Weekend Wake Up: Strasburg Still Superb, Phil’s Tiger Turn, Coulibaly’s Cup Finished?

Ho-Hum, Phenom. Stephen Strasburg struck out ten, walking just one, over seven innings of work against the White Sox on Friday. He gave up just one earned run in the first inning, and, with President Obama in attendance, broke the major league record for strikeouts through the first three starts of a career. But his Nats lost in 11 innings and Strasburg got a no decision, meaning he’s still just 2-0 for his career. Slacker.

Phil-ling Tiger’s Role? Tiger Woods, barring some magical return to form this weekend, is not going to win the 2010 U.S. Open. He’s scuffled around Pebble Beach for two days, making just three birdies over 36 holes and sits seven shots back of leader Graeme McDowell. Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, has a Tigeresque tournament going: After a rough three-over 75 on Thursday, Mickelson rolled Pebble with a scintillating 66 on Friday, putting together the best round of the tournament and one that vaulted Phil to one-under, two shots off of McDowell’s pace. Tiger still likes his chances, and is spouting all the old Tigerisms while his play makes them look like axioms from an ancient past. But the rest of the world has to consider Mickelson the favorite at this point.

Coulibaly’s Cup Run Is Over? To the surprise of zero people with fully functioning brains, reports indicate that referee Koman Coulibaly will face an expedited FIFA performance review that could end his World Cup. That would be cold comfort to those who saw his foul call rob the United States of a goal, but would at least remove one ref who read the complicated wrestling-slash-kabuki of jostling for position on a set piece rather poorly. And if that solidifies the officiating in this World Cup—which had been rather good through the first 16 games—then Coulibaly’s call may ultimately be a mistake that teaches more than it taints.

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