Sports News Roundup: NASCAR All-Star Race; Bryant hits three homers in Cubs' win

Bowyer powers to pole for NASCAR All-Star Race

Though he didn't get into his pit stall as quickly as he would have liked in the unique Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race qualifying format, Clint Bowyer had enough speed in his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford to earn the pole position for Saturday night's marquee event at Charlotte Motor Speedway (8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Though he hasn't won a pole for a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race since he won from the top spot at New Hampshire in 2007, Bowyer had enough muscle under the hood of his Ford Mustang on Friday to beat Kyle Busch by a decisive .177 seconds.

MLB roundup: Bryant hits three homers in Cubs' win

Chicago's Kris Bryant slugged three home runs and drove in five runs, and the Cubs hit six homers in a 14-6 rout of the host Washington Nationals on Friday. Bryant clubbed his third homer -- and fourth hit -- in the ninth inning. He went deep in each of the final three frames, joining Sammy Sosa (2002) as the only Cubs players to homer three innings in a row. Bryant, 27, also had a three-homer game in Cincinnati on June 27, 2016.

MLB notebook: Red Sox LHP Price close to return

Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price is expected to come off the injured list and start Monday at Toronto, manager Alex Cora said Friday. The veteran left-hander last pitched May 2 before going on the IL four days later because of left elbow tendinitis.

Wire-to-wire win gives Bucks 2-0 edge on Raptors

The Milwaukee Bucks left it until late in Game 1 on Wednesday, but in Game 2 on Friday night, they left no doubt. After showing the rust of a week's layoff in winning the opener of the Eastern Conference finals, the Bucks took charge of Game 2 early to defeat the visiting Toronto Raptors 125-103 and grab a 2-0 series lead.

NBA MVP finalists: Giannis, George, Harden

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George are among the finalists for the both NBA's Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors. The league announced the three-man lists of finalists for its 2018-19 regular-season awards on Friday.

Woods pays price for being inadequately prepared for PGA Championship

Tiger Woods acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters. A month after claiming his 15th major title at Augusta National, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black.

Blazers eye Game 3 breakthrough at home vs. Warriors

The Portland Trail Blazers hope to take their improved play a step further on their home court Saturday night when they seek their first win of the Western Conference finals in Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors. The Trail Blazers played competitively with the two-time defending champions on the road for more than three quarters in Game 1 on Tuesday before taking a lead into the final minute of the rematch on Thursday.

Gonzaga's Clarke stands out, Tacko stands tall at NBA Draft Combine

Brandon Clarke was viewed as a bit of an enigma entering the 2019 NBA Draft Combine. There was no doubting the Gonzaga forward's skill set at the combine, which wrapped up Friday evening after two days at Quest Multisport near United Center.

Koepka leads by seven shots at PGA with record low major score

Brooks Koepka planted one hand firmly on the Wanamaker Trophy when he shattered the record books en route to a seven-stroke lead following the second round at the PGA Championship on Friday. A day after a course-record 63 at Bethpage Black, the American carded five-under-par 65 to post the lowest score for the first 36 holes in major championship history.

NFL notebook: Texans reportedly cut TE Griffin

The Houston Texans have released veteran tight end Ryan Griffin, multiple outlets reported Friday, three weeks after he was arrested in Nashville, Tenn., for allegedly punching a hotel window. Griffin, 29, was charged with vandalism and public intoxication after he was arrested April 26, the night of the second and third rounds of the NFL draft held in Nashville. He sustained a bloody left hand in the incident and was released a day later on $1,750 bond, with a court date set for May 31.

(With inputs from agencies.)