DENVER (AP) – Corey Dickerson hit a go-ahead home run leading off the fifth inning and Jordan Lyles pitched effectively into the seventh, helping the Colorado Rockies to a 2-1 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday. Dickerson’s had his third solo shot in two days despite playing with pain in his left heel caused by plantar fasciitis. Dickerson, who scored both runs, was removed in the eighth when the Rockies made a double switch. Lyles (2-1) shut down one of baseball’s top-hitting teams, allowing one run and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. He has worked into at least the sixth in all four of his starts this season. John Axford struck out Alexi Amarista to end the game and earn his second save.
ENGLEWOOD (AP) – Denver Broncos general manager John Elway disagrees with Pro Bowl receiver Demaryius Thomas’ strategy to skip the team’s offseason program while angling for a long-term contract. Elway said Thursday during a news conference to discuss the upcoming draft that “there’s zero value of him being away from here.” A prolonged boycott by Thomas could hinder the installation of new coach Gary Kubiak’s offense that will feature Peyton Manning’s tactical and timing proficiencies while placing a greater emphasis on the run and two-tight end sets. The Broncos placed their franchise tag on Thomas, guaranteeing him $12.8 million in 2015 – which is about the same amount as he’s made in his first five NFL seasons combined.
UNDATED (AP) – Two teams in the NBA playoffs can take a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round series tonight. After taking the first two games in Toronto the Wizards are home to the Raptors this evening in the third game of their series, while in Dallas the Rockets enter their game with the Mavericks with the same 2-0 lead. The other game tonight has the Spurs at home to the Clippers with the series tied at 1-1.
UNDATED (AP) – Three teams, Cleveland, Chicago and Golden State, all took 3-0 leads in their NBA first-round playoff series last night. The Cavaliers beat the Celtics in Boston 103-95 while the Bulls stopped the Bucks in Milwaukee 113-106 and the Warriors came back from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Pelicans in New Orleans 123-119.
UNDATED (AP) – Montreal and New York’s Rangers will advance to the second round of the playoffs with a win tonight. The Canadiens top Ottawa 3-1 and tonight’s game is in Montreal, while the Rangers will attempt to eliminate the Penguins on home ice as well. The final game of the night has the Blues playing host to the Wild with the series tied at 2-2.
NEW YORK (AP) – The blisteringly hot New York Mets have won their last 11 games and tonight are cross town in the Bronx to face the Yankees. The winning streak equals a club record for consecutive games success. On the mound tonight for the Mets is Jacob deGrom against Michael Pineda.
DETROIT (AP) – The Detroit Tigers have lost closer Joe Nathan for the season. The 40-year-old suffered a torn ligament in his pitching elbow on Wednesday. Nathan is a six-time All-Star who was coming off one of his worst seasons ever as he blew seven save opportunities last season.
