FRISCO, Texas – Stephen F. Austin headlines seven Southland Conference teams competing in the postseason this week when the Lumberjacks battle Texas Tech in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday in Dallas at 6:27 p.m. CT on TRUTV. The ‘Jacks, who won the league’s automatic bid to the Big Dance by winning the Southland Tournament on Saturday, earned the No. 14 seed in the East Region. Abilene ChristianThis Wildcats will make their Division I postseason debut in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. They begin their run with a 1 p.m. tipoff Monday at Drake in a first-round matchup that will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network. LamarThe Cardinals will face UTSA in the CIT on Wednesday with the site and time to be determined. This is the second consecutive postseason bid for LU. The seven teams in postseason play is a Southland record. New OrleansThe Privateers will stay at home to host UTRGV at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the first round of the CBI. UNO is making back-to-back postseason appearances after qualifying for the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
Southeastern LouisianaThe Lions earned an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament after winning a share of the Southland regular-season championship and earning the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. The Lions head west as a No. 8 seed to face No. 1 St. Mary’s. The game is set for a 9 p.m. tipoff Tuesday on ESPNU. Central ArkansasCentral Arkansas garnered a spot in the 16-team field of the 11th annual College Basketball Invitational. The Bears travel to the northwest to challenge Seattle on Wednesday at 9 p.m. Their 17 wins heading into the tournament is the most for the program since moving to NCAA Division I in 2006-07. Sam Houston StateThe Bearkats have a first-round bye and will await a winner from Monday’s first four games. This is the fourth time Sam Houston is competing in the CIT.
From the Southland to the Show: July Update
Mac Sceroler (Southeastern Louisiana) – Daytona TortugasThe two-time First-Team All-Southland pick was promoted to the Reds’ Advanced-A team to start the year and is 4-1 with 59 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. Sceroler struck out seven over six innings against Tampa on June 25 to pick up his first win since April 30. Tate Scioneaux (Southeastern Louisiana) – Hartford Yard GoatsThe 2014 Southland Conference Tournament MVP was released on June 21 and signed a day later by Colorado. Scioneaux was assigned to the Rockies’ Double-A squad on June 24. He has struck out six through three no-hit outings in his first three outings.Cole Stapler (Nicholls) – Jackson GeneralsStapler was promoted to Arizona’s Double-A squad on July 1 after going 3-6 with 87 strikeouts in 75 innings with Advanced-A Visalia. In his Generals debut, he picked up the win after striking out four in five innings with three earned runs allowed.Will Vest (Stephen F. Austin) – Erie SeawolvesAfter a brief promotion to the Tigers’ Triple-A squad in Toledo, Vest is 1-3 with 21 strikeouts in 23.1 innings since returning to Detroit’s Double-A affiliate. He has punched out 10 batters and only allowed two earned runs on eight hits in his last 9.1 innings.Class A AdvancedKyle Arjona (New Orleans) – Clearwater ThreshersA member of the 2018 Southland Conference All-Tournament Team, Arjona was assigned to the Phillies’ Advanced-A affiliate on May 17 and has punched out 19 batters in 17.1 innings. He has a 0.87 ERA and a 9:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last 10.1 innings. Double-ADrew Avans (Southeastern Louisiana) – Tulsa DrillersThe two-time All-Southland Conference selection was promoted on June 16 after posting a slash line of .293/.353/.488 in Advanced-A. Avans’ first Double-A hit came on a walk-off single in a 2-1 win over Amarillo on June 22.Preston Beck (UT Arlington) – Frisco RoughridersIn his second season with the Rangers’ Double-A team, the 2012 Southland Conference home runs leader has eight dingers in 2019 and is reaching base at a .338 mark with 34 walks, 31 RBI and 34 runs scored. David Fry (Northwestern State) – Wisconsin Timber RattlersIn his first year of Class A ball with the Brewers, the 2018 Southland Player of the Year leads the Midwest League in doubles (30) and total bases (149) and will start in the Midwest League All-Star Game. He has a .569 slugging percentage over the last 15 games.Tyler Gray (Central Arkansas) – Lexington LegendsThe 2018 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year, Gray started the year with the Royals’ Single-A affiliate and is 2-3 with a save and a 4.89 ERA in 15 games. He has 21 strikeouts across 38.2 innings.Reeves Martin (New Orleans) – West Virginia PowerThe 2019 Southland Conference Relief Pitcher of the Year was promoted to Seattle’s Class A affiliate after striking out four in 4.1 innings across four appearances for Short-A Everett.Adam Oller (Northwestern State) – Augusta Green JacketsIn his first year with the Giants’ Single-A affiliate, the 2016 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year is 2-1 with a 3.91 ERA through six starts for the GreenJackets. Oller is 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 11.2 innings over his last two startsClass A Short SeasonKwan Adkins (Northwestern State) – Salem-Keizer VolcanoesIn his first year with the Giants’ A Short-A team, the 2018 Third-Team All-Southland pick has a hit in 14 of 17 games, resulting in a .269 batting average, 10 runs scored and five RBI. He went 5-for-13 with three runs and two RBI in a series against Boise to close out June.Jason Blanchard (Lamar) – Tri-City Dust DevilsA Third-Team All-Southland honoree in 2019, Blanchard was signed on June 12 and assigned to the Padres’ Short-A affiliate on June 13. He has six strikeouts in four innings and opponents are batting just .235. He pitched two no-hit innings in a June 29 start.Austin Briggs (McNeese) – Vermont Lake MonstersA 2018 29th-round pick by the A’s, Briggs was assigned to Oakland’s Short-A squad on June 11. He picked up his first win with the Lake Monsters after giving up just one earned run in two innings of relief with two strikeouts against Connecticut on June 26.Jordan Cannon (Sam Houston State) – Aberdeen IronBirdsA Second Team All-Southland pick in 2019, Cannon was signed by Baltimore on June 11 and assigned to the Orioles’ Short-A affiliate on June 17. He is hitting .143 with a pair of runs scored and recorded his first extra-base hit with a triple against Brooklyn on June 27.Harrison Dinicola (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) – Batavia MuckdogsThe Second Team All-Southland selection from 2018 was assigned to the Marlins’ Short-A team on June 14. Through 12 games with the Muckdogs, Dinicola has a slash line of .283/.327/.370 with six RBI and six runs scored.Tanner Driskill (Lamar) – Auburn DoubledaysThe 2018 ninth-round pick will start his second season with the Auburn Doubledays, the Nationals’ Short-A squad. Driskill struck out 21 batters in 24 innings in his rookie season in 2018. Andrew Fregia (Sam Houston State) – Aberdeen IronbirdsThe two-time All-Southland Conference selection was assigned to the Orioles’ Short-A affiliate on May 21. Fregia has reached safely in seven-straight games with a slash line of .318/.407/.455 and five RBI in that span.Corey Gaconi (Southeastern Louisiana) – Brooklyn CyclonesThe 2019 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year was promoted to Short-A Brooklyn on June 27 after holding hitters to a .200 average in four innings with Kingsport. Gaconi allowed just one earned run over three innings in his Cyclones debut on June 29.Hunter Hearn (Sam Houston State) – Williamsport CrosscuttersThe two-time All-Southland Conference honoree was signed by Philadelphia on June 20 and assigned to the Phillies’ Short-A team on June 21. Hearn registered his first professional RBI with a run-scoring single in the first inning against West Virginia on June 29.Nathan Jones (Northwestern State) – Brooklyn CyclonesA Second-Team All-Southland pick in 2019, the fifth-round pick was signed by the Mets on June 9 and assigned to the team’s Short-A squad on June 13. In his professional debut, Jones struck out five batters over two hitless innings with just one walk on June 17.Shane Selman (McNeese) – Vermont Lake MonstersThe 2017 Southland Conference Hitter of the Year was promoted to Oakland’s Short-A team on June 30 after posting a slash line of .351/.415/.350 with 10 runs, nine RBI and seven walks in 10 Rookie League games.Luis Trevino (Abilene Christian) – Hudson Valley RenegadesThe 2019 Southland Conference Player of the Year was signed by the Rays on June 13 and assigned to Tampa Bay’s Short-A team on June 14. He picked up his first professional hit and RBI with an run-scoring single in a loss to Lowell on June 16.Daniel Wasinger (Southeastern Louisiana) – Hillsboro HopsA 2018 31st-round pick, Wasinger was assigned to the Diamondbacks’ Short-A team on June 14 and has driven in seven runs in 11 games with the Hops, including a game-winning two-run single in the top of the ninth of a 6-3 win over Vancouver on July 1.RookieAidan Anderson (McNeese) – GCL Phillies WestThe 2019 Southland Conference Tournament MVP was signed as an undrafted free agent py the Phillies on June 18 and was assigned to Philadelphia’s Rookie League team on June 24. Anderson pitched a perfect inning of relief with a strikeout in his debut on July 1.Seth Ballew (Sam Houston State) – AZL AngelsAn undrafted free agent in 2019, Ballew was assigned to the Angels’ Rookie League squad on June 22. Ballew is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four appearances. On July 1, he struck out four over 2.2 innings, allowing just one earned run and picking up the win.Jared Biddy (Southeastern Louisiana) – Kingsport MetsAfter tying for the league lead with 10 saves in Southland Conference play in 2019, Biddy was signed by the Mets on June 30 and assigned to New York’s Rookie League affiliate on July 1. Cody Davenport (Central Arkansas) – Idaho Falls ChukarsA Second-Team All-Southland selection and All-Tournament Team member in 2019, Davenport was signed by Kansas City on June 17 and assigned to the Royals’ Rookie League team on June 18. He has struck out five and allowed just three hits in four innings.Cody Grosse (Southeastern Louisiana) – AZL Mariners A Second-Team All-Southland selection in 2018, Grosse was signed by Seattle on June 10 and assigned to the Mariners’ Rookie League squad on June 17. Grosse has driven in four runs in seven games and has a pair of triples.William Hancock (Central Arkansas) – Burlington RoyalsAn All-Southland Conference First Team pick in 2018, Hancock started the year with the Royals’ Rookie League team. After going 0-for-3 in his first game, he has recorded a hit in seven of the last eight games, including a two-hit outing against Bluefield on June 29.Cayden Hatcher (Nicholls) – Grand Junction RockiesIn his second stint with the Rockies’ Rookie League affiliate, the 2018 Southland Conference All-Tournament Team member is 1-2 with 13 strikeouts through 13.1 innings. In his last two outings, Hatcher has a 2.25 ERA and eight strikeouts in eight innings.Dustin Lacaze (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) – Missoula OspreyA 21st-round draft pick by the Diamondbacks in 2019, Lacaze was signed on June 10 and subsequently assigned to the Diamondbacks’ Rookie League squad. He has tossed eight scoreless innings across three appearances with five strikeouts.Bryan King (McNeese) – AZL Cubs 2A recipient of the 2019 Southland Conference F.L. McDonald Postgraduate Scholarship, King signed with the Cubs on June 19 and reported to the Rookie League team on June 22. He has yet to allow an earned run in 4.2 innings with five strikeouts.Trayson Kubo (Stephen F. Austin) – AZL Athletics GreenA 24th-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Kubo was signed by the Athletics and assigned to the team’s Rookie League affiliate on June 17. He has pitched five scoreless innings in three outings with seven strikeouts and a 0.80 WHIP.Carson Maxwell (McNeese) – Missoula OspreyA Third-Team All-Southland Conference pick in 2019, Maxwell was signed by Arizona on June 10 and subsequently assigned to the Diamondbacks’ Rookie League squad. He is reaching base at a .297 clip with nie walks and a pair of runs in his first 10 games.Nick Mikolajchak (Sam Houston State) – AZL Indians BlueAn 11th-round pick by Cleveland in the 2019 MLB Draft, Mikolajchak was signed by the Indians on June 14 and assigned to the team’s Rookie League affiliate on June 17. He has 10 strikeouts in four innings, including six punchouts over two innings on June 28.Austin Reich (Northwestern State) – AZL Giants BlackAn undrafted free-agent signing in 2019, Reich was picked up by San Francisco on June 30 and assigned to the Giants’ Rookie League team on July 1. Caleb Ricca (Northwestern State) – AZL MarinersA Third-Team All-Southland honoree in 2019, Ricca was signed by Seattle on June 17 and subsequently assigned to the Mariners’ Rookie League squad.Bryce Tassin (Southeastern Louisiana) – GCL Tigers EastA 31st-round pick by the Tigers in 2019, Tassin was signed on June 23 and assigned to the Tigers’ Rookie League affiliate on June 24. He has a pair of strikeouts and just one earned run allowed through 2.1 innings in two outings. Hayden Wesneski (Sam Houston State) – Pulaski YankeesThe 2019 Southland Conference strikeouts leader was signed by the Yankees on June 8 and assigned to New York’s Rookie League team on June 22. Wesneski has three punchouts through 3.2 innings, allowing just one earned run through his first three appearances.Extended Spring TrainingRobie Rojas (Sam Houston State) – Milwaukee BrewersRojas was assigned to the Brewers’ extended spring training team after batting .308 with a pair of doubles, three runs, and a .780 OPS in four games with Milwaukee’s Double-A team. Hunter Pence (UT Arlington) – Texas RangersThe longest-tenured active major leaguer out of the Southland Conference, the league’s 2004 Player and Hitter of the Year was voted to start for the American League in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, receiving 46.7 percent of the vote and beating out Boston’s J.D. Martinez and Minnesota’s Nelson Cruz to earn his fourth all-star nod. Pence leads the Rangers in RBI (48) and has the ranks second in home runs (15) and slugging percentage (.608). Robbie Podorsky (McNeese) – Lake Elsinore StormIn his second stint with the Padres’ Advanced-A squad Podorsky was batting .289 with 21 runs, 15 walks and 12 RBI in 40 games prior to hitting the 7-day injured list on June 4. Ryan Tepera (Sam Houston State) – Toronto Blue JaysAfter missing the first three weeks of the season with right elbow inflammation, Tepera pitched 11 innings out of the bullpen and picked up two holds before returning to the IL on May 21 with elbow impingement. He had elbow surgery on May 29 and is expected to miss six weeks. Over his five-year big-league tenure with the Blue Jays, he is 12-11 with a 3.65 ERA, 38 holds and 10 saves. Tepera has punched out 198 batters over 204.2 innings and boasts a .220 opponent batting average. Adam Moore (UT Arlington) – Nashville SoundsIn his seventh-straight season at the Triple-A level, now with the Rangers’ affiliate, the 2006 Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year is reaching base at a .330 clip with 18 RBI, 15 walks and 10 runs scored in 26 games with the Sounds. Grant Borne (Nicholls) – Potomac NationalsIn his second season with the Nationals’ Advanced-A affiliate, the two-time All-Southland Conference selection is 1-3 with 32 strikeouts. Borne struck out a career-high eight batters against Wilmington on May 11. He hit the 7-day injured list on May 25. Tyler Depreta-Johnson (Houston Baptist) – Down East Wood DucksThe Third-Team All-Southland selection from 2018 received a brief call-up to the Rangers’ Triple-A squad but was assigned to the club’s Advanced-A affiliate after three games with the Sounds. He has driven in eight runs in 18 games with Down East.Jameson Fisher (Southeastern Louisiana) – Winston-Salem DashIn his second year with the White Sox’ Advanced-A team, the 2016 Southland Conference Player of the Year was named to the Carolina League’s Southern Division All-Star team. He leads the team in doubles (19) and walks (45), and ranks second in runs (40).Josh Green (Southeastern Louisiana) – Visalia RawhideIn his first season with the D-backs’ Advanced-A affiliate, Arizona’s No. 26 prospect is tied for the California League lead in wins at 7-1 and ranks second in ERA (2.01) and third in WHIP (1.12). In his last four starts, he’s 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 21 innings Shawn Semple (New Orleans) – Tampa TarponsSemple was briefly promoted to the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate before returning to Advanced-A on May 26. He has 34 strikeouts in 46.2 innings and tossed his second-straight quality start against Bradenton on June 21 with 6.1 scoreless innings and three punchouts.Bryan Warzek (New Orleans) – Rancho Cucamonga QuakesThe two-time All-Southland Conference pick has sat down 41 batters on strikes through 35.1 innings in 17 games with the Dodgers’ Advanced-A affiliate. Warzek has allowed just two earned runs (2.57 ERA) and struck out eight in his last seven innings pitched. Chi Chi Gonzalez (Oral Roberts) – Colorado RockiesThe Colorado Rockies selected the contract of the 2013 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year on June 25 after going 4-5 with 69 strikeouts over 76.1 innings in 14 starts with Triple-A Albuquerque. Gonzalez, who last started a MLB game in 2016 with the Texas Rangers, has struck out six over nine innings in two starts for the Rockies. The Delray Beach, Fla., native is 4-9 with a 4.69 ERA in 19 appearances over his major league career.Wade Miley (Southeastern Louisiana) – Houston AstrosThe 2008 Southland Conference strikeouts leader has provided much-needed depth to the Astros rotation with a 6-4 record and 3.39 ERA through 18 starts. Miley ranks third on the squad in innings pitched with 95.2 frames. The Hammond, La., native is 5-2 with six quality starts since the beginning of May. Opposing hitters are batting just .196 against Miley in the month of June and he has struck out 26 batters through 26.1 innings. Paul Goldschmidt (Texas State) – St. Louis CardinalsThe two-time Southland Conference Hitter of the Year (2008-09) ranks among the top-three on the team in runs (46), hits (76), home runs (14), walks (40), on-base percentage (.336) and slugging percentage (.405). Goldschmidt delivered his 14th home run of the season in walk-off fashion, capping a 2-1 win over the Marlins in 11 innings on June 19. Among active MLB players, he is third in career on-base percentage (.393) and fifth in career OPS (.916). Andro Cutura (Southeastern Louisiana) – Pensacola Blue WahoosThe 2014 Southland Conference wins and strikeouts leader has 34 strikeouts through 44.2 innings for the Twins’ Double-A affiliate to start the season. Cutura earned a brief call-up to Triple-A Rochester, where he gave up four runs in four innings in a June 21 start. Nick Heath (Northwestern State) – Northwest Arkansas NaturalsThe two-time Southland Conference stolen bases leader has already racked up a Double-A best 44 stolen bases. In a four-game series against Springfield, Heath went 9-for-17 (.529) with four RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases. Class AGrant Anderson (McNeese) – Hickory CrawdadsSince being traded to the Rangers and subsequently assigned to Texas’ Single-A affiliate, Anderson has enjoyed the change of scenery with a 5-4 record, five saves and 2.41 ERA in 21 games. He has a 1.76 ERA and 12 strikeouts over his last 15.1 innings. Ryan O’Hearn (Sam Houston State) – Omaha StormChasersO’Hearn was optioned to the Royals’ Triple-A team on June 14 and, in nine games with Omaha, has a .328 on-base percentage and .703 OPS. His three-run home run against San Antonio on June 21 proved to be the difference-maker in a 4-3 win. Jace Peterson (McNeese) – Norfolk TidesIn his first year with Baltimore’s Triple-A squad, the two-time First Team All-Southland pick leads the team in runs (48), doubles (20), triples (5) and walks (36). Peterson has 10 multi-hit games in June with a slash line of .316/.382/.500 in that span.Jordan Romano (Oral Roberts) – Buffalo BisonsThe 2014 Southland Conference Relief Pitcher of the Year was optioned to the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate after making four appearances in the big leagues. Romano has struck out 46 batters through 33 innings in 19 games with the Bisons.Ty Tice (Central Arkansas) – Buffalo BisonsTice was promoted to the Blue Jays’ Triple-A squad on June 13 and is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 11 strikeouts across 10 innings. He picked up his second win with the Bisons after tossing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit with a strikeout.Jose Trevino (Oral Roberts) – Nashville SoundsIn his first season with the Rangers’ Triple-A team, the two-time All-Southland pick is hitting .240 with 13 RBI, seven doubles and 14 runs scored. The No. 25 prospect in the organization hit the 7-day injured list on May 19, but began his rehab assignment on June 24. Addison Russ (Houston Baptist) – Reading Fightin PhilsRuss has appeared in an Eastern League-high 32 games in his first year with the Phillies’ Double-A affiliate, striking out 51 batters in 32.2 innings with 11 saves. Over his last 22.1 innings, he has a 1.21 ERA and 35 strikeouts and is 9-for-10 in save opportunities. Kyle Keller (Southeastern Louisiana) – New Orleans Baby CakesKeller is in his second stint with the Marlins’ Triple-A team after receiving a call up on April 9. He has 49 strikeouts and a .196 opponent batting average in 38.1 innings across 25 appearances. He has a 0.63 WHIP and 21 strikeouts over his last 12.1 innings pitched. Collin Kober (McNeese) – Modesto NutsKober is 2-1 with a 3.51 ERA and 60 strikeouts through 41 innings in his second season with the Mariners’ Advanced-A team. He has 16 punchouts and a 0.93 WHIP in his last 9.2 innings, including matching a season high with four strikeouts in three frames on June 20. Colton Turner (Texas State) – Charlotte KnightsIn his third stint with the White Sox’ Triple-A squad, Turner is 3-4 with 71 strikeouts in 64 innings in 21 appearances. He punched out a career-high nine batters across five innings in a start against Syracuse on June 19. Triple-AJonathan Davis (Central Arkansas) – Buffalo BisonsThe three-time All-Southland Conference was optioned to the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate on June 5 and is reaching base at a .372 clip with 13 walks and 19 runs scored. For just the second time in his career, Davis homered twice in a game against Pawtucket on June 24.Jonathan Dziedzic (Lamar) – Omaha StormchasersIn his fifth season with the Royals’ Triple-A team, Dziedzic is 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 11 games. He returned from the injured list on June 22 and has allowed just two runs on three hits in three appearances. Louis Head (Texas State) – Oklahoma City DodgersHead was promoted to the Dodgers’ Triple-A squad and has struck out 14 batters in 12 innings of relief for Oklahoma City. He picked up his first AAA victory with a hitless inning in a win over Round Rock on May 14. Head was placed on the 7-day injured list on June 8. Caleb Smith (Sam Houston State) – Miami MarlinsIn his second season with the Marlins, Smith is 3-4 with a 3.41 ERA through 12 starts in 2019. He had tossed six-straight quality starts until suffering his first loss on May 14 to the AL East-leading Rays. Smith struck out a career-high 11 batters across 6.2 innings against the Cubs on May 7. He hit the 10-day injured list on June 7, but has punched out 19 batters over 9.1 innings in two starts with Double-A Pensacola on his rehab assignment. FRISCO, Texas – A total of 74 Southland Conference baseball alumni are currently playing professional baseball. Below is an update on all active players. Statistics are through July 1, 2019. MLB Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin) – Kansas City RoyalsThe 2013 Southland Conference Player and Hitter of the Year leads the Royals in walks (31), on-base percentage (.385), slugging percentage (.567) and OPS (.952) and ranks second in home runs (13) and third in triples (3) and RBI (44). In nine games since he was activated from the injured list, he has tallied 11 RBI and five extra-base hits, including a game-winning grand slam — the first of his career — in the ninth inning of an 8-6 win over Cleveland on June 25. Bryce Johnson (Sam Houston State) – Richmond Flying SquirrelsThe two-time Southland hits leader was promoted to Double-A on June 25 after recording eight multi-hit games in June with San Jose. He rode that momentum into his first six games with the Flying Squirrels, in which he has a slash line of .400/.458/.700 and six runs.Nolan Riggs (Sam Houston State) – Richmond Flying SquirrelsPlaced on the 7-day injured list on April 17, Riggs had six strikeouts and three hits in 5.1 innings of scoreless relief with the Giants’ Double-A affiliate. He has struck out eight batters and only allowed three hits in 4.2 innings during his rehab assignment. Aaron Hernandez (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) – Inland Empire 66ersA 2018 third-round selection by the Angels, Hernandez is 0-1 with a 4.74 ERA and has struck out 48 batters in 43.2 innings across 12 outings for Anaheim’s Advanced-A team. 
MULTIPLE GRADED WINNER RIVER BOYNE LOOMS COMPLETE STANDOUT IN SATURDAY’S GRADE III, $100,000 THUNDER ROAD STAKES AT ONE MILE ON TURF
MULTIPLE GRADED WINNER RIVER BOYNE LOOMS COMPLETE STANDOUT IN SATURDAY’S GRADE III, $100,000 THUNDER ROAD STAKES AT ONE MILE ON TURF SPECIAL EARLY FIRST POST TIME FOR 11-RACE CARD IS AT 11:30 A.M. ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019)–A perfect six for six on the Santa Anita turf, trainer Jeff Mullins’ River Boyne looms a total standout in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Thunder Road Stakes, which has attracted a field of six older horses at one mile on turf.A head winner of the Grade II Mathis Brother Mile (turf) here on Dec. 26, this 4-year-old Irish-bred colt made the lead in deep stretch only to be collared late by highly regarded eastern shipper Raging Bull two starts back in the Grade I, 1 1/8 miles Hollywood Derby Dec. 1–a race in which River Boyne was beaten by a half length.RIVER BOYNEOwner: Red Baron’s Barn, LLC & Rancho TemescalTrainer: Jeff MullinsA gem of consistency for his connections in 11 stateside starts, River Boyne has won seven races under Mullins’ care, three of them graded stakes. With three wins and a second from four tries at a mile on turf, it would appear conditions are to order for River Boyne, who will again be handled by leading man Flavien Prat. With an overall race record stands of 14-7-3-1, River Boyne is by far the leading money earner in the field with $691,718.LE KENOwner: Pozo de Luna, Inc.Trainer: Ron McAnallySecond, beaten a half length in a one mile turf classified allowance Jan. 13, this 6-year-old Argentine-bred will be making his fifth start for Hall of Famer McAnally, who simply does not have the ammunition he did in years past. Le Ken will again be ridden by Tyler Baze, who will be aboard for the fifth time, including the last two in a row.TRUE VALOUROwner: Qatar Racing, LimitedTrainer: Simon CallaghanThird, beaten a half length by Le Ken on Jan. 13, this 5-year-old Irish-bred made his U.S. debut in the Grade II Eddie Read Stakes three starts back at Del Mar, a race in which he was only beaten 3 ½ lengths at odds of 8-1. A Group III winner going seven furlongs on turf four starts back in his native Ireland, True Valor is 6-1-1-2 lifetime at one mile on turf and figures to get a stalking trip on Saturday.THE GRADE III THUNDER ROAD STAKES WITH JOCKEYS & WEIGHTS IN POST POSITION ORDERRace 7 of 11 Approximate post time 2:30 p.m. PTRiver Boyne–Flavien Prat–124Ohio–Ruben Fuentes–120Le Ken–Tyler Baze–120Desert Stone–Joel Rosario–120True Valour–Andrea Atzeni–120Blackjackcat–Mike Smith–120Special early first post time for an 11-race card on Saturday is at 11:30 a.m. For additional information, please visit santtaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
ECHO EDDIE STAKES QUOTES-SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019
JOCKEY QUOTESGEOVANNI FRANCO, LIEUTENANT DAN, WINNER: “We broke really well and the key was to get good position. There was a lot of speed and the 8 horse (Tap the Wire) was outside of me. When it was time to go, my horse responded really well and we just took off.”TIAGO PEREIRA, PRINCIPE CARLO, SECOND: “My main concern was to break well, and I had planned on being on the front end but my horse broke in a tangle. I had a great stalking position just outside the leaders turning for home, but the 7 kicked clear and went on with it.” TRAINER QUOTESSTEVE MIYADI, TRAINER, LIEUTENANT DAN, WINNER: “He’s still a work in progress. His last race at Golden Gate (5 ½ furlong allowance win on March 23) helped him, no question. He’s still slow to change leads, not in the morning, but in the afternoon; we’ve got some work to do. I was very happy to get Geo (Geovanni Franco) back on him. We go way back together, to Golden Gate.”OWNER QUOTESNICK ALEXANDER, LIEUTENANT DAN, WINNER: “It was a very salty race for a first condition up at Golden Gate; every horse had a legitimate chance. The first thing Steve asked was how far is it to the Echo Eddie Stakes, I said 16 days which seemed a little short but we just jogged him into it to see how he was doing, and you can see him in the paddock he was jumping around for the first time in his life like he wanted to do it. In the walking ring he kind of took off on the groom. Once they tried to put the jock up he acted like a new horse. The name comes from the movie Forest Gump it’s one of my favorite movies. I’ve seen it 20 times.” NOTES: The winning owner/breeder is Nick Alexander.Nick Alexander’s Lieutenant Dan and jockey Geovanni Franco win the $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes, Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. © BENOIT PHOTO
How Spurs could line-up at Anfield with Lloris out but Lo Celso set for return
TOTTENHAM will aim to bounce back from their horror run of form in the Premier League as they travel to league leaders Liverpool.Spurs drew 1-1 last time out at home to Watford on the back of a 3-0 loss to Brighton.2 How Spurs could line-up for their tricky trip to LiverpoolMauricio Pochettino is now fighting to keep hold of his job, but saw the pressure eased after a 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade.But the Argentine chief will need to make do without Hugo Lloris, who dislocated his elbow in the Seagulls battering.Paulo Gazzaniga will likely start in goal, behind what is almost certain to be a back-five in a bid to keep Liverpool’s rampant front-line at bay.The 5-2-3 formation will allow Tottenham to play their three best defenders, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen in the heart of the back-line.Serge Aurier and Danny Rose are the most likely candidates in the wing-back positions.Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele would bring energy to the midfield ranks, with Poch’s focus on the defensive end for the trip to Anfield.That means no room for Christian Eriksen, with Giovani Lo Celso tipped to return from injury, alongside Son Heung-min in the wider attacking positions.ACCA WITH LADBROKES Pick up a whole load of acca features to help you land the big oneMORE SPURS STORIESHARRY ALL FOUR ITKane admits Spurs must win EIGHT games to rise into Champions League spotGossipALL GONE PETE TONGVertonghen wanted by host of Italian clubs as long Spurs spell nears endBELOW PARRSpurs suffer blow with Parrott to miss Prem restart after appendix operationPicturedSHIRT STORMNew Spurs 2020/21 home top leaked but angry fans slam silver design as ‘awful”STEP BY STEP’Jose fears for players’ welfare during restart as stars begin ‘pre-season’KAN’T HAVE THATVictor Osimhen keen on Spurs move but only if they sell Kane this summerYOU KAN DO ITKlinsmann quit Spurs to win trophies but says Kane’s better off stayingTURBULENT PAIRINGDrogba and Mido had mid-flight brawl after stewardess prank went wrongGossipSPURRED ONTottenham table contract offer for Bayern Munich’s teenage starlet Taylor BoothExclusivePASS THE TESTEngland’s NRL-based stars urge bosses to make room for a Test this yearHarry Kane will lead the line, with the likes of Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura providing an attacking threat off the bench if required.Lamela scored twice on his 200th appearance for Spurs in the Champions League win midweek and will be pushing for a starting spot.And he may even be ahead of Moura should Lo Celso not make the starting XI for the trip to Merseyside.2Mauricio Pochettino admits he could get Spurs axe… but he won’t go grey worrying about it
Dele Alli parties two nights running after Prem suspends season over virus
8TOTTENHAM’S Dele Alli spent two nights out partying when Premier League games were postponed.The England and Spurs star, 23, was seen downing cocktails and shots at London clubs.⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates8 Dele Alli spent two nights partying while the Premier League was suspended during the ongoing coronavirus crisisCredit: Getty Images – Getty8 The Tottenham ace left celeb hangout Tape at 3.37am with girlfriend Ruby Mae and palsCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source8 He was joined by Manchester City star and England teammate Kyle Walker in the VIP area at the club in London’s MayfairCredit: PA:Press AssociationOther footballers dancing and singing surrounded by scantily-clad revellers at celeb hangouts Tape, Cirque le Soir and Libertine last weekend included Kyle Walker, James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Riyad Mahrez.Alli, who earns £100,000-a-week, is among hundreds of players ordered to stay fit by their clubs after games were wiped out by coronavirus.Alli and ex-teammate Kyle Walker were in the VIP area at Tape in London’s Mayfair.An onlooker said: “It’s crazy that the first thing these players do when football is cancelled is go out to a club.”8Dele left at 3.37am with girlfriend Ruby Mae, 23, and pals.On Sunday, he enjoyed a bottomless brunch at a hotel in the capital.A source said: “His weekend was one hell of a bender.”Several Premier League clubs have cancelled training sessions and ordered players to stay at home to combat coronavirus.They have also introduced a raft of “isolation” measures to protect high-paid players from catching the disease, including banning them from public transport.Squads have been given individual fitness programmes to follow at home.Man City defender Aymeric Laporte this week revealed that manager Pep Guardiola has warned his team to stay in shape – and not go out in public.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLTHROUGH ITRobbie Keane reveals Claudine’s father was ’50-50′ in coronavirus battleTOP SELLERGavin Whelan has gone from League of Ireland to David Beckham’s InstagramPicturedAN EYEFULMeet Playboy model and football agent Anamaria Prodan bidding to buy her own clubI SAW ROORodallega saw Rooney ‘drinking like madman’ & Gerrard ‘on bar dancing shirtless’ExclusiveRIYAD RAIDMan City’s Riyad Mahrez has three luxury watches stolen in £500,000 raidNEXT STEPJonny Hayes set to move to English Championship having been let go by CelticHe said: “They have given us a daily training schedule. They trust in you and you have to be professional.“We do what the club says because if the games start again, we have to be in top condition.“You have to respect what they are telling us because it’s better for our health.”8 Alli downed cocktails and shots with his girlfriend before going on a boozy brunch on the Sunday8 Leicester and England midfielder James Maddison was another star to take advantage of the league break and hit the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd8 Manchester City star Riyadh Mahrez also went outCredit: Splash NewsCORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOWGet the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Vertonghen set to leave Spurs for FREE after ‘rejecting new contract offer’
JAN VERTONGHEN is set to leave Tottenham for free this summer, according to reports.The centre-back’s contract expires in North London at the end of the season.2 Tottenham are making plans for the 2020/21 season without Jan Vertonghen as they expect the Belgian to leaveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd according to Football Insider, the Belgian has been unable to successfully negotiate a new deal.Spurs are understood to have offered a one-year extension on reduced terms.But Vertonghen, who turns 33 in April, wants at least another two years.And so, unlike his international team-mate Toby Alderweireld, the long-serving defender is on course to leave White Hart Lane.As a result, Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff are making plans for the 2020/21 season without Vertonghen.’STILL HUNGRY’Speaking in February, his agent Tom De Mul admitted the door was still open for his client to stay in North London but it looks increasingly unlikely.De Mul told HLM: “We currently have no agreement [with Tottenham], but I do not rule anything out.”We consider everything. There is a lot of interest for Jan, certainly as a free agent, but Tottenham also remains an interesting option for us. The door is still open.”He still wants to get good results with Spurs after a difficult start. He wants to qualify for the Europa League or Champions League.”He is 32, but he is still so ambitious. He is focused. The Euros, for example, are super important to him.”That’s the beauty of him. He wants to play at the highest level in a top competition for as long as possible. He is still very hungry.”Latest transfer newsLive Blogblues newsChelsea news LIVE – Latest updates from Stamford BridgeLive Blogunited newsMan Utd news LIVE – Latest updates from Old TraffordLive BlogGunners newsArsenal news LIVE – Latest updates from the EmiratesGossipGOING DUTCHChelsea ‘to grab Mbuyamba on free deal’ with defender set to leave BarcelonaDEPAY CHARTMan Utd flop Memphis used computer data and analytics to quit Old TraffordLive BlogBLUES NEWSChelsea news LIVE: Latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford BridgeGossipFIT IN HIS BELEArsenal turn attention to Lyon striker Dembele as Lacazette replacementGossipGUNNER MAKE A MOVEArsenal weighing up transfer move for Barcelona star RafinhaBoth Ajax – from whom Spurs signed Vertonghen in 2012 – and Inter Milan showed interest in the Belgium international in January.But they were put off by Tottenham’s asking price of £12m, especially knowing that he would get released in the summer.Despite falling behind first-choice centre-back pairing Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez, Vertonghen has made 26 appearances for Spurs this season, often filling in at left-back.2Jan Vertonghen speaks of his shock after armed burglars terrorised his family while he was on Champions League duty
Boga eyes Gold in Pacific Games
Boga is among 12 boxers representing PNG and is the only athlete in the squad who took part in the 2011 Games in New Caledonia.The 25 year old from Central and Eastern Highlands Province, won bronze in 2011 in the 64kg category but missed out on a medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Since then, he has been training hard for the July Games.In the lead up in his preparations, Boga won a gold medal at the Queensland Championship late last year.He said obtaining gold at the championship has boosted his moral to keep pushing hard in training.At the team’s recent six weeks intensive training camp in the Philippines, Boga trained three times a day, did three times sparring a week and participated in fight events with the local boxers.“I did well against some Olympians and world champions in the Philippines and I’m confident to win gold at the Games,” he said.Boga’s uncle inspired him to be a boxer and he trained Boga since he was eight years old, representing PNG at international events by the age of 15.Boga will lead the PNG Boxing team during the Games and is confident they’ll all win a gold medal each.“I always cheer my team mates on and I see they’re improving every time during training and their competition level is increasing. I made a promise to myself that I will get that gold,” he said.The boxing event will kick off on 14-18 July at the Caritas Hall.
Zidane: “Valverde? If I lose two games they will criticize me”
Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media at the press conference prior to the match that will be played by Real Madrid against Sevilla tomorrow at 16:00 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ramos, an example.“We also know the character he has. He always wants to be, he has done it all week to be. You will see tomorrow if he is or not. He is our leader, he is the reference player for everyone and he is an example to follow.” Barcelona of Setién.“I hope a Barcelona that is going to compete as it has always done with all the technicians it has had. He is going to do his job and we are ours. There will always be that rivalry. I look forward to a competitive team.” Lopetegui Criticisms or compliments?“I hope you receive it well, because Lopetegui is from home anyway, and the people here always receive their people in a good way. I hope that happens.” Varane and his 300 games.“I imagined it, because I knew the potential it had and I knew it could reach this figure. It can’t be met by anyone. I hope I can meet another 300 …” His magic as a player and now the flower as a coach.“It’s your question, it’s what you think. I accept that I can have a flower in the sense that I am a lucky person in life. I have to give thanks to life for everything that has given me, as a player, coach, as a person and I work for that. You can say that. I accept it. You can think about it. Nothing happens. ” For Florentino, Zidane is a blessing.“I always say the same thing. What he has done for me, which has brought me here, to Real Madrid and I will always thank him for this gesture, because it is 18 years that I am linked here and that is a blessing. It is something very great for me what I am living. ” Before Unionistas in Las Pistas.“Nothing is going to change. It is official. We will play there. It is a field where it is a track, but today it is not our concern. We are born before Sevilla. We will see next week.” Reinier“The club has always looked for talent. This club always wants to have the best players.” First title“It is a title, it is a goal met and we wanted to get this first title. It was important, mid-season and we have done it with many difficulties, but it is very important to continue the rest of the season and right now we know that what remains it’s going to be difficult, but we have to keep writing the history of this club. We have to keep working to get it. ” Courtois“I think he has shown from the beginning that he is a great goalkeeper. He has always been part of the best goalkeepers in the world. And after passing complicated moments he has been able to continue and continue working, not lowering his arms. He knew the level he had and with a lot work has come forward. “ LaLiga Santander* Data updated as of January 17, 2020
Seville and chip change.“We should not change the chip. We have to keep doing what we are doing. The good thing is that we keep doing things right. We know that the season is very long, but as always, we want to continue with what we are doing, and continue proven or what we are doing That will not change. ” Casillas and the RFEF.“I don’t know the plans Iker has. As I have been his partner, I wish him the best for him, but I don’t think, I’m not going to get into these things.” Ramos and Benzema.“Well, let’s see, I’m not going to tell you anything. We all want and want to be, what we are going to do we are going to do thinking about tomorrow’s game. We had some problems, I will not talk about these things but you will see tomorrow how we are going to be. We are going to play against one of the best teams in our League. And we have to be prepared to make a great game. ” Hall of Honor“I don’t know if it helps or not, everyone has their customs and we accept. It’s a Super Cup and we have won it. But they are going to come tomorrow to make a football match and they are only going to think about that to score the three points. We have to focus on that. We have to be prepared for a complicated game. ” Lopetegui“I have no explanation. Every moment you have to live it. He has done it, or he has wanted to make it phenomenal. I do not want to talk about his moment here in Madrid, because it ended as it ended, but what I can say is that he is a very good technician . He has proven it and is proving it. ” Brahim and Mariano.“I cannot tell you what I am talking about with my players. They know the situation and it is what interests me. For now they are here and I am delighted with all the players I have.” Ernesto Valverde.“I will not go into these issues. I feel sorry for him, because it is not a good situation. I have a huge respect for him. Every club, every thing … every coach knows where he is. It will not change anything and for me it will not to change. If we lose two games they will criticize me as they did a month and a half ago. I talk about what we do and we want to do. It’s very difficult to always play well and win. I’m sorry for Valverde. ” 
Operation Cavani: Tuchel gives new hope to Atlético
“Cavani’s situation is uncertain, we don’t know what will happen to him. What I cannot assure you is that he will continue with us and be in Paris in February ”said a Tuchel who is aware that the player is forcing his departure from the French capital to the fullest, to the point of refusing to play the last two games. Cavani’s exit from PSG is closer than ever. Although The French press says that Parisians do not lose 30 million euros for the striker, Thomas Tuchel has left the door open to the player after appearing in a press conference having won the Lorient in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. Initially, the club’s offer is 10 million euros from Atlético de Madrid. A quite distant offer to the 30 million that the PSG is asking for, but the recurrence of Cavani in wanting to leave can be key To unlock the negotiation. The next hours will be key to determine the future of the player.Leonardo, PSG sports director, has confirmed that they have “an offer from Atlético de Madrid that we have not accepted.” The Brazilian executive of the Parisian club has also revealed that “Cavani has asked to leave; I don’t know how the matter will end.”