In a thrilling return to the mound, Shohei Ohtani demonstrated his prowess with both bat and ball as he led the Los Angeles Dodgers to an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Ohtani struck out teammate Mike Trout with a blistering 101 mph fastball and contributed to the Dodgers’ early lead with a triple and a run scored. This was his first pitching appearance in Anaheim since leaving the Angels nearly two years ago, and it marked a significant moment for fans who once cheered for him during his six seasons with the team.
Ohtani pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four runs. Despite not finishing strong, his performance provided a glimpse of the talent that made him a fan favorite. The Dodgers aimed to end their recent skid, but the Angels proved resilient, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
Jerry Jones Opens Up About Cancer Diagnosis
In a poignant revelation, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, disclosed his battle with advanced melanoma, crediting an experimental drug for his treatment. This announcement came as part of a documentary set to debut on Netflix next week. Jones, aged 82, shared his journey with The Dallas Morning News, revealing that he was first diagnosed in June 2010. Over the past decade, he has undergone multiple surgeries to combat the cancer that metastasized from skin cells.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Jones for his courage in sharing his story publicly, highlighting the importance of awareness in cancer treatment. Schottenheimer himself has faced a battle with thyroid cancer, further emphasizing the significance of open discussions about health in the sports community.
Xander Schauffele Faces Pressure at BMW Championship
As the BMW Championship approaches, golfer Xander Schauffele finds himself under increased pressure. With the top 30 players earning a spot in the upcoming Tour Championship and a chance to compete for the FedEx Cup, Schauffele’s performance is critical. After winning two majors last year, he is at risk of missing the Tour Championship for the first time due to an injury that sidelined him earlier this season.
Challenges Ahead for Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominated Ligue 1 last season, losing only two matches. However, as the new season approaches, they face stiff competition from Marseille and Monaco, both of which have made significant summer signings aimed at challenging PSG’s title reign. The team’s local derby against newly-promoted Paris FC also adds to the season’s complexities.
The Ligue 1 season kicks off with Marseille facing Rennes on Friday, while PSG will play against Nantes on Sunday.
Ohio Investigates Suspicious Wagering on Guardians
In Ohio, the state’s gambling oversight agency is collaborating with Major League Baseball to investigate suspicious wagering activities involving pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians. The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported that it was alerted by a licensed sportsbook on June 30 regarding unusual betting patterns linked to specific pitches thrown by Ortiz during games on June 15 and June 27. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in sports betting.
Braves’ Michael Harris II Powers Comeback Against Mets
In a spectacular display, Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves capped a nine-run fourth inning with a grand slam, leading his team to an 11-6 victory over the New York Mets. The Braves overcame an early 6-0 deficit, showcasing their resilience in a game that faced a 95-minute rain delay. Harris’s performance included a 417-foot homer, marking a significant turning point for the Braves.
Jakob Marsee Impresses in Major League Debut
Jakob Marsee made a remarkable entrance into Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins, hitting two home runs and matching a franchise record with seven RBIs during a 13-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Marsee’s offensive contributions came in his first major league game, demonstrating his potential as a standout player. With a strong start, he has quickly made an impact in the league.
NBA Approves Sale of Boston Celtics
The NBA has unanimously approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm for an estimated $6.1 billion. Chisholm is set to take ownership of at least 51% of the franchise, with plans for full control by 2028, potentially raising the total valuation to $7.3 billion. This sale sets a record for an American professional sports team, although the valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers is reported at $10 billion following a deal involving owner Mark Walter.
Twins Decide to Keep Franchise in Family
In Minneapolis, the Minnesota Twins have opted to halt the sale process after a ten-month exploration. Executive chair Joe Pohlad announced that the family will retain principal ownership and bring in two new investment groups. The Pohlad family has owned the Twins since 1984, with Joe Pohlad emphasizing the importance of focusing on the long-term future of the franchise amidst concerns from fans regarding recent roster spending practices.