SPORTS BRIEFS: US softball team advances to world final

MAKUHARI, Japan - Pitcher Rachel Garcia drove in the winning run in the eighth inning Saturday to lift the United States to a 4-3 win over Japan and into the final of the women's world softball championship.

With a runner on third base, Garcia hit a line drive to the gap in left-center field to seal the win. The defending champions will face either Japan or Canada in today's final of a tournament that doubles as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

MARYLAND SUSPENDS STAFF AMID INQUIRY INTO PLAYER'S DEATH

Maryland placed the head of the football team's strength and conditioning staff on paid leave while it investigates claims he verbally abused and humiliated players, a person briefed on the situation said Saturday.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Maryland had not announced the decision regarding Rick Court. The person said athletic director Damon Evans spoke with the football team Saturday morning and that head coach DJ Durkin was still leading the program. The football team practiced with Durkin.

Maryland has also placed two athletic training staffers it did not identify on leave as it investigates the death of Jordan McNair. The 19-year-old offensive lineman was hospitalized May 29 after a team workout and died June 13.

BIG 3 DOMINATE NASCAR

BROOKLYN, Mich. — NASCAR's Big 3 has essentially lapped the competition.

Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. have combined to win 16 of 22 races and haven't allowed the field to win consecutive races with points at stake this year. Of the other 56 drivers who have started a race, only Clint Bowyer has won twice.

That could potentially change Sunday in the Consumers Energy 400 because Chase Elliott won last week at Watkins Glen.

CURRY FINISHES LAST IN GOLF TOURNAMENT

HAYWARD, Calif. (AP) Stephen Curry shot 16-over 86 on Friday to finish last in the Web.com Tour's Ellie Mae Classic.

The Golden State Warriors star dropped 11 strokes to par on the first eight holes. He was at 17-over 157 for two rounds after opening with a 71 on Thursday.

"I couldn't hit a driver to save my life today, so that's how golf goes," said Curry, who was making his second appearance in the event at TPC Stonebrae. "One day you have it, or at least in the amateur world, one day you have it and one day you completely lose it and you have no idea what you're doing over the top of the ball."

Curry was last among the 154 finishers.