MLB-ALL-STAR GAME
All-Star game tonight, weather permitting
CINCINNATI (AP) — The major league All-Star game is scheduled for tonight in Cincinnati, where King Felix and Prince Fielder visit the Queen City.
Fielder and Felix Hernandez are part of an American League squad seeking its third straight victory in the midsummer classic. The AL knocked off the National League 5-3 at Minnesota’s Target Field last year, but the NL leads the overall series 43-40-2.
This is the first time the All-Star game has been held in Cincinnati since 1988, when the AL beat the NL 2-1. Cincinnati also hosted the All-Star game in 1938, 1953 and 1970.
The weather forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day and night, prompting officials to prepare for the possibility of a one-day postponement. MLB hasn’t postponed an All-Star game because of rain since 1969 at Washington’s RFK Stadium, which is also the last time the game wasn’t played in prime time.
National League manager Bruce Bochy (BOH’-chee) has chosen Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke (GREHN’-kee) to throw the game’s first pitch. Greinke is 8-2 with a major league-best 1.39 ERA.
American League skipper Ned Yost will counter with Houston lefty Dallas Kuechel (KY’-kul), who is 11-4 with a 2.23 ERA.
Angels center fielder Mike Trout will lead off the game. Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson bats second, followed by Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (POO’-hohlz), Mariners DH Nelson Cruz and Royals right fielder Lorenzo Cain. Orioles left fielder Adam Jones hits sixth, ahead of Royals catcher Salvador Perez, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (al-TOO’-vay) and Royals shortstop Alcides (al-SEE’-dehs) Escobar.
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen leads off for the Senior Circuit, followed by Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Diamondbacks first sacker Paul Goldschmidt. Giants catcher Buster Posey hits fifth and Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo bats sixth as the designated hitter. Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta (JAH’-nee peh-RAHL’-tah), Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson and Rockies second baseman D.J. LeMahieu (leh-MAY’-hyoo) round out the NL lineup.
SOCCER-GOLD CUP
Gold Cup continues
TORONTO (AP) — Soccer’s Gold Cup continues today in Toronto with the completion of the Group B matchups. It’s the only group in which no team has clinched a berth in the quarterfinals.
Jamaica leads the group at 1-0-1 heading into its match against El Salvador, which has tied its two matches. Canada and Costa Rica square off in the second game. Costa Rica has earned two draws, while Canada is 0-1-1.
The Group C schedule will be completed tomorrow. The quarterfinals begin Saturday.
