NW–SportsMinute/324
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP) – Ubaldo Jimenez (oo-BAHL’-doh hih-MEHN’-ehz) overcame a shaky start to get the win and the Cleveland Indians pounded out a season-best five doubles to beat the Seattle Mariners 9-3 last night. Jimenez gave up five hits and three runs over six innings. He threw 107 pitches – 27 in a long first inning – walked two and struck out four. Seattle starter Felix Hernandez gave up 10 hits and six earned runs in only 3 2-3 innings.
SEATTLE (AP) – The city of Seattle, King County and investor Chris Hansen have reached a deal in the effort to build an arena that could bring professional basketball back to the Puget Sound. The memorandum of understanding announced yesterday now goes before the City Council and King County Council for approval. The agreement adds a new wrinkle to an original proposal in that an NHL team is no longer needed to start construction; only an NBA team, with a signed non-relocation deal, is needed.
SEATTLE (AP) – By this point, Sue Bird is the epitome of a veteran. She’s about to become a three-time Olympian, is a two-time WNBA champion and is entering her 11th season playing for the Seattle Storm. While all those descriptions are meaningful, the one that most defines Bird is the one she’s probably the most reluctant to accept: the player all other American point guards will be compared to in the future. The Storm open their season tomorrow against the Los Angeles Sparks.
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) – Washington State has signed center James Hunter to play basketball next season. Hunter is from Sydney, Australia, and played last year at Gillette College of Wyoming. He is 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds. Last season he averaged 13 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The Cougars return three starters from last season’s team that reached the championship round of the College Basketball Invitational.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.