Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

5 Lingering Free Agents for the Vikings to Consider

Published

on

Advertisement

Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins in 2021 celebrating a sack
Dec 19, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets by doing the worm dance move in the endzone during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings were not overly busy in free agency — aside from signing quarterback Kyler Murray — compared to recent offseasons, but they still have a bit of cash flow to use on available players in a pinch. Consider these five free agents to explore in the pinch.

Minnesota can still find help on defense and the offensive line before draft week.

The NFL Draft is less than five weeks away, but here’s a look at free agents for Minnesota if they want to shore up the roster depth.

Advertisement

Five Available FAs Who Still Make Sense for Minnesota

The roster is in decent shape; these men are about upgrades, and they’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = best available free agent for Minnesota).

Dante Trader Jr. and Ifeatu Melifonwu run onto the field before a Dolphins game in Madrid. Vikings free agents
Miami Dolphins safeties Dante Trader Jr. (11) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (9) run onto the field before kickoff of the NFL Madrid Game against the Washington Commanders, Nov. 16, 2025, at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. The defensive backs entered through pregame smoke as the Dolphins prepared for an international showcase matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

5. Ifeatu Melifonwu (S)

Pretend for a moment that the Vikings welcome Harrison Smith back for Year No. 15, prefer a defensive tackle, for example, in Round 1 of the draft, and are not overly enthused about Theo Jackson having a middling 2025 campaign. In those realistic scenarios, the club might need safety depth.

Melifonwu has the juice for it. The 26-year-old banked a 62.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025, playing 549 defensive snaps in Miami. Not long ago in 2023 with the Detroit Lions, he punched his card for an 82.1 PFF mark. He’s proven that he can thrive in the right system.

Advertisement

The former 3rd-Rounder from the 2021 NFL Draft would look good in purple if the Round 1 or 2 draft pick is not a safety.

4. Tyreek Hill (WR)

Hill’s 2025 season was cut short after only four games because of a nasty left knee injury — multiple torn ligaments and a torn ACL. Before the injury, Hill was still getting it done, averaging 66.3 yards per game. That’s over 1,100 yards when scaled to a full season. His top speed isn’t quite what it used to be, but there’s still burst and playmaking ability on tape.

The man obviously has an electric track record: 11,363 yards, 83 touchdowns, and everyone knows he’s one of the scariest deep threats ever. He can still change a game in a heartbeat.

Advertisement

His contract could work out nicely, too. He might get a “prove-it” deal, which would be tempting for teams trying to win it all. Picture Hill playing alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Scary.

And — Hill’s been a Vikings fan forever, always talking about how he grew up rooting for them. Plus, Frank Smith, who used to coach Hill in Miami, is now on Minnesota’s coaching staff as the assistant head coach. It won’t be hard for Smith to lure Hill.

3. L’Jarius Sneed (CB)

This is Sneed’s PFF work through six seasons:

Advertisement
  • 2020: 68.4
  • 2021: 63.6
  • 2022: 77.7
  • 2023: 72.5
  • 2024: 36.3
  • 2025: 50.4

Then, the passer rating allowed:

  • 2025: 120.0
  • 2020: 54.2
  • 2021: 91.9
  • 2022: 85.0
  • 2023: 56.2
  • 2024: 91.8

The last two seasons obviously aren’t ideal, but there’s a chance that he could cook and regain 2023 form with Brian Flores’s magic touch. The Titans recently dropped Sneed. He’s there for the taking and won’t cost much.

2. Ethan Pocic (C)

At 30, Pocic is expected to snag an $8–12 million yearly salary, putting him in the middle of the pack for veteran centers. That price might even be smaller through two weeks of free agency with no nibbles.

Ethan Pocic walks off the field after a Browns game against the San Francisco 49ers. Vikings free agents
Cleveland Browns center Ethan Pocic (55) walks off the field following a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Nov. 30, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The veteran lineman exited with teammates after a tough result, reflecting on the outcome as the Browns wrapped up the late-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.

In 2025, PFF gave him a 62.2 for pass-blocking and a 63.2 for run-blocking, landing him an overall grade of 63.8. He’s reliable, but not a superstar. Drafted in the 2nd Round in 2017, he played under his rookie deal with Seattle before heading to Cleveland in 2022, where he became a starter.

The only knock on Pocic is durability. He generally misses at least 3-4 games annually due to injury. Minnesota’s in a good spot to handle this, though, with Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens ready to step in if he gets hurt.

1. Christian Wilkins (DT)

Advertisement

Wilkins is a consistently dependable run stopper, making him a good fit for Minnesota, especially with their run defense looking vulnerable early in 2025.

Market conditions are also favorable, as he hopes to repair his reputation following bizarre locker-room allegations. An unsigned Wikins through 20 days of March suggests affordability, and a short, inexpensive contract — perhaps even near the veteran minimum — seems realistic for a 29-year-old seeking a new team. The rumor mill suggested that up to 26 teams have inquired about Wilkin’s availability.

Christian Wilkins runs onto the field before a Dolphins game against the Dallas Cowboys. Vikings free agents
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) runs onto the field during pregame warmups ahead of a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, Dec. 24, 2023, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The standout defender energized the sideline as Miami prepared for a high-profile late-season showdown at home. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports.

Wilkins has consistently demonstrated top-tier production, so much so that the Las Vegas Raiders handed him a $110 million contract over four years in the offseason of 2024. Furthermore, Wilkins and Vikings defensive coordinator Flores have a prior connection: Flores drafted and developed Wilkins in Miami in 2019, a significant relationship.

Finally, Wilkins and current Vikings OLB Andrew Van Ginkel were also teammates in Miami. With Flores already intimately familiar with Wilkins’s capabilities, Minnesota has a real connection to Wilkins. There are existing ties.


avatar
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

When is UFC London 2026? Start time, card and how to watch Lerone Murphy vs Movsar Evloev tonight

Published

on

The UFC is back in London this evening, with a pivotal match-up headlining a card full of British talent.

In the main event, Manchester’s Lerone Murphy takes on Movsar Evloev in an intriguing featherweight clash, with one man set to lose his unbeaten record – and the other likely to earn a shot at champion Alexander Volkanovski.

On Thursday, Evloev confirmed he had to solve late Visa issues to get to the English capital, after a rumour circulated that Jean Silva would be stepping in for the Russian, so the O2 Arena’s headline bout looks set to go ahead as planned. And what of Silva? He may even challenge Volkanovski before the winner of tonight’s main event does.

Lerone Murphy called for a title shot after beating Aaron Pico
Lerone Murphy called for a title shot after beating Aaron Pico (Getty)

Elsewhere on the UFC London card, Paddy Pimblett’s teammates Luke Riley and Shem Rock step out to represent Liverpool, Michael “Venom” Page and Sam Patterson meet in an all-British bout, and fan favourite Nathaniel Wood is in action.

Furthermore, heavyweights Louie Sutherland and Mario Pinto will make their domestic debuts in the UFC, with the latter aiming to stay unbeaten as a pro. Here’s all you need to know.

When is UFC London?

Advertisement

The event will take place at the O2 Arena on Saturday 21 March. The prelims will begin at 5pm GMT (10am PT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET), with the main card following at 8pm GMT (1pm PT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET).

How can I watch it?

In the UK, the main card will air live on TNT Sports and is also accessible via Discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports; beforehand, the early and regular prelims will stream live on UFC Fight Pass. In the US, Paramount+ will stream the action.

How to buy tickets

Advertisement

Tickets to UFC London are on sale now via AXS.

Full card

Subject to change

Main card

Advertisement

Movsar Evloev vs Lerone Murphy (featherweight)

Luke Riley vs Michael Aswell Jr (featherweight)

Michael “Venom” Page vs Sam Patterson (welterweight)

British UFC middleweight and welterweight contender Michael Page
British UFC middleweight and welterweight contender Michael Page (Getty)

Iwo Baraniewski vs Austen Lane (light-heavyweight)

Christian Leroy Duncan def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Advertisement

Danny Silva def. Kurtis Campbell via second-round TKO (punches, 0:31)

Prelims

Mason Jones def. Axel Sola via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Nathaniel Wood def. Losene Keita via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Advertisement

Mario Pinto def. Felipe Franco via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

British-Portuguese heavyweight Mario Pinto is aiming to stay unbeaten in the UFC
British-Portuguese heavyweight Mario Pinto is aiming to stay unbeaten in the UFC (Josh Northcote)

Mantas Kondratavicius def. Antonio Trocoli via decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Brando Pericic def. Louie Sutherland via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 1:48)

Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady def. Shem Rock via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Shanelle Dyer def. Ravena Oliveira via second-round TKO (strikes, 1:17)

Advertisement

N.B. Melissa Mullins vs Luana Carolina cancelled on Friday; Carolina 8lb over 136lb limit

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Is Hubert Davis out at UNC? Tar Heels boosters lose faith after historic loss

Published

on

Hubert Davis’ future as the head coach at North Carolina is in doubt, sources told CBS Sports. 

Davis did not have contact with his staff for nearly 24 hours from Friday morning into Saturday’s previously scheduled team meeting, a source said, adding to speculation and growing expectation that a massive change could be coming in Chapel Hill. If there is a reverse-course that allows Davis to stay on for a sixth season, it would be a surprise to a lot of people in and around the program.

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham added some clarity on Saturday morning, telling CBS Sports that no decision has been made on Davis’ future.

“Every year at the end of the season, it’s important to evaluate all facets of the program and look for ways to improve,” Cunningham texted. “The Chancellor, [incoming athletic director Steve Newmark] and I are doing that together now and will continue to have discussions over the coming days.”

Advertisement

If a change is coming, it’s not expected before the end of the weekend. Davis is meeting with North Carolina brass on Saturday. The team had a regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday as well, which, per sources, was business as usual.

The potential impending change was catalyzed by the Tar Heels blowing a 19-point lead with 14 minutes remaining against No. 11 VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The collapse was the largest by any team in the first round in the history of March Madness and was also a third straight loss to end UNC’s season.

The Tar Heels were without their best player — star freshman and projected top-10 pick Caleb Wilson — who missed the final nine games due to two separate hand and thumb injuries. 

If a move is made, it would be an earthquake for college basketball. North Carolina is unequivocally considered one of the four best and most prestigious jobs in the sport alongside the likes of fellow blue bloods Duke, Kansas and Kentucky. In the eyes of some, the Tar Heels job sits at No. 1. A split with Davis would also signify profound move. For the first time in 74 years, the program would almost definitely go outside of the Carolina family to find its next men’s basketball coach.

Advertisement

The lineage dates back to 1952, when Frank McGuire was brought on. McGuire won a national title in 1957 and stayed until 1961, when then-assistant Dean Smith was promoted and went on to build out one of the most impactful and legendary coaching careers in college sports history. From Smith to Bill Guthridge to Matt Doherty to Roy Williams to Davis, every men’s basketball coach at UNC has been linked from one tenure to another for seven-plus decades.

Davis, a 55-year-old UNC alum, was handed the blue blood job in 2021 after Roy Williams’ retirement at the conclusion of that season. Davis, who starred at UNC from 1988 to 1992, has been with the program since 2012. As a head coach, he has a 125-54 record (.698) and made the NCAA Tournament in four years. The one year he missed, in 2023, infamously came after the Tar Heels were the preseason No. 1 team, making UNC the only school to ever not make the Big Dance after being awarded a preseason No. 1 ranking.

🏀 How each UNC season under Hubert Davis has ended

Season Finish Result Notes
2025-26 NCAA Tournament First Round loss (vs. VCU) Blew a 19-point lead in a historic collapse
2024-25 NCAA Tournament First Round loss (vs. Ole Miss) Advanced from the First Four, then fell in the Round of 64
2023-24 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 loss (vs. Alabama) No. 1 seed and ACC regular-season champion
2022-23 No postseason Missed NCAA Tournament Declined an NIT bid after becoming the first preseason No. 1 to miss the field
2021-22 NCAA Tournament National runner-up (lost to Kansas) Beat Duke in the Final Four in Mike Krzyzewski’s final game

A primary group of boosters met late Friday afternoon with UNC stakeholders, a source said, to gain clarity on whether keeping Davis was feasible. The verdict: If Davis stays, the money for roster-buildilng next season would likely be flimsy. North Carolina has the No. 26 recruiting class in 2026, including the nation’s No. 8 player Dylan Mingo, who is committed but not signed. The Tar Heels last transfer cycle brought in four blue-chip talents to pair with Wilson out of the high school ranks, a big spend that did not deliver the expected return on investment at the end of the season. 

Advertisement

One source told CBS Sports that there is “no conceivable way to fund a roster through donor money, it can’t be raised to fund the team next year” under Davis because almost most of the boosters at UNC have “lost faith in the program.” 

That source also stressed that North Carolina is seriously cash-strapped due to the humongous investments in football under Bill Belichick. 

And yet, in that meeting Friday afternoon, the big money people did voice a critical piece to all of this: They believe they could rally the money to pay off Davis’ remaining years on his contract and would doubly band the base together to fund the buyout for whatever big-name coach can be brought in over the next couple of weeks if a change is made. 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Former heavyweight champion set to break Mike Tyson’s 40-year world record

Published

on

Mike Tyson set many world records throughout his boxing career but one former heavyweight world champion looks poised to break one of them upon his return.

When Roy Jones Jr ended a five-year hiatus to box UFC star Anthony Pettis, ‘Captain Hook’ broke Jack Johnson’s record as the former heavyweight world champion with the longest boxing career, having fought professionally for over 33 years (12,384 days).

However, that record was topped again the following year, when Tyson’s controversial comeback against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul took place, with his career being extended to 14,499 days – almost 40 years.

Advertisement

Another veteran who made a return, and maintained his activity, is former WBC heavyweight king Oliver McCall, who has boxed three times since November 2024, registering two stoppage wins and a draw.

At present, McCall’s professional career, which began in November 1985 and currently extends to June 2025, consists of a total of 14,458 days – just 41 short of Tyson’s record.

However, in an interview with World Boxing News, Jimmy Adams of Country Box, the promotional outfit which has staged McCall’s recent fights, confirmed that ‘The Atomic Bull’ will return to the ring during 2026.

“He is fighting again. For real, Oliver called me personally to say he wants to go again, and I’m looking to get him a date soon on Country Box,”

Any fight from this point onwards will see McCall become the new record-holder as the former heavyweight world champion with the longest professional career. Yet, another professional outing from Tyson cannot be ruled out, with his exhibition against Floyd Mayweather poised to take place next month.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Kane & Olise score as Bayern beat Union Berlin

Published

on

Bayern Munich put four past Union Berlin, including a goal from Harry Kane that moves him within 10 of the Bundesliga single-season goals record.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Wizards G Trae Young (quad, back) does not need surgery

Published

on

NBA: Washington Wizards at New Orleans PelicansMar 8, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young is dealing with a right quadriceps contusion and lower back irritation, the team announced Saturday.

“Both injuries are being treated conservatively and will not require surgery at this time,” the team said in a press release. “Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

Young, 27, reinjured his quadriceps in the third quarter of Washington’s 125-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors and did not appear in back-to-back losses to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Wizards (16-53) take a 14-game losing streak into their Saturday game against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.

Advertisement

Acquired in a Jan. 9 trade with the Atlanta Hawks, Young made his Washington debut on March 5. It was the four-time All-Star’s first action since Dec. 27 due to a quadriceps contusion and an MCL sprain.

Young has averaged 15.2 points and 6.2 assists in five starts for the Wizards. He has been limited to 20.8 minutes per game, well below his career average of 34.1.

Since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2018, Young owns career averages of 25.1 points, 9.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 498 games (all starts) with the Hawks and Wizards.

Advertisement

–Field Level Media

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

UCF center John Bol scores on own basket in March Madness loss to UCLA

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

In March Madness, it often comes down to the little things, but for UCF center John Bol, his blunder was not a little thing: he scored on his own basket.

In the first half of No. 7 UCLA’s 75-71 win over No. 10 UCF on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Bol tapped a rebound into his own basket.

With just under two minutes left in the first half and the shot clock winding down, UCLA guard Donovan Dent shot a desperation 3-pointer. Bol, instead of corralling Dent’s miss and turning the other way, tapped the ball into his basket to increase UCLA’s lead to 35-21.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

John Bol reacts in first half

UCF Knights center John Bol (7) reacts against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)

The points were not credited to a UCLA player.

It was the beginning of a rough night for Bol, who went 0-5 from the free throw line with an unorthodox free-throw motion. The 7-foot-2 center scored two points on the night, contributing as many points to his own team as he did to the other team.

Bol’s own basket was not the only odd event during the game, as UCLA guard Skyy Clark also lost a tooth during the game.

Advertisement

UCLA’S SKYY CLARK LOSES FRONT TOOTH IN MARCH MADNESS THRILLER TO HELP BRUINS SEAL FIRST-ROUND VICTORY

John Bol reacts

UCF Knights guard Riley Kugel (2) and center John Bol (7) react in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)

UCF made it close late, erasing a double-digit deficit from the first half, but was not able to cap off the comeback, adding more significance to Bol’s own basket.

Jordan Burks led UCF in the loss with 22 points and six rebounds. Jamichael Stillwell (10 points), Themus Fulks (10 points) and Riley Kugel (13 points) were the only other players to score in double figures in the loss.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement
John Bol reacts

UCF Knights center John Bol (7) reacts in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Eric Dailey Jr. led the Bruins with 20 points and five rebounds, while Trent Perry and Xavier Booker each had 15 points in the win.

UCLA will play No. 2 seed UConn in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Duke vs TCU live updates: March Madness Round 2 game score, highlights

Published

on

Follow all of Saturday’s NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports’ live updates.

The NCAA Tournament’s overall top seed Duke was in a first-round dogfight against No. 16 seed Siena on Thursday.

Advertisement

Afterward, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer called it his toughest March Madness moment.

Advertisement

“Toughest one,” he told reporters after the 71-65 win. “Not close. Toughest moment, toughest game, toughest position I’ve ever been in in the tournament, no question about it.”

Upset alert! Ranking 5 most likely March Madness upsets in second round

March Madness games today: Ranking all 8 men’s NCAA Tournament games Saturday

You’d imagine things will only get tougher as the tournament goes on.

Advertisement

Up next for Duke is No. 9 seed TCU. The Horned Frogs beat No. 8 seed Ohio State, 66-64, on a late Xavier Edmonds bucket in Thursday’s first round opener.

Advertisement

TCU has never won a Round of 32 game in March Madness. Is today the day?

Toppmeyer: If Jon Scheyer feels any Duke pressure, Coach K can relate

Advertisement

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Duke vs TCU live score

TEAMS

1H

2H

Advertisement

F

TCU

Advertisement

Duke

Advertisement

What time is TCU vs Duke ?

  • Time: 5:15 p.m. ET, Saturday.

What channel is Duke vs TCU? Streaming, how to watch

  • The game is airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Odds provided by BetMGM as of 1:15 p.m., Saturday.

  • Moneyline: Duke (-800); TCU (+550)

Cameron Boozer NBA draft stock, mock draft predictions

Boozer is widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at where various mock drafts from major outlets have the Duke freshman going:

Is Cameron Boozer related to Carlos Boozer?

Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden (also a freshman for Duke) are the sons of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Before his 13-year career in the NBA, Carlos Boozer was a standout forward for the Blue Devils under Mike Krzyzewski from 1999-2002. A member of Duke’s 2001 national championship team, Carlos Boozer finished his three-year career with the Blue Devils with more than 1,500 points scored and started 93 of the 101 games in which he appeared.

Jamie Dixon coaching record: How long has Jamie Dixon coached TCU?

This is Dixon’s 10th season as TCU’s head coach. Dixon returned to his alma mater after after a 13-year run as head coach at Pitt.

Dixon is 199-137 with the Horned Frogs and has led TCU to five NCAA Tournament appearances.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Has TCU ever reached Sweet 16?

TCU reached the Regional Final in 1968 but only 23 teams were in the NCAA Tournament that year. So the Horned Frogs have never won a Round of 32 game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duke vs TCU score live update: March Madness highlights in NCAA Round 2

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

MLB news: Tigers prospect Max Clark has blunt reaction to 102 mph fastball

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Clark had a very honest reaction after seeing a 102.4 mph fastball on the first pitch of the game.

Clark was the leadoff batter for the Tigers in their 8-7 loss to the Pirates in their Spring Breakout game and was up against top prospect Seth Hernandez. Hernandez’s first pitch was a 102.4 mph fastball above the zone, and it got Clark’s attention.

“What the f—,” Clark could be seen saying after the pitch went by him.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Max Clark warms up

Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark (31) warms up before a prospects game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Clark, 21, ended up walking in the at-bat. Hernandez ended up inducing an inning-ending ground ball double play to conclude his lone inning of the game.

The game between the Tigers and Pirates was part of MLB’s Spring Breakout, which is an annual four-day event with exhibition games between the top prospects from all of MLB’s teams during spring training.

FORMER MLB OUTFIELDER LARRY STAHL, BEST KNOWN FOR SPOILING A PERFECT GAME, DEAD AT 84

Advertisement
Max Clark looks on

Max Clark (31) of the Detroit Tigers looks on after batting in the sixth inning during a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Clark is the No. 2 overall prospect in the Tigers farm system, according to MLB.com. Last season at High-A and Double-A, Clark hit .271 with 14 home runs and 67 RBI, and could make his big league debut this season, where he will see a lot of high-octane heat like Hernandez’s.

Hernandez, 19, was drafted by the No. 6 overall pick by the Pirates in last year’s draft. Hernandez already has a legitimate four-pitch mix and will begin his season in rookie ball.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Seth Hernandez throws pitch

Seth Hernandez (25) of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Pirates organization hopes that Hernandez, alongside top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, will slot in behind National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes atop their rotation for years to come.

Advertisement

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Everton highlights

Published

on

Watch highlights as Melvine Malard’s 94th-minute winner snatches victory for Manchester United against Everton to send them back into second place in the Women’s Super League table.

MATCH REPORT: Manchester United 2-1 Everton

Available to UK users only.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Japan clinch Women’s Asian Cup, beat Australia 1-0 in final encounter | Football News

Published

on


Maika Hamano took a pass from the left with her back to goal, turned and launched a powerful strike from outside the area in a moment of individual brilliance that secured Japan a third Women’s Asian Cup final with a 1-0 win over Australia.


The 21-year-old Hamano, on loan at Tottenham from Chelsea, scored in the 17th minute to almost silence the crowd of 74,397 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Saturday night.


The Australians applied all the pressure in the last 10 minutes pressing for an equalizer but were continually denied by Japan’s defense, including Alanna Kennedy’s close-range header with two minutes left in regulation.

 

Advertisement


Japan had beaten Australia in finals to win back-to-back Women’s Asian Cups in 2014 and 2018 and has now won the title three times in the last four continental championships.


“I just want to enjoy it today because it’s only the third time that Japan actually managed to win this tournament,” Japan coach Nils Nielsen said. “(We) really deserve it, I mean we won six games – it’s OK we take the trophy.


“The girls fought with everything they had, so did Matildas, and they made themselves proud as well.” 
The Australians, who reached the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup on home soil in 2023, had 54% of possession, had 14 shots on goal compared to nine for Japan, and considerably more passes, crosses and touches in the opposition box.


But as captain Sam Kerr said, “They beat us just off one moment. For most of the game, we had the better chances and definitely in the second half, most of the possession. So it was just one moment. Unfortunately, that’s what football is decided on. 

Advertisement


“The last few games, we’ve had the moments and made the most of them. Tonight, they had an amazing goal.” 
Japan, the top-ranked team in Asia, tallied 29 goals and conceded just one in six games in a dominant performance in Australia.


The Matildas haven’t won the continental championship since 2010, when Kerr – then 16 – scored in the decider.


Crowd records 
The crowd of almost 75,000 for the final was a record for the Women’s Asian Cup along with the total crowd of 355,528 across the tournament that started on March 1.


Six teams from the Asian Cup – Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, Philippines and North Korea – have qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Advertisement


Iran’s involvement 
The 12-team tournament gained global attention due to the involvement of an Iranian squad affected by the Middle East war.


The Iranian team arrived in Australia before the Feb. 28 attacks by the United States and Israel triggered the Iran war, and their participation held the international focus.


Seven members of the Iran delegation initially were granted asylum by the Australian government, though all but two have since returned home.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025