WEDNESDAY SPORTS: Shaw expected to play against Kentucky; Roland rumors; Pirates defeat Reds

*South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier, during his weekly Tuesday news conference, said starting quarterback Connor Shaw is not seriously injured and will be able to play this Saturday against Kentucky. Shaw was hurt during the Gamecocks’ first drive last Saturday in a 28-25 win at Central Florida.

*A source told the South Carolina Radio Network’s SportsTalk that South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland’s current suspension is for taking a prescription drug. The source indicated the prescription drug was the ADHD medicine Adderall. If true, the news contradicts what Steve Spurrier said about Roland’s status following the UCF game, when he stated the suspension did not involve drugs. Roland will miss the next two weeks because of the suspension.

*The Pittsburgh Pirates are headed for the National League Division Series after winning the NL wild-card game 6-2 over the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday night at home in Pittsburgh. Starter Francisco Liriano threw seven strong innings in the Pirates’ first post-season game since 1992, while Russell Martin put up two home runs and Marlon Byrd added one. Cincinnati starter Johnny Cueto struggled, giving up four runs in 3 1/3 innings. Pittsburgh will face the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.

*The Army, Navy and Air Force might not be able to play their football games this weekend after the Defense Department temporarily suspended sports competition Tuesday at the service academies because of the government shutdown. A Pentagon spokesman said the decision was being reviewed to determine whether the funds used for sports competition are congressionally appropriated. Two football games are in immediate danger of being canceled: Army at Boston College, and Air Force at Navy.