Winterport driving range opens
WINTERPORT — Sonny’s Par 3 and Driving Range in Winterport has opened for the season.
The driving range is open and the golf course will open Saturday.
The spring hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Warriors set NBA record with 45th home win in row
OAKLAND, California — The Golden State Warriors erased the Chicago Bulls’ name from one page of the record book Monday night.
However, after a hard-fought, 119-113 victory over the Orlando Magic was over, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had a message for his squad.
That wasn’t Bulls-like basketball.
“We played harder than we did (Sunday), which is a good step,” Kerr said after the win that broke the Bulls’ record for consecutive home-court victories. “But we didn’t play smarter.”
Getting a combined 68 points from backcourt mates Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors recorded a 27th straight win at Oracle Arena this season, giving them 45 in a row at home in the regular season dating back to January 2015.
That is one more than the previous record set by the Bulls from March 30, 1995, to April 4, 1996.
“Remarkable job by our players over these last two years,” Kerr said. “The effort and consistency it takes to do that, pretty amazing.”
Blackhawks F Kruger receives extension
The Chicago Blackhawks extended the contract of forward Marcus Kruger for three years through the 2018-19 season on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Kruger had one assist in 33 games this season before going on injured reserve Dec. 28.
In 2014-15, Kruger totaled seven goals and 10 assists in 81 regular-season games for the Stanley Cup-champion Blackhawks. He added two goals and two assists in 23 postseason games.
Brewers’ Braun expected for opener
Ryan Braun will not play in spring training games for at least another week due to back issues but the Milwaukee Brewers expect him to be ready for Opening Day.
Braun, shifting from right field back to left field, is able to do cardio work and some functional exercises.
Braun was bothered by periodic lower back tightness that caused him to miss 14 of the last 18 games of the season. Brewers general manager David Stearns said Braun’s off-season surgery was successful.
Orioles sign Alvarez
Clout is coming to Camden Yards in the form of Pedro Alvarez, a longball specialist who signed a one-year deal to serve as designated hitter with the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.
Alvarez agreed to a one-year, $5.75 million deal with $1.5 million more in incentives.
Alvarez, 29, had 27 home runs with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He was not retained in his final year of arbitration because of defensive shortcomings. He led all MLB first basemen with 23 errors.
Alvarez had back-to-back seasons with 30-plus home runs in 2012 and 2013. In 2013, he mashed a career-best 36 home runs with 22 doubles and 100 RBIs, but only a .296 on-base percentage.
Cardinals agree on terms to keep QB Stanton
The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms on a two-year contract with backup quarterback Drew Stanton on Tuesday, the club announced.
Stanton’s deal with is worth $6.5 million, according to the NFL Network.
The deal prevents Stanton from testing the free-agent market.
Stanton has played in 16 games (eight starts) during three seasons with the Cardinals. He had a 5-3 record as a starter in 2014 while starter Carson Palmer was sidelined with injuries.
Stanton, 31, is a nine-year veteran who also has been employed by the Detroit Lions (2007-11) and Indianapolis Colts (2012). He has thrown for 2,973 yards, 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 28 career NFL games (12 starts).