SAXONBURG — RLCBats will have a grand opening Friday through Sunday at its new production facility on North Isabella St. in Saxonburg.

Hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Demonstrations on how bats are made as well as tours of the facility will be given every hour.

[naviga:h3]Russian track team still under scrutiny[/naviga:h3]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The World Anti-Doping Agency's top policymaking board handed down a declaration of noncompliance to Russia's anti-doping agency, in a much-expected rebuke for the country where corruption has been exposed throughout its sports and drug-fighting systems.

But there were calls from Olympians and other leaders for WADA to do more — including making sure the Russian track team wouldn't compete at the Rio Games next year, and also to investigate whether any other Russian teams doped.

“I feel that there are a lot of athletes watching and waiting right now,” said Beckie Scott, the Canadian cross-country skier and chair of the WADA athlete commission. “We're at a crossroads. We urge you to please consider these athletes and consider these sports as a whole.”

Her request was applauded by members of the 38-person WADA Foundation Board. But no action was taken.

Later, WADA President Craig Reedie said more fact-finding was needed before he could decide whether to expand the independent investigation that, so far, is only looking into Russia and track.

[naviga:h3]NBA's Rockets fire coach McHale early[/naviga:h3]

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets fired Kevin McHale with the team off to a lackluster 4-7 start just a year after advancing to the Western Conference finals.

Assistant J. B. Bickerstaff will take over as interim head coach in the shake-up announced by general manager Daryl Morey hours before Houston hosted Portland.

McHale was in his fifth season with Houston and is coming off a 56-26 season where the Rockets reached the West finals for the first time since 1997 before falling to eventual champion Golden State. The 57-year-old Hall of Fame player went 193-130 with the Rockets.

The Rockets opened the season with three straight losses.

[naviga:h3]Tigers get relief ace from Milwaukee[/naviga:h3]

DETROIT — The Tigers are turning to Francisco Rodriguez in their latest attempt to shore up the back end of their bullpen.

Detroit acquired the right-hander in a trade with Milwaukee on Wednesday, sending minor league infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named to the Brewers. Detroit general manager Al Avila said the Tigers might also receive a player to be named in the deal, but that’s not certain.

Rodriguez, who turns 34 in January, went 1-3 with a 2.21 ERA for the Brewers in 2015. He had 38 saves in 40 chances.