A recap of the past week in sports, by Zack Becker
It is impossible to choose the best of what was a week of memorable moments for the US Swimming squad. Of the USA’s 38 medals to date, 24 (11 gold) have come in the lap lanes. Take your pick: Lilly King proved clean athletes can be winners; Katie Ledecky continued her run of dominance with three more golds; Simone Manuel became America’s first African American woman to medal in an individual swimming event; oh yeah, and that Phelps guy is focused and winning every event he swims (again).
“The Final Five” dazzle
As if anyone was questioning it, the US Women’s Gymnastics team (the self-dubbed “Final Five”) put themselves definitively at the top of the athletic world, making coach Márta Károlyi proud one last time. Simone Biles and Aly Raisman went gold-silver in the All-Around, and the team took gold in their All-Around event. Let’s be honest, we can’t even stick the landing getting out of bed as well as these ladies did after twisting around in midair.
Rockie Rookie ties hit-streak record
Lost in the shuffle of teammate and fellow rookie sensation Trevor Story going down for the season with a UCL injury is Colorado’s David Dahl, who has tied a Major League record with a 17-game hitting streak to begin his career. Here’s the knockthat gave him a share of the all-time mark.
No-look, game tying hit leads Cubs to extra-inning win
Chris Coghlan ripped a two-run single to tie Thursday’s game vs. the Cardinals at 3. And he wasn’t even ready to hit. If anyone tries to tell you there’s no such thing as a clutch gene, show them this clip. You can’t teach that instinct. When stuff like this happens, it’s no wonder the Cubs have won 10 in a row.
Sano raises the roof, then leaves the yard — twice
Twins DH Miguel Sano had quite the day Sunday, becoming the first-ever player to hit an in-play ball off the roof of Tropicana Field, then crushing two homers (just in case anyone was still doubting his muscle).
Macho Machado
Manny Machado started Sunday’s game off with a bang — three bangs, actually. He homered thrice in the first three inningsand had three chances to tie the MLB record with a fourth, but couldn’t get it done.
Looking Ahead, Looking Back
August 13
1951: The Brooklyn Dodgers hold a promotion that allows free entry to any fan who brings a musical instrument to Ebbets Field. Someone brought a piano. 2,425 others brought more practical instruments.
2004: The Athens Summer Games kicked off, marking the return of the Olympics to their origin.
2008: Michael Phelps wins gold in the 200m butterfly and the 4 x 200 freestyle relay, two of his 8 victories in Bejing.
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