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Cleveland Gladiators fall to L.A. Kiss, 63-61

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The Cleveland Gladiators rallied late, but dropped a 63-61 decision to the L.A. Kiss in the Arena Football League on Saturday.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A furious rally came up short as the Cleveland Gladiators fell to the L.A. Kiss, 63-61, in an Arena Football League game in the Honda Center.

Quarterback Arvell Nelson directed three scoring drives late in the fourth quarter then the Gladiators scored on an onside kick when lineman Nick Seither scooped up a loose ball and ran the final 20 yards to score. But a pass interference call spoiled a two-point conversion that would have tied the score at 54-54. Each team scored once more in the final minute.

The loss was the second straight for the Gladiators, dropping them to 7-8 and costing a chance to clinch a home playoff game. The Kiss improved to 7-7 to move ahead of the Gladiators for a home playoff game.

Nelson completed 21 of 31 passes for 332 yards and six touchdowns. Quentin Sims was his favorite target, finishing with 12 catches for 197 yards and five touchdowns. Collin Taylor had four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, extending his franchise record streak to 30 straight games (29 regular season, 1 postseason) with a receiving touchdown.

Kiss QB Nathan Stanley threw eight touchdown passes, completing 25 of 37 for 317 yards. DJ Stephens had four TD receptions and Donovan Morgan had three.

Nelson threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in helping the Gladiators take a 21-14 lead after one quarter. Sims grabbed a 19-yard strike to open the scoring, then Taylor hauled in a 28-yarder as the quarter ended.

Sims had a 7-yard TD catch in the second quarter, but the Kiss scored three straight to close the half and tie the score, 28-28.

Stanley then ran for a score and threw for another in the third quarter to give L.A. a 42-28 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Up next: The Gladiators close out the regular season next Sunday at the Arizona Rattlers at 9 p.m.


Minnesota Twins beat Cleveland Indians, 5-4, with walk-off win in 11 innings

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The Twins, for the third time this season, beat the Indians in walk-off fashion Saturday morning at Target Field.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Manager Terry Francona was talking about the Twins before Saturday night's game at Target Field.

"Some teams just play you tough," said Francona. "Every game with these guys is a tug-of-war."

The tug-of-war went in the Twins favor one more time later that night and early Saturday morning. What's more, they did it in walk-off fashion as Joe Mauer scored from third base on an error by catcher Yan Gomes for a 5-4 victory in 11 innings.

The Twins won it following a 2 hour and 5 minute rain delay. The game was halted with two out in the top of the 11th with the score tied, 4-4.

Rookie Joe Colon (0-1) started the 11th for the Indians. Colon opened with a quick out, but walked Mauer. Miguel Sano followed with a double off the right field wall as Mauer stopped at third.

Francona employed a five-man infield after Brian Dozier was intentionally walked to load the bases. Max Kepler sent a shot back to the mound that Colon knocked down. He recovered and threw home to Gomes for the force, but Gomes dropped the ball.

"It looked like Gomer just didn't look the ball into the glove good enough," said Francona. "I don't think we had a play at first. Instead of taking the throw like a first baseman, he short-armed it a little bit."

The Twins are 5-3 against the Indians this season with three of the wins coming on walk-offs.

Carlos Santana, with the score tied, 1-1, gave the Indians a 3-1 lead in the fifth on a two-run double past first base off starter Tyler Duffey. Juan Uribe and Tyler Naquin started the inning with singles and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Gimenez.

The Indians missed a chance to add to the lead in the sixth. Mike Napoli drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on Duffey's wild pitch. Jose Ramirez moved him to third on a ground out, but Lonnie Chisenhall's fly ball to center wasn't deep enough and Juan Uribe was thrown out on a grounder to the hole at short on a good play by Eduardo Nunez to strand Napoli.

The missed opportunity hurt.

The Twins made it 3-2 on Juan Centero's two-out double off starter Trevor Bauer in the sixth. The Tribe came back to make it a two-run game once again in the seventh as Tyler Naquin doubled and scored on singles by Santana and Jason Kipnis for a 4-2 lead.

The lead did not last.

Bauer started the seventh, but Nunez singled off Santana's glove at first base and Mauer walked. Jeff Manship relieved, but did not pitch in good luck.

Sano scalded a double-play ball to Santana, but he couldn't handle it as it went off his glove for an error. Nunez scored and Mauer went to second. Dozier singled to tie the score at 4 and bring Dan Otero into the game.

Otero pitched out of the jam, despite intentionally walking Eddie Rosario to load the bases, to keep the score tied.

"Trevor pitched out of some severe traffic (early)," said Francona. "We sent back out for the (seventh) because it looked like he was still holding his stuff. Then we had the base hit passed Santana and the walk, which hurt.

"Again, he was into the seventh, giving up a couple of runs. He's been pretty consistent."

Bauer spent the early innings pitching into and out of trouble. He stranded six runners in the first four innings and managed to stagger out of it with the score tied, 1-1.

The Indians gave him a 1-0 lead in the first on a sacrifice fly by Ramirez. The inning promised more after Santana singled and Kipnis walked with no one out, but Francisco Lindor's liner to right was caught by Kepler to keep the inning under control.

Bauer gave up a one-out double in the second to Kennys Vargas, but stranded him by retiring the next two batters. In the third, he loaded the bases as Byron Buxton walked, Nunez singled and Mauer walked.

Dozier's one-out sacrifice fly tied the score at 1, but Bauer struck out Kepler to escape further damage.

Bauer played with fire again in the fourth as Vargas singled and Rosario doubled to put runners on second and third with no one out. Bauer struck out Centero and Kipnis threw out Vargas as he tried to score on Buxton's grounder to second. Nunez's grounder to first ended the inning.

Bauer allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked three.

Duffey allowed four runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. In his previous two starts against the Indians, Duffey held the them two two earned runs in 19 1/3 innings.

What it means

The Indians missed a chance to push their lead to 7 1/2 games over second-place Detroit. The Tigers lost to Kansas City.

The pitches

Bauer threw a season-high 116 pitches, 72 or 62 percent for strikes. Duffey threw 97 pitches, 62 or 64 percent for strikes.

Happy big league debut

Rookie Erik Gonzalez, promoted Thursday from Class AAA Columbus, made his big league debut in the eighth inning when he pinch-hit for Tyler Naquin and struck out. He then played right field.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Twins drew 29,447 to Target Field on Saturday night. First pitch was at 7:39 p.m. and the temperature was 78 degrees.

What's next?

RHP Josh Tomlin (9-2 3.51) will face Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson (2-5, 5.02) on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Tomlin, 1-0 in two starts against the Twins this season, is 3-4 with a 5.81 ERA in his career against them. Tomlin is 5-0 on the road and 7-1 in the AL Central this year.

Gibson is 2-2 with a 5.77 ERA in seven starts against the Indians in his career. In his last start before the break, he allowed four runs on seven hits in a no-decision against Texas on July 8.

Fairfield, Steubenville football: Meet two cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 contenders (poll)

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Fairfield and Steubenville are the next two teams to be featured as contenders in the cleveland.com Ohio Super 25.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland.com’s high school football coverage is expanding in 2016, and a highlight of that expansion will be a weekly statewide Ohio Super 25 ranking.

The preseason Ohio Super 25 countdown will begin Aug. 1, with a new team profiled each day through Aug. 25. To get you ready, we’re presenting 50 contenders for the Super 25 throughout July.


RELATED: Check out all the Ohio Super 25 candidates so far.


Each day through July 29 we will provide a brief look at two of the 50 contenders. Today’s teams: Fairfield and Steubenville.


Fairfield




2015 record: 8-3 (Division I, Region 2 qualifier)


About the Indians: Fairfield gave Cincinnati Elder a strong challenge before losing in the first round of the playoffs last year. In 2016, the Indians boast a handful of Division I prospects led by junior OT Jackson Carman, a five-star prospect on 247Sports.com with 30 Division I offers. Defensively, senior CB Josiah Scott (three interceptions and junior DE Malik Vann (two sacks, two forced fumbles) will lead the way. Fairfield will need to replace starting QB Hunter Krause (1,237 yards, 12 touchdowns) and RB David Keeling (154 carries, 940 yards, 10 TDs).


Steubenville


2015 record: 13-1 (Division IV state runner-up)




About the Big Red: Steubenville fell just short of its fourth state championship in school history when it lost to Bishop Hartley, 31-28, in the Division IV championship game. The Big Red graduated plenty of talent including QB Dimitri Collaros (2,473 yards, 24 touchdowns) and first team All-Ohio RB Johnnie Blue (1,595 yards rushing, 34 TDs). Senior WR Charles Reeves was also a first team All-Ohioan and is back as the go-to receiver in Steubenville's will be key on a defense that allowed just 124 points last season.

Cleveland Indians serve up another clunker against Minnesota Twins: DMan's Report, Game 90 (photos)

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The Minnesota Twins scored twice in the seventh inning to tie and once in the 11th to win, 5-4, over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Minnesota Twins walked-off the Cleveland Indians, again.

The lowly Twins won, 5-4, in 11 innings late Saturday night at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. The game ended after midnight Central Time thanks to a 2-hour, several-minute rain delay that began with two outs in the top of the 11th.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 11th, Joe Mauer scored when Tribe catcher Yan Gomes failed to secure pitcher Joe Colon's throw on an attempted force play. Max Kepler's grounder had deflected off Colon, who recovered and threw home in time and accurately enough. Gomes reached to his left and the ball clanked off his mitt.

The Twins are 5-3 against the Indians this season, including 3-2 with three walkoffs at Target Field.

The last-place Twins are a combined 10-5 against first-place Texas and Cleveland, averaging 6.7 runs. They are 23-52 against everybody else, averaging 4.0 runs. (Fox Sports Time Ohio graphic)

The Tribe slipped to 53-37.

Can't happen: The Indians led, 4-2, after 6 1/2 innings. That needs to translate to victory no matter the opponent, especially so against the terrible Twins.

Bauer power: Tribe right-hander Trevor Bauer allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits in six-plus innings. He walked three and struck out six.

Bauer notched a John Lowe Quality Start (6+ IP, 3 or fewer ER) on a night when he did not have his best command or control.

Bauer's most impressive work occurred when he was in trouble.

*With one out in the second inning, Kennys Vargas doubled. Vargas advanced to third on a flyout but was stranded when Juan Centeno grounded a 2-0 pitch to first.

*The Twins loaded the bases with none out in the third on a walk, single and walk. Bauer limited the damage to one run. Miguel Sano struck out looking (2-2 curve), Brian Dozier hit a sacrifice fly and Kepler struck out swinging (1-2 breaking pitch).

*Vargas led off the fourth with a single to right and moved to third on Eddie Rosario's double. Bauer, with assists from second baseman Jason Kipnis and catcher Chris Gimenez, held the Twins scoreless. Centeno struck out swinging (0-2 breaking pitch). Byron Buxton grounded to Kipnis, who, because he was not pulled in, would not have been second-guessed for conceding the run. Kipnis made the bold play and threw to Gimenez, who made an excellent swipe tag to erase Vargas. After Buxton stole second to put two runners in scoring position again, dangerous Eduardo Nunez grounded to first.

The second run against Bauer came in the sixth. With two outs, lefty Rosario blooped a 3-2 pitch to left. Lefty Centeno ran into a 1-1 fastball and shot it to left for an RBI double that pulled Minnesota within 3-2. Buxton struck out swinging.

The Indians re-established a two-run lead when Kipnis singled to drive in Tyler Naquin.

Decisions, decisions: Indians manager Terry Francona opted to stay with Bauer at least to begin the seventh. Bauer had battled and scrapped to hold the pesky Twins to two runs in six innings in their building, and he had thrown 104 pitches.

Nunez led off and fell behind, 0-2. He fouled, took a ball and fouled twice. He grounded to the right side, where first baseman Carlos Santana crumpled to the ground in an attempt to smother the ball with the backhand. The carom went to Kipnis, who had no chance to retire Nunez. It was ruled an infield single.

Bauer walked lefty Mauer in five pitches. Francona signaled for righty Jeff Manship.

Sano grounded to Santana, who misplayed it for an error. As the ball rolled into right, Nunez scored and Mauer stopped at second. Dozier flicked the bat at an 0-2 breaking pitch away and sent a 40-hopper through the middle for an RBI single. It is the type of hit the Twins have used to torment the Indians this season.

Dan Otero replaced Manship. Otero did not allow a run thanks to a grounder, strikeout, intentional walk and strikeout.

Even managers bound for the Hall of Fame are going to make calls that are questioned. During the rain delay, Fox Sports Time Ohio play-by-play voice Matt Underwood and analyst Rick Manning spoke with studio host Al Pawlowski and analyst Jensen Lewis. Pawlowski and Lewis are in Minnesota.

Underwood said: "Just kind of an odd game, fellas, and some strange decisions, as well....Jensen, what's your call on T. Bauer? He pitched well, he was just over 100 pitches. I was surprised he went back out for the seventh. Were you?''

Lewis, a former Indians closer, said: "I agree wholeheartedly, Matty. You think about the tough innings he had early in this ball game -- some situations where it's almost like pitching another inning or so. I was surprised Bauer went back out.''

Pawlowski said: "I agree with you, a little bit, because he was over 100 pitches. But to take the other side of this: Trevor's a guy who tells you, 'Hey, I can throw 140, 150 pitches.'''

Al-Pal spoke the truth, and Santana could have made it a non-issue. Regardless,  Bauer should not have been asked to throw more than 104 on this particular night.

Yikes: The Indians' No. 6 spot in the lineup, occupied by Lonnie Chisenhall and Rajai Davis, was 0-for-5 with one GIDP in 10 pitches.

Can Northwestern beat Ohio State football? A 5 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose

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Can the Wildcats pull off the upset on Halloween weekend in Ohio Stadium?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here's our schedule breakdown of Ohio State's season, as we assign a percentage chance for each opponent to beat the Buckeyes. We'll continue multiplying those chances until we reach our final number, the chance we think Ohio State has to go 12-0 during the 2016 regular season.

Northwestern Wildcats

vs. Ohio State: Saturday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium. The game will be televised on either ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

2015 record: 10-3 (6-2), finished in a tie for second in the Big Ten West Division with Wisconsin.

Bowl: Lost to Tennessee, 45-6, in the Outback Bowl.

Returning starters: 12 (six offense, six defense).

Phil Steele preseason rank: No. 42 in Steele's Power Poll, No. 36 in Steele's preseason rankings.

Week before the OSU game: Northwestern will be coming to Ohio Stadium for the first time since 2007 after its homecoming game against Indiana on Oct. 22. The Buckeyes, playing their third of four straight night games, will be coming off a date against Penn State at Beaver Stadium.

Chances to beat Ohio State: 5 percent. Northwestern was No. 13 in the final College Football Playoff rankings before getting dusted by Tennessee in the Outback Bowl. It was somewhat quietly a very successful season for Northwestern, one that included wins over ranked Stanford and Wisconsin.

With wins at Wisconsin, at Notre Dame and at Penn State in the last two seasons, it seems the Wildcats have turned the page in being able to win games in the kind of environment they'll find themselves in at Ohio Stadium in late October. The questions is if the pieces are there to pull off the upset over Ohio State.

How they could compete with Ohio State: What held Northwestern back last year was its offense, which was last in the Big Ten and 116th in the country with 327.1 yards per game. With a quarterback, running back and four offensive linemen back, the Wildcats should be better.

True sophomore Clayton Thorson has a chance to make the leap to being one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Running back Justin Jackson is already there at his position after running for 1,418 yards last season. But Northwestern needs to score.

Jackson only had five touchdowns last year, that's not enough for your best offensive weapon. Northwestern was last in the Big Ten and 114th in the country with 19.5 points per game. If that's better, then the defense could be good enough to keep the Buckeyes offense from a breakout game and make this one interesting.

Anthony Walker, an All-American candidate and Steele's No. 6 inside linebacker, is back to lead a defense that was No. 13 in the country in total defense last year. The Wildcats return six starters on defense, and may not be as stout as they were a year ago but should be one of the top defenses in the Big Ten.

2016 Ohio State football schedule

Projection: Northwestern was 120th in the country in passing offense last season, and though it has a more experienced Thorson at quarterback, it loses four of its top five receivers. It's so hard to be one-dimensional and beat Ohio State, especially in Ohio Stadium -- where Northwestern has lost 14 straight and hasn't won since 1971.

So the Wildcats have a nice defense, and could be potentially be vastly improved on offense. But it seems a reach to think they could come to Columbus and put a real scare into Ohio State, which by that point should have more of an identity with its young roster. 

Ohio State football 2016 schedule breakdown

Sept. 3: Can Bowling Green beat Ohio State?

Sept. 10: Can Tulsa beat Ohio State?

Sept. 17: Can Oklahoma beat Ohio State?

Oct. 1: Can Rutgers beat Ohio State?

Oct. 8: Can Indiana beat Ohio State?

Oct. 15: Can Wisconsin beat Ohio State?

Oct. 22: Can Penn State beat Ohio State?

The Republican National Convention comes to Cleveland: Crowquill

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The Republican National Convention comes to Cleveland tomorrow, but the festivities start today.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Are you ready for some political football? The Grand Old Party officially kicks off its convention tomorrow but the elephants will be in town for various festivities starting today.

One can expect plenty of back room political gamesmanship this week while the GOP decides whether or not Donald Trump will be their nominee.

So, don't be surprised if you see elephants wearing all kinds of Cleveland sports gear to gather favor with the locals by taking advantage of the recent successes like the Cavaliers' NBA championship, the Indians' first-place lead in the Central Division and the Browns' clean slate for a couple more months.

Crowquill, by Plain Dealer artist Ted Crow, appears three times a week on cleveland.com.

Why are the Browns ignoring the fans' outrage over Isaiah Crowell? Hey Mary Kay!

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Why are the Browns ignoring the fans' outrage over Isaiah Crowell? Can Barkevious Mingo play anywhere with his extra 30 pounds of muscle? These and other questions in this week's Hey Mary Kay!

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey Mary Kay!

Hey, Mary Kay: Why are the Browns ignoring the outrage fans have concerning Isaiah Crowell? Even my 13-year-old grandson wants him gone now and
he was his favorite player. Our enthusiasm for this new start has left. -- Bob Blick, Massillon, Ohio

Hey, Bob:  The Browns are not ignoring Isaiah Crowell's Instagram post of an illustration of a police officer being stabbed in the neck by a hooded figure. They decried the post, calling it 'extremely disturbing' and have called on Crowell to take steps to make a positive impact after the egregious error. They are taking into account the fact that he deleted the post almost immediately and then publicly apologized for it. He's also apologized to the Cleveland police and their union. In addition, he's donating $35,000 to the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation. Crowell will do other things in the community to be part of the solution instead of the problem. If Crowell can change some lives and promote healing of racial strife, then some good things will have come from this. The Browns are willing to let him continue to atone for his mistake and so are the Cleveland police.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is being a good football player and the money you make
off him more important than a policeman's life? You have to know his
apology was not sincere and only did it to keep his job, but the damage
has been done because so many look up to these players and this gives
them an okay to act on his sick post. Then who is responsible? Where is the
respect and dignity that used to be more important than money? I wish
football would demand better behavior out of their players. Money always
trumps with your organization. Sad to watch. -- Lucille Jamar, Milam, Texas

Hey, Lucille: After getting to know Crowell over these last two years, I do believe his apology was sincere. I think he acted in the heat of the moment and regrets it horribly. He knows he hurt a lot of people with that post, and he's willing to work extremely hard to show everyone just how remorseful he is. We can't minimize how horrible and disturbing the image was. But we can only hope that Crowell can truly reach some people, change attitudes and help heal the wounds of racial tension in our country. I think he will show people in the coming years that his apology was genuine.

Isaiah Crowell's apology accepted by Cleveland's police union
Hey, Mary Kay: Will we see Josh Gordon in a Browns uniform this season or ever? -- Paul Marini, Rochester, N.Y.

Hey, Paul: I think it's a longshot for Josh Gordon to be back with the Browns this season. I'm not sure NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be ready to reinstate him when he applies again Aug. 1. Even if he does, the Browns have to spend time with Gordon and make sure he fits what they're trying to accomplish under Hue Jackson. Jim Brown has been working with him to help pave the way for a comeback. I just don't think it will happen this season, at least not for the starting of training camp.  

Hey, Mary Kay: Barkevious Mingo added 30 lbs. more muscle in the off-season. What's the possibility of the Browns giving him a shot at inside linebacker. Thanks for your excellent writing. -- Keith Griffin, St. Simons Island, Ga.

Hey, Keith: Thanks! First of all, I think it will be tough for Mingo to maintain his 30-pound weight gain, especially during the dog days of training camp. But he has added considerable strength, and the Browns will give him every chance to be successful. They'll move him around to various spots and try to get him coming off the edge again. Ray Horton liked Mingo a lot in 2013 when he was a rookie and will try to resuscitate his career. It remains to be seen if he'll be successful, but they're not ready to give up on him. They'll try to find a place for him, wherever that may be on their defensive front.

Hey, Mary Kay: My gut feeling is the Brownies will have a very competitive training camp and embrace winning and be ready for the
Eagles (Go Browns). -- Chazz Brown, Chambersburg, Pa.

Hey, Chazz: Your instincts are right. Hue Jackson will conduct a tough, competitive training camp with the most padded practices permitted. He'll have an 'everything goes' period with sirens blaring in which players can be tackled to the ground. The practices will be upbeat, efficient and productive. The players will emerge from the camp in fantastic condition and they'll be as ready as they can be for the Eagles.  It's still a young team with a long ways to go, but they'll be better at the basics, including tackling and blocking. But starting out with five of seven on the road and meeting up with Tom Brady coming off his suspension in week five will be a tremendous challenge.

Browns to watch at each position during training camp

NASCAR 2016: Sunday's New Hampshire 301 live scoring, TV, live streaming, updates (photos)

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Jimmie Johnson is the pole-sitter for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup New Hampshire 301 in Loudon, N.H.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --Jimmie Johnson is on the pole for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup New Hampshire 301 in Loudon, New Hampshire, yet much of the talk around the circuit is still about Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is sitting out at least this race due to concussion symptoms.

The green flag is scheduled for 1:44 p.m. at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with coverage on NBCSN beginning at 1:30. Live streaming is available at NBCSports.com and you can follow along live at NASCAR's Race Center.

Johnson won the pole during Friday's qualifying session with a fast lap of 28.430 seconds, an average of 133.971 mph. Kyle Busch was .030 behind and will start second.

Reaction over Earnhardt has been universally positive. Speculation looms he will not drive in the next race, July 24 at The Brickyard, raising even more questions and speculation that Jeff Gordon will come out of retirement and race for Earnhardt at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. Alex Bowman is driving for Earnhardt this weekend.

SPRINT CUP

NEW HAMPSHIRE 301
Site: Loudon, New Hampshire
Schedule: Sunday, race, 1:30 p.m., NBCSN.
Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway (oval, 1.06 miles).
Race distance: (318.5 miles, 301 laps)
Last year: Kyle Busch won for the second time in a row in New Hampshire, vaulting to victory from the second row.
Last week: At Kentucky, Brad Keselowski won for the second consecutive week and the fourth time in 2016, cementing his place in the Chase.
Fast facts: Before the latest news Dale Earnhardt Jr. could have used a strong weekend in New Hampshire. He's third among drivers without a win in the Chase standings but he's led just four laps since March. ... Danica Patrick served as a presenter for the ESPY Awards on Wednesday in Los Angeles. ... Last week, Tony Stewart became the 24th driver to make 600 starts in the series. Stewart intends to retire after this season.
Next race: Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard, July 24, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)


IndyCar 2016: Sunday's Honda Indy Toronto live scoring, TV, updates (photos)

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Scott Dixon is on the pole and Chevrolet lands the top five spots on the grid for Sunday's Honda Indy Toronto race.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scott Dixon is known for making a late-season push toward a championship. Perhaps he's making his 2016 move at the Honda Toronto Indy. He will be P-1 on the starting grid, already earning a precious point in the championship hunt where Simon Pagenaud is on top.

The green flag drops at 3:37 p.m., with coverage on CNBC beginning at 2:30 p.m. Live streaming is available at NBCSports.com. You can also follow along live at IndyCar's Race Control.

Dixon earned the pole at 107.326 mph, just ahead of Team Penske teammates Helio Castroneves and Pagenaud. All three drivers use Chevrolet power. The fast Honda on the grid belongs to James Hinchcliffe, who will start sixth.

VERIZON INDYCAR

HONDA INDY TORONTO
Site: Toronto
Schedule:  Sunday, race, 3 p.m., CNBC.
Track: Streets of Toronto's Exhibition Place (street course, 1.755 miles).
Race distance: (149.2 miles, 85 laps)
Last year: Josef Newgarden picked up his first IndyCar win in Toronto.
Last week: Newgarden had one of the best runs in series history in Iowa, leading an IndyCar-record 282 laps in a win.
Fast facts: Simon Pagenaud will look to re-establish his grip atop the standings in Toronto. Pagenaud has won three street/road course races so far this season. ... Four of the last seven winners in Toronto have gone on to win the IndyCar title. ... Will Power finished second last week in Iowa after back-to-back victories.
Next race: Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, July 31, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)

Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes injured on play at first base

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Indians catcher Yan Gomes slumbled when he hit first base awkwardly and injured his right shoulder in the tumble that followed. He was driven off the field in a cart.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Indians catcher Yan Gomes suffered an apparent injury to his right shoulder Sunday at Target Field when he stumbled after hitting first base in the fifth inning and took a nasty tumble.

Gomes, who broke an 0-for-27 slump with a double in the third inning, was trying to beat out a grounder to third base in the fifth. He swerved to avoid the tag of Twins first baseman Kennys Vargas, hit the bag awkwardly with his left foot and did a sommersault.

Trainers wrapped Gomes' right shoulder in a sling before he was assisted to a cart and driving off the field. More details to come.

On Saturday, Gomes' teammates held an exorcism to try and cast the evil spirits out of his bats. It hasn't helped much.

The Indians lost to the Twins on Saturday night, 5-4, in 11 innings when Gomes committed an error at the plate to allow the winning run to score. Gomes came into Sunday's game hitting .162 (40-for-247) with eight homers and 32 RBI.

Chris Gimenez came off the bench and replaced Gomes.

The Indians announced the injury was to Gomes' right (throwing) shoulder and that he will return to Cleveland and be examined by Dr. Mark Schickendantz on Monday. Schickendantz is the team's head physician.

Cleveland Indians victory over Twins muted by injury to catcher Yan Gomes

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The Indians started the unofficial second half of the season by taking two out of three games from the Twins at Target Field. Josh Tomlin won his 10th game and Mike Napoli, Tyler Naquin and Jason Kipnis homered. Watch video

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Indians have become accustomed to losing in walk-off fashion this season at Target Field. There was none of that Sunday as the Indians cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Twins.

Still, the victory was muted by a potentially season-ending dislocated right shoulder injury to hard-luck catcher Yan Gomes. In the firth inning, Gomes tried to beat out a grounder to third base. In trying to avoid the tag of first baseman Kennys Vargas, Gomes hit the outside edge of the bag awkwardly with his left foot and went tumbling head over heels.

Trainers attended to Gomes for several minutes, finally wrapping his right shoulder in a sling. A cart drove him off the field through a gate in left center field. Gomes told reporters after th game that he'd dislocated the shoulder. He flew back to Cleveland on Sunday night and will be examined by team physician Dr. Mark Shickendantz on Monday.

Roberto Perez will take Gomes' spot on the roster. Perez, rehabbing from a broken right thumb, has been playing at Class AAA Columbus.

Gomes also appeared to injure his left leg in the tumble, but manager Terry Francona said the knee is stable.

Josh Tomlin won his 10th game and improved to 6-0 on the road this season as he pitched 7 2/3 efficient innings. The only run he allowed came on Max Kepler's homer in the sixth, but he always does that. Tomlin has allowed 22 homers this season.

Tomlin (10-2, 3.34) struck out four, walked one and allowed six hits.

"Josh really clutched up for us," said Francona. "It was a late night Saturday. Our bullpen has been taxed and he just has a feel for that.

"I didn't think his stuff was sharp early on, but he worked into it and by the middle innings his stuff was sharp.

"He competes so well. It was a hot day and he's not the biggest guy in the world. But I'll tell you what, his heart. . .I don't know how you measure it, but I'm glad he's on our team."

Backup catcher Chris Gimenez, who replaced Gomes, chipped in with a key two-run, two-out single in the sixth.

Mike Napoli gave the Indians a 1-0 lead with a long homer into the second deck in left field to start the second inning. Napoli hit the first pitch delivered by Kyle Gibson (2-6, 5.12).

The Twins announced the homer at 422 feet. MLB.com's Statcast measured it at 449 feet.

Francisco Lindor pushed the lead to 2-0 with a two-out single in the fifth. Following Gomes' injury, Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis and Lindor singled in succession off Gibson.

Kepler's homer made it a 4-1 game. The Twins are in last place in the AL Central, but when they play the first-place Indians nothing is easy. They've already beaten the Tribe three times with walk-off wins this season, including Saturday night's 5-4 win in 11 innings.

Tyler Naquin and Kipnis eased some nerves in the Tribe's dugout with homers in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. Naquin's two-out homer in the eighth, his 10th of the season, cleared the center field fence by plenty.

Kipnis made it 6-1 with his 15th homer of the season with one out in the ninth.

What it means

The Indians maintained their 6 1/2 game lead in the AL Central over Detroit with Sunday's win. They are 28-12 in the Central.

The Tribe has outscored the opposition, 45-21, in Tomlin's nine road starts this season

The pitches

Tomlin threw 107 pitches, 74 or 69 percent for strikes. Gibson threw 97 pitches, 64 or 66 percent for strikes.

"I struggled with command early on, but then the offense put up some runs and let me settle in a little bit," said Tomlin. "That allowed me to settle in and get as deep into the game as I could."

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Twins drew 25,692 fans to Target Field on Sunday. The three-game series drew 82,213 fans.

First pitch was at 2:40 p.m. and the temperature was 81 degrees.

The streak

Santana extended his hitting streak to 14 games with his single in the fifth. The streak is a career high for Santana.

20-20 club

Napoli joined Santana as the two Indians who have reached 20 homers this season. Santana hit 19 last year, while Napoli hit 18.

What's next?

The Indians open a three-game series against the Royals on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium. Corey Kluber (9-8, 3.61) will face KC right-hander Edison Volquez (8-8, 4.85) at 8:15. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Kluber is 1-1 against the Royals this year. Volquez is 1-2 against the Indians this season.

Josh Tomlin, Jason Kipnis help Cleveland Indians stop Minnesota Twins: DMan's Report, Game 91

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The Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 6-1, Sunday at Target Field but lost catcher Yan Gomes to injury. Josh Tomlin pitched well and Mike Napoli, Tyler Naquin and Jason Kipnis homered.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Josh Tomlin allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings and Mike Napoli, Tyler Naquin and Jason Kipnis homered as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 6-1, Sunday afternoon at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. The Tribe lost catcher Yan Gomes to what appeared to be a serious injury, or injuries, in the sixth inning.

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

Terrific bounce-back: The first-place Tribe (54-37) won the series, 2-1. The last place Twins (33-58) had won each of the previous two series between the teams this season, 2-1.

The Indians easily could have trudged into Target Field after what happened late Saturday night. They coughed up a two-run lead after six innings and lost, 5-4, in 11. It was the Twins' third walkoff against Cleveland this season.

And the Indians could have been knocked off their game by the Gomes injury.

Instead, they were sharp from the outset, maintained concentration, and played superbly.

Tomlin time: Tomlin gave up six hits, walked one and struck out four. He threw 74 of 107 pitches for strikes.

Tomlin's pitch count by inning: 12, 11, 19, nine, 15, 15, 10 and 16.

Tomlin (10-2, 3.34 ERA) relied on his usual fastball/cutter/changeup/curve combination. He kept the Twins off-balance by never falling into a pattern. He cut, tailed and looped pitches to various areas of the zone -- and beyond with a purpose. They rarely ended in the middle.   

Minnesota's run came when lefty Max Kepler homered to right with two outs in the sixth. Much more credit to Kepler than blame on Tomlin; Kepler pulled in the hands against an 0-1 fastball belt-high and off the inside corner.

Tomlin has worked six-plus innings in eight of nine road starts.

Stopper extraordinaire: In his past 18 starts after an Indians loss, Tomlin is 13-1 with a 2.92 ERA.

Fun to watch: Tomlin and righty reliever Austin Adams were nasty in the eighth.

Tomlin, in a 3-2 count against lefty Robbie Grossman, threw a cutter (86 mph) to the outer third. Grossman, absolutely convinced Tomlin would throw a fastball, took it for strike three.

Lefty power threat Kennys Vargas swung through a 1-2 cut piece (85) that dropped to the shoes on the inside edge.

Brian Dozier fell behind, 0-2. He stayed alive by fouling an elevated fastball, then socked a curve to left for a double. Just Dozier being Dozier against the Tribe. Adams replaced Tomlin.

Adams struck out Kepler swinging at 2-2 fastball (98) at the shins on the outer half.

(Adams worked a 1-2-3 ninth.)

Ambushes: The Tribe went 3-for-5 with one homer and four RBI when putting the first pitch in play.

Naptastic: Napoli led off the second inning by belting righty Kyle Gibson's first-pitch fastball into the upper tank in left. He joined Carlos Santana as Indians with 20 homers.

Hide the eyes: Gomes injured his left leg and right shoulder on a play at first base in the fifth. Gomes grounded to third baseman Eduardo Nunez, whose throw pulled Vargas off the base. Vargas' swipe-tag led to Gomes' leg landing awkwardly at the side of the base, followed by Gomes tumbling and falling hard on the shoulder.

Fox Sports Time Ohio play-by-play voice Matt Underwood said: "I'll tell you what: It is almost beyond comprehension how difficult this season has been for Yan Gomes.''

Fox Sports Time Ohio analyst Rick Manning said: "No question....It has been one tough year for Gomes.''

Gomes needed to be carted off the field.

Later in the inning, Francisco Lindor flicked Gibson's first-pitch changeup at the shoe tops into center for an RBI single. The two-out hit gave Cleveland a 2-0 lead. 

Creating space: The Indians, assisted by Minnesota, made it 4-0 in the sixth.

With one out, Lonnie Chisenhall fought off an 0-1 fastball (93) and dumped it into shallow right for a single.

Naquin grounded to short for what should have been a routine double play to end the inning. Eduardo Escobar did not field it cleanly, though, and consequently was a fraction late in feeding second baseman Dozier. Naquin's speed and hustle helped beat Dozier's relay.

Abraham Almonte flied high and deep to center, where Danny Santana made a terrible read and never recovered. The ball bounced on the track and over the fence for a ground-rule double. Naquin, who would have scored if the ball stayed in the yard, was sent back to third.

Even though the ball hit the track, Santana would have made the catch if he had read the ball correctly off the bat.

Chris Gimenez, subbing for Gomes, stepped in. Gimenez attacked a first-pitch slider that stayed up long enough and ripped it to left for two-run single. The Tribe led, 4-0.

Why Gibson opened with a first-pitch slider to Gimenez is mind-boggling. Gimenez was more than happy to punish him for it.

Long iron: With two outs in the eighth, Naquin homered to center off righty reliever Neil Ramirez. British Open champion Henrik Stenson would have approved as Naquin dropped the barrel on an 0-2 breaking pitch (87) that was shin-high on the inner third. Naquin bought himself the breaking pitch by spoiling and 0-2 fastball (94).

In his first 61 games in the majors, Naquin has 10 homers, eight doubles and five triples.

Kip, Kip, hooray: Kipnis went 3-for-4 with the homer, one walk and a run-preventing defensive play.

Kipnis easily could have been 4-for-4. His drive into the left-field corner in the seventh was run down by Eddie Rosario.

With one out in the ninth, Kipnis fell behind Ramirez, 0-2. After a foul, ball, two fouls and a ball, Kipnis stayed on a fastball at the thighs and shot it over the wall in left-center for his 15th. It was a Jensen Lewis Oppo Taco Supreme.

Kipnis' defensive play was significant at the time. With two outs and a runner on third in the third, Kepler grounded toward the hole. Kipnis ranged far to glove it and threw against his momentum from shallow right field for the out. The Tribe remained ahead, 1-0.

Illinois rider wins Cleveland Grand Prix horse show jumping

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Illinois rider Whitney Lyon edges Megan Bash of Hunting Valley to win 51st annual Cleveland Grand Prix show jumping event, the finale of the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic.

MIKE PETICCA
Special to The Plain Dealer

MORELAND HILLS, Ohio -- For a few minutes, it looked like the 51st annual Cleveland Grand Prix on Sunday would have a hometown hero.

Megan Bash of Hunting Valley, riding Pourkoipa Fontaine, held the lead in the decisive jump-off round in the marquee event that capped the 11-day Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field.

Bash and Pourkoipa Fontaine, a 13-year-old male, completed the course in 40.160 seconds with no faults -- jumps on which the horse knocks down a fence.

That put Bash and her horse first and in line to claim the $15,000 prize awarded to the winner. Alas, the next horse, Constara, ridden by Whitney Lyon of Marengo, Ill., took just 38.120 seconds, with no faults, to grab the victory.

Bash and Pourkoipa Fontaine put the pressure on Constara with a swift finish to clear the last of six fences, or obstacles, on the jump-off round course, including one double obstacle. Six horses advanced to the final round after a 13-horse first-round which featured 12 obstacles, including three doubles.

"My horse is great in the air. She turns well and it's without the feeling that you're flying," Bash said, explaining how Pourkoipa Fontaine took the brief lead. "I know she has the stride and the natural speed, so I decided to go for it."

The Cleveland Grand Prix is the Western Hemisphere's original show jumping event and one of the nation's top charity horse shows. The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, which began on July 7, draws horses and riders from across the nation and several countries to participate in various races and events. The non-profit Chagrin Valley Professional Horsemen's Association runs the 11-day event. All proceeds, after covering operating costs, go to various charities.

Bash, 40, earned $11,000 from the $50,000 Grand Prix purse for the runner-up effort. She has won several Grand Prix events around the nation, but prior to Sunday, her best Cleveland Grand Prix finish in six tries was fourth last year.

"This is a special event," said Bash, who with her husband, Brian, trains riders and horses on their farm in Novelty in Geauga County. "It gets the top riders and competition. The people who run it run a first-rate horse show."

After further complimenting the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic committee and volunteers, and the thousands of spectators who turn out for the events, Bash explained how she got started in the sport.

"The reason I do what I do is that when I was eight years old, my dad brought me to this event," she said, pointing out her dad, Michael Moshontz, who was in attendance. "I said, 'That's what I'm going to do someday.'"

Lyon, 32, is in just her fifth year of riding. She and Constara won with the help of trainer Joe Fargis, an Olympic gold medalist. There was some expectation that Fargis himself would ride, but he chose to stay on the sidelines. Fargis, 68, won the individual gold medal in mixed jumping, helping the United States team win the equestrianism gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His mixed jumping effort aided the equestrian silver medal won by the U.S. in the Seoul (South Korea) Olympics four years later.

Remarkably, it was Lyon's first Grand Prix event. She competed mostly in jumpers over the last several years.

"I was pretty terrified. I'm nervous for a show," Lyon admitted. "And, there were a lot of people watching."

Lyon rode two horses in the first round. But the first of them, Heartbeat, got a bit frisky and exited the ring just after entering it, resulting in a disqualification.

Constara, a 12-year-old, was much more calm.

"She's an amazing horse," Lyon said. "She was so easy on the ground and in the saddle."

Cleveland Indians' Yan Gomes dislocates right shoulder; Roberto Perez will be recalled

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Indians catcher Yan Gomes returned to Cleveland on Sunday night to be examined by team doctors Monday after suffering a separated right shoulder in Sunday's win over the Twins. Watch video

MINNEAPOLIS - When catcher Yan Gomes hit the ground, his whole body hurt. Then the pain started to make private visits to different body parts.

First in line was his left knee. When the pain somewhat eased in the knee, his right shoulder started to hurt.

"Really, I was hurting all over," he said.

Gomes suffered a separated right shoulder Sunday in a nasty spill at first base in the fifth inning while trying to beat out a ground ball. He'll be placed on the disabled list Monday and the Indians will activate Roberto Perez, who was rehabbing at Class AAA Columbus as he recovered from a broken right thumb.

"The X-rays showed it's a dislocated shoulder," said Gomes, his right arm in a sling. "There is something sticking out of it right now."

While Gomes' injury might end his season, the Indians' immediate response was that they were not going to go out and pursue an established catcher such as Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy. As of now, they believe Perez is ready to guide one of MLB's top pitching staffs through the rest of the season and, perhaps, into the postseason.

In the third inning, Gomes doubled off pitcher Kyle Gibson's glove. The hit ended a 0-for-27 skid and caused a strange celebration in the Indians' dugout. Players were wearing capes and shaking maracas and other noisemakers in celebrations of Gomes getting a hit.

On Saturday, they stole a page from the movie "Major League" and sacrificed a Boston Market chicken to help Gomes get over his season-long slump. But in the 11th inning Saturday night, Gomes made an error at the plate that allowed the Twins to score the winning run. Now he's headed back to Cleveland with a dislocated shoulder.

"I thought the sacrifice was supposed to be a good thing," said Gomes. "But I got a hit and we got a win. That's plenty."

Gomes, with one out in the fifth inning, sent a grounder to third. Here's how he saw the play unfold.

"It was just one those plays where you put a two-strike pitch in play, put your head down and run," said Gomes. "When I looked up, I saw the first baseman (Kennys Vargas) reaching out (for the tag). I tried to avoid it and he tagged me and kind of threw me off balance.

"When I stepped on the bag, my leg just jammed and that's when I kind of catapulted and landed on my shoulder."

Regarding his left knee, Gomes said, "The knee is fine. It hurt really bad at first, but it was more just because I jammed it. . . When I got to sit down for a second, that's when I noticed my shoulder was starting to hurt. Then I looked over and my shoulder didn't look right. I tried to move my hand and it kind of hurt."

Manager Terry Francona said it was tough to go from the pure joy of the celebration over Gomes' hit to the injury two innings later.

"Everybody was so happy for him," said Francona. "One, he hustled his ass off, which he always does. But, you could see the pure joy of guys for him.

"It's just, things like this happen. You don't know when it's going to happen, but it happens and, hopefully, you're prepared so it doesn't get in the way of what you're trying to do."

Cleveland Indians' Bryan Shaw silences critics with one zero after another zero

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Indians set-up man Bryan Shaw, after two rough outings in June, has not allowed a run in his last 13 appearances.

MINNEAPOLIS - Not so long ago there was a movement afoot to remove Bryan Shaw from the set-up job in the Indians' bullpen. Well, the movement has moved down the road and out of sight.

Shaw hasn't allowed a run in his last 13 games, covering 13 1/3 innings. In Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Twins in 11 innings, he pitched two scoreless innings in his longest appearance of the season.

The cries for Shaw's job reached a crescendo when he lost consecutive outings on June 11 against the Angels and June 14 against the Royals. Each time he gave up the game-winning hit late.

Manager Terry Francona was asked shortly after those defeats if he had an alternative in mind for Shaw.

"I don't want an alternative," said Francona.

Francona went on to say that as a manager he can't run away from good pitchers.

"Shaw's unbelievable, man," said Francona. "He loves to pitch and it's not as easy as it looks to make yourself available (all the time). You can say it, but you've got to get them out.

"You can go a whole year and there's a handful of days where he's not available. That's pretty amazing."

The opposition is hitting .114 (5-for-44) against Shaw over his last 13 games. He's struck out 16, walked seven.

Tito stands by set-up man Bryan Shaw

In Shaw's last 35 games, he has a 1.67 ERA (six earned runs in in 32 1/3 innings).

"I've wondered why people don't ask me about him because for about a week everybody wanted him off the team and released and I don't understand that," said Francona. "He's a good pitcher. Sometimes good players, good pitchers, struggle. This is going on four years and he's shouldered a load and his stuff is better now than when we got him. That's a big compliment to what he's doing."

Oakland bound: The Indians on Sunday traded veteran lefty Ross Detwiler to Oakland for cash. Detwiler was pitching at Class AAA Columbus and was transferred to Class AAA Nashville, Oakland's top farm club.

Detwiler opened the year as the only lefty in the Indians' bullpen. He didn't last long and was moved back into the rotation at Columbus.

The streak: Francona was caught kissing Carlos Santana's bat before Friday's game against the Twins.

"I do that every night," said Francona. "Whatever works."

Santana has hit in 14 straight games, a career high.

"He comes to me, I don't ask if I can do it," said Francona. "Before a game everybody is doing whatever just to get ready. It's fun."

Finally: The Indians have five players with 10 or more homers: Santana 20, Mike Napoli 20, Jason Kipnis 15. Francisco Lindor 10 and Tyler Naquin 10. Naquin, Napoli and Kipnis homered in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Twins.


Akron RubberDucks can't erase big deficit, fall to Erie SeaWolves

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Jeremy Lucas had a three-run homer for the RubberDucks.

jeremy lucas.jpegJeremy Lucas 

AKRON, Ohio -- The RubberDucks scored five runs in the sixth inning, but it wasn't enough to erase an early 8-0 deficit in an 8-5 loss Sunday to the Erie SeaWolves at Canal Park.

Akron right-hander Nick Pasquale cruised through the first three innings, giving up just one hit and striking out four.

It looked like Pasquale (1-3, 4.21 ERA) would be fine in the fourth after getting Tyler Bortnick to line into a double play.

But with two outs, Jason Krizan tripled and Pasquale walked the next two batters to load the bases. Connor Harrell brought in two runs with a double, and Kody Eaves drove in two more with another double to give Erie a 4-0 lead. Eaves finished 2-for-4 with four RBI.

RubberDucks reliever Louis Head replaced Pasquale with one out and the bases loaded in the fifth inning, and Head managed to get out of the inning without surrendering a run.

But Head ran into trouble in the sixth, giving up a two-run homer to Eaves and an RBI single to Tyler Bortnick. Reliever Casey Weathers entered the game and surrendered an RBI double to Jason Krizan to make it 8-0.

The RubberDucks tried to rally in the sixth with a two-run single from Nellie Rodriguez and a three-run homer from Jeremy Lucas, but Akron would get no closer.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, starting in left field for the RubberDucks on a rehab assignment, was 0-for-3 with a run scored.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

Cavs Summer League run ends with 85-79 loss to Chicago Bulls in semifinals

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The Cleveland Cavaliers had their sights set on another title -- this one in the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers had their sights set on another title -- this one in the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League.

But their run ended on Sunday night, losing in the semifinals to the Chicago Bulls, 85-79, at Thomas and Mack Center.

The Summer Cavs, seeded 14th, had won four in a row before squandering a 10-point halftime lead to the undefeated Bulls, a squad that features first-round pick Denzel Valentine and second-year players Bobby Portis and Jerian Grant, among others. 

Rookie point guard Kay Felder led the way for Cleveland on Sunday, scoring 22 points on 8-of-14 from the field. He also added a team-high five assists.

The diminutive second-round pick dazzled the crowd throughout, but missed a twisting reverse layup with 27.9 seconds remaining, a shot that would've trimmed the Bulls' lead to one point.

In seven games, Felder averaged 15.3 points on 42 percent from the field, including 22.7 percent (5-of-22) from 3-point range. He dished out 3.9 assists against 2.3 turnovers while grabbing 3.4 rebounds per night in 29.9 minutes.

Felder's showing in Vegas has General Manager David Griffin picturing him as the possible third point guard, helping fill the void following Matthew Dellavedova's departure in free agency.

"I would hope so," Griffin told ESPN recently when asked whether he views Felder as the third in the rotation. "We have a lot faith in Kay's ability to get there. It's going to take time for Kay, but the person he is, the competitor and the worker he is, we feel very confident if we invest in him much the way we invested in Matthew Dellavedova that we will have a player who is willing to achieve and frankly overachieve."

Jordan McRae, a one-time D-League import, entered the night with the third-highest summer league scoring average (behind Phoenix shooting guard Devin Booker and Utah's Trey Lyles). McRae had scored 93 points in three games during tournament play, but couldn't keep the pace against Chicago.

The 25-year old swingman scored 16 on 6-of-16 shooting during Sunday's loss. He also had five turnovers, couldn't get to the free throw line the way he had in previous games (four attempts) and failed to tally in the final 5:39.

Overall, Vegas turned out to be a quality showcase for McRae, who was named to the Samsung All-NBA Summer League First Team.

Thanks to his positive attitude, hard work in practice and the team's salary restrictions, McRae will have a good chance to make the Cavs' 15-man roster.

Over the last week, McRae averaged 24.3 points on 37.6 percent from the field, including 29.4 percent from beyond the arc and 81.5 percent from the free throw line. McRae also committed a team-high 3.1 turnovers per game.

Cleveland, coached by assistant Phil Handy, finished with a 4-3 record.

Summer League wraps up Monday night, with Chicago playing Minnesota in the finals. The Timberwolves are led by Summer League MVP Tyus Jones, who was originally selected 24th by the Cavs before being shipped to Minnesota in a draft night trade, which allowed Cleveland to obtain Cedi Osman's rights. 

Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals series preview, pitching matchups

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The Indians open a three-game series against the Royals on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium. This is the middle stop of a nine-game, 10-day trip.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Here is the series preview and pitching matchups for the three-game series between the Indians and Royals in Kansas City.

Where: Kauffman Stadium, Monday through Wednesday.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the series.

Pitching probables: RHP Corey Kluber (9-8, 3.61) vs. RHP Edinson Volquez (8-8, 4.85) Monday at 8:15 p.m.; RHP Danny Salazar (10-3, 2.75) vs. undetermined, Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. and RHP Carlos Carrasco (6-3, 2.49) vs. RHP Ian Kennedy (6-7, 3.86) Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

Series: The Indians lead the Royals, 6-4, this year. The Indians lead, 338-320, overall.

Team updates: The last time the Indians visited Kauffman Stadium, they were swept in a three-game series from June 13 through June 15. They've won two out of three since coming out of the All-Star break, but have lost seven of their last 12 overall. The Royals have lost eight of their last 11 games.

Monday: Kluber, winning pitcher in the All-Star game, is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA against Royals this year. Eric Hosmer is hitting .288 (13-for-45) with three homers and 13 RBI against Kluber.

Volquez, 1-2 in his last four starts, is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in three starts against the Tribe this year. Lonnie Chisenhall is hitting .429 (6-for-14) with three RBI against him.

Tuesday: Salazar, who did not pitch in All-Star game because of sore right elbow, is 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA against the Royals this year. Hosmer is hitting .333 (8-for-24) with two homers and six RBI against him.

Wednesday: Carrasco, 4-1 in his last five starts, is 0-1 in two starts against the Royals this year. Hosmer is hitting .333 (7-for-21) with three RBI against him.

Kennedy, coming off two straight no decisions, is 2-1 against the Indians this year. Chisenhall is hitting .556 (5-for-9) against him.

Players to watch: Set-up man Bryan Shaw has not allowed a run in his last 13 games, covering 13 1/3 innings for the Tribe. Shortstop Alcides Escobar has reached base safely in 27 of his last 28 games, hitting .303 (33-for-109) in that stretch, for the Royals.

Injuries: Indians - RHP Tommy Hunter (back), RHP Zack McAllister (right hip), LF Michael Brantley (right shoulder) and catcher Roberto Perez (right thumb) are on the disabled list. Twins - OF Lorenzo Cain (left hamstring), LHP Tim Collins (left elbow), RHP Kris Medlen (right shoulder), 3B Mike Moustakas (right knee) and LHP Jason Vargas (left elbow) are on the disabled list.

Next: The Indians open a three-game series Friday night at Camden Yards against the Orioles.

RNC 2016: Cleveland showed how people can pack the streets and get along -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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Cleveland sports fans were an example of good behavior during championship parade. A repeat of that is needed during the RNC this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to the City of Champions!

More than a few fans sent me emails with that theme after the Cavaliers won the NBA title.

That came right after the Lake Erie Monsters won the American Hockey League's Calder Cup. Then came the Cavs title won in Oakland as the first place Indians were in the middle of a 14-game winning streak.

But what made Cleveland special was how the fans celebrated.

Unlike some cities where they break windows and flip over cars the night of a championship, Cleveland took to the streets for one big Hug-In. It was amazing how few problems there were on the night of June 19.

An even more impressive display of patience and class happened three days later. An estimated 1.3 million fans came downtown for the championship parade.

It was a hot day with streets clogged, no parking and public transportation sometimes overwhelmed.

But there were very few problems, especially given how many people came from so many places to celebrate the Cavs championship.

Why mention all this?

Because so many people from so many places are coming to Cleveland this week for the Republican National Convention.

Cleveland modeled how crowds should act.

Yes, it's easier to get along when it's a common cause -- enjoying the first championship by a major Cleveland sports franchise since the 1964 Browns.

But when so many people are so close together for so long in sweltering weather, it's surprising there weren't far more problems.

I have a theory about that.

It's because nearly everyone at that parade had some connection to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Many were from out-of-town, but they grew up here or at least once had family here.

This is home, and most people are not interested in trashing their own house. With so much attention on Cleveland, the fans wanted the city to look good. They did the right things to make that happen.

That's what I hope to see from those who are visiting our city this week -- act as if this is your town.

Sports has a remarkable way of creating common ground. When LeBron James made one of the greatest blocks in NBA history with two minutes left in Game 7, fans cheered and high-fived anyone near them.

No one was checking race, economic class or personal agendas.

Politics can bring out the worst in us, especially in this age of extreme division. And people have the right to take to the streets and express their opinions.

But everyone should act as if this is their town, their streets. They should look at how Cleveland reacted after winning a title. It showed how people can get along if they really want to do so.

Cincinnati Colerain, Euclid football: Meet two cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 contenders (poll)

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Check out our latest pair of cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 contenders.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland.com’s high school football coverage is expanding in 2016, and a highlight of that expansion will be a weekly statewide Ohio Super 25 ranking.

The preseason Ohio Super 25 countdown will begin Aug. 1, with a new team profiled each day through Aug. 25. To get you ready, we’re presenting 50 contenders for the Super 25 throughout July.


RELATED: Check out all the Ohio Super 25 candidates so far.


Each day through July 29 we will provide a brief look at two of the 50 contenders. Today’s teams: Cincinnati Colerain, Euclid.


Cincinnati Colerain


2015 record: 12-2 (Division I state semifinalist).






About the Cardinals: The Cardinals return a bunch of talent from the 2015 team that only lost by three to Division II state champ La Salle and by a TD to Division I runner-up Huber Heights Wayne. They have to replace QB and Mr. Football candidate Deshaunte Jones (Iowa State), but get back seven of their 12 first-team all-conference players. DB Amir Reap is the No. 3 prospect in Ohio according to 247Sports.com, and five other defensive players have Division I offers. RB Monalo Caldwell, who will be a three-year starter, rushed for 1,300 yards and 18 TDs last season.


Euclid


2015 record: 10-3 (Division I, Region I third round).




About the Panthers: Coach Jeff Rotsky took over the program last season and led the Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2009, and first playoff win since 1993. He’ll build the 2016 team around six returning starters, including QB Noah Mitchell, who suffered a wrist injury late last season but will be a three-year starter. Rotsky expects his team’s speed to again be a weapon, and a second year with the same system should help. But inexperience will be a concern.


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