Deadspin | Nico Hoerner’s big night helps Cubs clinch series vs. Rays Apr 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) hits a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nico Hoerner homered to highlight his three-hit performance and Michael Conforto drove in a pair, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Hoerner added an RBI double during a five-run fifth inning for the Cubs, who recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season and notched their first series victory of 2026. Colin Rea (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings while taking the spot in the rotation of Cade Horton. The latter is nursing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will undergo season-ending surgery. Hoby Milner retired the side in order in the sixth and Ben Brown followed suit in the seventh before permitting a two-out RBI single to Jake Fraley in the eighth. Hunter Harvey retired the side in the ninth to seal the victory. Jonathan Aranda had a sacrifice fly in the third for the Rays, who committed three errors en route to losing for the fifth time in their last eight games. Chicago quickly loaded the bases in the fifth before Conforto sent a drive that caromed off the glove of center fielder Jonny DeLuca. The play initially plated a pair of runs, however right fielder Fraley’s throw sailed past the cutoff man and rolled into the infield, allowing an alert Dansby Swanson to scamper home and give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. Hoerner stepped up two batters later and plated Conforto with an RBI double down the right field line. Hoerner didn’t stay on second base for long, as he came around to score on catcher Hunter Feduccia’s throwing error. That spelled the end for Tampa Bay starter Joe Boyle (0-1), who was charged with six runs (five earned) on four hits in 4 1/3 innings. Leading off the game, Hoerner fouled off three consecutive pitches before depositing a 1-2 curveball from Boyle over the wall in left field. The homer was the first of the season for Hoerner. Tampa Bay forged a 1-1 tie in the third. DeLuca singled off Rea to lead off the inning, stole second base, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Aranda’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nico #Hoerners #big #night #helps #Cubs #clinch #series #Rays

Deadspin | Nico Hoerner’s big night helps Cubs clinch series vs. Rays
Deadspin | Nico Hoerner’s big night helps Cubs clinch series vs. Rays Apr 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) hits a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nico Hoerner homered to highlight his three-hit performance and Michael Conforto drove in a pair, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Hoerner added an RBI double during a five-run fifth inning for the Cubs, who recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season and notched their first series victory of 2026. Colin Rea (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings while taking the spot in the rotation of Cade Horton. The latter is nursing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will undergo season-ending surgery. Hoby Milner retired the side in order in the sixth and Ben Brown followed suit in the seventh before permitting a two-out RBI single to Jake Fraley in the eighth. Hunter Harvey retired the side in the ninth to seal the victory. Jonathan Aranda had a sacrifice fly in the third for the Rays, who committed three errors en route to losing for the fifth time in their last eight games. Chicago quickly loaded the bases in the fifth before Conforto sent a drive that caromed off the glove of center fielder Jonny DeLuca. The play initially plated a pair of runs, however right fielder Fraley’s throw sailed past the cutoff man and rolled into the infield, allowing an alert Dansby Swanson to scamper home and give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. Hoerner stepped up two batters later and plated Conforto with an RBI double down the right field line. Hoerner didn’t stay on second base for long, as he came around to score on catcher Hunter Feduccia’s throwing error. That spelled the end for Tampa Bay starter Joe Boyle (0-1), who was charged with six runs (five earned) on four hits in 4 1/3 innings. Leading off the game, Hoerner fouled off three consecutive pitches before depositing a 1-2 curveball from Boyle over the wall in left field. The homer was the first of the season for Hoerner. Tampa Bay forged a 1-1 tie in the third. DeLuca singled off Rea to lead off the inning, stole second base, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Aranda’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nico #Hoerners #big #night #helps #Cubs #clinch #series #RaysApr 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) hits a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nico Hoerner homered to highlight his three-hit performance and Michael Conforto drove in a pair, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

Hoerner added an RBI double during a five-run fifth inning for the Cubs, who recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season and notched their first series victory of 2026.

Colin Rea (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings while taking the spot in the rotation of Cade Horton. The latter is nursing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will undergo season-ending surgery.

Hoby Milner retired the side in order in the sixth and Ben Brown followed suit in the seventh before permitting a two-out RBI single to Jake Fraley in the eighth. Hunter Harvey retired the side in the ninth to seal the victory.

Jonathan Aranda had a sacrifice fly in the third for the Rays, who committed three errors en route to losing for the fifth time in their last eight games.


Chicago quickly loaded the bases in the fifth before Conforto sent a drive that caromed off the glove of center fielder Jonny DeLuca. The play initially plated a pair of runs, however right fielder Fraley’s throw sailed past the cutoff man and rolled into the infield, allowing an alert Dansby Swanson to scamper home and give the Cubs a 4-1 lead.

Hoerner stepped up two batters later and plated Conforto with an RBI double down the right field line. Hoerner didn’t stay on second base for long, as he came around to score on catcher Hunter Feduccia’s throwing error.

That spelled the end for Tampa Bay starter Joe Boyle (0-1), who was charged with six runs (five earned) on four hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Leading off the game, Hoerner fouled off three consecutive pitches before depositing a 1-2 curveball from Boyle over the wall in left field. The homer was the first of the season for Hoerner.

Tampa Bay forged a 1-1 tie in the third. DeLuca singled off Rea to lead off the inning, stole second base, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Aranda’s sacrifice fly.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nico #Hoerners #big #night #helps #Cubs #clinch #series #Rays

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Apr 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) hits a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nico Hoerner homered to highlight his three-hit performance and Michael Conforto drove in a pair, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

Hoerner added an RBI double during a five-run fifth inning for the Cubs, who recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season and notched their first series victory of 2026.

Colin Rea (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings while taking the spot in the rotation of Cade Horton. The latter is nursing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will undergo season-ending surgery.

Hoby Milner retired the side in order in the sixth and Ben Brown followed suit in the seventh before permitting a two-out RBI single to Jake Fraley in the eighth. Hunter Harvey retired the side in the ninth to seal the victory.

Jonathan Aranda had a sacrifice fly in the third for the Rays, who committed three errors en route to losing for the fifth time in their last eight games.

Chicago quickly loaded the bases in the fifth before Conforto sent a drive that caromed off the glove of center fielder Jonny DeLuca. The play initially plated a pair of runs, however right fielder Fraley’s throw sailed past the cutoff man and rolled into the infield, allowing an alert Dansby Swanson to scamper home and give the Cubs a 4-1 lead.

Hoerner stepped up two batters later and plated Conforto with an RBI double down the right field line. Hoerner didn’t stay on second base for long, as he came around to score on catcher Hunter Feduccia’s throwing error.

That spelled the end for Tampa Bay starter Joe Boyle (0-1), who was charged with six runs (five earned) on four hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Leading off the game, Hoerner fouled off three consecutive pitches before depositing a 1-2 curveball from Boyle over the wall in left field. The homer was the first of the season for Hoerner.

Tampa Bay forged a 1-1 tie in the third. DeLuca singled off Rea to lead off the inning, stole second base, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Aranda’s sacrifice fly.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Mariners star Cal Raleigh (oblique) activated from IL May 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL. Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter. Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021. Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma. Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5. He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors. Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activatedMay 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL.

Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter.

Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby.


Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021.

Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma.

Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5.

He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors.

Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activated">Deadspin | Mariners star Cal Raleigh (oblique) activated from IL May 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL. Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter. Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021. Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma. Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5. He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors. Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activated

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals">Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria ties Miroslav Klose for all-time World Cup goals Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books.The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.Here is another look at the first goal:Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup. #Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals

2026 World Cup was one for the record books.

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals">Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria ties Miroslav Klose for all-time World Cup goals

Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books.

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals

Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP

Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Argentina vs Algeria FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match being played at Kansas City Stadium.

Only twice has a country defended its World Cup title: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, and Argentina will be looking to become the third under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni.

#Argentina #Algeria #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #ARG #ALG #Messi #history #player #feature #editions">Argentina vs Algeria LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026: ARG 0-0 ALG; Messi makes history as first player to feature in six editions Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Argentina vs Algeria FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match being played at Kansas City Stadium.Only twice has a country defended its World Cup title: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, and Argentina will be looking to become the third under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni. #Argentina #Algeria #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #ARG #ALG #Messi #history #player #feature #editions

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