Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 6-5-23.
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Stay tuned to Pulltab Sports later this week for an incredible story I’m honored to tell. I attended the Hendrickson Foundation’s National Hockey Festival in Blaine Sunday. I met so many inspiring players and coaches especially in sled, special and military veteran hockey.
Why is it the one weekend day in three months you’ve had without a whole lot to do is the one you get sick. I did watch the heck out of some sports though, which is why I know that this ejection in the 13th inning of the Clemson/Tennessee NCAA Baseball Tournament game is one of the worst I’ve ever seen.
I’m not sure what was said, and the coaches said after the game both teams had been warned. But no one from Tennessee even batted an eyelash. If that was an ejection, my college roommate would have never been able to play any games. Also, it meant Cam Cannarella, Clemson’s best hitter, was automatically suspended for the next game, an elimination game that the Tigers lost.
Twins Split with Guardians; Lewis Avoids Injury (We Think) in Scary Collision
With Buxton and Correa and Gallo already out of the lineup, and with Royce Lewis back in the lineup barely two weeks, it certainly wasn’t a play you wanted to see. Lewis went head over tea kettle so to speak, landing on his head and neck, in a scary collision at first base in the Twins’ 2-1 loss to cap off the four-game series with Cleveland. They split four games - if the Twins split with the Indians, they’ll win the division comfortably.
Lewis said he’s ok - now, we’ll see if that ok means he can still play Tuesday in Tampa. A good time for an off day if there ever was one. I do believe Tampa is cooler than the Twin Cities this week, too.
A scary weekend for Rocco Baldelli, who was hospitalized with diverticulitis but still made it to the ballpark in time for the game. As someone who was hospitalized for nine days with it last year, I hope Rocco slows down and doesn’t mess around.
Reynoso’s Return Leads Loons to 1-1 Tie
The Loons’ most dynamic player returned to the lineup after off-season “problems” we’ll just call it that, and his presence was immediately felt. Emanuel Reynoso assisted on the game-tying goal with less than two minutes remaining - the 89th minute in soccer time - as the Loons tied Toronto 1-1.
Minnesota is at Montreal this Saturday. Now there’s a city that’s great in the summer.
Lynx Winless No More
The Lynx won their first game after an 0-6 start, holding off the Washington Mystics 80-78 on Saturday. Kayla Mitchell put back her own miss with three seconds left. Kayla McBride scored a season-high 24 points for the Lynx, which led by 10 entering the fourth and made things interesting.
Dalvin Cook’s Time in Minnesota Coming to an End?
There really shouldn’t be a question mark on that headline. The Vikings have been shopping often injured Dalvin Cook, with no takers for his $10-plus million cap hit. Several outlets report that the Miami Dolphins are very interested in Cook should the Vikings release him - which should happen soon.
NBA Finals Knotted 1-1
The Heat evened the series with Denver 1-1 with a three-point win. Things shift to Miami next.
Vegas Takes 1-0 Lead in Stanley Cup Final
Bemidji State’s Zach Whitecloud snapped a third period tie and Vegas went on to a 5-2 win over Florida in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. Game 2 is tonight.
I was shocked at how well Florida played, especially early, since they had a ridiculous nine days off before Game 1. Old friend Eric Staal, written off by most of the hockey world SEVERAL seasons ago, scored a shorthanded goal for Florida early. I expect the Panthers will come with a big time push to start Game 2.
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