In “First Call” Tuesday, Alex Ovechkin and Bryce Harper both melt down. Jordan Staal scores. Andrew McCutchen may wind up back in center field.
A lot to like
Penguins fans had to love watching the Capitals lose Monday night in Game 6 against the Hurricanes. The final score was 3-2.
Alex Ovechkin got angry over a late penalty, was hit with a misconduct and had a goal waved off.
Plus former Penguin Jordan Staal scored along the way.
Jordan Staal makes it 3-2 CAR #StanleyCup #TakeWarning pic.twitter.com/erFNkCl5nC
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) April 23, 2019
Carolina forced a Game 7 on Wednesday. The winner takes on the Islanders in the second round. Tuesday night, there are two Game 7s. The first is between the Bruins and Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. Vegas is at San Jose at 10 p.m.
Speaking of temper tantrums
Ovechkin wasn’t the only superstar player in a foul mood Monday night. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper was ejected for arguing balls and strikes during a 5-1 loss to the Mets.
Bryce Harper wasn't having it tonight ? pic.twitter.com/DwnzRMtX46
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2019
Then he got called out by his pitcher, Jake Arrieta.
Jake Arrieta had some pointed words about Bryce Harper's ejection and the #Phillies' overall effort after Monday night's rain-delayed 5-1 loss to the Mets: pic.twitter.com/GSdyXqHf4S
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) April 23, 2019
After the game, Harper admitted he reacted too belligerently and needs to control his emotions better.
Philadelphia and New York are tied atop the National League East with records of 12-10.
Cutch back to center field?
Meanwhile, Phillies center fielder Odúbel Herrera has a hamstring injury.
So, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia, we may see former Pirates Gold Glove winner Andrew McCutchen back in center field after not having played an inning there last year with the Giants and Yankees.
This year, he has been in left field for the Phillies.
“It’s something I have considered quite a bit,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Monday afternoon. “I can tell you I really think Cutch has done a nice job in left field. Part of the reason for me holding off on a decision like that has been his comfort level there, Bryce’s (Harper) comfort level in right field.
“I have had the conversation with Cutch. I’m not worried about if and when we decide to give him a start in center that he’ll be fine there.”
McCutchen is hitting .262 with four home runs and an .880 OPS.
Fear this deer
The Bucks finished off a 4-0 sweep of the Pistons in the first round of the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was a highlight machine at both ends of the court.
? GIANNIS ?#FearTheDeer 36#DetroitBasketball 42
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2019
?: @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/QTp5Ch2Jmm
The MVP candidate finished with 41 points, nine rebounds and four blocks as the Bucks won Game 4, 127-104.
They’ll play Boston in the next round of the playoffs.
Blass’ best
One thing is clear: Steve Blass is enjoying his final year broadcasting Pirates games. From what I’ve heard from Blass so far this year, the tone has been, “Who cares! I’m going to cram in every story, reference, joke and jab that I can before I pack it up.”
And I have found it very entertaining.
Last night, Blass’ broadcast partner on AT&T SportsNet made a reference to the band Barenaked Ladies.
Blass’ response, “I bought tickets to see them in concert once. Didn’t get what I was expecting to see.”
It was a rare light, funny moment in what was an otherwise drab 12-4 loss to Arizona.
