WJPA Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Joey Bart hit a two-run home run with two outs in the eighth inning, lifting the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves to a 3-0 win over his former team after Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jared Jones pitched six perfect innings before being lifted. Bart, traded to the Braves from the Pirates on June 18, followed a double by Mike Yastrzemski with a 422-foot drive to left-centerfield off a slider from Dennis Santana (2-4). Drake Baldwin added an RBI single to center in the ninth. Jones struck out eight on 77 pitches, including 53 strikes, before being replaced by Mason Montgomery to start the seventh. Montgomery lost the bid at 6 1/3 innings when Ozzie Albies singled to left

DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander plans to call it a career later this year. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion and 2011 AL MVP will retire after this season with the Detroit Tigers. Verlander made the announcement on Wednesday, shortly after he was added as a Legend Pick to the American League All-Star roster. The 43-year-old Verlander is the oldest player in Major League Baseball. He signed a $13 million, one-year contract. He has pitched only once this season and that was back in March. Verlander went on the injured list with hip inflammation and a pulled hamstring.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The World Cup has narrowed to eight teams, with six from Europe. Unless Morocco surprises everyone, the champion will be from Europe or South America as usual. Historically, 12 champions have come from Europe and 10 from South America. North America is hosting this year and had high hopes with the U.S., Mexico, and Canada but all were eliminated before the quarterfinals. Africa’s hopes now rest on Morocco. Despite some close matches, African teams also made early exits. The tournament continues to show dominance by traditional soccer powerhouses.