Sports – Thursday, August 11th, 2016

The Midwest Conference announced their preseason coaches poll Wednesday. St. Norbert College was picked to repeat as champions of the MWC, earning 96 points and six out of a possible 11 first place votes. Monmouth was second in the voting with 94 points and four first place votes. Illinois College was third and received the only other first place vote. Ripon College earned fourth place in the preseason poll, tallying 68 points. Out of the other Wisconsin schools in the conference, Beloit was picked to finish 8th and Lawrence 10th.  The MWC moves back to one division this season after having two divisions the past two years.

The Packers continue to prepare for their preseason opener Friday at home against the Cleveland Browns. Head Coach Mike McCarthy says they’re handling the preseason schedule just like they would in the regular season, and says after this Friday’s game, they will move to an in-season practice and workout format as best they can. Packers pregame begins at 5pm, kickoff Friday night is at 7pm on News/Talk 1450 KFIZ.

A four run third inning capped by a three run blast from Chris Carter helped the Brewers win game three of their series against Atlanta 4-3 Wednesday night at Miller Park. The Braves led 1-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd, when Ryan Braun drove in Jonathan Villar and Carter hit a 439 foot homer to center. Brewers pitching made the lead stand up for the rest of the game, despite two homers from Freddie Freeman to pull Atlanta within one run. Zach Davies earned the win, he’s now 7-10 on the year, Tyler Thornburg got his fourth save of the year. The series finale is this afternoon, a 12:35 pregame, 1:10 first pitch on KFIZ.

Carlos Gomez has been designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, ending a disappointing stint with the team that traded four prospects in a midseason deal last year for the two-time All-Star center fielder. The move was made Wednesday before the game in Minnesota, Manager A.J. Hinch described the decision as difficult, praising Gomez’s attitude and effort despite the lack of production. The 30-year-old was batting .210 with 100 strikeouts in 295 at-bats and a woeful .594 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Gomez and starting pitcher Mike Fiers were acquired from Milwaukee a little over a year ago.

Prince Fielder will not be able to come back after a second neck surgery. The Texas Rangers slugger choked up and shed tears Wednesday as he said health issues are forcing him to end his 12-season major league career. He was still wearing a neck brace 12 days after his second cervical fusion in just over two years. The 32-year-old Fielder says it’s going to be tough not being able to play again after being around the majors since he was a kid with his father, Cecil, a slugger who played 13 seasons for five different teams. Prince’s two young sons sat with him, also shedding tears. All of his Rangers teammates, along with coaches and staff, filled the interview room at their home ballpark to support him.

The 46th John Deere Classic gets underway at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois today. Three time champion Steve Stricker says the course is in great shape and he’s ready to have a great tournament and go for his fourth win in the Classic.