Cardinals choose Matheny for manager

The St. Louis Cardinals looked within its own organization to hire a new manager to replace retiring Tony La Russa. Sunday, the Cardinals announced that Mike Matheny, a former catcher for the team, would be La Russa’s successor. Matheny played for the Cardinals from 2000-2004 and won three of his four Gold Gloves in that span. He was one of six men the Cardinals interviewed, and Matheny, 40, has no managerial experience, but spent time as a minor league instructor.

Matheny replaces La Russa, who abruptly retired after the Cardinals won the World Series last month. General manager John Mozeliak said the four-time Gold Glove catcher stood out from a group of candidates.

Kahne breaks drought, Chase still tight

Kasey Kahne broke an 81-race winless streak Sunday with a NASCAR Sprint Cup win at Phoenix International Raceway. The Chase for the Sprint Cup points leader Carl Edwards finished second while Tony Stewart finished third. Edwards has a three-point lead over Stewart going into the championship series finale this week at Miami Homestead Speedway. It’s the closest championship battle since the Chase format began in 2004.

Louisville hampered with injuries

Even though Louisville has started the season 2-0 and beat Lamar 68-48 Sunday night and have brought back 11 lettermen, attention has been on the Cardinals’ increasingly short bench. Mike Marra injured his knee in Sunday’s game, joining three other players who are out with injuries.

Four local teams still hunt for titles

Four local football teams are still competing in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association playoffs, with Mayfield, Murray, Paducah Tilghman and Lone Oak all recording wins on Friday night. Each school plays this Friday night for the regional finals.