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San Diego stuns L.A. with 7-run bashing

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Petco Park on June 26, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres have been playing some good baseball lately. It’s a relief for the Friar Faithful, who have endured a stretch of tough at-bats and depressing losses. Now? The Padres have reeled off a four-game win streak against two of the best teams in baseball. They swept the Atlanta Braves at home, and took the series opener last night from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

They’ll play Game 2 against L.A. tonight, hoping to win the series and shorten the rivals’ lead in the NL West. It will be tougher than last night, with the 2025 World Series MVP on the mound against San Diego. But, if the offense looks anything like it did last night (seven runs on seven hits), the Friars will coast to a series victory.

Taking the mound

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)

It says something that Yamamoto has been the Dodgers’ second-best starter this season. He boasts an elite 2.65 ERA and minuscule 0.87 WHIP over 91 2/3 innings. His strikeout numbers have been down a bit, but he’s still getting outs at a ridiculous clip. He’s looked even better recently, with a 2.25 ERA in his last 48 innings pitched.

Yamamoto has looked like an ace ever since the Dodgers signed him out of Japan. He’ll seek to keep that dominance going against San Diego. A stat worth noting: Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado boast a combined .348 batting average against the righty. Just how much damage the veteran duo can do tonight remains to be seen.

Vásquez has had a rough stretch lately. After seeming to unlock a new level to his game at the beginning of the season, he now owns an ERA over 4.00 for the first time since April 2025. That’s due to his last outing against the Texas Rangers, in which Vásquez gave up six runs in the first inning, blowing a five-run cushion and losing the game for the Friars almost immediately.

He’ll need to do better tonight. He’s struggled to command his pitches well. If Vásquez isn’t on his A-game, the Padres will likely have to turn to the ‘pen earlier than they’d like. Hopefully, the righty can turn things around in such an important matchup.

Batter up!

The San Diego kid continues to impress. Ty France launched his 10th home run of the season last night for a three-run shot in the second inning. Despite scoring four more in the eighth, it was all the Padres would need after Walker Buehler limited Los Angeles to a single run.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Samad Taylor, LF
  3. Jackson Merrill, CF
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Gavin Sheets, 1B
  6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  7. Miguel Andujar, DH
  8. Freddy Fermin, C
  9. Sung-Mun Song, 2B

France has swung a hot bat lately but could be out of the lineup in today’s game after his arm was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning. He was able to remain in the game until the ninth inning, when Andujar replaced him at first base. That said, he may not play today depending on the state of his arm.

Relief corps

Buehler looked great against his former team, pitching five strong innings before being lifted in sixth inning for reliever Yuki Matsui. It was an odd move, with Buehler only at 74 pitches. He walked Andy Pages, and was taken from the game before Matsui gave up a double to Freddie Freeman. It could have been much worse, but the lefty popped out Max Muncy and flew out Kyle Tucker to end the trouble.

Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon and Wandy Peralta covered the final three innings well. Adam pitched a perfect seventh. Morejon worked through trouble in the eighth, inducing an inning-ending double play. Peralta did the same to finish off Los Angeles.

The four-run burst in the eighth allowed the Friars to save elite closer Mason Miller for the final two games of the series. If the offense is able to keep putting runs on the board, that move will prove incredibly shrewd for the club. Additionally, Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio and David Morgan will be available out of the ‘pen. Hopefully, Vásquez can cover six innings against the Dodgers so the relievers won’t be overworked.

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Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers preview, Saturday 6/27, 6:10 CT

Today’s roster move: Here

Saturday notes…

  • SATURDAY IN THE PARK: The Cubs are 6-6 on Saturday this season. They finished 20-7 a year ago. They are 2-3 on Saturday on the road. They finished 11-2 a year ago. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • RISPy BUSINESS: The Cubs were 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position last night. It was the 21st game in which they were hitless with RISP, more than one of every four they have played. They are 3-18 with no hits and have lost 11 in a row since they were 0 for 7 in a 2-0 win at Atlanta on May 14. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • STREAKING: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 28-game on base streak ties him for the 49th longest by a Cub since 1901 with John Sullivan, 1921; Hack Wilson, 1929 and 1930; Stan Hack, 1941; Tony Taylor, 1959; and Glenn Beckert, 1973. Johnny Evers, in 1912, and Augie Galan, in 1938, had streaks end at 29 games. There have been 46 streaks of at least 30, including seven of exactly 30, most recently by Ian Happ, April 45-May 9. Happ’s tied Bryan LaHair, in 2012, for the longest since Starlin Castro went 43 games, in 2011-12 — one short of Riggs Stephenson’s record of 44, in 1928. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Kris Bryant hits three homers and two doubles, going 5-for-5 with four runs scored and six RBI, as the Cubs defeat the Reds 11-8 in Cincinnati. Bryant’s 16 total bases break a franchise record that had stood since 1962 (Ernie Banks, 14). It happened 10 years ago today, Monday, June 27, 2016.

The Cubs lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Cubs lineup.

Brewers lineup:

David Peterson, LHP vs. Kyle Harrison, LHP

David Peterson is having the worst year of his career. Shuttled back and forth between the Mets rotation and bullpen, he’s never been able to get any consistency.

You all know about his extreme ground-ball tendencies; BCB’s Sara Sanchez has more in this article posted yesterday. Hopefully the Cubs’ elite defense will help him get back to the level he was at the last two years, when he was essentially a 2 WAR pitcher.

He last faced the Brewers July 3, 2025 in New York, throwing 6.2 innings and allowing two runs (one earned). I think we’d take that tonight. Current Brewers are batting .184 (9-for-49) against Peterson with 14 strikeouts.

Kyle Harrison has been a revelation for the Brewers, posting a 2.50 ERA and 1.056 WHIP in 14 starts. One of those starts was against the Cubs May 20 in Wrigley Field, where he threw seven shutout innings and struck out 11.

Do better tonight, Cubs.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Brewers site Brew Crew Ball. If you do go there to interact with Brewers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

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Seth Trimble signs with the Washington Wizards as an undrafted free agent

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives to the basket Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Welcome to the NBA Seth Trimble. Trimble, who is signing as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Wizards, becomes the third former Tar Heel to join the NBA this offseason after Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar were drafted by the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks respectively. It is unknown exactly what kind of undrafted free agent contract it is (either a two-way, exhibit 10, or Summer league) but it will give Trimble the chance to show off his skills at summer league. Fellow former Tar Heel RJ Davis signed an exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers last season and that led to a G-League contract with the South Bay Lakers. If he has a successful Summer League, Trimble could be looking at a similar deal, which in turn could give him a chance at the NBA as the Wizards are not a very good franchise (more on that below).

So what can the former Tar Heel bring to the Wizards?

Strengths

Trimble has gotten better every season setting career highs in points, assists, and minutes per game this past season. He also had his highest field goal percentage as a Tar Heel at 47.1 percent. Trimble is a leader on the floor and in the locker room and is willing to take the clutch shots and make them (never forget the game winner against Duke). He is also a strong driver and possesses the athleticism to make finishes in traffic. Trimble on the whole is also a decent defender and though he may not yet be lockdown, it is something he could achieve if he if that became his focus.

Weaknesses

Let’s just get this one out of the way because there is nothing he can do to fix this, but Trimble is small for an off ball guard at 6’3. Additionally, though he has hit big threes, his career 29.4% from three limits his 3 and D potential in addition to his lack of size. Trimble also needs to work on his free throw shooting as for the most part he has been about a 66% free throw shooter, with the exception of a 82% junior season, and for a guard who is a better driver than long range shooter will make him susceptible to team fouling.

The Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are not a good NBA team (I would argue they are the Cleveland Browns of the NBA, but I am open to other suggestions) having finished with a losing record in each of the past five seasons (120-290) and garnering a top 10 pick in each of those five seasons and a top five pick in two of them. Additionally, the team is full of smaller guards including the teams first round pick from last season, Tre Johnson. The Wizards did trade for Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season perhaps signaling a sign to compete, but they combined to play five games for Washington last season, all by Young.

It will be an uphill battle for Trimble to make the 15-man roster, but Trimble’s calling card should be defense and that should give him a chance even as an undersized guard, though he will likely spend most, if not all, of this season in the G-League. If he does get anytime with the NBA franchise, he will be reunited with former Tar Heel and one time teammate Leaky Black (they were both on the 2022-23 squad).

In the end Trimble is one of several players hurt most by the new NCAA five in five rule snubbing the class of 22. Trimble was always going to have a tough time getting drafted but could’ve been a leader on the Tar Heels this season and with next years draft class looking less loaded, might’ve found a draft spot in the late second round. Nonetheless, he is going to get the chance to live his dream and UNC fans everywhere should be excited for it.

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New Jersey Devils Select Quinn McKenzie at 222nd Overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

With the third-to-last pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which was acquired from Colorado, the New Jersey Devils selected Quinn McKenzie from the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL. In 2026-27, McKenzie will be playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions. For such a late pick in the draft, there is actually a lot to like here! Quinn had 21 goals and 30 assists in 65 games for the Greyhounds this season, jumping from Shattuck St. Mary’s to the OHL and putting up a very good season in third-line minutes. I am actually surprised, looking at his profile, that he never got much scouting attention, especially with his five goals and seven points in 10 playoff games for Soo. However, he is a 5’10” and 176 pound right-handed center, so maybe the size factor made him slip through the cracks. The Maryland-native also grades out very well on Mitchell Brown’s CHL tracking project for a prospect this late in the draft, with solid passing and defensive skills.

You can see here that the areas McKenzie will have to work on the most are his turnovers. He has been a puck-dominant center in the OHL, and it does seem that he struggled a bit with puck protection at times. However, with an ability to get back and strong impact on getting the puck out of the defensive zone and past center ice, McKenzie has a strong base to establish himself as a third or fourth-line winger if he cannot quite drive the offense as a center. Brock Otten, the Director of Scouting for McKeen’s Hockey, liked this one quite a bit:

Additionally, Quinn had one of the highest grades in the seventh round from the analytical aggregator Tape2Tape Prospects:

He is a player that wants to be good for his team. Back in October, when the season was just getting underway, McKenzie was featured in the The Sault Star after scoring an overtime winner over the Kitchener Rangers. Despite having three points in a 5-4 win, McKenzie apologized to his team postgame, per head coach John Dean, for his play in the first period. You can see the highlights from that game below. On the overtime goal, McKenzie spins off a defender along the boards and goes right to the net, ending the game.

This might be the kind of player he is. When he scored his first OHL goal, he won a puck battle on the boards at a tough angle and then went around to the net, scoring on a rebound.

Unfortunately, as a largely unranked player, McKenzie lacks the usual highlight packages I could normally point to even though he had the statistical production to assemble such a video. Maybe one comes out eventually. Maybe he gets added to the NHLe databases. We’ll see. For now, feel free to vote in our flash poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Former Avalanche Stanley Cup Hero Traded Again in Surprise Trade

Andre Burakovsky’s career has turned into a steady loop of new stops and short stays. The latest came Friday, when the Chicago Blackhawks dealt him to the Ottawa Senators for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

He leaves Chicago after one season that felt functional more than anything else. Burakovsky posted 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 75 games after arriving from the Seattle Kraken on June 21, 2025. Middle-six minutes, secondary scoring, dependable enough—but never really a defining piece of the lineup.

He is entering the final year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($5.5 million AAV) signed with Seattle in July 2022 and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Across 771 regular-season games, he has 420 points (164 goals, 256 assists). He also has 47 points in 93 playoff games and two Stanley Cup championships.

Drafted 23rd overall by the Washington Capitals in 2013, Burakovsky has now played for Washington, Colorado, Seattle, Chicago, and Ottawa. The production has been steady enough over time, but the role has shifted almost everywhere he’s gone.

The clearest version of his impact still traces back to Colorado.

He wasn’t a driver on that 2022 team, but he didn’t need to be on a roster that went on to win the Stanley Cup. Colorado was built to overwhelm teams with speed and skill. His job was simpler—finish plays when they opened up, and be ready for the moments that could swing a game.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against Tampa Bay is still the reference point. The game went to overtime, tight and tense, and Burakovsky finished it—scoring the winner in a 4-3 Avalanche victory that set the tone for a series Colorado would close out in six games.

That’s still the moment people remember. Not because it defines his career, but because it shows what he’s always been: a player who can matter without ever being the center of it.

In Ottawa, that’s the bet again.

Senators general manager Steve Staios put it simply.

“Andre adds skill and playmaking ability to our forward group,” Staios said. “We are happy to add the pedigree of a two-time Stanley Cup champion.”

For Ottawa, it’s another depth move—an experienced winger who can slide into the middle six, chip in offense, and help stabilize shifts when games tighten.

The Senators also made another move Friday, acquiring goaltender Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2026 fifth-round pick, part of a broader stretch of roster reshaping.

Burakovsky’s career doesn’t come with permanence at this point. It hasn’t for a while. But he keeps finding teams that believe there’s still enough there to make a difference.

Now it’s Ottawa’s turn to see where it fits.

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Nets, Spurs among teams interested in Rui Hachimura

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Of the many Lakers’ internal free agents, perhaps the one most likely to find a new home next season is Rui Hachimura.

While Rui has had a handful of successful seasons in Los Angeles, his fit with the team is less than ideal as it stands and he could be the odd man out for the Lakers depending on how free agency plays out.. And if he does hit the open market, then there are going to be many teams lining up for one of the best shooters in the league.

On Saturday, NBA beat writer Jake Fischer reported that the Nets and Spurs are among the teams interested in Rui in free agency.

Brooklyn keeps coming up as a likely suitor, too, for the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, league sources say. The Nets and Spurs are two teams we’ve heard have interest in adding Hachimura’s services, while the Spurs are also faced with resolving Harrison Barnes’ future as the veteran forward heads toward unrestricted free agency.

Unfortunately, Rui might cook in San Antonio. The Spurs have plenty of talented guards but lacked the same depth on the wing. Rui could even potentially step into the starting lineup and have a big man in Victor Wembanyama who can help mask some of his deficiencies.

Even if Lakers fans are open to moving on from Rui, it’d hurt to see him go to San Antonio. That’s quite the same in Brooklyn.

It’s really anyone’s guess what the Nets are doing in terms of roster-building. It’s hard to imagine any notable player going there for any reason other than living in New York and/or getting a big contract.

But Brooklyn does have the cap space to offer that big deal. They’ll likely be used as leverage throughout the summer, something Lakers fans are certainly used to, even if they aren’t always serious bidders.

Nevertheless, this shows that, probably unsurprisingly, Rui will have suitors this summer. He did speak about loving his time in Los Angeles. And there have been reports that most expect him to return to the Lakers. But it looks like there’s going to be competition to bring him back, if the front office does indeed go that route.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Report: Sixers interested in Dean Wade in free agency

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is introduced before the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With the official start of NBA free agency rapidly approaching, we’re quickly going to see more buzz of who the Sixers could look to sign. Now, we can add Dean Wade to the mix.

As Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have reported, various playoff teams, including the Sixers, are expected to be interested in Wade.

Right away, the Sixers now have a connection to Wade with the time Mike Gansey spent in the Cavaliers’ front office. In his first media availability session after joining the Sixers, Gansey even mentioned Wade when talking about finding diamonds in the rough for the Cavs. Gansey’s familiarity and respect for Wade’s skillset could spark more interest in reuniting with him again through free agency this summer, but Wade likely won’t come cheap.

The 6-foot-9 forward has spent the first seven years of his career with the Cavs, becoming a staple in their rotation since his second year. In 2025-26 in 22.3 minutes per game, he averaged 5.8 points (58.0 percent true shooting and 36.2 percent from three), 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks. He’s hardly a game-changer on offense, with little to offer on the ball and his fairly low aggression/shot volume can be a hindrance. However, he is reliable when it comes to making sharp extra passes and keeping the ball moving. He’s still a decent shooter as well with a 36.7 percent three-point stroke on 3.3 attempts per game (5.9 attempts per 36 minutes) over the last six seasons.

Wade shines at the other end of the floor, though, as a rock-solid defender. He has great size and length to handle tough forward assignments, pretty good lateral quickness and agility to shift around the perimeter and cover his fair share of guards, and solid rebounding. Wade’s versatility and size at that end of the floor is clearly something the Sixers could use more of.

But again, all that may come at a price that exceeds the Sixers’ budget. Or at least what they can spend without losing out on other talent.

The Sixers do have the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) at their disposal this summer, but using it would hard cap them at the first apron for the rest of 2026-27 (as our Bryan Toporek laid out so well here). At that point, using the NTMLE will likely lose the team Kelly Oubre Jr. and/or Quentin Grimes. And even if you’re ready to see Grimes and all his flaws go, Oubre has clearly proven plenty of value to this team.

If Wade costs over $10 million or the full NTMLE, then that may not be a price the Sixers can rise to. And as good as Wade would be in strengthening the Sixers’ forward rotation, it’s hard to see him as that valuable for Philly. Especially if signing Wade costs the team Oubre.

Nevertheless, it’ll be intriguing to see what further reports we see about interest in Wade from the Sixers and other teams as we get into free agency, and what kind of contract he could command.

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Pena, Paredes Lead Offensive Burst as Astros Tame Tigers 8-6

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 27: Christian Vazquez #2 of the Houston Astros and Jeremy Pena #3 score on a double by Isaac Paredes to take a 8-6 lead over the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There may have been a sense that with AL MVP frontrunner Yordan Alvarez getting just his second off day of the season, the Houston Astros (41-44) may have trouble scoring runs today. That would not be the case.

The Houston offense got untracked early and surged late to lead the Astros over the Detroit Tigers (35-48) 8-6 this afternoon at Comerica Park.

Facing former Astro Framber Valdez, Houston got on the board first in the top of the second on a 2-run homer by Cam Smith. It was Smith’s 9th HR of the season, matching his total from all of 2025.

They would tack on another in the top of the 3rd when Jeremy Pena (3×5, 2R, 2RBI) scored on a Jose Altuve double-play groundout. The Tigers conceded the run in exchange for the two outs. It was 3-0 Astros.

Things got ugly for Astros starter Kai-Wei Teng in the bottom of the 3rd. Teng, who was coming off a terrific 6 inning performance in his last outing allowing just one run, would load the bases on a walk, an error, and a hit-by-pitch. Kerry Carpenter then launched a poorly placed curveball 390 feet to right center for a grand slam, his 12th HR of the season. The bomb gave the Tigers a 4-3 lead.

The Astros would answer right back in the top of the 4th on an RBI single by Jeremy Pena to tie the game at 4.

In the bottom of the 4th, a two-out RBI double by Spencer Torkleson would give the Tigers back the lead at 5-4 and chase Teng from the game in favor of Steven Okert.

Okert has essentially become the Astros “stopper”, the reliever called on to slam the door in stressed situations to quell rallies. Okert came into the game with 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, but got Carpenter on a grounder to first to end the threat.

In the bottom of the 5th, the Tigers would add another run on a solo HR by Hao-Yu Lee. Lee’s 3rd HR of the season made it a 6-4 Tigers lead and ended Steven Okert’s scoreless streak at 17.2 IP, the longest of the season by an Astros pitcher and the longest of the season by a LHP in MLB this year.

The Astros would get one back in the top of the 7th. a 2-out walk by Isaac Paredes and a single by Jose Altuve gave Houston 1st & 2nd, and then Christian Walker would deliver an RBI single to score Paredes and cut the deficit to 6-5. Walker would finish with 4 hits on the day, this one accounting for his 53rd RBI of the season.

Houston would have more 2-out magic in the top of the 8th. After a leadoff single by Yainer Diaz, Jake Meyers and Taylor Trammell both struck out. Christian Vazquez then poked a single to right, advancing Diaz to 2nd. A single by Pena and an error by Tigers CF James Outman would allow Diaz to score, tying the game at 6.

Paredes then drove a 2-run double into right off losing pitcher Will Vest (3-5), and the Astros took an 8-6 lead.

Bryan King and Josh Hader (S, 7) would handle the 8th and 9th innings in order for the Astros, who improve to 41-44 with the win.

AJ Blubaugh (4-2) picked up the win in relief with 2 scoreless innings.

The Astros are currently 2GB in the AL West and 0.5GB in the AL Wild Card race, pending tonight’s action.

The Astros will look to win the 5th straight series tomorrow afternoon behind Hunter Brown. The Astros have not won 5 straight series since June 20- July 6 last season, a stretch in which they went 12-3.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates – Chase Burns vs. Jared Jones

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds walks on the field prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Chase Burns leads the Cincinnati Reds into Saturday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates with the chance to lock up a much needed series victory. Jared Jones gets the start for the Bucs, with first pitch estimated to come at some point around 4:40 PM ET after a roughly half-hour rain delay.

Here’s how both teams will line up to start:

Today’s Lineups

REDSPIRATES
Elly De La Cruz – SSJake Mangum – CF
Sal Stewart – 3BBrandon Lowe – 2B
JJ Bleday – LFBryan Reynolds – LF
Eugenio Suarez – DHNick Gonzales – 3B
Nathaniel Lowe – 1BRyan O’Hearn – 1B
Noelvi Marte – RFMarcell Ozuna – DH
Dane Myers – CFEndy Rodriguez – C
Jose Trevino – CTyler Callihan – RF
Edwin Arroyo – 2BJared Triolo – SS
Chase Burns – RHPJared Jones – RHP
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Walker Buehler said he wants ‘to kick everyone’s ass’ after revenge game vs Dodgers

During the Padres’ 7-1 victory over the Dodgers on Friday night, Walker Buehler was dominant on the mound.

When Buehler met with reporters after the game, he didn’t hesitate to state how good he felt after beating his former team for the first time as a member of the Padres.

“My last pitch there was the last out of the [2024] World Series. I don’t really know how else I would’ve rather gone out any better than that,” Buehler said Friday.

“I want to kick everyone’s ass. I want to beat everyone, especially in the division. And especially against a team that has been so successful against the organization that I am with now.”

Friday night marked the second time Buehler has faced the team he helped close out Game 5 and win the 2024 World Series over the Yankees. The first time he faced the Dodgers was as a member of the Red Sox, when he pitched 4 ⅔ innings, giving up three runs, five walks and four hits.

On Friday night, Buehler looked like his old self, pitching five-plus innings and striking out five. He yielded one run on three hits and three walks.

Former Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler defeated his old team Friday night, leading the host Padres to victory. AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan

“I think the first one in Boston was a lot bigger, emotional, load, for lack of a better word,” Buehler said Friday night. “It’s a team in our division; I’m gonna have to pitch against them. It’s good to get the first win in this uniform, at home, and we’ll see what kind of happens on the road. I haven’t thrown at Dodger Stadium yet, which will be a different thing.”

Buehler admitted during postgame that his philosophy on pitching has changed since he joined the Padres. Now he is not trying to throw over 100 pitches in a game but is more focused on delivering five to six clean innings for the bullpen to finish the game.

Walker Buehler has been strong during his last eight starts for the Padres. YouTube/@MartyCaswell

Through his last eight starts, Buehler has been one of MLB’s better pitchers with a 2.76 ERA. He has been mixing up his pitching sequence by relying less on his cutter and more on his sinker.

While the Padres and Dodgers are scheduled to play the second game of their three-game series Saturday night in San Diego, it appears Buehler’s next scheduled start will come against the Dodgers: July 2 at Dodger Stadium.

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Blackhawks Close 2026 NHL Draft With 2 Selections In 7th Round

The Chicago Blackhawks went a long while without making a selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, but they came back on the clock twice during the seventh round. 

With their first of two, they took Russian defenseman Alexander Ivanov with the 194th pick. Ivanov is more of a defensive defenseman with size, standing at 6'1" and 181 lbs. 

There is not one part of Ivanov's game that sticks out as NHL caliber, which will have to change if he ever wants to make it, but he is a well-rounded player who knows how to play the position. He has pro experience under his belt already, so it's on him to work his way over to North America. 

With the 200th overall pick, the Blackhawks selected William Sorbrand. This was a case of the Blackhawks adding a big forward with their last pick, as Sorbrand of Sweden comes in at 6'4" and 209 lbs. 

During his draft year, he spent time with each level of the Swedish Elite League as a member of Timra IK. 

That made it five total picks for the Blackhawks over the course of the entire draft, which is the least they've made in the Kyle Davidson era, including no first-round selections for the first time. 

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Andy Green: Jared Young locking down 'lion's share' of Mets' first base at-bats moving forward

Mets fans, you can expect to see a lot of Jared Young moving forward. 

Interim manager Andy Green told reporters prior to Saturday afternoon's game against the Phillies that Young will handle the position “pretty consistently” over this next stretch. 

“I’d be a fool to change that one,” he said. “There’s still opportunities for other players, especially against certain types of lefty pitching, to get over to first and play, but he’s locking down kind of the lion’s share of at-bats over there.”

First base, of course, has been a bit of a revolving door for the Mets this season as they’ve attempted to make up for the departure of Pete Alonso over the winter.  

Jorge Polanco was brought in on a two-year pact to handle the bulk of the playing time, but injuries quickly limited him to DH duties and then forced him to the injured list since mid-April.

Polanco is resuming a rehab assignment, but will likely only DH again upon his return.  

Mark Vientos and Brett Baty received opportunities over there as well, but Baty ended up being utilized elsewhere around the diamond and Vientos struggled mightily on both sides of the ball.

Thus far, Young has taken advantage of the opportunity since returning from an injury of his own.  

The lefty slugger continues to serve as a catalyst for an offense that desperately needs it, and has provided an extremely steady glove at first base, both of which were on display Friday. 

"I had the opportunity to coach him in Chicago," Green said. "I've always believed the bat is real, it's fun for the rest of the world to get the opportunity to see that -- he's a tremendous teammate, cares about winning, smiles through adversity -- just the kind of guy you love having on a baseball team.

"There's a lot to like and he's really defending the position well, it's been fun watching."

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Poll: Nate Bittle Career Arc

Mar 7, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) looks to pass the ball around Washington Huskies guard Quimari Peterson (0) during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

What’s up y’all? The NBA draft has come and gone, and unfortunately (but not necessarily unsurprisingly) Nate Bittle was not drafted. He did, however, sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors, which is an invitation to Summer League and potentially to training camp in the fall. But it got me thinking, how do y’all think Bittle will fare in his career? Do you think he’ll stick in the NBA? Maybe as a G-League player? Or possibly play overseas? Let me know below!

As always, ‘Sco Ducks!

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The Yankees, hilariously, fall to the Red Sox for the third game in a row

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 27: New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerritt Cole (45) as seen after b being relieved in the seventh inning during a MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals on May 27, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Everyone can beat the Red Sox at home, right? They can’t hit there. They make costly mental errors. They’ve won won just 15 games at their home ground in the Fens, the lowest number of any team in the league.

All of this makes it grandly hilarious that the one team they apparently can beat at home right now is the New York Yankees.

After beating the Yankees yet again, this time behind Jake Bennett’s clean 6.1 innings, the Red Sox are now on their longest win streak of the season. Yes, three wins is not a very impressive streak. But, again, that just makes it even funnier that those three wins have come at the expense of the Yankees. Let’s all laugh at their pain!

The Sox scored early and often off Gerritt Cole, with Masataka Yoshida and Anthony Seigler picking up the daddy-torch Rafal Devers left in his locker 12 months ago. (Wait, ew, what’s a daddy-torch? I don’t want to think about it. Let’s move on.) Yoshida’s homer came in the first plate appearance of the game for the Sox, setting the tone for a pretty nice day at the ballpark.

The two rivals will go at it again tomorrow as the Sox try to complete 2026’s funniest sweep.

Three Studs

Jake Bennett: The pitching depth, it is for realz. Bennett only struck out three batters, but found a way to keep the Yanks off the basepaths for most of the afternoon, taking his start all the way into the seventh.

Masataka Yoshida: Might this be the start of one of Masa’s patented hey! he’s a pretty good hitter! two-month stretches at the plate? TBD, but he notched two hits today and scored twice.

Anthony Seigler: Ceddanne Rafalea joined Masa in the two-hit club, as he continues to build his case as one of the low-key best outfielders in the game. But Seigler’s bomb was the first of his career, so let’s stud him for that.

One Dud

Jarren Duran: Another 0-4 day and another two strikeouts for a guy who has been an offensive blackhole for most of the season. Is there some kind of rule that says the 2026 Red Sox need to have someone who is hitting worse than everyone else in the league at all times?

Play of the Game

It’s one of the biggest days of Anthony Seigler’s life, folks.

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Cubs roster move: Bryse Wilson added, Jayden Murray optioned

Right-handed pitcher Bryse Wilson was claimed on waivers by the Cubs from the Phillies earlier this week.

And now, he’s on the active roster (Bluesky link):

Wilson had eight years in the major leagues before 2026, with the Braves, Pirates, Brewers and White Sox. He was pretty bad for the Sox last year (6.65 ERA in 20 appearances covering 47.1 innings) and threw in one game for the Phillies this year. That inning for the Phillies, June 18 vs. the Mets, was the last time he threw in a game.

He’s probably stretched out enough to go maybe four or so innings. Between Wilson and Vince Velasquez, I think that’s who we will see throw in tomorrow’s game, presuming, of course, that David Peterson can give the team some length tonight against the Brewers.

I mentioned Wilson had pitched in Milwaukee, and one of those years was 2023, so Craig Counsell has some familiarity with him — Wilson threw well in relief for the Brewers that year, with a 2.58 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in 53 relief appearances. Maybe Counsell can channel some of that. Wilson was once a Top 100 prospect, back in 2019, for whatever that’s worth.

As always, we await developments. Today’s game preview will post at 4 p.m. CT.