SportsLine's advanced MLB model is currently on an impressive 41-32 run with its Major League Baseball picks, showcasing its effectiveness in predicting game outcomes and prop bets. This model leverages data-driven analysis to provide bettors with valuable insights and recommendations across various betting platforms such as PrizePicks, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Its consistent success underscores the growing influence of analytics in sports betting, allowing bettors to make more informed wagers. The model’s picks include a variety of MLB prop bets, which focus on specific player or game statistics beyond just the final outcome, as well as traditional betting picks like money lines and totals. By analyzing thousands of simulations and player projections, SportsLine's system identifies undervalued opportunities and potential breakout performances that can offer an edge against bookmakers’ lines. The use of this model can help bettors navigate complex MLB markets with greater confidence. Users on platforms like PrizePicks benefit from prop picks tailored to specific player stats, while DraftKings and FanDuel players receive strategic recommendations for both daily fantasy baseball and sportsbook wagers. The combination of proven historical performance and real-time data updates makes SportsLine’s MLB model a trusted tool for bettors aiming to capitalize during the 2025 MLB season. This powerful analytical approach reflects the broader trend in sports betting where sophisticated models offer a competitive advantage, turning raw data into actionable betting strategies that enhance the likelihood of winning bets and maximizing returns for users.

6/29/2025, 12:41:00 PM

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant splash at the 2025 NHL Draft by selecting three first-round picks for the first time since 1984, ultimately making 13 picks in total. This marked an important milestone for the franchise as they sought to bolster their roster with top-tier young talent. The Penguins secured forwards Ben Kindel (11th overall), Bill Zonnon (22nd overall), and Will Horcoff (24th overall) as their first-round selections. The team orchestrated strategic trades to achieve this, including sending the 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for the 22nd and 31st overall picks, then trading picks 31 and 59 to the Los Angeles Kings to move up to 24th overall. This maneuvering allowed Pittsburgh to acquire three highly rated forwards rather than just one or two. Kindel, a standout from the Calgary Hitmen, delivered an impressive season with 99 points, ranking seventh in the WHL, while also representing Team USA internationally. Zonnon and Horcoff complemented the group with promising potential and skill sets. Beyond the first round, General Manager Kyle Dubas and the scouting staff focused on depth, selecting 10 additional players across rounds two through seven. One notable second-round pick was Peyton Kettles, a 6-foot-6 defenseman from the Swift Current Broncos, known for his strong play and international success with Team Canada, including a gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. This active draft strategy demonstrates the Penguins' commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their core with a blend of skilled forwards and promising defensemen, positioning the team for future success. The 2025 draft class could play a vital role in the organization's long-term plans as they aim to return to contention.<br /><br />

6/29/2025, 12:34:00 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays (47-36) are visiting the Baltimore Orioles (35-47) for the final game of a three-game AL East series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, June 29, 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET. This matchup has the Rays seeking to close the series strong after splitting the first two games with high-scoring affairs. Tampa Bay won the second game decisively, 11-3, thanks to a powerful offense led by Yandy Diaz, who went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. The Rays have been in good form recently, winning six of their last eight games and currently sitting second in the AL East standings. Their pitching staff sports a 3.69 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP, while offensively, they have scored 402 runs with a .260 batting average and .325 on-base percentage this season. Starter Taj Bradley, with a 5-5 record and 4.57 ERA, is expected to take the mound for Tampa Bay in this clincher. The Orioles, meanwhile, are fighting to snap a series deficit and improve their standings from fifth place in the division. Baltimore entered this series as slight favorites with moneyline odds around -111 compared to Tampa Bay’s -108. Despite that, Tampa Bay is favored on the run line at -1.5. The over/under for the game is set at 9.5 runs, reflecting the potential for another offensively charged game. This final game will be critical for both teams—Tampa Bay aims to maintain momentum in the division race, while Baltimore seeks to avoid a series sweep on home turf. Expert betting opinions lean toward Tampa Bay winning on the run line, given their strong performance in recent games and solid pitching depth. Fans can catch the game broadcast on MASN and FDSSUN. <br /><br /> In summary, the Rays and Orioles face off in a pivotal Sunday afternoon game where Tampa Bay looks to seal the series after a dominant win in game two, backed by an effective offense and consistent pitching. Baltimore hopes to leverage home field advantage to even the series and halt the Rays' surge in the AL East standings. Betting odds and expert MLB picks favor the Rays on the run line, but the game's total run expectancy suggests excitement and runs on the board at Camden Yards. This closing game promises to be an engaging test of two AL East foes jockeying for position as the season progresses.

6/29/2025, 12:28:00 PM

The U.S. embassy in Dakar recently rejected visa applications for several members of Senegal’s women’s basketball team, derailing their planned training camp in the United States. The team was scheduled for a 10-day training session in the U.S. starting June 22, 2025, as part of their preparations for the AfroBasket 2025 tournament, which will be held in Ivory Coast in July. The visa denials affected five players and seven technical and administrative staff members, leading Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to order the cancellation of the U.S. training camp. Instead, the team will now train in Dakar under the guidance of their head coach, Otis Hughley Jr., who has prior success leading Nigeria in AfroBasket competitions.<br /><br /> The Senegalese Basketball Federation noted that while holders of old U.S. visas were allowed entry, all new visa requests were rejected, without any official explanation from U.S. authorities. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department declined to comment on individual cases. This move coincides with a broader U.S. immigration crackdown and the consideration of adding Senegal to a list of 36 countries that might face new travel restrictions. Senegal is not yet officially under any travel ban, but the visa denials have caused frustration and disruption to the team’s preparation plans.<br /><br /> Prime Minister Sonko also expressed gratitude toward China for providing training scholarships to Senegalese athletes and their coaches, highlighting alternative support as the team adapts to these unexpected setbacks. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in U.S. visa policies that are affecting international sports exchange and cooperation.

6/29/2025, 12:21:00 PM

New York Yankees returned to action on Wednesday after being off on Tuesday, following a challenging series in Cincinnati where they lost two out of three games. The Yankees managed to salvage the series with a dominant 7-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The highlight of the game was the stellar pitching performance by Max Fried, who secured his tenth win of the season. Fried pitched seven strong innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run, while striking out seven batters. His control and effectiveness on the mound helped the Yankees maintain a commanding lead throughout the game. Fried's achievement as the first pitcher in the majors to reach ten wins this season is notable, especially considering that he is only in his first year with the Yankees after signing a lucrative $218 million, eight-year contract last December. He has quickly established himself as the Yankees' ace, particularly after the team lost Gerrit Cole for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Fried's current season statistics are impressive, with a 1.92 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP, placing him among the top pitchers in the league. With this win, the Yankees improved their record to 46 victories for the season. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Fried’s strong case for being the American League’s starting pitcher at the upcoming All-Star Game, although a final decision is still weeks away. The victory in Cincinnati reflects the Yankees’ resilience and Fried’s emergence as a key figure in their pitching rotation.

6/27/2025, 12:20:00 PM

The San Diego Padres (44-36) travel to Cincinnati to face the Reds (42-39) in a pivotal 3-game MLB series starting Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park. This matchup features the Padres as slight favorites with moneyline odds around -139, while the Reds are underdogs at about +117. The run line favors the Padres by 1.5 runs, and the total runs over/under is set at 9. The Padres are aiming to maintain their strong form as the second-place team in the NL West, while the Reds come into this series energized after a recent series win against the Yankees. Pitching will be a key factor, with Dylan Cease starting for the Padres facing Nick Martinez, who pitches against his former team. Cease, known for his high strikeout rate, is a top prop bet to exceed 7.5 strikeouts. Analysts predict a tight, potentially low-scoring game, highlighting bets like the first 5 innings under 4.5 runs and the total under 9 runs as favorable plays. Historically, the Padres have won about 62.5% of games when favored this season, while the Reds have a 51.1% win rate as underdogs. The series also coincides with Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine celebration weekend, adding an electric atmosphere to the ballpark. Expert MLB picks lean toward the Padres to take the opener, given their recent performances and pitching edge, but the Reds’ home-field energy and momentum could keep the series compelling for bettors and fans alike. This series promises a competitive clash with several betting angles to consider.

6/27/2025, 12:15:00 PM

Skoda's CEO Klaus Zellmer has indicated that the brand may branch out into more exciting and niche segments once its mainstream models achieve their sales targets. Currently, Skoda's lineup emphasizes mainstream crossovers and SUVs, a strategy designed to appeal to broad markets and ensure steady sales growth. However, Zellmer hinted that this focus could evolve within the next decade, depending on the success in hitting projected sales numbers. While Skoda is known for its pragmatic and safe production models, it has shown glimpses of more expressive designs through student concepts and experimental vehicles like the 2022 Vision GT concept. This concept, which pays homage to Skoda's heritage with a nod to the 1957 1100 OHC, represents the brand's potential to explore sportier and more adventurous vehicles. Nevertheless, Zellmer acknowledged that while such ideas energize the brand creatively, they currently offer limited business justification. The existing Skoda lineup leans heavily on SUVs and crossovers, which remain the backbone of its sales performance globally. Despite challenges in some models’ sales, like the Octavia seeing a decline in recent quarters, SUVs such as the Kodiaq have shown robust growth, reflecting consumer preference for these segments. Skoda is also actively refreshing its offerings with updates and new models, including the upcoming Elroq electric SUV and mild-hybrid versions, aimed at maintaining competitiveness. Ultimately, the brand’s cautious but hopeful approach suggests that once mainstream sales targets are consistently met, Skoda will consider venturing into segments that allow it to showcase more excitement and innovation, potentially including sportier or more design-led models, balancing commercial success with creative ambition.

6/27/2025, 12:15:00 PM

After an outstanding collegiate basketball career with the Illinois Fighting Illini, Kendall Bostic has been appointed as the Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I. Bostic’s transition from a star athlete to an important administrative role within the program represents a natural progression, utilizing her deep understanding of the sport and the university’s athletics culture. During her time on the court, Bostic established herself as one of the most dominant players in Illinois women’s basketball history. She is the university’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,352 and holds the record for most double-doubles at 54. Bostic led the Big Ten Conference in rebounds per game all four seasons, showcasing her consistent impact on both ends of the floor. She reached significant milestones, surpassing 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, as well as starting 103 games, which reflects her durability and importance to the team. Bostic’s collegiate journey began at Michigan State before transferring to Illinois, where she truly flourished. At Illinois, she earned multiple accolades including two Second Team All-Big Ten honors and the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor. Her high rebounding totals and on-court leadership made her a cornerstone of the Illini program, elevating the team’s competitiveness in the conference. In her new role as Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I, Bostic is expected to bring the same dedication, work ethic, and passion she exhibited on the court to support and develop the Illinois athletics program’s growth and success through strategic initiatives and fundraising efforts. This appointment highlights the university’s commitment to retaining exemplary alumni who contribute both on and off the court.

6/27/2025, 12:14:31 PM

Today's MLB matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium promises an exciting conclusion to their four-game series. The Cubs, currently holding a 47-33 record, are favored to cover the run line, largely due to the strong starting pitching expected from Shota Imanaga. Imanaga, who holds a 3-2 record and an impressive 2.82 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP over 44 2/3 innings this season, recently showed his dominance during a minor-league rehab stint by throwing over 10 scoreless innings with few hits and walks. His solid form provides the Cubs with a reliable presence on the mound. <br /> <br /> On the offensive side, the Cubs have come alive recently, putting up 15 runs in the last two games against the Cardinals. They rank highly in key hitting metrics against right-handed pitching, placing fourth in weighted on-base average (wOBA) and fifth in isolated power (ISO), and they particularly excel on the road. This offensive surge complements Imanaga’s pitching, enhancing Chicago’s chances of a strong overall performance. Conversely, the Cardinals’ starter, Andre Pallante, has struggled with a 4.48 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, and the team’s offense has not matched the Cubs’ potency, ranking only 13th in wOBA and 22nd in ISO against left-handed pitchers like Imanaga. <br /> <br /> With Imanaga’s commanding presence on the mound and the Cubs’ offense firing on all cylinders, predictions lean towards Chicago covering the -1.5 run line at favorable odds. The Cubs appear poised to even the series with a well-rounded showing today.

6/26/2025, 12:08:00 PM

Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion, has expressed strong skepticism about Charles Oliveira’s chances against Ilia Topuria in the upcoming UFC 317 main event for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira, with a record of 35-10 overall and 23-10 in the UFC, faces the undefeated Topuria, who boasts a perfect 16-0 MMA record and 8-0 in the UFC. The fight is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on pay-per-view via ESPN and ESPN+. Whittaker views this matchup as a stylistic nightmare for Oliveira. He pointed to Topuria’s elite boxing skills, powerful knockout ability, and aggressive inside fighting, especially his proficiency in dirty boxing and slipping punches, as significant challenges for Oliveira. Whittaker noted that Oliveira, although highly skilled and dangerous off his back, tends to get hit fairly often in striking exchanges, which could be problematic against a dynamic striker like Topuria. Topuria’s recent performances have been dominant, with impressive wins over top featherweights, earning him favoritism in the betting odds. Whittaker highlighted Topuria’s strong takedown defense, which could keep the fight standing and increase the likelihood of a knockout finish. Although Oliveira might attempt to bring the fight to the ground, Whittaker feels Topuria’s grappling and striking combination makes him the overwhelming favorite. Betting odds heavily favor Topuria, with Whittaker himself acknowledging that he struggles to see a scenario where Oliveira wins, emphasizing Topuria’s superior skills and momentum as reasons for this prediction.<br /><br />This fight marks a critical moment for both fighters: Oliveira, seeking to reclaim a UFC title, and Topuria, aiming to solidify himself as a new force in the lightweight division. Whittaker’s analysis suggests that this could be a defining night for Topuria, potentially confirming his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.

6/26/2025, 12:03:00 PM

Nina Autry, an All-Central New York girls lacrosse all-star from Jamesville-Dewitt High School, was featured at the 2025 spring All-CNY photo shoot held at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, New York, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Autry, a senior known for her skills as a midfielder and defender, has stood out as one of the region’s top lacrosse talents throughout the 2024-2025 season. Standing at 5'9”, Autry has earned recognition not only for her athletic prowess on the lacrosse field but also for her leadership and versatility, competing in girls’ indoor track as well. Her performance has made her a pivotal player for Jamesville-Dewitt’s varsity team and a respected figure in Central New York lacrosse circles. Beyond her high school career, Nina Autry has secured a commitment to continue her lacrosse journey at Syracuse University, where she is expected to contribute significantly to the Orange's program. This commitment highlights her standing as a highly recruited athlete and her potential to excel at the collegiate level. The All-CNY photo shoot at NBT Bank Stadium celebrated local lacrosse talent, providing a platform to showcase players like Autry who have demonstrated dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. Her inclusion in this elite group confirms her as one of the top performers in Central New York girls lacrosse entering the next chapter of her athletic career. The photo capturing Autry at this event, taken by N. Scott Trimble, symbolizes both a milestone and a proud moment for the athlete and her community, marking her rise in the sport and the promising future ahead. <br /> <br /> Nina Autry’s journey reflects the strong tradition of lacrosse in the region and serves as an inspiration for young athletes aiming to reach similar heights in their sports and academics.

6/26/2025, 12:00:00 PM

Supermodel Carol Alt recently shared insights on how editor Jule Campbell played a crucial role in protecting models while elevating the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue into a prestigious and career-launching platform. Campbell’s editorial leadership transformed the publication from just a swimwear catalog into a respected fashion brand that opened doors for many iconic models. Alt, who first appeared in the SI Swimsuit issue in 1981 and graced the cover in 1982, emphasized Campbell’s commitment to the models’ well-being and professional integrity during a time when the fashion industry was less regulated. Campbell’s protective approach ensured that models could navigate the demanding world of swimsuit modeling with dignity and safety, which was particularly important in the competitive and often challenging environment of the 1980s fashion scene. Under Campbell’s guidance, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit became more than just a magazine feature; it was a launchpad for supermodels like Alt, who gained immense visibility and credibility through its pages. This transformation helped the brand grow into a cultural phenomenon that blended fashion, beauty, and athleticism, boosting the careers of numerous women in the industry. Alt’s reflections highlight how Campbell’s editorial vision was instrumental in reshaping the Swimsuit issue’s image, making it a respected and influential fashion institution while safeguarding the models’ interests. This legacy continues to impact the fashion world, underscoring the importance of strong leadership and advocacy behind the scenes in modeling. <br /> <br /> Carol Alt’s contributions to the SI Swimsuit legacy, alongside Campbell’s protective and transformative leadership, remain a defining chapter in the evolution of sports fashion and modeling careers.

6/26/2025, 12:00:00 PM

Comedian Shane Gillis has been announced as the host of the 2025 ESPY Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, July 16, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streamed on ESPN+. Presented by Capital One, the ESPYs celebrate the biggest moments and achievements in sports each year. This marks a notable shift, as recent ESPY hosts have predominantly been celebrated athletes like Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, and Megan Rapinoe. Gillis, known for his work as a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, joins the ranks of non-athlete hosts such as Tracy Morgan, Joel McHale, and Drake, bringing a fresh comedic energy to sports' biggest night. Shane Gillis gained significant attention for his comedy and podcast work, as well as his role in the Netflix series "Tires." Despite a controversial past incident early in his career, he has continued to rise in popularity and has a strong passion for sports, particularly as a Notre Dame fan. Gillis expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the ESPYs, stating his love for sports and excitement for the event. His bold comedic style and sharp wit make him a distinctive and adventurous choice for ESPN, promising an entertaining and memorable awards show. The 2025 ESPYs will spotlight the best in sports, with Gillis adding his unique humor to the celebration.

6/24/2025, 1:30:00 PM

Duke basketball star Cooper Flagg is poised for a momentous night as he awaits his name to be called in the 2025 NBA Draft, taking place Wednesday. Flagg is widely regarded as the top prospect in this year's draft class, with nearly every analyst and scout projecting him as the No. 1 pick. His exceptional freshman season at Duke was marked by outstanding performances, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and averaging 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. This dominance earned him national player of the year honors, elevating his status as a future NBA star. Ahead of the draft, Flagg has been candid about his journey and decision-making process. Initially considering a return to Duke for his sophomore year, he concluded that the opportunity to enter the NBA was too compelling to pass up, especially given the fluid nature of college rosters and teammates’ draft declarations. The Blue Devils’ dream of a national title ended in the NCAA Final Four, which influenced his choice to move on. Now projected to join the Dallas Mavericks as their top pick, Flagg faces high expectations but seems ready to embrace the challenge and start his professional career. In addition to his draft outlook, Flagg has shared insights about some of his must-watch NBA players, indicating his enthusiasm for learning from current stars as he transitions into the league. Duke University has shown unwavering support for Flagg, celebrating his achievements and prophesying his impact at the next level with pride and confidence. As the draft night approaches, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg to see him take the next step in fulfilling his promising basketball career.

6/24/2025, 1:29:00 PM

The New York Yankees are considering another infield shuffle to maximize their lineup, aiming to get Jazz Chisholm Jr. back at second base and move DJ LeMahieu to the bench. Manager Aaron Boone recently indicated that Chisholm is expected to start at second base in the 2025 season. This move comes after the departure of Gleyber Torres in free agency, opening the keystone position for Chisholm, who impressed in the latter half of last year after being acquired from the Miami Marlins. Chisholm, 26, played third base for the Yankees in 2024 but is projected to shift to second base, where he previously excelled. He had a strong season in the Bronx, slashing .273/.325/.500 with an .825 OPS, hitting 11 home runs, and stealing 18 bases in just 46 games. His health and performance have been promising, making him a valuable asset for the team's infield stability. Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu, a veteran infielder, may find himself on the bench as the Yankees prioritize getting the young, dynamic Chisholm more regular playing time at second base. Alongside other infield contenders like Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza who are competing for third base, this reshuffle aims to strengthen the Yankees’ defense and offensive production. Boone also mentioned Chisholm as a potential leadoff hitter, reflecting the team’s confidence in his speed and power combination. This strategic adjustment could bolster the Yankees’ lineup flexibility and overall competitiveness in the 2025 season. <br /> <br /> This realignment reflects the Yankees’ ongoing effort to optimize their roster by deploying their emerging talents like Jazz Chisholm Jr., while balancing the contributions of seasoned players such as DJ LeMahieu. It highlights the team’s focus on maintaining a strong infield core to support their playoff aspirations.

6/24/2025, 1:13:00 PM