WJPA Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey hit a walk-off three-run homer and the San Francisco Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 on Friday. The game was scoreless until the ninth, when Michael Conforto walked and Matt Chapman singled to begin the inning off Pirates reliever David Bednar. Bailey then drilled a homer to right field. Both starters, San Francisco’s Kyle Harrison, and Pittsburgh’s Quinn Priester, each pitched six innings. Harrison struck out seven and gave up five hits.

The Steelers continued to address their needs on day two of the NFL draft. Taking West Virginia center Zach Frazier with the 51st overall pick. With the first of their two selections in the third round, the Steelers took Michigan receiver Roman Wilson with the 84th overall pick. After using their first three selections on offense, the Steelers took N.C. State inside linebacker Payton Wilson, who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine, with their second pick in the third round.

Defense became the focus of the NFL draft on Friday night after a record-setting 23 offensive players were selected in the first round. The Atlanta Falcons, who shocked everyone by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, kicked off the shift by moving up to take Clemson defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro with the third pick of the second round. The Commanders then took Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and a total of 20 defensive players went in a round that had seven trades as teams were wheeling and dealing to get their guy. The Titans took a chance on Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat with the 38th pick after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry held onto a share of the lead Friday in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, with the Irish duo shooting a 2-under 70 in alternate play in the PGA Tour’s only team event. The teams of Davis Thompson-Andrew Novak, Ryan Brehm-Mark Hubbard and Aaron Rai-David Lipsky matched McIlroy and Lowry at 13-under 131 at TPC Louisiana. They will play best ball Saturday and close with alternate shot Sunday. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, the 2022 winners, were a stroke back with Callum Tarren-David Skinns, Nick Taylor-Adam Hadwin, Zach Johnson-Ryan Palmer, Luke List-Henrik Norlander and Corey Connors-Taylor Pendrith. McIlroy and Lowry, who opened Thursday with a best-ball 61, overcame Lowry’s mid-round putting woes to close with consecutive birdies.