Screen Shots: June 26th-July 2nd, 2025

Welcome to Screen Shots! This is where I tell you what sporting events you should watch on TV every week! Make sure you subscribe so it comes straight to your inbox! Have your own suggestions? Shoot me an email at [email protected]!

Hello! Some housekeeping for all of you lovely people. We are in the summer sports doldrums. Outside of the MLB and WNBA, there’s just not a ton out there to watch. Be prepared for an increase in non-live sports entries, like my “On This Day In Sports History” factoids.

Also, this past week’s episode of Beyond The Arc with Brandon Silvers featured a return from the always-entertaining Herbert Johnson. We discussed the cancellation of Grand Slam Track, why field events are always left out, and ways to solve that. Enjoy!

Now, to the sports!

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

• Women’s International Soccer Friendly: Ireland vs. USWNT at 9:00 pm (ET) on TBS

The return of Croix Bethune! The young star burst onto the NWSL scene last season, winning Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year, while also helping the USWNT win gold in Paris. However, she hasn’t played internationally since tearing her meniscus while throwing out the first pitch at a Nationals’ game. Head coach Emma Hayes is also using this time to call up some first-timers while the European-based players get some much-needed rest. Come take a glimpse at what the 2027 World Cup could look like!

Friday, June 27th, 2025

• WNBA:  Minnesota Lynx @ Atlanta Dream at 7:30 pm (ET) on ION

Is there any player shooting the ball with more confidence than rookie Te-Hina Paopao? The former Gamecock has hit 14 of her last 22 3-point attempts, and is currently 3rd in the league in 3-point shooting percentage at .526. Dream coach Karl Smesko has stuck with Jordin Canada as the starter due to her defense and more traditional point guard skills, but I’m not sure how much longer that justification will work.

• WNBA: Chicago Sky @ Golden State Valkyries at 10:00 pm (ET) on ION

Oh, look, another former Gamecock lighting it up! Many thought Laeticia Amihere was a lock to make the Valkyries’ opening day roster after an impressive preseason showing, but she was among the team’s final cuts. However, they brought her back earlier this month, and she’s rewarded them by providing a huge boost off the bench.

Amihere’s offensive game looks much improved from her time in Atlanta. And, of course, she still provides the disruptiveness on defense that helped make her a first-round pick in 2023. The Valkyries, who continue to be the surprise team of the league so far, will have some tough decisions to make as players return to the active roster over the next couple of weeks.

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

• MLB: Seattle Mariners @ Texas Rangers at 4:05 pm (ET) on FS1

Mariners C Cal Raleigh can’t stop hitting dingers. He’s already eclipsed the MLB record for HRs by a catcher before the All-Star break, and is well on track to shatter the season-long record for the position. Raleigh is currently on a 66-homer pace that would shatter the current mark of 48 set by Salvador Perez in 2021. Where is all this power coming from? According to his nickname, his ass. The “Big Dumper” earned the moniker due to his bootyliciousness. A true power bottom. Are the Rangers ready for his jelly?

Sunday, June 29th, 2025

• Concacaf Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. USMNT at 7:00 pm (ET) on FS1

The USMNT breezed into the quarterfinals by winning all 3 of their matches with a combined +7 goal differential. Even more impressive considering how bad they’ve looked leading up to this and all of the drama surrounding who isn’t here. However, a loss here would make all of that meaningless.

Monday, June 30th, 2025

• MLB: San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks at 9:40 pm (ET) on FS1

The Dodgers have had a stranglehold on this division for over a decade, and find themselves in first place once again. To have a prayer at ending their reign, you have to make big, bold moves, much like the one the Giants made by trading for star Rafael Devers. The Dominican slugger has averaged 33 home runs and 107 RBIs per 162 games since becoming a full-time big leaguer in 2018. San Francisco is currently 2nd in the NL West, and a series win against a D’backs squad that is banged up would go a long way towards keeping pace with the defending World Series champs.

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

• MLB: Cleveland Guardians @ Chicago Cubs at 8:05 pm (ET) on TBS

July 1st, but the temperatures have felt like early August for a couple of weeks now. Even in the Windy City, where the Cubs series against the Mariners last weekend was hot enough to damn near kill the home-plate ump and a Seattle reliever. Temps are forecasted to be lower for this one, but who really knows since we no longer have meteorologists?

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

• On This Day In Sports History: In 1995, Dodgers P Hideo Nomo became the first Japanese player to be named to an MLB All-Star team

Before Yoshi, Shohei, and Roki, there was Hideo. The first Japanese-born major leaguer in 30 years burst onto the scene with a funky windup that confused batters. Not only did he earn the starting spot for the NL, but he was also named the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year. Nomo played 13 more seasons, but none were as good as this first one. Here’s a really good story on why that doesn’t matter.

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