SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants throws Powerade on Bryce Eldridge #8 of the San Francisco Giants after a win at Oracle Park on August 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants have 40 games remaining. In all likelihood, they’re going to lose most of those games. They’ve been a bad team all year, and then they went and traded a significant chunk of their talent at the deadline (as they should have, I might add). As such, the Giants have gone a meek 3-7 since trading Luis Arráez, Robbie Ray, Heliot Ramos, Tyler Mahle, Erik Miller, and Caleb Kilian, despite seven of those games being at home.
That ain’t gonna change.
Over the next 40 games, the Giants are likely to pitch poorly, hit poorly, and defend poorly. They might even find a few more ways to embarrass themselves beyond the standard being bad at baseball stuff.
Yet during Friday’s feckless loss to the equally miserable Colorado Rockies, there was a moment that got me thinking. It came a few seconds after Bryce Eldridge absolutely annihilated a baseball — off a lefty, no less — for one of the most mesmerizing home runs of the season. Here, let’s watch it together.
After that home run, I checked in on the Giants chatter on Bluesky, and I saw a common refrain. Different users were posting different iterations of the same thought: this is why I’ll keep watching the Giants this year.
Eldridge mashing dingers and (hopefully) further developing into a face of the franchise is one of the main reasons to watch the Giants, but it’s not the only one.
There will be milestones, such as on Friday, when Trent Harris recorded his first career strikeout; likely later today we’ll see Turner Hill make his MLB debut. It will be the 10th MLB debut this season for a Giants player, and almost surely not the last.
There will be battles for future roles. Can Hill, Jonah Cox, or Drew Gilbert make a clear case to be the starting center fielder next year? Can Victor Bericoto (or perhaps Parks Harber, Bo Davidson, or Scott Bandura) emerge as the everyday left fielder? Will Blade Tidwell or Carson Whisenhunt, who have cemented their spots as starters in 2026, cement those same roles for 2027? Can anyone pitch in relief?
There will be fun moments and highlight plays and, above all else, some final games for Mike Krukow to broadcast.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Colton Cowser #17 of the Baltimore Orioles runs the bases after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on August 14, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Birdland,
That win felt pretty good! The 6-5 victory over the division-leading Rays, paired with losses by the Tigers, Twins, and Rangers moved the O’s to within just one game of the final wild card spot in the American League.
Craig Albernaz deployed a new-look lineup that included Pete Alonso in the lead-off spot, followed by Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo, while Gunnar Henderson was pushed down to the five hole. It was unconventional, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Alonso had two hits, Tyler O’Neill reached based three times as the clean-up hitter, and Henderson led the offense with a 4-for-4 game that included a double, a home run, and two runs scored. His OPS is now .705, the highest it has been since July 4th.
The other headline from this game was the return of Chris Bassitt from the IL. The veteran looked pretty good, battling through 5.1 innings while giving up two runs on five hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. That’s the sort of performance the O’s need out of the fifth spot in the rotation, and it’s what they weren’t getting from Dean Kremer prior to his trade to the Twins.
The only real negative from the game was the ninth inning. That’s when Yennier Cano got knocked around and was unable to even finish the frame. He entered with a four-run lead and left after allowing three runs and putting the tying run on second base. Cam Sanders came on to save the day, and he did so with one pitch that Ryan Vilade hit to left field for the final out of the game.
Against all odds, the Orioles find themselves within reach of a wild card spot heading into the final 40 games of the season. Given how poor this team has played at times, that is a minor miracle. It’s also a reflection of just how bad the AL is this season.
A win today, along with some helpful results elsewhere, would mean the O’s are tied for that final wild card spot by day’s end. Kyle Bradish will be on the mound, and we should probably expect a repeat (or similar) of the lineup that Albernaz used on Friday to face the left-handed Ian Seymour. First pitch is 6:10.
Links
Welcome to the Tampa Bay Orioles: ‘We just got Orioles 2.0 over here’ | The Baltimore Banner Many of the Rays absolute best players are home grown, but they have certainly done a nice job of filling in some of their key roles on their roster with a few faces that are familiar to the Camden Yards faithful. That feels like something the front office in Baltimore should think about for a while.
The new ‘right-handed Schwarber’? Alonso hits leadoff for 1st time | Orioles.com The Orioles lineup has been stagnant for far too long. They were well past due on a shake up. Is batting Pete Alonso at lead off weird? Absolutely. It’s also worth trying to see if it’s any better than what they have been running out there for most of the season.
This, that and the other | Roch Kubatko Plenty of notes about tonight’s Rays starter, Seymour, as well as some quote from Albernaz about the lineup construction.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Jacob Webb turns 33 today. He was a solid reliever for the Orioles between the 2023 and ‘24 seasons, compiling a 3.09 ERA over 85 total games in those two seasons. The righty has continued to pitch well since departing, first for the Rangers in 2025 and for the Cubs this season.
Chris Singleton is 54 years old. The outfielder spent the 2002 season in Baltimore, when he was worth 1.8 bWAR with a 90 OPS+.
Jeff Huson turns 62. He was a utility option for the Birds during the 1995 and ‘96 seasons as part of a 12-season MLB career that saw him suit up for seven different clubs.
Tom Dodd is 68 years old. He played in eight MLB games, all of which came with the 1986 Orioles.
This day in O’s history
1979 – Eddie Murray, normally known for his power rather than speed, steals home in the 12th inning to give the O’s and pitcher Mike Flanagan a 2-1 win over the White Sox.
1993 – The Orioles acquired third baseman Mike Pagliarulo from the Twins in exchange for pitcher Erik Schullstrom.
1996 – On their way to an 18-5 win over the Athletics, the Orioles smack five home runs and score 15 times in the final three innings of a game. Chris Hoiles leads the way with two homers while Bobby Bonilla drives in five runs.
2007 – The Orioles cough up a game-tying three-run homer to Shelley Duncan in the bottom of the ninth inning, but rebound in the 10th to score three times against Mariano Rivera for a 6-3 win.
ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 9: Butch Huskey of the New York Mets looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on May 9, 1997 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Mets beat the Cardinals 10-3. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Sporting News via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Robert Stock and the Mets fell behind 1-0 in the third inning in last night’s series opener against the Nationals. But that would prove to be the only run the pitching staff would surrender on the night, and a pair of runs in both the sixth and seventh innings—including solo homers from Francisco Lindor and Jared Young—were enough to propel the Mets to victory.
Following Thursday’s Field of Dreams game between the Phillies and Twins, the league has announced that next year’s game at the famous location in Iowa will be between the Royals and Red Sox.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
4. Target Field, Minneapolis
This may be the most impressive urban design in baseball on its downtown eight-acre site with freeways and trains outside the park, and warehouses to the left. It also has an ultra-modern look inside, with a 360-degree open concourse, that celebrates the club's glorious history. Its nod to the retro look is the iconic neon Minnie and Paul home-run sign featuring two ballplayers shaking hands over the Mississippi River representing the Twin Cities.
5. Petco Park, San Diego
This gorgeous park doesn’t quite have the stunning views as Pittsburgh or San Francisco, but it’s pretty darn close. The architecture is beautiful and the old Western Metal Company warehouse in left-field gives it a retro look. It also happens to be located in the heart of the lively Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
6. Oracle Park, San Francisco
This ballpark has the second-best view in baseball behind PNC Park with its bay backdrop and splash-down hits in McCovey Cove, but only if you happen to sit in the upper deck. The park is already showing its age and its concourses are narrow and cramped, making it difficult to move around, with the Giants already out-growing the place and badly needing more space.
7. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
This is the most serene setting in baseball, nestled into the hillside of Chavez Ravine. It has a view of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield, and downtown Los Angeles behind home plate. It’s hard to believe it was built in 1962 and even though it holds 56,000 fans, it still feels intimate.
8. Coors Field, Denver
The team may stink but the ballpark is so beautiful and the vibe is so cool that it’s become a destination on its own. There’s a purple row of seats signifying the mile-high altitude, and the bullpen could be mistaken for a forest with its trees and running stream. The right-field upper-deck is the hottest bar in Denver.
9. Camden Yards, Baltimore
Meet the godfather, with its famous B&O Warehouse. This is the original retro-classic ballpark that not only dramatically influenced the look of new stadiums, but changed the fabric of some major cities. Denver, Cleveland, San Francisco and San Diego followed its lead and built downtown ballparks that completely invigorated growth.
10. T-Mobile Park, Seattle
This ballpark fits perfectly in the Northwest with the nearby mountains, skyline and water. It features an “umbrella-style" retractable roof that doesn’t enclose the park, only stopping the rain, while enabling fans to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Nick Morabito of the Syracuse Mets is at bat during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
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.
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.
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.
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
Omar Alfonzo WALKS IT OFF with his first HOMER in the @Yankees organization! 🤩
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
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)
#Tarpons OF @WilbersonDePena (1-for-4, HR, BB, 2 RBI, 2 R) reached base twice, including his 19th HR (3rd w/ Tampa) hit 105.6 mph off the bat. Has hits in 3-straight games, batting .333 (4-for-12) w/ 4 RBI, 3 R in that span. #Yankeespic.twitter.com/v6sJv80RVJ
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)
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.
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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.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
DYERSVILLE, IOWA - AUGUST 13: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases after hitting a fourth inning home run against the Minnesota Twins at Field of Dreams on August 13, 2026 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
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.
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.
Nice piece of hitting by Zyhir Hope, who ropes a double into the left field corner for his first hit in the series pic.twitter.com/ZY3jbYiSGS
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.
Beau Ankeney is on an all-time heater. He crushes another homer here to put the Whitecaps up 5-3. It’s his 2nd of the game, his 5th in his last 5 games, and his 7th in 14 games at High-A. Sheesh. @ThatDanHasty calls it. pic.twitter.com/TK36VMUrD6
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.
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.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 04: George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees smiles after hitting his first career home run during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 4, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Robert Gasser #54 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after giving up a home run to Tommy Edman #25 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Cole Carrigg #16 of the Colorado Rockies dives to make a catch to take a hit away from Bryce Eldridge #8 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on August 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The Rockies won the game 5-2. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 14: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, August 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
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.
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).
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