Mets almost blow a big lead but hold on to win

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 5: A.J. Ewing #9 of the New York Mets celebrates after a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park on July 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mets came into the Sunday game against the Braves mired in a serious funk. They had lost three straight games and twelve of the last fourteen games. They needed to turn it around, and given the state of their rotation, they had their best chance with Nolan McLean on the mound. They were facing Martín Pérez, who was in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, with a 3.27 ERA going into the game. But rain in the area pushed the game off its 12:30 PM start time, threatening to complicate the game further for a Mets team in desperate need of an easy afternoon.

After a lengthy rain delay of nearly two hours, the game was finally underway at Truist Park, with Francisco Lindor leading off. He hit a groundball right to Austin Riley, but Riley bobbled the ball which allowed Lindor to reach first safely. Juan Soto hit a single and was thrown out attempting to stretch it into a double, but Lindor was able to reach third. Bo Bichette then hit a soft single to left, driving in Lindor as the game’s first run. Pérez was able to get out of the sticky situation (after making it even stickier with a walk of Mark Vientos to put two runners on) but the Mets ended the top of the first with the lead.

In the bottom of the inning, the Mets predictably immediately blew their lead. McLean hit Drake Baldwin with a pitch then gave up a double to Ozzie Albies to put two runners in scoring position with no outs. Tyrone Taylor made a great sliding catch to record the first out of the inning while saving a run from coming in to score. But a Michael Harris II single drove both runners in to give the Braves the lead. Nolan McLean then tried to throw over to first to try and pick off Harris, but he threw it at Harris, which then bounced away from Vientos and allowed Harris to advance to third. Mauricio Dubón then hit a single to drive in Harris as the Braves’ third run of the inning. A Dominic Smith double play got the Mets out of the inning but it took just three outs to take the Mets from winning to losing by multiple runs.

The Mets did something no one expected in the top of the second: they bounced back. A.J. Ewing led off with a solo home run to center field, putting the Mets back by just one run. A Luis Torrens walk and a Brett Baty double mirrored the Braves start to the last half inning, then a Lindor single tied the game up at three runs apiece. Soto hit a single to right, driving in both baserunners and putting the Mets back ahead. The Mets big inning ended there, but a four run inning put them back ahead and was the first show of resilience they had had in a while.

The game was quiet after that point, with McLean going six innings and allowing just the three runs (only two of them earned), with five strikeouts and just one walk. The next two Mets relievers who came in after him, Brooks Raley and Luke Raley delivered two scoreless innings to keep the Mets ahead by two runs. The Mets exploded in the ninth, beginning with a solo home run from Tyrone Taylor to add on a run to their lead. After two consecutive outs, the Mets offense exploded, with a Baty single and consecutive walks by Lindor and Soto loading the bases. A Bichette double drove in two runs, and a Jared Young (brought in a few innings earlier to pinch hit for Vientos) single drove in two more to put the Mets ahead by seven runs.

But it is the Mets of course, and nothing ever comes easy, even with a seven run lead. Huascar Brazoban came in, with a sparkling 1.94 ERA on the season and a nice cushy lead. He gave up two consecutive singles and then committed a throwing error to allow a run to score. No big deal, they still had a six run lead. A single and a walk then loaded the bases, and after a strikeout, Drake Baldwin hit a grand slam. A grand slam. Four runs. A seven run lead dwindled back down to two runs. Devin Williams was brought in to put Brazoban out of his misery, and at first looked like an improvement, getting the second out by striking out Albies. But then he gave up a double to Olson, who advanced to third on a wild pitch. Then Harris hit a single driving in Olson and putting the Braves within one run. Two outs earlier then had a seven run lead. A Mauricio Dubón single put two runners on, but Dominic Smith struck out and the Mets clung to their lead for the win.

A win is a win, but this was one of the ugliest wins of the season for the Mets, one that essentially felt like a loss by the end. They have one more game against the Braves tomorrow, with a chance to head home with a series split. They have Freddy Peralta taking the mound, which has been an uphill battle for a win as of late.

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Win Probability Added

What’s WPA?

Big Mets winner: Brooks Raley, +15% WPA
Big Mets loser: Carson Benge, -10% WPA
Mets pitchers: +24% WPA
Mets hitters: +26% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Devin Williams striking out Dominic Smith in the ninth, +24.4% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Mauricio Dubón’s single in the ninth inning, -14.5% WPA

Dodgers' Edwin Díaz pushes back against alleged links to illegal cockfighting

Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz works out at Dodger Stadium before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 16.
Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz works out at Dodger Stadium before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 16. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

Edwin Díaz insists he did nothing wrong.

After facing live batters for the first time Sunday since undergoing elbow surgery in April, the Dodgers’ reliever pushed back against allegations linking him to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico.

“I’ve been doing that before because, like the story said, that’s legal in Puerto Rico,” Díaz said.

USA Today published a story in May highlighting social media posts advertising cockfighting tournaments that picture Díaz in his Dodgers uniform. The story also referenced a story in El Nuevo Día, the largest circulating newspaper in Puerto Rico, quoting Díaz.

No one from Major League Baseball has reached out to Díaz about a possible suspension, he said.

Read more:Dodgers' Eliezer Alfonzo to start after his sister and stepmother died in Venezuela

“They didn’t reach out to me because I wasn’t doing anything illegal,” Díaz said.

In 2019, a federal law banning cockfighting took effect in Puerto Rico. Before the law, the blood sport had been made illegal in all 50 states, but not U.S. territories. Many Puerto Ricans saw the ban as an attack on their culture and vowed to defy the law.

Puerto Rico responded by passing a law saying that it’s legal to host cockfights as long as people don’t export or import the animals or any goods or services related to cockfighting. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 declined to hear a challenge to the federal law brought by a group that argued Congress exceeded its power by applying the ban to Puerto Rico.

Anyone found guilty of taking part in cockfighting faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Spectators could receive a one-year prison sentence.

Still, some Puerto Ricans such as Díaz view the topic as part of the island’s history, initially brought to the Caribbean by 16th-century Spaniards when the island was first colonized.

“It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child,” Díaz told El Nuevo Día in March. “It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”

Diaz is on track to return to the Dodgers after the All-Star break, although his exact return date remains unclear. His fastball felt good, so locating his slider was the next step toward his return.

Times staff writer Hannah Fry contributed to this report.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Royals beat Phillies on hot day in Sunday matinee

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 05: Isaac Collins #1 of the Kansas City Royals scores against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals got 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning, tacked on one in the fifth inning and added two insurance runs in the eighth to take game two of the series 5-2.

Bobby Witt Jr. singled with one out in the bottom of the 1st inning, he was on the move with two outs when Lane Thomas smacked a double into right center field, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead. Michael Massey pulled one over the 2nd baseman’s head to give the boys in blue a 2-0 advantage.

Luinder Avila, who has struggled mightily in his home appearances was really good in his 5 innings of work. The big thing for Avila was his command and efficiency. He only walked one batter, after walking 7 in his last two starts. Over 5 innings of work, Avila gave up 3 hits, 1 run, a walk and struck out 4 batters.

Isaac Collins led off the 5th with a double and went to third on Witt’s single, he scored on Jac Caglianone’s sac fly to center, putting the Royals ahead 3-1.

Matt Strahm gave up a walk and a bloop single in the 6th inning but escaped with no harm allowed.

John Schreiber worked the 7th; he surrendered an unearned run after a Josh Rojas throwing error.

Daniel Lynch IV worked a 1-2-3 8th inning, mowing down the heart of the Phillies order.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Royals got two huge insurance runs from Salvy. Witt led off the inning with a walk, he stole second, his 30th of the season, making it 5 straight seasons with 30 or more stolen bases for Bobby Baseball. Thomas also walked, and they both scored on a 2-run double to the left field wall from Salvy.

Alex Lange got the save in the 9th inning, working a quick 1-2-3 inning. It’s Lange’s 8th save in 8 opportunities this season. The win snaps a 4-game losing streak for the Royals and moves them to 36-54 on the season. Noah Cameron starts in the rubber match tomorrow; first pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. CT tomorrow.

Nick Robertson only Penguin to file for arbitration

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 29: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson (89) skates with the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 29, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The NHLPA announced that 15 players have filed for arbitration by the 5pm deadline today.

From the PA:

The National Hockey League Players’ Association announced that 15 players have elected salary arbitration:

Bourgault, Xavier (Ottawa Senators)

Dach, Kirby (Montreal Canadiens)

Drysdale, Jamie (Philadelphia Flyers)

Greaves, Jet (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Jefferies, Alex (New York Islanders)

Krebs, Peyton (Buffalo Sabres)

McMichael, Connor (St. Louis Blues)

Perfetti, Cole (Winnipeg Jets)

Robertson, Jason (Dallas Stars)

Robertson, Nick (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Schmid, Akira (Florida Panthers)

Schneider, Braden (New York Rangers)

Seeley, Ronan (Carolina Hurricanes)

Sillinger, Cole (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Zegras, Trevor (Philadelphia Flyers)

The deadline for the second club-elected salary arbitration notification is July 6 at 5 p.m. ET. Salary arbitration hearings will be held from July 20 to Aug. 1.

Nick Robertson was the only Penguin to elect to start the process. Egor Chinakhov, Arturs Silovs and David Gustafsson had the option but did no go that route and will negotiate their contracts outside of arbitration.

Robertson can still negotiate with the Pens and sign at any point up to his hearing. The overwhelming majority of cases in the past get settled before that process formally kicks in, this is a commonly a tool used to set a deadline to get the ball rolling for the next contract. Robertson, like his brother, is now ineligible to sign an offer sheet with another team. For what that may or may not mean, Chinakhov potentially still could.

Yankees Social Media Spotlight: The Fourth of July

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 03: Fireworks are seen over Yankee Stadium following the New York Yankees 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 3, 2023 in Bronx borough of New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles 6-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! This week has been, well…the less we speak of it, the better. Fortunately, we don’t actually care about the Yankees’ on-field performance in this post, we care about their online performance. So what have the Bombers been up to on social media this week? Let’s find out!

Happy Fourth!

Yesterday, the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary. Not surprisingly, the Yankees’ social media accounts marked the occasion, sharing footage from Friday night’s fireworks display.

But this year, the Fourth of July isn’t just a day of celebration in the Yankees Universe, however, for the day also marks the birthdays of two Yankees legends — the Boss himself, and, rather bittersweetly, John Sterling.

Dave’s Thoughts

As usual, Dave Sims took to Instagram with his thoughts after this week’s slate of games.

A Trip to France

CC Sabathia was in Cannes, France, with some old friends last week — including Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. There were also some athletes from other teams, like Dexter Fowler and Jayson Tatum, but, well, this is a Yankees site, we don’t care about them.

Finishing up some old news

Willie Randolph made one last post on Instagram talking about the New York Knicks’ championship run.

Last week, Trenton Thunder bat dog Rookie announced his retirement; this week, the Thunder Instagram account posted a video celebrating the very good boy.

LeBron Shenanigans

With LeBron James announcing that he will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, teams have begun lining up to sign one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Hoping that LeBron opts for a Michael Jordan-esque baseball plotline, a whole bunch of minor league teams put in their pitch to bring James to their ballclub.

MLB Mock Draft Roundup – Who will the Cincinnati Reds select?

AUSTIN, TX - APRIL 19: Infielder Justin LeBron #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws out a runner at first during the SEC baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide on April 19, 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2026 edition of the MLB Draft begins this Saturday, July 11th, at 1:00 PM ET. Saturday will see teams make selections through the end of Round 4, while Sunday will conclude the draft with teams making picks 5 through 20 over the course of an 8-hour grind that will begin at 11:30 PM ET.

Because the Cincinnati Reds were slightly better than mediocre during the 2025 season instead of their typical ‘awful,’ they won’t make a selection until pick #18 in Round 1 this time around. So, it’s hard to truly hammer down one particular player they are tied to since there are so many scenarios that could play out over the first 17 picks of the draft. Still, it’s evident that their scouts have been tied to a number of players who most front offices expect will be available around that portion of the draft, and we’ll run down which players have been linked to the Reds in mock drafts through Sunday, July 5th below.

MLB Pipeline: OF Trevor Condon (Etowah HS – Woodstock, GA)

Despite being an extremely talented Georgia high school product with the last name of ‘Condon,’ Trevor is not related to fellow Condon Charlie, whom the Reds were linked to a bit prior to the 2024 draft when they instead selected Chase Burns with the #2 pick. Trevor, to his credit, has carved out his own big of GA lore, and is ranked #13 overall by the MLB Pipeline crew at the moment.

Listed as an OF, Condon also has experience playing 2B, and the 5’11” 175 lb left-handed hitter is currently committed to baseball powerhouse Tennessee at the collegiate level. So, if the Reds were to jump to select him, he’d likely require the full (if not over-slot) bonus to sway him from that decision.

Player Highlights via Perfect Game

ESPN: OF Trevor Condon (Etowah HS – Woodstock, GA)

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has Condon on the Reds board, too. He even drops a Kevin McGonigle reference in his blurb, which is #nice.

Perfect Game: RHP Liam Peterson (University of Florida)

To highlight just how ‘all over the place’ this year’s draft is, Perfect Game has the Reds taking Florida righty Liam Peterson with the #18 pick. They have Trevor Condon going #40 overall. MLB Pipeline actually has Peterson going with pick #17 ahead of the Condon pick in their latest mock, though they rank Condon as the #13 player in their draft rankings and Peterson #20.

Science!

Peterson put up a somewhat pedestrian 4.59 ERA across 84.1 IP for the Gators this past season and a mediocre 5.03 ERA across 216.2 IP there in his career. However, he’s 6’5” and 220 lbs with a 60 grade fastball and 65 grade slider, his heater running ‘up to 99 with riding life and carry,’ according to Prospect Porch.

A projectable frame on a college arm with solid, but not extensive use to date? That sounds like something the Reds would be very much up to should Peterson still be around at pick 18.

Perfect Game Scouting Report & Highlights (from his senior year in HS)

The Athletic: RHP Liam Peterson (University of Florida)

Keith Law sees the Reds taking Peterson in his latest mock, too. That’s in part because he’s the best starter available on his board at this point of the draft, and also because he thinks ‘the Reds are a little more likely to take a pitcher than a hitter,’ which certainly tracks.

USA Today: RHP Liam Peterson (University of Florida)

Gabe Lacques has the Reds taking Peterson here, too. Like Law, he’s got Peterson as the pick here despite Condon being still on his board (with the San Diego Padres selecting him at pick #21).

D1 Baseball: SS Justin Lebron (University of Alabama)

Justin Lebron is a name connected with as high as pick #2 overall (Perfect Game), whereas MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the #9 prospect in this year’s draft class. The 6’2” 190 lb shortstop hits from the right side of the plate while playing plus defense at the game’s most important defensive position, and the Pipeline crew doled out 60-grades on each of his Power, Run, Arm, and Field tools.

Lebron swiped 42 bags last season for the Crimson Tide and went a pretty astonishing 69 for 71 on steals over the course of his college career. He was also originally committed to play ball for Rice and study Mechanical Engineering, which is cool as all hell.

He’s got to work on chasing breaking balls, but so much of the rest of his skill set is tough to replicate with anyone else in this draft. If he’s still there at #18, he’s who I’d be selecting.

Perfect Game Scouting Report & Highlights (from his senior year in HS)

Braves nearly pull off remarkable ninth-inning comeback vs. Mets

Jul 5, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) hits a double against the New York Mets during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Behind a three-run first inning, it seemed the Braves were going to carry their Saturday momentum right into Sunday afternoon’s home game against the New York Mets.

Then they were held scoreless for the next seven innings.

Facing a seven-run deficit after the Mets posted a five-run top of the ninth, the bats awakened but came up just short of a remarkable comeback in a 10-9 loss which snapped Atlanta’s two-game winning streak.

The first four batters of the Atlanta ninth reached before Drake Baldwin lifted his first career grand slam just over the wall in left. It was just his second homer in 16 games since coming off the injured list, coming a day after he earned his first All-Star nod.

A Matt Olson double followed by a wild pitch, a Michael Harris II infield single and a Mauricio Dubón single to left put the tying run on third base and winning run on second base with two outs. But Dominic Smith struck out, bringing the Braves up just short in the first major league game since 2019 in which both teams scored five-plus innings in the ninth inning.

Had the Braves won, it would have been the first time since 2000 that a team rallied from seven-plus runs down in the ninth inning to win a major league game.

Early on, the Braves’ offense appeared poised to carry over its momentum from Saturday’s 14-3 thrashing. After a leadoff hit-by-pitch of Baldwin, Ozzie Albies gave Atlanta two runners in scoring position with a double to right and Michael Harris II brought them both home with one-out single which made it 2-1 Braves.

After a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, Dubón extended the lead to 3-1 on an RBI single to center.

But after getting to Mets starter Nolan McLean early, he settled in and sent the Braves back to their ineffective June form at the plate.

The Braves managed just two hits over the next five-plus innings against McLean, who bounced back from a rocky first to allow five hits and three runs (two earned) over six innings, striking out five and walking one.

Things didn’t get better from there against the Mets bullpen. After Austin Riley’s bloop single to lead off the bottom of the seventh chased McLean, Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver each retired three straight batters to get through the eighth inning.

Huascar Brazoban struggled through the ninth, managing just one out and forcing the Mets to use closer Devin Williams, who allowed three hits before finally finishing off the Braves one hit away from what would have been a stunning loss.

Things started poorly for Martín Pérez when he allowed one run and stranded two on base in the first inning after the first four batters of the game reached base.

They got worse in the second when the Mets tagged him for four runs, putting the first five batters of the inning on base to give New York a 5-3 lead.

From there, Pérez settled in quite well, retiring the next nine batters he faced. Unfortunately, the ninth batter he faced in that span was Juan Soto, who hit a liner off his left forearm and forced him to exit the game after 4 1/3 innings.

It wasn’t a good start for Pérez (6-6), who allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits. But it appeared to be headed for a disastrous start which he slightly salvaged.

Now to wait and see the severity of the injury and if the Braves’ rotation depth will be further tested.

The cold streak at the plate was especially unfortunate for the Braves as the lesser bullpen arms rose to the occasion of the larger load thrust upon them by Pérez’s early exit for most of Sunday’s game.

Tyler Kinley got the final two outs of the fifth before Danny Young and Dylan Dodd followed with a scoreless inning apiece. Carlos Carrasco, called back up Sunday morning, threw a scoreless eighth before he was hit hard for five runs on five hits in the top of the ninth to give the Mets some major insurance which they wound up needing every single run of.

The defeat denies the Braves their first three-game winning streak in a month’s time.

Now Atlanta will need to win Monday night with Reynaldo López on the mound if it wants to win this four-game series instead of what would be a disappointing split.

Blackhawks Are Going To Miss This Off-Season Departure

The Chicago Blackhawks have brought in some new players this off-season as they look to take a step forward in 2026-27. However, they also had some departures from last season's roster.

The most notable player the Blackhawks lost through free agency this off-season is Ilya Mikheyev. The 31-year-old winger signed a four-year, $15.4 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and should now be a solid part of their forward group.

Seeing Mikheyev sign elsewhere was certainly one of the tough moments of the Blackhawks' off-season. The veteran forward was a key contributor on the Blackhawks' roster, and they will miss him now that he is in Tampa Bay.

Mikheyev made his biggest impact with the Blackhawks with his excellent penalty-killing and two-way play. He also provided Chicago with solid secondary scoring during each of his two seasons with the Original Six club. In 77 games last season was Chicago, he recorded 18 goals and a career-high 36 points. This was after he had 20 goals and 34 points in 80 games for the Blackhawks in 2024-25. 

With this, there is no question that Mikheyev was a valuable part of the Blackhawks' roster during his two-year stay with the team. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact he can make with the Bolts from here. 

Potential Sabres Trade Or Free Agent Acquisitions – Anthony Mantha


The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures. 

Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at potential options for the Sabres.  Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Kekalainen ideally would like to replace the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, and one possibility still unsigned is big winger Anthony Mantha. The 31-year-old enjoyed a renaissance last season, scoring a career-high 33 goals with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former Detroit first rounder scored 20+ goals in consecutive seasons with the Red Wings, but has struggled with injuries throughout his 11-year NHL career.  

After being dealt to Washington in 2021, the 6’5”, 240 lb. forward, was dealt to Vegas at the 2024 trade deadline as a rental, and played only 13 games for Calgary in 2025. Pittsburgh signed Mantha to an incentive-based one-year deal and were paid off with his best offensive year, but he now is looking for a deal with some security and a bump from his $4.5 million AAV. 

Never known as a good defensive player, Mantha was +10 last season and was utilized on the Penguins power play. The Sabres are likely looking for someone who can replace Tuch on the man advantage and at this point less than one week into free agency, the only potential answers on the open market are Mantha, and Buffalo native Patrick Kane. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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Mets score early, tack on late, hang on to snap three-game skid with 10-9 win over Braves

The Mets snapped their losing streak with a 10-9 win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon at Truist Park.

Here are the takeaways...

-- New York's offense jumped all over veteran Braves left-hander Martin Perez in the early-going, quickly opening their first lead of the series. Three straight hits from the top of the order, capped off by a Bo Bichette RBI single, helped them establish the one-run advantage. 

-- Atlanta got to Nolan McLean for three runs in the bottom-half, but the Mets answered right back. A.J. Ewing led off the inning with his second left-on-left homer of the season, then the next four would reach, with run-scoring hits from Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto pushing them back in front. 

-- McLean worked around a two out jam in the bottom of the second then settled into a groove, retiring the next seven hitters he faced in order. Part of that stretch was a Michael Harris III strikeout in which the righty recorded the highest spin rate on a curveball for a strike since foreign substance checks started, according to Pitching Ninja

-- McLean's run came to an end with another Mark Vientos booted groundball leading off the fifth. That was Vientos' second miscue of the day, as he was also unable to corral a pickoff in the bottom of the first, which prolonged the inning and resulted in an unearned run. 

-- This time McLean was able to work around it, though, as he retired the next three in order then breezed his way through a scoreless sixth. His day came to an end after giving up a leadoff hit in the seventh, closing his line with three runs allowed (two earned) on five hits and a walk and five strikeouts over 6.0+ innings.

-- Luke Weaver extended his scoreless streak to 25 innings with a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Weaver hasn't been scored upon since May 1st, lowering his ERA to a stellar 1.95 in that span. 

-- New York tacked on five insurance runs against old friend Carlos Carrasco in the top of the ninth. Tyrone Taylor smacked a homer leading off the inning, then Bichette ripped a base-clearing double to center with the bases loaded, and Jared Young lifted a two-run single. 

-- Those runs ended up being huge for the Mets, as Huascar Brazoban struggled mightily, giving up five runs and recording just one out before being pulled in the bottom of the ninth. Atlanta scratched across another two out run against Devin Williams, then pushed the winning run into scoring position, but Dominic Smith struck out to end the game. 

-- In addition to his homer, Ewing also singled left-on-left against former Met Danny Young. The youngster came into the day hitting just .190 in those situations thus far during his rookie campaign, but he looked very comfortable facing off with a pair of tough veteran arms. 

-- Lindor, Soto, and Bichette went a combined 6-for-13 with two walks, six RBI, and three runs. 

Game MVP: Top of the order

The trio at the top lead the way for the Mets' offense, showing how the team expected them to look. 

Highlights

What's next

The Mets wrap up their four-game series against the Braves on Monday at 7:15 p.m. on SNY.

Mitchell Robinson explains finger injury before NBA Finals

Mitchell Robinson was in doubt to start the NBA Finals after undergoing surgery on his hand in the week before the series began. While he played through it — and played a key role in the Knicks' title — the cause of the injury was never explained.

Until now, when Robinson explained it in a Facebook post on Sunday.

"To provide some context, I had been dealing with personal issues, relationship problems, and internal struggles, which affected my performance on the basketball court...Without going into details about my upbringing, I am extremely protective of my siblings, whom I care for deeply.

"Upon returning to New York [after eliminating Cleveland], I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident. I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night. As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode. I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking. I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck...

"After consulting with doctors, I was able to gain the confidence in myself to go in and get the job done and WE DID 2026 NBA CHAMPS. so at the end of the day I battled with so much throughout this season even made a huge sacrifice to not see my daughter as much this season because I needed to focus and lock in so she can have a better future than I did. ❤️‍"

Robinson is a very private person, and this could not have been easy for him to write. It was also a very human, understandable reaction to incredibly frightening news.

Mitchell signed with the Celtics as a free agent this offseason. Boston offered him a raise, while the Knicks were never going to be able to keep the roster together and stay below the second apron of the luxury tax (as demanded by owner James Dolan).

St. Louis Cardinals Defense Implodes as Chicago Cubs Avoid Sweep Sunday

Jul 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman (3) reacts after hitting an RBI double against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals fans have learned that there are two different potential versions of Matthew Liberatore this season. Sunday, the Cardinals got parts of both versions as the Chicago Cubs jumped on his wildness early, but he settled down later. The problem would arise out of the Cardinals bullpen and defense when all was said and done.

Matthew Liberatore’s performance on Sunday looked a lot worse by using the eye test compared to the actual damage on the scoreboard. It all started in the bottom of the first inning when the Cub we all love to despise (because hate is such a strong word), PCA, reached on an infield single and then stole second. Alex Bregman followed that with a double to center which scored the loser from second giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Liberatore then struck out Suzuki, but then walked Carson Kelly and hit Michael Busch with a pitch (this would become a theme for Matthew Sunday) to load the bases. Nico Hoerner lifted a sacrifice fly to Jordan Walker in right who almost threw out Bregman at home, but almost doesn’t count so it was 2-0 Cubs. That was all Chicago would get out of that bases loaded opportunity.

Matthew Liberatore hit 3 batters during his time in the game with the most painful probably being PCA getting nailed on the fleshy part of his left arm. He winced in pain on the ground for several minutes, but probably didn’t cry although many of us who are confirmed Cardinals fans imagined he did. I personally am never in favor of a player getting injured, but Crow whatever appeared to be fine when all was said and done.

If you’re thinking that I’m not mentioning much about the Cardinals offense, it’s because there was really nothing special to include over the first 5 innings. That changed big time in the top of the 6th inning when Jordan Walker proved why he deserves to be an All-Star. JJ Wetherholt started off the inning by being JJ Wetherholt and getting on base with a single. Two batters later, Alec Burleson singled giving the Cardinals runners at first and second with Jordan Walker coming to the plate. The Cubs changed pitchers, but it didn’t matter squat and Jordan crushed a weak 82 mph sweeper and gave it a ride way up into the left field stands immediately correcting most of what is wrong in the world by giving the Cardinals their first Sunday lead at 3-2. BOOM!

Just as I and the rest of Cardinals Nation were preparing to throw a “we just swept the Cubs” party, the wheels came off for St. Louis in the bottom of the 6th inning which really felt like it went on FOREVER. It began with Matthew Liberatore walking Carson Kelly and then surrendering a single to Michael Busch. Credit to Liberatore for getting that deep into the game as he really pulled himself together after a very shaky start. Matt Svanson entered the game and immediately gave up the lead as Nico Hoerner smacked a single to right scoring Carson Kelly and tying the game at 3-3. After Ian Happ popped out for the first out, the Cardinals defense collapsed. Dansby Swanson grounded to José Fermín at third who instead of starting an inning-ending double play, threw the ball into right field scoring Busch and giving the Cubs a 4-3 lead and the Cards defense was just beginning to defeat itself. The next batter Ramirez lifted a sacrifice fly to Jordan Walker in right who tried (key word) to throw out Dansby Swanson at third, but instead threw wildly which allowed both runners to score giving the Cubs a stupid 6-3 lead.

The Cardinals would scratch and claw to get one run back in the top of the 8th inning when JJ Wetherholt led off with his second hit of the game. Iván Herrera grounded out to second which moved JJ up a base. Alec Burleson then singled to right as Wetherholt advanced to third. That brought up Jordan Walker who unfortunately did not provide an encore 3-run homer to tie the game, but did hit a sacrifice fly to center just deep enough for JJ to score from third making it 6-4 Cubs going into the bottom of the 8th inning.

Ryan Fernandez deserves credit for keeping the Cubs from adding to their lead anymore than they already had by getting the Cardinals into the top of the 9th inning with at least a chance. Would the Cardinals stage a never say die comeback win in the 9th? Well, Masyn Winn drew a walk to lead off the inning, but then Nathan Church popped out to the catcher for the first out. José Fermín then struck out for the second out. That left former Cub Nelson Velázquez as the Cardinals last hope. He unfortunately lined out to Dansby Swanson for the final out. Bummer.

The St. Louis Cardinals begin a brutal 5-game series over just 4 days against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals will give the ball to Dustin May while the Brewers will assign Shane Drohan the starting duties. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm central time and the game TV broadcast will be available on Cardinals.tv.

Calgary Has A Cowboy Now—And He’s A First-Round Pick For The Flames

On most draft nights, top-10 picks are under the brightest lights in hockey, walking the stage, shaking hands, posing for photos, and stepping into the NHL spotlight in real time.

Carson Carels did it differently. He was back home on the family farm in Cypress River, Manitoba, where the noise wasn’t cameras and draft buzz, but cattle, chores, and the rhythm of calving season.

That contrast followed him straight into Calgary Flames development camp, where the 6-foot-2, 198-pound left-shot defenseman finally stepped onto the ice as a top-10 pick — still very much carrying that rural identity with him.

“I’m embracing it all,” Carels told NHL.com's Lawrence Heinen after the first day of development camp. “It’s kind of settling in more and I get to feel like I’m a part of the organization more, so it’s nice.”

For Carels, the path to becoming the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft didn’t come with a trip to Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. It came with a family decision to stay put, to remain on the farm, and to let the moment unfold in a place that’s been part of his life far longer than hockey arenas.

That decision wasn’t a reaction to precedent, either. Nashville Predators prospect Brady Martin also stayed home on draft night a year earlier, but Carels said the choice wasn’t modeled after anyone else.

“It was more just a group decision to just do it, and I mean, I don't think if Brady wouldn't have done it last year, that we would have changed our minds,” Carels said. “We probably would have done the same thing. We’re a really tight-knit family. We're just calving cows still. Right now we're kind of in between, where we're getting a little off calving and getting into the haying.”

That same farm-first mindset didn’t disappear when he arrived at WinSport for development camp. Between skating sessions on adjacent rinks and quick turnarounds that barely left time to return to the locker room, Carels found himself pulled into a different kind of attention — this time from fans rather than livestock.

“Some of us guys didn't really get to go back to the locker room after the first skate,” Carels said. “We were just all fan interaction and everything like that. It's really special to see everyone come out like this. It's a really special fanbase here and it's been awesome so far.”

Flames general manager Craig Conroy wasn’t bothered in the slightest by how Carels chose to experience draft night.

“We ask everybody, are you going to the draft, when we were at the (NHL Scouting) Combine,” Conroy said. “He said, 'No, I'm going to do it from the farm.' Brady Martin did it last year. I thought it was great. When I talked to him, he was definitely having a party in the background. I could hear all the noise, so they were having fun. He seemed very excited, too, about being a Flame. It's an exciting time for the organization.”

The organization’s development staff sees something deeper than just a rural backdrop.

“The first thing that comes to mind for me is just you that that there's the character and the work ethic and the ability to fight through adversity and all those things are there,” said Flames director of player development Ray Edwards. “There's a special player there. Obviously, we don’t want to put a lot of pressure on him, but to get him where we got him ... he was our No. 1 defenseman all the time. He was our guy.

“To get him where we got him, we were ecstatic.”

That same identity carried into the end of camp as Carels skated with Team McDonald, helping them to a 10-8 win over Team Vernon to capture the Snowy Cup, named in honor of former Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow.

On the ice, though, the focus is already shifting toward what comes next.

Carels put up 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games with the Prince George Cougars, finishing tied for fourth among Western Hockey League defensemen, and will head to the University of North Dakota this fall.

“It’s going to be a good step for me to make a step instead of a leap to this next level,” Carels said. “I think UND is going to shape me to be a more complete player and continue my maturity as a player. It's going to be a good step and I'm really happy going there.”

There, he’ll be joining Flames forward prospect Cole Reschny — a familiar face from international tournaments and now the college ranks — as the next chapter begins, one that doesn’t feel like leaving the farm behind, but more like carrying it with him into every rink he steps on. 

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Wild Re-Sign Daemon Hunt, Retain Young Defensive Depth

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have retained one of their young defensemen, re-signing restricted free agent Daemon Hunt ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old has spent the past several seasons splitting time between the NHL and AHL, showing flashes of the two-way game that made him a third-round pick by Minnesota in the 2020 NHL Draft.

In 32 games last season, Hunt recorded six assists and 43 blocked shots. He also played in five playoff games and recorded one assist, eight blocked shots and six hits.

With Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Olli Maatta and Zach Bogosian all expected to compete for NHL minutes, Hunt will likely continue battling for a roster spot while providing valuable depth if injuries arise.

The Wild have emphasized keeping their defensive depth intact this offseason, and bringing Hunt back ensures another young option remains in the organization.

Minnesota and Hunt's contract is one-year, $900,000.

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Griffin’s big day leads the Pirates to an 11-5 win over the Nationals

WASHINGTON — Konnor Griffin had a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Washington Nationals 11-5 on Sunday in a game in which he was also spectacular in the field.

Brandon Lowe followed Griffin’s key hit with a three-run homer off Brad Lord (5-2) to extend the lead.

Griffin, the 20-year-old who received a nine-year, $140 million contract in April, showed why the Pirates view him as such an important part of their future. He made a diving stop in the third on Curtis Mead’s grounder, but Mead beat the throw for an in-field single.

In the fourth, Griffin had to fight the sun on Keibert Ruiz’s popup to shallow left field, making a diving, backhanded grab. The following inning, he made another backhanded, sliding catch in the outfield, although James Wood was able to tag up and beat the throw home, resulting in a rare sacrifice fly to the shortstop.

Gregory Soto (5-2) got the win in relief. The Pirates blew a 4-0 lead before going ahead for good with their five-run eighth. Bryan Reynolds also homered for Pittsburgh, and Luis García Jr. and Dylan Crews went deep for Washington.