Wednesday Sports Recap
MLB:
The Cincinnati Reds wrapped up their series in Toronto with an 11-7 win over the Blue Jays. Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, Jonathon India, and Elly De La Cruz each homered, contributing to the victory. The Reds, now 62-65 and in 3rd place in the NL Central, will begin a four-game series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates (59-67, 5th in NL Central) on Thursday night at 6:40 PM. LHP Nick Lodolo (9-5, 4.55 ERA) will take the mound for Cincinnati, facing off against Pirates rookie phenom RHP Paul Skenes (7-2, 2.30 ERA). The series continues Friday and Saturday at 6:40 PM, with the Sunday finale at 1:35 PM. Live coverage of Friday-Sunday games can be heard on WTLO AM 1480/97.7 FM.
In other news, Joey Votto, the former MVP and iconic Cincinnati Reds first baseman, announced his retirement from baseball on Wednesday night. Votto, 40, was attempting a comeback with the Toronto Blue Jays but was rehabbing an ankle injury in the minor leagues when he made the announcement. Votto’s storied career with the Reds ended after the 2023 season when his 12-year, $225 million contract expired. The Reds declined his $20 million option, making him a free agent. During his time with Cincinnati, Votto hit .294, with 356 home runs and 1,114 RBIs in 2,056 games. He was named the National League MVP in 2010 and won a Gold Glove for fielding in 2011.
Kentucky Wildcats Football:
Thirteen Kentucky Wildcats football players have been identified as potential elite draft prospects for the upcoming Senior Bowl, which showcases the top NFL draft prospects in college football. The Wildcats on the watch list include: Barion Brown (WR), Jager Burton (OL), Eli Cox (OL), Marques Cox (OL), Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB), Maxwell Hairston (DB), D’Eryk Jackson (LB), Aidan Laros (P), Ja’Mori Maclin (WR), Gerald Mincey (OL), Chip Trayanum (RB), Deone Walker (DL), and JJ Weaver (LB). The Senior Bowl is scheduled for February 1, 2025. Kentucky kicks off the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31, at Kroger Field in Lexington against Southern Miss, with a 7:45 PM kickoff.
WKU quarterback TJ Finley has also been added to the Senior Bowl watch list. The Hilltoppers begin their 2024 season in Tuscaloosa against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, August 31. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM ET, with live coverage on WTLO AM 1480/97.7 FM.
NFL:
The Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) will host the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati for their final preseason exhibition game on Thursday. Although Indianapolis leads the overall series 20-13, the Bengals have won three of the past four meetings and hold a 16-12 lead in preseason play. Cincinnati leads the series 8-7 at home and 8-5 on the road. However, the Colts have won the last four preseason matchups, including a 13-3 victory in 2019. Live coverage begins at 6:30 PM, with kickoff at 8:00 PM on WTLO AM 1480/97.7 FM.
The Bengals will open the 2024 regular season on Sunday, September 9, at home against the New England Patriots. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.
Friday High School Football:
The Somerset Briar Jumpers will open their 2024 season at home against the Perry County Central Commodores (7-5 in 2023) at Clark Field. Last season, Somerset finished 10-4 but fell to PCC 21-20 in their matchup in Hazard. Live coverage with Jon Burlew, Tim Washam, and Bruce Singleton begins at 6:45 PM, with kickoff at 7:30 PM on Somerset 106.1 FM & Somerset106.com.
- Pulaski County Maroons (4-8 in 2023) will face the Beechwood Tigers (12-2 in 2023) in Corbin, with kickoff at 5:45 PM.
- Southwestern Warriors (9-4 in 2023) will take on the North Hardin Trojans (1-10 in 2023) in Campbellsville on Saturday, with a 3:00 PM kickoff.
