Felix Ks 13, 5-hits Boston
Felix Hernandez matched his career high with 13 strikeouts in a brilliant five-hitter, and John Jaso’s pinch-hit single in the bottom of the ninth scored Casper Wells to give the host Seattle Mariners a 1-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night.
Hernandez (6-5) tossed his fifth career shutout and was one of the first ones out of the Mariners dugout after Wells’ belly-flop onto home plate. It was the third time in his career Hernandez struck out 13, the most recent coming on May 22, 2011 at San Diego.
Leadoff man Ian Kinsler got four hits, scored three runs and stole two bases, sending host Texas past Oakland, 7-6, for its 11th win in 13 games. The game lasted 3 hours, 54 minutes, the Rangers’ longest nine-inning game of the season.
Marco Scutaro’s RBI single in the 11th inning gave host Colorado an 11-10 victory over Washington after the Rockies squandered a seven-run lead.
WADE OUT OF GAMES
Dwyane Wade needs surgery on his left knee and will miss the London Olympics.
The Miami Heat guard called USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski and let them know that he is not healthy enough to participate in the Olympics. Wade was playing through pain for much of the playoffs, yet still averaged 22.6 points during Miami’s five-game win over Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals.
NO BECKS EITHER
David Beckham says he has failed to make the British Olympic soccer squad. The former England captain made manager Stuart Pearce’s short list of 35 but was not selected for the final 18-man team as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the Olympics.
NHL SALARY CAP GOES UP
The NHL salary cap is going up, allowing teams to spend about $6 million more on players this season. Before opening labor talks, the league and the NHL Players’ Association announced the cap has been set at $70.2 million. The minimum teams can spend on payroll is also rising, going up from $48 million to $54.2 million.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby have agreed to a 12-year contract extension that leaves little doubt the superstar center has overcome the concussion-like symptoms that sidelined him for most of the last two seasons. The deal keeps the 24-yearold Crosby in Pittsburgh through 2025.