A-Rod hit total stands at 2,999NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez reached 2,999 hits with a pair of singles, and Carlos Beltran and Brett Gardner each had two-run homers, leading the New York Yankees to a 9-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.Rodriguez hit an RBI single in the first inning for the second straight night, flied out to right field in the third and hit a sharp grounder past diving third baseman Donovan Solano in the fifth to move within one hit of becoming the 29th player to reach the 3,000 plateau.

Nationals’ Harper strains hamstringWASHINGTON — Nationals star Bryce Harper strained his left hamstring while taking an awkward tumble making a throw, and Washington lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3.Manager Matt Williams said Harper had a mild strain and would be evaluated Friday. There was no estimate on how long Harper might be out or whether he would need to go on the disabled list.

Chicago celebrates Stanley Cup winCHICAGO — Jonathan Toews kissed and hoisted the Stanley Cup as he was introduced toward the end of the latest raucous rally honoring the Chicago Blackhawks. Then the captain headed toward the back of the stage at Soldier Field.The roaring crowd wanted more and, as usual, he delivered.“We all know this is amazing to be able to hoist this thing,” a hoarse Toews said. “But to do it on home ice in front of you guys, in front of our fans, to share this with you guys, the best fans in the world — it doesn’t get any better than this.”He thanked the crowd and added: “Maybe the only way it does get better is if we win four.”Tens of thousands of fans turned out on a warm, humid day to cheer their beloved Blackhawks as they celebrated their third Stanley Cup championship in the past six years with a downtown parade and a rally at Soldier Field.

Grid legend Crow dead at 79COLLEGE STATION, Texas — John David Crow, the bruising running back who won the 1957 Heisman Trophy with Texas A&M before a Pro Bowl career in the NFL, has died. He was 79.The university said Crow died Wednesday night surrounded by his family. A cause of death was not disclosed.Crow was the first Heisman winner for the Aggies, who were coached at the time by Paul “Bear” Bryant. During the 1957 season, Bryant famously said: “If John David Crow doesn’t win the Heisman Trophy, they ought to stop giving it.” He had 129 carries for 562 yards and six touchdowns during his Heisman season. He also threw five touchdown passes and played defense, where he grabbed five interceptions.

Pryor released by BengalsCINCINNATI — The Bengals waived quarterback Terrelle Pryor at the conclusion of their minicamp on Thursday, leaving one less candidate for the job of backing up Andy Dalton.The former Ohio State quarterback signed with the Bengals on May 10 following a tryout during rookie camp. He was competing with AJ McCarron and Josh Johnson for the backup job.McCarron, a fifth-round draft pick, missed last season with a sore shoulder. Johnson returned to Cincinnati after spending the 2014 season with San Francisco. The competition for the No. 2 spot will be one of the areas of focus of training camp in July.Oakland took Pryor in the third round of the 2011 supplemental draft. He played three seasons and started 16 games for the Raiders.

Ex-Penguin Cooke waived by WildST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have placed veteran left wing and ex-Penguin Matt Cooke on waivers, for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.The Wild announced Thursday they will buy out the final season of Cooke’s contract, provided his clearance through waivers. He will become an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team except Minnesota.