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Deadspin | MLB roundup: Paul Skenes’ pitching gem carries Pirates past Padres Apr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter. Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games. Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings. Red Sox 3, Brewers 2 Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save. In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings. Guardians 2, Royals 1 Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City. Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate. Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Orioles 4, White Sox 2 Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago. Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win. Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five. Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings) Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings. Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th. Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th. Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings) Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double. Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound. Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases. Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings) Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington. Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits. James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run. Rangers 3, Mariners 2 Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas. Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks. George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games. Cubs 9, Rays 2 Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla. Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks. Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Yankees 5, Athletics 3 Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics. Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss. Rockies 5, Astros 1 Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row. Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save. Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7. Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Twins 4, Tigers 2 Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis. Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #Padres

Deadspin | MLB roundup: Paul Skenes’ pitching gem carries Pirates past Padres
Deadspin | MLB roundup: Paul Skenes’ pitching gem carries Pirates past Padres Apr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter. Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games. Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings. Red Sox 3, Brewers 2 Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee. The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save. In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings. Guardians 2, Royals 1 Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City. Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate. Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Orioles 4, White Sox 2 Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago. Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win. Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five. Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings) Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings. Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th. Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th. Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings) Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double. Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound. Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases. Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings) Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington. Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits. James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run. Rangers 3, Mariners 2 Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas. Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks. George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games. Cubs 9, Rays 2 Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla. Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks. Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Yankees 5, Athletics 3 Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics. Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings. Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss. Rockies 5, Astros 1 Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row. Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save. Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7. Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Twins 4, Tigers 2 Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis. Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #PadresApr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter.

Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games.

Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings.

Red Sox 3, Brewers 2

Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save.

In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Guardians 2, Royals 1

Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City.

Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate.

Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning.

Orioles 4, White Sox 2

Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago.

Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win.

Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five.

Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings)

Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings.

Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th.

Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th.

Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings)

Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double.

Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound.

Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases.

Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings)

Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington.


Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits.

James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run.

Rangers 3, Mariners 2

Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas.

Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks.

George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games.

Cubs 9, Rays 2

Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks.

Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Yankees 5, Athletics 3

Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics.

Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings.

Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss.

Rockies 5, Astros 1

Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row.

Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save.

Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7.

Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight.

Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 4, Tigers 2

Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis.

Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings,

Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Paul #Skenes #pitching #gem #carries #Pirates #Padres

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Apr 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run hits to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Throwing 87 pitches, Skenes gave up one run — a Xander Bogaerts homer in the seventh — on two hits in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six. He walked two and hit a batter.

Rookie Konnor Griffin, Ryan O’Hearn and Henry Davis each had two hits for the Pirate, who erupted for five runs in the eighth off Adrian Morejon to cement their sixth win in the past seven games.

Miguel Andujar had the only other hit for San Diego, which had scored 13 runs over its previous two games. Nick Pivetta (1-2) gave up two runs over five innings.

Red Sox 3, Brewers 2

Trevor Story snapped a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, Garrett Crochet took a shutout into the seventh and Boston held on for a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Red Sox, who managed just three hits, converted three consecutive walks into three runs in the sixth off Jacob Misiorowski (1-1) for a 3-0 lead. Crochet (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Aroldis Chapman finished with a scoreless ninth for his third save.

In the seventh, the Brewers scored a pair when David Hamilton was plunked and pinch hitter Christian Yelich bounced into a run-scoring groundout. Misiorowski, who struck out the first five batters he faced and finished with 11 K’s, allowed three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Guardians 2, Royals 1

Brayan Rocchio delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending host Cleveland to a victory over Kansas City.

Rocchio was 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the ninth, poking a single through the right side. Lane Thomas came up cleanly with Rocchio’s hit but could not throw out CJ Kayfus at the plate.

Cade Smith (2-0) earned the victory, striking out two in a 1-2-3 ninth. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning.

Orioles 4, White Sox 2

Gunnar Henderson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning as visiting Baltimore rallied past Chicago.

Blaze Alexander and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back one-out doubles in the eighth as the Orioles tied the game off Jordan Hicks (0-1) before Henderson gave them their first lead with his fourth homer of the season. Trevor Rogers delivered six innings of two-run work for Baltimore, and Yennier Cano (1-1) recorded the win.

Chase Meidroth drove in a run and had two hits for the White Sox, who saw Shane Smith last just 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his start, striking out eight but walking five.

Mets 4, Diamondbacks 3 (10 innings)

Ronny Mauricio delivered the game-winning single in his first plate appearance for host New York, which beat Arizona in 10 innings.

Brett Baty and Jared Young each delivered a sacrifice fly and Francisco Alvarez scored on an error for the Mets, who extended their winning streak to four games. Luke Weaver (1-0) retired all three batters in the top of the 10th.

Adrian Del Castillo (two-run single) and Nolan Arenado (double) had RBI hits in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who lost for the third time in five games. Paul Sewald (0-2) recorded just one out in the 10th.

Reds 6, Marlins 3 (10 innings)

Cincinnati — scoreless against Sandy Alcantara until the ninth inning — rallied to defeat host Miami. The Reds tied the score in the ninth on a two-out wild pitch by Anthony Bender, and they took control in the 10th on Nathaniel Lowe’s go-ahead RBI single and Matt McLain’s two-run double.

Alcantara allowed just three hits — two singles and one double — plus two walks and two runs in 8 1/3 innings, striking out six. Miami started the ninth with a 2-0 lead, and both runs were scored while Bender was on the mound.

Marlins center fielder Jakob Marsee, who entered the game batting just .105, went 2-for-4 with one walk, two runs and a career-high four stolen bases.

Cardinals 7, Nationals 6 (10 innings)

Thomas Saggese and JJ Wetherholt hit run-scoring doubles in the 10th inning and visiting St. Louis beat Washington.

Saggese led off with a double off Cole Henry (0-2) to score automatic runner Masyn Winn with the go-ahead run. With two outs, Wetherholt doubled to right, scoring Saggese to make it 7-5. Jordan Walker homered for the second straight night and Church also went deep for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman had three hits.

James Wood homered for the third straight game for Washington, and Curtis Mead had three hits, including a home run.

Rangers 3, Mariners 2

Nathan Eovaldi pitched six quality innings and Kyle Higashioka hit a go-ahead home run, rallying Texas to a win over struggling Seattle in Arlington, Texas.

Eovaldi, making his 300th career major league start, picked up his first win of the season after two losses, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a pair of walks.

George Kirby (1-2) threw an eight-inning complete game for Seattle, which lost its fourth straight and its sixth in the past seven games.

Cubs 9, Rays 2

Javier Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros hit late-inning home runs to seal Chicago’s win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Seven Cubs, including Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros, had two or more hits as part of a 16-hit output. Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Assad (1-0), making his season debut after beginning the year in Triple-A Iowa, allowed just one hit and two walks.

Mason Englert (0-1) was a spot starter for Tampa Bay after Drew Rasmussen was a late scratch for personal reasons. Englert took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Yankees 5, Athletics 3

Amed Rosario gave New York the lead by hitting a three-run home run, his second of the game, in the eighth inning as the Yankees downed the visiting Athletics.

Rosario also homered off A’s starter Aaron Civale in the second inning for New York’s first run. It was the veteran infielder’s third career multi-homer game. New York starter Cam Schlittler allowed his first three runs of the season, all in the third inning, scattering five hits over five innings.

Nick Kurtz hit a two-run double and Tyler Soderstrom added an RBI double when the A’s had four hits in the third and took a 3-1 lead. Civale allowed two hits and one run over five innings before former Yankee Mark Leiter Jr. (0-1) took the loss.

Rockies 5, Astros 1

Kyle Freeland pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak homered and Colorado beat visiting Houston. Castro finished with three hits and three RBIs while TJ Rumfield singled twice for Colorado, which has won three in a row.

Freeland (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to pitch into the seventh inning this season. He allowed one run on three hits. Antonio Senzatela threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to pick up his first career save.

Christian Walker homered, one of just three hits for the Astros, who have lost three in a row. Mike Burrows (1-2) permitted three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Dodgers 4, Blue Jays 1

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched an effective six-plus innings and visiting Los Angeles defeated Toronto. Yamamoto (2-1) allowed one run, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in his first appearance back in the stadium where he was named World Series MVP last year after closing out Game 7.

Alex Freeland had three hits for the Dodgers, who have won five in a row while the Blue Jays have lost six straight.

Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead in the third against Kevin Gausman (0-1), who opposed Yamamoto in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series. Gausman yielded three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 4, Tigers 2

Ryan Jeffers doubled and drove in a pair of runs as Minnesota held on for a win over Detroit in Minneapolis.

Luke Keaschall and Josh Bell added one RBI apiece for the Twins. Taj Bradley (2-0) continued his red-hot start to the season, limiting the Tigers to one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings,

Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (1-2) unraveled after four scoreless innings. He exited after giving up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

–Field Level Media

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#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up. #USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.

The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.

Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.

Player Ratings

Paraguay

Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)

Australia

Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)

Published on Jun 26, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings">FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia qualifies for knockouts after Paraguay stalemate – Complete player ratings Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history. Player Ratings Paraguay Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0) Australia Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4) Published on Jun 26, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long. #Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

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