The daily pitch from Sports Editor : Aug. 14, 2026

Aug. 14—➜ . The second-year Denver wide receiver — who caught 31 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown during his rookie season — could start to deliver on that Friday night when the Broncos play at Atlanta in their preseason opener.. ➜ 2. Speaking of preseason NFL games, keep an eye on the Bills-Panthers on Saturday. . ➜ . We'll unveil our No. 1 team in the Aug. 21 paper (hint: it's another Champaign County team) before the season gets going. runs former Illini has allowed in his first three relief appearances with the New York Mets. The 26-year-old left-hander, a 14th-round draft pick by the Mets in 2021 who made his MLB debut on Aug. 4 against the Guardians in Cleveland, has only given up one hit and struck out five in 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The Mets host the Nationals at 6:10 p.m. on Friday at Citi Field. ➜ . The lone exhibition match for the Illini before they open the season on Aug. 28 against Cincinnati happens at 3 p.m. on Sunday from Huff Hall in Champaign. ➜ . Former Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond softball standout is the team captain for this Athletes Unlimited All-Star Cup game is set to get underway at 11 a.m. on Saturday in Rosemont. ➜ . Champaign native and the Rockies start a three-game road series on Friday night at Oracle Park. Gordon last pitched this past Sunday in St. Louis, throwing 3 1/3 innings in relief. He gave up two runs and four hits and was tagged with the loss as the Cardinals beat the Rockies 7-4. Gordon is now 0-3 with a 5.88 ERA in 67 1/3 innings pitched this season. ➜ Michael Jordan, Keaton Wagler and Shaquille O'Neal. ➜ "The Rookie." ➜ people chewing with their mouth open.