THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2026

“THE SCOREBOARD”

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/baseball/scores/?date=4/23/2026

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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/softball/scores/?date=4/23/2026

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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/boys/scores/?date=4/23/2026

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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS LAX SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/lacrosse/girls/scores/?date=4/23/2026

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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LAX SCORES

https://www.maxpreps.com/in/lacrosse/scores/?date=4/23/2026

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INDIANA COLLEGE BASEBALL SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

COMPLETE SCOREBOARD: https://d1baseball.com/scores/?date=20260423

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INDIANA COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

COMPLETE SCOREBOARD: https://d1softball.com/scores/?date=20260423

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INDIANA MEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

COMPLETE SCOREBOARD: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-volleyball/scoreboard

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INDIANA DIVISION 1 MEN’S LAX SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

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INDIANA DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S LAX SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

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NBA SCORES/ NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

> FIRST ROUND

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) DETROIT VS. (8) ORLANDO

MAGIC 112, PISTONS 101

DETROIT 90 ORLANDO 83

GAME 3: DETROIT AT ORLANDO | SATURDAY APRIL 25 (1 ET, NBC/PEACOCK)

GAME 4: DETROIT AT ORLANDO | MONDAY APRIL 27

GAME 5: ORLANDO AT DETROIT | WEDNESDAY APRIL 29*

GAME 6: DETROIT AT ORLANDO | FRIDAY MAY 1*

GAME 7: ORLANDO AT DETROIT | SUNDAY MAY 3*

MAGIC LEAD SERIES 1-0

(2) BOSTON VS. (7) PHILADELPHIA

GAME 1: CELTICS 123, 76ERS 91

GAME 2: 76ERS 111, CELTICS 97

GAME 3: BOSTON AT PHILADELPHIA | FRIDAY APRIL 24 (7 ET, PRIME VIDEO)

GAME 4: BOSTON AT PHILADELPHIA | SUNDAY APRIL 26 (7 ET, NBC)

GAME 5: PHILADELPHIA AT BOSTON | TUESDAY APRIL 28

GAME 6: BOSTON AT PHILADELPHIA | THURSDAY APRIL 30*

GAME 7: PHILADELPHIA AT BOSTON | SATURDAY MAY 2*

SERIES IS TIED 1-1

(3) NEW YORK VS. (6) ATLANTA

GAME 1: KNICKS 113, HAWKS 102

GAME 2: HAWKS 107, KNICKS 106

GAME 3: HAWKS 109, KNICKS 108

GAME 4: NEW YORK AT ATLANTA | SATURDAY APRIL 25 (6 ET, NBC)

GAME 5: ATLANTA AT NEW YORK | TUESDAY APRIL 28

GAME 6: NEW YORK AT ATLANTA | THURSDAY APRIL 30*

GAME 7: ATLANTA AT NEW YORK | SATURDAY MAY 2*

SERIES IS TIED 1-1

(4) CLEVELAND VS. (5) TORONTO

GAME 1: CAVALIERS 126, RAPTORS 113

GAME 2: CAVALIERS 115, RAPTORS 105

GAME 3: RAPTORS 126, CAVALIERS 104

GAME 4: CLEVELAND AT TORONTO | SUNDAY APRIL 26 (1 ET, ESPN)

GAME 5: TORONTO AT CLEVELAND | WEDNESDAY APRIL 29*

GAME 6: CLEVELAND AT TORONTO | FRIDAY MAY 1*

GAME 7: TORONTO AT CLEVELAND | SUNDAY MAY 3*

CAVALIERS LEAD SERIES 2-0

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) OKLAHOMA CITY VS. (8) PHOENIX

GAME 1: THUNDER 119, SUNS 84

OKLAHOMA CITY 120 PHOENIX 107

GAME 3: OKLAHOMA CITY AT PHOENIX | SATURDAY APRIL 25 (3:30 ET, NBC)

GAME 4: OKLAHOMA CITY AT PHOENIX | MONDAY APRIL 27

GAME 5: PHOENIX AT OKLAHOMA CITY | WEDNESDAY APRIL 29*

GAME 6: OKLAHOMA CITY AT PHOENIX | FRIDAY MAY 1*

GAME 7: PHOENIX AT OKLAHOMA CITY | SUNDAY MAY 3*

THUNDER LEAD SERIES 1-0

(2) SAN ANTONIO VS. (7) PORTLAND

GAME 1: SPURS 111, TRAIL BLAZERS 98

GAME 2: TRAIL BLAZERS 106, SPURS 103

GAME 3: SAN ANTONIO AT PORTLAND | FRIDAY APRIL 24 (10:30 ET, PRIME VIDEO)

GAME 4: SAN ANTONIO AT PORTLAND | SUNDAY APRIL 26 (3:30 ET, ESPN)

GAME 5: PORTLAND AT SAN ANTONIO | TUESDAY APRIL 28

GAME 6: SAN ANTONIO AT PORTLAND | THURSDAY APRIL 30*

GAME 7: PORTLAND AT SAN ANTONIO | SATURDAY MAY 2*

SERIES IS TIED 1-1

(3) DENVER VS. (6) MINNESOTA

GAME 1: NUGGETS 116, TIMBERWOLVES 105

GAME 2: TIMBERWOLVES 119, NUGGETS 114

GAME 3: TIMBERWOLVES 113, NUGGETS 96

GAME 4: DENVER AT MINNESOTA | SATURDAY APRIL 25 (8:30 ET, ABC)

GAME 5: MINNESOTA AT DENVER | MONDAY APRIL 27

GAME 6: DENVER AT MINNESOTA | THURSDAY APRIL 30*

GAME 7: MINNESOTA AT DENVER | SATURDAY MAY 2*

SERIES IS TIED 1-1

(4) LOS ANGELES VS. (5) HOUSTON

GAME 1: LAKERS 107, ROCKETS 98

GAME 2: LAKERS 101, ROCKETS 94

GAME 3: LOS ANGELES AT HOUSTON | FRIDAY APRIL 24 (8 ET, PRIME VIDEO)

GAME 4: LOS ANGELES AT HOUSTON | SUNDAY APRIL 26 (9:30 ET, NBC)

GAME 5: HOUSTON AT LOS ANGELES | WEDNESDAY APRIL 29*

GAME 6: LOS ANGELES AT HOUSTON | FRIDAY MAY 1*

GAME 7: HOUSTON AT LOS ANGELES | SUNDAY MAY 3*

LAKERS LEAD SERIES 2-0

* = IF NECESSARY

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NHL PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

BOSTON BRUINS (WC1) VS. BUFFALO SABRES (A1)

BUFFALO 4 BOSTON 3

BOSTON 4 BUFFALO 2

BUFFALO 3 BOSTON 1

GAME 4: BUFFALO AT BOSTON, 2 P.M. ET APRIL 26 (TNT, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SN, TVAS, MSG-B, NESN)

*GAME 5: BOSTON AT BUFFALO, APRIL 28 TBD

*GAME 6: BUFFALO AT BOSTON, MAY 1 TBD

*GAME 7: BOSTON AT BUFFALO, MAY 3 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF BRUINS-SABRES SERIES

MONTREAL CANADIENS (A3) VS. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (A2)

MONTREAL 4 TAMPA BAY 3

TAMPA BAY 3 MONTREAL 2

GAME 3: TAMPA BAY AT MONTREAL, 7 P.M. ET APRIL 24 (TNT, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS, THE SPOT)

GAME 4: TAMPA BAY AT MONTREAL, 7 P.M. ET APRIL 26 (ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS, THE SPOT)

*GAME 5: MONTREAL AT TAMPA BAY, APRIL 29 TBD

*GAME 6: TAMPA BAY AT MONTREAL, MAY 1 TBD

*GAME 7: MONTREAL AT TAMPA BAY, MAY 3 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CANADIENS-LIGHTNING SERIES

OTTAWA SENATORS (WC2) VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES (M1)

CAROLINA 2 OTTAWA 0

CAROLINA 3 OTTAWA 2 2OT

CAROLINA 2 OTTAWA 1

GAME 4: CAROLINA AT OTTAWA, 3 P.M. ET APRIL 25 (TBS, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SN, TVAS, FDSNSO)

*GAME 5: OTTAWA AT CAROLINA, APRIL 27 TBD

*GAME 6: CAROLINA AT OTTAWA, APRIL 30N TBD

*GAME 7: OTTAWA AT CAROLINA, MAY 2 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF SENATORS-HURRICANES SERIES

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (M3) VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (M2)

PHILADELPHIA 3 PITTSBURGH 2

PHILADELPHIA 3 PITTSBURGH 0

PHILADELPHIA 5 PITTSBURGH 2

GAME 4: PITTSBURGH AT PHILADELPHIA, 8 P.M. ET APRIL 25 (TBS, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SN, TVAS, SN-PIT, NBCSP)

*GAME 5: PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGH, APRIL 27 TBD

*GAME 6: PITTSBURGH AT PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 29 TBD

*GAME 7: PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGH, MAY 2 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF FLYERS-PENGUINS SERIES

WESTERN CONFERENCE

LOS ANGELES KINGS (WC2) VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE (C1)

COLORADO 2 LOS ANGELES 1

COLORADO 2 LOS ANGELES 1

COLORADO 4 LOS ANGELES 2

GAME 4: COLORADO AT LOS ANGELES, 4:30 P.M. ET APRIL 26 (TNT, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SNW, SNP, SN360, TVAS2, ALT, FDSNSC)

*GAME 5: LOS ANGELES AT COLORADO, APRIL 29 TBD

*GAME 6: COLORADO AT LOS ANGELES, MAY 1 TBD

*GAME 7: LOS ANGELES AT COLORADO, MAY 3 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF KINGS-AVALANCHE SERIES

MINNESOTA WILD (C3) VS. DALLAS STARS (C2)

MINNESOTA 6 DALLAS 1

DALLAS 4 MINNESOTA 2

DALLAS 4 MINNESOTA 3

GAME 4: DALLAS AT MINNESOTA, 5:30 P.M. ET APRIL 25 (TBS, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SNO, SNW, SNP, TVAS, VICTORY+, FDSNNO, FDSNWI)

*GAME 5: MINNESOTA AT DALLAS, APRIL 28 TBD

*GAME 6: DALLAS AT MINNESOTA, APRIL 30 TBD

*GAME 7: MINNESOTA AT DALLAS, MAY 2 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF WILD-STARS SERIES

UTAH MAMMOTH (WC1) VS. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (P1)

VEGAS 4 UTAH 2

UTAH 3 VEGAS 2

GAME 3: VEGAS AT UTAH, 9:30 P.M. ET APRIL 24 (TBS, HBO MAX, SN360, TVAS2, SCRIPPS, UTAH16)

GAME 4: VEGAS AT UTAH, APRIL 27 TBD (ESPN)

*GAME 5: UTAH AT VEGAS, APRIL 29 TBD

*GAME 6: VEGAS AT UTAH, MAY 1 TBD

*GAME 7: UTAH AT VEGAS, MAY 3 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF MAMMOTH-GOLDEN KNIGHTS SERIES

ANAHEIM DUCKS (P3) VS. EDMONTON OILERS (P2)

EDMONTON 4 ANAHEIM 3

ANAHEIM 6 EDMONTON 4

GAME 3: EDMONTON AT ANAHEIM, 10 P.M. ET APRIL 24 (TNT, TRUTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS, KCOP-13, VICTORY+)

GAME 4: EDMONTON AT ANAHEIM, 9:30 P.M. ET APRIL 26 (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS2, VICTORY+)

*GAME 5: ANAHEIM AT EDMONTON, APRIL 28 TBD

*GAME 6: EDMONTON AT ANAHEIM, APRIL 30 TBD

*GAME 7: ANAHEIM AT EDMONTON, MAY 2 TBD

*- IF NECESSARY

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF DUCKS-OILERS SERIES

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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

ATLANTA 7 WASHINGTON 2

DETROIT 5 MILWAUKEE 4

CHICAGO CUBS 8 PHILADELPHIA 7 (10)

SAN DIEGO 10 COLORADO 8

CHICAGO WHITE SOX 4 ARIZONA 1

LA DODGERS 3 SAN FRANCISCO 0

NY YANKEES 4 BOSTON 2

NY METS 10 MINNESOTA 8

TEXAS 6 PITTSBURGH 1

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MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

INDIANAPOLIS 6 ST. PAUL 1

WISCONSIN 9 FT. WAYNE 7

SOUTH BEND 10 DAYTON 4

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WOMEN’S PRO VOLLEYBALL SCORES

INDY IGNITE 3 ORLANDO 0

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UFL SCORES

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

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MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

NO GAMES SCHEDULED

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MAJOR NATIONAL HEADLINES/RELEASES

NFL

RAIDERS DRAFT NEW CENTERPIECE QB FERNANDO MENDOZA NO. 1 OVERALL

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, confident the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion just keeps winning.

The 22-year-old becomes the centerpiece of a franchise rebuild following his own meteoric rise, culminating in the Hoosiers claiming a football national title for the first time in program history.

“What a great organization, great legacy,” Mendoza said Thursday night on ESPN. “There’s so many teammates I’m looking forward to talking to — coaches, owners. I’m ecstatic for the opportunity.”

Las Vegas went 3-14 last season and fired Pete Carroll as head coach, which prompted a change at quarterback under first-time head coach Klint Kubiak. The Raiders traded starter Geno Smith to the Jets and signed Kirk Cousins to bridge any potential gap for Mendoza to be deemed ready for the QB1 role.

General manager John Spytek and Kubiak said their “perfect world” would allow for Mendoza to be worked into the starting role gradually. Considered a cerebral field general more than a physical freak or elite specimen at quarterback, Mendoza has already openly discussed the presence of a priceless sounding board in Las Vegas: minority franchise owner Tom Brady. He read the “TB12 Method” book before the NFL Scouting Combine in preparation for a potential interaction with Brady.

That didn’t come until he took his official team visit to meet the team’s top brass.

“Everything that he’s all about is something that I’ve always emulated as a football player,” Mendoza said in February. “And anything the coaching staff has as coaching points, like, ‘Hey Fernando, we need you to get better at this, this and that,’ I’m gonna be like, ‘Hey Tom, how do I get better at this, this and that?’ If I get selected by Mr. Spytek and the Raiders, if that does happen, it’d be a great opportunity.”

Mendoza is the first No. 1 pick for the Raiders since drafting LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell in 2007. The Raiders haven’t won a postseason game since the 2002 playoffs and have earned only two trips (2016, 2021) since losing Super Bowl XXXVII to the Buccaneers. The Raiders also last won the AFC West division in 2002.

All of the losses have placed the Raiders in position to stock the roster with blue-chip talent in the draft. Tight end Brock Bowers (13th pick, 2024) made a record-setting splash in his first season with 112 catches for 1,194 yards. Running back Ashton Jeanty (sixth overall pick, 2025) had 10 touchdowns last season despite being an easy target behind a ragtag offensive line.

Spytek insists a 180 turn by the Raiders from 3-14 in 2025 won’t be about one player or position. Las Vegas entered Thursday with 10 total draft picks and was next slated to pick at No. 36 overall, the fourth pick in the second round on Friday.

The Raiders have numerous position needs after averaging 14.2 points and allowing 25.4 points per game in 2025. The climb can be steep. As a team, the Raiders scored 40 fewer touchdowns (25) than the Rams. But the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are living testaments to what a franchise-caliber quarterback can bring to a team.

The Commanders selected Jayden Daniels in 2024 and advanced to the NFC Championship during his rookie season. New England was in the Super Bowl in February with Drake Maye, the quarterback drafted one spot after Daniels, playing at an MVP level in a rapid rebuild.

Mendoza had 41 touchdown passes and six interceptions for Indiana last season, completing 72% of his passes to post a perfect 16-0 record not many outside the program saw coming. Indiana entered the season with the most losses in FBS history (715).

Overlooked coming out of high school, Mendoza didn’t get recruited by Miami — the team Indiana beat in the national championship game — despite growing up about a mile from campus and leading Columbus High to a state title in 2019. He wound up at Cal and played for the Bears for two years before transferring to Indiana.

“He had a lot of success last year,” Kubiak said of his early impressions of Mendoza. “He won a national championship, and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”

Mendoza, dressed in a black suit and silver tie, witnessed the selection surrounded by friends and family rather than attending the draft in Pittsburgh, opting to make the occasion all about those responsible for helping him make the dream sequence a reality. He thanked his mom, Elsa Mendoza, for being his biggest supporter during the Heisman Trophy acceptance speech in December. Elsa Mendoza is battling multiple sclerosis and the Mendoza family was more comfortable sharing the moment in Miami.

Mendoza revealed Thursday afternoon he was launching the Mendoza Family Fund — a charitable fund in partnership with the National MS Society — to raise money to fight MS. Mendoza announced he contributed a personal $500,000 donation.

TRADE TRACKER: CHIEFS MOVE UP TO TAKE CB MANSOOR DELANE NO. 6

The Kansas City Chiefs made the first move up the board of the 2026 NFL Draft, swapping three places with the Cleveland Browns to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night.

The Chiefs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 overall, while the Browns received a third-rounder (74th overall) and a fifth-rounder (148th) in addition to the ninth overall pick from Kansas City.

Cleveland drafted Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano in the No. 9 slot, the first offensive lineman taken.

The Chiefs, coming off their first missed postseason since 2014, needed a cornerback after dealing two-time All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams last month.

Delane, the first cornerback selected Thursday, was a unanimous All-American in 2025 after recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 45 tackles in 11  games for LSU. He spent his first three college seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring ahead of the 2025 season and finished his college career with eight interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 191 tackles and seven tackles for loss.

Games

–The Dallas Cowboys traded up one place to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11. Dallas sent picks No. 12, 177 and 180 to the Miami Dolphins, who snagged Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor immediately after Downs was chosen.

–The Cowboys weren’t done wheeling and dealing, sending the 20th overall pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder to the rival Philadelphia Eagles for the 23rd pick and two fourth-rounders (Nos. 114, 137).

The Eagles jumped up to select Southern California’s Makai Lemon, who slipped past some receiver-needy teams before becoming the third wideout off the board.

Lemon racked up 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions for the Trojans as a junior in 2025. He joins DeVonta Smith on a Philadelphia team that is widely rumored to be planning to trade disgruntled star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.

At No. 23, the Cowboys picked UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence, who amassed 20 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in his 39-game college career.

–The Houston Texans swapped first-round positions with the Buffalo Bills, leaping up to No. 26 to select Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge, a well-graded interior force. Houston also received the No. 91 pick (third-rounder) as part of the deal. In return, Buffalo got picks No. 28, 69 (third-rounder) and 167 (fifth round). Buffalo later traded back twice more, exiting the first round.

–The Miami Dolphins and San Francisco also traded first-round picks, with Miami moving up from No. 30 to No. 27. Miami surrendered a third-round pick (No. 90) receiving San Francisco’s fourth-round pick (No. 138) in return.

With pick No. 27, the Dolphins grabbed San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.

–In the Bills’ second trade of the night, they acquired picks No. 31 and 125 (fourth-rounder) from the New England Patriots for pick No. 28, which the Patriots used to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.

–The New York Jets traded for the No. 30 pick San Francisco acquired from Miami, surrendering a second-round pick (No. 33) and a fifth-rounder (No. 179). At No. 30, the Jets selected Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

–The Bills’ final deal was with the Tennessee Titans, who moved back into the first round at No. 31 overall to draft Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. The Titans also received a third-rounder (No. 69) and fifth-rounder (No. 165), while the Bills moved down to No. 35 overall in the second round and acquired the Titans’ third-round (No. 66) and fourth-round (No. 101) choices.

NFL DRAFT SEES SURPRISES GALORE AFTER RAIDERS’ FERNANDO MENDOZA SLAM DUNK

Fernando Mendoza’s next mission might be his toughest yet: Try to turn Sin City into Win City.

The Las Vegas Raiders tabbed Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday. The 22-year-old will be the centerpiece of a franchise rebuild following his meteoric rise at Indiana, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the program to its first national title.

Mendoza had 41 touchdown passes and six interceptions for Indiana last season, completing 72% of his passes to post a perfect 16-0 record not many outside the program saw coming. Indiana entered the season with the most losses in FBS history (715).

It came as no surprise that the Raiders, who finished 3-14 in 2025, used their top pick on Mendoza. The selection had been expected for months as Las Vegas eyed a potential franchise quarterback, and now the only question is whether Mendoza will immediately step in as starter or whether he will serve as an understudy to veteran Kirk Cousins to start the season.

What the Raiders’ top pick lacked in suspense, the rest of the top 10 made up for with surprises.

The New York Jets tapped Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 pick. Bailey racked up 14 1/2 sacks in 14 games last season, and he prompted the Jets to bypass highly touted Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese to select him instead.

At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals added Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The Cardinals had needs at other positions but could not bypass taking a home-run hitter in Love, who averaged 6.9 yards per carry and rushed for 18 touchdowns last season.

The Titans added another twist at No. 4 when they bypassed high-end defenders to select wideout Carnell Tate from Ohio State. In 2025, Tate caught 51 passes and hauled in nine touchdowns.

Tate had a message for Cam Ward, his new quarterback with the Titans.

“I’m a reliable target for him,” Tate said. “Whenever he needs me, I’m there for him. I’m always open.”

The New York Giants pounced on Reese at No. 5, where he will join what could be one of the league’s more talented pass-rushing units.

“The Giants told me they’re going to get unique with me,” Reese said. “They said they’re going to use me in a bunch of unique ways. I’m looking forward to that.”

Next came the first trade of the evening, as the Kansas City Chiefs struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns to move up from No. 9 to No. 6. To jump three spots on the draft board, the Chiefs gave up a third-round pick (No. 74) overall and a fifth-round pick (No. 148 overall).

Kansas City then selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

Delane said the Chiefs were not heavily involved in his pre-draft process, a tactic that appeared to be subterfuge as soon as they called his name.

“They said they just wanted to keep it quiet and make that sneak move,” Delane said. “And they made the best move in the draft. So I’m excited.”

The Washington Commanders followed at No. 7 by selecting linebacker Sonny Styles — the third Buckeye to go in the top seven picks.

At No. 8, the New Orleans drafted Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

A pair of offensive linemen rounded out the top 10.

Cleveland got first dibs as it used the No. 9 pick to select tackle Spencer Fano from Utah.

Moments later, the Giants took advantage of their second pick of the first round to take Miami Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.

The Dallas Cowboys acted quickly once Ohio State safety Caleb Downs fall outside the top 10. They traded up one spot to No. 11 by sending the Miami Dolphins the No. 12 pick and two fifth-round picks (Nos. 177 and 180), and they drafted Downs to patrol their secondary.

The Dolphins took the third offensive lineman of the draft when they called Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor’s name at No. 12 overall.

Another surprise arrived at the No. 13 pick as the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Rams saw an opportunity to select their quarterback of the future, who will learn under head coach Sean McVay and veteran starter Matthew Stafford.

“Two of the greatest minds in offense,” Simpson said. “… I’m looking forward to it.”

Baltimore gobbled up Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15.

Bain Jr. did not hide his disappointment that he slid to the 15th pick, and he spoke forcefully about why he would prove that the Buccaneers made the right choice.

“I know I’m the best in the country, and I’m going to show it,” he said.

The Jets added the top-rated tight end in the draft when they selected Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon at No. 16.

The back half of the first round included five offensive linemen and two defensive tackles.

A few more playmakers also went off the board on the draft’s first night.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select Southern California wideout Makai Lemon at No. 20. Lemon gives the Eagles another pass-catching weapon as rumors swirl that A.J. Brown could be dealt away.

The Browns used the No. 24 pick to take wide receiver KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M. The final wideout selected Thursday was Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., whom the Jets drafted at No. 30 with their third pick of the first round.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks finished the first round by taking Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price at No. 32. Price will play in the NFC West along with Love, a fellow first-rounder and his former backfield mate with the Fighting Irish.

NEW RAMS QB TY SIMPSON AMONG BIGGEST NFL DRAFT SURPRISES

The biggest surprises in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft:

Titans select Ohio State WR Carnell Tate at No. 4

If you had a bet out on Tate being the first Ohio State player taken, you probably made some money. The Titans had many needs and committed heavily to taking wide receivers in the mid-rounds last year, so the position wasn’t really on the radar for Tennessee.

Tate fits extremely well into the wide receiver room, providing a true alpha complement to Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, who showed promise, but not quite enough to elevate quarterback Cam Ward early. Pairing their franchise quarterback with a high-level wideout early could spell promise for this offense.

Chiefs select LSU CB Mansoor Delane at No. 6

It’s not surprising that there was some jockeying to get higher in the draft in a class with a limited number of blue-chip players, but most assumed that if the Chiefs were going to move up, it would be for an edge rusher. Kansas City lost a chunk of cornerbacks this offseason, but moving up for Delane was unexpected.

However, coach Andy Reid should welcome Delane to the team, given the limited outside talent on the team. The group should feel a little more solid with Delane’s well-rounded coverage ability.

Rams select Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13

The one-year Alabama starting signal-caller has been gifted the perfect chance to develop. With Rams coach Sean McVay on his sideline and a solid starter in Matthew Stafford to learn from for at least the next season or two, Simpson looks as if he will be able to be in prime form as we saw in the first half of the 2025 college season.

The Rams are giving him a long leash to develop, a good plan for a player whom many doubted could start early. Still, this selection was a shocker for a team many believe is ready to compete for a Super Bowl this season.

Vikings select Florida DL Caleb Banks at No. 18

Without the foot injury that sidelined Banks for most of the 2025 season, this would not be much of a shock. However, Banks sustained another foot injury at the NFL Scouting Combine, and many believed his stock had dropped as a result.

The Vikings, though, clearly saw the impressive movement skills Banks showed off at the combine and jumped at the chance to draft him. Time will tell if this is a major upside play or an unforced blunder, that’s between Minnesota and the doctor’s office.

Texans select Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge at No. 26

While most analysts did not have Rutledge sneaking his way into the first round, not everyone agreed with that assessment. Similar to the New England Patriots choosing lesser-regarded guard Cole Strange in the first round in 2022, the Texans traded up to snag Rutledge due to his hard-nosed play and testing that went way above expectations.

Will Rutledge have similar struggles as Strange, who didn’t make it to a second contract with the Patriots? It’s relatively unlikely, as Rutledge is much more battle tested than his Chattanooga counterpart and holds much more power in his hands and legs.

2026 NFL DRAFT: BEST AVAILABLE ON DAY 2

Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.

NFL DRAFT GRADES DAY ONE: https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-snap-grades-for-every-team-after-day-1

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NBA

NBA ROUNDUP: HAWKS GET BY KNICKS AGAIN TO TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD

CJ McCollum scored 23 points and sank the game-winning basket with 12.7 seconds left, lifting Atlanta to a 109-108 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday and giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Hawks led 96-85 with 8:06 to go in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks roared back to tie the game at 105-105 on a 3-pointer by Miles McBride with 1:41 remaining. Jalen Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, putting the Knicks on top.

A bucket by Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson cut the gap to 108-107, and Brunson shot an airball on the next possession, and the Hawks got the ball on a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks got it to McCollum, who made the 16-foot fadeaway to reclaim the lead. The Hawks then made a defensive stop on Brunson, forcing a loose ball that was recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired.

Johnson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Kuminga came off the bench to score 21. New York got 29 points from OG Anunoby, 26 points from Brunson and 21 points and 17 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns.

Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104

Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points.

James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each.

Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96

Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and Minnesota held Denver to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves.

Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc.

CELTICS G DERRICK WHITE WINS NBA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was named the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner on Thursday.

White, 31, receives the Joe Dumars Trophy, named for the inaugural award recipient and Hall of Fame guard.

He is the second consecutive Celtics player to win the award following guard Jrue Holiday in 2024-25.

Presented since 1995-96, the award honors a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.

Each NBA team nominated one of its players and a panel of league executives selected six finalists, one from each division. Current NBA players voted to select the winner.

White received 77 first-place votes and 2,826 total points to finish ahead of Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (83 first-place votes and 2,566 points) and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (73 and 2,466).

White averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 77 games (all starts) this season for Boston.

An NBA champion with the Celtics in 2023-24 and a gold medal winner with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, White is a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.

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WNBA

WNBA SETS RECORD 216-GAME TV AND STREAMING SLATE ACROSS ABC, CBS, AMAZON, NBC AND MORE

NEW YORK (AP) — A record 216 WNBA regular-season games and events will be available on multiple broadcast platforms throughout the year, the league announced Wednesday.

The league, in its 30th season, will have games on ABC/ESPN, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, ION, NBC, USA Sports and NBA TV.

“The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA’s unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA’s stars provide each time they step on the court.”

ESPN and ABC will broadcast 30 games in honor of the milestone year for the league. Thirteen of those, including the All-Star Game, will be on ABC. The network will have a doubleheader opening weekend with Caitlin Clark and Indiana facing Paige Bueckers and Dallas. The second game will feature a rematch of the WNBA Finals with champion Las Vegas hosting Phoenix.

CBS will have eight primetime games this year — up from two last season.

ION will continue to have its Friday night doubleheaders, broadcasting more than 50 games. Amazon will showcase 31 games this season on its service, including the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship on June 30.

The WNBA returns to NBC with seven games on Sundays. The network will also show 12 games on Monday on Peacock. NBC will show the WNBA Finals this season with games either on that channel or on USA Network. Peacock will stream every game of the championship.

USA Network will also show 48 games on Wednesday and Monday nights. NBA TV will have a 15-game schedule.

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL

BYU’S AJ DYBANTSA, POTENTIAL TOP PICK, DECLARES FOR DRAFT

As expected, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa declared Thursday for the 2026 NBA Draft.

He made the announcement in his hometown of Brockton, Mass., at the Davis School, which he attended as a child.

The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa likely will be one of the top three picks in the draft. Fellow freshmen Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Cameron Boozer of Duke join Dybantsa as potential No. 1 picks.

The top-ranked player in the high school Class of 2025, Dybantsa won numerous national postseason awards as he broke 19 BYU freshman season and single-game records.NBA Game Recaps

A consensus first team All-American, he also was named to the All-Big 12 first team and was the conference’s Freshman of the Year.

He started 35 games for the Cougars and led the nation with 25.5 points per game. His 894 points were the third-most by a freshman in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history.

He added 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 51.0% shooting from the field and 33.1% from 3-point territory.

Dybantsa became one of two players in Big 12 history with a 30/10/10 triple-double when he had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, 2025. David Harrison also had a 30/10/10 triple-double for Colorado in 2002.

The top draft candidates will watch the NBA Draft Lottery with interest as the selection order is determined. That is scheduled for May 10 at 3 p.m. ET in Chicago, with the draft to be held June 23 and 24.

TEXAS TECH ADDS UNLV TRANSFER DRA GIBBS-LAWHORN

UNLV transfer guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn committed to Texas Tech, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Mountain West by averaging 20.7 points per game last season and also shot 41.4% from 3-point range. He averaged 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 2025-26 for the Runnin’ Rebels.

Gibbs-Lawhorn started all 35 games in which he appeared with UNLV after mostly coming off the bench in his previous two seasons with Illinois.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

LOUISVILLE AND FOOTBALL COACH JEFF BROHM AGREE TO NEW DEAL WITH EXTENSION THROUGH 2033 SEASON

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville and football coach Jeff Brohm have agreed to a new contract that runs through the 2033 season and will pay an average of $8.1 million annually in base salary and retention payments.

The school announced the agreement Thursday, coming after Brohm has led Louisville to 28 wins in three seasons with his alma mater. That included the program’s lone appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in 2023.

Brohm’s current deal was set to pay an average of roughly $6.5 million in salary and retention payments through the 2030 season. The agreement approved Thursday by the school’s athletic association starts with new financial terms for this fall, revised performance bonuses, a temporary larger buyout if Brohm left for another job before 2028, and additional money for hiring staff.

The deal is capped at up to $12 million in a single year in salary, retention payments and success incentives.

“This extension reflects the dedication and commitment of our players and staff,” Brohm said in a statement from the school. “We’ve made meaningful progress the past three seasons, and we look forward to continuing to pursue higher goals.

“We are committed to putting in the work that is necessary to consistently compete for championships and play an exciting brand of football. We are proud of where we are but even more excited for the future that lies ahead.”

While Brohm will see a $500,000 bump to nearly $6.6 million for the upcoming season in the new deal, the biggest gains come in the following three seasons. Brohm is set to make just shy of $8 million in 2027 (up from $6.4 million); $8.3 million in 2028 and $8.4 million in 2029 (up from $6.5 million for each of those seasons); then $8.5 million (up from $7 million) in 2030, according to a copy of the term sheet.

Those payments — peaking at $8.7 million in 2032 — include retention bonuses if Brohm is still at Louisville at the end of each year, hitting $1 million annually starting Dec. 31, 2028.

Additionally, Brohm will add $750,000 to the $5.5 million pool for hiring football staff such as assistant coaches, quality-control staffers and strength coaches. And the buyout that was originally $1 million through 2030 rises to $3 million if Brohm leaves before the end of 2027 before returning to $1 million from there.

As for incentives, reaching the College Football Playoff would go from being a performance bonus to an increase in Brohm’s annual base salary, from $500,000 for a bid to $2 million for winning the CFP title.

The Louisville native is 28-12 in his three seasons, winning 10 games in 2023 followed by nine in each of the past two seasons. That made him only the second coach in school history to win at least nine games in three straight seasons.

“Over the past three seasons, Jeff has clearly demonstrated that he is the right person to lead our football program, now and into the future,” athletic director Josh Heird said in a statement.

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NHL

NHL ROUNDUP: ALEX TUCH’S GOAL GIVES SABRES 2-1 SERIES LEAD OVER BRUINS

Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night.

The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1.

Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run.

Sports

Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston.

Hurricanes 2, Senators 1

Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series.

Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.

Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three  games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots.

Avalanche 4, Kings 2

Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.

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MLB

MLB ROUNDUP: DODGERS BLANK GIANTS ON 1 HIT TO AVOID SERIES SWEEP

Tyler Glasnow allowed just one hit in eight shutout innings, Tanner Scott threw a scoreless ninth and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided a three-game series sweep with a 3-0 victory over the host San Francisco Giants.

Max Muncy scored twice, while Dalton Rushing and Hyeseong Kim drove in runs for the Dodgers. Los Angeles scored a single run in the second inning and added two more in the fourth.

Glasnow (3-0) struck out nine before handing the ball to Scott after throwing 105 pitches. Scott picked up his first save of the season. Kim and Kyle Tucker had two hits apiece for the Dodgers, with Muncy and Tucker recording doubles.

The Giants’ only hit off the right-hander was delivered by Luis Arraez leading off the fourth inning. Logan Webb (2-3) worked seven innings, allowing three runs and seven hits.

Cubs 8, Phillies 7 (10 innings)

Dansby Swanson laced a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give Chicago its ninth straight win and hand visiting Philadelphia its ninth loss in a row.

Seiya Suzuki put the Cubs ahead 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth with his third home run in as many games. Phillies pinch hitter Adolis Garcia answered with a homer in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the 10th, Tanner Banks (0-2) intentionally walked Suzuki and allowed Carson Kelly’s single to load the bases. After Michael Busch struck out, Swanson’s single to right ended it.

Busch homered and drove in four, while Suzuki went deep and joined Kelly in producing three hits apiece. Chicago tallied 18 hits in the win. Brandon Marsh went 3-for-4 with two homers for the Phillies.

Mets 10, Twins 8

Bo Bichette had three hits, including the three-run eighth-inning double that snapped a tie and lifted host New York to a win over Minnesota in the rubber game of a three-game interleague series.

Brett Baty hit a three-run homer in the first for the Mets, who squandered a 7-2 lead before winning for the second straight night following a 12-game skid. New York scored three times in the second before Carson Benge homered in the fourth.

Ryan Jeffers tied the game with a grand slam in the top of the eighth for the Twins, who have lost six of seven. Tristan Gray homered in the sixth and had an RBI single in the ninth.

Braves 7, Nationals 2

JR Ritchie threw seven strong innings in his major league debut and Ozzie Albies collected three hits and four RBIs, fueling visiting Atlanta over Washington.

James Wood hit Ritchie’s first pitch for a home run. But Ritchie (1-0) only allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven batters. Albies belted his fifth homer of the season in the ninth inning. Michael Harris II went 3-for-4 and plated two runs.

Cionel Perez (1-3) yielded three runs on one hit and two walks in one-third of an inning as the Braves untied the game with a four-run seventh. CJ Abrams belted a solo homer for Washington’s other run and starter Cade Cavalli struck out a career-high 10 batters.

Tigers 5, Brewers 4

Spencer Torkelson blasted a solo homer with one out in the ninth to give host Detroit a victory over Milwaukee.

Torkelson, who hit his first homer of the season on Wednesday, ripped a 3-1 sinker from Abner Uribe (1-1) over the left field wall as the Tigers took two of three games in the series. Riley Greene had a two-run homer and pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones supplied a tying solo homer in the eighth.

Blake Perkins drove in two runs for the Brewers. Gary Sanchez had two hits, a run and an RBI while David Hamilton added two hits and an RBI.

Padres 10, Rockies 8

Gavin Sheets’ three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning capped a five-run rally enabling San Diego to outslug host Colorado.

Sheets’ third homer of the year slapped a blown save on Victor Vodnik (0-2), who allowed five earned runs in 2/3 of an inning. Ron Marinaccio (1-0) picked up his first MLB win in two years by pitching two innings in relief.

Wasted in the loss for the Rockies was Mickey Moniak’s second two-homer game of the year against San Diego. Moniak went 4-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs to lead a 14-hit attack.

White Sox 4, Diamondbacks 1

Andrew Benintendi hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth to lift Chicago over Arizona in Phoenix.

Chase Meidroth walked off Paul Sewald (0-3) to open the ninth and took second on a sacrifice bunt before pinch-hitter Edgar Quero walked, bringing up Benintendi. His 410-foot homer landed near the pool area in right-center.

The White Sox had eight homers while winning two of three in the series and have 15 homers in the last five games. Grant Taylor (1-0) gave up two hits and struck out three after relieving Davis Martin with one out in the seventh for Arizona.

Yankees 4, Red Sox 2

Cody Bellinger drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single to help New York extend its winning streak to six games by beating Boston.

Cam Schlittler (3-1) held Boston to two runs on four hits in eight innings to earn the win. David Bednar pitched a clean ninth to collect his seventh save.

Bellinger singled with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning to put the Yankees in front 3-2. Aaron Judge followed with an RBI single that scored Jose Caballero to give New York a 4-2 lead.

Rangers 6, Pirates 1

Evan Carter hit an inside-the-park home run and Jacob deGrom threw a gem as Texas beat Pittsburgh in the rubber match of a three-game set in Arlington, Texas.

deGrom (2-0) had a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run. Corey Seager’s three-run shot off Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (1-2) broke the game open, doubling the Rangers’ 3-0 advantage with one swing.

Chandler exited after the fourth, giving up six runs and seven hits for the Pirates. Oneil Cruz hit a two-out solo shot to snap deGrom’s shutout.

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GOLF

NELLY KORDA TAKES EARLY LEAD AT CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP

World No. 2 Nelly Korda found another gear over the back half of her round to build a two-shot advantage after one round of play at the Chevron Championship, the first major of the women’s golf season, Thursday in Houston.

Korda pocketed two birdies over Nos. 10-18 to begin her round before heating up from there. Korda sank three straight birdies on Nos. 1-3, then added a pair on the seventh and eighth to finish her round 7-under-par 65.

The soggy Memorial Park Golf Course has endured significant rainfall this week. Korda got in some extra work in the rain earlier in the week and felt that contributed to her hot start.

“Tuesday I came out and putted in the rain when we were allowed to before the pro-am and also Wednesday,” Korda said. “It feels good to put a good round together.”

In four LPGA starts this season, Korda has won the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and followed that with three straight second-place finishes.

“I feel like I have a really great team around me,” said Korda, who’s searching for her third career major. “… So I think just there is a comfort and happiness inside me that makes me happy on the golf course, too.”

Tied for second at 5 under are Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Somi Lee.

Tavatanakit began her day with two birdies among her first three holes and never wavered, despite coming into the tournament with just one top-10 finish to her credit. That came last time out, when she finished in a tie for fifth at the JM Eagle LA Championship.

She added birdies on Nos. 8, 15 and 17 in a bogey-free performance.

“I feel like that is the definition of golf a little bit, is like you’re not going always have it your way,” Tavatanakit said. “How you can kind of scramble around and put a round together matters more than how you actually are striping it or how actual, you know, your game is.”

Lee, a winner at the 2025 Dow Championship, carded six birdies and was in line for an even better finish before she suffered a bogey on her final hole of the day, the ninth.

“I remember like my first hole … the first birdie going in gave me — boosted me a lot of the confidence and that helped me a lot,” Lee said.

Amateur Farah O’Keefe is part of a group of four more golfers three shots back at 4 under. Like Lee, she suffered a bogey on the troublesome ninth to counterbalance her five-birdie day. She is tied with France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Japan’s Yuri Yoshida and China’s Yan Liu.

A whopping 10 players are tied for eighth at 3-under 69: Ryann O’Toole, Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, Japan’s Sora Kamiya, England’s Mimi Rhodes, Linnea Strom and Maja Stark of Sweden and South Korea’s Yunseo Yang, Ina Yoon and Jin Hee Im. Yang is also an amateur and eagled her first hole of the championship.

Defending champion Mao Saigo of Japan struggled to a 1-over 73.

ALEX SMALLEY, HAYDEN SPRINGER TEAM UP FOR EARLY LEAD AT ZURICH

Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer turned in a 14-under-par 58 on the first day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, earning a one-shot lead at the PGA Tour’s only team event at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La.

Smalley’s birdie-eagle-birdie start to the round ignited the pair, and Springer closed the day strong, responsible for birdies at Nos. 15-18. They weren’t the only team to go low, as Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat are on their tails following a 13-under 59.

Seventy-four teams entered the unique event, where teams of two play four-ball (best ball) in the first and third rounds and foursomes (alternate shot) in the second and fourth rounds. The top 33 teams and ties will make the cut after 36 holes.

Don Donatello, Smalley’s caddie, looped for Springer several years ago. The two players, who are seeking their first win on the PGA Tour, thought it would be an ideal pairing.

“They’re still really good friends,” Smalley said about Donatello and Springer. “We knew we would have a good time out there, and we did. I think Hayden and I were the same year in college. Both graduated around the same area. Played some amateur golf together. It’s nice to link up with him. He’s a great teammate.”

Springer concurred.

“For me it’s kind of nice to have somebody out there with you to kind of feed off of each other. You kind of pick each other up where you can,” he said. “You know, even when Alex goes and makes a birdie, it feels like I made a birdie. It kind of keeps you going in that way as well, which is nice.”

Sam Stevens/Zach Bauchou, Nick Dunlap/Gordon Sargent and Eric Cole/Hank Lebioda are tied for third at 12 under. Billy Horschel/Tom Hoge were among a large group tied at 61. Defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin carded a 7-under 65.

Meanwhile, the first-time pairing of Brooks Koepka and Irishman Shane Lowry settled for a 6-under 66, tied for 50th place.

Thompson and Eckroat pulled off a 10-under-par run in a span of nine holes. Eckroat eagled the par-5 seventh, and the duo combined to birdie each of the next eight.

Despite the tougher format on Friday, Eckroat is supremely confident about the duo’s outlook.

“It’s a lot harder to make birdies in alternate shot, but I feel like both of our games are in really good spots, both in our irons, and we’re both driving it well,” Eckroat said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we went out and had a good day tomorrow as well.”

REPORT: PGA TOUR CUTTING 4% OF WORKFORCE

The PGA Tour laid off 56 full-time employees, or about 4% of its total workforce,  Sports Business Journal reported Thursday.

An additional 73 vacant roles would not be filled, but the tour plans to reinvest in 30 or more new full-time positions, the report said.

The moves come as the PGA Tour continues to adjust to a for-profit business model, after private equity partner Strategic Sports Group (SSG) invested $1.5 billion into the top golf circuit in 2024.

According to Sports Business Journal, new CEO Brian Rolapp described the job cuts as a “difficult — but important — step” in an email to employees. Rolapp joined the PGA Tour last June, in effect taking over from commissioner Jay Monahan, who is staying on as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board through 2026.

The tour is “right-sizing” not only its staff but its tournament schedule. In an effort to ensure the best players are participating in the same events more consistently, Rolapp has proposed a new structure with a top tier of 21-26 tournaments (which would include the four majors, The Players Championship and the FedEx Cup playoffs) and a second track for players to earn opportunities for promotion.

Earlier this week, the PGA Tour confirmed it would not return to Hawaii in 2027. The tour traditionally opened its season with a two-week Hawaiian swing, with events on Maui and in Honolulu.

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INDIANA HEADLINES/RELEASES

PREP BASEBALL INDIANA NEWS: https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/indiana

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INDIANA HS FOOTBALL

Indiana high school players WR Monshun Sales (Lawrence North), DE Jayce Brewer (Franklin Central), and TE Mason Oglesby (New Palestine) will be making visits to Indiana this weekend. Sales is a Five-Star recruit, Brewer is a Four-Star, and Oglesby is a Four-Star prospect. Many other top national recruits will also be in Bloomington this weekend.

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INDIANA HS GIRLS BASKETBALL

Indiana Miss Basketball Gracyn Gilliard will head west to play college basketball. The 5-11 guard/forward from Cener Grove announced Thursday she will play at Stanford. Writing in a statement posted to Instagram that was in her best interest to “seek out a program that offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and athletic development.”

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COLTS FOOTBALL

(COLTS RELEASE)

The Colts crossed 32 names off their draft board on Thursday night, from the expected (like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders) to the unexpected (Ty Simpson going No. 13 to the Los Angeles Rams).

And while the picture hasn’t yet come into focus of who will be available when the Colts go on the clock with the 15th pick in the second round of the NFL Draft, general manager Chris Ballard will walk into the draft room at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center on Friday with a better idea of who he might be calling later that night.

So let’s look at a group of players who could hear their names called during the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday.

Using The Athletic’s consensus board of the top 100 prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, we’re left with plenty of good players still available on Day 2. For what it’s worth, the lowest-ranked player on this list drafted in the first round was Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge, who went No. 26 overall to the Houston Texans.

Note, though, this list is not comprehensive; just because a player isn’t on it doesn’t mean he’s not worthy of being selected on Friday.

Last year, the Colts took Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley – who wasn’t on this top 100 big board – in the third round, and all signs were pointing toward him being a impactful player in 2025 before he sustained a season-ending knee injury during training camp.

Still, consider this as a good way to get familiar with some of the names you’ll hear called in the second and third round on Friday:

For deeper insight into the Colts’ 2026 NFL Draft, visit NFL IQ, built on Amazon Quick, for player evaluations and scheme fits for whoever winds up as the newest member of the Colts.

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INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

INDIANAPOLIS – Mitch Jebb collected four hits, including his first two Triple-A homers, as the Indianapolis Indians defeated the St. Paul Saints, 6-1, on Thursday afternoon at Victory Field.

The Indians (9-15) jumped on the board with a pair of first-inning runs, with Jebb opening the game with a double. Ronny Simon followed with an RBI single to plate Jebb and then stole second base. After advancing on a deep flyout from Esmerlyn Valdez, Simon later scored on a balk.

In the third inning, Jebb launched his first Triple-A homer to extend the lead, 3-0. The Saints (9-14) posted their lone run of the game when Gabriel Gonzalez hit a solo homer in the fourth frame. Jebb mashed his second homer of the game, a three-run blast, in the bottom of the fourth for a 6-1 lead.

Chris Devenski opened the game with 1.0 scoreless innings. Antwone Kelly (W, 1-3) shined as the bulk pitcher, tossing 6.0 innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts. Carson Fulmer and Brandan Bidois each threw 1.0 scoreless to end it. John Klein (L, 1-1) allowed three earned runs across 3.0 innings as the Saints’ starter.

Indianapolis aims to capture their first series win of the season with a win on Friday night at 6:35 PM. An opener will start for Indy with Thomas Harrington (0-3, 4.32) taking the bulk innings. St. Paul has not yet named a starter for tomorrow’s contest.

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INDY INGITE

ORLANDO (April 23, 2026) – The Indy Ignite keep lighting up the competition in Major League Volleyball. Tonight, it was the Orlando Valkyries who absorbed the brunt of the first-place team’s attack as the Ignite hammered their way to a 3-0 sweep on the road.

The 25-20, 25-15, 25-18 thrashing lifted Indy’s record to 20-5 with three matches remaining in the regular season. The Ignite are also within one win or a Dallas Pulse loss of locking up the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MLV Championship where the top four teams will battle for a million-dollar prize.

Indy owned Orlando on both sides of the net. The Ignite logged a 48.5 percent kill percentage with 36.4 percent efficiency. Defensively, the Ignite limited the Valkyries to a 31.7 percent kill rate and 17.8 percent efficiency. Such was the domination that Orlando had two more hitting attempts in the match (101 to 99) but Indy was plus-16 in successful kills (48 to 32).

The Ignite never trailed by more than two points in any set. An early 8-0 run put them in control of the opening frame, a five-point spree pushed them ahead for good in the second set, and a 7-1 tear propelled them past an 8-7 deficit in the final set. Outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh impressively terminated the match by tabulating four consecutive kills for which Orlando had no answer.

“That was a very clean game from us,” Ignite head coach Lauren Bertolacci said, pointing to Indy’s service pressure that kept Orlando on its heels most of the night. “We served really well. They have two great setters and I don’t think they were able to use their in-system offense very much, which gave us a lot of chances on defense and in transition. I thought (Ignite setter) Mia (Tuaniga) did a great job setting our middles in trans and we were really able to put the pressure on the whole game.”

Member-Meneh’s blazing finish vaulted her to the top of the Ignite scoring chart with 12 kills and points, and she completed a double-double with 13 digs. Opposite hitter Azhani Tealer added 11 points on nine kills and a pair of blocks.

But it was recently added middle blockers Jaelyn Keene and Emma Clothier who impressed the most. In her first appearance since joining the team, Keene put on a spectacular show with nine kills in 15 attempts (with just one error) and dropped in a service ace to boot. Playing in her fifth Ignite match, Clothier was 7-for-14 hitting without an error, also contributing a block and an ace.

“The organization was very easy to come in and play for,” said Keene, who played professionally in Europe the past eight years and has only practiced with the Ignite since Monday. “They were very open to me coming and I also think I’m very adaptive. I’ve played with many teams, many players, so I think that’s an advantage. Overall, I felt good because of the girls and the coaching staff and everyone, so I could just be me.”

Keene’s strong Ignite debut didn’t catch her new coach by surprise.

“Zero percent surprised,” Bertolacci said. “I’ve been following her career in Europe for a really long time. I knew that she’d come in and be able to have a really good impact. She absolutely did so. I’m happy to see it, but I’m not surprised.”

The Ignite defense stifled Orlando all night, recording 46 digs in the three-setter and thwarting so many adept defensive plays and passes that transitioned into Indy points. Libero and defensive leader Elena Scott had 10 digs and setter Mia Tuaniga 11 to go with her 40 assists. As a team, the Ignite posted an impressive positive reception rate of 54 percent.

“We did a really good job of staying focused and locked in on defense and offense,” Scott observed. “All around it was well rounded. We emphasized defense a lot this week, with tips and all sorts of things, and that really translated to the match tonight.”

The Ignite’s win completed a 4-0 sweep of the Valkyries this season and eliminated Orlando (10-15) from postseason contention. Orlando coach Amy Pauly made multiple substitutions throughout the match to find a combination that sparked her team, to no avail. Bertolacci said seeing the different lineups will be valuable for Indy as the postseason approaches.

“We expected lineup changes during the match (by Orlando),” she explained, “and we think that was always going to be a good preparation for the (MLV Championship) semifinal. We know the teams we (may) face in the semifinal are teams that have rotated against us in the past and thrown a lot of things. So for us, the mental effort today to be able to adapt and manage all the people coming in was really, really important. I thought the girls did a very good job on that.”

The Ignite head Sunday to Atlanta (3 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network) for their final road date. They close the regular season with a pair of home matches, against Columbus on Friday, May 1 and San Diego on Sunday, May 3. For ticket information, visit IndyIgniteVB.com.

Tickets for the 2026 MLV Championship, set for Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, are on sale via the MLV Ticketmaster website. Prices start at $19 and provide access to both the semifinal and championship rounds. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

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INDIANA FOOTBALL

PITTSBURGH – Surrounded by family and friends in his hometown of Miami, Florida, quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. The unanimous national player of the year is the 13th first-round selection in program history and 12th-ever No. 1 pick for a Big Ten Conference member.

Mendoza is the second-ever Hoosier drafted with the first overall pick and the first to be drafted 1.1 in the common draft era. He joined halfback Corbett Davis (1938) in the IU draft record books and is the first, first-round pick for Indiana since Thomas Lewis went 24th overall to the New York Giants in 1994.

With his selection atop the NFL Draft, he is just the fourth player in the common draft era to go No. 1 overall, win the Heisman Trophy and claim a national title in the same season. He is among a group that includes Joe Burrow (LSU, 2019). Jameis Winston (Florida State, 2013) and Cam Newton (2010, Auburn).

He is the first Big Ten student-athlete to be selected first overall in the NFL since 2008 (Jake Long, OT – Michigan) and joins Jeff George (1990) of Illinois as the only two Big Ten quarterbacks selected with the No. 1 overall pick in conference history.

Indiana is now the fourth program to have multiple No. 1 overall selections in the NFL while a member of the conference. It joins Michigan (2), Ohio State (3) and Penn State (2).

The fourth player selected by the Raiders in program history joins Nolan Harrison (1991, DT), Gary Gooden (DB, 1989) and Eric Stolberg (1970, WR) as draft picks by the organization. He will join former Indiana tight end Ian Thomas in Las Vegas.

Mendoza led the nation in passing touchdowns (41) and touchdowns responsible for (48), both set IU single season standards. He is the third Big Ten quarterback since 2000 with three-straight games of at least four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions – C.J. Stroud (Ohio State; 2021) and Kyle Orton (Purdue; 2004, four straight). The Miami, Florida, native was also the only FBS quarterback since at least 1996 with multiple games of at least 90 percent completion and four touchdown passes versus Power 4 opponents.

In 2025, Mendoza was the lone FBS quarterback with five games of 4-plus touchdown passes and zero interceptions and paced the FBS in percentage of passes that resulted in a touchdown at 10.8%, over one point higher than the next closest passer (Julian Sayin, Ohio State; 9.2%).

He threw a touchdown pass in 14 of 16 games in 2025 and posted five games with both a passing and rushing touchdown. He threw 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions and tied for No. 2 on the team with seven rushing touchdowns.

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, AP College Football National Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Hispanic Football Hall of Fame College Player of the Year and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football.

He was a consensus All-America, earned Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year. The third Hoosier to earn Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year with Anthony Thompson (1988 & 1989) and Antwaan Randle El (2001), Mendoza was the seventh IU signal caller and first since Randle El in 2001 to earn first-team All-B1G honors Since 1950, he is just the third Hoosier to claim the first team spot at quarterback along with Randle El and Harry Gonso (1967).

He was the Big Ten Championship Game MVP, Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Offensive MVP and College Football Playoff National Championship Game Offensive MVP. His play in the postseason also earned him the quarterback nod on the AP All-College Football Playoff Team.

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PITTSBURGH – A historic night for Indiana came in the Steel City when Omar Cooper Jr. was the second Indiana football standout selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The wideout was the No. 30 overall pick by the New York Jets to mark the first time IU had multiple players selected in the first round of the draft.

Following teammate Fernando Mendoza, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, Cooper Jr. made it multiple first round Hoosiers for the first time in program history. Cooper Jr. is the first IU wide receiver picked in the first round since Thomas Lewis in 1994 and is the third-ever first-round wideout at IU along with Lewis and Duane Gunn (1984).

The Indianapolis native appeared in 42 career games with 20 starts and is one of just six Hoosiers with 20-plus receiving touchdowns in a career. He finished No. 4 on the IU career receiving touchdowns charts (22) and No. 11 on the total touchdowns list (24).

Cooper Jr. tied program record with four receiving touchdowns against Indiana State (9/12) in 2025, a mark he shares with James Hardy (Michigan State, 2006) and is tied for No. 3 on the Big Ten single-game charts. That game featured 207 yards receiving to rank No. 7 on the IU single-game charts and mark just the ninth 200-yard receiving game in program history

In 2025, he produced 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. His touchdown total ranks No. 3 in a single season, tied with Ernie Jones (13; 1987), and his receptions total is No. 7 on season charts. Of his 69 receptions, 44 went for a first down or touchdown and he teamed with Elijah Sarratt as just the fifth set of Big Ten teammates this century to both finish the regular season with double-digit receiving touchdowns.

He was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and earned second-team All-America from the Football Writers Association of American. He was also a second-team All-Big Ten from the conference media and coaches panels.

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INDIANA WOMEN’S GOLF

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana will begin postseason play in Glendale, Calif. for the 2026 Big Ten Women’s Golf Championships. The conference tournament will be contested from April 24-26 at the Oakmont Country Club.
 
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Big Ten Championships • Glendale, Calif.
Oakmont Country Club
Par 70 • 6107 yards
Live Results: Scoreboard

TEAMS COMPETING (18)

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Purdue, Penn State, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Washington, Wisconsin

INDIANA LINEUP

1. Madison Dabagia

2. Sheridan Clancy

3. Maddie May

4. Katie Poots

5. Saia Rampersaud

Sub. Cara Heisterkamp

TOURNAMENT NOTES

• Oregon, the defending Big Ten champions, headlines the conference tournament and rank No. 6 nationally. UCLA (No. 14), Northwestern (No. 30), Ohio State (32), Michigan State (40), Purdue (45), Illinois (49), Michigan (56), Maryland (67), Minnesota (73), and Penn State (75) all rank inside the top 75 of the Scoreboard rankings. Indiana ranked No. 46 in the latest rankings, released on April 20.

• Both the first and second round will begin with rolling tee times at 11:30 a.m. ET. The final round will start at 11 a.m. ET.

• Indiana will be paired with Illinois and Purdue for Friday’s action.

• Indiana has won eight Big Ten Tournament titles (1986, ’87, ’90, ’92, ’95, ’96, ’98, and 2024). Only Ohio State (15) and Michigan State (9) have more B1G crowns.

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IU BASEBALL

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The final weekend in April brings an important Big Ten series to Bart Kaufman Field. The Indiana Baseball team (19-22, 6-12 B1G) will meet Iowa (23-16, 7-11 B1G) with a chance to climb above the cut line for next month’s Big Ten Tournament. IU has won three-straight home weekends, including series wins over Minnesota and Rutgers.

Since April began, IU has played some of its best baseball this season. The Hoosiers are 9-4 since the calendar turned to April. As a team, they are hitting .337 with 31 home runs in that stretch of 13 games. In five of those nine wins, IU has put up double-digit runs. That includes at least 10 runs scored in all three Friday contests on the year. Head coach Jeff Mercer will look to pick up his fourth series victory over Iowa in Bloomington.

During this month, a quartet of Hoosiers has torn the cover off the ball. Sophomore outfielder Caleb Koskie, who is riding a 21-game hitting streak, is batting .500 with five home runs and 19 RBIs this month. After missing Tuesday’s game through illness, IU will hope he’s back in the lineup against the Hawkeyes. Sophomores Hogan Denny (.462), Cole Decker (.412) and Cooper Malamazian (.408) are all hitting over .400 in April.

IU will have its pitching lined back up for the weekend after using only five arms in the midweek. Veteran arms Jackson Yarberry, Jacob Vogel and Gavin Seebold all got the night off on Tuesday meaning they will be fresh for high-leverage opportunities against the Hawkeyes. Graduate student southpaw Tony Neubeck will begin the weekend on Friday night.

This weekend’s series is set to get underway at 6 p.m. on Friday (April 24) evening. With potential weather in the area this weekend, stay tuned to IU’s social media channels for any game updates. Contests on Saturday (April 25) and Sunday (April 26) are set for 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. All games will be streamed on B1G+.

Gameday Info

vs. Iowa (Friday, April 24th – 6 p.m. ET)

Live Video: bit.ly/4cY633H

Live Audio: bit.ly/IUAudio

Live Stats: bit.ly/46VZA6j

vs. Iowa (Saturday, April 25th – 2 p.m. ET)

Live Video: bit.ly/4tutTdt

Live Audio: bit.ly/IUAudio

Live Stats: bit.ly/46VZA6j

vs. Iowa (Sunday, April 26th – 1 p.m. ET)

Live Video: bit.ly/4cAaOk9

Live Audio: bit.ly/IUAudio

Live Stats: bit.ly/46VZA6j

Probable Starters

Indiana vs. Iowa

• Friday: LHP Tony Neubeck, Gr. (5-3, 3.54 ERA)

• Saturday: LHP Brayton Thomas, So. (1-3, 5.17 ERA)

• Sunday: TBD (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

(subject to change with any weather changes)

Leading Off

KOSKIE’S STREAK: Sophomore outfielder Caleb Koskie hit in all three games of the Abilene Christian series, extending his career long hitting streak to 21-straight contests. Since 2005, it matches the longest single-season hitting streak by any IU player (Alex Dickerson – 2010, Chris Hervey – 2008). Individual game-by-game records prior to 2005 are limited meaning IU can’t confirm a program record hitting streak.

MR. APRIL: Koskie’s hot month has helped spark a resurgence of IU’s offense. He is hitting .500 (22-44) in 12 games in April with five home runs and 19 RBIs. As a team, the Hoosiers have slugged 31 home runs this month. IU is hitting a collective .337 in April.

COOPER CONTINUES: Sophomore shortstop Cooper Malamazian has pushed his hitting streak to 13-straight games, hitting safely in every single game in the month of April. In that stretch, he has more walks (13) than strikeouts (12) and has an OPS north of 1.000.

DO-IT ALL DENNY: Sophomore outfielder Hogan Denny had his fourth multi-home run game of the season in a Tuesday win over Ball State. He leads the Hoosiers in runs (45), doubles (13) and home runs (12). Denny is tied for the team lead in base hits (53).

BIG IMPROVEMENT: Sophomore outfielder Cole Decker entered back into the starting lineup on March 13th at Oregon has been a revelation. He has raised his batting average by nearly 150 points since then. Decker is batting .331 on the season after a three-hit day in the win over Ball State.

TONY TAKEOVER: Graduate student left-handed pitcher Tony Neubeck will make his fourth home start in Big Ten play this weekend. IU will be looking for his best stuff. At Bart Kaufman Field against conference teams, Neubeck has 25 strikeouts to just two walks.

JUST JAKE: Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley has started 97-straight games since arriving on campus. Only Dustin DeMuth (102 – 2011-12) has begun their career with more consecutive starts since the 2010 season. Hanley has collected 126 hits in that stretch of play as well.

HAWKEYE HISTORY: Head coach Jeff Mercer has been no stranger to playing Iowa during his tenure. Things have gone much better in the series at home. He is 7-2 against Iowa inside the friendly confines of Bart Kaufman Field as the IU skipper. He’s just 1-8 outside of Bloomington.

MASTERFUL: Freshman right-handed pitcher Ivan Mastalski has been of IU’s best first-year arms in recent memory. He leads IU in appearances (18) and has become a high-leverage bullpen arm. Mastalski has a 32-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season.

Scouting the Opponent

Iowa

• The Hawkeyes have won five of their last six games, including a series win over Maryland, heading into the weekend. A double midweek sweep has Iowa set up for an important weekend in Bloomington. The Hawkeyes are just 3-6 on the road in Big Ten play this season.

• Senior infielder Gable Mitchell continues to lead the way offensively for the Hawkeyes. He’s hitting .395 on the season with five home runs and 35 RBIs. Senior utility man Caleb Wulf is second on the team with a .385 batting average. Senior infielder Kooper Schulte leads the way with six home runs.

• After losing all three weekend starters from last year, Iowa has had to mix and match its rotation on the mound. Junior right-handed pitcher Maddux Frese has had the most success. He leads the way with 46.2 innings pitched and has provided 31 strikeouts. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Tyler Guerin has been a regular on the weekends.

Inside the Series

Iowa

• Since beginning the series back in the early 20th century, Indiana and Iowa have had some fantastic battles. Under head coach Jeff Mercer, IU is 8-10 against the Hawkeyes. Three of those series have been sweeps. Iowa swept IU in Iowa City in both 2022 and 2025.

• Mercer’s first Big Ten series in Bloomington was a sweep against Rick Heller’s Hawkeyes back in 2019. Iowa leads the all-time series 89-82 but IU has won all three weekends at Bart Kaufman Field under Mercer.

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PURDUE BASEBALL

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Purdue (28-12, 15-6 Big Ten) at #21 USC (31-11, 13-8 Big Ten)

April 24-26 / Stream B1G+

Series Opener: Friday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET

Middle Game: Saturday, April 25 at 5 p.m. ET

Series Finale: Sunday, April 26 at 4 p.m. ET

Dedeaux Field / Los Angeles, California

All-Time Series: First Meetings

PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS

Friday: Cole Van Assen (Jr, RHP) vs. USC’s Mason Edwards (Jr, LHP)

Saturday: Zach Erdman (Sr, LHP) vs. USC’s Grant Govel (So, RHP)

Sunday: Austin Klug (Sr, RHP) vs. USC’s Andrew Johnson (So, RHP)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Baseball rides its streaks of six consecutive series victories and seven straight wins in Big Ten play out to the West Coast as the Boilermakers visit the state of California for the first time since March 2017 for a weekend series at No. 21 USC.

First pitch at the recently renovated Dedeaux Field is set for 10 p.m. ET on Friday, 5 p.m. ET on Saturday and 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The series sets up as a great opportunity for both teams to improve their postseason résumés and could go a long way in determining if either can finish in top four of the Big Ten standings to earn a bye into the single-elimination quarterfinals of the conference tournament. The Boilermakers are riding their fourth longest Big Ten win streak in team history while winning six straight conference series for just the second time. USC was the nation’s final undefeated team (at 19-0) before suffering its first loss – in the snow – March 14 at Northwestern. The Trojans are 22-1 at home but have been swept in road series at UCLA and Nebraska this month.

Purdue will look to become the first visiting Big Ten team to win a game and series in Southern California this season. No. 1 UCLA has swept Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota as well as USC at home during its 21-0 start to Big Ten play. USC has swept Illinois, Washington and Iowa at home. The Trojans’ lone home loss was in a midweek game against common opponent Oregon State.

Since that March 24 loss to the Beavers, USC is 7-10. The Boilermakers are 13-5 since March 24.

The Trojans are second in the Big Ten in ERA (3.91), batting average against (.215) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.3). Mason Edwards (1.49 ERA, .142 B/Avg, 107 Ks in 60 1/3 IP) and Grant Govel (3.05 ERA, .204 B/Avg, 60 K vs 8 BB in 59 IP) are arguably the most formidable combination of Friday and Saturday starters in the country. They’ve combined for seven of USC’s eight shutout victories. Nebraska swept last weekend’s series in Lincoln by rallying to win on Friday and racking up 36 runs in the series. The Huskers scored six times against the Trojan bullpen Friday in an 8-7 victory in 10 innings. They carried the momentum over and outscored USC 28-8 over the final two games, knocking around Govel for seven runs over three innings.

While runs could be at premium for the Boilermakers this weekend in Los Angeles, they have succeeded while both playing with the lead and rallying to overcome deficits. In Big Ten play, Purdue enters the weekend having not trailed after a full inning for 37 consecutive frames dating back to the 10th inning of the April 11 victory at Northwestern. The Boilers also have six wins (in all games) when tied or trailing after six innings, including four victories when tied or trailing after eight innings.

Purdue has three California natives on the roster this season, with Trevor Kester-Johnson (Morgan Hill), Dylan Drake (Sacramento) and Quincy Malbrough (Loomis) all hailing from the northern half of the state.

Closer Jake Kramer is on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year midseason watch list, which was unveiled Wednesday. Kramer was among 18 relievers nationally to remain on the list after being on the preseason edition back in February. Kramer has closed out 12 of Purdue’s 15 Big Ten victories (1 win, 5 saves) while compiling a 1.15 ERA and .200 batting average against in 15 2/3 innings in conference play.

The Boilermakers have joined UCLA as the only teams to win three Big Ten series on the road so far this season. They’re also the only two teams to win at least six consecutive series in conference play this year. Oregon (5-4) is the only other team that has winning record on the road in Big Ten play entering the weekend. The Ducks are the only team to hand Purdue a series loss this season.

PURDUE’S LONGEST WIN STREAKS IN BIG TEN PLAY

• 2024 (March 31-May 3): 11

• 2001 (March 24-April 14): 10

• 2018 (April 20-May 6): 9

• 2026 (April 5-Present): 7

• 2012 (April 6-20): 7

• 2005 (April 17-May 8): 7

• 1989 (April 23-May 7): 7

PURDUE’S WEST COAST TRIPS

• April 2025 (0-3): Got Swept in a 3-game series at Washington

• Spring Break 2017 (5-3): Lost 3 of 4 at Cal State Northridge, Swept a 4-game series at Santa Clara

• February 2016 (0-3): Got Swept in a 3-game series at #10 Cal

• March 2014 (0-4): Got Swept in a 4-game series at San Diego State

• May 2012 (1-2): Lost 2 of 3 at #11 UCLA

• March 2002 (0-4): Lost all 4 at Lancaster, Calif. Tournament

• Spring Break 2001 (0-6): Lost all 6 in SoCal (San Diego, UCLA, LBSU, UC Riverside (2), Cal State Northridge)

• Spring Break 1998 (3-6): Got Swept in a 3-game series at San Jose State, Went 3-3 at Fresno State Tournament

• Spring Break 1986 (4-7): Got Swept in a 3-game series at #10 Hawaii, Won 2 of 3 vs Hawaii-Hilo & Hawaii Pacific, Lost neutral-site vs. Lewis & Iona

WEEKEND #8 OF BIG TEN PLAY

• Purdue (15-6) at USC (13-8)

• Nebraska (15-3) at Illinois (8-10)

• Washington (8-10) at Michigan (10-8)

• Penn State (5-13) at Oregon (12-6)

• Ohio State (9-9) at Rutgers (7-11)

• Iowa (7-11) at Indiana (6-12)

• Maryland (5-13) at Michigan State (8-13)

• Northwestern (5-13) at Minnesota (5-13)

• Sacramento State at UCLA (21-0) – Non-Conference

ACTIVE STREAKS

• Avery Moore: 15-game on-base; 10-game hit; 13-game on-base in Big Ten play; 7-game hit in Big Ten play

• Quincy Malbrough: 11-game-hit; 8-game hit in Big Ten play

• Sam Flores: 13-game on-base in Big Ten play

• Westin Boyle: 10-game on-base; 7-game hit in Big Ten play

• Eli Anderson: 6-game hit

• CJ Richmond: 6-game on-base

• Zach Zychowski: 6-game on-base in Big Ten play

• Jake Kramer: 16 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings

• Gavin Beuter: 9 1/3 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run

BOILERMAKERS AMONG THE TOP 10 IN THE BIG TEN

• Aaron Manias: 1st in OBP (.510), 4th in HBP (16)

• Eli Anderson: 1st in Steals (17)

• Trevor Kester-Johnson: 2nd in Appearances (25); Also T-2nd Nationally

• Austin Klug: T-4th in Victories (6)

• Jake Kramer: T-5th in Appearances (21), T-6th in Saves (6)

• Sam Flores: 6th in Hits (59), T-7th in Doubles (13), 9th in RBI (43), 10th in Total Bases (99), 10th in Avg (.371)

• Zach Erdman: 6th in Fewest Walks per 9 Innings (2.28)

• Westin Boyle: T-7th in Double (13)

• Cole Van Assen: T-8th in Victories (5), 8th in Fewest Walks per 9 Innings (2.38)

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PURDUE SOFTBALL

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue’s Anna Moore was named to the 2026 NFCA D1 National Freshman of the Year list becoming the first freshman to earn the honor in the program’s history.

Moore earns the recognition after a stellar week where she was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the third time this season, D1 Softball’s National Freshman of the Week, and Softball America’s National Freshman Star of the Week.

Moore earned Purdue’s first Softball America Star of the Week honor this season, and garnered her second D1 Softball National Freshman of the Week honor.

The Indianapolis native is currently hitting .400 on the season with 52 hits, 53 RBI, and a team-leading 12 home runs. The freshman is just three RBI away from breaking Purdue’s single-season mark and also three homers away from breaking the single-season home run record; In the series against Rutgers, Moore broke Purdue’s freshman home run record with her 11th on the season.

Moore is the only Big Ten freshman this season to earn Freshman of the Week three times and is just one of two Freshmen to earn D1 Softball’s honor twice this season (Morgan Talley, NC State).

Moore and the Boilers will take on Northwestern in a three-game series at Bittinger this weekend for the home-season finale.

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PURDUE WOMEN’S GOLF

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After venturing to the east coast the past two years to compete for a conference title, Purdue will travel more than 2,000 miles for this season’s Big Ten Championships. All 18 teams will meet up at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California (April 24-26).

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, April 24: Rounds 1 (Tee Times starting at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT)

Saturday, April 25: Round 2 (Tee Times starting at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT)

Sunday, April 26: Round 3 (Tee Times starting at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT)

THE LINEUP

Lauren Timpf – So.

Ranked No. 177 in the nation

Leads Purdue in pars (351), while ranking second in stroke average (73.17), team-low round (9), rounds in the 60s (3) and Top 20 finishes (6)

Making her 24th appearance as a Boilermaker, including the 19th in the Purdue lineup

Has paced the Boilermakers in four of the 11 tournaments this season, including last time out when she finished runner-up at the Boilermaker Spring Classic (71-70-73—214)

Her second-place performance at the Boilermaker Spring Classic was a career best and the best finish by an individual Boilermaker this season; played the par 5s 5-under throughout the tournament, ranking third in the 94-player field

Helped Purdue win the Coach Mo Classic by tying for 17th on the individual leaderboard (76-74-70—220)

Paced the Boilermakers at the Purdue Puerto Rico Classic (75-71-68—214) in which she ranked fourth in par-3 scoring (-3); her final round 68 (-4) was a career low

Led Purdue at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational with the 10th-best 36-hole total in program history (71-73—144); tied for 13th on the individual leaderboard and ranked third in par-4 scoring (-1)

Played her best golf as a Boilermaker with a career-low 211 (70-69-72) to place third at the Wolverine Invitational; led the field in birdies (12) and par-5 scoring (-3), while ranking third in par-4 scoring (-2)

Tied for 15th at the season-opening Boilermaker Classic with a 219 (69-76-74); ranked third in the field in par-3 scoring (-2)

Produced a 75.94 stroke average a season ago

Played her best golf of last season at the NCAA Lubbock Regional; her 14th-place finish, 54-hole total (73-76-70—219) and final round 70 (-2) were all season bests, and she ranked fourth in the field in par-5 scoring (-5) throughout the week

2025 WGCA All-American Scholar

Samantha Brown – So.

Ranked No. 141 in the nation

Playing in her team-leading 26th tournament for Purdue, including the 25th time in the lineup

Paces Purdue with a 72.70 stroke average, as well as team-low rounds (15), birdies (92) and Top 10 finishes (5)

Eighteen of her 30 rounds have been par-or-better, including a school-record six rounds in the 60s, leading the Boilermakers in both categories

Has led Purdue in six of the team’s 11 tournaments and has finished in the Top 5 in four out of the past five events

Last time out, tied for fifth at the Boilermaker Spring Classic (72-76-69—217); her final round 69 (-3) was her sixth round in the 60s of the year to tie a Purdue single-season record

Became Big Ten Golfer of the week after guiding the Boilermakers to a victory at the 2025 Coach Mo Classic; tied for third with a 3-under 213 (75-66-72) for her best finish as a Boilermaker and her lowest 54-hole total

Led the Coach Mo Classic field in par-4 scoring (-3) and ranked second in par-3 scoring (-1); her second round 66 (-6) was a personal best and matched the fifth-lowest round in program history

Paced Purdue at the Briar’s Creek Invitational, tying for 16th with the 10th-best 36-hole total in school history (73-71—144); made nine birdies over the 36 holes, tied for the fourth-most in the field

Placed fourth at the Shootout at Wachesaw and recorded the fourth-lowest 36-hole total in program history (70-71—141); paced the field in par-5 scoring (-2), while also ranking third in par-4 scoring (-2)

Tied for fifth at the Spartan Sun Coast Invitational with a 2-over 218 (71-76-71); ranked fourth in the field in par-5 scoring (-4)

Paced the Boilermakers at the Windy City Collegiate Classic, tying for 18th with an even-par 216 (69-76-71); ranked fourth in the field in par-5 scoring (-6) and recorded her third career hole-in-one in the first round

Started the season by leading Purdue at the Boilermaker Classic, tying for ninth by finishing even par (75-72-69—216) for her first career Top 10 performance

Held a 75.76 stroke average a season ago, leading the team’s freshmen; led Purdue in eagles (4), including a pair of hole-in-ones, while ranking second on the team in pars (428)

2025 WGCA All-American Scholar

Ashley Kim – Jr.

Has been in the lineup in all 11 tournaments

Holds a 73.47 stroke average, ranking third on the team

Ranks second on the team in birdies (87) and Top 20 finishes (6)

Last time out, tied for 12th at the Boilermaker Spring Classic (72-77-73—222), making a team-high 10 birdies and ranking third in the field in par-5 scoring (-5)

Helped the Boilermakers win the Coach Mo Classic by finishing 13th on the individual leaderboard (74-74-71—219)

Tied for 19th (74-76—150) at the Shootout at Wachesaw

Led Purdue at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational, tying for 14th (71-73-71—215)

Tied for fifth at the Wolverine Invitational with a 216 (75-70-71), which included a second round 70 (-1); ranked third in the field in par-5 scoring (-2)

In her Purdue debut, tied for 18th at the Boilermaker Classic (72-73-76—221)

Transferred to Purdue after spending the past two seasons at Arkansas State and becoming one of the best golfers in program history

Last season, set Arkansas State’s single-season school record for stroke average (71.70); shot par-or-better in 12 of her 20 rounds, the third most in a single season in program history

Three-time Sun Belt Conference Golfer of the Week

Claimed medalist honors and led Arkansas State to a victory at the Maverick Classic by matching the lowest 54-hole total in school history; fired a 12-under 204 (66-68-70), and her 6-under 66 in the opening round was the second-lowest round ever by an ASU golfer

Made 88 birdies as a freshman at ASU, ranking second in program history

Ida Lindqvist – Fr.

Playing in the ninth tournament of her freshman season, including the fifth in the lineup

Holds a 75.82 stroke average

Last time out, tied for 12th at the Boilermaker Spring Classic, producing the lowest 54-hole total (74-72-76—222) and best finish of her career and cracking the Top 15 for the first time

Helped Purdue win the Coach Mo Classic by leading the team with an opening round 73 (+1)

Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after setting the school record for lowest 36-hole total by a freshman; competing as an individual, tied for 16th at the Briar’s Creek Invitational at even-par (70-74—144)

While a freshman record, her two-day total at Briar’s Creek tied for the 10th-lowest individual 36-hole score in school history; only player in the field to make two eagles throughout the tournament, making back-to-back eagles in the opening round

Ranked second in the Windy City Collegiate Classic field in par-3 scoring (-2); birdied three of the four par 3s in the final round

Began the Windy City Collegiate Classic with a 1-under 71

Rose as high as No. 803 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking

Led her school to a pair of national championships (2022, 2023) and a runner-up finish (2024)

Recorded a 75.14 stroke average in 2024, highlighted by a sixth-place finish at the Swedish Juniortour Elite No. 6 tournament

Was a member of the Swedish Girls National Team in 2023, competing internationally throughout Europe

Luana Valero – Fr.

Has been in the lineup in all 11 tournaments

Ranks fourth on the team with a 74.18 stroke average

Three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Leads the team with four eagles

Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after helping Purdue win the Coach Mo Classic; led the Boilermakers in the final round with a career-low 69 (-3), vaulting up the leaderboard and placing eighth at 1-under par for her best finish

Her three-round total of 215 (74-72-69) at the Coach Mo Classic was a career low and the first time she finished under par as a Boilermaker; ranked second in par-3 scoring (-1) and made a team-high 12 birdies

Earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after setting the then-freshman school record for lowest (now second-lowest) 36-hole total (74-72—146) and tying for 10th at the Shootout at Wachesaw for her first career Top 10; made seven birdies to rank fourth in the field

Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week to close out the fall, carding a 218 (71-73-74) at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational

Placed third at the 2025 Women’s Amateur Latin America

Rose to No. 166 in the world in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and entered Purdue ranked No. 187

17 ranked prospect in the world, including No. 3 among players signed by Big Ten programs, according to Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine

Won nine tournaments and racked up 32 Top 10 finishes over three years entering her Purdue career

THE FIELD

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Maryland

Michigan

Michigan State

Minnesota

Nebraska

Northwestern

Ohio State

#6 Oregon

Penn State

Purdue

Rutgers

#14 UCLA

#2 USC

Washington

Wisconsin

THE COURSE

Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California will play as a par 70 that will measure between 6,086-6,134 yards for the conference championships.

The club was founded in 1922 under golf course architect Max H. Behr before undergoing an extensive redesign by Brian Curley in 2008. It began as a nine-hole course before expanding to 18 holes in 1925.

Oakmont has hosted several LPGA tournaments over the years. Golf legends Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam have played at Oakmont throughout the club’s history.

BOILERMAKERS B1G SUCCESS

Purdue has been one of the most successful programs in Big Ten history, winning six conference championships to go along with nine Boilermakers becoming medalists of the tournament.

The Boilermakers captured its six titles in a 14-year span (2000-13), which includes a three-peat from 2008 to 2010.

The lowest individual scores in conference championship history have been by Boilermakers. Laura Gonzalez-Escallon holds the 72-hole low with a 280 (71-70-70-69) in 2010. Also that year, Purdue broke the 72-hole team record to capture its third straight Big Ten title (289-292-294-294—1,158)

In 2016, August Kim set the 54-hole mark at 207 (69-71-67), which now ranks third all-time. The Big Ten Championship has been decided by a 54-hole stroke play format since 2012.

LAST TIME OUT

In the final tune-up before the 2026 Big Ten Championships, Purdue finished runner-up as hosts of the Boilermaker Spring Classic (April 12-13). Following a final round 291 (+3), the Boilermakers (+9) were three shots back of Illinois (+6) for the team title, while besting third-place finisher South Florida by 18 strokes.

Lauren Timpf (-2) was runner-up on the individual leaderboard, the best finish of her career and the best placing by a Boilermaker this season. The sophomore played the par 5s 5-under throughout the tournament, ranking third in the 94-player field. Following under-par rounds of 71 (-1) and 70 (-2), Timpf added a 73 (+1) in the final round.

Samantha Brown carded the best final round of the tournament, a 3-under 69 to etch her name in the Purdue record book. It was Brown’s sixth round in the 60s throughout the year, matching a single-season school record. She recorded four birdies, while only making a team-low one bogey, to move into a tie for fifth and secure her fifth Top 10 performance of the season.

Ashley Kim and Ida Lindqvist tied for 12th at 6-over. Kim placed in the Top 20 for the sixth time in her first year as a Boilermaker, making a team-high 10 birdies and ranking third in the field in par-5 scoring (-5). Meanwhile, Lindqvist produced the lowest 54-hole total and best finish of her career, cracking the Top 15 for the first time.

COACH MO CHAMPS

Firing a final round 282 (-6) as a team, the lowest round of the day, Purdue surged to the top of the leaderboard to win the 2026 Coach Mo Classic at St. John’s Golf and Country Club (March 30-31). The Boilermakers (E) secured a 4-shot victory over No. 16 Florida State, claiming the tournament title for the second straight season.

Throughout program history, the Coach Mo Classic became the 17th event that the Boilermakers have won multiple times.

Defeating 15 other teams, including a pair ranked in the Top 25, the Boilermakers claimed their crown by leading the field in par-3 scoring (E), par-4 scoring (+24) and birdies (45). Purdue also played the par 5s 7-under, ranking third in the field, and made the fewest big numbers (double bogeys or worse) with seven.

Sophomore Samantha Brown led the Boilermakers to victory, tying for third on the individual leaderboard at 3-under, just one shot back of co-medalists Sophia Fullbrook (Florida State) and Pimpisa Sisutham (UCF). Collecting the fourth Top 10 of the season, Brown finished a 54-hole tournament under par for the first time in her career with a career-low 213 (75-66-72) that featured a personal-best 66 (-6) in the second round. Brown’s third-place performance was also her best finish as a Boilermaker, as she led the field in par-4 scoring (-3) and ranked second in par-3 scoring (-1).

Luana Valero put together the best golf of her young collegiate career. Leading Purdue in the final round with a career-low 69 (-3), the freshman vaulted up the leaderboard and placed eighth at 1-under par. Valero’s three-round total of 215 (74-72-69) was a career low and the first time she finished under par as a Boilermaker. She ranked second in par-3 scoring (-1) alongside Brown and made a team-high 12 birdies throughout the tournament.

Ashley Kim (74-74-71—219) and Lauren Timpf (76-74-70—220) cracked the Top 20, finishing 13th and 17th, respectively.

In her return to the lineup, freshman Ida Lindqvist led the Boilermakers with an opening round 73 (+1) to contribute to the win, the first time she paced Purdue in a round this season.

BOILERS SWEEP B1G AWARDS

After Purdue won the Coach Mo Classic, the Boilermakers swept the Big Ten Conference’s weekly awards. Samantha Brown was named Big Ten Golfer of the Week, and Luana Valero was tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the league office announced (April 2).

Brown earned the weekly accolade for the first time in her career, while Valero picked up her third Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor this season.

A Purdue Boilermaker has become B1G Freshman of the Week following each of the team’s last three tournaments (two by Valero, one by Ida Lindqvist).

WINNING WITH BYRD AND GUIAO

Purdue Women’s Golf is in its fourth season under the leadership of head coach Zack Byrd and assistant coach Lauren Guiao. In four years, the dynamic duo has brought the winning tradition back to West Lafayette.

Purdue has won six tournaments under Byrd and Guiao, the most in a four-year span since winning 10 from 2011-14.

Following the title defense at the 2026 Coach Mo Classic, the Boilermakers have won at least one tournament in four straight seasons for the first time since a streak of nine consecutive years from 2006-14.

After starting off the 2024-25 season with a win at the Boilermaker Classic, a victory at the Coach Mo Classic gave the Boilermakers multiple tournament wins in consecutive seasons for the first time since a six-year stretch from the fall of 2005 to the spring of 2011.

Purdue has also claimed victories at the 2023 Boilermaker Classic, the 2023 Tulane Classic and the 2023 Mary Fossum Invitational with Byrd at the helm.

The Boilermakers have advanced to nationals in each of the past two seasons. With the men’s team making the NCAA Championships as well, Purdue is the only Big Ten school and one of only seven programs nationally to send both men’s and women’s teams to the national stage the past two years.

Purdue collected just five tournament wins over nine seasons prior to Byrd’s arrival, including only one in the final five years before he made the move to West Lafayette.

NCAA PLAY ON THE WAY

Sitting at No. 45 in the national rankings, the Boilermakers plan to see their name called on next week’s NCAA Selection Show (April 29).

NCAA Regional play will take place at six sites (May 11-13).

Ann Arbor, Michigan – University of Michigan Golf Course

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – UNC Finley Golf Course

Huntsville, Alabama – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove

Stanford, California – Stanford Golf Course

Tallahassee, Florida – Seminole Legacy Golf Club

Waco, Texas – Ridgewood Country Club

The top five teams and the low individual not on an advancing team from each regional site will advance to play in the NCAA Championships at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California (May 22-27).

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NOTRE DAME SOFTBALL

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – After a 9-1 win over Michigan State Wednesday, the University of Notre Dame softball team (20-27) is set to face off against Boston College to close out conference play, starting Friday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. ET at Melissa Cook Stadium as part of a six game homestand to conclude the 2026 regular season.

Notre Dame is 8-13 this season in ACC play, surpassing its conference win total from last year already (seven in 2025). The Irish secured a series victory last weekend at Syracuse and have won three ACC series this season (at Stanford, Cal, at Syracuse). Notre Dame currently sits in tenth in the ACC standings.

The Irish are 39-12 all-time against Boston College. Those 39 wins are tied for the third-most wins against a single team in program history. In the last 13 games against the Eagles, Notre Dame is 10-3. The Irish are 12-3 all-time against Boston College at Melissa Cook Stadium.

Admission is free to all Notre Dame regular season home softball games. Saturday will be Senior Day, as the Irish program will honor its four seniors before first pitch; Paige Cowley, Micaela Kastor, Ashley Marietta and Mickey Winchell. Sunday will be the annual “Bark at the Park” game, where fans can bring along their furry friends and sit in the left field bleachers.

Due to Notre Dame Football’s “Blue-Gold” game, this weekend series will not be streamed. Live stats can be followed along on StatBroadcast.

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BUTLER SOFTBALL

DATE:                              Friday-Sunday, April 24-26

LOCATION:                      Chicago, Ill. / Cacciatore Stadium

LIVE STATS:                   butlersports.com/statbroadcast

LIVE VIDEO:                   ESPN+

The Butler softball team heads to DePaul this weekend for a pivotal three-game BIG EAST series as conference action is winding down. The Bulldogs (20-17, 11-7 BIG EAST) currently sit in the fourth spot in the conference standings, and four teams will qualify for the BIG EAST Tournament in Chicago in early May. The Blue Demons (18-25, 6-12 BIG EAST) are currently tied for sixth with St. John’s and are still fighting to continue play in the postseason.

Bulldog Bits                                                           

           (as of 4/22/26)

As a team, Butler leads the BIG EAST and (ranks nationally) with 20 double plays (39th). The Bulldogs are second with 5.76 RBI/game (53rd) and third with a .304 batting avg. (96th), 6.11 runs/game (69th), and 1.38 stolen bases/game (64th).

Makena Alexander leads the BIG EAST and is (ranked nationally) in several categories:

.555 on base% (23rd), .905 Slug% (29th), .448 avg. (38th), and 1.38 RBI/game (15th). She is fourth in the conference with 12 home runs.

Hailey Conger ranks in the BIG EAST and is (ranked nationally) in several categories:

1st (21st) with 1.24 runs/game, 5th (75th) with .517 on base%, and 6th with a .405 avg.

Cate Lehner ranks in the BIG EAST and is (ranked nationally) in several categories:

1st (6th) with 45.7 at bats per strikeout, and 2nd (28th) with 22 stolen bases.

   Wednesday vs. Dayton

Kendall Graves drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth inning to tie the game at 6-6. Then, in the bottom of the seventh, with two on and two outs, she hit a walk-off double, giving the Bulldogs a 7-6 victory.

Series History

DePaul leads, 21-17

Butler swept last season’s series in Indianapolis. The Bulldogs have won the past four contests and eight of the last ten.

DePaul won one of three games in the 2024 series and also defeated Butler in the 2023 BIG EAST Tournament.

The Blue Demons’ most recent series win was in 2021 when they swept the Bulldogs.

SCOUTING DEPAUL (18-25, 6-12 BIG EAST)

BIG EAST series: 2-1 at Seton Hall | 1-2 vs. St. John’s | 0-3 at UConn | 0-3 at Providence | 2-1 vs. Georgetown | 1-2 vs. Villanova

Additional wins for DePaul include Northwestern, UIC, Illinois State, Yale, Detroit Mercy, Green Bay, Oakland, and Western Illinois.

Additional losses have come to Kansas, Boston College, Indiana State, UIC, and USF.

2026 DEPAUL stats compared to (Butler)

Avg. .286 (.302), Runs 181 (225), Hits 311 (304), RBI 173 (212), SB 63 (52), ERA 5.50 (5.44)

=================================

BUTLER BASEBALL

INDIANAPOLIS – Butler will travel to Omaha, Nebraska to take on the Creighton Bluejays in a three-game BIG EAST series. The games will be played at Charles Schwab Field, the home of the College World Series. Game one is slated for Friday, April 24, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

​

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

DATES: April 24, 25, 26

GAME TIME: Friday – 7PM ET, Saturday – 3PM ET, Sunday – 1PM ET

LOCATION: Omaha, Neb.

LIVE STATS: Butlersports.com​

WATCH: ESPN+

​

ABOUT THE BULLDOGS

Butler (15-25, 5-4 BIG EAST) is coming off an 11-6 defeat at Eastern Illinois on Tuesday afternoon.

Max Winders was solid against Georgetown, tossing eight innings allowing only four hits and no runs while fanning five Hoya batters. Winders picked up his third win of the season on the mound and currently boasts a 3.88 ERA which leads the team. For his efforts against the Hoyas, Winders earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll.

Matthew Rhoades ranks eighth nationally in home runs (18), 26th nationally in total bases (111) and is 46th nationally in slugging percentage (.703). The junior leads the team in RBIs (34) and runs (39).

Gavin Gilmore leads Butler at the dish, slashing .317/.517/.905 in 36 games this season. Gilmore is second on the team in hits (46) and leads the team in doubles (9).

Winders leads Butler on the mound with a 3-3 record and a 3.88 ERA. Winders has tossed 51 innings this season and has 47 strikeouts to only six walks.

Logan Crock was named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watchlist earlier this season. The award honors the nation’s top shortstop and will be presented by the College Baseball Foundation later this year. The top 100 shortstops in the country made the list, which featured Butler shortstop Crock. The sophomore has had a solid 2026, slashing .244/.353/.705 in 35 games for the Dawgs. Crock has 29 hits, five doubles, two homers and 22 RBIs to his credit.

In 2025, Butler saw Jack Moroknek get drafted in the 11th round by the Washington Nationals. Moroknek led the team in hits (81), batting average (.372), total bases (153), RBIs (57), home runs (18), runs scored (57), slugging percentage (.702) and OPS (1.145) while posting one of the best individual seasons in Butler history. Moroknek was the first Bulldog drafted since Ryan Pepiot was taken in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Head Coach Blake Beemer is in his fourth season at the helm of the Bulldogs. Beemer helped coach back-to-back BIG EAST Freshman of the Year winners Joey Urban (2023) and Kade Lewis (2024) in his first two seasons with the Bulldogs. Beemer played a pivotal role in developing Jack Moroknek who earned All-BIG EAST second team honors a season ago before being selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2025 MLB Draft.

SCOUTING CREIGHTON

Creighton (22-16, 7-2 BE) is coming off a 15-10 win over Omaha on Wednesday evening. Teddy Deters was spectacular for the Bluejays, recording four hits and three RBIs in the contest.

Ben North leads Creighton at the dish, batting .359 with 51 hits,11 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 35 RBIs. North is second on the team in walks with 23.

Jack Pineau leads the Bluejays on the bump with a 5-1 record and a 3.83 ERA. Pineau has tossed 54 innings across 10 starts and leads Creighton with 56 strikeouts to his credit.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs will return to action on Tuesday, April 28 as the Bulldogs host Bowling Green in a midweek contest. First pitch at Bulldog Park is scheduled for 3 p.m. A link to live stats and a live stream will be available on Butlersports.com.

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BUTLER WOMEN’S GOLF

Butler will head south for the 2026 BIG EAST Women’s Golf Championship presented by JEEP, joining their conference rivals at Callawassie Island in Okatie, S.C.

Play is scheduled to begin Saturday, April 25, at 8 a.m. ET. Saturday’s first-round threesomes will be determined by team seedings, while Sunday’s and Monday’s groupings are assembled from the previous day’s leaderboard.

Coach Christie Cates has a travel party that includes Treva Dodd, Kelli Scheck, Addi Kooi, Cybil Stillson, Sophie McGinnis, and Ashley Freitas. Five Bulldogs will compete each round with the potential to change the five-person line-up each round.

Dodd (along with graduated senior Katie Steinman) led the Bulldogs at the 2025 BIG EAST Championship held at Riverton Pointe course in Hardeeville, S.C, tying for 11th at 230 (+14). Butler finished fifth among the six-team field in 2025 (Providence joins the championship beginning with the 2026 event).

Dodd leads the Bulldogs with a 74.90 scoring average this season; Kooi (77.06) and Stillson (77.39) round out the top three scorers for Butler during the 2025-26 season. The Bulldogs have picked up three team victories so far this season.

The BIG EAST will crown a team champion, which gains an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Championship.  The individual medalist also receives an NCAA Championship invitation.

Seven BIG EAST schools participate in women’s golf: Butler, Creighton, Georgetown, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Xavier.

For the third straight year, GKLive.TV will provide online coverage of the Championship. The broadcast is entirely free. Live scoring is also available with a link posted to ButlerSports.com.

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IU INDY WOMEN’S GOLF

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The IU Indianapolis women’s golf team will head to Mission Inn Resort for this week’s Horizon League Championships, being played on El Campeon. The tournament is slated for 54 holes with a single round on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Head Coach Jamie Broce’s squad is sending three newcomers to Mission Inn as freshman Li (Sherry) Xia tops the lineup and is joined by fellow newcomers Olivia Aronhalt and Lexi Stuart. Senior Yanah Rolston and sophomore Cassidy Ayres will join the trio in the lineup while senior Reagan Sohn is on ready in a substitute role.

Xia has a team-best 77.44 scoring average in 27 rounds this season while Rolston ranks second on the squad at 79.11. Aronhalt is coming off her first career top-10 finish and was named Horizon League Women’s Golfer of the Week to cap the regular season. Rolston boasts 91 career rounds to her credit as easily the most veteran member of the squad and Sohn has played 74 career rounds.

As a team, the Jaguars enter the postseason with a 317.67 scoring average.

QUOTABLE

“This group of ladies is just a super fun group of ladies to coach. They’re incredibly coachable and just want to get better everyday. El Campeon tests you as a player and sometimes you have to take your medicine, take your bogey and move on. I’m excited to see our ladies take on the challenge and hopefully put up a good finish,” head coach Jamie Broce said.

THE COURSE

El Campeon at Mission Inn Resort was opened in 1917 and then redesigned in 1926, giving it the look and feel of a Scotland-based track. Located just north of Orlando near Lake Apopka, the course is known for steep hills and the need for shot-making skill.

THE FIELD

The seven-team field consists of Detroit Mercy, Green Bay, IU Indy, Northern Kentucky, Oakland, Purdue Fort Wayne, and Youngstown State. Youngstown State is the top ranked squad in the league at No. 168 nationally while the Jaguars are ranked No. 5 in the league and No. 249 nationally.

LINEUP

1. Li (Sherry) Xia (27 rounds / 77.44 season average / 2 top-10 finishes)

2. Yanah Rolston (27 rounds / 79.11 season average / 2 top-10 finishes)

3. Cassidy Ayres (13 rounds / 80.31 season average)

4. Lexi Stuart (27 rounds / 82.56 season average)

5. Olivia Aronhalt (27 rounds / 81.04 season average / 1 top-10 finish)

Sub. Reagan Sohn (14 rounds / 81.86 season average)

LAST TIME OUT

The Jaguars tied for second among the four-team field at the Lady Jaguar Invitational with a single round 323 at The Trophy Club in Lebanon, Ind. Aronhalt led the way at 5-over 77, tying for third among the 28-player field.

UP NEXT

Should the team or an individual advance, NCAA Women’s Golf Regionals will be played from May 11-13 at six different sites across the country.

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IU INDY MEN’S GOLF

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The IU Indianapolis men’s golf team will head south for this year’s Horizon League Championships, to be played at El Campeon at Mission Inn Resort on Apr. 25-27. The 54-hole tournament is scheduled for a single round on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with the winning team and top individual earning spots in NCAA Regional play. IU Indy junior Titus Boswell is the league’s returning individual champion, having shot 5-under 211 (69-72-70) at last year’s championship.

He later played the NCAA Urbana Regional to cap his sophomore season.

This season, Boswell has a team-best 71.30 stroke average and seven top-10 finishes in his 11 tournament entries. He’s played 20 of his 33 rounds at par or better. This week, Boswell will be joined in the lineup by junior Brady Schier (74.76 average), Keaton Parmley (74.20), Noah Kirsch (75.00) and Jack Scudder (76.33). Both Parmley and Schier each have a top-10 finish this year with Schier having six rounds of par or better.

As a team, the Jaguars head south with a 294.18 scoring average and have four rounds that the team score was par or better.

QUOTABLE

“I think the guys are ready to go down there are play well. They’re a confident bunch and really played some pretty good golf this spring. I hope we go down, play well and put ourselves to be in contention heading into the final round,” head coach Jamie Broce said.

THE COURSE

El Campeon at Mission Inn Resort was opened in 1917 and then redesigned in 1926, giving it the look and feel of a Scotland-based track. Located just north of Orlando near Lake Apopka, the course is known for steep hills and the need for shot-making skill.

THE FIELD

The 10-team field consists of Cleveland State, Detroit Mercy, Green Bay, IU Indy, Northern Kentucky, Oakland, Purdue Fort Wayne, Robert Morris, Wright State and Youngstown State. Wright State is the top seed, ranking No. 175 nationally. The Jaguars are ranked No. 5 in the league and No. 254 nationally.

LINEUP

1. Titus Boswell (33 rounds / 71.30 season average / 7 top-10 finishes)

2. Brady Schier (29 rounds / 74.76 season average / 1 top-10 finish)

3. Keaton Parmley (30 rounds / 74.20 season average / 1 top-10 finish)

4. Noah Kirsch (33 rounds / 75.00 season average)

5. Jack Scudder (33 rounds / 76.33 season average)

Sub. Preston Broce (26 rounds / 77.12 season average)

LAST TIME OUT

The Jaguars placed third at the Wright State Invitational with a 54-hole 864 (279-293-292), shooting 12-over as a team. Boswell finished tied for third at 4-under 209 (67-69-73) to lead the way.

UP NEXT

Should the team or an individual advance, NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals will be played from May 18-20 at six different sites across the country.

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BALL STATE SOFTBALL

» THIS WEEK IN BALL STATE SOFTBALL: The Ball State softball team closes the home portion of its 2026 season with a three-game series versus Kent State this weekend … With wet weather anticipated for Friday, the start time for the series opener has been pushed up to 2 p.m. … The teams are also scheduled to play a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday.

» THIS WEEKEND’S PROMOTIONS:

– PICNIC AT THE PARK – With limited concessions availability due to construction at the Ball State Softball Stadium, fans may feel free to bring either a soft-sided cooler, picnic baskets or reusable bags to hold any outside food, non-alcoholic beverages and sealed water bottles … Prohibited items inside the stadium include alcoholic beverages, glass containers, hard-sided coolers, grills, heating elements and cooking equipment.

– APRIL 25 / SENIOR DAY – The Ball State softball team will honor its six-member senior class following the conclusion of the doubleheader … In addition, there will be a ceremonial first pitch with members of each senior’s family in attendance … Seniors to be honored are Jessica Hoffman, Ashlee Lovett, Grace Spencer, Lindsey DeRoeck, Ella Whitney and Hayley Urban.

» THE OVERALL RECORD: Ball State enters the weekend series vs. Kent State with a 1227-1214-4 (.503) overall record dating back to the 1975 season … The Cardinals finished the 2025 campaign with a 33-18 record to reach the 30-win mark for the 17th time in program history and the 12th time in the past 18 seasons.

» A QUICK LOOK AT THE CARDINALS:

OFFENSE: The Ball State offense is paced by a trio of Cardinals batting above .340, led by senior first baseman Lindsey DeRoeck with a .352 average … DeRoeck is also fourth in the league and 37th nationally with 15 doubles … Senior designated player / pitcher Ella Whitney and junior shortstop Maia Pietrzak are tied for second on the squad with .341 averages … Whitney ranks third in the MAC in RBI (50) and fourth in the league in home runs (11), while Pietrzak leads the squad in runs scored (33) and stolen bases (11) … Overall, Ball State’s offense is ninth in the MAC with a .283 average.

PITCHING: On the pitching front, junior Brinkley Kita leads the squad with a 4.25 ERA over 57.2 innings of work … She also boasts a 5-7 record and a team-low .283 opponent’s batting average … Redshirt junior Bridie Murphy leads the squad with 79.0 innings of work, while boasting a 5-6 record and a 4.70 ERA … Ella Whitney is right behind at 58.1 innings, maintaining a 5-5 record and 5.04 ERA … Overall, Ball State’s pitching staff is eighth in the MAC with a 4.89 ERA.

DEFENSE: Ball State ranks third in the MAC and 66th nationally with a .970 fielding percentage … The Cardinals have committed just 35 errors on the season, while turning 15 double plays … Central Michigan (29) and Toledo (30) are the only league schools to commit fewer errors than Ball State this season … BSU has also limited opposing teams to 16 stolen bases this season which is tied for 21st nationally … Miami is the next lowest in the conference at 19.

» VERSUS KENT STATE: While Ball State swept last season’s three-game series in Kent, Ohio, the Golden Flashes hold a 55-42 lead in the all-time series … In the 2025 showdown, the Cardinals took both ends of an April 4 twinbill by scores of 14-1 (5) and 16-15 … Ball State followed with a 12-6 (8) victory the following day to complete the weekend sweep … In games played in Muncie, the Cardinals own a 24-22 edge despite KSU sweeping the 2024 three-game series at the Ball State Softball Stadium … Kent State won the March 22 series opener by a score of 5-0, while sweeping a March 23 doubleheader by tallies of 6-3 and 6-2.

BALL STATE NEWS & NOTES:

» NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: After her solid play on both offense and in the circle at the Cardinal Classic (March 6-8), Ella Whitney was named the D1Softball Mid-Major National Player of the Week … She helped guide the Cardinals to a 4-1 record at the event by driving in 12 RBIs and blasting three home runs, while earning a 2-0 record and 1.85 ERA in the circle … She also finished the tournament with a .471 batting average and four runs scored, while diving in what proved to be the game-winning run versus Bellarmine (March 6) with her second grand slam of the season … She registered a 1.235 slugging percentage and a 1.735 OPS, adding two doubles and one triple to her stat line for 21 total bases.

» MORE ON WHITNEY: Including her two seasons at FIU, Whitney owns 29 pitching wins, a 3.92 ERA and 139 strikeouts … She is also a .310 career batter with 147 hits, including 34 doubles, two triples and 26 home runs … Of her 26 career home runs, 21 have come with the Cardinals which tie for 14th in program history … Whitney’s 100th career hit was an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run in a 3-0 shutout over Central Michigan in the 2025 regular season finale … Her 100th career RBI came courtesy of her solo home run in the 15-1 (5) victory over Bellarmine (March 6) earlier this season.

» CLIMBING THE BALL STATE CHARTS: Junior Maia Pietrzak enters the weekend ranked 10th in program history with a .344 (120-for-349) career batting average … Her 100th career hit came in vs. Butler (March 24) when she executed a perfect bunt single to load the bases in the bottom of the third inning … Later in the inning, she would successfully steal home to help the Cardinals tie the score at 5-5 … Pietrzak also singled to open the fifth inning and scored on double one batter later.

» ANOTHER MILESTONE MARK FOR PIETRZAK: Maia Pietrzak became just the 16th player in program history to reach 100 career runs scored in the opening game of the March 28 doubleheader at Toledo when she led off the game with a single to right field and scored on a triple from Skylinn Pogue …  Pietrzak scored 14 runs her freshman season, while adding 60 her sophomore campaign which are the third-most in a single season in program history … She has already scored 33 runs this season which tie as the 13th-most in the league and raises her career total to 106.

» GRAND SLAMS: Sophomore second baseman Addison Zimpleman became the third different Ball State player to hit a grand slam this season in the 6-2 victory over Toledo (March 28) when she took a 2-2 pitch over the fence in right center in the second inning to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run … It was her first multiple base hit and first home run playing for the Cardinals, while she registered five doubles, a triple and seven home runs last season as a freshman at Purdue Fort Wayne.

» TAKING THE HIT: A pride point for the offense under the leadership of third-year associate head coach Matt Burns, Ball State batters have been hit by a pitch 44 times so far this season to rank third in the MAC and 16th nationally … Last season, the Cardinals lead the nation by being hit 91 times, which was a BSU single season record topping the previous mark of 55 set in 2015 … The next closest team was St. John’s, which was hit 69 times over 57 games, six more than the 51 games the Cardinals played … Under Burns’ offensive guidance Ball State batters have been hit by 187 pitches over the past two-plus seasons.

» WALK THIS WAY: The Cardinals have drawn 163 total walks so far this season, including tying the program’s single game record with 14 walks in the 9-5 victory over Southern Indiana (Feb. 13) … Ball State previously drew 14 walks in a 15-7 (6) victory over Kent State on April 4, 2018 … The team’s 163 walks currently rank fifth in the MAC and 71st nationally, led by 21 each from Ella Whitney and Skylinn Pogue … In fact, nine Ball State batters have drawn at least 10 walks this season.

» THE POGUE FACTOR: Another first-year player for the Cardinals, Skylinn Pogue enters the weekend ranked second on the squad with 32 runs scored, while boasting a .290 batting average … Pogue is also tied for the team lead with four triples which ties for fifth in the MAC and 51st in the country … A two-year starter at Iowa (2023-24), they are the first four triples of Pogue’s collegiate career … She has also collected her first four collegiate doubles this season, while picking up her second and third collegiate home runs.

» A NOBLE CAUSE: Redshirt sophomore Allee Noble has worked her way into the lineup, starting 18 of the last 22 games at catcher … During the span, she boasts a .280 average, including 14 hits, two doubles, five RBIs and five runs scored … Mainly a pinch runner as a redshirt freshman in 2025, scoring seven runs, she has recorded her first 17 career hits this season and boasts a .293 average over 24 games, with 21 starts at catcher.

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BALL STATE BASEBALL

The Ball State baseball team welcomes UMass to Muncie for three games starting Friday at 1 p.m., for what will be the first contests between the two teams in series history.

The start time for Saturday is set for 1 p.m., while Sunday’s first pitch is scheduled for Noon. Links to the WMUN radio broadcast, video stream on the WMUN Facebook page and live stats can be found above and on the schedule page.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday for a pregame recognition of the 2006 Mid-American Conference Tournament championship team.

The Cardinals (20-21, 13-8 MAC) beat IU South Bend 25-7 in seven innings on Wednesday and took the opener at Kent State last weekend 11-3 before dropping the final two games on Saturday and Sunday.

The Minutemen (12-21, 8-13 MAC) are winners of six straight conference games but dropped midweek matchups to Central Connecticut State (6-4) on Tuesday and Stonehill (12-5) on Wednesday. UMass swept Bowling Green at home last weekend and Eastern Michigan on the road the week prior.

Brandon Shileikis and Max Weir are in their first season as co-head coaches of the Minutemen, who were picked to finish last in the MAC preseason poll.

UMass is tenth in the league in both ERA (7.58) and runs per game (5.6). Junior right-handed pitcher Callen Powers is fourth in the MAC in ERA (3.28) and strikeouts (57) this year. Sophomore righty Adam Merritt has the best hits allowed per nine innings ratio (4.91) in the league and fourth-best in the country along with the fourth-best WHIP (1.09) in the MAC.

The next scheduled game for the Cardinals after Sunday is set for Friday, May 1 at Toledo.

MINUTEMEN IN MUNCIE: Friday’s game against the Minutemen will be the first in series history between Ball State and UMass.

The program from Amherst, Mass., joined the Mid-American Conference in advance of the 2025-26 school year and has played Ball State in other sports including men’s and women’s basketball, field hockey, soccer and women’s tennis.

GO GO GARZA: Sophomore Brendan Garza struck out five in 8.0 innings of three-run ball (two earned) to earn the win in Ball State’s 11-3 victory in last Friday’s series opener at Kent State.

The right-handed pitcher worked around traffic, stranding nine runners on base,  and shut down the Golden Flashes’ offense in the third through eighth innings to lead the Cardinals against the league’s top team. Garza is fifth in the Mid-American Conference in innings pitched (57.1) largely thanks to complete games against Hawaii (Feb. 28) and Ohio (March 27) in addition to Friday’s performance at Kent State.

QUICK CARDINALS: Seniors Gavin Balius and Brett Griffiths are near the top of the national leaderboards in stolen bases and triples, respectively.

Balius has swiped 31 bags to pace the MAC and rank fourth in NCAA Division I, while Griffith’s five triples are the sixth-most nationally. Justin Love (44 steals in 1997) and Zach Cole (nine triples in 2022) hold Ball State program records in those categories.

CHAMBERS CHARGING: Senior John Chambers has been a workhorse as of late for the Ball State pitching staff, going 6.1 innings on Saturday at Kent State after posting season-bests in innings pitched (7.2) and strikeouts (eight) while allowing only four hits and two runs in Ball State’s 3-2 win against Akron in his previous start on April 11.

The right-handed pitcher has notched 50 strikeouts in 48.1 frames with a 4-4 record, 4.66 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 11 apperances (four starts) this year.

KELLER COMING ON STRONG: Junior Charlie Keller has hit three home runs, including a go-ahead three-run blast in Friday’s win at Kent State, and a double with seven RBI in his last five games played.

COMEBACK CARDINALS: Ball State’s 3-2 win over Akron on April 11 was its fourth this season when trailing entering the ninth inning.

The Cardinals came back from a 2-1 deficit to walk-off the Zips courtesy of a run-scoring single from Griffiths. The senior also had a two-run game-winning double on March 8 against Central Michigan to help Ball State come back from a 10-5 deficit entering the final frame. The two wins at Western Michigan (March 21 and 22) also featured comebacks from down 6-3 and 4-3 going into the ninth, respectively.

HITS AND TAKING THE EXTRA BASE: Ball State enters the week leading the MAC in hits (412) and triples (12) and ranking second in home runs (52).

The 12 triples are 23rd-most in NCAA Division I, while the 412 hits are No. 39 in the division.

SEVENTH INNING STRETCH: The Ball State offense has been at its best in the seventh innings of games, scoring 50 runs total in that frame so far this season.

The Cardinals have allowed 31 runs in the seventh this year for a +19 run margin. Ball State has also bumped up its fourth inning run production to 50 as well after crossing home plate three times in that frame on Wednesday against IU South Bend.

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BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL

This Week in Ball State Men’s Volleyball: The Ball State men’s volleyball team looks to close the 2026 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Tournament Saturday evening as it hosts No. 2 Loyola Chicago inside Worthen Arena for the championship final. First serve on April 25 is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. The Cardinals play in and host the MIVA Tournament Final for the first time since 2023. 

The victor of Saturday’s matchup cliches one of seven automatic bids to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Ball State last made an appearance in 2022, earning a No. 2 seed, its highest in program history, before falling to Hawaii in the semifinal. In total, the Cardinals has made the NCAA Tournament 16 times in program history. BSU’s 2022 appearance was its first since 2002.

Last Serve: Ball State advanced to the MIVA Tournament Final after overcoming McKendree in straight sets (25-23, 25-28, 25-21), which was powered by a dominant .481 hitting performance and a 46-34 kills advantage. Senior Patrick Rogers led all players with 16 kills, while sophomore Ryan Louis struck down 11. Rogers also led the defensive effort at the net with three total blocks while Louis led the match in digs with eight. Junior setter Lucas Machado guided the unit to its effecient hitting night, dishing 37 assists.

MIVA Tournament History: In the MIVA, Ball State holds the second most championship titles with 39 total, earning 24 regular season championships and 15 tournament championships. The program’s last tournament title came in 2022 after it swept in-state rival Purdue Fort Wayne.

Ball State and Loyola Chicago have only met in the MIVA title match during the 2002 campaign, with the Cardinals claiming victory in three sets. Ball State has gone to the title match on 27 occasions since its inaugural season in 1964, going 15-12.

Match History – Loyola Chicago: These two teams split their regular season series in 2026, as both teams achieved straight set wins at their home venues. The Cardinals clinched this year’s MIVA Regular Season Championship with an avenge win over the Ramblers on April 11.

In the all-time series, which dates back to 1996, Loyola leads 42-27. Since February of 2022, the Ramblers hold a narrow advantage in the last 10 matchups, seeing a 6-4 mark. Inside Worthen Arena, Ball State leads 12-11 in the series’ history.

Scouting Loyola Chicago: The Ramblers made it to this year’s championship match after capturing wins over Purdue Fort Wayne (April 18) and Lewis (April 22).

In the MIVA, Loyola ranks second in points per set (16.72), hitting (.329), assists per set (12.04) and kills per set (12.80). The squad also sits third in blocks per set (2.28) and fifth in aces (1.63).

The Ramblers placed five players on this year’s All-MIVA squads, with Josh Schellinger, Daniel Fabikovic and Aidan Klein earning first team honors while Ryan McElligott and Oskar Berg Mikkelsen were named to the second team.

Rogers 2026 MIVA Player of the Year: As the leading attacker for the No. 1 seeded Cardinals, Patrick Rogers was recognized as the 2026 MIVA Player of the Year, announced by the league Thursday afternoon. The New Jersey native lead the conference during the regular season in kills (3.90) and points (4.56) per set, while also sitting fourth in hitting percentage (.404) and ninth in aces per set (0.37). Throughout the 2026 campaign, Rogers was named the conference’s offensive player of the week on three occasions (Jan. 27, March 30, April 14).

Iandolo 2026 MIVA Coach of the Year: With a conference regular season championship in his first year as head coach, Mike Iandolo was named the 2026 MIVA Coach of the Year. At the helm of the program, Iandolo marched the Cardinals to a 22-4 regular season record and a No. 7 national ranking, which included 10 ranked wins and a MIVA-topping 13-3 conference mark. Ball State reached a stretch of 13 consecutive home victories in 2026, the 10th-most in the program’s history. As a unit, Ball State lead the league during the regular season in hitting percentage (.376), as well as assists (12.27) and kills per set (13.44). As the fifth head coach of Ball State, Iandolo became the fourth in the program’s history to win a regular season championship in his first year in the position.

All-MIVA: The Cardinals placed four members onto All-MIVA teams this season, with Patrick Rogers and Lucas Machado being named first team while Ryan Louis and Braydon Savitski-Lynde were named second team.

Rogers earned his third-career first-team honor, leading the conference during the regular season in kills (3.90) and points (4.56) per set, while ranking fourth in hitting percentage (.404) and ninth in aces per set (0.37).

Machado directed Ball State’s offense to a program-record .376 hitting percentage in the regular season, totaling a career-best 843 assists in 2026 to move into eighth all-time at Ball State (2,366), while averaging 9.94 assists per set and earning both MIVA Defensive Player of the Week (Feb. 3) and AVCA Player of the Week (Feb. 17) recognition.

Louis sees his first All-MIVA award, being named to the second team after contributing greatly to the Cardinals’ offensive and defensive fronts. In the regular season, the Arizona native ranked fifth in the league in kills (3.33) and points (4.13) per set, seventh in hitting percentage (.323) and blocks (0.84), and 11th in aces per set (0.36). His 72.0 total blocks led Ball State this season. The sophomore had 15 matches with double-digit kills, including a career-high 25 versus Missouri S&T (Jan. 9).

Savitski-Lynde was a standout defensive presence in 2026, being named to his first All-MIVA team with a second team honor. The junior is fifth in the conference in blocks per set (0.86), totaling 67.0. He had five matches this season with five or more blocks, including a season-best six versus Maryland Eastern Shore (Jan. 30).

Rogers AVCA POTY Semifinalist: Senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers was named as one of eight members to the semifinalist list for the first ever American Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year award. The inaugural watch list was compiled by the AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Awards committee. The final four will be named prior to the start of the 2026 National Collegiate Championship. The 2026 AVCA Player of the Year is to be revealed at the NCAA social event in Los Angeles before the semifinals on May 8.

Machado Climbs the Record Book: Junior setter Lucas Machado has tallied 903 assists so far in 2026, raising his career total to 2,426 and placing him eighth in the program’s record book for career assists. He needs 180 to move up to No. 7, which is occupied by Quinn Isaacson (2018-2022) who had 2,606. As the primary general of the floor, Machado has guided Ball State to a .384 hitting percentage, and if maintained, it would serve as the best team clip in program history. The current all-time percentage is .373, averaged in 1997.

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INDIANA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State men’s basketball head coach Matthew Graves announced the signing of Maguire Mitchell.

Mitchell, a 6-5 freshman guard from Zionsville, Ind., played his first season of collegiate basketball at IU Indy. He was their second-leading scorer with 11.8 points per game in 32 games with 31 starts.

“We are excited to add one of best freshman shooters in the country in Maguire,” said head coach Matthew Graves. “It is also great to add an in-state player who fits how we play and can help impact winning. Maguire will add shot making that will help space the floor while also having the athletic ability to attack the rim and finish. He has played in incredible high school and AAU programs and always finds a way to impact winning in a big way. We look forward to welcoming Maguire and his family to Terre Haute.”

His 11.8 points per game came from a 41.6% field goal mark and 34.9% clip from three (83-238). He averaged 2.3 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game. He totaled 378 points, 73 rebounds, 37 assists, 42 steals, and 17 blocks. His numbered ranked him sixth in the Horizon League in three-point percentage and threes per game (2.6).

“The coaching staff really showed how much they believe in me and how bad they want me to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Maguire. “I can’t wait to represent my home state.”

After his senior season of high school, he was named to the 2025 IBCA/Franciscan Health Boys’ Senior All-State Large Schools team and was the Hoosier Crossroads Conference Player of the Year, also earning First Team honors.

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EVANSVILLE TRACK

LOUISVILLE – The University of Evansville track & field team completed day one of competition at the Clark/Woods Invitational on Thursday, with five Aces seeing action.

Women

Gwen Darrah (Cleveland, Ohio/Orange) placed 17th in the hammer throw, recording a mark of 43.41 meters.

Men

In the men’s hammer throw, Beau Baldwin (Mount Vernon, Ind./Mt. Vernon) placed 19th with a personal best mark of 44.49 meters. Tyler Cherne (Boardman, Ohio/Boardman) took 24th at 41.26 meters.

Two Aces competed in the men’s 10000 meters. Tanner Spence (Carmi, Ill./Carmi) placed fifth with a time of 33:03.06. Nathan Whitehead (Vincennes, Ind./South Knox) took seventh with a time of 33:10.92.

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EVANSVILLE BASEBALL

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team travels to Terre Haute this weekend for a crucial MVC series, taking on the Indiana State Sycamores. First pitch for Friday’s series opener is set for 5:30 p.m. Central.

Series History

– Friday marks the 194th meeting between Evansville and Indiana State

– Indiana State leads the series with a record of 119-74, including a 59-56 edge since Evansville joined the MVC in 1995

– Evansville holds a 25-24 edge in Terre Haute since 1995

– The Purple Aces took two of three games in Evansville last season, with both wins coming in walk-off fashion

Stretch Run

– Evansville enters the weekend in a four-way tie atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings with Murray State, UIC and Indiana State

– The Aces have won each of their first four MVC series, taking two of three games from Illinois State, Bradley, Southern Illinois and Belmont

– Evansville will take on each of the three teams they are tied with atop the standings in the last four weeks of regular season play, traveling to Indiana State and hosting UIC and Murray State

Strength on Strength

– This weekend will feature one of the top offenses in MVC play against one of the top pitching staffs in MVC play

– Indiana State leads the Valley in hitting against conference opponents, entering the weekend with a .349 mark

– On the flip side, Evansville has been excellent on the mound in Valley play, holding a 4.96 team ERA in 12 conference games

– Friday and Saturday starters Max Hansmann and Tanner Graham have been especially stout against Valley competition, with Hansmann boasting a 1.88 ERA and Graham holding a 2.14 ERA

Haire on Fire

– After being named MVC Player of the Week on Monday, Reid Haire stayed hot on Wednesday at Southern Indiana with a 2-for-4 effort

– Haire has collected two or more hits in each of the last five games while driving in eight runs

– In 12 Valley games, Haire has hit .327 with a .910 OPS

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VALPO MEN’S GOLF

A program that has enjoyed top-5 finishes at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in each of the last five seasons will look to continue its tradition of postseason success as the Valparaiso University men’s golf team sets its sights on the season’s most important tournament, beginning on Sunday at Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo, Ill.

“All five of the guys who are going to be starting for us have played all season, with each of them participating in nine or 10 events,” head coach Dave Gring said. “They come in with a lot of tournament experience and they’re ready to roll. It was a growing season for us after we graduated four seniors last year. We’ve had a lot of growth personally, in the classroom and certainly on the golf course. We gained a lot of experience throughout the season, now we need to play our best golf in the postseason.”

Redshirt junior Ryan Somerville (Aurora, Ontario / Aurora) enters the MVC Championship with the team’s top scoring average at 74.15. He carries momentum with him into the championship after posting a career-best 70 in the final round of the Iowa’s Hawkeye Invitational on Tuesday.

“Ryan has really been working on his putting, and he’s got that going really well entering the MVC Championship,” Gring said. “He’s had gradual improvement all spring, and now it is really blossoming. He’s a good ball-striker and knocks it close to the hole, so when he’s making those putts, it’s very exciting to see.”

Junior Adam Melliere (Zionsville, Ind. / Zionsville), who ranks second on the team in scoring average this season, has experienced past success at the MVC Championship, as he tied for fourth and earned All-MVC honors as a freshman in 2024.

“Adam brings great experience having played in the conference championship as a freshman and sophomore,” Gring said. “He’s very steady for us and very talented. He comes in with a lot of confidence because he knows what it takes in this championship. He’s also a great ball-striker – he’s the top player on our team in terms of hitting fairways and greens.”

This will mark Valpo’s first time playing the course at Annbriar.

“It’s not a long course, it’s definitely shorter than what we typically play,” Gring said. “There is a lot of sloping in the fairways and a lot of movement, so hitting fairways on the tee is going to be important. It’s a traditional country club with a lot of greens sloping from back to front. There are smaller greens compared to the last tournament we played in Iowa. It’s a course that is not heavily bunkered. The other thing I found interesting is that on 15 of the holes, we tee higher hitting down. There’s only one hole that we tee below hitting up, and a couple are flat. The par 5s are gettable and the par 3s are reasonable, so accuracy off the tee and proximity to the hole will be paramount for us.”

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VALPO BASEBALL

Valparaiso (9-27, 2-10 MVC)

vs. Belmont (14-27, 5-7 MVC)

Emory G. Bauer Field (500) | Valparaiso, Ind.

Friday, April 24, 3 p.m. CT – RHP Adam Guazzo

Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m. CT – RHP Connor Lockwood

Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m. CT – RHP Nick Baffa

Next Up in Valpo Baseball: The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue a four-game homestand by welcoming Belmont for the penultimate home weekend of the season as the Beacons and Bruins engage in a three-game series that is scheduled to begin on Friday. With still a dozen league games remaining on the docket, there is plenty of baseball to be played as the Beacons hope to prove they are far better than their record would indicate with half of their league losses coming by two runs or fewer including four by a single tally.

Last Time Out: The Beacons received commendable pitching performances on both Friday and Sunday at UIC, but the bullpen allowed the lead to slip away in both instances as UIC rallied to win 4-3 in the series opener and 5-4 in 12 innings in the finale. Adam Guazzo had his best start in a Valpo uniform with 6 1/3 shutout innings of five-hit ball while walking none and striking out six in Friday’s series opener. Likewise, Nick Baffa exited in position for the win on Sunday as he worked seven innings of one-run ball while striking out six and walking one. Dalton Swinehart took a tough-luck loss out of the bullpen after allowing no earned runs (one total run) on three hits, two walks and six strikeouts in 4 1/3 impressive innings of relief during the extra-inning affair. Valpo followed with a 13-8 midweek loss to Western Michigan on Tuesday at home despite Eli Riley and Javin Gauthier combining for all eight RBIs thanks in large part to a Riley grand slam and Gauthier three-run homer. The game was called due to weather after five and a half innings.

Following the Beacons: The first two games in the series will not be streamed, but Sunday’s game will air on ESPN+ with Brian Jennings on the call. Links to live video and stats will be available on ValpoAthletics.com. For in-game updates, follow @ValpoBaseball on X.

Head Coach Brian Schmack: Brian Schmack (221-398) is in his 13th season in charge of the program and his 20th overall at Valpo including seven seasons as an assistant coach. He ranks third in program history in seasons coached and games coached as he coached his 500th game on March 17, 2024 at Campbell. On April 19, 2024 vs. Missouri State, he became the third head coach in program history to secure his 200th win. Schmack, a member of the 2003 Detroit Tigers, served as pitching coach/associate head coach at Valpo for seven seasons prior to his promotion.

Series Notes: Valpo is 2-12 all-time against Belmont including a 2-8 record since the Bruins joined the Missouri Valley Conference prior to the 2023 season. Last season, Valpo was shut out in the entire three-game series in Nashville, dropping the opener 10-0 in eight innings before a pair of 1-0 pitchers’ duels went the way of the hosts. Belmont’s Zane Brown threw a no-hitter in the Saturday game. 

#BeaconBits

Connor Lockwood leads the Missouri Valley Conference and ranks fourth nationally in walks allowed per nine innings at 1.01. He leads the MVC and ranks 23rd nationally in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 5.86.

Eli Riley has reached base safely in 21 consecutive games. He owns Valpo’s longest on-base streak since Ryan Maka reached in 22 straight in 2024.

Riley is hitting .324 over the squad’s last 10 games. His .419 OBP during that stretch leads the Beacons. George Betevis, who has played eight of the 10 games, leads the team with a .346 average over the last 10 Beacon contests. 

The Beacons experienced both ends of playing our great sport that does not use a clock (other than the pitch clock of course) in consecutive days. On April 18 at UIC, the game required only 1 hour, 55 minutes to complete, the team’s fastest game of the season, outdoing a game on Feb. 14 at Gardner-Webb that lasted just 1:58. It was Valpo’s fastest game since a 1-0 loss at Belmont on April 27, 2025. The very next day, the Beacons played a season-long 3:58 (12 innings) against the Flames. That was Valpo’s longest game since 4:12 on April 30, 2024 at Western Michigan (15 innings).

It’s not a far leap to think that Valpo’s record could be quite a bit better with a bounce here and a bounce there. The team is 1-9 this season and 2-18 over the last two seasons in one-run games.

Valpo has scored two runs or fewer in 12 games this season, going 0-12 in those contests. The pitching staff has allowed between three and five runs on eight occasions, and Valpo is just 1-7 in those contests. There have been four games this year where the opponent has scored exactly three runs, and Valpo has lost all four of those games.

All nine Valpo wins this season have come in games where Valpo has scored first. The Beacons are 0-16 in games where the opponent strikes first.

In the Other Dugout – Belmont 

Currently in seventh place and one game behind sixth in a league where the top six teams make the conference tournament.

Currently three games ahead of the Beacons in the league standings, so a Valpo sweep this weekend could draw the Beacons even with the Bruins.

Dropped two of three vs. Evansville last weekend (L 11-2, W 11-7, L 6-1) and got swept by Illinois State early in the season, but have series victories over Murray State and UIC.

Led offensively by Charlie Davis (.357, 4 HR, 30 RBIs) and Brady Holbrook (.339, 4 HR, 21 RBIs).

Under the direction of 29th-year head coach Dave Jarvis, who is in his 44th year of coaching. 

========================================

UINDY MEN’S LAX

INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis men’s lacrosse team was once again well represented on the All-GLVC awards list, highlighted by an All-GLVC First Team Honoree in Alec Score.

The eight Hounds found themselves on All-GLVC First and Second teams, while Amadeo Miller earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention nod.

Score earns his second All-GLVC First Team Honor after a stellar regular season, which featured three USILA Team of the Week appearances. Brayden Arnett, Nick Luitwieler, Mike Rettberg and Amadeo Miller made their All-GLVC debuts.

Per GLVC bylaws, the postseason All-GLVC teams are voted on by the league’s six head coaches and they are not allowed to vote for their own players.

A complete list of the 2026 All-GLVC teams and postseason honorees can be found below.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Wyatt Robertson, Jr., A, Maryville

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: John Chorlton, Sr., LS-M, Maryville

SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR: Carson Bradshaw, Sr., Rockhurst

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR: Brock Ollila, Sr., Rockhurst

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Mitchell Halsted, D, Rockhurst

CO-COACH OF THE YEAR: Joe Peruzzi, Lewis & Kevin Kelley, Rockhurst

FIRST TEAM

Alec Score, So., D, UINDY

Tyler Davis, Jr., D, LEWIS

Carter Korzenski, Sr., MF, LEWIS

Paul Ruskoski, Sr., Att., LEWIS

Kohl Wesner, Jr., MF, LEWIS

Carter Bies, Sr., SS-MF, MU

John Chorlton, Sr., LS-MF, MU #

Zach Johnson, Jr., D, MU

Wyatt Robertson, Jr., Att., MU

Carson Bradshaw, Sr., Spec., RU #

Nolan Hartl, So., MF, RU

Jonah McConnell, Jr., Att., RU

Avery Moody, Sr., SS-MF, RU #

Brock Ollila, Sr., GK, RU #

# Unanimous Selection

               SECOND TEAM

Brayden Arnett, R-Jr., D, UINDY

Tyler Bernarduci, Jr., SS-MF, UINDY

Mitchell Carik, So., LS-MF, UINDY

Tanner Hahm, R-So., Att., UINDY

Nick Luitwieler, Sr., MF, UINDY

AJ Preachuk, R-Sr., GK, UINDY

Mike Rettberg, Jr., MF, UINDY

Malikye Good, Jr., Att., LEWIS

Michael Trbovich, Sr., SS-MF, LEWIS

Tyler Jerstad, Sr., D, MU

Ben Mickett, Jr., MF, MU

Shea Raeburn, Sr., Spec., MU

Mitchell Halsted, Fr., D, RU

Linus Toward, Fr., Att. RU

               HONORABLE MENTION

Amadeo Miller, So., Att., UINDY

Caden Donahue, Sr., GK, LEWIS

Zach Ottolino, Sr., D, LEWIS

Camden Rappis, So., Att., LEWIS

Braylon Ray, Fr., D, LEWIS

Logan Suchy, Sr., LS-MF, LEWIS

Connor Kvaal, Sr., SS-MF, MU

Flint Thielen, Jr., MF, MU

Jonah Pappas, Jr., D, QU

Adam Husaby, Jr., MF, RU

Leo Piscitiello, Jr., SS-MF, RU

Lars Yarkosky, Sr., MF, RU

Nathaniel Leroux, Jr., Att., WJC

Josh Hart, So., D, WJC

GLVC JAMES R. SPALDING SPORTSMANSHIP HONOREES

Lachlan Korn, UINDY

Joe Janda, LEWIS

Griffin Johnson, MU

Zach Anderson, QU

Avery Moody, RU

Carson Wright, WJC

GLVC JAMES R. SPALDING SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM AWARD

William Jewell

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MARIAN BASEBALL

INDIANAPOLIS – A Thursday for the ages at MU Ballpark saw the highest of highs, and late heartbreak for the Marian baseball team, as Marian opened their doubleheader with a lopsided 17-8 win over No. 1 Taylor, before falling in game two 6-5 in a 12-inning marathon. Marian’s game one win gives the team its first-ever win over the top team in the country. The Knights end the day with a record of 35-12 overall and 27-6 in the Crossroads League.

Game One | No. 24 Marian 17-8 No. 1 Taylor

Pitching won the first inning as Evan Cooke and Brody Fine exchanged scoreless innings, but the same could not be said in the second, as both the Knights and Trojans got hot at the dish. Cooke was able to get two outs as he worked around a base-loaded situation, but could not get the final out, as a Fletcher Roemmich triple to center field sparked a rally, scoring three of six runs. A pair of RBI singles would push in three more Taylor runs, giving the Trojans a 6-0 lead.

Marian battled back in the home half, rallying with a lead-off walk from Zach Bale and a double from Tate Bender. After Cole McManus drew a walk, the spark clicked for the Knights, as Bale scored on a wild pitch to score the first run. Nathan Pinarski flared an RBI groundout to add another to Marian’s total, and Brayden Coffey kept the rally alive with an RBI single. Three batters later, after a hit batter and a walk, Taylor changed pitchers to Gage Gongwer, and the change ignited the Knights, as Hector Corona belted a grand slam to left-center, pushing Marian on top 7-6.

The rally put Marian in the lead for good, as Evan Cooke battled through two scoreless innings in the third and fourth, protecting the one-run lead. The Knights gave the pitching staff run support in the bottom of the fourth inning as Zach Bale legged out an inside-the-park home run, plating three runs to extend the lead to four on a 10-6 count. The lead would be more than enough for Marian, but it continued to grow, as Nathan Pinarski scored on an error in the fifth to make the game an 11-6 count.

Kaeb Stebbins took over on the hill in the fifth inning and stranded two runners in his first frame of relief, and in the sixth, he survived a solo home run, keeping Marian on top by four. The Knights battled back for two runs in the bottom of the sixth as Ty Jarvis drew an RBI walk, and Elijah Kelly ripped an RBI sacrifice fly, extending the lead to six. Taylor would add to their count in the top of the eighth after a scoreless seventh inning passed, but it would not be enough to overcome Marian’s command of the game. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Zach Bale launched a first-pitch solo shot to left-center, and three batters later, Ty Jarvis left the yard with a two-run home run, pushing Marian on top by eight. River Pecina put the final dagger in the Trojans, roping a sacrifice fly to give Marian a 17-8 lead.

In the ninth inning, Aiden Kerr faced four batters, locking down the win after stranding a single, closing out the Knights’ first-ever win against the top-ranked team in the NAIA.

Marian’s 17-8 victory was highlighted by Zach Bale’s 3-4 performance at the plate, as he homered twice and drove in four runs. Hector Corona had a four-RBI game thanks to his grand slam, and Ty Jarvis finished the afternoon 2-4 with three RBI and a walk.

On the mound, Kaeb Stebbins scored the win in relief, moving to 5-0 on the season after pitching 4.0 innings out of the bullpen. Stebbins allowed three hits and two runs in his outing, striking out four. Evan Cooke received a no-decision, allowing five hits and six runs in his start. Cooke managed to retire seven batters on strikes in the game.

Game Two | No. 24 Marian 5-6 No. 1 Taylor | 12 Innings

The nightcap against Taylor started as an early slugfest, and then ended in a pitchers’ duel, as the Trojans opened the game with three runs against Chris Adams in the top of the first inning. A wild double play ended the first inning to get Adams out of trouble, and in the bottom of the first inning, a pair of walks set up the offense, as Zach Bale recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to put Marian on the board. Tate Bender and Aiden Kerr followed with RBI singles, tying the game 3-3 after one complete frame.

Adams loaded a pair of strikeouts in the second inning and fired a scoreless third inning, moving the game at a quick pace into the home half of the third. River Pecina opened the third inning with a monstrous home run to center field, leading off the inning with his 17th home run to give the Knights a 4-3 lead. Pecina’s home run tied Marian’s single-season record and knocked starter Wes Hunt out of the game. The Knights loaded the bases after the home run but came up without a run, leading 4-3 after three complete.

The game remained 4-3 after a scoreless frame from Adams in the top of the fourth, while in the bottom of the fourth, a pair of base hits were spoiled as Jake Boyer forced a double play to work out of the inning. Taylor rallied in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game 4-4 on a sacrifice fly, but Marian came roaring back in the bottom half, getting a lead-off home run from Zach Bale to reclaim the lead. The contest would fall back to a stalemate in the top of the sixth inning, as Jordan Malott homered off Adams on the first pitch of the inning, leveling the score 5-5.

Adams finished his outing with two strikeouts and a groundout, and turned the game over to Jack Peine. Peine worked out of a jam in the top of the seventh inning, but the Knights were unable to ride the emotion with a game-winning hit, as Tate Bender was stranded in the seventh to force extra innings.

Peine and Nathan Frady would duel until the 12th inning, with neither pitcher giving in. Marian’s reliever stranded two in the eighth as he got a pair of strikeouts, while scattering a single in the ninth. Marian had a chance to win in the bottom of the eighth and tenth innings as they got runners in scoring position in each frame, but Taylor’s closer was too strong in the moment, retiring the side each time.

Jack Peine continued to roll as the game prolonged, marching through a scoreless 11th inning, moving into the 12th after Marian came up scoreless. In the top of the 12th, Peine hit the lead off batter and saw the runner move to third on a sacrifice bunt and wild pitch, ultimately allowing a single to Nate Simpson that pushed in the go-ahead run. Marian responded early in the bottom of the 12th as they looked to extend the game with Hector Corona ripping a single, but after moving into second base, a pop-up off of Aiden Kerr’s bat would end the game, seeing Marian fall in extra innings 6-5.

The game extended to five extra frames, the longest contest of the season for the Knights. River Pecina and Aiden Kerr each finished 3-6 in the loss, with Pecina homering and doubling. Tate Bender went 2-5 on the game, and four other Knights each had one base hit. On the mound, Chris Adams took a no-decision in his final home start as a Knight, pitching 6.0 innings with five hits and five runs allowed. Adams retired six batters on strikes. Jack Peine (1-2) took the loss, pitching a career-high 6.0 innings, all in relief. Peine yielded one run and four hits, striking out a career-high seven against five walks.

Marian will play for the No. 2 seed in the Crossroads League standings on Saturday afternoon, needing a win or a loss from Huntington to secure the position. Marian and Taylor end the regular season at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, with the team’s senior day doubleheader to be held 30 minutes following game one.

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TAYLOR BASEBALL

INDIANAPOLIS – In his return to the starting lineup, Nate Simpson delivered the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the 12th inning and reliever Nathan Frady tossed a career-high seven shutout innings to lift No. 1 Taylor past No. 24 Marian by a 6-5 margin in Game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader. The dramatic finish was worth the wait as the extra-inning victory sealed TU’s fourth straight Crossroads League Regular Season Championship, with the Trojans dogpiling late into the night at MU Ballpark.

The Trojans persevered through a rough start in Indianapolis after falling 17-8 in the opening contest, which snapped the win streak at 24 – finishing tied for the longest in program history with the 2011 squad.

TU improved to 43-4 (31-3 CL) on the season and will have a chance to break its record for most league wins (32) set last year with a pair of victories on Saturday.

In the nightcap victory, TU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning with back-to-back RBI knocks from Brayden Manning and Jordan Malott.

Manning roped a double in the first inning of both contests, moving into sole possession of second place on TU’s all-time career charts for both hits (284) and runs-batted-in (229). The senior also climbed to fourth on the program’s leaderboard for most career doubles (58).

Then much like it had all afternoon, Marian responded immediately with three runs to even the score at 3-3 off starter Wes Hunt, before grabbing its first lead on River Pecina’s CL-leading 17th home run – a solo shot in the third inning.

Fletcher Roemmich’s sacrifice fly leveled the score at 4-4 in the fifth, but another solo homer by MU’s Zach Bale in the next half inning put the Knights back in front. 

Leading off the top of the sixth, Malott flexed his power and launched the first pitch over the wall in center field for his team-leading and new personal single-season best 14th home run.

With the game tied at 5-5 entering the final inning (seventh), both teams received stellar pitching efforts out of the bullpen. MU’s Chris Adams went six innings and struck out seven, while overcoming five walks and four hits allowed. Frady logged seven innings of four-hit ball with seven punchouts and no walks. The right-hander stranded the potential tying run after a leadoff single in the 12th and picked up his career-best fourth win on the mound.

TU left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh and stranded a pair of runners in scoring position in the eighth.

Overall, the Trojans posted nine hits and stranded 12 runners in each contest of the twinbill.

Manning (2 for 4, RBI, 2 BB) and Malott (2 for 6, 3 RBI) produced multi-hit efforts in the second game while Simpson ( 1 for 3, RBI, 3 BB), Roemmich, Luke Sutter, Sam Gladd and Quinn Kunkel each logged a base knock.

In the Game 1 setback, Brennan Frickel (2 for 3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI), Ben Kennedy (2 for 5, 2 2B) and Manning (2 for 5, 2B, RBI) led the Trojans at the dish. Malott and Roemmich were each responsible for multiple runs produced.

TU raced out to a quick 6-0 lead on a two-out rally and batting around the lineup in the second inning. Roemmich cleared the bases on a three-run triple, followed by RBI singles from Manning and Malott.

However, MU loaded the bases with no outs in the next frame and took advantage with seven runs to claim the 7-6 lead on just three hits, including a grand slam by Hector Corona. The Knights extended the lead with three runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to move ahead 11-6. The Knights hit four homers in the first game, including a pair by Zach Bale.

TU’s lone homer came off the bat of Brennan Frickel, with a solo blast that briefly trimmed the deficit to four, but the Knights plated two more to lead 13-7 after six complete. Frickel doubled in his next at-bat to plate the final run for the Trojans in the eighth.

Both teams finished with nine hits in the opening matchup and the squads combined for 23 walks allowed, including a season-high 10 walks surrendered by the TU pitching staff.

The Trojans and Knights will close out the regular season on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. start time for Game 1 at MU Ballpark. TU has now clinched the top seed for next week’s CL Tournament in Spring Arbor, Michigan, while MU will aim to secure the No. 2 seed.

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ROSE HULMAN WOMEN’S TENNIS

HANOVER, Ind. — The Rose-Hulman women’s tennis team picked up a road win over the Hanover Panthers on Thursday with a final score of 4-3. The win advances the team to 9-8 overall and 4-1 in the HCAC.

With the road victory over Hanover, Rose-Hulman has secured their spot as the two seed in the HCAC Tournament. The team will receive a first-round bye, automatically advancing to the semifinal round.

The Fightin’ Engineers fell behind after dropping the doubles point to the Panthers. The team of Emerson Donaldson and Nova Gladden earned the lone double victory at the No. 3 spot with a score of 6-3.

Rose-Hulman bounced back to win four of the six singles matches to defeat the Panthers. Donaldson earned the win at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-4. Paige Mills claimed the victory at the No. 2 spot, 6-1, 6-2. Camille Clark defeated her opponent at No. 3 singles with a score of 6-0, 6-3.

Gladden earned the match-deciding point at No. 6 singles, defeating her opponent with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).

The Fightin’ Engineers women’s tennis team will return home to host Manchester for Senior Day on Sunday, April 26, at 12:30 for their final match of the regular season. 

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ROSE HULMAN MEN’S TENNIS

HANOVER, Ind. — The Rose-Hulman Fightin’ Engineers have clinched the HCAC Regular Season Title after defeating the Hanover Panthers on Thursday night with a final score of 7-0. The win advances the team to 12-7 overall and 6-0 in the conference.

This is the 10th HCAC Regular Season Title in program history for the Fightin’ Engineers and their third consecutive season being named the regular season champions of the league, previously earning the title in 2024 and 2025. The win earns the team the top speed and a first-round bye in the HCAC Tournament.

Rose started the match against the Panthers by winning the doubles point. The No. 1 team of Tim Eckermann and Chris Lian picked up a victory with a final score of 6-3. Eli McIntyre and Ervin Perkowski followed that with a win at No. 2 doubles with a score of 6-2.

Rose-Hulman continued to dominate, winning all of the singles competitions. Eckermann represented the team in the No. 1 spot with a win, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3). Ephraim Guthrie earned a hard-fought win at No. 2 singles 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 6-2. Perkowski rounded out the top three singles performances, claiming the win at No. 3 singles with a score of 6-2, 6-1.

Rose-Hulman men’s tennis will return home to host the Manchester Spartans for their Senior Day on Sunday, April 26, at 12:30 PM. 

==================================

WABASH BASEBALL

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. – Jimmy Hawksworth went 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and four RBI, and Bryce Haney tossed five shutout innings as Wabash cruised to a 15-0 nonconference victory over Hanover on Wednesday at Birdzell Field at Goodrich Ballpark. The game was called after 6½ innings due to the 10-run rule.

Wabash (10-22) pounded out nine hits and drew 14 walks while committing no errors. Hanover (14-18) managed just two hits and committed one error as the Panthers cycled through seven pitchers.

Haney (2-1) earned the win, scattering two hits over five innings with three walks and one strikeout. Reliever Ethan Kimmerle finished the final two innings, allowing no hits and no walks while striking out one. Together, the two faced just 25 batters in the combined two-hit shutout.

Hanover starter Wyatt Rowe (0-1) took the loss, giving up three hits and five runs – all earned – in 2.2 innings. He walked three and struck out three.

The Little Giants were held scoreless in the first inning but broke through for three runs in the second. Parker Smith walked and Bradley Gilliam was hit by a pitch. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch before Hawksworth doubled to right center to drive home two runs. After Hawksworth advanced to third on a balk, Aiden Ramsey lofted a sacrifice fly to deep center field to make it 3-0.

Wabash tacked on two more in the third. Ben Henke walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Gilliam singled to shallow right field to score Henke from second base. Gilliam stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Miles Cvelbar then singled to left field to plate Gilliam, pushing the lead to 5-0.

The floodgates opened in the fourth inning as Wabash erupted for six runs. Kade Buecher walked, and after a pitching change, Henke also walked to put two on. Smith singled to center field to score Buecher from second base, with Henke advancing to third. Gilliam then tripled down the right field line, driving in Henke and Smith. Cvelbar singled to center field to score Gilliam, and Hawksworth followed with a towering two-run home run to deep left field to bring in Cvelbar and make it 11-0.

In the fifth, Andrew Sun was hit by a pitch, and after the bases were loaded with hit batsmen, Smith delivered a sacrifice fly to score Sun, giving Wabash a 12-0 advantage.

The Little Giants put the game away with three runs in the sixth. Hawksworth doubled to left center, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a balk. Landen Basey then doubled down the left field line to score Ramsey, and Henke added a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in Sun, capping the scoring at 15-0.

Hawksworth finished with a game-high eight total bases. Gilliam went 2-for-2 with three runs scored, three RBI and a triple, while also stealing four bases. Smith went 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored, and Cvelbar went 1-for-5 with two RBI. Wabash was 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Hanover was held to singles by Ben Morwick and Nicholas Gutzwiller and went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Wabash travels to North Central College on Saturday for games against the host Cardinals and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

==================================

INDIANA COLLEGE SPORTS WEB SITES

UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/

MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/

INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/

EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/

WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/

FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/

ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/

ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index

TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index

BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/

DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/

HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/

MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/

HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/

OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx

ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index

IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/

IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/

IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/

PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/

INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx

GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/

GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/

HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php

TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/

VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index

=========================================================

“SPORTS EXTRA”

TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1901 – Chicago defeated Cleveland 8-2 in the first American League game. The game lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes in front of a reported crowd of 14,000 at the Chicago Cricket Club.

1917 – George Mogridge of the New York Yankees pitched a no-hitter over the Red Sox in Boston, winning 2-1.

1945 – At a meeting of owners in Cleveland, Albert Happy Chandler is voted commissioner to succeed the late Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis.

1946 – Eleven former players ó Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, Frank Chance, Jesse Burkett, Tom McCarthy, Rube Waddell, Eddie Plank, Ed Walsh, Jack Chesbro, Clark Griffith, and Joe McGinnity ó are named to the Hall of Fame.

1956 – A.L. umpire Frank Umont is the first to wear glasses in a regular season game when he officiates a contest between Detroit and Kansas City. The former NFL tackle (New York Giants) still presents an intimidating appearance to most players and fans.

1957 – Cubs pitchers walk nine Reds in the fifth inning, an N.L. mark, as Cincinnati wins 9-5. Moe Drabowsky starts with four walks, Jackie Collum adds three, and Jim Brosnan passes two.

1958 – Lee Walls hit three homers and drove in eight runs as the Chicago Cubs shelled the Los Angeles Dodgers 15-2 at the Coliseum.

1962 – Sandy Koufax ties the modern major league record he shares with Bob Feller by fanning 18 Cubs in nine innings. The Dodgers win 10-2.

1966 – The Braves’ 5-2 win at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in the first game of a doubleheader is an N.L.-record 18th straight home win against the Mets. Home for the first 17 of those wins was Milwaukee.

1978 – In nine innings the Angels’ Nolan Ryan strikes out 15 Mariners ó the 20th time he has had 15 K’s in a game, but leaves without a decision. Seattle prevails 6-5 in the 12th.

1996 – Greg Myers and Paul Molitor each had five RBIs as the Minnesota Twins set a team record for runs and routed the Detroit Tigers 24-11. It was the most runs against the Tigers in 84 years, matching the mark set in a 24-2 loss to the Philadelphia Athletics on May 18, 1912, when Detroit’s regular players went on strike, forcing the team to use players from semipro teams and St. Joseph’s College.

=========================================================

TV SPORTS TODAY

(All times Eastern)

Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts

Friday, April 24

AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (MEN’S)

5:35 a.m.

FS2 — AFL: Melbourne at Richmond

10:20 p.m.

FS2 — AFL: Gold Coast at Hawthorn

4:25 a.m. (Saturday)

Loudoun Co. supervisors approve park plans, despite neighbors’ concernsLoudoun Co. supervisors approve park plans, despite neighbors’ concerns

exp-customer-logo

FS1 — AFL: Geelong at Port Adelaide

6 a.m. (Saturday)

FS2 — AFL: Carlton at Fremantle

AUTO RACING

7 p.m.

FS1 — NHRA: Qualifying, zMax Dragway, Concord, N.C.

BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE

11 a.m.

NBATV — Club Africain Tunisia vs. ASC Ville de Dakar

2 p.m.

NBATV — FUS de Rabat Morocco vs. JCA Kings Cote d’Ivoire

COLLEGE BASEBALL

8 p.m.

ESPNU — UTSA at Tulane

SECN — Arkansas at Missouri

COLLEGE BEACH VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)

11 a.m.

BTN — MPSF Tournament: TBD, Semifinals, Huntington Beach, Calif.

1 p.m.

BTN — MPSF Tournament: TBD, Championship, Huntington Beach, Calif.

COLLEGE LACROSSE (MEN’S)

2:30 p.m.

ACCN — Drexel at Virginia

7 p.m.

CBSSN — Loyola (Md.) at Navy

COLLEGE LACROSSE (WOMEN’S)

3 p.m.

BTN — Big Ten Tournament: Michigan vs. Northwestern, Semifinal, Ann Arbor, Mich.

5 p.m.

ACCN — Atlantic Coast Tournament: Syracuse vs. North Carolina, Semifinal, Charlotte, N.C.

6 p.m.

BTN — Big Ten Tournament: Johns Hopkins vs. Maryland, Semifinal, Ann Arbor, Mich.

8 p.m.

ACCN — Atlantic Coast Tournament: Clemson vs. Stanford, Semifinal, Charlotte, N.C.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

6 p.m.

SECN — Texas at Kentucky

7 p.m.

ESPN2 — Texas A&M at South Carolina

9 p.m.

ESPN2 — Texas Tech at Arizona St.

10 p.m.

BTN — UCLA at Washington

GOLF

11 a.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The Chevron Championship, Second Round, Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston

3 p.m.

GOLF — PGA Tour: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Second Round, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La.

6 p.m.

GOLF — LPGA Tour: The Chevron Championship, Second Round, Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston

9 p.m.

GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Classic, First Round, TPC Sugarloaf, Duluth, Ga. (Taped)

12:30 a.m. (Saturday)

GOLF — DP World Tour: Volvo China Open, Third Round, Enhance Anting GC, Shanghai

HORSE RACING

1 p.m.

FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races

IIHF HOCKEY (MEN’S)

10 a.m.

NHLN — U-18 World Championship Group Stage: U.S. vs. Denmark, Group B, Bratislava, Slovakia

MLB BASEBALL

7:15 p.m.

APPLE TV — Philadelphia at Atlanta

8 p.m.

MLBN — N.Y. Yankees at Houston (8:10 p.m.) OR Seattle at St. Louis (8:15 p.m.)

10:10 p.m.

APPLE TV — Chicago Cubs at L.A. Dodgers

NBA BASKETBALL

7 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Eastern Conference First Round: Boston at Philadelphia, Game 3

8 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Western Conference First Round: L.A. Lakers at Houston, Game 3

10:30 p.m.

PRIME VIDEO — Western Conference First Round: San Antonio at Portland, Game 3

NFL FOOTBALL

7 p.m.

ABC — 2026 NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3, Pittsburgh

ESPN — 2026 NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3, Pittsburgh

NFLN — 2026 NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3, Pittsburgh

NHL HOCKEY

7 p.m.

TNT — Eastern Conference First Round: Tampa Bay at Montreal, Game 3

TRUTV — Eastern Conference First Round: Tampa Bay at Montreal, Game 3

9:30 p.m.

TBS — Western Conference First Round: Vegas at Utah, Game 3

10 p.m.

TNT — Western Conference First Round: Edmonton at Anaheim, Game 3

TRUTV — Western Conference First Round: Edmonton at Anaheim, Game 3

SOCCER (MEN’S)

3 p.m.

USA — English Premier League: Nottingham Forest at Sunderland

7 p.m.

FS2 — Canadian Premier League: HFX Wanderers FC at FC Supra du Québec

TENNIS

5 a.m.

TENNIS CHANNEL — Madrid-ATP/WTA – Live; ATP/WTA 2nd Round

6 a.m.

TENNIS CHANNEL — Madrid-ATP/WTA – Live; ATP/WTA 2nd Round

5 a.m. (Saturday)

TENNIS CHANNEL — Madrid-ATP/WTA – Live; ATP 2nd Round; WTA 3rd Round

6 a.m. (Saturday)

TENNIS CHANNEL — Madrid-ATP/WTA – Live; ATP 2nd Round; WTA 3rd Round

UFL FOOTBALL

8 p.m.

FOX — DC at Birmingham

=====

Sunday, April 26

AUTO RACING

3 p.m.

FOX — NASCAR Cup Series: Jack Link’s 500, Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala.

COLLEGE BASEBALL

1 p.m.

ESPN2 — Texas at Vanderbilt

2 p.m.

ACCN — Clemson at Louisville

3 p.m.

SECN — Kentucky at South Carolina

4 p.m.

ESPNU — Murray St. at S. Illinois

COLLEGE GOLF (MEN’S)

7:30 a.m.

SECN — Southeastern Tournament: Championship, St. Simons Island, Ga.

COLLEGE GOLF (WOMEN’S)

3:30 p.m.

BTN — Big Ten Tournament: Championship, Glendale, Calif.

COLLEGE LACROSSE (WOMEN’S)

Noon

ACCN — Atlantic Coast Tournament: TBD, Championship, Charlotte, N.C.

BTN — Big Ten Tournament: TBD, Championship, Ann Arbor, Mich.

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

1 p.m.

SECN — Mississippi at Auburn

4 p.m.

ESPN2 — Alabama at Tennessee

5 p.m.

ACCN — Clemson at Duke

7 p.m.

ACCN — North Carolina at Virginia Tech

GOLF

1 p.m.

GOLF — PGA Tour: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Final Round, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La.

NBC — LPGA Tour: The Chevron Championship, Final Round, Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston

3 p.m.

CBS — PGA Tour: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Final Round, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La.

GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Classic, Final Round, TPC Sugarloaf, Duluth, Ga. (Taped)

MLB BASEBALL

1:30 p.m.

MLBN — Boston at Baltimore

4:30 p.m.

MLBN — Chicago Cubs at L.A. Dodgers (joined in progress)

7 p.m.

NBCSN — L.A. Angels at Kansas City (7:20 p.m.)

PEACOCK — L.A. Angels at Kansas City (7:20 p.m.)

NBA BASKETBALL

1 p.m.

ESPN — NBA Playoffs: TBD

3:30 p.m.

ESPN — NBA Playoffs: TBD

NHL HOCKEY

7 p.m.

ESPN — First Round Playoff: TBD, Game 4

9:30 p.m.

ESPN — First Round Playoff: TBD, Game 4

SOCCER (WOMEN’S)

6 p.m.

ESPN2 — NWSL: Portland at Angel City

UFL FOOTBALL

Noon

ABC — Columbus at Houston

3 p.m.

ABC — Louisville at Dallas

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