Sports: Tigers End Losing Streak

The Tigers broke their seven game losing streak Tuesday with a dramatic 5-4 win over the Washington Nationals. Andrew Romine drove in the tiebreaking run on a play that withstood a replay challenge under the new slide rule.   Miguel Cabrera tacked on a pinch-hit RBI.  Michael Fullmer got his second win, in his third major league start.  The Nationals had a chance to tie the score in the eighth inning. They tried to score from first on a double to the gap in left center,  but Andrew Romine’s relay from centerfielder Anthony Gose cut down the runner at the plate.  Bryce Harper came up as the potential go-ahead run in the ninth, but closer Francisco Rodriguez intentionally walked the reigning NL MVP to put two men on with one out for cleanup hitter Zimmerman, who had already hit two home runs.  Rodriguez struck out Zimmerman swinging, then got .402-hitting Daniel Murphy to fly out to center for his eighth save. Nick Castellanos hit in the cleanup spot again, and hit a 2-run homer.  Victor Martinez started at first base and went 4 for 5 with two RBI’s.  The rubber game of the series is tonight in Washington.  Former Tiger Max Scherzer will take on former National Jordan Zimmerman. Broadcast time is 6:40 on WBCK.

MLB-Cubs Win

The Chicago Cubs are a major league-best 25-6 following their eighth consecutive win, an 8-7 decision over San Diego.

MLB-Bryce Harper

Major League Baseball says it is reviewing Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper's confrontation with an umpire to decide whether he should be disciplined.  Harper was kicked out of Monday’s game with the Tigers, but failed to leave the dugout.  He ran onto the field after the game, and pointed and cursed at the umpire.

Red Wings Coaching Changes

The Red Wings have hired assistant coach Doug Houda to coach defense and the power play kill.  Houda was drafted by Detroit in 1984 and was one of its defensemen for parts of six seasons. He had been a Boston Bruins assistant coach the previous 10 seasons.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland also said goaltending coach Jim Bedard won't be re-signed after 18 seasons in Detroit. Holland says another assistant for coach Jeff Blashill will be hired and the team hasn't decided if assistant coach Pat Ferschweiler will work behind or away from the bench.

NBA
Russell Westbrook had 35 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Spurs 95-91 at San Antonio to take a three-games-to-two lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Miami and Toronto are tied at two games apiece.  Game 5 is tonight in Toronto.

Golden State has a 3-1 lead over Portland and can win the series tonight at home in Game 5.

NBA-MVP

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is the first player in NBA history to be unanimously voted the Most Valuable Player. Curry captured his second straight MVP after leading the league in scoring, free throw percentage and 3-pointers made while guiding the Warriors to a league-record 73 victories.

San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard was second in the balloting, followed by Cleveland forward LeBron James and Oklahoma City teammates Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

NHL

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the NHL's Eastern Conference finals after Nick Bonino scored 6:32 into overtime to give the Pens a 4-3 win over Washington.

Dallas and St. Louis play the deciding game 7 tonight in Dallas.

Nashville and San Jose are tied at 3.  Game 7 is Thursday in San Jose.

AHL-Griffins

The Grand Rapids Griffins had to win against Lake Erie last night to stay alive in the playoffs.  They mounted an epic comeback from a three-goal deficit to beat Lake Erie 5-4.  Andreas Athanasiou had a goal with 1:55 remaining to put the Griffins ahead.  Game 5 is Saturday night in Cleveland.