MLB-SCHEDULE
Kazmir, Bumgarner eye 13th wins
UNDATED (AP) β A pair of Bay Area pitchers will try to become the majors’ latest 13-game winners.
In Oakland, Scott Kazmir takes a 12-3 record to the mound against Kansas City’s James Shields. Before that, Madison Bumgarner takes the mound for the San Francisco Giants against the Mets in New York.
Baltimore hosts Seattle in a key AL matchup. The Orioles open play leading the AL East by 2 Β½ games over the Toronto Blue Jays, who are in Houston. The Mariners are two games behind the Jays for the final AL wild-card berth.
Detroit has a five-game lead over Kansas City in the AL Central heading into the Tigers’ game against visiting Colorado and the Royals’ game at Oakland.
The A’s enjoy a two-game lead over the Angels, who are in Tampa Bay.
Milwaukee’s lead in the NL Central is two games over Pittsburgh and 2 Β½ games ahead of St. Louis. The Brewers continue their series against the Cardinals in St. Louis, while the Pirates finish a series at Arizona.
The Los Angeles Dodgers own a 3 Β½-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West. The Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs and the Giants play the third game of a four-game set with the Mets in New York.
Washington will look to build on its 2 Β½-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East. The Nationals entertain Philadelphia and the Braves complete a series in San Diego.
The rest of the major league slate has the New York Yankees in Boston, Cleveland hosting Texas, Cincinnati at Miami and Minnesota in Chicago to face the White Sox.
NFL-BILLS/BON JOVI
Singer says he wants Bills to stay put
CANTON, Ohio (AP) β Jon Bon Jovi has gone directly to the media to let Bills fans know he would keep the NFL team in Buffalo should he win the bidding for the club.
His letter in The Buffalo News today marks the first time the rocker has publicly discussed his plans regarding the Bills. He says his group is committed to working with state and local officials to identify a new stadium site in the region.
Bon Jovi added that it’s his intention to carry on the legacy created by Ralph Wilson, the team’s original owner.
The Bills are for sale following Wilson’s death in March.
GOLF-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL
Sergio holds onto lead
AKRON, Ohio (AP) β Sergio Garcia is the leader heading into the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational.
Garcia enters today’s play at 14-under, three shots ahead of Rory McIlroy. First round-leader Marc Leishman (LEESH’-man) trails by five shots.
Tiger Woods is far from contention. Woods began his final round 15 shots back after winning in Akron eight times previously. Mickelson was 17 strokes off the pace following yesterday’s play.
Today’s round was suspended by rain for about 75 minutes before resuming within the hour.
GOLF-3M CHAMPIONSHIP
Chasing Perry
BLAINE, Minn. (AP) β Kenny Perry had a one-stroke lead over Marco Dawson heading into the final round of the Champion’s Tour’s 3M Championship in Minnesota. Perry is 16-under following yesterday’s 9-under 63.
Gary Hallberg, Gene Sauers, Bernhard Langer and Jeff Maggert shared third at minus-13.
GOLF-BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP
Ogilvy climbs leaderboard
RENO, Nev. (AP) β Geoff Ogilvy birdied the final hole yesterday to carry a three-stroke lead in the final round of the Barracuda Championship in Reno. Ogilvy had seven birdies and two bogeys in a 12-point round to push his total to 35 under the modified Stableford system.
Nick Watney is tied for second with Jason Allred.
NASCAR-GOBOWLING.COM 400
Larson has Pocono pole
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) β Kyle Larson starts from the pole for today’s GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway.
Joey Logano starts alongside Larson on the front row. Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch make up the third row, just ahead of Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. starts ninth as he tries to become the first driver to sweep Pocono since Denny Hamlin in 2006. Earnhardt will attempt to capture the second season sweep of his career and first since Talladega in 2002.
INDYCAR-HONDA INDY 200
Bourdais starts from pole
LEXINGTON, Ohio (AP) β Sebastien Bourdais is the pole-sitter for today’s running of the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
Points leader Helio Castroneves (EHL’-ee-oh kas-troh-NEHV’-us) starts 15th in the open wheel race. He enters the race with a 13 point-lead over teammate Will Power, who qualified sixth.
