Ducks Blow Lead, Even Series in OT
The Anaheim Ducks had full control of the Nashville Predators on the road Thursday night and nearly let it slip away. After blowing a 2-0 lead in the third period, the Ducks got the game-winning goal in overtime for a 3-2 win in Game 4, tying the series up at two. Corey Perry netted the game-winner at 10:25 of the extra period, throwing the puck in off the stick of P.K. Subban, as the tally went unassisted. John Gibson made 32 saves, but surrendered the lead late after getting goal support from Rickard Rakell and Nick Ritchie. Subban found the back of the net in the third to get Nashville on the board and Filip Forsberg tied it with 34.5 seconds left in regulation, which was his fourth goal in five games. The loss was the first for the Predators on their home ice in 10 tries this postseason. They fell just short of the 1996-97 Colorado Avalanche, who started 11-0 on their home ice in the playoffs. They will now hit the road for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals in Anaheim on Saturday night.
Rangers Double-Up Phillies For MLB-Best 9th Straight Win
The Texas Rangers have snapped out of their early-season struggles with an MLB-best nine-game winning streak, as they completed the sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies with an 8-4 win on Thursday afternoon. Ryan Rua had the big hit with a tie-breaking three-run home run in the fifth inning, as they also completed the sweep of their eight-game homestand, spanning three teams. It was just the second time in franchise history they have done that, as their win streak began with an 11-0 shutout of the Padres in San Diego. Their red-hot run is their longest streak since recording 12 straight victories in 2011. Martin Perez struck out eight and walked none over seven innings to earn the win on Thursday. On the other side, Joely Rodriguez surrendered the fifth-inning big fly and suffered the loss. Maikel Franco and Tommy Joseph both went deep in the Phillies' 15th loss in 18 games. Robinson Chirinos, Nomar Mazara (2), and Roughed Odor also knocked in runs for the Rangers, who hit the road to visit the Detroit Tigers beginning Friday night.
Braves Lose Freeman to Fractured Wrist
The Atlanta Braves have already had a tough start to their year despite the big numbers from first baseman Freddie Freeman. The MVP candidate suffered a fractured wrist in Wednesday's game and could miss up to 10 weeks. Freeman was hit by a pitch in the left hand during Wednesday's game with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was initially placed on the 10-day DL for roster purposes. An MRI and CT Scan revealed the non-displaced fracture in his hand on Thursday. At the time of this injury, Freeman shares the lead with a .341 average and 14 home runs. He also leads the majors with a .748 slugging percentage, ranks second with a .461 on-base mark, and is in the top three for WAR, runs, and extra-base hits. Jace Peterson took his spot for Thursday's game against Toronto at first base, batting sixth. The team is also closing in on a minor-league deal with veteran James Loney, who was previously in the Detroit Tiger organization. The one bright side is that no surgery is required for Freeman, who hopes to get back sooner rather than later.
The Anaheim Ducks had full control of the Nashville Predators on the road Thursday night and nearly let it slip away. After blowing a 2-0 lead in the third period, the Ducks got the game-winning goal in overtime for a 3-2 win in Game 4, tying the series up at two. Corey Perry netted the game-winner at 10:25 of the extra period, throwing the puck in off the stick of P.K. Subban, as the tally went unassisted. John Gibson made 32 saves, but surrendered the lead late after getting goal support from Rickard Rakell and Nick Ritchie. Subban found the back of the net in the third to get Nashville on the board and Filip Forsberg tied it with 34.5 seconds left in regulation, which was his fourth goal in five games. The loss was the first for the Predators on their home ice in 10 tries this postseason. They fell just short of the 1996-97 Colorado Avalanche, who started 11-0 on their home ice in the playoffs. They will now hit the road for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals in Anaheim on Saturday night.
Rangers Double-Up Phillies For MLB-Best 9th Straight Win
The Texas Rangers have snapped out of their early-season struggles with an MLB-best nine-game winning streak, as they completed the sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies with an 8-4 win on Thursday afternoon. Ryan Rua had the big hit with a tie-breaking three-run home run in the fifth inning, as they also completed the sweep of their eight-game homestand, spanning three teams. It was just the second time in franchise history they have done that, as their win streak began with an 11-0 shutout of the Padres in San Diego. Their red-hot run is their longest streak since recording 12 straight victories in 2011. Martin Perez struck out eight and walked none over seven innings to earn the win on Thursday. On the other side, Joely Rodriguez surrendered the fifth-inning big fly and suffered the loss. Maikel Franco and Tommy Joseph both went deep in the Phillies' 15th loss in 18 games. Robinson Chirinos, Nomar Mazara (2), and Roughed Odor also knocked in runs for the Rangers, who hit the road to visit the Detroit Tigers beginning Friday night.
Braves Lose Freeman to Fractured Wrist
The Atlanta Braves have already had a tough start to their year despite the big numbers from first baseman Freddie Freeman. The MVP candidate suffered a fractured wrist in Wednesday's game and could miss up to 10 weeks. Freeman was hit by a pitch in the left hand during Wednesday's game with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was initially placed on the 10-day DL for roster purposes. An MRI and CT Scan revealed the non-displaced fracture in his hand on Thursday. At the time of this injury, Freeman shares the lead with a .341 average and 14 home runs. He also leads the majors with a .748 slugging percentage, ranks second with a .461 on-base mark, and is in the top three for WAR, runs, and extra-base hits. Jace Peterson took his spot for Thursday's game against Toronto at first base, batting sixth. The team is also closing in on a minor-league deal with veteran James Loney, who was previously in the Detroit Tiger organization. The one bright side is that no surgery is required for Freeman, who hopes to get back sooner rather than later.
