The world of sports is ever-changing. From record-breaking free agent contracts to new world champions, sports draw us in based on their entertaining, yet unpredictable qualities. As such, this column is intended to briefly recap key sports stories that have recently emerged. Here are some of the more important ones:
Fall Classic returns with two surprise squads
The road to the World Series truly has been one for the books, starting with the American League and a phenomenal series between two great teams. Fighting for an opportunity to be in the World Series, the Texas Rangers went toe-to-toe with the defending champion Houston Astros. The Astros fell short, losing 11-4 in Game 7. The Rangers’ star player, Adolis Garcia, hit two home runs in the biggest game of his career, to date. Garcia’s efforts helped him earn the ALCS MVP Award. As for the National League Championship Series, the Diamondbacks, only six games over .500, upset last year’s NL champions, the Philadelphia Phillies. We once again see the Phillies fall short deep in the postseason, despite its star-studded roster. Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber combined to produce just one hit in Game 7. The game ended in a 4-2 loss for the Phillies, but it was a special day for Arizona’s Ketel Marte as he won the NLCS MVP Award and continued his torrid hitting streak.
Information from MLB.com.
New additions bring MAAC total to 13
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced that Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University will join the conference, effective July 1, 2024. As of right now, 11 teams are in the MAAC, and the additions of Merrimack and Sacred Heart will bring the total to an all-time high of 13 during the 2024-25 academic year. MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci said it is important for the conference to move into different areas, enriching the program. Sacred Heart has 33 varsity sports at its facilities, including over 1,000 student-athletes, while Merrimack displays a 28-team athletics program. MAAC President Judy Olian is not only excited about the two colleges’ athletics-wise, but also in terms of having strong academic backgrounds.
Information from MAACSports.com.
All “Big Four” sports intersect with NBA openers
This past Tuesday, the NBA’s 2023-24 NBA season commenced with opening night as the Denver Nuggets raised the banner for the franchise’s first title against the Los Angeles Lakers and defended homecourt behind Jokic’s 29-point triple double, 119-107. We then pivoted to San Francisco where the Phoenix Suns faced the Golden State Warriors, which saw Phoenix’s Kevin Durant return to San Francisco in front of fans and the debut of Chris Paul on the Warriors, which was spoiled by Devin Booker’s 32 points in the Suns’ 108-104 victory. On Wednesday, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday helped the Celtics beat the Knicks, 108-104, while Luka Doncic’s triple double helped the Mavericks spoil the Spurs debut of Victor Wembanyama, 126-119. Damian Lillard had 39 points to lead the Bucks in his debut Thursday against the Sixers, 118-117, while James led the Lakers past Durant and the Suns in their first match-up since 2018. Opening week concluded with the Celtics defeating the Heat in a playoff rematch, Wembanyama shining in a win over the Rockets, Doncic’s 49 points in a win over the Nets and Steph Curry’s 41 points for the Warriors’ first win in playoff rematch against the Kings, 122-114.
Information from NBA.com and ESPN.
