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    Muzak’s aural assault is one of life’s little annoyances
    • June 26, 2023

    By Shaun Tumpane

    Laguna Woods Globe

    So, who decided to pipe music into elevators? And why?

    Think about it. Do you really need to be auditorily stimulated for less time than it takes to tie your shoes?

    It’s bad enough that almost every elevator is a miniature hall of mirrors. That’s fine if you resemble George Clooney. If you look like George Costanza? Then no elevator ride is too short.

    But back to the cacophony of a disembodied and seemingly overmedicated voice announcing whether you’re going up or down and the pan flute version of “Rocky Mountain High” wafting from a four-watt speaker with no bass.

    I never got over John Denver’s haircut, let alone his dulcet tones mimicking a randy wolf on the prowl.

    Can you imagine the scowl on John Lennon’s face when Ed Sullivan sidles up to him in heaven/hell (pick the location that reflects your opinion of where these two souls have taken up residence) and points out that the Laguna Hills CVS has “I Am the Walrus” on the intercom?!

    Then there’s the lifeless monotonal so-called greeting from the medical center’s receptionist, “Doctor so-and-so’s office, may I put you on a brief hold?” And before you can respond, you’re listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed by the Ferguson Bagpipe Quartet.

    Overstimulation of the masses is infused into every nook and cranny of our society. God forbid we have a single moment of peace and quiet. In the 21st century, televisions share parenting duties with electronic tablets, smartphones, Gameboys, earbuds, and occasionally, parents.

    What a great invention earbuds are. Instead of ruining everyone’s hearing within a three-block radius by cranking up the volume on your quadraphonic sound system, complete with 400-watt per channel speakers playing Led Zeppelin, earbuds focus their auricular attack directly on the cochlea.

    Beyond the self-inflicted imbecilic assault on your ears is the constant messaging, mostly subliminal, with which we are bombarded. Muzak may merely dull the senses, but consider how advertising pummels you with all kinds of unasked for information, all the while trying to mold your perspective to coincide with theirs.

    Example: Your diet needs more fruits and vegetables. Solution? Ingest these fruit and vegetable formulated capsules.

    What? How about just hitting the produce section of your local grocery store? Sauntering down the vegetable aisle is as close to being on a farm as most of us will ever get. Plus, you can listen to “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts” while you shop.

    I’m sorry, but I just don’t get intercom music. Movies have soundtracks, real life doesn’t. Or shouldn’t. What’s next, flashing stop signs?

    Shaun Tumpane is a Laguna Woods Village resident.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Florida sets College World Series record for runs with win over LSU to force deciding Game 3
    • June 26, 2023

    By ERIC OLSON (AP Sports Writer)

    OMAHA, Neb. — Florida had been involved in more close games than any other team at the College World Series this year.

    That changed in a big way Sunday, when the Gators unleashed an offensive barrage of historic proportions.

    Florida scored the most runs in a CWS game and came up one short of the record for largest margin of victory in a 24-4 rout of LSU that forced a deciding Game 3 of the finals.

    The Gators (54-16) hit six home runs on a windy day at Charles Schwab Field and pounded LSU (53-17) pitching for a CWS record-tying 23 hits a day after Ty Floyd struck out 17 in the Tigers’ 4-3, 11-inning win in Game 1.

    “We did exactly what we said we were going to do — flush last night and come in today ready to play,” outfielder Wyatt Langford said. “The balls were falling for us today. And that’s just kind of how it went.”

    The teams play the final game of the College World Series on Monday night, with the winner earning the national championship.

    “Obviously we can’t take any of these runs into tomorrow,” Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “We’ll have to reset, reboot. But awfully proud of the way they responded from last night’s tough loss.”

    LSU coach Jay Johnson said he and his players must quickly forget what happened Sunday.

    “So we’re going to stick to how we prepare and roll it out tomorrow and give it everything we have,” Johnson said. “One game for the national championship. I think coach O’Sullivan probably feels great about his team, as he should with the players they have.

    “I feel great with my team, with the players we have.”

    Two-way star Jac Caglianone will pitch for the Gators. Johnson didn’t announce a starter or comment on the availability of ace Paul Skenes, who has thrown 15 2/3 innings over two CWS starts and would be coming off three days’ rest if he were to pitch.

    Florida came into Sunday having played in four of the CWS record-tying eight one-run games. The Gators had totaled 17 runs in those games before the offense broke loose.

    Ty Evans and Caglianone each homered twice, with Evans’ grand slam breaking things open early. Langford and BT Riopelle also went deep.

    Florida’s 24 runs broke Notre Dame’s CWS record, set in a 23-2 win over Northern Colorado in 1957. The 20-run win over the Tigers ranks second to that game for largest margin.

    The Gators hadn’t scored so many runs since a 28-5 win over Winthrop on March 3, 2019.

    LSU hadn’t given up so many in any of its 245 NCAA Tournament games or in any game since a 28-2 loss to Alabama in 1997. The Tigers committed a season-high five errors that led to six unearned runs.

    Asked if there was a point he felt the game was slipping away, LSU star Dylan Crews said, “Not really. I guess you could say when it got up to about 20 runs. But we felt like we were in it the whole time, honestly. We made some pretty remarkable comebacks in our career.”

    Langford was 5 for 5 with six RBIs with two doubles and his homer.

    Evans’ shot down the left-field line off Nate Ackenhausen (3-1) tied it 1 in the second. His grand slam off Gavin Guidry in the third was a high fly that looked to be headed foul, but the 20-mph wind blowing left to right pushed it inside the left-field foul pole.

    The Tigers should have been out of the third before Evans came to bat, but shortstop Jordan Thompson’s fielding error cost them a chance at a double play and kept going what became a six-run inning.

    Langford connected in the fifth, and Caglianone followed with his nation-leading 32nd and 33rd homers.

    Florida starter Hurston Waldrep, who had allowed two earned runs in 21 innings in the NCAA Tournament, went just 2 1/3. He walked six, hit two batters and allowed four hits in his shortest appearance of the season, not counting a start against Vanderbilt when he didn’t return after one inning because of a rain delay.

    LSU did next to nothing against Florida relievers Blake Purnell (2-0) and Nick Ficarrotta. They combined to pitch 6 1/3 innings of three-hit relief.

    “They don’t need a rah-rah speech tomorrow,” O’Sullivan said. “We’re playing a very good LSU team and the winner is going to have the opportunity to be national champion. Enjoy it tonight and wake up tomorrow and stay in our routine.”

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    Angel City FC settles for scoreless draw against Houston Dash
    • June 26, 2023

    Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson (21) dribbles the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Soccer fans cheer during the second half of an NWSL soccer match between the Angel City FC and the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC starting players pose for a portrait prior to the start of an NWSL soccer match against the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC interim head coach Becki Tweed looks on prior to the start of an NWSL soccer match against the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Savannah McCaskill, right, recovers the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Julie Ertz heads the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Soccer fans hold up signs during the first half of an NWSL soccer match between the Angel City FC and the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Julie Ertz, left, vies for the ball with Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie during the first half of an MLS soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola, right, brings the ball up the field chased by Houston Dash midfielder Sophie Schmidt during the first half of an MLS soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson (21) dribbles the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an MLS soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Scarlett Camberos controls the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an MLS soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Jasmyne Spencer, center, battles for the ball with Houston Dash midfielder Marisa Viggiano, right, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola, left, vies for the ball with Houston Dash midfielder Havana Solaun during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson takes a goal shot against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden kicks the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Katie Johnson, center, kicks the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Scarlett Camberos controls the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, right, chases the ball against the Houston Dash during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola, right, brings the ball up the field chased by Houston Dash midfielder Sophie Schmidt during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Julie Ertz, left, vies for the ball with Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie during the first half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola, left, moves the ball chased by Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Savannah McCaskill, left, vies for the ball with Houston Dash midfielder Sophie Schmidt during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Dani Weatherholt, left, kicks the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Julie Ertz, left, pushes off on Houston Dash midfielder Joelle Anderson during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC interim head coach Becki Tweed, center, looks on during the second half of an NWSL soccer match against the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, front, battles Houston Dash defender Katie Lind during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson, front, vies for the ball with Houston Dash midfielder Joelle Anderson during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, right, recovers the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Lily Nabet, right, heads the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, center, takes a goal shot against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    A soccer fan waves a rainbow colored flag during the first half of an NWSL soccer match between the Angel City FC and the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC midfielder Julie Ertz yells instructions to teammates against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC defender Paige Nielsen, center, dribbles the ball chased by Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Angel City FC forward Scarlett Camberos, left, controls the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half of an NWSL soccer match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The match ended in a draw 0-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

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    LOS ANGELES — Excitement and anticipation went through the sellout crowd of 22,000 at BMO Stadium as Houston Dash defender Katie Lind was sent off with a red card in Sunday’s game against Angel City FC.

    With a player advantage, the winning goal was expected to be in the cards for Angel City.

    However, what was expected, didn’t materialize as the teams ended up playing to a scoreless draw.

    “Are we happy with a point? No,” Angel City interim coach Becki Tweed said. “It was good for us to keep a clean sheet, but we had opportunities to win the game.

    “I think sometimes when you play against 10 players, it can become a bit slippery, but again we prepared for it. We created opportunities to win the game, we just have to be more ruthless in the final third.”

    Lind was sent off in the 58th minute for a foul on Sydney Leroux. Initially, Lind was issued a yellow card for the foul. However, since she was the last defender, referee Sergi Demianchuk went to the video review and changed the card to a red for “denying of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.”

    From that moment, Angel City started to apply some pressure. In the 76th minute, Alyssa Thompson had two attempts, the first forced Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell into a diving save. A minute later, Thompson, coming down the left wing, got off a shot that hit the post, narrowly missing rolling inside the near post.

    In the 90th minute, Clarisse LeBihan also had a shot that hit the post.

    “I think is a game that we wanted three points especially when they went down to 10 players,” Angel City midfielder Julie Ertz said.

    If there is any team capable of surviving losing a player, it would be the Dash (4-3-6, 18 points). Last week, the Dash, who entered the week having scored the fewest (10) goals and allowed the fewest (10) in the league, went down to 10 players after a first-half red card and still managed to record a point in a scoreless draw against OL Reign.

    “They’re a really gritty team,” Tweed said of the Dash. “Hard to break down, pride themselves defensively. We watched them last week to look at if it did happen, how could we try and counter that. I think that we did, it’s just that end product piece for us. Once that clicks, I think we’re in a good spot. But we just have to keep growing, we have to keep picking up points, really important for us, but I do think there’s another level to keep us pushing on.”

    This is just the third time this season that Angel City has picked up points in consecutive games. Last week, they defeated San Diego Wave FC 2-1. Angel City (3-6-4) moves to 13 points in the standings, currently seven points behind the sixth and final playoff spot (San Diego 20 points) with nine games remaining.

    “We really wanted three points, so it feels a little disappointing,” Thompson said. “Having the shutout is good and I’m happy we didn’t lose.”

    Both Thompson and Ertz will report Monday to the U.S. women’s national team to begin preparation for the July 9 game against Wales and the FIFA World Cup, starting July 20.

    Angel City returns to Challenge Cup play Wednesday against San Diego Wave FC (7:30 p.m.). The next league game is Sunday on the road at NJ/NY Gotham FC.

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    Dodgers lose in extra innings, can’t sweep Astros
    • June 26, 2023

    Tony Gonsolin of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a two run homerun from Jose Abreu of the Houston Astros, to take a 4-1 Astros lead, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Jose Abreu of the Houston Astros celebrates his two run homerun with Jeremy Pena, to take a 4-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Tony Gonsolin of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his two run homerun in the dugout, to tie the game 4-4 with the Houston Astros, during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros pitches during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to umpire Jose Navas’s safe call during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros reacts to his pop fly out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Chas McCormick of the Houston Astros and Martin Maldonado celebrate a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Martin Maldonado of the Houston Astros and Seth Martinez celebrate the final out and a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Mauricio Dubon of the Houston Astros reacts after he slides safely to score in front of Yency Almonte of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to take a 6-5 lead, during the 11th inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Miguel Rojas of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his run from a sacrifice fly from Mookie Betts, to tie the game 5-5 with the Houston Astros during the tenth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts on the mound during the tenth inning against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Dusty Baker Jr. of the Houston Astros celebrates the run of Jeremy Pena, to take a 5-4 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers during the tenth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his 2000th hit, a double to score Mookie Betts to trail 4-2 to the Houston Astros, during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts celebrates with Freddie Freeman after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    Houston Astros’ Jeremy Pena celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson waves to fans before throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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    LOS ANGELES – As the 2017 World Series grows more distant, the Dodgers and Houston Astros are going to get closer.

    Thanks to the balanced schedule adopted by MLB beginning this season, the two will play each other every year now — though Dodgers fans will only get a chance every other season to rain boos down on the uniforms now occupied (mostly) by a generation of players that arrived post-scandal.

    In this edition of the matchup, the Dodgers came from behind for the second game in a row, this time only to force extra innings where the Astros cashed in their free runners in the 10th and 11th, beating the Dodgers 6-5 Sunday afternoon.

    For what it’s worth, the two teams have played 14 times in the years since the tainted World Series with the Dodgers winning eight.

    “I think for us, we’re just trying to win a ballgame against a good ballclub,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the matchup with the Astros.

    A week ago, the Dodgers didn’t seem very capable of doing that. Their June gloom has cleared in the past week, though. They won four in a row before Sunday’s loss.

    “We were just fighting all day,” said Freddie Freeman who reached a personal milestone with his 2,000th career hit Sunday. “Just much better baseball is being played by us the last week. … Everyone’s clicked — pitching staff and as an offense. So, hopefully we can continue that trend in Denver and on the road trip.”

    The Dodgers had to battle back Sunday after falling behind 4-1. Mookie Betts led off the game with a home run again — his second in the past three days (only a defensive gem by Astros left fielder Corey Julks Saturday kept it from being three in a row), eighth of the season and 44th of his career.

    But the Dodgers had just two more hits in six innings against rookie right-hander Hunter Brown.

    Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin, meanwhile, surrendered a pair of two-run home runs on hanging splitters to Jose Abreu and Jeremy Pena. He was pulled after just five innings and 61 pitches and has given up 15 runs in 21 2/3 innings over four starts this month.

    “I think my stuff wasn’t very good today,” Gonsolin said. “I hung two splitters and they definitely didn’t miss those.”

    Roberts agreed with Gonsolin’s self-assessment and said that was the reason for the early hook.

    “It just didn’t seem like today the stuff had a whole lot of teeth,” Roberts said. “There wasn’t a whole lot of strikeouts, swing-and-miss. And it just seemed like they were finding ways to put the ball in play.

    “I just felt with the top of the lineup coming up again, giving them a different look gave us the best chance to keep the game in hand, to give us a chance to win a ballgame.”

    The Dodgers didn’t seem poised for a breakout when Mookie Betts took a full-count pitch in the back from Astros reliever Rafael Montero who had retired the first two batters in the eighth inning.

    But Betts stole second and scored on Freeman’s second double of the game and 2,000th hit of his career. Freeman is the 98th player in baseball history to have 2,000 hits and 300 home runs (a milestone he reached last month).

    “I wasn’t really thinking about it because, you know, Im hoping to get more than 2,000 hits in my career so it’s not something I was really thinking about,” Freeman said.

    “Hits mean a lot to me. Everyone views success differently in their careers and how they go about it. But hits and average, that is what I care about. If I have a lot of hits and I have a good average, that means I’m getting on base a lot for our team and we’re able to score a lot of runs. That’s how I view it. … I like hits. Hopefully we get a lot more.”

    Will Smith followed with a big one of his own. He worked the count full before getting a fastball on the inner half and driving it 416 feet over the wall in center field to tie the game.

    It stayed tied into extra innings with the Dodgers’ bullpen seemingly rejuvenated. After Evan Phillips retired the Astros in the ninth, Dodgers relievers had allowed just one run over their previous 26 1/3 innings.

    Brusdar Graterol couldn’t hold the line — but the Astros bungled an opportunity for an even bigger inning.

    With the free runner on second, Corey Julks dropped a soft liner down the right field line to give the Astros the lead back. Jason Heyward kicked the ball, allowing Julks to go to second. A passed ball on Smith moved him to third and Jake Meyers drew a walk to put runners at the corners.

    With the infield in, No. 9 hitter Martin Maldonado bunted the ball back to Graterol who had Julks trapped off third but threw to first for the out. But Julks was slow to break for second and Betts (covering first on the play) threw home to Smith who ran Julks down for the double play.

    That baserunning blunder proved costly when the Dodgers cashed in the free runner in the bottom of the 10th to tie the game again. Michael Busch moved him to third with a ground out and Betts drove him in with a sacrifice fly — coming up several feel short of both beginning and ending the game with a home run.

    The Astros cashed in the free runner again in the top of the 11th when Alex Bregman singled through the boos and Mauricio Dubon made it home despite a late break from second.

    The Dodgers couldn’t match them this time. Astros second baseman Mauricio Dubon made an excellent sliding play on Smith’s bid for a ground ball up the middle. Miguel Vargas struck out and David Peralta grounded out to end the game.

    “I thought we got some breaks. We made our own breaks,” Roberts said of a turnaround week that included a lucky-hop grounder to win one game in Anaheim and a walk-and-balk fueled comeback Saturday. “If you look back at a week ago, we’re in a much better spot.

    “I think we’re staying in ballgames and finding ways to win.”

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    Homeless man struck and killed by vehicle in Garden Grove; motorist injured
    • June 26, 2023

    A homeless man in his 40s was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday morning in Garden Grove, authorities said.

    The woman behind the wheel of the truck that struck the pedestrian suffered head and legs injuries when the vehicle struck a tree. She was the lone occupant inside the vehicle, said Garden Grove police Sgt. Lino Santana.

    Officers dispatched about 1:10 a.m. to Chapman Avenue and Nelson Street, west of Euclid Street, reported that the woman had been trapped inside her truck  on Chapman Avenue, east of Nelson Avenue, Santana said.

    “As officers continued to arrive on scene, they observed a deceased male approximately 75 yards east from the traffic collision, on the southeast corner of Chapman Avenue and Diane Street,” he said.

    The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The motorist remained in the hospital Sunday evening and an update on her condition was not known.

    Drugs or alcohol were believed to have been a factor in the driver crashing, Santana said. No arrests had been announced Sunday evening.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Swanson: NBA free agency is all the rage, but have you watched kids play basketball lately?
    • June 26, 2023

    DOWNEY – What the heck am I doing here at Terance Mann’s basketball clinic, watching kids dribble and pass when the NBA’s annual free-agency frenzy is almost upon us?

    ’Tis the season; merry go-round season. When, with teams allowed to begin – heh, “begin” – negotiating with free agents Friday, all we’re supposed to talk about is who is going where and for what. Dominoes being more interesting than basketball.

    Maybe that’s why I’m here at Apollo Park in Downey, listening to 9-year-old Kennedy Burford – most improved on the day – tell me she just learned how to mix up moves on offense?

    Because I could use a palate cleanser, a reminder of what this business of T-Mann’s can also be about. Relationships, opportunity, athleticism – shoot, basketball.

    Also, because I was invited out by Mann’s mom, Daynia La-Force, a former college and WNBA coach whose momspeak features a coach’s intuition and a St. Lucian lilt.

    I appreciated covering her son when I was on the Clippers beat because of his willingness always to answer questions and his perfect attendance at the team’s charitable functions. Also for his energy on the court – a brand of unfailing effort was part of the curriculum at the free clinic Sunday, where the Clippers’ utility player officially launched the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation.

    Seventy youngsters between 6 and 12 and 60 more between 13 and 18 participated in a clinic run by La-Force’s husband, Eddie Bent (together, they make up BentForce Basketball). Mann was on hand to smile for countless photos and make it so attendees can tell all their friends they talked to a real-life NBA player.

    Terance Mann is surrounded.

    By little hoopers!

    Lots of photos as part of the free kickoff clinic for the aptly named Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation. pic.twitter.com/r9aDtjDuaw

    — Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) June 25, 2023

    “It’s not just something we want to do as a tax write-off, we really have pride in this and really want to change lives,” Mann, 26, said of his new initiative, to which he pledged $400,000. “So it’s an everyday thing for us.”

    And thus, a healthy distraction during the part of the offseason you have been so eagerly anticipating: “Yeah, for sure,” Mann said. “As you know, it’s chaotic. Anything can happen. So it’s nice to be able to be able to focus on my family and our foundation and whatever else happens, happens.”

    And just about anything can happen! Which is why you love it.

    And the NBA thanks you for your year-round devotion, even if the Finals, the pinnacle of the regular season, now stands as the penultimate event each year, just traffic on the way to free agency.

    So a how’d-he-do-that Nikola Jokic pass and Jimmy Butler’s all-guts-almost-glory resolve register a lesser thrill than a transaction that lights up 5.9 million cellphones at the same time.

    You live for the where-were-you-when moves: Kevin Durant to Golden State. KD (and Kyrie Irving) to Brooklyn. KD to Phoenix. Kyrie to Dallas. LeBron James to the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard – and Paul George!? – to the Clippers.

    Now you’re on alert, waiting with bated breath, for a tweet from one of the top NBA news-breakers: “PG to …

    I get it. I traded baseball cards once upon a time. I’ve run fantasy teams, a few of them successfully. And I try to tell myself that players are, in their way, artists. That basketball is like music and teams are like ensembles, that John Coltrane played both in Miles Davis’ band, and then in Thelonious Monk’s before getting his own – and that we, the listeners, are the better for it.

    But watching Kawhi swish a two-pointer from the midrange > discussing the second tax apron ad nauseam.

    It’s more fun to deposit an Austin Reaves halfcourt heave into the memory banks than try to remember when a pick swap is outside of the protected range.

    I’m down with OBPM, but all your BEA and TMLE and TPE are triggering a migraine. (That’s offensive box plus/minus, bi-annual exception, taxpayer mid-level and traded player exception, if you’re curious.)

    I was starting to think I might just be utterly, completely alone in this – but maybe not?

    Because Mann tells me he’s not such a fan of this stretch of the calendar either: “I just want to play ball, for sure. For sure.”

    Of course, for him, the NBA’s high-stake game of dominos is personal. It’s his career, his dreams, his future – all with the potential to influence how many scholarships and internships he can facilitate, how many clinics he’ll host, who he’ll be able to inspire and where.

    For you, it’s just fun and games. Well, not the games part. That’s boring now.

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    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Tigres UANL wins 2023 Campeón de Campeones
    • June 26, 2023

    JesusDaniel Hernandez Casiano of Pachuca takes the ball away from Javier Aquino of Tigres UANL during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Fernando Gorriaran of Tigres UANL scores a goal against Israel Luna Lopez of Pachuca during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Fernando Gorriaran of Tigres UANL celebrates after scoring a goal against Israel Luna Lopez of Pachuca with teammate Andre-Pierre Gignac during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Fernando Gorriaran of Tigres UANL celebrates after scoring a goal against Israel Luna Lopez of Pachuca with teammate Andre-Pierre Gignac during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Fernando Gorriaran of Tigres UANL scores a goal against Israel Luna Lopez of Pachuca during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Paullno De La Fuente Gonzalez of Pachuca misses a chance to score a goal against goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman of Tigres UANL as he is defended by Jesus Pizarro during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Paullno De La Fuente Gonzalez of Pachuca takes a shot on goal as he is defended by Jesus Pizarro of Tigres UANL during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

    Paullno De La Fuente Gonzalez of Pachuca misses a chance to score a goal against goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman of Tigres UANL as he is defended by Jesus Pizarro during the first half of 2023 Campeon de Campeones soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 25, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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    CARSON — Tigres UANL will go back to the Campeones Cup for the first time since 2018 as they defeated C.F. Pachuca 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park, taking the 2023 Campeón de Campeones title.

    Tigres possessed the ball 55% of the time, leading to two timely goals to secure the win. Tigres shot 11 total shots with five being on goal.

    UANL midfielder Fernando Gorriarán scored the Tigres’ first goal of the game at the 32nd minute while Nicolás Ibáñez scored the second of the team’s goals at the 76th minute.

    With the win, Tigres will face LAFC, the MLS defending champions, in the 2023 Campeones Cup later this year.

    “We are very happy for today’s achievement,” said Tigres’ head coach Robert Siboldi. “They played a great game against a great rival who has been playing well for some time. It went down to the distance for a reason. The boys showed they never settled for anything and showed they are hungry for victory.”

    Tigres controlled the first half, possessing the ball 54% of the time while also getting the ball in dangerous positions around the box.

    The well-controlled pace of play paid off at the 32nd minute when UANL midfielder Fernando Gorriarán received a pass from Juan Pablo Juan Pablo Vigón and drilled a shot on goal from the center of the box, putting Tigres up 1-0.

    Pachuca had their fair share of chances to score, but couldn’t capitalize. A total of 6 shots were taken by Pachuca in the first half, but only two made it on goal.

    At the half, Tigres led Pachuca 1-0.

    UANL took a commanding 2-0 lead on a diving header from Nicolás Ibáñez. Ibáñez checked into the game at the 74th minute and scored just two minutes after.

    But Pachuca responded quickly when midfielder Israel Luna Lopez scored the club’s first goal of heading in a cross from Tony Figueroa to cut the deficit to 2-1.

    In the 81st minute, Pachuca had another chance to tie with a free kick on the Tigres’ side of the field. Fernando Ovelar attempted a shot from just outside the box, but the ball fell into the hands of Tigres’ goalie Nahuel Guzmán.

    UANL closed out the game and escaped with the win over Pachuca to capture the Campeón de Campeones title.

    Tigres UANL has now won its fourth Campeón de Campeones and will go back to the Campeones Cup.

    Tigres UANL is the only La Liga MX team to win a Campeones Cup, winning the cup’s inaugural match in 2018 as they defeated Toronto FC in Toronto.

    Siboldi said he is excited to take on the challenge of LAFC in the Campeones Cup.

    “Winning this game means a chance to play in the final and when we play that game, we want to win it,” Siboldi said.

    Both teams will enter La Liga MX’s first championship season, Apertura 2023, starting at the end of June.

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    ​ Orange County Register 

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    Dodgers put Chris Taylor on IL with knee injury after all
    • June 25, 2023

    LOS ANGELES — Wishing and hoping — and even a cortisone injection — didn’t make it so. The Dodgers couldn’t avoid putting Chris Taylor on the Injured List.

    Taylor had been limited to two pinch-hit appearances over the past eight days. He went through a workout in the outfield before Sunday’s game but “it hasn’t gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Taylor’s knee injury, which includes a bone bruise.

    “You can see he’s compensating,” Roberts said. “The value of having him take an at-bat, not play defense, as opposed to giving him more time, didn’t make sense.”

    The move will be back-dated to Taylor’s pinch-hit appearance Wednesday in Anaheim, so he will be eligible to return on July 2. Whether Taylor needs to go on a rehab assignment will depend on how long he is sidelined, Roberts said.

    Yonny Hernandez was on the Dodgers’ taxi squad after Taylor received a cortisone injection last weekend. He returned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, went 0 for 3 there Saturday, then rejoined the Dodgers and was activated Sunday.

    COMEBACK TRAILS

    The Dodgers expect to get three injured players back in the week ahead.

    Left-hander Julio Urias went four innings and threw 60 pitches in a rehab start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. Urias allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out eight of the 15 batters he faced. Urias was also called for a pitch-clock violation.

    Urias is expected to rejoin the Dodgers’ starting rotation next weekend during their series in Kansas City. He has been out since May 18 with a hamstring injury.

    Third baseman Max Muncy took live at-bats on the field at Dodger Stadium Sunday and “had a good day,” according to Roberts.

    “I can’t imagine him not being at third base on Tuesday (in Colorado). Then we’ll probably give him a day (off) on Wednesday. Then back in there on Thursday,” Roberts said of Muncy who has been out since June 11 with a hamstring injury.

    Veteran reliever Daniel Hudson checked another box on his rehab assignment with OKC, pitching an “up-down” — retiring the side in one inning, then going out to start the next. He retired all four batters he faced, three on strikeouts.

    udson retired 10 of the 11 batters he faced while with OKC and will now make one more rehab outing Tuesday in the Arizona Complex League, according to Roberts. He is expected to join the Dodgers in Kansas City and could be activated on Friday, almost exactly one year since he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee.

    Meanwhile, right-hander Jimmy Nelson continued his rehab with OKC Sunday, pitching a scoreless inning with a single and a strikeout.

    JACKSON TRADED

    The Dodgers traded right-hander Andre Jackson to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. Jackson was designated for assignment earlier this week.

    The 27-year-old Jackson was once ranked among the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects but he was never able to establish himself at the major-league level. Over the past three seasons, he made 14 relief appearances with the Dodgers and posted a 4.15 ERA.

    The Pirates assigned Jackson to Triple-A Indianapolis.

    UP  NEXT

    The Dodgers are off Monday.

    Dodgers (LHP Clayton Kershaw, 9-4, 2.72 ERA) at Rockies (RHP Connor Seabold, 1-3, 5.88 ERA), Tuesday, 5:40 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

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    ​ Orange County Register 

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