National Sports - The Morning Sun

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

LIV and let live: Masters still about who wins green jacket

Masters chairman Fred Ridley is hopeful of a Masters just like any other. Ridley says the interaction with LIV players at the champions dinner made it feel like everything was normal in the golf … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 4/5/23

FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper runs the bases after a two-run home run during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies on Nov. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia. Harper was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, March 30, 2023 by the Phillies, who avoided the 60-day list for their star slugger and left open the opportunity that he could return before the end of May. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Bryce Harper takes on-field BP for 1st time since surgery

Bryce Harper has taken on-field batting practice for the first time since Tommy John surgery last fall. The Philadelphia Phillies said Harper hit on the field before Tuesday night’s game at Yankee … more

4/5/23

Drivers race in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Richmond, Va. (Eva Russo/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

AP sources: Frustrated team owners boycott NASCAR meeting

NASCAR teams have boycotted a meeting with series leadership as a show of frustration over the slow pace of negotiations on a new business model. Three team representatives told The Associated Press … more

By JENNA FRYER | 4/5/23

St. Louis Cardinals' Tyler O'Neill removes his helmet after flying out to end the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Monday, April 3, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

O'Neill not in St. Louis lineup after Marmol criticizes play

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill is not in the starting lineup a day after his baserunning effort was questioned by manager Oliver Marmol. O’Neill was thrown out by Ronald Acuña Jr. … more

By JOE HARRIS | 4/5/23

Tiger Woods chips to the second green as Justin Thomas looks on during a practice for the Masters on Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Woods and his limp back at Masters, but for how much longer?

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods is back at the Masters, along with his slight limp. It is not every step, every minute. But it is there. And as much hardware as he has in his mended right leg, … more

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer | 4/5/23

Florida Panthers goaltender Alex Lyon (34) stops the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

Panthers grab slim edge in very wild East wild-card race

Alex Lyon’s goaltending resume is no joke. He owns no fewer than seven records at Yale, where he’s the all-time wins leader. He had a shutout to clinch the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup … more

By TIM REYNOLDS | 4/5/23

Scottie Scheffler works out on the putting green during a practice for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Scheffler looks primed for rare Masters double

There are plenty of perks that come from being the reigning Masters champion. You have a year to wear that cherished green jacket wherever you want. You can nab a tee time at Augusta National without … more

By PAUL NEWBERRY | 4/5/23

FILE - China's Peng Shuai reacts during her first round singles match against Japan's Nao Hibino at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 21, 2020. The International Tennis Federation will play tournaments in 2023 in China despite no known resolution to the case of Chinese doubles player Peng. Peng disappeared from pubic view shortly after accusing a former high-ranking Communist Party official — in a web posting in November of 2021 — of sexual assault. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File)

ITF resumes tennis in China with no word on Peng Shuai

The International Tennis Federation will play tournaments this year in China. This takes place despite no known resolution to the case of Chinese doubles player Peng Shuai. Peng disappeared from … more

4/5/23

Seattle Mariners' Teoscar Hernandez rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run, his second home run of the game, against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle's Hernandez, Pollock homer twice in win over Angels

Teoscar Hernández and AJ Pollock each hit two homers and combined to drive in nine runs and the Seattle Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-2. Luis Castillo turned in a second straight strong … more

By SHANE LANTZ | 4/5/23

St. Louis Cardinals' Tyler O'Neill is tagged out at home by Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy during the seventh inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

Cardinals manager questions O'Neill's effort in key play

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol questioned outfielder Tyler O’Neill’s effort after he was thrown out at home during a 4-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. With St. Louis trailing 4-1 with two out in … more

4/4/23

Pittsburgh Pirates' Ji Hwan Bae, right, is congratulated by Canaan Smith-Njigba after his two run, home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Boston. At center is Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Ji Hwan Bae's 1st career homer helps Pirates top Red Sox 4-1

Ji Hwan Bae hit his first career homer, Bryan Reynolds went deep for the third time in two games and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. Roansy Contreras held the Red Sox to three … more

By KEN POWTAK | 4/4/23

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi throws to the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Toronto ends 3-game skid in Whit Merrifield's return to KC

Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited Kansas City to one run on four hits and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Royals. Matt Chapman was 3-for-4 … more

By DAVID SMALE | 4/4/23

Miami Marlins catcher Jacob Stallings, left, shakes hands with starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara after a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Marlins' Alcantara pitches 1:57 CG, majors' 1st this season

Sandy Alcantara pitched the major leagues’ first complete game this season, a three-hitter that led the Miami Marlins to a 1-0 win over the Minnesota Twins. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner … more

4/4/23

AP Player of the Year, Purdue's Zach Edey speaks a at press conference during the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Purdue's Zach Edey wins Wooden Award as top hoops player

Zach Edey of Purdue has won the John R. Wooden Award as the nation’s top men’s college basketball player. Caitlin Clark of Iowa won the women's award. Edey is the first Canadian-born winner and … more

4/4/23

FILE - Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins waits for play to resume during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 2, 2023, in Denver. Warriors coach Steve Kerr remains hopeful that Wiggins will return this season after the veteran forward missed his 20th straight game because of a family matter. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Andrew Wiggins rejoins Warriors, getting back into condition

Golden State forward Andrew Wiggins has rejoined the Warriors after more than a month away from the team and is working his way back to being able to play again for the defending NBA champions. … more

By JANIE McCAULEY | 4/4/23

FILE -Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell looks on in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. Former Arizona Cardinals front office executive Terry McDonough has filed an arbitration claim against the team that accuses owner Michael Bidwill of cheating and other misconduct, according to a person with knowledge of the claim. The NFL confirmed receipt of the filing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to The Associated Press.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

AP source: Ex-Cardinals executive accuses owner of cheating

A person with knowledge of the situation says former Arizona Cardinals front office executive Terry McDonough has filed an arbitration claim against the team that accuses owner Michael Bidwill of … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/4/23

LSU's Angel Reese reacts in front of Iowa's Caitlin Clark during the second half of the NCAA Women's Final Four championship basketball game Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Dallas. LSU won 102-85 to win the championship. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Iowa's Clark: Don't criticize LSU's Reese for gesture

Iowa standout Caitlin Clark says there’s no reason for LSU’s Angel Reese to be criticized on social media for waving her hand while staring down Clark during the women’s NCAA championship game. … more

4/4/23

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws to Miami Marlins' Jorge Soler during the second inning of an opening day baseball game, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

AP exclusive: MLB average salary up 11% year after lockout

The average Major League Baseball salary was up 11.1% to a record $4.9 million to start this season, the biggest jump for the sport since 2001, according to a study by The Associated Press. The surge … more

By RONALD BLUM | 4/4/23

Tiger Woods works out on the range during a practice for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Woods and his limp back at Masters, but for how much longer?

Tiger Woods is at the Masters for the 25th time. Not even he knows how much longer he will keep playing. Woods says he doesn't know how many more he has in him because of injuries to his legs and … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 4/4/23

Phil Mickelson follows his shot on the 12th hole during a practice for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Mickelson back at Masters after year away from Augusta

Phil Mickelson returned to Augusta National on Tuesday for a practice round ahead of the Masters. He missed the event last year for the first time since 1994, after some controversial comments about … more

By DAVE SKRETTA | 4/4/23