Thursday’s Morning Mashup: Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish has memorable debut

Welcome to Thursday’s Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire.

THURSDAY’S BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
NHL: Sabres at Bruins, 7 p.m. (NESN)
NHL: Lightning at Capitals, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
NBA: Magic at Bulls, 8 p.m. (TNT)
NBA: Mavericks at Suns, 10:30 p.m. (TNT)
College basketball: ACC tournament, Boston College vs. NC State, 2 p.m. (ESPNU)
College basketball: ACC tournament, Wake Forest vs. Maryland, noon (ESPNU)
College basketball: Big 12 tournament, Kansas State vs. Baylor, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
College basketball: Big 10 tournament, Minnesota vs. Northwestern, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
College basketball: ACC tournament, Virginia Tech vs. Clemson, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
College basketball: Big 10 tournament, Nebraska vs. Purdue, 7:55 p.m. (ESPN2)
College basketball: ACC tournament, Georgia Tech vs. Miami, 9 p.m. (ESPNU)

AROUND THE WEB:

Rangers rookie Yu Darvish throws a pitch in Wednesday's game. (AP)

♦ Heralded Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish made his spring training debut Wednesday and was impressive in two innings against the Padres. The Japanese 25-year-old allowed no runs on two hits, although Will Venable blasted a ball that the wind kept in the park for a double.

Afterward, Darvish said through his translator that, contrary to the perception of apparently everyone else in the park, the wind helped the ball and that, “I don’t think he really squared it up.”

Responded Venable: “Maybe his perception of reality [in the majors] isn’t right yet. But otherwise, I’ve got no comment.”

♦ Former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has become the face of the NFL bounty scandal, but there aren’t many formers players or fellow coaches speaking out against him. In The New York Times, Judy Battista has a closer look at Williams and how he developed his aggressive mentality while building loyalty along the way.

Meanwhile, Giants coach Tom Coughlin spoke out during a Wednesday radio appearance, saying: “It’s not about trying to inflict purposeful injury on another player. It has no point in this game.”

♦ LSU women’s soccer goalie Morlan “Mo” Isom, who was named the school’s homecoming queen in the fall, is trying out to become a kicker on the Tigers football team. Isom, who completed her soccer career in the fall, has another year of eligibility to play a different sport. The 6-foot tall Isom reportedly kicked a 51-yard field goal while practicing last year.

“People’s first presumption about this is that it’s a media stunt or some attempt for attention and glory. That couldn’t be any further from the truth,” Isom said. “I feel it was a goal God placed in my heart. It’s just something I want to do.”

Here’s Isom showing off her leg in a soccer game, scoring from 90 yards away.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 8, 1988, the Bruins acquired goalie Andy Moog from the Oilers for which two players?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I guess in life and in sports we all know that nothing lasts forever. Times change, circumstances change, and that’s the reality of playing in the NFL.” – Peyton Manning, at Wednesday’s press conference announcing his departure from the Colts

STAT OF THE DAY: 0 – Number of 3-point baskets the Celtics hit in eight tries during Wednesday’s 103-71 loss to the 76ers, marking the first time in more than three years they did not hit a trey

‘NET RESULTS: Wizards guard Nick Young shoots possibly the worst layup in NBA history. However, the Wizards had the last laugh as they rallied from a 21-point second-half deficit to beat the Lakers.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Goalie Bill Ranford and forward Geoff Courtnall

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Worcester native Andy Ross of OK Go turns 33 Thursday. He’s the one in the black jacket.

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