Here’s today’s trivia challenge: Name the four stadiums in Minnesota that the Vikings have used for either pre-season or regular season games since 1961. See answer at bottom of column.
Jake Mauer, Joe Mauer’s grandfather, told Sports Headliners the Twins catcher will finish the season with these stats: .335 batting average, 15 home runs and 90 RBI. The .335 average will win the American League batting title, according to Jake. He said Joe, who is hitting .316, has been seeing the ball better.
Francisco Liriano won his first 2008 game in the major leagues yesterday, sending his record to 1-3 by pitching six scoreless innings in a 6-2 Twins’ win over Cleveland. He has won 11 straight games counting the 10 consecutive at Triple A Rochester where he was recalled from last week. Liriano gave up three hits yesterday and it was the ninth time in his big league career he’s allowed three or fewer.
Yesterday’s attendance was the 12th consecutive of over 30,000 for the Twins, their longest streak since 1992 when they had 15 straight. During the recent seven-game home stand the Twins averaged 36,398.
University football fans can meet players and coaches on Sunday, August 10 at the Gopher Nation Fan Fest from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex on campus. Tim Brewster and his coaching staff will be in attendance. Players will instruct fans in football drills. Interactive games and prizes will also be featured, plus an autograph session. Admission is free.
Several MIAC players are receiving national preseason football publicity. Saint John’s senior defensive lineman Nick Gunderson was named a first team preseason All-American by D3football.com. Augsburg senior wide receiver Royce Winford and Bethel junior defensive back Tim Cornish were second team picks by D3football.com. Gunderson and Winford were also chosen for the 26-member Division III All-America team selected by The Sporting News.
In Lindy’s College Football 2008 Preview, Gunderson and Winford were first team selections. Carleton senior defensive back Drew Ziller was a second team selection by Lindy’s. Saint John’s first-year running back Harry Awe was chosen as the National Newcomer of the Year by Lindy’s. Gunderson, Winford, and Gustavus senior wide receiver Chad Arlt were named to the Consensus Draft Services preseason All-American team last month.
NCAA Division II and the CBS College Sports Network announced that the Southwest Minnesota State at Minnesota Duluth football game will be broadcast live nationwide on CBS College Sports Network. The game, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 13, will now be played on Thursday, September 11 at Malosky Stadium in Duluth beginning at 7 p.m.
Trivia answers: Memorial Stadium, Met Stadium, the Metrodome and Parade Stadium.