Thursday, 10 May 2012 09:46

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

Pirates/MLB

-Despite losing Erik Bedard to back spasms, the Pirates earn a 4-2 win against the Nationals.

-Clint Hurdle speaks:

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-Joel Hanrahan (above) will miss three games following the death of his grandmother.

-The minor league report.

Steelers/NFL

-Ben Roethlisberger will have a challenge trying to master Todd Haley's playbook.

-DId the 49ers target Roethlisberger's bad ankle last season?

-The Steelers signed tight end David Paulson (right) and cornerback Terrence Frederick. Both were seventh-round picks last month.

-The Ravens signed offensive lineman Gino Gradkowski, a Seton-LaSalle product, to a four-year deal. He was fourth-round pick last month.

-The suicide of former all-pro linebacker Junior Seau helped convince former Rams/Bengals offensive lineman Jacob Bell to retire at 31.

-"Why wouldn't I worry? The evidence is starting to pile up." - Hall of famer Emmitt Smith expressing concerns about his health.

-The Texans signed former Redskins quarterback John Beck.

Penguins/NHL

-Zbynek Michalek  underwent hip surgery.

-Pascal Dupuis is good people:

-Braden Holtby made 30 saves for the Capitals in a 2-1 defeat of the Rangers in Game 6. Nicklas Backstrom recorded assists on both of Washington's goals. The series is tied 3-3. Game 7 will be played in New York, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

-Rangers coach Tortorella was cheery as usual after the game:

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-"When you win one round you feel really good, like you accomplished something. And then you win two rounds and you feel real good and you still realize when you step back that you're only halfway there." - Kings defenseman and former Penguin Rob Scuderi (right).

-The Ducks re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Saku Koivu (right) to a one-year contract worth $3 million. In 74 games last season, Koivu, 37, scored 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists).