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As far as important series goes, the one that starts later today is among the biggest in this short season. The Cardinals will face off for five games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, including two today and two on Wednesday. Obviously, this will seriously test the Cardinals pitching depth, but it is worth pointing out it will test the Cubs pitching depth as well. So this will be a pretty interesting series.

If youre wondering, like I am, who will be pitching in this Cubs series, the Cubs fans are currently wondering the same thing. For the early game, the Cubs will be pitching Kyle Hendricks, who Im sure they are hoping he pitches a complete game. For game two, well Im sure it will depend on what happens with Hendricks. Because the original plan was Tyler Chatwood, who was scratched from Saturdays start and thought to be ready for Monday, but was officially put on the IL on Sunday, so hes not an option for any of the three games.

The prevailing thought is that it may be a start that goes to the recently called up Adbert Alzolay. Or it may be a bullpen start. It could be a bullpen game with a start by Alzolay. Think the Woodford start on Saturday, where even if he pitches well, he will only go a few innings.

Against Hendricks will be the first MLB start of Kwang-Hyun Kim, and hell certainly have a tough opponent to start his MLB starting pitching career. The Cubs have a very clear advantage in Game 1, even aside from Hendricks being a better pitcher than Kim (which is nothing against Kim, but Hendricks has been unbelievably good). Hendricks can throw 100 pitches. Kim probably wont come near that. So hopefully, Kim is very efficient.

Against either Alzolay or somebody in the bullpen, the Cards will probably counter with the first MLB start by Ricardo Sanchez if I had to guess. Why do I say that? Well, hes literally the only pitcher who hasnt pitched and he, theoretically, has some potential to start in the future. Any concerns about him would probably also apply to Woodford, so its clear the Cards are simply in survival mode and throwing anybody who can pitch. Austin Gomber might possibly be ready for Monday nights start though thats in doubt.

As for who should be available in the bullpen, the Cardinals will have a fresh Giovanny Gallegos (12 pitches), John Gant (16 pitches), Genesis Cabrera (22 pitches), Alex Reyes (18 pitches), Tyler Webb (16 pitches), and Andrew Miller (18 pitches). They all pitched on Saturday and should easily be available for Monday. Thats only six pitchers, which means that one of those guys is probably pitching more than one inning. Though with three more games in two days, theres a very fine line with how much you should be willing to pitch them. You need them available in two more days too.

Sundays pitchers may not help much. Roel Ramirez threw 30 pitches and well, we saw what happened. Even aside from him getting crushed, you probably dont want him to pitch the day after coming off 30 pitches anyway. And Seth Elledge only threw 25 pitches, but pitched 2.1 IP, which almost certainly knocks him out for Monday as well. Rob Kaminsky, at just eight pitches, should be available in case there are no other options, but he does have a long injury history that may make one not included to pitch him back-to-back days either. If Kim can throw 5 innings and Sanchez can throw 3, then you only need one inning from everyone else. God help us if we go into extra innings.

So Monday nights start is either going to Gomber or Sanchez. If it goes to Gomber, Sanchez will pitch in one of the two games and Woodford starts again on Wednesday. If it goes to Sanchez and Gomber is set for Wednesday, I expect Woodford to eat innings in the bullpen on Tuesday. Ponce is pitching Tuesday in a 9 inning game and hell have a pitch count around 60-70 pitches as well, which basically means he could pitch as little as 2 innings, and I wouldnt expect even 4 full innings from him. If Gomber starts on Monday, youll likely have four relievers to fill in the remaining innings, but if he starts Wednesday, youll have the Sunday crew (Ramirez, Kaminsky, Elledge) so in some ways, it might more sense to hold him off until Wednesday. Of course, that depends partially on Sanchez being able to throw 3 innings himself on Monday, which on a pitch count and being his first MLB start, seems like a leap of faith.

Basically, I almost think you can use your depth better by starting Gomber Wedneday. Unless you really believe in Woodford and want him to start Wednesday and I really do not believe in him, so him or Ricardo Sanchez starting makes zero difference to me. By starting him Wednesday, you can use an extra pitcher over the next two days, and bring him down when you activate Gomber. I think the Cardinals would need someone like Woodford to throw multiple innings on Tuesday. Woodford threw just 34 pitches on Saturday and should be as fresh as can be by Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Cubs throw... Yu Darvish. Hendricks Monday, Darvish Tuesday, possible MLB debut from Cards also on Monday. This series could go very badly. Wednesday is a lot more favorable. A lot. A LOT. Against Flaherty is Alec Mills, whos not particularly good (2.84 ERA in 3 starts notwithstanding). And then if it were up to me, its Gomber against what is probably going to be Colin Rea on short rest, although he only threw 49 pitches on Saturday. Im not sure they have any other choice. Its baseball so anything can happen, but if they can get to Wednesday with just one win, Wednesday could really turn the tides. Or they can make things easier and just win all the games.

So buckle up. Seasons never going to be harder than this. Later in the season, when we have doubleheaders, the starters can pitch close to 100 pitches. The Cards not only have to contend with five games in three days, but five games where none of their starters are fully up to speed yet. So it will a hell of a test. If they come out of it with a series win, it will feel like the Cards can handle anything that comes their way. Get ready and lets play a lot of ball.

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The challenges of the pitching staff in the Cubs series - Viva El Birdos

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Callie Walsh, of Weymouth, was named to the deans list for the spring 2020 semester at Hofstra University in Nassau County, New York. To qualify, students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.5.

LASELL UNIVERSITY

Meghan OLoughlin and Olivia Sodec, of Weymouth, recently completed their first year of studies at Lasell University in Newton.

UMASS AMHERST

The following students from Weymouth were named to the deans list for the spring 2020 semester at UMass Amherst: Shay Elizabeth Atkinson, Julia Blackwood, Victoria Chan, Aaron Cheng, Matthew Joseph Comoletti, Anna Dao, Neha Deepak, Samuel Wright Edge, Emily Maze Fleming, Ian Goodine, Victoria M. Gurney, Thomas Hunter, Christopher Richard Kropas, Annchristie Montero-Ventura, Brian James Moriarty, Paige C. Murphy, Anthony Tran Nguy, My Pham, Ryan V. Pham, Andrew Vincent Reynolds, Shannon M. Riley, Patrick David Sullivan, Sean Thomas Sullivan, Samantha Lauren Wallace, Sarah Salam Zaidan and Junshan Zeng. In order to qualify, an undergraduate student must receive a 3.5 GPA or better on a four-point scale.

The following students from East Weymouth were named to the deans list for the spring 2020 semester at UMass Amherst: Parker Bowden, Molly Bridgette Finn, Maggie Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Thomas Michael Gable, Christopher David Gomez, Justin Patrick Hailey, Thomas Haley, Michael Joseph Havey, Robert M. Huard, Yadwinder Kaur, Sean Keenan, Paige Kimlen Miller Norve, Freda Omoregie-Edewi, Adrian Maverick Palmesano, Agam Singh Sandhu, Ian Arthur Stearns and Jennifer Ann Webb.

The following students from North Weymouth were named to the deans list for the spring 2020 semester at UMass Amherst: Julia V. Brown, Shuo Chen, Patrick Joseph Deery II, Kevin Antony Manco, Craig William Murphy, Isabella Notarangelo and Nina Walat.

The following students from South Weymouth were named to the deans list for the spring 2020 semester at UMass Amherst: Caroline Joyce Barrett, Carolyn Ann Byrne, Shannon Rita Craig, Colin Campbell Denizkurt, Elizabeth Dewsnap, Mark A. Dewsnap, Lena Duong, Haley Katelyn Dwyer, Michael Joseph Flaherty, Skyla Yuki Forgeron, Brea Elizabeth Hardy, Stephen Dewey Hardy, Derek James Jensen, Jacqueline Mary OConnor, Matthew ONeill, Daniel Paulin, Nicholas Alan Phillips, William Peter Poulin, Ryan James Rogers and Grace Vo.

UMASS LOWELL

The following Weymouth students graduated from UMass Lowell on May 29: Ian Francis Sliwinski, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering; Stephanie Sabino, Bachelor of Arts in political science; Michael Joseph Corkren, Bachelor of Science in information technology; Meredith Diana Herlet, Bachelor of Arts in political science; Robert William Terravecchia III, Bachelor of Science in computer science; Kevin Tryon, Master of Arts in criminal justice; Briana Marie Maykis, Bachelor of Liberal Arts; Nick Jay Patel, Bachelor of Science in business administration; Meagan Patricia Deane, Master of Arts in criminal justice; Sabrina Alise Varrasso, Master of Business Administration; Zachary G. Surett, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice; Nicholas Jalbert, Bachelor of Science in business administration; and Clare G. Furlong, Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

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Education achievers - News - Weymouth News - Wicked Local Weymouth

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Upon being named Opening Day starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Joe Musgroves mind couldnt help but drift to the man who shared his love of baseball and pushed him to chase his dream of playing in the majors.

I just think about how proud my dad probably is right now, Musgrove said of Mark Musgrove, a former San Diego police officer who was paralyzed for two years by the autoimmune disorder, Guillain-Barre syndrome, before recovering. It was like a holiday for us every year. Sit down, watching Opening Day together. My dad just had undying belief in me and my ability to make it to this level.

Musgrove will be on the mound when the Pirates open the season July 24 at the St. Louis Cardinals, who have named right-hander Jack Flaherty their starter. It also will mark Derek Sheltons debut as Pirates manager, and this is his first announcement on the starting lineup.

Musgroves ascension to the top of the rotation came after the Pirates lost starters Jameson Taillon (Tommy John) and Chris Archer (neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome) to season-ending surgeries. Taillon was the Opening Day starter and Archer the starter for the home opener last season, but neither will pitch this summer.

That made Musgrove the natural choice perhaps the only choice for the Pirates, and he made it clear that being the Opening Day starter was atop his goals. Musgrove went 11-12 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.23 WHIP last season, leading the team in wins, games started (31), innings pitched (170) and strikeouts (157). He also will start their exhibition opener against Cleveland at 7 p.m. Saturday at PNC Park.

The centerpiece of the return package from the Houston Astros in the Gerrit Cole trade, along with third baseman Colin Moran, relief pitcher Michael Feliz and outfielder Jason Martin, Musgrove arrived with a World Series ring after getting the victory in relief in Game 5.

Musgrove has a 28-33 career record with a 4.37 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in three-plus seasons in the majors. If theres a drawback to Musgroves moment, its that Opening Day at Busch Stadium will come without fans and his family members in attendance.

You always hope that youre going to be one of those 30 guys on Opening Day, Musgrove said. Its really exciting for me to get it. Its gonna suck that its going to be a pretty dull, boring Opening Day, but it is Opening Day, nonetheless. Im really honored to get it, and Im proud of myself. Ive put in a lot of work to get to this point. Find me on other teams, I might not be the Opening Day guy, but Im here right now. Thats the reality of it, and Im ready to take the role.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Musgrove earned the starting nod through his clubhouse leadership and performance in training camp, where his six-pitch repertoire has looked sharp.

Shelton has yet to manage his first major-league game, so he wasnt quite sure how to handle naming his Opening Day starter. When Musgrove was called into a meeting with Shelton and pitching coach Oscar Marin, it became what Shelton called fairly emotional.

Id never done it before, Shelton said. I told him, I dont know how this goes. I dont know what Im supposed to say, other than Im really excited for you and really happy for you. He deserved it. It was a cool moment for all of us. It was a very relaxed moment. It was definitely a fairly emotional moment for Joe, being named the Opening Day starter.

Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Kevin by email at kgorman@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Categories:Pirates/MLB | Sports

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For Pirates, right-hander Joe Musgrove the natural choice to earn Opening Day start - TribLIVE

Cincinnati Reds pitchers Matt Bowman and Jesse Biddle explain why theyre speaking out on social justice issues. Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Matt Bowman doesnt have a large social media platform. He has a little more than 2,000 followers on Twitter, with most of his tweets from four or five years ago.

With people protesting around the country for racial equality, Bowman felt it was a moment when he needed to speak out. He was inspired by social media posts from outspoken Black players around the league and wanted to publicly show support for them.

He reached out to teammate Jesse Biddle, who had nearly 9,000 followers on Instagram, and a few other players about matching donations to social justice charities, like the NAACP, Equal Justice Initiative and the Southern Poverty Law Center, along with a clean-up fund in Minneapolis.

It just seemed like I had been quiet for too long and it matters that I use those platforms for important causes like this, Bowman said. Its not really an excuse to sit there and be like, Well, I dont really use my Twitter or my Instagram. Itslikenow is the time.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Matt Bowman (67) stands for a portrait, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, at the baseball team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

The group of six players raised about $7,000, matching $3,500 in donations. Its not an earth-shattering number, Biddle said, but they wanted to continue the conversation for the Black Lives Matter movement. They wanted to follow the lead set by Black players like Amir Garrett, Dexter Fowler, Jack Flaherty and Cole Tucker, supporting civil rights and speaking against police brutality.

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Bowman and Biddle both are white relief pitchers, but they wanted to be active allies to their Black teammates. Biddle has been outspoken in support of Black Lives Matter on Instagram. Bowman said that reading Biddles posts served as encouragement that you dont have to be a person of color in order to be supportive andjoin the conversation.

I think Ive always seen myself as an ally to the Black Lives Matter movement, but I definitely never felt as motivated to speak my mind on a social platform before, Biddle said. Ive always felt motivated in an interaction, one-on-one, but Ive definitely drawn the line on making it social, making it something that is outward-facing. Thats just not OK anymore.

Thats a privilege that I had that opportunity that I could just close my eyes and go to sleep and not think about that.

When Bowman started matching donations, which he did on his own before asking Biddle and others to join him, it was because he didnt want to sit on the sidelines. He was unable to protest, so raising money was a meaningful alternative.

Biddle attended a couple of protests in Los Angeles with his fiance. He admits there were some slight concerns about contracting the coronavirus, but the longer he was there, the more he realized its so much bigger than anything else thats going on."

At the end of the day, if youre going to call these players of color, your Black teammates, your brothers and youre going to hang out with them and go to dinner, all that stuff, why are you not there for him now? Biddle said. Why are you not trying to really understand their struggle? I dont know. I just really got kind of fed up with it and I think a lot of people are.

Cincinnati Reds non-roster invitee pitcher Jesse Biddle (80) stands for a portrait, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, at the baseball team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

Was there any fear of backlash for speaking out on social media?

Ive lost a couple hundred followers, Biddle said. Ive had some people in my direct messages telling me how Im perpetuating some leftist propaganda. But I dont need them, right? They can take a walk. Im standing up for what I believe in. Im speaking out on something that Im very passionate about and Im also just trying to spur a conversation.

Thats all this is about. Just shining the light on what is a racist America and what needs to change.

NBA players wore I Cant Breathe shirts during pre-game warm-ups in 2014 and have several stars, including LeBron James, speak out on racial inequality issues. The NFL saw Colin Kaepernick lead silent protests when hekneeled during the national anthem.

Major League Baseball, which featured just 7.7% African-American players on Opening Day rosters last year, has been much quieter on racial issues without many white players using their platforms to speak out.

Ive been asked a few times 'what makes you feel like this is the moment to start talking and start being more social about it?' Biddle said. I think that, in part, its because were in quarantine right now and we have the time and energy and there really is no excuse for you to not give that time and energy to this issue. But then you see the George Floyd video and if that doesnt hit you on a visceral level then Im not really sure what to tell you.

MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day each April, but there haven't been sustained conversations about race in the sport. Too often, the conversation doesn't extend beyond Black players.

There are a lot of role models like Amir, who will have this thrust upon them, no matter what, Bowman said. Just by virtue of being Black and being in the league, they are looked to as role models and have to have an opinion on these things and are asked a lot. It would seem like a shame to the both of us to sort of exercise that privilege of being able to excuse ourselves from an uncomfortable conversation.

So, I think we both really wanted to make sure that we join the conversation. Even if it felt somewhat uncomfortable at first, just because we know our teammates around the league, many of them do not have that choice to join or not join.

Biddle and Bowman expect more outspoken players on social justice issues once the season returns, following the lead of Black teammates. Conversations will continue in clubhouses. Its a time for players to listen and learn about things they havent experienced.

"Its more just I realized how little I knew," Biddle said."I didnt really even know much about Juneteenth and its such an important day in our history. Im so confused as to why thats not something that were talking about more."

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'Now is the time': Cincinnati Reds' Matt Bowman, Jesse Biddle speak out for Black Lives Matter - The Cincinnati Enquirer

BYFIELD Tritons Tyler Godfrey is everything you could ask for in a student-athlete. Hes an outstanding hockey and baseball player who has served as a two-year captain in both sports while also ranking among the best in the region academically.

Now, hes the first athlete in Triton history to earn Moynihan-Lumber Student-Athlete of the Year honors.

Godfrey, who is committed to play baseball at MIT next year, was selected as the male recipient of the award, which annually honors student-athletes on the North Shore who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen athletic field and in the classroom.Beverlys India Ingemi, an All-State track champion who will be taking her talents to Princeton next year, was honored as the Moynihan Lumber Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

It feels great to be recognized out of all the North Shore athletes to win this award, Godfrey said.Both of my parents have pushed me to be the best I can in the classroom as well as on the athletic field. I value the education part, Ive challenged myself, and Triton has had some really good teachers who have helped me, especially my calculus teacher, Ms. Kathy Norton, and my chemistry and physics teacher, Mr. Ian McBee.

Godfrey became eligible forthe Student-Athlete of the Year honor after being named Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month for April. The monthly winners are nominated by coaches and athletic directors and selected by a group of local media membersrepresenting the Daily News of Newburyport, Salem News, Daily Item, Gloucester Times and msonewsportsonline.com, and the Student-Athlete of the Year winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship from Moynihan Lumber.

Traditionally the winners receive their scholarship at a special banquet, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Godfrey and Ingemi received their awards during a pair of ceremonies at their respective schools on Tuesday.

For the past two years, Godfrey has ranked among the most impressive athletes in the Greater Newburyport region and beyond. This past winter, Godfrey led Triton hockey to its best season since 1990, captaining the Vikings to the Division 2 North Finals as a defenseman before earning All-CAL and Daily News MVP honors.

Godfrey has also served as Triton baseballs starting catcher for the past few years, and while he was unable to finish his career due to the coronavirus pandemic, he will continue his career in college playing for MIT.

Academically, Godfrey finished as salutatorian of Tritons Class of 2020, posting a 4.74 GPA after also scoring 1,510 on his SATs. This past semester he took five AP classes while serving in a variety of leadership roles, including with the Athletic Leaders Club, Robotics Club, Cribbage Club and Community Service Club. He was in the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society, took part in Massachusetts Student Government Day twice, served as a class officer his junior and senior years and regularly volunteered with Tritons youth hockey and baseball programs.

Last April he also received a major statewide honor when he was selected as a recipient of the Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award for 2019. Earlier this spring he also received another major honor, earning selection to the Daily News of Newburyports All-Decade team for boys hockey.

Hes one of the best competitors that Ive coached and hes just a fantastic kid and a gentleman, said Triton hockey coach Ryan Sheehan. Hes well deserving of the award.

As for Ingemi, Beverly girls track and field coach Dave Jellerson says she'll go down as the greatest student-athlete in program history.

"Often times I am asked 'who was the best track and field athlete you ever coached?'. I now can answer that question; it is India," said Jellerson, who has led the Beverly High track teams since 1974.

According to the longtime Panther coach, Ingemi leaves The Garden City with 11 school or class records for indoor track alone. She was the Massachusetts indoor 300 meter state champion and won both the 55 dash and 300 events at the Division 2 meet. Ingemi was voted the Outstanding Athlete at the Coaches Invitational and was a three-time NEC Indoor Performer of the Year as well as a three-time Salem News Runner of the Year.

During the outdoor season, Ingemi snared 12 school or class records, was a three-time NEC Runner of the Year and two-time Salem News Runner of the Year. She consistently brought energy, determination and leadership to both practices and meets and always strove to do her very best.

She's also a tremendous student, carrying a 4.74 GPA and earning all A+ grades throughout her only two senior semesters, and she'll attend Princeton University beginning in the fall.

"Definitely at the top," Ingemi said confidently when asked where the award ranked among her many other accolades over the past four years. She was honored with a plaque and $1,000 scholarship check from Jack Moynihan of Moynihan Lumber on Tuesday afternoon at the front entrance of Beverly High.

"I didn't expect this at all. I was just really surprised and extremely honored to even be considered in the first place, so this is definitely at the top."

Godfrey becomes the fourth Greater Newburyport athlete in history to earn Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Year honors, joining Newburyports Sam Acquaviva who received the honor last year as well as Amesburys Ashley Waters in 2005 and Amesburys Devon Warwick in 2002.

Ingemi, meanwhile, is the ninth all-time winner from Beverly High. The most recent prior was Hugh Calice in 2017.

***

All-Time Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Year Winners

Year Male School Female School

2020 Tyler Godfrey Triton India Ingemi Beverly

2019 Sam Acquaviva Newburyport Tracy Wood Gloucester

2018 Andrew Riccio Hamilton-Wenham Jennie Meagher Bishop Fenwick

2017 Hugh Calice Beverly Katerina Hassapis North Reading

2016 Hunter Costa St. Johns Prep Sarah Welch Beverly

2014 Everest Crawford Gloucester Caitlin Harty Beverly

2013 Brendan Flaherty Beverly Catarina Rocha Peabody

2012 Trevor Lyons Hamilton-Wenham Catarina Rocha Peabody

2011 Colin Blackwell St. Johns Prep Becca Graves Bishop Fenwick

2010 Chris Splinter Masconomet Monica Adler Beverly

2009 Dylan Maki Gloucester Emily Lanois Hamilton-Wenham

2008 Nate Brakeley St. Johns Prep Emily Lanois Hamilton-Wenham

2007 Ryan Malo St. Johns Prep Lauren Blodgett Peabody

2006 Alex Perry Danvers Shea Fitzpatrick Lynnfield

2005 Erik Groszyk Salem Ashley Waters Amesbury

2004 Nick Lamson Ipswich Heather Wilson Danvers

2003 Matt Antonelli St. Johns Prep Alexandra Shube Marblehead

2002 Jim Unis Gloucester Devon Warwick Amesbury

2001 Bryan Duggan Danvers Lindsay Dwyer Swampscott

2000 Tristan Colangelo Gloucester Shalene Flanagan Marblehead

1999 Craig Mielcarz Salem Shalene Flanagan Marblehead

1998 Craig Mielcarz Salem Alison Connolly Marblehead

1997 Brian Larivee Danvers Angela Crowell Beverly

1996 Jen Usher Ipswich Derek Thompson Lynn English

1995 Peter Woodfork Swampscott Erin Broderick Beverly

1994 Tom Giardi Salem Becky Blaeser Masconomet

1993 Brett Budzinski Ipswich Sarah McGrath Beverly

1992 Ted Bettencourt Peabody Lauren Maney Lynnfield

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Triton's Tyler Godfrey, Beverly's India Ingemi honored as Moynihan Lumber Student-Athletes of the Year - The Daily News of Newburyport