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Brewers score first again, but Dodgers score last & often

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 23: Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Andy Pages #44 after hitting a three-run home run to tie the game in the fourth inning during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Gash/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Brewers had a big first inning for the second night in a row, but this time the Dodgers had an answer. Teoscar Hernández drove in six runs to turn things around in a 11-3 win for Los Angeles on Saturday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Roki Sasaki needed 35 pitches to get through the first inning, a frame that started with two doubles and was exacerbated by his own throwing error and a mistimed leap by Mookie Betts at shortstop on a single that scored the third run. After trailing 4-0 after an inning on Friday, the Dodgers were down 3-0 after one on Saturday.

Los Angeles had a runner on base in each of the first two innings, including a one-out triple by Kyle Tucker in the second, but he was stranded. One of the outs was a strikeout by Hernández.

More opportunities came, and Los Angeles finally cashed in during the fourth inning, first with consecutive doubles by Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages for one run. After a walk by Tucker, Hernández hit a towering ball down the left field line that hit off the foul pole for a three-run shot that gave the Dodgers their first lead of the series.

That’s the second home run this week for Hernández, and his third extra-base hit in four games.

After a double (off the yellow line in center field, just shy of a home run) and walk with two outs in the second inning, Sasaki escaped that frame and retired his final 10 batters face, getting through the next four innings on only 52 more pitches. He left with four strikeouts and a lead.

Two walks started the eighth for the Dodgers, who cashed them in with consecutive singles by Will Smith and Hernández, plus a squeeze bunt by Miguel Rojas for a three-run frame. Hernández added another two-run single in the ninth for a season-high six RBI.

After going three weeks without an extra-base hit, Hernández since May 11 is hitting .386/.440/.682 with seven extra-base hits in 12 games.

Going streaking

After Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt protected a one-run lead in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, a warmed-up Tanner Scott entered with a four-run lead in the eighth and struck out three to work around a single. Jonathan Hernández got the ninth inning with an eight-run lead and retired all three he faced to finish the win.

Dodgers relievers have not allowed a run since May 12, and the bullpen’s 36 consecutive scoreless innings is the longest in modern franchise history (since 1901). On Saturday they surpassed a 33-inning streak from April 17-28, 1998.

Notes

  • Eleven walks by Dodgers batters is a season high, two more than their previous best set last Saturday in Anaheim.
  • Six RBI for Hernández match his career high, also done on June 13, 2021 with Toronto, on August 26, 2023 with Seattle, and on June 8, 2024 for the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.
  • Freeman’s double in the fourth inning was the 561st of his career, breaking his tie for 30th place all-time with Eddie Murray and Jeff Kent. Freeman, who has five extra-base hits in his last four games, is four doubles shy of Carlós Beltrán for 29th place.
  • Freeman also walked four times, one shy of his career high set on June 17, 2024. He had two other four-walk games with Atlanta, in the regular season in 2019 and in Game 6 of the 2021 National League Championship Series.
  • Shohei Ohtani singled twice and walked on Saturday, his ninth straight game reaching base at least twice, matching his own streak from April 3-12 as the longest by a Dodger this season. The last longer Dodgers streak was Freeman with a 10-game streak from April 20-30, 2024.

Saturday particulars

Home run: Teoscar Hernández (7)

WP — Roki Sasaki (3-3): 5 IP, 4 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, 4 strikeouts

LP — Robert Gasser (0-1): 4 1/3 IP, 4 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts

Up next

The Dodgers and Brewers close things up on Sunday afternoon (11:10 a.m. PT, SportsNet LA), with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound against right-hander Brandon Sproat.

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Ehlers’ OT goal lifts Hurricanes past Canadiens in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Final

RALEIGH, N.C. — Nikolaj Ehlers got loose up the center of the ice and popped the puck past Jakub Dobes at 3:29 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night to level the Eastern Conference Final at one game apiece.

Ehlers scored twice for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the first with a highlight-reel individual effort in the second period against two Montreal defenders.

And when the game went to OT, the guy the Hurricanes landed as a sought-after free agent carried them to the finish line.

Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, while Josh Anderson scored twice for Montreal.

The series shifts to Canada for Monday’s Game 3.

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Chris Taylor changes mind about retirement, appears on minor league injured list

Chris Taylor has apparently mulled over his retirement decision and seemingly changed his mind.

The 35-year-old has been placed on the minor league's injured list, per MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. The transaction was not officially listed on MiLB's official website as of Saturday evening.

Taylor was listed as retired on the same website on Friday, May 22.

Taylor had been playing for the Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees. He fractured his left forearm after being hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of a minor league game on Wednesday, May 20.

He joined the Angels’ franchise after spending the majority of his career playing for the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent a decade with the Dodgers and won two World Series titles.

He helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship in over 30 years, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in a six-game series back in 2020. He won the second title of his career with the Dodgers, winning a five-game series against the New York Yankees in 2024.

He started his career with the Seattle Mariners after he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft out of the University of Virginia.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Taylor changes mind about retirement, appears on minor league IL

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NHL playoff overtime explained: Longest games, 2026 OT results

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs mean a major change in the overtime format.

Unlike the Olympics, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.

There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime play. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.

This postseason, there have been 18 overtime games, including three double-overtime games. Game 7 of the Montreal-Buffalo series was the 18th.

Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.

How does OT work in NHL playoffs?

If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.

The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series or the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series.

2026 NHL playoff overtime games

May 18:Canadiens 3, Sabres 2: Alex Newhook scored the winner at 11:22 of the first overtime as Montreal ousted Buffalo in Game 7.

May 13:Avalanche 4, Wild 3: Brett Kulak scored the winner at 3:52 of the first overtime as Colorado ousted Minnesota in Game 5.

May 12:Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2: Pavel Dorofeyev scored the winning goal just over four minutes into the first overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 series lead over Anaheim.

May 9:Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2: Jackson Blake scored at 5:31 of the first overtime to sweep the Flyers.

May 4:Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2: Taylor Hall scored at 18:54 of the first overtime for a 2-0 series lead.

May 1:Lightning 1, Canadiens 0: Gage Goncalves scored at 9:03 of the first overtime to tie the series.

April 29:Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4 (2OT): Brett Howden scored at 5:28 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 3-2 lead on Utah.

April 29: Flyers 1, Penguins 0: Cam York scored at 17:32 of the first overtime as the Flyers ousted the Penguins in Game 6.

April 28: Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (OT). David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of the first overtime to cut the Bruins' series deficit to 3-2.

April 27: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4 (OT). Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime to tie the series at two games apiece.

April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3 (OT). Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.

April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tie the series 2-2.

April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.

April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.

April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1: Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.

April 21: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2: J.J. Moser scored at 7:12 in the first overtime to tie up the series at a game apiece. It was Moser's first career NHL playoff goal.

April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2: Jordan Martinook scored at 13:53 of the second overtime. He was stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime.

April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3: Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 1:22 of the first overtime, completing a hat trick.

What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?

  • 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
  • 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
  • 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
  • 4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
  • 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
  • 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.

Longest Stanley Cup Final games

Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.

Which players in 2026 postseason have the most playoff overtime goals?

  • 5 - Corey Perry, Lightning
  • 4 - Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (all in 2025 playoffs, an NHL record for one postseason)
  • 3 - Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket overtime rules, 2026 results and longest games

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #51: 5/23 vs. Rockies

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Tommy Troy #98 of the Arizona Diamondbacks heads to the dugout before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

ROCKIESDIAMONDBACKS
Jake McCarthy – CFKetel Marte – 2B
Hunter Goodman – CCorbin Carroll – RF
TJ Rumfield – DHGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Willi Castro – 1BNolan Arenado – 3B
Troy Johnston – LFIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Ezequiel Tovar – SSGabriel Moreno – C
Sterlin Thompson – RFJose Fernandez – DH
Chad Stevens – 2BTim Tawa – LF
Kyle Karros – 3BRyan Waldschmidt – CF
Michael Lorenzen – RHPZac Gallen – RHP

Roster moves

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.

  • Selected OF Tommy Troy (No. 9) from Triple-A Reno.
  • Placed on the 10-day injured list: OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (strained left hamstring)

The Age of Troy has commenced! Tommy Troy was out first round pick in 2023, going twelfth overall in that year’s draft, and with a signing bonus of $4.4 million. He’s the fifteenth player from the first round, including additional picks, to reach the majors, a class headlined by Paul Skenes and Wyatt Langford. Tommy progressed quickly through the farm system, reaching Triple-A at the beginning of August last season, not much more than two years after being drafted. Since then, he has played 82 games for the Aces, with a line of .301/.390/.440 for an OPS of .829. This season’s numbers are in line with that: an OPS of .846.

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Troy was rated the #4 prospect in the farm system by MLB Pipeline.com. Their most recent assessment said, “He rarely misses on four-seamers or sinkers, and the bulk of his damage will come against such heaters. By comparison, he really struggled with contact against changeups at Triple-A. His overall swing decisions are solid too, and he’s generally at his best trying to shoot the ball up the middle of the field. He’s also generally a line-drive hitter more than an aim-for-the-seats type. Gap extra-base hits and the occasional homer (12-15 per season) will fuel his slugging ability in the bigs.”

His playing time for the Aces has been almost evenly split between second-base and left-field. Given he has been called up to replace Gurriel, I imagine he’s going to be seen most often in left, but he could be used to give Ketel Marte a blow, either at DH or resting entirely. However, it is worth noting this year was the first time he had played left-field as a professional, and in general has much more experience as a middle infielder than playing the outfield. So it may prove to be a work in progress. But hopefully he’ll fit in well, alongside his fellow rookie Ryan Waldschmidt. Welcome to the big leagues, Mr. Troy!

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Thunder injury updates: Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams Game 4 status revealed

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

Mitchell started seven of the Thunder’s 11 playoff games as a replacement for Jalen Williams in the starting lineup. Mitchell finished fifth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

He had his lowest scoring performance of the postseason on Friday, producing just two points and one assist in 17 minutes of play. He's been ruled out with a right soleus strain.

Williams could be closing in on a return, though, but he officially remains questionable ahead of Game 4 with a sore left hamstring.

Williams played in just 33 games during the regular season after he underwent offseason surgery on his right wrist.

He's missed six games as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered during the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.

When do the Thunder play next?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams play for Thunder in Game 4 vs Spurs?

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From The Hockey News Archives: Meet The Talented Mr. Zetterberg

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Meet The Talented Mr. Zetterberg: February 7, 2006 - Volume 59, Issue 20

DETROIT – Henrik Zetterberg knew the big test was coming, so he wasn’t surprised or startled when Darren McCarty took a run at him during his first scrimmage with the Detroit Red Wings.

And he wasn’t particularly alarmed when McCarty ran him again…and again…and again.

The new kid arrived in Hockeytown with a mighty reputation and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Red Wings – McCarty in particular – wanted to test his mettle. The kid, 21 at the time, passed the test. Talk about an initiation into the NHL.

“He’s an unbelievable player,” says Red Wings veteran Brendan Shanahan.

“I remember when he first arrived here for training camp, they weren’t sure how he would handle the physicality of the NHL, so Darren ran him a few times in our pre-season camp. It didn’t change the way he played. I remember Mac saying to me, ‘Not only is this kid tough, he’s pretty solid.’ I think he knocked the wind out of Mac.”

Considered by many to be the best player not in the NHL the season before he joined the Wings, Zetterberg might now be aptly described as the best player in the NHL that nobody knows. A shy, laid-back individual, Zetterberg has quietly become Detroit’s most dominant player. But if you don’t follow the Wings – or better yet, play on a line with him, you probably wouldn’t know him to pass him on the street.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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The

Sitting in a cozy lunch room next to the team’s dressing room, the walls adorned with action shots of Detroit stars from the past, the humble Zetterberg says he was aware he’d be tested by his new teammates when he arrived in 2002.

They wanted to know, did he have the jam to play with the big boys? Or would he wilt when the going got tough?

“In the first couple of red-and-white games, (McCarty) took a few runs at me,” recalls Zetterberg, his Bon Jovi-like locks strategically tussled to make him look more like a rock star than a professional athlete. “I heard before I came over here that it was going to be tough, so I was prepared. I didn’t hit him back or slash him; I just kept playing.

“After camp, (McCarty) came to me and told me he was instructed to hit me. He told me he was impressed with how I handled it.”

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Zetterberg is not an imposing physical specimen. Standing next to him you can’t help but wonder how he survives in the NHL’s trenches. The answer is easy: speed and finesse. When he straps on his skates and takes control of the puck, he’s a force, able to make jaw-dropping moves while flying at full speed.

Zetterberg’s game is based on skill and determination and he simply refuses to be outworked.

“When I first got here, I was amazed at how many times he’d split the defense,” says defenseman Mathieu Schneider. “He takes such quick strides through the neutral zone. He’s a tremendous player. There are no weak parts to his game.”

Adds Steve Yzerman: “He stood out pretty quickly. Not so much for the flashy stuff, but for his allaround play. He is great defensively and he’s a pretty good positional player. Along the boards, he’s really good with the puck.”

Zetterberg took his first strides toward becoming an NHL star when he was two years old. In his hometown of Njurunda, a community of about 100,000 located four hours north of Stockholm, his dad, Goran, strapped a pair of blades to his son’s winter boots and watched as young Henrik negotiated a frozen pond.

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Taylor Swift attends Cavs vs. Knicks playoff game

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: (L-R) Singer Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs attend Game Three between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks are known for their celebrity crowd. Timothée Chalamet, Ben Siller, and Spike Lee are mainstays on the sideline at Madison Square Garden. But so far, the Cleveland Cavaliers have hosted the biggest celebrity so far in attendance for a game.

Cleveland Heights native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been to many Cavs playoff games since he entered the NFL. The team even had a bobblehead giveaway for him back in 2023. Although he’s never brought his world-famous pop star fiancée to the game.

Taylor Swift was in attendance, sitting baseline, across from the Cavs’ bench throughout the game. The in-arena hosts did not officially welcome them during the first half of Game 3.

Swift is one of the highest recording artists of all time. She boasts 14 number-one hits on the U.S. Billboard Top 100. This has led to her being the wealthiest female musician of all time.

The Cavs need all the good luck they can get in their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Knicks. They trail 2-0 in the best-of-seven series to decide who will go to the NBA Finals. The Cavs had a chance to steal Game 1 in New York, but blew a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately lost in overtime.

The Cavs are hoping to turn things around in Game 3. Maybe Swift and Kelce can help turn the luck around this series.

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Donovan Mitchell injury update: Cavaliers star goes to locker room, returns

Donovan Mitchell's health is something to watch as Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals unfolds.

ESPN's cameras showed Mitchell walking back toward the locker room midway through the second quarter, though ESPN later reported he was not accompanied by a trainer. He returned to the bench area in short order and got back into the game before the quarter was through.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donovan Mitchell injury update, status for Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3

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Colorado Rockies game no. 53 thread: Michael Lorenzen vs. Zac Gallen

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 17: Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen #24 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Coors Field on May 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a late-inning rally, the Colorado Rockies will look to win back-to-back games for the first time in two weeks. After starting 14-18, the Rockies have gone just 6-14 in May, tied with the Los Angeles Angels for the second-lowest winning percentage in MLB. Only the Detroit Tigers have a worse record (4-16). They have also been outscored 124-77 during that stretch, and has been held to three or fewer runs in 10 of their last 20 games. If they win tonight, they have the chance to split and if they win tomorrow, they can potentially win their first series in May.

After Tomoyuki Sugano posted the Rockies’ first Quality Start since May 1 last night, right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-6, 7.03 ERA) will look to continue the momentum. In his last start against these same Diamondbacks, Lorenzen only pitched 4.2 innings and allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with five strikeouts and three walks with two home runs. It was the fourth time this season that Lorenzen has allowed seven runs in a start — the most of such outings in MLB this year — and the fourth-straight game in which he allowed multiple walks. The last time he did that was in 2024 when he allowed multiple walks in nine straight games.

Lorenzen has faced the Diamondbacks 11 times (three starts) and is 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA against them. Last time he faced them on the road was July 6, 2025 with the Kansas City Royals. In that outing, he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed two hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Lorenzen will face Dbacks’ right-hander Zac Gallen (2-4, 4.78 ERA). Gallen is currently in his eighth season with the Snakes, which ties a record for pitchers with teammates Merrill Kelly and Kevin Ginkel, as well as former pitchers Randy Johnson (1999-2004, 2007-2008) and Andrew Chafin (2014-2020, 2023). Only Ketel Marte has more time on the Snakes’ roster than those three on the active roster.

In his last start on May 18 against the San Francisco Giants, Gallen allowed just two runs on four hits across six innings with one walk and five strikeouts in the 12-2 victory. Today marks Gallen’s 19th start against the Rockies. He is 9-1 against them with a 3.41 ERA.

First Pitch: 8:10pm MT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SBN Site:AZ Snake Pit

Lineups:

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Game 51 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Anaheim Angels

May 6, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Anaheim Angels

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Angel Stadium

RHP Nathan Eovaldi vs. RHP Walbert Urena

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSANGELS
Joc Pederson – DHZach Neto – SS
Brandon Nimmo – RFMike Trout – CF
Josh Jung – 3BNolan Schanuel – 1B
Alejandro Osuna – LFJorge Soler – DH
Jake Burger – 1BJo Adell – RF
Evan Carter – CFWade Meckler – LF
Ezequiel Duran – SSOswald Peraza – 2B
Justin Foscue – 2BSebastian Rivero – C
Kyle Higashioka – CDonovan Walton – 3B
Nathan Eovaldi – RHPWalbert Urena – RHP

Go Rangers!

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Wheels of perfection: Phillies 3, Guardians 0

May 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

On Saturday, news broke of Taijuan Walker signing with the Angels on a minor league deal. I’ve always felt the hate directed at Walker was a bit over the top. Sure, he wasn’t good, but he did have some stretches where he was an effective pitcher for the team. His time here was clearly up and they made the correct move in getting rid of him, but since they made that decision, something has changed.

That something is Zack Wheeler returning and being his usual, Cy Young caliber self.

It seems as though the season has turned on his return, which isn’t too surprising since going from Walker to Wheeler is quite the leap forward in talent. But it’s nights like tonight, where Wheeler didn’t have this top top stuff and was still able to carve up the Cleveland lineup. However, his offense was once again stymied by the Guardians starter, this time in the form of Slade Cecconi.

Cecconi was going through the Phillies lineup similarly to what Gavin Williams did last night. He was matched by Wheeler, perhaps even beaten, particularly in the fourth inning. In that inning, Chase DeLauter doubled to begin the inning, wobbling Wheeler a bit. He responded as pitchers of his caliber do by striking out the next two hitters and getting the third to ground out harmlessly to first to end that threat. Good teams respond to that by getting their starter some runs and that’s what the Phillies did.

In their half of the inning, with one out, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm hit back to back singles to get things started. Brandon Marsh grounded out on a spectacular play by Kyle Manzardo to put the runners on second and third with two outs and Bryson Stott up, the team needing something to break their scoreless inning streak. Stott delivered and the Phillies were up, 2-0.

Wheeler continued dominating the Guardians, eventually going six innings and only allowing two hits and one walk, lowering his season ERA to 1.67. In the bottom of the sixth, Harper and Bohm got on to start things off, then were joined on a walk by Stott. J.T. Realmuto struck out for the second out to bring up the horrendously struggling Adolis Garcia. Somehow, he worked a walked and an insurance run was added, making it 3-0.

From there, the bullpen trio of Orion Kerkering, Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran were able to keep Cleveland off the board, only allowing one combined baserunner and never really being threatened. The losing streak of three games was snapped and the Phillies are back at .500. These two teams will be playing (maybe!) tomorrow in the rubber match to see who takes the series.

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Prop Offering On Golden Knights Star Forward Could Carry Value Based on Homecoming Games

If you're a lover of player prop bets, look no further than Golden Knights star center Jack Eichel in Game 3.

Eichel loves a good homecoming, especially in the playoffs.

Since arriving in Vegas, the all-world forward has registered at least one point in eight of the 10 home playoff games that followed a road contest.

The Golden Knights lead the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche 2-0 after taking Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Final in Denver. Games 3 and 4 are in Las Vegas on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively, and Eichel already has three points in the first two games (1 goal, 2 assists).

As part of Vegas' three-goal comeback in the third period of Friday's 3-1 win, Eichel scored the game-tying goal and assisted Ivan Barbashev on the game-winner.

This is Eichel's 10th career playoff series - all with Vegas - and in 54 postseason games, he's got 12 goals and 49 assists.

More specifically, in those 10 home playoff games where the Knights returned from the road, Eichel has 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists), again, registering at least one point in eight of those contests.

Eichel has been instrumental in helping the Knights move two wins away from their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine seasons, and six wins from their second championship.

The 29-year-old has 18 points this postseason, with two goals and 16 assists, registering at least one point in 11 of the team's 14 games.

"Phenomenal," Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin said of Eichel. "I mean, he’s such a good 200-foot player, but man, some of the offensive things he can do with the puck, how smart he is, how patient he is.

"He steps up at big moments. That’s what you need out of your best players."

At BetMGM sportsbook, Eichel is +145 to go over 1.5 points on Sunday.

PHOTO CAPTION

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9), right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) and defenseman Kaedan Korczak (6) celebrate a third-period goal against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena.

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Game #52: A’s at Padres Game Thread

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: J.T. Ginn #35 of the Athletics looks on from the mound during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 18, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The A’s saw their three-game winning streak snapped last night in the first game of this series down in San Diego. The team remains in first place in the AL West though so can’t let last night’s struggles follow them into the second game of this weekend set against the Padres.

On the mound for the Athletics tonight will be right-hander J.T. Ginn. The right-hander is coming off a tough-luck loss last time out when he went eight no-hit innings before allowing a single and walk-off two-run home run to ruin his evening. That tough ending aside, Ginn’s 2.98 ERA leads the team’s rotation as the 26-year-old has been a revelation for the squad. Let’s hope his extended outing last time out won’t affect him tonight in what’ll be his ninth start of the season.

Here’s the A’s lineup for tonight brought to you by Mark Kotsay:

That starting nine will be facing veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito. The longtime White Sox starter only signed on with the Padres recently, inking a deal at the end of April as the Padres dealt with a slew of injuries to their starting staff. It was a bit odd considering his solid year last season with Boston but he’s on the older side for pitchers. After taking some time to ramp up he finally got promoted to the big league team last week and looked solid in his first and so far only start for the Padres, firing five inning of three-run ball against the Mariners. In four career starts against the A’s Giolito has a 5.01 ERA so history is on our side tonight.

And the Padres’ batting order for tonight looks like this:

Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:

Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast

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Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift sit courtside for Knicks-Cavaliers game

New York's Madison Square Garden is famous for its celebrity row, but Cleveland's Rocket Arena saw arguably the most famous woman in the world pull up courtside Saturday night.

Pop icon Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce sat on the sidelines for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers. Kelce, the longtime Kansas City Chiefs star, grew up in nearby Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

His hometown team could use the support, down 2-0 in the East finals and fighting to avoid a 3-0 deficit.

Photos: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Knicks-Cavaliers game

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce sit courtside for Knicks vs Cavaliers game