Sports

Penguins sign vet Novak

National Sports July 31, 2026

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins signed dependable forward Tommy Novak to a three-year contract extension on Friday. The deal, which begins during the 2027-28 season, carries an average annual value of $4.65 million. The 29-year-old Novak collected 16 goals and 26 points in 82 games last season while helping the Penguins return to the playoffs following a three-year absence. Novak, who bounced between the second and third line during his first full season in Pittsburgh, had been scheduled to become a free agent next summer. The extension instead keeps him in the fold for the ...

Curve pitcher feeling good as August hits

Altoona Curve July 31, 2026

Matt Ager had a pretty special start to his third year of professional baseball and was excellent in his first six appearances for the Altoona Curve. But the 6-foot-6 inch right-hander ran into a rough patch in June during which he allowed 18 runs in 22 2/3 innings pitched. He started July ...

Sky's the limit: Pirates high prospect Murf Gray making rapid climb

Altoona Curve July 31, 2026

While he grew up in California, it’s understandable that Murf Gray had never been to Altoona until earlier this week. After high school, he went to college at Fresno State, which was less than 25 miles away from his hometown. Before his first game at PNG Field on Tuesday, he came back in ...

Pittsburgh Pirates blow another game late

Pennsylvania Sports July 31, 2026

CINCINNATI — Sal Stewart hit a two-run homer, had four RBIs and scored the winning run as the Cincinnati Reds rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-7, on Friday night. Stewart’s two-run single off Wilber Dotel (1-4) in the eighth tied the score 7-7. Stewart scored the go-ahead run ...

Imler’s Poultry, Cumming Motors confident heading to AAABA nationals

Local Sports July 31, 2026

Altoona All American Amateur Baseball Association champion Imler’s Poultry and runner-up Cumming Motors will take restocked rosters into Monday’s pool play of the 81st AAABA National Tournament. Imler’s and Cumming finalized their rosters this week and both added four players to their ...

West Suburban softball program eyes another World Series crown

Local Sports July 31, 2026

One year after West Suburban captured a Little League Softball World Series championship, another team from the same program is preparing to take its shot on the international stage. West Suburban’s 14U all-stars will compete in the Junior League Softball World Series at Everest Park in ...