MLB
NLCS, ALCS Tied at 1-1
Both series are split after a pair of games. The Rangers blew a 5-0 lead in Game 1, or they’d be up 2-0 and sending Cliff Lee to the mound. Ouch. Both series could go the distance. Don’t count out the Rangers and Giants. They’re a couple of scrappy teams with just enough to pull off the upset.
Lilly Signs Extension with Dodgers
In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers signed LHP Ted Lilly to a 3-year extension. Financial terms are unknown, but its unlikely Lilly—who was to be one of the top available free agent pitchers—came cheaply.
Considering the Dodgers owners, the McCourts, are going through a nasty divorce, it was believed the team would not spend this offseason. Regardless, retaining Lilly is a good move for the Dodgers, giving them three solid starters in Lilly, Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley.
NFL
Injuries Galore
Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and Falcons CB Dunta Robinson collided, knocking both out of the game with head injuries. Jackson, who already has one concussion in his young career, is said to have suffered a severe concussion.
Texans star LB DeMeco Ryans tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the season.
Chargers TE Antonio Gates suffered an ankle injury.
The Lions lost backup QB Shaun Hill to a broken arm, but could have starter Matthew Stafford back for next week.
NCAA Football
More Undefeateds, Defeated
No. 1 Ohio State, No. 5 Nebraska and No. 9 Nevada all lost their first games this week, following the ousting of Alabama last week.
No. 12 Arkansas, No. 10 South Carolina, No. 22 Florida, No. 23 Air Force and No. 24 Oregon State all lost as well.
Oregon is now the No. 1 team in the polls, though Oklahoma leads in the BCS. Will we see a fourth No. 1 team in as many weeks? We’ll see, Oregon faces off against UCLA and Oklahoma has No. 18 Missouri (No. 11 in BCS).
Rutgers Player Paralyzed
Tragic news out of New Jersey.
Rutgers backup DT Eric LeGrand suffered a spine injury against Army on Saturday. He is now paralyzed from the neck down. LeGrand underwent emergency surgery and is currently in Intensive Care.
“Eric, his family and the Rutgers football family believe he will recover.” said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano.
Let’s hope so. I know I’ll be praying for him. It’s a scary thing, and a reminder that as passionate as well all are about our sports, the bottom line is it’s still just a game, and there are a lot bigger things in this world.
NHL
Sharks Extend Captain
Newly-named captain and former Hart Trophy winner Joe Thornton signed a 3-year extension with the Sharks on Friday.
Thornton’s deal is worth $21 million over the 3-year stretch, considered by many to be a “slight pay cut” in order to help the team remain competitive.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com