WJPA Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed veteran forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension. The deal begins in the 2027-28 season and carries average annual value of $4.65 million. Novak scored 16 goals and 26 points in 82 games last season, helping the Penguins return to the playoffs after a three-year absence. He played between the second and third lines during his first full season in Pittsburgh. The extension keeps the 29-year-old with the team for the rest of the decade, positioning him as part of the club’s future core.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Elly De La Cruz scored on fielder’s choice in the ninth inning to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opening game of a four-game series. Cincinnati loaded the bases against Gregory Soto (5-3) with one out. Lowe grounded softly to second for a potential game-ending double play but beat the throw as De La Cruz scored easily. De La Cruz hit three doubles and had an RBI. Emilio Pagan (3-1) got the win. Brandon Lowe homered for the Pirates and Jacob Gonzalez also drove in a run.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was set to return as the leadoff hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, a day after he wasn’t in the lineup because of lingering soreness in his left knee that is keeping him off the mound. The team decided to rest him Thursday due to lingering soreness in his left knee. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani wanted to play, but the decision was made after Ohtani told the training staff about his discomfort. He hasn’t pitched since July 3 because of the knee issue, but he continues to serve as the designated hitter. The Dodgers open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield feels “disrespected” by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is focused on playing his best football. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback didn’t get the contract extension he sought and plans to play out the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal. Mayfield, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland, revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons while leading the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles.