Category: Sports

AP Source: Rebuilding Jags Trade LB Joe Schobert to Steelers

AP source: Rebuilding Jags trade LB Joe Schobert to Steelers
By MARK LONG AP Pro Football Writer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to trade linebacker Joe Schobert to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday night because neither side had formally finalized the deal. Schobert confirmed the trade to ESPN, though, saying “great place to play behind that D-line.” Compensation details were not immediately disclosed. The trade makes sense for both teams and puts Schobert back in the AFC North. He spent the first four years of his NFL career with Cleveland.

Steelers Rally Behind Haskins to Beat Eagles 24-16

Steelers rally behind Haskins to beat Eagles 24-16
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Dwayne Haskins continued his push for the backup quarterback spot. He threw for 161 yards and a touchdown to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 24-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Ben Roethlisberger sat out Pittsburgh’s second preseason game. Mason Rudolph has been the team’s backup for the past three seasons and just may keep that job. Haskins is making a run at the backup spot. Jalen Hurts played two series for the Eagles and was a modest 3 of 7 for 54 yards. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni made his debut on the sideline. He replaced the fired Doug Pederson.

Oakmont is Anchor US Open Site, Merion Gets Men & Women Opens

Oakmont anchor US Open site, Merion gets men & women Opens
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer
Pennsylvania golf courses already have hosted 88 USGA championships and more are on the way. The USGA identified Oakmont as one of its anchor sites for the U.S. Open. The course outside Pittsburgh already has had a record nine U.S. Opens. It had already been announced as the 2025 host and will get three more through 2049, along with two U.S. Women’s Opens. Merion outside Philadelphia was awarded two U.S. Opens and two U.S. Women’s Opens. The USGA now has Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina and Oakmont as anchor sites for a rotation of U.S. Open venues. Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills and Winged Foot are in discussions to join them.

Wainwright pitches two-hit shutout, Cards top Pirates 4-0

Wainwright pitches two-hit shutout, Cards top Pirates 4-0
By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Adam Wainwright pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout and helped himself with a pair of hits as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0. The 39-year-old Wainwright allowed a pair of singles by Colin Moran in the second and fifth innings, and then retired the last 15 batters. Wainwright needed just 88 pitches to record the 11th shutout of his 16-year career and first since 2016. He struck out seven and did not issue a walk. The Pirates lost their seventh straight game and dropped their ninth in a row to the Cardinals at home.

Eagles starters will play preseason opener against the Steelers; Dillard injured

Eagles starters will play preseason opener; Dillard injured
By LES BOWEN Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nick Sirianni and his staff “are still talking through” how playing time will be allocated in Philadelphia’s preseason opener Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Eagles’ first-year coach indicated that Jalen Hurts will start at quarterback, and most healthy players will see action. Left tackle Andre Dillard won’t play after suffering a sprained knee in practice. Dillard, a 2019 first-round pick competing with Jordan Mailata for the starting job, is listed as week-to-week. Sirianni said Hurts’ playing time might depend on how the offense performs.

Fitzpatrick seeks to become vocal leader for Steelers

Fitzpatrick seeks to become vocal leader for Steelers
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick let his on-field play do the talking during his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This year, the two-time All-Pro intends to be more of a vocal leader. Pittsburgh acquired Fitzpatrick in a trade with Miami in 2019 and he immediately improved the Steelers’ defense with dynamic plays. Fitzpatrick has nine interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in less than two seasons with Pittsburgh. He has even drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

Former Buc, Happ, Cards bullpen combine on 1-hitter, top Pirates 4-1

Happ, Cards bullpen combine on 1-hitter, top Pirates 4-1
By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — J.A. Happ combined with a trio of relievers on a one-hitter, Tommy Edman and Paul DeJong homered early and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the skidding Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1. Happ retired the first nine batters, then gave up rookie Hoy Park’s first career home run to lead off the fourth inning. Making his second start for the Cardinals since being acquired from the Twins in a July 30 trade, Happ struck out five and walked two. Happ took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning against the Pirates on April 23 at Minnesota and wound up allowing one hit in 7 2/3 innings.

Mike Lange Retiring from Play-By-Play Duties, Remaining with Penguins Radio Network

Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange announced today that he will not return to the radio booth for play-by-play duties, but will remain a part of the Penguins Radio Network. Fans will continue to hear Lange’s voice during radio appearances and various Penguins programming.

Lange, 73, missed the majority of the past season out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic while awaiting the COVID-19 vaccine.  He returned to the booth alongside color analyst Phil Bourque to call two home games at the end of the regular season and Games 1 and 5 of the Penguins’ Round One series against the New York Islanders.

“Mike is a broadcasting legend, not just in Pittsburgh, but in all of sports,” said Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse. “He is respected and admired by all, including our ownership, players and management and executive team.  Mike’s clever phrases and goal calls are synonymous with the most iconic moments in Penguins history.  Although he is stepping away from the booth, he remains a huge part of the Penguins’ family and we look forward to hearing his voice for years to come.”

  Lange was honored in a pre-game ceremony celebrating 45 years as the voice of the Penguins in 2019 when the team named the press box at PPG Paints Arena the “Mike Lange Media Level.”  His unique and creative style, including trademark phrases such as “Buy Sam A Drink And Get His Dog One, Too,” earned him the Foster Hewitt award for broadcasting from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

“As many of you know, I have been cutting back on game broadcasts the last few seasons. This year was difficult with the pandemic, but I was still able to broadcast a limited few, which was important to me. That marked 50 years of broadcasting professional hockey – four in the Western Hockey League and 46 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. That was  pretty special for me,” said Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange. “I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved. The Penguins have asked me to continue to add commentary and voice work on a limited basis to the current radio set-up and I look forward to staying involved. In the meantime, the best consolation to stepping away is knowing that the broadcast couldn’t be in better hands with the very talented Josh Getzoff, and the Ole ’29-er, Phil Bourque.”

Josh Getzoff will take over all radio play-by-play duties, teaming with veteran analyst Bourque on 105.9 The X and the Penguins Radio Network.  Getzoff has called the Penguins road games for the past three seasons, in addition to home games in Lange’s absence over the past two years.

  Lange’s relationship with the Penguins began in 1974-75, when he broke into the NHL as a radio play-by-play man. He left for one season, but returned in 1976-77 and has been a fixture on the Penguins’ scene ever since.

Lange did radio exclusively until 1979, when games were simulcast on radio and TV. He served as the television voice of the Penguins through 2005-06, before returning to the radio booth in 2006-07.

A native of Sacramento, California, Lange earned a degree in broadcasting from Sacramento State University before starting his career as the voice of the Phoenix Roadrunners (WHL) in 1970. He also served as the play-by-play voice of the San Diego Gulls (WHL) in 1973-74 and  the Washington Diplomats (NASL) before joining the Penguins.

In addition to his tenure with the Penguins, Lange handled play-by-play duties for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986-87. A well-known member of the Pittsburgh community, Lange makes numerous personal appearances throughout the year and is actively involved in charity work.

Watt Not Practicing Because of Contract

Steelers’ Butler: Watt not practicing because of contract
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler acknowledged that linebacker T.J. Watt isn’t practicing because he has yet to sign a long-term contract. Watt has been on the field doing individual work, but he hasn’t practiced with his teammates during training camp workouts at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Suárez, Votto Homer to Help Reds Beat Pirates 7-4

Suárez, Votto homer to help Reds beat Pirates 7-4
CINCINNATI (AP) — Eugenio Suárez and Joey Votto hit three-run homers in Cincinnati’s six-run second inning, powering the Reds to a 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series. Jonathan India also went deep and pitcher Sonny Gray helped himself with two hits as second-place Cincinnati gained a half-game on idle NL Central-leader Milwaukee and a full game on San Diego, which has a three-game lead over the Reds for the second wild-card slot. The Brewers lead Cincinnati by seven games. Gray gave up six hits and four runs with two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings. Jeff Hoffman and Justin Wilson combined for three scoreless relief innings before Mychal Givens pitched the ninth for his first save.