http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:30:15 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:07:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/29/walleye-bring-back-durable-defenseman-nick-andrews/stories/20260729101 Defenseman Nick Andrews, who played in all 72 games for the Toledo Walleye last season, has signed a new contract with the team. Toledo’s Nick Andrews takes a shot during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 27. Toledo’s Nick Andrews hits the puck down the ice during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Wichita Thunder at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:49:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/29/northern-lakes-league-football-programs-look-for-new-pieces-to-fill-puzzle/stories/20260728119 Dealing with the departure of key seniors to graduation is an annual challenge for high school football programs. Offensive lineman Riley Liwo is switching to left tackle at Whitmer after playing at right tackle a year ago. Coach Dirk Conner checks his notes during the Yellow Jackets training camp at Perrysburg Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 1, 2024. Offensive lineman Kyler Koopmans works on a balance drill during high school football training camp at Whitmer Memorial Stadium in the Trilby neighborhood on Aug. 19, 2025, in West Toledo. Fremont Ross' Marquez Williams collides with Perrysburg’s Brandon Badik as Brady Maxwell throws the ball during a high school football game at Steinecker Stadium in Perrysburg on Sept. 5, 2025. Anthony Wayne football coach Andy Brungard talks to his team after practice earlier this month. Perrysburg’s Brayden Heitmeyer kicks a field goal during a high school football game between Perrysburg and Anthony Wayne at Steinecker Stadium in Perrysburg on Oct. 17, 2025. Cam Miller, WR/DB, at Anthony Wayne High School football practice, Aug. 18, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:02:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/orioles-rally-7-0-down-beat-tigers-12-innings/stories/20260729119 DETROIT — Colton Cowser hit a tiebreaking single in the 12th inning, capping the Baltimore Orioles' rally from a seven-run deficit to beat the Tigers 10-9 on Wednesday and spoil Tarik Skubal's possible farewell to Detroit. Baltimore Orioles' Dylan Beavers (12) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on July 29 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) hugs Jack Flaherty in the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 29 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:13:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 Not long ago, Tony Cornett and Bryce Curry would have been the kind of blue-chip recruits a basketball program in the Mid-American Conference admired from a distance. Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk gestures to a player during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Michigan in 2024 in Ann Arbor. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:39:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/lions/2026/07/29/lions-coach-dan-campbell-addresses-terrion-arnold-s-situation-with-the-team-on-the-eve-of-camp/stories/20260729092 ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday he addressed the franchise's “unfortunate” decision to release Terrion Arnold with the team on the eve of training camp as the former cornerback is facing felony charges. Terrion Arnold, a Detroit Lions cornerback, leaves during the conclusion of his pretrial detention hearing at the Hillsborough County Courthouse on June 29 in Tampa, Fla. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to the media before an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., July 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:48:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 There are moments that stay with athletes long after their careers, and for Isa Echeverri, one of them is hearing Colombia’s national anthem played at the World Cup. Former University of Toledo soccer player Isa Echeverri worked as a soccer analyst for Telemundo Deportes covering her home country of Colombia at this year's World Cup. University of Toledo product Isa Echeverri, left, played for Colombia in the 2016 Olympics, going up against Crystal Dunn, right, and the United States in pool play,. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:32:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/29/tigers-score-in-every-inning-of-14-0-rout-of-the-orioles-1/stories/20260729083 DETROIT — Eduardo Valencia homered twice and drove in four runs, Gleyber Torres had a home run and five RBIs, and the Detroit Tigers scored in every inning they went to the plate in a 14-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Detroit Tigers' Eduardo Valencia celebrates his home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Gleyber Torres reacts to his two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton throws against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras catches a Detroit Tigers' Zach McKinstry fly ball during the sixth inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Josh Walker throws against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning of a baseball game July 28 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:34:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/29/jj-bleday-s-solo-homer-and-dane-myers-game-saving-grab-help-reds-beat-guardians-2-0-1/stories/20260729084 CINCINNATI — JJ Bleday hit a solo home run in the first inning and five Cincinnati pitchers combined for the shutout as the Reds defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 and split a day-night doubleheader Tuesday. Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz swings through a pitch during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Caleb Ferguson delivers during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Caleb Ferguson jogs in from the bullpen to start the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams delivers during the second inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds July 28 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Reds' JJ Bleday celebrates a solo home run as he approaches home plate during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians July 28 in Cincinnati. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:30:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/browns/2026/07/28/browns-ward-becomes-nfl-highest-paid-db-2-year-62-2-million-extension/stories/20260728123 CLEVELAND — Denzel Ward has agreed to a two-year extension with the Cleveland Browns that will make him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward warms up before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:11:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/28/mud-hens-open-road-trip-loss-columbus/stories/20260728122 COLUMBUS — The Toledo Mud Hens fell into an early hole on Tuesday and never recovered, opening a road trip against the Columbus Clippers with a 6-4 loss that ended a four-game winning streak. Toledo’s Corey Julks eyes the ball while batting during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Louisville Bats at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on July 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:46:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/28/walleyes-gylander-signs-two-way-contract-red-wings-organization/stories/20260728121 Toledo Walleye goaltender Carter Gylander signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, keeping him in the organization he has played with the past two seasons. Toledo's Carter Gylander (31) as the Walleye face off against the Indianapolis Fuel on Dec. 7, 2025, at the Huntington Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/28/us-goalkeeper-freese-never-get-loss-belgium-world-cup/stories/20260728106 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/28/us-goalkeeper-freese-never-get-loss-belgium-world-cup/stories/20260728106#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:26:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/28/us-goalkeeper-freese-never-get-loss-belgium-world-cup/stories/20260728106 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Goalkeeper Matt Freese admits he’s not quite gotten over the United States’ abrupt exit from the 2026 World Cup following a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. United States goalkeeper Matt Freese (24) reacts after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle on July 6. United States' Sebastian Berhalter, right, and Tim Ream react after the United States lost a World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium in Seattle on July 6. United States goalkeeper Matt Freese (24) reacts following the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle on July 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/07/28/female-athletes-surge-nil-deals-learfield-reports-123-jump-participation/stories/20260728107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/07/28/female-athletes-surge-nil-deals-learfield-reports-123-jump-participation/stories/20260728107#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:22:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/07/28/female-athletes-surge-nil-deals-learfield-reports-123-jump-participation/stories/20260728107 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — College sports marketing company Learfield saw a 123 percent increase in female athlete participation in name, image and likeness compensation activities over the 2025-26 fiscal year, the company revealed in a report released Tuesday. Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) plays against UCLA during the championship of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis on March 9, 2025. Iowa State guard Jada Williams poses for photographers during NCAA college basketball media day Oct. 16, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/28/cardinal-stritch-cancels-upcoming-football-season-due-low-numbers/stories/20260728105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/28/cardinal-stritch-cancels-upcoming-football-season-due-low-numbers/stories/20260728105#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:19:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/28/cardinal-stritch-cancels-upcoming-football-season-due-low-numbers/stories/20260728105 Cardinal Stritch High School is canceling its football season this fall because of low participation numbers. Cardinal Stritch quarterback Blake Kamelesky scores a touchdown against St. Joseph Central Catholic during a high school football game on Aug. 19, 2023, at Don Paul Stadium in Fremont. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/28/guardians-reds-game-in-cincinnati-postponed-due-to-rain-day-night-doubleheader-s/stories/20260728082 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/28/guardians-reds-game-in-cincinnati-postponed-due-to-rain-day-night-doubleheader-s/stories/20260728082#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:46:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/07/28/guardians-reds-game-in-cincinnati-postponed-due-to-rain-day-night-doubleheader-s/stories/20260728082 CINCINNATI — The opening game of the three-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and Reds in Cincinnati was postponed Monday night due to rain. The Cincinnati Reds grounds crew covers the infield during a rain delay before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians July 27 in Cincinnati. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/28/holliday-s-4-hits-orioles-3-homers-leads-to-an-8-5-victory-over-the-tigers-1/stories/20260728081 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/28/holliday-s-4-hits-orioles-3-homers-leads-to-an-8-5-victory-over-the-tigers-1/stories/20260728081#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:21:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/28/holliday-s-4-hits-orioles-3-homers-leads-to-an-8-5-victory-over-the-tigers-1/stories/20260728081 DETROIT — Jackson Holliday had four hits and the Baltimore Orioles hit three home runs in an 8-5 win against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. Baltimore Orioles' Leody Taveras watches his home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers July 27 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith singles during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles July 27 in Detroit. Comerica Park grounds crew attempt to capture a squirrel during the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles July 27 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/27/walleye-sign-former-ohio-state-forward-quinn-preston/stories/20260727071 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/27/walleye-sign-former-ohio-state-forward-quinn-preston/stories/20260727071#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:41:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/27/walleye-sign-former-ohio-state-forward-quinn-preston/stories/20260727071 The Toledo Walleye have signed Quinn Preston, a forward who started his career in Toledo after playing four years at Ohio State University. The Walleye have signed forward Quinn Preston (34), who skates after a puck during an ECHL game against Fort Wayne on April 1, 2022 at the Huntington Center in Toledo. He started his pro career in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/27/central-liberty-center-reload-after-graduation-losses/stories/20260722123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/27/central-liberty-center-reload-after-graduation-losses/stories/20260722123#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:31:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/07/27/central-liberty-center-reload-after-graduation-losses/stories/20260722123 Two local high school football programs that reached the state title game last season will look to reload after key losses to graduation. Central Catholic and Liberty Center will spend this fall answering the same question in different ways. The Fighting Irish, who have won five state Central Catholic’s Preston Fryzel, right, is trailed by St. John’s Solomon Lovett after making a catch during a high school football game between St. John’s Jesuit and Central Catholic at St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo on Oct. 3, 2025. Archbold's Maddox Pinter throws a pass over the reach of Liberty Center's Hunter Spangler as Archbold High School hosts Liberty Center High School for a Friday Night Lights matchup, Oct. 24, 2025. Central Catholic's Victor Singleton, Jr., eyes his receiver. Liberty Center's Thomas Mohler (3) returns a kick as they face off against the Pirates of Wheelersburg in the OHSAA Division V Football State Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Dec. 6, 2025. Central Catholic's Zenaje Liggons (56) gets to the quarterback, Bishop Waterson's Drew Bellisari (4) as the Fighting Irish face off against Bishop Waterson in the OHSAA Division III Football State Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Dec. 6, 2025. Liberty-Benton’s Connor Barbara runs past Liberty Center’s Max Walker during an OHSAA Division V, Region 18 semifinal football game at Liberty Center High School in Liberty Center on Nov. 14, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/27/with-productive-mlb-debut-mud-hens-valencia-continues-power-surge/stories/20260727061 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/27/with-productive-mlb-debut-mud-hens-valencia-continues-power-surge/stories/20260727061#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:24:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/27/with-productive-mlb-debut-mud-hens-valencia-continues-power-surge/stories/20260727061 Eduardo Valencia’s development into the Mud Hens’ premier home run threat helped him earn his first chance in the major leagues before returning to Toledo, and with proven power numbers at both levels, the 26-year-old is continuing to flourish within the organization. Eduardo Valencia at-bat. 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. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/27/76ers-celebrate-james-arrival-with-coronation-photo-fit-for-basketball-s-king/stories/20260727067 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/27/76ers-celebrate-james-arrival-with-coronation-photo-fit-for-basketball-s-king/stories/20260727067#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:06:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/27/76ers-celebrate-james-arrival-with-coronation-photo-fit-for-basketball-s-king/stories/20260727067 PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers sent the message that LeBron James was indeed — officially and perhaps amazingly — on the roster with a straightforward photo: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid play during an NBA basketball game, Dec. 9, 2022, in Philadelphia. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game, April 10 in Los Angeles. Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, talks with Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, right, of Cameroon, after the second half of an NBA basketball game, April 6, 2018, in Philadelphia.