MLB notebook: Pence, LeMahieu earn All-Star starts
The starting lineups for this summer’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game were announced Thursday night, with several surprises getting the nod.
NBA notebook: Celtics reported favorite for G Walker
The Boston Celtics are expected to make All-Star guard Kemba Walker a four-year, $141 million contract offer when free agency opens Sunday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
Blues re-sign Gunnarsson to two-year, $3.5 million deal
St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson will stay with the Stanley Cup champions after agreeing Thursday to a two-year, $3.5 million contract.
Report: Thunder’s Noel declines option
Oklahoma City Thunder big man Nerlens Noel declined his $1.99 million player option for 2019-20, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Thursday.
ATP roundup: Querrey pulls off second upset in two days
After upsetting fourth-seeded Dusan Lajovic of Serbia a day earlier, American Sam Querrey defeated fifth-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain 7-6 (4), 6-2 on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Nature Valley International in Eastbourne, England, to advan…
Rocketman Lashley defies low ranking to grab lead in Detroit
Nate Lashley defied his lowly world ranking and made the most of his late addition to the Rocket Mortgage Classic field as he grabbed a one-shot lead after the first round at the Detroit Golf Club on Thursday.
Hurricanes buy out Marleau; return to Sharks possible
The Carolina Hurricanes bought out the final year of forward Patrick Marleau’s contract on Wednesday, making the 39-year-old an unrestricted free agent when the signing period begins Monday.
Pirates’ rout sends Astros to first home series loss
Corey Dickerson and Josh Bell each belted a two-run homer, and Joe Musgrove tossed six strong innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates handed the Houston Astros their first series loss at home with a 10-0 romp on Thursday afternoon.
‘Best in the world’ Bronze has England dreaming of gold
There is plenty going right for Phil Neville’s England side, who reached the last four of the World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Norway on Thursday, but if there is one player who is truly making the difference it is right back Lucy Bronze.
Inspired England outclass Norway to make semi-finals
England marched into the women’s World Cup semi-finals with an impressive 3-0 victory over demoralized Norway on Thursday, delivering their best performance of the tournament.
