Carson Benge, Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio spearhead Mets' offense in loss to Nationals

The Mets were defeated by the Washington Nationals 12-6 on Monday night at Clover Park.

Here are some takeaways...

- Carson Benge continues to solidify his case for the Mets' Opening Day RF spot. The youngster reached safely in all four of his plate appearances on the night -- walking in the first, lining an opposite-field double in the second, walking again in the fourth, then lacing a 107.6 mph single in the seventh. 

Benge is riding a six-game hitting streak, helping bring his average to .406 on the spring. 

- It was a good night for two of the regulars in the Mets' starting lineup, as well. Francisco Alvarez reached twice with a first inning RBI double and a five-pitch walk in the third, and Ronny Mauricio laced a pair of opposite-field run scoring knocks, both of which came from the right-side against left-handed pitchers. 

Mauricio is now hitting .313 on the spring, and Alvarez is up to a 1.107 OPS. 

- Cristian Pache also continued his strong spring at the plate, reaching twice including a solo homer. The 27-year-old hasn't found much success to this point in his big-league career, but he'd give the Mets quality depth if he can continue this offensive surge to begin the season in Syracuse. 

Pache, a career .181 hitter, is hitting .464 with a 1.302 OPS on the spring. 

- Mark Vientos, on the other hand, continues to struggle and run into some tough luck offensively. He laced a 106.4 mph lineout right at the left fielder in the bottom of the first, broke his bat and softly lined out to third in the third, flew out to the warning track in the fourth, and struck out with a man on in the seventh. 

The slugger remains hitless since returning from the WBC, and is hitting just .040 in camp. 

- David Peterson endured a bit of an up-and-down outing. Washington made him pay in the first, turning two walks and two hits into a pair of runs, before he settled into a groove. The left-hander retired the next nine hitters he faced before the Nats turned three fourth-inning singles into two more two-out runs. 

Peterson's spring ERA is now 5.63 after allowing four runs on five hits and two walks over four innings. 

- Devin Williams continues to look in mid-season form. The Mets' new closer worked around a leadoff walk and stolen base in the top of the fifth, striking out one, as he put together his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance since allowing a homer on his very first pitch he threw this spring.

Williams has now struck out six and is down to a 1.80 ERA in Grapefruit League play.

- Christian Scott was hit around a bit in his third outing back. The righty gave up a triple to the first batter he faced in the sixth before allowing him to score on a wild pitch. James Wood then jumped him for a homer leading off the seventh. Wood would lace a leadoff double in the ninth to end Scott's night. 

Scott gave up three runs on five hits and struck out five while stretching out to 56 pitches. 

- Infielder Christian Arroyo evened things up with his first homer of the spring in the bottom of the eighth, before Washington regained command with six runs against Douglas Orellana in the top of the ninth.

Highlights

What's next

Sean Manaea gets the St. Patrick's Day start, as the Mets head to Jupiter to take on the Miami Marlins at 1:10 p.m.

 

Nothing will be easy for the Islanders from here on out

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders on the ice during a game against the Los Angeles Kings, Image 2 shows Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with his stick on the ice, facing a Vegas Golden Knights player, Image 3 shows Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) controls the puck as Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) trails the play

TORONTO — It’s been over three months since the Islanders were out of a playoff spot, allowing for the illusion of security.

This Islanders team is, plainly, much better than the last two that made the playoffs and which took until Games 81 and 82 to secure passage into the tournament, respectively, before bowing out quietly in the first round. Nevertheless, it may take this year’s outfit just as much time to clinch a spot.

As they flew north to start a three-game road trip with stops in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on Monday, the Islanders were mired in a five-team race for four spots — two in the Metropolitan Division and both wild-card spots — with the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Bruins and Red Wings.

With 81 points, the Islanders were one spot below the Penguins, who started the day with just as many points before playing the Avalanche, but guaranteed to stay ahead even with a loss, as they have four more regulation wins. Columbus was two points back and out of a spot; the Bruins and Red Wings were both on 80 points and occupying the two wild-card spots. Montreal, it’s worth noting, could easily fall into this race as well; currently, the Canadiens are in third in the Atlantic Division, but just two points ahead of Boston and Detroit.

The most important teams for the Islanders to watch are the Penguins and Blue Jackets, as whoever finishes first of those three will have home-ice advantage in the first round. In that respect, the Islanders do have a schedule advantage.

Pittsburgh — which has been without the injured Sidney Crosby since the Olympic break, though he is on the Penguins’ current road trip and could return soon — has the hardest remaining strength of schedule out of any team in the league. The Blue Jackets have the third toughest and, just for good measure, the Bruins are in between them.

Bo Horvat #14 of the New York Islanders skates against the Los Angeles Kings. NHLI via Getty Images

It’s not all good news though. The Islanders are right behind that trio with a .595 remaining strength of schedule.

The Red Wings, at .575, have by far the easiest strength of schedule out of the quintet, but they’re also dealing with the toughest injury situation. Their top two centers, captain Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp, both got hurt right after the trade deadline and were expected to miss at least two weeks.

Remaining strength of schedule, though, does omit a key bit of context: once they get back from Canada, the Islanders have just two road games in their last 12 to close out the season. So, yes, they’ll face some tough opposition, but given the frantic pace of their travel schedule since January, the Isles are probably OK with the trade-off. Their remaining games against the Blue Jackets (March 22) and Penguins (March 30) are also both at UBS.

Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Vegas Golden Knights. NHLI via Getty Images

Even going into this road trip, the Islanders had the most remaining home games left in the league, a considerable advantage, if they can just get through their last few road games unscathed.

If the Islanders do close out strong and make the playoffs, the ideal scenario is anything that gets them home ice in the first round. Beyond that, the Blue Jackets might be the opponent they’d most like to face, though there’s certainly no such thing as an easy matchup.

Pittsburgh has played the Islanders tough in two games they’ve split, plus Crosby would be an intimidating first-round opponent, especially with the potential of this being Evgeni Malkin’s last season. Carolina beat the Islanders in 2019, 2023 and 2024 — there’s no way the Islanders want any part of the ’Canes and a raucous Lenovo Center in another first-round series.

Buffalo doesn’t have any playoff experience, a plus for any potential opponent, but the Sabres are red-hot and being on the Atlantic side of the bracket, with Tampa or Montreal looming in the second round, isn’t exactly ideal.

Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) controls the puck as Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) trails. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Isles are 2-1 against Columbus through three games and it’s been six years since the Blue Jackets have been in the playoffs. That wouldn’t be an easy series either, but it’s one the Isles could reasonably expect to get through.

First, though, they have to actually make it.

Spring Training GAME THREAD: Guardians vs. Cubs

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Carter Kieboom #31 of the Cleveland Guardians gloves a bouncing ground ball during the sixth inning of the spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 3, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jose’s shoulder is ok, that’s all that matters. Here’s today’s lineup:

Halpin LF

Martinez CF

Manzardo DH

Hedges C

Kayfus 1B

Jones RF

Brito 2B

Kieboom 3B

Tolentino SS

A’s Shutout the Angels 3-0

MESA, AZ - MARCH 03: Mark Leiter Jr. #38 of the Athletics pitches during the game between the Team Brazil and the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Wilson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Athletics put forth arguably their best pitching performance yet this spring, shutting out the Los Angeles Angels 3-0. This afternoon marked the first time the team kept its opponent off the scoreboard in this year’s Cactus League.

A’s left-hander Jeffrey Springs put together his best performance and now seems ready for the season to start. He threw 84 pitches over 4 2/3 scoreless innings, only allowing three hits while striking out four. Springs found himself in trouble early as the Angels loaded the bases with two outs in the first inning on two hits and a walk. He escaped that jam by getting Angels’ catcher Logan O’Hoppe to fly out to left. Following that early scare, it was mostly smooth sailing for Springs until he was removed for reliever Nick Anderson after allowing Mike Trout’s fourth double of the spring with two outs in the fifth inning.

Returning to the first inning, buoyed by the Angels leaving the bases loaded, the A’s offense struck first against Los Angeles pitcher George Klassen. Following Nick Kurtz getting hit by a pitch and a Shea Langeliers single, Tyler Soderstrom grounded into a double play, which nearly killed the rally. Fortunately, Brent Rooker hit a two-out RBI single to score Kurtz who had moved to third base on the previous play. Rooker stole second base and then scored on Jacob Wilson’s single to right field.

Klassen and the three Angels relievers did a good job of subduing what was a red-hot A’s offense. The A’s finished the game with only four hits. Their only other run came courtesy of Max Muncy’s fourth Cactus League home run, a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning.

Out of all of the team’s candidates to play third base, Muncy seems to have the most offensive upside and has been getting the most playing time at the position, which suggests he will likely start there Opening Day in Toronto. Muncy has the offensive ability to further strengthen an already stellar lineup, although he will hopefully not make too many crippling defensive errors if given the chance to play third base daily.

With the team up 3-0, it was down to the A’s relievers to protect their team’s slim lead. Right-handers Nick Anderson, Mark Leiter Jr., Michael Kelly and A.J. Causey did their job and more, combining to keep the Angels from inching closer.

Anderson, who curiously was not reassigned alongside fellow non-roster invitees Wander Suero and Nick Hernandez, got the last out of the fifth inning and then worked around allowing a leadoff double the next inning. Free-agent acquisition Leiter Jr. will likely pitch in many high-stress, late-game moments this season for the A’s. This afternoon, he worked his way out of a first-and-third, one-out situation in the seventh inning, striking out Mike Trout for the second out and then getting the next Angels hitter to ground out to end the inning.

Kelly also worked out of trouble the next inning and then Causey, who has a shot to make his MLB debut this year, slammed the door in the ninth, collecting his first save in an A’s uniform.

All spring, the A’s have been winning games by simply outscoring their opponents, so today it was nice to see the team win thanks to strong pitching and defense. Speaking of defense, Zack Gelof caught every ball hit his way in right field. If anyone was at the game, how does he look in the outfield and is it a realistic possibility to see him out there in the regular season? Share in the comment section below.

Here’s how the box score looked today:

The Athletics will try to make it two wins in a row tomorrow as they travel to Glendale, Arizona to play the Chicago White Sox. Luis Morales will start for the A’s, looking to build on his solid performance in his last outing and cement his spot as one of the A’s five starting pitchers in their season-opening rotation. At the moment, the White Sox have yet to list their scheduled starter for that Cactus League matchup between two teams looking to take a step forward this season.

Dodgers throwing the last pitch, then the first pitch

(Original Caption) 6/6/1964-Philadelphia, PA: King of the Mount Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers knocks off the last of the Phillies' batters during the game here 6/6. In addition to downing the Philadelphia team 3-0, Koufax scored the third no-hitter of his career.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Monday was officially named the opening day starter for the Dodgers, with the right-hander set to take the mound on Thursday, March 26 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

That puts Yamamoto in rare air, considering he also threw the last pitch for the Dodgers in 2025, getting the final eight outs in Game 7 of the World Series, the day afterthrowing 96 pitches in six innings in Game 6. In case you forgot how that ended, Yamamoto won Game 6 and Game 7, and the Dodgers won a second straight World Series, with the star Japanese right-hander at the center of it all.

Yamamoto next week will join Sandy Koufax as the only Dodgers pitchers to close out a World Series championship, then throw the first pitch of the next season. Koufax beat the New York Yankees in 1963 to win World Series MVP, just like Yamamoto last year.

In 1964 he started the Dodgers’ first game, also at Dodger Stadium, this time a shutout to beat the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the only opening day start of Koufax’s illustrious career.

While Koufax and soon Yamamoto are the only Dodgers to follow the last pitch of a championship and the first pitch of the next season, eight others in modern franchise history threw the Dodgers’ final pitch of one season and the first pitch of the next.

Others in the Fall Classic

Brooklyn lost the best-of-nine World Series five games to two in 1916, their first trip to the Fall Classic. Wheezer Dell pitched a scoreless inning to conclude the Dodgers’ pitching in that series, then started on opening day in 1917 against the Phillies, allowing six runs in five innings in a loss.

Carl Erskine pitched the final two innings of Game 7 of the 1952 World Series in scoreless fashion, in a game the Dodgers lost 4-2 to the rival New York Yankees. Then he started opening day in 1953 against the Pirates at Ebbets Field. That didn’t go as well for Erskine, who allowed four runs in three innings. But Brooklyn rallied for an 8-5 win.

One regular season into another

Right-hander Cy Barger pitched three of his seven major league seasons for Brooklyn, and closed out the 1910 season with a complete-game loss against the Boston Braves. He followed that up with the opening day start in 1911, and lost another one-run game to the Braves, this time on the road.

Dazzy Vance is the other Hall of Famer in this group along with Koufax, and just as Koufax won NL MVP in 1963, so did Vance in 1924 after leading the league in wins (28) and strikeouts (262). Vance on the last day of the 1924 season pitched his 30th complete game of the year in beating the Braves at Ebbets Field. Then in 1925, Vance beat the Philadelphia Phillies on opening day with another complete game.

Jesse Petty ended the 1926 season with a complete-game win over the Chicago Cubs, and started 1927 with an opening-day win in Boston.

Leftt-hander Watson Clarkbeat the Phillies to end the 1928 season, then started on opening day in 1929 in Boston. Clark lasted only three innings and allowed five runs, in a wild game Brooklyn lost 13-12.

Hall of Famer Don Drysdale pitched the final two innings in relief to beat the Cubs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, closing out the 1960 season. Drysdale struck out two in that game to give him a major-league-leading 246 strikeouts on the season, at the time the fourth-most strikeouts in modern National League history.

Then Drysdale beat the Phillies in the same stadium with seven strong innings to open the 1961 campaign. That was the fourth consecutive opening day start for the then-24-year-old Drysdale, who would start seven opening days in his career.

Nobody knew it at the time, but Ramón Mártinezshutting out the Cincinnati Reds on August 11, 1994 was the Dodgers’ final game of the season. Before this start, Mártinez was briefly back home in Glendale for the birth of his daughter.

“They were saying to me, ‘Have another kid,” Martínez said, laughing, to Maryanne Hudson of the Los Angeles Times.

The players’ strike began the next day, and labor strife escalated enough to cancel the World Series that year as well as lop one-ninth of the 1995 schedule as well. Once an accord between players and owners was finally reached and a shortened-spring training got folks ready, Martínez pitched six strong innings to beat the Florida Marlins in Miami in the Dodgers’ first game.

Cavs might avoid Giannis Antetokounmpo in upcoming matchup with Bucks

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tuesday’s matchup will be the fourth and final time the Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Milwaukee Bucks. So far, the Cavs have only had to deal with Giannis Antetokounmpo in one and a half of those games. They could be avoiding him again on Tuesday.

The Bucks have listed Antetokounmpo as questionable for Tuesday’s game with a left ankle sprain. Antetokounmpo left the Bucks’ win over the Indiana Pacers in the second half on Sunday with an injury that head coach Doc Rivers called a likely hyperextension at the time.

The Bucks’ goals for the remainder of the season are unclear. Antetokounmpo has been heavily involved in trade rumors at the deadline. All signs point to him being dealt in the summer. And if that’s the plan, there’s no point in having him play in what seem like meaningless games.

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Right now, Milwaukee is five and a half games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the 10th seed, which is the final spot in the Play-In. Additionally, the Bucks have won just two of their last 10 games. It certainly doesn’t feel like there’s much to really play for at this point, especially if it puts Antetokounmpo in harm’s way before a possible trade.

On the season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 62.4% shooting. Milwaukee has been 11-20 without Antetokounmpo this season and 17-19 when he suits up.

Antetokounmpo isn’t the only player the Bucks could be missing. Starting center Myles Turner is questionable for Tuesday’s game with a right calf strain. Additionally, Ousmane Dieng is questionable due to an illness.

The Cavs will be without Jarrett Allen (knee) for the sixth game in a row. Craig Porter Jr. (groin) and Tyrese Proctor (quad) are also out. Sam Merrill (hamstring) is questionable to return. Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is probable for Tuesday’s game.

Tyler Mahle fans 6, offense hitless when it counts

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle #54 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A day after flirting with perfection, the Giants were perfectly inept at capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

In their 3-1 loss against the San Diego Padres, San Francisco bats went hitless in a baker’s dozen worth of at-bats, including three duds in the 9th inning after Osleivis Basabe’s lead-off triple. Tyler Fitzgerald’s sacrifice fly in the 7th accounted for the Giants’ solitary run, so “perfectly inept” isn’t exactly right — just near-perfect once again.

While it was a team effort in this regard, Luis Matos, a sub for Jung Hoo Lee in right in the 7th inning, particularly struggled. His two at-bats of the day each came with a runner in scoring position. With a man on first and second and one-out, he chased after an inside cutter and popped it up to short. In the 9th, he was called out on strikes on the sixth pitch of the at-bat: a four-seam fastball in the corner pocket that froze him completely. He had fouled off three previous pitches out of the zone to put him in the two-strike hole. 

The spring slump continues for Matos and based on some of the swing decisions today, his eagerness to swing his way out of it is doing more harm than good.

All three of San Diego’s runs came against reliever Spencer Bivens in the 6th inning. Chalk this unseemly frame up to a 50/50 mix of tough-luck and self-inflicted trouble. The Padres peppered three singles off Bivens, two of them grounders finding holes, and two of them probably corralled by second baseman Casey Schmitt on a better day.  What made those tough breaks hurt was the traffic supplied by Bivens by way of a walk, a hit batter, and a wild pitch. It also didn’t help that he didn’t properly back-up the catcher on Christian Koss’s overthrow home on Miguel Andujar’s sacrifice fly. The error was attributed to center fielder Koss, but if Bivens was positioned better, the runner on first would’ve been prevented from advancing into scoring position on the play.  

But it wasn’t all bad! 

Tyler Mahle went toe-to-toe with Padres starter Walker Buehler and Tyler Mahle through the early innings. Buehler scattered 3 hits and 2 walks over 5 innings pitched while bailing himself out of trouble by way of 7 strikeouts. Mahle had started the day with an unblemished ERA but struggled with command, having walked 7 batters against 6 strikeouts over his previous 6 innings of work. Over four innings against San Diego, Mahle doubled his K-total while allowing just one baserunner and preserving his scoreless Spring. 

While the typical 1-2 punch of his four-seam and splitter were present today (accounting for 4 of his 6 strikeouts), Mahle evened out his mix on the day to focus on his slider. 

Historically the offering has probably been his worst pitch. It’s an underwhelming specimen in regards to movement. The pitch is a little sluggish for a slider, nor does its glove-side run distinguish itself from his cutter, and only by virtue of being a couple of beats slower on the radar gun does the offering get more of vertical lilt. 

Mahle tossed 13 of these sliders, about a quarter of his overall pitches, and most were offered to right-handed batters. Two of his six K’s came on the pitch. He threw four consecutive sliders in the 1st inning, and all of them were elevated in the upper-third of the zone or higher. While this feels like a location mistake for this pitch-type, because Mahle is such a north-south thrower, he seems to be able to get away with spotting his breaking ball at the belt. Xander Bogaerts, who spun around one on the 8th pitch of his at-bat in the 1st, was clearly timed-up for the fastball and thought he got one reading the ball out of Mahle’s hands. In their next match-up, Mahle served up a 2-1 slider (his last of the afternoon) to a similar spot that Bogaerts somewhat mis-hit, directing the pitch into the ground but striking it hard enough to coax a fielding error from shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald. 

That belt-high slider should’ve been a souvenir for a fan sitting on the hill beyond left field. Instead a bad pitch in a bad location got drilled into the ground. A veteran hitter like Bogaerts still couldn’t square it up because Mahle mixed it in so well. He knows his stuff and knows how to squeeze the most out of each offering — this is the benefit of signing veteran arms. You can bet when those two meet in the regular season, that slider is going to be top of Bogaert’s mind. Mahle, in the middle of March, was pitching for outs in June.


Dodgers news: Eight sent to minors

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: James Tibbs III #98 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets ready in the batters box against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers made a few more roster cuts after Monday’s marathon loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, sending eight players to the minor league side of camp at Camelback Ranch.

Outfielder Michael Siani and reliever Paul Gervase are on the 40-man roster, so they were optioned to the minors.

Non-roster invitees Zach Ehrhard, James Tibbs III, Noah Miller, Zyhir Hope, Cole Irvin, and Ryder Ryan were reassigned to minor league camp.

Hope is the consensus top-100 prospect who remained the longest in camp, and through Monday leads the Dodgers with 22 games played this spring, though he hit just .179/.238/.231 with two doubles in 42 plate appearances.

Ehrhard and Tibbs, both acquired from the Boston Red Sox for Dustin May last July, each impressed this spring, and among Dodgers outfield prospects are older and closer to the majors than the rest, likely ticketed for Triple-A this season. Ehrhard hit .327/.389/.551 with five doubles and three triples in 20 games, while Tibbs hit .326/.392/.651 with three home runs, three doubles, and a triple in his 20 games.

With Irvin and Ryder Ryan sent down, the only two non-roster pitchers remaining in big league camp are right-hander Chris Campos and left-hander Antoine Kelly.

With these moves, the Dodgers have 43 players remaining in big league camp, including 23 pitchers and 20 position players.

NHL 26 Predicts Penguins vs. Avalanche

DENVER — Can virtual NHL officiating be worse than real life? Let's dive in, shall we?

Jokes aside, the Pittsburgh Penguins skated away with a 3–2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in our latest NHL 26 experiment, and the game was actually — gasp — fun to watch. If you missed it, you can check out the full simulation here.

Nathan MacKinnon and Parker Kelly provided the offense for Colorado, while Scott Wedgewood delivered a stellar performance between the pipes with 24 saves that bordered on video game legend territory.

Nathan MacKinnon hitting the net at morning skate.

For Pittsburgh, Bryan Rust scored twice and Justin Brazeau netted the late game-winner. Stuart Skinner was excellent as well, turning aside 33 shots to help secure the victory.

First Period

The Avalanche wasted no time electrifying the crowd at Ball Arena.

Just 29 seconds into the game, MacKinnon pounced on a loose puck along the boards, snapped it toward the net, and beat Skinner cleanly to give Colorado a 1–0 lead before many fans had even settled into their seats.

Pittsburgh quickly responded by cranking up the physicality. On the next sequence, Evgeni Malkin — appearing in his first game after serving a five-game suspension — leveled Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson during a gritty battle along the boards.

Manson bounced right back into the play. Moments later, off a faceoff win from Brock Nelson in Pittsburgh’s zone, the defenseman blasted a point shot that Skinner snatched out of the air with a spectacular glove save.

Nearly eight minutes into the period, Manson returned to the exact same patch of ice and fired another wrister toward the net. This time it beat the goalie but rang squarely off the post, drawing a loud, collective “Ohhh!” from the crowd.

About a minute later, Colorado went to the power play after Noel Acciari was whistled for holding Nelson. The man advantage generated chances, including a slap shot from Martin Nečas, but Skinner stood tall and kept the puck out.

Pittsburgh eventually found its breakthrough with 6:12 remaining in the period.

The sequence began when Parker Kelly mishandled the puck in the defensive zone, allowing Rickard Rakell to intercept the pass and quickly slide the puck into the slot. Rust took it from there, firing a precise shot past Wedgewood to tie the game 1–1.

The Penguins struck again almost immediately.

After crashing the net and forcing chaos around the crease, Parker Wotherspoon worked the puck free and sent it back to Rust in nearly the same shooting lane. Once again, he made no mistake, wiring it past the goaltender to give Pittsburgh a 2–1 lead.

Then came one of those classic EA Sports officiating moments.

Nicolas Roy was called for interference despite Anthony Mantha essentially skating directly into him. Thanks, EA. Fortunately for Colorado, the penalty kill held strong.

Late in the period, Wedgewood produced the save of the night.

With 1:29 remaining, Malkin uncorked a dangerous one-timer that looked destined for the net. Falling backward, the Avalanche goaltender somehow flashed the glove and robbed him in dramatic fashion.

After twenty minutes, the Penguins held a 2–1 lead and a 14–10 edge in shots.

Second Period

Colorado clawed its way back midway through the frame.

Nearly seven minutes into the period, Kelly capitalized on a quick passing play when Sam Malinski fed him in tight. Kelly attempted a backhand that caught Skinner’s blocker and fluttered awkwardly into the net, tying the game 2–2.

It was the kind of opportunistic scoring that highlights Colorado’s depth — the players who quietly deliver when the stars are tied up.

Nečas nearly pushed the Avalanche ahead later in the period with a booming slap shot from the top of the right circle, but the puck was partially deflected before Skinner calmly plucked it out of the air.

Neither team could break the deadlock before the intermission, sending the game to the third period tied 2–2. Pittsburgh held a razor-thin shots advantage at 22–21.

Third Period

The final frame opened with a little bit of everything — pressure, frustration, and plenty of iron.

About three minutes in, Mantha broke through Colorado’s defense and fired a wrist shot from the top of the left circle.

Doink.

Off the post.

Colorado controlled possession through much of the first half of the period, outshooting Pittsburgh 8–0 during one extended stretch. A turnover at the blue line created a chance for Gavin Brindley to drive the net, but his shot glanced off Skinner’s glove and stayed out.

Then came another moment of metallic misfortune.

With nine minutes remaining, MacKinnon received a slick pass from Nazem Kadri in the slot and quickly snapped a backhand toward the net.

Doink.

Right off the post again as Skinner sprawled across the crease stacking the pads.

Mantha later joined the unofficial “post club.”

On a clean 2-on-1 rush with 4:30 left, Kris Letang fed him perfectly in stride. Mantha ripped the shot…

Doink.

Again.

The forward covered his face before throwing his arms skyward in disbelief, seemingly wondering what kind of hockey spirits had cursed him.

Unfortunately for Colorado, the cruelest bounce of the night was still coming.

With just 35 seconds left in regulation, Brazeau snapped a shot from the slot that deflected off Zakhar Bardakov’s stick and fluttered past Wedgewood into the net.

An own goal.

A brutal break.

And a 3–2 Penguins lead.

Colorado pulled the goalie for a final push, but the rally never materialized. Pittsburgh held firm in the closing seconds to secure the virtual victory.

Now the only question left is simple:

What happens when these teams meet in real life tonight?

Image

Mets’ bullpen battle down to one remaining spot

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Bryan Hudson was acquired in a trade with the White Sox at the start of camp. , Image 2 shows New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel in uniform with a glove, looking up

PORT ST. LUCIE — One spot remains, as the Mets look for the last arm to complete their bullpen. 

Huascar Brazobán will be part of that Opening Day bullpen, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed Monday, leaving only one available spot for a reliever. 

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Of course, it takes only a sore arm for the equation to suddenly change, but the Mets have Brazobán, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Tobias Myers and Luis García for six of the seven jobs.

The Mets would normally have eight relievers, but their plan to carry six starting pitchers subtracts from the bullpen. 

And Mendoza doesn’t expect resolution on the final reliever until after the Mets break camp next Monday. 

“Since I have been in this level, as a coach, bench coach or manager, that last part of the bullpen is usually not [decided] until hours before Opening Day because there’s so much that can happen,” Mendoza said. “We’re still a long way from having that conversation.” 

Among the possibilities is a reliever from another camp will become available before Opening Day. But the Mets’ primary internal options for the final spot appear to be possible future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel and lefty Bryan Hudson, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox at the start of camp. 

Craig Kimbrel is looking to secure the final spot in the Mets bullpen. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Brazobán’s inclusion on the roster gives the Mets an option capable of pitching beyond one inning — Myers, who has stretched out in camp as a starter also fits the description. 

Brazobán pitched 1 ¹/₃ scoreless innings with three strikeouts for the Dominican Republic on Sunday against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Overall, the right-hander retired 12 of the 13 batters he faced in the tournament. 

“I don’t know that we’re looking at results, even though it’s a pretty competitive environment, facing some of the best hitters in the world on that stage,” Mendoza said. “It was good to see him throw the ball the way he did. Not surprising. 

“I think the biggest thing we were looking at was the buildup. Making sure the one plus that he ended up doing, close to 30 pitches. So, the fact that fortunately they lost and we’re going to get him back, but he’s coming back in a pretty good spot as far as buildup and us being comfortable using him for one plus when we need it.” 

Brazobán, who has a minor league option remaining, pitched to a 3.57 ERA in 52 appearances for the Mets last season. 

Bryan Hudson was acquired in a trade with the White Sox at the start of camp.  IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How the Mets fill the final bullpen spot could be dependent on whether the team decides a second lefty is necessary.

Brooks Raley is the primary lefty to start the season and with A.J. Minter rehabbing until May from surgery to repair a torn lat, Hudson could be in position to claim the opening. Hudson struggled last season after thriving for the Brewers in 2024. 

“I like the velo there, it seems to be back,” Mendoza said. “That is something he kind of got away with last year. I like the breaking ball.” 

Kimbrel, 37, has pitched to a 2.25 ERA in four appearances this spring, but has struggled with control — he’s walked four and hit two batters in four innings of work. 

“I guess it really depends on how I look the next week,” Kimbrel said of his chances. “I have got three outings until we get out of here, so just kind of turn it up and get ready for the season.” 

Kimbrel, who arrived in a minor league deal — he will receive $2.5 million if he makes the major league roster — acknowledged there have been positives and negatives this spring in his attempt to extend a 16-year career in which he’s amassed 440 saves. 

“The positive is I have been able to work out of some of the stuff that I have gotten into,” Kimbrel said. “The negatives are I have walked some guys, hit some guys. The guys I have hit have been pitches I have been working on, but just making steps and hopefully I can put that pitch [a cutter] into my arsenal and be more effective.”

Brewers’ bats go into overdrive in 24-9 blowout of Dodgers

Mar 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Brandon Lockridge (20) hits against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Box Score

Yesterday, the Brewers’ offense was almost held completely in check. Today, they let out all of the offense that they’ve been holding back. Three big innings by the Brewers’ offense made up all of the offense in this one, as the Brewers defeated the Dodgers 24-9.

The game started with the Dodgers’ offense in high gear. Chad Patrick escaped the first inning with just a single allowed. He faltered a bit in the second, giving up two singles and a walk as the Dodgers scored a run. In the third, he struggled a lot. After allowing back-to-back walks to start the inning, Teoscar Hernández hit a three-run home run to center field that put the Dodgers up 4-0. After another walk, the Brewers brought in Patricio Aquino from the bullpen. He allowed a fourth walk in the inning, and two batters later Eliezer Alfonzo doubled to bring them both in. It was a five-run inning for the Dodgers, who were up 6-0. Patrick came back in for the fourth inning and allowed a solo home run to Max Muncy. That was it for Patrick, who finished his day with 3 1/3 innings pitched, six runs, five hits, and four walks. He also struck out two.

As for the Brewers offense, Tyler Glasnow kept them in check for the first four innings. All he allowed in those innings was a Luis Rengifo single to lead off the game. In the fifth inning, they finally broke through. Joey Ortiz led the inning off with a walk, and Brandon Lockridge singled behind him to put runners at the corners. The first run came from Jett Williams, who singled and put the Brewers on the board.

That was just the start of the inning. Williams stole second with Brock Wilken at the plate, but Wilken struck out. Glasnow’s day ended there and Jerming Rosario entered the game. He would not record an out. Luis Lara singled to bring in Lockridge and Williams, and Lara reached second on a fielding error. Rengifo followed that up with another single to put runners at the corners, then Andrew Vaughn was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Two more singles, this time from Tyler Black and Gary Sánchez, closed the gap to 7-6.

The Dodgers brought in Blake Treinen with two runners on base and one out. He promptly hit Ortiz with a pitch to load the bases once again. Lockridge then put the Brewers up with a grand slam, a 103.1 mph shot out to center field that gave them a 10-7 lead.

Meanwhile, the Brewers’ bullpen entered the game and mostly shut down the Dodgers for the next two innings. Trevor Megill struck out all three batters he faced in a scoreless fifth inning. Tyler Koenig allowed a leadoff single, then struck out three more Dodgers in a scoreless sixth.

In the seventh, the Brewers’ offense surged once again. Singles by Ortiz and Lockridge led off the inning, and a Williams walk loaded the bases. Pinch-runners Brady Ebel and Ethan Murray replaced Ortiz and Williams as Cooper Pratt came to the plate. Pratt hit an easy ground ball to second, but shortstop Noah Miller missed the throw and everyone was safe. That scored Ebel and increased the Brewers’ lead to 11-7. Lara added on another run with an RBI single. Back-to-back walks by Luke Adams and Mike Boeve increased the lead to 14-7.

Black hit a sacrifice fly out to left field for what should have been an easy out, but Zyhir Hope missed it and the bases cleared, with Black making it all the way to third base. He would score on a Ramón Rodríguez groundout, the Brewers’ first out of the seventh inning after they had scored eight runs. They would add on a ninth run in the next at-bat as Ebel hit a solo home run.

The bullpen did give the Dodgers a couple runs back in the next two innings. Grant Anderson walked the first two batters he saw, and a fly out and sacrifice fly brought in a run for the Dodgers. Anderson finished the inning with no other damage, but also did not record a strikeout. Jack Seppings came in for the eighth inning but struggled. He walked two batters with a strikeout in-between, then allowed an RBI single to Hope that made it a 19-9 game. Will Childers finished the eighth with two strikeouts.

The Brewers’ offense came back for one more encore in the ninth inning, with Lucas Wepf pitching for the Dodgers. All five Brewers that faced him reached base. Ebel led off with a walk, and back-to-back singles by Josiah Ragsdale and Murray loaded the bases. Pratt walked to bring in the Brewers’ 20th run of the game. Braylon Payne also walked to make it a 21-9 game. The Dodgers switched to Robby Porco, who walked Luke Adams — the third straight walk from the Brewers and fourth in the inning. It took Porco eight pitches before he finally threw a strike. On the ninth pitch, Boeve singled to bring in another run. The Dodgers finally recorded two outs when Eddys Leonard hit into a double play, but that scored Payne. After Rodríguez was hit by a pitch, Ebel struck out swinging to end the inning. It was a five-run inning for the Brewers, and the score after that was 24-9.

Joe Corbett took the ninth for the Brewers, and a calm 1-2-3 inning finally brought the game to an end. It was a three hour, 54 minute spring training game with a combined 33 runs, 24 hits, 22 walks, three errors, and two hit batters.

The Brewers’ offense had 24 of those runs, 16 hits, and 12 walks. They were also well-distributed throughout the lineup. Lockridge led the offense with a 3-for-5 day with four RBI and three runs scored. Rengifo, Williams, and Lara each had two hits. Adams didn’t record a hit but walked in all three of his plate appearances. Tyler Black had only one hit but his sacrifice fly brought in three runs. Lara also had three RBI, and Pratt added two of his own.

After that barrage of offense, the Brewers get a day to rest before returning to action with a split-squad day on Wednesday. One squad to travel to face the Mariners, while the other will remain home and host the Angels. The road game against the Mariners will be on Brewers.TV, and the home game will be available on the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch in both games is set for 3:10 p.m.

Tyler Glasnow pitches into the fifth inning, Dodgers lose 24-9

Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Dodgers opened up their final week of Cactus League play with a lopsided defeat against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, relinquishing a seven-run lead and falling 24-9.

Tyler Glasnow was given an extended leash as he worked his way into the fifth inning. He tossed 79 pitches (46 strikes) while striking out six and walking just one hitter, but was charged with three earned runs as the bullpen failed to preserve the Dodgers’ lead prior to the start of the inning. Jerming Rosario and Blake Treinen couldn’t stop the bleeding as the Brewers rallied for a 10-spot, highlighted by a grand slam from Brandon Lockridge.

The Brewers rallied again in the top of the seventh inning for an additional nine runs, extending the lead to 12 and giving Milwaukee 19 unanswered runs. Dino Ebel was not in attendance to see his son, Brady, cap off the scoring with an opposite field home run. The Dodgers managed to respond with a sacrifice fly from Chris Newell in the seventh inning and an RBI single from Zyhir Hope in the eighth inning, but still trailed by double-digits. Milwaukee eventually returned the favor in the ninth inning with an additional five runs.

Teoscar Hernández has been on a recent power surge over the past week, and it continued on Monday as he launched a three-run home run of Patrick for his third home run of the spring to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead. Hernández is now hitting .459 (17-36) across 14 games, with his 15 RBI and 1.298 OPS both ranking best on the team among regular starters.

Max Muncy connected for his third home run of the spring, tying Hernández for the team lead, blasting it 454 feet to deep right center field.

Hyeseong Kim has played well in the two games since returning from the World Baseball Classic, going 2-6 with a pair of stolen bases and three runs scored. Kim is now hitting .421 in 19 at-bats this spring and he appears to be the heavy favorite to win the starting second base job for the start of the regular season.

Zach Ehrhard continues to flourish this spring, as he drove in the first run of the game and is now hitting .327 with a .940 OPS across 20 games.

Monday’s contest marked the largest margin of defeat for the Dodgers this spring, but they still maintain a positive run differential of 21. Their 166 runs scored are the most among both Cactus League and Grapefruit League teams.

UP NEXT

The Dodgers are on the road as they take on the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Surprise Stadium (6:05 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Roki Sasaki makes his third start of the spring, facing left-hander Bailey Falter.

Spring Training Game Thread: Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers

SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 17: MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Texas Rangers poses for a photo during the Texas Rangers photo day at Surprise Stadium on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Today the Texas Rangers have waited for the evening to play their latest Cactus League contest with the Chicago White Sox in Surprise, AZ for a spring tussle.

LHP MacKenzie Gore will take the hill for Texas in his latest rehearsal opposite RHP Sean Burke for the American League’s Chicago squad.

Tonight’s Lineups

WHITE SOXRANGERS
Chase Meidroth – SSBrandon Nimmo – RF
Everson Pereira – CFWyatt Langford – CF
Jarred Kelenic – LFCorey Seager – SS
Lenyn Sosa – 2BJake Burger – 1B
LaMonte Wade – 1BJosh Smith – 2B
Curtis Mead – 3BJosh Jung – 3B
Korey Lee – CKyle Higashioka – C
Tristan Peters – DHDanny Jansen – DH
Derek Hill – RFEzequiel Duran – LF
Sean Burke – RHPMacKenzie Gore – LHP

You can catch the game on television via CW33 or MLB Network out of market. Alternatively, you can listen to the game via 105.3 The Fan or follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Surprise Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 pm CT.

Go Rangers!

Cam Schlittler on track to begin season No. 2 in Yankees rotation

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cam Schlittler could begin the season as the No. 2 in the Yankees rotation.

TAMPA — Cam Schlittler pitched to minor leaguers at a mostly empty and silent Steinbrenner Field on Monday morning.

Two starts from now, he could be throwing against the Giants at a packed and loud Oracle Park in the second game of the season.

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On the final “off-day” of Yankees spring training Monday, Schlittler got his work in by building up to 54 pitches across four innings of live batting practice against minor leaguers, keeping him on track to potentially follow Max Fried in the rotation to begin the year.

“Whatever they want me to do, whether I throw that series or not, I’m prepared to do that,” Schlittler said after pitching in front of a handful of Yankees personnel, including Hal Steinbrenner.

The hard-throwing right-hander, whose camp ramp-up was slightly delayed by mid-back inflammation, should be in line to throw around 65-70 pitches in his regular-season debut, as long as his spring finale (likely on Saturday) goes according to plan.

There should be much more adrenaline readily available for Schlittler’s first start of the season than there was on Monday morning, though he was encouraged by how he threw.

Cam Schlittler could begin the season as the No. 2 in the Yankees rotation. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Felt good, felt in control, didn’t have a walk, so that’s a really good feeling,” Schlittler said.

The 25-year-old was pitching the morning after staying up to watch Team USA knock off the Dominican Republic in a thrilling WBC semifinal, which included teammates Aaron Judge, David Bednar, Austin Wells and Camilo Doval. 

There were “some conversations” over the offseason about Schlittler potentially joining USA’s roster, he said, but they did not go too far because it was “already kind of decided” he would not participate given that he was coming off a career-high workload last season.

That said, Schlittler indicated he would be interested in pitching in the event the next time around.

“For sure,” he said. “Just wasn’t an option this year with the workload I threw last year. So hopefully I get another opportunity to do that in a couple years.”


Will Warren is scheduled to make his penultimate start of the spring Tuesday afternoon against the Rays, which could line him up to start the third game of the regular season.

The right-hander has had one of the strongest springs of any Yankee, pitching to a 1.65 ERA across four starts and 16 ¹/₃ innings.

Cavs release vague injury update on Jarrett Allen and other injured players

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Jarrett Allen #31 high fives Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t looked like the same team in the last five games without Jarrett Allen. Unfortunately for the Cavs, they will have at least a few more games without their starting center.

The team released a statement on Monday evening that Allen would be out for all three games during the Cavs’ upcoming road trip with right knee tendinitis. That would have him missing Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, and Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The earliest Allen could return would be for next Tuesday’s home matchup against the Orlando Magic.

The Cavs have struggled without Allen in the five games he’s been out. They’ve dropped three of those contests, while giving up 128 and 130 points to bad offenses like Orlando and the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, James Harden hasn’t been able to replicate the pick-and-roll success that he’s had with Allen with Evan Mobley. Even though the offense hasn’t been the issue, they also haven’t looked great.

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Allen first injured his knee in the second half of Cleveland’s March 3 win over the Detroit Pistons. When asked about Allen’s injury on Sunday, head coach Kenny Atkinson reiterated that he doesn’t “anticipate this to be long-term” and that they’re trying to be cautious with the injury with the playoffs around the corner.

Allen was playing the best basketball of his career in the month before the injury. In February, he averaged 22.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

The Cavs have also been without Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor in recent games.

Porter had an MRI that confirmed a left groin strain. He was initially injured in Friday’s victory over the Mavs. He’s expected to be sidelined for one to three weeks.

Proctor has been unavailable for the last few games with a right quad strain. Like Allen, he will also be out for the upcoming road trip. The team didn’t give a timetable for his return.

This Cavs’ season has been defined by injuries and trying to work new and returning players back into the lineup. Right now, the only hope is that the team will be healthy when postseason play begins next month.