MINNEAPOLIS -- Home plate umpire Jerry Layne was hit in the mask by a foul ball in the first inning and had to leave Sundays game between Seattle and Minnesota because of concussion-like symptoms.A foul off the bat of the Mariners Robinson Cano ricocheted directly off Laynes mask.Layne stumbled to his right and was grabbed by catcher Juan Centeno, who was quickly aided by Cano. Layne was tended to by Minnesota trainers for a few minutes before gingerly leaving the field.Hunter Wendelstedt took over home plate duties. Layne was the crew chief for the game at Target Field.Bobby Poyner Red Sox Jersey . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Xander Bogaerts Red Sox Jersey . "We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defence. Having two big pieces back is going to be a key for us moving forward for years to come," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. https://www.cheapredsox.com/2651z-mike-shawaryn-jersey-red-sox.html .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Roger Clemens Jersey . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. Brock Holt Jersey . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard offered a blunt assessment of his team after Thursday nights 126-109 loss to the Houston Rockets.We kind of suck right now, he told reporters. Its that simple.The loss was Portlands second straight, following Tuesday nights 113-88 home loss to the Chicago Bulls, and dropped the Blazers record to 7-6, putting them squarely in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference.Thursdays performance also continued a disturbing trend for the team, which has allowed 111.3 points per game, second worst in the NBA. The Blazers rank 27th in the league in defensive efficiency (107.3), which measures the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions.On Thursday, after entering halftime tied at 62, the Blazers were outscored 38-21 in the third quarter. Houstons James Harden finished with 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season.Were just not very good right now, said Lillard, who ranks fourth in the league with 28.8 points per game. Weeve just got to keep fighting.dddddddddddd Its important for our team to stay together, and I think thats one of the biggest strengths of our team, is we stay together. If we try to stay positive, and we just keep working and keep fighting, I think at some point itll click.Well get it right, and things will be fine. But I think everybodys frustrated.The Blazers are off to an up-and-down start after finishing 44-38 last season and advancing to the second round of the playoffs, where they fell 4-1 to the?Golden State Warriors. Theyll look to turn things around Friday in the second game of a back-to-back at New Orleans.We cant get no worse, right? forward?Evan Turner said. Its got to go somewhere. Obviously, communication just has to pick up. As a unit, we just have to be accountable and, once again, draw the line with stuff. Just continue to take it more personal and draw the line. ' ' '
