The Patriots' losing streak is over.And so is the Dolphins' undefeated start.Tom Brady threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns and the New England Patriots handed Miami its first loss of the season in a 38-7 rout on Sunday.It denied the Dolphins (3-1) their first 4-0 start since Hall of Fame coach Don Shula's last season in 1995."I thought we got what we needed from our team today Jonathan Jones Jersey Salute to Service ," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.Brady improved to 15-1 as a starter against Miami."We hadn't played well in the last weeks," Brady said. "This game's great. But you've gotta turn the page."New England (2-2) may be doing that without one of its best players. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, one of Brady's favorite targets, left the game in the third quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return.It put a slight damper on an afternoon in which New England showed the kind of consistency on both sides of the ball that had been missing in back-to-back losses to Jacksonville and Detroit. Since 2002, the Patriots are 8-0 after back-to-back losses.In its two losses, New England's offense struggled to find its rhythm and sustain drives on third down.It did both Sunday, taking advantage of a Dolphins defense that couldn't seem to match the Patriots' speed.Running back James White finished with a rushing and receiving touchdown. Rookie running back Sony Michel also rushed 25 times for 112 yards and his first career touchdown. It was perfect timing after Rex Burkhead went on injured reserve last week with a neck injury.Miami struggled in every phase and looked very much like the team that has lost 10 straight road games to New England.Ryan Tannehill finished 11 for 20 for 100 yards and an interception. He was pulled in the fourth quarter in favor of Brock Osweiler. Osweiler connected with Frank Gore for a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for Miami's lone score."Not a lot went right for us," Tannehill said.Miami was just 3 of 11 on third down and managed only 172 total yards. The Dolphins also had two turnovers and were whistled for 10 penalties, totaling 89 yards"I feel like it's nothing they did," running back Kenyan Drake said. "I felt like we out there and the penalties and all those things killed us."Miami had a strong start on defense, intercepting Brady on New England's second offensive series.But following a quick Dolphins' punt Ja'Whaun Bentley Jersey , the Patriots bounced back with a 55-yard TD pass from Brady to Cordarrelle Patterson to take a 10-0 lead.The 55-yard pass was New England's longest play of the season. Patterson caught the pass over his shoulder along the sideline and stutter-stepped past safety T.J. McDonald to find a clear path to the end zone.Then about midway through the second quarter, Tannehill fumbled a snap to begin a series that was recovered by Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy on the Dolphins 2 . White ran it in for a touchdown on the next play to make it 17-0 .The Patriots then ended the half with a 15-play, 85-yard drive capped by an acrobatic touchdown grab in the end zone by Phillip Dorsett.Dorsett, who had no catches in last week's loss to Detroit, finished with four catches for 55 yards.GORDON DEBUTSPatriots receiver Josh Gordon made his debut Sunday, marking his first playing time in New England since his trade from the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 17.Gordon made his first reception at the 7:27 mark of the first quarter, hauling in a 13-yard grab.New England dealt for the embattled receiver about 48 hours after the Browns announced their intention to cut ties with him, saying they had "reached a point where we feel it's best to part ways and move forward."Gordon was inactive in Week 3 in New England's loss to Detroit with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice this week.He finished with two catches for 32 yards."I have no doubt I can take advantage of this opportunity," Gordon said. "I'm more than blessed, I'm extremely grateful to be in this scenario. I think the only thing right for me to do is take advantage of it."MR. 200Dolphins running back Frank Gore became the eighth running back in NFL history to appear in 200 NFL games.Gore took the field in the first quarter of Miami's matchup with the Patriots.With 14,124 rushing yards Authentic Isaiah Wynn Jersey , Gore entered the day ranked fourth on the NFL's all-time rushing list behind only Emmitt Smith (18,335), Walter Payton (16,726) and Barry Sanders (15,269).SPREAD IT AROUNDPatterson became the 70th different player to catch a touchdown pass from Brady.It tied Brady with Vinny Testaverde for the most players with a touchdown reception from a single quarterback in NFL history.INJURIESDolphins center Daniel Kilgore left the game in the first half with an arm injury. Safety Bobby McCain left with a knee injury.Patriots defensive lineman Adam Butler was helped off the field in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Elandon Roberts also limped off late.UP NEXTThe Dolphins visit Cincinnati next Sunday.The Patriots host the Colts on Thursday night. The New England Patriots may not have enjoyed the flashiest of victories against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, but at the end of the day they still defeated a division rival on the road by three scores. The 25-6 victory wrote plenty of stories – from the defense playing one of its best games of the year to Josh Gordon not seeing his snap count reduced for disciplinary reasons – what is arguably most encouraging is the team accomplishing some season firsts along the way.The Patriots did not give the ball awaySo far this season, the Patriots have been uncharacteristically sloppy when it comes to ball security: the team’s offense and special teams units turned the football over a combined 13 times through their first seven games – the most for a Bill Belichick-coached team since 2004. And while one game is not enough to proclaim that New England has officially turned the corner, it still is encouraging to see the team finally not give the ball away for a full game.Buffalo failed to reach the end zoneYes, the Bills have one of the worst offenses in the NFL. And yes, New England played against a third-string quarterback. But you can only play who you line up against, and versus the group Buffalo fielded yesterday Limited Danny Etling Jersey , the Patriots defense did its job very well. While the home team was able to gain 333 yards of offense, it failed to reach the end zone even once and had to settle for two field goals – the first time all season that an opponent did not score a touchdown against Brian Flores’ unit. Furthermore, New England’s defense allowed just 4 of 14 third down attempts to be converted and also registered two takeaways. Devin McCourty’s interception broke a 40-game streakThe second of the team’s defensive turnovers was a 84-yard pick-six: safety Devin McCourty read quarterback Derek Anderson perfectly, undercut the pass, and returned the interception to the end zone to ice the game in New England’s favor. Not only was it the Patriots’ first defensive score of the season, it also broke a 40-game drought – the longest in the NFL – and served as the icing on the cake that was yesterday’s performance.While not all worked well yesterday – just look at the running game’s ineffectiveness, or the continued inconsistency on special teams – the Patriots are still trending in the right direction in some areas. All that needs to be done now and heading into the bye week a little further down the line is build on those developments. Monday night was a first step.

The Minnesota Sports Awards have named Vikings Head Mike Zimmer Coach of the Year for his work last season http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/kyle-rudolph-jersey , reports Lindsey Young from Vikings.com.After what many thought would be season ending loses with Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook going down early in the season, Zimmer was able to turn things around and go 13-3 and make a run to the NFC Championship game.Vikings’ General Manager Rick Spielman was asked to speak about Zimmer and had nothing but praise for him and his work with the team.Coach Zimmer could not be on hand to accept his award. He and the team are getting ready to play the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, but he did have a prerecorded message for those on hand.“Thank you for the honor of being selected as Minnesota Sports Awards Coach of the Year. I’m sorry I can’t be in attendance tonight; we have preparations for a huge New Orleans Saints game this week. I would also like to congratulate the other nominees. I have great respect for Coach Anderson and Coach Richter, and I’m proud of the work that they both do for the student-athletes in the state of Minnesota. We have great Vikings fans all around the state, and we need you to cheer for us again this weekend. Thank you.” Coming into their Week 9 contest, the Minnesota Vikings had never beaten the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, suffering an overtime loss in 2016 and a regulation loss in 2017. On Sunday afternoon, the Vikings’ defense did everything they could to ensure that it wouldn’t get to three in a row.Paced by a defense that set a new franchise record by sacking Matthew Stafford ten times and found the end zone themselves once, the Vikings overcame a lackluster offensive performance to take down their division rivals by a final score of 24-9.The Vikings wasted no time getting on the scoreboard http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/everson-griffen-jersey , marching down the field on their first drive of the game and getting into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run by Latavius Murray to take a 7-0 lead.That was all the scoring in the first quarter, and a pair of Matt Prater field goals in the second quarter made the score 7-6. Then, Dalvin Cook announced his return from injury in a big way with a huge 70-yard run.That set up the Vikings’ second touchdown, as Kirk Cousins found Adam Thielen for a two-yard score.Minnesota added a Dan Bailey field goal just before halftime, and the home team went into the locker room with a 17-6 lead.There was no scoring in the third quarter, and the Vikings appeared to be looking to add more in the fourth quarter when Kirk Cousins attempted to pitch the ball to Cook, only to have Cook put it on the ground for a Lions recovery. Once again, however, the Vikings’ defense stood tall Womens Rashod Hill Jersey , and provided the dagger to Detroit’s hopes.Matthew Stafford was scrambling to his right, and attempted to pitch the ball to an unsuspecting Kerryon Johnson. The ball fell to the turf, and because it was pitched backwards, it was a live ball. Danielle Hunter alertly jumped on the ball, and rumbled 32 yards for a defensive touchdown for the Vikings, with Bailey’s extra point making it 24-6.The Lions did get a field goal from Prater with just over a minute to go, and that’s how it ended at U.S. Bank Stadium.The real story of this game was the Minnesota defense, as they made life miserable for the Lions’ offense all game. They sacked Stafford ten times, led by 3.5 for Hunter and 2.5 for Tom Johnson. Everson Griffen collected 1.5 sacks http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/harrison-smith-jersey , and Mackensie Alexander and Stephen Weatherly each picked up one. Sheldon Richardson was credited with half a sack to round out the total. The Lions could get nothing going on offense all afternoon, as the Minnesota defense just didn’t allow them any room to breathe.The one down stat from this one is that Adam Thielen failed to break his tie with Calvin Johnson for the most consecutive 100-yard receiving performances in NFL history. He had eight coming into this one, but the Lions held him in check, giving him just four receptions for 22 yards. He did, however, record a touchdown reception for the sixth consecutive game, so that’s a decent consolation prize, I suppose.Kirk Cousins had a very up-and-down game in this one. He had, by far http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/sheldon-richardson-jersey , his lowest statistical output as a Viking, completing 18-of-22 passes for just 164 yards, one touchdown, and one pretty inexplicable interception in the first half. Still, it was good enough in this one.On the receiving side, Laquon Treadwell actually led the Vikings with 37 yards on a pair of receptions. Kyle Rudolph had a pair of receptions for 28 yards, and Chad Beebe, making his NFL debut with Stefon Diggs on the sideline, caught three passes for 21 yards. Dalvin Cook had four receptions for 20 yards in his return Authentic Ben Gedeon Jersey , and Aldrick Robinson chipped in with a pair of catches for 20 yards. Latavius Murray also had one 16-yard reception.Dalvin Cook had a nice return in his first game since Week 4. He had the big 70-yard run, and finished with 89 yards on ten carries. Latavius Murray had 31 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, and Adam Thielen had a five-yard run.The Vikings move their record to 5-3-1, and will take their bye this coming week before returning to face the Chicago Bears in Week 11 at Soldier Field. The Lions fall to 3-5, and they will host those same Bears next week.The Minnesota Vikings get a huge divisional win in Week 9, taking down the Detroit Lions by a final score of 24-9 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Thanks to everyone that got their coverage of today’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!

Jalen Ramsey has approached trash talking — both dishing it out and receiving it — with open arms for most of his football career.When initiating it he's been an equal opportunity offender Authentic Dwayne Allen Jersey , even when his words were aimed at possibly two of the best players to ever play their respective positions.Ramsey sent ripples across the league last month when he was asked by "ESPN The Magazine" for his opinion of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and said: "I don't think Gronk is as great as people think he is."The comments came months after the Jaguars' 24-20 loss to the Patriots in last season's AFC championship game, in which Gronkowski caught only one pass before being knocked out of the game with a concussion in the first half.That same game also saw Ramsey briefly exchange words with reigning MVP Tom Brady during pregame warmups.It's all added extra fuel to the budding rivalry as New England prepares to visit Jacksonville on Sunday."If that's how he feels, that's how he feels," Gronkowski said Wednesday. "It's a big game. ... I'm sure I'm gonna have opportunities go against him. And I'm sure he's gonna have opportunities to go against me."For his part, Ramsey has never backed down from his comments."I don't live my life with regrets, man. Things happen. I said what I said," Ramsey said after his comments went viral."I love the competitiveness. I love the trash talking. I love the challenge. I love literally everything about the game, so I have no regrets. ... Hey, I'm me: Unapologetic."Ramsey's teammates said his often-biting words are what make Ramsey the player he is.Trash talking is Limited Malcolm Mitchell Jersey , "part of his game," defensive lineman Calais Campbell said."I tell him all the time 'Man, hey, whatever you do just make sure that we're gonna back you up...We're gonna be there for you,'" Campbell said. "But I have nothing but confidence in Jalen. He's a very smart guy ... Very passionate. So I won't ever try to contain somebody and not let him be himself."Ramsey was a first-team All-Pro in his second year in the league last season, but had a relatively quiet AFC title game against New England. He finished with just two tackles as Brady engineered late-game heroics to erase a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.Ramsey said recently that he thinks the biggest reason for the Jaguars losing that game was that they became too conservative.Of the talent of Brady, who exploited that conservatism, Ramsey told "GQ" magazine that he puts him in the category of quarterbacks who don't "suck.""I never want to suck," Brady said with a smile Wednesday. "So I never want to be in that category."Brady is expecting "an emotional environment" on Sunday against a defense that he considers one of the best in the AFC. He added that he thinks Ramsey is "a great young player." Brady said a little trash talk is part of the game."I think it raises everybody's game Devin McCourty Jersey , as long as it doesn't get to point where you do something stupid," Brady said. "I think emotion in football is critical."Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone said that any conversations he's had with Ramsey about his tendency to speak his mind would remain private.But Marrone was also quick to offer praise for both Gronkowski and Brady, whom he said were possibly the best to play the game at their positions.He said he isn't concerned about Ramsey's comments providing the Patriots bulletin board material."I mean, it is what it is," Marrone said. "We're all men and we've got to stand by what we say and you've got to speak for yourself and be able to do that. We've just got to go out there and play."Said Gronkowski: "I feel like this game you gotta keep your head on a swivel and be ready for anything."Notes: Rookie RB Sony Michel spoke to reporters for the first time since injuring his knee during training camp. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and said he was "doing all I can do" to be back in uniform for Sunday's game. "My mindset is to prepare as if I'm playing," he said. Michel, who was taken 31st overall in April's draft, is one of two Patriot first-round picks on the mend. Tackle Isaiah Wynn (selected 23rd overall) was lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the preseason. RB Rex Burkhead remains in the concussion protocol after taking a blow to the head in last week's opener.Week 1 Patriots vs Texans: First-round rookie running back Sony Michel not expected to play The New England Patriots have one of the deepest offensive backfields in the NFL – and it looks as if its depth will be tested today when the team opens its 2018 regular season against the Houston Texans. According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, first-round rookie running back Sony Michel is expected to miss the contest which would have been his NFL debut:As Schefer notes Authentic Julian Edelman Jersey Salute to Service , Michel was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury reported after being a limited practice participant all week long. The Georgia product, who was drafted by the Patriots with the 31st overall selection earlier this year, is dealing with a knee injury that cost him more than three weeks worth of practice time in training camp: Michel originally injured his knee on August 1 and did not return until August 27.The rookie missed all four of New England’s preseason contests and will now have to wait at least one more week for his first game action at the pro level. During his absence, Rex Burkhead and fellow offseason addition Jeremy Hill are projected to serve as the Patriots’ lead backs on early downs. James White, meanwhile, will again be the team’s primary receiving back.

Rules analysis: How was that not a safety? In the middle of the 3rd quarter of the game yesterday http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-isaac-rochell-jersey , there was a play that was/is confusing to many football fans. If you’re a Chargers fan, you’re probably wondering why the team was not awarded a safety. Bills fans probably wonder why Nwosu wasn’t ejected for his devastating and injuring hit on Taiwan Jones. I’m not going to touch the latter question as it is likely going to be split down party lines whether you think it was a dangerous play, or an inadvertent football play. I can, however, try to answer the former.Here is the play in question:Breaking the play down into bullets:Marcus Murphy catches the punt but the ball is immediately separated by a hit from Michael Davis.The momentum from the hit drives the ball into the endzone where it is recovered by Taiwan Jones.Jones evades tackles by Kyle Emanuel, Adrian Phillips and Jatavis Brown, but Phillips does pull his helmet off in the process. Jones is then hit in the head and tackled by Uchenna Nwosu, losing the ball in the process.The first whistle sounds as Jones hits the ground clutching his head.A Chargers player picks up the football after the whistle.Here are some things that did not happen, which have bearing on the play:Murphy did not make a football move or establish himself as a runner.The back judge does not throw his bean bag to signal a loss of possession, confirming the previous bullet. Jones attempts to, but does not succeed at advancing the ball out of his endzone.PossessionI believe most of the confusion on this play comes from how Taiwan Jones reacts when he recovers the ball. He is very clearly trying to take the ball out of the endzone. His efforts http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-austin-ekeler-jersey , along with being tackled in the endzone, naturally, would make you think he is trying to escape some consequence for being tackled in the endzone (i.e. a safety or touchdown). Whether he understood the situation or not, this is not the case.The confusion starts with Murphy. He is not ruled by the back judge to have had possession of the ball. So when he loses the ball, the punt has been muffed, not fumbled. This is important because it has bearing on the recovery. From the NFL Rulebook, Rule 9, Section 4, Article 1:Starting with (c), this would have been a touchdown if the Chargers had gotten the ball, but they didn’t. Part (b) better describes the situation Joe Barksdale Jersey , but doesn’t answer the question other than to state it would have been legal for Jones to advance the ball in that situation.SafetiesMost Chargers fans (myself included) were screaming at the TV that it should have been a Safety. A Bills player was tackled in his own end zone; that has to be a safety, right?From the NFL Rulebook, Rule 11, Section 5, Article 1:Part (b) and Note (2) are the important bits here. Impetus is a very physics-sounding word for the motion of the ball when not in the possession of a player. The assumption is that the offense is the one providing the impetus. Kaser provides the initial impetus when he kicks the ball downfield. Later, Davis provides further impetus by knocking the ball away from Murphy. This is the impetus that moves the ball into the endzone.Part (b) is very clear that the impetus needs to have come from the Bills for this to qualify as a safety. I do not think that anyone can say that the Bills caused the ball to end up in the end zone. Imagine a very similar situation we see from time to time: A punt returner muffs (does not catch) a punt, the ball rolls into the end zone, where they recover the ball. This is a touchback, not a safety. The play with Jones is not that much different, just more complicated.TouchbacksFrom the NFL Rulebook, Rule 11 Cheap Dan Feeney Jersey , Section 6, Articles 1-2:Section 6 complements 5, as it defines what is a touchback, rather than what is not a safety.Jones being tackled in his own endzone with a ball whose impetus originated with the Chargers is completely in-line with Article 2(a).Penalties on PuntsYou all will recall that a play is dead as soon as a player’s helmet comes off. Even if the refs miss the whistle.From the NFL Rulebook, Rule 7, Section 2, Article 1:NFL Rulebook Rule 12, Section 2, Articles 6-7 have a lot of situations covering defenseless players and unnecessary roughness. While striking a player without a helmet is not mentioned, striking someone in the head without a helmet has to be worse than a helmet to helmet hit (which is covered) as a personal foul.From the NFL Rulebook, Rule 9 Trevor Williams Jersey , Section 5, Article 1: The above rules state that a foul on a scrimmage kick (read: punt), when the dead-ball spot results in a touchback, can be assessed at the 20-yard line or force a re-kick after the penalty assessment.ConclusionMuch the to the chagrin of Chargers’ fans, the refs got this call right. There was no fumble, but rather a muffed punt recovered by the receiving team in its’ own endzone.The impetus for the ball entering the endzone came from the kicking team, so the receiving team does not commit a safety.The play would have ended on the tackle of Jones, but instead ended on the dead ball call for a player losing their helmet.The Bills maintained possession of the ball, with the dead ball spot occurring in their own endzone: a touchback.Striking a defenseless player warrants a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.The Bills opted to have the penalty assessed at the touchback spot: the 20-yard line.Bills ball at their 35 yard line.Update:It appears that Taiwan Jones escaped without a concussion, though a rather nasty gash.It also appears that Nwosu reached out to Jones: With the preseason winding down, Los Angeles Chargers rookie safety Derwin James is getting closer and closer to earning a starting job.According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press Cheap Derwin James Jersey , Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Monday that James could indeed get the starting nod next to Jahleel Addae for L.A.’s opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.“You can see his confidence growing in the system,” Bradley said. “If he makes a mistake, now he knows. He’ll come over and go, ‘That was on me.’ I couldn’t say that a couple of weeks ago.”Though it’s regularly the case that Top 20 picks in the NFL Draft become instantaneous starters for their newest professional football teams, it’s never a given.Quarterbacks routinely don’t start right away. Players such as Vernon Gholston and Dion Jordan never started as rookies (or hardly at all) for the teams that drafted them in the Top 10.The Chargers have given James every chance to quickly up to speed. He’s played more snaps than any other defender on the team’s roster through three preseason games. James started the Chargers’ third preseason game against New Orleans after Desmond King and Jaylen Watkins started the first two weeks.For James to be nearing the starting lineup as a rookie for a team that ranked third in total defense last season is a strong indication of his growth so far.“I feel like the more reps I get, the more knowledge will come,” James said. “Gus does a great job of saying, ‘When you’re uncomfortable, that’s when you get the most growth.’ Right now I’m kind of uncomfortable, and I feel like I’m getting better each day.” www.nflshopoutlet.com/baltimore-ravens

The NBC camera on Minnesota's pregame huddle in Chicago captured Kirk Cousins delivering the customary pep talk to his teammates http://www.saintscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-larry-warford-jersey , a full-throated reminder by the quarterback that the Vikings reached the NFC championship game last season, not the Bears."They're not the reason this game moved to prime time," Cousins shouted. "We are."Soon after the opening kickoff, though, the Vikings (5-4-1) wilted in the spotlight of the NFL's showcase Sunday night game. The offense didn't score until 7 seconds were left in the third quarter, and the defense gave up a season-high 148 rushing yards, leading to a 25-20 loss that wasn't as close as the score.The Vikings fell 1陆 games behind the Bears (7-3) in the NFC North, meaning they'll have to win once more than the surprise division leader over the next five games to make the rematch on Dec. 30 count toward the race.Chicago plays the Los Angeles Rams (9-1) on Dec. 2, but that's at home. Every other opponent has a losing record. Minnesota has back-to-back road games against the New England Patriots (7-3) and Seattle Seahawks (5-5) looming."The schedule's the schedule. I'm not worried about that," coach Mike Zimmer said.What most troubled Zimmer were the three turnovers, a failure to reach the end zone on the first three trips inside the 20-yard line, and a total of 22 rushing yards on 14 attempts . His message to the offense in meetings throughout the week was that those three areas would determine the outcome."Either they're not listening or they're not paying attention or they don't really care Cheap Ryan Ramczyk Jersey ," Zimmer said. "So we'll have to find out which one of the three it is."The defense also had a 15-yard penalty on two of Chicago's three drives for field goals.Cousins said the defeat "certainly humbles you," a potential positive to take in preparation for the next game against the rival Green Bay Packers (4-5-1). The Vikings have already had several of those sobering defeats this year, from the lopsided loss at home against the lowly Buffalo Bills to the 556 total yards allowed to the Rams to the gaffes that precipitated their fall against the New Orleans Saints.Whether there's some natural regression in the works after their 13-3 regular-season record in 2017, a few flaws they haven't yet fixed or a little bit of bad luck, the Vikings have been a hair off and a step behind from the start this year despite adding Cousins to one of the league's deepest rosters.In facing the Rams, Saints and Bears in nationally televised night games, the top three teams in the NFC, the Vikings have performed like a wild-card team at best."We're a good team. We know that. It's just about going out there and doing it. Quit talking about it," linebacker Eric Kendricks said. "Just getting back to work, putting our hard hats on and no excuses. We've got to point the finger at ourselves, so we've just got to get the job done, period."The Vikings have 16 turnovers http://www.saintscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-benjamin-watson-jersey , seventh most in the NFL after producing at least one in all but one game. That's already two more than last season, when they had the third fewest in the league."That's what we talk about every single day since OTAs, talk about protecting the football," wide receiver Adam Thielen said. "The percentage of you winning a football game when you lose a turnover battle is pretty low. We know that. We have to go back to work and figure it out."The Vikings finished in the top seven in the NFL in fewest turnovers in each of Zimmer's first four years."It's been frustrating at times," Zimmer said, noting the unlikelihood of some of the giveaways like Thielen's fumble against the Saints that turned that game around: He added: "I guess stuff happens sometimes."Saints defense would have a different look in 2015 NFL re-draft With the benefit of hindsight, re-drafting an NFL draft from years’ past is typically fun. Then you’d have scenarios like the 2017 NFL Draft, where if teams had a do-over, there is absolutely a zero percent change the Saints are able to end up with any of the players they actually drafted. That’s the rub - if you re-draft a successful draft, you’re disappointed with the new results, but if you re-draft a poor draft class, you can think about what could-have-been.So when ESPN re-drafted the 2015 NFL Draft (Insider Required) Ken Crawley Jersey , it’s definitely a case of daydreaming about what the Saints defense could have looked like if the Saints skipped out on a player like Stephone Anthony all together.The Saints had two picks in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft (the second pick coming at 31st overall from the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Jimmy Graham trade.With their first 1st Round pick, the Saints selected Andrus Peat out of Stanford 13th overall. Instead, in the re-draft, they added a piece to the secondary:Andrus Peat, in case you were wondering, did not make the entire first round of the ESPN re-draft. He would likely show up somewhere in the next two rounds if the mock re-draft were to continue. Stephone Anthony, who the Saints selected 31st overall, on the other hand, would be hard pressed to see his name called in the first four rounds. Instead, the Saints added a different linebacker in the re-drafth, what could have been.So what do you think of the Saints first round draft class in the re-draft? Would you have preferred the Saints still find their way to Andrus Peat 31st overall? Tell us in the comments. Send me presents. nflshopoutlet.com

On Tuesday Womens Tom Compton Jersey , the Minnesota Vikings did a bit of reshuffling on their practice squad, bringing back a familiar face. Well, fairly familiar anyway.According to Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Vikings have signed cornerback Jalen Myrick and offensive tackle Adam Bisnowaty to their practice squad. In order to make room for them, they waived defensive tackle Curtis Cothran and waived defensive end Jonathan Wynn with an injury designation.Myrick, the former Golden Gopher, was on the Vikings’ practice squad earlier this season, but was released just a week ago. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and spent his rookie season with the Jaguars.Bisnowaty played his college ball at the University of Pittsburgh Womens Trae Waynes Jersey , where he was teammates with current Vikings’ right tackle Brian O’Neill. Bisnowaty was taken in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft (#200 overall) by the New York Giants, and started the Giants’ regular season finale at right tackle after spending that year on the practice squad. He was cut this preseason, and spent time with both the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers this past offseason.Cothran was an undrafted free agent from Penn State who spent Training Camp with the Vikings and was signed to the practice squad following final cuts. Wynn was also part of the team’s final cutdown, and was signed by the team back on 1 October.Because Wynn was waived with an injury designation, if he goes unclaimed he will go onto the Vikings’ injured reserve list.With these moves, the Vikings’ 10-man practice squad now looks like this:WR Jeff BadetWR Chad BeebeOT Adam BisnowatyLB Reshard CliettOL Cornelius EdisonOL Colby GossettTE Cole HikutiniCB Craig JamesCB Jalen MyrickOT Storm Norton In 2017, the Vikings had the NFL’s 7th ranked rushing attack. Most of this success came without the services of Dalvin Cook, following his ACL tear in Week 4. Coming into 2018, all pundits Youth Adam Thielen Jersey , writers, fantasy owners, and probably the Vikings themselves thought this was something that would be good again, or even improve upon Dalvin’s return. However, with the exception of this previous week’s performance vs. Arizona, that has been far from the case.Entering Week 7, the Vikings are averaging a horrendous 87.3 rushing yards/game, 28th in the NFL. When they acquired Kirk Cousins, seemingly pairing him with a strong running game was his missing piece. Not having a strong running game to go to as a tone setter in the 1st quarter has been an enormous issue. So what are the values of Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray?It’s very feasible that Cook’s hamstring injury could nag for the duration of the 2018 campaign http://www.thevikingsfootballauthentic.com/matt-wile-jersey-authentic , which makes it even more feasible that him and Murray have a more even split of touches than what was originally anticipated. It’s also possible Cook makes his living catching passes, at least as far as fantasy output goes, not that it solves the issues of having an incompetent rushing attack thus far. However, that can’t be all put in Cook. Statistically, he’s been one of the league’s best at making people miss. While it’s a good showing of his strong set of skills, it’s also an indicator of just how poor the offensive line has been, which has also struggled to consistently protect Kirk Cousins.One thing that also needs to be taken into consideration is the fact that C.J. Ham, Roc Thomas, and Mike Boone are all being kept on the roster. All three have had their share of touches Youth Stefon Diggs Jersey , and Ham was lined up in the backfield on Cousins’ touchdown run against Arizona. It’s entirely possible that this was done by Mike Zimmer already having an idea that Cook may struggle with his health this season. For someone taken so high in fantasy drafts prior to the season, many owners of Cook (myself included) can’t be to happy about this.Simply put, no Vikings running back is a weekly top choice to start on your team. There are too many questions about how far the offensive line has regressed from a season ago, and too many touches going around to all the backs on the roster. The Vikings also have become so pass-heavy that they will likely have more games where they don’t run the ball 20 times. Getting to that threshold each week could result in more wins, but not translate to points for fantasy teams. Thus, be mindful about starting Cook or Murray each week, as long as the current trend doesn’t go in an upward direction.

Wade LeBlanc is a journeyman. His 10-year career has featured stops with seven different organizations and even one in Japan Ryan Grant Jersey , where he thought he was finished.

In the left-hander’s second stint with Seattle, it appears he’s finally found a home.

LeBlanc (4-0) allowed one run over seven innings after inking a contract extension with the Mariners earlier in the day, and Seattle beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Tuesday night for its eighth straight victory.

The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani was activated from the 10-day disabled list and went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in his return. He had been sidelined since June 8 with a Grade 2 ulnar collateral ligament sprain.

“I think it was huge that I got all those at-bats in the simulated games,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. ”It’s a different game up here in the big leagues. Maybe still not quite there yet, but just keep on working hard, come back tomorrow.”

The Mariners announced they signed LeBlanc (4-0) to the extension before his start and the soft-tossing left-hander showed them they made a good decision. LeBlanc allowed three hits, struck out four and retired his final 11 batters.

”It’s huge,” LeBlanc said. ”It’s life-changing money, obviously, but for me, I’ve never been the kind of guy to know where my family and I are going to be the next year this early.”

LeBlanc’s contract reportedly extends him through the 2019 season, with a base salary of $2.75 million and incentives that could raise that to $4.75 next season, and contains club options valued at $5 million with a $450,000 buyout the three following seasons.

It rewards LeBlanc after he’s provided an unexpected source of stability to the Mariners’ rotation. Seattle is 9-3 in games he’s started and he boasts a 2.90 ERA since moving to the rotation on May 3.

”It’s good to feel wanted Marshall Faulk Jersey ,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. ”I know Wade’s been everywhere in his career, but we’re definitely seeing the best of Wade LeBlanc right now. I’m looking forward to having him in the future. He’s done an unbelievable job for us.

”The best part about these deals with a guy like that that’s bounced around, is that he’s earned it. And that’s really what makes you feel good and allows you to sleep at night.”

LeBlanc was signed by the Mariners in spring training after he requested his release from the Yankees, who signed him to a minor league contract.

Alex Colome picked LeBlanc up by stranding Kole Calhoun after his one-out double in the eighth and Edwin Diaz earned his American League-leading 33rd save with a clean ninth inning.

Kyle Seager was 2 for 4 and drove in a pair of runs with a bases-loaded double in the first. Nelson Cruz provided insurance with a solo homer in the eighth.

Andrew Heaney (4-6) tied a career high with 10 strikeouts, but was tagged with three runs in the first inning to fall behind and was handed the loss.

“Andrew was terrific tonight,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ”The walks were probably the one negative for him in the first inning.

”He pitched a great game, gave us a chance to win. We just couldn’t get any kind of pressure offensively.”

Andrelton Simmons’ homer in the fourth was all the Angels could muster offensively.

300 CLUB

Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon stole third base in the eighth inning to put him at 300 career stolen bases.

TRAINER’S ROOM

ANGELS: Angels outfielder Chris Young exited in the first inning with a left hamstring strain, the club announced. Young stumbled to the ground while fielding Seager’s double to right field and fell to the ground in noticeable pain, staying there until leaving the game with trainers.

MARINERS: Servais said Erasmo Ramirez’s bullpen on Sunday went well and the right-hander will move on with his throwing program.

UP NEXT

ANGELS: RHP Garrett Richards (4-4) will be activated from the 10-day disabled list and start against the Mariners on Wednesday. He’s been out since June 14 with a left hamstring sprain.

MARINERS: RHP Mike Leake (8-4) will make his 18th start of the season and third against the Angels on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has lasted seven-plus innings seven times this season and boasted a 2.57 ERA in June.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady missed practice with a right hand injury a day after being limited by the same issue as New England prepared for its AFC championship game matchup with Jacksonville.

Brady was present and wore a glove on the injured hand during the stretching portion of practice open to reporters. But he was listed as a non-participant on the injury report. He usually only wears a glove on his non-throwing hand.

His scheduled news conference was also postponed until Friday.

Brady appeared on the Patriots’ weekly injury report several times during the latter half of the regular season with both an Achilles tendon and left shoulder injury. But the 40-year-old has never missed a playoff start during his 18-year career. He hasn’t missed any start because of an injury since he sat out the final 15 games of the 2008 season with a knee injury.

GYMNASTICS

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – U.S. Olympian McKayla Maroney said being sexually assaulted by a Michigan sports doctor who molested her and other gymnasts scarred her mind in ways that may never heal.

Dr. Larry Nassar won’t be sentenced until next week to accommodate the many victims who want to speak. Since Tuesday, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina has listened to more than 60 who were molested after seeking his help for injuries, including a statement from Maroney that was read by a prosecutor.

”Dr. Nassar was not a doctor,” said the 2012 Olympic gold and silver medalist. ”He left scars on my psyche that may never go away.”

USA Gymnastics in 2016 reached a financial settlement with Maroney that barred her from making disparaging remarks. But the organization this week said it would not seek any money for her ”brave statements.”

As the hearing was happening, USA Gymnastics announced that it was ending its long relationship with the Karolyi Ranch Eric Ebron Jersey , the Huntsville, Texas, home of former national team coordinator Martha Karolyi and her husband, Bela. The announcement came three days after Olympic champion Simone Biles expressed dismay at having to attend camps there, where she says Nassar sexually abused her.

BASEBALL

NEW YORK (AP) – The players’ association rejected Major League Baseball’s proposal to institute 20-second pitch clocks and limits on mound visits, a move that dares management to unilaterally impose the changes designed to speed pace of games.

Union head Tony Clark and deputy general counsel Matt Nussbaum informed MLB of the decision during a telephone call to deputy commissioner Dan Halem, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Management has the right to implement the rules changes it proposed last year. Under baseball’s labor contract, management can change on-field rules on its own with one season of advance notice.

MLB does not intend to make any decision before its next owners’ meetings, scheduled for Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 in Beverly Hills, California. Spring training games start Feb. 23 and the season opens March 29.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield says one of his top priorities as he prepares for the NFL draft is to allay concerns about his character.

”People will have their guesses and their opinions on my character, but anyone that’s actually sat down and talked to me knows that I don’t have any character issues, any off-the-field issues,” Mayfield said during a conference call after being selected the 2017 Manning Award winner.

Mayfield, who passed for 4 Matt Slauson Jersey ,627 yards and 43 touchdowns, is the first Sooner and first former walk-on to win the Manning Award, which is given to the nation’s top college quarterback. It is the only award to consider postseason performances in voting by a national media panel as well as Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning.

Mayfield also won the Heisman Trophy this season. And after racking up prestigious accolades for his performances during live snaps, Mayfield said he’s eager to meet with NFL coaches and front-office personnel and explain why some of his antics after the whistle and his behavior off the field won’t be an issue going forward.

AUTO RACING

The original ”GoDaddy Girl” is back with sponsorship intact to push forward with her ”Danica Double.”

Danica Patrick has secured the money needed to race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Now she just needs to find the rides to get her back on racing’s two biggest stages. GoDaddy reunited with Patrick on Thursday for the final two races of her career, even though she still has to close deals with teams to make it happen.

She’s not worried about pulling it off, either.

”Power of positive thinking,” she told The Associated Press from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Patrick announced in November she would end her driving career at Daytona and Indy, but still doesn’t have rides. Yet Patrick always figures a way to get what she wants. When talks ended with Chip Ganassi Racing about seats for both races, Patrick said, she called former GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons late last month and asked about a reunion.

SOCCER

The Washington Spirit selected midfielder Andi Sullivan out of Stanford with the first pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft. Draft day also featured a high-profile three-team trade involving U.S. national team star Carli Lloyd.

A person familiar with the deal said Sky Blue FC acquired Lloyd in a trade that sent Christen Press to the Houston Dash and Australian Sam Kerr to the Chicago Red Stars. The person s

The Tennessee Titans have interviewed three candidates in their search for new coach and none have had any NFL head coaching experience. Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur was the third to interview for the job.

The Titans announced Friday they had concluded LaFleur’s interview.

LaFleur http://www.kansascitychiefsteamonline.com/patrick-mahomes-ii-jersey , 38, is coming off his first season as offensive coordinator, though Rams coach Sean McVay called the plays. LaFleur was quarterbacks coach with Atlanta in 2015 and 2016, the year Matt Ryan was named NFL MVP and offensive player of the year. He also coached quarterbacks at Notre Dame in 2014 working with Everett Golson.

In four seasons with the Washington Redskins, LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and worked with Robert Griffin III. Griffin became the first Redskins rookie quarterback named to the Pro Bowl. LaFleur started in the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Houston

He started coaching at his alma mater Saginaw Valley State where he played quarterback. He also coached at Central Michigan and Northern Michigan.

The Titans interviewed a pair of defensive coordinators Thursday in Houston’s Mike Vrabel and Carolina’s Steve Wilks to start their search to replace Mike Mularkey, fired Monday after going 21-22 with the franchise’s first playoff win in 14 years .

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Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch watched his team load the bases in front of hot-hitting Evan Gattis, and all he wanted was the big designated hitter to send a drive to the outfield and keep the line moving.

Hinch had to settle for one that cleared the fence.

Cleared the bases, too.

Gattis crushed a go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning Friday night, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa also went deep, and the Astros rolled past the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for their ninth straight win.

”We’re shaking hands after a lot of his at-bats Martin Fehervary Capitals Jersey ,” Hinch said of Gattis, who has five homers in the first eight games of the Astros’ road trip. ”When guys are hot, there’s a ton of energy and a ton of fun.”

Charlie Morton (8-1) overcame another bout of wildness, at one point walking three straight batters, to last six innings for Houston. He allowed four hits and four walks while striking out nine.

Brad Peacock, Tony Sipp and Collin McHugh each contributed a scoreless inning in relief to wrap up the Astros’ latest win. All but one during their streak has come away from Minute Maid Park.

”I think our guys are just methodically going through their days,” Hinch said. ”This is a long road trip and it’s a lot more fun when you’re winning.”

The Royals, meanwhile, have lost four straight and 10 of 11.

Jakob Junis (5-7) served up all three Houston homers, getting tagged for six runs on seven hits and a walk. It was his fourth straight loss Marlon Mack Jersey , his last win coming against the New York Yankees on May 18.

”We were putting some really good swings on it. We were hitting some balls hard,” Morton said with a grin. ”Really, I was just waiting for the dam to break.”

The Royals gave Junis some support early, jumping ahead 2-0 in the third on a two-out double by Mike Moustakas. It was a buoying at-bat considering the meek-hitting Kansas City lineup managed a single run in getting swept by Cincinnati during a two-game set this week.

It appeared the lead might stand, too, the way Junis breezed through the first three innings.

Bregman changed all that with his ninth homer of the season, a shot that just skirted the left-field foul pole. Correa added his 455-foot home run two batters later to tie the game.

Morton’s wildness allowed the Royals to regain the lead in the fifth, but Junis coughed it back up in the sixth. He gave up three straight one-out singles to load the bases for Gattis, whose soaring, 405-foot grand slam was the second of his career and third by the Astros this season.

It was also the second slam permitted by the Royals in their last two games.

”I was hoping we would get either a flyout or a mishit. I didn’t think I left it right over the plate Christine Michael Sr Jersey ,” Junis said. ”I thought it was up and away. He just put a good swing on it.”

ASTROS MOVES

Houston recalled 3B Tyler White from Triple-A Fresno and placed LHP Reymin Guduan on the paternity leave list. White was hitting .338 with 13 homers and a .444 on-base percentage, the second-highest in all of Triple-A. Guduan can miss no more than three games while on the paternity list.

ROYALS MOVES

Kansas City selected the contract of RHP Brandon Maurer from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Jason Adam to the same club. Maurer was 0-2 with a 12.46 ERA for the Royals before he was sent outright to the minor league club on May 3. He’s worked 11 straight scoreless appearances at Omaha.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Astros RHP Joe Smith (elbow inflammation) rejoined the team, and Hinch said the reliever is ”pain free and the next step is to initiate a throwing program.” That could happen by the end of the weekend.

Royals OF Jorge Soler left after stumbling out of the batter’s box in the sixth. He was taken for X-rays that revealed a broken left foot. ”It will be awhile when your feet are hurt,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. ”They’re going to give it a CT scan or whatever. We’ll have a better idea. X-rays showed a positive break. We don’t think it’s a surgical thing right now. The CT scan will give us more of a look.”

UP NEXT

Struggling LHP Dallas Keuchel (3-8, 4.45 ERA) starts for the Astros and LHP Danny Duffy (3-6, 5.28) gets the nod for the Royals for a Saturday matinee with temperatures expected to approach triple digits.

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The Super Bowl will have the usual flyover – except it will be anything but normal.

U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight is scheduled to perform the flyover at the start of the game Sunday. The Heritage Flight will consist of one F-16 Fighting Falcon http://www.officialoilers.com/authentic-adidas-connor-mcdavid-jersey , two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and one P-51 Mustang flying in formation over U.S. Bank Stadium. This is the first time the Heritage Flight team will conduct a flyover for a Super Bowl, and it will be broadcast live on NBC and in U.S. Bank Stadium from multiple vantage points, including from a camera mounted on the P-51 Mustang.

The teams in the flyover for the game will be the F-16 Viper demonstration team from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; the A-10 Thunderbolt demonstration team from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; and a vintage P-51 Mustang from the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation in California.

”Never before in my more than 35-year flying career have I flown over the world’s biggest sports stage: 111 million eyeballs is quite the audience,” says Steve Hinton, who will pilot the P-51. ”I’m extremely proud to represent the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation and fly alongside Air Combat Command pilots to honor the countless servicemen and women past and present who selflessly serve our country.”

Hinton has logged more than 7,000 flight hours with World War II fighters at air shows all over the world.

”This particular warbird, Sierra Sue II, is one of my favorites to fly,” he says, adding he hopes he will be ”inspiring a new generation of pilots.”

How fast can vintage airplanes fly? At the same speed as current aircraft for the flyover. They will travel in formation at approximate speeds of 315 to 345 mph at an elevation of 1,000 feet above U.S. Bank Stadium.

”The P-51 Mustang is the most iconic fighter plane from World War II and a powerful symbol of the United States’ aviation combat history,” Hinton explains. ”It was a remarkable aircraft during its era, armed with high-caliber machine guns and the ability to carry bombs, rockets and fuel tanks under its wings. By the end of World War II, P-51s had had destroyed almost 5 Mikael Granlund Jersey ,000 enemy aircraft in the air, more than any other fighter in Europe. It’s a popular fixture in the Heritage Flight performances.”

Flying Sierra Sue II is fitting: In 2015, the plane joined the Wings of the North vintage aircraft collection as the cornerstone of its new museum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

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Eric Thames has a penchant for game-changing home runs this season.

Thames hit a two-run homer that accounted for the game’s only runs as the Milwaukee Brewers slipped past the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Tuesday. Thames has three home runs in the past six games.

”I’d say that’s a hot streak,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.

Eight of Thames’ 12 homers have put the Brewers on the board and seven have given his team a lead.

Milwaukee broke through in the fifth against Minnesota starter Jake Odorizzi (3-6) when pinch-hitter Nate Orf walked and stole second before Thames lined a homer that just cleared the right-field fence.

”It was a cutter that didn’t get in far enough,” Odorizzi said. ”I just didn’t execute it, plain and simple. I just didn’t get enough break on it. Right pitch, just bad execution and it turns out to be the deciding factor.”

Thames reached base three times in four at-bats. After the game, he credited Milwaukee’s pitching, which held Minnesota to two hits.

”Our bullpen has been the hammer for us,” Thames said. ”They have been the ones to pick us up, but we need to start scoring more, getting guys on base and driving them in and give them breathing room.”

It wasn’t just the bullpen on this day.

Milwaukee starter Junior Guerra (5-5) pitched five shutout innings. He gave up two hits while walking three and striking out eight and pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first after giving up a double and two walks.

”Being able to put up a zero up there and not let them score was very big,” Guerra said through team translator Carlos Brizuela. ”Walks are very lethal, especially for a starter.”

Josh Hader pitched a season-high three innings in relief for the Brewers and didn’t allow a hit. Closer Corey Knebel notched his ninth save in 11 attempts by striking out the side in the ninth.

Both starting pitchers held their opponents in check but struggled with high pitch counts. Guerra threw 89 pitches. Odorizzi gave up two runs and four hits in five innings. He walked four and struck out nine but threw 109 pitches.

The Twins fell to 1-7 on their current nine-game road trip.

INFIELD INACTIVITY

The Twins became the first team whose first baseman, Joe Mauer, played an entire game and had no putouts or assists since Edwin Encarnacion did it with Toronto against Baltimore on Aug. 25, 2012. This has happened just six other times in the past 20 years and never to the Twins.

”There wasn’t a ground ball today Youth Mikko Koivu Jersey , which is a baseball oddity,” Molitor said. ”I can’t really explain it other than Odorizzi, we know, is a fly ball guy.”

CHOKED UP

In the ninth, home plate umpire Marty Foster called Jake Cave out on strikes but didn’t raise his arm right away with the signal, prompting an argument from Molitor.

”It looked like, as simply as I can state it, that he wasn’t going to make the call,” Molitor said. ”Jake made the mistake of walking away, and it looked like (Foster) put his arm up after the fact. He said that he had called it right away but that he was choking on his Nicorette mints.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Twins: Recalled LHP Gabriel Moya from Triple-A Rochester and optioned RHP Zack Littell to Rochester. Littell was the losing pitcher in Monday’s 10-inning game. …2B Brian Dozier didn’t start so he could rest but entered the game in the seventh. ”It’s always tough to sit (Dozier),” Molitor said. ”I think if he had his druthers, he would play 162 games and start them all.”

Brewers: OF Christian Yelich didn’t start for the fifth consecutive game due to lower back tightness but entered in the ninth as a defensive replacement. ..OF Lorenzo Cain (left groin strain) is eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday, but Brewers manager Craig Counsell said he likely won’t be in the lineup right away. ”There’s enough caution there that we’ve got to get over the last hurdle,” Counsell said. ”We’re not to 100 percent yet.” … RHP Zach Davies (right shoulder tightness) is dealing with back soreness and stiffness. ”He won’t throw until that’s gone,” Counsell said. ”That’s going to set him back.”

UP NEXT

Twins: Jose Berrios (8-6, 3.52 ERA) gets the start in the three-game series finale. Berrios will face the Brewers for the first time in his career.

Brewers: Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.18) has held opponents to a .208 batting average this season.

—

The better J.A. Happ pitches for the Toronto Blue Jays Dion Dawkins Jersey , the better the chance he finishes the season with another team.

Happ pitched a season-high 8 1/3 innings to win his fifth straight decision, Kendrys Morales hit a two-run home run and the Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 Wednesday for Toronto’s seventh win in eight home games.

Happ (9-3) allowed four runs and six hits, walked none and struck out eight. The veteran left-hander is the first big league pitcher to record four starts this season with at least eight strikeouts and no walks.

”He’s got good life on his fastball,” Atlanta’s Nick Markakis said. ”He’s always been a thorn in the side.”

With Toronto well behind in both the AL East and the wild card standings, Happ could be a candidate for a midseason trade to a contender.

”I know he’s in demand and I can see why,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said. ”If we were on the other end of it, I’d want him, too.”

Happ is in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract.

”I signed to play here and try to help this team get to the playoffs,” Happ said. ”I know there may be rumors out there, but I like it here and my focus is here.”

Happ improved 4-0 with a 2.72 ERA in nine career starts against the Braves.

”We knew going in it was going to be a tough ride,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.

Happ had retired 18 of 19 before Freddie Freeman and Markakis hit back-to-back singles with one out in the ninth.

Ryan Tepera came on and gave up an RBI single to Kurt Suzuki, struck out Charlie Culberson Eddie Yarbrough Jersey , then allowed an RBI single to Ender Inciarte, putting the tying run at second. Tepera finished it by getting Johan Camargo to fly out, earning his fifth save in eight opportunities

Morales, who turned 35 Wednesday, went 2 for 3 and scored twice. He homered in the first, walked and scored in the fourth, singled in the fifth, and flied out in the eighth.

Suzuki and Peter Bourjos hit solo home runs for the Braves, who lost for the second time in eight games. Atlanta began the day with an NL-best record of 43-29.

Braves right-hander Anibal Sanchez (3-1) allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.

”It wasn’t bad, wasn’t great,” Snitker said. ”He kept us in the game, gave us a chance.”

Sanchez is 0-2 with a 9.19 ERA in his past three starts against the Blue Jays.

After Morales hit a two-out drive off Sanchez, his sixth homer of the season Star Lotulelei Jersey , Suzuki connected in the second, his eighth, and Bourjos tied it in the third with his first homer of the season.

Toronto broke the deadlock in the fourth when Randal Grichuk hit an RBI double and Aledmys Diaz followed with a sacrifice fly.

Blue Jays infielder Yangervis Solarte made it 5-2 with a two-out RBI single off A.J. Minter in the seventh.

WALK THIS WAY

Blue Jays C Russell Martin has walked at least once in eight straight games, matching a career-long stretch. Martin, who walked twice Wednesday, also walked in eight straight in 2013.

BIRTHDAY BLASTS

Morales has four home runs and eight RBIs in eight career games on his birthday.

THRIVING WITH FIVE

Toronto is 28-1 when scoring five or more runs.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Braves: Markakis started at designated hitter, the first time this season he hasn’t played one of the corner outfield spots.

Blue Jays: RHP Marcus Stroman (shoulder) will be activated off the disabled list to start at the Angels on Saturday, Gibbons said. Stroman is 0-5 with a 7.71 ERA in seven starts. … 3B Josh Donaldson (left calf) left the team Wednesday and will continue working out at Toronto’s spring training facility in Florida. Donaldson will not begin a rehab assignment until he is able to run the bases at full speed.

UP NEXT

Braves: Atlanta is off Thursday before opening a three-game home series against Baltimore on Friday. LHP Sean Newcomb (8-2, 2.70 ERA) starts for the Braves. Newcomb has won eight of his past nine decisions. The Orioles have not named a starter.

Blue Jays: RHP Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.35) starts the opener of a four-game series against the Angels. Sanchez is 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three June starts. LHP Tyler Skaggs (6-4, 2.81) starts for Los Angeles.

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Kyle Freeland has a silhouette of a mountain range tattooed along his right arm.

So, no, the Denver native doesn’t mind pitching in a little thin air.

Freeland elevated his game once again at Coors Field and the Colorado Rockies scored the go-ahead run in the seventh on a throwing error by shortstop Brandon Crawford to rally for a 5-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.

Freeland (8-6) settled in to go seven strong innings after surrendering a homer to Gorkys Hernandez on the first pitch of the game.

That mistake hardly weighed on him.

”There were a lot more pitches to be thrown Russell Bodine Jersey ,” said Freeland, who allowed three hits. ”You have to have faith in your offense they’ll come through for you.”

The left-hander hardly feels intimidated by the hitter’s park. Freeland has allowed three or fewer runs in all but one of his seven starts at Coors Field this season.

”To me, it’s still the game of baseball. You have to make your pitches,” Freeland said of his approach at Coors. ”If you don’t make your pitches, there’s a strong chance they’re going to get whacked – hard.”

Part of Freeland’s good groove of late has to do with the development of his changeup. He’s throwing it with confidence – and success.

”There is a poise factor that comes into play when you’re playing this game,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. ”He’s learning this at the highest level. … I love the day that Kyle pitches.”

Scott Oberg threw the eighth and Wade Davis worked his way around a one-out double by Buster Posey in the ninth for his 24th save. He struck out Crawford to end the game.

Madison Bumgarner (1-3) was cruising along until the seventh when he began to unravel. After allowing three straight singles, he was replaced by reliever Reyes Moronta, who walked Nolan Arenado and then allowed the tying run on a double play. Ian Desmond followed with a roller that Crawford gobbled up only to throw wide to first, allowing the tiebreaking run to score.

”Just didn’t throw it 100 percent. I gave it about an 80-percent throw,” Crawford explained. ”One-hopper, I had time.”

Pinch-hitter Tom Murphy added an insurance run in the eighth, with Charlie Blackmon bringing in another on a sacrifice fly. Arenado finished 2 for 3 with two walks.

Bumgarner ran his streak to 22 scoreless innings before it came to a halt in the seventh when he was charged with three runs, two earned. Before Monday Phillip Gaines Jersey , the left-hander hadn’t allowed a run since June 16 in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

”I don’t care about the streak. I’m just trying to win,” Bumgarner said. ”That’s a tough loss. Everything was going our way early on and didn’t go our way late. That’s all there is to it.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Giants: RHP Johnny Cueto (elbow) was schedule to throw a bullpen session Monday in Sacramento, while RHP Jeff Samardzija (shoulder) was slated to make a rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento. ”It’s a fairly big day in Sacramento,” manager Bruce Bochy cracked. ”Tomorrow, we’ll have a plan.”

Rockies: RHP Bryan Shaw (right calf strain) had a bullpen session Monday and ”threw the ball well,” Black said. Shaw will throw a simulated game Wednesday and may soon go out on a rehab assignment. … RHP Chad Bettis wore white tape on his middle finger after developing a hot spot during Sunday’s start. Bettis was pulled after three innings. ”We’re concerned about him for sure,” Black said.

GREAT GRABS

Austin Slater played a big role in keeping the Rockies off the scoreboard early by making a sliding catch in left field to end the third with the bases loaded. Slater also had a diving catch in the second.

UP NEXT

Giants: RHP Chris Stratton (8-5, 4.45 ERA) faces the Rockies on Tuesday for a second time in less than a week. He allowed five runs over four innings last Thursday.

Rockies: RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-1, 6.23) will be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and make his first start of the season Tuesday. He takes the place of opening day starter Jon Gray, who was optioned to Triple-A over the weekend.

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