Sports News Highlights: MLB Thrills, Venus Williams Barbie, and French Open Prospects

In today's sports news: Pirates defeat Giants with a thrilling finish, Venus Williams gets her own Barbie, while French Open sees strong contenders. Wolves and Mavericks gear up for Western Conference game, Celtics win in overtime, and Pittsburgh gets ready to host the 2026 NFL Draft.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

MLB roundup: Pirates stun Giants with late outburst

Nick Gonzales hit a walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning after Pittsburgh tied the score with four runs in the ninth, lifting the Pirates to a 7-6 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. Gonzales singled up the middle on the first pitch of the inning from Erik Miller (0-2), scoring automatic runner Michael A. Taylor from second base.

Venus Williams among sporting figures to get own Barbie doll

Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and Australian soccer player Mary Fowler are among nine athletes to get a Barbie doll in their likeness as toy maker Mattel seeks to shine a light on women sports role models ahead of the Paris Olympics. Mattel unveiled the dolls on Wednesday, each with their bespoke accessories. Fowler's wears gloves and holds a football while Williams' doll, dressed in an all white tennis dress and visor as well as wearing earrings, comes with a miniature racket.

Tennis-Collins, Jabeur outside shots for maiden Grand Slam title at French Open

Iga Swiatek's victory at this month's Italian Open has nailed down her status as pre-tournament favourite ahead of the French Open, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have also been in fine form in the build-up to the clay-court Grand Slam. However, should any of the "Big Three" on the women's tour falter at Roland Garros, there are a few promising contenders ready to step up.

Wolves, Mavericks set to tangle in Western Conference final Game 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves have waited 20 years to return to this stage. The Dallas Mavericks were here two years ago, only to get bounced in five games by the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Celtics survive Pacers in OT to take Game 1 of East finals

The Indiana Pacers came into Boston and pushed the Celtics to the brink on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Indiana was up by five with just under two minutes left in regulation, but Boston found a way to force overtime before going on to win 133-128 to open the best-of-seven series on a high note.

Pittsburgh to host 2026 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, the league announced Wednesday at its spring league meetings in Nashville, Tenn. "The NFL Draft is one of the biggest, most-anticipated sporting events of the year, and we're thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefiting Pittsburgh's economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026."

Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Bojan Bogdanovic undergo surgeries

New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson and forward Bojan Bogdanovic underwent surgeries to repair their respective injuries and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks, the team announced Wednesday. Brunson fractured his left hand during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday. He said he was hurt when his hand hit Tyrese Haliburton as the Pacers' guard went up for a layup in the third quarter.

Soccer-Copa America teams to be allowed concussion substitutions

Teams at next month's Copa America will have the option of an additional substitution in the event of a concussion or suspected head trauma, South American football's governing body CONMEBOL said on Tuesday. The change in rules will also apply to other tournaments organised by the body following the commencement of the Copa America, which runs from June 20 to July 14 and will be held in the United States.

Tennis-Gauff brings self-belief to latest French Open campaign

World number three Coco Gauff will take lessons learned from a challenging clay court swing to Roland Garros, as she looks to build on her Grand Slam breakthrough last year at the U.S. Open. The 20-year-old American has not won a clay court tournament since 2021 and had focused all her efforts on ending that barren run before her latest French Open campaign.

Cubs remove struggling Kyle Hendricks from starting rotation

gThe Chicago Cubs have seen enough from their former ace Kyle Hendricks and have taken him out of the starting rotation, according to manager Craig Counsell. Hendricks has seven starts this season, an 0-4 record and an ERA of 10.57.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)