Junior Kevin Zullo took care of the latter part, throwing all seven innings and not allowing an earned run.

Highland’s only scoring came in the fourth inning and with the bases loaded and two out. A hard-hit ground ball went under the glove of an infielder on the left side and allowed two runs to score.

On offense, the Explorers stole five bases and scored all three runs thanks to bunts. The third, and decisive, run came on a safety squeeze.

In the bottom of the fourth, Hudson catcher Alex Tench singled to right field, stole second base and advanced to third on a ground ball to the right side. The safety squeeze involves a big secondary lead but the runner waits until the bunted ball is on the ground before breaking for home. Senior Alex Agra laid down a perfectly placed bunt and took the sacrifice part out of it by reaching base for a hit.

“We work on bunting, we work on hitting, it’s worked,” Dice said, when asked if his players like the small-ball techniques. “Ask them, they like winning.”

Hudson will play Brunswick in the district final at 2 p.m. today.

Brunswick 7, Twinsburg 1

Before Brunswick senior Gerry Salsbury would allow his teammates to look ahead to their senior prom Friday night, he wanted to make sure their heads were at the Ballpark at Hudson.

That’s where Brunswick faced Twinsburg in a Division I district semifinal, and that’s where Salsbury was true to his word, shutting the Tigers down in a 7-1 win on a cold day.

“We told all our seniors, look, take care of business here and then we can go have fun,” Salsbury said. “This game comes first.”

Salsbury threw all seven innings. He allowed five hits and one run and struck out seven.

Twinsburg took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but Brunswick answered with three runs in the second and two in the third, allowing Salsbury to cruise the rest of the way.

“[I was able to] settle into the zone and get into it,” he said. “And realize that these guys have my back and we can go play ball now. ... Quite honest with ya, I didn’t have my best stuff. I was struggling to find my fastball. But I battled through it and got through the game.”

The Blue Devils brought two runs home on an error in the second inning to grab their first lead. A third run scored that inning on senior Kyle Burson’s single to make it 3-1. In the third, senior Kyle Wheeler and sophomore Gary Clift each scored thanks to singles up the middle and some heads-up base running. Each scored from second on infield hits after hard turns at third base. Burson later singled in a run to cap the scoring in the fifth inning.

Brunswick had previously held a knack for slumping offensively when Salsbury took the mound. Friday’s game made up for it.

“These guys actually owed me a couple,” he said. “They liked to put up one-run performances when I go out there to pitch, so they really owed me one. I’m real happy the way they came out and swung the bats today; it was huge.”

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the high school blog at http://www.ohio.com/preps. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

The Red Sox set the stage for an 8-1 victory with a three-run second inning, continued with a run in the sixth and then piled on with a four-run seventh inning against three Indians pitchers.

The Red Sox got their first five runs against Indians starter Justin Masterson, who started the rainy night with a 20-inning scoreless streak. Masterson gave up five runs in six-plus innings, allowing six hits, a walk and striking out five.

Meanwhile, Red Sox veteran John Lackey carved up the Indians the way Masterson has done to a majority of his opponents this season. In seven solid innings, Lackey held the Tribe to an unearned run in the third inning on two singles. After that, he did not allow a hit and went on to rack up eight strikeouts.

Indians manager Terry Francona was impressed with Lackey’s effort under difficult conditions.

“I thought he was good,” Francona said. “He had velocity, he ended up throwing that cutter very effectively and kind of ran it in on our lefties. Then as he got more successful with it, he started bringing it off the plate a little bit and opened up the rest of the plate.”

The Red Sox struck first in the bottom of the second inning against Masterson with a three-run home run to right field by left fielder Mike Carp, whose blast snapped an 0-for-21 slump.

“I hung a slider to Carp and he crushed it for a three-run home run, but I tried to keep battling,” Masterson said. “Then we got ourselves into a little more trouble later.”

The Indians scored an unearned run in the third inning. Third baseman Mark Reynolds led off with a single, advanced to second on left fielder Michael Brantley’s single, stole third base and scored on Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s throwing error on the steal attempt.

Masterson and Lackey (3-4, 2.72 ERA) swapped zeros for the next couple of innings until Masterson found himself in a one-out jam in the bottom of the sixth inning.

After striking out Jacoby Ellsbury to start the inning, Masterson hit Daniel Nova with a pitch, then gave up back-to-back singles to second baseman Dustin Pedroia and designated hitter David Ortiz to load the bases.

After Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway jogged to the mound to offer a little advice, Masterson induced first baseman Mike Napoli to hit a grounder that turned into a run-scoring fielder’s choice when Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis’ throw pulled first baseman Nick Swisher off the bag.

The run pushed the lead to 4-1, but Pedroia got a little greedy and attempted to score from second base as Swisher tried to tag out Napoli after leaping for Kipnis’ high throw.

Swisher recovered quickly enough to throw home, and catcher Carlos Santana easily tagged out Pedroia.

Left-hander Rich Hill replaced Masterson one batter into the seventh inning following a Saltalamacchia double that sailed over Michael Bourn’s head and bounced off the center-field wall. But Hill hit pinch-hitter Jonny Gomes and then with one out, loaded the bases on second baseman Jose Iglesias’ single.

Ellsbury also got to the rattled Hill as he singled past a diving Swisher to drive in two runs to increase the lead to 6-1.

Hill recovered to retire Nava but was then replaced by former Red Sox pitcher Matt Albers, who was treated to a loud round of applause when he reached the mound. Albers gave up a two-run single to Pedroia that made it 8-1 before finally getting out of the inning in which the Red Sox batted around.

Masterson (7-3, 3.20 ERA) struggled with his consistency.

“This is probably the first time I didn’t feel the greatest as far as I was hanging a lot of sliders, wasn’t getting through a lot of pitches like I want to,” he said. “If I didn’t hang a slider, I was hitting someone in the back foot with it. I got into some bad counts and didn’t feel as good as I would have liked to.”

He would not blame the rain for his struggles.

“I don’t know, I didn’t feel like I had a good whip and so everything felt like I was just pushing it to the plate,” Masterson said.

Francona just called it a difficult game and did not want to dwell on the loss.

“The conditions made it a tough night but both play in it, so it’s a better night if you’re winning,” he said. “Regardless of what happens, tonight’s game can have no bearing on tomorrow. That’s what we’ll do.”

Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at http://www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SStormABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

Cuyahoga Falls senior Nicole Waibel and junior Nicole Rozsa went 1-2 in the pole vault to get one step closer to the state meet.

Waibel set a meet record with a vault of 11 feet, 6 inches. Rozsa finished at 11-0.

The top four in each event advance to the regional meet next week at Austintown Fitch.

“She definitely pushes me to expect more out of myself,” Waibel said of Rozsa. “It is nice having someone on the same team who goes the same height as you, because it always helps push you and makes you want to work harder.”

Waibel also placed third in the 300-meter hurdles in 47.39 seconds.

“I made it out to regional in both of my events, so I am pretty proud of myself because that was the goal,” Waibel said.

Waibel holds the school record in the pole vault at 12-4½. She tied for fifth at the state outdoor meet last year and was second at this year’s state indoor meet.

Rozsa placed fourth at the state outdoor meet last year and was tied for third at this year’s state indoor meet.

“It really motivates me to do better having her with me,” Rozsa said. “It is cool to have a teammate with you and to make it as far as we have. We both push each other every day.”

Rozsa has already qualified for state meets in gymnastics, diving and indoor track and field this school year.

Solon won the district team titles for each gender. The Comets scored 165 points on the boys side, which featured 16 teams, and scored 136 points to top the 17-school girls field.

The Stow girls placed second with 76⅓ points. Cuyahoga Falls (58½), Nordonia (53) and Wadsworth (46) rounded out the top five.

The Nordonia boys took second with 69 points. Walsh Jesuit (63), Wadsworth (60) and Twinsburg (57) rounded out the top five.

Other first-place girls

Nordonia senior Taylor McDonald ran to firsts in the 100 hurdles (14.87) and the 300 hurdles (45.32).

Firestone freshman Te-Shell Thomas won the 400 in 59.3 seconds.

“This feels great,” Thomas said. “I have been to [the Amateur Athletic Union] national where it is the junior Olympics. This is something different, but it is not too much for me. I have been through big meets before. I get nervous, but I try to keep a level head. I don’t get cocky. I just stay humble. I am happy to be here. I am excited to move forward.”

Twinsburg won the 400 relay in 50.19 seconds. The unit consisted of freshman Lauren McKinley, junior Brianna Lawson, senior Jordan Laley and senior Taylor Ware.

Stow senior Abbie Lawson won the high jump with 5-1.

Wadsworth won the 1,600 relay. Juniors Courtney Palange, Leah Runkle and Sarah Berger joined senior Michalla Gordon to clock a 3:57.91.

First-place boys

Nordonia won the 800 relay in a time of 1:29.80. The unit was made up of sophomore Denzel Ward, junior Brandon Truett, junior Sterling Brabson and junior Jordan Nobles.

Ward also won the long jump in 22-2¾.

Twinsburg junior Garrett Crichlow won the 1,600 in 4:13.57. He also anchored the victorious 3,200 relay in 8:00.41. Senior Ryan Scanlon, senior Tommy King and junior Nick Schank ran the first three legs. Tigers senior Eric Moorer won the high jump in 6-4.

Two Stow seniors won events, Keith Philpot in the 400 (50.89) and Paul Lovell in the 800 (1:55.85).

Cuyahoga Falls senior Chris Harris won the 300 hurdles in 39.07.

“I am very, very happy to advance to regional,” Harris said. “I made it to regional last year in the 300 hurdles too. Last year, I did the 300 hurdles, the 100 and the 4x100 [relay]. I was focused on more events. Now, that I am doing one event I just focus on it.”

Second-place girls

Cuyahoga Falls had four athletes place second: Rozsa, senior Erica King (discus, 131-1), sophomore Ashley Krieger (400, 1:00.02) and junior Maddie Ziccardi (shot put, 36-4).

Stow had three place second: junior Ashley Pryce (100 hurdles, 14.99), sophomore Sam Shaver (100, 12.37) and senior Abbie Lawson (300 hurdles, 45.83).

Other girls that took second were Walsh Jesuit junior Melinda Renuart (1,600, 5:06.91), Twinsburg junior Brianna Lawson (200, 25.53) and Cloverleaf junior Ashley Murray (3,200, 11:14.48).

Second-place boys

Three Wadsworth athletes placed second: junior Ryan Looser (110 hurdles, 14.9), junior Hunter Williams (200, 22.52) and senior Nick Seme (discus, 164-8).

Other seconds went to Walsh Jesuit seniors Russell Platt III (high jump, 6-2) and Gabriel Heydinger (shot put, 50-6½), Revere junior Andrew Robinson (400, 50.93) and Hudson senior Zach Teed (3,200, 9:35.8).

Michael Beaven can be reached at 330-996-3829 or mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the high school blog at http://www.ohio.com/preps. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MBeavenABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

Roy Hibbert scored 29 points, West knocked away two passes by LeBron James for huge turnovers in the final minute, and the Pacers evened the East title series with a 97-93 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the series on Friday night.

Paul George scored 22 points, George Hill added 18 and West finished with 13 for the Pacers, who handed the Heat just their fourth loss in their last 50 games.

The series resumes with Game 3 on Sunday night in Indianapolis.

James scored 36 points for the Heat, who got 17 points from Chris Bosh and 14 from Dwyane Wade. The Heat led 88-84 in the fourth quarter, then were outscored 13-5 the rest of the way.

And West was the biggest reason.

With the Pacers ahead 95-93, West intercepted a pass that James was throwing to Ray Allen with 43 seconds left, but the Pacers didn’t even get a shot off on the ensuing possession. In fact, the Pacers might have gotten a bit lucky that the shot clock expired with the ball rolling around — if Wade had collected the ball in time, he had Mario Chalmers all alone at the other end in position to almost certainly tie the game.

On the next Heat possession, James drove to the right block, spun and tried passing out toward the perimeter.

He released the ball, and West got his right hand on it to knock it off-course. Immediately afterward, West took that same hand and extended it skyward in celebration.

The Pacers — just as they did in the second-round series last year — knew they were winning Game 2 in Miami. Hill made two free throws with 8.3 seconds left to clinch it, and just like that, Miami’s home-court advantage was gone.

Lance Stephenson scored 10 for the Pacers.

The Heat trailed for virtually all of the game’s first 30 minutes, then tied the game three times in the third quarter — but Indiana always had a response. When the game was tied at 60, the Pacers scored seven of the next 10 points. Tied at 67, George quickly had a layup to put the Pacers back on top. Tied at 69, George struck again, this time with a jumper.

With 5.1 seconds left in the third, George drove the lane and finished a highlight-reel dunk over the Heat’s Chris Andersen while getting fouled, the free throw putting the Pacers ahead by five. James connected on a long 3-pointer to close the quarter, then he and George exchanged a few words afterward and slapped each other’s hand as if to say, “here we go.”

Sure enough, the show was just getting started.

Hibbert was creating one problem after another for the Heat, so James took it upon himself to find a solution in the fourth. And with about 8 minutes left, he swatted a putback attempt away from the 7-foot-2 Indiana center, starting a play that ended with Chalmers scoring at the other end to give the Heat an 85-84 lead.

On the next possession, James tied up a rebound with Hibbert, then won the ensuing jump ball. Not long afterward, Bosh made a 3-pointer and the Heat’s lead was up to 88-84 — its biggest of the night.

The Pacers scored the next five points to reclaim the lead. James’ three-point play with 3:32 left put the Heat on top 91-89, and Hibbert answered that with a jump hook over the reigning MVP to tie the game for the 10th time.

Allen fined for flop

The NBA has fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen $5,000 for violating the league’s anti-flopping rule during Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

Officials called a flagrant foul on Manu Ginobili for grabbing Allen’s arm as the Grizzlies guard drove to the basket with 26.1 seconds left in regulation Tuesday night. Allen hit the court and rolled over, holding his hands to his head. Replay showed the Grizzlies guard never hit his head on the court.

Raptors pursue Ujiri

The Denver Nuggets are letting General Manager Masai Ujiri, the NBA’s Executive of the Year, meet with the Toronto Raptors about their GM vacancy, Yahoo Sports is reporting.

No fire. No pep. A lack of fundamentals. It began with a 10:40 a.m. first pitch, and the Golden Flashes played as if they were sleepwalking.

“They have a decision to make,” Stricklin said. “They can either quit or they can compete. We have to win four games now. We have to win four games to win this championship. It’s their decision. We’ll find out what kind of team we are.”

Apparently his team got the message as the Flashes (36-22) drubbed Miami 7-0 in their second game of the day.

Starter Casey Wilson pitched a shutout — the first of his career. He scattered eight hits and gave up one walk, never really having to endure a serious threat from the RedHawks (26-30).

“A complete-game shutout, you can’t ask anything more of him,” Stricklin said. “That’s what we needed to get through tomorrow.”

Wilson’s effort saved the team’s bullpen in case it’s called upon today, when the Flashes face the possibility of playing two games to return to the championship game.

“Coach Strick said that he needed someone to step up to try to save our bullpen,” Wilson said. “I guess it was me and it feels really good. It’s a pretty huge deal to be able to save our bullpen like that.”

Because of Wilson, the Golden Flashes needed just the lone run they received when second baseman Derek Toadvine scored in the first inning on a single by first baseman George Roberts, offering a possible awakening from their early morning malaise.

If that didn’t, the third inning certainly offered some proof.

The inning opened with the Flashes slapping three consecutive hits. Toadvine, who served as KSU’s spark, and shortstop Sawyer Polen started it with singles. Then center fielder Evan Campbell brought Toadvine home.

The Flashes were far from done. With a little help from RedHawks starting pitcher Nathan Williams, KSU loaded the bases. Williams’ second walk of the inning brought Polen home for a 3-0 score. Consecutive singles from right fielder T.J. Sutton and catcher Justin Wagler scored three more runs and completed scoring in the inning before a double play ended the rally with KSU ahead 6-0.

“It was encouraging to see us hit like that,” Stricklin said. “It’s frustrating when you watched it in the morning and it’s not there and then all of a sudden it’s there. That’s the way baseball is and we just have to put that behind us.”

Much credit goes to Toadvine, who went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and three stolen bases for the game.

“He’s the key to our offense,” Stricklin said. “When he gets on, he puts pressure on people.”

One remnant from the second-round loss remains — three games remain before the Flashes can call themselves MAC Tournament champs again, and Stricklin knows what’s needed to get there.

“Getting yourself into the losers’ bracket in this tournament is tough,” Stricklin said, “and the only way you’re going to get yourself out of it is if you get great pitching performances.”

George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at http://www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

The Browns picked Gilkey in the seventh round (No. 227 overall) of this year’s draft. He started 34 of the 37 games in which he appeared at Chadron State University, where he played left tackle. He received All-America honors and was one of three Division II players invited to the Senior Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Gilkey has been working at guard with the Browns during organized team activities.

Gilkey is the second member of this year’s draft class to sign his rookie contract with the Browns. Former Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, a sixth-round pick, also signed a four-year deal with the team this week.

Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (first round), cornerback Leon McFadden (third round) and defensive end Armonty Bryant (seventh round) have yet to sign.

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ.

As for participating in the race again, that’s a different story.

Patrick, who first earned her popularity in open-wheel racing, said her focus is on the Sprint Cup series, and the chances of her running at the Indy 500 become “less and less likely with each passing year.”

“Each year my desire to race there is less and less and my apprehension grows higher and higher,” Patrick told the Associated Press earlier this week.

Patrick said she briefly contemplated pulling “double duty” this year and racing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Coca 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day just as her current team owner Tony Stewart has done in the past.

But Patrick thought better of the idea.

“I thought this year was going to happen, but it’s just not going to be helpful for my Cup career,” said Patrick, who has run the Indy 500 seven times. “And at the end of the day that’s the most important thing.”

Patrick’s history in IndyCar is well known, and she did well at the Indy 500, too. She qualified fourth in 2005, eventually led 29 laps during her open-wheel career and finished third in 2009 after challenging for the win.

Patrick now wants her attention on getting better at NASCAR racing.

In her first full season on the Sprint Cup series, Patrick ranks 28th in the point standings with only one top-10 finish, that being an eighth-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500. She’s finished 25th or worse in nine of the 11 Sprint Cup point races this season.

Stewart thinks the idea of Patrick focusing on NASCAR is a good idea.

“It makes for a very, very long day,” said Stewart, who pulled double duty in 1999 and 2001. “When you’re done with the 600, after running Indy and the flight and helicopter rides and police escorts and all that during the day, you’re very, very content to lay your head on a pillow. And even when you do that, it still feels like it’s not stopped moving, yet.”

Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles of the two races in the same day, accomplishing that feat in 2001. That came two years after Stewart’s first attempt at the double — one which he admitted he wasn’t properly prepared to handle and didn’t turn out so well.

“The first year we were so worried about dehydration that I drank and I drank and I drank and I drank,” Stewart said. “I just never ate enough solid, nutritious food the night before. And the day of the race, I wasn’t hungry because I was drinking so much to try to ensure that I was being hydrated. I got my body so out of whack that, by the time the 600 was done in Charlotte, I’d had enough.”

Patrick spent last weekend tuned into qualifying at the Indy 500 and her eyes light up she talks about the Brickyard.

“I love that event,” Patrick said. “Having social media allows you to see what’s going on much more these days. I watched qualifying last weekend and I’m definitely going to be watching on race day.”

She said one of the drivers she’ll be rooting for is James Hinchcliffe, who is sponsored by the same company as Patrick.

“There is a Go Daddy car out there and their business is doing well that’s a good thing for me, too,” Patrick said. “But I feel like by the end of the race I’ll be pulling for someone. I just don’t know who that’s going to be yet. But I’m anxious for the race.”

Sato pulled out of line, dipped inside of Dario Franchitti and tried to pounce as they headed into the first turn. Scott Dixon watched and waited from third, figuring he was now in position to slingshot past both for the victory.

Instead, Sato and Franchitti nearly touched. Sato spun out and into the wall and Franchitti zipped to his third victory in one of the most dramatic Indianapolis 500 finishes in memory. Some even argued it was one of the greatest Indy 500s ever.

It sure won’t be easy to top on Sunday.

“I got a lot of comments from drivers in NASCAR and Formula One saying it was the best 500 they’d ever seen,” Franchitti said. “But I think this year will also be a very, close exciting race.”

The bar was certainly raised at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year with 34 lead changes, passing throughout the field, Franchitti rallying from the back to win and three of the late Dan Wheldon’s closest friends sweeping the podium. So perfect it could have been a Hollywood movie script.

But the IndyCar Series has given every indication this season that Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway could be another thriller.

The series is off to a terrific start this year with three winners in the first four races, and for the first time since 1991 none of the winners drive for the mighty Penske Racing or Chip Ganassi Racing teams. Instead, it’s been three wins for resurgent Andretti Autosport and one for A.J. Foyt Racing, which celebrated Sato becoming the first Japanese driver to win an IndyCar race.

So steady this season, Sato goes into Sunday as the series points leader. And he’ll start from the sixth row — right next to Franchitti and Dixon.

Sato, who calls last year’s race “an unforgettable day,” has the chance to give Foyt his first Indy 500 victory since Kenny Brack in 1999. Sato’s win at Long Beach last month was the first for the Foyt organization since 2002.

“We’re here for it. We are here aiming to win the 500, so there is no reason why we cannot,” Sato said. “Winning, I was so close last year. Knowing that now, how to get there, what you need there, so it’s been a tremendous experience last year to hopefully I can translate it to... this year’s performance.”

The field is stacked, though, and has two drivers trying to join the exclusive club of four-time winners. Franchitti and Helio Castroneves are each vying to join Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears as the only four-time winners of the Indy 500, a feat that’s not been done since Mears’ 1991 victory.

“What an incredible opportunity for the fans to have not only one, but two guys trying to make history,” Castroneves said. “Forget about the names, forget about who it is. But imagine people who didn’t even see the last time when the guy won four times.”

They’ve got five Andretti Autosport cars standing in their way and two of them start from the front row. Carlos Munoz, a 21-year-old Colombian making his IndyCar debut, will start second alongside Marco Andretti, who is once again considered a favorite but must overcome a curse that has limited his famous family to one win — Mario Andretti in 1969 — in 80 starts.

Andretti feels far more comfortable about his chances this year than he did last season, when he called the race “mine to lose.” Graham Rahal, the other half of the closest rivalry in the mild-mannered series, doesn’t consider his nemesis the favorite.

“Do I think it’s Marco’s race? No. Marco hasn’t led in the pack all week,” Rahal said.

Instead, Rahal thinks everybody is overlooking AJ Allmendinger, who will make his Indianapolis 500 debut seven years after he left open-wheel racing for NASCAR. A failed drug test cost him his NASCAR ride last summer with Roger Penske, but the team owner has given him a second chance with this IndyCar opportunity.

Allmendinger has been fast at Indy — so good that struggling teammate Will Power used his setup in qualifying. Power said Allmendinger has the best car in traffic of all three Penske entries. Named after Foyt, his father’s favorite driver, Allmendinger could complete his comeback Sunday.

Allmendinger is one of 11 American drivers in the field of 33 — there are also a record-tying four women — and leading the red, white and blue charge is local boy Ed Carpenter, the only owner-driver in the field.

Carpenter, the stepson of IndyCar Series founder Tony George, is a graduate of Butler and a die-hard Indiana Pacers fan and the surprise pole-winner for the Indy 500.

“I don’t feel the pressure,” he said. “As far as the local fan base and support, it’s fun. I don’t think that translates into pressure.”

Tigers 6, Twins 0 — Anibal Sanchez took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Minnesota’s Joe Mauer broke it up with a one-out single, and that was the only hit the Detroit right-hander allowed in the host Tigers’ victory. Sanchez fell two outs shy of his second career no-hitter, but thanks to Mauer it was just another near miss this season. It was Sanchez’s second gem in about a month — he set a franchise record with 17 strikeouts in eight marvelous innings against Atlanta on April 26. Sanchez (5-4) struck out 12 and allowed three walks. Mauer lined a clean hit up the middle.

Yankees 9, Rays 4 — Brett Gardner, Lyle Overbay and Jayson Nix each drove in two runs to lift the visiting New York Yankees. Gardner made it 5-0 with a two-run homer off Roberto Hernandez (2-5) during the fourth. The Yankees took a 3-0 lead in the second on Overbay’s two-run double and an RBI single by Nix. David Phelps (3-2) retired his first 13 batters before James Loney hit a one-out double in the fifth.

Angels 5, Royals 2 — Mike Trout had his 21st multi-hit game, Jason Vargas pitched into the eighth inning and the visiting Los Angeles Angels extended their winning streak to six games. Trout had two hits, stole his 11th base and scored two runs, including one on a wild pitch. Vargas (4-3) allowed two runs and five hits over 7⅓ innings to win his fourth decision in a row.

Orioles 10, Blue Jays 6 — Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 16th home run and Nick Markakis had three hits and three RBI to power the visiting Baltimore Orioles. J.J. Hardy, Danny Valencia and Adam Jones all went deep as the Orioles matched a season high in runs and set a season high with four home runs.

Athletics 6, Astros 5 — Chris Young connected on a three-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the visiting Oakland Athletics. The A’s trailed 5-3 before closer Jose Veras (0-3) walked two of the first three batters of the inning to set the table for Young. He turned on a curveball to put Oakland ahead by a run.

Friday’s National League results

Nationals 5, Phillies 2 — Jordan Zimmermann became the National League’s first eight-game winner, and the Washington Nationals followed a calamitous road trip with a winning start to a homestand. Zimmermann (8-2) allowed two runs and six hits with no walks over seven innings. The Nationals scored their most runs in a week, and they got four or more in the same inning for the first time in almost a month.

Reds 7, Cubs 4 — Joey Votto extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a homer, and Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips also homered to power the host Cincinnati Reds to their fourth win in a row. Votto and Hanigan homered in the fourth inning off Scott Feldman (4-4). Phillips connected off Hector Rondon in the eighth. Bronson Arroyo (5-4) gave up three runs in six innings, including Feldman’s first career homer.

Brewers 2, Pirates 1 — Marco Estrada gave up one run over seven innings and Alex Gonzalez had a two-run double to lead the host Milwaukee Brewers. Estrada (4-2) retired the first 14 Pittsburgh batters he faced before a two-out bloop single to left field by Neil Walker in the fifth gave the Pirates their first runner. Estrada struck out eight.

Friday’s interleague result

White Sox 4, Marlins 3 — Jeff Keppinger drove in the winning run on a single in the 11th and John Danks was solid in his season debut to lead the host Chicago White Sox. Paul Konerko started the rally with a one-out single. Pinch-runner Tyler Greene moved to third when Dayan Viciedo singled off the glove of second baseman Derek Dietrich. After Ryan Webb (1-2) intentionally walked Conor Gillaspie, Keppinger singled to left field.

— Associated Press

He hasn’t pitched since May 19 last season and had surgery in August to repair a capsule tear and remove debris in his rotator cuff and biceps.

He was hoping to be ready for the start of the season, but the White Sox placed him on the 15-day disabled list on March 26. Danks had a career-high 15 wins for the White Sox in 2010, but he was 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA in 2011.

To make room for Danks, the White Sox optioned left-hander Donnie Veal to Triple-A Charlotte following Wednesday’s game against Boston.

Red Sox lose two starters

The Boston Red Sox placed outfielder Shane Victorino and third baseman Will Middlebrooks on the 15-day disabled list and recalled right-hander Alfredo Aceves and infielder Jose Iglesias.

In other moves Friday, both involving catchers, David Ross was activated from the seven-day concussion disabled list and Ryan Lavarnway was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Victorino went on the list retroactive to May 21 with a strained left hamstring. Middlebrooks has a low back strain and left Thursday night’s 12-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians after the fourth inning. Victorino is hitting .283 in 34 games. Middlebrooks is batting .201 in 46 games.

Aceves and Iglesias began the season with Boston before going to Pawtucket. In five major-league games, Aceves was 1-1 with an 8.66 ERA. Iglesias hit .450 in six games.

Around the leagues

The Colorado Rockies activated outfielder Michael Cuddyer from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Josh Rutledge to Triple-A Colorado Springs. … The Toronto Blue Jays moved pitcher J.A. Happ to the 60-day disabled list as the left-hander recovers from injuries after being hit in the head by a line drive earlier in this month. Happ suffered a skull fracture and a sprained right knee. Happ also suffered minor hearing loss after the incident, but said his hearing is returning to normal. Also Friday, left-handed reliever Darren Oliver was put on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain and left-hander Sean Nolin was added to the roster. Oliver, 42, is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 17 games this season. … The Milwaukee Brewers activated reliever Tom Gorzelanny from the 15-day disabled list and placed starting pitcher Hiram Burgos on the 15-day DL with a right shoulder impingement… The Cincinnati Reds placed left-handed reliever Sean Marshall on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore pitching shoulder. Left-hander Manny Parra was activated off the disabled list. … The Philadelphia Phillies recalled utility player Michael Martinez and right-handed reliever Michael Stutes. The Phillies optioned Phillippe Aumont to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. … The Seattle Mariners designated infielder Robert Andino for assignment, put catcher Jesus Sucre from Triple-A Tacoma on the 40-man roster and recalled infielder Carlos Triunfel from Tacoma. … The San Diego Padres recalled left-hander Tommy Layne from Triple-A Tucson and optioned right-hander Burch Smith.

Austintown Division I district

Ellet, Kent Roosevelt, Tallmadge and Ravenna each had top-four finishers in multiple events at the Austintown Division I district meet on Friday.

The first four finishers in each event qualify for the regional meet next week at Austintown Fitch for the chance to advance to the state meet.

Andrew Mason of Ellet won the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes, 5.73 seconds to qualify for the regional meet. Ellet’s Dorland Bell finished third in the event and Derek Stout placed third in the discus to advance to the regional meet.

Grant Mercer placed second in the 300 hurdles and second in the long jump to lead Kent Roosevelt. Katie Morsefield won the long jump and Alex Marsinek placed fourth in the event and will compete in the regional meet.

The Rough Riders had top-four finishers in relay events, including third-place finishes in the girls 3,200 and 400 relays and the boys 800 relay.

The Blue Devils were led by a first-place finish in the 800 run by Brian McGovern and a third-place finish in the 3200 run by Pat Ferguson. Kaycee Harris placed third in the 300 hurdles to lead the girls. The Blue Devils also placed in the top four in the girls 1,600, 800 and 400 relays and the boys 3,200 relay.

Olivia Chinn placed first in the 3,200 run and third in the 1,600 run, while Ja’Lynn Starks took third in the 400 dash to lead the Ravens to the regional meet.

Norwayne Division III district

Cory Glines won the 800-, 
1,600- and 3,200-meter runs to lead the St. Thomas Aquinas boys track and field team to a first-place finish at the Norwayne Division III district meet.

Bryan Wilkins won the 110 hurdles and placed third in the 300 hurdles for the Knights. Wilkins also ran in the 400 relay team that placed first. Josiah Moore placed first in the 100 dash and Alex Benedetti took second in the 200 dash to advance to the regional in Navarre.

The Knights also placed first in the 800 relay and the 3,200 relay.

Jared Poorman finished in first in the 200 dash and Alex Bates took first in the long jump to lead Smithville to a second-place finish.

The Smithies also took first in the 800 relay with a team of Nate Smith, Tolan Shane, Bates and Poorman. Shane also finished in second in the 400 dash.

Danielle Besancon won the pole vault and Kaitlyn Hostetler won the long jump to lead the Smithville girls to a first-place finish.

Maggie Poorman placed second in the 400 dash and took fourth in the 200 dash to advance to the regional meet and the 800 relay team of Annika Spurlock, Angie Pollock, Hostetler and Poorman finished first.

Molly Pusateri finished in first in the 800 run and Victoria Laubacher won the 3,200 run to lead the St. Thomas Aquinas girls team. Pusateri and Laubacher also ran on the winning 3,200 relay team.

Tournament Scoreboard

Friday’s Results

Hudson Division I District

Brunswick 7, Twinsburg 1

Hudson 3, Highland 2

Canton Division I District

GlenOak 5, Lake 0

North Canton Hoover 7, Perry 1

Struthers Division I District Final

Aurora 13, Austintown Fitch 5

Scoring Summaries

Hudson Division I District
BRUNSWICK 7, TWINSBURG 1

Twinsburg 010 000 0 — 1 6 1

Brunswick 032 110 x — 7 16 1

W—Salisbury, 6-3. L—Jaworski. HR—None.

Records: Twinsburg 19-9; Brunswick 20-9.

Notes: Brunswick: Machalik 2 singles, double, RBI.

Hudson Division I District
HUDSON 3, HIGHLAND 2

Highland 000 200 0 — 2 6 1

Hudson 101 100 x — 3 9 3

Batteries—Pries and Loeding; Zullo and Trench, Evans. W—Zullo, 7-0. L—Pries, 7-3. Save—None. HR—None.

Records: Highland 21-8; Hudson 24-5.

Notes: Highland: Esker double, 2 singles. Hudson: Chafe 2 singles, RBI; Kennedy double, 2 runs.

Struthers Division I District Final
AURORA 13, AUSTINTOWN FITCH 5

Austintown Fitch 010 121 0 — 5 8 7

Aurora 113 161 x — 13 13 1

Batteries—DiFrancisco, Pierce (4) and Bell; Janoch, Berger (5), Calcei and Sivillo. W—Janoch, 3-0. L—DiFransisco. Save—None. HR—None.

Records: Austintown Fitch 21-4; Aurora 26-4.

Notes: Aurora: Janoch single, triple, RBI; Weber single, double, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Pistone 2 singles, 2 RBI, 2 runs; Ely 2 singles, double, 3 RBI, 2 runs.

WINDHAM 12, GARRETTSVILLE 6

Garrettsville 300 101 1 — 6 6 2

Windham 003 306 x — 12 11 1

Batteries—Bissler and NA; Knight and NA. W—Knight, 3-2. L—Bissler. Save—None. HR—None.

Notes: Garrettsville: Chapman 2 singles, 2 RBI; Schwan double, RBI. Windham: Knight 2 singles, RBI; Kowalski 2 singles, 3 RBI; Rinninger 2 singles, RBI; Viebranze 2 singles, 2 RBI.

Late Thursday

Struthers Division I District
AURORA 12, WARREN HOWLAND 6

Howland 010 400 1 — 6 11 3

Aurora 000 174 x — 12 15 6

Batteries—Froats, Kuszmaul (5), Weisman (6) and NA; Czerwinski, Berger (4) and Sivillo. W—Berger, 8-1. L—Froats, 4-3. Save—None. HR—None.

Records: Howland 16-11; Aurora 25-4.

Tournament Schedule

Today’s Games

Hudson Division I District Final

(At Hudson High School)

Brunswick vs. Hudson, 2 p.m.

Canton Division I District Final

(At Thurman Munson Stadium)

GlenOak vs. North Canton Hoover, TBA

———

Thursday’s Games

Canton Division I Regional

(At Thurman Munson Stadium)

Aurora vs. TBA, 2 p.m.

Brunswick-Hudson winner vs. TBA, 5 p.m.

Hudson Division II Regional

(At Hudson High School)

Canton South vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 2 p.m.

Archbishop Hoban vs. Chardon NDCL, 5 p.m.

Massillon Division III Regional

(At Massillon High School)

Youngstown Ursuline vs. LaGrange Keystone, 2 p.m.

Orrville vs. Wickliffe 5 p.m.

Copley Division IV Regional

(At Copley High School)

Dalton vs. Fairport Harding-Cortland Maplewood/Cuyahoga Heights winner, 3 p.m.

New Middletown Springfield-McDonald winner vs. Seneca East-Colonel Crawford winner 5:30 p.m.

———

Friday’s Games

Hudson Division II Regional Final

(At Hudson High School)

Canton South-Youngstown Cardinal Mooney winner vs. Archbishop Hoban-Chardon NDCL winner, 5 p.m.

Canton Division I Regional Final

(At Thurman Munson Stadium)

Semifinal winners, 5 p.m.

Massillon Division III Regional

(At Massillon High School)

Youngstown Ursuline-LaGrange Keystone winner vs. Orrville-Wickliffe winner, 5 p.m.

Copley Division IV Regional

(At Copley High School)

Semifinal winners, 5 p.m.

SOFTBALL

Tournament Scoreboard

Friday’s Results

Creston Division III District Final

Loudonville 4, Waynedale 2

Tournament Schedule

Wednesday’s Games

Akron Division I Regional

(At University of Akron)

Medina vs. Austintown Fitch, 5 p.m.

Columbus Division I Regional

(At Ohio State University)

Grove City-Columbus Bishop Watterson winner vs. Delaware Hayes-Pickerington Central winner, 5 p.m.

Akron Division II Regional

(At Firestone Stadium)

Fairless vs. Canfield-Poland Seminary winner, 5 p.m.

———

Thursday’s Games

Akron Division I Regional

(At University of Akron)

Mentor vs. Solon, 5 p.m.

Columbus Division I Regional

(At Ohio State University)

North Canton Hoover vs. Gahanna Lincoln-Westerville Central winner, 5 p.m.

Akron Division II Regional

(At Firestone Stadium)

Walsh Jesuit vs. Geneva-Chardon NDCL winner, 5 p.m.

———

June 1 Games

Akron Division I Regional Final

(At University of Akron)

Medina-Austintown Fitch winner vs. Mentor-Solon winner, noon

Columbus Division I Regional Final

(At Ohio State University)

Semifinal winners, noon

Akron Division II Regional Final

(At Firestone Stadium)

Semifinal winners, noon

Massillon Division III Regional Final

(At Massillon High School)

Semifinal winners, noon

VOLLEYBALL

BOYS

Tournament Schedule

Today’s Games

Division II State Semifinals

(At Walsh Jesuit High School)

Walsh Jesuit vs. Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas, 5 p.m.

Middletown Bishop Fenwick vs. Columbus St. Francis DeSales, 6:45 p.m.

———

Sunday’s Game

Division II State Final

Walsh Jesuit-Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas winner vs. Middletown Bishop Fenwick-Columbus St. Francis DeSales winner, 3 p.m.

lacrosse

BOYS

Tournament Scoreboard

Thursday’s Late Results

Division I

Mentor 5, Stow 2

North Canton Hoover 17, Green 1

Brecksville 16, Wadsworth 6

Medina 11, Strongsville 10

Olentangy Orange 15, Brunswick 4­­­

———

Friday’s Results

Division II

Archbishop Hoban at Columbus St. Francis DeSales, late

Wooster at New Albany, late

Walsh Jesuit at Pepper Pike Orange, late

Tournament Schedule

Today’s Games

Division I

Mentor at Hudson, noon

North Canton Hoover at Solon, noon

Lakewood St. Edward at Jackson, noon

Kent Roosevelt at Columbus Bishop Watterson, 3 p.m.

Medina at Olentangy, 7 p.m.

GIRLS

Tournament Scoreboard

Thursday’s Late Results

Division I Regional Finals

Medina 11, Olentangy Liberty 6

Jackson 9, Rocky River Magnificat 8

Tournament Schedule

May 31 Games

Division I State Semifinals

(At New Albany High School)

Jackson vs. Upper Arlington, 5:15 p.m.

Medina vs. Sycamore, 7:30 p.m.

———

June 1 Game

Division I State Final

(At Thomas Worthington School)

Jackson-Upper Arlington winner vs. Medina-Sycamore winner, 12:30 p.m.

TRACK & FIELD

BOYS

AUSTINTOWN DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At Austintown Fitch High School)

Team Results: 1. Austintown Fitch 141. 2. Boardman 92. 3. Warren G. Harding 73. 4. Warren Howland 46.33. 5. Kenston 45.08. 6. Canfield 41. 7. Tallmadge 40.50. 8. Marlington 40. 9. Kent Roosevelt 39.33. 10. Aurora 33.75. 11. Geneva 29. 12. Ashtabula Lakeside 23. 13. Ellet 11. 14. Youngstown East 5.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Jones (Boa.) 11.31. 2. Gibson (AF) 11.47. 3. Gattison (WH) 11.48. 4. Bowlen (AF) 11.54. 200: 1. Harrington (AF) 22.32. 2. Hall (AF) 22.63. 3. Cope (How.) 22.68. 4. Gattison (WH) 22.83. 400: 1. Rumple (WH) 50.54. 2. Conel (Lak.) 51.24. 3. Boomer (WH) 52.04. 4. Clutter (Gen.) 52.64. 800: 1. McGovern (Tal.) 1:57.09. 2. English (Can.) 2:01.14. 3. Norley (Ken.) 2:01.71. 4. Hadley (Boa.) 2:01.98. 1,600: 1. Hadley (Boa.) 4:25.01. 2. Norley (Ken.) 4:36.26. 3. Kennedy (Can.) 4:36.66. 4. Kern (Can.) 4:38.31. 3,200: 1. Hadley (Boa.) 9:32.62. 2. Ferguson (Tal.) 9:42.72. 3. Sullivan (How.) 9:42.96. 4. Raybuck (Mar.) 9:43.19. 110 hurdles: 1. Ortz (AF) 15.13. 2. Morgan (WH) 15.47. 3. Cordiak (Ken.) 15.49. 4. Mercer (KR) 15.51. 300 hurdles: 1. Ortz (AF) 39.86. 2. Mercer (KR) 40.10. 3. Simmons (Mar.) 41.18. 4. Plewacki (Ken.) 41.38. 400 relay: 1. Boardman (Thompson, Bodrick, Adu-Poku, Jones) 43.12. 2. Austintown-Fitch (Hall, Harrington, Gibson, Bowlen) 43.14. 3. Warren G. Harding (Daniels, Gattison, Jordan, Murry) 44.00. 4. Kent Roosevelt (Jones, Mercer, Smiley, Moore) 44.52. 800 relay: 1. Austintown-Fitch (Hall, Harrington, Gibson, Bowlen) 1:29.76. 2. Warren G. Harding (Daniels, Jordan, Gattison, Murry) 1:30.49. 3. Kent Roosevelt (Jones, Smiley, Moore, Thomas) 1:33.37. 4. Boardman (Lucas, Adu-Poku, Sanders, Bodrick) 1:34.56. 1,600 relay: 1. Austintown-Fitch (Gibson, Hall, Bowlen, Harrington) 3:25.71. 2. Warren G. Harding (Eggleston, Boomer, Bennett, Rumple) 3:25.74. 3. Aurora (Devine, Lazor, Samarasinghe, Lieberth) 3:31.31. 4. Canfield (Alexander, Hamilton, Annichenni, English) 3:31.46.

AMHERST STEELE DIVISION I DISTRICTS

(At Amherst Steele High, Amherst)

Team Results: 1. Berea 99; 2. Medina 81; 3. Brunswick 68; 4. Avon 62; 5. Midpark 48; 6. North Ridgeville 47; 7. North Royalton 46; 8. Avon Lake 38; 9. Amherst Steele 34; 10. Olmsted Falls 31; 11. Strongsville 23; 12. Lorain 20; T13. Midview 16, Westlake 16; 15. Elyria 11; 16. Rocky River Magnificat 9; 17. North Olmsted 5.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. McCall (Nor. Rid.) 11.26; 2. Yohman (Bru.) 11.49; 3. Hildreth (Lor.) 11.54; 4. Bitter (Avon) 11.55. 200: 1. Yoman (Bru.) 22.82; 2. Bitter (Avon) 23.38; 3. Woods (Nor. Roy.) 23.48; 4. Sonego (Nor. Rid.) 23.83. 400: 1. Fultz (Ber.) 49.68; 2. Myers (Mid.) 50.06; 3. Sonego (Nor. Rid.) 50.85; 4. Squeri (Wes.) 50.88. 800: 1. Zupan (Ber.) 1:56.96; 2. Kardos (Ste.) 1:57.90; 3. Glowacki (Ste.) 1:58.54; 4. Menyes (Med.) 1:58.80. 1,600: 1. Zupan (Ber.) 4:22.98; 2. Styles (Mid.) 4:23.76; 3. Hawks (Ely.) 4:30.92; 4. Carroll (Ber.) 4:31.23. 3,200: 1. Menear (Bru.) 9:29.52; 2. Villari (Avon L.) 9:34.85; 3. Pecoraro (Avon) 9:37.89; 4. Reynolds (RRM) 9:40.33. 110 hurdles: 1. Floyd (Str.) 14.98; 2. Wiley (Avon) 15.23; 3. Shreerer (Ber.) 15.26; 4. Gib (OF) 15.48. 300 hurdles: 1. Wiley (Avon) 39.46; 2. Emert (Bru.) 40.16; 3. Gib (OF) 40.51; 4. Floyd (Str.) 40.52. 400 relay: 1. Brunswick (Pinzone, Hartill, Yohman, Fallon) 43.56; 2. North Ridgeville (Lucas, McCall, Dwulat, Sonego) 43.92; 3. Berea (Samol, Robertson, Harris, Neumann) 44.04; 4. Medina (Oswald, Masters, Gazley, Scherer) 44.26. 800 relay: 1. Berea (Robertson, Harris, Fultz, Samol) 1:29.98; 2. Medina (Oswald, Masters, Gazley, Scherer) 1:30.86; 3. Avon (Wiley, DeMarco, Orr, Bitter) 1:31.65; 4. North Royalton (Smith, Woods, Mowry, Lint) 1:31.94. 1,600 relay: 1. Berea (Neumann, Carroll, Zupan, Fultz) 3:23.77; 2. Brunswick (Laffin, Hartill, Yohman, Fallon) 3:24.36; 3. Westlake (Hood, Kelly, Keppler, Squeri) 3:24.95; 4. North Royalton (Lint, Sidle, Woods, Mowry) 3:25.95.

NORTH CANTON DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At North Canton Memorial Stadium, North Canton)

Team Results: 1. GlenOak 81; 2. Jackson 71; 2. Canton McKinley 71; 4. Massillon 68; 5. Wooster 67; 6. Green 54; 7. Lake 53; 8. North Canton Hoover 49; 9. Archbishop Hoban 44; 10. Perry 35; 11. Garfield 22; 12. Louisville 21; 13. Canton Timken 11; 14. Barberton 7; 15. Coventry 5; 16. Kenmore 2.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Richardson (McK.) 10.81; 2. Robinson (Gar.) 10.87; 3. Preston (Woos.) 11.17; 4. Johnson (Tim.) 11.18. 200: 1. Richardson (McK.) 22.01; 2. Robinson (Gar.) 22.19; 3. Johnson (Tim.) 22.48; 4. Lidge (Woo.) 22.89. 400: 1. Angel (Gre.) 51.20; 2. Conley (Mas.) 52.05; 3. Johnson (Jac.) 52.66; 4. Latson (Hob.) 53.02. 800: 1. White (Woo.) 1:57.02; 2. Reed (Jac.) 1:59.42; 3. Berg (Jac.) 1:59.89; 4. Axeson (Hob.) 2:00.20. 1,600: 1. Busken (GO) 4:31.68; 2. Hyde (Jac.) 4:33.04; 3. Thomas (Lou.) 4:34.15; 4. Tornow (Lou.) 4:35.01. 3,200: 1. Kernell (Lake.) 9:33.03; 2. Humrichhouser (Woo.) 9:35.53; 3. Wind (Jac.) 9:49.39; 4. Hernandez (Hoo.) 9:51.94. 110 hurdles: 1. Whitfield (Mas.) 15.24; 2. Vinciguerra (Gre.) 15.27; 3. Corle (Gre.) 15.32; 4. Elsass (Jac.) 15.32. 300 hurdles: 1. Elsass (Jac.) 39.52; 2. Williams (Per.) 40.29; 3. Whitfield (Mas.) 40.40; 4. Orsini (Hob.) 40.41. High Jump: 1. Smith (Mas.) 6-04; 2. Prowell-White (McK.) 6-02; 2. Schwenk (Hoo.) 6-02; 4. Cavalier (Lou.) 6-00; . Shot Put: 1. Daniels (McK.) 58-02; 2. Devers (Mas.) 54-2.25; 3. Duffy (Jac.) 53-00; 4. Stokes (Woo.) 51-6.25. 400 relay: 1. GlenOak (Dotson, Lancaster, Ganser, Lever) 43.93; 2. Massillon (Huffman, Everett, Whitfield, Conley) 43.93; 3. Garfield (Brandon-Porter, Griffin, Thomas, Robinson) 44.33; 4. Hoover (Morrison, Hatcher, Woods, Hogan) 44.51. 800 relay: 1. Canton McKinley (Church, Gamble, Currie, Richardson) 1:31.33; 2. Wooster (Lidge, Fraga, Kubiak, Preston) 1:31.42; 3. GlenOak (Dotson, Lancaster, Ganser, Lever) 1:33.03; 4. Hoban (Cianciola, Parisi, Ganser, Lever) 1:34.61. 1,600 relay: 1. Green (Kitchen, Wieland, Thompson, Angle) 3:27.88; 2. Hoban (Orsini, Tersigni, Axeson, Latson) 3:29.09; 3. Hoover (Moss, Race, Wurst, Morrison) 3:30.53; 4. GlenOak (Walker, Esposito, Bowen, Carpenter) 3:31.37.

NORDONIA DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At Nordonia High School)

Team Results: 1. Solon 165; 2. Nordonia 69; 3. Walsh Jesuit 63; 4. Wadsworth 60; 5. Twinsburg 57; 6. Copley 56; 7. Stow 40; 8. Hudson 36; 9. Shaker Heights 33. 10. Bedford 24; 11. Cuyahoga Falls 16; 12. Highland 15; 13. Revere 14; 14. Cloverleaf 9; 15. Brecksville 4; 16. Firestone 2.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Crenshaw (Sol.) 10.79; 2. Hicks (Sol.) 11.09; 3. Wilson (Nor.) 11.62; 4. Williams (Wad.) 11.24. 200: 1. Crenshaw (Sol.) 22.9; 2. Williams (Wad.) 22.52; 3. Platt (WJ) 22.66; 4. Truett (Nor.) 23.0. 400: 1. Philpot (Stow) 51.65; 2. Robinson (Rev.) 50.93; 3. Greer (Cop.) 51.83; 4. Ward (Fal) 51.92. 800: 1. Lovell (Stow) 1:55.85; 2. Blank (Sol.) 1:56.34; 3. Winker (Wad.) 1:56.67; 4. Moeglin (Hud.) 1:57.42. 1,600: 1. Crichlow (Twi.) 4:13.57; 2. Blank (Sol.) 4:14.56; 3. Mau (Hud.) 4:16.90; 4. Horning (Stow) 4:26.30. 100 hurdles: 1. Owens (SH) 14.80; 2. Looser (Wad.) 14.90; 3. Harnett (Cop.) 15.0; 4. Boles (Cop.) 15.31. 300 hurdles: 1. Harris (CF) 39.07; 2. Owens (SH) 39.32; 3. King (Sol.) 39.36; 4. Washington (Nor.) 40.27. Shot Put: 1. Peterson (Sol.) 51-04; 2. Gabe (WJ) 50-06; 3. Jager (Sol.) 48-06; 4. Budny (WJ) 47-04. 400 relay: 1. Solon (Hicks, Crenshaw, Crenshaw, Bolden) 42.29; 2. Nordonia (Brabson, Wilson, Truett, Nobles) 43.33; 3. Bedford (Carter, Stone, Agee, Wilson) 43.47 1. Walsh Jesuit (Lawhorn, Csorba, Caver, Platt III) 42.29. 800 relay: 1. Nordonia (Ward, Brabson, Truett, Nobles) 1:29.80; 2. Bedford (Carter, Cloud, Stone, Wilson) 1:30.74; 3. Shaker (White, Clayton, Thomas, Jackson-Daniel) 1:31.78; 4. Wadsworth (Yetzer, Looser, Weber, Williams) 1:32.48.

GIRLS

AUSTINTOWN DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At Austintown Fitch High School)

Team Results: 1. Austintown Fitch 128. 2. Geneva 104.50. 3. Boardman 65. 4. Kenston 64. 5. Warren G. Harding 57. 5. Canfield 57. 7. Tallmadge 40.50. 8. Warren Howland 38. 9. Kent Roosevelt 34. 10. Ravenna 32. 11. Aurora 25. 12. Ashtabula Lakeside 11.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Richardson (WH) 12.91. 2. Davis (AF) 13.04. 3. Robinson (Rav.) 13.38. 4. Carrocce (Can.) 13.42. 200: 1. Davis (AF) 26.32. 2. Russell (Gen.) 26.46. 3. Richardson (WH) 26.90. 4. Stroud (WH) 27.35. 400: 1. Deering (Gen.) 59.64. 2. VanHoy (Gen.) 1:01.10. 3. Starks (Rav.) 1:01.90. 4. Redd (Bao.) 1:02.53. 800: 1. Taylor (Ken.) 2:21.73. 2. Lunne (Can.) 2:21.78. 3. Porter (Ken.) 2:22.69. 4. Foley (Can.) 2:22.89. 1,600: 1. Taylor (Ken.) 5:16.71. 2. Lunne (Can.) 5:17.57. 3. Chinn (Rav.) 5:18.29. 4. Craigo (How.) 5:21.56.. 3,200: 1. Chinn (Rav.) 11:41.28. 2. Dicker (Ken.) 11:43.56. 3. Buckley (How.) 11:50.81. 4. Jenkins (AF) 11:54.72. 100 hurdles: 1. Bower (AF) 15.49. 2. Jackson (WH) 16.59. 3. Ritchie (AF) 16.76. 4. Thompson (Gen.) 17.03. 300 hurdles: 1. Bower (AF) 47.37. 2. Ritchie (AF) 47.73. 3. Harris (Tal.) 48.65. 4. Thompson (Gen.) 48.82. 400 relay: 1. Austintown-Fitch (Bower, Davis, Miller, Cox) 51.05. 2. Kent Roosevelt (Stuver, Bell, Culver, Morsefield) 51.77. 3. Warren G. Harding (Bercheni, Stroud, Jackson, Richardson) 51.77. 4. Tallmadge (Schott, Allen, Rinaldi, Harris) 52.04. 800 relay: 1. Geneva (Thompson, VanHoy, Deering, Russell) 1:45.01. 2. Austintown-Fitch (Bower, Miller, Cox, Ritchie) 1:45.03. 3. Tallmadge (Harris, Mathieson, Rinaldi, Allen) 1:45.89. 4. Warren G. Harding (Wesley, Stroud, Bercheni, Richardson) 1:48.08. 1,600 relay: 1. Geneva (Russell, VanHoy, O’Dell, Deering) 4:06.10. 2. Tallmadge (Allen, Rinaldi, Mathieson, Fairchild) 4:10.22. 3. Canfield (Foley, Fischer, Martinko, Carrocce) 4:13.27. 4. Aurora (Hickey, Calder, Broda, Trudick) 4:14.06.

AMHERST STEELE DIVISION I DISTRICTS

(At Amherst Steele High, Amherst)

Team Results: 1. Amherst Steele 99; 2. Medina 88; 3. Brunswick 64; 4. Lorain 59; 5. Bay Village Bay 55; 6. Rocky River Magnificat 46.5; 7. Avon Lake 39.5; 8. North Olmsted 37; 9. Strongsville 33.5; 10. North Royalton 27; 11. Olmsted Falls 26; 12. Westlake 24.5; T13. Berea 21, Elyria 21; 15. Avon 18; 16. North Ridgeville 9; 17. Midpark 4.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Rogers (Lor.) 12.51; 2. Dearmas (Lor.) 12.70; 3. Bechtel (Bay) 12.81; 4. Shagovac (Ste.) 13.01. 200: 1. Rogers (Lor.) 25.95; 2. Paster (Ber.) 26.82; 3. Dwulat (Nor. Rid.) 27.00; 4. Dearmas (Lor.) 27.06. 400: 1. Bechtel (Bay) 56.42; 2. Duber (OF) 56.88; 3. Champe (Ste.) 57.37; 4. Lesiecki (RRM) 58.74. 800: 1. Connelly (RRM) 2:16.37; 2. Szivan (Ste.) 2:17.03; 3. Pack (Med.) 2:17.27; 4. Camper (Bru.) 2:18.98. 1,600: 1. Scavuzzo (Med.) 5:20.46; 2. Mariner (Ely.) 5:21.88; 3. Voiers (Bay) 5:22.40; 4. Vidacs (Nor. Roy.) 5:24.41. 3,200: 1. Britton (Bay) 11:02.97; 2. Vince (Ste.) 11:13.82; 3. Pasadyn (Bru.) 11:24.86; 4. Camardo (Str.) 11:25.33. 110 hurdles: 1. Augustin (OF) 15.86; 2. Moore (Ste.) 15.97; 3. Fitzroy (Bru.) 16.64; 4. Rezek (Bay) 16.85. 300 hurdles: 1. Moore (Ste.) 45.38; 2. Maslowski (Bru.) 46.20; 3. McDonough (RRM) 46.27; 4. Northeim (Ste.) 48.28. 400 relay: 1. Lorain (Rogers, Dearmas, Scott, Goodman) 49.99; 2. Steele (Hill, Sands, Stuckart, Shagovac) 50.21; 3. Brunswick (Lack, Maslowski, Kilbane, Neitzel) 50.37; 4. North Olmsted (Szabo, M. Walker, N. Walker, Yasenchack) 50.40. 800 relay: 1. Lorain (Rogers, Dearmas, Scott, Goodman) 1:45.01; 2. Steele (Shagovac, Sands, Stuckart, Champe) 1:45.23; 3. Bay (Rezek, Barnes, Johnston, Bechtel) 1:46.20; 4. Brunswick (Lack, Maslowski, Kilbane, Neitzel) 1:46.71. 1,600 relay: 1. Steele (Sands, Szivan, Shagovac, Champe) 3:55.56; 2. Brunswick (Maslowski, Biedron, Camper, Neitzel) 4:00.24; 3. Medina (Wickey, Smith, Francis, Pack) 4:01.49; 4. Rocky River Magnificat (Holcomb, McDonough, Connelly, Lesiecki) 4:02.04.

NORTH CANTON DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At North Canton Memorial Stadium, North Canton)

Team Results: 1. GlenOak 98; 2. Perry 98; 3. Canton McKinley 84; 4. North Canton Hoover 74.5; 5. Jackson 65.5; 6. Green 65; 7. Louisville 46; 8. Archbishop Hoban 45; 8. Lake 45; 10. Massillon 19; 11. Wooster 16; 12. Kenmore 5; 13. Garfield 1.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Luke (Per.) 12.06; 2. Green (McK.) 12.51; 3. Beaver (Lou.) 12.64; 4. Bradley (GO) 12.73. 200: 1. Luke (Per.) 24.92; 2. Green (McK.) 26.02; 3. Simmons (Hob.) 26.42; 4. Vance (Lake.) 26.75. 400: 1. Hooker (Gre.) 58.25; 2. Green (McK.) 1:00.20; 3. Dearing (Perry.) 1:00.94; 4. Bentler (Hoo.) 1:01.02. 800: 1. Rector (Gre.) 2:16.57; 2. Genetin (Per.) 2:19.31; 3. Cropper (Hoo.) 2:19.38; 4. Fockler (GO) 2:20.88. 1,600: 1. Hinderer (Hoo.) 5:20.76; 2. Talor (Jac.) 5:28.26; 3. Taylor (Jac.) 5:31.99; 4. Smith (Lake.) 5:37.73. 3,200: 1. Taylor (Jac.) 11:30.54; 2. Thompson (GO) 11:31.96; 3. Musser (Jac.) 11:36.39; 4. Tweedie (Lake.) 11:40.71. 100 hurdles: 1. Fleming (GO) 14.96; 2. Taylor (C Mck.) 15.06; 3. Pannell (Hob.) 15.22; 4. Barboza (Mas.) 15.72. 300 hurdles: 1. Taylor (McK.) 45.90; 2. Rankin (Lou.) 46.62; 3. Fleming (GO) 46.75; 4. Barboza (Mas.) 47.02. Long jump: 1. Taylor (McK.) 18-7.5; 2. Vance (Lake.) 17-10.75; 3. McDaniels (GO) 17-00; 4. Rankin (Lou.) 16-10.50. Discus: 1. Gower (Lake.) 114-03; 2. Knop (Per.) 108-05; 3. Baker (Hoo.) 106-08; 4. Oprisch (Per.) 105-07. 400 relay: 1. GlenOak (Bradley, Fleming, Lever, Curtis) 51.16; 2. Louisville (Guiley, Beaver, Beaver, Mont) 51.21; 3. Jackson (McMillan, Oliver, Oliver, Bender) 51.76; 4. Massillon (Wash) (Rittenhouse, Fields, Barboza, Turley) 51.81. 800 relay: 1. Massillon Perry (Strickland, Genetin, Dearing, Luke) 1:44.67; 2. Canton McKinley (Taylor, Mitchell, Martin, Green) 1:45.06; 3. GlenOak (Curtis, Mills, Fleming, Bradley) 1:47.68; 4. Mas. Jackson (Br. Oliver, Bergstrom, Bi. Oliver, Bender) 1:48.88. 1,600 relay: 1. Massillon Perry (Strickland, Genetin, Dearing, Luke) 3:57.37; 2. Green (Rotondo, Hooker, Just, Rector) 4:05.71; 3. GlenOak (Fockler, Miihlbach, Shepherd, Smith) 4:09.68; 4. Wooster (Ezeji, Walton, Swindell, Perry) 4:13.84. Pole vault: 1. Estes (Gre.) 11-06; 2. Bury (GO) 10-06; 3. Jenkins (Gre.) 9-06; 4. Bennett (Jac.) 8-00.

NORDONIA DIVISION I DISTRICT

(At Nordonia High School)

Team Results: 1. Solon 136; 2. Stow 76; 3. Cuyahoga Falls 58; 4. Nordonia 53; 6. Wadsworth 46; 7. Twinsburg 40; 8. (tie) Walsh Jesuit 35, Buchtel 35; 10. Shaker Heights 32; 11. Brecksville 25;12. Highland 23; 13 Firestone 20; 14. Hudson 17; 15 Revere 16; 16 Bedford 14; 17. Cloverleaf 11.

Individual Results

Note: The top four individuals advance to Regionals.

100 meters: 1. Butler (Sol.) 11.91; 2. Shaver (Stow) 12.37; 3. Smith (Cop.) 12.69; 4. Green (Buc) 13.11. 200: 1. Butler (Sol.) 25.16; 2. Lawson (Twi.) 25.53; 3 Shaver (Stow) 25.59; 4. Kandakai (Sol.) 26.19. 400: 1. Thomas (Fir) 59.84; 2. Krieger (CF) 1:00.02; 3. Mancabelli (Cop.) 1:01.19; 4. Saluan (Wal.) 1:01.42. 800: 1. Haiss (Sol.) 2:16.08; 2. Kotchman (Bre) 2.17.21; 3. Renuart (Wal.) 2.20.58; 4. Pryce (Stow) 2.22.63. 1,600: 1. Haiss (Sol.) 4:58.90; 2. Renuart (Wal.) 5:06.91; 3. Berger (Wad.) 5:08.81; 4. Sauer (Hud.) 5:09.04. 3,200: 1. Binczyk (SH) 11:07.04; 2. Murray (Clo.) 11:14.48; 3. Vasarhelyi (Nor.) 11:16.02; 4. Wolanske (Hud.) 11:18.71; 110 hurdles: 1. McDonald (Nor.) 14.87; 2. Pryce (Stow) 14.99 3. Mitchell (CF) 15.11 4. Bierman (Rev.) 15.9. 300 hurdles: 1. Mcdonald (Nor.) 45.32; 2. Lawson (Stow) 45.83; 3. Waibel (CF) 47.39; 4. Zuro (Hig.) 48.0. High Jump: 1. Lawson (Stow) 5-01; 2. Graham (Sol.) 5-01; 3. Monachino (Twi.) 5-0; 4. Kurtz (Rev.) 5-00. Discus: 1. Jagers (Sol.) 180-07; 2. Seme (Wad.) 164-08; 3. Moorer (Cop.) 163-07; 4. Peterson (Sol.) 143-11. 400 relay: 1. Twinsburg (Mckinley, Lawson, Laley, Ware) 50.19; 2. Stow (Pryce, Watts, Suchy, Shaver) 50.49; 3. Highland (Duale, Sours, Springhetti, Zuro) 50.54; 4. Copley (Schreiner, Clark, Smith, Starks) 50.80. 1,600 relay: 1. Wadsworth (Panlange, Berger, Runkle, Gordon) 3:57.91; 2. Solon (Butler, Wright, Haiss, Kandakai) 3:59.11 3. Nordonia (Jackson, Rudder, Dasher, McDonald) 4:04.87; 4. Brecksville (Houser, Beaver, Aldridge, Kotchman) 4:05.66. 3,200 relay; 1. Solon (Sandridge, Jones, Wise, Haiss) 9:31.13 2. Wadsworth (Berger, Gordon, Palange, Salem) 9:31.93; 3. Nordonia (Vasarhelyi, Simmons, Rudder, Salem) 9:36.84; 4. Hudson (Dalea, Hartline, Sauers, Wolanske) 9:37.13. Pole vault: 1. Waibel (CF) 12-00; 2. Rozsa (CF) 11-06; 3. Kurtz (Rev.) 11-09; 4. Roth (Sol.) 10-03.

And when the scoring was recalculated, the Golden Eagles and Perry Panthers were declared girls co-champions Friday at the North Canton Division I district meet.

“This coaching staff is unbelievable the way they prepare the kids and the way they follow the entire sport,” GlenOak coach Scott Ferrell said. “They’re just not in it for one event. They are in it for 17 events. I just represented us up there as they recounted.”

Fortunately, the result was a 98-98 tie and both teams left North Canton happy.

In the meantime, GlenOak dethroned Canton McKinley on the boys side, outscoring the runner-up Bulldogs 81-71. Jackson also tied for second.

“We’re very happy with the performances that we had and the amount of kids that we have moving on [to the regional],” said Ferrell. “Our depth is what is making us successful, and it showed again at this meet.”

The Golden Eagles had four combined champions, including the girls 400-meter relay, senior Jhni Fleming in the 100 hurdles (14.96 seconds), junior Josh Busken in the 1,600 (4:31.68) and Jason Boykins in discus (151 feet, 3 inches).

Perry girls coach J.P. Sexton was just as upbeat after learning his team would share the title.

“Our girls are tremendous,” he said. “They ran their tails off and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Sexton cited junior sprint star Hannah Luke and seniors Mikayla Dearing and Jackie Genetin for leading the way with strong performances.

Luke, a 5-foot-2 stick of dynamite, won the 100 (12.06) and 200 (24.92) dashes, and anchored team victories in the 800 and 1,600 relays.

“I’m my father’s daughter that’s for sure,” Luke said. “I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season to see what I can do, and what the rest of the team can do.”

The blustery cold evening did not slow Luke.

“She still ran amazingly well,” Sexton said. “Her times were right on par with what she’s been building to at this point of the year.”

Green made a strong showing in the middle distance events when junior Emily Hooker won the 400 (58.25), freshman James Angel held off Massillon senior and Ohio State-bound Gareon Conley to win the boys 400 (51.20) and senior Erika Rector won the 800 (2:16.57).

The Bulldogs also won the boys 1,600 relay (3:27.88), with Angel able to outlast runner-up Archbishop Hoban and the Knights’ anchor leg Oshar Latson. The Green girls were second in the 1,600 relay.

Defending state champion, senior Morgan Estes of Green, easily won girls pole vault (11-6) as expected.

Canton McKinley’s boys were able to win the 800 relay (1:31.33) as anchor Jeff Richardson edged Wooster senior James Preston.

“My shoestring came loose,” Preston said. “I thought my shoe was going to fly off.”

McKinley was not so fortunate in the 400 relay when a poor handoff landed the Bulldogs in fifth place, one spot short of a regional berth. Richardson did avenge the miscue with a victory in the 200 (22.01).

Garfield senior Troy Robinson was second to Richardson in both the 100 and 200, but will advance.

Another busy McKinley athlete was junior Korrin Taylor. With a prelim long jump of 18-7½, Taylor seemed poised to challenge the district meet record, but elected to conserve energy for the 800 relay and the 300 hurdles by taking just one jump in the finals and still managed to win easily.

The decision paid off with a personal record split in the 800 relay when McKinley placed second and a personal record time of 45.90 in winning the hurdles. In the first event on the track, Taylor was leading the 100 hurdles and clipped the last barrier, only to be passed by GlenOak’s Fleming.

“I was so mad,” Taylor admitted. “I took anger and just went out and ran my fastest time in the [800 relay] and then ran my fastest time in the 300 hurdles, too.”

Hoover senior Ashley Hinderer, originally an 800 runner, ran the 1,600 for the first time at the Federal League championship meet last week and came back to win the district meet (5:20.76).

“I was just hoping to qualify for regionals,” she said. “I’m so glad I switched.”

Jackson junior Grace Taylor won the 3,200 (11:30.54) when she passed second-place finisher Hannah Thompson of GlenOak with about 250 meters left. Lake sophomore Jacob Kernell won the boys 3,200 (9:33.03).

Read the high school blog at http://www.ohio.com/preps.

But all the commotion in the visiting locker room at Fenway Park came to a complete halt Friday two hours before the 7:10 p.m. scheduled start. That’s when veteran slugger Jason Giambi ducked out of the room, walked down the tunnel to the dugout and out onto the field, put on a pair of headphones and stared into a television camera in front of him.

As Giambi went live on MLB Network with hosts Harold Reynolds and Brian Kenny, the clubhouse fell silent and a group of players, including outfielders Michael Bourn, Ryan Raburn and Michael Brantley, infielder Mike Aviles, first baseman Nick Swisher, reliever Vinnie Pestano and closer Chris Perez, huddled around the television to watch their teammate.

The interview lasted about 10 minutes and included topics such as the Indians’ surprising 27-19 start and the art of hitting. Not once during the segment did any of Giambi’s teammates speak. Instead, they were glued to the set in front of them, focused on his every word.

“It just goes to show you what kind of respect that man gets around here,” Swisher said. “You have to have guys like that on the roster. You really do. You can’t have a whole heap of young guys because the best thing you have in this game is experience.”

WALK THIS WAY — The stats of catcher Carlos Santana, a bunt single followed by four walks, during Thursday’s 12-3 win over the Boston Red Sox impressed many, including manager Terry Francona.

“That was unbelievable,” Francona said. “I can’t imagine having the patience to do that. Because he swings almost violently and he doesn’t miss that much. So when he gets to two strikes and he walks and swings at good pitches, it’s amazing. That’s why we like him hitting in front of [Mark] Reynolds. You can hit Mark down in the order and with Carlos’ on-base percentage, it works.”

NEED MORE TIME — Francona said right-hander Brett Myers’ velocity was down during his Double-A rehab start Wednesday with the Aeros at Canal Park.

“He had a kind of rough outing,” Francona said of Myers, who’s recovering from an elbow strain. “The velocity wasn’t quite where it was the time before.”

Tribe General Manager Chris Antonetti, who’s with the team in Boston, said Myers needs to make another minor-league start with one of the Tribe’s affiliates Monday.

— Stephanie Storm

Matt Packer allowed five hits and struck out 10 through seven shutout innings to lead the Aeros to a win over the host Erie SeaWolves in an Eastern League game Friday night.

Packer did not issue a walk and dominated the first-place SeaWolves for his second win of the season.

The game was scoreless until the Aeros (22-26) scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning on a two-run double by Roberto Perez.

The Aeros added a run in the top of the eighth inning on a run-scoring single by Tyler Holt.

Bryce Stowell struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.

Jose Ramirez, Ronny Rodriguez and Cedric Hunter each doubled and Giovanny Urshela singled for the Aeros.

The Aeros continue a four-game series against the SeaWolves tonight at 7:05.

Swisher was away from the team for three days for to be with his wife JoAnna for the birth of their first child on Tuesday, a girl named Emerson Jay Swisher.

“She is the most badass thing on the planet,” said Swisher, in a way that only Swisher can. “I mean, she is the cutest thing ever. It’s crazy because this game has been my whole life and when that little thing popped out, I never knew I could love something that much — and she don’t even know me yet! It was the most magical, amazing experience. Out of a 10, I would have given it a 40.”

Swisher, who signed a $56 million deal with the Indians in the offseason, is batting .274 with 12 doubles, one triple and six homers, 16 RBI and has scored 24 runs in 40 games.

“I think he’s in a good place,” Indians manager Terry Francona said of Swisher. “I think he’s as thrilled as he should be and we’re thrilled to have him back.”

To make room on the roster for Swisher, infielder Cord Phelps was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus. Indians manager Terry Francona was able to get Phelps into Thursday night’s 12-3 blowout win over the Boston Red Sox, but Phelps grounded out in his only at-bat.

“I’ve got that dad strength now,” joked Swisher, who worked out Thursday morning at Progressive Field and again Friday at Fenway Park early in the afternoon.

“I’m going to have to learn some new things, man, like some ballerina practice,” Swisher said. “I mean, words can’t describe it. When they pulled her out and put her on top of Jo’s chest and I was standing right there, in that two seconds it took, I was crying so much. It was like this huge wave of emotion came through.”

Somehow, Swisher managed to find time to watch the games he missed while away from the team.

“We swung the bats in all three games [two losses to the Detroit Tigers followed and Thursday’s win over the host Red Sox], we just couldn’t keep the runs down against Detroit. But for having two rain delays [during Wednesday’s game] and showing up here in Boston at 5:30 in the morning, the way the boys came out last night and played, I’m so proud of ’em. Bringing me back will maybe take a little stress off some of them.”

Asked how the Indians have been able to play through stretches without key players like himself, Swisher thought for a moment.

“I think it’s just a different attitude around here,” he said. “It’s a change, a different vibe. Sometimes, that’s all you need. A little shot in the arm, a different way of thinking about things. No one expected us to be in the spot we are now.”

Since arriving in Cleveland, Swisher said he’s heard a lot about the team’s previous hot starts that were not sustained in the second half of the season.

“You can’t say whether that’s going to happen or not, but I think just the attitude we have, I don’t feel that,” Swisher said. “I don’t feel like this team is going to crumble. These other teams better start paying attention because we have a squad over here.”

The Indians might not crumble, but Swisher’s heart now that he’s a proud papa, that’s another thing all together.

“I was so excited to be a part of that and Jo was just a rock star,” Swisher said. “It was her show, she did it all. I was just so proud because now I got my girls now. Not just my girl, I got my girls.”

Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at http://www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SStormABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/sports.abj.

Cooks, along with Shawn Barber, Brittany Cheese, Brittany Funk, Claire Lucas and Ariane Beaumont-Courteau all advance to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., from June 5-8.

The top 12 in each event advance.

Barber qualified in the men’s pole vault, Cheese qualified in the women’s long jump and Lucas and Beaumont-Courteau finished in the top 12 in the women’s pole vault.

Golf

• Kent State junior Jennifer Ha shot a 5-over-par 77 in the final round of the NCAA Championships at the University of Georgia Golf Course to finish the tournament tied for 80th place.

Ha bogeyed the first two holes and also bogeyed the fifth, ninth and 11th holes before making her only birdie of the day on the par-5 12th. Ha bogeyed 16 before making par on her final two holes.

She finished the tournament at 18 over par.

• University of Akron senior Cameron Simmons was named an Academic All-Mid-American Conference honorable mention for the second consecutive season on Friday.

Simmons carries a 3.253 GPA and appeared in all 11 events for the Zips last season. Simmons posted a 77.47 scoring average over 30 rounds and earned one top-25 finish.

• University of Akron seniors Hanna Ek and Tyler Etcheberry earned Academic All-MAC first team, and junior Sara Chaves and sophomore Laura Murray were named All-MAC honorable mention on Friday.

Ek graduated this spring with a 3.881 GPA and had five top-25 finishes. Etcheberry earned her master’s degree in accounting this spring and had one top-25 finish for the Zips.

Time: 1:35 p.m.

TV: STO

Pitchers: Scott Kazmir (2-2, 6.35) vs. Jon Lester (6-1, 3.15)

SUNDAY: Indians at Red Sox

Time: 1:35 p.m.

TV: STO

Pitchers: Corey Kluber (3-3, 5.19) vs. Felix Doubront (3-2, 5.61)

MONDAY: Indians at Reds

Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: STO

Pitchers: Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3, 6.05) vs. Mike Leake (4-2, 3.25)

TUESDAY: Indians at Reds

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: STO

Pitchers: Zach McAllister (4-3, 2.89) vs. Mat Latos (4-0, 3.17)

WEDNESDAY: Reds at Indians

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: STO

THURSDAY: Reds at Indians

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: STO

Ex-NBA star guard Robinson dies at 72

• Flynn Robinson, who was on the 1971-72 Lakers team that won Los Angeles its first NBA title, died Thursday at a Los Angeles hospital from cancer at age 72. The reserve guard was dubbed “Mr. Instant Point” by Lakers announcer Chick Hearn. He averaged nearly 10 points in 16 minutes off the bench during the season. He averaged 14 points per game in his NBA career. Robinson was an All-Star with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1969-70 season and during his eight years in the NBA also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Chicago Bulls and Baltimore Bullets.

football

Seahawks tight end is out after surgery

• The Seattle Seahawks lost backup tight end Anthony McCoy for possibly the entire season after he sustained a torn Achilles during an organized team activity earlier this week. The Seahawks confirmed McCoy’s injury on Friday, which was first reported by USA Today. McCoy has already undergone surgery to repair the injury and recovery time is typically six to nine months. McCoy went limping off the field late in Monday’s OTA that was open to the media. Trainers examined his ankle on the field before using a cart to take him into the team’s practice facility. McCoy was entering his fourth season with the Seahawks.

• A source tells the Associated Press that New York Jets running back Mike Goodson is expected to return to practice Tuesday despite his legal troubles. The source spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the team hasn’t announced anything regarding Goodson’s status. He missed the Jets’ first three organized team activity practices this week after being arrested last Friday on multiple charges of drug and weapons possession. He offered a plea of not guilty to all charges Wednesday in Morris County Superior Court in Morristown, N.J.

• The Washington Redskins signed third-round pick Jordan Reed, putting all of their draft selections under contract for the 2013 season. The Redskins announced the deal Friday for the tight end from Florida. Reed led the Gators in receiving last year with 45 catches for 559 yards.

• Hall of famer Mike Ditka will have his No. 89 retired by the Chicago Bears this season. The Bears said the number will be retired at halftime of their Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field on Dec. 9, a fitting tribute for a player who revolutionized the tight end position with his pass-catching ability and later coached the 1985 team to the Super Bowl championship.

• Dick Evey, a two-way tackle who played most of his eight seasons in the NFL with the Bears, died Thursday at the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville after a long illness at age 72. Evey played from 1964-69 with the Bears, who selected him out of Tennessee in the first round of the 1964 NFL Draft. Evey played with the Los Angeles Rams in 1970 and the Detroit Lions in 1971.

other SPORTS

Blue Jackets sign McElhinney, Melart

• The Columbus Blue Jackets signed goaltender Curtis McElhinney and defenseman Ilari Melart to one-year contracts. McElhinney has appeared in 69 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators. Melart, signed to an entry-level contract, spent the past several seasons playing in Europe.

• The 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia was canceled because of snow along the route and today’s penultimate stage was altered for the same reasons, leaving Vincenzo Nibali with a much milder finish to defend his lead.

• Portuguese soccer champion Porto agreed to sell midfielder Joao Moutinho and forward James Rodriguez to Monaco for 70 million euros ($91 million).

— From wire reports

“It’s been a great couple of days,” Cochran said after the pair each shot 5-under-66 on Friday. “He’s one of my best friends. We had a good time out there.”

Cochran and Perry had matching 69s in the opening round, they tied for the best score in the second round and are the only players to break 70 both rounds. They bonded in high school in Paducah, a three-hour drive from St. Louis. When they play together today for the third consecutive day as the final twosome, the following is likely to grow.

Japan’s Kiyoshi Murota was 1 strokes back after a 70. Jay Haas and Duffy Waldorf, tied for the lead after the first round, matched Loren Roberts at 4 under. Roberts had a 68, and Haas and Waldorf shot 72.

The 54-year-old Cochran began play on the back nine and had five birdies in a span of six holes, peaking at 8 under before a bogey on No. 6.

The 52-year-old Perry had five birdies in a bogey-free round, helped by a handful of 300-plus drives.

Bernard Langer made a 12-stroke improvement with a 67 and also was 4 over, rebounding from an opening round marred by consecutive triple bogeys.

PGA Tour

Matt Kuchar was 10 under par on the 16th green when the second round of the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, was suspended Friday night because of an impending storm system.

There were 18 groups still on the course, three still with eight holes to play, when play was stopped at 6:38 p.m. The second round at Hogan’s Alley will be completed this morning.

Kuchar had a 1-stroke lead over Graham DeLaet, the Canadian who shot a 67 in a morning round completed before an 2-hour, 10-minute delay just after noon because of lightning.

First-round leader Ryan Palmer was still at 8 under after shooting even par on his 12 holes Friday.

Jordan Spieth, Steve Flesch and Josh Teater finished at 8 under.

LPGA Tour

Heather Bowie Young had five consecutive birdies while hop-scotching across the golf course in the Bahamas LPGA Classic in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Bowie Young made birdies on half of the 12 holes the LPGA Tour set up Friday for a 6-under 39 at the Ocean Club. That gave her the lead in the middle of a long, bizarre opening round that had no chance of finishing because of a three-hour delay.

European Tour

Rory McIlory was one of five 2012 European Ryder Cup players to miss the cut in the BMW PGA Championship, while Medinah teammate Francesco Molinari took the lead at Wentworth in Virginia Water, England.

Molinari put himself in position for his fourth European Tour title, shooting a 68 to take a 1-stroke lead at 6 under.

South Africa’s George Coetzee, Scotland’s Marc Warren, England’s Mark Foster and Spain’s Alejandro Canizares tied for second. Foster had a 69, and Coetzee, Warren and Canizares shot 70.