The Mets beat Seattle 7-3 in Williamsport, sparked by Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos driving in three straight runs in the second inning, giving New York a quick 3-0 edge. Vientos added a three-run homer in the fifth, Lindor followed with an RBI double, and Cal Raleigh spoiled with a late two-run shot for Seattle. Raleigh’s hit capped his MLB-leading 47th homer, a reminder of the power across both teams. The Little League crowd soaked it all in as Soto delighted with his signature shuffle, and the event offered a rare mix of big-lelague dingers and Little League joy as players traded hats, autographs and stories with the Williamsport youngsters. Autographs, hats, and even a toilet-seat signing highlighted the day, with cross-border and cross-country meets that underscored the fun overlap between the majors and the Little League World Series.

Beyond the box score, the game served as a fantasy lens: Mets’ early offense and Vientos’ power surge point to a deeper lineup threat as the season winds down, while Raleigh’s blast reinforces his elite power upside for Seattle. Soto’s presence and the playful sidebars with Little Leaguers add narrative fuel for daily fantasy and DFS tournaments, where cost-effective stacks from the Mets or the Mariners could pay off in the right matchups. The event also underscored how crossovers between the majors and Williamsport can spark momentum and spark plug performances from rosters that fantasy owners watch closely in late-season runs.

Bottom line: the Mets’ offense looked strong, Raleigh kept Seattle in the conversation with power, and the Little League Classic delivered memorable moments that are as valuable for fantasy chatter as for fans watching the ball fly out of Bowman Field.

Seattle travels to Baltimore for a high-stakes tilt with the Orioles, a game that could echo last night’s tight 1-0 Mariners win behind seven innings from George Kirby. Tonight Logan Gilbert faces Trevor Rogers in a rematch of two potent young aces, with Kremer back on the other side. Naylor’s RBI in the first provided the difference and kept Baltimore in striking distance, but the visitors won with pitching and minimal offense. Expect another low-scoring duel as both bullpens get taxed late. NBC Sports lines list Seattle at -141 with a 8.0 over/under and a -1.5 spread, signaling a slim edge for the visitors in a battle of craft over power. Fantasy managers should lean on Gilbert’s elite strikeout pace, Rogers’ stingy ERA, and the potential for one big swing from Naylor or Suarez to swing a shallow scoreboard.

In a season shaped by pitching duels, this matchup could hinge on a handful of at-bats in the first two frames. The Mariners have rode a 9-1 stretch in their last 10, while Baltimore tries to arrest a slide. Polanco and Suarez have shown upside in August, while Polanco’s recent struggles and Suarez’s August slump warrant a measured approach. If you’re chasing upside, both Gilbert and Kremer carry the upside of a big K night or abes of control, while the under has cred in recent Mariners-Orioles affairs.

Across the board, the day’s model leans toward cautious betting and careful DFS builds: a low-scoring game with a narrow winning margin, and a few players poised for breakout moments from deep rosters. The game’s path to fantasy relevance comes through Gilbert’s matchup control, Naylor’s early-inning contact, and the bullpen bridge that follows a tight start.

As the MLB season hits its mid-point, savvy fantasy baseball managers are scouring the waiver wire for impactful players. Among the top recommended pickups are Drake Baldwin, a catcher for the Atlanta Braves, whose recent performance indicates he could be a solid contributor. With 11 home runs and a .841 OPS this season, Baldwin offers considerable power for a catcher.

Mickey Moniak of the Colorado Rockies is another potential gem. After a slow start, he has hit an impressive .338 since June 1, showcasing his ability to generate runs in a potent lineup, especially in the favorable hitting environment of Coors Field.

Victor Caratini, currently with the Houston Astros, has stepped in as a reliable hitter, delivering power and consistency during a stretch with injured teammates. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton, now back from injury, shows flashes of his former power, making him a worthwhile risk for teams needing a boost in home runs.

Lastly, Jorge Polanco of the Seattle Mariners is on a hot streak, providing solid offensive production as he looks to continue his success into the second half of the season. Each of these players presents an opportunity to strengthen fantasy rosters as the playoff race heats up.

Lineup Lowdown continues to analyze trends in player performance and playing time, specifically focusing on those who may be undervalued or overvalued. Tyler O'Neill of the Baltimore Orioles has recently returned from injury but has struggled at the plate, leading to limited playing time. Ramon Laureano has outperformed O'Neill, securing regular spots in the lineup. The Boston Red Sox are experimenting with Ceddanne Rafaela, who has taken on a new role at second base while maintaining his center field duties. The New York Yankees are dealing with shake-ups in their lineup, including Jazz Chisholm's return to second base and Ben Rice's decline in playing time due to competition from Jasson Dominguez. The Tampa Bay Rays saw Ha-Seong Kim return to the lineup after a minor injury, while the Toronto Blue Jays are benefitting from Nathan Lukes leading off. Other notable mentions include Nick Loftin from the Kansas City Royals, who has been performing well, and Jorge Polanco from the Seattle Mariners, who is experiencing a power surge.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz showcased his remarkable arm strength, delivering a throw clocked at 105.2 mph to assist in tagging out Seattle's J.P. Crawford at the plate during a recent game. This impressive feat marks the second-fastest recorded throw resulting in an outfield assist since the inception of Statcast in 2015, just shy of Aaron Hicks' record of 105.5 mph. Cruz's throw was pivotal during the first inning following a well-placed single from Jorge Polanco.

Using his towering 6-foot-7 frame, Cruz executed a precise one-hop throw to catcher Henry Davis, who successfully applied the tag. This performance adds to Cruz's growing reputation as a Statcast sensation, having previously recorded the hardest-hit ball since tracking began with a 122.9 mph home run.