Sports

A reliever performs well, then gets sent down. Weiss blames limit on pitchers for roster churn

National Sports July 28, 2026

The Atlanta Braves called up right-hander Elieser Hernández from the minor leagues, and a few days later he finally appeared in his first big league game since 2024. After throwing three scoreless innings in relief and earning the win at Baltimore, he was immediately designated for assignment. "I hate it, to be honest with you," Braves manager Walt Weiss said. "I wish the rules were different." What Atlanta did is fairly common now. If a pitcher works several innings of relief — even if he does so effectively — keeping him is essentially wasting a roster spot for the next ...

Michael Massey's 2-run, 2-out homer in 8th helps Royals beat Tigers 5-4 for 2nd straight win

Michigan Sports July 28, 2026

DETROIT — Michael Massey hit a go-ahead, two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals held on to beat the Detroit Tigers 5-4 on Sunday. The Royals led 3-0 through four innings, fell behind after giving up four runs in the fifth before going back ahead on ...

Tadej Pogacar's cycling supremacy is such that few riders can even challenge him

National Sports July 28, 2026

PARIS — Tadej Pogacar's record-equaling fifth Tour de France title puts him among the greatest cyclists in the sport, and he could become the best of all in years to come. After Sunday's 21st and final stage in Paris, the 27-year-old Slovenian joined Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel ...

Portage Lake softball bows out of state tournament

Local Sports July 28, 2026

SPARTA — The Portage Lake 11U girls softball All-Star Team lost to Georgetown 13-8 in the second game of pool play in the Sparta State Tournament. “We got down 5-0 in the first inning and played them even up after that,” said coach Phil Pietila. “The girls rallied back and played ...

Nick Loftin and Salvador Perez hit late-inning home runs as Royals rally to beat Tigers 3-2

Michigan Sports July 27, 2026

DETROIT — Nick Loftin hit a tie-breaking home run in the ninth inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. The Royals trailed 2-1 going into the seventh, when Salvador Perez hit his franchise-record 318th home run to tie the game. The ...

Dallas' Azzi Fudd first rookie to win 3-point shootout at WNBA All-Star weekend

National Sports July 27, 2026

CHICAGO — Azzi Fudd had no idea she was the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest. She put forth a stellar effort in the championship round to do it. Fudd, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by Dallas, scored 30 points in the finals to top Portland's Bridget Carleton. "I was shocked, that's crazy to be the first is definitely an honor," Fudd said of being the first rookie to win. Fudd's 30-point effort was tied for the second-most ever, equaling Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley's total. Ionescu holds the record, scoring 37 points in 2023. Fudd hit her first six ...