Unlike every other player that has participated in the Indian Premier League, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is younger than the tournament itself.
Walker Homers Twice as Teng, Astros Blank Cubs 3-0
Christian Walker homered in both of his first two ABs to drive in all 3 Astros runs, backing 6 shutout innings by Kai-Wei Teng as the Houston Astros (22-31) shut out the Chicago Cubs (29-23) 3-0 at Wrigley Field.
The Astros have now won 3 of their last 4 games, and 5 of their last 8. Houston sent Chicago to its 7th straight loss, and the Northsiders have now dropped 11 of their last 13 games since posting a 10 game win streak.
Teng (W, 3-3) allowed only 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 6 while lowering his ERA to 2.19. He threw 56 of his 89 pitches for strikes. He got an incredible 23 called strikes, while also generating 10 swings and misses.
Walker drove a 1-0 slider from Cubs starter Colin Rea (L, 4-3) 376 ft to left center for a 2-run home run in the first. The blast was 105.5 MPH off the bat as Walker’s shot cut through the wind at Wrigley for his 12th HR of the season. Walker would then connect for his 13th HR in the 4th, a solo shot 369 ft to left center off a 3-2 sinker. The 105.6 MPH blast cut through the wind as sharply as the first one.
Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan King would finish off the 3-hit shutout, with King collecting his 6th Save.
In the top of the 6th, Yordan Alvarez had to be removed from the game mid-AB. Alvarez led off the inning, and before his AB he and manager Joe Espada had a long conversation, which was eventually joined by the team trainer. Yordan was allowed to take his AB.
After swinging and missing an 0-1 pitch, Alvarez took a long time to get in the batter’s box again and seemed to be in discomfort. Espada and the trainer came out again, and Alvarez was lifted for PH Zach Dezenzo. The Astros would later announce Alvarez left the game with a back spasm.
The Astros certainly hope Alvarez won’t be out long, as their injury-depleted roster has already been stretched past it’s limits and the team can ill-afford to lose it’s best hitter for a prolonged stretch.
Houston will go for the series sweep Sunday at 1:20 pm behind RHP Peter Lambert (2-4, 3.57), while the Cubs have not yet announced their starter for tomorrow’s game.
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez leaves game against Cubs in 6th inning because of back spasms
CHICAGO (AP) — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs in the middle of an at-bat in the sixth inning because of back spasms.
After fouling off a pitch from Colin Rea to fall behind 0-2, Alvarez appeared to be in discomfort. Zach Dezenzo stepped in as a pinch-hitter, and swung and missed on the next pitch to complete the strikeout.
Alvarez was chatting with the training staff in the on-deck circle before the at-bat, his third of the game. The three-time All-Star is batting .300 with 15 homers and 31 RBIs.
Braves and Nationals Rain Delay Updates, May 23
The rain came down in the middle of the second inning after threatening to do so since before the game started. Hang out here while we wait for the Braves and Nationals to re-start.
No updates yet on the restart time.
The tarps is still on the field, but not in the stands.
Looks like this will get started again at 5:15PM.
Yankees sign RHP Peter Strzelecki to minor league deal
The Yankees have signed RHP Peter Strzelecki to a minor league and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
Strzelecki, 31, has pitched in 77 big league games over his career with the Brewers, Diamondbacks and Guardians, but has not thrown a pitch in the majors since 2024.
In 11 appearances with the Guardians that season, Strzelecki pitched to a 2.31 ERA while striking out nine batters across 11.2 innings. For his career, Strzelecki pitched to a 3.44 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and 86 strikeouts across 83.2 innings with one career save.
This year, Strzelecki was pitching in the Brewers' system before he was designated for assignment on May 17, and once he cleared waivers, he elected free agency.
With Triple-A Nashville, Strzelecki appeared in 16 games, pitching to a 4.12 ERA after allowing 10 runs (nine earned) across 19.2 innings.
Austin Reaves wants to ‘run it back’ with Lakers, LeBron James
The Lakers have made it clear they want Austin Reaves’ NBA career to continue in purple and gold.
And Reaves’ latest comments make it appear he wants the same.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports at LAX, Reaves was asked a variety of questions, including whether he wanted to “run it back” with the Lakers.
He quickly responded, “run it back” — suggesting he wants to return to the Lakers during an offseason in which Reaves could be an unrestricted free agent for the first time.
Reaves will become a free agent this summer once he declines his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
He alluded to already having made that decision when asked whom the Lakers should go after during the offseason.
“I don’t know, I don’t get into all that,” Reaves said. “I’ve got to sign first … free agent.”
Reaves is expected to get a significant pay raise with his next contract — whether it’s with the Lakers or another team.
He’ll be eligible to sign a maximum five-year contract worth $241 million with the Lakers or a four-year, $178 million deal with another team.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager, made it clear during a postseason media availability the franchise wants Reaves back.
“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold. There’s rules and timing to all of that, but I think both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here.”
The 27-year-old Reaves is coming off averaging a career-high 23.2 points (49% shooting, 36% on 3-pointers), 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals during the 2025-26 regular season.
He averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists and four rebounds in six of the Lakers’ 10 playoff games after returning from a strained left oblique that sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season and first four playoff games.
Reaves also wants superstar forward LeBron James, who’ll also be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, to also return to the Lakers for a ninth season and record-extending 24th NBA season.
Which lines up with comments Reaves made after the Lakers’ 2025-26 season ended with the four-game sweep by the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
“Man, it would mean the world to me,” Reaves said. “I don’t know anything different. My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on, and he basically took me under his wing and [gave] me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me. But further than the court, like building a real friendship — he obviously is into golf now, so we’re a lot closer. It’s been super fun, and I hope to continue to do that. He’s taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career. He’s given me confidence every single day.”
Boston Celtics Daily Links 5/23/26
Herald Celtics’ Derrick White lands spot on All-Defensive first team
Globe Derrick White named to first-career NBA All-Defensive First Team
Mavericks’ firing of Jason Kidd part of their vision of building for future
CelticsBlogCelticsBlog exit interview: Baylor Scheierman and the art of being useful
Celtics guard Derrick White earns All-Defensive first-team honors
CLNS MediaShould the Celtics Build a Team to Beat the Spurs? | Celtics Beat
Celtics .com Derrick White Named Lone Guard on 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive First Team
NBC Sports BostonCeltics’ Derrick White earns NBA All-Defensive First Team nod
NESNCeltics Heavily Tied To Legendary Massachusetts-Born UConn Prospect
Celtics Predicted To Add ‘Fast-Rising Center’ Who Could Elevate Frontcourt Next To Jayson Tatum
Celtics Writer Names 11.9-Point Veteran Center As Possible Trade Target To Pair With Jayson Tatum
Mass Live Blazers interviewing Celtics assistant for head coaching job
Derrick White earns NBA honor for first time in career
Celtics Wire Are the Celtics too focused on financials to win a title anytime soon?
What decisions do the Celtics need to make this offseason?
Kevin Garnett breaks down fellow Boston Celtics Hall of Fame alum Larry Bird trash talk
Celtics history: Fitch hire; Westphal/Scott deal; ‘Beat LA’ chant born
Derrick White caps off season with All-Defensive First Team honors
How soon can the Celtics turn back into contenders?
Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook advances in talks for Blazers HC job
Boston Sports JournalNBA Notebook: Celtics-Giannis smoke, Blazers layoffs, and new lottery odds
Hardwood HoudiniCeltics in serious danger of losing valuable weapon from repertoire
Latest Derrick White honor should remind Celtics fans grass not always greener
Bill Simmons’ Giannis intel signals Celtics’ big-picture stance on Jaylen Brown
Ranking the Celtics’ 3 biggest competitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Obvious Jayson Tatum tweak would kickstart Celtics’ playoff offense
SI .com Looking Back at What Made Derrick White a First-Team All-Defensive Player
Celtics RoundtableWhy Boston Celtics Pursuit of Giannis Could Be Extra Tough This Offseason
Heavy Celtics Interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Draws Blunt Update
Boston Celtics Linked To Major Free Agent Reunion This Summer
Celtics Trade Pitch Lands $87 Million Star Center Next to Jayson Tatum
NBA Mock Draft 2026: Top 5 Shocker With 1 Month to Go
Celtics Trade Pitch Lands $100 Million Star as Perfect Jayson Tatum Fit
Celtics’ Massive Trade Package for Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed
CBS Sports/YouTubeHave the Miami Heat taken the lead among the Giannis potential landing spots?
Audacy Derrick White earns All-Defensive First Team honors
NewsdayMiami’s Bam Adebayo wins NBA’s Social Justice Champion award
The Hoops LedgerWhy Baylor Scheierman MUST Replace Sam Hauser
Newsweek Fans Erupt After Derrick White Makes First-Team All-Defense Over Scottie Barnes
Bleacher ReportNew NBA Rumors on Updated ‘3-2-1’ Draft Lottery Proposal, Retroactive Streak Guidance
Last Word on SportsCan Jaylen Brown Save The Sacramento Kings?
Fan RecapCeltics Eye Homegrown Reunion After Hauser Trade Buzz
International Business TimesTop 3 NBA Trade Rumors May 2026: Giannis Future, Star Shifts and Draft Buzz
Rockets RoundtableJaylen Brown in a Rockets Uniform? I’m Not So Sure How I Feel About That
Knicks are within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999
Knicks are within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the New York Knicks moved within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby had 21 points as New York led the entire game. The Knicks were 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 on 3-pointers. They were also 24 of 27 from the foul line.
The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals and sweep their second straight series with a win on Monday night. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. The last team to do it was the Boston Celtics, who also went on a 10-game run on their way to the 2024 title.
All but one of the Knicks’ wins have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 21 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 12 of 41 on 3-pointers and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
New York led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter but put it out reach in the fourth when Landry Shamet made three 3-pointers in a 99-second span to make it 105-94.
The Knicks made their first four shots en route to a 9-1 lead less than two minutes into the game. New York was 12 of 17 from the field in the quarter and was up 37-27 after 12 minutes.
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run. They went into halftime with a 60-54 advantage.
Brunson had six of his 12 points during an 8-1 run midway through the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead to 83-70 with 3:41 remaining.
Verdugo Hills claims City Section Division I baseball title
Verdugo Hills, the fourth-place finisher in the Valley Mission League with a 10-18 record entering the City Section Division I playoffs, completed a remarkable turnaround on Saturday, winning its fourth consecutive playoff game to take home the Division I title with a 3-1 victory over Taft at Dodger Stadium.
No one was picking the Dons in this one. They had used their two best pitchers in a 10-inning semifinal win over top-seeded Sylmar. But coach Angel Espindola had a plan.
Verdugo Hills 3, Taft 1. DI champs. Anthony Velasquez complete game. pic.twitter.com/qDs1P2OxCT
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 23, 2026
“I’ve got tricks up my sleeve,” he said.
Anthony Velasquez threw a complete-game one-hitter while relying on his defense to make the routine plays and deal with six walks and only one strikeout. At the plate, the hero was first baseman Cutlor Fannon. He had an RBI double in the first inning and an RBI single in the seventh.
But there was drama in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Toreadors’ Victor Jara represented the tying run at the plate with two outs. He hit probably the hardest ball of the day to deep left field.
Moises Rodriguez of Verdugo Hills caught the final out in left for 3-1 win at Dodger Stadium to win Di City title. pic.twitter.com/2UNU6Xrxs1
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 23, 2026
“The last one scared me,” Velasquez said as he watched left fielder Moises Rodriguez stick out his glove running to catch it and start a victory celebration.
The catch by Moises Rodriguez that saved Verdugo Hills. Courtesy Interscholastic Films. pic.twitter.com/8KsqsPy5Mo
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 23, 2026
Rodriguez said he “felt all my emotions running through me” as he chased down the fly ball.
“It was surreal,” he said.
Espindola’s best coaching moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Taft drew consecutive walks from Velasquez with one out. Espindola went to the mound for a pitcher conference.
“Relax,” is what he told Velasquez.
Then Taft hit into an inning-ending double play.
Verdugo Hills’ fielders more than handled the Dodger Stadium environment. Catcher Miguel Wong threw out a runner trying to steal second. Outfielders Rodriguez, Jack Iafrate and Jessie Olmos combined to catch seven fly balls. And third baseman D’Angelo Duran and shortstop Ethan Sanchez were flawless on ground balls.
As for what happened in the playoffs, Rodriguez said, “We changed our perspective to playing baseball instead of doing baseball. It was let’s have fun.”
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GameThread: Tigers vs. Orioles, 4:05 p.m.
Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles
Time (ET): 4:05 p.m.
Place: Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
SB Nation Site:Camden Chat
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 53: LHP Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA)
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Knicks vs Cavaliers Expert Picks & Game 3 Best Bets
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
The New York Knicks are just two wins away from wiping out the Cleveland Cavaliers and reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
With Game 3 set for this evening at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, our experts have you primed with some NBA picks for Saturday, May 23.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Expert Picks Tonight
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
 Jon Metler:  Anunoby o14.5 points | -130 |
 Jason Logan: Towns o1.5 threes | +125 |
 Joe Osborne: Knicks moneyline | +115 |
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Jon Metler's expert pick: OG Anunoby Over 14.5 points
Price: -130 at bet365
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to force the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands; they can’t let him work in isolation against their perimeter defenders.
When that happens, OG Anunoby finds himself catching passes against a rotating Cavaliers defense that he can attack for easy buckets. This is all about working off Brunson’s gravity and defensive coverage while attacking the space Brunson creates for him.
I also love that this is Anunoby’s third game back for the New York Knicks, and there’s an opportunity for his minutes to ramp up in Game 3.
That’s significant because he’s being priced like a player who will only play low-30s minutes. I price Anunoby at -175 to clear this number, which is why I’m hitting the button.
Jason Logan's expert pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes
Price: +125 at bet365
The Knicks offense is a well-oiled machine at this point in the playoffs. With the Cavs blitzing Jalen Brunson, he’s finding open teammates for a ton of assists
Karl-Anthony Towns is taking plenty of 3-point attempts as he continues working out of the high post in the playoffs, dragging Cleveland’s size away from the paint with his outside shooting. That resulted in three made triples in Game 2.
Projection models call for a pair of treys from KAT in another win for New York.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks moneyline
Price: +115 at bet365
The Knicks are in the midst of a dominant playoff run, winning nine straight games, with eight of those victories coming by double digits. They have clearly been the sharper offensive team in this series, shooting the ball better than Cleveland while consistently controlling points in the paint.
New York has also been excellent away from home, posting a stronger playoff net rating on the road than at MSG. Meanwhile, the Cavs might be running out of gas after playing high-intensity games every other night since April 29 — a stretch of 12 games.
More Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3 picks
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers props
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay
- Free NBA picks
- Best NBA betting sites
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
How to watch Knicks-Cavs NBA Playoffs Game 3 for free: Time, livestream
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
The New York Knicks extended their Eastern Conference Finals lead to two games in front of a rapturous home crowd (and an equally invested star-studded celebrity row). Now, the series moves to Cleveland for two games in the Cavaliers’ home court beginning with tonight’s Game 3.
Unlike the dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in the series opener, the Knicks took control of a tight game just after halftime in Game 2, using a devastating 18–0 third-quarter run to break open a 53–53 tie and coast to their ninth consecutive postseason win, 109-93.
Josh Hart put in a playoff career-high 26 points with five 3-pointers. He was supported by Jalen Brunson, who shifted into playmaker mode, dishing out a playoff career-high 14 assists to go along with 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the interior with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals: what to know
- What: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, Game 3
- When: May 23, 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Rocket Arena (Cleveland, Ohio)
- Channel: ABC
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
Game 4, which will happen no matter the result of tonight’s game, is a Memorial Day matchup set for Monday night.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks start time:
Tonight’s (May 23) Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Knicks for free:
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the game for free.
DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ABC (plus every other channel you’ll need for the rest of the NBA postseason). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
Sling TV is another affordable way to watch TV live and stream NBA games; its Select plan includes ABC and starts at $19.99/month.
Knicks-Cavaliers second round playoff schedule
- Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavs 104 (OT)
- Game 2: Knicks 109, Cavs 93
- Game 3: Saturday, May 23 (8 ET, ABC)
- Game 4: Monday, May 25 (8 ET, ESPN)
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 27 (8 ET, ESPN)*
- Game 6: Friday, May 29 (8 ET, ESPN)*
- Game 7: Sunday, May 31 (8 ET, ESPN)*
* if necessary
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Same-Game Parlay for Tonight's NBA Playoffs Game 3
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
The New York Knicks are a runaway subway car in the Eastern Conference finals. The next stop is Rocket Arena for Game 3 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York tries to put Cleveland in a 3-0 chokehold on Saturday, and my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions aren't standing on the tracks, taking the road team to win with an energetic performance from OG Anunoby.
Here are my latest NBA picks for Saturday, May 23.
Our best Knicks vs Cavaliers SGP for Game 3
SGP leg #1: Knicks moneyline
Homecourt may be the only edge left for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re outgunned on offense, outmatched in coaching, and running on fumes compared to a well-rested New York Knicks squad.
That difference is showing in the fourth quarters of both the previous two games. New York has been great on the road in the postseason, going 4-1 SU and ATS as a playoff visitor.
SGP leg #2: Evan Mobley Over 15.5 points
Evan Mobley should be miffed with his teammates. After exploding for 10 points in the first quarter and posting 14 points at the half, Mobley didn’t get a single shot off in the second half of Game 2.
Cleveland’s offense is at its best when it gets the bigs involved, and Mobley must be a priority in Game 3. Projections sit as high as 18 points on Saturday.
SGP leg #3: OG Anunoby Over 14.5 points
OG Anunoby has been taking it easy in the first two games of the ECF, as he's coming off a hamstring injury in Round 2.
When the going gets tough on the road for the Knicks, OG brings the energy to enemy territory. He’s been huge away from MSG in the playoffs and averages two points more on the road than at home for the year.
Anunoby is forecasted for as many as 17.5 points in Game 3.
Covers NBA betting tools
See our full Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3 preview
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions for Game 3.
More Covers NBA Playoff content
NBA Championship odds
Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals MVP odds
See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.
Live NBA Playoff bracket
Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Bryan Torres Homers in MLB Debut as Cardinals Slam Reds 8-1 in Game 1 of Doubleheader
There were several feel good moments for the St. Louis Cardinals in game 1 of a day/night doubleheader Saturday. Bryan Torres made his Major League debut and collected his first hit and home run while Andre Pallante was sharp and Jordan Walker hit his first Great American Ball Park home run as the Cardinals beat the Reds 8-1. There was even a “tarps off” Cardinals group that grew as the game progressed.
The dastardly Cincinnati Reds were the first to score as Nathaniel Lowe crushed a 398 foot home run into the right field seats in the bottom of the 2nd inning giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. Fortunately for Andre Pallante and the St. Louis Cardinals, that was one of only two hits they would get off of him. Pallante was a little shaky in the first couple of innings, but overall it ended up being one of Andre’s best starts of the year. He was stellar. He gave the Cardinals six strong innings allowing just 2 hits and that lone earned run.
The St. Louis Cardinals bats would not let that lead stand for long as they took advantage of Reds pitcher Chris Paddack suddenly being unable to find the strike zone as JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera both drew 1-out walks. Alec Burleson made sure that the phrase “walks come back to haunt you” came true as he ripped a single to right field tying the game 1-1. Jordan Walker hit into a fielder’s choice avoiding the double play after Alec’s single giving St. Louis a 2-1 lead.
The Cardinals would add to their lead in the top of the 4th inning, but it could have been so much better. Masyn Winn led off with a single followed by Bryan Torres who made his MLB debut today after 10 years in the minor leagues. He was rewarded for all those years of hard work and perseverance with his first Major League hit.
After Prieto struck out, JJ Wetherholt ripped a ball down the right field line glancing off of the first baseman’s glove and trickling into short right field giving the Cardinals a 3-1 lead.
Bryan Torres was held at third base on JJ Wetherholt’s hit which would come back to bite the Cardinals as Ivan Herrera grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the top of the 4th inning with St. Louis only getting 1 run out of a bases loaded with one out opportunity.
Jordan Walker would not miss his opportunity in the top of the 7th inning, though. After Ivan Herrera walked, Jordan would unload on a 1-1 pitch off of reliever Connor Phillips and send it 389 feet into the right field seats for his 14th home run of the year padding the Cardinals lead to 5-1. It was Jordan’s first home run in Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park meaning he has homered in all NL Central opponent parks now.
Ryne Stanek was brought in for some late innings relief and he had a drama-free 7th inning with the exception of a two-out walk to Suarez, but it led to nothing for the Reds which is the way we like it. George Soriano followed Stanek’s lead and tossed a relaxing bottom of the 8th inning for St. Louis, too.
The Cardinals would continue to pile on the Reds in the late innings as Victor Scott II ripped another hit (3 for 4 today just like I predicted) and then Ivan Herrera hit a triple into deep right center which the Reds could not handle scoring Victor making it 6-1 Cardinals in the top of the 8th inning. It would get even better in the top of the 9th as Masyn Winn walked and then Bryan Torres put a pretty swing on a 2-1 pitch and planted it in the right field stands for a no-doubt home run giving the Cardinals their final score lead of 8-1.
Matt Svanson finished off the Reds in the bottom of the 9th inning giving Riley O’Brien rest so he’s ready for duty in game 2 Saturday night if needed.
St. Louis will try for a doubleheader sweep in Game 2 as they’ll start Kyle Leahy. He’ll go up against Chase Petty who will be the Reds game 2 starter. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15pm central time and will be a national TV broadcast on Fox.
Where to watch New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Saturday, May 23
The New York Mets, last in the NL East with a 22-29 record, face the Miami Marlins, who are fourth in the division at 23-29. The game is essentially a pick'em, with the Marlins at -115 and the Mets at -104. Scheduled starting pitchers are Freddy Peralta for the Mets, with a 3.31 ERA, and Max Meyer for the Marlins, with a 2.85 ERA.
How to watch New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: loanDepot park, Miami, FL
TV Channels: Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, SNY
Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports
Team records
New York Mets: 22-29 (No. 5 in NL East)
Miami Marlins: 23-29 (No. 4 in NL East)
Odds
Spread: Miami Marlins +1.5
Moneyline: Miami Marlins -115 (51.2%) / New York Mets -104 (48.8%)
Over/Under: 7.5
Starting pitchers
New York Mets: Freddy Peralta (3-3, ERA: 3.31, K: 54, WHIP: 1.25)
Miami Marlins: Max Meyer (4-0, ERA: 2.85, K: 60, WHIP: 1.12)
Weather: 85°F at first pitch
Ballpark: Capacity: 37,446 | Roof: Retractable | Surface: Artificial Turf