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UPCOMING

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SOC-WORLD CUP PREVIEW

FORMATS: Photo, Text, Video

1. WITH: SOC-WCUP-DRONE THREATS

2. DESCRIPTION: For years, the whirring sound of a drone over a stadium was mostly viewed by fans as a nuisance that might lead to a delay in the sports action as someone tried to capture a cool video to post on social media. Not anymore. Cheap drones are readily available and the bloodshed they have caused during the wars in Ukraine and Iran have underscored the dangers law enforcement have been increasingly worried about. Experts say a terrorist could spend a few hundred dollars on a drone, strap some explosives to it and fly it into a target like a stadium full of people. So drones won’t be tolerated over the 78 World Cup games in 11 U.S. cities.

3. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 2:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: NETHERLANDS ORANGE FEVER

5. DESCRIPTION: As the clock ticks down to the opening World Cup match, the Netherlands is gripped once more by orange fever. Entire streets are decked out in the national color in a joyful celebration of the global soccer showcase.

6. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC WCUP PARAGUAYAN FANS

8. DESCRIPTION: When the first World Cup match in the U.S. kicks off, most eyes will be on the host country’s home team. But for the small community of Paraguayans living in the U.S., it’s a moment in the spotlight for their own treasured team, returning to the tournament after a 16-year absence.

9. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

10. WITH: SOC--WCUP-BETTING

11. DESCRIPTION: Money is pouring on the United States to do the unexpected and win the World Cup. France and Spain are the consensus favorites to capture soccer’s most prestigious event.

12. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT

13. WITH: MED--WORLD CUP-PUBLIC HEALTH

14. DESCRIPTION: While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs. Mass gatherings can spur infectious diseases and experts are set to scrutinize wastewater, hospital and urgent-care visits, even social media to tell if measles or other potential outbreaks might be brewing.

15. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: SOC--WCUP-INFANTINO

17. DESCRIPTION: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to reporters in Mexico City at a rare news conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup. By Carlos Rodriguez.

18. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT

19. WITH: SOC--PORTUGAL-NIGERIA

20. DESCRIPTION: Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal conclude their World Cup preparations with a warmup match against Nigeria in Leiria.

21. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT

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MEXICO-WORLD CUP

DESCRIPTION: FIFA World Cup celebrations in Mexico are running into wider social tensions as capital prepares to open its arms to the world in the opening ceremonies. The World Cup comes at a time that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has walked a political tightrope. If things go off without a hitch, experts say the event will act as a feather in the president’s hat.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 3:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video

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CRI--T20 WORLD CUP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The 10th Women’s Twenty20 World Cup returns to whwre it was launched in 2009, in England. The home team plays Sri Lanka in the opening match on Friday. New Zealand is the defending champion.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 4:10 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKL--STORM-MALONGA

DESCRIPTION: The Seattle Storm’s Dominique Malonga is being counted on to help get the franchise back on track, even though her second season was briefly derailed when she suffered a concussion in a May 13 loss to the Toronto Tempo. She did not return until coming off the bench in an 88-68 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. It isn’t entirely surprising Seattle has scuffled to start the season. The Storm lost a pair of perennial All-Stars to free agency. As the Storm embrace a youth movement, it will be Malonga at the forefront. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WCUP-US-THINKING BIG

DESCRIPTION: Mauricio Pochettino has been blunt about American soccer talent, saying the U.S. lacks players in the top 100 in the world. By Ronald Blum. 730 words, photos, 7 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 7:17 a.m. EDT, Text

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MMA--UFC-WHITE HOUSE

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON -- UFC week at the White House kicks off with a media day. By Dan Gelston. UPCOMING 750 words. By 6 p.m. AP Photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--ON FOOTBALL-THE SORSBY DILEMMA

FORMATS: Photo, Text

22. WITH: FBC--ON FOOTBALL-THE SORSBY DILEMMA

23. DESCRIPTION: Those anxious to tease out worst-case scenarios that could come from gambling’s growing stranglehold on big-time sports couldn’t have found a better place for one of those scenarios to land — in the middle of college football, a sport that, for decades, has proven uniquely unable to deal with its most-pressing problems. Analysis by National Writer Eddie Pells. Text, file photos by 6 a.m. Eastern.

24. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: FBC--TEXAS TECH-SORSBY

26. DESCRIPTION: Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire is scheduled to speak to a booster club in Houston two days after Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby was cleared to play next season despite an admitted gambling addiction. By Kristie Rieken. Text, photos staffing. Begins at 11:30 a.m. Central.

27. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN-NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

28. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALA COVERAGE

29. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA playoffs

30. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

31. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALS

32. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks bring a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs into Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where the road team has won every game so far.

33. UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

DESCRIPTION: The Vegas Golden Knights were 2-2 in each of their first two playoff series and went on to win in six games each. Now here they are again. The difference? Vegas had home-ice advantage in the first two rounds. Not this time.

UPCOMING: By 06/10/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--STANLEY CUP

A wild Stanley Cup Final swings again as Hurricanes win 5-3 to make series 2-2 with Golden Knights

SUMMARY: Jordan Staal scored his second goal of the game at 6:32 of the third period to put the Carolina Hurricanes ahead for good in their 5-3 victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final over the Vegas Golden Knights. The win on Tuesday night evened the series after four games. Game 5 is Thursday night at Carolina. Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, Logan Stankoven scored a goal. Brandon Bussi made 18 saves. Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden scored goals for the Golden Knights, and Carter Hart made 23 saves

WORDS: 781 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f67cff193af67fef7d4547fade5e803e&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-STAAL

Veteran Staal scoring at a pace not seen in the Stanley Cup Final since Bossy in 1982

SUMMARY: Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal chose the simple approach to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with Carolina trailing in the best-of-seven series. But, the 20-year veteran’s game-winning goal Tuesday night was anything but simple. Then again, considering how he has played against the Vegas Golden Knights in this series, perhaps it was. With the game tied at 3 in the third period, Staal’s sprawling backhand shot while in midair with 13:29 left beat Vegas’ Carter Hart and found the back of the net for his second score of the game, and it held up as the winner in the 5-3 victory. The series is tied at 2-all heading back to Carolina on Thursday.

WORDS: 559 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:53 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:92f872a0a04ad250918f41d70477dc51&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-ARGENTINA-ICELAND

Messi scores on a penalty as Argentina beats Iceland 3-0 in its final World Cup tune-up

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi is ready for his sixth World Cup. After recovering from a muscle injury, he played 20 minutes and scored a penalty in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Iceland. Messi had been dealing with muscle fatigue and a slight strain in his left hamstring since May 24. He came on in the 70th minute and scored a penalty kick after Lautaro Martínez was fouled. Argentina, seeking its fourth World Cup title, will open against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Messi is the all-time top scorer for the Argentine national team with 117 goals.

WORDS: 224 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:24 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf74263e7517d0d42ef83bafd693216e&mediaType=text

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US--NFL-CONCUSSION SETTLEMENT-LAW FIRMS

Law firms cheated in filing claims with NFL’s $1 billion concussion settlement fund, report says

SUMMARY: The court officials overseeing the NFL’s $1 billion settlement fund for concussion-related injuries have barred five law firms from handling any more claims from former players, after finding that they fraudulently steered clients toward doctors willing to give them a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis whether they exhibited symptoms or not. A report filed in federal court in Philadelphia this week says the five firms represented or performed work involving 98 former players who in recent years sought payouts from the settlement for Parkinson’s disease claims. Dozens of those claims were approved to the tune of $95 million — with the share going to the attorneys totaling about $20 million.

WORDS: 905 - MOVED: 06/10/2026 12:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30264fe806f487a419df34453f43f6f7&mediaType=text

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BBO--SKENES-LITTLE LEAGUE VISIT

Paul Skenes is in a bit of a rough patch. A visit to a local Little League field cleared his head

SUMMARY: Paul Skenes, the Pirates ace, recently found himself at a Little League practice in Pittsburgh. While driving on an off day, the reigning NL Cy Young winner noticed kids practicing decided to stop by. The 24-year-old spent two hours playing catch and signing autographs, reminding himself of the simple joys of baseball. This break came during a tough stretch for him and the Pirates. Skenes is winless in his last five starts following a 12-2 loss to Los Angeles in which the Dodgers erupted for 10 runs after Skenes exited. Skenes says he’s focusing on the process and believes better results are coming. He described his stop to hang out with the Little Leaguers as an important reminder of why he started playing baseball in the first place.

WORDS: 830 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 11:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5457aa0cb4bfdf165ee0b2f99eaef7c5&mediaType=text

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US--NBA-FINALS-KNICKS-PREDICTION

Knicks in 6: NY man’s high school yearbook prediction 6 years ago goes viral

SUMMARY: A New York man has gone viral for a prediction he made in his high school yearbook six years ago that the New York Knicks would win an NBA title in 2026. Evan Pfeufer chose to have “Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals” written next to his portrait in the 2020 Smithtown High School West yearbook. The prescient prediction has gone viral after he shared it on social media recently. One Instagram post has more than 130,000 views. The Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 in the best of seven series. The teams play again Wednesday.

WORDS: 460 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 10:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba724aed715a62399fe8e891e36b2fcb&mediaType=text

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FBN--BENGALS-BURROW CONTRACT

Bengals restructure Joe Burrow’s contract to free up cap space, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Cincinnati Bengals have restructured the contract of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move was not announced. The restructured deal was first reported by ESPN and NFL Network. Cincinnati gains around $10 million in cap space by spreading out some of his base salary over the final three years of the deal — 2027 through ’29. Burrow signed a five-year, $275-million extension in 2023. The Bengals found themselves low on cap space after acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants before the NFL draft and signing him to a one-year extension worth $28 million.

WORDS: 268 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 7:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94267e59a98cad33c8f3efdb46594b5e&mediaType=text

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FBC--BIG 12-SORSBY GAMBLING

Big 12 commish and ADs meet, discuss Texas Tech QB Sorsby’s NCAA eligibility restored by court

SUMMARY: Big 12 athletic directors have taken part in a conference call with Commissioner Brett Yormark to address the situation around Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. The call Tuesday came a day after a court issued a temporary injunction that prevents the NCAA from enforcing its ban of Sorsby. The transfer quarterback had been ruled permanently ineligible for what will be his final college season after he acknowledged making at least 40 bets on his own team while a freshman at Indiana. Yormark says there thoughtful and productive conversations with the ADs who continue to work through the broader implications of the situation.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 7:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59463edb53a2722dd09f31ccaae56348&mediaType=text

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SOC--REAL MADRID-COACH

Benfica says Mourinho has agreed a move to Real Madrid after Arbeloa departure announced

SUMMARY: Benfica says its coach José Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid, which earlier announced that it had parted ways with coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Madrid President Florentino Pérez had vowed to bring Mourinho back as part of his campaign promises that led to his reelection on Sunday. Benfica said late Tuesday in a note to shareholders that Madrid had formally agreed to pay Benfica 15 million euros ($17.3 million) for Mourinho with the Portuguese coach agreeing to the move. Benfica added: “Thank you, José Mourinho.” Madrid has made no official announcement. Mourinho coached the club from 2010-2013. Benfica said it had agreed a two-year deal with former Fulham manager Marco Silva to replace Mourinho.

WORDS: 413 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 6:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22525a4e59883a3f5d92901ec546d15a&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-US-GOALKEEPING DECISION

US goalkeepers aim to live up to predecessors at World Cup, yet Pochettino hasn’t picked a starter

SUMMARY: The U.S. men’s national team still hasn’t formally designated a starting goalkeeper for the World Cup ahead of its opening match on Friday. Matt Freese is expected to get the nod, but coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t formally said so. In many previous World Cup cycles over the past three decades, the best and most accomplished players on the U.S. roster were their goalkeepers. That’s no longer the case as the current American team prepares for its home event. Freese and Matt Turner are both solid domestic professionals, but they have yet to match their esteemed predecessors’ level of international accomplishment.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3956223b0a321a2ea93c9364a5cbc128&mediaType=text

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US--NC STATE-ABUSE LAWSUIT

Judge dismisses lawsuit by 31 former NC State athletes alleging abuse, misconduct by ex-head trainer

SUMMARY: A state judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 31 former N.C. State male athletes alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine. In orders filed Tuesday, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed claims against Robert M. Murphy Jr., as well as multiple N.C. State athletics officials tied to their oversight rules. Collins cited procedural reasons. That included an expired statute of limitations on claims dating back as early as 2013. Durham-based attorney Kerry Sutton has represented the players and says they plan to appeal.

WORDS: 648 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 6:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d8007623c444f59b8b3b5bd4c1bc00a&mediaType=text

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US--TRUMP-SPORTS-JINX

It’s not just the Knicks: Trump’s attendance at big games often spells trouble for the home team

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump seems to bring bad luck to home teams when he attends big games. The New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday with Trump in attendance despite winning the last two games on the road. He similarly may have had a jinxing role for the Washington Nationals in the World Series during his first term. There are some exceptions, including when the New York Yankees won with Trump watching last September. Some Knicks fans blame Trump for their recent loss. The White House counters that Trump is “the greatest champion for sports of any president in American history.”

WORDS: 970 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 5:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:05b2acc879ffb3fc86920535d5231047&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS

Knicks need a quick response from their 1st loss since April as the Spurs try to even the NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Last time the New York Knicks lost a game, they didn’t do it again for another month and a half. When they fell behind against Atlanta in the first round of the NBA playoffs, desperation turned into domination in a hurry. The Knicks won 13 straight games in one of the most impressive postseason stretches in league history. After dropping Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Knicks don’t need anything so dramatic now. With a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs, a 2-2 record the next four games would give New York its first championship since 1973. Game 4 is on Wednesday.

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 5:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3d426135800b8986b5666c6ecdb08bc&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-IRAN-TICKETS

Iran soccer body claims fans’ tickets for World Cup games in the US have been revoked

SUMMARY: The Iranian soccer federation claims FIFA has revoked its ticket allocation for fans at the team’s three World Cup games in the United States. Each federation for the 48 teams taking part is entitled to receive and distribute 8% of stadium capacity for each of its games at the World Cup. That’s several thousands of tickets. Iran opens its World Cup on June 15 in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, against New Zealand. The federation claims in reports by semiofficial state media it’s now unable to provide any tickets to its supporters. It adds to turmoil between Iranian soccer, FIFA and tournament co-host the United States.

WORDS: 992 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 4:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33e5b6dcffa104896007f146357ec9ae&mediaType=text

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TEN--SERENA WILLIAMS COMEBACK

Serena returns: Williams makes a winning comeback in doubles at Queen’s Club with Mboko

SUMMARY: After nearly four years away from professional tennis, Serena Williams has made a winning return at Queen’s Club. The 44-year-old Williams showed she still has plenty of her trademark power, hitting service winners of up to 120 mph as she teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko to win their opening doubles match at the grass-court tournament. Williams and Mboko beat third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (2), 6-2 in Williams’ first professional match since the 2022 U.S. Open. The American last week announced her return to doubles, but has yet to decide whether to target a comeback in singles as well.

WORDS: 813 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 3:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4267d4ff546e0ab929418e6d1c7f83d1&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-MCCAFFREY

The 49ers vow to reduce workload for Christian McCaffrey even if he doesn’t want it

SUMMARY: Perhaps the only person around the San Francisco 49ers not worried about the heavy workload All-Pro Christian McCaffrey handled last season is McCaffrey himself. Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff have expressed a need to reduce McCaffrey’s usage after his 450-touch campaign, but McCaffrey doesn’t see a need for load management. McCaffrey said his workload can be monitored in practice and that he would like to play every snap in games. But the 49ers are counting on youngsters Jordan James and Kaelon Black to take pressure off McCaffrey in hopes that he will be even more explosive.

WORDS: 887 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a0c7070d3b1d6d500200506b8e542d1&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-US OPEN

The US Open is getting away from its roots with a shrinking number of qualifiers

WORDS: 1045 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 2:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb8fde9b72e62d41a110f7c45a9044f6&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-UNDAUNTED SPURS

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are undaunted on the road at the Knicks in the NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Playing on the road feels to Victor Wembanyama like having six players on the court against five but not in a bad way. Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs thrived in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and are undaunted by the hostile environment and the series deficit they face against the New York Knicks. They now get the chance to even things up in Game 4 on Wednesday night, with another intense crowd of nearly 20,000 fans trying to will their team to the verge of its first championship since 1973.

WORDS: 744 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 2:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b9376bd283aec1992f13f13093223e8f&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-HITTING-IN-30S

MLB’s hitters are struggling to thrive after 35 in the age of analytics and increased velocity

SUMMARY: It’s a tough time to be a veteran MLB hitter these days. Only a handful of players who have hit the age of 35 are having success in the big leagues this season, including Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Christian Walker. The share of production from MLB players age 35 or over has had a steep drop over the past 25 years. There are several reasons for the move, including an trend toward younger players that’s driven by analytics and increased fastball velocity. Arenado and other are thriving thanks to the ability to adapt to their older bodies, changing habits that might have been ingrained early in their careers.

WORDS: 1124 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 2:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:630f45e7921ab443c0c87fd0f016945b&mediaType=text

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BBO--BREWERS-ATHLETICS WILD GAME

Athletics say hello to eventual Vegas fanbase with an explosive 15-14, 12-inning game

SUMMARY: The first pitch to an Athletics player Monday night in Las Vegas was an explosive welcome. Shea Langeliers sent a shot 483 feet in the first sign of the madness to come in a 15-14, 12-inning game that introduced the city to its eventual MLB club. The Milwaukee Brewers were the winners, but so too were the fans. Brewers manager Pat Murphy called it the most bizarre game he’s seen in 11 years. The game featured 16 challenges, with 11 calls overturned. The game was held at Las Vegas Ballpark, where the A’s are introducing themselves to local fans before their planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.

WORDS: 492 - MOVED: 06/09/2026 1:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b71d06b4d44a97395038d261978e00db&mediaType=text

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