L.A. Times - Baseball News

Without Luka Doncic, Thunder series is a lose-lose for Lakers

Mirjam Swanson — Sun, 10 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

While the superstar guard's presence on the court doesn't mean the Lakers could upset Oklahoma City, it would give them a better idea of where they stand.

UC-Irvine to face Hawaii in NCAA men's volleyball championship

Jordan Puente — Sun, 10 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

No. 2 Hawaii beat No. 3 Long Beach and unranked UC Irvine extended its run after beating No. 1 UCLA earlier in the men's volleyball NCAA tournament.

Plaschke: Where's LeBron? As Laker season vanishes, he again disappears

Bill Plaschke — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

What is shocking about the Thunder's win Saturday night is they steamrolled to victory over the prone body of an NBA legend.

'Get the big fella involved': Lakers' Deandre Ayton disappearing against Thunder

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Deandre Ayton has struggled to be the X factor the Lakers sorely need at center against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein against the Thunder.

Prep talk: On Mother's Day, Matthew Torres and Chris Fields salute their moms

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 10 May 2026 08:08:00 GMT

Sylmar pitcher, Carson quarterback thank their mothers, who are raising families by themselves, for being their No. 1 fans.

Blake Snell gets no help from the Dodgers' offense in loss to Braves

Steve Galluzzo — Sun, 10 May 2026 04:13:43 GMT

Blake Snell is shaky in his season debut, giving up four earned runs for a Dodgers team that struggled at the plate in a 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Lakers drop Game 3 to Thunder; now one loss from elimination

Broderick Turner — Sun, 10 May 2026 03:22:35 GMT

The Lakers let another halftime lead slip away in the second half on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. Game 4 is Monday night.

Gabi Brito shines for Santa Monica at Southern Section Division 1 swimming championships

Steve Galluzzo — Sun, 10 May 2026 00:42:12 GMT

Gabi Brito wins the 100-yard butterfly and 50-yard freestyle titles to lead Santa Monica at the Southern Section Division 1 finals.

Ty Simpson says he didn't notice criticism Rams received for drafting him

Gary Klein — Sat, 9 May 2026 21:57:04 GMT

Rams quarterback Ty Simpson says he didn't notice that his selection at No. 13 overall was a subject of much debate among pundits and fans.

UCLA senior Megan Grant breaks NCAA home-run record but Bruins fall in Big Ten title game

Iliana Limón Romero — Sat, 9 May 2026 20:43:02 GMT

UCLA senior Megan Grant hit her 38th home run, breaking the NCAA softball single-season home run record, during the Bruins' Big Ten title game loss.

Why Lakers can't quit on JJ Redick, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sat, 9 May 2026 20:31:07 GMT

JJ Redick's focus on "the task at hand" and his emphasis on a player-led culture continues to push the Lakers amid a playoff series deficit to the Thunder.

High school baseball: City Section playoff pairings

Sat, 9 May 2026 19:37:41 GMT

The CIF City Section released the baseball playoff pairings on Saturday. Opening-round games begin Tuesday and Wednesday.

High school softball: Southern Section playoff pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 9 May 2026 17:10:36 GMT

The CIF Southern Section softball pairing were released on Saturday. Here's the division-by-division brackets.

Prep talk: Southern Section Division 1 semifinals features matchup of boys' volleyball powers

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 9 May 2026 14:59:53 GMT

Huntington Beach hosts Mira Costa while Loyola hosts Redondo Unionn in Southern Section Division 1 boys' volleyball semifinals.

Commentary: A sleeping giant has awakened for the Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 9 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Defending champion St. John Bosco enters the Division 1 baseball playoffs on an 11-game winning streak, but it didn't get much respect from the seeding algorithms.

Letters to Sports: Two sides to Lakers crying foul after Game 2

Sat, 9 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sport section give their thoughts on the Lakers, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Mike Trout and the Angels, the Kings and more.

High school volleyball: Southern Section boys' playoff schedule

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 9 May 2026 06:24:54 GMT

CIF Southern Section boys' volleyball playoff schedule.

High school baseball and softball: Friday's scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 9 May 2026 05:54:33 GMT

CIF City Section high school baseball and softball scores for Friday's games.

Granada Hills sweeps City Section swimming finals to extend its dynasty

Steve Galluzzo — Sat, 9 May 2026 05:46:14 GMT

Granada Hills sweeps the boys' and girls' titles at the City Section swimming finals behind a pair of dominant performances from each squad.

Emmet Sheehan shows progress, bullpen thrives in Dodgers' win over Braves

Bill Shaikin — Sat, 9 May 2026 04:55:41 GMT

Emmet Sheehan has a solid start and Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt are strong out of the bullpen for the Dodgers in a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

'That's in the garbage can.' Ducks can't stop Mitch Marner, Golden Knights in Game 3 loss

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 9 May 2026 04:26:38 GMT

Mitch Marner scores three goals as Vegas capitalizes on three first-period goals and holds off a late Ducks surge to take a 6-2 win and a 2-1 series lead.

UCLA senior Megan Grant ties NCAA softball home run record; Bruins reach title game

Iliana Limón Romero — Sat, 9 May 2026 03:18:39 GMT

UCLA senior Megan Grant said she was trying to win a one-on-one battle when she connected on home run No. 37, tying the NCAA single-season record on Friday.

Dodgers put Tyler Glasnow on injured list; Blake Snell set to start Saturday

Bill Shaikin — Sat, 9 May 2026 01:17:17 GMT

The Dodgers place starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow on the injured list, but the team is planning to activate Blake Snell and Mookie Betts in the days ahead.

High school baseball: Southern Section playoff pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 8 May 2026 22:49:50 GMT

The CIF Southern Section released baseball playoff pairings on Friday, introducing a new Division 1 format of pool play before single-game elimination.

Will work for free? Trevor Bauer hypothetically offers to sign a '$0 salary' deal with any MLB club

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 8 May 2026 22:46:59 GMT

Former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer offers to sign a minor league contract with a '$0 salary' with any MLB team, saying that clubs would face no financial risk.

WNBA preview: Caitlin Clark returns while Aces and Liberty remain most formidable teams

Marisa Ingemi — Fri, 8 May 2026 22:10:51 GMT

As the 2026 WNBA season tips off this weekend, teams took varying approaches as they try to catch the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.

Norco receives No. 1 seed for revamped Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs

Eric Sondheimer — Fri, 8 May 2026 21:35:54 GMT

Four four-team pools will be used only for the Division 1 playoffs this postseason. All other divisions will be a traditional single-elimination bracket.

NFL and referees avoid work stoppage with new collective bargaining agreement

Chuck Schilken — Fri, 8 May 2026 18:39:36 GMT

The NFL and its referees association have a new collective bargaining agreement, avoiding a work stoppage and hopefully anything like 2012's botched 'Fail Mary' call.

'That's what we need': Austin Reaves bounces back in Lakers' Game 2 loss

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Fri, 8 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

After a subpar Game 1 effort against the Thunder, Reaves has a 31-point performance on Thursday, which coach JJ Redick said is needed.

Swanson: Blame the Clippers for creating this Thunder monster

Mirjam Swanson — Fri, 8 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

When the Clippers tried to rebuild the team around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Oklahoma City not only acquired SGA but a host of draft picks that led to a powerhouse.

Why Kelsey Plum, who left a dynasty to build her own, believes this is the Sparks' year

Marisa Ingemi — Fri, 8 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Kelsey Plum left the champion Aces for the struggling Sparks. After a challenging stretch, she believes the team is ready to make a playoff run.

Why MLS may move Whitecaps to Las Vegas despite backlash from Vancouver fans

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 8 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Whitecaps are up for sale and MLS may accept a bid to move the team to Las Vegas because of a bleak financial forecast in Vancouver.

Plaschke: Turn out the lights on the Lakers; after second loss to Oklahoma City, it's over

Bill Plaschke — Fri, 8 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Lakers played hard, played tough, played the Thunder from baseline to baseline, played strong enough to fly home with pride. But it's not enough.

High school baseball and softball: Thursday's City Section scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 8 May 2026 06:11:29 GMT

CIF City Section baseball and softball results from Thursday, May 7.

High school boys' volleyball: City Section playoff scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Fri, 8 May 2026 05:38:47 GMT

CIF City Section boys' volleyball playoff scores

Lakers whine about officials after dropping Game 2 to Thunder

Broderick Turner — Fri, 8 May 2026 04:39:28 GMT

Austin Reaves has a bounce-back performance with 31 points, but the Lakers are not happy with the officiating as they fell behind 2-0 to the defending champions.

Kyle Loftis, street racing media pioneer who founded 1320Video, dies at 43

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 7 May 2026 18:37:33 GMT

Kyle Loftis, who started filming street racing with a point-and-shoot camera and went on to become a pioneer in car culture media with 1320Video, has died at 43.

Prep talk: Talented eighth-grade basketball player Bryce Bible is headed to St. John Bosco

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 7 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Bryce Bible will be a 6-foot-8 freshman at St. John Bosco this fall. He is the son of Bruce Bible, who works for Sierra Canyon's football program.

Prep talk: Servite, Notre Dame to qualify athletes at Division 3 track and field prelims

Eric Sondheimer — Thu, 7 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Servite, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame will be preparing to compete for next week's Southern Section Division 3 championships.

Shaikin: Perry Minasian says Angels are 'very competitive.' Will fed up fans tune them out?

Bill Shaikin — Thu, 7 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Angels general manager Perry Minasian is optimistic the team can bounce back from its dismal start to the season, but how long will fans hang in after so much losing?

'It still stings': 18 people reveal how much they paid for LA28 Olympics tickets

Kailyn Brown — Thu, 7 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If you're hoping to nab tickets to the LA28 Olympics in the second drop coming in August, you might want to brace yourself.

High school baseball and softball: Wednesday's scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 7 May 2026 05:57:41 GMT

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball and softball scores for Wednesday's games.

High school volleyball: Boys' playoff results and pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Thu, 7 May 2026 04:58:51 GMT

The CIF City Section and Southern Section boys' volleyball playoff results for Wednesday and updated pairings.

'We kept the momentum.' Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson power Ducks to Game 2 win over Vegas

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 7 May 2026 04:36:43 GMT

Rookie Beckett Sennecke and scoring leader Leo Carlsson each score and goaltender Lukas Dostal makes 24 saves in a 3-1 win that evens the playoff series 1-1.

No Triple Crown: Golden Tempo will not run in Preakness

Jay Posner — Wed, 6 May 2026 20:29:53 GMT

Trainer Cherie DeVaux says Golden Tempo won't run in the Preakness because the horse needs more time to recover after the Kentucky Derby.

Tina Charles, WNBA career rebound leader and former MVP, announces retirement after 14 seasons

Tracy Brown — Wed, 6 May 2026 20:25:57 GMT

Former WNBA MVP Tina Charles has retired after 14 seasons. She is the league's leader in career rebounds, made field goals and double-doubles.

Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt day-to-day after dislocating right pinky finger

Broderick Turner — Wed, 6 May 2026 19:13:12 GMT

The gruesome injury included the bone breaking through the skin, but his finger is back in place and splinted as he begins the recovery process.

Frustrated Luka Doncic breaks his silence; doctors forecasted he'd miss Thunder series

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 6 May 2026 17:37:27 GMT

Hamstring injury could be severe enough to keep him out of action for a few more weeks, and it was obvious in a Game 1 loss to the Thunder that the Lakers miss his playmaking.

Tigers' Framber Valdez suspended six games for hitting Red Sox's Trevor Story with pitch

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 6 May 2026 16:06:18 GMT

Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez hit Red Sox's Trevor Story with a 94-mph fastball, after surrendering back-to-back home runs. Valdez and manager A.J. Hinch received suspensions from MLB.

A freshman made the save of the year to ignite Norco's rise to No. 1 in high school baseball

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 6 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Shortstop Dylan Seward stepped forward two years ago to help convince Norco High's administration that Gary Parcell deserved to keep his coaching job.

Lakers hurting for Luka Doncic as offensive slump continues in Game 1 against Thunder

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Wed, 6 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

After a heroic effort by LeBron James and stout team defense in the first round against the Rockets, the Lakers suddenly miss their superstar offensive catalyst

Prep talk: Garfield faces South Gate with Eastern League baseball title at stake

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 6 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

A three-way tie for first place is possible in the Eastern League as baseball regular season ends.

Swanson: Lakers fail Game 1 test against 'relentless' Thunder despite slowing down SGA

Mirjam Swanson — Wed, 6 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored only 18 points and had seven turnovers, but Oklahoma City looks too deep and too tough for the Lakers.

High school baseball and softball: Tuesday's scores

Los Angeles Times Staff — Wed, 6 May 2026 06:06:13 GMT

Check out Tuesday's high school baseball and softball scores.

High school volleyball: Tuesday's boys' playoff results and updated pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Wed, 6 May 2026 03:33:07 GMT

The CIF City Section and Southern Section boys' volleyball playoff results for Tuesday and updated pairings.

'Some game-plan breakdowns.' Thunder pull away in second half to defeat Lakers in Game 1

Broderick Turner — Wed, 6 May 2026 03:28:40 GMT

LeBron James has 27 points and six assists but Austin Reaves has an off night and the Thunder prove too much after intermission.

Prep sports roundup: Jacob Madrid launches three home runs in Sherman Oaks Notre Dame win

Eric Sondheimer — Wed, 6 May 2026 01:43:27 GMT

Catcher Jacob Madrid of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame hit three home runs in 7-1 win over Loyola

Want to watch the World Cup? L.A. unveils details about its free and low-cost fan zones

Jad El Reda — Tue, 5 May 2026 21:23:50 GMT

The city of Los Angeles announced dates, venues and activities for its 10 World Cup watch parties, during which games will be projected on screens.

Stefon Diggs found not guilty of felony strangulation in case involving personal chef

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 5 May 2026 20:43:14 GMT

NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty Tuesday of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault on his personal chef in a speedy trial in Massachusetts.

A star pitcher at USC, he was cut after six years in the minors. Then Banana Ball came calling

Steve Henson — Tue, 5 May 2026 18:19:32 GMT

After a stellar career at USC, pitcher Chris Clarke toiled for six years in baseball's minor leagues. The Savannah Bananas have given him a delightful next chapter.

High school softball top 20 rankings for the Southland

Eric Sondheimer — Tue, 5 May 2026 13:30:45 GMT

Norco is No. 1 going into the final week of the regular season in softball. Here's how the rest of the top 20 shapes up.

Prep talk: Verbum Dei set to honor football grads Kenechi Udeze, Hardy Nickerson

Eric Sondheimer — Tue, 5 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Thursday's ceremony at Verbum Dei will pay tribute to two football greats, Kenechi Udeze and Hardy Nickerson.

High school baseball and softball: Monday's scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 5 May 2026 06:18:25 GMT

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball and softball scores for Monday's games.

High school volleyball: Boys' playoff results and pairings

Los Angeles Times staff — Tue, 5 May 2026 05:55:09 GMT

The CIF City Section and Southern Section boys' volleyball playoff results for Monday and updated pairings.

Ducks struggle on power play, are stymied by Carter Hart in Game 1 loss to Vegas

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 5 May 2026 04:44:42 GMT

The Ducks fail to capitalize on their speed advantage and give up a late goal to Ivan Barbashev to lose 3-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

'Changes our ceiling': Why Deandre Ayton is key to Lakers upset vs. Thunder

Broderick Turner — Mon, 4 May 2026 23:25:06 GMT

Deandre Ayton had a very strong series against the Houston Rockets and the Lakers need him to replicate that performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith to reunite on ESPN's 'First Take' for one day only

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 4 May 2026 16:20:54 GMT

Skip Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on Friday's episode of 'First Take' in what the network describes as 'a one-time reunion' on the show they once co-hosted.

Once a 'sickly' child, Olympic medalist Brittany Brown now has a mural at her elementary school

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 4 May 2026 15:34:10 GMT

Sprinter Brittany Brown, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, now has a mural at the Claremont elementary school where she ran to escape childhood hardships.

How a onetime top Dodgers prospect became an advisor to four U.S. presidents

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 4 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

David Lesch was supposed to have a distinguished career with the Dodgers after being drafted by the team. Instead, he became Middle East political expert.

'You can't fear them': Upset-minded Lakers refuse to be intimidated by Thunder

Broderick Turner — Sun, 3 May 2026 23:01:21 GMT

The Lakers know they're considered major underdogs heading into their playoff matchup against Oklahoma City, but they're focused on winning the series.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux's historic Kentucky Derby win may be the first of many

Jay Posner — Sun, 3 May 2026 22:03:04 GMT

Trainer Cherie DeVaux has spent decades honing her skills. After becoming the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby, her family expects more victories.

The Times' top 25 high school baseball rankings

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 3 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

A look at the top 25 high school baseball teams in the Southland after the 11th week of the season.

Former Corona Centennial star Camryn Bynum giving back to community

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 3 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Current NFL safety, who will be hosting a football camp, wants others to realize they can attain their goals, but it takes focus, dedication and avoiding distractions.

Prep talk: Blake Bowen of JSerra ends his senior season with home-run barrage

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 3 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Blake Bowen, who is expected to be drafted this summer, finishes his senior season with nine home runs.

Prep talk: Salesian honors San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir

Eric Sondheimer — Sun, 3 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir returns to his alma mater, Salesian, where he became standout football player.

How the Lakers and Thunder match up entering their playoff series

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sun, 3 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Lakers weren't supposed to win their playoff series against the Rockets. After LeBron James' Herculean effort, they face formidable Oklahoma City.

High school baseball and softball: Saturday's scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sun, 3 May 2026 06:14:21 GMT

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball and softball scores for Saturday's games.

'We're back, baby!' UCLA coach Bob Chesney restores Bruins' festive spring game experience

Sean Campbell — Sun, 3 May 2026 01:24:29 GMT

New UCLA coach Bob Chesney moved the Bruins' spring game back to the Rose Bowl, stirring up fans and players to close fruitful spring practice.

Golden Tempo rally makes Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win Kentucky Derby

Jay Posner — Sat, 2 May 2026 23:27:06 GMT

Golden Tempo rallied deep in the pack to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, making Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the big race.

Mira Costa sweeps JSerra for Division 1 girls' beach volleyball title

Steve Galluzzo — Sat, 2 May 2026 22:42:01 GMT

The Mustangs send their seniors off with a win after falling to Redondo Union in the Southern Section finals last spring.

Prep talk: Mira Costa to face JSerra in Southern Section girls' beach volleyball final

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 2 May 2026 11:15:00 GMT

The CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship match is set for Saturday at Long Beach City College.

Letters to Sports: The ups, downs and in-betweens of Dodgers baseball

Sat, 2 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Los Angeles Times give their thoughts on the Dodgers, the Angels, the retiring Anze Kopitar and the Bills (Shoemaker and Dwyre).

What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start? What TV channel is it on?

Jay Posner — Sat, 2 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start? Here's a breakdown of when the race starts and the TV and streaming options available.

Trainer Mark Glatt is a sentimental Kentucky Derby favorite after his wife's death

Jay Posner — Sat, 2 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

So Happy won the Santa Anita Derby and its team hopes the horse can pull of a Kentucky Derby win for trainer Mark Glatt, whose wife recently died.

'There's no quit.' Lakers' leadership, resilience shines through in series-clinching win

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Sat, 2 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

An age-defying effort by LeBron James along with strong contributions from Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, help carry the Lakers to series-clinching win.

Plaschke: Crisis averted, LeBron James to the rescue in Game 6

Bill Plaschke — Sat, 2 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 41-year-old superstar played like he had everything to lose during a clinching Game 6 win Friday night in Houston, which is what the Laker needed.

High school baseball and softball: Friday's scores

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 2 May 2026 06:22:13 GMT

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school baseball and softball scores for Friday's games.

High school volleyball: Southern Section boys' playoff results

Los Angeles Times staff — Sat, 2 May 2026 05:26:29 GMT

The CIF Southern Section boys' volleyball playoff results for Friday and updated pairings.

LeBron James leads Lakers' rout of Rockets to close out series

Broderick Turner — Sat, 2 May 2026 04:30:13 GMT

He has 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while Rui Hachimura scores 21 to help the Lakers advance to a second-round series against the Thunder.

Prep sports roundup: Birmingham closes in on league title after win over El Camino Real

Eric Sondheimer — Sat, 2 May 2026 02:08:20 GMT

Birmingham baseball completes a two-game sweep of El Camino Real to move closer to winning the West Valley League title.

LAPD scrambles to find enough officers to police the Olympics

Libor Jany — Fri, 1 May 2026 21:57:41 GMT

Los Angeles police officials said at a budget hearing this week they need 6,500 officers available to properly staff the Olympics in 2028, but meeting that goal would require support from other departments or a hiring spree that seems impossible given budget constraints and recruiting struggles.