Marlins 5, Sox 4
The Sox are losing ground in the AL Central, but at least they have maintained some accountability. “I’ll take full responsibility for it,” pitcher Jon Garland said Wednesday after his throw sailed past Juan Uribe on a potential force play that led to Jason Wood’s three-run homer off closer Bobby Jenks in the eighth inning of the 5-4 loss. “[The loss] was on me,” Jenks said. “Put it on me,” catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. “I called it.” The Sox (29-39) fell 10 games below .500 for the first time since 2001.
– Mark Buehrle has heard and read everything, from being on the verge of being traded to the New York Mets, to deserving a five-year, $75 million offer, to staying with the Sox. “A couple of weeks ago they said nothing would happen, and now something might happen,” Buehrle said Wednesday. “It can change in a day or week, so I don’t pay attention.”
– The Sox starting lineup Friday against the Cubs could feature the return of DH Jim Thome and CF Darin Erstad.
Former Bears coach Mike Ditka and radio hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic will make their debut as a “Monday Night Football” announcing team during a doubleheader on ESPN on Sept. 10. ESPN’s main team of Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser will call the early game between the Ravens and Bengals. Then the three Mikes will be in the booth for the nightcap between the Cardinals and 49ers.
NHL DRAFT
Friday: Round 1, 6 p.m. Saturday: Rounds 2-7, 9 a.m. TV: Versus
The Blackhawks have the No. 1 pick for the first time in franchise history.
The Fire parted ways with Dave Sarachan on Wednesday after the team went 1-6-1 in its last eight games. Assistant coach Denis Hamlett will take over while the Fire considers candidates, including Hamlett.
GOLD CUP
Games at Soldier Field
Thursday’s semifinals
U.S. vs. Canada: 6 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel, WFXT. Prediction: United States, 2-1. Goals by Donovan and Dempsey send the Americans into the final.
Mexico vs. Guadeloupe: 9 p.m., WFXT-Ch 60. Prediction: Mexico 1-0.
Sunday’s final
2 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel, WGBO-Ch. 66
