National Sports - The Morning Sun

United States' Sophia Smith, right, celebrates her goal against Canada with teammates during the shoot out of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

U.S. and Mexico drop bid to host 2027 World Cup, Brazil and joint German-Dutch-Belgian bids remain

The U.S. Soccer Federation and its Mexican counterpart dropped their joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup and said they instead will focus on trying to host the 2031 tournament. The … more

By RONALD BLUM | 4/29/24

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, middle, watches along with teammates during the second half of Game 4 of the first round NBA playoff basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Bucks and 76ers, who had high expectations this season, face early elimination Tuesday in Game 5s

Perhaps neither Milwaukee nor Philadelphia would’ve been good enough to beat a Boston team that ran away to the NBA’s best record. The Bucks and 76ers surely never thought about going out in the … more

By BRIAN MAHONEY | 4/29/24

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) waves after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Kelce will bring his highly successful music festival called Kelce Jam back to Kansas City. The second annual one-day event held on May 18 will be hosted by the superstar tight end of the Chiefs and headlined by Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Diplo and local legend Tech N9ne. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Chiefs and tight end Travis Kelce agree to 2-year extension, AP source says

The Chiefs and four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce have agreed on a two-year contract extension that would keep him with the Super Bowl champions through the 2027 season, a person familiar with … more

By DAVE SKRETTA | 4/29/24

FILE - Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden, right, celebrates his victory with team owner Roger Penske after the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg auto race, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Team Penske suffered a humiliating disqualification Wednesday, April 24, when reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden was stripped of his victory in the season-opening race for manipulating his push-to-pass system. Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin, who finished third in the opener on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, was also disqualified. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson, File)

Analysis: IndyCar cheating scandal risks sullying Roger Penske's perfect image

Roger Penske's pristine image in motorsports has taken some hits over the past two weeks. Two of his drivers, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, were disqualified from the season-opening race in … more

By JENNA FRYER | 4/29/24

Actor Will Ferrell, right, cheers as Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stands in goal during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Oilers Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Analysis: The NHL playoffs are off to an odd start, from the net out

The greatest goal-scorer of this generation was held without a point for the first time in a series in his nearly two-decade NHL career. The best goaltender in the league this season has given up a … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 4/29/24

FILE - In this May 17, 2015, file photo, trainer Bob Baffert rubs the head of 2015 Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, May 17, 2015. Baffert will miss the race for the third consecutive year. He served a two-year suspension by Churchill Downs Inc. after his 2021 winner Medina Spirit was disqualified for a failed drug test. But the track’s corporate ownership meted out an additional year of punishment. (AP Photo/Garry Jones, File)

Horse racing's household name will miss the 150th Kentucky Derby. Bob Baffert is exiled for 3rd year

The 150th Kentucky Derby is missing horse racing’s household name. Bob Baffert owns a record-tying six victories, but he won’t be saddling a horse in Saturday’s Run for the Roses for the third … more

By BETH HARRIS | 4/29/24

Denny Hamlin, front left, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Denny Hamlin says 'worse drivers' than him have won a NASCAR championship. Who does he mean?

Denny Hamlin is off to one of the best starts of his two-decade career, with three wins for Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin and Christopher Bell have delivered four wins this season to JGR. William Byron … more

By DAN GELSTON | 4/29/24

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout, left, speaks with third base coach Eric Young Sr. during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Mike Trout is healthy and producing. That hasn't been enough for the Shohei Ohtani-less Angels

Mike Trout has been healthy this year and is leading the major leagues in home runs. So far, that hasn’t been enough to help the Los Angeles Angels withstand Shohei Ohtani’s departure. Trout … more

By NOAH TRISTER | 4/29/24

FILE - New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. The Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with running back Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to terms on a contract with the former two-time rushing champion, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday, April 29, 2024.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott reuniting after agreeing to deal, AP source says

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with running back Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to terms on a contract with the former two-time rushing champion. Elliott … more

By SCHUYLER DIXON | 4/29/24

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant pauses on the court during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 122-116, taking the series 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker and Beal. It produced zero playoff wins

The Phoenix Suns thought they had built a formidable superteam during the offseason by adding three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to form a star-studded trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. It … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

FILE - Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) looks to pass during the first half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the New York Liberty Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in New York. Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner will be back on the courts chasing another WNBA title when camps open on Sunday, April 28. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

WNBA franchises look to build and strengthen chemistry during camp in their hunt for championships

The New York Liberty know how tough it is to put together a talented roster, have players jell in their first year together and win a title. They fell just short last year, losing to the Las Vegas … more

By DOUG FEINBERG | 4/29/24

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers outmatch Capitals with depth and balance to move on in playoffs

The New York Rangers outmatched the Washington Capitals in nearly every possible way to move on to the second round of the NHL playoffs in dominant fashion. The Rangers swept the Capitals thanks to … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards celebrates a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 122-116, taking the series 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Edwards and Towns lead Timberwolves into the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs for 1st time since 2004

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in 20 years. Their first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns served notice they might be ready to go even … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray's status in jeopardy for Game 5 vs. Lakers because of calf injury

The Denver Nuggets on Sunday listed point guard Jamal Murray as questionable for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a strained left calf. Murray was seen nursing the calf in the fourth … more

By ARNIE STAPLETON | 4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach hChris Finch calls times out during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 26, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch leaves game in 4th quarter after collision with Mike Conley

Minnesota coach Chris Finch was helped off the court late in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night after colliding with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley. Conley was trying to … more

4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) tries to get off a shot as Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Edwards scores 40 points and Timberwolves outlast Suns 122-116 to finish first-round sweep

Anthony Edwards scored 40 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 and the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away late to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-116 and sweep the first-round playoff series. Edwards scored … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

New York Rangers players celebrate after scoring against the Washington Capitals during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Sunday April 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Rangers finish off sweep of the Capitals, move on to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs

The New York Rangers have advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs after finishing off a sweep of the Washington Capitals with a 4-2 victory in Game 4. Artemi Panarin scored the go-ahead goal … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 4/28/24

Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton (24) during the first half of Game 4 of the first round NBA playoff basketball series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pacers hit franchise playoff best 22 3-pointers to beat Bucks 126-113, take 3-1 lead in series

Myles Turner scored 29 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 24 and the Indiana Pacers made a franchise playoff record 22 3-pointers as they pulled away from the Milwaukee Bucks 126-113. Indiana leads the … more

By MICHAEL MAROT | 4/28/24

Hannah Green hits from the second tee during the fourth round of the LPGA's JM Eagle LA Championship golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Hannah Green wins LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for 2nd straight year

Hannah Green won LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for the second straight year Sunday, holing out twice from off the greens in a pivotal back-nine stretch at Wilshire Country Club. A year after … more

4/28/24

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy argues a call during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Crew chief says Judge should have been called for interference on slide during Yankees' rally

Crew chief Andy Fletcher says Aaron Judge should have been called for interference for his slide on a botched double-play attempt that sparked New York’s winning rally in the Yankees’ 15-5 … more

By STEVE MEGARGEE | 4/28/24