MLB
Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in three runs as the coronavirus-shortened Major League Baseball season finally got underway with the New YorkYankees defeating the defending champion Washington Nationals 4-1 in a game shortened by rain to 5 1/2 innings. In the nightcap of baseball’s opening twin bill, Kike Hernandez homered and knocked in five runs to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-1 rout of the rival San Francisco Giants.
The playoffs in Major League Baseball are close to being expanded to 16 teams. ESPN reports the MLB Players Association has approved the expansion. It would happen this season, but the owners still need to sign off on it.
NFL
The NFL and Players Association are still negotiating three key issues for the upcoming season. A conference call is scheduled for today as the two sides work to finalize an agreement on the rules and finances for the year. One of the key points is how to handle the league’s long-term finances and salary caps in future years.
PGA Tour
Richy Werenski is atop the leaderboard after the opening round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota. He fired an eight-under 63 in the first round and sits one stroke ahead of Michael Thompson. Tony Finau and six others are tied for third place at minus-six.
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin is in victory lane once again. Hamlin held off Brad Keselowski to win the Super Start Batteries 400 at NASCAR at Kansas. It’s the fifth win of the season for Hamlin. Martin Truex Junior took third while Kevin Harvick finished fourth. Erik Jones rounded out the top five.