SPORTS IN BRIEF
Redbirds capitalize on 12-run inning in Friday's 17-4 victory at Round Rock
The Memphis Redbirds can get used to these kind of Pacific Coast League offensive fireworks.
The defending champions sent 17 batters to the plate in the top of the seventh inning and scored an eye-popping 12 runs on their way to Friday’s 17-4 victory over host Round Rock.
Every member of the Redbirds starting lineup got a hit (18 total), including a game-high four from second baseman Max Schrock. Adolis Garcia and Tyler O’Neill each contributed three, with the latter homering in the third and fifth inning off Express starter Adrian Sampson. O’Neill finished his night with 5 RBI.
Memphis (2-0) was opportunistic in the seventh, as the Round Rock pitching staff issued six walks and uncorked two wild pitches. Among those driving in runs were Schrock, Garcia, O’Neill, Wilfredo Tovar, Randy Arozarena and Patrick Wisdom.
Dakota Hudson got the win on the mound, scattering six hits in 5 1/3 innings of work.
The series continued Saturday at Dell Diamond. Sunday’s contest is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Semifinals set at Spell Restaurant Group pro tennis event
After heavy rain suspended play on Friday, quarterfinal action continued Saturday afternoon in the 2018 Spell Restaurant Group Men's Pro Tennis Championships at Germantown Country Club.
Top seed Scott Griekspoor advanced with a 7-6 (1), 6-2 victory. He will face Henry Craig in the semifinal round, who also advanced following a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 triumph. No. 6 Sebastian Fanselow also turned in a straight-set win against Brazil’s Karue Sell to earn a spot in the semifinal round. Qualifier Jack Findel-Hawkins rounds out the semifinal field after he defeated Jose Pereira, 6-3, 6-3.
The Spell Restaurant tournament is an International Tennis Federation Futures event. Futures are considered a pathway to tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players.
Steve Spurrier hired as Alliance league’s first head coach
ORLANDO, Fla. – Steve Spurrier plans to be back on the sideline if a proposed new professional league gets off the ground. The Orlando Alliance announced Saturday that it has hired Spurrier as its first head coach. Spurrier will coach in the planned Alliance of American Football. The Alliance is the creation of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Polian and TV and film producer Charlie Ebersol. The league plans to have eight teams and will play a 12-week season Feb. 9, 2019, and will be broadcast on CBS.