BASEBALL
Dark cloud follows A-Rod for Yankees farewell
NEW YORK — A dark cloud followed Alex Rodriguez, even for his New York Yankees farewell.
Skies blackened just as his tribute began at Yankee Stadium ahead of Friday night's game against Tampa Bay, the last before the team releases the faded 41-year-old.
With Rodriguez's family on the field, public address announcer Paul Olden said: "Alex, you spent 12 of your 22 seasons with the Yankees" when a loud thunder crack shook the ballpark, as if ordered by a film director.
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Rain started to fall during a video message from Lou Piniella, Rodriguez's first big league manager, and the festivities ended awkwardly after 10 minutes when a downpour began. Ten minutes later, the clouds started to clear, somewhat symbolic of A-Rod's time in New York.
"The last time I drive up Broadway and through Harlem and through the neighborhoods that have brought so much comfort to me," he said.
Rodriguez received an ovation for about 30 seconds. Reggie Jackson accompanied his mom onto the field, and his daughters were escorted by former closer Mariano Rivera, who drew louder cheers than A-Rod. Yankees co-owner Jenny Steinbrenner Swindal presented a base signed by the team, and controlling owner Hal Steinbrenner gave a framed No. 13 jersey when the downpour caused the group to hustle off the field.
— Associated Press
Szczur's two homers help Cubs win 11th straight
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are on a roll, and even their depth players are going deep to keep them streaking.
Matt Szczur hit two home runs and the Cubs won their 11th straight game, backing Jake Arrieta and battering Adam Wainwright to rout the St. Louis Cardinals 13-2 Friday.
Willson Contreras launched a three-run shot to cap a five-run second inning, and Javier Baez and Jorge Soler also connected to make things easy for Arrieta (14-5).
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The Cubs' winning streak is their longest since a 12-game run in 2001. They pulled 14 games ahead of scuffling St. Louis in the NL Central and improved the best record in the majors to 73-41.
— Associated Press
FOOTBALL
Bills sign QB Taylor to 6-year extension
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — One season was enough for Tyrod Taylor to convince the Buffalo Bills he has the potential to be their franchise quarterback.
Now he has the contract to start proving it.
The Bills signed Taylor to a six-year contract Friday, a day before Buffalo opens the preseason by hosting Indianapolis. The Bills announced the signing, and a person with direct knowledge of the deal revealed some of its details to The Associated Press.
The extension replaces the remaining year Taylor had left on his contract and will pay him more than $30 million over the first two seasons, the person said. The deal gives Taylor lucrative incentives over the course of the contract, but also provides the Bills flexibility to opt out of a portion of the deal, the person added.
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— Associated Press
GOLF
Sindelar leads US Senior Open after 2 rounds
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — Joey Sindelar, one of four former Ohio State players in the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in suburban Columbus, has felt the support of the hometown crowd all week.
It apparently was a big help Friday. The 58-year-old Sindelar shot a 4-under 66 on a hot and humid day to take the second-round lead. He had five birdies, including two in a row after a bogey on No. 5. After finishing the first round with a 69, he was at 5 under overall.
His highlight was a 40-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th, after pars on the six previous holes.
"I'm seeing the line very well, and I seem to be able to hit the ball where I'm looking, and so far it's been a fun week with the putter," said Sindelar, whose best finish in a senior event was a second in 2009.
Billy Mayfair, making his first senior start after turning 50 last Saturday, was a stroke back after a 67. He had four birdies and a bogey.
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— Associated Press
