LOS ANGELES — Roki Sasaki turned in the finest start of his major league career Friday night, striking out a career-high 10 batters over seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 1-0 in the Freeway Series opener at Dodger Stadium.

Freddie Freeman provided the lone run with a leadoff walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off former Dodgers reliever Kirby Yates, securing the victory for the hosts. Sasaki’s dominant performance set the tone in a pitchers’ duel against Angels starter Reid Detmers, allowing just two hits and two walks while showcasing improved velocity and command.

At 24 years and 214 days old, Sasaki became the fourth-youngest Japanese-born pitcher to record double-digit strikeouts in a major league game. The outing marked continued progress for the right-hander, who has shown marked improvement since incorporating a new splitter into his repertoire.

“This is the guy that we saw on video in Japan, and that we hoped to get,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki’s recent form.

Sasaki limited the Angels to minimal damage, working efficiently and attacking the strike zone with confidence. His fastball reached a career-high 100.6 mph, and his splitter proved particularly effective, generating swings and misses while tunneling well with his heater. He has now dominated the Angels in two starts this season, previously tossing seven innings of one-run ball in Anaheim.

Breakthrough Amid Early Struggles

Sasaki signed with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season amid high expectations following a decorated career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. His rookie year was interrupted by a right shoulder impingement, limiting him to eight starts with a 4.72 ERA before a strong postseason relief appearance. This season began unevenly, with a 6.11 ERA through his first four outings.

Since adding the splitter on April 25, however, Sasaki has posted a 3.12 ERA over seven starts, spanning more than 40 innings. In his last two outings, he has regained the triple-digit velocity that defined him in Japan. The slider-cutter added in the offseason has complemented his arsenal, allowing better sequencing and rhythm.

“I’m making small adjustments all the time. I think that because of that, everything’s kind of put together,” Sasaki said through interpreter Kensuke Okubo. “When I do that, I find a good rhythm out there. That kind of keeps me going.”

The Dodgers have witnessed gradual development rather than an immediate supernova. Roberts acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to Major League Baseball, noting unfair expectations for a seamless adjustment.

“It’s not what I would say we expected; it’s what we heard. And then when you feel comfortable and confident, then you can start to expect things,” Freeman added, praising Sasaki’s back-to-back strong performances.

Freeman’s Clutch Moment Seals Pitchers’ Duel

The game remained scoreless until the ninth. Detmers matched Sasaki’s effectiveness for much of the night, but the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm before Freeman delivered. The first baseman, known for clutch hits, sent a 3-2 pitch from Yates over the wall in deep center for his 10th homer of the season and a dramatic victory.

The win improved the Dodgers’ record against the Angels to 4-0 this season and highlighted their depth, with Shohei Ohtani back in the designated hitter role. A defensive gem by Miguel Rojas in the third inning — a barehanded play on a tipped liner, confirmed via replay — helped preserve the shutout.

Context in Dodgers’ Season

The Dodgers entered the matchup with strong momentum in the National League West. Sasaki’s outing contributes to a rotation that has shown flashes of dominance despite injuries and adjustments throughout the year. His growth trajectory aligns with the organization’s vision when they invested in the young phenom.

For the Angels, the loss underscores ongoing struggles against their crosstown rivals. Despite competitive pitching from Detmers, the offense could not capitalize on limited opportunities against Sasaki’s mix.

Sasaki has made just 19 major league starts overall. His recent stretch, including low walk rates and higher strikeout totals, signals a pitcher gaining comfort at the highest level. Analysts note similarities to his Japanese form, where he excelled with elite stuff and command.

Broader Implications and Outlook

Japanese pitchers have a storied history in MLB, from pioneers like Hideo Nomo to stars like Ohtani. Sasaki joins that lineage, and his development could prove pivotal for the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations. With improved health and pitch execution, he offers high-upside innings in a loaded rotation.

Roberts emphasized patience during Sasaki’s early difficulties. “He went through some tough times and some doubts, but he’s gotten to the other side,” the manager said.

As the season progresses, Sasaki’s ability to maintain this level will be tested against stronger lineups. His splitter’s effectiveness and velocity uptick provide tools to succeed deep into games. The Dodgers will look to build on this momentum in the remainder of the Freeway Series.

Freeman’s walk-off added to his reputation as a big-moment performer, his 20th career walk-off hit underscoring reliability in tight contests. For fans at Dodger Stadium, it capped an evening defined by Sasaki’s emergence and a classic crosstown thriller.

The performance comes amid a busy stretch for the Dodgers, who continue navigating a competitive division while integrating contributions from international talents like Sasaki and Ohtani. Early returns on Sasaki’s adjustments suggest the best may be yet to come for the 24-year-old.

While 13 of the 14 present in the latest list have taken a dip in their rankings, four companies — Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Petroleum, state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC), realty major Unitech and housing loan giant HDFC — have completely moved out of the league.

The latest FT Global 500 list was published by the UK business daily Financial Times over this weekend, is based on the companies’ market capitalisation as on March 31, 2008. The previous rankings were based on December 2007-end figures.

Reliance Industries, flagship company of India’s biggest corporate house Mukesh Ambani group, is top ranked 80th in the latest list, topped by the US energy giant ExxonMobil.

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Except for tobacco-to-consumer goods major ITC, ranked 484th, all other Indian companies have seen their rankings decline from the previous list.

Together, the market value of these 14 firms has dropped by about $ 150 billion since December last year and currently stands at about $ 440 billion.

There were 17 Indian companies in the previous list and had a total market capitalisation of about $ 590 billion.

In the country-wise ranking based on total market cap of all their companies present in the list, India has been placed 15th. The US is at the top with 169 companies worth a total $ 9.6 trillion, followed by UK, China, France and Japan.

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Other countries ranked ahead of India include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Hong Kong, Italy and Australia.
In terms of the number of companies present in the list, India and Russia are jointly ranked ninth after the US (169), the UK (35), Japan (39), France (31), China (25), Canada (24) and Germany (22). Among the Indian firms, RIL is followed by two state-run firms ONGC and NTPC at 148th and 206th positions respectively.

While RIL has slipped 15 positions from its 65th rank in the previous list, ONGC and NTPC have also moved down from their 115th and 163rd ranks previously.

Other Indian firms include Sunil Mittal-led telecom giant Bharti Airtel at 218th (down from 193), realty major DLF at 329th (down from 195) and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Comm at 350th position (down from 252).

However, ITC climbed six spots to the 484th place, even as its market cap fell to $ 19.38 billion from $ 20.8 billion previously.

Realty major DLF saw the steepest market value fall of $ 40.66 billion, followed by the country’s biggest private sector lender ICICI Bank with a plunge of $ 38.51 billion and Steel Authority of India ($ 35.46 billion).

RIL, the country’s most valued firm, saw its market cap falling by about $ 21 billion, dipping from about $ 105 billion to $ 82 billion in the latest list.

In the global list, ExxonMobil has replaced China’s PetroChina at the top, while US industrial conglomerate GE has retained its third position. Other firms in the top 10 include Gazprom, China Mobile, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Microsoft, AT&T, Royal Dutch Shell and P&G.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

NEW YORK — Alphabet Inc. has significantly outperformed Microsoft Corp. in 2026 stock returns so far, with shares up roughly 17-18% year-to-date amid strong Google Cloud momentum and AI advancements, while Microsoft has posted declines of around 11-15% amid heavy capital spending concerns and valuation scrutiny.

The comparison underscores diverging investor sentiment toward two tech titans central to the artificial intelligence boom. Alphabet, trading near $368 recently, has benefited from accelerating cloud growth and advertising resilience. Microsoft, around $417, faces questions over returns on massive AI infrastructure investments despite robust Azure performance and enterprise software strength.

Analysts offer no consensus “winner” for investors, emphasizing different strengths. Some favor Alphabet for relative value and faster recent growth, while others prefer Microsoft’s diversified enterprise moat and predictable cash flows. Both carry wide economic moats but require careful consideration of valuations, execution risks and broader AI spending trends.

Alphabet’s Momentum in AI and Cloud

Alphabet reported solid first-quarter results, with Google Cloud showing impressive year-over-year expansion. The segment has been a standout, contributing to overall revenue growth and positioning the company favorably in the AI race through tools like Gemini and enhanced search capabilities.

Year-to-date performance highlights investor enthusiasm for Alphabet’s trajectory, with shares climbing amid optimism over AI monetization and cost discipline. Over the past year, returns have exceeded 110-120% in some measures, far outpacing many peers. Recent trading has seen volatility, but the stock has held near multi-month highs.

Analyst consensus for Alphabet remains strongly bullish, with an average price target around $376-$431, implying modest to double-digit upside from current levels. Ratings lean toward Buy, citing advertising stability, cloud acceleration and AI optionality. Valuation multiples appear more attractive relative to historical premiums in some assessments.

Microsoft’s Enterprise Resilience Amid Pullback

Microsoft continues to deliver steady growth in cloud (Azure), productivity tools like Office 365 and AI offerings such as Copilot. The company has committed heavily to AI infrastructure, including data centers and partnerships, which has weighed on near-term sentiment due to elevated capital expenditures.

Despite the 2026 year-to-date decline, Microsoft maintains strong fundamentals with consistent earnings and a massive installed base. Analysts highlight long-term potential from AI integration across its ecosystem, though some note near-term pressure from spending returns and competition.

Consensus ratings for Microsoft are Moderate Buy to Buy, with average price targets in the $560-$570 range, suggesting substantial potential upside. High targets reach $650-$870, reflecting optimism around Azure growth and AI commercialization, though valuation remains a point of debate compared to historical levels.

Head-to-Head in the AI Era

Both companies lead in cloud computing, with Google Cloud and Azure competing fiercely against Amazon Web Services. Alphabet has shown faster cloud revenue growth in recent quarters, while Microsoft benefits from deeper enterprise integration and hybrid solutions.

Valuation gaps stand out: Alphabet trades at lower forward multiples in some metrics, appealing to value-oriented investors, while Microsoft commands a premium justified by margins and diversification. Growth profiles differ, with Alphabet showing recent acceleration and Microsoft offering stability.

Risks for both include intense AI competition, regulatory scrutiny on tech giants, and potential slowdowns in capital spending by hyperscalers. Geopolitical factors and macroeconomic conditions could also influence performance. Alphabet faces advertising cyclicality, while Microsoft contends with high AI investment costs.

Market Context and Broader Trends

The 2026 tech environment features surging AI capital expenditures, projected to reach hundreds of billions annually. Both Alphabet and Microsoft are key beneficiaries and investors in this infrastructure buildout, from data centers to specialized chips and models.

Recent earnings cycles have reinforced AI narratives, though investor patience with spending varies. Alphabet’s advertising base provides a buffer, while Microsoft’s software subscriptions deliver recurring revenue. Performance divergence reflects rotation toward perceived value in a high-valuation sector.

Investment Considerations

Neither stock represents a straightforward buy. Investors bullish on pure AI growth and valuation may lean toward Alphabet, while those prioritizing enterprise stability, dividends and long-term predictability might favor Microsoft. Many portfolios hold both for balanced exposure.

Diversification and horizon matter. Short-term volatility from AI hype cycles is likely, but long-term prospects tie to successful monetization and innovation. Analysts stress monitoring quarterly results for cloud metrics, AI progress and margin trends. This is not investment advice; consult professionals and review filings.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 unfolds, focus remains on second-half execution. Alphabet aims to sustain cloud momentum and AI integrations, while Microsoft eyes returns on investments and Copilot adoption. The “which to buy” question hinges on individual risk tolerance, with both positioned as foundational AI plays.

The rivalry underscores the dynamic tech landscape, where legacy strengths meet transformative opportunities. Patient investors in either could benefit if strategic bets deliver, amid a market rewarding disciplined growth amid AI enthusiasm.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lionel Messi is progressing well in his recovery from a recent muscle issue and could see limited action in Argentina’s final pre-World Cup friendlies, coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, easing concerns about the captain’s readiness for the defending champions’ title defense.

The 38-year-old superstar suffered muscle fatigue in his left hamstring while playing for Inter Miami CF in a 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union on May 24. He was substituted in the 73rd minute as a precaution, prompting global attention given his central role in Argentina’s campaign.

“Leo is doing well, he’s already trained with the group for part of the session, and that’s significant. He’s no longer training separately,” Scaloni told reporters ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas.

Scaloni added that Messi “is improving a lot and could even take part in one of the warm-up matches for a few minutes. We’ll see whether it’s this one or the next, but he’s much better and that gives us peace of mind.”

Argentina, winners in Qatar in 2022, faces Honduras on Saturday at Kyle Field and Iceland on Tuesday in Alabama. The team opens Group J play against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches versus Austria and Jordan.

Messi’s Path to a Sixth World Cup

This will mark Messi’s sixth appearance in football’s premier tournament, a record for the Argentine icon. His leadership and brilliance were instrumental in ending Argentina’s 36-year World Cup drought four years ago. Now, at 38, questions about his durability have surfaced, but Scaloni expressed optimism based on recent training observations.

Messi joined the national team camp in the United States after his club stint, initially training separately before integrating more fully with the squad. Videos and reports from the Sporting Kansas City training facilities showed him participating in sessions, signaling positive momentum.

Scaloni recounted the lighthearted moment when he confirmed Messi’s selection. “I sent him a message and he told me he would wait for the squad list to see if he had been called up,” the coach said with a smile. “I told him, ‘You’re called up.’ That’s how it happened.”

The humility in that exchange reflects Messi’s character, Scaloni noted, as the squad prepares to defend its crown on home soil in North America. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, carries extra significance for the Albiceleste.

Injury Context and Squad Management

Inter Miami described Messi’s issue as “an overload associated with muscle fatigue” rather than a severe strain, with further tests confirming no major damage. The club and national team staff have coordinated closely to manage his workload.

Scaloni has broader fitness concerns within the squad, including players like Cristian Romero and Julián Álvarez, but emphasized a measured approach. “He went through some tough times” in recovery, but recent sessions indicate Messi is turning the corner.

Argentina’s depth allows flexibility. Even without full minutes from Messi in the friendlies, the team boasts talent across the pitch, from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to midfield creators and attacking options like Lautaro Martínez. Scaloni has tested lineups without Messi and Álvarez in recent sessions, focusing on tactical cohesion.

Argentina’s Tournament Outlook

As reigning champions, Argentina enters as one of the favorites. The group stage presents varied challenges: Algeria in the opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, followed by European sides Austria and Jordan. Home advantage in U.S. venues could prove valuable, with strong supporter turnout expected.

Messi’s presence, even in a limited capacity initially, provides intangible benefits. His experience in high-stakes matches and ability to unlock defenses remain unmatched. Teammates and coaches have repeatedly voiced confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully.

Preparations in Kansas City have included high-intensity sessions at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center. The squad’s blend of veterans and younger talents positions it well for a deep run, potentially culminating in another final appearance.

Broader Implications for Messi and Argentina

This World Cup could represent the final chapter for Messi on the international stage, though he has avoided firm retirement talk, preferring a game-by-game mindset. His MLS move has helped preserve his body for national duty, balancing club commitments with international ambitions.

Fan excitement is palpable, with Messi’s branded plane arrival drawing crowds and social media ablaze with anticipation. For a nation that waited decades for glory in 2022, the chance to repeat would cement a golden era.

Scaloni has managed expectations carefully, stressing collective strength over reliance on any single player. Yet Messi’s influence extends beyond the field — in leadership, tactical input and inspiring teammates. His partial group training marks a key step toward availability for the June 16 opener.

Final Preparations and Fan Focus

The friendlies serve as vital tune-ups. Against Honduras, Scaloni may limit Messi’s exposure to avoid setbacks, saving him for Iceland or the tournament itself. The coaching staff monitors all players closely, with fitness deadlines approaching for final roster tweaks.

Analysts highlight Argentina’s experience as a major asset. Many from the 2022 squad remain, providing continuity. Tactical evolution under Scaloni, incorporating modern pressing and fluid attacking patterns, complements Messi’s genius.

As the tournament nears, global attention fixates on Messi’s fitness. Positive updates from Scaloni have calmed nerves, allowing focus to shift toward strategy and execution. For Argentina fans worldwide, the dream of back-to-back titles lives on, anchored by their eternal talisman.

Messi’s journey from teenage phenom in 2006 to 2026 veteran embodies resilience. Whether he features prominently from the start or eases in, his impact on the team’s psyche is undeniable. Scaloni’s updates provide reassurance as the Albiceleste gears up for its most important campaign in years.