Wings, Pistons Move Toward Playoffs – Thursday Sports Wrap

Click on the bold scores for additional details.

NHL
The Detroit Red Wings took a big step toward securing a playoff berth with a 3-0 shutout of the Philadelphia Flyers last night. Jimmy Howard made 30 saves, and also earned an assist on a late empty-netter by Kyle Quincey. Darren Helm and Andreas Athanasiou also scored.

The win moved Detroit two points ahead of Boston in the race for the third guaranteed playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. The Wings skate at Boston tonight. Face-off is at 7:00. We’ll join the game after the first NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament semifinal on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY. Detroit is also two points ahead of Philadelphia in the contest for the final Eastern Conference wild card playoff berth. The Wings have two regular-season games remaining. Philly has three.

NBA
The Detroit Pistons closed in on a playoff spot with a 108-104 victory over the Orlando Magic last night. Five Pistons scored in double figures, led by Reggie Jackson with 24 points. The Pistons return home to play the Wizards tomorrow night. With three regular-season games to play, Detroit will clinch a playoff berth with one more win, or one more loss by the Chicago Bulls.

MLB
Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in four runs, as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Miami Marlins 7-3 yesterday. Saltalamacchia and Victor Martinez homered. Anibal Sanchez threw five shutout innings. He left the game in the sixth, and was charged with two runs. The Tigers take today off, and will play their home opener against the New York Yankees tomorrow. Jordan Zimmermann will start against Luis Severino.. Hear the first pitch at 1:10 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY.

Chris Carter’s sacrifice fly in the seventh inning lifted the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants yesterday. Carter homered earlier in the game. The Brewers have today off, and will open an interleague set against the Houston Astros tomorrow night. Chase Anderson will pitch against Scott Feldman.

The Brewers have added former Rangers’ lefthander Sam Freeman to their bullpen. Freeman was designated assignment by Texas late in spring training. Milwaukee acquired his rights in a cash transaction. To make room on the roster, the Brewers designated reliever Ariel Pena for assignment.

High School
Houghton, Hancock, Lake Linden-Hubbell, Chassell and L’Anse will be among the high school track and field teams competing at the Michigan Tech Invitational this afternoon.

Finlandia
The Finlandia University baseball team is scheduled to play at Maranatha Baptist University this afternoon.

NCAA
The semifinals of the NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament will be played tonight. Quinnipiac will take on Boston College in the first game. Our coverage will begin at 4:30 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3, WCCY. North Dakota will meet Denver in the second contest, which we will not broadcast because of the Red Wings’ game. The championship match will be played Saturday night.

Team Copper Country
The Team Copper Country U18 hockey squad will hold tryouts next week for the upcoming fall season. Players who will be in high school next year are eligible. Sessions have been scheduled Monday at 7:00, Wednesday at 8:15, and Thursday at 7:00 at Dee Stadium. Unless prior arrangement are made, candidates should attend all three. For details, including cost information, call team manager Rod Paavola at 869-2925, or email wingpackers@aol.com.

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