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Spring training roundup: Juan Soto homers in first Mets at-bat

MLB: Spring Training-Houston Astros at New York MetsFeb 22, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) hits a home run in his first at bat for the Mets against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

After signing a record $765 million 15-year contract with the New York Mets this offseason, Juan Soto hit a solo shot in his first spring training at-bat, helping the hosts defeat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Saturday in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Soto, who had an RBI on a fielder’s choice in the second, took Houston left-hander Colton Gordon deep on a 2-1 pitch to left-center in the first inning, with the blast estimated at 426 feet.

Mets right-hander Clay Holmes, who like Soto left the New York Yankees after last season, struck out three on 34 pitches in three perfect innings. Mainly a reliever as a big leaguer, Holmes is converting to a starting role.

Gordon gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits in 1 1/3 innings. Brice Matthews and Chase Jaworsky each had an RBI for Houston.

Reds 6, Guardians 3

Elly De La Cruz homered from both sides of the plate, totaling an estimated 859 feet, as Cincinnati defeated Cleveland in Goodyear, Ariz.

In the first, De La Cruz took Guardians starter Triston McKenzie deep while batting left-handed, with the ball landing 450 feet away, per Statcast. From the right side in the fourth, De La Cruz ripped a drive off lefty Logan Allen an estimated 409 feet. Willie Banfield added a three-run shot for the Reds.

Cleveland’s Lane Thomas opened the scoring with a two-run drive in the first off Hunter Greene. McKenzie gave up just the one run in two innings on De La Cruz’s shot, while Greene went two innings and struck out three.

Nationals 6, Astros 3

Robert Hassell III delivered a tiebreaking three-run double in the top of the ninth inning to lift Washington over host Houston in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Nationals reliever Tyler Stuart picked up the win despite blowing the save, allowing two runs in the eighth. Marquis Grissom Jr., son of the former major leaguer, earned the save with a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth.

Astros reliever Joey Mancini was saddled with the loss, giving up the double to Hassell after walking a pair and hitting a batter. Houston was limited to two hits, scoring a sacrifice fly, a groundout and a wild pitch.

Pirates 10, Orioles 5

Matt Gorski homered twice — including a grand slam — and drove in six runs, sparking visiting Pittsburgh to a win over Baltimore in Sarasota, Fla.

D.J. Stewart also went deep and finished with two hits and three RBIs as part of the Pirates’ 12-hit attack. Seven Pittsburgh relievers combined to allow two earned runs.

In his spring debut, Orioles starter Albert Suarez gave up two runs on three hits and walked two in 1 2/3 innings. Emmanuel Rivera belted a two-run shot and scored twice.

Red Sox 6, Rays 4

Tyler Miller belted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, lifting Boston over host Tampa Bay in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Ceddanne Rafaela and Trayce Thompson also went deep for Boston, which let a late 4-1 lead slip away before Miller’s blast.

Former Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen homered for the Rays, who got RBI hits from Willy Vazquez and Tres Barerra in a three-run seventh.

Tigers 7, Phillies 6

Justice Bigbie notched a walk-off RBI single and Ben Malgeri went 3-for-3 with four RBIs as Detroit battled back to beat visiting Philadelphia in Lakeland, Fla.

The Tigers’ Eliezer Alfonzo doubled in a pair to help pick up Matt Manning, who gave up three runs on three hits and four walks in 1 1/3 innings.

For the Phillies, Buddy Kennedy belted a two-run homer, Josh Breaux added a solo shot and Max Kepler hit a two-run single. Kepler signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies after 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

Twins 3, Braves 1

Starters Chris Sale and Zebby Matthews each tossed two scoreless innings in a matchup that featured just nine hits in Fort Myers, Fla.

Minnesota’s Luke Keaschall delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the sixth, and Kala’i Rosario added an insurance run in the seventh with a sacrifice fly. Seven relievers held Atlanta to just one run on three hits.

For the Braves, Nick Allen’s RBI single in the third accounted for the visitors’ lone run. Sale retired all six batters he faced in his spring debut.

Blue Jays 6, Yankees 4

Orelvis Martinez hit a solo shot off Brandon Leibrandt as Toronto built a four-run lead before holding on to defeat visiting New York in Dunedin, Fla.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who cut off extension talks before full-squad workouts began, delivered the game’s first run with an RBI single. Alejandro Kirk and Steward Berroa also had RBI hits for Toronto.

In his spring debut, Carlos Rodon was touched up for three runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings, with one walk and one strikeout. Spencer Jones ripped a two-run homer and Alexander Vargas delivered a solo blast for New York.

Marlins 7, Cardinals 6

Heriberto Hernandez notched a three-run double in a five-run seventh as the Marlins rallied from a six-run deficit to upend host St. Louis in Jupiter, Fla.

Joe Mack capped Miami’s comeback with a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth, scoring Jack Winkler, who had tied the game with an RBI double.

In his spring debut, St. Louis starter Erick Fedde allowed two hits but held Miami scoreless in his one inning of work. Jose Barrero hit a two-run single to cap a five-run sixth and give the Cards a 6-0 lead.

Royals 11, Dodgers 10

John Rave delivered a go-ahead two-run triple in the top of the ninth inning as Kansas City edged Los Angeles at Glendale, Ariz.

The Royals’ Maikel Garcia drove in three with a triple and Omar Hernandez added a two-run single to highlight an 11-hit attack.

For Los Angeles, Hunter Feduccia went 3-for-3 with a three-run shot and five RBIs, while Max Muncy also hit a three-run homer and Zyhir Hope added a solo blast.

Giants 6, Rangers 1

Sam Huff and Bryce Eldridge ripped two-run home runs while eight San Francisco pitchers limited Texas to just four hits in Surprise, Ariz.

Grant McCray also homered and Jake Lamb added two hits and a run for San Francisco, which walked only one while recording 10 strikeouts.

Trevor Hauver was the lone bright spot on Texas’ offense, belting a homer off reliever Raymond Burgos.

Cubs 7, White Sox 3

Michael Busch went 2-for-3 with three RBIs as the host Cubs rode a five-run second inning to victory over the White Sox in Mesa, Ariz.

Benjamin Cowles also starred for the victors, finishing 2-for-3 with a solo shot, two RBIs and two runs. In his spring debut, Cubs ace Justin Steele struck out five over two scoreless innings.

For the White Sox, Colson Montgomery drilled a two-run homer and Tim Elko hit a solo shot. Starter Jared Shuster gave up five runs in two innings.

Rockies 9, Diamondbacks 3

Michael Toglia hit a tiebreaking three-run home run in the fifth inning as Colorado beat visiting Arizona in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Zac Veen also went deep for the Rockies with a two-run shot and Cole Carrigg drove in a pair.

Arizona’s Ketel Marte drove in two runs on a deep sacrifice fly to center in the fifth, with a third run scoring on an errant throw.

Padres 10, Athletics 3

Jackson Merrill had two RBIs as part of a 13-hit attack as host San Diego crushed the Athletics in Peoria, Ariz.

Luis Arraez and Oscar Gonzalez notched two hits and an RBI apiece for the Padres, who had nine players drive in at least one run.

For the Athletics, Lawrence Butler went 2-for-3 with a solo shot and two runs, while Tyler Soderstrom hit an RBI single.

Angels 11, Mariners 10

Kyren Paris’ go-ahead two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Los Angeles a walk-off victory over Seattle in Tempe, Ariz.

Yolmer Sanchez and Nelson Rada each drove in a pair for the Angels, who totaled 14 hits. Meanwhile, pitchers Caden Dana and Jack Dashwood gave up three runs apiece.

For Seattle, Hogan Windish ripped a two-run homer in the top of the ninth for a short-lived 10-9 lead. Nick Dunn and Carlos Jimenez also collected two RBIs.

Brewers 8, Reds 7

Vinny Capra played the role of walk-off hero with his second three-run homer of the day, a go-ahead blast to lift Milwaukee over Cincinnati in Phoenix, Ariz.

Capra, who drove in six runs, cranked his first three-run shot in the sixth to get the Brewers on the board. Ernesto Martinez Jr. added a two-run dinger.

In his Cincinnati debut, Gavin Lux finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Santiago Espinal hit a solo home run and TJ Friedl had an RBI hit.

–Field Level Media

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Robert Kraft: Patriots offered CB Christian Gonzalez record-setting deal

Jun 9, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) takes questions from the media at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesJun 9, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) takes questions from the media at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the team offered Christian Gonzalez a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.

Kraft did not reveal the specific terms of the deal on Saturday, the first day of training camp.

“We love Christian Gonzalez,” Kraft said during the team’s Pawtriots pet adoption event, per the Boston Herald. “We love him as a player, as a person. That’s why we’ve made an offer to him that makes him the highest-paid player ever to play that position in the NFL, and coincidentally, it’s the highest contract in the Patriots franchise history.

“So we’re glad we drafted him and we developed here, and we hope he’ll be with us for a long time.”

Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension for the first time after being selected by the Patriots with the 17th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Los Angeles Rams’ Trent McDuffie is currently the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, pocketing $31 million per season on his four-year, $131 million contract that he signed this offseason.

Gonzalez, 24, made the Pro Bowl last season after posting 69 tackles and 10 passes defensed in 14 starts. He has three interceptions, 24 passes defensed, one fumble recovery, one sack and 145 tackles in 34 career games (all starts).

–Field Level Media

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49ers' Kyle Shanahan to be limited in camp after serious car crash

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan talks to the media during the NFL League Meetings on March 30, 2026, at Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix.San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan talks to the media during the NFL League Meetings on March 30, 2026, at Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, needed over 40 stitches to his face and sustained a severe concussion after he was involved in a car accident last week, ESPN reported Saturday.

Per the network, the accident occurred on July 14 after Shanahan collided with an SUV near his northern California home.

The other driver was not injured, per Palo Alto lieutenant Nicholas Martinez. Martinez added that drugs and alcohol were not involved.

The 49ers said Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp, with ESPN reporting doctors will not clear Shanahan for all activities until concussion symptoms clear.

The team said assistant head coach Chris Foerster along with team coordinators will handle the head-coaching responsibilities during this time.

49ers general manager John Lynch is scheduled to hold a news conference at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Niners are scheduled to hold their first practice of training camp Sunday morning and are set to open the season on Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Shanahan, 46, will begin his 10th season as head coach in San Francisco. He owns an 82-67 record in the regular season. He has a 9-5 postseason record, guiding the 49ers to a pair of Super Bowl appearances — losing to the Kansas City Chiefs both times (2020, 2024).

–Field Level Media

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Jenny Shin inches closer to first LPGA Tour win in 10 years

Jun 19, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Jenny Shin plays her shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesJun 19, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Jenny Shin plays her shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Jenny Shin carded a 1-under-par 71 on Saturday to maintain her five-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Women’s Scottish Open in North Ayrshire.

Shin recorded two birdies and a bogey at Dundonald Links on Saturday to ascend to 12-under 204 for the tournament.

The 33-year-old South Korean is bidding for her first LPGA Tour win since capturing the now-defunct Volunteers of America Texas Shootout 10 years ago. The last LPGA Tour player to go 10 or more years between official victories was Vicki Fergon, who went 12 years and three months between wins at the 1984 S&H Golf Classic and the 1996 Michelob Light Heartland Classic.

“I’ve never been in this position (a five-shot lead), so I don’t know how to feel (on Sunday),” Shin said. “I’m going to go and practice for a little bit and get a good feel for tomorrow so I’m not such a mess in the morning.”

Shin made a birdie on the sixth hole and answered a bogey on the 10th hole by making another birdie on No. 11.

“That was a very tough round. I was quite nervous for the first five holes, so I’m really glad that I was able to finish the day in red numbers,” she said. “It was a pretty boring and nerve-wracking day at the same time.”

“That was a bit of a hiccup on No. 10. I changed my setup this week because of all the wind and out of habit, I lined up the putt and went back to my old setup. I shut the face. I knew what I was doing, so I was able to get back pretty easily.”

Shin holds a five-stroke lead over Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn, who had three birdies during her bogey-free round of 69.

“I would say almost everything went well,” Anannarukarn said. “I was driving the ball well and hitting it good out there. The putter was very hot today, so that was the key. It was a challenging day, and also, at the same time, I had good fun battling with the wind. It was a great day out there.”

Japan’s Erika Hara (71 on Saturday) and Germany’s Esther Henseleit (73) sit at 5 under for the tournament.

Despite her troubles, Henseleit said she wasn’t going to press as she attempts to record her first win since joining the LPGA Tour in 2020.

“It’s really hard to press on this golf course, to be honest. Just no matter like if you want to take birdie or par, you kind of have to hit the same shots because they are the only possible shots,” Henseleit said.

“So I don’t think my game plan really changed, and yeah, I’m just trying to do my thing out there and hopefully tomorrow I can hit a few close and make some putts.”

–Field Level Media

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