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Europe Makes a Stand

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OLD BETHPAGE (NY) – Europe’s Rory McIlroy stared down USA veteran Patrick Cantlay through the home stretch and made sure a European advantage wouldn’t be dented at the last moment.

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Thanks to stellar performances from McIlroy, Jon Rahm and their compatriots, Team Europe leads the United States team 5 1/2-2 1/2 after the opening day of the 45th Ryder Cup on Friday at Bethpage Black, one of the toughest golf course in the USA and a public course at that.

Europe led 3-1 after foursomes (or alternate shot) in the morning and the United States scored the first point of fourball (best ball) to make it closer. But the other three matches were under some degree of European control.

Spanish star Rahm and Austria’s Sepp Straka closed out a 3-and-2 win over Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun. Then, Justin Rose’s birdie putt at No. 18 sealed a 1-up win for him and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood against Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin. Fleetwood birdied Nos. 11, 14 and 16 to put them at dormie with two holes to go.

Cantlay and Sam Burns played the anchor match against Northern Ireland’s McIlroy and Irishman Shane Lowry. Cantlay tied the match singlehandedly by birdieing Nos. 10, 12 and 13 around a birdie at No. 11 by Lowry.

They stayed all square when Cantlay’s putt lipped out at No. 14, and again when McIlroy followed Cantlay’s 18-foot birdie at No. 16 with a birdie putt of his own. At the par-3 17th, McIlroy and Burns drained birdie putts, leaving the final point hanging in the balance at No. 18.

After Cantlay dumped his approach into a bunker, Burns and McIlroy had identical 11 1/2-foot putts for birdie. Neither managed to convert, making it the first halved match of the week.

Cameron Young stood out for the U.S. in his first Ryder Cup match. After sitting out morning foursomes, the native of Scarborough, N.Y. teamed with Justin Thomas on a 6-and-5 drubbing of Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg and Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard.

Young, who won the New York State Open at Bethpage Black as an amateur, picked up four holes for his team, including Nos. 12 and 13 to end the match early.

Scheffler and DeChambeau, considered the Americans’ two best players, combined to go 0-4-0 on the day. In foursomes, Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton of England took down DeChambeau and Thomas, 4 and 3, while Aberg and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick prevailed 5 and 3 over Scheffler and Russell Henley.

Per Elias Sports Bureau, Scheffler joins Ian Woosnam (1991) and Tiger Woods (1999, 2002) as the only players ranked No. 1 in the world to lose twice on the first day of a Ryder Cup.

– Field Level Media

 

Weather Will Be a Factor at Ryder Cup

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BETHPAGE – (Staff Report with assistance from Grok AI) – The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between teams from the United States and Europe, featuring a unique match-play format that emphasizes team strategy and head-to-head battles. Played over three days, typically Friday to Sunday, the event consists of 28 total matches, each worth 1 point toward the team total (with halved matches awarding ½ point to each team). To win the Cup, a team must reach at least 14½ points out of the 28 available; if the score ends tied at 14–14, the defending team retains the Cup. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Course follows the standard format, split into two types of team play (foursomes and four-ball) and a final day of singles matches.

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The inclement weather forecast for Long Island will be a major factor in this competition, with the Europeans usually having the edge in the rain.

The Opening Ceremony, originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has been moved up a day to Wednesday, Sept. 24th.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how the matches are structured:

Day 1 (Friday) and Day 2 (Saturday): Team Matches

Each of the first two days features eight matches, divided into two sessions of four matches each, using two distinct team formats:

  1. Foursomes (Morning Sessions, 8 matches total over two days)
    • Structure: Two players per team form a pair, sharing one ball and alternating shots. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes, and they alternate strokes until the ball is holed.
    • Scoring: The pair with the lowest score on a hole wins it. The match ends when one team is ahead by more holes than remain (e.g., 4-up with 3 holes left). If the match is tied after 18 holes, it’s halved.
    • Strategy: Foursomes demand precision and chemistry, as a single errant shot affects the pair. Captains often pair players with complementary styles (e.g., a steady player with a risk-taker).
    • Example: If Team USA’s Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa score a 4 on a par-4 hole against Europe’s Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm’s 5, the U.S. pair wins the hole.
    • 2025 Note: The U.S., as the home team, chose to start with foursomes in 2025, leveraging their historical edge in this format (e.g., 6–2 at Whistling Straits in 2021).
  2. Four-Ball (Afternoon Sessions, 8 matches total over two days)
    • Structure: Two players per team play their own ball, and the lowest score among the four players on a hole counts for the team. Each match pits two players from the U.S. against two from Europe.
    • Scoring: Same as foursomes—lowest score wins the hole, and the match goes to the team that wins the most holes (or halves if tied after 18).
    • Strategy: Four-ball rewards aggressive play, as each player can go for birdies without relying on a partner’s shot. It’s a chance for big hitters or hot putters to shine.
    • Example: If Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood scores a 3 and his partner Viktor Hovland scores a 4 on a hole, while both U.S. players score 4s, Europe wins the hole with Fleetwood’s 3.
    • 2025 Note: Europe often excels here, as seen in their 6–2 four-ball rout in 2023 at Marco Simone.

Each day, four foursomes matches and four four-ball matches are played, totaling 16 team matches across the two days. Each team’s 12 players are rotated strategically by the captain, with some playing both sessions and others resting (no player can play all eight matches on a single day). The home team captain (U.S. in 2025) decides whether foursomes or four-ball goes first each day.

Day 3 (Sunday): Singles Matches

  • Structure: All 12 players from each team compete in individual head-to-head matches, making for 12 total singles matches. Each player plays their own ball against one opponent from the opposing team.
  • Scoring: Like the team formats, the player with the lowest score on a hole wins it. The match ends when one player is ahead by more holes than remain or halves if tied after 18 holes.
  • Strategy: Captains submit their lineup order blindly, aiming to stack early matches with strong players to set the tone or place anchors late to secure or overturn leads. Singles are high-pressure, as there’s no partner to lean on, and momentum can swing dramatically.
  • Example: If Xander Schauffele beats Ludvig Åberg 1-up after 18 holes, the U.S. earns 1 point. A 3-and-2 win (3 holes ahead with 2 left) also yields 1 point.
  • 2025 Note: Singles often decide the Cup, as seen in 2012’s “Miracle at Medinah” when Europe overcame a 10–6 deficit by winning 8½ of the 12 Sunday points.

Key Details

  • Match Play Basics: Unlike stroke play (where total strokes over 72 holes matter), Ryder Cup matches focus on winning individual holes. Scores are relative only to the opponent in that match, not the field. A team can win a match with a high score if their opponent scores higher.
  • Points System: Each of the 28 matches (8 foursomes, 8 four-balls, 12 singles) awards 1 point to the winning team, ½ point each for a tie. The first team to 14½ points wins; a 14–14 tie means the defending team (Europe in 2025) keeps the Cup.
  • Captain’s Role: Captains like Keegan Bradley (U.S.) and Luke Donald (Europe) select pairings and lineups, balancing player form, course fit (Bethpage’s long, punishing layout favors power), and chemistry. They also use wild-card picks to finalize their 12-man rosters.
  • No Prize Money: The Ryder Cup is about pride, not cash—players compete for their team and continent, adding to the event’s intensity.

This format, unchanged since 1979 when Europe replaced Great Britain/Ireland, creates a pressure cooker unlike any other in golf. Foursomes test teamwork, four-ball showcases individual brilliance, and singles deliver raw, do-or-die battles. At Bethpage Black in 2025, expect the format’s blend of strategy and spectacle to amplify the drama, with every hole a potential turning point in the quest for the golden trophy.

2025 Ryder Cup: Team USA

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Introduction to the 2025 United States Ryder Cup Team

The 2025 Ryder Cup, the 45th edition of golf’s most intense team competition, marks a pivotal moment for the United States. Hosted at the formidable Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York—from September 26-28—the Americans aim to reclaim the trophy lost to Europe in a 16.5-11.5 defeat at Marco Simone in 2023. As the home team, the U.S. enters with a storied advantage: Their captain, Keegan Bradley could’ve named himself as a player but unselfishly chose not to play and concentrate on the duties of a Ryder Cup Captain; Bradley graduated college from nearby St. John’s University and played Bethpage Black for practice rounds; they’ve only lost four times on home soil in the event’s 98-year history, including dominant wins of 19-9 in 2021 at Whistling Straits and 17-11 in 2016 at Hazeltine. Europe, led by captain Luke Donald, seeks a historic road victory—their first since the 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.”

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Team USA’s roster blends the world’s top-ranked talent with seasoned match-play performers and hungry rookies, captained by the youngest U.S. skipper since Arnold Palmer in 1963. With Scottie Scheffler anchoring the squad after a six-win season, the Americans are favored at -130 to -145 odds across major sportsbooks, implying a 56-59% win probability. This preview dives into the team’s leadership, qualification process, player profiles, course fit, and outlook.

Captain and Vice Captains
Captain: Keegan Bradley (Age 39)
Bradley, a 2011 PGA Championship winner and two-time Ryder Cup player (4-3-0 record in 2012 and 2014), was a surprise PGA of America selection in July 2024. His youth and passion for team golf—evident in his vice-captain role at the 2023 Presidents Cup—position him to foster unity after the 2023 infighting. Bradley opted not to name himself as a player, prioritizing team balance, and announced his captain’s picks on August 27 in Frisco, Texas. “This team has a strong blend of veterans and rookies,” he said, emphasizing match-play prowess for Bethpage’s demanding layout.

Vice Captains:
Bradley assembled a five-man staff with deep Ryder Cup roots to guide pairings and strategy:

Jim Furyk: 559 appearances (10-20-4); 2018 U.S. captain; 4x vice captain (wins in 2016, 2021)

Webb Simpson: 403 appearances (7-5-2); 2012 U.S. Open champ; first-time vice captain

Brandt Snedeker: 442 appearances (4-2-0); 3-0-0 in 2016; strong in team formats

Kevin Kisner: 41 None (Ryder); 2 Presidents Cups2024 Presidents vice; match-play specialist

Gary Woodland: 412 appearances (1-3-0); 2019 U.S. Open champ; mental health advocate

This group brings 21 combined Ryder Cup appearances, focusing on mental preparation and leveraging Bethpage’s home-crowd energy.

Qualification Process
The U.S. team was finalized via a points-based system announced in October 2024, emphasizing performance from late 2024 through August 17, 2025 (post-BMW Championship). Points were awarded as follows:

2024 Majors & The Players: 1 point per $1,000 earned.
2025 Majors: 1.5 points per $1,000 earned.
PGA Tour Events (Jan-Aug 2025): 1 point per $1,000 earned (no points for alternates).

The top six earners automatically qualified, with captain Bradley selecting the final six on August 27. This yielded a mix of six qualifiers and six picks, prioritizing form, match-play history, and course fit.
Final U.S. Ryder Cup Points Standings (Top 6 Qualifiers):

Automatic Qualifiers:

Player Age Ryder Cups (Record) 2025 Highlights World Ranking Strengths for Bethpage
Scottie Scheffler 29 2 (2-2-3) 6 wins (PGA, Open, BMW, etc.); No missed cuts since Mar. 1 Ball-striking machine; handles pressure
J.J. Spaun 35 Rookie U.S. Open win; 5 top-3s; breakout from obscurity 7 Precision irons; thrives on tough setups like Oakmont
Xander Schauffele 31 2 (4-4-0) No wins; rib injury sidelined early; T10 in 2 majors 3 Clutch putter; 3-1 at home Ryder Cups
Russell Henley 36 Rookie Arnold Palmer win; 10 top-10s; 2 runners-up 9 Elite irons/short game; accurate on long, penal course
Harris English 36 1 (1-2-0) Farmers Ins. win; 4 top-10s 20 Veteran steadiness; top-20 putter
Bryson DeChambeau 31 2 (3-2-1) U.S. Open win; 5 major top-10s (LIV-limited points) 17 Power off tee; 2-0-1 at home

Captain’s Picks:

Player Age Ryder Cups (Record) 2025 Highlights World Ranking Strengths for Bethpage
Sam Burns 29 1 (1-2-0) 6 top-10s; No. 1 SG: Putting (0.924) 15 Elite putter; birdie-maker in four-ball
Patrick Cantlay 33 2 (5-2-1) No wins; top match-player (2023 leader) 5 Cool under fire; 2-0 singles wins
Ben Griffin 29 Rookie 2 wins (Zurich, Schwab); 10 top-10s; from 65th to 17th OWGR 17 Hot streak (11 top-15 in last 13); Zurich team format win
Collin Morikawa 28 2 (3-3-2) No wins; top irons; T2 PGA & Open 8 Approach wizard; 4-1 Presidents Cup
Justin Thomas 32 3 (7-4-3) Back in top-10 OWGR; energy leader 10 Ryder Cup fire; 4-1-1 at home
Cameron Young 28 Rookie 1st PGA win (Wyndham by 6); 4 straight top-12s; NY native 25 Length + putting; won 2017 NY State Open at Bethpage

Team Composition Notes:

  • Experience Balance: 8 returnees (avg. 2.25 appearances) vs. 4 rookies; 7 from 2021 winners.
  • Power vs. Precision: DeChambeau/Scheffler provide distance for Bethpage’s 7,400+ yards; Henley/Morikawa excel in accuracy on its narrow, bunkered fairways.
  • Format Fit: Strong putters (Burns, English) for four-ball birdie fests; Cantlay/Thomas for singles grit.

Bethpage Black: Course Fit and Strategy

Bethpage Black, A.W. Tillinghast’s 1936 masterpiece, is a public beast: long par-4s, elevated greens, and pervasive bunkers demand straight drives and iron precision. Past U.S. Open (2002, 2009) and PGA (2019) host, it’s set at ~7,400 yards with firm, fast greens (est. 13-14 on Stimpmeter). Low rough favors ball-strikers like Scheffler (No. 1 SG: Total) and Morikawa (top-5 SG: Approach).

Bradley plans aggressive pairings: Scheffler-Cantlay for foursomes stability; Burns-Young for four-ball firepower. Home fans (expected 50,000+ daily) could amplify the rowdy atmosphere, but Europe thrives in chaos. Weather forecast: Mild 70s, low wind—ideal for scoring.

Outlook and Predictions

The U.S. enters as -130 favorites (vs. Europe’s +110; tie +1100), with a projected 15-13 win the most bet line (+1000). Scheffler’s form (6 wins, incl. 2 majors) could net 3.5+ points, but his 0-2-2 in 2023 foursomes is a concern. Rookies like Spaun and Griffin add momentum, while Cantlay (+800 top scorer odds) and Thomas bring proven Ryder magic (Thomas: 4-1-1 home).

Key Predictions:

  • U.S. Win Margin: 15.5-12.5 (U.S. edges Day 1 4-2, dominates singles 7-5).
  • Top U.S. Scorer: Patrick Cantlay (3.5 points; 5-2-1 career).
  • Rookie Star: J.J. Spaun (2.5 points; U.S. Open grit translates).
  • X-Factor: Bryson DeChambeau’s power vs. Europe’s continuity (10 from 2023 roster).

If Bradley harnesses unity and home edge, the U.S. reclaims the Cup. But Europe’s depth (McIlroy, Rahm) could force a tie or upset. Expect drama – 28 points on the line, but intangibles decide it.

Tune in on NBC/Golf Channel for what could be golf’s fiercest battle yet.

2025 Ryder Cup: Team Europe

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Team Europe Preview:

The 2025 Ryder Cup, set for September 26-28 at the formidable Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, marks the 45th edition of this storied biennial match-play showdown between the United States and Europe. As defending champions after a commanding 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in 2023, Team Europe enters as underdogs on American soil—a role they haven’t embraced since the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012, their last away win. Under returning captain Luke Donald, Europe boasts a squad of 11 returnees from 2023, blending battle-tested veterans, in-form stars, and one promising rookie. This near-identical lineup emphasizes continuity and experience, aiming to defy history where no visiting team has won since 2012. With a star-studded core led by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, Europe’s mission is to retain the Cup by securing at least 14 points from 28 available matches, while the U.S. needs 14.5 to reclaim it.

Captain and Vice-Captains

Luke Donald, the Englishman who masterminded Europe’s 2023 triumph, returns as captain—the first European to do so since Bernard Gallacher in 1993. Donald’s calm leadership, honed from four winning appearances as a player (2004-2012, 10.5 points in 15 matches), was pivotal in Rome. He prioritizes meticulous preparation, player psychology, and strategic pairings, viewing the away challenge as “the kind of thing that motivates me.” For 2025, Donald assembled a vice-captain brain trust blending fresh perspectives with proven Ryder Cup pedigree:

Vice-Captain Nationality Ryder Cup Experience as Player Notable Roles
Thomas Bjørn Denmark 7 appearances (1997-2014), 3 wins Captained 2018 winning team; vice-captain in 2023
Alex Norén Sweden 1 appearance (2018, 2-1-0) First-time vice-captain; brings current PGA Tour insight
Edoardo Molinari Italy 3 appearances (2010-2018) Vice-captain in 2023; analytics expert
José María Olazábal Spain 7 appearances (1987-2006), 4 wins Captained 2012 Medinah miracle; 5th vice-captain stint
Francesco Molinari Italy 4 appearances (2010-2023) Vice-captain in 2023; 2018 hero with 4-1 record

This group, with over 20 collective Ryder Cup wins, provides tactical depth, especially for Bethpage’s length and aggression, while Paul McGinley serves as a strategic advisor to counter the hostile crowd.

The 12-Man Team

Europe’s roster features six automatic qualifiers from the unified Ryder Cup Points List (top earners across majors, PGA/DP World Tours, and Rolex Series events through August 2025) and six captain’s picks, announced September 1. It’s the least-changed European team in history, with only Rasmus Højgaard replacing his twin Nicolai as the sole rookie. The group averages 4.3 prior appearances and a collective 80+ points from past Cups, underscoring depth. Key highlights include McIlroy’s career Grand Slam completion and multiple 2025 wins across the squad.

Player Nationality OWGR (as of Sept 2025) Ryder Cup Appearances (Record) 2025 Highlights
Automatic Qualifiers
Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland 1st (projected) 7 (16-13-4) 4 wins (incl. Masters for career Slam); dominated points list
Robert MacIntyre Scotland 9th 1 (2-1-1 in 2023) 2 PGA Tour wins; entered top-10 in August
Tommy Fleetwood England 6th 3 (7-3-2) FedExCup champ; multiple top-10s
Justin Rose England 25th 6 (14-9-3) FedEx St. Jude win; consistent majors
Tyrrell Hatton England 12th 3 (5-4-2) Dubai Desert Classic win; T4 US Open
Rasmus Højgaard Denmark 35th Rookie 5 DPWT wins career; twin’s 2023 stand-in
Captain’s Picks
Shane Lowry Ireland 18th 2 (2-3-1) 2 PGA runner-ups; “infectious energy”
Jon Rahm Spain 4th 3 (7.5-4-3) 2nd straight LIV title; top-15 in 3 majors
Sepp Straka Austria 13th 1 (1-2-1 in 2023) 2 PGA wins; peaked at WR 7th
Viktor Hovland Norway 8th 2 (3-4-2) Multiple top-10s; strong irons
Ludvig Åberg Sweden 5th 1 (1-1-1 in 2023) Top-10 strokes gained; long-term star
Matt Fitzpatrick England 10th 2 (3-3-2) Steady PGA form; 2022 US Open champ

This lineup spans ages 24 (Højgaard) to 45 (Rose), with eight in the world’s top 20 for balance.

Key Players to Watch

  • Rory McIlroy: The talisman enters his eighth Cup on a high, fresh off four 2025 wins including the Masters—ending his Augusta drought and completing the Grand Slam. With 18 career points (Europe’s 8th all-time), his volatility could swing matches; expect him anchoring Friday/Saturday and facing a top U.S. seed Sunday. His rivalry with Scottie Scheffler adds fireworks.
  • Jon Rahm: A match-play maestro (7.5 points in 14 matches), Rahm’s second LIV title and major consistency make him indispensable. Paired with Hatton or McIlroy, his power suits Bethpage’s 7,400+ yards.
  • Tommy Fleetwood: The FedExCup king brings composure (7-3-2 record) and elite ball-striking. His 2025 breakthrough signals readiness for prime-time pairings.
  • Rasmus Højgaard: The wildcard rookie mirrors Nicolai’s game but adds birdie-making flair. Limited to four-ball sessions to ease pressure.

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

Europe’s squad is a masterclass in cohesion, but the road test exposes vulnerabilities.

Strengths:

  • Unmatched Experience: 11 from the 2023 winners average 4+ appearances; they’ve thrived in team formats (e.g., McIlroy/Fleetwood duo). This edges U.S. youth in pressure scenarios.
  • Form and Versatility: Eight reached the Tour Championship; strengths in irons (Hovland, Åberg) and short game (Lowry, Fitzpatrick) fit Bethpage’s demands. LIV stars like Rahm/Hatton add bomb-and-gouge power.
  • Leadership Core: Donald’s continuity fosters unity; veterans like Rose/Olazábal provide calm amid crowds.

Weaknesses:

  • Away Intimidation: Bethpage’s length favors bombers; Europe’s shorter hitters (e.g., Fleetwood) may struggle off the tee. No visitor has won here since 1993.
  • Rookie Reliance: Højgaard’s inexperience could falter in hostile singles; depth thins if stars like Hovland (recent swing tweaks) underperform.
  • Momentum Risk: Heavy favorites in Rome, but U.S. home dominance (27-15-2 all-time lead) and Scheffler’s aura loom large.
Aspect Strength Rating (1-10) Key Factor
Experience 9 11 returnees from 2023 win
Current Form 8 Multiple major/PGA winners
Course Fit 7 Irons excel; driving a concern
Team Chemistry 9 Donald’s proven system
Away Pressure 6 Untested since 2012

Outlook and Expectations

Europe arrives as a “more accomplished” unit than 2023, per McIlroy, with the talent to pull off an upset—potentially the closest Cup in a generation. Donald’s strategy: Lean on pods (McIlroy-Fleetwood, Rahm-Hatton) for early leads, save veterans for Sunday. A win would etch Donald alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus (back-to-back triumphs). Yet, Bethpage’s partisan roar and U.S. depth make 14 points a grind—expect drama, with McIlroy’s fire key to retention. As Paul McGinley notes, if the “Big Four” (McIlroy, Rahm, Fleetwood, Hatton) ignite, Europe could script history. Tune in for what promises to be golf’s ultimate theater.

Crochet Goes 8 Innings; Beats Jays

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TORONTO – (Wire Service Report) – Boston’s ace starter Garrett Crochet pitched eight scoreless innings, Carlos Narvaez hit a three-run home run and the visiting Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 on Wednesday night in Canada.

Crochet (18-5) allowed three hits and no walks while striking out six to lower his ERA to 2.59.

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Masataka Yoshida added a solo homer and an RBI double while Trevor Story contributed three hits to help the Red Sox (87-71) to their second straight win to open the three-game series. Romy Gonzalez had two hits and two RBIs.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa homered for Toronto in the ninth against Payton Tolle.

The Blue Jays (90-68) have lost six of their last seven games and have now fallen into a tie for first within their division. They began the day with a one-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East.

The Red Sox have won four of five as they close in on a postseason berth. The Blue Jays have clinched a playoff spot.

Boston scored three runs in the first inning against Max Scherzer (5-5). Story looped a single to left and took third on Alex Bregman’s single to right. Yoshida dumped an RBI double into the right-field corner and Gonzalez knocked a two-run single to left.

Crochet pitched around Ernie Clement’s double in the bottom of the first.

Yoshida led off the fifth with a blast to right on an 0-1 fastball for his third homer of the season.

Scherzer allowed four runs, 10 hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings before Brendon Little took over to toss a perfect sixth.

Toronto’s Jose Berrios entered in the seventh to make his first relief appearance since being sent to the bullpen from the starting rotation in a move looking forward to the postseason. Berrios started his first relief appearance since 2017 with a perfect inning with one strikeout.

In the eighth, however, Berrios allowed a single to Gonzalez, a walk to Ceddanne Rafaela and the 15th homer of the season by Narvaez, a shot to right with two out.

Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was ejected in the bottom of the seventh for arguing about a called third strike. Hitting coach David Popkins was also ejected.

Toronto’s Anthony Santander returned to the lineup for the first time since late May after missing nearly four months with left shoulder inflammation. He was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

–Field Level Media

Red Sox Win Big Game vs. Jays

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TORONTO – (Wire Service Report) – Nathaniel Lowe and Carlos Narvaez had two RBIs apiece and the visiting Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Both had key hits in Boston’s three-run sixth inning that broke a 1-1 tie in the opener of the three-game series.

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The Red Sox (86-71) are trying to secure a playoff spot, while the Blue Jays (90-67) confirmed their postseason berth with a win on Sunday that ended a four-game losing streak.

The Blue Jays had their lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East cut to one game. The Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Tuesday.

Boston had a 9-3 advantage in hits and took a 1-0 lead in the second against Kevin Gausman (10-11). Masataka Yoshida led off with a double into the right-field corner and scored on Lowe’s two-out single to left. Boston further threatened when Wilyer Abreu blooped a double down the left-field line, but Narvaez lined out to right.

Toronto loaded the bases against Lucas Giolito in the bottom of the second on two walks and shortstop Trevor Story’s second error of the game. George Springer’s shot past third base was ruled foul and then he was called out on strikes.

Toronto tied the game in the fourth. Nathan Lukes doubled to right center, took third on Davis Schneider’s single to left and scored on Andres Gimenez’s fielder’s choice grounder.

Justin Wilson (4-1) replaced Giolito in the fifth after a two-out walk. Giolito allowed one run, three hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

The Red Sox regained the lead in the sixth. Romy Gonzalez doubled to left with one out, stopped at third on Ceddanne Rafaela’s single to left and scored on Lowe’s single to right. Rafaela was out in a rundown between third and home on Abreu’s grounder to first. Narvaez lined a two-run double to right and Louis Varland replaced Gausman, who allowed four runs, nine hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Boston’s Garrett Whitlock pitched a perfect seventh inning with two strikeouts.

Justin Slaten took over for Boston in the eighth and pitched a clean inning.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 32nd save of the season.

–Field Level Media

Sox vs. Blue Jays: Big 3-Game Series

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TORONTO – (Wire Service Report) – The Toronto Blue Jays’ postseason ticket officially has been punched. Their next goal is to win the American League East as they close out the regular season with a six-game home stand that opens tonight against the Boston Red Sox.

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The Blue Jays (90-66) clinched a playoff berth with an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday that completed a 3-4 road trip.

The win snapped the Blue Jays’ four-game losing streak during which they scored a total of three runs. It also maintained their two-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees, who also won Sunday.

The Red Sox (85-71) are third in the AL East, five games behind Toronto after losing 7-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday night. They will be trying to solidify their hold on a wild-card spot when they complete a six-game road trip with three in Toronto.

The Blue Jays are scheduled to start Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.38 ERA) on Tuesday. The right-hander is 9-10 with a 4.18 ERA in 32 career games (27 starts) against the Red Sox. In his one start against them this season, he allowed one unearned run in eight innings but did not factor in the decision.

Lucas Giolito (10-4, 3.46) is expected to get the assignment for the Red Sox. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 4.63 ERA in 10 career starts against the Blue Jays. In two starts against them this season, he is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

Toronto leads the season series with Boston 7-3.

The Blue Jays finished last in the division in 2024 after being swept in the wild-card series in each of the previous two seasons. This season, they are considered a surprise team and were the first AL team to clinch a postseason berth.

“I’m so happy for them,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “It is hard at this level for everyone to put their egos aside and play for each other. It is so cool to see these guys genuinely happy for each other when they get the job done, no matter who it is. This is the most fulfilling team I’ve been part of.”

The resurgences of George Springer and Bo Bichette have given the offense a boost this season. Bichette, who was hampered by injuries in 2024, has been out since Sept. 7 with a sprained left knee and he will not return until the postseason.

Finishing first in the AL East and winning the top seed in the AL could be important for the Blue Jays because of the home-field advantages they bring. The Blue Jays have been two different teams this year — 50-25 at home and 40-41 on the road.

Entering Tuesday’s games, the Blue Jays are in the driver’s seat for the AL’s top seed. They have a magic number of four with the Yankees, three with the Mariners, two with the Astros and one with the other three AL teams still mathematically in the playoff chase.

The Red Sox are 39-39 on the road but are 17-10 away from home since July 23.

They missed a chance to sweep the Rays on Sunday when they stranded 10 runners despite going 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Taking the series in Tampa was considered a positive step for the Red Sox, who entered Monday sitting in the second wild-card spot. They begin the final week of the regular season one game ahead of Houston and Cleveland, who are tied for the third and final spot entering Tuesday’s action.

“Every game counts,” said Boston manager Alex Cora. “We’re in a good position. I know the season didn’t end (Sunday), but we’re in a good spot.”

Cora likes the way the offense is trending. “I truly believe now, the line is moving,” he said. “There were some tremendous at-bats, guys using the whole field.”

Boston outfielder Wilyer Abreu returned to the lineup on Sunday after being out since Aug. 18 with a strained right calf. He struck out four times as the DH.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Monday Night Football

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Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Ravens -5.5, Total 52.5

Series Rewind: It’s “Monday Night Football” so you know Lamar Jackson is excited about stepping on the field. The Baltimore quarterback has dazzled on Monday nights throughout his career and has 22 passing touchdowns without being intercepted in nine Monday night appearances.

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Jackson has twice thrown five touchdown passes and also had four touchdowns through the air when he set the franchise record of 442 passing yards against the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. There should be a lot of points scored in this matchup. The Ravens lead the NFL in scoring average (40.5) and have reached the 40-point mark in both of their games. Detroit ranks third in scoring (32.5) and is coming off a 52-21 whipping of the Chicago Bears in Week 2. Lions quarterback Jared Goff matched his career best of five passing touchdowns while hitting 23 of 28 throws for 334 yards. It was the fifth career start with his team scoring at least 50 points, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (five) for the fourth-most five-TD passing games since 1950, behind Tom Brady (eight starts), Drew Brees (six) and Len Dawson (six). Detroit wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown has caught 13 passes for 160 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with three touchdown receptions. The Lions are seeking to end a five-game skid against Baltimore.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Turn It Over vs Steelers

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FOXBORO – (Wire Service Report) – Aaron Rodgers tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin on a third-and-6 play with 2:16 remaining in the game to help the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the New England Patriots 21-14 Sunday.

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New England moved the ball to the Pittsburgh 28-yard line on its final possession before turning the ball over on downs.

The Patriots (1-2) committed five turnovers in the loss, including two fumbles by running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Running back Antonio Gibson and quarterback Drake Maye each lost a fumble, and Maye was intercepted once. Stevenson fumbled seven times last season, which was the most among NFL running backs.

“We don’t need to lose a football game to know that turnovers are very hard to overcome,” said Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. “They erase all the good things that you do. They take away momentum. They take away points, give them field position. We didn’t need to turn it over as many times as we did to learn a lesson. I think we knew that before. So, it was very unfortunate.”

Tight end Hunter Henry caught two TD passes for New England, which had a 369-203 edge in total yards.

The Steelers (2-1) took a 14-0 lead by scoring on each of their first two possessions. The first TD was set up by a Stevenson fumble that gave Pittsburgh the ball on its own 46-yard line. The Steelers capitalized when Kenneth Gainwell scored on a 1-yard run with 8:25 remaining in the first quarter.

“There’s a lot to clean up,” said Vrabel.  “A lot of good in there, but unfortunately just not enough to get us the win, to get us to really have any sort of advantage in the football game. Every time I felt like we were going to take the momentum and be able to score and move forward in the game, and the defense did a great job there. Unfortunately, it got to be one too many opportunities on their part.”

It was 14-0 after DK Metcalf caught a 12-yard TD pass from Rodgers and Chris Boswell made the PAT with 13:49 left in the second quarter. The play moved Rodgers into fourth place in career NFL TD passes with 509. He trails Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571) and Peyton Manning (539).

The Patriots scored on a 5-yard pass from Maye to Henry with 9:01 left in the first half. New England had a chance to tie the game later in the half, but Cam Heyward tipped a Maye pass that was intercepted by Bradin Echols in the end zone with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter.

New England tied the game when Henry hauled in a 16-yard TD pass on a fourth-and-two play with 14:56 left in the fourth quarter. The Andres Borregales PAT made it 14-14.

Pittsburgh scored the go-ahead TD after Maye fumbled and the Steelers recovered on their own 33.

The Steelers got two sacks from T.J. Watt.

–Field Level Media

 

NFL SNF on NBC: Preview

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Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at New York Giants (0-2)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chiefs -5.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: The home team has won four of the past five meetings between these teams.

Patrick Mahomes is part of a 0-2 team for the first time in eight seasons as an NFL starting quarterback. The Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory — last place in the AFC West. The last time Kansas City started a season with consecutive losses was 2014 when Mahomes was a freshman quarterback at Texas Tech. The three-time Super Bowl winner has just 445 yards and one touchdown through two games as the Chiefs deal with challenges in the passing game involving wideouts Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and tight end Travis Kelce, who is showing his age.

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The most recent loss at home last week to the Philadelphia Eagles (20-17) in a Super Bowl rematch revealed flaws in the running game, where Mahomes has been the only consistent threat. The Giants were part of an entertaining effort while falling 40-37 in overtime to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Russell Wilson passed for 450 yards, three touchdowns and one interception one week after being criticized for a poor debut with the club in a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Giants are tied for 27th in scoring defense (30.5 points per game) and are dead last in total defense (455.0 yards per game). New York standout left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) could make his season debut.