Orioles shut out for first time, Kyle Gibson stumbles again in 6-0 loss to Royals that ends in under 2 hours  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For much of the season, the Orioles' offense has started games slowly the first time through the batting order before unloading on starting pitchers the second and third time.

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 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.

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.

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 …

Brian Cashman says there's plenty of time for Yankees to turn things around: 'Don't count us out'  —  With his team sitting in last place, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman spoke to reporters for nearly 30 minutes before Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

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.

‘The Dark Knight’ Retires: Ex-Mets phenom Matt Harvey calls it quits on baseball career  —  Matt Harvey, one of Major League Baseball's last true pitching phenoms who thrilled New York City and navigated numerous peaks and valleys in a decadelong career, announced his retirement from the game Friday.

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.

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.

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.