Sports
Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers shut down Angels to end season
Sep 29, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) pitches during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Nathan Eovaldi worked seven scoreless innings and rookie Dustin Harris went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to help the visiting Texas Rangers sweep their final series of the season with an 8-0 win against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday.
Eovaldi (12-8) struck out five while yielding four hits for the Rangers (78-84), who won five of seven games to end the season.
Starter Jack Kochanowicz (2-6) gave up three runs on six hits in seven innings for the Angels (63-99), who dropped six in a row and nine of their final 10 games.
In the ninth inning, Harris sent a slider over the wall in right-center field for his first career homer to make the score 6-0. Josh Smith doubled to drive in Ezequiel Duran and Marcus Semien and push it to 8-0.
Nathaniel Lowe had put the Rangers ahead 5-0 in the eighth against reliever Guillo Zuniga. Wyatt Langford singled to open the inning and Lowe followed, knocking a two-run shot just inside the right foul pole.
Texas took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Lowe led off with a double and scored when Jonah Heim singled to center field.
Harris’ first major league hit, in his second career game, extended the Rangers’ lead in the seventh. Leody Taveras singled and stole second with Travis Jankowski at the plate. After Jankowski drew a walk, Harris punched a double, driving in Taveras and Jankowski for a 3-0 advantage.
In the bottom half, Matt Thaiss hit a lead-off double and thought he scored on a single from Michael Stefanic but was tagged out at the plate. Los Angeles challenged, but the call stood after review.
The Angels had a chance to grab an early lead in the first. With one out, Jack Lopez reached on a throwing error by Smith, Eric Wagaman followed with a single, and Kevin Pillar was hit by a pitch to load the bases. But Los Angeles couldn’t capitalize, with a strikeout and groundout ending the inning.
The hosts didn’t get much after that, managing just five baserunners the rest of the way.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Paige Bueckers leaves game after collision, hitting head on floor
Jul 19, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) react after a play during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images Dallas Wings star guard Paige Bueckers suffered a scary fall late in her team’s 90-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, leaving with 3:33 to play and not returning.
As Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was dribbling down the court, she was fouled and lost her balance. She tumbled into the legs of Bueckers and the second-year player fell straight back, landing on her back.
The back of Bueckers’ head appeared to hit the floor when she fell, and the 24-year-old immediately grabbed her head.
After lying face down on the floor briefly, Bueckers walked off the court on her own but with members of the Wings’ staff flanking her as she continued to hold her head and had a slight limp.
Before walking off the court, she hugged Ogwumike after the two got up. Both players were selected to the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday in Chicago.
Bueckers finished with a game-high 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting — including 2-of-4 from 3-point range — as well as five assists and four rebounds in 32 minutes. Ogwumike led the Sparks (10-15) with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
There was no update provided on Bueckers’ status after the game. Last season’s rookie of the year after being selected No. 1 overall out of UConn, Bueckers entered the day averaging 20.7 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 38.1% from distance.
The Wings are now 17-8, fourth in the WNBA and a half-game behind the Las Vegas Aces for third place.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Yankees option RHP Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A
May 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (71) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The New York Yankees optioned right-hander Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Monday.
Rodriguez, 22, was recalled Sunday before the second game of a split doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers to fill the designated 27th roster spot. He did not pitch in the game.
After making his major league debut April 29, Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA over 17 innings across four starts.
–Field Level Media
Sports
St. Louis City sign D Jaziel Orozco to contract extension
Mar 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis CITY SC defender Jaziel Orozco (99) controls the ball against the San Diego FC during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images St. Louis City SC signed defender Jaziel Orozco to a contract extension through the 2028-29 MLS season.
The deal announced Monday with the 22-year-old Mexico native includes an option for 2029-30.
Orozco has recorded one goal in 17 appearances for St. Louis since signing with the club in 2025. He appeared in four matches for Real Salt Lake in 2022.
“Jazi has put in consistent performances this season and it is clear he has a good understanding of what is being asked of him tactically,” sporting director Corey Wray said. “Over the last six months, he has shown qualities that we value with his tactical flexibility and versatility both in and out of possession. We are excited to keep him at the club for years to come and help him continue developing as a player.”
St. Louis will return from the FIFA World Cup break on Wednesday night against the host Los Angeles Galaxy.
–Field Level Media
Paige Bueckers leaves game after collision, hitting head on floor
Yankees option RHP Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A
