Sports

SPORTS SHORTS

MLB: Final Acta: Nationals fire manager

Nationals manager Manny Acta was fired after the team reached the unofficial halfway mark of the season with a 26-61 record, on pace to clear the 100-loss mark for the second consecutive year. Acta, a former Mets coach, was 158-252 over 2½ seasons in Washington. Bench coach Jim Riggleman was named the interim replacement.

* As Michael Weiner prepares to take over as head of the players’ association, several agents are pushing the union to file a collusion grievance against teams over their behavior during the free-agent market last winter. “The investigation is ongoing,” Weiner said.

* In Lakeland, Fla., Pirates farmhand Rinku Singh earned his first professional win in the second game of a Gulf Coast League doubleheader. He is believed to be the first India-born player to win a professional baseball game in the United States.

* The Mariners signed fourth-round pick James Jones, a former Long Island University Blackbird, to a contract and assigned him to the Everett AquaSox, a Class A affiliate.

GOLF: LPGA commish heeds calls, resigns

Carolyn Bivens resigned as LPGA Tour commissioner, bowing to pressure from players who were upset about the organization’s economic woes and her leadership. Marsha Evans, a retired rear admiral in the Navy who also has led the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts of the USA, will take over as interim commissioner.

NFL: Jets pink-slip tight end Franks

The Jets released veteran tight end Bubba Franks, who caught six passes for 47 yards in eight games and missed eight games due to a hip injury last season. He was unable to participate in offseason practices because of a knee injury.

The move leaves the Jets with Dustin Keller and undrafted free agents J’Nathan Bullock and Jack Simmons at tight end.

* Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason told a sports Web site he’s retiring from the NFL, but had not informed the team of his decision. . . . The Buccaneers released veteran quarterback Brian Griese.

NBA: Cavaliers ink swingman Parker

Former Raptors swingman Anthony Parker signed a two-year deal worth about $6 million with the Cavaliers. . . . The Hawks announced new deals to re-sign unrestricted free agents Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia. . . . The Magic retained backup center Marcin Gortat, matching the $34 million, five-year deal offered by the Mavericks.