First-and-10
A quick look at 10 sports stories in the news…
1. Phillies edge Reds After losing lead in top of 8th, Phillies push across 2 runs in bottom of 8th to defeat visiting Reds, 5-3. Cliff Lee pitches 7 strong innings, striking out 7 while allowing 2 runs. Lee also doubles and scores 2 runs. But lead disappears 2 pitches after Lee departs when Joey Votto homers off Antonio Bastardo, who has taken over 8th inning role while Mike Adams deals with back spasms. But Phillies regain lead in bottom of 8th when Michael Young scores on Domonic Brown’s fielder’s choice. Ruiz adds insurance run on sacrifice fly, with Ryan Howard called safe on very close play at plate. Justin De Fratus finishes 8th inning to earn win. Jonathan Papelbon picks up 8th save. Phillies call up reliever B.J. Rosenberg and send reliever Raul Valdes to Class AAA Lehigh Valley. Kyle Kendrick opposes Bronson Arroyo when Phils, Reds meet again today (4 p.m.).
2. Halladay surgery labeled a “success” Phillies release statement saying Roy Halladay has arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday. Surgery was to remove inflamed bursa and to repair partial tear of rotator cuff and fraying of labrum. Statement says Halladay could begin throwing in 6-8 weeks. Phillies team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti says surgery reveals best-case scenario in terms of condition of Halladay’s shoulder. Prior to surgery, Halladay says he might pitch again this season and that surgery could “turn back the clock” 2 or 3 years, but Ciccotti says that refers more to how Halladay will feel rather than a return to that level of performance. Halladay, in final year of contract, apologizes to fans upset that he tried to pitch with sore shoulder.
3. Full speed ahead Eagles head coach Chip Kelly sets frenetic paces for full-squad OTA this week. Music blaring, clock ticking, players move quickly from one drill to another create atmosphere change. Next set of OTAs begin on Monday. Eagles sign injury-prone RB Felix Jones to 1-year contract. Cowboys selected Jones with 22nd overall draft pick 5 years ago, but injuries have kept him from reaching potential.
4. Moore radio talk Tom Moore, Sixers beat writer for Calkins Newspapers, will be special guest Sunday (6:30-7 p.m.) during PhillyPhanatics.com’s Internet Blog Talk Radio show. If you have a question for Tom or host Eric Fisher, an opinion to express or simply want to listen in live, please call 1-805-727-7014. (To listen to this show later or to listen to past shows, click on “radio show” on bar near top of this page, then select the show you want to hear.)
5. Sixers hire Hinkie Sixers make it official Tuesday by introducing Rockets assistant GM Sam Hinkie as their new president and GM. Former Sixers president Rod Thorn is retiring and will become consultant. Tony DiLeo will not return as GM. Hinkie is known for being actively using statistical analytics to evaluate players. Sixers receive permission to interview Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson.
6. Knicks try to stay alive Pacers may be without guard George Hill for 2nd straight game when they meet Knicks tonight (8 p.m.) in Game 6 of Eastern Conference semifinals. In previous game, Carmelo Anthony pours in 28 points as Knicks defeat Pacers, 85-75, to cut Pacers’ series lead to 3-2. In Thursday’s other game, Spurs hold off Warriors charge in 4th quarter to post 94-82 triumph and win series in 6 games. Spurs open Western Conference finals Sunday (3:30 p.m.) against Grizzlies. Heat, who eliminated Bulls in 5 games, will face Knicks-Pacers winner in Eastern Conference finals.
7. Crosby tricks Senators Sidney Crosby’s hat trick boosts Penguins past visiting Senators, 4-3, to increase series lead to 2-0. On Friday, Patrice Bergeron, hero of Game 7 comeback against Maple Leafs, sets up Brad Marchand for game-winner 15:40 into overtime as Bruins defeat Rangers, 3-2, in Game 1 of Eastern Conference semifinals. In Friday’s other game, Kings score two goals in 22 seconds with less than 2 minutes remaining to shock visiting Sharks, 4-3. Working on 5-0n-3 power play due to tripping and delay of game (shooting puck into stands) penalties, Kings tie game when Dustin Brown slams home rebound of Jeff Carter shot then take lead 22 seconds later when Trevor Lewis puts home rebound with 1:21 remaining. Saturday’s games include Red Wings vs. Blackhawks (1 p.m.) and Kings vs. Sharks, who won’t have forward Raffi Torres for rest of series due to suspension for hit to head of Kings center Jarret Stoll.
8. Orb sets sights on Preakness Orb is even-money favorite today at Preakness as he goes for second leg of Triple Crown.
9. Beckham to retire David Beckham, 38, announces he will retire at end of current season. Beckham recently won championship with Paris team. Beckham also won titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid and L.A. Galaxy. He played 115 matches with England’s national team.
10. Union host Fire Union, with just 1 home win this season, host Chicago Fire tonight (7:30 p.m.). On Wednesday, Landon Donovan scores goal, assists on 2 others as visiting L.A. Galaxy pull away from Union, 4-1, with 3 second-half goals. Union’s lone goal comes on header by Amobi Okugo after long throw-in by Sheanon Williams.
(Listen live to PhillyPhanatics.com’s weekly Internet Blog Talk Radio program every Sunday from 6:30-7 p.m. — or call in to express your opinion or ask a question — by calling 1-805-727-7014. To listen to past shows, click on “radio show” on bar near top of this page, then select the show you want to hear.)
WEEKEND RESULTS
Friday
Phillies 5, Reds 3
Saturday
Reds at Phillies, 4 p.m.
Orlando at Soul, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Union, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
Reds at Phillies, 1:30 p.m.
LOCAL SCHEDULE
Monday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.
Tuesday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.
Wednesday
Phillies at Marlins, 7:10 p.m.
Thursday
No games scheduled
Friday
Phillies at Nationals, 7 p.m..
Saturday
Phillies at Nationals, 7:15 p.m.
Union at Montreal, 7 p.m.
Soul at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
College men’s lacrosse
NCAA Championships
(at Lincoln Financial Field)
Sunday
Phillies at Nationals, 1:30 p.m.
College men’s lacrosse
NCAA Championships
(at Lincoln Financial Field)
FOR LEAGUE-WIDE SCORES AND STANDINGS, CLICK ON THE LINKS UNDER THE “STANDINGS” HEADING IN THE SIDEBAR TO THE RIGHT, OR IN THE HEADING AT THE UPPER-RIGHT OF THIS PAGE