Otto Kemp of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs is at bat during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Let’s see how some of the Phillies’ prospects fared last night in the minor leagues.
Lehigh Valley 4, Rochester 2
The Ottoman Kempire raised its flag in Lehigh Valley once again, this time leading the IronPigs with two hits, one of them being a solo home run. It’s probably past time to admit he’s simply a good minor league hitter, nothing more than that. Also, did you know that Seth Johnson had two more strikeouts? That’s 36 in 24 1/3 innings this year. Something to monitor if a need arises.
Also, imagine being Bryse Wilson. Going from released by the Phillies to re-signing with the team on a minor league deal to pitching four innings of shutout ball for the IronPigs in a span of about 24 hours. The life of a minor leaguer I suppose.
Binghamton 5, Reading 4
This one went extra innings when the two teams were tied at two. Reading had a few hitting highlights on the night, Bryan Rincon continuing his resurgence this year by homering again, his ninth on the year. Kehden Hettiger had two hits on the night as well, including an RBI single in the tenth that scored Dylan Campbell, who had just had an RBI double before him, that gave the Fightin’ Phils a two run lead going into the bottom of the tenth. However, the Rumble Ponies stormed back when Reading reliever Vincent Perozo came in with the ghost runner on, allowed a single to put runners on the corners, then a three-run home run to end the game. Yikes.
Brooklyn 6, Jersey Shore 3
Tough night for the BlueClaws as they drop one to Brooklyn in Lakewood. Kodey Shojinaga was two for three, a double added to his resume. Trent Farquhar and Pedro Leon also doubled, but a rough third inning by Jersey Shore starter Luke Gabrysh doomed the home team. He was not helped by an inning beginning error that was exascerbated by a three-run home run, followed by a solo shot that was the backbreaker. Tough game.
Clearwater 5, St. Lucie 4
Clearwater took another game from St. Lucie last night, but there were two names that popped out. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Alirio Ferrebus and Ramon Marquez, it might be time to do so. The former hit another home run last night for Clearwater, his eighth on the season, pushing his overall OPS to .936 on the season. It’s time to pay more attention to his prospect status, even if it maybe doesn’t end with his being a catcher. The latter was Marquez, who has continued to build on his season with 5 1/3 innings, only allowing two runs on two hits and striking out nine. This might be another solid arm the team needs to develop properly.
I can safely say that I got the answer to the question I posed yesterday. Well, not exactly. The question I asked was: Is it possible for the team to hit rock bottom and still end up winning the game? If that’s possible, I suppose, remains an open question. The reality is, though the Cubs won Thursday’s thrilling game, it was not rock bottom. On Friday afternoon, the team sunk lower.
I mean, we can be fair and balanced about Friday’s loss. The Giants thought they would field a competitive team in 2026. They did not. But, the remnants of a team they thought would contend are largely in tact. It’s a team that just took back-to-back wins in Milwaukee, the class of the NL Central and one of the best teams in baseball. A loss? That can happen. On any given day, right? I mean, that’s kind of something that football talks about. But it’s the kind of thing that happens every single day in baseball. Probably on 90 percent or more of the days, if we scan all of the final scores, some team is beating some other team with a much better record. If I’m wrong on that number, it’s only because there are so many teams with middle of the road records. As a for instance, ignoring the Cub game, the Mets beat the Padres Friday.
Put simply, these things happen. So that is whatever. But 18-3? The 18 runs in one game is the second-most that any team has allowed this season in a game. The most? 19. Bonus points if you knew that the opponent was also the Giants. So the Giants are at least a team that has been explosive this year. But Wrigley Field isn’t Coors Field. Also, the Cubs aren’t supposed to be the Rockies. One of those teams won a playoff series last year, the other… well, most of us don’t readily remember the Rockies even being in a playoff series. I imagine most of us have a hazy memory about a Rockies team that reached the World Series. And we all remember the Cubs losing a very frustrating Wild Card game against them. More bonus points if you readily knew that was the last time the Rockies played in the postseason.
The Cubs drew a good number of walks against Giants starter Robbie Ray. But they only had two hits during the competitive portion of this game. They ended up with six hits and six walks. But that’s basically never going to work when you allow 19 hits. As per usual, the Cubs got pummeled in the middle innings of this game. It’s not usually 14-1 bad. But if you read John’s stat packs, you’ve seen recently that the Cubs more or less play the first three innings close to even and they win over the last three innings, on the strength of their massive run differential in the ninth inning. But the Cubs have been outscored more in the middle innings than they outscore opponents at the end of the game.
What does it tell us about a team that struggles consistently in the middle innings? Well, some combination of two factors is at play when you allow a lot of runs in the middle innings. Either A) your starters struggle as the lineup cycles to the third time through the order or B) your depth relievers aren’t good. In this instance, the eye test would say both. Ignoring Friday’s game, year to date, Cub starters allow an opponent OPS of .648 the first time through the order, .756 the second and .850 the third.
If the Cubs are going to regroup at this point and make a run, I’m pretty sure they are going to have to start looking for 18 batters out of the starter and getting into the pen. As much as hitting is down across baseball as a whole, Cub starting pitching just doesn’t give opponents anywhere near enough trouble. That kind of usage will likely torch an already suspect Cub bullpen. But then, that beleaguered bullpen is outperforming the starters.
The only good pieces of news about Friday’s game are that no matter how lopsided the game is, it only counts as a single loss. Additionally, no matter how bad you lose, it’s still scoreless the next day when the next game starts. This series can still be won.
The odds that this team is a seller and not a buyer next month are increasing by the day. It’s becoming hard to imagine this team rebounding with any authority. There is plenty of time. I just don’t believe this team knows what to do with it.
Three Positives:
Seiya Suzuki had a home run and drew three walks.
Pedro Ramirez got into the game late and had a pair of singles in two plate appearances. He also scored a run.
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a hit and a walk in three plate appearances.
Game 64, June 5: Giants 18, Cubs 3
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
Billy Goat: Edward Cabrera (-.327). 3.2 IP, 20 BF, 8 H, BB, 8 ER, 6 K (L 3-3)
Goat: Ian Happ (-.093). 0-2
Kid: Nico Hoerner (-.051). 0-3
WPA Play of the Game: Willy Adames’ two-run homer with two outs in the first inning. (.180)
Giants Play of the Game: Carson Kelly singled leading off the bottom of the second, the Cubs down two at t he time. (.041)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 63 Winner: Pete Crow-Armstrong received 119 of 158 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Michael Busch +21
Nico Hoerner/Michael Conforto +10
Ben Brown/Kelly +9.5
Ryan Rolison/Phil Maton/Jameson Taillon/Caleb Thielbar -8
Matt Shaw -10
Dansby Swanson -11
Seiya Suzuki -26.5
Up Next: Game two of the three-game series. Ben Brown (2-2, 1.92) starts for the Cubs. Landen Roupp (5-6, 4.22) starts for the Giants.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 05: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers high fives Wyatt Langford #36 after Seager hit a home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field on June 05, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This will be my last Moose Tracks post for a couple of weeks as I am taking my honeymoon to Greece starting tomorrow! I leave you all in the capable hands of the Lookout Landing staff in the interim. On that note, what is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
In Mariners news…
Brent Maguire dug into the data behind Bryce Miller’s tremendous start to the 2026 campaign.
Adam Jude at The Seattle Times spoke to Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan about the special bond they’re forming as the two top pitching prospects in the sport.
According to a recent survey, the Mariner Moose is the sixth-most beloved mascot in Major League Baseball.
Around the league…
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was activated off the injured list yesterday and promptly hit a home run to snap his 0-for-29 skid.
The A’s are playing in Vegas this Monday — at yet another minor league ballpark — as part of two Sin City series against the Brewers and Rockies. Gabe Fernandez at SF Gate wonders if their arrival next week will cause more harm than good.
Michael Baumann at Fangraphs wrote about immovable contracts and whether they truly are albatrosses or not.
Mar 14, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Bryse Wilson (48) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Home runs proved costly for two of the Phillies’ affiliates on Friday night, but Lehigh Valley and Clearwater prevailed thanks to some strong pitching performances. The Threshers’ win was their sixth in a row.
Lehigh Valley 4, Rochester 2
Bryse Wilson allowed just one hit and struck out five across four scoreless innings for the Iron Pigs. He’s now thrown nine straight scoreless innings (Look out, Cristopher Sanchez!). Chuck King also pitched well, tossing three scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. Carter Kieboom broke a 2-2 tie with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Otto Kemp provided an insurance run with his fourth home run of the year in the eighth.
Binghamton 5, Reading 4
There was extra inning excitement in Binghamton on Friday night. With the game tied at two after nine innings, the Fightin’ Phils took a 4-2 lead in the top of the 10th thanks to a double by Dylan Campbell and a single by Kehdan Hettiger. But after pitching a scoreless ninth, reliever Colin Peluse’s second inning of work didn’t go well. He gave up a single and then a walk off home run to Chris Suerto.
Brooklyn 6, Jersey Shore 3
Home runs were a problem for the Blue Claws against the Brooklyn Cyclones on Friday. Starting pitcher Luke Gabrysh only gave up three hits in five innings, but two of them left the yard. Reliever Danyony Pulido surrendered another home run in his one inning of work. Offensively, outfielder Nick Biddison drove in two with a sixth inning single.
Clearwater 5, St. Lucie 4
Pitcher Ramon Marquez had a good night, striking out nine batters in 5.1 innings. The Mets made things interesting as the game wore on, but the Threshers’ early offense, highlighted by Alirio Ferrebus’ two run home run, was enough to give them their sixth-straight win.
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Sam Antonacci wears bruises from HBPs, but also is a core member of the White Sox bunting brigade. | (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
Inside the Chicago White Sox, there are two wolves.
The first is the three true outcome wolf. The South Side Smashing Machine is currently fifth in team slugging, ninth in on-base percentage and fourth in strikeouts. The latter is frustrating at times, as evidenced when Ozzie Guillén’s frustrations boiled over with Colson Montgomery after Wednesday’s 8-0 win over the Twins. My apologies to Ozzie, but I reckon a few bad swings is a fair trade for a 33-30 record, especially when you allow for the second wolf.
Wolf Two is John McGraw’s scientific baseball of the Dead Ball Era — beanings, baserunning and bunts. This is personified by the guys like Sam Antonacci (major league leader with 13 HBPs), Luisangel Acuña (a speed demon, when he manages to get on base), and a group of guys I lovingly call the bunting gremlins: Tristan Peters, Derek Hill, Rikuu Nishida and Antonacci again. These men stand on the broad shoulders of the OG, Chase Meidroth.
This balance has put the White Sox in a unique position: The South Siders are on pace for 219 home runs and 47 sacrifice hits. This puts them within a shout of the first 200 home run/50 sacrifice hit season since the universal DH was established.
The analytics case against bunting is simple: Outs are a finite resource to a baseball team. You’re only guaranteed 27 of them. Don’t give any of them away on purpose, you idiot!
It wasn’t always like that, of course. You can trace the story of baseball through these home run-to-sacrifice ratios. For example, there have been 22 teams who have done the reverse ratio of 200 sacrifice hits and 50 home runs, and 21 of them occurred from 1920-29, the lone outlier being the 1911 Cubs.
Let’s split the difference and look at 100 HR/100 SH teams, sorted by decade:
The analytics revolution put an end to that: 47 teams have hit 200 or more home runs this decade, while no team has had 50 sacrifice hits in a season during the same time period (last season’s San Diego Padres came closest, with 48).
Despite this uptick, the White Sox are the only team with a realistic chance of creating the 200/50 U-DH Club:
I’ve been on the side of abolishing the bunt for more than a decade, but I have to admit I’ve begun to soften with old age (my liver is 84.) The Manfred Man began the bunting renaissance, with the do-or-die stakes of extra innings multiplying the significance of every lone run. Bunting bundled and boldness on the basepaths have been a hallmark from the bottom of the White Sox order this season, as they punch above their weight in the American League. May the wolves and the gremlins live in peace for a thousand years.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 05: Corey Seager #5 and Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers celebrate after a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field on June 05, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rangers 3, Guardians 2
A win, that was.
That was a win.
Kumar Rocker started the game by giving up a homer to Travis Bazzana, because that’s sort of the Rangers’ thing now, giving up homers in the first inning, particularly to the leadoff batter.
After that things went relatively smoothly for Rocker, though. He allowed another run in the fourth, and appeared primed to give up another run in the fifth when Bazzana tripled to lead off the inning, but Rocker worked out of that situation without allowing Bazzana to score.
That ended up being a pretty important development, when it was all said and done.
Rocker was fine, generally. He only went five innings, which isn’t ideal, due to a lack of pitch efficiency, which resulted in him needing 94 pitches to get through just 22 batters. He only generated 9 swings and misses, which is part of the reason for the lack of pitch efficiency.
But we’ll take 2 runs in five innings from Rocker.
Peyton Gray came in for Rocker to pitch the sixth and ended up getting his second major league win, by virtue of being in the game when the Rangers scored their runs and took the lead.
Gray called pulled in favor of Jalen Beeks when Bazzana, who was a double shy of a cycle, came up with two outs in the seventh, Beeks struck out Bazzana, and there was rejoicing.
Oddly, though, that was the only batter Beeks faced in the game. Jacob Latz came in to start the eighth for what ended up being a two inning save.
There was a worrisome moment in the ninth, when, having walked Stuart Fairchild earlier with one out, Latz gave up a single to Austin Hedges, to put the tying run at second and go ahead run at first.
Nails were being bitten, anxiety was rising, nervousness permeated the Shed. Were the Rangers going to blow it?
They didn’t. Latz got a swinging K to end the game on his 35th pitch of the night.
Hedges, incidentally, had two hits in the game. Bazzana had three hits. Steven Kwan had two hits. No other Guardian had a hit.
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Maybe not.
The Rangers’ offense didn’t do a whole lot, but they made it count.
Kyle Higashioka broke up the shutout with a homer to lead off the sixth. Two batters later, Wyatt Langford doubled, and Corey Seager followed that up with a home run to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.
The only other hits all game came from Josh Jung, who had a pair of singles. There was only one walk drawn, by Ezequiel Duran.
So just six baserunners for the Rangers in the whole game. But three of them scored. So it all worked out.
The Higashioka homer, incidentally, was tracked at 428 feet by Statcast. That’s tied for the seventh longest ball hit at the Shed this year. 11 of the 13 longest balls hit at the Shed this year have come since the start of the Houston series.
Kumar Rocker’s sinker touched 96.5 mph, averaging 95.2 mph. Peyton Gray hit 93.2 mph with his fastball. Jalen Beeks reached 94.2 mph with his fastball. Jacob Latz’s fastball topped out at 96.9 mph.
Joc Pederson had a 109.8 mph groundout. Kyle Higashioka’s homer was 106.5 mph off the bat. Corey Seager’s homer had an exit velocity of 105.1 mph. Wyatt Langford had a 103.8 mph double. Ezequiel Duran had a 103.0 mph fly out.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres looks on after striking out against the New York Mets to end the sixth inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The day went from bad to worse for the San Diego Padres. Before the start of their game against the New York Mets, Padres manager Craig Stammen announced left fielder Ramon Laureano had hip surgery and would be out until the end of the regular season and would likely miss the entire season should San Diego find some way to get into the playoffs. Stammen also announced reliever Jeremiah Estrada was headed to the injured list with knee inflammation and that David Morgan was recalled from Triple-A to take his spot in the bullpen.
Then the game started and maybe it was fitting, considering the pregame news, that a pitcher the majority of Padres fans and probably some of the players never heard of dominated the San Diego lineup and handed the Padres their sixth consecutive loss in shutout fashion. Christian Scott allowed just three hits over 5.2 scoreless innings and allowed two walks with three strikeouts en route to a 5-0 win for New York. Michael King completed six innings for San Diego, but allowed four runs on six hits, two of which were home runs, with four strikeouts.
The depleted Padres lineup looked as anemic as it has all season, with only Fernando Tatis Jr. Manny Machado and Ty France recording hits — all singles. Rodolfo Duran still has a batting average of .080, but to his credit he was able to get on base thanks to two walks, which were the only free passes San Deigo earned in the contest. The Padres will try to stop their six-game skid tonight at 7:10 p.m.
Padres News:
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribuneagrees with Manny Machado when he says the Padres are a better team than what they have shown lately and Padres fans are waiting to see it.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25, Miles McBride #2 and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.
On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.
There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.
This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.
The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.
Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.
San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.
That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.
San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.
Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.
Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.
The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.
The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.
If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!
He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.
The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.
Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.
While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.
You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.
The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.
Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.
With a busy day across the big leagues, I've found huge value in my MLB same-game parlay predictions.
Bryce Miller is in line for another quality start against the Detroit Tigers, while Braxton Ashcraft should also toss a gem against the Atlanta Braves.
Mariners at Tigers SGP: Dingler Keeps Raking (+415)
Dillon Dingler is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now. Over the last week, he owns a 63.6% hard-hit rate and 18.2% barrel rate. During that span, he's posted a .476 ISO while going 7-for-21 with 10 RBIs. Another hit should be well within reach here.
Bryce Miller has averaged nine strikeouts per nine innings across his last two outings, and he's cashed the Over in two of his last three starts. The Detroit Tigers own a 22.6% strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season and struck out 10 times in the series opener.
Keider Montero is averaging 8.49 strikeouts per nine innings over his last two appearances, and the Seattle Mariners carry a 22.5% strikeout rate on the road this season. They're also 24th in MLB in team strikeouts, creating another favorable spot for Montero to rack up punchouts.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Mariners.TV, DSN
See full analysis of this game in our Mariners vs. Tigers predictions.
Pirates at Braves SGP: Ashcraft Deals (+430)
Braxton Ashcraft has been one of Pittsburgh's most reliable starters lately, posting a 2.34 xERA and 2.30 FIP across his last two starts while limiting opponents to a 6.3% barrel rate.
The right-hander has also shown excellent command, issuing just 0.73 walks per nine innings during that span, which bodes well for both Ashcraft Under legs.
Oneil Cruz rounds out the SGP after posting a 16.7% barrel rate and 92.3 mph average exit velocity over the last week. The Pittsburgh Pirates slugger is 6-for-14 in June, with five of those hits coming via singles.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, BravesVision
See full analysis of this game in our Pirates vs. Braves predictions.
Rays at Marlins SGP: Caminero Stays Hot (+288)
The Tampa Bay Rays send Shane McClanahan to the hill today against the Miami Marlins. He owns a 2.82 FIP across his last 10.1 innings of work and has cashed the Under on earned runs allowed in both starts. McClanahan has also limited opponents to a barrel rate below 10% during that span.
The matchup is favorable as well. Miami is hitting just .199 over the last week while carrying a .299 wOBA. McClanahan has surrendered only seven hits across his last two starts, putting both Under legs in a strong position.
Junior Caminero rounds out the SGP. The Rays slugger owns a 66.7% hard-hit rate and .500 batting average over his last six games, recording a single in three straight contests.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rays.TV, Marlins.TV
See full analysis of this game in our Rays vs. Marlins predictions.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 0-1, -1.00 units
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.
The New York Mets visit the San Diego Padres tonight, and I'm expecting first-inning fireworks at Petco Park.
That matchup will headline my top MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI predictions and YRFI picks for Saturday, June 6.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
Pick
Odds
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - YRFI
-105
Mariners at Tigers: NRFI (-115)
The Seattle Mariners hand Bryce Miller the ball today, and he's been dominant over his last two outings, posting a 1.87 xERA while walking just 0.90 hitters per nine innings.
While the Detroit Tigers have been red-hot offensively, Miller's command and impressive 20.8% hard-hit rate across his last 10 innings should keep them at bay in the first.
As for Detroit, they hand Keider Montero the baseball, and he's been incredibly reliable. He owns a perfect 11-0 NRFI/YRFI record in 2026 and has posted a 2.85 FIP and 2.36 xERA across his last two starts.
Those underlying numbers suggest he's well positioned to continue that success against Seattle.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, Mariners.TV
Orioles at Blue Jays: NRFI (-115)
The Baltimore Orioles send Kyle Bradish to the mound in Game 2 of the series, and he's allowed a run in the first inning just once in 12 starts.
Bradish owns a 3.58 xERA across his last 13 innings of work and a hard-hit rate of just 30% during that span. Additionally, 52.5% of the contact against him in his last two outings has been on the ground, suggesting he's doing a good job of keeping hitters from elevating the baseball right now.
Braydon Fisher, meanwhile, will be the opener for the Toronto Blue Jays before they turn it over to the rest of the bullpen. He has a 2.15 FIP at home this season, and Fisher has yet to allow a first-inning run across the three starts he's made.
His 2.95 xERA over the last month only adds appeal here.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, Sportsnet
Mets at Padres: YRFI (-105)
New York Mets SP Nolan McLean has allowed a 42.9% hard-hit rate over his last 27 innings of work, and he owns an alarming 6.30 FIP during that span.
The San Diego Padres have only scored 11 times in the first inning this season, but this is a favorable matchup against a pitcher who has struggled to limit hard contact and owns an 8-4 NRFI/YRFI record.
As for Griffin Canning, he has a 6.79 xERA across his previous two starts while allowing a 53.1% hard-hit rate and 15.6% barrel rate. In other words, Canning is getting absolutely torched lately, and he's also walked 3.69 hitters per nine innings over his last 11 2/3 frames.
Between the consistent hard contact and inability to pound the zone, the Mets could jump on him early.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV, SportsNet New York
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 15-30, -4.35 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
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.
PROVO, UT - MARCH 7: Christian Anderson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes the ball up the court during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center on March 7, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Raptors Comparisons: Fred VanVleet (not as good defensively), Jose Calderon (smaller and not as good of a passer)
Strengths
Perimeter-shooting
Anderson has a case for being the best shooter in the draft. That lone selling point should be enough for a Toronto Raptors team that finished 21st in three-point percentage (35.3 per cent) and 26th in makes (11.3) to consider Anderson with the 19th pick. Anderson finished his last season with the Texas Tech Red Raiders shooting 41.5 per cent on 7.9 three-point attempts. Only three players in the nation shot the ball better on more attempts. That includes teammate Donovan Atwell (45.8 per cent), junior Pryce Sandfort of Nebraska (41.6 per cent) and Samford’s Jadin Booth (43.6 per cent). Unlike Anderson, none of Atwell, Sandford or Booth are guaranteed to be selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. Anderson has one of the cleanest-looking jumpers in the NCAA. His range feels unlimited at times. Anderson quickly developed a reputation for showing a willingness to pull the trigger from anywhere.
Pick-and-roll maestro
The 6’2 guard played almost exclusively out of the pick-and-roll (PnR). While Anderson doesn’t possess an elite first-step, he’s already mastered how to change speeds and leverage his positioning to gain advantages with a screen-man. The NBA is a PnR heavy usage type of league, making Anderson an ideal plug-and-play option off the bench for several teams. Anderson also showcased an ability to hit shots off the dribble when defenders go under the screen and consistently traps defenders with a hostage dribble when they go over.
Areas for Improvement
Defence
Anderson measures out as one of the smaller players in the draft. He was listed at the NBA Combine as six-foot-one without shoes and 180 pounds. On tape, Anderson’s skinny frame and stature are expected to stand out next to NBA-level physiques. He also ranked in the bottom seventh percentile for hand-width.
For Anderson to carve out a spot in the league, he’ll need to prove that his offence is enough to overcome his potential defensive concerns. Opposing teams will hunt him down, especially in a playoff setting. How Anderson navigates through that will determine how long Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajakovic can keep him on the court.
What Anderson has going for him is that he played an astronomical 38.3 minutes per game (for non-college watchers, games are 40 minutes long) while only averaging 2.0 fouls. It’s even more impressive considering that he plays with an effort-level that pops on screen. Flanked by Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto might be the perfect fit for Anderson.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 20: Sharron Young #3 of the Akron Zips drives on Christian Anderson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Playstyle
While Anderson ranked as an elite rim-finisher (74.2 per cent), he rarely got to the basket. That likely needs to change as defences run him off the three-point line or funnel him into the paint. Anderson understands who he is – someone who thrives on the perimeter – and that also explains his low free-throw attempts.
The pick-and-roll was Anderson’s bread-and-butter, and that makes sense considering how effective he was in that set. However, it also meant Anderson either didn’t get a chance to show off more of his isolation toolkit or that the Texas Tech coaching staff didn’t believe it existed. While the Raptors can’t expect to hit a home-run with the 19th pick, the chances of doing so exponentially increase if Anderson can consistently produce points when the offence is off-schedule.
Anderson was a dominant on-ball type of guard with the Red Raiders. He’ll need to get comfortable being more of an off-ball threat playing next to heavy-usage players like Barnes, Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.
Potential fits with Toronto
Obvious shooting upgrade
The Raptors need to surround Barnes with better shooters. Adding one of the prettiest jumpers in the draft helps. Schematically, it just makes sense to select someone like Anderson. There were multiple instances during the playoffs when the Cleveland Cavaliers forced a second or third pass to an open corner shooter (usually Jamal Shead) or a wing-three (often Barrett), and the Raptors failed to make them pay.
Possible Immanuel Quick trade?
Assuming the front-office admired Barrett’s playoff rising performance, the Raptors might consider moving Immanuel Quickley or Brandon Ingram (more the salary than the player) to create some roster construction flexibility.
If it’s the former, that would promote Shead to a starting gig, subsequently opening up a back-up guard spot. Shead overproduced as an emergency starter while pushing the Cavaliers to seven games. Theoretically, he could pass as a serviceable starter across 82 regular-season games.
Adding Anderson to help lead the bench – in tandem with a veteran addition through trade or free agency – would work, especially if it meant the team could upgrade elsewhere.
Southpaws have had zero answers for the Bronx Bombers all year.
Look for New York's bats to tee off once again on Ranger Suarez this Saturday according to my Red Sox vs. Yankees predictions.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for June 6.
Who will win Red Sox vs Yankees today: New York Yankees (-135)
Ranger Suarez has started four games against teams ranking Top-10 in OPS vs. left-handed pitching – and they didn’t go so well. He allowed 13 runs and posted a 6.13 ERA during those games.
The New York Yankeeslead the majors in OPS against lefties so they’re a prime candidate to cause Suarez problems.
Even without Aaron Judge, they’re well-equipped to do so. They have five lefties in their projected lineup – Suarez has struggled against left-handed hitters – as well as lefty masher Paul Goldschmidt.
Look for the bats to lead the Yankees to victory. Playable to -145.
Red Sox vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-110)
The Yankees rankTop-3 in OPS, ISO, OBP, xWOBA, and hard hit rate when facing left-handed pitching. They’re an elite offense across the board and should do plenty of damage against Suarez.
The Boston Red Sox are capable of chipping in a few runs. They have hit righties very well over the past four weeks, sitting ninth in wOBA, ninth in ISO, and fourth in batting average.
Will Warren has a brutal track record against the Sox as well. He allowed 15 runs over three starts against them last season while averaging just 14.3 outs.
Play the Over to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-19, -0.68 units
Over/Under bets: 20-21-2, -3.71 units
Red Sox vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Red Sox +115 | Yankees -135
Run line: Red Sox +1.5 (-175) | Yankees -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Red Sox vs Yankees trend
New York has hit the Game Total Over in five of their last seven games (+3.9 units, 52% ROI) Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Yankees.
How to watch Red Sox vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (2-3, 3.38 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Will Warren (7-1, 3.22 ERA)
Red Sox vs Yankees latest injuries
Red Sox vs Yankees weather
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.
A man went viral after thanking Jalen Brunson’s mom for creating the Knicks star.
Joe Clements happened to be sitting near Sandra Brunson in the stands in San Antonio after Game 1 of the NBA Finals — so he used the moment to express his gratitude.
“Hey, Mrs. Brunson, Thank you so much for having that boy. He is the franchise changer. We love him,” Clements said in the video, which racked up 1.7 million views, and hundreds of comments from fans, calling her the “Queen of NYC.”
Sandra, whom Brunson called his “best friend 100 percent,” in a 2020 interview with WFAA, laughed and smiled at the superfan’s gushing.
Clements posted the video of her reaction to his Instagram page with the caption, “Every Knicks fan—scratch that—every basketball fan should thank this wonderful lady for bringing into the world the greatest Knick ever!!!! (We thank Rick too but he did the easy part).”
Knicks fans took to the comments section to also express their admiration for Sandra — who played volleyball at Temple University, which is how she met her husband, Knicks assistant coach, Rick, who was on the basketball team.
“She is actually The Queen of NYC and she deserves all the love and respect,” one gushed.
“That woman will be protected and cherished by Knicks fans everywhere,” another wrote.
“GOD BLESS THAT WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND, they raised a real star,” someone else added.
Jalen Brunson called his mother, Sandra, his best friend. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Others declared that Sandra, a native of Lakeview, NY, should be treated like royalty around the Big Apple.
“That lady should never pay for a meal in NYC,” one said.
“She [should] get a free pass everywhere in NYC. No questions asked,” another agreed.
Sandra is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Second Round Foundation, a New Jersey nonprofit that “plants seeds to create equity for young people through education, sport, and community,” according to its website.
Brunson has credited his mom for his grit and determination.
“She was the general. She held me accountable for everything I did. If I was putting my mind to something I couldn’t quit until it was done. She basically gave me that no-quit mentality,” he told WFAA.
He’s also thanked her for his talents on the court.
“Thank you for my athletic ability because without you I wouldn’t be able to jump as high as I do,” he added.
SEA vs 
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PIT vs 
ATL
TB vs 
MIA
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
COVERS INTEL:
