Pistons Reach Playoffs – Saturday Sports Wrap

Click on the bold scores for additional details.

NBA
The Detroit Pistons earned their first playoff berth since 2009 with a 112-99 victory over the Washington Wizards Friday night. Reggie Jackson led Detroit with 39 points and nine assists. Detroit built a 19-point lead in the second quarter, but Washington came back to take a one point advantage with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Afraid that Washington would take advantage of Andre Drummond’s poor free throw shooting, coach Stan Van Gundy replaced Drummond with Aron Baynes. Baynes sank eight foul shots to help the Pistons pull away. Detroit has two regular-season games remaining – Tuesday at home against Miami, and Wednesday at Cleveland.

NHL
The Detroit Red Wings have one final chance to clinch their 25th consecutive playoff berth when they visit the Rangers this afternoon. Detroit will make the playoffs with a win, either in regulation or overtime. If the Wings lose today, or win in a shootout, they would still clinch if the Bruins either lose to Senators in their final game, or win in a shootout. If they lose, the Wings could also back into the final Eastern Conference wild card playoff spot if the Philadelphia Flyers earn no more than one standings point in their final two games (against the Penguins today, and the Islanders tomorrow). Face-off for today’s game is at 12:30 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY.

MLB
Jordan Zimmermann gave up just two hits over seven innings, as the Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 4-0 in their home opener Friday. Zimmermann walked three and struck out three in his Detroit debut. Miguel Cabrera drove in the first Tigers run with a single in the first inning, and homered in the seventh. The Tigers are scheduled to host the York Yankees again this afternoon. Mike Pelfrey will pitch against CC Sabathia. We’ll join the game after Red Wings hockey on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY.

The Milwaukee Brewers held off the Houston Astros 6-4 Friday night. Milwaukee took a quick lead when Scooter Gennett and Chris Carter homered in the first inning. Starter Chase Anderson struck out five over five shutout innings, and left with a 4-0 lead. Ryan Braun extended that to 6-0 with a two-run homer in the eighth inning. Houston came back in the ninth. Tyler White hit a three-run homer. With one out, Preston Tucker doubled in a run, and was joined on the bases by Colby Rasmus, who walked. Jose Altuve then hit a ground ball to Gennett at second base. Gennett tossed the ball to shortstop Jonathan Villar, who was covering second. Rasmus slid hard into Villar, and umpire Dan Bellino invoked the new “Chase Utley” rule – awarding the Brewers a double play, and ending the game. The Brewers will host the Astros again tonight. Wily Peralta will pitch against Doug Fister.

MTU
The Michigan Tech men’s tennis team plays at Grand Valley this morning, and at Ferris State tomorrow morning.

NCAA
Quinnipiac and North Dakota will meet for the NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament championship tonight. Our coverage will begin at 7:30 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY.

Outdoor Gear Swap Today
The Copper Country Ski Tigers Nordic Race Team is holding a used outdoor gear swap at the Houghton High School Multi-Purpose Room today. You can buy and sell outdoor gear, including bikes, kayaks, canoes, camping gear, soccer equipment, skis, snowboards and outdoor clothing. Items to be sold may be dropped off at the school between 9:00 and 9:45. The sale begins at 10:00. Pick up proceeds or unsold items between 12:30 and 1:30. The Ski Tigers collect a 15 percent commission, with a $50.00 maximum per item. Members will also wax skis and snowboards for a nominal fee.

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