Compiled by Craig Potter
Today’s SportsROC Report includes stories on the Rochester Red Wings utilizing the long ball to victory, the Buffalo Bills making changes in their player personnel department, the Buffalo Sabres extending their agreement with MSG Network, and the Western New York Flash trading for a player.
The Rochester Red Wings utilized the long ball versus the Columbus Clippers en route to an 8-5 victory on Tuesday night in Ohio.
Trailing 1-0 in the fourth, the Red Wings forged ahead on singles by James Beresford and Jorge Polanco before both trotted home on Kennys Vargas’s 3-run blast to left-center. Doubles by Eddie Rosario and Tommy Field produced the fourth run.
After Columbus got one back in the home half, Rochester tacked on 3 more runs in the fifth. Beresford singled but was thrown out at the plate when he attempted to score on Polanco’s double to left. Vargas drew a walk, then both runners crossed the plate as Rosario belted a 3-run homer over the fence in right-center.
Adam Brett Walker smashed his 14th home run of the season in the sixth inning to give Rochester an 8-2 lead over the Clippers. Columbus got 2 runs back in the home half.
Jason Wheeler (6-1) started on the mound for the Red Wings, going 6 innings giving up 4 runs, 7 hits, including 2 home runs, and striking out 3 in earning the win.
The victory keeps Rochester (44-28) 2 games ahead of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (42-30) for first place in the International League North Division. The Red Wings also boast the best record in the IL.
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The Buffalo Bills have made several changes to the team’s player personnel development, according to buffalobills.com.
Kelvin Fisher has been named Player Personnel Advisor. Prior to coming to Buffalo in 2013, Fisher spent 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after joining the team in 2000.
Pete Harris has been promoted to College Area Scout. Harris, who is entering his ninth season with the Bills, spent the past three seasons as the team’s BLESTO Scout. He spent time as a scouting assistant for the team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. A native of Kenmore, NY, Harris joined the Bills in 2007 as a scouting and coaching intern before a three-year stint as a coaching assistant (2008-10).
Bo Taliaferro has been promoted to BLESTO Scout. Taliaferro is entering his fourth season with the Bills after spending the previous three seasons as the College Scouting Assistant (2013-2015) where he assisted with day to day operations of the Bills College Scouting Department.
Ryan Hollern has been hired as the team’s College Scouting Coordinator. Hollern joins the Bills after spending seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints organization, three as an Area Scout and four years as the club’s Combine Scout.
Collin Dotterer has been hired as a Player Personnel Assistant. Dotterer will be entering his first season in the NFL with the Bills in 2016.
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From sabres.com, MSG Networks and Pegula Sports and Entertainment today announced a new, long-term rights agreement for Buffalo Sabres games and comprehensive programming partnership that will include content relating to other Pegula Sports and Entertainment properties, such as the Buffalo Bills.
Under the arrangement, MSG Networks – home to Buffalo Sabres games since 2005 — will continue as the exclusive regional telecast partner of the Buffalo Sabres, and will continue to distribute a full schedule of Sabres games, including pre and post-game coverage. The Buffalo Sabres scored the highest local television ratings of any team in the United States last season, an increase of 60% from the prior year. Rick Jeanneret – recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for hockey broadcasting and longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in NHL history – will continue as play-by-play announcer for the 2016-17 season alongside Sabres alumnus and color commentator, Rob Ray.
MSG Networks will also serve as the home to other Pegula Sports and Entertainment programming, which will be branded “MSG Western New York” in recognition of the connection of this programming to Western New York viewers. In addition to Buffalo Sabres hockey, MSG Western New York branded programming will include Buffalo Bills programming such as “The Rex Ryan Show,” “Bills All Access” and “Bills Tonight,” and beginning in the fall, a live block of programming dedicated to the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.
“MSG Networks is thrilled to renew and expand our long-standing partnership with the Buffalo Sabres and Pegula Sports and Entertainment,” said Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO, MSG Networks.
“As the NHL team with the highest local television ratings in the United States, Sabres games are the kind of live, valuable programming our viewers and distributors have come to expect from MSG Networks. We are particularly pleased that we were able to expand the relationship to include programming relating to other Pegula Sports and Entertainment properties and create new and compelling programs for our viewers.
“We would also like to say how proud we are to be partners with Terry and Kim Pegula and their team at Pegula Sports and Entertainment. We admire their dedication and commitment to Western New York and look forward to continuing to build upon our already strong partnership throughout the term of this new, long-term arrangement.”
“I would like to thank MSG Networks for their long standing commitment to the Buffalo Sabres and our fans,” said Terry Pegula, Owner of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills. “The opportunity to extend and expand our partnership, including the launch of the MSG Western New York brand will be a great opportunity for our fans to stay connected to the teams they love.”
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The Western New York Flash have acquired Lianne Sanderson in a deal that sends an international spot to the Orlando Pride. Sanderson, a native of England, was selected No. 7 overall in the 2015 NWSL Expansion Draft. In eight appearances with the Pride, Sanderson totaled two goals and an assist.
Flash head coach Paul Riley will be reunited with Sanderson, who played for Riley’s successful Philadelphia Independence 2010 and 2011 campaigns. She also played under Riley’s 2015 Portland Thorns.
“Lianne is one of the few true number ten’s in the world. Sophisticated mind, great final ball, ability to put points on the board, and vision which sets her apart from your prototype NWSL midfielder,” said Riley. “She is truly passionate about the game and her soccer IQ will be vital in unleashing players like Jess, Lynn and Mac. Knowledge and hunger are two wonderful assets. I’ve coached Lianne before and I’m excited to get the best out of her. She will be a fantastic locker room personality and superb role model for our younger players.”
Sanderson, who has nearly 50 appearances and 15 goals for England, has scored 26 goals at the professional level in America. She made her U.S. pro debut in 2010 for Riley’s Philadelphia Independence. She also spent time with English sides Arsenal and Chelsea.
The international spot will be for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons.
The fourth place Western New York Flash (5-4) look to regain their winning form in the NWSL against last place Boston Breakers (1-7-1) on Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m. at Rhinos Stadium.