After three straight wins to begin the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Team USA earned a spot out of Pool B, advancing to the quarterfinal round after defeating Mexico, 5-3, in Houston on Monday night. 

Mexico has been the victor in each of the last three matchups against the U.S., including the 2023 game that ended with El Tri taking down the Stars and Stripes, 11-5. 

But thanks to some bat power from captain Aaron Judge and 21-year-old Boston Red Sox phenom Roman Anthony, Team USA was able to end that streak at Daikin Park. 

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Aaron Judge of the United States reacts to hitting a home run in the third inning during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026, in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)

After the U.S. was unable to cash in on bases loaded in the first and runners on in the second, Judge wasted no time hitting his second home run of the tournament, taking Jesus Cruz to right field for a 2-0 lead. 

Then, after Kyle Schwarber singled to right, and Cal Raleigh was hit by a pitch, Anthony didn’t miss a stitch of a pitch inside. The towering moonshot took forever to land, and Anthony, who was gunned down at the plate in the bottom of the second inning, got some redemption by breaking the game open. 

TARIK SKUBAL LEAVES TEAM USA TO RETURN TO TIGERS CAMP DESPITE MIXED FEELINGS AFTER SUCCESSFUL START

The tone was certainly set by Paul Skenes, who got his first Team USA start in the WBC and was lights out. He allowed just one hit and struck out seven hitters over four innings (60 pitches). 

Skenes’ repertoire was electric as per usual, with sharp breaking sinkers and changeups to go along with a high-90 mph fastball. The former Air Force Academy pitcher has looked forward to this moment for a while, and he didn’t squander the opportunity to help his team.  

Paul Skenes of the United States reacts in the first inning during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)

After the five-run inning, the U.S. bats went a bit silent, which allowed Mexico a chance to gain momentum. 

It was Anthony’s Red Sox teammate, Jarren Duran, who got El Tri on the board with a solo home run off Matthew Boys, the Chicago Cubs’ ace. 

And that wouldn’t be Duran’s only big fly, as he was clearly seeing the ball well in Houston. After Joey Meneses’ infield single scored Jonathan Aranda later in the top of the sixth inning to make it a 5-2 game, Duran led off the top of the eighth inning with a 374-foot shot to right field off Boyd again.  

Griffin Jax was called upon by manager Mark DeRosa to clean up the frame, and Garrett Whitlock shut the door in the ninth inning to secure the victory. 

With a 3-0 record, the U.S. doesn’t have a do-or-die situation in their final pool play contest against Italy on Tuesday night. Of course, they would love to go undefeated and carry momentum into games that will resemble a Game 7 in the postseason each time moving forward. 

Aaron Judge of the United States hits a home run in the third inning during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)

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Team USA and Italy will square off at Daikin Park on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET.

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Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma of India lift the T20 World Cup trophy. (Getty Images)

They were the overwhelming favourites coming into the tournament — a stunning run since winning the 2024 edition, playing in familiar home conditions and with almost all the players in form. But the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 did not pan out as expected for the defending champions and co-hosts India.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Reaching the Super Eights was never going to be an issue, with the expanded 20-team tournament featuring several associate nations. But the real challenge was getting past the Super 8s and qualifying for the knockouts. And there, India were tested as they were hammered by South Africa in their first Super 8 match.After that, it was a must-win situation for India, especially in the final Super 8 clash against West Indies. It required some superb individual performances to carry the team forward.

India were not completely in control even in the semi-final against England despite posting a record 253/7, eventually winning by just seven runs. Finally, riding on another blockbuster batting display in the summit clash, they thrashed New Zealand by a record 96 runs to defend the title.India rewrote T20 World Cup history with this win — becoming the first team to defend the title and the first to win it at home. They also became the first team to win the tournament three times, adding to their triumphs in 2007 and 2024.Despite it being a not-so-perfect campaign, Indian players somehow scraped through as they won their third ICC title on the trot — T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.

Here’s how Team India’s players performed in this month-long tournament: Suryakumar Yadav (captain) — 6.5/10The India skipper started the campaign with an unbeaten 84 against USA in the tournament opener when the team was struggling at 77/6, but he did not have much success with the bat in the next eight matches, ending with a golden duck in the final.It was a topsy-turvy campaign as captain too, but he kept his wits intact, especially in the final, to guide India home. Surya, however, contributed consistently with the bat and finished with 242 runs – third most in the team – at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

India head coach Gautam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

Abhishek Sharma (Opener) — 4/10Everything that could go wrong went wrong for the World No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma.He started the tournament with a hat-trick of ducks. A 55 against Zimbabwe in the must-win Super 8 match gave some hope, but he struggled again against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final and England in the semi-final.Abhishek, however, repaid the team management’s faith by scoring a quick-fire 52 off 21 balls against New Zealand in the final.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper-opener) — 9/10Undoubtedly one of the heroes of India’s campaign, Sanju Samson made the difference in the title defence. Samson lost his place in the starting XI to Ishan Kishan before the tournament.He got just one game in the group stage before getting his opportunity in the Super 8s after India were hammered by South Africa.Samson then made the tournament his own with a stunning unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final. It was followed by two identical scores of 89 in the semi-final and final, joining the elite group featuring Shahid Afridi (2009) and Virat Kohli (2014) to achieve the feat.He ended the campaign as the second-highest run-getter with 321 runs and also hit the most sixes in the tournament — 24 — all in just five innings.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Ishan Kishan (AP Photo)

Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper-opener) — 8/10It was one of the best comeback stories, as Ishan Kishan nudged Sanju Samson out of the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma before the tournament.When Abhishek was struggling for runs, it was Ishan who kept the scoreboard moving at the top, scoring 61 against Namibia and 77 against Pakistan in the group stage.He later lost the opening slot after Samson was promoted to open with India needing wins in the final four matches. But it did not deter him as he continued contributing at No.3, including 39 off 18 against England in the semi-final and 54 off 25 in the final against New Zealand.Ishan finished as India’s second-highest run-getter and third overall with 317 runs.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Hardik Pandya (Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya (Pace all-rounder) — 7/10India’s evergreen X-factor Hardik Pandya had another successful campaign, scoring quick runs, providing crucial breakthroughs and being a livewire in the field.Batting at No.5 or lower, Hardik scored two fifties and played his part in giving India strong finishes. He ended with 217 runs.With the ball, he provided timely breakthroughs and finished with nine wickets. His all-round performance against Namibia — 52 off 28 balls and 2 for 21 — earned him the Player of the Match award.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Tilak Varma (Batter) — 6/10India’s designated No.3 batter Tilak Varma had a below-par outing initially and often struggled to get going. The disappointing opening stands before Samson’s promotion did not help either.Except for a 16-ball 25 against USA, his strike rate remained a concern. In the next four innings at No.3, his strike rate stayed below 120, putting pressure on the middle order.However, once Samson moved to the top and Ishan batted at No.3, Tilak was pushed down the order and found his rhythm. His unbeaten 44 off 16 against Zimbabwe, 27 off 15 against West Indies and 21 off seven against England in the semi-final helped India reach the final.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Shivam Dube, left, and Tilak Varma (AP Photo)

Shivam Dube (Pace all-rounder) — 7/10Shivam Dube played the middle-overs enforcer’s role effectively. He consistently scored quick runs to give India strong finishes.His 66 off 31 balls against Netherlands, along with figures of 2/35, helped India remain unbeaten in the group stage. Dube was run out three times while attempting quick runs, reflecting his aggressive intent.Although he picked up five wickets with his medium pace, it was his batting that stood out. His unbeaten 26 off just eight balls played a key role in taking India’s total in the final to 255/5, well beyond New Zealand’s reach.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Axar Patel (Spin all-rounder) — 6.5/10Vice-captain Axar Patel was a livewire in the field, proving the phrase “catches win matches” — particularly in the semi-final against England, where his fielding efforts broke crucial partnerships.He also picked up important wickets, including three in the final, and finished with 11 wickets in seven matches.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

Jasprit Bumrah (Pacer) — 9/10India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he is head and shoulder above the rest.He picked wickets in almost every match and delivered an excellent spell of 3/15 against South Africa too despite India’s big defeat. But his defining performance came in the final against New Zealand.Defending a massive target, Bumrah produced a sensational spell of 4 for 15 — the best figures by a pacer in a T20 World Cup final.He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy, while maintaining a superb economy rate of 6.21.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Varun Chakaravarthy (Mystery spinner) — 5/10The World No.1 T20I bowler began the tournament strongly, claiming nine wickets in the group stage, including 2/17 against Pakistan.However, his form dipped in the Super 8 stage. He was hammered for 47 runs by South Africa and struggled to regain control.His toughest outing came in the semi-final against England, where he conceded a record 64 runs in four overs.After the group stage, he returned figures of five wickets for 225 runs in five games — a stark contrast to his group-stage performance of nine wickets for 62 runs. Still, his early exploits ensured he finished joint-highest wicket-taker with Bumrah with 14 wickets.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Varun Chakravarthy, left, and captain Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo)

Arshdeep Singh (Pacer) — 6/10Arshdeep Singh was not at his wicket-taking best. The leading wicket-taker in T20Is for India returned nine wickets from eight innings and went wicketless in the final.His best figures were 3 for 24 against Zimbabwe, while his most expensive outing came against England in the high-scoring semi-final.Overall, it was a decent campaign, though overshadowed by Bumrah’s brilliance.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Rinku Singh (Middle-order batter) — 2/10India’s designated finisher Rinku Singh had a disappointing campaign and eventually lost his place when Sanju Samson was drafted in at the top.His final outing was a two-ball duck against South Africa in the first Super 8 match.Rinku finished with just 24 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 82.75 — well below expectations for a finisher’s role.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Rinku Singh (PTI Photo)

Washington Sundar (Spin all-rounder) — 3/10Washington Sundar played just two matches and remained wicketless in both — 0/36 in four overs against Netherlands and 0/17 in two overs against South Africa.He lost his place after Axar Patel returned to the playing XI.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner) — 7/10With the team management persisting with Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav featured in just one match — against Pakistan.He returned figures of 1 for 14 in three overs. It was difficult to judge his performance from a single outing in a long tournament, and it was unfortunate he did not get more opportunities.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj (PTI Photo)

Mohammed Siraj (Pacer) — 7/10Mohammed Siraj also played just one match — India’s tournament opener against the USA.He made an immediate impact, returning figures of 3 for 29 in four overs and finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the match.However, the return of Jasprit Bumrah in the next game meant Siraj had to sit out due to team combination.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

The stable of Ciaron Maher is pondering choices for Light Infantry Man prior to his Caulfield engagement.

Light Infantry Man’s probable next start is the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on Saturday, building on his fresh win at 1600m on Caulfield last month.

After performing on Saturday, Light Infantry Man might proceed to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) in Flemington or the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.

Both fixtures occur on March 28, and recall Light Infantry Man won last year’s Australian Cup.

Last Saturday’s Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington was another option Maher mulled for Light Infantry Man.

As a French import, this stayer relishes a brisk pace, evident from his victory in the Australian Cup the year before.

“He is one horse that does enjoy (Pride Of) Jenni’s speed,” Maher said.

“In the Australian Cup when she was ripping along, he was one of the few horses that had a smile on his face during the run.

“(Ethan) Brownie (Brown) put him into the race off a hot speed, so you know he loves a true gallop and the 1800 metres at this stage of his preparation should suit him.

“After Saturday we’re looking at the Tancred Stakes potentially with him. The 2400 metres at weight-for-age looks like it will suit him.”

Maher’s Berkshire Breeze is also in line for the Peter Young Stakes, not seen since running last in the November Sandown Classic (2400m).

Targeted for the Mornington Cup (2400m) this April, it grants a pass to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

The Peter Young Stakes field should feature Chris Waller’s Buckaroo and Birdman alongside Light Infantry Man and Berkshire Breeze.

Buckaroo had mucus detected during Saturday scoping and was removed from the All-Star Mile at Flemington.

Waller noted plans to launch the gelding in Saturday’s Peter Young Stakes en route to the Australian Cup.

Expect Waller’s horses at Caulfield Tuesday for galloping.

Nominations for the Peter Young Stakes also feature Apulia, Astral Flame, Banker’s Choice, Chief Little Rock, Gregolimo and Whisky On The Hill.

Visit top betting sites for racing odds on the Peter Young Stakes.

Rory McIlroy cut his week at Bay Hill short, withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a balky back. But when he’s healthy and swinging freely, there are few golfers with greater access to the game’s most coveted courses.

Take Augusta National Golf Club, where McIlroy earned a lifetime invitation after winning the Masters Tournament last year. Or Seminole Golf Club, where getting a tee time isn’t much of an issue when your father happens to be a member. (McIlroy has jokingly claimed that he should be a member, too, given that he pays his dad’s dues.)

McIlroy himself belongs to a hefty handful of elite clubs, including The Bear’s Club in Florida, Queenwood Golf Club outside London, and the R&A. That’s not to mention the steady rotation of world-class venues he sees on Tour, from Pebble Beach Golf Links to Harbour Town Golf Links to Riviera.

In other words, McIlroy plays a version of golf — and lives a golfing life — that most of us can barely imagine.

But in one respect, he’s just like the rest of us. He’s got a bucket list.

McIlroy shared it recently in an interview with Kevin Van Valkenburg of The Fried Egg, rattling off a handful of courses he still hopes to see.

Among them: New South Wales Golf Club in Australia, an Alister MacKenzie design that ranks 46th on GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World, having vaulted 18 spots on the strength of a MacKenzie & Ebert renovation. “I haven’t been there,” McIlroy said. “That looks really cool.”

Another is Fishers Island Club, the famously private Seth Raynor design where Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic.

Despite living in the U.S. for years, McIlroy admitted that he’s left a lot of American ground uncovered. “There are so many in the States that I haven’t,” he said, singling out Chicago Golf Club and Pasatiempo Golf Club. Even back home in Ireland, there are notable gaps. “Waterville,” he said. “I haven’t played. I would love to play there.”

When his schedule allows him to play golf for fun more often, McIlroy plans to start ticking some of them off. He’s already gotten a taste of such freewheeling adventures, including a getaway a few years back to Tara Iti Golf Club in New Zealand.

But he hasn’t made it to one of the biggest names in destination golf. He’s never been to Bandon Dunes.

“I’d love to go to Bandon and do that,” McIlroy said.

Let’s hope he doesn’t rush. The place is busy enough without him jumping the line.

ARCA Menards Series driver Cleetus McFarland has been facing backlash from both NASCAR fans and insiders ahead of his O’Reilly Series debut. This time, former seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty’s son, Kyle Petty, joined the discussion and pointed out that “internet sensations” like McFarland have “no place on racetracks” with stock car racing drivers.

On March 4, 2026, McFarland signed a new deal with Richard Childress Racing to debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The 30-year-old will pilot the #33 Chevy entry for the team in three events each year. This announcement drew criticism from several figures, including Freddie Kraft, Kyle Busch, and now Kyle Petty.

During a post-Phoenix race, Petty talked about Cleetus McFarland’s experience in stock car racing. The YouTuber has only one official start in the NASCAR Truck Series, raising Petty’s concern. Following that, Richard Petty’s son blasted McFarland ahead of the Rockingham race (via DailyDownforce.com):

“All you have to do to be a NASCAR O’Reilly or Truck [driver], to get to that level, is to have your parents buy you a video game when you’re young, so you can learn how to drive on a sim, or have ten million YouTube followers. You don’t have to have any talent. You don’t have to know anything about it. You just have to drive a Crown Vic and have some great races and some great crowds show up for you.”

“Don’t come here if all you are is an internet sensation because you’ve got no place on a racetrack with those guys at the Cup level, and you’ve got really no place with a lot of those guys at the O’Reilly level,” he added.

Cleetus McFarland is set to pilot the #33 Chevy for RCR alongside Jesse Love and Austin Dillon at the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Presented by Black’s Tire. The 250-lap race is scheduled for April 4, 2026, at Rockingham Speedway.

“My son’s run more races than he has”: Kyle Busch’s blunt reaction to Cleetus McFarland’s RCR deal in the O’Reilly Series

A few days ago, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch called out Cleetus McFarland for his O’Reilly Series deal with Richard Childress Racing. Despite competing for the same team in the Cup Series, Busch was not impressed by the decision and questioned the YouTuber’s experience behind the wheel.

Continuing, the Cup Series driver cited Denny Hamlin‘s experience as an example and compared McFarland to his son, Brexton. Busch emphasized that his 10-year-old son has more starts than the ARCA Menards Series driver.

The Richard Childress Racing driver further told the media:

“I mean, he just, I don’t know. I don’t know how many races he’s run. Denny Hamlin ran 10,000, right, before he got here. I don’t know if Cleetus has run 10 or not, but there’s definitely a need to having ample experience.”

“My son’s probably run more races than he has, and he’s 10 years old. You know what I mean? So I don’t think that sits well with many of us,” he concluded.

However, Kyle Busch was not the only NASCAR figure questioning Richard Childress Racing’s decision to sign a deal with Cleetus McFarland. Previously, 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, also called out the decision on social media.