The Pirates are back home for a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs. The third place Pirates are eight and a half games behind the first place Cubs.  It will be Francisco Lirriano pitching for the Pirates.  Jake Arieata will pitch for the Cubs. The Pirates have won seven of their last eight.  At one point in early June, The Cubs were 27 games over 500. In their last 20-games, they are 7-13. Airtime for tonight’s game is  6:40 on WBVP-WMBA.

The Penguins signed a unrestricted free agent.  Garret Wilson agreed to a one year two way contract. The fourth round pick by the Florida Panthers in 2009.  The 25 year old Wilson appeared in 29-games for the Panthers with no points and 24-penalty minutes.  The signing is 575-thousand against the salary cap

Today’s sports report examines last night’s Pirates victory, roster shake-ups in the NHL, and the largest contract signing in NFL history. As heard on Noonday, 6/30/16.

Today’s sports report covers the Bucs’ current slump, the Indians’ hot streak, and the remembrances of two great sports icons. As heard on Noonday.

Jamesion Tallion was schedule to start for AAA Indianapolis last night.  When the Pirates place Derek Cole on the 15-day disabled list, Taillon got the call to start last night’s game.  His next start will be Saturday against the Cubs.  Game two of the Mets series is this evening  at City Field.   Jeff Locke will start for the Pirates.  He will be opposed by Noah Syndergaard.  Airtime  is 6:45 on WBVP-WMBA.

The Leechburg school board has hired a new  boys basketball coach. Corey Smith was an assistant at neighboring  Armstrong School District.  He replaces  Damian Davies. Davies got caught up in the Leechburg’s  hazing allegations and was relieved of his duties at the end of the basketball season.

The golfers don’t tee off til tomorrow in the US Open at  Oakmont.  They have had their first casualty. Tuesday afternoon, while playing a practice round, Jason Day’s partner Chris Bradley’s caddie  broke his ankle while raking the bunker next to the sixth hole.   In the Day’s party was Steelers  team doctor James Bradley.  Bradley  came to aide of the caddie.  It is believed that he broke his left ankle and there is ligament damage

It is day two of Steelers mini camp on Pittsburgh’s south side. The oldest player of the 90 players attending, 38-year old James Harrison said he is ready for a new season. Quarterback  Ben Roethlisberger  made news on two fronts.  He waived off questions about his apparent endorsement of Republican candidate Donald Trump.  Trump made the claim at his  rally on Saturday.  The Steelers say the claim is not true. On the field Big Ben says he wants to go for two after each  touchdown.  The Steelers went for two 11-times last season and were successful 8-times.