Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Adam Wainwright outpitched Tyler Chatwood in frigid conditions at Wrigley Field, helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-3 for their fifth consecutive victory. The gametime temperature was 35 degrees, and a 10 mph wind made it feel like 29. There were heaters on in each dugout, and the announced crowd of 35,103 bundled up in winter coats, hats and blankets.
TORONTO (AP) — Luke Maile singled down the right-field line with the bases loaded in the 10th inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays walked off with a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals to sweep a rare doubleheader at Rogers Centre. Toronto won the opener 11-3 and has swept all three doubleheaders at its retractable-roof stadium, which opened in 1989. Tyler Clippard worked a scoreless 10th for his 50th career victory.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The biggest hole Iowa will have to fill by September is at linebacker, where three multi-year starters have graduated and are preparing for a shot at the NFL. The Hawkeyes have gotten some clarity in the middle of their defense this spring. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker says Nick Niemann, Amani Jones and Aaron Mends have put themselves in position for starting jobs as spring workouts wrap up this week with an open practice Friday at Kinnick Stadium.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Tim Miles has been given a one-year contract extension through 2020-21. The Huskers were 22-11 and played in the National Invitation Tournament this past season. Their 13-5 record in Big Ten play was good for a tie for fourth place. Athletic director Bill Moos said last season’s performance merited the contract extension.