National Sports

WASHINGTON — Expectations were sky-high for Nate Pearson's big-league debut Wednesday night at Nationals Park.

The Atlantic Coast Conference reworked its football schedule Wednesday to allow each team to play 11 games and to incorporate Notre Dame, which is giving up its cherished independence in a year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins, one of the most under-the-radar teams in sports, have been in the news lately. Sort of. A network TV news anchor referred to them this week as the Miami Dolphins.

The Toronto Blue Jays will play in Philadelphia this weekend. Major League Baseball confirmed Wednesday that the Blue Jays will play a double-header at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, followed by a game on Sunday.

Former NHL coach Mike Babcock is joining the University of Vermont's men's hockey program as an adviser to the coaching staff.

Alena Sharp is keenly aware that time is not on her side as a shortened LPGA Tour season resumes this week.

CHICAGO — The National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks said Wednesday they are banning headdresses at home games as part of their pledge to honour the Native American community.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Aces have made French international halfback Louis Jouffret their first signing ahead of their inaugural rugby league season in 2021. The 24-year-old was most recently with Featherstone Rovers.

Toronto Wolfpack star Sonny Bill Williams is on the move, with the Sydney Roosters looking forward to adding the former All Black to its lineup.

Steven Warshaw walked up to Gabe Polsky and introduced himself.