Sports News Roundup: MLB roundup: AJ Pollock's HR ends no-no as Mariners edge A's; Tennis-Alcaraz says Nadal still the man to beat at Roland Garros and more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

MLB roundup: AJ Pollock's HR ends no-no as Mariners edge A's

AJ Pollock homered to break up a no-hit bid in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners defeated the host Oakland Athletics 2-1 on Tuesday night. Pollock lined a solo shot to left field off A's reliever Richard Lovelady (0-1) with one out in the eighth, and Jose Caballero followed with a double to left. Jarred Kelenic later doubled home the go-ahead run later in the inning off Jeurys Familia.

Tennis-Alcaraz says Nadal still the man to beat at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to perform at a "spectacular level" at the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his injury issues ahead of the year's second Grand Slam. Nadal skipped the ongoing Madrid Open after a setback in his recovery from a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. The 22-times major champion also missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Australian Rules-Tasmania savours victory in 'hard fight' to secure AFL team

Tasmania declared victory in its decades-long battle to join the Australian Football League (AFL) on Wednesday as officials confirmed the island state will have a team in the nation's dominant sporting competition by the end of the decade.

The state government signed off on commitments to secure the AFL's 19th team license and has targeted the 2028 season to launch in the Australian Rules top flight.

NHL-Panthers stun Maple Leafs to draw first blood in playoff series

The Florida Panthers spoiled the Toronto Maple Leafs' long-awaited return to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory in the opener of their best-of-seven series. From the moment Toronto sealed their place in the second round there has been a palpable buzz all around the city.

NBA-Dimmed Suns hope to recapture fire at home against Nuggets

The Phoenix Suns return to the Valley with the grim task of turning around their Western Conference semi-final campaign against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, with star point guard Chris Paul's future uncertain. After the Nuggets humbled them 125-107 in Saturday's opener, the Suns improved their defense but little else in Monday's Game 2, losing 97-87.

Soccer-FIFA responsible for undervaluing Women's World Cup, says Dodd

Former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd has criticised Gianni Infantino's threat of a Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe this year and said the governing body is responsible for the tournament being historically undervalued. FIFA is selling TV rights to the women's tournament separately from the men's for the first time and president Infantino said Europe's 'Big 5' nations face a blackout unless broadcasters improve on their "unacceptable" offers.

NFL-Players union warns agents over mobile betting apps in memo

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has sounded the alarm about the use of sports betting apps, warning agents that the mobile gambling platforms can track their clients' activity, leading to stiff penalties. The NFL last month suspended five players - including three indefinitely - for violating the league's gambling policy, which prohibits any member of the league from "engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue."

NBA-Philadelphia 76ers Embiid wins first MVP award

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for the first time, the league announced on Tuesday. Embiid was chosen over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, to whom he lost the award in the past two seasons, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who won back-to-back awards in 2019 and 2020.

Soccer-Liverpool's Thiago to miss rest of season due to hip operation - reports

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss the remainder of the season to undergo a minor operation for a hip issue, British media reported on Tuesday. The Spaniard has played 28 times for Liverpool in all competitions this season and only recently returned to action after two months out with a hip flexor problem.

Rugby-Wallabies will back whoever Jones picks as skipper - Slipper

James Slipper, Australia's incumbent test skipper, says the Wallabies will back whoever coach Eddie Jones chooses as captain for the Rugby Championship and World Cup. The 127-cap loosehead prop took over as captain after Michael Hooper left the squad on the eve of a Rugby Championship test against Argentina last year for mental health reasons.