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Phillies topple Skenes and the Pirates

PHILADELPHIA — Trea Turner hit a three-run home run during a five-run second inning, Bryce Harper’s misjudged double scored two runs in the fourth, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat struggling Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and the Pirates 10-6 on Wednesday night. Skenes (6-8) lasted four innings, allowing six hits and a season-high seven earned runs. He has not won in his last nine starts, losing six decisions in that stretch. The defending NL Cy Young Award winner’s first loss in this slide came at PNC Park on May 17 at the hands of Wheeler and the Phillies by 6-0. He didn’t ...

Haynes motivated for more as YSU’s lone returner

YOUNGSTOWN — At the end of last season, Jaiden Haynes found himself to be the last man standing. Just like Will Smith standing alone in the Banks family’s empty mansion during the series finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the sophomore guard was the only player left from Youngstown ...

Phantoms’ Malachi McKinnon hopeful for a ‘big step’

Going into last season, Youngstown Phantoms forward Malachi McKinnon was billed as one of the hot newcomers to watch. It’s safe to say McKinnon lived up to expectations, scoring 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in his first full USHL season and finishing fifth on the Phantoms in ...

Scrappers’ Mason Schmidt enjoying whirlwind year

NILES — In all likelihood, Mason Schmidt will hold the distinction of being the youngest player on the 2026 Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ complete roster. The Somerset, Wisconsin native, who turned 18 last month, may also very well hold the distinction of being with the Scrappers for a shorter length of time than any other player this summer. Such is the life of a teenager transitioning from high school to an uncertain future. Of course, in Schmidt’s case, the uncertainty comes with benefits. The way Schmidt sees things, the remainder of 2026 is a win-win scenario regardless ...

Scrappers hold off first-place Thunder, win 6-4

NILES — Just as the Mahoning Valley entered its first official heat wave of the summer, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers played host to the hottest team in the MLB Draft League. The Trenton Thunder, who have owned first place in the league standings since the start of the season, played the Scrappers on Tuesday in the first game of a brief two-game series at 717 Credit Union Field. The Scrappers at least temporarily cooled down Trenton with a 6-4 win. The Scrappers quieted the Thunder from the start. Ethan Lindor walked to start the bottom of the first inning. Lindor stole second, ...

LeBron James leaving Lakers after 8 years

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, which means another decision awaits. A mere 16 years after his first famed “decision” — the one that saw him leave Cleveland for Miami — James is getting ready to change uniforms once again. He has told the Lakers that his eight-year run ...