FinnU to Revive Cross Country Program – Wednesday Sports Wrap

College Softball

The Finlandia softball team’s games against Bay College yesterday were canceled because of poor weather and bad field conditions. The Lions’ games against Gogebic Community College today have also been called off.

College Baseball

The Finlandia baseball games at Northland College scheduled for today have been canceled.

College Cross Country

Finlandia University is reviving its cross country program. The Lions have named Tony Skiles as head coach. He has served as head coach at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, and was most recently the head coach at University of the Southwest, a private Christian university in Hobbs, New Mexico.

The previous cross country program at Finlandia was discontinued in 2018.

NBA

The NBA tournament continued with opening-round play last evening.

In the Eastern Conference…
• The Miami Heat wilted the Atlanta Hawks 115-105. Miami takes a 2-0 lead in that series.

In the Western Conference…
• The Memphis Grizzles mauled the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-96. That set is tied 1-1.
• The New Orleans Pelicans upended the Phoenix Suns 125-114. That series is also tied 1-1.

In the Eastern Conference tonight…
• The Boston Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets. Boston leads that series 1-0.
• The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors. Philly is up 2-0 in that set.
• The Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Chicago Bulls. Milwaukee leads that series 1-0.

NHL

Jakub Vrana’s goal early in the third period sealed the Detroit Red Wings’ 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. Vrana’s second tally of the evening came just a few minutes after Ross Colton had tied the contest for Tampa Bay. Lucas Raymond and Oskar Sundkvist also scored for Detroit. Thomas Greiss made 38 saves.

The Wings visit the Florida Panthers tomorrow night. Coverage will begin at 6:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

MLB

The Detroit Tigers suffered an ugly 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees last night. New York scored twice in the first inning when the Tigers couldn’t catch Josh Donaldson’s popup midway between home plate and the mound. The error was charged to starter Tyler Alexander, who was pulled from the game after the first inning. Rony García replaced him, but cracked a fingernail on a misfired pitch, and also had to leave the game. Detroit’s runs came in the second off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who didn’t survive the inning. The first two innings lasted 84 minutes. Miguel Cabrera singled in the first inning, and is now four hits away from the 3,000 mark for his career.

Those teams play in Detroit again tonight. Eduardo Rodriguez will start against Luis Severino. Coverage begins at 6:20 on 99.3 The Lift.

Corbin Burnes turned in another strong outing, as the Milwaukee Brewers downed the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 last night. Burnes completed seven innings, giving up two runs on four hits, and striking out 10. Rowdy Tellez and Hunter Renfroe homered.

The Brewers entertain the Pirates again this afternoon. Brandon Woodruff will start against Mitch Keller.

Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.