National Sports.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg all business as he makes his professional debut at NBA Summer League

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0 for 5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his groove, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block. Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

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New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe (11) slides into home base during the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Yankees rally past Mariners 6-5 in 10 innings after going hitless against Bryan Woo until the 8th

Anthony Volpe scored the winning run with an acrobatic slide on Aaron Judge’s shallow sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees rallied past Seattle 6-5 after Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo took a no-hitter into the eighth. Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled leading off the eighth for New York’s first hit. Woo quickly allowed another single and was lifted after Austin Wells’ sacrifice fly shaved Seattle’s lead to 5-1. Pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton made it 5-3 with a two-run homer off Matt Brash, and the Yankees were down to their final strike multiple times before tying it on Wells’ two-run single off All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz in the ninth.

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Andrés Muñoz (75) throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh: All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz was tipping pitches against Yankees

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh thinks All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz was tipping pitches when he squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees. Muñoz was handed his sixth blown save in 27 opportunities this season after starter Bryan Woo held the Yankees hitless into the eighth. With the Mariners holding a 5-3 lead, Muñoz entered in the ninth and loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a two-out walk. Standing at second base while Austin Wells batted, Cody Bellinger waved his arms when Muñoz threw his slider. Wells worked the count full and lined a fastball into right field for a two-run single that tied it. New York then scored in the 10th to win 6-5.

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo (22) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo loses no-hit bid in 8th inning at Yankee Stadium

Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo has lost his no-hit bid against the New York Yankees when Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled to right field leading off the eighth inning. Ben Rice followed with another clean single that put runners at the corners, and Woo was removed after Austin Wells’ sacrifice fly trimmed Seattle’s lead to 5-1. Chisholm singled through the right side on a 1-2 changeup. He and Woo, who will be teammates on the American League All-Star squad next week, patted each other on the rear end near first base. Woo opened the game by walking Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham, then retired 20 straight batters. Following the walks, Woo struck out Aaron Judge and retired Chisholm on a double play.

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Athletics' Brent Rooker hits a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Athletics’ Brent Rooker and Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. join Home Run Derby lineup

Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have joined the lineup for Monday night’s All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta. Rooker, representing the Athletics, says he won’t change his usual approach at the plate. This marks the first time an A’s player has participated since 2021. Rooker has hit 58 home runs since 2024, third among American League players. His former youth coach, Joe Caruso, will pitch to him during the event. Chisholm, a Yankees infielder, is making his Derby debut. Other participants include Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh and James Wood.

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FILE - Katie Taylor, left, and Amanda Serrano pose for photos during a news conference promoting their upcoming boxing bout, May 16, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde, File)

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano meet for third time in their historic women’s boxing rivalry

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano have fought twice, two of the best and most significant events in women’s boxing history. They return to Madison Square Garden, site of their first bout, on Friday night to headline the first all-women’s card at the arena. It’s the expected conclusion to a rivalry that has elevated their sport, created opportunities that never previously existed for female fighters, and so far has delivered everything except a Serrano victory. Taylor will defend her 140-pound titles against Serrano, who has won titles in seven weight classes. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ireland won close decisions in both previous fights.

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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Bryan Baker (43) leaves the mound in a pitching substitution after giving up four runs during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Orioles trade reliever Bryan Baker to Rays for 37th pick in draft

The Baltimore Orioles have traded right-handed reliever Bryan Baker to AL East rival Tampa Bay in exchange for the 37th overall pick in the 2025 MLB amateur draft, a sign that one of baseball’s most disappointing clubs could be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. Orioles GM Mike Elias wouldn’t completely commit to that idea speaking to media before Thursday’s doubleheader against the New Yor Mets, citing the 2024 Detroit Tigers, who traded players off their major league roster, then surged into a playoff spot. But he acknowledged the possibility on a day that began with last-place Baltimore (40-50) sitting 12 1/2 games behind division-leading Toronto and seven out of the final AL wild card spot.

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Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton (25) is looked at by manager Rocco Baldelli (5), left, and a trainer after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Twins keep sore Buxton out of starting lineup with bruised hand, but expect All-Star to be fine

The Minnesota Twins have kept All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of Thursday’s starting lineup due to a bruised left hand. Manager Rocco Baldelli says Buxton could still play as a pinch-hitter, depending on how his hand feels. Buxton was hit by a pitch during Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs but stayed in briefly before being removed. X-rays showed no fractures. Baldelli expects him to return soon. Buxton’s participation in next week’s All-Star Game and Home Run Derby appears unaffected. Buxton has 20 home runs this season and ranks among league leaders in several categories.

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New York Yankees second base DJ LeMahieu (26) grounds out Athletics' Max Muncy (10) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Yankees cut 2-time batting champ DJ LeMahieu with nearly $22 million left on contract

DJ LeMahieu has been cut by the New York Yankees with almost $22 million remaining on his contract, one day after the two-time batting champion got demoted to the bench. LeMahieu, who turns 37 on Sunday, was designated for assignment and fellow infielder Jorbit Vivas was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees then released LeMahieu on Thursday. A three-time All-Star, LeMahieu was batting .266 with two homers, 12 RBIs and a .674 OPS. He made his season debut May 13 after recovering from a left calf strain.

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FILE - UFC fighter Ben Askren waits for the start of a middleweight mixed martial arts bout between David Branch and Jared Cannonier at UFC 230, in New York, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren recovering from double lung transplant

Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling severe pneumonia. In a social media post Wednesday, Askren shared that he is now recovering. He revealed he remembers little from a 45-day ordeal between late May and early July, during which he was on a ventilator and his heart stopped four times. Askren lost 50 pounds during the experience but expressed gratitude for the love and support he received. Known for his amateur wrestling and MMA career, Askren retired in 2019 and briefly returned for a boxing match in 2021.

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Cam Schlittler brings heat and hope to Yankees in winning MLB debut

One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation. Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year. But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.

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New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Chisholm homers twice and Schlittler wins MLB debut as Yankees top Mariners 9-6

Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered twice and drove in four runs, and Cam Schlittler won his impressive major league debut as the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 9-6. Jasson Domínguez had three hits, including an RBI single, and Aaron Judge added a two-run double to help the Yankees overcome four Seattle homers. New York has won three straight following its second six-game losing streak since mid-June. One of the team’s top-rated prospects, Schlittler was called up from the minors to start in place of injured Clarke Schmidt. The 24-year-old right-hander froze big league home run leader Cal Raleigh with a 100 mph fastball for his first strikeout and was charged with three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring in the first half of an MLS soccer match against the New England Revolution, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Lionel Messi has MLS-record 4th straight multi-goal game as Inter Miami beats New England 2-1

Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1. Miami has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five. Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute. Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches. Nashville’s Sam Surridge with 16 is the only player with more MLS goals than Messi.

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FILE - Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA basketball game, April 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

Suns sign Devin Booker to 2-year, $145 million max extension through 2029-30, AP sources say

Two people with knowledge of the contract say the Phoenix Suns have signed star guard Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 max contract extension. The 28-year-old Booker has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, earning four All-Star appearances in 10 NBA seasons. The two-time all-NBA player has averaged 24.4 points since Phoenix took him out of Kentucky with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Booker averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor during a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Suns. Phoenix has revamped its front office and roster since a disappointing 2024-25 season, including a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.

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FILE - Frank Layden, former president of the Utah Jazz, is introduced during a 20-year reunion ceremony for the team that reached the 1997 NBA Finals, at halftime of the Jazz's basketball game against the New York Knicks on March 22, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File)

Former Jazz coach and GM Frank Layden dies at 93

Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93.  Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He’s the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown’s Atlanta staff and became the New Orleans Jazz’s general manager in 1979.

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Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz celebrates with team mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between PSG and Real Madrid in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

After routing Real Madrid in Club World Cup, PSG eyes Chelsea and historic quadruple

Paris Saint-Germain routed Real Madrid 4-0 in a Club World Cup semifinal, moving closer to a historic quadruple. Having won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, PSG plays Chelsea on Sunday in the Club World Cup final. PSG’s blue, red and white jerseys don’t have glamorous names pressed across the back, and they may not be as ubiquitous as the the red shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City’s light blue or Chelsea’s royal blue. But the team is filling up the trophy display at its cramped, outdated stadium, Parc des Princes.

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Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber, right, is congratulated by Bryce Harper after hitting a three-run home run that also scored J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Bryce Harper after slump-busting game vs. Giants: ‘I’m really good. I mean, I really am’

Bryce Harper broke out of a slump with a career-best four extra-base hits — and then issued a reminder about his place in the game. After the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 13-0, Harper said, “I’m really good. I mean, I really am.” Harper hasn’t been himself much of the season. The two-time NL MVP and eight-time All-Star missed most of June with inflammation in his right wrist. He had gone 1 for 14 in four games before Wednesday, when he hit a homer and three doubles, all to the opposite field.

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Tampa Bay Rays' Junior Caminero celebrates his home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Junior Caminero homers, scores twice to help the Rays end the Tigers’ winning streak

First-time All-Star Junior Caminero homered and scored twice and the Tampa Bay Rays beat Detroit 7-3 on Wednesday to end the major league-leading Tigers’ winning streak at five games. Down 3-2 after five innings, the Rays scored four times in the sixth and Caminero led off the seventh with his 22nd homer — a blast over the Detroit bullpen in left. The Rays broke it open against reliever Chase Lee in the sixth. With two out and a runner on second, Lee replaced Brant Hurter (4-1) and allowed four straight run-scoring hits, including doubles by Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen. Zack Littell (8-7) allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Rays.

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FILE - AB Hernandez, a transgender student at Jurupa Valley High School, competes in the high jump at the California high school track-and-field championships in Clovis, Calif., May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Trump administration sues California over transgender athlete policies

President Donald Trump’s administration has sued the California Department of Education for allowing transgender girls to compete on girls sports teams. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that the policy violates federal law. The move escalates an ongoing battle between Trump’s Republican administration and Democratic-led California over trans athletes competing in girls and women’s sports. The lawsuit says California’s transgender athlete policies violate Title IX, the federal law that bans discrimination in education based on sex. Trump criticized the participation of a transgender high school student-athlete who won titles in the California track-and-field championships last month.

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FILE - The Automated Ball-Strike System plays on the scoreboard after a pitch call was challenged during the first inning of a spring training baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the San Diego Padres, Feb. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week

Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season. MLB says it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday. Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges  successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards showing spectators the challenge result.

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Ex-NBA player Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison for rape

An Oregon judge has sentenced former NBA player Ben McLemore to more than eight years in prison for raping a woman at a house party in 2021. KGW reports that the ex-Portland Trail Blazer was sentenced to 100 months in prison on Wednesday. The sentencing comes a week after a jury found the 32-year-old guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse. The charges stemmed from a party at a home owned by a then-teammate. Prosecutors described the sexual encounter as rape. The defense argued it was consensual sex.

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FILE - Milwaukee Brewers starter Dallas Keuchel throws during the first inning of a baseball game, June 26, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

Royals sign former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract

The Kansas City Royals have signed former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal. The team announced the signing on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Keuchel worked out for the team last week. He will head to its training facility in Arizona and then is expected to spend time at Triple-A Omaha in the hopes of returning to the big leagues. Keuchel appeared in four games for Milwaukee last season. He spent his first seven seasons with the Astros, helping them win the 2017 World Series. He was a two-time All-Star and won the Cy Young in 2015.

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Golden State Valkyries' Veronica Burton (22) is defended by Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Valkyries rout the Fever 80-61 as Caitlin Clark struggles in her return from injury

Veronica Burton had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Kayla Thornton added 18 points and eight boards, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Indiana Fever 80-61 to spoil Caitlin Clark’s return. The Valkyries held Clark to just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting as the Fever scored their second-fewest points of the season. Clark returned after missing the past five games with a left groin injury. After Indiana went on a 10-1 run to get within 55-50, Burton ended Golden State’s drought with a 3-pointer. Burton also capped Golden State’s 9-0 run on another 3-pointer with 26 seconds left in the third for a 64-50 lead.

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Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, center, is joined by his wife Kathy LeMond, right, while being presented the Congressional Gold Medal by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, during a ceremony at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony

Greg LeMond, who is one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, has been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The 64-year-old LeMond received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he’d receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia.

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Chelsea's Joao Pedro celebrates with Enzo Fernandez, right, and Trevoh Chalobah, left, after scoring a goal against Fluminense during the second half of a Club World Cup semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

João Pedro scores twice vs. boyhood team, Chelsea beats Fluminense 2-0 to reach Club World Cup final

João Pedro scored twice against his boyhood team in his first start for Chelsea, leading the Blues over Fluminense 2-0 and into an all-European Club World Cup final. João Pedro got goals in the 18th and 56th minutes. Chelsea will face Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in Sunday’s championship. A first-half penalty kick for Fluminense was overturned after a video review. European teams will win their 12th straight Club World Cup title and 17th in 18 tries. Chelsea seeks its second world championship after 2021.

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Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers celebrates after a basket in the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Paige Bueckers is matching the hype, and then some, as the No. 1 pick for the Wings

Paige Bueckers has been just about everything the Dallas Wings hoped as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. She has matched Caitlin Clark from a year ago as a rookie All-Star starter while shouldering a heavy load for a rebuilding team. The former UConn star is also passing her most predictable test. Bueckers is handling losing when she didn’t have much experience with it in college. Bueckers has even helped engineer quite the response. The Wings are 5-3 since blowing an 11-point lead late in a loss at Las Vegas that dropped them to 1-11.

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San Francisco Giants' Patrick Bailey runs home to score after hitting a three-run inside the park home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Giants catcher Bailey makes history with game-ending, inside-the-park home run

Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley. It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run. It was also the first time in nearly nine years that a player has hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in the majors. Cleveland’s Tyler Naquin was the last to do so on Aug. 19, 2016.

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FILE - Washington Nationals bench coach Miguel Cairo looks on during batting practice before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, June 23, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)

Interim Nationals GM pledges a ‘fresh voice’ and manager Cairo says ‘it’s hard’ to replace Martinez

Washington Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo and interim manager Miguel Cairo are ready to try to turn around an organization that’s had the second-worst record in the majors since 2020. The Nationals fired manager Dave Martinez and longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo after Sunday’s 6-4 loss to Boston, which dropped Washington to 37-53 on the season and 9-23 since June 1. DeBartolo says he wants to bring a “fresh voice” and integrate more data into the team’s decison-making. Cairo was close with Martinez and says “it’s hard” to be talking to reporters as his replacement.

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FILE - Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs on May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Three-tim MVP Nikola Jokic will delay signing extension with Nuggets this summer, AP source says

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.

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New York Mets' Juan Soto, left, hits a single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Despite Juan Soto’s snub for NL squad, the Mets insist ‘he’s an All-Star for us’

The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, “He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.

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Milwaukee Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Shohei Ohtani greets Jacob Misiorowski with leadoff homer. Brewers phenom responds with 12 K’s

Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He’s already beaten Paul Skenes and now he’soutdueled Clayton Kershaw.

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Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston (7) goes to the basket against Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Aces star A’ja Wilson injures her right wrist vs. the Liberty and will get an MRI

Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.

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Chelsea's Joao Pedro reacts after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

João Pedro doesn’t celebrate goals for Chelsea, saying former team `gave everything to me’

João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz celebrates with third base coach Mike Rabelo (58) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Pirates’ Oneil Cruz will bring his record-breaking power to the Home Run Derby

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday’s Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.

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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoids comment on QB Jake Retzlaff’s status amid transfer rumors

BYU coach Kalani Sitake is not directly addressing the status of Jake Retzlaff amid reports that the quarterback is transferring after being accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that was dismissed. Retzlaff reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal rather than face a suspension for violating BYU’s honor code. Retzlaff acknowledged a consensual sexual relationship in his defense against the lawsuit.

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Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, middle greets teammates during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Clark takes Indiana teammate Boston No. 1 in WNBA All-Star Game draft. Collier picks Stewart

Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark’s other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) works out during practice at NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cousins says on Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ he played through arm injury to keep Falcons’ starting job

Kirk Cousins said on the Netflix series “Quarterback” that he played through pain in his right, throwing arm last season in part to keep from losing his starting job with the Atlanta Falcons to rookie backup Michael Penix Jr. Cousins said he felt something was wrong right away after taking a hit in Week 10 but did not want to be “Wally Pipped.” Cousins threw one touchdown pass and eight interceptions over the next four games before Penix replaced him. Cousins remains on Atlanta’s roster with the beginning of training camp two weeks away.

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FILE - Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown is pictured in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Oct. 15, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps, File)

Mike Brown is excited about the potential and the pressure of being Knicks coach

Mike Brown knows there’s going to be pressure that comes with coaching the Knicks. He also knows there’s a great roster and great restaurants waiting in New York. He’s excited about all of it. The new Knicks coach shook off any concerns about taking over a team that fired Tom Thibodeau despite getting two wins from the NBA Finals, pointing to the positives Tuesday that made him want the job. Brown was hired a little more than a month after the Knicks surprisingly fired Thibodeau despite getting to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

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FILE - Trainers help Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum (0) off the court after he was injured during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks, May 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Celtics’ Brad Stevens shuns idea team is in a rebuild with Jayson Tatum out

The Boston Celtics face major changes after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brad Stevens, the team’s president of basketball operations, confirmed tough decisions were necessary, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The moves brought down the team’s payroll and avoided penalties under the NBA’s second salary cap apron. Stevens emphasizes the team is not rebuilding but retooling, with Jaylen Brown stepping up as the focal point while Tatum recovers. Both players are already rehabbing, with Brown nearing full clearance. Stevens remains optimistic about the team’s potential despite the challenges ahead.

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Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Big 12 commissioner doubles down on preference for 5-11 playoff model if CFP expands

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference for staying with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand to 16 teams as many expect after this season. He favors that over having guaranteed multiple bids for all the power conferences. Yormark says at Big 12 football media days that there is a responsibility to do what’s right for college football, not just what’s right for one or two leagues. The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark eats Goldfish crackers during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Caitlin Clark set to return for Indiana on Wednesday after missing 5 games with groin injury

Caitlin Clark expects to play Wednesday when the Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries after missing the past five games with a left groin injury. The All-Star captain participated in practice Monday which was open to season ticket holders, playing in a 5-on-5 scrimmage. It was the first time she’d done that since getting hurt on June 26. Barring any setbacks, Clark will be available to play Wednesday. It was Clark’s second injury of the season. She’s missed nine of the team’s 18 games this season as well as the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final which saw the Fever beat the Minnesota Lynx. Clark had a left quad injury that forced her to miss five games last month.

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Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins, left, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle uses solid defense to disrupt teams and climbs up WNBA standings

The Seattle Storm have been disruptive on defense this season behind stars Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike. They have the versatility to switch who they are guarding on screens which makes them more difficult to score against. The group also is great at being active in passing lines that has created more steals and turnovers. Diggins, who is averaging 1.3 steals, joked that she might be the worst of the group defensively. Seattle has won three of its past four games and has a home-and-home with lowly Connecticut in its next two. The team is 12-7, one game behind Phoenix for second place in the standings.

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FILE - Oklahoma Athletics Director Joe Castiglione gestures as he speaks during an NCAA college football news conference, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione announces retirement plans

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione has announced that the upcoming academic year will be his last in charge of the department, with an official retirement planned for June 2028. The 67-year-old Castiglione spoke at a news conference Tuesday to explain his decision to step down after 27 years of leadership. He said he’d been thinking over the past couple of months about his life journey and family. Castiglione will help the university with its search for a replacement during the 2025-2026 academic year before transitioning into a special projects role for a couple of years.

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San Diego Padres' Manny Machado, third from left, reacts after hitting a single, his 2000th career hit, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, July 7, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit

Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres got his 2,000th career hit Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came off starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he’s been a fan favorite since joining the Padres as a free agent in 2019. The All-Star third baseman singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit.

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Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 7, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Guardians snap 10-game losing streak with 7-5 win over Astros

José Ramírez and David Fry homered and Brayan Rocchio added a two-run double as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Houston Astros 7-5 to snap a 10-game skid. Cleveland’s last win was on June 25. Emmanuel Clase closed the game with a perfect ninth inning for his 19th save. Houston’s Taylor Trammell and Isaac Paredes also homered, but it wasn’t enough. Guardians starter Tanner Bibee allowed four runs in under five innings, while Houston’s Colton Gordon gave up five runs in nearly six innings but stayed in after being hit by a line drive.

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FILE - Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown is pictured in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Oct. 15, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Spenser Heaps, File)

New York Knicks hire Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year

The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.

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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) falls to the court with an injury during the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers executive confirms Tyrese Haliburton won’t play next year as he recovers from torn Achilles

The Indiana Pacers won’t be rushing guard Tyrese Haliburton back to the court next season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Monday in a news conference that Haliburton “will not play next year.” Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had surgery June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It was a historic postseason for Haliburton, who turned in an array of buzzer-beating winners, incredible plays and some unprecedented stat lines. The Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned champions after beating the Pacers 103-91.

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FILE - Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game on March 9, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

GM Stone thrilled to add Kevin Durant to Rockets despite tough decision to move on from Jalen Green

Adding a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber was too valuable an opportunity for the Houston Rockets to pass up, even though it meant moving on from Jalen Green just four seasons after they drafted him second overall. Durant was officially acquired from Phoenix on Sunday in a complicated seven-team transaction that sent Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns and brought Clint Capela back to Houston from the Hawks. General manager Rafael Stone is thrilled to add the future Hall of Famer, who will turn 37 in September, to a team which made a huge leap last season to earn the second seed in the Western Conference.

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FILE - Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, left, watches with general manager Mike Rizzo during spring training baseball practice Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo get fired by the last-place Washington Nationals

Manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo were fired by the Washington Nationals amid their sixth consecutive losing season since they won the 2019 World Series. The move came hours after a 6-4 loss in Washington on Sunday completed a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. The Nationals are 37-53 and last in their division. The only National League club with a worse record in 2025 is the Colorado Rockies. Rizzo had overseen the roster since 2009, and Martinez had been in the dugout since 2018. Bench coach Miguel Cairo was named interim manager Monday.

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John Hunter Nemechek competes in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 165, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

NASCAR’s first in-season tournament adds some drama to the Cup Series finish in Chicago

NASCAR’s first in-season tournament hasn’t made much of an impression on its drivers so far. Ty Gibbs said Sunday he didn’t know who his second-round opponent was until after the Cup Series race. That might be about to change. Gibbs is one of eight drivers still in the mix for the $1 million prize that goes to the winner of the five-race, bracket-style competition. While Shane van Gisbergen was closing out his Cup victory in Chicago this weekend, some of the most compelling action on the downtown street course was connected to the inaugural In-Season Challenge.

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FILE - Ed Fiori plays his tee shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the MasterCard Classic in Mexico City, Sunday, March 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Jaime Puebla, File)

Ed Fiori, known for taking down Tiger Woods, dies of cancer

The PGA Tour says Ed Fiori has died. He is best known for taking down a 20-year-old Tiger Woods in 1996 at the Quad City Classic. The tournament is called the John Deere Classic now. Fiori was a 43-year-old veteran with three tour wins when he trailed Woods going into the final round. It was Woods’ third tournament as a pro. Woods had a quadruple bogey and a four-putt double bogey and gave up the lead. Fiori wound up winning his fourth and final tour title. The tour says he had been battling cancer. Fiori was 72.

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Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez (4) celebrates after scoring against the United States in the second half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final soccer match in Houston, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Edson Álvarez’s tiebreaking goal gives Mexico 2-1 win over US for 10th Gold Cup title

Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Chris Richards put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute Sunday night in Houston, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament. But Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup. Álvarez’s goal was confirmed by the VAR, and Mexico held on from there to defend its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the U.S.

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Shane van Gisbergen does a victory burnout after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 165, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Van Gisbergen wins in Chicago once again, completing a NASCAR weekend sweep

Shane van Gisbergen has completed a sweep on the Chicago Street Course, winning the NASCAR Cup Series race on the tricky downtown circuit. It was van Gisbergen’s second victory of the season and his third career Cup win. The Trackhouse Racing driver also won in Chicago in 2023, becoming the first driver to take his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963. Ty Gibbs was second, and Tyler Reddick finished third. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. It was a dominant weekend for van Gisbergen, a three-time champion in Australia’s Supercars. The 36-year-old New Zealand native won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race from the pole.

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Brian Campbell tees off on the 13th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Brian Campbell wins John Deere Classic for 2nd playoff victory this year

It’s win or bust for Brian Campbell on the PGA Tour. Campbell won for the second time this season and both have been in playoffs. He shot a 67 in the final round of the John Deere Classic and beat Emiliano Grillo on the first extra hole when the Argentine went over the green and made bogey. Most peculiar about Campbell’s year is he hasn’t finished inside the top 30 except for those two wins. David Lipsky had a chance to join the playoff when he made eagle on the 17th. But he took bogey on the last hole.

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Zack Wheeler throws 1-hitter for first complete game since 2021, leading Phillies past Reds

Zack Wheeler threw a one-hitter for his first complete game since 2021 in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Wheeler (9-2) — the National League’s pitcher of the month in June — allowed only a leadoff homer to Austin Hays in the fifth inning. The right-hander struck out 12 and didn’t walk a batter, throwing 108 pitches. Since Wheeler returned from paternity leave June 9, he has allowed only three earned runs in 40 innings. Kyle Schwarber tied it in the fifth with a two-out RBI double, and Bryson Stott gave the Phillies the lead in the eighth with a two-run homer off Tony Santillan (1-2).

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Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler, left, celebrates with Bryson Stott, right, following a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Phillies’ Zack Wheeler throws 1-hitter for his first complete game since 2021

Zack Wheeler threw a one-hitter for his first complete game since 2021 in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Wheeler (9-2) — the National League’s pitcher of the month in June — allowed only a leadoff homer to Austin Hays in the fifth inning. The right-hander struck out 12 and didn’t walk a batter, throwing 108 pitches. After a brief meeting in the dugout with Phillies manager Rob Thomson after the eighth inning, Wheeler went back out for the ninth and finished his first complete game since Aug. 8, 2021, by retiring Will Benson, Christian Encarnacio-Strand and TJ Friedl on eight pitches.

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The hair of Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams bounces as she faces the New York Liberty during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

WNBA All-Star Game: Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron among reserves

Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron will be making their All-Star debuts in Indianapolis later this month as they were all chosen on Sunday as reserves for the game. Thornton has been in the league for nine years and finally is getting her chance to play in the exhibition game. She was selected in the expansion draft by Golden State last year and has helped the expansion team get off to a good start. Williams has been in the league for six seasons, although she’s missed time to play with France’s national team. She’s having a strong season for Seattle this year.

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FILE - Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin runs after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson, File)

Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin arrested on marijuana and weapon charges

Authorities say All-Pro return man KaVontae Turpin of the Cowboys was arrested in a Dallas suburb on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Turpin was arrested by police in Allen on Saturday. The 28-year-old is out of jail on bond. The team has declined to comment. The former TCU standout is going into his fourth season with the Cowboys. He recently signed an $18 million, three-year contract. Turpin’s TCU career ended in 2018 when he was kicked off the team amid two domestic violence cases.

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FILE - Atlanta Braves pitcher Jesse Chavez throws to a San Diego Padres batter during the sixth inning in Game 1 of an NL Wild Card Series baseball game on Oct. 1, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

He’s back! 41-year-old reliever Jesse Chavez returns again for his seventh stint with Braves

Jesse Chavez has returned for his seventh stint with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves added the 41-year-old reliever to their major league roster before Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. It is the sixth move to add the veteran right-hander to Atlanta’s roster since 2021 and the seventh overall since 2009. Chavez allowed two runs in three innings in his first stint with the Braves this season before he was released and then re-signed with the team. The Braves optioned left-hander Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett and transferred right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach to the 60-day injured list.

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United States defender Chris Richards (3) dribble the ball up the field past a fallen Turkey defender during the first half of an international friendly soccer game, Saturday, June 7, 2025, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Chris Richards says US team ready to fight in Gold Cup final against Mexico

The U.S. men’s soccer team has reached Sunday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup against Mexico with five straight wins. Defender Chris Richards says the team has embraced a fighting spirit under coach Mauricio Pochettino, which he felt was missing in recent years. Tim Ream, at 37 the oldest U.S. players, said the new coaching staff took time to get used to. This will be the team’s last competitive match before the Americans co-host next year’s World Cup.

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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Shohei Ohtani works 2 scoreless innings and strikes out side in 2nd on 31st birthday

Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani worked two scoreless innings against the Houston Astros in his fourth mound start of the season. He struck out the side in order in the second while pitching on his 31st birthday. Ohtani allowed one hit and threw 31 pitches, 21 for strikes. He fanned Christian Walker, Victor Caratini and Yanier Diaz — all swinging — to conclude his latest outing as an opener as he works his way back from elbow surgery. In his previous start a week earlier, Ohtani threw the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph. On Saturday, he hit triple digits only once — a 100.9 mph fastball that Caratini fouled off.

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Players and fans observe a minute of silent in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva prior the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

FIFA cuts ticket price to $13.40 for Club World Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense

FIFA cut standard ticket prices for the semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday to $13.40 from $473.90 earlier in the past week. FIFA has used dynamic pricing for the 63-game tournament. Standard ticket prices for Wednesday’s semifinal between European champion Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in New Jersey start at $199.60. FIFA had dropped ticket prices to $11.15 for a quarterfinal in Orlando, Florida, between Fluminense and Al Hilal. and in Philadelphia between Chelsea and Palmeiras.

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Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, bottom, scores his side's 3rd goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Real Madrid beats Dortmund 3-2 after 3 stoppage-time goals, plays PSG in Club World Cup semifinals

Kylian Mbappé’s spectacular bicycle kick was among three goals in second-half stoppage time, and Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a Club World Cup quarterfinal as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois used his fingertips to palm away the potential tying goal on the game’s final play. Gonzalo García and Fran García scored early as Madrid built a 2-0 lead. Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier scored three minutes into stoppage time and Mbappé, who entered in the 67th, restored a two-goal lead with his bicycle kick one minute later. Serhou Guirassy then converted a penalty kick and Courtois just tipped Marcel Sabitzer’s shot just before the final whistle.

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Borussia Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac waits for the beginning of the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Dortmund coach Niko Kovač says MetLife Stadium field more suited to golf than to soccer

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač has criticized the MetLife Stadium field and extreme heat during the Club World Cup. Speaking after a 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Real Madrid, he compared the field to a golf green, saying it was unsuitable for high-level soccer. The match kicked off at 3 p.m. in East Rutherford, where the temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Kovač noted similar issues in Cincinnati, with on-field temperatures reaching 113 degrees during earlier games. He suggested later kickoff times to improve conditions. Next year’s World Cup in the U.S. may face similar challenges, with many venues lacking roofs or air-conditioning.

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Los Angeles Sparks' Azura Stevens (23) goes by Indiana Fever's Natasha Howard (6) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Azura Stevens’ double-double lifts Sparks over Fever 89-87

The Los Angeles Sparks edge out the Indiana Fever 89-87 on Saturday night. Azura Stevens led the Sparks with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum added 20 points. The Fever, missing Caitlin Clark for the fifth straight game due to a groin injury, saw Aliyah Boston score 23 points and grab 12 rebounds. The game remained close throughout, with Rickea Jackson sinking the go-ahead basket for the Sparks with under a minute left. Indiana missed its final five shots, sealing the loss.

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FILE - Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks looks on during a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Aug. 30, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)

Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, dies at 44

Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, has died. He was 44. The White Sox announced Saturday taht Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal. He was being treated there for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason. He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving 41 games in 2006 and 40 in 2007. He retired 41 consecutive batters in 2007, matching a record for a reliever.

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New York Yankees' Aaron Judge leaves the field after not scoring in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Aaron Judge gets struck in the face by a toss from Yankees teammate Anthony Volpe

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was struck in the face by a toss from teammate Anthony Volpe as they were coming off the field after the fifth inning of Saturday’s 12-6 loss to the New York Mets. Judge came to bat in the sixth with a small bandage that was still affixed near his right eye after the game. He had a mark right around the eye but said he was fine. The sloppy Yankees were handed their sixth consecutive defeat, matching a season worst.

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Faith Kipyegon sets 1,500 world record at the Prefontaine Classic

Kenyan Faith Kipyegon set a world record in the 1,500 meters Saturday at the Prefontaine Classic, finishing in 3 minutes, 48.68 seconds. Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion in the event, bested her own record of 3:49.04 in the event, set last July before the Paris Games. The 31-year-old Kipyegon sprinted alone down the stretch at Hayward Field cheered by the crowd. After crossing the finish line, she wrapped herself in the Kenyan flag.

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Beatrice Chebet, of Kenya, celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the women 5000 meters at the Diamond League Golden Gala Pietro Mennea athletics meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Beatrice Chebet sets world record in 5,000 meters

Kenyan Beatrice Chebet set a world record in the 5,000 meters, winning the event in 13 minutes, 58.06 seconds Saturday at the Prefontaine Classic. Chebet became the first women to run under 14 minutes in the event, surpassing the previous record of 14:00.21 set by Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay. Tsegay set the record at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. Chebet, 25 was the gold medalist in the 5,000 and 10,000 at the Paris Olympics, becoming just the third woman to win both.

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New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo celebrates his grand slam with the scorers, Pete Alonso, Fransisco Lindor and Starling Marie, during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Alonso and Nimmo power Mets to 12-6 win over skidding Yankees in Subway Series

Pete Alonso homered twice and drove in five runs, Brandon Nimmo hit his second grand slam in four days and the New York Mets battered the reeling New York Yankees 12-6. Carlos Rodón was roughed up as the Yankees equaled a season high with their sixth consecutive defeat. They also dropped six straight June 13-18, marking the first time since 2000 they’ve endured two six-game losing streaks in one year. The Mets have won four in a row following a 3-14 slide, improving the best home record in the majors to 33-13. They’ll go for a three-game sweep in the second Subway Series of the season Sunday at Citi Field.

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Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Doué and Dembélé score for PSG in 2-0 quarterfinal win over Bayern Munich at Club World Cup

Désiré Doué scored in the 78th minute to send Paris Saint-Germain a step closer to another trophy with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. The game was marred by a gruesome injury to young Bayern star Jamal Musiala, who appeared to break his left ankle late in the first half. With PSG two men down after a pair of late red cards and Bayern throwing everyone forward, Ousmane Dembélé added an insurance goal deep into stoppage time to send the French powerhouse onto the semifinals. They will face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

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FILE - Alex Bowman interacts with spectators while walking down a runway during driver introductions before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Aug. 24, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Alex Bowman is looking for a 2nd straight Cup Series win in Chicago

Alex Bowman thinks he is moving in the right direction. With the NASCAR Cup Series back in Chicago on Sunday, it’s good timing for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Bowman raced to a sorely needed victory in downtown Chicago a year ago, stopping an 80-race drought and securing a spot in the playoffs. He is still looking for his first win this season, but he finished third last weekend at Atlanta. The 32-year-old Bowman is the only driver to win at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile drive from downtown, and the Chicago Street Course. He got his first Cup victory at Chicagoland in 2019.

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Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala is taken off the field after an injury during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between PSG and Bayern Munich in Atlanta, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala badly injures his leg against PSG at the Club World Cup

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala badly injured his left leg and was forced to leave his team’s match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. Musiala was hurt late in the first half following a 50-50 challenge with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The replay of the gruesome injury was not shown on the big screens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 22-year-old Musiala entered Saturday’s match with three goals in the tournament, one behind golden boot leaders Ángel Di María and Marcos Leonardo. His Club World Cup goals brought his tally to 21 this season, including 12 in the Bundesliga and three in the Champions League.

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New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) walks off the field during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is expected to have season-ending Tommy John surgery

Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt likely needs a second Tommy John surgery that would sideline him for the remainder of this season and much of next year, a huge blow to New York’s injury-riddled rotation. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the announcement Saturday before his team’s Subway Series game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Schmidt had an MRI on Friday and was placed on the 15-day injured list because of right forearm soreness, one day after his start in Toronto was cut short following three innings. The 29-year-old right-hander, who had Tommy John surgery in May 2017, is 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts this season for a scuffling Yankees club that had lost five consecutive games.

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Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez reacts at the end of the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Palmeiras and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Chelsea advances to Club World Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over Palmeiras

Chelsea scored the go-ahead goal on Malo Gusto’s 83rd-minute shot that went in after a pair of deflections, beating Palmeiras 2-1 for a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead in the 16th minute but Estêvão, an 18-year-old who will transfer to Chelsea, tied the score against his future club with an angled shot in the 53rd. Gusto’s shot following a corner kick appeared to deflect off Agustin Giay and goalkeeper Weverton. Chelsea will face Fluminense on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fluminense's Samuel Xavier, left, and Hercules, right, celebrate after a goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, Fla., Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Hércules scores winner in 70th minute, Fluminense beats Al Hilal 2-1 to reach Club World Cup semis

Hércules came off the bench and scored in the 70th minute to lift Fluminense past Al Hilal 2-1 in a Club World Cup quarterfinal match on Friday. Physical play resulted in a pair of yellow cards against both sides as they vied for scoring chances in the first half in front of a crowd of 43,091 at Camping World Stadium.  Marcos Leonardo scored in the 51st minute for Al Hilal, which had not lost a match in the tournament. Fluminense moves on to face Chelsea, a 2-1 winner over Palmerias, in a semifinal round match Tuesday.

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New York Mets' Jeff McNeil (1) celebrates with Brett Baty (7) after scoring on his two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Jeff McNeil’s home run and sparkling defensive play carry Mets past Yankees in Subway Series

Jeff McNeil’s clutch performance helped the New York Mets secure a thrilling 6-5 win over the Yankees in their Subway Series opener at Citi Field. McNeil hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the seventh inning off Luke Weaver and made a diving play at second base in the ninth to prevent a potential rally. The Mets overcame two deficits, while the Yankees squandered leads of 2-0 and 5-3. The Mets have won three straight after losing 14 of 17, while the Yankees have lost five in a row. Both teams were in first place when they met at Yankee Stadium in May but have faded badly of late.

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Seattle Mariners designated hitter Cal Raleigh celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Cal Raleigh ties Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners record for home runs before All-Star break with 35

On the spot, Cal Raleigh compiled a laundry list of players he would consider for a Mount Rushmore of Seattle Mariners following their 6-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Friday. Ichiro was one of the first names off the board, followed by the likes of stud starting pitchers Felix Hernandez and Randy Johnson. When identifying who is the face of the Mariners, though, Raleigh immediately landed on Ken Griffey Jr., who he tied for the franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break with 35 with a pair of blasts. From Raleigh’s perspective, Whenever Griffey finds himself back in Seattle, which was the case when FIFA Club World Cup games were taking place at Lumen Field, Raleigh has enjoyed his chats with “The Kid.”

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Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch runs the bases and gestures after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Cubs break franchise record with 8 home runs, 3 by Michael Busch

Michael Busch and the Chicago Cubs turned their holiday into a home run. Eight of them, to be exact. Busch hit three longballs, Pete Crow-Armstrong connected twice and the Cubs went deep a franchise-record eight times to hammer the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3 for their fourth straight victory. The fireworks started long before sunset in front of 40,038 fans at Wrigley Field. Busch went 4 for 4 with five RBIs in his first career three-homer performance and second multihomer game. The eight longballs allowed by St. Louis also broke a club mark.

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Seattle Mariners designated hitter Cal Raleigh tosses his bat after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Raleigh hits Nos. 34 and 35 to match Griffey’s Mariners record for HRs before All-Star break

Cal Raleigh hit his 34th and 35th home runs to set a career high and match Ken Griffey Jr.’s Seattle record for homers before the All-Star break, helping the Mariners beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 on Friday. The major league leader turned on a fastball from Bailey Falter (6-4) in the first inning and walloped it well past the wall in left. The exit velocity on the two-run shot was logged at 115.2 mph, per Statcast — the hardest-hit ball of his career. Raleigh topped his previous career high — set last season — in the sixth with a solo shot that chased Falter. Randy Arozarena also homered. Mariners starter Bryan Woo (8-4) went six innings.

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New York Mets' Jeff McNeil celebrates after scoring on his two-run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

McNeil’s 2-run homer in 7th off Weaver lifts Mets over Yankees 6-5 in Subway Series opener

Jeff McNeil hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Luke Weaver in the seventh inning, leading the New York Mets over the Yankees 6-5 in a Subway Series opener between teams that faded badly after strong starts. Juan Soto hit a two-run homer among three hits against his former team and Brett Baty connected for a solo shot off Ian Hamilton in the sixth, cutting the Yankees’ lead to 5-4. Weaver relieved with two outs in the seventh and walked Pete Alonso. McNeil drove a changeup into the right-field upper deck, sending the Yankees to their fifth straight loss.

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Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch hits a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 4, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Busch hits 3 homers and Cubs set club record with 8 in 11-3 rout of Cardinals

Michael Busch hit three home runs, Pete Crow-Armstrong connected twice and the Chicago Cubs went deep a franchise-record eight times in pounding the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3 for their fourth straight victory. Busch finished 4 for 4 with five RBIs. Crow-Armstrong also went 4 for 4 and Dansby Swanson launched a two-run homer during a Cubs power barrage that had the crowd of 40,038 at Wrigley Field roaring. Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly added solo shots as the NL Central leaders hit six homers in the first three innings off Miles Mikolas, a record for most home runs off a Cardinals pitcher in one game. The eight longballs allowed by St. Louis also broke a club mark.

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President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump wants to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

President Donald Trump wants to celebrate 250 years of American independence with a UFC match at the White House. Trump announced the plan Thursday in Iowa during the kickoff event for a year of festivities leading up to that milestone birthday on July 4, 2026. The White House UFC fight would be one of many events held across the country. Trump is a UFC enthusiast who has attended several matches in recent months. The Republican president also announced an athletic competition for high school students and a tour of fairgrounds across the country.

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FILE - Jake Paul, front left, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., front right, pose for photographers following a ceremonial weigh-in ahead of their cruiserweight boxing match, in Anaheim, Calif., June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

What to know about Julio César Chávez’s arrest by U.S. immigration officials

Federal officials say famed Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been arrested and will be deported to Mexico, where he faces organized crime charges. The 39-year-old boxer was arrested Wednesday in Studio City, California, just days after the former middleweight champion lost a match to Jake Paul in Anaheim. The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Chávez for overstaying a tourist visa and lying on his green card application. Officials said he will be processed for expedited removal to Mexico. The boxer’s attorney said he did not know where Chavez was being detained as of Thursday morning.

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Washington Nationals' James Wood hits a single against Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Nationals slugger James Wood joins Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh as participants in Home Run Derby

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood became the third player to announce he will take part in the Home Run Derby. The derby will be held on July 14, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Wood joins Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors with 33 homers, in the contest. Wood has 23 homers this season. He’s the third Nationals player to take part in the Home Run Derby, joining Juan Soto (2022) and Bryce Harper (2013 and ’18). The 22-year-old Wood has 12 homers that have been hit harder than 110 mph.

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Doug Ghim tees off on the 13th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Doug Ghim sets pace at John Deere Classic with a 62 and a 1-shot lead

Doug Ghim has set the pace on a day of low scoring in the John Deere Classic. Ghim holed out from the fairway for eagle on his way to a 62. That gives him a one-shot lead over Max Homa and Austin Eckroat at the TPC Deere Run. The tournament is renowned for producing first-time winners on the PGA Tour. Ghim is in his sixth year on the PGA Tour and has played 160 times as a pro without winning. He’s been around long enough to know Thursday is little more than a good start. Aldrich Potgieter opened with 67.

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Oregon jury convicts former NBA player Ben McLemore of raping incapacitated woman at team party

A jury in Oregon has found former NBA player Ben McLemore guilty of raping a 21-year-old incapacitated woman during a lake house party attended by many of his then-teammates from the Portland Trail Blazers. The jury found 32-year-old McLemore guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse. Sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday. The charges stemmed from a party on Oct. 3, 2021, at a home owned by Robert Covington, McLemore’s then-teammate. Prosecutors claimed during the trial that the sexual encounter was rape, while McLemore’s attorney countered it was consensual sex.

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FILE - The national office of the NCAA in Indianapolis is shown on March 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Montana changes course, opts in to NCAA’s House settlement for this year

The University of Montana is changing course and will opt-in this year to the NCAA’s House settlement. The recent settlement means athletic programs across the country are free to start paying millions to their athletes in the biggest change in the history of college athletics. The deadline for schools around the country to opt out was Monday. Montana was originally planning to opt-in during the 2026-27 academic year. The school explained that it switched after rosters were grandfathered into the final approved settlement so that roster cuts weren’t necessary.

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Fluminense fans celebrate after the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Inter Milan and Fluminense in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, June 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Some fans question US readiness for 2026 World Cup after Club World Cup experience

Soccer fans have mixed feelings about the United States hosting the World Cup next year. Some worry about stadium readiness and security. Fans also cite concerns about extreme heat, game scheduling, and the lack of enthusiasm in some places during the ongoing Club World Cup. Others, however, praise improvements in security and organization, saying the U.S. has the infrastructure to host successfully. The Club World Cup is seen as a test run for the World Cup, allowing organizers to address challenges before welcoming even more global soccer fans next year.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) tips his cap after recording his 3,000th career strike out by striking out Chicago White Sox's Vinny Capra during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

A slider, a milestone and a heartfelt thank you: Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout

Clayton Kershaw has reached an incredible milestone, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. On Wednesday night, he struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox with a slider in the sixth inning. The 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher joins an elite group, including just three other left-handers, to achieve this feat. Fans at Dodger Stadium gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he tipped his cap and acknowledged his family in the stands. Despite not earning the win, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his teammates and the moment, calling it a special achievement in his 18th season.

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New York Mets' Francisco Lindor gestures to teammates after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning in the second baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers of a doubleheader Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

All-Star starter Francisco Lindor enjoys big night after slumping Mets drop him from leadoff spot

On the same day he got elected to start an All-Star Game for the first time, Francisco Lindor was dropped from the leadoff spot with the New York Mets in a major tailspin. And the move paid off immediately. After making 191 consecutive starts at the top of the lineup, Lindor batted second as the designated hitter in the second game of a day-night doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers and their rookie sensation, right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Brandon Nimmo returned to the leadoff slot and launched a grand slam off the hard-throwing Misiorowski in the second inning. Lindor followed with his 17th home run, then added an RBI single in the sixth and a run-scoring double in the eighth as the Mets won 7-3 to stop a four-game skid.

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Milwaukee Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski pitches during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski gets tagged for 1st time in loss to Mets

Jacob Misiorowski made everything look so easy in his first three major league starts. Now he knows it’s not. The hard-throwing rookie finally got knocked around Wednesday, serving up back-to-back homers as the Milwaukee Brewers lost 7-3 to the New York Mets in the second game of a day-night doubleheader at Citi Field. Barely touched by opposing batters since getting called up from the minors last month, Misiorowski allowed five runs, five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in his fourth career outing. Brandon Nimmo connected for a grand slam in the second and Francisco Lindor followed with another longball to give the Mets a 5-0 lead.

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Mexico forward Raúl Jiménez (9) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)

Raúl Jiménez’s goal sends Mexico to 12th CONCACAF Gold Cup final with 1-0 win over Honduras

Raúl Jiménez scored in the 50th minute off an assist from 16-year-old Gilberto Mora and Mexico advanced to its 12th CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Honduras. El Tri advanced to play the United States in the final on Sunday night in Houston for the eighth meeting in the title game between the two countries with Mexico owning a 5-2 edge. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.

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United States midfielder Claire Hutton (15) celebrates her goal with teammates during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Canada, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Claire Hutton scores first international goal to help the United States beat Canada 3-0

Claire Hutton scored her first international goal as the U.S. beat Canada 3-0 in a friendly. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also found the net. The Americans have five straight wins by a combined score of 18-0 since losing to Brazil in April. Hutton’s goal came in the 36th minute off a corner kick by Rose Lavelle, who also helped set up Coffey’s earlier goal. This was the third game in seven days for the U.S., following two 4-0 wins over Ireland. The Americans face South Korea and Japan in September.

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United States midfielder Diego Luna (10) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match against Guatemala, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

Pochettino says pro-visitor crowd in St. Louis was `like to play in Guatemala’

The U.S. men’s soccer team advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico after a 2-1 win over Guatemala. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said the sellout crowd of 22,423 at Energizer Park, which rooted overwhelmingly for the visitors, was “like to play in Guatemala.” Diego Luna scored in the fourth and 15th minutes for the U.S., giving him three goals in the tournament. Sunday’s final in Houston will be the Americans’ last competitive match before next year’s World Cup.

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United States midfielder Diego Luna (10) scores a goal past Guatemala goalkeeper Kenderson Navarrol, left, during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

Luna scores twice to lead US over Guatemala 2-1 and into CONCACAF Gold Cup final

Diego Luna scored twice in the first 15 minutes, and the United States hung on to beat Guatemala 2-1 to reach its first CONCACAF Gold Cup final since 2021. Luna put the U.S. ahead with a left-footed shot in the fourth minute, then scored with his right in the 15th for his third goal in two games. Olger Escobar scored in the 80th for Guatemala. The U.S. plays defending champion Mexico for the title Sunday at Houston.

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New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo (9) hits a grand slam during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Nimmo and Lindor deliver after lineup change as scuffling Mets beat Brewers to split doubleheader

New leadoff batter Brandon Nimmo launched a grand slam off rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski, and the New York Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 to split their day-night doubleheader. Dropped from the top spot, slumping All-Star Francisco Lindor followed Nimmo’s second-inning slam with a home run and finished with three RBIs as the Mets snapped a four-game slide by winning for only the fourth time in 18 games. Joey Ortiz hit a tiebreaking grand slam in the sixth inning of the opener that sent Milwaukee to a 7-2 victory behind Freddy Peralta in the makeup of Tuesday night’s rainout.

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani rounds third base before scoring on a double hit by Freddie Freeman, not pictured, during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, June 9, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)

Freeman, Smith join Ohtani to give Dodgers 3 All-Star starters. Tigers also have 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have three fan-elected starters in the All-Star Game, with first baseman Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith joining designated hitter Shohei Ohtani as winners in final ballot totals. Detroit will have three fan-picked starters for the first time since 2007 after second baseman Gleyber Torres along with outfielders Riley Greene and Javier Báez were voted in at their positions for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs were picked for the NL outfield along with Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Braves.

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FILE - Kevin Garnett speaks as he is enshrined in the 2020 class of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, file)

NBA stars to turn filmmakers at Summer League fest with Kevin Garnett, Mark Wahlberg and Deon Taylor

The NBA Summer League is giving athletes another shot that takes place behind the camera. With assists from Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett and Hollywood power players Mark Wahlberg and Deon Taylor, the Summer League Film Festival is coming back starting July 17 in Las Vegas. The three-day festival will bring big-screen storytelling through 34 original projects, spotlighting stories produced by NBA stars past and present including Nikola Jokic, Luguentz Dort, Tony Allen and Udonis Haslem. The second annual film festival will take place at the Strip View Pavilion inside the Thomas & Mack Center, the longtime home of NBA Summer League.

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