The Cincinnati Reds begin a seven-game road trip with the first of three tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Andrew Abbott goes up against Paul Skenes in the starting pitching matchup. Abbott is 5-4 with a 3.83 Earned Run Average; Skenes is 6-7 with a 2.86 ERA. Coverage begins at 6:10 on 1o3.9 FM.
The Reds have placed closer Emilio Pagan on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. He’s been out with a left hamstring strain.
The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Fever. Thomas will serve her suspension on Saturday when the Mercury visits the Toronto Tempo. Fever president Kelly Krauskopf said in a statement that, “…player safety should be paramount in our league.” Indiana coach Stephanie White lambasted the officiating surrounding Clark after the loss. Clark left Wednesday night’s game with a back injury. The Fever lost that contest by two points (111-109). Indiana returns to the court tomorrow night at home against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Indiana Pacers officials say they’re thrilled they were able to draft Braden Smith. The former Purdue Boilermaker and Westfield native was selected by Indiana on Wednesday, after the Pacers traded with the Chicago Bulls to get back into the NBA Draft. Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan says Smith has all the right qualities they are looking for. Smith became the all-time assists leader in NCAA history during his four years at Purdue. He was also Mr. Indiana Basketball in high school.
