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Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez blasts 450-foot homer on first pitch

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St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez’s first career game in the big leagues was something out of a movie.

Báez made Major League Baseball history by hitting a home run in each of his first three plate appearances in the Cardinals’ game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. 

The 23-year-old wasted no time in his first-ever at-bat, blasting the first pitch he saw in his major league career 450 feet to dead center field for a two-run homer to give the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

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Báez pummeled Cubs starter Matt Boyd’s 93-mph fastball and sent the Cardinals’ dugout into a frenzy. The rookie rounded the bases with a smile on his face the whole time.

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Joshua Báez swings and hits a home run at Wrigley Field during a Cardinals-Cubs game.

Joshua Báez of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago Aug. 15, 2026. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)

His second home run of the day came in the fourth inning, once again off Boyd. Báez worked the count full, then hammered Boyd’s 78-mph changeup 382 feet into the left-field seats to give the Cardinals a 4-3 lead.

Báez’s third home run also came off Boyd, this time off an 83-mph slider on the outside of the plate. The electrifying rookie hammered the ball 368 feet into the right-field seats for a two-run home run, giving the Cardinals a 6-3 lead. The Cardinals’ dugout was in disbelief, with multiple players in awe of Báez’s historic feat.

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The right-handed hitter homered to all three fields on three different pitches in his first three plate appearances of his career. Báez homered off a fastball in his first at-bat to center field, a changeup to left field in his second at-bat and a slider to right field in his third at-bat. It was a remarkable display of power in his first career game.

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Joshua Báez of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates with Alec Burleson after hitting a home run at Wrigley Field.

Joshua Báez, right, of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates with Alec Burleson after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago Aug. 15, 2026. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)

In his fourth at-bat, he proved he was human, hitting a line out to Cubs left fielder Ian Happ. At the time of this writing, the Cardinals had an 8-4 lead over the Cubs in the ninth inning.

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Báez, who led Triple-A in home runs before being called up Saturday, was batting fifth in the order and playing left field. In Triple-A, the Boston native was putting up massive numbers, hitting .256 with 34 home runs, 90 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 103 games.

The Cardinals drafted him in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school. The team hopes he can join JJ Wetherholt, Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson to form a young core the team can build around for a long time.

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Joshua Báez celebrates after hitting a home run at Wrigley Field.

Joshua Báez of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago Aug. 15, 2026. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)

The Cardinals were not expected to compete this season but have surprised many as they entered Saturday at 61-61 and just 3½ games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies for the final wild-card spot in the National League.

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The Cubs hold the top wild-card spot in the National League and entered Saturday three games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

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Bangladesh Break Pakistan’s Huge Record After Historic First Win In Australia

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Bangladesh’s men’s cricket team created history on Sunday as it beat Australia in the first Test in Darwin, registering its first win in the format in Australian conditions. Bangladesh had previously played two Tests in Australia, losing both. However, the win in Darwin was a historic result for the Tigers, who are now the quickest Asian side to win a Test on Australian soil. Pakistan had to wait seven matches for their first win in Australia, while India secured theirs after 12 Tests.

Among the other Asian Test-playing nations, Sri Lanka remain the only side yet to beat Australia in their own backyard, despite playing 15 Tests there.

After bowling Australia out for 284 and needing 57 to win, the visitors cruised past the total when Mominul Haque slashed Beau Webster to the backward point boundary.

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Unfancied Bangladesh dominated a full-strength Australia throughout and the margin of victory will send shock waves through the cricketing world.

When Australia resumed Sunday on 161-4, their hopes lay with Alex Carey and Green.

Carey lived dangerously in the opening 30 minutes, twice edging seamer Hasan Mahmud through the vacant slips cordon for boundaries.

But on 30 off-spinner Mehidy produced a beautiful ball, pitching in line then turning sharply to take Carey’s outside edge to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

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He struck again soon after, bowling Webster for five to leave Australia 193-6 and in deep trouble.

A famous victory edged closer when Cummins pushed forward to a Mehidy delivery and got an inside edge to short leg, where Shadman Islam took a sharp chance.

Australia were 207-7, still 21 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total.

Green and Mitchell Starc batted sensibly to ensure Bangladesh had to bat again.

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Starc fell for 18 caught behind but Green was playing well.

But despite looking increasingly comfortable, he was undone when a Hasan ball kept low, hit the toe end of his bat and cannoned into the stumps.

Mehidy wrapped up the innings when he trapped Nathan Lyon plumb in front leg before.

Despite losing Tanzid in the first over, Mominul and Shadman cruised to victory.

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(With AFP Inputs)


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India vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score, 1st Test Day 2: Sri Lanka Captain Commits Blunder Costs Big, Dhruv Jurel Nears 50

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Devdutt Padikkal struck a sublime maiden Test century as India dominated the opening day, reaching 288/2 at Stumps. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 27 off 36 balls, with two boundaries.

Experienced opener KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 after sharing a 150-run partnership with Padikkal. The Karnataka duo took India firmly in control before Rahul was forced to leave the field after suffering cramps in his arm.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard for little reward, with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya finally making the breakthrough in his 21st over, dismissing India captain Shubman Gill for 16 after the batter attempted a cheeky shot.

The other wicket to fall was that of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was run out for 32 in the first hour of the day after a mix-up with Rahul.

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9 specific reasons we’re loving this U.S. Amateur at Merion

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Here are nine things we’re loving about this week’s U.S. Amateur at Merion.

1. Merion has always been cramped, charming, difficult, great. This week has proved once again that not only is Merion ideal for a match-play event, such as this U.S. Amateur, but that it will be superb for the three U.S. Opens on its docket, in 2030, 2040 and 2050. (Plus the Women’s Open in 2034 and 2046.) If you want to diminish the value of the smashed driver, you need a shorter course, not a longer one. You need a course with peculiar angles and sledding-hill slopes.

Enter Merion, at 6,900 yards, with two long par-3s and two longish par-5s and a selection of mix-and-match par-4s. So good. Like, one of the best. Obviously, as Dustin Johnson might add here.

2. This Jay Leng Jr., a rising junior at Stanford with the widest stance you’ve ever seen on a good golfer and one of Saturday afternoon’s four semi-finalists, does something every golfer should do when hitting an approach shot into a greenside bunker: He grabs his sand wedge right away! It’s not complicated, people. The second one shot has ended is the time to start plotting your next one.

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3. Leng’s Saturday afternoon opponent, Logan Reilly, a rising sophomore at Auburn, with a tangly and distinctive red mullet, has been a fixture in a clubhouse tent beside the 13th green, hanging with his people (his father is a prominent agent), iced tea in hand, in no rush to go anywhere, taking it all in.

4. This Jack Whaley from England, a rising senior at Florida State and one of Saturday afternoon’s four semi-finalists, endured the indignity of giving up three-hole leads twice in one match and never showed a moment of outward anxiety. This guy brings new meaning to Keep Calm and Carry On.

5. Whaley’s Saturday afternoon opponent, Carter Loflin, on the cusp of finishing his degree at Georgia after four years of golf there, sips water from a bottle that features a Grateful Dead Steal Your Face logo, wears a cotton golf shirt that Arnold Palmer would envy. The Last Days of Persimmon is paging this young golfer, welcoming him into the fold.

6. The USGA write-ups on these matches, posted in its website and written by a veteran newspaper writer David Shefter, a longtime USGA in-house writer: the pieces are loaded with information you’re unlikely to find elsewhere and have a style all their own, too, getting quotes down to their colorful essence. Carter Loflin, for instance, referring to Emilia Migliaccio Doran, the former Curtis Cup player, as “the Golf Channel lady.”

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7. The incredible level of courtesy shown by fans, marshals, police officers, members, USGA officials, players, caddies. There was not a moment of boorishness. There was never a time you could not see any shot you wanted to see. There was, at times, a 15-minute line to get into the pro shop. Nobody seemed to mind.

8. Forgive me: I missed last call for lunch one day. A server invited me into the kitchen, gave me a plate, pointed to the leftovers and told me to have at it.

9. The golf had wild and unexpected turns in it, the four gents still at it on Saturday afternoon, brilliant at times, on edge at others. Whaley and Loflin were tied going into 18. Whaley won the home hole . . . with a bogey. Not what you want to see, but what happened. Leng defeated Reilly 2&1. So Leng and Whaley will face each other in the Sunday finale, likely in the rain, the electric SEPTA trains whistling on by. Timeless Merion. I haven’t heard a ringing cellphone yet.
 
Michael Bamberger welcomes your comments at Michael.Bamberger@golf.com.

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India vs China Women’s Hockey WC 2026 LIVE SCORE: IND 0-0 CHN in the 1st quarter | Other Sports News

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India begin their Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign against a formidable China side today, with the ninth-ranked team taking on the Olympic silver medallists, who are ranked second in the world.

 


The Pool D clash could prove crucial to India’s campaign, with England and South Africa also in the group. Under the tournament’s new format, India will be keen to avoid dropping points in their opening fixture.

 

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India banking on experience

 


India have spent considerable time adapting to European conditions, training at the Wagener Stadium and facing defending champions Netherlands in a practice match.

 

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While 11 members of the squad are making their World Cup debuts, India have plenty of experienced players. Goalkeeper Savita leads the way with 313 international appearances and is playing in her third World Cup. Sushila Chanu has 262 caps, while Navneet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan and Neha Goyal have all crossed the 200-cap mark.

 

Savita believes India’s fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics can provide additional motivation as the team targets a maiden World Cup medal. 

 

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China present a major challenge

 


India will be wary of China’s recent record against them. China defeated India 4-1 at the 2025 Asia Cup before going on to win the tournament. They also claimed silver at the Paris Olympics and have finished fourth in the last two Pro League seasons.

 

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China’s resurgence has coincided with the arrival of Australian coach Alison Annan, who previously guided the Netherlands to World Cup and Olympic gold.

 


India enter with confidence

 

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India’s recent form offers encouragement. They won the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand to return to the Pro League, while Deepika and Navneet have emerged as key attacking threats.

 


Deepika scored six goals in the Pro League, while Navneet was named Player of the Tournament during the World Cup qualifiers.

 

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Coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the team is ready for the challenge, with a strengthened support staff focusing on analysis, fitness, sports science and drag-flick expertise.

 


A positive result against China would give India an important early boost and provide confidence ahead of their remaining Pool D fixtures and next month’s Asian Games.  Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live telecast: Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be broadcast live on Star Sports network.  Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live streaming: Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be streamed live on JioHotstar.

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Pro wrestler LaBron Kozone reacts to ‘generational’ talent superlative

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Pro wrestler LaBron Kozone signed a multi-year deal with Major League Wrestling (MLW) in March and was immediately described as a blue-chip and “generational” prospect.

Kozone won a few matches and is heading into Saturday’s “Fusion” looking to enact some revenge against Joe Coffey after the Scottish superstar took out legendary authority figure Teddy Long on a previous show.

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LaBron Kozone before a match

LaBron Kozone waves to the crowd on MLW “Fusion.” (MLW)

Kozone talked to Fox News Digital about his decision to sign with MLW in a recent interview.

“It was just a great opportunity just with how things are going today in the wrestling world. You want to put yourself in a predicament where you become most effective, you know?” he said. 

“You just look at the states where you have so many different promotions out there, what’s going on in their universe. And I know a lot of people in different universes, and I’m looking at MLW and it’s just like, ‘OK, for me, it’s probably the best situation with everything that I have going on in my obligation in pro wrestling.’

“It goes deeper than just inside the ring and wrestling, but it’s how can I help people out outside the ring because I run Firestar Pro Wrestling Training School. So, it’s not only an opportunity for me, but it’s an opportunity for a lot of my students who are already getting a lot of opportunity. 

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“And, plus, MLW is the fastest rising pro wrestling promotion out there right now. It’s the most accessible, and it’s the fastest rising. Every show that I’ve attended — even before I got signed — it’s been sold out. I feel like they’re definitely pressing on something game changing.”

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Close-up look at LaBron Kozone

LaBron Kozone looks around the arena before MLW’s “Fusion.” (MLW)

MLW owner Court Bauer called Kozone a “blue-chipper and a generational prospect” earlier this year when the company announced Kozone’s signing.

Kozone said he wasn’t quite sure what being a “blue-chipper” was but agreed with the notion that he was a “generational” talent.

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“Honestly, just to be quite frank, I don’t know what blue chip means. But generational talent, I can understand that,” he said. “I appreciate (it). That means once in a lifetime, which I do agree with. 

“I feel like I am a once-in-a-lifetime, not just talent but once-in-a-lifetime person. To (have) done what I done, have as much impact as I’ve had if only been in it for a little bit over a decade.”

LaBron Kozone hits Okumura

LaBron Kozone clotheslines Okumura during a match on MLW’s “Fusion.” (MLW)

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He previously told Fox News Digital that if he’s able to dispatch Coffey, he’s looking to go after some gold next.

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Islam Makhachev names “most deserving” challenger for welterweight belt after UFC 330 success 

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Islam Makhachev had barely finished fighting at UFC 330 before questions about his next opponent started coming up.

The Russian defended his welterweight title by getting the better of Ian Machado Garry. The Irishman put up a good fight, and if Garry had been a little more aggressive, he could have won.

Makhachev’s face was a bit of a mess, and during a segment with Paramount+, he was asked about who could be his next opponent.

The champion didn’t dodge the question, and instead named three welterweights who could have been next. Makhachev believed that Carlos Prates is the best option for his next bout:

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“Honestly, if you ask me today, Shavkat is not fighting. Prates is still fighting, still active, and maybe Prates.”

Makhachev also brought up the undefeated Michael Morales, but didn’t think he deserved the next title shot:

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“Morales is also good, but Morales fight I don’t last time, I don’t remember when he fight.”

The champion concluded by bringing up Prates’ name again:

“If you ask like who is most deserving guy, I think Carlos Prates.”

Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:

Makhachev’s thoughts on his next opponent do make sense. Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated in his career, but the 19-0 Uzbek has had some terrible luck with injuries and even was involved in a serious accident which has kept him out of action since 2024.

Morales last fought at UFC 322, but hasn’t fought since. However, Morales is the next big thing in the division and isn’t that far off from a title shot.

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Prates has been on a tear and has won seven of his eight fights with a Performance of the Night bonus in each of the wins.

His only loss in that time was against Garry, and Prates has already beaten former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.