HOT CORNER

PRO FOOTBALL: The first completion of C.J. Stroud’s NFL career was caught by ... C.J. Stroud. The Houston rookie got the start in Sunday’s season opener at Baltimore, and on the Texans’ second play from scrimmage — and first pass attempt — Stroud’s throw was batted into the air by former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith. Stroud was able to catch the ball before it hit the ground, and the former Ohio State star was tackled for a 1-yard gain. On the next snap, Stroud completed his first pass to a teammate, connecting with running back Dameon Pierce. 1

PRO GOLF: Vincent Norrman gave Sweden a second straight winner on the European tour when he shot 7-under 65 to win by one stroke and capture the Irish Open title as Rory Mcilroy faltered in the final round by hitting into the water on three different holes. A week after Ludvig Aberg produced a stunning finish to win the European Masters in Switzerland and help secure a spot on Europe’s Ryder Cup team, Norrman did the same at The K Club to earn his second victory in two months and underscore the talent emerging from Sweden. Mcilroy’s bid for a second title at his home event, after 2016, tottered when he found water at Nos. 7 and 11. By the time Mcilroy went into the water twice at No. 16, Norrman had already posted a target — 14 under — that none of his remaining title contenders could match. Mcilroy tied for 16th.

2PRO BASEBALL: Boston Red Sox LHP James Paxton was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation, a move manager Alex Cora says will end his season. Cora said Nick Pivetta will take Paxton’s turn in the rotation the rest of the season. Paxton went 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 19 starts this season. He was one of the game’s top pitchers in June, earning AL Pitcher of the Month after going 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The Chicago Sky signed star Kahleah Copper to a multiyear contract extension. Copper, who was set to be a free agent at the end of the season, ranks in the franchise’s top five in a number of categories including scoring (2,676 points) and games played (224).

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SOCCER: Germany removed Hansi Flick as coach of the men’s national team, a day after a 4-1 loss to Japan. The German soccer federation said team director Rudi Völler will be one of three coaches taking joint charge of the next game, a friendly against France.

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