Category Archives: baseball

Framber Valdez’s wife Isamal rocks a sleek black bodycon dress with waist cutout and slinky silhouette on date night with the Astros ace

Despite leading the AL West for the majority of the regular season, Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros ultimately surrendered the top spot to their rivals, the Seattle Mariners, in the closing stages of the campaign.

The Astros had maintained a stronghold on first place for most of the season, showcasing consistent performance and determination. However, as the regular season drew to a close, the Mariners surged ahead, overtaking Houston in a dramatic finish.

This shift has set the stage for an intense rivalry as both teams prepare for the postseason, with fans eagerly anticipating how the Astros will respond after losing their division lead late in the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-framber-valdez-s-wife-isamal-rocks-sleek-black-bodycon-dress-waist-cutout-slinky-silhouette-date-night-astros-ace

Brilliant start by rookie pitcher propels Yankees into AL Division Series

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https://triblive.com/sports/brilliant-start-by-rookie-pitcher-propels-yankees-into-al-division-series/

Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso will opt out of contract and test free agency again

MIAMI (AP) — Pete Alonso has announced he will opt out of his contract with the New York Mets and enter free agency again, following the team’s failure to make the playoffs this season.

Alonso previously tested the free agent market last offseason before deciding to stay with the franchise that drafted him in 2016 out of Florida. In February, he signed a two-year, $54 million contract that paid him $30 million this season, with a $24 million player option for the next year.

The All-Star first baseman indicated he would like to return to the Mets once more but emphasized his desire to win a championship.

“There’s some great guys in this clubhouse, there’s some great people on the staff,” Alonso said. “And every single day, it’s just been a pleasure coming to work and putting on the orange and blue. I’ve really appreciated it and been nothing but full of gratitude every single day. Nothing’s guaranteed, but we’ll see what happens. I’ve loved being a Met, so hopefully they’ve appreciated me in the same way.”

At 30 years old, Alonso earned his fifth All-Star selection this season, batting a career-best .272 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and a career-high 41 doubles. Along the way, he broke the Mets’ franchise record for home runs, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s previous mark of 252.

“I think the biggest thing is, I want to win,” Alonso said. “I know we didn’t this year, but we had the right pieces — I think we just didn’t do it. At the beginning of the year, you just want to have the best possible chance to hold up the trophy at the end and see yourself being a champion. So for me, it’s why I do this. I want to be on top of the mountain. I want to win a World Series. That’s the ultimate goal.”

The Mets entered Sunday’s regular-season finale needing a win and a Cincinnati loss at Milwaukee to make the playoffs. However, New York could not overcome a four-run fourth inning by the Miami Marlins and was eliminated from postseason contention following a 4-0 loss.

___
AP MLB
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2025/09/28/mets-all-star-first-baseman-pete-alonso-will-opt-out-of-contract-and-test-free-agency-again

Cardinals legend Albert Pujols reveals approach to managing Juan Soto-starring Dominican Republic at 2026 WBC

A four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger award winner, Juan Soto is undoubtedly one of the best hitters in the business. Currently batting .265, with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs, the Dominican standout has once again enjoyed an exceptional season.

Looking ahead, Soto is set to represent the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, continuing his role as a key figure on the international stage.

Another Dominican superstar who will be involved in the 2026 tournament is Albert Pujols. However, instead of featuring on the field, Pujols will take on a leadership role as the manager of the Dominican Republic baseball team.

In an exclusive interview on the “New York Post Sports” YouTube channel, Pujols spoke about the “honor” of being chosen to lead his country in the competition and his commitment to preparing for the challenge.

“I’m a player’s manager. I have the opportunity to go back this year to the Dominican Republic and to be able to lead them to a championship. They honored me and gave me the opportunity to lead the World Baseball Classic team. So, I’m doing a lot of hard work with that. Now I’m really focused on it,” Pujols shared.

He also discussed his aspirations beyond the Classic, expressing a hope to manage a Major League Baseball team in the future. “Hopefully [after this] I get an opportunity to be a manager in the big leagues. I’m staying busy with the things that I know and that I’m good at, just trying to continue to set an example for others,” Pujols added.

Alongside Juan Soto, several other big league stars are expected to suit up for the Dominican Republic in 2026. Given the wealth of Dominican talent currently active in Major League Baseball, it’s no surprise the country boasts a stacked National Team roster.

On the pitching side, the team can call upon talented arms like Freddy Peralta, Luis Gil, and Emmanuel Clase. The infield will feature big names such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Elly De La Cruz, and Willy Adames. Meanwhile, the outfield is anchored by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, and Julio Rodriguez.

Behind the plate, catchers Yainer Diaz and Gary Sanchez are among the favorites to represent the Dominican Republic.

With such a star-studded lineup and the leadership of Albert Pujols, the Dominican Republic looks poised to make a strong impact at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-cardinals-legend-albert-pujols-reveals-approach-managing-juan-soto-starring-dominican-republic-2026-wbc

“Lot of guys taking a look in the mirror” – Pirates’ Paul Skenes brutally calls out teammates on accountability after disappointing 2025 performance

The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered their fifth consecutive defeat following a narrow 4-3 loss to the Athletics on Friday.

This latest setback means the Pirates are now on track to finish at the bottom of the National League Central division.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-lot-guys-taking-look-mirror-pirates-paul-skenes-brutally-calls-teammates-accountability-disappointing-2025-performance

Pablo López departs early as Twins fall to Guardians

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**Game Recap: Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians**

Pablo Lopez raced off the mound after a ball deflected off his foot. After retrieving it, he quickly shoveled the ball to first baseman Kody Clemens, beating the runner Angel Martinez. Lopez dove face-first into the grass during the play but got up smiling and gave a thumbs up as he walked back to the mound.

Though Lopez secured the out, the third-inning play contributed to his early departure after four innings and just 61 pitches. This was his third start since returning from a teres major strain that sidelined him for three months. Lopez left the game with right forearm tightness attributed to the dive.

For much of the game, those were the only two runs on the board. The Twins (66-87) struggled offensively, being shut down for the first five innings by Cleveland (82-71) rookie starter Parker Messick. The Twins finally broke through in the sixth inning with hits from Austin Martin, Luke Keaschall, and Royce Lewis, producing two runs.

The score remained 2-2 until the eighth inning when Guardians star Jose Ramirez sparked a two-out rally with a double. The Twins intentionally walked Kyle Manzardo to face Bo Naylor. Ramirez and Manzardo then stole third and second base, respectively, before Naylor brought them both home.

Cleveland added two more runs off reliever Michael Tonkin in the ninth. This late offensive surge lifted the Guardians to a 6-2 victory, marking their eighth consecutive win. The Guardians have now won 13 of their past 14 games and, with a Detroit loss on Friday, have moved 2½ games behind first place in a division race that once seemed out of reach.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/09/19/pablo-lopez-departs-early-as-twins-fall-to-guardians/

Royals score four in the eighth to snap Seattle’s 10-game winning streak

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals snapped the Seattle Mariners’ 10-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night.

Eugenio Suarez ended an 0-for-32 slump with a breakout performance for Seattle, recording four hits, two RBIs, and two runs. Despite Suarez’s efforts, the Mariners fell a half-game behind the Houston Astros in the AL West following Houston’s win.

Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win for Kansas City, even after giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford’s homer in the eighth inning. Carlos Estevez allowed a ninth-inning run but secured his Major League Baseball-best 40th save of the season.

Seattle’s Matt Brash (1-3) struggled, allowing four runs and four hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Cole Ragans, making his first start for Kansas City since June 5 after recovering from a strained left rotator cuff, pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on one hit while striking out four and issuing two walks. Ragans started strong, throwing his first six pitches for strikes and striking out the side on 10 pitches in the first inning.

On the mound for Seattle, Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits across five innings.

The game’s early scoring came from Royals’ Salvador Perez, who blasted a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field in the first inning. Suarez responded quickly for the Mariners with a 416-foot, two-run homer in the second, trimming the deficit to 3-2.

Seattle tied the game in the seventh when Suarez led off with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver.

The pivotal moment arrived in the eighth inning when Frazier’s home run put Kansas City back in front after the Mariners briefly took the lead earlier in the inning.

Statistically, the Royals capitalized well with runners in scoring position, going 5-for-13, while the Mariners were unable to reach base in similar situations, going 0-for-4.

Looking ahead, the two teams will conclude their three-game series on Thursday. Seattle is set to start right-hander Luis Castillo (9-8, 3.76 ERA), while Kansas City will counter with right-hander Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.71 ERA).

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AP MLB: David Smale, The Associated Press.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/royals-score-four-eighth-snap-024402150.html