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Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson signs biggest deal in WNBA history  Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while        The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.(with inputs from AFP)Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson signs biggest deal in WNBA history

Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.

The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.

“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.

“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”

A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.

ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.

A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.

It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.

The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.

The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.

“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.

“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”

A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.

ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.

A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.

It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.

The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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#Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Deadspin | Gabriel Bonfim stays hot at UFC Fight Night, defeats Belal Muhammad  Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Gabriel Bonfim (red gloves) reacts after his fight against Ange Loosa (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Former UFC welterweight champion and Chicago native Belal Muhammad had no answers for Brazil’s Gabriel Bonfim, who secured his 20th win in 21 MMA fights by securing a unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) win in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday night.    Bonfim (20-1) used crisp boxing to bloody and batter Muhammad’s nose throughout the 25-minute fight.    Through a translator, Bonfim showed respect to Muhammad (24-6, 1 NC) for his toughness and resolve, thanking him for a competitive fight.    “Our game plan, we put it (into) perfection, and it happened,” Bonfim said following the win.    Bonfim (20-1) said he wants to remain “active,” teasing a possible fight with fellow former champion Jack Della Maddalena down the road.     Muhammad became the UFC welterweight titleholder in July 2024 against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, but couldn’t capitalize on the championship momentum with back-to-back losses (and relinquishing his title) following the career-defining moment entering Saturday’s contest.  The middleweight co-main event saw an all-action striking affair between Brendan Allen of Brazil and Edmen Shahbazyan, which ended with Allen maintaining his top-five ranking. Allen (27-7) earned a unanimous decision win, taking the cards 30-27, 29-28, 30-27. Shahbazyan (16-6) had his three-fight winning streak halted, as he had not lost since August 2024.    In a back-and-forth lightweight affair, Australian Tom Nolan overcame Frenchman Fares Ziam by unanimous decision, taking the cards 29-28, 29-28, 29-28. Nolan (11-1) extended his winning streak to five, dragging Ziam into a grueling fight primarily spent in numerous grappling exchanges while also mixing up strikes on the feet. Ziam (18-5) saw his six-fight unbeaten streak end, which had lasted since September 2022.  At bantamweight, Bryce Mitchell found an opening in the closing seconds of the third round to secure an arm-triangle submission win over Mexico’s Santiago Luna. Mitchell (19-4) has earned 10 wins by submission, handing Luna (8-1) his first loss as a professional. Mitchell remains unbeaten since moving to bantamweight after initially entering the promotion at featherweight. Luna accepted the fight on about a week’s notice, as Mitchell was initially slated to fight Victor Henry, who withdrew for undisclosed reasons.    Light heavyweight Iwo Baraniewski of Poland needed 1:25 to extend his first-round finishing streak to nine, utilizing consecutive leg kicks followed by ground-and-pound to secure a TKO of Australian Justin Tafa to begin the main card. Baraniewski (9-0) said he’s interested in a top 15 opponent and a quick turnaround for his next fight, while Tafa (7-6) has dropped three of his last four UFC appearances.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Gabriel #Bonfim #stays #hot #UFC #Fight #Night #defeats #Belal #MuhammadJul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Gabriel Bonfim (red gloves) reacts after his fight against Ange Loosa (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Former UFC welterweight champion and Chicago native Belal Muhammad had no answers for Brazil’s Gabriel Bonfim, who secured his 20th win in 21 MMA fights by securing a unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) win in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Bonfim (20-1) used crisp boxing to bloody and batter Muhammad’s nose throughout the 25-minute fight.

Through a translator, Bonfim showed respect to Muhammad (24-6, 1 NC) for his toughness and resolve, thanking him for a competitive fight.

“Our game plan, we put it (into) perfection, and it happened,” Bonfim said following the win.


Bonfim (20-1) said he wants to remain “active,” teasing a possible fight with fellow former champion Jack Della Maddalena down the road.

Muhammad became the UFC welterweight titleholder in July 2024 against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, but couldn’t capitalize on the championship momentum with back-to-back losses (and relinquishing his title) following the career-defining moment entering Saturday’s contest.

The middleweight co-main event saw an all-action striking affair between Brendan Allen of Brazil and Edmen Shahbazyan, which ended with Allen maintaining his top-five ranking. Allen (27-7) earned a unanimous decision win, taking the cards 30-27, 29-28, 30-27. Shahbazyan (16-6) had his three-fight winning streak halted, as he had not lost since August 2024.

In a back-and-forth lightweight affair, Australian Tom Nolan overcame Frenchman Fares Ziam by unanimous decision, taking the cards 29-28, 29-28, 29-28. Nolan (11-1) extended his winning streak to five, dragging Ziam into a grueling fight primarily spent in numerous grappling exchanges while also mixing up strikes on the feet. Ziam (18-5) saw his six-fight unbeaten streak end, which had lasted since September 2022.

At bantamweight, Bryce Mitchell found an opening in the closing seconds of the third round to secure an arm-triangle submission win over Mexico’s Santiago Luna. Mitchell (19-4) has earned 10 wins by submission, handing Luna (8-1) his first loss as a professional. Mitchell remains unbeaten since moving to bantamweight after initially entering the promotion at featherweight. Luna accepted the fight on about a week’s notice, as Mitchell was initially slated to fight Victor Henry, who withdrew for undisclosed reasons.

Light heavyweight Iwo Baraniewski of Poland needed 1:25 to extend his first-round finishing streak to nine, utilizing consecutive leg kicks followed by ground-and-pound to secure a TKO of Australian Justin Tafa to begin the main card. Baraniewski (9-0) said he’s interested in a top 15 opponent and a quick turnaround for his next fight, while Tafa (7-6) has dropped three of his last four UFC appearances.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Gabriel #Bonfim #stays #hot #UFC #Fight #Night #defeats #Belal #Muhammad">Deadspin | Gabriel Bonfim stays hot at UFC Fight Night, defeats Belal Muhammad  Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Gabriel Bonfim (red gloves) reacts after his fight against Ange Loosa (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Former UFC welterweight champion and Chicago native Belal Muhammad had no answers for Brazil’s Gabriel Bonfim, who secured his 20th win in 21 MMA fights by securing a unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) win in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday night.    Bonfim (20-1) used crisp boxing to bloody and batter Muhammad’s nose throughout the 25-minute fight.    Through a translator, Bonfim showed respect to Muhammad (24-6, 1 NC) for his toughness and resolve, thanking him for a competitive fight.    “Our game plan, we put it (into) perfection, and it happened,” Bonfim said following the win.    Bonfim (20-1) said he wants to remain “active,” teasing a possible fight with fellow former champion Jack Della Maddalena down the road.     Muhammad became the UFC welterweight titleholder in July 2024 against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, but couldn’t capitalize on the championship momentum with back-to-back losses (and relinquishing his title) following the career-defining moment entering Saturday’s contest.  The middleweight co-main event saw an all-action striking affair between Brendan Allen of Brazil and Edmen Shahbazyan, which ended with Allen maintaining his top-five ranking. Allen (27-7) earned a unanimous decision win, taking the cards 30-27, 29-28, 30-27. Shahbazyan (16-6) had his three-fight winning streak halted, as he had not lost since August 2024.    In a back-and-forth lightweight affair, Australian Tom Nolan overcame Frenchman Fares Ziam by unanimous decision, taking the cards 29-28, 29-28, 29-28. Nolan (11-1) extended his winning streak to five, dragging Ziam into a grueling fight primarily spent in numerous grappling exchanges while also mixing up strikes on the feet. Ziam (18-5) saw his six-fight unbeaten streak end, which had lasted since September 2022.  At bantamweight, Bryce Mitchell found an opening in the closing seconds of the third round to secure an arm-triangle submission win over Mexico’s Santiago Luna. Mitchell (19-4) has earned 10 wins by submission, handing Luna (8-1) his first loss as a professional. Mitchell remains unbeaten since moving to bantamweight after initially entering the promotion at featherweight. Luna accepted the fight on about a week’s notice, as Mitchell was initially slated to fight Victor Henry, who withdrew for undisclosed reasons.    Light heavyweight Iwo Baraniewski of Poland needed 1:25 to extend his first-round finishing streak to nine, utilizing consecutive leg kicks followed by ground-and-pound to secure a TKO of Australian Justin Tafa to begin the main card. Baraniewski (9-0) said he’s interested in a top 15 opponent and a quick turnaround for his next fight, while Tafa (7-6) has dropped three of his last four UFC appearances.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Gabriel #Bonfim #stays #hot #UFC #Fight #Night #defeats #Belal #Muhammad

16 teams advanced to the Super Regionals, but only eight will continue on to Omaha and the Men’s College World Series.

And for the second year in a row, the eight teams that move on to the Men’s College World Series will be completely different than the eight teams that advanced last season. Coastal Carolina, Arizona, Oregon State, Louisville, UCLA, Murray State, Arkansas, and LSU were the eight teams that advanced last year, but none of those teams will be headed to Omaha.

That means a completely new field, and a new national champion.

We’ll be tracking the teams that advance all weekend long.

The Mountaineers became the first team to punch their ticket to Omaha, dispatching Cal Poly in a two-game sweep at home in Morgantown. The West Virginia bats were red-hot in those two games, as they pushed 12 runs across the plate in Game 1 and followed that with a 17-run outburst against Cal Poly on Saturday, taking Game 2 by a final of 17-1 to punch their ticket to the Men’s College World Series.

And while the bats were part of the story, they did not tell the complete tale. After getting a career-high 11 strikeouts from Friday starter Chasen Cole, West Virginia coach Steve Sabins handed the ball to Maxx Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, for the start on Saturday.

All he did was pitch five near-perfect innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out four.

West Virginia and its fans had to wait a little to celebrate, due to a lightning delay in the eighth inning. But eventually the sky cleared, and the Mountaineers closed out Cal Poly.

And now, the Mountaineers are headed to Omaha for the first time in program history.

Troy began the year with a pair of losses to Mercer and hovered around .500 for most of the season. Its year included both a four-game losing streak and a three-game losing streak in March alone. And when Troy finished the year with 29 losses, yet were named an at-large team to the NCAA tournament, many wondered if they belonged.

Yet all they did was win the Gainesville regional – despite dropping their opener against Miami – and now thanks to a sweep against fellow Cinderella Little Rock, the Trojans are heading to Omaha for the first time in program history.

The Trojans’ 32-29 regular season record does merit some context, as Troy faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. That paid off once they arrived in Gainesville, as Troy beat Florida, the top seed in the regional and the No. 8 overall seed in the nation, twice to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time in school history.

And now they are headed to the Men’s College World Series for the first time.

Something else that paid off for the Trojans? The bat of designated hitter Jabe Boroff. The slugger caught fire as Troy closed out the regional, hitting four home runs in the final three games in Gainesville. And he blasted a pair of home runs in Game 1 against Little Rock, helping the Trojans take the first game of the series.

To put his recent form in perspective, he had five home runs and 14 RBI over 27 regular season and Ohio Valley Conference games.

So far over six NCAA tournament games, he has six home runs and 18 RBI.

Now we get to see what he, and the rest of the Trojans, do in Omaha.

The third team to book a trip to Omaha? That would be Ole Miss. After knocking off Auburn 6-4 on Friday, Ole Miss punched their ticket to the Men’s College World Series with a 5-3 win over the Tigers on Saturday.

And what a thrilling win it was.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, Ole Miss pushed three runs across the plate to take a 5-2 lead, with the damage coming via back-to-back jacks.

Will Furniss got the homer party started with this two-run shot to stake Ole Miss to a 5-3 lead:

Then before the celebration quieted down, Tristan Bissetta did this:

Auburn tacked on a run in the ninth and even got the tying run to the plate in the inning, but Ole Miss closed it out to move on to Omaha.

#NCAA #baseball #tournament #Tracking #MCWS #teams">NCAA baseball tournament: Tracking the MCWS teams  16 teams advanced to the Super Regionals, but only eight will continue on to Omaha and the Men’s College World Series.And for the second year in a row, the eight teams that move on to the Men’s College World Series will be completely different than the eight teams that advanced last season. Coastal Carolina, Arizona, Oregon State, Louisville, UCLA, Murray State, Arkansas, and LSU were the eight teams that advanced last year, but none of those teams will be headed to Omaha.That means a completely new field, and a new national champion.We’ll be tracking the teams that advance all weekend long.The Mountaineers became the first team to punch their ticket to Omaha, dispatching Cal Poly in a two-game sweep at home in Morgantown. The West Virginia bats were red-hot in those two games, as they pushed 12 runs across the plate in Game 1 and followed that with a 17-run outburst against Cal Poly on Saturday, taking Game 2 by a final of 17-1 to punch their ticket to the Men’s College World Series.And while the bats were part of the story, they did not tell the complete tale. After getting a career-high 11 strikeouts from Friday starter Chasen Cole, West Virginia coach Steve Sabins handed the ball to Maxx Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, for the start on Saturday.All he did was pitch five near-perfect innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out four.West Virginia and its fans had to wait a little to celebrate, due to a lightning delay in the eighth inning. But eventually the sky cleared, and the Mountaineers closed out Cal Poly.And now, the Mountaineers are headed to Omaha for the first time in program history.Troy began the year with a pair of losses to Mercer and hovered around .500 for most of the season. Its year included both a four-game losing streak and a three-game losing streak in March alone. And when Troy finished the year with 29 losses, yet were named an at-large team to the NCAA tournament, many wondered if they belonged.Yet all they did was win the Gainesville regional – despite dropping their opener against Miami – and now thanks to a sweep against fellow Cinderella Little Rock, the Trojans are heading to Omaha for the first time in program history.The Trojans’ 32-29 regular season record does merit some context, as Troy faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. That paid off once they arrived in Gainesville, as Troy beat Florida, the top seed in the regional and the No. 8 overall seed in the nation, twice to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time in school history.And now they are headed to the Men’s College World Series for the first time.Something else that paid off for the Trojans? The bat of designated hitter Jabe Boroff. The slugger caught fire as Troy closed out the regional, hitting four home runs in the final three games in Gainesville. And he blasted a pair of home runs in Game 1 against Little Rock, helping the Trojans take the first game of the series.To put his recent form in perspective, he had five home runs and 14 RBI over 27 regular season and Ohio Valley Conference games.So far over six NCAA tournament games, he has six home runs and 18 RBI.Now we get to see what he, and the rest of the Trojans, do in Omaha.The third team to book a trip to Omaha? That would be Ole Miss. After knocking off Auburn 6-4 on Friday, Ole Miss punched their ticket to the Men’s College World Series with a 5-3 win over the Tigers on Saturday.And what a thrilling win it was.With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, Ole Miss pushed three runs across the plate to take a 5-2 lead, with the damage coming via back-to-back jacks.Will Furniss got the homer party started with this two-run shot to stake Ole Miss to a 5-3 lead:Then before the celebration quieted down, Tristan Bissetta did this:Auburn tacked on a run in the ninth and even got the tying run to the plate in the inning, but Ole Miss closed it out to move on to Omaha.  #NCAA #baseball #tournament #Tracking #MCWS #teams

advanced last season. Coastal Carolina, Arizona, Oregon State, Louisville, UCLA, Murray State, Arkansas, and LSU were the eight teams that advanced last year, but none of those teams will be headed to Omaha.

That means a completely new field, and a new national champion.

We’ll be tracking the teams that advance all weekend long.

The Mountaineers became the first team to punch their ticket to Omaha, dispatching Cal Poly in a two-game sweep at home in Morgantown. The West Virginia bats were red-hot in those two games, as they pushed 12 runs across the plate in Game 1 and followed that with a 17-run outburst against Cal Poly on Saturday, taking Game 2 by a final of 17-1 to punch their ticket to the Men’s College World Series.

And while the bats were part of the story, they did not tell the complete tale. After getting a career-high 11 strikeouts from Friday starter Chasen Cole, West Virginia coach Steve Sabins handed the ball to Maxx Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, for the start on Saturday.

All he did was pitch five near-perfect innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out four.

West Virginia and its fans had to wait a little to celebrate, due to a lightning delay in the eighth inning. But eventually the sky cleared, and the Mountaineers closed out Cal Poly.

And now, the Mountaineers are headed to Omaha for the first time in program history.

Troy began the year with a pair of losses to Mercer and hovered around .500 for most of the season. Its year included both a four-game losing streak and a three-game losing streak in March alone. And when Troy finished the year with 29 losses, yet were named an at-large team to the NCAA tournament, many wondered if they belonged.

Yet all they did was win the Gainesville regional – despite dropping their opener against Miami – and now thanks to a sweep against fellow Cinderella Little Rock, the Trojans are heading to Omaha for the first time in program history.

The Trojans’ 32-29 regular season record does merit some context, as Troy faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. That paid off once they arrived in Gainesville, as Troy beat Florida, the top seed in the regional and the No. 8 overall seed in the nation, twice to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time in school history.

And now they are headed to the Men’s College World Series for the first time.

Something else that paid off for the Trojans? The bat of designated hitter Jabe Boroff. The slugger caught fire as Troy closed out the regional, hitting four home runs in the final three games in Gainesville. And he blasted a pair of home runs in Game 1 against Little Rock, helping the Trojans take the first game of the series.

To put his recent form in perspective, he had five home runs and 14 RBI over 27 regular season and Ohio Valley Conference games.

So far over six NCAA tournament games, he has six home runs and 18 RBI.

Now we get to see what he, and the rest of the Trojans, do in Omaha.

The third team to book a trip to Omaha? That would be Ole Miss. After knocking off Auburn 6-4 on Friday, Ole Miss punched their ticket to the Men’s College World Series with a 5-3 win over the Tigers on Saturday.

And what a thrilling win it was.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, Ole Miss pushed three runs across the plate to take a 5-2 lead, with the damage coming via back-to-back jacks.

Will Furniss got the homer party started with this two-run shot to stake Ole Miss to a 5-3 lead:

Then before the celebration quieted down, Tristan Bissetta did this:

Auburn tacked on a run in the ninth and even got the tying run to the plate in the inning, but Ole Miss closed it out to move on to Omaha.

#NCAA #baseball #tournament #Tracking #MCWS #teams">NCAA baseball tournament: Tracking the MCWS teams

16 teams advanced to the Super Regionals, but only eight will continue on to Omaha and the Men’s College World Series.

And for the second year in a row, the eight teams that move on to the Men’s College World Series will be completely different than the eight teams that advanced last season. Coastal Carolina, Arizona, Oregon State, Louisville, UCLA, Murray State, Arkansas, and LSU were the eight teams that advanced last year, but none of those teams will be headed to Omaha.

That means a completely new field, and a new national champion.

We’ll be tracking the teams that advance all weekend long.

The Mountaineers became the first team to punch their ticket to Omaha, dispatching Cal Poly in a two-game sweep at home in Morgantown. The West Virginia bats were red-hot in those two games, as they pushed 12 runs across the plate in Game 1 and followed that with a 17-run outburst against Cal Poly on Saturday, taking Game 2 by a final of 17-1 to punch their ticket to the Men’s College World Series.

And while the bats were part of the story, they did not tell the complete tale. After getting a career-high 11 strikeouts from Friday starter Chasen Cole, West Virginia coach Steve Sabins handed the ball to Maxx Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, for the start on Saturday.

All he did was pitch five near-perfect innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out four.

West Virginia and its fans had to wait a little to celebrate, due to a lightning delay in the eighth inning. But eventually the sky cleared, and the Mountaineers closed out Cal Poly.

And now, the Mountaineers are headed to Omaha for the first time in program history.

Troy began the year with a pair of losses to Mercer and hovered around .500 for most of the season. Its year included both a four-game losing streak and a three-game losing streak in March alone. And when Troy finished the year with 29 losses, yet were named an at-large team to the NCAA tournament, many wondered if they belonged.

Yet all they did was win the Gainesville regional – despite dropping their opener against Miami – and now thanks to a sweep against fellow Cinderella Little Rock, the Trojans are heading to Omaha for the first time in program history.

The Trojans’ 32-29 regular season record does merit some context, as Troy faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. That paid off once they arrived in Gainesville, as Troy beat Florida, the top seed in the regional and the No. 8 overall seed in the nation, twice to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time in school history.

And now they are headed to the Men’s College World Series for the first time.

Something else that paid off for the Trojans? The bat of designated hitter Jabe Boroff. The slugger caught fire as Troy closed out the regional, hitting four home runs in the final three games in Gainesville. And he blasted a pair of home runs in Game 1 against Little Rock, helping the Trojans take the first game of the series.

To put his recent form in perspective, he had five home runs and 14 RBI over 27 regular season and Ohio Valley Conference games.

So far over six NCAA tournament games, he has six home runs and 18 RBI.

Now we get to see what he, and the rest of the Trojans, do in Omaha.

The third team to book a trip to Omaha? That would be Ole Miss. After knocking off Auburn 6-4 on Friday, Ole Miss punched their ticket to the Men’s College World Series with a 5-3 win over the Tigers on Saturday.

And what a thrilling win it was.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth, Ole Miss pushed three runs across the plate to take a 5-2 lead, with the damage coming via back-to-back jacks.

Will Furniss got the homer party started with this two-run shot to stake Ole Miss to a 5-3 lead:

Then before the celebration quieted down, Tristan Bissetta did this:

Auburn tacked on a run in the ninth and even got the tying run to the plate in the inning, but Ole Miss closed it out to move on to Omaha.

#NCAA #baseball #tournament #Tracking #MCWS #teams

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