Another good start against the Nationals to kick off the Phillies’ weekend series.

Aaron Nola gave up just one run on five hits in 7 2/3 innings to go along with eight strikeouts, three of them to Bryce Harper, in a 4-3 win over Washington last night. With the win, Nola became the first Phillies pitcher since Cole Hamels in 2012 to win 10 or more games before July.

At the time, Rhys Hoskins’ two-run homer in the seventh provided two big insurance runs to extend the team’s lead to three. That eventually became critical in the win, as the bullpen nearly blew the lead in the ninth.

Tommy Hunter allowed two runs on two hits in a third of that inning before giving way to Seranthony Dominguez to get the save. He did that with two strikeouts.

Both teams have three more games this weekend against each other. Game 2 is tonight at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Nick Pivetta takes the mound tonight, followed by Vince Velasquez and the struggling Jake Arrieta. Would’ve been nice to see Zach Eflin pitch however.

In other Phils news, Jerad Eickhoff is off to Florida to begin a rehab assignment which could see him return to the rotation shortly. And the team’s first round pick this year, Alec Bohm, has already been promoted to short-season Williamsport.

The Manny Machado rumors are still heating up. And just like LeBron, an LA team is the favorite to land him over Philly. It’s the Dodgers.

On the media side of things, one blog is using a tape recorder of one reporter to attack a group of reporters and one of them specifically. But why? Makes no sense.

The Roundup:

There’s a ton of Kawhi news to begin. The Sixers are kind of involved, as they’re having internal discussions on whether or not to pursue the Spurs’ want-away. But if so, here’s what a reported package would involve:

Philadelphia’s internal discussions have focused on potential trade packages offering various young players and future draft selections. One team source says preliminary discussions with San Antonio revealed the Spurs have strong interest in a package involving burgeoning forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington as well as a future first-round pick. A potential, more serious offer that Philadelphia is weighing internally includes Saric and Covington and the 2021 Miami Heat unprotected first-round pick the Sixers obtained in their draft-night deal with the Phoenix Suns. “How do you acquire things that can attract stars and develop stars?” Sixers head coach Brett Brown told reporters that Thursday evening. “That pick might be the key to all of this. That pick might be the thing that links a possible trade.”

Meanwhile, the Spurs have talked to the Lakers and Celtics about a trade.

Paul George officially opted out of his contract to be an unrestricted free agent.

Which leaves us LeBron. He has to opt-in or opt-out of his contract by 11:59 PM today. We reported yesterday LeBron James is going to sign with one of a handful of NBA teams. Why would you trust anyone else?

James was cliff-diving yesterday.

Joel Embiid gave Mo Bamba a nice welcoming gift to the NBA.

The Flyers opened up Development Camp yesterday. Defenseman Phil Myers is very close to making an NHL roster.

Myers is a long shot to make the Flyers in September, although he has a better chance than most players who are at development camp.

“If he had played a whole year, maybe he would be close,” said Kjell Samuelsson, a Flyers player-development coach. “But he was hurt a lot, so I think he needs more time in the minors.”

Samuelsson said Myers has fully recovered from a groin injury.

“He stuck out to me on the ice today — and he should,” Samuelsson said. “He’s probably one of the most experienced” at camp.

While everyone is watching Carter Hart in goal, Felix Sandstrom is also trying to get his name out here.

This could be some big news for the Eagles going into next offseason. Jay Ajayi has switched agents and is now a client of Drew Rosenhaus:

The Nick Foles tour continued Wednesday night in Souderton before appearing on Fox 29 yesterday morning.

Is Andy Reid really a better coach than Doug Pederson?

In the FIFA World Cup, Group H was a little crazy as Poland defeated Japan and Colombia defeated Senegal. Colombia won the group while Japan and Senegal finished tied for second. However, Japan moved on due to FIFA Fair Play rules by having received fewer yellow cards than Senegal (four to six). Belgium defeated England to take Group G, but both teams moved on.

The knockout stage begins tomorrow morning. Here are the matchups:

The Crossing Broad FC gang recapped the third matchday and takes a look at the knockout stage.

Telemundo personalities were suspended for making racial gestures.

In other sports news, Oregon State won the College World Series with a 5-0 win over Arkansas.

The NFL officially suspended Jameis Winston three games for allegedly groping a female Uber driver.

Is this Molly Sullivan’s replacement?

In the news, five journalists at the Capital Gazette were killed after a gunman shot his way through the front door of the newsroom. He’s arrested.

A suspect in the Bucks County explosions has been identified and arrested.