SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alyssa Nakken (NAK’-ihn) has broken a glass ceiling in Major League Baseball. Nakken has become the first female coach on a major league staff in baseball history after being named an assistant under new Giants manager Gabe Kapler. She is a former softball standout at first base for Sacramento State and joined the Giants organization in 2014 as an intern in baseball operations.
WASHINGTON (AP) — When Alex Ovechkin took an errant stick to the face that made him bleed, his Washington Capitals teammates knew it wouldn't be good for the New Jersey Devils. The fired-up Ovechkin came back from the bloody mouth to record his 25th career hat trick and lead the Capitals past the Devils 5-2 Thursday night. The Russian superstar now has 689 goals in his career.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Despite 40 points by the Celtics’ Kemba Walker, it wasn’t enough to stop the streaking Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) had 32 points and 17 rebounds and the Bucks held off Boston 128-123. The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown, who sprained a right thumb in a 13-point loss to Detroit on Wednesday.
SIDNEY (AP) — LaMelo Ball's bone bruise on his left foot is expected to keep him out of the Illawarra Hawks lineup for the remainder of the National Basketball League season in Australia. The 18-year-old American joined Illawarra as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. He is expected to be a first-round pick in this year's NBA draft. Ball averaged 17 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in 12 games for the last-place Hawks. He hasn't played since sustaining the injury in early December.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Kellen Moore is staying as offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, and new coach Mike McCarthy says the plan is for Moore to continue calling plays. Moore was promoted to his current job in the final season under Jason Garrett. Garret’s contract wasn't renewed after the team fell short of expectations in a make-or-break season.