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UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Flick ready to defend ‘emotional’ teen Yamal against criticism Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed.The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again — what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday.“But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation, where he dribbled past four or five players and then shot and missed.“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”Flick admitted Yamal’s shows of disapproval on the sideline sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team.“He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him develop,” the German coach said. “Not everything that he’s doing is good as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player but we also have to see that he’s 18 years old.“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem you can do it and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone one the pitch how good he is and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”‘Fantastic’ RashfordYamal shone last season as he helped Barcelona to the Champions League semifinals, as close as it has come to the trophy since winning it in 2015. Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters Flick said the quarterfinal tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico would be tricky to navigate, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg.“Atletico is a tough team, they have the right attitude, a lot of intensity, fast players, fantastic players on the pitch. On Saturday they rested many players but the quality was very high. they love to defend, they know how to defend in a deep block, it’s not so easy to score two goals at Atletico. It’s always tough.“There will be a lot of emotions in this game because it’s two legs, we try to give our best to get a good result tomorrow.”Marcus Rashford is in line to start on the left flank in place of injured winger Raphinha. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, scored against Atletico on Saturday.Flick said he still needed to improve on his defensive work rate but acknowledged Rashford was doing well, although he has not said if he wants the club to execute the purchase option they have for the forward.“(Pressing) is also a part of our game which is very important, not just with the ball (where) everyone knows he’s fantastic,” said Flick. (Dribbling) one on one he’s doing really good, but to defend is also part of our game and part of football. But he’s doing good, he’s adapted a lot, and we need him… to help his team-mate on the flank.”Published on Apr 07, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #Flick #ready #defend #emotional #teen #Yamal #criticism

UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Flick ready to defend ‘emotional’ teen Yamal against criticism

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.

Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed.

The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.

“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again — what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday.

“But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation, where he dribbled past four or five players and then shot and missed.

“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”

Flick admitted Yamal’s shows of disapproval on the sideline sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team.

“He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him develop,” the German coach said. “Not everything that he’s doing is good as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player but we also have to see that he’s 18 years old.

“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem you can do it and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone one the pitch how good he is and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”

‘Fantastic’ Rashford

Yamal shone last season as he helped Barcelona to the Champions League semifinals, as close as it has come to the trophy since winning it in 2015.

UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Flick ready to defend ‘emotional’ teen Yamal against criticism Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed.The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again — what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday.“But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation, where he dribbled past four or five players and then shot and missed.“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”Flick admitted Yamal’s shows of disapproval on the sideline sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team.“He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him develop,” the German coach said. “Not everything that he’s doing is good as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player but we also have to see that he’s 18 years old.“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem you can do it and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone one the pitch how good he is and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”‘Fantastic’ RashfordYamal shone last season as he helped Barcelona to the Champions League semifinals, as close as it has come to the trophy since winning it in 2015. Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters Flick said the quarterfinal tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico would be tricky to navigate, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg.“Atletico is a tough team, they have the right attitude, a lot of intensity, fast players, fantastic players on the pitch. On Saturday they rested many players but the quality was very high. they love to defend, they know how to defend in a deep block, it’s not so easy to score two goals at Atletico. It’s always tough.“There will be a lot of emotions in this game because it’s two legs, we try to give our best to get a good result tomorrow.”Marcus Rashford is in line to start on the left flank in place of injured winger Raphinha. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, scored against Atletico on Saturday.Flick said he still needed to improve on his defensive work rate but acknowledged Rashford was doing well, although he has not said if he wants the club to execute the purchase option they have for the forward.“(Pressing) is also a part of our game which is very important, not just with the ball (where) everyone knows he’s fantastic,” said Flick. (Dribbling) one on one he’s doing really good, but to defend is also part of our game and part of football. But he’s doing good, he’s adapted a lot, and we need him… to help his team-mate on the flank.”Published on Apr 07, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #Flick #ready #defend #emotional #teen #Yamal #criticism

Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters

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Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Flick said the quarterfinal tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico would be tricky to navigate, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg.

“Atletico is a tough team, they have the right attitude, a lot of intensity, fast players, fantastic players on the pitch. On Saturday they rested many players but the quality was very high. they love to defend, they know how to defend in a deep block, it’s not so easy to score two goals at Atletico. It’s always tough.

“There will be a lot of emotions in this game because it’s two legs, we try to give our best to get a good result tomorrow.”

Marcus Rashford is in line to start on the left flank in place of injured winger Raphinha. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, scored against Atletico on Saturday.

Flick said he still needed to improve on his defensive work rate but acknowledged Rashford was doing well, although he has not said if he wants the club to execute the purchase option they have for the forward.

“(Pressing) is also a part of our game which is very important, not just with the ball (where) everyone knows he’s fantastic,” said Flick. (Dribbling) one on one he’s doing really good, but to defend is also part of our game and part of football. But he’s doing good, he’s adapted a lot, and we need him… to help his team-mate on the flank.”

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Flick #ready #defend #emotional #teen #Yamal #criticism

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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.

Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed.

The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.

“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again — what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday.

“But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation, where he dribbled past four or five players and then shot and missed.

“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”

Flick admitted Yamal’s shows of disapproval on the sideline sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team.

“He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him develop,” the German coach said. “Not everything that he’s doing is good as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player but we also have to see that he’s 18 years old.

“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem you can do it and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone one the pitch how good he is and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”

‘Fantastic’ Rashford

Yamal shone last season as he helped Barcelona to the Champions League semifinals, as close as it has come to the trophy since winning it in 2015.

Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

lightbox-info

Flick added that Marcus Rashford needs to press better when Barcelona does not have possession.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

Flick said the quarterfinal tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico would be tricky to navigate, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg.

“Atletico is a tough team, they have the right attitude, a lot of intensity, fast players, fantastic players on the pitch. On Saturday they rested many players but the quality was very high. they love to defend, they know how to defend in a deep block, it’s not so easy to score two goals at Atletico. It’s always tough.

“There will be a lot of emotions in this game because it’s two legs, we try to give our best to get a good result tomorrow.”

Marcus Rashford is in line to start on the left flank in place of injured winger Raphinha. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, scored against Atletico on Saturday.

Flick said he still needed to improve on his defensive work rate but acknowledged Rashford was doing well, although he has not said if he wants the club to execute the purchase option they have for the forward.

“(Pressing) is also a part of our game which is very important, not just with the ball (where) everyone knows he’s fantastic,” said Flick. (Dribbling) one on one he’s doing really good, but to defend is also part of our game and part of football. But he’s doing good, he’s adapted a lot, and we need him… to help his team-mate on the flank.”

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.Starting with the size of the field.For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.World Cup third-place standingsHere are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out. #World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.

Starting with the size of the field.

For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.

That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.

To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.

Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.

World Cup third-place standings

Here are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.

Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.

How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?

Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:

If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.

Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.

The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family">Lionel Messi’s father Jorge going through ‘health situation’, confirms family The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”Published on Jun 18, 2026 #Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family

Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #CardsJun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it.

The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals.

Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday.

“Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.”

Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him.

However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis.

Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals.

“Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said.

Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon.

Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals.


“We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.”

Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis.

The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City.

The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts.

Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City.

“He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron.

“That’s what allows him to have success.”

Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore.

Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards">Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards

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