>>Cardinals Kept Quiet By Royals
(St. Louis, MO) — Luke Weaver was outdueled by Jason Hammel as the Cardinals lost 5-1 to the Royals at Busch Stadium. Weaver struck out eight, but allowed three runs in seven innings to take the loss. Jose Martinez stole home in the first inning for St. Louis. Yairo Munoz went 4-for-4 and Marcell Ozuna had three hits in the setback.
>>Cardinals’ Reyes Expected Back Next Week
(St. Louis, MO) — The Cardinals starting rotation will be getting a boost soon. Prospect Alex Reyes is expected to return to the majors and join the rotation as soon as next week. The 23-year-old is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Monday. General Manager Michael Girsch says Reyes could start next Tuesday against Milwaukee.
>>Cubs Crushed By Indians
(Chicago, IL) — The Cubs fell behind 10-0 in the fifth inning and lost 10-1 to the Indians at Wrigley Field. Tyler Chatwood gave up four runs in less than three innings to take the loss. Mike Montgomery was lit up for six more runs in relief. Ian Happ homered in the ninth to break up the shutout for Chicago. The teams finish their two-game set tonight.
>>White Sox Rally Past O’s With Three-Run Eighth
(Chicago, IL) — Yolmer Sanchez singled in the go-ahead run to cap a three-run bottom of the eighth as the White Sox rallied past the Orioles 3-2 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Yoan Moncada’s sac-fly tied the game at two for Chicago, which won for the third time in four games. Bruce Rondon [[ ron-DOAN ]] got the win in relief and Nate Jones his fourth save.
>>Paul, Harden Lift Rockets To Game Four Win
(Oakland, CA) — The Rockets’ two best players refused to let them lose in a 95-92 win over the Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference finals in Oakland. Chris Paul and James Harden combined for 57 points. Houston overcame Golden State’s 12-0 run to start the game and evened the series at two game apiece. The Rockets host Game Five tomorrow.
>>Cavs At Celtics For Game Five Tonight
(Boston, MA) — The Cavaliers hope to accomplish something no one else has done in the NBA playoffs tonight when they square off with the Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference finals at TD Garden. Boston is 9-and-0 at home, including the first two in this best-of-seven series. The Cavs battled back at home to win Game Three and Four and tie the series at two.
>>Bulls’ Markkanen Earns Postseason Honor
(Undated) — Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Markkanen is joined by Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, LA’s Kyle Kuzma [[ KOOZ-mah ]] and Boston’s Jayson Tatum. Simmons and Mitchell were unanimous selections.
>>Caps At Lighting For Game Seven Tonight
(Tampa, FL) — It’s win or go home tonight for the Capitals and Lightning as they play Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final in Tampa. The Caps shut out Tampa Bay 3-0 in Game Six Monday in D.C. to even the best-of-seven matchup at three games apiece. Tonight’s winner will advance to play the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.
>>NFL Owners Approve New Kickoff, Ejection Rules
(Atlanta, GA) — NFL owners are approving new kickoff and ejection rules in an effort to cut down on full-speed collisions. Kickoffs will now be more like punts. In addition to eliminating the wedge-block, any ball that hits the end zone will now be ruled a touchback. Also, any player, regardless of position, who initiates contact with his helmet is subject to ejection after an in-game video review in New York.
>>Yankees’ Judge Won’t Defend HR Derby Crown
(Arlington, TX) — Don’t look for Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge to defend his Home Run Derby title from a season ago. The second-year slugger tells the “New York Post” there is no need to do it. Judge says he won’t give in, even if he’s pressured by Major League Baseball. The Derby will take place Monday, July 16th at Nationals Park in D.C.
>>Jeff Gordon Highlights NASCAR Hall Of Fame Nominees
(Charlotte, NC) — Four-time champion Jeff Gordon highlights the finalists on the ballot for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The class of 2019 will be revealed today. Five of the 20 nominees will be selected by the panel of 57 voters and one fan vote.