“THE SCOREBOARD”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
REDS 10, GIANTS 9
BLUE JAYS 3, ROYALS 0
BRAVES 6, DODGERS 5
ORIOLES 8, CARDINALS 7
RAYS 3, TIGERS 0
GUARDIANS 4, ANGELS 3
BREWERS 8, METS 1
MARLINS 4, RED SOX 0
DIAMONDBACKS 2, CUBS 0
PADRES 3, PIRATES 0
PHILLIES 6, MARINERS 0
ROCKIES 13, NATIONALS 1
YANKEES 9, ASTROS 3
WHITE SOX 10, RANGERS 4
ATHLETICS 7, TWINS 4
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MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
INDIANAPOLIS 4 COLUMBUS 3
DAYTON 2 FT. WAYNE 1
SOUTH BEND 13 WISCONSIN 6
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WNBA SCOREBOARD
VALKYRIES 89 SUN 64
STORM 90 TEMPO 78
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MLS SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2
ANDERSON (0-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (1-0)
ANDREAN (0-1) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (0-1)
ATTICA (0-1) AT TRI-COUNTY (0-1)
BATESVILLE (1-0) AT MILAN (1-0)
BEN DAVIS (1-0) AT AVON (1-0)
BLOOMINGTON NORTH (0-1) AT BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (1-0)
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (1-0) AT MARTINSVILLE (0-1)
BLUFFTON (1-0) AT CHURUBUSCO (0-1)
BOONE GROVE (0-1) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (0-1)
BOONVILLE (1-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (0-1)
BOWMAN ACADEMY (0-0) AT HAMMOND NOLL (0-1)
BREBEUF JESUIT (0-1) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (1-0)
BUCHANAN (MICH.) AT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-1)
CALUMET (0-1) AT RIVER FOREST (0-0)
CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (0-1) AT UNION COUNTY (0-1)
CARMEL (1-0) AT WESTFIELD (1-0)
CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (1-0) AT CENTER GROVE (0-1)
CASTLE (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (1-0)
CHARLESTOWN (1-0) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (1-0)
CHESTERTON (0-1) AT HAMMOND MORTON (1-0)
CLARKSVILLE (1-0) AT EASTERN (PEKIN) (0-1)
CLOVERDALE (1-0) AT NORTH PUTNAM (0-1)
COLUMBIA CITY (1-0) AT NORTHRIDGE (1-0)
COLUMBUS EAST (0-1) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (1-0)
CONCORD (0-1) AT JIMTOWN (1-0)
CONNERSVILLE (1-0) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (1-0)
CORYDON CENTRAL (0-1) AT PAOLI (0-1)
COVINGTON (1-0) AT PURDUE ENGLEWOOD (0-1)
CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-1) VS. BROWN COUNTY (0-1)
DANVILLE (1-0) AT CASCADE (1-0)
DECATUR CENTRAL (0-1) AT FORT WAYNE WAYNE (0-1)
DEKALB (1-0) AT ANGOLA (1-0)
DELPHI (1-0) AT TWIN LAKES (1-0)
EAST CENTRAL (1-0) AT NEW PALESTINE (1-0)
EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (0-0) AT GARY WEST (0-0)
EAST NOBLE (1-0) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-1)
EASTERN GREENE (1-0) AT NORTH KNOX (0-1)
EASTERN HANCOCK (1-0) AT NORTH DECATUR (1-0)
EASTSIDE (1-0) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (1-0)
EATON (OHIO) AT RICHMOND (0-1)
EDGEWOOD (1-0) AT BEECH GROVE (1-0)
EDINBURGH (1-0) AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (0-0)
ELWOOD (0-1) AT TRI-CENTRAL (0-1)
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (0-1) AT EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-1)
EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-1) AT JASPER (0-1)
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (0-1)
FAITH CHRISTIAN (1-0) AT CLINTON CENTRAL (1-0)
FOREST PARK (1-0) AT PERRY CENTRAL (0-1)
FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (0-1) AT SOUTHERN WELLS (1-0)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (1-0) AT EASTBROOK (0-1)
FORT WAYNE DWENGER (1-0) AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALES (OHIO)
FORT WAYNE NORTH (0-1) AT NEW HAVEN (0-1)
FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (0-0) AT WARSAW (1-0)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-0) AT SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (1-0)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (0-1) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (1-0)
FRANKFORT (0-1) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (1-0)
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (0-1)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (1-0) AT LAWRENCEBURG (0-1)
GREENWOOD (1-0) AT FRANKLIN (1-0)
GRIFFITH (1-0) AT MUNSTER (0-0)
GUERIN CATHOLIC (1-0) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (1-0)
HAGERSTOWN (1-0) AT CENTERVILLE (1-0)
HANOVER CENTRAL (1-0) AT LAKE CENTRAL (0-0)
HENRYVILLE (0-1) AT TRINITY LUTHERAN (0-1)
HERITAGE (1-0) AT DELTA (0-1)
HERITAGE HILLS (1-0) AT OWENSBORO APOLLO (KY.)
HUNTINGTON NORTH (1-0) AT GARRETT (0-1)
ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL AT LAKE STATION (0-0)
INDIAN CREEK (1-0) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (0-1)
INDIANAPOLIS ARSENAL TECH (0-1) AT SPEEDWAY (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (0-1) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (0-1) AT KETTERING ALTER (OHIO)
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (0-1) AT TRITON CENTRAL (0-1)
INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (1-0) AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (0-1) AT PARK TUDOR (0-1)
JEFFERSONVILLE (0-1) AT SEYMOUR (0-1)
JOHN GLENN (1-0) AT FAIRFIELD (1-0)
KANKAKEE VALLEY (0-1) AT WHEELER (1-0)
KOKOMO (0-1) AT TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (0-1)
LAKELAND (0-1) AT PLYMOUTH (0-1)
LAPEL (1-0) AT FRANKTON (0-1)
LAWRENCE CENTRAL (1-0) AT ZIONSVILLE (1-0)
LAWRENCE NORTH (0-1) AT FISHERS (0-1)
LEBANON (0-1) AT WESTERN BOONE (0-1)
LEO (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (1-0)
LEWIS CASS (0-1) AT NORTHFIELD (1-0)
LOGANSPORT (1-0) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-0)
LONDON (OHIO) AT HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-1)
LOWELL (0-1) AT LAPORTE (1-0)
LOYOLA ACADEMY (ILL.) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (0-1)
MACONAQUAH (1-0) AT CARROLL (FLORA) (1-0)
MADISON (1-0) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (1-0)
MADISON-GRANT (1-0) AT SOUTHWOOD (0-1)
MERRILLVILLE (1-0) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (0-1)
MICHIGAN CITY (0-1) AT DETROIT CASS TECH (MICH.)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (0-1) AT CULVER ACADEMY (0-1)
MISSISSINEWA (0-1) AT MARION (0-1)
MITCHELL (0-1) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (0-1)
MONROE CENTRAL (1-0) AT UNION CITY (0-1)
MONROVIA (0-1) AT LINTON (0-1)
MOORESVILLE (1-0) AT TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-1)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (1-0) AT YORKTOWN (1-0)
NEW ALBANY (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (1-0)
NEW CASTLE (0-1) AT JAY COUNTY (1-0)
NEW PRAIRIE (0-1) AT NORTHWOOD (0-1)
NOBLESVILLE (1-0) AT HOMESTEAD (0-1)
NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (1-0) AT NORTH DAVIESS (1-0)
NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (1-0) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (0-1)
NORTH JUDSON (1-0) AT LAVILLE (1-0)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (0-1) AT WESTERN (0-1)
NORTH NEWTON (0-1) AT RENSSELAER CENTRAL (1-0)
NORTH WHITE (1-0) AT CASTON (1-0)
NORTHEASTERN (0-1) AT SHENANDOAH (0-1)
NORTHWESTERN (1-0) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (1-0)
OAK HILL (0-1) AT NORWELL (1-0)
OSCEOLA GRACE AT FREMONT (1-0)
OWEN VALLEY (1-0) AT SOUTHMONT (1-0)
PARIS (ILL.) AT NORTH VERMILLION (0-1)
PENN (1-0) AT MISHAWAKA (1-0)
PERU (0-1) AT WHITKO (0-1)
PIKE (0-1) AT CROWN POINT (1-0)
PIKE CENTRAL (0-1) AT PRINCETON (0-1)
PIONEER (1-0) AT KNOX (0-1)
PLAINFIELD (0-1) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-0)
PORTAGE (0-1) AT HOBART (1-0)
PROVIDENCE (0-1) AT LOUISVILLE HOLY CROSS (KY.)
RABUN GAP (GA.) AT BROWNSBURG (1-0)
ROCHESTER (1-0) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (1-0)
SALEM (1-0) AT SILVER CREEK (0-1)
SCOTTSBURG (0-1) AT NORTH HARRISON (0-1)
SEEGER (0-1) AT BENTON CENTRAL (0-1)
SHELBYVILLE (1-0) AT RUSHVILLE (0-1)
SHERIDAN (0-1) AT ALEXANDRIA (0-1)
SOUTH ADAMS (0-1) AT BELLMONT (0-1)
SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-0) AT VALPARAISO (0-1)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (0-1) AT GOSHEN (0-1)
SOUTH DEARBORN (0-1) AT SWITZERLAND COUNTY (1-0)
SOUTH DECATUR (0-1) AT GREENSBURG (0-1)
SOUTH PUTNAM (1-0) AT GREENCASTLE (0-1)
SOUTH SPENCER (0-1) AT EMINENCE (KY.)
SOUTH VERMILLION (1-0) AT SULLIVAN (1-0)
SOUTHPORT (0-1) AT PERRY MERIDIAN (0-1)
T.F. SOUTH (ILL.) AT HAMMOND CENTRAL (1-0)
TAYLOR (0-1) AT NORTH MIAMI (0-1)
TECUMSEH (1-0) AT NORTH POSEY (1-0)
TIPTON (1-0) AT MANCHESTER (0-1)
TRITON (0-1) AT BREMEN (1-0)
VINCENNES LINCOLN (1-0) AT NORTHVIEW (1-0)
WARREN CENTRAL (1-0) AT ELKHART (1-0)
WES-DEL (1-0) AT BLACKFORD (0-1)
WEST CENTRAL (0-1) AT CULVER (0-1)
WEST LAFAYETTE (0-1) AT MCCUTCHEON (0-1)
WEST NOBLE (0-1) AT WAWASEE (0-1)
WEST VIGO (0-1) AT PARKE HERITAGE (0-1)
WEST WASHINGTON (1-0) AT TELL CITY (1-0)
WHITELAND (0-1) AT FLOYD CENTRAL (1-0)
WHITING (1-0) AT HIGHLAND (0-1)
WINAMAC (1-0) AT FRONTIER (0-1)
WINCHESTER (0-1) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (0-1)
WOODLAN (1-0) AT CENTRAL NOBLE (1-0)
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=8/26/2026
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=8/26/2026
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=8/26/2026
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/cross-country
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/girls/cross-country
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INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/tennis
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INDIANA GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/flag-football/girls/scores/?date=8/26/2026
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE/TV
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
IDAHO AT CAL POLY | 10 P.M. | ESPN
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
TCU VS. NORTH CAROLINA (AVIVA STADIUM IN DUBLIN, IRELAND) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
SAN JOSE STATE AT USC | 3 P.M. | NBC
ALABAMA STATE VS. SOUTHERN (LEGION FIELD IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA.) | 3 P.M. | ESPNU
NC STATE AT VIRGINIA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
JACKSONVILLE STATE AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | 5:30 P.M. | CBSSN
SACRAMENTO STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
HAWAI’I AT STANFORD | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
NEW MEXICO STATE AT FLORIDA STATE | 7 P.M. | THE CW NETWORK
EAST TEXAS A&M AT MERCER | 7 P.M. | ESPN
HOWARD VS. ALABAMA A&M (CENTER PARC STADIUM IN ATLANTA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M AT TARLETON STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN2
MEMPHIS AT UNLV | 10 P.M. | FOX
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3
UMASS AT RUTGERS | 6 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
BETHUNE-COOKMAN AT UCF | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
AKRON AT WAKE FOREST | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
MERRIMACK AT DELAWARE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
WEST GEORGIA AT KENNESAW STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UALBANY AT BUFFALO | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF AT MISSOURI | 8 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
COLORADO AT GEORGIA TECH | 8 P.M. | ESPN
EASTERN ILLINOIS AT MINNESOTA | 8 P.M. | PEACOCK
IDAHO AT UTAH | 9 P.M. | ESPNU
UAB AT ILLINOIS | 9 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
FRIDAY, SEPT. 3
SAN JOSE STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
INDIANA STATE AT PURDUE | 7 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
NORTH CAROLINA A&T AT GEORGIA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UTEP AT OKLAHOMA | 8 P.M. | SECN+
LIU AT KANSAS | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
TOLEDO AT MICHIGAN STATE | 8 P.M. | FS1
MIAMI (FLA.) AT STANFORD | 9 P.M. | ESPN
FRESNO STATE AT USC | 9 P.M. | FOX
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4
EAST CAROLINA AT ALABAMA | 12 P.M. | ABC
OREGON STATE AT HOUSTON | 12 P.M. | ESPN
COASTAL CAROLINA AT WEST VIRGINIA | 12 P.M. | TNT/HBO MAX
NEW HAMPSHIRE AT SYRACUSE | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS AT INDIANA | 12 P.M. | FOX
OHIO AT NEBRASKA | 12 P.M. | FS1
BRYANT AT ARMY | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
TARLETON STATE AT BOWLING GREEN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
LIBERTY AT JAMES MADISON | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
MIAMI (OHIO) AT PITT | 12:30 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
BALL STATE AT OHIO STATE | 12:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
KENT STATE AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 12:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT KENTUCKY | 1 P.M. | SECN+
SE MISSOURI STATE AT IOWA STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
DUQUESNE AT AIR FORCE | 1 P.M. | MW+
RHODE ISLAND AT TEMPLE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE STATE AT GEORGIA | 3 P.M. | SECN+
AUBURN VS. BAYLOR (MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IN ATLANTA) | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
FURMAN AT TENNESSEE | 3:30 P.M. | SECN+
TEXAS STATE AT TEXAS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
BOSTON COLLEGE AT CINCINNATI | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
TULANE AT DUKE | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
BOISE STATE AT OREGON | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
MARSHALL AT PENN STATE | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
THE CITADEL AT CHARLOTTE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
TOWSON AT NAVY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
UT RIO GRANDE VALLEY AT UTSA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FORDHAM AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
MAINE AT APP STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
OKLAHOMA STATE AT TULSA | 3:45 P.M. | ESPNU
NORTH ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS | 4:15 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT IOWA | 4:15 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
ALCORN STATE AT SOUTHERN MISS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
WYOMING AT COLORADO STATE | 6 P.M. | USA NETWORK
NORFOLK STATE AT OLD DOMINION | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSOURI STATE AT TEXAS A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN
AUSTIN PEAY AT VANDERBILT | 7 P.M. | SECN+
ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT TEXAS TECH | 7 P.M. | FS1
NICHOLLS AT KANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
IDAHO STATE AT UTAH STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
ARKANSAS STATE AT MEMPHIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN AT RICE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT SOUTH FLORIDA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MURRAY STATE AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN KENTUCKY AT JACKSONVILLE STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SE LOUISIANA AT SOUTH ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SAM HOUSTON AT TROY | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CLEMSON AT LSU | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
UL MONROE AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
VMI AT VIRGINIA TECH | 7:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT MICHIGAN | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
NORTHWESTERN STATE AT LOUISIANA TECH | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT FLORIDA | 7:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UTAH TECH AT BYU | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
HAMPTON AT MARYLAND | 8 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT NORTHWESTERN | 8 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
LAMAR AT LOUISIANA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
MORGAN STATE AT ARIZONA STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
MERCYHURST AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHERN ARIZONA AT ARIZONA | 9:30 P.M. | ESPN+
PORTLAND STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 9:30 P.M. | USA NETWORK
UNLV AT HAWAI’I | 10 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT NEW MEXICO | 10 P.M. | FS1
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE AT SACRAMENTO STATE | 10 P.M. | ESPN+
UCLA AT CAL | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT NEVADA | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6
TEXAS SOUTHERN AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M | 12 P.M. | ESPN2
FLORIDA A&M VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (HARD ROCK STADIUM IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.) | 3 P.M. | ESPN
WASHINGTON STATE AT WASHINGTON | 4 P.M. | NBC
OLE MISS VS. LOUISVILLE (NISSAN STADIUM IN NASHVILLE, TENN.) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
NOTRE DAME VS. WISCONSIN (LAMBEAU FIELD IN GREEN BAY, WIS.) | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
MONDAY, SEPT. 7
SMU AT FLORIDA STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
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NFL PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
WEEK 3
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
PITTSBURGH AT BUFFALO, 7:00
NEW ENGLAND AT CLEVELAND (PRIME VIDEO), 8:00
SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS, 8:00
L.A. RAMS AT L.A. CHARGERS, 10:00
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
WASHINGTON AT BALTIMORE, 6:00
HOUSTON AT CAROLINA, 7:00
ATLANTA AT MIAMI, 7:00
TAMPA BAY AT JACKSONVILLE, 7:30
N.Y. GIANTS AT N.Y. JETS, 7:30
NEW ORLEANS AT DALLAS, 8:00
ARIZONA AT GREEN BAY, 8:00
SEATTLE AT KANSAS CITY, 8:00
CINCINNATI AT PHILADELPHIA (CBS), 8:00
MINNESOTA AT DENVER, 9:00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
DETROIT AT INDIANAPOLIS, 1:00
CHICAGO AT TENNESSEE, 6:00
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2026 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 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)
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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
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TOP NATIONAL SPORTS HEADLINES
NFL NEWS
BRONCOS CUT S TAYLOR RAPP, BUT HINT AT BRINGING HIM BACK
Less than a week after signing Taylor Rapp, the Denver Broncos on Wednesday cut the safety, but later in the day, head coach Sean Payton indicated the reason wasn’t football-related and that Rapp could be back with the team.
“He needs a little time at home,” Payton told reporters, before adding, “I know how he felt being here and so I think sooner than later (Rapp will be back with the team). This obviously took precedence.”
The 28-year-old Rapp signed a reported one-year deal last week, practiced Monday but missed practice Tuesday.
The seven-year veteran spent the past three seasons in Buffalo after playing his first four seasons in Los Angeles with the Rams, who drafted him in the second round out of Washington in 2019.
In 93 career games (72 starts), Rapp has 12 interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 488 tackles (314 solo). He won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021.
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NFL ENDS PRO BOWL, SELECTION OF ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ TO CONTINUE
The NFL is ending the Pro Bowl Games after repeated format changes to its annual all-star event.
Beginning with the 2026 season, 88 Pro Bowlers will be selected but the NFL no longer plans to stage an AFC-NFC game, a flag-football matchup or an accompanying series of competitions. The players chosen will instead be invited to next year’s Super Bowl site in Los Angeles for an in-person celebration in February.
The biggest change beyond eliminating the event itself involves alternates. Only the original 88 selections will be named Pro Bowlers and no alternates will be added, ending a system that expanded the list when players withdrew because of injuries, Super Bowl commitments or other reasons.
Voting remains split with fans, players and coaches accounting for one-third of the selection process.
“The Pro Bowl has always been about recognizing the players who distinguish themselves as the very best in the NFL,” NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said Wednesday. “A Pro Bowl selection will return to its original purpose, honoring the best of the best. We want that distinction to carry even greater meaning for the players, their families, their clubs and our fans.”
The NFL reworked the event through multiple iterations in recent years as interest in the traditional tackle all-star game declined. The AFC-NFC format was temporarily replaced by a fantasy football style draft in 2014 before later returning in 2017. The Pro Bowl moved away from longtime host Hawaii after the 2016 edition.
A tackle football game was last played in 2022, and rebranded as the Pro Bowl Games for a 2023 debut with skills competitions and flag football. This past season, the Pro Bowl Games were moved to the Tuesday before the Super Bowl in San Francisco.
League officials said discussions with players helped drive the latest change, citing concerns that repeated selections for replacement had diluted an honor that can have contractual and legacy implications.
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NFL, NFLPA SET NEW PENALTIES FOR REPEAT PLAYER SAFETY VIOLATIONS
NFL owners and the league players’ association finalized a new system for enforcing penalties for violations of on-field safety rules of emphasis in 2026.
Beginning this season, players who commit three violations among five emphasized player health and safety categories will be suspended for one game. Teams with “excessive violations of health and safety rules” will face “increased financial penalties” starting this season.
Players who are fined for any single violation can reclaim half of the fine amount by avoiding additional infractions.
“The goal is simple: make the game safer by focusing discipline on the techniques most likely to result in player injury rather than players who make isolated mistakes during competition,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement issued Wednesday from the league’s annual meeting in Atlanta. “Beginning this season, we will place greater emphasis on five player health and safety rules violations: Hip Drop Tackle; Horse Collar Tackle; Launching; Hit on a Defenseless Player and Blindside Block.
“Players who commit three offenses in any of these categories during a season will be suspended for one game. Players who commit only one violation will receive 50% of their fine back at the end of the season.”
All players will start with a clean slate in 2026, but violations in the five categories will carry over into future seasons.
Coaches must attend meetings with the NFL when players on their roster near suspension thresholds. The league announced that Ron Rivera, a former NFL head coach who played linebacker nine seasons in the league before coaching, will join the pool of former players who will oversee on-field player discipline appeals hearings.
In meetings during the offseason, both sides agreed on the importance of distinguishing between “isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players.”
In their statement Wednesday, the NFL and NFLPA underscored a shared responsibility for player safety.
“These changes focus on the techniques that create the greatest risk while ensuring player, coach, and club accountability. Together, we believe this approach will continue to make the game safer for all players,” the statement read.
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REPORT: NFL PLAYERS RETURNING TO COLLEGE CAN’T PLAY IN LEAGUE THIS SEASON
The NFL plans to tell its clubs that players returning to play in college will be prohibited from signing this season with a league team, ESPN reported on Wednesday.
The report said the NFL will clarify at some point during a special league meeting on Wednesday the rules that remain unaltered while the NCAA and its conferences grapple almost daily with a fast-changing landscape on student-athletes’ fifth year of college eligibility.
Any player signed to an NFL contract who is then cut becomes a free agent, free to sign with another league team, the Canadian Football League or return to college. A player who is cut and returns to college this year is considered a free agent and not subject to a future draft, per the report.
Landing spots for such players may become limited — barring potential future litigation and other legal maneuvers. The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences announced rule changes Tuesday that prevent players who have previously been with an NFL team from returning to play college football at one of their schools.
In the wake of a court order in Louisiana granting several undrafted free agents an unexpected fifth year of NCAA eligibility, the Big Ten’s athletic directors unanimously adopted a new rule Tuesday. Hours later, the SEC followed suit.
The SEC’s decision is especially notable because LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin added — or intended to add — multiple players waived by their NFL teams in training camp.
The Big Ten’s rule prohibits football players specifically from “maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution” if they were ever on a professional roster or “declared for the NFL draft as an underclassman without withdrawing.”
According to CBS Sports, Big Ten coaches and schools can be punished if they ignore the new rule.
The SEC later announced its rule, a result of meetings with “the presidents, chancellors and athletic directors” of the conference.
That league’s rule covers not only players with any NFL ties but also basketball players who declared early for the NBA or WNBA draft, signed a contract in those leagues or the G League or other affiliates, or were ever listed on a professional roster.
Prior to the Big Ten revealing its rule change, the SEC’s presidents and chancellors released a joint statement saying athletes who have signed pro contracts “should not then be permitted” to return to college sports.
Kiffin, in particular, sought to take advantage of a judge’s ruling that granted a small pool of players another year of eligibility.
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss over the past two seasons, planned to join LSU once he cleared NFL waivers. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns this summer.
On Monday, former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who had been waived by the New Orleans Saints, revealed on his Instagram account that he intended to join Kiffin at LSU, labeling it a “business decision.”
Wright, Harris and 14 other players gained one additional year of NCAA eligibility thanks to a Louisiana court that granted them a temporary restraining order last week, allowing them to enter the transfer portal to keep their options open. The order is related to the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, which allows five seasons within a five-year window and did not cover players from the high school Class of 2022 who had already exhausted their eligibility.
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GIANTS RECEIVER CALVIN AUSTIN IS OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH A TORN ACL, AP SOURCE SAYS
New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin has a torn ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss the season, according to a person with knowledge of the injury.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team had not revealed the extent of the injury.
Austin went down without contact during a 1-on-1 drill at training camp on Tuesday and was carted off the field. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said after practice that he feared the worst.
The 27-year-old Austin was having a strong camp and preseason and looked to be carving out a substantial role for himself in the Giants’ offense. He made two catches for 24 yards in exhibition play last week at Miami and had been one of quarterback Jaxson Dart’s most popular targets during team periods of practice.
Austin’s absence opens the door for a handful of players to earn a spot on the 53-man roster at a crowded position behind Malik Nabers, who is coming off his own ACL injury and is trending toward playing Sept. 13 against Dallas. Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios and Odell Beckham Jr. are among the free agents brought in at receiver, and rookie Malachi Fields has shown flashes that he can already contribute in the NFL.
Signed to a $1.5 million contract for this season, Austin had 89 catches for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns in 51 games, counting the playoffs, over his first three seasons in the league, all with Pittsburgh.
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REPORT: BUCS ROOKIE LB RUEBEN BAIN JR. HAS AC SPRAIN
Buccaneers rookie linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. is dealing with a shoulder injury but is expected to play in Week 1, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The first-round draft pick (15th overall) out of Miami sustained an AC sprain during Tampa Bay’s joint practice with the Jaguars on Tuesday, per the report.
The Bucs finish their preseason slate at Jacksonville on Friday and open the regular season at Cincinnati on Sept. 13.
Bain was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after racking up 9.5 sacks and helping the Hurricanes reach the national championship game.
Bain, 21, is projected to start at linebacker alongside Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom. He notched 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, 121 tackles, four forced fumbles and one interception in 38 games at Miami.
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TEXANS RT BRADEN SMITH, DE ALI GAYE CARTED OFF THE FIELD DURING JOINT PRACTICE WITH THE PANTHERS
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Houston Texans starting right tackle Braden Smith and reserve defensive end Ali Gaye were carted off the field together on Wednesday early in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers.
The nature of the injuries were not immediately known. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans offered no update on the nature of the injuries after practice or if they might miss any time.
The injuries occurred on a separate practice fields almost simultaneously and action was halted as the players were initially helped onto different carts. The carts then converged and both players were taken to the locker room on one cart.
Smith signed a two-year, $25 million contract as an unrestricted free agent earlier this offseason. He started 105 games during his eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, including 13 in 2025.
Gaye came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has nine tackles and one sack during his career.
The Texans and Panthers play Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in the preseason finale for both teams.
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NFL PREDICTIONS: PREVIEWING ALL 16 AFC TEAMS & PREDICTING EVERY RECORD IN 2026
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills remain the safest bet in this division. Josh Allen is still the centerpiece, but the biggest change comes with Joe Brady taking over as head coach and Jim Leonhard running the defense. Buffalo also added DJ Moore to a receiving corps that desperately needed another difference-maker. The Bills won 12 games last season, and I expect them to remain near the top of the AFC. Prediction: 11-6, AFC East champions.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
It’s difficult to bet against the reigning AFC champions after what they accomplished last season. Drake Maye has another year of experience, and New England added A.J. Brown to an offense that already averaged 28.8 points per game in 2025. The Patriots will have enormous expectations, but I expect them to remain a serious contender. Prediction: 11-6, playoff team.
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets are better than the Dolphins, but that’s not saying much. Geno Smith returns after leading the NFL in interceptions last season, while New York has completely reshaped its roster and enters 2026 with three first-round picks. There is enough talent here to surprise people, but the quarterback play has to improve dramatically. Prediction: 6-11.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Miami feels like a rebuilding team after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. Malik Willis now has an enormous opportunity, but expecting everything to click immediately is asking a lot. The Dolphins could be competitive in stretches, but this looks like the toughest roster in the division. Prediction: 5-12.
Division winner: Buffalo Bills
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens are my pick to bounce back after an ugly 8-9 season. John Harbaugh is gone, and Jesse Minter takes over, while Lamar Jackson gets a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle. Baltimore also added Trey Hendrickson and could get Nnamdi Madubuike back, potentially transforming a defense that struggled badly last year. Prediction: 11-6, AFC North champions.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Joe Burrow’s health remains the biggest variable, but Cincinnati finally appears serious about fixing its defense. The Bengals added Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger before acquiring Dexter Lawrence. If Burrow stays healthy, this could be a dangerous team. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are fascinating because Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers could either make this look like a brilliant move or a desperate one. Pittsburgh also added Michael Pittman Jr., giving Rodgers another legitimate target. The defense has to improve, though, after ranking 26th in total defense last season. Prediction: 9-8.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Browns are still rebuilding. Todd Monken takes over as head coach, the quarterback situation remains unsettled, and Cleveland traded Myles Garrett after his record-setting 2025 season. Jared Verse gives the defense a new centerpiece, but I don’t expect the Browns to contend yet. Prediction: 5-12.
DIVISION WINNER: BALTIMORE RAVENS
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Texans are one of the most difficult teams to project. They went 12-5 last season and have an outstanding defense, but C.J. Stroud needs to rediscover his rookie form. Houston also completely revamped its offensive line and added David Montgomery to improve the running game. If the line finally stabilizes, the Texans could be a Super Bowl contender. Prediction: 11-6, AFC South champions.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville won 13 games last season and remains one of the AFC’s most intriguing teams. Travis Etienne is gone, leaving Bhayshul Tuten and others to replace his production, while Travis Hunter’s two-way role will be fascinating to watch. If Brian Thomas Jr. takes a step forward, and Parker Washington continues his ascent, this offense could be dangerous. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts’ entire season may depend on Daniel Jones staying healthy. Indianapolis saw its offense fall apart when Jones was injured last year, and the team is also dealing with major health questions involving Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner. There’s talent here, but too much uncertainty for me to trust them as a playoff team. Prediction: 8-9.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Everything revolves around Cam Ward. Tennessee brought in Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll to help develop its young quarterback and added veteran receiver Wan’Dale Robinson along with first-round pick Carnell Tate. I expect improvement, but the Titans are still a year away from seriously competing. Prediction: 6-11.
DIVISION WINNER: HOUSTON TEXANS
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
Denver is my pick to win the AFC West. The Broncos went 14-3 last season, largely kept their roster intact, and added Jaylen Waddle to give Bo Nix another elite weapon. The biggest question is Nix’s health after his ankle injury, but if he’s healthy, Denver has the most complete roster in the division. Prediction: 12-5, AFC West champions.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are coming off a stunning 6-11 season, so there’s nowhere to go but up. Patrick Mahomes remains the ultimate reason for optimism, but Kansas City has more questions than we’ve seen in years. I expect a bounce-back season, just not another dominant run through the division. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers should once again be competitive with Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh, but their offensive line health remains a concern. The addition of tight end David Njoku gives Herbert more options, and the defense should keep them in games. Still, I don’t see them winning this division. Prediction: 9-8.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders may be the AFC’s most intriguing long-term project. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is behind veteran Kirk Cousins for now, while Las Vegas also made significant offensive-line upgrades. If Cousins struggles, the pressure to unleash Mendoza will become enormous. Prediction: 6-11.
DIVISION WINNER: DENVER BRONCOS
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2027 NFL MOCK DRAFT
1. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with MIA)
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
I had the Dolphins trade out because they recently invested in Malik Willis. While a lot depends on Willis’ performance this season, Miami does already have a promising young quarterback. Unless Shedeur Sanders makes a massive leap in Year 2 (which seems unlikely), the Browns do not. Deshaun Watson’s contract ends after this season, as well, making this a perfect time for Cleveland to take another swing at that elusive franchise QB to join the young talent it has accumulated in the past couple drafts.
Moore has squeaky-clean mechanics, and his accuracy shined in his first year as a starter. This would be a good situation for him, with young players he can grow alongside. If he brings his stellar college play to the NFL, the Browns could turn things around quickly.
2. Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning, QB, Texas*
Even though Carson Beck, Arizona’s third-round pick in April, has looked good this preseason, his presence wouldn’t prevent the Cardinals from looking at a QB here — especially with veteran Jacoby Brissett’s contract expiring after the season. Manning recovered from a slow start to 2025, with his development taking a big leap in mid-October. If he can build on that momentum and improve his accuracy on underneath throws, he has the physical tools to be picked at this spot and join 2026 first-round running back Jeremiyah Love to form Arizona’s backfield of the future.
3. New York Jets
CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame*
The Jets’ drafts in the past five years have seen them bring in bookend offensive tackles (Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou), a true WR1 (Garrett Wilson), a franchise RB (Breece Hall) and two talented tight ends (Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq). Seems like an ideal base for a young quarterback to join. Carr’s sample size is small (12 career starts), but he thrived last season in his first year as a starter. He’s a capable passer who can distribute the ball and does a great job of syncing his feet, eyes and throwing motion. Notre Dame is a prime national title contender in 2026, and if Carr excels on that quest, it’s easy to see him rise to this spot of the draft.
4. Miami Dolphins (via projected trade with CLE)
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State*
The Dolphins fell three spots via our mock trade and would still be able to get my top-ranked player at a severe position of need. Smith grew up down the road from Hard Rock Stadium and would immediately become Miami’s go-to receiver. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he is a physically imposing wideout who glides past defenders and is capable of winning with speed or power. He’s the best of Ohio State’s recent run of first-round receivers. Not only would he be a massive upgrade from Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, but he would also allow Miami to correctly evaluate QB Malik Willis.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Coleman, WR, Texas*
The Raiders got their QB1 in April when they picked Fernando Mendoza; now they get their true WR1. Coleman is a sleek-built pass catcher who can make acrobatic receptions look routine with his outstanding catch radius. He transferred from Auburn to Texas, and this upcoming season could see his production explode as Arch Manning’s featured option. Coleman can run every route on the route tree, so having him join 2024 first-rounder Brock Bowers and 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty would give Las Vegas a formidable core around Mendoza.
6. Tennessee Titans
Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina*
Even though they picked Keldric Faulk in Round 1 in April, the Titans could use more edge-rush help, especially with Jermaine Johnson II entering the final year of his contract. Few edge-rush prospects have ever possessed Stewart’s blend of upfield acceleration, bend and closing speed. The production has yet to match the potential, as Stewart had only 4.5 sacks last season, but the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has rare tools and already has teams giddy about what he could develop into at the NFL level.
7. Carolina Panthers
Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame*
With Mike Jackson set to be a free agent who could cash in elsewhere if he repeats his 2025 performance, the Panthers might have a vacancy at cornerback opposite Jaycee Horn. Adding Moore would give Carolina a dynamic coverage duo, as Moore is one of the best corners I’ve scouted in some time. He has been exceptional at Notre Dame and had five interceptions last season. His length (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) and fluidity give him potential to be a shutdown cover guy.
8. New Orleans Saints
Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas*
The Saints need edge help in both the short term and long term, as Chase Young and Carl Granderson will be free agents in 2028. Simmons would be a major boost to New Orleans’ defensive front as the most productive edge rusher in this class. He led the SEC with 12 sacks last season, and the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder is a terror with an unpredictable assortment of pass-rush moves. His combination of power and upfield quickness has him in the argument with Dylan Stewart as the top edge in this draft.
9. New York Giants
Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss*
The Giants traded away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II this offseason, creating a gaping hole in their defensive interior. Echoles is the best of a deep defensive tackle crop, as his power and pass-rush push give him a well-rounded skill set. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Echoles is a stout run defender who is difficult to move off the spot, allowing him to maintain gap control and generate negative plays. He just turned 20 years old earlier this month, giving him tremendous room for growth.
10. Washington Commanders
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana*
Even though Stefon Diggs just signed with Washington, he’ll be 33 years old and it’s unclear if he’ll be the Commanders’ WR2 past this season. There’s still a need for help opposite Terry McLaurin, and the 6-foot-4, 207-pound Becker was the player I enjoyed studying the most this offseason. He exploded on the scene last November and was the X factor in Indiana’s run to the national title, averaging 19.9 yards per reception (seventh in the FBS). Becker combines deep speed with elite ball tracking and excellent hand-eye coordination. His skill set would perfectly complement Jayden Daniels’ deep-ball proficiency.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas*
Offensive tackle is a looming question for the Falcons, with right tackle Kaleb McGary retiring this offseason and his replacement, Jawaan Taylor, signing a one-year deal. Left tackle Jake Matthews will be 35 next season, too. The long and agile Goosby is capable of playing both tackle spots but could slide in right away at right tackle, which is important since the Falcons have two left-handed quarterbacks. Assuming his recent knee injury isn’t serious, the 6-foot-7, 325-pounder could enter the top-10 discussion with another successful season.
12. New York Jets (via IND)
Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia*
Considering the Jets didn’t record a single interception last season, becoming the first team in NFL history to accomplish that feat, they desperately need playmakers in the secondary. New York also allowed 36 touchdown passes. Robinson is an excellent athlete who is capable of making plays on the ball, finishing with four interceptions in 2025. He still needs to sharpen his technique, but Robinson will be a top-15 pick if he’s able to take the next step.
13. Minnesota Vikings
Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU*
With the jury still out on Kyler Murray, who is on a one-year deal, this could turn into a spot for a quarterback. But if Murray plays well, Minnesota might be looking for a dynamic playmaker such as Green. Built like an NBA small forward, the 6-foot-7, 237-pound Green is one of the most unique players in the class. He is a mismatch for defenders — he’s basically a supersized wide receiver — and his production could explode in Lane Kiffin’s uptempo offense. And he would be an eventual replacement for T.J. Hockenson, who’s entering the final year of his contract.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame*
The Steelers are another team that could be in the quarterback mix with Aaron Rodgers set to retire after the season. But with the top three QBs off the board, the Steelers could instead look to get a youth infusion at safety, especially considering that Jaquan Brisker is on a one-year deal. Johnson is my highest-ranked safety entering the season despite being relatively inexperienced. His combination of instincts, ball skills and enthusiasm crashing downhill in run support makes him a high-upside prospect.
15. New York Jets (via DAL)
David Stone, DT, Oklahoma*
Stone is the best run defender in this stacked defensive tackle class, and his high-end play strength is coupled with excellent ability to shed blockers at the point of attack. The Jets could use help in the defensive front after dealing Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline last season, and Stone is a scheme-versatile defender capable of playing multiple spots. With only 1.5 sacks last season, Stone needs to expand his menu of pass-rush moves, as he’s more of a pocket collapser than true penetrator.
16. Chicago Bears
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU*
Ozzy Trapilo has recovered remarkably quickly from a torn patellar tendon, but there will still be questions about how long that injury will linger and his overall upside at left tackle. Until we know how well Trapilo will play, left tackle should be viewed as a huge question mark in Chicago. Seaton is an easy-moving pass protector who plays with excellent balance. He still needs to work on his hand placement, but his raw tools could eventually make him the top offensive tackle in next year’s class if he performs well against an SEC schedule.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are entering the final year of their contracts, which leaves a potential void in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Washington would have been a top-40 prospect in the 2026 class had he declared. He is a massive interior defender who has shown flashes of being a true disruptor at the first level. Washington does need to show a bit more consistency anchoring against the run, as he tends to lose ground against double-teams.
18. Denver Broncos
Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon*
Sean Payton has used tight ends heavily in the past, as they often fill his “Joker” position, but he hasn’t found that guy yet in Denver. With Evan Engram a pending free agent and Adam Trautman primarily a blocker, the Broncos are looking for a more well-rounded player at the position. Johnson would fulfill that, having the alignment versatility to play inline or in the slot. He has solid hands and is a good-enough run blocker. Denver spent two Day 3 picks on tight ends in April, but that wouldn’t stop them from taking Johnson here.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson*
The Bucs have been reloading their defense with younger players, but cornerback is a position that could be worth addressing in 2027. Benjamin Morrison was inconsistent as a rookie last season after being drafted in the second round, and Zyon McCollum had a disappointing injury-filled campaign. If McCollum struggles to regain his pre-injury form, then Hampton could take his place. He’s a big, physical corner at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds who thrives in man coverage.
20. Houston Texans
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss*
The Texans have a deep roster, but they could use some reinforcements at running back. Houston finished 22nd in the league in rushing in 2025 and its lead back, David Montgomery, will be 30 next season. Lacy is a long-striding slasher who easily makes defenders miss, and his 24 touchdowns last season were third most in SEC history. He would provide quarterback C.J. Stroud with a potent threat in the backfield who can create yards on the ground or when involved in the passing game.
21. New England Patriots
Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama
Pierre is an energetic and powerful pass rusher who primarily operates as a standup outside linebacker. He has average bend but plays with high effort. He had eight sacks last season, so double digits are on the table if he can make another leap. Both of the Patriots’ starting edges (Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones) will be 30 or older next season, so Pierre could be selected as future successor to join Gabe Jacas, New England’s second-round pick in April.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State*
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are in line for big paydays, so the Eagles could use some cost-affordable secondary options. With Riq Woolen set to be a free agent, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Jones could slot in as a player with a similar frame and skill set. Jones allowed an FBS-low seven receptions last season but has feast-or-famine tendencies, with five of those catches going for 20 or more yards and two resulting in touchdowns. Eliminating big plays would cement Jones into Round 1.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
KJ Bolden, S, Georgia*
The Bengals are facing a secondary conundrum, with Dax Hill, DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle each entering the final year of their contracts. It’s fair to assume at least one of them will be elsewhere next season, so defensive back could be the play. Bolden is a jack-of-all-trades for Georgia, but his best NFL outlook is as a center-field safety who can roam the back end. He has a slight frame (6 feet, 180 pounds), but he is still a willing downhill player and physical tackler.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Chris Cole, LB, Georgia*
The Cowboys expect to have an improved defense this season, but they still need more youthful reinforcements on that side of the ball. Cole is set to be the next of the long line of quality linebackers that Georgia has produced under Kirby Smart. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he has the size, range and physicality that teams covet. Cole needs to improve his take-on strength in the box and coverage awareness but would be a nice fit in Dallas, especially with Dee Winters set to be a free agent after the season.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Kade Pieper, C, Iowa
The Chargers’ interior offensive line options were underwhelming even before center Tyler Biadasz had a season-ending ACL injury in camp. While hopes are high for recent second-round pick Jake Slaughter, Los Angeles should continue to devote resources to the interior line. Pieper is my top-rated interior lineman. While he has played guard exclusively in college, he’s transitioning to center this season. That positional flexibility will boost his stock, and Pieper’s excellent lateral movement makes him a picture-perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
We’ll continue the Hawkeyes’ offensive line run with Lauck, who is a steady tackle who simply finds ways to piece together wins in games. While he doesn’t have the same physical traits or movement skills of other top tackles in this class, he’s a consistent presence. Lauck plays left tackle at Iowa, but I believe he will transition to the right side in the NFL. Kansas City is searching for a long-term solution at that position after the Jawaan Taylor signing didn’t work out, so Lauck could be a great fit.
27. Detroit Lions
Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
The Lions’ front office has been consistent in its quest for tough, rugged and consistent players. Johnson easily checks all three boxes as arguably the top guard in this class. Johnson has experience at all five offensive line spots but projects as an interior blocker in the NFL. Detroit is in the process of remaking its offensive line, and Johnson could be the team’s next early pick on the O-line, joining guard Tate Ratledge (second round, 2025) and right tackle Blake Miller (first round, 2026).
28. San Francisco 49ers
Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford
Prongos has been one of the more pleasant surprises in my summer film study, and I wanted to make sure he was in this mock. There’s a bit of projection with this pick, as Prongos is still a work in progress. But the 6-foot-7, 315-pound former walk-on has good foundational tools, and I really like his upward trajectory. Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams will be 39 before next season, so the 49ers eventually have to find his successor. While Prongos has to work on his depth in pass sets and hand violence, he could rise and fill that need for San Francisco.
29. Seattle Seahawks
Justin Scott, DT, Miami*
Defense was the driver of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX championship last season, and Seattle GM John Schneider is never shy about fortifying the defensive front. And with 32-year-old Leonard Williams set to be a free agent and Jarran Reed turning 34 in December, Scott would provide much-needed youth. He needs to add moves to his pass-rush arsenal, but scouts I’ve talked to believe Scott has potential to be a top-20 pick if he builds on what he showed on tape last season.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami
Back-to-back Miami defensive linemen! Moten is one of my favorite players in this draft and would fit in seamlessly in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter’s defense. Moten is already first-round-worthy as an interior pass rusher, as his first-step quickness and penetration abilities are top-notch. He’ll have to take a major step as a run defender to cement a place in Round 1, as he sometimes gets dislodged from his gaps. But with Calais Campbell turning 40 next week and Nnamdi Madubuike’s long-term status up in the air, Moten would be a good fit.
31. Buffalo Bills
Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana*
This makes two first-round receivers for the Hoosiers, as Marsh is a physical wideout who is a chiseled 6-foot-3, 213 pounds. The Michigan State transfer is powerful on short-to-intermediate patterns and is not afraid to do the dirty work in the offense. He’s competitive in gaining yards after the catch, which would be useful in Buffalo’s offense. Considering that 2024 second-rounder Keon Coleman hasn’t worked out, Marsh could combine with DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir to increase Josh Allen’s receiving options.
32. Miami Dolphins (via LAR through projected trade with CLE)
Will Heldt, Edge, Clemson
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Heldt is a long, linearly built player who understands how to use his length, as evidenced by his team-high 7.5 sacks a year ago. Despite being a limited athlete, Heldt’s get-off from a two-point stance is above average. He needs to add more mass to his frame, but he already has the effort and nuances to perform as an NFL pass rusher. The Dolphins need plenty of help on the edge to join 2024 first-rounder Chop Robinson, and Heldt could be an asset there.
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
TEXAS, OHIO STATE, ARKANSAS? WHICH COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS HAVE THE MOST DIFFICULT SCHEDULES IN 2026
Indiana spent the past two seasons listening to how it played weak schedules as it went a combined 27-2 and won the program’s first national championship with an undefeated 2025 season.
No. 6 Indiana has a much tougher road this season if it’s going to repeat as champions, with games against top-ranked Ohio State, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan and No. 17 Washington.
The schedule is tougher, but it’s still not one of the most difficult in the Bowl Subdivision, which has can’t-miss games all over the place. A look at the schools that have the toughest schedules in the 2026 season and one school that could have an easy-ish run to the national title game:
No. 5 Texas
The Longhorns have a gantlet of a schedule, starting with a nonconference game against the No. 1 Buckeyes at home Sept. 12. Texas opens Southeastern Conference play at No. 20 Tennessee on Sept. 26, faces No. 10 Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown and hosts No. 9 Ole Miss on Oct. 24. The Longhorns also play at No. 25 Missouri on Nov. 7 and at No. 11 LSU a week later, closing the regular season season at No. 8 Texas A&M. Get through that in decent shape and Texas could be back in the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years. It is No. 3 on ESPN’s list of the nation’s toughest schedules, though Pro Football Network and others rank it No. 1.
No. 16 Michigan
The Wolverines host No. 10 Oklahoma in Week 2 and open Big Ten play at home against No. 22 Iowa on Sept. 26. They also host No. 18 Penn State three weeks later. The Wolverines then get reigning national champion and No. 6 Indiana on Oct. 24, then face rival Michigan State. Michigan closes with two brutal road games the final three weeks of the season: at No. 2 Oregon and another rivalry game at No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 28.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks weren’t ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, but could slide into the rankings if they post some wins in a brutal schedule that includes an early visit to No. 21 Utah and the SEC opener against No. 3 Georgia. The Razorbacks have road games against No. 8 Texas A&M (Oct. 3) and No. 5 Texas (Nov. 21), with home games against No. 20 Tennessee (Oct. 10), No. 25 Missouri (Oct. 25) and No. 11 LSU to close out the regular season on Nov. 28. That’s some kind of schedule for coach Ryan Silverfield’s first season. It is No. 1 on ESPN’s list of the toughest this season.
No. 14 USC
The Trojans have a weak nonconference schedule, but make up for it in a loaded Big Ten with three straight games against ranked opponents: No. 2 Oregon, No. 14 Washington and a visit to No. 18 Penn State on Oct. 10. Following a potentially difficult road game at Wisconsin, the Trojans host top-ranked Ohio State and play at No. 6 Indiana in consecutive weeks. They close the season against rival UCLA on Nov. 28.
No. 1 Ohio State
The Buckeyes opened the season as the preseason No. 1 and will have to play well to retain the top spot. We mentioned the Week 2 showdown against No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12, but there is a potentially tricky visit from Illinois before a game at No. 22 Iowa on Oct. 3, two weeks before a trip to No. 6 Indiana. That kicks off a run of three straight games against ranked opponents that includes a visit to No. 14 USC and hosting No. 2 Oregon on Nov. 7. The regular season ends with the rivalry game against No. 16 Michigan at home. It is No. 8 on ESPN’s list of toughest schedules.
Kansas State
After falling flat amid high expectations last season, Kansas State could make some noise in its first season under former quarterback Collin Klein. The Wildcats play Washington State and Tulane in nonconference games but face only one team ranked in the preseason AP Top 25: No. 23 Houston at home on Oct. 20. The Wildcats have the kind of schedule that can make them a dark horse for a Big 12 title and potential playoff spot.
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NBA NEWS
REPORT: BENNEDICT MATHURIN, PELICANS AGREE TO 2-YEAR DEAL
Veteran wing Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, ESPN reported on Wednesday.
The deal includes a player option for Mathurin, who split last season between the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers shipped Mathurin to the Clippers as part of the multi-player trade that sent center Ivica Zubac to Indiana on Feb. 5.
Mathurin, 24, produced career-best averages in points (17.6), rebounds (5.4) and assists (2.4) in 54 games (25 starts) with the Pacers and Clippers.
The Montreal native has averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 263 career games (110 starts) since being selected by Indiana with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
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BASEBALL NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: REDS SCORE 7 IN NINTH TO STUN GIANTS, AVOID SWEEP
Hector Rodriguez blasted a home run into the San Francisco Bay and Eugenio Suarez later followed with a grand slam as part of a seven-run ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds stunned the host Giants 10-9 on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep.
Tyler Stephenson capped the comeback with a go-ahead single to give Cincinnati its first win when trailing by six runs going into the ninth since 1958 against the Chicago Cubs.
The comeback spoiled a solid outing by Giants starter Logan Webb, who gave up two runs on five hits over six innings. With the Reds trailing 9-3 entering the ninth, Rodriguez ignited the rally with his second homer of the game to lead off the inning. Suarez hit his slam off Dylan Smith (0-5) four batters later to make it 9-8 with still no outs in the inning.
Tony Santillan (2-4) recorded the win despite giving up three runs in one inning of work. Emilio Pagan notched his 17th save with a scoreless ninth
Blue Jays 3, Royals 0
Nathan Lukes hit a three-run homer and seven pitchers silenced Kansas City’s offense as Toronto ended the visiting Royals’ nine-game winning streak.
Chad Dallas (2-1) pitched 2 2/3 clean innings to earn the win in the middle meeting of the three-game series. Louis Varland pitched 1 1/3 innings to pick up his 30th save despite allowing a single and double in the ninth.
The Royals’ best chance came in the third when they loaded the bases with one out before Jac Caglianone and Salvador Perez struck out to end the inning.
Braves 6, Dodgers 5
Pinch hitter Ha-Seong Kim delivered a walk-off single, lifting Atlanta to a victory over visiting Los Angeles.
Kim got his first at-bat since Aug. 15, and he came to the plate batting .066 (5-for-76) on the season. His decisive hit came off Tanner Scott (1-5). Matt Olson and Sean Murphy homered for the Braves, while Drake Baldwin and Murphy each had three hits.
Tommy Edman homered among his three hits for the Dodgers, who have dropped the first two games of the three-game series.
Orioles 8, Cardinals 7
Pete Alonso homered and Christian Encarnacion-Strand had four hits, including a tiebreaking double in the top of the ninth inning, leading Baltimore to a second straight victory at St. Louis.
Leody Taveras hit a three-run homer for the Orioles, who prevailed after blowing a 7-0 lead. Grant Wolfram (5-2) pitched a scoreless eighth, and Andrew Kittredge pitched into and out of a ninth-inning jam for his seventh save.
Ivan Herrera and Bryan Torres each had three hits for the Cardinals, who took their fifth consecutive loss. Riley O’Brien (3-6) gave up the decisive run in his lone inning.
Rays 3, Tigers 0
Freddy Peralta pitched six strong innings and recorded his first win since being traded to Tampa Bay as the Rays defeated host Detroit.
Peralta, Kevin Kelly and Tyler Wells combined on a two-hitter for the American League East leaders. Peralta (6-11) struck out four in his fifth start since the Rays acquired him from the New York Mets on Aug. 2. Jonny DeLuca drove in a run and scored another, while Jonathan Aranda had two hits and scored a run.
Detroit starter Troy Melton (7-3) gave up all three runs on seven hits in seven innings. The Tigers, who have lost seven of their last eight games, were shut out for the first time since the All-Star break.
Guardians 4, Angels 3
Travis Bazzana drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly and Steven Kwan had two hits, including a ground-rule double that drove in the tying run, as Cleveland rallied from a 3-0 deficit to complete a three-game series sweep of Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.
Bazzana went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, Brayan Rocchio had two hits and two runs and Nathaniel Lowe and Jose Ramirez also had two hits for the Guardians, who matched a season-long streak with their seventh straight victory. Hunter Gaddis (2-3) picked up the win in relief as Cleveland defeated the Angels for the eighth straight time dating back to last season.
Zach Neto went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for Los Angeles, which lost its fourth straight game. Ryan Watson (1-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in one inning of relief.
Brewers 8, Mets 1
A trio of relievers combined to allow one run over the final 8 2/3 innings for visiting Milwaukee, which cruised past New York in the middle game of a three-game series.
Brewers starter Dustin May left after he was struck in the upper back by an A.J. Ewing line drive on the only pitch May threw. The Brewers said May had a bruised right shoulder blade and X-rays were negative. Robert Gasser (4-5) allowed one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in his first career relief appearance. Brice Turang reached base three times in five plate appearances and hit a three-run homer.
Francisco Alvarez ended the combined shutout bid with a fourth-inning RBI single for the Mets, who fell to 13-9 this month. Marcus Semien and Brett Baty had two hits each. Robert Stock (0-3) took the loss after allowing seven runs on 10 hits over four innings.
Marlins 4, Red Sox 0
Single runs in the first two innings and Ryan Gusto’s 5 2/3 shutout frames propelled Miami to a shutout win over visiting Boston.
The Marlins tagged Boston starter Sonny Gray (16-4) for two hits in each of the first two frames, but four Red Sox errors had a major impact on all of the scoring. Javier Sanoja went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three stolen bases, while Otto Lopez (2-for-4, two stolen bases, two runs scored) and Heriberto Hernandez (2-for-4, RBI) also had multi-hit games to help the Marlins salvage the finale of the three-game series.
The Red Sox managed only five hits. Caleb Durbin was 2-for-4. Gray allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings.
Diamondbacks 2, Cubs 0
Jordan Lawlar homered, Eduardo Rodriguez pitched seven scoreless innings, and Arizona beat Chicago to win the rubber game of a three-game series matching National League wild-card contenders in Phoenix.
Lawlar lined an opposite-field homer 364 feet over the right field fence leading off the sixth off Matthew Boyd (8-3) for the first run of the game. Rodriguez (14-4) won his fourth straight start, giving up two hits and tying a season high with nine strikeouts. Ryan Waldschmidt’s sacrifice fly in the eighth made it 2-0.
The Cubs were shut out for the 13th time. Pete Crow-Armstrong was 1-for-12 with a double and walk in the series. He struck out three times in the finale.
Padres 3, Pirates 0
Jackson Merrill had two hits, including an RBI triple, and Randy Vasquez allowed one hit over five scoreless innings, fueling host San Diego to a victory over Pittsburgh.
Merrill also doubled and scored on Luis Rengifo’s single in the second inning. Jake Cronenworth added an RBI double in the eighth inning for the Padres, who salvaged the finale of the low-scoring three-game series versus the Pirates. Vasquez (10-6) improved to 4-0 in five starts this month.
Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (6-9) surrendered two runs (one earned) on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. Pittsburgh left the bases loaded in the fourth and seventh innings, but came up empty each time behind strikeouts.
Phillies 6, Mariners 0
Kyle Schwarber hit his major league-leading 40th home run of the season and Jesus Luzardo pitched seven one-hit innings as Philadelphia defeated host Seattle to salvage the finale of the three-game interleague series.
Bryce Harper also went deep for the Phillies, extending his on-base streak to a career-high 29 straight games. Luzardo (12-5) allowed just a two-out liner to left by Jhonny Pereda in the fifth inning and three walks, striking out nine batters. Philadelphia’s Tim Mayza and Jhoan Duran each pitched an inning of relief to complete the two-hit shutout.
Mariners starter Bryan Woo (9-9) took his first home loss of the season, giving up two runs in the first and four more in the second. He allowed six runs on five hits over four innings.
Rockies 13, Nationals 1
Connor Norby hit a grand slam and an RBI single, Tanner Gordon pitched seven strong innings and Colorado smashed host Washington.
Troy Johnston, Cole Carrigg and Hunter Goodman each hit two-run homers for the Rockies, who have won their past two games after losing seven straight. Gordon (1-4) turned in his longest and best effort of the season, allowing a run on six hits.
Norby has an 11-game hitting streak and has reached base in all 14 games since being acquired from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3. The grand slam was the first of his three-season major league career.
Yankees 9, Astros 3
Cody Bellinger delivered a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning and host New York pulled away late against Houston.
Bellinger’s hit sparked a four-run inning for the Yankees which was concluded by RBI hits from Spencer Jones and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm had his third three-hit game of the season, and Ben Rice and Luis Garcia Jr. each homered for New York. Yankees rookie starter Elmer Rodriguez allowed three runs on three hits in six-plus innings.
Jose Altuve opened the scoring with a first-inning RBI double and Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for the Astros, who lost for the 10th time in 16 games. Houston starter Peter Lambert allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. Bennett Sousa (1-3) allowed four runs in a third of an inning, while Paul Blackburn (6-2) earned the win for New York.
White Sox 10, Rangers 4
Tristan Peters homered for the fifth straight game and Brenton Doyle added a three-run shot to power host Chicago to a victory against Texas.
With his 12th homer of the season, Peters tied the franchise record and major league rookie record for consecutive games with a home run which extended the White Sox’s lead to 6-2 in the fourth. Sean Newcomb (2-3) pitched three scoreless innings with two hits allowed and one strikeout. Jonathan Cannon allowed two runs and four hits in a three-inning save.
Joc Pederson homered for the Rangers, who got two hits and two RBIs from Ezequiel Duran. Texas starter MacKenzie Gore (7-10) allowed four runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Athletics 7, Twins 4
Alika Williams tripled home two runs during a four-run sixth inning and Lawrence Butler hit a solo homer as the Athletics rallied to beat Minnesota in the decisive game of a three-game series in West Sacramento, Calif.
Tommy White had three hits for the A’s, who trailed 4-2 before moving ahead in the sixth and winning for the fourth time in five games. Athletics starter J.T. Ginn (9-8) allowed four runs on six hits over six innings. Brady Basso tossed two scoreless innings before Elvis Alvarado struck out Luke Keaschall with two runners on in the ninth to finish his fifth save.
Brooks Lee, Trevor Larnach and Kaelen Culpepper each hit a solo homer for the Twins, who lost for the fifth time in six games. Connor Prielipp gave up three runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings before Andrew Morris (4-6) gave up the final three runs in the decisive sixth inning.
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GOLF NEWS
PGA TOUR, RETAILERS DISTANCE SELVES FROM GOOD GOOD AFTER AD BACKLASH
The fallout continues to grow for golf apparel and entertainment upstart Good Good Golf, with retailers and even the PGA Tour distancing themselves from the company.
On Friday, Good Good released an ad designed to promote its new driver made in collaboration with Callaway. Good Good’s Alexis Miestowski is seen set to grab a driver out of a golf bag. Fellow Good Good personality Garrett Clark runs to Miestowski, knocks her to the ground and says, “Do not touch my new driver,” while standing over her.
The ad drew immediate backlash with claims it depicted violence against women, and the next day the company issued an apology, saying in a statement: “We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand. We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologize. Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward.”
On Monday, Good Good CEO Matt Kendrick spoke with the Wall Street Journal.
“We fully own that we did make a mistake. … As the CEO of the company, the buck stops with me and we should have had better processes in place,” Kendrick said, noting the ad was supposed to be a spoof of the popular horror movie “Obsession.”
“In no way were we trying to make light of or support violence. But it came across that way, and that’s our fault.”
But that did not prevent partners from moving away from the company.
When asked Tuesday if he thought the apology was sufficient in terms of taking responsibility, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, “I think initially, no. I think what we saw was concerning, is clearly not aligned with PGA Tour values. We take it very seriously. I think their initial response was disappointing. It was a bit defensive and late.”
The company’s sponsorship of the PGA Tour’s Good Good Championship, a tournament scheduled for November in Austin, Texas, is no longer a certainty, with Rolapp saying, “It’s a bit of a fluid situation,” before adding, “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and see how it develops.”
What’s more, retailer Golf Galaxy reportedly pulled out of a sponsorship deal for a reality series in conjunction with Good Good. The show was set to debut on Tuesday, but Golf Channel postponed it for seven days, saying the time would “allow for necessary production updates following a request from one of the show’s sponsors to remove its branding from the series.”
Dick’s Sporting Goods and PGA Tour Superstore reportedly joined Golf Galaxy in pulling Good Good merchandise and apparel from their stores.
According to Front Office Sports, while Dick’s had yet to comment on the situation, Good Good items were no longer available on either Dick’s or Golf Galaxy websites. FOS called numerous Dick’s locations and was told Good Good products were in their stores but not on the sales floor and not available for purchase.
Good Good began in 2020 as a YouTube channel and rapidly gained popularity as a mainstream golf and lifestyle brand.
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LIV GOLF LAYS OFF MAJORITY OF STAFF AMID UNCERTAIN FUTURE
LIV Golf informed the majority of its workforce on Wednesday that they will be laid off in the first week of September.
The news comes three days after the 2026 season concluded in Indianapolis and four months after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it was ending its financial support of the league after spending more than $5 billion over the past five years.
Wednesday’s announcement to staff was not unexpected after the tour notified workers in the United States and the United Kingdom of potential layoffs.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil is working to finalize a deal with a new lead investor to fund a re-imagined LIV 2.0. However, the league faces an uncertain future, with the season-ending team championship in Michigan canceled, the purse for the Indianapolis event slashed nearly in half, multiple vendors still awaiting payments and the potential for bankruptcy looming.
“The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion. As a result, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality,” a LIV Golf spokesman said in a statement. “This week, we informed many of our colleagues that their employment under LIV 1.0 will end in the first week of September.
“We are grateful to our employees for their hard work and dedication in building LIV Golf, and we remain committed to supporting those affected through this transition.”
O’Neil acknowledged last week that LIV Golf has “a very compressed timeline” to finalize a deal with a new lead investor, and such an agreement will require buy-in from a majority of the current player roster.
Ted Goldthorpe, the head of investment firm BC Partners, is reported to be the new lead investor who has agreed to a term sheet with LIV. O’Neil said there is a deadline to get players on board with the deal, without elaborating on when or what type of deadline that is.
“The whole focus is on transaction, transaction, transaction,” he said. “We’re spending all our time thinking about how we best land this plane and have it landed so we can take off again. All our focus is in that direction.”
O’Neil, who replaced Greg Norman as LIV’s CEO in early 2025, vowed to “do right by” vendors and contractors that have sued the league for missed payments.
The vision for LIV 2.0 includes 10 events for the 2027 season, including five in the United States and five in international markets. O’Neil reportedly has been seeking an investment between $250 million and $350 million, with a goal of reaching profitability after three years.
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GARY WOODLAND READY TO TURN PAGE AT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
ATLANTA — Gary Woodland is more than willing to put one wayward tee shot in his rearview mirror.
Woodland will do his best to leave the past in the past on Thursday when he tees off in the opening round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club.
Competing during Sunday’s final round of the BMW Championship, Woodward topped his tee shot at the 436-yard, par-4 ninth hole at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis. He carded a double-bogey on the hole and finished tied for fourth at 12-under-par 268.
“I’ve hit some good shots this year, and I haven’t got any attention — or as much attention as that shot has,” he said on Wednesday. “That one, it caught me off guard too, more than anything. I hadn’t really missed a shot for eight holes, and then that came out of nowhere.
“Obviously (Brent Snedeker) was throwing me under the bus last night at the Payne Stewart Award. I got a lot of texts. My dad and I will play in the PNC again this year, the father and son, and when I turned my phone on after the round, it wasn’t ‘Congrats’ or ‘Good playing,’ it was, ‘Hey, get that shot out of the way. I can’t afford to have that in the scramble.’”
Jokes aside, Woodland said he was thrilled with how he regained his composure after that shot.
“I’m proud of myself for how I rebounded after that,” he said. “It shocked me so much. I think I could have let everything get away. I rebounded and hung in there pretty well and let that one shot go. Because at the end of the day, it was just one shot.”
Woodland, obviously, has encountered and dealt with far greater obstacles. He underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a tumor and has since spoken openly about battling post-traumatic stress disorder.
“People, I don’t think, can relate to brain surgery,” Woodland said. “People can relate to what I’m battling now. The amount of messages I got of people just saying thank you because they’re battling stuff that nobody knows about — if I can come out and ask for help and talk about it, then they’ve gotten help, too.”
“At the end of the day, I want to make this world a better place,” he added. “If my story or my journey or me talking about the struggles I face every day — if that helps somebody else, man, that’s what it’s all about. I don’t want to be remembered as being a great golfer; I want to be remembered as a great person.
“My struggles suck. There’s no other way to put it. I have a lot of days that suck. But if that helps somebody else, then that’s going to help me, too.”
On the course, Woodland is proud of his game.
Listed as No. 42 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Woodland won the Texas Children’s Hospital Open in April for his first win since 2019, and he has six top-10 finishes this year.
“I think from top to bottom my game’s better than it’s ever been. Statistically it shows that,” he said. “… I’m as consistent now through driving all the way down through the bag through putting than I’ve ever been. That’s not only exciting for me now, it’s exciting for me going forward.
“My speed’s back. I’m hitting it hard. Statistically I’m putting it as good as I’ve ever putted it in my career. I have a lot of things to be excited about, but I’m excited about the consistency of my game top to bottom that I’m putting in.”
Woodland, 42, has five career PGA Tour wins, including the 2019 U.S. Open. He was a member of the U.S. team that won the Presidents Cup in 2019 in Australia.
In 2025, he also served as a vice captain for the United States at the Ryder Cup.
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TOMMY FLEETWOOD SET TO DEFEND CROWN AT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
ATLANTA — Tommy Fleetwood made many momentous shots during his three-stroke win at last year’s Tour Championship.
The tiny tap-in at the 18th hole to claim the 2025 FedEx Cup is one the 35-year-old Englishman will never forget.
“Things move on very, very quickly, but like when I look back, I think the story that I built throughout the summer and I was getting closer and closer, it was kind of a perfect storm up until this point that came to this, and it was a perfect way to finish,” he told reporters on Wednesday at East Lake Golf Club.
“Yeah, just the satisfaction of knocking that last — that little tap-in and knowing that it was done. I think that’s probably the biggest thing that sticks with me.”
That was the first victory on American soil for Fleetwood, whose numerous close calls include a runner-up effort at the 2018 U.S. Open and a T3 showing at the Masters in 2024.
“It’s lovely to come back,” Fleetwood said. “I think that was one of the great things about this tournament. I think, first of all, regardless of what happened the year before, when the following season starts off, it’s a goal to make it to this point. I think, if you are in Atlanta at this point or you’re at East Lake, I think it’s symbolic of a great season.
“That’s a really nice feeling. I think you see so many familiar faces now over the years here. And, yeah, of course it’s always going to hold a special place in my heart for obvious reasons. It’s been lovely to come back.”
Last year’s win in Atlanta remains the only PGA Tour triumph for the World No. 7, who made the 30-man field for this week’s playoff finale at No. 9 in the FedEx Cup standings.
Fleetwood’s mediocre T47 effort at last week’s BMW Championship ended a streak of seven straight top-15 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a T7 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship to kick off the postseason and a T4 at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Last year at East Lake, he claimed the trophy and the $10 million top prize by firing four rounds in the 60s to get to 18 under par, three shots clear of Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay.
“Trophies are cool, but they don’t — like I feel like the moment of winning and what you go through on the back nine and stuff and all of that is a bit more meaningful to me, like I remember that stuff,” Fleetwood said.
“Trophies aren’t — like when you have them, it’s great. You can look at them. But it’s just a piece of silverware. But when the FedEx Cup came and it got delivered, that was cool. I stood and stared at that one for a bit. That’s a nice one.”
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SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER CREDITS TIGER AS HE CLOSES ON WOODS’ CAREER EARNINGS MARK
ATLANTA — Scottie Scheffler is on the verge of passing Tiger Woods on the all-time earnings list as the current No. 1-ranked golfer in the world seeks another Tour Championship this week at East Lake.
Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are both within striking distance of Woods’ PGA Tour earnings record despite a dramatic disparity in victories. Woods won 82 times on the Tour, tied for first all-time. Scheffler, 30, has 21 victories.
McIlroy is $4.5 million behind Woods’ earnings record of $120,999,166. Scheffler, currently second on the list, is just over $1 million from taking over the top spot.
The winner of this week’s tournament takes home $10 million. A spot in the top eight would push Scheffler to No. 1 on the Tour’s all-time earnings list. Eighth place in the $40 million purse finale takes home $1,070,000.
“You’re kind of comparing apples and oranges,” Scheffler said Wednesday. “But I think a lot of success we’ve had out here, especially when you look at it from a financial perspective, Tiger has a lot to do with that. Like I said, it’s apples and oranges. The reason our purses are so large today is because of the influence and impact that Tiger had on the game.
“I wouldn’t really consider that a Tiger record being broken. I think it’s more — I think it just shows one of the many effects he had on the game of golf in a positive way. Like the Tour is only getting more competitive as it goes forward, and I think that’s part of kind of how he played the game.”
Scheffler said he’s about 95% healthy and mostly over the hand, foot and mouth disease he dealt with last week in St. Louis. Scheffler said it was painful to grip most clubs during the tournament, but he finished tied for 12th at the BMW Championship.
“The only thing, maybe just still a couple of sores in my throat. But other than that, I feel really good,” Scheffler said of his recovery.
He played the front nine at East Lake on Tuesday and was headed out for a closer look at the back nine on Wednesday in a bid to win the Tour Championship for the second time in three years.
Scheffler called the newly proposed 2028 playoff format “interesting,” characterizing the latest iteration of the PGA Tour postseason as “something new and fun.”
But don’t ask him to explain it.
“I think the first week is — it’s a little bit hard for me to kind of wrap my head around the group play. Like I said, when I show up at a tournament, I love to be able to compete and give myself a chance to win. To have a full week tournament where there’s not a winner, I think, is a bit unusual for me,” Scheffler said.
He does understand the mission the Tour took on in overhauling the playoffs while also making sure regular-season consistency — Scheffler’s hallmark — would be rewarded.
“I think one of the desires we had with looking at the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup was having an exciting finish to the year while also crowning a season-long champion. I think that’s a really hard balance to strike,” he said. “With golf, especially looking over the course of the year, that could be — there’s some years where I’ve had a large lead on the points list going into the final event. If it was a true season-long race from a points perspective, it may not have been that interesting.
“If you want an exciting finish, you can’t really reward season-long excellence. So striking the balance there was always difficult. So I think it’s important to separate the regular season and then have a fun, interesting way to finish off the season, and in a different format too.”
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TOP INDIANA SPORTS HEADLINES
COLTS FOOTBALL
COLTS SIGN CB KENNETH HARRIS, WAIVE CB MEKHI BLACKMON
The Indianapolis Colts today signed free agent cornerback Kenneth Harris and waived cornerback Mekhi Blackmon.
Harris, 6-0, 192 pounds, participated in the New England Patriots’ 2026 offseason program and training camp. He was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2026. Collegiately, Harris played in 59 career games (29 starts) at Oklahoma State (2023-25) and Arkansas State (2020-22) and compiled 113 tackles (92 solo), 61.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 28 passes defensed and three interceptions. In 2025, he saw action in 12 games (11 starts) and totaled 33 tackles (27 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and five passes defensed.
Blackmon, 5-11, 178 pounds, was acquired via trade with the Minnesota Vikings on August 25, 2025. He has played in 32 career games (14 starts) in his time with the Colts (2025) and Vikings (2023-24) and has registered 105 tackles (84 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 15 passes defensed, three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
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REGGIE WAYNE ON KEENAN ALLEN, ALEC PIERCE AND DEION BURKS | 2026 MEDIA AVAILABILITY, AUGUST 26: https://www.colts.com/video/reggie-wayne-on-keenan-allen-alec-pierce-and-deion-burks-2026-media-availability-august-26
CHARVARIUS WARD SR. ON RETURN FROM BACK INJURY AND JOSH DOWNS ON KEENAN ALLEN’S IMPACT, BEST CAMP YET | 2026 MEDIA AVAILABILITY, AUGUST 26:
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INDIANA FIELD HOCKEY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ––– The Big Ten Conference announced its preseason Players to Watch on Wednesday (Aug. 26) afternoon ahead of the field hockey’s season start this weekend.
Indiana’s Inés Garcia Prado, Mijntje Hagen and Molly Stutte all were named to the conference’s honorees.
Garcia Prado is coming off a 2025 NFHCA All-American and All-Big Ten First Team campaign where she had seven goals and nine assists as well as nine defensive saves.
Hagen was an NFHCA All-Region pick and All-Big Ten Second Team selection with six goals and 10 assists.
Stutte was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team a season ago when she notched seven goals and one assist.
Indiana will open the season on Saturday against No. 10 Miami (Ohio) at 1 p.m. in a neutral-site setting at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Ky.
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INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — For the third consecutive matchday, Indiana men’s soccer (2-0-0, 0-0-0 B1G) will host an in-state opponent on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium as it concludes a season-opening three-match homestand. The Hoosiers will host Butler (0-1-1, 0-0-0 Big East) while aiming to remain unbeaten in the young season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and tickets are on sale here. IU staff, faculty and students get in free with a valid Crimson Card ID. Fans unable to attend can watch the match via the B1G+ digital platform.
The first 500 fans in attendance will receive an Indiana soccer t-shirt featuring Hoosier the Bison.
KICKING OFF
• IU carries momentum into this match, collecting a 3-1 victory versus Notre Dame on opening night before earning its first clean sheet in a 3-0 win against Evansville on Sunday. Indiana welcomed 10,508 fans to Armstrong Stadium between those two matches. Eight different Hoosiers have contributed to Indiana’s six goals via goal or assist.
• Indiana’s top-ranked transfer class has made an instant impact, with maybe the most apparent example being Oliver Moller-Jensen. The fourth-year FAU transfer contributed to five of Indiana’s six goals in its opening matchweek and was named the Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week on Tuesday.
• When counting exhibition matches, Easton Bogard has scored six goals in four matches – Including one goal in consecutive regular season matches.
• Nolan Kinsella has provided assists in consecutive matches to start the season.
ABOUT THE BULLDOGS
• Butler is looking for its first win, and goal, of the season after a loss to NIU (0-2) to open the year, followed by a scoreless draw against Bradley Sunday.
• Ian Sarachan leads the Bulldogs in his first season with the program. Sarachan previously served as an assistant coach for the Colorado Rapids in MLS following a stint as an assistant at Creighton.
SERIES HISTORY
• Indiana and Butler will renew its longstanding series after a one-year break in 2025. The programs have met 36 times over the last 35 years.
• Indiana has won 26 of 36 matches against Butler, owns a .792 winning percentage in the series and is unbeaten in the last four meetings going back to 2021 – with a 3-0-1 record in that span.
• The two programs last met in 2024, a 1-1 draw in Indianapolis. Palmer Ault assisted Butler’s tying goal in that match before transferring to IU and becoming an All-American in 2025.
• A 10th-minute goal was all Indiana needed to defeat the Bulldogs in 2023, the last time the Hoosiers played host in the series. Current Hoosier Collins Oduro assisted Samuel Sarver with a cross to make the difference in a 1-0 result.
• Indiana has hosted four NCAA Tournament matches against Butler, winning the last three. In 1998, the Hoosiers won a third consecutive match in overtime, beating Butler, 2-1, in the second overtime. Lazo Alavanja became the 11th Hoosier to reach 100 career points when he scored the golden goal from 19 yards. “I still haven’t caught my breath yet. These guys are going to kill me,” Coach Jerry Yeagley said after the match, “It’s a sign of a good winner that can face adversity and still come out on top.”
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INDIANA BASEBALL
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana baseball program began individual workouts and the first portion of its fall practice schedule on Tuesday (Aug. 25) afternoon as the new school year gets underway. Head coach Jeff Mercer and his program welcomed 24 newcomers to Bloomington to join a talented returning core.
The Hoosiers introduced 14 prep players to the roster and 10 transfer athletes. That includes a trio of talented position players from power four programs and three prep prospects ranked inside the top 500 of Perfect Game’s National Rankings. First-year infielder Jayden Parker was named one of Prep Baseball’s Top 150 players to make it to campus in this year’s class.
IU’s group of players will play four exhibitions in the fall during the buildup to the holiday break. The lone contest at Bart Kaufman Field is set for Friday, October 16th against Kentucky. IU will also meet West Virginia, Huntington and Notre Dame in a series of scrimmages.
Transfers
10 | Kelvyn Paulino Jr. | INF | Thomasville, N.C./IMG Academy (Fla.) (Florida State)
• 2026 Second Team Midseason Freshman All-American (D1 Baseball)
• Played in 32 games and hit .275 with one home run and 21 RBIs last season at Florida State
• Ranked the number 53 overall recruit in the class of 2025 by Perfect Game
11 | Nate Eisfelder | OF | Johnson City, Tenn./IMG Academy (Fla.) (Tennessee)
• Ranked as the number 100 overall prospect in the class of 2026 by Perfect Game
• Hit two home runs and drove in nine runs in 18 games played last year at Tennessee
• High school teammates with Kelvyn Paulino Jr. at IMG Academy in Florida
13 | Ryan Maggy | INF | Peru, N.Y./Cypress Creek (Fla.) (West Virginia)
• Part of West Virginia’s College World Series team in 2026
• Played in 17 games and drove in four runs last season with the Mountaineers
• Top 150 player in the state of Florida during his senior year in 2024
15 | Ethan Lyke | LHP | Evansville, Ind./Evansville Central (Murray State)
• Made 56 appearances during four seasons with Murray State
• Part of the Racers’ College World Series team in 2025
• Has pitched over 140 career innings with 119 total strikeouts in collegiate career
16 | Peter Dubie | RHP | Indianapolis, Ind./Park Tudor (Brown)
• Indianapolis native returning to his home state for his fifth year
• Made 39 appearances with 13 starts at Brown – missed the entire 2024 season
• Tossed seven scoreless frames with 15 strikeouts and zero walks against Princeton in 2026
17 | Owen Sullivan | RHP | Methuen, Mass./Methuen (Anna Maria College)
• First Team All-Conference selection at Anna Maria College
• Recorded 70 strikeouts to just 11 walks over 56 innings pitched in 2026
24 | Luke Teschke | RHP | Monticello, Ill./Monticello (Illinois State)
• Started 14 games in 2026 after redshirting his initial season on campus
• Named MVC Newcomer of the Week (March 29, 2026)
• Compiled 50 strikeouts in debut collegiate campaign
37 | Cade Pilgrim | LHP | Clover, S.C./Lewisville (Gaston College)
• Part of Florence-Darlington Tech’s run to the 2025 JUCO College World Series
• Number one left-handed pitcher in South Carolina in Class of 2024
40 | Jacob Gomberg | LHP | Coral Springs, Fla./Marjory Stoneman Douglas (UNLV)
• Played two seasons at Florida (2024-2025), one at UNLV (2026)
• Made 18 relief appearances in lone season with the Rebels
• Number 327 overall recruit, number 45 left-handed pitcher in class of 2023 by Perfect Game
45 | Luca Sandrella | RHP | Louisville, Ky./Christian Education Consortium (IU Southeast)
• Recorded 101 strikeouts to 32 walks in two seasons at IU-Southeast
• Was named the RSC Freshman of the Year in 2025
• Part of IU-Southeast’s run to the 2026 NAIA World Series
Prep Players
5 | Luke Crighton | RHP | Rochester Hills, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep
• 2026 Max Preps Michigan State Player of the Year
• Helped lead Orchard Lake St. Mary’s to a Division 2 State Championship
• Number five overall player in state of Michigan by Perfect Game
8 | Jayden Parker | INF | San Diego, Calif./University City
• Number 273 overall player in the class of 2026 by Perfect Game
• Father, Rashad, played baseball at UCLA – was 23rd round pick by Mets in 2002
• Prep Baseball Top 150 prep player to make it to campus in 2026
9 | Aiden Reynolds | INF | Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville
• Named the 2026 HCC Player of the Year at Noblesville
• Ranked as the number 15 player in the state of Indiana by Perfect Game
• Career .354 hitter with 118 base knocks in four seasons of varsity baseball
12 | Branson Crawford | C | Gainesville, Ga./North Hall
• Number 387 overall player in the class of 2026 by Perfect Game
• Region 6 AAA Player of the Year in Georgia
• Hit seven home runs in the regular season during senior campaign
23 | Johnson Dubose | INF | Atlanta, Ga./IMG Academy (Fla.)
• Number 305 overall player in the class of 2026 by Perfect Game
• Top-35 prospect in the state of Georgia – played high school baseball at IMG Academy (Fla.)
• Hit .324 with 24 hits, 20 runs, 14 RBIs and seven doubles in senior campaign
29 | Kadyn Armitage | INF | Surrey, British Columbia/Foothills Composite
• One of the best infielders in Canada, reclassified back into 2026 to join team this fall
• Hit a grand slam in the MLB Draft League this summer playing for the Canadian Youth Team
31 | Jake Winger | INF | Lafayette, Ind./McCutcheon
• Number two third baseman out of Indiana in the class of 2026
• Hit .395 during his varsity career at McCutcheon with 14 home runs
• Tallied 26 hits, seven home runs, nine doubles and 20 RBIs during senior campaign
32 | Collin Marcum | RHP | Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South
• Number 14 prospect out of Indiana in class of 2026
• Helped Bloomington South to first state title appearance in 54 years (2026)
• Went 6-2 with a 1.29 ERA during his junior season in 2025
34 | Jaxon Lueken | RHP | Huntingburg, Ind./Forest Park
• Named to the 2026 IHSBCA South All-Star Team
• Second Team All-State selection by Prep Baseball
• Played baseball, football and basketball at Forest Park High School
35 | Dylan Kassab | C | Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central
• Number 22 player out of Illinois in class of 2026
• 2026 IHSBCA 4A All-State team selection
• Named the 2026 West Suburban Silver Conference Player of the Year
37 | Bryce Pauly | INF | Davenport, Iowa/Davenport North
• Number 14 player in the state of Iowa by Perfect Game
• Second Team All-Iowa State team in senior season
• IHSBCA 2026 Super Team selection
43 | Finn Hoeschen | OF | North Vancouver, British Columbia/Carson Graham
• Number 15 overall prospect in the state of Washington
• Played high school baseball in Washington, grew up in Canada
44 | Liam Amoriello | LHP | Tampa, Fla./Tampa Jesuit
• Committed to Indiana in October of 2025
• Helped Tampa Jesuit to Class 4A State Championship in 2026
• Career 2.47 ERA in varsity career at Tampa Jesuit
51 | Logan Johnston | RHP | Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point
• High school teammate of Logan Cotton at Crown Point High School
• Threw a complete game no-hitter in April of his senior season
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INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s soccer drops their first game of the season as they fall to Xavier 2-3 on Wednesday night. The Hoosiers scored two goals late but were unable to find the equalizer.
With the loss, the Hoosiers move to 2-1-1 on the season.
KEY MOMENTS
Xavier scored first, taking the 1-0 lead with a goal from Peyton Kohls. She was assisted by Breanna Darda.
Xavier scored their second goal of the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The Musketeers scored their third goal in the 56th minute from a goal by Sara Parker and assisted by Kohls.
Midfielder Maggie Ledwith put the Hoosiers on the board with her cleanup goal in the 88th minute, assisted by forward Amaya Falzarano.
The Hoosiers put their second goal in net with seconds on the clock. Midfielder Kennedy Neighbors touched the ball in on an assist for defender Grace Hamm.
With only second on the clock, the Hoosiers were unable to score the equalizer, finishing with the 2-3 loss.
NOTABLE
IU lead the game in shot attempts (13) and shots on goal (seven).
Indiana forced 16 Xavier fouls.
Neighbors’s goal was her second of the season.
Ledwith’s goal was her second of the season.
Four Hoosiers played all 90 minutes: Neighbors, Blair Satterfield, Haden Vlcek, Piper Coffield
UP NEXT
IUWS return home to Bill Armstrong Stadium this Sunday when they host Saint Louis. The match is set for Sunday, August 30th with a 1 pm kickoff.
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PURDUE FOOTBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football is officially single-digit days away from the start of the 2026 season as the program took the practice field on Wednesday morning (August 26).
The Boilers’ defensive line, coached by Kelvin Green, consists of five returners, three transfers and two true freshmen. With the ability to work together since January with no post-spring transfer portal, combined with working under defensive coordinator Kevin Kane’s return to West Lafayette, the unit is showing steady improvement.
“It is a great group, and I enjoy, truly, coaching each guy in the room,” said Green. “The camaraderie they have with one another is amazing.”
Purdue not only added via the portal but made sure to add veterans. Rodney Lora (junior), Curt Neal (senior) and Wisdom Simms (senior) bring 81 games of collegiate experience that includes 60 contests at the Power Four level.
“Every single portal guy we got has been a big help to this team,” said Ian Jeffries. “We gel so much together it’s almost like we’ve been playing since we were in high school. It’s so fun to be out there with them.”
Jeffries and TJ Lindsey, both returners who debuted with the Old Gold & Black in 2025, make the competition even stronger. Jeffries totaled 3.0 tackles-for-loss and 1.0 sacks, while he appeared in in all 12 games, and Lindsey had a tackle-for-loss but was limited to just three games due to injury.
“There’s a good bit [of competition for playing time],” said Lora. “I love going out there and competing, and Coach also has us mix-and-match with different guys… [Coach Green] knows we’re all comfortable with each other, so it’s going to be fun to see who goes out there.”
Lora (6-foot-3, 302 pounds) and Simms (6-foot-4, 319 pounds) bring size comparable to Jeffries (6-foot-4, 303 pounds) and Lindsey (6-foot-3, 308 pounds) that will help shape the identity of the defensive line.
“Their size, the mass, and still being able to attack,” said Green on Lora and Simms. “They’re picking up on how we do things and how we need things to be done to be really good players in the Big Ten.”
Purdue returns to the field on Thursday morning (August 27).
DL COACH KELVIN GREEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leYMTThA7_E
DL IAN JEFFRIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slc8BMsksQ0
DL RODNEY LORA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAAZVA2A674
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PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Coming off two big wins last week, Purdue enters its third week of non-conference play with matches against two in-state opponents, Ball State and Southern Indiana.
The Boilers will take on the Ball State Cardinals on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. est at Folk Field for Senior Night, before beginning a four-week stretch on the road at Southern Indiana on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. est.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
The Cardinals will travel to West Lafayette having started the 2026 season 1-1-1, with a 2-0 win over IU Indy, a 1-1 draw with Butler, and a 2-0 loss at Western Kentucky. Last season, the Cardinals went 10-7-3 and 7-4-1 in the MAC, before ultimately losing to Western Michigan in the MAC Championship semifinals.
Southern Indiana is searching for their first win this season after starting the year 0-2-2. The Screaming Eagles have draws against Wright State and Purdue Fort Wayne, and losses to Middle Tennessee and Akron. In 2025, Southern Indiana went 9-7-5 with a 4-2-3 conference and advanced to the Ohio Valley Conference semifinals.
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday will mark Purdue and Ball State’s seventh matchup in their histories, with Purdue leading the series 5-1. The first match took place on Oct. 27, 2002, when thirteenth ranked Purdue defeated Ball State 2-0 in West Lafayette. The most recent matchup was last season in Muncie, with Purdue taking a 5-2 victory.
Purdue has yet to face Southern Indiana in its history. The Screaming Eagles women’s soccer team first became a Division I program when they joined the OVC in 2022.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
This week Purdue will honor its Seniors on Senior Night. The match will also have a T-Shirt Press Pop-Up station.
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NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Offensive lineman Will Black has been named to the 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, which honors the top freshman player in college football.
A native of London, Ontario, Canada appeared in three games last year, making his collegiate debut in the win over Navy last November. In the victory, Black helped the Irish record over 500 yards of total offense, including 249 yards on the ground, while not allowing a single sack.
Black is listed as a sophomore under the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility rule, which allows student-athletes to compete for up to five seasons within a five-year eligibility window. However, he remains eligible for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award under Maxwell Football Club guidelines.
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NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S SOCCER
The #25 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0-3) are set to take on the Michigan Wolverines (0-0-2) on Thursday, August 27 in Ann Arbor.
The Irish lead the overall series 17-5-1 with a 7-2-0 edge when playing on the road at Michigan.
The Irish have won the last two matchups, which included a 3-0 vcictory at home last season and a 2-0 victory at Michigan in 2024. Last season, Ellie Hodsden, Izzy Engle, and Abby Mills scored goals for the Irish in the win.
BY THE NUMBERS
88.6%
88.6% of Notre Dame’s total points returned this season (155/175).
TOP 10
Lily Joseph is tied for first in the ACC with 9 shots on goal and is third in the ACC with 21 shots/5.25 shots per game. She is also tied for sixth in the conference with 3 goals so far this season.
4
The Irish had the #4 incoming class in Top Drawer Soccer Women’s Division I Recruiting Class Ranking
4
Four Irish players have landed on Top Drawer Soccer’s 2026 Preseason Best XI Teams: Izzy Engle (First Team), Annabelle Chukwu (Third Team), Reese Canada (Freshman Team), and Gracie Milam (Freshman Team)
43
of 60 ND goals were scored by sophomores in 2025
12
different goal scorers last season
12-0-1
when scoring first last season
4TH
The Irish finished with the #4 scoring offense in the country (3.00) last season.
4TH
The Irish finished fourth nationally with 8.75 points per game last season.
4TH
The Irish finished fourth in the country with 60 goals last year.
5
The Irish had 5 players named All-ACC last season: Izzy Engle (OPOTY, 1st Team), Annabelle Chukwu (1st Team), Leah Klenke (1st Team), Grace Restovich (3rd Team), Tessa Knapp (All-Freshman Team).
19
goals for Engle. 5th most in the country in 2025 season
#8 IRISH DEFEAT RACERS IN 3-0 VICTORY
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0-3) picked up their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Stadium as they defeated the Murray State Racers (0-3-0) in a 3-0 victory.
Freshman Kate Kemmerley had herself a day as she recorded her first collegiate goal and finished the day with a brace in the win. She led all players with a career-best two goals and four points on the day.
Junior Lily Joseph continues to lead the Irish in scoring this year as she put away goal number three of the season in Sunday’s win. Joseph is now a perfect 2-2 on penalty kicks this season.
Senior goalkeeper Jackie Hollomon finished with two saves and recorded her first career shutout in the win.
JOSEPH AND CHUKWU NAMED TO 2026 FIFA U-20 WOMEN’s WORLD CUP ROSTER
The junior duo of Lily Joseph and Annabelle Chukwu will be traveling to Poland this September as they were named to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Rosters for the United States and Canada.
The World Cup will run from Sept. 5-27 and will consist of 24 teams from around the globe
Joseph will represent the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team and Chukwu will represent the Canada Soccer’s Women’s U-20 National Team. Both were a part of their teams’ training camps this summer and are now set to play in the World Cup matches on September 5-6.
#8 IRISH FINISH WITH 1-1 DRAW AT NEBRASKA
The No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-3) finished with a 1-1 draw in their first road match of the season against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0-2) on Thursday evening.
Ellie Hodsden scored her first goal of the season for the equalizer in Thursday night’s match. Senior goalkeeper Jackie Hollomon made her first career start as she tied her career-high with three saves on the night.
#2 IRISH DRAW AGAINST (RV) PENN STATE
The #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-2, 0-0) concluded their second match of the season with a 2-2 draw against the (RV) Penn State Nittany Lions (0-0-1, 0-0).
With an even slate of 0-0 at halftime, both teams were hungry for their first goals of the season. Four total goals were scored in the second half with Penn State converting twice to take a 2-0 lead before the Irish were able to make a late comeback and respond with two goals of their own.
Junior Lily Joseph led the offensive charge for the Irish as she scored both goals for the Irish for a brace on the day. Her first goal was a penalty kick and the second was scored off of a pass from Ellie Hodsden.
SEASON OPENER VS. SAMFORD
The No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-1, 0-0) finished with a draw in the season opener at Alumni Stadium against the Samford Bulldogs (0-0-1, 0-0) on Wednesday evening.
It was a strong defensive effort for both the Bulldogs and Irish with several chances for the Irish to put away the first goal of the 2026 season as they outshot Samford 21-5. Junior Annabelle Chukwu led all players with six shots on the night.
Notre Dame finished with 13 corner kicks, tying their game-high for corner kicks in single-game in the 2025 season.
Junior goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica recorded her 14th career shutout in Wednesday’s season opener.
BY THE NUMBERS – NCAA TOURNAMENT
For the 31st time over the last 33 years, the Notre Dame women’s soccer program qualified for the NCAA Tournament in the 2025 season.
Their postseason record is 78-27-4 and boasts an impressive record of 53-5-1 at home in the NCAA Tournament.
Doug and Lisa Jones Family Head Women’s Soccer Coach Nate Norman is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. The past four seasons under Coach Norman: Sweet 16 in 2021, Elite Eight in 2022, 2nd Round in 2023 and an Elite Eight in 2024. Thus, two quarterfinal appearances over the last four years.
The Irish earned a one-seed in the 2025 season; this is the second time the Irish have earned a one-seed under Head Coach Nate Norman.
They have recorded 51 all-time clean sheets in the NCAA Tournament.
In 2024, the Irish made their 17th all-time appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals, where they fell to the Stanford Cardinal 2-0 and are 12-5 all-time in the quarterfinals. They are now 12-5 all-time in that round.
They’ve qualified for 12 College Cups with their last being in 2010. They are 8-4 in the Semifinal round.
The Irish boast three NCAA championships, which is tied for second most – 1995, 2004, 2010 – and five runner-up finishes (1994, 1996, 1999, 2006, 2008).
QUICK NOTES
Key returners: Izzy Engle, Annabelle Chukwu, Abby Mills, Morgan Roy, Lily Joseph, Sonoma Kasica, Grace Restovich, Charlie Codd, Ellie Hodsden, Clare Logan, Chayse Ying
Key losses: Leah Klenke, Laney Matriano, Carolyn Calzada
88.6% of Notre Dame’s total points are returning this season (155/175)
The Irish were selected as the #2 team in the country in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll this week
In the final United Soccer Coaches Poll last year, the Irish landed in the #11 position
Finished #4 in the final RPI rankings last year
The Irish were also selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 ACC women’s soccer championship
ACC Offensive Player of the Year, MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist, USC All-American First Team honoree, and Honda Sport Award for Soccer Finalist Izzy Engle returns for her junior season
Became the first Notre Dame striker to win ACC Offensive Player of the Year and just the fifth player in conference history to earn Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons
Finished the year with 19 goals, 6 assists, and 44 points
Led the ACC in goals per game and was second in the nation (1.00)
Led the ACC in points per game and was third in the nation (2.32)
USC All-Atlantic Region First Team honoree, First Team All-ACC honoree, and All-American Annabelle Chukwu is back for year three at Notre Dame
Second leading scorer on the team with 12 goals and 27 points
Scored team-best 6 game-winning goals this season
Amongst the top-10 in the conference in game-winning goals (2nd with 6 goals), in total goals (7th with 12 goals), and points per game (10th with 1.35 points per game)
Izzy Engle, Annabelle Chukwu, and Abby Mills were named to the All-ACC Preseason Team last week
This season the Irish welcome six freshmen: Kate Kemmerley, Bristol Kersh, Charlee Siria, Marley Adams, Gracie Milam, and Reese Canada
#4 in Top Drawer Soccer Women’s Division I Recruiting Class Ranking
SEC All-Freshman Team honoree, Gabi Poretto, joins the Irish this year from Kentucky
The Fighting Irish recorded a 4-0-1 mark against ranked opposition last regular season
They defeated #3 Duke, #5 Florida State, #22 North Carolina, and #23 Louisville
The Irish were 12-0-1 when scoring first last season.
Notre Dame’s season concluded in the NCAA Second Round, falling 0-1 to OSU in double overtime
PRESEASON PRAISE
Coming off of another NCAA Tournament appearance last season, the Irish were selected as the no. 2 team in the country in this year’s United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll for the second year in a row. These were the highest preseason rankings since the 2011 season after the Irish won the National Championship in 2010.
The Irish were also selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 ACC women’s soccer championship with seven first place votes.
Izzy Engle, Annabelle Chukwu, and Abby Mills were named to the All-ACC Preseason Team last week.
Senior Morgan Roy (defender), junior Grace Restovich (midfielder), junior Izzy Engle (forward), and junior Annabelle Chukwu (forward) have been named to the United Soccer Coaches 2026 NCAA Players to Watch list this preseason.
HOME SWEET HOME
It is not easy for opposing teams to earn a victory inside Alumni Stadium. Since its creation in 2009, Notre Dame has gone 144-33-11.
Over the last five seasons in particular – an impressive 46-7-6 (.813) record inside Alumni.
The Irish also defeated #3 Duke, #5 Florida State, #22 North Carolina, and #23 Louisville at Alumni Stadium last season.
ALL-AMERICAN – IZZY ENGLE IS BACK FOR YEAR 3
Engle was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, a MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist, a Honda Sport Award for Soccer finalist, First Team All-ACC, and USC All-Atlantic Region First Team.
Engle became the first Notre Dame striker to win ACC Offensive Player of the Year and just the fifth player in conference history to earn Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
She scored 44 points across 19 matches, which was the third-best in the nation in points per game (2.32).
She scored 19 goals last season, which ranked fifth nationally. She was also recognized as the ACC Offensive Player of the Week twice last season, was named to the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team, and received CSC Academic All-District honors this year.
In conference play, Engle scored 11 goals and was one of only two players to record double-figure goals in ACC matches last season. She was the only player to register a hat trick in league play, scoring three times in Notre Dame’s 5-0 win at Virginia Tech on October 23.
Engle has now scored an impressive 38 career goals in just 41 matches played through her sophomore season.
ACC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
Notre Dame (7), 239
Stanford (3), 233
Duke (3), 224
Florida State (3), 213
North Carolina (1), 207
Virginia, 191
Wake Forest, 167
Clemson, 148
Louisville, 125
California, 120
NC State, 99
Virginia Tech, 77
Pitt, 75
SMU, 70
Boston College, 61
Miami, 44
Syracuse, 19
2026 PRESEASON ALL-ACC TEAM
Mia Minestrella, Sr., F, Duke
Cameron Roller, Sr., D, Duke
Wrianna Hudson, Jr., F, Florida State
Janet Okeke, Jr., D, Florida State
Nyanya Touray, So., M, Florida State
Amelia Swinarski, Jr., M, Louisville
Bella Devey, So., F, North Carolina
Annabelle Chukwu, Jr., F, Notre Dame
Izzy Engle, Jr., F, Notre Dame
Abby Mills, Jr., D, Notre Dame
Caroline Birkel, So., GK, Stanford
Charlotte Kohler, Jr., M, Stanford
Kylie Maxwell, So., F, Wake Forest
A CHUKWU CLINIC
The sophomore forward was the Irish’s second leading scorer with 12 goals and 27 points, scoring 6 game-winning goals for Notre Dame this season, earning First Team All-ACC honors.
She received USC All-American Second Team and All-Atlantic Region First Team honors, and was also named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List, was named to the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team, and earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice this season.
Chukwu was amongst the top-10 in the conference in game-winning goals (2nd with 6 goals), in total goals (7th with 12 goals), and points per game (10th with 1.35 points per game).
2025 ACCOLADES
In addition to the accolades that Engle and Chukwu acquired, there were several other Irish standouts who received awards last season.
MORGAN ROY
United Soccer Coaches All-Region Fourth Team
Roy takes home her first All-Region honors, playing in 20 matches this season and scoring a career-high 3 goals this season. Roy recorded a career-high 9 assists (tied for a team-best) for a career-high 15 points on the year.
GRACE RESTOVICH
United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team
All-ACC Third Team
This season, Restovich took home her first All-Region and All-ACC honors as she co-led the Irish with 9 assists this season. As a freshman, she also led the Irish last season with a team-best 11 assists. She scored two goals this season and recorded 13 points for the Irish.
TESSA KNAPP
United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team
Tessa Knapp was named to the All-Freshman Team, recording three goals in her rookie season.
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BALL STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
THIS WEEK IN BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL: After a pair of exhibition outings, the Ball State women’s volleyball team officially opens the 2026 season Friday when it travels to Notre Dame for a 6:30 p.m. first serve versus the Fighting Irish on ACCNX … The Cardinals close opening weekend Saturday afternoon at Purcell Pavilion with a 3 p.m. match up versus Xavier.
FOLLOW THE ACTION: Along with live video for Friday’s season opener at Notre Dame, live stats will be available for both Ball State matches at Purcell Pavilion … Updates from the matches will also be provided on the team’s X feed and Instagram story: @BallStateWVB.
MAC PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: The Ball State women’s volleyball team was picked to finish second in the league in the MAC’s annual preseason coaches’ poll … The defending regular season champion Cardinals earned 91 points and three first place votes, trailing only defending tournament champion Toledo (92 points / seven first place votes) … The Rockets also had a slight edge over Ball State in the MAC Women’s Volleyball Championship projections, earning six votes to the Cardinals’ five.
PRESEASON ALL-MAC: Ball State placed three student-athletes on the Preseason All-MAC Team … Representing the squad were senior middles Gwen Crull and Camryn Wise, along with junior defensive specialist/libero Sophie Ledbetter … All three were First Team All-MAC selections last season after helping guide the Cardinals to the league’s regular season title with a 17-1 MAC ledger.
BALL STATE ALL-TIME: Ball State enters the 2026 season with a 1055-668-2 (.612) all-time record in women’s volleyball … Ball State became the 44th program in NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball history to reach 1,000 wins with a sweep of Central Michigan on Sept. 22, 2023 … All-time, the Cardinals have captured 12 Mid-American Conference West Division Championships, 11 MAC Regular Season Championships and eight MAC Volleyball Championship titles … Ball State has made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including three of the last six seasons … BSU has also earned two bids into the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).
BALL STATE IN THE MAC: With a 17-1 record in Mid-American Conference play last season, Ball State maintains its status as the winningest program in league play with a 476-226 (.678) all-time MAC mark … Western Michigan is second on the list, six matches behind the Cardinals at 470-232 (.670).
AT THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP: Ball State made its 36th all-time appearance in the MAC Volleyball Championship in 2025 … The Cardinals have a 39-28 (.582) overall record in the event and have claimed eight tournament titles (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2002, 2019 and 2021) … The Cardinals’ 39 tournament wins are second in MAC Championship history as are its eight titles are second … Overall, the Cardinals own a 5-2 (.714) record in first round matches, a 13-10 (.565) mark in quarterfinal play, an 13-11 (.542) ledger in semifinal action and an 8-5 (.615) record in the championship match … Ball State has advanced to the championship match in four of the last six tournaments.
WHEN IN WORTHEN: The Cardinals boast a 332-104 (.761) all-time record inside Worthen Arena, including an 84-41 (.672) mark against non-conference foes and a 248-63 (.797) ledger versus league foes … No MAC opponent owns a winning record inside Worthen Arena, as the Cardinals have at least a .630 winning percentage against all league schools on its current home floor.
SCOUTING BALL STATE:
• The Ball State women’s volleyball team returns four starters and its libero from last season’s squad which produced a 21-10 overall record and won the MAC regular season championship with a 17-1 league mark … Included on the list of returners are 2025 First Team All-MAC honorees Gwen Crull, Sophie Ledbetter and Camryn Wise.
• With a strong presence in the middle, thanks in part to Crull and Wise, the Cardinals led the MAC and ranked 32nd nationally with a .258 attack percentage … In fact, Wise led all MAC players and ranked 23rd nationally with a .398 rate of success, while Crull was third in the league and 118th nationally at .340.
• The Cardinals also return the setting duo of Lindsey Green and Reese Axness who were named the 2025 MAC Setters of the Year for their roles in running the Ball State offense … A four-time MAC Setter Pair of the Week, Green averaged 7.30 assists per set, while Axness averaged 4.44 … Overall, the Cardinals ranked first in the MAC and 43rd nationally with 12.67 assists per set, while its 1,533 total assists were 20th nationally … The effort helped Ball State finish the year as one of the nation’s top terminating teams, ranking 25th nationally with 1,651 total kills.
• Ball State finished the season as the top-ranked MAC squad in the NCAA RPI Rankings, coming in at 56 … The Cardinals were 77th in the initial RPI rankings on Oct. 5 and climbed to as high as 44th on Oct. 17.
BALL STATE QUICK HITS:
• Libero Sophie Ledbetter paced the Ball State defense with 483 digs and a 3.99 digs-per-set average last season … Her dig total ranked second among all MAC defenders, while her average was third … In fact, the 483 digs ranked 20th on Ball State’s single season digs list.
• Sophie Ledbetter recorded double-digit digs in 28 of BSU’s 31 matches last season, upping her career total to 51 which is tied for 17th on BSU’s all-time list … The effort includes a career-high tying 27 digs versus Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 20) and 26 digs in the season-opener versus St. Thomas (Aug. 29).
• Sophie Ledbetter earned her first collegiate double-double versus Cal Poly (Aug. 31), handing out 10 assists to go along with her 14 digs.
• Lindsey Green and Reese Axness combined to lead the Ball State offense to a .258 attack percentage last season which is first in the MAC and 32nd nationally … The mark included a .274 rate of success over the team’s 18 MAC matches … Green, who became the 17th player in program history to reach 1,000 career assists at Kent State (Oct. 31), finished the season ranked ninth in the MAC with a 7.30 assists-per-set average … She ranked second on the squad with 42 service aces … Axness, meanwhile, finished the season with a 4.44 assists-per-set average and served up 13 aces.
• Middle Camryn Wise finished the 2026 season leading the Mid-American Conference and ranked 23rd nationally with a .398 attack percentage … She has hit .300-or-better in 24 of the team’s 31 matches, paced by a .667 (6-0-9) effort at Bowling Green (Oct. 17) and a .579 (12-1-19) rate of success at Marquette (Sept. 12) … Looking at just league matches, Wise’s mark jumped up to .425 with just 18 errors on 275 swings, to go along with 135 kills … Wise hit at least .385 in 14 MAC outings, starting with a .545 (6-0-11) effort at Buffalo (Sept. 25).
• Gwen Crull was just as solid in the middle for the Cardinals, reaching double-digit kills for the first eight times in her collegiate career last season … Her best match came at Miami (Oct. 7), when she smashed a career-high 13 kills and hit .522 (13-1-23) … She also collected 12 kills on two occasions; vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 18) and at Akron (Sept. 26) … In MAC play, Crull ranked second on the squad and in the league with a .384 (136-28-281) attack percentage … She also lead the squad with a 0.86 blocks-per-set average last season, including a team-high 17 solo blocks.
• Tiffany Snook found her grove on the right side during league play, smashing 135 kills and hitting .281 … The effort includes a career-high 17 kills and a .433 (17-4-30) attack percentage versus Toledo (Oct. 10) … She also secured 11 kills at Akron (Sept. 26) and has at least six kills in 14 of Ball State’s 18 league matches.
• While it’s season-long 10-match winning streak came to an end vs. Ohio (Oct. 25), Ball State’s 10-0 start to MAC play tied as the third-best league start in program history … The Cardinals also won its first 10 conference matches of the 1997 campaign … Ball State has gone undefeated in league play twice, boasting an 18-0 mark in 1993, followed by a 17-0 record in 1994.
• During its 17-1 league run last season, the Cardinals went a perfect 9-0 on the road, which tied as the second-longest road winning streak in program history … The only better stretch was 10 straight road wins from Sept. 7, 2013 to Sept. 28, 2013.
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BALL STATE BASEBALL
The Ball State baseball team and head coach Rich Maloney have announced the addition of 19 incoming transfers to the program in advance of the 2027 season.
“We are excited to announce a very talented recruiting class,” Maloney said. “Hats off to recruiting coordinator Alex Maloney, pitching coach Bob Keller and assistant coach Luke Jaksich for their hard work in landing this outstanding group of young men.
“We targeted adding value to our pitching staff, solidifying our middle infield and players that are proven hitters. There will be lots of competition throughout our team. We are excited to work with these young men.”
The list of new Cardinals with previous school and summer ball highlights can be found below.
Avery Anderson
Register, Ga. | South Florida State College
A right-handed hitting catcher out of southeast Georgia, Anderson slashed .323/.425/.492 in 124 at bats last season as a sophomore at South Florida State College while tallying 10 doubles, one triple, three homers, 24 RBI and 31 runs scored. Anderson led the team in doubles and led his conference with 14 runners caught stealing on the year.
Blake Bowen
Wooster, Ohio | Akron
An infielder out of northeast Ohio, Bowen played his last two seasons at Akron after redshirting as a true freshman at Kentucky in 2024. Bowen was an At-Large Second Team All-MAC selection and All-MAC Defensive Team pick at first base last season after slashing .291/.488./.486 in 175 at bats while collecting 13 doubles, seven homers, 26 RBI, 42 runs scored and nine stolen bases. Additionally, Bowen’s 60 walks in 2026 tied for the second-most in NCAA Division I. He has a career .287 batting average across 85 games with 18 doubles, 12 homers, 49 RBI, 62 runs and 13 steals. Bowen hit .319 this summer with 10 doubles, two homers and 23 RBI for the Lafayette Aviators of the Prospect League.
Brady Bowen
Wooster, Ohio | Akron
A two-way player and the younger brother of Blake, Brady Bowen was named to the College Baseball Foundation and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America Teams along with spots on the Baseball America and NCBWA Freshman All-America Teams after a 2026 season where he slashed .391/.477/.565 in 92 at bats at the plate with seven doubles, three home runs and 21 RBI while working 53.1 innings on the mound with 41 strikeouts and a 4.73 ERA. Brady hit .297 with eight doubles, two triples and 24 RBI in 128 at bats this summer with the Hamilton Joes on his way to a Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League All Star game selection and Second Team All-GLSCL pick.
Easton Boyte
Brookhaven, Miss. | Southwest Mississippi CC
A right-handed pitcher from the eastern portion of Mississippi, Boyte worked a 4-0 record with a 4.20 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched last season at Southwest Mississippi CC. Boyte was at Copiah-Lincoln CC in 2023-24 before playing at Southwest Mississippi the last two years.
Parker Burt
Mansfield, Texas | Regis University
A catcher from a southwest Dallas suburb, Burt slashed .364/.431/.511 in 88 at bats with seven doubles, two homers, 24 RBI and 18 runs across 33 games (23 starts) in 2026 at Regis. A West Coast League All Star selection this summer for the Yakima Valley Pippins, Burt led the team with 11 doubles, five homers and 33 RBI while batting .299 in 174 at bats.
Charlie Dieruf
Hebron, Ky. | Cincinnati
A right-handed pitcher from northern Kentucky, Dieruf struck out three in 3.1 innings over five outings last season for the Bearcats after transferring in from Miami (Ohio). Dieruf pitched in 24 games as a freshman at Miami in 2025 and posted a 5.92 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 17 punchouts in 24.1 innings pitched.
Eli Driskell
Mobile, Ala. | Shelton State CC
A right-handed pitcher from the southwestern Alabama town off the Gulf of America, Driskell went 10-2 last season at Shelton State with a 3.48 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 72.1 innings pitched on his way to an ACCC Pitcher of the Year honor. During his two years there, Driskell has tallied a 17-6 record, 3.50 ERA and 125 punchouts in 131 innings pitched.
Alex Dues
Fort Recovery Ohio | Marietta College
A right-handed pitcher from near the Indiana-Ohio border, Dues tallied a 5.87 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 23.0 innings across 13 appearances as a sophomore at Marietta. A standout performer for the Grand Lake Mariners in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, Dues was named the Lou Laslo Pitcher of the Year after leading the league in wins (six), saves (five) and appearances (23) while tallying a 2.11 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 38.1 innings of work. Dues earned MVP honors for the GLSCL Championship series thanks to 6.0 innings pitched and securing the win in the series-clinching game.
Ryan Fluharty
Burton, W. Va. | Shepherd University
A right-handed infielder out of northern West Virginia, Fluharty was named Second Team All-Atlantic Region in 2026 by the ABCA, D2CCA and NCBWA after a season where he slashed .385/.456/.621 in 182 at bats with 16 doubles, nine home runs, 51 RBI, 49 runs scored and 12 steals. Also named First Team All-Conference and the Shepherd Male Newcomer of the Year, Fluharty was recently a Coastal Plain League All Star selection and finished the summer ball campaign with a team-leading 13 doubles along with 28 RBI and an .812 OPS.
Simon Gaines
Orleans, Ind. | Oakland City University
A right-handed infielder from southern Indiana, Gaines slashed .323/.424/.507 in 201 at bats for the Mighty Oaks including seven doubles, three triples, eight home runs, 39 RBI and 56 runs scored while starting in 53 of 54 games played. Gaines hit .338 with nine doubles and 17 RBI for the Dubois County Bombers in the Prospect League this summer.
Elijah Griffith
New Albany, Ohio | Akron
A right-handed pitcher from a northeast suburb of Columbus, Ohio, Griffith stays in the Mid-American Conference after spending the last three seasons with the Zips. Griffith worked a career high 74.2 innings in 2026 and collected 50 strikeouts with a 5.42 ERA on the year. He had seven appearances of at least six innings pitched including a season-best 7.0 frames of one-run ball (no earned) in the conference-opening weekend game against Western Michigan (3/7).
Hudson Groh
Madera, Calif. | College of the Sequoias
A right-handed pitcher out of a suburb of Fresno, Groh worked a 4-5 record, 4.63 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 81.2 innings across 16 outings (13 starts) last season on his way to a First Team All-Conference honor. As a freshman in 2025, Groh tallied a 5.88 ERA with 55 punchouts in 52 frames over 16 appearances (10 starts).
Owen Hendry
Millry, Ala. | West Alabama
A right-handed pitcher from near the Alabama-Mississippi state line, Hendry tallied a 5.19 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 8.2 frames last season at West Alabama after producing a 5.51 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched in 2025. Hendry was named a Coastal Plain League All Star for Florence on his way to a final summer stat line of 33 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.
Nathaniel Hurley
Marysville, Calif. | Yuba College
A switch-hitting infielder out of northern California, Hurley slashed .381/.506/.698 in 139 at bats with 19 doubles, two triples, seven homers and 33 RBI last season at Yuba on his way to a First Team All-Conference honor. Hurley played over the summer for the California Tigers of the Bay Area Collegiate League.
Noah Kubasky
Uniontown, Ohio | University of Nevada, Las Vegas
A left-handed pitcher / first baseman / outfielder from northeast Ohio, Kubasky spent his first season in college in Las Vegas and was named Academic All-Mountain West last spring. Kubasky hit .244 with four doubles and 12 RBI over the summer for the Hamilton Joes of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League while striking out six in 5.1 frames on the mound across three appearances with a 1.69 ERA.
Zachary Maslona
Carol Stream, Ill. | Lewis University
A left-handed pitcher out of the Chicagoland area, Maslona struck out 12 in 18.2 innings pitched over 19 appearances as a freshman in 2024 for the Flyers. Maslona worked 21 innings and notched 21 strikeouts with a 6.43 ERA this summer for the Oswego Cats in the Chicago Suburban Baseball League.
Trieg Matthews
Liberty Township, Ohio | Akron
A left-handed pitcher out of a northern suburb of Cincinnati, Matthews fashioned a 3-1 record with a 6.07 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched across 19 games (two starts) as a true freshman with the Zips. Matthews was coached at Lakota East High School by former Ball State baseball catcher Jarett Rindfleisch.
Cannon Paul
Rockford, Mich. | Grand Rapids CC
An infielder who was named First Team All-Conference as a sophomore in 2026, Paul slashed .350/.441/.524 in 137 at bats with eight doubles, three triples, four homers, 33 RBI, 37 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Paul was also an All Star for the Northern Michigan Patriots of the Shoreline League this summer.
Nick Steurer
Fenton, Mo. | Truman State
A right-handed infielder and pitcher, Steurer was the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year in 2026 after slashing .427/.455/.671 in 164 at bats with 20 doubles, four triples, four homers, 32 RBI and 27 stolen bases. Also voted Second Team All-GLVC and First Team All-Region, Steurer’s doubles total set a new Truman State season record, while the 27 steals set a freshman record. He slashed .331/.417/.468 with nine doubles, three triples, two homers and 14 RBI over the summer for the O’Fallon Hoots of the Prospect League.
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BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
THIS WEEK IN BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL: After a pair of exhibition outings, the Ball State women’s volleyball team officially opens the 2026 season Friday when it travels to Notre Dame for a 6:30 p.m. first serve versus the Fighting Irish on ACCNX … The Cardinals close opening weekend Saturday afternoon at Purcell Pavilion with a 3 p.m. match up versus Xavier.
FOLLOW THE ACTION: Along with live video for Friday’s season opener at Notre Dame, live stats will be available for both Ball State matches at Purcell Pavilion … Updates from the matches will also be provided on the team’s X feed and Instagram story: @BallStateWVB.
MAC PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: The Ball State women’s volleyball team was picked to finish second in the league in the MAC’s annual preseason coaches’ poll … The defending regular season champion Cardinals earned 91 points and three first place votes, trailing only defending tournament champion Toledo (92 points / seven first place votes) … The Rockets also had a slight edge over Ball State in the MAC Women’s Volleyball Championship projections, earning six votes to the Cardinals’ five.
PRESEASON ALL-MAC: Ball State placed three student-athletes on the Preseason All-MAC Team … Representing the squad were senior middles Gwen Crull and Camryn Wise, along with junior defensive specialist/libero Sophie Ledbetter … All three were First Team All-MAC selections last season after helping guide the Cardinals to the league’s regular season title with a 17-1 MAC ledger.
BALL STATE ALL-TIME: Ball State enters the 2026 season with a 1055-668-2 (.612) all-time record in women’s volleyball … Ball State became the 44th program in NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball history to reach 1,000 wins with a sweep of Central Michigan on Sept. 22, 2023 … All-time, the Cardinals have captured 12 Mid-American Conference West Division Championships, 11 MAC Regular Season Championships and eight MAC Volleyball Championship titles … Ball State has made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including three of the last six seasons … BSU has also earned two bids into the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).
BALL STATE IN THE MAC: With a 17-1 record in Mid-American Conference play last season, Ball State maintains its status as the winningest program in league play with a 476-226 (.678) all-time MAC mark … Western Michigan is second on the list, six matches behind the Cardinals at 470-232 (.670).
AT THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP: Ball State made its 36th all-time appearance in the MAC Volleyball Championship in 2025 … The Cardinals have a 39-28 (.582) overall record in the event and have claimed eight tournament titles (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2002, 2019 and 2021) … The Cardinals’ 39 tournament wins are second in MAC Championship history as are its eight titles are second … Overall, the Cardinals own a 5-2 (.714) record in first round matches, a 13-10 (.565) mark in quarterfinal play, an 13-11 (.542) ledger in semifinal action and an 8-5 (.615) record in the championship match … Ball State has advanced to the championship match in four of the last six tournaments.
WHEN IN WORTHEN: The Cardinals boast a 332-104 (.761) all-time record inside Worthen Arena, including an 84-41 (.672) mark against non-conference foes and a 248-63 (.797) ledger versus league foes … No MAC opponent owns a winning record inside Worthen Arena, as the Cardinals have at least a .630 winning percentage against all league schools on its current home floor.
SCOUTING BALL STATE:
• The Ball State women’s volleyball team returns four starters and its libero from last season’s squad which produced a 21-10 overall record and won the MAC regular season championship with a 17-1 league mark … Included on the list of returners are 2025 First Team All-MAC honorees Gwen Crull, Sophie Ledbetter and Camryn Wise.
• With a strong presence in the middle, thanks in part to Crull and Wise, the Cardinals led the MAC and ranked 32nd nationally with a .258 attack percentage … In fact, Wise led all MAC players and ranked 23rd nationally with a .398 rate of success, while Crull was third in the league and 118th nationally at .340.
• The Cardinals also return the setting duo of Lindsey Green and Reese Axness who were named the 2025 MAC Setters of the Year for their roles in running the Ball State offense … A four-time MAC Setter Pair of the Week, Green averaged 7.30 assists per set, while Axness averaged 4.44 … Overall, the Cardinals ranked first in the MAC and 43rd nationally with 12.67 assists per set, while its 1,533 total assists were 20th nationally … The effort helped Ball State finish the year as one of the nation’s top terminating teams, ranking 25th nationally with 1,651 total kills.
• Ball State finished the season as the top-ranked MAC squad in the NCAA RPI Rankings, coming in at 56 … The Cardinals were 77th in the initial RPI rankings on Oct. 5 and climbed to as high as 44th on Oct. 17.
BALL STATE QUICK HITS:
• Libero Sophie Ledbetter paced the Ball State defense with 483 digs and a 3.99 digs-per-set average last season … Her dig total ranked second among all MAC defenders, while her average was third … In fact, the 483 digs ranked 20th on Ball State’s single season digs list.
• Sophie Ledbetter recorded double-digit digs in 28 of BSU’s 31 matches last season, upping her career total to 51 which is tied for 17th on BSU’s all-time list … The effort includes a career-high tying 27 digs versus Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 20) and 26 digs in the season-opener versus St. Thomas (Aug. 29).
• Sophie Ledbetter earned her first collegiate double-double versus Cal Poly (Aug. 31), handing out 10 assists to go along with her 14 digs.
• Lindsey Green and Reese Axness combined to lead the Ball State offense to a .258 attack percentage last season which is first in the MAC and 32nd nationally … The mark included a .274 rate of success over the team’s 18 MAC matches … Green, who became the 17th player in program history to reach 1,000 career assists at Kent State (Oct. 31), finished the season ranked ninth in the MAC with a 7.30 assists-per-set average … She ranked second on the squad with 42 service aces … Axness, meanwhile, finished the season with a 4.44 assists-per-set average and served up 13 aces.
• Middle Camryn Wise finished the 2026 season leading the Mid-American Conference and ranked 23rd nationally with a .398 attack percentage … She has hit .300-or-better in 24 of the team’s 31 matches, paced by a .667 (6-0-9) effort at Bowling Green (Oct. 17) and a .579 (12-1-19) rate of success at Marquette (Sept. 12) … Looking at just league matches, Wise’s mark jumped up to .425 with just 18 errors on 275 swings, to go along with 135 kills … Wise hit at least .385 in 14 MAC outings, starting with a .545 (6-0-11) effort at Buffalo (Sept. 25).
• Gwen Crull was just as solid in the middle for the Cardinals, reaching double-digit kills for the first eight times in her collegiate career last season … Her best match came at Miami (Oct. 7), when she smashed a career-high 13 kills and hit .522 (13-1-23) … She also collected 12 kills on two occasions; vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 18) and at Akron (Sept. 26) … In MAC play, Crull ranked second on the squad and in the league with a .384 (136-28-281) attack percentage … She also lead the squad with a 0.86 blocks-per-set average last season, including a team-high 17 solo blocks.
• Tiffany Snook found her grove on the right side during league play, smashing 135 kills and hitting .281 … The effort includes a career-high 17 kills and a .433 (17-4-30) attack percentage versus Toledo (Oct. 10) … She also secured 11 kills at Akron (Sept. 26) and has at least six kills in 14 of Ball State’s 18 league matches.
• While it’s season-long 10-match winning streak came to an end vs. Ohio (Oct. 25), Ball State’s 10-0 start to MAC play tied as the third-best league start in program history … The Cardinals also won its first 10 conference matches of the 1997 campaign … Ball State has gone undefeated in league play twice, boasting an 18-0 mark in 1993, followed by a 17-0 record in 1994.
• During its 17-1 league run last season, the Cardinals went a perfect 9-0 on the road, which tied as the second-longest road winning streak in program history … The only better stretch was 10 straight road wins from Sept. 7, 2013 to Sept. 28, 2013.
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INDIANA STATE BASEBALL
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Three teams that advanced to an NCAA baseball regional last season, including College World Series’ participant West Virginia, highlight the six-team field set to play in the inaugural 2027 Orlando Baseball Classic, Feb. 26-28, at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort. Veteran event-promoter bdG Sports made the announcement Wednesday.
Along with West Virginia, the new event will feature 2026 NCAA super regional participant St. John’s and NCAA regional selection UCF, along with Pitt, Michigan and Indiana State.
“As NCAA baseball continues its impressive growth pattern, interest in early season, destination-location events have become highly sought after, and what better destination than Central Florida and the immaculate Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports,” said Brooks Downing, founder and president of bdG Sports. “Fans and participants alike can enjoy premium collegiate baseball, the Florida sunshine, and of course, the largest and most visited theme park destination on earth, Walt Disney World.”
The Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports will play host to the round-robin event, which will be played in Week 2 of the new season. The Stadium, with a capacity of 9,500 seats and another 2,000 on grass, opened in 1997 and was designed with Major League Baseball dimensions. For two decades, the immaculate ballpark served as the home to spring training for the Atlanta Braves, and has played host to minor league teams, MLB regular-season games for the Tampa Bay Rays, the 2006 World Baseball Classic and the 2001 Atlantic 10 Conference baseball tournament.
The Orlando Baseball Classic will check two boxes for NCAA teams: it creates a much-needed national event to start the season, an opportunity to showcase great competition as the new baseball season gets underway; and, it provides a warm-weather destination for a number of teams that typically have to begin the first three weeks of the season away from home while winter hangs on across the northern half of the country.
“We’re extremely grateful to BD Global for inviting Indiana State Baseball to be part of this outstanding tournament at Disney,” Indiana State head baseball coach Tracy Archuleta said. “Opportunities like this are special for our players, and it gives our team a chance to compete against great programs in an incredible setting. This is also a great opportunity for our fans, boosters and alumni to support Indiana State Baseball and the get the full Disney experience with their families. We’re honored to be invited and look forward to representing Indiana State and making this a memorable experience for our players, coaches, alumni, and fans.”
Matchups are as follows. (All times are eastern and subject to change.)
Friday, Feb. 26
St. John’s vs. Michigan – 11 am. ET
Indiana State vs. West Virginia – 3 p.m.
UCF vs. Pitt – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 27
West Virginia vs. St. John’s – 11 a.m.
Pitt vs. Indiana State – 3 p.m.
Michigan vs. UCF – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 28
St. John’s vs. Pitt – 11 a.m.
West Virginia vs. Michigan – 3 p.m.
UCF vs. Indiana State – 7 p.m.
Broadcast details will be announced later.
A CLOSER LOOK AT INDIANA STATE
Indiana State completed the 2026 season, 30-27 overall, finishing second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15-9 league mark. Head coach Tracy Archuleta boasts a 25-year career as a head coach at both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. He guided Southern Indiana to two NCAA Division II national championships and its transition to Division I before taking over the Indiana State program prior to the 2025 season. In 2023, ISU advance to the NCAA Super Regional before dropping the series to TCU.
A CLOSER LOOK AT MICHIGAN
Michigan registered a 34-24 record last season, including a 17-13 mark in Big Ten. Head Coach Tracy Smith enters his fifth season leading the Wolverines. He guided Michigan to a pair of top-4 finishes in the league during his first two campaigns in Ann Arbor. Entering his 30th season as a Division I baseball head coach, Smith owns eight NCAA regional appearances and a trip to the College World Series (Indiana, 2013). Michigan has eight College World Series appearances, two NCAA championships (1953, 1962) and was runner up in 2019.
A CLOSER LOOK AT PITT
Pitt claimed a 33-24 overall mark during the 2026 season, advancing to the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships before falling to eventual CWS runner-up North Carolina. Ninth-year head coach Mike Bell has amassed nearly 200 career wins, guided the Panthers to six postseason appearances and helped the program achieve its highest national ranking (No. 14 in 2021).
A CLOSER LOOK AT ST. JOHN’S
St. John’s (36-26 overall, 15-6 Big East) is coming off a standout 2026 campaign that saw the Johnnies finish as a consensus Top-25 team, advancing to the NCAA super regionals and just missing out on a trip to the CWS after winning the Big East regular-season crown and league tournament title. Sixth-year head coach Mike Hampton was named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC Northeast Region Coach of the Year. He has directed St. John’s to a 74-44-1 mark during the past two seasons.
A CLOSER LOOK AT UCF
UCF advanced to the Auburn NCAA Regional a year ago, capping off a 32-23 campaign and tying for a third-place finish in the Big 12 at 19-11. Head coach Rich Wallace has guided the Knights to an NCAA regional twice in three seasons leading the program while earning a 98-70 overall record. UCF’s pitching staff ERA has ranked first or second in the Big 12 each season under Wallace.
A CLOSER LOOK AT WEST VIRGINIA
After back-to-back NCAA Super Regional appearance in 2024 and 2025, West Virginia broke through and made the program’s College World Series debut in 2026. Second-year head coach Steve Sabins saw his Mountaineers post a school-record with 47 victories, finish second in both the Big 12 regular-season standings and league tournament championship and claim a No. 4 national ranking at year’s end.
FAN PACKAGES AVAILABLE
Fan packages and tickets go on sale to the public beginning Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. ET. Fan packages include: a three-night stay at one of the partner hotels (Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando or Hyatt Grand Cypress) with additional nights available if necessary; premium tickets (behind home plate) to all games; tickets (number dependent on room occupancy level purchased) to a fan welcome reception (Feb. 25) at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort that includes food and non-alcoholic beverages and evening fireworks at the park; a two-day park-hopper pass for Walt Disney World Parks; and a welcome swag bag with event apparel. General admission tickets and hotel rooms at preferred rates can be purchased separately from fan packages at www.OrlandoBaseballClassic.com. (Airfare is not included in the fan package.)
ABOUT ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is where sports dreams come true for athletes and fans of all ages. Located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the complex is the home of a variety of events including Disney Soccer and Disney Spring Training and has accommodated 70 different sports featuring athletes from 70 different countries since opening in 1997. Designed to provide professional, amateur and youth athletes with experiences synonymous with the names Disney and ESPN, the 260+-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including 16 baseball/softball fields; a 9,500-seat stadium; a state-of-the-art indoor arena and two versatile field houses for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports; and 17 multi-purpose fields for outdoor sports including soccer, football and field hockey. The complex includes a professional production center that produces content for global distribution on the Disney family of networks. For more information, visit www.disneysportsnews.com for news releases, photos and videos.
ORLANDO BASEBALL CLASSIC SOCIAL TAGS
Keep up to date with the latest information regarding the Orlando Baseball Classic via social media at @ORLBaseClassic on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT BDG SPORTS
bdG Sports is a sports and entertainment leader with a dynamic and ever-growing event management portfolio with a cornerstone in basketball and professional golf and an expansive focus toward baseball. The firm boasts an event schedule that has delivered significant economic impact to multiple communities throughout North America and the Caribbean while featuring broadcasts to viewers across the globe.
In basketball, bdG has a lengthy history of producing premium college basketball content. From summer exhibition tours to multiple high-profile in-season tournaments and neutral-site events, bdG will contract more than 100 regular-season men’s and women’s Division I basketball games annually. It boasts the record for the largest hoops crowd in Nevada state history (Duke-Gonzaga 2021 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas), the second-most watched game since 2008 (Arkansas-Illinois on Thanksgiving Day 2024 with 5.1 million viewers) and one of the largest events in the sport, 20 men’s and women’s teams competing annually at Baha Mar Hoops. bdG is the only third-party operator which manages a conference tournament, assisting The Big West Men’s & Women’s Championships each March in Henderson, Nevada.
In professional golf, bdG owns and operates two season-opening Korn Ferry Tour tournaments, The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island and The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club, both televised by the Golf Channel and featuring $1 million purses. For NCAA baseball, bdG owns and operates the Atlantis Collegiate Baseball Series and the Orlando Baseball Classic.
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INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- Indiana State heads on the road Thursday afternoon for a 2 p.m. matchup against Eastern Illinois in Charleston, carrying strong momentum from a productive week that featured back-to-back wins over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and Chicago State.
The Sycamores looked sharp in both contests, showing growth in possession, tempo, and finishing while continuing to build early-season confidence across a deep and balanced roster. ISU’s attack found rhythm quickly, generating chances through clean movement and sustained pressure, while the defensive unit remained composed and disciplined throughout the week’s action.
Against SMWC, Indiana State controlled the match from the opening whistle, establishing pace early and converting that energy into a multi-goal performance. The Sycamores dictated play through organized defending and crisp midfield movement, and their depth was evident as multiple contributors impacted the match across all phases. That momentum carried directly into senior weekend against Chicago State, where ISU again delivered a strong showing. The Sycamores created consistent attacking opportunities, moved the ball with confidence, and maintained defensive stability that limited CSU’s chances. The two-match stretch highlighted Indiana State’s ability to build pressure, finish in key moments, and sustain intensity across 90 minutes.
Eastern Illinois (1-1-1) enters Thursday’s matchup looking to challenge a Sycamore group that has found its stride early in the season. Playing on the road adds another layer of focus for Indiana State, giving the Sycamores a valuable nonconference test and an opportunity to continue sharpening their identity before heading deeper into the fall schedule. With momentum behind them and confidence growing, ISU travels to Charleston intent on carrying its attacking efficiency forward and maintaining the defensive consistency that has anchored its recent performances.
Live stats for Thursday’s match will be available on gosycamores.com, and the game will stream live on ESPN, giving fans multiple ways to follow along as Indiana State looks to keep building toward a strong start to the 2026 campaign.
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PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S SOCCER
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s soccer team continues non-league action with a road contest at Central Michigan on Thursday (Aug. 27).
Game Day Information
Who: Central Michigan Chippewas
When: Thursday, August 27 | 7 PM
Where: Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Live Stats: Link
Watch: Link
Know Your Foe
Central Michigan is 1-2 to start the season. The Chippewas lost 1-0 to Loyola Chicago, then beat Charleston Southern 3-2, before falling 2-0 to Coastal Carolina. Head coach James DeCosemo is in his first season leading the program, adding nine freshmen and six transfers to the roster. The Chippewas have scored three goals on 25 shots and made 16 saves, while allowing five goals.
Series History
Central Michigan leads the series 10-0. The last meeting with the Mastodons was a 6-1 Chippewas win in 2024.
Last Time Out
The Mastodons played to a scoreless draw against Southern Indiana during Kickoff + Family Weekend at the Hefner Soccer Complex on Sunday (Aug. 23). Purdue Fort Wayne held Southern Indiana to a season-low three shots on goal. Emersyn Geik and goalkeeper Sam Christle each played the full 90 minutes, anchoring the Mastodons’ defense.
Christle’s a Gem
In Sunday’s match against USI, Christle made three saves to earn her first collegiate shutout. The redshirt sophomore leads the Horizon League with a .889 save percentage and ranks second in goals-against average, allowing one goal in two games.
Coming Up
The Mastodons will travel to Eastern Illinois on Sunday (Aug. 23) for a non-league match against the Panthers at 4 p.m. ET.
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EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team will open their Alumni Weekend festivities on Thursday, hosting Lindenwood at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Defense Standing Tall
– Evansville has been stout defensively to begin the 2026 season, allowing just one goal through their first two games
– The only goal that the Aces have allowed came in the 13th minute of the season opener at Purdue. Since then, the Aces have kept a clean sheet over their last 167 minutes of play
– Goalkeeper Bri Chirpich was stellar in her Evansville debut at Purdue, making nine saves, the most by an Aces keeper since 2024 and the most by an Ace in their debut since at least 2005.
– Sophomore Emma Nathans got the start in goal last Thursday against SEMO and posted her first career shutout in the 2-0 win
Second Half Surge
– After going into halftime deadlocked at zero, the Purple Aces scored twice in the second half to take down SEMO in their home opener last Thursday
– Ella Hamner broke the scoreless tie in the 64th minute with a header off a corner kick from junior Brielle LaBerge
– Sophomore Izzie Ryan added to the Aces lead in the 85th minute, scoring her first career goal from long range. Freshman Mia Lancaster provided the assist in her first home game as an Ace.
Series History
– Thursday will be the third all-time meeting between Evansville and Lindenwood
– This marks the third consecutive year the Aces take on Lindenwood
– The Aces won the first-ever meeting between the two teams in Evansville in 2024, while the Lions won last year’s meeting in Saint Charles.
Scouting Lindenwood
– Lindenwood enters Thursday’s match with a 1-3 record
– The last time out for the Lions came on Sunday, a 1-0 defeat against DePaul
– Lindenwood finished last season with a 10-5-5 record and a 5-2-2 record in OVC play. The Lions reached the OVC Tournament championship, where they fell to Tennessee Tech
Follow Along
Thursday’s match will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.
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SOUTHERN INDIANA CROSS COUNTRY
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—Five University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Cross Country runners were recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference in the league’s preseason preview Wednesday morning.
The Screaming Eagles return a combined three All-OVC honorees from last year’s squads, including the 2025 OVC Male and Female Athlete of the Year honorees in seniors Alex Nolan and Ellie Hall.
Nolan won a combined four OVC titles on the track during the 2026 indoor and outdoor seasons, while Hall swept the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races at the 2026 OVC Outdoor Championships.
Including Hall, USI’s women return two All-OVC honorees for the 2026 cross country season. Senior Zoe Seward collected second-team All-Conference honors after earning first-team All-OVC accolades in 2023 and 2024.
After putting together outstanding track seasons last spring, junior Addison Applegate and sophomore Kraedyn Young were recognized as OVC Runners to Watch.
Applegate found the podium at the OVC Indoor Championships in both the mile and the 3,000 meters before finishing fourth in the 1,500 meters and the 5,000 meters at the OVC Outdoor Championships.
Young, who was the OVC Cross Country Freshman of the Year, had a dominating spring that saw him win OVC titles in the mile as well as the 1,500 meters. He found the podium a combined four times in the OVC Indoor and Outdoor Championships, including a second-place showing in the 5,000 meters in May.
Both USI’s men and women dominated the OVC’s distance events last spring. USI’s men earned the top two finishes in the 1,500 meters, the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters at the OVC Outdoor Championships, while the women and three of the top eight finishers in the 1,500 meters, the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters at the conference meet.
The Screaming Eagles are looking to capture conference titles on the grass for the first time since 2024 as they enter the fall season. USI’s men lost out on a tie-breaker to UT Martin at the 2025 OVC Championships, while the women finished third at last year’s conference meet.
USI begins the season September 4 when it hosts the Stegemoller Screagle Twilight at the USI Cross Country Course. The OVC Championships are October 30 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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TAYLOR MEN’S SOCCER
UPLAND, Ind. – Arron Habecker’s first collegiate goal couldn’t have come at a better time Wednesday night at Turner Stadium.
The freshman midfielder broke a scoreless deadlock in the 72nd minute, racing clear down the left side and burying a left-footed strike from 25 yards out to lift Taylor past Aquinas 1-0, in a non-conference match that avenged TU’s loss to the Saints last season in Grand Rapids. TU improved to 2-0-1 on the season, while Aquinas fell to 1-1-0.
Habecker’s goal came on his only shot of the match, but he made it count. Making his first start of the season, TU goalkeeper Connor Shaw turned away three shots to preserve the clean sheet, the sixth shutout of his career.
The first half offered little separation. Following an early lightning delay just before the match was scheduled to kick off, both teams traded chances during the opening stanza.
Nathan Taylor sent a shot over the bar in the seventh minute, and Josh Byrd forced a save from Aquinas goalkeeper Peyton Huffman in the eighth. Aquinas answered with a header from Maurice Chandler that Shaw turned aside, and Fikret Hasovic fired wide from distance late in the period. Neither side found the breakthrough, and the teams went to the break locked at 0-0.
TU came out with more purpose after halftime, out-shooting Aquinas 7-3 in the second half. Matt Yoder headed one over the crossbar, Giulio Mapessa forced Huffman into more pressure moments, and Luka Gole tested him again from distance.
With under 20 minutes to play and the match still scoreless, Habecker picked up the ball inside the TU half, more than 50 yards from goal, and turned up the left sideline. He shifted past a defender on his hip and kept the ball rolling into the space that opened in front of him. From 25 yards out, he drove a left-footed shot toward the far post. It skipped past Huffman’s dive and into the net, Habecker’s first collegiate goal and the only one TU would need.
Aquinas made one last push for an equalizer. With under four minutes to play, the Saints lofted a high, looping cross into the middle of the box, and Shaw climbed above the traffic for a running leap, punching it clear before it could find a teammate. Aquinas had a quick look at the rebound on a volley attempt, but the effort was whistled dead for a hand ball before it ever reached the frame. The stop kept the clean sheet intact.
TU finished with an edge in shots (9-6) and shots on goal (4-3), and won the corner-kick battle, 5-4. The match had a physical edge throughout as the teams combined for 25 fouls and six yellow cards.
Huffman finished with three saves in a losing effort, falling to 1-1-0. Hasovic and Brian Mosqueda each managed two shots to lead the Saints’ attack.
The win pushed TU to 8-2-1 in non-conference play under head coach Parker Aaron and closed out the season-opening three-game homestand unbeaten at 2-0-1. It marked TU’s second shutout of the season.
The Trojans begin a four-match road trip when they travel to NCAA Division III Wittenberg University for Saturday’s match. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Springfield, Ohio.
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TAYLOR WOMEN’S SOCCER
UPLAND, Ind. –Leah McQuade and Sydney Reddy scored 10 minutes apart in the first half, and it was enough for No. 14 Taylor to defeat Olivet Nazarene 2-0 in a non-conference match Wednesday evening at Turner Stadium.
The win extended Taylor’s win streak in non-conference play to 12 consecutive matches, a stretch in which the Trojans have outscored their opponents 64-4. It also improved TU’s home record in non-conference matches since 2016 to 34-3-3 (.888).
McQuade broke the deadlock in the 24th minute on a sequence that started in midfield. Meskerem James and Karis Miller combined to win the ball near the center circle, and Miller sprung Bailey down the right channel with a through ball. Bailey carried it into space near the top of the box before cutting a cross back across goal, where McQuade headed it into the back left corner for her 19th career goal — her second in as many games. The assist was the sixth of Bailey’s career and her first of the season.
Reddy, who had entered the match less than 10 minutes earlier as a substitute, provided the second goal off a scramble in the box. Leilani Bisera split the midfield with a long ball, and Reddy ran onto it, took three touches to work into the area and fired a shot that ONU goalkeeper Meegan Randall saved. The rebound stayed loose, and Bunch’s grounder split a pair of defenders to find Reddy again; she redirected it home with a right-footed one-timer from close range for her first goal of the season and the eighth of her career — the finish also delivered the first assist of Bunch’s career.
TU flexed its muscle and controlled the midfield for most of the match, limiting ONU’s ability to generate sustained pressure going forward. The Trojans outshot the Tigers 12-8, held a 9-3 edge in shots on goal and won the corner-kick battle, 10-3.
The defense did its part to preserve the result. Ava Callaway started in goal and made a save over the first 45 minutes before handing off to Marisa Reinhard, who turned away two shots after the break.
ONU’s Randall kept the deficit at two, making seven saves on nine shots on goal. Midfielder Isabella Travis paced the Tigers’ offense with two shots, one on frame.
TU improved to 2-0-0 on the season with the result, while ONU dropped to 1-2-0.
The Trojans travel to Lawrence Tech on Saturday at 7 p.m. before returning to Turner Stadium next Wednesday to host Indiana Tech.
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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
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TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1877 – Harry McCormick of the Syracuse Stars (League Alliance) pitches the earliest known minor league no-hitter against Indianapolis.
1897 – Future Hall of Fame catcher Roger Bresnahan makes his major league debut as a pitcher for the Senators, shutting out the Browns, 3 – 0.
1901 – At Boston, Cy Young goes 15 innings to defeat Detroit, 2 – 1, for his 25th win of the year.
1903 – In Philadelphia, Boston pitcher “Long” Tom Hughes goes long over the left field fence to win his own game against the A’s, 4 – 2.
1904 – At Robison Field, the Giants score seven runs in three innings off Jack Taylor and Christy Mathewson eases to a 9 – 3 win over the Cards.
1906 – After Boston manager Jimmy Collins takes a vacation without permission, he is suspended. Chick Stahl is named acting manager and Collins will never manage in the majors again.
1907 – Christy Mathewson fashions a three-hit shutout over the Cardinals and drives in the only run with a double. Ed Karger takes the hard-luck loss.
1908 – With electric bulletin boards also showing the action in Chicago, the Cubs arrive back home for a three-game sweep to move within one-half game of the lead. Chicago wins today, 5 – 1, then takes the day off tomorrow.
1909 – Still pitching doubleheaders, Joe McGinnity wins a pair for Newark over Buffalo in the Eastern League.
1910:
In the first of two, Highlander P Jack Warhop swipes home in 6th. His run is the difference as New York beats the White Sox, 4 – 3.
Inventor George Cahill brings his patented lighting system to South Side Park. Using twenty 137,000 candlepower arc lights, two amateur teams play a night game before 20,000. However, the first American League night game won’t be played there until 1939.
At Chicago’s West Side Park, the Cubs pulls off a 3rd-inning triple play – 2B Johnny Evers to 3B Heinie Zimmerman – against the Giants, but New York wins handily, 18 – 9. The Giants tally 23 hits to the Cubs’ 15 in beating the league-leaders.
In Boston, Red Sox hurler Charley “Sea Lion” Hall pitches a 7 – 1 one-hit win over Cleveland. Elmer Koestner’s single is the only hit.
Washington 2B Red Killefer sets a major league mark by sacrificing four times in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit.
1911 – Chicago’s Ed Walsh pitches a 5 – 0 no-hitter against the Red Sox. A 4th-inning walk produces the only Red Sox runner. After going 18-20 in 1910, Walsh bounces back to win 27 and lead the league in games (56), IP (369), and strikeouts (255).
1912:
In response to demands for an alternative way to rate pitchers besides wins and losses, the National League will officially keep ERA’s for the first time; the Giants’ Jeff Tesreau will lead the league at 1.96. Despite an increase in .300 hitters from 22 to 32 this year, there will be 19 pitchers with ERA’s under 3.00. The American League will not make ERA part of its official statistics until 1913.
Owen Wilson triples for his third game in a row, a 4th-inning drive off Walt Dickson good for three runs. Pittsburgh beats Boston, 9 – 4.
It takes a one-hitter by Art Fromme, but the Reds finally beat New York, and Christy Mathewson 2 – 0. Art Fletcher’s single is the only safety. The Giants’ lead shrinks to 3 1/2 games over the Cubs.
1915:
Detroit snaps the Red Sox win streak, stopping Boston, 7 – 6 in 12 innings. Boston still leads the league by 4 1/2 games.
Christy Mathewson wins his eighth and last game of the year edging the Pirates, 2 – 1. Babe Adams takes the loss.
1917:
At Detroit, Ty Cobb is 3 for 4 to lead the Tigers to a 5 – 1 win over the Red Sox and lefty Babe Ruth.
In the 4th inning in New York, Pirates swiftie Max Carey beats out a bunt single, and goes to second base on a single by Tony Boeckel. Both runners steal on the next pitch from Rube Benton and, with Boeckel entangled with New York 2B Buck Herzog, Carey steals home as well. Wilbur Cooper makes the one run stand up for the 1 – 0 win. For Carey, it is his 13th steal of home en route to a National League record 33 steals of home.
1918 – Christy Mathewson resigns as Reds manager to accept a commission as a captain in the chemical warfare branch of the Army.
1921 – The Bucs reel out of New York after dropping their fifth straight loss to the Giants as Art Nehf, pitching with two days’ rest, wins, 3 – 1. The Giants are just 2 1/2 games in back.
1922 – The Yankees increase their lead by beating the Browns, 2 – 1, in 11 innings. Hank Severeid’s home run is the only score for the Browns. An apparent two-run double off the LF wall by Eddie Foster in the 10th is ruled foul. The Yanks take the series, three games to one.
1926 – Veteran P Dutch Ruether is picked up from Washington by the Yankees.
1929 – Rogers Hornsby has four hits and Sheriff Blake allows six to lead the Cubs to a 4 – 1 win over the Reds. Chicago now leads by 14 1/2 games, the greatest lead a National League team has enjoyed at this stage since the 1906 Cubs.
1935 – The Yankees outslug the White Sox, 13 – 10, in the first game of two. In the second game, Lou Gehrig ties an American League record with five walks as the Yanks lose, 4 – 3.
1937 – Dodger right-hander Fred Frankhouse tosses a rained-shortened (8 2/3 innings) no-hitter, beating the Reds, 5 – 0.
1938 – Joe DiMaggio has three triples in the first game of a doubleheader with Cleveland, an 8 – 7 win in New York. Monte Pearson has a no-hitter in the second game, winning his tenth straight game, 13 – 0. The Yankees, playing their sixth successive doubleheader, increase their lead to 12 games.
1939 – In the second 1939 East-West Game, Josh Gibson drives in four and Ed Stone gets three hits to lead a 10 – 2 rout by the East.
1941 – Charlie Root uses his arm and then his bat with a clutch single in the 9th inning to win his 200th game. Trailing the Cincinnati Reds, 4 – 3, the Cubs win, 6 – 4, with the 42-year-old Root going the route.
1942:
Brooklyn salvages a win, 4 – 1, to leave St. Louis with a 5 1/2 game lead.
With the score tied 4 – 4 in the 11th at Wrigley Field, the Reds load the bases with no outs. Chicago then turns a triple play. Bill Nicholson poles a homer in the bottom of the frame for a 5 – 4 win.
1946 – At the Owners’ Meeting, a committee formed to study integration, which includes Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey, delivers its secretive report defending the covert color barrier which exists in professional baseball. The absurd reasons given why blacks shouldn’t be allowed to play in the big leagues include an absence of skills due to inferior training and lack of fundamentals as well as the need to respect existing Negro League contracts, but another lesser known motivation may have been profit, as revealed later in the report: “The Negro leagues rent their parks in many cities from clubs in Organized Baseball (and) Club owners in the major leagues are reluctant to give up revenues amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars every year” and the fear white fans would be driven away if black players attracted more minorities to the ballpark.
1948:
Hank Majeski of the Athletics hits six doubles in a doubleheader against the Browns, pacing the dogged A’s to wins of 6 – 0 and 9 – 1. He is the third American League player to collect six long hits in an afternoon and just the second to do it in two regulation-length games. Hal McRae, on the same date in 1974, will do it next in the AL.
Johnny Schmitz leads the Cubs to a 1 – 0 win over the first-place Braves at Wrigley Field. Schmitz allows just six hits, including two triples, but doubles and scores the game’s only run in the bottom of the 9th. Johnny Sain takes the loss.
1949:
Former Mexican League players Max Lanier and Fred Martin drop their $2.5 million suit against baseball.
Jeff Heath of the Braves ties a game against Cincinnati with a pinch-hit homer, then wins it with a later homer. He becomes the first player to do so in major league history; it will be 36 years until Donnie Scott becomes the second.
1950:
The Indians’ Ray Boone and Clyde Vollmer of the Red Sox match grand slams today. Boone’s comes in the seven-run 3rd to give Bob Feller a 7 – 0 cushion. Vollmer’s pinch slam against Al Benton in the Sox’s six-run 7th helps Boston to an 11 – 9 win. It is the Red Sox’s ninth slam of the season.
Yankee Allie Reynolds hurls a two-hitter in a 2 – 1 win over the White Sox.
1951:
The Giants win two more from the Cubs, including a 5 – 4, twelve-inning complete game victory for Larry Jansen. It is his 17th win. The Cubs score in the top of the 12th, but the Giants score two off Dutch Leonard to win. Behind Al Corwin’s pitching, the Giants take the nitecap, 6 – 3.
Scoring all the Phillies’ runs in the victory over the Reds, Del Wilber hits three solo homers making it the first time in major league history a player has accounted for all the runs in a 3 – 0 game with home runs. The 32-year-old catcher will only hit a total of 19 homers during his major league career.
“The two fine Italian arms of Branca and Furillo had a no-hitter running for eight innings” writes columnist Dick Young; in the 3rd inning, Ralph Branca’s no-hitter seems broken by a one-hop shot to right field by pitcher Mel Queen, but Carl Furillo guns him out at first. Branca, pitching on two days rest, finally gives up two Pirate hits in the 9th before winning, 5 – 0. In the nitecap the Pirates jump on Erv Palica for three runs in the 1st inning and hold on for a 5 – 3 win behind Bill Werle and Vern Law. Clyde McCullough is the “Big Un” with a two-run double and a two-run homer. The Pirates continue to be the only team with a season edge on the Dodgers.
1954:
In an 11 – 0 White Sox win, Chicago 3B Cass Michaels has his head fractured by a pitch from A’s Marion Fricano. Michaels is sidelined the rest of the year, and the injury will effectively end his 12-year major-league career.
In the championship game of the Little League World Series, Schenectady, NY, defeats Colton, CA, 7 – 5. Future Cubs 2B Ken Hubbs stars for Colton. This team later becomes the subject of a best-selling book by Martin Ralbovsky, Destiny’s Darlings.
1955 – Dodger bonus baby Sandy Koufax fans 14 Redlegs in a 7 – 0 win, as the two-team total of 23 strikeouts ties a record.
1956 – Curt Roberts of Columbus (International League) hits four home runs in a row in a seven-inning game against the Havana Sugar Kings.
1957:
Bob Hazle, hitting .526 since being recalled from Wichita, hits two two-run homers, as the Braves beat the Phillies, 7 – 3, for Warren Spahn’s 219th career win, moving him to a sixth on the career list. Spahn also hits his 18th career home run, also good for sixth (tied with Schoolboy Rowe) on the career list for pitchers.
Stan Musial, swinging at a 4th-inning pitch, tears a muscle and chips a bone, ending his consecutive game streak. Four days later he will pinch-run in a game suspended on July 21st, officially giving him 895 consecutive games played.
1958:
The Braves’ Bob Trowbridge walks Orlando Cepeda with the bases full in the 12th to give the Giants a 4 – 3 win. It is the Giants’ first win in their past nine games against the Braves.
Owner Clark Griffith says that the Senators will probably accept a good offer from Minneapolis/St. Paul, if one is made. President Dwight D. Eisenhower says that the Senators should improve the team and stay in Washington, DC.
1960 – After pitching 32 2/3 innings without allowing a run, Braves P Lew Burdette gives up a Felipe Alou home run as San Francisco defeats Milwaukee, 3 – 1.
1961:
Detroit’s Rocky Colavito ties an American League record with four home runs – three in the second game, in a doubleheader pummeling of the Senators, 7 – 4 and 10 – 1 at Washington.
With first place on the line after the Dodgers have won two games from them, Cincinnati rallies from a 5 – 1 deficit to a 6 – 5 first-game win over Los Angeles. Gene Freese hits a three-run homer in the 7th and Wally Post adds a two-run double in the 8th. Rookie Ken Johnson is an 8 – 3 winner in the nightcap as the Reds pummel Don Drysdale. The sweep gives the Reds a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League.
The Orioles’ Milt Pappas is the whole show as he blanks the Twins, 3 – 0. He allows just two hits while belting two homers. Eddie Robinson adds a homer.
1962 – The 36th and last Negro Leagues East-West Game is played in Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium. The moribund Negro American League will disband within two months.
1963 – Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, and Felipe Alou hit consecutive round-trippers in the 3rd inning of San Francisco’s 7 – 2 win against St. Louis.
1965:
When one hears of a runner being “cut down going from first to third”, what immediately springs to mind is probably not the following scenario, enacted in Houston’s Astrodome by Pirate right fielder Roberto Clemente and recounted by The Sporting News’ Les Biederman: “Clemente made an almost unheard-of assist in this game. With runners on first and second and Pirates charging for the plate, Bob Lillis pushed a bunt into the vacated shortstop position for one run. Walter Bond tried to go from first to third but Clemente, sizing up the situation quickly, came in from right field…” Second baseman Bill Mazeroski recalls: “Roberto raced in from right field, dove for the ball, and with his face in the dirt threw out the runner going to third base!” The dumbfounded Bond becomes the 8th frame’s first out while Rusty Staub scores from second, building Houston’s lead to two. Two more will score before the inning ends and yet another two in the top of the 9th. The Bucs then mount a furious 9th-inning comeback. After scoring six runs to tie the game, they win it with another run in the 11th, 7 – 6.
Dodger P Don Drysdale wins in Philadelphia, but the Phils don’t make it easy. Drysdale wins, 9 – 8, to end his nine-game losing streak to the Phillies. He last beat them on June 1, 1962, which was his 13th straight victory over the Phils.
1966 – At Dodger Stadium, Juan Marichal outduels Don Drysdale to give the Giants a 4 – 2 win.
1967 – In a critical game with the White Sox, Boston RF Jose Tartabull makes a great throw home in the 9th to Elston Howard to nail Ken Berry trying to score from third base. Boston wins, 4 – 3 behind two homers by Carl Yastrzemski.
1968 – Sweeping a doubleheader from Oakland, 5 – 3 and 7 – 2, at Memorial Stadium, the Orioles stay four games in back of first-place Detroit.
1969 – New York’s 4 – 1 win at San Diego, its 74th of the year, sets a club record. Meanwhile, Chicago loses for the seventh time in the last eight games, a 6 – 3 loss to the Reds’ Tony Cloninger. Ken Holtzman is the loser. Chicago is now just two games ahead of the “Amazing Mets”.
1970 – Mike Cuellar wins his 20th game for Baltimore, defeating the A’s, 6 – 4. Chuck Dobson is the loser, giving up four runs in 2+ innings.
1971:
Detroit’s Willie Horton is struck in the eye by a pitch from Chicago’s Rich Hinton, sidelining him for 28 games. Hinton, in his first major league start, lasts 2 2/3 innings in taking the loss. Joe Coleman wins.
Pinch hitter Jimmy Stewart leads the Reds to a win as he hits a 9th-inning bases-loaded triple against the Cardinals, then scores on Pete Rose’s sacrifice fly. The Reds score five in the 9th to win, 8 – 7.
1972:
The Cardinals trade .314 hitter Matty Alou to the A’s for two players, Bill Voss and minor leaguer Steve Easton. The A’s will send Matty on to the Yanks in November.
The Tigers’ Willie Horton clouts an 11th-inning two-run home run to beat Minnesota, 5 – 3, in the opener of two. In the nightcap, Joe Coleman pitches 11 shutout innings against Minnesota before Aurelio Rodriguez’s home run gives him the 1 – 0 win. This is the third win in a row for the Tigers on 11th-inning homers. Rodriguez hit one to start the streak.
1973 – The first-place Orioles beat the Rangers, 6 – 1, for their 14th consecutive victory. It is the longest winning streak in the American League since 1960, and in the major leagues since 1965. The streak began on August 12th.
1974:
New York’s Benny Ayala homers in his first major league at bat as the Mets top the Astros, 4 – 2. He’s the first National League rookie in 13 years to go deep in his first at bat.
Hal McRae ties the major league record with six extra-base hits – five doubles and a home run – as the Royals split a doubleheader with the Indians.
1975 – The Twins’ Craig Kusick ties the major-league record by being hit by pitches three times in a game, an 11-inning 1 – 0 win over the Brewers. Bert Blyleven goes the distance for the win.
1977:
Dan Driessen and Johnny Bench hit back-to-back homers in the 9th inning to give the Reds a 5 – 4 win over the Phils. Tug McGraw serves up both. Driessen’s homer is a line drive that hits the center field wall at Riverfront Stadium and rebounds back over Jerry Martin’s head all the way to the infield for an inside-the-park home run. Bench follows with one over the left field wall.
At Yankee Stadium, Rangers Bump Wills and Toby Harrah hit back-to-back inside-the-park homers on consecutive pitches. Texas wins the game, 8 – 2.
Boston DH Tommy Helms and 3B Butch Hobson hit back-to-back home runs in a 7 – 5 win over the Twins. It is the 15th time this year that Sox hitters have homered consecutively, tying a major league record.
1978 – The Reds’ Joe Morgan belts his 200th homer to become the first player in history to have 200 homers and 500 stolen bases.
1980:
Phillies Steve Carlton (20-7) becomes the first National League pitcher to win 20 games this season, combining with Tug McGraw to beat the Dodgers, 4 – 3. Carlton will win an NL-high 24 games, while pitching 304 innings, the last major league pitcher to throw more than 300 innings in a season.
Pitcher and coach Hub Kittle becomes the oldest man to play in an organized baseball game when he starts for Springfield (American Association) against Iowa at the age of 63 years and six months. Kittle retires the side in the 1st inning, then tosses one pitch to retire a batter in the 2nd frame before exiting.
1982:
Dodger pinch hitters Rick Monday and Mike Marshall hit homers against the Cubs in a 9 – 4 Los Angeles win. The last time two pinch hitters connected for round trippers in the National League was August 23, 1975 when Monday combined with then-Cub teammate Champ Summers to do it.
With Ted Simmons catching and Doc Medich pitching in a 5 – 4 loss to the Brewers, the A’s Rickey Henderson breaks Lou Brock’s 1974 single-season record of 118 stolen bases. By stealing a total of four bases, Rickey ends the day with 122 and will finish the season with 130.
1984 – Dave Kingman hits a double and homer to help Oakland score six runs in the 7th inning, but that’s all the A’s score in losing to the Yankees, 7 – 6. Bobby Meacham has two homers, including the game-winner in the 8th, to back Dave Righetti’s relief win. Bill Caudill loses.
1986:
With a most unusual game-ending double play, the Mets beat the Padres in the 11th, 6 – 5. Knocked on his back tagging out Garry Templeton trying to score on Tim Flannery’s single to center, John Gibbons, from a prone position, throws a strike to Howard Johnson who tags out Flannery trying to get to third, completing the twin killing (8-2-5).
In Seattle’s 4 – 1 win over Baltimore, the M’s Harold Reynolds ties the major league mark with 12 assists at 2B. He’s the second second sacker to do it this season.
Nolan Ryan posts his 250th career victory, allowing one hit in six innings as the Astros beat the Cubs, 7 – 1.
1987 – The Royals fire manager Billy Gardner, who replaced Dick Howser in spring training, and replace him with John Wathan, the former Kansas City catcher who was managing the club’s Triple A Omaha affiliate. In Wathan’s major league managerial debut, the Royals win, 3 – 2, on George Brett’s 10th-inning home run to move within three games of first-place Minnesota.
1988 – Tommy Lasorda wins his 1,000th game as a manager as Los Angeles tops Philadelphia, 4 – 2.
1990:
For Texas, Charlie Hough allows ten walks in five innings before being lifted in the 6th. California can score just three runs off him but scores four off two relievers to win, 7 – 3.
The Brewers-Blue Jays game is delayed 35 minutes when a huge swarm of gnats descends onto the field through the open SkyDome roof. Milwaukee scratches out a 4 – 2 win.
Boston’s Ellis Burks homers twice in an eight-run 4th inning of a 12 – 4 pasting of Cleveland. It is only the second time a Sox hitter has homered twice in an inning (Bill Regan, on June 16, 1928, was the first). Burks has five RBIs to back Mike Boddicker’s win. Boddicker holds the Tribe scoreless through six frames.
1992 – The Mets trade P David Cone to the front-running Blue Jays in exchange for IF Jeff Kent and OF Ryan Thompson. Because of the trade, Cone will miss leading the National League in strikeouts by one as John Smoltz registers a K on the final day of the season. Cone, who led the NL in strikeouts the past two seasons, would have been the league’s first pitcher in 50 years to lead in strikeouts for three consecutive years.
1995:
Montreal P Kirk Rueter hurls a one-hit, 1 – 0 shutout over the Giants. San Francisco’s only hit is a single by C Kirt Manwaring.
Catcher Mike Piazza collects four long hits – two doubles and two home runs, including a grand slam – good for seven ribbies, to lead the Dodgers to a 9 – 1 victory over Philadelphia. Piazza is now hitting .367, tied for the lead in the major leagues.
1996:
The Twins defeat the Blue Jays, 6 – 4, in 11 innings, with the help of five hits from DH Paul Molitor.
Roger Clemens (8-11) wins his fourth in a row, beating the Angels, 2 – 1.
1997:
Oakland defeats the Yankees, 8 – 7, as DH Dave Magadan leads the way with five hits, including a home run.
The Dodgers best the Pirates, 9 – 5, with the help of five hits by OF Otis Nixon and six RBIs from C Mike Piazza. Los Angeles now leads the National League West by 1 1/2 games over the Giants.
In honor of first baseman Jim Thome’s birthday, the Indians begin pulling up their socks to just below the knees. The Tribe will win 17 of 27 games en route to clinching the American League Central flag while sporting this new look.
The White Sox trade OF Darren Lewis to the Dodgers in exchange for a player to be named.
1999:
The Reds defeat the Expos, 4 – 1. In the process, Cincinnati P Ron Villone stops OF Vladimir Guerrero’s 31-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors in 12 years. Guerrero grounds to short, is intentionally walked, and fouls out in his three at bats.
The Indians take out some insurance, picking up DH Harold Baines from the Orioles for P Juan Aracena and a player to be named.
The Padres edge the Brewers, 8 – 7, despite five hits, including a double, by 3B Jeff Cirillo.
Major league umpires are warned by the league presidents that they will be fired if they strike next week. There has been talk of a strike over baseball’s refusal to allow 22 umpires to withdraw their resignations, which are effective on September 2nd.
Desperate for lefty pitching, the Rangers acquire Jeff Fassero from the Mariners for a player to be named later. Fassero, his mechanics shaky after off-season surgery, will win his first start, September 6th, against Chicago.
2000:
Led by Darrin Fletcher’s three home runs, the Blue Jays beat the Rangers, 6 – 4.
Bobby Abreu of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a pair of solo homers, including a game-winning inside-the-park shot off Giants reliever Aaron Fultz in the 10th inning to win, 2 – 1. Abreu’s homer, his 20th, is the fifth inside-the-park game-ender in Phillies history, and the first since Bob Dernier did it in 1989, also against the Giants. Ed Vosberg picks up his first win since 1997.
The Angels edge the Indians, 10 – 9, as OF Tim Salmon hits his 30th home run of the year in the 5th inning. Anaheim becomes the first team in American League history to have four players (Troy Glaus, Mo Vaughn, Garret Anderson and Salmon) reach the 30-homer mark in a single season. The Blue Jays are close with two hitters over 30 and two at 28. It’s been done seven times in the National League.
2001:
With his 17th dinger this month, Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa ties the National League record for August homers established by Willie Mays in 1965. Tiger Rudy York set the major league mark going yard 18 times in the eighth month of 1937.
In the Nippon Ham Fighters-Fukuoka Daiei Hawks contest, Michihiro Ogasawara doubles and tallies on Yukio Tanaka’s single, breaking a 51-year Japanese record by scoring a run in 17 consecutive games. Indian Kenny Lofton (2000) and Yankee Red Rolfe (1939) share the major league record of 18 straight games.
2002:
The White Sox down the Blue Jays, 8 – 4. Rookie 3B Joe Crede’s 9th-inning two-run homer ties the score and his 10th-inning grand slam wins it. Crede drives home seven runs in the game.
Barry Bonds slugs three home runs and a double to lead the Giants to a 7 – 4 win over the Rockies. It is the fourth three-homer game of Bonds’s career.
The Angels defeat the Devil Rays, 7 – 3, as OF Darin Erstad gets five hits, including a pair of doubles, for Anaheim.
The Twins top the Mariners, 5 – 2. Minnesota SS Cristian Guzman is held hitless, ending his 23-game hitting streak.
2005:
Jeff Kent becomes the first player to hit 300 homers as a second baseman. The Dodger infielder, who surpassed Ryne Sandberg’s total of 277 last September, is the major league leader at this position with Joe Gordon holding the American League record with 246.
After losing a no-hitter with two outs in the 9th inning against the Yomiuri Giants earlier in the season, Fumiya Nishiguchi (16-4) sees his perfect game against the expansion Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles go into extra innings. The Seibu Lions right-hander gives up a hit and has to settle for a ten-inning complete game shutout.
2008 – Major League Baseball places Pedro Alvarez on the restricted list for failing to sign the contract he verbally agreed to prior to the August 15th signing deadline. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Alvarez second overall in the 2008 amateur draft.
2009 – Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn hit home runs in Washington’s 5 – 4 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Washington is 20-21 since Jim Riggleman took over for Manny Acta as manager, while Chicago has gone 6-15 since August 5th, when the Cubs were in a first-place tie with St. Louis in the NL Central. In the game, Nats CF Nyjer Morgan breaks a bone in his left hand sliding into third base and will miss the remainder of the season.
2010:
Jay Bruce hits three home runs in Cincinnati’s 7 – 1 win over the Cubs. Chris Valaika also homers off Cubs starter Tom Gorzelanny for his first major league long ball as Johnny Cueto picks up the win.
The Twins strengthen their bullpen for the postseason, picking up Brian Fuentes from the Angels in return for a player to be named later, a few days after claiming Randy Flores on waivers from the Rockies.
One day after losing a game 20 – 8 to Helena, the Casper Ghosts of the Pioneer League get some measure of revenge as they crush Missoula, 26 – 3.
2011:
Justin Verlander does not pitch one of his better starts, giving up four runs, including a pair of solo homers to Luke Hughes and Jason Repko, and leaves after giving up his second hit of the day to Drew Butera, who is hitting well below the Mendoza Line, with no out in the 6th, but his teammates pick him up and he gets credit for the Tigers’ 6 – 4 win over the Twins. This makes him the major leagues’ first 20-game winner this year, the first in the majors to reach the mark in August since Curt Schilling did it with Arizona in 2002, and the first 20-game winner for the Tigers since Bill Gullickson in 1990. Jose Valverde picks up the save with a perfect 9th inning. He has now converted 40 straight save opportunities over two seasons, tying Dennis Eckersley for the second-longest streak in American League history, but still 14 behind Tom Gordon’s record of 54.
On a rain-soaked day at Fenway Park, the Red Sox manage to complete a doubleheader sweep of the A’s, 9 – 3 and 4 – 0, in spite of a series of rain delays totalling over three hours. The Sox jump on Guillermo Moscoso for eight runs in four innings in the opener, including a two-run homer by Jason Varitek as Jon Lester is the winner. David Ortiz, who is 5 for 8 on the day, smacks a 2nd-inning homer off Graham Godfrey in the nitecap that sends the Sox on the way to victory. Erik Bedard pitches four scoreless innings but remains winless for the Sox, having to give way to Alfredo Aceves (9-1) after yet another lengthy delay. The teams were anxious to get the two games in, with Hurricane Irene about to hit Boston; the storm is responsible for cancelling five other games today, and is expected to wipe out the entire schedule in the Northeast tomorrow.
2012:
Felix Hernandez is at it again, pitching a five-hit shutout to beat the Twins, 1 – 0. Eric Thames’ solo homer off Liam Hendriks in the 8th acounts for the game’s only run. Hendriks falls to 0-7 lifetime, while Hernandez (13-5) has his fourth 1-0 victory of the season, including his perfect game on August 15th. Only two other pitchers have won four such decisions in a season since 1969: Ferguson Jenkins in 1974 and Bert Blyleven in 1976. Also, only two other hurlers (Carl Hubbell, in 1933, and Dick Rudolph, in 1916) had tossed three 1 – 0 wins in a month.
Adrian Beltre remains red hot. After being named the American League Player of the Week for his historic combination of hitting for the cycle and having a three-homer game, he goes 3 for 3 with a home run and four RBI in Texas’s 6 – 5 win over the Rays. Beltre is now hitting .385 with 6 homers and 13 RBI in his last eight games.
2013:
The Pittsburgh Pirates, having just fallen out of first place, add a power bat with Marlon Byrd. They also acquire backup catcher John Buck in the deal with the Mets, sending over middle infield prospect Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later (Vic Black). Pittsburgh has just lost one corner outfielder, Starling Marte, to a hand injury, and has been struggling in production from the other corner.
Alfonso Soriano hits the 399th and 400th home runs of his major league career in a 7 – 1 Yankees win over Toronto. He takes J.A. Happ deep to back a strong outing from Andy Pettitte.
2014:
Another top Cubs prospect homers in his major league debut, three weeks after Javier Baez. Cuban OF Jorge Soler goes deep in his first career at-bat, against Mat Latos of the Reds in the 2nd inning, immediately after Luis Valbuena had also homered. Soler adds an RBI single later in the game, but Chicago still falls, 7 – 5. For the Reds, rookie OF Billy Hamilton steals his 50th base of the year, the ninth player in team history to reach the mark.
David Price of the Tigers has a historically bad outing in a start against the Yankees. In the 3rd inning, he allows a base hit to the first nine batters he faces before being lifted; he is the first pitcher to allow nine straight hits since Bob Forsch on August 3, 1989, and ends up allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits in only two innings, something accomplished by only three other pitchers before him. For their part, the Yankees fall one shy of the American League record for consecutive hits as they win, 8 – 4.
2015 – Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz rules against Barry Bonds in his claim that teams colluded to keep him out of the game after he broke the all-time home run record in 2007.
2017:
Kitasuna wins its fourth Little League World Series title, the 11th by a Japanese team, as the Tokyo entry tops Lufkin, TX, 12 – 2, in the finale of the 2017 Little League World Series. Keitaro Miyahara drives in five runs and falls a single shy of the cycle while Tsubasa Tomii strikes out nine in five innings.
CF Byron Buxton has a career game, hitting three homers, scoring four runs and driving in five to lead the Twins to a 7 – 2 win over the Blue Jays.
2020 – Another seven major league games are postponed on the second day of protests across the sports world against police brutality and racism, following the postponement of three games yesterday. The most poignant moment takes place at Citi Field where players from the Mets and Marlins take their position on the field, observe a 42-second moment of silence in memory of Jackie Robinson, then walk off as Marlins OF Lewis Brinson drapes a “Black Lives Matter” tee-shirt over home plate.
2021 – In one of the wildest games of the year, the White Sox defeat the Cubs, 17 – 13. Yasmani Grandal, in his first game back after going on the injured list in early July with a knee injury, ties a team record with eight RBIs and also hits two homers to lead the ChiSox attack. Patrick Wisdom also hits a pair of homers for the Cubs.
2023:
The team representing El Segundo, CA wins the 2023 Little League World Series thanks to a 6th-inning walk-off homer from Louis Lappe against Willemstad, Curaçao. The final score is 6 – 5 as Curaçao loses in the final game for the second straight year.
Draci Brno wins its 24th Extraliga title, topping the Tempo Titans Praha, three games to two. Juan Jaime throws a two-hitter and fans 11 in the finale, Arnošt Dubový scores two and Šimon Klacl drives in a pair in the 4 – 1 win.
2024 – An unusual record is set in today’s game between the Braves and Twins at Target Field as the two starting pitchers combine for 28 letters between their two last names, beating the previous high of 25. Neither Spencer Schwellenbach nor Simeon Woods Richardson figure in the decision, however, as the Braves prevail, 8 – 6, in ten innings.
2025 – Two-way player Shohei Ohtani wins his first game as a member of the Dodgers as he pitches five full innings for the first time this season, giving up just one run and racking up nine strikeouts in a 5 – 1 victory over the Reds. Ohtani did not pitch at all in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and only started taking a turn on the mound again on June 16th, with the team gradually ramping up his innings. After he departs, L.A.’s relievers add another ten K’s over the final four innings, for a team record of 19 in a nine-inning game.
Births[edit]
1838 – Lew Simmons, manager (d. 1911)
1847 – John McKelvey, outfielder (d. 1944)
1860 – Scrappy Carroll, outfielder (d. 1942)
1864 – Anthony Kearins, minor league pitcher (d. 1944)
1867 – Dan Long, outfielder (d. 1929)
1869 – William Locke, owner (d. 1913)
1874 – Doc McJames, pitcher (d. 1901)
1875 – Ed Biecher, outfielder (d. 1939)
1875 – Ed Hahn, outfielder (d. 1941)
1875 – Dave Wright, pitcher (d. 1946)
1877 – Spencer Abbott, minor league infielder and manager (d. 1951)
1877 – Kitty Brashear, pitcher (d. 1934)
1878 – Bobby Winston, outfielder (d. 1952)
1879 – Paul Sentell, infielder; umpire (d. 1923)
1883 – Baldy Louden, infielder (d. 1935)
1888 – Bob Troy, pitcher (d. 1918)
1892 – Hal Janvrin, infielder (d. 1962)
1893 – Carl East, outfielder (d. 1953)
1893 – Howie Haworth, catcher (d. 1953)
1893 – Dizzy Nutter, outfielder (d. 1958)
1894 – Eddie Mulligan, infielder (d. 1982)
1895 – William Chandler, college coach (d. 1953)
1898 – Clarence Fisher, pitcher (d. 1965)
1898 – Frank Wayenberg, pitcher (d. 1975)
1901 – Johnny Berger, catcher (d. 1979)
1901 – Phil Collins, pitcher (d. 1948)
1903 – Charlie Engle, infielder (d. 1983)
1903 – Marv Gudat, outfielder (d. 1954)
1906 – Luis Tiant Sr., pitcher; All-Star (d. 1976)
1907 – Berl Huffman, college coach (d. 1990)
1909 – Robert Poinsette, pitcher (d. 1939)
1910 – Ewald Pyle, pitcher (d. 2004)
1911 – Roy Helser, minor league pitcher (d. 1994)
1911 – Louise Nippert, owner (d. 2012)
1912 – Jay Kirke Jr., minor league outfielder and manager (d. 1994)
1912 – Ted Olson, pitcher (d. 1980)
1913 – Hap Glenn, infielder (d. 1977)
1915 – Emil Verban, infielder; All-Star (d. 1989)
1916 – Fred Russell, writer (d. 2013)
1917 – Peanuts Lowrey, outfielder; All-Star (d. 1986)
1918 – Joe Wiley, infielder (d. 1993)
1919 – Tommy Butts, infielder; All-Star (d. 1972)
1921 – Tadashi Araki, NPB catcher (d. ????)
1921 – Edmund Keehan, minor league outfielder (d. 2012)
1921 – Nick Picciuto, infielder (d. 1997)
1923 – Don Grate, pitcher (d. 2014)
1931 – Joe Cunningham, infielder; All-Star (d. 2021)
1931 – Michio Kawakami, NPB catcher
1932 – Jim King, outfielder (d. 2015)
1933 – Don Brown, college coach (d. 2020)
1933 – Jiro Hayashi, NPB pitcher
1934 – Hirohito Kikuchi, NPB infielder (d. 1979)
1934 – Em Lindbeck, pinch hitter (d. 2008)
1935 – Ernie Broglio, pitcher (d. 2019)
1936 – Yoshinori Hirose, NPB outfielder; Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (d. 2025)
1937 – Lew Randall, minor league outfielder (d. 2014)
1938 – Joe McCabe, catcher
1938 – Isao Shimatani, NPB pitcher
1939 – José Lizondro, minor league pitcher (d. ~2019)
1943 – Tommy Smith, minor league catcher
1944 – Johnny Hairston, catcher/outfielder
1945 – Tatsuhiko Tanaka, NPB infielder
1945 – Jim Weber, broadcaster (d. 2024)
1946 – Ed Herrmann, catcher; All-Star (d. 2013)
1946 – Ray Peters, pitcher
1947 – Jim York, pitcher
1948 – Lew Beasley, outfielder
1949 – Rich Wurster, college coach
1951 – Buddy Bell, infielder, manager; All-Star
1951 – Keiichi Ikuta, NPB outfielder
1951 – Noriyoshi Sano, NPB outfielder
1952 – Marshall Edwards, outfielder (d. 2025)
1952 – Mike Edwards, infielder
1955 – Pat Kelly, catcher
1956 – Rick Steirer, pitcher
1959 – Yasuhiko Sugimoto, Japanese national team manager
1959 – Takehiko Tanaka, NPB infielder
1960 – Yuji Kurohara, NPB pitcher
1961 – Mike Maddux, pitcher
1962 – Mike Shelton, minor league pitcher
1963 – Yoshiaki Kanemura, NPB infielder
1965 – José Mota, minor league infielder (d. 2018)
1967 – Chris Butterfield, minor league infielder
1967 – Brian McRae, outfielder
1967 – Willie Smith, pitcher
1968 – Colin Dixon, minor league infielder
1968 – Doug Kimbler, minor league infielder
1969 – Leonor Hernandez, minor league coach
1970 – Jim Thome, infielder; All-Star
1970 – Takashi Toba, NPB infielder
1971 – Gerad Cawhorn, minor league player
1971 – Tim Moore, minor league outfielder
1972 – Kyung-hwan Cho, KBO outfielder
1972 – Eric Newman, college coach
1972 – Takashi Watabe, NPB pitcher
1973 – Rick Gorecki, pitcher
1974 – Tamotsu Sakamoto, Japanese national team pitcher
1974 – José Vidro, infielder; All-Star
1975 – Trent Durrington, infielder
1975 – Frankie Sanders, minor league player
1975 – José Taveras, Spanish national team pitcher
1976 – Tomokazu Iba, NPB pitcher
1977 – Justin Miller, pitcher (d. 2013)
1979 – Tommy Murphy, outfielder
1979 – Andy Pratt, pitcher
1979 – Andrew Salvo, minor league infielder
1980 – Brett Parker, minor league player
1980 – Mike Silva, scout
1981 – Kazuaki Minami, NPB pitcher
1981 – Erik Vardijan, Croatian national team pitcher
1983 – Billy Buckner, pitcher
1983 – Yulkin German, minor league pitcher
1983 – Mike Larson, Bundesliga outfielder
1984 – Chen-Nan Lee, CPBL outfielder
1985 – Brandon Douglas, minor league infielder
1985 – Juston Street, minor league pitcher
1986 – Scott Bittle, minor league pitcher
1986 – Jordy Mercer, infielder
1987 – Brett Bochy, pitcher
1987 – Kalin Dreyer, South African national team pitcher
1987 – Sen-Fu Tsai, CPBL infielder
1988 – A.J. Achter, pitcher
1988 – Seth Frankoff, pitcher
1988 – Miku Kayano, Japanese womens’ national team pitcher-outfielder
1988 – Jason Markovitz, minor league pitcher
1988 – Mike Olt, infielder
1988 – Myrio Richard, minor league outfielder
1988 – Heath Wyatt, minor league pitcher
1989 – Jae-hoon Choi, KBO catcher
1989 – Alexander Cruz, Guam national team pitcher
1989 – Josh Vitters, infielder
1989 – Cody Winiarski, minor league pitcher
1990 – Stefan Jarrin, minor league infielder
1990 – Nick Tropeano, pitcher
1990 – Tsung-Hao Wang, Taiwan national team pitcher
1991 – Patrick Wisdom, infielder
1992 – Rodolfo Penalo, minor league infielder
1992 – Takaya Tanaka, NPB catcher
1992 – Spenser Watkins, pitcher
1993 – Naoki Taniyama, Zimbabwean national team coach
1993 – Sam Travis, infielder
1994 – Felix Zimmerle, Austrian national team infielder
1995 – Jasson Atondo, minor league infielder
1996 – Daichi Nakaguma, NPB catcher
1996 – José Roca, minor league pitcher
1997 – Swindly Lint, Curaçao national team player
1997 – Antonio Torres-Skerrett, minor league catcher
1997 – Hiroki Suzuki, Japanese national team pitcher
1998 – Victor Castaneda, minor league pitcher
1999 – Grant Lavigne, minor league infielder
2000 – Cameron Weston, pitcher
2001 – John Montes, minor league infielder
2001 – Junya Tsuda, NPB pitcher
2004 – Steve Mufareh, Palestinian national team pitcher
2006 – Eduardo Tait, minor league catcher
Deaths[edit]
1897 – Sam Moran, pitcher (b. 1870)
1905 – Heinie Kappel, infielder (b. 1863)
1917 – Cy Alberts, pitcher (b. 1882)
1920 – Toby Lyons, pitcher (b. 1867)
1925 – Pat Powers, manager (b. 1860)
1929 – George Sneeden, umpire (b. 1860)
1929 – Charlie Snow, catcher (b. 1849)
1934 – Henry Kohler, infielder (b. 1852)
1943 – Frank Truesdale, infielder (b. 1884)
1947 – She Donahue, infielder (b. 1877)
1953 – Charlie Shields, pitcher (b. 1879)
1958 – Bobby Marshall, Negro League catcher and manager (b. 1880)
1958 – Clyde Dean, minor league pitcher (b. 1921)
1959 – Claude Jonnard, pitcher (b. 1897)
1960 – Mike Getto, college coach (b. 1905)
1960 – Henry Wright, pitcher (b. 1906)
1971 – Bill Clarkson, pitcher (b. 1898)
1972 – John Barnes, catcher (b. 1903)
1973 – Herman Layne, outfielder (b. 1901)
1975 – Alex Remneas, pitcher (b. 1886)
1976 – Bill Mizeur, pinch hitter (b. 1897)
1980 – John Wilson, pitcher (b. 1903)
1982 – Caesar Sinibaldi, scout (b. 1911)
1985 – Rogelio Crespo, infielder (b. 1894)
1985 – Johnny Lindell, outfielder; All-Star (b. 1916)
1986 – Mojuro Tonoka, college coach; Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (b. 1898)
1989 – Hal Kelleher, pitcher (b. 1913)
1994 – Sig Gryska, infielder (b. 1914)
2000 – Bob Mahoney, pitcher (b. 1928)
2004 – Willie Crawford, outfielder (b. 1946)
2008 – Em Lindbeck, pinch hitter (b. 1934)
2011 – Frank Fanovich, pitcher (b. 1923)
2014 – Charley Lodes, college coach (b. 1941)
2016 – Leon Everitt, pitcher (b. 1947)
2018 – Buzzy Keller, scout (b. 1933)
2018 – Pete Smith, scout (b. 1933)
2020 – Kazuo Fukushima, amateur pitcher; Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (b. 1931)
2022 – Garry Harris, minor league infielder (b. 1962)
2023 – Pat Corrales, catcher, manager (b. 1941)
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TV SPORTS TODAY
(All times Eastern)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (MEN’S)
5:30 a.m. (Friday)
FS2 — AFL Postseason: Collingwood at Western, First Wildcard Final
COLLEGE SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
7 p.m.
BTN — Saint Louis at Illinois
8 p.m.
SECN — Baylor at Texas
TNT — Spikes Under the Lights: Nebraska vs. Florida, Penn St. vs. SMU – Semifinals AND Championship – TBD, Arlington, Texas
CYCLING
8:30 a.m.
NBCSN — UCI: 2026 Vuelta a España, Stage 6
FIELD HOCKEY (WOMEN’S)
6 p.m.
CBSSN — 2026 FIH World Cup: Netherlands vs. Belgium, Semifinal, Amstelveen, Netherlands (taped)
7:30 p.m.
CBSSN — 2026 FIH World Cup: Argentina vs. Australia, Semifinal, Wavre, Belgium (taped)
GOLF
7:30 a.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, First Round, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield, England
9 a.m.
GOLF — LPGA Tour: FM Championship, First Round, TPC Boston, Norton, Mass.
11 a.m.
ESPN — PGA Tour: TOUR Championship, First Round, East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta
1 p.m.
GOLF — PGA Tour: TOUR Championship, First Round, East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta
HORSE RACING
1 p.m.
FS2 — Saratoga Live
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
3 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, International Bracket, South Williamsport, Pa.
7 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, United States Bracket, South Williamsport, Pa.
MLB BASEBALL
1 p.m.
MLBN — Colorado at Washington (1:05 p.m.)
7 p.m.
FS1 — L.A. Dodgers at Atlanta (7:15 p.m.)
NFL FOOTBALL
7 p.m.
NFLN — Preseason: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
8 p.m.
PRIME VIDEO — Preseason: New England at Cleveland
10 p.m.
NFLN — Preseason: L.A. Rams at L.A. Chargers
RUGBY (MEN’S)
5:45 a.m.
FS2 — NRL: Melbourne at Brisbane
TENNIS
11 a.m.
ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open Qualifying, Third Round, New York
1 p.m.
TENNIS CHANNEL — U.S. Open Open Qualifying 3rd Round; Winston-Salem-ATP & Monterrey-WTA Quarterfinals
WNBA BASKETBALL
8 p.m.
PRIME VIDEO — Golden State at New York
10 p.m.
PRIME VIDEO — Washington at Phoenix
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