National Sports - Page 2 of 7 - The Rapid City Post

Former Los Angeles Sparks player Candace Parker, second from left, reacts with her family during her jersey retirement ceremony during a WNBA basketball game between the Sparks and the Chicago Sky, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Candace Parker did it her way and the Sparks retire the 2-time MVP’s jersey

June 29, 2025

Candace Parker’s No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks jersey was raised to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena during Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky. After being the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA draft out of Tennessee, Parker had a standout 16-year career, winning championships with three teams — the Sparks, her hometown Sky and Las Vegas. She was MVP of the WNBA Finals for LA in 2016. The 39-year-old Parker is the third Sparks player to have her jersey retired, joining Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler.

New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a three-run scoring triple during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Jazz Age at Yankee Stadium as Chisholm sparks Yankees at plate, on defense and in clubhouse

June 29, 2025

The Jazz Age is in full swing at Yankee Stadium. Whether with his bat, his glove, his arm or his smile, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is energizing the New York Yankees and their fans. Chisholm hit a second-inning, go-ahead homer and a bases-loaded triple while making three sparkling defensive plays at third base in a 12-5 romp over the Athletics. Chisholm is batting .318 with six homers, 18 RBIs and four stolen bases since returning from strained right oblique on June 3, raising his season totals to .242 with 13 homers, 35 and 10 steals in 53 games.

Paris Saint-Germain team celebrates the second goal by Paris Saint-Germain's Joao Neves during the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between PSG and Inter Miami in Atlanta, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Neves scores twice and Paris Saint-Germain routs Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at Club World Cup

June 29, 2025

João Neves scored a pair of goals for Paris Saint-Germain and the world’s best team overwhelmed one of the game’s greatest players, embarrassing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup. Messi faced the team where he spent two seasons before moving to Major League Soccer in the twilight of his stellar career. It was no contest. The European champions quickly erased the Herons’ hopes of pulling off a monumental upset before a big crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, building a four-goal lead by halftime.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Kike Hernandez (8) celebrates with Andy Pages (44) after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Dodgers’ Hernández and Smith homer, Wrobleski pitches 6 innings of 3-hit ball in 5-1 win over Royals

June 29, 2025

Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer and Will Smith also went deep to send the Dodgers to a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Royals on Sunday. Justin Wrobleski tossed six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, and Kirby Yates and Jack Dreyer finished off the dominant performance by the Los Angeles bullpen. Kris Bubic allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings for Kansas City. Both teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum sits less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs. The Royals wore the Monarchs’ hats.

Judge homers twice to reach 30, Chisholm has 4 RBIs, Stroman wins in return as Yanks beat A’s 12-5

June 29, 2025

Aaron Judge homered twice to reach 30 for the sixth time and Jazz Chisholm Jr. also drove in four runs as Marcus Stroman won in his first start for the New York Yankees since April, a 12-5 romp over the Athletics. Judge hit two-run homers in the fourth inning off Luis Severino and in the seventh against fellow Fresno, California, native Tyler Ferguson for his 44th multi-homer game. Cody Bellinger added a three-run drive for the Yankees. Severino was chased with a 7-0 deficit in his Yankee Stadium return.

Jake Paul, right, punches Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. during their cruiserweight boxing match on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Jake Paul beats former middleweight champ Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision

June 29, 2025

Jake Paul has beaten former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision. The YouTuber-turned-boxer dominated the early rounds Saturday night before holding on against Chávez’s late-round rally. Paul appeared to be taking the biggest risk of his unique boxing career by facing his most accomplished opponent in the 39-year-old Chávez, and doing it in front of an ardently pro-Chávez crowd. Chávez stepped into the ring at Honda Center and looked lifeless, barely throwing a punch until late in the fourth round. He got going late, but Paul hung on and cruised to victory.

Home-state favorite Chase Elliott passes Brad Keselowski on final lap to win NASCAR Atlanta race

June 28, 2025

Home-state favorite Chase Elliott passed Brad Keselowski on the final lap and won the the crash-filled NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta on Saturday night for his 20th career victory. Elliott, the popular driver from Dawsonville, Georgia, earned a spot in the NASCAR playoffs with his first victory since April 2024 at Texas. It was his first win in Atlanta since 2022. The race’s second crash early in Stage 2 took out many of the sport’s biggest names and left others with damaged cars. Pole-winner Joey Logano, who led the first 36 laps before light rain forced the first caution, was among the many drivers caught up in the big crash. Keselowski was second, followed by Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet teammate, Alex Bowman.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career at 101.7 mph in 3rd mound start for Dodgers

June 28, 2025

Shohei Ohtani threw the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph and worked two efficient innings in his third mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing one hit and one walk against the Kansas City Royals. It was the first start of more than one inning this season for the two-way superstar, who is working as an opener as he eases his way back into pitching. The three-time MVP did not pitch last season, his first with the Dodgers, while recovering from Tommy John surgery. On Saturday, Ohtani threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced and finished with 27 pitches, 20 for strikes.

FILE - Dave Parker, a member of the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship team, tips his cap during a pre-game ceremony honoring the team before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Dave Parker, hard-hitting Hall of Fame outfielder nicknamed ‘the Cobra,’ dies at 74

June 28, 2025

Dave Parker, a hard-hitting outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, has died. He was 74. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Parker’s death on Saturday, and no further details were immediately available. Nicknamed “the Cobra,” the 6-foot-5 Parker played 19 major league seasons, 11 for the Pirates. He was the NL MVP in 1978, won a World Series with Pittsburgh a year later and then won another championship in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics. Parker won back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and ’78. He finished his career as a .290 hitter with 339 homers and 1,493 RBIs.

Harrington’s chip-in on 18 leaves him tied (again) with Hensby, Cink at US Senior Open

June 28, 2025

Padraig Harrington chipped in from 20 yards off the green on the 18th hole to salvage a floundering round and pull back into a tie for the lead with Stewart Cink and Mark Hensby at the U.S. Senior Open. Harrington’s chip-in for birdie capped a round of 2-under 68 and put him in the same spot he was in to start — tied with the same two opponents he played with over a day at the Broadmoor that included wind, rain, even a flash of lightning that pulled the players off the course for a half-hour.

Aldrich Potgieter, of South Africa, putts on the eighth hole during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Aldrich Potgieter, PGA Tour’s youngest player and biggest hitter, leads Rocket Classic by 2 strokes

June 28, 2025

Aldrich Potgieter had five straight birdies to surge into the third-round lead and finished with a 7-under 65 on Saturday for a two-shot edge. The 20-year-old rookie started the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee, several yards longer than Rory McIlroy. The PGA Tour’s youngest player will be shooting for his first win on the tour Sunday. Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, Mark Hubbard, Andrew Putnam and Chris Kirk were two shots back. Fifth-ranked Collin Morikawa shot a 68 to start the final round four shots back, hoping to rally for his first win since 2023.

Simon Wang speaks to the media after the San Jose Sharks selected the defenseman with the 33rd overall pick in the NHL draft in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

Simon Wang becomes highest-drafted player born in China, going 33rd to Sharks in NHL draft

June 28, 2025

Simon Wang became the highest-drafted player born in China when the San Jose Sharks selected him with the first pick of the second round of the NHL draft. Wang’s family moved from Beijing to Toronto when he was 12. The 6-foot-5 defenseman surged forward in his development over the past year, showing more than enough potential to entice the Sharks with the 33rd overall selection. Wang is only the third Chinese-born player ever drafted by the NHL. Wang walked the red carpet with his mother, and he got to see his brother for the first time in nearly two years.

New York Yankees pitcher Ian Hamilton reacts on his way to the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, June 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Yanks’ Ian Hamilton, frustrated with himself, stares down A’s rookie Jacob Wilson

June 28, 2025

Yankees reliever Ian Hamilton and Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson had a weird stare down at the end of the top of the seventh inning of New York’s 7-0 loss. With the Yankees trailing 4-0, Hamilton gave up a two-out single to Denzel Clarke and walked Lawrence Butler. Wilson followed with a comebacker and Hamilton, after making an underhand toss to first, stared at Wilson. The 23-year-old stared back at the 30-year-old right-hander. Hamilton says: “He just wasn’t running out of the box. I was upset with the inning.” Wilson is hitting .340, second in the major leagues He says: “Sometimes things get hot.”

Search and annoy: Harrington, NBC’s Maltbie caught in tiff over lost ball at US Senior Open

June 28, 2025

A video of Padraig Harrington arguing with NBC reporter Roger Maltbie for not helping him look for a lost ball during his opening round is generating buzz at the U.S. Senior Open. Harrington teed off into a thicket of trees in the first round, and after about a dozen people unsuccessfully searched for the allowed three minutes, Harrington went back to the tee box for his third shot. Harrington is seen in the video telling Maltbie that, as a former pro he should understand that it’s bad etiquette not to help someone search for their ball. Maltbie argued that he was being asked to deliver a report for TV on what was happening on the hole.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates with teammate Gonzalo Garcia, left, after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup Group H soccer match between Salzburg and Real Madrid in Philadelphia, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

US soccer great Tobin Heath hoping Club World Cup spurs more growth for game at home

June 28, 2025

Tobin Heath might know something about what makes soccer resonate within the U.S. Her resume, in part: She won NCAA titles in college at North Carolina, then went on to win two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s national team and two World Cup titles as well, all coming after she was inspired by the 1999 Women’s World Cup. And so far, she thinks the Club World Cup could have a similar effect. Heath says “I know the power of these home competitions. … I know the power of these games in our country, to change the landscape of this game in our country.”

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers works the floor against the Indiana Fever during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Wings rookie Paige Bueckers out with knee issue day after loss to Fever without Caitlin Clark

June 28, 2025

Dallas Wings standout rookie Paige Bueckers has been ruled out of Saturday night’s home game against Washington because of a right knee issue. Bueckers showed up on the team’s game status report Saturday. There were no details about what the exact issue was a day after she scored 27 points and had six assists while playing nearly 36 1/2 minutes in the Wings’ 94-86 loss to the Indiana Fever, who were without injured Caitlin Clark. Bueckers previously missed three games in the WNBA’s concussion protocol and another game because of illness. She has played in 13 games, averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Sam Bennett says he’s staying in Florida with hopes Panthers turn into a dynasty

June 28, 2025

Sam Bennett could have gone to free agency and picked his landing spot, plus probably could have signed for much more money than the Florida Panthers were able to offer. Instead, he chose winning. Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Award winner as playoff MVP of Florida’s most recent run to the Stanley Cup, spoke out Saturday about his decision to sign an eight-year, $64 million deal with the Panthers. His reasoning was actually quite simple.

Matthew Schaefer, drafted first by the New York Islanders, middle, stands between Michael Misa, drafted second by the San Jose Sharks, left, and Anton Frondell, drafted third by the Chicago Blackhawks, during the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Islanders’ No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer pays tribute to late mother with a kiss and a promise

June 27, 2025

The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft. The Islanders surprised nobody by using their first No. 1 selection since 2009 on the 17-year-old Schaefer, a 6-foot-2 blueliner from Hamilton, Ontario, who spent the past two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters. He played only 17 games last season before breaking his collarbone in December, but Schaefer’s acumen on both ends of the ice still propelled him to the top of nearly all draft boards. Schaefer is just the fifth defenseman drafted No. 1 overall in the NHL draft since 2000.

Baltimore Orioles' Coby Mayo, right, celebrates with interim third base/infield coach Buck Britton (46) after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Orioles make history by turning a 6-0 deficit into a 14-run win against Tampa Bay

June 27, 2025

No lead is safe this year when the Baltimore Orioles face the Tampa Bay Rays. Certainly not with seven innings still to play. On June 18, Tampa Bay beat Baltimore 12-8 after the Orioles had taken an 8-0 lead in the top of the second. Then on Friday night — nine days later — it was the Rays who opened the scoring with six runs in the second. Only for Baltimore to storm back and rout Tampa Bay 22-8. According to information released by the team from the Elias Sports Bureau, Baltimore became the first team in either the American or National League to win by at least 14 runs after trailing by six.

Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Nick Martinez and Spencer Steer just miss making history in Reds’ 8-1 win over Padres

June 27, 2025

The Cincinnati Reds were on the verge of making history twice Friday night against the San Diego Padres. Nick Martinez was three outs away from becoming the 18th pitcher in Reds franchise history to toss a no-hitter, and first baseman Spencer Steer was one swing away from becoming the second Reds player to homer four times in a game. But, both Martinez and Steer fell short. It was still a memorable night at Great American Ball Park as Cincinnati beat San Diego 8-1 for their eighth win in 12 games.

Baltimore Orioles' Ramon Laureano advances toward home plate to score on a throwing error by Tampa Bay Rays catcher Danny Jansen during the third inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

After falling behind by 6 in the 2nd inning, the Orioles storm back and rout Tampa Bay 22-8

June 27, 2025

Gary Sanchez homered and drove in four runs, Ramón Laureano scored four times and the Baltimore Orioles stormed back from an early six-run deficit to rout the Tampa Bay Rays 22-8. The Orioles were on the wrong end of a similar comeback against Tampa Bay just nine days earlier, when the Rays rallied from down 8-0 to beat Baltimore 12-8. Tampa Bay opened the scoring with six runs in the second. Jonathan Aranda, Josh Lowe and Brandon Lowe all homered in that inning, but Sanchez, Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson and Coby Mayo went deep for the Orioles.

Power pair of Cink and Harrington tied along with Hensby heading into weekend at US Senior Open

June 27, 2025

Padraig Harrington and Stewart Cink endured the ups and downs of the U.S. Senior Open together for a second straight day and found themselves tied for the lead. The payoff — sharing the final tee time to kick off the weekend at the hilly, hard-to-read Broadmoor. Cink made up five shots over the final nine holes of his head-to-head pairing against Harrington, and the players headed into the weekend tied at 6-under 134, along with late-charging Mark Hensby.

Emotional tribute to ‘Johnny Hockey’ as Meredith Gaudreau announces Blue Jackets’ 1st-round picks

June 27, 2025

Meredith Gaudreau announced the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round picks in the NHL draft 10 months after her husband, John, was killed along with his brother while riding bicycles on the eve of their sister’s wedding. Fans at the Peacock Theater chanted “Johnny! Johnny!” in honor of the late player nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” and cheered Meredith as she spoke. She thanked every team and fan base for their support this past season. Gaudreau said the Blue Jackets were taking Jackson Smith 14th, then returned to announce Pyotr Andreyanov at No. 20.

Reds’ Martinez takes no-hit bid into 9th, Steer hits 3 homers in 8-1 win over Padres

June 27, 2025

Nick Martinez took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before allowing pinch-hitter Elias Díaz’s double and Spencer Steer hit three home runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the San Diego Padres 8-1. Martinez walked his third batter, Jackson Merrill, on a low full-count sinker, then retired 22 consecutive hitters before walking rookie Trenton Brooks starting the ninth. Díaz then drove an 0-1 changeup off the base of the wall in left-center on Martinez’s 112th and final pitch, which tied his career high. A 34-year-old right-hander, Martinez struck out six as the Reds won for the fourth time in five games. He also threw 112 pitches for Texas against Boston on May 28, 2015.

Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford share compliments in final stop of media tour for Sept. 13 bout

June 27, 2025

No trash talk necessary. That was Friday’s message from Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, both complimentary of one another while downplaying a shoving incident in New York earlier this month during the media tour for their blockbuster match on Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium. The fight for the unified super middleweight championship is part of Alvarez’s reported $400 million, minimum four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

Padres pinch-hitter Díaz doubles in 9th inning to spoil no-hit bid by Reds RHP Nick Martinez

June 27, 2025

San Diego Padres pinch-hitter Elias Díaz hit a double off the wall in left-center in the ninth inning to spoil a no-hit bid by Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez. The 34-year-old Martinez walked two and struck out six and was lifted from the game after allowing the first hit. He matched his career high of 112 pitches thru eight-plus innings, 75 for strikes. Martinez’s previous season high for pitches was 102. He has never pitched a complete game in the major leagues. The Reds led the game 8-0. Cincinnati’s Spencer Steer has homered three times for the first time in his career.

Andrew Putnam hits from the ninth tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Knapp makes PGA Tour history at Rocket Classic, trails 2nd-round leaders Kirk, Knowles and Putnam

June 27, 2025

Jake Knapp has pulled off a feat no one else has in PGA Tour history. Knapp shot an 11-under 61 on Friday to break a Rocket Classic record that stood for less than a day, becoming the first on the tour to break 60 and shoot a 61 or lower in the same season. That still wasn’t enough to put him in the top six, entering the weekend at Detroit Golf Club. Chris Kirk, Philip Knowles and Andrew Putnam share the second-round lead at 14 under after consecutive rounds in the mid-60s.

Joey Logano walks to his car before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Hermanos Rodríguez race track in Mexico City, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

NASCAR’s Cup Series to debut In-Season Challenge as $1 million backdrop to points race for title

June 27, 2025

The debut of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge in Saturday night’s Cup Series race in Atlanta has generated differing opinions and expectations from drivers. After all, there’s a points race to attend to. Every team’s top priority is qualifying for the playoffs and trying to win the championship. Denny Hamlin is the No. 1 seed in the 32-driver In-Season Challenge, a five-race, bracket-style tournament. Chase Briscoe, who held off Hamlin to win last week at Pocono Raceway, is the No. 2 seed. A $1 million prize awaits the winner as part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT.

Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett holds up the Conn Smythe Trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup championship celebration, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

Playoff MVP Sam Bennett agrees on 8-year, $64 million contract to stay with Florida Panthers

June 27, 2025

Sam Bennett walked to the front of the stage at the Florida Panthers’ latest Stanley Cup championship parade, and before he could even speak the crowd began serenading him with their request. “Eight more years! Eight more years!” they chanted, over and over. They got their wish. Bennett — who led the NHL with 15 goals in this year’s playoffs and became the first Panthers player ever to score that many in a single postseason — is staying with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. He and Florida agreed Friday to a new eight-year contract worth $64 million, or $8 million per season.

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington looks on from the dugout during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Angels manager Ron Washington to miss rest of season with unspecified medical issue

June 27, 2025

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will miss the rest of the season because of an unspecified medical issue. Washington, the oldest manager in the major leagues at 73, has been sidelined for the past week. He experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series at the New York Yankees that ended on June 19. He flew back to Southern California, underwent a series of tests and was placed on medical leave. Bench coach Ray Montgomery, who had been filling in for Washington, was named interim manager, and infield coach Ryan Goins was promoted to bench coach.

Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, speaks during an NBA basketball press conference at the team's practice facility, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Cooper Flagg looks comfortable in new home as No. 1 pick gets introduced in Dallas

June 27, 2025

Cooper Flagg looked right at home in his new home as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft was introduced in Dallas. Flagg offered a “hello” before general manager Nico Harrison could even start his opening remarks. The 18-year-old former Duke star only grew more comfortable from there. Flagg is joining a team with three NBA champions in Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. Expectations will be to win, and Flagg has no problem with that. He’s also just fine carrying on the All-Star lineage of European stars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark reacts during the first half in a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Caitlin Clark is out again with groin injury, will miss matchup with Paige Bueckers

June 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s first matchup against Paige Bueckers will have to wait. The Indiana Fever star was ruled out of a second consecutive game with a left groin injury. The Dallas Wings, who drafted Bueckers No. 1 overall this year, are playing the Fever at the home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Clark missed an 85-75 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. The groin problem is the second injury that has forced Clark to miss time this season.

For Harrington, one bogey outshines the birdies and keeps him in share of lead at US Senior Open

June 26, 2025

Padraig Harrington made four birdies, though it was the bogey he saved after losing a tee shot deep in a thicket of trees on the 15th hole that helped him keep a share of the first-round lead with Mark Hensby at the U.S. Senior Open. The leaders shot 3-under 67 for a one-shot advantage over a group of seven, including Stewart Cink, who hit the first 17 greens before making bogey after coming up short on No. 18.

FILE - Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming plays during an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

NBA draft resumes with trades, early selections of All-Americans Broome and Kalkbrenner

June 26, 2025

The NBA draft resumed with a trade and the deals appeared likely to continue throughout the second round. The Phoenix Suns opened it by taking Rasheer Fleming after agreeing to acquire the pick earlier Thursday from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves still made the No. 31 pick, but Phoenix and Minnesota had worked out the swap a few hours earlier, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not officially announced. Among the familiar names going early in the second round were Auburn All-American Johni Broome to Philadelphia at No. 35, one pick after Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

New York Mets pitcher Griffin Canning, center, is helped off the field by head athletic trainer Joseph Golia, right, and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, June 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Mets P Griffin Canning injures left ankle. Manager Carlos Mendoza says ‘it looks like an Achilles’

June 26, 2025

New York Mets right-hander Griffin Canning left Thursday night’s game against Atlanta in the third inning after suffering a left ankle injury on a non-contact play. After the Mets beat the Braves 4-0, New York manager Carlos Mendoza said Canning’s injury “looks like an Achilles.” Canning struck out three and allowed just one baserunner — Eli White’s single leading off the inning — before he was hurt while breaking toward the left side of the infield on Nick Allen’s one-out grounder to shortstop. The 29-year-old Canning immediately began hopping on his right leg and took only a couple steps before dropping onto the field with his left leg elevated. The Mets said after the inning that Canning will undergo imaging on the ankle.

A security dog wears protective shoes due to the heat radiating off the asphalt as it patrols the stadium ahead of the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Esperance Tunisie and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Some sniffer dogs at the Club World Cup outfitted with booties to protect their paws from the heat

June 26, 2025

Fans and players weren’t the only ones coping with extreme heat this week at the Club World Cup. Sniffer dogs — a common addition to the security details at many large sporting events — had a job to do at the international soccer tournament despite the sweltering temperatures. And because that job includes walking on hot asphalt, it can be tough on an animal’s feet. The solution? In Philadelphia, the sniffer dogs at Lincoln Financial Field were outfitted with brightly colored booties as temperatures soared.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits the ball in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Swensen)

Judge, Ohtani elected to start in All-Star Game as top vote-getters

June 26, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge have been the first players picked for the July 15 All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park, elected as starters by fans. Judge led the major leagues with 4,012,983 votes in the first round of fan balloting and the outfielder was picked for his seventh American League start in eight All-Star Games, though he missed the 2023 game because of a sprained right big toe. He also was the leading vote-getter during the first phase in 2022 and last year. Ohtani topped the NL and was second in the big leagues with 3,967,668 votes, becoming the first designated hitter to start in five straight All-Star Games.

Aldrich Potgieter, of South Africa, hits from the ninth tee during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Kevin Roy and Aldrich Potgieter shoot Rocket Classic-record 62s to share 1st-round lead

June 26, 2025

Kevin Roy and Aldrich Potgieter each shot 10-under 62 on Thursday to break the Rocket Classic record and share the first-round lead. Detroit Golf Club has been one of the easiest courses since the PGA Tour made it an annual stop in 2019. A pair of Korn Ferry graduates took full advantage. Potgieter, the 20-year-old South African who grew up in Australia, started at No. 10 and set a tournament record with a 7-under 29 on the back nine. He added three birdies on his back nine and caught the left edge on a 12-foot putt on his final hole. Potgieter and Roy each had an eagle and eight birdies in bogey-free rounds. Min Woo Lee, Max Greyserman and Mark Hubbard were a stroke back.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) works against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dodgers left-hander Kershaw strikes out 5, moves closer to 3,000 career strikeouts

June 26, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw inched closer to 3,000 career strikeouts on Thursday, fanning five in six innings against the Colorado Rockies. Kershaw has 2,997 strikeouts in his 18-year career, three short of becoming the 20th major leaguer to reach the milestone. The 37-year-old would be the third active pitcher to reach the mark behind Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Verlander, in his 20th season, has 3,468 strikeouts. Scherzer has 3,412 in 18 seasons.

San Francisco Giants President & Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer, left, and former player Barry Bonds listen as Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the Giants’ ballpark, team CEO says

June 26, 2025

Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the San Francisco Giants’ home stadium where he set baseball’s career home run record. Giants President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer said Thursday during a radio interview in San Francisco that Bonds is certainly deserving of a statue and that one is on the radar. Baer didn’t have any details of when that would happen. Bonds played for San Francisco the last 15 of his 22 big league seasons, hitting 586 of his 762 career homers while with the Giants from 1993-2007. He set the single-season MLB record with 73 homers in 2001, and hit his record-breaking 756th homer to pass Hank Aaron in a home game on Aug. 7, 2007.

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

NCAA considering proposal to allow college athletes, staff to bet on professional sports

June 26, 2025

The NCAA is considering a proposal to allow athletes and staff to bet on professional sports while maintaining strict bans on college sports betting. The Division I Council introduced the idea, which requires approval from Divisions II and III. The NCAA says this shift reflects the rise of legalized gambling and aims to focus enforcement on college sports integrity. Current rules already ban betting on NCAA sports, with severe penalties for violations. Officials argue this approach could better address gambling issues among athletes.

Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda warms up on deck before the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chiefs seek extension for Kansas stadium financing, raising possibility of move across state line

June 26, 2025

The Chiefs have requested an extension to the end-of-June deadline for a stadium financing package from the state of Kansas in a letter to the Kansas Senate president. The request Thursday is an indication that the NFL franchise’s potential move across the state line from Missouri is a legitimate possibility. Many believed that once Missouri lawmakers approved a financing package earlier this month, the Chiefs would ultimately renovate Arrowhead Stadium. But the deal from Kansas lawmakers may prove too lucrative to pass up. Donovan says there has been “significant progress” on plans for a new domed stadium, team headquarters, practice facility and mixed-use entertainment district.

FILE - Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker misses a field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

NFL suspends Justin Tucker for first 10 weeks of the season for violating personal conduct policy

June 26, 2025

The NFL has suspended former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for the first 10 weeks next season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The league announced the punishment Thursday. It takes effect on Aug. 26, which is roster cutdown day, and Tucker is eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 11. He is a free agent after the Ravens released him last month in the aftermath of reports that he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. A five-time All-Pro, the 35-year-old Tucker has played his entire 13-year career with Baltimore. He’s considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, although 2024 was his worst season.

FILE - A person holds up a flag during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Super Bowl halftime performer charged for running on field with ‘Sudan and Free Gaza’ flag

June 26, 2025

A Super Bowl halftime show performer has been charged with two misdemeanors, about 4 1/2 months after he ran across the field at the Superdome waving a flag that included the words “Sudan and Free Gaza.” Louisiana State Police say 41-year-old Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu turned himself in to authorities on Thursday to face of charges resisting a police officer and disturbing the peace by interrupting a lawful assembly. Nantambu revealed the flag and ran on the field during rapper Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance on Feb. 9. The NFL said at the time he would be banned for life from league stadiums and events.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi shoots on goal against Palmeiras' Richard Rios during the Club World Cup Group A soccer match between Inter Miami and Palmeiras in Miami Gardens, Fla., Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Messi and Inter Miami stars prepare to face former coach Luis Enrique and PSG in Club World Cup

June 26, 2025

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and their Inter Miami teammates took the field at their practice facility Thursday for another training session. There wasn’t much different about what they did. Dribbling drills. Some laughs. Interactions with coaches. But this training was more important than most. In a few days, Inter Miami will play one of the biggest matches of its five-year club history when the Herons take on French juggernaut Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup round of 16. It will be the first time Messi faces his former club since his exit from PSG in 2023 after two seasons. He also will be facing his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, now the coach of PSG.

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Team USA’s Bobby Witt Jr. ready for bigger role in 2026 World Baseball Classic

June 26, 2025

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is going to again play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He certainly will have a bigger role than last time. Witt announced Thursday that he’s committed to playing for the United States in the 2026 WBC. When part of Team USA in 2023, he was 22, coming off a standout rookie MLB season and the youngest player on the team. He was was a bench player who went 1 for 2 at the plate. Witt was the runner-up to Yankees slugger and Team USA captain Aaron Judge in the American League MVP voting last season.

Walker Monfort, who was named as executive vice president of the Colorado Rockies Thursday, June 25, 2025, and will assume the role of president and chief operating officer at season's end, talks to fans before a baseball game Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies promote owner’s son to leadership role amid one of worst MLB starts

June 26, 2025

The Colorado Rockies are promoting the oldest son of team owner Dick Monfort amid one of the worst starts in baseball history. Walker Monfort has been named executive vice president of the Rockies. He will immediately begin leading the team alongside outgoing President and COO Greg Feasel, who is stepping down at the end of this year after 30 years in the front office. The 18-62 Rockies made both of those announcements Thursday. The 38-year-old Walker Monfort had been the team’s vice president of corporate partnerships since 2015. He will officially assume Feasel’s responsibilities by January.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles speaks to the media after practice at NFL football minicamp Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Buccaneers extend coach Todd Bowles, GM Jason Licht

June 26, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have rewarded coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht with multi-year contract extensions. The team announced the extensions on Thursday. Bowles is coming off his third year as coach in which he led the Bucs to a fourth-straight NFC South title. His 27 regular-season victories are the franchise’s second-best total through three seasons behind Bowles’ predecessor, Bruce Arians. Licht is the fifth longest-tenured general manager in the league and is credited with drafting and retaining key players in Vita Vea, Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Chris Godwin. The team did not provide details of the extensions.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark claps from the bench during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fever’s Caitlin Clark ruled out of Thursday night matchup vs Sparks with groin injury

June 26, 2025

The Indiana Fever will be without star Caitlin Clark against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night. The team announced that the former No. 1 pick is battling a groin injury and will miss at least one game. Clark had recently returned from a quad injury that kept her sidelined for five games. She returned to action June 14 and helped the Fever to a 102-88 victory against the Liberty with an explosive 32-point performance. The Fever are currently 7-7. Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds on the season.

FILE - A Rick Ware Racing patch is displayed on the fire suit of driver Cody Ware prior to the NASCAR Cup Series 300 auto race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

T.J. Puchyr agrees to buy Rick Ware Racing with plans to build a 3-car NASCAR team

June 26, 2025

One of the founders of Spire Motorsports has entered an agreement to purchase the NASCAR team owned by Rick Ware and is jumping back into the stock car series because he believes the current charters are grossly undervalued. T.J. Puchyr in 2018 alongside Jeff Dickerson launched the Spire team to take over the charter that Furniture Row Racing could not unload. He told The Associated Press he and Rick Ware Racing have a deal for him to take over Ware’s organization next season. He expects it to be a three-car team by 2027 and thinks NASCAR charters are worth $75 million.

A’ja Wilson scores 22, becomes fastest in WNBA history to 5,000 points as Aces beat Sun

June 25, 2025

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points and became the fastest player in WNBA history to 5,000 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Connecticut Sun 85-59. Wilson has 5,015 career points and needed just 238 games, four fewer than Breanna Stewart (242), to top 5,000. Connecticut (2-13) has lost seven in a row overall and six straight to the Aces, who beat the Sun 87-62 on May 20. Jackie Young scored 20 points for the Aces (7-7) and Chelsea Gray added 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Connecticut went 0 for 10 from the field and committed five turnovers before Lindsay Allen hit a jumper with 1:58 left in the first quarter that made it 19-2. Tina Charles led the Sun with 18 points.

Journey man: Mets pitcher Jonathan Pintaro takes improbable path to majors

June 25, 2025

Some players take unusual paths to the big leagues. And then there is the journey of Jonathan Pintaro. Undrafted from a Division II college in Georgia, he spent two seasons in the MLB Draft League for overlooked long shots. Then two years pitching for the Glacier Range Riders of the independent Pioneer League — where he compiled a 6.60 ERA. So when Pintaro walked into the New York Mets’ clubhouse Wednesday, about 2,400 miles from 2,291-seat Glacier Bank Park in Kalispell, Montana, needless to say it was an improbable arrival. Pintaro received a surprise promotion from the minors when the struggling Mets shuffled bullpen arms again before their 7-3 victory against Atlanta.

FILE - Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams pulls down a rebound against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

Suns add 7-footer Mark Williams, send two first-round picks to Hornets, AP source says

June 25, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams in a trade that sends two first-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade hasn’t officially been announced. Williams was one of two 7-footers the Suns added during the first round of the NBA draft. The Suns are also expected to add Duke center Khaman Maluach, who was selected by the Rockets with the No. 10 overall pick but is part of a trade that will send 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to Houston. The Hornets received this year’s No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round selection.

Jeremiah Fears celebrates with family after being selected seventh by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Moms take centerstage at NBA draft as sons appreciate all the effort they’ve put in

June 25, 2025

It was mother’s day at the NBA draft Wednesday night. The moms of the NBA draftees took centerstage, receiving hugs and wiping away tears from their sons. Kelly Flagg, whose son Cooper went first to the Dallas Mavericks, was a strong player in her own right. She starred for the University of Maine in the late 1990s. The 1998-99 team she was on made school history when they won the programs’ first-ever NCAA Tournament game, upsetting Stanford,

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jacob deGrom flirts with a perfect game, then a no-hitter with the Rangers

June 25, 2025

When righthander Jacob deGrom is at his best, the Texas Rangers believe he’s the best pitcher on the planet. DeGrom certainly is looking like the pitcher who is a two-time Cy Young winner. He flirted with a perfect game through six innings and a no-hitter through seven Wednesday night in another dominating performance in his return from Tommy John surgery in April 2023. DeGrom threw 89 pitches before being pulled after giving up his only hit to the first batter he faced in the eighth. The Rangers finished off a 7-0 shutout of the Baltimore Orioles. DeGrom tied his career-best streak at 13 straight starts giving up two or fewer earned runs.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jacob deGrom loses no-hit bid in 8th, leads Rangers over Orioles 7-0

June 25, 2025

Jacob deGrom held Baltimore hitless until Colton Cowser’s leadoff single in the eighth inning, leading the Texas Rangers over the Orioles 7-0. The right-hander, who turned 37 on June 19, retired his first 18 batters before walking Jackson Holliday on a high and outside full count slider. He walked Ryan O’Hearn with two outs in the seventh, throwing four straight balls after getting ahead 0-2 in the count. Cowser grounded a single to right on a 1-1 fastball. DeGrom won his fourth straight decision to improve to 8-2, striking out seven and walking two.

Colton Cowser of Orioles breaks up no-hit bid by Rangers’ deGrom in 8th inning

June 25, 2025

Baltimore’s Colton Cowser singled to lead off the eighth inning Wednesday night, breaking up Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom’s no-hit bid. The 37-year-old deGrom had a perfect game going through six innings before walking designated hitter Sam Haggerty and left fielder Alejandro Osuna in the seventh and allowing Cowser’s hard hit grounder to right field at the start of the eighth inning. DeGrom struck out seven. The two-time Cy Young Award winner threw threw 59 strikes and 89 pitches overall before being lifted after allowing his first hit.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Ronald Acuña Jr. of host Braves to compete in Home Run Derby on July 14 at Atlanta’s Truist Park

June 25, 2025

Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Braves was announced as the first of the eight hitters who will compete in the All-Star Home Run Derby at Atlanta’s Truist Park on July 14. Acuña, who homered on the first pitch of his May 23 return to the Braves following a torn left ACL, will participate in the derby for the third time. He lost to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso 20-19 in the semifinals in 2019 after opening with a 25-18 victory over Pittsburgh’s Josh Bell, then lost to Alonso 20-19 in the first round at Dodger Stadium in 2022.

FILE - AB Hernandez, a transgender student at Jurupa Valley High School, stands on the podium during a medal ceremony for the triple jump at the California high school track-and-field championships in Clovis, Calif., May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)

Trump administration says California must bar trans girls from girls sports

June 25, 2025

The Trump administration says California must change its policies allowing transgender girls to compete on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The U.S. Education Department says the policies violate a federal law banning sex discrimination in education. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says California could lose federal funding if it does not comply. But the state says all students should have the opportunity to play. The issue garnered renewed attention in California after a trans athlete recently participated in the state high school track and field championship. The sports governing body running the meet allowed more girls to participate and medal in events in which the trans athlete was competing.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) reacts to striking out Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz for the third out in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

Brewers’ Misiorowski continues history-making start to his career by outperforming Pirates’ Skenes

June 25, 2025

Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski made extra effort to avoid getting caught up in all the hype surrounding the rookie flamethrower’s highly anticipated matchup with Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes. Misiorowski better get accustomed to the extra attention. Misiorowski owns a 3-0 record and 1.13 earned run average after leading the Brewers to a 4-2 victory over Skenes’ Pirates. Sportradar says the three hits Misiorowski has allowed thus far is the fewest by any major league pitcher through his first three career starts with a minimum of 16 innings pitched since at least 1901.

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)

NBA players seem to tear their Achilles more frequently nowadays. Why is that?

June 25, 2025

Kevin Durant and Tyrese Haliburton entered their respective NBA Finals elimination games with strained right calves. Each wound up leaving early with torn right Achilles tendons. Durant missed the whole next season as he recovered from the injury. Now Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers star, could face a similar fate. Predictable? Perhaps. Both knew the risks when they opted to chase a championship, and both wound up paying the price when their tendons gave out on pro basketball’s biggest stage. But Haliburton has one big advantage — he’s only 25 years old.

FILE - Boston Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)

Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford’s off-field ‘accident’ requires season-ending wrist surgery

June 25, 2025

Kutter Crawford had an off-field “accident” that requires season-ending surgery on his right throwing wrist. Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced the injury on Wednesday and said the 29-year-old wasn’t doing anything “irresponsible.” Crawford has been sidelined all season by a right-knee injury that he initially suffered in his third game of 2024, a season in which he went 9-6 with a 4.36 ERA in 33 starts, tied for the most starts in the American League. Crawford was one of baseball’s most durable pitchers in 2024 despite pitching most of the season with patellar-tendon discomfort.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Reds rookie Chase Burns strikes out first 5 batters in big league debut before faltering vs. Yankees

June 24, 2025

Reds rookie Chase Burns became the first starting pitcher in the expansion era to strike out the first five batters he faced in his major league debut. The 22-year old right-hander, the second overall pick in last July’s amateur draft, allowed three runs in five innings against the New York Yankees. Burns struck out his first five batters before Jazz Chisholm Jr’s single. He gave up six hits and struck out eight, the seventh Cincinnati starter to have at least that many in his first career start.

FILE - Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving advances the ball up court during an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Dallas, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez,File)

Kyrie Irving and Mavs agree on $119M, 3-year deal that aligns with Anthony Davis, AP source says

June 24, 2025

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving have agreed on a $119 million, three-year contract with the All-Star guard still recovering from a torn ACL that will sideline him into the 2025-26 season. Irving is declining the $43 million player option in the final year of his current three-year contract. The new contract will align Irving with co-star Anthony Davis, who joined the Mavericks in the seismic trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni is attended to during the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Benfica and Bayern Munich in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Club World Cup: Benfica beats Bayern Munich in scorching heat to win Group C

June 24, 2025

Andreas Schjelderup scored in the 13th minute to give Benfica a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in scorching heat, sending the Portuguese club to the top of Group C in the Club World Cup. The loss dropped Bayern Munich to second place as Boca Juniors was eliminated. The game was played in a 97 degree temperature (36 Celsius). Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was attended by the medical staff in the 25th minute due to heat-related issues.Schjelderup ran onto a cross from Fredrik Aursnes and scored with a right-footed shot from near the penalty spot.

Teen indicted in fatal stabbing of another student at a high school track meet in Texas

June 24, 2025

A prosecutor says a Texas teen accused of fatally stabbing another student during an altercation at a high school track meet in suburban Dallas has been indicted on a murder charge. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said Tuesday that a grand jury indicted Karmelo Anthony in the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Willis said the April 2 stabbing at the school stadium in Frisco “struck a deep nerve.” Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, indicated that he will argue that Anthony acted in self-defense. Anthony was 17 when the stabbing happened and is now 18.

FILE - Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against the Houston during the second half in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Cooper Flagg set to become Mavericks’ new main man as the expected No. 1 pick in NBA draft

June 24, 2025

Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates were together celebrating a victory over North Carolina the night of Feb. 1 when one of them saw the news that had rocked the basketball world. The Dallas Mavericks were trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Flagg says they were all in shock. Now Flagg is set to take Doncic’s place as the franchise superstar in Dallas. He is expected to be selected by the Mavericks with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night after a sensational one-season stopover with the Blue Devils.

FILE - Rutgers guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball against Maryland guard Selton Miguel during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Ace Bailey of Rutgers shrugs off questions about canceled workout ahead of the NBA draft

June 24, 2025

Rutgers star Ace Bailey remains a mystery heading into the NBA draft. Bailey has not had a public workout for any team, a puzzling strategy that got him called out by critics ranging from current NBA players to analysts to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. A 6-foot-8 forward who can score like few players in this year’s draft class, Bailey offered little explanation Tuesday for why he bailed on a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have the No. 3 pick in Wednesday’s draft. One Associated Press mock draft had Bailey dropping to the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7.

Oklahoma City Thunder fans celebrate NBA title with a parade after years of heartbreak

June 24, 2025

Oklahoma City’s unwavering fans finally got to celebrate a championship after several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to clinch the NBA title, and the city held a parade downtown to honor its first major professional championship. The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and the Thunder became contenders with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. They finally broke through with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star selection Jalen Williams.

FILE - Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) and Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Nov. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Pelicans trade McCollum and Olynyk to the Wizards for Poole and Bey, AP source says

June 24, 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to trade veteran guard CJ McCollum, center Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey and the 40th overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the trade hasn’t been announced. The Wizards will gain a ton of financial freedom in the deal, which they can use going forward to continue their rebuild. The Pelicans also are rebuilding under newly hired basketball operations chief Joe Dumars.

Keegan Bradley reacts to making birdie putt to a tie for the lead on the ninth hole during the final round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Keegan Bradley would be a shoo-in for the Ryder Cup except that he’s the American captain

June 24, 2025

Keegan Bradley believes he’d be strongly considered to play the Ryder Cup any other year. But now he’s the U.S. captain and he has some decisions to make. Bradley won the Travelers Championship to go to No. 7 in the world ranking and No. 9 in the Ryder Cup standings. Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas are among those who feel he should be at Bethpage Black with his golf clubs. Rory McIlroy praises the U.S. depth. But he says it’s possible the Americans won’t have their best team if Bradley is part of it. Two months remain before the team is set.

FILE - Comedian Shane Gillis throws out a pitch before a baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Shane Gillis to host ESPN’s award ceremony, the ESPYS

June 24, 2025

Shane Gills will host ESPN’s annual awards show, the ESPYS. The ceremony, which honors the top athletes and sports moments of the past year, will be held in Los Angeles on July 16 and broadcast live on ESPN. The 37-year-old Gillis is one of the nation’s most successful touring comics and the creator and star of the Netflix series “Tires.” He also hosts “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” with fellow comedian Matt McCusker. The ESPYS began in 1993 and benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS ceremony.

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, April 30, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Noah Syndergaard signs a minor league deal with the White Sox

June 24, 2025

Noah Syndergaard will attempt to make a comeback with the Chicago White Sox, who have signed the veteran right-hander to a minor league deal. Syndergaard has reported to the team’s spring complex in Glendale, Arizona. The 32-year-old last pitched in the majors in 2023, when he was cut by Cleveland. He went 2-6 with a 6.50 ERA in 18 combined starts for the Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers that year. Nicknamed “Thor” for his long blond hair and 6-foot-6 frame, Syndergaard debuted for the New York Mets in 2015 and won a World Series start that season. He was an All-Star in 2016, but injuries have sidetracked his career.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton reacts after scoring 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/Julio Cortez)

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton after surgery to repair torn Achilles tendon: ‘I’d do it again’

June 24, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton has no regrets about trying to lead the Indiana Pacers to the franchise’s first NBA title, even though his decision to play hurt ended in agony when he tore his right Achilles tendon early in Game 7. The team announced the injury on Monday and Haliburton confirmed it in a social media post. It was a sad ending to Haliburton’s historic postseason run, which included a litany of incredible plays, buzzer-beating winners and occasionally unprecedented stat lines. And now he may miss all of next season. Haliburton says, “I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers.”

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, left, argues with umpire Alan Porter, front right, as umpire Jim Wolf, back right, looks on after he was ejected in the fifth inning during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, June 23, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)

Red Sox manager Alex Cora ejected after another shaky start by Walker Buehler in loss to Angels

June 24, 2025

Alex Cora is 0 for 2 in arguing obstruction calls with umpire Alan Porter after the Boston Red Sox manager was ejected in the fifth inning of a 9-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the second straight game in which Cora was tossed. Cora wasn’t around to see the Angels score four in the eighth to snap a 5-all tie, but he saw enough of Walker Buehler’s shaky start to acknowledge the veteran right-hander might be losing his grip on a rotation spot. Handed a 3-0 lead before he took the mound, Buehler walked four and hit two batters during a five-run first inning in which he threw 39 pitches. He finished with a career-high seven walks in four innings and has a 6.29 ERA in 13 starts.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns speaks to the media at Great American Ball Park before a game against the New York Yankees, Monday, June 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Joe Reedy)

Prized prospect Chase Burns excited to make MLB debut for Reds against Yankees

June 23, 2025

Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees. He’s about to make his major league debut against them. The 22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, less than a year after being the second overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft. Burns will be the fifth first-round selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam Smith.

San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a home run in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

Padres star Tatis sues Big League Advance in attempt to get out of future earnings deal

June 23, 2025

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is suing Big League Advance in an attempt to void the future earnings contract he signed as a 17-year-old minor leaguer that could cost him about $34 million. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of using predatory tactics to lure him into an “investment deal” that was actually an illegal loan. The suit alleges BLA misrepresented itself to Tatis, hiding its unlicensed status and pushing him into loan terms banned by California’s consumer protection laws. Attorney Robert Hertzberg said the suit also seeks public injunctive relief to protect young athletes from such deals.

Paris Saint-Germain's Joao Neves heads the ball during the Club World Cup Group B soccer match between Seattle Sounders and PSG in Seattle, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Paris Saint-Germain beats the Seattle Sounders 2-0 to reach Club World Cup round of 16

June 23, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain didn’t allow a single shot on goal as the European powerhouse beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 and advanced to the Club World Cup round of 16. Paris Saint-Germain won Group B on a goal-differential tiebreaker after Atlético Madrid defeated Botafogo 1-0. The 68,740-capacity Lumen Field was lively on Monday with 50,628 fans. Paris will play the runner-up of Group A on Sunday in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Seattle has been eliminated from the cup.

Athletics celebrate groundbreaking of $1.75 billion stadium project in Las Vegas

June 23, 2025

With mounds of dirt, construction vehicles and the exact location where home plate will be at the new Athletics ballpark serving as the backdrop, team owner John Fisher stood in front of a large gathering with one message: “We are Vegas’ team.” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, state and local government dignitaries, former Athletics greats such as Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, Little Leaguers and many others looked on Monday as the team celebrated the groundbreaking of a $1.75 billion, 33,000-person capacity ballpark that is expected to be finished in time for the 2028 season.

FILE - Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) plays during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)

Anaheim Ducks trade Trevor Zegras to Philadelphia Flyers for Ryan Poehling and draft picks

June 23, 2025

The Anaheim Ducks are trading forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Ryan Poehling and two draft picks. Zegras was the Ducks’ first-round pick in 2019. The Ducks also will get the 45th overall pick in the upcoming draft that initially belonged to Columbus, along with a fourth-round pick next season. Zegras had two 60-point seasons early in his NHL career but struggled with injuries for the past two seasons. The 26-year-old Poehling had 12 goals and 19 assists for Philadelphia last season.

LSU's Chase Shores pitches against Coastal Carolina in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

National champion LSU Tigers pack punch offensively, but they hang hats on pitching under Johnson

June 23, 2025

During its rise as a national power in the 1990s, LSU built its identity on prodigious home run numbers. The Tigers still have plenty of offense, but pitching is the name of the game in the bayou nowadays. LSU’s pitching prowess was omnipresent in the College World Series as the Tigers won their second national championship in three years with a two-game sweep of Coastal Carolina in the finals. The Tigers posted a CWS-best 2.60 ERA over five games and opponents batted .205 and just .145 with runners in scoring position. Kade Anderson was selected Most Outstanding Player.

Denny Hamlin celebrates his victory in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

NASCAR set for summer stretch March Madness style. Will new tournament end summer schedule malaise?

June 23, 2025

Following the lead of the NBA, the NASCAR Cup series is planning a five-race, bracket-style tournament that will begin with a night event this weekend in Atlanta. The tournament comes with a $1 million prize to the winner and is part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT. The Atlanta-based cable network will broadcast each race in the tournament, starting off with a 400-miler in its home market on June 28, 2025. The tournament is patterned after in-season tournaments that are staged by soccer leagues around the world and were brought to the NBA this season. Denny Hamlin is the No. 1 seed.

FILE - Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, left, and team Governor Patrick Dumont, center, watch the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, file)

‘Craziest’ reversal of fortune puts Mavs on path to Flagg after all the Doncic drama

June 23, 2025

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts marvels at the “craziest” reversal of fortune for the club that landed the rights to draft Cooper Flagg just months after the seismic trade of Luka Doncic. Dallas had just a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery when Welts was telling his staff it was about to embark on the most important offseason in franchise history. He was thinking about the lingering fallout of the widely reviled Doncic trade. Suddenly the Mavs have a chance to grow with another young player who has superstar potential in Flagg, the teenager from Duke.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, holds up the MVP trophy as he celebrates with his team after they won the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Thunder are NBA champions, and they might be just getting started

June 23, 2025

The promise came three years ago from Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti. It might have been overlooked for a couple of reasons. One, the Thunder were awful at the time. Two, he was speaking Latin. “Labor omnia vincit,” Presti said after the 2021-22 season, quoting a motto of Oklahoma. Depending on how Presti was translating it, it could have been “hard work conquers all” or “slow work conquers all.” Either way, it applies to the Thunder. They did hard work. They did slow work. They conquered all.

J.J. Spaun celebrates with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

J.J. Spaun’s path to U.S. Open title helped by a shot onto an umbrella

June 23, 2025

J.J. Spaun is the U.S. Open champion with a strong connection to the Travelers Championship. It was five years ago when he won a closet-to-the-pin challenge and chose a diabetes foundation for his charity. Spaun had been misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Turns out a tournament executive’s son had Type 1 diabetes. They became friends and Travelers Insurance executive Andy Bessette knew several industry leaders and helped guide Spaun to the right doctors. Spaun returned to the Travelers this year with his U.S. Open trophy. He says connections like this are what helped him navigate his tough road.

Competition should stiffen for unproven Americans in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals

June 22, 2025

The competition is about to stiffen for the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans finished their seventh 3-0 run through group play in the Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Haiti. Next up is Costa Rica or Mexico. Both countries are ranked higher than all three group play opponents. The unproven U.S. squad has seen uneven performances so far. Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s gaffe cost the U.S. the lead against Haiti before Patrick Agyemang’s tiebreaking goal. The attack was more dangerous against Haiti, but the U.S. missed on plenty of scoring chances.

United States forward Patrick Agyemang (24), center right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Haiti, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Tillman and Agyemang goals overcome Freese gaffe, US beats Haiti 2-1 to win CONCACAF Gold Cup group

June 22, 2025

Patrick Agyemang scored a tiebreaking goal in the 75th minute, and the United States overcame Matt Freese’s goalkeeping gaffe to beat Haiti 2-1 and win its CONCACAF Gold Cup group with a 3-0 record. Malik Tillman put the U.S. ahead in the 10th minute with his third goal of the tournament but Freese botched a clearing attempt that led to Louicius Don Deedson’s 19th-minute goal. Using largely a B team in the tournament, the Americans already had clinched a spot in the quarterfinals against Mexico or Costa Rica next weekend.

Indiana Pacers fans react during the second 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)

No ‘Cers: Indiana fans left gasping as Haliburton’s injury dooms title hopes in Game 7 loss

June 22, 2025

Indiana Pacers fans arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ready to celebrate their first NBA title. Seven minutes into the game came the hush. As star point guard Tyrese Haliburton fell to the floor in Oklahoma City on Sunday night with what his father, John, later called an Achilles tendon injury, fans gasped as the replay was shown and they saw the anguished look on John Haliburton’s face. The moment may go down as another cruel chapter in the franchise’s long, painful history. Pacers play-by-play announcer Chris Denari told the crowd that Haliburton would want the team to continue to fight.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates with teammates in the locker room after winning the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Thunder had one more opponent after winning the NBA title. The champagne corks were formidable

June 22, 2025

The Oklahoma City Thunder had just won the NBA championship, the on-court ceremony was over and they were heading to the locker room to start the party. This typically includes the traditional spraying of champagne all over everyone and everything. And the Thunder were ready to partake in all that. Problem was, nobody knew how to pop corks. That meant a team that won 84 games had one more thing to learn this season.

Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall, left, screams at the umpires after being ejected in the first inning against LSU in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Coastal Carolina coach says CWS ejection was unwarranted and he was wrongly accused of bumping ump

June 22, 2025

Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall was ejected along with first base coach Matt Schilling in the first inning of Game 2 of the College World Series finals. He said his ejection was unwarranted and that he was wrongly accused of bumping an umpire. Schnall went to the top steps of the dugout, gestured at plate umpire Angel Campos with three fingers and began shouting at him. When Schnall was arguing with Campos, one of the base umpires ran toward the confrontation and fell on his back.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton lays on the court after 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’ Tyrese Haliburton suffers right leg injury in Game 7 loss. His father says it’s an Achilles

June 22, 2025

Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who was playing with a strained right calf, went down with a lower right leg injury in the first quarter of the Pacers’ Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately began punching the court in frustration. Haliburton was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation while putting no weight on the leg. Virtually the entire Indiana playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once he got hurt. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. Haliburton’s father, John, told ABC it was an Achilles tendon injury. The Thunder won 103-91.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, shoots against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard during the second half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

MVP. Finals MVP. Scoring champ. NBA champ. OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now holds all those titles

June 22, 2025

He’s the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP. All in one season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game’s most elite clubs. The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder captured the NBA title on Sunday night, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.

LSU's Jared Jones, center, hoists the championship trophy with his teammates following their 5-3 win over Coastal Carolina in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

LSU sweeps Coastal Carolina in CWS finals for its 2nd national title in 3 years and 8th overall

June 22, 2025

LSU knocked previously unbeaten Coastal Carolina ace Jacob Morrison out of the game with a four-run fourth inning and the Tigers won their second national championship in three years with a 5-3 victory in the College World Series finals. The Tigers completed a two-game sweep of the Chanticleers, who entered the finals on a 26-game win streak and on Sunday saw coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling ejected in the bottom of the first inning. LSU gave the Southeastern Conference its sixth straight national title in baseball and 11th in 16 years.

Chase Briscoe holds off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin to win at Pocono

June 22, 2025

Chase Briscoe returned to victory lane Sunday at Pocono Raceway, conserving fuel down the stretch to hold off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin for his first win with his new race team. Briscoe raced his way into an automatic spot in NASCAR’s playoffs and gave the No. 19 Toyota its first victory since 2023 when Martin Truex Jr. had the ride. Briscoe lost his job at the end of last season at Stewart-Haas Racing when the team folded and he was tabbed to replace Truex. Hamlin, who holds the track record with seven wins, appeared on the brink of reeling in Briscoe over the final, thrilling laps only to have not enough in the No. 11 Toytota to snag that eighth Pocono win.

Kristin Chenoweth sings the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma native, Thunder fan Kristin Chenoweth performs national anthem before Game 7 of NBA Finals

June 22, 2025

At 4-foot-11, Kristin Chenoweth is still making it to the NBA Finals. The award-winning actress, singer, Oklahoma native, Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee and unabashed Oklahoma City Thunder fan performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 7 of the title series between the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Chenoweth’s performance aired live on ABC shortly before tipoff of the season’s final game.

Denny Hamlin earns No. 1 seed in NASCAR’s first In-season Challenge

June 22, 2025

Denny Hamlin earned the top seed in the inaugural version of NASCAR’s In-season Challenge, a five-race, bracket-style tournament set to kick off next week in Atlanta. The tournament, which comes with a $1 million prize to the winner, is part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT. The final 32-driver field was set by results of the races at Michigan, Mexico City and Pocono. The drivers will be paired in head-to-head matchups based on seeding, with the winners advancing to the next round in a bracket format that mirrors the NCAA basketball tournaments.

Keegan Bradley pulls a stunner to deny Fleetwood and win the Travelers Championship

June 22, 2025

Keegan Bradley has won the Travelers Championship for the second time in three years. This one was a stunner. He was trailing Tommy Fleetwood by three shots with four to play at the TPC River Highlands. He was still one shot behind playing the 18th. Bradley hit his approach to just under 6 feet for birdie. Fleetwood came up 50 feet short and took three putts for bogey. Bradley now moves to No. 9 in the Ryder Cup and he’ll have some decisions to make whether he should give up his role as U.S. captain to play at Bethpage Black.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Shohei Ohtani pitches sharp first inning for Dodgers before driving in 5 runs at the plate

June 22, 2025

Shohei Ohtani pitched one hitless inning Sunday in his second mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two and allowing just one baserunner on an error. The three-time MVP then drove in five runs at the plate, hitting a three-run triple down the right field line in the seventh before adding a two-run homer in the eighth. Ohtani threw 18 pitches against the Washington Nationals at Chavez Ravine, recording 12 strikes with one wild pitch. After leadoff hitter CJ Abrams grounded out, Mookie Betts dropped James Wood’s popup in the sun, but Ohtani struck out Luis García Jr. and Nathaniel Lowe to end it.

Minjee Lee wins the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for her 3rd major title

June 22, 2025

Minjee Lee closed with a 2-over 74 but never gave up the lead Sunday in the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to win her third major title. While Lee had three bogeys in a four-hole stretch on the front nine, she had started the day with a four-stroke lead over Jeeno Thitikul. And the world’s No. 2-ranked player, also in that final group, bogeyed both par 5s that are among the first three holes on Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. Lee, ranked 24th, finished at 4-under 284, three strokes ahead of Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen, the only other players to finish under par.

Sports play through another dangerously hot day in parts of the US

June 22, 2025

Several major league teams played through a second straight day of muggy conditions as dangerously hot temperatures dominated parts of the United States during a June heat wave. The PGA Tour was in a sweltering Connecticut for the Travelers Championship, and the LPGA played the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in the heat of Texas. The gametime temperature was 92 degrees for the series finale between the Mariners and Cubs in Chicago. Kids played in the fountains outside Wrigley before going into the ballpark, and the Cubs encouraged fans to take precautions in a message on the videoboard in left field.

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