Right here’s the lone Patriot who made ESPN’s checklist of the top-100 NFL gamers

The Purple Sox misplaced to the Dodgers 7-4 on Sunday. Mookie Betts closed out his notable return to Fenway Park by smashing his thirty fifth dwelling run of the yr.

Boston is now 4.5 video games again of the Astros and Rangers for the ultimate American League wild-card spot.

Matthew Judon makes ESPN’s checklist: Whereas it’s removed from complete, ESPN’s newest rating — an inventory of the perfect gamers within the NFL heading into the upcoming season — showcases a possible roster situation for the Patriots.

A number of groups had a number of gamers named (the 49ers led the best way with eight), however the Patriots had only one participant named.

Cross rusher Matthew Judon was New England’s sole consultant, coming in at 96th total.

“Judon is the group’s finest pass-rusher, and has additionally improved as an edge-setter in opposition to the run — a key for any exterior linebacker within the Patriots’ system,” wrote ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss. “The engine that makes the Patriots’ protection go, teammates additionally feed off his vitality.”

Because the checklist identified, Judon’s totals from 2022 had been traditionally spectacular. The 31-year-old tallied 15.5 sacks, probably the most since Andre Tippett’s legendary 1985 season (by which he recorded 16.5).

Just one group — the Cardinals — didn’t have a participant represented on the checklist, although the Patriots’ lack of presence past Judon is both indicative of an underrated roster, or a group that might face matchup issues in 2023.

Trivia: There are solely seven gamers in baseball historical past who’ve totaled not less than 3,000 profession hits and 500 profession dwelling runs. Are you able to title them?

(Reply on the backside).

Trace: Their initials are: HA, MC, WM, EM, RP, AP, AR

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On at the present time: In 1913, the Purple Sox outlasted Washington Senators ace Walter Johnson to win 1-0 in 11 innings. Johnson, within the midst of a season by which he would go 36-7 with a microscopic 1.14 ERA, lastly yielded a walk-off run within the backside of the eleventh. Boston pitcher Ray Collins pitched a whole recreation shutout to get the win.

Each day spotlight: California defeated Curacao 6-5 to win the Little League World Collection. How they obtained there was a dramatic sequence of occasions, culminating with a walk-off dwelling run.

Trivia reply: Henry Aaron, Miguel Cabrera, Willie Mays, Eddie Murray, Rafael Palmeiro, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez