Tatis Apologizes For 80-Game Suspension

August 24, 2022 3:47 am

SAN DIEGO (AP) – Fernando Tatis Jr. apologized privately to his San Diego Padres teammates for testing positive for a performance enhancing-drug, then publicly expressed remorse for the 80-game suspension that will keep him off the field well into next season. The star shortstop says he’s “really sorry for mistakes” and that his dreams have turned into his worst nightmares. He said there’s no one to blame other than himself. He was suspended on Aug. 12 after MLB said he tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid.

Angels Owner Explores Selling Franchise

August 24, 2022 3:48 am

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno says he is exploring the possibility of selling the franchise. Moreno purchased the Angels in 2003, a year after they won the World Series. He has spent aggressively on aging free agent stars like Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, but the club hasn’t been back to the Fall Classic since he became owner. Los Angeles is set to miss the postseason for the eighth straight year despite featuring AL MVPs Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Moreno’s announcement comes at a critical moment for the franchise, with Ohtani set to be a free agent after the 2024 season.

Odorizzi K’s 7; Braves Beat Pirates

August 23, 2022 3:46 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Jake Odorizzi struck out seven and Michael Harris II homered for each of Atlanta’s two runs, helping the Braves gain in the NL East with a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. Odorizzi (5-5) allowed one run on four hits in six innings, retiring 14 of his final 15 batters faced. Harris drove in two with his 13th homer of his rookie season, sent 391 feet into the leftfield bleachers off a curveball from Roansy Contreras (3-4). The Braves pulled to within three games of the Mets for first in the NL East.

 

Mariota, Ridder Solid For Falcons In Loss To Jets

August 23, 2022 3:49 am

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Marcus Mariota led Atlanta to scores on two of his three drives in the Falcons’ 24-16 loss against mostly New York Jets backups. Mariota strengthened his hold on the starting job by going 6 of 10 for 132 yards and a touchdown to Olamide Zaccheaus before giving way to rookie Desmond Ridder with a 10-0 lead in the second quarter. Ridder went 10 of 13 for 143 yards and leading the Falcons to two field goals in three series. Fourth-stringer Chris Streveler led the Jets on two late touchdown drives to give New York the victory. The Jets’ Bradlee Anae returned a fumble 30 yards for a score.

Mayfield To Start At QB For Panthers

August 23, 2022 3:51 am

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Baker Mayfield will start the Carolina Panthers’ Sept. 11 regular-season opener against his former team, the Cleveland Browns. Panthers coach Matt Rhule made the announcement on the team’s website Monday. Mayfield, acquired in a trade with the Browns earlier this offseason, beat out incumbent starter Sam Darnold for the job. Both quarterbacks are expected to play Friday night in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.

Tom Brady Ends 11-Day Break, Rejoins Buccaneers

August 23, 2022 3:47 am

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Tom Brady has returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending what has been described as an 11-day, prearranged break from training camp for personal reasons. The seven-time Super Bowl champion didn’t address the media after practicing Monday. Teammates and coach Todd Bowles said the 45-year-old quarterback was sharp throwing the ball and essentially took up where he left off before leaving the team on Aug. 11. Brady missed two preseason games that Bowles said he wouldn’t have played in even if he had been with the team. The coach said it hasn’t been determined if Brady might play in this weekend’s preseason finale at Indianapolis.

Pirates Drop 2 Of 3 To Reds

August 22, 2022 3:47 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) –  Jake Fraley had three RBIs and scored four times to power the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fraley led off Sunday by grooving an 0-2 curveball from Zach Thompson 341 feet to right for his seventh homer and fourth in six games. He walked in three of his next four at bats, and also drove in two runs with a single off the right-field wall in the sixth. Cincinnati took two of three from Pittsburgh, which has dropped eight of 10. Reds left-hander Mike Minor won for the first time since June 13, despite surrendering five runs on nine hits.

Cantlay Wins Another Thriller At BMW Championship

August 22, 2022 3:48 am

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) – Patrick Cantlay is a winner again at the BMW Championship in another thriller. The only difference this year is he won’t be going to the Tour Championship as the No. 1 seed with a two-shot head start. No matter. Cantlay took advantage of a great break on the 17th hole when his tee shot bounced over a bunker and into the fairway. That set up a short birdie and a one-shot lead. He made par on the last for a one-shot win over Scott Stallings. Masters champion Scottie Scheffler tied for third and moves back to the No. 1 seed.

Tom Weiskopt Dies

August 22, 2022 3:52 am

Major champion and golf course architect Tom Weiskopf has died of pancreatic cancer. His wife says Weiskopf died Saturday at their home in Big Sky, Montana. Weiskopf’s contributions to golf go far beyond his 16 PGA Tour wins and his British Open title at Troon in 1973. He was blunt and accurate when he worked as a TV analyst. And he was equally successful as a golf course architect. Weiskopf was diagnosed with cancer in December 2020. Laurie Weiskopf says he was still working on design projects in the week leading to his death. Tom Weiskopf was 79.

Larson Wins Rain-Delayed NASCAR Cup Race

August 22, 2022 3:49 am

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) – Kyle Larson beat Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott on a restart with five laps to go and won the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday. Elliott had control of the race late, but a caution gave Larson a chance and he took advantage, moving Elliott to the left coming out of the first turn and pulling away for a weekend Xfinity-Cup sweep. AJ Allmendinger was second, Joey Logano third. Elliott fourth and Daniel Suárez fifth.