Mendoza

goes No. 1

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night. Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship.

The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick.

Pickens to sign

franchise tag

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the decision say Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens is planning to sign the $27.3 million franchise tag. The development comes a day after the club declared it wouldn’t negotiate a long-term contract this offseason.

Pickens has yet to sign the one-year contract but intends to put the issue to rest as the Cowboys go into the NFL draft. If he’s under contract, Pickens can be fined for not showing up at mandatory minicamp in June or for training camp in July. But getting under contract allows the 25-year-old to participate in the offseason program.

Ritchie wins

MLB debut

WASHINGTON (AP) — JR Ritchie made a memorable major league debut for the Atlanta Braves. Washington’s James Wood homered on Ritchie’s first pitch, but the 22-year-old right-hander rebounded to lead the Braves to a 7-2 victory over the Nationals.

Ritchie, selected 35th in the 2022 amateur draft, allowed just one more run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. Braves manager Walt Weiss praised Ritchie’s control and resilience. Ritchie started the season at Triple-A Gwinnett with a 0.99 ERA. The Braves will decide soon if he will make another big league start.