UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider forced to abandon Giro d’Italia
Vine to fly home after extent of 30-year-old’s injuries confirmed
Ill-starred Australian cycling star Jay Vine has suffered a broken elbow and concussion in his Giro d’Italia-ending crash – but his decimated UAE Team Emirates-XRG team have been left relieved his injuries weren’t even more serious.
The 30-year-old Vine, who suffered a third serious crash in just 13 days of racing in 2026 and has now endured a reported 23 spills in his brilliant but accident-filled five-year career, will not need surgery, the team revealed on Sunday.
Australian holds nerve in dramatic climax to event in Virginia
‘I didn’t help myself,’ says Herbert after seeing final-round lead slashed
Australian golf star Lucas Herbert has held his nerve to claim his maiden LIV Golf League title and secure a priceless ticket to next month’s US Open in New York.
Herbert had a five-shot final-round lead slashed to one before regaining his composure to see off the challenge of Spanish great Sergio Garcia in a dramatic climax to LIV Golf Virginia.
The Knicks seem to just keep getting better as the NBA playoffs go on.
New York put together yet another dominating effort on Sunday afternoon, as they demolished the 76ers in Game 4 to put the finishing touches on their second-round sweep.
They used a hot start from three to open a double-digit advantage and never looked back from there, closing the seven-game set with a 144-114 beatdown on the road.
“This was just a heck of a game from our guys,” Mike Brown said. “The focus, the attention to detail, while bringing the energy and effort not just tonight but throughout the course of the series was at a pretty high level.
“Close out games are always the hardest to play with the level of desperation, especially when you’re on the road -- I give our guys a lot of credit, I give our staff a lot of credit -- they’ve been unbelievable from top-to-bottom.”
The Knicks now head into the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, having won seven straight games since falling behind the Hawks 2-1 in their first round matchup.
Six of those seven victories have been by double-digits.
But with a meeting with the Pistons or Cavaliers awaiting, they know they can’t get complacent.
“We did what we needed to do to beat a good Sixers team,” Landry Shamet said. “We handled our business, paid really good attention to details offensively, and just went out and did what we had to do.
"But the beauty of the playoffs is all of that changes going into the next round -- there are a couple of different changes we have to make obviously, but group remains the same and we just have to play Knicks basketball."
"I think it’s really great to see our team in this mindset," Karl-Anthony Towns added. "The feeling that we have a lot more work to do, to see us not really relaxing, but in a way just look at these next few days as a way for us to realign ourselves and get ready for the next challenge."
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Austin Riley #27 after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Well, would you look at that? Following a disappointing series loss in Seattle that brought their lengthy streak without series losses to a close, there was every possibility that things could’ve taken a turn for the worse with a trip to the house of horrors that is Dodger Stadium. While the Dodgers have seemed somewhat human in recent times, this was still a tough task for the Braves considering that the Dodgers were still among baseball’s elite.
The recent history also suggested that this was going to be an extremely tough task for the Braves to bounce back in Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium has been a true snake pit for this team, as they had lost eight straight games at Dodger Stadium and hadn’t won a series there since 2023. Plain-and-simple, this was going to be a very difficult mountain for the Braves to climb to finish off their long road trip out West. So how did things go? Let’s take a look at what ended up resulting in a happy plane ride back to Georgia.
The Braves certainly had their opportunities to get to Emmet Sheehan and the rest of LA’s pitching staff in this one but they were unable to capitalize on the vast majority of those opportunities. Atlanta collected nine hits and three walks in this one but they ended up leaving 10 runners on base and went 1-for-10 in situations with runners in scoring position. If you let this Dodgers team off the hook enough times, they’re going to eventually make you pay for it. Kyle Tucker smacked an RBI double off of Chris Sale in the second inning to tie the game at 1-1 early and then an RBI single from Shohei Ohtani in the fifth and a solo dinger from old friend Freddie Freeman in the sixth ended up giving the Dodgers just enough offense to squeak out the win.
It was a shame since this was a Chris Sale outing and you don’t want to waste too many of those. While Sale did give up five hits and three runs (one of which was unearned after Jim Jarvis followed up an incredible diving catch in the fourth inning with a throwing error in the fifth that eventually led to the Ohtani RBI), he struck out seven batters and finished with seven innings under his belt.
This could’ve been a win if Atlanta’s hitting was timelier. Alas, the Braves got what they got. That’s baseball for you!
This game was all about Spencer Strider, who delivered what was arguably his best pitching performance post-elbow surgery — you could argue that his 13-strikeout night against the Rockies last June was better but the competition was certainly better this time around. Strider was an absolute nightmare for the Dodgers to deal with out there, as he stayed locked in for the most part and tossed six shutout innings with just one hit and two walks allowed with eight strikeouts to boot. Strider had it all going for him in this one and it was certainly encouraging to see him bounce back in an environment that was more conducive to success than Coors Field.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers decided that Blake Snell was ready for his first start of the season instead of giving him another rehab start to prepare for big league action. That decision ended up not working out for Los Angeles, as the Braves ended up jumping on him for five runs (four earned) through just three innings. The Braves had a 1-0 lead with the bases loaded wand two out in the second before they got a rally going to put some serious breathing room between themselves and the Dodgers.
Ozzie Albies golfed one from close to the ground and into the outfield for an RBI single that plated two runners, then a rare passed ball from Will Smith moved the two remaining runners into scoring position. Matt Olson capitalized on it by looping one into the green space for another two runs to make it a 5-0 game.
Atlanta added on a couple of runs via a fifth-inning RBI double from Michael Harris II and an eighth-inning RBI single from Drake Baldwin to make it a 7-0 lead. The only thing that kept the Dodgers from getting blanked at home for the first time this season was Andy Pages hitting a two-run dinger at Reynaldo López’s expense. Other than that, this was a very comprehensive win for the Braves.
The win came as small comfort for Braves Country, as the organization mourned the loss of another massive figure in the franchise’s history. Just days after former owner Ted Turner passed away, legendary manager Bobby Cox also passed away shortly before the game on Saturday. The sports world as a whole came together to mourn one of the most important figures of the sport during the 1990s and it has to be said that BravesVision did a great job of pulling together a very solid tribute broadcast in honor of the skipper.
In the ultimate matchup of “Who’s going to keep on getting away with it,” we got our answer. Bryce Elder came out of this battle against Justin Wrobleski wtih the winning edge, as Elder ended up making it into the sixth inning with just one hit allowed while striking out eight batters. For 5.2 innings, Elder was absolutely dazzling in such a huge spot for Atlanta as the Braves were going for a rare series win at Dodger Stadium.
With that being said, Elder did eventually run into serious trouble with two out in the sixth inning, which is when he suddenly lost all command and walked the bases loaded on 14 pitches across those three walks. Walt Weiss made the astute decision to go with Robert Suarez in this situation but it almost backfired when Max Muncy crushed one out to right field. Eli White proceeded to put it all on the line as he went crashing into the wall to make a catch that helped preserve the shutout instead of dealing with what would’ve surely been at least three runs allowed. White ended up paying the price for it, as he exited the game after he tried to take a plate appearance in the following inning.
While Wrobleski did end up coming one out away from pitching a complete game, he did so while getting lit up by the Braves. Atlanta torched Wrobleski for four runs in the second inning, with the major blow being a bases-clearing double down the left-field line that built upon Eli White’s RBI single earlier on in the second to make it a 4-0 game for the Braves. Wrobleski calmed down after that but ultimately, Dave Roberts’ decision to keep Wrobleski out there came back to bite him.
Drake Baldwin hit a solo shot in the eighth inning to give the Braves a 5-0 lead and then after Max Muncy made up for his near-miss in the sixth with a two-run dinger in the bottom of the eighth, Matt Olson responded with a solo shot of his own to get one of those runs back. They got both of them back after Jorge Mateo eventually brought in another run off of Wyatt Mills. Both of those homers from Baldwin and Olson came in their fourth go-around with Wrobleski, which is why you don’t normally see pitchers go four times through the order. Anyways, Raisel Iglesias got the ball for the ninth and had no problem keeping the Dodgers quiet as the Braves ended up cruising to another 7-2 win — this time for the series.
This was really and truly a trying week for the Atlanta Braves. On top of this being a load road trip out West against some tricky-to-tough competition, this was also an emotional week due to the passing of both Ted Turner and Bobby Cox. On the field, this was also a really tricky time to lose Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury. It would’ve been totally understandable if the Braves had ended up faltering in this series in Los Angeles following the disappointing series loss to the Mariners.
Instead, the Braves rose to the challenge and finished the West Coast swing in strong fashion. Any time the Braves can pick up a series in in any ballpark in California, it’s a bonus — doing it at Dodger Stadium is like hitting the jackpot. While the Dodgers offense is currently in the midst of a bit of a slump, it’s a testament to the performance of Atlanta’s pitching staff during this series that they were able to keep the Dodgers mired in that slump. Even Chris Sale’s performance in a losing effort was solid as usual. Seeing Spencer Strider perform like he did on Saturday night was incredibly encouraging and if Bryce Elder is doing this against the Dodgers then it’s probably safe to assume that he can keep up this level of form for the foreseeable future.
Instead, the Braves continue to fire on all cylinders and now they’re heading home after a lovely 6-3 West Coast swing. Personally, I would’ve been happy with 4-5 considering how Atlanta has recently performed out West. Instead, the Braves have shown now that the venue doesn’t matter — they’re going to be a nightmare to deal with on every night. It’s reminiscent of how this team was clicking back in 2022 and 2023 and picking up a series win in Los Angeles is very, very encouraging to see.
They’ll now have another day off before getting set for what’ll be a very interesting homestand. Another showdown is on the immediate horizon with the red-hot Cubs coming to town. If the Braves can make another statement against Chicago then they could have an opportunity to really keep this train going in the right track with a favorable stretch against Boston (twice), the Marlins and the Nationals. This could be another big month for the Braves, which would be huge once they get past the traditional early sign post of Memorial Day and into the Summer. Things are going very well for the Atlanta Braves at the moment and it’s exciting to see just how far this team can go and how high they can keep on flying at the moment.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You know the drill, this is part four of our “Fraternizing with the Enemy” Series with our Spurs sister site, Pounding the Rock.
I am joined by the ever-encouraging JR Wilco to discuss the things we saw in Game 3’s close loss and to set expectations for a critical Game 4 after back to back wins for San Antonio. Spoiler alert: I am not too bullish on Minnesota’s chances.
J.R. Wilco
In the middle of a series that feels like a movie from a director intent on subverting expectations above all else, Game 3 was a weird game. (We’ll get to it in a moment, but it was weird.) First, San Antonio was favored heavily, and it’s a true-ism that a series doesn’t begin until the road team wins. So we got a tight game that the visitors won, and so the series began right away. Expectations subverted.
After Minnesota’s victory Coach Finch gripes about a lack of goaltending calls, setting up Game 2 to focus on how the refs treat Wemby’s defensive game, only for it to be a practical non-issue as Minnesota largely stopped driving. After a close opener, Game 2 was a blowout. Expectations subverted.
To start Game 3, the Spurs dominated the opening half of the first quarter and Minnesota couldn’t score at all. Wembanyama was playing out of his mind and dominating on both ends, which looked like the game they played two prior; let’s saddle up for another blowout. But San Antonio couldn’t build much of a lead because the Spurs couldn’t hit a three and all of their shots in the paint were rimming out. So, instead of getting a repeat of Game 2, we got a repeat of Game 1. Expectations subverted!
After going 0-fer, and 2-fer from deep, Victor goes off and combines his excellent defense with an offensive master class. Now San Antonio is up 2-1, and Minnesota is known for being an incredible team when their backs are against the wall. So what are the next expectations that we will see subverted? And what do you expect from Minnesota looking at potentially their last home game of the season?
Thilo
To start with, I would certainly be shocked if Jaden McDaniels started hitting his shots again. That would subvert the cratered expectations I have for him now.
On an individual level, the bar has recently gone through the floor for Julius Randle and McDaniels, while Ayo gets the most marginal amount of slack due to his injury status.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 8: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball as Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
But God, I don’t know. On a surface level, the Wolves seem to have lost their identity entirely. They aren’t getting to the rim the way they had initially promised in Game 1. They’re talking a lot less trash (unless Tony Brothers is the target) and they’re backing up even less.
A subversion could be anything from shooting better to rebounding again. Any of that would be shocking.
If I sound pessimistic, it’s because I am. Friday night’s game was not one to inspire confidence. Naz Reid was the only role player on the Wolves that played up to standards. Anthony Edwards did what he could.
I am quite simply shocked that the Wolves were able to stay in Game 3 the way they played. It seems like shooting variance decides whether these games will be close or an abject demolition in favor of San Antonio.
Unfortunately, what I’m getting at is that I’m not really sure what I expect to change that’s remotely realistic.
Julius Randle could become the optimized version of himself from last year’s playoffs, but that would require him not facing the style of defense that has caused him the most trouble in the past few playoff runs. So that looks unlikely.
The Wolves roster could have a hot game from deep, but their shooting specialist and the only guy outside of Ant that can’t be dared to shoot is out for the year and more. That looks unlikely, albeit more possible.
That leaves the possibility of Ant going supernova, but that’s a LOT to ask of a guy playing on a lower body that reminds friends older than myself of Orlando Magic Grant Hill.
No, I think the winning formula was stealing a game and then pressing the pedal all the way down. The Wolves accomplished step one, but don’t look poised to reclaim that needed head start.
That being said, anything but a decisive win in Game 4 would be a huge red flag.
I guess I’ll flip the question on you. It feels like the Spurs have turned a corner after a shaky Game 1. What scares you the most in terms of ways the Wolves can muscle their way back into this bout? How possible/probably do you think those things are?
J.R.
While it makes sense given being down 2-1, I think you’re being overly harsh on your team’s prospects. Try thinking about it from this perspective: Minnesota has played San Antonio close for 8 quarters out of 12, including a decisive fourth quarter on the road. The Spurs played their best game in their second homer, so perhaps the Wolves will do the same. We talked before Game 3 about how some regression to the mean would be in favor of Wemby and Fox, and now that’s the case for McDaniels and Randle.
I’d also like to draw your attention to something that you might be taking for granted. Your home crowd is amazing; in fact, I credit them for keeping the Timberwolves from cratering in the first. With San Antonio in the middle of throwing basketball’s version of a shutout (how better to describe yielding a single point over the first 6 minutes of a game) the Mill City audience was primed for something to cheer for. When Gobert got that first basket with a tip-in, there was this sustained response from the crowd that was way out of proportion. I noted it, but didn’t think it would go far as the Spurs scored a quick four points on a Vassell bucket and a pair of Castle freebies. But then Naz hit a three and there was that strange cheer again. It was longer that normal and had the feel of a crowd that had been rooting for a team that had been working their way back from a big deficit and was about to tie it up. But the Wolves were just starting to claw their way back into it.
I’ve got to say, though, that the team really responded. The home team’s activity picked up, their urgency ratcheted up a couple of notches, and thought that if the Spurs could score, it would take the air out of the arena and both the team and the crowd might cave. What happened on the next possession? Timberwolves forced a shot clock violation and the crowd came unhinged. The rest of the quarter was a 17-4 run from the home team on the back of the energy that the fans decided to give before there was really much to cheer for.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 08: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs knocks the ball away from Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
But none of that is really what scares me the most. It’s scary, but the truly terrifying bit is what all of that might enable – a tight game down the stretch with enough scoring and defense to put the ball in Edwards’s hands with just enough time on the clock to rip the hearts out of the Spurs. He’s done it three times already this year: twice in the regular season, and once in Game 1. Plus, he did it at the end of the 1st on Friday, and McDaniels closed out the 2nd in the same way.
So that’s what I’m most afraid of. Your team sticks around, and Ant pulls a rabbit out of his hat again. It wouldn’t subvert expectations much, but it sure would even up the series.
Which of those options do you think is more likely? A wire to wire dogfight like Games 1 and 3 or a blowout like Game 2? Or maybe it’s something else entirely…
Thilo
DISCLAIMER: My dear reader, I got home at 2:15 AM from a concert just in time to write the final bit of this Frat. I wish it made more sense, but I hope that my excitement is enough to carry what may be some faulty ideas. Thank you in advance.
It’s funny isn’t it? That you’re the one convincing me to have hope in my team, while I wallow in the self-pity of refusing to have my heart broken again.
What you’re describing, ultimately, is a Wild-Westian gamble where the Wolves maneuver themselves, bet by bet, flop by flop, to an even game before letting Ant go all in on the final hand of the game. How fitting it is to be facing the Spurs in that regard.
To that end, what I am truly hoping for is a Game 4 victory that shatters the record for largest playoff win in NBA history in favor of the Timberwolves. I do unironically think Minnesota evens up the series tonight, as the second game at home is always the easier one to hold on to and dominate (vis a vis Game 2)
I think I will stand by some of my pessimism however. There is no escaping that the Spurs are an excellent team, and while the Wolves are quite good as well, they are neither at full strength nor particularly locked in right now.
I think that one of those things can change on a dime. I’d say that would enable pulling away in a close game. I think that’s what we’ll see in Game 4.
Still, if I think back to the first frat we did, I remember the focus we put on “well, the Spurs can’t just ‘play better,’ there’s always give and take.” It feels like the Spurs have had to give up very little to gain a ton. Minnesota probably needs to flip that script.
Give up nothing, and take back momentum.
Winning two on the road is going to be a lot harder than just winning one. Losing two at home should be a lot harder than just losing one.
We’ll see tonight, and I hope we get a good one, because despite the loss, Game 3 was a lot more fun than Game 2.
Robot umpires were supposed to take the power away from the guys in blue. On Sunday, May 10, umpire Carlos Torres showed that he’s still in charge of the game.
Torres denied the two separate ABS challenge requests, one from the Baltimore Orioles and one from the Athletics. The Orioles won 2-1, but Torres’ decision not to grant the reviews reverberated with fans and probably other managers.
The first incident came in the first inning, when Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers tapped his helmet after Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward walked. Langeliers seemed surprised to see Ward walking to first and tapped his helmet after a hesitation. Torres did not grant the review.
The second came in the third inning. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was denied a challenge of a ball call because his first move was to throw the ball around the horn, apparently believing it was strike three. By the time he tried to challenge, Torres wouldn’t allow it. Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz came out to argue, went back to the dugout, and Torres ejected infield coach Miguel Cairo for yelling from the bench.
Under MLB’s ABS rules, a challenge can be denied if the umpire determines it was aided by the dugout or other players, or if it wasn’t requested in a timely manner. Players have roughly two seconds to tap their cap or helmet after a pitch is called. The team keeps its challenge if it is not granted.
Umpires have discretion to deny requests that don’t meet those standards, as Torres showed during the Orioles-A's game.
The system is six weeks old and has already generated its share of chaos. Through May 6, there were roughly 2,200 challenges with an overturn rate of 53%.
Ironically, it was Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman who pointed out the potential of this problem in an interview with ESPN last month. He suggested they might need to add a challenge clock rather than rely on umpire discretion.
It’s not the first ABS-related blowup this season. On March 29, Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected after arguing that Orioles pitcher Ryan Helsley hadn’t tapped his cap fast enough on a challenge that was accepted anyway.
Yasiel Puig may be staring down a 15-year prison sentence, but the former major leaguer can still hit.
Puig is playing in the Canadian Baseball League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and on Sunday, in a game against the Kitchener Panthers, he hit a pair of home runs.
The former big leaguer hit a two-out, three-run home run into deep left field in the bottom of the second inning to break a 1-1 tie.
Former MLB star Yasiel Puig hits his second home run for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. @BaseballQuotes1/X
Puig pointed to the sky as he crossed home plate after trotting around the basepaths.
The 35-year-old slugger followed it up with a solo home run in the fifth inning.
Puig took a 2-1 pitch into left field, into a park area far from the ballfield, where the semi-pro baseball game he was taking part in was.
Puig signed with the Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League late last month and Sunday was his first game with the semi-pro team.
All of this occurred 20 days out from a sentencing hearing slated for May 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.
Former MLB star Yasiel Puig rounds the bases after hitting his second home run for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. @BaseballQuotes1/X
The charges stemmed from an interview with investigators that took place on Jan. 27, 2022.
He is potentially facing 15 years in jail, though he could receive a more lenient sentence for the situation.
Puig had played seven seasons in Major League Baseball, spending six of those seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and playing for Cincinnati and Cleveland in his final year.
Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians looks on during the fourth inning of the MLB game between the Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 09, 2019 in Anaheim, California. Getty ImagesFormer MLB star Yasiel Puig celebrates one of his two home runs for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. @BaseballQuotes1/X
During his time in the majors, he was named to the MLB All-Star Game in 2014.
Puig hit .277 in 3,376 plate appearances, while recording 132 home runs and 415 RBIs.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Andy Ibanez #77 of the New York Mets during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 02, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Mets came into their season finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks with the hopes of winning their third straight series, but errors and a struggling lineup led to a 5-1 loss Sunday in Arizona. The Mets were no-hit through five 1/3 innings by left-handed Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez while registering a season-high three errors.
Rodriguez stymied New York’s lineup for the second time this season, giving up one run across eight 1/3 innings pitched, an even better outing than he had at Citi Field on April 9 when he allowed one run over six innings. Rodriguez came out for the ninth inning but was pulled after giving up a bloop single to Mark Vientos. The Mets were unable to rally after the Vientos single against reliever Juan Morillo.
New York managed just four hits while Andy Ibanez committed two errors after getting the start at third base, with both errors being on throws to first. His first errant throw came in the fourth inning with two outs on a play that should have helped Mets pitcher David Peterson escape the inning. Peterson was still able to get out of the fourth without giving up a run after Ryan Waldschmidt hit into a fielder’s choice.
Ibanez’s second error came in the sixth inning, where the Diamondbacks put the game on ice. Illdemaro Vargas reached on the error, then three straight two-out hits by Jorge Barrosa, Waldschmidt, and Ketel Marte added three runs and put Arizona up 5-1. Peterson had a throwing error of his own in the fifth inning to contribute to a sloppy day for New York.
Whether the defense was firing on all cylinders or not, the lineup couldn’t get any traction against Rodriguez, who perhaps wishes he could pitch against the Mets every time out. Bo Bichette came into the game with a .400 average and two home runs in 17 plate appearances against Rodriguez, but went 0 for 3 with a walk. Juan Soto had the same stat line as Bichette as six Mets starters went hitless.
With the offense no-showing once again for the last-place Mets, the game was essentially lost in the second inning when Arizona scored two runs. Huascar Brazobán got the start out of the bullpen and immediately struggled with command in his brief appearance. He gave up a leadoff walk to Marte, which was followed by a sacrifice bunt by Corbin Carroll. A groundout from Geraldo Perdomo and a pop-out from Adrian Del Castillo help Brazobán escape. Back out for the second, he walked Vargas and Nolan Arenado before being replaced by Tobias Myers. With two runners on and nobody out, Myers immediately gave up a two-run double to Waldschmidt. Myers was able to limit any further damage in the second inning, but the Mets’ lineup was in a hole they never escaped from.
Peterson replaced Myers in the third inning, pitching five innings with zero earned runs thanks to the Ibanez errors. This is the fourth game the Mets have elected to bring Peterson in mid-game rather than start, and all four times seemed to have helped Peterson’s consistency. He’s given up three earned runs across 16 innings pitched in those situations.
Unable to get anything going against Rodriguez, Carson Benge finally broke through with a soft single to left field in the sixth inning. Luis Torrens followed it up with a double to the right corner that scored the speedy Benge. Soto flied out to advance Torrens before Bichette drew a walk. Austin Slater hit a groundout to first base to end the inning and strand Torrens. Semien drew a walk in the seventh inning and Torrens singled in the eighth, but New York couldn’t get either runner home.
The Mets are off Monday, before beginning a six-game homestand against the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.
Big Mets winner: Luis Torrens, +15% WPA Big Mets loser: Austin Slater -16% WPA Mets pitchers: -20% WPA Mets hitters: -30% WPA Teh aw3s0mest play: Luis Torrens RBI double in the sixth, +14.5% WPA Teh sux0rest play: Ryan Waldschmidt RBI double in the second, +17.5 WPA
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs toward home plate to score on an error by Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Petco Park on May 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. Four runs scored on the play. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s hard to believe that the season is through its first quarter already. And the Cardinals are good! We all love the Cardinals of course, but it’s far more enjoyable when they are winning baseball games and we don’t just have to rely on the development of young players to satiate our baseball sweet tooth.
We convened the Redbird Rundown crew and dished out first quarter grades with Joe Roderick from STL Sports Central. It was a good way to take stock of the team from a broad overview.
We covered Walker’s ascendancy, Wetherholt metronomic performance, praised runners going from first to third, and mostly buried the pitching staff — with some exceptions!
Give it a listen if audio is your thing. And, you know how the internet works, it would be great if you’d subscribe. It helps others find our show!
Lakers star Austin Reaves, left, talks with coach JJ Redick during the Lakers' loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
In their darkest playoff hour, Lakers coach JJ Redick advised his players during practice Sunday to take the same mental approach for the win-or-go-home Game 4 that they've used since the first day of training camp.
The Lakers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-0 in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series. The Lakers must beat the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night or their season is over.
"Our first slide that we put up in training camp was [to] win the day,” Redick said. “Today was a quick offensive review and then just going over some stuff defensively. Got to win today and we got to win tomorrow. We know what we're facing being down 3-0. So it's just more of a mindset check than anything else."
No NBA team has ever come back to win a series when trailing 3-0, with those teams holding a 161-0 record.
Redick was asked what his team’s mood was like at practice.
"These guys are good,” he said.
Redick then was asked what his squad has shown him that gives him hope the Lakers can still win.
“Affirmation,” he responded.
Even after losing three games by an average of 19.6 points per game, the Lakers still cling to some hope.
Rui Hachimura has been on what Redick called a “heater” from three-point range. He has made 57.1% of his threes and has shot 54.1% from the floor in the series, averaging 18.3 points per game.
Hachimura thought back to the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets and how they had a commanding 3-0 lead. But the Rockets fought back to make the series 3-2 before the Lakers closed out the series.
"It’s crazy, but I think that’s the mentality we need," Hachimura said. "I think it’s one at a time. I think especially with this type of team, you can't really make mistakes. ... We have to keep the same energy the whole game. That’s the only way we can win. So, we know what we do."
Lakers star LeBron James plays against the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
What they need to do is play better in the third quarter. The Lakers have been outscored 92-61 in the third quarter by the Thunder.
“I feel like every game we're getting closer,” Hachimura said. “Especially last night ... apparently we had the best offensive game of the series, even the playoffs. I think we had really good looks, great looks. But I think defensively we, especially in the third quarter, we kind of slowed down. I don't know [if] we got burned out or we got tired, whatever.
"So, I think our focus is like how we play in the first half we have to do in the whole game. ... That's going to be our goal."
The Lakers have managed to slow down Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by having Marcus Smart guard him and putting constant double teams on the reigning NBA most valuable player.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 21.0 points per game in the series, far below the 31.1 points he averaged during the regular season. He’s averaging 5.7 assists per game, which is below his 6.6 during the regular season, and he’s shooting 45.8%, which is below his 55.3% for the season. He’s averaging four turnovers in the series as well.
But Chet Holmgren, who is averaging a double-double in the series at 21.3 points per game and 10.0 rebounds, has been a handful for the Lakers. Ajay Mitchell is averaging 20.7 points per game and 6.6 assists.
That’s why the Lakers are on the verge of seeing their season end. The Lakers have faced adversity all season, but Game 4 will be the ultimate test.
"Being on the Lakers, you feel like your back’s against the wall every game,” Redick said. “So I think the whole season has prepared us to be in a position where we're in the second round of the Western Conference and being in the mix with a great basketball team."
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The Ottawa Charge are returning to the Walter Cup Final for a second straight season.
Michela Cava scored at 1:12 of the second overtime to lead Ottawa to a 4-3 win over the Boston Fleet, winning the best-of-five semifinal series in four games.
Ottawa lost last year’s final to the Minnesota Frost.
The Charge will meet the winner of the Montreal Victoire-Frost series, which will be decided with Monday’s Game 5.
Sarah Wozniewicz, Rebecca Leslie and Brooke Hobson also scored for Ottawa. Goaltender Gwyneth Philips made 43 saves.
Shay Maloney, Megan Keller and Sophie Shirley scored for the Fleet. Aerin Frankel made 29 saves.
After losing the first game, Ottawa went on to win the next three. Boston had not lost three straight games all season.
Cava redirected a Katerina Mrazova shot for the winning goal.
The two teams combined for five goals in the second to tie the game 3-3 after 40 minutes.
Ottawa took a 2-0 lead early in the period. Jenner fired a sharp-angle shot from below the goal-line that deflected off Leslie’s skate as she battled to the crease. The play was reviewed, but the goal stood.
The Fleet then scored three straight in a span of 1:33 to take a 3-2 lead.
Joel Embiid pretty much begged 76ers fans not to sell their tickets and to show up for the home games during their second round matchup with the Knicks.
The team tried its best to keep New Yorkers from being able to acquire them, as well.
The organization went as far as donating tickets to local community groups in an effort to keep Knicks fans out.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t work.
“I used to think Philly was a sports town, I don’t know anymore,” Josh Hart said after the Knicks defeated the Sixers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The orange and blue faithful absolutely dominated Xfinity Mobile Arena in Game 3, and it was even worse with a chance to close the series out on Sunday for Game 4.
New York fans once again showed up and showed out.
Cheers were so loud when the Knicks were welcomed to the court pregame that if you weren’t looking you would've thought the home team was being introduced.
And those cheers only grew louder and louder as the Knicks jumped out to commanding double-digit advantage behind a historic three-point shooting opening quarter.
“It’s one of the coolest things in the world hearing Knicks fans take over opposing arenas,” Jalen Brunson said.
They exploded again after Mitchell Robinson knocked both of his free throws when Philly turned to the Hack-A-Mitch strategy in an effort to slow things down late in the second quarter.
Minutes later, a contingent of Knicks fans behind the basket were shown holding up pictures of Robinson’s posterization of Joel Embiid as the big man attempted free throws on the other end.
And with the hometown fans making their way towards the exits, chants of ‘Knicks in 4’ and ‘Let’s Go Knicks’ rang throughout the area down the stretch in the blowout victory.
Philly sounded like MSG West, once again.
“I got a lot of respect for you, Knicks fans,” Mike Brown said.
“When you can take over a 'sports town,' that gives the guys so much confidence,” Hart said. “JB, myself, Mikal [Bridges] have ties here so it never felt like a road game, and they made sure to echo that.”
To Dave Roberts, the roster crunch facing the Dodgers might be a good problem to have.
But the situation still presents a problem.
The good news for the club: Mookie Betts is set to be activated from the injured list Monday, making his awaited return from an oblique strain that has sidelined him for more than a month.
Mookie Betts is set to be activated from the injured list Monday, forcing a “tough decision” with roster. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
And on the eve of that decision Sunday, no easy answer had yet emerged.
“It’s a potential tough conversation,” Roberts acknowledged, saying the club had yet to finalize its choice. “I could make a case for all the guys we’re considering.”
The three candidates for the chopping block have been obvious for a while: infielders Alex Freeland, Hyeseong Kim and Santiago Espinal.
Each of them, though, still offers value to the club.
A big caveat to start with: Espinal has easily been the worst performer of the three, batting .188 in extremely limited playing time (his 32 at-bats are the fewest among members of the Opening Day roster). But, the former All-Star utilityman is also the only one of the three without any minor-league options, meaning that he would have to be designated for assignment and exposed to waivers if he were demoted from the active roster.
Kim and Freeland, on the other hand, could simply be optioned to Triple-A, which would allow the Dodgers to preserve more organizational depth.
Another factor: When Betts returns, playing time will be limited for whoever stays with the club.
The Dodgers will still have a platoon opening at second base — at least until Tommy Edman makes his own IL return after missing the start of the year recovering from ankle surgery (he is still at least several weeks away and was transferred to the 60-day IL this week).
But where Kim and Freeland have started regularly over the last month, getting valuable at-bats as young players continuing to develop offensively, one or both of them could see their at-bats severely cut.
Thus, the Dodgers could opt to keep Espinal — a veteran who wouldn’t be as impacted by minimal opportunities — and send one of Kim or Freeland back to Triple-A to continue to play every day.
That would be easier to do, of course, if both players weren’t contributing in the way they have been lately.
Kim, who was sent to Triple-A the last time the Dodgers had to make a similar decision at the end of spring training, entered Sunday hitting over .300 since being called back up when Betts first got hurt. He has also accomplished the primary goal the Dodgers had for him after his up-and-down rookie season in 2025, cutting his strikeout rate from 30.6% last year to 18.3% this year.
“I think that he’s done a much better job of controlling the strike zone,” Roberts said. “He’s got the ability to put the bat on the ball, get hits, steal bases, play good defense. And I think he’s done all that.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faces a difficult roster decision when Mookie Betts is activated. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Freeland, however, has flashed a similar skill set while heating up at the plate in recent weeks.
After hitting .190 over his first 14 games this year, the switch-hitting former third-round draft pick entered Sunday with a .288 average over his last 18 games, improving his plate discipline and quality of contact.
Also of note: When the Dodgers picked Freeland over Kim for their final Opening Day roster spot, Roberts said there was “nothing left for [Freeland] to prove” at the Triple-A level, where he had spent much of the previous two campaigns.
Before Sunday’s game — in which Kim and Freeland once again offered little separation, going a combined 0-for-7 with five strikeouts on a day the whole offense struggled — Roberts said there could be enough playing time to go around to warrant keeping both upon Betts’ return. Read between the lines of his comments, though, and it certainly didn’t seem like the organization views that scenario as ideal.
Then again, none of the three players in question has exactly deserved to be cut from the roster.
One of them will have to be, anyway.
“Obviously, we’ve got a tough decision,” Roberts said. “All of the options, potentially for the corresponding move, these guys have done a great job and served a very good purpose for our club.”
Tyrese Maxey – 23.5 VJ Edgecombe – 16 Joel Embiid – 14.5 Paul George – 10 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 6 Justin Edwards – 4 Dominick Barlow – 3 Andre Drummond – 3 Quentin Grimes – 3 Jared McCain – 3 MarJon Beauchamp – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Porter Martone – 1 Cam Payne – 1 Jabari Walker – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
Well, it’s over.
The Philadelphia 76ers season comes to a close in the second round of the playoffs, with the New York Knicks completing their 4-0 sweep of the Sixers on their floor. Well, it sounded like the Knicks’ floor, but it was technically the Sixers’.
Game 4 was about as bad as it could get. The Sixers were already down more than 20 points by the close of the first frame. It just never even looked like a competitive contest. The Knicks had 81 points by halftime, holding a 24-point advantage. The Sixers players might have packed for Cancun during the break. New York sweeps Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, with a 144-114 final score in Game 4. If you are looking for a recap of the game for some sick reason, we have you covered here.
I think the reality is that we all knew this was how it would end, with a whimper. The same way this team has gone out year after year. Knocking out the Boston Celtics was nice along the way, and kudos to the players for making that happen in spite of the organizational management this season… but reality always sinks in at some point: this is not a contending team. They never were really expected to be contenders this season, but this is the harsh result of the fact that they really just aren’t. We knew it before the season even started and the organization’s front office all but confirmed it at the trade deadline.
This is where that gets you. Sure, you made the second round when you really weren’t expected to… but does it matter when this is how it ends? If nothing changes going forward?
But I digress. There will be plenty of time for all the post-mortem chatter.
For the final time of the 2025-26 season, let’s get to the Bell Ringer.
The Sixers fans
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
The Sixers fans are going to get criticized after the crowd distribution at Game 4, with a large majority of the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena donning Knicks gear. I don’t think that will be fair criticism by any means.
After years of stagnation, frustrating injuries, the same roster construction issues never being resolved, the trade deadline “strategy” (if you can even call it that) this February… Even after all of that, the Philadelphia fans showed up for the end of the regular season fight to the Play-In Tournament. They showed up all regular season, through the highs and lows. They showed for that Play-In Tournament game that sent the Sixers to the actual playoffs. They showed up in the first round, and even a bit for Game 3 of this second round despite incredibly high prices to get a seat at the game.
So no, I do not blame the Philadelphia fans for not showing up for Game 4. It would have meant giving $400 per ticket to an organization that has spit in their faces just to then watch a Sixers team get immediately outplayed into a more than 25-point deficit. The only one that put in any perceivable effort was Joel Embiid, who was actively battling through his entire body being in pain throughout. Sorry, that’s just not worth the price of admission.
If this Flyers’ run (and the cheers following their elimination) has taught us anything about the fans of Philadelphia, it’s that they are just looking for something to cheer about. Effort and heart from the organization and the team. This wasn’t that. One of the many ways in which the Sixers are not the Flyers, despite having similar playoff runs on paper these past few weeks.
All of that is to say that there’s only one candidate for the final Bell Ringer of the 2025-26 season: you. You, the fans that find a way to keep being interested in and supporting this team even when it’s been really hard to. You, the fans that keep reading and commenting on our work here at Liberty Ballers even when it would be totally reasonable to be checked-out on all things Sixers. You, the sicko Philly fan that keeps caring even when all evidence tries to convince you not to.
You are the only ones worthy of the Bell Ringer here. We appreciate you.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In what’s become a far too familiar script, the Lakers fell to the Thunder in Saturday’s Game 3 and now trail 3-0. A deficit that’s never been overcome in NBA history. LA’s season is now on the brink of ending on Monday as they attempt to extend the series back to Oklahoma City in Game 4.
In Groundhog Day fashion, the purple and gold led at halftime and held momentum going into the break. It was a two-point advantage in Game 3 after a one-point advantage in Game 2. The Thunder, though, play a complete game, and it takes 48 focused minutes to even keep it close.
The ugly third quarter reared its head again, as OKC used a 33-20 period to turn a deficit into another blowout win, leading by as much as 27 and revealing just how far these two teams are from one another.
Their physicality and aggression wear on opponents, eventually breaking the Lakers’ spirit in each game. After a few back-and-forth baskets, with a tied game at 63, OKC broke out a 15-2 run.
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gets the most attention, understandably, but the Lakers’ killer in this series continues to be guard Ajay Mitchell. The third quarter on Saturday was no different.
Mitchell finished 3-3 from the field with nine points, three assists and zero turnovers in the game-changing third. He hit an early three on the wing to begin the quarter, but where he’s really killed the LA is on straight-line drives, as shown below.
Watch as he runs an action with Isaiah Hartenstein and attacks the basket with a floater that settles in.
His shot puts OKC up seven, with a timeout by head coach J.J. Redick to follow.
The explosive guard finished 10-17 from the field for 24 points, ten assists with zero turnovers. He averaged over 20 for the series with 6.7 assists, burning the Lakers on any overhelp against SGA or taking over in the minutes he sat.
Labeled as the deepest team in the league going into the playoffs, OKC leveraged that all series, including in the third. They have an unending supply of quality role players to plug and play.
Shooting just 6-18 on 3-pointers in the first half, they hit 5-9 in the third, including two massive ones from sharp shooter Isaiah Joe. What looked like a strong defensive possession with closeouts led to a huge basket, quickly taking a five-point lead to eight in the clip below.
On the Lakers’ offensive end, after 57 points at halftime, they mustered just 20 in the third quarter. The Thunder adjusted and increased their physicality on the Lakers’ main ball handlers.
Austin Reaves had eight assists at halftime, getting going downhill and finding teammates either on skip passes or at the basket. OKC shut off those passing windows in the third. Watch below as LeBron James runs a ball screen at the top of the key and swings it over to Reaves in the corner.
No advantage is created as all the Thunder are in the correct defensive position on the floor. Reaves attacks the on-ball pressure from Mitchell looking to score, but is shut off at the rim by Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. A mid-air pass is quickly stolen for one of his three turnovers in the quarter.
A few possessions later, LeBron and Reaves run their patented middle ball screen action. Mitchell gets a hand on the pocket pass to disrupt the play. Watch below as LeBron quickly looks to fling the ball to Jaxson Hayes and turns it over.
“The turnovers, I think we had five of them in the third,” Redick said postgame. “I think all of them led to them getting fast-break transition baskets. I don’t know what it ended up being, but at one point, they were 11-17 from three in the second half. You’re not getting stops, it’s harder to score.”
LeBron and Reaves combined to go just 1-5 in the third quarter with four turnovers. It’s not enough against a team you need to play perfectly against to just keep it close, let alone steal a win.
The competitive first halves in this series and the constant shots of the bench, with superstar Luka Dončić looking on helplessly, can spark interest in what this matchup would look like in a different situation.
But the reality is that LA has lost the third quarter 92-61 in this series through Game 3 with an average margin of victory of 20 points per game. No matter how you spin it, these teams are nowhere close to each other, and a long summer awaits.
