National Sports

TORONTO — It's dramatically impacted tackle football in Canada, but Jim Mullin feels the COVID-19 pandemic gives national organizers a chance to identify and address the challenges facing the game.

The other Canadian starter on Oklahoma State University's football squad is off to solid start. Chuba Hubbard, a running back from Sherwood Park, Alta., garnered plenty of headlines at OSU last year after rushing for 2,094 yards and 21 TDs.

The young core on the Toronto Blue Jays made significant strides in the pandemic-shortened season. An unexpected playoff appearance was a welcome development too.

CHICAGO — The Miami Marlins just kept fighting. When Kyle Hendricks finally stumbled, they pounced. This group of Marlins is one resilient bunch of fish.

LONGUEUIL, Que. — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has approved new rules that dole out stiffer punishments for fighting. All players involved in a fight will now receive a 10-minute misconduct penalty and a five-minute major.

Although restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 initially wreaked havoc on the golf season, Laurence Applebaum said this season showed the sport's resilience in Canada.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An unexpected return to the playoffs didn't last long for the Toronto Blue Jays. They surprised many by getting to the wild-card series. The top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays surprised no one by shutting them down.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland's long-reliable regulars Marcus Semien and Khris Davis powered a couple of home runs, Mark Canha made a game-saving catch against the wall and red-hot right-hander Chris Bassitt delivered the start of his life.

CALGARY — Leanne Taylor was born the same year Silken Laumann overcame long odds to stand on the Olympic podium. Laumann rowing to a bronze medal with a mangled leg at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona is part of Canadian sport lore.

ATLANTA — The scoreless innings kept piling up, along with the strikeouts.