By Kevin Bessler

Chicago Cubs 5  Atlanta Braves 4

In a make-up game that was postponed earlier this season, the Cubs got a homer from Tommy La Stella in the 6th inning for the win.  Chicago retains a 4 1/2 game lead in the NL Central.

St. Louis Cardinals 5 Pittsburgh Pirates 0

Redbirds pitcher John Gant threw 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball to get the win.  Gant also hit his 2nd home run.

Boston Red Sox 9 Chicago White Sox 4

The Red Sox scored 4 runs in the 7th inning and 5 more in the 9th in the comeback win.

In boys high school baseball, Saunemin lost to Marseilles 11-2.

NFL

The Chicago Bears played their final preseason game Thursday night as the Buffalo Bills scored 25 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to pull out the win 28-27.  The Bears will open the season in Green Bay September 9th.  The game will be played at night on national television.

High School Football

Pontiac will be home tonight, as they host Tolono at 7pm.

College Football

The Fighting Illini open up the 2018 season at home Saturday vs. Kent State.  Pregame on JEZ begins at 10am.

High School Cross Country

The Warriors competed against Odell, Ottawa Marquette, Tri-Valley and Eureka at home Thursday.

In the girls race, Kally Cotter finished in 4th place overall with a personal best of 15:25. Other runners for the Lady Warriors were Lyla Donovan (17:24), Kassondra Poshard (21:31) and Zoey Cooper (24:11 PR).

In the boys race, Aidan Lee, Camden Fenton, Aiden Christenson, and Mateo Casillas finished in the top 10 for the Warriors.

High School Girls Volleyball

Pontiac defeated Lexington in 2 sets;  25-21 & 25-20.  The JV squad lost in 3 sets.

High School Girls Golf

In the Pontiac Lady Indians Scramble, Bloomington Central Catholic came in 1st, followed by Pontiac and Putnam County.