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So, CC Sabathia, did it feel like a really big night in Bronx?

”I wish I could tell you it did,” he said, ”but it didn’t.”

Instead, he just pitched as if the calendar read October, rather than June.

Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as New York bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday evening to edge ahead in the AL East.

Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two top marks in baseball, the Elias Sports Bureau said. Home runs decided this matchup Cheap Adrian Clayborn Jersey , too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.

”I mean, we’re a good club,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. ”We’re a confident group, we know we can play with anyone.”

The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines formed outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.

Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston’s four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings, and improved to 6-0 in his last seven starts against the Red Sox.

The big lefty bounded off the mound to field Mookie Betts‘ tapper and throw him out to end his outing. Slowed by knee problems in the past, a pumped-up Sabathia kept in motion and jogged to the dugout.

”High-stepping right there, you mean?” he said.

Betts and Andrew Benintendi hit consecutive doubles in the fifth for Boston’s run in the opener of a three-game series.

”It’s important Cheap Chris Herndon Jersey ,” Betts said. ”As long as we make it to the playoffs, anything can happen.”

Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston. He doubled on the first pitch he saw and also singled off Sabathia.

”I was actually kind of jittery my first at-bat, so it was good to get that out of the way,” Pearce said.

”It would have been nice if we got the win, so that kind of overshadowed what I did at the plate. But I felt comfortable,” he said. ”It was a great atmosphere.”

Eduardo Rodriguez (9-3) gave up five early runs. Boston fell to 3-4 against its rivals this season, and 12 more games are left.

Judge connected for his 21st homer, a two-run drive in the seventh off Justin Haley. The former Fresno State players eagerly chatted for a while behind the cage during batting practice – after facing each other for the first time in the majors Bruce Maxwell Jersey , the rookie reliever angrily kicked at the mound dirt as Judge circled the bases.

”We were really good friends, and it’s a joy to see him having success,” Judge said. ”We respect the competition. He might strike me out tomorrow, and I’ll tip my cap to him, and it’ll be see you down the road.”

Gleyber Torres hit his first career triple and scored on Andujar’s single in the second. Torres added a sacrifice fly in a four-run fourth, capped by back-to-back homers from Andujar and Bird.

Bird added a solo drive in the eighth. The Yankees lead the majors with 131 home runs.

”No matter who you facing, if you miss on the plate that’s what’s going to happen,” Rodriguez said.

DRURY’S BACK

3B/1B Brandon Drury was called up from Triple-A and likely will see action with Boston starting left-handers the rest of the weekend. Acquired from Arizona, he began the season as the starting 3B, but went on the DL in early April with blurred vision and migraines. He provides a righty-hitting option at 1B. The team considered promoting Tyler Austin Paul DeJong Jersey , but he has back trouble.

HE’S A HIT

New York Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took batting practice with the Yankees. Showing a sweet swing, he homered over the left-field wall.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Red Sox: 2B Dustin Pedroia and knuckleballer Steven Wright will see a doctor Monday. Both are on the 10-day disabled list.

Yankees: RHP Masahiro Tanaka (strained hamstrings) threw 48 pitches in a simulated game at the spring complex in Tampa, Florida. He’s expected to pitch in a minor league rehab game in the middle of next week, then could rejoin the Yankees.

UP NEXT

Red Sox: LHP Chris Sale (7-4, 2.56 ERA) is 5-4 with a 1.73 ERA against the Yankees. He has struck out Judge more than any other pitcher – 10 times in 15 at-bats.

Yankees: RHP Sonny Gray (5-5, 4.93) is 1-5 lifetime against the Red Sox. Since joining New York, he’s 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts vs. Boston.

They like it that way.

Miami is one of eight teams doubling up on summer leagues this year Boone Logan Jersey , and when the biggest one in NBA history opens on Friday in Las Vegas – all 30 franchises are sending a club to the primary summer league for the first time – the Heat think that getting three games under their belt already will be a big help.

The first summer league hosted by the Sacramento Kings, the California Classic, came to a close Thursday. Golden State beat the Los Angeles Lakers 77-71, and Miami topped Sacramento 86-76.

Play in the Utah Jazz Summer League also wrapped up Thursday, with San Antonio beating Memphis 94-87 and Utah beating Atlanta 92-87 in the finale – the memorable moment there being when Jazz guard Grayson Allen and Hawks guard Trae Young scuffled briefly in the third quarter .

It was much ado about very little; Allen and Young both earned technical fouls.

But it does speak to how seriously the players take the games at this time of year.

The Heat flew cross-country for their summer league training camp in Sacramento, doing so because playing in the second league ensures that the team will appear in at least eight summer games instead of the five that are guaranteed to teams who play only in Las Vegas.

And they saw players get better in the three Sacramento games, perhaps giving them – and the other seven clubs that played in the early leagues – a leg up on competition they’ll see in Vegas.

”I’m not interested in playing guys five minutes one game, five minutes the next game Cheap Ito Smith Jersey ,” Heat summer league coach Eric Glass said. ”I’d rather play a guy 15 minutes in one game and sit him in the next game so we can get a rhythm. And you can get better in the gym by yourself, but playing organized basketball is the best way to improve and these guys get three weeks of that.”

Starting Friday, every summer game left on the NBA schedule happens on two courts at UNLV. Unlike the Sacramento and Utah leagues, there’s a true playoff system in Las Vegas and a champion will be crowned on July 17.

For all eight teams that have played this week, it’s a quick turnaround to get ready for Las Vegas. Most of the eight teams get Friday off, the lone exception being Golden State – which meets the Los Angeles Clippers in the 10th and final game on the Las Vegas opening-day slate.

The main attraction on Day 1 in Las Vegas is the 9:30 p.m. EDT game between Phoenix and Dallas. The Suns have No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton set to make his debut, though it’s almost certain that Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic – the No. 3 pick and whose European pro season ended just days before the draft – will not play in his team’s summer opener.

Ayton will likely see a few NBA stars when he gets to Vegas. He’s already been blown away by a WNBA star – Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi.

When he met her, with Taurasi walking over to greet him as he went through a weight-room session Authentic Johnny Townsend Jersey , even the NBA’s No. 1 pick was star struck.

”She is the Michael Jordan of the WNBA,” Ayton said.

Doncic still hasn’t gotten the clearance to sign his contract and hasn’t participated in a live practice with Dallas’ summer club yet.

”We’re getting close to getting those things done, but we’re not there yet,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. ”But he will be in Vegas. He is going to continue to ramp up his workload.”

Thursday’s recaps:

WARRIORS 77, LAKERS 71

Marcus Derrickson led the way for Golden State (3-0) with 24 points, 11 rebounds and four steals. Omari Johnson scored 15 and Gian Clavell added 10 for the Warriors, who gave Damian Jones and Jordan Bell the day off.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes scored 14 points and handed out eight assists for the Lakers. Moe Wagner scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, Nick King also scored 13 and Jeffrey Carroll added 11 for the Lakers.

HEAT 86 Travis Shaw Jersey , KINGS 76

Derrick Jones Jr. had 19 points for Miami (2-1), which got 14 from Bam Adebayo, 12 – all on 3-pointers – from Duncan Robinson and 10 points and seven assists from Derrick Walton Jr.

Justin Jackson scored 26 for Sacramento (1-2). Harry Giles and Cam Reynolds each had 11 points for the Kings.

SPURS 94, GRIZZLIES 87

Derrick White made five 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists for San Antonio (2-1). Lonnie Walker IV added 14 for the Spurs, who led by as many as 18 in the second half.

Wayne Selden led the Grizzlies (2-1) with 26 points, shooting 6 for 7 from 3-point range.

JAZZ 92, HAWKS 87

The shooting numbers for Young and Allen might have added to their frustration.

Young shot 3 for 16 Jackie Robinson Jersey , 1 for 8 from 3-point range – meaning in his three games at Utah, he was 12 for 52 from the floor, 3 for 24 from beyond the arc. Allen’s shooting numbers were even worse: He was 6 for 29 in in two games during the event, including 2 for 13 on Thursday.

Stanton Kidd, Georges Niang and Tony Bradley all finished with 15 points for Utah (2-1). Allen had eight assists and Bradley grabbed 12 rebounds.

Tyler Dorsey scored 17 and Antonius Cleveland and Jaylen Morris each added 14 for the Hawks (0-3). Young had seven assists and Omari Spellman had 10 rebounds.

He’s here Cheap B.J. Hill Jersey , but only as a cheerleader.

Wentz led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 10-2 start before he tore his left ACL and LCL in Week 14. Nick Foles replaced him, helped the Eagles clinch the NFC East and secure the No. 1 seed, and was spectacular in the conference championship game against Minnesota.

Wentz watched both playoff games from the sideline: the victory over the Falcons on crutches and the rout of the Vikings on a cane. He’s rooting hard for his teammates and enjoying their success without him. Wentz will be their No. 1 fan Sunday when they take on the New England Patriots and try to win the franchise’s first NFL title since 1960.

It’s not easy for any competitor to be forced to sit out.

”It’s just tough knowing that could be you,” said Wentz, who is walking without assistance now. ”I had my sights set on this thing since I knew we weren’t making the playoffs last year. I had my sights set on playing in Minneapolis. It’s right down the road from home. Here we are. It just looks different for me.”

Wentz, from neighboring North Dakota, is more than just a spectator. He has been a major presence around the team following surgery B.J. Upton Jersey , goes to quarterback meetings, watches film and supports Foles as much as possible.

”He’s been outstanding,” offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. ”One of the greatest things about a person is when you see him celebrating somebody else’s success. To be happy for Nick who is at your position, who could potentially be stealing another person’s thunder, that’s the pretty cool thing about, of all the great things that he’s done this year, even more exemplifies the kind of leader that he is.”

Foles has said all the right things since the minute he stepped into the starting lineup. He’s close with Wentz and makes it a point to always give him credit for leading the Eagles from worst to first in the division.

”This is Carson’s team Dansby Swanson Jersey ,” Foles said. ”I’ve had to take it over, but Carson is a tremendous player. I think he’s the MVP of the league. He’s a huge reason why we’re in this position. It’s been awesome just being around him. He’s handled this thing amazingly and he continues to be such a great leader in our locker room. When we go through game film and we go through everything, he’s an extremely intelligent player, so I listen to everything that he says.”

Wentz, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft, started every game his rookie season when the Eagles went 7-9. He took a giant leap as a sophomore, tossing 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 13 games.

Wentz was voted to the Pro Bowl and is a contender for the NFL MVP award that will be announced Saturday night.

”He’s done such an amazing job in his two years in the NFL of continuing to create this atmosphere and obviously going out there making electric plays Cheap Ryan Switzer Jersey , but really just making everyone believe,” Foles said. ”That hasn’t changed though he’s injured. He’s still around, and I love having him around.”

While Foles stood center stage with Tom Brady at media night, Wentz sat in the stands at the hockey arena and spoke to reporters for about 25 minutes. He has relied on his strong faith to get him through the disappointment.

”When it comes to an injury like this, the season we were having, the season I was having personally and it gets taken away, it’s just a chance to practice what I preach and that I play for (God) and it’s not for myself Alex Wood Jersey ,” Wentz said. ”It’s taught me a lot so far. He closed this door on this season for me but I know he’s going to open many other doors and he’s going to use me.”

If Foles leads the Eagles to victory over the Patriots , there still won’t be a quarterback controversy in Philadelphia. Foles is signed through next season and provides insurance if Wentz isn’t ready to start the season opener. Having Foles on the roster allows Philadelphia the luxury of giving Wentz all the time he needs to get his knee right.

”Two years ago, the plan was to acquire a quarterback,” coach Doug Pederson said. ”That was our first plan, and we were able to do that in Carson. We do have the quarterback of the future for the Eagles, obviously.”

—

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ST. PETERSBURG Eric Sogard Jersey , Fla. — Tampa Bay’s continued experimentation with relievers as starters has had mixed results, but it helped the Rays beat the best team in baseball on Friday night, and they’ll hope for the same formula as the series continues Saturday at Tropicana Field.

“It’s a little backwards, a little different, but it is what it is,” Yankees‘ Brett Gardner said after Friday’s 2-1 win for the Rays.

On Saturday, the Rays will start reliever Wilmer Font (0-3, 7.56 ERA) Authentic Marquis Haynes Jersey , who is already with his third team in 2018, but has found surprising success growing into the unusual role. In six June appearances, he has managed to last longer in each outing — 2/3 of an inning, then 1 1/3, then 2, then 2 1/3, then 3 1/3, and then 4 2/3 on Sunday against the same Yankees.

Font lasted one out shorter than the minimum needed for a win but held the Yankees to one run and four hits Jim Thome Jersey , striking out five. The same pitcher who had an 11.68 ERA in April and a 10.80 ERA in May now has a 2.51 ERA in June.

The Rays might not have a majority of fans in their own stadium, but they’re finding ways to win.

“They were pretty loud,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said of the Yankees fans on Friday night. “We’ve played the Yankees and Red Sox quite a bit, and they have a lot of fans who travel with them. I thought the loudest moment was when we got the final out, and that’s what we were concerned about. Our fans showed up and supported us.”

If the Rays want to win again Saturday, they’ll have to do so against another pitcher who has gotten steadily better as the season has progressed. Sonny Gray (5-4, 4.8) hasn’t faced the Rays yet this season, but he’s 3-4 in his career against Tampa Bay with a 4.26 ERA Don Mattingly Jersey , including a 4.32 in four starts last year.

Gray had a 6.67 ERA in April, then a 5.16 ERA in May. For June, his ERA stands at 2.63. Gray has allowed only seven earned runs in 24 innings.

The Rays put together 10 hits on Friday, but got nothing from one of their best hitters.

Kevin Kiermaier went 0-for-4 to drop to 0-for-13 since his return from the disabled list. The Rays did get three hits from catcher Wilson Ramos, who has stepped into the American League lead in All-Star voting among catchers.

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, next in the All-Star voting, went 0-for-4 to drop his season average to .194. Ramos may get traded before this year’s deadline, but he’s making the most of his time with the Rays.

No one will confuse the Yankees (50-23) with the Rays (35-40) Cheap Sylvester Williams Jersey , but another bullpen day Saturday could flummox a New York batting order that managed only five hits Friday. And when they did get hits, the Yankees couldn’t capitalize and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

After the Rays dropped their first six games against the Yankees this season, they have won two straight as they try to again claw back to playing .500 baseball.

The story reported in collaboration with nearly four dozen AP sports writers around the United States to examine how universities with top basketball programs were responding to a federal corruption investigation of the sport.

Other contest winners from the AP:

Tim Dahlberg won the Grimsley Award for body of work covering some of the biggest events of the year Jay Buhner Jersey , including the Super Bowl , World Series  Craig Kimbrel Jersey , the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight, the British Open and a look back at the 50th anniversary of the Ice Bowl – the 1967 NFL Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys.

Paul Newberry won in the deadline writing category for his story on the Atlanta Falcons blowing a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots in the 2017 Super Bowl.

Aaron Beard won the enterprise writing category for his college corruption story on sports agents and the difficulty in prosecuting them despite alleged underhanded ways in which they target teenage athletes.

Steve Whyno won the final writing category as his feature story describing how financial advisors Cheap Denzel Ward Jersey , Zamboni drivers and others get the call to be a backup NHL goalkeeper.

Photographer Charles Krupa won for best portfolio for his collection of work including a series of photos featuring NASCAR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

”Krupa’s portfolio was by far the best,” the judges said. ”He did some spectacular action photography. All of his images stood out.”

Other photography awards went to:

David Goldman won the award for feature photo for his image with people gathered outside to watch hockey on a big screen.

Bernat Armangue won the final award for action photo for his image of a man trying to move to avoid getting gored by a bull.

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The Eastern Conference’s top two teams have been intertwined for more than a year – from a summer blockbuster trade Andy Pettitte Jersey , from opening night, from afar.

Although there were long stretches this season when it seemed at least unlikely, and maybe impossible, that the Celtics and Cavs would reach the conference finals, they’re back again and meeting in the playoffs for the third time in four years.

The series everyone wanted. The one few expected to see.

And yet here they are: the odds-defying Celtics, guided by baby-faced coach Brad Stevens and prospering without injured stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, versus the Cavs, who despite a massive roster makeover in February are rolling as 33-year-old LeBron James enhances his legend with every game.

”There’s been a lot that’s happened throughout the season with us and for them,” Cavs forward Kevin Love said Thursday as Cleveland prepared for Sunday’s series opener in Boston. ”Both teams have raised their level of play and been through it, but are here now and have to lay it all on the line.”

It’s hard to process how much has changed for these teams since they played last May.

Major moves, injuries Freddy Galvis Jersey , upheaval.

After the Cavs beat the Celtics in five games in last year’s conference finals to advance to their third straight NBA Finals, there were no hints the two franchises would ramp up their rivalry with a trade that caught their entire league, well, off-guard.

The Cavs succumbed to Irving’s trade demand – he was tired of playing in James’ shadow – and sent the All-Star to Boston for Isaiah Thomas, a first-round draft pick, forward Jae Crowder and center Ante Zizic. The 5-foot-9 Thomas had bravely carried the Celtics in the 2017 postseason despite a balky hip and broken heart following his sister’s death in a car crash.

With so many subplots, the league scheduled Boston at Cleveland in the season opener.

However, Irving’s awkward reunion with James was quickly overshadowed by Hayward, Boston’s big free-agent signing, grotesquely breaking his ankle just feet from the horrified Cavs bench. As Hayward left on a stretcher, the Celtics’ season seemed to be riding to the hospital with him.

Boston Cheap Mike White Jersey , though, showed grit and reeled off 16 straight wins before injuries resurfaced. Marcus Smart had thumb surgery and the Celtics lost Irving, who needed more knee surgery and won’t get a crack at dethroning James.

Irving will watch this series from the bench. Thomas is much farther away.

He spent the first two months in Cleveland trying to get healthy, but wasn’t the same when he came back and never connected with his new teammates.

With Thomas a mess and the season slipping away, Cavs general manager Koby Altman traded him on Feb. 8 to the Lakers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. Altman didn’t stop there, dealing Crowder and Derrick Rose to Utah for Rodney Hood, sending Dwyane Wade back to Miami and acquiring point guard George Hill from Sacramento.

Three days after the trade, the new-look Cavs beat the Celtics 121-99 in Boston as Hill, Clarkson and Hood combined for 44 points to the delight of James, who seemed rejuvenated after weeks of moping.

He’s now on a mission as he prepares to face the Celtics for the seventh time in the postseason. James is averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 11 games in these playoffs Cheap Logan Cooke Jersey , which has included him making two buzzer-beaters, scoring 45 points in Game 7 to oust Indiana and dispatching Toronto with shocking ease.

”LeBron’s on just a ridiculous run of play,” Stevens said. ”We know that it’ll be quite a challenge.”

The Celtics may not have anyone of James’ stature, but they have a complete team that’s clicking. Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two of the game’s rising young stars and Cleveland native Terry Rozier has emerged as a postseason menace, filling in for Irving and quickly winning over Boston fans, who have dubbed him ”Scary Terry.”

Lue knows the Cavs have their hands full.

”They’re well-coached,” Lue said. ”Despite all the circumstances of guys getting hurt with Kyrie out, with Gordon being out for the whole year, they just keep plugging guys in and keep playing. (Boston executive) Danny Ainge has done a good job of getting guys in that fit that mold of Celtics basketball and they’ve been playing well.”

Especially the 20-year-old Tatum. He averaged 23.6 points in Boston’s series win over the Philadelphia 76ers, who didn’t do enough to slow him down.

That now falls on Lue, who has known Tatum – or ”Little Jay” as he called him – since he was a kid. They’re related on Lue’s grandfather’s side of the family.

”He’s not scared Authentic Russell Bodine Jersey , he’s not afraid and he’s always been that type of kid,” Lue said. ”He wants these type of moments and he’s taking advantage of it. With Kyrie and Gordon going down and him having a chance to play the minutes he’s been playing, starting and playing in the playoffs the way he has, he’s taken full advantage of it. But he’s never been scared, he’s never been afraid of the big moment. You can see that.”

Six years ago, a 14-year-old Tatum posted a picture of himself, wearing a replica Kobe Bryant jersey, with James on Twitter and asked Cleveland’s superstar to follow him.

Lue smiled when shown a picture of his cousin.

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Rookie Rosell Herrera kept the game scoreless with a home-run robbery in the eighth inning and hit an RBI triple in the ninth, and struggling Kansas City beat the Houston Astros 1-0.

Herrera helped the Royals end a nine-game skid by bringing back Alex Bregman’s would-be homer. The right fielder reached over the short outfield wall to snag the first out in the eighth.

”He’s athletic, he’s fast,” manager Ned Yost said. ”He seems to swing the bat OK from both sides. It’s only been a week. There’s a lot to like looking at him on a short look.”

Adalberto Mondesi singled off Ken Giles (0-2) to start the ninth, stole second and took third on a flyout by Whit Merrifield. Herrera then sent a ball to center field to score Mondesi.

Herrera also had a double and is batting .278 in five games since being cut by Cincinnati and acquired by the Royals.

”That was very fun Robbie Grossman Jersey , not only for me but for my teammates because we played really good defense today … and that’s why we made the right play at the right time and won the game,” Herrera said.

Danny Duffy pitched six innings of two-hit ball for the Royals, and the bullpen didn’t allow another knock. Justin Grimm (1-2) pitched a scoreless eighth and Tim Hill threw a perfect ninth for his first save.

When asked about his work Friday night, Duffy briefly discussed his outing before raving about Herrera.

”Rosie he’s a stud, man Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey ,” he said. ”I’m a big fan of that kid. If he keeps playing as hard as he does, he’s always going to have a spot in the big leagues. We love that here. I’m really happy for him. He had a fantastic game.”

Houston was shut out for the first time since May 11. They still had several opportunities to score because of seven walks but went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

”It’s unusual because we’ve been pretty good swinging the bat lately,” manager A.J. Hinch said. ”It seemed like every opportunity ended in a double play tonight.”

Houston starter Dallas Keuchel pitched six strong innings. He allowed six hits and struck out six, while Duffy fanned seven after being tagged for seven runs in six innings of a loss to the Astros on Saturday.

The Royals had just wrapped an 0-8 homestand and had lost 15 of 16.

Kevin McCarthy took over for Duffy in the seventh and issued consecutive walks to Evan Gattis and Marwin Gonzalez. Pinch-hitter Tony Kemp then grounded into a force out that left Gattis out at third. But the Astros loaded the bases when pinch-hitter Tyler White reached on a fielder’s choice.

Houston came away empty-handed when George Springer grounded into a double play.

Salvador Perez doubled with one out in the eighth and Houston intentionally walked Alex Gordon before Alcides Escobar drew a walk to load the bases. The game remained scoreless when Hector Rondon struck out Paulo Orlando to end the inning.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Astros: Hinch said RHP Joe Smith (right elbow inflammation) is improving but still has several steps to go through before he’s ready to come off the disabled list.

STREAK ENDS

Escobar started in center field, snapping a streak of 407 straight starts at shortstop dating to Sept. 26 Jonny Venters Jersey , 2015. That streak was the longest in Royals history and the longest active streak in the majors. It’s the first time he’s played a position other than shortstop since he joined the Royals in 2011 and the sixth time in his career he’s played in the outfield, after appearing in five games there for the Brewers in 2010.

The Royals started Mondesi at shortstop instead. They have said Escobar will also see time at second and third base this season.

”I just think that the time was right,” Yost said. ”He knows that his next career move is probably going to be a utility-type player … and he’s anxious to start showing people that he can handle it.”

Escobar, who entered the game 2 for 28, had two hits including a double.

”I thought (Escobar) looked good in center. He hits good as a center fielder Ian Happ Jersey ,” Yost said with a laugh.

UP NEXT

Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. (8-3, 3.77 ERA) looks for his third straight win when as he opposes Ian Kennedy (1-7, 5.31) Saturday night. Kennedy hasn’t won in 13 starts, going 0-7 with a 6.12 ERA since his only win of the season on April 7.

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There is a swirl of discussion over the availability of a few key players for Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.

This much Nomar Garciaparra Jersey , though, is certain: The Penguins, who hold a 3-1 series lead, can wrap things up and move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a win Friday at PPG Paints Arena.

Meanwhile, the Flyers are facing elimination.

“We’re not ready for our season to be over,” Philadelphia captain Claude Giroux said Thursday. “We go to Pittsburgh, tough building to play in. We know we can win there. We know if we play our game we can win.

“So we’re going to go out there Carlos Lee Jersey , play our game and be back (home) for Game 6.”

Giroux, who had 102 points during the regular season, has been held to one assist and is minus-7 in the four games this series.

Philadelphia general manager Ron Hextall exonerated Giroux, saying there are a lot of factors in one players’ numbers being down, and he didn’t have to get technical when breaking down his club’s game plan for extending its season.

“We need to play better,” Hextall said. “They’ve played extremely well, and we need to play better.”

Philadelphia top-line center and Selke Trophy finalist Sean Couturier Cheap Logan Cooke Jersey , who missed Game 4 because of an injury sustained in practice Tuesday, skated but did not practice Thursday and accompanied the team to Pittsburgh. After practice, he indicated there is a chance he could play.

“Feeling better every day, and we’ll see (Friday) how I feel,” Couturier said.

Pittsburgh will be without tenacious winger Patric Hornqvist for the second straight game because of an unspecified injury, although he skated on his own Thursday.

The Penguins apparently dodged a huge setback after goaltender Matt Murray needed attention from a trainer during practice Thursday. Murray remained on the ice and continued in goal until the end of practice.

Afterward, he declined to say what ailed him but proclaimed Chris Rusin Jersey , “I’m good.”

Murray in Game 4 became the NHL goalie to reach 25 playoff wins the fastest, doing it in 36 games.

With two shutouts this series – along with a 1.27 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage — Murray has been part of a dominating Pittsburgh performance in its three wins, which have been by a combined score of 17-1.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby — whose goal and assist in Game 4 gave him 173 career playoff points, moving him ahead of Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux for the club record — warned that his team’s three lopsided wins haven’t come as easily as they might have looked.

“It’s playoff hockey,” he said. “They’ve had chances, and we’ve gotten saves and big plays.

“It’s about momentum and different points in games, and we’ve executed well Authentic Taron Johnson Jersey , but that can change quickly if you don’t play the right way.”

Crosby and the Penguins know what facing a team on the precipice is all about after winning the Stanley Cup the past two years. In those two playoff runs, they were 8-5 when they had a chance to eliminate an opponent, 4-3 last year.

“It’s always hard to end someone’s season. We know they’re going to be desperate and throw everything at us,” Penguins winger Jake Guentzel said.

He chose to focus on something else – the walk-off home run he hit against the Kansas City Royals nearly two months ago – and came through again.

Jones hit Lance Lynn’s 3-1 fastball over the wall for the final two runs in Detroit’s 3-1 win.

”I knew I had some success in big late-game situations earlier this year, so I tried to take something from that,” said Jones, who was hitting .135 in his last 10 games. ”I was just looking for a fastball I could drive.

”I’ve really been pressing, so I tried to be more relaxed – the way I was earlier in the year when I hit that homer against the Royals,” he said. ”That’s the type of thing that can get you right out of a slump.”

Detroit won the last two games of the series to improve to 23-17 at Comerica Park. The Tigers, who play their next eight games on the road, are 10-20 away from home.

”This is our place, and we have done a great job of playing here,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. ”Now we’ve got to take this momentum onto the road.”

Michael Fulmer (3-5) improved to 5-0 in five career starts against the Twins. He pitched seven innings, allowing one run on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts in ending a three-start winless streak.

”It’s about time Wilmer Difo Jersey ,” said Fulmer, who won for the first time this year at home. ”Everything felt great out there. Even when they got a run in the first, it was off good pitches that were where I wanted them.”

Joe Jimenez pitched the eighth and Shane Greene threw the ninth for his 17th save.

Lynn (4-5) took a shutout into the seventh but ended up allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out nine in 6 2/3 innings.

”I wanted to pitch the seventh,” Lynn said. ”When all is said and done, it is a loss. I need to be better next time.”

The Twins took a first-inning lead for the second day in a row. With one out, Eddie Rosario doubled and scored on Eduardo Escobar’s base hit.

After that, the game belonged to Fulmer and Lynn. After six innings, the Twins still led 1-0 with four hits to Detroit’s three.

John Hicks, though, led off the bottom of the seventh with his first career triple, a line drive to the right-centerfield gap.

”That’s a good place to get a triple Mitch Haniger Jersey , and when I got to second base, I looked out there and they still hadn’t picked up the ball,” Hicks said. ”I figured I should be able to make it to third at that point.”

Niko Goodrum followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. With two out, Lynn hit Jose Iglesias, and Jones hit Lynn’s 114th and final pitch over the wall.

”There were a lot of big smiles after that home run,” Gardenhire said. ”It was good to see JaCoby get one.”

The homer was the first Lynn had allowed in his last six starts.

”I have to get us out of that inning,” he said. ”I didn’t do that, and it cost us the win.”

Detroit’s three-run seventh came one day after the Tigers scored four in the eighth inning of a 5-2 win.

”It is fun to watch these guys play right now in the late innings,” Fulmer said. ”As a starting pitcher, I’d appreciate a few more first-inning runs, but this is great.”

SANO DEMOTED

After the game Cheap New Orleans Saints Hoodie , Twins manager Paul Molitor announced Miguel Sano had been optioned to Fort Myers of the Class-A Florida State League. Sano, an All Star in 2017, is hitting .203, including .148 in his last seven games. He last played in the FSL in 2013.

”We’re going to get him down there and give him an opportunity to get things back on track,” Molitor said. ”We don’t feel like we’re getting what we need from him, and he’s going to have to get down there and get to work.”

CASTELLANOS STRUGGLING

With Miguel Cabrera out for the season, Nicholas Castellanos is expected to become Detroit’s key hitter. Castellanos is hitting .133 in his last 10 games and is hitless in his last 18 at-bats, but Gardenhire doesn’t plan to interfere.

”I try not to have many deep conversations with that young man because most of what he says goes over my head,” Gardenhire joked. ”Every time we get talking, I leave with my head spinning.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Twins: 1B Joe Mauer, who has been out since May 19 with a neck strain and concussion symptoms Authentic Pernell McPhee Jersey , is expected to return to the lineup on Friday. . Along with the Sano move, the Twins optioned OF Jake Cave to Triple-A Rochester.

Tigers: Cabrera was scheduled to have his ruptured bicep tendon repaired Thursday. The team expects him to be ready for spring training. … C James McCann returned to the lineup after missing three games with the flu.

UP NEXT

Twins: Travel to Cleveland for a three-game weekend series. Kyle Gibson (1-4, 3.45) faces Cleveland’s Corey Kluber (10-2, 1.99) in Friday’s opener.

Tigers: Start a three-city, eight-game road trip with a weekend series against the White Sox. Mike Fiers (5-3, 4.01) will start for Detroit on Friday against Chicago’s Reynaldo Lopez (2-4, 3.26).

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The excellent late-inning reliever Authentic Luke Falk Jersey , who pushed Cleveland through the postseason in 2016, has made progress with his right knee injury but will not be activated until later this month. Miller has been sidelined with inflammation in his knee since May 26, and his comeback recently stalled.

But he threw 31 pitches off a mound on Thursday Devin Mesoraco Jersey , and the Indians were excited and encouraged by his progress. Pitching coach Carl Willis told manager Terry Francona that Miller looked better.

”Went well,” Francona said Friday before the Indians opened a three-game series with Oakland. ”By Carl’s account, you can really tell the difference that he’s getting a little more sure of himself. The good news is that he really is making strides. My goodness Manny Ramirez Jersey , if we can get him back in time to get him on a roll, that’s the biggest goal.”

Francona said Miller will continue throwing bullpen sessions over the next week. With the All-Star break starting on July 16, Francona said it’s likely the Indians will continue to take it slow with the 32-year-old.

”To try to do this right Andre Ethier Jersey , I think we need to let him throw his bullpens,” Francona said, adding it’s possible Miller will be sent on a minor-league rehab assignment before he’s activated.

The left-hander has been dealing with knee issues since last year and has been limited to just 17 appearances this season. Miller was on the DL twice in 2017 with patella tendinitis.

Cleveland’s bullpen isn’t the same without Miller Drew Robinson Jersey , who dominated in the `16 postseason – he struck out 30 in 19 1-3 innings – and helped the Indians get to their first World Series since 1997.

Miller opened this season with 10 scoreless innings before hurting his left hamstring and going on the disabled list. He struggled when he returned and is 1-3 with a 4.40 ERA over 14 1-3 innings.

Miller’s health could impact what the Indians decide to do before the July 31 trading deadline.

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