http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:03:11 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/24/teams-focus-defense-round-2-nfl-draft/stories/20260424121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/24/teams-focus-defense-round-2-nfl-draft/stories/20260424121#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:45:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/24/teams-focus-defense-round-2-nfl-draft/stories/20260424121 Defense was the priority in the second round of the NFL draft. Tennessee Titans' Jeffery Simmons walks across the stage before announcing a pick by the Tennessee Titans. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/23/nfl-teams-draft-night-steel-city-pittsburgh/stories/20260423111 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/23/nfl-teams-draft-night-steel-city-pittsburgh/stories/20260423111#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:48:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/23/nfl-teams-draft-night-steel-city-pittsburgh/stories/20260423111 PITTSBURGH — Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night. People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft April 22 in Pittsburgh. Work continues on the draft stage ahead of the NFL football draft April 22 in Pittsburgh. Ty Simpson, Alabama quarterback, is interviewed after the NFL's annual prospect clinic ahead of the NFL football draft April 22 in Pittsburgh. Arvell Reese, Ohio State linebacker, is interviewed after the NFL's annual prospect clinic ahead of the NFL football draft April 22 in Pittsburgh. 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/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/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/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. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/hannah-green-rallies-win-jm-eagle-la-championship/stories/20260419125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/hannah-green-rallies-win-jm-eagle-la-championship/stories/20260419125#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:03:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/hannah-green-rallies-win-jm-eagle-la-championship/stories/20260419125 LOS ANGELES — Hannah Green won the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday for the third time in first four years and the first at El Caballero, holing a 12-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole after a back-nine comeback. Frida Kinhult hits from the second tee during the final round of the LPGA's JM Eagle LA Championship golf tournament at El Caballero Country Club on April 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/matt-fitzpatrick-delivers-another-playoff-winner/stories/20260419124 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/matt-fitzpatrick-delivers-another-playoff-winner/stories/20260419124#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:56:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/matt-fitzpatrick-delivers-another-playoff-winner/stories/20260419124 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.  — Matt Fitzpatrick of England delivered another magnificent shot in a playoff at Harbour Town on Sunday to quiet the pro-American crowd and take down the world's best player, hitting 4-iron to 13 feet for birdie to defeat Scottie Scheffler for his second title in the RBC Heritage. Matt Fitzpatrick, of England, right, hugs his wife Katherine Gaal after winning. Matt Fitzpatrick, of England, poses with the trophy after winning. Matt Fitzpatrick, of England, celebrates after winning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tyler-reddick-passes-kyle-larson-final-lap-ot-win-nascar-cup-series/stories/20260419123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tyler-reddick-passes-kyle-larson-final-lap-ot-win-nascar-cup-series/stories/20260419123#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:37:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tyler-reddick-passes-kyle-larson-final-lap-ot-win-nascar-cup-series/stories/20260419123 KANSAS CITY, Kan. — NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick is riding the kind of Cup Series hot streak that Michael Jordan once enjoyed in his playing days. Tyler Reddick celebrates in Victory Lane. Tyler Reddick does a burnout after winning. Tyler Reddick celebrates in Victory Lane after winning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tj-friedl-3-run-double-9th-reds-rally-7-4-win/stories/20260419122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tj-friedl-3-run-double-9th-reds-rally-7-4-win/stories/20260419122#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:00:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/19/tj-friedl-3-run-double-9th-reds-rally-7-4-win/stories/20260419122 MINNEAPOLIS — TJ Friedl hit a go-ahead, three-run double in the ninth inning, Rece Hinds added a two-run double in the 10th, and the Cincinnati Reds rallied past the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Sunday for a three-game sweep. Cincinnati Reds' TJ Friedl celebrates after his RBI double against the Minnesota Twins. Cincinnati Reds' Spencer Steer celebrates after scoring on an RBI double hit by TJ Friedl. Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz reacts after scoring on a double hit by Eugenio Suárez during the 10th inning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/18/myers-rbi-single-9th-strong-bullpen-outing-lift-reds-past-twins-5-4/stories/20260418098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/18/myers-rbi-single-9th-strong-bullpen-outing-lift-reds-past-twins-5-4/stories/20260418098#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:32:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/18/myers-rbi-single-9th-strong-bullpen-outing-lift-reds-past-twins-5-4/stories/20260418098 MINNEAPOLIS — Dane Myers had an RBI single in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds scored the game’s final three runs to beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 Saturday. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) and center fielder TJ Friedl (29) celebrate defeating the Minnesota Twins. Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez (28) celebrates after hitting a double while Minnesota Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall (15) reacts. Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart (27) celebrates with Rece Hinds (57) after scoring during the second inning. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/blue-jackets-coach-rick-bowness-agrees-return-next-season/stories/20260416123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/blue-jackets-coach-rick-bowness-agrees-return-next-season/stories/20260416123#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:04:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/blue-jackets-coach-rick-bowness-agrees-return-next-season/stories/20260416123 It didn't take long for the Columbus Blue Jackets to decide if Rick Bowness would return as coach. Columbus Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness, center top, looks on during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Columbus on April 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/landen-roupp-giants-allow-1-hit-in-3-0-victory-reds/stories/20260416116 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/landen-roupp-giants-allow-1-hit-in-3-0-victory-reds/stories/20260416116#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:12:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/16/landen-roupp-giants-allow-1-hit-in-3-0-victory-reds/stories/20260416116 CINCINNATI — Landen Roupp allowed one hit in six innings and Matt Chapman had an RBI double to spark a three-run rally in the seventh and help the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Thursday. San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on April 16. San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on April 16. San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee catches his batting helmet after it came off while swinging at a strike during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on April 16. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati on April 16. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/sal-stewart-hits-pair-3-run-homers-career-high-6-rbis-reds-beat-giants/stories/20260415133 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/sal-stewart-hits-pair-3-run-homers-career-high-6-rbis-reds-beat-giants/stories/20260415133#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:33:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/sal-stewart-hits-pair-3-run-homers-career-high-6-rbis-reds-beat-giants/stories/20260415133 CINCINNATI — Sal Stewart hit a pair of three-run home runs for a career-high six RBIs, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz also homered, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday night. Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run homer during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati on April 15. Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati on April 15. Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart runs the bases after hitting a three-run homer during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati on April 15. San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on April 15. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Cincinnati on April 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/briggs-sports-betting-apps-phone-ohio-lawmakers-ban-right/stories/20260415114 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/briggs-sports-betting-apps-phone-ohio-lawmakers-ban-right/stories/20260415114#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:47:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/15/briggs-sports-betting-apps-phone-ohio-lawmakers-ban-right/stories/20260415114 I’ve got a sports betting app on my phone. Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban online sports betting. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/dallas-wings-select-azzi-fudd-uconn-no-1-wnba-draft/stories/20260413107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/dallas-wings-select-azzi-fudd-uconn-no-1-wnba-draft/stories/20260413107#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:54:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/dallas-wings-select-azzi-fudd-uconn-no-1-wnba-draft/stories/20260413107 NEW YORK — Azzi Fudd is on her way to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft with a $500,000 payday waiting for the former UConn star. UConn guard Azzi Fudd poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. Texas Christian guard Olivia Miles reacts after being selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks before the WNBA basketball draft. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/toledo-native-grace-vanslooten-drafted-3rd-round-wnba-draft/stories/20260413105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/toledo-native-grace-vanslooten-drafted-3rd-round-wnba-draft/stories/20260413105#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:33:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/13/toledo-native-grace-vanslooten-drafted-3rd-round-wnba-draft/stories/20260413105 NEW YORK — Grace VanSlooten, a Toledo native and former Notre Dame Academy standout, heard her name called during Monday’s WNBA draft, as she was selected in the third round (39th overall) by the Seattle Storm. Michigan State forward Grace VanSlooten dribbles the ball during an NCAA basketball game against Washington on Jan. 8 in Seattle. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/ty-gibbs-earns-first-nascar-cup-victory-bristol-beating-kyle-larson-ryan-blaney/stories/20260412140 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/ty-gibbs-earns-first-nascar-cup-victory-bristol-beating-kyle-larson-ryan-blaney/stories/20260412140#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:27:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/ty-gibbs-earns-first-nascar-cup-victory-bristol-beating-kyle-larson-ryan-blaney/stories/20260412140 BRISTOL, Tenn. — Outdueling two NASCAR CupSeries champions for the first victory of his career, Ty Gibbs made an emphatic and emotional breakthrough Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ty Gibbs celebrates after winning. Ty Gibbs, front right, celebrates with the trophy after winning. Ty Gibbs drives down the backstretch. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/rory-mcilroy-goes-back-back-masters-join-jack-nicklaus-nick-faldo-tiger-woods/stories/20260412132 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/rory-mcilroy-goes-back-back-masters-join-jack-nicklaus-nick-faldo-tiger-woods/stories/20260412132#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:03:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/04/12/rory-mcilroy-goes-back-back-masters-join-jack-nicklaus-nick-faldo-tiger-woods/stories/20260412132 AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy joined more elite company Sunday at the Masters when he pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates after winning the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts before winning the Masters golf tournament. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates after winning the Masters golf tournament.