Sports

Scrappers win as Lofton pays visit to Mahoning Valley

Local Sports July 25, 2026

NILES – Friday’s game between the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and West Virginia Black Bears was played in front of a 7 17 Credit Union Field-record crowd of 12,061. The standing-room-only showing was the result of 7 17 Credit Union Financial Wellness Night in which fans received free admission, free parking and a complimentary hot dog and soft drink. The night ended with the Scrappers’ first combination fireworks and drone show. On the field, the Scrappers did their part, coasting to a 8-2 win over the Black Bears. The top three in the Scrappers’ order – Jayden Hylton, ...

There’s more to fishing than what catches the hook

Local Sports July 25, 2026

Two friends investing a few hours in a boat on a beautiful lake can solve a lot of the world’s problems if they put their minds to it. Or, they can share fishing tips, analyze the weather or recall career decisions. The day was young, the morning fresh and the optimism bubbling when Harry Emmerling and I met at the lake early Thursday for a few hours of bass fishing. We’ve been fishing friends for eight years, but Thursday was the first time we had actually fished together. We had a lot to talk about, and the fish gave us plenty of opportunity. The “bite” was slow, ...

Ex-JFK athlete dies in accident in Columbus

Local Sports July 25, 2026

A former Warren JFK multi-sport athlete died after being hit by a motorist on Wednesday in Columbus, according to a report by the Columbus Dispatch. Sarosh Sheth, 21, graduated from JFK in 2023, where he was a standout varsity soccer player and kicker for the Eagles’ football team. Sheth ...

Blaney, Gilliland ready for Brickyard 400 balancing act

Local Sports July 25, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — Ryan Blaney faces a high-stakes weekend in Indianapolis. He’s hoping to put Roger Penske back in victory lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and he’d like to add a second crown jewel win to his resume. At the same time, he’s chasing a $1 million pay day — if he finishes ahead of surprise finalist Todd Gilliland in NASCAR’s second In-Season Challenge. Blaney’s solution is to simplify matters by sweeping both titles Sunday with one amazing Brickyard 400. “We obviously understand what we’re going for with the In-Season Challenge,” Blaney said before ...

Rays beat Guardians in series opener

Local Sports July 25, 2026

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Ryan Vilade and Richie Palacios hit home runs, Nick Fortes had four hits, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 11-3 on Friday night. Shane McClanahan (9-6) allowed one run on two hits while striking out three and walking a pair in five innings. He ...