Towson grad Palacios makes quick jump to Low-A

After becoming the highest-drafted position player in Towson baseball history when the Cleveland Indians selected him in the third round of the MLB draft in June, Richard Palacios has earned a step up from Short-AMahoning Valley to Low-A Lake County. The former Towson standout had a 17-game hitting streak in the New York-Penn League, which was broken in his debut game with Lake County. In 28 minor league games, Palacios has 41 hits, 24 RBIs, six doubles, a triple, four home runs and five stolen bases. He has walked and struck out17 and16 times, respectively, hitting .402./479/.598. He had initially been assigned to the rookie-level Arizona League Indians 1, but quickly ascended in the ranks after just five games, batting .438/.591/.875. (.830), and shared the lead in extra-points converted (78), attempted (83) and percentage made (.940). He was a soccer standout at Lyman High in Longwood, Fla., and even though he reportedly received interest from Florida, Notre Dame and Penn State football programs, he played soccer at Florida International on a scholarship before transferring to UNC Charlotte. His return to football began with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of the af2, the AFL’s minor league, in 2003 before working his way to the Detroit Fury a year later. In his 14 seasons, Lewis played for a new team almost every year until spending six seasons with the Predators (2011-2016). He played one season for the Tampa Bay Storm before joining the Brigade this year. Lewis earned his first AFL Kicker of the Year honor in 2007, with the Austin Wranglers. Lewis and the Brigade will take on the Washington Valor in ArenaBowl XXXI at 7 p.m. Saturday at Royal Farms Arena. COLLEGE BASKETBALL: The Loyola Maryland men’s basketball team announced its nonconference schedule under first-year coach Tavaras Hardy. Loyola will open its season Nov. 6 when it visits St. John’s in New York City in the first game of the Legends Classic. The Greyhounds’ home opener is against Dartmouth on Nov. 11. Also included in the 13-game nonconference schedule are home games against Delaware State (Nov. 13), Bowling Green or Hampton (Nov. 20) and Mount St. Mary’s (Dec. 1). On the road, Loyola will face Temple (Nov. 16), the first meeting between the schools since February 1930; Deroit Mercy (Nov. 19); Towson (Nov. 25); Drexel (Dec. 5); Binghamton (Dec. 8); Maryland (Dec. 11); UMass-Lowell (Dec. 21); and North Carolina State (Dec. 28). The Loyola women will face Maryland for the 12th straight season Dec. 10. The Greyhounds women will also play at George Mason (Nov. 6); Dartmouth (Nov. 9); Georgetown (Nov. 13); Towson (Dec. 4); and Monmouth (Dec. 22) and host William & Mary (Nov. 17); Boston College (Nov. 24); Mount St. Mary’s (Dec. 1); and St. Francis Brooklyn (Dec. 7). — pended indefinitely for repeated violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy, was reinstated. ... Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. will report to camp despite not having a long-term contract extension, NFLNetwork reported. ... The 49ers signed first-round draft pick Mike McGlinchey, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, to a four-year deal. ... The Patriots signed the second of their first-round draft picks, Georgia RB Sony Michel.

Two-time European champion Benfica was drawn against Fenerbahce in the Champions League third qualifying round, which takes place next month. ... The Rapids acquired midfielder Kellyn Acosta from FCDallas for forward Dominique Badji and an international roster spot. ... New Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri said he hopes to speak by the end of the month to Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, and Willian, who are reported to be considering offers elsewhere. ... Parma retained its Serie A status but will start the season with a five-point deduction and forward Emanuele Calaio was banned for two years for what the Italian federation deemed attempted match-fixing.

Roger Federer withdrew from the Rogers Cup in Toronto next month so he could be in peak condition for the U.S. Open. ... The WNBA suspended Mercury G Diana Taurasi one game without pay for her seventh technical foul. ... The Islanders agreed to terms with restricted free-agent F Brock Nelson on a one-year, $4.25 million contract. ... The Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey took in nearly $3.5 million in sports bets during its first nine days of accepting such wagers.