Sports: Tigs win again; Wings clinch playoff spot

After a rain delay of over three and a half hours, the Tigers completed the sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 7-1 win yesterday at Comerica Park. Starting pitcher Shane Greene gave up one unearned run on four hits while striking out five and walking one in eight innings in his Detroit debut. The Twins scored their first run of the series in the seventh inning, and the Tigers' 24-inning scoreless streak is the third longest in Major League history. J.D. Martinez went two-for-four at the plate, including a two-run home run, while Anthony Gose had three hits.  Detroit is in Cleveland to open a three game series with the Indians this afternoon. Alfredo Simon will make his first start for the Tigers against Zack McAllister.  Broadcast time is 3:45 on WBCK.

Red Wings

The Red Wings are in the playoffs for the 24^th straight season.  The Wings lost to the Canadiens 4-3 in overtime last night in Montreal but still clinched a spot in the playoffs with Florida topping Boston 4-2 last night. Tomas Tatar, Pavel Datsyuk, and Darren Helm all scored for Detroit. Jimmy Howard turned aside 22 shots on goal.  Detroit's streak of 24 consecutive playoff appearances is the longest in the four major professional sports.  The Red Wings wrap up the regular season on the road tomorrow night against the Carolina Hurricanes.  Three teams are vying for the final two playoff spots in the NHL's Eastern Conference. Ottawa has 97 points, Pittsburgh has 96, and Boston has 95. The Penguins have two games left, while the Senators and Bruins have one each.

Pistons

The Detroit Pistons host the Indiana Pacers tonight at The Palace. Their final home game is Sunday afternoon against the Hornets, and the Pistons finish the season on the road in Cleveland on Monday and against the Knicks on Wednesday.

Golf

Jordan Spieth is the leader after day one of The Masters. The 21-year-old fired an eight-under 64 to take a three-shot lead after Thursday's first round at Augusta National.  Justin Rose, Ernie Els, Jason Day, and Charley Hoffman are tied for second after carding a five-under 67.  Tiger Woods shot a one-over 73 and is 9 strokes off the pace.  Phil Mickelson opened with a two-under 70.

Bell Suspended for Weed

Pittsburgh Steelers and former Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell is reportedly facing a three game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

NFL.com and ESPN both reported that Bell has been told of his penalty and has decided to appeal. Bell was arrested last August in a Pittsburgh suburb and was charged with possession of marijuana and driving under the influence.  He was admitted into a program for first-time offenders in February.  New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, then a teammate with the Steelers, was also in the car, and on Monday he was handed a one game penalty for his policy violation.

Iowa QB Transfers to Michigan

It's officially official. Jake Rudock is a Michigan Wolverine.  The former Iowa quarterback was officially announced as a part of Michigan's football program Thursday night.  Rudock instantly becomes the most experienced quarterback on Michigan's roster, as he served as Iowa's starter over the past two seasons before losing his starting job to C.J. Beathard earlier this winter.