“THE SCOREBOARD”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
ATLANTA 4 CLEVELAND 2
SAN DIEGO 10 LA ANGELS 3
SEATTLE 6 SAN FRANCISCO 5
HOUSTON 12 TEXAS 11
NY YANKEES 6 BALTIMORE 3
MINNESOTA 8 KANSAS CITY 4
MILWAUKEE 8 CHICAGO CUBS 6
CINCINNATI 3 WASHINGTON 2
MIAMI 5 ST. LOUIS 4
LA DODGERS 5 PITTSBURGH 2
TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE
CINCINNATI AT WASHINGTON, 11:05 A.M.
BALTIMORE AT N.Y. YANKEES, 1:05 P.M.
ST. LOUIS AT MIAMI, 1:10 P.M.
TEXAS AT BOSTON, 1:35 P.M.
KANSAS CITY AT MINNESOTA, 2:10 P.M.
CHICAGO CUBS AT MILWAUKEE, 4:10 P.M.
COLORADO AT HOUSTON, 4:10 P.M.
N.Y. METS AT ARIZONA, 4:10 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA AT TAMPA BAY, 4:10 P.M.
SEATTLE AT SAN FRANCISCO, 4:35 P.M.
L.A. ANGELS AT SAN DIEGO, 6:40 P.M.
OAKLAND AT DETROIT, 6:40 P.M.
ATLANTA AT CLEVELAND, 7:10 P.M.
TORONTO AT CHICAGO WHITE SOX, 8:10 P.M.
PITTSBURGH AT L.A. DODGERS, 9:10 P.M.
MLS
COLUMBUS AT MIAMI, 7:30 P.M.
TORONTO FC AT ORLANDO CITY, 7:30 P.M.
D.C. UNITED AT FC DALLAS, 8:30 P.M.
PORTLAND AT COLORADO, 9:30 P.M.
SAINT LOUIS CITY SC AT LA GALAXY PPD.
LOS ANGELES FC AT LA GALAXY, 10:30 P.M.
2023 INDIANA FOOTBALL “CIRCLE CITY” SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, AUG. 18
BREBEUF JESUIT AT BISHOP CHATARD ©, 7 PM
GUERIN AT MCCUTCHEON, 7 PM
SOUTHPORT AT RONCALLI, 7 PM
FRIDAY, AUG. 25
BISHOP CHATARD AT TECH, 7 PM
RONCALLI AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL, 7 PM
CENTRAL CATHOLIC AT GUERIN, 7:30 PM
TRI-WEST AT BREBEUF JESUIT, 7 PM
FRIDAY, SEP. 1
BREBEUF JESUIT AT MARIAN, 7:30 PM
GUERIN AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN, 7 PM
RONCALLI AT BISHOP CHATARD ©, 7 PM
FRIDAY, SEP. 8
COLUMBUS NORTH AT RONCALLI, 7 PM
GUERIN AT BREBEUF JESUIT ©, 7:30 PM
BISHOP CHATARD AT CATHEDRAL, 7 PM
FRIDAY, SEP. 15
BISHOP CHATARD AT COLUMBUS NORTH, 7 PM
RONCALLI AT GUERIN ©, 7 PM
FRIDAY, SEP. 22
BREBEUF JESUIT AT RONCALLI ©, 7 PM
BISHOP CHATARD AT GUERIN ©, 7 PM
FRIDAY, SEP. 29
ANDREAN AT BISHOP CHATARD, 7 PM
BREBEUF JESUIT AT TERRE HAUTE SOUTH, 7:30 PM
GUERIN AT NORTHVIEW, 7:30 PM
RONCALLI AT LOUISVILLE MALE (KY.), 7 PM
FRIDAY, OCT. 6
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH AT BREBEUF JESUIT, 7:30 PM
CATHEDRAL AT RONCALLI, 7 PM
SHORTRIDGE AT BISHOP CHATARD, 7 PM
TERRE HAUTE NORTH AT GUERIN, 7:30 PM
FRIDAY, OCT. 13
CINCINNATI ELDER (OHIO) AT BISHOP CHATARD, 7 PM
EAST CENTRAL AT RONCALLI, 7:30 PM
GUERIN AT CULVER ACADEMY, 7:30 PM
TERRE HAUTE NORTH AT BREBEUF JESUIT, 7:30 PM
2023 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUG. 26 – VS. NAVY (DUBLIN, IRELAND)
SEPT. 2 – TENNESSEE STATE (NOTRE DAME STADIUM)
SEPT. 9 – AT NC STATE (RALEIGH, N.C.)
SEPT. 16 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN (NOTRE DAME STADIUM)
SEPT. 23 – OHIO STATE (NOTRE DAME STADIUM)
SEPT. 30 – AT DUKE (DURHAM, N.C.)
OCT. 7 – AT LOUISVILLE (LOUISVILLE, KY.)
OCT. 14 – USC (NOTRE DAME STADIUM)
OCT. 21 – BYE
OCT. 28 – PITTSBURGH (NOTRE DAME STADIUM
NOV. 4 – AT CLEMSON (CLEMSON, S.C.)
NOV. 11 – BYE
NOV. 18 – WAKE FOREST (NOTRE DAME STADIUM)
NOV. 25 – AT STANFORD (PALO ALTO, CALIF.)
COLTS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – 10-11 A.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 8 – 9-10:30 A.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 10 – 9-10 A.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 15 – 9-10 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 – 6-8 P.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 17 – 6-8 P.M.
MONDAY’S TRANSACTIONS
BASEBALL
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
AMERICAN LEAGUE
DETROIT TIGERS — SENT OF RILEY GREENE TO TOLEDO (IL) ON A REHAB ASSIGNMENT.
HOUSTON ASTROS — RECALLED RHP BRANDON BIELAK FROM SUGAR LAND (PCL). OPTIONED RHP SHAWN DUBIN TO SUGAR LAND.
SEATTLE MARINERS — RECALLED RHPS DARREN MCCAUGHAN AND MATT FESTO FROM TACOMA (PCL). PLACED THP BRYCE MILLER ON THE 15-DAY IL, RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1.
TAMPA BAY RAYS — OPTIONED 2B VIDAL BRUJAN TO DURHAM (IL).
NATIONAL LEAGUE
COLORADO ROCKIES — OPTIONED INF COCO MONTES TO ALBUQUERQUE (PCL).
LOS ANGELES DODGERS — RECALLED RHPS MICHAEL GROVE AND GAVIN STONE FROM OKLAHOMA CITY (PCL). OPTIONED LHP VICTOR GONZALEZ TO OKLAHOMA CITY. PLACE LHP CLAYTON KERSHAW ON HE 15-DAY IL, RETROACTIVE TO JUNE 30.
MIAMI MARLINS — SELECTED THE CONTRACT OF OF DANE MYERS FROM JACKSONVILLE (IL). DESIGNATED RHP ELI VILLALOBOS FOR ASSIGNMENT. PLACED SS JAZZ CHISHOLM JR. ON THE 10-DAY IL.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS — AGREED TO TERMS WITH CF JAHMAI JONES ON A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT. PLACED 3B BRIAN ANDERSON ON THE PATERNITY LIST.
NEW YORK METS — ACQUIRED RHPS TREVOR GOTT AND CHRIS FLEXEN FROM SEATTLE IN EXCHANGE FOR LHP ZACH MUCKENHIM. DESIGNATED RHP CHRIS FLEXEN FOR ASSIGNMENT. TRANSFERRED RHP EDWIN UCETA FROM THE 15-DAY IL TO THE 60-DAY IL.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — RECALLED RHP LUKEN BAKER FROM MEMPHIS (IL). DESIGNATED CF OSCAR MERCADO FOR ASSIGNMENT. AGREED TO TERMS WITH RHP CHEN-WEI LIN ON A MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT.
SAN DIEGO PADRES — OPTIONED RHP PEDRO AVILA TO EL PASO (PCL). RECALLED RHP DOMINGO TAPIA FROM EL PASO.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — REINSTATED OF MIKE YASTRZEMSKI FROM THE 10-DAY IL. RECALLED INF/OF BRETT WISELY FROM SACRAMENTO (PCL). PLACED INF THAIRO ESTRADA ON THE 10-DAY IL. PLACED RHP ANTHONY DESCIAFANI ON THE 15-DAY IL, RETROACTIVE TO JULY 2.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS — AGREED TO TERMS WITH RHP DANIEL MENGDEN AND C JACOB NOTTINGHAM ON MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS. PLACED RHP THADDEUS WARD ON THE 15-DAY IL. REINSTATED LHP PATRICK CORBIN FROM THE BEREAVEMENT LIST.
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
FRONTIER LEAGUE
EVANSVILLE OTTERS — SIGNED INF DAMIAN YENZI.
LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS — SIGNED OF ZACH RACUSIN AND INF JOSH REGO. RELEASED UT SEAN LAWLOR AND 1B GABE SNYDER.
NEW YORK BOULDERS — SIGNED INF LUCAS CHANG.
OTTAWA TITANS — SIGNED RHP ANDREW ROACH.
TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS — ACQUIRED UT LANDON BARNES FROM OGDEN (PIONEER LEAGUE).
BASKETBALL
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
HOUSTON ROCKETS — SIGNED G AMEN THOMPSON AND F CAM WHITMORE TO ROOKIE CONTRACTS.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES — RE-SIGNED F LUKE GARZA TO A TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — SIGNED G JORDAN HAWKINS TO A ROOKIE CONTRACT.
NEW YORK KNICKS — SIGNED G JAYLEN MARTIN TO A TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
PHOENIX SUNS — SIGNED F TOUMANI CAMARA.
SEATTLE KRAKEN — SIGNED D CONNOR CARRICK TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
TORONTO RAPTORS — SIGNED G MARKQUIS NOWELL TO A TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
UTAH JAZZ — SIGNED F JOEY HAUSER TO A TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
HOCKEY
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
ARIZONA COYOTES — SIGNED F JOHN LEONARD TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
CALGARY FLAMES — SIGNED D BRADY LYLE TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
CAROLINA HURRICANES — SIGNED D GRIFFIN MENDEL TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
DALLAS STARS — SIGNED C SCOTT REEDY AND RW NICK CAAMANO TO ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACTS.
DETROIT RED WINGS — PLACED RW FILIP ZADINA ON WAIVERS.
MONTREAL CANADIENS — SIGNED LW RAFAEL HARVEY-PINARD TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS — SIGNED F JASPER WEATHERBY TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS — SIGNED D MARC STALL TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT.
SAN JOSE SHARKS — SIGNED C NATHAN TODD TO A TWO-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — SIGNED C DYLAN GAMBRELL TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT.
WINNIPEG JETS — SIGNED AXEL JONSSON-FJALLBY TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
MINOR LEAGUE HOCKEY
AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS — SIGNED C CAL O’REILLY TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT.
SOCCER
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
AUSTIN FC — LOANED F MOUSSA DJITTE TO BANDIRMASPOR (TURKISH 1 LG) THOUGH JUNE 30, 2024.
COLORADO RAPIDS — SIGNED D DANIEL CHACON TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT AND LOANED HIM TO LIGA DEPORTIVA ALAJUELENSE (LIGA FPD) FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2023 SEASON.
ORLANDO PRIDE — SIGNED D RAFAELLE SOUZA TO A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT.
REAL SALT LAKE — TERMINATED THE CONTRACT OF F JONATHAN MENENDEZ.
TOP NATIONAL RELEASES/HEADLINES
WOMEN’S TENNIS
SOFIA KENIN SURPRISES COCO GAUFF IN A HIGHLIGHT-FILLED, ALL-US MATCH AT WIMBLEDON
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Sofia Kenin used to be the up-and-coming American, the one who was a Grand Slam champion at age 21, the one who beat a teenage Coco Gauff on the way to that trophy, the one who right afterward broke into the Top 10 in the WTA rankings, then soon made another run to a major final.
After all of that came a series of health issues — a lingering foot injury, a bout with COVID-19, a right ankle problem — and three first-round exits in a row at major tournaments, all of which added up to a slide down the rankings. Coming into Wimbledon, Kenin was ranked 128th, so low she needed to go through three qualifying rounds just to get into the main draw, where she was placed in the bracket against none other than Gauff.
It’s Gauff who is now in the Top 10 at age 19 and seeded No. 7 at the All England Club, who was a Slam runner-up at last year’s French Open, who was a quarterfinalist or better at four of the most recent nine majors. And yet it was Kenin who came out on top in their highlight-filled matchup on a windy, chilly Monday at No. 1 Court, beating Gauff 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
“I know where I was,” Kenin said, “and where I should be.”
She was steadier than Gauff, with far fewer winners but also far fewer unforced errors.
Here’s how Kenin described her mindset: “Don’t get anxious or super excited.”
Kenin also acknowledged afterward that she set out to “pick on her forehand a little bit more,” referring to Gauff’s weaker side.
“I didn’t really put too much pressure on her,” Gauff said. “I felt like she could make a ball on the court (and) didn’t have to be as good — and I wouldn’t do much with it. That’s what happened.”
There were highlights galore, including one sequence each in which one player fell down to the grass, got herself back up and ended up taking the point.
“With three wins under her belt from ‘qualies,’ I knew she was going to be playing with confidence,” Gauff said when asked about whether Kenin could return to the heights she once reached. “I mean, it’s always possible for somebody to get back to that level. She’s still on the younger end of her career. I think with how she played today, it shouldn’t be too long.”
It was at Wimbledon in 2019 that Gauff made her breakthrough and began to establish herself as a household name at age 15.
She became the youngest player to qualify at the All England Club, then beat seven-time major champion Venus Williams in the first round en route to getting all the way to the fourth round before losing to eventual title winner Simona Halep.
Still not yet 20, Gauff is considered one of the rising stars of women’s tennis. That label was applied to Kenin just three years ago.
“She had nothing to lose today. Obviously she won a Grand Slam, but she’s in a tough spot in her career,” Gauff said. “So I knew coming in she would play with a lot of motivation. It was all about how I would play today and how I would take care of my end of the court. I did in certain moments, but obviously not enough.”
VENUS WILLIAMS FALLS EARLY IN HER FIRST MATCH AT HER 24TH WIMBLEDON AND LOSES TO ELINA SVITOLINA
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — As Venus Williams entered Centre Court for her 24th Wimbledon appearance at age 43, greeted by a standing ovation, she held a green exercise band overhead with both hands and stretched it while striding to her sideline seat.
Once her first-round match against Elina Svitolina began, Williams played like a throwback version of herself. Those big serves. Those crisp strokes. Quickly, she was a point from a 3-0 lead on Monday.
And then, moving forward to attempt a volley, Williams slipped on the green grass. Her right foot gave way. She collapsed to the ground. She shrieked and clutched at her right knee, which already was covered by a beige sleeve. Williams twice was treated by a trainer — including getting that knee taped up during a medical timeout after the first set — and although the American kept playing, she could not manage to overcome 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Svitolina in a 6-4, 6-3 defeat.
“I’m not sure what I’ve done. I’m going to have to investigate it tomorrow. It’s late today. But it was quite painful,” Williams said. “Grass is inherently going to be slippery; you’re going to fall at some point. It was just bad luck for me. I started the match perfectly. I was literally killing it. And then I got killed by the grass.”
Williams, a former No. 1 now ranked outside the Top 500 after a series of injuries that limited her to 22 matches since the start of 2021, was the oldest player in this year’s field and the fourth-oldest to compete in the main draw at Wimbledon.
“Right now, I’m kind of in shock. I can’t believe this happened. It’s bizarre. I’m still processing it at the moment,” Williams said at her news conference, more than an hour after the match ended. “What makes this one hard to process is that I’ve had so many injuries. … This is not what I want for myself.”
Svitolina was only 2 when Williams made her Wimbledon debut in 1997 and just 5 when Williams won the event for the first time in 2000.
“It’s always a pleasure to play against Venus,” Svitolina said, calling her opponent a “big legend.”
No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek, who won her opening match 6-1, 6-3 against Zhu Lin, used that same term — “legend” — to describe Williams.
“I admire (how) she still finds motivation to play. I think it’s amazing. She really must love the game, like truly,” said Swiatek, who has won four major titles but is yet to get past the fourth round at the All England Club.
Something of a surprise arrived at No. 1 Court just before darkness arrived Monday, when Coco Gauff — who burst onto the scene at age 15 by beating Williams in the opening round at Wimbledon — was eliminated by Sofia Kenin 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in a highlight-reel matchup between two Americans.
While Kenin did win the 2020 Australian Open, even knocking off Gauff along the way, she had exited in the first round at each of her past three majors, is ranked just 128th and needed to go through qualifying rounds to get into the main draw at Wimbledon. Gauff, meanwhile, was seeded No. 7 and established herself as a consistent Week 2 presence at Slams, including a run to the French Open final last year.
Williams’ other four titles at the All England Club arrived in 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008, too, along with a pair of U.S. Open trophies in singles — plus 14 in women’s doubles with her younger sister, Serena, who retired after last season.
The older Williams also was the runner-up at Wimbledon four times, most recently during a resurgent 2017, a season in which she reached a total of two finals and another semifinal at majors. Since then? Williams — who announced her diagnosis with Sjögren’s syndrome, an energy-sapping auto-immune disease that can cause joint pain, in 2011 — has lost in the first round at 10 of her most recent 15 Grand Slam events.
There were some vintage moments on Monday. Serves at up to 117 mph. The big cuts on forehands and two-handed backhands that either produced clean winners or led to forced errors by Svitolina.
There also were 33 unforced errors, 18 more than Svitolina. Williams’ total in that category included eight double-faults.
The tumble that brought a hush over the stadium came after merely 12 minutes of play and, as she stayed down on the grass, getting chalk on her left leg, it appeared as if she might need to stop. The chair umpire rushed over to check on Williams. So did Svitolina, carrying a white towel to tuck under Williams’ head.
“I’m a competitor. That’s what I do for a living. I did what I could today,” Williams said later. “I’ve played through a lot of matches and won a lot of matches injured. Its kind of a specialty of mine. I just never figured it out today.”
Still, the crowd certainly was appreciative of the persistence and effort Williams displayed on Monday, rising to salute her and shower her with applause when she left the court with a quick wave and a slight hitch in her step.
During the match, there were too many cries of “Go, Venus!” or “You can do it!” to count. Truth is, both players are sympathetic figures, and Svitolina, who is 28, heard her own support from the stands. She is from Ukraine — which has been under attack from Russia for nearly 1 1/2 years — and returned to the tour in April after giving birth in October to the first child for her and her husband, tennis player Gael Monfils.
Svitolina wound up with more aces than Williams, 6-2, and nearly twice as many total winners, 28-16.
“Grass takes a lot out of the legs and you have to bend your legs to get to all these shots,” said Svitolina, who used to be ranked as high as No. 3 but is now No. 76 after the time off and, like Williams, received a wild-card invitation from the All England Club. “Venus plays really quick and I had to really work hard for today’s win.”
MEN’S GOLF
PGA TOUR IS SENDING 2 EXECUTIVES TO A SENATE HEARING AS LIV CITES CONFLICTS
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two leading figures for the PGA Tour have agreed to testify next week before a Senate panel reviewing the tour’s surprise agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
The panel will have to wait to hear from LIV CEO Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Arabian national wealth fund behind the rival circuit.
The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations said Ron Price, the PGA Tour’s chief operating officer, and board member Jimmy Dunne have agreed to appear July 11.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who chairs the panel, and ranking member Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Norman and Al-Rumayyan cited scheduling conflicts as to why they would not be able to appear.
LIV Golf is playing outside London this week. Its next tournament is not until early August.
“We appreciate the PGA Tour working with us and look forward to a robust, thoughtful exchange with both Ron Price and Jimmy Dunne on July 11, focusing on the details and background of this deal and what it means for this cherished American institution,” Blumenthal and Johnson said in a joint statement.
They said they regret Al-Rumayyan and Norman’s schedules will keep them from the hearing because “they have valuable information to share about the operations of the Public Investment Fund, the future of LIV Golf, and Saudi Arabia’s plans to invest in golf and other sports.”
“Consistent with our subcommittee’s practice, we look forward to working with both witnesses to find a mutually agreeable date for them to appear in the very near future,” they said.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stepped away with a “medical situation” on June 13 and turned over day-to-day operations to Price and Tyler Dennis, the president of the PGA Tour.
The New York Times said LIV instead offered Gary Davidson, who is acting chief operating officer of LIV. It cited a person familiar with LIV’s thinking as saying Davidson was more involved in the league’s day-to-day operations and the ramifications of the deal.
Norman was not involved in the seven weeks of negotiations that led to the framework agreement, in which the PIF, PGA Tour and European tour would pool commercial businesses and rights in a separate for-profit company.
Neither was Price. The only people involved in the deal were Al-Rumayyan, Monahan and PGA Tour board members Dunne and Ed Herlihy.
The title of the hearing is, “The PGA-LIV Deal: Implications for the Future of Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Influence in the United States.”
Blumenthal had said the panel wants to find out what went into the agreement.
“Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be,” Blumenthal said last week in asking for the hearing. “Major actors in the deal are best positioned to provide this information, and they owe Congress — and the American people — answers in a public setting.”
WOMEN’S GOLF
NELLY KORDA: MAJOR AT PEBBLE BEACH ‘MASSIVE’ FOR WOMEN’S GOLF
Nelly Korda has fond memories of playing Pebble Beach Golf Links — the video game version.
She and her brother, tennis up-and-comer Sebastian Korda, would play EA Sports’ annual “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” series as kids.
“We used to always play Pebble,” Korda told reporters, “and my favorite hole was always 7 on that game.”
Maybe that old knowledge of Pebble’s par-3 seventh hole came in handy Monday when, during a practice round ahead of this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, Korda said she nearly made a hole-in-one.
“I haven’t made a hole-in-one since I was I think 11, but I was over it and I was like, ‘Hole-in-one, hole-in-one,’” said Korda, who used a pitching wedge. “It landed probably an inch away from the cup.”
Korda will be one of the stars of the show this week at Pebble Beach in California, where the famed venue is hosting a modern women’s major championship for the first time.
Korda and the other best players in the world have headed west just two weeks after playing historic Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
“It’s amazing to see we’re making these massive strides forward, not only with the increase in purses but the venues we get to play, the rich history that we just get to be a part of,” Korda said. “I think that’s our little piece of history, as well.”
Pebble Beach hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1940 and 1948 when it was considered a major. Since then, the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods have won U.S. Opens there, but the women’s game haven’t been back.
The USGA has already agreed to hold more U.S. Women’s Opens at Pebble Beach in 2035, 2040 and 2048.
The course, situated above the coastline in California’s Monterey Peninsula, is iconic not only for its history but its visual appeal.
“I would say scenic,” Korda said. “The views out here are impeccable. Some of the biggest houses I’ve ever seen, too. It’s a little bit distracting being on the golf course and looking at all the properties here.”
It’s a difficult test of golf, to boot, with players preparing for small greens and difficult slopes and elevations.
“I don’t think you can compare this golf course to any tournament,” Korda said. “It’s Pebble. Now I understand it, playing it for the first time.”
Korda, who missed the cut at the Women’s PGA last month after taking some time off to deal with back pain, is still ranked No. 2 in the world and is hunting for her second major championship after breaking through at the 2021 Women’s PGA.
She is also excited for what major venues like Pebble Beach — and record prize purses, like the record-setting $10 million on offer at the U.S. Women’s Open last year — can do for the future of women’s golf.
“Everything comes hand in hand,” Korda said. “I think when we get put on these incredible venues and you raise the prize money, that just raises attention. I think everything comes hand in and everything has to work together to form something beautiful.”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MLB ROUNDUP: ASTROS BLOW BIG LEAD, STILL TOP RANGERS 12-11
The visiting Houston Astros blew an eight-run lead, then rallied in the ninth inning on RBI doubles from Jose Abreu and Chas McCormick for a wild 12-11 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday at Arlington, Texas.
The Astros had a 10-2 lead going into the bottom of the fourth but found themselves trailing 11-10 in the ninth before Abreu and McCormick salvaged the day with their back-to-back doubles off Rangers closer Will Smith (1-3).
Astros closer Ryan Pressly ended the game by striking out Jonah Heim for his 18th save. Houston right-hander Bryan Abreu (3-2) earned the win despite allowing an unearned run in the eighth.
Travis Jankowski hit a three-run home run in the fourth, then added a two-run single in what became a four-run fifth inning as the Rangers pulled to within 10-9. Adolis Garcia’s solo homer tied the game at 10-10 in the seventh, and Corey Seager’s sacrifice fly gave Texas an 11-10 lead in the eighth.
Brewers 8, Cubs 6
Willy Adames delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning as Milwaukee rallied from an early six-run deficit to beat visiting Chicago.
Milwaukee trailed 6-3 before tying the game with two outs in the seventh inning on Jahmai Jones’ bases-clearing, pinch-hit double. After Adames’ single off Mark Leiter Jr. (1-2) gave Milwaukee its first lead of the game, the Brewers added an insurance run on Owen Miller’s sacrifice fly.
The Cubs threatened with two runners on and two outs in the ninth inning before Devin Williams struck out Dansby Swanson to secure Milwaukee’s largest comeback victory of the season. Nick Madrigal and Tucker Barnhart drove in two runs apiece for Chicago.
Braves 4, Guardians 2
Michael Harris II homered twice and visiting Atlanta beat Cleveland for its ninth consecutive win. Marcell Ozuna also went deep for the Braves, who have won 17 of 18 to move 30 games over .500 (57-27).
Atlanta starter Bryce Elder (7-1) allowed two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. Raisel Iglesias pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 15th save in 17 tries.
Cleveland rookie Gavin Williams (0-1) allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Steven Kwan had three hits for the Guardians, who had won two in a row.
Reds 3, Nationals 2
Joey Votto smacked a two-run home run and visiting Cincinnati relied on its bullpen to hold on and defeat Washington.
Tyler Stephenson had two hits and an RBI for the Reds, who have won five of six. Luke Weaver (2-2) pitched five-plus innings for the win, allowing two runs on six hits. Ian Gibaut, Buck Farmer, Derek Law and Alexis Diaz held the Nationals scoreless the rest of the way.
Jeimer Candelario homered for Washington, which had won four of five. Dickerson and Lane Thomas had two hits apiece. Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-5) gave up three runs on six hits over six innings.
Marlins 5, Cardinals 4
Pinch hitter Yuli Gurriel hit a game-tying, two-run double to push Miami toward a comeback victory over visiting St. Louis.
The Marlins trailed 4-2 in the seventh inning before Gurriel delivered his double and Nick Fortes followed with a go-ahead RBI single. Reliever Huascar Brazoban (3-1) earned the victory and A.J. Puk closed out the ninth to earn his 14th save.
Willson Contreras went 3-for-4 with a home run, a walk and two runs for the Cardinals, who lost for the fourth time in six games.
Yankees 6, Orioles 3
Harrison Bader hit a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth inning and New York rallied for a victory over visiting Baltimore.
New York’s Giancarlo Stanton opened the eighth with a single off Yennier Cano (1-1) before Anthony Rizzo followed with a single off Danny Coulombe. Bader then sent a 1-1 pitch into the left field seats for his seventh homer.
Coming off the fourth perfect game in team history, Yankees starter Domingo German allowed three runs, two earned, and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Tommy Kahnle (1-0) got the win, and Clay Holmes earned his 10th save.
ANGELS’ MIKE TROUT EXITS GAME WITH SORE WRIST
Angels center fielder Mike Trout expressed concern about his sore left wrist after leaving Los Angeles’ 10-3 defeat against the San Diego Padres due to the injury on Monday.
In the eighth inning, Trout fouled off a pitch and grabbed at his wrist. He briefly returned to the batter’s box before backing away and signaling to the dugout that he needed assistance. After discussions with team staffers, he took off his batting glove and then walked back to the dugout.
Mickey Moniak finished the at-bat, a strikeout that was charged to Trout.
Trout underwent postgame tests on the wrist, according to manager Phil Nevin. The 11-time All-Star admitted that he was in pain while awaiting the test results.
On Thursday, Trout was selected as an All-Star starter for the 10th time in his career. By his own lofty standards, Trout is in the midst of a down year, as he is hitting .263 with a .369 on-base percentage, a .493 slugging percentage, 18 homers and 44 RBIs in 81 games.
Trout, 31, is a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, two-time All-Star MVP and nine-time Silver Slugger winner. In 1,488 career games over 13 seasons, all with the Angels, he has a .301/.412/.582 hitting line with 368 homers and 940 RBIs.
CARDINALS SIGN RHP CHEN-WEI LIN, THEIR FIRST PLAYER EVER OUT OF TAIWAN
MIAMI (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals on Monday signed right-handed pitcher Chen-Wei Lin, the franchise’s first player signed out of Taiwan.
The 21-year-old Lin is a native of Tainan City, Taiwan, and played college baseball at Chinese Culture University in Taipei. He pitched in nine games for the Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kingfish last summer in the collegiate league in his United States debut.
Lin was also an invited college player for the Taiwanese World Baseball Classic team earlier this year in their preparation camp.
He will soon report to the Cardinals’ facility in Jupiter, Florida.
Lin, who is 6-foot-7, made four starts and had a 3.24 ERA this summer for the Frederick Keys, a collegiate summer baseball team of the MLB Draft League.
Lin’s uncle, Hong-Chih Kuo, pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers for seven seasons from 2005-2011. He had a 3.73 ERA in 218 career appearances after signing as an international free agent with the Dodgers in 1999.
METS ACQUIRE TREVOR GOTT FROM MARINERS, WHO ALSO UNLOAD CHRIS FLEXEN’S CONTRACT
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have acquired right-handed reliever Trevor Gott from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for lefty Zach Muckenhirn.
New York also picked up righty Chris Flexen in the deal and immediately designated him for assignment, the team announced Monday. Flexen, who was due $8 million this season, was designated for assignment by Seattle last week. The Mets are responsible for the $3.9 million left on his deal.
The Mets’ bullpen ranks 21st in the majors with a 4.26 ERA, one of many culprits for a woeful season. New York is 38-46 despite a projected $360 million payroll, the highest in the sport’s history.
The 30-year-old Gott will be joining his sixth team in eight major league seasons. He was 0-3 with a 4.03 ERA with the Mariners this season. He’s signed for $1.2 million and can become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Muckenhirn, 28, made his major league debut for the Mets this year and had a 6.00 ERA over three appearances. He has an 0.88 ERA in 16 appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, striking out 19 in 30 2/3 innings.
DODGERS ACE CLAYTON KERSHAW (SHOULDER) PLACED ON 15-DAY IL
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday with left shoulder soreness.
The move is retroactive to Friday.
Kershaw made the National League All-Star team for the 10th time on Sunday. The IL transaction means Kershaw is ineligible to pitch in the game.
Kershaw, 35, reported soreness in his pitching shoulder to the club after an outing against the Colorado Rockies last Tuesday. He allowed one hit in six scoreless innings in a 5-0 win.
Kershaw tested the arm on Sunday and was hoping to start Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
But the Dodgers decided that it was more prudent to give Kershaw’s arm the rest it needs around the upcoming All-Star break.
Kershaw (10-4, 2.55 ERA) is tied for the National League lead in victories and has struck out 105 batters in 95 1/3 innings over 16 starts. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP is on pace to post his most wins since going 16-5 in 2019.
The Dodgers recalled right-hander Michael Grove (0-2, 7.54) from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Monday’s home game against the Pirates. He will be making his eighth start and 10th appearance of the season for Los Angeles.
The Dodgers also recalled right-hander Gavin Stone from Oklahoma City and optioned left-hander Victor Gonzalez to the same affiliate. Stone has a 14.40 ERA in three starts for Los Angeles, while Gonzalez is 2-3 with a 5.32 ERA in 25 appearances (one start).
THE PADRES AND METS ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO TURN AROUND DISAPPOINTING SEASONS
In the last few days before the All-Star break, the San Diego Padres will host the New York Mets this week. It’s safe to say both teams are ready to put the first half behind them.
The Padres and Mets are two of baseball’s biggest disappointments so far, languishing below .500 despite high-priced, star-laden rosters. The fact that both teams are currently 38-46 feels like an appropriate symmetry.
San Diego’s outlook appears a bit rosier than New York’s. The Padres actually have a run differential of plus-23. They’ve been done in by a 5-15 record in one-run games and a 0-7 mark in extra innings. If the close games turn around for them, the Padres certainly could make a run, and unlike the Mets, their star closer (Josh Hader) is healthy.
But San Diego has lost seven of its last eight games, during a stretch of the schedule that included Washington, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. A contending team shouldn’t be struggling so much against that trio.
The Mets, on the other hand, took two of three from San Francisco this past weekend, but that was their only series victory of the past nine. New York’s bullpen has been an issue after Edwin Diaz was lost before the season to a knee injury, and owner Steve Cohen acknowledged his team could be a seller at the trade deadline if things don’t improve soon.
BRIGHT SPOT
In a horrendous season for the Oakland Athletics, they do have the major league leader in stolen bases in Esteury Ruiz. With 42, he’s already surpassed last year’s leader — Baltimore’s Jorge Mateo had 35.
Ruiz has 84 hits and 14 walks this season, so with 50 steal attempts, he’s trying to steal roughly half the time he reaches base. Brent Rooker is Oakland’s representative at the All-Star game, but it would have been interesting to see Ruiz playing for the American League as a late-inning pinch-running option.
TRIVIA TIME
The A’s have had one player since Rickey Henderson lead the American League in steals, and that player tied for the title in 2011 with 49. Who was it?
RISING
The Philadelphia Phillies finished the week on a sour note by losing two of three to Washington — they sandwiched a pair of one-run losses around a 19-4 victory. But before that, Philadelphia swept a three-game series at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.
The Phillies have recovered from their slow start, and after winning 19 of their last 26 games, they’re just 1 1/2 games out of the final wild card in the National League. And after last year, they know what’s possible if they can just sneak into the postseason.
FALLING
The Los Angeles Angels split four games against the Chicago White Sox before dropping two of three to Arizona. So they had a losing record on a homestand in which Shohei Ohtani homered six times in seven games and struck out 10 in his only start.
The Angels have dropped eight of 12 overall.
LINE OF THE WEEK
Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees pitched the 24th perfect game in major league history in an 11-0 win over Oakland on Wednesday night. He became the first pitcher from the Dominican Republic to complete a perfect game.
Germán went to a three-ball count to just two hitters.
COMEBACK OF THE WEEK
The Pittsburgh Pirates trailed 4-0 in the fourth and 7-3 in the seventh before rallying to an 8-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. Pittsburgh scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, winning it on Carlos Santana’s two-run homer.
Milwaukee’s win probability was 95.5% in the bottom of the seventh, according to Baseball Savant.
TRIVIA ANSWER
Coco Crisp, who finished tied with Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees that year.
BRAVES STAR RONALD ACUÑA JR. IS FIRST TO HIT 20 HOMERS, STEAL 40 BASES AND DRIVE IN 50 BEFORE BREAK
CLEVELAND (AP) — Nobody has had a first half of the season like Ronald Acuña Jr.
Atlanta’s four-time All-Star outfielder made history Monday night by becoming the first player to reach 20 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.
“Special player,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta extended its winning streak to nine straight and moved 30 games over .500 by beating the Cleveland Guardians 4-2.
The 25-year-old Acuña is also just the third player to hit 20 homers and steal 40 bases in the first 84 games, joining Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).
Before the game, Acuña was named NL Player of the Month for June, the second time he’s won the award this season.
In the third inning, Acuña extended his hitting streak to 14 games before swiping his 40th base, the most he’s had in a season. He stole 37 in 2019.
Acuña appeared to injure his right shoulder while making a headfirst slide. He stayed on the ground for a few moments before being helped to his feet and checked by a Braves trainer. Acuña stayed in the game and scored moments later on a single.
Snitker said Acuña was “stung a little bit” but felt fine.
There doesn’t seem to be anything the speedy Acuña can’t do.
“You go out and get a drink or go to the bathroom you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker said. “I’m just glad to have him on our team and be able to watch him every say.”
NBA NEWS
ANTHONY EDWARDS, TIMBERWOLVES AGREE ON MAX CONTRACT EXTENSION
The Minnesota Timberwolves have made it clear: They’re going to build around Anthony Edwards.
The Timberwolves and Edwards agreed on a max extension on Monday — five years, $207 million, with a chance of the deal reaching $260 million, agent Bill Duffy confirmed to The Associated Press.
Edwards’ new contract will begin in the 2024-25 season. He becomes the fourth player to get the maximum rookie-scale extension so far this summer, joining Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Memphis’ Desmond Bane.
His deal would reach the supermax level if he makes an All-NBA team.
Edwards was an All-Star for the first time this past season, and he has gotten better in each of his first three years with the Timberwolves.
His scoring, rebound, assist, steal and shooting numbers have increased each season. Edwards averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 46% shooting this past season — while shooting 37% from 3-point range.
Only nine players averaged as many points, rebounds and assists per game as Edwards. Of the nine, he was the youngest at 21. Add the steals per game to that list, and Edwards became the youngest player to have those averages in each of those categories since LeBron James in 2005-06.
The only question regarding Edwards and the extension was how quickly it would happen. By league rule, Minnesota had to wait until July 1 — the deals for Bane and Haliburton, for example, came shortly after midnight EDT in the wee hours of Saturday.
Another couple of days didn’t seem to hurt the Wolves.
Edwards was the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft and turns 22 next month — when he’s scheduled to be part of the USA Basketball roster that’ll play in the FIBA World Cup. He took a significant step this past season toward becoming Minnesota’s true go-to player while two-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns missed 52 games with a calf strain.
The Wolves now have three max players on their roster in Edwards, Towns and center Rudy Gobert. Last year, the Wolves and Towns agreed to a $224 million contract extension as soon as the negotiation period opened. Gobert, whose first season with Minnesota after the whopper trade with Utah was filled with growing pains between him and his new team, has three years left on his deal. Towns has five.
The Wolves made the playoffs in each of the last two years, falling in the first round both times. They’ll try for a third consecutive winning record this coming season, a streak the likes of which the franchise hasn’t enjoyed since six straight years over .500 from 1999-00 through 2004-05.
REPORT: BUCKS ADD MALIK BEASLEY ON 1-YEAR, $2.7M DEAL
Malik Beasley reached an agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year, $2.7 million minimum contract, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Lakers declined Beasley’s $16.5-million team option before free agency opened.
A career 37.8% shooter from deep, Beasley averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists between the Lakers and Utah Jazz last season.
The 26-year-old struggled in the postseason, averaging three points on 29.4% shooting over 11 of the Lakers’ 16 playoff contests.
Beasley has also played for the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves over his career.
The Bucks have stayed busy to begin free agency, bringing back Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Jae Crowder while reportedly adding Lopez’s twin brother, Robin.
DAMIAN LILLARD’S SOBERING LESSON TO PORTLAND FANS ABOUT THE NBA’S CONTINUITY PROBLEM
(USA TODAY)
Damian Lillard shook the NBA landscape when he officially requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard was on track to join legends like Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks), Tim Duncan (Spurs), John Stockton (Jazz), Reggie Miller (Pacers), Larry Bird (Celtics) and Isiah Thomas (Pistons) as one-franchise players.
It is really special to watch someone only wear one jersey during their pro career. The statue outside the arena feels so much more impactful if a player never left the city. But he still meant so much to the Trail Blazers.
Lillard is a former Rookie of the Year and seven-time All-Star who had (by far) the most year-over-year continuity of anyone on Portland’s roster. Except for Golden State’s Stephen Curry, in fact, he had spent more time with the Trail Blazers than any other player in the league had with their organization.
But now was finally a time for a change for everyone involved — and it wasn’t just in Portland.
Several other players who were previously the longest-tenured players on their respective franchises heading into last season (e.g. Miami’s Udonis Haslem, Washington’s Bradley Beal, Boston’s Marcus Smart, Cleveland’s Kevin Love, Houston’s Eric Gordon, Brooklyn’s Joe Harris, Memphis’ Dillon Brooks) have switched teams or have retired.
Lillard and Beal (both drafted in 2012) had only ever played for the team that drafted them. Now, the longest-tenured player replacing Beal in Washington is Deni Avdija — drafted in 2020.
Assuming that Portland moves on from Jusuf Nurkic and now with an uncertain future for Anfernee Simons, the Trail Blazers roster may initially feel unfamiliar for casual fans. Lillard played more than a decade for the Trail Blazers.
Quite a bit has changed for everyone, including Lillard, since 2012.
Superstars are a funny way to measure the passing of time, though it is not uncommon. I grew up in Los Angeles, which is a basketball city where it was fairly regular for a player to spend his entire career playing for one team.
Generations before my own had Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper and James Worthy earn the designation of lifelong Lakers. If you are around my age, meanwhile, then you saw Kobe Bryant play for two decades in Los Angeles.
But after spending 20 years watching Kobe play for the Lakers, the longest-tenured player in Los Angeles is now LeBron James — who signed with the team in 2018. That ain’t two decades.
The uncomfortable reality, however, is that continuity is actually abnormal in the NBA.
Unless a player is winning multiple championships for their franchise (like Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Curry have done for the Warriors), they’re likely going to move on to find a new home eventually. That’s just the sobering reality.
NFL NEWS
FORMER ARIZONA CARDINALS COACH VINCE TOBIN HAS DIED AT 79
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Vince Tobin, who coached the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff win in 51 years in 1998, has died. He was 79.
The Cardinals said Tobin died Monday morning at his Arizona home.
“Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, and in particular his wife Kathy and their family,” Cardinals owner Michal Bidwill said in a statement. “As head coach of the Cardinals, his steady leadership was a constant and a big part of the success the team enjoyed during his tenure.”
Tobin was hired in 1996 to replace Buddy Ryan and took over a team that had future Hall of Fame defensive back Aeneas Williams and quarterback Jake Plummer.
The Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time since 1982 by winning their final three games of the 1998 season and beat the Dallas Cowboys for their first postseason win since 1948.
Tobin went 28-43 in four seasons as Arizona’s coach.
Born in Burlington Junction, Missouri, Tobin played defensive back at the University of Missouri and served as his alma mater’s defensive coordinator from 1971-76.
After stints in the Canadian Football League and USFL, Tobin was the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator from 1986-92. He also was Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator from 1995-96 and coached at Detroit and Green Bay following his tenure in Arizona.
SAINTS TE FOSTER MOREAU SAYS HIS CANCER IS IN REMISSION
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau said on Monday that his Hodgkin’s lymphoma is in full remission, less than four months after he was diagnosed in late March.
“After a few tumultuous months, I’ve been blessed with the news that I am in full remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma!” Moreau wrote on Twitter. “I’m so grateful to everyone who reached out to offer their love and support; our prayers were answered. From here I will continue to live my life as God intended. AMDG”
The acronym AMDG is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase meaning “For the greater glory of God.”
Moreau, 26, is a New Orleans native who played his college football at LSU before being selected by the then-Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Moreau was a free agent last spring and had a visit with the Saints, where team physician Dr. John Amoss was able to detect the symptoms of his lymphoma.
“The day after the diagnosis, the day after the physical, my agent got a call from (Saints general manager) Mickey Loomis and he said, ‘We’re still interested in him. We still value him as a player and even more as a person,’” Moreau said in May. “That was so comforting for me, knowing that regardless of where I went through this process, there was a real good chance I wind up here.”
Moreau participated in organized team activities with New Orleans in late May and told reporters he had completed his cancer treatment. Moreau had a rare and slow-moving form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and treatment included receiving a drip infusion “for about six to eight hours, (for) one day, probably a month and a half ago.”
In four seasons with the Raiders, Moreau played in 61 games (34 starts) and caught 91 passes for 1,107 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had career highs of 33 receptions and 420 yards in 2022, with two touchdowns.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: RUTGERS
Rutgers is just 12-22 since Greg Schiano returned as head coach in 2020. But the Scarlet Knights should show progress in ’23, as a defense that returns seven starters has a chance to make big-time progress after allowing just under 30 points a game last fall. While the defense should be improved, question marks surround the offense. New coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca needs to get quarterback Gavin Wimsatt on track, while also navigating preseason question marks at receiver and along the offensive line.
Previewing Rutgers’ Offense for 2023
Rutgers revamped its coaching staff this offseason after ranking among the worst offenses in Power 5 football last season — 13.0 points (128th nationally) and 254.5 yards (130th) per game against FBS opponents. Kirk Ciarrocca is back for his second stint as offensive coordinator in Piscataway under Greg Schiano, while Dave Brock (wide receivers) and Pat Flaherty (offensive line) will coach up key position groups.
The Scarlet Knights are projected to roll with Gavin Wimsatt at quarterback, with Evan Simon backing him up. A junior, Wimsatt started the final five games of the regular season, struggling mightily with his accuracy — his 44.8 percent completion rate was the second-lowest among 146 FBS quarterbacks who attempted at least 125 passes. The hope is that another offseason of conditioning and studying, along with Ciarrocca’s simplistic offense, will allow Wimsatt to improve in that category.
Rutgers will need to supply him with help on the outside — the Scarlet Knights lost their three most productive wide receivers, who accounted for 1,077 receiving yards (58.3 percent of the team’s production) and seven touchdowns (63.6 percent), to graduation — and in the trenches, where they lost starters J.D. DiRenzo (graduation) and Willie Tyler III (transfer). Wimsatt should have a key weapon in the backfield in running back Samuel Brown V, who was emerging as a star before a season-ending foot injury.
Previewing Rutgers’ Defense for 2023
The Scarlet Knights’ biggest strength projects to be even better. They kept their entire defensive coaching staff intact, and they return a number of key contributors — linebackers Tyreem Powell and Deion Jennings; pass rushers Aaron Lewis and Wesley Bailey; interior lineman Mayan Ahanotu and Kyonte Hamilton; defensive backs Max Melton and Robert Longerbeam — while also getting some key reinforcements.
Mohamed Toure and Moses Walker, who have both recovered from season-ending knee injuries last spring, project to play big roles, as do defensive back transfers Eric Rogers (Northern Illinois) and Michael “Flip” Dixon (Minnesota).
Rutgers ranked in the top 25 nationally in multiple categories through the first half of the season but eventually ran out of gas due to lack of depth. The hope is that the reinforcements it brought in will allow defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak’s unit to maintain a strong showing throughout the campaign.
Previewing Rutgers’ Specialists for 2023
Rutgers must replace punter Adam Korsak, who won the Ray Guy Award last season. Fellow Australian Flynn Appleby has been groomed to be his replacement, but he has big shoes to fill. At kicker, Jude McAtamney is back for a second season. At long snapper, Jake Eldridge is projected to start.
Final Analysis
Rutgers should have one of the better defenses in the Big Ten, with aspirations of having a top-five unit in the league. How much this team can progress largely will depend on how much of a leap the offense can make. A lot will depend on a revamped coaching staff. If the Scarlet Knights want to reach their first six-win season in nine years, they’ll need a big jump on both sides of the ball.
OHIO STATE CONTINUES QUEST FOR NO. 1 RECRUITING CLASS
Ohio State isn’t conceding the No. 1 2024 recruiting class to Georgia.
The Buckeyes got a commitment Sunday from five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott of St. Ignatius in Chicago, ranked No. 3 at his position by the 247Sports composite and No. 14 overall.
Rival Michigan, Georgia, Alabama and Miami (Fla.) were among the programs pursuing Scott.
Scott becomes the fourth five-star prospect to pledge to the Buckeyes, who have the No. 2 class in the nation, per 247Sports. They trail only two-time defending national champion Georgia.
The Ohio State class is headlined by Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 2 overall player, from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla. But the Buckeyes aren’t expected to sit tight with their 17-member class.
247Sports reported that Ohio State is firmly in the mix — if not the leader for — the commitments of a trio of five-stars: edge Dylan Stewart, safety KJ Bolden and defensive lineman Eddrick Houston.
Stewart plays at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C. Bolden and Houston are teammates at Georgia’s Buford High School.
Four-star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot of Kenwood Academy in Chicago is expected to announce his commitment Monday night, and the Buckeyes are the projected favorite by 247Sports.
Georgia currently has a recruiting class of 22 players, including three five-star commits. The No. 1 player in the country, quarterback Dylan Raiola, is committed to the Bulldogs after flipping from Ohio State.
MEN’S SOCCER
GALAXY, LAFC FINALLY SET TO TANGLE AT ROSE BOWL
In a rivalry known for its own kind of fireworks, Los Angeles FC will visit the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday to play in front of a Fourth of July sellout crowd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
More than 80,000 people are expected to pack the stadium to watch the latest edition of the “El Trafico” derby — the 20th in the series. The match was supposed to be the season opener for both clubs in February but was rescheduled because of rain and flooding concerns.
This is the second of three all-L.A. matchups in the regular season. LAFC earned a 3-2 road win on April 16 and will host the Galaxy on Sept. 16. The Galaxy posted a 2-0 victory in a U.S. Open Cup game in May, but LAFC was not playing with its top squad.
Tuesday’s match will be a homecoming for the Galaxy, who started their MLS tenure in the Rose Bowl and played in the iconic venue from 1996-2002. Both teams will be trying to get back on track.
LAFC (9-5-5, 32 points) have twice as many points as the Galaxy (3-9-7, 16 points), yet they have recently struggled to put the ball in the net. LAFC failed to score in four of their past seven matches, resulting in a 2-4-1 record.
Saturday’s 2-0 shutout loss at FC Dallas saw LAFC hold 62.6 percent of the possession, and they outshot Dallas by a 15-7 margin (3-2 in shots on target). They just couldn’t translate the pressure into goals.
“We just weren’t clinical enough finishing, and we then let them sneak a couple of goals there,” LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead said. “When you let teams like that hang around for too long, mistakes can happen, things can happen.”
Despite a seemingly positive five-match (1-0-4) unbeaten streak, the Galaxy have faced a different kind of frustration of late. The Galaxy have tied each of their past four matches, surrendering leads in two of those contests.
In Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes in front of a large crowd at Stanford Stadium, the Galaxy twice held the lead before allowing San Jose to equalize.
“I think that we are close to playing good soccer for 90 minutes, but we are missing small details that are important to be able to close out games and take three points home,” Galaxy forward Douglas Costa said. “We haven’t been able to take home the points we deserve.”
The Galaxy own an 8-6-5 advantage all-time against Los Angeles FC across all competitions.
TOP INDIANA RELEASES
INDIANS BASEBALL
ON DECK AT THE VIC: JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION OPENS INDIANS’ HOMESTAND
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians begin a six-game homestand tomorrow against the Memphis Redbirds, Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, with a Fourth of July celebration that includes patriotic jerseys and the biggest fireworks show of the season after the game. The homestand also includes half-price tickets on Wednesday, an appearance by John-Michael Mulloy from the Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team on Thursday, Friends Night and another fireworks show on Friday, an appearance by Kate Flannery (actress who played Meredith Palmer) on Saturday, and Kids Eat Free Sunday with JJ and Cody from CoComelon in attendance.
Tuesday, July 4 – July Fourth Celebration presented by AES Indiana
Since Victory Field opened in 1996, the Indians have played at home on the Fourth of July every season, making it one of Indianapolis’ greatest Independence Day traditions. Stick around after the final out to enjoy the biggest fireworks show of the season.
The Indians will rep the Red, White and Blue with patriotic jerseys and caps on-field. Fans can text VICTORY to 79230 to bid on the game-worn Fourth of July jerseys until the end of the seventh inning. All auction proceeds benefit Indianapolis Indians Charities.
Gates Open: 5:30 PM | First Pitch: 6:35 PM
Wednesday, July 5 – Payoff Pitch, Half-Price Tix presented by Eleven Fifty Academy
The count is always full for discounted tickets. Enjoy 50% off Lawn, Reserved and Box seats by entering the code: HALF in the coupon code field before selecting seats.
Gates Open: 6 PM | First Pitch: 7:05 PM
Thursday, July 6 – Thirsty Thursday™ presented by Sun King Brewery, University Night with Butler University, Circle City Night, Bark in the Park presented by Noah’s Animal Hospital and PetSuites
The best drink specials in Indy happen on Thirsty Thursday™ at Victory Field, where $2 Pepsi fountain drinks, $3 domestic drafts and $5 premium and craft drafts are available. DJ BK will perform before and during the game from outside the Elements Financial Club. On the field, the Indians will rep the 317 in Circle City uniforms.
John-Michael Mulloy, a graduate senior and forward/center for the Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team, will be in attendance for University Night with Butler University. Mulloy is the first member of the Indians’ inaugural NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Class of 2023. He will sign autographs for fans in the Center Field Plaza from 6-6:40 PM, throw out the ceremonial first pitch and participate in an in-game “Slam Dunk” promotion.
The Shop will be printing limited-edition Circle City shirts near the Standings & Lineup Board behind Section 109. The shirts will also be available at the Center Field merchandise stand.
Bring your four-legged fan to the ballpark and enjoy the game from the left and center field lawn. Fans must purchase the dog ticket package in advance, which guarantees one (1) giveaway item for the pup. Dog ticket packages are limited.
Local artist Koda Witsken, owner and lead creator of Hue Murals, will do a live mural painting in the Center Field Plaza to bring the Indians’ most recent Triple-A championship from the 2000 season to life. The mural will feature closer Bob Scanlan, who secured the last three outs in Indy’s clinching Game 4 victory of the Triple-A World Series against the Memphis Redbirds in Las Vegas.
Gates Open: 6 PM | First Pitch: 7:05 PM
Friday, July 7 – Friday Fireworks presented by FOX59, Friends Night presented by Daniel’s Vineyard
Grab your crew and come prepared for Friends-themed in-game entertainment. Be one of the first 1,000 fans (21 and older) through the gates and receive a Central Perk Coffee Mug and take a photo on the iconic couch. After the final out, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show.
Gates Open: 6 PM | First Pitch: 7:05 PM
Saturday, July 8 – Victory Field Paper Company Night
Scranton takes over Victory Field when Kate Flannery (actress who played Meredith Palmer) comes to town for a meet-and-greet in the Center Field Plaza. She will sign autographs from 6-6:40 PM before throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
Gates Open: 6 PM | First Pitch: 7:05 PM
Sunday, July 9 – Kids Eat Free Sunday presented by Meijer and Moe’s Southwest Grill, Sunday Characters with CoComelon presented by MHS, Knot Hole Kids Club Giveaway presented by Riley Children’s Health and Williams Comfort Air,
Every Sunday, all children 14 and under receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and Capri Sun® juice pouch with price of admission.
Fans can meet CoComelon characters JJ and Cody in the Center Field Plaza before and during the game.
Knot Hole Kids Club members may pick up the July Rowdie backpack giveaway at a table near the Standings & Lineup Board behind Section 109 while supplies last. Knot Hole members must have their membership card to redeem. This is the first chance to receive the July Knot Hole giveaway this season.
Gates Open: 12:30 PM | First Pitch: 1:35 PM
Single-game tickets are available along with group and premium reservations. For more on the Indians, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or Tickets@IndyIndians.com.
IUPUI SOCCER
JAGUARS STAR EARLY IN SUMMER SEASON
Every year, once the spring soccer season concludes, college soccer players depart en masse to their new, albeit temporary, homes. Without any training or games in the NCAA world from May to the end of July, summer soccer leagues take shape using the NCAA’s athletes to form the core of their rosters. This year, 14 different players from IUPUI signed with various different summer league teams all across the country, from North Dakota to Virginia.
“Having our guys continue to play at a high level during the summer break is, in our opinion, vital to prepare them for the fall,” head coach Sid van Druenen said. “Being able to place our players in challenging environments with good competition and quality coaching will guarantee that they return fit and ready to go come August.”
For defender Brady Horn, a native of Noblesville, Indiana, signing for Toledo Villa FC in USL2 this summer was a major step out of his comfort zone. A challenge that he has embraced.
“The soccer is the same, but everything else is different. I don’t know my way around town and have had to rely on the local guys to get the lay of the land which is ironic because usually I’m that guy here at IUPUI, so its been a fun change of pace,” Horn explained.
As a freshman, Horn is one of the youngest players on the roster on a summer league team that has been a proving ground for future professionals, with former players being picked in the last two MLS SuperDrafts.
“The biggest takeaway for me has been the level of competition. It’s only an 18-man roster and it’s tough to just make the roster especially with guys who are returning and have previous experience at this level, but it’s been great for me and my development as a player and person,” Horn said.
Captain Logan Finnegan is spending his summer in in Norfolk, Virginia with Lionsbridge FC – his second time playing in the summer circuit after spending last year with the Charlotte Eagles – and remembers what it was like for him his first time in the USL2 summer league.
“You go through a big learning curve your first year in USL2. You got super experienced guys and then you have guys who are trying to break in/just getting started,” Finnegan said. “I think USL2 is all about personal growth and it was a huge learning point for me. Once I figured that out I think I’ve been able to just improve greatly and really embrace the experience for what it is.”
Thus far for Lionsbridge FC, Finnegan has been sensational, contributing four goals and one assist in six games, fully embracing a starring role for one of USL2’s best teams. His strike partner, forward Josemir Gomez, has also been on fire for another top USL2 team, the Flint City Bucks, leading the team with five goals. This is Gomez’s first season on a summer team, after having to take last summer to recover from injury.
“I feel like everything has just added up for me here, even though I’m playing more as a winger than a nine, I feel like all the development that happened last fall and spring [at IUPUI] really set me up for success here,” Gomez said. “It’s a really competitive and it is definitely making me a better player.”
In addition to player development, the top summer league teams provide an insight into what life is like for the professional soccer player. Crowds can number in the thousands each week night and there is an added pressure in playing for a community that fully embraces what might be the only sporting event in town.
“Every time you’re on the field, you have to prove that you’re worth being there,” Gomez explained. “It’s different from college in that there is some more pressure from the people around the club. Especially here [at Flint City], there is a lot of people watching every game and they have a good history so you there is a pressure to do well and its been a lot of fun to play in that environment.”
All three have participated in multiple community events at their respective clubs, from charity events to interacting with the community. So although they are only there for a short time, they come to learn a lot about the communities they end up representing.
“One of the first things I learned is that this [Norfolk] is a working-class city and people use their hard earned money to watch us play so we better earn that,” Finnegan said. “I think its so cool when the national anthem plays to see how many people come out and support this team, and its definitely something I want to take back to IUPUI.”
With about half of the summer season left, all 14 IUPUI representatives are looking to continue their fine performances into the final stretch, making sure that they are in form come the start of the college season in August.
“I am proud of how all of our guys embraced the challenge and on how well some of them are doing,” van Druenen said. “Guys are proving to themselves that they can play with the best and this is another big step forward for IUPUI Men’s Soccer.”
“I think for me, this summer has been a big identity piece,” Finnegan said. “I didn’t know a ton about Lionsbridge FC before coming here, but my experience here has been great and I’m so grateful for them [IUPUI coaching staff] helping me get here. I know that the coaches at IUPUI have my back and put me in a great spot and even if I wasn’t necessarily playing super well, I know that my development is best served by being here and that I’ll be ready to go come the fall.”
EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER ANNOUNCES CHALLENGING 2023 SCHEDULE
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville women’s soccer head coach Chris Pfau announced a challenging 2023 schedule for his side on Monday, which includes home matches against regional foes Bellarmine, Western Kentucky, and Indiana in non-conference play.
“We are excited to get started just over a month from now,” said Pfau. “Any time that you put together a schedule, you want to be able to challenge yourself in non-conference to be able to be ready for the challenges of the Missouri Valley Conference. I think that our schedule this year does that, as we should be well-prepared for league play when it starts in mid-September.”
Evansville will open the 2023 season with exhibition matches against 2022 NCAA Tournament participants SIUE (Monday, August 7 at home – 5 p.m.) and Saint Louis University (Saturday, August 12 on the road – 6 p.m.). UE will then open the season on the road on Thursday, August 17 at Mercer, which placed third in the Southern Conference with a 9-4-7 record a year ago.
UE will then travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri a week later to renew its rivalry with Southeast Missouri State with a match at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 24. The Purple Aces will then kick-off the home schedule in grand fashion with a contest against the Indiana Hoosiers at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 27. It will mark the first match between the two in-state sides since 2011, and will be IU’s first trip to Arad McCutchan Stadium since 2010. The match will have interesting side-stories, as UE junior forward Ryleigh Anslinger (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) started her collegiate career at IU, and Evansville freshman midfielder Ella Hamner and IU freshman midfielder Kennedy Neighbors were the Evansville Courier & Press co-Metro Players of the Year last year as teammates at Evansville Memorial High School.
“We are excited to be able to bring Indiana to Evansville for the home-opener,” said Pfau. “It should be a fun night of soccer, and a great way to showcase our program to the city.”
Evansville will host Bellarmine on Thursday, August 31 at 7 p.m. to wrap up the first month of the season, before beginning September with a road contest at Lipscomb on Sunday, September 3 at 6 p.m. The Bisons finished third in the ASUN Conference last year, while posting an 11-5-3 overall record.
Evansville will wrap up non-conference play with a home match against Western Kentucky on Thursday, September 7 at 6 p.m. The Hilltoppers went 7-9-3 a year ago in a very competitive Conference USA, and the match will mark the first match between the two regional rivals since 2018.
Missouri Valley Conference play will kick-off on Friday, September 15 with a trip to Illinois State. Evansville knocked off the Redbirds, 3-1, to wrap up the 2022 season. UE will then host defending MVC regular-season champion Valparaiso on Thursday, September 21 at 6 p.m. before hitting the road to close out the month with contests at Murray State (Sunday, September 24) and Southern Illinois (Thursday, September 28).
Evansville will begin the month of October with back-to-back Sunday home matches against Belmont (Sunday, October 1) and UIC (Sunday, October 8). Kick-offs both days will be at 1 p.m. The Purple Aces will then travel to Iowa for two matches against UNI (Thursday, October 12) and Drake (Sunday, October 15) before wrapping up the regular-season at home.
UE will host in-state rival Indiana State on Thursday, October 19 at 6 p.m. before battling reigning MVC Tournament champion Missouri State on Sunday, October 22 at noon to close out the regular-season. The 2023 MVC Tournament will then begin on Thursday, October 26 and run through Sunday, November 5. Sites and match times will be determined by the final MVC standings, as the higher seeds host the first round and quarterfinal matches, with the semifinals and finals being played at the site of the regular-season champion.
UE returns 22 players from last season’s squad, led by third-team all-MVC defender Rachel Rosborough (Mt. Brydges, Ontario/Strathroy District CI). Evansville will add eight talented freshmen led by local standouts Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) and Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind./Reitz), and including talented forwards Brooklyn Robinson (West Haven, Utah/Fremont) and A’Liyah Warrick (Mableton, Ga./Campbell), midfielder Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga./West Forsyth), defenders Emily Karr (Mooresville, Ind./Center Grove) and Brinli Helms (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) and goalkeeper Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev./Faith Lutheran). Season tickets are currently available by contacting Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation Logan Belz by phone at 812-488-2623.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETIC SITES:
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
MLB STANDINGS
| American League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Tampa Bay | 57 | 30 | .655 | – | 34 – 10 | 23 – 20 | 17 – 10 | 14 – 3 | 9 – 7 | 5 – 5 | L 2 |
| Baltimore | 49 | 34 | .590 | 6 | 26 – 18 | 23 – 16 | 14 – 10 | 15 – 7 | 10 – 7 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| NY Yankees | 47 | 38 | .553 | 9 | 26 – 19 | 21 – 19 | 12 – 15 | 8 – 8 | 14 – 8 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Toronto | 45 | 40 | .529 | 11 | 23 – 18 | 22 – 22 | 7 – 20 | 11 – 5 | 11 – 8 | 5 – 5 | L 3 |
| Boston | 43 | 42 | .506 | 13 | 21 – 21 | 22 – 21 | 16 – 11 | 11 – 8 | 5 – 5 | 4 – 6 | W 3 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Minnesota | 43 | 43 | .500 | – | 24 – 19 | 19 – 24 | 12 – 14 | 16 – 12 | 5 – 4 | 5 – 5 | W 1 |
| Cleveland | 41 | 43 | .488 | 1 | 20 – 20 | 21 – 23 | 7 – 8 | 10 – 12 | 13 – 6 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Detroit | 37 | 46 | .446 | 4.5 | 18 – 21 | 19 – 25 | 2 – 14 | 15 – 11 | 6 – 7 | 5 – 5 | W 2 |
| Chi White Sox | 37 | 49 | .430 | 6 | 20 – 20 | 17 – 29 | 6 – 13 | 15 – 11 | 9 – 14 | 5 – 5 | W 1 |
| Kansas City | 25 | 60 | .294 | 17.5 | 13 – 31 | 12 – 29 | 4 – 10 | 7 – 17 | 4 – 11 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Texas | 50 | 35 | .588 | – | 27 – 18 | 23 – 17 | 10 – 9 | 11 – 5 | 16 – 11 | 3 – 7 | L 2 |
| Houston | 47 | 38 | .553 | 3 | 22 – 19 | 25 – 19 | 5 – 5 | 8 – 11 | 16 – 7 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| LA Angels | 45 | 42 | .517 | 6 | 23 – 20 | 22 – 22 | 8 – 9 | 11 – 8 | 15 – 12 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| Seattle | 41 | 42 | .494 | 8 | 24 – 20 | 17 – 22 | 7 – 11 | 7 – 6 | 12 – 10 | 5 – 5 | W 3 |
| Oakland | 23 | 63 | .267 | 27.5 | 12 – 32 | 11 – 31 | 5 – 15 | 5 – 7 | 4 – 23 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| National League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Atlanta | 57 | 27 | .679 | – | 30 – 15 | 27 – 12 | 22 – 6 | 8 – 1 | 10 – 7 | 9 – 1 | W 9 |
| Miami | 49 | 37 | .570 | 9 | 26 – 16 | 23 – 21 | 11 – 15 | 9 – 5 | 9 – 10 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Philadelphia | 44 | 39 | .530 | 12.5 | 22 – 16 | 22 – 23 | 8 – 13 | 9 – 4 | 11 – 12 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| NY Mets | 38 | 46 | .452 | 19 | 20 – 19 | 18 – 27 | 13 – 13 | 5 – 14 | 10 – 9 | 4 – 6 | W 2 |
| Washington | 34 | 50 | .405 | 23 | 13 – 28 | 21 – 22 | 9 – 16 | 5 – 6 | 9 – 13 | 6 – 4 | L 1 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Cincinnati | 46 | 39 | .541 | – | 23 – 21 | 23 – 18 | 9 – 11 | 11 – 12 | 9 – 6 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Milwaukee | 46 | 39 | .541 | – | 23 – 18 | 23 – 21 | 6 – 1 | 14 – 6 | 8 – 15 | 7 – 3 | W 3 |
| Pittsburgh | 39 | 45 | .464 | 6.5 | 22 – 21 | 17 – 24 | 5 – 5 | 11 – 15 | 12 – 7 | 5 – 5 | L 3 |
| Chi Cubs | 38 | 45 | .458 | 7 | 21 – 22 | 17 – 23 | 6 – 13 | 10 – 10 | 9 – 8 | 3 – 7 | L 3 |
| St. Louis | 35 | 49 | .417 | 10.5 | 17 – 25 | 18 – 24 | 4 – 6 | 11 – 14 | 7 – 13 | 4 – 6 | L 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Arizona | 50 | 35 | .588 | – | 24 – 20 | 26 – 15 | 11 – 11 | 8 – 4 | 17 – 11 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| LA Dodgers | 47 | 37 | .560 | 2.5 | 25 – 15 | 22 – 22 | 9 – 6 | 13 – 11 | 14 – 11 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| San Francisco | 46 | 39 | .541 | 4 | 23 – 20 | 23 – 19 | 10 – 9 | 13 – 7 | 13 – 9 | 4 – 6 | L 3 |
| San Diego | 39 | 46 | .459 | 11 | 21 – 22 | 18 – 24 | 10 – 9 | 7 – 13 | 12 – 13 | 3 – 7 | W 1 |
| Colorado | 33 | 53 | .384 | 17.5 | 20 – 24 | 13 – 29 | 11 – 14 | 8 – 10 | 5 – 17 | 4 – 6 | L 2 |
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1881 On his birthday, Mickey Welch throws two complete-game victories when Troy sweeps a doubleheader from the Bisons at Buffalo’s Riverside Grounds, 8-3 and 12-0. The 22-year-old future Hall of Famer, who finishes the season with a 21-18 record, will complete 525 games of the 549 he starts for the Haymakers (NA) and Giants (NL) during his 13-year tenure in the major leagues.
1884 In American Association action, Louisville right-hander Guy Hecker pitches complete games to win both ends of a doubleheader. The Youngsville, Pennsylvania native does not walk a single batter when he beats the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers at Eclipse Park, 5-4 and 8-2.
1899 John McGraw becomes the first major leaguer to achieve a stolen base cycle when he swipes second base, third base, and home plate during the same inning of the same game. The 26-year-old Orioles’ (NL) third baseman accomplishes the feat in the fourth frame of the team’s 5-4 victory over the Boston Beaneaters at Baltimore’s Union Park.
1900 Approximately one thousand people in the crowd of 10,000 fans attending the game at Chicago’s West Side Grounds celebrate Independence Day by firing pistols into the air. The Orphans shoot down the visiting Philadelphia team in 12 innings, 5-4.
1905 Rube Waddell beats Cy Young and the Americans, 4-2, when the A’s score two runs in the 20th inning. Both of the future Hall of Fame hurlers go the distance in the Huntington Avenue Baseball
1908 With two outs and an 0-2 count in the ninth inning, Giant pitcher George Wiltse loses his perfect game when he hits the opposing pitcher, George McQuillan, with a pitch. ‘Hooks’ keeps his no-hitter intact when New York wins the 1-0 Polo Grounds contest in the tenth, scoring the winning run on a Philadelphia error.
1911 Armando Marsans and Rafael Almeida become the first Cuban natives to appear in a major league game as they debut for the Reds. Almeida strikes out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and Marsans singles in the 8-3 loss to the Cubs at Chicago’s West Side Grounds.
1912 Tiger pitcher George Mullin celebrates the nation’s birthday and his own by throwing a no-hitter against the St. Louis Browns. In addition to his excellent pitching, the 32-year-old also collected three hits and drove in two runs during the 7-0 victory.
1925 In a battle of southpaws at Yankee Stadium, Herb Pennock and Lefty Grove of the A’s hook up in a 15-inning pitchers’ duel, which the Bronx Bombers win, 1-0. Pennock retires the first 18 batters and the last 21 batters he faces.
1932 Bill Dickey punches and breaks Carl Reynolds’s jaw after the Senator outfielder collides with him on a close play at home plate. The American League suspends the Yankee catcher for 30 days and fines him $1,000 for his one-punch fight.
1935 Due to his ‘wandering’ ball, Iola hurler Harold Liell, a 5′ 6½”, 155-pounder with pigeon-toed feet, is called up for a tryout with the Kansas City Blues. The K.C. manager Dutch Zwilling is impressed with the young southpaw’s performance but advises the Greeley, Kansas lad to get more experience, suggesting he play in the Ban Johnson League.
1938 The Phillies move into Shibe Park, located only five blocks away from the team’s former home, splitting a twin bill with the Boston Bees, losing the first game, 10-5, and winning the nightcap, 10-2. The National League franchise decided to abandon the Baker Bowl in the middle of the season for the newer and more spacious home of the A’s, hoping to cut expenses with the clubs sharing the upkeep of the stadium.
1939 “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.” – LOU GEHRIG,speaking to a sold-out crowd at Yankee Stadium. During Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, the Iron Horse’s uniform number 4 will be the first-ever to be retired. Initially too moved to speak, the emotional man of the hour changes his mind when Skipper Joe McCarthy encourages him, setting the stage for baseball’s most iconic speech when he describes himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”*
1939 In a slugfest at Shibe Park, Red Sox third baseman Jim Tabor hits two grand slams in the same game and a third home run in Boston’s 18-12 victory over the A’s. The pair of bases-loaded round-trippers marks only the second time a player has accomplished the feat, both coming in a game against the Philadelphia A’s.
1945 Augie Bergamo bangs out eight hits, helping the Cardinals sweep a twin bill from the Giants, 8-4 and 19-2. The 28-year-old Redbird right fielder collects 11 total bases and drives in eight runs in the Polo Grounds nightcap when he hits three singles, a two-run home run, and a grand slam.
1948 At Fenway Park, the Red Sox snap a 5-5 tie, scoring a record 14 runs in one inning en route to a 19-5 victory over the A’s. During Boston’s seventh-inning barrage, Ted Williams, who makes the last out, faces three different hurlers, an American League first.
1955 In Three-I League action, Keokuk Kernels’ hurler Mudcat Grant hits three home runs in consecutive innings. During his 14-year major league career with seven teams, the right-hander from Lacoochee (FL) will go yard six times.
1961 Appearing as a pinch-hitter, Julio Becquer blasts a two-out ninth-inning grand slam, giving the Twins a dramatic 6-4 walk-off win over the White Sox in the first game of a doubleheader at Metropolitan Stadium. Minnesota sweeps the twin bill when Harmon Killebrew’s only career inside-the-park homer is the difference in the team’s 4-2 victory in the nightcap.
1964 A’s left fielder Manny Jimenez, who didn’t homer in 1963, connects for three accounting for five of the team’s runs in a 6-6 tie with the Orioles. A special Baltimore curfew to permit the fireworks to take place suspends the game after nine innings.
1966 In his first game after being sidelined a week with a fractured cheekbone, Ron Santo sets a franchise record, hitting in his 28th consecutive game. The streak will end when the Cubs’ third baseman is held hitless in the nightcap of the twin bill against Pittsburgh.
1967 Opposing his younger brother, Joe, Phil Niekro goes the distance, getting the victory when the Braves beat the Cubs at Atlanta Stadium, 8-3. Joining Jesse and Virgil Barnes, who opposed one another five times as starters in the 1920s, the Niekros become the second pair of siblings to start in the same major league game.
1969 At Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium, Bob Oliver becomes the first player in Royals’ history to hit a grand slam. The center fielder’s eighth-inning blast comes off Jim Bouton of the Pilots in an eventual 13-2 KC victory.
1970 Brothers Billy and Tony Conigliaro hit home runs in the Red Sox’s 5-1 victory over the Tribe at Fenway Park. The Boston outfielders become the eighth different set of siblings to have homered in the same game, a feat that has occurred only 13 times in major league history.
1972 In front of a large holiday crowd gathered at Shea Stadium for a doubleheader against San Diego, Tom Seaver takes a no-hitter into the ninth inning for the second time in his career. After getting Dave Roberts to ground out to second base, Leron Lee singles up the middle to spoil the no-hit bid of the 27-year-old Mets right-hander, who has to settle for his fourth one-hitter when he induces the next batter to hit into a game-ending double play.
1976 After hitting an apparent grand slam in the top of the second inning, Tim McCarver is credited with only a three-run single when he passes teammate Garry Maddox on the basepaths in the Phillies’ 10-5 victory over the Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. The other baserunners are allowed to score on the Philadelphia catcher’s ‘grand slam single’ because only the player passing his teammate is out, and there were less than two outs.
1977 In the bottom of the sixth at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, 22-year-old Tiger phenom Mark Fidrych, last year’s Rookie of the Year, gets two quick ground ball outs before giving up six runs on six consecutive hits and an intentional walk after throwing a pitch with an unusual motion. The ‘Bird,’ the winner of 6 of 8 decisions this season, will get only four more victories before retiring in 1980 after compiling a 25-11 record before this start.
1977 The Red Sox snap a nine-game losing streak by blasting a record-tying eight home runs in their 9-6 victory over Toronto at Fenway Park. The octet of round-trippers, hit by George Scott (2), Fred Lynn (2), Bernie Carbo, Butch Hobson, Carl Yastrzemski, and Jim Rice, matches the major league mark shared by the 1939 Yankees, 1953 Braves, 1956 Reds, 1961 Giants, and 1963 Twins.
1980 Nolan Ryan, the losing pitcher in the Astros’ 8-1 loss to Cincinnati at Riverfront Stadium, fans Cesar Geronimo in the second inning to record his 3000th career strikeout. The Reds’ outfielder was also Bob Gibson’s 3000th victim in 1974.
1982 Celebrating Independence Day at Mile High Stadium in Denver, 65,666 fans watch an American Association contest and enjoy a giant fireworks display after the game. The gathering is the largest crowd in minor league history.
1983 At Yankee Stadium, southpaw Dave Righetti no-hits the Red Sox to become the first Bronx Bomber left-hander to throw a no-no since George Mogridge accomplished the feat in 1917. The 24-year-old southpaw’s 4-0 gem is the first no-hitter for New York since Don Larsen tossed his perfect game in the 1956 World Series.
1984 At Arlington Stadium, Yankee hurler Phil Niekro strikes out Texas right fielder Larry Parrish to become the ninth major league player to reach the 3,000 strikeout milestone. The 45-year-old knuckleballer, best known for seasons with the Braves, will end his 24-year Hall of Fame career, striking out 3,342 batters.
1985 Keith Hernandez completes the cycle with a single in the twelfth frame of a 19-inning contest with the Braves. The first baseman’s four hits, including a double in the first, a triple in the fourth, and a homer in the eighth inning, contribute to the Mets’ 16-13 early morning victory at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
1985 “If he hits a home run to tie this game, this game will be certified as absolutely the nuttiest in the history of baseball.” – JOHN STERLING, broadcaster for TBS, commenting to his partner Ernie Johnson about Rick Camp’s at-bat. The Mets outlast the Braves, finally winning the game 16-13 in 19 innings, after Rick Camp, a weak-hitting hurler with a .060 average and 83 strikeouts in 167 at-bats, hit an improbable two-strike, two-out homer off Tom Gordon to tie the game in the bottom of the last frame. Shortly after the game ends at 3:55 in the morning, the approximately thousand fans remaining at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium stay to see the pre-dawn fireworks, which awaken and frighten many of the ballpark’s neighbors.
1989 Tom Browning barely misses becoming the first hurler in big-league history to throw two perfect games when Dickie Thon’s leadoff double in the ninth breaks up the Cincinnati southpaw’s bid for perfection. After the Philadelphia shortstop scores on a Steve Jeltz single, John Franco replaces the disappointed pitcher, inducing Lenny Dykstra to hit into a game-ending double play, giving the Reds a 2-1 victory at Veterans Stadium.
1993 Ed Rapuano calls a balk against Marlins’ Matt Turner, resulting in a 4-3 walk-off victory for the Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The home-plate umpire ruled the right-hander started his motion then stopped after being distracted by Deion Sanders faking a break from third base.
1998 🇮🇪 The National Baseball Facility of Ireland, considered the primary home of the Irish National baseball team, officially opens in Corkagh Demesne Park in Clondalkin, West Dublin, when US Ambassador Jean Kennedy throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Dodger owner Peter O’Malley played an instrumental role in constructing the diamonds now known as the Fields of Dreams, which includes a regulation-sized adult field and an international standard Little League field.
1999 Jose Canseco becomes the first player in major league history to hit 30 home runs with four teams. The Devil Rays’ DH reached the mark previously with the A’s (1986), Rangers (1994), and the Blue Jays (1998).
2000 Keith McDonald, going deep three times in only nine plate appearances this season, becomes the third player in Cardinal history to homer in his first career at-bat when he pinch-hits a home run in the team’s 14-3 victory over the Reds at Busch Stadium. Eddie Morgan [1936] and Wally Moon [1954] are the other Redbirds to accomplish the feat.
2001 The Brewers’ new home, Miller Park, continues to be jinxed as a parachutist breaks his ankle when he misses the opening in the retractable roof and lands on a beam several hundred feet off the ground. Another member of the Sky Knights Sports Parachute Club missed the stadium entirely.
2001 The fifty people stranded on the Ferris wheel ride at Comerica Park for two hours during the Kansas City-Detroit game are rescued by firefighters and emergency crews using a cherry picker and a fire truck ladder. The inconvenienced fans will receive tickets to another contest, free dinner, and team autographs from the Tigers.
2003 In a 10-3 victory over New York, the Red Sox score all their runs with the long ball, hitting a record seven home runs off the Yankees. Before today’s Independence Day fireworks, the Bronx Bombers had given up six homers in a game four times, including twice to Boston (1997 and 1977) and the Indians (1970).
2004 The selection of Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Sammy Sosa as starters in the NL All-Stars lineup marks the first time in baseball history in which three players with 500 career home runs have appeared on the same team. The trio will appear in the starting outfield in the 75th All-Star Game in Houston’s Minute Maid Park.
2006 Yankee owner George Steinbrenner’s 76th birthday is less than festive when the Indians provide the fireworks in a 19-1 Independence Day rout over the Bronx Bombers. The win is the Tribe’s most lopsided victory at home since the 1950 team, scoring 14 first-inning runs, beat the Philadelphia A’s at Cleveland Stadium, 21-2.
2006 Nomar Garciaparra ties the major league record for being hit by a pitch in a game as he is plunked three times by three different Diamondback pitchers in a 10-4 Dodger victory. The LA first baseman is the first National Leaguer to equal the mark, literally and figuratively, since April of the 2000 season when Astros outfielder Richard Hidalgo thwacked thrice in a game.
2006 Billy Wagner becomes the 20th pitcher in baseball history to record 300 career saves. The milestone save for the Mets’ southpaw, a former Astros and Phillies, is his sixteenth of the season.
2008 Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki needs 16 stitches to close up a gash in his right palm caused by a maple bat after he pounds it into the ground out of frustration. These bats are under the scrutiny of a major league investigation because they tend to shatter when the hardwood breaks instead of just cracking like the bats made from softer ash.
2009 In his 4,145th big-league at-bat, Adam Dunn hits his 300th career home run in Washington’s 5-3 win over Atlanta at Nationals Park. The 29-year-old left fielder is the fifth quickest player to reach the milestone, behind only Babe Ruth (3,830), Mark McGwire (3,837), Ralph Kiner (3,883), and Harmon Killebrew (3,928).
2011 Shaun Marcum becomes the first Brewer pitcher to hit a grand slam for the franchise since 1969, when Fred Talbot accomplished the feat in the inaugural season of the Seattle Pilots, a year before the team moved to Milwaukee. The 29-year-old right-hander’s first career round-tripper isn’t enough to get a victory when he earns a no-decision in the team’s 8-6 loss to Arizona.
2015 Cincinnati rookie hurler Josh Smith ties a 108-year-old Reds record when he plunks Aramis Ramirez, Jean Segura, Gerardo Parra, and Carlos Gomez in the team’s 7-4 loss against Milwaukee at the Great American Ball Park. The last pitcher to hit four batters in a game was Nationals’ right-hander Livan Hernandez, who accomplished the dubious feat in 2005 against Colorado.
2021 With the selection by his peers to be a hurler in the Midsummer Classic and being the fans’ pick to be the designated hitter in the contest, Angels’ right-hander Shohei Ohtani becomes the first to be an All-Star as both a position player and a pitcher. The 27-year-old will start the Coors Field contest throwing a perfect first inning for the win, going 0-for-2 batting leadoff as the DH in the American League’s 5-2 victory over the Senior Circuit.
BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
MICKEY WELCH
Pitcher
When Mickey Welch reached the 300-win mark on Aug. 11, 1890, only two other pitchers belonged to that exclusive club.
It was a fitting reward for a pitcher who dominated the National League in the 1880s.
Born July 4, 1859, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Welch relied on an assortment of off-speed pitches on the mound. He was able to find continued success using the number of different pitches he had in his artillery – and taking time to understand opposition.
“I studied the hitters and I knew how to pitch to all of them,” Welch said. “I had a pretty good fastball, but I depended chiefly on a change of pace and an assortment of curveballs.”
In his first big league season with the Troy Haymakers in 1880, Welch went 34-30 and threw a total of 574 innings. When the franchise moved to New York in 1883, he pitched the first game in the original Polo Grounds in New York City. Welch also played regularly in the outfield that season.
In 1884 Welch completed 62 of his 65 starts, winning 39 games and fanning a career-high 345 batters. On Aug. 28, 1884, he struck out the first nine Cleveland Blues batters he faced.
A nine-time 20-plus game winner, Welch won 44 games in 1885, including seven by shutout. From July 18 to Sept. 4 of that year, Welch notched 17 consecutive victories with four shutouts and four one-run games. He completed each of the 55 games he started that year and posted a 1.66 ERA.
Teamed up with Tim Keefe, the pair won 76 games for the New York Giants during the 1885 season. Keefe was the only pitcher in the league to have a better ERA than Welch, at 1.58.
Together, the duo was responsible for 61 of New York’s wins in 1888, bringing their team its first pennant. The Giants were once again league champions when Welch went 27-12 in 1889.
Welch recorded 41 total shutouts in his career. He finished with a career record of 307-210 with a 2.71 ERA and 1,850 strikeouts.
Welch also had 492 career hits, and 92 of them were doubles.
Welch was also the first ever major league pinch hitter. On Aug. 10, 1889, he batted for teammate Hank O’Day in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Welch passed away on July 30, 1941. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.
FOOTBALL HISTORY
The July 4, 1968 Ottawa-Citizen provides our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day when it posted its commentary of:
TIME TO DROP IMPORT RULE
The article discusses the plight in Canada where Canadian football players were raising their prices based on supply and demand in the CFL. At the time each of the Canadian Football League franchises were to have no less than 18 Canadians on their active roster. Ottawa Rough Riders head coach at the time, Frank Clair was quoted saying, “I predict that if prices of Canadian players continue to rise then the import rule will go.” According to the CFL.CA website the current import rule reads, “Each team may have a maximum of 46 players, including 2 players who shall be identified as quarterbacks and 44 other players, of whom not more than 20 may be American players.”
SPEAKING OF THE CFL
July 4, 1995 – In the CFL the Birmingham (Alabama) Barracudas played their first game defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 38-10. Unfortunately the squad folded after just one season in the Canadian Football League.
HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 4
July 4, 1912 – Nekoosa, Wisconsin – Edgar Manske the legendary Northwestern end from 1931 to 1933 was born. The National Football Foundation says this player had a lot going for him. He worked his way through college, married a campus beauty queen and was the last man to play football without a helmet. Manske was known to friends and opponents alike as “Eggs.” He played three years at end for Northwestern and was named All-America by United Press in 1933. With no athletic scholarships available in that era, Manske worked his butt off during the school year. He even continued his education after graduation at Northwestern, and he obtained a law degree. The National Football Foundation bio goes on to say that his life was varied after his Northwestern education. He spent 1934, as assistant coach at Boston University, played pro football 1935-1940, and was with the Chicago Bears when they beat Washington 73-0 in the 1940 championship game. That was his last pro game, but he played in 1942, with St. Mary’s Preflight School and was All-Service All-America. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Edgar Manske into their legendary museum in 1989.
July 4, 1929 – Brockton, Massachusetts – Al Davis is the Pro Football Hall of Fame legendary owner of the Oakland and LA Raiders. His famous monicker was “Just win baby.” The man was involved with Pro football for 49 years as not only a franchise owner but also as a personnel director, scout, coach, general manager and even as the AFL’s Commissioner for a time. The only person in history to perform all of those duties! In fact Davis was instrumental in the quick merger of the two Leagues in the late 1960’s putting the NFL on an aggressive upward trajectory. The Al Davis led Raiders had the top record of all professional teams for the period of 1963 to 1991. Davis helped the Raiders to Super Bowl wins XI, XV, XVIII … AFL Coach of the year in 1963. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Al Davis as a contributor in 1992.
July 4, 1942 – New Haven, Connecticut – Syracuse halfback from 1964 to 1966, Floyd Little arrived into the world. This legendary back has a great story as told by the National Football Foundation. At Syracuse he is connected with other great Orange legendary runners, Ernie Davis and Jim Brown as they all wore the special jersey number 44 at the school and in fact it was retired in honor of all three after Little played his last game. Floyd was a three-time All-America halfback who was a specialist as a return man. Little led the nation with 1990 all-purpose yards along with 23.5 yards punt return average as a junior in 1965. He still holds the Syracuse career record with six punt returns for touchdowns. The 1966 ECAC Player of the Year, Little finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting twice. He averaged 5.4 yards as a rusher, 20 yards on punt returns, and 29 yards on kickoff returns. Floyd’s longest punt returns included 90 yards against UCLA and 71 yards against Penn State in 1964; 95 yards against Pittsburgh and 91 against Penn State in 1965. His best rushing games included 216 yards in the 1967 Gator Bowl against Tennessee; 196 against West Virginia in 1965; and 193 against Florida State in 1966. He scored five touchdowns against Kansas in 1964. One of the most amazing facts is that Floyd shared the same Orange backfield as legendary runner Larry Csonka. Floyd Little’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1983. The Pro Football Hall of Fame shares that Little was picked by the Denver Broncos in the 1967 Draft as the sixth overall player selected. The Bronco’s used him mostly as a return specialist at first. As a rookie he led the American Football League in punt returns with a 16.9 average on 16 returns. That first season Floyd scored his only TD in the AFL courtesy of his 72-yard return against the New York Jets. Little also returned a career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards. Over the next couple of years he worked hard to enhance his pro rushing skills and by his third season Denver gave him more carries. Little rose to the challenge too as he averaged a league-high and career best 5.0 yards per carry. In 1971, he became the first 1,000-yard rusher in Denver Broncos history. Floyd then went on and won the NFL rushing title that year as he finished with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and scored 6 touchdowns! Floyd Little was also enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 2010 class.
July 4, 1943 – Augusta, Georgia – Maryland Eastern Shore’s halfback from 1962 to 1965, Emerson Boozer claimed his date of birth. The NFF says in Emerson’s bio that he was a two-time First Team All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier, Boozer amassed 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career. He averaged a remarkable 6.78 yards per carry and was named a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All- Conference pick in 1964 and ’65. Emerson Boozer received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Boozer played professionally in both the AFL and the NFL for the NY Jets. He won a ring in Super Bowl III when the Jets defeated the Colts.
July 4, 1953 – Inglewood, California – Bob Breunig who was a 1972 to 1974 standout Arizona State linebacker was born. The NFF tells us that Bob was a First Team All-American in 1974. Breunig finished his career as Arizona State’s all-time leader with 353 tackles and a stellar 206 solo tackles placing him in the school’s top ten for both. Breunig was named Arizona State’s MVP in 1974, and he appeared in the Coaches All-America Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl following his senior season. The standout linebacker played with College Football Hall of Famers Michael Haynes, John Jefferson and Danny White during one of the most successful runs in school history as the Sun Devils had consecutive Fiesta Bowl wins and WAC titles in 1972 and 1973. Bob Breunig was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015 after the National Football Foundation tabulated up their votes. Bob was taken in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise according to the NFF. He became a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Cowboys in tackles for four seasons and was a part in helping the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances and a win in Super Bowl XII.
July 4, 1962 – LeFlore County, Mississippi – Mississippi Valley State Quarterback from the seasons of 1982 through 1985, Willie Totten arrived into this life. In his National Football Foundation Bio, Totten is described as “The Satellite.” Willie’s college career was definitely in outer orbit as he is the Division I-AA’s all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984). He twice led the nation in passing efficiency. Five times in Totten’s career he passed for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard performance in 1984 against Prairie View. Willie’s favorite receiver, well he is a guy by the name of Jerry Rice. Ever hear of him? These two teamed up to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Willie earned First Team All-America status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time single-season touchdown passes mark with 56 for all divisions of the nation’s colleges. He had a brief professional career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues and then went back to his studies earning his master’s degree from Grambling before becoming the head football coach at his alma mater in 2001. The National Football Foundation selected Willie Totten for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
LANCE ALWORTH
Position: Halfback
Years: 1959-1961
Place of Birth: Houston, TX
Date of Birth: Aug 3, 1940
Jersey Number: 23
Height: 6-0
Weight: 178
High School: Brookhaven, MS (Brookhaven HS)
Lance “Bambi” Alworth was an all-around athlete in high school in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He became the first University of Arkansas athlete to win letters in three sports in the same school year. He was a star in track, running the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds; in baseball, as a leader in stolen bases; and in football, as All-America halfback in 1961. He played offense and defense, returned kicks, and did the team’s punting. He led the nation in punt returns in 1960 and 1961; his career average on punt returns was 13.5 yards. His longest returns were 67 and 49 yards. In his three years, Arkansas was Southwest Conference undisputed champion once, co- champion twice, and played in the Cotton, Sugar, and Gator Bowls. He was named the outstanding back in the Cotton Bowl after the 1960 season and the outstanding player in the Hula Bowl, an all-star game, after the 1961 season. In 1961- 62 he was voted the outstanding amateur athlete in the state of Arkansas. He was president of his senior class, Academic All-America in 1961, and winner of the Southwest Conference Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, he was offered baseball contracts by the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees but opted for pro football. He played for the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys 1962-72 as a wide receiver. He scored 87 touchdowns and ranked fourth in all- time yardage as a pass receiver when he retired. Alworth was from an athletic family; his sister Anne was a high school sprinter on the track team. Lance stood 6 feet tall, weighed 178. As a rookie in pro football in 1962, he picked up a nickname, Bambi. Teammates said he had big brown eyes, could run like Bambi, a leaping deer in fiction. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
SPORTS NUMBERS
5 – 4
July 4, 1905 – When two Titans of the baseball mound squared off you just had know something epic had to come out of it, and it did. Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitchers Rube Waddell for the Philadelphia Athletics’s and ace Cy Young of the Boston Americans matched-up in 20-inning classic. Philadelphia win, 4-2. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Website called it the Game of the Ages, and there is no disputing that. Each star hurler tossed between 250 and 300 pitches in the extra inning contest. One would thing that was a long day and it was, but it wasn’t even the first game played that day between these two clubs, it was the second of a double header! According to National Baseball Hall of Fame Website it went something like this, “
In game one of the scheduled doubleheader, Waddell came on with one out in the ninth inning to preserve a 5-2 Athletics lead, earning a save by today’s rules. In the second game, the lanky and zany (some would say crazy) left-hander started off a bit shaky, allowing two runs in the bottom of the first. A’s first baseman Harry Davis tied things up with a two-run homer off Cy Young in the sixth inning. Then followed 13 innings of scoreless baseball as Waddell and Young went toe-to-toe. On several occasions the Americans got men to third base, but Waddell would work his way out of the jam each time. Philadelphia had its moments as well, but Young was able to beat them back.” How is that for some fireworks on Independence Day!
July 4, 1908 – New York Giants pitcher George “Hooks” Wiltse tossed a fabulous no-hit performance against the Philadelphia Phillies, in 10 innings for a 1-0 victory.
July 4, 1911 – Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh stopped the 40-game hitting streak of one Mr. Ty Cobb as the hitting legend went 0 for 4 in a 7-3 win for the Sox over Detroit Tigers at Bennett Park.
July 4, 1939 – The Red Sox 3rd baseman Jim Tabor, wearing Number 5 hit a record-tying two grand slams in one MLB game, 18-12 win versus the Phillies of Philadelphia.
July 4, 1939 – Lou Gehrig became the first MLB player to have his Number 4 retired on his “Appreciation Day” at Yankee Stadium. During the ceremonies the former Yankee star suffering from a debilitating disease made the iconic “luckiest man” speech.
July 4, 1950 – Boston Braves hitter wearing Number 4, Sid Gordon tied an MLB single season grand slam record of 4 base cleaners with a bases loaded hit vs Phillies
TV TUESDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Cincinnati at Washington | 11:05am | MLBN MASN/2 Bally Sports |
| Baltimore at NY Yankees | 1:05pm | MLBN MASN/2 YES |
| St. Louis at Miami | 1:10pm | MLBN Bally Sports |
| Texas at Boston | 1:35pm | Bally Sports NESN |
| Kansas City at Minnesota | 2:10pm | Bally Sports |
| Seattle at San Francisco | 4:05pm | NBCS-BAY Root Sports |
| Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee | 4:10pm | MARQ Bally Sports |
| Colorado at Houston | 4:10pm | ATTSN-RM ATTSN-SW |
| NY Mets at Arizona | 4:10pm | MLBN SNY Bally Sports |
| Philadelphia at Tampa Bay | 4:10pm | MLBN NBCS-PHI Bally Sports |
| Oaklnad at Detroit | 6:40pm | NBCS-CA Bally Sports |
| LA Angels at San Diego | 6:40pm | Bally Sports |
| Atlanta at Cleveland | 7:10pm | Bally Sports |
| Toronto at Chi. White Sox | 8:10pm | Sportsnet NBCS-CHI |
| Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers | 9:10pm | ATTSN- PIT Spectrum |
| SOCCER MATCHES | TIME ET | TV |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup: Canada vs Cuba | 6:30pm | FS1 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup: TBD vs Guatemala | 6:30pm | FS2 |
| MLS: Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew | 7:30pm | Apple TV |
| MLS: Orlando City SC vs Toronto FC | 7:30pm | Apple TV |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup: Panama vs El Salvador | 8:30pm | FS2 |
| MLS: Dallas vs DC United | 8:30pm | Apple TV |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs TBD | 9:00pm | FS1 |
| MLS: Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers | 9:30pm | Apple TV |
| MLS: Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers | 10:30pm | Apple TV |