SPORTS digest

Phantom Fireworks giving away Cavs seats

YOUNGSTOWN

Phantom Fireworks is teaming up with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a contest to win tickets to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals games.

Since February, the Phantoms have had contests with the prize including floor seats.

“After generating such excitement and wonderful participation from the previous contests, we are very thrilled to promote these next contests during the Eastern Conference Finals,” said Bruce Zoldan, CEO, Phantom Fireworks.

The current contest consists of a trip for two to the Cavs’ away Eastern Conference Finals game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. The trip package includes airfare, hotel stay and a certificate for Phantom Fireworks Grounds for Divorce, which is the largest fireworks assortments valued at $1,500.

An additional Enter to Win contest is taking place for the Cavs Eastern Conference Finals. A winner will receive two lower level prime seat tickets for Thursday’s game in Cleveland.

To sign up and find out more details, visit the website www.fireworks.com.

Lincecum signs with Los Angeles Angels

LOS ANGELES

After trying out for multiple teams, two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum signed a deal with the Los Angeles Angels, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden.

The 31-year-old pitched infront of scouts from nearly every Major League club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lincecum hasn’t pitched since last June and underwent arthroscopic hip surgery on Sept. 3.

The Angels reportedly beat out the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox for the right-hander.

The Angles are in need of pitching. Garrett Richards, Huston Street, Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson are all on the disabled list while Tyler Skaggs is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Lincecum still needs to complete a physical for the deal to go through.

Odor doesn’t regret punching Bautista

toronto

Texas Rangers second basmen Rougned Odor said he has no regrets when he punched Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista on Monday.

Major League Baseball has yet to issue a fine or suspension on the issue and Odor said he expects some form of punishment.

“I know I’m going to be suspended for a couple of games,” Odor said.

MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre said a statement would “hopefully” be issued sometime later today.

Sanchez undergoes thumb surgery

denver

Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez underwent surgery on his left thumb and is likely to miss the beginning portion of offseason training activities.

Sanchez, the front-runner to replace Peyton Manning this fall, injured his thumb in the weight room on Thursday. The team described it as a torn limagment on his non-throwing hand.

The Former New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback will likely miss between seven and 10 days from offseason training activites, meaning Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch will be leading the defending Super Bowl champion offense.

Andretti fastest driver in Indy 500 practice

speedway, IND.

Marco Andretti opened up the first practice for Indianapolis 500 atop the speed chart, posting a lap of 228.978 mph.

The times surprised some since Andretti hasn’t qualified or finished in the top 10 any IndyCar race this season.

Andretti downplayed the speed, citing ideal weather conditions.

“It’s definitely too early to get confident or to read into things,” Andretti said. “Today is a picture perfect day and next week it’s going to be 83 or 84 (degrees) so you can’t read too much into this at all.”

Qualifying for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Staff/wire reports