** The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak as they face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s a chance for the team to regain momentum and turn things around after a rough patch.

What This Mean: ** For baseball fans, especially Dodgers supporters, this game is a key moment—either a chance to bounce back or a risk of extending a slump. It’s not a make-or-break situation, but losing streaks can mess with a team’s confidence, so this matchup carries some weight.

** The Baltimore Orioles are heading into their next game against the Milwaukee Brewers on a rough patch—they’ve been losing lately, and that’s not the momentum any team wants. Fans are hoping they can turn things around, but it won’t be easy against a tough opponent like the Brewers.

What This Mean: ** Losing streaks can mess with a team’s confidence, and for the Orioles, this slump could hurt their standing in the league. Baseball fans will be watching to see if they can snap out of it or if the Brewers will add to their woes. It’s one of those moments where a single game could shift the season’s vibe.

** The Miami Marlins are kicking off a three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs, setting the stage for an early-season matchup that could set the tone for both teams. While it's just one series in a long season, these games could hint at whether the Marlins can hold their own against a competitive Cubs squad or if Chicago's lineup will overpower them.

What This Mean: ** Baseball fans love tracking how teams stack up early in the season, and this series could be a sneak peek at whether the Marlins are contenders or if the Cubs are starting strong. Plus, divisional matchups always add a little extra spice—even if it's just April.

** The Boston Red Sox are kicking off a three-game series against the New York Mets at home. It’s an early-season matchup that could set the tone for both teams, especially with the Mets looking to bounce back from a rocky start and the Red Sox aiming to build momentum.

What This Mean: ** Baseball fans get an interesting interleague clash here—two historic franchises with passionate fanbases. While it’s just one series in a long season, games like these can hint at how competitive these teams will be down the stretch. Plus, any Red Sox-Mets matchup brings back memories of their 1986 World Series drama, adding a little extra spice.

** Juan Soto was all set to be the star of ESPN's *Sunday Night Baseball*, not only for his much-anticipated return to Yankee Stadium but also for a planned in-game mic'd-up interview. But in a last-minute twist, the plan shifted—Soto ended up being a pinch hitter instead, throwing a curveball into the broadcast's lineup.

What This Mean: ** This kind of unpredictability is why live sports are so fun—even the best-laid plans can change in an instant. For fans, it’s a reminder that Soto’s presence alone shakes things up, whether he’s talking or swinging. And for broadcasters, it’s a lesson in flexibility when covering the game.

** The Minnesota Twins' incredible 13-game winning streak—their longest since 1991—and their shutout streak both came crashing down in a 5-2 loss to the Brewers on Sunday. After weeks of dominance, the team finally stumbled, ending what had been a historic run.

What This Mean: ** Streaks like this don’t happen often, so when they snap, it’s a big deal—especially for Twins fans riding the high of their team’s best stretch in decades. The loss doesn’t erase how impressive the run was, but it’s a reminder that even the hottest teams can’t win forever. Now, the question is whether they can bounce back or if this marks a turning point in their season.

** Mets star Pete Alonso didn’t hold back after a costly throwing error led to a crushing 8-2 loss against the Yankees. He openly called his mistake "awful" and shouldered the blame for the team’s collapse, saying the game was "on me." No excuses, just raw accountability from one of the team’s leaders.

What This Mean: ** Alonso’s honesty is refreshing, but it underscores a tough reality for the Mets—their struggles are hitting a boiling point, and even their stars are feeling the heat. For fans, it’s a mix of frustration and respect: you hate to see a player beat himself up, but you also want that kind of accountability when things go wrong. In a rivalry as charged as Mets-Yankees, mistakes like this sting extra hard.

** Max Fried, a pitcher who grew up with the excitement of the Freeway Series in California, got his first taste of the iconic Subway Series rivalry between the Yankees and Mets this weekend. Pitching at Yankee Stadium, he shared his candid thoughts on the electric atmosphere created by the roaring fans of both teams.

What This Mean: ** The Subway Series is one of baseball’s most storied rivalries, and Fried’s perspective as an outsider-turned-participant offers a fresh take on what makes these games special. For fans, it’s a reminder of how intense and unique these matchups feel—even for seasoned players.

** Mets slugger Pete Alonso didn’t mince words after Sunday’s loss to the Yankees, openly pointing fingers—though he didn’t specify who or what was at fault. The crosstown rivalry game ended in disappointment for the Mets, and Alonso’s post-game comments suggest frustration is bubbling up in the clubhouse.

What This Mean: ** Rivalry games always sting, but when a star player like Alonso calls out problems publicly, it’s a sign things might be unraveling behind the scenes. For Mets fans, it’s another rough moment in a season that’s had too many of them—and for baseball watchers, it’s a glimpse into the pressure cooker of a struggling team.