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  • Bowl projections: Preseason outlook as Miami, Big Ten, SEC lead the way in loaded CFP bracket

    malachi-toney-miami-bowl.png

    — at least scribbled on my in-house whiteboard with win-loss projections for 138 FBS teams across 10 conferences.

    This is my favorite time of the year, with the 2026 season approaching, an opportunity to project all 43 bowl games extremely early, including the matchups that will define the College Football Playoff. The 12-team field has created a greater margin for error among national championship contenders, but preseason expectations still carry weight when separating the sport’s elite from everyone else.

    Ohio StateOregon and Notre Dame headline the early title conversation, while several dark-horse threats are positioned to crash the party. Beyond the playoff, these projections forecast landing spots for every bowl-eligible team and spotlight potential clashes between programs from across the Power Four and Group of Six.

    College football rankings: Ohio State tops Oregon as SEC teams shoot up in Preseason CBS Sports 138
    Chip Patterson
    College football rankings: Ohio State tops Oregon as SEC teams shoot up in Preseason CBS Sports 138

    There will be surprise contenders, disappointing preseason favorites and inevitable postseason chaos, but this is our best August look at how college football’s road to the national championship could unfold during bowl season this winter.

    AP poll history suggests there’s almost always a preseason top-10 team that finishes the season unranked. The hard part is predicting which team it will be this fall. I’m projecting seven of the preseason top 10 to make the playoff, with a couple of SEC teams not in this early bracket in the middle of a three-loss logjam in the league standings.

    Clemson (2024) and Alabama (2025) are the only teams that have lost three games prior to the selection committee’s final vote and still received a CFP berth. Alabama got there last season after its third loss came in the conference title game, while Clemson was awarded a spot as an auto-qualifier after winning the ACC.

    For now, until we see further expansion, college football’s 12-team playoff format includes five automatic bids for the highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large bids determined by the selection committee’s final top 12.

    College Football Playoff projections

    First round

    DATE  LOCATIONPROJECTIONWINNER FACES

    Dec. 18, 2026 Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, Ohio
    (9) LSU at (8) Ohio State No. 1 seed
    Dec. 19, 2026 Memorial Stadium
    Bloomington, Indiana
    (10) BYU at (7) Indiana No. 2 seed
    Dec. 19, 2026 Jones AT&T Stadium
    Lubbock, Texas
    (11) SMU at (6) Texas Tech No. 3 seed
    Dec. 19, 2026 DKR-Texas Stadium
    Austin, Texas
    (12) UNLV at (5) Texas No. 4 seed

    Projected final records for playoff teams

    1. Miami (13-0)*
    2. Oregon (12-1)*
    3. Georgia (12-1)*
    4. Notre Dame (11-1)
    5. Texas (11-2)
    6. Texas Tech (12-1)*
    7. Indiana (10-2)
    8. Ohio State (10-3)
    9. LSU (10-2)
    10. BYU (11-2)
    11. SMU (11-2)
    12. UNLV (12-1)*

    *denotes projected conference champion

    I was the only voter to rank Miami No. 1 in our CBS Sports 138 rankings earlier this summer, and only one AP voter agreed in the preseason poll. Planting my flag in Coral Gables in this preseason projection was a no-brainer for me, considering who the Hurricanes signed in the transfer portal, the schedule’s favorability, and staff continuity under Mario Cristobal.

    This is only one man’s educated guess, but Miami at Notre Dame on Nov. 7 will be one of college football’s regular-season games of the year and will determine which team is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 coming down the stretch.

    I battled inner turmoil with the squads seeded in the 4-6 range of this projection, which was honestly the toughest stretch to call. We can’t assume Texas Tech, my pick to win the Big 12, will automatically be viewed more favorably by the selection committee over a one-loss Notre Dame — whose projected lone blemish comes to No. 1 and unbeaten Miami — or a two-loss Georgia.

    The only justifiable case for the Red Raiders locking in a top-4 seed comes if they win the Big 12 as an unbeaten. If there’s a loss somewhere in the regular season, that argument has holes when considering strength-of-schedule and strength-of-record metrics relative to others in the mix.

    In the Big Ten and SEC, I’m expecting three programs from each conference to make up half of the bracket, including projected league champions Oregon and Georgia.

    As for the first team(s) out, UNLV will be a bid-stealer of sorts as an auto-choice for the likes of potential three-loss teams USCOle Miss and others. With 11 wins and its only losses coming to Notre Dame in the regular season and Miami in the ACC title game, SMU is the pick right now to be the last team in as the 11-seed over various three-loss Power Four options.

    Quarterfinals

    DATEGAME / LOCATIONPROJECTION

    Jan. 1, 2027 Peach Bowl
    Atlanta
    (1) Miami vs. (8) Ohio State
    Dec. 30, 2026 Fiesta Bowl
    Glendale, Arizona
    (2) Oregon vs. (7) Indiana
    Jan. 1, 2027 Cotton Bowl
    Dallas
    (3) Georgia vs. (6) Texas Tech
    Jan. 1, 2027 Rose Bowl
    Pasadena, California
    (4) Notre Dame vs. (5) Texas

    Full bowl schedule, projections

    Salute to Veterans Bowl

    Pool: CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt
    ProjectionDelaware vs. James Madison

    Frisco Football Classic

    Pool: CUSA, Sun Belt
    ProjectionArkansas State vs. FIU

    Boca Raton Bowl

    Pool: Group of Six
    ProjectionAir Force vs. FAU

    Puerto Rico Bowl

    Pool: MAC, Pac-12 or Group of Six
    ProjectionGeorgia Southern vs. Washington State

    Myrtle Beach Bowl

    Pool: Group of Six
    ProjectionCoastal Carolina vs. Western Michigan

    Frisco Bowl

    Pool: Group of Six
    Projection: Miami (Ohio) vs. Fresno State

    Cure Bowl

    Pool: Group of Six
    ProjectionSouth Florida vs. Florida

    Gasparilla Bowl

    Pool: American, CUSA, ACC/SEC
    ProjectionSouth Carolina vs. Virginia

    New Orleans Bowl

    Pool: CUSA, Sun Belt
    ProjectionLiberty vs. Old Dominion

    Potato Bowl

    Pool: MAC, Mountain West
    ProjectionToledo vs. North Dakota State

    Armed Forces Bowl

    Pool: American, CUSA or Big 12
    ProjectionMemphis vs. Kansas State

    Independence Bowl

    Pool: American, Big 12, CUSA, former Pac-12
    ProjectionTulane vs. West Virginia

    New Mexico Bowl

    Pool: Mountain West, CUSA or Sun Belt
    ProjectionTroy vs. Boise State

    Hawaii Bowl

    Pool: Mountain West, American or CUSA
    ProjectionEast Carolina vs. Hawaii

    68Ventures Bowl

    Pool: MAC, Sun Belt, CUSA
    ProjectionBuffalo vs. Jacksonville State

  • Dbacks News and Recap

    • Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte: Officially moved to IL

      The Diamondbacks placed Marte on the 10-day injured list Thursday with left knee inflammation.

      After being on the restricted list all week following his no-show for the team’s series in Boston, Marte will now spend at least the next 10 days on the injured list. General manager Mike Hazen said earlier Thursday he expected Marte to rejoin the team following his trip to the IL, but it’s unclear if that will be in 10 days or longer, as there’s been no indication of the severity of Marte’s inflammation. Ildemaro Vargas should continue to handle the bulk of the playing time at second base for Arizona while Marte is out.

    • Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte: Will be moved to 10-day IL

      Marte (knee) will be placed on the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Reds, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

      Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen, manager Torey Lovullo and Marte’s agent all met earlier Thursday, but Hazen declined to provide specifics on Marte’s knee issue, only saying he expects Marte to rejoin the team following a stint on the injured list. How long that stint will be is the big question after Marte didn’t show up for Arizona’s series in Boston this week. Ildemaro Vargas figures to continue to see increased playing time in the middle infield while Marte is sidelined.

    • Diamondbacks’ Santiago Espinal: Inks MiLB deal with Arizona

      The Diamondbacks signed Espinal to a minor-league contract Thursday.

      Espinal has been assigned to Triple-A Reno. The veteran infielder was released by the Rangers last month after he failed to earn a promotion to the big leagues following nearly four weeks with Texas’ Triple-A affiliate. Espinal is joining his third organization of the 2026 season. He previously appeared in 36 games for the Dodgers, slashing .268/.276/.375 with four extra-base hits, seven RBI, five runs scored and a 1:8 BB:K across 60 trips to the plate.

    • Diamondbacks’ Lars Nootbaar: Makes impact off bench

      Nootbaar entered Wednesday’s game as a pinch hitter and went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in a 7-6 extra-inning victory over the Red Sox.

      Nootbaar stepped in for Jordan Lawlar in the sixth inning and took Greg Weissert deep to give Arizona a 5-2 lead. It was Nootbaar’s first homer since being acquired by the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline. The former Cardinal entered the game having gone 5-for-35 (.143) with one RBI over the previous 11 contests in an Arizona uniform.

  • AZ Cardinals recap and news

    • Cardinals’ Trey Benson: Remains out of practice

      After stretching with the team ahead of Monday’s walkthrough practice, Benson hasn’t since been seen by the media. He’s been dealing with the knee injury all summer after missing the final 14 weeks of the 2025 campaign with an injury to the same knee. Unable to practice much or play so far this summer, Benson could be on the outside looking in for a roster spot, considering he doesn’t play special teams.

    • Cardinals’ Tip Reiman: Won’t play in season opener

      Reiman (ankle) will not be back for the start of the regular season, Darren Urban of the Cardinals‘ official site reports.

      The tight end might also have to stay on the PUP list when the campaign begins, at which point he would move from active/PUP to reserve/PUP and have to miss the first four regular-season contests. Reiman suffered a season-ending ankle injury four games into 2025 and began training camp on the active/PUP list. The 2024 third-round pick is set to play a supporting role behind starting tight end Trey McBride when he returns.

    • Cardinals’ Josh Sweat: Should be back soon

      Sweat (knee) is almost ready to be activated off the PUP list, Darren Urban of the Cardinals‘ official site reports.

      The pass rusher was placed on the active/PUP list before the start of training camp and has yet to participate in training camp. Sweat participated in mandatory minicamp in June, and his injury was never considered serious. The former Eagle recorded a career-high 12.0 sacks in his first season with the Cardinals last year.

    • Cardinals’ Garrett Williams: Off PUP list

      Williams (Achilles) was activated from the PUP list by the Cardinals on Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official site reports.

      Williams tore his Achilles in December of last season and began training camp on the active/PUP list. Now that he’s healthy again, the cornerback should be able to resume the starting role he filled for 10 games during the 2025 season, when he recorded 46 tackles (25 solo), five pass breakups, including an interception, and a forced fumble.

    • Cardinals’ Carson Beck: ‘Most likely’ won’t play Saturday, per LaFleur

      Coach Mike LaFleur said Beck (ribs) “most likely” won’t suit up for Saturday’s preseason contest against the Cowboys, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

      Beck impressed in the Hall of Fame Game against the Panthers, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. However, he emerged from the contest with a rib injury, and the extent of his activity level since then has been individual drills. LaFleur added that Beck will throw after Thursday’s practice, which will give the Cardinals a sense of where he stands in his recovery.

  • WNBA Scores Wednesday

    FINAL
    1 2 3 4 T
    Fever24-13
    22 20 19 24 85
    Wings21-16
    18 24 24 25 91
    American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    K. Mitchell IND G37 PTS , 1 REB , 5 AST
    player headshot
    A. Ogunbowale DAL G32 PTS , 2 REB , 3 AST
    FINAL
    1 2 3 4 T
    Dream23-13
    34 28 32 30 124
    Sparks12-24
    12 29 21 26 88
    Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    R. Howard ATL G26 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST
    player headshot
    C. Brink LAS F14 PTS , 7 REB , 4 AST
    FINAL
    1 2 3 4 T
    Sun9-26
    24 23 16 15 78
    Aces25-13
    25 23 27 26 101
    Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, NV
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    O. Nelson-Ododa CT C14 PTS , 1 REB
    player headshot
    J. Young LVA G24 PTS , 7 REB , 5 AST

  • NFL Scores Wednesday

    FINAL
    1 2 3 4 T
    0 3 7 12 22
    17 3 0 0 20
    Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
    RAIDERS TEXANS
    PASS A. O’Connell166 YDs D. Mills93 YDs
    RUSH M. Washington Jr.9 ATTs, 56 YDs W. Marks4 ATTs, 37 YDs, 1 TD
    REC B. Johnson2 RECs, 41 YDs M. Klein3 RECs, 31 YDs
    FINAL
    1 2 3 4 T
    0 20 7 14 41
    0 3 6 8 17
    SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
    49ERS CHARGERS
    PASS M. Jones89 YDs D. Uiagalelei80 YDs, 1 TD
    RUSH S. McCormick6 ATTs, 53 YDs, 1 TD T. Lance2 ATTs, 42 YDs
    REC K. Hodge4 RECs, 46 YDs J. Bradley1 REC, 28 YDs, 1 TD
    Around the WebPromoted by Taboola

    CBS Sports HQ
  • MLB Scores

    FINAL
    R H E
    10 8 0
    Reds61-67
    9 7 2
    Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
    • W: P. Strzelecki  (1-1)
    • L: B. Burke  (5-5)
    • S: R. O’Brien  (33)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    P. Strzelecki STL P2.0 IP, 1 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    M. McLain CIN SS1-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Giants52-75
    2 5 2
    5 9 0
    Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
    • W: G. Williams  (12-7)
    • L: L. Roupp  (7-13)
    • S: C. Smith  (32)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    G. Williams CLE P5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 11 SO, 3 BB
    player headshot
    C. Smith CLE P1.0 IP, 1 SO, 2 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    5 12 1
    Rays76-51
    1 5 1
    Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
    • W: S. Bieber  (5-2)
    • L: I. Seymour  (9-4)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    S. Bieber TOR P7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 SO
    player headshot
    K. Okamoto TOR 3B2-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    2 8 2
    Royals55-74
    6 12 0
    Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
    • W: C. Thomas  (1-1)
    • L: G. Jump  (5-8)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    B. Witt KC SS2-4, 3 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI
    player headshot
    C. Thomas KC P1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 SO
    FINAL
    R H E
    Braves75-53
    2 8 0
    0 1 1
    Rate Field, Chicago, IL
    • W: G. Holmes  (8-5)
    • L: A. Kay  (9-6)
    • S: R. Iglesias  (26)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    G. Holmes ATL P6.0 IP, 1 H, 3 SO, 3 BB
    player headshot
    A. Kay CHW P6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 SO, 1 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    4 6 0
    Brewers79-49
    7 11 0
    American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
    • W: C. Patrick  (7-4)
    • L: G. Kirby  (8-10)
    • S: T. Megill  (23)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    C. Patrick MIL P2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 SO
    player headshot
    G. Mitchell MIL CF3-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Yankees72-55
    6 11 0
    Orioles61-67
    1 4 1
    Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
    • W: G. Cole  (7-6)
    • L: K. Bradish  (7-12)
    • S: R. Yarbrough  (3)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    G. Cole NYY P6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 8 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    R. Yarbrough NYY P3.0 IP, 4 SO
    FINAL
    R H E
    0 1 0
    Rangers63-65
    2 6 0
    Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
    • W: J. deGrom  (9-8)
    • L: A. Alvarez  (2-5)
    • S: J. Latz  (25)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    J. deGrom TEX P6.0 IP, 1 H, 10 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    J. Latz TEX P1.0 IP, 3 SO, 1 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    Angels51-77
    18 18 1
    Astros64-64
    3 8 2
    Daikin Park, Houston, TX
    • W: G. Rodriguez  (4-5)
    • L: P. Lambert  (8-7)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    G. Rodriguez LAA P7.0 IP, 5 H, 6 SO, 2 BB
    player headshot
    Z. Neto LAA SS5-6, 2 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI

  • AZ Dbacks ref and stats

    • Diamondbacks’ Brandon Pfaadt: Gives up five runs in no-decision

      Pfaadt didn’t factor into the decision Wednesday against the Red Sox, allowing five runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out eight.

      Pfaadt’s eight strikeouts marked a new season high, though he was hurt by the home-run ball Wednesday — the righty gave up solo shots to Nick Sogard and Jarren Duran before Mickey Gasper added a three-run blast in the sixth inning. Prior to Wednesday, Pfaadt had gone four straight outings without allowing an earned run, posting a 0.69 WHIP across 27.2 innings in that span. His ERA now sits at 3.39 across 98.1 innings this season with a 1.14 WHIP and 69:24 K:BB. Pfaadt’s currently in line to face the Cubs at home his next time out.

    • Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte: GM noncommittal on return this season

      Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen was noncommittal Wednesday when asked on the Wolf and Luke Show on 98.7 FM whether Marte (knee/personal) will return this season, Jody Jackson of DBacks.tv reports.

      Marte was placed on the restricted list Monday after not showing up to Fenway Park for the Diamondbacks’ game against the Red Sox as he tended to a personal matter. The second baseman has since flown back to Arizona, where he was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left knee. He sat out Saturday’s contest due to knee soreness but returned to the lineup Sunday. Hazen plans to meet with Marte face-to-face Thursday, and there could be more clarity on the 32-year-old’s status after that meeting. The Diamondbacks begin a homestand Friday versus the Reds.

    • Diamondbacks’ Max Kepler: Sitting against lefty again

      Kepler is out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox.

      The Diamondbacks will keep the left-handed-hitting Kepler on the bench for a third straight game while the Red Sox have sent left-handed starters to the bump for all three contests of the series. Kepler could also be in danger of losing out on playing time against righties, as the recent return of Jordan Lawlar from the 10-day injured list leaves one fewer spot in the lineup available.

    • Diamondbacks’ Lars Nootbaar: Idle against southpaw Wednesday

      Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox.

      The left-handed-hitting Nootbaar will wind up sitting for a second straight contest while the Red Sox send another southpaw (Payton Tolle) to the bump. Nootbaar is slashing just .143/.244/.229 over 41 plate appearances versus lefties this season.

  • AZ Cardinals Ref and recap

    • Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love: No surgery needed, per LaFleur

      Coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Tuesday that Love does not need surgery to address his ankle injury, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

      Love sustained a reported high-ankle sprain in this past Thursday’s preseason win over the Raiders, and he’s not expected to play again during the preseason. Per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, the Cardinals are hoping the rookie running back will be available for Week 1 action. If he ends up being limited at all out of the gate, Tyler Allgeier would presumably see added opportunities, especially with James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) dealing with injuries of their own.

    • Cardinals’ Trey Benson: Still not full-go

      Benson (knee) has yet to progress to 11-on-11 drills in training camp, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

      The clock is ticking for Benson, who missed a large chunk of 2025 with a knee injury that has continued to bother him at times during camp. On a positive note, Benson managed to get in a limited practice Monday. However, it’s unclear when he’ll be ready for full-team drills. Benson is one of several Cardinals running backs dealing with injuries, including Jeremiyah Love (ankle) and James Conner (foot).

    • Cardinals’ Trey Benson: Present for Monday’s workout

      Benson (knee) is in attendance for Monday’s practice, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

      Benson has been in and out of practice since his left knee flared up two weeks ago, missing Thursday’s preseason game at Las Vegas in the process. With rookie first-round pick Jeremiyah Love being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain this weekend, Benson has a chance to stake a claim on the RB depth chart behind offseason addition Tyler Allgeier for as long as Love is sidelined. Moreover, fellow back James Conner continues to sit out 11-on-11 drills due to a foot injury, meaning Benson currently is the highest profile player at the position that can make a leap, assuming he doesn’t suffer additional setbacks with his own health concern.

  • MLB Scores

    FINAL
    R H E
    Tigers61-66
    3 7 0
    Pirates63-66
    4 8 2
    PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
    • W: M. Montgomery  (5-3)
    • L: K. Jansen  (3-5)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Padres68-60
    2 5 1
    Mets58-70
    4 7 0
    Citi Field, Flushing, NY
    • W: N. Lavender  (1-0)
    • L: M. King  (8-9)
    • S: K. Senga  (4)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Braves74-53
    4 7 1
    Twins63-65
    6 10 0
    Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
    • W: A. Minter  (2-2)
    • L: V. Mederos  (2-1)
    • S: Y. Gomez  (20)
    FINAL
    R H E
    3 9 0
    Cubs74-54
    0 2 0
    Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
    • W: J. Urquidy  (2-1)
    • L: C. Holmes  (5-6)
    • S: G. Taylor  (7)
    FINAL
    R H E
    7 10 0
    Red Sox68-59
    6 9 0
    Fenway Park, Boston, MA
    • W: J. Loaisiga  (4-3)
    • L: J. Moran  (2-3)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Marlins64-64
    1 7 0
    4 10 0
    Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
    • W: A. Nola  (5-9)
    • L: S. Alcantara  (13-8)
    • S: J. Duran  (28)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Yankees71-55
    5 10 0
    Orioles61-66
    3 6 0
    Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
    • W: B. Headrick  (7-2)
    • L: C. Sanders  (1-1)
    • S: D. Bednar  (29)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Giants52-74
    1 7 1
    0 6 0
    Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
    • W: A. Houser  (4-7)
    • L: P. Messick  (9-8)
    • S: D. Smith  (3)
    FINAL
    R H E
    4 9 1
    Reds61-66
    5 7 0
    Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
    • W: S. Moll  (2-7)
    • L: M. Liberatore  (5-11)
    • S: E. Pagan  (16)
    FINAL
    R H E
    6 9 0
    Rays76-50
    7 8 1
    Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
    • W: D. Rasmussen  (13-5)
    • L: M. Scherzer  (1-6)
    • S: B. Baker  (36)
    FINAL
    R H E
    7 11 0
    Royals54-74
    9 11 0
    Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
    • W: C. Kimbrel  (1-2)
    • L: D. Rom  (1-1)
    FINAL
    R H E
    7 10 2
    Brewers78-49
    5 8 0
    American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
    • W: L. Gilbert  (10-7)
    • L: D. May  (6-8)
    • S: A. Munoz  (23)
    FINAL
    R H E
    6 10 0
    Rangers62-65
    0 4 0
    Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
    • W: C. Cavalli  (11-5)
    • L: K. Rocker  (4-10)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Angels50-77
    2 5 0
    Astros64-63
    3 5 1
    Daikin Park, Houston, TX
    • W: B. Sousa  (1-1)
    • L: W. Urena  (8-9)
    • S: J. Hader  (18)
    FINAL
    R H E
    Dodgers77-51
    6 11 0
    Rockies50-77
    4 9 0
    Coors Field, Denver, CO
    • W: K. Hurt  (4-1)
    • L: J. Herget  (0-5)
    • S: T. Scott  (18)

  • Nolan Arenado’s broken-bat bloop in 10th sparks Diamondbacks to 7-6 win over Red Sox

    BOSTON (AP) Nolan Arenado hit a tiebreaking broken-bat bloop single over a drawn-in infield to spark a two-run 10th inning, and the Arizona Diamondbacks avoided a series sweep by beating the Boston Red Sox 7-6 on Wednesday.

    Lars Nootbaar hit a pinch-hit two-run homer and Gabriel Moreno a two-run double for Arizona, which was without All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte for the third straight game.

    Mickey Gasper homered for the third straight game, a tying three-run shot, Nick Sogard had a solo shot for his first major-league homer and Jarren Duran also hit a solo drive for the Red Sox.

    Manager Torey Lovullo said before the game that he still hasn’t heard from Marte, following little communication on Monday when he was AWOL for the series opener. Before Tuesday’s loss, Lovullo was told he traveled to Phoenix for tests on his left knee.

    Arenado hit his floater into shallow left off Jovani Morán (2-3) to score automatic runner Moreno. Jose Fernandez drew a bases-loaded walk.

    Willson Contreras’ RBI grounder came off Jonathan Loáisiga (4-3) in the bottom half.

    Gasper’s two-out drive chased starter Brandon Pfaadt and cleared Arizona’s bullpen, making it 5-all in the sixth.

    Moreno’s double capped a three-run fifth and Nootbaar’s drive came off reliever Greg Weissert in the sixth.

    Fresh off Boston’s consecutive blowout wins, Sogard opened the bottom of the first by hitting the first pitch into the Red Sox bullpen.

    Coming in 7-0 with a 1.15 ERA in his last nine starts, Pfaadt allowed five runs in 5 2/3 innings.

    Payton Tolle gave up all three of his runs in his final inning, the fifth, after going eight-shutout in his previous start.

    Up next

    Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 2.71 ERA) is set to start the series opener Friday at home against Cincinnati.

    Red Sox RHP Sonny Gray (15-3, 2.65) is slated to go Friday when they host former Boston 3B/DH Rafael Devers and San Francisco.

    See AP’s full MLB coverage here

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    Expert Picks
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    Micah Roberts
    Micah RobertsFormer Vegas Bookmaker
    +765 (54%)
    Last 50 MLB
    Under 8.5-118
    Over / Under
    Picked Aug 19 @ 12:54 pm, 1 unit on BetRivers
    LOSS
    We got two starters pitching at the absolute best of their life going at it today at Fenway Park this afternoon. The Diamondbacks have won eight of the last nine pitched by Brandon Pfaadt and haven’t allowed an earned run between his last four. The Red Sox have won Payton Tolle’s last seven starts, and in his last two he’s only allowed one earned run. The Diamondbacks will again be without second baseman Ketel Marte, who’s a huge part of their offense. Under is the way to go in this game.

    Micah’s Pick

    Eric Cohen
    Eric CohenEC
    #2
    +1661 (63%)
    Last 72 MLB
    Under 8.5-110
    Over / Under
    Picked Aug 18 @ 11:23 pm, 1 unit on BetMGM
    LOSS
    The Red Sox offense has scored 20 runs combined in the first two games of this series but don’t be surprised if pitching rules in Game 3. For Arizona, Brandon Pfaadt has been Cy Young-like since being recalled from AAA in late-June. He hasn’t given up more than two runs in any of his nine starts since then, including four straight outings with zero earned runs allowed. On the other side, Payton Tolle has given up two runs or less in 6 of his last 7 outings. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 4-2 type of game on Wednesday afternoon with two pitchers who are rolling right now.

    Eric’s Pick

    2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
    0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 7 10 0

    68-59

    0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 6 9 0
    • W: J. Loaisiga (4-3)L: J. Moran (2-3)S: (0)
    • HR: ARI – L. Nootbaar, BOS – N. Sogard, M. Gasper (2), J. Duran (16)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    HITTERS AB R H RBI AVG
    I. Vargas 2B 5 0 1 0 .264
    C. Carroll RF 4 1 1 0 .246
    G. Moreno C 4 1 1 2 .307
    G. Perdomo SS 3 0 0 0 .244
    N. Arenado DH 5 1 2 1 .243
    M. Kepler PR-DH 0 1 0 0 .216
    T. Tawa 1B 4 0 0 0 .235
    J. Lawlar CF 2 0 0 0 .250
    a- L. Nootbaar PH-LF 2 1 1 2 .221
    b- J. McCann PH 0 0 0 0 .296
    J. Barrosa CF 0 0 0 0 .197
    J. Fernandez 3B 4 1 2 1 .261
    R. Waldschmidt LF-CF-LF 3 1 2 1 .279
    • a-homered for Lawlar in the 6th
    • b-walked for Nootbaar in the 10th
    HITTERS AB R H RBI AVG
    N. Sogard 2B 4 1 2 1 .268
    C. Rafaela CF 5 1 0 0 .284
    W. Abreu RF 4 1 1 0 .257
    W. Contreras 1B 5 1 2 1 .284
    C. Durbin 3B 5 0 0 0 .254
    M. Gasper DH 3 1 1 3 .256
    a- J. Jones PH-DH 0 0 0 0 .203
    A. Monasterio SS 4 0 0 0 .261
    J. Duran LF 4 1 2 1 .206
    C. Wong C 3 0 1 0 .250
    b- A. Rutschman PH-C 1 0 0 0 .241
    • a-hit by pitch for Gasper in the 8th
    • b-flied out for Wong in the 9th
    BATTING
    • 2B – G. Moreno (26), J. Fernandez 2 (9), R. Waldschmidt (14)
    • HR – L. Nootbaar (4)
    • SH – G. Perdomo (6)
    • RBI – G. Moreno 2 (62), N. Arenado (63), L. Nootbaar 2 (19), J. Fernandez (16), R. Waldschmidt (17)
    • 2-Out RBI – G. Moreno 2 (2)
    • Runners left in scoring position, 2-Out – G. Moreno 2 (2), G. Perdomo, N. Arenado
    BATTING
    • HR – N. Sogard, M. Gasper (3), J. Duran (17)
    • RBI – N. Sogard (7), W. Contreras (75), M. Gasper 3 (14), J. Duran (62)
    • 2-Out RBI – M. Gasper 3 (3)
    • Runners left in scoring position, 2-Out – W. Contreras 2 (2), J. Duran
    BASERUNNING
    • SB – R. Waldschmidt (7)
    • CS – R. Waldschmidt (2)
    FIELDING
    • DP – (Vargas-Perdomo-Tawa)
    FIELDING
    • DP – 2 (Sogard-Contreras; Durbin-Sogard-Contreras)
    PITCHERS IP H ER BB SO ERA
    B. Pfaadt 5.2 7 5 0 8 3.39
    J. Morillo 1.0 1 0 1 1 2.32
    B. Garcia 0.2 0 0 1 1 2.48
    K. Ginkel 0.2 0 0 0 0 3.86
    J. Loaisiga(W, 4-3) 2.0 1 0 0 0 2.63
    PITCHERS IP H ER BB SO ERA
    P. Tolle 5.0 6 3 2 6 3.08
    G. Weissert 1.0 2 2 1 1 4.10
    E. Miller 1.0 1 0 1 2 2.25
    T. Guerrero 1.0 0 0 0 0 2.94
    A. Chapman 1.0 0 0 1 1 1.94
    J. Moran(L, 2-3) 1.0 1 1 3 0 3.06
    PITCHING
    • Pitches-Strikes – B. Pfaadt 94-65, J. Morillo 28-19, B. Garcia 20-8, K. Ginkel 3-2, J. Loaisiga 16-12
    • Ground Balls-Fly Balls – B. Pfaadt 5-7, J. Morillo 2-1, B. Garcia 0-1, K. Ginkel 1-0, J. Loaisiga 4-1
    • Batters Faced – B. Pfaadt 24, J. Morillo 5, B. Garcia 4, K. Ginkel 2, J. Loaisiga 6
    PITCHING
    • Pitches-Strikes – P. Tolle 98-68, G. Weissert 31-16, E. Miller 23-13, T. Guerrero 9-7, A. Chapman 14-8, J. Moran 26-11
    • Ground Balls-Fly Balls – P. Tolle 4-4, G. Weissert 0-2, E. Miller 1-1, T. Guerrero 2-1, A. Chapman 1-1, J. Moran 2-0
    • Batters Faced – P. Tolle 22, G. Weissert 5, E. Miller 5, T. Guerrero 3, A. Chapman 4, J. Moran 6