Sports briefs
Wild Things re-sign Roa
The Washington Wild Things announced Friday that they have re-signed right fielder Hector Roa for the 2020 Frontier League season.
This will be Roa’s fourth year in Washington. Last season, Roa had a breakout year for the Wild Things. His 70 RBI, 21 doubles, 18 home runs and 8 stolen bases all were career highs for the eight-year pro. His home run total tied for the league lead and his power was on display as the Frontier League’s Home Run Derby representative in the all-star game against the Can-Am League. Roa is the first player in Wild Things history with 60 or more RBI in three consecutive seasons and he’s only 56 away from breaking the franchise record for runs driven in for a career.
“Roa has grown to become one of the most dynamic players in our league. He has learned so much over the years from the players around him and I believe that has truly helped elevate his game,” Washington general manager Tony Buccilli said. ” He has grown to call Washington home and has embraced becoming a leader and a face synonymous with the Wild Things. Bringing back Roa was a priority and we are happy to get a deal done.”
In golf
Rickie Fowler came to The American Express for the first time in six years to prepare for the next two weeks at Torrey Pines and TPC Scottsdale.
He’s ahead of schedule, shooting an 8-under 64 on Friday at PGA West’s Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course for a share of the second-round lead with Scottie Scheffler.
He played his final nine in 6-under 30, making a 6-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth, four birdies and two big par saves on Nos. 6 and 7.
At 15-under 129, Fowler had the lowest 36-hole score of his PGA Tour career.
Tournament host Phil Mickelson needed a low round Saturday at the Stadium Course to make the cut after rounds of 70 and 72 in his first start of the year.
Andrew Landry was a stroke out of the lead after a 64 at La Quinta.
- Canada’s Brooke Henderson parlayed four birdies and a late eagle into Friday’s hottest round and a share of the lead at the LPGA’s season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.
Henderson had a 5-under 66 to join Inbee Park of South Korea at 9-under 133 heading to the weekend at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando.
In the NBA
The NBA no longer expects the league’s board of governors to vote in April on whether to make significant changes to the league’s schedule in time for the 75th anniversary season in 2021-22.
The changes remain a real possibility. The new twist, as detailed in a memo the NBA sent to teams Friday, is that much of the feedback the league received on the ideas for change suggested that more time is necessary to implement them correctly.
The league sent a detailed plan to teams last month, suggesting changes such as a 78-game regular season, an in-season tournament for all teams and a reseeding of the playoffs when the field is cut to the final four clubs.
- Marc Gasol scored a season-high 20 points and matched his career high with six 3-pointers, Norman Powell scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Washington Wizards 140-111 on Friday night.
- Furkan Korkmaz had six 3-pointers and a career-high 24 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls, 100-89.