Former Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming was injured and another person was killed Friday evening when the ATV he was driving hit a deer in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.

State Police say Fleming, 24, was transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital and released on Saturday. The passenger on the ATV, 23-year-old Alyssa Boyd, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Fleming, a five-star recruit out of high school and state record holder for receiving yards in Pennsylvania, spent four seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Penn State last year.

After catching 14 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown for the Nittany Lions this past season, Fleming signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. However, he reportedly failed his physical and did not end up joining the team.

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The madness of the NCAA baseball tournament is almost here.

Come noon ET on Monday, the entire 64-team bracket will be unveiled. However, there have already been a handful of teams that have joined the field by way of the automatic bids that come with winning their respective conference championships — with more to come on Sunday.

Arizona became the first Power Four conference team to land an automatic bid by beating TCU in extra innings in the Big 12 championship game on Saturday. It’s the fifth consecutive postseason trip for the Wildcats, who won the Big 12 in their first year as a part of the conference.

The three remaining automatic bids from the Power Four level will be secured on Sunday. In the SEC, it will be either No. 9 Vanderbilt or Ole Miss; in the Big Ten, either Nebraska or UCLA; and in the ACC it will be either No. 3 North Carolina or No. 12 Clemson.

Northeastern came back from a four-run deficit to beat UNC-Wilmington in the Colonial Athletic Association championship for its 11th trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies enter the postseason riding a 27-game win streak, which is the longest active win streak in the country.

Another automatic berth earned on Sunday will be a bid stealer, courtesy of Conference USA. Jacksonville State downed No. 19 Dallas Baptist in the semifinals on Saturday, meaning C-USA will have two teams in the field: the Patriots, and whichever team wins between Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky in Sunday’s conference title game.

Here’s what you need to know on who has locked up a spot in the NCAA baseball tournament ahead of Monday’s selection show, including what to know about the NCAA Tournament as a whole and more:

NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Automatic bids

This section will be updated as conference automatic bids become finalized

America East: Binghamton
AAC: East Carolina
ASUN: TBD
Atlantic 10: Rhode Island
ACC: North Carolina
Big 12: Arizona
Big East: Creighton
Big South: USC Upstate
Big Ten: Nebraska
Big West: Cal Poly
CAA: Northeastern
Conference USA: Western Kentucky
Horizon League: Wright State
Ivy League: Columbia
MAAC: Fairfield
MAC: Miami (OH)
Missouri Valley: Murray State
Mountain West: Fresno State
NEC: Central Connecticut
Ohio Valley: Little Rock
Patriot: Holy Cross
SEC: Vanderbilt
Southland: Houston Christian
Southern: East Tennessee State
SWAC: Bethune-Cookman
Summit: North Dakota State
Sun Belt: Coastal Carolina
WCC: Saint Mary’s
WAC: Utah Valley

How many teams make the NCAA baseball tournament?

The NCAA baseball tournament is comprised of 64 Division I baseball programs. The 64-team field is broken down into 31 automatic bids and 33 at-large bids.

Like the NCAA softball tournament, the top 16 ranked teams in the NCAA baseball tournament will earn the right to host a regional, while the top eight seeds are in line to host super regionals. The eight teams remaining after the super regional round advance to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

From there, play reverts back to a regional-style format, with one team advancing from each side of the bracket to play in a three-game championship series.

When is the NCAA baseball tournament bracket revealed?

Date: Monday, May 26
Time: Noon ET
TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming options: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA baseball tournament bracket will be revealed in its entirety at noon ET on Monday, May 26 on ESPN2. Streaming options for the NCAA baseball tournament bracket reveal show include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Memorial Day weekend marks the biggest three days of motorsports in the world. Stars of NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1 will be action for some of the biggest races of their seasons.

One driver was set for more than 1,000 miles of racing action. NASCAR Cup Series regular Kyle Larson attempted ‘The Double’ for the second year in a row by racing in both the Indianapolis 500 for Arrow McLaren and the Coca-Cola 600 for Hendrick Motorsports in the same day.

Larson tried the 1,100-mile challenge last year but a rain delay at the Indy 500 kept him from competing at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Another delay cut it close this year but ultimately the 2021 Cup Series champion wasn’t able to finish The Double.

Here’s what happened to Larson and the context of his undertaking:

Larson loses traction on restart, hits the wall

The 2021 Cup Series champion’s attempt at the double comes to an end after losing control on a restart and hitting the wall. Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb were both caught out in the process and all three will not continue.

This ends Larson’s chance at The Double for the second year in a row after 88 laps in the Indy 500.

Larson working his way back up the order in Indy

The 2021 Cup Series champion started 19th and was as far down as 31st in the early stages of the Indy 500. At lap 50 he’s moved up to 23rd as some drivers cycle through pit stops.

What is ‘The Double’?

It wasn’t possible to do both races on the same day until 1993 when Charlotte Motor Speedway officials installed lights on the track and moved the Coca-Cola 600 to a night race. Given the Indy 500’s earlier start time, that created enough room for drivers to realistically do both.

Completing both events covers 1,100 miles, roughly the distance from New York City to Des Moines, Iowa, in the span of nine hours.

Who was the first driver to attempt ‘The Double’?

In 1994, John Andretti became the first driver to attempt to race both the Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500 on the same day. Andretti was a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver at the time with some previous experience in open-wheel racing.

He finished 10th in the Indy 500 and barely made it to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, arriving via private jet as the national anthem began. He didn’t finish the Coca-Cola 600 and retired after 220 laps due to engine trouble.

Drivers who have attempted ‘The Double’

Andretti was the original but many have raced in both events in the three decades since.

Tony Stewart

1999:

Indy 500: 9th
Coca-Cola 600: 4th

2001

Indy 500: 6th
Coca-Cola 600: 3rd

Robby Gordon

2002

Indy 500: 8th
Coca-Cola 600: 16th

2003

Indy 500: DNF (gearbox)
Coca-Cola 600: 17th

Kurt Busch

2014

Indy 500: 6th
Coca-Cola 600: DNF (engine)

Larson on challenges of Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600

A rain delay of the Indy 500 kept Larson from starting the Coca-Cola 600 in 2024. With no rain on the weather reports for Indianapolis, he’s ready for another attempt this year and confident in both Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.

‘I wouldn’t be doing it, obviously, if I didn’t feel like I had a shot to win both,’ Larson said. ‘It’s going to be really, really tough. Heck, it’s tough to win any race, let alone two races in the same day in two different types of cars … I look forward to the challenge.’

The physicality that prior drivers struggled with – Stewart said he collapsed after the Coca-Cola 600 in 1999 – isn’t on Larson’s mind too much entering Sunday.

‘At least compared to what I typically do, I don’t think it takes anything much more,’ Larson said. ‘Just staying on top of your hydration throughout this week and on race day especially.’

A nine-hour day behind the wheel is no easy task, especially at speeds well over 200 mph. Larson spent more time preparing for the Indy 500 trackside but feels comfortable in Hendrick Motorsports having everything ready for him in the Coca-Cola 600.

‘Honestly, I think there’s more similarities than there are differences (between IndyCar and NASCAR) even in the way that the cars feel,’ Larson said. ‘Although they look way different, (the cars) drive pretty similar. And then I think the most similar thing is just the race strategy and how the race feels.’

How to watch the 2025 Indy 500

Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Indiana
TV: FOX
Streaming: FoxSports App, Fubo

Watch the Indy 500 with Fubo

How to watch the 2025 Coca-Cola 600

Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina
TV: N/A
Streaming: Prime Video

Watch the Coca-Cola 600 with Prime Video

The 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge at the renowned Colonial Country Club concluded Sunday, and the winner was Ben Griffin, who shot a 1-under par 71 in the final round to finish one stroke ahead of the runner-up, Matti Schmid.

Griffin received over $1.7 million for his victory, while Schmid took home just over $1 million.

Here is all the information about each golfer’s earnings at the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge, including the total purse, the winner’s share, and a complete breakdown of the prize money.

What is the total purse for the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge?

The total purse for the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge is $9.5 million, which is up from $9.1 million in 2024.

What is the winner’s share for the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge?

The winner of the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge, Ben Griffin, received $1.71 million, according to the PGA Tour.

Charles Schwab Challenge 2025: Total purse breakdown for PGA Tour event

Money amounts don’t include ties. All figures according to the PGA Tour

First place: Ben Griffin – $1.71 million
Second place: Matti Schmid – $1.0355 million
Third place: Bud Cauley – $655,500
T-Fourth place: Scottie Scheffler – $427,500
T-Fourth place: Tommy Fleetwood – $427,500
Sixth place: $344,375
Seventh place: $320,625
Eighth place: $296,875
Ninth place: $277,875
10th: $258,875
11th: $239,875
12th: $220,875
13th: $201,875
14th: $182,875
15th: $173,375
16th: $163,875
17th: $154,375
18th: $144,875
19th: $135,375
20th: $125,875
21st: $116,375
22nd: $106,875
23rd: $99,275
24th: $91,675
25th: $84,075
26th: $76,475
27th: $73,625
28th: $70,775
29th: $67,925
30th: $65,075
31st: $62,225
32nd: $59,375
33rd: $56,525
34th: $54,150
35th: $51,775
36th: $49,400
37th: $47,025
38th: $45,125
39th: $43,225
40th: $41,325
41st: $39,425
42nd: $37,525
43rd: $35,625
44th: $33,725
45th: $31,825
46th: $29,925
47th: $28,025
48th: $26,505
49th: $25,175
50th: $24,415
51st: $23,845
52nd: $23,275
53rd: $22,895
54th: $22,515
55th: $22,325
56th: $22,135
57th: $21,945
58th: $21,755
59th: $21,565
60th: $21,375
61st: $21,185
62nd: $20,995
63rd: $20,805
64th: $20,615
65th: $20,425

The Western Conference finals headed to Edmonton for the first of two games Sunday afternoon.

The series was tied 1-1 after Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner shut out the Dallas Stars in Game 2 in Dallas.

The Stars lost top-line forward Roope Hintz in Game 2 after Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse slashed his foot. He was unavailable for Game 3, and his absence was felt. Edmonton, although not dominant in the box score, made the most of its chances, while Dallas could not finish its opportunities … which would’ve been much easier to do with Hintz on the ice.

Edmonton won Game 3 by a final of 6-1 thanks to two goals from both Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman.

Here’s everything that went down in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars.

Oilers vs. Stars highlights

FINAL: Oilers 6, Stars 1

What was a back-and-forth game for most of the first 40 minutes turned into a blowout in the final 20, with the Oilers doubling their goal totals from the first two periods in the third. Two scores from Zach Hyman as well as a very late tally from John Klingberg make this game look much more lopsided than it was.

In reality, the Dallas Stars had more shots, won more faceoffs, and won the turnover battle. They also had several scoring chances that didn’t amount to anything. If Dallas could’ve gotten a few lucky bounces or perhaps found twine instead of metal on a few occasions, this game could’ve ended up in a much different result.

Edmonton now leads the series 2-1. Game 4 is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 27.

Hyman adds another

If 4-1 wasn’t enough to secure the win, maybe another goal from Hyman, this one a tip-in off a terrific feed from Evander Kane, would do the trick. With just eight minutes left in the game, Hyman was able to put the nail in the coffin, giving Edmonton a nearly insurmountable four-goal lead.

Zach Hyman makes it 4-1

As if on cue, the Oilers didn’t take long to make their mark coming out of the locker room. Just three minutes into the final period, Zach Hyman was able to net the Oilers’ fourth goal of the night from the right circle.

Ironically, Dallas was all over the Edmonton net just moments before Hyman’s goal, but as was the case for most of the second period, Dallas was unable to finish and that gave Edmonton all the space it needed to retaliate.

End 2nd: Oilers 3, Stars 1

The second period wasn’t the prettiest for the Oilers, but they’ve retained their two-goal advantage thanks to an unassisted goal from none other than Connor McDavid, his second of the night. With just 18 seconds to go in the period, McDavid was able to maneuver through the Dallas defense and flick a snap shot from the right circle through Jake Oettinger. Given how well Dallas played in that period, the Stars have to feel demoralized heading into the locker room. They totally outplayed the Oilers yet still find themselves down two.

Edmonton wastes two power plays; Dallas takes advantage

Edmonton was gifted everything it could want on a golden platter in the second period. Two consecutive minor penalties gave the Oilers the man advantage for four minutes straight. The Oilers couldn’t score, though. In fact, they only got two shots off throughout the four minutes, wasting away their best opportunities of the second period.

Dallas was playing phenomenal defense, and its efforts on the penalty kill yielded stellar results when just a few moments later, a wrist shot from Lian Bichsel got the Stars their first goal of the game.

Bichsel’s goal came on Dallas’ 15th shot of the period. It had been peppering the Edmonton net all period long and finally, its efforts came to fruition. Perhaps the ice is tilted toward that end because it was Edmonton in control in the first, but the second has been all Dallas.

Stars with all the momentum at start of 2nd

While the Stars could not capitalize on their power play, Dallas still managed to pepper the Edmonton goal in the first four minutes, resulting in three shots on goal, a crossbar, and a few shots that would have had an opportunity if Edmonton hadn’t blocked them. Dallas obviously had a huge advantage out the gate being a man up, but even after Kapanen returned to the ice, Dallas maintained possession and momentum for a long while before play was stopped. If this holds up, Dallas will make up some ground on the Oilers sooner than later.

End 1st: Oilers 2, Stars 0

It was a rather slow first period until it wasn’t. Edmonton’s two goals within a minute of one another broke apart what would’ve been a tense, but unexciting first 20 minutes. The Stars have tallied only nine shots on goal so far, but should have some opportunity to increase that number at the start of the second period after Kasperi Kapanen closed out the first with a high-sticking penalty with only three seconds left on the clock. Dallas will start the second with the man advantage, giving the Stars their best chance yet to draw closer to the Oilers.

Oilers break Game 3 open with quick goals

After a slow start to the first period with only eight shots between both teams through the first seven minutes, the Oilers finally found the back of the net with less than six minutes to go. Unsurprisingly, it was Evan Bouchard who lit the lamp first with his sixth goal of the postseason, a slap shot from the right side that found its way through Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger.

The goal came on Edmonton’s 10th shot of the game, and just one shot and 36 seconds later it was Connor McDavid getting in on the action with a goal of his own from the right circle to double Edmonton’s lead. The Oilers were gifted that opportunity with a counterattack 3-on-1 almost immediately after the faceoff following their first goal.

Dallas may have had the bulk of the scoring chances in the first 10 minutes, but it’s been all Edmonton ever since. The Oilers lead 2-0.

What time is Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars Game 3?

Game 3 of the Stars-Oilers series is at 3 p.m. in Edmonton, Alberta.

How to watch Stars vs. Oilers NHL playoff game: TV, stream

Time: 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. local

Location: Rogers Place (Edmonton, Albera)

TV: ABC

Stream: ESPN+, Fubo

Watch Stars vs. Oilers Game 3 on Fubo

Odds, lines for Oilers vs. Stars Game 3:

*All odds via BetMGM

Spread: Oilers (-1.5)
Moneyline: Oilers (-165); Stars (+140)
Over/Under: 6.5

The Chicago Sky will have to wait to grab their first win of the season.

Kelsey Plum had another stellar game as she and the Los Angeles Sparks used the 3-point ball often to snap a three-game losing streak and beat Chicago, 91-78.

It’s been a rough start to the season for Chicago with its two opening losses complete blowouts by a combined 60 points. Sunday in Los Angeles looked much better for the Sky as they were down by just one point about midway through the third quarter. But the Sparks started knocking down a flurry of 3-pointers and a 20-6 run was enough to create a deficit Chicago couldn’t recover from.

The Sky have now lost three straight games by double digits.

Plum was again the star of the night with 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting, including a 6-for-10 mark from 3-point land. Azura Stevens added 24 points.

Despite the loss, Angel Reese had a solid bounce-back performance after one of the toughest games of her young career. She had a team-high 13 points and found a rhythm near the bucket with all made shots coming in the paint. Reese also added 12 rebounds for another double-double performance.

Now at 0-3, Chicago remains alongside the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings as the only winless teams in the league. The next chance for the Sky to get in the win column will come Tuesday on the road against the Phoenix Mercury.

Sky vs. Sparks highlights

Sparks cruise to victory

Chicago isn’t able to get back into the game and Los Angeles wins 91-78.

Sparks respond with own run

Just when it looks like the Sky are making it a close game, Los Angeles jumps back on the gas pedal to widen the lead. The Sparks responded with an 8-0 run to make it an 84-71 game with less than five minutes to go.

Sky pushing with late run

Chicago isn’t out of this one yet. It starts the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to five points.

End of 3Q: Sparks 76, Sky 64

Los Angeles is letting it fly from deep as the 3-point shot was big in the Sparks strengthening their lead against Chicago.

The Sky made it a one-point game with six minutes left in the third, then the Sparks went on a 20-6 run for a 15-point lead, the largest of the game. The run included four 3-pointers, three of which came from Kelsey Plum. She has 24 points with six 3-pointers. The deep shot has been working for Los Angeles with 13 made 3-pointers so far on 26 attempts.

Angel Reese is one of three Chicago players, alongside Courtney Vandersloot and Rebecca Allen, with 11 points.

End of 2Q: Sparks 43, Sky 39

Chicago got out to a great start to the second quarter but Los Angeles regrouped and reclaimed the lead just before halftime. The Sky scored the first seven points of the quarter as part of a 12-4 run to take a six-point lead, and Los Angeles later responded with a 7-0 run to flip the script.

Chicago has done most of its damage in the paint, and Los Angeles is hitting deep shots with five 3-pointers made so far. The Sparks have also been succeeding in turning Chicago turnovers into points.

Odyssey Sims leads all scorers with 11 points, with Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby each with seven points. Angel Reese has eight points for Chicago, which has gotten a great spark from Rebecca Allen off the bench with eight points.

End of 1Q: Sparks 21, Sky 19

It’s been a close one to start in Los Angeles with the Sparks holding a two-point lead after 10 minutes.

The Sparks have gotten contributions from nearly everyone as eight of the nine players to enter the game for Los Angeles have recorded points. But so far, the leading scorer is Angel Reese with six points on 2-for-4 shooting, a positive sign for the second-year star following her tough outing against New York on Thursday.

Chicago Sky lineup

Courtney Vandersloot, guard
Ariel Atkins, guard
Kia Nurse, guard
Angel Reese, forward
Kamilla Cardoso, center

Los Angeles Sparks lineup

Odyssey Sims, guard
Kelsey Plum, guard
Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard
Dearica Hamby, forward
Azura Stevens, center

What time is Sparks vs. Sky?

The matchup between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks tips off Sunday, May 25 at 6 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

How to watch Sparks vs. Sky game: TV, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
TV (national): WNBA League Pass
Stream: Fubo

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The Chicago Sky are still in pursuit of their first win of the season. They will have to go through the Los Angeles Sparks to get it.

The Sky got off to a rough start this season following back-to-back losses to the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty. They lost by 35 points and 25 points, respectively.

Angel Reese has struggled to get going during her sophomore campaign and failed to make a field goal in the Sky’s 99-74 loss to the Liberty on Thursday, shooting 0-for-8 from the field. However, Reese’s defense looked solid with 12 rebounds and three steals.

The Sparks have fared slightly better and opened the season 1-3. Los Angeles is coming off back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Lynx and the Golden State Valkyries. Kelsey Plum, the Sparks’ newest addition, is averaging 24 points through four games.

End of 1Q: Sparks 21, Sky 19

It’s been a close on to start in Los Angeles with the Sparks holding a two-point lead after 10 minutes.

The Sparks have gotten contributions from nearly everyone as eight of the nine players to enter the game for Los Angeles have recorded points. But so far, the leading scorer is Angel Reese with six points on 2-for-4 shooting, a positive sign for the second-year star following her tough outing against New York on Thursday.

Chicago Sky lineup

Courtney Vandersloot, guard
Ariel Atkins, guard
Kia Nurse, guard
Angel Reese, forward
Kamilla Cardoso, center

Los Angeles Sparks lineup

Odyssey Sims, guard
Kelsey Plum, guard
Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard
Dearica Hamby, forward
Azura Stevens, center

What time is Sparks vs. Sky?

The matchup between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks tips off Sunday, May 25 at 6 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

How to watch Sparks vs. Sky game: TV, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
TV (national): WNBA League Pass
Stream: Fubo

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

As Major League Baseball celebrates its Memorial Day mile post marker this holiday weekend, the 2025 season, we’re about one-third of the way into the campaign.

From Aaron Judge’s onslaught to the Colorado Rockies’ historic struggles, it’s been a fascinating few months of baseball with summer approaching and plenty more to come.

Here’s a look at the best and worst of 2025 so far:

Most valuable player

Most valuable pitcher

Best manager

Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers – Is there any other manager who could have his team sitting atop the NL with 14 pitchers on the injured list, missing three of their starters (Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki) and three of their opening-day relievers (Evan Phillips, Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen)?

A year ago, he brilliantly managed an injury-ravaged rotation and exhausted bullpen in the playoffs. Now, he’s being forced to do it all summer with a pitching staff in shambles, surrendering its worst ERA (4.15) at this juncture since 2010.

Best rookie

Jacob Wilson, Athletics of Sacramento – Wilson leads all rookies in virtually every statistical category as the A’s shortstop. He’s hitting .342 with an .857 OPS, with five homers and 27 RBIs, striking out just 11 times. He’s the favorite to become the A’s first position player to win the AL Rookie of the Year award since shortstop Bobby Crosby in 2004.

Worst first impression

A year ago, Soto had a 1.143 OPS last season with runners in scoring position, ranking third in baseball.

This year, he’s hitting .136 with a .505 OPS – including a bases-loaded double in Saturday’s win over the Dodgers.

Worst trade rumor

The Pittsburgh Pirates will start listening to offers for ace Paul Skenes. Simply, this is not happening. Sure, it stinks that the Pirates are 4-7 in Skenes’ starts this year, but there’s a better chance of the Pirates abandoning gorgeous PNC Park and moving back into Three Rivers Stadium than trading Skenes. The Pirates fans have gone through enough heartache without dumping one of the most talented young pitchers in a generation. Besides, he’s still cheap, earning just $875,000 this season.

Biggest wasted performance

The Texas Rangers have stolen the identity of the Seattle Mariners. They have pitched brilliantly, with the best starting rotation in the American League (2.83), but simply can’t hit. Why, since April 19, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi have yielded a 1.37 ERA in their last 13 starts, striking out 89 batters while walking 12 in 79 innings. And the Rangers have managed to lose five of those games.

Best bit of empathy

The Chicago White Sox are on the same miserable pace as a year ago when they lost a record 121 games, but now are feeling downright sad for the Colorado Rockies, who are on pace to obliterate their record, and finish 73 games out of first place.

The Rockies currently are on pace to go 28-134, and considering they play in the powerful NL West, there’s not enough Coors Lite to guzzle for fans in Colorado to believe they can avoid the record.

“You feel for them because no one wants to lose a lot of games,’ White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi says. “Obviously, there’s in a pretty tough division. I’m just glad it’s not us again.’

Best family day

The Boone and Leiter families were at Yankee Stadium this week where manager Aaron Boone and Mark Leiter Jr. were in the Yankee dugout, hitting coach Bret Boone and Jack Leiter were in the Rangers dugout, and family members were in the stands.

They got group pictures, Bret and Aaron Boone exchanged lineup cards, and the memories that will last forever.

“It was cool as [anything],’ said Al Leiter, the father of Jack and the uncle of Mark. “You dream of this stuff. I get to the big leagues and then my brother [Mark] is in the big leagues, then his kid and now my kid.

“It’s great to have my son and my nephew in the big leagues at the same time.”

Says Mark Jr.: “It’s amazing. Getting to grow up with my dad and my uncle, and then having Jack and I having this crazy childhood and everything we experienced, and then have the same dreams while understanding what a long shot it really is, is amazing. To accomplish it, and have a chance to be in uniform on the same field where my dad and mu uncles get their start here, it’s pretty special. Hopefully soon, my uncle Kurt and my cousin Cam will also be with us.’

Yes, there could be another Leiter on the way with Cam, a 6-foot-5 pitcher for Florida State University. Cam’s dad, Kurt Leiter – Al and Mark’s older brother – pitched in the minor leagues for the Baltimore Orioles.

So, if these blue-blood baseball families got together for a fierce battle on “Family Feud,’ who would win?

“I think we are winning,’ Aaron Boone says. “I did not like facing Mark Leiter or Al Leiter, so that was not a favorable matchup for me in the box … But I’ll take a shot at Family Feud.’

Best sidekick

 Carlos Rodon, Yankees – Remember when the Yankees’ rotation was supposed to be in shambles when Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil went down, believing it couldn’t survive simply with ace Max Fried?

Well, look who’s pitching the best he has since putting on a Yankee uniform. Rodon is 5-0 with a 1.48 ERA in his last seven starts, yielding a major-league low .161 batting average. The Yankees’ rotation, behind Fried (7-0, 1.29 ERA) and Rodon, is yielding a 2.68 ERA over the last 34 starts, second only to the Rangers.

“We feel good about what those guys are bringing to the table for us every day,” Aaron Boone says.

Worst excuse

Baltimore Orioles GM Mike Elias: He declined to speak publicly for four days after firing manager Brandon Hyde. The reason? He was busy.

Best pivot

New York Yankees – The Yankees offered $760 million to Juan Soto, and once he shunned them, they quickly turned around and used the money to land ace Max Fried ($218 million), former MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger ($25 million), former MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt ($12.5 million) and All-Star reliever Devin Williams ($8.6 million).

Biggest ruination of front office plans

Most dramatic return

Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta – Acuna, making his 2025 debut just three days shy of the one-year anniversary of tearing his ACL, swung at the first pitch he saw and sent it 467 feet into the left-field seats, coming 115.5-mph off his bat. It was his first home run in 364 days.

“He’s one of those players where you better not go get a beer or anything because you might miss something cool,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s that kind of force in the game. He’s going to energize everybody.”

Biggest change of plans

The Baltimore Orioles, who fully intended to be a buyer at the trade deadline, now will have no choice but to be a seller with the third-worst record in baseball.

They will have plenty of attractive pieces to trade: Zach Eflin, Felix Bautista, Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, Seranthony Dominguez, Andrew Kittredge and Ryan O’Hearn.

Most awkward ring ceremony

Ryan Yarbrough, Yankees – Yarbrough pitched for the Dodgers last season before being traded to Toronto on Aug. 1, and three months later the Dodgers beat the Yankees to win the World Series. This week, the Yankees will be at Dodger Stadium where the Dodgers plan to present Yarbrough a World Series championship ring.

Best self-reflection

Spencer Strider, Atlanta:

“I don’t enjoy failing, and certainly not at the expense of the team,” Strider said after his second start coming off the IL. “We sent a pretty good guy down (Bryce Elder) that was supposed to pitch in my spot. That’s not lost on me. It’s kind of the nature of the game. I think it’s important to have that perspective that the goal is to win. That takes 26 guys. The guy who’s starting on the mound is a big component in coming out and winning every day, so if I can’t be better, I don’t need to be out there. I certainly want to play, but I take no joy in not giving us a chance. If I don’t feel like I can’t provide for the team, then I don’t take much pleasure in losing games for us.”

Most pink-slipped player

Mariners 37-year-old pitcher Casey Lawrence has been designated for assignment five times already this season, including four times by the Seattle Mariners and one by the Toronto Blue Jays.

He can be found these days back at Class AAA Tacoma where he’s basically the 41st man on a 40-man roster.

Ugliest retro stat

The San Diego Padres. Just when they looked like a juggernaut in the NL, believing this could be the year they finally win a World Series, along came the horrid memories of their inaugural 1969 season.

The Padres managed to do something that only one team in history has done when they scored three runs, allowed more than 30 with at least 10 homers, while committing five errors in their five-game stretch.

Yes, the 1969 Padres.

Most powerful condemnation of social media

Liam Hendriks, Boston Red Sox:

“Threats against my life and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel. You need help. Leaving comments telling me to commit suicide and how you wish I died from cancer is disgusting and vile. Maybe you should reevaluate your life’s purpose before hiding behind a screen attacking players and their families. Whether you do it from your ‘fake accounts’ or are dumb enough to do it from your real account. I think I speak for all players who have had to deal with this in their career when I say enough is enough.”

Hendriks told reporters he sent out the message on his Instagram account to not only protect his family, but for all of his teammates and peers throughout the game.

“This is almost a daily occurrence for almost everyone in this clubhouse,” Hendriks said. ‘… With the rise of sports gambling, it’s gotten a lot worse. … There needs to be some sort of punishment so that people can think twice before they start doing this stuff.’

The Eastern Conference finals continue with the New York Knicks heading to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-0.

The Pacers have taken a 2-0 lead in the series after defeating the Knicks 114-109 in Game 2. Pascal Siakam had a career-best playoff performance, leading the Pacers with 39 points and five rebounds, shooting 15 for 23 from the field. Myles Turner also contributed significantly to the victory with 16 points. Tyrese Haliburton stood out for the Pacers as well, recording 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds as they continue their playoff run.

Now, the series shifts back to Indianapolis where the Knicks hope to avoid a 3-0 deficit. The Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks is set for Sunday, May 25. Here is how to watch it.

What time is Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks?

Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks is set to start at 8 p.m. ET, on Sunday May 25.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Max

Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 3 on Fubo

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks predictions: Expert picks for Game 3

ESPN: Pacers have a 59/6% chance of winning

According to ESPN’s Matchup predictor, the Indiana Pacers have a 59.6% chance of beating the New York Knicks in Game 3.

Fox Sports: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113

Staff writes: ‘The Pacers have covered the spread in the same percentage of games at home as away games (46.3%). They have covered 19 times in 41 games at home and 19 times in 41 games on the road. At home, Indiana exceeds the over/under 53.7% of the time (22 of 41 games). It hits the over in the same percentage of road games (22 of 41 contests).’

Bleacher Nation: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113

Staff writes: ‘ The Pacers average 117.4 points per game (seventh in the league) while allowing 115.1 per outing (17th in the NBA). They have a +183 scoring differential overall and outscore opponents by 2.3 points per game. The Pacers pull down 41.8 rebounds per game (27th in the league) while allowing 45.0 per outing to their opponents. They are outrebounded by 3.2 boards per game.’

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 3 odds

The Indiana Pacers are favored to win Game 3, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Saturday, May 24.

Spread: Pacers (-2)
Moneyline: Pacers (-130), Knicks (+110)
Over/under: 224