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AP Sports Digest

Posted

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BKC--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four media day, practices:

BKC--NCAA-Final Four -- The shot Braylon Mullins made to fill out the Final Four bracket was just the latest in many reminders this March Madness that not all the magic has disappeared from college sports. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos by 6 a.m.

BKC--NCAA-Big Men -- Illinois has the biggest roster in the country. Arizona isn’t far behind, while Michigan and UConn rank in the top 10% of Division I in average size. That’s set the stage for the big men to command the stage at the Final Four. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos by 4 p.m.

BKC--NCAA-Michigan-Arizona Matchups -- In a highly anticipated showdown of top seeds at the Final Four, Michigan and Arizona have intriguing matchups at both ends of the court and on the sideline. By Larry Lage. Text, photos by 4 p.m.

BKC-NCAA-Fresh Faces -- Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and UConn guard Bryalon Mullins are fresh faces in this year’s Final Four. But in a season where freshman dominated the cross-country landscape, one of these two will be playing for something the other big names won’t: a national championship. By Michael Marot. Text, photos by 5 p.m.

BKC-NCAA-Unbeaten Hoosiers-- Bob Knight’s halftime speech on March 29, 1976, was an instant classic. Trailing by six against Michigan, The General challenged his players to make history. Indiana responded with one of the most dominant halves in NCAA Tournament history to complete the last perfect season in Division I men’s basketball. By Michael Marot. Text, photos by 7 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, including previews of the Final Four:

BKW--NCAA-South Carolina-UConn Preview -- UConn and South Carolina meet in the Final Four a year after the two teams played for the national championship. For the first time in 11 years the powerhouse programs didn’t meet in the regular season. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Text, photos by 6 p.m.

BKW--NCAA-Texas-UCLA-Preview -- UCLA is one game away from playing for the program’s first NCAA national championship. Standing in the Bruins’ way is Texas, the only team to beat them this season. By John Marshall. Text, photos by 7 p.m.

BKW--NCAA-Final Four Bigs -- Women’s basketball players are getting bigger, yet more athletic and skilled. Some of the best bigs in the game will be at the Final Four this weekend. By John Marshall. Text, photos by 7 p.m.

BKW--NCAA-Clutch Moments -- Championships are often won by teams who come through in clutch moments during big games. The problem for UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina? They’ve been so dominant that they don’t have much experience dealing with them. By David Brandt. Text, photos by 7 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-DELTA STATE

DESCRIPTION: From a quiet 1973 debut with little fanfare, Delta State women’s basketball quickly rose into an early national powerhouse. Though its prominence has faded since debuting as the No. 1 team in the women’s basketball poll 50 years ago, its legacy still endures.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--CELTICS-TATUM

DESCRIPTION: Jayson Tatum had a triple-double for Boston on Wednesday, his first since tearing his Achilles last season. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--MASTERS

DESCRIPTION: AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Rory McIlroy had the Masters green jacket on his shoulders and an enormous weight off his back when he looked ahead to the 90th edition of the Masters with a question and a coy smile. ”“What are we going to talk about next year?” he said. Next year arrives on April 9 with the usual suspect of contenders, 22 newcomers to Augusta National and no Tiger Woods. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Also for weekend editions. Upcoming: 1,000 words, photos. With Masters-Facts & Figures and Masters-Hole by Hole.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBA-PLAYOFF CHASE-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: A daily look at the NBA’s playoff chase.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKW--AP COACH OF THE YEAR

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press will announce its coach of the year in women’s college basketball, chosen by the media who votes for the weekly Top 25. By Doug Feinberg. Text, photos. Announcement at 3 p.m. Eastern. Ceremony at 7:45 p.m. Eastern.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--AP PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press will announce its player of the year in women’s college basketball, chosen by the media who votes for the weekly Top 25. By Doug Feinberg. Text, photos. Announcement at 4 p.m. Eastern. Ceremony at 7:45 p.m. Eastern.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC-WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Real Madrid plays at Barcelona and Lyon hosts Wolfsburg in the return leg of their Champions League quarterfinals.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--AUGUSTA NATIONAL AMATEUR

DESCRIPTION: EVANS, Ga. -- Maria Jose Marin shares the lead going into the second round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. The cut to top 30 and ties determines who plays the final round at the home of the Masters. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-GREATEST PLAYERS

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press is marking the 50th anniversary of the AP Women’s Basketball Poll with the AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience. The greatest players of the women’s poll era, selected by a 13-member panel, were honored Thursday at the Final Four, along with Delta State University, the first No. 1 team in the inaugural 1976 poll. By Alanis Thames. 350 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--TEXAS OPEN

DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO -- Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Jordan Spieth lead the field at the Valero Texas Open, the last chance for someone not already invited to earn a spot in the Masters by winning. Upcoming: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: The first round of the Aramco Championship takes place.

UPCOMING: By 04/02/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SPURS-WARRIORS

Victor Wembanyama’s 41 points and 18 rebounds lead Spurs to 10th straight win, 127-113 over Warriors

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points for the second straight game, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked three shots, and the San Antonio Spurs ran away from the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-113 win. Wembanyama had 10 of his team’s initial 14 points just 3:36 into the game and San Antonio jumped ahead 17-3 and he finished 16 for 22 from the field in his fourth 40-point performance of the season. The Spurs extended their winning streak to 10 games — also the team’s 15th victory in the last 16 contests — as they try to chase the first-place and idle Thunder in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference.

WORDS: 373 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8114807e1d0915481a5814295c7d768f&mediaType=text

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BKN--CELTICS-BIG QUARTER

Celtics score 53 points in 1st quarter at Miami, setting club record for opening period

SUMMARY: The Boston Celtics had a first quarter like none other in their storied history. The Celtics scored 53 points for their biggest-scoring first quarter ever. They accomplished the feat in the opening 12 minutes of their game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Boston’s barrage is tied for the second-highest-scoring first quarter in NBA regular-season history. Golden State had a 55-point opening quarter at Portland on April 9, 2023 and Miami had a 53-point opening quarter against Charlotte on Nov. 7.

WORDS: 446 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 10:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4dc260039e76b2e3d3e820094fc92e03&mediaType=text

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BKN--KINGS-RAPTORS

DeMar DeRozan scores 28 points to pass Dominique Wilkins on career list, Kings beat Raptors 123-115

SUMMARY: DeMar DeRozan scored 14 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, Precious Achiuwa had 28 points and a season-high 19 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings beat the Toronto Raptors 123-115. DeRozan reached 26,688 career points to move past Dominique Wilkins into 17th place on the NBA’s all-time list. DeRozan shot 7 for 18 but went 12 for 12 at the foul line. Malik Monk scored 18 points, Devin Carter had 13 and Daeqwon Plowden 11 as the Kings snapped a four-game losing streak and ended a five-game road trip with a victory. RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles each scored 20 points for Toronto.

WORDS: 354 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 10:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eac69f0cd57e3800249b5e7c33ce56c9&mediaType=text

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SOC--WORLD CUP-TICKETS

FIFA raises top ticket price for World Cup final to $10,990 during glitch-hampered sales reopening

SUMMARY: FIFA raised its top ticket price for the World Cup final to $10,990 during the glitch-hampered reopening of sales after the 48-team field for this year’s tournament was finalized. The price had been $8,680 when FIFA sold tickets after the tournament draw in December. FIFA’s category 2 tickets for the July 19 game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were $7,380, up from $5,575, and category 3 cost $5,785, an increase $4,185. Tickets were listed for 17 of the 72 group-stage matches by Wednesday night and none of the knockout stage games.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 10:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4bb8a9eb9aa285f55caa4b9405fb182&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-NACUA

Rams WR Puka Nacua went to rehab before being sued for assault and battery by a woman, attorney says

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua was in rehab before he was sued for assault and battery by a woman who says he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder, his attorney said on Wednesday. Nacua issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream. Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him in the fifth round out of BYU in 2023.

WORDS: 214 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 9:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:227782ceba26431f12de4591cbb965e4&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-CLARKE ARRESTED

Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke arrested in Arkansas on drug and speeding charges

SUMMARY: Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance. Injuries have limited Clarke to only two games played this season with the seven-year veteran ruled out for the rest of this season. Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said he was aware of the report but had no comment before Memphis played the New York Knicks. The Cross County Sheriff’s Department logged Clarke as booked into jail Wednesday afternoon for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance. The department’s website also included a booking photo for Clarke.

WORDS: 208 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca85490d41bc17db646ddf246d051be1&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-MENDOZA

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza puts on impressive show at Indiana’s biggest pro day

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza warmed up with his college roommate Wednesday while nearly two dozen college teammates took turns running the 40-yard dash. Then the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback did what he always seems to do and delivered another impressive performance. All 32 teams sent scouts to Indiana, more than 100 media members were credentialed and dozens of others showed up for a Hoosiers pro day unlike any other. Most came to see the guy expected to be the first-overall pick in this month’s NFL draft.

WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 7:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:df67535e2bea88e979858b5f5c330bd8&mediaType=text

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BKC--KANSAS-SELF

Kansas coach Bill Self is returning for a 24th season with the Jayhawks

SUMMARY: Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is returning for a 24th season with the Jayhawks. The program released a statement Wednesday. That confirmed his return to a program where he has won 21 regular-season conference championships, reached four Final Fours and won two national championships. The Jayhawks fell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They lost on a buzzer-beater to St. John’s and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Pitino. Health has been an issue for Self in recent years. He had two stents inserted in 2023 and two more last year. He made a precautionary hospital trip earlier this year.

WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 7:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc0d1f122930d7d006c7934b7ba8d12b&mediaType=text

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GLF--TIGER-WOODS-CRASH

Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup captain’s job and seeks treatment out of country

SUMMARY: Tiger Woods has formally turned down the Ryder Cup captaincy as he steps away from golf activities. And a Florida judge approved his motion to leave the country to seek treatment. These developments come a day after Woods entered a not guilty plea to suspicion of driving under the influence. His SUV clipped a trailer and flipped on its side last week near his home in Florida. Woods posted a statement Tuesday night saying he was stepping away indefinitely to focus on his health. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, said Woods needs comprehensive inpatient treatment that cannot be done safely in the United States.

WORDS: 572 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6bb5b7cf4aae23a9ace4b483f1ef6083&mediaType=text

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FBC--OLE MISS-GOLDING-RESPONDS

2 months later, Pete Golding responds to Dabo Swinney’s tampering rant

SUMMARY: Pete Golding responded to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney accusations of tampering from two months ago. Golding recounted the acquisition of linebacker Luke Ferrelli from his perspective Tuesday. Ferrelli, a freshman from Cal, joined Clemson via the transfer portal in January but transferred to Ole Miss 20 days later. Golding explained that Ferrelli wanted to be at Ole Miss and took an available spot. Swinney compared the situation to “having an affair on your honeymoon” and forwarded evidence to the NCAA. The NCAA vice president of enforcement stated they would investigate credible allegations. No ruling has been made.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d596ad730bf93b09d39800015da5abb5&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-ALCANTARA

Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara throws his 2nd career ‘Maddux’ and MLB’s 1st complete game of the season

SUMMARY: Sandy Alcantara never stopped believing in himself. Not when Tommy John surgery robbed him of the 2024 season. Not when 2025 ended in a disappointing 11-12 record, and a 5.36 ERA. Instead, he kept the faith. Alcantara threw the first complete game of the MLB season in a 93-pitch shutout on Wednesday, leading the Miami Marlins to a 10-0 domination of the Chicago White Sox. It was Alcantara’s second career shutout with fewer than 100 pitches, known as a “Maddux” in honor of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. Alcantara also threw his 13th career complete game and fifth shutout.

WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f7753dddb9c2c27bdb1e0b983b4eb51&mediaType=text

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BKN--SUNS-IZZO

Michigan State’s Tom Izzo says he had serious talks last year about coaching NBA’s Phoenix Suns

SUMMARY: Michigan State’s Tom Izzo said Wednesday on “The Dan Patrick Show” that he considered coaching the Phoenix Suns after discussing the possibility last year with one of his former players, Mat Ishbia, who owns the NBA team. The 71-year-old Hall of Fame coach chose to lead the Spartans for a 31st season and extended his record of reaching 28 consecutive NCAA Tournaments. They were eliminated by Connecticut in the Sweet 16. Izzo has turned down multiple opportunities to coach in the NBA, including with Cleveland and Atlanta.

WORDS: 230 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d58566b50b953d67090fa1ecfc3bdc9&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Arsenal fends off Chelsea to reach Women’s Champions League semifinals, Bayern also advances

SUMMARY: Defending champion Arsenal has advanced to the Women’s Champions League semifinals despite a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in a London derby. With a 3-1 home victory in the first leg of the quarterfinal last week, Arsenal reached the last four on a 3-2 aggregate score and will next face either Wolfsburg or Lyonnes. Sjoeke Nüsken scored for Chelsea from close rage in the fourth minute of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge. Earlier, Bayern Munich rallied with two late goals in three minutes to beat Manchester United 2-1 and advance to the semifinals on a 5-3 aggregate score.

WORDS: 353 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 6:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b9afb37939376c452a1c6899370a199&mediaType=text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-PIONEER PROGRAMS

Pioneer women’s basketball powers fade into the shadows full of pride as money reshapes the game

SUMMARY: There was a time when Immaculata, Queens College, Wayland Baptist and Delta State were among the powerhouse programs of women’s basketball, much like UConn and South Carolina are today. During the early years of the women’s basketball poll those schools dominated the now dissolved Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. But after the NCAA took over the sport in 1982, the game professionalized and competitive advantages shifted to big schools with seemingly unlimited budgets. Pioneering programs stand in the shadows as money has reshaped the game. While they have been unable to sustain the dynasty-level success that shaped women’s hoops in the 1970s, the pride that fueled their championship runs remains.

WORDS: 1356 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 5:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0b6c0487815656e7bf6ae19eab71bf8&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-SKENES

Pirates’ Paul Skenes limits Reds’ offense and gets his 1st win of 2026

SUMMARY: Paul Skenes quickly shrugged off the shortest start of his dominant major league career. Pirates fans shouldn’t worry either after Skenes returned to form on Wednesday. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner allowed one run in five innings and struck out five in the Pirates’ 8-3 win over the Reds. Skenes walked Cincinnati’s TJ Friedl, then retired eight straight, including three strikeouts. He walked Friedl twice in three innings before Elly De La Cruz singled for the Reds’ first hit. Skenes retired four of the last five batters he faced and departed after throwing 77 pitches, including 51 strikes.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 5:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a6009ede585137cc9d8efe5b8aa6009&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-MARLINS

Sandy Alcantara throws a shutout on 93 pitches to lead Marlins over White Sox 10-0

SUMMARY: Sandy Alcantara threw the first complete game of the MLB season in a 93-pitch shutout to lead the Miami Marlins over the Chicago White Sox 10-0. It was Alcantara’s second career shutout with fewer than 100 pitches, known as a “Maddux” in honor of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. It was his 13th career complete game. Liam Hicks homered, had two singles and drove in four runs to increase his major league-leading count of RBIs to 12. Otto López also went deep and Graham Pauley doubled twice for the Marlins, who ended the homestand 5-1, their best start since 2020.

WORDS: 362 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0abbafbb2ad48ad4a990a294bd836453&mediaType=text

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BBO--ORIOLES-ABS WALK-OFF

Baltimore’s Samuel Basallo makes MLB’s first game-ending robo-ump challenge

SUMMARY: Samuel Basallo made a little history when the Baltimore catcher became the first major leaguer to end a game with a successful challenge via the Automated Ball-Strike System. Albert Suárez was on the mound for the Orioles in the top of the ninth inning against Texas when his 1-2 pitch to Evan Carter with two outs was called a ball by plate umpire Manny Gonzalez. Basallo challenged, the replay showed most of the ball catching the upper outside corner of the strike zone, and Baltimore’s 8-3 win was in the books.

WORDS: 343 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:49242393bf5d06703332f2ed98c66272&mediaType=text

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BBO--RANGERS-ORIOLES

First game-ending robot umpire call gives Suárez first save in 9 years as O’s top Rangers 8-3

SUMMARY: The first game-ending call by a so-called robot umpire gave Albert Suárez his first major league save in nine years, ending the Baltimore Orioles’ 8-3 win over the Texas Rangers. A 1-2 fastball on the upper, outside corner to Evan Carter was called a ball by plate umpire Manny Gonzalez. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo tapped his helmet, initiating the challenge. About 13 seconds later, the graphic from the Automated Ball-Strike System showed the ball clipped the strike zone. Basallo jogged to the mound as Gonzalez made the announcement and the catcher hugged Suárez. Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers homered.

WORDS: 415 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:37bb117272e52724a72fcaf9460c5846&mediaType=text

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SOC--US-THE WAIT

US players on World Cup roster bubble have soccer’s ultimate Fear Of Missing Out

SUMMARY: American soccer players will be anxiously awaiting coach Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster announcement. He will select 26 players from a pool of 35 to 40 and says “it’s going to be painful.” The roster will be revealed on May 26 in New York. Twelve players are likely picks, while about two dozen others are in contention. Recent losses to Belgium and Portugal have raised doubts among fans and pundits, but Pochettino remains optimistic. He believes the team can improve before its World Cup opener against Australia on June 12. Players are focusing on their club careers in the meantime.

WORDS: 722 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17f9d2d6c6a814bfe59810210780232c&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA-TRANSFER PENALTIES

NCAA approves suspensions for coaches and fines for schools that take ‘ghost transfers’

SUMMARY: The NCAA Division I Cabinet on Wednesday approved emergency legislation that will severely penalize coaches and schools that sign, add to the roster or allow athletic participation by an athlete in any sport who transfers without first going through the portal process. Penalties include a suspension of the head coach for 50% of a season and a fine amounting to 20% of that sport’s budget. The rule change was initially proposed by the Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee and has been adopted for all sports in Division I. It is effective immediately.

WORDS: 307 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 4:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7442afa26f1f67f9c74f33444f259be&mediaType=text

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BBO--RAYS-BREWERS-BUCKNOR

Umpire C.B. Bucknor leaves Rays-Brewers game after foul tip strikes him in his face mask

SUMMARY: Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor has left the Tampa Bay Rays’ game with the Milwaukee Brewers after a foul tip hit him in the face mask. The game was in the second inning when Tampa Bay’s Nick Fortes swung at a 100-mph fastball from Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski and hit a ball that went backward and struck Bucknor. Chad Fairchild moved over from first base to behind the plate after Bucknor’s departure as part of a transition to a three-man crew.

WORDS: 145 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 3:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82deec71864cebaee39cd19889c01555&mediaType=text

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US--QUADRUPLE AMPUTEE-SHOOTING

Quadruple amputee cornhole player acted in self-defense when shooting car passenger, lawyer says

SUMMARY: A Maryland judge has denied bail to a quadruple amputee professional cornhole player accused of fatally shooting a passenger in his Tesla last month. District Court Judge ordered Dayton James Webber to remain jailed without bail during a hearing by videoconference Wednesday. An attorney for Webber says his client acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells, and that he expects “a lengthy trial” to prove it. The 27-year-old Webber, whose arms and legs were amputated at 10 months old to save his life from a disease, is charged with murder and other counts. He hasn’t entered a plea and is due back in court May 6.

WORDS: 555 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 2:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a988cb3ce8c2d0159a7c51c51f980bc8&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-UNDEFEATED UCONN

Geno Auriemma taking an undefeated UConn team to Final Four for 9th time

SUMMARY: Geno Auriemma is taking an undefeated UConn team into the women’s Final Four for the ninth time. Unlike past teams with swaggering stars such as Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, this group is described by their coach as really nice kids who play hard for each other. With AP All-America teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the 38-0 Huskies are trying to repeat as national champions after Paige Bueckers was there last year before being the WNBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick. UConn plays in its record 25th Final Four on Friday night when facing South Carolina on Friday in a rematch of last year’s championship game.

WORDS: 957 - MOVED: 04/01/2026 2:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1e1652da78a4952a1ac87f16141c5a6&mediaType=text

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