Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

The daily pitch from Sports Editor : June 30, 2026

• The daily pitch from Sports Editor : June 30, 2026

Matt Daniels, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.Tue, Jun 30, 2026·1 min read

Jun. 30—➜ , with First Team selections in baseball and softball planning on stopping by our Champaign newsroom.

➜ . A career that saw her win our girls' basketball Player of the Year twice and our volleyball Player of the Year once. Beyond impressive.

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times a former Illinois men's golfer has won the John Deere Classic. is the reigning champion after his playoff victory in 2025 allowed him to join in this elite group. Stricker won the PGA Tour event near the Quad Cities three straight times in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Campbell, , and are the former Illini in this year's field that tees off Thursday in Silvis.

➜ . The three-game series between the Cardinals (43-38) and Braves (49-33) starts at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday from Truist Park. Bismarck-Henning graduate has a 0-0 record with a 2.70 ERA, 22 strikeouts and eight walks in 20 innings out of the Braves' bullpen.

➜ . Danville graduate and the rest of his Dodgers' teammates started a three-game series on Monday night from Sacramento, Calif.

➜ . The Dans (16-11) and Bean Ballers (9-18) resume Prospect League play at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Danville Stadium.

➜ Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

➜ "The Office."

➜ people cheering after winning easy points.