News

Northwest Sports Update: M’s eye playoff berth, robot umps coming to MLB, Russ benched in NY and more

Northwest Sports Update: M’s eye playoff berth, robot umps coming to MLB, Russ benched in NY and more

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith Photo: Associated Press


Mariners News

The Mariners could clinch a playoff spot tonight. They’re hosting the Colorado Rockies in the opening of their penultimate regular-season series.

The M’s have been the hottest team in baseball this month, currently riding a four-game win streak while winning 14 of their last 15 games. They can secure a postseason berth with a win tonight and a Yankees win against the White Sox.

It’s a favorable matchup for both teams, as the Rockies and White Sox own the two worst records in the major leagues. Seattle will have to wait until tomorrow to have a chance to clinch its first AL West title since 2001.

Bryce Miller is on the mound tonight as the M’s look to start their final homestand off strong. Coverage begins at 5:30 and first pitch is at 6:40 on KPUG.

MLB News

Big changes are coming to Major League Baseball next year.

The league voted today to approve robot umpires as part of its plans to implement a challenge system for balls and strikes in the 2026 season. Robo umps had been tested for years in the minor leagues, as well as during spring training and at this year’s All-Star Game.

Umpires will continue to make calls behind the plate, but the ABS Challenge System will be used when a team decides to use one of their two challenges per game. Hitters, pitchers and catchers will be the only ones who are allowed to challenge, which can be done by simply tapping their head. The team will retain their challenge if it’s successful. 

Seattle’s Cal Raleigh was among four players on the 11-man committee who approved the change. ESPN reports that the decision was not unanimous, but it hasn’t been revealed which players voted “no.”

NFL News

A former Seahawk legend could be taking a backseat in the Big Apple.

ESPN reports that the New York Giants are planning to bench Russell Wilson in favor of first-round rookie Jaxson Dart.

Wilson struggled in Sunday night’s 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as the Giants fell to 0-3 on the season. The Giants’ home crowd booed him late in the first half after throwing one of his two interceptions.

Dart’s first start will come at home on Sunday against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.

 

It was a high-scoring thriller on Monday Night Football last night.

The Detroit Lions racked up seven sacks on their way to beating the Baltimore Ravens 38-30. The Lions ran for 224 yards against a banged-up Ravens defense while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery ran for two touchdowns apiece.

The Seahawks are next up, as they’ll kick off Week 4 of the NFL season on Thursday night in Arizona against the Cardinals.

Huskies/Cougs News

A Washington State football player is recovering after allegedly being shot by a University of Washington student after the Apple Cup.

The Seattle Times reports that police are searching for 20-year-old Jakori Buchanan, who’s accused of shooting Cougs freshman offensive lineman Sone Falealo in the abdomen early Sunday morning.  Buchanan allegedly assaulted a girl during a party in Pullman when Falealo and his two friends tried to intervene, which led to the shooting.

Falealo underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Local Sports News

A teen cyclist from Bellingham is headed to a worldwide competition thanks to help from the community.

18-year-old Kelly Swarens was chosen by USA Cycling to represent the United States at the Monte-Sainte-Anne World Cup in Canada next month. Swarens rides for Galbraith Gravity Racing, a downhill and enduro mountain bike race development team that works with kids ages 5-18.

The community has raised nearly $5,000 to help send her to the World Cup. It takes place from Oct. 9th through the 12th in Quebec.

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