National Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros wrapped up a stretch of nine straight games against New York teams Thursday night with another win over the New York Yankees. Alex Bregman hit a two-run double early and the Astros held on for the 2-1 victory.

Kevin Durant may be taking his quest for more titles elsewhere.

NEW YORK (AP) — Tiffany Hayes, playing in her first game of the season, scored nine of her 21 points in overtime to lift the Atlanta Dream to a 92-81 victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber finished off the month with another June homer, Darick Hall went deep twice and the Philadelphia Phillies avoided a three-game sweep with a 14-4 rout of the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.

In a surprising and seismic shift in college athletics, the Big Ten voted Thursday to add Southern California and UCLA as conference members beginning in 2024.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have locked up their top free agent, Canadian Chris Boucher. The Raptors have agreed with the six-foot-nine Montreal centre on a three-year deal worth US$35.25 million, which was first reported by ESPN.

SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — J.T. Poston shot a 9-under 62 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California agency on Thursday cleared the way for the Oakland Athletics to continue planning a $12 billion waterfront ballpark project.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic has gone from draft pick No. 41, to two-time MVP, and now the holder of the largest contract in NBA history.

SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford had his suspension stemming from last weekend's brawl with the Los Angeles Angels reduced from five to four games, and he was set to serve the ban Thursday.