Mariners do some new things, score season-high 12 runs in victory over White Sox

May 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) watches his three-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Luke Raley’s done a lot of things in his career. He’s the rare Mariner who can both get to the third deck in right field and also routinely bunt for a base hit. He burst into fans’ hearts in 2024 by doing exactly that. But something he’s never done is hit a grand slam. At least, it was something he’d never done until tonight.

It was the second time the Mariners had loaded the bases in just the first three innings. The first time, they were turned back after driving in just a single run on a Cole Young HBP. But this time, Luke Raley would torch a fastball at 113 mph off the bat into the Mariners’ bullpen.

Mariners fans in the Chicago crowd would come up with a few of the balls hit into the stands tonight, but Raley’s lucky this one went to the pen. Eduard Bazardo ran it down and affectionately dusted it off for presentation to Raley after the game.

Another thing Raley’s never done is drive in seven runs in a game, which is hardly a surprise, given that only a dozen Mariners had ever done it before. At least, it was something Raley’d never done until tonight. But in the top of the seventh inning, Luke Raley matched the 372 feet of his prior home run with his second of the night. 

After an injury-riddled 2025, Raley has been hitting the ball so hard this season that he’s got a 149 wRC+ despite striking out more than a third of the time. That comes from the kinds of full-effort swings that he just couldn’t get to while nursing a sore oblique throughout last summer. He’s also taken over the team lead in home runs with 8 and RBIs with 23.

Of course, RBIs aren’t really an individual achievement, as they require your teammates to get on base in front of you. “I was blessed that the bases were loaded,” Raley said after the game. So he’ll probably buy a Chicago steak dinner for Randy Arozarena and J.P. Crawford, who accounted for four of Raley’s RBIs, with each man quietly reaching base three times tonight. For setting up Luke Raley’s achievement with little fanfare, Randy gets tonight’s Sun Hat Award for individual contribution to a game (edging out J.P. with a stolen base).

Like Luke Raley, Julio Rodríguez has done a lot of things in his career too, such as being one of just three Mariners with at least 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases. But one thing he’s never done is get off to a hot start. At least, it was something he’d never done until this season. For despite struggling through the first week of 2026, Julio’s started his take-off earlier than usual this year. Since April 8, he’s got a 152 wRC+. So yes, he took a minute to get going, but unlike in prior years, it really was just a minute. He kept that going tonight, going yard for the sixth time.

This home run highlights a mechanical change that’s led to Julio looking much more comfortable in the box this year. After keeping his bat pretty straight up and down, he’s now resting it almost parallel to the ground with just a little waggle until the pitcher starts his motion. The result is a more fluid motion that just goes straight into the swing rather than backing the bat up first. Whether the mechanics are actually better is above my pay grade. But the results are not: He’s never had a wRC+ this high by May 8 before.

Josh Naylor has done a lot of things in his career too. And Josh Naylor always looks fucking sick.

Police called to Carl Pavano’s home nine times as ex-Yankees’ ugly divorce drags on

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano throwing a baseball, Image 2 shows Alissa Pavano

Police have been called to the Fairfield, Conn., home that former Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano and his ex-wife, Alissa Pavano, still share custody of nine times since 2024 — and as recently as April 29 — as a nasty legal battle involving a prenuptial agreement drags on, according to CT Insider.

Divorce papers were served two years ago, according to the outlet, and Alissa has wanted the court to invalidate the prenup agreement signed in Florida before they were married in 2011.

Carl allegedly “demanded” Alissa sign the prenup, according to a court briefing viewed by The Post, and she also alleged “intense” and “controlling” behavior by the ex-pitcher. According to the briefing, she walked on “eggshells” around the allegedly controlling right-hander and he insisted she give up “her residence, potential employment, and all financial independence.”

Carl Pavano throws a pitch during a 2008 game for the Yankees. Neil Miller

Alissa, an Instagram influencer with 20,000 followers, alleged that Carl “planted drugs” in her belongings to get children taken away from her, placed a secret camera in the bedroom and stole her jewelry, in addition to calling Alissa words and phrases such as “loser” and “white trash,” according to the brief.

State Superior Court Judge Thomas O’Neill initially ruled the prenup valid, according to CT Insider, but also gave Alissa a one-time payment of $300,000 — in addition to reportedly ruling that Carl buy her a house containing a value up to $1 million, $50,000 worth of jewelry and a new car.

“A prenuptial agreement is an acceptable way for individuals, prior to marriage, to condition how their financial interests and responsibilities will be determined after marriage,” Alissa’s lawyers alleged in a brief. “It should not be an acceptable way for a monied spouse who has already started a family with his significant other to force her to give up her financial independence, and then to extract financial advantages in the premarital agreement under the threat of taking the minor children away from her and leaving her destitute.”

Carl Pavano is pictured during an August 2008 game. Anthony J. Causi

The couple shares three children, with two born before they were married.

They met in 2005 — when Carl pitched for the Yankees and Alissa was working as a waitress after graduating from Florida State, according to the brief — before breaking it off and beginning to date again two years later.

Pavano, who had a 14-year MLB career, only made 26 starts for the Yankees across three seasons after signing a four-year, $39.5 million contract before the 2005 season and earned the nickname “American Idle” from The Post’s George King for how little he pitched.

17-21 – Rangers connect with their city, lose 7-1 to Cubs

May 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) is visited on the mound by pitching coach Jordan Tiegs (83) and catcher Danny Jansen (9) during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers scored a run but the Chicago Cubs scored seven runs.

The Rangers introduced Elvis Cam tonight with Elvis Andrus manning one of the television cameras for an inning or so. It was a cute idea to see a Rangers legend and fan favorite covering the “action” but then they ended up forcing the poor guy to film the most wet fartiest game possible as Texas was pummeled by an actually good team while cosplaying as the junior varsity Anaheim Angels or whatever those City Connect uniforms are.

The Rangers didn’t have a hit until the fifth and luckily for them their second hit scored a run otherwise they would have been easily shut out.

Meanwhile, tonight’s starter Kumar Rocker couldn’t make it out of the fourth inning again as he endlessly went to 3-2 counts and collected just 11 outs for his 87 pitches to put the bullpen behind the eight ball to begin this series.

The Rangers are a season-worst four games under .500.

Player of the Game: Maybe statistically history’s worst big leaguer Justin Foscue drove in the only run if you’re curious just how much the rest of the lineup should feel embarrassed.

Up Next: No matter how we feel about it nothing can stop the fact that the Rangers and Cubs will play again tomorrow with RHP Jack Leiter set to take the mound for Texas opposite RHP Edward Cabrera for Chicago.

The Saturday evening first pitch from The Shed is scheduled for 6:05 pm CDT and will be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.

Minnesota Frost storm back vs. Montreal Victoire, forcing Game 5 in PWHL semifinals

The Minnesota Frost avoided elimination with a 3-1 comeback win against the Montreal Victoire on Friday night in Game 4 of the PWHL’s semifinals.

Montreal forward Maureen Murphy opened the scoring 41 minutes into another tight contest. No stranger to the pressures of playoffs, however, the Frost stormed back, scoring three goals in the final 12 minutes of regulation to force a deciding Game 5 back in Montreal.

Defender Sidney Morin continued her torrid playoff scoring pace, netting two goals in under four minutes to help the Frost force a deciding Game 5 back in Montreal. Morin’s second goal of the night — scored on the power play after Laura Stacey was called for roughing — would prove to be the game-winner. It also broke Minnesota’s uncharacteristic streak of failing to score on 10 straight power-play opportunities. The Frost had the league’s best power play (23 percent) in the regular season.

Kelly Pannek — who led the regular season in both goals (16) and points (33) — scored her first of the playoffs with the Montreal net empty to seal the win. Maddie Rooney, playing on back-to-back nights, was stellar again for the Frost, making 29 saves on 30 shots. Montreal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens stopped 28 of 30.

The Minnesota Frost are now 5-0 when facing elimination in the playoffs.

Sidney Morin plays hero (again)

After Minnesota lost four critical pieces to its blue line in the offseason — Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques and Mellissa Channell-Watkins signed with expansion Vancouver; Maggie Flaherty signed in Montreal — the Frost went out and signed Morin from the Boston Fleet.

“Our staff had identified Sidney Morin as a top target heading into the signing period,” said general manager Melissa Caruso back in June. “She’s a reliable defender whose work ethic and offensive abilities will complement our D-core perfectly.”

Morin played a consistent role on the Frost blue line, but failed to score in her first regular season in Minnesota. The playoffs have been a different story. Morin’s four goals through four games tie her career goal total through 84 regular-season games and now lead the postseason.

She has now scored three of Minnesota’s last four goals in a rare playoff back-to-back and scored a critical goal in Minnesota’s 5-4 overtime victory in Game 1.

Much of Minnesota’s regular season was about its stars. The Frost had the best offense (91 goals) and the best group of five forwards in the league all regular season. Kelly Pannek, Taylor Heise, Grace Zumwinkle, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Britta Curl-Salemme combined for 65 goals this season, which is more than three entire teams — Toronto, New York and Seattle — scored all season.

But it’s their depth getting it done in the postseason so far.

Maddie Rooney stands tall

It was somewhat surprising to see Rooney start four straight games for Minnesota, including on back-to-back nights Thursday and Friday. Minnesota coach Ken Klee has typically rotated his goalies, and with three games in four nights — including travel from Montreal to Minnesota — it would have made sense to see Nicole Hensley in at least one of Games 3 or 4.

If Hensley was going to get into a game, it likely would have been Game 3, to give Rooney a rest for a high-stakes Game 4. However, Rooney has been exceptional in the series and has earned every bit of the net she’s gotten.

That much shouldn’t come as a shock. Rooney, like the Frost in general, is a proven playoff performer. She went a perfect 5-0 in last year’s championship run and posted an absurd 1.12 goals against average and .948 save percentage in Minnesota’s first Walter Cup championship.

This year’s playoffs have been no different, save for Game 1, where Rooney and Montreal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens allowed a combined nine against in the second-highest scoring game in PWHL postseason history.

Rooney followed that game up with a 51-save performance in Minnesota’s 1-0 triple overtime loss and has been the most important player on the ice for the Frost on a nightly basis.

She now has an incredible .937 save percentage through four starts and a 1.68 goals against average.

“She’s a top goalie in the league there’s no question,” Klee said on Thursday. “She’s really on her game. I think it gives all our players a real confidence boost.”

The playoff schedule

While the Ottawa Charge and Boston Fleet had a six-day break in the league’s other semifinal, the schedule for Montreal and Minnesota has proved challenging.

Game 3 on Tuesday went to triple overtime and did not end until 11:29 p.m. ET. Both teams then traveled from Montreal to St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday and have since played games on back-to-back nights.

“I think it’s a little inappropriate, honestly,” Heise said after Minnesota’s loss in Game 3. “Both teams are going through it. The other teams (Boston and Ottawa) had six days in between games and we didn’t, and that’s just the reality of what the league wanted.”

There are scheduling conflicts at play at Grand Casino Arena, with the Minnesota Wild hosting the Colorado Avalanche for Games 3 and 4 in the second round of the NHL playoffs on Saturday and Monday. In Montreal, the Victoire have also had to schedule games around the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

Still, it’s hard to argue with Heise’s assessment. At least now both teams should have one true day off – and another day of travel – before Game 5 on Monday night back in Montreal.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, NHL, Women's Hockey

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Landry Shamet provides spark off bench to help Knicks turn tide of Game 3 win

There have been a few times this season where bench players who were out of the rotation stepped up when called on, and in Game 3 against the 76ers, Landry Shamet delivered for the Knicks.

The guard led the Knicks' bench in scoring with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-for-3 from three. He was also a game-high plus-20 in the Knicks' 108-94 win, which gave them a commanding 3-0 series lead

"Landry hasn’t played a drop all playoffs," Knicks coach Mike Brown said after the win. "The first game, he was in the rotation, second game a little bit, and then he was out. Six, seven games that he hasn’t seen significant minutes on the court. Landry was huge for us tonight. Huge for us on both ends of the floor." 

With OG Anunoby out with a hamstring strain, Shamet was moved up in the rotation and was given big minutes. 

When the Sixers took a 31-27 lead after a physical first quarter, Shamet helped turn the tide. He began the second quarter with Karl-Anthony Towns as the only starter and was on the floor for most of the run that helped New York flip a 12-point deficit into a 12-point lead. 

"We talked about it the last few days. We knew they would," Shamet said of withstanding the Sixers' play early. "Coming back home down 2-0, you're going to have a sense of desperation. That was coach’s sentiment this week... They played really well, scored the ball really well early. We weren't as physical as we needed to be. Made a couple of adjustments and picked up our physicality and presence defensively, and it helped us." 

From the final minutes of the first quarter -- which saw Shamet hit a three to cut the Knicks' deficit to just four points -- and through the second, Shamet scored nine total points in a combined 13 minutes. 

"We needed a spark when they hit us in the mouth and Landry gave it to us," Brown said. "It was a big game on the road and it didn’t phase him. It was a lot of fun to watch."

On Friday, Shamet played 26 minutes. That's more than the first two games of this series (20). And while he received some minutes in the blowout wins against the Hawks in the first round, Game 3 against the Sixers was the most meaningful of Shamet's playoffs so far this season, and it's not easy. For a player who was once in the rotation to turn it on when the team needs them, especially in the postseason.

But the Knicks and coach Brown continued to show their faith in Shamet and others like Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado, who have seen their minutes go up and down this year, has paid off.

"As a coach, you love to see it. Sometimes you start Landry, sometimes you start [Mohammed Diawara]…at the end of the day, coming from me, that I have confidence in them," Brown said of players being ready. "Not only that, your number can be called at any time and you need to be ready. They’ve done a good job of keeping their mind and staying present in whatever we’re doing. It’s showing whenever they get the opportunity. It’s shown with Jordan, it’s shown with Jose and it’s shown with Landry...Just a fantastic job by Landry tonight."

"Landry is the ultimate professional," Josh Hart said of Shamet's play. "Being out of the rotation and giving us big minutes offensively and defensively."

"Just stay ready. Your number’s called, you just stay ready," Shamet said. "Felt good to be out there with my teammates. Felt good to get a win. We got one more in a matter of hours, really." 

With Anunoby's status for Game 4 on Sunday still unknown, Shamet could receive more opportunities. If Friday's win is any indication, Shamet will be ready if when needed.

Tyler Glasnow injury update: Dodgers place pitcher on 15-day IL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have backtracked their "precautionary measures" with starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and placed him on the 15-day injured list.

Glasnow reinjured his back during a May 6 meeting with the Houston Astros while throwing warmup pitches during the second inning, which took him out for the rest of the game. The Dodgers won 12-2.

Glasnow's back injury history was known by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He said that it's been "a reoccurring theme" and would monitor the pain with more precautionary measures, such as pushing back his starts.

But the team announced on X, formerly Twitter, Friday that Glasnow was placed on the injured list with low back spasms and recalled right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase.

Pitching staff shines in second shutout win of the year

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 30: Shane Drohan (55) of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch during an MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 30, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jacob Misiorowski celebrated CC Sabathia being inducted into the Brewers’ Wall of Fame in the most ceremonious fashion possible, by striking out 11 Yankees and not allowing a single run, as he led the Brewers to a 6-0 series-opening victory.

Kicking the festivities off in the top of the first inning, Misiorowski was able to strike out the first two Yankees batters he faced on three pitches each. With Aaron Judge at the plate, he was able to quickly get the first two strikes, as he looked to become the first Brewers pitcher since Josh Hader in 2019 to throw an immaculate inning, and then he missed about an inch out of the zone. On the next pitch, he got Judge to fly out to right field to end the inning.

With how spotty the Brewers offense has been to start the 2026 season, jumping on a Cy Young Award candidate like Max Fried early in the game was crucial to any success they were seeking. Luckily for the Brewers’ bats, Fried struggled to find the zone, giving up back-to-back walks after allowing a lead-off single to Gary Sánchez. With the bases loaded, the Crew got RBI singles from both Brandon Lockridge and Sal Frelick to give them a 2-0 lead. Joey Ortiz was then tasked with yet another bases-loaded opportunity, although this time, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario, as he grounded into a fielder’s choice, but a runner did score to extend their lead to 3-0. After the RBI groundout, Jackson Chourio made his presence felt with an RBI knock, wrapping up a nine-batter, four-run bottom of the second inning.

As Misiorowski continued to wheel-and-deal, there was a scary moment with Lockridge, who was off to a great night at the plate. With Cody Bellinger at the plate, he hit a fly ball down the left field line where Lockridge slid in foul territory, banging his knee into the cement along the wall. Lockridge was carted off the field and ultimately pulled from the game. Post-game comments from Brewers manager Pat Murphy indicate that his X-rays were negative for a fracture and he suffered a deep laceration that goes to the bone.

The Brewers offense was able to scratch across two more runs following Lockridge’s injury, but made Fried work. He ended the night with six innings thrown, giving up five runs, three walks, and striking out five batters.

Outside of the stellar outing for Misiorowski, we saw a couple of other positives tonight. First and foremost, Ortiz hit his first extra-base hit of the season. They have gotten virtually nothing out of his bat this season, but perhaps this could be the turning point of his season, as he also had an RBI tonight.

On the pitching side, Shane Drohan picked up his first-ever career save. Meaning, first-ever save in high school, college, Minor Leagues, or Major Leagues. He threw almost three perfect innings as he allowed just one walk and struck out three batters.

Despite getting a much-needed game one win, two big questions loom: how long will Lockridge be out for, and who will his replacement be? Will we see the promotion of a top-performing prospect or an old friend rejoin the team after being in Triple-A for a week?

It’ll be another night of young shining stars on the mound as the Brewers go for the series win tomorrow night. Cam Schlittler will get the ball for New York while Kyle Harrison takes it for Milwaukee.

A’s Prevent the Orioles From Flying Away with the Victory

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 08: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics celebrates after hitting a triple against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 8, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A new series means a fresh start. After losing two out of three against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Athletics began a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Tupac bobblehead night at Camden Yards. The A’s ruined the Orioles’ Tupac celebration, winning the first game of the series 4-3, thanks to timely hitting, arguably Jacob Lopez’s best start of the season and a bullpen that bent, but did not break.

Orioles Waste Early Scoring Chance

Yesterday, the A’s scored four times in the first inning against the Phillies’ pitcher. In contrast, Orioles’ starting pitcher Kyle Bradish retired the first six A’s hitters.

His counterpart, A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez got into some trouble in his first inning. He walked Orioles’ shortstop Gunnar Henderson and then catcher Adley Rutschman singled to put runners on the corners with one out. Somehow Lopez escaped the early jam unscathed by getting first baseman Pete Alonso to pop out and then right fielder Tyler O’Neill to ground out. Buoyed by that escape, Lopez shut down the Orioles over the next three innings.

Bradish Halts A’s First Rally

With two outs in the third inning, Bradish hit Jeff McNeil with a pitch then A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz hustled down the line to beat the Orioles third baseman’s throw for an infield single, his team’s first hit of the game. Kurtz’s hit extended his on-base streak to 32 games, the longest active streak in MLB. Alas, Bradish struck out A’s catcher Shea Langeliers to end the rally and the inning.

Orioles Strike First

With one out in the fourth, Alonso hit his eighth home run of 2026, a solo shot to right field to put the hosts up 1-0 after four frames. The four hitters in that inning all hit deep fly balls off of Lopez, but fortunately only Alonso’s reached the seats.

A’s Immediately Respond

Athletics’ shortstop Jacob Wilson led off the fifth with an infield single, extending his hit streak to 12 games. Center fielder Lawrence Butler followed with a single to left. Then third baseman Zack Gelof came up and hit a single to left, scoring Wilson to tie the game.

A few pitches later, with runners on second and third and one out, Kurtz came through! The “Big Amish” hit his first triple of the season, a rocket down the right field line that scored both runners to put the A’s up 3-1.

Unfortunately, the visitors stranded Kurtz at third base. Bradish got the next two hitters out to limit further damage. Langeliers struck out for a second straight time with a runner in scoring position and then left fielder Tyler Soderstrom grounded out.

Lopez, who has struggled this season the deeper he pitches into games, recorded a much-needed shutdown inning in the bottom of the fifth.

Orioles Inch Closer

In the bottom of the sixth, the Orioles halved their deficit. Rutschman hit his fifth home run of the season, a solo blast to left-center. A’s manager Mark Kotsay promptly pulled his starter from the game. Lopez performed much better tonight. He gave up three hits and those two solo home runs in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five while walking only two.

The Orioles starter was also much improved from his last start. Bradish struck out ten over seven innings of three-run ball.

It was up to the A’s bullpen to hold the team’s slim lead. Right-hander Justin Sterner got the final two outs of the sixth inning, aided by Wilson’s nice ranging defensive play to field Alonso’s hard-hit ground ball. Fellow right-hander Scott Barlow set Baltimore down in order in a scoreless seventh.

A’s Get Crucial Insurance Run

In the eighth inning, the Athletics sought insurance runs against Orioles’ reliever Trey Gibson. Langeliers and Brent Rooker singled. With two outs, Wilson poked his second single past the diving Alonso, scoring Soderstrom from second to restore his team’s two-run lead.

Once again, the A’s needed a shutdown inning and they got it, this time from reliever Joel Kuhnel, who got three quick outs in the bottom of the eighth.

A’s Barely Hang on

The Orioles did not go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. A’s hard-throwing right-hander Jack Perkins entered the game seeking his fourth save. Rutschman led off the inning with a walk. Perkins bounced back by striking out Alonso and pinch-hitter Dylan Beavers. With the Orioles down to their last strike, designated hitter Samuel Basallo bounced a single into center field, scoring Rutschman from second to make it a one-run game.

The A’s brought in left-hander Hogan Harris to replace Perkins, a risky decision that could have backfired. Harris walked the first batter he faced before striking out Orioles’ second baseman Jeremiah Jackson to put a stop to Baltimore’s last-ditch comeback attempt, pick up his second save of the season and seal the Athletics victory in this tightly-contested, entertaining series-opener.

These two teams will play the second game of their series tomorrow afternoon. The A’s will send right-hander Aaron Civale (3-1, 2.95 ERA) to the mound in pursuit of the series title. The 30-year-old has been a steadying presence in the team’s rotation through his first seven starts with the A’s. Civale will be opposed by Orioles’ right-hander Shane Baz, who is 1-3 with a 4.99 ERA through his first seven starts with Baltimore. It should be another great game between two well-matched teams.

Landry Shamet seized his biggest Knicks opportunity yet

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) slamming the ball over Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0), Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) falls with the ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) gives chase during the second quarter
Shamet Knicks

In the first eight games of the playoffs, Landry Shamet scored 14 total points. 

He had 15 points Friday night. 

Talk about providing a needed boost. 

With OG Anunoby out due to a minor hamstring strain, Shamet was given a shot, and he took advantage. The veteran sharpshooter played a pivotal role coming off the bench, as the Knicks took a commanding 3-0 lead in this Eastern Conference semifinal series with a 108-94 victory over the 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. 

“You just stay ready,” he said. “It felt good, it felt good to get out there with my teammates, it felt good to get a win. We have one more.” 

Shamet was part of a blockbuster effort from the bench.

Mitchell Robinson delivered six points, six rebounds and a monster alley-oop slam over Joel Embiid. Jordan Clarkson (four points, five rebounds, three assists) and Jose Alvarado also contributed. 

Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) falls with the ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) gives chase during Game 3 on May 8, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Early in the fourth quarter, the Knicks reserves had amassed 25 points to the 76ers’ zero. The bench is one of the biggest areas of improvement with this team.

A year ago, the Knicks were overdependent on their starters, but team president Leon Rose built up the bench, adding Clarkson in the offseason and Alvarado in February. 

Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) slams the ball over Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the second quarter. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

“As a coach, you love to see it, and that’s why you give different guys opportunities at different times,” coach Mike Brown said. “Sometimes, you start Landry. Sometimes, you start [Mohamed Diawara]. And what hopefully it shows at the end of the day coming from me is that I have confidence in them, and not only that, your number can be called any time, so be ready.” 

Shamet was the biggest star of this group. He had a strong regular season, averaging 9.3 points and shooting 39.2 percent from 3-point range in 51 games.

He was supposed to be a key part of the playoff rotation, but struggled early in the Hawks series. 

Then came the minor injury to Anunoby in Game 2. It gave Shamet a chance to assert himself. He didn’t miss that opportunity. He entered in the first quarter, and helped the Knicks stabilize the game after trailing by 12. He hit a big 3-pointer late in the third quarter that pushed the lead to nine. In his 26 minutes, the Knicks outscored the 76ers by 20 points. 

He even was on the floor in the final minutes as the Knicks moved to within one win of a return trip to the Eastern Conference finals. 

“We talk to him and give him his dap for what he does,” Mikal Bridges said of Shamet. “But that’s just a true professional.”

Jacob Misiorowski dominates Yankees, as Brewers blank Bombers

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 08: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees steps to the plate for his first major league at bat in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 08, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The big story for the Yankees going into Friday night’s matchup against the Brewers was the debut of Spencer Jones. The outfielder is a former first round pick and has some intriguing tools, including massive power. However, we didn’t get to see any of that in his debut, because, unfortunately, other teams are allowed to have young talent too.

On the mound for the Brewers was their young ace Jacob Misiorowski, who the Yankees were facing for the first time. In this particular game, they had no answers for this newest puzzle. Regularly topping 100 MPH all night, Misiorowski ended up going six innings, striking out a peronal season-best 11 Yankees, while giving up just two hits and two walks.

Jones did end up drawing one of those walks, but other than that, it was an uneventful game for him and an uneventful one for the Yankees in general. Misiorowski and the Brewers blanked them, as Milwaukee won the series opener 6-0.

With Misiorowski throwing fireballs, the Brewers gave him an advantage verus Fried in the second inning. While fomer Yankee Gary Sánchez led off the inning with a single, Fried then hurt himself by walking the next two batters to load the bases with no outs. Brandon Lockridge and Sal Frelick then hit a couple of soft singles, scoring a run each. While Fried then finally got an out, it came on a grounder that scored one run, and moved another runner to third, where they scored on another weak single. Fried then bounced back with two strikeouts, but plenty of damage had been done. Milwaukee added more the following inning when Lockridge hit another RBI single.

The top of the fourth saw an unfortunate moment, as Lockridge — who is a former Yankees’ prospect — slammed his knee into the bottom concrete part of the wall in the left field foul territory. It evoked memories of former Yankee Dustin Fowler, as Lockridge was carted off the field.

After the bumps in the second and third innings, Fried did settle in and at least soaked up some innings. He ended up going six frames, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks. He wasn’t particularly sharp, but he did also get bit by just some unfortunate contact.

The main issue with the game was that the Yankees just had no answer for Misiorowski. The young star ended up allowing just two hits while he was in, both singles to José Caballero. That’s just never going to be enough, no matter how good or bad Fried was doing.

The Yankees also gave another debut — this one not an MLB one, though — to reliever Kervin Castro, who they called up alongside Jones. He gave up one further run, as the Brewers picked up some insurance in the seventh inning. However, he came back in the eighth and looked better. Castro ended up striking out two batters in his two innings.

For the day, Jones ended up going 0-for-2 with two walks, while striking out twice. Swinging and missing is the major question mark surrounding Jones, but Misiorowski was making pretty much every Yankee hitter doing that all night.

The Yankees and Brewers will continue their matchup tomorrow night at 7:10 pm ET. The Yankees will get to send their young stud to the hill in that one, as Cam Schlittler and Kyle Harrison are penciled in to be the respective starters in that one.

Box Score

Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 3 win over 76ers: Jalen Brunson delivered

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacting after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after scoring during the second quarter.

Heroes and zeros from the Knicks’ 108-94 Game 3 win over the 76ers on Friday night in Philly.

Hero

In the building he enjoyed so many memorable moments as a college star at Villanova, Jalen Brunson added another one. He was terrific after a slow start, finishing with 32 points and nine assists. Brunson also added five rebounds and scored eight fourth-quarter points.

With Karl-Anthony Towns limited due to foul trouble, Brunson’s best was needed, and he delivered it. 

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after scoring during the second quarter of Game 3 on May 8, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Zero

Paul George started hot, then disappeared. The 76ers wing scored 15 first-quarter points, but zero the rest of the way. He was invisible when Philadelphia needed so much more out of the nine-time All-Star. 

Unsung Hero

That is now four straight strong playoff performances by Mikal Bridges. He helped shut down George after his hot start and continues to make shots, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and scoring 23 points.

Over the last four games, Bridges is averaging 20.5 points on an incredible 72.3 percent shooting. 

Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) puts up a shot in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in the fourth quarter. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Key stat

25.8 – The Knicks’ average margin of victory during their current six-game playoff winning streak. 

Quote of the day

“They’re resilient, they’ve been through a lot as a veteran group, and it showed tonight,”

— Mike Brown as the Knicks rallied from an early 12-point deficit.

Ronald Acuña Jr. may be activated after 10 days exactly on IL

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 04: Ronald Acuña Jr. looks on during the game Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 04, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Back when Ronald Acuña Jr. was initially diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, there was a feeling that Acuña’s stint on the IL might be a quick one — one where the starting right fielder for the Braves would simply just take some rest before ramping back up for a return within a 10-day span.

The fact that Acuña was in high enough spirits to be trolling his good buddy Ozzie Albies back in Colorado appeared to be anecdotal evidence that he was going to be fine and that this wouldn’t be a serious injury situation and now that does appear to be the case. Mark Bowman of MLB.com shared the news from Braves manager Walt Weiss that there’s a very good chance that Acuña could be back in action on this coming Wednesday, which would be the first day where he’s eligible to come off of the IL.

It also helped that Acuña was on the field before tonight’s game against the Dodgers getting in some exercise work.

Needless to say, this is very good news for the Braves as it really does appear that they could be getting their primary right fielder back in action as soon as possible. Usually it’s safe to assume that this is the type of injury that’ll take anywhere from 2-to-3 weeks to recover from so the fact that Acuña may be back in 10 days is a very positive development. I’d imagine that they’ll take it easy with bringing Acuña back into the fold once h is activated but the fact that this could be just 10 days after all is pretty solid news.

Hopefully there aren’t any more setbacks for Acuña between now and Wednesday so that this could come to pass. For now, the Braves can keep going knowing that it probably won’t be long until they get one of their star players back from injury. We’ll see what happens.

Always never enough: Rockies 9, Phillies 7

May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) enters the field with catcher JT Realmuto (10) before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies (17-22) overcame a six-run deficit to come all the way back to take their series opener against the visiting Colorado Rockies (16-23) to extra innings, only to let it slip away for a 9-7 defeat.

Jesus Luzardo dug a huge hole with a nightmare fourth inning, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks. Prior to that, he gave up one run on two hits and struck out six, including the whole side in the third.

Kyle Schwarber got the Phillies on the board with a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the sixth. A JT Realmuto RBI double cut the deficit to four but the Rockies would get that run right back on a Tyler Freeman home run in the top of the seventh.

Don Mattingly was seemingly waving the white flag by pitching his closer, Jhoan Duran, in the eighth inning to just get some work in after his return from the injured list.

But the offense had a five-run rally of their own in store for the bottom of the eighth, bringing eight batters to the plate. Bryce Harper got the fun started with a leadoff single and came home to score on a hit by Brandon Marsh. Bryson Stott hit an RBI double, his fifth extra-base hit in the month of May after tallying only four in April.

The rally was punctuated by a game-tying two-run homer by Justin Crawford, the first of several in his career.

Jose Alvarado held the ninth but the top of the order couldn’t crack Rockies’ closer, Victor Vodnik, so onto the tenth we went. 

Orion Kerkering allowed a one-out single which put the ghost runner on third base, but he worked out of the jam with a pop fly by Mickey Moniak and a punchout of Willi Castro.

After intentionally walking Marsh to start the frame, Vodnik again retired the heart of the order with little resistance.

Brad Keller came on in the top of the eleventh and allowed the go-ahead run to score on his second pitch, a double down the right field line by Troy Johnston. Johnston scored two batters later on a single by Jake McCarthy to cap off the victory.

Crawford legged out an infield dribbler to lead off the bottom of the eleventh and Edmundo Sosa made it to third on a Trea Turner fly out, but Schwarber and Harper couldn’t finish it off.

Harper reached base four times with two hits and two walks, raising his OBP to .382. Marsh also had two walks to go along with his RBI single, and Crawford had his second three-hit game of the year.

Turner and Sosa were the only members of the lineup to fail to reach base, each going 0-5 at the dish.

Aaron Nola will face off against Rockies’ left-hander, Kyle Freeland, tomorrow night in the middle game of the series.

Tigers 3, Royals 4: Tigers go off the rails late, drop series opener

May 8, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

After a nice Thursday off day, the Tigers are in Kansas City hoping to get some games back in the AL Central and push their way back towards first. The AL Central is an extremely tight race at the moment, so every game really does count, even this early in the year. The Tigers had Keider Montero on the mound, up against Kris Bubic for the Royals. Detroit is still trying to find out what their pitching rotation is going to look like as they come to terms with major pitching losses, so we’ll see how things pan out over the coming week to get an idea of A.J. Hinch’s plans.

With one out in the top of the first, Kevin McGonigle got a walk. After another out, he successfully stole second. His hustle was admirable, but ultimately didn’t help, as the next at-bat was a groundout to end the inning. In the home half Montero got the Royals out in order.

Riley Greene got the second started with a double. Wenceel Perez then singled, but Greene was held at third. With men on the corners, Spencer Torkelson came up to bat and hit into a double play, but the Tigers managed to score their first run of the game, getting Greene home. They’d have to settle for just the one run, but it gave them an early lead. With two outs in the home half, Jac Caglianone doubled. Then Isaac Collins singled, bringing Caglianone home and tying up the game.

Freshly re-signed Zack Short got a leadoff walk to get the third started. McGonigle then grounded into a force out, eliminating Short. A wild pitch let McGonigle advance to second. Once again, though, McGonigle’s great baserunning wasn’t rewarded as a groundout ended the inning. In the home half, the Royals went 1-2-3.

Riley Greene continued to be a workhorse, reaching first on a fumbled catch by Vinnie Pasquantino. It was ruled a single but I’m pretty sure it was an error. Montero got the Royals out three-up, three-down, that’s seven Royals in a row, if you want the running count. A pretty nice game thus far for Montero.

In the top of the fifth, Short got another walk, this time with one out in the inning. He was then eliminated again in a force-out off the bat of Matt Vierling. The Tigers weren’t able to convert the baserunner, however. So far the teams have been very well-balanced in this game, which is great, but also scoring runs is fun, let’s do more of that. It was another 1-2-3 for Montero in the bottom of the inning.

For the first batter of the sixth, Jahmai Jones drew a walk, but Bubic challenged the call. The call was upheld as ball four. Jones was then eliminated in a force out off the bat of Dillon Dingler (stop me if you’ve heard this series of events before). With two outs, Wenceel Perez doubled and Dingler was able to get all the way home, and was safe largely because catcher Carter Jensen very literally dropped the ball before attempting to tag Dingler. It was a very hectic-feeling play, but the Tigers came out ahead with the run.

Bubic’s day was done after that, and he was replaced by Nick Mears. Spencer Torkelson then doubled into deep left, bringing home Perez.

The Tigers would settle for two, but given the pace of the game, those two runs would likely be very, very relevant. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Bobby Witt Jr. singled, the first time the Royals got a baserunner on since the second. Pasquantino then walked. Montero was definitely starting to look shaky at this point, throwing some pitches way out of the zone, repeatedly asking for signs, just looking very uneasy. He did manage to induce the final out of the inning, though, and that was likely his last batter for the night. His final line was 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K on 71 pitches. A pretty solid outing for him overall.

Luinder Avila was the new Royals pitcher in the mix in the top of the seventh. Matt Vierling got a one-out double. He was ultimately left stranded, however. Tyler Holton came out of the Tigers’ bullpen in the bottom of the inning and he got the Royals out in order.

John Schreiber was the next Royals pitcher. With one out, Riley Greene singled right between two diving fielders to get on first. That would be the only baserunner the Tigers would get for the inning. In the home half, Kyle Finnegan came on. The first thing he did was give up a leadoff double to Michael Massey. Kyle Isbel singled, scoring Massey, but because of a fielding error where Wenceel Perez simply couldn’t find the ball, sent Isbel to third. Then Maikal Garcia came in, singled, and scored Isbel to tie the game. On what would have been the first out of the inning for the Tigers, the Royals challenged the third strike call and it was ruled to be a ball, sending Bobby Witt Jr. to first. That was it for Finnegan, who was replaced by Brant Hurter. He induced a double play and helped cover first to get the job done. Salvador Perez walked, but a groundout did end the inning. The game headed to the ninth in a tie.

Lucas Erceg, the Royals closer, came in for the ninth. Zach McKinstry got a leadoff double. Zack Short then popped out into the infield, but this resulted in a pause in the game as Erceg and new catcher Elias Diaz collided hard to try getting the pop-up bunt near home. McGonigle battled out a two-out walk, but Colt Keith then popped out to end the inning. With two outs, Nick Loftin doubled off of Hurter. Then Isbel singled to score Loftin and walk off the game with a Royals’ win.

Better luck tomorrow, guys.

Final: Royals 4, Tigers 3

Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski overpowers Yankees’ red-hot offense to ruin Spencer Jones’ debut

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Aaron Judge in a gray uniform with black eye black, leaning over the dugout railing during a baseball game, Image 2 shows Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski celebrates after getting the final out of the sixth inning, Image 3 shows New York Yankees player Spencer Jones jogging to first base
The Yankees lost to the Brewers on Friday.

MILWAUKEE — The buzz leading up to Friday’s game was all about Spencer Jones. 

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The buzz, zip and pop during it was all about another 2022 draft pick: Jacob Misiorowski. 

The Brewers flamethrower overshadowed Jones’ MLB debut, dominating the Yankees with an overpowering fastball and handing them a 6-0 loss in the interleague series opener. 

Jones went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and a walk, one of just four baserunners that Misorowski allowed across six shutout innings in which he struck out 11. The Yankees (26-13) only mustered two hits off him — a pair of singles by José Caballero — as Misiorowski cooled off what had been a red-hot offense. 

“He’s got an electric fastball,” Jones said. “I guess I’ve never seen pitches that hard in my life. Being able to foul off a couple is pretty great, so I’ll take that for now.” 

Max Fried, meanwhile, lost his command in a 40-pitch second inning and paid for it, giving up a four spot. The left-hander went on to make it through six innings, but the damage was already done as the Brewers (20-16) leaned on Misiorowski. 

Jacob Misiorowski reacts during the Brewers’ May 8 win over the Yankees. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I didn’t do my job to be able to keep us in it and allow our offense to string a few together,” Fried said. “It just made it a little bit uncompetitive.” 

After the Yankees selected Jones with the 25th-overall pick in 2022, the Brewers nabbed Misiorowski 38 picks later. The 6-foot-7 right-hander made his MLB debut last season and has come out of the gates this year pitching like one of the game’s best. 



In the first inning Friday, that included making some history. Facing Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Aaron Judge, Misiorowski threw 10 pitches to retire the side — striking out Grisham and Rice on three pitches each and getting Judge to fly out — five of which registered as the five fastest pitches recorded by a starter during the tracking era (dating back to 2008).

They came in at 103.6, 103.5, 103.3, 103.3 and 103.2 mph during an inning in which his slowest pitch was a 102.3 mph fastball. 

Aaron Judge looks on during the Yankees’ May 8 loss to the Brewers. Getty Images

“Obviously he was good and got a lead and was able to get after it,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s that lower slot that he has and gets the extension, almost more so than the velocity. I thought there were a couple times we were getting some good at-bats against him and controlling the zone a little bit. But he had that big lead and got after it pretty good.” 

The 24-year-old Misiorowski did not let up much from there. He hit 103.6 mph twice more — both on pitches to Jones while averaging 101.1 mph on 57 four-seam fastballs. He combined that with a slider (that averaged 95.6 mph), a curveball and a changeup to stifle a Yankees lineup that had scored at least seven runs in six of its last seven games and outscored opponents 123-52 over its last 19 games. 

The Yankees’ best chance against Misiorowski came in the fifth inning, when Jones drew a one-out walk and Caballero followed with a single. But Misiorowski got Austin Wells looking at a 100 mph heater and Ryan McMahon whiffing at a 101 mph heater to squash the threat. 

Fried made quick work of the Brewers with a nine-pitch first inning but then got into trouble in the bottom of the second. He gave up a leadoff single to ex-Yankee Gary Sanchez before walking the next two batters on eight straight balls (his third walk, later in the game, also came on four pitches). 

Spencer Jones jogs to first base after walking during the Yankees’ May 8 loss. AP

The Brewers then put four straight balls in play, none hit particularly hard but in the right spots for three singles — including one from former Yankees farmhand Brandon Lockridge, who added another RBI single in the third inning before leaving the game in the fourth on a cart after smashing his knee into the left field wall on a sliding attempt to catch a foul fly ball — and a fielder’s choice that turned into a 4-0 lead. 

By that point, Jake Bird had begun to warm up, but Fried came back to strike out the next two batters — if he had not gotten the last batter out, Boone was going to give him the hook — to make sure he did not leave his bullpen out to dry after it had to cover 14 innings between Wednesday and Thursday. 

“That was kind of the game right there [in the second inning],” Fried said. “I needed to be able to come through and wasn’t able to do it.”