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Welcome to the roundup of must-see sports news from Wednesday, highlighted by the Washington Nationals winning their first World Series, taking down the Houston Astros in Game 7.
We’ll also take a look at a busy day in the NBA, which included a wild fight between Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid, as well as superstar Stephen Curry breaking his left hand in another embarrassing loss for Golden State.
All this and more as we get you up to speed with the sports world on this Thursday!
FIGHT FINISHED: Nationals Rally Past Astros, Get First World Series
The Washington Nationals completed season defined by comeback efforts with one last thriller.
After trailing for most of the evening, the Nationals used a seventh inning rally to shock the Houston Astros and notch a 6-2 victory in Game 7 of the World Series to bring home their first title.
“What a story,” said Ryan Zimmerman, who was the Nationals’ first draft pick in 2005. “I hope D.C.’s ready for us to come home!”
Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg was named the World Series MVP after going 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts and one relief appearance. He notched win in Games 2 of 6 of the Series, helping keep the team’s championship hopes alive.
A big storyline surrounding the star hurler was that he was shutdown during the 2011 season following Tommy John surgery, being forced to watch his team lose to the Cardinals in the Division Series after winning a MLB-best 98 games. That situation left many fans wondering what if, but the long-game proved to work out perfectly for the Nats.
“Through all the adversity I think I’ve learned a lot about myself. When you have the ups and downs, I think you can learn just as much from the downs as you can the up,” Strasburg said. “I’ve learned that I’m a perfectionist. I’ve learned that I’m a control freak. And in this game it’s very hard to be perfect. It’s very hard to control things.
“But the one thing that you can control is your approach and how you handle your business off the field. And when you go out there and compete, it’s just about execution. And you put in all the work in the offseason, in between starts, to go out there and try and be the best version of yourself. And that’s something you can control every time.”
Washington was just 19-31 in late-May, and the franchise seemed to be reeling from losing its star slugger Bryce Harper in free agency. But the Nations never gave up, and that heart eventually led them to a championship.
“Resilient, relentless bunch of guys,” manager Dave Martinez said. “They fought all year long.”
Astros starter Zack Greinke allowed just two hits, but manager AJ Hinch decided to yank him for reliever Will Harris after an Anthony Rendon homer and a walk. Promptly, Howie Kendrick slammed a 2-run homer to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead and they would never trail again.
“I’ve got a group of heartbroken men in there that did everything they could to try to bring a World Series championship to this city. And we fell one win shy,” Astros manager AJ Hinch said. “Let’s be honest, there’s 28 other teams that would love to have our misery today. We play to get here. We play to have an opportunity to win it all. And I just told our team, it’s hard to put into words and remember all the good that happened because right now we feel as bad as you can possibly feel.”
FIGHT NIGHT: Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns Battle off and on the Court
It was a heavyweight fight in Philly on Wednesday as the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves faced off.
Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns got into a fight, dragging each other to the court in the first big fracas of the NBA season.
The two got tangled up away from the play and then the shoving ensued. It ended up with coaches and players scattered all over the floor and Towns in a Ben Simmons headlock.
Both players were ejected for the scrap, and Sixers dominated, coasting to the 117-95 victory to move to 4-0. Suspensions have not been announced for either player.
“I was built for this city, and they were built for me. The reaction and the love they have for me, I can’t thank them enough,” Embiid said after the game. “That’s what the city of Philadelphia is about. You gotta come in here, you gotta fight. You know you gotta play hard. You gotta be gritty.”
However, the fight didn’t stop on the court. Both stars delivered their shots on social media, but much of those conversations is too NFSW to put here. Here’s Embiid post for those interested, and the follow up by KAT that included plenty of name-calling and tough guy talk.
Steph Curry Breaks Hand in Warriors Lopsided Loss to Suns
Talking about adding insult to injury. In the midst of another embarrassing loss where Golden State was outscored 43-14 in the first quarter, the one-time powerhouse also lost their most important player and former MVP.
With 8:31 left in the third quarter, Curry landed awkwardly, followed by Suns big man Aron Baynes landing on his left hand. Shortly after, it was announced that Curry had broken his hand.
“Aron Baynes came up after the game and just wanted to know how Steph was doing,” coach Steve Kerr said. “You could tell he felt really bad. It’s just a random basketball play, so stuff happens.”
It’s part of a string of injuries that marked an unfortunate end to the Golden State dynasty.
Curry, a two-time MVP, is well-respected around the league and his injury was met by sympathy, especially from the Suns.
“I just feel bad for him,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “When these guys who are the faces of the league go down it’s not good for the league, but especially someone like Steph, who’s done so much to raise the level of excitement here in the Bay Area and throughout the league.”
The Warriors lost the game 121-110, falling to 1-3. It’s only going to get more difficult with Curry on the mend.
DON’T MISS THESE STORIES: Rounding Up the Top Headlines
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GettyCleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield.
- Baker Mayfield snaps at reporter, vents frustration on Twitter
- Redskins LT Trent Williams fails physical due to helmet discomfort
- Toronto FC upsets Atlanta United, will face Seattle at MLS Cup
- Rockets-Wizards shootout sets record for game decided by single point
- Cowboys made unique ‘final offer’ to Jets for Jamal Adams
- MLB legend blasts Antonio Brown over Raiders tenure
WHAT’S ON TAP IN THE SPORTS WORLD ON THURSDAY
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NFL: Thursday Night Football, 49ers vs. Cardinals
One of the league’s two undefeated teams look to stay that way as the San Fransisco 49ers (7-0) take on the Arizona Cardinals (3-4) in an NFC West rivalry matchup.
WHEN: Tonight, 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Missed Yesterday’s Roundup? Click here for it.
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