman (6-4, 5.33).

Fact du jour: The Indians are 36-7 when they score the first run in a game.

Ex-Cleveland Cavalier Timofey Mozgov to Los Angeles Lakers for $64 million? What a country! -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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The Cleveland Cavaliers watched Timofey Mozgov sign for $64 million with L.A. Lakers. Good thing the Cavs signed Tristan Thompson a year ago.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Never again should any Cleveland Cavalier fan complain about the five-year, $82 million deal signed by Tristan Thompson.

Remember how Thompson and his agents were considered greedy and unrealistic during the contract talks? How the Cavs were criticized for giving Thompson too much money, and supposedly doing it because Thompson and LeBron James are represented by the same Klutch sports agency?

Well, that now looks like a very good and fair deal for both sides -- especially after Timofey Mozgov just agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

I repeat ... TIMOFEY MOZGOV RECEIVED $64 MILLION FROM THE LAKERS!

THE LAKERS WRAPPED UP MOZGOV ONLY 45 MINUTES INTO FREE AGENCY???

That's right. They moved on him as if he was the reincarnation of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This is the same 7-foot-1 Russian center who played only 23 minutes in the 2016 NBA Finals. He lost his starting job early in the season, then fell completely out of the rotation after the Cavs acquired Channing Frye in February.

Here's the disclaimer: Mozgov is not as bad as he was in 2015-16. The center had knee surgery after the 2015 NBA Finals. He came back too fast in training camp.

Former Cavs coach David Blatt has known Mozgov since the center was 18 years old, while Blatt was coaching in Russia. Blatt told me how Mozgov always struggled with confidence. He was a struggling player when younger. Coordination was a problem because of his different growth spurts.

"He needs a lot of love," said Blatt.

Insecurity continued to haunt Mozgov during his six-year NBA career. He can run. He can jump. He's a 73 percent shooter from the foul line, indicating he has a decent shooting touch.

But the pieces have always been better than the whole for Mozgov, who made $4.9 million with the Cavs last season.

THE BIG TRADE

Cavs GM David Griffin made two deals in one week early in January of 2015, turning Dion Waiters and two first-round picks into J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Mozgov. It's a trade that saved the 2014-15 season for the Cavs, who were barely a .500 team. Mozgov later started through the march to the 2015 NBA Finals.

Mozgov averaged 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and shot 59 percent from the field in 25 minutes a game. He blocked shots and was a impact player defensively. Those 46 games were the best stretch of his career. That's the player the Lakers must hope they are signing.

Last season, he dropped to 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds in 17 minutes a game. A big difference was his defense. While some NBA executives question the merits of ESPN's "real defensive plus/minus" stats, it is revealing when it comes to Mozgov.

  • In 2014-15, ESPN ranked Mozgov the No. 7 center in the NBA in defense.
  • In 2015-16, ESPN had him at No. 70.

He had ceased to be a factor in the role of what the NBA executives now call "rim protection."

How much of it was the knee? How much was his confidence?

Playing for the Cavs this season was a pressure-packed experience. Thompson rose to the occasion. Frye was a major factor off the bench until The Finals. Mozgov played only 76 minutes in the postseason, few in meaningful situations.

THE VALUE OF THOMPSON

Thompson's contract was the product of several months of negotiations between Klutch Sports Agency and the Cavs. The deal was reached in the final week of training camp. Thompson showed up in shape and ready to play. He's 6-foot-10, unselfish and a very good fit with LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.

With the latest wave of crazy contracts being handed out in NBA free agency, Thompson's deal looks like a great one for the Cavs. And Thompson's agents -- Rich Paul and negotiator Mark Termini -- correctly projected how the market was about to rise within a year.

Griffin knew Thompson's importance. This much we know:

1. He can play in big games. He has played 13 NBA Finals games in two seasons, averaging 10.1 points and 11.6 rebounds.

2. He is durable, playing in 388 consecutive games.

3. He can play power forward or center. He can defend nearly anyone on the court because he moves so well laterally.

4. The Cavs run no plays for him to shoot. He doesn't care. He lives to rebound and defend on the court.

5. He's only 25.

The Cavs were ready to move on without Mozgov. They have Kevin Love and Thompson under contract for four more years. They have Frye signed for two more.

But $64 million for Mozgov? Yes, the salary cap rocketed up from $70 million in 2015-16 to $94 million in 2016-17. But this still is outrageous money.

But for this 7-foot-1 Russian center, America is indeed a great country.

Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays starting lineups for Friday's game

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The Indians and Jays play the second game of this four-game set at Rogers Centre on Friday afternoon.

TORONTO -- Here are the starting lineups for Friday afternoon's game between the Indians and Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

INDIANS

DH Carlos Santana.

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

1B Mike Napoli.

3B Jose Ramirez.

RF Lonnie Chisenhall.

C Yan Gomes.

CF Tyler Naquin.

LF Rajai Davis.

RHP Josh Tomlin, 9-1, 3.32.

BLUE JAYS

RF Ezequiel Carrera.

3B Josh Donaldson.

LF Michael Saunders.

DH Edwin Encarnacion.

C Russell Martin.

SS Troy Tulowitzki.

1B Justin Smoak.

CF Kevin Pillar.

2B Darwin Barney.

RHP Marcus Stroman, 6-4, 5.33.

UMPIRES

H Vic Carapazza.

1B D.J. Reyburn.

2B John Hirschbeck.

3B Bill Welke.

Akron RubberDucks Weekly: Cleveland Indians minor league report 2016

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Clint Frazier is one of six Akron players selected to the Eastern League All-Star game: Cleveland Indians Minor League Report.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They say talent starts to stand out in Class AA. Clint Frazier of the Akron RubberDucks is the latest to prove that adage correct. The Indians 2013 No. 1 draft pick is now an All-Star in his first season at Akron. And despite a recent slide, has proven his future has Cleveland Indians written all over it.

Those wanting to get an early look at the phenom should check out the Eastern League All-Star game on July 13 at Akron's Canal Park.

For the bulk of the first three months of the Eastern League season, Frazier was hitting above .300 and showing off a powerful and accurate arm in the outfield. He has struggled a bit at the plate in recent weeks, as his average has dropped to .285. But he has already shown an ability to adjust when pitchers start attacking him in different ways.

His average has dropped 15 points in the last six games. The flaming redhead had another five-game slide earlier this season when his average dropped 18 points to .296, but he rebounded back above .300 in due course. When combined with his outfield defense -- diving in the gap to turn doubles into outs and pegging runners at the plate -- Frazier's All-Star status is a no-brainer.

Peel the onion: It may take a longer look at Bradley Zimmer's numbers to reach his all-star conclusion, but perhaps the easiest way is to project what his 12 homers and 44 RBI to date would look like if he were actually hitting the ball at better than a .234 pace. Indicative of his season, the Indians No. 1 pick in 2014 has five RBI over the last eight games with two homers, but also 12 strikeouts. It will not be surprising to see Zimmer in the All-Star game Home Run Derby.

Have mercy, Perci: Middle relief pitchers are often overshadowed by the starters who precede them or the closers who come later. But Akron's Perci Garner has stepped into the limelight in middle relief with the season he is weaving together for the RubberDucks. The former second-round pick (2010) by the Phillies has been near a closed door for the Ducks the first three months of the season.

In 49.0 innings, the 6-3, 225-pound right-hander has allowed just 10 earned runs and has a 1.84 ERA. He has allowed just nine walks vs. 45 strikeouts and overall has fashioned a 4-1, record with two saves.


NBA Free Agency 2016 Day One: Get the latest news and rumors on Kevin Durant, Hassan Whiteside, Matthew Dellavedova and more

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NBA free agency has started, with a handful of players already agreeing to deals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- NBA free agency has started.

With teams loaded with money and a salary cap boom, early deals have already been struck and the numbers are eye-popping. 

As soon as the marketplace opened, Timofey Mozgov agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal, choosing to leave Cleveland and give a verbal agreement to the Los Angeles Lakers. Keep in mind, nothing can be made official until the league moratorium ends on July 7.

What else will Day One have in store?

Follow along below as we give you the latest news and rumors:

11:36 a.m.: A combination of shock, laughter and criticism. That was the best way to describe the initial reaction to Mozgov getting a hefty new deal from the Lakers. But not everyone feels that way. Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders defends the move. 

"Before the Lakers can dream of signing big names, the team must improve their on-court talent level. The club has an interesting mix of youth with D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and, now, Brandon Ingram. However, the club is lacking veterans who have proven to be productive.

While most won't be able to wrap their heads around the Mozgov signing for some time, you have to remember he is an upgrade over last year's starter Roy Hibbert. Mozgov was buried on Cleveland's bench for the majority of this past season, but he also started the campaign less than 100 percent after surgery."

11:24 a.m.: After failing to secure a meeting with Kevin Durant, the Washington Wizards quickly turned their attention one of their own. The negotiations with Bradley Beal began shortly after midnight and the two sides have arrived at a deal. 

According to Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein who spoke with The Vertical, it's a five-year deal worth $128 million. 

Here's more on the agreement:

"The Wizards and Beal will likely wait for the organization to explore free-agency options before signing the agreement, sources said. The Wizards are expected to have roughly $25 million in salary cap space for free agency and continuing with Beal's $14 million cap hold will allow them to have more space."

10:41 a.m.: The market is heating up for Jamal Crawford, the league's premier sixth man. Crawford, 36, called 2016 NBA Free Agency "Christmas" recently. Which team will give him the biggest gift?

10:09 a.m.: Linsanity will be taking New York once again. Only this time, it will be in Brooklyn. Free agent point guard Jeremy Lin has agreed to a deal with the Nets, one that he announced on Twitter.  

Numerous reports, including one from ESPN's Marc Stein, indicate Lin will receive a three-year contract.

10:05 a.m.: For the second straight year, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are in a contract squabble.

Would Wade be willing to leave Miami where he has spent his entire career? According to The Vertical, NBA teams are starting to believe that reality exists, especially after Whiteside's deal. 

10:03 a.m.: It doesn't take long for word to spread throughout the NBA when a player agrees to a contract. Whiteside's max has players talking, with Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh sharing their kudos. 

9:56 a.m.: The Lakers have been busy on Day One. Unable to get a seat at the Kevin Durant table, Los Angeles has turned to secondary targets.

Mozgov quickly agreed to a pricey deal. Shortly after, the Lakers reportedly put an agreement in place with restricted free agent point guard Jordan Clarkson.

It's a four-year, $50 million deal. The Lakers entered the off-season with around $55 million in cap space. 

9:43 a.m.: Nicolas Batum is staying in Charlotte. The 27-year-old swingman who helped the Hornets reach the playoffs this past season, will reportedly receive a five-year, $120 million deal. 

ESPN's Tim MacMahon shares the details.

"Batum had scheduled a Friday meeting with the Dallas Mavericks but struck a deal hours into free agency to stay in Charlotte.

The Hornets were always widely considered the front-runners for Batum because they owned his Bird rights, allowing Charlotte to offer a fifth year on the contract. The fifth season of the contract is a player option, the source said."

Batum announced his exciting news on Twitter. 

9:30 a.m.: The theme of free agency thus far has been players staying put. That's the case with Toronto Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who agreed to a max deal early Friday morning. The terms of the contract were first reported by The Vertical. 

According to reports, DeRozan held his free-agent meetings in Los Angeles, prioritizing a winning franchise and a significant financial commitment. The Raptors got the first pitch and made it count.

9:20 a.m.: Hassan Whiteside met with the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks early on the first day. Then he broke his own news -- using Snapchat and The Player's Tribune -- finally revealing where he would be spending the remainder of his prime years.

"I've played on eight teams since college -- from Reno to Sioux Falls to Sichuan, China. I am not ready for there to be a ninth. I have decided to re-sign with Miami. I just wanted to take this time to tell all the fans how much you mean to this team, and to me.

Can't wait to get back to work and try to bring another championship to Miami."

USA Today's crew has the terms on the Whiteside deal. 

Sources: Tyronn Lue, Cleveland Cavaliers working on contract extension

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Tyronn Lue and Cavaliers are in the middle of negotiations on a new contract, league sources informed cleveland.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio. - Head coach Tyronn Lue and the Cleveland Cavaliers have begun conversations on negotiating a contract extension, league sources informed cleveland.com.

Both sides are confident that a pact can be reached relatively soon.

Lue, 39, never signed a new deal when he took over for the fired David Blatt in January, He was working under a four-year, $6.5 million deal as Blatt's top assistant, and essentially bet on himself by not signing the three year, $9.5 million deal etched out for him to be the head coach by the team and his representatives.

Assistant coach Larry Drew had a team option for the 2016-17 that was picked up recently, league sources revealed to cleveland.com.

Lue's maneuver, first reported in April by ESPN.com, paid off -- Lue guided the Cavs to their first championship. LeBron James endorsed him as the "greatest coach in the world." Recently, the Toronto Raptors, whom Lue and the Cavs bounced from the Eastern finals, gave coach Dwane Casey a new three-year, $18 million deal.

Lue stands to make far above Casey's annual $6 million salary. The league's highest-paid coaches are San Antonio's Gregg Popovich (five years, $55 million), and Lue's old boss, Clippers coach Doc Rivers (five years, $50 million). The Wizards are paying Scott Brooks $35 million over five years, as is Dallas with Rick Carlisle.

While awaiting the finalization of a lucrative pact, Lue is in his hometown of Mexico, Missouri this weekend for a parade in his honor. The catch, if there is one, is that Lue technically already has a contract -- the one he signed as Blatt's top assistant -- so there may not be urgency to get his new deal done before, say, the Cavs' player free agents are signed.

James is a free agent, though he has said he's returning to the Cavs, as is J.R. Smith. Cleveland apparently lost free agent center Timofey Mozgov to the Lakers for four years and $64 million, and Milwaukee agreed on an offer sheet for four years and $39 million with restricted free agent Matthew Dellavedova that the Cavs may not match.

The first day free-agent players can sign with teams is July 7. Las Vegas Summer League begins July 8, and there remains a possibility that Lue could be overseeing his summer squad at that time without a deal in place.

Trevor Bauer life of party as Cleveland Indians beat Toronto, 2-1, in 19 innings

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Trevor Bauer, who was supposed to start Saturday, pitched five emergency innings Friday in the Indians' 19-inning victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

TORONTO - Trevor Bauer made the most popular T-shirt in the Indians' locker room come to life.

He was talking to reporters after the Indians played 19 innings Friday to beat Toronto, 2-1, when first baseman Mike Napoli came over and gave him a high five.

"Party at Napoli's tonight?" asked Bauer.

"You're damn right, party in my room," said Napoli, who sponsors a "Party at Napoli's' T-shirt with donations going to Cleveland Clinic's fight against cancer.

It was questionable how much merriment would be had at Napoli's on Friday night because the Indians were dragging after they set a club record with their 14th straight victory. It was their longest game since they went 22 innings against the Twins on Aug. 31, 1993.

"That game was so long that even (Juan) Uribe was tired," said manager Terry Francona.

Bauer came to the park Friday morning and never considered that he'd be part of the historic win. He was there to chill and do some last-minute prep on his scheduled start Saturday.

He didn't even have his spikes or full uniform on for much of the afternoon.

"I came in to use the restroom about the 12th inning and they said, "Get your uniform on, you may have to pitch," said Bauer. "You just have to prepare yourself mentally and get in there."

Bauer parachuted into game in the 15th with the score tied, 1-1. Francona had used every reliever in his seven-man bullpen with the exception of closer Cody Allen, who was unavailable after pitching three straight days.

"We were hoping to get three or four innings out of Tommy (Hunter) and Joba (Chamberlain) and we got three," said Francona, referring to Hunter and Chamberlain working the 12th, 13th and 14th innings. "That gave Trevor time to get prepared and stretched out. I thought he did a really good.

"I thought he showed a lot of maturity. I think the guys in the clubhouse really appreciated what he did today."

Bauer threw the final five innings, striking out three, walking three and allowing two hits. While the Blue Jays were forced to pitch infielders Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney over the last two innings, the Tribe had Bauer, who improved to 7-2 thanks to Carlos Santana's leadoff homer in the 19th inning.

"When TB came in, the day before he's supposed to start, the innings he logged where huge innings," said Josh Tomlin, who started the game, allowing one run in six innings. "What he did today was pretty spectacular."

Tomlin believes that the Indians have 25 players who have bought in to whatever Francona is selling.

"We're playing as a team," said Tomlin. "We're doing whatever it takes to win a game today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

Bauer was tired when he got to the Rogers Centre.

"I'd thrown a bullpen Thursday, a fairly intense pen," he said. "I lifted Thursday and I lifted again this morning before the game. I didn't get a lot of sleep with it being a day game after a night game.

"Mentally, I figured I was pitching Saturday, so I just kind of checked out. To try and lock it in ... I'm pretty much exhausted. I'm just glad we came out on top."

Bauer and Francona appreciated how hard it was to run the winning streak to 14 games because essentially they played 11 innings of sudden death. If Toronto had scored one run between the ninth and 18th inning, the game and the streak was over.

"Up until today the streak has been awesome," said Bauer with a laugh. "I guess if you're going to set a record, you might as well do it the hard way."

Bauer retired the Blue Jays in order in the 19th, but not before Josh Donaldson lined out to deep right field for the second.

"I thought he hit it out, for sure," said Bauer. "He hit it and I thought, 'You've got to be kidding me.' He's good enough to do that. He can hit balls out to the opposite field. Thankfully, he didn't hit it out."

The question is, who will start Saturday in Bauer's spot? The Indians could go with a bullpen day, but isn't that what they just did Friday? They could use Corey Kluber, Sunday's starter, on short rest or they could call up someone from the minors.

Cody Anderson and Ryan Merritt are on the disabled list and Mike Clevinger pitched on Wednesday at Class AAA Columbus. Lefty Ross Detwiler is a possibility, but he's not on the 40-man roster. TJ House is in the Clippers' bullpen.

Cody Anderson on DL at Triple-A

Lefty Shawn Morimando is pitching well at Class AA Akron and is on the 40-man roster. Francona, however, said it might be hard to get a pitcher to Toronto for Saturday because it's an afternoon game.

Finally: The Indians have signed No.2 pick Nolan Jones, a high school outfielder. He received a $2.25 million signing bonus, well about his slot price of $1,159,200.

Tribe draft Nolan Jones in 2nd round

Usain Bolt injures hamstring; Rio games status in doubt

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Usain Bolt's Olympic quest is in doubt, after the sprint superstar left his country's national championships with a hamstring injury.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) -- Usain Bolt's Olympic quest is in doubt, after the sprint superstar left his country's national championships with a hamstring injury shortly before he was going to run the 100-meter final.

And that was just one part of a bizarre night at National Stadium.

Bolt's longtime rival Yohan Blake won the 100 title and formally qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics -- but only after a false-start disqualification call against him was overturned after review.

But even after Blake regrouped and prevailed, all the buzz was about Bolt and his status going forward especially since the national meet serves as the Jamaican Olympic trials.

He's not out of the Rio Games, but his status hinges now on how he does at a meet in London in three weeks. Bolt said he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring tear -- the most mild sort -- and that the discomfort began presenting itself in his quarterfinal race on Thursday night.

"I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships," Bolt said in a statement released through Jamaican officials.

"I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio."

Blake, who finished second to Bolt at the London Games in the 100, said he was confident that the world-record-holder will be in Rio.

"No doubt, no doubt, no doubt," Blake said. "It's just a caution measure. He's good. Just being cautious."

Bridgestone Invitational 2016: Leaderboard, tee times, TV, schedule for Round 3 (photos, video)

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Jason Day hopes to add his fourth victory of the season as he takes a one-stroke lead into the third-round of the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

AKRON, Ohio -- The third-round of the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational begins today at Firestone Country Club with Jason Day, the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world as the leader. David Lingwerth is 1-stroke back in second place. Emillano Grillo, William McGirt and Scott Piercy are all two shots behind in third place.

Gates open at 8 this morning and the first group tees off at 10 a.m. Below you'll find the live leaderboard, tee times, TV schedule, event schedule, ticket information, live stream, food truck guide and more.

Bridgestone is the third of four World Golf Championships events and draws an exclusive field of 75 golfers, including PGA Tour winners in the last year and the top 50-ranked golfers in the world. The winner receives a three-year PGA Tour exemption.

Day was the winner of the WGC-Dell Match Play in March. Day and Adam Scott, the WGC-Cadillac winner, will seek to become just the third players ever to win two WGC events in the same season. They would join Tiger Woods (six times) and Phil Mickelson, who has done it twice.

Scott won this event in 2011.

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL

AT A GLANCE

  • When: Today and Sunday
  • Where: Firestone Country Club, South Course, 452 East Warner Road, Akron.
  • Event link: worldgolfchampionships.com/bridgestone-invitational
  • Format: 72-holes, stroke play, no cut
  • Purse: $9.5. million Winner's share: $1.6 million
  • Tickets: Visit www.bridgestoneinvitational.com or call 1-844-868-7465.
  • Youth admission: Youth 18 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There is no limit to the number of youth 18 and under who can attend with a ticketed adult.
  • Military admission: Active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, and their dependents admitted free by showing a Department of Defense-issued military ID at the gate, along with a military ticket voucher. Non-retired veterans may also receive complimentary admission, and may purchase one guest ticket each day at the discounted rate of $40. Register in advance at birdiesforthebrave.sheerid.com.

TEE TIMES

TODAY'S LIVE LEADERBOARD

TV SCHEDULE

Today
  • 12-1:30 p.m., Golf Channel
  • 2-6 p.m., CBS

Sunday

  • 12-1:30 p.m., Golf Channel
  • 2-6 p.m., CBS

LIVE STREAM

  • Today and Sunday, 9-6 p.m.

EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Today: Third round. Gates open 8 a.m. Military appreciation ceremony 6 p.m. at Fan Zone.
  • Sunday: Final round. Gates open 8 a.m. Closing ceremony with trophy presentation at the conclusion of play at 18th green.

WEATHER FORECAST:

  • Today: High 78, partly cloudy
  • Sunday: High 81, partly cloudy
  • Updates: Weather.com

COURSE

  • Firestone Country Club South Course
  • Par: 35-35--70
  • Yardage: 7,400
  • Architects: Bert Way (1929), Robert Trent Jones (1960)
  • Pinsheet view for Round 3

MUSIC AFTER PLAY

Concerts at Fan Zone after the conclusion of play

  • Today: Red Wanting Blue

FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks have become increasingly popular at Bridgestone.

  • 12th green: Barrio, Lobster Louies, Hatfields Goode Grub
  • Fan zone: Swensons, B Spot Burgers

PARKING:

  • All traffic should proceed eastbound on Route 224 to 1204 Masillon Road, Akron, then proceed left on Masillon Road following the signs to public parking entrance at Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems & Lockheed Martin
  • Fee: $5
  • Shuttles will transport spectators to the main entrance
    - Handicap accessible parking is located near Firestone Country Club. Follow posted signs for directions to the lot.

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