BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Pitcher Ryan Helsley #21 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Birdland,
Sometimes it feels like the Orioles are in a free fall, and then you look at their 15-17 record and realize that things could be much worse. Yesterday was one of those days.
Before their 7-2 loss to the Yankees on the Friday night, the Orioles got some bad injury news. Their closer Ryan Helsley was headed to the IL with elbow inflammation. Fortunately, imaging had already been done and come back clean. Helsley is taking medication to calm down the inflammation and is expected back relatively soon.
This is just the latest pitching injury for an Orioles team that has already had its fair share. It comes right on the heels of Opening Day starter Trevor Rogers going on the shelf with the flu. The club is also awaiting returns from Dean Kremer and Dietrich Enns.
The Orioles have shown off some of their depth in the pitching department. The likes of Cade Povich, Brandon Young, and Albert Suarez have come up and shown varying levels of success. That has its limits, though, as witnessed this week. Povich got hit around by the Yankees on Friday, right after Young was bombed by the Astros on Thursday.
Right now, the Orioles are simply in survival mode. Their double-header on Thursday marked the beginning of a streak that will see them play 15 games in 14 days. So expect to see a lot of pitching shuffling over the next two weeks. Hopefully the team can also, ya know, win some of the baseball games.
Kyle Bradish is on the bump this afternoon at Yankee Stadium. His stuff has looked good recently and the top-line stats are improving. The O’s need an ace-like start from him today, one that comes with a little length as well.
Links
Orioles Place Ryan Helsley On IL With Elbow Inflammation | MLB Trade Rumors Here is more on Helsley’s IL stint. As they point out, an elbow issue tends to be quite ominous for a pitcher, but it sounds like the Orioles aren’t too concerned. Of course, we have heard that before and see it go south. Fingers crossed!
Catching up on Rutschman and Basallo backstop duo | Roch Kubatko Things have gone well for the Orioles behind the plate, despite Adley Rutschman’s IL stint a few weeks back. Both he and Samuel Basallo have been hitting while many other parts of the lineup have struggled. The defense is more of a mixed bag (particularly for Basallo), but it’s outweighed by how productive the two bats have been.
Orioles’ Pete Alonso, back in New York, has no regrets | Capital Gazette I mean, how could he? It doesn’t sound like the Mets ever got serious about bringing him back. And it’s not as if his former squad is in an enviable position anyway. While the Orioles have their own issues, you have to think Alonso feels fine about where he ended up.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Jonathan Villar turns 35 today. He was quite good for some very bad Orioles teams. Between 2018 and ‘19, Villar was worth 6.0 bWAR, had a 106 OPS+, hit 32 home runs, and stole 61 bases.
Brent Bowers is 55 years old. The outfielder played in just 21 big league games, all of which came with the 1996 Orioles.
Keith Moreland is 72. He wrapped up his 12-years in the majors with a 33-game cameo on the 1989 O’s.
This day in O’s history
2010 – The Orioles complete their first home, three-game sweep of the Red Sox since 1974 when Ty Wigginton hits a walk-off double against Jonathan Papelbon in the bottom of the 10th inning.
The San Francisco Giants celebrates on the field after they defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday, October 27, 2012, in Detroit, Mi. The Giants are the 2012 World Champions after sweeping the Tigers. (Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Good morning, baseball fans!
We are in the middle of a new feature for May that I’m calling the “12 Days of Mays-mas” because I won’t be around for the next week or so, and I want to leave you guys with some fun things to watch while I’m gone.
For the second day of Mays-mas, I thought we’d continue with the theme from yesterday, and re-visit Game 4 of the 2012 World Series, because it was the second championship of the San Francisco era.
This one might be my favorite. Not because it was necessarily the most exciting, or the most memorable from a baseball standpoint, but because of the memories associated with it. It was a thrilling ride of a playoff run, at least until the World Series itself. So getting the sweep was great for all of our collective sanity.
So get your coffee, settle in, and enjoy!
What time do the Giants play today?
The San Francisco Giants continue this road series against the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon at 3:10 p.m. PT.
What a question — Can Carl Edwards Jr. be the key piece to the Cubs’ bullpen woes? Wow, it seems like a big stretch. One hundred people will 100 different first-photo memories of the post-World Series activities, but the photo below is one of my favorites. Can he help bring the title to the Cubs (and the “W” flag to the field) one more time? It would be much even more unexpected than a WS speech during a rain delay.
I’m not trying to be Mr. Negative, but can the offense remain strong while nearly the entire pitching staff is in shambles? Edwards will not be able flip the script, but there’s a trade suggestion below that could/would, but at what prospects (and maybe a 26-man piece) would do it? Pedro Ramirez’s explosion has helped a lot, but a lot more would be needed.
I wish there was video (maybe I missed it) of Counsell drinking Malört! But I don’t want to see him throw it up, either — save that reaction to the next bullpen injury.
*** Regarding the story below about Nico Hoerner’s stunned reaction, I was really disturbed about the offensiveness of the Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing in recent games. In addition to the story below about Rushing is another one (NSFW) that includes three other incidences the previous two series. As “fun” as it was, this isn’t the 1970s. Rushing is lucky that Dave Parker, Pete Rose and Bill Madlock weren’t the recipients of his behavior. You know that no one in the Dodgers’ dugout is doing to do anything — hopefully, a respected person outside the dugout can get in his ear. Soon.
*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.
Tommy Erbe (Sports Net On Top): Biggest Chicago Cubs Storylines Going Into Diamondbacks Series. “The Cubs have an important stretch behind them. Here are some headlines going into the weekend and week ahead; Ian Happ’s On-Base Streak is His Career-Best; Can the Bats Keep Wrigley Warm and Arizona Pitching Cool?; Cubs Can’t Look Ahead, but It’s Hard Not To. ”It’ll be the Reds and the Cubs matching up in a four-game series at Wrigley Field to begin next week. It’s hard not to, but the Cubs cannot be looking ahead to this big series. They need to focus on the now and take care of business against the Diamondbacks.“
Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Daniel Palencia Begins a Rehab Stint at Iowa. “Palencia, who has been out since April 12 with a mild lat strain, will presumably get into the I-Cubs game today, and then they’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Jordan Campbell (Fansided): Mets just handed the Cubs a perfect reunion opportunity in their quest for bullpen answers. “It should be an easy yes. ….. At this point, Carl Edwards Jr. checks the easiest box there is. ……But if Edwards’ missing bats, he can be effective. He struck out 11 of the 25 batters he faced during his time with the Mets while only giving up one run.” *One more time:*
Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): The bitter taste of victory: How Malört and Craig Counsell bring Cubs together. “Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell ripped back some Jeppson’s Malört. As the team toasted his 900th career win as a major-league manager, Counsell downed the bitter-tasting liqueur. ….. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “Counsell’s big message was: ‘Just embrace it, man.’ You appreciate this game more when you have to go through some of those struggles early. It brings the team together.”
Steve Silverman (Clutch Points): Cubs’ surprise breakout star behind the team’s offensive surge. “Nico Hoerner has been a productive member of the Cubs since 2019, but he has never had more than 10 home runs in a season or 68 RBI. With about 20 percent of the season in the books, he is on pace for 20 home runs and 130 RBI. He is unlikely to stay on his current pace for RBI, but there is every reason to believe he will have the best offensive season of his career.
Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times): Shota Imanaga doing more than ever to ensure he and Cubs share common language. “In his third season with the Cubs, Imanaga is taking accountability in a new way. Through his interpreter, he says he no longer wants to use his being from Japan as an excuse for when he doesn’t do well.”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Ian Happ Integral as Cubs Keep Winning War of Attrition. “Among the top 15 hitters in MLB who’ve gotten the most PAs with runners on base, you’ll find five Cubs. The titular player, however, can’t be found until No. 93 with his .351 OBP. What’s more important is that Ian Happ is currently riding a 22-game on-base streak that has seen him reach in a variety of ways.”
Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times {$}): What’s it like for local media covering Cubs, White Sox? I’m finding out. “Not only am I fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a kid — covering baseball — but I’m getting out and seeing the broadcast media’s coverage up close, not just from my office chair at home.”
Henrik Freischlader (born 3 November 1982) is a German blues guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and autodidactic multi-instrumentalist. His style of music cannot be considered pure blues. He often blends in musical styles such as rock, jazz, soul, and funk, even though blues is the basis of all of his songs. His guitar-playing is influenced by Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Peter Green, Albert Collins and Albert King.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 2: Sterlin Thompson #60 of the Colorado Rockies bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 2, 2025 in Scottsdale, AZ. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | Getty Images
As several Colorado Rockies search for traction on offense, it makes sense that the next wave of Albuquerque names has started to become more interesting.
Cole Carrigg (No. 4 PuRP) has been part of that conversation. Charlie Condon (No. 1 PuRP), too. Sterlin Thompson (No. 13 PuRP) is a quieter name, but maybe a more intriguing one than first appears. And with several players on the current roster still trying to find their footing, a call-up does not have to be a final judgment. Sometimes, it is just a reset for one player and a test for another.
So the better question is not simply who should come up.
It is this: What actually translates?
The Albuquerque warning label
Minor league numbers matter. They are evidence. They are not answers. That is especially true for Rockies prospects in the Pacific Coast League, and especially true when Albuquerque is involved. A hitter producing there means something, but it comes with a giant Isotopes-shaped warning label — not just because the ball flies, but also because the jump to major-league stuff and sequencing is where those numbers get stress-tested.
The PCL can inflate outcomes. MLB pitchers expose process.
That does not mean every good Albuquerque line is fake. It means the first question should be less “Who is hot?” and more “What skill is showing up?”
Or, maybe more precisely this:How is the player accessing that skill?
A first filter, not a final answer
For a quick first filter, I looked at two imperfect but useful ideas: Impact Frequency and Chase Frequency. These are not replacement stats. Rather, they are trait-and-approach metrics. They are meant to help explain why the more familiar numbers look the way they do.
Impact Frequency is hard-hit balls divided by total pitches seen. It is not traditional hard-hit rate, which is usually measured per ball in play. This raises a different question: How often does a hitter turn his overall pitch environment into loud contact?
Chase Frequency is chase-zone swings divided by total pitches seen. Again, not traditional chase rate. This is more of a translation-risk check. Will big-league pitchers see enough chase in the profile to nibble a hitter to death?
With a 300-pitch filter, the shape gets clearer. Carrigg and Zac Veen (No. 9 PuRP) rank 32nd and 33rd in Triple-A in Impact Frequency. Thompson and Condon are a step behind, at 78th and 79th. Then the picture flips in Chase Frequency: Thompson ranks 10th and Condon 22nd, while Carrigg sits 173rd and Veen is, well, the bottom.
That does not mean Carrigg and Veen are better hitters. It does not mean Thompson and Condon lack impact. It means they are accessing their offense differently.
That is the point.
Carrigg and Veen are finding loud contact a bit more often, but with more swing-decision risk attached. Thompson and Condon are getting there through “approach” first. That does not make one path automatically better than the other. It just tells us what still needs to be tested.
Thompson: approach first
Thompson is the cleanest example. He has 117 plate appearances in this sample, a strikeout rate around 22%, and a walk rate around 17%. That lives somewhere in the Edouard Julien neighborhood: walks, patience, and forcing pitchers into the zone.
The walks matter because they are frequent. The contact matters if it is hard.
The risk is that the approach has to travel intact. If Thompson expands more against major-league pitching, the profile can get thin quickly. The patience is the foundation. Without it, the strikeouts become louder, and the offensive floor drops.
Condon: patience with damage
Condon is similar, but with more damage attached. His .267/.409/.851 line is not just a slugger-in-Albuquerque line. With a walk rate around 17% and a strikeout rate around 19%, plus a 22nd-place Triple-A rank in Chase Frequency, the offensive idea makes sense. He is not just swinging big: He is controlling the zone.
The trap is that power is his calling card, and it is not fully popping yet in this snapshot. If chasing more power pulls him away from the approach, the profile gets riskier. I would rather see him keep the approach than sell out for more power.
But if the power truly develops alongside that approach?
Watch out.
Carrigg: aggressive, but not reckless
Carrigg is almost the opposite question. His traditional line explains the interest: .340/.402/.864 with 18 stolen bases. The Statcast layer adds to it. 32 hard-hit balls on 403 pitches is a real signal for a switch-hitter whose appeal already includes speed, arm strength, and defensive flexibility.
But Carrigg is not doing this the Thompson way. His nine walks in 117 plate appearances put his walk rate around 7.7%, while his strikeout rate sits around 14%. He is more aggressive, more willing to enter the chase band, and currently making enough contact for it to work.
That “currently” is doing some work. If the contact backs up, the aggression gets harder to live with. Carrigg’s profile is exciting because the bat is touching the ball often enough to let the speed, defense, and hard-hit frequency matter. If that contact slips, the whole equation gets tighter.
Veen: the counterweight
Veen is the counterweight. His .258/.340/.716 line is not terrible, and the Impact Frequency says the talent is still there. But 37 chase-zone swings on 377 pitches is not nothing.
Big-league pitchers wont need to beat him in the zone when he is willing to meet them outside of it.
What comes next?
This is still only a first filter. Launch angle, pull rate, zone contact, whiff rate, and whether the hard contact is turning into actual damage all matter from here.
Carrigg hitting the ball hard is interesting. Carrigg hitting the ball hard on the ground is a different conversation.
Condon controlling the zone is interesting. Condon doing damage when he gets a pitch to hit is the next question.
There are roster questions, too. If Ezequiel Tovar goes down, Chad Stevens probably makes the most sense for the Rockies. It is a less-splashy move, but it fits the infield need. If Jordan Beck goes down, the conversation changes. That is when Thompson, Carrigg, and Condon really enter the picture.
I am glad I am not the one making these decisions. I am impulsive. I like to dream.
But if Thompson, Carrigg, and Condon keep playing this way, it no longer feels crazy to think we could see all three in Denver at some point this year. Not because Albuquerque numbers should be taken at face value. Not because any one of them is a finished answer. Because each is starting to show a skill set worth testing.
There is something here. Maybe even several somethings.
Well, that escalated. Albuquerque set a new franchise record for runs in a 26-8 win over El Paso. It was also the most runs the Chihuahuas have ever allowed, and only the third time since 2005 that a PCL team has scored at least 26 runs in a game. Sterlin Thompson, Zac Veen, and Braxton Fulford all homered as the Isotopes piled up traffic all night. El Paso issued 13 walks, and Albuquerque kept turning those chances into damage. Sean Sullivan gave the Isotopes a useful start, allowing three earned runs over five innings. It was not spotless — eight hits, four walks, one strikeout, and a homer — but five innings of three-run ball plays just fine in Albuquerque.
Hartford fell behind early and never really got the game back under control. Reading scored twice in the first, added four more in the third, and kept tacking on in an 11-3 Yard Goats loss. The Fightin Phils improved to 12-12, while Hartford dropped to 10-14. Carson DeMartini and Bryan Rincon both homered for Reading, and Rincon also stole home as part of a double steal in the sixth. For Hartford, Aidan Longwell was the bright spot. He went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI, factoring into all three Yard Goats runs. Benny Montgomery and Conner Capel each added RBI singles.
Spokane handled Eugene 7-1, improving to 9-15 while the Emeralds dropped to 18-6. Ethan Hedges got the Indians started early with a two-run homer in the first, his fourth of the season, and finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBI, and a walk. Roynier Hernandez also homered, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk. The pitching was the real story, though. Lebarron Johnson Jr. allowed one run on one hit over three innings, walking one and striking out three. Ben Catlett took it from there and was dominant, throwing six scoreless innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and 11 strikeouts.
Fresno jumped ahead early, but Stockton took control late in a 7-3 Grizzlies loss. The Ports improved to 12-13, while Fresno fell to 14-11. Jack O’Dowd had the best offensive night for Fresno, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Clayton Gray also went 2-for-5 and scored a run, while Roldy Brito doubled and scored. Tanner Thach drove in Fresno’s first run with a sacrifice fly. The game turned in the sixth, when Stockton scored four times to flip a 3-2 Fresno lead into a 6-3 deficit. Ethan Cole took the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, over two innings. Michael Herrera started and struck out seven over four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk. O’Dowd continues to be one of the more productive bats in the lower levels, now sitting at a 1.078 OPS after another multi-hit game.
In this piece by Scott Roche, the Rockies’ 14-18 start is framed as a small but real warning to the rest of the NL West: Colorado may not be good yet, but it is no longer automatic. The piece leans on improved pitching depth and early competitiveness against division opponents as signs of progress.
In this piece by Thomas Harding, Jim Tracy looks back on the 2009 Rockies through a few small moments that ended up feeling much bigger with time: the pitch, the at-bat, and the catch. It’s a nice little nostalgia trip, with a fun current-day wrinkle now that Tracy’s son Chad is getting his own big-league managerial shot in Boston.
Seth Dowdle has some fun with the Rockies still hanging near the bottom of ESPN’s power rankings despite a recent Mets sweep and a split with the Dodgers. Is it disrespectful? Maybe. Is it also what happens when you lose 119 games the year before? Unfortunately, yes.
In another piece by Thomas Harding, Ezequiel Tovar’s early slump gets a closer look, with fastballs standing out as a particular issue. Tovar points more to timing than a broken swing, which gives the Rockies something specific to work through as he tries to get back on track.
Saturday’s MLB slate is loaded, and there’s no shortage of betting angles if you know where to look. From clear mismatches like Atlanta and San Diego to plus-money shots with sneaky value, these MLB picks focus on pitching edges, lineup production, and where the market might be off.
Let’s break down the best moneyline plays for May 2.
MLB moneyline picks for May 2
Matchup
Pick
Orioles vs Yankees
-138
Blue Jays vs Twins
+117
Diamondbacks vs Cubs
-150
Guardians vs A's
+108
Reds vs Pirates
+117
Brewers vs Nationals
-127
Astros vs Red Sox
+113
Phillies vs Marlins
-113
Giants vs Rays
-127
Dodgers vs Cardinals
-138
Rangers vs Tigers
-127
Braves vs Rockies
-222
White Sox vs Padres
-203
Mets vs Angels
+108
Royals vs Mariners
-138
Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 5-2.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for May 2
Orioles vs Yankees: Yankees (-138)
Yankees win probability: 58%
New York owns the edge where it matters most—run prevention and power. Baltimore is allowing too many runs and dealing with key injuries, while the Yankees bring a deeper lineup and more reliable pitching. Kyle Bradish hasn’t been sharp enough to trust here, and with New York’s ability to capitalize on traffic, this is a spot where the better team should take control.
Blue Jays vs Twins: Twins (+117)
Twins win probability: 46%
Toronto’s offense just isn’t getting it done. Bottom-tier power and inconsistent contact make it tough to trust them, even with Dylan Cease on the mound. Minnesota has the better offensive profile and enough pitching stability to hold serve. With more reliable run production, the Twins have a clearer path to win this game.
Diamondbacks vs Cubs: Cubs (-150)
Cubs win probability: 60%
This is a clean mismatch. Arizona’s pitching staff has been one of the worst in the league, and Ryne Nelson hasn’t shown he can slow down a quality lineup. Chicago brings elite on-base ability and consistent production, paired with a steady arm in Shota Imanaga. The Cubs should control this game from the start.
Guardians vs A's: Guardians (+108)
Guardians win probability: 48%
Cleveland doesn’t need to be explosive here—they just need to be competent. Oakland’s pitching is extremely shaky, and that opens the door for even a contact-heavy offense to generate enough scoring. With the Guardians holding the edge on the mound and in overall run prevention, they should grind out a win.
Reds vs Pirates: Reds (+117)
Reds win probability: 46%
Cincinnati has more ways to score, even if the batting average doesn’t jump off the page. They bring power and speed, while Pittsburgh leans heavily on contact without much upside. Rhett Lowder has been more efficient than Carmen Mlodzinski, and that slight pitching edge, combined with a more dynamic offense, gives the Reds the advantage.
Brewers vs Nationals: Brewers (-127)
Brewers win probability: 56%
Washington can put up runs, but their pitching is a problem. Milwaukee has the more reliable arm and a clear bullpen edge, which matters in a game that could get loose late. Even without full offensive strength, the Brewers do enough at the plate and prevent runs at a higher level, making them the safer side.
Astros vs Red Sox: Astros (+113)
Astros win probability: 47%
Houston’s offense is the difference. They consistently generate baserunners and apply pressure, while Boston lacks the same level of production. Even with some pitching concerns, the Astros lineup is capable of outscoring problems. If this turns into a higher-scoring game, Houston is clearly better equipped to handle it.
Phillies vs Marlins: Marlins (-113)
Marlins win probability: 53%
Aaron Nola’s struggles are too significant to ignore. With a high ERA and too many baserunners allowed, he’s not someone you can trust right now. Miami has been the more balanced team, with stronger lineup metrics and steady pitching from Max Meyer. Until Philadelphia shows signs of life, fading them remains the sharper play.
Giants vs Rays: Rays (-127)
Rays win probability: 56%
San Francisco simply doesn’t hit enough to win games like this. A lack of power and poor OPS numbers limit their ceiling, even with solid pitching. Tampa Bay is more balanced offensively and can manufacture runs in different ways. In what projects as a lower-scoring game, the Rays have more paths to come out on top.
Dodgers vs Cardinals: Dodgers (-138)
Dodgers win probability: 58%
There’s a clear class gap here. Los Angeles brings elite production across the board, while St. Louis struggles to prevent runs. Even if Roki Sasaki hasn’t been perfect, this is a favorable spot for him to settle in. The Dodgers’ offensive firepower and overall depth should be too much for the Cardinals to handle.
Rangers vs Tigers: Tigers (-127)
Tigers win probability: 56%
Detroit has the edge offensively, with better on-base skills and more consistent production. Texas continues to struggle generating runs, which puts added pressure on Kumar Rocker. While both starters are capable, the Tigers’ ability to create scoring opportunities gives them the higher floor in this matchup.
Braves vs Rockies: Braves (-222)
Braves win probability: 69%
This is one of the biggest mismatches on the board. Atlanta is elite offensively and pairs that with strong pitching, led here by Chris Sale. Colorado simply doesn’t have the arms to keep this lineup in check. Even on the road, the Braves should dictate the pace and overwhelm the Rockies.
White Sox vs Padres: Padres (-203)
Padres win probability: 67%
San Diego has the advantage on the mound with Michael King, and that’s where this game tilts. The White Sox offense doesn’t consistently apply pressure, making it difficult to back them against quality pitching. With a steadier bullpen and enough offense, the Padres should separate over the full game.
Mets vs Angels: Angels (+108)
Angels win probability: 48%
The Mets’ offense is a major concern, sitting near the bottom of the league in nearly every key category. That lack of production makes it tough to support them, even with decent pitching. The Angels have more power and a more functional lineup, giving them the edge in a game that likely comes down to who can actually score.
Royals vs Mariners: Mariners (-138)
Mariners win probability: 58%
Seattle’s pitching gives them the edge here. Emerson Hancock has been efficient, and the Mariners as a staff do a better job limiting damage. Kansas City doesn’t generate enough offense to overcome that gap. In what projects as a tight game, Seattle’s run prevention and slightly cleaner execution make them the more reliable side.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The New York Black Yankees were a Negro Leagues team that existed from 1931 to 1948. True to their name, they called Yankee Stadium home from 1940 onwards until their demise. They were not a particularly successful franchise, with a 258-497 overall record, but they count among their alumni such legends as Satchel Paige, Ted Radcliffe, Willie Wells, and many more. Today, we celebrate the birthday of a player who isn’t quite at the same status as those luminaries, but had a very nice career of his own.
George Giles Born: May 2, 1909 (Junction City, KS) Died: March 3, 1992 (Topeka, KS) Black Yankees Tenure: 1936-37
George Giles was a precocious talent. He was only 17 years of age when he got his first taste of (semi-) pro baseball with the Gilkerson’s Union Giants, an independent barnstorming Black team that played mainly in the Midwest. He was the starting first baseman on one of the most successful iterations of the club, and many of his teammates on the 1926 squad, like Lefty Brown and Steel Arm Davis, were/would go on to be Negro League stars.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, consider this; the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most successful Negro league teams, signed Giles the following year. He started 59 games for them and hit .269/.330/.360, good for a 92 OPS+. Not bad at all for an 18-year old playing in the highest level available to him — and Giles was just getting started. In 1928, his OPS+ improved to 113, and from there the speedy Giles settled in as a comfortably above-average regular, making up for his rather pedestrian power numbers (career .112 ISO) by consistently posting high averages and OBPs (career .316 and .386, respectively).
June 4, 1934, First baseman, George Giles hit two (2) home runs, a triple, and scored four runs in the Kansas City Monarchs' 8-1 winning decision at La Crosse, Wisconsin. Follow at https://t.co/11pPm3IJE2pic.twitter.com/4gEkrFsbJS
When Giles joined the New York Black Yankees in 1936, he was still only 27, but his career was in its twilight. His first season was pretty rough, as he struggled to the tune of a .273/.356/.356 line (84 OPS+). However, he managed to rebound in 1937, posting a prime DJ LeMahieu-esque .327/.395/.453 line (114 OPS+) in 39 games. Unfortunately, despite Giles’ best efforts, the fortunes of his ballclub followed the opposite trajectory; the Black Yankees enjoyed a 30-19 campaign in 1936, but struggled to a 23-33 finish in 1937. It’s unclear whether he was released or traded, but by the time the 1938 season rolled around, Giles was no longer a Yankee. He spent what would be his final year in pro baseball with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, hitting .298 in 59 plate appearances across 14 games.
I realize that this summary of Giles’ playing career is painfully short. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t much readily available information on his exploits as a player, despite the fact that he was a very good hitter who was an All-Star in 1935. It is nothing short of a travesty that his story, along with countless other Black players of his time, has been neglected for so long. While long overdue, it’s at least heartening to see the recent wave of recognition and renewed attention that the Negro Leagues is receiving. One can only hope that more details about Giles and his career surface in the coming years.
Indeed, a Giles renaissance might already be burgeoning. This 2021 piece in the Manhattan Mercury (the local newspaper for Manhattan, KS, where Giles lived most of his life) offers a vividly rendered glimpse into Giles’ career and life, including quotes from Giles himself from past interviews for the Mercury and other local outlets. The whole piece is fascinating, but Giles’ recollections of the abhorrent conditions he endured as a Black ballplayer on the road are particularly striking. In one quote, he says he used to lay newspapers on the beds of seedy motels, claiming that it warded off bedbugs. In another, he remembers how when he played against a white team in his barnstorming days, his opponents stayed at a hotel, while his team was forced to change into their uniforms in a farmer’s barn. It’s truly depressing stuff, but it needs to be told.
Given the countless hardships he endured as a player, I can only hope Giles lived a full and fulfilling post-playing life. The Mercury article gives me hope that this was the case. After working a number of jobs, Giles opened a small inn named George’s Motel in Kansas which served the Black community, providing the kind of accommodations that were unavailable to him during his playing days. And in his autumnal years, he got to witness his grandson Brian Giles — no, not that one — make his MLB debut in 1981 with the New York Mets. What a moment that must have been for him.
A final detail from that Mercury piece — when asked whether George would have been proud to see his grandson surpass his achievements by reaching the major leagues, Brian rejected that premise, saying, “Actually, I think he was more successful, doing what he did in times that presented African-American ballplayers (with challenges).” As we try to properly appreciate the Negro Leagues and Black ballplayers of the past, this perspective is something we must not forget. It’s not enough to say that the Negro Leagues were major leagues in terms of quality of play; we must also acknowledge the various ways in which Black players and their communities were held back by racism — and question the notion that those are relics of the past.
All stats from Seamheads.com.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks is introduced prior to a game against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you missed Game 6 the other night, keep it that way.
It was a disaster rolled into a catastrophe, then deep fried and dipped in calamity. And unfortunately, the Hawks (46-36) just need to own it until training camp rolls around in September.
After losing by 11, then 16, then 29 points in this series alone, surely the Hawks would compose themselves to fight to the bitter end.
Yeah…no.
One thing is abundantly clear: these Hawks were not ready for the big stage. A lot of work remains if they organization is to achieve something higher than “flatly embarrassed on national TV in an elimination game.”
At one point in the second half of the regular season, the Hawks mired in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. But the 20-6 stretch after the All-Star break had a lot of us (myself included) thinking they had found something special from within.
And then the Knicks gave them a painful reminder of how far they still need to go.
That’s not to say that there is nothing to take away from the post-All-Star break surge — or from the season at large. Jalen Johnson grew (offensively at least) into an elite, ‘first name on the team scouting report’ player. But his limitations were on full display in the New York series.
“It sucks,” Johnson had to say on media day about the crushing Game 6 defeat. “It’s a terrible feeling. It’s not the way you want the series to end, of course. A lot of fuel going into next season. A lot of fuel going into the offseason for everybody. We’re gonna make sure this never happens again, we never get this type of feeling again. Just a sick feeling to our stomachs.”
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was maybe the single biggest feel-good story of the season. He somehow doubled his scoring output while shooting more efficiently on a much bigger team role than the year previous, winning the Most Improved Player award.
He then shot just 9-for-28 (32%) from two in the playoff series.
The Hawks couldn’t get handle the ball nor create advantages well enough for playoff-level ball pressure. In the first half of Game 6 alone, the Hawks coughed the ball up an astounding 14 times and gave the Knicks 20 points off those turnovers.
They couldn’t deal with Mitchell Robinson physical presence off the glass (14 rebounds per 36 minutes in this series) or above the rim (11 dunks in 83 minutes). They had no answer for Karl-Anthony Towns (20 points per game on 74% true shooting) or OG Anunoby (17 points per game on 75% true shooting).
They lost their composure when things weren’t going their way on Thursday — to understate things mildly.
The whole team got beat in all facets by a clearly better team.
Game. Series.
But these humbling experiences will ultimately help players individually and the team going forward. Neither Johnson nor Alexander-Walker nor Dyson Daniels had ever been focal points in a playoff series, and clearly none were quite ready for the intensity and physicality at this level.
Additionally, the Hawks lost their starting point guard and center — both guys former All-Stars and possibly still All-Star-caliber when healthy — midway through the season, and the roster was essentially in a jumbled state starting from game 5.
What began as a promising season quickly turned into a transition year just two weeks in. You just can’t plan for these unforeseen circumstances.
Having said that, it calls into question whether the main options on offense have been extended too far — thrust into roles too large for their skillsets. Maybe Johnson isn’t a championship-level primary option and maybe Alexander-Walker as your number two scoring option isn’t quite it.
As we turn to the offseason, it’s extremely fortunate that the Hawks maintained a level of financial flexibility and draft asset accumulation that will benefit them greatly in the long run — maybe as soon as May 10th’s NBA Draft Lottery results. And the core of the team largely remains 25 years of age or younger.
“We’re not one player away from this,” general manager Onsi Saleh remarked about what the future holds at exit interviews. “The best iteration of this team is through development and our players currently getting better. We’re really excited about the future and what holds there. From the draft to the flexibility moving forward, all that stuff. We’re in a good position set up moving forward.”
This offseason will be a major test to see how the team builds upon a mixed but overall successful campaign. They have to keep looking for ways to improve around the edges to both up the talent level and fit on this roster. It won’t happen overnight.
It’s frustrating to be told to continue to have patience — believe me, I know. It’s been a lot of years since the Hawks were bona fide ‘contenders.’
Maybe the perfect series of events lines up this offseason to vault the team into that elite status in the NBA. But the results of their brief postseason journey left no question that there’s progress that still needs to be made.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions gets up after being injured against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 22, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. Interference was called on the pass play as time expired, giving the Lions one last play. The Lions came from behind to defeat the Browns 38-37. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Friday night, the Detroit Pistons made history. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the opening round of the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, the Pistons found themselves down 24 points in the second half. But then their defense locked in, Cade Cunningham took over, and the Pistons came all the way back to force a Game 7 at home in Detroit. Their 24-point comeback set the franchise record for the biggest comeback in the postseason, and it was the largest comeback from a road team facing elimination since the 1996-97 NBA season.
In short, it was a comeback win Pistons fans won’t forget anytime soon—especially if they end up winning Game 7 on Sunday.
That got me thinking: What about our Cardiac Cats?
The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of thrilling comeback victories, especially in the modern era. So today’s Question of the Day is:
What has been the most memorable comeback victory in Lions history?
My answer: Three immediately come to mind.
First is the iconic comeback win in Matthew Stafford’s rookie season against the Cleveland Browns. Most people only remember Stafford’s iconic game-winning drive that featured him throwing a touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew with a dislocated shoulder on an untimed down. What you may not remember from that game is Detroit was down 24-3…. IN THE FIRST QUARTER. The Lions would go on to outscore Cleveland 35-13 the rest of the way.
Then there were a pair of comebacks against the Dallas Cowboys. In 2011, Detroit trailed 27-3 early in the second half. But a pair of huge plays from the defense changed the trajectory of the game. Former Cowboy Bobby Carpenter kicked things off with a 34-yard pick-six. Later in the quarter, Chris Houston added his own pick-six. A pair of Calvin Johnson touchdowns later, and Detroit pulled off the miraculous upset.
Two years later, the Lions did it again in the Stafford fake spike game. While the Lions were never down by more than 10 points in this game, it’s the manner in which they came back that makes it memorable. The Cowboys kicked a field goal with 1:07 left to go up 30-24. That left the Lions with 80 yards to go, no timeouts left, and needing a touchdown to win the game. You all remember the rest:
Mar 12, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (12) celebrates a game ending three point make in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Smith-Imagn Images | Matthew Smith-Imagn Images
The offseason has arrived for the Phoenix Suns, and the thought experiments are underway. What should this team do to get better? No one is immune to it, and no one should be. That’s part of fandom. You want a better situation, a more competitive team, and you start building ideas around how to get there. The offseason is where those ideas live.
I’ve already put out my preliminary manifesto on how I think the Suns should approach this. No specifics. No player targets, no trade machines. More of a vision document.
As this offseason gets going, there’s a name that keeps popping up in threads, comments, and conversations. A name that honestly surprises me. And here I am, once again writing why it makes no sense.
That name is Ja Morant.
I understand where it comes from. The Suns are thin at point guard, and that drives the conversation. There aren’t many traditional point guards left in the modern NBA, and true facilitators who run a team are rare. The position has evolved. It’s more about ball handling, decision making, and limiting mistakes. With so few options, it makes sense that people gravitate toward the names that exist.
What doesn’t make sense is why Morant is one of them.
We just watched a season in which this team checked some important boxes. They took real steps with their culture and identity. They operated with fiscal responsibility. They were competitive in a way that was actually enjoyable to watch. If you think Ja Morant is the answer, you missed the assignment. Or you didn’t read it. Or you’re trying to force square pegs into round holes using an outdated roster-building template.
Start with the on-court reality. Morant isn’t available. He hasn’t played more than 65 games in a season since his rookie year, when he played 67. His style is reckless at the rim, and that matters. You’re talking about a player whose athleticism is tied to how he plays, and that’s trending the wrong way over time. He’s a career 31.1% three-point shooter, and only 17.8% of his career points come from deep. The offensive value you’re paying for doesn’t stretch the floor. If that style keeps leading to missed time, why are you bringing that in? It’s simply not sustainable.
Defensively, it’s not good either. He’s a liability. His perimeter isolation defense grades out as a D, around the 26th percentile per BBall Index.
I’ll give him this: he can facilitate. His playmaking grades out as an A+. That’s the appeal. That’s the hook. The idea is simple: bring in a primary facilitator, let Devin Booker work off-ball, and get him back to his natural spot at shooting guard. That’s where he’s at his best. I understand that line of thinking. But it’s hard to facilitate when you’re in street clothes.
What makes it even harder to accept is the salary. Ja Morant is slated to make $42.1 million next year and $44.9 million the year after. With a $165 million cap, that’s 25.5%. Factor in the Suns’ dead money and Phoenix is effectively operating around $141.8 million, which pushes that number to 29.7%. From a financial responsibility standpoint, paying a premium for a player without a track record of health is not a path I want to go down. We’ve seen this movie. Bradley Beal is the example. The difference is that Morant doesn’t have a no-trade clause.
To acquire him, you’re moving multiple assets. The obvious starting point is Jalen Green because of the $36.3 million number next season. Strip it down to the on-court profile, and a lot of it overlaps. Both attack the rim. Both are suboptimal from three. Green actually grades out better defensively on the perimeter, a C+ in the 57th percentile. He’s younger. He has a reputation for being available. Last season was an outlier with 50 games missed. Before that, he missed one game in two and a half years. You’re moving availability, and likely attaching more to do it.
I see the ideas. Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, a sign-and-trade with Mark Williams. Why would Memphis want that? The Memphis Grizzlies have already started reshaping their core, moving on from Desmond Bane last offseason and Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline. The goal there is draft capital. They’re not looking to take back scraps. And if the price is draft capital on your end, that circles back to the same point. Trading picks for Morant is irresponsible.
The final reason I’m so against acquiring Ja Morant comes back to culture and identity. He misses games because of injuries, that’s true. He also misses games because of immaturity and a lack of accountability. We know the stories. We’ve seen the videos. Off the court, he has been an issue for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Who he surrounds himself with is his choice, and I respect that. You can still learn a lot about someone by the company they keep, and Morant keeps finding himself in trouble because of off-court behavior and poor decision-making. The accountability piece hasn’t been there. There’s an air about him that he’s above certain rules. It shows up in press conferences. It shows up in how he handles adversity.
Ja Morant explains what went wrong against the Lakers on Friday: "Ask the coaching staff." On what the Grizzlies could have done better: "According to them (coaching staff) | probably shouldn't have played." pic.twitter.com/vMfrsDR7hC
That mindset runs counter to everything the Phoenix Suns are trying to build. This is a team leaning into connectivity. An organization trying to lay a foundation rooted in chemistry. Adding Morant pulls you in the opposite direction.
When I think about acquiring Ja Morant, I cringe. It feels like the people beating that drum got hit with one of those little red lights from Men in Black. They forgot who the Phoenix Suns were an offseason ago and how they got there. Acquiring Morant is bringing in the worst parts of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. You get the attitude and lack of accountability. You get the contract and the health concerns. Why go down that path again? Why live in that space again? Because he fills a positional need?
I get the desire for a facilitator. I don’t get the desire for that facilitator to be overpriced, entitled, unproductive, and unavailable. We’re going to spend plenty of time this offseason talking through what comes next for the Suns.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are set for a Game 7 at TD Garden. The 76ers won Game 6 in Philadelphia, 106-93, giving the 76ers two straight wins in the series. Once down 3-1, the 76ers have tied the series up 3-3.
With Joel Embiid back in the lineup for Philadelphia, Boston has struggled from three. The Celtics are settling for more outside shots and have now posted 28% and 29% from three over the past two games. When Boston has won in this series, they've made 41.7% of their three-pointers compared to 27.7% in the three losses, which has been the difference. The Celtics also average 119.7 points per game in their playoff wins versus 95.7 in their losses.
The 76ers have had elite defensive showings over the past two games and are one win away from completing the 3-1 comeback. Philadelphia has the second-best turnover percentage and third-best defensive net rating over the last two games of the 16 playoff teams. The 76ers are now 2-1 with Embiid in the lineup as he's averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over 35.7 minutes per game.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers vs. Celtics
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Site: TD Garden
City: Boston, MA
Network/Streaming: NBC Sports / Peacock
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Game Odds: 76ers vs. Celtics
The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Boston Celtics (-290), Philadelphia 76ers (+235)
Spread: Celtics -7.5
Total: 205.5 points
This game opened Celtics -8.5 with the Total set at 207.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Celtics vs. 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
PG Tyrese Maxey
SG VJ Edgecombe
SF Kelly Oubre Jr
PF Paul George
C Joel Embiid (probable)
Boston Celtics
PG Derrick White
SG Jaylen Brown
SF Sam Hauser
PF Jayson Tatum
C Neemias Queta
Injury Report: Celtics vs. 76ers
Boston Celtics
None
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid (abdomen) is PROBABLE for Game 7
Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers vs. Celtics
Boston ranks third best in the NBA with a 51-37 ATS mark
Boston is an NBA-best 57-31 to the Under
Boston is 29-15 to the Under as the home team, ranking second best
Boston is 24-20 ATS at home
Philadelphia is 26-18 ATS as the road team, ranking third best
Philadelphia is 13-13 ATS and 10-16 on the ML as a road underdog
Philadelphia is 48-41 ATS
Philadelphia is 48-41 to the Under and 24-20 to the Under as the road team
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Saturday’s Celtics and 76ers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Celtics’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Celtics -7.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 205.5
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 01: Rhys Hoskins #8 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates on second base after he hit a bases loaded two-run RBI double against the Athletics in the top of the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park on May 01, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fun game today, although it may have been ever-so-slightly overshadowed by the happenings of another Cleveland sports team. Offense looked shaky to start the game.
The Guardians had the bases loaded with no outs in the first, but failed to bring home any runs. In the bottom of the first, Cantillo gave up a 2-run 2-out homer to Brent Rooker. But, the next inning, the Guardians had runners at the corners with no outs, and then made two consecutive outs. Luckily, Cleveland’s own Chase DeLauter rocketed a double into right that the Athletics’ right fielder, Colby Thomas, misplayed, leading to 2 Guardians runs.
In the fourth, Cantillo gave up a 2-rbi single down the line to Zack Gelof. But, again, in the next inning, the Guardians answered right back with a Rhys Hoskins 1-out 2-run double.
Later that inning, Martinez (pinch-hitting for Schneemann) drove in another run with a sac fly.
Cantillo wasn’t his best today, giving up 4 earned in 4 innings. 5 hits, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts. But, when the offense hums the way it did tonight, we spend less time focusing on the pitcher.
In the seventh, Hoskins drove in another run with a solo shot.
Bo Naylor (!) drove in a run with a 104 mph double to right, and then Rocchio drove him in right after.
Erik Sabrowski got out of a Hunter Gaddis-induced bases-loaded jam in the 7th, striking out 2 consecutive Athletics, and getting Colby Thomas to fly out to very deep left-center.
Cade Smith put out a Connor Brogdon-induced fire in the 8th, stranding runners at the corners with two outs. He came back on in the 9th for a 1-2-3 inning.
Other highlights include things such as: a Matt Festa scoreless inning, 2 Travis Bazzana walks, a 2-hit night for Bo Naylor, a *4-hit* (5x on-base) night for Chase DeLauter, and a 3x on-base game for Steven Kwan.
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In Friday’s Brotherhood Playoff Action, Toronto shocked Cleveland in overtime, 112-110, Detroit roared back to pop Orlando, 93-79, and Los Angeles eliminated Houston, 98-78.
The big story of the night was RJ Barrett’s magnificent game-winner against the Cavaliers. Barrett didn’t shoot well overall, just 8-21/4-12, but he hit the only shot that people will be talking about. He also pulled down 9 rebounds, and passed out 3 assists.
Orlando led 62-38, and somehow let the Pistons come back to win by 14. The Magic missed 23 straight shots in the second half. That’s atrocious.
Detroit ripped off a 35-5 run during that stretch of futility. Paolo Banchero finished 4-20 from the field. He did grab 10 rebounds, but Orlando missed 51 shots, so there were plenty to go around.
Not for Wendell Carter, though: while he shot better (3-5), he only scored 9 points and had 0 rebounds.
After a great start to the series against the Rockets, Luke Kennard moved back to the bench once Austin Reaves was available. He got 29 minutes, but shot just 1-6 for three points.
With Cleveland’s loss, Tyrese Proctor is nearly out of the championship hunt. On Saturday, Boston hosts Philadelphia at home in Game 7, and we’ll find out if Jayson Tatum will continue his remarkable comeback or if he’ll start the off-season.
Bill Preston gets in touch: “I think Wednesday beating West Brom and finishing on zero points, the same as they began the season with*, would be fitting. It would reflect a new start to the club, a fresh page, a story yet to be written.
“Although, one can’t help but feel I’ll be writing the same email again this time next year albeit into the League One finale if they get the expected fourteen points deduction post takeover and slide again.”
Sawyer Gipson-Long was scratched prior to this game, fueling talk that he might be part of a spot start plan against the Rangers on Sunday in Casey Mize’s regular turn. Instead, it was a bullpen day with Grant Holman leading the way, and early on the Clippers built a 4-0 lead after Sean Hunley allowed a three-run third inning in relief. As you can see by the score, things would take a decisive turn in the Mud Hens’ favor.
It was still 4-0 Columbus when Cal Stevenson led off the fifth with a single. Andrew Navigato doubled him to third, but Tomas Nido flew out to shallow center and Stevenson couldn’t score on that fly ball, nor the shallow fly to right that followed from Max Burt. He would score on a Ben Malgeri bouncer that he beat out. Tyler Gentry doubled in Navigato and Malgeri, and it was a 4-3 Clippers lead.
In the sixth, Corey Julks led off with a walk, and Eduardo Valencia singled. After a Stevenson strikeout, Navigato singled in Julks, and later in the inning, a Max Burt single and an error brought home Valencia and Navigato. Malgeri walked, and Gentry came through with another two-run double to make it 8-4 Mud Hens. Gentry, a former Royals farmhand, has always had a very well rounded game and just never broke through to the major league level. Now 27, the right-handed hitting corner outfielder is a bit of an interesting depth option in Toledo.
In the top of the seventh, the Clippers walked in two runs, and Malgeri cleared the bases with a double that made it 13-4.
Scott Effross allowed a run in the bottom of the seventh, but in the eighth, singles from Valencia and Stevenson set the table for Navigato, who crushed his first home run since rejoining the Tigers’ organization. 16-5 Hens. They added two more in the ninth for fun.
Max Clark had the night off and missed this party.
Navigato: 3-4, 4 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR, BB
Malgeri: 3-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, BB
Gentry: 2-5, R, 4 RBI, 2 2B, BB, K
Holman: 2.0 IP, ER, H, BB, K
Coming Up Next: The Hens take a 3-1 lead in the series into a 4:05 p.m. ET matchup on Saturday.
John Peck remains absolutely on fire for Erie, and the offense cracked three home runs to win behind a solid day from the bullpen.
The SeaWolves got rolling immediately with a five run bottom of the first. Peyton Graham singled with one out and then stole his 13th bag of the young season. Brett Callahan made it a moot point, cranking his third home run of the season. Peck smoked a double to left, and a Justice Bigbie lineout to right, Andrew Jenkins doubled in Peck, and then rode home on an E.J. Exposito two-run shot. 5-0 SeaWolves.
Colin Fields and Johan Simon both tossed a pair of scoreless innings to start off the bullpen day. Peck cracked a solo shot in the third, making that four straight days with a home run. He would also single, steal second, and score on a Jenkins single in the eighth.
Trevin Michael allowed a pair of runs in the middle innings, but Tyler Owens handled the seventh and eighth with no issues. Wandisson Charles was knocked around for a pair of runs in the ninth but eventually pulled it together.
Peck: 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR, K, SB
Jenkins: 3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B
Owens: 2.0 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, 2 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 1:35 p.m. ET start in Erie on Saturday with the SeaWolves up 3-1 in the series.
Cedar Rapids Kernels 8, West Michigan Whitecaps 4 (box)
The Kernels continue to have the Whitecaps number as they mauled Rayner Castillo and cruised to an easy victory on Friday.
After a good outing last time out, Castillo couldnt’ miss bats in this one and the Kernels scored two runs in each of the first three innings.
Jackson Strong singled, stole second, and scored after a pair of ground outs in the top of the first. So it was a 6-1 games when Castillo’s outing ended early. In the top of the fifth, Samuel Gil doubled in Hunter Dobbins and Strong to cut the lead to 6-3, but that was as close as they’d get.
Luke Stofel allowed a pair of runs in the sixth to make it 8-3. Cristian Santana doubled in the eighth and was wild pitched to third, where he would score on a Juan Hernandez ground out.
The combination of Castillo, Inohan Paniagua, Stofel, and CJ Weins combined for just three strikeouts against five walks, as the system wide drought in pitching contines. Only Ben Jacobs, Kelvis Salcedo, and Grayson Grinsell have really been impressive out of the field of prospects so far.
Hernandez: 1-3, RBI, 2B, BB, K
Strong: 1-4, 2 R, BB, K, SB
Castillo (L, 0-3): 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday as the Whitecaps try to avoid a sweep.
The Flying Tigers got a pretty good short outing from Kelvis Salcedo on Friday, and did a pretty good job at the plate against one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. The bullpen let them down a bit late to lose this one after they’d mounted a comeback.
Anibal Sales smashed a 98 mph Hernandez fastball for a solo shot in the second to open the scoring. Javier Osorio followed him with a double but was stranded. In the third, Zach MacDonald turned on a slider and bashed his eighth home run of the young season. He’ll be coming to a Whitecaps game near you pretty soon, but the strikeouts remain a pretty big problem as well.
This was just Salcedo’s second outing of the year, so he’s still building up his pitch count. He punched out five in three innings of work, but did give up a solo shot to Cristian Jauregui in the third before wrapping up his outing.
The Flying Tigers kept getting some traffic on the bases against Hernandez but wouldn’t score off of him again. Charlie Christensen threw a clean fourth for Lakeland, but he leaked a pair of runs in the fifth to lose the lead. So it was 3-2 Bradenton, and then 4-2 when Luke Hoskins allowed a run in the sixth.
The Flying Tigers struck back in the seventh with Hernandez’s day over. Jude Warwick led off with a double and Jesus Pinto was hit by a pitch. The next two hitters made outs, but Beau Ankeney drove a ball to center for a double to plate both runs and tie the game 4-4.
Unfortunately, Bradenton immediately untied it with a solo shot to lead off the eighth, and the Flying Tigers couldn’t manage another comeback.
The stage was set for the Montreal Canadiens to punch their ticket for the second round on Friday night, leading 3-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of Game 6. It felt like a Saturday night as fans gathered outside the Bell Centre before 4:00 p.m. in anticipation of the game. Before puck drop, Diane Bibaud warmed up the crowd as always, and while her sets are normally flawless, she did play the Bee Gees’ "Staying Alive" on the organ on a night where the city hoped the Bolts wouldn’t survive. A puzzling choice…
But the DJ countered by having the two teams warm up to the sound of Rage Against the Machine’s "Killing in the Name of", a much more appropriate song to pump up an already electric crowd. Clearly, the song's message wasn’t lost on the two teams, as they offered fans an incredibly exciting first frame and a fantastic game.
It was obvious quite quickly that the referees didn’t intend to be a factor in this game, or that they were told not to be. Early on, Arber Xhekaj rocked a rival with a big hit, and after he fell to the ice, the gritty defender gave him a couple of cross-checks, but the arms remained down.
Minutes later, Brendan Gallagher was trying to take off from the defensive zone, and his stick was held, stopping him in his tracks. There was no call there either, which at least indicated that both teams would receive the same treatment. The only call of the first frame came on an obvious high stick on Kaiden Guhle, courtesy of Jake Guentzel.
The same was true for the middle frame, as two obvious stick infractions were called. The one call that made many gasp was the goalie interference call on Demidov in the dying moments of regulation. The youngster was attacking the net and looked to be hooked, which sent him spinning, and he ended up in Vasilevskiy’s crease, falling shoulder-first into the goal post.
Ivan Demidov heads to the penalty box with 3:18 remaining in the third
Asked if he felt the refs let the team play tonight, Phillip Danault said:
Well, yeah, towards the end of the series, it is really important, and they called four each way, so it was even.
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Nervous Play
This new iteration of the Habs had never given itself the opportunity to eliminate an opponent, and it showed. Jakub Dobes, who had been solid handling the puck around the net all series long, made a couple of blunders in the first frame that could have been costly.
As for the skaters, they appeared to be overtaken by the enormity of the moment for the first part of the second frame. They were withstanding attack after attack, and while they were managing to get the puck back, they were so eager to make a play that they just turned it back over to Tampa.
The Bolts came quite close to opening the score, but Phillip Danault saved the Canadiens, clearing the puck on the goal line. The close call seemed to wake up the Habs somewhat, and they managed to manufacture a couple of odd-man rushes, but they were unable to capitalize. It did allow them to draw a rare power play, but Andrei Vasilevskiy made two brilliant saves on Ivan Demidov, who could only look to the heavens.
When the Canadiens managed to kill the Demidov penalty at the end of the third period, it felt like when the Lightning had killed the Scott Sabourin one at the end of Game 2. One could have hoped that it would have given them the momentum needed to score the game-winner in OT, but it wasn’t to be.
In the end, it was Gage Goncalves who was finally able to get a puck past Dobes, with Dominic James and Brendan Hagel picking up the helpers. While it was obviously not the ending the Canadiens wanted, St-Louis was quite philosophical in his post-game presser, explaining:
It was quite a hockey game. I think both teams played the best game of the series. We had our chances. I loved the game, aside from the result, which was disappointing. It’s meant to be, it’s fate, it wants our 20 guys who have never played a Game 7 to play one. I think it’s part of our journey, and we have to embrace it. We have to pick ourselves up and go.
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There’s a lot to build on in that game for the Habs. Cole Caufield was much more visible on the night; he registered eight shot attempts, with four making it to the Bolts’ cage. The same can be said of Demidov, who led the team in shots with five and three missed.
Meanwhile, Josh Anderson and Arber Xhekaj were like trains out there, dishing out hit after hit. The former had nine, while the latter had seven. Despite the disappointing loss, veteran Mike Matheson said the group was confident going into Tampa:
The whole series has been trading chances; each team has won one, lost one, so it’s our turn.
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The Canadiens will travel to Tampa tomorrow to face the Lightning one last time on Sunday, and meet their fate, whatever that is.
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