Archery camp set

Archery camp set

Mercer, Pa.

The Mercer County Conservation District will host a youth archery camp for children aged 9-13.

The three-day program will be at Munnell Run Farm, 753 Greenville Road beginning July 8.

For information call 724-662-2242.

Indians minor league pitcher suspended

NEW YORK

Cleveland Indians right-hander Dillon Howard has been suspended for 50 games without pay under baseball’s minor league drug program following a positive test for an amphetamine.

Howard, who turns 21 on Monday, was selected on the second round of the 2011 amateur draft with the 67th pick and agreed to a $1.85 million signing bonus.

He was 1-7 with a 7.90 ERA in 10 starts and two relief appearances last year for the rookie-level Arizona League Indians and hasn’t pitched this season. He was assigned to extended spring training this year with right knee soreness and because of poor conditioning, Indians spokesman Bart Swain said.

Defender Spector stays with Birmingham

American soccer defender Jonathan Spector is staying with Birmingham.

The 27-year-old, a member of the 2010 World Cup roster, has agreed to a two-year contract, the club announced on its website.

Spector joined the League Championship team for the 2011-12 season after five seasons in the Premier League with West Ham.

Birmingham manager Lee Clark says “in terms of football he’s still young, but he’s a very experienced player in terms of the games he’s had for a player of his age.”

Lochte takes break, Schmitt pulls out

INDIANAPOLIS

American record-holder Allison Schmitt scratched in the 400-meter freestyle prelims Friday at the U.S. national championships in Indianapolis and will not make next month’s world championship team.

Coach Bob Bowman said Schmitt would regroup after this meet ends today before deciding what to do next.

She struggled all week at the IUPUI Natatorium, the same venue where she helped the University of Georgia win the NCAA title two months ago. She failed to make the finals in the 100 and 200 free earlier this week.

The only other event she was scheduled to swim was Friday’s 400 free.

Xiong successfully defends WBC title

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

China’s Xiong Zhao Zhong picked himself up off the canvas to outpoint Denver Cuello of the Philippines on Friday to retain the WBC strawweight title.

Considered the best boxer from China, Xiong struggled early in the 12-round fight against the veteran Cuello, who connected with a left hook in the first round that sent the champion to the ground. But with Cuello injuring his right shoulder in the buildup to the fight, Xiong recovered and began to control the bout.

Xiong landed several good punches in the fourth round and again in the eighth when the ringside doctor was called to treat Cuello.

By the ninth round, Cuello was bleeding from his forehead. Xiong won the split decision 115-112, 113-110, 113-113.

Weekend Hideaway wins Belmont Stakes

NEW YORK

Weekend Hideaway drew off to a 43/4-length victory over Bernie the Jet on Friday in the $100,000 Gone Fishin Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park.

Taking charge shortly after the start, Weekend Hideaway, the 7-5 favorite, clearly loved the grass in his turf debut. The chestnut colt trained by Phil Serpe and ridden by Jose Lezcano improved to 4 for 9, paying $4.80, $3 and $2.20.

The time was 1:08.23 for six furlongs on the firm course.

Bernie the Jet returned $3.20 and $2.60.

Vindicator staff/wire reports