June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 68 of 184).

Jett Washington, nephew of late Kobe Bryant, commits to Oregon Ducks

Looking at his family lineage, there’s no denying that Jett Washington comes from successful sports family.

The nephew of the the late, great Los Angeles Laker legend and NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, Washington has made his mark at Bishop Gorman over the last few years earning five-star status.

Once his high school career comes to an end, he’ll get to make that impact up in Oregon.

Washington announced his commitment to the Ducks on Thursday choosing Oregon over Alabama and USC.

247Sports ranks the 6-foot-5, 200-pounder as the No. 18 player in the class as well as the No. 2 safety and No. 1 player in Nevada. He finished his junior season with 38 tackles, five interceptions, two pass break ups and a forced fumble.

Oregon first offered Washington last April and he’s visited Eugene three times. His most recent visit came last week when he visited Eugene for his official visit.

Now Washington headlines a Ducks class that’s comprised of nine pledges. Of their nine commitments, two rank as top-50 prospects and one, four-star running back Tradarian Ball, is ranked as the No. 1 player in the class.

Oregon’s other four-star commitment is tight end, and basketball standout, Kendre Harrison. The 6-foot-7, 243-pounder is the No. 48 player in the class.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: 5-star safety Jett Washington commits to Oregon

The 3️⃣ key players for Atleti against Seattle Sounders

The 3️⃣ key players for Atleti against Seattle Sounders

Pablo Barrios has scored the first ‘brace’ of his professional career in a key match in the FIFA Club World Cup. 

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Atlético de Madrid defeated Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Lumen Field in a match corresponding to the second day of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup, achieving a vital victory to stay alive in the competition. On OneFootball, we tell you who the three protagonists of the game were…

Pablo Barrios, absolute star

There is no doubt that the ‘Atleti’ youth player is always a threat when he steps into the opponent’s area, but for the first time in his professional career, he has been able to score two goals in a single match. Both goals were of high quality, with brilliant finishes: a shot from the edge of the box that hit the crossbar before going in and then scored with a subtle touch to the far post. A player to dominate matches. 

What about Sørloth?

The Norwegian forward is not having a good time in the United States. After missing a golden opportunity against PSG, he squandered a couple of very clear chances against Seattle Sounders. Although Diego Simeone’s team managed to defeat Seattle Sounders, they missed several chances, and the ones Sørloth had were unbelievable misses. 

Axel Witsel made his mark

The Belgian player had been on the pitch for just a minute and a half (having come on for José María Giménez) when he scored a goal in what was his first action of the match. The experienced Belgian footballer capitalized on a rebound after a shot from Marcos Llorente to score the temporary 2-0. A key goal because Seattle Sounders had come out with a lot of momentum in the second half. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JUAN MABROMATA – AFP or licensors

Mets Mailbag: Could New York target a center fielder ahead of trade deadline?

SNY’s Andy Martino is responding to and breaking down answers to Mets questions from readers. Here’s the latest…

At what point do the Mets seriously consider sending Francisco Alvarez down to AAA for a reset? – @steven_d_fisher

The Mets want Francisco Alvarez to figure it out at the MLB level. They are still hoping that happens, because the roster is best with a productive Alvarez as the primary catcher and Luis Torrens as a high-end second catcher.

Having said that, the Mets are in the business of winning games, and if Alvarez can’t figure it out with the big club the organization will consider sending him to Triple-A.

A demotion is not imminent. And for what it’s worth, Alvarez still has the potential to be a top catcher in the league.

Do you think the Mets need to have a conversation regarding their hitting coach? He seems to be a big factor on why a lot of guys are not producing at the plate. – @reidsgarcia_

If this were a conversation, I would answer with, what do you mean he seems like a big factor in why a lot of guys are not producing at the plate?

We got a bunch of questions on the Mets hitting coaches, to which I answer, it’s almost never the hitting coach’s fault.

It seems like none of the Mets young position players have stepped up and established themselves as a major league regular. I’m talking about Vientos, Baty, Mauricio, Acuña, and Alvarez. Is the Mets FO concerned? Should they be? – @noahgittell

Interesting question. It’s hard to generalize, but I would say that, industry-wide, hype for prospects usually outpaces reality. These guys get so much coverage before they even arrive in the big leagues, inflating expectations to an unrealistic level.

You listed five players. If one or two of them stick in the big leagues long enough to reach free agency, that would be a huge win for the organization.

Now let’s go through your list.

Vientos is a talented hitter who has regressed defensively this season, though not irreversibly. Plus he might be the first baseman next year.

Baty has made tremendous strides defensively but can’t yet break through as an MLB hitter.

Acuña looks like a useful role player who can start at any infield position if needed — and who is trying to produce while playing intermittently for the first time in his life. No easy task.

Alvarez? That’s a troubling one at the moment, but there remains star potential. See the above answer.

Again, when it all shakes out, some will stick, some won’t. From where I sit the hype machine is the real problem.

I don’t detect structural issues with player development of coaching that could provide a blanket answer.

Have you heard the Mets connected to Eugenio Suarez, Jarren Duran, or Cedric Mullins? Or is it just relievers? – @Evanobrien5250

It’s too early in the trade deadline season to hone in on certain players, but I can definitely see them seeking a center fielder in addition to the obvious pitching needs. Keep an eye on whoever becomes available at that position.

Yankees Mailbag: What positions could NY look to upgrade at trade deadline?

SNY’s Andy Martino is responding to and breaking down answers to Yankees questions from readers. Here’s the latest…

What positions do you think the Yankees will be looking to upgrade at trade deadline? – @nick5875

The Yankees continue to look for a righty bat, likely an infielder. It’s too early to do anything but speculate on specific names but Isiah Kiner-Falefa could fit the bill. They could also trade for a third baseman like the lefty-hitting Ryan McMahon and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base.

By shifting Chisholm to third earlier in the season, the Yanks now have the option to use him at either of those positions, depending on who they acquire. They gained that flexibility by getting him those reps sooner than later.

Some in the organization see a need for an additional starting pitcher. One could also make a case for another power arm for the back end of the bullpen, although they’re in solid shape with Luke Weaver (expected to return Friday) and Devin Williams. Again, it’s early.

Do you think Ben Rice will be taught 3B? Goldy is having a good year and can see an extension to be our premier 1B. – @zanna_zt

No, Ben Rice won’t play third base for the Yankees. Aaron Boone has a plan for Rice that involves days at first base, days at DH, days on the bench here and there, and the occasional day at catcher (though not as the second catcher; that’s J.C. Escarra’s job and it is not in jeopardy). The Yankees do not plan to introduce Rice to any additional positions.

As for Paul Goldschmidt, he has been an excellent upgrade at first base, both on the field and for the team’s culture. But at 37 years old, he’s not an extension candidate. Another year? Maybe. But not an extension.

Is there a real chance Ben Rice starts playing catcher 2-3 times a week? – @NYsportSufferer

Not really. They will likely continue to carry three catchers, if you classify Rice as a catcher. This relates to the previous answer. Escarra is the backup and needs to play at least once or twice a week to stay fresh.

Andy, did you get good questions? – @SirRonaldFritz

Eh.

Juan Soto logs 1,000th career hit, joining exclusive club that includes Mickey Mantle

Juan Soto is a special talent. 

This is not news. But Soto joining this exclusive club is. 

Soto hit a two-out single for the New York Mets off Braves starter Spencer Strider in the first inning of Thursday’s game against Atlanta. The hit was the 1,000th of Soto’s MLB career.

In securing the hit, Soto joined a club of elite MLB talent that includes two Hall of Famers and nobody else.

Soto, who is 26 years, 237 days old, now has 1,000 hits, 700-plus walks (830) and 200-plus home runs (215) in his seven-plus-season MLB career. The only other players in MLB history to achieve all those milestones before turning 27 are New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle and New York Giants Hall of Famer Mel Ott.

The milestone speaks to Soto’s blend of plate discipline, power and ability to reach base that makes him so valuable and is rivaled by few of his contemporaries. It’s in large part the reason the Mets were willing to shell out a record $765 million contract to lure Soto from the rival Yankees. 

Soto’s off to a relatively slow start with the Mets, slashing .248/.387/.462 in his first 73 games with the franchise. But his history dictates that there’s little for Mets fans to worry about over the long run. Soto is almost certain to deliver. 

Juan Soto logs 1,000th career hit, joining exclusive club that includes Mickey Mantle

Juan Soto is a special talent. 

This is not news. But Soto joining this exclusive club is. 

Soto hit a two-out single for the New York Mets off Braves starter Spencer Strider in the first inning of Thursday’s game against Atlanta. The hit was the 1,000th of Soto’s MLB career.

In securing the hit, Soto joined a club of elite MLB talent that includes two Hall of Famers and nobody else.

Soto, who is 26 years, 237 days old, now has 1,000 hits, 700-plus walks (830) and 200-plus home runs (215) in his seven-plus-season MLB career. The only other players in MLB history to achieve all those milestones before turning 27 are New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle and New York Giants Hall of Famer Mel Ott.

The milestone speaks to Soto’s blend of plate discipline, power and ability to reach base that makes him so valuable and is rivaled by few of his contemporaries. It’s in large part the reason the Mets were willing to shell out a record $765 million contract to lure Soto from the rival Yankees. 

Soto’s off to a relatively slow start with the Mets, slashing .248/.387/.462 in his first 73 games with the franchise. But his history dictates that there’s little for Mets fans to worry about over the long run. Soto is almost certain to deliver. 

Fan at Wrigley Field climbs netting to snag Sal Frelick’s bat during Brewers-Cubs game

During Thursday’s game at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, a fan seized the opportunity to retrieve a bat that was flung toward the stands behind home plate. 

In the sixth inning, Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick swung and missed at a fastball from Chris Flexen. In doing so, Frelick lost control of the bat, and it flew toward the seats, just missing teammate Jackson Chourio in the on-deck circle.

No one was hit by the bat because it got caught in the netting behind home plate. While the bat was dangling in the netting, one fan decided to go climbing to get a rare MLB souvenir. The spectator stepped onto the ledge separating the seats from the field and put each of his feet into the netting to reach up for the bat.

The fans at Wrigley Field applauded the effort, perhaps envious that they didn’t have a chance to attempt such a daring feat. Security personnel at the ballpark weren’t as admiring, escorting the fan from the seating area. Frelick’s bat was then returned to him in the Brewers’ dugout.

However, the fan soon returned to his seat, cheered on by his fellow spectators. (Thursday’s crowd of 41,078 was the largest so far this season at Wrigley Field.)

After the game, Frelick explained that he talked to the fan — identified as Lou Farinella of Des Plaines, Illinois — during his next trip to the on-deck circle, surprised that he’d been allowed back to his seat. 

“They took it from him,” Frelick said after the game, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I thought he got kicked out, and then for my next at-bat, he’s just back at his seat. But [he told me] they took the bat, though.”

Ultimately, Frelick couldn’t resist rewarding the fan for his effort. Following the game, the outfielder met Farinella in the stands and gave him a bat. Even better, the bat was signed with the inscription “Nice climb!” according to reporter Curt Hogg.

Farinella reportedly posed for photos with fans in the aisle later in the game. Amazingly, this wasn’t his first encounter with a bat during an MLB game. He told the Journal Sentinel that he caught a bat lost by Houston Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio that was headed into the stands, preventing it from hitting an elderly woman sitting next to him.

Milwaukee won Thursday’s game 8-7 after scoring all eight runs in the first six innings off Cubs pitchers Jameson Tallion and Génesis Cabrera. Rhys Hoskins, Caleb Durbin and Isaac Collins each hit home runs, with Collins tallying three RBI.

The Cubs got homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong (who reached 20 homers and 20 stolen bases), Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ but couldn’t overcome the Brewers’ early barrage. Chicago dropped to 45-29 but still leads Milwaukee (40-35) by 5.5 games in the NL Central. 

Fan at Wrigley Field climbs netting to snag Sal Frelick’s bat during Brewers-Cubs game

During Thursday’s game at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, a fan seized the opportunity to retrieve a bat that was flung toward the stands behind home plate. 

In the sixth inning, Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick swung and missed at a fastball from Chris Flexen. In doing so, Frelick lost control of the bat, and it flew toward the seats, just missing teammate Jackson Chourio in the on-deck circle.

No one was hit by the bat because it got caught in the netting behind home plate. While the bat was dangling in the netting, one fan decided to go climbing to get a rare MLB souvenir. The spectator stepped onto the ledge separating the seats from the field and put each of his feet into the netting to reach up for the bat.

The fans at Wrigley Field applauded the effort, perhaps envious that they didn’t have a chance to attempt such a daring feat. Security personnel at the ballpark weren’t as admiring, escorting the fan from the seating area. Frelick’s bat was then returned to him in the Brewers’ dugout.

However, the fan soon returned to his seat, cheered on by his fellow spectators. (Thursday’s crowd of 41,078 was the largest so far this season at Wrigley Field.)

After the game, Frelick explained that he talked to the fan — identified as Lou Farinella of Des Plaines, Illinois — during his next trip to the on-deck circle, surprised that he’d been allowed back to his seat. 

“They took it from him,” Frelick said after the game, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I thought he got kicked out, and then for my next at-bat, he’s just back at his seat. But [he told me] they took the bat, though.”

Ultimately, Frelick couldn’t resist rewarding the fan for his effort. Following the game, the outfielder met Farinella in the stands and gave him a bat. Even better, the bat was signed with the inscription “Nice climb!” according to reporter Curt Hogg.

Farinella reportedly posed for photos with fans in the aisle later in the game. Amazingly, this wasn’t his first encounter with a bat during an MLB game. He told the Journal Sentinel that he caught a bat lost by Houston Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio that was headed into the stands, preventing it from hitting an elderly woman sitting next to him.

Milwaukee won Thursday’s game 8-7 after scoring all eight runs in the first six innings off Cubs pitchers Jameson Tallion and Génesis Cabrera. Rhys Hoskins, Caleb Durbin and Isaac Collins each hit home runs, with Collins tallying three RBI.

The Cubs got homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong (who reached 20 homers and 20 stolen bases), Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ but couldn’t overcome the Brewers’ early barrage. Chicago dropped to 45-29 but still leads Milwaukee (40-35) by 5.5 games in the NL Central. 

Pacers Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 Thursday, try to extend team’s season one more game

INDIANAPOLIS — Tyrese Haliburton will play in a win-or-stay-home Game 6 for Indiana on Thursday night.

“Tyrese will play…” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “He was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did very well. Went through walkthrough. There’s no set minutes limit. We will watch and monitor things very closely from the beginning of the game through the entirety of the game. We’ll go from there.”

Haliburton suffered a strained calf on a first-quarter drive in Game 5. While he went back to the locker room for a stretch, he came back out and still played 34 minutes on the night, but he scored just four points on 0-of-6 shooting. That is what Carlisle has to monitor: if Haliburton is out on the court but not helping the team — or is actively hurting it because he can’t move well enough — Carlisle will have to make a tough decision about how much to play the team’s offensive conductor.

Expect the Thunder to test him early on both ends of the court.

“I’ll say it again, he’s a great player,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said of Haliburton. “If there’s one thing we know, you don’t underestimate great players. In this situation, we’re expecting his best punch. Indiana is a great team. We’re expecting their best punch. I have no doubt he’s dealing with stuff, but we’re expecting him to come out and play like a great player would play. We have to prepare for that.”

Haliburton is averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists and 6.2 rebounds a game through these Finals, but is shooting 29.4% from 3. The Pacers are 12-3 in these playoffs in games Haliburton has scored 20+ points, which includes a Game 3 victory in the Finals in which he scored 22 points.

Mets’ Juan Soto joins exclusive club after picking up 1,000th career hit

It didn’t take long for Juan Soto to make history on Thursday night.

The star outfielder lined a two out single off Braves right-hander Spencer Strider in the top of the first — giving him 1,000 hits in his big-league career.

Soto is one of just 84 players to reach the feat at age 26 or younger.

He joins Mickey Mantle and Mel Ott as the only three players in MLB history with at least 1,000 hits, 200 homers, and 700 walks before the age of 27.

The first 564 knocks of Soto’s career came with the Nationals — he picked up 199 more while with Padres, added 166 with the Yankees, and now has 66 during the first year of his historic deal with the Mets.