29 days ago
As you may have heard, Pete Alonso returned with his new team to Citi Field tonight, and the Mets lost to the Orioles 2-1. Although Jonah Tong pitched admirably, the Mets could not capitalize on their six hits and left nine runners on base.
After Jonah Tong struck out Dylan Beavers to lead off the first inning, Alonso stepped up to thunderous applause, cheers, and chants of his name. He flied out to Carson Benge in right field, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Tong then retired Gunnar Henderson as well for a 1-2-3 start to his day. In the bottom of the inning, Francisco Lindor walked to lead off, but Juan Soto popped out, and Bo Bichette grounded into a double play for the second and third outs to end the inning.
At the top of the second inning, Jackson Holliday looped a one-out single into right field. He reached second on a passed ball by Francisco Alvarez, which had popped out of Alvarez's glove. It proved costly when Heston Kjerstad drilled a double into right field past Brett Baty. The ball made a weird hop past Baty, and Holliday scored the first run of the game. When the Mets came to bat in the second, they loaded the bases with two outs. Marcus Semien drilled a single down the left-field line, and then A.J. Ewing and Baty walked. Unfortunately, they were all stranded when Alvarez struck out on a foul tip for the third out, and the second inning ended with the score Orioles 1, Mets 0.
Alonso drew a two-out walk in the third inning, but was stranded there when Tong struck out Henderson. At the bottom of the third, Juan Soto smacked a one-out single into right field. Benge sneaked a single past third base, but both runners were again stranded when Jared Young grounded out for the third out. At the top of the fourth inning, Holliday hit a ground ball straight to Semien, but Semien could not get it out of his glove in a timely manner, and Holliday made it to first base safely. He was stranded as well, though. At the bottom of the inning, Ewing drilled a home run into right field. Alvarez smacked a ground ball to third base that Coby Mayo initially fielded but bobbled, allowing Alvarez to reach base safely on an infield hit. However, he was also stranded when Lindor struck out, leaving the score Mets 1, Orioles 1, at the end of the fourth inning.
To lead off the fifth inning, Colton Cowser hit a single that Semien knocked down but couldn't get to first base in time. The next three batters went down in order. Soto walked to lead off the bottom of the fifth and, with two outs, stole second base. Young also drew a walk, but Semien grounded out to end the rally attempt there. Tong came back out for the top of the sixth inning and only needed six pitches to retire the three batters he saw. Josh Walker replaced Brandon Young for the Orioles at the bottom of the sixth, and he also worked a 1-2-3 inning. The score remained 1-1.
#field
After Jonah Tong struck out Dylan Beavers to lead off the first inning, Alonso stepped up to thunderous applause, cheers, and chants of his name. He flied out to Carson Benge in right field, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Tong then retired Gunnar Henderson as well for a 1-2-3 start to his day. In the bottom of the inning, Francisco Lindor walked to lead off, but Juan Soto popped out, and Bo Bichette grounded into a double play for the second and third outs to end the inning.
At the top of the second inning, Jackson Holliday looped a one-out single into right field. He reached second on a passed ball by Francisco Alvarez, which had popped out of Alvarez's glove. It proved costly when Heston Kjerstad drilled a double into right field past Brett Baty. The ball made a weird hop past Baty, and Holliday scored the first run of the game. When the Mets came to bat in the second, they loaded the bases with two outs. Marcus Semien drilled a single down the left-field line, and then A.J. Ewing and Baty walked. Unfortunately, they were all stranded when Alvarez struck out on a foul tip for the third out, and the second inning ended with the score Orioles 1, Mets 0.
Alonso drew a two-out walk in the third inning, but was stranded there when Tong struck out Henderson. At the bottom of the third, Juan Soto smacked a one-out single into right field. Benge sneaked a single past third base, but both runners were again stranded when Jared Young grounded out for the third out. At the top of the fourth inning, Holliday hit a ground ball straight to Semien, but Semien could not get it out of his glove in a timely manner, and Holliday made it to first base safely. He was stranded as well, though. At the bottom of the inning, Ewing drilled a home run into right field. Alvarez smacked a ground ball to third base that Coby Mayo initially fielded but bobbled, allowing Alvarez to reach base safely on an infield hit. However, he was also stranded when Lindor struck out, leaving the score Mets 1, Orioles 1, at the end of the fourth inning.
To lead off the fifth inning, Colton Cowser hit a single that Semien knocked down but couldn't get to first base in time. The next three batters went down in order. Soto walked to lead off the bottom of the fifth and, with two outs, stole second base. Young also drew a walk, but Semien grounded out to end the rally attempt there. Tong came back out for the top of the sixth inning and only needed six pitches to retire the three batters he saw. Josh Walker replaced Brandon Young for the Orioles at the bottom of the sixth, and he also worked a 1-2-3 inning. The score remained 1-1.
#field
30 days ago
GREEN BAY – Even before he took 3 points off the board for a fourth-and-1 attempt in the fourth quarter, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur was antsy about how much he was using rookie kicker Trey Smack.
The modern NFL has provided touchdowns over field goals. In a road environment, LaFleur was acutely aware of how much his offense was settling for field goals.
"Anytime in this league, if you kick enough field goals," LaFleur said, "you're able to get beat. That's essentially what happened. We kicked too many field goals when we had opportunities. We didn't take advantage of short fields at times."
By the fourth quarter, the Packers twice had settled for a field goal after reaching the red zone. That doesn't include a drive before halftime that started on Minnesota's 36-yard line that resulted in no points, mostly because of penalties.
When Smack connected on a 40-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, his fourth of the game, the Packers had only an 8-point lead. Smack's missed extra point after the Packers' opening touchdown in the first quarter in part prevented the field goal from making it a two-possession lead, but so did the lack of red zone efficiency.
#packers #fourth #goals #green
The modern NFL has provided touchdowns over field goals. In a road environment, LaFleur was acutely aware of how much his offense was settling for field goals.
"Anytime in this league, if you kick enough field goals," LaFleur said, "you're able to get beat. That's essentially what happened. We kicked too many field goals when we had opportunities. We didn't take advantage of short fields at times."
By the fourth quarter, the Packers twice had settled for a field goal after reaching the red zone. That doesn't include a drive before halftime that started on Minnesota's 36-yard line that resulted in no points, mostly because of penalties.
When Smack connected on a 40-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, his fourth of the game, the Packers had only an 8-point lead. Smack's missed extra point after the Packers' opening touchdown in the first quarter in part prevented the field goal from making it a two-possession lead, but so did the lack of red zone efficiency.
#packers #fourth #goals #green
30 days ago
A former No. 9 overall pick from UConn, Kemba Walker put together the strongest career in franchise history to this point. While Walker is famous for wearing the No. 15, he wore the No. 1 during his rookie season with the Charlotte Bobcats. Over his career with the franchise, Walker would play eight seasons in Charlotte, averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 **** ists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks in 605 appearances.
Following his time with the Hornets, he'd land with the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that brought Terry Rozier to Charlotte. After two seasons in Boston, Walker would play a season for the New York Knicks and finish his NBA career after nine games for the Dallas Mavericks. In 12 seasons total, Walker played 750 games while averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 **** ists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks. He now works with the Hornets as a player development coach and has opened up "Kemba Walker Sports Academy" in Concord, North Carolina.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
Previous: Tony Delk, Robert Parish, Spencer Hawes, Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, Larry Hughes, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, Miles Bridges, Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis, Jason Hart, Ryan Hollins, Derek Anderson, Andre Brown, Cartier Martin, Stephen Jackson
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
#franchise
Following his time with the Hornets, he'd land with the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that brought Terry Rozier to Charlotte. After two seasons in Boston, Walker would play a season for the New York Knicks and finish his NBA career after nine games for the Dallas Mavericks. In 12 seasons total, Walker played 750 games while averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 **** ists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks. He now works with the Hornets as a player development coach and has opened up "Kemba Walker Sports Academy" in Concord, North Carolina.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
Previous: Tony Delk, Robert Parish, Spencer Hawes, Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, Larry Hughes, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, Miles Bridges, Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis, Jason Hart, Ryan Hollins, Derek Anderson, Andre Brown, Cartier Martin, Stephen Jackson
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
#franchise
30 days ago
The John Harbaugh era got off to a rousing start last night with the New York Giants defeating the division rival Dallas Cowboys 28-20 at a raucous MetLife Stadium. (When was the last time "raucous" and "MetLife" appeared in the same sentence about a Giants game?) Let's see what the **** ysts at Pro Football Focus thought of the individual player performances.
Focusing first on the passing, Jaxson Dart's 23 of 29, 230-yard, 3 TD, 0 INT performance was given a grade of…65.8, smack in the middle of their "average" range. I'm sure fans will take Dart's highly efficient game, as evidenced by his excellent 134.2 NFL passer rating last night, every week. PFF, though, grades on degree of difficulty and taking care of the ball. Dart didn't have any interceptions, but in PFF's eyes he had two turnover-worthy plays, which they see as being just as bad. He also did not have any "big-time," throws, i.e., **** placed accurately into tight windows and especially those that go deep downfield for explosive plays. Dart only threw three **** beyond 20 yards and only completed one. To quote Seinfeld, "Not that there's anything wrong with that," but that's what PFF values. Dart did what he had to do to win the game. In the long run, he'll have to show that he can hurt opposing defenses deep on a consistent basis, but for one game the short-range passing game was just fine.
Let's look at the effect of pressure:
Dart was an amazing 19 of 22 when kept clean, including all three of his TD passes. When pressured he was 4 of 7 for 57 yards, but both of his TWPs came under pressure.
Moving on to the pass blocking:
#night
Focusing first on the passing, Jaxson Dart's 23 of 29, 230-yard, 3 TD, 0 INT performance was given a grade of…65.8, smack in the middle of their "average" range. I'm sure fans will take Dart's highly efficient game, as evidenced by his excellent 134.2 NFL passer rating last night, every week. PFF, though, grades on degree of difficulty and taking care of the ball. Dart didn't have any interceptions, but in PFF's eyes he had two turnover-worthy plays, which they see as being just as bad. He also did not have any "big-time," throws, i.e., **** placed accurately into tight windows and especially those that go deep downfield for explosive plays. Dart only threw three **** beyond 20 yards and only completed one. To quote Seinfeld, "Not that there's anything wrong with that," but that's what PFF values. Dart did what he had to do to win the game. In the long run, he'll have to show that he can hurt opposing defenses deep on a consistent basis, but for one game the short-range passing game was just fine.
Let's look at the effect of pressure:
Dart was an amazing 19 of 22 when kept clean, including all three of his TD passes. When pressured he was 4 of 7 for 57 yards, but both of his TWPs came under pressure.
Moving on to the pass blocking:
#night
1 month ago
It was great to hear Dave Burns and John Gambadoro Friday afternoon on ArizonaSports 98.7 FM when they mentioned my story about the Arizona Cardinals potentially shocking the world this season.
Their discussion morphed into what they believed the Cardinals would have to do to "shock the world." Different thoughts were expressed, including not being one of the five worst teams in the league. In another, it was said the offense would shock the world if they ranked in the top 10.
To that end, I've always taken exception to the rankings as gospel mantra that usually takes place in a vacuum. By that I mean, ranking whatever number it is in yards or points, for example, is meaningless unless it takes into account the actual statistics for other teams in the rankings.
Last season, the Denver Broncos were 10th in total yards at 342.7 per game and 14th in points per game (23.6 average). The Baltimore Ravens were 16th (smack dab in the middle of the 32-team league) in yards at 332.2 per game and 11th in points (24.9 per game). The Kansas City Chiefs were 20th in yards (320.7 average) and 21st in points (21.3).
It's easy to see that the difference in yards per game between the Broncos and Ravens (seven ranking spots) was only 10.5 per game and 22.0 per game between the Broncos and Chiefs (11 spots).
#game #yards #points #World
Their discussion morphed into what they believed the Cardinals would have to do to "shock the world." Different thoughts were expressed, including not being one of the five worst teams in the league. In another, it was said the offense would shock the world if they ranked in the top 10.
To that end, I've always taken exception to the rankings as gospel mantra that usually takes place in a vacuum. By that I mean, ranking whatever number it is in yards or points, for example, is meaningless unless it takes into account the actual statistics for other teams in the rankings.
Last season, the Denver Broncos were 10th in total yards at 342.7 per game and 14th in points per game (23.6 average). The Baltimore Ravens were 16th (smack dab in the middle of the 32-team league) in yards at 332.2 per game and 11th in points (24.9 per game). The Kansas City Chiefs were 20th in yards (320.7 average) and 21st in points (21.3).
It's easy to see that the difference in yards per game between the Broncos and Ravens (seven ranking spots) was only 10.5 per game and 22.0 per game between the Broncos and Chiefs (11 spots).
#game #yards #points #World
1 month ago
There are two Money in the Bank qualifiers so far, Sol Ruca and Bron Breakker. They punched their tickets with wins on Raw.
Friday's episode of WWE Smackdown in Mexico City was eventful, but it didn't have any MITB qualifying matches. We did see Sami Zayn regain the WWE Championship and Damian Priest turn on R-Truth, but no official new qualifiers. Trick Williams announced he has intentions on entering the MITB match, but shortly after, he and Lil Yachty were attacked by Baron Corbin, so it remains to be seen if he will get one of the slots. Here's everything we know about the card. Let's talk wrestling.
Detail
Info
Event
#city
Friday's episode of WWE Smackdown in Mexico City was eventful, but it didn't have any MITB qualifying matches. We did see Sami Zayn regain the WWE Championship and Damian Priest turn on R-Truth, but no official new qualifiers. Trick Williams announced he has intentions on entering the MITB match, but shortly after, he and Lil Yachty were attacked by Baron Corbin, so it remains to be seen if he will get one of the slots. Here's everything we know about the card. Let's talk wrestling.
Detail
Info
Event
#city
1 month ago
Backup center Ryan Hollins was the fourth player in Charlotte Hornets franchise history to wear the No. 1, doing so for a brief stretch as a member of the Charlotte Bobcats. A former No. 50 overall pick out of UCLA, Hollins played two and a half seasons in Charlotte before being traded along with Matt Carroll to the Dallas Mavericks for DeSagana Diop.
In 105 games for the Bobcats, Hollins averaged 2.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.2 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Following his time in Charlotte, Hollins would go on to play seven more seasons, giving himself an impressive 10-year NBA career. In 518 career appearances, Hollins averaged 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.3 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Since his playing days, Hollins has served as a basketball **** yst and pundit for a variety of different outlets.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
Previous: Tony Delk, Robert Parish, Spencer Hawes, Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, Larry Hughes, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, Miles Bridges, Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis, Jason Hart
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
#hollins #seasons
In 105 games for the Bobcats, Hollins averaged 2.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.2 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Following his time in Charlotte, Hollins would go on to play seven more seasons, giving himself an impressive 10-year NBA career. In 518 career appearances, Hollins averaged 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.3 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Since his playing days, Hollins has served as a basketball **** yst and pundit for a variety of different outlets.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
Previous: Tony Delk, Robert Parish, Spencer Hawes, Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, Larry Hughes, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, Miles Bridges, Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis, Jason Hart
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
#hollins #seasons
1 month ago
The Green Bay Packers have become the NFC's Baltimore Ravens under head coach Matt LaFleur. They've found a way to stack winning regular seasons around an electric quarterback. Then, they crumble into powder in the postseason.
LaFleur is 76-40-1 in Weeks 1-18 and 3-6 in win-or-go-home playoff games. Jordan Love has advanced beyond the Wild Card round only once. His most recent postseason start saw a 21-3 halftime lead become a 31-27 Chicago Bears victory.
That leaves plenty to prove in 2026 and a roster loaded with holes. Wideouts Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks have departed. Josh Jacobs is on the exempt list as the league sorts out the domestic violence charges against him. Micah Parsons will miss at least the first four weeks of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
This year's Packers look like a diminished version of the one that stalked the NFC North in years past. What comes next?
Several new additions will have larger roles for the Packers, including linebacker Zaire Franklin and second round rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse. None may be able to provide more peace of mind than Smack if he can live up to his draft status.
#packers #become #postseason
LaFleur is 76-40-1 in Weeks 1-18 and 3-6 in win-or-go-home playoff games. Jordan Love has advanced beyond the Wild Card round only once. His most recent postseason start saw a 21-3 halftime lead become a 31-27 Chicago Bears victory.
That leaves plenty to prove in 2026 and a roster loaded with holes. Wideouts Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks have departed. Josh Jacobs is on the exempt list as the league sorts out the domestic violence charges against him. Micah Parsons will miss at least the first four weeks of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
This year's Packers look like a diminished version of the one that stalked the NFC North in years past. What comes next?
Several new additions will have larger roles for the Packers, including linebacker Zaire Franklin and second round rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse. None may be able to provide more peace of mind than Smack if he can live up to his draft status.
#packers #become #postseason
1 month ago
At WWE Sunday Night's Main Event 2026, Lil Yachty stepped into a WWE ring for the first time as a wrestler in defense of his friend Trick Williams.
At SummerSlam earlier this month, Corbin shocked the world when he defeated Williams for the WWE United States Championship just weeks after his return. The following week, Corbin retained that ******* le against Williams on SmackDown when he blasted Williams with the ******* le belt in classic heel fashion.
With Williams going 0-2 against Corbin but never being pinned cleanly, Corbin was forced to face Williams' manager Lil Yachty at WWE Sunday Night's Main Event. Yachty's goal? Last five minutes in order to get Williams another ******* le match immediately afterward.
WWE Sunday Night's Main Event 2026 Preview And Predictions
Lil Yachty, technically speaking, has secured his first victory in his first match in WWE.
#title
At SummerSlam earlier this month, Corbin shocked the world when he defeated Williams for the WWE United States Championship just weeks after his return. The following week, Corbin retained that ******* le against Williams on SmackDown when he blasted Williams with the ******* le belt in classic heel fashion.
With Williams going 0-2 against Corbin but never being pinned cleanly, Corbin was forced to face Williams' manager Lil Yachty at WWE Sunday Night's Main Event. Yachty's goal? Last five minutes in order to get Williams another ******* le match immediately afterward.
WWE Sunday Night's Main Event 2026 Preview And Predictions
Lil Yachty, technically speaking, has secured his first victory in his first match in WWE.
#title
1 month ago
The Texas Rangers scored eight runs while the Tampa Bay Rays scored six runs.
We had ourselves a certified Gore Inning (TM) today and it was a particularly ****** one as Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore was disemboweled for four runs in the top of the second inning.
The Rays loaded up on singles and let the Rangers make some questionable defensive decisions to collect their early lead. Up big early, it seemed like the Rangers were destined to another loss against Tampa Bay which would have sealed a series defeat to the AL's top club. However, Jake Burger had other ideas.
The Rangers first baseman hit a solo home run to get the Rangers on the board and following another Rays run in the top of the third, Burger smacked his second homer, a two-run shot this time, to pull Texas to within a couple of runs.
MacKenzie was run out of the game after just three innings, which put a lot of pressure on the bullpen to work through some innings. They were mostly up to the task with latest arm Trevor Williams tossing two scoreless, Chase Silseth pitching in for a scoreless inning, and Tyler Alexander working out of a jam having allowed a run.
#runs #gore #mackenzie #burger
We had ourselves a certified Gore Inning (TM) today and it was a particularly ****** one as Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore was disemboweled for four runs in the top of the second inning.
The Rays loaded up on singles and let the Rangers make some questionable defensive decisions to collect their early lead. Up big early, it seemed like the Rangers were destined to another loss against Tampa Bay which would have sealed a series defeat to the AL's top club. However, Jake Burger had other ideas.
The Rangers first baseman hit a solo home run to get the Rangers on the board and following another Rays run in the top of the third, Burger smacked his second homer, a two-run shot this time, to pull Texas to within a couple of runs.
MacKenzie was run out of the game after just three innings, which put a lot of pressure on the bullpen to work through some innings. They were mostly up to the task with latest arm Trevor Williams tossing two scoreless, Chase Silseth pitching in for a scoreless inning, and Tyler Alexander working out of a jam having allowed a run.
#runs #gore #mackenzie #burger
1 month ago
Georgia football smacked down Tennessee State in a 63-3 blowout Saturday in Sanford Stadium.
A game against an FCS opponent isn't going to tell too much, but the Bulldogs more than took care of business by dominating both sides of the ball.
Here's our postgame report card for the Bulldogs.
More: Georgia football Five bold predictions for the 2026 Georgia football season
More: Georgia football Jon Stinchcomb wants to bring Georgia football fans 'along for ride' in radio call
#georgia #tennessee #saturday #five
A game against an FCS opponent isn't going to tell too much, but the Bulldogs more than took care of business by dominating both sides of the ball.
Here's our postgame report card for the Bulldogs.
More: Georgia football Five bold predictions for the 2026 Georgia football season
More: Georgia football Jon Stinchcomb wants to bring Georgia football fans 'along for ride' in radio call
#georgia #tennessee #saturday #five
1 month ago
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is clearly smack in the middle of the AI profit boom.
"Customers are buying everything," Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri told Yahoo Finance in an interview, pointing to brisk demand in its most recent quarter for routers and servers.
Neri said demand for the company's products looks strong through the next decade.
HPE generated revenue of $12.21 billion in its fiscal third quarter, reported late Wednesday, up 34% year over year. Adjusted earnings per share climbed over 30% to $1.11.
Both the top- and bottom-line figures comfortably surpassed Wall Street consensus estimates.
#antonio
"Customers are buying everything," Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri told Yahoo Finance in an interview, pointing to brisk demand in its most recent quarter for routers and servers.
Neri said demand for the company's products looks strong through the next decade.
HPE generated revenue of $12.21 billion in its fiscal third quarter, reported late Wednesday, up 34% year over year. Adjusted earnings per share climbed over 30% to $1.11.
Both the top- and bottom-line figures comfortably surpassed Wall Street consensus estimates.
#antonio
1 month ago
"WWE SmackDown" is in Cleveland on this Friday, Sept. 4, headlined by a surprise CM Punk vs. Johnny Gargano world ****** le match. For Gargano, the match is his first since April. Follow tonight's "WWE SmackDown" live results and play-by-play of the action here.
Gargano has been sporadically planking ever since his longtime best frenemy, Tommaso Ciampa, left WWE for AEW in January. Then, in April, it became his entire gimmick, where he'd be seen exclusively in backstage segments with others speaking around him. Sami Zayn became the most prominent figure to console and relate to Gargano, seemingly setting up Gargano's eventual rise when Zayn became champion. Instead, Gargano gets a huge match in his home city. He and CM Punk have never wrestled each other before.
Tag-team action will also be on display in both the men's and women's divisions, starting with the WWE debut of Kyoki (formerly NJPW's Hiromu Takahashi). The ****** anese superstar debuts alongside Shinsuke Nakamura to form the Bakusai team and take on The Miz & Kit Wilson. After that, Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley take on the Women's Tag Team Champions, Fatal Influence, in a non-title match.
Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton will also rekindle their old rivalry in a singles match, while Giulia and Blake Monroe are scheduled once again for a match.
Check out Friday night's full "WWE SmackDown" lineup below, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network:
#match #punk #zayn
Gargano has been sporadically planking ever since his longtime best frenemy, Tommaso Ciampa, left WWE for AEW in January. Then, in April, it became his entire gimmick, where he'd be seen exclusively in backstage segments with others speaking around him. Sami Zayn became the most prominent figure to console and relate to Gargano, seemingly setting up Gargano's eventual rise when Zayn became champion. Instead, Gargano gets a huge match in his home city. He and CM Punk have never wrestled each other before.
Tag-team action will also be on display in both the men's and women's divisions, starting with the WWE debut of Kyoki (formerly NJPW's Hiromu Takahashi). The ****** anese superstar debuts alongside Shinsuke Nakamura to form the Bakusai team and take on The Miz & Kit Wilson. After that, Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley take on the Women's Tag Team Champions, Fatal Influence, in a non-title match.
Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton will also rekindle their old rivalry in a singles match, while Giulia and Blake Monroe are scheduled once again for a match.
Check out Friday night's full "WWE SmackDown" lineup below, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network:
#match #punk #zayn
1 month ago
The first Sunday of the NFL season isn't for another week, but that doesn't mean we won't have some hard-hitting action this weekend, as WWE holds Sunday Night's Main Event at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The quasi-PLE will feature two major non-title clashes between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton as well as Oba Femi and Bron Breakker. Both matches should have significant impacts on "SmackDown" and "Raw" for the remainder of the year, respectively.
Uncrowned's Horsemen — Kel Dansby, Robert Jackman, Drake Riggs and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger — are here to break down those matches and the two (or three) others taking place this weekend.
Let's ride!
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are back at it again.
#matches #state
The quasi-PLE will feature two major non-title clashes between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton as well as Oba Femi and Bron Breakker. Both matches should have significant impacts on "SmackDown" and "Raw" for the remainder of the year, respectively.
Uncrowned's Horsemen — Kel Dansby, Robert Jackman, Drake Riggs and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger — are here to break down those matches and the two (or three) others taking place this weekend.
Let's ride!
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are back at it again.
#matches #state
1 month ago
The Dodgers stared in the eyes of a third straight defeat, but a walk-off double by Teoscar Hernández lifted the Dodgers to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.
The Cardinals were the first to strike against Tarik Skubal, as after St. Louis put the first two men on with a pair of singles, Joshua Báez smacked the third single of the inning through the right side to bring home José Fermín.
Skubal managed to work a scoreless second inning with a pair of bookend strikeouts while leaving two men on, but the Cardinals broke through in the top of the third with a pair of two-out singles from Leo Bernal and Ramón Urías, plating Iván Herrera and doubling the Cardinal lead. Skubal found himself in a groove over his next two innings, but once again put two men on in top of the sixth inning. After striking out Nathan Church for the second out of the inning, Dave Roberts went to the bullpen, pulling the left-hander after 5 2/3 innings.
The Cardinals accounted for 10 hits against Skubal— all singles— which tied his career high for the most hits allowed in a single start. It was the first time Skubal couldn't complete six full innings since he tossed five against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 11. The Cardinals wouldn't get an extra-base hit until Jordan Walker's double against Evan Phillips in the top of the seventh inning.
For a Dodgers team that struggled to hit with guys in scoring position the game prior, Thursday's matchup replicated those same misfortunes. The Dodgers scratched across a pair of baserunners in the bottom of the first inning, third inning and fifth inning against rookie Quinn Mathews, but each time, the offense found a way to be their own obstacle. The Dodgers were able to tack on one run against Mathews, with a wild pitch to Freddie Freeman in the fifth inning sailing past Herrera to plate Tommy Edman in the fifth.
#inning #pair
The Cardinals were the first to strike against Tarik Skubal, as after St. Louis put the first two men on with a pair of singles, Joshua Báez smacked the third single of the inning through the right side to bring home José Fermín.
Skubal managed to work a scoreless second inning with a pair of bookend strikeouts while leaving two men on, but the Cardinals broke through in the top of the third with a pair of two-out singles from Leo Bernal and Ramón Urías, plating Iván Herrera and doubling the Cardinal lead. Skubal found himself in a groove over his next two innings, but once again put two men on in top of the sixth inning. After striking out Nathan Church for the second out of the inning, Dave Roberts went to the bullpen, pulling the left-hander after 5 2/3 innings.
The Cardinals accounted for 10 hits against Skubal— all singles— which tied his career high for the most hits allowed in a single start. It was the first time Skubal couldn't complete six full innings since he tossed five against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 11. The Cardinals wouldn't get an extra-base hit until Jordan Walker's double against Evan Phillips in the top of the seventh inning.
For a Dodgers team that struggled to hit with guys in scoring position the game prior, Thursday's matchup replicated those same misfortunes. The Dodgers scratched across a pair of baserunners in the bottom of the first inning, third inning and fifth inning against rookie Quinn Mathews, but each time, the offense found a way to be their own obstacle. The Dodgers were able to tack on one run against Mathews, with a wild pitch to Freddie Freeman in the fifth inning sailing past Herrera to plate Tommy Edman in the fifth.
#inning #pair
1 month ago
The San Francisco Giants notched a feel-good 5-4 win in extra-innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night at PNC Park.
The win ought to put a better taste in the team's mouth after Tuesday's loss in which they erased a five-run deficit in the eighth, but were walked off in the bottom of the ninth when Rafael Devers couldn't snag a tricky throw across the diamond from Osleivis Basabe.
Here are takeaways from the Giants' win:
Bryce Eldridge fastballs:
With his grandmother watching him play at the big league level for the first time - several days after his grandfather passed away - Eldridge delivered the go-ahead run with an RBI double smacked the other way in the 10th inning.
#eldridge #pirates #osleivis
The win ought to put a better taste in the team's mouth after Tuesday's loss in which they erased a five-run deficit in the eighth, but were walked off in the bottom of the ninth when Rafael Devers couldn't snag a tricky throw across the diamond from Osleivis Basabe.
Here are takeaways from the Giants' win:
Bryce Eldridge fastballs:
With his grandmother watching him play at the big league level for the first time - several days after his grandfather passed away - Eldridge delivered the go-ahead run with an RBI double smacked the other way in the 10th inning.
#eldridge #pirates #osleivis
1 month ago
WWE's roster is deeper than it has been in years, and the booking sheet coming out of SummerSlam shows it. CM Punk is carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown. Roman Reigns holds the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw. Solo Sikoa has become the most over act on either brand. Kevin Owens is back after 17 months away with a neck injury and already has an argument for another ***** le shot.
The problem sits on the other side of the card. Punk and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam was a battle of a babyface against a babyface. Reigns and Seth Rollins were the same. Sikoa is a babyface, LA Knight is a babyface, and Randy Orton returned as a heel and got cheered anyway. Sami Zayn blasting both Punk and Owens with the ***** le belt in Toronto was the first real attempt to fix that.
So there are plenty of creative changes that can be made soon. With that in mind, we ask about five adjustments that should be considered. Each of these is a decision WWE could make on television inside the next few months. None of them require a signing, a trade, or a budget. They only require someone in the writers' room to pull the trigger.
Sportsnaut answer: No. Not yet.
Alexa Bliss pitched this pairing herself, and she has been open about why it works. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bliss described the appeal of the run with Charlotte Flair as getting to see "both of us letting our guards down and having fun." The two held the Women's Tag Team Championships for 100 days and have since added Tatum Paxley to the group on SmackDown, where they are working opposite Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.
#SmackDown
The problem sits on the other side of the card. Punk and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam was a battle of a babyface against a babyface. Reigns and Seth Rollins were the same. Sikoa is a babyface, LA Knight is a babyface, and Randy Orton returned as a heel and got cheered anyway. Sami Zayn blasting both Punk and Owens with the ***** le belt in Toronto was the first real attempt to fix that.
So there are plenty of creative changes that can be made soon. With that in mind, we ask about five adjustments that should be considered. Each of these is a decision WWE could make on television inside the next few months. None of them require a signing, a trade, or a budget. They only require someone in the writers' room to pull the trigger.
Sportsnaut answer: No. Not yet.
Alexa Bliss pitched this pairing herself, and she has been open about why it works. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bliss described the appeal of the run with Charlotte Flair as getting to see "both of us letting our guards down and having fun." The two held the Women's Tag Team Championships for 100 days and have since added Tatum Paxley to the group on SmackDown, where they are working opposite Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab.
#SmackDown
1 month ago
Britain's largest bird of prey, which was once extinct in this country, has been seen soaring in the sky above a city park.
The white-tailed eagle was spotted by a wildlife photographer at Nene Park in Peterborough on Monday morning.
The birds have been gradually reintroduced in the UK since 1975 but inland Peterborough is not one of their known strongholds, so the sighting caused some excitement on social media when photographs were posted.
Karen Aylin said she was "gobsmacked" when she realised what she was filming, and said it was "almost a once-in-a-lifetime" sighting.
The eagle was seen flying above the park on Monday [KarenPeterborough Walks]
#Monday #seen
The white-tailed eagle was spotted by a wildlife photographer at Nene Park in Peterborough on Monday morning.
The birds have been gradually reintroduced in the UK since 1975 but inland Peterborough is not one of their known strongholds, so the sighting caused some excitement on social media when photographs were posted.
Karen Aylin said she was "gobsmacked" when she realised what she was filming, and said it was "almost a once-in-a-lifetime" sighting.
The eagle was seen flying above the park on Monday [KarenPeterborough Walks]
#Monday #seen
1 month ago
The Green Bay Packers appear to have made their choice at long snapper to start the 2026 season. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are releasing long snapper Cal Adomitis on Sunday, leaving Matt Orzech as the lone long snapper on the roster.
Adomitis, a former member of the Cincinnati Bengals, was signed early in training camp and operated as the Packers long snapper throughout camp and during all three preseason games. Orzech, the team's long snapper since 2023, has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp due to a lingering calf injury.
Releasing Adomitis strongly suggests that the Packers believe Orzech will be healthy and ready to go come Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The regular season opener is still two weeks away.
Adomitis played 29 snaps on special teams -- snapping for 12 punts and 17 field goals -- over three preseason games. The snaps weren't consistently perfect but there were no major errors, and rookie kicker Trey Smack was perfect on his 17 kicks -- nine field goals and eight extra points.
However, the fact that the Packers kept Orzech on the roster despite a multi-week injury always pointed to the team's desire for Orzech to be the snapper come Week 1.
#snapper
Adomitis, a former member of the Cincinnati Bengals, was signed early in training camp and operated as the Packers long snapper throughout camp and during all three preseason games. Orzech, the team's long snapper since 2023, has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp due to a lingering calf injury.
Releasing Adomitis strongly suggests that the Packers believe Orzech will be healthy and ready to go come Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The regular season opener is still two weeks away.
Adomitis played 29 snaps on special teams -- snapping for 12 punts and 17 field goals -- over three preseason games. The snaps weren't consistently perfect but there were no major errors, and rookie kicker Trey Smack was perfect on his 17 kicks -- nine field goals and eight extra points.
However, the fact that the Packers kept Orzech on the roster despite a multi-week injury always pointed to the team's desire for Orzech to be the snapper come Week 1.
#snapper
2 months ago
Aug. 29—In a high-scoring preseason affair, host Green Bay got four touchdown passes from Kyle McCord, including two in the final four minutes, to nip Arizona 42-38 at Lambeau Field on Friday night and finish 2-1 in the preseason.
McCord, a second-year player out of Syracuse who spent last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and no interceptions. He was the only Packers quarterback to see action in a game contested by mostly reserves.
McCord connected with Kisean Johnson on a 28-yard scoring play with 3:19 left before directing a 44-yard scoring drive in the closing seconds. He and Johnson connected again from 10 yards out with 20 seconds left.
J. Michael Sturdivant pulled in six passes for 112 yards and a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter immediately after a 36-yard connection with McCord. Will Sheppard had a touchdown catch and returned a punt 81 yards to the house for the Packers. Kicker Trey Smack converted two more field goals for a 9-for-9 preseason.
Arizona's Evan Hull rumbled for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while Simi Fehoko produced 94 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
#preseason
McCord, a second-year player out of Syracuse who spent last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and no interceptions. He was the only Packers quarterback to see action in a game contested by mostly reserves.
McCord connected with Kisean Johnson on a 28-yard scoring play with 3:19 left before directing a 44-yard scoring drive in the closing seconds. He and Johnson connected again from 10 yards out with 20 seconds left.
J. Michael Sturdivant pulled in six passes for 112 yards and a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter immediately after a 36-yard connection with McCord. Will Sheppard had a touchdown catch and returned a punt 81 yards to the house for the Packers. Kicker Trey Smack converted two more field goals for a 9-for-9 preseason.
Arizona's Evan Hull rumbled for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while Simi Fehoko produced 94 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
#preseason
2 months ago
WWE stays in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on this Friday — August 28 — for the latest "WWE SmackDown," following up last week's big CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens world ***** le match. After that match ended in shenanigans, the plan is to sort out the mess tonight.
Taking from SummerSlam Night 2, WWE is effectively running back its surprise Fatal 4-Way No. 1 contender match from that weekend — but as a triple threat, excluding Sami Zayn. After Zayn's complete breakdown that cost Owens the win last week, surely he'll play a part in tonight's match after being left out once again.
The rest of the lineup is all about the women's roster. Interim Women's Champion Chelsea Green is set to return to action after breaking her orbital bone the day after her ***** le win at SummerSlam. She'll team up with Tiffany Stratton to take on The Irresistible Forces.
Tatum Paxley will make her in-ring debut after her thrilling arrival on the main roster at the end of Charlotte Flair's match against Jade Cargill weeks ago. First up for Paxley will be Cargill's henchwoman, Michin. New Women's U.S. Champion Jacy Jayne will also be in action, taking on former Women's Tag Team Champion Paige.
Check out Friday night's full "WWE SmackDown" lineup below, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network:
#taking #team #last
Taking from SummerSlam Night 2, WWE is effectively running back its surprise Fatal 4-Way No. 1 contender match from that weekend — but as a triple threat, excluding Sami Zayn. After Zayn's complete breakdown that cost Owens the win last week, surely he'll play a part in tonight's match after being left out once again.
The rest of the lineup is all about the women's roster. Interim Women's Champion Chelsea Green is set to return to action after breaking her orbital bone the day after her ***** le win at SummerSlam. She'll team up with Tiffany Stratton to take on The Irresistible Forces.
Tatum Paxley will make her in-ring debut after her thrilling arrival on the main roster at the end of Charlotte Flair's match against Jade Cargill weeks ago. First up for Paxley will be Cargill's henchwoman, Michin. New Women's U.S. Champion Jacy Jayne will also be in action, taking on former Women's Tag Team Champion Paige.
Check out Friday night's full "WWE SmackDown" lineup below, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network:
#taking #team #last
2 months ago
Last week featured one of the most anticipated Smackdown matches in a long time.
Tonight, we find out the fallout.
CM Punk defeated Kevin Owens last week when Sami Zayn turned on his best friend by hitting him with the WWE championship belt, allowing Punk to pin him.
Tonight, we'll find out what the next step is as we head toward Sunday Night's Main Event next month.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
#week
Tonight, we find out the fallout.
CM Punk defeated Kevin Owens last week when Sami Zayn turned on his best friend by hitting him with the WWE championship belt, allowing Punk to pin him.
Tonight, we'll find out what the next step is as we head toward Sunday Night's Main Event next month.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
#week
2 months ago
Eyes slapped shut as the sun rises beyond him, a meditating Novak Djokovic steadfastly smacks his chest, his arms and his legs. Then, cutting to the customary docuseries interview chair-of-doom, the Serb says: "I cannot say I feel content with what I have and who I am. I am always looking to be more: better, faster, stronger."
If you had to envisage how a 92-minute documentary about one of world sport's most successful stars begins, these snippets would not follow the status quo. Yet 24-time major winner Djokovic doesn't do status quo: he is an athlete, an enigma, known as much for his greatness on court as his nonconformity off it. Think Melbourne tree-hugging; think magic potions; think no Covid vaccine.
For Djokovic's The Wolf in Winter fly-on-the-wall movie released last week, as "Prime Video Sports Presents" and "A Film By Jason Hehir" entrance frames are enveloped by clips of Djokovic literally howling into the distance, it all feels rather appropriate. Much like Rafael Nadal's Netflix series earlier this year, it is a genuinely insightful and engaging look at one of tennis' all-time greats. If you haven't watched it yet, consider this a gentle nudge of encouragement.
The timing is conspicuous, too, ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season in New York, starting on Sunday. The US Open marks three years since Djokovic's last major triumph, in a 2023 campaign where he won three of the big four and only missed out on a historic calendar Grand Slam in a final-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
At that point, a record-breaking 25th singles Grand Slam – which would put him ahead of Margaret Court at the top of the all-time standings, male or female – seemed a simple inevitability. Yet now, this is Djokovic's 12th Grand Slam, chasing that elusive No 25. But it might just be his best shot.
#djokovic #think #court #major
If you had to envisage how a 92-minute documentary about one of world sport's most successful stars begins, these snippets would not follow the status quo. Yet 24-time major winner Djokovic doesn't do status quo: he is an athlete, an enigma, known as much for his greatness on court as his nonconformity off it. Think Melbourne tree-hugging; think magic potions; think no Covid vaccine.
For Djokovic's The Wolf in Winter fly-on-the-wall movie released last week, as "Prime Video Sports Presents" and "A Film By Jason Hehir" entrance frames are enveloped by clips of Djokovic literally howling into the distance, it all feels rather appropriate. Much like Rafael Nadal's Netflix series earlier this year, it is a genuinely insightful and engaging look at one of tennis' all-time greats. If you haven't watched it yet, consider this a gentle nudge of encouragement.
The timing is conspicuous, too, ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season in New York, starting on Sunday. The US Open marks three years since Djokovic's last major triumph, in a 2023 campaign where he won three of the big four and only missed out on a historic calendar Grand Slam in a final-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
At that point, a record-breaking 25th singles Grand Slam – which would put him ahead of Margaret Court at the top of the all-time standings, male or female – seemed a simple inevitability. Yet now, this is Djokovic's 12th Grand Slam, chasing that elusive No 25. But it might just be his best shot.
#djokovic #think #court #major
2 months ago
Eyes slapped shut as the sun rises beyond him, a meditating Novak Djokovic steadfastly smacks his chest, his arms and his legs. Then, cutting to the customary docu-series interview chair-of-doom, the Serb says: "I cannot say I feel content with what I have and who I am. I am always looking to be more: better, faster, stronger."
If you had to envisage how a 92-minute documentary about one of world sport's most successful stars begins, these snippets would not follow the status quo. Yet 24-time major winner Djokovic doesn't do status quo: he is an athlete, an enigma, known as much for his greatness on court as his nonconformity off it. Think Melbourne tree-hugging; think magic potions; think no Covid vaccine.
For Djokovic's The Wolf in Winter fly-on-the-wall movie released last week, as "Prime Video Sports Presents" and "A Film By Jason Hehir" entrance frames are enveloped by clips of Djokovic literally howling into the distance, it all feels rather appropriate. Much like Rafael Nadal's Netflix series earlier this year, it is a genuinely insightful and engaging look at one of tennis' all-time greats. If you haven't watched it yet, consider this a gentle nudge of encouragement.
The timing is conspicuous, too, ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season in New York, starting on Sunday. The US Open marks three years since Djokovic's last major triumph, in a 2023 campaign where he won three of the big four and only missed out on a historic calendar Grand Slam in a final-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
At that point, a record-breaking 25th singles Grand Slam – which would put him ahead of Margaret Court at the top of the all-time standings, male or female – seemed a simple inevitability. Yet now, this is Djokovic's 12th Grand Slam chasing that elusive No 25. But it might just be his best shot.
#slam #series #status
If you had to envisage how a 92-minute documentary about one of world sport's most successful stars begins, these snippets would not follow the status quo. Yet 24-time major winner Djokovic doesn't do status quo: he is an athlete, an enigma, known as much for his greatness on court as his nonconformity off it. Think Melbourne tree-hugging; think magic potions; think no Covid vaccine.
For Djokovic's The Wolf in Winter fly-on-the-wall movie released last week, as "Prime Video Sports Presents" and "A Film By Jason Hehir" entrance frames are enveloped by clips of Djokovic literally howling into the distance, it all feels rather appropriate. Much like Rafael Nadal's Netflix series earlier this year, it is a genuinely insightful and engaging look at one of tennis' all-time greats. If you haven't watched it yet, consider this a gentle nudge of encouragement.
The timing is conspicuous, too, ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season in New York, starting on Sunday. The US Open marks three years since Djokovic's last major triumph, in a 2023 campaign where he won three of the big four and only missed out on a historic calendar Grand Slam in a final-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
At that point, a record-breaking 25th singles Grand Slam – which would put him ahead of Margaret Court at the top of the all-time standings, male or female – seemed a simple inevitability. Yet now, this is Djokovic's 12th Grand Slam chasing that elusive No 25. But it might just be his best shot.
#slam #series #status
2 months ago
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 7: Cody Rhodes in the ring during SmackDown at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)
The card for WWE Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta is almost filled and despite the fact that there are no championship matches scheduled yet, we still seemingly have our main event in place. Cody Rhodes will take on Randy Orton in a match that seems like it should be for a ****** le. Let's talk wrestling.
Detail
Info
Event
#august #main
The card for WWE Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta is almost filled and despite the fact that there are no championship matches scheduled yet, we still seemingly have our main event in place. Cody Rhodes will take on Randy Orton in a match that seems like it should be for a ****** le. Let's talk wrestling.
Detail
Info
Event
#august #main
2 months ago
The Mariners brought a dumper to a duel.
George Kirby outpitched Aaron Nola on Tuesday in the Mariners electric 4-1 win over the Phillies. Kirby struck out nine over 7 2/3 innings and turned in his best outing of the year. Cal Raleigh smacked another homer, giving him four on the series. And the rest of the lineup scratched and clawed a few more runs late to give the Mariners an impressive, all around, and fun win. That's back-to-back series victories over the top two Wild Card teams in the National League.
It's been a weird season for Kirby, something I feel I've written a dozen times in the last five months. He's walked a lot of batters (relative to himself) and struck out very few (relative to everyone). He survived the early part of the season by keeping the ball on the ground, but that's no longer the case and he's since been getting crushed. He's often seemed to nibble at the edges of the zone, unable to get chase out of it, and unable to get whiffs in it. He gave up 11 runs in his last two starts, making early exits in both.
But Kirby on Tuesday looked like the near-ace level pitcher of the past. He attacked the zone relentlessly with his four-seamer, ripping upper-90s fastballs with his best velocity of the season (97.9 mph). When he did expand the zone with the slow and bendy stuff, he got chase 49% of the time. Kirby generated 21 whiffs on Tuesday — the second most in a game for his career. He was aggressive, sharp, and borderline unhittable.
It was obvious right from the jump that something was special for Kirby. He led off the game throwing three pretty much middle-middle fastballs to Kyle Schwarber, each greater than 98 mph, and Schwarber swung through them all. "I knew I had it today," Kirby said of the four-seamer after the game. He then got ahead of Trea Turner with a few more fastballs registering 99 mph, before finishing him off with devastating sweeper away.
#four #season #zone #schwarber
George Kirby outpitched Aaron Nola on Tuesday in the Mariners electric 4-1 win over the Phillies. Kirby struck out nine over 7 2/3 innings and turned in his best outing of the year. Cal Raleigh smacked another homer, giving him four on the series. And the rest of the lineup scratched and clawed a few more runs late to give the Mariners an impressive, all around, and fun win. That's back-to-back series victories over the top two Wild Card teams in the National League.
It's been a weird season for Kirby, something I feel I've written a dozen times in the last five months. He's walked a lot of batters (relative to himself) and struck out very few (relative to everyone). He survived the early part of the season by keeping the ball on the ground, but that's no longer the case and he's since been getting crushed. He's often seemed to nibble at the edges of the zone, unable to get chase out of it, and unable to get whiffs in it. He gave up 11 runs in his last two starts, making early exits in both.
But Kirby on Tuesday looked like the near-ace level pitcher of the past. He attacked the zone relentlessly with his four-seamer, ripping upper-90s fastballs with his best velocity of the season (97.9 mph). When he did expand the zone with the slow and bendy stuff, he got chase 49% of the time. Kirby generated 21 whiffs on Tuesday — the second most in a game for his career. He was aggressive, sharp, and borderline unhittable.
It was obvious right from the jump that something was special for Kirby. He led off the game throwing three pretty much middle-middle fastballs to Kyle Schwarber, each greater than 98 mph, and Schwarber swung through them all. "I knew I had it today," Kirby said of the four-seamer after the game. He then got ahead of Trea Turner with a few more fastballs registering 99 mph, before finishing him off with devastating sweeper away.
#four #season #zone #schwarber
2 months ago
The A's jumped out to an early lead in the 2nd inning when Carlos Cortes smacked a 2-run homer to right. Fast forward to the 5th, with the Twins offense still struggling against lefty rookie Gage Jump, Taj threw 9 pitches and all of them were strikes for the first immaculate inning in Twins history. This was surprising to me, I figured Johan Santana or somebody must have done it before, but I guess not.
Things were still looking great for Taj two outs into the 6th inning, but a single by Lawrence Butler, an RBI double by Tommy White, and an RBI single by Donovan Walton pushed their lead to 4 runs.
The one hit the Twins had in the first 6 innings against Jump was a pop up that landed 5 feet from the pitcher's mound in the 4th. I'm not sure how this is considered a hit, but it does help Royce Lewis' batting average, I guess. In the top of the 7th, Royce got himself a "real" hit with a line drive to left. One out later, Kaelen Culpepper doubled to bring in the Twins first run. Then a Brooks Lee double put two in scoring position for Victor Caratini, who grounded out for an RBI to make it a 2-4 game. The final chance for the Twins tonight came with 2 on and 2 out for Luke Keaschall, but he struck out looking to end the threat.
To add injury to insult, Buxton had to leave the game after appearing to aggravate his hip chasing down a ball in the gap in the 7th inning.
In the standings, the Twins sit at 64-69 and may fall to 3 games back in the wild card hunt. Also, the Royals have won 9 straight somehow.
#royce #GUESS #looking
Things were still looking great for Taj two outs into the 6th inning, but a single by Lawrence Butler, an RBI double by Tommy White, and an RBI single by Donovan Walton pushed their lead to 4 runs.
The one hit the Twins had in the first 6 innings against Jump was a pop up that landed 5 feet from the pitcher's mound in the 4th. I'm not sure how this is considered a hit, but it does help Royce Lewis' batting average, I guess. In the top of the 7th, Royce got himself a "real" hit with a line drive to left. One out later, Kaelen Culpepper doubled to bring in the Twins first run. Then a Brooks Lee double put two in scoring position for Victor Caratini, who grounded out for an RBI to make it a 2-4 game. The final chance for the Twins tonight came with 2 on and 2 out for Luke Keaschall, but he struck out looking to end the threat.
To add injury to insult, Buxton had to leave the game after appearing to aggravate his hip chasing down a ball in the gap in the 7th inning.
In the standings, the Twins sit at 64-69 and may fall to 3 games back in the wild card hunt. Also, the Royals have won 9 straight somehow.
#royce #GUESS #looking
2 months ago
The Mariners look to make it back-to-back wins and back-to-back series wins.
After getting smacked around by the Cubs on Sunday, the Mariners smacked around the Phillies on Monday night. Cal Raleigh hit three home runs, and Julio and Cole Young each got one as well. It was a lot of fun, which was much needed after the last… five months or so. They'll look to keep it going.
George Kirby gets the ball. He's hoping to bounce back from a pair of true clunkers his last turns out. I've written so many times that it's been a weird season for Kirby, but that's a lot different from "it's been a bad season," because even though that's been true at times, he's turned in several excellent performances. The Mariners will certainly hope that's the case today.
Facing him will be Austin Nola's brother, Aaron. "It's been a bad season" does largely apply here, for the second year in a row. He's still a former ace — and not just in the way people say "ace" to mean good — so the Mariners will have to show up, as they say. But for a lineup looking to stay hot, the guy with -32 run value allowed on the fastball (which appears to be pretty close to a record in the Statcast era) figures to be as a good a choice as any for a tee.
And hey, they'll have some extra help today. The Mariners activated J.P. Crawford from the injured list today, who's been out since July 30 with wrist inflammation. He slots back into the lineup at third base, with Brock Rodden sticking at shortstop.
#kirby
After getting smacked around by the Cubs on Sunday, the Mariners smacked around the Phillies on Monday night. Cal Raleigh hit three home runs, and Julio and Cole Young each got one as well. It was a lot of fun, which was much needed after the last… five months or so. They'll look to keep it going.
George Kirby gets the ball. He's hoping to bounce back from a pair of true clunkers his last turns out. I've written so many times that it's been a weird season for Kirby, but that's a lot different from "it's been a bad season," because even though that's been true at times, he's turned in several excellent performances. The Mariners will certainly hope that's the case today.
Facing him will be Austin Nola's brother, Aaron. "It's been a bad season" does largely apply here, for the second year in a row. He's still a former ace — and not just in the way people say "ace" to mean good — so the Mariners will have to show up, as they say. But for a lineup looking to stay hot, the guy with -32 run value allowed on the fastball (which appears to be pretty close to a record in the Statcast era) figures to be as a good a choice as any for a tee.
And hey, they'll have some extra help today. The Mariners activated J.P. Crawford from the injured list today, who's been out since July 30 with wrist inflammation. He slots back into the lineup at third base, with Brock Rodden sticking at shortstop.
#kirby
2 months ago
Through two preseason games, the Green Bay Packers have seen plenty of encouraging signs from the players who should have key roles in the regular season. The first game saw the third and fourth string units get exposed in the second half, but in both contests, the starting offense and defense looked solid at worst.
Is it too early to get excited about this team, though? That's certainly the message from one of its coordinators about one of his players, namely rookie kicker Trey Smack. Yes, he's 7-for-7 on field goals with three coming from 51 or more yards (plus another 58-yarder that was taken off the board due to a penalty), but Cam Achord isn't letting him get complacent, nor is he encouraging fans to get too hyped up yet either.
Likewise, MarShawn Lloyd has put in a couple of good performances in his bid to be the Packers' RB2, but we've seen some flashes from him in the past in preseason action. This year feels different, but he still needs to go out and do it in the regular season (and do it consistently), something we haven't yet observed.
So for now, let's be encouraged by some of these performances, but keep expectations in check. This team is still young and still coming together. While the expectations should still be to compete for an NFC North ***** le and make a Super Bowl run, there will surely still be some ***** ps along the way.
Game notes: Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd relished long-awaited return to end zone | Packers.com
Lloyd's last touchdown in a competitive game came almost three years ago, in November 2023. It helps the Packers to see him performing well in these preseason games, but he still has yet to get through a regular season game unscathed.
#preseason
Is it too early to get excited about this team, though? That's certainly the message from one of its coordinators about one of his players, namely rookie kicker Trey Smack. Yes, he's 7-for-7 on field goals with three coming from 51 or more yards (plus another 58-yarder that was taken off the board due to a penalty), but Cam Achord isn't letting him get complacent, nor is he encouraging fans to get too hyped up yet either.
Likewise, MarShawn Lloyd has put in a couple of good performances in his bid to be the Packers' RB2, but we've seen some flashes from him in the past in preseason action. This year feels different, but he still needs to go out and do it in the regular season (and do it consistently), something we haven't yet observed.
So for now, let's be encouraged by some of these performances, but keep expectations in check. This team is still young and still coming together. While the expectations should still be to compete for an NFC North ***** le and make a Super Bowl run, there will surely still be some ***** ps along the way.
Game notes: Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd relished long-awaited return to end zone | Packers.com
Lloyd's last touchdown in a competitive game came almost three years ago, in November 2023. It helps the Packers to see him performing well in these preseason games, but he still has yet to get through a regular season game unscathed.
#preseason
2 months ago
Simu Liu has revealed the celebrity encounters that led to his "most starstruck" moment.
The newly minted Avengers star opened up about which celebrities he had been most excited to meet.
Simu, 37, told People Magazine he had been left gobsmacked when he was introduced to X-Men legends, Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen, who play Professor X and Magneto respectively.
He explained that as a lifelong "super-nerd", it was thrilling to come face to face with the actors, who had also played lead roles in the iconic Star Trek and Lord of the Rings franchises.
"For me, it's Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen," Simu told the outlet. "Not just for their roles in X-Men, which are so iconic, but I also grew up just a massive (Star Trek) Next Generation super-nerd, and Lord of the Rings as well."
Patrick, 86, played Commander Jean-Luc Picard on the Star Trek: The Next Generation series, while Ian, 87, starred as Gandalf in the big-screen adaptations of JRR Tolkien's books.
#patrick #lord #next #generation
The newly minted Avengers star opened up about which celebrities he had been most excited to meet.
Simu, 37, told People Magazine he had been left gobsmacked when he was introduced to X-Men legends, Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen, who play Professor X and Magneto respectively.
He explained that as a lifelong "super-nerd", it was thrilling to come face to face with the actors, who had also played lead roles in the iconic Star Trek and Lord of the Rings franchises.
"For me, it's Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen," Simu told the outlet. "Not just for their roles in X-Men, which are so iconic, but I also grew up just a massive (Star Trek) Next Generation super-nerd, and Lord of the Rings as well."
Patrick, 86, played Commander Jean-Luc Picard on the Star Trek: The Next Generation series, while Ian, 87, starred as Gandalf in the big-screen adaptations of JRR Tolkien's books.
#patrick #lord #next #generation
