Carlisle defends ref after Pacers’ loss

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster on Sunday, evidently aware of the mountains of online criticism that came after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Foster was one of the three on-court referees assigned to Game 4, which had more fouls called and more free throws awarded than any of the three previous games in the series. Foster — who has long been a lightning rod for critics — didn’t work any of those first three games. “I think it’s awful, some of the things I’ve seen about the officiating and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle, above, said. “I’ve known Scott Foster for 30 years. He’s a great official. He’s done a great job in these playoffs.” Foster called 23 personal fouls in the game — 12 on the victorious Thunder, 11 on the Pacers, with one flagrant on each as well. He also issued double technicals. Friday was Foster’s 26th finals game worked, more than any other active referee. But whenever Foster does a game, online critics tend to weigh in — almost from the moment that the league announces the crews for a given night.

Red Sox trade away Devers to Giants

The Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the Giants on Sunday in a deal that could shake up pennant races on both coasts. The Giants sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and minor league righty Jose Bello to the Red Sox for the 28-year-old DH, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year. A three-time All-Star who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in 2023, Devers is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games. But his relationship with the team began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH; he balked before agreeing to the switch. When first baseman Triston Casas sustained a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing the field and he declined, saying the front office “ should do their jobs ” and look for another player. Devers was 20 when he made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2017. He helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series.

Fritz tops Zverev for 1st title of year

American Taylor Fritz claimed his first ATP title of the year with a 6-3, 7-6 (0) win over Alexander Zverev in the Boss Open final on Sunday in Stuttgart, Germany. Fritz, 27, who knocked out the German in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year, won the opening set 6-3 in 30 minutes without facing a break point. The seventh-ranked Fritz, above, broke for a 5-3 lead after No. 3 Zverev double-faulted twice and missed a volley. The second set stayed on serve, with Zverev saving the only break point at 5-5 before Fritz secured the victory in a one-sided tiebreak. It was Fritz’s ninth career title, fourth on grass, and improved his head-to-head record against Zverev to 8-5 with five straight wins. “I’m really happy especially as it was not too great of a clay season. And then from that place to come here and start the grass season off perfectly, I am super happy,” said Fritz, who won the ATP 250 title without dropping serve all tournament. The 28-year-old Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, has never won a grass title and has advanced beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon. —News services