Sports News Roundup: Toms, Stricker match record 62 at U.S. Senior Open; Hurricanes buy out Marleau and more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Hurricanes buy out Marleau; return to Sharks possible

The Carolina Hurricanes bought out the final year of forward Patrick Marleau's contract on Wednesday, making the 39-year-old an unrestricted free agent when the signing period begins Monday. Marleau was due $6.25 million in the final season of a three-year deal originally signed with the Maple Leafs. Toronto dealt the 21-year veteran to Carolina on Sunday in a salary dump, also sending a conditional first-round pick (top-10 protected in 2020, unprotected in 2021) and a 2020 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2020 sixth-rounder.

USWNT coach Ellis: Rapinoe-Trump tiff won't affect team

An online squabble between U.S. women's national team co-captain Megan Rapinoe and President Donald Trump will not distract the team from its preparation for Friday's match against co-favorite France in the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup, coach Jill Ellis said. Speaking Thursday in Paris, Ellis said her team is able to keep the focus on the highly anticipated matchup.

MLB notebook: Pence, LeMahieu earn All-Star starts

The starting lineups for this summer's Major League Baseball All-Star Game were announced Thursday night, with several surprises getting the nod. Unheralded free agent signees Hunter Pence and DJ LeMahieu were among the names unveiled at their respective positions. LeMahieu, the New York Yankees' second baseman, and Pence, the Texas Rangers' designated hitter, will each suit up for the American League.

MLB roundup: Kimbrel nails save in Cubs debut

Closer Craig Kimbrel shut down the visiting Atlanta Braves in his Chicago debut as the Cubs earned a 9-7, come-from-behind win for a split of the four-game series between the division-leading clubs. Kimbrel, signed on June 7 to a three-year, $43 million contract after he sat in free agency through the offseason and beyond, allowed a two-out double to Ronald Acuna Jr. and walked Dansby Swanson. He retired Freddie Freeman on a sharp grounder to first base to end the game and earn his 334th career save.

NFL notebook: Lawson to pay for funeral of slain girl

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson will pay for the funeral of an 11-year-old girl who was killed this week when gunshots hit her home in Anderson, S.C. "It could have been my little sister," Lawson told the Greenville News late Wednesday. "I've got a little sister around that age, and it could have been one of my family members."

Blues re-sign Gunnarsson to two-year, $3.5 million deal

St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson will stay with the Stanley Cup champions after agreeing Thursday to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. "Thank you St Louis and the Blues," Gunnarsson tweeted after the deal was announced. "So happy and grateful for the opportunity to stay in STL for 2 more years."

Report: Thunder's Noel declines option

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Nerlens Noel declined his $1.99 million player option for 2019-20, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Thursday. The move allows Noel to join the loaded NBA summer free agent field, though he will talk with the Thunder about possibly staying put, according to Charania.

Rocketman Lashley defies low ranking to grab lead in Detroit

Nate Lashley defied his lowly world ranking and made the most of his late addition to the Rocket Mortgage Classic field as he grabbed a one-shot lead after the first round at the Detroit Golf Club on Thursday. The American world number 353, who failed to qualify for the inaugural tournament on Monday but was added to the field as an alternate, enjoyed a bogey-free, career-best nine-under 63.

Toms, Stricker match record 62 at U.S. Senior Open

Defending champion David Toms and Steve Stricker each tied a tournament record with rounds of 8-under-par 62 on Thursday to share a two-stroke lead after one round of the U.S. Senior Open Championship at the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame in Indiana. Toms and Stricker each finished strong to notch the fourth and fifth rounds of 62 in the event's history. Sitting at 6 under are 2017 runner-up Kirk Triplett and 2018 runner-up Jerry Kelly.

NBA notebook: Celtics reported favorite for G Walker

The Boston Celtics are expected to make All-Star guard Kemba Walker a four-year, $141 million contract offer when free agency opens Sunday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. Walker, who spent his first eight seasons in the league with the Charlotte Hornets, is expected to accept the offer, Wojnarowski reported, citing league sources.