Gyokeres scores first Arsenal goal in friendly win

Viktor Gyokeres marked his first appearance for Arsenal with a goal in their 3-0 pre-season victory over Athletic Club. The 27-year-old celebrated with his trademark mask gesture after converting a cross from fellow summer signing Martin Zubimendi. The Sweden international will hope it is the first of many as Arsenal look to end a five-year trophy drought. Mikel Arteta’s side begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on August 17.

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Dodgers’ Will Smith Quietly Posting Historic Offensive Season

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith may be having one of the best offensive seasons ever at his position, yet remains largely overlooked in 2025. Overshadowed on a star-studded roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, Smith hasn’t even cracked the National League MVP odds despite elite production. In 89 games and 356 plate appearances, the All-Star is hitting .316/.416/.529 with 14 homers and 50 walks, while on pace to exceed 1,000 defensive innings behind the plate. For context, the average MLB catcher is batting .241/.309/.394 this season, making Smith’s numbers stand out even more.

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Kershaw, Scherzer Shine in What Could Be Final Head-to-Head Meeting

Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer delivered strong outings Friday in what may have been their final matchup. The pair, both debuting in 2008, have been linked throughout their careers, including a memorable first meeting that year when they replaced Hall of Famers Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux in a scheduled start on Sept. 7, 2008. On Friday, Kershaw’s Dodgers beat Scherzer’s Blue Jays 5-1, with Kershaw earning the win and Scherzer taking the loss.

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Cam Ward

Top Pick Cam Ward Shines on Second Drive in Titans Debut

No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward needed a series to settle in during his first preseason appearance, but he found his rhythm on the Tennessee Titans’ second drive Saturday night. After opening 0-for-2 in a three-and-out, Ward connected with Calvin Ridley three times for 50 yards on the next possession, finishing 5-of-8 passing for 67 yards in the Titans’ 29-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ward’s night ended after two series, with the first stalled by long Tampa Bay possessions on either side. “Cam Ward played well in his two series,” head coach Brian Callahan said. “We had one three-and-out, then he came back and led a touchdown drive. He started to feel comfortable and wanted to go back in, but that wasn’t the plan tonight. He did some good things and it’s encouraging.”

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Machado Hidden Ball Attempt Backfires

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado hidden ball trick went wrong Saturday night, leading to a run for the Boston Red Sox in the third inning. With Jarren Duran on third after Alex Bregman was caught in a rundown, Machado held onto the ball and tagged Duran after he took a lead. The play would have resulted in an out, but pitcher Wandy Peralta was standing on the rubber without the ball, triggering a balk that allowed Duran to score and put Boston ahead 2-1. Had Peralta been off the mound for example, at the rosin bag, the play would have been legal. “I thought it was a great baseball play.  I’ll take some responsibility,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “You just can’t be on the rubber when that happens. Manny’s IQ shows up again, but it’s something we didn’t work on.”

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Celtics Extend Head Coach Joe Mazzulla on Multi-Year Deal

The Boston Celtics have signed head coach Joe Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mazzulla, 37, called the agreement “a blessing,” thanking his family, Celtics ownership, president Brad Stevens, and his players. “I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston,” he said in a statement. The youngest head coach to win an NBA title since Bill Russell in 1969, Mazzulla has led Boston to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, including the franchise’s 18th championship in 2023-24. The Celtics have won at least 57 games each season under his leadership, surpassing 60 victories in the past two campaigns.

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CeeDee Lamb Draws Sideline Penalty in Cowboys’ Preseason Loss

Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb didn’t play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, but he still managed to make the highlight sheet. While celebrating a long completion from Joe Milton III to Jonathan Mingo, Lamb — standing with his back to the field — was struck by a sprinting sideline official. The collision, which occurred in the restricted white border area, resulted in a sideline interference penalty against Dallas in their loss at SoFi Stadium. “It’s a sideline interference,” referee Alex Moore explained. “Lamb was in the restricted area where we officiate the game. The official was focused on the play and ran into him. By rule, that contact is an automatic foul.”

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Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Makes Two-Way Preseason Debut

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter made appearances on both offense and defense in his first preseason outing, fulfilling head coach Liam Coen’s plan. The first-round pick played 18 total snaps in the Jaguars’ 31-25 preseason-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Hunter opened the game at wide receiver, logging 10 of the team’s first 11 plays and catching two passes for nine yards. He later switched to cornerback during Pittsburgh’s second offensive drive, taking five snaps without recording a defensive stat, though he did miss a tackle. Hunter returned for a few more defensive plays later in the contest. “I think he made a couple good catches on some option routes,” Coen said postgame. “He missed one tackle defensively, but offensively he made the right reads. I’ll need to review the tape to see more of his defensive work.”

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Jayson Tatum Spotted Walking Without Boot or Brace at Patriots Camp

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was seen walking without a boot or brace Wednesday while attending the New England Patriots’ joint training camp practice with the Washington Commanders. Tatum, recovering from May surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles suffered in the Eastern Conference semifinals, is expected to miss most, if not all of next NBA season. His appearance marked a positive step in his rehabilitation, which has included weight room workouts at the Celtics’ facility. At camp, Tatum spent most of his time on the sideline, chatting with Patriots players and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has said the team will not rush Tatum’s return despite his steady progress.

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Daaron

De’Aaron Fox Agree to Four-Year, $229M Extension

The San Antonio Spurs have secured star guard De’Aaron Fox for the long term, agreeing to a reported four-year, $229 million extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. Fox, 27, is entering the final year of his five-year, $163 million contract. The new deal, confirmed by the team after initial reports, will take effect in the 2026-27 campaign. Acquired from the Sacramento Kings at last season’s trade deadline, De’Aaron said he’s motivated to contribute to the Spurs’ championship tradition. “You come in here and you feel the environment, the fans, and you see those banners,” Fox said. “There’s nothing you can do besides try to build on that.” An eight-year veteran, Fox owns career averages of 21.5 points and 6.1 assists. He averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games with San Antonio last season.

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