NEW YORK (AP) — Cam Schlittler has become an instant star for the New York Yankees, delivering a dominant performance against the rival Boston Red Sox in a playoff elimination game. The 24-year-old rookie pitched eight overpowering innings with 12 strikeouts and no walks as New York beat Boston 4-0, advancing to the Division Series against Toronto. Schlittler, who grew up a Red Sox fan in Massachusetts, prepared by speaking with Yankees great Andy Pettitte. Schlittler’s fastball reached 100 mph, and the right-hander struck out more batters than any other Yankees pitcher in a postseason debut. New York manager Aaron Boone praised Schlittler’s fearless approach.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Dillon Dingler grew up rooting for the Cleveland Guardians. But on Thursday, he sent them home. Playing in the ballpark where he attended many games as a youngster, the second-year catcher hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-3 victory over Cleveland in the decisive Game 3 of their AL Wild Card Series. Dingler also threw out José Ramírez trying to steal second at a pivotal juncture, helping the Tigers reach the Division Series for the second consecutive season. Dingler was raised about 55 miles from Cleveland in Massillon, Ohio. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch praised Dingler’s stability and presence for the team. The Tigers now prepare to face Seattle in a best-of-five Division Series starting Saturday.
CHICAGO (AP) — Dansby Swanson just kept making plays for the Chicago Cubs in the NL Wild Card Series. Grounders up the middle and in the hole. Soft liners and popups. The shortstop, a two-time Gold Glove winner, was in the right place every time. With Swanson leading the way, Chicago turned in another sharp defensive performance while eliminating San Diego with a clinching 3-1 victory on Thursday. In a three-game series that had only 11 runs, the Cubs won with their gloves more than their bats.
(Milwaukee, WI) — A 3-1 Cubs win over the San Diego Padres means the Brewers will meet their rivals in the National League Division Series starting Saturday. This is the third straight year of making it to the postseason for Milwaukee. The teams were nearly even during the regular season, with Chicago taking seven of the 13 games. Cy Young Award candidate Freddy Peralta will get the start for the Brewers to open the series.
Pregame at 12:30pm. First pitch at 1:08pm on AM1240 & 96.5FM
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Pitching generally has carried the Milwaukee Brewers as they’ve made their run of seven postseason appearances over the last eight years. This year, they might have the type of offense that can produce more playoff success. Milwaukee posted the best record in the major leagues this year while having the second-best earned run average. But the Brewers also scored 806 runs, their most since 1999, to rank third in the majors. They’ve done it without hitting many homers and instead relying on plate discipline and speed.
(Ann Arbor, MI) — The Badgers will try to take down heavily-favored Michigan Saturday in a Big Ten Conference game at the “Big House.” Wisconsin is a 17-and-a-half-point underdog. Coach Luke Fickell’s team has the top rushing defense in the country, allowing just 50 yards per game. The Wolverines are averaging more than 253 yards on the ground. Even though they are the underdogs, the Badgers have actually beaten Michigan six times in the last 10 meetings.
Pregame at 9am. Kickoff at 11am on 96.1FM
Two of the league’s least effective and most turnover-prone offenses through the first four weeks of this season will take the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the Minnesota Vikings play the Cleveland Browns. Both teams will face a daunting defense waiting on the other side. Neither the Vikings nor the Browns have used the same offensive line combination in any of their first four games. The Vikings are 2-2. They’ll give Carson Wentz his third start at quarterback in relief of the injured J.J. McCarthy. Rookie Dillon Gabriel takes over for Joe Flacco at quarterback for the 1-3 Browns.
Pregame at 7:30am. Kickoff at 8:30am on 99.1FM
(Green Bay, WI) — The Packers are using their bye week to clean up problems with special teams. Blocked kicks and penalties have been big problems in the first four games and the primary reason Green Bay hasn’t won since Week 2. Another problem is that the special teams haven’t provided any big plays. Matthew Golden is averaging just four-point-seven yards on six punt returns.
(Miami, FL) — The Bucks are moving their training camp work to Miami this week. Former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to join his teammates today (Friday). He’s missed time after testing positive for COVID while in Greece. Milwaukee has been doing its camp work at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center. The move to Miami comes as the team gets ready for its first preseason game against the Heat.
HSVB
Rice Lake 3, EC Memorial 1
HSFB tonight
Rice Lake vs River Falls on 96.1FM and the WJMC YouTube page.
Barron vs Spooner on 97.7FM
Cumberland vs St Croix Falls on 99.1FM
Pregame at 6:45pm. Kickoff at 7pm