Sports
Astros, Red Sox eye series win after tough first month
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) celebrates a home run against the Boston Red Sox with shortstop Carlos Correa (1) during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Houston Astros are not used to looking up in the American League West standings.
While their first two games of a three-game road set against the Boston Red Sox have been a microcosm of an up-and-down season, a series win will be on the line when the teams return to the field on Sunday afternoon.
After being held in check in a 3-1 series-opening loss, the Astros looked like themselves on Saturday. Home runs by Brice Matthews and Christian Walker among the team’s 12 hits supported starter Spencer Arrighetti in a 6-3 win.
“That was a great baseball game,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Saturday’s bounce-back victory. “Spencer really grinded through five innings. … We played really good defense. We turned some big double plays. I thought it was a really good team win.”
Saturday ended with some uncertainty for the Astros, though, as Walker was hit in the head by a Tyler Samaniego fastball and exited in the ninth inning.
“That’s always not a great situation, but I feel OK,” Walker said after a 3-for-4 day with two RBIs. “I think the helmet took most of it and turning away from (the pitch) hopefully made it more of a glancing blow than straight impact.”
With Houston trying to overcome injuries to Cristian Javier and Tatsuya Imai, Espada had not determined a Sunday starter before the series, and had his internal plan altered because of the flow of Saturday’s win.
Kai-Wei Teng was slated to start Sunday before throwing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief Saturday. Instead, Cody Bolton (0-1, 5.79 ERA) will get the ball for his fifth appearance and third start of the season in the finale.
“He’s a weapon,” Espada said of Teng. “Going into the game, we wanted to use him (Sunday) as the starter, but he’s also that bridge to our late-inning guys.”
Bolton allowed two runs in both of his starts, though one was as a one-inning opener. The right-hander last pitched the closing inning of Thursday’s doubleheader nightcap against the Baltimore Orioles.
Additionally, right-hander Ryan Weiss was set to rejoin the Astros in time for Sunday’s game after a stint on the paternity list.
Saturday continued Boston’s mixed bag of results under interim manager Chad Tracy, marking its third loss in four games since a three-game win streak.
Houston scored a first-inning run off Connelly Early and eventually built a 6-0 lead. In the end, the Red Sox dropped to 2-19 when their starting pitcher tosses fewer than six innings and 2-14 when their opponent scores first, failing to capitalize three times with the bases loaded.
“I think if you’re looking at positives, we created a ton of traffic, which is what we’ve talked about here,” Tracy said. “We want to give ourselves chances, right? We gave ourselves a lot of chances. When you get some of those, if you can pop a double or execute, it changes things.”
Wilyer Abreu (2-for-3, RBI) was a bright spot, reaching base four times.
Boston left-hander Ranger Suarez (2-2, 3.09) looks to break a winless career mark against Houston and build upon his second eight-inning outing of the season in three starts.
Suarez dominated the Blue Jays during his Monday start in Toronto, using his entire arsenal to strike out 10 while allowing just one hit and one walk across eight shutout frames.
“When I’m able to command my four-seam and my sinker, I think that opens the door for my secondary pitches to get swings and misses,” he said.
Suarez is 0-3 with a 6.60 ERA in three career starts against the Astros.
–Field Level Media
Sports
MLB roundup: Marlins ride Eury Perez's 7 perfect innings to wild win over A's
Jul 5, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (39) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Eury Perez dominated with seven perfect innings and the Miami Marlins slugged four homers before holding on for a wild 9-8 victory over the Athletics to complete a three-game sweep Sunday at West Sacramento, Calif.
The Marlins immediately lost the perfect game and no-hitter in the eighth inning once Perez was pulled, as Lake Bachar walked Lawrence Butler and gave up a single to Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. Jonah Heim belted a grand slam and had a career-high six RBIs as the A’s clawed back from down 8-0.
Trailing 9-5, Zack Gelof singled off Pete Fairbanks to start the ninth and Butler followed with a double. Gelof scored on a passed ball by Joe Mack before Fairbanks retired two batters. Fairbanks then walked Max Muncy, who moved to second on defensive indifference, and Heim delivered a two-run single. But Brian Serven grounded out to end the contest.
Right-hander Perez (5-6) struck out eight while throwing 92 pitches. It’s the third time the 23-year-old has pitched seven innings in his career. Heriberto Hernandez reached base five times on three hits and two walks, including two homers, and Otto Lopez had three hits, one homer and three RBIs for Miami to raise his major league-best average to .346.
Mets 10, Braves 9
Nolan McLean settled down after a rocky start to throw six solid innings and visiting New York survived an improbable ninth-inning comeback to beat Atlanta and end a three-game losing streak.
Mets reliever Luke Weaver extended his streak of scoreless innings to 25 with a perfect eighth, but Huascar Brazoban could not hold a 10-3 lead. He allowed five runs, including a grand slam to Drake Baldwin, and forced the Mets to bring in closer Devin Williams to get the final two outs.
Bo Bichette had three hits and three RBIs, while A.J. Ewing and Tyrone Taylor had solo homers for New York. Michael Harris II drove in three runs for the Braves.
Pirates 11, Nationals 5
Konnor Griffin’s two-run single in the eighth inning provided the go-ahead runs as visiting Pittsburgh recorded a win over Washington to claim the series rubber match.
Brandon Lowe hit a three-run homer to cap off the Pirates’ five-run frame. Bryan Reynolds added a solo shot and Nick Gonzales had three hits for Pittsburgh. Gregory Soto (5-2) earned the win in relief, allowing one hit and one run over two innings. Starter Bubba Chandler gave up four runs on six hits over four innings.
Luis Garcia Jr. was 2-for-5 with a two-run homer and Dylan Crews added a solo shot for the Nationals. Brad Lord (5-2) was tagged for all five Pirates runs in the eighth. Cade Cavalli lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits.
Reds 3, Orioles 2
Spencer Steer hit a two-run home run to help Cincinnati end a six-game home losing skid and salvage the finale of the three-game series.
Reds starter Nick Lodolo (3-2) gave up six hits and one run on 87 pitches in six innings. Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan gave up a run in the ninth before nailing down his seventh save. It was his second outing since coming off the IL with a hamstring strain. The right-hander’s last save chance was May 4 and his last save was April 17.
Orioles starter Kyle Bradish (5-9) gave up five hits and three runs while coming up one out short of a complete game. The right-hander walked one and struck out five in 106 pitches.
White Sox 7, Guardians 6
Braden Montgomery scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning on a Sam Antonacci groundout, lifting Chicago past host Cleveland for the victory and a one-game lead over the host squad in the American League Central.
White Sox bulk reliever Erick Fedde (4-6) worked 5 1/3 innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits. Sean Newcomb recorded the last five outs for his third save. Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel each hit two-run homers and Tristan Peters had a solo shot against Guardians starter Tanner Bibee.
Cleveland’s Colin Holderman (4-2) failed to retire a hitter in the sixth and was charged with the loss when Erik Sabrowski induced Antonacci’s groundout. Gabriel Arias belted a three-run shot for the Guardians in the fifth off Fedde, after Chase DeLauter had a two-run homer and Daniel Schneemann added an RBI single in the first.
Twins 6, Yankees 1
Joe Ryan pitched seven scoreless innings and visiting Minnesota rolled to a victory over New York to win its first road series against the Yankees since 2014.
Ryan (6-5) allowed three singles in his fourth scoreless start this season. Brooks Lee had three hits and an RBI after entering the game hitless in his previous 10 at-bats. All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton exited in the first inning after aggravating a hip injury.
Ryan Weathers (3-7) allowed four runs on six hits in four-plus innings for the Yankees, who have lost nine of their last 10 games. New York scored its lone run on a double-play grounder by Jasson Dominguez in the ninth.
Cubs 6, Cardinals 4
Chicago rallied for four runs in the sixth inning and avoided a sweep against visiting St. Louis.
Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad held St. Louis scoreless through 4 2/3 innings, giving up just two hits and two walks. His Cardinals counterpart, Matthew Liberatore (4-6), allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in five-plus innings. Chicago reliever Drew Pomeranz (1-3) earned the decision and Jacob Webb collected this third save.
Pete Crow-Armstrong was the lone Cub with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Nico Hoerner (1-for-3) drove in two runs. Jordan Walker hit his 20th home run of the season and drove in all four St. Louis runs.
Astros 2, Rays 0
Peter Lambert carried a shutout into the sixth inning while Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes clubbed home runs as Houston claimed the rubber match of a three-game home series against Tampa Bay with a victory.
Lambert (7-5) rebounded from his first loss in seven starts by allowing three singles over 5 2/3 innings. Three left-handed Astros relievers combined for the four-hit shutout, keeping the Rays 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. With his fourth-inning homer, Walker has reached 20 home runs in each of the last five seasons.
Tampa Bay right-hander Mason Englert (0-2) was called up from Triple-A Durham for a spot start and delivered career highs of innings pitched (5 2/3), strikeouts (nine) and pitches (101). He allowed two runs on five hits and one walk.
Brewers 3, Diamondbacks 2
Jake Bauers blasted a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning and Milwaukee held on for a win against Arizona in the rubber game of their three-game series in Phoenix.
Jackson Chourio had two hits for the Brewers, who have won five of seven. Milwaukee starter Brandon Sproat allowed one run and five hits over four innings.
Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3) brought a shutout into the seventh inning before he was victimized by Bauers. He allowed two runs on five hits in six-plus innings. Geraldo Perdomo had three hits and scored a run for Arizona, which has lost three of four.
Tigers 6, Rangers 3
Riley Greene had a two-run homer and two-run triple among three hits, leading Detroit to a victory over Texas in Arlington, Texas.
Kevin McGonigle supplied two hits and scored a run as the Tigers completed their road trip with a 5-1 record. Dillon Dingler added a run-scoring single and scored a run. Starter Casey Mize (4-5) allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Jake Burger and Ezequiel Duran hit solo homers for the Rangers. Brandon Nimmo drove in the other Texas run. Kumar Rocker (2-7) was charged with three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Royals 5, Phillies 2
Luinder Avila allowed one run over five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. posted two hits with two runs and Salvador Perez delivered a late two-run double as Kansas City evened its three-game set against visiting Philadelphia.
The Royals led 3-2 in the eighth when Witt and Lane Thomas each walked, then both scored on Perez’s two-out double to the left field wall.
Phillies starter Aaron Nola (3-6) overcame a rocky beginning to last a season-high seven innings. The right-hander gave up three runs and seven hits while striking out seven without a walk. Bryson Stott had two of the five hits.
Rockies 7, Giants 6
Kyle Karros crushed a three-run, go-ahead home run in the eighth inning, rallying Colorado past San Francisco to take the rubber game of a three-game set in Denver.
Four Rockies relievers combined for four innings of four-hit relief, allowing for the comeback after the Giants had gone ahead 6-4 in the sixth inning. Victor Vodnik (3-3) threw a scoreless eighth and Jordan Romano recorded his fifth save. TJ Rumfield had three hits and scored twice, while Hunter Goodman added two singles in an 11-hit attack.
San Francisco’s Drew Gilbert finished 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, while Rafael Devers slugged two homers and Casey Schmitt one, all off Colorado starter Tanner Gordon. Dylan Smith (0-1) yielded Karros’ game-winning blast.
Mariners 4, Blue Jays 0
Emerson Hancock pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and Mitch Garver homered as host Seattle shut out Toronto for the second straight game to take two of three in their weekend series.
The Blue Jays were held without a run for the final 24 innings of the set. Toronto scored twice in the third inning of a 2-0 victory Friday before being routed 11-0 Saturday. Right-hander Hancock (6-4) finished with five strikeouts in a 92-pitch effort.
Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage (4-4) allowed three runs on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in six innings. Nathan Lukes and recently announced All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement accounted for Toronto’s three hits.
Padres 5, Dodgers 2
Manny Machado hit a three-run home run and JP Sears (2-1) went five scoreless innings as visiting San Diego snapped a season-worst eight-game losing streak with a win over Los Angeles.
Fernando Tatis Jr. had an RBI single in a four-run seventh inning as the Padres avoided a four-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. The losing streak was San Diego’s longest since a 10-game skid in 2013. Mason Miller pitched the ninth to collect his 22nd save after not recording one since June 22.
Los Angeles right-hander Kyle Hurt was tagged for four runs in his lone inning of work after starter Emmet Sheehan (4-6) gave up one run over 4 1/3 innings. Alex Freeland and Shohei Ohtani had RBI singles among the team’s four hits.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Neymar says career with Brazil 'over' after loss to Norway
July 5, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; Brazil’s Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images Neymar’s legendary career for Brazil is over, the forward said following the 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16 game on Sunday.
The 34-year-old was emotional in an interview with TV Globo as he was in tears at the conclusion of the match in East Rutherford, N.J., where he scored Brazil’s lone goal on a penalty kick in stoppage time.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said.
He had made his first international appearance for Brazil in a friendly against the United States on April 10, 2010, at MetLife Stadium, the same venue as on Sunday, and scored in his debut.
Neymar, if he indeed retires from suiting up for Brazil, finishes as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals. The legendary Pele, who recorded 77, was the only Brazilian in four World Cups before Neymar matched him on Sunday.
Cafu had 142 appearances for Brazil, with Neymar’s 130 second on the all-time list.
Neymar’s previous goal for Brazil came in 2023, the last time he played for the national team. Injuries have played a major part as he tore his ACL in 2023 and missed Brazil’s first two group-stage games at the 2026 World Cup because of a right calf injury.
He entered as a substitute and played 15 minutes against Scotland on June 24 and came on the field in the 67th minute for the match Sunday against Norway.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Red Sox power past Angels to sweep series
Jul 5, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Willson Contreras and Jarren Duran each hit home runs as the Boston Red Sox completed a three-game series sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a 7-5 victory on Sunday night in Anaheim, Calif.
Masataka Yoshida went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Tsung-Che Cheng had two hits and scored a run for Boston, which collected its eighth win in the last 10 games.
Right-hander Greg Weissert (1-2) earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief and Aroldis Chapman picked up his 18th save. Boston starter Ranger Suarez, named to his second All-Star Game on Saturday, left in the third inning with left adductor tightness after stretching high for a Jo Adell comebacker. Suarez allowed three runs on six hits and struck out five with no walks over 2 2/3 innings.
Zach Neto went 3-for-5 with a home run, double and two RBIs, and Adell had three hits and two RBIs for Los Angeles, which lost its sixth straight game. Starter Ryan Johnson (1-4) suffered the loss, allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits over four innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out six.
Los Angeles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Neto led off with a bloop single, advanced to third on a single by Denzer Guzman and scored on a fielder’s choice by Jorge Soler. One out later, Adell drove in Guzman with a single to center.
Boston tied it, 2-2, in the second on Duran’s 13th home run, a 422-foot drive to center, driving in Yoshida, who had singled.
The Angels regained the lead, 3-2, in the bottom of the second when Josh Lowe reached base on a fielder’s choice, stole second and scored on Neto’s double to left-center.
The Red Sox took advantage of a Neto fielding error to take a 5-3 lead in the third. Cheng led off with a bunt single and, two outs later, Wilyer Abreu reached base when shortstop Neto mishandled his grounder to extend the inning. Contreras then drilled the next pitch 446 feet over the bullpen in left-center for his 20th home run and a 5-3 advantage.
Boston extended the lead to 7-3 in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Abreu and an RBI single by Yoshida.
Los Angeles closed to 7-4 in the eighth when pinch hitter Donovan Walton lined a double to right and scored on a single by Adell.
Neto finished the scoring in the ninth with a two-out solo homer off Chapman, his 19th of the season.
–Field Level Media
