July 31, 2023 4:34 am
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States arrived at the Women’s World Cup as the favorites to win an unprecedented third consecutive title. But after an underwhelming draw against the Netherlands, there’s a real chance the Americans can be eliminated in group play for the first time in tournament history. The U.S. plays Portugal in the third and final match of Group E play, and if Portugal pulls off an upset Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans could be in big trouble. The United States needs to either win or draw against Portugal, one of eight teams playing in its first World Cup, to ensure the Americans continue to play in this tournament.
July 30, 2023 7:21 am
July 30, 2023 7:27 am
A person with knowledge of the trade says the Texas Rangers have agreed to acquire three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer in a blockbuster deal with the New York Mets. It’s an all-in move from the surprise leaders in the AL West. The Rangers are adding the 39-year-old Scherzer with Jacob deGrom sidelined possibly until the end of next season by Tommy John elbow surgery. Multiple reports say the Mets are getting one of the top Texas prospects in Luisangel Acuña. He’s the younger brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.
July 30, 2023 7:31 am
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced their 2023 Hall of Honor Class Saturday from the Fred Rogers Center of Saint Vincent College. It included modern stars, including James Harrison and Aaron Smith. The ‘older’ inductees are Gerry ‘Moon’ Mullins and Ray Mansfield. The group will be honored on October 29th when the Steelers welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars to town. Those proceedings with happen on the field at Acrisure Stadium to honor the recipients.
July 30, 2023 7:25 am
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing inside linebacker Kwon Alexander, pending a physical, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Alexander, who turns 29 next week, visited the Steelers in May, but he remained a free agent as teams reported to training camp this week. He spent the 2022 season with the New York Jets, starting 12 games. He had 69 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a half sack. A fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, Alexander has 11 career forced fumbles, eight interceptions and 12.5 sacks and one interception. The former Pro Bowl participant suffered serious injuries in recent seasons including a torn pectoral in 2019 and a torn Achilles a year prior.
July 30, 2023 7:27 am
WESTFIELD, Ind. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has requested to be traded. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the request hadn’t been made public. The news came shortly after the 2021 NFL rushing leader and team owner Jim Irsay met for nearly an hour in Irsay’s motorhome as Indy held a night practice. Irsay told reporters he was hopeful Taylor would play a key role in turning around the Colts’ fortunes this season. Taylor has been seeking a contract extension before embarking on the final year of his rookie deal.
July 29, 2023 4:08 am
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kyle Schwarber broke out of a slump by hitting a two-run home run and reaching base in all five plate appearances and Zack Wheeler struck out 11 in 6 2/3 innings as the Philadelphia Phillies downed the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Friday night. Schwarber’s blast, his 27th of the season, came off All-Star Mitch Keller in the third inning and carried into the Phillies’ bullpen in center field. Brandon Marsh walked to lead off the inning before Schwarber unloaded with one out. Schwarber also doubled and walked three times. He had gone 1 for 22 in his previous seven games.
July 29, 2023 4:12 am
CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals coach Zac Taylor says quarterback Joe Burrow could miss “several weeks” with a right calf strain. The 26-year-old franchise quarterback hobbled on one leg and then went to the ground after a scramble play near the end of practice Thursday. Backup QBs Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian took the snaps on Friday. Burrow is still negotiating with the Bengals on a long-term contract that could make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players.
July 28, 2023 4:30 am
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Carlos Santana is heading to Milwaukee. The Brewers have acquired the veteran first baseman/designated hitter from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor leaguer Jhonny Severino. The 37-year-old Santana hit .235 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs in 94 games for the Pirates, who have faded to last place in the NL Central following a fast start. The Brewers lead the NL Central as the trade deadline approaches and are hoping Santana can help boost an offense that is just 25th in runs scored.
July 28, 2023 4:34 am
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is back to where he once belonged. Porter has returned to St. Vincent College for the team’s training camp for the first time since he was a ball boy for the club while his father Joey Porter Sr. served as an assistant coach in the mid-2010s. The Steelers drafted the 6-foot-2 Porter with the first pick of the second round, believing his size will help them slow down some of the offenses they’re trying to chase in the AFC.
