Daily Noontime – May 29, 2012

Miami’s Dwyane Wade and LeBron stole the show in Game No. 1, as the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 93-79! (Photo Credit: WBUR.org)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and welcome into this Tuesday edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s kickstart the four-day work week with some headlines and news from the city of Boston, and state of Massachusetts.

* Miami held Boston to 15 points in the third quarter and 18 in the fourth, as the Heat defeated the Celtics in Game No. 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 93-79. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 54 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and five blocks, while Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

* Miami and Boston will return to the hardwood on Wednesday for Game No. 2 at 8:30pm. With Monday’s win, the Heat currently lead the series, 1-0.

* After Monday’s contest concluded – Ray Allen told the media that he’s battling with his inner self to work hard and overcome the bone spurs in his ankle. He told WEEI’s Paul Flannery, “There’s nothing really to talk about. It’s like a battle within myself that I have to try and win. You always talk, if it was the playoffs would you play? It’s the playoffs.”

* The Boston Red Sox concluded their Memorial Day Weekend with a 7-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Felix Doubront earned his fifth win of the season on the bump, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia finished the contest 2-4 with two runs, a home run and an RBI.

* Boston is now 24-24, and will attempt to earn their 25th win of the season and 12th at home on Tuesday against Detroit – Daniel Bard opposes Justin Verlander – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* Prior to Monday’s contests — the Red Sox continued their 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park by recognizing Trot Nixon. The original dirt dog sported his No. 7 home white jersey, and tossed the out the ceremonial first pitch.

Daily Noontime – May 18, 2012

Cody Ross finished Thursday’s contest with four RBIs and one home run! (Photo Credit: BostonInno.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Friday, which means it’s officially time to celebrate the end of the week, right? OK… OK… before the workday concludes, let’s dish out some headlines, news and more from the Bay State!

Cody Ross concluded Thursday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Rays with four RBIs and one home run, as Boston ended their two-game series with a 5-3 victory. Felix Doubront lasted 5.2 innings on the bump, and recorded his fourth win of the season, while Marlon Byrd smacked his first long ball in a Sox uniform.

* Boston will continue its current road trip on Friday when they travel to Philadelphia for their first inter-league clash of the season — Daniel Bard will oppose Cole Hamels — first pitch is scheduled for 7:05PM.

Daisuke Matsuzaka experienced his longest rehab start on Thursday in North Carolina with the PawSox, as the right-hander pitched 6.2 innings and yielded four earned runs. He also recorded three strikeouts, hit one batter and surrendered two home runs.

* The Boston Celtics will attempt to earn a two-game series lead on Friday when they return to the hardwood for Game. No 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers, which is scheduled for 8:00PM. The Green and White spent their off day recovering from their gigantic victory on Wednesday, and watching film.

Daily Noontime – May 17, 2012

Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 27 points on Wednesday, which helped Boston earn a 2-1 series lead against Philadelphia! (Photo Credit: NY Daily News)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Thursday, which means this particular week is slowly motoring along. Here are some news and headlines from the city of Boston!

* The Boston Celtics tallied 32 points in the second, and 29 in the third, as the Green and White captured Game No. 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers, 107-91. Kevin Garnett poured in 27 points, and finished with 13 rebounds, while Paul Pierce added 24 points, 12 rebounds and three steals.

* Boston now owns a 2-1 series lead, and will return to the hardwood on Friday when they attempt to earn a two-game lead against Philly.

* According to the New York Times – Rajon Rondo appeared more focused than ever during Wednesday’s shoot around, and told head coach Doc Rivers prior to tip-off that the third game of this particular series was necessary for Boston. Rondo finished the contest with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but recorded 17 points in the first half.

* The Boston Red Sox watched their five-game winning streak conclude on Wednesday in Tampa Bay, as the Rays scored twice — once in the second, and once in the sixth — to earn a 2-1 victory. Clay Buchholz lasted five innings, and yielded six hits, two earned runs, but fanned five batters.

* Boston and Tampa Bay will conclude their two-game series on Thursday — Felix Doubront opposes Matt Moore – first pitch is schedule for 7:10PM.

* Bobby Valentine told the media prior to their first game against the Rays that Daisuke Matsuzaka, whose rehab assignment ends on May 23, is not ready to join the Red Sox 

Daily Noontime – May 8, 2012

Felix Doubront helped Boston return to the winning ways on Monday, as the Sox defeated the Royals, 11-5! (Photo Credit: SB Nation)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Good Tuesday to everyone, and welcome into yet another edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s kick-start the day with the news and headlines from the state of Massachusetts!

* Boston’s Felix Doubront halted the Red Sox five-game losing streak, as they defeated the Kansas City Royals on Monday, 11-5. Will Middlebrooks hit his second home run as a big leaguer, while Kelly Shoppach recorded his first triple of the season.

* The Red Sox are now 12-16, 8-6 on the road, and will attempt to double their current winning streak on Tuesday when Daniel Bard faces-off against Danny Duffy at 8:10pm.

* The Boston Celtics will attempt to conclude their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday — tip is scheduled for 8:00pm.

* Head coach Doc Rivers gave his team the day off on Monday, so the Green and White could catch a flight to Atlanta earlier than Tuesday. Paul PierceRay Allen and Avery Bradley needed that extra day to rest, as all three players are nursing an injury.

Daily Noontime – May 7, 2012

Paul Pierce paced the Celtics with 24 points on Sunday, which helped Boston capture Game No. 4 against Atlanta! (Photo Credit: Cleveland.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s a brand new week, which means … the Daily Noontime! Here are some headlines and news from the best city in the world…Boston!

* The Boston Celtics are one game away from knocking out the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the Green and White earned an impressive, 101-79 victory. Paul Pierce paced all scorers in Game No. 4 with 24 points, while Rajon Rondo concluded the contest with 20 points and 16 assists.

* Despite leading his team in points, Pierce sustained a left knee injury during shoot around on Sunday, which left his status for Game No. 4 up in the air. However, he did play, but aggravated his knee, which means his status for Game No. 5 on Tuesday is uncertain. Also, Avery Bradley, who dislocated his shoulder during Friday’s contest, finished Sunday’s game with six points, one rebound and one steal.

* The Boston Red Sox woes continued on Sunday, as the Baltimore Orioles concluded their three-game series sweep with a 9-6 win in 17 innings.Clay Buchholz lasted 3.2 innings, and surrendered seven hits, five earned runs and three home runs. Will Middlebrooks hit his first career home run in a Sox uniform, while David Ortiz recorded two hits and double in the loss.

* The Sox have now dropped five out of their last six contests, and will attempt to rebound on Monday when they travel to Kansas City for an 8:10pm first pitch — Felix Doubront opposes Jonathan Sanchez.

* Last, but certainly not least, New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light is scheduled to announce his retirement on Monday. He issued a statement to the media on Sunday, and will meet with reporters at Gillette Stadium to wrap up his 11-year career with the Patriots.

Daily Noontime – May 2, 2012

Paul Pierce tallied 36 points on Tuesday, which helped the Boston Celtics even their first round series! (Photo Credit: NESN.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy “Hump Day” to all, and welcome into yet another stupendous edition of the Daily Noontime! Here are some headlines and news to tell your friends!

* The Boston Celtics evened their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday with an 87-80 victory. Paul Pierce led the Green and White with 36 points, while Joe Johnson paced the Hawks with 22 points.

* Both Boston and Atlanta will return to the hardwood for Game No. 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Friday – tip is slated for 7:30pm at the TD Garden.

* According to the Atlantic Journal Constitution – Josh Smith sustained a sprained left knee with 5:14 remaining in regulation. Smith, who remained in the game until the whistle sounded, aggravated it when attempting to deny Kevin Garnett a rebound.

* Despite ending the month of April with a critical win at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox kicked off May with a 5-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics. The Sox are now 0-3 in games where they’ve had a chance to push their record over .500, too.

* Against the Athletics, David Ortiz recorded his 21st double of the season, while Cody Ross hit his fifth double of the year. Felix Doubront lasted four innings, and yielded six hits and five earned runs, but still managed to strikeout eight batters in the loss.

* Boston and Oakland will wrap up their three-game series on Wednesday at 7:10pm — Daniel Bard will be on the bump for the Sox, and will oppose Brandon McCarthy.

* Finally, reports confirmed that Boston College dismissed Eagles running back Montel Harris for repeated violations of team rules.

Daily Noontime – May 1, 2012

David Ortiz cranked two home runs, as Boston defeated Oakland on Monday, 11-6! (Photo Credit: RedSox.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and also, Happy May, too! Let’s jumpstart the month with some headlines and news from the city of champions… Boston!

David Ortiz concluded the month of April with two home runs and two RBIs, as Boston defeated Oakland at Fenway Park on Monday, 11-6. Clay Buchholz earned his third victory of the season on the bump – he pitched 6.2 innings, allowed seven hits and six earned runs, but fanned five batters.

* Boston’s win against Oakland also snapped a five-game losing streak, too. Both squads will return to the diamond on Tuesday — Felix Doubront opposes Jarrod Parker.

* The Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics will play Game No. 2 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series on Tuesday — Rajon Rondo won’t be in the lineup due to earning a one-game suspension for bumping a referee on Sunday.

Doc Rivers told the media on Monday that he’s not planning on rushing back Ray Allen, who is currently battling a right ankle injury. Sources confirmed that Allen will most likely need surgery once the Celtics season concludes.

Red Sox Weekly

By Andy Lindberg

The Red Sox still have the ability to shock the most cynical of fans.

This week Boston hit the road to win six out of seven games, losing a 4-1 decision to the White Sox on Sunday for their only blemish.  Sure, the Sox played the Twins and White Sox, neither team a world-beater; but those are the teams that must be beaten to win a World Series.  Felix Doubront (1-0) further proved he was starting pitcher material with a win in game one of the Chicago series, allowing three runs in six innings to finally earn his first win of the year.

The bullpen didn’t collapse (although they certainly tried in the Twins series at times).

Jon Lester (1-2) out-dueled Jake Peavy in a stellar 1-0 win on Saturday as well.  Winning that contest was crucial for Boston because it showcased their ability to out-pitch an opponent rather than out-slug, something they have yet been unable to do in the first month of this season.

Ryan Sweeney and David Ortiz continue to rip the cover off the baseball, sitting atop batting average leaderboards in the American League.

Last week I wrote more about Boston’s near certain demise.  The Red Sox are not yet out of the woods.  There is still a lot of work to be done for this team to contend in a very tough division.  The additions of Rich Hill and the possibility of a Daisuke Matsuzaka return before May is out, along with using Aaron Cook out of the bullpen would signal the pitching depth and help Boston still most desperately needs.

Although the Red Sox finish this April with one less win than April of 2011, they still hold a better record.  At 10-11 this season, the Red Sox improved on their 11-15 record to end the April of 2011.  We will see if they can improve on their impressive 19-10 May 2011 record in order to creep out of the basement in the American League East.

Daily Noontime – April 27, 2012

Dont'a Hightower, (pictured above) became one of two New England Patriots drafted in the first round on Thursday! (Photo Credit: SB Nation)

By NoontimeSports.com

It’s Friday, which means we can break out into song and dance! Here are some headlines and news from around the city of Boston!

* The New England Patriots bolstered their roster on the first day of the 2012 NFL Draft by selecting Chandler Jones of Syracuse and Dont’a Hightower Alabama. Both players will be spotted on defense – Jone is a defensive end and Hightower is an inside linebacker.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their fourth consecutive win on Thursday, as they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 10-3. Felix Doubront earned his first win of the season – he lasted six innings and struck out two batters, but surrendered five hits, three runs, and one home run.

Kevin Youkilis cranked his second home run of the season against the White Sox, and also recorded four RBIs in the win.

* Boston and Chicago will return to the diamond on Friday for an 8:10pm first pitch - Daniel Bard will face-off against John Danks.

* The Boston Celtics concluded their abbreviated season with an 87-74 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. Avery Bradley led the Green and White with 14 points, while Paul Pierce added 12 points.

* Boston will begin its quest toward Banner 18 on Sunday when they travel to Atlanta for Game No. 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Boston will host Games No. 3 and No. 4 on Friday (May 4) and Sunday (May 6).

* Finally, Boston College’s Luke Kuechly was drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers as the ninth pick.

Daily Noontime – April 26, 2012

Joel Ward's overtime strike on Wednesday lifted Washington past Boston in Game No. 7, 2-1! (Photo Credit: CBC.ca)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Ah… it’s Thursday, which means we’re one day closer to the end of the work week. However, this is a rather solemn day, as Bostonians mourn the loss of the Boston Bruins, so let’s try to brighten the mood with headlines and news!

* As stated above, the Boston Bruins quest toward a seventh Stanley Cup championship ended on Wednesday evening at the TD Garden when the Washington Capitals defeated them, 2-1 in overtime. Joel Ward scored the clincher at 2:57 in the extra session, which punched the Capitals ticket to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

* After the seventh game concluded – James Murphy of ESPNBoston provided a ‘to-do‘ list of things the Bruins need to focus on during the offseason. Also, ESPN’s Barry Melrose provided his ‘two-cents‘ on the Caps 22-year-old goaltender Braden Holtby.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their first regular season series sweep of the season on Wednesday, as they defeated the Minnesota Twins, 7-6. Clay Buchholz earned second win of the season, while Alfredo Aceves registered his fourth save. As for the Sox offense, Mike Aviles his his fourth home run of the season, while Dustin Pedroia recorded a double and triple.

* The Sox will look to extend their three-game winning streak on Thursday when they travel to Chicago to face the White Sox at 8:10pm –Felix Doubront opposes Philip Humber.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics will conclude their 66-game regular season slate on Thursday when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to the TD Garden for an 8PM tip-off.