Ryan Breaks Away in OT to Give Senators Game-1 Win
The Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs have kicked off with back-to-back overtime contests in Game 1's, as the Ottawa Senators got the early advantage on the veteran Pittsburgh Penguins. Bobby Ryan had a breakaway goal just 4:59 into overtime to give the Senators a 2-1 win over the Penguins on Saturday night. Ryan was able to backhand the puck past Marc-Andre Fleury to help Ottawa improve to 6-1 in overtime this postseason. Ryan also added an assist on Jean Gabriel-Pageau's first-period goal, while Craig Andersen recorded 27 saves in the win. Evgeni Malkin netted the only goal for the Penguins, which came late in the third period to force overtime. The Penguins struggled with the puck, getting out-shot, 32-17, as well as giving the puck away 17 times on the night. Both of the Senators' goals were a result of them taking advantage of Pittsburgh's giveaways. The Penguins are trailing a series for the first time this postseason and will look to even it up at home in Game 2 on Monday night.
Harper Signs Extension, Hits Walk-Off HR in Same Day
The Washington Nationals gave outfielder Bryce Harper a $21,625,000 extension through the 2018 season early Saturday, and the slugger would give his thanks in the best of ways Saturday night. Harper hit a walk-off home run to dead centerfield to give the Nats a 6-4 comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The 24-year-old's game-winner came on an 0-1 pitch after Adam Lind led off the inning with a single, and was good for his 11th big fly of the season. It was also his second walk-off blast of the season and fifth of his career. The Nationals did trail 4-0 at one time, but a two-run home run from Trea Turner and a two-run double from Ryan Zimmerman tied the game quick. Shawn Kelley pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first win of the season. The Nationals' bullpen pitched a combined 4.1 scoreless innings after Tanner Roark allowed four runs in 4.2 innings. Edubray Ramos surrendered the game-winner to suffer the loss, which was the Phillies' eighth in nine games. These two teams will be featured in a day-night doubleheader on Sunday after Friday's game was rained out.
J.D. Martinez Plays Hero in Second Game Back With Tigers
J.D. Martinez has been a key piece missing in the Detroit Tigers' offense for the first month-plus of the season, but he made his return to the lineup on Friday night. Although, it was not until Saturday that he made his mark, with his first two home runs of the season, including the game-winner in the ninth for a 4-3 Tigers win over the Los Angeles Angels. Martinez's solo shot went the opposite way to lead off the ninth against Bud Norris, who suffered the loss. The right-fielder missed the Tigers' first 33 games of the season with a sprained right foot, but came back with one hit on Friday. He added three more on Saturday, which also included a two-run blast in the second. Justin Upton also homered, while new closer Justin Wilson earned his second save by striking out the side in the ninth inning. Alex Wilson pitched a scoreless eighth inning to get the win. Mike Trout had a game-tying solo shot, while Albert Pujols drove in two for the Angels in the loss. This series closes out with a matinee matchup on Sunday.
The Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs have kicked off with back-to-back overtime contests in Game 1's, as the Ottawa Senators got the early advantage on the veteran Pittsburgh Penguins. Bobby Ryan had a breakaway goal just 4:59 into overtime to give the Senators a 2-1 win over the Penguins on Saturday night. Ryan was able to backhand the puck past Marc-Andre Fleury to help Ottawa improve to 6-1 in overtime this postseason. Ryan also added an assist on Jean Gabriel-Pageau's first-period goal, while Craig Andersen recorded 27 saves in the win. Evgeni Malkin netted the only goal for the Penguins, which came late in the third period to force overtime. The Penguins struggled with the puck, getting out-shot, 32-17, as well as giving the puck away 17 times on the night. Both of the Senators' goals were a result of them taking advantage of Pittsburgh's giveaways. The Penguins are trailing a series for the first time this postseason and will look to even it up at home in Game 2 on Monday night.
Harper Signs Extension, Hits Walk-Off HR in Same Day
The Washington Nationals gave outfielder Bryce Harper a $21,625,000 extension through the 2018 season early Saturday, and the slugger would give his thanks in the best of ways Saturday night. Harper hit a walk-off home run to dead centerfield to give the Nats a 6-4 comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The 24-year-old's game-winner came on an 0-1 pitch after Adam Lind led off the inning with a single, and was good for his 11th big fly of the season. It was also his second walk-off blast of the season and fifth of his career. The Nationals did trail 4-0 at one time, but a two-run home run from Trea Turner and a two-run double from Ryan Zimmerman tied the game quick. Shawn Kelley pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first win of the season. The Nationals' bullpen pitched a combined 4.1 scoreless innings after Tanner Roark allowed four runs in 4.2 innings. Edubray Ramos surrendered the game-winner to suffer the loss, which was the Phillies' eighth in nine games. These two teams will be featured in a day-night doubleheader on Sunday after Friday's game was rained out.
J.D. Martinez Plays Hero in Second Game Back With Tigers
J.D. Martinez has been a key piece missing in the Detroit Tigers' offense for the first month-plus of the season, but he made his return to the lineup on Friday night. Although, it was not until Saturday that he made his mark, with his first two home runs of the season, including the game-winner in the ninth for a 4-3 Tigers win over the Los Angeles Angels. Martinez's solo shot went the opposite way to lead off the ninth against Bud Norris, who suffered the loss. The right-fielder missed the Tigers' first 33 games of the season with a sprained right foot, but came back with one hit on Friday. He added three more on Saturday, which also included a two-run blast in the second. Justin Upton also homered, while new closer Justin Wilson earned his second save by striking out the side in the ninth inning. Alex Wilson pitched a scoreless eighth inning to get the win. Mike Trout had a game-tying solo shot, while Albert Pujols drove in two for the Angels in the loss. This series closes out with a matinee matchup on Sunday.
