WJPA Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Rookie right-hander Khristian Curtis worked three-plus innings to pick up his first major league win as the Pittsburgh Pirates topped San Francisco 5-2. Curtis and five other Pittsburgh relievers limited the Giants to two hits in the victory. The Pirates have won six of nine. Oneil Cruz walked three times and drove in a run for Pittsburgh. Jake Mangum reached base four times. Giants rookie starter Blade Tidwell struggled early, allowing a pair of first-inning runs on a walk and a hit batter. He settled down to work five innings, with five walks and five strikeouts.

The Washington Wild Things have swept the Frontier League MVP and Pitcher of the Year awards for the second time in franchise history. Andrew Czech is Washington’s fourth league MVP, join Josh Loggins (2003), James Harris (2018) and Caleb McNeely (2024). Czech is in his sixth Wild Things season and is hitting .333 with 28 doubles, 26 home runs and 101 RBI. He leads the league in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS, shares the league lead in RBI and is second in home runs behind teammate Anthony Brocato who was named to the All-Frontier League team.  Kobe Foster is the fifth Wild Things pitcher to win POY honors, joining Jared Howton (2002), Aaron Ledbetter (2007), Thomas DOrminy (2018), Ryan Hennen (2021). Foster is 9-3 on the year with 94.2 innings of work. His 2.38 ERA is best in the league and nearly a full run better than any other qualified pitcher, and has allowed just 22 walks while striking out 82 batters. Foster tossed the team’s fourth no-hitter back on June 12th against New Jersey, striking out 14 batters in the win that came one week after a complete-game shutout of Florence, earning his Pitcher of the Week honors. Foster, the League’s 2022 Rookie of the year, is the career wins and strikeout leader for the Wild Things, helping the squad clinch the FL Central Division title.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, but the same old standards as they enter 2026. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, is tasked with putting the reigning AFC North champions in position to defend their title. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back for his 22nd and final NFL season. The team upgraded the talent around Rodgers, acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman and selecting pass catcher Germie Bernard in the draft. The defense, led by longtime captain Cam Heyward and outside linebacker TJ Watt, could be one of the top in the AFC. The key to Pittsburgh’s season will be a new-look offensive line that is relatively young and inexperienced.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes remains on track to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. The two-time MVP has been focused on returning since undergoing knee surgery in December. Doctors initially thought he might not be ready until October, but Mahomes exceeded expectations in his rehab. He worked with the first team throughout training camp, though he didn’t play in any preseason games. Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed Mahomes will continue practicing. The team faces some uncertainty with their offensive line because of injuries, but they’re making adjustments to ensure protection for Mahomes.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year by the NBA, and the team was ordered to forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Kawhi Leonard. Also, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has been banned for six months and team president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year. Leonard was hit with a $700,000 penalty. The league’s decision follows a nearly yearlong investigation. The penalties reflect the league’s firm stance on maintaining fair play and financial integrity. The Clippers say they will challenge the decision.