Alex Kirilloff went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as the St. Paul Saints edged the Nashville Sounds 5-3 at CHS Field. Kirilloff is a first baseman on a rehab assignment with the Twins' Class AAA affiliate.
Matt Wallner had a two-run double for the Saints in the eighth inning when they took the lead. Edouard Julien had a one-run double in the third.
Jordan Balazovic, the Twins prospect who suffered a broken jaw just before training camp opened on Feb. 11 in a late-night incident in Fort Myers, started for the Saints and went 3.1 innings, giving up one run and one hit. He struck out six, walked three.
Best in hammer throw
Gophers redshirt junior Kostas Zaltos was named Big Ten Conference men's field athlete of the week for his performance at the 113th Drake Relays last weekend.
In Des Moines, Iowa, the native of Kilikis, Greece, threw a school-record 246 feet, 11 inches in the hammer throw. It is the No. 1 mark in the NCAA in the event this season, the No. 10 mark in the world and broke the Drake Relays record, too.
WNBA rules update
The WNBA announced a few rules changes for the upcoming season, including, for the first time, a coach's challenge. The challenge will allow a team one challenge per game, including overtime. Any challenge has to fall into three categories: a called foul on their own team, a called out-of-bounds violation or a called goaltending or basket interference penalty. Other changes:
- A heightened penalty for a "transition take foul,'' when the defender doesn't make a play on the ball. The offensive team will get a free throw, and then will retain possession.
- Bench conduct. Players not in the game may not remain standing at or away from the team's bench during the game for a prolonged period and are not allowed to attempt to distract their opponents.
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
