Phoenix Rising hosts USL West leaders Real Monarchs SLC Source: Jeb Bush joins Romney in pursuit of Miami Marlins

Didier Drogba and Phoenix Rising FC have a tall order this Saturday when the team hosts Real Monarchs SLC, the Western Conference leader currently riding a league-record ninematch win streak. The match is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. due to heat concerns. The Rising (5-5-1) come into the match on the heels of a 2-2 draw on the road against the Swope Park Rangers on Sunday. Twice tying the match, Drogba, who made his debut with the team on June 10, connected on a penalty kick in the final moments of the contest to help the Rising stay unbeaten all-time against the Rangers. — Richard Morin

LSU ends Oregon State’s 23-game win streak

OMAHA, Neb. - Alex Lange limited topseeded Oregon State to two hits over 71⁄3 innings, and LSU ended the Beavers’ 23-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory Friday to set up a winner-take-all Bracket 1 final at the College World Series.

The teams will meet again Saturday, with the winner going to the best-of-three finals beginning Monday. TCU 9, Florida 2: Evan Skoug hit a basesclearing double, four TCU pitchers combined on a five-hitter, and the Horned Frogs beat Florida to force a second Bracket 2 final at the College World Series.

Nemechek wins at Iowa for 2nd straight NASCAR Truck victory

NEWTON, Iowa - John Hunter Nemechek raced to his second straight NASCAR Camping World Truck victory, taking the lead with his six laps left at Iowa Speedway.

Nemechek took four new tires during the final caution. The gamble paid off, as he passed leader Johnny Sauter soon after a restart.

Sauter, the series leader, led 72 laps. But his team’s choice to stay out on old tires at the end of the race cost him dearly.

Brandon Jones was third, followed by Grant Enfinger and Christopher Bell.

NASCAR’s Knaus missing race notes after theft

SONOMA, Calif. - Seven-time championship winning crew chief Chad Knaus had his laptop stolen from a rental car in San Francisco, leaving him without the notes for Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR race this weekend at Sonoma. Knaus and his wife landed in San Francisco on Wednesday night and headed to Fisherman’s Warf for dinner. Knaus told The Associated Press they parked at a meter in a bustling area and were gone approximately 90 minutes.

When the couple returned, the right side passenger rear window was smashed and their briefcases were gone. Their luggage was not stolen.

Sun blow 21-point lead before beating Liberty

NEW YORK - Jasmine Thomas scored 23 points and Connecticut held on for a 94-89 win over the New York Liberty on Friday night after blowing a 21-point lead.

Jonquel Jones added 21 points for the Sun (6-5). Theyh ave won five straight games, including two over New York.

At Wings 81, Stars 69: Skylar DigginsSmith hit a franchise record seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 30 points to help the Wings beat the winless Stars.

Sky 82, at Dream 78: Allie Quigley scored 22 points and Stefanie Dolson added 19 to help the Sky beat the Dream.

At Lynx 93, Mystics 76: Maya Moore had 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, Sylvia Fowles added 21 points and 15 boards, and the Lynx beat the Mystics.

MIAMI - A person familiar with the negotiations says former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has joined the group led by businessman Tagg Romney that is trying to buy the Miami Marlins.

The person confirmed Bush’s new role in sales talks to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the parties aren’t commenting publicly about efforts to sell the team.

Source: Blake Griffin opts out, becomes free agent

A person with direct knowledge of the decision says Blake Griffin has told the Los Angeles Clippers that he is opting out of the final year of his contract and becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Griffin nor the Clippers announced the move publicly.