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Reds drop frustrating series finale to Diamondbacks

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 13: Matt McLain #9 of the Cincinnati Reds slides into home plate to score a run in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park on June 13, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds played the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon in Great American Ball Park in the rubber match of the series. By now, you’ll be able to recite how the game went.

Cincinnati got an effective, albeit inefficient outing from their starting pitcher. Their offense was mostly inept, but gave just enough combined with the grind from the starter to turn the game over to the bullpen while still very, very much in the game – even, one would say in a vacuum, in the driver’s seat.

The bullpen, though, is overmatched and overworked. Pair that with the inefficiencies from the starter, and they became overextended, too. The lead evaporated quickly on a mistake pitch that was punished, and the offense retreated back to its silence until the allotment of outs allowed had elapsed.

The Reds lost, 5-3. They’ve lost this game dozens of times already this year, particularly concentrated within the last six weeks. It’s the kind of predictability in these scenarios that’s become as frustrating as the final scores themselves.

It was off Tejay Antone and Zach Maxwell that the big hits came, two arms that – for many different reasons – weren’t really in the plans for late and close situations when the season began. That’s how the mop has flopped, though, and Cincinnati’s front office hasn’t been able to augment the bullpen in a meaningful way since so many other arms went by the wayside.

(Starter turned bullpen rescue guy Chase Petty was presumably unavailable today after having to perform said task twice already this week.)

The end result is a fifth straight lost series for the Reds, who fell to 33-37 on the season – the first time they’ve been 4 games under .500 all year. On top of that, the next five weeks of baseball that will take them to the All Star break don’t look any fun at all, meaning they’ve already exhausted their opportunity to build up some games, some momentum before taking on many of baseball’s Big Boys in the coming weeks.

It’s bleak in Cincinnati right now. The Reds are too predictable, to incapable to really change that course at the moment.

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2026 MLB Awards Tracker: Power Rankings, betting odds for MVP, Cy Young

The MLB is about to be the focal point of the summer shortly and as the heat wave across the country starts to heat up, so does the major awards market.

Some of the hottest topics in the baseball community have been about the American League MVP since Aaron Judge joined the IL, and the race between four different pitchers in the NL for Cy Young.

All betting odds are via DraftKings and stats are as of Sunday morning on June 14.

National League Cy Young Poll

1. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers (-115)

2026 Stats: 87.0 IP, 8-2, 1.34 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 131 K, 22 BB, .140 OBA

The hottest name in baseball right now is Jacob Misirowski. As he approaches his one year anniversary of his debut, the 6-foot-7 phenom has been outstanding. If you live under rock, then you probably didn't hear about his historic complete game that featured 95 pitches, one hit allowed, no earned runs, and 15 strikeouts with no walks against the Phillies.

What's arguably most impressive in that start was his consistency and endurance. Misiorowski hit 104.5 mph against the first batter, which is an MLB record, and 103 mph versus the final hitter. Other insane notes from that start featured he never had a three-ball count, 74 of his 95 pitches were strikes, and he recorded a game score of 100, which marks only the 10th time that has happened in history.

Over Misiorowski's last seven starts, he has a 0.20 ERA, which is the third-lowest in a seven-game span since 1913 when ERA became an official stat. Currently, the 24-year-old leads the NL in ERA (1.34), strikeouts (131), WHIP (0.74), and OBA (.140). It's hard to top anything Misiorowski is doing, but he's not alone when it comes to going on a historic heater lately.

2. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies (+160)

2026 Stats: 93.1 IP, 8-2, 1.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 113 K, 18 BB, .229 OBA

Cristopher Sanchez went crazy in May and earned a frontrunner tag for Cy Young. Sanchez posted a 0.00 ERA, .181 OBA, and a 4-0 record over five starts and 39.0 innings. The sixth-year pro struck out 45 and walked three with 25 hits and one complete game in May.

To allow 25 hits over five games with no earned runs is remarkable. Sanchez also broke the Phillies' franchise record of consecutive scoreless innings pitched (50.2 innings) that stretched from his final start in April to his first start of June (seven games). Sanchez finished second in voting last year for the award behind Paul Skenes, but is on another level this season. If it wasn't for all Misiorowski is doing, Sanchez would be the obvious choice and a heavy favorite.

3. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (+1200)

2026 Stats: 67.2 IP, 6-2, 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 73 K, 21 BB, .154 OBA

Up until Shohei Ohtani's last start, he was cruising with a sub 1.00 ERA, 0.74 to be exact, and 10-straight games of two or fewer earned runs. However, in his previous outing versus Pittsburgh, Ohtani allowed three earned runs and three walks over 102 pitches and 6.2 innings. That is literally the only blemish on Ohtani's magnificent season.

Ohtani pitched in 14 games last season and 47.0 innings. He's already is at 11 starts with 67.2 innings this season. This year could not only be a career year on the mound for Ohtani, but historic depending on his finishing numbers when you combine his hitting too.

Long Shot: Max Meyer (+10000)

2026 Stats: 85.0 IP, 7-0, 2.75 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 95 K, 32 BB, .201 OBA

Max Meyer has been on another planet this season, and sadly, he's probably not receiving the recognition he deserves. The 27-year-old has quietly become easily the most reliable pitcher on the Marlins, which no one saw coming. Meyer had a 5.68 ERA and 4.73 ERA over his first two seasons with 25 total starts.

This year, Meyer has already set career-highs across the board for a Marlins team that is 36-36 through the first 72 games. No matter how good Meyer's year is, it will be overshadowed by the frontrunners for this award, and the fact that he pitches for a Miami team who's had a losing record in 15 of the past 16 years.

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American League Cy Young Poll

1. Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees (+160)

2026 Stats: 89.0 IP, 7-3, 1.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 96 K, 18 BB, .195 OBA

Cam Schlittler is on an incredible stretch right now with zero or one earned run in nine of the last 11 games. The 25-year-old's full body of work has been impressive. His ERA from month to month has gone from 0.00 to 1.73 to 1.48 to 3.18.

If you look at his road splits, you'd have an argument he's been the best pitcher away from home. He ranks second in the AL with a 1.12 ERA and .157 OBA, while ranking first in innings pitched (56.1), WHIP (0.73), and strikeouts (64). With Gerrit Cole missing the first portion of the season, Schlittler's performance has meant that much more to the AL East leading Yankees.

2. Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays (+290)

2026 Stats: 68.0 IP, 3-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 103 K, 28 BB, .209 OBA

Once again, Dylan Cease is racking up strikeouts as an absurd clip. His 103 strikeouts is third the MLB and ranks first in the AL. Cease struck out the Phillies 11 times in his last start, which was a little more impressive considering he was coming off a hamstring strain that had him on the IL.

Cease has eight or more strikeouts in five consecutive games and eight out of 12 starts. The former White Sox and Padres ace is averaging his best strikeout to walk ratio (3.8) of his career. Per baseball savant, Cease ranks in the 98th and 99th percentiles for whiff and strikeout percentage. He will be in contention for Cy Young as long as he continues generating swing and misses.

3. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers (+750)

2026 Stats: 76.2 IP, 5-4, 3.17 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 89 K, 15 BB, .211 OBA

At 37-years-young, there ins't much decline in Jacob deGrom's game. In June, deGrom has a 1.06 ERA, .203 OBA, 19 strikeouts to three walks, and two wins in three starts. He's allowed two or fewer earned runs in 10 out of 14 starts and zero runs in four starts, including two of the past three.

Much of deGrom's struggles have come from 13 home runs allowed, including three games with multi-homers permitted. His 13 homers have accounted for 17 out of the 27 runs he's give up, so more than half of his runs (62.9%). deGrom had a 5.72 ERA in May with nine home runs given up over five starts (28.1 IP). It's safe to say June is treating the veteran much better than May did.

Long Shot: Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians (+1800)

2026 Stats: 86.2 IP, 9-3, 3.32 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 99 Ks, 28 BB, .213 OBA

One of the surprising names in the hunt for Cy Young is Gavin Williams. Cleveland's ace is tied for the MLB-lead in wins (9) and fourth in strikeouts (99). In the AL, Williams ranks top 13 in OBA (.213), WHIP (1.10), and ERA (3.32). The main issue for Williams is the home run ball. Williams has allowed 13 homers, which is tied for the seventh-most in the AL.

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American League MVP Poll

1. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (+105)

2026 Stats: .327 BA, 24 HR, 54 RBI, 49 R, .435 OPS, 1.093 OPS

Aaron Judge's injury could be the big break that Yordan Alvarez needs. Alvarez has been declared the frontrunner for MVP since Judge went down on May 31.

Alvarez is in the midst of a comeback season after missing 114 games last year with a .237 batting average and six home runs over 48 games. In 71 games this year, Alvarez is cranking an insane .327 batting average (4th) with an MLB-leading 24 homers and the third-most RBI (54). Quite simply, Alvarez is the man to beat for MVP.

2. Bobby Witt Jr, Kansas City Royals (+250)

2026 Stats: .284 BA, 9 HR, 28 RBI, 35 R, 24 SB, 19 2B, .810 OPS

The one aspect Bobby Witt Jr. has going for him in the MVP race that Alvarez, Nick Kurtz, Ben Rice, and the others don't have is spectacular defensive numbers.

In most metrics, he is top five in the MLB such as outs above average (+16, 1st) and fielding run value (+12, 2nd). Witt is fifth in WAR so far (3.8) and really needs to bat above .300 with the most hits in the league to compete with Alvarez's power. Witt is tied fifth in the MLB with 80 hits and is four back of the AL lead.

3. Nick Kurtz, Athletics (+600)

2026 Stats: .285 BA, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 48 R, .437 OBP, .971 OPS

Lately, Nick Kurtz has heated up and witnessed his highlights go viral. Kurtz has five home runs in his last six games, including a multi-homer game and four bombs in a three-game stretch during June.

Kurtz is hitting .333 in the last 15 days and has an OPS of 1.130 in June. The 23-year-old leads the MLB in OBP (.437), ranks fourth in OPS (.971) and is top 15 in runs scored (48) and home runs (16).

Long Shot: Ben Rice, New York Yankees (+600)

2026 Stats: .291 BA, 18 HR, 45 RBI, 50 R, .397 OBP, .989 OPS

With Aaron Judge out of the lineup, Ben Rice has the opportunity to become a household name with the Yankees. The 27-year-old third-year player has raised his batting average from .255 to .291 and is on pace to shatter his 26 homers from last season (currently at 18).

Defensively, there is still room to grow, but offensively, Rice is proving to be a problem and the most dangerous bat in the offense. His numbers will have to improve without Judge. In 10 games since Judge joined the IL, Rice has hit .211 with one home run, one RBI, and 11 strikeouts to seven walks.

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

National League MVP Poll

1. Shoehi Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-1600)

2026 Stats: .305 BA, 14 HR, 41 RBI, 50 R, .426 OBP, .979 OPS

The most likely outcome for any award is Shohei Ohtani winning MVP for a third consecutive year. Ohtani has four MVPs in five years and a fifth in six seasons would be the least surprising outcome.

Ohtani is dominating on the mound with a 1.06 ERA and 0.84 WHIP, plus raking behind the plate with a .305 batting average. His career-high batting average is .310 and his best ERA is 2.33, which are both achievable, meaning this may be the best version of Ohtani. Scary.

2. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (+2200)

2026 Stats: .247 BA, 24 HR, 42 RBI, 42 R, .573 SLG, .937 OPS

Last season, Kyle Schwarber finished second in MVP voting finishing ahead of Juan Soto (+2500) and behind Ohtani. How can Schwarber win MVP over arguably the best two-way player of all-time?

I don't think he can, but if he was, it would probably be breaking the single season home run record of 73 tater tots held by Barry Bonds in 2001. Schwarber is tied for the lead league with 24 homers through 67 games. He hit 56 bombs in a full 162 games in 2025.

3. Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (+5000)

2026 Stats: .298 BA, 18 HR, 56 RBI, 46 R, 10 SB, .562 SLG

One of the breakout players this season is the Cardinals' Jordan Walker. The 24-year-old is hitting .298 after two seasons of .201 and 2.15 batting averages. In 67 games this year, Walker has already set or tied a career-high in home runs (18), RBI (56), and stolen bases (10).

St. Louis is 38-30 and not only live for a Wild Card spot, but in the hunt for first place in the NL Central. Walker's posting a 3.4 WAR, which is tied for 10th-best with Yordan Alvarez, who's the favorite to win MVP in the AL.

Long Shot: James Wood (+5000)

2026 Stats: .274 BA, 19 HR, 44 RBI, 63 R, 13 SB, .408 OBP

James Wood is a player to keep an eye on over the next few seasons as he takes the leap to stardom. Wood is on pace to shatter every personal high through two seasons.

The 23-year-old has 19 home runs (T-6th), 44 RBI (18th), 13 stolen bases (T-16th) and leads the MLB in runs scored (64). He ranks fourth in OBP (.408) behind Kurtz, Ohtani, and Alvarez, plus Wood is top 12 in SLG and OPS.

Washington is 36-35 through 71 games and while Wood has borderline no chance at MVP unless Ohtani gets injured, but he will be someone that puts pressure on Ohtani and the rest of the league for years to come.

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27-45 Chart

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 14: Willi Castro #3 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with Kyle Karros #12 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning during a game against the Athletics at Las Vegas Ballpark on June 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rockies 23, Athletics 9

Leverage Index (6.14.26) A line graph that shows the Rockies winning.Rockies @ Athletics Box Score (6.14.26)

Graphics via FanGraphs.

Putting it all together: Kyle Karros, +0.28 WPA

Pitching at elevation is hard: Jeffrey Springs, -0.62 WPA

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Dylan Harper Shines on Basketball’s Biggest Stage Despite Spurs’ Finals Defeat

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs four games to one last night, overcoming multiple double-digit deficits along the way. While much of New York City and New Jersey celebrate the Knicks’ extinguishing New York’s long title drought across the Big Four sports leagues (stretching back to the Giants in 2011), Rutgers nation can take pride in seeing one of their own step up big time for the Spurs. Dylan Harper not only played extensive minutes, but he looked like the best Spur on the court for large parts of this series.

Despite coming off the bench the entire series, Harper averaged 18 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. As the series got better, so did the rookie out of Rutgers, with his crowning performance coming in an elimination Game 5 at home. Harper led the team with 25 points while also contributing 5 rebounds and 4 assists while playing 31 minutes off the bench.

While much of the team struggled, including De’Aaron Fox throughout the series, Harper stepped up in clutch moments and time again. His crafty finishing around the rim caught the eyes of fans nationwide, while his tenacious defending made things difficult for New York throughout the series. He was the second-leading scorer behind Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals as a rookie while coming off the bench, which says just about everything you need to know about his career trajectory

If there is one area where the budding star guard could improve, it would be his three-point shooting. Harper got off to a slow start from deep this series, scoring 16 points in Game 1 on 1-4 from downtown. In Game 2, he missed all three attempts from deep while finishing with 15 points, before going 1-8 from long range during Game 3 at MSG. Coincidentally, that was the lone game the Spurs were able to win over the eventual champion Knicks.

Some of those threes were wide open as well, which made me think about just how good Harper could be if he had even a respectable three-point jump shot. In Game 4, Harper went 8-12 from the field and converted 3 of 6 threes, coming up with 21 points despite the Spurs blowing an unfathomable 29-point lead, the largest in Finals history. Due to the catastrophic loss, San Antonio went from a possible 2-2 tied series to trailing New York 3-1 as the series returned to Texas.

In Game 5, Harper put it all together when his team needed it most. On a night where starting guards Stephon Castle (1-10) and De’Aaron Fox (3-15) combined for 13 points on horrifically poor shooting, the New Jersey native came off the bench and dropped 25 points. As in Game 4, this time he cashed in on two of four from downtown while continuing to play aggressive defense, getting stops and forcing a backcourt violation.

Despite this, Harper was relegated to the bench for some of the game’s most important swings, including when the Knicks roared back yet again. When the Spurs rookie returned to the floor, the Knicks were trailing, and Harper was unable to hit the game-tying layup.

With San Antonio then trailing by three, Landry Shamet fouled Harper off an inbounds pass to prevent a three-point shot attempt, and Harper missed both free throws; the second one may have been an intentional miss. But none of that takes away from the series he had and the poise he showed as a rookie under pressure.

During the Spurs’ postgame press conference, Devin Vassell told reporters, “I know that he’s gonna put so much work into the offseason. It’s not just offensively, but defensively, he’s made a lot of plays. He’s grown so much. And was he 20, 21 years old? I mean, the sky’s the limit for him.”

With De’Aaron Fox going 24-70 from the field and contributing to some of the most head-scratching moments for the Spurs, many fans and analysts see him being traded this offseason, possibly to the Nets. Even if not, it will be hard to see how Harper does not crack the starting lineup next season after outproducing both Castle and Fox, all while coming off the bench in basketball’s biggest stage.

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Red Sox Try To Complete Sweep Versus Nathan Eovaldi And The Rangers

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 12: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on June 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sunday night baseball! For (I think) the first time since NBC took over Sunday Night Baseball, the Red Sox are in the slate spot to finish the week. They’ll throw Connelly Early, and face off with old friend Nathan Eovaldi. I don’t know about you guys, but he’s always been the one who got away for me. Pitching isn’t really a concern on this iteration of the Red Sox, but there’s something I love about Eovaldi and wish he spent more time in Boston.

The Tartan Army is also descending on Fenway Park, which should make for a lively environment.

First pitch at 7:20 PM EST on NBC, Peacock, and WEEI.

Lineups

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Game 71 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox

KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 09: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws a warm up pitch before a MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals on June 09, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Texas Rangers @ Boston Red Sox

Sunday, June 14, 2026, 6:20 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / NBC)

Fenway Park

RHP Nathan Eovaldi vs. LHP Connelly Early

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSRED SOX
Wyatt Langford – DHMasataka Yoshida – DH
Josh Jung – 3BCeddanne Rafaela – CF
Brandon Nimmo – RFWilyer Abreu – RF
Ezequiel Duran – SSWillson Contreras – 1B
Jake Burger – 1BJarren Duran – LF
Justin Foscue – 2BCaleb Durbin – 3B
Cody Freeman – LFIsiah Kiner-Falefa – 2B
Kyle Higashioka – CMarcelo Mayer – SS
Alejandro Osuna – CFCarlos Narvaez – C
Nathan Eovaldi – RHPConnelly Early – LHP

Go Rangers!

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Mets coast to series win

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 14: A.J. Ewing #9 of the New York Mets looks on after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on June 14, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mets and Freddy Peralta had a wonderful day at the ballpark, continuing the good vibes for orange and blue New York teams this weekend (congratulations to the Knicks!!!!), beating the Braves 8-1 to take the weekend series against their division rivals.

The first inning was a rocky one for Peralta, which is not suggested in his five inning, one run box score performance. He loaded the bases with one out, before surrendering a sacrifice fly to Old Friend Dom Smith. That one run would be the only run for the Braves.

The Mets struck back right away, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. Carson Benge walked to lead off the inning, and Bo Bichette singled to put two on with no outs. After Juan Soto inexplicably attempted and failed to bunt for a hit, giving the Braves a free out, Jared Young hit an RBI single to tie the game at one. A.J. Ewing hit a well stuck double into the left field corner. Mike Yastrzemski threw the ball in and it hit the pole that holds up the protective screen, allowing Ewing to get to third and Young to score from first. Brett Baty singled him home, putting a four spot on Bryce Elder to make it 4-1 after one.

The next three innings were very ho hum, with both teams putting up zeros in the second, third and fourth innings. The Mets added two more in the fifth, when Ewing and Marcus Semien hit back to back home runs, chasing Elder from the game. The Mets added two more insurance runs in the eighth, both on a Juan Soto single.

The Mets bullpen had a strong showing, putting together as Cionel Perez, Daniel Durate, AJ Minter, and Huascar Brazoban combined for four hitless innings, allowing two base runners in that span (two walks). Overall, the Mets put together a very nice series against the division-leading Braves, as they stay in shouting distance of a Wild Card spot, miraculously.

SB Nation GameThreads

Amazin’ Avenue
Battery Power

Box scores

MLB.com
ESPN

Win Probability Added

Big Mets winner: A.J. Ewing, +22% WPA
Big Mets loser: No one 🙂
Mets pitchers: +34% WPA
Mets hitters: +16% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: A.J. Ewing’s two run double in the first, +16.3% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Matt Olson single to load the bases in the first, -7.5% WPA.

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NHL playoff overtime explained: Longest games, rules, 2026 OT results

The Stanley Cup Final is nearing the end and just like last year, there has been some overtime.

With the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights evenly matched, we had the first overtime in this year's Final in Game 2. It was followed by double overtime in Game. 3.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers went to overtime three times in the first four games. The Oilers won Games 1 and 4 while the Panthers won Game 2 in double overtime. Games 5 and 6 were settled in regulation as the Panthers beat the Oilers for the second year in a row.

Unlike the Olympics and world championships, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.

There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.

This postseason, there have been 22 overtime games, including four double-overtime games. 

Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.

How does OT work in NHL playoffs?

If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.

The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series or the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series.

2026 NHL playoff overtime results

June 6: Golden Knights 5, Hurricanes 4 (2OT): Shea Theodore scored the winner at 5:38 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.

June 4:Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 3: Seth Jarvis scored the winner at 3:56 of the first overtime as Carolina tied the Stanley Cup Final 1-1.

May 25: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2: Andrei Svechnikov scored the winner at 14:06 of the first overtime as Carolina took the series lead in Game 3.

May 23: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the winner at 3:29 of the first overtime as Carolina tied the series in Game 2.

May 18: Canadiens 3, Sabres 2. Alex Newhook scored the winner at 11:22 of the first overtime as Montreal ousted Buffalo in Game 7.

May 13: Avalanche 4, Wild 3. Brett Kulak scored the winner at 3:52 of the first overtime as Colorado ousted Minnesota in Game 5.

May 12: Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2. Pavel Dorofeyev scored the winning goal just over four minutes into the first overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 series lead over Anaheim.

May 9: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2. Jackson Blake scored at 5:31 of the first overtime to sweep the Flyers.

May 4: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2. Taylor Hall scored at 18:54 of the first overtime for a 2-0 series lead.

May 1: Lightning 1, Canadiens 0. Gage Goncalves scored at 9:03 of the first overtime to tie the series.

April 29: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4. Brett Howden scored at 5:28 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 3-2 lead on Utah.

April 29: Flyers 1, Penguins 0. Cam York scored at 17:32 of the first overtime as the Flyers ousted the Penguins in Game 6.

April 28: Bruins 2, Sabres 1. David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of the first overtime to cut the Bruins' series deficit to 3-2.

April 27: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4. Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime to tie the series at two games apiece.

April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3. Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.

April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tied the series 2-2.

April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.

April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.

April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1. Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.

April 21: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2. J.J. Moser scored at 7:12 in the first overtime to tie up the series at a game apiece. It was Moser's first career NHL playoff goal.

April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2. Jordan Martinook scored at 13:53 of the second overtime. He was stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime.

April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3. Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 1:22 of the first overtime, completing a hat trick.

Longest Stanley Cup Final games

Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.

What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?

  • 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
  • 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
  • 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
  • 4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
  • 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
  • 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoffs overtime rules, 2026 bracket results and longest games

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Brewers to promote shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Cooper Pratt fields a ground ball during spring training workouts Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It is time. The Milwaukee Brewers are promoting shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to the major leagues. Pratt signed an 8 year contract extension with the Brewers worth north of $50MM back in April. Now, at long last, he will arrive in Milwaukee.

Pratt was removed from the Nashville Sounds game on Sunday in the 6th inning and, as Spencer Michaelis first reported, was giving hugs to his teammates in the dugout, a sure sign that a promotion was imminent. MLB’s Adam McCalvy later confirmed that Pratt was officially getting the call.

Cooper Pratt was hitting .241 with six doubles, four triples, six homers, 17 stolen bases, and a .735 OPS on the season in Nashville. He started off slow, but has been much better over the last several weeks.

Pratt brings gold glove-level defense at shortstop and is likely going to be playing at shortstop quite regularly for the Brewers going forward.

A corresponding move has not yet been announced, but it has been speculated that it will have something to do with Luis Rengifo. Ken Rosenthal reported a few weeks ago that June 15th was a date to circle because it’s the first day teams can trade free agents in the first year of their deals. Perhaps the Brewers have a trade lined up for Rengifo, we shall see. Also a DFA isn’t out of the question for him.

Rengifo also had the trainer check on him twice during Sunday’s game, once for his wrist after an awkward fall and once after fouling a ball off his shin. An IL stint could also be a possibility.

David Hamilton has been solid of late and Joey Ortiz is still a strong defender. Ortiz could slide into more of a utility role and has played third base in the past.

The Brewers are off on Monday, so that would mean Pratt’s debut is slated to come on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Guardians.

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Matt Chapman, Logan Webb power Giants to victory in series finale against Cubs

SAN FRANCISCO — Two bloops, a bunt and a blast from Matt Chapman produced more runs in the fifth inning Sunday afternoon than the Giants had scored in their previous two games.

That was all the Giants needed behind Logan Webb, who continued to dazzle in his fourth start back from a bout with bursitis in his push-off knee, to beat the Cubs, 5-1.

Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb dazzled Sunday, allowing no earned runs in eight innings against the Cubs. Getty Images

Webb has allowed two earned runs over 27 ⅓ innings since returning from the injured list and none to the Cubs on Sunday over eight innings, scattering seven hits and striking out seven.

“Even if it doesn’t go well with a hitter, he makes it fun by seeing how he’s going to respond,” manager Tony Vitello said. “Because I think one of the areas where he might be a little undervalued is just how dang good he is when something goes wrong.”

Vitello leaned on that quality in Webb when he went to the mound with two outs in the eighth inning. An error allowed the Cubs to get on the board and left two runners on base with Webb’s pitch count climbing over 100.

It turned into a quick visit: Webb remained in the game.

“Willy [Adames] was basically ready to grab me by the jersey saying, ‘Let this guy do his thing,’” Vitello said.

Webb was more convicted in his answer than when Vitello asked him about coming out after eight innings, at 99 pitches, in his previous start. That time, Vitello opted to hand the game over to Keaton Winn, who allowed three runs in a 4-3 loss.

“You could tell right away: He didn’t put his arm out or anything. You could kind of see in his face that he was going to ask me,” Webb said. “I probably said some cuss words, but in the end, I said ‘I’m good.’ All the guys behind me were going, ‘Eff yeah, let’s go’ and Tony walked off the mound.”

Moments after the mound visit, Webb’s mouth was agape with both arms raised in the air.

Vitello’s decision to stick with Webb almost immediately backfired when the very next batter, Michael Busch, lined his 106th pitch of the afternoon into the right field corner. It appeared destined to drive in two more runs.

“It was almost a terrible decision,” Webb joked.

But Jung Hoo Lee gave chase and tracked down the ball before crashing into the wall, leaving Webb amazed and the 40,000-plus on hand chanting Lee’s name.

“I just knew that Webby wanted to finish that inning bad,” Lee said through a team interpreter. “I wanted to really help out. … I just really wanted to [make] the catch for Webby.”

The catch preserved the lead that Lee helped build in the fifth.

After having his 18-game hit streak broken Friday, Lee was back in the hit column with a 2-for-4 effort, including a broken-bat bloop single to begin the fifth. Daniel Susac bunted him over to second, where he was in position to score when Drew Gilbert, the No. 9 hitter, found more open territory with a shallow flare down the left field line.

Giants leadoff batter Matt Chapman (right) celebrates with teammate Bryce Eldridge after Chapman homered Sunday. AP Photo/Scott Marshall

That was enough to open a 1-0 lead, and Chapman quickly made it 3-0 with a line drive over the center field wall for his seventh homer of the season — and sixth this month.

Looking the part of a leadoff hitter, Chapman drew his first of two walks and scored his second run of the game on a single from Bryce Eldridge in the seventh to make it 4-0.

It was Chapman’s first time hitting leadoff in three seasons with the Giants and only the third time he had batted first in 1,221 games at the big-league level.

Vitello had tried Luis Arraez in the top spot with Eldridge batting second the past two days but shifted each player down a slot with Chapman occupying the top of the order.

Something about this configuration worked: It produced more than one run for the first time since Wednesday. The Giants had been held to one run in their two losses to begin the series.

Vitello and president of baseball operations Buster Posey set four runs as a reasonable target. The Giants are 22-7 when scoring that many and 7-36 when failing to reach that mark.

“A lot of those days where we’ve done that, it’s been 7-8-9 getting on base or driving the ball,” Vitello said. “Jung Hoo’s going to compete for a batting title, so to have him down there is interesting, but it benefited us.”

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman makes a play against the host Giants on Sunday. Bregman went 2-for-4. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

What it means

Rather than opt for a traditional leadoff hitter, Vitello has tried to use the top spot of the lineup to maximize the number of at-bats for their hottest hitter.

For a while, that was Casey Schmitt, who’s found himself in a bit of a slump (5-for-34) and never quite profiled as a leadoff man with his aggressive approach.

Lately, it’s been Chapman.

Who’s hot

Dating back to May 17, Chapman is batting .344 (31-for-90). His home run was his 14th extra-base hit in that span. His two RBIs gave him 24 in 26 games, and he’s scored 19 runs.

Who’s not

The Giants are still waiting for their Big Three infielders to get hot at the same time.

As Chapman has heated up, the Giants have gotten little from Rafael Devers or Adames, who combined to go 5-for-43 (.116) over the course of the six-game homestand.

Up next

The Giants board a charter flight to Atlanta, where they have the day off Monday before beginning a six-game road trip with three against the NL East-leading Braves.

Adrian Houser, Robbie Ray and Landen Roupp are lined up to start the first series of the trip.

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WFAN’s Joe Benigno rejoices in Knicks’ championship win: ‘The dragon has been slain’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows The New York Knicks celebrate after winning the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, holding up championship trophies, Image 2 shows Photo of a man with gray hair and mustache, wearing a suit jacket and collared shirt

Saturday’s Game 5 victory that sealed the first Knicks championship since 1973 was an emotional moment for fans everywhere, many of whom have been waiting their entire lives for a championship.

On Sunday morning, Joe Benigno joined WFAN to share a message to Knicks fans who have been waiting patiently for this moment for many years.

“All the pain, all the disasters. Oh my God, all the ghosts are buried now. The dragon has been slain. It’s unbelievable,” he said. “All of that, all the pain, all the suffering, all the aggravation. It’s gone. It’s over. We are world freaking champions.”

Benigno joined WFAN to share a message to Knicks fans who have been waiting for this moment.

Benigno, a longtime Knicks fan, is referring to the years where the team was at the bottom of the barrel.

Since the arrival of now-captain Jalen Brunson in 2022, however, the team has had a magical turnaround from irrelevancy to playoff contenders the past four seasons.

Beyond the historic finals win that brought the Knicks their third championship in franchise history, the team had an incredibly dominant playoffs. They went 16-3 and won their last nine road games in a row.

Their 13 consecutive wins, stretching across sweeps of the 76ers and Cavaliers and into the finals against the Spurs, is the second longest winning streak in the history of the NBA playoffs.

Knicks celebrate after defeating the Spurs to win the NBA Championship. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

In the finals, the Knicks overcame double-digit deficits in each of the five games, winning every one outside of the Spurs’ Game 3 victory.

Benigno’s podcast, appropriately titled “Oh the Pain,” has been a succinct description of his experience rooting for his New York sports teams over the years.

Oh the pain no more for the Knicks.

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ESSAY: The quiet alienation of a New York Knicks title.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

It’s tremendously alienating. I’ve had plenty of time to reckon with this inevitable championship for the Knicks, not just a great team but the clear Team of Destiny for weeks now, but it’s still hard to swallow.

I am not actually happy for the innumerable Knicks fans around me. I am not quite “happy for the city” either, a begrudging middle ground that, as a born-and-raised Manhattanite who roots for the Yankees, Giants, and even the Rangers with an incurable case of New York Exceptionalism that would disgust the many New Jerseyans that visit this site, I thought I could get to. No. I am an outsider in my own home. This, of course, is the true essence of Nets fandom…

I love my friends….

I’ll say it so you don’t have to: It doesn’t really matter that the New York Knicks are champions, not as it pertains to Brooklyn’s on-court success. Of course, those future Knicks picks might not be so valuable…

…but that’d still be the case even if Victor Wembanyama made eye-contact with Stephon Castle before throwing that pass. You, Nets fan, are still allowed or even encouraged to be excited for a future with Egor Dëmin and whoever the team drafts at No. 6 overall in ten days.

Regarding the rest, there’s little to be done. If there is anything, anything at all surprising about Fort Greene/Downtown Brooklyn/Park Slope drowning in blue-and-orange ecstasy…

…it’s that any of us lived long enough to see the Knicks win another title. As Ock Sportello told me, this would be easier to accept if the franchise were an indomitable, Laker-esque force rather than a tortured soul with The Greatest City in the World and, therefore, the moral arc of history behind them. LeBron James told Cleveland that his crowning achievement was for them. He wasn’t exactly lying, but we all know that 2016 as The LeBron Title. Kawhi Leonard put a whole nation in The North on his back in 2019; alas, that is The Kawhi Title.

But 2026 is The New York Title. Jalen Brunson cemented his place in NBA history, of course, but he also cemented his place as a contender for the most beloved athlete in NYC history, simply a different plane of existence. I will always remember his 45-point NBA Finals closeout game; many more will remember what felt like eight million New Yorkers partying on the streets until the sun came up, from the true die-hards to the property-destroying streamers to the Kips Bay transplants singing their “Empire State of Mind” transplant anthem because it’s something to do on a Saturday night and hey, New York is about all those things.

So does it matter that the Knicks are growing their fanbase faster than the Nets? Does it matter that this mode of achievement is inaccessible for your favorite team despite also playing in New York City?

“No” is a very reasonable, healthy answer. We’ll all rejoice when the Brooklyn Nets are one day competitive again, perhaps an evil thorn in New York’s side just as they were in the mid 2000’s. I was in the building for Nets-Bucks Game 5 in 2021; the crowd was packed, loud, and very pro-Nets, a low bar but cleared nonetheless. I enjoyed not just the talent on that team, but I loved the vibe. Their best players were hired guns, mercenaries who, under cover of darkness, joined forces in Brooklyn of all places to wreak havoc on the NBA. It fit.

Admittedly, cold villainy is a difficult vibe for a franchise to lean into — I’m not writing this to ask the Nets for anything in particular, maybe other than more Josh Minott quotes. But as Ock Sportello explains: “My grievance, ultimately, is not with the Knicks for reminding me that I will never be a New Yorker, but for the Nets for attempting to convince me that that is something to be ashamed of.”

As a New Yorker, my shame is slightly different, though still distinctly Nets-flavored. I root for the team that moved here and immediately shed any trace of their New Jersey past when I wouldn’t tolerate that quality in a friend. It is the irrepressible feeling that Mikal Bridges was justified in committing the Nets’ cardinal sin, openly pining for a trade across the river, which allowed him to better his life and career and become a local legend. He won.

When I woke up on June 25, 2024, I did not think I’d be standing alone at the Belmont LIRR station at 2 A.M. on June 26, so I did not throw a hoodie in my backpack. Of course, I did not know the Nets were going to make a franchise-altering trade during the fourth quarter of the Commissioner’s Cup Final between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, moved to UBS Arena from Barclays Center so as not to interfere with next day’s NBA Draft.

But I couldn’t tell if I really was cold, or if it was coffee jittters, or if the Six-Pick Mik trade(s) had given me goosebumps all by itself. In any case, I called anybody I figured would be awake, excitedly explaining that the Nets had saved themselves from mediocrity. That the next two years would be painful, but perhaps Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey or AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson could be in black-and-white.

As you all know, that didn’t happen. Lottery luck was never guaranteed. Such is life. Brooklyn still owns future picks from that deal, and they do have flexibility; not every trade or signing or draft pick reaches its ideal outcome. But only the Nets could make one of the great trades in franchise history, setting themselves up to tank for a two-year period that produces the #8 pick, the #6 pick, and said trade being mocked by a rival team as they accept their Larry O… 

Only the Nets, I tell ya. 

Alright. No more. For real. Let’s have a great summer! 

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Jays Have A Bullpen Meltdown, Lose to Yankees

Jun 14, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second base Davis Schneider (36) fields a ground ball in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images | Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

Yankees 8 Blue Jays 3

This one had everything, other than a Jays’ win, of course.

John Schneider got ejected. It kind of pissed me off, because the Yankees José Caballero complained for a long time about a pitch clock thing (I guess) and the umpire let him complain and complain. John comes out on a balk call, and he was ejected in record time.

The balk? Well…..I generally think that if there is a balk, all the umpires will call it. This one, only the plate umpire did. I think he felt that Jeff Hoffman started towards the plate, then turned to second. John came out for, let’s say, an explanation, but the umpire decided not to explain. Course John may not have asked nicely.

The game? Well, it was tied going into the ninth, but Braydon Fisher didn’t ‘have it’ today. He got a strikeout, then gave up a single. Then, on a full count pitch, Uncle Ben Rice homered. After a walk and a fly out, Tommy Nance came in.

He didn’t do any better. A walk and a José Caballero home run put an end to any hope of a come back in the bottom of the inning.

Patrick Corbin wasn’t great, giving up a lot of hits (7) while not all that many runs (2) in 3.2 innings.

Spencer Miles gave up a run in his 2.2,

Mason Fluharty got the last two outs of the seventh.

Jeff Hoffman gave up a leadoff walk, had that runner steal and committed the rather weird balk, talked about above, but got two strikeouts with the runner on third to get out of the inning.

Offensively? Well, as seemingly always is the case, we didn’t score as much as we should have.

We got:

  • A run in the third: Nathan Lukes and Alejandro Kirk started the inning with singles, but Yohendrick Piñango hit into a double play. Kazuma Okamoto singled in the run.
  • A run in the fourth: Ernie Clement led off with a single. After outs by Davis Schneider and Charles McAdoo, George Springer and Nathan Lukes each singled to bring around Lukes.
  • In the sixth Schneider homered.

We did have 11 hits (with the one home run) so, yes, we should have scored more. Nathan Lukes, who seemed to have hit a cold spell in the last little bit had 3 hits, including a double. Having two hits were Springer, Okamoto (with a double), and Schneider (with a walk, along with the home run, bringing his average up 22 points, three more games like that and he’ll make it to the Mendoza line),

Piñango, Sánchez (with a walk) and McAdoo had 0 fors. McAdoo looked very over matched. His batting average has dropped to .167. I’m afraid, he really isn’t impressing me, but it’s just 24 PA. Sanchez is also the most worrying outfielder since Corey Patterson. Today he seemed to be trying out for the World Cup on one ball in the outfield.

Jays of the Day: Davis Schneider (0.22 WPA), Hoffman (0.17), Okamoto (0.11) and Lukes (0.09).

Other Award: Fisher (-0.42), Lips (-0.18), and McAdoo (-0.15)

Tomorrow is an off-day. I don’t know about anyone else but I could use one. Tuesday the Jays will be in Boston, for the start of three against the Red Sox.

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Mets Notes: Carlos Mendoza praises A.J. Ewing's resilience; Tobias Myers slated to start Monday night on a pitch count

Following a dominant 8-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing, and starting pitcher Freddy Peralta all spoke to the media.

Ewing finding his form and earning Mendoza's trust

Ewing starred in Sunday's win, going 3-for-5 with a homer, a double, and two RBI.

It was a much needed power surge for Ewing, who bumped up his OPS today to a respectable .720 mark after going hitless in three of his last four appearances.

His manager took notice and made sure to give him his vote of confidence after the game.

"It's impressive how he's handling himself, especially after a couple of hard games," said Mendoza.

Ewing and fellow rookie outfielder Carson Benge have been in the headlines throughout the season, and though it's still only June, Mets fans are rightfully optimistic that both of these young players have a bright future in Queens ahead of them.

"He's kinda like Carson; whether it's an 0-for or going through a tough stretch, [they have] the ability to remain consistent... he's a mature guy who is learning, adjusting, and developing at the big league level," Mendoza said.

Freddy Peralta and the Mets are trending in the right direction

Mendoza also made sure to shout outPeralta, who continues to provide solid, reliable performances on the mound as the team's pitching staff continues to deal with injury issues.

"He was aggressive with that fastball, but made some good adjustments. He wasn't too predictable today."

Peralta took the win today, pitching five full innings and allowing just four hits and one earned run on 90 pitches.

When Peralta was asked about how he viewed his performance in the victory, he showed love to his catcher.

"I have to give credit to Luis [Torrens]... he was amazing, giving me confidence behind the plate," the righty said.

"I was feeling really good in general," Peralta continued. "I was able to use not only the changeup but also the curveball today... Obviously I was looking forward to at least throwing six [innings], but stuff happens."

Finally, with the Mets still just a handful of games out of an NL Wild Card spot, Peralta spoke on what it means to win a series against the current leaders in the NL standings, the 46-25 Atlanta Braves.

"It's huge, it tells us how good we are."

Mendoza, Peralta and the rest of the Mets will be eager to continue righting the ship before it's too late.

Tobias Myers will start the Mets' series opener against the Cincinnati Reds

Following the Mets' 8-1 thrashing of the Atlanta Braves to take two of three at home,Mendoza revealed to the media that Tobias Myers will start the team's game Monday night in Cincinnati.

"Tobias will go. I think 40 pitches, but he's going to go. We've got that pitch count in mind," said the skipper.

Myers was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on May 30 to manage the team's bullpen depth, but also with the plan of converting him to a starting pitcher while in the minors.

Mets GM David Stearns recently remarked on how one of the biggest things the righty pitcher brings to the table is his ability to help the team "in a variety of ways".

Now, the Mets are taking full advantage of Myers' versatility, calling on him to rejoin the big league roster to kick off a six-game road trip, first with a three-game set against the Reds, then another three-game series against their bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies.