Dodgers’ Betts unseats Yankees’ Judge for MLB’s top jersey

September 25, 2020

Dodgers’ Betts unseats Yankees’ Judge for MLB’s top jersey
NEW YORK (AP) — Dodgers star Mookie Betts has supplanted Yankees slugger Aaron Judge for baseball’s top-selling jersey in his first year on the West Coast. Judge’s pinstriped No. 99 had been the most popular uniform in the majors for three straight years. But according to data released by Major League Baseball on Friday he’s been bumped by his former AL East rival. The Boston Red Sox traded Betts to the Dodgers in February, and Los Angeles signed the 2018 AL MVP to a $365 million, 12-year deal that runs through the 2032 season. Betts’ No. 50 is the first Dodgers uniform to top the list since MLB began releasing sales rankings in 2010.

Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings, Pirates beat slumping Cubs 7-0

September 24, 2020

Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings, Pirates beat slumping Cubs 7-0
JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Chad Kuhl pitched seven sharp innings and Colin Moran and Bryan Reynolds hit home runs in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 7-0 victory over the slumping Chicago Cubs on Thursday. Kuhl finished his comeback season on a strong note, allowing two hits, struck out five hits and three walks. He sat out last season while rehabbing after Tommy John surgery. The Cubs, who clinched a postseason berth Tuesday, are stumbling toward the playoffs with five losses in six games. They have scored two or fewer runs in each of the five defeats.

Still ticking: “Big Ben” to set franchise mark vs. Texans

September 24, 2020

Still ticking: “Big Ben” to set franchise mark vs. Texans
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will do something no Steelers player has ever done when Pittsburgh hosts Houston in Week 3. When Roethlisberger trots onto the field, he will appear in his 221st game with the Steelers. That will break a tie with Hall of Fame center Mike Webster for the most appearances in black-and-gold in team history. The 38-year-old Roethlisberger credits his faith and his 6-foot-5 frame for his durability. Roethlisberger took a pounding early in his career but says he’s learned over time to avoid big hits when he can.

No. 21 Pitt faces speedy test against No. 24 Louisville

September 24, 2020

No. 21 Pitt faces speedy test against No. 24 Louisville
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — No. 21 Pittsburgh will try for its first 3-0 start since 2014 when the Panthers host No. 24 Louisville. It’s the first game between ranked teams at Heinz Field in more than a decade. The Panthers have been dominant through two weeks but the Cardinals present a significant step up in class for Pitt following easy wins over Austin Peay and Syracuse. Louisville is coming off a tough loss at home to Miami. The Cardinals are led by quarterback Malik Cunningham, who has gone over 300 yards in each of Louisville’s first two games.

Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77

September 23, 2020

Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers has died. Sayers made his mark as one of the NFL’s best all-purpose running backs and was later celebrated for his enduring friendship with a Bears teammate with cancer. Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet,” Sayers was considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen. Yet it was his rock-steady friendship with Brian Piccolo depicted in the 1971 film “Brian’s Song” that marked him as more than a sports star. Sayers died Wednesday at the age of 77, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Relatives say he was diagnosed with dementia. His wife said she partly blamed his football career.

Lester cruises, Schwarber responds as Cubs top Pirates 5-0

September 22, 2020

Lester cruises, Schwarber responds as Cubs top Pirates 5-0
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jon Lester scattered four hits over six innings and the Chicago Cubs inched closer to their first NL Central title since 2017 with a 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lester struck out one and walked one to pick up his first victory since Aug. 11. He retired the first nine batters he faced and kept the lowest-scoring team in the majors in check. Kyle Schwarber responded to being benched in the middle of a loss to Minnesota by doubling twice and driving in a pair of insurance runs in the eighth with a shot to the gap in right-center field.

Chastain snags Ganassi Cup ride in busy NASCAR free agency

September 21, 2020

Chastain snags Ganassi Cup ride in busy NASCAR free agency
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ross Chastain has snagged one of the coveted open Cup seats in a promotion at Chip Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 42 next season. He will replace Matt Kenseth. The veteran has been driving the Chevrolet since Kyle Larson was fired earlier this year for using a racial slur. Chastain has been in driver development for Ganassi and is running for the Xfinity Series championship this season for Kaulig Racing. He begins the playoffs this weekend ranked eighth in the Xfinity standings. Chastain is an eighth-generation watermelon farmer from Florida who has been climbing through NASCAR’s national ranks.

Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21

September 20, 2020

Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger threw for 311 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and the Pittsburgh Steelers fended off a spirited comeback by the Denver Broncos 26-21. The Steelers (2-0) knocked out Denver starting quarterback Drew Lock in the first quarter with a right shoulder injury but didn’t secure the win under safety Terrell Edmunds sacked Broncos backup Jeff Driskel on fourth-and-2 with less than two minutes to go. Driskel completed 18 of 34 for 256 yards with two touchdowns and a pick and absorbed a serious pounding at the hands of Pittsburgh’s defense.