WESTFIELD – The New Britain Bees hit a three-run home run in the first inning and never looked back in an eventual 15-1 win over the Westfield Starfires on Sunday.Westfield fell to 11-12 on the season.In a harbinger of things to come, Brady Paul led off for the Bees, and on a 3-2 pitch, hit a pop-up to shallow center field that Westfield’s defense could not find in the sun; it fell in for a double. A strikeout, a walk, and a pop-up put Westfield on the brink of escaping the inning, but Tim Hennig fouled off five straight pitches before cranking a 2-2 offering over the right-field fence for a three-run shot.Westfield did get a run back in its half of the inning; University of Saint Joseph’s senior JJ Fox slapped the first pitch he saw down the left-field line for a double, and ultimately came home on a groundout by Louisiana Tech sophomore Easton Sanders.That was the only hit for the Starfires, however, and New Britain hit its stride midway through the game. Three straight singles in the fourth plated another run, and another single thereafter made it 5-1, but the real blow was in the fifth as a leadoff fielding error precipitated an inning where the Bees sent 11 men to the plate, including Paul crushing another three-run blast to right and Hennig driving in another run. When the dust settled, the Bees led 11-1.Not content with a 10-run lead, the visiting side batted around again in the sixth, sending 10 players to the plate and scoring four times. The rest of the game went quickly as the run rule went into effect after the seventh for the 15-1 final.Incoming Franklin Pierce University freshman Jayden Ortiz took the loss in his first collegiate-level start, despite striking out three.Westfield will get another chance to beat the Bees. The teams were expected to meet in New Britain, Connecticut, on Monday for the second game in the four-game stretch, but due to inclement weather was postponed and will now be made up as part of a double header Tuesday. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:35 p.m.Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kyle Tucker was removed from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Minnesota Twins in the second inning June 22 with an apparent injury.Tucker went from first to second base on a single by teammate Tommy Edman. After taking a moment to collect himself, the veteran outfielder was replaced by pinch runner Alex Call.Tucker is baseball’s highest paid player this season, at $60 million. He is off to a slow start in Los Angeles, hitting .234 with six home runs and six stolen bases in 74 games.MORE: Phillies sign former Dodgers prospect, 27, after monster monthFor all the shortcomings of Tucker’s first season since signing a four-year, $240 million contract in January, availability was not among them. He has appeared in all but one game this season. In his first plate appearance against the Twins, Tucker drew a walk against Zebby Matthews.More to come on this story.

For the fifth consecutive year, former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg has been left waiting for a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame.The Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 on Monday, and Zetterberg was not among the players selected for induction. Instead, Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, Cindy Curley, and executive Brian Burke earned enshrinement this year.For Red Wings fans, the news is likely to reignite a familiar debate: How much longer will Zetterberg have to wait?Another Year of Waiting for Henrik ZetterbergThis marked Zetterberg’s fifth appearance on the Hockey Hall of Fame ballot since becoming eligible.To gain induction, a candidate must receive support on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast by the Hall’s 18-member selection committee. Specific voting totals are not made public, leaving little insight into how close Zetterberg came to earning a spot this year.Despite falling short once again, his résumé remains one of the strongest among eligible candidates.A Career Built on WinningZetterberg spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Red Wings, appearing in 1,082 regular season games while recording 337 goals and 960 points.His greatest accomplishments often came on the biggest stages.Zetterberg played a pivotal role in Detroit’s 2008 Stanley Cup championship and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after posting 27 points during the postseason. He later succeeded Nicklas Lidstrom as team captain and helped guide the franchise through a period of transition.Known for his elite two-way play, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Zetterberg earned widespread respect throughout the hockey world.Will His Time Come?Many Hall of Fame observers continue to believe Zetterberg’s eventual induction is a matter of when, not if.His combination of individual success, playoff excellence, international accomplishments, and Stanley Cup pedigree makes a compelling case. However, the Hall of Fame process can be unpredictable, particularly when multiple first-ballot candidates enter the discussion.For now, the former Red Wings star remains on the outside looking in.But as Detroit fans know all too well, Zetterberg built his career on patience, perseverance, and delivering when the moment mattered most. Those same qualities may ultimately carry him into hockey immortality.

MotoGP riders completed their first official test on Pirelli prototype tires ahead of the Italian brand replacing Michelin as the sole tire supplier for the 2027 season. The test will help provide vital data ahead of next season, when MotoGP changes both the tire supplier, sees a reduction in engine capacity to 850cc, and introduces other new rules.The test, held at Autodrom Brno, involved contracted riders for the very first time, alongside test riders, representing all five manufacturers currently competing in MotoGP. The list of riders participating included:Marc Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer for DucatiMarco Bezzecchi and Raúl Fernández for ApriliaLuca Marini and Joan Mir for HondaToprak Razgatlıoğlu and Augusto Fernández for YamahaPedro Acosta, Daniel Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró for KTMEach manufacturer brought two bikes to the test, including a mix of prototypes of the 850cc machines set to compete in 2027, and current 1,000cc race bikes detuned to simulate the performance of the smaller-capacity engines.The test was the first of three scheduled to take place. Testing will continue September 21 after the Grand Prix of Austria, and December 1 after the season ending Grand Prix of Valencia. Begin Press Release:Pirelli completes MotoGP 2027 tyre test – the first open also to contracted riders - in BrnoAll five Manufacturers took part in the test, each choosing the riders who would test out the tyres, on both the prototypes of the 850 cc bikes that will debut in 2027 and on current bikes, detuned and modified to simulate the new configurationOn track, racing riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Luca Marini, Raúl Fernández, Joan Mir, Pedro Acosta, Fermín Aldeguer, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Márquez, alongside test riders Daniel Pedrosa, Pol Espargaró and Augusto FernándezAccording to Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, "The overall test outcome was positive, both in terms of feedback quality and constructive contribution made by riders and Manufacturers. All developments are progressing according to plan"Today, at Autodrom Brno, Pirelli completed the test on its MotoGP™ 2027 tyre prototypes, involving for the first time the contracted riders selected by the teams. This in an important milestone in the development journey that will lead the company towards its role as the sole tyre supplier for the premier class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship from 2027 onwards. The solutions developed by Pirelli were tested by Marc Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer for Ducati, Marco Bezzecchi and Raúl Fernández for Aprilia, Luca Marini and Joan Mir for Honda, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu for Yamaha, and Pedro Acosta for KTM, along with test riders Daniel Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró for KTM, and Augusto Fernández for Yamaha.The test day - held mostly in sunny weather in the morning and under slightly cloudier skies from mid-afternoon, with air and track temperatures similar to those registered during the race weekend - was attended by all five Manufacturers competing in the FIM Road Racing World Championship, with two bikes each. In some cases, they were prototypes of the 850 cc machines that will debut next year, and in others the current bikes adapted to simulate the 2027 technical configuration. Pirelli asked each Manufacturer to provide at least one racing rider, plus one or two test riders on the second bike. The testing programme was agreed in advance with the Manufacturer and IRTA, included different run plans for the two bikes provided by each Manufacturer to maximise data collection and allow Pirelli technicians and the Manufacturers engineers to evaluate the development solutions being tested more effectively. The contracted riders' presence allowed the integration of information already collected in previous tests with actual feedback of the MotoGP™ performance level, providing useful elements that will be helpful in defining the tyres designed for the new generation of bikes.At the end of the test, Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said: "I would like to thank the riders and Manufacturers for their helpfulness and for the enthusiasm they showed in such a significant test on our journey toward the MotoGP™ 2027. The run plans were demanding, with many solutions to evaluate, after a race weekend characterised by high temperatures, and just a few days before the next Grand Prix. After the private sessions that were so far held only with test riders, in Brno we were finally able to gather useful feedback on 2027 tyres for the future 850 cc bikes also from some contracted riders.All Manufacturers completed the programmes we'd agreed on, with differentiated run plans for the two bikes to maximise data collection, and some riders also carried out Sprint Race simulations and full race-distance runs. The collaboration with riders and Manufacturers continues to be highly constructive and developments are progressing according to plan. The data collected today, along with those from the next private tests and from the September test after the Austrian GP and the end-of-season test in Valencia, will be fundamental in defining the final characteristics of the 2027 range".Today's test was the first of three sessions scheduled during the season with racing riders. The next ones will take place on the Monday following the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, and on the Tuesday after the final Grand Prix of the season in Valencia.Pirelli's journey towards joining the MotoGP™ in 2027 began last year at the Misano circuit, on the Tuesday following the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix, with a first test completed by test riders. This was followed by numerous private sessions, still with test riders, to continue the developments that led to the definition of the tyres tested today at Brno.Indeed, 2027 will mark a major change for MotoGP™, with the engine capacity decreasing from the current 1000 cc to 850 cc, and other significant changes being introduced in terms of aerodynamics and bike set-up, including the elimination of front and rear ride-height devices. In this scenario, the joint work between Pirelli, the riders and the Manufacturers is and will be crucial to reach the new technical era, while delivering the performance, safety and show worthy of the FIM Road Racing World Championship's premier class.Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A popular college football predictive algorithm has Michigan State struggling again this season.ESPN's SP+ predictions have been released for the upcoming season, and to little surprise, Michigan State is not projected to experience much success. The algorithm has the Spartans averaging 4.4 wins, which if you're rounding to the clearest non-decimal number, you get only four wins in 2026. That would be an identical record to what Michigan State put up last year as well.SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency and a predictive mathematical model. The model was created by Bill Connelly and is widely considered one of the top predictive tools out there for college football.The Spartans have a low projected record does not come as a surprise given the recent lack of success and also the number of key contributors that left via the transfer portal this offseason. But the predictive algorithm could also be slightly behind on the Spartans should someone like starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic outperforms his mathematical projection. Or if there is a notable coaching upgrade from last year's staff to this year's led by new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Those are the kind of things that would need to occur for Michigan State to get closer to reaching bowl eligibility -- something they haven't done since 2021.ESPN’s Bill Connelly has Michigan State at 4.4 wins in 2026Michigan is only projected at 7.5Clear gap between Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana & Everyone else in the @bigtenpic.twitter.com/zKULjFNASI— Intrinsic (@intrinsicvalyou) June 17, 2026Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Popular predictive model has Spartans missing bowl game again in 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Kyle Tucker left Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with back spams.Tucker appeared to sustain the injury while running the bases in the top of the second inning. Tucker reached first on a one-out walk, then advanced to second on a Tommy Edman single. With Dalton Rushing at the plate, Tucker knelt to a crouch at second base in apparent pain. The Dodgers called for time, and Tucker jogged off the field to the dugout. Manager Dave Roberts replaced him at second with Alex Call.The Dodgers later announced that Tucker had left the game with back spasms. The severity of Tucker’s injury wasn’t initially clear. This story will be updated.

The Atlanta Falcons are aiming to reach the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2017. However, one of the key players expected to help them achieve that goal found himself in serious legal trouble this offseason.James Pearce was arrested in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Authorities also charged him with one count of aggravated stalking. The alleged victim is WNBA player Rickea Jackson.MORE: George Kittle rips Brandon Aiyuk with sarcastic comments on him playing elsewhereSince then, Pearce has entered a pretrial diversion program and has rejoined the Falcons for offseason activities. It appears the organization not only expects a suspension but may also have a good idea of how long it will last.Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. (27) during halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesAccording to reports, the Falcons are preparing for Pearce to receive at least an eight-game suspension. That expectation is based on precedent from a similar case involving former Detroit Lions defensive back Cameron Sutton.Precedent set years earlierSutton was arrested on a domestic violence charge and entered a pretrial diversion program in 2024. The Lions released him shortly after his arrest. The NFL later suspended Sutton for the first eight games of the 2024 season before he returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers.The allegations in Pearce’s case are just as troubling as those in Sutton’s case—if not more so.MORE: J.J. McCarthy’s lone advantage over Kyler Murray evaporating before Vikings campThe Falcons are now waiting for the NFL to complete its investigation. Based on the information that has become public, a suspension appears all but inevitable. Once the league concludes its review, a decision is expected to follow quickly.Aug 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) runs upfield after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesThe NFL has taken a much stricter approach to domestic violence cases since its mishandling of the Ray Rice situation in 2014. Initially, the league issued Rice a relatively light suspension, although the Baltimore Ravens released him in September of that year.After video footage of the incident became public, the NFL suspended Rice indefinitely, drawing widespread criticism and damaging the league’s public image.Given the serious allegations in Pearce’s case—including claims that he attempted to strike Jackson with his vehicle—it is difficult to envision a scenario in which he avoids significant discipline. The only remaining question is how severe the NFL’s punishment will be.

Jun. 22—GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Red River's Max Mannausau didn't need any time to pull the trigger on an offer from UND football.After a talk with Fighting Hawks head coach Eric Schmidt, Mannausau became a member of UND's 2027 recruiting class."All the coaches were there and committing there felt like the right place," Mannausau said of his weekend commitment. "I've always dreamed of it since I was a kid. This is the place I wanted to go."Mannausau has deep ties to UND from both of his parents. His mother, Tiffany Pudenz Mannausau, is a former national champion women's basketball player (1997 and 1998) and member of the UND Athletics Hall of Fame. She scored more than 1,600 career points and graduated as the program's all-time leader in assists and steals.His dad Mike Mannausau, originally from International Falls, Minn., was a linebacker for UND from 1994-98, earning first team all-North Central Conference honors in 1998 and was an honorable mention All-American. He spent nine years on the UND football coaching staff, including seven as defensive coordinator.Mike is now the Vice President of Development for the UND Alumni Association."They were pretty hands off and let me choose everything," Max said.Mannausau is a 6-foot, 183-pound wide receiver and two-year captain for the Roughriders. He was an all-EDC selection last season with 28 catches for 605 yards and an average of 21.6 yards per catch. He had five touchdowns.Mannausau was limited to six games last season due to injury. He said the UND coaching staff is projecting him as a slot wide receiver with returner capabilities.Mannausau is also in basketball at Red River and is a sprinter on the track team. He ran in Red River's 4x100 relay team at the state meet this spring.Although Mannausau said he's excited to be at the school his parents excelled, he also knows the work that goes into it."I realized young I really have to earn it," Max said. "Thankfully, I knew that earlier than later. I'm very proud of the work I've put in. I worked really hard for this."As UND's commitments slowly roll in from two prospect camps this month, the 2027 class is around 20 members."I had a meal with the other commits, and I was excited ... it's been great," Max said. "I've been really happy but also disciplined and embracing all the work. I'm really excited but still hungry."Mannausau is the second North Dakotan of the 2027 class, joining Minot North edge Ethan Howey, who was the first verbal of the 2027 class.

The plume from the stubborn blaze in a cold-storage facility has dissipated, but people in the Boyle Heights neighborhood say they are in a toxic miasma.

Not even the rain could stop Kylian Mbappé. For the second World Cup game in a row, the French captain notched a brace to help lead Les Bleus to victory, this time with a 3-0 win over Iraq.Mbappé also shared the glory with Ousmane Dembélé, with the midfielder giving Mbappé an unselfish assist on his second goal before finally scoring his first goal of the 2026 tournament.France’s pressure in the attacking third was clear early on, and in the 14th minute, Mbappé broke through. The forward powered a stellar left-footed strike past Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil to give France a 1-0 lead.The rain began partway through the half, though, picking up in earnest as the half went on. At halftime, the game entered a lengthy weather delay due to a passing thunderstorm in the area of Philadelphia Stadium, with fans being instructed to shelter in place.After the two-hour delay, the two teams finally returned to the pitch shortly before 8 p.m. ET, continuing the match on a field visibly soaked with rain. But France picked up right where it left off: In the 54th minute, Dembélé broke up a poor pass back to Basil and then selflessly passed to Mbappé, who sent the ball into the back of the net.Dembélé, another of France’s main stars heading into the tournament, hadn’t quite lived up to expectations the way that Mbappé had. But in the 66th minute, Dembélé finally scored, off a great cutting pass from Michael Olise.This story will be updated.

World Cup: Mbappé and Olise shine in France's rain-soaked victory over IraqFrance, at least for the time being, have taken full control of Group I with a 3-0 rout of Iraq this evening in Philadelphia. Fears that the game could be postponed midway through due to thunderstorms was perhaps the biggest threat for Didier Deschamps' side to contend with.A dominant 15-minute spell eventually culminated in the breakthrough for Les Bleus. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise recycled play back to Kylian Mbappé on the right, requiring a solitary touch before bending into the far corner beyond Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. The hydration break came at the right time for the underdogs who caught their breath. Sadly, they would lose their talisman Aymen Hussein to injury. His replacement Ali Alhamadi was trigger-happy from the get-go, albeit never truly tested Mike Maignan as rain poured from the heavens.With threats of lightening eight miles away, the second-half was delayed for the guts of an hour. The players eventually returned to a half-waterlogged pitch, where France required all of 9 second-half minutes to double their advantage from a calamitous Iraqi error. Full-back Hussein Ali's short free-kick had too much pace for goalkeeper Basil to control, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to square it and set up Mbappé for his brace. The crossbar rattled soon after via a cheeky Olise chip, while Adrien Rabiot couldn't head home to a half-empty net. Ex-BVB talisman Dembélé would get his goal with 23 minutes to go. Olise provided the killer pass for his compatriot to plunge inside the left upright. Aside from an Mbappé chance spurned late on, France eased off the gas and coasted to a second victory in Group I.

Patriots HOF WR Wants To See Drake Maye And A.J. Brown For '4-5 Years' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.A.J. Brown joining Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots feels like a match made in heaven. But many fans, myself included, are embracing the new All-Pro wide receiver with the assumption that, in the words of George Strait, he is here for a good time, not a long time.He is technically under contract until 2029, but there is a clean break built into the fine print in 2027 if both sides are interested. Not to mention the fact that he will be more than three times more expensive in 2029. Then one also has to consider the fact that Brown famously became a big distraction in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room before being moved, and you start to see why many view him as a pseudo-rental. However, Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver Troy Brown is viewing the trade through rose-tinted lenses. Troy Brown sees A.J. Brown being a mainstay in New England's offense for years to come."What great players do is they bring other players along with them," Brown said to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Let's see how many of these guys he can bring along with him with the way he practices, the way he plays, and the passion he has for the game."For Drake, it's a guy he can have confidence throwing to, which means a lot to a quarterback. And they have a chance to build on that chemistry together more than just one year. They could keep going together for the next 4-5 years."I am typically overly cautious when it comes to tempering my expectations for the Patriots (who I admittedly love too much). So seeing that Troy Brown believes A.J. Brown's era in Boston could be a lot longer than Stefon Diggs's brings me a little comfort. More NFL: Patriots Announce Joint Practice With Eagles, Juicy A.J. Brown Reunion

France 3-0 Iraq: Le Bleus cruise into knockout rounds despite two hour weather breakFrance secured their spot in the Round of 32 this evening, with a comfortable win against Iraq, despite a two hour delay due to severe weather conditions.Kylian Mbappé marked his 100th international cap with an early thunderbolt from the edge of the box to open the scoring after just 13 minutes. The forward doubled his tally early in the second half when he pounced upon a mistake from the Iraq goalkeeper.Ousmane Dembélé netted his first goal at an international major tournament in the 66th minute when he picked out the bottom corner for France’s third goal.This match was the first at this World Cup to experience a weather delay, with half-time transpiring to be over two hours long due to lightning strikes in the surrounding area to the stadium.As it happenedDidier Deschamps made three changes to his France side for this clash, with Aurélian Tchouaméni, Theo Hernández and Désiré Doué replaced by Bradley Barcola, Lucas Digne and Kouadio Koné. Graham Arnold also made a trio of changes, with Ahmed Basil Fadhil, Zidaane Iqbal and Ibrahim Bayesh replacing Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Jasim and Jalal Hassan following their 4-1 defeat to Norway last time out.Mbappé almost found the net inside the first minute, but his outstretched boot was unable to reach Koné’s pass. The first yellow card of the match was shown to Amir Al-Ammari in the fifth minute, after he took down Mbappé to halt a dangerous French attack.The onslaught continued from France, but to no avail just yet, with Mbappé and Michael Olise failing to find the target with volleyed efforts. They got their opening goal courtesy of Mbappé in the 13th minute, who unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner from just outside the penalty area to give his side an early lead.Iraq made a change during the hydration break, which saw Aymen Hussain, who appeared injured, replaced by Al Hamadi inside the first half an hour. Al Hamadi came close to making an immediate impact off the bench, but he was unable to find the target with a header.Mbappé got on the half-turn in the 39th minute and tried to catch the keeper off his line from distance, but his shot flew well over the crossbar. The Frenchman came flying forwards again moments later, dancing through the Iraqi defence before Hussein Ali made a brilliant last-ditch tackle inside the area.Iraq won a free-kick in a dangerous area as they hoped to find an equaliser before the break; however, the threat was well dealt with by the French defence, meaning they held on to their 1-0 lead at half-time.As previously mentioned, half-time was over two hours long due to severe adverse weather delaying the restart. The game eventually got back underway at 1:00am BST…three hours after its initial kick-off. However, the good news was that they scrapped the second-half’s hydration break due to the delay.It didn’t take long for Mbappé to double his tally for the night, when Dembélé pounced upon a mistake from Fadhil before squaring it for the centre forward to tap into an empty net. Olise almost added a third moments later, but his looping effort rebounded off the crossbar before being cleared away.Adrien Rabiot missed a guilt-edged opportunity to find the net shortly before the hour mark, heading wide from inside the six-yard box. Further changes followed for Iraq, who replaced Zaid Ismael and Zaid Tahseen with Yousseff Amyn and Rebin Sulaka.Dembélé got on the scoresheet himself in the 66th minute, finally scoring his first goal at a major international tournament when he broke free and fired into the bottom corner from inside the area following a lovely ball through from Olise.A double change followed for France, which saw Olise and Dembélé replaced by Doué and Rayan Cherki. Meanwhile, Aimar Sher and Marko Lawk Farji replaced Al-Ammari and Bayesh for Iraq. The Lions of Mesopotamia looked to try and get themselves a lifeline; however, Sulaka could only fire over the bar. They came even closer moments later, but Al Hamadi’s stretching effort dribbled wide.Mbappé had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee with 10 minutes of regular time remaining, before firing wide of the post mere moments later. Barcola was next up to try and add a fourth for Les Bleus; however, his cut back was deflected behind for a corner, which France were unable to make the most of.Two further changes followed from Deschamps, who introduced Malo Gusto and Maghnes Akliouche in place of Jules Koundé and Barcola. Mbappé almost completed his hat-trick in the final minutes of the 90, but his tame effort was held by Fadhil. The forward came even closer a few moments later when his rapid pace sent him in behind the Iraqi defence, but he could only fire high and wide before being replaced by Marcus Thuram to a standing ovation.That was all she wrote in a strange old night for the tournament, given the lengthy break between the two halves. However, France secure a crucial three points and their spot in the knockout rounds.

France x Iraq - Highlights, Summary and Match ReportIncidents: The story of the match1': The match begins14': GOAL France: Kylian Mbappé (France) scores! Kylian Mbappé scores goal number 3 in the competition (2 matches)54': GOAL France: Kylian Mbappé (France) scores! Kylian Mbappé scores goal number 4 in the competition (2 matches)66': GOAL France: Ousmane Dembélé (France) scores! Ousmane Dembélé scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches)90 +3': The referee whistles for the end of the match

EAST RUTHERFORD – His coach calls him the best goal-scorer in the world.In his debut on New Jersey soil, Erling Haaland showed why.The Norwegian striker scored in the 48th minute to give his team a 2-0 lead over Senegal in Monday night’s World Cup group stage match at MetLife Stadium.Haaland, wearing Norway’s No. 9 shirt, drilled a left-footed shot to the top right corner after Martin Odegaard laid off a pass.HAALAND GOOOAAL to double Norway's advantage! 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/a6wPnRRk7E— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 23, 2026This World Cup is Haaland’s first, and only the fourth time Norway has ever qualified for the tournament. The Scandinavian nation reached the Round of 16 in 1938 and 1998, but has never won multiple matches at a single World Cup.Haaland entered the match after scoring twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq in Foxborough. That followed a dominant 2025 qualifying campaign in which he scored in all eight matches, totaling 16 goals. After the Iraq win, coach Ståle Solbakken called him the “best goal-scorer in the world.”Haaland brushed it aside.“I would say I'm up there,” Haaland said. “I don't think I scored the most goals this season, so statistically no. I'm not because I think Harry Kane and [Kylian] Mbappé scored more goals than me. That's the reality. So no, I'm not.”The 25‑year‑old Manchester City striker also arrived in New Jersey with three Premier League Golden Boots in the last four seasons, the record as the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals (111 matches), and two seasons as the Champions League’s top scorer.His goal against Senegal comes less than a week after another global superstar left Bergen County buzzing. Kylian Mbappé scored twice at MetLife Stadium in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal on June 16 to become his country’s all‑time leading scorer.Monday’s match is part of an eight‑game World Cup slate at MetLife Stadium. Norway will wrap up group play against France on June 26 at “Boston Stadium” in Foxborough.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Erling Haaland scores World Cup goal for Norway at MetLife Stadium

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 31: Kyle Bradish #38 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 31, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images Fresh off taking two of three games on the road against the Dodgers, the Orioles are on the verge of possibly helping people to feel a little bit better about their fortunes. What is standing between now and that possibility occurring is a series against the Angels. The Orioles need to actually keep playing well now that they are playing a much worse team.At every other turn this season, when presented with one of these opportunities, the Orioles have largely if not entirely wasted it. That’s why they bring a 37-42 record into this game. I keep bringing this up because it keeps amazing me: They haven’t won more than three games in a row all season. They have had five separate three-game winning streaks and zero have gone to four games. That’s not even what’s at stake tonight. They’ve only won the last two. But they won’t be able to break that futility tomorrow if they don’t extend the streak today.These Angels have lost more games than any other American League team to date. Their best hitter, a resurgent Mike Trout, recently hit the IL. They were desperate enough that they recently had former Oriole Trey Mancini around for a handful of games. He got four hits in 13 at-bats, which is nice for him. Three of their six most frequent starting pitchers are on the IL, including former Oriole Grayson Rodriguez.The Orioles are going to have to actually play well to make something good happen here. They are capable of doing that. They are also capable of not doing that. That is the frustrating thing about them this season. I would like it to go a better way tonight. That doesn’t mean it will. It’s up to the Orioles.Note: The schedule of this west coast road trip is not kind to the availability of Camden Chat staff. The recap for this game will not be posted until I wake up and write it on Tuesday morning. Don’t stay up waiting for it!Orioles lineupTaylor Ward – LFGunnar Henderson – SSPete Alonso – 1BCoby Mayo – DHTyler O’Neill – RFBlaze Alexander – 3BColton Cowser – CFJeremiah Jackson – 2BSam Huff – CThis is the lineup in support of Kyle Bradish. He was very good last time around!Huff is catching after Samuel Basallo caught the four previous games. He’s earned the day off. Jackson Holliday remains out of the lineup. That’s probably due to ongoing concern about his groin soreness, though the fact that the Angels are starting a lefty, Sam Aldegheri, surely also contributes.Angels lineupZach Neto – SSNolan Schanuel – 1BJo Adell – RFJorge Soler – DHWade Meckler – LFDenzer Guzman – 3BDonovan Walton – 2BLogan O’Hoppe – CJose Siri – CFAldegheri, the Angels starter, was born in Verona, a location notably invoked in the opening lines of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet:Two households, both alike in dignity,In fair Verona where we lay our scene,From ancient blood break to new mutiny,Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean…When I was in ninth grade, students had to memorize a 15-line portion of Romeo and Juliet and recite it in front of the class. A friend of mine read the 14-line opening sonnet that begins with the above and then, since that was only 14 of the 15 required lines, had to finish with the first non-prologue line: “Gregory, o’ my word, we’ll not carry coals.” Does that have anything to do whatsoever with this game? No, but it lives in my head forever.

George Kittle has some good news and some bad news for the Washington Commanders – the apparent top suitor for Kittle's teammate and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.Kittle joined Barstool Sports podcast "Pardon My Take" on an episode that aired on Monday, June 22. During the episode, the San Francisco 49ers' tight end shared his thoughts on Aiyuk's apparent looming departure from the Niners.The good news was that the wideout appeared to be healthy the last time Kittle saw him, around October of last year. Aiyuk had missed the back half of the 2024 season and the first few games of the 2025 season after injuring his knee in a Week 7 game. Kittle said he saw his teammate on the field and running some time between Week 6-8 of the 2025 season.BRANDON AIYUK: 4 reasons Commanders might take risk on veteran WR despite messy 49ers exit“You guys have fun with that I guess.”George Kittle when asked by Commanders fan PFT Commenter if he should be excited for Brandon Aiyuk.🎥 @PardonMyTakepic.twitter.com/pCYqTVaZ9C— KNBR (@KNBR) June 22, 2026

PREVIEW | Czech Republic vs Mexico: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 25/06)Czech Republic and Mexico face off this Thursday at the Estadio Azteca in World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 02:00 on BBC One.In their last outing, Czech Republic drew 1-1 against South Africa (World Cup 2026). In their last fixture, Mexico won 1-0 against South Korea (World Cup 2026).UnavailableChéquiaMéxicoLast starting XIsCzech Republic ( vs South Africa 2026-06-18): Matej Kovár, Robin Hranác, Tomás Holes, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimír Coufal, Michal Sadílek, Alexandr Sojka, Lukás Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Patrik Schick, Adam HlozekMexico ( vs South Korea 2026-06-19): José Rangel, Jorge Sánchez, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Brian Gutiérrez, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones

Kylian Mbappe scored twice to take his World Cup scoring tally to 16, two behind new record holder Lionel Messi (FRANCK FIFE)Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th cap by scoring two more World Cup goals on Monday as France eased to a 3-0 win over Iraq in a game delayed by two hours by a severe storm.Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute and added another nine minutes into the second half, with last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele getting the other goal for the tournament favourites in Philadelphia.Mbappe moved to 16 World Cup goals in his career, two behind Lionel Messi who set a new record of 18 goals by netting twice for Argentina against Austria earlier on Monday.The match in Philadelphia kicked off at 5:00 pm local time (2100 GMT) and had to be halted at half-time as a huge storm passed over the city.Having started in dry conditions, torrential rain began to fall late in the first half, and supporters were told as soon as the half-time whistle was blown to "exit the open seating area and seek shelter in covered areas".The vast majority of the 68,324-capacity Lincoln Financial Field is uncovered -- leaving most of the capacity crowd to pack into the concourses.The second half eventually got under way more than two hours behind schedule, in what was the first match at this World Cup to be held up by bad weather.There are strict protocols in place in the United States that mean a game must be halted if a storm is detected in the area.It is also raining goals at this World Cup for Mbappe, whose brace here followed two in France's opening 3-1 win over Senegal last Tuesday.The 27-year-old Real Madrid superstar and France captain became his country's all-time top scorer with his goals against Senegal, overtaking the previous best tally of 57 for Olivier Giroud.He now has 60 goals for Les Bleus in a century of appearances, and 16 of them have come at the World Cup in just 16 matches at the tournament.- Shoot-out with Messi -Mbappe is now level on the all-time list of World Cup goals with Germany's Miroslav Klose, who started the tournament as the all-time leading scorer.He has overtaken the 15 goals scored by the Brazilian Ronaldo and seems set for a shoot-out at this year's World Cup with Messi.Next up for Mbappe and France is a meeting with Erling Haaland's Norway in Boston on Friday, but the 2022 beaten finalists are already certain of reaching the last 32 after notching two wins from two games in Group I.Iraq, meanwhile, are staring at the prospect of early elimination after this defeat followed a 4-1 loss to Norway in their opening game -- they have now lost five games out of five across two World Cups, 40 years apart.France made three changes from their opening game, with Bradley Barcola replacing Desire Doue on the left wing, Manu Kone stepping in for Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, and Lucas Digne preferred to Theo Hernandez at left-back.Mbappe opened the scoring before the quarter-hour mark when he controlled a pass with his right foot and sent in a shot from 20 metres which was too powerful for Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.Graham Arnold's side were then dealt a blow as captain and striker Aymen Hussein had to come off with just 26 minutes gone.The weather delay made for a surreal atmosphere as the storm passed overhead, leaving supporters drenched, and forced the players to sit it out in the dressing room.When play resumed, Iraq caved in, with a calamitous passage of play gifting Mbappe and France their second goal on 54 minutes.A goal-kick was taken by defender Zaid Tahseen who tried to give it goalkeeper Basil, but he hit it too hard and wide, and Dembele was able to set up Mbappe for a simple finish.Michael Olise then hit the bar with a delicate chip before the Bayern Munich man set up Dembele to fire in on 66 minutes for 3-0.as/gj

President Trump and Vice President JD Vance pointed to progress on Iran’s nuclear program, but officials in Tehran said “no new commitments” had been made.

Our reporter John Ismay, who served as a Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer and deep-sea diver for eight years, explains why mines in the Strait of Hormuz may outlast the war. This video was originally published June 19 and was updated on June 22 to reflect news developments.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas, United States. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesThe mark of a great player?Not letting an early blunder affect his or her game.Exhibit A today is one Lionel Messi, who overcame an embarrassing penalty kick miss to connect twice to power Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Iraq at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.Of course, we're not talking about an ordinary player here.He can bend steel with his bare feet and make friends, foes, fans, and media shaking their heads in amazement.There is a reason many soccer observers call him the GOAT.Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, is playing like someone almost half his age, collecting goal after goal after goal.Through two games, he has tallied a World Cup-best five times, and in the process snapped former German star Miroslav Klose's record of 16 career World Cup goals. Messi has 17 and counting, with at least two other matches - in Argentina's final Group J match in Arlington on June 27, and the Round of 32."For me, Lionel Messi is the best of all time," Klose told Süddeutsche Zeitung after the Argentine superstar broke his record. “Congratulations, champ!”FORBES | By Michael LewisCape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A GameARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts after missing the penalty kick during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesThe good, bad and ugly of Messi vs. AustriaNot bad for someone who botched a penalty kick.That came in the 12th minute when he somehow shanked his left-footed attempt wide right of the net. It was his third penalty kick miss in the World Cup."The truth is that it is spectacular how it happened," Messi said. "Today I had the penalty that I could have increased the score with, but if I had made the penalty, perhaps I wouldn't have reached the other two either. You never know, but I'm happy with the result, the participation, and the work of the team."Messi, who has tallied all five Argentina goals, atoned for the miss, breaking Klose’s record in the 38th minute with a 20-yard shot. He caught Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facundo Medina’s pass go by him and directly to Messi.Five minutes into stoppage time, Messi put away a rebound save of his own shot, slotting the ball home from the left side of the area, to give the South Americans some breathing room.Austrian head coach Ralf Rangnick walked away impressed.“Someone who is 39 years old and can score two goals, and five goals overall at the beginning of the World Cup, well, that makes a difference,” he was quoted by the Associated Press. “We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that he’s one of the best, and he is the best.”FORBES | By Michael LewisHow USMNT Can Take Advantage Of Finishing 1st In Its World Cup GroupMessi leaves his teammates speechlessARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates the win with Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMessi has not only wowed opponents, but he has also left his teammates mesmerized.“There are no words to describe what he does,” midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said on the FIFA website. “Obviously, he’s small, but whenever you watch him, it’s a dream. And today, being able to experience it first-hand, I’m really enjoying it.“The other day, I heard my dad say that it’s one thing to watch him from the stands, and another to watch him on TV. And I’d say it’s something else entirely to watch him out on the field, right there with the rest of them. The things he does are simply incredible. The way he reacts at the last moment to whatever’s happening. So, anyway, I’m just happy that he’s able to enjoy himself and score goals.”Added forward Julian Alvarez: “I don't even know what to say. It's impressive. Honestly, there aren't many more words to add. We see it every day, so many years showing off his magic, his talent. He's the greatest of all time and we just try to enjoy him every time.”Messi is a changed player from his prime. He knows that he can't beat players 1 v 1 on a consistent basis as he did in the past. He once had a signature move in which he would catch an opponent on the wrong foot and then speed away.Instead, he has adapted, using his ridiculously high soccer IQ to be in the right place at the right time to put the ball into the back of the net for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. He lets his teammates join in on the action.Again, the mark of a great player.And that's not to forget how he can target teammates with passes, short, medium, or long.FORBES | By Michael Lewis10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World CupPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesMbappe is right behind MessiRegardless of what transpires, this will be Messi's sixth and final World Cup. As marvelous as he has been, Messi might not wind up as the all-time goal-scoring leader, because a much younger star is keeping pace with him. That would be French striker Kylian Mbappe, who has 16 after the 27-year-old forward scored twice in a 3-0 triumph over Iraq in Philadelphia later on Monday. That match was delayed by a thunderstorm for more than two hours.While Argentina and France likely won’t meet until the knockout rounds, they have won the last two World Cups, the French in 2018, the Argentines in 2022.The Messi-Mbappe goal-scoring battle has emerged as the intriguing subplot of this World Cup.And the fun has just begun.Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

CBS Analyst Absurdly Ranks Patriots 'Biggest Offseason Loser' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There are 32 teams in the NFL. Only one of them made a trade to acquire a three-time All-Pro wide receiver to fill its biggest roster weakness. That same team, the New England Patriots, also brought in a second reliable pass catcher from a perennial playoff team. The Miami Dolphins lost their starting quarterback, their head coach and their two best wide receivers. But even that was not enough to land them on CBS Sports analyst Jordan Dajani's "biggest offseason losers" list. That honor was reserved for the reigning AFC Champion Patriots (who added talent at their three biggest needs)."There's a narrative that some are afraid to address the Mike Vrabel drama," Dajani wrote. "It's the biggest story of the offseason, yes, but we also deal in facts, and neither party will come out and admit what we saw in the photos published by the New York Post/Page Six. We have a resignation letter from Dianna Russini and worthless word salad from the Patriots head coach in his press conferences instead."Dajani wrote three more lengthy paragraphs about New England's offseason without once mentioning the names A.J. Brown or Romeo Doubs. I'm not sure how it is even possible to tell the story of the NFL offseason, let alone the Patriots' specifically, while omitting these two names. Dajani clearly aimed to retell the story of the Russini/Vrabel scandal, and I understand that, but we are still talking about football, are we not?"To make a list of NFL teams that had the worst offseasons and not include the Patriots would be disingenuous," Dajani continued. "To make matters worse, the Patriots are the prime regression candidate in 2026. After going 14-3 last season with help from the easiest schedule since the turn of the millennium, the Patriots have the sixth-toughest schedule in 2026..."Dajani is willfully ignorant of the fact that, regardless of the offseason drama, the games will still be played. The Patriots will still win 10+ of those games. New England will dominate the AFC East, and, thanks to their offseason additions, make a second consecutive playoff appearance. No disrespect, but I don't think Dajani could be more wrong about the scope of the NFL offseason if he tried. The situation in New England is more of an "honorable mention" than the third-biggest loser in the league. More NFL: Patriots HOF WR Wants To See Drake Maye And A.J. Brown For '4-5 Years'

Florida Atlantic University introduces Brian White as the school's athletic director on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Boca Raton, Fla. (Jim Rassol/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Brian White, former Vice-President and Athletic Director of Florida Atlantic University is hired to replace retiring Whit Babcock. He has a reputation as a big fundraiser, but there will be questions since FAU is a Group of 6(5) university with a bumpy football record.That’s Sort of Out of Left FieldVirginia Tech hires Brian White to head up the Athletic Department, a title which also comes with the Vice-Presidency of the university. A new chapter begins. Welcome, Brian White!➡️ https://t.co/Djvyh0WtSGpic.twitter.com/0rz8boB4fh— HokieSports (@hokiesports) June 22, 2026For a full resume and introduction, we have to rely on Hokie Sports for the superficial information. Brian White named Virginia Tech’s Vice President and Director of Athletics – Virginia Tech AthleticsThe Standout Realities Don’t Shout Very LoudlyThe main thing to look at the CV of Mr. White is that is experience at the P4 level is non-existent. His last university program, Florida Atlantic University. FAU’s football program has struggled in the 22 years of its existence with only 5 years of greater than .500 records. During his tenure from 2018-2025 as AD, the Owls only had a single season over .500 with the mercurial Lane Kiffin as head coach. That was in White’s second season with the team in 2019 when FAU played in Conference USA. Since then, other than a .500 year in the bogus 2020 season at 5 and 4, FAU never posted a season better than 5 and 7. Kiffin blew town before the team won the Boca Raton Bowl in 2019, but we can’t hold that against White since Kiffin bolts for bucks faster than rabbits make bunnies.The Owls’ Men’s basketball team fared a bit better making it into the NCAA Beeg Shew in 2023 and 2024 with a trip to the finals in 2023. This Will Be a Work in ProgressMr. White will have much to learn and navigate. The fanbase will be hyped up about some things, but many deep diggers will be a bit perplexed as to why this choice was made. Since the Hokies are in a total administrative rebuild, the results will all happen as they do and success remains to be seen.Good Luck to Brian WhiteThis program is hungry for success, and it’s going to be a tough assignment with very little leash to count on.GO HOKIES!!!!

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France is tackled by Hussein Ali #3 of Iraq during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images Adverse weather conditions caused France’s 3-0 win over Iraq to be hit by suspension amid a torrential downpour and lightning. But it wasn’t enough to stop Kylian Mbappé.Mbappé was making his 100th appearance for France at the age of 27, having become his country’s record goalscorer by scoring two against Senegal last time out. Here, he extended that record to 60 goals, first breaking the deadlock as he fired a left-footed effort from outside the box beyond Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil Fadhil.With the game disrupted by an hour-long break at halftime due to the storms, the French captain had to stay on his toes. He added a second goal nine minutes into the second period, providing a neat finishing touch to excellent work from Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé.The forward was active throughout with eight shots and 10 touches in the opposition box both ranking him ahead of any other player on the field of play. He even missed three big chances, most notably on 14 minutes as he fired straight at Fadhil from short range with a shot worth 0.41 xG.He was the only Real Madrid player in the France squad to be selected to start the encounter. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni was benched with Roma’s Kouadio Koné coming in to join Milan’s Adrien Rabiot in the double pivot.Defender Ibrahima Konaté confirmed he would join Los Blancos this summer last week, but he is yet to get any minutes of game time in the United States as Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano and Arsenal’s William Saliba continue.France will pay close attention to Norway’s fixture against Senegal, knowing that a win for the Africans would ease the pressure on Les Bleus in their final group game.While France have won both of their opening two games, a draw (if their goal advantage is superior) or win for Norway when they meet in Boston on Friday could prevent them from going through in top spot. That would pitch them in the same part of the draw as Brazil and England in the round of 16-!: quarterfinal.

Bill Simmons: I’m just gonna say…. I would be absolutely shocked if Hugo was/is thrown into any Giannis trade offer. The entire organization is all-in on him - Stevens prob the most. They could not be higher on him. I genuinely don’t believe he’s involved. Guess we’ll see.x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Celtics want to keep Hugo Gonzalez

A federal judge ruled that the Agriculture Department lacked the authority to approve state waivers that restrict what SNAP participants can buy with their benefits.

Editor's note: This article was originally published June 12, 1994 in The Oklahoman.OMAHA, NE — The Oklahoma Sooners are champions of college baseball.OU put the finishing touches on an incredible run through the NCAA Tournament by posting a 13-5 victory over Georgia Tech in the national title game Saturday afternoon at Rosenblatt Stadium.While Gov. David Walters and OU officials waited to offer their congratulations, Sooner players dogpiled one another in front of the mound in celebration. It's the second time OU has won the NCAA baseball title, the other coming in 1951."This is the greatest feeling in the world," said OU shortstop Rich Hills. "I just thank God we got the chance to do it and we came through. I can't describe how good it feels. " The 13 runs were the most scored in the title game in the College World Series' 48-year history. The Sooners, finishing 50-17, never trailed. They scored five runs in the fourth to break a 2-2 tie, added four in the sixth to blow it open and added two more in the seventh that allowed fans back home to start celebrating early."Players make the coach and these guys made me look good. I'm happy for them, I'm happy for the administration who made the commitment to make it happen, and I'm happy for all the Sooner baseball players over the years. I hope they cherish this as much as we do," OU coach Larry Cochell said.LIVE UPDATES: OU baseball vs UNC live updates, College World Series score, Game 3 time, TV, highlightsEvery starter except Ryan Minor had at least one hit in the title game as the Sooners rapped out 16 hits to coast to an easy victory. OU hit two homers, both coming in the sixth inning. Damon Minor slammed a monster three-run homer to make it 10-3 and Chip Glass blasted a solo homer to give the Sooners a commanding eight-run cushion.Five OU players were named to the all-tournament team: first baseman Ryan Minor, second baseman Rick Gutierrez, right fielder Darvin Traylor, pitcher Mark Redman, and center fielder Chip Glass, who was named the event's Most Outstanding Player."I would have never imagined that could happen to me," said Glass, who hit three homers in the College World Series. "I just happened to come up with some hits. " Tim Walton, the third of four OU pitchers, picked up the win to improve to 7-3. Bucky Buckles recorded the final 11 outs to extend his Big Eight single-season saves record to 14."This is exactly what I wanted all year, to be on the mound when we got the final out," Buckles said. "This is great. We're No. 1." It was OU's first national championship in any sport since the men's gymnastics team won in 1991 but it was the first national championship game in any sport for Georgia Tech."You can't ask for much more than to play for a national title.That's what every kid and every coach dreams about," GT coach Danny Hall said. "I was disappointed we lost, but I'm proud of what we accomplished. CARLSON: OU baseball will play for a national title. How crazy is that? Let's count the waysThis article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When did OU baseball last win College World Series? Meet 1994 Sooners

DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene homered and Kevin McGonigle drove in two runs as the Detroit Tigers beat Gerrit Cole for the first time in 10 years, winning 5-3 against the New York Yankees on Monday night.Framber Valdez (4-5) outpitched Cole, giving up one run on four hits and two walks in six innings. The left-hander struck out eight as the Tigers won their fourth straight game.Cole (2-2) entered 10-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 14 career starts against Detroit, with his only loss coming as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 14, 2016. But the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner wasn't very sharp this time, allowing five runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five.Minus injured slugger Aaron Judge, the Yankees have lost three in a row and four of five. They still have the best record in the American League at 46-31.New York got a run in the second when José Caballero walked, stole second and scored on Ali Sánchez's double.Detroit took the lead with three runs in the third.Zack McKinstry led off with a triple and scored on McGonigle's groundout. Cole struck out Dillon Dingler for the second out, but the next four hitters reached base, including RBI singles by Spencer Torkelson and Colt Keith.McGonigle's RBI double gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead in the fourth, and Greene's 422-foot homer made it 5-1 in the fifth.Sánchez exited in the seventh after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch. Amed Rosario homered two pitches later to make it 5-3.A pair of infield singles brought Jasson Domínguez to the plate with two on and two outs in the eighth, but Will Vest came out of the bullpen to strike him out. Vest also pitched the ninth for his second save.The game was delayed for seven minutes in the fourth when a camera installed in front of second base popped up through the grass. Despite the best efforts of Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to rebury the camera, the grounds crew had to come out to fix the field.Up nextThe teams continue their three-game series Tuesday night, with Detroit RHP Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA) scheduled to face LHP Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.50).___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is dealing with an unexpected off-field NFL situation involving quarterback Geno Smith and allegations related to his personal life.According to multiple reports, a woman identified only as “Kristen” has accused Smith of assault. In an 85-second video clip that has circulated on social media, she makes several allegations against the Jets quarterback, including claims that he assaulted her.She also accuses Smith of neglecting their special-needs child, breaking her computer, and chasing her during the incident. Police officers appear in the video and responded to the scene, but reports indicate that no arrests were made and no one was taken into custody.MORE: Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce expected to receive hefty suspensionIt remains unclear whether authorities have closed the case or if the matter is still under investigation. Reports from various outlets have provided conflicting information, making the status of the case difficult to determine.Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith looks to throw against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesUncharacteristic accusationsThe allegations come as a surprise given Smith’s relatively clean off-field record throughout his NFL career. The most notable controversy involving Smith previously occurred during his time with the Jets when he was involved in a locker-room altercation with former teammate IK Enemkpali.The incident stemmed from a dispute over a $600 debt after Smith missed Enemkpali’s youth football camp. Enemkpali punched Smith during the confrontation, leaving the quarterback with a broken jaw that sidelined him at the start of the 2015 season.MORE: Shedeur Sanders landing spots after latest Browns trade rumorSmith joined the Jets this offseason after spending last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he played for New York from 2013 to 2016. His early years in the league were marked by inconsistency and several benchings.Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesAfter stints with multiple teams, Smith revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He served as Seattle’s full-time starter from 2022 through 2024 before the Seahawks traded him to the Raiders.It is also unclear whether the NFL has begun its own investigation into the allegations or plans to do so.

Several crew members from McDonald’s locations across metro Atlanta have been chosen as FIFA Flag Bearers.One of them, 17-year-old Peter Mitchell, told Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen that, as a fry cook at McDonald’s, he knows how to handle pressure.“I imagine it’s going to be hard. My heart is racing so much to think about trying to keep my cool out there,” Peter Mitchell said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]He’s headed to a FIFA World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium where he’ll be on the field, known in soccer as the pitch, during some of the upcoming matches.“I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like for a 16-year-old, 17-year-old at a World Cup match: a lifetime memory,” local McDonald’s owner and operator D.J. Mitchell said.On Monday, the McDonald’s on Northside Drive threw a party for the local flag bearers, invited all the kids from the neighborhood, and presented a World Cup sized donation to the local nonprofit Soccer in the Streets, which has spent the last 37 years making the game more accessible to metro area children.With 11 years experience, Peter Mitchell is quite the soccer player himself, but never an experience like the one he’s about to have.“It’s unreal, just wonderful to be able to go out there on the field and be a flag bearer,” Peter Mitchell said. The next World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium is set for Wednesday.[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Atletico Madrid star open to move away amid heavy Barcelona interest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.While the Summer transfer window will see tons of players have their names included in some rather big-money moves across the globe, one player has risen to the top of the rumor mill for some time now: Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid player lit up the Metropolitano this season, getting involved in the creation of 29 goals, 20 of which came from his own foot. While this is a seven-goal involvement reduction from his debut with the Madrid-based club, he'd play a huge role in Atletico's trip to the semi-finals of the Champions League.These efforts haven't gone unnoticed by some of the top names across the continent, as Real Madrid was linked with a €150 million bid for the Argentine after Florentino Perez secured victory in Bernabeu's recent election for the club presidency. But this bid would be instantly rejected by Los Blancos' cross-town rivals, which would also impact the interest by Barcelona, who were interested in Alvarez, as they would now have to fork up some serious money in order for a move to be made.The Catalan club was looking towards the Metropolitano star as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left the Camp Nou after the expiration of his contract with the La Liga champions. Alvarez's 20 goals are more than what the Polish forward put up in Catalonia this season, but aren't anywhere near what he was known to put up in recent years. He'd still more than fit into the system present at Barcelona.Yet the Alvarez transfer saga is set to open a new chapter after the World Cup winner made a shocking admission on Monday.Alvarez's blunt admissionAlvarez dropped a quote, following his national team's victory over Austria in the second match day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that would send the football world in motion.🚨💣 BREAKING! Julián Álvarez: “The best thing for me is a TRANSFER and I want to FULFILL MY DREAM”. 🔥As always reported, Julián has agreed to join Barça and wants the move. It depends on clubs now……after €100m bid rejected few weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/gELXmZhcqr— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2026I try to be an honest person," Alvarez stated to reporters on Monday afternoon. "I spoke with Atletico de Madrid, and I think a transfer is the best option. I want to fulfill my dream.”Given that the Argentine has only recently made this shocking admission, the Catalan-based club has yet to make any move, but it appears that they could have to pay up to €500 million, which is the release clause that is located in Alvarez's contract with Atletico. If the Catalan club isn't to pay that fee, any bid they could submit will have to be quite substantial given the time that Alvarez has left on his existing deal, which isn't set to run out until June 2030.MORE TRANSFER NEWSAston Villa among six Premier League teams eyeing Barcelona wingerArsenal, Manchester United among teams eyeing Brazilian wonderkidArsenal, Liverpool among teams interested in Moroccan wonderkidLiverpool, Manchester United tied to relegated West Ham starFormer Champions League winning striker's move to MLS on the cardsLiverpool, Bayern Munich lose race to sign German wonderkidBayern Munich's €65m transfer target has stellar World Cup debut

MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Nimmo had three hits and walked once, Alejandro Osuna hit a go-ahead RBI double and the Texas Rangers beat the Miami Marlins 4-3 on Monday night.Ezequiel Duran homered and Joc Pederson singled twice for the Rangers in the opener of a 10-game road trip.The loss snapped the Marlins’ eight-game home win streak.For the second time in two weeks, the Tartan Army made its presence felt at a major league game that featured the Rangers. Scotland fans are in Miami for the national team’s World Cup match against Brazil on Wednesday and many attended Monday’s series opener bumping the attendance to 20,008. The lively atmosphere in the stands, including the popular chant, “No Scotland, No Party,” resembled the Rangers-Red Sox game at Fenway Park on June 14.Nimmo doubled against Marlins reliever Calvin Faucher (4-4) to lead off the eighth and Jake Burger followed with a walk. Osuna then hit a one-out line drive to right that scored Nimmo and snapped a 2-all tie. Burger advanced to third and raced home scored on Elias Diaz’s sacrifice fly.Robby Ahlstrom (2-0) pitched a perfect seventh for the win.The Marlins got to within 4-3 on Kyle Stowers’ run-scoring double against Jacob Latz in the eighth. Latz retired Jakob Marsee on a groundout with the bases loaded to end the eighth then pitched the ninth for his 14th save.Duran put Texas on the board with a two-run blast against Miami starter Tyler Phillips in the fourth before Miami narrowed it to 2-1 on Javier Sanoja’s sacrifice fly in the fifth.Xavier Edwards hit a tying RBI triple in the sixth. He tried to stretch the triple into an inside the park home run but was thrown out at the plate by shortstop Duran’s relay throw from short left field.Phillips allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. The series opener also featured the return of former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. Now managing the Rangers, Schumaker guided the Marlins for two years before resigning following the 2024 season. In Schumaker’s first season, the Marlins clinched a post season berth and were eliminated by Philadelphia in the NL Wild Card round.Up nextThe Rangers have not announced a starter for Tuesday while RHP Sandy Alcantara (7-4, 4.18 ERA) will start for the Marlins.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The 2027 recruiting cycle is moving at warp speed this summer. Prospects are making their college decisions in droves amidst official visit season. Dominoes are falling and classes are being built.Looking at the SEC, many programs are in states that are littered with blue-chip talent. You’ll often see the top schools go nationwide in their quest to sign top-10 classes, but who’s keeping things really close to home thus far?Rivals takes a look at which SEC recruiting classes are the closest to home on average:1. Mississippi StateAverage Commit Distance: 178 milesIn-State: 47%Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 44Mississippi State is often near the top of this list and that’s not changed under Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs often hone in on top talent in the Magnolia State and they’ve already got seven in-state commits in the mix, as of June 22. Four-star RB Christian Alexander is the lone blue-chipper in the class and he hails from Tunica, Miss. Three-star safety Trae Collins, three-star RB Yoshawn Hudson and three-star WR Javarious Griffin are among other in-state commits for MSU.2. TennesseeAverage Commit Distance: 271 milesIn-State: 53%Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 29The state of Tennessee is loaded with elite talent this cycle, and so far, Josh Heupel and the Vols have taken advantage. Each of the four highest-ranked commits in Tennessee’s 2027 class play their prep football in the Volunteer State: Four-star WR Kesean Bowman, four-star LB Kenneth Simon II, four-star OT Princeton Uwaifo and four-star TE Malik Howard. Eight top-30 in-state recruits are currently committed to the Vols — who also hold three commits from the state of Georgia.3. AuburnAverage Commit Distance: 294 milesIn-State: 14%Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 12There’s now 22 total commits in Alex Golesh’s first recruiting class on The Plains. Top-100 LB Isaac McNeil is one of just three in-staters in the boat, but the Tigers have landed six commits out of Georgia and another five from Florida and Tennessee combined. Elite four-star CB Chance Gilbert is the No. 5 player in the Peach State. Four-star TE George Lamons and four-star LB Kareem Palmer are other big wins out of Georgia for AU.4. KentuckyAverage Commit Distance: 299 milesIn-State: 21%Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 21Will Stein will have Kentucky expanding its recruiting footprint, but there’s still plenty of local hay for the Wildcats to put into the barn. There’s 24 commits in UK’s class and they come from 11 states. Ohio is the most represented with six commits, including four-star IOL Dominic Black and touted three-star safety Tristin Hughes. Four-star DL Malachi Brown is one of five in-state pledges. He’s the No. 4 player in Kentucky this cycle.5. MissouriAverage Commit Distance: 313 milesIn-State: 33%Rivals Industry Team Ranking: No. 26Eli Drinkwitz often covets keeping big names in the Show-Me State home. He and his staff have excelled in that department thus far. Five of the six highest-ranked commits in the Mizzou class are in-state four-stars: TE Jack Brown, WR Chris Harris Jr., IOL Kyler Kuhn, RB Kingston Miles and safety Keiran Govan. Six of the top seven recruits in Missouri are currently committed to the Tigers. SEC Average Commit Distance Nos. 6-166. Arkansas — 346 miles7. Alabama — 393 miles8. South Carolina — 408 miles9. Texas — 450 miles10. Oklahoma — 462 miles11. Florida — 466 miles12. Ole Miss — 523 miles13. Vanderbilt — 724 miles14. Georgia — 746 miles15. Texas A&M — 927 miles16. LSU — 1,694 miles

Lionel Messi's two goals against Austria saw him become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer (Aric Becker)He knew what Lionel Messi was going to do and had a plan to stop it -- and then the Argentina captain struck twice anyway in becoming the leading scorer in World Cup history.Austria coach Ralf Rangnick may not be all that fondly remembered by Manchester United fans, where he pitched up in 2021-2022.But at 67 the German coach is vastly experienced and also widely admired in football.Rangnick has revived the Austrian team since taking over in 2022, and they beat debutants Jordan 3-1 to launch their World Cup last week in North America.Talking ahead of his side's group match on Monday against reigning champions Argentina in Texas, Rangnick spoke about the latest iteration of Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday."Lionel Messi maybe doesn't put in the same legwork as in the past," said Rangnick."He likes to stay on the side, and sometimes he likes to stop in front of the goal, in the offside position."That doesn't mean that they have one man less, but they have one man less that works in the counter-pressing."But that makes him so dangerous, because he might be in a position, free in a position, and we need to be prepared for that."We shouldn't have too many transition moments, and not allow transition moments, and not allow him to be free to accept the ball."- 'Very angry' -That notion unravelled in front of a frenzied crowd of 70,000 dominated by Argentina fans decked out in light blue and white.Messi, the best player of all time, pulled an early penalty wide to pass up the chance to move clear of Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals.Messi said afterwards that he was "very angry" with himself and he twice came close after that to scoring, only for Austria captain David Alaba to twice deny him.And then came the big moment, Messi sweeping in on 38 minutes after being set up by Facundo Medina.Just like Rangnick had warned, Messi had ambled into space and was all alone to score with a trademark swing of his left foot.It was his 17th World Cup goal and 18 arrived when Messi pounced again in the fifth minute of injury time.This time the veteran squeezed home as several defenders threw themselves desperately at the ball.Messi, at his sixth World Cup, was still going strong in the 95th minute.It took the maestro to five goals at this edition, having hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria.That was Messi's first treble at a World Cup.- Last Messi the best one? -Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi's team-mate at the 2006 World Cup, has built an ecosystem around Messi to allow his captain to do his thing.That means letting others do the running around him.Not that Messi is totally exempt from the dirty work."Today, when the team was struggling without possession, he put in the work," said Scaloni."You could see his commitment, that speaks volumes about him."Renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, who wrote an authoritative biography of Messi, said before the World Cup that this version of the player was "very different" to the one that burst onto the scene with Barcelona in the early 2000s."Messi has reinvented himself at least five times to evolve into the player he is now for Argentina and Inter Miami," Balague wrote in a column for the BBC."He has adapted so he can dominate and stay ahead of a game that has always been chasing him," he added.He noted how Pablo Aimar, Messi's childhood idol, once said: "The last Messi is always the best Messi."That version is a player that walks more than he runs, said Balague, but "still sees everything first"."Critics once used this (lack of running) against him. Now it reads as mastery," he wrote."He is reading the game, conserving energy for the moments that matter."pst/rcw

Portugal's Spanish head coach Roberto Martinez talks to the media ahead of his team's crucial group game with Uzbekistan (RONALDO SCHEMIDT)Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo as "a good example for all of us" but refused to confirm if the veteran captain would start his team's World Cup clash with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.Portugal, considered outside favourites to win the tournament in North America, were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening game last week.Former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo was largely anonymous and player and coach were criticised afterwards.Asked about his veteran captain on the eve of their second group match, on Tuesday against Uzbekistan in Houston, Martinez said: "I think he's a player that he focuses so much, (he is) probably the biggest example of how to focus on the aspects that you can influence -- the way he recovers, the way he prepares, the way he trains."He's a good example for us, for all of us.He added: "It is the sixth time he plays a World Cup, and he is a player who's been defending and playing for his country for a long time."So he really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he's really a role model for our team."But asked by reporters if Ronaldo will start against the Uzbeks, Martinez refused to say "because I haven't informed my players yet".Martinez said the disappointment Portugal felt after drawing with the DRC will be motivation against Uzbekistan, who are on their World Cup debut and will be heavy underdogs."The feeling of frustration that we all had as a team, the feeling of disappointment after the game, probably that's the best starting point to prepare for the next game," said the Spaniard.He added: "We are more united, we are stronger, and we work very hard."And also the players have a wonderful attitude."Martinez said that the flak that came their way after the flat performance against the DRC was "part of the game"."We are playing a World Cup, so of course we have lots of noise and tension," he said.pst/rcw

CINCINNATI (AP) — Brandon Woodruff took a perfect game into the sixth inning in his return and Joey Ortiz's sacrifice fly in the 10th drove home the go-ahead run as the first-place Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Monday night. In the 10th, Garrett Mitchell walked then Sal Frelick bunted Mitchell and designated runner Jake Bauers into scoring position. Ortiz's sacrifice fly drove home Bauers with the game's first run and Mitchell scored on a wild pitch by Tony Santillan (1-4) to make the score 2-0. Joel Kuhnel allowed one run in the 10th on a groundout but notched his fifth save. Trevor Megill (2-2) got the win for Milwaukee. Woodruff, who was making his first start since April 30, allowed one hit with no walks and 10 strikeouts. He retired the first 16 batters before Tyler Stephenson singled with one out in the sixth. The 10 strikeouts were two shy of his career-high, which he'd done three times. He has fanned 10 or more batters 21 times in his career, most recently on July 12, 2025, against the Washington Nationals. Woodruff had been on the injured list since May 1 with right shoulder inflammation after he experienced a sudden drop in velocity. Cincinnati starter Brady Singer and Woodruff allowed one hit each through six with a combined 15 strikeouts. Singer walked the first two batters in the second but retired the next three. He held the Brewers hitless until Brice Turang's double leading off the fourth. Turang went 2 for 3. Woodruff was replaced by Aaron Ashby after throwing 79 pitches, 53 strikes. Singer allowed two hits with two walks and seven strikeouts on a season-high 104 pitches. Singer's seven innings were a season high.Up nextBrewers RHP Brandon Sproat (1-4, 5.94 ERA) will face Reds LHP Nick Lodolo (2-2, 6.12) on Tuesday night. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Vice President JD Vance is in a politically precarious spot.

COX'S BAZAR, BANGLADESH - FEBRUARY 19: Renowned Turkish football star Mesut Ozil meets athletes during a football tournament organized by TIKA along with Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ilim Yayma Foundation, Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan and President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Abdullah Eren in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh on February 19, 2026. Ozil and Eren also joined the Rohingya participants on the field, playing football together and creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. The field was filled with Rohingya children, youth, and local residents, making the event lively and festive. (Photo by Abdul Goni/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images In this series, BFW looks back at all the members of the 2014 World Cup-winning Germany men’s national team — players and coaches — reflecting on their performance back then and checking in on where they are today. Today we have the curious case of the vanishing playmaker: Mesut Özil. One of the smoothest and most effortlessly dazzling footballers to grace the pitch in his day, Özil’s international career reached its zenith in 2014. And he’s been through a lot since then.Mesut Özil’s role in 2014It wasn’t the same explosive entrance onto the world stage that the mercurial attacker experienced in 2010, but Özil did start every match, often on the left side of attacking midfield after Marco Reus’s injury. He collected one goal and one assist, including the game-sealer against a tough Algeria side that was threatening to take Germany to the brink in the Round of 16.Özil also joined in on the fun in Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil, providing an assist to Sami Khedira as the pair passed back and forth to one another in the Brazilian box. The game did not end entirely happily for him, though, as he wound up on the receiving end of Bastian Schweinsteiger shouting at him after a missed shot on a dangerous-looking Germany counter. That would have been 8-0. But the one time Germany’s unselfish playmaker did not square it to a teammate…barely a minute later, Brazil scored.Overall, Özil was a chance-creating maestro — as he was four years later in 2018, but with the hardware to back it up. However, in 2014 he was one part of a smooth-running German machine, and arguably not one of its critical or standout components in the tournament. What is Mesut Özil doing now?Poorly Explained Bundesliga does a great job of summarizing Özil’s peculiar recent path on YouTube. The formerly slim midfielder has hit the gym and bulked up. Off the field, he has become increasingly political, doubling down on support for apparent far-right symbols and joining Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s party in 2025.The former Werder Bremen, Arsenal and Real Madrid star has a long and complicated history of being caught up in political narratives and backlashes. Germany’s far-right AfD party once lashed out against him following a pilgrimage to Mecca. When he resigned from the Germany national team in the wake of the 2018 World Cup, he penned a statement decrying his treatment in the public eye — as ‘a German when we win, an immigrant when we lose’. In 2019, he drew attention to the situation of the Uyghur minority in China, accusing the government of persecution — a stance he has since stated cost him in his career at Arsenal. On the field, Özil’s career has veered every which way since 2014. In 2015/16, he tied the Premier League assists record and nearly won the league — but for Leicester City’s charmed finish and a late-season collapse from the Gunners. A series of fallouts with successive managers saw him frozen out of the club completely by his former club teammate Mikel Arteta in 2020, not immediately after Arteta’s appointment as Arsenal coach but after the European restart following the early height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was left unregistered the following season, effectively ending his Arsenal career. He stayed, tweeting sardonically during Arsenal matches, until finally finding a move to Türkiye during the winter.Eventually he made his way to Fenerbahçe…but was also frozen out there in his second season. Özil signed with İstanbul Başakşehir for one year before retiring in 2023, having made just four league appearances in his final professional season.More recently, he spoke at a Malaysia-Türkiye Leadership Summit in April of 2026 during which he ‘encouraged Malaysia to strengthen investment in youth academies and grassroots development’, according to Malay Mail.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

With the Larry O’Brien trophy now safely in the hands of the New York Knicks organization to wrap up the 2025-26 season, we’re now diving headfirst into the first marquee event of the offseason — the 2026 NBA Draft.Round 1 begins on Tuesday night with the Washington Wizards on the clock, starting at 8 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Washington won the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s lottery after being tied with the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets for a 14% chance at the top selection.The Nets slotted in for the No. 6 overall pick. The Pacers, meanwhile, lost out big-time in the draft lottery after landing the No. 5 pick. That pick, which was sent to the Clippers to acquire center Ivica Zubac ahead of the trade deadline back in February, was conditionally protected if it was a top-four pick. Now, the team finds itself without a first-round selection after a 19-63 season.Which teams have multiple first-round picks? Which teams aren’t picking in the first round?This year, six different NBA teams have multiple first-round draft picks. No team currently has more than two first-round draft picks.Atlanta Hawks — No. 8 (via NOP), No. 23 (via CLE)Charlotte Hornets — No. 10, No. 18 (via ORL)Chicago Bulls — No. 4, No. 15 (via POR)Dallas Mavericks — No. 9, No. 30 (via OKC)Memphis Grizzlies — No. 3, No. 16 (via PHX)Oklahoma City Thunder — No. 12 (via LAC), No. 27There are also six teams without a first-round pick heading into draft night.Houston RocketsIndiana PacersNew Orleans PelicansOrlando MagicPhoenix SunsPortland Trail BlazersWill Giannis Antetokounmpo be traded ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft?Everyone currently has eyes on a potential trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Trade talks involving the star forward appeared to heat up ahead of the trade deadline in February, but Milwaukee ultimately did not agree to a deal in time, pushing negotiations into the offseason. Tensions between Giannis and the Bucks appeared to escalate as the season came to a close, too, with Milwaukee looking to shut the star down while he dealt with late-season injuries despite his desire to play. Though Antetokounmpo never publicly acknowledged a trade request, he and his agent reportedly approached the team about a trade at least two times.The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have emerged as two of the top potential destinations for Antetokounmpo, with veteran Jaylen Brown in the mix for trade negotiations involving Boston. Who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft?Right now, BYU freshman forward A.J. Dybantsa is looking likely to go first overall in this year’s draft, currently favored at -750 odds to go No. 1 on FanDuel Sportsbook. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor also has Dybantsa going first overall to the Wizards in his final NBA mock draft. He writes:Dybantsa could become one of the NBA's most unstoppable shot creators. At 6-9, he has a special blend of athletic tools with the way he bends, shifts and explodes with the ball in his hands. He gets to the rim at will, cooks in the midrange, draws fouls at a high rate, and displays point-forward potential. In Washington, the pressure will be alleviated on him early in his career, now that he's teammates with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis. In the longer term, Dybantsa fits: Alex Sarr already looks like an effective two-way big, while guards and wings like Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Bilal Coulibaly have all shown flashes. But none of them projects to be a superstar like Dybantsa, whose upside will be determined by whether he can become a knockdown 3-point shooter, as well as a more impactful defender to take full advantage of his physical tools. But even with those areas for improvement, Dybantsa has an MVP ceiling.Darryn Peterson (+650) is the only other player with odds shorter than +4000 to go No. 1 overall, though the argument can be made (and it has been) that Duke forward Cameron Boozer should be in consideration, too.Full 2026 NBA Draft orderRound 1Washington Wizards (17-65)Utah Jazz (22-60)Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)Chicago Bulls (31-51)Los Angeles Clippers (via IND, 19-63)Brooklyn Nets (20-62)Sacramento Kings (22-60)Atlanta Hawks (via NOP, 26-56)Dallas Mavericks (26-56)Milwaukee Bucks (32-50)Golden State Warriors (37-45)Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC, 42-40)Miami Heat (43-39)Charlotte Hornets (44-38)Chicago Bulls (via POR, 44-38)Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX, 45-37)Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI, 45-37)Charlotte Hornets (via ORL, 45-37)Toronto Raptors (46-36)San Antonio Spurs (via ATL, 47-35)Detroit Pistons (via MIN, 48-34)Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU, 49-33)Atlanta Hawks (via CLE, 50-32)New York Knicks (51-31)Los Angeles Lakers (52-30)Denver Nuggets (53-29)Boston Celtics (56-26)Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET, 56-26)Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS, 58-24)Dallas Mavericks (via OKC, 68-14)Round 2New York Knicks (from WAS via OKC and HOU)Memphis Grizzlies (from IND via MIL)Brooklyn NetsSacramento KingsSan Antonio Spurs (from UTA via MIN)LA Clippers (from MEM via ATL and UTA)Oklahoma City Thunder (from DAL)Chicago Bulls (from NOP via BOS, DET, and POR)Houston Rockets (from CHI via WAS)Boston Celtics (from MIL via ORL)Miami Heat (from GSW via CHA, NYK, OKC, and ATL)San Antonio Spurs (from POR via NOP)Brooklyn Nets (from LAC via HOU)San Antonio Spurs (from MIA via IND)Sacramento Kings (from CHA via SAS, ATL, and NYK)Orlando MagicPhoenix Suns (from PHI via HOU and OKC)Dallas Mavericks (from PHX via WAS)Denver Nuggets (from ATL via BKN and GSW)Toronto RaptorsWashington Wizards (from MIN via DET and NYK)LA Clippers (from CLE)Houston RocketsGolden State Warriors (from LAL via TOR, MIA, and CLE)New York KnicksChicago Bulls (from DEN via MIN, PHX, CHA, and PHX)Atlanta Hawks (from BOS)New Orleans Pelicans (from DET via NYK, BKN, PHX, ORL, and LAC)Minnesota Timberwolves (from SAS via IND)Washington Wizards (from OKC via SAS and MIA)

Linda Cohn announces she is leaving ESPN after 34 years.Credit: Linda Cohn/InstagramNEED TO KNOWLinda Cohn announced she is retiring from ESPN on June 30 after 34 years with the networkThe beloved broadcaster became emotional while thanking fans, saying she had experienced “happy tears all day” following the announcementCohn, who has anchored more editions of SportsCenter than anyone in ESPN history, said helping inspire women in sports media is the achievement she will “cherish most”Linda Cohn is saying goodbye to ESPN after more than three decades at the network.The longtime SportsCenter anchor, 66, announced that she will retire on June 30, bringing to a close a groundbreaking 34-year run that made her the longest-tenured SportsCenter anchor in ESPN history, according to the press release.Following the announcement, Cohn became emotional as she thanked viewers for their support over the years.“The main thing I want to say is thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for all of the messages. Thank you for all the kind words,” Cohn said in a video shared to her Instagram Stories.“I’ve had happy tears all day, every minute of this day,” she continued. “It just means so much that I’ve made this kind of impact when I was just doing something that I enjoyed and loved, just being a sports fan, like you.”“But there’s so much more I’m going to say, but right now I wanted to make sure that I connected with you all,” she added.Cohn has anchored more editions of SportsCenter than anyone in the network's history, according to the release. She joined ESPN in July 1992 and hosted her first SportsCenter on July 11 of that year.Looking back on her career, Cohn said the relationships she built and the impact she may have had on future generations of women in sports media stand out most.“When I look back, I have amazing memories of the shows I hosted, the games I reported on, the athletes I met and the outstanding colleagues I got to work with,” Cohn said in a statement shared by ESPN.“I’ve always said I was a fan first and I’ve always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing SportsCenter or anything else,” she continued.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!“But what I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching SportsCenter, enter this business, and succeed in it,” Cohn said. “If my journey helped make that path a little easier for them, then that’s the achievement I’ll cherish most.”Over the years, Cohn became one of ESPN's most recognizable personalities, serving as a host, reporter, interviewer, commentator, writer and play-by-play announcer. A former collegiate ice hockey goalie at SUNY Oswego, she also played a key role in the network's hockey coverage.In 2016, ESPN honored Cohn for anchoring her 5,000th edition of SportsCenter, a milestone that remains unmatched. The broadcaster later reflected on the moment as one of her favorite memories from her time at the network.“Especially because my kids surprised me and were there for it and the fact some of my favorite athletes called in,” Cohn said.Among her other standout memories were trying out to be the Florida Panthers' emergency goalie and the excitement of hosting SportsCenter after unforgettable moments in sports.“Hard to pick one, but there is nothing like hosting a SportsCenter following an incredible game or individual achievement in sports,” Cohn said. “You feel the adrenaline throughout the night. It’s truly when my fandom for the games and teams shined brightly.”ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus praised Cohn's impact on the network in a statement.“Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN,” Magnus said. “She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years.”Before joining ESPN, Cohn began her broadcasting career in 1981 on Long Island as a radio news anchor, writer and sports reporter. She later became the first full-time female sports anchor on a national radio network before making the jump to television.She was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2017.Cohn's final SportsCenter appearances are scheduled for June 26, when she will return to ESPN's Connecticut studios for a night celebrating her career and legacy.As she prepares to close one chapter, however, Cohn made clear she is not finished writing the next one.“I’m grateful for every moment I had at ESPN but I’m inspired and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead,” she said. “My story is still being written.”Read the original article on People

Antonio Freeman On Son Alex’s World Cup Experience: ‘I’m His Biggest Supporter’IRVINE, Calif. – Having a Hall of Famer in the family has certainly taught U.S. Men’s National Team fullback Alex Freeman some things about how to become an exceptional athlete, but it’s clear from Freeman’s recent performances at FIFA World Cup 2026 that the 21-year-old is forging his own path in the sport of soccer.One week after making his FIFA World Cup debut in the group stage match against Paraguay, and just over one year from making his international debut with the USMNT as a 20-year-old, Freeman tallied his first goal at a FIFA World Cup, a header in the 43rd minute that sent Seattle Stadium into such a raucous frenzy that the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) registered seismic activity at the venue.Alex’s father, Antonio Freeman, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, responded enthusiastically and proudly. As someone with his own prolific playing career, which earned him First-Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame honors, the famous former NFL star knows what it takes to make big plays in big moments.“It was definitely a full circle moment,” Antonio said. “To have a father and son combination in any sport have an impact on a game, in the same state, is pretty amazing. It’s a credit to all the work that Alex has put in and the commitment that he's made. This is his ride, and I'm just happy to be his biggest supporter.”Alex’s goal in the Australia match is part of a rapid rise for the 21-year-old, a 2025 MLS All-Star with Orlando City SC who signed with Villarreal CF in La Liga earlier this year. His goal, the third of his young international career, also solidified a monumental day for the U.S. The team not only earned a win against a quality opponent, 22nd-ranked Australia, but it also earned a massive three points. Two wins in the group stage was a historic first for the program and an important step toward winning Group D, which the U.S. did Friday night following Paraguay’s win over Türkiye.Last week, Alex shared the advice his father imparted ahead of the youngster’s shining moment on the world stage. Antonio told his son to stay true to himself because that’s what’s gotten him this far and allowed him to make sizeable leaps in his professional career.“You continue to amaze me,” Antonio reported telling his son. “Just keep working, Alex, keep being you. People love who you are. Don't change. Just keep working harder.”Alex following in his father’s footsteps and pursuing American football would not have been a surprise – especially given his six-foot-two frame, impressive athletic ability and natural instincts for finding the ball. The defender reportedly turned down basketball and football to pursue soccer, a decision that is yielding amazing results so far in the USMNT’s current campaign, which continues Thursday, June 25 vs. Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium.“Having a FIFA World Cup in the U.S. has really heightened the awareness in the U.S.,” Antonio said. “People from all walks of life are getting involved and rallying behind the team. U.S. Soccer has does a great job of promoting the game and the players. I’m just looking forward to an exciting FIFA [World] Cup.”

🤔Mbappé chasing Messi: how many goals behind Leo is Kylian?The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the stage for a remarkable statistical race. After the tournament’s latest matchdays, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé continue finding the net, cementing a historic rivalry atop the competition’s all-time top scorers chart.Messi at the summit of footballing OlympusWith his recent brace against Austria, the captain of the Argentina national team reached the extraordinary mark of 18 goals across six World Cup editions. With that tally, the Rosario-born star surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16 goals) and now stands alone as the all-time top scorer.The French forward’s fierce scoring rateMeanwhile, Les Bleus’ striker is right on his heels. Thanks to his outstanding performances against Senegal and Iraq, Mbappé climbed to 16 World Cup goals, matching Klose with an astonishing strike rate of one goal per game (16 goals in 16 matches).At 27, the French phenom sits just two goals behind Messi, threatening to break the record in this very tournament.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Rookies JJ Wetherholt and Nathan Church each had two hits, sparking the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. Andre Pallante (9-4) allowed six hits and one run in six innings to secure the victory.Pallante has earned wins in ​his last four starts and has given up two runs or ⁠less in five of his last six outings. St. Louis has won all five of those games.Riley O'Brien, the fifth Cardinals pitcher, notched his 19th save in 23 opportunities by working the ninth.Merrill Kelly (5-7) pitched six innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll each had two hits for Arizona.St. Louis took a 1-0 lead in the third on a one-out infield single by Alec Burleson that drove in Church.The Cardinals extended their lead to 3-0 with a two-run fourth. Blaze Jordan’s sacrifice fly to deep center scored Jimmy Croocks. Church followed with a run-scoring single to shallow center, driving in Masyn Winn.Former Cardinal Nolan Arenado made his first appearance in St. Louis since he was traded in January. Arenado played five seasons with the Cardinals. Many fans gave him a standing ovation before his first at-bat in the second and then he singled to left.Arenado drove in a run with a sixth-inning groundout, cutting St. Louis' lead to 3-1.The second Diamondbacks run came on a 440-foot homer to center by Tommy Troy in seventh off reliever Ryne Stanek, who was making his 500th career appearance. Stanek is one of 13 active pitchers with 500 games.Up nextArizona LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (6-2,2.45) faces RHP Kyle Leahy (5-4, 4.63) in the second of the four-game series. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

NEW YORK (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a letter to Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley that the San Francisco Giants failed to properly explain to players that they were allowed to decline to wear rainbow-themed caps during the club’s annual Pride Night earlier this month.Several members of the Giants, including starting pitcher Landen Roupp, added Bible verses to the themed cap, prompting a warning from the league that writing on the caps is a violation of league policy.Hawley penned a letter to Manfred in which he expressed “grave concern” over the warning to the players. Hawley called the warning “dubious” because he feels MLB is already promoting a political viewpoint by having Pride-themed uniforms.Hawley posted Manfred’s response to his letter on social media Monday.In it, Manfred noted that because some players aren’t comfortable wearing Pride-themed uniforms or caps, the league adopted a policy in 2023 of prohibiting clubs from using special uniforms, caps or equipment in their celebration days except under very narrow circumstances, such as special patches honoring deceased members of the baseball community.That same year, the Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have some of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S., were granted an exemption from the new rule and were permitted use of pride emblems on caps and uniforms on Pride Night “provided that no players or uniformed staff would be required to wear them, and that the team would speak to the players to make sure they were comfortable with the apparel.”“Unfortunately, this year the Giants’ communication with players was inadequate and not clear,” Manfred wrote in his letter to Hawley. “Some players apparently did not understand that they had the option to wear their normal uniform and elected to add messages to their hats bearing the pride logo as a result.“The Giants players were allowed to wear the hats with biblical references for the entire game. After the game had concluded, my office issued a routine oral warning about the uniform policy violation — unfortunately, it was issued before we became aware of the Giants’ lapse in communication,” Manfred added. “The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be.”

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their 2026 WNBA season with a victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Monday, June 22.Clark, a former Iowa women's basketball star, and the Fever are 10-7 after the first 17 games of the season.Here's a look at how Clark fared in Monday's game in Indianapolis:Caitlin Clark stats today in Indiana Fever vs Phoenix MercuryMinutes: 28Points: 24Rebounds: 3Assists: 9Blocks: 0Steals: 0Turnovers: 3Fouls: 5FG shooting: 8-173-point shooting: 3-10Free throws: 5-6Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming gamesJune 24 vs. Phoenix Mercury, 6:30 p.m. CT, USA Network, WOI Local 5 and WQADJune 27 vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 7 p.m. CT, CBS, Paramount+ and KCCI.July 5 at Las Vegas Aces, 6 p.m. CT, ESPN, Disney+July 8 at Los Angeles Sparks, 9 p.m. CT, USA Network, WOI Local 5 and WQADJuly 9 at Phoenix Mercury, 9 p.m. CT, Prime Video, WOI Local 5 and WQADThis article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: See Caitlin Clark's stats from Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury game

The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.

Shams Charania: Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28.x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Julius Randle heads to Brooklyn in three-team trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday, but suffered two heavy losses in the game.Both Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing left the game with injury, Tucker suffering from low back spasms and Rushing leaving after a foul tip rattled off of his helmet in the first inning.Will Klein served as an opener for the Dodgers in the game, and allowed the only run of the game on the Dodgers’ side. Eric Lauer came in to replace him after the first inning, and threw six innings of no-hit baseball. He ended the game with three walks and two strikeouts.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)The Dodgers scored in the top of the first inning, as Shohei Ohtani led the game off with a no-doubter home run to right field. Since returning from Paternity leave on Saturday, two of Ohtani’s three hits have been home runs.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)Buxton leveled the game with his own blast in the bottom of the first inning, though, and the game would remain square until the middle innings.Jun 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with center fielder Andy Pages (44) after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesThe Dodger scattered hits around throughout the game, gathering a total of nine on the evening, but their only means of scoring in the series opener came through the long ball. Freddie Freeman launched a solo shot high over the center field fence in the top of the sixth inning to give the Dodgers the lead.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)Kyle Hurt came in for the eighth inning to reliever Eric Lauer and gave the Twins their first hit since the first inning, but still got out of the inning without any consequence.Tanner Scott came in to close the game in the ninth, and had a clean frame to secure his 10th win of the campaign.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)The win is a step in the right direction for the Dodgers, but their lack of scoring over the past few days should be a cause for some concern. They’ll look to build some confidence from their 50th win on the season, and will aim to win the series tomorrow when Justin Wrobleski takes on Joe Ryan at 4:40 p.m. PT on Tuesday.What did you think of the team’s performance?

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 22: Zebby Matthews #52 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of the game at Target Field on June 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s a big night when the reigning champs come to town. Anthony Banda got his championship ring, the Target Field concessions workers went on strike, and Zebby Matthews got to remind everyone that his real, government registered name is Zebulon. Unfortunately, it appears they forgot the bag labeled “runs” back in Phoenix as there was little offense to speak of for the hometown nine.Things got off to an inauspicious start for Zebby Matthews in the Twins when Shohei “best player in history” Ohtani homered on the second pitch of the game. It was Ohtani’s 17th homer of the season and a terrible sign for a player as homer-prone as Zebby. Luckily, he really settled in from there with the only other run coming on a Freddie Freeman solo shot in the sixth.And while the Dodgers have Ohtani, Will Klein forgot that the Twins have new AL home run leader Byron Buxton. Buck immediately answered Ohtani’s bomb with one of his own in the bottom of the inning, evening the score at one apiece. Unfortunately for the Twins, Buxton’s homer was Minnesota’s only run on the night. The Twins did follow with a couple of two-out singles in the first, but that was also the only other time the Twins got a runner past first base.Listen. It’s not that losing to the Dodgers is a problem. They’re the best team in baseball and the World Series favorites even with all their current injuries. The problem is that they couldn’t manage anything of note against Eric Lauer who has been very bad this season. He was bad enough that the Blue Jays DFA’d him earlier this month to make space on their roster for Simeon Woods Richardson. You know, the guy the Twins DFA’d even with their starting pitching injuries because he couldn’t stop throwing meatballs down the heart of the plate. Lauer also joined this illustrious list of players to throw 6+ hitless innings against the Twins. Eric Lauer is just the 11th opposing pitcher to throw 6+ innings and allow 0 hits vs. the Twins in team history.And it's a helluva list:Martín PérezJustin VerlanderClayton KershawJered WeaverRich HardenDavid WellsNolan RyanSteve StoneVida BlueCatfish Hunter— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 23, 2026The Dodgers are a pitching factory who spin up quality starts out of nowhere which is why this was the game you really needed to win. With how well the Twins had been swinging in June, they had to feel good about their chances going in. Now they’ll need to take the next two against breakout lefty Justin Wrobleski tomorrow and Ohtani, the greatest baseball player ever, on Wednesday. This was the one to get, especially with Zebby limiting the damage as well as he did. Speaking of which…This wasn’t one of Zebby’s best starts, but he largely limited hard contact and kept a stacked lineup to just two runs which is an absolute win. Despite all of the traffic the Dodgers had on the bases, tonight was also a good sign for Matthews’ long term outlook. No one would have blamed Zebby for getting rattled after that start, but on a night where his stuff wasn’t his best and he couldn’t induce as much swing-and-miss as he would like, Zebby turned in a quality start and ate up six innings for a bullpen that needed it. That’s how you go from a volatile prospect to a rotation mainstay.One other notable moment was manager Derek Shelton’s interesting decision in the top of the 9th inning. Andrew Morris came in to face the bottom third of LA’s lineup, with Alex Freeland lacing a pinch-hit single out of the nine hole to bring the lineup back around to Ohtani. Rather than face Ohtani for a fifth time, Shelton opted to intentionally walk Ohtani, moving Freeland to scoring position with two outs. It worked out perfectly for the Twins, with Andy Pages striking out on three pitches immediately afterward, but on a night starved for offense and the Dodgers repeatedly threatening to break the game open, it’s easy to see how it could backfire. That being said, I called Ohtani the greatest baseball player in history three different times tonight and I also wouldn’t want to see him bat for a fifth time. This is why I write blog posts and Shelton manages a professional baseball team.STUDSZebby Matthews: limiting the damage (6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR allowed)Byron Buxton: solo dong for the Twins’ solo runDUDSEveryone besides Buxton: 2-26, 4 BBWe’re back tomorrow for the Joe Ryan Experience against breakout lefty Justin Wrobleski. It’s Kyler Fedko time, baby!