Date: 04/16/2013 05:29 AM
NW–SportsMinute/378
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon, organizers of the Eugene (Ore.) Marathon say their event will go on as planned on April 28. Eugene Marathon officials issued a statement expressing compassion for those impacted by the bombings yesterday, as did many in the close-knit Oregon track community. Organizers say they will work with authorities to make sure the event is safe for participants and spectators. Eugene is widely known as “Track Town.”
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – The police chief of Spokane (Wash.) says there will be a heightened police presence during the upcoming Bloomsday run after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday. Chief Frank Straub told an impromptu news conference that he has been briefed on the Boston bombings and expects to receive more information. KXLY-TV says he told reporters his department will take “whatever steps are appropriate” to ensure safety. This year’s Bloomsday race is set for May 5. The 12-kilometer (7-mile) race through downtown Spokane typically draws tens of thousands of participants.
SEATTLE (AP) – Right-handed reliever Stephen Pryor has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Seattle Mariners after he suffered a tear in a muscle in his back. Seattle made the move yesterday, the Mariners’ first off day of the season. Seattle said a corresponding roster move would be made today prior to the opening of a series against Detroit. Pryor left Sunday’s game against Texas with two outs in the eighth inning. He was preliminarily diagnosed with discomfort in the muscle, but was reevaluated yesterday when the tear was discovered. It’s another injury hit for the Mariners who already have put Michael Saunders on the DL.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – The San Jose Earthquakes’ president says he’s appalled that forward Alan Gordon directed an anti-gay slur at a Portland opponent. Dave Kaval said yesterday that Gordon’s actions have let down the team’s fans and he will do whatever is necessary so the team can be “viewed as a beacon of diversity, community, and equality.” Minutes before being ejected Sunday, Gordon was seen on TV using a slur toward Portland’s Will Johnson – who then kicked the game-winning goal.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.