KRISTIE RIEKEN Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Like father, like son: Lucas Ramirez hits 2 homers for Brazil in WBC with dad Manny Ramirez watching

March 6, 2026

Manny Ramirez watched his son Lucas Ramirez hit two home runs for Brazil against the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Lucas Ramirez went deep Friday night in the first and eighth innings. The 20-year-old sent Logan Webb’s second pitch into the seats in right field to cut the Americans’ lead to 2-1. He added a solo shot in the eighth inning to get Brazil within 8-5. Lucas Ramirez is playing for Brazil because his mother, Juliana Ramirez, was born and raised in Sao Paulo. Manny Ramirez hit 555 career homers and was a 12-time All-Star.

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, right, reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

No. 4 Arizona steadies the ship with a gritty 73-66 win at No. 2 Houston

February 21, 2026

Arizona wasn’t feeling great after losing consecutive games following a 23-0 start. “The two losses just didn’t taste right in the mouth,” Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenko said. The fourth-ranked Wildcats are feeling a lot better now after winning two straight following that skid, capped by Saturday’s 73-66 victory over No. 2 Houston that gave them sole possession of first place in the Big 12 Conference.

Arizona guard Anthony Dell'orso (3) controls the ball as Houston guard Mercy Miller (25) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

Dell’Orso’s 22 points spark No. 4 Arizona past No. 2 Houston, 73-66 for Big 12 lead

February 21, 2026

Anthony Dell’Orso tied a season high with 22 points and No. 4 Arizona toppled second-ranked Houston 73-66 on Saturday to move into sole possession of first place in the Big 12 conference. Arizona (25-2, 12-2), which opened the season 23-0, won its second straight game following consecutive losses to then-No. 9 Kansas and then-16th-ranked Texas Tech, that knocked the team out of the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll. The Wildcats were down by 2 before scoring the next 12 points to make it 60-50 with about five minutes remaining. The Cougars missed eight consecutive shots and had three turnovers in that stretch to allow Arizona to build the lead.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) defends against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Kevin Durant’s season-high 39 points and clutch free throws lift Rockets over Timberwolves

January 16, 2026

Kevin Durant scored 39 points and made a season-best six 3-pointers to lead the Houston Rockets to a 110-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. A 6-2 run by the Timberwolves, with four points from Julius Randle, got them within 105-102 with about 90 seconds to go. Sengun fouled out soon after that and Jaden McDaniels made one of two free throws to get Minnesota within two points. Durant made two free throws with under a minute left before Randle turned the ball over and Durant was fouled again. He made two more free throws with 22.1 seconds left to seal the victory.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) loses possession of the ball while being tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)

Texans’ fearsome foursome fuels Houston’s pass rush

January 16, 2026

Asked how he’d describe Houston’s pass rush to someone who hadn’t seen the Texans play before, coach DeMeco Ryans took a few seconds before landing on an answer. “It’s like four Tasmanian devils just wrecking everything that’s in front of them,” he said. After a stellar performance in a win over the Steelers in the wild-card round, the Texans are looking for this fearsome foursome to lead them again when they visit the Patriots on Sunday, when a win will put them in the AFC championship for the first time in franchise history.

Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant (7) celebrates after making a game-winning 3-point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Durant admits game-winner over Suns meant more because he was ‘kicked out’

January 5, 2026

Houston’s Kevin Durant said hitting the game-winner Monday night against the Phoenix Suns meant more because it came against his former team that he felt kicked him out. Durant scored 26 points and his 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds to go lifted the Rockets to the 100-97 victory. Asked if it meant more because it came against the the Suns, the 15-time All-Star didn’t hold back. “Most definitely,” he said. “A place that I didn’t want to leave. My first time — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place.”

Play continues with the shot clock not working during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Clock and scoreboard malfunction delays Rockets vs. Suns game

January 5, 2026

Monday’s game between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns was briefly delayed because of a malfunction of the clocks and scoreboard before play resumed without either working. The problems began early in the second quarter when the game clock, shot clock and scoreboard stopped working. The clock and shot clocks went blank and the scoreboard was frozen with the score at the end of the first quarter. After play resumed, the public address announcer periodically announced the time remaining on the clock, gave the time left on the shot clock early in the count and counted down when the shot clock got under 10. The clock and scoreboard began working with about four minutes left in the first half, and the shot clocks were restored for the start of the third quarter.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)

Texans need win over Colts and loss by Jags to win AFC South for third straight season

January 2, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts got off to a great start. The Houston Texans are in the midst of an even better finish that has them heading to the playoffs and the Colts heading home after they conclude the regular season on Sunday. The Texans secured their third straight postseason berth with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 27 that eliminated the Colts from playoff contention. Houston has won eight straight games to become the fifth team since 1990 to make the playoffs after opening a season 0-3 and first to do it twice.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Texans defy odds to reach playoffs after 0-3 start, extend winning streak to eight games

December 29, 2025

The Houston Texans became the fifth team since 1990 to reach the playoffs after opening the season 0-3 and the first team to do it twice with their win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. The Texans (11-5) extended their winning streak to eight games with the 20-16 victory to join their 2018 team, the 1992 Chargers, 1995 Lions, and 1998 Bills as the only teams since 1990 to lose their first three games and advance to the playoffs. It’s Houston’s third straight trip to the playoffs, which is a franchise record and coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud are the fourth coach/QB duo in NFL history to advance to the postseason in each of their first three seasons.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Kevin Durant scores 30 points to lead the Rockets to a dominant win over the Cavaliers

December 27, 2025

Kevin Durant scored 30 points in three quarters to lead the Houston Rockets to an easy 117-100 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. The Rockets won their second straight after they lost four of their previous five games. Durant, who also had seven assists and four rebounds, didn’t play in the fourth quarter with Houston up by 27 points after three. Reserve Jaylon Tyson had 23 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell added 16 points on 7-for-17 shooting for the Cavaliers.

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) is tackled after a short run by Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (21) during the first quarter in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Miami’s fierce defense dominates Texas A&M to advance to Cotton Bowl

December 20, 2025

Miami brought a nasty defense into Texas A&M Saturday to down the seventh-seeded Aggies in the College Football Playoff. The No. 10 seed Hurricanes forced Marcel Reed into three turnovers and sacked him seven times in the 10-3 victory. “The defense was off the charts the entire day,” coach Mario Cristobal said. They move on to face No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) returns a punt against Texas A&M during the second quarter in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Miami freshman Malachi Toney redeems himself with winning touchdown in 10-3 victory over Texas A&M

December 20, 2025

Malachi Toney’s tiebreaking 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes left lifted No. 10 seed Miami to a 10-3 win over No. 7 Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff. Mark Fletcher Jr. had a career-high 172 yards rushing to help the Hurricanes (11-2) advance to the Cotton Bowl to face No. 2 seed Ohio State on Dec. 31.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

C.J. Stroud leads Texans to 6th straight win, 40-20 over Cardinals

December 14, 2025

C.J. Stroud threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns and the Houston Texans jumped out to a big early lead and cruised to a 40-20 victory over the slumping Arizona Cardinals. The Texans (9-5) have won six straight games for the first time since a nine-game winning streak in 2018 to improve their playoff hopes. It’s the sixth straight loss for the Cardinals (3-11), whose last win came on Nov. 3 against the Cowboys. Houston got going immediately with its fastest score of the season when Stroud connected with Nico Collins on a 57-yard touchdown on the second play of the game. Collins took the short throw, escaped two diving defenders at around the 40 and ran untouched into the end zone for the score.

Texas A&M wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman (3) reacts with quarterback Marcel Reed (10) after scoring a touchdown agianst Samford during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Texas A&M on the verge of historic season with undefeated record and SEC title hopes

November 25, 2025

No. 3 Texas A&M is on the verge of reaching heights the Aggies often tease but usually squander. They are undefeated. They could reach the Southeastern Conference title game and the College Football Playoff for the first time. Quarterback Marcel Reed is a Heisman Trophy contender and the school has rewarded coach Mike Elko with a blockbuster contract extension. Aggies faithful are hopeful that their program has finally taken a great leap forward. Reed says it feels amazing. He says, “It feels like I’m giving back to a lot of these fans for what they haven’t had.”

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is sacked by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) in the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Texans’ defense shines with 8 sacks, 3 turnovers in win over Bills

November 21, 2025

Houston’s top-ranked defense found another level Thursday night to lead the Texans to their third straight win. The Texans sacked Josh Allen a career-high eight times and Calen Bullock forced three turnovers, including an interception in the final seconds to seal the 23-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The team’s dominance on defense has helped them to three straight wins despite missing quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is recovering from a concussion. The Texans (6-5) moved above .500 for the first time this season, digging out of an early hole after opening 0-3.

Josh Allen throws interception in final seconds to seal Bills’ 23-19 loss to Texans

November 20, 2025

Little went right for Josh Allen in a frustrating game Thursday night against the Houston Texans. And still he came close to willing the Buffalo Bills to a victory before an interception in the final minute sealed their fate in a 23-19 loss. Allen took consecutive sacks on the Bills’ final possession, leading to a fourth-and-27, but Buffalo (7-4) gained 44 yards on a short pass from Allen to Josh Palmer, who tossed a lateral to Khalil Shakir. After a false-start penalty created a fourth-and-6 for Buffalo (7-4), Bullock picked off Allen’s pass at the 9 with 24 seconds left.

Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) celebrates after intercepting a Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen pass in the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Texans get 8 sacks and Bullock forces 3 turnovers in Houston’s 23-19 win over Bills

November 20, 2025

Houston’s dominant defense sacked Josh Allen eight times and Calen Bullock forced three turnovers, with his second interception sealing the Texans’ 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. After Allen took consecutive sacks on the Bills’ final possession, they faced fourth-and-27 but gained 44 yards on a short pass from Allen to Josh Palmer, who tossed a lateral to Khalil Shakir. But on another fourth down, Bullock picked off Allen’s pass at the Houston 9 with 24 seconds left. Davis Mills threw for 153 yards with two first-half TD passes to help the Texans (6-5) to their third straight victory with C.J. Stroud sidelined by a concussion. Houston moved above .500 for the first time this season. Buffalo is 7-4.

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) celebrates with head coach Mike Elko after an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Marcel Reed’s leadership and talent propel No. 3 Texas A&M to 1st 10-0 start since 1992

November 18, 2025

Marcel Reed has emerged as one of the country’s top quarterbacks in leading No. 3 Texas A&M to a 10-0 start. He began his football journey as a running back but quickly transitioned to quarterback, where he has excelled. Reed’s leadership and rapport with teammates have been key and his offseason focus on improving his passing skills has paid off. As a Heisman Trophy contender, he’s focused on helping Texas A&M chase its first national title since 1939 while setting an example for future players.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko celebrates after an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Texas A&M announces new 6-year contract for coach Mike Elko after historic comeback

November 15, 2025

Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko has a new six-year contract. The school announced the deal for Elko hours after the third-ranked Aggies mounted the biggest comeback in school history to remain undefeated. Elko and the Aggies trailed 30-3 at halftime before rallying to beat South Carolina 31-30 on Saturday to improve to 10-0 and 7-0 in Southeastern Conference play. Texas A&M is 10-0 for the first time since 1992 and is seeking to make its first College Football Playoff appearance. Elko’s new deal replaces the six-year contract he signed when joining the Aggies before last season after Jimbo Fisher was fired. It runs from 2026-2031.

Texas A&M wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman (3) looks back at South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore (24) after catching a pass for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

No. 3 Texas A&M pulls off biggest comeback in school history to beat South Carolina 31-30

November 15, 2025

Marcel Reed threw for a career-high 439 yards and three touchdowns and No. 3 Texas A&M rallied from a 27-point halftime deficit to remain undefeated with a 31-30 victory over South Carolina. It’s the biggest comeback in school history, eclipsing a 21-point rally by a Johnny Manziel-led team in a 52-48 win in the 2013 Chick-Fil-A Bowl over Duke. Entering Saturday, teams were 0-286 in Southeastern Conference play since 2004 when trailing by 27 points or more. The win keeps Texas A&M on track for its first trip to the College Football Playoff.

South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass as Texas A&M cornerback Dezz Ricks (2) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Texas state trooper who had run-in with South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor was sent home from game

November 15, 2025

A Texas trooper who had an altercation with South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor after his touchdown was sent home from the game, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Harbor scored on an 80-yard reception in the second quarter and ran into the tunnel limping following the score on Saturday. As he and three other players were walking back to the field, the trooper walked in between Harbor and another player and bumped into them as they passed each other. The trooper and Harbor turned around and the trooper pointed at Harbor with both hands and said something to him.

Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud scrambles out of the pocket in the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Texans’ C.J. Stroud to miss second game due to concussion; Davis Mills to start

November 13, 2025

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud is still recovering from a concussion and will miss a second straight game Sunday when the Texans visit the Tennessee Titans. Coach Davis Mills will start for the second week after throwing two TD passes and running for the go-ahead score as the Texans rallied from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit for a win over Jacksonville last week. Stroud was injured early in the second quarter of a loss to the Broncos on Nov. 2. He scrambled for 6 yards and was hit on the shoulder near the end of his slide and the back of his head violently bounced off the ground.

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) scores a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Newsome II (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Backup QB Davis Mills and Texans overcome 19-point, fourth-quarter deficit to stun Jaguars 36-29

November 9, 2025

Backup Davis Mills threw two touchdown passes in the final quarter and scrambled 14 yards for the go-ahead score with 31 seconds left and the Houston Texans rallied from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 36-29 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Mills threw for 292 yards and shook off a forgettable three quarters to lead the remarkable comeback while filling in for C.J. Stroud, who was out after suffering a concussion last week. The Jaguars (5-4) were trying to get into field-goal range after the score by Mills, but Trevor Lawrence was sacked by Will Anderson Jr. and fumbled. Sheldon Rankins recovered the ball and ran 32 yards for a TD to seal the victory.

Texans reach midway point of season with just 3 wins and face uncertainty after concussion to Stroud

November 3, 2025

The Houston Texans are far from where they hoped to be at the midpoint of the season. And things might get worse before they get better with the availability of quarterback C.J. Stroud in question this week. The Texans managed just five field goals in an 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday to fall to 3-5. Stroud sustained a concussion early in the second quarter when the back of his head bounced violently off the ground following a hard hit as he was sliding. Now the Texans will have to prepare for the possibility that Stroud could miss a game and they’ll have to rely on backup Davis Mills, who struggled in Sunday’s loss.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) escapes pressure from Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and Tim Settle Jr. (98) as Nix runs the ball for a long gain in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Broncos rally to beat Texans 18-15 with last-second field goal

November 2, 2025

Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes and Wil Lutz made a 34-yard field goal as time expired and the Denver Broncos rallied to beat the Houston Texans 18-15 to extend their winning streak to six games. They improved to 4-0 this season in games where they trailed entering the fourth quarter. The Broncos had punted three times in a row before a 25-yard scramble by Nix got them to their 39 with less than a minute to go. J.K. Dobbins followed with a 9-yard scamper and a 9-yard run by Nix two plays after that set up the game-winning field goal.

Houston’s C.J. Stroud being evaluated for concussion after hit against Denver

November 2, 2025

Houston’s C.J. Stroud was being evaluated for a concussion after hitting his head hard on the ground at the end of a run in the second quarter Sunday against Denver. Stroud scrambled for 6 yards and was hit on the shoulder near the end of his slide by Kris Abrams-Draine and the back of his head violently bounced off the ground. He was tended to on the field before getting up and entering the medical tent. He then walked to the locker room and the team said he was being evaluated for a concussion and his return was questionable.

FILE - Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84), who recently signed with the Broncos, speaks during an interview after a NFL football training session in Ware, England, Oct. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

At age 41, Marcedes Lewis set to become oldest tight end to play in NFL game

November 2, 2025

Marcedes Lewis was active for the Denver Broncos on Sunday against the Houston Texans, giving him a chance to make history. If he plays against Houston, the 41-year-old will become the oldest tight end to ever play in an NFL game. He’ll also become the oldest player to appear in a game in franchise history. Lewis is the second-oldest active player in the NFL behind Aaron Rodgers, who will turn 42 in December. Lewis was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday and promoted to the active roster Saturday.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Former college teammates Stroud and Smith-Njigba meet for 1st time in NFL when Texans visit Seahawks

October 19, 2025

When the two were teammates at Ohio State, it didn’t take long for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to make an impression on C.J. Stroud. “The first day of practice, he one-handed a pass and I was like: ‘This dude’s for real,’” Stroud recalled this week. “Ever since then, he’s one of the best I’ve ever played with, if not the best.” This week Stroud and Smith-Njigba will play against each other for the first time in the NFL when the Houston Texans visit the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Though they won’t be on the field at the same time, they’re looking forward to seeing who comes out of the game with bragging rights.

FILE - Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey looks on on at a Tulane at Mississippi NCAA football game on Sept. 20, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

SEC’s Greg Sankey rejects pooling conference TV rights as a solution to problems in college sports

October 11, 2025

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey expressed skepticism about pooling TV rights as a solution for college sports. Speaking before the Florida-Texas A&M football game, Sankey countered Texas Tech regent Cody Campbell, who said pooling rights could generate billions. Sankey denied having private discussions with Campbell about increasing revenue through this method. He emphasized the Southeastern Conference’s preference for negotiating its own deals. Sankey also supports The SCORE Act, which proposes limited antitrust protection for the NCAA. He believes it has a real chance of passing in Congress.

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks to pass down field against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

No. 6 Texas A&M looks to remain undefeated against Mississippi State

October 2, 2025

Off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2016, No. 6 Texas A&M is quite pleased with its early season performance. But perhaps more exciting to the Aggies as they look to remain undefeated on Saturday against Mississippi State is that they believe they can play much better. Coach Mike Elko says “I just think the ceiling for this team is a lot higher if we could figure out how to go put four quarters together.” This week they’ll face a team coming off its first defeat after Mississippi State (4-1) fell just short in a 41-34 overtime loss against No. 15 Tennessee.

Seattle Mariners' J.P. Crawford reacts after hitting a grand slam against the Houston Astros during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Crawford’s grand slam and Raleigh’s 58th homer lead Mariners to sweep over Astros

September 21, 2025

J.P. Crawford hit a grand slam and Cal Raleigh slugged his major league-leading 58th home run to lead the Seattle Mariners to a 7-3 win over the Houston Astros. The Mariners completed a three-game sweep that gave them a three-game lead in the AL West over the Astros with six remaining. Seattle, which has won four straight and 14 of 15, holds the second American League playoff seed by two games over AL Central-leading Detroit, which has dropped six in a row. The Mariners, looking to win the AL West for the first time since 2001, finished 8-5 against the Astros this season. Houston is tied with Cleveland for the final AL wild card.

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh (29) hits a solo home run, his 57th of the season, against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh hits MLB-leading 58th home run against Astros

September 21, 2025

Seattle’s Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 58th home run on Sunday, a two-run shot in the second inning against the Houston Astros. The Mariners were up 5-0 after a grand slam by J.P. Crawford in the second when Raleigh, who was batting left-handed, connected off Jason Alexander for his home run to right field to extend the lead. The shot comes a night after Raleigh passed Ken Griffey Jr. for the franchise single-season home run record with his 57th. Griffey hit 56 in both 1997 and 1998.

Seattle’s Raleigh has record-setting home run ball personally delivered by Astros’ staffer

September 21, 2025

When Cal Raleigh crushed his 57th home run of the year into the Astros’ bullpen Saturday night to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for Seattle’s single-season record, Houston’s longtime bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte scrambled to grab it. After grabbing the ball, which bounced off the wall before he collected it, Bracamonte was pretty certain it was the record-setting homer, but he wasn’t 100% sure until a couple of minutes later when Seattle fans started asking him for it. He told them no and later handed the record-setting ball personally to Raleigh.

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh jogs the bases after hitting his 54th home run of the season, a two-run home run to tie Mickey Mantle for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season, against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Cal Raleigh breaks Ken Griffey Jr.’s single-season home run record for Mariners

September 20, 2025

Seattle’s Cal Raleigh hit his 57th home run of the season Saturday night against the Houston Astros to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for the single-season franchise record. The Mariners led 2-0 in the third inning when Raleigh smacked a 95.5 mph sinker from lefty Framber Valdez into the bullpen in right-center field to make it 3-0 and pass the mark Griffey reached in both 1997 and 1998. Raleigh lifted his right arm in celebration as he rounded second base and raised the trident the Mariners use for their home run celebration skyward after J.P. Crawford handed it to him just before he entered the dugout.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is stripped of the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Baker Mayfield and Rachaad White rally Bucs to 20-19 win over Texans

September 15, 2025

Baker Mayfield led an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by Rachaad White’s 2-yard touchdown run with 6 seconds left, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rallied past the Houston Texans 20-19. Mayfield threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns for the Bucs, and his 15-yard scramble on fourth-and-10 kept the game-winning drive going. The Texans took a 19-14 lead on a 25-yard TD run by Nick Chubb with 2:10 left. Houston went for 2 but C.J. Stroud was sacked. The Bucs improved to 2-0 while the Texans fell to 0-2. Stroud threw for 207 yards and a touchdown.

Texas A&M defensive tackle DJ Hicks (5) and defensive end Cashius Howell (9) sack Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell sacks Utah State QB three times in a row

September 6, 2025

Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell sacked Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes on three consecutive plays in the second quarter Saturday. Howell muscled past left tackle Jake Eichorn each time, forcing a punt. The first sack resulted in a 6-yard loss, the second in a 7-yard loss and the third in an 8-yard loss. A fifth-year senior, Howell entered the game with 15 1/2 career sacks and had just four last season. Saturday marked the first time a player has had sacks on three straight plays since Jack Cichy did it for Wisconsin against Southern California in the 2015 Holiday Bowl, according to research by the Texas A&M communications staff.

Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Altuve’s homer and Garcia’s strong return power the Astros past the Angels, 8-3

September 1, 2025

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and an RBI single and Ramón Urías also went deep to back up a strong start from Luis Garcia and lead the Houston Astros to an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Garcia got the win in his return after sitting out more than two years while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He allowed three hits and three runs with six strikeouts in six innings in his first start since May 2023. Zach Neto hit a solo home run and Jo Adell added a two-run shot for the Angels, whose two-game winning streak was snapped. Yusei Kikuchi took the loss.

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa acknowledges the crowd as he come up to bat against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Correa plays 1st game in Houston since trade as Bregman visits for 1st time since joining Red Sox

August 11, 2025

Carlos Correa has made a triumphant return to the Houston Astros after a trade from the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman is visiting Daikin Park for the first time as a Boston Red Sox player. Houston manager Joe Espada says both players have been incredible for the organization. Bregman, drafted by the Astros in 2015, spent nine seasons in Houston, helping the team achieve significant success. Correa, who waived his no-trade clause to return, is back after playing for the Twins since 2022. He’s feeling rejuvenated and is now playing third base. Both players express excitement about their new roles and opportunities.

Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 7, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Guardians snap 10-game losing streak with 7-5 win over Astros

July 7, 2025

José Ramírez and David Fry homered and Brayan Rocchio added a two-run double as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Houston Astros 7-5 to snap a 10-game skid. Cleveland’s last win was on June 25. Emmanuel Clase closed the game with a perfect ninth inning for his 19th save. Houston’s Taylor Trammell and Isaac Paredes also homered, but it wasn’t enough. Guardians starter Tanner Bibee allowed four runs in under five innings, while Houston’s Colton Gordon gave up five runs in nearly six innings but stayed in after being hit by a line drive.

FILE - Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game on March 9, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

GM Stone thrilled to add Kevin Durant to Rockets despite tough decision to move on from Jalen Green

July 7, 2025

Adding a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber was too valuable an opportunity for the Houston Rockets to pass up, even though it meant moving on from Jalen Green just four seasons after they drafted him second overall. Durant was officially acquired from Phoenix on Sunday in a complicated seven-team transaction that sent Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns and brought Clint Capela back to Houston from the Hawks. General manager Rafael Stone is thrilled to add the future Hall of Famer, who will turn 37 in September, to a team which made a huge leap last season to earn the second seed in the Western Conference.

FILE - Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches during the second half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)

Coach Ime Udoka agrees to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, AP source says

June 19, 2025

Coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal hadn’t been announced. No details on the terms of the contract were available. The move comes after Udoka led the Rockets to the second-best record in the Western Conference this season and their first playoff berth since the 2019-20 season.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. reacts after a throw during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Lance McCullers gets 24-hour security after online death threats, some aimed at 5-year-old daughter

May 30, 2025

Houston’s Lance McCullers is one of two MLB pitchers whose families have received online death threats this month as internet abuse of players and their families is on the rise. Boston reliever Liam Hendriks posted on social media soon after the incident with McCullers to call out people who were threatening his wife’s life and directing “vile” comments at him. The Astros contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department following the threats to McCullers and an HPD spokesperson said Thursday that it remains an ongoing investigation. McCullers, who has two young daughters, reached out to the team to inquire about providing security for his family. Astros owner Jim Crane stepped in and hired 24-hour security.

KRISTIE RIEKEN Sports Writer.

KRISTIE RIEKEN Sports Writer

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