SPORTS SHORTS
MLB: Harper slam lifts Phils to sweep Bryce Harper blasted a grand slam with one out in the ninth inning, capping a six-run rally that sent the Phillies over the Cubs 7-5 Thursday night for a three-game sweep in Philadelphia.
In Oakland, Calif., Matt Chapman hit two home runs for the second straight day, connecting for the tiebreaking shot in the eighth inning to lead the Athletics to a 7-6 win over the Astros as the teams combined for a Coliseum record 10 homers.
In Cincinnati, Sonny Gray struck out 10 in five scoreless innings and combined with three others for a two-hitter as the Reds held off the Cardinals 2-1. NFL: Cards’ Murray flops vs. Raiders
Top NFL draft pick Kyler Murray was not as sharp in his second preseason appearance, going 3-for-8 for 12 yards and rushing once for 4 yards as the Cardinals lost 33-26 to the Raiders in Glendale, Ariz. The quarterback, who was in for 14 plays over four series, also was sacked twice — once for a safety — and committed three penalties.
In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson directed two scoring drives during a limited appearance, had an impressive touchdown run erased by a penalty and sparked the Ravens to a 26-13 victory over the Packers, who played without Aaron Rodgers — a move labeled a “precaution” after the quarterback developed back stiffness.
The NFL Players Association told its players in a memo to start preparing for a potential work stoppage following the 2020 season. Bargaining sessions are tentatively scheduled for next week.
A judge dismissed a domestic violence complaint against suspended Giants safety Kamrin Moore, citing unsubstantiated claims. ETC.: Nets’ Yormark stepping down
As Joe Tsai prepares to buy a majority stake in the Nets, Brett Yormark, CEO of the franchise and parent company BSE Global, will announce Friday morning he is resigning, Bloomberg reported. Yormark has been in that position since leaving NASCAR in 2005, and was instrumental in the Nets’ moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012.
DeMarcus Cousins was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that could sideline the big man for much or all of the 2019-20 season. Cousins, who signed a one-year deal with the Lakers last month, got hurt during a workout in Las Vegas.
Nick Kyrgios was fined $113,000 by the ATP for expletive-filled outbursts in which he smashed rackets, insulted chair umpire Fergus Murphy and refused to get ready to return serve during a second-round loss at the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio.