The White Sox, with a new manager and renewed health, open the season Thursday at Houston in the first of a four-game series against the defending World Series champions.

After back-to-back subpar seasons, the Cubs are at least getting themselves back in the hunt. They open the season Thursday against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.

Competing in the Illinois Prep Top Times Championships on Saturday, Princeton's Teegan Davis, a University of Iowa football recruit, sustained a knee injury that will require surgery.

Downers Grove North senior George Wolkow, who hit two homers – one was a grand slam – and had five RBIs in a win over Plainfield East and also hit a grand slam in a win over Plainfield Central, is the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

Newark junior Kiara Wesseh, who took second in the Class 1A high jump, took third in the 60-meter dash and took third in the 60-meter hurdles at the Illinois Top Times Invitational, is the Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

A look at the area sports schedule for Thursday, March 30

Amboy junior Elly Jones won three events, and the Erie-Prophetstown girls track team took second in the 10-team Rosenberry Classic on Wednesday at Westwood Fitness & Sports Center in Sterling.

Nick Drtina got the win on the mound and Nazareth banged out 13 hits at the plate as the Roadrunners improved to 7-0, Montini softball picked up its first win and Downers Grove North baseball remained unbeaten on the year.

Morris took advantage of seven errors, seven walks and seven hit batters in a nonconference win over Newark on Wednesday.