10052018 SPORTS

SPORTS SECTION E

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2018

Ayton leads Suns to first preseason win

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A

nother game, another dominant performance from top overall pick Deandre Ayton as he led the Suns to their first win of the 2018 NBA preseason.

Ayton finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists in the Suns’ 91-86 win over the New Zealand Breakers at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on Wednesday night.

The rookie centre showed everything in his offensive arsenal, mid-range jumpers from the postup or face-up, dominating the interior on both ends of the floor with alley-oops or blocked shots.

His new Suns teammates have expectations, which they expect Ayton to meet and eventually exceed in the near future.

“Impressed? Not really, that’s what is expected of him. I’ll be impressed when he has a 20-20 game. That’s impressive,” Trevor Ariza told NBA.com. “Twentytwenty is coming, I can see that coming because he has that capability. He has that type of potential. I want to try to keep him a little humble right now so he has something to work for.”

Ayton had nine points and seven rebounds in the first quarter alone.

“I knew that just off the jump, how he was in college,” fellow Suns rookie Mikal Bridges said about Ayton’s skillset. “How big of a beast he is and how well he plays. How he can shoot the ball and defend.”

The Suns’ matchup against New Zealand marks the second consecutive year the club has hosted a team from Australia’s National Basketball League, defeating the Brisbane Bullets 114-93 during the 2017 preseason.

One of the league’s powerhouses, the Breakers won their first NBL Championship in 2011 and successfully defended it in 2012 and 2013. They re-claimed the title in 2015 before finishing as runners-up in 2016.

Their preseason schedule continues tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers which should present a tougher test against a frontline anchored by centre Jusuf Nurkic.

The road slate is highlighted by a matchup against the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors on Monday, October 8.

CHAVEZ Young’s standout season made such an impact on the Toronto Blue Jays organisation that the front office continues to recognise him as one of its rising stars.

While the media focuses on highly touted prospects Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins noted young as one of the most impressive minor leaguers in the team’s farm system.

Atkins called Young “a prospect who doesn’t get talked about enough” following a season where he was the only player at any minor league level to compile 50 extra base hits and more than 40 stolen bases.

Young led the Lugnuts in batting average runs scored and stolen bases.

It was a season of milestones for the 21-year-old outfielder as he continues his progression in the Toronto Blue Jays organisation and was named a Midwest League All-Star.

In 125 games this season, Young hit .285 with 134 hits and 57 RBI.

Thursday, Page 2

MEN’S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM NAMED FOR NATIONS LEAGUE THE Bahamas men’s national soccer team was named yesterday by the Bahamas Football Association to compete in a Nations League match against Antigua and Barbuda on October 12.

“This squad changed slightly based on performances in the previous game in Belize, as well as the availability of players to get releases from college teams who are in season.

“The squad added a few seasoned players to bring experience to the squad,” according to a press release.

The match is all set to begin at 6pm in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The gate opens at 4pm and the event is free to the public.

“The public is being asked to come out and support our Junkanoo Boys.

Wear gold for the victory,” said the release.

TEAM BAHAMAS • Christopher Godet • Christopher Rahming • Denzel Deveaux • Isiah Collie • Jaelin Williams • Julio Jameson • Lesly St Fleur • Mario Johnson • Nesly Jean • Raymorn Sturrup • Ricardo McPhee • Sonny Francois • Ian Lowe • Terry Delancey • Tre Barry • Troy Pinder • Valin Bodie • ReJohn Ene Head Coach: Dion Godet Assistant Coach: Paul James Goalkeeper Coach: Avery Kemp Team Manager: Larry Minns

PHOENIX Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov, left, talks with centre Deandre Ayton, right, during the second half of Monday’s preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. On Wednesday night, Ayton led the Suns to their first preseason win, defeating the New Zealand Breakers at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

(AP Photo/Ross D Franklin) In the first of several matchups this season between the country’s premier basketball talents, Deandre Ayton had the better individual performance.

Ayton made his preseason debut but Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings came away with the 106-102 win on Monday night.

Hield finished with six points, four rebounds and three assists but Ayton emerged as the main storyline with 24 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Ayton shot 9-16 from the field and was 6-8 from the free throw line in 30 minutes. Head coach Igor Kokoskov also noted Ayton’s

effort on defence. “I think he was engaged. He’s a playmaker defensively too, so that’s something that he can command. We have three young guys and the benefit of (preseason games) is having young guys on the court to see how they perform and learn from their mistakes,” Kokoskov said.

Young recognised as one of Blue Jays’ rising stars

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NFL

He also had an .808 OPS, slugged .445 with 44 stolen bases, 88 runs scored, 209 total bases, 33 doubles, nine triples and eight home runs.

Young finished tied for second in the Midwest league total bases, second in both doubles and triples, tied for third in stolen bases and his 134 hits ranked sixth.

His play this season has prompted his consistent rise up the prospect ranks within the Blue Jays organisation.

Prospect analysis website FutureBlueJays.com ranked Young at No.8 among the Blue Jays prospects while the Lansing State Journal profiled the 21-yearold outfielder for his impact on the Lugnuts.

“You wouldn’t ordinarily expect much from a 39th round pick, but Young is truly proving to be a diamond in the rough. The Bahamian may have been behind his peers in terms of development when he made his pro debut two years ago, but he’s more than made up for that. Young has been a fixture atop Lansing’s order,” Future Blue Jays said.

“Young has a simple set up at the plate, gets good plate coverage, and seldom chases. He can play all three outfield spots, and

CHAVEZ YOUNG has been set loose on the basepaths this year, stealing 13 in 19 attempts.”

Defensively, playing in centre and right field, he totalled 15 outfield assists along with 290 putouts and a .984 fielding percentage.

His best season thus far in the minor leagues came to an end as his Lansing Lugnuts lost in the Eastern Division Semi-finals in the Class A-Advanced playoffs.

Out of Faith Baptist Academy

in Ludowici, Georgia, the Grand Bahama native was drafted by the Blue Jays in July 2016 in the 39th round with the 1,182 pick.

He was assigned to the GCL Blue Jays as a rookie where he appeard in 21 games and hit .274 with eight doubles, two triples and six stolen bases.

He progressed to the Class A Short-Season Vancouver Canadians but appeared in just five games before he was reassigned to the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League.

Young led the Appalachian League with eight triples, was second in runs scored with 55, and seventh in total bases with 118.

In 67 games, he hit .283 with four stolen bases, slugging .445, an on-base percentage of .336, an OPS of .781 and four home runs.

“Coming from a late-round draft guy, I’ve just had to work for everything,” Young told the Lansing State Journal.

“I never forget that this is my dream job. I always have got to have fun doing it, no matter where I’m at. I’ve got to be even-keeled through the bad days and the good days. I’ve got to stay on that even plane always and keep having fun.

The hard work will pay off.”

DODGERS BEAT BRAVES 6-0 IN NLDS OPENER

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched seven dominant innings, Max Muncy hit an early, three-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 6-0 in their NL Division Series opener last night.

Picked a surprising Game 1 starter over fellow lefty Clayton Kershaw, Ryu delivered in his first postseason start since 2014.

The South Korean allowed four singles — all with two outs — struck out eight and walked none.

The 31-year-old Ryu missed 3 1/2 months of the season with a groin strain and returned August 15 to post a 1.88 ERA in 52 2/3 innings.

Dodgers great Sandy Koufax was among those who gave Ryu a standing ovation as he walked to the dugout after his final pitch.

The Dodgers set franchise and National League records by hitting 235 homers during the regular season, and their tear continued with three more to begin their playoffs.

The defending NL champions actually were outhit 6-5 by Atlanta, but the Braves only got singles.

Game 2 in the bestof-five matchup is today at Dodger Stadium,

SEE PAGE 3

PAGE 2, Friday, October 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Tom Brady reaches 500 TD passes in Patriots’ 38-24 win

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady reached 500 touchdown passes for his unparalleled career and the New England Patriots put together their second straight win after a mediocre start to the season, beating Indianapolis 38-24 last night.

Brady’s 500th went to Josh Gordon, recently acquired from Cleveland, where he basically was unavailable through NFL suspensions for all but five games over the past three seasons. But, as he often does, Brady spread the wealth, hitting running back James White 10 times for 77 yards, and greeting the return of buddy Julian Edelman by completing seven for 57 yards to him.

Brady also tied Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, a former teammate, for most NFL victories with 226.

As everyone in Gillette Stadium except, apparently, the Colts knew, Brady started off with a pass to Edelman, who was wide open for 9 yards. That drew the first of many loud cheers for the 10th-year veteran receiver in his first game since the 2017 preseason, when he tore up a knee.

Edelman was suspended for the first four games this year for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancers.

That was the first of three receptions for 28 yards for Edelman on the opening 75-yard touchdown drive Brady capped with a oneyard toss to Cordarrelle Patterson.

From there, even though the Colts (1-4) had a drive deep into New England (3-2) territory, usually reliable Adam Vinatieri missed a 38-yard field goal.

Nothing was going right for Indianapolis, particularly after Brady led a 72-yard march to his sneak from the 1. Then he took the Patriots 68 yards near the end of the half and hit workhorse White for a 6-yard score to lead 21-3.

of big third-down throws to Ebron, and Eric Swoope caught a 13-yard scoring pass to make it 24-17.

That’s when everyone saw vintage Brady as he hit the half-century mark for TD throws by connecting with newcomer Gordon for 34 yards, the 71st player to catch a touchdown pass from Brady, an NFL mark.

KICKING IT Vinatieri, whose leg helped New England win three Super Bowls, hit the left upright with his 673rd career field goal attempt, the second most in NFL history. He already holds the mark for most field goals made and is closing in on Hall of Famer Morten Andersen’s points record, but was victimised by a high snap on the first-quarter miss.

Showing his true skills, Vinatieri later nailed a 54-yarder with plenty to spare.

Under pressure, Andrew Luck threw a poor pass that Patrick Chung intercepted at midfield, and Stephen Gostkowski made a 45-yard field goal for a 24-3 halftime lead.

Luck did extend his string of games with a touchdown pass by hitting Eric Ebron on a 14-yarder in the third quarter. Showing a strong arm all night — remember, Luck missed all of 2017 with shoulder issues — he has a TD throw in 28 successive games, tops of any current quarterback.

After Matthias Farley’s interception of a pass bobbled by Chris Hogan, Indy could do nothing. Rookie Jordan Wilkins had the ball stripped from his hands by Devin McCourty four players later.

But a second pick of Brady that was not his fault — Rob Gronkowski had the ball stolen and Najee Goode wound up with it — helped the Colts get back into it for a short time.

Looking like vintage Luck, he brought his team 80 yards, including a pair

UNDERMANNED The Colts were severely depleted, missing five starters, including their best receiver. T.Y. Hilton was out with chest and hamstring injuries. Tight end Jack Doyle (hip), running back Marlon Mack (hamstring), tackle Denzelle Good (personal matter) and cornerback Kenny Moore II (concussion) also were sidelined. They lost five more players during the game.

DEFLATED FEELING Not much was made of the “Deflategate” saga, even though this was Indy’s first trip to Gillette Stadium since getting routed in the 2014 AFC title game.

That loss led to an NFL investigation of alleged underinflated footballs, and eventually to a four-game suspension for Brady, which he sat out in 2016.

NEW England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady pumps his fist after throwing a touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts last night. TOP - Brady passes under pressure from Colts defensive end Denico Autry. (AP Photos)

UP NEXT Colts: at New York Jets on October 14.

Patriots: host Kansas City on October 14.

NBA RETURNS JUST TO SAY GOODBYE TO SEATTLE’S KEYARENA

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer SEATTLE (AP) — He was a kid at the time, all of 19 years old, about to conclude his first NBA season.

He stood on the court in green and gold, waving his arms up and down, asking for more noise from the home crowd begging for another chance to see the home team play.

That was more than 10 years ago. Kevin Durant was that kid. The Seattle SuperSonics were his team.

“Just that culture of the Sonics was really, really deep and so many people all around the world or all around the country enjoyed the Sonics,” Durant said recently. “It was pretty crazy, man, now that I think about it the time we spent there, the little time we spent there and how much we could have impacted the city if we stayed.”

A decade later, Durant will be back in that same building, again likely to be waving his arms toward what is expected to be a sold out sea of green and gold.

KeyArena, the former home of the Sonics, will host its final event tonight when Durant’s Golden State Warriors meet the Sacramento Kings in an NBA preseason game. It will then be shuttered and remodelled from top to bottom.

There could be no more appropriate way to see the building sent off in its current state than to have the NBA under its roof one more time.

“For the city to have this game and for it to be the send-off for KeyArena, I

think it will generate an energy that hopefully the powers that be can see just how supportive the city of Seattle is of basketball and maybe it can push them in the right direction to bring a team back,” said Seattle Storm star Sue Bird.

It will be the first NBA game here since that April night in 2008 when Durant was on the floor as the Sonics played their final home game amid chants of “Save Our Sonics” before moving to Oklahoma City.

He spent only his rookie season in the Emerald City, but the connection remains strong.

Now a two-time reigning NBA Finals MVP, Durant lived on Mercer Island back in the day. He said he was one of a few who lived so far out of the city since most of his teammates stayed downtown.

Durant was accompanied by his mother, Wanda, as he got settled that year in the Pacific Northwest, across the country from his Washington, D.C., roots after just one college season at Texas.

Durant had figured on draft night that he was headed to Boston or Atlanta.

He fell in love with Seattle, only to see it ripped away after less than a year.

“I was anticipating the move obviously but it happened so quickly. That’s the nature of the business,” Durant said. “It was devastating for the fans and I was still getting used to the city as well. I was kind of confused emotionally on how to think about that but as time went on and you see the excitement for Thunder basketball in Oklahoma City, you tend to wonder. It was me and

SEATTLE SuperSonics’ Kevin Durant (35) tries to drive past Dallas Mavericks’ Josh Howard during an NBA game at KeyArena in Seattle on Jan. 11, 2008. KeyArena is getting an appropriate send off today with an NBA game being played once again under its roof as the former home of the SuperSonics will see the Golden State Warriors meet the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game.

Afterward, the building will be shuttered and remodeled.

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Nick (Collison) and Jeff (Green) at the time. Once we started having some success, we were the only guys that played on the Seattle team. We were just thinking about how crazy it would have been being in the playoffs, going to the finals in Seattle. It was still great in Oklahoma City as well.”

The love of the Sonics still runs deep in the community. WWE wrestler Elias was booed for nearly five minutes during a taping of “Monday Night Raw,”

this past week, in the nextto-last event in the building that opened during the 1962 World’s Fair.

KeyArena has been the home of junior hockey, indoor soccer and roller derby. It hosted the final indoor concert performed by the Beatles in 1966 and seemingly every major artist since. It’s seen two WNBA title banners raised to its rafters and will have a third added when the new building opens. The Storm won a third title this past season.

But it’s the NBA that made the old barn famous. From the days of Lenny Wilkins and Jack Sikma, to Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, and ultimately Durant’s one season in Seattle, it’s the Sonics that were most associated with the facility.

It’s no wonder that Warriors President Rick Welts has said Friday will be a celebration of the team for which he was a ballboy as a kid.

When the Warriors and Kings take the floor, it

will have been 3,827 days between NBA games in the building.

“The Sonics to me were a lot like the Warriors to the Bay, a really cool brand, good history and tradition going back to the championship in ‘79 just like the Warriors in ‘75. Great colours, cool brand and unbelievable fan base,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

“I played there in the Finals in ‘96 with the Bulls and it was a basketball town. I think it’s a real shame, just the fact the Sonics don’t exist, it’s one of the franchises in this league to me that not only makes sense but feels like the NBA. I think it was a real black mark on the NBA and I’m hoping the Sonics will be back at some point in the near future.”

That’s also the hope of the investors about to pour $700 million into the facility. If all goes to plan, the building will become a construction site sometime in the next 60 days, beginning a two-year transformation that will remodel and modernize the building. It will be reborn as the expected home of an expansion NHL franchise to begin play in either the 2020 or 2021 season.

And if Oak View Group, the investors paying for the privately funded renovation, has its way, the NBA will follow in short order.

“We will continue to push aggressively to bring an NBA team to join both the NHL team, if we’re lucky enough to win a bid, and more importantly join the Storm at this new arena,” Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 3

In major league baseball, ‘now the real season and real betting begin’ THE 2018 major league baseball season and the play-off play-in games are now history. Eight of the 30 major league teams remain as the play-offs began last night. It has been an economically and artistically successful season for America’s second sport. Now the real season and the real betting begin.

Major league baseball is the only remaining big U.S. sport without a salary cap. That means the richest teams like the New York Yankees (#1), Los Angeles Dodgers (#2), Chicago Cubs (#3) and Boston Red Sox (#5) can spend freely to buy and develop the best available talent while affording to keep their best homegrown players from leaving as free agents for more money elsewhere when their contracts expire.

These giants can also outspend the mistakes they all make in buying free agent players they covet but who don’t work out.

Those four teams are among the 10 who made the post season this year.

But the Cubs lost two games in a row to bow out of this year’s festivities.

The 2016 titlists lost a division championship game to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday at home in Wrigley Field, then lost a one-game wild card game to the Colorado Rockies, also at home, on Tuesday. The Yankees, Dodgers and overall betting favourites Red Sox all start their quest for a World Series championship this weekend. The Yankees eliminated the Oakland Athletics Wednesday night in the American League wild card game.

But as the three remaining rich teams prepare for the play-offs, five much less wealthy squads join the contest. Their wealth ranges from the Atlanta Braves (#11) to the Milwaukee Brewers (#25), so it is hard to argue that a team’s wealth is the major determinant as to whether they play in the post season.

That’s why there is still no salary cap in baseball.

As those final eight teams get ready to play in baseball’s ultimate season, several others rue their failures. The Washington Nationals, who have owned the National League’s eastern division in recent years, stumbled to an 82-80 finish, profoundly discouraging their wealthy owners.

Possibly baseball’s most transcendent star, Bryce Harper, is out of contract with the Nationals and may command the sport’s most lucrative ever deal with his next team. Many doubt he will return to DC. Other disappointments included the Los Angeles Angels, who signed Japanese star Shohei Ohtani before the season

THE 2018 major league baseball season and the play-off play-in games are now history. Eight of the 30 major league teams remain as the play-offs began last night. to be the next Babe Ruth in pitching and slugging home runs. Ohtani is now headed for off-season surgery. The Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers also performed short of expectations.

On the positive side, the Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies did better

than expected and have whetted their fans’ expectations for next year.

The headline play-off match-up now must be the Yankees and Red Sox, ancient and present rivals since Boston shortsightedly traded Ruth to New York nearly a century ago.

These two behemoths, blessed with rich owners, large fan bases and very lucrative regional cable television deals, are loaded with talent.

Hedge fund billionaire John Henry, who also owns the Liverpool franchise in the English Premier League, bought the Red Sox 16 years ago and has since financed great success including multiple championships. Three of Boston’s top pitchers, starters Chris Sale and David Price and reliever Craig Kimbrel, were acquired and signed for huge piles of money. The Red Sox have also developed several of their own stars, however, including most notably the outfielder Mookie Betts,

who may be voted the American League most valuable player. Betts, whose 26th birthday is Sunday, is also a professional bowler who has recorded a 300 game.

Boston won eight more games than their division and now play-off rival Yankees. The Bronx Bombers have rediscovered their past thump with sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge and some very proficient starting pitching with Luis Severino leading the way. The Yankees may have the best bullpen in baseball. First-time managers lead both teams.

The Red Sox, with the most wins in the major leagues this year, are cofavourites to win the World Series at 7/2 odds. The Yankees start with much longer odds of 11/1. The chance to make three times the money betting on the Yankees is very tempting, since New York has a real chance to upset Boston here. But the bet is Boston.

The other American League best of five playoff series pits the defending world champion Houston Astros against the Cleveland Indians, who waltzed without competition to their division title, lost a 3-1 lead and the World Series to the Cubs two years ago, and have been waiting 70 years since their last championship. The Indians start the play-offs at 9/1 odds to win the title.

Houston appears to have few weaknesses, and is bolstered again by the strong right arm of Justin Verlander who arrived in a trade late last season to help propel the Astros to the championship. This

Dodgers beat Braves 6-0 in NLDS opener FROM PAGE 1 with Kershaw starting for Los Angeles against Anibal Sanchez. The Braves have lost eight straight series openers in the postseason.

They haven’t won a Game 1 since 2001 when they went on to sweep Houston in the NLDS. Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr struck out twice and went 0 for 4 as the Baby Braves were blanked. This was Atlanta’s first playoff appearance since 2013, when they lost to the Dodgers in four games.

Joc Pederson’s leading shot in the bottom of the first rattled Mike Foltynewicz in his postseason debut.

Foltynewicz gave up four runs and three hits in two innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked two. He got out of a twoout, bases-loaded jam in the

first by striking out Yasiel Puig.

Foltynewicz found trouble again in the second.

With two outs, he hit Pederson and walked Justin Turner before Muncy sent a 1-0 pitch over the wall in center, making it 4-0.

Enrique Hernandez hit a solo shot with two outs in the sixth off Brad Brach.

Pinch-hitter David Freese added a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Ryu allowed a two-out single to Freddie Freeman in the first.

After that, he retired 12 consecutive batters before a pair of two-out singles to Ender Inciarte and former Dodger Charlie Culberson in the fifth.

Puig charged in on pinchhitter Kurt Suzuki’s fly to right field to end the inning.

The Braves didn’t advance a runner past second base in the game.

Ryu gave up another

two-out single to Ozzie Albies in the seventh.

With fans on their feet waving blue towels and the crowd of 50,947 chanting his name, Ryu got Inciarte on a swinging strikeout to end the inning.

Relievers Caleb Ferguson, Alex Wood and Dylan Floro completed the combined six-hitter.

UP NEXT RHP Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 2.83 ERA) starts Game 2 for Atlanta. He is 2-4 with a 2.79 ERA in seven postseason starts. He last pitched in the playoffs in 2014 with Detroit.

Kershaw (9-5, 2.73) goes for the Dodgers. The veteran ace is 7-7 with a 4.35 ERA in 24 postseason games. He gave up four homers in Game 1 of last year’s NLDS, the most allowed by a Dodgers pitcher in playoff history.

team is strong in all aspects and starts as co-favourites with Boston at 7/2 odds.

But Cleveland pulled off the Verlander-type trade of this season by adding 2015 league MVP Josh Donaldson at the trading deadline from Toronto. Donaldson appears to have regained his all-star form defensively and at bat after several injuries, and he adds real menace to an already dangerous Cleveland line-up.

With starting pitching to match anyone’s and superb defence on the infield, the Indians are a threat against any opponent.

The Indians’ bullpen led them to the World Series two years ago but has been inconsistent this year.

The Astros have steadily moved through their schedule and look tough to beat. But no team has defended its championship since the Yankees in 2000.

The bet here, in an upset, is Cleveland.

In the National League, the wealthy Dodgers, who beat the Rockies in a one game divisional championship play-off this week, await the upstart Atlanta Braves. The Braves have fallen on hard times since their amazing success in the 1990s and beyond when three Hall of Fame pitchers led them to 14 division championships in a row and the 1995 world title. Now they are celebrating their return to

prominence behind super rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who was the youngest player in the major leagues when he was called up to Atlanta on April 25 of this year and is a favourite to win the NL rookie of the year award. The Braves, though, face 12/1 odds to win the title. These are the longest among all remaining playoff teams.

The Dodgers, last year’s World Series losers, are stacked. Winning perhaps baseball’s toughest division for the sixth straight year, they have perhaps the best regular season pitcher in Clayton Kershaw, plenty of hitting, defence and pitching depth. The Dodgers are 9/2 betting favourites to win the championship, with the third best starting odds. The pick here is Los Angeles.

Baseball’s final play-off series features two teams with little national exposure who may be best known to their fans in the American mountain west and in Wisconsin. The Rockies and the Brewers both beat the Cubs to reach their play-off match, and face long odds of 15/2 and 10/1 respectively to win the title.

The Brewers added likely league MVP Christian Yelich from the Marlins’ pre-season fire sale, and also signed 2015 World Series champ Lorenzo Cain from Kansas City. Both stars joined Milwaukee on the same fateful day, January 25, 2018. The Brewers were also active at the trading deadline and have enough pop in the line-up and pitching depth to defy the odds against them.

Colorado is playing on the road in three different cities in four days. The Rockies have done well this year but they may have peaked.

THE

PRESS BOX GHT Y

WITH

NAU

LIVEN UP YOUR SUNDAY WITH SPORTING WIT AND WISDOM FROM KISS FM’S RESIDENT ’SPORTS JOCK’ NAUGHTY TUNE IN TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORT

EVERY SUNDAY - 10AM TO 1PM

PAGE 4, Friday, October 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Smashing debut: Giannis, Bucks cruise in new arena’s opener

By The Associated Press GIANNIS Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks put on a smashing opening-night performance at their new arena.

Antetokounmpo had 19 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, and the Bucks routed the Chicago Bulls 116-82 on Wednesday night in the first game at the Fiserv Forum.

The Bucks had the look of contenders under new coach Mike Budenholzer, scoring 63 points in the first half of their preseason opener and leading by as much as 34 points.

Their new arena opened in August and the Bucks looked right at home there against the Bulls, overwhelming them on the backboards with a 64-43 rebound advantage.

Bobby Portis led Chicago with 17 points and Kris Dunn added 10.

BUCKS: Eric Bledsoe added 16 points, Khris Middleton scored 15 and Pat Connaughton had 12 points on four 3-pointers. ... Firstrounder Donte DiVincenzo scored just two points on 1-of-9 shooting but grabbed seven boards in 19 minutes ... Budenholzer spent the last five seasons as Atlanta coach.

BULLS: Jabari Parker was 1 of 12 from the field and scored two points in his return to Milwaukee, where the Bucks’ former No. 2 pick played his first four seasons. ... No. 7 pick Wendell Carter Jr. had nine points on 4-of-8 shooting.

PISTONS 97, THUNDER 91 Andre Drummond had 31 points and 16 rebounds, and scored the go-ahead points on a three-point play that gave visiting Detroit

Corey Webster led the Breakers with 27 points and seven assists.

SUNS: Ayton is shooting 62.1 percent from the field and averaging 22.5 points and 12 rebounds in two preseason games.

Trevor Ariza added 16 points and TJ Warren scored 13. ... No. 10 pick Mikal Bridges had two points in 19 minutes.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS: Tai Wesley added 15 points and Patrick Richard scored 11. ... New Zealand made just 35.6 percent from the field and 6 of 25 from 3-point range.

BUCKS’ Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Chicago Bulls’ Robin Lopez in the second half of Wednesday night’s preseason basketball game in Milwaukee.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash) a 94-91 lead with 1:37 left.

Ish Smith’s 3-pointer with 17 seconds left capped the scoring.

Stanley Johnson scored 10 of his 14 points in the first half for the Pistons.

Dennis Schroder had 21 points and nine assists and Steven Adams added 17 points and 12 boards for Oklahoma City.

PISTONS: Blake Griffin did not play.

Glen Robinson III had 11 points, and Reggie Bullock and Zaza Pachulia scored 10 each. ...

Dwane Casey made his debut as the Pistons’ head coach after seven seasons in Toronto, including a 59-win campaign in 2017-18.

THUNDER: Russell Westbrook and Paul George did not play. ... Raymond Felton had 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 19 minutes.

KNICKS 107, NETS 102 Rookie Allonzo Trier scored 25 points, Enes Kanter had 22 points and 20 rebounds, and the Knicks took the first of two preseason meetings between the city rivals.

Caris LeVert scored 15 points for the Nets in their preseason opener.

The teams meet again at Madison Square Garden on October 12 on the final night of preseason play.

KNICKS: New York closed the first half with a 24-6 burst, turning a 40-26 deficit into a 50-46 lead. ...

Rookie Mitchell Robinson limped to the locker room early in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury. ... Veteran Courtney Lee missed his second straight game with a strained neck.

NETS: Spencer Dinwiddie and rookie Rodions Kurucs each scored 13 points. ... D’Angelo Russell had 11 points but shot just 4 for 12. ... The Nets were 8 for 41 (19.5 percent) from 3-point range.

DeMarre Carroll missed all four of his attempts in an overall 0-for-5, scoreless

performance. ... Brooklyn was without veteran forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (left abductor strain) and newcomers Shabazz Napier (strained right hamstring) and Kenneth Faried (sore left ankle).

SUNS 91, NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 86 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton reached a doubledouble with five minutes left in the second quarter and finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.

The Suns briefly trailed in the middle of the first quarter before taking the lead for good at 17-15.

CLIPPERS 128, TIMBERWOLVES 101 Tobias Harris shot 4 for 5 from 3-point range and scored 23 points, and Danilo Gallinari added 22 points and Boban Marjanovic had 15 points in 11 minutes for the Clippers.

Los Angeles never trailed after the early moments and pulled away in the second quarter.

Karl Anthony-Towns led Minnesota with 18 points.

Andrew Wiggins and Tyus Jones added 12 points each.

CLIPPERS: Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter and finished with 12 points. ... The Clippers’ other first-round pick Jerome Robinson scored five.

Gallinari had 14 points in the first eight minutes and 20 in the first half. ... Avery Bradley and Luc Mbah A Moute did not play.

TIMBERWOLVES: Jimmy Butler, the subject of ongoing trade rumors, did not play for a second straight game.

Second-round pick Keita Bates-Diop had 11 points and Anthony Tolliver scored 10.

SUPPORT THE BLOOD BANK

SAVE A LIFE GIVE THE GIFT OF

BLOOD

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

1 PINT CAN SAVE 3 LIVES GIVE BLOOD - GIVE LIFE

SOME HELPFUL TIPS BEFORE YOU DONATE:

4 You must have eaten at least once for the day.

4 You need at least 30 minutes between your last meal and donating blood.

4 You will need at least 10 minutes rest after donating blood.

4 You can donate blood every 8 weeks.

4 The Blood Bank will do FREE Pre-screening tests to make sure you are healthy enough to donate blood.

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE BLOOD DRIVES

TERENCE Crawford celebrates after defeating Jeff Horn, of Australia, in a welterweight title boxing match in Las Vegas on June 9. (AP)

CHAMP CRAWFORD CHALLENGING BENAVIDEZ TO BACK UP HIS WORDS

By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — World champion welterweight Terence “Bud” Crawford said he’s eager to make unbeaten challenger Jose Benavidez Jr eat his words when they meet in the ring at CHI Health Center on October 13.

A heated confrontation between Benavidez and Crawford in February was a major topic during a teleconference to promote the fight yesterday. Crawford got riled when Benavidez approached him at a boxing event in Corpus Christi, Texas, and accused Crawford of ducking him out of fear.

“That comes with the territory when you have people who want your spot,” Crawford told reporters. “They want any opportunity to prove their worthiness, to make a name for themselves. That’s how I took it. He’s trying to piggyback off my name to make himself bigger.”

So why grant Benavidez a fight?

“Oh, why not? Why not?,” Crawford said. “Talk is cheap. We’re in the same division, same promoter, it’s an interesting fight. He’s always saying I’m fighting

TERENCE “Bud” Crawford poses with his four title belts after winning by knockout against Julius Indongo in the third round of a junior welterweight world title unification bout in Lincoln, Neb. on August 19, 2017. (AP) smaller guys. It’s the chance to see what he’s made of.”

Crawford (33-0, 24 knockouts) is a three-division world champion who holds the WBO title at 147 pounds. He won the belt by stopping defending WBO champion Jeff Horn in the

ninth round in Las Vegas in June.

Benavidez (27-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA interim super lightweight champion, was shot multiple times in an August 2016 incident in his hometown of Phoenix.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 5

MORATA HITS TARGET AT LAST IN CHELSEA’S EUROPA LEAGUE WIN

By KAREL JANICEK Associated Press

NAOMI OSAKA, of Japan, hits a return shot while competing against Julia Goerges of Germany in their third round singles match in the China Open at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Osaka into the China Open quarters, Zhang upsets Kerber BEIJING (AP) — Naomi Osaka maintained her strong form since winning the US Open by reaching the China Open quarter-finals by crushing Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-2 yesterday.

Osaka made a slow start, saving a break point and enduring five deuces in the eight-minute first game. But she broke Goerges’ serve in the next game and raced to 5-0.

Osaka won four consecutive points on Goerges’ serve to open the second set and rolled on.

When asked why she’s risen into the top 10 this year, Osaka said: “I think my biggest improvement is mental.

“My game is more consistent, there are not so many unforced errors. I’m not sure how many I hit today, but sometimes last year I was hitting a lot.”

In the quarter-finals, Osaka will play Zhang Shuai, who came back from a set down to defeat thirdranked Angelique Kerber 6-1, 2-6, 6-0.

This is Osaka’s second tournament since she defeated Serena Williams in the US Open final on September 8.

In the first last week, she got to the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.

Also, 2010 champion Caroline Wozniacki beat Anett Kontaveit 7-5, 6-4 and qualified for the WTA Finals, where she will be the defending champ.

On the men’s side, fourthseeded Fabio Fognini downed Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-3, Marton Fucsovics of Hungary beat Marco Cecchinato of Italy 6-4, 6-2, and Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia defeated Fernando Verdasco of Spain 7-6(3), 6-4.

• Here’s a look at today’s games:

NAOMI Osaka hits a return shot yesterday while competing against Julia Goerges of Germany in their third round singles match in the China Open at the National Tennis Stadium.

(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

RONALDO FACES GROWING HEAT FROM SPONSORS OVER RAPE CASE

By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo faced growing heat yesterday from sponsors over a rape allegation in the United States after Nike and video game maker EA Sports expressed concern about the conduct of the soccer superstar, who has denied the accusations.

The five-time world player of the year, who was seen driving into the Juventus practice complex in the morning, received public backing from the Italian club, which said it would not judge him on the 2009 assault claim by a Nevada woman.

The show of support came shortly after Nike broke its silence in a statement to The Associated Press that described the company’s unease over its association with Ronaldo, which started in 2003. The latest terms signed in 2016 are worth a reported $1 billion, and Ronaldo has suggested that it was a deal “for life.”

But the Beaverton, Oregon-based company is troubled by details emerging from a lawsuit filed last week in a Nevada state court by the accuser, who alleges she was raped by Ronaldo in Las Vegas.

Police have also re-opened an investigation.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in an email to the AP. One of the wealthiest and most gifted soccer players of all time, Ronaldo wears Nike boots and appears in its advertising. The Portugal captain is also the face of the EA

Sports FIFA video game franchise, appearing on the cover of the 2019 game that was released worldwide last week.

“We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo,” EA Sports told the AP. “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.”

Whereas other players might be winding down their careers at 33, Ronaldo is still in demand by leading clubs around the world. The former Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United forward made the third big transfer of this career in July, leaving Real Madrid after nine years for Juventus, a move that cost the Italian club 112 million euros (then $132 million).

Ronaldo “has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus,” the Italian league champions said. “The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.”

Neither Ronaldo nor Juventus have addressed the allegation by Kathryn Mayorga that she received a payoff of $375,000 in 2010 after being put under pressure by the footballer’s “fixers” to keep quiet about an incident in a penthouse hotel suite.

The investment in players is so vast in soccer that clubs are reticent to enforce morality clauses by firing them. Sponsors have already stuck with Ronaldo even though he pleaded

FORMER Real Madrid and Juventus striker Alvaro Morata ended a miserable spell of form with the only goal of the game yesterday as Chelsea recorded its second straight 1-0 victory in the Europa League, against plucky Hungarian outfit Vidi.

Elsewhere, substitute Patrick Cutrone netted twice in nine minutes to lift AC Milan to a 3-1 comeback triumph at home to Olympiakos, while teenage forward Emile Smith Rowe scored his first senior goal as Arsenal made the most of its longest-ever trip for a European game by winning 3-0 at Qarabag.

Like Chelsea, Milan and Arsenal, last year’s semifinalist Salzburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Zurich, Sporting, Frankfurt, Krasnodar and Dinamo Zagreb also made it two victories from two group games.

Arsenal’s Armenia forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan was one of three players who didn’t make the 4,000-kilometre (2,486-mile) trip to the Azerbaijan capital of Baku.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are in a territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

guilty in July to tax fraud in Spain and agreed to pay a fine of around $20 million.

But now a well-honed reputation is facing its first serious difficulties.

Ronaldo clearly has a lot to lose. With his chiseled face and body, slicked-back hair and Hollywood filmidol looks to match his on-field talents, he has amassed 340 million social

now-retired boxer Floyd Mayweather and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

“As arguably the best footballer in the world,” said Mark Thompson, managing director of leading sponsorship management company, SponServe, “Ronaldo is recognised the world over, offering sponsors a unique opportunity to gain maxi-

JUVENTUS’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Sassuolo, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. (AP) media followers to monetise that image.

He’s also been an ambassador for Save the Children for five years and gained international coverage in 2016 by announcing a “generous donation” to provide lifesaving relief to Syrians.

The charity said it was “disheartened” by the lawsuit and said it was “working to get more information” about the rape allegation.

In June, Forbes, which has a long record of quantifying the earnings of the world’s richest people, estimated that Ronaldo made an annual $108 million, with salary and winnings netting the player $61 million and endorsements a further $47 million.

His haul puts him third among athletes behind

mum impact from any brand engagement.”

Ronaldo’s commercial deals are not restricted to internationally recognised brands. He has been the face of Egyptian Steel, riding on horseback past the Pyramids before delivering lines to camera in Arabic.

He has also invested many of his earnings in launching and establishing his own products, notably his CR7 range, which includes hotels, shoes, underwear, fragrance and jeans, as well as a growing children’s line, which he has modeled alongside his son and pushes hard on social media.

His tight embrace of social media is one reason why sponsors have been so

keen to link up with Ronaldo, who has 75 million followers on Twitter, 142 million on Instagram and 122 million on Facebook.

Some companies Ronaldo promotes might appear niche, such as Japanese company MTG’s SIXPAD training gear. But he is doing more than just posing in the products.

Ronaldo “is actually part of the business, and he isn’t just the face of SIXPAD,” MTG Europe General Manager Mahdiar Mazidabadi said in an email.

“Therefore I am unable to make any further comments with regards to this (rape) matter as it is not relevant to our business.”

Brands go to extraordinary lengths to protect their image and to be seen as good corporate citizens, and they will move fast if anything happens to dilute the value of their brands.

EA, for example, was quick to drop Tiger Woods from one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports after he admitted to infidelity in 2013. Cyclist Lance Armstrong was ditched wholesale after he confessed to doping.

Now there are decisions to be made about Ronaldo’s suitability as a marketing vehicle, and his commercial partners will be closely monitoring upcoming developments.

“What brands will be doing now is waiting and weighing up what impact any negativity will have to the brand,” Thompson said.

“They will want to protect their asset, and also any exclusivity associated to their endorsement deal, so right now, we’re not likely to see any changes or knee-jerk reactions.”

MORATA ON TARGET Spain forward Morata scored his first goal since August, sweeping the ball in from close range following a header from Brazil playmaker Willian, to earn Chelsea maximum points against Vidi.

Substitute Ross Barkley then almost made it 2-0 when his header hit the crossbar a few minutes later. Chelsea dominated but Vidi defended stoutly and occasionally threatened on the counter attack, forcing two stunning saves from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in front of the watching Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

MILAN FIGHTS BACK Boosted by a 4-1 victory at Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday and with forward Gonzalo Higuain returning from injury, seven-time European Cup champion AC Milan looked strong in the opening stages against Olympiakos and had an offside goal disallowed early on.

Miguel Angel Guerrero gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute with a deflected header.

Milan then wasted some chances before Ricardo Rodriguez crossed for Cutrone to head the equalizer with 20 minutes to go. Higuain’s low shot put the Italian club 2-1 up and Cutrone tapped in his second goal from close range in the 79th.

ARSENAL NINE RESTED Emery followed the example of predecessor Arsene Wenger by resting nine front-line players in Baku. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who netted twice in the opening 4-2 victory over Vorskla, didn’t travel due to illness, while Aaron Ramsey stayed at home for family reasons.

LAZIO PAIR SENT OFF Lazio’s Dusan Basta and Joaquin Correa were sent off in their team’s 4-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Basta received a second yellow card at the end of the first half, while Correa was dismissed for a challenge on Jonathan de Guzman in the 58th minute.

Danny da Costa (2), Luka Jovic and Filip Kostic were on target for Eintracht, with Marco Parolo replying for Lazio.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 7

India teen Shaw scores century on test debut vs West Indies

By CHETAN NARULA Associated Press RAJKOT, India (AP) — Prithvi Shaw became the fourth youngest debutant to score a test cricket century as India walloped the West Indies to be 364-4 on day one of the series yesterday.

Opening for India, the 18-year-old Shaw scored 134 off 154 balls, hitting 19 boundaries.

Chesteshwar Pujara added 86 and captain Virat Kohli was 71 not out, as India notched its highest test total in a day’s play against the West Indies.

“I was a bit nervous to start off but when I got in, I got comfortable,” Shaw said.

“I just tried to play my natural game. I have played a lot of cricket since a smaller age. I used to play 30-35 school games in a year, and played a lot of (first-class) Ranji (Trophy) cricket as well. So I was just thinking it is only another game for me.”

The stage was ideal for Shaw.

Rajkot was where he made a century on debut in the Ranji Trophy. And the West Indies attack was depleted.

Kemar Roach returned home for the funeral of his grandmother, and captain Jason Holder withdrew because of an ankle injury.

India opener Lokesh Rahul was out in the first over for a duck, but Shaw and Pujara cruised, putting on 206 runs together.

Shaw reached his fifty off 56 balls, and Pujara scored his 19th test half-century off 67 balls as the duo scored at 5.32 runs per over in the morning session.

West Indies improved its lines post lunch, but it didn’t hamper Shaw, who reached his century off 99 balls, the third quickest on debut in test history.

He became the second youngest Indian to score a maiden hundred after Sachin Tendulkar (17 years, 112 days) in 1990 against England. Overall, he’s the seventh youngest batsman in test cricket to achieve this feat.

INDIAN cricketer Prithvi Shaw celebrates scoring a century during the first day of the first cricket test match between India and West Indies in Rajkot, India, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018.

(AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade) of England. Shaw earned a reputation as a batting prodigy. He scored 546 runs in a school game in 2013, and captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in January in New Zealand.

Delhi Daredevils signed

His immediate success in the test arena justified the selectors’ move to build for the future. India regular test openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay were dropped after poor form during the recent tour

him for $187,500 for the Indian Premier League.

“I was thinking about my father (after reaching the hundred),” he said.

“He has sacrificed a lot for me. This first century is all for him. I wanted

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 71° F/22° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Partly sunny and breezy

Partly cloudy and breezy

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Periods of sun, a t‑storm in spots

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

High: 88°

Low: 74°

High: 87° Low: 76°

High: 87° Low: 75°

High: 86° Low: 76°

High: 86° Low: 75°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

93° F

76° F

92°-78° F

93°-80° F

94°-81° F

95°-81° F

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 75° F/24° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

S

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 77° F/25° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 73° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

8‑16 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 86° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 79° F/26° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.16” Year to date ............................................... 42.66” Normal year to date ................................... 29.67”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 74° F/23° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2018

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

uV inDex toDay

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

4:55 a.m.

5:26 p.m.

3.0 3.5

11:08 a.m. 0.5 11:52 p.m. 0.4

Saturday

5:55 a.m.

6:22 p.m.

3.2 3.5

12:09 p.m. 0.3 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Sunday

6:50 a.m.

7:14 p.m.

3.4 3.6

12:44 a.m. 0.2 1:06 p.m. 0.1

Monday

7:41 a.m.

8:03 p.m.

3.6 3.5

1:33 a.m.

1:59 p.m.

Tuesday

8:29 a.m.

8:50 p.m.

3.7 3.4

2:19 a.m. ‑0.1 2:49 p.m. 0.0

Wednesday 9:16 a.m.

9:36 p.m.

3.7 3.3

3:03 a.m. ‑0.1 3:37 p.m. 0.0

Thursday

3.6 3.1

3:47 a.m.

4:25 p.m.

10:01 a.m.

10:21 p.m.

0.0 0.0

0.0 0.2

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:04 a.m.

6:53 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

3:15 a.m.

4:42 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Oct. 8

Oct. 16

Oct. 24

Oct. 31

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

8‑16 knots

S

10‑20 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

to make this opportunity count. The wicket was good and I should have kept batting. I needed to be more careful as there were only 10 minutes left before tea.”

He was out trying to drive legspinner Devendra Bishoo but only chipping straight back to the bowler.

Meanwhile, Pujara poked at a wide ball and fell for 86 off 130 balls, giving fast bowler Sherman Lewis his first test wicket.

In the final session, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane added 105 runs for the fourth wicket.

Kohli reached his 20th test half-century off 100 balls.

Overall, he faced 137 balls and hit only four boundaries, not the most fluent knock by the world’s No. 1-ranked test batsman.

Rahane, too, lacked the ease with which Shaw batted earlier in the day, and fell on 41 to Roston Chase in the last hour.

Kohli and Pant, 19 not out, handled the attack to stumps on day one of the first test.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

H

E

W

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS E at 6‑12 Knots ENE at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 6‑12 Knots ENE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots

WAVES 5‑9 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑8 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 5‑9 Feet 4‑8 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 83° F 83° F 85° F 85° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years.

NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

HOME INSURANCE

LIFE INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE

MARINE INSURANCE

www.InsuranceManagementBahamas.com

PAGE 8, Friday, October 5, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Brewers top Rockies in opener

By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have some of baseball’s best hitters — and not much to show for it on the scoreboard lately.

Nolan Arenado helped Colorado rally against Milwaukee’s vaunted bullpen in Game 1 of the NL Division Series last night, but the Rockies were unable to finish off Jeremy Jeffress.

Mike Moustakas hit an RBI single in the 10th inning to lift the Brewers to a 3-2 win.

Colorado had just one hit before Gerardo Parra and Matt Holliday opened the ninth with consecutive singles off Jeffress, who had made 11 consecutive scoreless appearances since Aug. 31. Charlie Blackmon then singled in Parra, and DJ LeMahieu reached on an error before Arenado tied it at 2 with a sacrifice fly to centre.

The Rockies had a chance for more, but Blackmon was tagged out in a rundown on David Dahl’s grounder to first and Jeffress struck out Trevor Story to end the inning.

That missed opportunity proved costly when Moustakas came up with the game-ending hit against Adam Ottavino.

Game 2 is back at Miller Park today.

Led by Arenado and Story, Colorado finished among the major league leaders in several offensive categories this year. But the Rockies have been pretty quiet at the plate since they bashed five homers in a 12-0 victory over Washington

MILWAUKEE Brewers’ Mike Moustakas reacts after hitting a walk off RBI single during the 10th inning of Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series baseball game against the Colorado Rockies last night in Milwaukee. The Brewers won 3-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

(AP Photo/Aaron Gash) last Sunday, leaving them in a tie for the NL West lead.

It looked as if Colorado was headed for a shutout in the division tiebreaker before Arenado and Story hit back-to-back homers in the ninth inning of a 5-2 loss to the Dodgers on Monday.

The Rockies had just two hits before their final at-bat.

Arenado hit a sacrifice fly in the first in the wild-card game Tuesday night in Chicago, and Colorado didn’t score again until Tony Wolters’ 13th-inning RBI single in a 2-1 victory over the Cubs.

The Rockies finished with 11 hits, but went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring

position and left 11 runners on base.

Playing in their fourth city in five days — covering approximately 2,700 miles — it was more of the same for most of the afternoon.

Carlos Gonzalez tripled with two out in the fifth for Colorado’s first hit. But Ian Desmond tapped back

to the mound on Corbin Burnes’ next pitch, ending the inning.

LeMahieu and Ryan McMahon each walked, and then were thrown out trying to steal second.

Arenado hit .297 with an NL-best 38 homers this year, helping stop the Triple Crown bid by Brewers star

Christian Yelich. But the 27-year-old Arenado went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in just the third playoff game of his stellar career.

Story, who set career highs with 37 homers and 108 RBIs this season, also struck out three times, and Dahl went 0 for 4 with two Ks.

BRING ON BOSTON: YANKS ROUT A’S 7-2 IN WILD-CARD GAME

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge got the party started with a two-run homer nine pitches in. By the time Giancarlo Stanton capped the mauling with monstrous drive in his postseason debut, New York Yankees fans already were looking ahead.

“We want Boston!” they chanted.

Coming up next.

“It’s going to be intense,” CC Sabathia predicted after the Yankees pounded the Oakland Athletics 7-2 on Wednesday night to win their second straight AL wild-card game.

New York will take a train to Boston for a bestof-five Division Series starting tonight, a matchup of 100-win heavyweights.

“I think they’re ready and relish the opportunity to go up against the game’s best this year,” Yankees rookie manager Aaron Boone said of his players.

Boone remains a dirty word among the Fenway Park faithful. His 11thinning homer in Game 7 of the 2003 AL Championship Series beat the Red Sox. A year later Boston overcame the Yankees and became the first major league team to overcome a 3-0 postseason deficit. The Red Sox went on to win their first World Series since 1918, but Boone’s drive off Tim Wakefield has not been forgotten or forgiven.

Boston went 10-9 against the Yankees this year and set a club record with 108 wins. New York became the first team since the 2001 A’s to reach triple digits in wins and fail to finish first.

“We’ve just got to do our homework and come out swinging,” said Luke Voit, who broke open the game with a two-run triple in a four-run sixth .

Luis Severino atoned for last year’s flop in the wild-card game against Minnesota, pitching no-hit shutout ball into the fifth . Dellin Betances entered with two on and got six straight outs as part of a five-hitter and the Yankees extending their home postseason winning streak to seven.

Severino let out a primal scream after escaping a

NEW York Yankees’ Aaron Judge celebrates in the locker room after the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7-2 in the American League wild-card playoff baseball game on Wednesday night.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) bases-loaded jam in the fourth with a 99.6 fastball — his fastest pitch of the night — to strike out Marcus Semien .

Yankees fans fretted about an all-or-nothing knockout match, thinking back to last year when Severino fell behind Minnesota 3-0 just 10 pitches in.

New York rallied for an 8-4 win against the Twins, but the memory remained raw. Severino retired his first three batters in order on 10 pitches. “I think the first inning was huge for me, after all the stuff that people say on social media, all of that stuff,” he explained.

Andrew McCutchen walked leading off the bottom half against reliever-turned starter Liam Hendricks, and Judge hit a drive over the left-field scoreboard, joining Reggie Jackson as the only Yankees with four home runs in their first seven postseason home games. “I was already

excited from the national anthem on,” said Judge, who hit his second homer since returning in mid-September after missing seven weeks with a broken right wrist.

Short on options, A’s manager Bob Melvin opted for baseball’s latest fad: starting a reliever. Hendriks (the loser) had not allowed a home run since June 24, the night before he was cut from the major league roster.

“Got into some bad counts and they made me pay,” Hendriks said.

Voit’s two-run triple missed a home run by inches. Stanton added a 443-foot drive off closer Blake Treinen in the eighth that landed in left field’s second deck, completing a power show by the team that set a major league record for most home runs in a season. Stanton’s drive left the bat at 117.4 mph and Judge’s 116.1 mph, the hardest-hit postseason

home runs since measuring began in 2015. A sellout crowd enjoyed one of those boisterous Bronx celebrations that used to be an October staple.

“Early in the game they’re going to be loud. It’s our job to try to take them out of it,” Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. “This is a tough ballpark to play in.”

Oakland has lost eight straight winner-take-all postseason games since beating Willie Mays and the New York Mets in Game 7 of the 1973 World Series, and dropped all four of their postseason matchups against the Yankees.

“It’s pretty hard but I’m not disappointed at all,” said big league home run champion Khris Davis, who hit a two-run homer off Zach Britton in the eighth.

“I think we showed some people we can do some things and I think next year, we’re a little bit more of a threat.”

Severino was 14-2 at the All-Star break this year but slumped badly in the second half, and Boone’s decision to start the 24-yearold right-hander against the A’s instead of J.A. Happ or Masahiro Tanaka was intensely debated — the type of argument Boone used to enjoy as a television analyst who broadcast last year’s wild-card game.

Severino made the move look like genius. He threw nine fastballs in the first inning, then switched to more offspeed. He threw 36 fastballs, 37 sliders and 14 changeups in all.

“Because they’re patient and they’re dangerous, you’ve got to be able to mix those pitches and you’ve got to be able to throw strikes with all those pitches,” Boone said.

He struck out seven his first time through the batting order, but wound up walking four as he pitched carefully. Jonathan Lucroy and Nick Martini

singled leading off the fifth, and Boone signaled for Betances to relieve.

This time, Severino had a no-decision to savor.

Betances retired Matt Chapman on a liner to right and Jed Lowrie on a fly to center, then struck out Davis with a slider and gleefully backpedaled off the mound .

“I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time. Last year I was a cheerleader,” Betances said, reflecting on his reduced role last October after late-season control problems.

New York opened a 6-0 lead in the bottom half.

Judge started it with a double — his grounder hit about a foot foul just beyond the batter’s box, then twisted fair down the line . Aaron Hicks followed with another double off Fernando Rodney.

After Treinen walked Stanton, and Voit hit an opposite-field drive to right, thinking it was a home run and raising his right arm at the plate. He chugged into third with his first big league triple and let loose with a holler.

The burly Voit tumbled across the plate, actually making a nifty slide , to just make it home on Didi Gregorius’ sacrifice fly.

Betances (the winner) pitched a perfect sixth and David Robertson a 1-2-3 seventh. Aroldis Chapman followed Britton and finished with the final two of 13 strikeouts by New York pitchers .

Oakland was a little engine that could, coming off three straight lastplace finishes and last in opening-day payroll before creeping up to 28th following midseason acquisitions to bolster its injury devastated pitching staff. The A’s managed to win 97 games despite a half-dozen starting pitchers getting hurt.

“We feel like with the group that we have here together that we’re going to get better each and every year,” Melvin said.

While he spoke, the Yankees were spraying Chandon in a soggy clubhouse filled with the sweet smell of California brut.

“This place was crazy tonight,” Stanton said.

“Everything I would have expected and more.”