Thursday 5/2
DETROIT (AP) — Scott Diamond pitched six solid innings, and the Minnesota Twins got to Anibal Sanchez early in a 6-2 win over Detroit on Wednesday that snapped the Tigers' five-game winning streak. Sanchez (3-2) was coming off a 17-strikeout performance against Atlanta, and he fanned five in the first two innings against the Twins — but Minnesota scored two runs in the first and another in the second. Diamond (2-2) didn't allow a hit until Jhonny Peralta's single in the fifth. The Tigers fought back after trailing 3-0, but reliever Bruce Rondon allowed two more runs in the seventh to make it 5-2. Chris Parmelee hit a solo homer in the eighth. Diamond allowed two runs and four hits and was pulled after 88 pitches.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Minnesota Wild got a terrific effort from goaltender Josh Harding. Ryan Suter helped Minnesota keep Chicago's high-powered attack in check, and the Wild still lost Game 1 to the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are so deep that it's tough to keep track of everyone. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville says his team's depth is a strength. Harding could be in the net again for Game 2 on Friday night at the United Center if Niklas Backstrom is out again with a leg injury.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings stocked up on defense during the draft. They still have two major unanswered questions, however. How will the leadership, toughness and tackling ability of departed cornerback Antoine Winfield be replaced? And will their new middle linebacker be reliable enough to stabilize and produce at this critical position? Erin Henderson took the first step toward answering the second one. Henderson said Wednesday at Winter Park he's been told by the coaches to prepare to move from the weak side spot to the middle. Henderson said he's added about 10 pounds as part of his transition process. His older brother, E.J. Henderson, was the primary middle linebacker for the Vikings during his career here from 2003 through 2011.
CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Feldman retired 18 straight on his way to his first career complete game and the Chicago Cubs took advantage of former No. 1 pick Andrew Cashner's wildness in a 6-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. Feldman (2-3) earned his second straight win, allowing two runs and three hits while walking one. After Chase Headley singled with two outs in the first, Feldman retired the next 18 batters. Feldman had 12 strikeouts to set a new career high. He also had an RBI double in the second to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead. Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with two runs scored for the Cubs. Cashner, making his first start against the team that made him its No. 1 pick in 2008, lasted four innings and gave up five runs, four earned.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — James Harden scored 31 points and sank seven 3-pointers while fighting through flu-like symptoms, and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-100 Wednesday night to pull within 3-2 in their first-round playoff series. Harden made the first seven 3s he tried and Houston led by as many as 16 before fending off a rally that Oklahoma City helped stymie with its own strategy. The Thunder, apparently doubting they could overcome an eight-point lead on their home court without Russell Westbrook, resorted to intentionally fouling Omer Asik — a 54 percent career foul shooter — with 5:33 to play. Asik went 8 for 12 from the line, extending Houston's lead to 101-92 with 3:53 remaining before Oklahoma City gave up the tactic. Kevin Durant finished with 36 points for Oklahoma City, which must now travel to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night.
DETROIT (AP) — Scott Diamond pitched six solid innings, and the Minnesota Twins got to Anibal Sanchez early in a 6-2 win over Detroit on Wednesday that snapped the Tigers' five-game winning streak. Sanchez (3-2) was coming off a 17-strikeout performance against Atlanta, and he fanned five in the first two innings against the Twins — but Minnesota scored two runs in the first and another in the second. Diamond (2-2) didn't allow a hit until Jhonny Peralta's single in the fifth. The Tigers fought back after trailing 3-0, but reliever Bruce Rondon allowed two more runs in the seventh to make it 5-2. Chris Parmelee hit a solo homer in the eighth. Diamond allowed two runs and four hits and was pulled after 88 pitches.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Minnesota Wild got a terrific effort from goaltender Josh Harding. Ryan Suter helped Minnesota keep Chicago's high-powered attack in check, and the Wild still lost Game 1 to the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are so deep that it's tough to keep track of everyone. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville says his team's depth is a strength. Harding could be in the net again for Game 2 on Friday night at the United Center if Niklas Backstrom is out again with a leg injury.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings stocked up on defense during the draft. They still have two major unanswered questions, however. How will the leadership, toughness and tackling ability of departed cornerback Antoine Winfield be replaced? And will their new middle linebacker be reliable enough to stabilize and produce at this critical position? Erin Henderson took the first step toward answering the second one. Henderson said Wednesday at Winter Park he's been told by the coaches to prepare to move from the weak side spot to the middle. Henderson said he's added about 10 pounds as part of his transition process. His older brother, E.J. Henderson, was the primary middle linebacker for the Vikings during his career here from 2003 through 2011.
CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Feldman retired 18 straight on his way to his first career complete game and the Chicago Cubs took advantage of former No. 1 pick Andrew Cashner's wildness in a 6-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. Feldman (2-3) earned his second straight win, allowing two runs and three hits while walking one. After Chase Headley singled with two outs in the first, Feldman retired the next 18 batters. Feldman had 12 strikeouts to set a new career high. He also had an RBI double in the second to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead. Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with two runs scored for the Cubs. Cashner, making his first start against the team that made him its No. 1 pick in 2008, lasted four innings and gave up five runs, four earned.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — James Harden scored 31 points and sank seven 3-pointers while fighting through flu-like symptoms, and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-100 Wednesday night to pull within 3-2 in their first-round playoff series. Harden made the first seven 3s he tried and Houston led by as many as 16 before fending off a rally that Oklahoma City helped stymie with its own strategy. The Thunder, apparently doubting they could overcome an eight-point lead on their home court without Russell Westbrook, resorted to intentionally fouling Omer Asik — a 54 percent career foul shooter — with 5:33 to play. Asik went 8 for 12 from the line, extending Houston's lead to 101-92 with 3:53 remaining before Oklahoma City gave up the tactic. Kevin Durant finished with 36 points for Oklahoma City, which must now travel to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
