“THE SCOREBOARD” MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES TWINS 3, GUARDIANS 1 BRAVES 6, PADRES 5 DIAMONDBACKS 10, CARDINALS 6 TIGERS 4, ROYALS 3 BLUE JAYS 3, RAYS 1 ###################### BASEBALL NEWS https://www.mlb.com ###################### NFL NEWS https://www.nfl.com ###################### NBA NEWS https://www.nba.com ###################### NHL NEWS https://www.nhl.com ###################### MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES LEHIGH VALLEY 3 INDIANAPOLIS 1 SOUTH BEND 4 WISCONSIN 1 LAKE COUNTY 14 FT. WAYNE 3 ####################### WNBA SCORES NO GAMES SCHEDULED ####################### INDIANA HS FOOTBALL SCHEDULES https://scoreboard.homestead.com/football/teams.htm#load ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/cross-country ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/girls/cross-country ####################### INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/tennis ###################### NFL PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME – AUG. 6 CAROLINA VS. ARIZONA – 8PM, NBC/PEACOCK WEEK 1 THURSDAY – AUG. 13 DETROIT AT CINCINNATI – 7PM GREEN BAY AT PITTSBURGH – 7PM INDIANAPOLIS AT NEW ENGLAND – 7:30PM LA CHARGERS AT HOUSTON – 8PM ARIZONA AT LAS VEGAS – 8PM TENNESSEE AT SAN FRANCISCO – 9PM FRIDAY – AUG. 14 DENVER AT ATLANTA – 7PM TAMPA BAY AT NY JETS – 7PM MIAMI AT WASHINGTON – 7PM SATURDAY – AUG. 15 CAROLINA AT BUFFALO – 1PM CLEVELAND AT CHICAGO – 1PM MINNESOTA AT NY GIANTS – 1PM LA RAMS AT KANSAS CITY – 4PM JACKSONVILLE AT NEW ORLEANS – 4PM PHILADELPHIA AT BALTIMORE – 7PM DALLAS AT SEATTLE – 8PM WEEK 2 THURSDAY – AUG. 20 LAS VEGAS AT HOUSTON – 8PM, ESPN SAN FRANCISCO AT LA CHARGERS – 10PM FRIDAY – AUG. 21 NY JETS AT PITTSBURGH – 7PM CAROLINA AT JACKSONVILLE – 7:30PM GREEN BAY AT DENVER – 9PM SATURDAY – AUG. 22 WASHINGTON AT DETROIT – 12PM BUFFALO AT CLEVELAND – 1PM ATLANTA AT INDIANAPOLIS – 1PM BALTIMORE AT MINNESOTA – 1PM NEW ORLEANS AT LA RAMS – 4PM NY GIANTS AT MIAMI – 4PM CHICAGO AT CINCINNATI – 7PM PHILADELPHIA AT NEW ENGLAND – 7PM KANSAS CITY AT TAMPA BAY – 7:30PM DALLAS AT ARIZONA – 10PM SUNDAY – AUG. 23 SEATTLE AT TENNESSEE – 8PM, FOX WEEK 3 THURSDAY – AUG. 27 PITTSBURGH AT BUFFALO – 7PM NEW ENGLAND AT CLEVELAND – 8PM, PRIME VIDEO SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS – 8PM LA RAMS AT LA CHARGERS – 10PM FRIDAY – AUG. 28 WASHINGTON AT BALTIMORE – 6PM HOUSTON AT CAROLINA – 7PM ATLANTA AT MIAMI – 7PM TAMPA BAY AT JACKSONVILLE – 7:30PM NY GIANTS AT NY JETS – 7:30PM NEW ORLEANS AT DALLAS – 8PM ARIZONA AT GREEN BAY – 8PM SEATTLE AT KANSAS CITY – 8PM CINCINNATI AT PHILADELPHIA – 8PM, CBS MINNESOTA AT DENVER – 9PM SATURDAY – AUG. 29 DETROIT AT INDIANAPOLIS – 1PM CHICAGO AT TENNESSEE – 6PM ###################################### 2026 NFL TEAM SCHEDULES https://www.nfl.com/schedules/2026/by-team ##################################### 2026 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE WEEK DATE OPPONENT TV / TIME (ET) WEEK 1 THU, AUG 13 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS LOCAL (7:30 PM) WEEK 2 SAT, AUG 22 VS. ATLANTA FALCONS LOCAL (1:00 PM) WEEK 3 SAT, AUG 29 VS. DETROIT LIONS LOCAL (1:00 PM) ##### 2026 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET) TV / STREAMING 1 SUN, SEPT 13 VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00 PM CBS 2 SUN, SEPT 20 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 8:20 PM NBC 3 SUN, SEPT 27 VS. HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00 PM CBS 4 SUN, OCT 4 @ WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 9:30 AM NFL NET 5 SUN, OCT 11 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00 PM CBS 6 SUN, OCT 18 VS. TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM FOX 7 SUN, OCT 25 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1:00 PM CBS 8 SUN, NOV 1 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1:00 PM CBS 9 SUN, NOV 8 VS. DALLAS COWBOYS 1:00 PM FOX 10 SUN, NOV 15 VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS 1:00 PM CBS 11 THU, NOV 19 @ HOUSTON TEXANS 8:15 PM PRIME VIDEO 12 SUN, NOV 29 VS. NEW YORK GIANTS 1:00 PM FOX 13 BYE WEEK 14 SUN, DEC 13 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1:00 PM FOX 15 SUN, DEC 20 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM CBS 16 TBD – FLEX VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS TBD TBD 17 SUN, JAN 3 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00 PM FOX 18 TBD – FLEX GAME VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TBD TBD ####################################### TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES/SPORTS RELEASES NFL NEWS RAIDERS SIGN NO. 1 OVERALL PICK QB FERNANDO MENDOZA The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, on Thursday. The Heisman Trophy winner’s four-year rookie deal is worth a fully guaranteed $57.27 million and includes a fifth-year option. Mendoza, 22, guided Indiana to its first national championship and a 16-0 season in 2025. He completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his lone season with the Hoosiers. The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the likely Week 1 starter for this season, with Mendoza as the long-term face of the franchise. Mendoza and the Raiders reportedly had been at odds over his signing bonus. The team did not disclose those details on Thursday. Rookies were due to report to training camp for Las Vegas on Wednesday. Mendoza played his first two collegiate campaigns at Cal from 2023-24, throwing for a combined 4,712 yards with 30 TDs and 16 interceptions in 20 games for the Golden Bears. ##### GIANTS WR MALIK NABERS (KNEE) NOT ON PUP LIST New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers’ progress in his recovery from a 2025 season-ending knee injury was measured Thursday in his absence from the team’s physically unable to perform list. The Giants did not include Nabers in announcing that tight end Thomas Fidone II (foot) and defensive linemen Roy Robertson-Harris (Achilles) and Sam Roberts (not disclosed) were placed on the PUP list before the start of training camp next week in West Virginia. Robertson-Harris sustained a torn Achilles in the spring. After a Pro Bowl campaign as a 2024 rookie, Nabers sustained a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in Week 4 last fall that ended his season. New York new head coach John Harbaugh has said in recent weeks that the team is optimistic about Nabers’ recovery to full strength. Nabers, who turns 23 on July 28, was limited to 18 receptions for 271 yards and two TDs last season after a stellar debut campaign in 2024. He had 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven scores. The Giants selected Nabers with the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU. Players can be placed on the active/PUP list only before the start of training camp. The Giants’ rookies and quarterbacks reported on Thursday, with veterans expected to report on Tuesday when the team travels to West Virginia. Players on the active/PUP list count against the 90-man roster limit and can attend team meetings and use team facilities in the preseason. They can come off the list at any time in camp and practice immediately. Otherwise, they cannot participate in any portion of practice while on the list. A player on the reserve/PUP list doesn’t count against the active roster but must sit out at least the first four games. ##### **WHO HAS THE MOST TO PROVE THIS NFL SEASON?** As the 2026 NFL season approaches, training camps are commencing across the league. Although preseason games may appear to be inconsequential, they serve as an essential opportunity for certain teams to refine their strategies and address important questions prior to the commencement of regular-season play. This article examines six NFL teams that possess significant objectives to accomplish during the exhibition season before the regular season begins: **NEW YORK GIANTS** Since the resignation of Tom Coughlin after the 2015 season, the New York Giants have engaged in a revolving door of leadership, cycling through four head coaches and two interim coaches in their pursuit of stability and a winning culture reminiscent of their past successes under Coughlin, which included multiple Lombardi Trophies. This ongoing search for direction likely influenced their decision to hire John Harbaugh, who amassed nearly two decades of experience with the Baltimore Ravens, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. Nevertheless, the success Harbaugh achieved in Baltimore will not automatically transfer to the Giants. He must substantiate his ability to replicate that success in a new organizational setting, characterized by a markedly different roster. The team features promising young talent; however, there are pre-existing durability concerns regarding players such as quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Furthermore, the team recently traded away its most effective defender, Dexter Lawrence, while acquiring a second top-10 draft pick this year. While an immediate turnaround is not anticipated, Harbaugh is charged with establishing a fundamentally sound team that demonstrates the early characteristics of a robust foundation upon which future successes can be constructed. **MINNESOTA VIKINGS** The Minnesota Vikings made a significant strategic decision when they traded up to select J.J. McCarthy as their franchise quarterback for the future. This decision was further emphasized by their choice to part ways with Sam Darnold, who had successfully led the team to a 14-win season. Last year, Darnold achieved notable success by winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, while the Vikings were unable to qualify for the playoffs. McCarthy’s performance during his debut season was less than satisfactory, as he averaged 163 passing yards per game, recorded 11 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and maintained a completion rate of 57 percent. Consequently, the offense encountered significant challenges under his leadership. There remains an opportunity for McCarthy to establish himself as the face of the franchise moving forward. However, he must first compete against the more experienced veteran Kyler Murray, who was acquired during the offseason. Defensively, Brian Flores will need to address the void left by the departure of future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith from the safety position. Moreover, Kevin O’Connell must fulfill his reputation as a “quarterback whisperer,” capable of extracting the highest level of performance from his quarterbacks. This team possesses the potential for postseason success; however, their prospects will be heavily influenced by the quarterback situation, making preseason performance a critical factor in determining who will assume the starting role during the regular season. **ATLANTA FALCONS** The Atlanta Falcons possess a roster abundant with talented offensive playmakers; however, their capabilities have not been fully realized. The appointment of Kevin Stefanski as head coach presents an opportunity to optimize the utilization of players such as Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts through strategic scheming and astute play-calling. Nevertheless, the success of this initiative will depend significantly on the quarterbacks’ ability to execute Stefanski’s system, given that consistency has not been a hallmark for either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa. Penix, selected as a top-10 pick two years prior, is in the process of returning from a season-ending knee injury and possesses a history of similar injuries during his collegiate career. In contrast, Tagovailoa has experienced a tumultuous period with the Miami Dolphins and is motivated to demonstrate his capability as a successful starting quarterback; however, he confronts his own challenges regarding durability. It will be imperative for Stefanski and the team to identify one of these quarterbacks as a definitive starter, capable of executing the offensive strategy effectively and distributing the ball to the team’s playmakers. The NFC South appears to be highly competitive this year, and the Falcons possess sufficient talent to contend for the division title, provided they can elevate their offensive performance to align with their potential. **BUFFALO BILLS** The Buffalo Bills have experienced notable success during the regular season under the leadership of Sean McDermott; however, the team has consistently faced challenges in achieving significant postseason accomplishments. In a controversial decision this offseason, the organization opted to relieve McDermott of his head-coaching duties, promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to fill the role. Maintaining continuity in the offense for quarterback Josh Allen is essential, yet Brady must now demonstrate that he possesses the capabilities beyond effective offensive play-calling to advance the team further than McDermott did. Managing the complexities of being an effective play-caller becomes significantly more challenging when one is also responsible for the broader implications associated with the head coach position. Brady will need to prove that he can successfully fulfill both roles to optimize the performance of Allen and the entire team. The scrutiny will begin immediately, and any early setbacks may provoke second thoughts regarding the decision to dismiss a coach who established a formidable defense and led the team to numerous victories in recent years. **JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS** The Liam Coen era began successfully in Duval with a 13-win season and an AFC South title. However, the standard has now been set, and Jaguars fans expect this year’s team to build on that success and advance further into the postseason after last year’s first-round exit. Coen’s offense will need to adapt following the departure of Travis Etienne Jr., who was a key dual-threat weapon out of the backfield. Additionally, finding the best way to utilize Travis Hunter will be crucial for the team’s success on both offense and defense. Trading up for Hunter last year meant the Jaguars did not have a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Although the team’s management promoted his arrival as if they were getting two players in one, he can only play one position at a time. While some regression is expected after an unexpectedly successful 2025 campaign, expectations remain high. Coen will need to demonstrate that he and Trevor Lawrence can maintain an upward trajectory that goes beyond simply winning regular-season games. **PHILADELPHIA EAGLES** Two years ago, the atmosphere in Philadelphia was vibrant as Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts celebrated their triumph in the Super Bowl by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. However, last season concluded with an 11-6 record, resulting in a first-round playoff elimination. The offensive inconsistency that has characterized the team throughout Sirianni’s tenure as head coach resurfaced, raising concerns about the team’s performance. Given these circumstances, it may be inferred that Sirianni is exploring innovative strategies, potentially including the use of technology such as ChatGPT, to motivate and unify his team. Sirianni’s coaching period has been characterized by a mixed record, featuring two Super Bowl appearances contrasted by early postseason exits. While there have been notable successes, there have also been extended durations marked by ineffective offensive play and a failure to fully leverage the talents available on the roster. This season, it is imperative that Sirianni demonstrates he has effectively organized the team, initiating this process with an offense that is both competent and cohesive. ##### 2026 NFL WIN TOTALS Although every NFL team heads into training camp with a sense of optimism after a busy offseason, only so many can be on an upward trajectory. Meanwhile, a slew of clubs are bound to fall short of expectations. Let’s take a swing at picking out where all 32 teams might land using preseason win totals available on theScore Bet. ARIZONA WIN TOTAL 4.5 Arizona likely has more talent than most realize, and the offense could be set up for long-term success under Mike LaFleur. If they can eventually find a franchise quarterback, the Cardinals should become everyone’s favorite upstart team. Still, it’s going to be tough sledding until then. Entering camp with a competition between Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and third-round rookie Carson Beck isn’t ideal, especially with the NFL’s toughest schedule on deck. Pick: Under (-165) ATLANTA WIN TOTAL 7.5 The Falcons won eight games last year, and this is the NFC South we’re talking about – anything could happen. However, at a time when the rest of the division is seemingly making the right moves to take a step forward, I feel pretty strongly that Atlanta is the weakest of the bunch. While that could flip when Kevin Stefanski gets his quarterback, eight wins might prove difficult for a team with either Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. under center. Pick: Under (-145) BALTIMORE WIN TOTAL 11.5 The Ravens have let me down before, but there’s a reason they stand alone atop the AFC in preseason win totals. With Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the way, Baltimore should once again have one of the league’s best offenses. Jesse Minter’s arrival as head coach, along with a splashy move to boost the pass rush by signing Trey Hendrickson, could make the team’s defense every bit as good. If that happens, we’ll be talking about the Ravens alongside the Rams as the top Super Bowl contenders. Pick: Over (+120) BUFFALO WIN TOTAL 10.5 I didn’t love the decision to promote Joe Brady as Sean McDermott’s successor – if it was time for a new voice, why not look outside the organization? But that doesn’t mean I’m out on the Bills. Now that Brady is the one calling the shots, who’s to say he won’t open up the playbook to maximize Josh Allen? Adding DJ Moore to upgrade the receiving corps should also help. And new defensive coordinator Jim Leonard’s pressure-heavy system could be the key to overcoming any lingering personnel issues on defense. Pick: Over (-125) CAROLINA WIN TOTAL 7.5 The Panthers still have a long way to go before they’re threatening the NFC’s true contenders, but this organization is slowly trending in the right direction. The offensive line received some important reinforcements this offseason, while rookie Chris Brazzell III brings a much-needed field-stretcher on the outside. On defense, Ejiro Evero’s unit could take a step forward after adding Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips to the front seven. At the very least, repeating last year’s eight-win output seems reasonable. Pick: Over (+115) CHICAGO WIN TOTAL 9.5 I’m smashing the over here. Even if the Bears fail to live up to the hype following a strong first season under Ben Johnson, this number feels extremely gettable for them. With more time in the system, I think Caleb Williams and the rest of this offense are in for another significant jump. Though it would’ve been nice to see Chicago make a few moves to address the pass rush, I trust Dennis Allen to make it work on defense. Pick: Over (+110) CINCINNATI WIN TOTAL 9.5 I’m officially back in on the Bengals. Some horrifically bad defense made it impossible to take this team seriously over the last few seasons, but those issues could be a thing of the past. Highlighted by the additions of Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe up front, a series of offseason moves should push Cincinnati’s defense into league-average territory. That’s all you need when you have Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins lighting up the scoreboard on offense. Pick: Over (-170) CLEVELAND WIN TOTAL 5.5 The excitement surrounding Cleveland’s rebuild is warranted. Another strong offseason, highlighted by an A-plus draft haul, has helped set the foundation for a bright future. Still, it might be another year – and another draft to chase a potential franchise quarterback – before the offense finds consistent success. It also probably goes without saying, but the defense, the Browns’ biggest strength, is in for a step back after trading Myles Garrett to the Rams. Pick: Under (-110) DALLAS WIN TOTAL 8.5 This is an easy over for me, and the reasoning is similar to the one I made for the Bengals. After Dallas spent the offseason overhauling the defense, this previously dreadful unit has a chance to start trending toward the middle of the pack. And with one of the few offenses that can match Cincinnati’s firepower, I think any such progression could be enough to make this number look extremely low in hindsight. The Cowboys should challenge the Eagles for the NFC East title. Pick: Over (-150) DENVER WIN TOTAL 9.5 When searching for teams that might fall short of expectations, I often end up coming back to the Broncos. Sustaining elite defense is tough, and Bo Nix has been far too inconsistent for my liking. Sean Payton is also curiously giving up offensive play-calling duties to first-time coordinator Davis Webb. That all said, I just can’t bring myself to forecast a significant drop-off for a defense consisting of this much talent. And with Jaylen Waddle joining Nix’s supporting cast – which already features one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines – it’s tough to imagine Denver not easily hitting double digits. Pick: Over (-115) DETROIT WIN TOTAL 10.5 Detroit seems poised for a major rebound after a frustrating 2025 campaign. A secondary already plagued with injury questions did take another hit this month when the club released 2024 first-rounder Terrion Arnold amid felony kidnapping and robbery charges, but the floor is just so high for the Lions’ impressive core. They’re also set to benefit from the NFL’s easiest strength of schedule after last year’s last-place finish in the NFC North, an advantage that should help them cruise back into the playoffs. Pick: Over (-125) GREEN BAY WIN TOTAL 10.5 I’m a little torn here because I love what the Packers are building. Jordan Love has quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in football, and the bizarre questions about Matt LaFleur’s job status seemed to have conveniently overlooked his place among the NFL’s premier play-callers. Green Bay’s defense also has a chance to be special when operating at full strength. Crucially, though, it might be a while before the unit gets there, as Micah Parsons’ ACL rehab could extend into late October. In a wildly difficult NFC North, I’m wondering if the Packers drop a few too many games early before hitting their stride late. Pick: Under (-150) HOUSTON WIN TOTAL 9.5 I’ve got the Texans on par with the Ravens as the top teams in the AFC. It’s deep group of contenders, but Houston’s defense might be the only unit in football that can rival what we saw on Seattle’s run to the Super Bowl last season. And while many are likely down on C.J. Stroud after an embarrassing playoff run, I think improvements made to the offensive line will help the former No. 2 pick recapture the form from his rookie season. Zero hesitation on the over here. Pick: Over (-130) INDIANAPOLIS WIN TOTAL 8.5 The Colts raced out to an 8-2 start last season before Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles tendon. Indy could perhaps get back on that pace with the veteran quarterback returning to action this fall, but it’s tough to have any lofty expectations for a small-sample, late-breakout player now coming off a major injury. Add in the challenge of an increasingly competitive division, and the Colts could very well toil in mediocrity this year. Pick: Under (-170) JACKSONVILLE WIN TOTAL 9.5 I can understand expecting the Jaguars to regress after last year’s surprising 13-win showing, but you’d have to believe this team was a complete flash in the pan to hit the under here and forecast a four-win slide. I’m not buying that. Liam Coen’s arrival finally helped Trevor Lawrence put it all together, and the QB has the weapons to build on that progress in 2026. Maybe Jacksonville’s defense will struggle to uphold the same standard it set for most of last season, but it would take a dramatic drop-off to weigh down what this offense is cooking. The Jaguars are for real. Pick: Over (+110) KANSAS CITY WIN TOTAL 10.5 The Chiefs are a tough one to predict. On one hand, it’s difficult to imagine a team that reached five Super Bowls in the previous six years not finding a way to bounce back after a 6-11 outlier. The run-game possibilities created by signing Kenneth Walker have the potential to completely change the makeup of Kansas City’s offense, and the pair of first-round talents added on defense should make an immediate impact. But on the other hand, what version of Patrick Mahomes will this squad get after he tore his ACL in December? Asking him to compensate for another underwhelming group of pass-catchers seems borderline reckless. I’ll put the Chiefs at 10 wins. Pick: Under (-140) LAS VEGAS WIN TOTAL 5.5 There was nothing the Raiders could do in such a short period to find a quick fix for last year’s circus, but an incredibly productive offseason should have them optimistic about the future. However, even if Las Vegas is more competitive in Year 1 under Klint Kubiak, it’ll still likely take some time for the progress to translate into results. Picking out wins on the Raiders’ gauntlet of a schedule this year isn’t an easy task. Pick: Under (+120) LA CHARGERS WIN TOTAL 9.5 Is it just me, or is the football world sleeping on the Chargers? I’ve been burned by this team before, but it’s tough for me to square the idea that an 11-win playoff club is in for a multi-win slide after going from Greg Roman to Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator. Perhaps Los Angeles’ defense falls off a cliff without Minter – I honestly have no idea what to expect from that unit under former Western Michigan DC Chris O’Leary. But I’m unbelievably bullish on the idea of a creative McDaniel offense finally unlocking Justin Herbert’s potential. Pick: Over (-135) LA RAMS WIN TOTAL 11.5 By addressing their one glaring weakness at corner with both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Rams became the clear Super Bowl favorite early in the offseason. The blockbuster deal for Garrett in June then elevated them to juggernaut status. Matthew Stafford’s back flaring up is the one variable that could derail Los Angeles’ championship hopes. Working under the assumption that the 38-year-old will stay on the field, we should be able to count the Rams’ losses on one hand. Pick: Over (-120) MIAMI WIN TOTAL 4.5 The Dolphins are my front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick. The new regime may well build a contender in time, but this seems like a situation that’ll likely get a whole lot worse before it gets better. Miami asking Malik Willis to elevate one of the NFL’s worst rosters in his first opportunity as a full-time starter figures to be a problem for all. Pick: Under (-155) MINNESOTA WIN TOTAL 8.5 Minnesota won nine games despite some truly horrific quarterback play last year. I imagine this line is heavily influenced by public perception about Kyler Murray, but you can’t tell me he’s not a significant upgrade over J.J. McCarthy. Assuming Murray can stay healthy after injury issues in Arizona, his presence should help the Vikings’ talented offense bounce back. Combine that boost with everything you get from a Brian Flores defense, and the result is Minnesota taking people by surprise. Pick: Over (-105) NEW ENGLAND WIN TOTAL 9.5 Leaning into narratives about Super Bowl hangovers, I was tempted to go with the under. But come on, Drake Maye was one of the best quarterbacks on the planet in his first full season as a starter. With A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs providing a major upgrade to his receiver room, Maye might take his game to another level. The Patriots are here to stay. Pick: Over (-135) NEW ORLEANS WIN TOTAL 7.5 I’m a big fan of what the Saints are building under Kellen Moore. Tyler Shough looked like a promising young quarterback during the second half of his rookie season, and he has the offensive line and cast of playmakers to take a significant step forward in Year 2. New Orleans also quietly finished the 2025 campaign tied with the Patriots for 10th in defensive EPA/play, according to TruMedia. Faced with the NFL’s second-hardest schedule, though, this ascending team might still be another year away from playoff contention. Pick: Under (+105) NY GIANTS WIN TOTAL 7.5 After years of dysfunction, John Harbaugh’s arrival in New York could quickly prove that he was the driving force behind the Ravens’ 12 playoff appearances in 18 seasons. Then again, if he won only eight games before being shown the door in Baltimore, can we really get carried away with expectations for the Giants? Harbaugh having to settle for Matt Nagy and Greg Roman as his top offensive assistants after missing out on Todd Monken gives me some pause about the short-term outlook of Jaxson Dart’s development. Pick: Under (-7.5) NY JETS WIN TOTAL 5.5 The Jets did a nice job upgrading their talent level across the board this offseason. With an intriguing collection of veterans and rookies brought in to overhaul the defense, and the Geno Smith reunion providing some semblance of short-term stability at quarterback, you could argue that this is one of the most improved rosters in football. But New York had a long way to go after last year’s 3-14 record, and the club won’t get any favors from the NFL’s fifth-hardest schedule. Meaningful progress being delayed another year wouldn’t be the worst outcome if it helps the Jets land a franchise quarterback at the top of the 2027 draft. Pick: Under (-110) PHILADELPHIA WIN TOTAL 10.5 I have no idea what to think about the Eagles’ offense. Change was needed after last year’s issues, but does a shift to a Kyle Shanahan-style system under first-time OC Sean Mannion really fit with Jalen Hurts? And while more under-center snaps should be a plus for the run game, how much will the loss of legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland hurt the group up front? I’m tempted to hit the over anyway, because I think Philly will have a top-five defense. But any growing pains on the other side of the ball could make things dicey. Pick: Under (-130) PITTSBURGH WIN TOTAL 7.5 Pittsburgh has long resisted a rebuild, and the Mike McCarthy hire signals a clear belief within that organization that this team is still in a position to compete. I’d be more inclined to entertain the idea if it didn’t hinge upon a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers rediscovering a level of play we haven’t seen since 2021. This is the season the Steelers finally bottom out. It’ll be a bitter pill to swallow after a 22-year run without a losing record, but the temporary setback might be what they need to get out of purgatory. Pick: Under (+125) SAN FRANCISCO WIN TOTAL 10.5 The 49ers suffered a rash of injuries last season and still rattled off 12 wins. Four games against the Rams and Seahawks will make it difficult to improve on that total, but it’s tough to imagine a healthy San Francisco falling off enough for the under to hit here. The offense will be among the best in the business as long as Shanahan is running the show. The defense should also be in for a rebound after adding Osa Odighizuwa and Dre Greenlaw alongside the cast of impact players returning from injury. Pick: Over (+120) SEATTLE WIN TOTAL 10.5 Mike Macdonald’s defense alone might be good enough to get the reigning champs to 10 wins regularly. Although it’s fair to have some concern about what the offense will look like following Kubiak’s departure, I’m confident that it won’t spontaneously combust in a way that tanks Seattle’s playoff chances. Sam Darnold’s late breakout was no mirage, and his connection with reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba should keep this passing game rolling. Pick: Over (-130) TAMPA BAY WIN TOTAL 8.5 The Bucs entering the year with the highest NFC South win total at just 8.5 perfectly encapsulates the state of the division. Nobody should be surprised if that eternally mediocre group produces another eight-win champion, but I’m expecting more from Tampa Bay this season. Even with Mike Evans’ departure, a healthy offensive line should go a long way toward getting Baker Mayfield and the rest of the offense back on track. Rookies Reuben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter should also be excellent fits to bolster the front seven of Todd Bowles’ defense. Pick: Over (+115) TENNESSEE WIN TOTAL 6.5 Tennessee is another team that probably needs to stay patient. Robert Saleh and his staff should provide a significant upgrade in the coaching department, and the roster has undergone a Patriots-like transformation in just one offseason. I’m particularly excited about Carnell Tate stepping in as Cam Ward’s No. 1 receiver and a new-look defensive line giving Saleh an excellent foundation up front. But unless Ward mirrors Maye’s rare trajectory and earns MVP consideration as a sophomore, the Titans may have to settle for baby steps before targeting a 2027 playoff push. Pick: Under (-125) WASHINGTON WIN TOTAL 7.5 A healthy Jayden Daniels will get the Commanders back in this ballpark after a disappointing 5-12 record in 2025. An offseason spent remodeling the defense opens the door for more, but it remains to be seen whether the collection of names acquired will be enough to make a playoff push. I’m still looking at Washington as a tier or two below the top dogs in the NFC East. Pick: Under (+110) ##### RANKING THE NFL’S TOP 10 OFFENSES FOR 2026 Scoring points is a fundamental objective in the National Football League (NFL), and certain teams excel at this task more than others. While the results from the previous season shape our expectations regarding NFL offenses, it is unlikely that the top tier of the league will remain unchanged. This analysis seeks to evaluate how the leading scoring units are positioned following an offseason characterized by player transactions and coaching modifications. The following are predictions for the top 10 NFL offenses in 2026. **Los Angeles Rams** Although it may seem prudent to explore alternative options for the top offense, there is no justification for underestimating the Rams’ potential to replicate last year’s success. In fact, with 2025 second-round draft choice Terrance Ferguson entering his second year and the addition of dynamic rookie Max Klare to an already robust tight end group, head coach Sean McVay may leverage his accomplishments with 12- and 13-personnel formations to elevate the team’s performance further. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has demonstrated no indications of decline in his late 30s, achieving a career-high 46 touchdown passes en route to being named the Most Valuable Player last season. High-volume receiver Puka Nacua has maintained a commanding lead in yards per route run over the past three seasons, as reported by TruMedia, and appears to be entering his prime at the age of 25. While wide receiver Davante Adams may no longer possess the same physical attributes he once did, his prowess in the red zone continues to age gracefully, rendering him an effective complementary asset. The backbone of the Rams’ offensive strategy lies in their remarkably steady ground game. This unit concluded the 2025 season with a success rate of 56.9% on designed runs to running backs, the highest recorded figure since 2000. Running back Kyren Williams spearheaded this effort, achieving his third consecutive season of over 1,100 rushing yards, while Blake Corum contributed effectively in a rotational capacity, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Rams possess a diverse array of strategies for engaging opposing defenses. Furthermore, with McVay consistently affirming his reputation as one of the league’s most adaptable play-callers, this unit remains at the forefront of emerging league trends. ##### **BUFFALO** The prospect of a Josh Allen-led offense ascending to the elite tier is highly probable. The Bills quarterback has been widely regarded as one of the premier players in the sport for several consecutive seasons. His capacity to propel Buffalo’s offense effectively, regardless of external circumstances, places him among the all-time greats. It is important to note, however, that this success is not attributable solely to one individual. James Cook’s impressive achievement of leading the league with 1,621 rushing yards last season highlighted the effectiveness of an exceptionally robust running game. This foundation is expected to remain intact this year, notwithstanding the offensive line’s loss of David Edwards to free agency. While DJ Moore may not have been the optimal selection for Buffalo’s major acquisition at the wide receiver position, he nonetheless signifies a significant improvement over a previously uninspiring group of pass-catchers. It is particularly noteworthy to observe whether his addition can once again enhance the vertical dimension of the passing game—Allen averaged a mere 7.3 air yards per attempt in 2025, which ranked him alongside Mac Jones, Bo Nix, and Joe Flacco at 22nd among all quarterbacks. It can be anticipated that Joe Brady is dedicated to reinstating Buffalo’s effectiveness in downfield passing as he transitions from offensive coordinator to his inaugural role as head coach. Should the Bills achieve significant progress in this area, they would become exceedingly difficult to defend against. ##### **LOS ANGELES CHARGERS** This selection may be considered controversial: the Chargers’ offense was statistically a below-average unit last season, and analysts who harbor skepticism regarding Justin Herbert are likely fatigued by the continued defense of him by his proponents. Nevertheless, there is a strong belief that this season presents a unique opportunity for improvement. The transition from Greg Roman to Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator is of paramount importance. Jim Harbaugh deserves recognition for acknowledging the limitations inherent in his traditional smashmouth offensive strategy, which was previously overseen by a veteran coach under whom he had full confidence, stemming from their collaborative experiences at Stanford and San Francisco. While it is possible that differing philosophies may lead to friction between Harbaugh and McDaniel, it is anticipated that the head coach of the Chargers will grant substantial offensive authority to his younger and more innovative coordinator. Should the offensive scheme mirror the success observed with the Miami Dolphins over the past four years, the potential is substantial. Although the Dolphins’ approach appeared to lose its effectiveness toward the latter part of the season, McDaniel is regarded as one of the most inventive play-callers in the industry. Individuals who were impressed by his capacity to devise significant plays for a Tua Tagovailoa-led offense should consider the possibilities with Herbert, who is recognized as one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in the league. Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell are expected to form a formidable dual-threat combination in the running game for the Los Angeles team. The former may well be a compelling candidate to lead the league in rushing. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are likely to excel as primary receiving options in a passing strategy meticulously designed to maximize their effectiveness in open space. Additionally, the presence of Charlie Kolar and David Njoku, alongside Oronde Gadsden II, contributes to a deep and versatile tight end group. This will enable the Chargers to implement various personnel packages effectively. The overall performance of the Chargers’ offense is expected to generate significant excitement, contingent upon the health and stability of the offensive line.## ##### **DETROIT** The performance of the Lions’ offense in 2025 did not meet its established standards. The principal factor contributing to this decline was the loss of Ben Johnson. Nevertheless, one could argue that the underperformance of an offensive line, which had previously ranked among the best in the league, was of comparable significance. Despite these challenges, the team was able to score more points than all but one other team. Looking ahead to the upcoming fall season, the offensive line is expected to demonstrate considerable improvement. Penei Sewell will transition to the left tackle position, replacing the departed Taylor Decker, while first-round rookie Blake Miller will assume the position on the right side. Furthermore, the acquisition of Cade Mays in free agency addresses a critical requirement at center and provides essential veteran leadership alongside two promising young guards, Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany. While there remains some uncertainty regarding the offensive scheme under the new coordinator Drew Petzing, his notable three-year tenure with the Cardinals suggests he may be well-equipped to guide the restructured offensive line towards greater effectiveness. Such advancements would facilitate improved performance for Jared Goff and his esteemed cadre of playmakers. ##### **SAN FRANCISCO** There are legitimate inquiries regarding the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive capabilities: Can this unit once again compensate for deficiencies within the offensive line? To what extent can George Kittle contribute following a torn Achilles tendon? Furthermore, is Christian McCaffrey capable of managing another workload exceeding 400 touches as he enters his tenth year in the league? These questions are certainly pertinent. Nevertheless, Kyle Shanahan has consistently demonstrated his ability to develop a top-ten offense irrespective of the personnel available. Should Brock Purdy remain healthy throughout the entire season, and if the 49ers experience a degree of favorable injury luck among the broader roster, the potential performance of this group could rank among the highest in the league. In light of a challenging 2025 season for the San Francisco receiving corps, I identify this unit as a critical factor for the team’s success. The acquisition of Mike Evans during free agency has proven to be an exceptional move, as even at the age of 33, the future Hall of Famer represents the prototypical X receiver required by Shanahan to enhance the overall efficacy of the passing game. Ricky Pearsall is poised to emerge as the primary beneficiary of this arrangement, with the potential for a substantial breakout in his third year. Additionally, I appreciate the selection of De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round of the draft, whose speed and physicality will further strengthen this group. As always, this offensive unit will present significant challenges for opposing defenses. ##### **DALLAS** I must acknowledge my initial misjudgment regarding Brian Schottenheimer. My perception was that the Dallas Cowboys’ interview process, which ultimately resulted in the promotion of an internal candidate to succeed Mike McCarthy, exemplified Jerry Jones’s reluctance to invest adequately in the pursuit of victory. While a strong commencement under Schottenheimer does not necessarily vindicate the Cowboys’ decision-making process, the outcomes are paramount at this stage. It appears that the franchise may have serendipitously made a sound choice. Schottenheimer, who had not functioned as a full-time play-caller since 2020, distinguished himself in that capacity during his inaugural season as head coach. The appointment of Klayton Adams as his offensive coordinator proved to be a strategic success, as the former Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach effectively guided the unit through numerous injury challenges, thereby establishing a solid foundation. Additionally, the emergence of George Pickens as another elite target for Dak Prescott, alongside CeeDee Lamb, enhanced the offensive dynamics. Moreover, Javonte Williams unexpectedly achieved a commendable 1,200-yard rushing season, contributing to one of the most balanced offensive systems in the league. Only the Rams and Bills matched Dallas in achieving top-seven rankings in both EPA/dropback and EPA/rush metrics. With all 11 starters returning for a second consecutive year within the system and the defense showing improvement, the Cowboys may not find themselves in positions where they are required to chase games as frequently. Consequently, the offense could potentially reach new levels of performance this autumn. ##### **CINCINNATI** The Cincinnati Bengals are widely recognized for their superstar quarterback, Joe Burrow, who has consistently maintained a position among the top five quarterbacks in the NFL throughout the majority of his professional career. When Burrow is present on the field, opposing teams find it challenging to neutralize his rapport with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Despite Burrow’s history of missing substantial game time due to injuries, it has become evident that the Bengals must enhance their efforts to safeguard him. However, it is important to note that Cincinnati’s offensive line has significantly improved and is no longer a liability. Following a season in which this unit recorded the third-lowest pressure rate in the league, one might argue that new offensive line coach Scott Peters has effectively transformed it into a significant strength. This improvement poses a substantial challenge for NFL defenses. The Bengals possess all the necessary components to establish one of the most effective scoring offenses in the league. Should Burrow remain on the field for the entirety of the upcoming season, this assessment may appear overly conservative in retrospect. ##### **CHICAGO** In his inaugural season with the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson met the expectations set for him. The team’s offense demonstrated significant struggles in 2024, ranking among the lower tier in various performance metrics. However, bolstered by enhancements to the offensive line, this unit experienced remarkable progress in 2025, attributed in large part to the influence of one of the NFL’s most promising offensive strategists. The improvements in quarterback Caleb Williams’ performance were particularly notable. Following a challenging rookie season as the former first overall draft pick, Williams progressed considerably and is anticipated to achieve further growth in his third year. With Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III poised to emerge as key playmakers alongside Rome Odunze, the potential exists for the team to develop one of the league’s most potent passing offenses. Moreover, the run game should not be overlooked. As established in his previous role in Detroit, a robust rushing attack serves as the foundational element of Johnson’s offensive philosophy. After a transitional phase during which the revamped offensive line worked to achieve cohesion, Chicago distinguished itself by maintaining a consistently effective rushing strategy. From Week 6 through the conclusion of the regular season, the team recorded a rush success rate of 55.4%, outpacing both the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams to lead the league during that period. ##### **NEW ENGLAND** It is important to note that discussions regarding the strength of schedule are immaterial; the 2025 Patriots offense demonstrated substantial capability. The sophomore breakout performance of quarterback Drake Maye, coupled with the return of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, has elevated this unit into one of the league’s premier scoring attacks. Maye’s average of 8.9 yards per attempt is tied for the ninth-best single-season record this century, and he is the first quarterback to achieve such a figure while maintaining a completion percentage of 72%. As the former No. 3 overall draft pick, Maye was poised for further improvement this season due to the benefits of continuity and experience. However, the New England front office strategically enhanced Maye’s receiving corps by acquiring both A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, thereby providing the offense with a significant opportunity for continued advancement. There remains some concern regarding the performance of the offensive line, which was exposed during the playoffs; it is likely that opposing defenses will seek to exploit this vulnerability as the Seahawks did in the championship game. Nevertheless, the offseason acquisitions of veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu are pivotal steps taken to strengthen that unit. Consequently, the Patriots are expected to maintain a high scoring output not only this season but also for the foreseeable future. ##### RAVENS WAIVE HEISMAN FINALIST PAVIA AHEAD OF TRAINING CAMP The Baltimore Ravens have waived former Heisman finalist and undrafted rookie quarterback Diego Pavia prior to training camp, the team announced Thursday. The move was done to make room for center Ethan Pocic on the 90-man roster. The former Vanderbilt star signed a three-year contract with Baltimore ahead of its rookie minicamp this spring. Pavia was the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014. Pavia had an electric campaign during his final year at Vanderbilt, completing 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also rushed for 862 yards and added 10 scores with his legs. Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ starting quarterback, and Tyler Huntley again projects to be his backup. Other passers on the roster are Skylar Thompson and undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano. ##### PANTHERS OLB NIC SCOURTON CARTED OFF THE FIELD WITH RIGHT KNEE INJURY ON DAY 1 OF TRAINING CAMP CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the practice field with a right knee injury during the first day of training camp on Thursday. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he does not know the extent of the injury. He said Scourton will have an MRI exam. “I don’t want to speculate,” Canales said. “I’m hoping for the best.” Scourton, a second-round draft pick in 2024 out of Texas A&M, went down on a wet field late in practice during team drills. Players immediately gathered around him on one knee. Scourton held his hand over his face as he was led into an awaiting cart. As he was leaving the field, the cart stopped and Canales and every player on the roster individually walked over to hug Scourton before he was taken to the training room. “They care about each other,” Canales said. “Whenever you’re in a group of people doing something hard together, it has a way of creating a special bond. Between all the workouts and going through a full season and an offseason and all that, it means something to the guys. I’m proud of that.” Scourton had an outstanding rookie season for the Panthers, playing in 17 games with eight starts. He finished the season with 47 tackles, five sacks and nine quarterback hits while developing into a key starter for the NFL’s 15th-ranked defense. Scourton appeared to be engaged in a block with an offensive lineman at the time of the injury. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was near the play at the time, but said he did not see what happened. He praised Scourton for how quickly he has developed into a leader on defense. “It’s been really cool to see him come into his own,” Young said. “He has a super-high motor, has great energy. He’s fun to be around. He turns into that different competitor when he’s on the field. We feel that during practice. He has raised the level of (intensity at) practice many times. We don’t know anything yet (on the injury), but we’re just praying for him.” Canales said the team had enough players to go without Scourton if the injury is bad. “We’ve got depth,” Canales said. “That’s why we keep bringing in guys. … If it comes to that (a serious injury) we have guys that we trust.” ##### TYREEK HILL IS RUNNING BUT SAYS HE HAS ‘NO POWER IN MY LEFT LEG’ 10 MONTHS AFTER SERIOUS KNEE INJURY Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s NFL future remains uncertain as he said on social media this week he still has no power in his left leg, almost 10 months after suffering significant damage in a season-ending knee injury. Hill provided a video update on YouTube on his continued comeback attempt after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and dislocated left knee in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29. Hill, 32, was released by Miami on Feb. 16 and revealed in the social media update he is not yet ready to resume his career. “So it’s about 10 months after doing two surgeries,” Hill said. “My left leg is the one that I injured. I have no power in my left leg at all, so I’m trying to regain all the power back in my left leg.” Even so, Hill showed himself running as evidence of progress he has made. “They told me I might not be able to walk again,” Hill said. “Now look at me.” The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with Kansas City before the 2022 season and gave him a $120 million, four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid player at his position at the time. Hill had consecutive 1,700-yard receiving seasons in his first two years with Miami. He led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. The five-time All-Pro entered the 2025 season aiming to return to his 2023 form after having 81 catches for 959 yards in 2024, his lowest totals since 2019. Hill had 21 receptions for 265 yards before he was hurt while running toward the sideline. He planted his left foot, and his knee twisted as he was pulled down. He was carted off the field and placed on season-ending injured reserve on Oct. 1. In 10 seasons with Kansas City and Miami, Hill has 819 receptions for 11,363 yards and 83 touchdowns. He is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection. ####################################### COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS SABAN: NATIONAL TITLE DOESN’T MAKE BIG TEN THE BEST CONFERENCE The Big Ten versus SEC wars are heating up as those conferences continue to separate themselves from the rest of the country. Although the SEC has reigned supreme for most of the 2000s, the Big Ten has now won three straight national titles, while an SEC program hasn’t appeared in the national championship since Georgia won in 2022. However, former Alabama coach Nick Saban isn’t quite ready to concede that the Big Ten has passed the SEC from an overall perspective. “First of all, whoever wins the national championship doesn’t define who has the best conference,” Saban told ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday. “I think the best conference gets defined by how many good teams you have from top to bottom, and I think the SEC has a lot of good teams from top to bottom.” Saban – who coached in the Big Ten at Michigan State – did acknowledge that the three straight championship teams were worthy winners. “I do think the Big Ten has had three really, really good football teams,” he said. “Michigan had a great team, beat us in overtime in the playoffs three years ago. Ohio State, Indiana: They had really, really good teams. We continued – last year, we had five teams in the playoffs as an SEC conference, which says that there’s pretty good depth in this league.” While the SEC’s depth is unquestioned, the Big Ten is producing more than just one elite team per season. The conference went 11-5 in bowl games last season and the SEC’s mark was 4-10. The head-to-head record over the past two years also clearly favors the Big Ten, which holds an 8-2 edge on the SEC in bowl games. The 2026 season won’t make fans wait long for more matchups between the marquee conferences, as Week 2 features Oklahoma versus Michigan and Ohio State visiting Texas. ##### SEC NOTEBOOK SEC NOTEBOOK: TEXAS MOTIVATED BY DAILY WORK, NOT EXTERIOR EXPECTATIONS There may not be a team in college football with more exterior pressure entering the 2026 season than the Texas Longhorns. After Texas lost in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff in the 2023 and ’24 seasons, last year’s squad ended up just outside the CFP despite a season-ending victory over third-ranked rival Texas A&M. While coach Steve Sarkisian proudly trumpeted Thursday at Southeastern Conference media days in Tampa that his team beat three top-10 teams last season and 14 ranked opponents over the prior three seasons, the Longhorns don’t have a national championship since 2005 and haven’t yet won an SEC championship in two years in the league. As Sarkisian enters Year 6 with a quarterback (presumptive No. 1 NFL draft pick Arch Manning) and a roster as laden with talent as any in the country, he is insistent the team doesn’t need any extra motivation from outside the building to help it reach the next step. “Those external factors, whether it’s a comment or a tweet or a podcast or an interview by a pundit, that’s not going to motivate us. What motivates us is what we do every single day,” Sarkisian said. “I’m proud of the leadership on our team for buying into that idea, and I couldn’t be more proud of the guys for the way that they handle themselves that way. Because we’re going to have to.” Texas’ challenging 2026 schedule includes a Week 2 home game against Ohio State, matchups against 2025 CFP competitors Oklahoma and Ole Miss, and trips to Lane Kiffin-led LSU and Texas A&M in the final three weeks of the regular season. –Sam Leavitt healed, ready for 2026 season One of the more surprising players not representing his team at SEC media days this week was LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. The No. 1 overall player in the 2026 transfer portal class per 247Sports was hand-picked over a number of other transfer quarterbacks to lead the Tigers in Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge. The only real question surrounding him was his health. After Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, ran for 443 yards and accounted for 29 touchdowns while leading Arizona State to the CFP in 2024, he played in just seven games last season before undergoing season-ending foot surgery. But Kiffin expressed no concern about any lingering effects of a recovery affecting Leavitt’s status for the 2026 season. “I have great confidence in his health,” Kiffin said of Leavitt. “… He’s done a great job, really leads our players in a lot of player-led practices this time of year.” Kiffin added that one of the reasons the Tigers didn’t bring Leavitt — who has added 11 pounds to his frame this offseason — to Tampa was so that he could guide one of those practices Thursday morning. “He’s done a great job,” Kiffin said. –Ryan Silverfield embracing challenge at Arkansas Ryan Silverfield’s move to Arkansas probably wasn’t near the top of the list of flashiest hires made during the offseason’s chaotic coaching carousel. That being said, he posted a 50-25 record over six-plus seasons at Memphis. And as the moderator pointed out while Silverfield was at the podium, the coach has a 5-1 career record against current SEC coaches. “That’s great. Keep doubting me,” Silverfield said. He arrives in Fayetteville to take over a program that may be the hardest to lead to consistent success among all SEC teams. The Razorbacks are coming off a 2-10 (0-8 SEC) season, their third winless SEC campaign in the past eight seasons, and have won 50% of their conference games just once in the past 10 seasons (4-4 in 2021). For Silverfield, who was a Division III player at Hampden-Sydney College, it’s just another hurdle on his path of overcoming obstacles. “People have the right to feel a certain way, and that’s OK. I’ve been doubted my whole life,” Silverfield said. “That’s not a bad thing. I think what ends up happening is you have a head coach that has a chip on his shoulder. “It doesn’t matter what other people think about me. It truly doesn’t. All I care is what the players and my family think about me. Anybody that’s been around our program, anybody that’s been around me knows that we’re going to do it the right way. In due time we’ll get this back to where it needs to be.” ########################################## COLLEGE ATHLETICS NEWS NCAA D-I BOARD: NO PLANS TO CHANGE AGE-BASED ELIGIBILITY The NCAA Division I Board of Directors doubled down Thursday on the new age-based eligibility rule that has prompted some athletes to go to court in hopes of extending their college careers. The Division I Cabinet, which approved the new rule last month, issued a similar statement last month after a group of basketball players filed a lawsuit in an Ohio state court contending the age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition. More lawsuits have been filed across the country since, some of them reportedly with their coaches’ encouragement. The board statement indicates it won’t budge from its stance like it did when, in response to former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s 2024 court win, it granted an additional year to athletes who had competed at non-NCAA schools for at least one season and were set to complete their eligibility. “We are encouraged by the Division I membership’s broad support of the age-based eligibility rules,” the board said Thursday. “The design of the new rules, including its implementation strategy, was thoughtful and well informed, and was unanimously supported by the Cabinet, including its student-athlete members. “The Board has no plans to modify their application, notwithstanding a series of lawsuits recently filed on behalf of student-athletes with no remaining eligibility. We look forward to ensuring that the age-based eligibility rules are enforced consistently so that all institutions play by the same rules, like all participants in sports.” The age-based eligibility rule allows athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The move all but eliminates waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service. Extensions will no longer be considered for athletes who are injured. Athletes whose eligibility expired by spring 2026 under the traditional model — four years of competition over five years — will not be allowed a fifth year of competition under the new rules that go into effect this fall. That was the impetus for the first lawsuit, in Ohio. A judge granted a preliminary injunction that allowed the players to enter the transfer portal and the case now heads to trial. Athletes in other cases across the country also have won preliminary injunctions. Earlier this week, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the conference ended up supporting the rule despite some leaders’ misgivings about its timing. Sankey said there was a thought that the Protect College Sports Act currently circulating in the Senate could solve the problem. He also said the conference wasn’t presented with data to justify the change. “We got on a fast track in this environment because … people are looking for solutions,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. “That doesn’t mean there are solutions but it’s just ‘Oh, what we’re doing isn’t working. There’s so many waivers, there’s so much controversy about eligibility, this must be better.’ But we’re not sure if it is. ##### MANNING: LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF THROUGH 2025 STRUGGLES Arch Manning says a lot has changed since he overcame a season of adversity one year ago. “I think I’ve become more present, obviously more mature,” the Texas quarterback said Thursday when asked about the biggest difference from a last campaign, according to Evan Vieth of Inside Texas. “I think going through those rough times, learned a lot about myself, became a better man because of it, and hopefully a better player. I don’t want to repeat that game.” Manning struggled out of the gate in 2025, his first season as the opening day starter. However, he showed vast improvements down the stretch, winning five of his final six games with 14 touchdown passes to only two interceptions. Head coach Steve Sarkisian says he’s also noticed differences in Manning’s leadership this time around. “I think that last season he found out a lot about himself,” Sarkisian said Thursday, according to Blake Holland of KXAN+. “Anytime we’re faced with adversity and we get on the other side of it, you gain confidence. I think that you see a different leader in him in the way that he interacts with his teammates. The work ethic hasn’t change but I think the ability to lead vocally is much different than before. I think he’s very comfortable with who he is and he’s not trying to be something that he’s not.” Sarkisian added that the criticism Manning, who many pundits predicted to be a Heisman candidate, faced last year “would have melted 99% of people in his shoes,” according to Brett McMurphy of On3. The Longhorns begin their 2026 campaign against Texas State on Sept. 5 before clashing with Ohio State a week later. ############################################### MLB NEWS TWINS SCORE TWO RUNS IN 12TH TO EDGE GUARDIANS Trevor Larnach and Luke Keaschall delivered back-to-back RBI singles off Erik Sabrowski with two outs in the 12th inning, giving the Minnesota Twins a 3-1 victory over the host Cleveland Guardians on Thursday afternoon to earn a split of the four-game series. Larnach drove in automatic runner Ryan Jeffers and Keaschall plated Royce Lewis with the first hits for either team in extra innings. This came after the Twins tied the game in the eighth on pinch hitter Alan Roden’s run-scoring single off closer Cade Smith. Taylor Rogers (5-3) earned the victory with a scoreless 11th, while rookie Jack Anderson picked up his first major league save with a hitless 12th to wrap up the combined three-hitter. Cleveland scored its lone run on Patrick Bailey’s fifth-inning homer. Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out a season-high-tying 11 over seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and no walks. He tossed the fifth immaculate inning in franchise history in the fourth. Minnesota starter Taj Bradley matched the longest start of his career with seven innings of two-hit ball. Braves 6, Padres 5 Four Braves hit home runs, and Chris Sale earned his 11th victory when Atlanta topped visiting San Diego. Michael Harris II, Ozzie Albies, Dominic Smith and Drake Baldwin each went deep for the Braves, who won the series 3-1. Atlanta is 5-2 since the All-Star break and has scored at least five runs in 11 of its past 13 home games. Sale (11-6) pitched six innings and allowed three runs on five hits. He matched his season high with 11 strikeouts. Griffin Canning (1-9) took his fourth consecutive loss. He pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits. Diamondbacks 10, Cardinals 6 Brandon Pfaadt threw six quality innings and Tyler Locklear went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs to help visiting Arizona earn a victory over St. Louis in a standalone make-up game for the June 25 game that was postponed due to weather. Gabriel Moreno tallied three hits and drove in two runs for the Diamondbacks, who posted a five-run eighth inning and had 16 total hits to improve to 9-2 in their last 11 games. Arizona broke the game open with a five-run eighth inning, ensuring Pfaadt (5-1) won his fifth straight start after allowing two runs on seven hits. Lars Nootbaar drove in three runs for the Cardinals, who have dropped six of their last eight. Michael McGreevy (4-8) threw 6 1/3 innings of four-run, seven-hit ball for St. Louis, which plated four runs in the ninth on a pair of two-run singles. Tigers 4, Royals 3 Dillon Dingler hit a tiebreaking two-out double in the eighth inning and Detroit held on for a win at Kansas City. Dingler also singled and scored on a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning by James Outman for the Tigers, who have won five of seven coming out of the All-Star break. Drew Anderson (4-4) squandered a lead but emerged with the win, and Kyle Finnegan got the final two outs on a double play for his second save. Royals starter Randy Dobnak threw five shutout innings, but Steven Cruz (2-3) allowed the decisive run in the eighth. Isaac Collins hit a two-run homer. Blue Jays 3, Rays 1 Shane Bieber pitched a strong seven innings Thursday afternoon and host Toronto defeated Tampa Bay. Bieber (2-1) allowed one run and three hits. Louis Varland pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts for his 21st save as the Blue Jays salvaged the finale of the four-game series. George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits and one RBI each. Yandy Diaz drove in the lone run for the Rays, who finished a 3-5 road trip. ############################################## NHL NEWS PATRICK KANE REJOINS THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, AGREEING TO A $16 MILLION, 2-YEAR CONTRACT CHICAGO (AP) — Patrick Kane has rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract with his first NHL team. The deal, which includes a full no-movement clause, was announced by the Blackhawks on Thursday. Kane, 37, became one of the NHL’s most dynamic players while spending his first 15-plus seasons in Chicago, helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships. He ranks among the franchise’s career leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists and 1,225 points. “Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels.” The addition of Kane adds another offensive presence to a lineup that will begin the season without Connor Bedard, who had surgery on his left shoulder on July 8. Kane likely will play with Bedard when the 21-year-old center returns to the ice. The rebuilding Blackhawks went 29-39-14 last season, an 11-point improvement on the previous season. The team has finished No. 31 in the NHL each of the past three years. Chicago is looking for its first postseason appearance since the NHL used an expanded playoff format after the 2020 season was affected by the pandemic. Kane isn’t same player he was during his first stint with the Blackhawks. But he had 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He has recorded at least 50 points in 18 of his 19 seasons. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft passed Mike Modano in January for the most NHL points by a player born in the United States. He has 508 career goals — fourth on the U.S. list — and 1,400 points in 1,369 regular-season games. Kane was one of Chicago’s biggest stars during the best stretch in franchise history, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The Blackhawks also made it to the Western Conference Final in 2014, losing to the Los Angeles Kings in an epic seven-game series. ##### BLUE JACKETS SIGN GOALTENDER JET GREAVES TO $15 MILLION, 3-YEAR DEAL THROUGH THE 2028-29 SEASON COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million contract through the 2028-29 season. The deal was announced Thursday by general manager Don Waddell, who said “Jet is a high-character, talented and athletic goaltender who has become an important part of our hockey club. Our intent always was to get a deal done to ensure he remains a Blue Jacket and we are thrilled that we were able to do so.” The 25-year-old Greaves finished 26-19-9 with a 2.60 goals-against average last season to become the fifth goaltender in franchise history to win 25 games in a season. He had two shutouts in 55 games. His .908 save percentage tied for sixth among NHL goaltenders. In 76 career appearances, Greaves has a 36-28-11 record with a .913 save percentage and four shutouts. He made his NHL debut at the end of the 2022-23 season. Greaves is a native of Cambridge, Ontario who made his international debut for Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland. He finished 6-2 in the tournament to tie for third in wins. ###################################### TOP INDIANA HEADLINES/SPORTS RELEASES INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday night at Victory Field, the Indianapolis Indians were defeated by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs with a final score of 3-1. José Urquidy delivered an impressive performance, matching his season high by pitching 7.0 innings for the third time this year. The Indians (16-8, 47-52) secured their only run in the first inning. Termarr Johnson commenced the game with a single and subsequently stole second base. Ronny Simon followed with another single, placing runners on the corners with no outs. The Indians executed a delayed double steal, allowing Simon to advance to second and Johnson to score from third. The IronPigs (11-13, 46-53) responded with a three-run rally in the sixth inning, during which they recorded three doubles. Urquidy (L, 5-4) was responsible for all three of the IronPigs’ runs in his 7.0 innings of work. Chuck King (W, 7-4) performed exceptionally for Lehigh Valley, permitting only one run throughout 8.0 innings. Grant Holman (S, 1) completed the game by securing the final three outs. The Indianapolis Indians and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are set to continue their six-game series on Friday evening at 7:05 PM. Right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock (0-0, 3.24) will start for the Indians, with left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco (3-5, 4.54) expected to pitch the majority of the innings. Right-handed pitcher Drake Fellows (1-1, 5.18) will take the mound for the IronPigs. Notably, Fellows played a significant role for the Indianapolis team in 2025, appearing in 33 games, with 19 of those being starts. ########################################## INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL LIMA, Peru – Long-range shooting? Check. Dunks to put rims in jeopardy? Check again. Team USA flexed basketball muscle everywhere you looked during its 120-63 victory over Virgin Islands Thursday night in the FISU (International University Sports Federation) America Games. From freshman Vaughn Karvala (32 points, seven 3-pointers) to transfer veteran Aiden Sherrell (15 points) to former Indiana Hoosier Sam Alexis (15 points) and more, it was a second straight dominating performance to propel Team USA into Saturday’s elimination round. The top two teams in each pool advance. Virgin Islands had earlier defeated Peru 93-73. That made no difference against a Team USA squad that had beaten Peru 115-36. For the 6-foot-7, 190-pound Karvala, it was an impressive follow up a strong performance off the bench against Peru. “Vaughn has done a great job,” coach Darian DeVries said. “He’s really bought into doing the things we ask. He’s got great size, athleticism. He can really run. He’s skilled, and you got to see a little bit of all that. “He was aggressive attacking the glass. He’s someone who is going to continue to get better and better because I think there’s a lot there for him to continue to grow.” Markus Burton, Darren Harris, Jaeden Mustaf, Sherrell, and Trevor Manhertz started for Team USA. Manhertz replaced Trent Sisley in the starting lineup. Alexis played early and often. The Virgin Islands jumped ahead 7-4, 11-10 and 14-13 before Team USA took a 15-14 lead then pushed ahead 30-20 after the first quarter. Guard Bryce Lindsay led with nine points. Karvala had eight. Team USA led 37-22 early in the second quarter, then pushed ahead 42-23 then 69-39 at halftime. Karvala led with 19 points. Sherrell and Alexis each had 10. Team USA cruised to victory from there, reaching 100 points early in the fourth quarter. Through it all, DeVries continues to focus on building team chemistry and development in this event as well as prioritize winning. True freshmen Manhertz, Prince-Alexander Moody, and Vaughn Karvala are getting extensive minutes, as are walk-ons such as Ben Winker and Ian Stephens. “The hardest part when you’re doing events like this is we’re only allowed to play 12 guys a night,” DeVries says, “so there’s going to be a couple guys every night who won’t be able to participate.” IU has 16 players on its roster, although in its Team USA set up, it’s 15. Big men Samet Yigitoglu and Clemens Sokolov are ineligible because they were born outside of the United States. Alexis helps make up for that size loss. “It can be a little challenging with rotations because you’re trying to get everybody some time, trying to give them reps and trying to give them experience,” DeVries says. “At the same time, you’re trying, with some of those guys that are potential starters, to give them the opportunity to play together because they’re all new to each other, too. “We want to do a mixture of both — get the young guys their minutes, but also get some older vets a chance to play with one another in different situations.” Communication is another priority. DeVries says it’s improving, with more work needed. “That’s going to be a process that takes a little bit longer. It’s getting guys to recognize the importance of communicating, especially at the defensive end. “Great communicating teams can eliminate mistakes. Even when there is potential for a breakdown, it allows guys to cover for each other, react a little bit better. Guys are starting to understand that it’s something that, as this group has gone on over the summer, we saw it as something that maybe we’re not great at, and we want to be the elite at it. We’ll continue to make that a focus point.” The America Games is for college athletes from North and South America, Central America and the Caribbean involving 15 sports. Basketball teams include Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Chile. ################################################# PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue men’s basketball team heads North of the border tomorrow, beginning a nine-day excursion to Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. The Boilermakers will spend parts of nine days in Canada, leaving July 24, and returning to West Lafayette August 1. During its time in Vancouver, the team will play four games, then head to Whistler for two days. The Boilermakers will play contests on July 25, July 26, July 28 and July 29. As of now, the first two games available to watch via stream, the third game is to be determined and the fourth game will not be streamed. Live stats should be available for all four games. We ask all fans to check the status of live streams and live stats on Purdue’s official X (Twitter) page throughout the trip. Tickets are available for purchase for all four games online, and if still available, at the door on the day of the game. Purdue will fly into the Vancouver area on Friday. As a reminder, Vancouver is in the Pacific time zone, three hours behind West Lafayette. It will be the first competition in a Purdue uniform for newcomers Luke Ertel, Jacob Webber, Sinan Huan, Rivers Knight and Caden Pierce. Currently, new arrival Enzo Shahrvin will not be eligible to play in Vancouver. Some of the sights Purdue will see during its nine-day excursion are Stanley Park, a harbor boat tour, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain and additional sightseeing opportunities in Whistler — site of the skiing competitions in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. July 25 vs. Vancouver Selects — SITE: Langara College (Vancouver, B.C.) — TIME: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT — TICKETS: https://bit.ly/July25Tix (Available at door if tickets remain after online sales) — STREAM: https://www.youtube.com/live/j-liWl0cRgM — LIVE STATS: Scheduled to be available. July 26 vs. Trinity Western — SITE: Langley Events Centre (Langley, B.C.) — TIME: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT — Time Change from original release — TICKETS: https://boile.rs/July26Tix (Available at door if tickets remain after online sales) — STREAM: https://canadawest.tv/ — LIVE STATS: https://boile.rs/July26Stats July 28 vs. University of Calgary — SITE: West Gym at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, B.C.) — TIME: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT — TICKETS: https://boile.rs/July28Tix (Available at door if tickets remain after online sales) — STREAM: Scheduled to be available. — LIVE STATS: To be determined. July 29 vs. University of Fraser Valley — SITE: Centre for Sport and Wellness at Capilano University (North Vancouver, B.C.) — TIME: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT — TICKETS: https://boile.rs/July29Tix (Available at door if tickets remain after online sales) — STREAM: No stream available. — LIVE STATS: Scheduled to be available ########################################### PURDUE SWIMMING WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Eight Purdue swimmers have crossed the equator for an opportunity to compete for the United States at the FISU America Games, the western hemisphere edition of the World University Games being held in Peru’s capital city. Swimming at Lima’s Centro Acuático de la Videna (Videna Aquatic Center) is set for July 24-26, with the same events contested in both the morning preliminaries (11 a.m. ET) and evening finals (8 p.m. ET). The opening ceremonies for the FISU America Games – which features 14 sports – were held Tuesday evening. The Videna Aquatic Center also hosted the swimming events at the 2019 Pan American Games. Competing for the UniUSA Team in Lima are Boilermakers Kate Mouser, Lara Phipps, Adele Sands and Campbell Scofield from the women’s roster as well as Maxwell Blume, Biko Hooper-Haviland, Evan Mackesy and Blake Rowe from the men’s team. Scofield replaced Keira Kask on the roster after Kask had to withdraw for medical reasons that prevented her from flying. Kask won the 200-meter butterfly and posted three podium finishes at Indiana Senior Long Course Championships the weekend of July 17-19 in Indianapolis. UniUSA is the U.S. delegation for the World University Games; it announced the 44 swimmers chosen to compete at the America Games in April. When the rosters were announced, Purdue’s eight total swimmers were the most of any university and the Boilermakers were the only school to have multiple selections from both genders. Purdue’s entries are slated to compete in at least five individual events on all three days in Lima. Five relays are also on the schedule, including a pair of mixed-gender events. BOILERMAKERS IN PERU • Maxwell Blume – 50m, 100m, 200m Breast • Biko Hooper-Haviland – 200m Fly, 800m Free • Evan Mackesy – 200m & 400 IM, 200m Fly • Kate Mouser – 200m & 400m IM • Lara Phipps – 50m Fly & 200m Free • Blake Rowe – 100m Fly, 200m Back • Adele Sands – 800m & 1500m Free • Campbell Scofield – 50m, 100m, 200m Fly Mackesy is one of three men on the UniUSA team that also qualified for the 2026 NCAA Championships. Hooper-Haviland (200-yard fly), Mackesy (400-yard IM), Rowe (200-yard back) and Phipps (400-yard free relay) all set Purdue records this past season. Scofield eclipsed the women’s record in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:13.00 at the Eric Namesnik Memorial Invitational the weekend of June 26-28 at Michigan’s Canham Natatorium in Ann Abor. FISU is the Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (International University Sports Federation), the organizing body of the biennial World University Games. FISU introduced the America Games in 2018. Similar to the quadrennial Pan American games, it features athletes from North, Central and South America. The Boilermakers traditionally have representation in the aquatic events at the World University Games, most recently by five student-athletes at the 2025 WUG in Germany. The Purdue Divers won a pair of medals in synchronized events. Divers Steele Johnson and Ben Bramley represented USA Diving and the Boilermakers at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru. The country is also set to host the Pan Am Games again in July 2027. In the coming weeks, Purdue is also set to be represented at the Central American and Caribbean Games, USA Swimming’s Toyota National Championships, Speedo Junior National Championships and European Aquatics Championships. MORE UPCOMING LCM MEETS OF NOTE • Central American & Caribbean Games (July 28-Aug. 1 in Santo Domingo) – Nate Thomas for Jamaica (Free/Fly) • USA Swimming’s Toyota National Championships (July 28-Aug. 1 in Irvine) – Dylan Burau (Back), Jonny Hines (Distance Free), Alex Hotta (Back/Fly) • USA Swimming’s Speedo Junior National Championships (Aug. 3-7 in Irvine) – Matt Rose (Distance Free) • European Aquatics Championships (Aug. 10-16 in Paris) – Jānis Dzirkalis for Latvia (Sprint Free) PURDUE’S DAILY SCHEDULES IN LIMA Prelims at 11 a.m. ET, Finals at 8 p.m. ET 2-hour time difference between Lima & USA’s Eastern Time Zone Results will be added below as they become available Friday, July 24 • 800m Free (Top-Seeded Heat in Finals) – Adele Sands, Biko Hooper-Haviland • 50m Breast – Maxwell Blume • 100m Fly – Campbell Scofield, Blake Rowe • 400m IM – Kate Mouser, Evan Mackesy • 200m Free – Lara Phipps • 4x100m Free Relay (Mixed Gender) – TBD Saturday, July 25 • 4x100m Medley Relay – TBD • 200m Back – Blake Rowe • 100m Breast – Maxwell Blume • 200m Fly – Campbell Scofield, Biko Hooper-Haviland, Evan Mackesy • 4x200m Free Relay – TBD Sunday, July 26 • 4x100m Medley Relay (Mixed Gender) – TBD • 1500m Free (Top-Seeded Heat in Finals) – Adele Sands • 200m Breast – Maxwell Blume • 50m Fly – Lara Phipps, Campbell Scofield • 200m IM – Kate Mouser, Evan Mackesy • 4x100m Free Relay – TBD ############################################ PURDUE MEN’S GOLF KOKOMO, Ind. – Micah Sheffer’s outstanding summer continued on Thursday, winning the Indiana Golf Association’s (IGA) Match Play Championship, held at the Kokomo Country Club in Kokomo, Indiana. Sheffer defeated University of Evansville junior Jamison Ousley in the championship match, winning in 19 holes. Sheffer held a 1-up lead through eight holes, but lost holes 9 and 10 to fall 1-down. After halving the next seven holes, including birdies on No. 17, Sheffer birdied the par-4 18th hole to move the match into extra holes. He then won the 19th hole to earn the championship, his first tournament win of the summer. Sheffer, who qualified for match play as the No. 2 seed after shooting a 5-under par 65 in stroke play, breezed to the finals. He won his round of 32 match in 19 holes, then won his next three matches by 3 & 2, 3 & 2 and 4&3 scores, respectively. Sheffer has had an outstanding summer after redshirting during the spring season. He finished second, losing in a playoff, in the Indiana Open Championship and posted top-10 finishes at the North Atlantic Amateur (5th), the Rice Planters Amateur (3rd) and the Kenridge Invitational (9th). He also advanced out of local qualifying for the U.S. Open. Sheffer arrived at Purdue with impressive credentials, being named the 2025 Golfweek Player of the Year while winning four events on the AJGA and Golfweek Junior Tours. On the football field, he quarterbacked Brownstown Central to the Class 2A State Championship game, leading an offense that averaged over 50.0 points per game. He was a starter for two years in basketball, helping Brownstown Central to the 2024 Class 2A State Championship, alongside current Boilermaker Jack Benter. ############################################# NOTRE DAME BASEBALL SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame baseball team was announced as one of four participating programs for The Battle at the Ballpark, held at the San Antonio Missions’ Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, from February 26-28, 2027. The Irish will be joined by Air Force, Army and Nebraska. The 2027 Battle at the Ballpark will consist of two games per day in a round-robin format. The full schedule, including matchups and game times, will be finalized soon. “The Battle at the Ballpark has always been about more than just great baseball, and this year’s lineup delivers on every level,” said Ryan Holloway, Founder and CEO of Peak Events. “Bringing Air Force and Army together with Nebraska and Notre Dame gives fans a tournament that celebrates both the game and the service and tradition these programs represent.” #################################### INDIANA STATE TRACK AND FIELD TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Four current and former Indiana State track and field athletes look to make their mark against the nation’s top talent Friday and Saturday when they compete at the USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships at Icahn Stadium in New York. Two-time All-American Rachel Mehringer, who recently wrapped up her junior season with the best hurdles campaign in MVC history, will run in the 110m hurdles Saturday, the same day that six-time Paralympic medalist Noah Malone will compete in the para 100m. Three-time All-American Erin Reese, who was the NCAA runner-up in the hammer throw in 2019, will compete in the hammer Friday night, while six-time MVC Champion Ryann Porter will compete in the triple jump, slated for Friday evening. Competition Format The 100m hurdles at the USATF Outdoor Championships will feature three heats, with the top two in each heat and the next three fastest times advancing to finals. Rachel Mehringer is in lane four of the second heat. The first round will be contested Saturday afternoon at 3:37 p.m., with finals for that evening at 5:52 p.m. The para 100m at the USATF Para Outdoor Championships will feature five heats split by para classification, with the top nine overall times advancing to finals. Noah Malone is in lane four of the third heat. The first round will be contested Saturday afternoon at 12:06 p.m., with finals set for that evening at 5:18 p.m. The hammer throw at the USATF Outdoor Championships will feature 16 athletes in one flight, with all athletes receiving three preliminary throws and the top nine after prelims earning three additional throws in finals. Erin Reese is in position one of the flight, which takes place Friday night at 8:10 p.m. The triple jump at the USATF Outdoor Championships will feature 11 athletes in one flight, with all athletes receiving three preliminary attempts and the top nine after prelims earning three additional attempts in finals. Ryann Porter is in position two of the flight, which takes place Friday night at 6:05 p.m. The Road To New York Each of Indiana State’s four current or former athletes who qualified for the USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships are no stranger to the big stage, having competed in major national or international meets already this season. Mehringer capped her junior campaign at Indiana State with First Team All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships, placing seventh in the 100m hurdles to become the first Sycamore on the podium since 2019. She completed an undefeated regular season in the hurdles, one of the most dominant campaigns the Missouri Valley Conference has ever seen in any single event, and was a six-time MVC Athlete of the Week selection during the outdoor season, bringing her career conference weekly award haul to 15. The junior broke a pair of facility records (Indiana State and Vanderbilt), shattered her own MVC and MVC Championships records (12.72 wind-legal, 12.64 wind-aided) and became the first athlete in conference history to break the 13-second mark in the 100m hurdles, something she accomplished nine times during the season. Mehringer owns 21 of the 23 fastest 100m hurdles times in MVC history, including each of the top five and nine of the top 10 times. Reese, who competed at Indiana State from 2017-19, is coming off four straight appearances at high-level national and international meets, placing eighth in the hammer at the Prefontaine Classic (71.65m/235-1), LA Grand Prix (73.29m/240-5) and Lone Star Grad Prix (72.58m/238-1) while finishing sixth at the USATF Throws Festival (74.18m/243-4). A 2024 Olympian in Paris and a 2024 USATF Indoor Champion in the weight throw, Reese owns Indiana State’s facility record in both the weight throw (25.26m/82-10.5) and hammer throw (76.76m/251-10), with her hammer throw mark coming this season. This season has been Reese’s best on the professional stage, as she has cleared the 74-meter mark at three different meets including a pair of throws over the 75-meter mark at the Sycamore Open (76.76m/251-10, 75.09m/246-4). She was a three-time All-American at Indiana State, finishing as national runner-up in the hammer throw in 2019 and also placing fourth nationally in the weight throw that season. Reese remains Indiana State’s school record holder in the hammer throw at 71.06m (233-2). Malone, who competed at Indiana State from 2020-23 before, is coming off back-to-back wins win in the Para 100m at the Prefontaine Classic in July and LA Grand Prix in June, having run a times of 10.54 and 10.40 to claim the top spot in both meets. A six-time Paralympic medalist (two gold, three silver, one bronze) between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 and a three-time World Championships medalist between 2023 and 2024, Malone remains among the best short sprinters in Indiana State history. He ranks in the top five in program history in both the indoor 60m (6.75) and outdoor 100m (10.34), while also running the anchor leg for five of the top 10 4x100m relay teams in program history. Porter, who competed for the Sycamores from 2021-23, finished 16th in the triple jump at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March, with her top mark at the meet coming in at 13.01m (42-8.25) in her first international meet as a professional. She qualified for the world indoor championships by placing third in the triple jump at the USATF Indoor Championships in New York, with her top mark at that meet measuring 13.50m (44-3.5). Porter previously competed at the Olympic Trials, USATF Championships and USATF U20 Championships during her time at Indiana State. She won six MVC titles in individual events (five triple jump, one long jump) and reached the NCAA Outdoor National Championships in each of her three seasons with the Sycamores (2021, 2022, 2023). Syc Summer The four current and former Sycamores competing at the USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships join a group of Indiana State athletes who have shined on the national and international stage throughout the summer. Three rising Sycamore sophomores all had successful summer campaigns on the national stage. Aaron Massiah was the most recent of those successes, earning gold in the triple jump and silver in the long jump at the Barbados National Championships after previously claiming bronze in the triple jump at the CARIFTA Games. Kieran Barnewall claimed the Canada U20 title in the 110m hurdles, while Theo Thurmond carded a top-10 finish in the discus at the USATF U20 Championships. Up Next Indiana State hurdler Kieran Barnewall competes for Team Canada at the World Athletics U20 Championships August 5-9 in Eugene, Oregon. Barnewall earned an automatic qualifying spot for Canada by placing first in the 110m hurdles at the 2026 Canada U20 Championships last month in Ottawa. ######################################### VALPO SOFTBALL Valpo softball head coach Mike Armitage announced a pair of newcomers to the Beacons’ coaching staff entering the 2027 season. Jesse Delorit will join the program as an assistant coach, while Sydra Seville will come to campus as a graduate assistant. Delorit most recently coached for two seasons alongside Armitage at MSU Moorhead as an assistant coach. In his second season in 2023, Delorit helped the Dragons to a 22-win improvement over the previous season and the program’s first winning season in 16 years. The 2023 MSUM team set program single-season records for runs scored, RBIs and on-base percentage. Prior to his time at MSUM, Delorit was on staff for seven seasons as an assistant coach at Bethel [Minn.]. Working primarily with the program’s outfielders and catchers, Delorit guided four All-Conference selections at those positions. He was a member of the coaching staff which led the 2015 Royals to the MIAC regular season championship. Delorit also has experience coaching at the high school level at Bloomington Jefferson H.S. and Eagan H.S. Delorit played men’s fastpitch softball for 24 years as a catcher at the major level, including time with Team USA. He was a member of teams which won an ISC World Championship, two ASA Men’s Major titles and five NAFA championships. Individually, Delorit was an All-American, a ISC All-World Team selection, earned multiple NAFA First Team honors and was named to the 20th Anniversary NAFA All-Tournament Team. Seville was a standout on the diamond for the Creighton softball program from 2022 through 2025. After earning Second Team All-BIG EAST accolades as a junior, Seville was a First Team All-BIG EAST selection and a NFCA First Team All-Great Lakes Region honoree as a senior as she broke the program’s single-season hits record with 80 hits and set a BIG EAST record with 44 hits in league play. She closed her career tied for seventh in program history with a .333 batting average. Following her graduation, Seville spent the 2026 season as an assistant coach at North Central, helping the program to a 22-win season. She also has previously coached with the Sparks Softball club. Seville is currently playing for the St. Louis Gateway Gold. ###################################### INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE 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/ 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 ############################################# TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY JULY 24 1901: In a baseball rarity, the Pittsburgh Pirates score in every inning, a major-league record of course, defeating the Reds, 11 – 2. Deacon Phillippe is the winner over Jesse Tannehill, who will be his teammate next year. Milwaukee’s Pink Hawley beats Boston, 4 – 3, and beans C Lou Criger with a pitch. Criger is unconscious for five minutes before being taken away. Ossee Schreckengost moves from 1B to C and Tommy Dowd moves to 1B. 1905 – Giant LF Sam Mertes makes an unassisted double play to help New York stop the Reds, 4 – 3, at the Polo Grounds. In the 2nd inning, the Reds have one out and a runner on third base, outfielder Cy Seymour, once a pitcher for the Giants. Mertes catches a short fly off the bat of George Schlei and continues running to double off Cy. 1911: Rochester and Newark of the Eastern League play a doubleheader in two hours, 32 minutes. An American League All-Star team plays the Naps in Cleveland, raising $12,914 for the late Addie Joss’s family. The All-Stars win, 5 – 3. Joe Wood and Walter Johnson pitch for the All-Stars, while Cy Young twirls for the Naps. At Pittsburgh, Owen Wilson legs out three triples against Brooklyn. 1915 – In the 9th inning of the second game of a twinbill with Cleveland, the A’s Nap Lajoie lines into a triple play against Sam Jones to end the game. 1916 – In Toronto, ON the Red Sox play a 5 – 5 exhibition tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Canada at war in Europe, two Sox players of German extraction anticipate possible adverse fan reaction; 1B Dick Hoblitzel sits out the game while Heinie Wagner plays under the name Richardson. 1926 – Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth demonstrate that power hitting is not the only thing they can do when Lou scores on a double steal with the Babe in a victory over the White Sox. They had pulled the same double steal against the Red Sox on April 13th. 1929 – The Cubs regain the National League lead; a nine-game winning streak gives them a 4 1/2 game lead. 1930 – The Phillies’ Chuck Klein objects sharply to an 8th-inning strike call by umpire Lou Jorda and is banished for the first time in his career. Also ejected are manager Burt Shotton, captain Fresco Thompson and 1B Don Hurst. It is necessary to use 42-year-old Cy Williams in RF in the 9th, the only inning of play Klein will miss this season. 1931 – For the second time in ten days, Babe Herman hits for the cycle. When he hits another cycle as a member of the Cubs in 1933, he will become only the third player to hit have done so three times. The Robins still lose to Pittsburgh, 8 – 7. It will be 81 years until another major leaguer, Aaron Hill, has two cycles in a season, in 2012. 1933 – Frank Frisch is appointed manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, replacing Gabby Street. 1934 – Yankee CF Earle Combs crashes into the wall at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis and suffers a fractured skull. New York calls up George Selkirk but learns he broke his arm the same day playing for Newark. 1938 – 44-year-old Babe Ruth, roughly three years into his retirement and currently first base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers, launches one 430 feet out of Sportsman’s Park to win the $50 grand prize in a pre-game distance-hitting contest featuring an otherwise active pool of contestants including Cardinals Joe Medwick (the runner-up at 425 feet), Johnny Mize and Don Padgett, as well as Brooklyn’s Dolph Camilli and Ernie Koy. 1939 – The Detroit Tigers release oft-injured Dixie Walker. He signs with Brooklyn, with whom he will have his most productive year. 1948: Five members of the Duluth club in the Northern League are killed, and 13 are injured in a bus-truck crash near St. Paul, MN. The injured include Mel McGaha, future National League manager, and Elmer Schoendienst, brother of the Cardinal infielder, Red Schoendienst. Six days after hitting four home runs in one game, White Sox outfielder Pat Seerey again makes the record book, becoming the first major leaguer to strike out seven times in a doubleheader. 1949 – The Cards trounce the Dodgers, 14 – 1. This win gives St. Louis three straight victories at Ebbets Field, as they take over the lead Brooklyn has held through most of the season. 1950 – At the annual Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, the Red Sox beat the Giants, 8 – 5. Dick Littlefield goes all the way for Boston. 1953 – The Red Sox sweep the Browns as both Boston pitchers, Mickey McDermott and Bill Henry, hurl shutouts. 1954 – After Casey Stengel pulls Phil Rizzuto in the 8th for a pinch-hitter, he brings in Mickey Mantle again at SS. Mantle plays SS with Willie Miranda at 2B against left-handed hitters. Against righties, Miranda and Mantle switch positions. Cleveland wins, 5 – 4, to go 2 1/2 games up on New York. 1956: Honored just eight hours ago at a Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce luncheon as the Pirates’ leading hitter, Roberto Clemente continues to earn his laurels, leading the Bucs to a 6 – 2 win over Chicago with four RBI on three shots, all launched in the same direction: a long sacrifice fly to left center, an even longer triple off the wall, and one longer still into Schenley Park. The 1st-inning RBI triple ties the score at one all; Clemente scores the go-ahead tally on Dale Long’s sac fly, and the Bucs never look back. New York City Mayor Robert Wagner appoints Charles J. Mylod as chairman and R. E. Blum and C. A. Allen as members of the newly-created Brooklyn Sports Center Authority. He reveals plans for a 50,000-seat stadium bounded by Warren Street and Fourth, Flatbush and Fifth Avenues. Robert Moses prefers a different Brooklyn site. The ballpark will never be built. 1958 – After yesterday’s Kansas City spitting episode, Boston’s Ted Williams, for the second time in less than two years, is fined for his transgression, though in this instance by the league rather than his own GM, and for the relatively painless sum of $250 rather than the somewhat draconian $5,000 extracted from the “Splinter” on August 7, 1956. Upon being informed of the league’s decision, Teddy delivers this heartfelt apology: “I’m sorry I did it. I was so mad at the park that I lost my temper and afterward I was sorry about it. I’m principally sorry about losing the $250.” 1959 – As a prelude to the International League game between the Havana Sugar Kings and visiting Rochester Red Wings, Fidel Castro pitches two innings for his pickup team “Los Barbudos” against a Military Police squad. Castro pitches both innings, strikes out two batters with the aid of some friendly calls, and grounds out to short. This well-photographed event is El Jefe’s only mound appearance outside of intramural college baseball, according to Cuban baseball expert Peter Bjarkman. 1960 – Chicago’s third straight win at Yankee Stadium and eighth straight overall, 6 – 3, behind Billy Pierce, gives the Sox a two-game lead atop the American League. Eli Grba beats Herb Score, 8 – 2, in the second game to give New York a twin-bill split. 1961: In an unusual mid-season exhibition match at Yankee Stadium, the San Francisco Giants beat their former cross-town rivals, 4 – 1. Mickey Mantle’s homer accounts for the only Bronx Bombers run and Willie Mays has two RBIs for the visiting “Jints”. 50,000 fans are on hand. Boston OF Jackie Jensen’s fear of flying gets the best of him and he refuses to fly to Los Angeles. The Sox say they will not pay him for games he misses because of the problem. 1963 – The A’s sweep a pair at Fenway Park, winning 5 – 2 and 7 – 6. Ken Harrelson homers over the Red Sox bullpen in right centerfield, a rare feat for right-handed hitter. 1964 – Hank Aguirre gives up five runs on three homers to New York in the first four innings, but the Tigers overcome a 5 – 2 deficit to win, 10 – 5. 1965 – At the Astrodome, Reds pitcher Joe Nuxhall loses his no-hitter when Bob Lillis singles in the 8th inning. Nuxhall finishes with a 2 – 0 one-hitter. 1966 – The Yankees beat the Angels, 9 – 1, in the first game of a doubleheader, and Mickey Mantle hits his second homer in two days. The round-tripper, his 493rd, ties him with Lou Gehrig for sixth place on the all-time list. 1967: Chicago’s 3 – 1 win at St. Louis puts the Cards and Cubs even atop the National League. Team Canada makes its debut on the international stage, losing a 3 – 1 game to Mexico in the 1967 Pan American Games. Bernardo Moncayo gets the win over Ron Stead, who turns in a solid effort with ten strikeouts in seven innings but three errors in the 4th help Mexico score all their runs. Canada’s first run comes when Maurice Oakes grounds in Erwin Doerksen. Canada will beat Puerto Rico tomorrow behind Ross Stone and a homer by future NHL coach Ron Smith but will have the win rescinded when it is discovered that they have four former pros playing in the amateur-only event (including Stead and Smith). 1968: Hoyt Wilhelm’s 907th game breaks Cy Young’s record for major league pitching appearances, but he loses a 2 – 1 decision to Oakland. Don Drysdale walks two batters in the 5th, hits Ron Brand with a pitch and then plunks opposing pitcher Don Wilson with an off-speed pitch to force in a run. Houston wins, 1 – 0. 1969 – At Wrigley Field, Ken Holtzman tops Don Sutton for the fourth straight time – three this year – as Chicago beats the Dodgers, 5 – 3. For a frustrated Sutton, it is a Cubs-record 13th straight loss to Chicago stretching back to his rookie year. 1970: For the fourth time in his career, Billy Williams has the only hit(s) for the Cubs, as he connects safely twice against the Braves’ Phil Niekro. Each time previously, Williams also had multiple-hit games to spoil no-hitters. Niekro coasts to a 9 – 0 victory over Fergie Jenkins. At Pittsburgh on Roberto Clemente night, the night’s honoree gets a pair of hits but leaves after suffering a cut left knee making a sliding catch on the gravel warning track. Dock Ellis goes all the way allowing four hits as the Pirates trounce the Astros, 11 – 0. Hall beats Hall as the Orioles reliever Dick Hall tops the Twins’ Tom Hall, 6 – 5. Dick singles in the 8th for his first hit of the year and Don Buford follows with a game-winning home run. Chicago’s Bill Melton ties the major-league record by striking out seven times in a doubleheader split with Detroit. Melton will strike out his first three times up in his next game, in Baltimore on the 28th, before flying out in the 9th. The Sox win the opener today, 5 – 2, with six straight singles and five runs in the 9th. The Tigers win the nitecap, 5 – 4, in the 9th when Don Wert draws a walk from Wilbur Wood with the sacks full. In a surprise move, the Mets’ Tommie Agee steals home with the bases loaded in the 10th to give the Mets a 2 – 1 win over the visiting Dodgers. Agee bunts and reaches base on an error, steals second base with two outs and goes to third on the throw. After two walks he takes home to pin the loss on Jim Brewer. 1973 – Although not selected, Willie Mays appears in the All-Star Game thanks to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn increasing the player limit so the “Say Hey Kid” can participate in the Mid-summer classic. Mays strikes out in his final All-Star appearance. The National League wins, 7 – 1. A record 54 players are used, including Catfish Hunter, who sustains a fractured thumb that will sideline him for four weeks. The A’s ace has a 15-3 record at the time. 1974 – Cubs manager Whitey Lockman steps aside to become director of player development and is replaced by 3B coach Jim Marshall. The Cubs will still finish last. 1975 – The Royals fire manager Jack McKeon, hiring Whitey Herzog to replace him. 1976 – At Comiskey Park, the Twins roll over the White Sox, 17 – 2. Lyman Bostock is 4 for 4, hitting for the cycle. 1977 – Seattle’s John Montague pitches 6 2/3 innings of perfect relief against California, giving him 33 consecutive batsmen retired over two games to tie the American League record. But California wins, 3 – 1. 1978: Pete Rose singles twice, the first time off Pat Zachry, during the Reds’ 5 – 3 win over the Mets, extending his hitting streak to 37 games to tie the modern National League record held by Tommy Holmes. Zachry kicks the dugout steps in anger, breaking his foot and ending his season. In Kansas City, a sobbing Billy Martin reads a prepared statement in which he resigns as the Yankees’ manager. Dick Howser will fill in that night as the Yanks lose, 5 – 2. 1979: Going deep off A’s hurler Mike Morgan at Fenway Park, Red Sox first baseman Carl Yastrzemski becomes the 18th major leaguer and seventh in the American League to hit 400 home runs. “Captain Carl” will end his 23-year career with 452 homers. In the first game of a doubleheader, Seattle C Bob Stinson ties a major-league record by allowing two Baltimore batters to reach base on catcher’s interference. The Birds win, 7 – 6, then complete the sweep, 11 – 3. In Pittsburgh, a 4th-inning call results in a 34-minute rhubarb during the Pirates-Reds game. With Buc runners on first and third base, a 3-1 pitch to Omar Moreno is called a ball, but Johnny Bench throws to second base ahead of the runner from first, Lee Lacy, who is attempting to steal. Lacy is called out by Dick Stello even though Moreno has just received a walk (therefore entitling Lacy to the base), and walks off the bag. He is then tagged out by Dave Concepcion, precipitating the argument. The subsequent protest is rejected by National League president Chub Feeney, and the Pirates’ 6 – 5 loss is upheld. 1980 – Hours after signing a new five-year contract that will boost his salary to $1 million per year, Kansas City’s George Brett goes 2 for 4 in a 12 – 4 win over Chicago to raise his batting average to .379. The Royals lead second-place Texas by 11 games in the American League West. 1983 – In the memorable “Pine Tar Game” at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hits an apparent two-run home run off Rich Gossage to give the Kansas City Royals a 5 – 4 lead with two outs in the 9th inning, only to have the homer taken away when Yankees manager Billy Martin, at the urging of coach Don Zimmer, points out that the pine tar on Brett’s bat handle exceeds the 17 inches allowed in the rules. As a result, Brett is called out for illegally batting the ball, giving New York a 4 – 3 victory. Brett goes ballistic and the Royals immediately protest. American League President Lee MacPhail overrules his umpires for the first time, saying that the umpire’s call went against the spirit of the rule, which should be rewritten and clarified, and that the home run will stand. The game will be resumed from that point on August 18th. 1988 – The New York Mets retire number 41 for pitcher Tom Seaver in pre-game ceremonies at Shea Stadium. The Mets then lose to the Braves, 4 – 2. 1990 – Who needs a pickoff move? Atlanta pitcher Charlie Leibrandt picks off Craig Biggio by beating him back to first base. Atlanta wins the game, 9 – 3. Atlanta takes the nitecap from Houston scoring in the 8th and 9th to win, 9 – 8. 1991: Recently-recalled 1B Brian Hunter of the Braves hits a home run in Atlanta’s 7 – 4 loss to Pittsburgh while his former minor league team, the Richmond Braves, is finishing a suspended game against Pawtucket. Hunter had homered in that game before it was called, giving him round-trippers in the major and minor leagues on the same day. In a game against the Mariners, the Yankees score three runs on a ground ball hit back to the pitcher. With runners on second and third base and one out in the 4th, Pat Kelly hits a comebacker to Erik Hanson. The Seattle hurler traps Kevin Maas in a rundown between third and home, but Maas scores when 3B Edgar Martinez’s throw hits him in the back. The ball rolls up the first base line in foul territory where it is recovered by C Dave Cochrane. Cochrane throws home to head off Alvaro Espinoza who is also attempting to score. The throw goes into the Mariners’ dugout allowing Espinoza and Kelly to cross the plate with the second and third runs. Hiromitsu Kadota, at age 43, becomes the oldest player to homer in a NPB All-Star Game. The Pacific League veteran breaks a 3 – 3 tie with his shot. 1992: Minnesota P Scott Erickson hurls a one-hit, 5 – 0 victory over the Red Sox in the first game of a doubleheader. Tom Brunansky’s single is the only hit. Roger Clemens takes the loss. Boston wins the nitecap, 5 – 4, scoring a run with one out in the 9th. Commissioner Fay Vincent announces that George Steinbrenner can resume active control of the Yankees on March 1, 1993. 1993 – The Mets are defeated by the Dodgers, 5 – 4, as Anthony Young loses his major league record 27th straight decision by walking in the winning run in the 10th inning. Following the game, Mets OF Vince Coleman tosses a firecracker from his car, injuring two youngsters and a woman. Coleman will be charged with a felony. 1994 – The Expos defeat the Dodgers, 7 – 4, as OF Rondell White drives home all seven runs for Montreal. White strokes two singles, a double, and a home run in five at bats, as the Expos maintain their 1 1/2-game lead over Atlanta in the National League East. 1995: Colorado defeats Philadelphia by a score of 11 – 3. Two of the Phillies’ runs score on a pinch-hit home run by P Omar Olivares in the 5th inning. Olivares is the first pitcher to hit a pinch homer since 1990. The Red Sox obtain IF Dave Hollins from the Phillies for the well-traveled Mark Whiten. 1997 – Brad Radke allows the Athletics just five hits, striking out ten and walking no one, in a 1 – 0 victory. The game is the gem of what has been a masterful stretch for Radke; he is tied for second in the American League in wins with 13 (Roger Clemens has 16) and his 149 1/3 innings are sixth most in the league. 1998: Trailing Florida, 3 – 1, in the bottom half of the 9th, the Phillies get a two-out, two-run, pinch-hit home run from Mark Lewis to send the game into extra innings. Each team scores a single run in the 10th, then again in the 11th. The Marlins plate another in the top of the 12th to take a 6 – 5 lead, but the Phils get two in their half to finally win, 7 – 6. The Indians trade P Eric Plunk to the Brewers in exchange for P Doug Jones. 1999: The Yankees pound the Indians, 21 – 1. The Bronx Bombers are led by DH Chili Davis, who bangs out five hits, including a double and homer, while driving home six runs. The Giants obtain P Livan Hernandez from the Marlins in exchange for minor league Ps Jason Grilli and Nate Bump. The Red Sox defeat the Tigers, 11 – 4, as OF Trot Nixon blasts three home runs and drives home five runs. Boston collects seven home runs, one shy of the club record. 2000 – The Angels defeat the Rangers, 6 – 5, in 12 innings. Texas also loses C Ivan Rodriguez who breaks his thumb on Mo Vaughn’s bat while attempting to throw out a runner. He will miss the remainder of the season. Angels LF Darin Erstad ties the American League mark for an extra-inning game with 12 putouts, last tied by Rickey Henderson, in 1988. 2001: The Rangers send 1B Andres Galarraga to the Giants for minor league OF Chris Magruder, P Erasmo Ramirez and P Todd Ozias. The Brewers lose their 11th in a row as the Dodgers whip them, 7 – 2. Shawn Green and Gary Sheffield homer in the six-run 5th inning. The Yankees edge the Tigers, 6 – 5, despite an 8th-inning moon shot by Detroit’s Juan Encarnacion, off Ramiro Mendoza, that lands in the second row of the empty blue bleacher seats in left centerfield. It is believed to be the first ball hit into that area since Yankee Stadium was remodeled in 1976. David Cone runs his record to 6-1 as the Red Sox get past the visiting Blue Jays, 6 – 4. The Sox have won the last ten games that Cone has started. In a three-way deal, the A’s obtain OF Jermaine Dye from the Royals, the Royals get SS Neifi Perez from the Rockies, and the Rockies get 2B Jose Ortiz, OF Mario Encarnacion and P Todd Belitz from the A’s. 2002: Damian Moss allows only a single safety in seven innings – Derrek Lee’s leadoff single in the 5th inning – as the Braves hold the Marlins to that one hit in a 10 – 0 victory. The Tigers shut out the Royals, 3 – 0, in one hour and 41 minutes – the fastest nine-inning game in the major leagues since 1984. Blue Jays veteran catcher Darrin Fletcher retires. Tom Wilson, with 68 major league games, is now the Jays’ most experienced backstop. Oakland defeats Anaheim, 5 – 1, as Miguel Tejada hits his 22nd home run of the season. It is the 117th round-tripper of his career, breaking Eddie Joost’s career record for an Athletic SS. 2004 – Another saga is added to the Red Sox-Yankee rivalry as a bench-clearing brawl breaks out after Red Sox starter Bronson Arroyo hits Alex Rodriguez, who hit last night’s game-winning home run, with a pitch. As A-Rod stares out at the mound on his way to first base, Boston’s catcher Jason Varitek, after a verbal exchange, pushes the All-Star third baseman in the face, causing a series of fights with players in both team’s dugouts and bullpens involved. 2007 – Astros legend Craig Biggio announces that he will retire at the end of the season. Biggio, who will finish his career as the modern day record-holder for most times hit by a pitch, is Houston’s career leader in several categories, including games played, hits and runs scored. 2008 – The Brewers set a franchise record with home runs in 20 consecutive games when Ryan Braun hits a two-run shot in the 9th to complete a rally for a 4 – 3 win over the Cardinals. Braun has now reached base in nine straight plate appearances. 2009: The Oakland A’s trade OF Matt Holliday to the St. Louis Cardinals for three prospects – Derek Wallace, Shane Peterson and Clayton Mortensen. In his first game with his new club, Holliday goes 4 for 5 as the Cards beat the Phillies, 8 – 1. The Yankees extend their winning streak to eight games with an 8 – 3 defeat of the A’s. Joba Chamberlain is the winner. 2010 – At the 2010 European Championship, the Dutch national team begins its title defense with a no-hitter. Rob Cordemans and Dave Draijer combine to hold France to two walks and no hits while Raily Legito goes 4 for 4 in a 10 – 0 win. 2011: 2B Roberto Alomar, P Bert Blyleven and GM Pat Gillick are inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. The day has special significance for fans of the Toronto Blue Jays as both Alomar and Gillick had their greatest success with the Jays’ back-to-back World Series-winning teams in 1992 and 1993. Pablo Ortega of the Tigres de Quintana Roo retires the first 25 batters he faces, issues a walk, then retires two more for a no-hitter against the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz. The 10 – 0 Tigres romp clinches the top spot in the Mexican League’s southern division for them. 2012: Seattle’s Felix Hernandez breaks Alex Rodriguez’s hand with a pitch in the 8th inning of a 4 – 2 win over the Yankees. The Yanks make history by becoming the first team since the 1927 Athletics to have three players with 2,500+ career hits in the starting lineup. New York uses Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and the newly-acquired Ichiro Suzuki to pull that off. The Rays acquire 3B Ryan Roberts from the Diamondbacks in return for minor league infielder Tyler Bortnick, and the Pirates obtain P Wandy Rodriguez from Houston for three prospects – Rudy Owens, Colton Cain and Robbie Grossman. 2013 – Down 3 – 2 with two outs in the 9th, the Dodgers wake up. With Yasiel Puig on first, Andre Ethier lines a soft single to center against Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen, but the ball is misjudged by CF Colby Rasmus and it bounces over his head, allowing the tying run to score. The Dodgers then burst out for five runs in the top of the 10th, thanks to homers by Puig and Mark Ellis, and end up with an 8 – 3 win, their sixth straight. The Jays are headed in the opposite direction, having now lost seven in a row and nine of ten. 2014: In his tenth major league start, rookie Marcus Stroman does not allow a hit until Shane Victorino leads off the 7th inning with a bloop single; he combines with two relievers on a one-hitter as Toronto defeats Boston, 8 – 0. Juan Francisco goes 3 for 4 with a triple and a two-run homer to lead the offence. After failing to re-sign him during the off-season, the Mariners reacquire DH Kendrys Morales from Minnesota in return for P Stephen Pryor. Morales had to wait until after the 2014 amateur draft in June to find a team, as none was willing to both meet his financial demands and give up a draft pick in order to sign him. In other deals, the Yankees purchase veteran P Chris Capuano from Colorado while the A’s designate struggling former closer Jim Johnson for assignment. 2015 – A couple of trades are concluded in anticipation of the trading deadline in a week’s time. The Mets acquire IFs Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Braves for minor league pitchers John Gant and Rob Whalen. The Mets also promote top prospect OF Michael Conforto, designate OF John Mayberry for assignment, and move 3B David Wright to the 60-day disabled list. For Uribe, it’s a second trade this year. The Cardinals are also active, acquiring P Steve Cishek from the Marlins for P Kyle Barraclough. 2016 – Ken Griffey, Jr. and Mike Piazza are inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. Griffey obtained the highest percentage of the vote ever – 99.3% – in being elected in his first year of eligibility by the BBWAA, while Piazza made it on his fourth try. A crowd estimated at 50,000, the second-largest ever at Cooperstown, is on hand to witness the event. 2017 – There is a wave of pitchers changing teams today. The Twins complete a long-rumored trade for Braves P Jaime Garcia, also getting back-up C Anthony Recker in the process, while sending pitching prospect Huascar Ynoa in return. Meanwhile, the Royals acquire three hurlers from the Padres – Ryan Buchter, Trevor Cahill and Brandon Maurer – in return for Ps Matt Strahm and Travis Wood and minor league IF Esteury Ruiz. 2018 – The Yankees add to an already deep bullpen by acquiring closer Zach Britton from the Orioles in return for three prospects. 2019: An unusual substitution causes a dispute in Tampa Bay as manager Kevin Cash’s decision to move P Adam Kolarek to 1B with one out in the 8th to bring in P Chaz Roe causes confusion, as it is not clear which of the two replaces DH Austin Meadows in the batting order, and which one takes 1B Ji-Man Choi’s spot. The ensuing discussions between home plate umpire Angel Hernandez and Red Sox manager Alex Cora last 20 minutes, and not receiving satisfaction, Cora plays the remainder of the game under protest. The Rays hang on to their 3 – 2 lead until the end of the game. The Red Sox will drop their protest, realizing they have no chance to win as there was no clear rule violation. Shane Bieber pitches a one-hitter and strikes out ten as the Indians defeat the Blue Jays, 4 – 0. The sole hit is a double by Eric Sogard in the 7th. 2020 Running out of time, the Blue Jays settle on making Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY their temporary home for the season that is just starting, as their preferred options have all been denied. They will first have to make quick renovations to its locker rooms and lighting system to bring them closer to major league norms. In the first game to go into extra innings following the adoption of the tiebreaker rule, Angels DH Shohei Ohtani begins the top of the 10th inning on second base as the designated runner, after having made the final out in the top of the 9th. However, he quickly gets caught in a rundown on Jared Walsh’s grounder to the right side of the infield and is tagged out. The Angels fail to score, then Matt Olson hits a walk-off grand slam in the bottom half of the 10th to give Oakland a 7 – 3 win. 2022 – The induction ceremony is held for the Class of 2022 at the Hall of Fame. Three of the seven men inducted – David Ortiz, Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva – are present to receive the honor. The others, all deceased, are represented by relatives – Gil Hodges, Minnie Minoso and Buck O’Neil – while Dave Winfield introduces 19th century black baseball pioneer Bud Fowler. Over 35,000 persons are present in Cooperstown, NY to witness the ceremony, and Dominican flags and Boston Red Sox gear, in honor of Ortiz, are well in evidence in the crowd. 2024 – The Pacific League takes 2024 NPB All-Star Game 2 with a 16 – 10 win over the Central League to tie this year’s series. They set single-game records for average (.549), runs, hits (28), doubles (7) and total bases (74) among others. Toshiya Satoh ties the record for doubles in an All-Star Game and wins MVP honors, while Shogo Sakakura hits a grand slam for the CL. 2025: With the trading deadline approaching, the Mariners make the first big move, sending two prospects in Ps Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi to the Diamondbacks in return for 1B Josh Naylor. The Pacific League sweeps the 2025 NPB All-Star Games, winning Game 2 10-7. Kotaro Kiyomiya has three hits (including a homer), three runs and two RBI to take the MVP award. Births[edit] 1850 – Joe Miller, infielder, manager (d. 1891) 1863 – Tommy McCarthy, outfielder, manager; Hall of Famer (d. 1922) 1864 – Jack Clements, catcher, manager (d. 1941) 1868 – Billy Graulich, catcher (d. 1948) 1871 – Harvey Smith, infielder (d. 1962) 1873 – Joe Wall, catcher (d. 1936) 1875 – Jesse Stovall, pitcher (d. 1955) 1878 – Chris Lindsay, infielder (d. 1941) 1887 – Arthur Gilliard, Negro Leagues pitcher (d. 1950) 1893 – Joe Schultz, outfielder (d. 1941) 1895 – O’Neal M. Hobbs, minor league executive (d. 1987) 1900 – Earl Brown, pitcher (d. 1980) 1900 – Jim Lyle, pitcher (d. 1977) 1901 – Bob Adams, pitcher (d. 1996) 1905 – Ed Montague, infielder (d. 1988) 1907 – Roy Williams, pitcher (d. 1944) 1912 – Alex Carrasquel, pitcher (d. 1969) 1912 – Durward Stowe, minor league player and college coach (d. 1994) 1913 – Floyd Kranson, pitcher; All-Star (d. 1967) 1914 – Ienari Arimura, NPB pitcher (d. 1997) 1915 – Isaki Yoshida, NPB outfielder (d. 1982) 1916 – Al Flair, infielder (d. 1988) 1916 – Dick Hahn, catcher (d. 1992) 1916 – Moses Snowden, infielder (d. ????) 1919 – John Winkin, college coach (d. 2014) 1921 – Clint Conatser, outfielder (d. 2019) 1921 – Sam Carrigan, umpire (d. 2008) 1921 – Tony Ponce, minor league pitcher (d. 2009) 1922 – Michio Fujii, NPB outfielder (d. 2007) 1922 – Shinichi Ishimaru, NPB pitcher (d. 1945) 1922 – Duane Pillette, pitcher (d. 2011) 1924 – Tod Davis, infielder (d. 1978) 1927 – Preston Ward, infielder (d. 2013) 1928 – Walter Gibbons, pitcher (d. 2015) 1933 – Yasuo Shirasaki, NPB pitcher (d. 2019) 1936 – Michael Solomko, NPB outfielder 1940 – Ethan Blackaby, outfielder (d. 2022) 1940 – Shuhei Ichieda, NPB infielder 1942 – Cotton Nash, infielder (d. 2023) 1944 – Asdrúbal Rojas, Venezuelan national team pitcher 1945 – Mike Port, general manager 1945 – Shigeru Takada, NPB outfielder and manager 1948 – Mike Adams, outfielder 1948 – Jan Collins, Hoofdklasse catcher and manager 1949 – Makoto Yoshida, NPB outfielder 1950 – Chun-Kun Kuo, Chinese Taipei national team outfielder 1951 – Hideo Matsushima, NPB pitcher 1951 – Ed Tromp, Hoofdklasse infielder-pitcher 1952 – Jerry Augustine, pitcher 1956 – Masayuki Matsunuma, NPB pitcher 1957 – Dave Barnett, minor league outfielder 1957 – Tetsuya Ohara, NPB infielder 1957 – Shoichi Shimanuki, NPB outfielder 1959 – Félix Núñez, Cuban leagues pitcher 1960 – Jeff Kaiser, pitcher 1962 – Jeong-soo Kim, KBO pitcher 1964 – Barry Bonds, outfielder; All-Star 1964 – John Rosengren, author 1965 – Joe Oliver, catcher 1965 – Julian Yan, minor league infielder and manager 1966 – Eddy Rojas, Cuban leagues outfielder 1968 – Rob Lukachyk, pinch hitter 1968 – Naoyuki Naito, NPB pitcher 1968 – Shinji Omura, NPB infielder 1969 – Jim Wolf, umpire 1970 – Yoshihiko Kajiyama, Japanese national team outfielder 1971 – Carlton Hardy, college coach 1972 – Shawn Wooten, infielder 1973 – Stephen Larkin, infielder 1973 – Felix Perdomo, NPB infielder-pitcher 1973 – André van Maris, Hoofdklasse pitcher 1973 – Norihiro Nakamura, infielder 1974 – Toshihiro Nakamura, Japanese national team coach 1975 – Bill Ortega, pinch hitter 1975 – Brent Stentz, minor league pitcher 1976 – Nate Bump, pitcher 1976 – Tatsuya Ozeki, NPB outfielder 1977 – Casey Burns, minor league pitcher 1977 – Jason Smith, infielder 1978 – Chad Hawkins, minor league pitcher 1979 – Tagg Bozied, minor league infielder 1979 – Ryan Speier, pitcher 1979 – Shih-Yang Teng, CPBL infielder and coach 1980 – James Rutherford, minor league outfielder 1981 – Hiroyuki Nomura, NPB pitcher 1983 – Katsuyuki Aihara, NPB pitcher 1983 – Reed Eastley, minor league infielder 1983 – Guilder Rodriguez, infielder 1984 – Ricky Navarro, minor league pitcher 1985 – Takayuki Kanamori, NPB pitcher 1985 – Nick Schumacher, minor league pitcher 1985 – Sean Watson, minor league pitcher 1986 – Miguel Socolovich, pitcher 1986 – Scott Van Slyke, outfielder 1986 – Chris Weimer, minor league outfielder 1986 – Suk-min Yoon, KBO pitcher 1988 – Kasthuri Mudali Anuradha, Sri Lankan national team infielder-outfielder 1989 – Chris O’Brien, minor league catcher 1989 – Alexander Perez, minor league player 1990 – Kirby Campbell, minor league infielder and manager 1990 – Sebastian Valle, minor league catcher 1991 – Cesar Galvez, minor league infielder and manager 1991 – Guilherme Massao, Brazilian national team pitcher 1992 – Min-su Kim, KBO pitcher 1992 – Shih-Yun Lee, Taiwanese women’s national team catcher 1993 – Justin Atkinson, minor league infielder 1993 – Ye-ji Lee, South Korean women’s national team outfielder 1993 – Connor Overton, pitcher 1995 – Anfernee Benítez, minor league pitcher 1995 – Cristian Perez, coach 1996 – Cooper Criswell, pitcher 1996 – Shumei Miyamoto, NPB outfielder 1997 – Aaron Schunk, infielder 1997 – Andy Weber, minor league infielder 1998 – Ho-Ying Au, Hong Kong women’s national team pitcher 1998 – Benjamin Goffaux, First Division catcher 2000 – Mateo Gil, minor league infielder 2001 – Zuo Wei Ryan How, Singaporean national team infielder 2001 – Nolan McLean, pitcher 2002 – Wilkerman García, Venezuelan national team utility man 2003 – Zajzon Házi, Hungarian national team outfielder 2004 – Dovydas Zakaras, Lithuanian national team outfielder 2006 – Kyle Bader, Palestinian national team player 2006 – Michael Senay, Czech national team pitcher Deaths[edit] 1887 – Alex McKinnon, infielder, manager (b. 1856) 1899 – Jim Korwan, pitcher (b. 1874) 1900 – Fred Zahner, catcher (b. 1870) 1901 – Joe Simmons, outfielder, manager; umpire (b. 1845) 1919 – Ed Begley, pitcher (b. 1863) 1923 – Antonio María García, Negro league infielder and catcher (b. 1868) 1928 – John Bender (b. 1882) 1929 – George Miller, catcher; umpire (b. 1853) 1932 – Tom Quinn, catcher (b. 1864) 1932 – Frank Warfield, infielder, manager (b. 1899) 1935 – Billy Crowell, pitcher (b. 1865) 1944 – Kiyoshi Omiya, NPB pitcher (b. 1916) 1947 – Jack Meanor, minor league infielder (b. 1892) 1948 – Gerald Peterson, minor league outfielder (b. 1925) 1948 – Red Treadwell, minor league catcher and manager (b. 1906) 1951 – Ed Fisher, pitcher (b. 1876) 1958 – Virgil Barnes, pitcher (b. 1897) 1963 – Luther Roy, pitcher (b. 1902) 1970 – Harvey Green, pitcher (b. 1915) 1971 – Harry Suter, pitcher (b. 1887) 1976 – Sammy Bankhead, outfielder/infielder; All-Star (b. 1905) 1978 – Joel Hunt, outfielder (b. 1905) 1982 – Lin Storti, infielder (b. 1906) 1984 – Jake Dunn, infielder; All-Star (b. 1909) 1985 – Ted Kleinhans, pitcher (b. 1899) 1988 – Jerry Lane, pitcher (b. 1926) 1988 – Joe Orengo, infielder (b. 1914) 1989 – Wally Kimmick, infielder (b. 1897) 1990 – Andy Woehr, infielder (b. 1896) 1991 – Howie Carter, infielder (b. 1904) 1993 – George Armstrong, catcher (b. 1924) 2001 – Myung-sung Kim, KBO manager (b. 1946) 2002 – Pete Coscarart, infielder; All-Star (b. 1913) 2002 – Wally Pontiff, Jr., drafted player (b. 1980) 2002 – Al Silvera, outfielder (b. 1935) 2002 – Barney White, infielder (b. 1923) 2006 – Kazuo Horii, NPB infielder (b. 1923) 2011 – Mike Palm, pitcher (b. 1925) 2012 – Nancy Cato, AAGPBL infielder (b. 1929) 2013 – Porfirio Ochoa, minor league pitcher (b. 1959) 2015 – Dirk Gibbons, Negro League pticher (b. 1928) 2016 – Steve Nagy, pitcher (b. 1919) 2018 – Tony Cloninger, pitcher (b. 1940) 2018 – Vaughn Eshelman, pitcher (b. 1969) 2022 – Miles Head, minor league infielder (b. 1991) 2022 – Sadao Kawai, Japanese national team pitcher (b. 1931) 2022 – Win Remmerswaal, pitcher (b. 1954) 2022 – Julio Valdéz, infielder (b. 1956) 2023 – Taka Miura, NPB outfielder and pitcher (b. 1978) 2023 – Dan Morrison, umpire (b. 1948) 2024 – Denny Lemaster, pitcher; All-Star (b. 1939) ############################################ TV SPORTS TODAY Friday, July 24 AUTO RACING 7:30 a.m. APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary 11 a.m. APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary 8 p.m. FS1 — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race at IRP, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis 6:30 a.m. (Saturday) APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary CYCLING 7 a.m. NBCSN — UCI: Tour de France, Stage 19 GOLF 4:30 a.m. GOLF — LPGA Tour: ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Second Round, Dundonald Links, Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland 8 a.m. FS2 — LIV Golf League: Second Round, JCB Golf & Country Club, Rocester, England 8:30 a.m. GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Second Round, Gleneagles Hotel (Kings Course), Auchterarder, Scotland 4 p.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: 3M Open, Second Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. 5:30 a.m. (Saturday) GOLF — LPGA Tour: ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Third Round, Dundonald Links, Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland MLB BASEBALL 4 p.m. MLBN — Regional Coverage: Colorado at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m.) OR Arizona at Washington (6:45 p.m.) 6:40 p.m. APPLE TV — N.Y. Yankees at Philadelphia 7 p.m. MLBN — Regional Coverage: Cleveland at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m.) OR Arizona at Washington (joined in progress) (6:45 p.m.) 7:10 p.m. APPLE TV — Toronto at Boston WNBA BASKETBALL 8 p.m. ESPN — WNBA 3-Point Contest & Skills Challenge: From Chicago X GAMES 9 p.m. ESPN — MoonPay X Games New Orleans 2026: Day 1, New Orleans _____ Saturday, July 25 AUTO RACING 6:30 a.m. APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary 10 a.m. APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary 7:30 p.m. CW — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. CYCLING 6 a.m. NBCSN — UCI: Tour de France, Stage 20 8 a.m. NBC — UCI: Tour de France, Stage 20 GOLF 5:30 a.m. GOLF — LPGA Tour: ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Third Round, Dundonald Links, Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland 8 a.m. FOX — LIV Golf League: Third Round, JCB Golf & Country Club, Rocester, England 8:30 a.m. GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Third Round, Gleneagles Hotel (Kings Course), Auchterarder, Scotland Noon NBC — PGA Tour Champions: ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Third Round, Gleneagles Hotel (Kings Course), Auchterarder, Scotland 1 p.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: 3M Open, Third Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. 3 p.m. CBS — PGA Tour: 3M Open, Third Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. 4:30 a.m. (Sunday) GOLF — LPGA Tour: ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Final Round, Dundonald Links, Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland LACROSSE (MEN’S) 9 p.m. ESPN2 — PLL: Philadelphia at Denver MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 10 p.m. ESPN — PFL: Main Card, Washington MLB BASEBALL 4 p.m. FS1 — San Diego at Miami (4:10 p.m.) 7 p.m. FOX — Regional Coverage: L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets (7:15 p.m.) OR Seattle at Texas (7:15 p.m.) SOCCER (MEN’S) 7 p.m. ESPN2 — USL Championship: Las Vegas at Detroit SOFTBALL 1 p.m. ABC — Athletes Unlimited Postseason: TBD, Championship – Game 1, College Station, Texas TRACK AND FIELD 2 p.m. NBC — USATF: 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships, New York WNBA BASKETBALL 8:30 p.m. ABC — 2026 WNBA All-Star Game: Team Cooper vs. Team Weatherspoon, Chicago X GAMES 3 p.m. ABC — MoonPay X Games New Orleans 2026: Day 2, New Orleans 7 p.m. ESPN — MoonPay X Games New Orleans 2026: Day 2, New Orleans _____ Sunday, July 26 AUTO RACING 9 a.m. APPLE TV — Formula 1: AWS Hungarian Grand Prix 2026, Hungaroring, Mogyoród, Hungary 2 p.m. TNT — NASCAR Cup Series: Brickyard 400, In-Season Challenge – Challenge, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. TRUTV — NASCAR Cup Series: Brickyard 400, In-Season Challenge – Challenge, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. 4 p.m. FOX — NHRA: Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. BIG3 BASKETBALL 1 p.m. CBS — Week 6: DMV Trilogy vs. Miami 305, Houston Rig Hands at Dallas Power, Houston CYCLING 9:30 a.m. NBCSN — UCI: Tour de France, Final Stage 2 p.m. NBC — UCI: Tour de France, Final Stage (taped) GOLF 4:30 a.m. GOLF — LPGA Tour: ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, Final Round, Dundonald Links, Gailes, North Ayrshire, Scotland 8 a.m. FS1 — LIV Golf League: Final Round, JCB Golf & Country Club, Rocester, England 8:30 a.m. GOLF — PGA Tour Champions: ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Final Round, Gleneagles Hotel (Kings Course), Auchterarder, Scotland Noon NBC — PGA Tour Champions: ISPS HANDA Senior Open, Final Round, Gleneagles Hotel (Kings Course), Auchterarder, Scotland 1 p.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: 3M Open, Final Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. 3 p.m. CBS — PGA Tour: 3M Open, Final Round, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. MLB BASEBALL Noon NBCSN — Cleveland at Tampa Bay (12:15 p.m.) PEACOCK — Cleveland at Tampa Bay (12:15 p.m.) 1:30 p.m. MLBN — 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: From Cooperstown, Pa. 4:30 p.m. MLBN — L.A. Angels at San Francisco (joined in progress) (4:05 p.m.) 7 p.m. NBC — N.Y. Yankees at Philadelphia (7:20 p.m.) PEACOCK — N.Y. Yankees at Philadelphia (7:20 p.m.) SOCCER (WOMEN’S) 9 p.m. ESPN — NWSL: Louisville at Angel City SOFTBALL 2 p.m. ESPN — Athletes Unlimited Postseason: TBD, Championship – Game 2, College Station, Texas TRACK AND FIELD 2 p.m. NBC — USATF: 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships, New York X GAMES 2 p.m. ABC — MoonPay X Games New Orleans 2026: Day 3, New Orleans 6 p.m. ESPN — MoonPay X Games New Orleans 2026: Day 3, New Orleans About The Author troyderengowski61@gmail.com See author's posts Post navigation MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL NEWS THE INDIANA SRN “SCOREBOARD” JULY 24
