Sports: Tigers Get a Rain Assist to Keep Pace; Beat Tribe 6-3

The Tigers got a rain-shortened 6-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday night to keep pace with Baltimore in the AL wild-card race. Detroit trails the Orioles by one game for the AL's second wild card. The Tigers scored three runs in the third but the Indians were able to tie it up against starter Michael Fulmer. The rain was a factor throughout the evening — there was also a delay during the third inning — and it was certainly coming down when Detroit began its rally in the fifth at Comerica Park. With two on and one out, Cabrera hit a line drive over the wall in right off Joseph Colon (1-3) for his 36th homer. Blaine Hardy (1-0) won in relief of Michael Fulmer, who lasted only 3 1/3 innings on the wet night.

Baltimore got a two-run homer from pinch hitter Hyun Soo Kim in the 9^th to beat Toronto 3-2, so the Tigers remain one game out of the Wild Card spot. The Tigers have 4 games left, one with the Indians and the final three this weekend in Atlanta. Baltimore has 4 games left, against the Blue Jays and Yankees.

Daniel Norris starts today for the Tigers. Broadcast time is 12:45 on WBCK. …weather permitting.

Jordan Zimmermann is set to pitch Friday night for the Tigers in what would be his first start in nearly three weeks. Zimmermann has been trying to regain his effectiveness after missing significant time with neck issues. He allowed six runs in one inning September 10th in his most recent start. The right-hander has pitched only once since then, allowing a run in three relief innings this past Sunday. Manager Brad Ausmus hasn't decided between Matt Boyd and Buck Farmer for Saturday. Justin Verlander is in line to pitch the regular-season finale Sunday.

MLB

The Mets and Giants lead the wild card race in the National League, with St. Louis a game behind San Francisco.

Red Wings

The Red Wings are 2-0 in pre-season hockey. At Boston, Luke Glendening and Steve Ott each had a goal and an assist to help the Wings beat the Bruins 5-1.

Drew Miller, Anthony Manta and Kyle Criscuolo also scored for Detroit, and Jared Coreau made 35 saves.

The Wings beat Pittsburg 4-2 on Wednesday. They finish the pre-season schedule Friday at home against the Bruins.

Cross Country

St. Philip won the boys’ and girls’ races in a SCAA meet on Wednesday. Jack Greenman and Ava Strenge leading their teams.

Volleyball

Harper Creek 3, Hastings 0. The 7^th ranked Beavers were led by Charley Andrews with 23 kills.

Mattawan 3, Lakeview 2 on Dig Pink Night at Lakeview.

Marshall 3, Pennfield 1. Mackenzie Benham had 13 kills and 14 assists. Maddie Reynolds had 4 aces.

Gull Lake 3, Loy Norrix 0.

Bronson 3, Centerville 1.

Girls Golf

Lakeview placed third in round two of the SMAC Championship match. Haley Lesiow was conference runner-up with a score of 90.

Boys Tennis

Bronson 4, Battle Creek Central 3.

Coldwater 5, Gull Lake 3.

Lions Football

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing a game because of a sprained right thumb.

Cutler was injured against Philadelphia on September 19th and sat out last week's 31-17 loss at Dallas. Veteran Brian Hoyer went 30 of 49 for 317 yards filling in against the Cowboys and would likely start again if Cutler is not available against Detroit this week.

The Lions are 1-2 and head to Chicago to play the winless Bears this Sunday. Broadcast time is 12 noon on 104.9 The Edge.

Bell Back with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin believes Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams can be on the field at the same time. Tomlin didn't say "backfield," however. And there's a difference. A big one. Michigan State alum Bell's return from a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy gives the Steelers one of the best running back combinations in the NFL.

College Football

#4 Michigan hosts #8 Wisconsin this Saturday in Ann Arbor. Hear the game at 2:30 on 104.9 The Edge.

#17 Michigan State plays at Indiana on Saturday night at 6:30 on WBCK.

The undefeated WMU Broncos are at 3-1 Central Michigan this Saturday night at 7pm.

High School Football

This Friday night, WBCK will broadcast the Gull Lake at Battle Creek Central game.

Gull Lake at Battle Creek Central (GL 2-3, BCC 1-4)

Lakeview at Kalamazoo Central (L 3-1)

Parma Western at Harper Creek (HC 5-0) The Beavers are ranked 6^th in Division 3.

Pennfield at Jackson Northwest (P 2-3)

St. Philip at Webberville (St. P 4-1) St. Philip holds on to a #5 ranking in the 8-Player division, despite a loss last week.

Athens at Jonesville (At 1-4)