By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
Sports
10 Teams From West Most Likely to Make the 2026 Playoff
After the long hot summer comes the crisp fall mornings of football season.
So, as we anticipate the first kickoff of 2026, let’s look ahead to the end of the upcoming season.
More specifically, let’s project which teams from the West have the best chance of making the Playoff.
This is not a Power Ranking but simply a ranking of each team’s likelihood of becoming a Playoff team.
For example, ranking UNLV ahead of Washington doesn’t necessarily mean that I expect the Rebels to be better than the Huskies.
But the likelihood of UNLV winning the Mountain West and the Group of Six auto-bid may be greater than UW placing high enough in the Big Ten to make the CFP Top 12.
So, with that in mind, let’s get to the rankings!
1. Oregon Ducks
All the above disclaimers about these rankings being strictly about the likelihood of making the Playoff aside, Oregon will be the best team in the West this season.
Yes, I know, that’s not much of a prediction!
In all seriousness, the Ducks are not only the best team in the West, but they should also find themselves among the top three teams in the Big Ten this season.
That would certainly be good enough to earn a nod from the CFP committee, assuming they don’t get the automatic bid for winning the Big Ten Championship game.
Should the Ducks fail to make the conference title game, I still think they are a virtual lock for the postseason tournament as the third or even fourth-place team in the conference.
2. BYU Cougars
When the playoffs finally get expanded to 24 teams—and that’s a when, not an if—things will change a bit on these types of lists.
If it were a 24-team field this season, I just might put BYU ahead of Oregon.
But alas, we are still in the 12-team era and the third/fourth-place squad from the Big Ten or SEC is still more of a lock than the potential second-place outfit from the Big 12.
Simply put, I think the Cougars might be the class of their league, especially with the sudden QB issues at Texas Tech.
But a lock for the Playoff? Not completely. The Big 12 Championship auto-bid is the pathway for the Cougars, and it will be there for the taking.
Can we say for certain that the conference will be a two-bid league? No, we cannot.
Should BYU stumble against the Red Raiders again this season, the result could be the same as a season ago.
3. Boise State Broncos
I see the Broncos winning the new-look Pac-12, holding off a significant challenge from San Diego State.
So, the Broncos take the conference crown and look to be the top Group of Six team, earning a berth in the Playoff.
Now, Liberty could step up and make a run from Conference USA, but in reality, this bid will come down to the champion of the Pac-12, Mountain West, or American.
(Tuesday Night MACtion is amazing and the Sun Belt really is the Fun Belt, but among the Group of Six, these two are the bottom of the leftovers).
The American looks pretty wide open, and some of the bigger guns of the past are going through some changes. I see Navy and Tulane battling for the final, but the deep league could bang both teams around a bit.
So, which is the better team—a potential Pac-12 champ Boise State or possible MW title holder UNLV? If only there were some way that Boise State and UNLV could meet in a game. Perhaps a conference game and then maybe again in a title game?
But what kind of a fantasy world would that be? Boise State and UNLV in the same conference!!! Pie in the sky idea there, Steve; fantasy time is over, let’s get back to reality.
So, in short, the Broncos are the third most likely team to garner a spot in the Playoff by virtue of being the Group of Six representative.
4. UNLV Rebels
The Rebels are the flagbearer for the new-look Mountain West Conference. They should be able to navigate their schedule and claim the conference crown.
I think the Pac-12 will be the tougher of the two conferences this season, and Boise State will be the more likely team to make the tournament.
I still have UNLV at No. 4 because if they take care of their business, we are one upset away on Championship Weekend from the Rebels taking the bid that was destined for their old conference rivals.
5. Washington Huskies
The Huskies should be much-improved over last season, and the schedule is set for a big number in the win column.
UW catches a bit of a break with neither Ohio State or Michigan on the slate.
If they pass early tests at USC and at home vs. Iowa, the Huskies could very well be 10-0 heading into the final two weeks of November.
Those final two regular season games bring Indiana to Seattle and include a trip to Eugene to close it out.
It would be no easy feat, but a 10-or-11-win season could be there for the taking, and that would most likely be enough to earn a Playoff berth for Washington.
6. USC Trojans
This is a huge season for the Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley.
I’ll write more in a future column on just how important it is, I am sure.
But for now, is it the Playoff or bust? And is the CFP on the horizon?
Well, they need to win nine games, and if they do that, they are in! While the Huskies have a schedule set up for success, USC has a schedule set up for opportunity—or disaster.
The Trojans will need to string together several big Ws in a six-game stretch, starting with home games against Oregon and Washington before trips to Penn State and Wisconsin.
Those zingers are followed by a home game vs. Ohio State and a road tip to Indiana.
Should USC navigate that stretch with a 4-2 mark or better and take care of business the rest of the way, a spot in the Playoff is a virtual lock. Again, there are a couple of “IF’s” in there, but it is there for the taking for this very talented team.
Even a 3-3 stretch could garner at-large discussion for a 9-3 team with that schedule.
(Things I never thought I’d write in my lifetime: A road trip to Indiana is a chance for USC to prove they belong!?!?!?!?)
7. Utah Utes
The Utes should be among the perceived top four in the Big 12 this season (along with Texas Tech, BYU, and Kansas State).
Of the other three on that list, only BYU is on the schedule, and that contest will be played in Salt Lake City the first weekend of November.
Should the Utes successfully navigate the rest of the schedule, they could be sitting pretty.
Over the last 36 seasons, the Utes have had just three head coaches.
Kyle Whittingham and Ron McBride are Numbers 1 and 3 all-time on the school wins list, and No. 2 Urban Meyer went 22-2 during his time in SLC.
Morgan Scalley has a chance to jump right in with a lot of success in Year One of his tenure.
8. San Diego State Aztecs
I am projecting the Aztecs as the second choice from the Pac-12, which unfortunately would not be enough make the Playoff. (See Boise State and UNLV).
However, if SDSU can string together enough wins to keep the resume strong and upset Boise State in the conference title game on December 4, the Aztecs could well find themselves in the CFP.
9. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats improved last season, and this season the upward trajectory should continue.
Similar to USC, the Wildcats schedule, while daunting, offers plenty of opportunity. Many of the Big 12 heavyweights avoid each other this season, but Arizona seemingly has them all.
Starting off with a Week 2 trip to Provo, the Wildcats will have plenty of opportunities to make a statement.
If they can make enough statements and perhaps have some things break their way, they could be among the Field of 12 in December.
10. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
I can’t have a list of nine; that just doesn’t make sense, so let’s make it 10, nice and even. But who is No. 10?
North Dakota State, New Mexico? Sure, perhaps one of them plays UNLV for the MW title.
But in truth, it’s Timmy Chang’s Warriors that have the best chance at crashing the Playoff party if things break their way.
What’s the easiest way for a mid-major to make some noise? Knock off a power conference opponent—or two—and UH has two of them on the slate: at Stanford and at Arizona State.
Win those two, and we are not exactly talking Ohio State or Georgia-caliber upsets, but upsets nonetheless. And in fact, they are games the Warriors could steal.
UNLV comes to town Week two, so get the Rebels early in the season after the long flight, maybe score a win in that one. Do all of that, and Hawai’i is suddenly everyone’s second favorite school during the Holiday season.
When UH shocks the college football world in December, remember you heard it here first (when they don’t, remember we wanted a nice even number for the list).
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
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Broncos Wire‘s 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at eighth-year offensive lineman Ben Powers, No. 74.
Before the Broncos: Powers (6-4, 310 pounds) was a fourth-round pick (123rd overall) of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 NFL draft. In Powers’ rookie year, he only played in one game before becoming a starter in 2020. In his second season, Powers dressed for 16 games, including seven starts.
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In 2021, Powers started 12 of 13 games he played in, transitioning from right guard to left guard for the first time in his career. In 2022, Powers started all 17 games, including Baltimore’s playoff loss. Powers may have won a starting role, but he was not safe from the reality of the business of the NFL. He was not re-signed by the Ravens ahead of the 2023 season.
Broncos tenure: Powers immediately signed a four-year, $52 million contract at the outset of the 2023 offseason with the Denver Broncos. In his first season with the Broncos, Powers immediately became an everyday starter, starting and playing in 17 games for the second straight year. Powers followed his performance in 2023 by starting 18 games (17 regular season contests and one playoff game) for Denver in 2024. In 2025, Powers started just 10 games (eight regular season, two playoff) because of a biceps injury he suffered in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely starter in 2026. Powers was the subject of heavy trade rumors through the beginning of the 2026 offseason, but the team informed him that he would not be traded. Powers is coming into the final year of his Broncos contract, so it will be important for him to put out great film for the other 31 NFL teams to review in 2027. With several talented backup linemen behind him, this may be Powers’ last season in orange and blue.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos roster: OL Ben Powers (No. 74) entering final year of contract
The Minnesota Vikings have no shortage of playmakers in the fifth year of Kevin O’Connell’s reign — and ESPN recognizes it. Bill Barnwell ranked the league’s best weapon groups last week, and O’Connell’s team checked in at No. 8.
Over the last three seasons, Minnesota has been best known for defense, but don’t forget its offensive firepower, says Barnwell.
Vikings Weapons Earn Top 10 Respect from Bill Barnwell
Barnwell: Vikings Weapons Are 8th-Best
In a lengthy article, Barnwell ranked all NFL teams by RB-WR-TE groupings, with Minnesota at No. 8.
He explained, “Even coming off his worst season as a pro, Justin Jefferson still has a deserved reputation as one of the most feared receivers in the game. He also has been healthy for five of his first six seasons in the league, which makes it easier to project a full season. And adding Jauan Jennings gave coach Kevin O’Connell an overqualified No. 3 to play behind Jefferson and Jordan Addison.”
“Both Jefferson and Addison saw their catch rates drop to career lows last season, which I feel comfortable chalking up to subpar quarterback play. T.J. Hockenson, though, recorded the best catch rate of his career, in part because he was catching bunches of short checkdowns. The tight end hasn’t been the same player since his 2023 ACL tear, and the Vikings could really use his ability to create after the catch and up the seam to help new QB Kyler Murray this season.”
Many believed Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones would depart this offseason, but both accepted paycuts for perhaps one final run in Minnesota.
“This is a make-or-break year for Hockenson, who will be a free agent after the campaign. Running back just isn’t a strength for this team. Jordan Mason is a one-dimensional ball carrier without much of an impact in the passing game, and fumbles remain a real problem for him (six across 337 touches over the past two seasons),” Barnwell continued.
“Aaron Jones Sr. has seven fumbles of his own over that same time span, and while he can do more as a receiver, Jones is 31 and has missed significant time with injuries in two of the past three seasons. The names on the Vikings’ roster at running back and tight end might be more prominent than their actual expected level of play in 2026.”
No Lies Told
This is just. Minnesota — objectively — has a fantastic weapons corps. These are the names:
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Jauan Jennings
- T.J. Hockenson
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- Demond Claiborne
The Vikings running backs aren’t the greatest or sexiest, but the WR trio more than makes up for it. And if you’re confused why Barnwell or this website believes the Vikings’ weapons are better than most, have a look at the Miami Dolphins’ weapons, for example:
- De’Von Achane (RB)
- Malik Washington (WR)
- Greg Dulcich (TE)
- Jalen Tolbert (WR)
- Tutu Atwell (WR)
- Ollie Gordon II (RB)
- Jalen Wright (RB)
That’s an extreme example — one of the worst stables in the league — but you get it. The Vikings are sitting pretty. Weapons will not be a problem for the 2026 squad.
Bouncebacks from Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson?
Jefferson had to sweat the entire season before hitting 1,000 yards last year; it was the Vikings’ main drama in Week 18 — Would Jefferson hit 1,000 yards? When that question is front and center, something is obviously wrong. The Vikings need better quarterback performance in 2026.
There’s a simple rule of thumb on Addison: when the quarterback is competent, he thrives. When the quarterback is unproductive, Addison does very little compared to his typical production.
And on Hockenson, Minnesota used him mostly as a sixth offensive lineman in 2025 because injuries rattled the trenches. He has something to prove, showing the world that he hasn’t morphed into a blocking tight end.
All three men should have chips on their shoulder this season, spiking the intrigue.
Finally the Season to Cure the Rushing Offense
O’Connell has yet to master one element of head coaching: rushing offense. Every summer, he and his lieutenants claim “this is the year” when the playcalling will emphasize balance and rushing efficiency, but when the rubber hits the road, the team has improved only marginally, if at all.
This go-around, the Vikings have Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and rookie Demond Claiborne to potentially solve the rushing conundrum. Minnesota cannot fall back into his familiar habits, throwing the ball when the scoreboard reads 7-0. The Vikings absolutely must run the ball.
If O’Connell eventually gets fired, it will be because he couldn’t master the ground game.
Golfers are naturally curious creatures. Whether you’re teeing it up with the usual suspects or getting paired with complete strangers, we all do a little scan of our playing partners on the first tee to see what clothes, shoes, bags and, of course, equipment they’re gaming.
And lately, one driver has been showing up more and more: the Titleist GTS2.
Back in March, Titleist introduced its new GTS driver lineup—GTS1, GTS2, GTS3, and GTS4—and it didn’t take long for it to make its way into the bags of Tour pros. Within days of launch, 24 PGA Tour players had already put a GTS model in play for that week’s event. And it wasn’t long before amateurs followed suit.
Titleist GTS2 Custom Driver
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Since hitting the market, the GTS2 has quickly become a favorite for both Tour players and everyday golfers—even becoming Fairway Jockey’s best-selling driver in June. And once you look under the hood, it’s not hard to understand the appeal.
Distance and forgiveness working together
No matter how skilled you are, every golfer misses the center of the face from time to time. On a typical mishit, you usually pay for it in either distance or direction—sometimes both.
But with Titleist’s Split Mass Frame, off-center strikes don’t hurt nearly as much.
Built with a full thermoform body, the Split Mass Frame moves weight both back and forward in the head. The rear weight increases stability and helps the face resist twisting at impact, while the forward weight helps players maintain ball speed—even when you don’t catch it perfectly.
The result is a driver that’s easier to launch, feels more stable at impact and flies a little farther while staying on your intended line.
Boost speed without trying
According to Titleist, the GTS2 continues their focus on smarter shaping and aerodynamic design. The pronounced raised tail helps the clubhead move through the air with less resistance, generating more speed during your swing and delivering maximum speed at impact. Put simply, it’s engineered to help the head move faster without you having to swing any harder.
Dual weighting for maximum customization
Like most modern drivers, the GTS2 features adjustable weighting that allows you—or a fitter—to dial in the center of gravity to match your swing. However, there’s one key difference compared to Titleist’s previous GT lineup: a dual-weighting system.
In addition to the rear weight, the GTS2 also allows adjustment in the front, giving you more control over your driving performance. When properly dialed in, this setup can help optimize speed and distance for your swing.
It’s easy to see why the GTS2 has quickly earned its spot in so many bags. With Titleist’s top-of-the-line technology, this driver delivers a rare mix of distance, forgiveness and adjustability that shows up when it matters most.
LONDON (AP) — Serena Williams tweaked her right knee at Wimbledon during her first singles match in nearly four years but still hopes to play doubles with sister Venus, her agent said Wednesday.
The 44-year-old Williams did not ask for medical treatment during a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss to 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the first round on Tuesday.
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Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion who won seven of her titles at Wimbledon, did not meet with media after the match.
“Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams,” said Jill Smoller, Williams’ agent. “She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
Serena received wild card invitations from Wimbledon organizers to play both singles and doubles with Venus.
___
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
As Serena Williams prepares for her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear that chasing another major title is no longer her priority.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Williams said she has made peace with her place in tennis history and is no longer focused on holding the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.
“Those times are over for me. I had my opportunity and I’m very happy with where I am.”
The comments come as Williams returns to the All England Club for the first time since announcing her comeback, with fans eager to see one of the greatest players in tennis history back on the grass courts where she won seven Wimbledon singles titles.
For years, much of the conversation around Williams centered on whether she could surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. She came within one title on multiple occasions but ultimately finished her career with 23 majors.
Now, Williams says she looks at things differently.
Rather than dwelling on records she did not break, the American is content with everything she accomplished throughout her career.
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Released Stars Returning; Legend Breaks Neck In Gym Accident; Heartbreaking Alexa Bliss Update
Welcome to another exciting edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WWE News and Rumor Roundup! Several interesting developments have taken place in the past 24 hours and the wrestling world is absolutely buzzing. We’ll be discussing several hot topics and groundbreaking stories in today’s lineup involving reports of a massive return and news on John Cena.
With the trending stories setting the internet abuzz and the rumor mill spinning at full speed, there’s no time to waste. Let’s dive straight into the hot topics!
Thanks for the submission!
#5. Nikki Blackheart makes her WWE debut on NXT
The NXT women’s division witnessed a massive jolt this week as Nikki Blackheart made her official debut on the brand. It happened at the end of the mainevent where Kelani Jordan defeated Tatum Paxley. Just as the latter was recovering in the ring after her bout, an unidentified powerhouse blindsided Paxley from behind. It was Blackheart, who completely laid waste to the former champion.
Her arrival caught everyone off guard and became a major talking point from this week’s NXT. Commentator Vic Joseph however did not call the newcomer by name on air, stating that everyone already knows who she is. While fans know her as independent standout Nikki Blackheart, reports indicate that unresolved trademark logistics are why the 29-year-old wasn’t named on screen.
#4. Enzo Amore and Big Cass set to return to WWE – Reports
The wrestling world is buzzing about a potential reunion that seemed absolutely impossible a few years ago. One of the most popular duos, Enzo Amore and Big Cass, are reportedly set to return to WWE. The two superstars left the Stamford-based promotion in 2018 due to personal issues. However, recent reports state that WWE is interested in bringing them back.
Enzo Amore has been a free agent lately and was recently spotted at the WWE Performance Center. Meanwhile, Big Cass, who currently works as Big Bill in AEW, has reportedly given his notice to Tony Khan’s promotion and his contract will expire in a week. WWE is interested in bringing Cass and Amore together to the company to bolster the tag team division.
#3. Austin Theory made a shocking revelation about John Cena
Austin Theory recently appeared on the IMPAULSIVE podcast, where he dropped a lot of fascinating insight into how his career is viewed backstage. The biggest takeaway from the interview is John Cena’s gesture. While The Cenation Leader was ruthlessly tearing Theory apart on screen to build the WrestleMania 39 match, Cena was doing the exact opposite behind the curtain.
Austin Theory revealed that John Cena went to Vince McMahon and advocated for him to be turned into a babyface. The 17-time World Champion believed that Theory looks like an organic face and his bad guy character doesn’t quite fit in. Cena therefore asked the former United States Champion to be his true self without having to pretend to be a heel.
#2. Ken Patera broke his neck during a gym session
Former Olympian weightlifter and wrestling icon Ken Patera recently encountered an unfortunate incident. During a recent workout session in a gym, the WWE legend suddenly fell, which resulted in him suffering a broken C1 vertebra in his neck. The unfortunate news came to light after Steve Stasiak of Book Pro Wrestlers shared it.
The accident marks a heartbreaking setback for the former Intercontinental Champion. Ken Patera had spent the last two and a half years undergoing and growing rehabilitation process to recover from major back surgery. The wrestling icon defied all the odds and had made remarkable progress, dropping significant weight and dedicating himself to a strict fitness regimen.
#1. Alexa Bliss shared a heartfelt note for her late Grammy
Alexa Bliss has been going through a pretty tough time as she recently lost her beloved grandmother. She took to social media to inform fans of this news as Bliss posted several pictures of her Grammy on her Instagram stories. Losing a beloved family member is heartbreaking for anyone. But the passing of her grandmother is deeply emotional for her also because of the profound impact her Grammy had on her life and career.
During past interviews, Alexa Bliss revealed that her grandmother was the reason why she became a pro wrestler in the first place. While her mother was heavily against her watching wrestling during childhood, Alexa’s grandmother let her watch tapes of old matches and even took her to live WWE shows. Without her grandmother fostering that secret passion, Bliss would have never become a WWE Superstar.
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Edited by Subhasish Deb
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he helped his country knock out four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties as Paraguay secured only their second-ever knockout victory at a FIFA World Cup, continuing a remarkable journey that has inspired football fans around the world.
Just a few years ago, Gill’s life was very different. Today, he is one of the stars of the World Cup. But in 2022, he was struggling to support his young family after his wife, Melissa Avalos, and their newborn son faced serious health problems.
Gill began his football career with Paraguayan clubs Club 13 de Junio and CS San Lorenzo. He was part of Paraguay’s squad for the South American Under-20 Championship in 2019 and made his senior debut for San Lorenzo in September 2020.
However, opportunities were limited. By 2022, he had played only two senior matches when his wife became pregnant with their first child.
The family faced a difficult period when Melissa was hospitalised due to complications during pregnancy. Their son, Lautaro, was born prematurely after emergency medical treatment, and both mother and child spent time receiving intensive care.
According to Melissa, the family returned home before Christmas but had very little money. To support his family and pay medical bills, Gill sold many of his personal belongings, including football kits, trainers and even his Paraguay Under-20 national team jersey.
“Our son fought for his life, and Orlando was always there,” Melissa wrote in a social media post last year. “He gave everything and sold everything to support us.”
Despite the challenges, Gill never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
In late 2023, Argentine club San Lorenzo offered him a chance by signing him on loan. Initially playing for the reserve team, Gill worked hard and eventually earned a place in the first team during the 2025 season.
His impressive performances caught the attention of Paraguay national team coach Gustavo Alfaro, who invited him to join the national squad. After making his international debut against Peru last September, Gill quickly became Paraguay’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Although Paraguay began their World Cup campaign with a heavy defeat to co-hosts the United States, Gill responded brilliantly. Since then, he has conceded only one goal in three matches and has made several important saves.
His finest moment came against Germany in the Round of 16. After the match ended level following extra time, Gill produced two outstanding saves during the penalty shootout to send Paraguay into the quarter-finals and earn the FIFA Player of the Match award.
However, even in victory, Gill’s thoughts were with his family. After receiving his award, he dedicated it to his nephew, Alexander, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital back home.
“Alexander, this trophy is for you,” Gill said emotionally after the match. “I hope you get better soon. Your godfather is supporting you from a distance.”
From selling his treasured football shirts to support his family to becoming Paraguay’s World Cup hero, Orlando Gill’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination, sacrifice and faith can turn even the most difficult moments into unforgettable success
Jun 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) gestures towards the crowd after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Athletics as he earns his 1000th career win as a manager at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images Tommy Edman had four hits, including a homer, and drove in four while manager Dave Roberts recorded his 1,000th career regular-season victory as the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Athletics 9-3 on Tuesday in West Sacramento, Calif.
Roberts, who is in his 11th season, became the fourth manager in Dodgers history to reach the 1,000-victory mark. Roberts’ 1,606 career games (1,000-606) are the fewest needed to reach 1,000 wins, 35 fewer games than the previous fastest mark, held by Cap Anson (1875-98).
Miguel Rojas also went deep and drove in two runs and Mookie Betts had three hits as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in their past eight games. Los Angeles had 14 hits for a total of 31 over two nights while dominating the A’s both times.
Justin Wrobleski (10-2) struck out a career-high 11 while throwing seven innings of three-run ball for Los Angeles. Colby Thomas went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for the A’s. Jeffrey Springs (3-8) gave up six runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Mariners 8, Angels 3
Bryan Woo set the single-season record for most consecutive scoreless innings at T-Mobile Park as Seattle defeated visiting Los Angeles.
Woo opened with six scoreless frames to reach 32 overall before reliever Eduard Bazardo allowed a pair of inherited runners to score in the seventh. Woo (7-6), who won his fifth straight home start, was charged with two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out five.
The Mariners managed just three hits off Angels starter Jose Soriano (8-5) through the first five innings before opening the sixth with three straight singles against him to break a scoreless tie and spark a five-run inning.
Phillies 8, Pirates 0
Cristopher Sanchez worked seven strong innings while guiding Philadelphia to a win over visiting Pittsburgh.
Sanchez (10-3) allowed just three hits and two walks, striking out nine as he became the first starting pitcher to reach 10 wins this season. Justin Crawford had three hits and three RBIs for the Phillies, while Trea Turner added a homer, a double and three RBIs on his 33rd birthday.
Esmerlyn Valdez’s four-game homer streak came to an end, although the Pirates rookie still went 2-for-3 with a walk. Bubba Chandler (3-8) yielded five runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Tigers 9, Yankees 3
Riley Greene belted a pair of homers in consecutive at-bats off Cam Schlittler, Tarik Skubal pitched six innings and visiting Detroit cruised past New York.
The Tigers slugged five home runs against the Yankees for the first time since Aug. 30, 2018, as Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson and James Outman also went deep. Skubal (4-4) allowed two runs (one earned) and one hit while fanning nine.
Ben Rice homered, but the Yankees lost their season-high sixth straight game. Schlittler (8-5) was tagged for a career-worst six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. He served up four homers, also a career high.
Cubs 9, Padres 7
Dansby Swanson led a long-ball barrage with two home runs, and host Chicago held on for a win over San Diego.
Alex Bregman hit a three-run shot and Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong had solo homers for the Cubs, who won their fourth straight. Matthew Boyd (3-1) allowed three runs over five-plus innings. Ryan Rolison recorded the last out to earn his first career save.
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets also homered for the Padres, who have lost four in a row. JP Sears (1-1) gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings.
White Sox 9, Orioles 3
Colson Montgomery and Junior Perez homered during a seven-run third inning as visiting Chicago beat Baltimore, taking the first two games of the three-game series.
Jacob Gonzalez had three hits and drove in three runs and Andrew Benintendi provided three hits as the White Sox won for the sixth time in eight games. They will win a series against Baltimore for the first time since July 2021 regardless of the result in the Wednesday afternoon series finale.
Chicago’s Erick Fedde (3-6) went five innings and yielded three runs on five hits. Gunnar Henderson had two hits and scored two runs for the Orioles, whose losing streak grew to four games. They have lost six of their past seven games.
Rangers 4, Guardians 2
Cleveland left fielder Cooper Ingle threw the ball into the stands, incorrectly thinking it was the third out of the seventh inning, to bring home Ezequiel Duran as the go-ahead run, leading Texas past the host Guardians.
Duran led off the seventh with a single against Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee and moved to second on a groundout by Evan Carter. Alejandro Osuna followed with a routine fly to Ingle, who caught it and promptly threw it over the screen into the crowd down the left field line.
Jacob deGrom (7-5) earned his fourth victory in his past five decisions for the Rangers, striking out nine over seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Bibee (2-9) also worked seven strong innings but received the loss when Ingle committed what was scored as a two-base error and an unearned run.
Nationals 8, Red Sox 1
Cade Cavalli allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 13 batters in seven innings as visiting Washington defeated Boston.
The only run Boston scored against Cavalli (5-4) was unearned. He didn’t issue a walk in his 100-pitch outing. The Red Sox managed just four hits as their five-game winning streak ended.
CJ Abrams homered as the Nationals won for the third time in four games and leveled the three-game series at one victory apiece. James Wood finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Diamondbacks 8, Giants 2
Arizona ran its season-long winning streak against San Francisco to eight games, riding home runs from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ketel Marte to a victory in Phoenix.
Recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A and making his first big-league start since April 11, Brandon Pfaadt (1-1) gave up one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Gurriel, Marte, Gabriel Moreno and Max Kepler had two hits apiece for the Diamondbacks.
Luis Arraez singled, tripled and homered for the Giants, and Rafael Devers also went deep. Landen Roupp (5-8) permitted six runs and walked six in 2 2/3 innings. Mets 3, Blue Jays 0
Nolan McLean struck out seven in six scoreless innings and visiting New York defeated Toronto to split the first two of a three-game series.
McLean (5-5) allowed five hits and two walks, while Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens provided support with solo home runs. Former Blue Jay Bo Bichette went 1-for-4 for the Mets and made some excellent defensive plays at third base.
Toronto starter Kevin Gausman (4-7) completed six innings, allowing one run on five hits. Luis Urias had two singles and a walk. Cardinals 5, Braves 3
Matthew Liberatore threw five strong innings and Nathan Church ended a long homerless streak to lead St. Louis over host Atlanta.
Liberatore (4-5) allowed one run on one hit and four walks, striking out nine, to earn his first victory since May 31. Church blasted a three-run homer to cap a four-run rally in the fourth inning when the Cardinals took the lead. It was Church’s sixth home run but first since April 26.
Ozzie Albies drove in two runs for the Braves. Martin Perez (5-6) yielded four runs on five hits in five innings. Brewers 7, Reds 2
Jake Bauers and Jackson Chourio homered and Brandon Sproat pitched effectively into the sixth inning as Milwaukee defeated visiting Cincinnati.
The Brewers have won six straight against the Reds, including all five games this season. Bauers and Sal Frelick each had three hits to pace Milwaukee’s 14-hit attack.
The Brewers gained control with four runs in the fourth off Rhett Lowder (3-6), opening the inning with five consecutive singles en route to a 5-1 lead. Sproat (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rays 10, Royals 4
Junior Caminero homered in his fifth consecutive game, a three-run shot to highlight Tampa Bay’s six-run third inning, and the Rays won their sixth straight game, beating host Kansas City.
Ryan Vilade also homered and Griffin Jax (4-5) allowed three runs and struck out five over six innings to win his third straight start for the Rays. Caminero has clubbed eight of his 23 home runs in the past seven games.
Bobby Witt Jr. socked a two-run homer in the third and an eighth-inning solo shot as part of a three-hit night for the Royals, who have lost five of six. Astros 6, Twins 4
Yordan Alvarez capped a six-run fourth inning with his third grand slam of the season as Houston rallied past visiting Minnesota.
Alvarez tied the franchise record with his seventh career grand slam, joining Alex Bregman, Carlos Lee and Jose Altuve. It was his 26th home run of the season. The Astros evened the three-game series at one win apiece behind Alvarez and a resilient effort from Mike Burrows (4-8), who overcame a ragged first inning to go five frames of four-run ball.
Twins starter Joe Ryan (5-5) permitted six runs on six hits in four innings. Ryan Kreidler hit a two-run single, and Kody Clemens produced two hits and two runs. Marlins 14, Rockies 3
Javier Sanoja, Joe Mack and Owen Caissie each hit a home run in Miami’s blowout win over Colorado in Denver.
Sanoja hit a three-run shot in the third, extending the Marlins’ lead to 5-1. Mack’s two-run blast in the seventh and Caissie’s three-run homer in the eighth were late highlights from a huge offensive game for the Marlins, who have won six of their past seven.
Eury Perez (4-6) earned the win in his second start since returning from the injured list. Perez struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits and four walks. Mickey Moniak homered for the Rockies. Tanner Gordon was tagged for five runs in five innings. –Field Level Media
Sports
‘We are starting from zero again’: Shreyas Iyer reveals Gautam Gambhir’s message | Cricket News
Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir (X-BCCI)
India captain Shreyas Iyer has insisted he is ready to embrace the challenges of leading the national T20I side, saying he always believed the opportunity would come after consistent performances for both his IPL franchise and the country. Iyer, who was appointed India’s new T20I captain in place of Suryakumar Yadav, endured a difficult start to his tenure as India suffered a 2-0 series defeat to Ireland in Belfast. However, ahead of the five-match T20I series against England, the skipper remains focused on learning from the experience while building a fresh identity for the team. “Honestly speaking, it’s not outlandish. I was expecting it at some point of time. I have done brilliant in the previous IPL tournaments, whenever I have represented the country. So, it did not come to me as a surprise. But, at the same time, I feel it’s a great opportunity for me to learn from everyone around who has been part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad, the team management, support staff and also a few individuals who have played,” Iyer told BCCI.TV. The 31-year-old admitted that captaining India is the fulfilment of a childhood dream and described the responsibility as one of the proudest moments of his career. “As a kid, you always dreamt of playing for the Indian team. Now, you get the opportunity to lead the Indian team. I think it’s an icing on the cake. It means a world,” he said. Reflecting on the journey that earned him the leadership role, Iyer credited the support system around him while acknowledging the hard work behind his rise. “It’s definitely the result of hard work that you have put in and the support you have received from fans, family and friends. It’s hard to explain the feelings in words.” Iyer also outlined the aggressive brand of cricket he wants his team to play, saying he hopes to instil a fearless mindset that puts opponents under pressure from the moment India steps onto the field. “I just like to be menacing to the opponents. I want to have that aggressive, fearless approach when I step on the field. I want my troops to rally around that mindset where the opponents are a bit intimidated by our personality and appearance on the field. It’s like a war for me when I step on the field. I want to win every match and that’s the mindset I want to imbibe in each and every individual. “Relentless, ruthless and determined. No pressure, but at the same time, it’s going to be challenging. All I want to do is embrace the challenge. I want it to be challenging, because I thrive under pressure,” he said. Speaking about head coach Gautam Gambhir‘s message to the squad, Iyer revealed that the team is treating this phase as the beginning of a new chapter despite India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph. “Gauti bhai mentioned in one of his interviews that we were world champions. This is a new paragraph which starts altogether where I am the leader of the team and we are starting from zero again.” The captain also reflected on India’s disappointing tour of Ireland, admitting the results fell short of expectations but insisting the series offered valuable lessons, especially for players experiencing English and Irish conditions for the first time. “Definitely not the start we wanted, but a lot to learn coming into new conditions. Majority of players playing first time in England and Ireland as well, so it’s a learning curve for them as well. Also we have to build that camaraderie where each and everyone starts supporting and trusting each other again.” India’s batting struggled throughout the Ireland series, with the top order failing to provide solid starts in either match. However, the bowling attack showed encouraging signs, particularly through debutant Prince Yadav, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. With England presenting a significantly tougher challenge, Iyer will now look to register his first series win as India’s T20I captain while implementing the fearless and relentless brand of cricket he believes can take the team forward.
MEXICO CITY — The 40-year wait is over. Mexicans had learned to live with defeats in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On seven occasions, El Tri fans were left heartbroken at this stage.
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within a nine-minute span in the first half and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.
Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Jiménez added a goal in the 31st for the Mexicans, who had not won a knockout-stage match since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 when they hosted the tournament in 1986. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was one of the starting midfielders in that team in ’86.
“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16 and it is happening a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”
Mexico lost seven consecutive times at that same stage from 1994 to 2018 and didn’t advance past the group stage in 2022.
Aguirre, who returned as Mexico’s head coach in August of 2024, was an assistant in 1994 and was the coach in 2002 and 2010.
“We will be on high alert from here until Sunday. We will try to have the players recover from this and we will see if we are able to win again,” Aguirre said.
For Quiñones, it was a third goal in the tournament and he is now El Tri’s second-highest scorer in World Cup history behind Luis “Matador” Hernández and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who scored four each.
Quiñones, who was the scoring leader in the Saudi Pro League last season, has become the spark in the attack that Mexico lacked in previous World Cups.
“I am just happy with the result, that is all that matters now,” said Quiñones, who is playing in his first World Cup with Mexico.
The 29-year-old forward arrived in the country from Colombia at age 17 and became a naturalized citizen in 2023.
“Life is about struggle and fight until you get what you want,” he said, “and I am taking full advantage of the opportunity that I got.”
Jiménez scored his second goal of the tournament and has 47 with the national team to break a tie with Jared Borgetti. He is five away from tying “Chicharito” Hernández as the all-time leading scorer for Mexico.
Mexico will play another home match Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s match between England and Congo.
Playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the Mexican squad boasts an undefeated record across 10 World Cup matches. Mexico has just two official losses at the venue — the last being a World Cup qualifying defeat to Honduras on Sept. 6, 2013.
With the win, Mexico extended its unbeaten run to 12 games, dating back to a friendly loss against Paraguay in November.
Mexico also became the first CONCACAF side to eliminate a team from CONMEBOL in a World Cup knockout match. Teams from South America won the previous five meetings.
The match started one hour after the original scheduled time due to a thunderstorm.
It was the second match of the tournament delayed by weather. A storm during the France-Iraq match at Philadelphia on June 22 caused a 2-hour, 11-minute suspension at the end of the first half.
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