The mighty Dodgers are reeling following a 7th straight loss in heartbreaking fashion
PHOENIX (AP) — The two-time defending World Series champions are in a rare funk. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their season-high seventh game in a row in a stunning collapse on Friday night after the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied for a 4-3 win when rookie Ryan Waldschmidt hit a two-run, walk-off homer against closer Edwin Diaz. It was another rough outing for Diaz, who has an 11.00 ERA over 11 outings this season. The 32-year-old is a three-time All-Star, but hasn’t been able to help the Dodgers much after signing a $69 million, three-year deal during the offseason. The Dodgers still have a 7 1/2-game lead in the NL West.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, dies at 68
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star and Argentina captain Lionel Messi. has died. He was 68. Messi died Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario, according to the Rosario-based Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys. Jorge Messi was a chemical technician and worked as a steelworker. He played soccer as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys but had to abandon the sport to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina. He played a fundamental role in his third son’s career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs.
Yankees rally with 2 outs in 9th inning and beat Braves 3-2 in 10 after long rain delay
NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Rice ripped a tying single off the right-field fence with two outs in the ninth inning and Ryan McMahon hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th as the New York Yankees rallied past the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in a rain-delayed game that ended after midnight. New York improved to 2-8 in extra-inning games, halting an eight-game winning streak overall for the NL East leaders. Yankees left-hander Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his first outing against his former team, but Tyler Mahle matched him with six shutout innings in his Atlanta debut. Austin Riley and Matt Olson homered for the Braves, but New York erased a 2-0 deficit against All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias with two outs in the ninth.
High divers take the plunge in the Seine in a new test of Paris’ reclaimed river
PARIS (AP) — Paris is hosting its first high-diving competition in the Seine, with athletes diving from a 20-meter platform near the Eiffel Tower. This event is part of the city’s effort to reclaim the river for sports. Training was suspended Thursday due to hydrocarbon traces upstream, but resumed Friday after treatment. The high diving concludes Saturday, while the European Aquatics Championships continue through Aug. 16. Paris has invested heavily to make the Seine safe for swimming, aiming to transform it into a place for recreation. This marks a significant shift from its past association with commerce and pollution.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid hints Patrick Mahomes may sit out entire Chiefs preseason after knee surgery
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in their preseason opener against the Rams next week. Mahomes, who had knee surgery in December, might skip the entire exhibition slate even though he’s been ahead of schedule in rehab and cleared for unrestricted practice. Reid suggests Mahomes doesn’t need the preseason work but might play a few snaps against Tampa Bay. The Chiefs have other quarterbacks needing experience, including Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier. Several players are dealing with minor injuries, but Reid downplays their severity. The team continues to prepare with practices this weekend.
Misdemeanor gun charge against James Harden dismissed by Texas judge
A misdemeanor gun charge against All-Star Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden in Texas has been dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program allowing him to avoid a criminal record. Court records show that a Harris County criminal court judge in Houston dismissed the charge Thursday at the request of the Harris County district attorney’s office following Harden’s completion of an alternative resolution program. Such programs allow defendants to avoid a criminal conviction by doing community service, but court documents don’t detail the terms of Harden’s agreement. Harden was arrested June 13 in Houston after police found that he had a handgun in his vehicle in plain view.
Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby scuffle late in Friday practice
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby got into a scuffle late in practice Friday before their teammates quickly jumped in and separated them. Cousins is operating the first-team offense in training camp. He remained on the field to finish the drive. Crosby was sent to the sideline. Cousins appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass that forced an incompletion. He then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.
Memphis forward Brandon Clarke died from effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities say
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities have determined that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner on Friday said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental. Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the team announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
Ryan Day: Offensive line still a key concern after Ohio State’s first 2026 practice
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, shares his concerns as the Buckeyes start preseason practice. Despite leading a top-performing team, Day mentions worries about the offensive line, tight ends, backup quarterback, and receiver slots. The offensive line remains a focus after struggles in key games last season. Four starters return, but changes are expected.