http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 08 May 2026 04:18:02 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 Tuesday, 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/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. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-toledo-vs-butler-baseball/stories/20260506116 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-toledo-vs-butler-baseball/stories/20260506116#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 10:58:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-toledo-vs-butler-baseball/stories/20260506116 The University of Toledo defeated Butler University 12-1 in a college baseball game on Wednesday in Toledo. Toledo’s Ty O'Brien sprints home to score a run. Toledo’s Ryan Hughes throws a pitch. Toledo’s Alex McCranie, right, high fives teammate J.P. Wagner, center, after the both scored. Toledo’s Liam Arsich, back, warms up by throwing with a teammate ahead of the game. Toledo’s Charlie Scholvin swings at the ball. Toledo’s Liam Arsich catches a fly ball in the outfield. Toledo’s Preston Zumwalt swings. Toledo’s Cade Baker hits a home run. Toledo’s Charlie Scholvin swings. Toledo’s Cade Baker, right, celebrates at home with teammate Cole Cahill after hitting a home run. Toledo’s Liam Arsich catches a fly ball in the outfield. Toledo’s Liam Arsich swings. Toledo’s Cade Baker catches a fly ball in the outfield. Toledo’s J.P. Wagner, right, dives back to first to avoid being picked off by Butler’s Matthew Rhoades. Toledo’s Liam Arsich swings. Toledo’s Troy Sudbrook hits the ball. Toledo’s Charlie Scholvin runs to first. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/baseball-hammers-butler-earn-seventh-straight-victory/stories/20260506115 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/baseball-hammers-butler-earn-seventh-straight-victory/stories/20260506115#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 23:33:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/baseball-hammers-butler-earn-seventh-straight-victory/stories/20260506115 After a dominant sweep of Ball State, University of Toledo baseball took down another Indiana opponent in similar fashion, defeating Butler 12-1 Wednesday. Toledo’s Alex McCranie, right, high fives teammate J.P. Wagner, center, after both scored during a college baseball game between Toledo and Butler at the Scott Park Baseball Complex in Toledo on May 6. Toledo’s Preston Zumwalt swings during a college baseball game between Toledo and Butler at the Scott Park Baseball Complex in Toledo on May 6. Toledo’s Cade Baker catches a fly ball in the outfield during a college baseball game between Toledo and Butler at the Scott Park Baseball Complex in Toledo on May 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/mud-hens-split-daytime-doubleheader-memphis/stories/20260506105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/mud-hens-split-daytime-doubleheader-memphis/stories/20260506105#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 21:40:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/mud-hens-split-daytime-doubleheader-memphis/stories/20260506105 Following Tuesday's washout, the Toledo Mud Hens played a pair of shorted games on Wednesday against the Memphis Redbirds to some mixed results. Toledo’s Corey Julks eyes the ball while batting during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 6. Toledo’s Tyler Gentry catches a ball in the outfield during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 6. Toledo’s Dylan File pitches the ball during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/briggs-how-much-college-hoops-evolved-higher-ranked-recruiting/stories/20260506102 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/briggs-how-much-college-hoops-evolved-higher-ranked-recruiting/stories/20260506102#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 19:19:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/05/06/briggs-how-much-college-hoops-evolved-higher-ranked-recruiting/stories/20260506102 A lot has changed in the college sports world lately. Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk contends his case to the referee against Akron in the men’s college basketball finals of the MAC Tournament at Rocket Arena on March 14 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-children-attend-mud-hens-game/stories/20260506103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-children-attend-mud-hens-game/stories/20260506103#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 19:03:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/06/photo-gallery-children-attend-mud-hens-game/stories/20260506103 Children attended an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds in Toledo on Wednesday. Mudonna greets children in the stands on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 6. Children cheer in the stands on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field. JP Burns, 10, of Bishop Elementary School in Ypsilanti, Mich., smiles while holding onto the net on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. A child holds out a ball, waiting for it to be signed by a player, on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. Harper Earl, 8, and Haddie Sagastume, 8, of Bowling Green Christian Academy, enjoy ice cream on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. Ji’Heir Weatherly, 9, Archie Sandifer, 7, and Simeon Anderson, 11, students of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy for Boys, watch the game on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. Simeon Anderson, 11, of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy for Boys, applauds alongside his peers on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. From left, Jordan Reino, 13, Charlie Bryan, 13, Issac Badik, 12, Jaxson Lento, 13, and Emmett Gibson, 13, of Calvert Catholic Schools in Tiffin, cheer on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. Eleanor Johnson, 8, Everlee Wolford, 8, and Denverr Carnicom, 8, of R.C. Waters Elementary School in Oak Harbor, add stickers to a foam finger on School Education Day during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/05/06/browns-owners-dee-and-jimmy-haslam-donate-12-5-million-toward-blood-cancer/stories/20260506096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/05/06/browns-owners-dee-and-jimmy-haslam-donate-12-5-million-toward-blood-cancer/stories/20260506096#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 18:00:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/05/06/browns-owners-dee-and-jimmy-haslam-donate-12-5-million-toward-blood-cancer/stories/20260506096 CLEVELAND — Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have donated $12.5 million toward blood cancer research and treatment. Dee Haslam, one of the principal owners of the Cleveland Browns, speaks during groundbreaking ceremonies for the team's new stadium in Brook Park, Ohio on April 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/06/women-s-pro-hockey-is-coming-to-hockeytown-with-pwhl-detroit/stories/20260506095 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/06/women-s-pro-hockey-is-coming-to-hockeytown-with-pwhl-detroit/stories/20260506095#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 17:30:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/06/women-s-pro-hockey-is-coming-to-hockeytown-with-pwhl-detroit/stories/20260506095 Women’s professional hockey is coming to Hockeytown, with the PWHL on Wednesday designating Detroit as the first of what could become four expansion markets for next season. Fans gather to watch the Montreal Victoire and the Toronto Sceptres warm up before a PWHL hockey game in Vancouver, Jan. 8, 2025. This image provided by the PWHL shows a logo for the league's new women's hockey team in Detroit.