SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 08: A general view of Oracle Park during a fireworks show after the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants on Friday, May 8, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
San Francisco Giants baseball is back at Oracle Park this weekend, so let’s see what’s on deck for fans planning to attend.
Friday is Black Heritage Night at Oracle Park. This is a special event, so fans interested in receiving the Black Heritage Night three-quarter sleeve baseball tee will have to purchase special event tickets. There will be events throughout the ballpark celebrating the Black community and honoring their history and impact on the game. After the game, there will be a fireworks show as well. You know, just in case you haven’t had enough from your neighbors all week.
Saturday will be a Fiesta Gigantes celebration throughout the park, as all home Saturday games are this season. And the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Gigantes Aloha Shirt, which is the perfect addition to any collection. Saturday will also be Dog Days 1, which requires a special event ticket. Special event ticket holders will get to participate in a pre-game field parade with their pups! If you can’t make this one, they will have another event in September.
Sunday is Nickelodeon Day at Oracle Park. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a SpongeBob SquarePants hat giveaway, perfect for the millennial in your life.
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants continue this four-game series against the Colorado Rockies tonight at 7:15 p.m. PT.
DENVER, COLORADO - JULY 05: Kyle Karros #12 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with Braxton Fulford #37, TJ Rumfield #7, and Brett Sullivan #26 after his go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on July 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the calendar turned the page from May to June, something happened to the Colorado Rockies.
As the weather got hotter and summer really turned on, so did the Rockies offense.
In the 60 games from the season opener on March 27 to May 31, the Rockies production at the plate ranked No. 22 in MLB in OBP (.313) and home runs (54), No. 18 in runs scored (251) and SLG (.384) and tied for ninth with a .245 average. Colorado was tied for the third-highest strikeout rate at 24% with the Chicago White Sox and owned a 7.7% walk rate, which was second-worst in the league.
The team’s combined WAR was 0.0 — the worst in MLB, trailing the Dodgers 12.8. The result was a 22-38 record.
Since June 1, the Rockies have been drastically different.
Time Frame
G
PA
HR
R
RBI
SB
BB%
K%
BABIP
AVG
OBP
SLG
wOBA
xwOBA
wRC+
Off
WAR
March 27-May 31
60
2252
54
251
239
49
7.70%
24.0%
.307
.245
.313
.384
.308
.303
79
-56.5
0
June 1-July 8
34
1321
53
206
198
16
9.30%
21.0%
.319
.278
.354
.494
.365
.319
117
24.8
6.3
Total
94
3590
107
457
437
65
8.30%
22.9%
.311
.257
.328
.424
.329
.309
93
-32.4
6.3
The first big improvement is in their approach and eye at the plate. In the 34 games since June 1 through Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rockies have improved their strikeout rate to 21% (ranked No. 21), which is down 3%. In addition, the walk rate has increased 1.6% to 9.3%, which is No. 7.
Outside of increased walks and fewer strikeouts, the results are evident in the stats. The Rockies .278 batting average, .354 on-base percentage and .494 slugging percentage are all the best in baseball since June 1. Their 206 runs and 198 RBIs are also tops. It’s shifted Colorado’s runs per game from 5.57 before June to 6.06 since.
In their first 60 games, the Rockies hit 54 homers. In their last 34, they’ve hit 53. The total is nearly the same in half the games. In that time frame, the 53 homers are also tied for third-most in MLB with the Twins and trailing the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers.
The team’s combined WAR has bumped up to 6.3, which is tied for the ninth-best since June 1. The result is a 16-18 record, a .471 winning percentage compared to .367.
Along the way, the Rockies have played in more close games. They were 6-9 in one-run games before June and are 6-4 in them since. They have rallied back in the eighth and ninth innings more often to rediscover the “LoDo Magic.” Entering Thursday’s series against the Giants, the Rockies have scored more runs in the eighth inning or later — 129 — in the big leagues. The next-best is Atlanta’s 116.
One of the biggest reasons for this success is that it isn’t just because of one player. It’s been a true team effort.
Five Rockies have hit over .300 since June 1 with Kyle Karros at the top of the list. Karros has hit .343 with a .440 OBP and 24 runs scored. Jake McCarthy has driven in 27 runs while hitting .325. Cole Carrigg is hitting .307 with 23 runs scored and 21 RBI. All-Star Hunter Goodman has hit 14 homers, driven in 28 runs and scored 24. TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston have hit .317 and .302, respectively. The surge hasn’t even included Mickey Moniak, who was sidelined with an ankle injury from May 22 to June 22.
So what’s the reason for the surge?
Talented young players like Carrigg, Rumfield and Karros help, continued production from back-to-back All-Star Goodman and the surprising addition of McCarthy adding a spark to the offense are all paying off. It’s a good sign for the new coaching staff and front office that the moves they are making are starting to pay off. Time will tell if it’s sustainable, especially with the Draft and tradeline coming up.
While Colorado’s record is still suffering from the slow start and sits at 38-56 (.404) after dropping the Dodgers series 2-1, the Rockies are projected by FanGraphs to finish 66-96. That would be a 23-win improvement from their 43-119 2025 season.
Sterlin Thompson hit an RBI single and Vimael Machín hit a sac fly to score Charlie Condon in the first inning to help the Isotopes jump out to an early 2-0 lead. Sugar Land rallied back to take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the first, but Albuquerque reclaimed the lead in the second when Nic Kent hit a two-run homer, which was his 11th of the season. The Space Cowboys bounced back again, tying the game in the bottom of the second. That score stuck until the sixth inning when Adael Amador connected for a two-run double that ended up being the game-winner.
Keegan Thompson started the game and allowed four runs on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts in four innings. Evan Shawver earned the win by striking out six and giving up only two hits in four scoreless innings.
The Rumble Ponies and Yard Goats both recorded 10 hits, but it was Binghamton that pieced together a four-run rally in the sixth on its way to the win on Thursday night. Dyan Jorge went 3-for-3 with a double, two walks and two runs scored, Roc Riggio added three hits and an RBI, GJ Hill chipped in two hits and scored a run, Mike Antico posted an RBI double, and Jack O’Dowd recorded a sac fly. Stu Flesland III had a short, but solid start, giving up one hit and striking out six in four scoreless innings. Fisher Jameson took the loss after allowing seven runs on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts in the final five innings.
Despite trailing 1-0 after five innings, the Indians pieced together an impressive comeback to win on Thursday night. It started in the sixth inning when Kelvin Hidalgo hit his ninth homer of the season to tie the game. Spokane then took the lead with a three-run eighth inning that started when Tevin Tucker singled. Two outs later, Tucker stole second and then stole third, only to come around to score on a throwing error. Spokane took advantage of the mistake as Roynier Hernandez walked, Ethan Hedges singled, Tanner Thach walked and Robert Calez hit a two-run single. The insurance runs proved to be more than enough with Hunter Mann throwing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and three hits to close out the game and earn the win. Bryson Hammer put up a quality start for the Indians with six strikeouts and only one run on four hits and two walks.
The Grizzlies were out-hit 13-12 by the Ports, but since four of those 12 hits were homers, Fresno came out on top on Thursday. Cameron Nelson hit a two-run home run in the second to put the Grizzlies up 3-0 and Roldy Brito added a solo shot in the next inning to make it 4-0. Cruzmel Arias increased Fresno’s lead to 5-3 with a solo homer of his own in the sixth and Cam Hassert added another two-run bomb in the sixth to make it 7-3. Nelson also added an RBI single in the eighth and ended the game with four hits. Austin Newton earned the win for Fresno with five solid innings where he gave up three runs on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts in five innings. Bryson Van Sickle earned a four-inning save after only surrendering one run on five hits with five strikeouts.
Parker Gabriel speculates on who the Rockies might select in the MLB Draft, which begins Saturday. The Rockies have the No. 10 pick and five picks in the first four rounds. He believes the Rockies will select hitters who have a good eye at the plate — those who chase less and walk more. Gabriel also recaps several mock drafts.
On Thursday, the fifth and sixth bats joined Monday’s Home Run Derby in Jordan Walker and Philly’s own Bryce Harper. That means there are two spots open and a few days left for MLB to extend an invite to Hunter Goodman. Goodman is tied for the fourth-most homers in MLB — that’s six more than Walker’s 21 and seven more than Harper’s 20 entering Thursday’s games.
Dave Nichols chronicles Gabriel Hughes’ rise to being called up to the Majors, culminating in his first start with the Rockies on Monday. The Rockies first-round draft pick from 2022 put up a quality start in his starting debut, against the Dodgers nonetheless.
The Mets defeated the hapless Royals in their series finale yesterday afternoon in Queens, taking the series and winning their fourth game in their last five. It’s too little, too late for these 2026 Mets, but it’s always preferable to see them win.
The Marlins remain scorching hot, as they defeated the Mariners to complete a sweep of Seattle. Miami is now even with the Phillies for second place in the division, and both teams are three games back of the first-place Braves.
The Nationals had the day off, but Federal Baseball looks at Foster Griffin’s intriguing situation with the trade deadline looming. Washington is 48-46 on the season and four games back of the third Wild Card spot at the moment.
Catch up on all of the scores from yesterday’s slate of MLB games here.
This Date in Mets History
July 10 has been a busy day in Mets history, as Matt Franco had a big hit against the Yankees on this date in 1999, the team sent David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltrán to the All-Star Game in 2007, and they traded for Jeff Francoeur in 2009.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 15: Eduardo Nunez and Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins collide in right field going after a ball hit by Yunel Escobar of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the fourth inning of the game on April 15, 2016 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the Total System Failure (TM) of May 2016, the Minnesota Twins stabilized a bit in the W/L columns. From June through July, the team went 25-28. Disappointing for most squads–a miracle for this ’16 unit.
Alas, this did not stop further embarrassments from transpiring as the campaign slogged on.
Sano is Right–but also wrong
Desperate for any offense in ’16, the Twins wanted to keep the lumber of both Trevor Plouffe & Miguel Sano in the lineup at all times. The problem? Both were entrenched at 3B. Well, until the fateful (see header image) decision to play Sano in right field for 38 games.
I’ve always found this clip to be an accurate representation of the Miguel Sano RF Experience (TM)…
Byung-Ho goes bye bye
In 62 contests, the much-ballyhooed Korean Baseball Organization prospect put up this line: -0.2 WAR, 244 PA, 12 HR, .191 BA, .684 OPS. His last game occurred June 28, after which he was demoted due to a wrist injury (very possibly a “wrist injury”) and never heard from in Twins Territory–or anywhere else stateside–again.
After posting a .723 OPS in 111 AAA Rochester games in 2017, Park returned to the KBO in ’18–where he immediately punished 43 Park Bangs to the tune of a 1.174 OPS. Like Tsuyoshi Nishioka before him, Park just could not make the jump from Far East to Midwest.
Terry Ryan re-gone
From 1994-2007, Terry Ryan was the Twins’ General Manager before stepping away from the role. After 4 tumultuous years of Bill Smith’s GM reign, Ryan was re-hired in 2012. What looked–in 2015–to be a promising rebuild, however, came crashing down in 2016.
On July 18, Ryan was–perhaps mercifully–let go, with Rob Antony stepping in under an interim GM tag. Though a better “baseball person” than Ryan likely does not exist, it was clear by mid-’16 that he had “lost his fastball” in terms of adapting to the modern game of roster churn, analytics, and pitching usage.
Jonah Tong had another mediocre outing in Syracuse, as he continued to strike batters out an impressive rate while issuing too many walks and giving up too many runs. That outing turned an early two-run lead into a deficit, and the Syracuse lineup was able to get those runs back and get to extras but failed to score in the top of the tenth before Norfolk got the free runner run in the bottom of that inning.
A four-run sixth ining was the biggest one of the night for the Rumble Ponies, but things were looking pretty comfortable all along. R.J. Gordon, who had a solid 2025 season before struggling early this season, made a cromulent start.
Mitch Voit had one of his better nights at the plate since the Mets drafted him, and a four-run first inning by the Cyclones set the tone for the game. Their six-run eighth inning made it crystal clear that they were winning this game.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: Mr. Met and Mrs. Met celebrate after the New York Mets defeated the New York Yankees at Citi Field on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Red Sox have won five in a row and ten of their last twelve games going back to the start of their series against the New York Yankees. Boston is now 33-31 under interim manager Chad Tracy and 43-48 overall. The Sox are just 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and as of Thursday evening have a 30.1% chance to make the playoffs per FanGraphs, above both the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. Willson Contreras is serving his five-game suspension, Ranger Suarez hit the IL, and a Patrick Sandoval emerged from the abyss to provide needed innings against the Chicago White Sox.
Sonny Gray, who may yet be an All Star with the opening created by Ranger, kicks things off against the Mets Friday night on Apple TV. This game will not be on NESN. It is on Apple TV. As a heads up, they will have another Apple TV game on July 24. Gray is coming off 6.0 innings against the Angels and 7.1 against the Yankees. He allowed just 1 run across those two outings. Nolan McLean is a 24-year-old righthander in his sophomore season with the Mets. He’s struck out 28% of batters this season and walked just 8.8%. At over one-strikeout-per-inning he’s going to be a challenge, although he’s had trouble. He’s gone 6.0 innings in three straight outings but gave up 6 runs to the Cubs, 0nto the Blue Jays, and 3 (2 earned) to the Braves.
Saturday the Red Sox starter is still listed as TBD. Ranger Suarez would be in line to make this start but after leaving his last start early and hitting the IL the Sox must head in a different direction. In fact, the Sox are TBD for each of the final two games of the unofficial “first half.” Brayan Bello might be tapped for one of these games, probably Saturday. The Sox likely don’t want to bring Bello up only to option him back down, given the goal of fixing his first inning issues. Since his demotion he’s put up a 4.34 ERA in 18.2 innings across four starts. His last start was July 1 so he’s rested. No one is lined up for Sunday. Payton Tolle, having pitched the opener in Chicago, would be on four days rest. He’s already over half way to his innings high and benefits from extra rest already. Patrick Sandoval was already recalled. Ryan Watson can, potentially, cover some bulk. Though ideally the Sox are either well ahead or behind, not relying on him to hold a close game. At this point, Sonny Gray is untradable simply because teams need to field a full team every game.
Freddy Peralta is having a dreadful season with the Mets. Traded from the Brewers this winter, he’s putting up his highest ERA in a full season. Strikeouts are down, hits allowed are up…he’s not getting Cy Young votes this year. The Mets similarly are at a pitching crunch for Sunday. We might see dueling bullpen games.
Juan Soto is doing everything he can with 21 homers this season.
Bo Bichette started slow and even after a few good weeks is slashing just .258/.302/.380, which is not what the Mets expected after signing him to a rich three-year deal.
Francisco Lindor may not get along with Soto and is hitting .211/.296/.352, an age-32 crash in his numbers.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday, July 10: Sonny Gray (2.61 ERA / 3.61 FIP) vs. Nolan McLean (3.73 ERA /2.96 FIP)
Saturday, July 11: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. Freddy Peralta (4.68 ERA / 4.30 FIP)
Sunday, July 12: TBD (— ERA / 2.72 FIP) vs. TBD (— ERA / — FIP)
The Detroit Tigers appear to be charging headfirst into the All-Star break after securing a 4-1 win over the Athletics on Thursday night to secure the sweep and make it six victories in seven tries so far in July. Jake Rogers hit another homer and Eduardo Valencia cranked one as well in his first MLB plate appearance, while Framber Valdez gave his team seven strong frames of one-run ball to lead the Olde English D in its triumph.
Opening up the final series before the Midsummer Classic against the Philadelphia Phillies is right-hander Jack Flaherty, who has turned a corner since the start of June and has become an asset for the Tigers’ rotation. The 30-year-old has posted a tidy 2.50 ERA and an impressive 1.73 FIP over his last five starts stretching across 18 frames; the only problem is that he still cannot seem to crack that six-inning barrier.
Opposite him will be fellow righty Aaron Nola, who is in the midst of his second-straight season of struggles — though he has seen some modest improvements over his 2025 campaign. The 33-year-old has posted a 6.11 ERA and 5.30 FIP over seven games stretching across 35 1/3 innings since the start of June.
However, Nola tossed a quality start last time out against the Kansas City Royals, surrendering three runs on seven hits on zero walks while striking out seven over seven frames but ultimately was saddled with the loss in a 5-2 final at Kaufman Stadium. It was the first time in five games that he did not give up the long ball, having served up a pair in each of the four games prior.
Here is a look at how Flaherty and Nola match up on paper heading into the weekend series.
Detroit Tigers (43-50) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (52-42)
Time (ET): 6:40 p.m. Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan SB Nation Site:The Good Phight Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 94: RHP Jack Flaherty (2-8, 4.60 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.87 ERA)
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel’s philosophy when it came to his baseball-obsessed sons was straightforward: the major-league players they grew up around were their coaches.
One of now 17-year-old Trey’s first baseball memories took place at Tempe Diablo Stadium with Albert Pujols and Mike Trout, when Dino was on the Angels’ coaching staff.
Pointing to targets hung up in the batting cages, the pair of future Hall of Famers set up a competition between Trey and his older brother Brady: whoever hit the most bullseyes would get a signed bat.
“Me and Brady were going at it,” Trey said with a smile. “I don’t even know who won.”
The prize wasn’t the most important part. The love for the game, competitive drive, and even bat control stuck with him.
“He kind of took the ‘dad’ out of it and just watched us have fun,” Trey said. “I’m extremely grateful for that because a lot of dads are hard on their kids.
“As we got older, if me and Brady needed some help, or he saw something, he’s obviously going to chime in, given what he does. But for the most part, he’s always let the players coach us, and it’s been great. Paid off for sure.”
It paid off so well that Dino and his wife Shannon are hosting their second draft party in as many years Saturday.
They’re expecting about 100 friends and family members to descend on their Rancho Cucamonga home, just as they did last year to watch the Brewers select Brady with the No. 32 overall pick.
Now his younger brother’s up.
“It’s Trey’s day,” Dino said, reminiscing on his youngest son’s Little League days, his home run derby victory in Williamsport, Pa., his growth through travel ball and high school. “It’s not about anybody else.”
Said Trey: “I’m excited, and I’m ready, and I feel prepared.”
Trey, a Texas A&M commit, is expected to be selected in an early round. Some scouts have predicted he could go higher than his brother. But plenty of factors dictate draft order, with the bonus pool system also affecting team strategy.
It’s especially difficult to gauge where draft prospects coming out of high school may be picked. Teams have less information on them, and have to project further into the future on evaluations, compared to their college counterparts.
Dodgers third base coach/outfield coach Dino Ebel losses a ball in the dugout before a game against the San Diego Padres on July 3. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
“I’ve been talking to so many people in baseball leading up to this draft,” said agent Joel Wolfe of THE TEAM, who is representing Trey. “And many front office people have mentioned to me the same phrase, which was, ‘Our guys were light on Brady last year,’ meaning they missed, he should have been drafted higher. And I think that could really help Trey this year.”
Brady’s draft process gave Trey and Dino a preview for this year, setting expectations for meetings, tryouts, and the day itself.
It was a new vantage point for Dino, who’s worn many hats in baseball. He played six seasons in the minors before launching a coaching career that’s taken him through the gamut of pro baseball levels, and even out of the country.
“It was very eye-opening,” Dino said. “I’ve always been in player development, coaching, on the field, and now I got a chance to see how the draft works.”
The family even held an identical gathering for Brady’s draft day. After he got the call saying the Brewers were going to select him, with his brother and father standing by, the trio put on poker faces for Shannon and their guests to preserve the surprise.
“Both of those boys are unique to other players in the draft because they grew up around the game,” Wolfe said, drawing comparisons to the Holliday and Lombard brothers. “Having been in the bubble with the Dodgers during the World Series, and being around all of the players and all of the coaches, and being around that life ... there’s just something about them — their comfort level, and also all of the both tangible and intangible things that they learn, especially defensively.”
Many of the lessons Trey gleaned from the stars at dad’s work — first with the Angels and then, the last eight years, the Dodgers — came from observing. And he integrated those details into his infield mechanics, batting cage routine and appreciation for preparation.
When Dino did chime in with advice, it was often about controlling the strike zone, being a complete hitter rather than just a slugger, and valuing fundamentals.
“Their reputation, their character, who they are off the field, who they are on the field, that’s the part I really like the most,” Ebel said of his sons. “How they respect people in the game, on and off the field. They’re always about making somebody feel comfortable, make them feel like somebody important.”
Dino watched his son’s draft stock steadily rise, as Trey got a full season of shortstop under his belt at Corona High School, and added strength, with an emphasis on explosiveness, working out with MW Athletix’s Keith Coury (recommended to Dino by Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, a product of Santiago High School in Corona.)
“He went from a good player seven, eight, nine months ago, a year ago,” Dino said, “to really an exceptional, top prospect for me.”
Now, all the Ebel family can do is wait and answer the phone Saturday.
Graduating seniors are often asked to envision their futures. What’s next? Where do you see yourself in five years?
For Trey, the vision is clear.
“Playing in the big leagues,” Trey said. “No matter what team ... I see myself being a great teammate, being a great person, and the ultimate goal is to win a World Series.”
It would be even sweeter to play alongside his brother. But playing against him would be fun, too. And Trey pictures his dad still in the third base coach’s box for the Dodgers.
Dino chuckled at that.
“I’d like to watch them, but now they’re telling me that they would want me on the field, playing against me,” he said. “And I’m like, you know, anytime you’re with your dad, we’re out to beat you.”
Judging by Brady and Trey’s competitive streak from a young age the feeling would be mutual.
“We’ll see when that time comes where I’m at,” Dino said. “I would love to be at third base and see the Ebel brothers in the big leagues. That would be pretty cool.”
So far, his son’s baseball careers have played out as he envisioned nearly a decade ago, when they fell in love with the game.
“It’s really a dream,” he said.
Dino saved all the signed bats and batting gloves that Brady and Trey won off Pujols and Trout, storing them in a room full of baseball memorabilia. He’ll pass them on when his sons start collections in their own homes.
Watching his boys hit targets in the Tempe Diablo batting cages is one of Dino’s favorite baseball memories.
“I just sat back and enjoyed it as a dad,” Dino said.
Sep 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; General view of the helmet used by the Milwaukee Brewers before the start of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Greetings, Brew Crew Ball community. The Brewers have powered their way through the longest stretch of the season, as they’re just three games away from completing 18 games in 17 days. Not only that, but they’ve also played great baseball during the stretch, building their NL Central lead as we near the All-Star break. Speaking of the All-Star break, the Brewers have just one All-Star despite holding the second-best record in baseball — Jacob Misiorowski has been replaced on the roster as he’s slated to start on Sunday, so it’s just catcher William Contreras headed to Philadelphia as of now. The Home Run Derby is scheduled for Monday night, with the All-Star Game to follow on Tuesday.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-baseball sports, the Brewers, you name it. As long as it’s appropriate and is allowed by our moderators, it’s fair game here.
1913 – Led by Ward Miller‘s two-run triple, the Cubs stop the Giants, 3-2. The victory ends the New Yorkers’ win streak at 14 games and stops Christy Mathewson‘s win streak at nine.
1932 – Indians flychaser Johnny Burnett collects a record nine hits in 11 at-bats in an 18-inning game in which the A’s outscore the Tribe, 18-17. Jimmie Foxx hits three home runs, and has 16 total bases and eight RBI for the A’s.
1948 – After yielding a two-run homer to the A’sHank Majeski to tie the score, reliever Satchel Paige gets his first major league win as Larry Doby hits a two-run homer and the Indians tack on another run in the 9th to beat Philadelphia, 8-5.
1969 – The Cubs score five runs in the fifth inning to beat the Mets, 6-2, behind Bill Hands. The win halts the Mets’ seven-game win streak and leaves the New Yorkers in second place by four games.
1919 – US President Woodrow Wilson personally delivers Treaty of Versailles to Senate.
1937 – Belgian-Romani-French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt‘s “Quintette du Hot Club” debuts at La Grosse Pomme nightclub in Montmartre, Paris.
1938 – Howard Hughes flies around the world in 91 hours.
1943 – Singer Judy Garland headlines her first solo concert, with an orchestra led by conductor Andre Kostelanetz at the Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park; sell-out crowd of 15,000 augmented by additional 5,000 outside the open-air venue
1964 – The Beatles release “A Hard Day’s Night,” their third studio album.
1965 – Rolling Stones score their first US number 1 single “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”.
1967 – Bobbie Gentry records “Ode to Billie Joe,” which goes on to win four Grammy awards.
1985 – Coca-Cola Co. announces it will resume selling old-formula Coke.
2023 – Fourteenth-century document by a civil servant asking for time off identified as only known handwriting by Geoffrey Chaucer, the “Father of English Literature”.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: Postponed at Buffalo Bisons
Double-A Somerset Patriots:L, 11-5 vs. Reading Fightin Phils — fell behind 10-0, scored late to make it respectable
LF Jackson Castillo 1-3, 2 BB, K CF Jace Avina 1-5, HR, 3 RBI, 3 K — 17th of the season! RF DJ Gladney 1-5, 2 K, throwing error 3B Coby Morales 1-4, RBI, K, SF 2B Connor McGinnis 1-5, 2B, 3 K DH Miguel Palma 1-4, HR, RBI, K 1B Josh Moylan 1-3, BB, K C Manuel Palencia 2-4, 2 K SS Owen Cobb 2-4
Chase Hampton 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 1 K (loss) — the going is rough for the erstwhile top prospect Harrison Cohen 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 0 K Chase Chaney 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 0 K Hayden Merda 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HR Trent Sellers 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K Luis Velasquez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K Kevin Verde 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:W, 9-2 vs. Rome Emperors
3B Roderick Arias 2-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, K — 21-year-old has been red hot the last month; could he finally be figuring it out? SS Core Jackson 2-3, 2B, 2 BB DH Eric Genther 1-4, 2 K 1B Kyle West 1-4, RBI, BB, 2 K CF Wilson Rodriguez 2-4, RBI, BB, K 2B Enmanuel Tejeda 1-5, 2B, RBI, 2 K, fielding error C Josue Gonzalez 1-3, 2 BB, K, SB RF Camden Troyer 2-5, 2B, 2 K LF Robbie Burnett 0-3, BB, 2 K
Allen Facundo 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K Tanner Bauman 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (win) Aaron Nixon 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K Brady Kirtner 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K Jack Sokol 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2ND HOMER OF THE NIGHT FOR ARIAS!! Roderick Arias sends this one out for a 3 run home run!🪄🪄🪄 pic.twitter.com/Aw8g1tHjdy
— Hudson Valley Renegades (@HVRenegades) July 10, 2026
Low-A Tampa Tarpons:L, 6-1 vs Clearwater Threshers
SS Jackson Lovich 1-4, 2B, 2 K 2B Hans Montero 0-4 DH Luis Puello 0-4, 2 K 3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-3, BB, 2 K, SB CF Brando Mayea 1-3, RBI, K RF Willy Montero 0-3, K 1B David McCann 0-3, fielding error C Engelth Urena 0-3, 3 K LF Isael Arias 1-3, K, 2 SB
Wyatt Parliament 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K (loss) Jose Martinez 2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K Jose M. Rodriguez 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K Jordarlin Mendoza 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Florida Complex League Yankees:L, 3-0 at FCL Tigers — dreadful offensive day, just one hit and 14 strikeouts
3B Richard Matic 0-4, 2 K CF Wilberson De Pena 0-4, 2 K DH Queni Pineda 0-4, 2 K 2B Leni Done 0-3, throwing error LF Jose Castro 0-2, 2 K, HBP throwing error RF Francisco Vilorio 1-3, 2 K — fifth-inning single kept the Yanks from getting no-hit SS Dexters Peralta 0-3, 2 K, throwing error C Justin Capellan 0-3, K 1B Diego Flores 0-2, BB, K
Jerson Alejandro 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K Manuel Cruz 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K (loss) Stanly Alcantara 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 1 K
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 09: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates his solo home run as he rounds the bases against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning at Target Field on July 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Guardians defeated the Twins 5-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians have won one series since Jose Ramirez got hurt and they’ve split one. Otherwise, they’ve become adept at salvaging series and that’s what they did yesterday winning 5-2 against the resurgent Twins.
Getting a hit once every three at-bats – Great. Getting on base once every three plate appearances – Very good. Getting a win once every three games? Bad. Very bad.
I wrote a recap of the game here. Chase DeLauter has a wRC+ of around 175 since he returned from the IL. May that continue unabated.
I wrote up a “What You Need to Know for the MLB Draft” Here. MLB’s All-Star festivities begin tonight with the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic, which you can read about more here.
Zack Meisel of the Athletic offered a Guardians’ mailbag which are always insightful.
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Edmundo Sosa (33) fields a ground ball in the eighth inning between the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
MC can stand for Midsummer Classic. It can also stand for Motor City, where the Phillies will wrap up the first half of their season.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 09: Andrew Kittredge #39 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Samuel Basallo #29 after a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Cubs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 09, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday’s victory temporarily solves one unfortunate symbolic Orioles problem. They no longer have a worse record than last year’s Orioles team did. The 2026 Orioles are now sitting on the same 43-51 record as the 2025 team. Last year’s jokers lost their next three games as well, and six of their next seven, from this point forward, so there is an opportunity to regain some ground, so to speak.
Much better would be to see the Orioles rip off a hot streak to regain ground in the wild card race. They also did that yesterday! The Mariners lost a third straight game to fall to .500. The Orioles are four games back with six teams to pass. It’s the six teams to pass more than the four games that is their problem. Not only do the Orioles need to go 43-25 or better, they need the Mariners to do no better than 39-29, and the Twins to do no better than 40-28, and the Astros to do no better than 40-27, and so on.
This is a tall order. I am skeptical of the Orioles ability to do their part of it and not hopeful that every other team will do their part as well. Somebody is probably going to get hot and put the O’s really out of reach. You can still try to bargain your way into a hot streak for the O’s if you want. The Marlins were 26-34 at the end of May and, with their current six game winning streak in the bag, are now 52-42. That is a radical change of fortunes. A team can do it.
The question is whether the Orioles can do it. They can only control their own business. They could really use the lengthy winning streak that has proved elusive to them the entire season long. But before they can ever win four in a row, they need to win two and three in a row. They’ve got a struggling Royals team as their final opponent before the All-Star break here.
It doesn’t mean too much that the Royals are struggling since the Orioles are also struggling. The O’s are perfectly capable of playing poorly against any team. They show us in more than half of their games so far this season. Hopefully they won’t show us again starting at 7:05 tonight. Don’t make all the people there to get their reversible floppy hats sad.
What a World Cup bid tells us about Baltimore as a potential All-Star Game host (The Baltimore Banner) The Banner does good reporting, you guys. A public records request about the city’s ultimately unsuccessful bid to host one of this year’s World Cup games shed some light on a possible All-Star Game pitch, which apparently the state would like to make for 2029.
Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries
Today in 1968, the Orioles fired manager Hank Bauer, who helmed the 1966 World Series winning team, replacing him with Earl Weaver. This decision worked out okay.
In 2001, Cal Ripken Jr. was the MVP of the All-Star Game as the AL defeated the NL, 4-1. Ripken hit a home run in the game, his 19th consecutive (and final) All-Star appearance.
One current Oriole has a birthday today. Happy 25th to reliever Anthony Nunez. Former Orioles who were born today: 2018-19 pitcher Josh Rogers, 2018-20 pitcher David Hess, 2002-03 outfielder Marty Cordova, 2000-04 reliever Buddy Groom, and 1975-76 infielder Bob Bailor. Today is Bailor’s 75th birthday, so an extra happy birthday to him.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: theologian John Calvin (1509), jurist William Blackstone (1723), Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch (1839), tennis legend Arthur Ashe (1943), baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson (1954), musician Béla Fleck (1958), singer-songwriter Jessica Simpson (1980), and pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng (2024).
On this day in history…
In 988, Dublin was founded after a Norse-descended king, Glúniarin, agreed to recognize and pay tribute to the High King of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill.
In 1778, French king Louis XVI declared war on Great Britain, officially entering the American Revolution on the side of the young United States.
In 1890, Wyoming was admitted to the Union, becoming the 44th state.
In 1925, Tennessee science teacher John Scopes was put on trial for teaching evolution in school, in violation of a state law that existed at that time. The so-called “Monkey trial” resulted in Scopes being found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of $100. However, after appeal, he was not required to pay the fine because a jury, not the judge, was supposed to set the fine.
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And that’s the way it is in Birdland on July 10. Have a safe Friday. Go O’s!
May 20, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Major League Baseball is at the halfway point in its season, and the Pittsburgh Pirates offense has been one of the best in baseball in the first half of the year.
It’s nothing short of amazing how the Pirates were able to turn around their offensive woes from just a season ago. In 2025 Pittsburgh ranked last in runs scored, home runs, RBIs and OPS. They also ranked near the bottom in nearly every other statistical category.
2026 however has seen the script flip almost entirely for the revamped lineup. With new faces contributing like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe this offense is sitting near the top in most statistical categories. The Pirates currently rank third in runs scored with 492 near the halfway point in the season. They also rank second in RBIs with 472, sitting just behind Los Angeles Dodgers. The team’s recent series victory against the Nats might be more impressive than many realize, considering that Washington is at the top of several offensive categories.
The bats of Pittsburgh have been much improved this season, with nearly everyone in the lineup being able to contribute on any given night. Nick Gonzales has elevated himself to a different level this season, and was receiving serious All-Star considerations. Bryan Reynolds has been another top performer for the Buccos, maintaining a consistent output all season long. With these players and several others on the team the Pirates have climbed to the top of the rankings in total hits with 857 on the year, 19 more than the second ranked Dodgers.
Since Don Kelly took over as manager for the Pirates, he’s made active base running a big part of the team’s identity. As a result Pittsburgh ranks fifth in baseball for total steals with 88. When your team has players as fast as Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz in the lineup you have to be willing to nab some extra bags. Luckily for the Pirates they don’t get caught stealing often either, as they’re in a four way tie for getting caught stealing, with it only happening 16 times so far this year.
As far as the averages are concerned Pittsburgh is also elite in that category. As a team the Pirates rank second in team batting average, on base percentage and OPS while also ranking fifth in slugging percentage. The team has also been more patient at the plate this season as they rank sixth in most bases on balls. Pittsburgh is also tied for seventh-most homers scored with 120. The lowest mark (or the highest) is the team’s amount of strikeouts, as they sit at the top with the most in baseball currently with 860. The high amount of strikeouts is about the only thing that has stayed consistent with last year’s squad.
This is by far the best looking lineup the Pirates have had in years, and the team has a 47-47 record and is within reach of a wild card berth. If the team’s offense can stay consistent through the second half of the season it’s very possible that we could be celebrating the first Bucctober in a decade.
