Good morning, New York/New Jersey-area sports fans! Let's take our first look at the regional sports scene for this Friday morning.
Yankees-Red Sox Meet This Weekend
The New York Yankees make their first visit to Fenway Park this weekend to face the winless Boston Red Sox. Today marks Boston's home opener, and if the Yankees can grab an early lead I'm guessing you will be able to feel the desperation in the old ballpark. If you missed it Thursday, here is a little first-hand insight into the minds of Red Sox fans in New England.
Jon Niese Lasts Just Four Innings In 11-0 Loss To Phillies
Apparently, no one on the New York Mets' staff not named R.A. Dickey can pitch any more. Jon Niese was lit up by Philadelphia Thursday, a day after Mets' starter Mike Pelfrey was awful in a 10-7 loss to Philly.
Atlanta Thrashers 3, New York Rangers 0: Rangers Now Need Playoff Prayer
The New York Rangers are now in serious trouble as they try to reach the NHL playoffs. Technically, the Rangers are still two points ahead of Carolina for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Following Thursday night's loss to Atlanta, however, the Rangers have one game left while the Hurricanes have two.
The Masters (Round Two): Tee Times, TV Schedule, Pairings, Storylines
Rory McIlory and Alvaro Quiros (65) lead The Masters after one round. Phil Mickelson (-2) and Tiger Woods (-1) are within striking distance. If you are a golf fan, the first round of The Masters set up beautifully for a great weekend. SB Nation New York has today's pairings, tee times and TV schedule.
Of course, if you are like me, you would rather take advantage of what promises to be a warm weekend by getting the clubs out and playing 18 holes. Watching The Masters, however, is not a bad alternative.