Rockies bullpen collapse spoils Mason Adams start in 6-2 loss to Detroit

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Jordan Beck #27 of the Colorado Rockies is tagged out by Dillon Dingler #13 of the Detroit Tigers trying to score in the fifth inning at Comerica Park on September 11, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Colorado Rockies entered Detroit hoping to snap a seven-game losing streak on the road. Despite a solid start from their rookie pitcher and an offense that out-hit the Tigers, the Rockies bullpen collapsed in the middle innings, leading to a 6-2 defeat. They are now just eight games away from losing 100 games for the fourth season in a row.

Well done, Mr. Adams

Making his fourth big-league start, Mason Adams continued to impress in a Rockies uniform with a fairly quick and efficient outing.

The night started promisingly as Adams struck out the side in the bottom of the first inning. In the second, he allowed a leadoff single to Riley Greene and a one-out walk to Max Clark but managed to escape with a ground ball double play. He then worked a quick 1-2-3 third inning followed by a quick fourth inning where he faced the minimum.

Through the first four innings, Adams had thrown just 52 pitches with four groundouts and looked primed to go the deepest into the game than he had previously. Unfortunately, he had to labor in the fifth inning with 25 pitches.

After the Rockies had taken the lead in the top half of the fifth inning, it didn’t take long for the Tigers to tie things up. After striking out Dillon Dingler for the second time, Adams surrendered a solo home run to rookie outfielder Max Clark on a fastball that was low and inside. The home run may have rattled Adams a smidge as he walked the next two batters, but he got out of the inning by inducing another double-play ball.

His night was over after 77 pitches, having allowed just the one run on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts against three walks. Adams pounded the zone and the Detroit lineup had a tough time squaring him up. Even the pitch Clark hit out was a quality offering that he just got beat on. The efficiency was on point and the future remains quite bright for the young right-hander.

“I thought [Adams] was really good,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He got behind in some counts and had some walks but other than that I thought the breaking ball was really good. The punch-out was high; he looked sharp.”

“I think it all goes back to his poise and his preparation. He looks in total control out there and he has really good stuff. Those two things combined and the presence he brings on the mound, it’s something that lines up for a long time in the future.”

Sixth inning bullpen struggles and beyond

After a great performance by the rookie starter, the Rockies turned to rookie reliever Mark Manfredi in the sixth inning. After retiring Kevin McGonigle to start the inning, Manfredi walked Gleybor Torres. He then got pinch-hitter Spencer Torkelson to fly out to right field for the second out of the inning. Riley Greene then stepped up to the plate and seemingly struck out to end the inning, but he challenged the pitch, which was flipped to a ball. Greene then launched a ball to center field that Cole Carrigg tracked all the way to the wall, but as he hit the wall and got tied up as the ball hit the wall right next to his glove. Greene ended up with an RBI triple to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.

The Rockies then turned to rookie reliever Nick Frasso.

Unfortunately, Dingler unloaded on the first pitch he saw for a two-run home run — his first long ball in five weeks — to put the Tigers up 4-1. Frasso lost all command of his pitches as he spiked a curveball that hit Clark, who promptly stole second base. Frasso then yanked back-to-back wild pitches that allowed Clark to move up to third base and subsequently score and make it 5-1 Tigers. John Peck then walked and stole second base before Zach McKinstry flew out to finally end the inning.

Blas Castaño took over in the seventh inning and worked a quick inning, but the Tigers collected their sixth run of the game when Greene collected an RBI double in the eighth inning. He managed to escape without any further damage.

The bullpen surrendered five runs on just three hits while walking three and hitting a batter, while recording zero strikeouts.

Stalled engine

Much like the series in New York, the Rockies had opportunities to score but couldn’t put much together against Tigers starter Framber Valdez. The Rockies managed to get a pair of base runners in the first inning, but Valdez escaped with a double-play ball from Hunter Goodman.

The ground ball was quite prevalent for Valdez throughout his start. Through his six innings of work, he induced 11 groundouts while striking out just two batters and issuing two walks.

The Rockies finally managed to crack through in the fifth inning, but it took a lot of frustration. Troy Johnston led off the inning with a single and moved up to third when Jordan Beck singled to right field. With runners on the corners, Ezequiel Tovar dropped a bunt that resulted in a flip play by Valdez to cut down Johnston at the plate. Jake McCarthy then lined up a ball into right that looked like it would score Beck from second base. Unfortunately, McKinstry got to the ball quickly and fired a bullet to home plate to cut down Beck.

Connor Norby then managed to draw a walk to load the bases with two outs. Carrigg rolled over on a ball to third base that ended up kicking off the heel of McGonigle’s glove, allowing Tovar to score and give the Rockies a brief 1-0 lead.

Jacob Waguespack replaced Valdez and threw two scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while striking out two. The Rockies then were able to threaten in the ninth inning against Brant Hurter. Adael Amador singled to lead off and eventually came in to score on a two-out infield single by Zac Veen. McCarthy then singled to put two runners on, his third hit of the game, which prompted Detroit to bring in Kenley Jansen. He then retired Norby on three pitches.

The Rockies lineup only had five strikeouts while out-hitting the Tigers 10-5, but they had no extra-base hits and went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position. The lack of thump and lost chances in the fifth inning, combined with the dozen groundouts, made for another tough night offensively.

Up next

The series continues Saturday morning with Tanner Gordon (1-4, 5.40 ERA) taking the ball for the Rockies. Detroit has yet to announce a starting pitcher.

First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 am MDT.


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How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: Anthony Molina #45 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants welcome the San Diego Padres to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game weekend series. And just a heads up that this game is only available on Apple TV.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Anthony Molina, who enters tonight’s game with a 1.88 ERA, 3.52 FIP, with 13 strikeouts to two walks in 14.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 9-5 win over the New York Mets on Saturday, in which he allowed two unearned runs on one hit with six strikeouts and a walk in five innings.

He’ll be facing off against our good friend and now Padres left-hander Robbie Ray, who enters tonight’s game with a 3.39 ERA, 4.68 FIP, with 127 strikeouts to 77 walks in 151.1 innings pitched between the Giants and Padres this season. His last start was in the Padres’ 5-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Saturday, in which he allowed five runs on five hits with one strikeout and four walks in two and a third innings.

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Game #148

Who: San Francisco Giants (62-85) vs. San Diego Padres (78-68)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 7:15 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: n/a

National broadcast: Apple TV

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Tampa Bay Rays first to clinch MLB playoff berth on Junior Caminero walk-off homer

The Tampa Bay Rays became the first major league club to clinch a 2026 playoff berth - and they did so in walk-off fashion thanks to their superstar third baseman.

Junior Caminero hit his 40th home run of the season, a two-run shot off Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu, and the Rays punched their postseason ticket in the giddiest fashion possible, beating the Astros 3-1 Friday, Sept. 11 at Tropicana Field.

The Rays (88-59) return to the postseason for the first time since 2023, when they won 99 games but were eliminated by the eventual champion Texas Rangers in the wild-card round.

This season, their sights are set much higher.

The Rays retain a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East, and the division champion is nearly assured the top seed in the AL and a first-round bye. Tampa Bay entered Friday with an 81% chance to win the divison, according to FanGraphs.

How they clinched

Oh, what a finish.

Jonathan Aranda nearly ended it a batter earlier, when his shot to right center field hit just below the yellow line on the outfield fence. He settled for a one-out double. Caminero then leaned back and blasted an Abreu first-pitch fastball 417 feet over the wall in left, his AL-leading 40th of the season.

Caminero pounded his chest twice, exhorted his teammates in the Rays dugout and commenced a joyous trip around the bases as Tropicana Field roared.

That culminated a crisp ballgame in which starter Drew Rasmussen pitched seven innings of one-run ball. Closer Bryan Baker pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the win.

How the Rays got here

Tampa Bay has the AL's best record for a reason, a club with one legitimate superstar in third baseman Caminero and a slew of well-fitting parts. The Rays lineup is a daunting combination of power and speed, with Caminero's AL-leading 40 home runs tucked in the lineup around slugger Yandy Díaz (22 homers, .835 OPS) and first baseman Aranda (19 homers, .359 OBP). Speedy Chandler Simpson ranks second in the AL with a .306 average and the club makes contact better than any team in the majors.

Meanwhile, right-handers Nick Martinez and Rasmussen have combined for a 28-5 record and ERAs of 2.92 and 2.81, respectively.

What's next for the Rays?

Tampa Bay has two games remaining with the Astros before hosting the Athletics for three games. And then the road gets tougher to finish the season.

The Rays host third-place Boston for three games before a challenging seven-game road trip, beginning with four games at Yankee Stadium Sept. 22-24 that should go a long way toward determining the division title. Tampa Bay finishes the regular season with three games at NL wild-card hopeful Philadelphia.

If the Rays hold on and win the division, they will play host to Game 1 of the five-game AL Division Series on Saturday, Oct. 3.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tampa Bay Rays first to clinch MLB playoff berth on Junior Caminero walk-off homer

Palestinian flag-waving loon runs onto field at Yankee Stadium – Subway Series fans respond with ‘USA’ chants

A bozo waving a Palestinian flag ran onto the field at Yankee Stadium during Friday night’s Subway Series game — at 9:11 p.m. on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The man stormed the field during the seventh inning of the Yankees-Mets game in The Bronx, waving the flag as the crowd erupted in anger.

Some fans broke into chants of “USA! USA!” while others could be heard yelling “f–k you” at the man.

A fan carrying a Palestinian flag runs onto the field in the middle of the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium on, Sept. 11, 2026, The Bronx. Getty Images

The disruption came as New York marked 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

It was not immediately clear how the man managed to get onto the field.

Fans tossed drinks at the protester, who was kicking at the security guards as they carried him off the field.

The spectacle came on a night steeped in emotion at Yankee Stadium, where the crosstown rivals had gathered to commemorate a quarter-century since the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Before the first pitch, the Yankees played a seven-minute video on the outfield scoreboard featuring members of the 2001 team reflecting on the aftermath of the attacks.

Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada were among the former Yankees featured in the tribute.

Country singer Lee Greenwood then performed “God Bless the USA,” drawing roaring applause — followed by chants of “USA” from the stands.

The Yankees also welcomed back members of the 2001 team, whose run to the World Series that fall unfolded as a grieving city struggled with the aftermath of the attacks.

A streaker with a Palestinian flag disrupts the game when the New York Yankees played the New York Mets on Sept. 11, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The disruption came as New York marked 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Fans tossed drinks at the protester, who was kicking at the security guards as they carried him off the field. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Jeter, Posada, O’Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius, Mariano Rivera and former manager Joe Torre walked onto the field to loud applause before the game.

Two people who lost their fathers in the attacks — Brielle Saracini and her husband, Sean McGuire — threw out the ceremonial first pitches.


More coverage on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11:


Both were 10 years old when their fathers were killed on Sept. 11, 2001. The pair later met at Camp Better Days, an organization created to support children who lost parents in the attacks.

Members of the 2001 Yankees stood behind the couple near the mound as they delivered the pitches.

Mets interim manager Andy Green had described the significance of the matchup before the game.

“It’s gonna be special,” Green told reporters.

Some fans broke into chants of “USA! USA!” while others could be heard yelling “f–k you” at the man as he was tackled. Robert Sabo for NY Post
It wasn’t immediately clear how the unidentified protester got onto the field with the flag. Getty Images

“I think obviously it takes us back 25 years and all of the emotions and uncertainty we felt that day. The pain we felt for people who lost loved ones.”

“It’s gonna be incredibly special. Major League Baseball got this one right by putting these two teams against each other on this day.”

— Additional reporting by Thomas Gamba-Ellis

Tigers crumble Rockies for series-opening win

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 11: Max Clark #15 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Friday, September 11, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Let’s go streaking! The Tigers won their first game of the series against the Rockies 6-2.

After winning their series against the Twins, the Tigers were hoping to ride that winning momentum into their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies, having a rough season, might prove to be a good team to help bolster the Tigers in their final weeks of the regular season. They had Framber Valdez on the mound to get things started, up against Mason Adams for the Rockies.

Jake McCarthy singled to get things started for the Rockies in the top of the first. He was then eliminated in a force out off the bat of Connor Norby. Cole Carrigg singled, putting two men on, but Hunter Goodman grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the home half.

Adael Amador got a one-out walk in the top of the second, but two outs followed to leave him stranded. In the bottom of the inning, Riley Greene got a leadoff single. With one out, Max Clark walked. However, John Peck grounded into a double play to end the inning.

With two outs in the top of the third, Norby singled, but the Rox weren’t able to convert the baserunner. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.

The fourth inning was likewise a three-up, three-down affair for both teams, and I can’t say that I anticipated the biggest excitement in this game being the broadcast crew talking about the Rockies’ fun glittery belts, but here we are.

Things got a bit more interesting in the top of the fifth. Troy Johnson singled to start things off, then Jordan Beck singled, pushing Johnson to third. A fielder’s choice off the bat of Ezequiel Tovar saw Johnson head for home, but got tagged out. McCarthy singled, and once again a Rockies player headed for home, only to get tagged out by a monster throw from Zach McKinstry that managed to beat the run to home plate. Incredible.

Norby walked to load the bases. While the Tigers put up a mighty effort to balance out the mid-game collapse of Valdez, Carrigg reached on a fielding error by Kevin McGongile, scoring the first run of the game as Tovar came home. They did manage to get the final out of the inning at second, but the Rockies were on the board first. With one out in the bottom of the inning, Clark evened everything out again, with a solo home run.

Peck walked. McKinstry walked. And though it seemed like a good opportunity for the Tigers to pull into the lead, Javier Baez hit into a double play to end the inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Rockies went down in order. It was Colorado who dipped into their bullpen first, surprisingly, bringing in Mark Manfredi for the bottom of the inning. Gleyber Torres got a one-out walk. After a lengthy at-bat, Greene hit a triple off the centerfield wall that Carrigg just couldn’t field, and Torres scored.

The Rockies went back to their bullpen for Nick Frasso, and he immediately gave up a two-runner homer to Dillon Dingler on the first pitch.

Max Clark got a free bag after getting hit by a pitch, then stole second without hesitating. Love it. Then back-to-back wild pitches from Frasso advanced Clark to third and then easily home for another run. Peck also got the walk, because Frasso simply cannot seem to find the zone. Peck then stole second. It took an epic at-bat from McKinstry that Frasso ultimately won to end the inning, but the Tigers had extended their lead to 5-1.

Valdez’s day was done after six innings, with a final line of 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K on 90 pitches. The game started well enough for him, but that fifth inning was hard to watch. Jacob Waguespack came in from the bullpen. He got the side out in order for a nice, efficient inning. Blas Castaño came in to pitch in the home half, and he got the Tigers out in order.

Carrigg got a one-out single in the top of the eighth, but the Rockies left him stranded. There was also some debate about a super nice catch from McGonigle that saw him going into the protective netting. While the catch looked clean, it was ruled a foul, and later clarification from MLB suggested that because McGonigle “lost control of his body” in the netting, the catch was not an out, but rather a foul. This, of course, begs the question: would it have counted if there was no netting and McGonigle had landed on the fans? It would have. Just one of those slightly frustrating baseball things. In the bottom of the inning, Spencer Torkelson walked. Greene then doubled, bringing in another run.

Three outs followed, but the Tigers had extended their lead into an almost safe zone. Also, credit where credit is due, the final out from Moniak was a real thing of beauty.

Brant Hurter came out to pitch the ninth, hoping to hold the Rockies scoreless and keep the Tigers queued up for a win. Amador got a leadoff single. With two outs, Zac Veen singled with a little dribbler down the third-base line that allowed Amador to score, and couldn’t get to first in time to get Veen out. McCarthy then singled. That was all she wrote for Hurter, who was replaced by Kenley Jansen. Jansen came in clutch, got the final out, and secured the Tigers’ win.

Final: Tigers 6, Rockies 2

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Adrian Morejon #50 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Petco Park on September 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres (78-68) at San Francisco Giants (62-85), September 11, 2026, 7:15 p.m. PST

Watch: Apple TV

Location: Oracle Park – San Francisco, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan



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Mariners Game #147 Preview and Discussion: 9/11/26, Mariners at Athletics

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 05: George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on September 05, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A fresh start, perhaps?

Lineups:

Kirby takes the mound tonight, hoping to be steadier than the uneven Jeffrey Springs. JP is back to leading off, and Birthday Boy Weston Wilson hits ninth. Taylor Ward is the DH tonight against the lefty Springs, and not to complain, but Arroyo would have been more fun.

News:

A fun storyline to watch tonight – Kirby has been one of the worst pitchers in the league at holding runners on base. Read Kate’s article on it here, it will surely be more (or at least as) interesting than the game tonight.

Today’s game information:

Game time: 6:40 PT

TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Angie Mentink

Radio: ESPN 710 AM with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.

Mets’ Zac Thornton ready to play spoiler against division-hopeful Yankees

Mets pitcher Zac Thornton (49) delivers the ball in the second inning of the Mets and Houston Astros baseball game on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Citi Field.

Zac Thornton understands the Yankees still are playing for the American League East title, so he carries a responsibility. 

“We want to be spoilers to some people’s seasons,” the Mets left-hander told The Post on Friday. “We did a little bit of that last week in Miami — that felt good to spoil some seasons — so we have got to keep it on.” 

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The rookie will have an opportunity to leave his mark Saturday, when he is scheduled for his Subway Series debut. Thornton has been among the Mets’ surprises this season, emerging from obscurity in spring training to post a 3.53 ERA over 12 starts for the team. 

In Miami, the Mets swept three games against a team clinging to National League wild card possibilities. Hope for the Marlins had all but faded once the final game was complete. 

Thornton is familiar with at least one member of the Yankees: his minor league career largely overlapped with that of rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. 

“Every single level that I have been at, I have thrown to Lombard, so it will be fun to throw to him in the big leagues,” Thornton said. “We have had some good battles throughout the years. He’s a good hitter. He’s always getting the ball in play, so he’s a tough guy to strike out.” 

Any conversation about the Yankees lineup starts with Aaron Judge, who returned from the injured list this week. 

New York Mets pitcher Zac Thornton pitches in the first inning as the Mets play the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Citi Field in Queens, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“A really good player, but at the end of the day hitting is hard, and I am going to go out and throw my stuff and see what guys can do with it,” Thornton said. 

The lefty wasn’t his best in his last start, when he surrendered six earned runs over five innings (including four homers) in a loss to the Giants last Saturday. It was the first time since his major league debut on May 20 that Thornton allowed more than three earned runs in a start. 

“I think I fell into a trap of trying to be too cute early on in counts, where if I pound the zone early, I won’t really be in as many hitters’ counts as I was last week,” Thornton said. “I m just trying to do my job to get my guys in good counts.” 

Thornton is anticipating the moment. 

“It will probably be the closest thing we’ll get to a playoff atmosphere this year,” Thornton said. “It’s probably really good just for my development as a pitcher, to kind of feel these crowds and see if I can rise to the occasion.” 

D-backs vs. Rangers discussion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Flowers, pictures and other mementos are placed on names at the September 11 Memorial site a day before commemorations to mark the day of the attacks on September 10, 2026 in New York City. New York City and the nation are preparing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, in which nearly 3000 people were killed. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSDIAMONDBACKS
Joc Pederson – DHIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Corey Seager – SSKetel Marte – 2B
Ezequiel Duran – 3BGabriel Moreno – C
Brandon Nimmo – RFGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Wyatt Langford – LFCorbin Carroll – RF
Evan Carter – CFNolan Arenado – 3B
Jake Burger – 1BLourdes Gurriel – DH
Nicky Lopez – 2BJordan Lawlar – CF
Danny Jansen – CRyan Waldschmidt – LF
MacKenzie Gore – LHPMerrill Kelly – RHP

Having done the preview, and since I’ll also be doing the recap tonight, I don’t feel particularly obliged to go into much further detail here. 🙂 Obviously, it’s important for the team to stay within striking distance of the Padres, who are up at the other end of California this weekend, facing the Giants in San Francisco. Elsewhere, the Cubs already won, and the Phillies are currently in a rain delay, before the start of what could be a tough series for them against the Brewers on the road. We’ll be keeping an eye on both those contests over the course of the evening.

But the D-backs need to take care of their business too: getting the offense back on track is key. Over the last 17 games, Arizona has averaged barely 3 runs (55 total), with an OPS of .626 across 622 PA. While they have gone 10-7 in that stretch (despite being outscored by eight runs, 55-63), the hitters need to do better. But here’s a fact for you, despite what all the memes in the GDT might have you thinking, Arizona has actually left a below average number of runners on base this year, and 111 fewer than the Cubs to date.

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Mets, Yankees honored to take field together on 25th anniversary of 9/11

As Major League Baseball marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, the game between the Mets and Yankees had a different feel.

Taking place miles away from where the events of that day occurred, both New York teams honored those affected by the tragedy in a way only they could. Wearing hats honoring the first responders, with the field at Yankee Stadium adorned with stars and stripes, players and coaches on both sides understood what Friday's game meant.

"Major League Baseball got this one right, putting these two teams together on this day," Mets interim manager Andy Green said ahead of the Subway Series opener. 

“Certainly understand the weight of today and being the 25th anniversary. But having the two New York teams playing, having lived through being a baseball player at the time, knowing the role baseball played…feels like an honor," Yankees manager Aaron Boone expounded before first pitch. "We don’t take lightly walking out on that field tonight."

The pregame ceremony saw Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez, Derek Jeter, Scott Brosius, Paul O'Neil and Mariano Rivera -- members of the 2001 Yankees -- take the field for a moment of silence and the ceremonial first pitch. There was tenor James Valenti, who sang the National Anthem and a rendition of "God Bless the USA" sung by Lee Greenwood.

“We’re both New York teams playing against each other, but the crowd felt united," Aaron Judge said after the game. "You forget about baseball, it’s more than baseball. It’s about being united as a country, as a city. I thought it was pretty special for 'God Bless America;' you saw all of us on the line. The Mets hopped the fence. We didn’t tell the guys over there, so it was special to see us both out there just united."

“The ceremony at the beginning was well done," Green said. "We honored everybody as well as possible today." 

Earlier this week, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was asked about the atmosphere he anticipates and described what he believes will be a day full of emotion.

"Ever since 9/11, New York got even stronger," Lindor said at the time. "Everyone comes together. Before the game, it doesn't matter if it's Yankees or Mets, and it feels really good. Once the game starts, it becomes Yankees vs. Mets. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a special day for a lot of people. Hopefully we put a smile on people’s faces, put on a great show and remember the ones that fought for everybody and the ones that lost their lives that day."

That emotion was felt by the players during the pregame ceremony and during the game, with the crowd playing a huge part in it.

“It’s a special day. Today felt like bigger than the game and bigger than yourself," Cody Bellinger said. "It was a fun atmosphere...just nice to go and play the game and give them something to cheer about."

"It’s an emotional day," Ben Rice said of the game. "Happy we were able to provide some positivity on such a tough day."

“It felt special. The energy in the crowd was special. It felt like what you want a ballgame to feel like," Boone said of the crowd. "A lot of people were here having a great time on what, for many, is a difficult day." 

 

 

 

Game 148 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

A Halloween-themed drone flies inside Chase Field before game four of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Oct. 31, 2023. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Texas Rangers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

Friday, September 11, 2026, 8:40 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Chase Field

LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. RHP Merrill Kelly

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSDIAMONDBACKS
Joc Pederson – DHIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Corey Seager – SSKetel Marte – 2B
Ezequiel Duran – 3BGabriel Moreno – C
Brandon Nimmo – RFGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Wyatt Langford – LFCorbin Carroll – RF
Evan Carter – CFNolan Arenado – 3B
Jake Burger – 1BLourdes Gurriel – DH
Nicky Lopez – 2BJordan Lawlar – CF
Danny Jansen – CRyan Waldschmidt – LF
MacKenzie Gore – LHPMerrill Kelly – RHP

Go Rangers!

Game #148: Mariners at Athletics Game Thread

Sep 5, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (59) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After a day off at home in Sacramento the A’s should be rested up and ready for another series win. Spoiler hats on people. Our division rivals, the Seattle Mariners, are fighting to remain relevant in the playoff race but are seeing their hopes fade fast. They sit in third place in the AL West six games back of the first-place Astros. And in the Wild Card race it’s not much better as they’re 5 1/2 games back of the third and final playoff spot with five teams ahead of them. A sweep at the hands of the A’s would all but end their season. That sounds like some good motivation for the cobbled together home team.

The A’s will have veteran Jeffrey Springs getting the start in this one. His overall year with the Athletics has left a lot to be desired and both he and the team will go their separate directions this offseason. Still, it’d be nice to see his tenure end on a high note. He’s coming off one of his best starts of the season his last time out when he tossed seven shutout frames in Seattle against these very same Mariners. The left-hander only allowed two hits and twqo walks and will be hoping for more of the same tonight against a division rival. He’s in Sutter Health Park though, and the flyball pitcher has made it known his disdain for the Athletics’ temporary home. If he can keep the ball in the park he’ll be fine.

Here’s the Athletics’ starting lineup for the series opener tonight:

The typical top half of the lineup with Bolte leading things off followed by McNeil, Gelof and Butler. The hot-hitting Max Muncy rises to fifth in the order and he’ll DH in this one. Veteran journeyman Donovan Walton backs sixth and is manning shortstop while rookie Tommy White is in the lineup playing first base. Carlos Cortes will handle left field while Jonah Heim is batting ninth and catching Springs in this one.

Seattle will be countering Springs with right-hander George Kirby. Kirby has been steady if unspectacular for the Mariners all season long, making 27 starts and not missing a turn through the rotation. Sure, his 4.18 ERA isn’t all that impressive but he’s been a valuable member of their starting rotation. He’ll be looking for some revenge tonight against the A’s after taking the loss last time out. That’ll be a tough task for Kirby as he’s struggled mightily on the road this season.

And the Mariners’ batting order this evening looks like this:

Do I hear two in a row? Sounds like a great way to start our weekend A’s fans. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

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

Blackhawks Prospect Ty Henry Will Head Back To Erie Otters Instead Of NCAA

Chicago Blackhawks prospect camp began on Friday. There are a lot of well-known players participating in this event, including AJ Spellacy, Sacha Boisvert, and Marek Vanacker. There are also players who are less well-known but have interesting stories as they try to reach their dream of making it to the NHL. 

One of those players is defenseman Ty Henry. Last camp, Henry sustained a scary leg injury that caused him to miss his entire season with the Erie Otters of the OHL. It was a tough break for him and his development, but he managed to work his way back. 

During last season, while injured, Henry committed to the University of St. Thomas to play NCAA hockey. However, things have changed. Instead, he will head back to Erie this fall to continue playing in the OHL. Henry confirmed this news following the first prospect practice on Friday. 

The Blackhawks selected Henry in the 6th round (163rd overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft. He may have lost a year of his pre-pro career, but that adversity is his reality, which he must overcome if he's going to find himself playing hockey at the highest level. 

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What Mark Williams’ injury means for Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 11: Oso Ighodaro #11, Khaman Maluach #10 and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns arrive to the arena before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 11, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The season hasn’t even begun, and the Suns are already dealing with unfortunate injury news. We learned today that Mark Williams suffered a torn left labrum during a scrimmage, and there is currently no timetable for his return.

Can I get a Homer Simpson “Doh!” from the crowd? Pop open a Duff beer and absorb the fact that for a team that needs health to compete successfully in the Western Conference, this is a significant blow. Phoenix will now be without its starting center for an undetermined amount of time before the season has even tipped off. I guess it’s better that he misses the first half than the second half, right?

Mark Williams has always carried questions about his ability to stay healthy, and this injury is only going to fan the flames of that narrative. For a player who signed a three-year, $38 million contract this offseason, the timing is brutal. From Williams’ perspective, however, there is at least some security. He got the contract. Phoenix committed to him. Now the focus has to shift away from the narrative surrounding his health and toward getting back on the floor.

So what does this mean for the Suns moving forward?

First and foremost, it completely changes a topic I wrote about earlier this week, when I called Phoenix’s center depth one of the more underrated aspects of the roster. Maybe this one is on me, and for that, I am sorry. Goodbye optionality, hello testing of the depth.

The one advantage here, if you want to call it that, is that Williams was projected to be the fifth option offensively. Phoenix wasn’t building the offense around him, which makes this injury easier to absorb than it would be if he were the team’s primary, secondary, or even tertiary scoring option. His role was going to be complementary. Create extra possessions on the offensive glass, finish putbacks, set some screens, roll hard, and provide a vertical threat around the rim. That was his destiny. So while losing Williams is far from ideal, it isn’t a death blow for Phoenix.

The biggest beneficiary of this situation is sophomore center Khaman Maluach. The 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is going to get his chance. He flashed this summer in Las Vegas, and based on what he showed from a development and productivity standpoint, there were already questions about how the Suns would begin integrating him into the rotation and giving him more opportunities to grow. Well, the door is wide open now. Time for the 7’2” center to walk on through it.

There will be an adjustment period for Khaman and for the fan base. As Maluach puts more tape out there, opposing teams will learn how to attack what he does well and where he remains vulnerable. Expectations must be tempered accordingly, but the tools are obvious and provide a basis for excitement. He has size, rim protection, screening, rim running, and the potential to stretch the floor.

The bigger question is how Jordan Ott decides to structure the rotation. Does Oso Ighodaro step directly into the starting role vacated by Williams? Or does Maluach get the opportunity right away? There probably isn’t an answer yet. Training camp and preseason should help dictate how Phoenix handles it.

My assumption is that Ott would lean toward starting Oso because of how connective he is offensively. Oh, and Ott adored Oso last season and his skillset. His screening, ball-handling, ability to facilitate from the five, and quick decision-making allow him to raise the level of the players around him. On a team where center is an ancillary position, that kind of connectivity can be extremely valuable with the starters.

But there’s another side to that argument. Those same attributes also make Oso an ideal backup big because he can help organize the second unit and elevate the players around him. His ability to keep possessions flowing could make the bench more productive and efficient. 

And maybe the starters don’t need as much help creating offense. Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges already give Phoenix plenty of creation. That group may benefit more from having Maluach next to them because he brings a completely different set of skills.  He may not be as switchable on the perimeter as Oso, but his length and rim deterrence can give Phoenix’s perimeter defenders more freedom to gamble. His size should also make him a positive rebounder on both ends, creating extra possessions and fitting directly into the philosophy Jordan Ott established last season.

That is the decision Phoenix now has to make. Do you use Oso’s connectivity to make the starters even cleaner offensively, or do you let Maluach’s size and defensive presence complement what those four already do well?

My guess is there will be a transition period. Oso Ighodaro probably starts the season at center as the Suns try to stabilize the offense, while Maluach comes off the bench and Phoenix gets a better look at what he can handle against NBA competition. 

But at some point, I think it’s in the Suns’ best interest to flip that switch. Give Maluach the reins. Let him play through mistakes, learn what works, learn what doesn’t, and find out how quickly his tools can translate into consistent production. Then you can move Oso back into a role where his connectivity can strengthen the second unit. The rotations will fluctuate regardless. Jordan Ott will have opportunities to build different combinations depending on what a game requires, whether that’s more shooting and spacing, more size and rebounding, or more athleticism and pace.

Losing Williams is not ideal. But it does force the organization to accelerate Maluach’s development. And that is where the stakes become more interesting. The Suns are no longer developing him entirely on their own timetable. They may need him now. That means the organization has to find the balance between giving a 20-year-old enough responsibility to grow without asking him to become something he isn’t ready to be.

The challenge will be avoiding overreactions in either direction. If Maluach struggles for a few games, that doesn’t mean he isn’t ready. If he dominates for a week, that doesn’t mean he has arrived. Development isn’t linear. There will be highs. There will be lows. There will be nights where he looks like the future and others where he looks every bit like a 20-year-old center still learning the NBA.

What Williams’ injury does is guarantee that we’re going to learn more about Maluach much sooner than expected. And that fits into the larger evaluation taking place this season. Phoenix isn’t only trying to win games. The Suns are also figuring out which young players can become legitimate pieces of the future while evaluating Jalen Green and what his own long-term place in the organization looks like.

Maluach was always going to be part of that process. Now he may be one of the most important parts of it.

St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago White Sox Game Discussion Friday

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 1: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 1, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals begin a weekend homestand against the Chicago White Sox Friday night as Matthew Liberatore will get the start for St. Louis while the White Sox will send Anthony Kay to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15pm with the game broadcast available via Cardinals.tv.

  1. José Fermín (R) 3B
  2. Iván Herrera (R) DH
  3. Jordan Walker (R) RF
  4. Alec Burleson (L) 1B
  5. Joshua Báez (R) LF
  6. Leo Bernal (S) C
  7. Thomas Saggese (R) 2B
  8. Masyn Winn (R) SS
  9. Nathan Church (L) CF

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