General manager Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers signed defensive lineman Keeanu Benton to a contract extension Friday night. GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to sign members of their 2023 draft class to long-term extensions.NFL Networks Ian Rapoport reported Friday night the Steelers inked defensive lineman Keeanu Benton to a record-setting deal.Rapoport posted on X the contract extension is worth $72 million over four years, paying Benton $18 million per year.Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and the Steelers have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension, sources say, wrote Rapport. This deal, worth $18 million per year, will make Benton the highest paid DL in Steelers history.Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and the #Steelers have agreed to a four-year, $72M contract extension, sources say. This deal, worth $18M per year, will make Benton the highest paid DL in Steelers history.The deal was negotiated by agent Joe DiBenedetto of @1OF1FOOTBALL. pic.twitter.com/TnfTWh5NkQ Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 15, 2026Benton will be entering his fourth season with the team this fall. He started all 17 games for the first time last season. Benton also had a career-best 5.5 sacks in 2025.In addition to Benton, the Steelers have signed his draft classmates tight end Darnell Washington and outside linebacker Nick Herbig to contract extensions this year.Herbigs deal was a 4-year, $100 million contract. Washingtons extension was also four years in length and worth $42 million.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Steelers Sign Third Member of 2023 NFL Draft Class to Extension: Report appeared first on HEAVY.

(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is at odds with the LSU Tigers football program after the school gave his former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels wore No. 5 during his time with the Tigers and became the programs third Heisman Trophy winner in 2023.As a result, Daniels attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter, a copy ofwhich ESPN obtained, to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on Aug. 5, telling the school it could no longer use Daniels name, image or likeness. Amid the Commanders stars rift with LSU, Paul Finebaum of ESPN didnt hold back his thoughts on the situation and put Daniels on blast. I got to know Jayden Daniels when he was at LSU, Finebaum said during an Aug. 14 appearance on The Team 980. I really liked him and talked to him a lot. I would interview Brian Kelly. Even when he went to the Commanders, there was a great sense of pride in what he did the first year. I said all that to say this: Hes lost all of that from everywhere and everyone in LSU Nation after what happened this week [and] I know its been said here before, but I rarely have ever seen a dumber, more senseless move. I dont know who pulled the strings, but all the cleanup on aisle three from Jayden Daniels from this moment on will not be enough. He has made a terrible mistake. He can be successful in Washington. I hope he is. But I would advise him to never waste another second in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, because they are done with him.Commanders Jayden Daniels Shouldnt Return to LSUMoreover, Finebaum went into further detail on how the LSU crowd would receive the Commanders QB should he decide to head down to Baton Rouge to watch a Tigers game this 2026 college football season. I think it would be chillier than Inauguration Day at the nations capital, Finebaum added about the reception that Daniels would receive from the crowd. I think its one thing if there was a misunderstanding, but when the report came out yesterday about the cease and desist and giving the trophy back, thats just pure stupidity. There are plenty of copies of the Heisman Trophy. I dont think anybody knows which one is the original because every school has one in its trophy case. Every player has one at home.Joe Burrow on Jayden Daniels, LSU SituationOn Aug. 13, Joe Burrow, LSUs second Heisman Trophy winner, received a question after theCincinnati Bengals 16-14 preseason win over theDetroit Lions.I dont know too much about it,Burrow told reporters postgame. I just heard about it a couple hours ago [and] I dont necessarily have too many thoughts at this time; I just dont know enough about the situation to have any thoughts, I would say.Furthermore, Burrow spoke about whether LSU ever intends to hand out his No. 9 jersey, given that it is the issue Daniels is having with the football program.Like, they havent, Burrow added. Yeah, they told me that they wouldnt use it again, but you never know what happens.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Paul Finebaum Blasts Commanders Jayden Daniels Over LSU Rift appeared first on HEAVY.

Relocating to another country is a major decision that requires careful planning, reliable logistics, and experienced support. Choosing the right international moving company can make the transition smoother and give you greater confidence throughout the relocation process. Asian Tigers Group has more than 45 years of experience in international relocation and a strong global network. Its...

LOS ANGELES As a wide-eyed 23-year-old who took Major League Baseball by storm last summer, Jacob Misiorowski seemed in awe of his circumstances. In his big-league debut against the Cardinals last June, the Missouri native watched Nolan Arenado step to the plate against him and almost couldnt believe it, though Misiorowski did not let his new reality overwhelm him. He threw five scoreless innings in his first MLB start and was named an All-Star just five appearances into his big-league career, to the excitement of some and the indignation of others. The wonderstruck rookie looked spellbound watching Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman sign his All-Star jersey in Atlanta. One year later, now the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award, no one can question Misiorowskis place among the leagues elite as he continues what has been one of the most overpowering seasons from a starting pitcher in baseball history. And yet, as he returns to Dodger Stadium to face Ohtani, Freeman and the Dodgers for the first time since pitching against the back-to-back champs in last years NLCS, the Milwaukee aces wide-eyed innocence remains. This all still feels a bit like a dream to Misiorowski. "I dont think it will ever get to a point where its just normal," Misiorowski told me ahead of his start Saturday. "Were at Dodger Stadium. This is sweet. As a little kid, I remember walking in when there wasnt even a game and going up to the team store and seeing the stadium. Its so cool to be down here." Misiorowski, however, never let his feelings of wonder and astonishment overtake him. In his last start before the All-Star Game last July, he shook off a leadoff home run from Ohtani on an 0-2 curveball that caught too much of the plate to outduel Clayton Kershaw while striking out 12 Dodgers batters in a 3-1 Brewers win. He followed that performance up with a scoreless inning of relief at the All-Star Game. But growing pains loomed, as they do with every young pitcher. The Brewers monitored Misiorowskis usage down the stretch, and his performances became inconsistent. Long at-bats and free passes led to high pitch counts and early removals. He had an ERA over 5.00 in the second half, and he was used as a bulk reliever in the postseason. And he starred in the role. Misiorowski finished his first postseason with a 1.50 ERA in 12 playoff innings. In his final outing of the 2025 playoffs, MIsiorowski gave up just two runs (one earned) while striking out nine batters over five innings in Game 3 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium. In his final appearance against Ohtani, he sent the MVP back to the dugout swinging. "To be able to do that on a huge stage against the World Series champions has got to build confidence for him," Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold told me. "To be able to say, Hey, I was able to survive at the highest level against the best competition,' its got to be a huge boost for him moving forward." Though Misiorowski ultimately suffered the loss in that game as the Brewers overmatched offense put up just one run in defeat, his individual performance did indeed have lasting effects. "That was the real turning point last year," Misiorowski told me. "I went through the struggles at the end of the year, and really was trying to battle through it. Then, postseason rolled around, had the success and kind of brought it into this year, still on that momentum." As Misiorowski returns to Los Angeles this weekend to face the Dodgers for the first time since last years playoffs, he does so with a different pedigree. He is no longer just a hard thrower with promise. "Its a fair take that hes probably the best pitcher in baseball," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "Hes going to get his strikeouts. He's incredibly talented. I think you just got to kind of fight, get the pitch count up. I don't know if there's much of a lesson to be learned [from facing him last year]. I really don't, because how he threw that night is going to be different." Misiorowskis maturity this season is both physical and mental. He told me that he put on nearly 30 pounds from the end of last season to the start of this year, focusing primarily on adding more lower-body strength to prepare for the long haul of an MLB season. He has cut his walk rate nearly in half from last season and believes he is better now at reading swings and understanding why his catchers will call for certain pitches in certain spots. In addition to adding another tick of velocity to what was already one of the hardest fastballs in the game, Misiorowski also now has a separate cutter to combat lefties and a slider for righties. "Hes trying to be the best pitcher in the league," Brewers catcher William Contreras told me. "Hes more mature. Hes thinking more like a pitcher and not just wanting to throw hard." The result? Misiorowski leads all qualified starters in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP and opponents batting average, among a litany of categories, as he gets set to pitch at Dodger Stadium on Saturday for the first time since last years NLCS. Misiorowski believes the familiarity with the mound and the backdrop will be beneficial, even if the pressure, stakes and atmosphere wont be quite the same as his last appearance at the venue. And when he sees Ohtani again, dont expect another hanging curve. Get ready for gas. "He knows what Im going to do," said Misiorowski, whos averaging 100.6 mph on his four-seamer. "Im going to throw a heater. Good luck. Here it is."

LOS ANGELES Pat Murphy issued a homework assignment to the dozen or so assembled reporters huddled around his desk at Dodger Stadium the afternoon of Aug. 14.Id like you guys to figure out how many balls William [Contreras] has hit on a line to right-center, to center, to right field at 100+ this year for an out, he said.Murphys query was in response to a question about the slumping catchers inclusion in the lineup after yet another bad night at the plate. Contreras was 0 for his last 17 entering the day and was coming off a game with a pair of unsightly at-bats that ended by striking out.Contreras did also hit a ball hard and in the air, lining out at 104 mph to center field at one point, and that swing stuck with his manager.That changes your perspective a little bit, Murphy said.Shortly thereafter, the answer to Murphys question was presented: Seventeen, the most on the Brewers and 24th-most in baseball.That sentiment is one of the reasons Murphy has continued to play Contreras just about every day in spite of a prolonged funk that has seen his OPS dip more than 100 points from .810 in late June to .702 now. Contreras entered the game Aug. 14 slashing .163/.248/.264 since the calendar turned to July. In the second half, he was batting .159.His hitless streak ran to 20 at-bats with an 0-for-3 showing though he did have an 18th 100+ mph air out to center or right and walked in a ninth inning rally that fell short and hes also 4 for his last 43.Williams an all-star man, Murphy said. Hell be just fine.The skippers inquiry prompted a follow-up: Just how unlucky, exactly, has Contreras been?By percentage of those same batted balls that resulted in an out, though, Contreras is right in the middle of the pack (41st out of 99 qualified hitters). Furthermore, Contreras expected wOBA, which takes into account the exit velocity and launch angle of every batted ball rather than outcome, only trails his actual wOBA by 11 points.Translation: Contreras may be a bit unlucky this year, but thats not the primary reason hes struggling.The biggest reason why Murphy keeps trotting Contreras out there while Gary Snchez is one of the hottest hitters on the team?He doesnt think that, with the way Contreras is wired, a day off is going to be of service.I dont think William is going to get out of it by simply sitting on the bench, Murphy said. It might be something I try if it doesnt work. But when he gets three ground ball hits between the 5-6 hole, that doesnt mean hes back, either.Contreras, renowned around the team for his desire to play every day, himself expressed that the way out of the hole was to keep on swinging."Keep going, he said earlier in the week. Keep doing what I do. Keep working harder.So far on the road trip, the slumps of the Brewers two highest-paid hitters, Contreras and Christian Yelich, havent broken. Contreras 0 for 15 while Yelich is 2 for 14 with a homer. "We have a lot of guys going through it," Yelich said. "No one feels sorry for you. You just got to keep going and keep working. Thats the only way it gets better. If you stop doing that then its definitely not going to get better. You got to keep working and try to find something that sticks." Yelich can at least point to some rough sledding in the luck department, with a 96 mph lineout Aug. 14 following three hard-hit outs the preceding day. One of those outs was a 101 mph flyout to left field that seemed ticketed for the seats before dying at the warning track."Its hard," Yelich said. "Its a results based game, right? You can only trust the process for so long. Eventually you have to start having things go right and producing. Hopefully thats around the corner. I dont know what else to do beside keep working.For better or worse, Yelich and Contreras are the Brewers' guys. If they soar, it will likely be on their backs. If they sink, it will be at least in part be on their batted balls straight down into the ground.Yelich hopes better results are around the corner. Murphy believes that's true. He and the Brewers have no other choice.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mired in nasty slump, Brewers don't believe time off needed for William Contreras

Alta defenders celebrate a touchdown after blocking and recovering a punt during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News It took a year, but Alta got its revenge on Springville for the one-score defeat the Red Devils handed the Hawks in last seasons opener, winning 38-35 Friday night in Sandy in a choppy contest.My initial thoughts (are) we got a lot to clean up, Alta head coach Blake Burdette said following his teams victory. We had things we can control that we need to do, but Im proud of the fight of the boys.Burdettes boys were down 35-24 entering the fourth quarter before a 9-yard touchdown run from senior running back Lucas Pagel brought the game within one score with 9:36 to play.Moments later, an interception by Alta junior defensive back Bronson Schriever put the Hawks back on the attack.That was awesome, Burdette said of Schrievers timely turnover. Our goal this year is (to) win the turnover margin every game, and we did that today. Alta defenders celebrate a fumble recovery during a high school football game against Springville at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Wesley Yearsley (4) is swarmed by Alta defenders during a high school football game at Alta High School in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Xavier Cocci (16) passes the ball during a high school football game against Springville at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Alta defenders celebrate a fumble recovery during a high school football game against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Alta defenders celebrate a touchdown after blocking and recovering a punt during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Xavier Cocci (16) tries to avoid a tackle by Springvilles Treyton Harris (28) during a high school football game in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springville football players watch as a referee completes a coin toss during a high school football game against Alta in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Alta team captains walk to center field for the coin toss during a high school football game against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Phoenix Marks (16) kicks a PAT during a high school football game against Alta in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Children sit on the Alta letters during a high school football game against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Madden McAllister (15) kicks a PAT during a football game against Springville at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Damian Baby Tupou (3) checks to make sure he is onside during a high school football game against Alta at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Beckett Burton (15) hands the ball off to his teammate Wesley Yearsley (4) during a high school football game against Alta at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Treven Cooke (7) runs the ball during a high school football game against Springville at Alta High School on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Sioasi Toki (6) runs the ball during a high school football game against Alta at Alta High School in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Xavier Cocci (16) passes the ball during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Springvilles Bradley Miller (11) passes the ball during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Breck Warren (2) catches the ball and runs for a touchdown during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Altas Maximus Cocci (4) runs the ball as Springvilles Cooper Creer (2) closes in during a high school football game hosted by Alta against Springville in Sandy on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News Following the interception, Alta ground away the 37 yards it needed to score a touchdown, running the ball seven times and passing it just once on what became the game-winning drive. The Hawks found the end zone on a 6-yard rush from senior running back Treven Cooke with just under three-and-a-half minutes to go.The Red Devils were unable to score in that limited time, turning the ball over on downs before Alta ran the clock out.The Hawks never trailed in the first half, taking a 17-7 lead to the locker room. Alta held the advantage thanks to a blocked punt that led to a special teams touchdown and a fumble recovery that saw the Sandy squad punch in its first score of the season on a 22-yard pass from senior quarterback Xavier Cocci to senior wideout Breck Warren.However, reminiscent of the teams August 2025 meeting, the Hawks saw things change in a hurry in one quarter.In last years season opener, Springville scored three of its four total touchdowns in the second quarter to pick up the victory. This year, the Red Devils big quarter came in the third as Springville exploded for 28 points in the frame, all while keeping Altas offense off the field for much of that time. The visitors secured two interceptions and recovered a live ball on a kickoff, taking over the contest in a blink of an eye.However, this time around it did not doom the Hawks, who ultimately regained momentum in the fourth quarter for the dramatic comeback victory.When asked what his message was to his team after things flipped so quickly in the third quarter, Burdette said, I was just telling them, We just need to settle down. Whats happened in the past is mistakes compound each other and then our body language gets bad, so I was just letting them know we just got to go to the next play.Alta will try to compound its positive momentum when it remains home for a meeting with Bingham next Thursday evening. Springville, meanwhile, will look to pick up its first win of the season when it plays on the road again next Friday, this time at Green Canyon. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Brett Hull Praises Maple Leafs Legend Wendel Clark GettyBrett Hull raved about former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark for his legendary toughness. Hull highlighted Clarks well-rounded skill set and ability to fight the toughest enforcers in the league.Clark, 59, was selected 1st overall by the Maple Leafs in the 1985 NHL Draft. Despite being drafted as a defenseman, the Kelvington, Saskatchewan, native became a left-winger when he entered the NHL.Clarks tenacity was on full display, as he would do anything possible to help his team win. Whether it was scoring a goal, throwing a big hit, or fighting to shift momentum, Clark was crucial to Torontos success.Hull, 62, witnessed Clarks impact firsthand while playing for the St. Louis Blues. The Blues and Leafs played in the Norris Division. Players have hilariously referred to it as the Chuck Norris Division because of the number of enforcers on each team.Brett Hull Raves About Ex-Maple Leafs Captain Wendel Clarks ToughnessBrett Hull heaped praise on Wendel Clark for his toughness on and off the ice. The two-time Stanley Cup champion recalled that the Leafs legend even getting the better of legendary enforcer Bob Probert.Will you guys agree with me that Wendel Clark is one of the greatest hockey players ever? Hull posed to Sheldon Souray and Russ Courtnall on an episode of his Ice Guardians Podcast. You wanna go on YouTube and everyone says Bob Probert. Wendel Clark used to beat the [expletive] out of Bob Probert. Clark is the toughest human being on the planet.Hull also pointed to Clark never being afraid to sacrifice his body to land a big hit. He said that his style of play and effectiveness on the ice ultimately separated him from the rest.Dude, he was a killer. When he hit [Bell] behind the net with the Blues. It is absolutely crazy, Hull said.Russ Courtnall Shares Clark vs. Bob Probert Fight StoryRuss Courtnall also chimed in and shared Hulls sentiments about Clarks legendary toughness. Both players were teammates on the Leafs, and were among the teams core players.Courtnall recalled one game in particular in which Clark fought Bob Probert, who is widely considered the toughest NHL enforcer. He said the former Leafs captain not only did well against Probert, but also issued a warning to Basil McRae.We have a 5-on-5 brawl in Detroit. Im playing for the Leafs and Wendel is beating the [expletive] out of Bob Probert. And every time hes punching him, hes looking over, Courtnall toldIce Guardians Podcast. Basil [McRae] is just lifting me up and choking me. And Wendel starts telling Basil, as hes beating Probert up, If you dont let him go, youre next and Basil let me go. Thats how tough Wendel is. He was unbelievable.Courtnall also emphasized how tough Clark was during his career.[Clark was] drafted as a defenseman, never played one shift in the NHL as a [defenseman]. And, he scored goals and beat the crap out of every player. Toughest guy. Thank God he was my teammate, Courtnall said.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Brett Hull Raves About Ex-Maple Leafs Captain Wendel Clarks Legendary Toughness appeared first on HEAVY.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 12: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees tosses his bat after advancing to first base on a bases-loaded walk allowing Ben Rice #22 (not pictured) to score during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) GettyThe New York Yankees lost their series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-1, on Friday night.It was another inconsistent performance from Jazz Chisholm Jr., who recorded one hit in four at-bats and is now 5-for-his-last-35 at the plate.Chisholm Jr.s Base Running MistakeOne moment that stood out during the game came when Chisholm Jr. lost track of the number of outs in the inning.With two outs, Chisholm Jr. watched the ball in the air after a Yankees hitter made contact. The Blue Jays eventually caught it to end the inning, but Chisholm Jr. reacted extremely late and nearly found himself in a costly situation.This also isnt the first time this season that Chisholm Jr. has lost track of the outs while on the base paths.Check it out:Jazz Chisholm forgot the number of outs again. pic.twitter.com/PXVvxZZ4m9 Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) August 15, 2026Yankees Fans React on Social MediaAs expected, Yankees fans who have already criticized Chisholm Jr.s play this season didnt react lightly to the former All-Stars mental mistake.Wowhow do they continue to put up with that, a fan said.Someone else added, Some players you watch daily and just respect. Some players you watch daily and lose respect. Jazz is a player you have to watch daily to really get it.Another person wrote, The only way you fix this is by pulling him from the game and benching his [explicit] for the weekend.He needs to be benched, a fan shared.One more fan commented, Tired of his act.Chisholm Jr.s 2026 SeasonIts been a tough year for Chisholm Jr., and hed be the first one to tell you that. Hes discussed his struggles on several occasions this season.If I knew, I would already have fixed the problem, Chisholm said about his play. Even when I think Im getting going hitting, its still an out. Im still hitting it right at someone. I can hit it 107 (mph) and still hit it right at someone.Hes currently batting .216 across 394 at-bats with 85 hits, 17 home runs, 48 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Jazz Chisholm Jr. Faces Backlash for Mistake During Blue Jays Series appeared first on HEAVY.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Cole Carrigg #16 of the Colorado Rockies dives to make a catch to take a hit away from Bryce Eldridge #8 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on August 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The Rockies won the game 5-2. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesKyle Freeland worked eight strong innings, Zac Veen put a baseball into McCovey Cove and the Rockies got contributions from all over the roster in a 5-2 win over the San Francisco Giants Thursday night at Oracle Park.Colorado improved to 49-73 with the win, while San Francisco fell to 50-72. The Rockies are now just one game behind the Giants in the NL West.Freeland earned the win to improve to 4-10, allowing one run on four hits over 8.0 innings. Landen Roupp took the loss and fell to 7-12 after allowing four runs over 5.2 innings.Veen supplied the biggest swing with a two-run splash homer in the sixth, but the Rockies did not win on one swing alone. TJ Rumfield extended a two-out rally, Troy Johnston drove in the first run, Brett Sullivan helped manufacture another, Connor Norby drew two walks and stole a base, Willi Castro added a ninth-inning sacrifice fly, and the defense came up with several important plays behind Freeland.It was a solid win all the way around.Freeland keeps the Giants on the groundFreeland gave the Rockies eight strong innings without needing many strikeouts to get there.He allowed one run on four hits with one walk and two strikeouts over 8.0 innings. He threw 95 pitches, 66 for strikes, and recorded 13 ground-ball outs.Freeland leaned most heavily on his sinker and knuckle curve, throwing 27 sinkers and 26 knuckle curves. He also mixed in 14 cutters, 12 changeups, 11 four-seam fastballs and five sweepers.The sinker averaged 90.4 mph with 16 inches of horizontal movement. The knuckle curve averaged 82.2 mph and produced three whiffs, including one of Freelands two strikeouts.His first strikeout offered an early look at how he would mix those pitches. Freeland opened Rafael Devers with an 89.7 mph sinker for a called strike, followed with an 82.5 mph sweeper for another, then showed an 82.6 mph knuckle curve below the zone. With Devers still in a 1-2 count, Freeland went back to a 91.2 mph sinker and got the swing-through.View LinkThere was hard contact.San Francisco averaged 91.8 mph on 24 balls in play and produced 11 hard-hit balls. Bryce Eldridge did the only damage that reached the scoreboard, driving an 86.0 mph cutter 104.3 mph and 409 feet to dead center for his 13th home run in the fourth inning.View LinkFreeland settled right back in.Osleivis Basabe singled with two outs later in the fourth, but Freeland picked him off before the inning could develop any further. In the fifth, Freeland issued his first and only walk, then got Christian Koss to hit a sharp grounder to short for an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.View LinkThe final three innings were cleaner.Freeland retired the Giants in order in the sixth and started doing a little more with the knuckle curve in the seventh. He opened Victor Bericoto with consecutive knuckle curves for a called strike and a whiff, showed him a fastball above the zone, then went back below the zone with an 81.9 mph knuckle curve for strike three.Two groundouts followed.Freeland carried the same rhythm into the eighth. Buddy Kennedy grounded out to first, Andrew Knizner popped out to first, and Basabe became Freelands 13th and final ground-ball out.That last at-bat was another example of the mix. Freeland opened Basabe with an 81.8 mph knuckle curve for a strike, moved between the sinker, cutter and curve as the count reached 2-2, then got Basabe to roll an 82.7 mph knuckle curve to third for the final out of his night.Freeland did not miss many bats, and the Giants did hit several balls hard.They never turned that contact into sustained pressure.Freeland worked quickly, stayed around the zone and kept putting the ball on the ground. Eight innings later, Eldridges solo homer was the only run San Francisco had managed against him.Rockies make Roupp work, then make him payRoupps movement was real from the beginning.He struck out five over 5.2 innings and generated 14 whiffs on 46 swings. His curveball led the way at 36% usage, averaging 76.7 mph with 19 inches of horizontal break and 3,100 rpm. Roupp also generated six whiffs on eight swings against his four-seam fastball.For the first three innings, the Rockies had trouble doing much with it.That began to change with two outs in the fourth.Roupp struck out Mickey Moniak and Castro to start the inning before Rumfield fell behind 0-2. Rather than giving Roupp an easy third out, Rumfield fouled off a sinker and changeup, laid off two pitches outside the zone and eventually served a 76.4 mph curveball into left for a soft two-out single.Johnston supplied the hard contact.He got an 85.5 mph changeup and drove it 102.1 mph at a 28-degree launch angle into Triples Alley. The ball traveled 410 feet for Johnstons first triple of the season, scoring Rumfield and giving Colorado a 1-0 lead.View LinkThe inning kept going.Norby walked, stole second for his seventh stolen base of the season and Veen came to the plate already having seen Roupps stuff once.Veen quickly fell behind 0-2. He then laid off a fastball above the zone, two changeups below it, fought off a curveball with the count full and finally took an 89.4 mph cutter outside for ball four.The Rockies left the bases loaded when Ezequiel Tovar grounded out, but Roupp had gone from cruising through two quick strikeouts to laboring through an extended two-out rally.Colorado came back with another run in the fifth.Sullivan led off by driving a 92.6 mph sinker 104.0 mph and 413 feet off the wall in right-center for his 11th double. Jake McCarthy moved him to third, and with the infield in, Moniak hit a hard grounder to Koss at short.Sullivan broke on contact.The throw arrived home just as Sullivan slid his hand across the plate, putting the Rockies back in front 2-1.Then Veen changed the game.Norby drew his second walk of the night with one out in the sixth and moved to second on a wild pitch. Roupp started Veen with a fastball above the zone, and Veen expanded and swung through it.Veen stepped out of the box.He appeared to reset.Two pitches later, Roupp left a 76.5 mph curveball where Veen could handle it.Veen hit it 111.3 mph at a 32-degree launch angle and sent it 406 feet into McCovey Cove.View LinkThe two-run homer was Veens second of the season and extended Colorados lead to 4-1.It was also the fifth splash homer by a Rockies hitter and the first since Charlie Blackmon on June 7, 2022. Veen became the fourth Rockie to do it, joining Blackmon, Cory Dickerson and Carlos Gonzlez, who did it twice.Rockies add insurance before the defense finishes itThe Giants bullpen quieted Colorado for a while after Roupp departed.JT Brubaker worked a clean seventh, including a 95.4 mph sinker that ran back over the edge to freeze Moniak. Harris followed by striking out the side around a Johnston walk in the eighth.Colorado had a chance for more in the ninth.Tovar walked and Sullivan singled before McCarthy grounded into a force at third. Moniak then walked to load the bases, bringing San Francisco managers bullpen back into action with Jason Foley replacing Harris.Castro got one run home with a sacrifice fly to left. An errant throw allowed Moniak to advance to second, and Rumfield walked to reload the bases before Johnston grounded out.View LinkThe Rockies had an opportunity to break the game open, but settled for an important insurance run.Brennan Bernardino replaced Freeland for the bottom of the ninth and immediately found trouble. Jonah Cox tripled and Devers followed with an RBI double, cutting Colorados lead to 5-2 with nobody out.Then the defensive substitution paid off.Cole Carrigg had entered in center field before the eighth, with McCarthy moving to right. Eldridge lined a ball toward center, and Carrigg charged in and made a terrific catch just above the grass.Devers had already broken toward third.Carrigg got the ball back in, Norby completed the play at second and the Rockies suddenly had two outs and nobody on. The Giants challenged whether Carrigg had trapped the ball, but the ruling was upheld.View LinkBericoto followed with a single, but Castro ended the game with another strong defensive play, ranging from third into foul territory and making the catch up against the railing.View LinkThe ninth started to get uncomfortable.Carrigg and Castro made sure it did not stay that way for long.Final thoughtsOracle Park produced one of the stranger statistical details of the night.Eldridges fourth-inning home run traveled 409 feet.Johnstons triple traveled 410.Sullivans double went 413.Johnstons drive produced the Rockies only two-out RBI. Sullivans double started the fifth-inning rally that put Colorado back ahead. Both were significant swings even if Oracle Park kept them from becoming home runs.The Rockies also got considerable value from players whose box-score lines do not immediately jump off the page.Norby finished 0-for-2 but walked twice, stole a base and scored ahead of Veens homer. Rumfield had one hit, but that hit came after he fought back from 0-2 and kept the fourth inning alive. He also walked in the ninth.Colorado finished with only six hits but drew seven walks.The Rockies went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners aboard, so there were opportunities to score more. But they also found several ways to produce runs without simply waiting for a home run: Rumfields two-out battle, McCarthy moving Sullivan to third, Moniaks fielders choice, Norbys walks and Castros sacrifice fly all played a part.The defense mattered too.Tovar helped the Rockies escape a messy third inning by turning Devers grounder into a double play after Colorado failed to complete a rundown. He later started the 6-4-3 double play that erased Freelands only walk.Carriggs ninth-inning catch was the biggest defensive play of the night.And Veen supplied the biggest swing.Freeland supplied the rest.It added up to one of Colorados more complete wins.Up nextThe Rockies and Giants continue the series Friday afternoon at Oracle Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 p.m. MDT.Colorado will send Michael Lorenzen to the mound. The right-hander enters the game 3-10 with a 6.83 ERA and 81 strikeouts.San Francisco will counter with Logan Webb, who comes in 7-7 with a 3.59 ERA and 103 strikeouts.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when youre commenting. Thanks!