Sports

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer BOSTON (AP) — Framber Valdez gave the Houston Astros the start they were looking for. The Astros lefty was perfect through four, took a two-hit shutout into the seventh and became the first pitcher in the 2021 postseason to finish eight innings on Wednesday. That helped Houston beat Boston

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed to a two-year extension worth a reported $30.1 million. The extension was announced by the Pelicans shortly before Valanciunas made his New Orleans debut against Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old Valanciunas is a nine-year veteran from Lithuania. New Orleans acquired him in

EDMONTON. Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers placed goalie Mike Smith on injured reserve Wednesday because of a lower-body injury. The Oilers recalled goalie Stuart Skinner from the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League. The 39-year-old Smith was hurt in the second period of Edmonton’s 6-5 home victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday

GLENDALE, Colorado (AP) — USA Rugby has launched its bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2027 or 2031, aiming to become the first country in North or South America to stage the men’s tournament. The announcement puts USA Rugby in direct competition with Australia for hosting duties in 2027. Russia was also expected

By MARYCLAIRE DALE Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The NFL has agreed to end race-based adjustments in dementia testing in the $1 billion settlement of concussion claims. That’s according to a proposed settlement filed in federal court in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Critics say the use of “race-norming” in the testing has made it difficult for

BOB FERRANTE Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — As Leonard Hamilton begins his 20th season at Florida State, he has elevated the men’s basketball program from one of the worst in the Atlantic Coast Conference to one annually among the league’s top teams. Florida State is one of just three teams, joining Gonzaga and Michigan,

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Elijah Moore sent the expectations for his rookie year soaring through the spring and summer with an outstanding offseason. The New York Jets wide receiver is still looking to make an impact in the regular season. The second-round pick out of Mississippi

By LES BOWEN Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson returned to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday after missing the last three games because of a personal matter that he revealed was related to anxiety and depression.  Johnson’s teammates and coaches have emphasized their support for him. Jordan

LONDON (AP) — Dillian Whyte has pulled out of his Oct. 30 heavyweight fight against Otto Wallin because of a shoulder injury. Whyte’s promoter, Matchroom Sport, made the announcement without saying if the fight will be rescheduled. Whyte was defending his WBC interim title and the fight against Wallin was set to determine who would

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona and teenage forward Ansu Fati have agreed on a contract extension to 2027 that includes a buyout clause of 1 billion euros. The club’s announcement came after its 1-0 home win over Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage of the Champions League. A signing ceremony and press conference are scheduled

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews has been one of the AFC’s top pass catchers so far this season, helping Lamar Jackson and the Ravens overcome a slew of injuries en route to the conference’s best record. Andrews has 34 catches for 468 yards, ranking

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — The Broncos and Broncos look a lot alike these days and it’s not just their orange-toned uniforms. Both teams are reeling amid a rash of injuries, most notably to their starting quarterbacks, as they get ready to play Thursday night. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer SEATTLE (AP) — The home of Seattle’s new NHL team is about ready for its hockey debut on Saturday night when the Kraken host the Vancouver Canucks. The arena will have its first official event Friday night when Coldplay performs and it also hosted a benefit concert featuring Foo

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — No. 8 Baylor is in a period of transition with some key departures from last year’s national championship team. The losses include the Bears’ top three scorers: All-America junior guard Jared Butler and fellow guards MaCio Teague and Davion Mitchell. Also gone is Mark Vital,

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has a quadriceps injury in addition to his sore left foot and is questionable for the game at Cleveland on Thursday night. On Wednesday, the Browns (3-3) announced their starting QB, Baker Mayfield, would sit out because of a painful

By GENE CHAMBERLAIN Associated Press LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The lesson Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields is learning from facing good defenses is the same as the one he is learning by watching Aaron Rodgers last week and Tom Brady this week and that’s how scoring drives require several big plays. Fields said he

LILLE, France (AP) — Sevilla had the best chances to win in a tight and often dull game as it drew 0-0 at Lille in the Champions League. Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos went close with a curling shot saved late in the first half and a bicycle kick wide of the post in the second

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks claimed quarterback Jacob Eason off waivers adding another QB to the roster while Russell Wilson is out following finger surgery. Eason was waived by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. He was a fourth-round pick of the Colts in 2020 but has appeared in just one game, attempting five

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer GENEVA (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winning goal capped a classic Manchester United comeback win in the Champions League. Bayern Munich and Juventus also recorded typical trademark wins to top their groups with three straight victories and no goals conceded. United trailed 2-0 at halftime at home against Atalanta

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oklahoma and Texas will leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference in a few seasons. It led to various discussions at Big 12 basketball Media Day. New Texas coach Chris Beard says his Longhorns will have a target on their backs for fans eager