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“MapleStory 2 can be a prequel for the original MapleStory. And the sport has been in development since 2010. Even when you don’t like PvE, you'll be able to fight PvP players, run for those sorts of classes, etc. ”

Although the 1st stage on the MS 2 Mesos closed beta test of MMORPG MapleStory 2 has now ended, but we suggest one to study interesting videos today (some of which are inside second message) from your Korean community.

NEW YORK (AP) — After his team’s first four skaters in the shootout couldn’t beat goalie Thomas Greiss Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien decided to go with the right-handed Joel Armia instead of Charles Hudon.The move paid off.Armia scored in the fifth round on the first shootout attempt of his career to lift the Canadiens over the New York Islanders 4-3 on Monday night.“We knew the glove side was the place to go, and you saw our lefties go to their backhand,” Julien said. “We had Hudie on our list there to go, but he was a left shot, so we opted for Armie, who has a quick release, and I thought that was going to give us the better chance.”Max Domi and Jonathan Drouin each had a goal and an assist, Artturi Lehkonen also scored and Noah Juulsen added two assists. The Canadiens rallied from a 3-1 deficit after 20 minutes to win for the fifth time in the last six meetings with the Islanders.“Everybody knew we weren’t as good as we can be in the first period,” Armia said. “I think everybody knew that if we’re going to have a chance to win this game, we’re going to have to be a lot better, and I think we did a pretty good job of that.”Antti Niemi started in place of Carey Price and made 21 saves before stopping all five of New York’s attempts in the shootout. Montreal has won seven of 11 (7-3-1).“We are a resilient group,” Domi said. “We bounced back and it was good to see. We know what it takes to win. It’s fun. Winning is great. When you come back to win in another team’s arena, it’s even better.”Casey Cizikas scored twice and Valtteri Filppula also had a goal for the Islanders, who snapped a season-high five-game winning streak. Greiss stopped 32 shots.“We were awful, plain and simple,” New York coach Barry Trotz said. “The right team won tonight. That was our worst game of the year.”The Islanders went on the power play with 27 seconds left in regulation when the Canadiens were caught with too many men on the ice but came up empty on the man advantage for the fourth time in the game.Trailing by two after 20 minutes, the Canadiens came out with increased intensity in the second. They outshot the Islanders 15-6 and pulled within one with a power-play goal late in the period. Domi fired a shot from the right circle that beat a screened Greiss on the goalie’s blocker side with 4:24 remaining. It was Domi’s eighth goal and team-leading 15th point.Montreal nearly tied it almost two minutes later on another power play, but Jeff Petry’s shot hit the goalpost.The Canadiens then tied it at 7:43 of the third when Lehkonen scored on a tip in front on a long shot by Juulsen.“We had a slow start that first period and we weren’t ourselves,” Julien said. “We talked about what we needed to do … and what needed to get better and I guess the guys just responded well.“That’s what you need to see. Not every game is going to be perfect. How you react to certain situations is important. I thought our reaction after the first was extremely good.”The Islanders got on the scoreboard first when Cizikas knocked in a loose puck off a rebound of Adam Pelech’s shot from above the left faceoff circle 4:04 into the game for his first goal in eight games.The lead lasted less than two minutes. Drouin got a pass from Domi and beat Greiss from the left circle for his fourth at 5:59.Filppula regained the lead for New York just 1:45 later. Komarov stole the puck from Brendan Gallagher and skated up the left side on a 2-on-1 rush, went around a sliding Canadiens defenseman and passed it in front to Filppula, who beat Niemi glove side with his fifth.Cizikas skated up the left side on a 2-on-1 with Ross Johnston and tried to send a pass to his teammate. It deflected back to him off the skate of Montreal’s Jordie Benn, and Cizikas beat Niemi for his fifth. It gave him his first multigoal game since Oct. 7, 2017, against Buffalo.NOTES: Domi has eight goals and four assists in his last 10 games. … The teams play two more times this season Nate Schmidt Jersey , on March 14 at the Nassau Coliseum, and March 21 at Montreal. … Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello became the third GM in NHL history to be in charge for 2,400 games, joining David Poile (2,704) and Glen Sather (2,700). … Bailey snapped an eight-game point streak.UP NEXTCanadiens: At the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.Islanders: At Tampa Bay on Thursday night to open a two-game trip to Florida. PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Gritty has schmoozed with Jimmy Fallon , gave a bushy bro hug to the Phillie Phanatic and saw his wild-haired, googly-eyed, fuzzy face plastered on beer cans , protest signs and even as tattoos .Pick a time of day and there’s Gritty: “Good Morning America ,” ”Last Week Tonight ” and “Weekend Update” all put their comic spin on the Philadelphia Flyers‘ mascot.Hungry? Hop in an Uber for a Philly food tour and load up on Gritty cupcakes , Gritty mac ‘n cheese fries , Gritty Italian ice and, of course, the Gritty cheesesteak (steak, whiz wit, French fries and Cheetos).Gritty’s been loved and lampooned, swept into politics and become more than just an orange face that turned into a No. 1-trending hashtag.There’s little need to play 82 games this season to find the NHL rookie of the year: it’s Gritty.Even the commish admits he’s a Gritty Guy.“If he’s supposed to bring attention to the game , I think he’s done a pretty good job of doing that,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.Gritty’s been in your face (and invaded your dreams ) since his debut last week.Gritty got off to a slow start when the Flyers unveiled him with a stock photo of a menacing mascot that made him look like more like the cold-blooded Pennywise than a lovable monster that a kid would want to hug.Gritty can’t be blamed for looking more threatening than the Flyers’ Stanley Cup chances once he stumbled out of captivity. The Flyers say Gritty was found by the team in his secret hideout during offseason renovations at the Wells Fargo Center.His father was a “bully,” and his unkempt beard suggests he may have arisen from the ashes of the Flyers’ long-ago home, the Spectrum. And those crossed-eyes? Well, yours would be too if you spent all that time trapped trying to find Patrick Kane’s Game 6 goal.Mascot mythology is fun.But the truth is, the Flyers had missed out on the in-game frivolity http://www.officialknightsproshop.com/au...ar-dansk-jersey , the merchandise revenue streams and the community outreach programs that result from a marketable mascot. At the 2016 NHL All-Star game in Nashville, Tennessee, the Flyers’ marketing department saw the rest of the league’s mascots — like Bailey the Lion , S.J. Sharkie and Stormy — competing in various games and realized it was time to make a mascot from myth to reality.The Flyers had tried a mascot before, but Slapshot lasted just one season in 1976.“Our players, the Flyers’ wives, the alumni, you can only ask them to do so much,” said Joe Heller, Flyers’ vice president of marketing. “We felt that there is so much more we could do by creating a mascot program.”Some mascots are obvious: The Panthers mascot is, well, a panther. The New Jersey Devils? Yup, a Devil. The Arizona Coyotes mascot is … wait for it … a coyote!The Flyers were stumped.“It didn’t seem like any animal or person would fit what a Flyer would be,” Heller said.The Flyers didn’t have to search far for inspiration: the mascot gold standard — make that, the green, potbellied, red-tongue and big-beaked, ATV wheeling mascot standard — was launching hot dogs and dancing on dugouts across the street.The Flyers leaned on advice from character branding consultant Dave Raymond, better known as the founding father of the Phillie Phanatic for the baseball team. Raymond played the Phanatic for 15 years and has helped franchises decide everything from character development to choosing the person inside that XXXXXXL jersey.Raymond said the best mascots are as synonymous with their teams as their Hall of Fame players, such as the Phanatic, Brutus Buckeye or the Suns gorilla.“I really believe Gritty is on a path to becoming that,” Raymond said.The Flyers considered over 100 options before they settled on a sketch from freelance designer Brian Allen of Flyland Designs.“I began the project by sketching over 20 different possible mascots, including, bats Authentic Oscar Lindberg Jersey , bulls, groundhogs, dragons, tough guys, yetis, and even a flying squirrel,” Allen wrote on his website. “Once the client saw the sketches, they picked a big dumpy monster I had drawn as the starting point.”Character Translations, in suburban Philly, created the outfit that includes 33 1/2 size skates and a size 58 jersey.The name was decided over the summer by team president Paul Holmgren.“(He) chimed in, ‘How great would it be if we named our mascot Gritty?” Heller said.Just like that, a social media star was hatched.“He’s getting a ton of attention, and I suppose that’s what mascots are supposed to do,” Bettman said. “Looking at social media, he has admirers and he has doubters, but it looks like the greater Philadelphia community and in particular the Philadelphia hockey community has embraced him.”Yes, a GoFundMe page was set up to euthanize Gritty. And comedian Jon Oliver said Gritty “looks like the end result of the orange McDonald’s Fry Guy hooking up with Grimace.”But Philadelphia’s new director of fun won over the city in his debut when he bit it on skates and fell on his fuzzy rear at a preseason game. Gritty’s been carved on pumpkins, made beer menus and palled around with Flyers stars Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds . He made it into HQ Trivia and has nearly 120,000 Twitter followers in just 10 days.“I don’t think we have our arms around everything that’s out there,” Heller said.Gritty’s going to throw his around everyone he can — and wins fans over one furry hug at a time.

When a mob hits your eye having a big sharpened spike... that is not really amore! In fact, it's downright painful. But it's February -- an occasion when love is from the air, hearts are aflutter everywhere, and pink and red festoon RuneScape Gold your selected MMOs. So inside the spirit in the season, do not delay- give that mob another-hard love tap, from... er, for the heart! And remember to collect whatever treasures it had to suit your needs because you know Valentine's Day isn't all regarding the love; no, it's concerning the loot!
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in confidence after Week 1 Welcome to SB Nation FanPulse — a survey of fans across the NFL Cheap Ryan Kerrigan Jersey , powered by SurveyMonkey. Each week, we send 32 polls to 100+ plugged in fans from each team. Redskins fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.How confident are you in the direction of the team? Last week: 76 percent confidenceThis can’t be surprising to anyone...leaguewide, really. By many metrics we have seen this week, the Redskins played one of the most solid games—if not THE most solid game—of football seen in week one. I know I was feeling pretty confident last week already, and that performance against Arizona sent me a notch higher. I am extremely impressed with the 0% of fans that are “not confident.” We are a decisive bunch! Will the Redskins win or lose in Week 2?Odds: Redskins are 6-point favoritesHogs Haven FanPulse: Redskins by 9Stampede Blue FanPulse: Colts by 2Ummmmmmm...my math says that is an 11-point spread between fanbases. Hahaha...Vegas would love us. The Colts fans are a solid eight points more optimistic than the oddsmakers, while Redskins fans are just feeling about a field goal better than sportsbooks. Opponents matter in this discussion. The Bengals are now 2-0, having toppled both Indianapolis and Baltimore (last night). The Redskins beat down a Cardinals team that not many people have a lot of faith in (I wonder what their fan confidence number is this week). I eagerly await the week where these values converge.Other than QB, what is most valuable to an NFL offense? Tight end? I mean, I get that the elite tight ends take over games, but 5% of you voted tight end over...any of the other choices? I went left tackle here Cheap Jordan Reed Jersey , while 40% split your vote between running back and wide receiver. It is certainly the case in the league today where a running back or wide receiver on a given team might be more valuable to that team than its left tackle, but that team is not the Redskins. It appears this result is leaguewide, so I am confident that Redskins fans were pretty unanimous on this one.The 5 O’Clock Club: How far can “All Day” actually go? The 5 o’clock club is published Wednesday to Saturday during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.Rushing defense rankings for 2018 opponentsThe chart below lists the 12 teams that the Redskins will play over the course of the remaining regular season games, with their rushing defense ranking for the 2017 regular season, as well as Week 1 of this season (**Monday games not included in these rankings).The Redskins are leading the league in rushing - for nowFor reference, the Redskins were the #1 rushing team in the NFL for all games played through Sunday night, rushing for 182 total yards against the Cardinals.According to Pro Football Reference, this is the up-to-date list of the NFL all-time rushing yards leaders:Emmitt Smith 18,355Walter Payton 16,726Barry Sanders 15 Cheap Brandon Scherff Jersey ,269Curtis Martin 14,101 (1,730)Frank Gore 14,087 (1,716)LaDainlian Tomlinson 13,684 (1,313)Jerome Bettis 13,662 (1,291)Eric Dickerson 13,259 (888)Tony Dorsett 12,739 (368)Adrian Peterson 12 Womens Jamison Crowder Jersey ,372With his 96 rushing yards against the Cardinals on Sunday, Adrian Peterson moved from #13 all-time to #10, surpassing Marshall Faulk and Jim Brown.I have noted in italics beside the six players immediately ahead of Peterson, how many yards he needs to accumulate in order to pass them on the list.Note that, for a player to accumulate 1,000 yards in 16 games, he needs to average 62.5 yards per game.The Redskins have 15 games remaining in this regular season.

overtime loss to the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium http://www.ravensauthorizedshops.com/authentic-brandon-carr-jersey , most of the criticism has focused on Marty Mornhinweg’s pass-heavy approach. Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson combined to attempt 57 passes compared to just 25 rushing attempts. Despite the criticism, head coach John Harbaugh does not believe that was much of an issue.“No, I don’t. We ran it [25] times. That’s a lot of times to run it in this league. I mean if you look at numbers around the league, that’s a lot. I don’t feel that way,” Harbaugh stated during his Monday afternoon press conference. “You got to do whatever you can do to move the ball and score points. You know, we have been doing a pretty good job of that up until this last game. We just need to put more points on the board.”The entire NFL has shifted in the direction of having a pass-happy offense, and in fact, Baltimore ranks seventh in total rushing attempts. Many teams are shying away from running the ball Matt Skura Jersey , but Harbaugh believes the more significant issue is the lack of efficiency. “This run-pass balance thing, I don’t understand why it is a topic,” Harbaugh said. “We want to run the ball well. We are working as hard as we can to do it. If the question is are you working hard at the run game, yeah we’re working real hard at it. We want to be a really good running team.”Another trend that several teams around the NFL are utilizing is a running back by committee approach. Unlike in previous seasons where teams would have one workhorse running back, they are using multiple running backs throughout the game in different situations. According to the playtime percentages, Alex Collins only received 27 snaps compared to Javorius Allen’s 50. While Collins is still perceived to be the lead back as he led the team in carries with 12, Allen received the lion’s share of snaps.When asked about the snap distribution, Harbaugh suggested it was merely the flow of the game.“That’s the way the game went. I’d like to get De’Lance [Turner] out there a little more. So you want to play your guys. A fresh running back is a good thing. I think running backs taking 40 or 50 snaps is not necessarily a great thing. You talk about balance Authentic Za'Darius Smith Jersey , put the ball in one guy’s hand for 35 plays I don’t know if that’s balance. You need to spread the load,” Harbaugh said. De’Lance Turner was an undrafted free agent running back out of Alcorn State, who was promoted to the 53-man roster after Kenneth Dixon suffered a knee injury in Baltimore’s Week 1 win over the Bills. In the preseason, Turner showed big-play ability as he recorded a 65-yard touchdown against the Dolphins in the Week 3. Whether or not he receives more carries remains to be seen, but Baltimore’s offense has bigger fish to fry. As Harbaugh mentioned during his press conference, the more concerning trend should be Baltimore’s red zone woes. They have scored one touchdown in their last eight trips to the red zone — including a drive consisting of two kneel downs against the Steelers in Week 4 to end the game. The Ravens will have a tough task in Week 6 as they will face a Titans defense that is allowing the fourth-fewest points per game in the first five weeks. Tennessee is also stout in the red zone as they have only allowed three touchdowns on 13 opportunities.Ravens vs. Rams 2018: Game time, TV schedule, streaming and more After two joint practices between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams Youth Maurice Canady Jersey , the two face off on Thursday Night. The Ravens are expected to play Joe Flacco and most starters on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.Game InformationDate: August 9, 2018Time: 8:00 p.m. ETLocation: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MarylandTV (courtesy of 506sports.com):WBAL (NBC/11 - Baltimore)WJLA (ABC/7 - Washington)WGAL (NBC/8 - Harrisburg PA)WMDT (CW/47.2 - Salisbury MD)WWCW (CW/21-27 - Roanoke VA) [tape delay]Streaming: NFL GamepassOdds: Ravens -1Suggested reading materialLogan Levy broke down film from the Ravens vs. Bears Hall of Fame Game, which I highly suggest exploring.Ravens defensive film breakdownRavens offensive film breakdownEarly afternoon blues before the game? Listen to Take it to the Bank, featuring discussions with guests Ken McKusick and Michael Crawford!Take it to the BankKyle Barber recently interviewed Ravens special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg.Q&A with Jerry RosburgAs always, I do ask for you to please follow and ‘like’ us on various social media outlets.Twitter: @BMoreBeatdownFacebook: Baltimore Beatdown: For Baltimore Ravens fansInstagram: baltimore_beatdown

back on the football field.And he wants Olsen to remain on the field http://www.authenticscarolinapanthers.com/cheap-jarius-wright-jersey , so much that Newton said he asked his spiritual grandmother Hattie-Lou Newton to pray for the tight end's continued health."That would be great," Olsen said with a laugh, "I can use all of the help I can get."The 33-year-old Olsen practiced Thursday and is expected to return to action Sunday against the Redskins after missing three games with a broken foot.Olsen was one of the most durable players in the NFL during his first 10 seasons, never missing a game due to injury while playing in 158 consecutive games. But he's missed 12 of the last 18 games since first fracturing his right foot in Week 2 of last season. He re-broke the same bone in Carolina's season opener against the Cowboys and hasn't played since.That has left the three-time Pro Bowl selection frustrated and eager to get back on the field — although not enough to rush back from the injury."I wouldn't be out there if I didn't think I could help the team," Olsen said. "Me being out there and not being able to move, that doesn't do us any good. This isn't about me just desperately wanting to play. I want to play and I expect to play like I am accustomed to."Coach Ron Rivera said barring any setbacks before Sunday there won't be any restrictions on Olsen's playing time.Rivera said Olsen moved around well Thursday, and participated fully in practice. Like his teammates, Olsen hasn't been able to go full speed yet this week because heavy rains the past two days in the Charlotte area have caused the fields to be wet and soggy.Olsen brings yet another option in the passing game for Newton, who just got second-year wide receiver Curtis Samuel back from a minor heart procedure last week."The band is back Youth Greg Olsen Jersey ," Newton said with a wide smile.Nobody knows what Olsen means to the Panthers more than Newton.Olsen has always been his favorite target. He became the first tight end in NFL history to record three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2014-16."He can't (get injured) no more," Newton said. "... His play-making ability on the field is just second to none. Having Greg back, keeping him healthy along with the talent that we already have, it presents a lot of problems for the opposing team."Newton said Olsen also helps him call out plays in the huddle, something that fans don't always see.The eighth-year quarterback said many calls in the NFL these days are simply too long and contain too much verbiage, and suggested some need to be simplified one-word phrases like "Panther," or even "Tepper" or "Rivera," referring to the surnames of the team's owner and head coach."Greg is a very intellectual person that helps me out with play-calling Youth Ryan Kalil Jersey ," Newton said. "I call him 'the dictator' in the huddle because I really have problems with calling plays — even in year eight. And he kind of helps me."Newton went on to say "calling a play shouldn't be a paragraph. ... I will be in the huddle and I'm already tired and I don't have time to be saying this, that and the third. (It should be) ready, ready break. You only get so much time."Olsen downplayed Newton's comments Thursday, saying the quarterback "exaggerated a little bit" in how much he helps him."Cam has it under control," Olsen said. "... Sometimes in the heat of the battle I will help piece some things together. But I think Cam was just being generous."Panthers 2018 season opener countdown: 33 days to go We are 33 days away from the beginning of the Carolina Panthers 2018 season. Since there are no current players on the roster wearing the No. 33, let’s look back at a former cornerback who spent a few years of his career in Carolina—Doug Evans.I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m writing this about Doug Evans instead of Tre Boston (or even Mike Goodson) and the answer is simple—Evans actually did something noteworthy during his time in Carolina. Do you know what it is? If not, read along to find out.(If you do know, you should read along anyway since you’re already here. . . just saying.)Evans played for the Panthers from 1998-2001, and during that 2001 season he set the franchise record for most interceptions in a single season by picking off eight passes. The record still stands today Color Rush Devin Funchess Jersey , and only four players in team history have come close to matching it:7—Kurt Coleman (2015), Chris Gamble (2005)6—Brett Maxie (1995), Chris Gamble (2004), Ken Lucas (2005)Evans was drafted in the 6th round (No. 141 overall) by the Packers in the 1993 NFL Draft and stayed in Green Bay until he was signed by Carolina in 1998. He also played for the Seahawks and Lions after his time in Carolina ended in 2001. He finished his ten-year career with 639 tackles, 28 interceptions and six sacks.Do you have any fond memories of Doug Evans, Panthers fans? If so, please share them. Do you think anyone will ever break his franchise record for interceptions in a single season? Who do you think that will be? Share your predictions with us!Information from Wikipedia contributed to this story.

Teams from opposite ends of Pennsylvania and heading in opposite directions face off this weekend when the Philadelphia Phillies visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Philadelphia (47-37) has won four games in a row and six of its past seven to sit 10 games above .500 for the first time since late 2011.

“I think it’s a nice milestone and one that we can celebrate. We’ll use it as fuel and motivation Jakub Voracek Jersey Kids ,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said.

The Phillies have put themselves in solid contention in the National League East. The series opener Friday against Pittsburgh launches a four-city, 11-game road trip that leads into the All-Star break.

“We never really doubted ourselves,” said starter Aaron Nola, who picked up the win Wednesday in a 4-1 victory over Baltimore. “Other people thought we were in a rebuilding year this year. We got good additions to the team.

“We have veteran guys who have been on winning teams and won championships. They know what it takes to win, and I think we’re following them.”

The Pirates (40-46), meanwhile, sit at a season-low six games below .500 and are in danger of being caught by last-place Cincinnati in the NL Central. They are opening an 11-game homestand leading into the All-Star break.

Pittsburgh is coming off a 2-4 West Coast trip, the final three games of which it was swept in Los Angeles by a combined score of 31-8. The Dodgers had 10 homers among 41 hits in those games.

“I think we definitely could have played better, but we also ran into a really hot team too,” Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer told MLB.com. “In the whole grand scheme of things, we haven’t played very well and we’re six games under .500 right now. Things could be a lot worse.

“That’s one of the bright spots that you can look at. … We need to put four or five games in a row, and win four or five good games in a row, then see what happens after that.”

The Phillies qualify as another hot team. They also swept a four-game series against the Pirates in April.

“We’ve just got to keep working,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “The game shows you where you need to improve. It gives you immediate feedback. We got a lot of immediate feedback.”

Two Pittsburgh starters, Chad Kuhl and Joe Musgrove, were hurt during the road trip.

On Friday Youth Jordan Weal Jersey , Pirates right-hander Trevor Williams (6-6, 4.22 ERA) is scheduled to start against Philadelphia righty Nick Pivetta (5-7, 4.66).

Williams has lost two straight starts since a June 18 win when he pitched seven scoreless, one-hit innings in a 1-0 game against Milwaukee. That was his first victory in more than a month.

He is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies, including a no-decision April 22 when he gave up two runs in six innings of an 11-inning Pirates loss.

Pivetta’s last outing wasn’t a start. He came in to pitch a scoreless 13th inning Sunday when the Phillies had to go deep into their pitching staff in a 4-3 win over Washington. It was his first relief appearance since 2015 when he was in Class A.

Pivetta has one no-decision in his career against Pittsburgh.

Dylan Covey has come a long way since his major league debut last year.

All the way to an increasingly interesting prospect for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox.

Covey carried a shutout into the eighth inning, continuing his impressive June and helping the White Sox beat Trevor Bauer and the Cleveland Indians 3-2 on Wednesday night.

”He kept grinding,” manager Rick Renteria said. ”He kept pitching, getting after it and did a really nice job.”

Covey (3-1) allowed 10 hits – all singles – and walked none. The 26-year-old right-hander improved to 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA in five starts since he was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte last month.

The White Sox got Covey from Oakland in the 2016 Rule 5 draft. He went 0-7 with a 7.71 ERA in 18 games, 12 starts, last season, but he has looked like a different pitcher since returning to the majors.

”I’m just super comfortable, with my mechanics, with my pitches,” he said. ”I’m throwing offspeed for strikes, I’m throwing my curveball for strikes. It’s just all about comfort for me right now.”

Covey got a warm ovation from the crowd of 19,390 when he departed after the first two batters reached in the eighth. Edwin Encarnacion hit a one-out RBI single and Yonder Alonso doubled home another run before Jace Fry struck out Melky Cabrera and Jason Kipnis Scott Laughton Jersey , preserving Chicago’s 3-2 lead.

Joakim Soria allowed two more hits in the ninth before finishing for his 10th save in 12 chances. Michael Brantley bounced into a game-ending double play with runners on first and second.

”We couldn’t string enough hits together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Cleveland wasted another impressive start for Bauer in its second straight loss after a stretch of five wins in six games. Brantley had three hits, but the AL Central leaders went 2 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.

Bauer (5-5) struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings while becoming the third pitcher in franchise history to record at least 10 Ks in four consecutive starts, joining teammate Corey Kluber and Hall of Famer Bob Feller.

”Missing a lot of bats, limited contact, keeping the ball in the yard, not walking many people. It was a great outing,” Bauer said.

Bauer matched Covey zero for zero until the White Sox scratched across two in the fifth. Tim Anderson walked, stole second and went to third on a throwing error by catcher Roberto Perez before Charlie Tilson tripled into the corner in right . Tilson then scampered home on Trayce Thompson’s perfectly placed suicide squeeze.

Kevan Smith added an RBI single in the sixth as Chicago won for the third time in four games.

HELPING OUT

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu helped Covey by turning a pair of slick double plays. He also doubled and scored on Smith’s single.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Indians: LHP Andrew Miller (left knee inflammation) threw another bullpen session and could start facing hitters during Cleveland’s upcoming nine-game homestand. … Francona said the plan is to activate OF Brandon Guyer (strained neck) on Thursday. … C Roberto Perez returned to the lineup for the first time since he was hit by a pitch on the right wrist against Detroit on Sunday. … OF Bradley Zimmer, who was sent down to Triple-A Columbus on June 5, hurt his right shoulder in a drill Monday. He is expected to rest for five days.

White Sox: RHP Nate Jones was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a muscle strain in his forearm. The veteran reliever had an MRI, and Renteria said the injury is ”very mild.” RHP Juan Minaya was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to take Jones’ place on the roster. … OF Avisail Garcia (strained right hamstring) went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in his second rehab game with Charlotte.

UP NEXT

Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger and White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon start the series finale Thursday afternoon. Clevinger (4-2, 3.31 ERA) pitched 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball in a 7-3 victory over Chicago on May 29. Rodon (0-1, 3.60 ERA) is making his second start after missing the beginning of the season while he worked his way back from shoulder surgery last September.

—

Jay Cohen can be reached at

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A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

HOT HOUSTON

The Astros aim for their 12th straight victory J'Mon Moore Jersey , which would tie for the longest winning streak in franchise history set in 1999 and duplicated in 2004. Fresh off a 10-0 road trip to Texas, Oakland and Kansas City in which they outscored opponents 74-35, the World Series champions return to Minute Maid Park to take on Tampa Bay. Houston starter Gerrit Cole (8-1, 2.40 ERA) leads the AL with 130 strikeouts; the Rays will start a reliever for the third straight game, with Ryne Stanek opening up.

DOUBLING UP

The New York Yankees and Washington meet for a doubleheader – sort of – at Nationals Park. The teams were tied at 2 in the sixth inning on May 15 when their game was stopped because of rain, and they were postponed the next night. So the Yanks and Nats will pick up in the sixth, with both clubs expected to start out with relievers. Sonny Gray will start Game 2 for the New York against rookie Erick Fedde.

TRY AGAIN

Bartolo Colon goes for his 244th career win, which would break a tie with Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for most by a pitcher born in the Dominican Republic. The 45-year-old Colon gave up a season-high eight runs in his last outing for Texas, tagged by the Dodgers. Colon has won one of his past five starts going into this game at Kansas City. Ian Kennedy has won just one of his last 27 home starts for the Royals.

OH BABY

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford will go on paternity leave for the birth of his fourth child and could miss as many as three games. San Francisco returns home from a 10-day road trip to face the Miami Marlins.

As Boston Red Sox players donned red Brian Elliott Jersey , white and blue outfits to celebrate a 3-0 victory on the 4th of July that completed a sweep, the Washington Nationals held a players-only meeting to discuss a fifth consecutive loss and the precarious spot they’re now in beyond the halfway point of the season.

Done in again by small mistakes that get magnified in a stretch such as this, the preseason NL East favorites lost for the 17th time in 22 games Wednesday to fall below .500 for the first time this late in the year since being 60-61 on Aug. 21, 2015.

This time, it was a throwing error by Adam Eaton on a sacrifice fly in foul territory and a wild pitch by Ryan Madson (2-4) in a disastrous seventh inning that dropped the Nationals to 42-43 and kept them from making up ground on the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

”We’re a good team and we’re going to go out there and compete with anybody,” said Bryce Harper, who went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.

”We just have to keep grinding and keep doing our thing and good things will happen. We’ve never been in this position before, and I think it’s an exciting time for us. In years past, we’ve won the division by a lot of games. We’re able to be behind right now and I’m excited to get there and test it.”

Powered by struggling outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.’s two RBIs on the sac fly and a ninth-inning double and a strong start by Eduardo Rodriguez (10-3) Claude Giroux Jersey , the Red Sox moved 30 games over .500 under rookie manager Alex Cora.

”We know where we’re at, but we still have a long ways to go,” Cora said. ”(The Nationals) have a good team. They’ll figure it out. I’ve seen that before from them. They struggle a little bit and they’ll pick it up. They’ll be in the hunt.”

Bradley, who came into the game hitting .201, worked full counts on each of his at-bats that produced a run. He was hoping the ball Eaton caught deep in foul territory down the third-base line would go out of play so he could see another pitch but will gladly take the RBIs – the second time this season he has had two in a game without a home run.

”Just had to continue to battle and finally get a pitch I could handle,” Bradley said. ”Any time you can help the team win, it’s a positive. It’s good, any way you can do it.”

Rodriguez struck out six in six scoreless innings, mixing his change-up and slider in more often to keep Nationals hitters off-balance.

The Red Sox now have the first pair of 10-game winners in the majors with Rodriguez and Rick Porcello Ray Nitschke Jersey , whose double off Max Scherzer helped win them the first game of this series.

The Nationals have lost four series in a row. This freefall led to the postgame meeting Wednesday afternoon.

”It’s `Let’s get this thing going,”’ Nationals infielder Trea Turner said. ”We all know we’re capable of playing better baseball. It’s time we do it. It’s do or die now.”

FEDDE HURT

Nationals starter Erick Fedde left the game one batter into the second inning with right shoulder stiffness and gave way to left-hander Matt Grace, who allowed just one hit and struck out four in four innings of relief. Manager Davey Martinez said Fedde was scheduled to have an MRI.

”We watched him throw and his (velocity) was down,” Martinez said. ”He was out there and wanted to keep pitching. I went out there and they told me he was stiff and I said `No, we’re not going to do that to you.”’

TRAINER’S ROOM

Red Sox: Manager Alex Cora said LHP Drew Pomeranz (biceps tendinitis) would most likely make a second rehab start early next week. … RHP Tyler Thornburg was activated from the disabled list after rehabbing from shoulder surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome last June.

Nationals: 1B Matt Adams was activated after missing 16 games with a broken left index finger. To clear room, LHP Tim Collins was designated for assignment. … C Matt Wieters (left hamstring strain) is doing some catching, but still hasn’t done enough running to be ready to return.

UP NEXT

Red Sox: After a day off, LHP Chris Sale (8-4, 2.41 ERA) brings a 15-inning scoreless streak into his Friday start at Kansas City Ivan Provorov Jersey , which is expected to start Jason Hammel (2-10, 5.56).

Nationals: RHP Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 2.63) will look to last at least six innings to spare a heavily used bullpen when Washington faces RHP Pablo Lopez (1-0, 3.00) to open a four-game series against the Miami Marlins.

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Cubs infielder Javier Baez is feeling better after he was hit on the left elbow by a pitch.

Baez was plunked by Jack Flaherty in the third inning of Sunday night’s 5-0 loss at St. Louis. But he could return as soon as Tuesday’s day-night doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was not in the starting lineup before Monday’s series opener against Los Angeles was postponed by a mixture of poor weather and a limited power outage at Wrigley Field. He said his elbow is still pretty swollen Ian Thomas Jersey , but he felt good and no X-rays were needed.

”I was scared for a moment but after I started feeling everything, I knew everything was good,” he said.

Baez leads the Cubs with 14 homers and is tied for the team lead with 46 RBIs.

”That’s a tough one right there,” manager Joe Maddon said. ”I’ve actually gone through that particular instance, and it stings and you want to throw up and it’s hot Authentic Derick Brassard Jersey , but you actually come out of it.

”He’s a tough kid. I’m not totally surprised that he’s fine. It’s just an awkward spot when it happens.”

Baez said Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina texted him Sunday night to see if he was all right.

Also Monday, the Cubs placed reliever Brian Duensing on the bereavement list and recalled left-hander Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa. Duensing’s grandfather died on Saturday.

”He is in a better place but we miss him dearly already,” Duensing posted on his Twitter account.

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Le’Veon Bell keeps saying he wants to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers keep saying they want to keep one of the NFL’s best running backs in the fold for years to come.

They have until July 16 to make it happen.

The Steelers placed the exclusive rights franchise tag on the two-time All-Pro for a second straight spring on Tuesday, putting Bell’s long-term status with the club up in the air.

Bell, a two-time All Pro Derick Brassard Penguins Jersey , accounted for 1,946 total yards and 11 touchdowns for the AFC North champions in 2017. Both Bell and Steelers management said after the season they hoped to get a contract extension done quickly, but failed to do so by Tuesday’s deadline for teams to use the franchise tag.

Bell is scheduled to make $14.54 million in 2018 if he signs the franchise tender and the two sides are unable to reach an agreement on a new deal. He skipped offseason workouts and training camp last summer before signing the tender on the eve of the regular season. The absence led to a sluggish start, though he was an indispensable part of Pittsburgh’s offense once again, breaking his own club record by catching 85 passes.

The 25-year-old made the 2017 All-Pro team at the ”flex” position Adidas Evander Kane Jersey , one he considered a tribute to his versatility. Bell said repeatedly over the past year he believes he’s different than other backs in the league and wants to be paid accordingly. He is arguably the best receiving back in the NFL and he’s averaged nearly 25 touches a game in five seasons, though he’s only been healthy at the end of the year twice. Bell has twice been suspended by the NFL for violations of the substance abuse policy.

Bell turned down a long-term deal with the Steelers last summer and told ESPN in January he would consider retiring if the Steelers used the franchise tag on him again. He backtracked a bit during the Pro Bowl when he said he believed a new contract was in the works. It was a sentiment echoed by both Steelers president Art Rooney II and general manager Kevin Colbert early in the offseason.

Pittsburgh’s depth behind Bell is thin. James Conner carried the ball 32 times during his rookie season and the club signed Stevan Ridley at the end of the regular season as insurance. Bell tweeted Monday that regardless of the circumstances he wants to remain with the Steelers.

”Pittsburgh: the city that took in a 21-year old kid from small-town Ohio, the city I battled thru adversity in, the city that I became a man in,” Bell tweeted. ”I love everything about being a Pittsburgh Steeler Evander Kane Sharks Jersey , and I want nothing more than to finish the rest of my career in Pitt!”

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The Miami Dolphins have completed their roster cuts http://www.authenticsmiamidolphins.com/cheap-davon-godchaux-jersey , dropping from the preseason limit of 90 players down to the regular season’s 53-man limit. The deadline to reach that limit was 4pm Eastern today, with some 1,100 players from around the league suddenly being without a team. Will the Dolphins use waiver claims to continue to shake up the roster, looking for a gem that some other team released? Who will they then release from the 53-man roster to make space for the newcomer?As of right now, here is the Dolphins’ 53-man roster for 2018. We will update it with changes if needed when waiver claims start coming in tomorrow. Teams will be allowed to sign their practice squads starting tomorrow afternoon as well.QBRyan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler, David FalesRBKenyan Drake, Frank Gore, Kalen Ballage, Senorise PerryWRKenny Stills, Danny Amendola, Albert Wilson, DeVante Parker http://www.authenticsmiamidolphins.com/cheap-albert-wilson-jersey , Jakeem GrantTEMike Gesicki, Marqueis Gray, Durham Smythe, A.J. DerbyOLLaremy Tunsil, Josh Sitton, Daniel Kilgore, Jesse Davis, Ja’Wuan James, Sam Young, Jake Brendel, Ted Larsen, Zach SterupDECameron Wake, Robert Quinn White Laremy Tunsil Jersey , Andre Branch, Charles Harris, William HayesDTAkeem Spence, Davon Godchaux, Jordan Phillips, Vincent TaylorLBJerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan, Kiko Alonso, Stephone Anthony, Chase Allen, Mike HullCBXavien Howard, Bobby McCain, Cordrea Tankersley Minkah Fitzpatrick Jersey , Torry McTyer, Cornell ArmstrongSReshad Jones, T.J. McDonald, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Walt Aikens, Maurice SmithKJason SandersPMatt HaackLSJohn Denney Just a short while ago, Ethan Skolnick of Dolphin Maven reported that Ryan Tannehill has an AC joint sprain and his status for Sunday’s Dolphins vs. Bears game is in serious doubt. Skolnick said that like always, Tannehill plans to warm up before Sunday’s game but the coaching and medical staff will be watching him with a very close eye as that is when his status will be determined.Earlier this week, Tannehill practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday but was limited on Friday. Typically, this is not a good sign in terms of progression.However, with the news of the AC joint sprain, it makes sense as one experiences soreness and a limited range of motion with this type of injury.This injury, according to various medical journals Authentic T.J. McDonald Jersey , can take up to six weeks to fully heal. If it is severe, surgery is required. With that said, most people start feeling better within a few days to one week of sustaining the injury. But, it is Tannehill’s throwing shoulder and as a quarterback, having a limited range of motion is not ideal.If Tannehill can’t go, Brock Osweiler will likely get the call as he has been the primary backup throughout the season thus far. Osweiler struggled early in training camp and preseason before hitting a switch prior to the final preseason game. When he came in for mop up duty against the Patriots, he threw for 35 yards and 1 touchdown. He has an 80% completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 135.4. Of course, the game was well out of reach at that point so don’t read too much into it.UPDATE: ESPN’s Jeff Darlington is reporting that Tannehill’s status is “bleak” and that he is doubtful for today’s game.

After a rotten finish to June Dontari Poe Jersey , the Detroit Tigers have started July with a modest winning streak.

Jose Iglesias hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the 10th inning and the Tigers recovered from a blown save in the ninth to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Monday, Detroit’s second straight victory following a season-long 11-game losing streak.

Right-hander Joe Jimenez (4-1) got the win despite giving up the tying run in the ninth.

”It’s huge for us,” Jimenez said of the victory. ”A new month, a new us.”

With his team leading 2-1 after eight innings, Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire called on Jimenez because regular closer Shane Greene (shoulder) had been placed on the 10-day disabled list before the game. Jimenez loaded the bases with two outs and walked pinch-hitter Justin Smoak on a 3-2 pitch to force in the tying run.

”When you come in as a closer, you have to make them swing the bat,” Gardenhire said. ”In those situations, walks will kill you.”

Detroit answered immediately in the 10th. Niko Goodrum hit a one-out triple off Seunghwan Oh (4-3) and scored the winning run when Iglesias followed with a fly ball to right.

After Buck Farmer gave up a leadoff single in the 10th, Blaine Hardy finished for his first career save.

”That losing streak was a little bit tough on this clubhouse,” Hardy said. ”Now that we have two wins in a row, I think we’re back to where we need to be.”

Tigers right-hander Mike Fiers pitched a season-high eight innings, but didn’t figure in the decision and remains winless in five starts. An efficient Fiers threw just 89 pitches, including 67 strikes. The right-hander allowed one run and three hits. He walked one and struck out five.

”It was a great performance Jarius Wright Jersey ,” Gardenhire said.

Nick Castellanos scored two runs and Jeimer Candelario had three hits for the Tigers, who won the season series against the Blue Jays for the first time since 2013. Detroit took four of seven from Toronto this season.

Making his second career start, Blue Jays left-hander Ryan Borucki struck out leadoff man Mikie Mahtook, then allowed four straight singles, including a run-scoring hit by Victor Martinez, who delivered his first RBI single since June 15.

Borucki recovered to retire the next 13 batters in order, a streak that ended when Maktook reached on an infield single to begin the sixth. Maktook was forced at second on Castellanos’ fielder’s choice and Candelario singled Castellanos to third before John Hicks delivered the tiebreaking grounder.

”He looked like he was in control, didn’t ever panic,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said of Borucki. ”Another impressive outing.”

Borucki allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings.

”He’s filthy, to tell you the truth,” an admiring Gardenhire said. ”A nice looking arm. He really knows how to pitch.”

For a third straight day, the roof at Rogers Centre remained closed because of high heat and humidity.

SIX FOR SIX

Tigers starting pitchers have worked at least six innings in six straight games, the team’s longest such streak since July 28 to Aug. 2 Taylor Moton Jersey , 2017.

MILESTONE HIT

Martinez’s single in the first was No. 2,100 for his career, the eighth-most by a Venezuelan-born player.

WHO’S ON THIRD?

Toronto’s Kendrys Morales started at first base but moved to third in the 10th, his first career appearance there. Toronto has used C Russell Martin at third base and shortstop this season but Martin was unavailable Monday because of a sore knee.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Tigers: Detroit put Greene and OF Leonys Martin (left hamstring) on the 10-day DL. The Tigers recalled Mahtook from Triple-A Toledo and activated LHP Daniel Stumpf off the DL. Martin was injured beating out a bunt single in Sunday’s 9-1 win, while Greene felt sore after throwing eight pitches in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday. … Following the game, Detroit optioned C Grayson Greiner to Triple-A and selected 1B Jim Aducci from Toledo. To make room on the roster, 1B Miguel Cabrera was transferred to the 60-day DL.

Blue Jays: Toronto recalled INF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from Triple-A Buffalo. He takes the place of utilityman Darnell Sweeney, who was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo following Sunday’s game.

UP NEXT

Tigers: RHP Michael Fulmer (3-7, 4.20) gets the start as Detroit begins a two-game interleague series in Chicago against the Cubs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-8, 4.21) starts for the Cubs.

Blue Jays: RHP Marco Estrada (4-7, 4.53) starts the opener of a two-game series against the New York Mets. RHP Zack Wheeler (2-6, 4.47) starts for the Mets.

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Asked how the Atlanta Braves have surprised many experts by establishing a three-game lead in the National League East at the season’s halfway point, catcher Kurt Suzuki didn’t hesitate.

“This team has no fear Julius Peppers Jersey ,” he said Saturday night after an 11-4 victory in St. Louis. “We have a lot of young guys but we also have some veterans. We approach every game the same way.”

Atlanta’s consistency has been too much for the Cardinals this weekend. Behind solid starting pitching and an explosive offense, the Braves (47-34) have outscored St. Louis 16-5 in winning the series’ first two games. They go for a sweep on Sunday at Busch Stadium.

Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (5-4, 2.14 ERA) will try to match what Julio Teheran and Max Fried have done in the series. Neither allowed a run in a combined 12 2/3 innings, with Fried enjoying the best outing of his short big league career Saturday night.

The former first-round pick of the San Diego Padres allowed only four hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings, recording 11 strikeouts against the whiff-prone Cardinals. The hard-throwing Foltynewicz made his return from the 10-day disabled list Monday night, allowing one hit and one run in five innings while walking four and fanning four against Cincinnati in a no-decision.

“The arm was just kind of heavy,” he said to mlb.com. “You can’t really practice these situations when you’re out there with your adrenaline running, but just a couple of times I just couldn’t really extend too far. But adrenaline pushed me through.”

Foltynewicz has faced St. Louis three times in his career, going 1-2 with a 9.95 ERA and yielding a whopping 22 hits over 12 2/3 innings.

In an attempt to avoid a fourth straight loss, the Cardinals (42-39) will turn to former Atlanta prospect John Gant (2-2, 3.48). Gant, replacing the disabled Michael Wacha in the rotation, pitched the best game of his career Monday night Mike Adams Jersey , limiting Cleveland to an infield single by Yan Gomes over seven innings in a 5-0 victory.

Gant walked five and fanned four, but his off-speed pitches kept the Indians off-balance all game and enabled him to post his first win as a starter.

“We’re lucky the third base bag got in the way of Gomes’ (grounder) or we wouldn’t have had anything,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said to mlb.com of Gant’s performance.

Before plating four runs in the ninth inning Saturday night, St. Louis managed two runs in its previous 26 innings. Its offense has been primarily singles and homers, as it’s on pace for the fewest doubles and triples in the majors.

Help may be on the way when the Cardinals start a nine-game road trip Monday night against Arizona. Shortstop Paul DeJong may be activated off the disabled list after a weekend rehab stint for Triple-A Memphis.

That could result in the move of first baseman Jose Martinez, who’s on a 100-RBI pace but has been poor afield, to his natural outfield position. In fact, Martinez played the last three innings Saturday night in right field.

“Jose Martinez has earned a spot in the lineup every day, so we have to figure out a spot to play him,” general manager Michael Girsch said to mlb.com.

Jordan Zimmermann knew two things when he took the mound against Bartolo Colon on Friday night.

He was going to have to be good to keep Colon from making history Curtis Samuel Jersey , and the game wasn’t going to take long.

Zimmermann came through, outdueling Colon as the Detroit Tigers beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 in a game that ended four minutes after sunset at Comerica Park.

”I’ve hooked up with Bartolo a lot of times over the years, and he’s always good and the games are always short,” said Zimmermann, who struck out 11 batters in eight innings. ”He works fast, I work fast and we almost got out before 9 o’clock tonight.”

Colon was trying to become the winningest Latin-American pitcher in major league history. He remains tied with Dennis Martinez with 245 career victories.

He pitched well, allowing three runs – including homers by James McCann and JaCoby Jones – in an eight-inning complete game, but Zimmermann (4-0) was better.

”When I was young, a loss like this would bother me,” Colon (5-6) said through a translator. ”Now, I know games like this are going to happen. Tonight was good for us and not good for the hitters.”

The Tigers right-hander allowed one run and four hits and struck out 10 or more for the first time since his no-hitter for Washington against Florida on Sept. 28, 2014.

”That might be the best slider I’ve had in my career, and when I can throw it like that, it makes my fastball and curve even tougher to hit,” Zimmermann said. ”I’m not going to give up many runs with that kind of stuff.”

There were no walks in the game, and neither starter needed 100 pitches for their eight-inning outings. Zimmermann threw 96 pitches, and Colon 97.

”Those were two great veteran pitchers doing what they do best,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. ”They were attacking the zone Antonio Morrison Jersey , moving the ball all over the place and making the hitters chase their pitches.”

Joe Jimenez pitched the ninth for his third save, helping the Tigers end a three-game losing streak by winning for just the third time in 17 games.

At 45 years, 43 days old, Colon became the oldest pitcher to throw a complete game since Jamie Moyer (47 years, 199 days) on June 5, 2010. Tim Wakefield and Randy Johnson are the only other 45-year-olds to pitch complete games in the 21st century.

”That’s a tough loss for Bartolo, but both pitchers were great out there,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. ”Zimmermann had his A-game going, and Bart was getting a lot of weak contact.”

Colon first faced Detroit on May 10, 1997, allowing one earned run in six innings for Cleveland in a loss at Tiger Stadium. He’s the last active major league player to have played at Tiger Stadium, which closed in 1999.

”That old man took me to school,” Nicholas Castellanos said. ”He was moving the ball over the place and I didn’t know what was happening.”

The Rangers took the lead on the game’s second pitch as Shin-Soo Choo hit a homer into the shrubbery beyond the center-field fence. The home run extended his on-base streak to 45 games, the longest in the majors this season.

McCann put the Tigers ahead with a two-run homer in the second inning, but Zimmermann and Colon took over after that.

The Tigers had the next significant threat, putting runners on the corners with two out in the fifth, but Jones grounded out to end the inning. Jones, though Torrey Smith Jersey , homered off Colon in the eighth to make it 3-1.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rangers: Choo returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday. Choo is limited to playing designated hitter because of a sore quadriceps, and Adrian Beltre started there Thursday after an emergency dental procedure.

Tigers: Closer Shane Greene had tests on his sore pitching shoulder, and they showed no significant problem. Greene is eligible to come off the disabled list on July 12.

FAST GAME

The game ended at 9:15 p.m., forcing the postgame fireworks show to be held well before the sky was dark.

UP NEXT

The teams continue their four-game series on Saturday, with Cole Hamels (4-7, 4.05) pitching for Texas against Detroit’s Mike Fiers (5-5, 3.79).

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The Philadelphia Phillies have placed right-hander Vince Velasquez on the 10-day disabled list with a bruised forearm a day after he made a dazzling throw with his left hand.

Velasquez was hit just below the elbow on a liner back up the middle by Washington’s Adam Eaton in the second inning Saturday. He picked up the ball and threw it left-handed to first base to get the final out. He then went down, riling in pain and clutching his right arm.

”I feel a lot better than yesterday,” Velasquez told reporters Sunday. ”A lot more movement going on and just continue doing my work stuff that I need to do, lower half, and then continue to doing my core and all that stuff I need to do and go from there.”

This is the fourth trip to the disabled list for Velasquez in his three seasons with Philadelphia.

Also Sunday, the Phillies reinstated right-handed reliever Pat Neshek from the 10-day DL, recalled righty Jake Thompson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned left-hander Zac Curtis to Lehigh Valley.

Neshek, who was re-signed by the Phillies during the offseason, had been on the disabled list since opening day with a forearm injury.

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At a time when the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ rotation is in flux Richard Panik Jersey , left-hander Patrick Corbin could do well to give them a good start Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Arizona expects several injured starters to return soon, and roster decisions are coming. Corbin’s spot would not seem to be in jeopardy, but he is coming off some inconsistent performances.

In early May, he was 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA. He goes into Friday’s start with a 6-3 record and a 3.48 ERA and is expected to be matched against Pittsburgh’s Ivan Nova (4-5, 4.42).

Corbin has given up at least five runs in three of his past four starts, including five against the Pirates at home on June 11.

In his most recent outing, a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday, he gave up all five runs on eight hits in six innings.

“Just a couple mistakes there,” Corbin said of the game against the Mets. “If I locate better, different outcome.”

Corbin, who is 1-2 with a 5.90 ERA in five career starts against Pittsburgh, hasn’t been completely off lately. He has 19 strikeouts in his past 16 2/3 innings.

But against the Mets he could not pinpoint his curveball or his fastball.

“I just thought the pitch sequencing was a little bit off, and I thought there were a lot of fastball mistakes out over the plate that were hit, and they were handled by the Mets,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “Didn’t really get to the secondary stuff the way he typically does, and I think it’s more a product of the game plan and sequencing.”

Lovullo hasn’t lost confidence in Corbin.

“Worrisome? No. Not an issue for me whatsoever. We know that the season is going to have good and bad moments Shane Doan Jersey ,” he said.

The Diamondbacks (41-33) cruised to a 9-3 win in the series opener Thursday as the Pirates (36-38) lost for the third time in four games.

Pittsburgh dropped two of three last week at Arizona.

Nova was initially scheduled to start Thursday, but the Pirates opted to move everyone back a day when Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee was rained out, rather than do any shuffling with his rotation.

“This group right here has shown the ability to be flexible, to be resilient and also shown some benefits from an extra day (of rest) every now and then,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.

It didn’t pan out that way. Chad Kuhl, who started the opener against Arizona after warming up several times Wednesday when there was false hope that the game against Milwaukee would be played, got rocked by the Diamondbacks for eight runs in two-plus innings.

Nova is coming off two good starts, going 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA since he was removed from the disabled list (sprained finger).

On Saturday, he struggled with his curveball, but it didn’t stop him from allowing just one run and five hits in six innings of a 6-2 win over Cincinnati.

“Even though I walked a couple guys, the fastball command is better than what it was before I hit the DL,” Nova said. “I think I’ve been able to control it a bit better. I think that’s been the key.”

Nova is 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in three career starts against the Diamondbacks.

– When shortstop Xander Bogaerts is cranking out home runs, and crawling around to save runs, the Boston Red Sox know they are in good hands.

Bogaerts hit a tiebreaking home run in the sixth inning, and the Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Thursday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

David Price (8-4) pitched seven inning of four-hit ball to earn his sixth victory over his past seven appearances. He gave up a run and struck out seven. Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth to lock down his 22nd save, pitching around two inning-opening walks by striking out Kyle Seager and getting Ryon Healy to ground into a double play.

It was Boston’s major-league leading 48th win of the season Russell Shepard Jersey , and snapped Seattle’s four-game winning streak.

”That was a pretty cool game, 2-1,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. ”That is a good team over there.”

Bogaerts certainly had a crucial impact. He homered with two outs in the sixth, hitting a 2-2 fastball from Felix Hernandez over the left-center field wall to give Boston a 2-1 lead. It was Bogaerts’ 10th home run of the season, matching his total from 2017.

It was an at-bat that certainly impressed his manager, given that Bogaerts had struck out against Hernandez in his first two at-bats.

”It seemed like he had no chance, honestly,” Cora said. ”He was swinging and missing. I think it was tough for him to see that ball when (Hernandez) was throwing the changeup.

”But he spread out and was trying to make contact. … And he gets a fastball, was short to it and he drilled it.”

Price was fantastic in outdueling Hernandez, who gave up both runs in seven innings, striking out six.

And after a slow first month, he has taken off. The zip has returned on his fastball, too, reaching 96 mph on Thursday.

”Velocity-wise, yeah (it was my best outing),” Price said. ”Command (wise) Daryl Williams Jersey , it was there, and then it wasn’t – and then it was there again. Whenever I really needed to make pitches tonight, I did.”

Price got a key out in the sixth inning in Seattle’s Jean Segura, the AL’s second-leading hitter at .347. The 11-pitch at-bat ended when Segura grounded a ball up the middle, but right to Bogaerts, who took it from his knees and crawled over to touch second base before throwing over to complete a double play.

”They made (big plays) tonight, and we didn’t,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. ”We had to somehow come up with a big hit and we just didn’t get it.”

The Mariners tied it at 1-all in the bottom of the fifth on Guillermo Heredia’s sacrifice fly to left field. Boston grabbed a 1-0 lead on Jackie Bradley Jr.’s RBI double off Hernandez (6-6) in the second.

MARINERS PROSPECT FINISHES COMEBACK

Nearly a year ago, Seattle right-handed pitcher Rob Whalen walked away from baseball.

After a July 5 start for Triple-A Tacoma, Whalen left the team, citing issues with depression. Placed on the team’s restricted list, he didn’t return the rest of the season.

However, after rediscovering joy in life, which included his passion for baseball, Whalen nearly made the big-league ballclub out of spring training.

”I just wanted to come in and have fun, enjoy life and what I get to do for a living Christian McCaffrey Jersey ,” Whalen said.

It showed his minor-league numbers. Whalen was 7-3 with a 4.50 ERA pitching for Tacoma, and was promoted Thursday by the Mariners to pitch in long relief.

BRADLEY SHOWING SIGNS

Boston’s Jackie Bradley Jr. came into the game in an 0-for-15 slump over his last four games, and just 1 for 23 over the previous week.

Cora said no hitter in the final two games at Baltimore hit the baseball harder than Bradley. He just did not have a hit to show for it. He did drive in the game’s first run Thursday with a sharp double to right field.

”We do feel now he is in a great spot,” Cora said.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Red Sox: 2B Dustin Pedroia (left knee inflammation) is still not doing any baseball activity, although he did work out in the visiting clubhouse gym Thursday. … LHP Drew Pomeranz (left biceps tendinitis) played catch and is feeling better, Cora said. … RHP Tyler Thornburg (right shoulder) was scheduled to make a start Thursday for Triple-A Pawtucket as he makes his way back from thoracic outlet surgery.

Mariners: RHP Nick Vincent (strained right groin) continues to play catch every day, as he did before the game Thursday. It is uncertain when he will get back on the mound for a bullpen session. Servais said he is hopeful Vincent and RHP Juan Nicasio (right knee) will be able to return from the 10-day disabled list early in the team’s upcoming road trip, starting Tuesday in New York.

UP NEXT

Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello (8-3, 3.54 ERA), the 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner, has gone six innings and given up two earned runs in each of his past three starts (two wins). This will be his 13th career start against the Mariners, and he is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA at Safeco Field.

Mariners: LHP James Paxton (6-1, 3.02 ERA) is 5-0 with a 1.87 ERA since early May. Paxton is 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA against Boston, having given up just one earned run in 23 innings. He beat the Red Sox last July with seven scoreless innings.

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Austin Bibens-Dirkx earned his first victory of the season Womens Jason Demers Jersey , shutting down a struggling Kansas City Royals squad that’s wondering when it will get its next win.

Bibens-Dirkx pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Rougned Odor homered and the Texas Rangers extended their winning streak to a season-high five games with a 3-2 victory Wednesday night.

Bibens-Dirkx (1-1) allowed one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings for his first win since last Sept. 6 in a relief appearance at Atlanta – and sent the Royals to their ninth straight loss.

”The first two starts didn’t quite go as I had wanted,” Bibens-Dirkx said, ”so to get another opportunity and to come out here and do what I feel like I can do on a pretty consistent basis was nice.”

Kansas City’s slump is its longest this season, and the Royals have dropped 15 of 16 overall and been outscored 102-38 while losing 16 of 18 in June. Their worst June in franchise history was 7-19 in 1970, the team’s second year in existence. The Royals will wind up June with nine games against the Astros, Angels, Brewers and Mariners, clubs above .500.

Bibens-Dirkx, a 33-year-old right-hander, spent 12 years in the minors, including two seasons with independent league teams before making his big league debut last year. He was called up to replace Yohander Mendez, who was sent to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday after violating team rules.

Jake Diekman worked the ninth for his second save, but not before yielding a leadoff homer to Mike Moustakas. The game ended when Hunter Dozier was thrown out at second on a delayed steal.

”It’s perfect timing Luke Schenn Jersey Kids ,” Royals manager Ned Yost said to steal. ”You probably haven’t noticed that we’ve been having trouble bunching some hits together. It’s a chance to maybe hopefully catch them by surprise and get into scoring position and one hit will tie the ballgame up and keep us going.”

Yost acknowledged that Isiah Kiner-Falefa making his first big league start behind the plate factored into the decision to send Dozier. His throw nearly hit Diekman in the head.

”It was kind of scary, a crazy, crazy way to end the game,” Kiner-Falefa said. ”It worked out. Everything worked out. That was close. I was kind of in shock that he was out. I was just glad it didn’t hit Jake, honestly. I tried to adjust my throw last second and saw it bounce, but that was close.”

Diekman just avoided being hit.

”I was shocked – that the ball was thrown, that he was running at all – but it was my bad for not getting out of the way,” Diekman said. ”It ended the game and it didn’t hit me, so we’re good.”

Odor homered into the Royals’ bullpen with two outs in the sixth on a 1-2 pitch from Royals starter Jakob Junis, who has lost his last five starts and has not won since May 18. Junis (5-8) has given up 19 home runs to tie for the American League lead. He allowed three runs and five hits with four walks and a hit batter.

”I’ve given up a lot of home runs this year,” Junis said. ”It’s something I’m conscious about. I’m trying to keep in the ball park because when I do that’s when I have more success. I can’t pinpoint on it on one exact thing.”

Shin-Soo Choo led off the game with a single, extending his on-base streak to 34 games. He stole second, moved to third on Elvis Andrus‘ high chopper back to Junis and scored on Nomar Mazara’s fly out to center,

The Rangers loaded the bases with no outs in the second on singles by Jurickson Profar and Odor and Joey Gallo’s first of three walks. The Rangers Authentic Max Domi Jersey , however, converted that into only one run when Kiner-Falefa grounded into a double play.

Alex Gordon singled with one out in the Kansas City second and scored on Dozier’s double.

HYPHENATED BATTERYMATES

Bibens-Dirkx and Kiner-Falefa became the first starting pitcher and catcher in big league history with hyphenated last names.

WHO’S CLOSING?

After the Royals traded closer Kelvin Herrera to Washington, who will inherit that role? ”All of them,” Yost said of his relievers. ”Opportunity exists down there. We’ll have to see who takes advantage of it. I’ll look at different guys, but I would prefer one guy to emerge, take advantage of the opportunity. But it’s wide-open right now.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rangers: LHP Martin Perez (elbow discomfort) threw batting practice to C Robinson Chirinos and OF Carlos Tocci. He is hopeful to begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday. ”There were some quality pitches inside the set, like a guy that was getting ready to take the next step of the rehab process,” Banister said. … RHP Chris Martin (right calf strain) also threw to hitters. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday. ”He’s close,” Banister said.

UP NEXT

Rangers: Off on Thursday before opening a weekend series Friday at Minnesota with LHP Mike Minor (4-4, 5.35) starting.

Royals: Travel day on Thursday to Houston, where LHP Danny Duffy (3-7, 5.55) will start the series opener Friday.

Two young starters searching for consistency will try to find it Wednesday night in the rubber game of a three-game series between the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Padres left-hander Eric Lauer (2-4, 6.64 ERA) is undergoing on-the-job training with mostly painful results, while Cardinals right-hander Luke Weaver (3-5 Niklas Hjalmarsson Jersey , 4.35) has won once in his last 10 starts, struggling to put hitters away and frequently running up high pitch counts.

The last start for each summarized their seasons. Lauer suffered a 4-0 loss Friday night in Miami, while Weaver was no-decisioned in a 7-6, 10-inning victory that same evening in Cincinnati as each failed to command the strike zone.

Lauer, who is in the majors because Bryan Mitchell (0-3, 7.08) was horribly ineffective, has allowed a whopping 81 baserunners (57 hits, 24 walks) over 39 1/3 innings in nine starts.

Seven of those walks occurred in Miami, where Lauer threw 111 pitches and gave up three runs in a five-inning stint. Lauer at least managed to minimize damage, escaping a bases-loaded spot in the fifth without ceding extra runs.

“It was a good learning experience for me,” Lauer said to MLB.com. “And a good mental sign for me that (manager Andy Green) was comfortable leaving me in in those situations and letting me get that chance to grow. Being able to work through those tough situations is something I need to do.”

Lauer was shelled in a 9-5 loss to St. Louis at Petco Park on May 11, allowing four homers and six runs over 2 1/3 innings before getting hooked.

Weaver, who pitched well over the last two months of the 2017 season, came out of the gate strong in 2018 with two wins in his first three starts. But Weaver has lasted seven innings just two times in his last 10 outings Oliver Ekman-Larsson Jersey , taxing a bullpen that hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency.

The Reds touched Weaver for seven hits, five walks and four runs in five-plus innings on Friday, but only a blown save by Bud Norris in the ninth prevented Weaver from notching a win.

“Today was a tough one with the weather conditions and the rain, with it getting a little muddy,” Weaver said to MLB.com. “It is one of those where you have to put your stuff down and grind through it and make some good pitches.”

Weaver has stumped San Diego (32-37) in both career outings, winning both and not allowing a run over 12 innings.

The Padres evened this series Tuesday night as their bullpen checked the Cardinals (36-29) on five hits in a 4-2 victory. Matt Strahm and submarining right-hander Adam Cimber combined to retire the first 15 St. Louis hitters.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said the difference between Cimber and Strahm, a left-hander who touched 94 mph with his fastball, was difficult for his hitters.

“That was unique stuff from the right side,” Matheny said of Cimber. “Most of the time, he’s using the (arm) angle to hit the top of the zone. It’s certainly like an upshoot.”