By Greg Halbleib
The CornBelters took the holiday off as they open a six-game homestand tonight against the Gateway Grizzlies. Lefty Corey Kimes of Ottawa starts for the Grizzlies against Belters right-hander Chris Carmain in the 6:35 contest, 6:20 pre-game on WJBC.com. The Belters are home through Sunday.
Six CornBelters have been named to the West squad in next week’s Frontier League All-Star Game in Florence, Kentucky. First baseman Aaron Dudley is a starter, joined on the West squad by fellow Belters middle infielder Santiago Chirino, right fielder Nolan Meadows, catcher Dylan Kelly, relief pitcher Francisco Carillo and starting pitcher Mike Schweiss.
The Cardinals lost 4-2 to the visiting Pirates and ended a three-game winning streak. Gregory Polanco homered twice for the visitors. The series continues tonight at Busch Stadium as lefty Steven Brault makes his major league debut for the Pirates in place of Jameson Taillon, who just went on the disabled list. Right-hander Mike Leake starts for the Cardinals.
The Cubs hammered the Reds 10-4 behind homers from Kris Bryant, Wilson Contreras and Addison Russell. Bryant’s big fly was his league-leading 24th, but he left the game in the fifth inning with a bruise to his left leg suffered when he collided with center fielder Albert Almora Jr. while making a catch in left. Bryant is expected to be in today’s lineup according to Cubs manager Joe Maddon. This afternoon, lefty Brandon Finnegan starts for the Redlegs against Cubs righty John Lackey.
The White Sox handled the Yankees 8-2 with homers from Tim Anderson and Dioner Navarro while James Shields won his second straight start. Tonight, right-hander Masahiro Tanaka starts on the mound for the Yankees while the Sox give the ball to lefty Carlos Rodon.
The big prize in the NBA free agent shuffling goes to the Golden State Warriors, as former MVP and four-time league scoring champion Kevin Durant joins current MVP Stephen Curry. Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder blew a 3-1 lead to the Warriors in this year’s Western Conference finals.
Former Bulls forward Pau Gasol has signed with the San Antonio Spurs for two years and $30 million.
