DeChambeau wins at Bay Hill
Known for his long drives, Bryson DeChambeau holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the front nine and a 50-foot par putt early on the back nine before closing it out with a nervy 5-foot par putt for a 1-under 71 (four-day total of 11-under 277) and a oneshot victory over Lee Westwood at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s amazing to win Mr. Palmer’s tournament — it’s going to make me cry,” DeChambeau said. “He’s had an influence on me for the longest time and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.”
His 71 matched the low score of the day, one of only three rounds under par. Westwood closed with a 73, not a bad score considering the average of 75.49 was the highest for a final round since 1980. Corey Conners finished alone in third.
AUTO RACING Larson wins in Las Vegas
Kyle Larson won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his first victory since being reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. He ran just the first four races last season, then lost his job for using a racial slur while playing a video game early in the pandemic.
He worked all last year on rebuilding his image and was hired by Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet when NASCAR said the suspension would lift at the start of this year.
“Thanks Mr. H. for believing in me,” Larson radioed to boss Rick Hendrick after crossing the finish line.
It was Larson’s seventh career win and first since Oct. 6, 2019, at Dover, Delaware.
MISCELLANEOUS Nationals release ex-Cub Jeffress
Right-handed relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress was released by the Nationals for what general manager Mike Rizzo called unspecified “personnel reasons,” less than two weeks after he agreed to terms on a minor-league deal. Jeffress went 4-1 with a 1.54 ERA and eight saves in 10 chances for the Cubs last season. Jeffress, 33, would have earned at least $1.25 milion in guaranteed salary had he made the Nationals’ roster.
The Indians are forcing third baseman Jose Ramirez and slugger Franmil Reyes to isolate after violating COVID protocols by going out to dinner Friday after playing the Cubs. The team is awaiting word from MLB as to when they can return.
Texas junior Charli Collier declared for the WNBA Draft. The 6-5 center, who is averaging 21 points and 12.2 rebounds, is considered the likely top pick. The Dallas Wings own the first two picks, while the Sky hold the eighth pick.