The Boston Red Sox traveled all the way to Los Angeles on Friday night and left with a massive 9–4 victory over the Dodgers — the team with the best record in the entire National League at 69–41. This wasn't just a win; this was a statement. Outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was the star of the show, going 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored, and even a stolen base. That's what you call a complete performance!
The Dodgers are still clearly the class of the NL West, but the Red Sox (now 58–51) proved they can hang with anyone. Boston is fighting hard for a playoff spot in a tight American League East where the Rays lead at 64–45 and the Yankees sit in second at 62–48. Every win in August counts big time, and this one was HUGE. The Red Sox are now just 6.5 games back of the division lead — not out of it by any means!
It was a wild night all around baseball — 15 games were played on July 31, and most of them were competitive right up until the end. The Tigers absolutely destroyed the Athletics 13–1 in the night's biggest blowout (more on that below), while the Astros pounded the Rangers 11–2 in a Texas showdown. Friday was a great day to be a baseball fan — unless you cheer for the Cubs, who got shut out by the Yankees, 2–0!
It was a jam-packed Friday in baseball with all 30 teams in action (minus the off-day squads). Here are all the final scores from July 31, 2026:
| Matchup | Away | Home | Star Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYY @ CHC | Yankees 2 ✓ | Cubs 0 | W. Warren: 6.2 IP, 0 ER, 7 K |
| PIT @ CIN | Pirates 7 | Reds 8 ✓ | S. Stewart: HR, 4 RBI |
| PHI @ BAL | Phillies 4 | Orioles 6 ✓ | T. Turner: 3-4, HR, 2 R |
| STL @ TOR | Cardinals 1 | Blue Jays 3 ✓ | D. Cease: 6 IP, 1 ER, 7 K |
| ARI @ CLE | Diamondbacks 4 ✓ | Guardians 1 | T. Bibee: 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 K |
| CHW @ TB | White Sox 6 ✓ | Rays 1 | M. Murakami: HR, 2 RBI, 2 R |
| MIA @ NYM | Marlins 5 ✓ | Mets 2 | K. Stowers: HR, 2B, RBI |
| WSH @ ATL | Nationals 2 | Braves 6 ✓ | M. Harris II: HR, 3 RBI |
| TEX @ HOU | Rangers 2 | Astros 11 ✓ | Y. Diaz: 4-5, HR, 2 R |
| KC @ COL | Royals 1 | Rockies 3 ✓ | C. Jensen: HR, RBI |
| MIL @ LAA | Brewers 6 ✓ | Angels 2 | J. Bauers: HR, 3 RBI, 2 R |
| DET @ ATH | Tigers 13 ✓ | Athletics 1 | M. Clark: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R |
| SF @ SD | Giants 0 | Padres 7 ✓ | J. Bowen: HR, RBI |
| BOS @ LAD | Red Sox 9 ✓ | Dodgers 4 | C. Rafaela: 3-5, HR, 2 RBI, SB |
| MIN @ SEA | Twins 5 ✓ | Mariners 3 | B. Lee: HR, 2 RBI |
Quick takes: The Tigers blasted the A's 13–1 — that's the most runs scored in any game yesterday! The Brewers (now 68–41!) kept rolling with a 6–2 win over the Angels. The Braves (65–45) also stayed hot with a 6–2 beatdown of Washington. Yordan Diaz went FOUR-for-FIVE for Houston. What a night at the ballpark! 🔥
Just one MLS match on Friday night, but it was a tense one! Toronto FC traveled to New York City and the two teams played to a 1–1 draw at Yankee Stadium. NYCFC needed the win at home but couldn't hold on. A point each is how it ended — drama city!
| Matchup | Away | Home | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOR @ NYCFC | Toronto 1 | NYCFC 1 | Draw (FT) |
NFL teams are in Training Camp mode right now! Pads are going on, quarterbacks are slinging passes, and rookies are trying to make the roster. Preseason games kick off soon — the regular season starts in September. All teams are 0–0, so everyone has hope! 🏈
The NBA is in the offseason. Free agency deals have been flying, and teams are prepping for next season. The Thunder (64–18) and Spurs (62–20) were the cream of the crop this past year. Training camp opens in late September — can't wait! 🏀
College hoops is on summer break. Players are hitting the gym, recruiting is happening, and coaches are building their rosters. The season tips off in November — March Madness will be here before you know it! 🎓🏀
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rays | 64 | 45 | — |
| Yankees | 62 | 48 | 2.5 |
| Red Sox | 58 | 51 | 6.0 |
| Orioles | 54 | 56 | 10.5 |
| Blue Jays | 51 | 59 | 13.5 |
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Sox | 58 | 51 | — |
| Twins | 56 | 55 | 3.0 |
| Guardians | 56 | 55 | 3.0 |
| Tigers | 52 | 58 | 6.5 |
| Royals | 46 | 65 | 13.0 |
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astros | 56 | 55 | — |
| Rangers | 55 | 55 | 0.5 |
| Mariners | 53 | 58 | 3.0 |
| Athletics | 45 | 65 | 10.5 |
| Angels | 42 | 68 | 13.5 |
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 65 | 45 | — |
| Phillies | 57 | 53 | 8.0 |
| Marlins | 56 | 55 | 9.5 |
| Nationals | 55 | 56 | 10.5 |
| Mets | 47 | 64 | 18.5 |
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewers | 68 | 41 | — |
| Cubs | 62 | 48 | 6.5 |
| Pirates | 55 | 56 | 14.0 |
| Cardinals | 54 | 56 | 14.5 |
| Reds | 52 | 57 | 16.0 |
| Team | W | L | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers | 69 | 41 | — |
| Diamondbacks | 58 | 52 | 11.5 |
| Padres | 56 | 54 | 13.0 |
| Giants | 47 | 63 | 22.0 |
| Rockies | 43 | 67 | 26.0 |
Season is over — here's how the final standings looked!
| Team | W–L |
|---|---|
| Thunder | 64–18 |
| Spurs | 62–20 |
| Pistons | 60–22 |
| Celtics | 56–26 |
| Nuggets | 54–28 |