The daily pitch from staff writer : July 10, 2026

Jul. 10—Illinois quarterback Carson Boyd, a Cardinal Ritter (Mo.) product originally from O'Fallon will throw out the first pitch ahead of a 7:15 p.m. start on Friday in the series-opening game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Boyd, Brandon Henderson, Nick Hankins Jr. and Jacob Eberhart — Illinois' St. Louis and Metro East contingent — will also sign autographs starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Ford Plaza in center field.

Illinois Hall of Famer Scott Spiezio, now a Cardinals broadcaster, spent the final two years of his 12-year MLB career in St. Louis and was part of the 2006 World Series team that beat the Detroit Tigers in five games. The former Illini also played with the Athletics, Angels and Mariners in the majors.

Big Ten athletes, coaches and administrators, including Illinois athletes Reece Ihenacho, Summer Clancy, Audrey Cavaliere and Kayla Duran, will spend this weekend in Oregon as part of the conference's "Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest" trip. The annual event was created to provide an understanding of a region's history, culture and community. Previous trips have explored Selma, Ala., and Mount Vernon, Iowa.

will get a shot at his old team as the Bucks open Summer League play in Las Vegas (3 p.m., Friday, Prime). The former Illini guard was dealt by the Heat ahead of the draft in the trade.

Former Illinois forward made a statement with his play during the California Classic. Can he do the same in Vegas with the Nets trying to one-up the reigning champs (5 p.m., Friday, Prime)?

Walking triple-double threat is trying to parlay a solid G League rookie season into more with the Nuggets. This game against the Rockets is the former Illini's first chance (5:30 p.m., Friday, ESPN2).

Tobin Heath, Trinity Rodman and Paige Bueckers.

"House."

people talking over each other.