http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 09 May 2026 04:12:58 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/toledo-football-changes-date-for-season-opener-at-michigan-state/stories/20260508097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/toledo-football-changes-date-for-season-opener-at-michigan-state/stories/20260508097#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 17:10:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/toledo-football-changes-date-for-season-opener-at-michigan-state/stories/20260508097 The Toledo football team’s season opener has moved up a day, as the Rockets will travel to Michigan State on Sept. 4 to take on the Spartans in the first game under new head coach Mike Jacobs. University of Toledo head football coach Mike Jacobs watches the action during spring practice March 31, 2026, at Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/5-stops-happy-hour-series/stories/20260508095 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/5-stops-happy-hour-series/stories/20260508095#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 16:24:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/08/5-stops-happy-hour-series/stories/20260508095 The University of Toledo is hosting dates for local happy hours with its Rocket Happy Hour: Presented by Brown Honda series, giving fans an opportunity to meet the coaches and staff of various athletic programs at different breweries and distilleries in the community. Toledo Rockets football helmets and equipment sit on the practice turf at the Fetterman Athletic Complex on March 17 in West Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/08/isbel-gets-first-walk-off-hit-makes-pair-great-catches-lift-royals-over-tigers/stories/20260508125 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/08/isbel-gets-first-walk-off-hit-makes-pair-great-catches-lift-royals-over-tigers/stories/20260508125#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 03:58:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/08/isbel-gets-first-walk-off-hit-makes-pair-great-catches-lift-royals-over-tigers/stories/20260508125 KANSAS CITY, Mo.  — Kyle Isbel hit a walk-off single in the ninth after his run-scoring hit fueled a two-run, eighth-inning rally and also made two excellent catches that likely saved a run, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Friday night for their sixth win in eight games. Kansas City Royals players celebrate after Kyle Isbel hit a single to drive in the game-winning run. Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel watches his single to drive in the game-winning run during the ninth inning. Kansas City Royals' Nick Loftin slides home to score the game-winning run on a single by Kyle Isbel. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/08/mud-hens-even-series-memphis-behind-7-run-second-inning/stories/20260508117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/08/mud-hens-even-series-memphis-behind-7-run-second-inning/stories/20260508117#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 03:35:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/08/mud-hens-even-series-memphis-behind-7-run-second-inning/stories/20260508117 The Toledo Mud Hens broke the bats out early against the Memphis Redbirds on Friday at Fifth Third Field, as a seven-run second inning lifted the Mud Hens to a 10-4 victory and evened the series at two games each. Toledo Mud Hens' Gage Workman hits a triple. The ball pops out of Toledo’s Gage Workman's glove. Toledo’s Max Anderson high-fives teammates after scoring the first run. Toledo’s Max Anderson gives the thumbs up to the dugout after hitting a double. Toledo’s Jace Jung fields the ball to make the out. Toledo’s Sawyer Gipson-Long and Jace Jung high five after an out. Toledo’s Max Clark hits the ball. Toledo’s Sawyer Gipson-Long throws the ball. Toledo’s Matt Koperniak makes the throw to second. Toledo’s Gage Workman hits a triple. Toledo’s Nelson Velazquez jumps to make the out. Toledo’s Max Anderson fields the ball. Toledo’s interim manager Mike Hessman walks back to the dugout. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/jeeno-thitikul-takes-advantage-changing-weather-69-open-3-shot-lead/stories/20260508121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/jeeno-thitikul-takes-advantage-changing-weather-69-open-3-shot-lead/stories/20260508121#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 03:04:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/jeeno-thitikul-takes-advantage-changing-weather-69-open-3-shot-lead/stories/20260508121 WEST CALDWELL, N.J. — Jeeno Thitikul took advantage on a friendly change in the weather Friday and closed with four birdies over her last seven holes to build a three-shot lead in the Mizuho Americas Open. Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, waves after making a putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament on April 24 in Houston. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/08/travis-bazzana-hits-his-first-major-league-homer-guardians-6-4-win-over-twins/stories/20260508120 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/08/travis-bazzana-hits-his-first-major-league-homer-guardians-6-4-win-over-twins/stories/20260508120#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 02:52:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/08/travis-bazzana-hits-his-first-major-league-homer-guardians-6-4-win-over-twins/stories/20260508120 CLEVELAND — Travis Bazzana hit his first major league home run, rookie Parker Messick allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings and the Cleveland Guardians won their third straight, beating the Minnesota Twins 6-4 on Friday night. Cleveland Guardians' Travis Bazzana heads to first base after hitting his first major league home run off Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp. Minnesota Twins' Ryan Jeffers, top, is tagged out by Cleveland Guardians' Austin Hedges, front, at home plate. Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prelipp delivers against the Cleveland Guardians. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/astros-beat-reds-10-0-extending-cincinnatis-losing-streak-8/stories/20260508118 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/astros-beat-reds-10-0-extending-cincinnatis-losing-streak-8/stories/20260508118#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 01:56:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/astros-beat-reds-10-0-extending-cincinnatis-losing-streak-8/stories/20260508118 CINCINNATI — Zach Dezenzo and Yordan Alvarez hit two-run homers, Mike Burrows allowed three hits in seven innings, and the Houston Astros beat Cincinnati 10-0 on Friday night, extending the Reds losing streak to eight games. Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows reacts after preventing a run. Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) reacts after striking out. Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows delivers. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/nfl-schedule-release/stories/20260508116 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/nfl-schedule-release/stories/20260508116#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 00:01:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/08/nfl-schedule-release/stories/20260508116 NEW YORK — The NFL will release its complete regular-season schedule on Thursday. A general view of Lincoln Financial Field during the second half of an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 8, 2017, in Philadelphia. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/rory-mcilroy-shoots-67-move-into-contention-truist-championship/stories/20260508115 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/rory-mcilroy-shoots-67-move-into-contention-truist-championship/stories/20260508115#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 23:56:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/08/rory-mcilroy-shoots-67-move-into-contention-truist-championship/stories/20260508115 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It took 27 holes, but Rory McIlroy started to return to his Masters form. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the 16th tee. Sungjae Im, of South Korea, acknowledges the gallery on the 15th green. Tommy Fleetwood, of England, chips onto the 15th green. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/08/walleye-off-ice-official-marlowe-thankful-for-response-to-scary-pregame-medical/stories/20260508039 Rick Marlowe felt dizzy as the pyrotechnic display went off during the Walleye player introductions at the Huntington Center on Sunday — and then he felt a jolt of lightning in his chest. Off-Ice official Rick Marlowe watches an ECHL hockey game Feb. 17, 2019 at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. Toledo Walleye captain Brandon Hawkins helps off-ice official Rick Marlowe, middle, carry items from the penalty box after a recent home game as Ken Tarry looks on. Walleye players Brandon Hawkins and Michael Milne help guide a stretcher off the ice before last Sunday's game at the Huntington Center. Off-ice official Rick Marlowe experienced a medical episode in the penalty box. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 15:16:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/05/07/funky-format-walleye-playoff-series-vs-fort-wayne-will-feature-unique-schedule/stories/20260507082 From concerts to commencement ceremonies, the fate of the Toledo Walleye playoff schedule often comes down to the availability of the building. Toledo Walleye goalie Carter Gylander is introduced against the Trois-Rivieres in the ECHL Kelly Cup hockey finals at the Huntington Center on June 2, 2025, in downtown Toledo. Komets’ Anthony Petruzzelli chases after the puck while Toledo Walleye’s David Pope tries to stop him during the second period at Memorial Coliseum on April 19, 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/productive-7th-inning-lifts-memphis-past-mud-hens/stories/20260507122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/productive-7th-inning-lifts-memphis-past-mud-hens/stories/20260507122#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 02:19:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/productive-7th-inning-lifts-memphis-past-mud-hens/stories/20260507122 A six-spot in the top of the seventh inning was enough to put visiting Memphis in front, as the Redbirds took down the Toledo Mud Hens 11-4 in an International League game Thursday at Fifth Third Field. Toledo’s Eduardo Valencia, right, tags out Memphis’ Brody Moore at home during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 7. Toledo’s Bryan Sammons throws a pitch during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 7. Toledo’s Max Clark hits the ball during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/05/07/cade-cunningham-25-points-10-assists-lift-pistons-past-cavs/stories/20260507123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/05/07/cade-cunningham-25-points-10-assists-lift-pistons-past-cavs/stories/20260507123#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 02:01:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Pistons/2026/05/07/cade-cunningham-25-points-10-assists-lift-pistons-past-cavs/stories/20260507123 DETROIT — Cade Cunningham had 25 points and 10 assists, Tobias Harris scored 21 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-97 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round series. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham takes a shot against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on May 7 in Detroit. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looses the ball against the defense from Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on May 7 in Detroit. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson, left, drives against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on May 7 in Detroit. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, left, passes the ball against Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on May 7 in Detroit. Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives against Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series on May 7 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/march-madness-tournaments-expand-76-teams-each-starting-next-season/stories/20260507113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/march-madness-tournaments-expand-76-teams-each-starting-next-season/stories/20260507113#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 22:12:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/march-madness-tournaments-expand-76-teams-each-starting-next-season/stories/20260507113 The NCAA announced Thursday that it will expand its two March Madness tournaments by eight teams each next season, a long-expected move that will drop more games into the first week of the highly popular and lucrative showcase without substantially changing its overall form. March Madness logo sis displayed at center court during the opening rounds of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Pittsburgh in 2024. FILE - Southern California forward Evan Mobley (4) fights for the opening tipoff with Oregon guard LJ Figueroa (12) during the first half of a Sweet 16 game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament in 2021, in Indianapolis. A basketball goes throw the net before an Elite Eight game between Iowa and Illinois in the NCAA college basketball tournament on March 28 in Houston. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/07/Conforto-Imanaga-power-the-Cubs-to-an-8-3-win-over-Reds-extending-their-winning-streak-to-9-games-1/stories/20260507112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/07/Conforto-Imanaga-power-the-Cubs-to-an-8-3-win-over-Reds-extending-their-winning-streak-to-9-games-1/stories/20260507112#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 22:07:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/07/Conforto-Imanaga-power-the-Cubs-to-an-8-3-win-over-Reds-extending-their-winning-streak-to-9-games-1/stories/20260507112 CHICAGO — Michael Conforto went 3 for 3 with a homer and two RBIs, Shota Imanaga pitched six innings of one-run ball and the Chicago Cubs extended their winning streak to nine games with an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. Chicago Cubs' Miguel Amaya hits a two-run single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Chicago on May 7. Cincinnati Reds second baseman Sal Stewart, right, throws out Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner at first after forcing out Miguel Amaya at second during the third inning of a baseball game in Chicago on May 7. Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, of Japan, throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Chicago on May 7. Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder, center, leaves with manager Terry Francona, left, and a team trainer after an injury during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago on May 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/07/bo-naylor-hits-3-run-home-run-cement-guardians-royals/stories/20260507109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/07/bo-naylor-hits-3-run-home-run-cement-guardians-royals/stories/20260507109#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 21:48:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/05/07/bo-naylor-hits-3-run-home-run-cement-guardians-royals/stories/20260507109 KANSAS CITY — Bo Naylor hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning and Kyle Manzardo a two-run double that opened the scoring in the first to lead the Cleveland Guardians over the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Thursday. Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana throws to first for the double play hit into Vinnie Pasquantino after forcing Bobby Witt Jr. out at second during the third inning of a baseball game on May 7 in Kansas City, Mo. Cleveland Guardians' Kyle Manzardo watches histwo-run double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on May 7 in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game on May 7 in Kansas City, Mo. Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez (11) is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. during the fourth inning of a baseball game on May 7 in Kansas City, Mo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/briggs-jim-tressel-desmond-howard-water-under-bridge/stories/20260507103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/briggs-jim-tressel-desmond-howard-water-under-bridge/stories/20260507103#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 21:07:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/05/07/briggs-jim-tressel-desmond-howard-water-under-bridge/stories/20260507103 Call it water under the High Level Bridge. An Evening with Jim Tressel and Desmond Howard on Wednesday night at the Glass City Center. An Evening with Jim Tressel and Desmond Howard was held on Wednesday night at the Glass City Center. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/ex-mud-hens-manager-alvarez-fired-sending-inappropriate-text-female-colleague/stories/20260508061 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/ex-mud-hens-manager-alvarez-fired-sending-inappropriate-text-female-colleague/stories/20260508061#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 20:28:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/07/ex-mud-hens-manager-alvarez-fired-sending-inappropriate-text-female-colleague/stories/20260508061 Former Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez says he was fired this week after sending an “inappropriate” text message to a female colleague. Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez was fired Tuesday by the Detroit Tigers organization. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/05/07/ex-ohio-state-players-nfl-veterans-join-sexual-abuse-lawsuit/stories/20260507104 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/05/07/ex-ohio-state-players-nfl-veterans-join-sexual-abuse-lawsuit/stories/20260507104#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 20:24:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2026/05/07/ex-ohio-state-players-nfl-veterans-join-sexual-abuse-lawsuit/stories/20260507104 Thirty former Ohio State football players, including some former NFL players, have agreed to join a federal lawsuit against the university over the sexual abuse of student athletes decades ago by a team doctor, a lawyer in the case said Thursday. A person walks over the Ohio State University's emblem in the campus student union in 2019 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/06/new-anthony-wayne-hockey-coach-dean-ball-takes-over-for-generals/stories/20260506086 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/06/new-anthony-wayne-hockey-coach-dean-ball-takes-over-for-generals/stories/20260506086#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 14:44:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/06/new-anthony-wayne-hockey-coach-dean-ball-takes-over-for-generals/stories/20260506086 The Anthony Wayne High School hockey team is turning to new coach Dean Ball to lead the program going forward. The hiring is pending the board of education's approval on May 11. Anthony Wayne High School hockey coach Dean Ball will be entering his first year leading the program in the 2026-27 season.