SPORTS DIGEST || Phantoms fall, 5-2; yield 4 3rd-period goals

Phantoms fall, 5-2; yield 4 3rd-period goals

BENSENVILLE, ILL.

The Youngstown Phantoms surrendered four third-period goals to fall to the Chicago Steel, 5-2, on Wednesday.

Kiefer Sherwood and Alfred Larsson scored power-play goals for the Phantoms. For the Steel, Danny Fetzer’s hat trick featured one short-handed goal and two empty-netters.

Youngstown goaltender Colin DeAugustine made 19 saves. The Phantoms fired 35 shots at Steel goalie Cale Morris.

Venus Williams wins in Family Circle Cup

CHARLESTON, S.C.

Venus Williams advanced in the tournament where her top-ranked sister could not, battling from behind at the Family Circle Cup to defeat Chanelle Scheepers 7-5, 7-5 on Wednesday. It was another long day for Williams, ranked No. 28 in the world, who needed 1 hour, 50 minutes to finish the straight-set victory over the South African. Williams fell behind 3-1 in the first set and trailed 4-1 in the second.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion has battled injuries and Sjogren’s syndrome, a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease, during the past two years. She was on the green clay in Charleston for 2 hours, 15 minutes on Tuesday in a three-set victory and said she has been ill this week.

Social Inclusion is 2-1 favorite in Wood

NEW YORK

Social Inclusion is the 2-1 morning line favorite despite drawing the outside post for Saturday’s $1 million Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. The Wood winner also earns 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, more than enough to ensure a starting spot in the 3-year-old classic.

Social Inclusion faces 10 rivals in the 11/8 miles Wood, his stakes debut. The colt trained by Manny Azpurua makes only his third start following a pair of very fast victories this year at Gulfstream Park. The New York-bred Samraat lays a 5-for-5 record on the line as the 7-2 second choice. His last four victories have come at Aqueduct, including the Withers and Gotham Stakes.

California Chrome 6-5 as Santa Anita favorite

ARCADIA, Calif.

California Chrome gets a chance to solidify his status as the West’s leading Kentucky Derby candidate when he runs as the 6-5 early favorite in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby. The colt drew the No. 5 post Wednesday in the field of eight for Saturday’s 11/8-mile race. Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome is coming off a 71/4-length victory in the San Felipe Stakes on March 8.

Rebel Stakes winner Hoppertunity was listed at 3-1 odds and drew the No. 3 post for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who is seeking a record seventh victory in the race. Another strong contender is Robert Lewis Stakes winner Candy Boy, who was listed at 9-5 and drew the No. 6 post.

ASA umpire meeting scheduled Sunday

SALEM

A meeting is scheduled Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Salem Memorial Building for ASA umpires for a Columbiana-Mahoning fast-pitch softball league. Anyone interested in officiating may sign up at this meeting also. For more information call Rod Christensen at 330-692-2669.

Reporting prep results

The Vindicator encourages coaches and statisticians to report high school results by email (sports@vindy.com) or fax (330-747-6712). Phone calls (330-747-1478) are also acceptable but emails and faxes are strongly preferred. Deadline is 10:30 p.m.

Staff reports/Associated Press