Sports: Series Starts Tonight in Cleveland

The Cubs head to Cleveland to play the Indians on tonight in game one of the World Series.   The Tribe hasn’t won a championship since 1948 but the Cubs last series championship was in 1908.   It’ll be Jon Lester for the Cubs against Cleveland ace Kory Kluber tonight in game 1.   Beyond that, the Indians’ rotation is anybody’s guess.   The Indians say Danny Salazar will be on the World Series roster but he’s been out since Sept. 9 because of tightness in his right forearm.

Trevor Bauer could get the game 2 start.   Cleveland may be without second baseman Jason Kipnis who's still recovering from a sprained left ankle.

Across the street from Progressive field - the Cleveland Cavaliers open their NBA season and get their World Championship rings.

Pistons

The Pistons start the season in Toronto Wednesday.  The home opener is Friday as the Orlando Magic come to the Palace of Auburn Hills.   The Pistons have claimed guard Beno Udrih off waivers from Miami and released guard Ray McCallum.  Detroit made the moves Monday, two days before opening the season at Toronto.  Udrih is entering his 13th NBA season.   He played for the Heat and Memphis Grizzlies last season. The 6-foot-4 native of Slovenia was drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 and also played for Sacramento, Orlando and New York.

McGary Waived

The Oklahoma City Thunder finally cut ties with troubled forward Mitch McGary on Monday.  The team announced that it waived McGary, a first-round pick in 2014, along with three other players.  McGary faces two drug suspensions for a combined minimum of 15 games.  The former Michigan standout saw action in 52 games, mostly as a reserve, during the past two seasons.

Red Wings

The Red Wings host Carolina tonight at Joe Louis Arena.  The Wings are 4-2 after Jimmy Howard’s 3-0 shutout win over San Jose on Saturday. Petr Mrazek is expected to be back in goal tonight for Detroit.   The Wings will head to St. Louis for a game on Thursday.

Monday Night Football

Denver beat Houston 27-0 on Monday Night Football.  The Broncos end a two-game losing streak and move into a first-place tie with Oakland in the AFC West at 5-2.  Denver also spent the night hounding former teammate Brock Osweiler, who threw for just 131 yards and committed a key fumble in the fourth quarter.

Lions Football

The Lions hit the road to face Houston this weekend.  Broadcast time is 12 noon Sunday on WBCK.

College Football

Michigan looks to avenge last year’s botched punt loss to Michigan State this Saturday in East Lansing.   Michigan State's 27-23 victory was its third straight in the rivalry series and seventh win in eight games.  No. 2 Michigan (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) has lost only one game since losing to Michigan State on Oct. 17, 2015, at the Big House. The Spartans (2-5, 0-4) have lost five straight and are underdogs by more than three touchdowns at home.  WBCK will have the Michigan-Michigan State game this Saturday morning at 10:30.   Catch the Mark Dantonio Show Thursday night at 7 on WBCK.

Soccer

Marshall’s boys’ soccer team improved to 17-3-2 as they beat Charlotte on Saturday to win their second straight District Championship.  Tonight, the Redhawks take on Mattawan in a regional semi-final at Vicksburg High School.   The winner advances to Thursday’s game with the winner of the Holland-Plainwell match.

 High School Football Playoffs

Six area teams made the High School Football Playoffs.

Division 2 – Region 1 – District 2
Lakeview (6-2) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (7-2)  WBCK will broadcast the game at 6:35 this Friday night.
Winner takes on Portage Northern (5-4) or Portage Central (8-1)*

Division 3 – Region 2 – District 2
Harper Creek (7-2) at Coldwater (7-2)
Winner takes on Vicksburg (7-2) or Chelsea (9-0)*

Division 4 – Region 2 – District 2
Pennfield (5-4) at Lake Odessa-Lakewood (8-1)*
Winner takes on Williamston (5-4) or Lansing Sexton (6-3)

Division 5 – Region 3 – District 2
Olivet (5-4) at Berrien Springs (8-1)*
Winner takes on Buchanan (5-3) or Dowagiac (6-3)

Division 7 – Region 3 – District 2
Dansville (6-3) at Homer (7-2)*
Winner takes on Springport (7-2) or Concord (7-2)

Division 8 – Region 4 – District 1
Colon (5-4) at Climax-Scotts (9-0)*
Winner takes on Mendon (7-2) or St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic (8-1)