National Sports.

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh watches his two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Cal Raleigh caps big series for Seattle with major league-leading 31st homer

There is no stopping Cal Raleigh at the moment. Raleigh has a major league-leading 31 homers after he helped the Seattle Mariners take two of three against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend. The switch hitter went deep four times and drove in six runs in the series. Raleigh had two hits, walked twice and scored three runs in Seattle’s 14-6 victory in the finale. He is batting .327 with 16 homers and 34 RBIs in his last 29 games.

Read More »
Florida Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe carries the Stanley Cup during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup championship celebration, Sunday, June, 22, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

‘This is amazing’: Panthers celebrate 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup with another parade

Champagne was swilled and spilled, cigars were smoked and the Stanley Cup was hoisted a few more times, all with about 400,000 people watching. The Florida Panthers are getting pretty good at these parades. The back-to-back Stanley Cup winners had their championship parade and rally on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, the same setup as last year — except this time, bright sunshine greeted the champs as opposed to downpours and lightning a year ago.

Read More »
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 30, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A’ja Wilson scores 24 as Aces beat cold-shooting Caitlin Clark and Fever 89-81 to end 3-game skid

A’ja Wilson scored 24 points in a battle with cold-shooting Caitlin Clark to lead the Aces to an 89-81 victory over the Indiana Fever and stop a three-game Las Vegas skid. Wilson, the reigning MVP, was one of five Aces in double figures. Jackie Young scored 19 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 18. Aliyah Boston scored 26 points for the Fever, including 18 in the first half. Clark, last season’s Rookie of the Year, had 19 points and 11 assists but shot just 1 of 10 from 3-point range. She’s 1 for 17 from deep over her last two games.

Read More »
Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley reacts after colliding with New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 22, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Orioles catcher Maverick Handley leaves game after collision with Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Baltimore Orioles backup catcher Maverick Handley left a 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees after being knocked over in a collision at the plate with Jazz Chisholm Jr. With Baltimore ahead 2-0 in the second, Chisholm hit a two-out double off Dean Kremer and went home on DJ LeMahieu’s single to left. Colton Cowser’s throw was up the third-base line. Handley moved to his left for the throw, arriving for the ball at the same time as Chisholm, who tried to veer to the inside to avoid contact. Chisholm, whose left cleat had come off as he speeded down the line, caught Handley with his right arm, fell past the plate and had to come back to touch it.

Read More »
New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Yarbrough winds up during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Jim Davis)

Yarbrough goes on injured list in another hit to Yankees pitching, Winans to make New York debut

The New York Yankees pitching took another hit when Ryan Yarbrough was put on the 15-day injured list with a strained right oblique. A 33-year-old right-hander, Yarbrough is 3-1 with a 3.90 ERA in eight starts and eight relief appearances. New York already was missing ace Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil (lat strain) and Marcus Stroman (knee). Rookie Allan Winans will make his Yankees debut on Monday night at Cincinnati after going 7-0 with an 0.90 ERA at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Read More »
LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws against Coastal Carolina in the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Anderson’s 3-hitter against Coastal Carolina in CWS finals opener puts LSU 1 win away from title

Kade Anderson pitched a three-hitter in his second straight dominant start, and LSU moved within a win of its second national championship in three years with a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals. The Chanticleers lost for the first time in 27 games and must win Sunday to force a third and deciding game Monday night. LSU made Steve Milam’s RBI single in the first inning stand up with Anderson getting stronger as the game progressed.

Read More »
Lexi Thompson looks for her ball after an errant shot on the first hole during the third round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Lexi Thompson recovers from opening triple-bogey top and shank in 3rd round at Women’s PGA

Lexi Thompson nearly got blown over to start the third round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She recovered from that opening triple bogey and goes into the final round tied for third place. She topped her second shot Saturday out of the fairway, then had a shank on the way to a triple bogey on the first hole in windy conditions. She may have been out of balance on her second shot on the 517-yard par-5 first hole that went only 117 yards, then the ball she then hit to the right into a thick native area was never found.

Read More »
Minjee Lee hits a tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Minjee Lee has 1st bogey-free round at windy Women’s PGA to take 4-shot lead into final day

Two-time major champion Minjee Lee has taken over the lead with the first bogey-free round for anyone during the wind-swept KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Her 3-under 69 in the third round Saturday put her four strokes ahead of Jeeno Thitikul. The Australian who lives in nearby Irving got to 6-under 210 after beginning the round three strokes behind Thitikul, the world’s No. 2-ranked player who led after each of the first two days. Lee and Thitikul are the only players still under par at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco.

Read More »
Tommy Fleetwood, of England, lines up his put on the ninth green during the third round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Fleetwood seizes control after Scheffler blowup and leads Travelers by 3

Tommy Fleetwood has a three-shot lead at the Travelers Championship and his best chance to finally add a PGA Tour title to his impressive worldwide resume. He shot a 63 in extreme heat. That wasn’t a surprise with so many low scores. The shocker was Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas having one hole wreck their rounds. Scheffler celebrated his 29th birthday by making triple bogey on his opening hole. Thomas took a quadruple-bogey 9 on the 13th hole. They were out of mix. Keegan Bradley shot 63 and Russell Henley had a 61 to share second place behind Fleetwood.

Read More »
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt reacts as he heads to the dugout in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Clarke Schmidt pitches seven hitless innings, Yankees lose no-hit bid vs. Orioles in the eighth

Clarke Schmidt walked off the mound after getting through his seventh hitless inning and exchanged a glance with New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone in the dugout. That was it for Schmidt. Done for the day. While the right-hander was disappointed, he certainly understood Boone’s decision to take him out of the game even with a no-hitter going. Schmidt was pulled after tying a career high with 103 pitches, and the Yankees lost a no-hit bid Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles when Gary Sánchez singled to start the eighth off JT Brubaker.

Read More »
San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers, middle right, circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello, left, during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafael Devers hits first home run for Giants against former team Red Sox

Rafael Devers hit his first home run for the Giants, connecting against his former Boston Red Sox team just six days after being traded to San Francisco. Devers began his first series against the Red Sox by going 0 for 5 on Friday and grounding out in his first at-bat Saturday. He then delivered just want his new team had been expecting when he hit an opposite-field drive off Brayan Bello over the left-field fence for a two-run homer in the third inning. Devers got loud cheers from the big crowd in San Francisco as he rounded the bases for his 216th career home run.

Read More »
Mamelodi Sundowns' Ronwen Williams sits dejected after Borussia scored during the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Dortmund beats Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in blistering hot Club World Cup match

Borussia Dortmund was gifted an easy goal at the beginning of the match and held off a late response from the Mamelodi Sundowns on a fiercely warm day to win 4-3 in the Club World Cup group stage. Both teams and the crowd of 14,006 at TQL Stadium sweat through high temperatures that forced a heat advisory and cooling breaks called at the referee’s discretion. The Sundowns opened the scoring early on an impressive breakaway that Lucas Ribeiro Costa finished in the 11th minute. Dortmund evened the score in the 16th minute when Sundowns goalie Ronwen Williams inadvertently passed to Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha right in front of the net.

Read More »
FILE - Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sept. 3, 2023, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his NASCAR national series debut as a crew chief in Saturday’s Xfinity Series at Pocono Raceway. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they both landed in victory lane. Earnhardt made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction earlier this month at Nashville.

Read More »
Fans wait for the beginning of the Club World Cup group D soccer match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Club World Cup crowds have wildly fluctuated, from swathes of empty seats to ‘hostile’ atmospheres

The opening week for the monthlong Club World Cup has seen some wildly fluctuating attendances across the United States. A crowd of 3,412 watched Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan in Orlando. At the other end of the spectrum, more than 80,000 watched Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadenam California. While there was not a sellout game in the opening week, 10 of the first 24 matches have seen crowds in excess of 40,000, for an average of around 36,000. But optics, not just numbers, matter for a tournament FIFA hopes will become one of the most important in sport.

Read More »
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice kisses the Stanley Cup trophy after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

For back-to-back champ Panthers, the celebrations will continue before an important offseason begins

The Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship festivities have included an all-night celebration at a popular beach bar; crowd surfing, pole climbing and impromptu karaoke at a Miami nightclub; a Brad Marchand appearance at Dairy Queen; a few team dinners and a boat ride. That’s just so far. Their chaotic celebratory escapades have been all over social media. The Panthers also partied hard after winning the franchise’s first title a year ago. But some players have described those days as a surreal whirlwind of first-time experiences. This time, the celebrations are different, as the reality of what they accomplished set in.

Read More »
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Clarke Schmidt pitches 7 hitless innings in Yankees 1-hitter, 9-0 rout of Orioles

Clarke Schmidt pitched seven hitless innings and the New York Yankees held the Baltimore Orioles to one hit in a 9-0 rout. JT Brubaker gave up a single to Gary Sánchez to open the eighth for the Orioles’ only hit. Schmidt was bidding to throw New York’s first no-hitter since Domingo Germán threw the Yankees’ major league-leading fourth perfect game on June 28, 2003. The Yankees had not thrown a no-hitter at home since David Cone’s perfect game on July 18, 1999, against the Montreal Expos. Schmidt exited after throwing 21 pitches in the seventh.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) looks towards Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) after a foul as guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks toward Bradley during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The final act of the NBA Finals: 2 teams, 1 game, 1 trophy. Pacers at Thunder will decide a champion

It started with 30 teams, most of them fairly optimistic about their chances when the season began eight months and 1,320 games and 35,543 3-pointers and 299,608 points ago. Only two teams remain. For one game. Game 7. The NBA season ends on Sunday night when the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder to decide which team will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, take over for the Boston Celtics as champions and become the league’s seventh different title-winner in the last seven years. It’s the first winner-take-all game in the NBA since 2016, when Cleveland beat Golden State.

Read More »
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) fields a ball hit by New York Mets' Juan Soto (22) in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Braves place reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sale on injured list with fractured rib cage

The Atlanta Braves placed reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list because of a fractured left rib cage. Manager Brian Snitker said before the Braves’ game Saturday that Sale felt discomfort while doing exercises Friday. Tests revealed the fracture that sidelined Sale. In his previous start, Sale sprinted off the mound and made a diving stop of a grounder hit by the Mets’ Juan Soto and threw him out for the first out in the ninth. He then struck out Pete Alonso and was lifted after allowing a single to Brandon Nimmo. Sale is 5-4 and has a 2.52 ERA through 15 starts this season.

Read More »
Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Stenhouse has vowed retaliation on rival Carson Hocevar. Will NASCAR payback be delivered at Pocono?

Carson Hocevar walked around Pocono Raceway without a scratch on his face. His polo shirt looked more tailored than tattered and the Spire Motorsports driver was ready to race rather than rumble. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hadn’t socked Hocevar with a right hook quite yet after his threat to beat up his rival after last week’s race. Their beef has little chance of getting squashed any time soon, a dispute that started three races ago when Hocevar wrecked Stenhouse early at Nashville. Hocevar sent Stenhouse spinning last week in Mexico City, which ignited a postrace melee on pit road.

Read More »
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga signs autographs before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Monday, May 26, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Lefty Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Cubs next week in St. Louis

Left-hander Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Chicago Cubs early next week in St. Louis following a sharp Triple-A rehab start on Friday. Manager Craig Counsell wasn’t sure when Imanaga would be slotted into Chicago’s rotation, but he said before Saturday’s game against Seattle that the 31-year-old “is gonna make his next start in the big leagues.” Imanaga, who went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA as a rookie last season, is coming back from a left hamstring strain. He got hurt covering first base during a May 4 loss at Milwaukee. He is 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in eight starts for the Cubs this season.

Read More »
San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers (16) reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafael Devers explains why he is willing to play first base for the Giants but not the Red Sox

Rafael Devers had a consistent mantra when he addressed the Boston media for the first time since his surprising trade from the Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants five days ago. He kept repeating that the “past is in the past” when asked about his time with the Red Sox and why the relationship deteriorated so much this season that the team traded him less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023. Devers did say he would have been willing to move to first base in Boston if the Red Sox had asked him in spring training. He went 0 for 5 as the Giants lost to the Red Sox 7-5 on Friday night.

Read More »
Boston Red Sox's Ceddanne Rafaela celebrates after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafaela hits a tiebreaking homer and Red Sox keep Devers hitless in a 7-5 win over the Giants

Ceddanne Rafaela had three hits and a tiebreaking homer, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 7-5 victory over their former star slugger Rafael Devers and the San Francisco Giants. Rafaela connected with a one-out drive over the wall in center against Sean Hjelle to give Boston a 6-5 lead in the sixth inning. Rafaela also doubled and scored in the third and hit an RBI single in the fourth to help Boston win for the eighth time in nine games. Devers faced his former team five days after the shocking trade that sent him to San Francisco, going 0 for 5.

Read More »
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws to the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 20, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski loses perfect game, no-hit bid in 7th vs. Twins in 2nd career start

Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers lost his bid for a perfect game in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins. After issuing a walk to Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner lofted a home run to the flower bed just past the right-field wall to end Misiorowski’s run of hitless innings to start his big league career at 11. In his second career start, the hard-throwing 6-foot-7 right-hander struck out six with a fastball regularly reaching triple digits and a slider and changeup in the mid-90s. After the homer, he was pulled for reliever Nick Mears and left to a standing ovation.

Read More »
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 20, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Misiorowski perfect into 7th in 2nd career start, Yelich drives in 8 and Brewers beat Twins 17-6

Jacob Misiorowski took a perfect game into the seventh inning of his second career start, Christian Yelich drove in a career-high and franchise-record eight runs, and the Milwaukee Brewers scored 16 times in the final four innings to beat the Minnesota Twins 17-6 on Friday night. Misiorowski became the first pitcher to start his big league career with 11 consecutive hitless innings as a starter since 1900. He threw five no-hit innings against St. Louis on June 12. The 6-foot-7 right-hander struck out six with a fastball topping out at 102.1 mph and a slider and changeup in the mid-90s. Yelich had two bases-clearing doubles and two RBI singles.

Read More »
Lexi Thompson watches her tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament Friday, June 20, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jeeno Thitikul extends Women’s PGA lead and semi-retired Lexi Thompson contending for another major

Jeeno Thitikul has extended her lead to three strokes at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The No. 2-ranked player in the world finished a six-hour round Friday with consecutive birdies for a 2-under 70 to get to 6-under 138 after two rounds. That’s three strokes ahead of Minjee Lee and Rio Takeda. Lexi Thompson is four back after a 70 on another steamy day on the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco. Only seven of the 156 players who started the season’s third major were under par through two rounds. There have been no bogey-free rounds in the season’s third major.

Read More »
FILE - Chicago Cubs' Sammy Sosa (21) and San Diego Padres catcher Phil Nevin watch Sosa's game-winning three-run homer with one out in the ninth on June 2, 1999 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Stephen J. Carrera, File)

Cubs legend Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field after 20-plus-year hiatus

Legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in more than 20 years before Chicago’s game with the Seattle Mariners. Sosa is set to be inducted into the Cubs’ team Hall of Fame this year. He arrived Friday at the iconic North Side ballpark in a black SUV. He was greeted with a hug from owner Tom Ricketts as he exited the vehicle. Sosa was a headliner in a generation of baseball’s biggest names linked to performance-enhancing drugs. He appeared to acknowledge using PEDs in December when he released a statement saying he was sorry for mistakes, without specifying them.

Read More »
Flamengo's Wallace Yan celebrates after scoring during the Club World Cup Group D soccer match between Flamengo and Chelsea in Philadelphia, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Flamengo scores 3 second-half goals to stun Chelsea 3-1 at the Club World Cup

Danilo scored the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute and Flamengo scored three second-half goals to move atop its group at the Club World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Coupled with Esperance’s 1-0 win against LAFC in the later group match, Flamengo became the first team in the field to advance to the knockout round. Flamengo’s win also kept South American teams undefeated at the Club World Cup in nine matches.

Read More »
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center is hit by a pitch thrown by San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez, left as catcher Martin Maldonado watches during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Padres closer Suarez suspended 3 games, fined for hitting Ohtani with pitch; managers banned 1 game

San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez was suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount Friday for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a pitch in the ninth inning Thursday night. Suarez appealed the suspension that was scheduled to begin Friday night when the Padres faced Kansas City at home. Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also received one-game suspensions and undisclosed fines. Ohtani took a pitch to the back of his right (pitching) shoulder from Suarez in the Padres’ 5-3 victory Thursday in Los Angeles. With Dodgers players starting to move over the dugout railing, Ohtani waved back his teammates.

Read More »
An art installation critical of immigration enforcement stands outside Dodger Stadium on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Dodgers announce $1 million donation to aid families of immigrants affected by federal raids

The Los Angeles Dodgers have donated $1 million to assist families impacted by two weeks of immigration raids in Southern California. The defending World Series champion Dodgers also said Friday that they intend to form partnerships with the California Community Foundation, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and other organization to aid immigrant families. The Dodgers announced the steps in a five-paragraph news release that appeared to be delicately worded. The team said only that the financial aid would be provided “for families of immigrants impacted by recent events in the region.”

Read More »
Scottie Scheffler drops his club after hitting his second shot from the rough on the first hole during the second round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Scheffler part of 3-way tie for lead at Travelers with Fleetwood and Thomas

Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood are tied for the lead in the Travelers Championship after a blustery day at the TPC River Highlands. Scheffler was motoring along as the defending champion until he got the wrong wind on a couple of shots and was happy to escape with a double bogey. He shot a 69. Fleetwood got the wind right on a 9-wood and made eagle on the 13th hole. He chipped in for another eagle on the 15th hole and shot 65. Thomas ran off five straight birdies on the back nine for a 64.

Read More »
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana throws against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Pirates’ Santana suspended 4 games by MLB for a confrontation with a fan, but is appealing decision

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana was suspended four games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball a day after he was involved in an altercation with a fan. Santana is appealing the decision by the league and can continue to play while the situation is being reviewed. During the second game of the Pirates’ doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, Santana was in the bullpen when he was seen at one point leaping and swiping at the person. He said after the game the fan “crossed the line.”

Read More »
Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Raleigh homers twice, breaks Bench’s record in the Mariners’ 9-4 victory over the Cubs

Cal Raleigh broke Johnny Bench’s record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, hitting his major league-leading 28th and 29th in the Seattle Mariners’ 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Raleigh broke a tie in the seventh with No. 29 to move ahead of Hall of Famer Bench’s 1970 mark. Raleigh had three hits in his sixth multi-homer game of the season. Mitch Garver also homered twice and drove in five runs, putting it away with a three-run shot in the ninth. The teams combined for six homers with the wind blowing out on a warm day when former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in over 20 years.

Read More »
Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh holds the "home run trident" after hitting a two-run a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Cal Raleigh breaks Johnny Bench’s record for homers by a catcher before All-Star break

Cal Raleigh broke Hall of Famer Johnny Bench’s 1970 record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, hitting his major league-leading 28th and 29th in the Seattle Mariners’ 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Raleigh put Seattle ahead and moved past Bench in the seventh inning with No. 29, a drive to the back of the left-field bleachers off Caleb Thielbar. Raleigh sent his first homer just over the basket in the first off Matthew Boyd. The 28-year-old slugger had three hits in his sixth multi-homer game of the season. He drove in three runs to push his season total to 63.

Read More »
FILE - Coastal Carolina's Caden Bodine (17) celebrates hitting a solo home run during an NCAA super regional college baseball game against Auburn, Friday, June 6, 2025 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

LSU goes for 2nd national title in 3 years as it opens CWS finals against streaking Coastal Carolina

LSU and Coastal Carolina have met only two times previously as they enter the College World Series finals Saturday night. Those games back in 2016 have not been forgotten. Coastal Carolina swept the Tigers on their home field in super regionals on the way to their first national championship. The Chanticleers’ opponent in the CWS finals that year was Arizona. Jay Johnson, now at LSU, was Arizona’s coach. Coastal Carolina is on a 26-game win streak. LSU is going for its second national championship in three years.

Read More »
A view from the jury box is shown inside a federal courtroom similar to the room where the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ is being held in Federal District court in Manhattan on Friday, June 6, 2025 in New York. (Jefferson Siegel /The New York Times via AP, Pool)

An ex-college basketball player testifies that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs got ‘extremely creative’ on drugs

A former Syracuse University basketball player has told the jury at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial that the music mogul got “extremely creative” when he was on drugs. Brendan Paul testified on Friday about working for Combs for 18 months. Paul was arrested at a Miami airport in March 2024 with cocaine he says belonged to Combs. His testimony comes as prosecutors are winding down their case, and are expected to rest by Monday. A defense presentation is expected to last from two to five days. Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

Read More »
FILE - Coastal Carolina's Caden Bodine (17) celebrates hitting a solo home run during an NCAA super regional college baseball game against Auburn, Friday, June 6, 2025 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

Coastal Carolina all in on keeping baseball program a national power in new era of college sports

Though many athletic programs outside the power four conferences are expected to drop off competitively when scholarship limits are removed and revenue sharing begins July 1, College World Series finalist Coastal Carolina is committed to continue playing with the big boys in baseball. Rosters will be capped at 34 in Division I baseball going forward, and first-year athletic director Chance Miller told The Associated Press all 34 at Coastal Carolina will receive full scholarships and be in line for direct rev-share payments. Miller said he also believes the Chanticleers will be competitive for name, image and likeness opportunities.

Read More »
Detroit Prowl's Toya Shinaul, from left to right, Kelly Bernadyn, Sydney Hebel, Jasmine Hamilton and Allie Gorcyca walk out for the coin toss at the start of an AWFL women's football game against the Lansing Legacy, in Allen Park, Mich., Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Women’s tackle football gives female athletes opportunities in a game dominated by men

Women have been playing tackle football for decades, mostly under the radar. Two leagues have raised their profile enough to have women competing for championships on ESPN2 in high-end venues. The Women’s National Football Conference will have its title game on the network for the first time. The game will be broadcast live on Saturday from the Dallas Cowboys’ Ford Center, a roughly 12,000-seat venue in Frisco, Texas. The Women’s Football Alliance will be back on the network for its championship game on July 26 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, where MVP jerseys from previous title games are on display.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

For Pacers and Thunder, there’s no looking back now. All eyes are only on Game 7 in the NBA Finals

Game 6 of the NBA Finals had been over for only about 10 or 15 minutes, and the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder were turning the page. What happened over the previous couple of hours had already been deemed irrelevant. The only thing on their minds: Game 7. A back-and-forth title matchup will end on Sunday night with an ultimate game, the first winner-take-all contest in the NBA Finals since 2016. It’ll be Pacers at Thunder, one team getting the Larry O’Brien Trophy when it is over, the other left to head into the offseason wondering how they let the chance slip away.

Read More »
United States' Chris Richards (3) celebrates his goal against Saudi Arabia during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Richards’ 2nd-half goal lifts US over Saudi Arabia 1-0 and into CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals

Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a second-half free kick to lift the United States to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to tap the ball with his left foot past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aquidi. The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in Group D’s other match Thursday in Houston, clinched a knockout berth for the Americans.

Read More »
Tampa Bay Rays' Hunter Bigge gives a thumbs up as paramedics tend to him after being hit by a foul ball while in the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Rays pitcher carted off field and taken to hospital after foul ball into dugout hits him in face

Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field in a frightening scene and taken to a hospital after getting struck in the face by a foul ball lined into the Tampa Bay dugout Thursday night. Bigge was placed on a backboard and gave a thumbs up before being driven by ambulance to a nearby hospital for tests. He never lost consciousness and was able to converse with first responders, Rays manager Kevin Cash said. In the top of the seventh inning, Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman sharply pulled a pitch into the Tampa Bay dugout on the first base side and the ball hit Bigge, a 27-year-old right-hander currently on the injured list. Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived to attend to Bigge.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) rebounds over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pacers avoid 2nd straight home-court playoff exit, routing Thunder to force Game 7

The Indiana Pacers did not let another home-court opportunity slip away Thursday night. Not with a raucous crowd on its feet almost from start to finish, not with Reggie Miller and nearly a dozen former Pacers cheering them on and certainly not with the first NBA title in franchise just two wins away. So the Pacers dug down, fought through injuries and finally played their way. They knocked down 3-pointers, forced turnovers and had the heavily gold-clad crowd doing high-fives between the third and fourth quarters as Indiana extended its season with a 108-91 victory over the the Oklahoma City Thunder. The winner-take-all Game 7 is Sunday night in Oklahoma City

Read More »
FILE - Eleanor Perfetto widow of NFL player Ralph Wenzel leaves the U.S. Courthouse after a hearing on the proposed NFL concussion settlement Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file)

NFL widows struggled to care for former players with CTE. They say a new study minimizes their pain

Dozens of widows and other caregivers for former NFL players diagnosed with CTE say a published study is insulting and dismissive of their experience living with the degenerative brain disease. An open letter signed by the players’ wives, siblings and children says the study suggests their struggles caring for loved ones was due to “media hype” about chronic traumatic encephalopathy. They called that patronizing and offensive. CTE has been linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma. It can lead to memory loss, violent mood swings and depression. The study’s authors say there was no intent to minimize the disease or the caregivers’ struggles.

Read More »
Scottie Scheffler watches his shot from the first tee during the first round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Scheffler hits a perfect shot and plenty of great ones for a 62 to share lead at Travelers

Scottie Scheffler hits a lot of great shots. Rarely does he hit one he considers close to perfect. Such was the case in the opening round of the Travelers Championship. It was a 3-iron to 10 feet for eagle on his way to a 62. That’s his lowest round at the TPC River Highlands. And he shares the lead with Austin Eckroat. They were two shots ahead of a group that includes Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley. It was a nice break from the brutal week at Oakmont for most. U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun shot 73.

Read More »
Botafogo's Igor Jesus celebrates towards fans after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup group B soccer match between PSG and Botafogo in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Botafogo stuns Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Club World Cup on Igor Jesus’ goal

Botafogo has stunned Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in each club’s second match of the Club World Cup. Igor Jesus scored late in the first half, and the South American champions made it stand up through a tense second half while improving to 2-0-0 in Club World Cup group play. PSG hadn’t lost in any competition since May 3, but the European champions looked understandably weary at times. Jesus’ stunning score in the 36th minute was the first goal allowed since May 17 by PSG. The French powerhouse had outscored its last three opponents by a combined 12-0, winning the French Cup and the Champions League final.

Read More »

Kayla Thornton scores 16 points as Valkyries rally past Caitlin Clark, Fever 88-77

Kayla Thornton hit two key 3-pointers over the final 4:57 and scored 16 points to go with six rebounds, and the Golden State Valkyries rallied past Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever 88-77. Clark had 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and her layup with 4:12 remaining pulled Indiana within two points — but Golden State had an answer to each threat. A raucous crowd roared as the Valkyries (6-6) sold out their sixth straight home game to start the season

Read More »
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, stands with teammates during a timeout during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Thunder on the wrong end of 36-9 run, head home for Game 7 showdown against resilient Pacers

The run lasted about 12 minutes, roughly the span of a full quarter. When it started, Oklahoma City was down by just one point. And when it ended, after a 36-9 run, plans for Game 7 were being made. There was no championship celebration for the Thunder on Thursday night — and their first chance at winning these NBA Finals was a colossal dud. Oklahoma City got blown out 108-91 by the Indiana Pacers in Game 6, sending the series back to the Thunder’s home floor for a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday night.

Read More »
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana throws against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning during the second baseball game of a doubleheader, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Pirates reliever Dennis Santana: Fan ‘crossed a line’ prior to confrontation

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana was involved in an altercation with a fan who ‘crossed the line’ during the second game of Thursday’s doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers and at one point was seen leaping and swiping at the person. Santana declined to disclose what the fan said. In videos posted to social media, Santana can be seen pointing out the fan to a police officer before jumping and swinging at the person who is in the front row above the Pittsburgh bullpen at Comerica Park. Santana was escorted away by Pirates bullpen personnel and held back by a teammate.

Read More »
CORRECTS FIRST NAME TO JEENO, NOT JEAN - Jeeno Thitikul hits on the first hole during the first round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jeeno Thitikul stays patient and goes on a birdie streak to take first-round lead at Women’s PGA

Jeeno Thitikul made five birdies in a six-hole stretch midway through the first round on way to a 4-under 68 to lead the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She had a one-stroke lead over Minjee Lee after Thursday’s first round. Haeran Ryu, Rio Takeda and Somi Lee all shot 72. Thitikul, the world’s second-ranked player, made double bogey on the fifth hole, but that was her only hole over par. The 22-year-old from Thailand, who now lives in the Dallas area, needed only 25 putts on the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco. Her makes measured 199 1/2 feet.

Read More »
Nelly Korda hits a tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Top-ranked Nelly Korda even par to start Women’s PGA after reaggravating neck injury

Nelly Korda shot an even-par 72 in the opening round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. That came Thursday, three days after the world’s top-ranked player reaggravated a neck injury during a practice round. Korda says she doesn’t feel pain hitting shots. But the two-time major champion says she does experience pain with rotation of her neck and that it is hard to get comfortable to sleep at night. She says it’s getting better every day. Korda trailed Jeeno Thitikul by four shots after the first round.

Read More »
Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting his first career home run during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone goes deep twice at Texas for his 1st big league homers

Jac Caglianone has gone deep twice for his first two home runs in the big leagues. The top prospect of the Kansas City Royals hit both homers in lefty-lefty matchups in a 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Caglianone won lefty-left matchups both times a day after sitting for the first time in the majors in part because of a left-handed starter for Texas. The 22-year-old hit a pair of solo homers. The first led off the second inning, and the second opened the ninth.

Read More »
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi scores his side's second goal during the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Inter Miami and FC Porto in Atlanta, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Messi scores first goal at expanded Club World Cup, leading Inter Miami to 2-1 win over Porto

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup on a patented free kick in the 54th minute to break a tie in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Porto on Thursday. Messi was taken down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora on a run down the middle of the field. With chants of “Messi! Messi!” rocking Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 37-year-old Argentine star’s left-footed blast cleared the wall and sailed into the top right corner. The MLS club and two-time European champion Porto were held to scoreless draws in their opening Group A matches.

Read More »
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) at NFL football minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders ticketed for speeding twice in June

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been ticketed for speeding twice this month in Ohio. Sanders was accused of driving a Dodge TRX pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville Police Department stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71 near the Ohio Turnpike, according to a report provided to local media. That ticket came after he was stopped by the Ohio State Patrol on June 5 in Brunswick Hills, Ohio. Sanders was pulled over for going 91 mph (147 kilometers per hour) in a 65 mph (105 kilometer) zone, Ohio State Patrol told WKBN-TV.

Read More »
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Inter Miami and FC Porto in Atlanta, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Lionel Messi scores on free kick to give Inter Miami 2-1 win over Porto in Club World Cup

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup on an exquisite free kick, lifting Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over two-time European champion Porto in Atlanta. The Herons trailed 1-0 at the break, but Telasco Segovia tied it two minutes into the second half off a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt. Then it was time for the 37-year-old Argentinian to add a trademark goal to a resume that already assures he’ll go down as one of the game’s greatest stars.

Read More »
Jordan Spieth stretches at the first hole during the first round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Jordan Spieth withdraws after 13 holes from Travelers with shoulder blade injury

Jordan Spieth is out of the Travelers Championship with a shoulder blade injury that showed up out of nowhere. He had to withdraw after 13 holes of the first round. Spieth wonders if he slept it on wrong. But he noticed some pain during his practice session. He stopped to go to a training table to get it worked on. But it never got any better on the course. He was 5 over with no birdies through 13 holes. Spieth doesn’t plan to add a tournament before the British Open because his wife is giving birth to their third child.

Read More »
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe warms-up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Cesar Cebolla)

Mbappe discharged from hospital. No timeframe on when Real Madrid star will play at Club World Cup

Kylian Mbappe was discharged from hospital after an acute case of gastroenteritis and it is not known when he will be able to play for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Mbappe missed the Spanish giant’s opening game of the tournament — a surprise 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal in Miami — because of a fever. Coach Xabi Alonso said the France international was in “rough shape” and hadn’t been able to train for days. His illness casts doubt over what part he might be able to play in the monthlong tournament in the United States, with Madrid facing Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday.

Read More »
Palmeiras' players hug Jose Manuel Lopez, right, after je scored during the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Palmeiras and Al Ahly in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Palmeiras benefits from own goal, López scores for 2-0 defeat of Al-Ahly in Club World Cup

Palmeiras benefited from an own goal by Al-Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali and secured a 2-0 win on a shot by José López before thunderstorms stalled play in the Club World Cup match at Met Life Stadium. Both the Brazilian Palmeiras and Egyptian Al-Ahly clubs had opportunities after the restart from a 50-minute weather delay on Thursday, but Al-Ahly could not overcome its defensive struggles. Abou Ali headed the ball into his own net just minutes into the second half. The goal started an offensive surge for Palmeiras, which broke away in the 59th minute for López’s goal.

Read More »
FILE - Charlie Woods walks off the 18th green during the first round of stroke play of the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship, in Bloomfield Township, Mich., July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Tiger Woods’ son Charlie qualifies for US Junior Amateur

The 16-year-old son of Tiger Woods is heading back to the U.S. Junior Amateur. Charlie Woods bogeyed his final hole to fall into a three-way playoff for the final spot out of Eagle Trace Golf Club. He won the playoff. That means Woods will be among 264 players competing for 64 spots in the match play portion. The U.S. Junior is July 21-26 at Trinity Forest in Dallas. Tiger Woods won the U.S. Junior three straight times. Charlie Woods last year qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur. But he shot 82-80 and didn’t advance to match play.

Read More »
Wyndham Clark tees off on the fourth hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Wyndham Clark says he ‘deeply regrets’ damaging his Oakmont locker during the US Open

Wyndham Clark is apologizing for the damage done to the century-old locker he was using at Oakmont during the U.S. Open. It’s the second time this year Clark has caused damage out of anger during a major. He also slung his driver, which damaged a sign on the tee during the PGA Championship. Reports surfaced over the weekend of the damage to the Oakmont locker. Clark missed the cut by one shot at the U.S. Open. He says he deeply regrets the mistake. The former U.S. Open champion says he’s had highs and lows and certainly more lows this year.

Read More »
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

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.

Read More »
FILE - Coastal Carolina coach Gary Gilmore participates in an interview during an NCAA regional baseball game against Vanderbilt on May 31, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

Coastal Carolina is in CWS finals, and retired coach Gary Gilmore is happy to watch from afar

Coastal Carolina has won 26 straight games and is in the finals of the College World Series. Gary Gilmore said he has had no second thoughts about retiring after last season even though the Chanticleers are on this sensational run. The 67-year-old Gilmore attended no Coastal Carolina games this season until the Chanticleers’ first two in the CWS last weekend. He sat in the stands at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. He and his family will be back when the best-of-three finals against LSU start Saturday.

Read More »
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani prepares to pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Shohei Ohtani will pitch for the Dodgers against the Nationals on Sunday

Shohei Ohtani will next pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. The two-way superstar made his mound debut for the Dodgers on Monday against the San Diego Padres, throwing one inning and allowing one run and two hits. He also batted leadoff as the designated hitter and had two hits. Ohtani faced Padres sluggers Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado in his 28-pitch outing. The Dodgers conclude their four-game series with San Diego on Thursday night, looking for a sweep and their sixth straight victory overall.

Read More »
Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe (15) and Junior Caminero (13) celebrate after scoring on a Jonathan Aranda single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Rays overcome 8-run deficit to beat Orioles 12-8 in the biggest comeback in the majors this season

Brandon Lowe hit a tying two-run homer in the fifth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays overcame an eight-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles 12-8 on Wednesday night in the largest comeback in the majors this season. Junior Camerino had four hits and two RBIs to help Tampa Bay match the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Rays also rallied from eight down in a 10-8 victory over the Angels on Aug. 18, 2012, and in a 10-9 win over Toronto on July 25, 2009. The Orioles last gave away an eight-run lead on April 28, 2017, in a 14-11 loss to the New York Yankees. Baltimore had an eight-run second inning.

Read More »
Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Díaz (2) and Christopher Morel, right, celebrate after Diaz scored on a single by Junior Caminero, not pictured, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Rays pull off largest comeback in the majors this season, rallying from 8 down to beat Orioles 12-8

The Tampa Bay Rays overcame an eight-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles 12-8 on Wednesday night in the largest comeback in the majors this season. Tampa Bay matched the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Rays also rallied from eight down in a 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 18, 2012, and in a 10-9 win over Toronto on July 25, 2009. The Orioles last gave away an eight-run lead on April 28, 2017, in a 14-11 loss to the New York Yankees. The largest blown lead in franchise history came in a 14-13 loss to  Detroit on April 25, 1901, when the team was based in Milwaukee. Baltimore had an eight-run second inning.

Read More »
New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrates a home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Jazz Chisholm Jr. homers against Angels to end 30-inning scoreless streak for the Yankees

The New York Yankees ended their 30-inning scoreless streak Wednesday night when Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels. Trailing 1-0, the Yankees ended their run-scoring drought when Chisholm sent a 2-0 pitch from Los Angeles starter Jack Konchanowicz into the seats in right field. The ball stayed just inside the foul pole and Chisholm, and his 10th homer of the season, was celebrated in the dugout with his teammates. The run was New York’s first since Anthony Volpe hit an RBI groundout in the ninth inning of its 4-3 loss at Boston on Saturday.

Read More »
Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Nick Castellanos returns to Phillies lineup after benching and makes game-sealing catch vs Marlins

Nick Castellanos returned to the Philadelphia Phillies lineup for their game against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday after being benched the day before for “an inappropriate comment” the outfielder made when he was pulled for a defensive replacement on Monday. Castellanos played right field and singled in four at-bats against the Marlins before Johan Rojas replaced him in the bottom of the eighth with Philadelphia up 3-1. Thomson said the plan was only for Castellanos to be benched Tuesday and that he wouldn’t take the outfielder out on Wednesday in a similar situation.

Read More »
Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) kisses the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Stanley Cup damaged as the Florida Panthers celebrate a second straight championship

The Stanley Cup is a little banged up, thanks to the Florida Panthers’ celebration of back-to-back titles. The bowl of the famous trophy is cracked and the bottom is dented. The Panthers won their second consecutive championship on home ice Tuesday night, beating Edmonton in six games. The team, following decades of tradition, partied with the Cup well into Wednesday. The 131-year-old Cup has been damaged many times over the past century and is considered fairly easy to repair. That’s the plan ahead of Sunday’s celebration parade.

Read More »
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) at NFL football minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders ticketed after police say he drove 101 mph in Cleveland suburb

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is accused of driving a pickup truck 101 mph (163 kilometers per hour) on a suburban Cleveland interstate earlier this week. The Strongsville Police Department says its officers stopped Sanders at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in a 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) zone on Interstate 71. Local media reported the 23-year-old from the University of Colorado could pay a $250 fine to waive the fourth-degree misdemeanor case. He’s the son of Hall of Fame player Deion Sanders and was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft this spring.

Read More »
FILE - Music artist Nezza sings the national anthem prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh, File)

Nezza’s anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team’s immigrant support

After Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza’s viral controversial performance at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers fans have grown frustrated over the team’s lack of vocal support for local immigrant communities impacted by the rise of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and raids. The baseball team has a long history with immigrant communities in Los Angeles, boasting a huge Latino fan base and hosting multiple heritage nights honoring various communities. Some fans have since called for a boycott online. Some are pushing for a more permanent boycott, while others say they’d be willing to return if the team spoke out in support.

Read More »
FILE - The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson, File)

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders say they’re getting a 400% increase in pay

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders say they are getting a serious increase in pay. One of the cheerleaders has said during the second season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” that the members are getting a 400% boost in pay. The cheerleaders have been pushing for pay increases for years. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader that led to the squad doubling the per-game pay, from $200 to $400. The latest raise is four times that.

Read More »
A protester runs on the pitch during the Club World Cup group G soccer match between Manchester City and Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Animal-rights protester runs onto field during Club World Cup match with anti-Morocco message

An animal-rights activist ran onto the field during a Club World Cup match between Manchester City and Wydad at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, urging Morocco to reform its treatment of stray animals. The man wore a shirt that read, “Morocco, end the stray dog massacre,” and carried a sign that read, “Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats.” He ran for a few seconds before he was tackled by security workers. The protester’s shirt and sign included the logo of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Wydad is based in Casablanca, Morocco. PETA has been critical of the Moroccan government for its treatment of stray cats and dogs.

Read More »
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots around Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP)

The Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They’re trying to keep their minds on the Pacers

Difficult as it may seem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is desperately trying to not think about what may await the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder star doesn’t want to think about the end of the NBA Finals. Or how the Larry O’Brien Trophy will feel in his hands if he gets to finally hoist it as a champion. Or what the celebration will look like, sound like, be like. The Thunder are one win from a title, and it could come when they visit the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. It is not just another game. Gilgeous-Alexander is trying to make it seem that way.

Read More »
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce stretches during the NFL football team's practice Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Travis Kelce’s decision to return for another season with Chiefs wasn’t much of a decision at all

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said Wednesday that he never seriously considered retirement after last year’s loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Once the emotions died down, the four-time All-Pro realized he still had something to prove. In fact, Kelce seemed to indicate after the second day of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp that playing the 2026 season isn’t entirely out of the question. But for now, his focus is firmly on the upcoming season, and getting back to the big game. That much was evident just by looking at Kelce, who dismissed claims that he had dropped about 25 pounds but was noticeably slimmer all the same.

Read More »
Nelly Korda after putting on the 12th hole during the fourth round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Erin Hills Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Erin, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Another quick major chance for top-ranked Nelly Korda when Women’s PGA tees off in Texas

Nelly Korda isn’t having to wait long for another major chance. The top-ranked player in women’s golf was a runner-up at the U.S. Women’s Open three weeks ago, and now tees off Thursday in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco in North Texas. The 26-year-old Korda has two majors among her 15 career wins, including the 2021 Women’s PGA at Atlanta Athletic Club. But she hasn’t won any of her nine starts this year. The top three players in the world will be grouped together for the first two rounds, with Korda playing with Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko.

Read More »
San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafael Devers ready to put Boston situation behind and start fresh in San Francisco

Rafael Devers has been formally introduced by the Giants, days after being traded to San Francisco by the Boston Red Sox. Devers is set to be designated hitter batting third in the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. He is determined to leave his own lasting mark on the franchise in what is a much-needed fresh start for him and a monumental mid-season acquisition for Buster Posey and San Francisco’s front office. Devers says he’s done discussing any issues he had with the Red Sox and eager to move forward with the Giants, insisting he will play anywhere and do whatever manager Bob Melvin and his staff ask.

Read More »
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky poses in front of fans after winning the Stanley Cup in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Sergei Bobrovsky’s brilliance leads Florida Panthers to second straight Stanley Cup title

The loudest cheers among Florida Panthers fans at Amerant Bank Arena are always for Sergei Bobrovsky.Prega me warmups. Jumbotron appearances. Each and every save. Florida fans know how important the veteran goaltender is to their team. So do the Panthers. It’s why Florida never appeared rattled during its third straight Stanley Cup Final run. The defending champion Panthers remained even-keeled, never looking too far ahead, and certainly not harping on the past — mirroring the attitude of their unflappable two-time Vezina trophy-winning goaltender.

Read More »
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presents the Conn Smythe Trophy to Sam Bennett after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett wins Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP

Sam Bennett has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Florida Panthers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Bennett scored 15 times to lead all playoff scorers this season. He also was a factor physically by making some big hits, crowding the crease and knocking Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner and other opponents off their game. Bennett could parlay his massive postseason success into a lucrative contract as a free agent whether he re-signs with Florida or goes elsewhere.

Read More »
New York Yankees' Aaron Judge walks to the dugout after striking out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Yankees searching for answers after 3rd straight shutout

The New York Yankees’ offense is drifting toward uncharted territory — and not in a good way. The team tied a franchise record by getting shut out for the third straight game Tuesday night, when the Yankees went 0 for 10 with runners on base in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees have been blanked in three consecutive games seven times in their 123-year history — but only three times in the last 50 years, most recently from Sept. 22-24, 2016. The last major league team to get shut out in four straight games was the Kansas City Royals in September 2017.

Read More »
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo holds the trophy after winning the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Not even Saudi Arabia or FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup

In the end, not even Saudi Arabia or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup. FIFA president Infantino certainly tried – last month making a public appeal ahead of the tournament. Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr was due to expire and FIFA’s decision to create a specially-made mini transfer window for its newest competition meant the path was clear for the Real Madrid great to sign a short-term deal with a new team just in time to take part. Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, where he was the face of the oil-rich kingdom’s spectacular drive to sign some of soccer’s biggest stars in recent years, rumours began to circulate about a move to Al Hilal.

Read More »
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, June 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Ohtani ‘feeling good’ after his Dodgers pitching debut and could return to mound this weekend

Shohei Ohtani came out of his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in good order, even if he was his own worst critic. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is “a little fatigued” but otherwise feeling good a day after returning from elbow surgery and pitching in a major league game for the first time since August 2023. Ohtani, who threw one inning, says he wasn’t quite happy with the results overall. He gave up a pair of hits and a run in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over San Diego. He could pitch again this weekend when the Washington Nationals visit Dodger Stadium.

Read More »
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after a three-point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Clark scores 20 and the Fever beat the Sun 88-71 in physical game to secure Commissioner’s Cup spot

Caitlin Clark had 20 points, six assists and four 3-pointers and the Indiana Fever beat the Connecticut Sun 88-71 in a physical game that included three late ejections. With 46.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Connecticut guard Jacy Sheldon made a steal and raced the other way before being wrapped up by Sophie Cunningham under the basket for a hard foul. Sheldon got up quicky and got into a shoving match with Cunningham, leading to Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen all getting ejected. Sheldon was also the center of another official review in the third quarter after she poked Clark in the eye and then Marina Mabrey came in late to shove Clark to the floor. Indiana secured a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Read More »
FILE - Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, and Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, pose before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Federal judge calls on NASCAR, teams to settle bitter antitrust battle

A federal judge is urging NASCAR and two of its teams to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing this week. 23XI Racing, which is owned by Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, is fighting with NASCAR along with Front Row Motorsports. The two say the series is a monopoly, but NASCAR has struck back with a countersuit of its own.

Read More »
Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos can't reach a triple hit by Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Nick Castellanos benched for ‘inappropriate comment’ after being pulled for defensive replacement

Nick Castellanos has been benched by Phillies manager Rob Thomson for “an inappropriate comment” the outfielder made after he was pulled for a defensive replacement a day earlier. The move ends Castellanos’ streak of 236 consecutive starts. Thomson says Castellanos is “very emotional” and “wants to play every inning of every game.” The manager says Castellanos made a comment after being removed from Monday night’s game that led to his benching on Tuesday. Max Kepler started in right field.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

The rest that’s built into the NBA Finals can be a good thing, especially now

Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now. Put simply, he could use a couple of days off — at least. Haliburton has a lower leg injury and it seems to be the sort that if this were a back-to-back situation in December, he’d be missing at least one game. But these are the finals. This is June. There no back-to-backs in the playoffs. And when the league gets to the last series, two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Tyrese Haliburton scheduled for MRI as part of leg injury evaluation, AP source says

Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 of the NBA Finals is understandably in at least some doubt, after the Olympic gold-medal-winning guard was undergoing evaluation Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury to his lower right leg. Part of that evaluation was an MRI exam, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither Haliburton nor the team revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made clear after Game 5 that the Eastern Conference champions would be taking a close look at the injury.

Read More »
J.J. Spaun celebrates with his caddie, Mark Carens, after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

A caddie at heart, Bones Mackay makes sure to get the 18th flag to Spaun’s bagman

Jim “Bones” Mackay is now with NBC Sports as an on-course reporter. But he’ll always consider himself a caddie. That much was evident in the final minutes of the U.S. Open. Mackay was reporting from the final group. J.J. Spaun was in the group ahead and clinched the victory. Mackay knows that a caddie’s trophy is the 18th pin flag. But there was one group still to play. So Mackay made sure to remove the pin when it was over and take it to Mark Carens. He’s the caddie for Spaun. It was a classy gesture only a caddie would know.

Read More »
Kansas City Chiefs players warm up before the NFL football team's practice Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Tight end Travis Kelce, franchised guard Trey Smith attend Chiefs minicamp

Four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith, who skipped voluntary workouts after receiving the franchise tag, were present for the start of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp Tuesday. Kansas City is coming off a lopsided loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Smith’s decision to attend was particularly noteworthy as he continues to seek a long-term contract with Kansas City. The sides face a mid-July deadline. If they are unable to come to an agreement, he would play the upcoming season on a one-year, $23.4 million deal.

Read More »
Law enforcement personnel stand outside the stadium prior to the Club World Cup group C soccer match between Boca Juniors and Benfica in Miami Gardens, Fla., Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Hard Rock Stadium tightens security at Club World Cup after chaotic scene at Copa America

Almost a year since the Copa America final nearly ended in tragedy, big numbers of soccer fans are back at Hard Rock Stadium. This time it’s for the Club World Cup with heightened security. A combined crowd of nearly 120,000 supporters have watched the opening two games staged in Miami. They have been greeted by extra checkpoints and a heavy police presence. The sheriff’s office says lessons have been learned from July of last year when ticketless fans rushed the gates for a match between Argentina and Colombia, leaving fans terrified and bloodied as security struggled to contain the crush.

Read More »
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) attempts a shot in the second half of an WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Thursday, May, 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray

The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York. Atlanta at 8-3 is off to one of the franchise’s best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games.

Read More »
J.J. Spaun celebrates with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

J.J. Spaun takes a long road of hard work to become US Open champion

One of the early memories of J.J. Spaun was his rookie year when he was too afraid to meet Tiger Woods. Now their names are together on the U.S. Open trophy. Spaun didn’t come out of nowhere. He was already having a good year. Now it’s a great one that has moved him into the top 10 in the world and No. 3 in the Ryder Cup standings. His memories are driving the 17th green and making a 65-foot putt in his birdie-birdie finish at Oakmont. His story is more about grit and resilience to become a major champion.

Read More »

Lando Norris says the ‘F1’ movie mirrors his rivalry with Oscar Piastri after Canada collision

Lando Norris says the new Formula 1 movie contains some reminders of his own rivalry with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri after their collision at the Canadian Grand Prix. Speaking Monday at the Times Square premiere of “F1,” starring Brad Pitt, Norris says his rivalry with Piastri remains friendly even if there are sometimes “roadblocks and chicanes.” He adds that “the thing that the F1 movie gets into a little bit more is how teammates have to be teammates but also how they want to beat one another, and how do you get that balance right?”

Read More »
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws to a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, June 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Sho-time at Dodger Stadium as Ohtani makes his long-awaited return to the mound after elbow surgery

Shohei Ohtani gave up a pair of two-strike hits and a run in his Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut against the San Diego Padres, which came 21 months after the two-way superstar had elbow surgery. Ohtani threw 28 pitches — 16 for strikes — in the first inning as Dodger Stadium fans hung on every one of them. They oohed when a fastball was clocked at 100.2 mph — the second-hardest pitch thrown by a Dodgers hurler this season. After getting through the top of the first on the mound, Ohtani struck out swinging at the plate leading off the bottom of the inning against Dylan Cease. Los Angeles reliever Anthony Banda replaced Ohtani in the second.

Read More »
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) looks on during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers’ Haliburton plays through lower leg injury in Game 5 loss to Thunder in NBA Finals

Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton grabbed at his lower right leg after an awkward fall in the first quarter, briefly leaving Game 5 of the NBA Finals for treatment. He kept playing. He clearly wasn’t right. To his credit, Haliburton gutted his way through 34 minutes — largely playing the role of a facilitating decoy in the second half, hardly ever looking to shoot. He finished with four points, all from the foul line, and the Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-109 on Monday night to fall behind 3-2 in the title series.

Read More »
New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton bats during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, June 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Giancarlo Stanton makes season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

Giancarlo Stanton got two hits in his season debut for the Yankees against the Los Angeles Angels after missing New York’s first 70 games because of inflammation in the tendons of both elbows. Stanton received a standing ovation when he came to the plate with two on and two outs in the first inning. Batting fifth, the designated hitter hit a 101.5 mph groundout to third on the first pitch. He then grounded a sinker to left against José Soriano for a 111.1 mph single in the fourth.

Read More »
Boston Red Sox's Roman Anthony, right, is greeted by third base coach Kyle Hudson after hitting a solo home run off Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, June 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony hits 1st career home run

Prized rookie Roman Anthony has hit his first major league home run for the Boston Red Sox in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners. The 21-year-old Anthony turned on a slider from Mariners starter Logan Gilbert — who was making his first appearance since coming off the injured list — and cranked it to right-center for a solo shot. The right fielder was rated the top prospect in baseball when he got called up from Triple-A Worcester last week. Anthony began the night hitting .059 through six major league games. His home run was just his second hit since he made his debut on June 9.

Read More »
Benfica's Renato Sanches, left, and Boca Juniors' Alan Velasco confront each other during the Club World Cup group C soccer match between Boca Juniors and Benfica in Miami Gardens, Fla., Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Boca Juniors, Benfica draw 2-2 in Club World Cup match that includes 3 red cards, 22 fouls

Benfica overcame a two-goal deficit, getting Ángel Di María’s penalty kick in first-half stoppage time and Nicolás Otamendi’s 84th-minute goal for a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors on Monday night in a heated Club World Cup match that included three red cards, four yellows and 22 fouls. Boca Juniors played in a home-like environment with the Argentine club’s supporters making up most of the 55,574 crowd at Hard Rock Stadium against one of Portugal’s premier teams. Both teams finished a man short and one Boca player was ejected after he was substituted from the match.

Read More »
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) follows through on a home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, June 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Red Sox baseball boss Breslow says Devers trade does not mean ‘waving of the white flag on 2025’

The Boston Red Sox thought they would be better off with a happy clubhouse than a disgruntled Rafael Devers. A day after trading their erstwhile third baseman to the San Francisco Giants, Red Sox President Sam Kennedy told reporters on Monday night that Devers’ refusal to change positions made it untenable for him to remain with the team. The Red Sox sent the three-time All-Star to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison and a pair of prospects. The move comes less than two years after signing Devers to a 10-year, $313.5 million contract.

Read More »
Chelsea's Pedro Neto blows a kiss as he celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Los Angeles FC during the Club World Cup group D soccer match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Neto, Fernández each score to lead Chelsea over LAFC 2-0 in Club World Cup

Pedro Neto scored in the first half and Enzo Fernández in the 79th minute to give Chelsea a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Group D’s Club World Cup opener. Chelsea put pressure on LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris early into the match. Neto found the breakthrough in the 34th minute, picking up a pass from Nicolas Jackson and cutting onto his left foot for a near-post finish. LAFC almost got one back just before the 60-minute mark, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez came up with an important save to keep Denis Bouanga off the scoresheet.

Read More »

Arkansas’ Wood pitches third no-hitter in CWS history, gets 19 strikeouts against Murray State

Arkansas’ Gage Wood pitched the third no-hitter in College World Series history and first in 65 years, striking out a record 19 and never letting Murray State come close to getting a hit in the Razorbacks’ 3-0 victory. Wood joined Jim Ehrler of Texas in 1950 and Jim Wixson of Oklahoma State in 1960 as the only pitchers to throw CWS no-hitters. His defense was never really challenged as he dominated a Racers team that was making its first Omaha appearance. The junior right-hander set the CWS record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

Read More »
loader-image
Rapid City, US
1:15 pm, Jul 9, 2025
temperature icon 96°F
scattered clouds
25 %
1012 mb
13 mph
Clouds: 40%
Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise: 5:18 am
Sunset: 8:37 pm

Finance.

  • Loading stock data...