Podcast Summary
Red Sox home struggles: The Red Sox have underperformed at home, specifically on Friday nights, which is hurting their playoff chances. They're currently 3.5 games behind the final wild card spot in the AL.
The Boston Red Sox have struggled to perform at home, particularly on Friday nights, which is impacting their playoff aspirations. The team has a poor record at Fenway Park, with a 29-33 overall home record and a 2-9 record on Friday nights. Manager Alex Cora described their efforts as "blah," and the Red Sox have failed to live up to expectations, despite young players stepping up and injuries being overcome. The team is currently 3.5 games behind Minnesota for the final wild card spot in the American League. Injury news includes Trevor Story expected to begin a rehab assignment in September, Rob Refsnider getting playing time, Joelie Rodriguez being called up from AAA Worcester, and Rich Hill possibly rejoining the team after signing a minor league deal. The Red Sox will face Toronto on Monday, and history will be made with catcher Danny Jansen involved.
MLB trade, Janssen: Janssen is set to make history by playing for two MLB teams in the same weekend after being traded from Blue Jays to Red Sox, while the Red Sox compete for the AL wildcard spot and the Yankees lead the AL East
Toronto Blue Jays' catcher Janssen is set to make history this weekend by appearing in the same games for two different teams, the Blue Jays and the Red Sox. This comes after being traded and being penciled in as the Red Sox' starting catcher for their regularly scheduled second game on Monday. Meanwhile, in MLB standings, the Yankees lead the AL East, while the NL East is led by the Philadelphia Phillies. The NL Central is controlled by the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Dodgers have a commanding lead in the NL West. In the AL wildcard race, the Red Sox are the only team seriously competing with the Orioles, Royals, and Twins. In the NFL, the New England Patriots are yet to announce their week one starter, and Bill Pelletczyk's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame could come sooner than expected due to a change in the selection process. The Chargers faced an elevator incident at a hotel in Dallas, and Yukon is reportedly in talks with the Big 12 for potential conference expansion. In the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx lead the Western Conference, and the Connecticut Sun are the only team to clinch a playoff spot. Nick Malletti, who helped found the Cleveland Cavaliers, passed away sadly.
Sports Passings, News & Upcoming Seasons: Basketball legend Bill Russell passed away, Messy unavailable for MLS/Argentina, England Revolution trying to make MLS playoffs, BMW Championship ongoing, British Women's Open at St. Andrews, NASCAR Cup Series final weeks, High school soccer begins, Lebanon Boy Soccer vs Hollis Brookline, Hanover Girl Soccer starts, exciting times for sports fans
Notable figures from the world of sports passed away recently. Bill Russell, a basketball legend who led the Boston Celtics to eleven NBA championships, passed away at the age of ninety three. Leonell Messy, a former Miami Fuels player and GM, is currently undergoing individual training and is not yet available for the MLS Eastern Conference leading team or Argentina for World Cup qualifying. In sports news, the England Revolution is trying to get back into the MLS playoff picture, while the BMW Championship of the FedEx Cup playoffs is ongoing with Woodstock native Keegan Bradley performing well. The British Women's Open at St. Andrews is also underway, and NASCAR's Cup Series is in its final two weekends of the regular season. High school sports are gearing up for the official start of the season on Thursday, with Hanover Girl Soccer and Lebanon Boy Soccer being two noteworthy teams in action. Lebanon Boy Soccer, coached by Rob Johnstone, will face Hollis Brookline in their first game of the season. Hanover Girl Soccer, which didn't go far in the state tournament last year, will also begin their season on Thursday. Despite some key graduations, both teams are expected to continue their tradition of excellence in their respective divisions. The first home game for Lebanon will be a rematch with Hollis Brookline on September 3rd. Overall, it's an exciting time for sports fans as various leagues and teams gear up for the upcoming season.
High School Sports: Some NH and VT high school sports teams face graduation losses and tough schedules, while others benefit from Stableford scoring system and more training time. All teams aim to compete at their best.
Several New Hampshire and Vermont high school sports teams, particularly in soccer and football, are gearing up for their regular seasons. Some teams, like Hanover soccer and Hartford football, have had successful runs in the past but face challenges this year due to graduation losses. Others, like Stevens golf and Rutland field hockey, have tough schedules with fewer D3 opponents. The Stableford scoring system in lower divisions has been beneficial for newer teams. Hartford football, a perennial Division I contender, opens its season at home against Pulpeney, while Vermont's football season starts next weekend. New Hampshire's Division 4 schools, like Mascoma, have more time for training camp before their season begins. Despite challenges, all teams are determined to give it their best shot and compete at their respective levels.
Local Sports Depth and Talent: Coach Tromley works to build depth and talent for Hartford Football, while local baseball players like Quagliato and Cocks face their own challenges and opportunities.
Hartford Football, under the guidance of coach Matt Trombley, faces a challenging season with a need to build depth and talent while solidifying the line in a competitive division. Meanwhile, local sports action is getting underway, including the Upper Valley Nighthawks' Nick Quagliato being named the NACBL Sportsman of the Year. In baseball, the Red Sox aim to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the Diamondbacks. Quagliato, a catcher for the Nighthawks, was recognized for his positive energy, culture-building, and strong performance on the field. Additionally, Tyler Cocks, a versatile baseball player who missed last spring at Dartmouth due to academic issues, may be returning to the team. Overall, the coming weeks will bring important developments in local sports.
Upper Valley Nighthawks recognition: Two Upper Valley Nighthawks players, DJ Pachico and Blake Hooks, received recognition in the NACBL season despite the team's lack of competitiveness for playoffs or division titles. Pachico was the team's best hitter with nine home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .300 batting average. Hooks was the team's reliable closer with a 2-2 record, 2.03 ERA, and four saves.
Despite the Upper Valley Nighthawks not being competitive for playoffs or division titles this year, two of their players, DJ Pachico and Blake Hooks, received recognition on the second team and honorable mention respectively, in the NACBL season. Pachico, a senior at Richmond, was the best hitter in the Nighthawks lineup with nine home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .300 batting average. Hooks, a pitcher from Louisiana Tech, was the team's reliable closer with a 2-2 record, 2.03 ERA, and four saves. Meanwhile, the Dartmouth women's soccer team opened their season with a 1-0 victory over Marshall, and various fall sports at Dartmouth College are starting their seasons with exhibitions and opening games.
Transgender rights in sports: Discrimination against transgender girls in sports is based on ignorance and fear, not science. Support and understanding are crucial for creating an inclusive environment.
Dartmouth football players have some time before classes start and the season begins to get acclimated to each other and the game. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old transgender girl, Parker Terrell, from Plymouth Regional High School, has faced discrimination from the New Hampshire Statehouse, which passed a law preventing her and other transgender girls from playing sports in grades three to twelve. Despite this, Parker and her mother have handled the situation with grace and resilience. It's important to note that there is no scientific evidence that transgender teen girls are any different than any other girl. The New Hampshire Republican Party's actions are based on ignorance, bigotry, and fear. These laws do not protect girls' sports but rather discriminate against young girls who deserve understanding, sympathy, and the right to be themselves. The community of Plymouth has shown support for Parker, and she had her first scrimmage after a judge intervened. The situation serves as a reminder that education, understanding, and acceptance are crucial for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Sports Events: Sports Events: Soccer game by Plymouth Girl Soccer team, sports talk by Bob Hinkston and Rob Warder, baseball match between Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks
This Saturday on WNTK and W UVR, there are several exciting sports events to look forward to. The Plymouth Girl Soccer team is having a game, which marks the end of Saturday Sports Talk for today. Bob Hinkston and Rob Warder from Valley Buzz will follow, starting at 10:06 AM. After that, there's baseball action as the Red Sox take on the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM and the broadcast beginning at 3:10 PM. So, whether you're a soccer fan, a baseball enthusiast, or just enjoy listening to sports talk, WNTK and W UVR have you covered this weekend. Don't miss out on the action!