Morning Briefing May 19, 2010
Basketball
With a lucky charm from the franchise’s best days, the Washington Wizards won the NBA’s draft lottery Tuesday night.
Washington moved up from the No. 5 spot to earn the top pick in next month’s draft, when it will likely choose between Kentucky freshman John Wall and national player of the year Evan Turner of Ohio State.
The Wizards were represented by Irene Pollin, who wore the 1978 Bullets championship ring of her late husband, longtime owner Abe Pollin.
Abe Pollin died at age 85 in November.
The Philadelphia 76ers moved up to grab the No. 2 pick, followed by New Jersey, Minnesota, Sacramento and Golden State.
The NBA draft is June 24 in New York.
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has started showing up at work on occasion and is getting out more as he slowly recovers from throat cancer and its complications.
Karl, 59, said he intends to return to coaching later this summer, health permitting.
American League
Blue Jays 11, Twins 2: Shaun Marcum pitched seven solid inning, leading Toronto past visiting Minnesota.
Red Sox 7, Yankees 6: Jeremy Hermida hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the ninth, rallying Boston at New York.
Rangers 8, Angels 7: At Arlington, Texas, Michael Young had three hits and three RBIs, leading Texas past Los Angeles.
White Sox 6, Tigers 2: Juan Pierre’s two-run double and run-saving catch in the fourth lifted Chicago at Detroit.
Rays 6, Indians 2: At St. Petersburg, Fla., Evan Longoria drove in three runs and Tampa Bay beat Cleveland.
Orioles 4, Royals 3, 10 inn.: Nick Markakis’ RBI single in the 10th lifted Baltimore past visiting Kansas City.
National League
Reds 5, Brewers 4: Joey Votto’s RBI single in the ninth lifted host Cincinnati past Milwaukee.
Dodgers 7, Astros 3: Manny Ramirez, James Loney and Casey Blake each drove in two runs to lead host Los Angeles beat Houston.
Cardinals 3, Nationals 2: Ryan Ludwick homered to snap an eighth-inning tie and host St. Louis beat Washington.
Marlins 8, Diamondbacks 0: At Miami, Josh Johnson struck out nine, leading Florida past Arizona.
Pirates 2, Phillies 1: Zach Duke pitched six strong innings, leading Pittsburgh at Philadelphia.
Cubs 6, Rockies 2: Carlos Silva (5-0) pitched six strong innings to remain unbeaten and host Chicago beat Colorado.
Braves 3, Mets 2: Brent Clevlen scored in the ninth on a throwing error by David Wright and host Atlanta beat New York.
San Francisco at San Diego: Late
Football
The New England Patriots released veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, who played sparingly after being signed to a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the team prior to last season.
The 13-year veteran has also played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins.
The head of the Big Ten Conference said that gaining a foothold in the South and extending the reach of the league’s lucrative television market are the two biggest factors as it decides whether to expand.
Commissioner Jim Delany also said the Big Ten is not “looking to achieve a championship game” in football even though it could mean millions more for a conference that already shares a reported $22 million each year with its member schools. A title game like those held in the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference would also shorten the lengthy bowl-game layoff for some teams, which has been a point of contention for at least a few of the conference’s coaches.
— The Associated Press