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Archives for March 30, 2021

Red Sox Lose to ATL on Last Day of Spring Training

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FORT MYERS – The Boston Red Sox (16-11) dropped a 5-3 decision to the Atlanta Braves (15-13) in the final Spring Training Grapefruit League game for both  teams today at jetBlue Park. The Red Sox will now pack-up the gear and head north to Fenway Park for Thursday’s home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Although today’s forecast in Boston was for a perfect spring day, Thursday’s weather calls for afternoon showers and an 80% chance of rain. First pitch is schedule for 2:10pm Thursday.

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Braves reliever Drew Smyly earned the win and Boston RP Martin Perez took the loss while Braves ace Mike Soroka earned a save in the seven inning game. OF Jarren Duran homered off Soroka in the 7th. Perez allowed four runs on four hits in 5.0 innings pitched. He walked two and struck-out five Braves but allowed a two-run homer to Ozzie Albies in the 5th inning.

On Monday, Boston defeated Atlanta, 4-0, behind three long-balls in the 3rd inning and solid pitching. With one out and no base runners, infielder Enrique Rodriguez homered to left field, J.D. Martinez solo homered to left-center and after a Xander Bogaerts single, utility man Marwin Gonzalez homered to right to complete the scoring.

Tanner Houck went 4.1 innings to start for the Sox and he was relived by Kaleb Ort (0.2 inn), Austin Brice (1.0 inn) and Darwinzon Hernandez (1.o inn) to complete the four-hit shutout in a 7 inning game. The Braves used six pitchers and a total of 21 players in the home loss.

 

Sports Biz: Draft Kings Acquires VSiN

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BOSTON – DraftKings announced that it has acquired Vegas Sports Information Network (VSiN) , a multi-platform broadcast and content company delivering trusted sports betting news, analysis, and data to U.S. sports bettors since 2017. The acquisition will enable DraftKings, which is live with mobile and/or retail sports betting in 14 states, to further build out its content capabilities and will augment VSiN’s ability to broaden their audience alongside the expansion of legal sports betting in the U.S.

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“VSiN creates authentic and credible content that resonates with sports bettors at every level, whether they’re experienced or new to sports betting,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board. “In addition to its brand equity among sports bettors and engaging talent roster, VSiN also has an established infrastructure that DraftKings can immediately help expand, in the hopes of adding value to consumers who are looking to become more knowledgeable about sports betting.”

VSiN, which operates out of Las Vegas, develops, produces, and distributes up to 18+ hours of live linear sports betting content each day. In addition to its 24/7 stream, VSiN’s original content is accessible through multiple video and audio channels including Comcast Xfinity, Sling TV, fuboTV, Rogers’ Sportsnet, MSG Networks, NESN, AT&T Pittsburgh, Marquee Sports Network, a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio and TuneIn, as well as terrestrial radio stations throughout the country, and its growing slate of podcasts and betcasts. VSiN’s current talent roster includes Brent Musburger, legendary sports broadcaster; Michael Lombardi, former NFL executive; Gill Alexander, host of the Beating the Book podcast; and Pauly Howard and Mitch Moss, co-hosts of VSiN’s popular morning show, Follow The Money.

“We created VSiN as a destination for sports bettors to find the most credible content to help inform their wagering decisions,” said Brian Musburger, CEO of VSiN. “Harnessing the power and network of the DraftKings brand will allow us to reach an even wider audience with our unique content.”

DraftKings’ vision is for Musburger and his leadership team to continue to manage day-to-day operations while maintaining editorial independence. DraftKings intends to fully integrate VSiN’s current employee base located in Las Vegas, including its on-air talent, into its 2,600 person global workforce. Since opening a Las Vegas office in January 2020, DraftKings has grown its local employee base by 132%. The Company also recently announced a multi-year agreement to become a primary sponsor of the Center for Gaming Innovation, housed within the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

NBA Sets 2021 Draft Date

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NEW YORK – The NBA announced that NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm, is scheduled for  Thursday, July 29, beginning at 8pm EDT. The first round will be televised by ESPN and ABC, and the second round will air on ESPN.

The NBA also announced additional key dates relating to the draft.

NBA Draft Combine: Subject to evolving public health conditions, Microsoft Surface NBA Draft Combine 2021 is scheduled to take place Monday, June 21 through Sunday, June 27. ESPN networks plan to televise the NBA Draft Combine, with coverage featuring five-on-five games and strength and agility testing.

NBA Draft Lottery: NBA Draft Lottery 2021 will take place on Tuesday, June 22, airing on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET.

NBA Early Entry Application and Withdrawal Deadlines: The deadline for an early entry player to apply for this year’s NBA Draft is Sunday, May 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The deadline for an early entry player to withdraw from the NBA Draft is Monday, July 19 at 5 p.m. ET.

Additional information regarding the Draft, Combine and Lottery, including the location for each event, will be announced as details are finalized.