Update on the latest sports
APMLB SCHEDULE
Cubs extend win streak
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs didn’t suffer any letdown after their three-game sweep of the defending World Series champions.
The Cubs have run their winning streak to four games as Zach Davies allowed five hits in seven scoreless innings of a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh. Joc Pederson had three hits and an RBI for the Cubs, who took three straight from the Dodgers.
Rex Brothers notched his first save since Sept. 29, 2013, giving up an RBI single before getting Brian Reynolds to hit a game-ending fly ball with the bases loaded.
MLB-INDIANS PEREZ
Indians catcher Roberto Pérez has finger surgery, out months
UNDATED (AP) — The Indians could be without Gold Glove catcher Roberto Pérez for months.
Pérez has undergone surgery to fix a fractured ring finger. He suffered the injury last month and played nearly three weeks with it before the discomfort became too much. Pérez hurt his finger when he got crossed up by reliever James Karinchak and caught a pitch with his bare hand.
Elsewhere in the league:
— The Phillies have Jean Segura and Bryce Harper in the lineup for tonight’s game against the Braves in Atlanta. Segura is starting at second base in his return from a right quad strain that landed him on the injured list. Harper missed four consecutive games with a sore left wrist.
— Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was put on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hip. The injury interrupts a stellar start for the 27-year-old Buxton, who is hitting .370 with nine home runs and five stolen bases.
— Reds first baseman Joey Votto (VY’-toh) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken left thumb that could sideline him for a month. Votto was struck on the thumb with a pitch by Chicago’s Dallas Keuchel (KY’-kul) on Wednesday. The 37-year-old is batting .226 with five homers and 17 RBIs.
— Utilityman Hernán Pérez is back in the Brewers organization after accepting a minor league contract. Pérez was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Tuesday after going 1 for 19 in 10 games. He was productive in his first stop with the Brewers, batting .258 with 45 homers, 175 RBIs and 67 steals in his 572 games.
— A fifth major league team has been able to relax coronavirus protocols after 85% of its players and other on-field personnel completed vaccination. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association made the announcement without identifying any teams. They said seven additional teams had reached the 85% level of having received final doses and would be able to relax protocols within two weeks once they are fully vaccinated.
NBA-PELICANS-WILLIAMSON OUT
Pelicans’ Williamson out indefinitely with fractured finger
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes have been dealt a major blow with the loss of forward Zion Williamson, who is averaging 27 points and 7.2 rebounds in 61 games this season.
Williamson is out indefinitely with a fractured left finger suffered in Tuesday’s game against Golden State.
The Pelicans are 1 1/2 games behind San Antonio for the final Western Conference play-in berth heading into tonight’s game at Philadelphia.
NHL-CANUCKS-MacEWEN
Canucks’ Zack MacEwen suspended game for kneeing
NEW YORK (AP) — Vancouver Canucks forward Zack MacEwen was suspended for one game without pay by the NHL for kneeing Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. The incident came midway through the second period Thursday night in the Canucks’ 6-3 victory in Edmonton. The suspension will cost MacEwen $7,112.
NFL NEWS
AP source: No cutting players because they are unvaccinated
UNDATED (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the NFL’s directive tells The Associated Press a team can’t release a player simply because he is not vaccinated for COVID-19.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane suggested hypothetically this week that he’d do so if it would provide more freedom within the team facilities for meetings and offseason programs.
The NFL currently is formulating further plans and protocols for the offseason programs and training camp.
In other NFL news:
— The Jets have cut six players including wide receiver Josh Doctson in a flurry of moves before the team’s first rookie minicamp practice under new coach Robert Saleh. Cornerback Kyron Brown, tight end Connor Davis, offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, kicker Chase McLaughlin and wide receiver Jaleel Scott were also released Friday.
— The Lions have signed center Frank Ragnow to a four-year, $54 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2026 season for a total of $70 million. The deal makes him the NFL’s highest-paid player at the position.
PGA-WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — There’s a three-way tie for the lead through two rounds of the PGA’s Wells Fargo Championship.
Former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland fought through morning gusts while shooting a 2-under 69 that leaves him tied with Matt Wallace and Patrick Rodgers. Wallace fired a 66 for a 6 under total.
Kramer Hickok is one shot back and one ahead of five others, including Rory McIlroy.
Phil Mickelson followed a 64 with a 75 that puts him 3 under.
COLLEGE SPORTS
University of Hartford sports drops from Division I to III
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The University of Hartford is dropping its sports teams from Division I to Division III.
The decision comes after the Hartford men’s basketball team this season won its first America East championship this season and played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time, losing to eventual national champion Baylor in the first round.
Hartford President Gregory Woodward says the school wants to “transition to this new model for intercollegiate athletics.”
NASCAR-DARLINGTON-VIRUS
Darlington plans full capacity this summer
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Darlington Raceway track officials have announced that they plan to fully open the grandstands for the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend.
The raceway will hold the Goodyear 400 on Sunday to limited spectators. Darlington President Kerry Tharp said that will change this summer when the series returns there with no limits on fans.
Darlington Raceway has a seating capacity of about 47,000.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL-ALABAMA-SABAN-VACCINE PSA
Saban tapes message encouraging Alabamians to get vaccinated
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama football coach Nick Saban has taped a public service announcement encouraging Alabamians to get vaccinated.
The Alabama Department of Public Health says Saban and others, including former NBA star Charles Barkley, participated in the PSA. Less than 25% of Alabamians have been fully vaccinated, which ranks last nationally, according to the CDC.
