http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:12:47 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/22/4-run-5th-propels-mud-hens-past-storm-chasers/stories/20260422126 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/22/4-run-5th-propels-mud-hens-past-storm-chasers/stories/20260422126#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:56:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/22/4-run-5th-propels-mud-hens-past-storm-chasers/stories/20260422126 Corey Julks crushed a homer, roped a double, and drove in three runs to lead the Toledo Mud Hens for a 8-2 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers during Wednesday’s game at Fifth Third Field. Toledo Muds Hens batter Corey Julks blasts a solo home run and celebrates with teammates against St. Paul in a Minor League Baseball game at Fifth-Third Field on April 9 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/04/22/where-bgsu-basketball-rosters-stand-following-transfer-portal-entry-window/stories/20260422113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/04/22/where-bgsu-basketball-rosters-stand-following-transfer-portal-entry-window/stories/20260422113#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:43:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/04/22/where-bgsu-basketball-rosters-stand-following-transfer-portal-entry-window/stories/20260422113 BOWLING GREEN — With the transfer portal entry window now closed, the Bowling Green State University basketball programs are piecing together rosters for the upcoming season, with plenty of new faces expected to make an impact. Todd Simon, head coach of Bowling Green, watches his team play during a men’s college basketball game against Akron at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green on Jan. 9. Bowling Green coach Fred Chmiel yells to his players during a Mid-American Conference women’s college basketball game between the Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo at BGSU’s Stroh Center in Bowling Green on Feb. 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/22/yordan-alvarez-hits-mlb-leading-11th-homer-powering-astros-win-guardians/stories/20260422116 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/22/yordan-alvarez-hits-mlb-leading-11th-homer-powering-astros-win-guardians/stories/20260422116#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:25:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/22/yordan-alvarez-hits-mlb-leading-11th-homer-powering-astros-win-guardians/stories/20260422116 CLEVELAND — Yordan Alvarez hit his major league-leading 11th home run and Peter Lambert pitched six scoreless innings, leading the Houston Astros to a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez singles in the third inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland on April 22. Houston Astros pitcher Peter Lambert delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland on April 22. Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez, left, celebrates his single beside Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) in the first inning of a baseball game in Cleveland on April 22. Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo, right, tosses the ball to pitcher Tanner Bibee in the second inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Cleveland on April 22. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Cleveland on April 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/04/22/ppistons-beat-magic-end-longest-home-playoff-losing-streak/stories/20260422129 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/04/22/ppistons-beat-magic-end-longest-home-playoff-losing-streak/stories/20260422129#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:05:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/04/22/ppistons-beat-magic-end-longest-home-playoff-losing-streak/stories/20260422129 DETROIT — Cade Cunningham had 27 points, 11 assists and six rebounds to lead the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to a 98-83 win over the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, evening their first-round series and ending the longest home losing streak in NBA playoff history. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) takes a shot against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) as Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) helps defend during the first half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) celebrates after forcing a turnover by the Orlando Magic during the first half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) and center Goga Bitadze (35) during the first half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 22 in Detroit. Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) has his shot blocked by Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) during the first half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 22 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/22/mize-torkelson-power-tigers-victorybrewers/stories/20260422128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/22/mize-torkelson-power-tigers-victorybrewers/stories/20260422128#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:01:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/22/mize-torkelson-power-tigers-victorybrewers/stories/20260422128 DETROIT — Casey Mize struck out seven and allowed one run in six innings, Spencer Torkelson hit his first homer of the season, and the Detroit Tigers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2 on Wednesday night. Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Riley Greene (31) against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez scores against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Detroit. Milwaukee Brewers' Luis Rengifo (13) celebrates after scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle throws to first base against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/road-teams-pushing-back-nba-playoffs-stealing-home-court-advantages/stories/20260422127 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/road-teams-pushing-back-nba-playoffs-stealing-home-court-advantages/stories/20260422127#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:16:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/road-teams-pushing-back-nba-playoffs-stealing-home-court-advantages/stories/20260422127 The first six games in this season's playoffs all had something in common. The home teams all prevailed, winning by an average of 18.5 points per game. Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) celebrates with forward Paolo Banchero (5) after a win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series on April 19 in Detroit. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) celebrates on the bench against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series on April 20 in Denver. Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe is congratulated by fans after defeating the Boston Celtics following Game 2 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series on April 21 in Boston. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/nick-martinez-dominatess-former-team-leading-rays-win-reds/stories/20260422122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/nick-martinez-dominatess-former-team-leading-rays-win-reds/stories/20260422122#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:05:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/nick-martinez-dominatess-former-team-leading-rays-win-reds/stories/20260422122 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nick Martinez dominated his former team for eight innings, helping the Tampa Bay Rays avoid a series sweep with a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez delivers to the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a baseball game on April 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game on April 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Díaz, right, scores ahead of the throw to Cincinnati Reds catcher P.J. Higgins on an RBI single by Ryan Vilade during the fifth inning of a baseball game on April 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay Rays' Junior Caminero celebrates his solo home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson during the third inning of a baseball game on April 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/04/22/briggs-leroy-blyden-bittersweet-departure-kansas-sad-death-cinderella/stories/20260422114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/04/22/briggs-leroy-blyden-bittersweet-departure-kansas-sad-death-cinderella/stories/20260422114#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:33:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/04/22/briggs-leroy-blyden-bittersweet-departure-kansas-sad-death-cinderella/stories/20260422114 Cinderella, the glass-slippered symbol of mid-major basketball dreams and busted brackets for generations, died Monday after a prolonged illness. Toledo’s Leroy Blyden, Jr., celebrates his 3-pointer in the direction of the Rockets' bench against Akron in the Mid-American Conference tournament. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:37:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/22/2026-kelly-cup-playoff-preview-experienced-walleye-newcomer-bloomington/stories/20260422109 The ECHL Central Division semifinals will pit an experienced Toledo Walleye team with high expectations against the newcomer Bloomington Bison, looking to make a run in their first playoff appearance. Toledo’s Will Hillman, left, and Bloomington’s Parker Gavlas during an ECHL hockey game Jan. 4 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Toledo’s Tanner Palocsik skates out during introductions ahead of an ECHL hockey game against the Indy Fuel on Nov. 1 at the Huntington Center in Toledo . Toledo’s Will MacKinnon and Bloomington’s Ayden MacDonald fight during the third period of an ECHL hockey game March 29 at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo. The Walleye defeated the Bloomington Bison, 4-3. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/michigan-te-marlin-klein-germany-nfl-draft/stories/20260422090 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/michigan-te-marlin-klein-germany-nfl-draft/stories/20260422090#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:21:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/22/michigan-te-marlin-klein-germany-nfl-draft/stories/20260422090 When Marlin Klein left Germany to play football in the United States, he entered a whole new world. Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (14) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Feb. 27 in Indianapolis. Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (14) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Feb. 27 in Indianapolis. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/briggs-could-we-see-first-100-million-toledo-mud-hen-max-clark/stories/20260421105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/briggs-could-we-see-first-100-million-toledo-mud-hen-max-clark/stories/20260421105#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:25:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/briggs-could-we-see-first-100-million-toledo-mud-hen-max-clark/stories/20260421105 When the Detroit Tigers handed Kevin McGonigle a $150 million contract last week before the 21-year-old phenom had barely unpacked his big-league bags, it once again begged the question: Toledo Muds Hen batter Max Clark fouls off the ball against St. Paul in a Minor League Baseball game at Fifth Third Field on April 9 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/home-runs-haunt-toledo-mud-hens-in-second-straight-series-opening-defeat-omaha/stories/20260421103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/home-runs-haunt-toledo-mud-hens-in-second-straight-series-opening-defeat-omaha/stories/20260421103#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:45:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/04/21/home-runs-haunt-toledo-mud-hens-in-second-straight-series-opening-defeat-omaha/stories/20260421103 For the second straight series, the home run ball doomed the Toledo Mud Hens. Toledo’s Bryan Sammons throws the ball during a baseball game against Omaha at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Toledo’s Ben Malgeri pulls in a fly ball during a baseball game against Omaha at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/21/chase-delauter-bases-loaded-triple-guardians-astros/stories/20260421109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/21/chase-delauter-bases-loaded-triple-guardians-astros/stories/20260421109#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:31:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/21/chase-delauter-bases-loaded-triple-guardians-astros/stories/20260421109 CLEVELAND — Chase DeLauter hit a bases-loaded triple down the left-field line in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 8-5 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Cleveland Guardians' Angel Martinez celebrates his solo home run in the second inning against the Houston Astros on April 21 in Cleveland. Houston Astros' Yainer Diaz celebrates his double in the fifth inning. From left, Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez, center fielder Steven Kwan, center, and right fielder George Valera celebrate a win over the Houston Astros. Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) throws to first base in the sixth inning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/21/brice-turang-david-hamilton-power-brewers-tigers/stories/20260421108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/21/brice-turang-david-hamilton-power-brewers-tigers/stories/20260421108#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:19:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/04/21/brice-turang-david-hamilton-power-brewers-tigers/stories/20260421108 DETROIT — Brice Turang drove in four runs and David Hamilton had four hits as the Milwaukee Brewers routed the Detroit Tigers 12-4 on Tuesday night. Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang runs out a one-run single against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning April 21 in Detroit. Milwaukee Brewers' David Hamilton (6) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning. Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jake Woodford throws against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning. Detroit Tigers' Jake Rogers pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/21/elly-de-la-cruz-reds-five-home-runs-rays/stories/20260421110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/21/elly-de-la-cruz-reds-five-home-runs-rays/stories/20260421110#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:19:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/21/elly-de-la-cruz-reds-five-home-runs-rays/stories/20260421110 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Elly De La Cruz hit two of Cincinnati’s five home runs, rookie Sal Stewart added three RBIs to reach 24 on the season, and the Reds scored the first nine runs to cruise to a 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz (44) and third base coach Willie Harris celebrate de la Cruz's two run home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz hits a two run home run during the first inning. Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart drives in two runs with his sixth inning single. Cincinnati Reds' Dane Myers (17) avoids the tag from Tampa Bay Rays catcher Hunter Feduccia (9) as he scores during the sixth inning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:03:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/04/21/walleye-set-playoff-roster-filled-with-size-depth/stories/20260421091 The Toledo Walleye embark on their annual Kelly Cup playoff run, bolstered by a roster filled with plenty of size and valuable depth. Walleye forward Mitch Lewandowski celebrates scoring a goal against the Bloomington Bison during an ECHL Hockey game on Dec.3, 2025, at the Huntington Center in Toledo. Toledo celebrates a goal during the third period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. The Walleye defeated the Bloomington Bison, 4-3. Walleye players and coaches at practice at the Huntington Center on Tuesday prepare for Game 1 of the ECHL Central Division semifinals. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/21/cavaliers-big-3-of-mitchell-harden-and-mobley-come-up-big-in-game-2-win-raptors/stories/20260421083 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/21/cavaliers-big-3-of-mitchell-harden-and-mobley-come-up-big-in-game-2-win-raptors/stories/20260421083#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:14:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/21/cavaliers-big-3-of-mitchell-harden-and-mobley-come-up-big-in-game-2-win-raptors/stories/20260421083 CLEVELAND — After not playing together much in the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers' new big three came up big in their first major playoff test. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett, left, in the second half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series in Cleveland on April 20. Toronto Raptors guard Ja'kobe Walter (14) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reach for the ball in the second half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series in Cleveland on April 20. Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, center, keeps the ball fron Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, right, in the second half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series in Cleveland on April 20. Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) dunks next to Toronto Raptors guard Ja'kobe Walter, right, in the second half in Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoffs series in Cleveland on April 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/20/mitchell-scores-30-harden-adds-28-as-cavaliers-beat-raptors-115-105-for-2-0-seri/stories/20260420112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/20/mitchell-scores-30-harden-adds-28-as-cavaliers-beat-raptors-115-105-for-2-0-seri/stories/20260420112#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:31:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/04/20/mitchell-scores-30-harden-adds-28-as-cavaliers-beat-raptors-115-105-for-2-0-seri/stories/20260420112 CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, James Harden added 28 and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 115-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) gestures to the crowd. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots over Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23). Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) grabs a rebound next to Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31). https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/20/isaac-paredes-first-2-home-runs-season-power-slumping-astros-9-2-victory/stories/20260420113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/20/isaac-paredes-first-2-home-runs-season-power-slumping-astros-9-2-victory/stories/20260420113#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:26:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/04/20/isaac-paredes-first-2-home-runs-season-power-slumping-astros-9-2-victory/stories/20260420113 CLEVELAND — Isaac Paredes hit his first two home runs of the season and Christian Walker also went deep as the Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 9-2 on Monday night for just their third victory in 15 games. Houston Astros' Isaac Paredes hits a solo home run. Houston Astros' Isaac Paredes celebrates after his solo home run. Houston Astros' Isaac Paredes, left, and Christian Walker, right, celebrate a win. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/20/rookie-sal-stewart-hits-8th-homer-reds-top-rays-6-1-4th-straight-win/stories/20260420114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/20/rookie-sal-stewart-hits-8th-homer-reds-top-rays-6-1-4th-straight-win/stories/20260420114#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:30:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/20/rookie-sal-stewart-hits-8th-homer-reds-top-rays-6-1-4th-straight-win/stories/20260420114 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rookie Sal Stewart homered, doubled, stole a base and scored twice as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Monday night for their fourth straight win. Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart celebrates as he runs the bases following hit two-run home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jesse Scholtens. Cincinnati Reds right fielder Rece Hinds makes a sliging catch on a fly out by Tampa Bay Rays' Richie Palacios. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays.