Here is the latest Illinois sports news from The Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have hired Mike Groh as their receivers coach. Groh spent the past two seasons as Alabama's receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Crimson Tide win back-to-back national championships. The Bears announced the hiring on Saturday. The move completes new coach Marc Trestman's staff.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Luis Valbuena got off to a great start in his bid to win more playing time with the Cubs, hitting a home run that helped Chicago beat a Los Angeles Angels split squad 11-2 yesterday in the spring training opener for both teams. Cubs left-hander Travis Wood and Angels right-hander Jerome Williams each went two innings in Tempe, Arizona. Both pitchers are trying to win a rotation spot.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Clayton Kershaw got off to a shaky start in his spring debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 9-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Alejandro De Aza hit a leadoff single for Chicago in the first inning and later scored on the first of two doubles by Alex Rios in Glendale, Arizona.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — David Perron scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period and the St. Louis Blues ended a five-game home losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets last night. Chris Stewart had a first-period goal for the Blues, who had been outscored 23-9 during a five game winless skid.