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Mets' bats can't produce big hit late in frustrating 4-3 loss to Diamondbacks

The Mets saw their home winning streak end at eight games, as they frustratingly fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3, on Wednesday night at Citi Field.

Here are the takeaways...

-- New York employed a bullpen game, with Huascar Brazobán serving as the opener for a second time this season. The right-hander resembled his efficient self, striking out three with one walk allowed across two scoreless frames (26 pitches). It was quite an impressive April for Brazobán, who owns a sharp 1.40 ERA through 12 appearances.

-- It didn't take long for the Mets to disrupt the rhythm of D-backs ace Corbin Burnes, but their first-inning threat didn't yield any runs. A one-out, bases-loaded jam set up by a Francisco Lindor double and a pair of walks was all for naught, as Burnes escaped trouble by striking out Starling Marte and getting Jeff McNeil to ground out. Lindor is now hitting a league-best .483 leading off the first.

-- Just when it looked like Burnes had regained composure after his shaky first, Mark Vientos punished him in the third with a two-out solo home run to left, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. The third baseman's fourth blast of the season traveled 371 feet. Vientos had another chance to inflict damage on Burnes in the fifth with two runners on, but he grounded into an inning-ending double play.

-- The Mets had their chances to make Burnes pay for mistakes, but the veteran right-hander ultimately limited the damage to just the Vientos homer across six innings. He didn't have his ace stuff -- he walked five batters for the first time since 2022 -- but the quality start was earned due to New York leaving seven runners on during those frames.

-- Brandon Waddell was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to pitch specifically in bulk relief, and his first taste of the majors since 2021 was undoubtedly sweet. The 30-year-old righty logged 4.1 shutout innings with four strikeouts and retired the last eight batters he faced. Waddell's debut with the Mets ended with a standing ovation from the crowd, but the cheering in the seventh inning didn't last.

-- The positive vibes from Waddell's performance were quickly squashed by Ryne Stanek, as he allowed Arizona's bottom-three hitters to produce a two-out, three-single rally for a pair of runs. There's now a pattern of trouble with Stanek, who's relinquished the lead in each of his last three appearances.

-- New York had an opportunity to knot the score in the seventh, as Tyrone Taylor led off the inning with a single and a steal of second that was initially ruled a caught-stealing and required a replay challenge. But the big hit never arrived -- D-backs reliever Jalen Beeks worked out of the jam by inducing a popout, flyout, and strikeout from the top of the Mets' order.

-- Brandon Nimmo, who drove in a mammoth nine runs on Monday but missed Tuesday's game due to illness, was called upon to pinch-hit in the eighth with two outs and a runner on first. The move didn't pay off, as he grounded out to third. Chris Devenski, in his second inning of work, allowed a leadoff walk, a double, and a pair of sac flies that resulted in two more runs for Arizona in the top of the ninth.

-- New York finally showed signs of life in the bottom frame, trailing by three against D-backs closer Justin Martinez. The rally began with a solo homer from Taylor, and after Lindor and Juan Soto worked walks, Arizona opted to pull Martinez for Ryan Thompson. More chaos ensued when Pete Alonso was plunked by a pitch and Jesse Winker drove in a run with a groundout to first, cutting the Mets' deficit to one. But the hopes of a win disappeared when Francisco Alvarez grounded out to third with two outs and the bases juiced.

-- The Mets left a whopping 13 runners on base, and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. In spite of these ugly numbers, the offense nearly pulled off an unexpected win.

Game MVP: Geraldo Perdomo

Perdomo entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh, and he won the battle against Stanek by driving in two with a single to left. He then produced a sac fly in the ninth, bumping his RBI total to three in the series.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets (21-10) will wrap up their brief homestand against the Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon, with a matinee scheduled for 1:10 p.m..

Kodai Senga (3-1, 1.26 ERA) is slated to take the mound, opposite Zac Gallen (1-4, 5.57 ERA).

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Big night by Marchand line helps Panthers eliminate Lightning with 6-3 win in Game 5

Apr 22, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) is congratulated by center Brad Marchand (63) and center Eetu Luostarinen (27) after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)

The Florida Panthers are moving on.

Fueled by Wednesday’s 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5, Florida is heading to the second round for the fourth consecutive postseason.

They’ll face the winner of the series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.

It didn’t take long for the goals to start coming fast and furious on Wednesday night at Amalie Arena.

First it was Gage Goncalves from the doorstep, picking up a Luke Glendening shot and putting it behind a sprawling Sergei Bobrovsky just 2:33 into the game.

Carter Verhaeghe tied the game less than three minutes later, taking a feed from Matthew Tkachuk and backhanding it past Andrei Vasilevskiy.

A great play by Brad Marchand in the corner led to Florida’s next goal, as Marchand’s centering pass went off the leg of Anton Lundell and into the net at the 10:06 mark.

Florida’s lead lasted just over two minutes.

Connor Geekie stole the puck from Lundell in Florida’s zone and the puck went right to Nick Paul in the slot. He quickly spun around and beat Bobrovsky over the glove, knotting the score at two.

The second period had barely gotten going when Florida took the lead for a second time.

Defenseman Gus Forsling fired a one-timer from the point that was deflected by a screening Sasha Barkov to put the Cats up 3-2 just 52 seconds into the period.

A Jake Guentzel power play goal, Tampa’s first in 15 chances, tied the score at three midway through the middle frame.

The Bolts went right back on the power play when Sam Bennett took his second straight penalty, but it would be Bennett that got the last laugh this time

Immediately after Florida killed off the power play, Bennett took a pass from Lundell and went in all alone on Vasilevskiy, beating him to the blocker side to put the Panthers back in front.

Florida’s third line continued their amazing night, picking up a huge insurance goal for the Cats.

A steal by Lundell in the neutral zone led to Marchand collecting the puck in Tampa’s end.

Marchand sent a perfect feed to a cutting Eetu Luostarinen, whose fourth point of the game put Florida ahead 5-3.

Sam Reinhart added an empty-net goal to seal the victory for the Cats.

On to round two!

QUICK THOUGHTS

Verhaeghe has now scored in consecutive games. He had goals in three straight games and a five-game point streak to close out his regular season.

Also scoring in back-to-back games is Lundell, who has five points over his past two outings.

His buddy Eetu Luostarinen had quite a night, logging a goal and three assists on Wednesday for the first four-point game of his career.

Tkachuk’s assist gave him five points so far during the playoffs.

Barkov is also up to five playoff points after picking up his first goal of the postseason.

Reinhart is also up to six postseason points after logging an assist on Verhaeghe’s goal.

Marchand has picked up assists in back-to-back games and has four so far during the playoffs.

Not one, not two, not three but four assists over his last two games for Eetu Luostarinen after dishing a pair of apples in Game 5.

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The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live: Reaction As Capitals Eliminate The Canadiens

Alex Ovechkin (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Welcome to The Hockey News Playoff Frenzy Live, streaming nightly during the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.

After the big game of the night, our experts go live to react to the match that was, break down the key moments and storylines, provide updates on the rest of the night's NHL slate and read your opinions.

On tonight's show, Katie Gaus and Andrew McInnis react to the Washington Capitals beating the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 in Game 5 and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Capitals vs Canadiens Game 5 - Playoff Frenzy | The Hockey NewsCapitals vs Canadiens Game 5 - Playoff Frenzy | The Hockey NewsWelcome to Playoff Frenzy Live by The Hockey News presented by STIX.com, where we give our live reactions and break down the latest news to all the biggest g...

They also look at the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning facing off in Game 5.

Share your thoughts in the comments and live chat, and the hosts may discuss your message during the stream.

Check out the show right now.

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It's Official: The Flames Will Pick 18th Overall at the 2025 NHL Draft (And We Have Our Guess)

A fan looks on prior to the first round of 2024 NHL Draft in The Sphere in Las Vegas. (Photo:  Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

With the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals eliminating the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens respectfully from 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Calgary Flames are now officially locked in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with the 18th overall pick.

Who will they draft?

Let the speculation begin…

The Flames have a problem on the offensive end. They had the fourth-lowest goals scored in the league, and a power play that ranked 19th. But they do get shots on goal with the seventh-most this past season.

The good thing about Calgary is they have two first-round picks this year and the second one is dependent on how far the Florida Panthers end up in the playoffs. The Flames should prioritize their offensive needs with that second pick.

Considering in Elite Prospects top 32 April’s list of prospects for the draft, there are just seven defencemen, it makes the position even more valuable.

And since 23-year-old Wranglers centre Rory Kerins impressed in the AHL with 33 goals and 61 points in 63 games this past season, and even scored four points in five games with the Flames, there is potential he makes the roster and helps with the scoring.

Calgary has depth with right-handed defencemen: Rasmus Andersson (whose future with the organization is cloudy), MacKenzie Weegar, Brayden Pachal, Daniil Miromanov.

Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz are RHD prospects that are very likely to make the roster.

With left-handers, the only regulars are Joel Hanley, Jake Bean and Kevin Bahl. Hanley will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer and will turn 34 on June 8th: quite old for the Flames roster whose average age was 27.35 for the 2024-45 season according to Elite Prospects.

Jake Bean is not a game-changing defenceman, and will most likely be headed to the AHL, leaving Bahl as the top pairing left defenceman. That means it should be Craig Conroy’s priority to sign the upcoming restricted free agent.

With that 18th overall pick, the Flames should draft a left-handed defenceman and add depth to their blueline.

Our pick:  Kitchener Rangers LD Cameron Reid -

24'-25' OHL Stats:  14 Goals, 40 Assists,  54 Points in 67 Games

Notable Stat: 22 Power Play assists (Team-high, 16th in the OHL)

The Reasons:

  • Valuable shutdown defenseman
  • Two-way capabilities with great offensive skills
  • Leadership experience as alternate captain of Rangers
  • Ability to quarterback the man-advantage will help Flames power play woes
  • Very physical defender will fit well in a Flames roster ranked 11th in hits this past season
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Nashville Predators Draft Odds: NHL Announces Lottery Details

The NHL announced that the 2025 Draft Lottery will be held May 5 at NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. The event will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States and Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada, at a time to be announced. 

The Draft itself will take place from June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

Nashville Predators

There will be two drawings in the Draft Lottery, one to determine the No. 1 pick and a second to determine the No. 2 pick. No team can move up more than 10 spots in the draft order, and only the top 11 teams in the lottery are eligible for the No. 1 pick. If a team outside of the top 11 wins the draw, the team with the worst record in the NHL will pick No. 1.

The San Jose Sharks (20-50-12), who finished with the NHL's worst record, have the best odds to win the lottery at 18.5%, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks (25-46-11) at 13.5% and the Nashville Predators (30-44-8) at 11.5%.

According to Tankathon, the Predators' odds for their five possible lottery results are as follows:

  • No. 1 overall — 11.5%
  • No. 2 overall — 11.2%
  • No. 3 overall — 7.8%
  • No. 4 overall — 39.7%
  • No. 5 overall — 29.8%

Regardless of the lottery results, the Predators will select in the top five of the draft order for the first time since 2013, when they selected defenseman Seth Jones at No. 4 overall.

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Carlos Carrasco's rocky second inning sinks Yankees in 5-4 loss to Orioles

Carlos Carrasco allowed four second-inning runs, and that was enough for the Orioles to hold off the Yankees, 5-4, on Wednesday night in Baltimore.

Here are the takeaways....

-The Yankees got out to an early lead once again, thanks to the longball. Aaron Judge took Cade Povich deep on a hanging sweeper, launching it 426 feet into deep center field. Judge extended his on-base streak to 27 games.

He would drive in another run with an RBI single in the seventh to cut the Orioles' lead to 5-4. Judge finished 3-for-3 with a walk.

-Paul Goldschmidt would get in on the home run barrage in Baltimore, launching his second long ball -- a solo shot -- of the season in the fifth. It was the first baseman's first homer since March 29.

Unfortunately, the Yankees' lineup just couldn't get traffic on the bases or come through when they needed to. Their best chance came in the sixth with runners at the corners with one out. Pablo Reyes and Jasson Dominguez struck out to end the threat.

-Carrasco was tasked with keeping the Orioles' hitters down with an early lead, but just couldn't. Ryan Mountcastle turned on a slider that had too much plate that tied the game at 2-2 in the second. Two batters later, Ramon Urias took Carrasco deep to give the Orioles the lead. Carrasco would allow another run in the second after two-out hits from Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.

Carrasco would settle down, but in the fourth, he could only get one out. Tim Hill came in to get the final two outs of the inning.

Carrasco pitched just 3.1 innings (66 pitches/40 strikes), allowing four runs on eight hits, no walks, while striking out five.

-The Yankees' bullpen did their job, keeping the game close. Hill allowed a run -- aided by an Anthony Volpe error -- in his one inning of work, while Fernando Cruz continued to dominate, striking out four in his 1.2 innings.

Devin Williams made his second appearance since losing his closer's role. After getting the Orioles in order on Monday, Williams allowed a walk but got through his one inning of work unscathed. Mark Leiter Jr. worked in and out of trouble in the eighth to give the Yankees one last shot in the ninth, down 5-4.

However, the Yankees would go down in order to closer Felix Bautista, not allowing Judge to get one final at-bat.

-In the fourth, Heston Kjerstad stole second base but Austin Wells' throw was high. Reyes jumped and batted the ball down but landed on Kjerstad's head. Kjerstad took offense to Reyes and started jawing, causing both benches to clear. Cooler heads would prevail, but it harkens back to last season when Kjerstad was hit in the head with a pitch that caused the benches to clear.

-Dominguez started, hitting right-handed against the southpaw. He had some bad luck in his first at-bat, lining a ball into left field that Ramon Laureano caught diving to rob Dominguez of a hit (xBA .530). In his second at-bat, he smoked a pitch 103.9 mph off the bat but right at the third baseman for a forceout. His third and fourth at-bats resulted in strikeouts, and he finished the night 0-for-4.

-With Jazz Chisholm Jr. out of the lineup with his "flank" sprain, manager Aaron Boone switched up his lineup, having Reyes start at second and Oswald Peraza at third. Ben Rice hit leanup against the left-hander Povich and Volpe was moved up to the No. 5 hole.

Reyes finished 0-for-2 with a walk, while Peraza went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run. Volpe went 1-for-3 with a walk, while Rice went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Game MVP: Orioles bullpen

Baltimore used six pitchers to get the final 13 outs, allowing just one run.

Highlights

What's next

After an off day on Thursday, the Yankees return home to host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) will take the mound while the Rays have yet to name a starter.

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‘Nico Harrison was right': Fans react as Timberwolves stun Lakers in first round

‘Nico Harrison was right': Fans react as Timberwolves stun Lakers in first round originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Was Nico Harrison…right?

The Dallas Mavericks general manager may have been watching from home, but his thought process about trading Luka Doncic came to the spotlight.

Doncic, in particular, struggled to impose himself defensively despite posting strong offensive numbers. The Los Angeles Lakers also saw their lack of depth play a factor, as the five starters accumulated heavy minutes to compensate for a feeble bench.

Los Angeles worked its way up the Western Conference ladder to the No. 3 seed following the Doncic trade, but playoffs expose team’s weaknesses. The No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves delivered when it mattered, with Julius Randle also enjoying a solid series given his past woes.

The first postseason of the LeBron James-Doncic era ends in early failure, with Rob Pelinka having more work to do as James turns 41 next season.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Lakers’ elimination, which included the Mavericks’ GM:

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‘Nico Harrison was right': Fans react as Timberwolves stun Lakers in first round

‘Nico Harrison was right': Fans react as Timberwolves stun Lakers in first round originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Was Nico Harrison…right?

The Dallas Mavericks general manager may have been watching from home, but his thought process about trading Luka Doncic came to the spotlight.

Doncic, in particular, struggled to impose himself defensively despite posting strong offensive numbers. The Los Angeles Lakers also saw their lack of depth play a factor, as the five starters accumulated heavy minutes to compensate for a feeble bench.

Los Angeles worked its way up the Western Conference ladder to the No. 3 seed following the Doncic trade, but playoffs expose team’s weaknesses. The No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves delivered when it mattered, with Julius Randle also enjoying a solid series given his past woes.

The first postseason of the LeBron James-Doncic era ends in early failure, with Rob Pelinka having more work to do as James turns 41 next season.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Lakers’ elimination, which included the Mavericks’ GM:

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Atlanta's Dyson Daniels wins Most Improved Player with two-way play

For his first two NBA seasons, Dyson Daniels was fighting just to get minutes off the bench in a crowded New Orleans guard rotation. He was improving, but not getting a chance to show off that growth.

Then this summer he was traded to Atlanta as part of the Dejounte Murray deal. Atlanta was starved for quality two-way wings and gave Daniels a legitimate chance — and he thrived.

He averaged 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds a game while playing elite defense, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Daniels improved his scoring by +8.3 points per game, rebounds by +2.0 per game, assists by +1.7 per game, and steals by +1.62 per game from last season.

All that earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Daniels got 44 first-place votes from the panel of 100 global media members who vote on the awards.

Clippers big man Ivica Zubac — who has had a standout playoffs after a great regular season — came in second in the voting (23 first-place votes), with Pistons star Cade Cunningham (15) third. The Nuggets' Christian Braun (9) and the Lakers' Austin Reaves (3) rounded out the top five.

When the award was announced on TNT's Inside the NBA, the Bendigo, Australia, native did the interview from his home in the island nation — with his father making an appearance in the background.

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Suarez set for 2025 big-league debut against Diamondbacks

Suarez set for 2025 big-league debut against Diamondbacks  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Ranger Suarez has a big-league green light. 

Following a bullpen session Wednesday ahead of the Phillies’ 7-2 win over the Nationals, Suarez was formally cleared to make his 2025 major league debut. 

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Suarez will pitch Sunday vs. the Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will open the series Friday with Jesus Luzardo on the hill and start Aaron Nola on Saturday. 

Suarez was brilliant to begin 2024 and named an All-Star. He went 9-0 with a 1.36 ERA over his first 10 starts, but back trouble popped up and Suarez struggled in the second half. The 29-year-old lefty had a 6.54 ERA over his final 11 outings.

In mid-March, Suarez was sidelined by lower back stiffness. He made four rehab starts — two for Single A Clearwater, two for Triple A Lehigh Valley — and threw 16 2/3 total innings. Suarez allowed just two runs, struck out 24 hitters and walked five. 

Thomson said Tuesday the Phillies are discussing the possibility of turning to a six-man rotation. Taijuan Walker will get his sixth start of the season on Thursday against Washington. Entering that game, he sits at 1-2 with a 2.78 ERA in Suarez’s absence. 

Cristopher Sanchez started Wednesday’s victory, returning from a left forearm issue. He tossed five innings, conceded two runs and watched the Phillies’ bullpen handle the rest. 

“Looked a little rusty,” Thomson said of Sanchez. “It’s been a week since he’s pitched. The command was off a little bit, but the stuff was really good. The changeup looked normal, the slider looked normal, the fastball velocity was good. I’m pleased with it.”

Sanchez said he felt “great” and expressed no lingering concern about his forearm. 

“That’s what I was looking forward to today, feeling like my best self, as I always do,” he said. “And just go out and compete.” 

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Rockets attack Steph's tender thumb with ‘idiotic' rules on their side

Rockets attack Steph's tender thumb with ‘idiotic' rules on their side originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Stephen Curry’s swollen right thumb looks as if it would be uncomfortable holding a toothbrush or tying shoes, much less pulling the Warriors through the NBA playoffs.

There is no doubt the Houston Rockets have noticed the wrap that extends from Curry’s thumb to his wrist. They sense a possible weakness, and every team hunts vulnerabilities once in the playoffs. Coincidentally, basketball is very much a contact sport for the Rockets.

They’re making plenty of contact with Curry’s right thumb, which is at the base of the release of his jump shot, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr is more annoyed by it than Curry.

“I don’t think it’s impacting him,” Kerr told reporters in Houston after the 131-116 Game 5 loss to the Rockets. “Players are going to do whatever they’re allowed to do. And, so, on every release Steph’s getting hit.

“But it’s basically within the rules. So that’s how the league wants it right now. I know we’ve got 30 coaches who all think it’s just idiotic that we allow this.”

The NBA rulebook allows “minimal contact” from a defender once a shot is released. Officials are allowed to use discretion on the definition of “minimal contact.” The Rockets – particularly Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengun – generally don’t operate with a minimal contact approach.

“There’s a pattern of when it’s full extension, when it’s the full point of release, because it’s hard for a ref,” Curry said. “I get it. You’re trying to look at the body, look at the release, where contact is. There’s a subtle difference in how certain people do it. When I say it’s a foul, it’s a foul. But other than that, as a player, you can’t worry about it too much.”

“As a player, you can’t worry about it too much … you can complain, but if you dwell on it and get distracted by it, then you’re not worried about making shots. I’m trying to do both. Make shots and if I get fouled, like, let them know I got fouled.”

Curry played 24 minutes in the Game 5 blowout, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field, including 3 of 9 from distance and 2 of 3 from the line. He added three rebounds and seven assists, with three turnovers.

Kerr and Curry both said the tender thumb, initially sprained on New Year’s Day and aggravated countless times, is not having an impact on his performance. He’s averaging 23.4 points per game in this first-round series, shooting 48.8 percent from the field, 39.6 beyond the arc and 90 percent from the line.

In short, Curry is playing well enough for observers to forget about the sore thumb.

But it is sore.

“I do believe [officials] are allowed to call a flagrant if they want,” Kerr said. “The refs can call a flagrant if the guy winds up and takes a takes a shot. It’s been happening across the league all year long. It’s a dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.

“But we have to take it through the league process to get that changed, and that’ll probably happen this summer.”

That thumb will be an issue for as long as the Warriors remain in the postseason. Curry is determined not to let it become the issue that impacts his performance.

It would surprise no one, however, if the Rockets try to have a few more whacks at it. The rule says they can.

“You don’t think about it,” Curry said. “And if it’s a foul, they should call it. That’s it. If it’s a foul, they should call it.”

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