Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Abreu, White Sox rally past Red Sox in ninth
Jose Abreu hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning as the Chicago White Sox avoided a three-game sweep by beating the host Boston Red Sox 8-7 on Wednesday afternoon. Abreu battled Boston reliever Matt Barnes (3-3) in a 10-pitch at-bat, fouling off six offerings before taking a 2-2 pitch over the Green Monster and out of the park. His one-out blast drove in Yolmer Sanchez, who had singled.
Reports: Raptors' Gasol exercises $25.6 million option
Center Marc Gasol will pass on free agency and return to the Toronto Raptors in 2019-20 after exercising his $25.6 million player option on Wednesday. Gasol could have been an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on Sunday, but he will instead play out the final season of a five-year, $113.2 million pact.
Reyes, Padres erupt in rout of Orioles
Franmil Reyes hit two of the Padres' five home runs Wednesday afternoon as visiting San Diego completed a two-game sweep with a 10-5 victory over the Orioles. Reyes drove in three runs with a solo, 452-foot homer off Orioles starter Dylan Bundy in the third and a 412-foot, two-run shot off reliever Shawn Armstrong in the fifth. Reyes has 22 homers on the season.
ATP roundup: Fritz upsets top seed in Eastbourne
Taylor Fritz upended top-seeded Guido Pella of Argentina 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals at the Nature Valley International in Eastbourne, England. The 21-year-old American fired five of his 13 aces in the deciding set. Pella survived three match points before Fritz finished the upset in one hour, 58 minutes. Fritz will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, a 6-3, 7-6 (6) winner over American Steve Johnson.
No problem for U.S. Open champion Woodland
U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland is enjoying life as a newly-crowned major champion but has quickly realized that the biggest adjustment since his breakthrough victory may just be finding out how to say no. Woodland, who will return to action for the first time since his U.S. Open triumph when he tees it up at this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, has understandably experienced a sudden increase in requests.
California governor signs new horse racing rules after latest death
California's governor on Wednesday signed legislation allowing state officials to suspend or shut down horse races with little notice, responding to a furor over the death of 30 horses since December at the famed Santa Anita track near Los Angeles. In signing into law the legislation known as SB 469, passed unanimously by state lawmakers earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom gave the California Horse Racing Board greater leeway to step in when concerns are raised over track or animal safety.
D-backs ruin Gonsolin’s debut, whip Dodgers
Arizona led 4-0 after four batters to spoil the debut of Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin, and the Diamondbacks cruised to an 8-2 win Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix. D-backs center fielder Jarrod Dyson had a huge day, with three hits -- including a double -- a run, an RBI, two stolen bases and a leaping grab over the fence to rob Joc Pederson of a home run.
Report: Seeking Butler, Rockets shopping Capela, Gordon
Looking to clear the way for a sign-and-trade for Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Jimmy Butler, the Houston Rockets are shopping center Clint Capela, guard Eric Gordon and forward P.J. Tucker to cap-abundant teams, ESPN reported Wednesday. Citing league sources, ESPN reported the Rockets are shopping those players individually, seeking the best available first-round pick that they could then include in a deal for Butler.
Trump criticizes Rapinoe for spurning potential White House invite
United States President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday to criticize U.S women's soccer team co-captain Megan Rapinoe for saying she would not visit the White House if the team won the World Cup. Defending champions the United States face hosts France in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Torres rescues Yankees with walk-off single vs. Jays
Gleyber Torres hit a game-winning single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning as the New York Yankees overcame blowing a late lead and pulled out an 8-7 victory over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon. The win completed a three-game sweep and gave the Yankees 11 wins in their last 12 games as they head to London to face the Boston Red Sox in the first two major league games in Europe.
