The Paducah Sun - Sports Shorts

Chicago Cubs' Marlon Byrd, left, is out as second on a steal attempt at St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal prepares to apply the tag during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 15, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Associated Press Chicago Cubs' Marlon Byrd (left) is out as second on a steal attempt at St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal prepares to apply the tag during the third inning of the game Sunday in St. Louis.

Cardinals ready for rebound

The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a hot start after winning the 2011 World Series title. Even though the Chicago Cubs beat the Cardinals on their home opener Friday, the Cardinals still won the series and are 7-3 so far for first place in the central division of the National League.

MLB honors Jackie Robinson

Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play professional baseball with MLB, on Sunday with all players wearing Robinson’s No. 42. Sunday marked the 65th anniversary of Robinson’s first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, which broke the league’s color barrier, paving the way for other black baseball players in the major leagues.

Biffle pulls away for Roush sweep

Greg Biffle regained the lead when he charged under Jimmie Johnson with 30 laps left Saturday night, then pulled away to end his 49-race winless streak while giving owner Jack Roush another NASCAR Sprint Cup victory in Texas at Texas Motor Speedway. It was Roush’s ninth win in 23 Cup races at Texas.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., won the Nationwide race on Friday night, also driving for Roush.