http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:19:37 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/first-look-at-standout-area-high-school-football-games-week-by-week/stories/20260624025 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/first-look-at-standout-area-high-school-football-games-week-by-week/stories/20260624025#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/first-look-at-standout-area-high-school-football-games-week-by-week/stories/20260624025 It might only be June, but schedules beginning to trickle out serve as a stark reminder that Ohio high school football is right around the corner. Whitmer’s Jamon Holmes runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during a high school football playoff football game at Whitmer High School in Toledo on Nov. 7. Whitmer defeated Perrysburg, 17-3. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/06/24/kartusch-building-standout-season-bgsu-women-golf/stories/20260623107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/06/24/kartusch-building-standout-season-bgsu-women-golf/stories/20260623107#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:10:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/06/24/kartusch-building-standout-season-bgsu-women-golf/stories/20260623107 BOWLING GREEN — With a program-first postseason victory and an ensuing Epson Tour debut, Addison Kartusch’s sophomore season with the Bowling Green State University women’s golf team made for a notable second act with a surging Falcon group. In her sophomore season at Bowling Green State University, women's golfer Addison Kartusch became the first Falcon to produce an individual postseason tournament win. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/michigan/2026/06/24/aj-dybantsano-1-pick-nba-draft-freshman-stars-michigan-champions/stories/20260624093 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/michigan/2026/06/24/aj-dybantsano-1-pick-nba-draft-freshman-stars-michigan-champions/stories/20260624093#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:41:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/michigan/2026/06/24/aj-dybantsano-1-pick-nba-draft-freshman-stars-michigan-champions/stories/20260624093 NEW YORK — AJ Dybantsa is on his way to Washington and ready to start working as soon as he gets there. AJ Dybantsa, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, left, after being selected by the Washington Wizards as the first pick in the first round of the NBA basketball draft on June 23 in New York. AJ Dybantsa arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft on June 23 in New York. AJ Dybantsa arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft on June 23 in New York. Darryn Peterson is interviewed after being chosen by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the NBA basketball draft on June 23 in New York. Cameron Boozer, right, poses for a photo with Adam Silver, left, NBA Commissioner, after being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft on June 23 in New York. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/24/skubal-yields-3-hrs-in-yankees-win-over-tigers/stories/20260625080 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/24/skubal-yields-3-hrs-in-yankees-win-over-tigers/stories/20260625080#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:00:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/24/skubal-yields-3-hrs-in-yankees-win-over-tigers/stories/20260625080 DETROIT — Paul Goldschmidt had two home runs and Jasson Domínguez hit a go-ahead, two-run shot in the sixth inning off Tarik Skubal, lifting the New York Yankees to a 4-2 series-winning victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. New York Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt is congratulated by third base coach Luis Rojas after hitting a home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of a baseball game, June 24, in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game, June 24, in Detroit. New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers throws against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of a baseball game, June 24, in Detroit. New York Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt celebrates his home run Detroit Tigers during the first inning of a baseball game, June 24, in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, right, celebrates scoring with Jake Rogers (34) against the New York Yankees during the second inning of a baseball game, June 24, in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/24/khalil-watson-drives-in-3-runs-guardians-beat-white-sox-in-10-innings/stories/20260624123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/24/khalil-watson-drives-in-3-runs-guardians-beat-white-sox-in-10-innings/stories/20260624123#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:57:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/24/khalil-watson-drives-in-3-runs-guardians-beat-white-sox-in-10-innings/stories/20260624123 CHICAGO — Khalil Watson singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning for his third RBI of the day, and the Cleveland Guardians survived a ninth-inning collapse to beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Wednesday. Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan, front, and right fielder Kahlil Watson celebrate after a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, June 24, in Chicago. Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan, left, and right fielder Kahlil Watson celebrate after a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox June 24 in Chicago. Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee reacts after closing out the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, June 24, in Chicago. Cleveland Guardians' Petey Halpin scores during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, June 24, in Chicago. Chicago White Sox's Braden Montgomery hits a one-run sacrifice fly ball during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, June 24, in Chicago. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/24/mud-hens-squeeze-out-1-run-victory-at-worcester/stories/20260624121 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/24/mud-hens-squeeze-out-1-run-victory-at-worcester/stories/20260624121#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:51:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/24/mud-hens-squeeze-out-1-run-victory-at-worcester/stories/20260624121 WORCESTER, Mass. — Corey Julks’ fifth-inning homer gave the Toledo Mud Hens the run they needed to push past the Worcester Red Sox 5-4 on Wednesday in the second game of their series at Polar Park. Toledo Muds Hens batter Corey Julks blasts a solo home run and celebrates with teammates against St. Paul in a Minor League Baseball game at Fifth Third Field on April 9 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/girls-flag-football-sanctioned-high-school-sport-ohio-local-interest-lags/stories/20260624108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/girls-flag-football-sanctioned-high-school-sport-ohio-local-interest-lags/stories/20260624108#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:54:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/06/24/girls-flag-football-sanctioned-high-school-sport-ohio-local-interest-lags/stories/20260624108 Girls flag football is now an officially sanctioned high school sport in Ohio. Girls flag football will become a fully recognized high school sport in Ohio, the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced. High school girls flag football popularity in the United States has soared in recent years. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/amateur/2026/06/24/briggs-world-cup-stat-turned-tractor-pulling-punchline-pulltown-bowling-green/stories/20260624107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/amateur/2026/06/24/briggs-world-cup-stat-turned-tractor-pulling-punchline-pulltown-bowling-green/stories/20260624107#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:50:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/amateur/2026/06/24/briggs-world-cup-stat-turned-tractor-pulling-punchline-pulltown-bowling-green/stories/20260624107 Fans watch from the grandstand during the 55th National Tractor Pulling Championships on the PullTown track at the 2022 Wood County Fair in Bowling Green. Tony Sietsema of Allendale, Mich., pushes the engine of his “Wolverine Deere” to the limit during the 55th National Tractor Pulling Championships on the “PullTown” track at the Wood County Fair in Bowling Green, Ohio, in 2022. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/24/echl-increase-use-two-ref-system/stories/20260624104 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/24/echl-increase-use-two-ref-system/stories/20260624104#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:18:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/24/echl-increase-use-two-ref-system/stories/20260624104 More ECHL games will feature two referees this season. A referee breaks up a fight between Toledo’s Andrew Sturtz, left, and Wichita’s Cameron Hough during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Wichita Thunder at the Huntington Center in Toledo in 2023. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/23/miguel-vargas-hot-home-run-lift-chicago-white-sox-over-cleveland-guardians/stories/20260623128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/23/miguel-vargas-hot-home-run-lift-chicago-white-sox-over-cleveland-guardians/stories/20260623128#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:41:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/guardians/2026/06/23/miguel-vargas-hot-home-run-lift-chicago-white-sox-over-cleveland-guardians/stories/20260623128 CHICAGO — Miguel Vargas hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, Sean Burke struck out six in 6 1/3 innings, and the Chicago White Sox claimed sole possession of first place in the AL Central on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Chicago White Sox's Miguel Vargas celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/sproat-bauers-vaughn-power-brewers-2-0-win-over-reds/stories/20260623129 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/sproat-bauers-vaughn-power-brewers-2-0-win-over-reds/stories/20260623129#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:40:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/sproat-bauers-vaughn-power-brewers-2-0-win-over-reds/stories/20260623129 CINCINNATI — Brandon Sproat pitched one-hit ball for six shutout innings and had a career-high 10 strikeouts, Hank Bauers and Andrew Vaughn drove in runs and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 on Tuesday night. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo delivers. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/23/jazz-chisholm-jrs-big-night-plate-helps-yankees-end-3-game-skid/stories/20260623127 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/23/jazz-chisholm-jrs-big-night-plate-helps-yankees-end-3-game-skid/stories/20260623127#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:39:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/06/23/jazz-chisholm-jrs-big-night-plate-helps-yankees-end-3-game-skid/stories/20260623127 DETROIT — Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered, drove in two runs and scored twice and the New York Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3 on Tuesday night. New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrates his two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/23/mud-hens-take-down-worcester-open-series/stories/20260623126 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/23/mud-hens-take-down-worcester-open-series/stories/20260623126#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:46:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/06/23/mud-hens-take-down-worcester-open-series/stories/20260623126 WORCESTER, Mass. — Strong pitching and timely hitting helped the Toledo Mud Hens defeat the Worcester Red Sox 4-1 on Tuesday to begin the six-game series. Toledo’s Brenan Hanifee pitches the ball during a Toledo Mud Hens Minor League Baseball game against the St. Paul Saints at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on April 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/23/15-forwards-4-defensemen-goalie-among-players-on-walleye-protected-list/stories/20260623111 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/23/15-forwards-4-defensemen-goalie-among-players-on-walleye-protected-list/stories/20260623111#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:37:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/06/23/15-forwards-4-defensemen-goalie-among-players-on-walleye-protected-list/stories/20260623111 Work on constructing the Toledo Walleye roster for the 2026-27 season is now fully under way. Toledo’s goalie Matt Jurusik keeps his eye on the puck in the second period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo, on Dec. 20, 2025. Toledo players wait for Tahoe’s game winning goal to be reviewed in overtime during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 22. Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson 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 celebrates a overtime win against Fort Wayne during a playoff hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on May 15. The Walleye defeated the Komets, 3-2 in overtime. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/toledo-athletic-director-announces-town-hall-meetings-for-community-members/stories/20260623110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/toledo-athletic-director-announces-town-hall-meetings-for-community-members/stories/20260623110#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:11:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/toledo-athletic-director-announces-town-hall-meetings-for-community-members/stories/20260623110 University of Toledo Athletic Director Tom Moreland announced two town hall meetings Tuesday, allowing fans and alumni to get an inside look at the current state of Toledo athletics and the vision for the future. Tom Moreland, left, is introduced as the new University of Toledo Athletic Director by president James Holloway during a news conference at Savage Arena on April 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/06/23/ncaa-panel-approves-eligibility-rules-giving-athletes-5-years-to-play-5-seasons/stories/20260623109 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/06/23/ncaa-panel-approves-eligibility-rules-giving-athletes-5-years-to-play-5-seasons/stories/20260623109#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:44:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/college/2026/06/23/ncaa-panel-approves-eligibility-rules-giving-athletes-5-years-to-play-5-seasons/stories/20260623109 INDIANAPOLIS — Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. From left, Oklahoma's Jason Walk, Kyle Branch, Jaxon Willits, and Trey Gambill kneel together before playing against North Carolina in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha June 22. North Carolina players watch from the dugout as Oklahoma goes to bat in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha June 22. Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates after defeating Connecticut in the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game at the Final Four,April 7 in Indianapolis. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/nfl-informs-brendan-sorsby-it-will-not-hold-a-supplemental-draft-this-year/stories/20260623108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/nfl-informs-brendan-sorsby-it-will-not-hold-a-supplemental-draft-this-year/stories/20260623108#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:35:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/nfl-informs-brendan-sorsby-it-will-not-hold-a-supplemental-draft-this-year/stories/20260623108 NEW YORK — The NFL informed quarterback Brendan Sorsby on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplemental draft this year, saying it encouraged him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through the regular draft next year. Cincinnati transfer and future Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby attends an NCAA college basketball game between Texas Tech and Houston, Jan. 24 in Lubbock, Texas. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/ronaldo-becomes-1st-player-to-score-in-6-world-cups-with-goal-against-uzbekistan/stories/20260623106 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/ronaldo-becomes-1st-player-to-score-in-6-world-cups-with-goal-against-uzbekistan/stories/20260623106#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:41:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/06/23/ronaldo-becomes-1st-player-to-score-in-6-world-cups-with-goal-against-uzbekistan/stories/20260623106 HOUSTON — Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments on Tuesday, getting a goal in the sixth minute of Portugal’s match against Uzbekistan. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston June 23. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston June 23. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston June 23. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, second from left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston June 23. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston June 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-running-backs/stories/20260623066 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-running-backs/stories/20260623066#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:17:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/06/23/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-running-backs/stories/20260623066 This is the first in a multi-part series breaking down position groups on the University of Toledo’s football roster entering the 2026 season. Running back CJ Miller transferred to the University of Toledo after rushing for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns at Mercer in 2025. He was named preseason fourth team All-Mid-American Conference by Phil Steele on June 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/06/23/oilers-hire-former-red-wings-blue-jackets-coach-mike-babcock/stories/20260623099 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/06/23/oilers-hire-former-red-wings-blue-jackets-coach-mike-babcock/stories/20260623099#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:25:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/Redwings/2026/06/23/oilers-hire-former-red-wings-blue-jackets-coach-mike-babcock/stories/20260623099 EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers named Mike Babcock as their coach on Tuesday, hiring the polarizing taskmaster after the NHL cleared him last week following an investigation into his ill-fated 2023 stint in Columbus that ended without him working a game. Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock directs his team against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Feb. 12, 2019, in Denver. Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit.