Sports in brief: Blass has blast on golf course
Golf: After 35 years, Steve Blass got his control back. Trouble is, it was the wrong game.
The former Pittsburgh Pirates World Series star pitcher, whose career ended in 1974 when he inexplicably lost his ability to throw the ball over the plate, made two holes-in-one in a span of 11 holes during the team’s annual alumni golf outing.
Blass’ first ace on Thursday came with an 8-iron at the 154-yard, par-3 15th hole at Greensburg (Pa.) Country Club. Because of the format used for the former players’ tournament, his fivesome started on the back nine.
The second ace came on the 175-yard, par-3 seventh hole, with Blass using a 7-iron.
Blass, 67, was so excited after his second hole-in-one, he took off his glasses and rolled down a hillside leading to the green.
Golf Digest estimates the odds against a golfer having two holes-in-one in the same round at 67 million to 1.
Associated Press
Proud Gophers have new digs
College football: The Minnesota Golden Gophers finally have a home of their own.
No Twins. No Vikings. No tractor pulls.
The Gophers open shiny new TCF Bank Stadium against Air Force today, marking the first game played on the school’s campus since 1981.
“I think the emotion of the night and the stadium is really a plus for us,” coach Tim Brewster said.
The Gophers made an ill-fated move to the Metrodome in 1981, sharing the dingy facility with the Timberwolves, Twins and Vikings for their inaugural season.
Former coach Glen Mason used to bring recruits for campus visits, but not show them the Dome because the floor was covered with dirt for a tractor pull that was being held on an off weekend.
Associated Press
Ichiro, Mariners soaked in Texas
Baseball: Ichiro Suzuki’s pursuit of another milestone was put on hold when the Seattle Mariners’ game against the Texas Rangers at Arlington, Texas, was postponed by rain.
The perennial All-Star needs four hits to reach 200 for a ninth straight season, an accomplishment that would break a more than 100-year-old record.
Friday’s game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday. Texas will play its third doubleheader in September and fourth of the season.
Associated Press