Sports News Roundup: Brandt Snedeker finished with 3 successive birdies; Truex seeks Dover win

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Golf: Snedeker finish puts him in position for the opening event win

Brandt Snedeker finished with three successive birdies on Saturday to record a three-under-par 69 and take a three-stroke lead into the final day of the Safeway Open in Napa, California. Snedeker was not as sharp as he had been his opening two days but caught fire in the end to surge to 16-under-par that positions him for a victory in the PGA Tour's season-opening event.

NASCAR notebook: Truex seeks Dover win to ward off Talladega jinx

Martin Truex Jr. is happy to come to his home track, but he also understands its pivotal role in his plan to move through the Round of 12 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Truex got the first of his 19 career victories in 2007 at Dover International Speedway, the closest track to his Mayetta, New Jersey, hometown. He won again at the Monster Mile in the fall race of 2016, and his average finish in 25 starts at the concrete track is 12.0.

NFL notebook: Cowboys' Frederick put on illness list

The Dallas Cowboys have moved Travis Frederick to the non-football illness list and placed Terrance Williams on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. Both moves had been anticipated. To fill one of the roster spots, the team activated defensive tackle David Irving, who rejoins the Cowboys after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Vettel and Verstappen collide in Japan

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, was trying to pass the young Dutch driver for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Arrests after Nurmagomedov beats McGregor

Chaos erupted after Khabib Nurmagomedov retained his UFC lightweight title with a submission victory over Ireland's Conor McGregor on Saturday with members of his support team arrested after an all-in brawl broke out after the bout. The Russian ended McGregor's attempt to win back the title when he sealed a brutal submission victory with a rear naked choke hold in the fourth round, which then sparked a mass brawl.

NHL roundup: Toews' hat trick lifts Blackhawks in OT

Jonathan Toews recorded a hat trick, including scoring the game-winning goal in overtime, as the Chicago Blackhawks outlasted the host St. Louis Blues for a 5-4 win on Saturday night. Toews scored in the first period and third period before burying the decisive goal 2:20 into overtime. Patrick Kane and Marcus Kruger also scored one goal apiece for Chicago.

MLB notebook: Braves turn to Newcomb to save the season

Facing a must-win situation, the Atlanta Braves changed course Saturday and announced that left-hander Sean Newcomb will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Sunday. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Friday that right-hander Kevin Gausman would start Game 3. Instead, the 25-year-old Newcomb will be asked to save the team's season. Newcomb came within one strike of no-hitting the Dodgers earlier in the season.

Top 25 roundup: No. 19 Texas stuns No. 7 Oklahoma on late FG

Freshman Cameron Dicker nailed a 40-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining to lift No. 19 Texas to a 48-45 win over No. 7 Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon in the Red River Shootout inside the venerable Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Dicker's winning kick came at the end of a nine-play, 52-yard drive to save the Longhorns after they squandered a 21-point lead in less than six minutes of the fourth quarter.

Report: Seahawks' Thomas fined $13,000 for gesture

Earl Thomas' obscene gesture a week ago, apparently aimed at his own team's sideline as he was being wheeled off the field with a leg fracture, is going to cost him more than $13,000. The NFL has fined the disgruntled safety $13,369 for a flip of the middle finger, according to the Seattle Times. The gesture came after he was injured in the second half of the Seahawks' eventual 20-17 win over the Cardinals in Arizona.

Motor racing: Hamilton wins in Japan, Vettel sixth

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday to take a 67 point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place.