ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 24: Jake Burger #21 of the Texas Rangers runs the bases following a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field on July 24, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Texas Rangers scored five runs while the Seattle Mariners scored four runs.Despite the fact that half of the time it has felt like these two teams have been fighting to see who most doesnt want to win the division, the Rangers and Mariners entered tonights game within a half game of each other atop the American League West and with neither squad above .500.Therefore, a mid-summer four game series between these clubs held intrigue and importance despite the lackluster records. The Rangers, who have had a devil of a time beating the Mariners in recent seasons, hadnt lost to Seattle at home in three tries this season but havent had a lead in the division larger than a game and a half all year. The hated Mariners, who came into the season far and away the favorites in the West if not the American League as a whole, led the West by as much as three games a few weeks ago but were usurped by Texas by the All-Star break as theyve gone just 7-10 now in July.So the scene was set for a slap fight in Arlington with positioning in the leagues easiest most unwinnable division on the line ahead of the trade deadline. The first place underdog Rangers got off to a 1-0 lead when Wyatt Langford homered in the bottom of the second. The Mariners tied the game immediately because MacKenzie Gore is often a horror story.A couple of innings later, the Rangers went up 3-1 when it had seemed as though Gore had settled in a bit. Except a half inning later, Seattle again tied the game as Gore was unable to collect a shutdown inning for a second time in a row. Overall Gore went five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts. A team with a better lineup might have done more damage to Gore when he experienced a couple of his usual flare up innings. The Mariners did not do that so the Rangers entered the bullpen phase of the game tied. You would expect a battle of bullpens would be an advantage for Seattle but Texas ignited a rally fueled by small ball including a run on a safety sacrifice bunt! to break the tie in the bottom of the sixth.Still, after leaving the bases loaded in that inning (because yeah, of course), the team would need to get through three innings up just a couple of runs. Luckily for Texas they were able to set things up well with Peyton Gray pitching scoreless sixth, Jakob Junis pitching a scoreless seventh, Tyler Alexander and Cole Winn teaming up for a scoreless eighth, and then Jacob Latz made use of the insurance run in the ninth before picking up his 20th save of the year.The victory allowed the Rangers to move back above .500 while also extended their lead in the AL West to a season high-tying 1.5 games.Player of the Game: Batting sixth in the lineup, and with some light-hitting fellas behind him, the Rangers needed Jake Burger to come through when the opportunities presented themselves and Texas first baseman delivered. Tonight's Special: Smashburger pic.twitter.com/vwCsMTooYv Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 25, 2026Burger smacked an opposite field two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth to allow the Rangers to retake the lead. Two innings later, in the bottom of the sixth, when Seattle had tied the game again, Burger brought in the go-ahead run on a well-positioned ground ball single up the middle before the Rangers tacked on an insurance run in the same rally. Overall Burger drove in three of Texas five runs to contribute greatly to the series-opening win.Up Next: The Rangers and Mariners reconvene for the second game of this series with RHP Nathan Eovaldi expected to take the mound for Texas opposite RHP Bryan Woo for Seattle.The Saturday evening first pitch from The Shed is scheduled for 6:15 pm CDT and will be aired nationally on FOX.

Jul 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Ryan Jeffers (27) throws to first base for the out during the second inning against the Athletics at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | Jordan Johnson-Imagn ImagesThe As came into the game with the worst pitching staff (statistically) in baseball. The Twins sure couldnt take advantage of it this time. Inning-by-inning notes:1: A nice quick inning for Zebulon: two groundouts and a strikeout.Zebulon Pike is the soldier/explorer who named Pikes Peak, in Colorado. The song America the Beautiful was inspired by Pikes Peak, and was originally titled Pikes Peak. One of the verses has the line God mend thine every flaw, and writer Katharine Lee Bates was, in fact, an ardent proponent of social reform. The famous Ray Charles version includes that verse, which is one of my favorite renditions of a Murica song.So thanks, Zebulon!A leadoff walk for Austin Martin; are we gonna have more Guardsball tonight? He does advance to second on a hit-and-run FC, but he stays stuck there, so, so far, so Guardsball!2: Hey, you heard it here first Zebbys gonna pitch the first perfect game in Twins history! Austin Martin makes a dive to get the third out, and does not Byron Buxton does. With two fielders getting every out, the perfecto is guaranteed!View LinkSo, apparently, is a no-hitter for the As Jacob Lopez.3: Zebby still perfectFirst-round pick Vahn Lackey on the radio. The booth guys tell him hell have to adjust to the automated ball/strike system, and Lackey says I looked at every strikeout I had from last year, and they were all balls. He can joke, because he has yet to experience the soul-crushing hopelessness that is the post-2024 Twins.The Twins are still hitless when Martin takes his second walk, and Buxton gets HBP. Giving Ryan Jeffers the chance to open the scoring with a two-out RBI. The count goes full, the runners leave early, and K. Guardsball continues.4: Damn you, Zebby! A one-out walk to Tyler Soderstrom ruins my evening. A GIDP by the next batter means Zebby has still faced the minimum, but theres no glory in that. No immortality, for as long as the game of baseball is played (about another ten years with the pace Manfred is at to ruin everything with more expensive tickets/viewing options and the inevitable gambling scandals).Royce Lewis takes the one-out walk; he steals second and the throw by Shea Langeliers beats him, but 2B Donovan Walton cant keep it in his glove. After a flyout, Lewis steals third? OK! Luke Keaschall walks, then he steals second. Brooks Lees time has come!Popout, guardsball.5: Zebby issues the one-out walk, then a double because he knows hes ruined my evening already and so nothing he does for the rest of this game or the rest of his career matters anymore. A walk loads the bases and a sac fly means one team violates the sacred code of Not Scoring.Then a wild pitch advances both the runners on first and second BUT, Jefferss throw to third is a bit off. So, lead runner Tommy White tries scoring, and this was a POOR decision. Way to get the opponent off the hook, Tommy!View LinkHey, the Twins decide to get a hit finally! Austin Martin with a one-out double, giving him a OPS of 3.000 for this game if my math is right and it probably isnt. Because Guardsball, it dont matter. As 1-06: A leadoff infield hit for Henry Bolte, which is a perfect name because he is very fast. It was also the name of a fast Usain, minus the e, and a CGI cartoon with John Travolta and Miley Cyrus. Do you ask me how I know this? You do not. Soderstrom knocks Bolte in on a pitch that is VERY outside. He doesnt advance past first, but methinks he will not need to.With Jacob Lopezs no-hitter gone, RHP Geoff Hartlieb comes in (Lopez usually does not pitch deeply into games). Two leadoff walks are promisingOh, I forgot, Guardsball. After a Victor Caratini K, Hartlieb walks Keaschall, Hartlieb is replaced, Brooks Lee GIDP. Philadelphia/KC/Oakland 2-07: Kody AC/DC Funderburk in for Zebby; he gives up the leadoff hit but no more.The replacement pitcher who stymied the Twins last season was Jos Suarez; he is listed at 510 and 225 lbs, and I think that might be an underlisting. Anyways, the Twins dont care that all their good players are about to be traded so they dont bother hitting anything. Granted, the exit velocity for the three groundouts are 103.1, 96.2, 103.3 MPH so maybe they are trying but I dont care.8: Travis Adams in. He does fine.Ryan Jeffers with the Twins second hit. Josh Bell hits one 104 MPH and it bounces off the pitchers mound to become an easy GIDP.9: Fairly recent waiver claim Jack Anderson comes in and promptly gives up the leadoff double. But he does strike out the next two, and gets some help from a leaping Martin for the last out.View LinkHogan Harris, the As one pitcher with an ERA below 3.50, in for the save attempt. Keaschall is HBP with one out; thats their eleventh baserunner on the night, and only two were from hits. And there will be no more. Brooks Lee GIDP, Twins lose.Studs of the game: Zebby Matthews. Duds: Everyone with a bat except Austin Martin OK, also not Keaschall (0-for-1 but on base three times). Eternal DUD: John Fisher, both for screwing a great city and for taking away one of my favorite team songs:COTG go to gintzer/sandwiches for a Food Fight (nice respectful discussion) and nagurski for I mean i guess this is example 1,228,541,749 why you play the game and not count on an easy W dudes rockin a nearly 7era coming into a game against the statistically best offense and ends up looking like catfish freakin hunter out thereThanks for everybody who joined in on a nice summers night, the last one before it becomes Venusian atmospheric Hell the next few days.Tomorrows game is at 6:10, and features the first time in baseball history where the same pitcher plays for both teams: TBD vs. TBD. Catch ya next time!

Josh Sweat was the subject of trade chatter in the offseason, as the Cardinals received calls about the outside linebacker. He missed all of the voluntary offseason program, choosing to work out on his own as he has done in the past.It was unclear whether that was related to the firing of Jonathan Gannon, who Sweat followed from Philadelphia after two seasons together with the Eagles.Additional questions were raised when the Cardinals placed Sweat on the active/physically unable to perform list to start training camp this week.Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said Friday that the move was related to Sweat's ramp-up for training camp and not any unhappiness from the one-time Pro Bowler."Im going to say no," LaFleur said, via Darren Urban of the team website, "because I don't see any discontent, and he's never expressed any discontent to me."LaFleur clarified that while Sweat missed the voluntary work, he was around the Dignity Health Training Center and in contact with the team."Everyone is on the same page the entire time," LaFleur said. "You guys can believe me or not, but I am not worried about Josh Sweat at all in terms of his health. He's logged a lot of miles in this league, and I think not only for Josh to peak on Sept. 13 [for the opener], but for Josh to also get through the rigors of a 17-game season the way that he plays and the motor he plays with, this is best for him and the Cardinals."Sweat led the team with a career-high 12 sacks last season.

So, it's the Philadelphia 76ers for LeBron James. Weird choice, right?Of all the teams, of all the places, Philadelphia? It felt like it was going to be someplace more significant, somewhere more meaningful, but it's the Sixers.I guess they give him the best chance to win a championship, because that starting lineup James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid it's a bear. It's an awfully big bet on the health of Embiid, who is rarely healthy these days, but it's a bet on a championship, and that is what it's all about for LeBron at this point.After all, he's always been in pursuit of Michael Jordan's six rings."My motivation," James once told a Nike skills academy camper, according to a 2016 Sports Illustrated profile, "is this ghost I'm chasing. The ghost played in Chicago."James currently ranks fourth on our Bill Russell Scale of greatest careers in NBA history, trailing only Russell, Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, because all of them have at least six rings apiece (Russell won 11 titles). The only way James can catch any of them in those rankings is to win more titles (and/or more Finals MVP awards).James is sitting on four championship rings in 10 Finals appearances back-to-back titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and another with the Los Angeles in 2020 and this is certainly his shot to win more.These 76ers are going to be spectacular, so long as everyone stays healthy. Maxey and Edgecombe provide fresh legs, while Brown brings a level of competitiveness every night, and those three can sustain a winner so that James and Embiid can enter the postseason with fresh legs of their own. All of them carry star-level talent.James is absolutely still a standout, averaging a 21-6-7 last season, when he made the All-Star team (even if mostly on name recognition), before leading the Lakers largely without Luka Doni and Austin Reaves to the second round of the playoffs. It was a testament to his ability at this point. He is still good enough to carry a team on his own to one of eight remaining spots in the postseason, but he can't win titles alone.And maybe that was always the case. He could not beat Tim Duncan's San Antonio Spurs as a 22-year-old on the 2007 Cavaliers. Nor could he beat Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's Boston Celtics in 2008 and 2010. He lost to Dwight Howard's Orlando Magic in 2009. So, he teamed with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and together they delivered four straight trips to the NBA Finals and the back-to-back championships.When the Heat were spent, James teamed with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland, reached four more championship series and won one. And when the Cavs were spent, he left for L.A., recruited Anthony Davis and won another one.That seemed like the end. He was aging into his late 30s, and the Lakers were in decline until they landed Doni, breathing new life into James' career. He must have been convinced, though, that he could not win a title with Doni and Reaves.Why else leave L.A. for Philadelphia? It has to be the allure of a ring, and he must have felt the Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat weren't close enough. I thought he could have won with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Denver Nuggets, too, but those choices would've been just as weird. And the ceiling in Philly is higher.If James does deliver a title, do we really think the same people who attempt to discredit him for jumping from opportunity to opportunity will change their tune now that he's jumped to Philadelphia? Won't they just levy the same criticism against him?He still can't be the G.O.A.T., because he's still a ring chaser!Of course, they'll say it. I can only imagine what they will say about him if he wins as a third, fourth or even a fifth option. (He was last season's best third option for a spell.)But Jordan was always the best player on all six of his championship teams!You can anticipate zags from the haters at this point. LeBron can't win even if he does win. But shouldn't we be able to step back and truly appreciate what it would mean for James to win another championship as a key contributor at the age of 42?I mean, that would be unbelievable. The 76ers would absolutely need LeBron to be the piece that pulls them all together for the title, because they had a hole at the 4, and if he can be that at this stage, it would be as remarkable as anything he has accomplished in his career. And he has accomplished more than just about anyone.I think we should count that ring, if it were to happen, on par with any other. It would still be shy of a sixth. We'd still have the same debates. But, man, that could add more ammo to the argument in his favor that his longevity is what makes him the G.O.A.T.Because it is hard to imagine anyone accomplishing what James has already done the scoring record, the 21 All-NBA appearances, the scope of it all and if he were to win another, it truly would be a perfect ending to an impossibly replicable career.But I'm not sure it will change his legacy at this point. Which is why it is so curious that he has bet what he has left to write of it on Embiid. There may not be a general manager in the league who would make the same gamble on Embiid's contract right now, but James took it, because it could lead to a championship and more debate.

Michigan State basketball has extended its latest offer in the 2027 recruiting class. Asa Montgomery received an offer from the Spartans coaching staff on Friday/Montgomery is a native of Powder Springs, Georgia, attending Hillgrove High School. He is a 6-foot-7 small forward that is currently ranked as the No. 27 overall player in the class according to the 247Sports composite rankings.Competition will be stiff for the high level wing, with Michigan State becoming his 21st offer from a power conference program. That list includes the likes of Arizona, North Carolina and UConn, among others.Blessed to receive an offer from Michigan State Univeristy! #agtg pic.twitter.com/eaQPXJleVF Asa Montgomery (@AsaMont2027) July 24, 2026Contact/Follow us@The SpartansWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X@Rex_LinzyThis article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball offers elite 2027 small forward prospect

Mets outfielder Carson Benge continues to show out during his rookie campaign.Weve seen what he can do with the glove, weve seen what he can do with the bat, and on Friday night he decided it was time to show off his cannon of an arm.Benge unleashed two different strikes to gun down Dodgers trying to advance.The first came when Shohei Ohtani attempted to stretch a double into a triple leading off the top of the fifth, but the youngster made a perfect throw in to Francisco Lindor to start a relay.Benge cost the Mets by misplaying one of those doinkers down in the Citi Field right-field corner earlier this season, so this time around he knew exactly how to play it. I saw it running towards the wall, and Ive already misplayed one of those, he said. So I tried to stay deep on it and then I saw him not slowing down when he was heading to second, so I knew just to throw it in and theyd get him.Carson Benge, Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette combine on the relay to throw out Shohei Ohtani at third pic.twitter.com/1Tre3rvAfS SNY (@SNYtv) July 25, 2026Benge would deliver once again to keep things evened at one apiece just one inning later.This time the 23-year-old camped under a fly ball to right, getting himself set before firing a 100.0 mph strike towards home to gun down Freddie Freeman trying to score the go-ahead run.According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, thats the Mets fastest outfield assist recorded in the Statcast era.Carson Benge picks up his second outfield assist of the night, with a throw to Francisco Alvarez! pic.twitter.com/3wyRthNfgk SNY (@SNYtv) July 25, 2026It fires me up, Benge said. One of my favorite things to do is to throw someone out -- all that was going through my head was get it out quick and as hard as you can -- just look for our big catcher back there and hell do the rest.Benge became the first Mets rookie since Juan Lagares with two assists in the same game, also as per Langs.Watching from my perspective, it was one of the coolest things on a baseball field, Sean Manaea said. The play for Ohtani at third, the relay was unbelievable, the throw home, thats just good baseball right there -- to watch a young player keep his cool and do cool stuff like that, its really fun.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Cam Schlitter bounced back from a poor outing and pitched three-hit ball into the eighth inning, helping the New York Yankees to a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.Pitching on four days rest after lasting only 4 1/3 innings in a loss Sunday to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Schlitter struck out 12 and threw 68 of his 99 pitches for strikes.Paul Goldschmidts home run to lead off the fourth inning was the only run in the game.Philadelphias Jesus Luzardo (9-5) took the loss. Luzardo threw 105 pitches over seven innings, striking out nine and allowing three hits, including Goldschmidts 16th homer.Schlitter (10-6) shut down the Phillies hitters all night, making Bryson Stott look bad on a strikeout to start the bottom of the eighth.J.T. Realmuto rolled a single between shortstop and third for the Phillies third hit and his second. Schlitter then glanced a pitch off Gabriel Rincones Jr.s knee, enough for Yankees manager Aaron Boone to pull his starter.Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa singled off reliever Brent Headrick to load the bases with one out. Trea Turner then tagged a liner to left, but right at Cody Bellinger, who had no problem keeping Realmuto at third. Kyle Schwarber then bounced out to end the Phillies threat.Yankees closer David Bednar started the ninth by getting Bryce Harper to strike out for the third time in the game. Brandon Marsh was retired on a leaping catch by Bellinger. Alec Bohm then grounded out and Bednar earned his 19th save.ROCKIES 5, BREWERS 2MILWAUKEE (AP) Tomoyuki Sugano picked up his 10th win and Kyle Karros and TJ Rumfield each had two hits as Colorado capitalized on a fast start to beat Milwaukee.Sugano (10-4) struck out five over 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on a pair of homers Christian Yelichs 413-foot leadoff drive in the first inning and Brice Turangs 434-foot blast in the sixth. Sugano was making his second start since coming off the injured list after missing three weeks due to back spasms.Milwaukee brought the tying run to the plate after Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers started the ninth inning with consecutive singles. Jordan Romano regrouped from there by getting Joey Ortiz to pop up, striking out Gary Snchez struck out and retiring Yelich on a fly to right.Romano picked up his eighth save in 10 opportunities.Although the Rockies have the National Leagues worst record, theyre just one win away from matching their total from a year ago, when they finished 43-119.TIGERS 2, ROYALS 1DETROIT (AP) Tarik Skubal had a season-high 12 strikeouts and allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in what could have been his last home start for Detroit, helping the Tigers to a victory over Kansas City.The subject of trade rumors as he approaches free agency, the two-time defending AL Cy Young winner pitched out of a seventh-inning jam before walking off the mound to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd of 40,638.Skubal returned for the eighth inning with 89 pitches, but was replaced by Brenan Hanifee after retiring Carter Jensen. He left to another ovation, having given up four hits and two walks in his 61st win for the Tigers.Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his 12th save as the Tigers (50-54) improved to 28-16 since June 1. They are four wins away from reaching .500 for the first time since May 4.Detroit scored twice in the first off Royals opener Beck Way (1-1), but Noah Cameron followed with seven shutout innings.DIAMONDBACKS 3, NATIONALS 2WASHINGTON (AP) All-Star Eduardo Rodrguez bounced back from his worst start of the season, Gabriel Moreno drove in the go-ahead run with a sac fly and Arizona beat Washington.Rodrguez (9-3) held the Nationals to Dylan Crews two-run homer in six innings. Arizona has won four straight and 10 of 12 as it fights for an NL wild-card spot.Paul Sewald worked the ninth for his 24th save.Moreno broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh with the sacrifice fly. The catcher also singled twice.Crews shot to left-center tied it at 2 in the fourth.Arizona scored first on Tim Tawas safety squeeze that deadened in the grass, travelling 10 feet down the first-base line, scoring Max Kepler in the second inning. Ketel Martes fielders choice groundout made it 2-0 later in the inning.Nationals right-hander Zack Littell (7-8) took the loss.CUBS 3, PIRATES 2, 10 INNINGSPITTSBURGH (AP) Dansby Swanson hit an RBI single and Seiya Suzuki drew a bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning as Chicago held on for a win over Pittsburgh.Swansons single scored automatic runner Ian Happ, who barely beat center fielder Jake Mangums throw to make it 2-1. The call was upheld after a video review.Suzukis walk came off Yohan Ramrez (6-3).Gavin Holliwell allowed a run on Nick Gonzales groundout in the bottom of the 10th but hung on for his first save. Caleb Thielbar (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth.The Pirates opened the scoring in the fifth inning on back-to-back walks to Marcel Ozuna and Brandon Lowe and consecutive infield singles by Jared Triolo and Henry Davis.Pittsburgh had the bases loaded with none out, but Matthew Boyd escaped the jam.Pete Crow-Armstong tied it at 1-1 in the sixth when he hit his 22nd home run of the season into the right-field stands off Jared Jones. Left fielder Happ helped to keep the score 1-1 in the seventh when he threw out Davis at home for an inning-ending double play.Crow-Armstrong also doubled in the third.Boyd surrendered only one run in seven innings despite giving up seven hits and three walks. The left-hander did not factor in the decision, but his six-game winning streak stayed intact.DODGERS 4, METS 2NEW YORK (AP) Roki Sasaki pitched seven sparkling innings, Kyle Tucker hit a two-run homer and Los Angeles beat New York.Freddie Freeman had three hits and Shohei Ohtani put Los Angeles ahead 2-1 with a sacrifice fly off Brooks Raley (4-5) in the seventh. Tucker homered off left-handed reliever A.J. Minter with two outs in the eighth after Freeman singled leading off the inning and stole second base.Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez homered for New York in the opener of a 10-game homestand. The last-place Mets (43-61) fell a season-worst 18 games under .500 as they prepare for a selloff ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.New York slugger Juan Soto was removed for a pinch hitter in the sixth because of left calf soreness.Coming off a fine outing at Yankee Stadium a week ago, Sasaki (4-5) allowed one run and three hits while striking out nine and walking two for his first win in nine starts since May 23 at Milwaukee. Alvarez went deep against Evan Phillips in the eighth before Tanner Scott worked a perfect ninth for his 16th save.RAYS 11, GUARDIANS 3ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Ryan Vilade and Richie Palacios hit home runs, Nick Fortes had four hits, and Tampa Bay beat Cleveland.Shane McClanahan (9-6) allowed one run on two hits while striking out three and walking a pair in five innings. He improved to 7-1 in nine home starts this season. Chris Roycroft earned his first career save, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings.Fortes tied a career high in hits, drove in a pair of runs and scored twice as he extended his hitting streak to five games, going 11 for 19 in that span.Tampa Bays Nos. 4-9 hitters finished a combined 13 for 26 with 10 RBIs in the game.Joey Cantillo (8-6) allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings and Austin Hedges hit a two-run home run in the ninth for the Guardians. Cleveland has dropped three consecutive games.PADRES 4, MARLINS 2MIAMI (AP) Pinch-hitter Luis Rengifo hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning and San Diego beat Miami, extending its losing streak to 10.Ty France and Manny Machado each had two hits for the Padres, who are 3-5 on their 10-game road trip following the All-Star break. San Diego finished with five hits but drew seven walks.The Marlins, who were a season-best 10 games over .500 following their win over Seattle on July 9, have fallen to 52-52. It is the Marlins longest slide since they lost 10 straight in June 2011.France doubled off Tyler Zuber (0-1) to lead off the eighth. Zuber struck out Jackson Merrill before Rengifo drove a sweeper from the Miami reliever over the wall in right to snap a 2-all tie.Adrian Morejon (8-2) got the last out in the seventh and followed with a scoreless eighth before Mason Miller closed for his 26th save.Joe Mack and Heriberto Hernndez homered for Miamis runs.BRAVES 7, ORIOLES 6, 10 INNINGSBALTIMORE (AP) Matt Olson hit his 27th home run as part of a four-run 10th inning, and Atlanta defeated Baltimore.Drake Baldwin homered for NL East-leading Atlanta, which has won five of six.Christian Encarnacion-Strand homered and drove in four for Baltimore, which lost for the third time in four games.The Braves Joey Bart led off the 10th with a bloop single to right off Andrew Kittredge (1-2), advancing automatic runner Brewer Hicklen to third. Baltimore second baseman Jackson Holliday tried to turn a double play on Jim Jarvis sharp grounder, but his throw sailed into left field, allowing Hicklen to score.After Kittredge struck out the next two Braves, Olson launched a three-run homer to right-center.Elieser Hernndez (1-0) pitched three shutout innings in his debut with the Braves. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth by coaxing Taylor Wards two-out groundout.Baltimore rallied against Dylan Lee with pinch-hitter Jeremiah Jacksons sacrifice fly and Encarnacion-Strands two-run homer, before Sam Huff struck out to end the game.RED SOX 6, BLUE JAYS 4BOSTON (AP) Anthony Seigler led off with a homer and had his first four-hit game in the majors, Romy Gonzalez broke an eighth-inning tie with an RBI double and Boston beat Toronto.Boston rebounded from a loss Wednesday night in the second game of a doubleheader against Baltimore that ended a 15-game winning streak. The Red Sox are 24-6 in their last 30 games.After Jarren Duran led off the eighth with his second hit of the night, Gonzalez drove him in with a liner to left. Seigler brought Gonzalez in three pitches later, giving Boston a two-run lead.Aroldis Chapman struck out two in the ninth for his 24th save of the season and 391st overall, moving him past Dennis Eckersley for sole possession of ninth place on the career list.Patrick Sandoval went 4 2/3 innings, allowing no runs on five hits and striking out three. Garrett Whitlock (6-1) got the win in relief after allowing one run on two hits in the eighth.ATHLETICS 2, TWINS 0MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Jacob Lopez allowed one hit in five innings, Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom drove in runs and the Athletics beat Minnesota.Lopez (5-4) has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts since returning to the big leagues. He spent June with Triple-A Las Vegas after carrying a 6.75 ERA through May 31.The As were held hitless through four innings until Tommy White doubled with one out in the fifth. A walk on either side of Whites double loaded the bases, and Butler hit a sacrifice fly to center to bring Donovan Walton in and open the scoring.White nearly scored on a wild pitch to double the lead, but was tagged out by pitcher Zebby Matthews at home for the third out.Soderstrom drove in Henry Bolte from second with a sixth-inning single that made it 2-0.Matthews (4-8) allowed both runs on three hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out one. Austin Martin doubled and Ryan Jeffers singled for the Twins only hits of the game.Four As relievers combined to allow one hit in four innings, with Hogan Harris working a hitless ninth for his eighth save.

The partnership between head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead has been central to the Los Angeles Rams' sustained success since 2017, and assistant general manager John McKay offered a rare inside look at how the head coach and general manager actually work together during an appearance on "NFL Daily.""They're like brothers in ways they know how to nip at each other, but they're always in lockstep," McKay said. "You're not afraid to ask questions. You're able to dissent comfortably and say, 'Hey, I might disagree with this evaluation, this move, but here are my reasons behind it,' and know that I can dissent comfortably and not be lashed out at."That openness, McKay said, extends throughout the organization regardless of title. "It doesn't matter if you're a scouting assistant or a pro scout or assistant general manager everyone's voice is going to be heard," McKay said. "Sean does a tremendous job communicating with our staff this is what we're looking for, and not necessarily always just from a skill set standpoint at each position, but what kind of people we want to fill this locker room."The result, according to McKay, is a scouting operation that has grown increasingly precise over time. And that's likely why the Rams have been so good at identifying talent in free agency, the draft and in trades.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams exec sheds light on Sean McVay-Les Snead dynamic

Jul 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) celebrates a two run home against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesBlue Jays 4 Red Sox 6So it was a better effort than weve seen of late. Kuzuma Okamoto hit a three-run home run in the seventh (which got us back into the game). Andrs Gimnez hit a sac fly in the eighth (which tied the game). That was homer 23 for Okamoto, setting a new Japanese Rookie home run record. We had a bunch of hits, 9 with 3 walks. Daulton Varsho had 3 hits (really good to see some hard contact from him). Vlad and Okamoto had two each. Kirk had a hit and a walk and Nathan Lukes had the other hit. Clements (0 for 4), Springer (0 for 4, walk), Schneider (0 for 2, k), Uras (0 for 3, k), and Straw and Piango shared an 0 for 4 (Lips with 2 strikeouts).We were 2 for 8 with RISP..We had a tough time, early in the game:In the first: Clement reached on an error to start the game. After two outs, Springer and Kirk each walked to load the bases. But Schneider struck out (he took a two-strike change up down the middle for strike three).In the second: Varsho singled to lead off but was stranded there. In the fourth: We had two on (Kirk and Varsho singles) with one out, but Uras (pop out) and Straw (line out) ended the fun. In the fifth: With one out, Vlad singled and Kazuma doubled. But Springer popped out and Kirk flied out. On the pitching side:Trey Yesavage wasnt great. 4 innings, 5 hits, 3 earned, 1 walks with 9 strikeouts. He only had three outs that werent strikeouts. But he gave up 2 home runs. Mason Fluharty pitched a clean inning with 2 strikeouts.Braydon Fisher gave up a couple of hits, a walk and a run. in the sixth. Jeff Hoffman gave up a double, got a ground out, walked a guy, got a fly out. Then he gave up a hardish line drive right to Vlad, who had it go off his glove for an error. Had Hoffman run to first (like he should have, they still would have got the out, but he didnt. Bases loaded. But a ground out ended the inning. CJ Van Eyk got the eighth. Tough spot for the rookie. Single. Pop out. Fly ball to the wall in left. The back to back doubles to left scored two. On the second Piango was back at the wall and then Lips decided to play it off the wall. It hit low enough off the wall that he could have made the catch. But he managed to turn it into a double, and the Red Sox were up by two. Left field is a tough spot in Fenway, but he really ought to have made the catch. A single ended Van Eyks night.Adam Macko finished off the inning, but it was too late. We did have a chance in the ninth. Vlad walk to start the inning. But Okamoto (strikeout), Springer (fly out) and Kirk (strikeout) ended the hope. Jays of the Day: Varsho (0.20 WPA), Okamoto (0.15) and Lukes (0.12). Vlad gets an honourable mention for 2 for 4 with a walk. Other Award: Eyk (-0.34, tough spot, and could have used some defensive help), Yesavage (-0.12), Springer (-0.17), Schneider (-0.11) and Uras (-0.09). Lets give one to Lips too (-0.08, plus the bad play in left). A much better loss than the last few, but still a loss. Tomorrow is a 4:00 Eastern start time. I hate late afternoon weekend starts. Dylan Cease (6-5, 2.67) vs. Sonny Gray (12-1, 2.48).

Andre Drummond drops an interesting reaction after his former team signed LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Now that Andre Drummond is playing for the New York Knicks, he is excited to be playing for his new team. However, he might be feeling some FOMO because he just left the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that just traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James.Considering Drummond adores James from their time playing together on the Los Angeles Lakers, it seems he is running with a bit on his X account about him regretting his move to New York.Andre Drummond is having fun with LeBron James signing with the 76ersFor the past decade or so, Drummond has become one of the players people expect to have fun. He is often one of the liveliest players whenever he is on the bench, and he often interacts with fans in the most fun way possible.With James signing for the 76ers, Drummond's most recent team before signing for the Knicks, the veteran big man is finding the humor in the move. He was just with the 76ers, but he decided to become the backup big man to Karl-Anthony Towns for the defending champions.MORE:LeBron James gets called a doofus by Charles Barkley after the free agency decision ruined golf plansAmidst all of the big reactions to LeBron signing for the 76ers, Drummond's X account was a masterclass of subtle jokes. He simply posted an "Oh" with a sad emoji, and he already got a lot of people's attention because they thought he regretted his move to New York.Drummond then followed that up with a post, saying, "I'm good where I'm at", which is a fun reassurance for the Knicks fans. However, he did point out that he is in Connecticut at the moment, which is where he grew up and played college basketball.It is definitely a joyful moment for the NBA and Drummond because he is finding the humor in LeBron joining the 76ers after he just left the team a few weeks earlier. Now, they will have to play against each other quite often because the Knicks and the 76ers are in the same division.More NBA news:How the 76ers rank in the Eastern Conference after signing LeBron JamesA high school rival has ended up signing LeBron James to PhiladelphiaThe best reactions to LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ersHow the 76ers landed both LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in the same summerAnthony Edwards is ready to beat LeBron James after declining the Timberwolves