Sports briefs
Wild Things sign catcher
The Washington Wild Things have signed catcher Alex Alvarez, who has played in the minors since 2014 in the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers organizations.
Alvarez, a Caracas, Venezuela, native, began his professional career in 2014 with the Rays’ organization and was with Tampa Bay through 2018. In that system, he reached a high of Class A Bowling Green. His best season in those years was 2015, when he slashed batted .270 with seven doubles, three homers and 21 RBI in 38 games.
The 25-year old played for Class AA Biloxi in the Brewers’ system in 2019 and hit .245 with eight doubles. He has thrown out at least 27% of opposing basestealers every season of his his minor league career, with a career best of 68% in 2015.
“He’s a young player that’s very eager to get back after it and show that he deserves another chance in affiliated ball,” said manager Tom Vaeth. “Talking with him he is very excited about playing in Washington. With his experience at the Double-A level and track record of throwing out baserunners, we feel he can come in and compete for a starting position.”
In another move, Washington placed Trevor Casanova, last season’s starting catcher, on the inactive list.
In baseball
Jon Lester, a durable left-hander who won three World Series titles during 16 years in the majors, has announced his retirement.
Lester, who turned 38 on Friday, finishes with a 200-117 record and a 3.66 ERA in 452 career games, including 451 starts. He also has been a reliable postseason performer, compiling a 2.51 ERA in 26 appearances.
The 6-foot-4 Lester helped Boston win the championship in 2007 and 2013, and led the Chicago Cubs to the title in 2016. The championship for the Cubs was the franchise’s first since 1908.
In college basketball
Collin Gillespie scored 21 points, Justin Moore had 16 and No. 14 Villanova held off No. 17 Xavier 64-60 Wednesday night.
Moore, the reigning Big East player of the week, scored 10 points in the second half and finished with nine rebounds to help the Wildcats (5-1 Big East, 12-4) win their fifth straight. Eric Dixon added 15 points and 10 boards.
In the NBA
Gordon Hayward made his first nine shots and scored 30 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 109-98 Wednesday to snap a 16-game losing streak in the series.
Jaylen Brown scored 34 points, Jayson Tatum added 33 and the Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 119-100.