The World Baseball Classic is off and running. Round 1 games got under way yesterday in Pools C & D, and the biggest surprise to most was Italy’s dramatic come-from-behind win over Mexico, 6-5. The Dominican Republic got a monster home run from our old friend Hanley Ramirez and a two-run double from Robinson Cano to defeat Venezuela 6-3. The Netherlands continued their mastery over Cuba, defeating them 6-2 in their second round battle. Cuba is in the loser’s bracket, and will will next face Taiwan in an elimination game tomorrow, with the loser going home. Taiwan had a 2-0 lead in the eight inning against Japan, took a 3-2 lead into the ninth, and lost it in the 10th, 4-3. In the rest of the schedule for today, all first round games, Canada faces Italy at 2:00 pm, and Spain squares off against Puerto Rico at 5:30 pm. The US team makes its debut tonight at 9:00 pm against Mexico. All of these games will be broadcast on MLB-TV and ESPN Deportes.
Here is MLB.com’s coverage of the classic:
In Major League exhibition baseball yesterday, the Mets defeated 4-1. Mets starter Matt Harvey was nearly perfect for 4 1/3 innings, his only baserunner reaching on an error. Ricky Nolasco was almost as good, allowing 1 earned run and three hits in his 3 2/3 innings of work, while striking out six batters. The Fish face the Yankees tonight at Jupiter. Nathan Eovaldi will start on the mound for Miami. Game time against the Yankees is 1:05 pm.
Here are all the scores from yesterday’s spring training games. You can “click” on the box scores and the recap under each individual game’s line score.
Mariano Rivera will officially announce tomorrow that this season will be his last in the major leagues. One of the greatest Yankees ever. and Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post share their thoughts.
Joel Sherman from the New York Post: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/mo_greatness_something_to_behold_OxD7Sa8gmD3WTQbYEYAHvL
Mike Vaccaro, also from the New York Post:
Mike Lupica of the NY Daily News chimes in as well:
TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: I am 100% sure that I am correct in saying that Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer of all time. I am a master of the obvious. Who did Mariano replace as the Yankee closer? Tell you later, alligator.
The Miami Heat will try to extend the longest winning streak in their history to seventeen games tonight, when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers at the AAA. This is the second of four meetings between these two teams, Miami beat Philadelphia easily, 114-90 at Philadelphia two weeks ago, and the Heat have won the last 12 games against the 76ers. They need an easy game tonight, especially after leading the Orlando Magic by 20 points in the third quarter in their last game, but ended up needing heroics from LeBron James with the game winning basket with less than three seconds left. On Sunday, the Indiana Pacers will come calling, and they have beaten Miami both times they’ve played this season. Game time tonight is 8:00 pm, on Sunday tipoff is at 6:00 pm. Both of those games will be televised by Sun Sports, and the Sunday game will be simulcast nationally by NBA-TV.
In the NBA yesterday,
Oklahoma City 95 New York 94
Kevin Durant’s go-ahead free throws with just over 1:30 left in the game decided the hard-fought contest. Durant finished with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and six assists. Russell Westbrook added 21 points, 6 rebounds, and five assists. The Knicks were again playing without Carmelo Anthony due to a knee injury.
Denver 107 LA Clippers 92
Ty Lawson outplayed Chris Paul yesterday in Denver. Lawson finished with 21 points and 11 assists and did not commit any turnovers. Danilo Gallinari chipped in with 20 points for the Nuggets in the win.
TONIGHT IN THE NBA:
Philadelphia @ Miami 8:00 pm Sun Sports
Oklahoma City @ Charlotte 7:00 pm
Indiana @ Orlando 7:00 pm
Washington @ Brooklyn 7:30 pm
Dallas @ Detroit 7:30 pm
Memphis @ Cleveland 7:30 pm
Atlanta @ Boston 8:00 pm ESPN
Utah @ Chicago 8:00 pm
Portland @ San Antonio 8:30 pm
Phoenix @ Sacramento 10:00 pm
Toronto @ LA Lakers 10:30 pm
Houston @ Golden State 10:30 pm ESPN
In college hoops, the #6 University of Miami Hurricanes face the Clemson Tigers tomorrow at 2:30 pm at the BankUnited Center in their last regular season game of the season. Miami can clinch their first conference championship in basketball in their history with a win. Next up for the Canes will be the ACC tournament, where they are the top seed.
The FIU Panthers are in Hot Springs, Arkansas, ready to take on Arkansas-Little Rock in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Game time tomorrow is 8:00 pm.
In college baseball, the University of Miami hosts Duke this weekend for a three-game series at A-Rod field at Mark Light Stadium. Meanwhile, FIU will entertain perennial powerhouse Rice at FIU Baseball Stadium.
It’s official. Brian Hartline and the Dolphins reached agreement on a new deal. Here’s the Miami Herald story:
In other Dolphin news, the Dolphins and backup quarterback Matt Moore have agreed to terms on a new contract. Excellent move by the Dolphins.
THE ANSWER TO TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: I am 100% sure that I am correct in saying that Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer of all time. I am a master of the obvious. Who did Mariano replace as the Yankee closer?
John Wetteland was the Yankee closer in 1996, Mariano’s first full year in the Bronx. Joe Torre made the move to Rivera after the 1996 World Series championship. After Mariano’s major league record 608 saves (and counting) in pinstripes, I’ll go out on a limb and say that it was a very good move by Torre.
Don’t miss my two “Descarga Deportiva” segments (for the Spanish-challenged, “Sports Jam Session”) every day, Monday through Friday, at 9:25 am and 12:15 pm on Radio Esperanza, 1550 AM or on the internet on www.miradioesperanza.com.
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Behave yourselves, and always remember that tomorrow will bring us a brand new day. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
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