Category: Saturday Sports Slam

Pirates get to Bauer, earn doubleheader split with Reds

Pirates get to Bauer, earn doubleheader split with Reds
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates took advantage of an uncharacteristically average performance by Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer to earn a doubleheader split with a 4-3 win in the nightcap. The Reds took the opener 4-2 behind the strength of Luis Castillo, who picked up his first victory in nearly a year when he worked six solid innings. Cincinnati, however, missed a chance to sweep a doubleheader for the third time this season when the Pirates scrounged up just enough offense against Bauer. The Reds right-hander allowed six hits in six innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. His record fell to 3-3.

New father Reynolds homers as Pirates top Cubs 6-2

New father Reynolds homers as Pirates top Cubs 6-2
PITTSBURGH (AP) — First-time father Bryan Reynolds hit a three-run homer in his return from paternity leave to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Chicago Cubs 6-2. Reynolds, who along with wife Blair welcomed son Reese on Monday, sent a drive off Alec Mills into the seats in right field in the third inning for his third home run of the season to help Pittsburgh snap a four-game losing streak. Reynolds also doubled leading off the second and celebrated by pretending to rock a baby to sleep.

Todd Reirden returns to Penguins as assistant coach

Todd Reirden returns to Penguins as assistant coach
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Todd Reirden is back with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins have hired Reirden as an assistant coach under Mike Sullivan, just over a week after Reirden was fired as head coach of the Washington Capitals following a playoff loss to the New York Islanders. This is Reirden’s second stint in Pittsburgh. He served as an assistant under Dan Byslma from 2010-14. Reirden worked four seasons as an assistant under Barry Trotz in Washington, helping guide the Capitals to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2018. Reirden was promoted to head coach in the summer of 2018 but was removed after failing to lead the team past the first round of the playoffs.

Baez and Hendricks lead Cubs over Pirates.

Baez and Hendricks lead Cubs over Pirates.
By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Javier Baez hit a three-run home run and Kyle Hendricks pitched one-run ball over six innings to lead the Chicago Cubs to an 8-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Baez connected in the fourth inning to put Chicago in front 3-1. The blast carried 443 feet to the back set of bleachers in left-center field and came one pitch after Nick Tropeano relieved starter Joe Musgrove. Hendricks (4-4) scattered six hits to go with six strikeouts and two walks. He had been winless in his previous three starts.

Happ spoils Hayes’ debut, leads Cubs past Pirates 8-7

Happ spoils Hayes’ debut, leads Cubs past Pirates 8-7
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ian Happ singled home Nico Hoerner in the top of the 11th to lead the Chicago Cubs to an 8-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Happ, who led off the game with a home run, went 3 for 6 with two RBIs as Chicago spoiled the major league debut of Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. Hayes, the son of longtime major league infielder Charlie Hayes, hit a game-tying home run in the eighth and added an RBI double. Kris Bryant added two hits for the Cubs in his return from the injured list.

Penguins star Sidney Crosby undergoes wrist surgery

Penguins star Sidney Crosby undergoes wrist surgery
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is recovering from arthroscopic wrist surgery but should be ready to go well before the start of training camp. The Penguins did not specify which wrist Crosby injured. General manager Jim Rutherford says the expected recovery time is about a month. The 33-year-old Crosby had two goals and one assist during Pittsburgh’s brief postseason appearance as the Penguins fell to Montreal in four games in the qualifying round.

Pitt to rely on dominant defense to gain traction in ACC

Pitt to rely on dominant defense to gain traction in ACC
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Panthers are still eyeing respect coming off their third eight-win season of head coach Pat Narduzzi’s five-year tenure. Even though Pitt returns most of the starters on a defense that was among the best in the country last season, the Panthers failed to receive a single vote in the preseason poll. Narduzzi says he hopes the lack of recognition puts a chip on his players’ shoulders. If Pitt wants to take another step toward the top of the ACC, the offense will need to make significant progress after finishing near the bottom of the country in scoring in 2019.

No Contract Extension For Dupree Heading Into 2020 Steelers Season

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree is betting on himself once again. Dupree and the Steelers failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension during the offseason, meaning Dupree will likely become a free agent next spring. The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Dupree in March after he had a career-high 11 1/2 sacks in 2019. Dupree says he’s eager to prove his production last season wasn’t a fluke. He added that it’s “bittersweet” that his time with the Steelers is nearing an end but remains confident he will find the right landing spot in 2021.

Arcia’s pinch hit in 8th lifts Brewers over Pirates 6-5

Arcia’s pinch hit in 8th lifts Brewers over Pirates 6-5
By RICH ROVITO Associated Press
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Orlando Arcia’s pinch-hit single with two outs in the eighth inning drove in the tiebreaking run as the Milwaukee Brewers slipped past the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5 on Monday night. Ben Gamel led off the eighth with a double and scored on Arcia’s hit as the Brewers took three of four in the series. Josh Hader pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save in his first appearance since walking five of the six batters he faced while trying to close out Saturday night’s game. Hader has yet to give up a hit this season.

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL end zones will be inscribed this season with two slogans: “It Takes All Of Us” on one end line, “End Racism” on the other. As part of its social justice awareness initiatives, the NFL also will allow similar visuals on helmets and caps. Previously announced were decals on the back of helmets, or patches on team caps, displaying names or phrases to honor victims of racism and/or police brutality. Now, a T-shirt designed by NFL Players Association executive committee member Michael Thomas, a safety with the Houston Texans, can be worn in warmups.