New Jersey nips

Red Wings 4-3

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Nico Hischier, Timo Meier and Connor Brown had a goal and an assist each and the New Jersey Devils beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Monday night in a matchup of two of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.

Alex DeBrincat, James van Riemsdyk and Dylan Larkin scored for Detroit.

New Jersey scored three goals in the first period on just eight shots for a 3-1 lead after one, snapped a three-game losing streak, and got its first win in regulation since beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Nov. 1.

Red Sox acquire

Sonny Gray

BOSTON (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Boston Red Sox have acquired right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced.

According to published reports, the Cardinals would receive righty Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke. Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA for the Cardinals last season.

In a 13-year career with five teams, he is 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star appearances. Fitts turns 26 next month.

Ohtani to play

for Japan

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani plans to play for Japan in next year’s World Baseball Classic. The two-way Los Angeles Dodgers star made the announcement on social media Monday night.

Ohtani helped Japan win the 2023 WBC, striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the championship game against the United States. He was named MVP of the tournament.

Ohtani won his fourth MVP award this month, shortly after he helped the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title. He did not specify in his post whether he plans to pitch for Japan in the WBC, which begins on March 5.

Jauan Jennings

throws punch

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco receiver Jauan Jennings responded to a cheap shot from Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig by throwing a punch after the final whistle. Television cameras caught Moehrig delivering a punch to Jennings’ groin area late in the 49ers’ 20-9 victory over the Panthers.

Jennings then walked over to Moehrig after the game and hit him in the helmet before giving him a shove. Jennings needed to be held back before the teams left the field.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan called Moehrig’s actions a “cheap shot” and was glad that Jennings didn’t have an even bigger reaction.