MLB-SCHEDULE
Streaking Cubs open series with Indians
CHICAGO (AP) β Fresh off a four-game sweep of Atlanta, the surging Cubs try to continue their power-packed winning ways when they open a home series against Cleveland this afternoon.
Chicago has won 13 of its last 16 games to vault into firm control of the second NL wildcard spot. They enter today’s play with a six-game lead over the Giants in the post-season race. Chicago belted 12 home runs in the Braves series, including nine in the last two games.
Hard-charging Pittsburgh travels to Miami to open a four-game series tonight. The Pirates have won 56 of their last 82 games to pull to within 3 1-2 games of St. Louis for the NL Central lead. In the meantime, the Pirates have moved firmly into the first wildcard spot.
The Cardinals open a series at Arizona. Right-hander Lance Lynn will be looking to earn his tenth win for the fourth straight season.
Jacob deGrom looks to continue his effective pitching when he starts for the Mets tonight at Philadelphia. The right-hander is 12-6 with a 1.98 ERA that is second best in the majors. DeGrom is 9-2 in his last 16 starts with a 1.44 ERA.
Houston heads into New York to face the Yankees tonight. The AL West leading Astros enter the game coming off a three-game sweep of the Dodgers, in which they limited the NL West leaders to just three runs. The Yankees have fallen a half-game back of Toronto for the AL East lead. They turn to Nathan Eovaldi (ee-oh-VAWL’-dee) who takes a 13-2 mark into the game and has won eight straight decisions. The Blue Jays have the day off.
There are ten games on the Monday major league schedule.
NFL-PRESEASON
Winston to start for Bucs
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) β No. 1 overall pick Jameis (JAY’-mihs) Winston gets his second preseason start at quarterback when Tampa Bay host Cincinnati tonight. Coach Lovie Smith is expected to play his starters for at least a quarter, although Winton could get a little more work. In his exhibition debut against Minnesota, Winston completed seven of 15 passes for 117 yards and the one interception while rushing four times for 18 yards and the a touchdown.
NFL-BROWNS-MANZIEL
Manziel limited at practice
BEREA, Ohio (AP) β Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (man-ZEHL’) is not throwing during practice because of a sore right elbow that has bothered him for two weeks.
After ending his workout early on Sunday, Manziel was on the field today. But, he has only handed off the ball and watched from the side as quarterbacks Josh McCown and Thad Lewis threw.
Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo says he’s not concerned about Manziel’s elbow injury being a long-term condition and chalks up the issue to “wear and tear.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL-FLORIDA STATE-COOK
Trail FSU running back starts
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) β The trial for suspended Florida State running back Dalvin Cook on charges that he punched a woman in the face outside a downtown bar has begun.
Cook is charged with misdemeanor battery. He ran for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman in 2014.
The 20-year-old Miami native has been suspended indefinitely from the tenth-ranked Seminoles pending the outcome of the case.
INDYCAR-WILSON INJURED
Driver in critical condition.
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) β IndyCar driver Justin Wilson remains in a coma and in critical condition following an accident at Pocono on Sunday. The 37-year-old was struck in the head by a flying piece of another car and had to be airlifted to a hospital.
