Not the record you want to be known for
Source: MLB
Ben’s favorite holiday is right around the corner!
But before we celebrate the 4th of July, we have lots of sports to check out, starting with the Reds and their manager, David Bell, who gets tossed out of games like college kids get tossed out of bars. Sunday was his third removal from a game this season and 30th of his career, tying the mark that legendary Reds manager Sparky Anderson set in nine seasons (Bell has six). Bell’s expulsion saved him from watching the team’s free fall against the Red Sox that solidifies the Reds’ last place status in the division. Cincinnati leads the majors in stolen bases, and also in outs on base. Not taking advantage of a recent stretch against division teams has sunk the Reds into the cellar and as we get closer to trade deadline, the discussion starts—are they buyers are sellers?
FC Cincinnati and the injury bug
If the Orange and Blue didn’t have bad luck, they’d have no luck at all. First, the reigning defensive player of the year Matt Miazga goes out with a leg injury that’s requiring surgery. Now, Nick Hagglund is out at least a couple of months with a broken leg suffered in FC’s loss to New England. Couple that with Miles Robinson’s extended absence as he plays for the US men’s national team, and the FC roster is thin and a critical time. With matches against Dallas, DC and conference-leading Miami coming up in the next couple of weeks, the Orange and Blue will need to figure out a way to patch a lineup together to keep their place just behind Miami with the Red Bulls, Charlotte and Columbus nipping at their heels.
Taylor’s got nothing on Caitlin and Angel
Yes, Taylor Swift may have had Sir Paul McCartney, Hugh Grant, Cate Blanchett and Prince William in attendance in London this weekend, but the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky matchup Sunday had Chance the Rapper, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Sheryl Swoopes on hand to watch the Sky and Angel Reese get their first win over Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Tickets for the 9-thousand and change seat Wintrust Arena were going for an average of $350 each—Chicago Bulls’ home tickets averaged around $117 this past season. Circle your calendars, their next matchup will be Friday, August 30th back in Chicago.
Ben’s best bet…
With the Olympics less than a month away now, it’s easy to get excited about Team USA’s chances, especially in the pool. The swimming trials at Indy’s Lucas Oil stadium showed just how powerful the US swimmers continue to be, led by legendary Katie Ledecky. Bet MGM already has the USA as the early favorites at -500 to win the most gold during the Games, with China right behind at +300. Ben says take the USA to bring home the gold. And happy 4th!