August 1, 2023 4:45 am
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The two-time reigning champion United States came an inch short of Women’s World Cup elimination, but Portugal’s late near-miss helped the Americans avoid the biggest upset in tournament history. The Americans slipped through to the knockout round Tuesday despite a listless, uninspiring 0-0 draw. The U.S. won only one game in group play for the first time in tournament history, and scored just four goals over three games. In a hold-your-breath moment, the Americans came an inch away from elimination when Ana Capeta nearly scored in stoppage for Portugal. Her shot hit the left post and the Americans preserved the draw. The tie was just enough to ensure the Americans advanced to the knockout round.
July 31, 2023 4:31 am
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Josh Palacios hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied twice from two runs down to beat the Phillies 6-4 on Sunday and take the three-game series. Palacios led off the 10th by driving a slider from Andrew Vasquez (2-1) 367 feet to right. He celebrated his 28th birthday with his second homer of the season as the Pirates took two of three from the Phillies, who fell a half-game behind in the hunt for the third NL wild card. Palacios is the first Pirates player to hit a walkoff home run on his birthday, according to Elias Sports Bureau. He went 3 for 5.
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.
