Sports

Sports Shorts

Mlb: Stars refute PED rumor

Jack Clark, former Cardinal slugger who was last seen in the major leagues as the Dodgers hitting coach in 2003, claimed on his St. Louis radio show, “I know for a fact” Albert Pujols used steroids, and also stated that Justin Verlander used them, too.

Clark claimed Chris Mihlfeld, a former trainer for Pujols, had told him about Pujols’ use. Mihlfeld then told ESPN, “His statements are simply not true.”

Before the Yankees and Tigers game last night, Verlander responded with: “It’s moronic. Look at the source. It’s moronic to talk about something you know nothing about and clearly … he’s not watching.”

According to reports, Pujols is seeking legal action against the radio station and Clark.

In Chicago, Justin Morneau hit two late homers, including a grand slam, and the Twins rallied to beat the White Sox, 7-5, in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.

Before the game, the White Sox dealt Alex Rios to the Rangers, who beefed up their outfield for the stretch run with All-Star Nelson Cruz suspended.

The Rangers will also receive cash considerations while sending the White Sox a player to be named later or cash.

In Toronto, Josh Reddick broke out of a slump by homering in three consecutive at-bats, Jed Lowrie and Yoenis Cespedes also connected and the Athletics beat the Blue Jays, 14-6.

In Atlanta, Justin Upton, Chris Johnson and Brian McCann homered, Brandon Beachy pitched eight strong innings and the Braves beat the Marlins, 5-0, for their 14th straight victory.

In Cleveland, Jered Weaver got the win and Josh Hamilton hit a three-run homer as the Angels ended their four-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Indians.

The Phillies designated outfielder Delmon Young for assignment.

Olympics: Obama: U.S. won’t boycott

President Barack Obama rejected the idea of the United States boycotting the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year despite several significant disputes with Russia.

Obama said the United States was reassessing its relationship with Moscow, but U.S. athletes should not be penalized by the nations’ differences.

Tennis: Pospisil, Raonic to meet

Nikolay Davydenko retired in the first set, sending Canadian Vasek Pospisil through to the semifinals at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

Pospisil had a 3-0 lead when his opponent informed the chair umpire he could not continue.

Pospisil will now play Canadian Milos Raonic, after he defeated Ernests Gulbis of Latvia, 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-4, who had taken out second-seeded Andy Murray.

Etc.: Penguins hire Martin

The Penguins hired longtime NHL head coach Jacques Martin to serve as an assistant under Dan Bylsma.

Four former Vanderbilt football players have been indicted on five counts of aggravated rape each of an unconscious 21-year-old student at a campus dormitory in June.