Sacramento picked up De'Andre Hunter at the trade deadline in a three-team deal that gave it a little more size on the wing as it sent out Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to Cleveland.
Two games into his Kings career, Hunter suffered an eye injury that kept him out of the final three games before the All-Star break and the first one after it. It is serious enough that he underwent eye surgery on Friday and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced (a story first reported by Chris Haynes and Marc Stein).
Hunter joins Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (hand) as key Kings players now out for the season due to surgery. The Kings are 12-45 on the season and have lost 15 games in a row.
Hunter averaged 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds a game between Cleveland and Sacramento this season, shooting just 30.5% from 3-point range. Hunter is under contract next season for $24.9 million, after which he becomes a free agent.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches live during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles’ Grapefruit League opener yesterday was a resounding success, at least if you’re a pitcher or Pete Alonso. The Birds’ newest slugger mashed a two-run homer in his O’s spring debut to provide all the offense in a 2-0 win over the Yankees. Trevor Rogers, Keegan Akin, Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, Jose Espada, and Trey Gibson combined on a three-hit shutout, with Gibson pitching the final three innings for the save. All of those guys except Gibson are either locks or strong candidates for the Opening Day roster, so it’s nice to see them all start well.
The O’s have a return engagement at Ed Smith Stadium today against the Pirates. Dean Kremer, who will soon be leaving the Orioles to pitch for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, takes the mound today. It’s strange to think that Kremer might have to compete for a rotation spot, but that may be the case, as he, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin (if healthy) are three candidates for two openings behind Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Shane Baz.
Today’s game marks the Orioles debuts for Taylor Ward and Blaze Alexander, while Dylan Beavers and Ryan Mountcastle will also be starting for the first time this spring. Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, the latter of whom will soon leave for the WBC as well, are the only Orioles from yesterday’s game who are starting again today. They’ll take on Pirates prospect Wilber Dotel. Former Orioles Ryan O’Hearn and Billy Cook are in the Pirates’ lineup this afternoon.
The game will be televised on MASN and on radio on 98 Rock.
Orioles lineup:
LF Taylor Ward C Adley Rutschman 1B Ryan Mountcastle 2B Blaze Alexander DH Gunnar Henderson RF Dylan Beavers CF Leody Taveras 3B Weston Wilson SS Luis Vázquez
CUBS vs. RANGERS: The Cubs will also face the Rangers in a Spring Training game Tuesday, March 10 at Surprise Stadium. The teams will play a three-game regular season series in Arlington, Texas May 8-9-10.
UPCOMING STARTERS: Colin Rea will start Sunday against the Giants at Scottsdale and Ben Brown will go against the Royals Monday at Surprise.
Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Daniel Palencia, Hoby Milner, Luke Little, Jack Neely and Jeff Brigham.
Kumar Rocker will start for the Rangers. Other Rangers pitchers scheduled today: Cal Quantrill, Luis Curvelo, Carter Baumler and Patrick Murphy.
Today’s game will be on Marquee Sports Network. There will also be a radio broadcast on 670 The Score, as well as on the Rangers radio channel, Rangers 105.3.
Please note that during spring training, Gameday sometimes doesn’t go pitch-by-pitch as it does during the regular season — usually, it will update after each at-bat.
Please visit our SB Nation Rangers site Lone Star Ball. If you do go there to interact with Rangers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander talks to pitching coach Chris Fetter after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera (right) and pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) shake hands after pitching drills during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: Jackson Ferris #93 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a throwing session during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers on Sunday take on the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex for their second game of the spring schedule.
Jackson Ferris gets the start on the mound on Sunday. The Branch Rickey Award in 2024 as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year, Ferris struggled at times in Double-A Tulsa last season but rebounded down the stretch with a 1.95 ERA and three home runs allowed over his final 15 starts of 2025.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Arizona Diamondbacks infielder, Nolan Arenado steps up to the plate during the first 2026 spring training game at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 20, 2026. The Arizona Diamondbacks went onto beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Lawlar Gets Center Field Nod Once the team takes the field today, Jordan Lawlar will begin to make his case for or against all the faith that has been placed in him over the last few years.
Arenado Discusses Full Circle Home Run Jake McCarthy was wearing Colorado purple and Nolan Arenado was wearing Arizona colours. McCarthy showed he still has wheels. Arenado showed he still has pop in his bat. The veteran third baseman reflects on swatting a dinger against the club that brought him up.
Arizona’s Top Prospect Getting a Taste Arizona’s top prospect, Ryan Waldschmidt, is getting an opportunity to impress this spring. The slugging outfielder is unlikely to make the opening day roster, but this is an opportunity to put himself on the fast track to MLB promotion.
Bill Mazerowski Passes Away at 89 The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that 17-year Pirate, and Hall of Famer, Bill Mazerowski passed away yesterday. As one of the greatest Bucs of all-time, he will be missed.
If you aren’t already familiar with the name Dax Whitney, get familiar with him ASAP.
2027 MLB Draft 1.01 candidate – and if he was in the draft this year, he would very much challenge UCLA SS Roch Cholowsky for that slot. #MLB#NCAA#MiLBhttps://t.co/bx6KNPyTJR
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a batting drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers open their Cactus League schedule on Saturday afternoon, hitting the road to face the Angels at Diablo Stadium in Tempe. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is on the mound for Game 1, plus regulars Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, and Andy Pages occupying the top three lineup slots. Here are the active players making the trip to Tempe.
Lineup
Shohei Ohtani DH Teoscar Hernández LF Andy Pages CF Dalton Rushing C (starting on his 25th birthday) Santiago Espinal 3B Hyeseong Kim 2B Alex Freeland SS Ryan Ward 1B Zach Ehrhard RF
Yamamoto starting on the mound
Other pitchers
Paul Gervase is the other Dodgers 40-man pitcher on the trip, as are non-roster invitees Ryder Ryan, Wyatt Mills, Luke Fox, Antoine Kelly, and Adam Serwinowski.
From minor league camp, Nicolas Cruz (wearing uniform number 05), Cody Morse (06), Antonio Knowles (90), Christian Suarez (91), and Cam Day (93) made the trip
Other position players
Non-roster invitees who made the trip east are outfielders Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Kendall George, and James Tibbs III, plus infielders Keston Kiura, Nick Senzel, and Ryan Fitzgerald, and catchers Griffin Lockwood-Powell and Nelson Quiroz.
Infielder Sean McClain (wearing number 87) is also on the trip, from minor league camp.
The Memphis Grizzlies welcome the Miami Heat to town, who are playing on the tail end of a back-to-back after a loss in a big win in Atlanta on Friday night.
Tyler Herro was solid in his return, and I’m targeting him to find a roll offensively in my Grizzlies vs. Heat predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 21.
Grizzlies vs Heat prediction
Grizzlies vs Heat best bet: Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points (-110)
It’s been an injury-riddled campaign for Tyler Herro, who has only made 12 appearances. However, he’s still playing well when available.
The guard returned from a month-long absence on Friday evening and showed out off the bench, leading the Miami Heat with 24 points. Dating back to January 10, before he suffered an injury, Herro has cashed the Over in five straight appearances.
Herro has averaged 20.2 PPG on the road across six outings, and he averaged 21.5 points last season against the Memphis Grizzlies across two meetings.
Grizzlies vs Heat same-game parlay
Bam Adebayo is averaging just 2.8 assists this season, but he’s cashed the Over in dimes in four straight appearances. The big man had five assists on Friday against Atlanta, and he’s hit the Over in three of his previous four games on the road.
Davion Mitchell is arguably the Heat’s top playmaker. In 47 games, he’s averaging 7.0 assists, and the Baylor product just dished out seven dimes against the Hawks.
He’s facilitating the ball at a very high level on the road, averaging 7.4 assists compared to 6.6 at home.
Grizzlies vs Heat SGP
Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 2.5 assists
Davion Mitchell Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Larsson cashing in
Pelle Larsson has cashed the Over in points in three of his previous four games.
Grizzlies vs Heat SGP
Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 2.5 assists
Davion Mitchell Over 6.5 assists
Pelle Larsson Over 10.5 points
Grizzlies vs Heat odds
Spread: Memphis +10.5 (-110) | Miami -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Memphis +375 | Miami -500
Over/Under: Over 235 (-110) | Under 235 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Heat betting trend to know
The Miami Heat have covered the 1H Spread in 34 of their last 50 games (+16.65 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Heat.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-MEM, FDSN SU
Grizzlies vs Heat latest injuries
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.
Peoria, AZ - February 18: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres waits for a throw during a spring training practice on February 18, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The 2026 MLB season is finally upon us and, with it, one of the sport’s newest major rule changes since commissioner Rob Manfred took up the mantle in 2015. The ABS (automated ball-strike system) is here.
As with many rule changes, fans of the sport are divided over it, but it’s here to stay. Because of that, teams will have to spend Spring Training figuring out a strategy for how to use the rules to their advantage. How will the San Diego Padres utilize this system in their clubhouse?
San Diego’s strategy
New Padres manager Craig Stammen offered some thoughts this week on the introduction of the system into MLB. “I want… to use at least [the] first challenge not with two out and nobody on but save it for a key situation,” Stammen said. This has been the prevailing idea for ABS with the majority of MLB clubs.
It’s worth wondering whether or not that philosophy will cause challenges to be hoarded by teams and end up unused (when they could have been in situations that may not have been deemed important enough to warrant it at the time). If teams go in without a strategy for utilizing the new system, they’ll get left behind, and San Diego cannot afford to lose ground on their opponents before the season even starts.
Behind the dish
That’s what makes one particular position so fascinating to look at when it comes to this new system. The catcher has, by far, the best view of the strike zone, as well as (hopefully) the greatest comprehension of what is and is not in the zone. My guess is that catchers will be given far more leeway than other players when it comes to challenging these calls.
In yesterday’s opener to Spring Training, Padres catcher Luis Campusano challenged two called balls and got both challenges correct, turning them into strikes (one of which resulted in a strikeout of Seattle Mariners star catcher, Cal Raleigh). It will be interesting to see how much, if any, value is added to the catcher position because of this system.
It’s possible that this added value affects the catcher race between current starter Freddy Fermin, Campusano and minor-league pickup Blake Hunt. After only one game played, time will tell.
There “will be strategies we come up with as we go through Spring Training,” Stammen said. “We’ll need to see who is good at it and who is not… that will be part of it. There should be some revoking of people’s challenge opportunities.”
As Spring Training continues on, will we see some players challenge less because of their poor knowledge of the zone? Will others challenge more often because they have it down? One thing’s for sure: pitchers will not be challenging.
What about the guy on the mound?
It’s an important and fair question. Why would pitchers not be trusted to challenge? A former pitcher himself, Stammen said “Pitchers are very trustworthy. However, they’re highly emotional while pitching. And they’re also the farthest away from the strike zone… [they] will have limited opportunities to challenge.” A lot of that makes sense. It’s likely that pitchers are liable to trust their stuff and still be wrong about the call.
That being said, pitchers are probably going to want to challenge the call, but they will likely be stopped from doing so. The Padres would be wise to avoid this as well. It’s easy to get heated in the moment on what you think is a bad call when, in reality, it’s off the plate.
The takeaway
With all that still to be solved before spring wraps up, it’s certain now that – love it or hate it – ABS is here to stay for the ‘26 season (and likely beyond). It’s impossible to ignore that robust knowledge of the strike zone already added value to players, this rule change just makes it more tangible.
Instead of simply being upset about a call batters know is bad, and being forced to protect by swinging at a bad pitch, the hitter can now take the at-bat into his own hands and change the outcome. It’s a wonderful merge of accurately calling games and maintaining the human component of the game we all love.
Nothing’s set in stone for the Friars now, but it’s important a strategy is formed in the weeks leading up to Opening Day. Otherwise, they’ll find themselves floundering without a way to use this new aspect of the game to their advantage.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 22: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his complete game shutout against the Boston Red Sox with teammate Byron Buxton #25 after the game at Target Field on June 22, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Red Sox 6-0. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch (CT):12:05 TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App Know Yo’ Foe: Over the Monster
The All-Star break did nothing to slow down the relentless Detroit Pistons, who’ll look to extend their lead at the top of the East tonight against the rebuilding Chicago Bulls.
Detroit brings a 19-7 road record to the United Center, and my Pistons vs. Bulls predictions signal one-way traffic for Cade Cunningham & Co. as Chicago aims for better draft lottery positioning.
The Detroit Pistons’ intensity has been grinding opponents down all year, and there’s every reason to expect a similar script tonight against a Chicago Bulls team that’s 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games.
In contrast, Detroit has covered the spread in six of its past seven victories. After the visitors’ double-digit wins over the New York Knicks (twice) and Toronto Raptors this month, I’ll happily lay the points here.
Chicago turned its roster upside down at the trade deadline, and the hosts are on a seven-game losing skid. Tonight’s mismatch doesn’t feel like a chance to turn things around.
Pistons vs Bulls same-game parlay
With MVP-eligibility question marks surrounding SGA and Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham is still in the mix. I’m riding with a do n’t-forget-about-me SGP here after Cade downed the Knicks on Thursday with a 42-8-13 masterpiece.
Cunningham has scored 28+ points in five of his last six outings, and he’s hauled in 5+ rebounds in five straight games. As the cherry on top, he’s knocked down a combined 11 3-pointers in his past two contests.
Pistons vs Bulls SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 threes
Cade Cunningham Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Three's a Crowd!
The 3-ball hasn’t been a big part of Detroit’s success this year, but tonight is a rare opportunity to let it fly against a Chicago team that’s allowing the highest opponent 3-point percentage in the league at 38%.
This sharpshooting SGP leans into a Pistons offense that shot 43% from downtown earlier this week at MSG, as well as steady sniping from Tre Jones, who’s had a 3-pointer in four of his last five outings.
Pistons vs Bulls SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 threes
Tobias Harris Over 1.5 threes
Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 threes
Tre Jones Over 0.5 threes
Pistons vs Bulls odds
Spread: Pistons -10.5 (-115) | Bulls +10.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Pistons -550 | Bulls +415
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Bulls betting trend to know
The Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Bulls. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Bulls.
How to watch Pistons vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN DT, CHSN
Pistons vs Bulls latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Washington Wizards are signing Tristan Vukcevic to a three-year, $9 million standard NBA contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Washington Wizards are signing two-way center Tristan Vukcevic to a new three-year, $9 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Team option in third season. The Wizards and the 7-footer's agent, Jason Ranne of Wasserman, reached the new contract Saturday. pic.twitter.com/hMnsnEctCB
The 7-foot forward was on an expiring two-way contract that had just 15 NBA games remaining before reaching the 50-game limit.
Vukcevic has averaged 7.9 points and 2.7 rebounds on 47.8% FG in 35 appearances with the Wizards this season.
After Washington dealt Marvin Bagley III to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline, Vukcevic stepped into a backup role behind Alex Sarr and has started the last two games in Sarr’s absence.
When Sarr and Anthony Davis are healthy and form Washington’s starting frontcourt, Vukcevic projects as the team’s backup center entering the 2026-27 campaign.
The Wizards are signing F Leaky Black to fill their open two-way spot. Black, 26, has spent the last two seasons with the Capital City Go-Go. He’s averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 14 appearances this season.
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 16: Carlos Lagrange #84 of the New York Yankees works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 16, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Elmer Rodríguez showed why he’s the Yankees’ top pitching prospect in yesterday’s Grapefruit League opener, and today is Carlos Lagrange’s first chance to impress as he also makes a case for some 2026 MLB playing time. Lagrange stands a dominant 6-foot-7 with a 70-grade fastball and above-average slider, and while he finished last year with Double-A Somerset, he has the tools to rise even quicker through the senior level of the minors, and FanGraphs projects him as eventually an MLB-caliber closing pitcher. At just 22, he certainly has time to make it stick in a rotation first.
Keider Montero has spent parts of two seasons in a swingman role for the Tigers, and while a decent 94 mph heater will get you onto a major league roster, an inability to command it properly probably means he’s going to be a reliever for the bulk of his career. This goes double in a rotation as deep as Detroit’s, but if Montero can unlock a little extra in his strikeout rate, he can carve himself a role as a dependable bullpen piece.
On the offensive side, Aaron Judge will make his spring debut in right field, and with another “home” game scheduled for Sunday, one wonders if he’s reached that Mariano Rivera status where he’s not even issued a road jersey in camp. The only other first-stringer in the lineup is Ryan McMahon, hitting and playing third, while Jasson Domínguez, who may start the year at Triple-A Scranton, is your leadoff hitter. Also note Spencer Jones playing center and hitting seventh.
Bill Mazeroski’s hit was so massive, it was bound to overshadow everything else he accomplished in his career.
That’s not the worst thing, at least when that hit is a solo home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates to beat the mighty New York Yankees in World Series Game 7. Mazeroski, who died this week, went on to a Hall of Fame career forged on his defensive wizardry at second base.
But that 1960 trip around the bases remains one of the biggest and most memorable blasts in baseball history, although there have been times a game-deciding hit or run driven in isn’t the most revered moment in a given Fall Classic.
With that, we take a look at the 11 homers, bloops, sacrifice flies and other oddities that ended a World Series – many of them long before Dennis Eckersley coined the term “walk-off”:
1. Bill Mazeroski, home run vs. Yankees, 1960 Game 7
Historical note: There was no salary cap in 1960, when the Pirates turned back the Yankee dynasty in a thrilling series that ended at Forbes Field. No, just the Steel City erupting when Mazeroski, as he told USA TODAY Sports years later, was “floating around the bases” after his homer against Bill Terry. It’d be 11 years before the Pirates reigned again in 1971.
Really tough to elevate a Game 6 Series winner over all the Game 7 dramas, but c’mon: A home run that flips the result of a game, stuns the Phillies into winter, with a Mitch Williams meltdown that many could anticipate coming, voiced legendarily by Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek: “Touch ‘em all, Joe, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life!” A Game 7 winner is great, but getting the plug suddenly pulled on a winner-take-all-game is almost equally shocking.
3. Luis Gonzalez, single vs. Yankees, 2001 Game 7
It barely blooped and rolled into the grass of Bank One Ballpark, but with one defensive hack, Gonzalez toppled the mighty Mariano Rivera and ended the Yankee dynasty in stunning fashion.
An epic World Series looked for all the world like it’d end with the road team finally winning. But Rivera, who also blew Yankee playoff chances in 1997 and 2004, mishandled a bunt that changed the entire dynamic of the inning and forced the Yankees to play the infield in. Derek Jeter had no chance on the dying quail, and it’s kind of nice that exit velocity wasn’t around back then to besmirch the beauty of a perfectly placed bloop.
4. Earl McNeely, 12th-inning double vs. Giants, 1924 Game 7
Seems every fall we get a “longest game by time” or “longest game by innings.” Well, those records have to start somewhere and in 1924, the Washington Senators and New York Giants played on into the 12th, thanks largely to Walter Johnson’s four innings of shutout relief. Finally, McNeely rolled one down the third base line to score Muddy Ruel with the game-winner.
5. Billy Martin, single vs. Dodgers, 1953 Game 6
Bonus points here for the Yankees’ longtime torment of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who’d have to wait two more years to break through against their Bronx rivals. The Dodgers gamely tied Game 6 in the bottom of the ninth before Martin – better known as the mercurial manager – hit a single up the middle off Clem Labine to score Hank Bauer with the game-winner.
6. Edgar Renteria, 11th-inning single vs. Cleveland, 1997 Game 7
The grander drama seemed to occur two innings earlier, when Craig Counsell plated the tying run on a sacrifice fly off sketchy Cleveland closer Jose Mesa, denying the city its first World Series title since 1948.
No, once the Marlins tied it, a go-ahead hit had an air inevitability and the rookie Renteria delivered, right up the middle off Charles Nagy, plating Counsell with the championship run.
7. Gene Larkin, 10th-inning single vs. Braves, 1991 Game 7
An epic Game 6 and 7 in the Twin Cities culminated when Larkin’s pinch hit fly over a drawn-in Brian Hunter allowed Dan Gladden to trot home with the winning run.
The Metrodome fairly exploded, yet the ultimate moment couldn’t compare with the nine and a half scoreless innings Jack Morris and John Smoltz spun to precede it, nor the Kirby Puckett homer a night before to force Game 7. Still, a massive hit to end an epic game.
8. Goose Goslin, single vs. Cubs, 1935 Game 6
Hey, you don’t go 108 years without a World Series title without some heartbreak. This time, it was Goslin making up for the Tigers’ misery a year earlier against St. Louis with a single off Cubs starter Larry French to score fellow future Hall of Famer – and Mickey Mantle namesake – Mickey Cochrane with the Series-winner.
9. Bing Miller, double vs. Cubs, 1929 Game 5
Once again, not the most memorable hit, as that one would belong to Mule Haas (an ancestor of Moose Haas?), whose two-run homer with one out in the ninth ruined Cubs starter Pat Malone’s shutout. Miller made the Cubs pay for intentionally walking Jimmie Foxx (can’t blame ‘em for that).
10. Earle Combs, wild pitch vs. Pirates, 1927 Game 4
The lone Game 4 “walk-off” on the list, and it only sped up the utter certainty that was the ’27 Yankees. Sadly, Pirates pitcher Johnny Miljust properly walked Babe Ruth and struck out Lou Gehrig and Bob Meusel before uncorking the fateful pitch.
11. Larry Gardner, 10th-inning sacrifice fly vs. Giants, 1912 Game 8
Game 8? As the kids now say, that’s so fake. But ties due to darkness were a thing then. Sadly, the decisive rally was spurred by a pair of errors on the Giants, enabling the Red Sox to push across the winning runs after New York took the lead in the top of the 10th.
