Category: Baseball

Today’s Reflections

“The difference between night and day”.

Definition: two things are totally opposite or completely different from each other.

That’s what baseball fans witnessed in Washington, D.C. over a 24-hour period.

The time period ended Thursday afternoon. Kevin Gausman struck out seven in his 4.2 IP, but surrendered six runs on seven hits and a walk. Gausman matched Nationals starter Cade Cavalli over three innings before an RBI-double by the Nats in the fourth began the scoring. The Nationals blasted open the door with a five-run fifth, knocked Gausman off the mound and, along with the Cubs, out of the game. Cavalli just rolled through the line-up, with Dansby Swanson ending the perfect game on a walk in the sixth. Michael Busch broke-up the no-hitter with a soft single to left with two out in the seventh — thus ending any residual drama.

BUT! We’re here to talk about the game 24 hours earlier. You know, the one on Wednesday where Alex Bregman hit three home runs and drove in seven runs in a 12-6 Cub win? Or what Jim Deshaies is calling, “Breggy-mania”? The one that guaranteed the Cubs their ninth road series win of the season?

I’m not saying that I did anything special. But I’m sure you’ve watched a guy hit back-to-back homers, and the next time up it floats through your mind that he could make it three in a row. And when it happens, it’s almost a surprise he actually did it.

I’d like to think that what went through my mind went through some of yours as well: The way Bregman walked to the plate in the eighth inning, I said out loud (and scared my wife), “This is going out, too.” In setting up for the 2-2 pitch, and the catcher set up belt-high over the outside-half of the plate, I said, “Don’t throw it there.” And the ball would have hit the center of the catcher’s glove — if it hadn’t landed in the left-field seats.

So many good tidbits in the game stories below about Bregman, I’ll let you peruse while I’ll expand on the other players.

The Cubs’ top three hitters each went 2-for-4 with a walk. Swanson added a solo home run, three runs scored, a double and two RBI. Seiya Suzuki added two runs scored and two RBI. And Ramirez had a double, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Four other Cubs had a hit as the team gathered 13 hits and four walks in the game.

David Peterson had a rocky start, allowing three earned runs on nine hits and three walks while having managed six strikeouts over five innings. And while Javier Assad allowed two hits — both solo home runs — and a walk, his four innings of work earned himself his second save of the season.

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Thursday’s Game Stories:

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Gausman stumbles in 5th while Cavalli shuts down Cubs’ offense. “As Michael Busch slowed down at first base in the seventh inning on Thursday, cheers began to fill Nationals Park. They were both out of respect for Nationals righty Cade Cavalli’s bid at history, but also mixed with the Cubs fans on hand who were happy to see it end.”

• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): After two big nights showed bats’ potential, Cubs nearly no-hit in battle of baseball’s top offenses. “The Cubs were threatened with a no-hitter Thursday, managing only one bloop single in a shutout loss that ensured they won’t catch the Nationals’ major league run-scoring lead.”

Wedsnesday’s Game Stories:

• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Alex Bregman hits three homers as title-chasing Cubs follow ring-winners’ example: ‘They lead by action’. “Bregman has four homers and eight RBIs so far in the Cubs’ series with the Nationals as his teammates look to him and fellow World Series winner Dansby Swanson in the thick of a championship quest.”

• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Alex Bregman’s career night — 3 HRs and 7 RBIs — leads Chicago Cubs to 12-6 rout for their 8th win in 9 games. “Digging into his swing changes had Alex Bregman poring over video in his hotel room into the early morning hours Tuesday.”

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): 11 years in — on heels of deep video dive — 3-homer, 7-RBI game is a first for Bregman. “Alex Bregman felt like he found something with his swing in the hours leading up to Tuesday night’s game against the Nationals.”

A Little More on Alex Bregman (and a Dansby Swanson Shoutout):

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Alex Bregman Looks Like Completely Different Hitter After Identifying Subtle Fix. “What if I told you the Cubs had the second-best third baseman in the National League and fifth-best overall, at least according to fWAR?”

Love for Jacob Webb:

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): How Jacob Webb found another level ‘real quick’ with Cubs. “There were discussions and work done in Spring Training to bring back a curveball the righty used in college, through the Minors and briefly in the big leagues. And then when April went awry for Webb, he told Chicago’s pitching group that it was time to finally ditch the sweeper.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Jacob Webb thriving in closer’s role as one of Cubs’ bullpen saviors: ‘The guy’s been a dog all year’. “The righty reliever has stepped into the ninth-inning role and thrived as Craig Counsell’s go-to reliever, impressing teammates and serving as an anchor for a unit that’s dealt with so many injuries this season.”
• Alexander Rosquez (Last Word On Sports): Cubs Could Confidently Rely on Jacob Webb. “The Chicago Cubs didn’t enter the season expecting Jacob Webb to become their primary option at the back of the bullpen.”

It’s 2027 Already! (Almost):

• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Ian Happ’s most polarizing trait could keep him with Cubs in 2027. “Don’t close the door just yet.”
• Ryan O’Rourke (Cubbies Crib): Cubs may not need to overthink their 2027 catching plans thanks to Miguel Amaya. “Miguel Amaya has quietly evolved into an excellent catcher both at and behind the dish.”

Pitching and Hitting Stories:

• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Edward Cabrera Is Coming Back! “The Chicago Cubs have made their decision on Edward Cabrera’s rehab assignment: it’s over.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Chicago baseball report: Cubs pen could get a shot in the arm, while Brenton Doyle fits in well with White Sox. “The Cubs continue to take care of business on the road — despite their one-hit hiccup Thursday.”
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Can the Cubs Piggyback Their Way to Glory? “If ever piggybacking were going to truly take root in the major leagues, it might as well happen in the city of big shoulders—hog butcher to the world.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): How the Cubs helped David Peterson rediscover his ground-ball magic. “There’s a simple reason why David Peterson is better with the Cubs and a more complex one.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Splitter’s the difference: Why Chicago Cubs starter Kevin Gausman started using a much bigger mitt. “The size of Kevin Gausman’s red mitt is impossible to miss even from the sky-high third deck at Nationals Park.”
• Andrew Wright (Yardbarker): Cubs’ rookie Pedro Ramirez earns ultimate praise from Dansby Swanson. “Ramirez’s success has caught the attention of his teammates, especially veteran shortstop Dansby Swanson.”

The Run for the Playoffs:

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Quantifying Hope: Cubs Enter Weekend with 99% Playoff Odds. “With 98.8% odds heading into the weekend, it’s become a two-horse race for the division and a chance to play in October.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs creeping closer to Brewers in NL Central race with 40 games to play until postseason fun begins. “The Cubs whittled the Brewers’ lead down to three games coming into Thursday, as close as they had been in the NL Central standings since late May. But before they can start figuring out playoff seeding, there’s 40 games left to play in the regular season.”

MiLB Stories:

• Jordan Bastian and Jim Callis (MLB.com): Hartshorn, Ayers headline Cubs’ updated Top 30 Prospects list. “Both Josiah Hartshorn and Owen Ayers made strong impressions in their limited exposure to the Cubs’ big league team during Spring Training games. When the Minor League season arrived, the pair of prospects developed into two of the system’s breakout stars.”
• Cory Sparks (North Side Baseball): First Impressions From Ethan Conrad’s First 30 Pro Games With Cubs. “Ethan Conrad’s long-awaited pro debut has happened, and the 2025 first-rounder is starting to live up to the expectations the Cubs set for him over one year ago.”

Assorted Stories:

• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs TV analyst Jim Deshaies toughing it out before hip-replacement surgery. “This spring, he began to feel pain in his left hip, and imaging revealed he needs a new one. Not wanting to miss the season, he’s scheduled for surgery Sept. 30 in Chicago.”
• Tyler Courtney (LastWordOnSports): Craig Counsell’s Case for N.L. Manager of the Year. “The Cubs manager has made a strong case for winning recognition this year, as Chicago has seen major success.”
• Josh Davis (Clutch Points): 3 players who will make or break Cubs’ chances of winning NL Central. “Three Cubs players may decide whether Chicago can erase its four-game gap behind the Brewers and claim the 2026 NL Central crown.”
• Fox Sports: Why Cubs Star Pete Crow-Armstrong, Not Shohei Ohtani, Should Be 2026 NL MVP. “The National League MVP Award was recently renamed the “Shohei Ohtani Award.” Okay, not really, but it feels that way.”
• Colin Salao (Front Office Sports): Cubs, Nationals in Trademark Fight with the WNBA over the “W”. “An MLB source tells Front Office Sports the sides are engaged in discussions and expect the issue to be resolved ‘amicably.’“

:Food For Thought:

Elmore James was born on January 27, 1918 in Richland, Holmes County, Mississippi. At the age of 12, he started making music using one-string instruments like the diddley-bow, which was strung on a shack wall. Eventually as time passed, Elmore developed into a solid musician by the time he was 18. It was during this period that he met a certain musician who went onto became one of his strongest influences. This was none other than the legendary Robert Johnson.

This meeting took place in Belzoni, Mississippi, where he was meeting one of his good friends, Sonny Boy Williamson II. Before this meeting, Elmore’s style of playing the guitar was less of a slide guitarist. However, it was Robert Johnson who showed him how to play the guitar using a metal sleeve on your finger that soon became the slide. He also began covering songs by Chicago Blues musician Tampa Red, who was another influence on Elmore in developing his distinctive Slide guitar sound.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

Connor Norby has already packed quite a bit into a major-league career that is barely two years old.

He debuted with the Baltimore Orioles in June 2024, was traded to the Miami Marlins at that year’s deadline, spent much of 2025 working around injuries and returned to Triple-A this summer after his offense backed up. Then came another trade, this time to the Colorado Rockies as part of the return for Victor Vodnik.

Eight days later, Norby was back in the majors.

At 26, he is no longer a prospect waiting for his first opportunity. He has more than 700 major-league plate appearances and a fairly clear set of strengths and weaknesses.

There is also a version of Norby that has never quite disappeared.

He never became a consensus Top 100 prospect, but consistently ranked among the better second-base prospects in the game, placing 10th at the position entering 2022, sixth in 2023 and seventh in 2024. Second base was his primary defensive home through much of the minors, while his bat was built around patience and above-average power.

The production backed that up. Norby hit .279/.360/.526 with 29 home runs in 2022, then .290/.359/.483 with 21 homers and 40 doubles at Triple-A in 2023. His strikeout rate generally sat in the low 20s, manageable for the amount of damage he produced.

His platoon splits also gave little reason to view him as a right-handed specialist. In 2023, for example, he hit .292/.360/.473 against right-handers and .285/.356/.510 against lefties.

That profile reappeared this summer. In 121 Triple-A plate appearances, Norby hit .291/.397/.544 with eight doubles, six home runs, 17 walks and 23 strikeouts.

The harder part has been getting those skills to coexist against major-league pitching.

The problem is contact

In 2024, Norby struck out in 33.0% of his plate appearances but produced a 14.8% barrel rate, a .202 ISO and a .448 xSLG. The strikeouts were ugly. The damage gave them somewhere to hide.

He cut the strikeout rate to 26.7% in 2025, but his barrel rate fell to 9.4% and his xSLG to .417. Even so, the overall profile stayed roughly above water: 0.3 bWAR in 194 plate appearances as a rookie and 0.8 bWAR in 337 plate appearances last season, with 162WL% marks of .499 and .498.

This year, the balance broke.

Norby hit .205/.313/.325 in 233 plate appearances with Miami before being optioned in late June. His strikeout rate returned to 30.0% while the barrel rate slipped again to 7.5%.

His swing decisions, however, have improved.

Norby has chased only 26.9% of pitches this season and walked in 10.8% of his plate appearances. The contact numbers are much less encouraging: a 77.0% zone-contact rate and 32.3% overall whiff rate.

The problem runs across the pitch mix, but breaking and off-speed pitches have punished him most severely. Norby has whiffed on 47.8% of his swings against sliders, 44.4% against changeups, 40.0% against sweepers, and 66.7% against curveballs. His four-seam whiff rate is also elevated at 33.1%.

This looks much more like a bat-to-ball problem than a swing-decision problem. Norby knows the zone reasonably well; making enough contact when he attacks has been the harder part.

The contrast between his swing decisions and his ability to make contact shows up in these two pitches:

Whether timing, swing path, contact point, or sequencing is driving that is harder to say.

The quality of the contact he does make has slipped, too.

Norby’s fly-ball rate remains high at 37.3%, but his sweet-spot rate has fallen from 47.0% in 2024 to 42.0% last season and 29.9% this year. His under rate is up to 32.1%, while his barrel rate has dropped from 14.8% to 9.4% to 7.5%.

The power still shows up when he gets the barrel there.

But that’s not often enough. More of Norby’s air contact is coming from underneath the baseball instead of becoming line drives and barrels.

His average exit velocity sits at 87.1 mph, only modestly below league average, while his bat speed has been fairly steady. So the problem does not appear to be a simple loss of bat speed.

That contact shape still makes Coors Field interesting. Norby already gets the ball in the air and has enough power and speed to benefit from the outfield when he squares one.

Coors can reward his contact. It cannot create the contact for him.

Where the glove fits

How much offense Norby needs depends on where he plays.

His +5 Outs Above Average this season is driven mostly by first base, where he has been +3 over 100 attempts. There is some major-league history at second: Norby handled 28 Statcast attempts there in 2024 and finished at 0 OAA. But that opportunity is now fairly distant, and his current sample with Colorado is only beginning to build.

Third is less encouraging. Norby is +1 there in 20 attempts this season after finishing at -4 OAA in 2025 and -5 in 2024. His arm has never been an above-average part of the profile, either.

First looks playable, while third has produced the most negative evidence. Second remains the more immediate question.

The position itself is familiar. Second base was Norby’s primary defensive home through much of the minors, and the early eye test with Colorado has been encouraging. He has not made spectacular plays, but he has looked competent and comfortable, handling routine ground balls, feeds and double-play pivots without much trouble.

Norby does not need to become a standout defender there. If he can simply provide adequate defense with some regularity, the offensive standard becomes considerably easier to clear than it would be at first base or DH.

Same bet, different ante

Norby is still looking for his first hit as a Rockie, but Friday night was the kind of ballplayer’s game that shows why his value does not have to begin and end with the bat. He went 0-for-2, walked twice, stole a base, scored a run and handled a busy night at second base without looking out of place.

The hit column was empty. His impact was not.

The comparison with Edouard Julien is difficult to avoid because the profiles are not dramatically different.

Both came to Colorado around the same age with offensive skills worth testing and questions about whether those skills could combine into enough major-league production.

Same bet, different ante.

Julien hit the ball hard and controlled the strike zone, but too much of that contact stayed on the ground. Once the bat failed to produce enough, there was little defensive or baserunning value underneath it. He departed with a 65 wRC+ and -7 DRS at second base.

Norby is not an established offensive upgrade. His major-league bat needs recovering, too.

But he is right-handed, runs better, gets the ball in the air and offers more defensive possibilities. His overall game had already produced some major-league value before this season, and his first few games with Colorado have already shown how some of that secondary value can surface even before the hits do.

The right-handed bat also helped the rest of the roster make more sense. Tyler Freeman’s trip to the injured list had removed a right-handed bat from the mix, even if much of his recent work had come in right field. Norby gave Colorado a right-handed hitter who could also handle the infield, restoring some of that balance without simply duplicating Freeman’s role.

That mattered when the Rockies moved on from Julien and recalled Zac Veen. The transactions were not one-for-one replacements: Norby had already arrived for Freeman, while Veen took Julien’s roster spot. But the resulting roster kept a right-handed infield option in Norby while replacing Julien’s left-handed bat with Veen.

That is roster balance with actual utility.

Making the competition mean something

Second base has been a below-average offensive position for Colorado this season. Rockies second basemen rank 24th in batting average, 21st in slugging and 18th in OPS. They have drawn the fifth-most walks at the position, but also have the fourth-most strikeouts while ranking only 16th in home runs.

There has been some on-base value, but too many strikeouts and not enough damage around it to produce a complete offensive profile.

Norby does not have to fix all of that himself.

He just has to raise the standard of the competition.

The Rockies no longer need another player who can merely play second base. They need players good enough to make the competition at second base meaningful.

Norby has a legitimate path to a majority of the playing time himself. If enough of his minor-league offensive profile translates and he proves adequate defensively, a second baseman who walks, gets the ball in the air, produces 20-plus-homer power and can stay in the lineup against both right- and left-handed pitching has plenty of value.

If not, there is still a potential role as a right-handed, multi-position bat with some pop.

Either way, Colorado does not need to clear the position around him.

Adael Amador can compete for it. Ryan Ritter can force the issue from Triple-A. Roc Riggio provides another possibility farther down the line.

None of them has to be evaluated in a vacuum. Even with an unsettled offensive profile, Norby has already shown he can hover around neutral major-league value.

He gives them an actual major-league baseline to beat.

On the farm…

Triple-A:Albuquerque Isotopes 4, Oklahoma City Comets 2

The Albuquerque Isotopes (61-57) beat the Oklahoma City Comets (65-51) 4-2, using a three-run fifth inning to erase an early deficit before adding an insurance run late.

Newly acquired Mason Adams started for Albuquerque and allowed two runs on three hits over four innings, walking two and striking out four. Mason Green followed with two scoreless innings to earn the win, lowering his ERA to 5.71, and Jaden Hill worked a clean seventh with one strikeout to pick up his first hold. TJ Shook recorded the final out in the ninth for his 11th save, after taking over for Evan Shawver with two outs.

The Isotopes trailed 2-0 before breaking through in the fifth. Jose Cordova singled, Drew Avans reached on an error, Ryan Ritter singled to load the bases, and Roc Riggio walked in Albuquerque’s first run. Braxton Fulford then delivered the big swing with a two-run single to put the Isotopes ahead.

Fulford finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and now has a .910 OPS, while Ritter went 2-for-5 and is hitting .325 with an .881 OPS. Cordova added two hits and is now batting .299 with a .731 OPS. Charlie Condon went 0-for-3 but drew a walk and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving him 74 RBI with a .919 OPS.

Double-A:Erie SeaWolves 2, Hartford Yard Goats 1

The Hartford Yard Goats (55-56) dropped a tight 2-1 game to the Erie SeaWolves (65-46), with all three runs coming in the fifth inning.

Bryson Hammer started for Hartford and took the loss, allowing two runs on five hits over 4.1 innings while walking one and striking out four. The damage came in the fifth, when Erie used a walk, a double, a bases-loaded walk, and a sacrifice fly to take a 2-0 lead. Hammer is now 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

GJ Hill accounted for Hartford’s only run, going 3-for-4 with his 14th home run of the season. Hill’s solo shot came in the bottom of the fifth and cut the deficit to one, but the Yard Goats could not push across another run.

Dyan Jorge added his 14th double of the season, drew a walk, and stole his 44th base. Andy Perez, Cole Messina, and Skyler Messinger each added a hit, but Hartford went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base.

High-A:Everett AquaSox 3, Spokane Indians 2

The Spokane Indians (50-61) were walked off in a 3-2 loss to the Everett AquaSox (58-54), with Carter Dorighi’s ninth-inning single ending a tight game.

Newly acquired Aiden May started for Spokane and allowed two runs on six hits over five innings without a walk, striking out one. He owns a 2.79 ERA on the season.

Kelvin Hidalgo led the offense with three hits and stole his 19th base of the season. Roldy Brito and Tanner Thach added two hits apiece, with Brito stealing two bases to give him 17 on the year and Thach adding his second steal.

Spokane trailed 2-0 after the second but chipped back. Cameron Nelson doubled home Clayton Gray in the third, and Thach scored on a wild pitch in the sixth to tie the game. Seth Clausen took the loss after allowing a leadoff double in the ninth, followed by Dorighi’s walk-off single.

Single-A:San Jose Giants 6, Fresno Grizzlies 4

The Fresno Grizzlies (61-51) gave up three runs in the eighth inning in a 6-4 loss to the San Jose Giants (62-50), another late lead slipping away for a Rockies affiliate.

Fresno fell behind in the first but answered in the third, when Cristian Arguelles drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game. The Grizzlies took the lead in the fourth after Jack Natili was hit by a pitch, Ryan Niedzwiedz doubled, and Juan Martinez reached on an error that brought both runners home.

Natili added his first home run of the season in the sixth, giving Fresno a 4-1 lead. Arguelles, Daniel Jackson, Natili, Niedzwiedz, and Aidan Redahan each had one hit, but the Grizzlies finished 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and were held hitless over the final three innings.

Luichi Casilla allowed one run over four innings, but the bullpen could not hold the lead. San Jose scored three times in the eighth, with Luke Hansel taking the loss.

Goodman gets night off with shoulder inflammation | MLB.com

Hunter Goodman was held out of Friday’s lineup with left shoulder inflammation that dates back to a swing Wednesday in Arizona. Manager Warren Schaeffer said Goodman is day-to-day as the Rockies give him treatment and see how the shoulder responds. His absence is significant: Goodman leads Colorado in OPS, RBIs and runs while ranking fifth in the majors with 34 home runs entering Friday.

How Roc Riggio’s Promotion Impacts Rockies Middle Infield Talent Pipeline | SI.com

Roc Riggio’s latest promotion adds another name to the Rockies’ increasingly crowded middle-infield pipeline. The piece looks at where Riggio now fits among Colorado’s second-base options and what his rise means for the organization’s depth at the position.

Nick Frasso reflects on his MLB debut | purplerow.com

Nick Frasso’s path to the majors changed quickly after the Rockies acquired him from the Dodgers at the trade deadline. His debut came in the 11th inning at Coors Field, and Frasso reflected on the experience, what he learned from it and how he is beginning to settle into Colorado’s bullpen.

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks! 

Since the opening of Howard J. Lamade Stadium in 1959, the Little League World Series has been synonymous with its current grounds in South Williamsport.

It's become a bucket-list destination for baseball fans — especially since the opening of Volunteer Stadium in 2001, when the tournament expanded — offering a chance to watch 11- and 12-year-olds from around the world become the biggest stars in town, drawing crowds that fill up stands and the berm.

But for those who can't make the trek to the small Western Pennsylvania town, the voices behind ESPN's broadcast of the tournament become synonymous with the experience each August. For the last two decades, that has been Karl Ravech.

EXCLUSIVE: Cody Bellinger recalls 2007 Little League World Series trip: 'It was so fun'

Ravech, an ESPN mainstay since 1993 and the longtime lead play-by-play voice of the network's baseball coverage, was among the latest round of layoffs at The Worldwide Leader in Sports. So, with that said, will Ravech still be behind the microphone when this year's tournament picks up on Wednesday and Thursday?

Here's what to know:

Is Karl Ravech calling Little League World Series games despite ESPN layoff?

Yes, Ravech will be in the booth in Williamsport calling the Little League World Series over the next few weeks. Despite being laid off by ESPN, Ravech was given the option to call the Little League World Series — and a select number of MLB games — a person with knowledge of his status with the network told USA TODAY Sports. That person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details of his contract publicly.

Ravech himself posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 7 about ESPN's coverage of the LLWS.

"It is my favorite time of the year. @LittleLeague baseball is back and all over the ESPN app. Check out the amazing, fun action as we work toward Williamsport and the Little League World Series beginning Wednesday, August 19th," Ravech wrote.

It is my favorite time of the year. @LittleLeague baseball is back and all over the ESPN app. Check out the amazing, fun action as we work toward Williamsport and the Little League World Series beginning Wednesday August 19th.

— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) August 7, 2026

How many Little League World Series has Karl Ravech called on ESPN?

According to his ESPN profile page, Ravech has called Little League World Series games since 2006. He expanded his Williamsport responsibilities in 2011 by adding the Little League World Series championship games, and he has even hosted ESPN’s Baseball Tonight from the event.

In recent years, Ravech has called the entirety of pool play in the United States bracket, as Mike Monaco has served as the play-by-play announcer for the International bracket.

"I was in center field and I looked behind me and the whole berm was filled with people. I was like, 'This is actually crazy,'" New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger recently told USA TODAY Sports about what it was like to play in the 2007 Little League World Series.

"And then later that night we ended up going on the ESPN Baseball Tonight set and had a microphone on my face. The whole thing was just wild."

Was Karl Ravech laid off at ESPN?

Yes, Ravech was let go by ESPN on Tuesday, July 21, as part of the network's round of layoffs, two people close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on personnel decisions.

On the July 21st episode of his Foul Territory Network podcast "Dirt From The Dugout" with Justin Musil, Ravech acknowledged the layoffs at ESPN but deflected speaking on the subject overall.

"There is a lot going on with ESPN. We’re well aware of it. We’re not going to discuss that tonight." 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Karl Ravech calling Little League World Series games amid ESPN layoffs?

There’s not a more beautiful view in baseball than PNC Park in Pittsburgh, no better garlic fries than those at Oracle Park in San Francisco, or beer choices than T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

The most dedicated and diehard fans can be found at Busch Stadium in St. Louis or Fenway Park in Boston.

If you want to party, you go to Wrigleyille in Chicago, the Gaslamp Quarter outside Petco Park or The Battery at Truist Park in Atlanta.

And if you want to harass the opposition, or even boo the hometown team, you hit Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

We’re here to provide you with the top 10 ballparks in Major League Baseball:

1. Fenway Park, Boston

No ballpark in America has the romantic feel or the unique quirks of Fenway Park, from the Green Monster to to Pesky's Pole. It’s not a baseball game, but a religious experience watching games at Fenway.

2. Wrigley Field, Chicago

There’s not a more beautiful sight than walking into the ballpark and taking your first look at that beautiful green grass, the ivy on the walls and the iconic scoreboard in center field. Taking in a Friday afternoon game, hitting Murphy Bleachers afterwards, and enjoying the Chicago nightlife is utopia for any baseball fan.

3. PNC Park, Pittsburgh

The most gorgeous ballpark in America. Forget the game on the field. You want to be sitting in the upper deck taking in the view of the Clemente Bridge, the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny River. It’s magnificent.

Did you know the duo who appear in the Twins’ logo are known as Minnie and Paul? News you can use.

Actually, you probably can’t use that, outside of Minnesota sports trivia nights. But hey, you never know.

On to the links.

Phillies news

Mike Schmidt shares his thoughts about being part of a historic Hall of Famer gathering. ($)

Phillies fandom bringing people together across the pond.

MLB news

The 2028 All Star Game will be held in San Francisco.

MLB will return to Iowa next season, with the Royals and BoSox taking part.

Today in comparisons that we wish weren’t so timely: what the 1994 strike can tell us about what’s next.

Roy Oswalt never threw a perfect game in real life. But he will in a digital world— if one very devoted gamer has his way.

Triple A: Syracuse Mets (57 – 60)

GAME 1: JACKSONVILLE 4, SYRACUSE 2 (BOX)

They’d have been better off not resuming Thursday’s rain suspended game. At least Nick Morabito homered.

• CF Nick Morabito: 1-3, R, HR (12), 2 RBI
• 3B Vidal Bruján: 0-1, 3 BB, 2 CS (4)
• LF MJ Melendez: 0-4, K
• 2B Christopher Morel: 1-4, 3 K
• 1B Ryan Clifford: 0-4, K, E (10)
• DH Eric Wagaman: 1-4, K, SB (3)
• C Hayden Senger: 1-2, 2 BB, E (2), CS (1)
• RF Jose Ramos: 0-3, R, BB
• SS Zack Short: 0-2, BB, K
• PH Ronny Mauricio: 0-1
• LHP Jonathan Santucci: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• RHP Ofreidy Gómez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• RHP Brian Metoyer: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, L (1-1)
• RHP Dan Hammer: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• RHP Tobias Myers: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

GAME 2: JACKSONVILLE 7, SYRACUSE 2 / 7 (BOX)

They’d have been even better off not playing the regularly scheduled game as well. Nothing positive to write about here.

• CF Nick Morabito: 1-3, RBI
• 2B Vidal Bruján: 0-1, BB, SB (11)
• PH-2B Zack Short: 0-2, 2 K
• SS Ronny Mauricio: 1-3
• RF Christopher Morel: 0-3, 2 K
• DH MJ Melendez: 0-2, R, BB, 2 K
• 1B Eric Wagaman: 1-2, R, BB
• LF Ryan Clifford: 0-2, BB
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 0-3, K
• C Shawn Ross: 0-2, RBI, K, E (5)
• RHP Zach Peek: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, L (0-1)
• RHP Matt Seelinger: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• RHP Dylan Ross: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• LHP Joe Jacques: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, E (1)
• RHP Ben Simon: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (47- 65)

PORTLAND 10, BINGHMATON 3 (BOX)

New Mets Émilien Pitre and Billy Amick each had two hits, and so did Chris Suero. That wasn’t near enough to top Portland, however, as the pitching got shellacked.

• SS Mitch Voit: 1-5, R, K
• DH Marco Vargas: 0-3, RBI, 3 K
• 2B Émilien Pitre: 2-3, R, K
• C Chris Suero: 2-4, K
• C Kevin Parada: 0-0
• 3B Billy Amick: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K, E (1)
• LF John Bay: 1-4, 2 K
• 1B Corey Collins: 0-4, 2 K
• CF D’Andre Smith: 0-4
• RF Yohairo Cuevas: 2-4, R, 2B
• RHP Noah Hall: 3.2 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, L (1-1)
• RHP Douglas Orellana: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• RHP Cristofer Gomez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• LHP Gabriel Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• RHP JT Benson: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (48 – 62)

JERSEY SHORE 2, BROOKLYN 1 (BOX)

Luke Gabrysh looked like an actual dude in this one, striking out six over four scoreless innings and allowing only one hit. His stuff has real in-zone-whiff upside, and if he can curtail the walks there’s a legitimate starting pitching prospect here. Unfortunately, the Cyclones offense and defense let him down, making as many errors (2) as they had hits (2) in a one-run loss.

• SS Sammy Stafura: 0-3, RBI, K
• CF John Spikerman: 0-3, 3 K, CS (4)
• 1B Ronald Hernandez: 1-4, K, E (16)
• LF Trey Snyder: 0-4, K
• RF Yonatan Henriquez: 0-4, K
• 2B Colin Houck: 0-3, 2 K, E (17)
• C Daiverson Gutierrez: 0-2, BB
• 3B Antonio Jimenez: 1-2, R, 3B, BB, K
• DH Carter Dierdorf: 0-3, K
• RHP Luke Gabrysh: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
• LHP Luis R. Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, L (0-1)
• RHP Rafi Vazquez: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• RHP Elwis Mijares: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• RHP Ryan Dollar: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Low-A: St. Lucie Mets (50-61)

JUPTER 3, ST. LUCIE 2 (BOX)

If you’re not paying attention to John Smith III yet, you should be. No, he didn’t do much in this game, and he’s a 19th round senior out of Central Florida. He is also hitting the ball quite hard and had only his second whiff in the zone (on a foul tip) in 40 professional PA in yesterday’s games. The biggest knock against him to this point is that he’s been overly passive, something to keep an eye on going forward if he’s to blossom into a true diamond in the rough or remain a cheeseball.

Anyway, St. Lucie didn’t do much and lost a one-run game.

• 3B Vladi Gomez: 1-5, 2B, SB (8), E (5)
• CF Aiden Robbins: 0-2, 2 BB, SB (2)
• DH John Smith III: 0-3, BB, K
• 1B Julio Zayas: 1-4, 3 K
• C Yovanny Rodriguez: 0-4, 4 K
• RF Kuhio Aloy: 1-4, 2B, SB (1)
• LF Wyatt Vincent: 1-3, R, 2B, 2 K, E (2)
• SS Dylan Carey: 1-3, R, HR (1), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
• 2B Kooper Schulte: 0-3, 2 K
• PH Elian Peña: 0-1
• RHP Nathan Hall: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, L (0-1)
• RHP Tyler McLoughlin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• RHP Jonathan Jimenez: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Ernesto Mercedes: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
• RHP Julio Gonzalez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Rookie: DSL Mets Orange (29 – 24)

DSL METS ORANGE 3, DSL MARLINS 0 (BOX)

• RF Royner Bravo: 1-3, R, BB, K, SB (15)
• LF Henry Manrique: 2-4, R, K, 2 SB (13)
• CF Jhonael Cuello: 0-4, K
• SS Sebastian Toro: 0-4, RBI, 2 K, 2 SB (10)
• 2B Dayron Oramas: 1-4, R, RBI, 2 K, SB (8)
• 1B Michalle Mercedes: 1-3, RBI, BB, 2 K, SB (9)
• C Yadier Fuentes: 0-2, BB, K
• DH Jose Padilla: 0-1, 2 BB, K
• 3B Johnderis Sanchez: 0-2, 2 K
• RHP Abner Meza: 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, W (5-2)
• RHP Esteban Mejia: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, S (2)

Rookie: DSL Mets Blue (20 – 33)

DSL NATIONALS 18, DSL METS 17 / 10 (BOX)

• 2B Jesus Minaya: 2-5, 3 R, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K, SB (7), CS (3)
• SS Oscar Pena: 0-1, 2 R, RBI, 6 BB, SB (5), CS (2)
• 1B Adrian La Rosa: 2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB, K, E (3)
• CF Emerson Estevez: 0-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K, SB (9)
• C Adrian Silva: 0-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
• LF Elvis Teran: 1-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K, 2 SB (12)
• DH Angel Ozuna: 1-5, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, K, SB (1)
• RF Yeremy Reyes: 0-3, 2 R, BB, 2 SB (4), CS (1)
• 3B Cristopher Jaquez: 0-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (4)
• RHP Gensil Rosario: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• RHP Christopher Rochin: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, E (1)
• RHP Victor Gallegos: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, H (1)
• LHP Cristopher Hernandez: 0.1 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 0 K, E (3), BS (2)
• RHP Edgardo Rodriguez: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
• RHP Cristian Dudamel: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, L (0-1)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Luke Gabrysh

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Full season lineups

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:L, 13-1 at Lehigh Valley IronPigs

2B Anthony Volpe 1-4, HR, RBI, 2 K — second homer back in Scranton
CF Jasson Domínguez 1-4
LF Max Schuemann 1-4
DH J.C. Escarra 0-4
SS Oswaldo Cabrera 1-4, K
RF Yanquiel Fernández 1-4, K
C Mitch Garver 1-3, 2B, BB, K — double for the 10-year veteran in his first Scranton game
1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 2-4
3B Tyler Hardman 0-3, 2 K

Adam Kloffenstein 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 6 BB, 2 K, 1 HR (loss)
Eric Reyzelman 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
Brian Hendry 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
Will Brian 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Christian Bethancourt 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Double-A Somerset Patriots: W, 5-4 vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats

DH Jace Avina 0-4
SS Core Jackson 0-3, BB, K
3B Roderick Arias 0-3, BB, 2 K — made a sensational play at the hot corner
C Omar Alfonzo 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo 0-2, BB
RF DJ Gladney 0-3, 2 K
2B Connor McGinnis 0-2, BB
1B Josh Moylan 1-2, HR, 2 RBI, BB — 21st long ball in what’s been a fine season
CF Luis Durango 1-3

Don Hamel 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Luis Velasquez 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Matt Keating 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Kelly Austin 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (win) — hell of an outing in relief

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:L, 5-2 vs. Wilmington BlueRocks

C Eric Genther 1-4, HR, RBI, K
SS Jackson Lovich 1-3, BB, K, SB
1B Kyle West 0-3, BB, 2 K
CF Maika Niu 0-3, BB
3B Hans Montero 1-4, 2 K
DH Dean Toigo 1-4, RBI, 2 K
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 1-4, 2 K, SB
LF Robbie Burnett 0-3, BB, 2 K
RF Camden Troyer 0-3, K

Luis Gil 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, K — looked solid as he continues to rehab
Pico Kohn 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Jose M. Rodriguez (loss, blown save) 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
Jack Sokol 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hansel Rincon 1 IP,2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR

Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 7-4 at Dunedin Blue Jays

SS Dax Kilby 1-4, BB
DH Wilberson De Pena 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K — third Low-A homer
RF Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II 1-2, 2 BB, K, 2 SB, CS
1B Luis Puello 2-5, SB
CF Diego Castellanos 0-4, BB, 2 K
LF Brando Mayea 1-4, RBI, CS
2B Blake Cyr 1-2, RBI, K, SF
C Ediel Rivera 0-3, BB, 2 K
3B Bayram Hot 0-2, 2 BB, K, SB

Yerry Rodríguez 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Richard Mena 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR (win)
Jordarlin Mendoza 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K (hold)
Matthew Tippie 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (hold)
Joshua Tiedemann 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K (save)

Florida Complex League Yankees: Season over

Dominican Summer League Yankees:W, 11-3 vs. DSL Rangers Red

CF Isaias Castillo 0-3, 2 RBI, 2 K, 2 SF
LF Luis Cruz 0-4, RBI, K, CS, HBP
SS Stiven Marinez 2-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K
PH-SS Orozco 1-1, RBI
2B Juan Torres 2-5, 2B
DH Juan Martinez 1-4, RBI, K
C Poly Ojeda 0-3, BB, K
RF Alfiery Matos 1-1, 3 BB, 4 SB
1B Jose Peralta 1-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Adrian Feliz 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SB

Victor De Leon 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 4 K
Braulio Jaquez 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Luis Rodriguez 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (win)
Brandon Rodriguez 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 9-5 at DSL Rangers Blue

CF Ruben Castillo 0-4, BB, K
2B Dariel Santana 0-5, K, CS
DH Alessandro Rodriguez 1-3, BB, K
RF David Carrera 0-2, 2 BB
C Kenneth Melendez 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, throwing error
SS Germayhoni Beltre 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
3B Alfred Ciriaco 0-2, 2 BB, K, SB, CS
1B Jesus Guerrero 1-3, BB, K
LF Eddison Charles 0-4, 2 K, CS

Jose Sanchez 4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR (loss)
Edgar De Leon 1.1 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
Kevin Centeno 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

The Detroit Tigers dropped the weekend series opener to the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, 9-5, at Comerica Park. Jackson Jobe got roughed up in his second start of the season while Ben Malgeri’s two-homer effort was not enough to keep pace with the visitors.

Taking the mound for the Olde English D in Game 2 is right-hander Troy Melton, who has thrown three straight quality starts and has not allowed more than two runs since June 9 — which also happens to be the only time that has happened this season. Over his last three outings, the 25-year-old has thrown 20 shutout innings on 10 hits and five walks while striking out 14 for a 2.43 FIP.

Melton has faced the White Sox twice this summer, with both resulting in quality starts. On May 29 in Chicago, he tossed seven frames of one-run ball on six hits and a walk while striking out one for a no-decision in an eventual 4-3 loss in extras; the other was on June 20 in Detroit, where he threw six innings of one-run ball, allowing just a solo home run and three walks while striking out five for his fourth win of the year in a 4-1 final.

On the other side, left-hander Anthony Kay will climb the hill having served up a pair of quality starts in his last two outings. The 31-year-old has posted a 1.46 ERA and a 3.73 FIP over his last 12 1/3 innings of work, surrendering 13 hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out seven and hitting a batter.

Kay took on the Tigers once before this season back on May 30 at Rate Field, throwing five frames of one-run ball on six hits (one home run) and a walk while striking out three. He earned his fifth win of the campaign for his efforts in a 7-1 final.

Here is how the two match up for the second of the three-game series at Comerica Park on Saturday afternoon.

Detroit Tigers (60-62) vs. Chicago White Sox (63-58)

Time (ET): 1:10 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 123: RHP Troy Melton (7-1, 1.46 ERA) vs. LHP Anthony Kay (9-5, 3.96 ERA)

MELTON

KAY

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Jacob Misiorowski has been on an absolute tear in 2026, and the Brewers ace headlines a marquee showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine tonight.

Along with backing the Brew Crew at Dodger Stadium, here are my MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, Aug. 15.

MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 15

Matchup	Pick
White Sox vs Tigers	-150
Cardinals vs Cubs	-170
Yankees vs Blue Jays	-144
Rockies vs Giants	+156
Nationals vs Mets	+113
Orioles vs Rays	-138
Marlins vs Reds	+108
Mariners vs Astros	-122
Phillies vs Twins	-138
Padres vs Guardians	+117
Brewers vs Dodgers	-122
Diamondbacks vs Braves	-127
Red Sox vs Pirates	-117
Royals vs Angels	-133
Rangers vs Athletics	-117

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of Aug. 15.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 15

White Sox vs Tigers: Tigers (-150)

Tigers win probability: 60%

How about Troy Melton!

The Tigers' 25-year-old boasts a 291 ERA+ over 80 innings and is fresh off three quality starts. Facing a White Sox team that has cooled off lately, I'm riding with the home team at Comerica.

No Skubal, no problem?

Cardinals vs Cubs: Cubs (-170)

Cubs win probability: 63%

Chicago boasts a .382/.438/.570 slash line against Michael McGreevy, and the Cubs tagged the right-hander for seven runs on seven hits over just 1 2/3 innings back in July.

Expect a lopsided one at the Friendly Confines. 

Yankees vs Blue Jays: Yankees (-144)

Yankees win probability: 59%

Cam Schlittler has it out for Blue Jays fans, and the right-hander will look to distance himself from Dylan Cease in the Cy Young odds when he takes the bump at Rogers Centre.

Luckily for the Yankees' young ace, this isn't the 2025 Jays, as Toronto ranks 29th in runs per game and 30th in OPS heading into this afternoon's showdown.

Even as a Jays fan, I can't go against the Bronx Bombers in this one.

Rockies vs Giants: Rockies (+156)

Giants win probability: 39%

Logan Webb has seen his average whiff rate drop from 24.7% to 20.5% year over year, and the Rockies are hitting .339 against the Giants starter over the course of his career.

San Francisco has traded away Luis Arraez and Heliot Ramos, while several key starters remain sidelined with injuries. I'll side with the Rockies in this NL West basement battle.

Nationals vs Mets: Nationals (+113)

Nationals win probability: 47%

At this point, you're a mad man if you're betting on the Mets.

Even without James Wood, the Nationals' offense remains lethal, and they'll pounce on Sean Manaea, whose fastball velocity ranks in just the sixth percentile at Baseball Savant.

Orioles vs Rays: Rays (-138)

Rays win probability: 58%

Tampa Bay has rattled off 10 straight wins and is a league-best 42-18 at home.

Death, taxes, and betting on the Rays at the Trop.

Marlins vs Reds: Marlins (+108)

Marlins win probability: 48%

Miami quietly enters the weekend with a top-10 OPS in the league, and the Marlins love to create havoc on the basepaths, trailing only Washington in stolen bases.

In a fairly even pitching matchup between Ryan Gusto and Brady Singer, I'm rolling with the plucky Fish in Cincy.

Mariners vs Astros: Astros (-122)

Mariners win probability: 55%

Shame on Mariners management and ownership for cheaping out at the trade deadline instead of going all-in.

Seattle is set to miss the playoffs after being eight outs away from reaching the World Series last year, and team morale is currently at an all-time low, with the Mariners ranking dead last in runs per game and hits.

Roll with Houston in this one and let the Astros remain big brother in the AL West. Keep prospect hoarding, Seattle. 

Phillies vs Twins: Phillies (-138)

Phillies win probability: 58%

Left-hander Jesus Luzardo has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine starts, and Minnesota is slugging just .368 against southpaws this season.

I'm all over Philly to grab a pivotal road win.

Padres vs Guardians: Padres (+117)

Padres win probability: 46%

If the game is tied or San Diego is holding a lead heading into the sixth inning or later, good luck beating Mason Miller and the Padres' elite bullpen. 

Randy Vasquez sports a .205 ERA and .200 OBA over the last 30 days, so the Friars are the pick in Cleveland. 

Brewers vs Dodgers: Brewers (-122)

Brewers win probability: 55%

As much of a pleasant surprise as Justin Wrobleski has been, the Dodgers' bullpen remains a weakness, and the absence of Will Smith continues to be felt in the middle of the Dodgers' order.

With Jacob Misiorowski running away as the eventual NL Cy Young winner, this play is a no-brainer.

Diamondbacks vs Braves: Braves (-127)

Braves win probability: 56%

As good as Eduardo Rodriguez's 11-4 record and 2.60 ERA look on the surface, his 4.79 xERA signals negative regression is looming.

Facing a fully healthy Braves offense, I anticipate Atlanta to strike at home.

Red Sox vs Pirates: Red Sox (-117)

Red Sox win probability: 54%

Pittsburgh will continue to fall out of the playoff race after facing veteran righty Sonny Gray, who boasts a 2.79 ERA this season and has limited Pirates hitters to a lifetime OPS of .689.

With Boston looking to maintain its spot in the Wild Card race, expect Gray to lead the Sox at PNC Park. 

Royals vs Angels: Angels (-133)

Angels win probability: 57%

Angels southpaw Reid Detmers owns a K% sitting in the 86th percentile at Baseball Savant.

Facing a bleak Royals offense led by Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, I’ll take the Halos at the Big A.

Rangers vs Athletics: Rangers (-117)

Rangers win probability: 54%

MacKenzie Gore continues to be a strikeout machine, and his .231 xBA signals a pitcher whose 4.43 ERA is quite deceiving.

Against an A's team with the worst bullpen in baseball and a 3-7 record over their last 10, give me Texas.

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Louisville Bats 9, Toledo Mud Hens 1 (box)

Austin Gomber gave the Hens a solid short start, but the bats were quiet in this one.

The lefty tossed 3.2 innings of no-hit ball with two walks and four strikeouts. Brant Hurter took over for his second rehab outing and just gave up hit after hit. He surrendered two runs in the fourth, and three more in the fifth before Nick Sandlin finally took over to clean up the inning. Carl Edwards Jr. then gave up four more runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Max Burt doubled in the top of the sixth to lead off the inning, and Bennett Lee and Jace Jung each grounded out, allowing Burt to score the Hens only run. They only managed two hits in this one despite facing an older depth starter in Ben Wereski.

Burt: 1-3, R, 2B, K

Jung: 0-2, RBI, 2 BB

Gomber: 3.2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: The series is tied up heading into a 7:15 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

Erie SeaWolves 2, Hartford Yard Goats 1 (box)

Lucas Elissalt’s Double-A debut went very well, and the SeaWolves got good work out of the bullpen on a night when both lineups were muted.

The right-hander has seen his velocity tick up this season and with some riding life and excellent extension, his fastball is presenting a problem, even for more experienced hitters. Elissalt went 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks, while striking out nine on the day. He touched 97 mph with the heater, averaged 94-95 mph, and flashed good sliders and changeups, though both pitches are still a little inconsistent. He also mixed in his good low 80’s power curveball to good effect. He has work ahead to sharpen his command, particularly of the slider-changeup combo, but his progress has gone almost exactly as hoped in the preseason after a slow start for him. There’s plenty of time to tune things up, and the 22-year-old’s raw stuff is coming along nicely while his walk rate continues to drop. Elissalt should be regarded among the club’s top pitching prospects at this point.

The SeaWolves had some early chances to score but didn’t cash in. Woody Hadeen led off the fourth, and with one out, Zyhir Hope doubled the opposite way to get Hadeen to third. A grounder to shortstop from Andrew Jenkins saw Hadeen cut down at the plate, and they failed to score.

In the fifth, Luke Shliger walked with one out, and Joe Campagna doubled him to third. Patrick Lee walked, loading the bases, and Hadeen walked to force in a run. Peyton Graham lifted a fly ball to center for a sacrifice fly to score Campagna for a 2-0 lead.

Marco Jimenez took over from Elissalt and allowed the Goats only run. Tanner Kohlhepp, Johan Simon, and Wandisson Charles closed this one out without much issue.

Shliger: 2-3, R, 3B, BB, K, CS

Campagna: 2-4, R, K

Hope: 1-4, 2B, 2 K

Elissalt: 4.2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 9 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:10 p.m. ET start on Saturday with the SeaWolves holding a 3-1 lead in the series.

West Michigan Whitecaps 5, Lansing Lugnuts 3 (box)

The Whitecaps showed off the home run power in this one, launching four long balls and getting good work from their bullpen.

They got off to a fast start as Jackson Strong led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot to right center field. That was the center fielder’s 12th of the season and second in as many days. Bryce Rainer then crushed his 11th of the year to dead center for a 2-0 lead.

JoJo Ingrassia tossed three innings to start the ’Caps off. He allowed a run in the second inning before turning it over to Preston Howey.

In the bottom of the third, Rainer singled and Beau Ankeney continued his rampage with a screamer over the left field wall for a two-run homer.

Howey allowed a run in the fourth. Juanmi Vasquez threw two scoreless innings, while Luke Hoskins and Luke Stofel handled it from there, with Hoskins allowing a run in the eighth.

In the bottom of the eighth, Ankeney went deep yet again. That’s seven home runs in 14 games at High-A for the first baseman and he’s shown plus power to all fields consistently this year. In his first pro season as an 11th round pick out of Loyala, Ankeney now has 22 home runs total in 97 games. His relatively high chase and whiff rates still suggest that you shouldn’t get too excited, but there’s no getting around the fact that he is just hammering the baseball with regularity. Let’s just see if his approach improves enough over time to trim some of the punchouts from his profile.

Ankeney: 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR

Rainer: 2-4, 2 R, RBI, HR, K

Santana: 1-3, BB, K

Ingrassia: 3.0 IP, ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start in West Michigan on Saturday with the Whitecaps up 3-1 in the series. They are now effectively tied with the Great Lakes Loons in the East division.

Lakeland Flying Tigers 3, Bradenton Marauders 2 (box)

Malachi Witherspoon bounced back to throw a pretty good game in this one.

However, it didn’t start out that way. After a delay, Witherspoon took the mound and the first batter of the game reached on a comebacker that he couldn’t handle. He hit the next batter and then walked the bases loaded. Three consecutive strikeouts got him out of it, illustrating the deeply Jekyll and Hyde performance he’s displayed in his first pro season.

Witherspoon then locked in and went 4.2 innings, scattering three hits and two walks without a run allowed, while punching out seven. The question is can he do this for a few starts in a row.

Jesus Pinto walked in the second inning after Zach MacDonald walked and stole second. MacDonald was thrown out trying to steal third, but Pinto advanced and eventually scored on a pickoff attempt for a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Pinto led off with a single. Anibal Salas lined out, but Hunter Dobbins walked, and Javier Osorio reached on an infield single to load the bases and Pinto scored on a hit batter.

So it was 2-0, and Jorge Guzman gave up an unearned run in the seventh. Donye Evans blew the save in the top of the ninth, but kept it a 2-2 game.

In the bottom half, Angel De Los Santos singled sharply and took second on an error. Ronald Ramirez singled him over to third, and then stole second base. MacDonald struck out, but it was Pinto up again, and he paddled a ground ball single up the middle for the game winner.

Pinto: 2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB

Osorio: 3-4, 2B, K

De Los Santos: 1-4, R, BB, K

Witherspoon: 4.2 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K

Coming Up Next: The Flying Tigers lead 3-1 heading into a 6:00 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

MLB.com | Matthew Ritchie: George Lombard Jr. has impressed since his call-up last week, not just with his tools on the field, but the way he’s comported himself through all the hoopla. The rookie himself credited the wide range of voices he can seek in the Yankees clubhouse. There are, of course, numerous veterans, MVPs and champions across the roster that a player like Lombard can seek out, but Lombard also noted the importance of the Yankees’ other young talents in making his transition to the majors easier. “Having Spencer [Jones] and Ben [Rice], guys that have come up through the org and you’ve played with someone coming up, they both have helped a lot”, Lombard said. “Like just getting different perspectives, asking them a bunch of things… They’ve definitely made me feel more comfortable.”

Lombard didn’t cross over that much with Jones and Rice during their respective routes through the minors, but both have very recent experience with rising through the Yankee farm system and earning a spot on the biggest stage, experience that must prove invaluable to others going through the same process.

New York Post | Mark Suleymanov: The Yankees need bats, but the next bit of reinforcement they’re likely to receive comes in the form of even more pitching. Carlos Rodón, working back from elbow inflammation, made his second rehab start this week and looked sharp, striking out seven over 4.1 innings with Double-A Somerset. His next outing very well may come in the majors. It’s possible the Yankees will look to piggyback Rodón with someone like Will Warren the next time out to continue to slowly build up Rodón’s workload, something Rodon said he’d be fine with. “I’m willing to do whatever to help our team win,” Rodón said. “If they think that’s the avenue they want to go, I’m ready to perform and help our team win.”

SNY | Phillip Martinez: Thankfully, it looks like Cody Bellinger isn’t far behind Rodón on the recovery train. Bellinger did some more on-field work ahead of Friday night’s game in Toronto, and Aaron Boone said Bellinger could be in line for a rehab assignment some time next week. Everything appears to be lining up for a return around the end of the month for Bellinger.

The Athletic | Chris Kirschner: Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s struggles have been a hot topic lately, with the second baseman mired in another slump as part of a career-worst campaign. Chisholm said this week that he’s at a loss, and that he’s tried everything. “I swing up. I swing down. I’ve tried to fix it a couple of different ways. When I fix it, it’s still unlucky.” Chisholm doesn’t feel that a spell on the bench would help, telling reporters “I think if I was to sit for a couple days, I don’t think that would help. Just play through it.” That said, perhaps a more aggressive platoon could be in order; Chisholm’s 74 wRC+ against lefties has been a liability this year.

MLB.com | Maria Guardado: MLB announced yesterday that the San Francisco Giants would host the 2028 MLB All-Star Game at Oracle Park. It has not yet been decided if MLB players will be able to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but the league decided that planning for a Midsummer Classic elsewhere in California would help keep that possibility open. It will be the fourth time San Francisco has hosted the All-Star Game, and the first since 2007, the year Ichiro Suzuki won MVP thanks to an inside-the-park home run:

And some minor-league roster news: Angel Chivilli, currently with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders has been placed on the 7-day IL, while Scranton has signed reliever Justin Topa to a minor league deal. Also, Mitch Garver, the veteran catcher signed after his release from the Mariners, has joined the RailRiders.

Box Score

For the second straight night, the Brewers fell behind and needed a late rally. They loaded the bases in the ninth, but couldn’t break through this time and lost to the Dodgers, 3-1.

Early on, the Brewers made Yoshinobu Yamamoto work. Even though they only managed one baserunner — a Jake Bauers walk — in the inning, Yamamoto needed 26 pitches to get through it. Meanwhile, Robert Gasser was efficient for the Brewers, needing just 14 pitches for the first inning. However, the Dodgers hit three singles in that inning, the last of those a Mookie Betts single to drive in a run. That put the Brewers down 1-0 after one inning.

From there, the two starters matched each other with scoreless innings in the next three frames. The Brewers had a scoring chance in the third after Joey Ortiz hit a one-out double, but he was left stranded there after Garrett Mitchell and Jackson Chourio both struck out. The Dodgers had a scoring chance with two outs in the bottom of the inning after Andy Pages singled and stole second, but he was stranded there.

The Brewers’ offense broke through in the fifth inning. Luis Lara led off the inning with a long double that just barely stayed in the park. It did set up the offense. David Hamilton went for the bunt, and it was a good one that went for a single. Ortiz brought in the run after that, hitting a sharp line drive but right at Kyle Tucker. It was more than deep enough to score Lara, and the Brewers tied the game at 1-1.

Unfortunately, that was all the offense could manage that inning. Mitchell struck out again, and Chourio grounded out to end the inning.

That tie didn’t last long. In the bottom of the inning, Andy Pages hit a two-out solo home run to left field, and the Brewers were down again, 2-1. One inning later, Tommy Edman added another solo home run to center, extending the deficit to 3-1.

Gasser pitched into the seventh, starting the inning by getting a line out from Hunter Feducia. After walking Shohei Ohtani, his day came to an end. It was a solid day for Gasser overall. He allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and one walk while striking out seven. It was also the most pitches he has thrown in a game, as he finished the day with 102 pitches thrown.

Meanwhile, Yamamoto mostly kept the Brewers in check, but the Brewers managed to get him out of the game after six innings. He allowed just one run, four hits, and two walks, and struck out nine Brewers.

The bullpens kept both offenses in check for the next two innings. Evan Phillips and Tanner Scott pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings for the Dodgers. Grant Anderson finished out the seventh inning scoreless and worked around a walk. Bryse Wilson pitched the eighth inning and struck out the side.

Once again, the Dodgers brought in Edwin Díaz to close in the ninth inning. It started out looking like it could be a repeat of last night. Andrew Vaughn led off the inning and worked a full count before getting hit by a pitch. He was replaced by pinch-runner Jihwan Bae, who stole second on a 1-1 count. It put a runner in scoring position, but Christian Yelich struck out for the first out of the inning.

William Contreras was up next, and Díaz was struggling heavily as he threw five pitches all out of the strike zone, walking Contreras. His first pitch to Lara was high and inside as well, then he threw a slider right down the middle. Lara hit it sharply on the ground, but Edman made a running grab to rob Lara of a base hit. It wasn’t quick enough to turn a double play, so Edman took the sure out of Lara at first.

That moved both baserunners up to second and third, putting the tying run in scoring position. Hamilton was up next, and Díaz continued to struggle to throw strikes. Hamilton didn’t swing once and drew a five-pitch walk. Ortiz was up next with another chance with the bases loaded. Unfortunately, he couldn’t complete the rally for the Brewers, grounding out to Betts to end the game.

The offense remained subdued again, managing just one run, five hits, and four walks. Those hits were scattered among five different Brewers, with Bauers and Hamilton the only two Brewers on base twice. They had their scoring opportunities tonight, but went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base.

With the series tied 1-1, the Brewers will send their ace to the mound tomorrow night. Jacob Misiorowski will face Justin Wrobleski in Saturday’s game, which will be a national broadcast on FOX. First pitch is at 6:15 p.m.

Kyle Freeland worked eight strong innings, Zac Veen put a baseball into McCovey Cove and the Rockies got contributions from all over the roster in a 5-2 win over the San Francisco Giants Thursday night at Oracle Park.

Colorado improved to 49-73 with the win, while San Francisco fell to 50-72. The Rockies are now just one game behind the Giants in the NL West.

Freeland earned the win to improve to 4-10, allowing one run on four hits over 8.0 innings. Landen Roupp took the loss and fell to 7-12 after allowing four runs over 5.2 innings.

Veen supplied the biggest swing with a two-run splash homer in the sixth, but the Rockies did not win on one swing alone. TJ Rumfield extended a two-out rally, Troy Johnston drove in the first run, Brett Sullivan helped manufacture another, Connor Norby drew two walks and stole a base, Willi Castro added a ninth-inning sacrifice fly, and the defense came up with several important plays behind Freeland.

It was a solid win all the way around.

Freeland keeps the Giants on the ground

Freeland gave the Rockies eight strong innings without needing many strikeouts to get there.

He allowed one run on four hits with one walk and two strikeouts over 8.0 innings. He threw 95 pitches, 66 for strikes, and recorded 13 ground-ball outs.

Freeland leaned most heavily on his sinker and knuckle curve, throwing 27 sinkers and 26 knuckle curves. He also mixed in 14 cutters, 12 changeups, 11 four-seam fastballs and five sweepers.

The sinker averaged 90.4 mph with 16 inches of horizontal movement. The knuckle curve averaged 82.2 mph and produced three whiffs, including one of Freeland’s two strikeouts.

His first strikeout offered an early look at how he would mix those pitches. Freeland opened Rafael Devers with an 89.7 mph sinker for a called strike, followed with an 82.5 mph sweeper for another, then showed an 82.6 mph knuckle curve below the zone. With Devers still in a 1-2 count, Freeland went back to a 91.2 mph sinker and got the swing-through.

There was hard contact.

San Francisco averaged 91.8 mph on 24 balls in play and produced 11 hard-hit balls. Bryce Eldridge did the only damage that reached the scoreboard, driving an 86.0 mph cutter 104.3 mph and 409 feet to dead center for his 13th home run in the fourth inning.

Freeland settled right back in.

Osleivis Basabe singled with two outs later in the fourth, but Freeland picked him off before the inning could develop any further. In the fifth, Freeland issued his first and only walk, then got Christian Koss to hit a sharp grounder to short for an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.

The final three innings were cleaner.

Freeland retired the Giants in order in the sixth and started doing a little more with the knuckle curve in the seventh. He opened Victor Bericoto with consecutive knuckle curves for a called strike and a whiff, showed him a fastball above the zone, then went back below the zone with an 81.9 mph knuckle curve for strike three.

Two groundouts followed.

Freeland carried the same rhythm into the eighth. Buddy Kennedy grounded out to first, Andrew Knizner popped out to first, and Basabe became Freeland’s 13th and final ground-ball out.

That last at-bat was another example of the mix. Freeland opened Basabe with an 81.8 mph knuckle curve for a strike, moved between the sinker, cutter and curve as the count reached 2-2, then got Basabe to roll an 82.7 mph knuckle curve to third for the final out of his night.

Freeland did not miss many bats, and the Giants did hit several balls hard.

They never turned that contact into sustained pressure.

Freeland worked quickly, stayed around the zone and kept putting the ball on the ground. Eight innings later, Eldridge’s solo homer was the only run San Francisco had managed against him.

Rockies make Roupp work, then make him pay

Roupp’s movement was real from the beginning.

He struck out five over 5.2 innings and generated 14 whiffs on 46 swings. His curveball led the way at 36% usage, averaging 76.7 mph with 19 inches of horizontal break and 3,100 rpm. Roupp also generated six whiffs on eight swings against his four-seam fastball.

For the first three innings, the Rockies had trouble doing much with it.

That began to change with two outs in the fourth.

Roupp struck out Mickey Moniak and Castro to start the inning before Rumfield fell behind 0-2. Rather than giving Roupp an easy third out, Rumfield fouled off a sinker and changeup, laid off two pitches outside the zone and eventually served a 76.4 mph curveball into left for a soft two-out single.

Johnston supplied the hard contact.

He got an 85.5 mph changeup and drove it 102.1 mph at a 28-degree launch angle into Triples Alley. The ball traveled 410 feet for Johnston’s first triple of the season, scoring Rumfield and giving Colorado a 1-0 lead.

The inning kept going.

Norby walked, stole second for his seventh stolen base of the season and Veen came to the plate already having seen Roupp’s stuff once.

Veen quickly fell behind 0-2. He then laid off a fastball above the zone, two changeups below it, fought off a curveball with the count full and finally took an 89.4 mph cutter outside for ball four.

The Rockies left the bases loaded when Ezequiel Tovar grounded out, but Roupp had gone from cruising through two quick strikeouts to laboring through an extended two-out rally.

Colorado came back with another run in the fifth.

Sullivan led off by driving a 92.6 mph sinker 104.0 mph and 413 feet off the wall in right-center for his 11th double. Jake McCarthy moved him to third, and with the infield in, Moniak hit a hard grounder to Koss at short.

Sullivan broke on contact.

The throw arrived home just as Sullivan slid his hand across the plate, putting the Rockies back in front 2-1.

Then Veen changed the game.

Norby drew his second walk of the night with one out in the sixth and moved to second on a wild pitch. Roupp started Veen with a fastball above the zone, and Veen expanded and swung through it.

Veen stepped out of the box.

He appeared to reset.

Two pitches later, Roupp left a 76.5 mph curveball where Veen could handle it.

Veen hit it 111.3 mph at a 32-degree launch angle and sent it 406 feet into McCovey Cove.

The two-run homer was Veen’s second of the season and extended Colorado’s lead to 4-1.

It was also the fifth splash homer by a Rockies hitter and the first since Charlie Blackmon on June 7, 2022. Veen became the fourth Rockie to do it, joining Blackmon, Cory Dickerson and Carlos González, who did it twice.

Rockies add insurance before the defense finishes it

The Giants bullpen quieted Colorado for a while after Roupp departed.

JT Brubaker worked a clean seventh, including a 95.4 mph sinker that ran back over the edge to freeze Moniak. Harris followed by striking out the side around a Johnston walk in the eighth.

Colorado had a chance for more in the ninth.

Tovar walked and Sullivan singled before McCarthy grounded into a force at third. Moniak then walked to load the bases, bringing San Francisco manager’s bullpen back into action with Jason Foley replacing Harris.

Castro got one run home with a sacrifice fly to left. An errant throw allowed Moniak to advance to second, and Rumfield walked to reload the bases before Johnston grounded out.

The Rockies had an opportunity to break the game open, but settled for an important insurance run.

Brennan Bernardino replaced Freeland for the bottom of the ninth and immediately found trouble. Jonah Cox tripled and Devers followed with an RBI double, cutting Colorado’s lead to 5-2 with nobody out.

Then the defensive substitution paid off.

Cole Carrigg had entered in center field before the eighth, with McCarthy moving to right. Eldridge lined a ball toward center, and Carrigg charged in and made a terrific catch just above the grass.

Devers had already broken toward third.

Carrigg got the ball back in, Norby completed the play at second and the Rockies suddenly had two outs and nobody on. The Giants challenged whether Carrigg had trapped the ball, but the ruling was upheld.

Bericoto followed with a single, but Castro ended the game with another strong defensive play, ranging from third into foul territory and making the catch up against the railing.

The ninth started to get uncomfortable.

Carrigg and Castro made sure it did not stay that way for long.

Final thoughts

Oracle Park produced one of the stranger statistical details of the night.

Eldridge’s fourth-inning home run traveled 409 feet.

Johnston’s triple traveled 410.

Sullivan’s double went 413.

Johnston’s drive produced the Rockies’ only two-out RBI. Sullivan’s double started the fifth-inning rally that put Colorado back ahead. Both were significant swings even if Oracle Park kept them from becoming home runs.

The Rockies also got considerable value from players whose box-score lines do not immediately jump off the page.

Norby finished 0-for-2 but walked twice, stole a base and scored ahead of Veen’s homer. Rumfield had one hit, but that hit came after he fought back from 0-2 and kept the fourth inning alive. He also walked in the ninth.

Colorado finished with only six hits but drew seven walks.

The Rockies went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners aboard, so there were opportunities to score more. But they also found several ways to produce runs without simply waiting for a home run: Rumfield’s two-out battle, McCarthy moving Sullivan to third, Moniak’s fielder’s choice, Norby’s walks and Castro’s sacrifice fly all played a part.

The defense mattered too.

Tovar helped the Rockies escape a messy third inning by turning Devers’ grounder into a double play after Colorado failed to complete a rundown. He later started the 6-4-3 double play that erased Freeland’s only walk.

Carrigg’s ninth-inning catch was the biggest defensive play of the night.

And Veen supplied the biggest swing.

Freeland supplied the rest.

It added up to one of Colorado’s more complete wins.

Up next

The Rockies and Giants continue the series Friday afternoon at Oracle Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 p.m. MDT.

Colorado will send Michael Lorenzen to the mound. The right-hander enters the game 3-10 with a 6.83 ERA and 81 strikeouts.

San Francisco will counter with Logan Webb, who comes in 7-7 with a 3.59 ERA and 103 strikeouts.

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The Dodgers  (74-49) bounced back and evened the series against the Brewers (75-48) Friday night at Dodger Stadium. Edwin Diaz got another shot at a save to redeem himself after Friday’s ninth-inning collapse.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six dominant innings with nine strikeouts. The offense supported him with three big scoring hits including two solo home runs from Andy Pages and Tommy Edman.

Even the bullpen, including closer Diaz, preserved the lead in late innings.

The Dodgers pulled a Brewers with one out in the first inning when they strung together three consecutive singles. Pages and Teoscar Hernández singled, and Mookie Betts drove in the first run of the game with a base hit down the left field line.

Joey Ortiz doubled with one out in the top of the third, the first base hit allowed by Yamamoto on the night.

The Brewers used their speed to get runners on the corners with nobody out against Yamamoto in the top of the fifth. Luis Lara nearly hit one out, but he barreled into second base with a double. David Hamilton, another speedster, bunted perfectly down the third base line. Hamilton and his wheels secured the infield single and easily moved Lara to third.

A sac fly from Ortiz tied the game, but the Dodgers struck back in the bottom of the inning.

Pages blasted a go-ahead solo home run, his 20th of the season, to put the Dodgers back in front 2-1 with two outs in the fifth.

The Dodgers All-Star outfielder took a Gasser sweeper for a ride over the left field corner wall.

Hunter Feduccia continues to contribute behind the plate while Will Smith and Dalton Rushing are out on injury. Feduccia mowed down Jake Bauers on an attempted steal of second after he managed a leadoff single against Yamamoto.

Edman added to the lead with another solo home run versus Gasser to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.

Evan Phillips took over for Yamamoto in the top of the seventh and completed a 1-2-3 inning. His sweeper looked a lot sharper, a good sign for the Dodgers bullpen.

Tanner Scott took the ball for the Dodgers in the eighth and continued the bullpen’s solid night with a scoreless eighth. He gave up an infield single, but he hit 98-mph. That’s another good sign for the bullpen.

After the epic ninth-inning collapse by Diaz in Thursday’s series opener, the Dodgers’ closer got another shot for the save. The horns blew, and everyone collectively held their breath.

Diaz hit Andrew Vaughn to start off shaky. He reared back to strike out Christian Yelich.

Then William Contreras walked. Edman snared a Lara grounder for the second out. Hamilton also walked to load the bases for Ortiz. Mercifully Mookie Betts made the final out on a grounder to complete the win and tie the series.

Friday particulars

Home runs: Andy Pages (20), Tommy Edman (4)

WP — Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-7): 6 IP, 4 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts (97 pitches)

LP — Robert Gasser (3-5): 6 1/3 IP, 8 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts (102 pitches)

SV — Edwin Diaz (7): He did it.

Up next

Justin Wrobleski ( 11-4, 3.44 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) makes his 20th start of the season for the Dodgers in game three Saturday (4:15 p.m., FOX). The Dodgers will have to face Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski (11-5, 1.76 ERA, 0.74 WHIP). 

The Athletics faced the Texas Rangers in the series opener of this intradivisional three-game series at Sutter Health Park. This evening, the A’s exorcised some home demons, defeating the Rangers 8-3. Starter Gage Jump delivered a solid performance, while infielder Jeff McNeil led the offense with a four-hit night and the bullpen protected a lead—something that has not happened often this season.

Early Action

Jump worked out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning, although he threw 30 pitches, a total that likely would have been lower if second baseman Donovan Walton had not committed a fielding error that extended the inning.

The A’s went to work immediately against Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker. After Jacob Wilson was hit by a pitch, he advanced to third on Tyler Soderstrom’s single.

With two outs and the bases loaded, designated hitter Carlos Cortes cleared the bases with a double into the right-center gap, putting the A’s up 3-0 in the bottom of the first.

Wilson Injured Again

In the bottom of the inning, with McNeil on second following a two-out double, Alika Williams pinch hit for Wilson, who exited with a left hand contusion. The Athletics failed to capitalize on the runners-in scoring-position opportunity, stranding two runners on base.

Jump Around, Jump Around

Jump responded by pitching three straight scoreless innings, maintaining the A’s momentum while keeping the Rangers out of the hit column through four innings. One pitch after Rangers center fielder Evan Carter recorded his team’s first hit of the game, Jump got the next batter to ground into an inning-ending double play, completing five scoreless innings.

A’s Waste Chance to Add On

Rocker issued two straight walks to begin the bottom of the fifth inning. The Athletics failed to capitalize, as Rocker retired the next three hitters. For the second time tonight, right fielder Lawrence Butler had an unproductive at-bat with runners in scoring position and fewer than two outs.

Brand New Game

The Rangers threatened in the sixth, putting two runners on base with one out. First baseman Jake Burger tied the game on Jump’s 101st and final pitch of the night. Burger’s 20th home run of the season, a 428-foot three-run blast to center, made it a 3-3 ballgame.

Jump pitched well until that final inning. He allowed three runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings, walking four while striking out just one. Unlike in his last start, Jump pitched to contact, accumulating six groundouts and seven flyouts.’

Right-hander Luis Medina, who earned the win, entered from the A’s bullpen and recorded the final two outs of the inning, keeping the game tied.

Have a Game Jeff!

The Rangers likewise turned to their bullpen in the sixth, with right-hander Chase Silseth replacing Rocker. With two outs, McNeil recorded his third hit of the game. His fifth home run of the season, a solo shot to right field against Silseth, put the hosts ahead 4-3. That swing left McNeil only a triple shy of the cycle.

LawDog!

Facing Rangers left-hander Robby Ahlstrom, Butler hit his 10th home run of the season and third in as many games. The two-out, 411-foot solo shot to center field extended the A’s lead to 5-3.

Bullpen Holds Firm

Medina and left-hander Drew Rom combined for a scoreless seventh inning, protecting the Athletics’ one-run lead. In the top of the eighth, A’s right-hander Elvis Alvarado replaced Rom after the southpaw allowed Ezequiel Duran’s one-out double. Alvarado escaped the jam as the Rangers stranded two runners on base.

A’s Get Insurance

Up by two, the Athletics sought more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth against Rangers reliever Tyler Alexander. Pinch-hitter Tommy White led off with a single and then Jonah Heim walked.

Henry Bolte led down a sacrifice bunt that was ruled a fielder’s choice. The Rangers catcher fielded the bunt, but his throw to third baseman Duran was wide, allowing the lead runner, White, to race home with the A’s sixth run of the game.

McNeil followed with his fourth hit and second double of the game, bringing home two more runs to put the A’s up 8-3. He was looking for the triple to complete the cycle, but wisely stopped at second, avoiding a likely out at third. The A’s could have scored more with the bases loaded and one out; however, Butler grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris pitched a scoreless ninth to close out his team’s series-opening victory and its first win at home this month.

The Green and Gold will look to win their second straight game and claim a long-awaited home series victory tomorrow evening. Breakout right-hander J.T. Ginn will start for the A’s, hoping to continue his stellar season. He will be opposed by Rangers left-hander Mackenzie Gore in what should be an enticing pitching matchup.