ered from back-to-back tough outings to throw six scoreles

Betty Jane France, widow of former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. and the mother of current NASCAR chairman Brian France and vice chairwoman Lesa France Kennedy, died Monday at age 78.Serving as a NASCAR executive vice president and chairwoman of the NASCAR Foundation up until her death, Betty Jane France was an advocate for childrens health care and served on the boards of numerous Daytona Beach area community service organizations. The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, presented by the NASCAR Foundation to charities started by NASCAR fans that help childrens causes in their communities, is named in her honor.She played a significant role in NASCARs history, leading the charge to elevate the experience of our sport for the fans who love it, and her philanthropic efforts will forever remain a part of our sport, France Kennedy said in a statement.Lesas son, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ben Kennedy tweeted about his grandmothers death Monday night:My mother taught us incredible values, that of love, patience, compassion and joy, Brian France said in a statement. She embraced life every day, and nothing fueled her passion more than children.Her unmatched efforts in building The NASCAR Foundation improved the lives of millions of children throughout this country. And because of that, her legacy will live forever. My father leaned on my mother throughout his life, relying on her wisdom and calming demeanor to help grow the sport of NASCAR. She was there, every step of the way. Reaction to her death included tributes from some of the most high-profile people in the industry.They say behind every strong man is a very strong woman, said NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty. In this case, Betty Jane stood just as tall as Bill Jr.She did just as much as anyone to build the sport and help it grow. The Petty family sends our thoughts to Brian, Lesa and the entire France family at this time.As part of the France familys control of publicly traded track-operating company International Speedway Corp., Betty Jane France owned 25 percent of the voting stock, according to ISCs most recent proxy statement.NASCAR, a private race-sanctioning organization owned by the France family, does not release details of its ownership although public records indicate Lesa France Kennedy and her uncle, Jim France, have the majority of ownership.Beyond her greatest community service, her starring role was that of mother to my brother Brian and me, France Kennedy said. She was an incredible role model, cherished friend, and someone who demonstrated limitless possibilities that helped so many people pursue their dreams. Dick Butkus Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. 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According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. SEATTLE -- The red-hot Seattle Mariners are making a final push in the American League wild-card race as they begin a three-game series with the undermanned Houston Astros on Friday night.Six of Seattles final 16 games come against Houston (76-70), which is two games behind the Mariners (78-68). Seattle is tied with Detroit, two games behind Toronto for the final wild-card spot, with the New York Yankees three back.The Astros will likely be without MVP candidate Jose Altuve, who left Wednesdays 8-4 victory over Texas with an oblique injury. Also, rookie Alex Bregman (hamstring) is expected to be out of Fridays lineup.Theyre getting looked at, getting all the tests (from) doctors, Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. Theyre going to have a full evaluation before were going to know anything, but Im not optimistic about Friday for either of them.Altuve leads the AL in batting average (.341) and hits (196) while his 24 home runs and 94 RBI are career highs. Bregman is hitting .260 with eight homers and 32 RBI in 47 games.Seattle is coming off back-to-back sweeps of AL West doormats Oakland and Los Angeles after it appeared out of the race when it hit the road nine days ago.Outstanding trip, manager Scott Servais told reporters Wednesday night. Guys are really confident. The energy is up. It should be a really fun homestand coming up.The streak coincides with a return to form by the Mariners starting rotation, which had fallen on hard times before getting well against some of the leagues worst offeenses.dddddddddddd Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker put together solid back-to-back starts heading into Thursdays off day, and Seattle looks to ace Felix Hernandez to continue that trend Friday night.Hernandez (11-5) recovered from back-to-back tough outings to throw six scoreless innings in Oakland his last time out.Houston counters with Mariner-killer Collin McHugh, who is 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts against Seattle this season. McHugh (10-10) is one of the few Astros starters who have stayed healthy during an injury-plagued month. Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers have succumbed to injuries, putting pressure on pitchers such as McHugh to step up and keep Houston in the playoff race.Wednesday starter Joe Musgrove did his part by throwing 6 1/3 solid innings as the Astros etched out an 8-4 victory over Texas to close out that series.I want to see them again, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said of the Rangers. If we see them again, it means were meeting in October, so bring it. I hope were there.Before the Astros can think about a second consecutive postseason appearance, theyll have to hurdle four teams. Unless they can take at least two of three this weekend, thats probably not going to happen.Every game matters right now, Astros infielder Marwin Gonzalez told reporters after Wednesdays victory. Were going to try to win as much as we can, and thats it. ' ' '