American League Capsules

DETROIT (AP) - Ben Zobrist hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the ninth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays scored four runs in the ninth inning to beat Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers 4-2 on Wednesday.

Rockies rough up Giants, Lincecum

DENVER (AP) - Carlos Gonzalez tripled twice, drove in four runs and scored three times Wednesday night, leading the Colorado Rockies to a wild 17-8 win over Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants that recalled the pre-humidor days at Coors Field.

Smith leads Hornets past Kings

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Monty Williams decided it was time to loosen the reins on Jason Smith. By the looks of things, the Hornets coach won't be reeling the blossoming 7-footer back in any time soon.

All players in majors to wear No. 42 Sunday

NEW YORK (AP) - Major League Baseball will mark the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut by again having all players wear his No. 42 on Sunday. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. There will be pregame ceremonies at big league ballparks where games are played Sunday, and ...

Kinsler, Texas strike $75M, 5-year deal

Twins RHP Baker to miss season with elbow injury

Weiner: Steroids shouldn't keep players from Hall

Giants catcher Posey has shingles

Sports News Brief

TENNIS SERENA WILLIAMS ON US FED CUP TEAM; VENUS IS NOT: WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - Serena Williams is on the U.S. Fed Cup roster for matches against Ukraine on April 21-22, but her sister Venus is not. "She just played Miami and Charleston, so she's trying to gauge now her recovery, how much she can play," U.S. Fed Cup captain Mary Joe ...

SKI REPORTS

Royals Broxton wild as A's rally for win in 12

Blues will start Halak in goal vs Sharks

Stanford's football coordinators work to replace starters

NCAA puts Baylor basketball on 3 years' probation for calls

WACO, Texas (AP) - The NCAA put Baylor on three years of probation Wednesday after an investigation turned up hundreds of impermissible telephone calls and text messages sent to prep recruits by coaches and assistants on the basketball teams. The violations were considered to be major infractions, and they were announced less than a week after the Lady Bears won the national ...

NBA Capsules

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Chris Paul scored 31 points, including the game-winning shot on a layup with 8.8 seconds left, lifting the Los Angeles Clippers to a 100-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night that kept them in position for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Teams across the majors pushed to extra innings

OAKLAND (AP) - Josh Reddick rushed out of the ballpark, more eager than ever to get home from yet another extra-long work day.

A's sign first-round pick

OAKLAND (AP) - The Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms with first-round pick Billy McKinney on a deal that includes a $1.8 million bonus.

Big 3 help Heat even NBA Finals with Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - LeBron James was better as promised. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were the best they've been since the playoffs started.

Freiman's 18th-inning single lifts A's over Yanks

OAKLAND (AP) - Nate Freiman singled home the winning run in the 18th inning against Mariano Rivera, lifting the Oakland Athletics to a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Thursday for a three-game sweep.

Giants spoil Morton's return, pound Pirates 10-0

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Matt Cain allowed two hits over 6 2-3 innings and the San Francisco Giants pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-0 on Thursday night.

A long day and the lead for Lefty at US Open

ARDMORE, Pa. (AP) - Even for Phil Mickelson, his path to the top of the leaderboard Thursday in the U.S. Open was unconventional.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen: 'I like this team'

ALAMEDA (AP) - Coach Dennis Allen is pleased with the progress he's seen the past two months during the offseason program for the new-look Oakland Raiders.

49ers RB Frank Gore inspired by critics

SANTA CLARA (AP) - Frank Gore doesn't see turning 30 as a bad thing, even if it's the age when most NFL running backs start to decline.

Lots of fluids, rest after 3OT Stanley Cup opener

CHICAGO (AP) - Long after the celebration was over, Marian Hossa finally made it home and managed to fall asleep around 3 a.m. The Chicago star woke up a few hours later, roused by a noisy neighbor.

Giants fan beaten at Dodger Stadium returns home

SANTA CRUZ (AP) - A San Francisco Giants fan who suffered brain damage after a beating at Dodger Stadium has returned home after two years in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

A's honor retiring Yankees closer Mariano Rivera

OAKLAND (AP) - Yankees closer Mariano Rivera got a surfboard and a bottle of Napa Valley white wine as retirement gifts from the Oakland Athletics.

Moss has 2 HRs, Straily pitches A’s past Yankees

OAKLAND (AP) - Brandon Moss hit a two-run homer and a solo shot for his third career two-homer game, and the Oakland Athletics beat the New York Yankees 5-2 on Wednesday night to win their 10th straight home game.

Pirates power past struggling Zito, SF

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Barry Zito doesn't believe his quality pitches just magically disappear whenever the San Francisco Giants venture away from AT&T Park.

Blackhawks beat Bruins in 3OT opener

CHICAGO (AP) - Andrew Shaw skated off to the side and pumped his arms furiously.

49ers’ A.J. Jenkins making strides in second year

SANTA CLARA (AP) - If A.J. Jenkins had yet to call his dad on a given day last season, he would receive a text asking him to do so.