National Sports

MINNEAPOLIS — Now that, Virginia, is the way to close out a season. And quiet those critics, too.

Kevin Pillar posted a lengthy thank you message to his Toronto fans on Instagram Monday night, hours before hitting a grand slam for his first home run with his new team.

April is just over a week old, and already Whit Merrifield is more than halfway to matching Joe DiMaggio's famous hitting streak. That's because Merrifield's run began toward the end of last season — so long ago that it doesn't totally resonate.

SAO PAULO — Pele left a Paris hospital on Monday after being treated for a urinary infection.

VANCOUVER — Between five different NHL clubs and stints in the American Hockey League, Luke Schenn has logged a lot of kilometres over the past few years.

CALGARY — Take advantage of the opportunity. That was the message from veterans Mark Giordano and Mike Smith as the Calgary Flames began preparations on Monday to meet the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series.

TORONTO — Sports fans in Ontario will soon be able to have a drink and tailgate before a game.

Corey Conners was battling through qualifiers last Monday, winning a 6-for-1 playoff just to make the Valero Texas Open.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning has a busy summer ahead of him. Deals are needed for a number of pending free agents, trades could be necessary to add to the squad's depth and Vancouver will host the draft in June.

TORONTO — Leaning on his stick at the conclusion of practice, Auston Matthews did all the listening in a one-way, one-on-one exchange with Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.