Sports
MLB roundup: Yankees, mourning John Sterling's death, rout Orioles
May 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; The New York Yankees honor radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer in the first inning, drove in four runs and reached base three times as the New York Yankees completed a four-game sweep of the visiting Baltimore Orioles by pulling away for a 12-1 victory on Monday.
The Yankees won for the 14th time in 16 games and just hours after longtime radio announcer John Sterling died. Sterling called games for 36 years until retiring after the 2024 season, and the Yankees conducted a moment of silence and laid a wreath at home plate before the game.
Judge gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead when he lifted a full-count curveball from Shane Baz (1-3) into the New York bullpen in right-center. It was Judge’s 14th homer of the season, tied for the major league lead, and 11th in his past 21 games. It was also Judge’s 53rd homer in 124 career games against the Orioles.
New York’s Cam Schlittler (5-1) allowed one run on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. Baz was tagged for six runs, five earned, on five hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Dodgers 8, Astros 3
Alex Freeland and Kyle Tucker homered in support of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who worked six quality innings as Los Angeles won the opener of a three-game interleague series in Houston.
Freeland keyed a two-run second inning with his long ball, and Tucker ignited a four-run third by leading off that frame with his blast. The Dodgers did that damage against Ryan Weiss (0-3), who yielded seven runs, six earned, on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Yamamoto (3-2) allowed three runs on five hits. Will Smith had three hits, including two doubles, and Freeland also collected three hits.
Cubs 5, Reds 4
Pinch hitter Michael Conforto’s walk-off solo home run capped a two-run, ninth-inning rally and sent host Chicago past Cincinnati.
Conforto hammered a 3-2 fastball from Reds closer Emilio Pagan (2-1) into the seats in left-center field, giving the Cubs their sixth straight win.
Pete Crow-Armstrong opened the bottom of the ninth with a triple. Pagan struck out Dansby Swanson, but Nico Hoerner hit a deep fly ball to left field for a game-tying sacrifice fly. Conforto then ended the game. Ryan Rolison (2-0) struck out all three batters he faced in the top of the ninth.
Angels 6, White Sox 0
Munetaka Murakami had three hits, scored three runs and smacked his 14th homer to back Davis Martin as Chicago shut out Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.
Miguel Vargas also homered to help the White Sox beat the Angels for the fourth time in eight days and win for the sixth time in seven games. Martin (5-1) gave up five hits and struck out a career-high 10 in seven innings.
Angels starter Jose Soriano (5-2) permitted five runs and eight hits over four innings, losing to the White Sox for the second time in as many starts. Nolan Schanuel and Travis d’Arnaud had two hits apiece for Los Angeles, which has lost 13 of its past 15 games.
Mets 4, Rockies 2
Carson Benge homered in the sixth inning to break up Tomoyuki Sugano’s no-hit bid, five New York pitchers combined to fan 11, and the Mets beat Colorado in Denver.
David Peterson (1-4), the third New York pitcher, fanned six in four innings. Devin Williams pitched a hitless ninth inning up his fourth save.
Mickey Moniak doubled and tripled to extend his hitting streak to 17 games and Jordan Beck tripled for Colorado, which has dropped the first four on its six-game homestand.
Phillies 1, Marlins 0
Aaron Nola tossed six scoreless innings and Bryce Harper homered to lift visiting Philadelphia over Miami in the finale of a four-game series. Nola (2-3) logged his best start of 2026, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five in a crisp 94-pitch effort.
Harper took care of the offense, going 3-for-4 and homering in the third inning. Brad Keller allowed two baserunners in the ninth but logged his second save as the Phillies improved to 6-1 since Don Mattingly took over as interim manager.
Marlins starter Janson Junk (2-3) allowed one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Jakob Marsee and Kyle Stowers each recorded two singles.
Rays 5, Blue Jays 1
Ryan Vilade stroked his first homer Tampa Bay, a three-run shot in the first inning, as the Rays beat visiting Toronto in St. Petersburg, Fla., for their fourth straight win.
Jonathan Aranda went 3-for-4 and is 9-for-13 in his past three games for the Rays, and Taylor Walls delivered a two-run single. Nick Martinez (3-1) tossed five innings of one-run ball on five hits.
Blue Jays starter Eric Lauer (1-4) allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in Toronto’s lone run with a third-inning single, and rookie Yohendrick Pinango had his second three-hit outing in three games.
Red Sox 5, Tigers 4
Jarren Duran blasted a go-ahead three-run homer, Payton Tolle recorded his first major league win and Boston held off host Detroit.
The homer from Duran, one of his three hits, highlighted a five-run seventh. Marcelo Mayer added two hits and drove in a run. Tolle (1-1) gave up two unearned runs and just one hit in seven innings while striking out eight. He walked one batter in an efficient 83-pitch effort. Aroldis Chapman notched his seventh save.
Dillon Dingler produced a two-run double for Detroit, one of only three Tiger hits. Ricky Vanasco (0-1) was charged with four runs after recording only two outs.
Royals 6, Guardians 2
Bobby Witt Jr.’s solo homer ignited a four-run fourth inning, Michael Wacha threw seven innings of two-run ball and Kansas City won its fourth straight game, beating visiting Cleveland.
Vinnie Pasquantino added two hits with an RBI for the Royals, who overcame an early 2-0 hole to win for the ninth time in 12 games after losing eight in a row. Wacha (3-2) got back on track from yielding 10 runs over 10 1/3 innings while losing each of his previous two starts.
Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-5), who entered 4-0 in nine career starts vs. Kansas City, didn’t allow a hit until the fourth, but exited after the inning having allowed four runs on five hits. He threw 39 of his 77 pitches in the fourth inning.
Cardinals 6, Brewers 3
Ivan Herrera hit a three-run double, JJ Wetherholt drove in two and host St. Louis defeated Milwaukee.
Herrera, Wetherholt, Victor Scott II and Nolan Gorman had two hits each for the Cardinals, who have won seven of their past eight games. Kyle Leahy (4-3) allowed a run and six hits in 5 1/3 innings, and Riley O’Brien got the final two outs for his 10th save.
Brice Turang (3-for-5, two RBIs) homered and Jackson Chourio went 4-for-4 with two doubles and a walk in his first five plate appearances of 2026 for the Brewers, who lost their second straight. Milwaukee starter Chad Patrick (2-2) gave up four runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Mariners 5, Braves 4
Luke Raley and J.P. Crawford homered in a five-run sixth inning as Seattle rallied to defeat visiting Atlanta in the opener of a three-game interleague series.
The Mariners snapped a three-game skid and halted Atlanta’s three-game winning streak on a night all nine runs scored via the long ball. The major-league-leading Braves lost for just the fourth time in the past 19 games.
Mariners starter Logan Gilbert (2-3) got the victory despite allowing four solo home runs. The right-hander gave up four runs on six hits over six innings. Braves reliever Tyler Kinley (3-2) was charged with two runs in his lone inning.
Giants 3, Padres 2
Minor league call-up Trevor McDonald allowed just two hits in seven innings, Casey Schmitt homered and San Francisco opened a six-game homestand with a victory over San Diego.
Rafael Devers drove in Luis Arraez twice, with a single and a sacrifice fly, teaming with Schmitt to produce all of the offense as the Giants snapped a six-game losing streak. McDonald (1-0) permitted one run in his first big-league appearance of the year.
After Jackson Merrill hit McDonald’s sixth pitch for a solo home run, the Giants immediately countered with a pair of runs in the last of the first inning to take a lead they never relinquished. Padres starter Randy Vasquez (3-1) gave up three runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Reeling Red Sox draw Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for second time in '26
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Tarik Skubal racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts against Boston last month. The Red Sox have the misfortune of facing the two-time Cy Young Award winner in the opener of a three-game series in Detroit on Monday night.
Skubal held the Red Sox to one run and four hits in six innings on April 18 while recording his most recent victory. Skubal (3-2, 2.70 ERA) deserved a better fate in his last outing when he gave up just two runs in seven innings at Atlanta. The Braves pulled out a 4-3 win when Tigers closer Kenley Jansen gave up a walk-off home run.
In the seventh, Skubal gave his team a big scare when he took off his glove and rubbed his forearm after throwing a fastball. Following a mound visit by manager A.J. Hinch and a trainer, Skubal remained in the game and struck out the side.
“I don’t really know how to explain it,” Skubal said. “I just needed a little bit of time. Whatever happened, I just needed a little bit of time and the symptoms I experienced on that one throw went away. Obviously, I felt better after that.”
There were no lingering effects since that start.
“It’s all systems go for tomorrow,” Hinch said on Sunday.
Both runs Skubal allowed last week came in the first inning.
“It looked like he got better as the game went on,” Hinch said. “It looked like his stuff got a little better and his execution got a little better and we really played good defense. It’s what you need to do behind Tarik. (Atlanta) is a high-contact team and you’ve got to make plays and we did. He put us in a position to win.”
Skubal is 3-2 with a 4.33 ERA in six career starts against the Red Sox.
Left-hander Payton Tolle (0-1, 3.38 ERA) will be making his third start of the season for Boston. The 23-year-old appeared in seven games last season.
Tolle sparkled in his season debut on April 23, holding the New York Yankees to one run in six innings while piling up 11 strikeouts. He wound up with a no-decision.
In his second start, Tolle gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings to Toronto on Tuesday. He had control problems in that contest, issuing four walks.
“Just didn’t feel myself,” Tolle said. “Really thought I was pressing a little too hard on myself. Even (fellow starting pitcher) Connelly (Early) came in here and said, ‘Hey, you look like you’re beating yourself up.’ So, definitely felt like I got in my own way (Tuesday).”
Tolle relied heavily on fastballs against the Blue Jays and his velocity dropped toward the end of his outing.
“It wasn’t like he was soft-tossing, but it was something we were aware of going into the game,” interim manager Chad Tracy said.
Tolle pitched an inning of scoreless relief against the Tigers last season.
The reeling Red Sox have lost four of their last five games. Boston left 13 runners on base in a 3-1, 10-inning loss to Houston at home Sunday.
Detroit has won all five of its home series. It took two of three from Texas this weekend.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Yankees out to continue offensive onslaught, sweep O's
Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are experiencing virtually no difficulties making contact and piling up big numbers against the Baltimore Orioles.
After a trio of blowout wins, the Yankees seek another productive showing at the plate Monday night when they host the Orioles in the finale of a four-game series.
The Yankees are 13-2 in their past 15 games after pulling away for an 11-3 rout on Sunday afternoon. New York has outscored the Orioles 27-9 in the series, has won the past eight meetings, is 11-1 over the past 12 encounters, and is attempting to complete a four-game sweep of Baltimore at home for the first time since Sept. 11-13, 2020.
During this series, the Yankees have collected 37 hits, 16 walks and gone 12-for-28 with runners in scoring position. New York blasted three more homers Sunday as Ben Rice homered in the first inning, Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer in the third and Jasson Dominguez started a seven-run eighth with a two-run homer.
Rice exited Sunday’s game with a bruised left hand after fielding a pickoff throw at first base from Max Fried in the third inning. Rice is day-to-day after X-rays were negative, and if he gets the game off, Paul Goldschmidt would start at first base after getting a two-run single in the big inning.
“We still got to finish the job tomorrow,” Rice said. “So, the team’s in a good spot. So, we just got to stay with it. Stay with it, it’s super early but of course we like where we’re at.”
The Orioles are getting outscored 38-14 during a four-game losing streak since hitting two grand slams in a 10-3 win over the Houston Astros in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday. Baltimore has dropped 12 of its past 18 games after its relievers conceded eight runs on Sunday.
After getting seven hits in the first two games, the Orioles finished with nine Sunday but eight of those hits were singles. Baltimore has 22 hits during its four-game skid while striking out 43 times in that span.
Gunnar Henderson was not in the Orioles’ lineup for the first time this season but is expected to return after being available as a pinch hitter Sunday. Pete Alonso went 2-for-4 on Sunday but Adley Rutschman is hitless in his past 12 at-bats.
“For me it’s at a crucial point where what team do you want to be?” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “We can fold up and just think everything will turn around just by itself or we’re going to put the work in and really make this happen. I feel like with those guys in the clubhouse, it’ll be the latter. These guys will put the work in.”
Cam Schlittler (4-1, 1.51 ERA), who is holding hitters to a .168 batting average, closes the series for the Yankees.
Schlittler is attempting to produce consecutive scoreless starts for the second time this season and third time since debuting July 9. Schlittler has allowed one earned run in his past 20 innings over his last three starts since allowing three runs apiece against the A’s and Tampa Bay on April 7 and 12.
Schlittler last pitched Tuesday when he outdueled Jacob deGrom by allowing three hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-2 win at Texas.
The right-hander is 1-0 with a 0.73 ERA in two starts against Baltimore.
Shane Baz (1-2, 4.50) pitches for the Orioles and is coming off his first win for his new team. Baz last pitched in Tuesday’s 5-3 win over the Houston Astros and allowed one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings after allowing 11 runs over his previous three starts.
Baz is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in six career starts against the Yankees.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Taylor Hall's overtime strike propels Hurricanes past Flyers
May 4, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) with goaltender Dan Vladar (80) goes to clear the puck away from Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Taylor Hall scored the overtime winning goal to give the host Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday in Raleigh, N.C.
Nikolaj Ehlers scored once and added an assist, while Seth Jarvis tallied once for the Hurricanes, who lead the Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-0.
With time ticking down in the first overtime period, Hall drove to the net during a rush led by Sean Walker, had his first attempt stopped, but during the ensuing scramble pounced on a loose puck and got it past Flyer goalkeeper Dan Vladar at 18:54 of overtime.
It was Hall’s first career playoff overtime goal during his seven seasons of post-season play.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen make 34 saves for the Hurricanes, who erased an early two-goal deficit. Jackson Blake collected a pair of assists.
Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier tallied for the Flyers, while Vladar stopped 39 shots.
The Flyers had a golden chance to win with an early overtime power play but could not convert.
The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday.
The Flyers competed much better than in the series-opening 3-0 loss.
Drysdale’s power-play goal opened the scoring at 4:02. Amidst a flurry at the net, the puck came out to the high slot and Drysdale stepped in from his point position to bury the chance.
The score marked the first time during this year’s playoffs that Carolina has trailed in a game.
It was also Philadelphia’s first goal during the opening period of the playoffs, and the first time the Hurricanes surrendered a goal in the first period.
Couturier doubled the lead 39 seconds later with his first tally of the playoffs. From behind the net, Carl Grundstrom slipped a pass to the top the crease and Couturier was on the spot to slip home the chance.
That sparked the Hurricanes and they were rewarded when Ehlers netted his first goal of the playoffs with a power-play tally of his own. Ehlers set up at right face-off dot and hammered a one-timer set up by Blake and K’Andre Miller at 10:21 of the first period.
Jarvis tied the clash with 8:39 remaining in regulation time, joining an odd-man rush and finding the mark after a drop pass from Ehlers as he reached the right circle.
Carolina outshot the visitors, 35-21, through 60 minutes, but the Flyers pumped 15 shots on goal to eight for the Hurricanes in overtime.
–Field Level Media
Reeling Red Sox draw Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for second time in '26
Yankees out to continue offensive onslaught, sweep O's
