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  • Dbacks ref and notes

    • Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen: Surrenders seven runs in loss

      Gallen (1-4) took the loss against Texas on Tuesday, tossing 4.2 innings during which he allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four batters.

      Gallen struggled from the outset, serving up a solo homer to Joc Pederson in the first inning. He trailed 3-0 entering the fifth, then got just two outs in that frame while being charged with four more runs. Gallen managed just six whiffs among his 95 pitches and has now given up a combined 17 runs over his past three starts spanning 14.1 innings. That has pushed his season ERA up to an ugly 5.65.

    • Diamondbacks’ Jose Requena: Goes to Arizona via trade

      The Diamondbacks acquired Requena from the Dodgers on Tuesday in exchange for Alek Thomas, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

      Requena was just signed in January to a $372,500 bonus and has yet to make his professional debut. The 17-year-old is a lottery ticket for the Diamondbacks.

    • Diamondbacks’ Ildemaro Vargas: Scuffling since streak

      Vargas went 0-for-4 in Monday’s 1-0 win over Texas.

      Vargas, who opened the season with a 24-game hitting streak, was held hitless for a second consecutive game and is just 5-for-36 (.139) in the nine games since the hit streak ended. A regression was to be expected, but that won’t cost him the starting job at first base. The Diamondbacks announced Monday that Carlos Santana aggravated his adductor injury Sunday and will not be returning this week to challenge Vargas for playing time.

  • Benson breaks tie on birthday, Sabres beat Canadiens 3-2 in Game 4 to even series

    AP

    MONTREAL (AP) Zach Benson broke a tie on a third-period power play on his 21st birthday and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

    Benson took a pass in the slot from Josh Doan, kicked the puck to his stick and put a backhander past goalie Jakub Dobes at 4:41 of the third. The goal came with Jake Evans off for holding Peyton Krebs.

    Game 5 is Thursday night in Buffalo, with Game 6 in Montreal on Saturday night. The series winner will face Carolina in the Eastern Conference final. The Hurricanes swept both of their series.

    Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen replaced Alex Lyon in goal after the Sabres dropped Games 2 and 3, making 28 saves in his first action since being pulled in the third period of a Game 2 loss to Boston in the first round.

    “At this point of the year, it doesn’t matter to me (if I start). As long as we win, that’s the most important thing,” Luukkonen said. “It feels good to come in and be able to help the team to win, too.”

    Tage Thompson tied it for Buffalo in the second period with a fluke goal and also had an assist. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson opened the scoring and Doan had two assists.

    Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield scored for Montreal. Dobes stopped 19 shots.

    “Broke them down a bunch, had our looks, goalie made some big saves and that kept him in it,” Caufield said. “Thought we played a pretty good game. There’s some things that we can always get better at, but to see a fluke goal like that go in, it’s obviously not the bounce you want.”

    Thompson tied it at 2 on four-minute power play seven minutes into the second when his dump-in from just over center ice deflected off the glass in the left corner to the crease and bounced in off Dobes’ right leg.

    “I’ll take it,” he said. “It’s a nice feeling when you see that.”

    Buffalo got the extended power play when Montreal’s Alexandre Carrier was called for the double minor after high-sticking and cutting Rasmus Dahlin.

    The Canadiens failed to take advantage of a four-minute power play of their own after Bowen Byram was sent off for high-sticking Alexandre Texier late in the second period. Montreal was 1 for 7 on the power play.

    Buffalo opened the scoring on Samuelsson’s goal at 6:32 of the first period, and appeared it make it 2-0 1:30 later when a video review confirmed Jack Quinn’s shot crossed the goal line inside Dobes’ glove, However, Montreal successfully challenged for goalie interference on Konsta Helenius.

    “Which I totally disagree with,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “Just for the fact that Dobes always is swinging his stick. He initiated the contact with Helenius … I really thought that that was going our way.”

    Newhook then tied it at 1 with 9:52 left in the first with his fifth goal of the series and sixth of the playoffs. Caufield gave the Canadiens the lead with 13 seconds to go in the period, beating Luukkonen from close range on a power play.

    —

    AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

    Expert Picks
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    Matt Severance
    Matt SeveranceSeverance Pays
    #2
    +616.5 (61%)
    Last 31 NHL
    Montreal-146
    Money Line
    Picked May 12 @ 5:43 pm, 0.5 unit on FanDuel
    LOSS
    Buffalo has made the change in net to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and that’s mostly what this play is. The Finn has made two career playoff starts and wasn’t very good in either. And were both on home ice in Round 1, getting pulled from the last one. Now UPL makes his first road start in maybe the toughest place to play in the NHL — especially right now as Montreal is going nuts. “Ole, Ole, Ole!” The Habs have woken up offensively in the past two with 11 goals.

    Matt’s Pick

    1 2 3 T

    2-2

    		 1 1 1 3

    2-2

    		 2 0 0 2
    • Bell CentreMontreal, PQ
    • Game 4series tied 2-2
    STARS OF THE GAME
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    Z. Benson LW 1 0 1 1
    B. Byram D 0 0 -1 2
    R. Dahlin D 0 1 1 2
    J. Doan RW 0 2 1 0
    J. Greenway LW 0 0 -1 0
    K. Helenius C 0 0 0 3
    P. Krebs C 0 0 0 0
    B. Malenstyn LW 0 0 -1 2
    R. McLeod C 0 0 -1 0
    J. Norris C 0 1 1 0
    O. Power D 0 0 0 0
    J. Quinn RW 0 0 0 3
    M. Samuelsson D 1 0 0 2
    L. Schenn D 0 0 0 0
    T. Thompson C 1 1 0 2
    C. Timmins D 0 0 0 0
    A. Tuch RW 0 0 0 4
    J. Zucker LW 0 0 0 1
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    J. Anderson RW 0 0 0 3
    Z. Bolduc C 0 0 -1 0
    A. Carrier D 0 0 1 0
    C. Caufield RW 1 0 0 5
    K. Dach C 0 0 -1 1
    P. Danault C 0 0 0 0
    I. Demidov RW 0 1 1 2
    N. Dobson D 0 0 -1 2
    J. Evans C 0 1 1 0
    K. Guhle D 0 0 0 1
    L. Hutson D 0 1 -1 0
    M. Matheson D 0 0 1 3
    A. Newhook C 1 0 1 5
    J. Slafkovsky LW 0 1 0 5
    N. Suzuki C 0 0 0 1
    A. Texier LW 0 0 0 2
    J. Veleno C 0 0 -1 0
    A. Xhekaj D 0 0 0 0
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    U. Luukkonen 30 2 28 0.933 60:00
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    J. Dobes 22 3 19 0.864 57:17
    All times are US/Eastern.
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  • Dorofeyev scores in OT to give Golden Knights 3-2 win over Ducks and 3-2 series lead

    AP

    LAS VEGAS (AP) Pavel Dorofeyev has made a name for himself with his shot from the right circle, the epitome of a skilled player making the best use of his talents by setting the Vegas record for power-play goals with 20 this season.

    But this is the Stanley Cup playoffs and toughness is asked of all the players.

    Dorofeyev took a hard shot off his right knee in the second period Tuesday night, forcing him to leave the ice for a few minutes. But Dorofeyev, who earlier had a power-play goal, scored at 4:10 of overtime to give Vegas a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, moving the Vegas Golden Knights a victory away from advancing to the Western Conference final.

    “I just blocked a shot,” said Dorofeyev, who has seven goals this postseason. “It’s kind of a (lousy) part of my job, but it hurts more when I miss it. I just had to get myself together and get back on the ice.”

    Game 6 of the second-round series is Thursday night at Anaheim.

    The Golden Knights can reach the conference final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Anaheim, making its first playoff appearance in eight years, will try force a Game 7 back in Las Vegas on Saturday.

    Tomas Hertl had gone 29 games going back to the regular season without a goal, but now has two in two games. He also had the primary assist on Dorofeyev’s power-play goal in the first period.

    Jack Eichel had two assists, including the primary one on the winner.

    Carter Hart stopped 34 shots, two nights after allowing four goals on 23 shots in a 4-3 loss in Anaheim. Hart bounced back from a similar situation in the opening series, allowing four goals on 12 shots in Game 3 at Utah before winning five of his next six starts.

    “We have all the faith in the world in Carter,” said Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who disputed the notion Hart was coming off a down performance. “I look at the Utah series and he was really good there, and he stole a couple of games for us. … But every time you lose a game in the playoffs, it’s about how you bounce back. I thought all 20 guys who played tonight bounced back and Carter led that.”

    Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger scored his first career playoff goal from the left circle to tie it at 2 with 3:05 left in regulation. Beckett Sennecke extended his goals streak to four games with a power-play score. Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier each has two assists and Lukas Dostal made 29 saves.

    “I know this group’s going to bounce back,” Zellweger said. “We have all playoffs long.”

    Ducks center Ryan Poehling was helped off the ice after being checked hard into the boards by Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb nearly midway through the first period. McNabb received a five-minute major for interference and was sent to the dressing room with a game misconduct, costing the Golden Knights a first-pair blue liner.

    Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said he wouldn’t address whether the officials made the right call to make that a major penalty and eject McNabb, but quickly questioned why there wasn’t call when Vegas defenseman Dylan Coghlan was hit at the end of regulation.

    “I just don’t get it,” Tortorella said.

    The Ducks got a goal off the McNabb-induced power play when Sennecke scored off a rebound. Dorofeyev answered after taking the puck from Chris Kreider, shifting to the slot and snapping a shot past Dostal.

    Hertl’s rebound goal at 4:48 of the third period nearly stood up before Zellweger took advantage of extended offensive zone time to force extra play.

    —

    AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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    No picks available yet for this matchup.
    1 2 3 OT T

    2-3

    		 1 0 1 0 2

    3-2

    		 1 0 1 1 3
    • T-Mobile ArenaLas Vegas, NV
    • Game 5LV leads 3-2
    STARS OF THE GAME
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    J. Carlson D 0 0 0 3
    L. Carlsson C 0 0 -1 2
    C. Gauthier LW 0 2 0 4
    M. Granlund C 0 0 0 0
    R. Johnston LW 0 0 -1 0
    A. Killorn LW 0 0 0 3
    C. Kreider LW 0 0 -1 0
    J. LaCombe D 0 0 -1 1
    M. McTavish C 0 2 0 6
    P. Mintyukov D 0 0 0 4
    I. Moore D 0 0 -1 0
    R. Poehling C 0 0 0 2
    B. Sennecke RW 1 0 0 4
    T. Terry RW 0 0 -1 2
    J. Trouba D 0 0 0 1
    J. Viel LW 0 0 1 2
    T. Washe C 0 0 0 1
    O. Zellweger D 1 0 0 1
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    R. Andersson D 0 1 1 3
    I. Barbashev LW 0 0 1 1
    D. Coghlan D 0 0 -1 2
    P. Dorofeyev RW 2 0 1 4
    N. Dowd C 0 0 0 0
    J. Eichel C 0 2 1 6
    N. Hanifin D 0 0 0 3
    T. Hertl C 1 1 0 1
    B. Howden C 0 0 0 0
    B. Hutton D 0 0 1 3
    W. Karlsson C 0 0 0 1
    K. Kolesar RW 0 0 0 3
    M. Marner RW 0 0 0 1
    B. McNabb D 0 0 0 0
    B. Saad LW 0 1 0 2
    C. Sissons C 0 0 0 0
    C. Smith LW 0 0 0 0
    S. Theodore D 0 0 1 2
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    L. Dostal 32 3 29 0.906 64:10
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    C. Hart 36 2 34 0.944 64:10

  • Wembanyama returns with a huge performance as the Spurs beat the Wolves 126-97 for a 3-2 lead

    • AP
    • May 13, 2026

    SAN ANTONIO (AP) Victor Wembanyama atoned for his first career ejection with another huge performance, finishing with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their second-round series.

    At 22 years old, Wembanyama is the third-youngest player in NBA history to post that stat line in a playoff game, trailing only Magic Johnson (20) and Luka Doncic (21).

    “I was fresh, feeling good,” Wembanyama said. “Honestly, it’s hard to tell. It was just Game 5. Obviously, I’m going to be excited (and) to have butterflies. So, excitement is not something abnormal at this point in the playoffs.”

    Keldon Johnson had 21 points, De’Aaron Fox added 18 and Stephon Castle had 17 as San Antonio moved a game away from the Western Conference finals. The Spurs can advance to face Oklahoma City with a victory in Game 6 on Friday in Minneapolis.

    Anthony Edwards, who was limited to eight points in the first half, finished with 20 points for Minnesota. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels added 17 points apiece.

    Wembanyama returned after being ejected early in the second quarter of Minnesota’s 114-109 victory Sunday during Game 4 in Minneapolis. Wembanyama received a Flagrant 2 foul after elbowing Naz Reid in the throat.

    Both teams continued to hammer each other, with Reid receiving a technical foul for pushing Wembanyama in the back on a Minnesota free throw with 2:24 left in the first half.

    “I felt like, to start the game, we knew it was going to be physical,” Castle said. “So, just making that a point of emphasis and trying to keep them off the offensive glass. I feel like we started the game off well and that’s where our runs came from. But obviously they’re a good team. They’re going to go on their own run. So, just try not to hang our head when that does happen and be able to respond and spark another run for ourselves.”

    The foul by Reid fired up Wembanyama, not that he needed any additional motivation.

    Wembanyama was 6 for 8 from the field and 2 for 3 on 3-pointers in scoring 18 points in the opening quarter.

    “I think it’s super important for us the way we start the game, because it sets the tone,” Wembanyama said, “Now the challenge is to do it for 48 minutes.”

    The Timberwolves opened the third quarter on a 14-2 run to tie the game at 61 after trailing by 18 points in the first half. Minnesota tipped away three attempted alley-oop passes to Wembanyama before they reached the 7-foot-4 post.

    The Spurs recaptured a double-digit lead in the third spurred by Johnson’s block on Rudy Gobert’s attempted dunk followed by his short jumper after bodying Edwards under the rim.

    “We went away from what was working,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “Our defense just cratered. We gave up 30 points, I think, in the last six minutes of the third quarter. A lot of it was just ball contain, ball contain stuff.”

    San Antonio held its opponent under 100 points for the fifth time in 10 games this postseason.

    “I thought we did a good job of having resistance early in the clock,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “They’ve shown as the series has gone on, they’ve tried to play faster at times and they’re tough when they get downhill. I think when we’ve had better starting spots, more connectivity at the start of possessions, I think it’s really helped us be on a string and be organized and connected defensively.”

    —

    AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

    Expert Picks

    View all 9 picks

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    Adam Thompson
    Adam ThompsonThe ATM
    +591.5 (65%)
    Last 34 NBA Player Props
    Over 4.5-147
    Jaden McDaniels • Rebounds • Player Prop
    Picked May 12 @ 5:34 pm, 1 unit on BetRivers
    WIN
    Jaden McDaniels has five-plus boards in three of the four games so far this series, and eight-plus rebounds in four of the seven games last series. He’s leaning into his defense and rebounding while still scoring in the teens. With teammates Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert guarding posts with perimeter shooting, McDaniels is just as likely to be down low cleaning the glass as anyone.

    Adam’s Pick

    Larry Hartstein
    Larry HartsteinThe Maestro
    #1
    +2294 (63%)
    Last 124 NBA Player Props
    Over 17.5-110
    Stephon Castle • Points • Player Prop
    Picked May 12 @ 5:32 pm, 1 unit on BetRivers
    LOSS
    With De’Aaron Fox a gametime decision and Dylan Harper downgraded to questionable, Stephon Castle should be looking at massive usage in Game 5. He has scored 20-plus points in two of the past three games. In the two San Antonio home games, Castle got to the foul line 17 times combined. Look for him to score 18 or more Tuesday.

    Larry’s Pick

    1 2 3 4 T

    6 Timberwolves 2-3

    		 30 17 26 24 97

    2 Spurs 3-2

    		 34 25 32 35 126
    Game 5
    SA leads 3-2
    Frost Bank Center San Antonio, TX
    TOP SCORERS
    		A. Edwards SG 20PTS 2REB 2AST
    		V. Wembanyama C 27PTS 17REB 5AST
    Timberwolves
    STARTERS PTS REB AST PF
    A. Edwards 20 2 2 0
    J. Randle 17 10 1 3
    J. McDaniels 17 6 2 5
    A. Dosunmu 16 9 4 4
    R. Gobert 4 5 0 3
    BENCH PTS REB AST PF
    N. Reid 12 5 2 4
    M. Conley 5 1 2 1
    J. Beringer 3 3 0 0
    T. Shannon Jr. 2 0 4 4
    K. Anderson 1 0 0 0
    J. Phillips 0 0 0 0
    B. Hyland 0 1 0 0
    J. Clark 0 0 0 0
    J. Ingles – – – –
    Z. Pullin – – – –
    Total 97 42 17 25
    Spurs
    STARTERS PTS REB AST PF
    V. Wembanyama 27 17 5 1
    D. Fox 18 4 5 2
    S. Castle 17 4 6 3
    D. Vassell 12 3 2 3
    J. Champagnie 8 4 0 5
    BENCH PTS REB AST PF
    K. Johnson 21 2 0 3
    D. Harper 12 10 2 3
    K. Olynyk 3 0 0 0
    L. Waters III 3 0 0 0
    C. Bryant 3 4 2 1
    B. Biyombo 2 1 0 2
    H. Barnes 0 1 1 0
    L. Kornet 0 0 0 1
    J. McLaughlin 0 0 2 0
    M. Plumlee – – – –
    H. Ingram – – – –
    E. Miller – – – –
    Total 126 50 25 24

  • MLB Scores

    FINAL
    R H E
    Angels16-27
    		 2 8 1
    Guardians23-21
    		 3 4 0
    Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
    Highlights: Angels at Guardians (5/12)
    0:39
    • W: H. Gaddis  (1-1)
    • L: W. Urena  (1-4)
    • S: C. Smith  (12)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 C. Smith CLE P1.1 IP, 2 SO
    player headshot
    		 S. Cecconi CLE P4.0 IP, 5 H, 7 SO, 1 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    Yankees27-16
    		 6 9 2
    Orioles19-24
    		 2 6 1
    Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
    Highlights: Yankees at Orioles (5/12)
    0:49
    • W: W. Warren  (5-1)
    • L: T. Rogers  (2-4)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 W. Warren NYY P5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    		 T. Grisham NYY CF1-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Rockies16-26
    		 1 4 0
    Pirates23-19
    		 3 9 0
    PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
    Highlights: Skenes takes no-hitter into 7th inning
    1:10
    • W: P. Skenes  (6-2)
    • L: M. Lorenzen  (2-5)
    • S: G. Soto  (4)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 P. Skenes PIT P8.0 IP, 2 H, 10 SO
    player headshot
    		 G. Soto PIT P1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER
    FINAL
    R H E
    Nationals20-22
    		 10 13 2
    Reds22-20
    		 4 10 0
    Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
    • W: B. Lord  (2-0)
    • L: B. Singer  (2-3)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 D. Lile WAS LF3-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI
    player headshot
    		 L. Garcia WAS 1B3-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Phillies20-22
    		 2 5 1
    Red Sox17-24
    		 1 7 0
    Fenway Park, Boston, MA
    Highlights: Schwarber homers in FIFTH straight game
    1:09
    • W: Z. Wheeler  (2-0)
    • L: J. Moran  (0-1)
    • S: J. Duran  (6)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 Z. Wheeler PHI P7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 4 SO
    player headshot
    		 B. Bello BOS P6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 SO, 1 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    Rays28-13
    		 7 13 2
    Blue Jays18-24
    		 6 6 0
    Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
    Highlights: Rays at Blue Jays (5/12)
    0:55
    • W: I. Seymour  (2-0)
    • L: B. Fisher  (2-1)
    • S: G. Cleavinger  (1)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 S. McClanahan TB P5.0 IP, 1 H, 7 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    		 I. Seymour TB P1.1 IP, 2 SO
    FINAL
    R H E
    Tigers19-23
    		 2 10 2
    Mets16-25
    		 10 13 0
    Citi Field, Flushing, NY
    Highlights: Tigers at Mets (5/12)
    0:59
    • W: F. Peralta  (3-3)
    • L: J. Flaherty  (0-4)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 F. Peralta NYM P6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 7 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    		 A. Ewing NYM CF1-2, 2 R, 2 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Cubs27-15
    		 2 1 0
    Braves29-13
    		 5 11 0
    Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
    Highlights: Cubs at Braves (5/12)
    0:41
    • W: D. Fuentes  (2-0)
    • L: C. Rea  (4-2)
    • S: R. Iglesias  (7)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 D. Fuentes ATL P3.0 IP, 3 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    		 R. Iglesias ATL P1.0 IP, 1 SO
    FINAL
    R H E
    Royals19-23
    		 5 11 1
    White Sox20-21
    		 6 7 0
    Rate Field, Chicago, IL
    Highlights: Royals at White Sox (5/12)
    0:48
    • W: S. Dominguez  (3-3)
    • L: M. Strahm  (1-1)
    • S: B. Hudson  (2)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 S. Dominguez CHW P1.0 IP
    player headshot
    		 B. Hudson CHW P1.0 IP
    FINAL
    R H E
    Marlins19-23
    		 0 2 1
    Twins19-23
    		 3 4 0
    Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
    Highlights: Marlins at Twins (5/12)
    0:32
    • W: B. Ober  (4-2)
    • L: E. Perez  (2-5)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 B. Ober MIN P9.0 IP, 2 H, 7 SO
    player headshot
    		 E. Perez MIA P6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 8 SO, 3 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    Padres24-17
    		 4 8 0
    Brewers23-16
    		 6 11 0
    American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
    Highlights: Padres at Brewers (5/12)
    0:53
    • W: B. Sproat  (1-2)
    • L: M. Waldron  (1-2)
    • S: A. Uribe  (4)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 B. Sproat MIL P5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 6 SO, 2 BB
    player headshot
    		 A. Uribe MIL P1.0 IP, 1 SO, 1 BB
    FINAL
    R H E
    Diamondbacks20-21
    		 4 4 0
    Rangers20-22
    		 7 11 0
    Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
    • W: M. Gore  (3-3)
    • L: Z. Gallen  (1-4)
    • S: J. Latz  (5)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 M. Gore TEX P8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 SO, 1 BB
    player headshot
    		 E. Duran TEX 2B2-3, 3 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Mariners21-22
    		 10 11 0
    Astros16-27
    		 2 5 0
    Daikin Park, Houston, TX
    Highlights: Mariners at Astros (5/12)
    0:45
    • W: B. Woo  (3-2)
    • L: T. Imai  (1-1)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 B. Woo SEA P6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 9 SO, 2 BB
    player headshot
    		 R. Arozarena SEA LF4-4, 4 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Cardinals24-17
    		 6 10 0
    Athletics21-20
    		 4 6 2
    Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, California
    • W: A. Pallante  (4-3)
    • L: J. Springs  (3-3)
    • S: R. O’Brien  (12)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 A. Pallante STL P5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 SO, 3 BB
    player headshot
    		 J. Wetherholt STL 2B2-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI
    FINAL
    R H E
    Giants18-24
    		 6 10 0
    Dodgers24-18
    		 2 4 0
    Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
    Highlights: Giants at Dodgers (5/12)
    0:59
    • W: A. Houser  (1-4)
    • L: Y. Yamamoto  (3-3)
    • S: C. Kilian  (2)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    player headshot
    		 A. Houser SF P5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 SO, 3 BB
    player headshot
    		 E. Haase SF C2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI

  • MacKenzie Gore works career-best 8 innings as Rangers beat Diamondbacks 7-4

    AP

    ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) MacKenzie Gore allowed three hits in a career-high eight innings, Joc Pederson and Ezequiel Duran homered, and the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-4 on Tuesday night.

    Jake Burger went 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs, reaching base a season-high four times.

    Gore (3-3) allowed Ildemaro Vargas’ solo homer in the third inning while throwing just 95 pitches and matching the longest start by a Texas pitcher this year. He struck out five and walked one. The 27-year-old left-hander, in his fifth major league season, had worked seven innings six times previously.

    Vargas also had an RBI single in the ninth on a 2-for-4 night that raised his batting average to .336.

    Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo left in the sixth inning after his left foot hit the edge of first baseman Vargas’ foot as he tried to leg out an infield single. Pinch-runner Sam Haggerty replaced him.

    After Grant Collyer allowed the first four batters to reach in the ninth, Jacob Latz came in and retired the side on 12 pitches, allowing two inherited runners to score, for his fifth save.

    Pederson homered on the second pitch of the game from Zac Gallen (1-4). Duran went in the fourth, and his run-scoring infield single chased Gallen in the fifth.

    Gallen allowed a season-high seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. He has a 10.67 ERA in three May starts.

    RHP Ryne Nelson (1-3, 5.68 ERA) starts for the Diamondbacks in the rubber game of the series on Wednesday against Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker (1-4, 5.01).

    —

    AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

    20-21

    		 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 4 0

    20-22

    		 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 X 7 11 0
    • Globe Life FieldArlington, TX
    • W: M. Gore (3-3)L: Z. Gallen (1-4)S: J. Latz (5)
    • HR: ARI – I. Vargas (6), TEX – J. Pederson (2), E. Duran (2)
    PLAYERS OF THE GAME
    •  

      M. Gore

      P

      8.0 IP, ER, BB, 5 SO, 95 P

    •  

      E. Duran

      2B

      2-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR, BB

    HITTERS AB R H RBI AVG
    K. Marte 2B 4 0 0 0 .208
    C. Carroll RF 3 1 1 0 .263
    G. Perdomo SS 3 0 0 0 .223
    a- T. Tawa PH 0 1 0 0 .152
    N. Arenado 3B 3 1 0 0 .267
    I. Vargas 1B 4 1 2 2 .336
    L. Gurriel LF 3 0 0 1 .194
    G. Moreno C 3 0 0 1 .203
    J. Fernandez DH 4 0 0 0 .274
    R. Waldschmidt CF 3 0 1 0 .286
    • a-walked for Perdomo in the 9th
    HITTERS AB R H RBI AVG
    J. Pederson DH 5 1 1 1 .223
    B. Nimmo RF 4 1 3 0 .288
    S. Haggerty PR-LF 1 0 0 0 .161
    C. Seager SS 4 1 0 1 .184
    J. Jung 3B 4 1 1 0 .320
    E. Carter CF 4 0 0 0 .168
    E. Duran 2B 3 3 2 2 .296
    A. Osuna LF-RF 3 0 1 1 .286
    J. Burger 1B 3 0 3 2 .219
    K. Higashioka C 4 0 0 0 .203
    BATTING
    • 2B – R. Waldschmidt (2)
    • HR – I. Vargas (7)
    • SF – G. Moreno (2)
    • RBI – I. Vargas 2 (26), L. Gurriel (5), G. Moreno (9)
    • Runners left in scoring position, 2-Out – K. Marte
    BATTING
    • 3B – B. Nimmo (2)
    • HR – J. Pederson (3), E. Duran (3)
    • RBI – J. Pederson (9), C. Seager (20), E. Duran 2 (15), A. Osuna (6), J. Burger 2 (23)
    • 2-Out RBI – E. Duran, A. Osuna, J. Burger
    • Runners left in scoring position, 2-Out – J. Pederson, K. Higashioka
    BASERUNNING
    • SB – A. Osuna
    FIELDING
    • DP – (Arenado-Vargas)
    PITCHERS IP H ER BB SO ERA
    Z. Gallen(L, 1-4) 4.2 7 7 2 4 5.65
    R. Thompson 0.1 2 0 0 1 3.07
    B. Pfaadt 3.0 2 0 0 5 5.29
    PITCHERS IP H ER BB SO ERA
    M. Gore(W, 3-3) 8.0 3 1 1 5 4.50
    G. Collyer 0.0 1 3 3 0 2.79
    J. Latz(S, 5) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0.83
    PITCHING
    • Pitches-Strikes – Z. Gallen 95-60, R. Thompson 14-9, B. Pfaadt 39-29
    • Ground Balls-Fly Balls – Z. Gallen 7-6, R. Thompson 2-0, B. Pfaadt 3-2
    • Batters Faced – Z. Gallen 24, R. Thompson 3, B. Pfaadt 11
    PITCHING
    • Pitches-Strikes – M. Gore 95-63, G. Collyer 20-7, J. Latz 12-7
    • Ground Balls-Fly Balls – M. Gore 5-7, J. Latz 2-1
    • Batters Faced – M. Gore 28, G. Collyer 4, J. Latz 3
    Around the WebPromoted by Taboola

  • Dbacks ref and notes

    • Diamondbacks’ Paul Sewald: Secures ninth save

      Sewald picked up the save Monday against Texas. He allowed no hits or walks and hit a batter while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

      Sewald entered with a one-run cushion in the ninth inning and plunked Corey Seager with two outs but was able to get Josh Jung to fly out and close the contest with no damage. The 35-year-old hurler has been stellar over his past five outings, allowing no hits and just one walk while striking out six batters during that stretch. Overall, Sewald owns a 3.07 ERA and 0.68 WHIP with an 18:4 K:BB and nine saves across 14.2 innings in 2026.

    • Diamondbacks’ Michael Soroka: Sharp in fifth win

      Soroka (5-2) earned the win Monday, allowing three hits and a walk over 6.1 scoreless innings against Texas. He struck out five.

      Soroka was stellar, stifling the Texas offense with little resistance across 6.1 innings. Monday marked the right-hander’s first scoreless outing since his season debut March 30 against Detroit, though he has now held opponents to two or fewer runs in six of eight starts. The 28-year-old has regularly looked sharp in his first year with Arizona, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with a 47:12 K:BB across 43.1 innings. Even those solid numbers are inflated by a lone blowup outing April 30 against Milwaukee in which he allowed eight earned runs. Soroka’s next start is tentatively lined up for Sunday against Colorado.

    • Diamondbacks’ Carlos Santana: Setback on rehab assignment

      Santana suffered a setback with his right adductor strain Sunday while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

      Santana had appeared poised for activation from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday’s game against the Rangers, but his status is now up in the air. The 40-year-old was functioning as the Diamondbacks‘ primary first baseman before getting hurt in early April, but with the emergence of Ildemaro Vargas, Santana could be looking at a reduced role when he does make it back.

    • Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte: Tallies two-RBI triple

      Marte went 1-for-3 with a triple, two RBI and a walk in Sunday’s victory over the Mets.

      Marte extended his team’s lead in the sixth inning with a two-RBI triple, his second three-bagger of the season. He has now recorded extra-base hits in consecutive games after doubling in Saturday’s win, though it has still been a lackluster start to 2026 for the star second baseman. Through 37 games, the 32-year-old is hitting .212/.268/.370 with five homers, 15 RBI and 19 runs scored.

  • One reason for optimism for every team after rookie minicamps: Jets, Giants poised to turn corner?

    New talent, bold roster decisions and emerging superstars give every team a reason to up the stakes in 2026

    By 
    bailey.jpg

    Getty Images

    Hope is a byproduct of the NFL’s quest for parity, which became a reality with the advent of free agency and the salary cap. While dynasties ruled the NFL for decades, the league is now more competitive than ever. Of the NFL’s eight divisions, seven produced a new champion in 2025. The playoff field included six teams that missed the postseason in 2024, including the Seahawks and Patriots, who represented their respective conferences in the Super Bowl.

    Seattle and New England’s recent success should offer hope to fan bases that may otherwise be down on their luck. In fact, every fan base has at least one reason for optimism with free agency and the draft now in the rearview mirror.

    Arizona Cardinals

    Building a sound foundation for the QB of the future

    Too often, teams set young quarterbacks up for failure by putting them in poor situations. To their credit, the Cardinals are taking a different approach.

    While they don’t appear to have their long-term quarterback yet, they are strengthening the rest of the roster. Arizona added notable offensive pieces, most notably former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and former Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis. The Cardinals also added another quarterback to the depth chart by drafting former Miami quarterback Carson Beck, who completed a staggering 72.4% of his passes last season.

    Atlanta Falcons

    The league’s best running back in Bijan Robinson

    If nothing else, Falcons fans have the luxury of watching a generational talent every week. Robinson made a strong case last season to be regarded as the NFL’s best running back.

    In his third season, Robinson amassed 2,298 all-purpose yards, a franchise single-season record. In addition to rushing for nearly 1,500 yards, Robinson caught 79 passes for 820 yards while becoming the league’s most versatile offensive player. His play down the stretch last season helped Atlanta finish the year on a four-game winning streak.

    Robinson’s new coach, Kevin Stefanski, comes to Atlanta after a six-year tenure with the Browns, which included two playoff berths and the franchise’s first playoff win since 1994.

    Baltimore Ravens

    More help for Lamar Jackson 

    After acquiring the best free-agent pass rusher (Trey Hendrickson), the Ravens largely used the draft to enhance the situation surrounding Jackson, who hasn’t always been flanked by the best supporting cast.

    Baltimore hit a home run when they drafted Olaivavega Ioane, who was the first guard selected in the draft. The Ravens then used three of their next four picks on pass-catchers who should be able to make an immediate impact in 2026. Elijah Sarratt, the second wideout that Baltimore selected in the draft, led the entire FBS with 15 touchdown receptions in 2025.

    Buffalo Bills

    More help for Josh Allen

    In Allen, the Bills continue to have one of the league’s best players. This offseason, the Bills helped Allen by acquiring veteran receiver DJ Moore from Chicago. Buffalo then spent a fourth-round draft pick on fellow wideout Skyler Bell, who caught a whopping 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while playing for Connecticut. Buffalo embarks on its 2026 campaign with Joe Brady as its new coach. Can the offensive-minded Brady get Allen over the playoff hump?

    Buffalo also improved its defense during free agency and during the draft. Among their key free agent defensive additions were outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and defensive backs C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Dee Alford. The Bills then used their first draft pick to acquire pass rusher T.J. Parker, who forced a whopping six fumbles at Clemson in 2024.

    Carolina Panthers

    Monster offseason 

    While it somewhat went under the radar, the Panthers nonetheless had one of the NFL’s most successful offseasons. In free agency, they acquired several notable players, including Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips. During the draft, they acquired one of the top-ranked offensive tackle prospects in Monroe Freeling, a potential defensive anchor in defensive tackle Lee Hunter and another target for Bryce Young in Chris Brazzell II, whose nine touchdown receptions for Tennessee last season led the SEC.

    One big question in Carolina, however, is whether or not Jonathan Brooks can fill the void left by former 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle’s departure. Brooks, a 2024 second-round pick, missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL in Week 14 of his rookie season.

    Chicago Bears

    Emerging duo of Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson 

    Chicago appears to have found its franchise quarterback in Williams. Chicago may also have its longterm coach in Johnson, who led the Bears to a surprising division title and a playoff win during his first season in the Windy City. Williams is coming off a breakout 2025 season that saw him orchestrate several game-winning drives that included throwing the game-winning touchdown pass in the Bears’ wild-card playoff win over the Packers.

    player headshot
    Caleb Williams

    CHI • QB • #18
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    YDS3942
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    In an effort to build upon last year’s success, the Bears added several notable pieces to a defense that finished just 23rd in the NFL in points allowed. Among those pieces were linebacker Devin Bush, safety Coby Bryant and fellow safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick. They also got Williams another pass-catcher in the draft in former Stanford tight end Sam Roush.

    Cincinnati Bengals

    Defensive help for Joe Burrow 

    When healthy, Burrow has been everything the Bengals desired in a No. 1 overall pick. Burrow has led the Bengals to a Super Bowl, two AFC title games and two division titles. He’s also won a passing title, led the NFL in touchdown passes and has twice won NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

    Injuries, however, have prevented Burrow and the Bengals from achieving more success in recent years. So has a defense that was one of the league’s worst over the past two seasons.

    Cincinnati went to great lengths to improve its defense. During free agency, the Bengals acquired four projected defensive starters in three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, defensive end Boye Mafe and free safety Bryan Cook.

    Cleveland Browns

    Re-vamped offense 

    There’s a lot to like about Cleveland’s offseason. Cleveland hired coach Todd Monken, who comes to the Browns after two years of work with Lamar Jackson. Monken will now try to have similar success with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

    The Browns helped that cause by acquiring three projected starting offensive linemen in free agency before selecting former Utah standout offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick. The Browns then drafted two projected starting receivers in Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.

    An underrated facet of Cleveland’s draft was the selection of former Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round, who was projected by some as a possible first-round pick. McNeil-Warren will join a defense that’s led by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

    Dallas Cowboys

    Promising defensive additions 

    The Cowboys used both free agency and the draft to bolster a defense that gave up the most points in the NFL in 2025. Dallas acquired five projected defensive starters in free agency before selecting a defensive player with its first three draft picks. The first player the Cowboys drafted, safety Caleb Downs, has the potential to be the team’s best safety since Darren Woodson.

    An improved defense should lead to very good things for the Cowboys, who boasted one of the league’s top-scoring offenses a year ago.

    Denver Broncos

    A young QB and an elite defense 

    The Broncos probably would have reached the Super Bowl had it not been for the Bo Nix ankle injury in a playoff win over the Bills. Assuming Nix has a successful recovery, the Broncos should once again be in the running to win the AFC in 2026.

    Following an impressive rookie season, Nix didn’t quite make the leap that many expected him to make in 2025. Denver addressed that this offseason by acquiring former Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle.

    The Broncos also possess one of the league’s best defenses, led by pass rusher Nik Bonitto and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.

    Detroit Lions

    Defensive youth movement 

    Like the Cowboys, the Lions‘ high-scoring offense struggled to make up for a lackluster defense in 2025. Also like Dallas, Detroit looked to remedy that issue this offseason.

    The Lions added a slew of defensive depth during free agency, then used their second-round pick to acquire pass rusher Derrick Moore, a local product who tallied 10.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 10 tackles for loss during his final season at Michigan. Moore will look to pose a formidable duo with fellow defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

    Green Bay Packers

    Promising rookie defenders 

    The Packers received stellar grades for their first three draft picks: former South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, former Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan and former Penn State pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton. Green Bay also received high marks for the selection of former Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson in the sixth round.

    Houston Texans

    Help for C.J. Stroud 

    While he has helped the Texans win a playoff game each of the last three seasons, Stroud’s inconsistency contributed to Houston’s inability to reach the AFC title game.

    In an effort to help Stroud, Houston acquired two projected starting offensive linemen in free agency: guard Wyatt Teller and tackle Braden Smith. They also gave Stroud a new running back in David Montgomery.

    During the draft, the Texans further helped Stroud by selecting former Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge with the 26th overall pick. Rutledge, who is slated to be the Texans’ new starting center, was the first Yellow Jacket to be named first-team all-America in consecutive years since Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson.

    Indianapolis Colts

    Defensive reinforcements 

    After an 8-3 start, the Colts six-game slide at the end of the 2025 was largely a byproduct of Daniel Jones‘ season-ending injury and a defense that finished No. 21 in the league in points allowed. The Colts addressed their defense this offseason, both during free agency and the draft.

    During free agency, the Colts acquired two projected defensive starters in defensive end Arden Key and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. They acquired two more projected defensive starters during the draft in linebacker CJ Allen and safety AJ Haulcy.

    On offense, Indianapolis is hoping that seventh-round pick Deion Burks can help fill the absence left by Michael Pittman Jr.’s departure.

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    Key depth added 

    Jacksonville’s lack of movement in free agency coincided with the departure of Travis Etienne, who signed a long-term deal with the Saints. And while the Jaguars still have question marks about who will replace Etienne, they did a good job in the draft of solidifying other areas of the roster, specifically at tight end and on the defensive line.

    The Jaguars also acquired a very promising offensive lineman during the draft when they selected former Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon with the 88th overall pick. Pregnon earned an 86.7 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, which was the second-best grade among all FBS guards.

    Kansas City Chiefs

    Re-loaded roster 

    The Chiefs got aggressive following their first losing season since 2012. That should pay instant dividends while giving Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones another shot at a Super Bowl.

    Kansas City emphatically addressed its running game by signing reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who was part of a free agent class that includes three other projected starters in defensive end Khyiris Tonga and defensive backs Alohi Gilman and Kader Kohou. The Chiefs added even more talent to their defense when they used their first three draft picks on that side of the ball. Mansoor Delane, the sixth overall pick in the draft, is expected to be an immediate starter in Kansas City’s secondary.

    Las Vegas Raiders

    Fernando Mendoza 

    Mendonza personifies hope in Las Vegas. But unlike many teams that select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, it appears that the Raiders are building a team that can one day put their young quarterback in a position to succeed.

    This offseason, second-year general manager John Spytek and new coach Klint Kubiak made significant personnel changes during both free agency and the draft. In free agency, they acquired nine projected starters (five on offense, four on defense), including four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will serve as Mendoza’s mentor.

    In addition to Mendoza, the Raiders acquired several promising players during the draft, especially safety Treydan Stukes, the 38th overall pick, who fills a major need in Las Vegas’ defensive backfield.

    Los Angeles Chargers

    Revamped offensive line 

    Los Angeles made massive moves on the offensive line in an effort to ensure that Justin Herbert won’t get sacked another 54 times in 2026.

    During free agency, the Chargers acquired center Tyler Biadasz and right guard Cole Strange. In the draft, Los Angeles acquired another projected starter on the offensive line in left guard Jake Slaughter, the first interior lineman selected by the Chargers within the first two days of the draft since Joe Hortiz became the team’s general manager in 2024. The Chargers also acquired right tackle Travis Burke and guard Logan Taylor, making it the first time that Los Angeles drafted three offensive linemen since 2017.

    Los Angeles Rams

    A possible succession plan at QB 

    Instead of choosing a player that could help them win now, the Rams — a team that nearly reached the Super Bowl last year — used the 13th overall pick in the draft to select their hopeful future quarterback in Ty Simpson. Rest assured that the result of this risk will help define Rams general manager Les Snead’s legacy.

    There are tangible reasons to believe that Snead made the right decision, starting with the fact that Simpson had an impressive 2025 season at Alabama, a season that is more impressive when you consider that Simpson played through several significant injuries during the season’s final eight games. Despite those injuries, Simpson still led the SEC in attempts and completions while throwing 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

    Yes, the Rams missed out on a chance to draft a player who can help them win now with the 13th pick, but it’s not like Los Angeles didn’t make other moves this offseason designed to help them win now. In fact, with their other first-round pick, the Rams acquired former Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, a player who can clearly help the Rams win in 2026.

    Miami Dolphins

    New leadership 

    Without a playoff win since 2000, Dolphins fans surely hope the team’s new leadership can end that drought. Given their background, it’s very possible that Miami’s new brass can eventually lead the team to postseason success.

    New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley enjoyed success with the Packers. Hafley also had a largely successful tenure as Boston College’s coach, including the most wins by any first-year college football coach in 2020. In 2021, he presided over the nation’s third-ranked pass defense.

    Minnesota Vikings

    A proven quarterback 

    After watching Sam Darnold flourish and win a Super Bowl in Seattle, Minnesota went out and acquired Kyler Murray in an effort to finally solidify their quarterback position. As Darnold did in 2024, the Vikings hope Murray can revitalize his career in Minnesota in 2026.

    While his last Pro Bowl nod was back in 2021, Murray has had moments where he has played like an upper-echelon quarterback over the past four years, especially when healthy. In 2021, Murray played in all of Arizona’s 17 games and threw 21 touchdowns (against 11 interceptions) with a 68.8% completion percentage in addition to rushing for 527 yards and five scores.

    New England Patriots

    Improved offense 

    The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl last year, but did so in spite of the 47 sacks a shaky offensive line allowed upon Drake Maye. Maye also ate a whopping 21 sacks in the postseason.

    While they hope Will Campbell rebounds after a rough 2025 season, the Patriots aren’t taking any chances there as they traded to draft fellow offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th pick. In free agency, New England signed former Jets first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year deal.

    New England also helped Maye by acquiring former Packers wideout Romeo Doubs. The Patriots are also expected to acquire Eagles Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown after June 1.

    New Orleans Saints

    A promising young offense 

    The decision to draft Tyler Shough with the 40th pick in last year’s draft paid instant dividends. Shough played so well last year that general manager Mickey Loomis started the offseason by declaring Shough as his quarterback moving forward.

    With his quarterback in tow, Loomis built around Shough, specifically with the free agent signing of Travis Etienne (who will be paired with former Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara), drafting three receivers (starting with Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick) in addition to former Georgia tight end Oscar Delp in the third round. The Saints also added to their offensive line during the draft with the selection of former guard Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round.

    New York Giants

    Winning culture back in the Big Apple 

    With just three winning seasons since their last Super Bowl win, the Giants needed drastic changes, especially in culture. That’s exactly what they have in John Harbaugh, who is determined to quickly bring the Giants back to championship contention.

    With Harbaugh heavily involved, the Giants added a slew of proven veterans during free agency, including several former Ravens. In addition to improving the defense, Harbaugh also improved the situation for Jaxson Dart by adding several new pass-catchers and restocking the offensive line with first-round pick Francis Mauigoa and veterans Lucas Patrick and Daniel Faalele.

    New York Jets

    Mix of proven veterans and exciting young talent 

    Second-year general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn oversaw significant roster turnover this offseason, starting in free agency. Specifically, the Jets added a ton of new faces to their defense during free agency, which included former ageless linebacker Demario Davis and former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Jets also found their new starting quarterback in free agency in former Pro Bowler Geno Smith.

    By all accounts, the Jets crushed the draft, especially the first-round picks of pass rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wideout Omar Cooper Jr. The additions of Sadiq and Cooper should help Smith, who is hoping to revive his career after a rocky season in Las Vegas.

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Retooled offense 

    Howie Roseman showed why he’s one of the best general managers in the business when he leapfrogged the Steelers (in a trade involving the rival Cowboys) to acquire wideout Makai Lemon, who will join a revamped receiving corps that also includes fellow offseason acquisitions Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore.

    Roseman also used the trade to give Jalen Hurts yet another new pass-catcher in former Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. He also added much-needed depth to the offensive line by drafting former Miami tackle Markel Bell in the sixth round and former Georgia guard Micah Morris in the sixth round.

    While no one can predict the future, it appears that Roseman has done his part in terms of improving Jalen Hurts’ situation in light of A.J. Brown’s expected departure.

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    Vastly improved offense 

    Regardless of Aaron Rodgers‘ status, Pittsburgh significantly improved its offense, starting with the acquisitions of wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (via a trade with the Colts) and rookie Germie Bernard. The Steelers also beefed up their backfield with Rico Dowdle, who ran for 1,000 yards each of the last two years.

    Pittsburgh also added to what should be its best offensive line in years. After missing out on Makai Lemon, the Steelers pivoted and drafted Max Iheanachor, a freakishly athletic offensive tackle who did not allow a single sack during his final season at Arizona State. New coach Mike McCarthy will start his Steelers tenure with two promising quarterbacks in Will Howard and rookie third-round pick Drew Allar, pending the Rodgers decision.

    San Francisco 49ers

    Added depth in several key areas 

    You don’t have to be a 49ers fan to know that San Francisco has had the worst injury luck in the NFL. If that trend continues in 2026, it appears that the 49ers are prepared to weather the storm.

    The 49ers added key depth throughout the roster, especially on the offensive line and at receiver. In terms of the latter, San Francisco acquired a future Hall of Famer in free agency in Mike Evans and a solid veteran in Christian Kirk. In the draft, the 49ers used their first pick to select fellow wideout De’Zhaun Stribling, a speedy playmaker who should help open up the 49ers’ vertical game.

    San Francisco also got a much-needed pass rusher in the draft when they selected Romello Height in the third round. Height, who racked up 10 sacks and 58 pressures last season at Texas Tech, will be tasked with helping bolster what was the league’s worst pass rush in 2025.

    Seattle Seahawks

    Ready for title defense 

    Despite losing a few key members of their championship team, the Seahawks filled those vacancies and appear ready to defend their title.

    The Seahawks addressed Kenneth Walker’s departure in the draft when they selected former Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd pick. With their second pick, the Seahawks helped make up for Coby Bryant’s departure by selecting former TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th overall pick. Seattle then addressed Tariq Woolen’s departure by selecting former Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal with the 99th pick. In free agency, the Seahawks made two key signings in receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed.

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Addressed the biggest needs 

    Tampa needed new blood, especially to a defense that ranked 20th in points allowed and last in the NFL in red-zone efficiency. The Buccaneers addressed their defense by revamping their linebacker corps in free agency and in the draft.

    In the first round, the Buccaneers pounced on the chance to select Rueben Bain Jr., a disruptive force that should help revive a Tampa Bay pass rush that generated just 37 sacks in 2025. With their next pick, the Buccaneers added more youth to their defense with the selection of linebacker Josiah Trotter, who like Bain, will be asked to rush the passer.

    Tennessee Titans

    Experienced leadership 

    Tennessee’s rebuild is being led by second-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and new coach Robert Salah. Prior to arriving in Nashville, Borgonzi won three Super Bowls while serving in the Chiefs’ front office. Salah has 21 years of NFL experience, including two successful tenures as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.

    The Titans’ coaching staff also includes offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who led the Giants to their only playoff win since Super Bowl XLVI. Daboll also had a successful run in Buffalo while serving as Josh Allen’s first offensive coordinator. He will look to have similar success now with second-year quarterback Cam Ward.

    Washington Commanders

    Significant offseason upgrades 

    After a disappointing 2025 season, the Commanders put themselves in position to mirror the success they had in 2024, when they advanced to the NFC title game.

    Washington overturned its defense this offseason. Six defensive players acquired during free agency are projected starters. They then hit a home run during the draft when they selected linebacker Sonny Styles, whose brilliant play at Ohio State helped the Buckeyes capture a national title in 2024.

    The Commanders also gave Jayden Daniels some new weapons in former Buccaneers running back Rashaad White and rookie wideout Antonio Williams. San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk could certainly land there, too.

  • Avalanche bounce back to beat the Wild 5-2 and take a 3-1 lead in the series

    AP

    ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Ross Colton and Parker Kelly each scored in the third period for Colorado, an opportune time for their first goals of the postseason as the high-scoring Colorado Avalanche snapped back from a midseries lull and beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 in Game 4 on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

    “It’s just about staying ready,” Kelly said, “and all these guys in here are ready.”

    Mackenzie Blackwood made 19 saves in his first start this postseason after relieving Scott Wedgewood during a 5-1 loss in Game 3 on Saturday, and the Avalanche moved within one win of taking the first spot in the Western Conference finals. Game 5 will be in Denver on Wednesday.

    “You’re never going to be perfect after 30 days off, so I just try to do my best to stay sharp,” said Blackwood, who learned the day before he would be starting.

    Nazem Kadri scored on a power play in the second period, and Nathan MacKinnon – who had a brief absence to fix a bloody nose from a puck to the face – and Brock Nelson added empty-net goals in the final minute.

    Nico Sturm tied the game at 2 for Minnesota with his first goal of the postseason about two minutes after Colton scored, but the Wild were outshot 20-4 over roughly the first half of the game by an energized Colorado offense.

    Rookie Danila Yurov scored his first career postseason goal on a deflection midway through the first period for the Wild during a four-minute power play prompted by a double minor penalty on defenseman Josh Manson, but they failed to consistently get pucks deep into the offensive zone and allowed their crowd-noise advantage to all but disappear during their slog of a second period before coming to life down the stretch.

    “The style of game that we needed to play to win the game, we didn’t,” coach John Hynes said. “We made the conscious choice not to play that way tonight, so we’ll readdress that and then we’ll get ready for Game 5.”

    After leading the NHL in goals during the regular season while posting the league’s best record, the Avalanche scored 14 times over the first two games before Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt stonewalled them in Game 3.

    But Colton, whose wrist shot was set up by a slick across-the-slot pass by linemate Nicolas Roy, became the 15th player to score for the Avalanche in just eight postseason games this spring. Then Kelly made it 16.

    “They were doing a lot of what we want to do – quick with the puck, get it down deep, work our players down low,” Wallstedt said. “They got a lot of pucks to the net. They were creating rebounds. They were creating scoring chances. We want to do the exact same thing. It just took a little longer for us to get there.”

    —

    AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

    Expert Picks
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    Matt Severance
    Matt SeveranceSeverance Pays
    #2
    +689.5 (63%)
    Last 30 NHL
    Minnesota +1.5-190
    Point Spread
    Picked May 11 @ 5:31 pm, 0.5 unit on Caesars
    LOSS
    Avalanche coach Jared Bednar is making a goalie change as Mackenzie Blackwood will get his first start in about a month. Seems like a bit of a panic move to me, but all I want is overtime. Colorado was 11-3-2 in games following a regulation loss during the season. On the other side, Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt was notably benched for Game 2, and that didn’t work out for the Wild at all. He was terrific back as the guy in the Game 3 victory. Minny’s only home loss in these playoffs was in double OT.

    Matt’s Pick

    1 2 3 T

    3-1

    		 0 1 4 5

    1-3

    		 1 0 1 2
    • Grand Casino ArenaSt. Paul, MN
    • Game 4COL leads 3-1
    STARS OF THE GAME
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    J. Ahcan D 0 0 -1 0
    B. Burns D 0 0 3 2
    R. Colton C 1 0 0 4
    J. Drury C 0 1 1 0
    N. Kadri C 1 0 0 5
    P. Kelly LW 1 0 1 1
    J. Kiviranta LW 0 0 1 1
    B. Kulak D 0 0 1 1
    G. Landeskog LW 0 0 1 2
    N. MacKinnon C 1 0 1 2
    C. Makar D 0 0 1 3
    J. Manson D 0 0 -1 2
    M. Necas C 0 2 1 1
    B. Nelson C 1 0 2 3
    V. Nichushkin RW 0 0 0 3
    L. O’Connor RW 0 0 1 1
    N. Roy C 0 1 0 2
    D. Toews D 0 0 3 1
    SKATERS G A +/- SOG
    Z. Bogosian D 0 0 -1 0
    M. Boldy LW 0 0 -3 1
    B. Faber D 0 1 -1 1
    M. Foligno LW 0 0 0 0
    N. Foligno LW 0 0 0 2
    R. Hartman RW 0 0 -2 3
    Q. Hughes D 0 1 -1 2
    D. Hunt D 0 0 -1 0
    M. Johansson LW 0 0 -1 1
    K. Kaprizov LW 0 0 -2 1
    M. McCarron RW 0 0 0 2
    J. Middleton D 0 0 -1 0
    J. Spurgeon D 0 0 -1 0
    N. Sturm C 1 0 0 3
    V. Tarasenko RW 0 1 0 1
    Y. Trenin C 0 0 0 0
    D. Yurov RW 1 0 -1 2
    M. Zuccarello RW 0 0 -2 2
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    M. Blackwood 21 2 19 0.905 60:00
    GOALIES SA GA SV SV% TOI
    J. Wallstedt 32 3 29 0.906 58:30

  • Champion Thunder hold off tenacious Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 for another playoff series sweep

    • AP
    • May 12, 2026

    LOS ANGELES (AP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, Chet Holmgren made a tiebreaking dunk with 32.8 seconds to play, and the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers out of the second round of the NBA playoffs with a 115-110 victory in Game 4 on Monday night.

    Ajay Mitchell scored 10 of his 28 points in the frantic final period as the Thunder overcame the Lakers’ tenacious effort and improved to 8-0 in the playoffs with their toughest victory of the postseason.

    “We’ve done our job so far, that’s all it really means,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’ve gone out there, we’ve executed, we’ve played at a high level and we’ve been able to win eight tough games against really good opponents. That’s all it means. Nothing is guaranteed.”

    LeBron James had 24 points and 14 rebounds in the final game of the unprecedented 23rd season for the top scorer in NBA history, but he missed a driving bank shot with 20 seconds left that would have put the Lakers ahead.

    The 41-year-old James has repeatedly said he hasn’t decided whether to play next season, so there was no ceremony or momentousness around this game. Instead, the Lakers desperately tried to extend their year, only to lose to Oklahoma City for the eighth time this season.

    “I don’t know what the future holds for me, obviously, as it stands right now, tonight,” James said. “I’ve got a lot of time. I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and when the time goes, obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.”

    Austin Reaves scored 27 points before missing a tying 3-point attempt with eight seconds left for the Lakers, who advanced one round farther than almost anybody expected after losing NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic and Reaves to significant injuries a month ago.

    Los Angeles still lost six of its final seven playoff games and fell well short of the conference finals for the third straight season.

    “I didn’t want our season to end,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I wanted to keep this thing going. I enjoyed every bit of this year.”

    Oklahoma City faced its first fourth-quarter deficits of the entire playoffs in Game 4 as the Lakers repeatedly refused to fold. The Thunder still got it done, and they’ve earned at least the rest of the week off before they open the conference finals against the winner of San Antonio’s second-round series with Minnesota. The Spurs and Timberwolves are even heading to Game 5 on Tuesday night.

    “They won more of the minutes tonight than we did, and that hadn’t been the case (earlier in the series),” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “They outplayed us for stretches. They’re a really good team with prideful players. We did not expect them to give us an unearned win, and we went out and earned it.”

    Oklahoma City went 8-0 against the Lakers this season, winning all four regular-season matchups as well – but this one was the toughest. The Lakers took the lead and kept it close down the stretch with big buckets from Reaves and Rui Hachimura, who scored nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.

    Holmgren’s dunk with 2:03 left put the Thunder up 109-103, but Hachimura coolly converted a four-point play. Marcus Smart then drove the lane and hit a layup while being fouled in the final minute, converting a three-point play for a 110-109 Lakers lead.

    But Holmgren got the ball inside and triple-pumped for a dunk with 32.8 seconds left, and James missed on his drive. After Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws, Reaves missed again, and the Thunder hung on to secure their sixth berth in the Western Conference finals in the last 16 seasons.

    The Thunder won the first two games of the series at home by 18 points apiece, and they routed the Lakers 131-108 in Game 3.

    Doncic missed the final 15 games of the Lakers’ season after incurring a grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 in Oklahoma City, and he watched the season finale on the bench in a black sweatsuit. The Slovenian superstar apparently didn’t get close to returning from the injury, which often requires two months of recovery.

    —

    AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

    Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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    Larry Hartstein
    Larry HartsteinThe Maestro
    #1
    +2547 (64%)
    Last 122 NBA Player Props
    Over 2.5+115
    Rui Hachimura • 3PT Field Goals • Player Prop
    Picked May 11 @ 3:44 pm, 1 unit on BetRivers
    WIN
    Rui Hachimura has shot 50 percent or better from 3-point range for 14 straight games. That’s no misprint. In the playoffs, he’s 29 of 50 (58 percent). In this series, he has played 37, 39 and 39 minutes, making three, four and five treys. The minutes and volume should continue to be there in a must-win Game 4. This calendar year, Hachimura has played 37 or more minutes 11 times, and he’s cleared this prop total in nine of them.

    Larry’s Pick

    David Bearman
    David Bearman

    The Undertaker

    Over 113.5-110
    Oklahoma City • Away Team Total • Team Prop
    Picked May 11 @ 2:40 pm, 1 unit on DraftKings
    WIN
    The Thunder and Lakers have played seven times this season, including the postseason. The Thunder have won all seven, covered in all seven, and have won by an average of 25.1 points per game. In six of the seven games, OKC has scored 119 or more points. The one they didn’t hit over 113.5 was Game 1 vs. the Lakers (scored 108), after having 8 days off.

    David’s Pick

    1 2 3 4 T

    1 Thunder 4-0

    		 21 28 31 35 115

    4 Lakers 0-4

    		 26 19 39 26 110
    Game 4
    OKC wins 4-0
    Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, CA
    TOP SCORERS
    		S. Gilgeous-Alexander SG 35PTS 1REB 8AST
    		A. Reaves SG 27PTS 7REB 6AST
    Thunder
    STARTERS PTS REB AST PF
    S. Gilgeous-Alexander 35 1 8 1
    A. Mitchell 28 3 4 2
    C. Holmgren 16 9 0 2
    L. Dort 6 2 0 3
    I. Hartenstein 5 10 5 5
    BENCH PTS REB AST PF
    J. McCain 13 2 0 0
    A. Caruso 9 4 1 5
    C. Wallace 3 2 0 2
    I. Joe 0 0 1 3
    A. Wiggins 0 0 0 0
    J. Williams 0 1 0 1
    K. Williams – – – –
    N. Topic – – – –
    Total 115 34 19 24
    Lakers
    STARTERS PTS REB AST PF
    A. Reaves 27 7 6 5
    R. Hachimura 25 5 2 5
    L. James 24 12 3 1
    D. Ayton 6 3 1 2
    M. Smart 5 2 3 5
    BENCH PTS REB AST PF
    J. Hayes 18 5 1 2
    L. Kennard 5 2 2 1
    M. Kleber 0 0 0 0
    J. Vanderbilt 0 1 0 0
    A. Thiero 0 0 0 1
    D. Knecht – – – –
    N. Smith Jr. – – – –
    B. James – – – –
    J. LaRavia – – – –
    Total 110 37 18 22