The Seawanhaka Sports Rundoown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national, and international levels.
By: JOE SIMILE / SPORTS CO-EDITOR
Phillies and Astros Set to Face Off in 2022 World Series
Following the Houston Astros’ sweep of the New York Yankees on Sunday night, the Astros are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series. Both composed of starpower, the two teams dominated in their respective League Championship Series’, with the Phillies’ Bryce Harper taking home NLCS MVP, and the Astros’ Jeremy Pena claiming the ALCS MVP. This Astros core is no stranger to the World Series, with this being their fourth appearance in the last six years, the other two years being ALCS losses. Meanwhile, this is the Phillies’ first World Series appearance since 2009, and their first playoff appearance since 2011. The Astros are currently betting favorites, at -180, but the Phillies, with a bundle of power bats and dynamic pitching, have shocked fans the whole postseason.
Injuries Rack Up on NFL Sunday
This past NFL Sunday was plagued by injuries, with stars from around the league being taken out of their respective games due to injury. Seattle’s DK Metcalfe, Chargers’ JC Jackson and Mike Williams, Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, Giants Evan Neal, Jets’ Corey Davis and Alijah Vera-Tucker were just a few of the namesto suffer injuries. One of the most devastating was Jets’ breakout running back Breece Hall, who suffered a torn ACL and a meniscus injury against the Broncos in Denver. Hall’s season-ending injury came on an outside pitch where Hall was brought down by multiple Broncos. Hall ended his rookie campaign with 463 yards on 80 rushing attempts, and 218 receiving yards on 19 receptions. Hall was an early favorite to win Rookie of the Year, especially after earning three consecutive Rookie of the Week honors. The Jets suffered another ghastly hit as Alijah Vera-Tucker, their offensive lineman who has filled in at three separate positions for them this season, is also out for the remainder of the year with a tricep injury. Vera-Tucker had received wide praise around the league for being the Jets’ most consistent offensive player in a year that was off to a story-book start.
Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard Named NBA Players of the Week
The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard were named NBA Players of the Week for the first week of the NBA season. Tatum’s Celtics were 3-0 with Tatum at the helm, posting 34.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists with 1 steal and 1.7 blocks per game. Lillard’s Trail Blazers are also 3-0, capping off their week with a big win over the Lakers on Sunday night. Lillard has averaged 34.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Lillard and Tatum are two of nine players in the NBA currently averaging 30 or more points per game. Tatum currently leads the NBA in scoring, with Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant following behind him, just edging out Lillard with 34.3 points per game.
Kyle Larson Takes the Dixie Vodka 400
Kyle Larson had a dominant performance on Sunday in Miami, taking home the Dixie Vodka 400 in convincing fashion. Larson led 199 of 267 laps, saying it was “the best run we’ve had all year long.” Larson kept his #5 car against the wall, letting the rough side drag for most of the race, a strategy that he is known to be comfortable doing. It was Larson’s third victory of the 2022 season, securing his Hendrick Motorsports team a spot in the Championship 4 of the NASCAR Owner’s Championship. Larson was eliminated from the driver’s championship in the Round of 12, so he is unable to win the driver’s title. Ross Chastain and A.J. Allmendinger finished second and third in the Dixie Vodka 400, respectively. Larson collided with the wall a few times, but credited his meteoric car for keeping him in the race throughout, saying “I could still make speed [hitting the wall]. Amazing race car.”
Rory McIlroy Retakes #1 Ranking
Rory McIlroy first became the number one ranked golfer in the world in 2012, and has held the spot nine separate times since, including his newest stint at the top spot, which he claimed after defending his title at the CJ Cup in South Carolina on Sunday. McIlroy had battled to earn his place after being outside of the top 10 for 15 consecutive weeks last year, the longest stretch since he gained his premiere number one status a decade ago. McIlroy recorded seven birdies en route to his CJ Cup victory. McIlroy cited his birdie on the 14th hole as a deciding factor, saying “that’s what separated ... the birdie on 14 was big.” McIlroy is proud of the hard work he put in to reach the pinnacle of professional golf ranking for a ninth time, telling reporters, “I’ve worked so hard over the last 12 months to get back to this place.” McIlroy reinvigorated his love for the game over that time, saying “I feel like I’m enjoying the game as much as I ever have. I played with that joy and it’s definitely shown over these last few months.”