AP Sports Digest

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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BBO--SACRAMENTO EXPANSION

DESCRIPTION: The Sacramento region strives to be more than just a waystation for the Athletics before they complete their move from Oakland to Las Vegas. Local officials have put together what they describe as the “Sacramento Pitch” in hopes of being an expansion city if Major League Baseball makes the decision to add more teams following the resolution of collective bargaining. By Josh Dubow. 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--NANONEEDLE SCOPE

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — A miniaturized, flexible version of the traditional arthroscope is drawing praise after it was used in surgeries on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and other professional athletes. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--US OPEN

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills and it’s all about history. Scottie Scheffler is trying to take his place in history with his first chance at the career Grand Slam. Shinnecock Hills is trying to avoid recent history, and it’s not pretty. The last two U.S. Opens there were marred by greens that got out of control. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,100 words. Also moving for weekend editions. With US Open-Capsules and US Open-Facts & Figures.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-HURRICANES

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes got the needed uptick in production from top-line forwards Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho to move within a victory of claiming the Stanley Cup. By Bob Sutton. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--F1-BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A look ahead to the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the first since the Barcelona circuit lost the title of Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid. Including coverage of first and second practice sessions.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--WORLD CUP

SOC--WORLD CUP-BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA-CANADA

DESCRIPTION: Co-host nation Canada opens its World Cup schedule “hosting” Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Group B matchup at Toronto on Friday. Canada has yet to win in two previous World Cup appearances, while Bosnia and Herzegovina went 1-2 in group play in making its tournament debut in 2014. By John Wawrow. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: SOC--WCUP-US-PARAGUAY

DESCRIPTION: INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The U.S. plays Paraguay in its opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Christian Pulisic and the Americans hope to take early control of their group in their quest for the team’s best World Cup result. By Greg Beacham.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

___ ENT--WCUP-BOSNIA-VIRAL SONG

DESCRIPTION: The opening lyrics couldn’t be much plainer: “I am from Bosnia; take me to America.” But by rewriting their classic “USA,” the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv has transformed a song about disillusionment with the American Dream into a viral anthem powering Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own World Cup dreams.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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SOC--WCUP-KNICKS VS SOCCER

DESCRIPTION: In most nations hosting the World Cup, soccer is a fixation. But with the New York Knicks holding a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven NBA Finals against San Antonio and one win from their first title since 1973, attention is surely going to be split this weekend.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: SOC--WCUP-SOCCEROOS-CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

DESCRIPTION: Ahead of Australia’s World Cup opening match, the Socceroos made a video that celebrated the immigrants on the squad. The message of the video was simple: Soccer is for everyone. But is comes at a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise. By Anne M. Peterson. Upcoming: 400 words and photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

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GLF--CANADIAN OPEN

DESCRIPTION: CALEDON, Ontario — Brooks Koepka is part of a six-way tie for the lead going into the second round of the RBC Canadian Open. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/12/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--WCUP-SOUTH KOREA-CZECH REPUBLIC

Hwang In-beom sparks South Korea’s 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic at the World Cup

SUMMARY: Hwang In-beom has led South Korea to a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic in the World Cup. Hwang scored the Koreans’ first goal and assisted on Oh Hyeon-gyu’s decisive strike in a game played in front of hundreds of empty seats at Mexico’s Guadalajara Stadium. After a lackluster first half in which both teams were jeered as they left the field, the Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute on a header by captain Ladislav Krejci after a long throw-in into the penalty area. Hwang equalized with a nifty move in the 67th and Oh scored in the 80th.

WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 06/12/2026 12:57 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:496e7772dde95ca0af90b5074fdb13d9&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP

Svechnikov, Aho strike as Hurricanes top Golden Knights 4-2 to move within a win of the Stanley Cup

SUMMARY: Andrei Svechnikov scored twice and Sebastian Aho added a second-period goal in a breakout game for Carolina’s top-line performers, helping the Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Thursday night to move within a victory of winning the Stanley Cup. Captain Jordan Staal added his fifth goal in the series. It all came together in Game 5, with Svechnikov’s short putaway at the post on the power play giving Carolina a 4-1 lead midway through the third period. Brandon Bussi finished with 22 saves in his second career postseason start. That gave the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 is Sunday night in Las Vegas.

WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 06/12/2026 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3aa61150edc4db5c2ef44986f6a978f5&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-WOUNDED GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Pushed to brink, Vegas may have lost William Karlsson for the Stanley Cup Final

SUMMARY: The Vegas Golden Knights lost a very important part of their run to the Stanley Cup Final and are now on the verge of getting eliminated by Carolina. Center William Karlsson left their Game 5 loss to the Hurricanes after getting hit left arm and shoulder first into the boards by Sean Walker during the second period and did not return. In the second half of the night without him, Vegas took four penalties that turned into two Carolina power play goals. Carter Hart allowed four goals for a fifth consecutive game to start the series. They need to win Game 6 back home on Sunday to keep their season going.

WORDS: 591 - MOVED: 06/12/2026 12:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3a8cd90e85136af5c7a1083b41b433ad&mediaType=text

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FBC--BIG 12-SORSBY GAMBLING

Texas AG warns Big 12 could face legal action if league pursues sanctions against Tech over Sorsby

SUMMARY: The Texas Attorney General’s office has notified the Big 12 of potential legal action from Texas Tech. This follows a court order allowing quarterback Brendan Sorsby to regain NCAA eligibility despite gambling on sports. The Big 12’s executive board met Thursday to discuss options after a Texas court issued a temporary injunction Monday that prevents the NCAA from enforcing its ban on Sorsby. He had been ruled ineligible after betting on his own team while at Indiana. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark says the board will meet Monday to decide on a course of action.

WORDS: 1036 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 11:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:76c0911e336e5839e22efd83a9d83994&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani leaves Dodgers game vs. Pirates in 7th inning with left knee inflammation

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani was lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning of Thursday night’s 8-6 win over Pittsburgh due to left knee inflammation. The reigning NL MVP hit his 13th homer of the season, a solo shot, in the third inning. He also had a single and walked twice, reaching base in all four of his at-bats. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the significance of the injury and said the move to take Ohtani out of the game was precautionary.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 11:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b856c2022b467ca8bcdcca18b3604e0&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-JAPAN-ENDO OUT

Japan captain Wataru Endo is out of the World Cup and retires from international duty

SUMMARY: The Japan Football Association says captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the country’s World Cup squad due to a foot injury. Later Thursday the Liverpool midfielder announced his surprise retirement from international duty. The 33-year-old Endo posted his decision on his X account in Japanese three days before his team’s Group F opener against the Netherlands. “Since getting injured and up till this point, I’ve done everything I could and I have no regret,” said Endo, who underwent surgery on his left foot in February. “With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team.”

WORDS: 197 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 9:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:107688964d460bf54f0b9dcdace91972&mediaType=text

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US-NEVADA HENRY RUGGS PAROLE

Former Raider Henry Ruggs denied parole nearly 5 years after deadly car crash

SUMMARY: The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has denied parole for ex-NFL player Henry Ruggs. Nearly five years ago, Ruggs killed a woman in a car crash in Las Vegas. Ruggs is a former Raiders wide receiver. He drove his sports car at up to 156 mph and crashed into 23-year-old Tina Tintor’s vehicle. Prosecutors said his blood-alcohol level was 0.16%. Ruggs pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced in August 2023 to three to 10 years in prison. Ruggs will face the parole board again before his August 2027 release date. His attorneys say Ruggs continues to feel sorrow over Tintor’s death.

WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:521a31e9460d68ab216fb0549c85bee8&mediaType=text

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GLF--CANADIAN OPEN

Brooks Koepka goes on late birdie run and shares Canadian Open lead with 5 players

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka finally feels good about his putting. It carried him to four birdies in his last five holes for 64. That puts him in a six-way share of the lead after one round of the RBC Canadian Open. Also at 64 are Sam Burns, Sahith Theegala, Eric Cole and Emiliano Grillo. The surprise is Matthew Anderson. The Canadian lives in the area and knows the TPC Toronto. But he’s coming off five straight missed cuts on the Korn Ferry Tour. Cole needs a decent week to move into the top 60 in the world for a U.S. Open spot.

WORDS: 638 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 8:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0068beddc3861aa786d0403a2c302778&mediaType=text

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HKN--LIGHTNING-KUCHEROV-HART

Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov wins the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, his second such honor

SUMMARY: Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. It’s the second such honor of his career after also winning the Hart in 2019. Kucherov led the league with 1.71 points a game and with 130 was second to only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, who had 138. McDavid was a close second by 10 points in voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon was third and San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini fourth. Kucherov had 42 more points than his next-closest teammate.

WORDS: 142 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 7:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba9288fd8e5cdd2320152f1a02a954ac&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-MEXICO-SOUTH AFRICA

Mexico gets off to roaring World Cup start with a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match

SUMMARY: Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez helped Mexico make an exuberant start to the World Cup by scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament. With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the largest World Cup tournament in history by getting goals in each half while three red cards were shown — two for South Africa and one for Mexico. Quiñones gave Mexico the lead in the ninth minute. Jiménez added the second goal on a header in 66th.

WORDS: 694 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 7:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c9de5961b70f1b2cc6e754ff2db57c2&mediaType=text

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FBN--VIKINGS-QUARTERBACKS

Vikings to start training camp with the Murray-McCarthy turn-taking at QB before declaring a starter

SUMMARY: Taking turns with J.J. McCarthy has added an extra challenge for Kyler Murray as a newcomer to the Minnesota Vikings learning a complex offense. The Vikings are committed to staging a legitimate competition for their starting quarterback position at least during this less-urgent part of the offseason. The time in drills with the first team has thus been divided between Murray and McCarthy. That’s the way the Vikings will start training camp next month, too. The coaching staff has a plan for putting both quarterbacks in as many meaningful situations as they can in practice once the pads come on.

WORDS: 608 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 7:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4c52599098c88b6eda3143027685752&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-PULISIC-OPENER

Christian Pulisic is ready to shoulder the burden of US hopes in home World Cup opener vs Paraguay

SUMMARY: Christian Pulisic is the most accomplished and most famous player on his national team at the exact time when his nation is hosting a World Cup. His U.S. teammates recognize the extraordinary burden he is carrying while the Americans prepare for their home opener Friday night against Paraguay. Pulisic does not shy from the spotlight that will glare more brightly than ever in the next few weeks. He says the challenge is what he’s always wanted. Pulisic has enough achievement and enough faith in his teammates to focus on how far the Americans can go, not how far they might fall.

WORDS: 939 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 7:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a22e150876f7a2777a0ba3ae9fe7a59&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

Nelly Korda and ‘Legally Blonde’ team 3 shots back of Dow Championship on LPGA

SUMMARY: Nelly Korda and Olivia Cowan’s “Legally Blonde” team finishes three shots off the lead in the Dow Championship. European duo Nicole Broch Estrup and Gemma Dryburgh post a 3-under 67 in the tough foursomes format Thursday. They are joined by Camille Boyd and Michelle Zhang, and Hira Naveed and Gurleen Kaur. Hall of Famer Juli Inkster, 66, plays for the first time this year, teaming with Angel Yin for a 69. The alternate-shot format keeps teams close at Midland Country Club. Boyd and Zhang, calling themselves “Baddies,” have three birdies in their opening seven holes.

WORDS: 271 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 6:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:431fa28931380bfa7a11b78bca140f81&mediaType=text

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GLF--MICKELSON WOES

Report: Mickelson kicked out of San Diego club for inappropriate contact with female employee

SUMMARY: Golf Digest is reporting Phil Mickelson has been kicked out of a San Diego golf club for inappropriate contact with a female employee. Golf Digest cited multiple sources as saying Mickelson is no longer welcome at The Farms Golf Club. That’s where the six-time major champion has practiced and played for two decades. A spokesperson for Mickelson refers to it as a misunderstanding that has been cleared up. Mickelson has been out of the public eye for all but one LIV Golf event this year as he deals with a serious family health matter that remains undisclosed.

WORDS: 595 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 4:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46e54127ea21d616a08f3ad1b16fedf2&mediaType=text

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MMA--UFC-WHITE HOUSE-LEWIS

Derrick Lewis has President Donald Trump to thank for spot on UFC White House card

SUMMARY: Derrick Lewis scores another knockout in the UFC and shares a phone call with President Donald Trump. The conversation remains a mystery, but it highlights Lewis’ connection to the president. Trump, a longtime fight fan, asked UFC CEO Dana White months ago why Lewis wasn’t on the upcoming White House card. White quickly arranged a fight for Lewis against heavyweight Josh Hokit for Sunday on the South Lawn. Lewis is excited about the opportunity. Despite a troubled past, Lewis has become a fan favorite in the UFC.

WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 06/11/2026 1:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e030bb07945ee141c918f294888e2ec&mediaType=text