Ritchie leads Braves over Nats 7-2 for 8th win in 9 games

WASHINGTON (AP) – JR Ritchie allowed a home run to James Wood on his first major league pitch, then rebounded to allow one more run over seven innings and lead the Atlanta Braves over the Washington Nationals 7-2 on Thursday for their eighth win in nine games.

Wisconsin interim AD unsure about how long he will have this title

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin interim athletic director Marcus Sedberry doesn’t know how long he might have this title.

Thunder's Jalen Williams leaves Game 2 against Suns with injury

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams left in the third quarter Wednesday night gainst the Phoenix Suns with a left hamstring injury.

Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock retiring in June

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) – Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock will retire from that position this summer and transition to an advisory role.

Saudi Arabia confirms coaching change as Donis replaces Renard

Saudi Arabia made its coaching change official Thursday by firing Hervé Renard and replacing him with Georgios Donis less than two months before the start of the World Cup.

Slumping Phillies release high-priced righty Taijuan Walker

CHICAGO (AP) – The slumping Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled righty Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Louisville and Jeff Brohm agree to extension through 2033 season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Louisville and football coach Jeff Brohm have agreed to a new contract that runs through the 2033 season and will pay an average of $8.1 million annually in base salary and retention payments.

Falcons' James Pearce Jr. agrees to enter pretrial intervention program

ATLANTA (AP) – Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program which his attorneys say will allow him to resolve three felony charges stemming from what police called a domestic dispute on Feb. 7 with his ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a WNBA player.

Oilers' Connor McDavid downplays injury, but he also has no points

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) – Connor McDavid downplayed getting banged up in Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers’ first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.