Sports

Pirates avoid sweep, top Blue Jays

Local Sports May 25, 2026

TORONTO — Esmerlyn Valdez homered for his first career hit, Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz also connected and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep. Valdez was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday and had gone 0 for 7 before hitting a two-run homer off Chase Lee in the sixth inning. Pirates reliever Dennis Santana brokered a trade with a young fan for the ball, handing over a bat signed by Valdez and a Pirates cap in exchange for Valdez’s keepsake. Blue Jays starter Dylan Cease exited after 4 2/3 innings because of ...

Western Reserve's Gerchak throws one-hitter in victory over Waterloo

High School Sports May 23, 2026

BERLIN CENTER — With how unpredictable the weather conditions have been this spring, the Western Reserve baseball team has played in everything from snowflakes and subfreezing temperatures to sunshine and warmth. That experience dealing with the elements came in handy on Friday, as the ...

Herrick holds Devils to one hit in Girard win

High School Sports May 23, 2026

GIRARD — Entering Friday’s playoff game vs. Crestwood at Liberty Park, Girard starting pitcher Cam Herrick wanted to just play baseball and not think about the back injury from which he had been suffering. The senior ace got his wish. Herrick, who had been dealing with a “really ...

Blue Jays beat the Pirates for their 3rd straight victory

Local Sports May 23, 2026

TORONTO — Kevin Gausman pitched into the seventh inning, Yohendrick Pinango and George Springer had two-run doubles and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2 on Friday night for their third straight victory. After Springer scored Toronto’s first run in the third inning, ...

Manzardo’s HR lifts Guards past Philly

Local Sports May 23, 2026

PHILADELPHIA — Kyle Manzardo hit a pinch-hit homer off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran in the ninth inning to preserve a terrific outing for starter Gavin Williams and lead the Cleveland Guardians to a 1-0 win over Philadelphia on Friday night. Cade Smith worked a scoreless ninth for his 19th ...

Pirates call up red-hot prospect Valdez

Local Sports May 23, 2026

TORONTO — The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled prospect Esmerlyn Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis after a recent hot streak and had him in the lineup in right field Friday night for their game at Toronto. Valdez, 22, hit five home runs in the last five games and was batting .355 with seven ...