Sports briefs
Wild Things re-sign Strecker
The Wild Things have re-signed right-handed relief pitcher Zach Strecker for a third season in Washington.
Strecker had consecutive all-star seasons with the Wild Things and was a key part of two Frontier league playoff teams.
Last season, Strecker made 51 appearances, totaling more than 60 innings, six wins, 47 strikeouts, 21 saves and an impressive 1.48 ERA. In 2017, Strecker made 44 appearances and had 20 saves.
With his next sav, Strecker will become the all-time saves leader for Washington, breaking the tie of 41 with Jonathan Kountis. To break the league record, Strecker would need 30 more saves.
Strecker joined Washington prior to the 2017 season after one season in the Minnesota Twins organization. He played his college ball at the University of Kentucky.
“I consider Strecker not only the best reliever in Wild Things history but I put him up there with the best in the Frontier League’s history,” said Wild Things assistant general manager Tony Buccilli. “He shows that you do not need to throw 95 mph to dominate late in ballgames. He pitches with confidence, composure and under complete control.”
Cal’s McPhatter gets regional honor
California University junior defensive back Lamont McPhatter II was selected the D2CCA Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year and headlined three D2CCA all-region honorees Friday.
McPhatter earned first-team all-region laurels while junior linebacker London Cloud and junior offensive lineman Craig McCorkle each received second-team status.
McPhatter is the first defensive back to be named Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year since former All-American Rontez Miles in 2012. McPhatter led the team and ranked third in the PSAC with five interceptions. He ranked third on the team with 63 tackles (37 solo) and added 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick.
Cloud led Cal with 92 tackles (54 solo). He was sixth in the 17-team league with 15.5 tackles for loss and had five sacks, two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks.
A three-year starter, McCorkle made 10 starts while transitioning to left tackle this season after playing the last two years at right tackle.
Pirates re-sign Feliz
The Pirates avoided arbitration with reliever Michael Feliz, reaching an agreement Friday on an $850,000, one-year contract.
Feliz went 1-2 with a 5.33 ERA in 47 appearances for the Pirates in 2018 after being part of the trade that sent pitcher Gerrit Cole to Houston.
Pittsburgh offered contracts to left fielder Corey Dickerson and reliever Keone Kela.
Dickerson is likely due a significant raise over the $5.95 million he made this year. Dickerson hit .300 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs and earned the first Gold Glove of his career after being obtained from Tampa Bay on the eve of the regular season.
Chargers’ Gordon out
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon and linebacker Brandon Mebane have been ruled out for Sunday night’s key AFC showdown in Pittsburgh.
Gordon, who is sixth in the NFL in rushing, sprained the MCL in his right knee during Sunday’s 45-10 win over Arizona. Austin Ekeler is expected to get the start in place of Gordon.
In the NHL
Tom Wilson scored again before being ejected, Nicklas Backstrom had a hat trick and the Washington Capitals beat the New Jersey Devils 6-3 Friday night to extend the defending Stanley Cup champions’ winning streak to seven games.