How the Baltimore Orioles became a contender  —  KANSAS CITY — Austin Hays debuted for the Baltimore Orioles as a late September call-up in 2017 at 21, a year after Baltimore made its last playoff appearance.  The next season, spent by Hays at Double-A, they went 47-115.

Max Scherzer struggles against Tigers in first start since suspension: ‘It was bittersweet’  —  DETROIT — Max Scherzer used to dominate at Comerica Park.  He won the first of his three Cy Young Awards as a member of the Tigers and became one of the preeminent pitchers of his time during his five seasons in Detroit.

Chicago White Sox miss some prime opportunities — going 1-for-16 with RISP — in a 7-3, 12-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins  —  Chicago White Sox third baseman Hanser Alberto got hit by a pitch on the right arm on a 1-2 count with the bases loaded in the 10th inning against the Minnesota Twins.

Texas basketball legend Lance Blanks dead at 56  —  Cedric Golden Kirk BohlsAustin American-Statesman … Lance Blanks, one of the best shooting guards in Texas basketball history, died in Dallas on Wednesday.  He was 56.  —  The NBA confirmed Blanks' death late Thursday afternoon.

Chicago Cubs call up top prospect Matt Mervis — and he'll be at Wrigley Field on Friday  —  WASHINGTON — The Chicago Cubs are adding some thump to their lineup.  —  First baseman Matt Mervis has been called up from Triple-A Iowa, sources confirmed to the Tribune.

Warriors make surprising lineup change ahead of Game 2 vs. Lakers  —  JaMychal Green will make his first start as a Warrior in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals as Golden State faces the Los Angeles Lakers  —  The Warriors made a starting lineup change ahead of Thursday's Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Assembly leader: A's stadium deal running out of time in Nevada Legislature  —  The leader of the Nevada Assembly says the Legislature could “run out of time” on a potential deal to send hundreds of millions of dollars in public money to help construct a baseball stadium in Las Vegas …

Behind the scenes on Titans draft night: How Peter Skoronski landed in Tennessee  —  CHICAGO — In an alcove of a cozy restaurant, Peter Skoronski, known for being impenetrable, is surrounded by hope.  —  His phone rings, Skoronski answers, and his eyes get wide.

Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon fired after link to suspicious bets, sources say  —  Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired Thursday amid a widespread investigation into suspicious betting activity on the Crimson Tide's game against LSU six days ago.

Phillies' list of concerns starts with the rotation, and changes could be coming  —  LOS ANGELES — When Craig Kimbrel's fastball landed in the seats Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium and the Phillies trudged toward a long cross-country flight, they carried the second-worst ERA in the National League with them.

Giants' Dexter Lawrence lands four-year, $90 million contract extension: sources  —  Now the Giants just have to get Saquon Barkley done.  —  Stud defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is back in the fold after agreeing on Thursday to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with $60 million guaranteed, according to sources.

Rays' Zach Eflin asked by umps to remove wedding ring during start  —  One inning into Rays starter Zach Eflin's 7-inning gem against Pittsburgh, the umpiring crew had him remove a ring from his glove hand during a conference on the mound with Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash present.