Sports category, Page 811

AUKLAND, New Zealand — Sophia Smith scored twice for the United States in the opening half, and the two-time defending champions kicked off the Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 victory over tournament first-timers Vietnam on Saturday. Lindsey Horan added a goal for the favored Americans, who have won four...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi made an unforgettable debut for Inter Miami. The game’s greatest player — a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner — scored on a free kick from about 25 yards in the 94th minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday...

ALTOONA — It has been more than 50 years since Roberto Clemente died tragically in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve in 1972, but Roberto Clemente Jr. still became emotional while a video tribute played on the scoreboard at PNG Field. The Clemente family was in attendance as the...

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a pair of bullpen-related roster moves Friday ahead of their first of three games in Anaheim against the Angels, activating left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez from the 15-day injured list and optioning righty Yohan Ramirez to Triple-A Indianapolis. Hernandez, sidelined with a right calf strain since mid-June,...

When last year’s Freeport International Baseball Invitational wrapped up, plans already were in the works for this year’s event, the 29th installment of the Alle-Kiski Valley summer tradition. Meetings, phone calls, emails and other planning sessions over the past 12 months have come down to just a few days left...

OCEANPORT, N.J. — Trainer Bob Baffert will look to add another Haskell Stakes and big payday to his collection when the lightly raced Arabian Knight takes on Kentucky Derby winner Mage and six others in the $1 million showcase event of the summer meet at Monmouth Park. The 70-year-old Hall...

Former NBA All-Star Kemba Walker is headed to Europe. AS Monaco said Friday it has signed Walker for the upcoming season, which will mark Walker’s first playing stint in the EuroLeague. The 6-foot guard was a three-time NBA All-Star in Charlotte, and then in his first season in Boston in...

PHOENIX — James Jones was a survivor during his 14-year NBA career, a 49th overall pick from Miami who carved out a reputation as a valuable role player, contributing to three championship teams. His second career as an NBA executive is showing similar long-term strength. Jones, 42, is one of...

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — In the words of Vietnam’s coach, facing the U.S. national team in the Women’s World Cup is a daunting quest, something “like a mountain,” said Mai Duc Chung. Vietnam makes its World Cup debut Saturday against the United States, the heavy favorites to win the tournament...

POLIGNY, France — Matej Mohorič fought tears of relief after edging Kasper Asgreen to win the Tour de France’s closest ever stage finish on Friday. The Slovenian rider broke down after winning, fought tears during the award ceremony for the 19th stage, and again struggled with his emotions as he...

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers might be sticking around with the New York Jets a bit longer than many first thought. The 39-year-old quarterback has not committed to playing football beyond this season, but he has strongly hinted several times his first year with the Jets won’t be his...

HOYLAKE, England — Justin Thomas never imagined using the second round of the British Open as a tune-up for the 3M Open next week in Minnesota. That speaks to the state of the game. And it’s not good. Thomas is in a slump for the first time in his PGA...

The 2001 Daytona 500 remains the bleakest day in NASCAR history. The death of Dale Earnhardt from a crash on the last lap of the race robbed a family of its patriarch and the industry of the greatest stock car star of his era. But beyond the seven championships, The...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two-time defending national champion Georgia is the overwhelming preseason pick to win the 2023 Southeastern Conference title. Media covering the SEC’s media days that concluded Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., gave coach Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs 181 points to win the title Dec. 2 in the poll...

Edge rusher Alex Highsmith signed a four-year, $68-million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Good move, bad move … that’s beyond debate. It’s simply what the Steelers do. When a player of any regard is up for renewal, he gets what he wants. That’s the Steelers way. Highsmith didn’t even...

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to sign outside linebacker Alex Highsmith to a $68 million extension has been applauded by some. Others see it as overspending on an above average, but not great, player. One thing is for sure, the signing has kicked up another wave of scolding the Steelers for...

HOYLAKE, England — Environmental activists briefly interrupted play at the British Open on Friday by throwing an orange substance to the side of the 17th green at Royal Liverpool, prompting American player Billy Horschel to intervene. Police and security guards quickly took action to keep the Just Stop Oil protesters...

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — They were outscored 3-0. They were outshot 12-1. And for a nightmarish first half a the Women’s World Cup, every ball seemed to find the wrong foot. Costa Rica had a difficult showing to start its Women’s World Cup effort, losing 3-0 to Spain on a...

FUKUOKA, Japan — Katie Ledecky has almost never gone home with anything other than a gold or silver medal in the Olympics or world championships dating from the 2012 London Games. But it might happen again Sunday in the women’s 400-meter freestyle on the opening night in the pool of...

Editor’s note: From the end of minicamp through the day the team reports to training camp at Saint Vincent College, the Trib will be running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, assessing each player’s outlook for the 2023 season. The breakdown will go through the roster in mostly-alphabetical order, (at...

My first question to LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson regarding Pittsburgh Pirates first-round draft choice Paul Skenes was pretty simple. What are the Pirates getting in this guy? “You can’t get a better pitcher. And you can’t get a better person,” Johnson instantly replied. On the personality side, during his...

Friday’s “First Call” rebukes Pro Football Talk’s NFL head coach rankings, which place Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin second. We also find out who may sign former Steeler Arthur Maulet and what Steelers’ connection exists in the new ownership of the Washington Commanders. Plus, a new professional sports team in...