Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph to extension through 2022

Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph to extension through 2022
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season. The team made the move just moments before the start of the 2021 draft, indicating they will not be shopping for veteran Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement with the 24th overall pick. Rudolph is 5-3 as a starter, completing 176 of 283 passes for 1,765 yards and 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Rudolph was entering the final year of his rookie contract. The extension gives the Steelers a bit of continuity at the position with Roethlisberger perhaps entering the final season of his career.

Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game

Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Alabama star Najee Harris to give their running game a jolt. The Steelers selected Harris with the 24th overall pick in the NFL draft. They hope he can help a rushing attack that finished dead last in the NFL in yards rushing in 2020. Pittsburgh is looking to maximize whatever time left it has with veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The 39-year-old restructured his contract to ensure he would be back for an 18th season. Harris provided the opportunity to grab a player who could make an immediate impact.

Guentzel wins it in OT as Pens, Caps clinch playoffs

Guentzel wins it in OT as Pens, Caps clinch playoffs
By IAN NICHOLAS QUILLEN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jake Guentzel scored his 22nd goal 2:11 into overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals in a result that clinched both teams’ place in the playoffs. Guentzel’s winner on a one-time redirection of John Marino’s pass came after Washington’s Tom Wilson forced overtime with 14.3 seconds to play. The result, combined with the New York Islanders’ regulation win over the New York Rangers, ensures both teams will be among the Eastern Division’s four playoff teams.

Soler’s three hits, three RBIs lead Royals over Pirates 9-6

Soler’s three hits, three RBIs lead Royals over Pirates 9-6
By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jorge Soler had two doubles among his three hits and drove in three runs to lead Kansas City over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 and improve the Royals’ record to a major league-best 15-8. Soler’s doubles sparked three-run rallies in the first and sixth innings, the latter stretching the lead to 9-5. Kansas City won for the sixth time in seven games. Salvador Pérez also had three of Kansas City’s 12 hits. Hunter Dozier hit a two-run triple and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double.

Difo Leads Pirates Over Royals 2-1, Bucs Back Over .500 at 12-11

Difo leads Pirates over Royals 2-1, back over .500 at 12-11
By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pinch-hitter Wilmer Difo delivered the go-ahead single in the seventh inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat Kansas City 2-1 to end the Royals’ five-game winning streak. Pittsburgh has won three straight games and 11 of of 16 since a 1-6 start, at 12-11 moving back above .500 for the first time since it was 1-0 in the opening week. Kansas City has lost seven straight games in Pittsburgh since 2009. Difo looped a single that dropped in front of a sliding Michael A. Taylor in center.

Bruins keep Penguins in check, tighten East race in 3-1 win

Bruins keep Penguins in check, tighten East race in 3-1 win
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Tuukka Rask turned aside 25 shots and the Boston Bruins edged the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. David Krejci gave Boston the lead with a goal late in the second period. Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall scored in the third as Boston earned its fifth win over Pittsburgh in eight meetings this season. Jeff Carter scored late for the Penguins, whose four-game winning streak was halted.

Steelers CB Layne arrested on gun charge after traffic stop

WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne has been arrested in Ohio after police say they found a loaded gun in his car during an early morning traffic stop. Willoughby Hills police say Layne was arrested on a fourth-degree felony charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Police say they stopped Layne for speeding and conducted a search after smelling marijuana and seeing loose particles scattered throughout the vehicle. That search revealed there was a loaded Glock pistol in the center console. According to the police report, Layne acknowledged the gun was his and said he forgot it was there. A Steelers spokesman says the team is aware of the incident and is still gathering information.

Bucs Reach .500 with 6-2 Win Over Twins

Polanco homers among 3 hits, Pittsburgh beats Minnesota 6-2
By MIKE COOK Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gregory Polanco homered among his three hits, the Pittsburgh bullpen tossed five strong innings, and the Pirates beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 Sunday. Adam Frazier also had three hits as Pittsburgh finished a nine-game road trip 6-3. The Pirates have won three of four and five of seven. Minnesota, 2-11 in its last 13 games, is tied with Detroit for fewest wins in the American League. Nelson Cruz homered.

Jarry, Guentzel lead Penguins past Bruins, 1 -0

Jarry, Guentzel lead Penguins past Bruins, 1 -0
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Tristan Jarry made 29 saves for his first shutout of the season and Jake Guentzel scored in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Jarry has won his last four decisions, including a sloppy 7-6 home win against New Jersey last week, in which he allowed six third-period goals. He rebounded two nights later against the Devils and has earned a point in 11 of his last 12 starts. Guentzel scored his 21st at 4:03 of the third period to help the Penguins win their fourth straight.