Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is typically a must-watch when his turn in the rotation comes up. But over his past two starts and during the month of July, really fans watching him may be compelled to cover their eyes.The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner gave up 5 runs for the second consecutive start in Fridays matchup with the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates lineup gave Skenes a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, knocking three singles off Reds starter Hunter Greene. But he quickly allowed Cincinnati to tie the score with walks to Elly De La Cruz and JJ Bleday, followed by a 2-run single by Tyler Stephenson. JJ Bleday rockets one to right and ties the ballgame pic.twitter.com/2obaTMhUvM MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2026Jake Mangum put Pittsburgh back ahead with a solo homer in the second and Skenes held that 3-2 lead up for an inning. But in the third, he served up a 96 mph fastball in the high middle of the strike zone and Bleday launched it halfway into the right-field seats for a home run. Skenes buckled in the fourth, allowing a one-out triple to De La Cruz before leaving an 86 mph sweeper to Sal Stewart toward the middle of the zone. Stewart didnt miss the gift, blasting the ball deep to center field for a 2-run homer and 5-3 Reds lead. Sal Stewart sends a 2-run shot to the batter's eye @Reds lead! pic.twitter.com/pfYxfwSOmO MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2026Skenes struck out Bleday and Stephenson to get out of the inning, but that was it for him with 100 pitches thrown. Antwone Kelly replaced him in the fifth. In his four innings, Skenes allowed 5 runs and 7 hits with 4 walks, though he did notch 7 strikeouts. That follows up the 5 runs and 6 hits (albeit with 11 strikeouts) he gave up in Saturdays 11-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Skenes began July with 7 runs allowed over 4 innings in a 10-6 defeat versus the Philadelphia Phillies, the worst performance of his career. In his start before that, he gave up another 4 runs to the Reds. The right-hander also had three starts in which he allowed 3 runs or fewer. But Fridays appearance capped the worst stretch Skenes has had in his three MLB seasons. He finishes July with 6.25 ERA in six starts.

Jul. 31GRAND FORKS A beautiful morning blue skies and less humidity greeted UND for the third day of fall football camp at Memorial Field.Here are five observations.UND cornerbacks Avery Scott and Johnnie Wiltshire again watched practice from the sidelines as they wait to be cleared to join their teammates.Meanwhile, 6-foot-4 senior cornerback transfer Ben Kamara, who is taking key reps, made a highlight-reel play that showed why height matters at the position.Kamara intercepted an underthrown ball, using his body positioning and height to fend off 6-foot-4 wide receiver Deng Deng's effort.Kamara made the contested catch, secured the ball and held on as he fell on his back. The play drew a reaction from his teammates."To be that big and long, and to be able to move your feet and play corner, you don't have a lot of those guys," UND coach Eric Schmidt said. "We really have two of them. We think Evan Kludt is very similar as far as his body type, and don't forget about Grant Noland. Those are the guys, right now, who have been most consistent for us."Kamara spent last season at Akron.Scott and Wiltshire are expected to join practice soon once they're officially enrolled in graduate school.They won't know until later in August if they're eligible to play. That part of the process will be determined by the courts.Schmidt said he doesn't mind being in limbo."To me, I look at it like, hey, they're two guys who maybe got injured during spring ball and they're trying to work their way back," Schmidt said. "We don't know if they're going to make it back or not. If we get them, it's a huge shot in the arm."During breaks in practice, UND's players frequently ran over to Scott and Wiltshire to converse."We're going to support them and help them in any way we can," Schmidt said. "There have been a lot of kids that are in the same category as them who have been given the opportunity to play. So, why not them? Let's exhaust all the different avenues that we can to get those guys back."They're really good, quality people and they're guys who are proven at this level. They love football and love being here. They obviously could have easily gone to court and gone somewhere else. But they're like, 'Hey, I want to be here. This place has been good to me and I want to return the favor.'"Junior safety Tyler Erkman jumped a route to intercept a pass Friday morning during one-on-one drills with wide receivers.It was the type of play that Schmidt hopes to see from a player who started as a redshirt and slowly has worked his way into getting more and more reps."We made a killing on those guys throughout the 90s and early 2000s," Schmidt said. "It was always like, 'You're losing all these guys.' It's like, 'Yeah, but we have all these other guys who are not 18-year-olds, they're 20-year-olds and ready to go, behind them.' He is that for us."Schmidt said Erkman has been a coach on the field and his consistency has been notable."For us, it's consistently good over occasionally great," Schmidt said. "Those are the guys we're going to move to the top of our depth chart. Those are the guys who are going to see the field the most."UND ran through a drill for its tight ends and wide receivers to work on blocking downfield.Offensive coordinator Danny Freund said that's going to be a key part of UND's offense and he hopes it can spring big plays."For what we want to do on offense, we need to stretch all areas of the field," Freund said. "We're going to throw the ball vertically down the field. We're going to run the ball and attack people inside the tackles."But part of the RPO (run-pass option) game and quick game is just being able to throw the ball to the perimeter and stretch the field horizontally. To do that, you've got to have everybody blocking and understanding leverage and knowing how to run their feet out there on the perimeter."Freund said making key blocks down the field can sometimes turn a five-yard pickup into an explosive play.UND's tight ends made plays throughout Friday's practice.Haydn Stay made a few catches that turned into solid yardage. Nathan Hromadka made a few catches in traffic across the middle.But another tight end drew Schmidt's attention on Friday Grand Forks Central graduate Tray Kuntz."I really like where Tray Kuntz is at right now, Schmidt said. "He's a kid where, we talk about being junkyard dogs and guys who are doing the right things, he does 'simple' better every play. It's not like he's doing less. He just concentrates on the things that really, really matter. He's improved so much. I'm excited about him."Kuntz made a crushing block Friday to spring quarterback Jerry Kaminski for a big run."He's up to close to 270 pounds," Schmidt said. "He's strong and physical and just has the right demeanor. He loves that part about football. He'll go put his face on you all day long. That's what we need. Coach (Gordie) Haug has done a great job with those guys."

Watch Dakota Ditcheva vs. Denise Kielholtz full fight video highlights from their co-main event clash at PFL New York on Friday night, courtesy of the PFL. Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Archie Colgan took place on July 31 at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, featured live on ESPN.Official Result: Dakota Ditcheva def. Denise Kielholtz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)Catch all the video highlights below.Dakota Ditcheva is READY TO GOThe Co-Main Event is LIVE NOW#PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/cTKJJcP8Un PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026Big shots from Dakota Ditcheva to end Round #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/xng785yJrH PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026Dakota Ditcheva smells blood early in Round 2 #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/jbwmGMSeCv PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026HUGE SHOTS FROM DITCHEVA #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/jRGAgmXNio PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026Our Co-Main Event goes the distance! #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/yndjwWxGdD PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026DAKOTA DITCHEVA WINS IT BY UNANIMOUS DECISION #PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/qtvUNJYR0d PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026

After a sensational 32-point performance during Indiana's 105-95 win over Seattle on Tuesday, Caitlin Clark and the Fever (18-10) return to action tonight with another West Coast battle against the Portland Fire (11-17) at Moda Center in Portland, Ore.During Tuesday's win against the Storm, Clark's 32 points on 9 for 14 shooting and seven assists marked the ninth time in the former Hawkeye's career that she finished with at least 30-plus points and five or more assists, which is now the most in Fever franchise history.The Fever are riding a four-game winning streak, during which they have eclipsed 100 points in each win and hold a league-leading offensive pace of 95.8 points per game, but will face a Portland squad that has already taken down Indiana earlier this year behind a season-high 22 points from fellow Iowa legend Megan DiLeo.As the Fever and Fire compete against each other in their third and final regular-season matchup, follow along for live scoring updates and highlights of Caitlin Clark's performance:Indiana Fever Injury ReportDespite scoring 32 points against the Storm on Tuesday, Caitlin Clark once again has appeared as probable on the Fever's day-before injury report. Clark (back) is joined by forwards Monique Billings (left hip) and Aliyah Boston (right lower leg), who also carry a probable designation. Meanwhile, backup center Damiris Dantas (left knee) is unavailable again tonight as she did not travel with the team on their current three-game road trip.Status Report for tomorrows game at Portland:Caitlin Clark - Probable (back)Aliyah Boston - Probable (right lower leg)Monique Billings - Probable (left hip)Damiris Dantas - NWT (left knee) pic.twitter.com/9CyZ8j3I1c Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 31, 2026Given the importance that Boston has on the overall flow of the team, the former South Carolina Gamecock will likely see some form of minutes restriction implemented by the team medical staff tonight.Where to watch Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs. Portland FireWatch Indiana Fever vs. Portland FireDate: Friday, July 31Time: 9 p.m. CTTV: IONWhere to stream Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever vs. Portland FireFans can stream Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the Portland Fire via Fubo.Contact/Follow us@HawkeyesWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Scout on X:@SpringgateNewsThis article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Indiana Fever vs. Portland Fire: Caitlin Clark points, stats

The San Francisco Giants will be withholding payment to Harrison Bader following a late-night scooter accident that worsened his left foot injury, the team announced Friday. Bader was announced as out for the season on Thursday.In a statement attributed to president of baseball operations Buster Posey, the Giants said they were still looking into the accident that "delayed" Bader's return from plantar fasciitis, but would not be paying him until he's performing again: "Over the weekend, Harrison Bader was involved in an accident that has delayed Harrison's prior treatment timeline for plantar fasciitis and, unfortunately, his return to the field. We are still investigating the circumstances of the accident, but will be suspending payment to Harrison until he is able to resume performing services for the Club."Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the Giants in free agency last offseason. It seems likely he will file a grievance against the Giants through the MLB Players Association, which happens pretty much any time a team unilaterally withholds money from a player.Curiously, Giants manager told reporters on Thursday that he believed Bader's return "would have been a longshot to begin with" due to the plantar fasciitis. One would imagine that comment being of interest for the MLBPA.Bader has not played in a game since May 29. He was set to meet with a specialist in Indianapolis on Monday to evaluate his progression, but further injured the foot in a crash around 2 a.m. early Sunday morning near Balboa Cafe, a popular bar in San Francisco's Marina District.According to a report from SFist, a witness said Bader crashed into the back of a San Francisco Fire Department fire engine, the wheel of which then rolled over his foot. Per The Athletic, he was seen drinking in bars in multiple neighborhoods before the crash.This somehow isn't the first time Bader has faced significant consequences after driving a scooter into a truck on an early Sunday morning, as he was suspended from the Florida baseball team for 19 games in college following an incident in which he allegedly hit a parked Ford F-150.Harrison Bader's Giants career has not gone as hoped.ASSOCIATED PRESSThis injury is an ignominious end to a season that hardly started strong. The former Gold Glover remains one of MLB's better defenders in center field when healthy, but struggled to replicate the production from his career year at the plate in 2025.In his 30 games this season, he slashed .170/.198/.358 with five homers and no stolen bases. His 54 OPS+, which adjusts for the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park, still represents a new low in a career not known for consistent hitting.

The Cleveland Browns are building a $2.4 billion domed stadium thats set to open in 2029. Theyre also building a roster ownership hopes can make up a contending playoff team in 2027.But JW Johnson, a partner of the Haslam Sports Group, emphasized Friday in a news conference alongside owner Jimmy Haslam that Cleveland isnt punting on the 2026 season by any means.We're excited about how we're going to play, and we'll see how the schedule shakes out, said Johnson, the husband of Jimmy and Dee Haslams daughter Whitney. But the guys are ready to win this year. There's no mandate like, 'Hey, we got to just focus on '27 and beyond.' It's every year we want to win.Earlier, Haslam and Johnson were asked what success for the Browns looks like this season.I would say this, and we never do this, but I think the odds are for us to win 5 1/2 games, Haslam said. I'll take the over.#Browns owner Jimmy Haslam on what success looks like this season:I think the odds are for us to win 5.5 games. Ill take the over. pic.twitter.com/7z98HSKaaS Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 31, 2026The Browns have won five or fewer games back-to-back seasons. Granted they have an intriguing pool of young talent, but they notably traded away two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett now the leagues single-season sack record holder and might not have a long-term solution at quarterback in the facility at the moment.Cleveland appears to be in a bit of an awkward spot, perhaps a bridge year under first-time NFL head coach Todd Monken, a 60-year-old offensive mind who most recently served as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator the past three seasons.During a rebuild, loading the clip for the future while maintaining excitement in the present is a tough balancing act. Haslam and Johnson were peppered with questions about the transition phase the Browns find themselves in ahead of the 2026 campaign.As confident as Haslam seems to be that his football team will at least reach the six-win mark, he also spent time Friday establishing realistic goals, including when he was asked about how he intends to balance this developmental period with having high expectations.Well, I don't know how about 'high expectations, he said. Let's say improved expectations. OK? We're always careful, as you know, to set the expectations.I think we have made giant strides in our talent level the last two years. I think we could have the chance to start double-digit first- and second-year players. And I don't care how good you are, it takes a little bit of time to improve, but we're really excited about the roster we've assembled.The glaring question mark is at the quarterback position, where veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year pro Shedeur Sanders are competing for the starting job. The winner of that battle might not even be QB1 in 2027, though.Next years draft class is expected to be loaded with NFL-caliber signal-callers, after all.Listen, somebody might have a great year, and they're our quarterback forever. OK? Haslam said. Or neither of them might. I think it's way, way, way early to be talking about who's going to be our quarterback next year. We got to figure out who's going to start the first game.Haslam said he thinks the Browns contending quarterbacks will participate in this years preseason games, except he clarified that whether they do will be Monkens call.When asked about the idea of Cleveland timing a resurgence with the debut of its new stadium, Haslam shut down that theory quickly.I mean, we want to be a contending playoff team in '27, OK? he said. That doesn't mean we can't make it in '26, but the stadium does not come into play at all.Haslam took over the team in 2012. The Browns have made the playoffs only twice during his run as owner, and theyve yet to win the division or advance past the AFC divisional round of the playoffs in that span. Our on-field performance, and this is more Dee and I, not Whitney and JW, is something that keeps us awake at night, and it's unacceptable, Haslam said Friday. And I hate it the most for our fans because they deserve better than that. So we're working hard every day to not have that same kind of performance we've had in the past, but we don't have our head in the sand. We know we've not performed.

Essex Post 91 relied on its offense to return to the top, combining for 20 runs over two games on the final day of the 2026 Vermont American Legion baseball tournament at St. Peter's Field in Rutland on Friday, July 31.Essex Post 91 bested Ludlow Post 36, 9-5, in an elimination earlier in the day before hanging on for an 11-6 triumph over Lyndon Post 30 to claim the championship. It's Essex Post 91's first state title since wrapping a three-peat in 2023, and the program's 14th overall.Essex, which moves to 22-7 on the summer, advances to the Northeast Regionals, which will take place Aug. 5-9 in Worcester, Massachusetts. For how Essex carved out two wins to secure the legion crown on July 31, see below:Essex Post 91 9, Ludlow Post 36 5Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Essex pushed across three runs, with Jake Philbrick's two-run single breaking a 3-all tie. Ludlow drew level in the next frame before Essex countered with a four-run outburst in the home half of the sixth. During the rally, Chris Morgan (RBI single), Garret Carter (two-run double) and Owen Labor (RBI single) produced run-scoring hits.Philbrick picked up the win, going six full innings and allowing nine hits, five runs (four earned) and striking out six. Carter (2-for-3, three RBIs), Labor (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) and Nico Caiano (2-for-3, two runs) each had multi-hit games at the plate.Essex Post 91 11, Lyndon Post 30 6In a rematch of Lyndon's 11-8 win from earlier in the week during tournament play, Essex gained the upper hand in the championship showdown. The tournament's final game featured a combined 17 runs and 19 hits plus five Lyndon errors.Carter delivered the insurance with a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning, turning a three-run advantage into the game's final margin.Essex struck for three runs in the first and opened a 9-3 lead with a four-run fifth boosted by Labor's two-run hit. Lyndon got to within 9-6 on Ben West's single and Parker Thompson's sac fly in the sixth before Carter smacked his double to seal the title.Carter finished 1-for-4 with four RBIs. Caiano drove in three runs in a 1-for-3 day, Labor went 1-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and Alec Davis had two hits and scored three runs. Philbrick also doubled.ContactAlex Abrami ataabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Essex Post 91 wins Vermont American Legion Baseball state tournament

Jun 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn ImagesThe Brewers didnt get off to the best start on their six-game California road trip, dropping two of three to the San Francisco Giants. After an off day to regroup, theyll have as good an opportunity as any to get back on track against a Los Angeles Angels team thats tied with the Rockies for the worst record in baseball.On the mound for the Brewers is left-hander Shane Drohan, whos been excellent in his first season with the organization. Drohan has posted a 3.51 ERA while striking out 82 batters in 82 innings this year. He was originally scheduled to start the series finale against the Giants, but Brewers manager Pat Murphy instead called up Thomas Pannone for a spot start to give his rotation a little extra rest.The Angels will counter with 23-year-old right-hander Ryan Johnson, their second-round competitive balance selection in the 2024 draft. Johnson made headlines last season after breaking camp with the big league club despite never pitching in the minor leagues. He struggled to a 7.36 ERA across 14 relief appearances as a rookie and has posted an almost identical 7.34 ERA through 11 appearances (eight starts) this season.As for the lineup, Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio will bat first and second for the second straight game, followed by designated hitter Christian Yelich. William Contreras will hit cleanup, with Jake Bauers and Garrett Mitchell batting fifth and sixth. Rounding out the lineup are Luis Lara (.832 OPS in his first 42 at-bats as a Brewer), David Hamilton, and Cooper Pratt. With Hamilton starting at third base, Joey Ortiz is out of the lineup again tonight.One final piece of roster news: left-hander DL Hall, who owns a 2.03 ERA in 24 appearances this season, has been activated from the injured list. Pannone was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.For those of you tuning in, tonights game will air on Brewers.TV, WTMJ, and the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch is scheduled for 8:38 p.m.Wrapping up the month in the OC: https://t.co/eycfmE2vgm: WTMJ@NicoletLaw x #ThisIsMyCrewpic.twitter.com/6ezvHP3Hen Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 31, 2026

The San Francisco Giants are suspending payments to Harrison Bader following a scooter accident that resulted in a season-ending foot injury. "Over the weekend, Harrison Bader was involved in an accident that has delayed Harrisons prior treatment timeline for plantar fasciitis and, unfortunately, his return to the field," Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey said in a statement. "We are still investigating the circumstances of the accident, but will be suspending payment to Harrison until he is able to resume performing services for the club." Bader has been sidelined since May 29 due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The injury was further aggravated during the scooter accident. However, Giants manager Tony Vitello said on Thursday that Bader's season was already over due to his pre-existing foot injury. Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the Giants in January. Bader appeared in 30 games before his season-ending injury and batted .170 with five home runs. The Giants are fourth in the NL West with a record of 47-62.

Secondary coach Kris Richard of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the third quarter against the SeattleSeahawks at Lumen Field on Oct.25, 2021, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Three head coaches and three defensive coordinators in three seasons means Stanford won't be taking a lot of continuity into its 2026 opener against visiting Hawaii on Aug. 29.But the Cardinal players are taking a change-can-be-good approach as they prepare for their first game under head coach Tavita Pritchard and defensive coordinator Kris Richard (pronounced Ri-shard)."Obviously, it's not always ideal, learning a new scheme every single year," redshirt senior linebacker Matt Rose said after practice Thursday morning, "but I try to look at the positives out of it. I've learned so much about football."Everyone has their scheme, but at the end of the day, football is football."Junior cornerback Brandon Nicholson said, "I think every year- no matter what the case is- our group comes in determined. And we come in receptive to whoever is our defensive coordinator and we listen."Nicholson said he and his teammates are particularly enthused about listening to Richard."He's captivated our room," Nicholson said.Redshirt senior defensive lineman Zach Rowell said Richard "is a bad dude, man. You can feel his tenacity and his energy when you talk to him."Stanford hired Pritchard in late November to replace interim head coach Frank Reich, who had taken the job March 31, 2025, after Troy Taylor was fired. Pritchard hired Richard in mid-February.A longtime NFL assistant coach whose most recent job was coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive backs in 2024, Richard said he talked to the Stanford players about the fact they've had to adjust to three different staffs in three seasons."You do address it because you want everybody to know that they're being seen," Richard said. "But once it's addressed, then we move on."Bobby April was the Cardinal's defensive coordinator in 2024 and Andy Thompson was in charge of the defense last season.Richard was a defensive back at USC (1998-2001). He played three seasons (2002-04) with the Seattle Seahawks and one game in 2005 with the 49ers.He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at USC under head coach Pete Carroll in 2008. Richard followed Carroll to the Seahawks in 2010 as an assistant defensive backs coach. Richard became Seattle's defensive coordinator for three seasons (2015-17).Richard later had stints on the defensive staffs of the Cowboys (2018-19), Saints (2021-22) and Jaguars (2024). He was New Orleans' co-defensive coordinator in '22.He wants his players to be "running, hitting. Doing it with an energy and an enthusiasm and a love and a dominant spirit."As for a significant scheme change, Richard will have the Cardinal use four down linemen as the base alignment. Stanford had gone with three down linemen in its base defense the previous few years."It just lets us play and free fast," Rowell said, "which ideally for big boys up front, that's what we want."Rose finished tied for second in the ACC with 106 tackles last season. He said that after spring ball and summer workouts, he's excited about the progress the defense has made."You can finally feel the defense coming together in terms of communication, alignment, assignment," Rose said.Last season, the Cardinal finished 13th in the 17-team ACC in scoring defense (29.2 points per game) and yards allowed per game (408.2).That was an improvement from 2024, when Stanford was last in scoring defense (33.7) and 16th in yards allowed per game (413.5).The Stanford defense hopes to make an even more significant jump this season under Richard."It's obvious he knows what he's talking about. He believes what he's talking about," Nicholson said. "We are basically a vessel for him."Briefly: When asked to name a relatively unknown defensive player who will make a big impact this season, Richard and the players quoted in this story all mentioned redshirt junior defensive lineman Braden Marceau-Olayinka. Thompson has remained on the Farm as inside linebackers coach. Reich is now the New York Jets' offensive coordinator.Steve Kroner is a freelance writer. Email: skroner@sbcglobal.net; X: @SteveKronerSFSubscribeTheres more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25.This article originally published at New coordinator adds to optimism with Stanford defenders.