World Series rating up 17 percent over 2012

World Series rating up 17 percent over 2012

NEW YORK

The World Series television rating on Fox was up 17 percent over last year but was the lowest for a matchup that went at least six games.

Boston’s 4-2 Series win over St. Louis averaged an 8.9 rating, 15 share and 14.9 million viewers, Nielsen Media Research said Thursday.

San Francisco’s four-game sweep of Detroit last year averaged a record-low 7.6/12 and was seen by 12.7 million viewers. That was among only three Series that had lower ratings than this year’s, joined by 8.4 ratings for Philadelphia’s five-game win over Tampa Bay in 2008 and San Francisco’s five-game victory over Texas in 2010.

College volleyball

GROVE CITY, Pa.

The Thiel College volleyball team dropped a match to Grove City, 3-1, in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play Thursday.

The Tomcats are 4-25, 4-13 and the Wolverines are 15-13, 8-9.

The Tomcats play at Beeghly Gymnasium on Saturday, as Leanna Yeager (Poland High School) will be honored as part of the senior day festivities.

O’Korn leads Houston past S. Florida, 35-23

HOUSTON

John O’Korn was 22 of 27 for 263 yards and three touchdowns and Houston forced a late fumble to beat South Florida 35-23 on Thursday.

Deontay Greenberry caught four passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Kenneth Farrow had rushing and receiving touchdowns for Houston (7-1, 4-0 Athletic Conference). The Courgars are only FBS team to score in every quarter this season.

Making his first career start, Mike White was 26 of 41 for 311 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulls (2-6, 2-2). Andre Davis caught nine passes for 134 yards, and Mike McFarland had two touchdowns. South Florida was penalized 19 times for 170 yards.

Prep football statistics

In order to include a football team’s statistical leaders in the weekly list featured in the Blitz, both in print and online, coaches and/or statisticians should report their updated statistics by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Email stats to dchapin@vindy.com or fax them to 330-747-6712, attention Doug Chapin.

Sharon Speedway

Hartford

Sharon Speedway officials have announced they have come to an agreement with Integra Shocks that will require the growing Econo Mod division to be on an Integra 42 Series sealed welded bearing shock for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons.

The top 10 drivers in the 2014-2016 points will receive one free Integra sealed shock each year at the awards banquet.

Crew’s Gaven retires after 11 seasons in MLS

COLUMBUS, Ohio

The Columbus Crew has announced that midfielder Eddie Gaven is retiring after 11 seasons in Major League Soccer.

The 27-year-old concludes a career that includes 278 appearances, 51 goals and 37 assists in MLS regular-season competition. Since joining the Crew from the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 2006, Gaven helped the club to the 2008 and 2009 Supporters’ Shields, along with the 2008 MLS Cup title against his former club.

His final game was on May 29 when he sustained a season-ending knee injury.

Royal Delta seeks to make racing history

ARCADIA, Calif.

Royal Delta is carrying more than Mike Smith on her back in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

The two-time defending champion will try to become just the second three-time winner of a race in the event’s 30-year history. A victory would also clinch the Eclipse Award for older female.

Royal Delta faces threats in today’s 11/8-mile race at Santa Anita, including one from her own barn.

Besides Royal Delta, trainer Bill Mott will saddle Close Hatches in the highlight race of the opening day of the year-end world championships.

Vindicator staff/wire reports