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Deadspin | Commanding stretch gets No. 2 Arizona past No. 14 Kansas

Deadspin | Commanding stretch gets No. 2 Arizona past No. 14 Kansas

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Feb 28, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Jaden Bradley scored six of his 10 points in a 16-0 scoring run as No. 2 Arizona took charge to deliver an 84-61 victory over No. 14 Kansas on Saturday at Tucson, Ariz.

The Wildcats (27-2, 14-2 Big 12) avenged their loss at Kansas on Feb. 9, which was their first of the season after a program-record 23-0 start. The victory also clinched at least a tie for the regular-season Big 12 title for Arizona.

Brayden Burries led Arizona with 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Koa Peat, who missed the Wildcats’ last three games with a lower-leg muscle strain, had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Motiejus Krivas finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Arizona and Ivan Kharchenkov had 11 points and six rebounds. The Wildcats outrebounded Kansas 48-26 and outscored the Jayhawks 30-20 in the paint and 16-8 in second-chance points.

Darryn Peterson, out with flu-like symptoms when Kansas beat Arizona in the previous meeting, finished with 24 points for the Jayhawks (21-8, 11-5). Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. each had 13 points for the Jayhawks.

After Arizona took a 47-35 lead with 14:45 remaining, Kansas went on a 12-2 run. Council, who made a 3-pointer early in the run, culminated it with a jumper to cut the Jayhawks’ deficit to 49-47 with 12:07 remaining.

Arizona responded with a commanding 16-0 run to go ahead 65-47 with 8:52 left. Kansas missed seven consecutive shots from the field in the stretch after making five straight.

The Wildcats’ string of seven straight made field goals pushed the lead to 76-56 with 4:42 left.

Arizona went on a 21-2 run to build a 21-5 lead with 13:35 left in the half. During that run, Kansas missed nine consecutive shots from the field.

Arizona scored six unanswered points to take its biggest lead of the first half, 37-19, with 3:52 remaining until halftime. The Wildcats failed to make a shot from the field thereafter in the half, missing five attempts, and Kansas closed with a 9-2 run to cut the lead to 39-28.

Flory Bidunga, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds in the previous matchup with Arizona, did not score and had two rebounds in the first half. He finished with two points and four rebounds.

Arizona outscored Kansas by 20 points at the free-throw line. The Wildcats were 30 of 34 at the line while Kansas was 10 of 11.

–Field Level Media

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Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.What are the Group J standings?Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsArgentina20050+56Austria1013303Algeria10124-23Jordan00225-30What are the next Group J matches?Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.Argentina 2, Austria 0Algeria 2, Jordan 1Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.What are the scenarios in Group J?Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.What about tiebreakers in Group J?Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria. #World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J

Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”Published on Jun 28, 2026 #Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup

Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup
Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season. Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez. Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save. The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season. Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs. Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk. Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5. Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32. Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shotJun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.

Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season.

Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez.

Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save.

The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season.


Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs.

Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk.

Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5.

Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32.

Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot">Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night. Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season. Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez. Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save. The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season. Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs. Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk. Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5. Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32. Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot

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