LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marcus Stroman carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and Ian Kinsler belted a two-run homer as the United States crushed Puerto Rico, 8-0 to win the World Baseball Classic. Stroman allowed just four balls past the infield and left to a standing ovation following Angel Pagan’s double leading off the seventh. The Toronto Blue Jays hurler silenced a Puerto Rican club that had outscored the opposition 55-26 while winning its first seven games of the tournament.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — World No. 1 Dustin Johnson has cruised into the next round of the Match Play Championship by earning a 5-and-3 victory over Webb Simpson. Second seed Rory McIlroy and No. 5 Jordan Spieth (speeth) were knocked out yesterday, while Jason Day withdrew to be with his ailing mother. Defending champion Jason Day conceded his match to Pat Perez, although details were unclear why the Australian stopped after a double bogey to fall 3 down before his departure.
UNDATED (AP) — Duke freshman Jayson Tatum, Florida State guard Dwayne Bacon and Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell have announced that they intend to give up their remaining college eligibility to enter the NBA draft. Also planning to leave early are Wake Forest sophomore forward John Collins, Syracuse’s Tyler Lydon and California sophomore forward Ivan Rabb. None of the players has signed with an agent.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Mike Rhoades has been introduced as the new men’s basketball coach at VCU, where he served as an assistant under former coach Shaka (SHAH’-kah) Smart. Rhoades returns to Richmond after posting a 47-52 record as head coach at Rice, including a 23-win season this year. He replaces Will Wade, who stepped down on Tuesday to become LSU’s head coach.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR has suspended the crew chiefs for Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick for violations discovered following Sunday’s Monster Energy race at Phoenix Raceway. Keselowski’s car failed post-race inspection, leading NASCAR to suspend crew chief Paul Wolfe for three races and fine him $65,000 while docking Team Penske 35 driver and owner points. Harvick crew chief Rodney Childers was suspended for one race and fined $25,000, while Stewart-Haas Racing team was docked 10 driver and 10 team owner points for an illegal track bar mount and supports.
