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NBA Playoffs: Rockets, Pistons stay alive with Game 5 wins  Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second ​consecutive game and crawled back into its first-round playoff series with a 99-93 ‌road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 ​on Wednesday.Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine ⁠rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best- of-seven Western Conference series after falling ‌into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.The ‌consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who ‌has ⁠only played in Game 2.Austin Reaves scored 22 points ⁠off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds ​for his side, which ‌will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring).Pistons 116, Magic 109Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points ‌as top-seeded Detroit Pistons stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando ​Magic in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the ⁠Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals.The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered ‌Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Magic. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.45 POINTS FOR CADE.45 POINTS FOR PAOLO.2nd time EVER two opponents have dropped 45 in a postseason game… Pistons keep their season alive in an ALL-TIME battle between the 2021 and 2022 No. 1 picks 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BvRX27ZP8S— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2026Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland ‌Cavaliers to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff ​series.The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so ⁠far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell ⁠scored 19 for the Cavaliers. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes.RJ Barrett ‌paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. ​Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #NBA #Playoffs #Rockets #Pistons #stay #alive #Game #wins

NBA Playoffs: Rockets, Pistons stay alive with Game 5 wins

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second ​consecutive game and crawled back into its first-round playoff series with a 99-93 ‌road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 ​on Wednesday.

Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine ⁠rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best- of-seven Western Conference series after falling ‌into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.

The ‌consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who ‌has ⁠only played in Game 2.

Austin Reaves scored 22 points ⁠off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds ​for his side, which ‌will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Pistons 116, Magic 109

Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points ‌as top-seeded Detroit Pistons stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando ​Magic in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the ⁠Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered ‌Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Magic. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.

Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120

Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland ‌Cavaliers to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff ​series.

The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so ⁠far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell ⁠scored 19 for the Cavaliers. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes.

RJ Barrett ‌paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. ​Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Rockets #Pistons #stay #alive #Game #wins

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second ​consecutive game and crawled back into its first-round playoff series with a 99-93 ‌road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 ​on Wednesday.

Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine ⁠rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best- of-seven Western Conference series after falling ‌into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.

The ‌consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who ‌has ⁠only played in Game 2.

Austin Reaves scored 22 points ⁠off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds ​for his side, which ‌will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Pistons 116, Magic 109

Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points ‌as top-seeded Detroit Pistons stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando ​Magic in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the ⁠Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered ‌Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Magic. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.

Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120

Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland ‌Cavaliers to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff ​series.

The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so ⁠far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell ⁠scored 19 for the Cavaliers. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes.

RJ Barrett ‌paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. ​Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return.

Published on Apr 30, 2026



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Deadspin | Hunter Goodman homers twice as Rockies power past Reds <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28841810.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28841810.jpg" alt="Syndication: The Enquirer" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Hunter Goodman went 3-for-4 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs as the visiting Colorado Rockies cooled off the Cincinnati Reds with a 13-2 win on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Brett Sullivan doubled twice among his three hits and had three RBIs for Colorado, which out-hit the Reds 15-10 and bounced back from a 7-2 loss in the opener of the three-game series on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rockies led 8-0 before adding five runs in the ninth against position player Jose Trevino.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Will Benson hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth for Cincinnati, which had won eight of its previous 10 games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Brenton Doyle, TJ Rumfield and Willi Castro each had two hits and Ezequiel Tovar singled in two runs to help the Rockies win for the fourth time in their past five games.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano (3-1) allowed four hits and three walks while striking out two over 5 1/3 scoreless innings.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Colorado claimed a 3-0 lead in the first inning against Brandon Williamson (2-3) after Doyle doubled with one out and moved to third on Rumfield’s groundout. Williamson issued back-to-back walks to load the bases, and Sullivan followed with a three-run double to right field.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>The Rockies tacked on another run in the third when Doyle drew a leadoff walk, Rumfield singled, and Castro doubled in a run with one out.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Williamson allowed four runs on four hits over three innings. He walked four and struck out four.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Luis Mey replaced Williamson and pitched a scoreless fourth inning before giving up Goodman’s solo homer with one out in the fifth.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Colorado extended its lead with three runs on four hits in the seventh. Rumfield lined a one-out double in front of Goodman, who turned on a 1-0 fastball for a 415-foot homer to left.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Castro followed with a single and moved to third on Sullivan’s double before scoring on Kyle Karros’ sacrifice fly.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Trevino pitched for the Reds in the ninth and allowed five runs on six hits, including Tovar’s two-run single. Mickey Moniak followed with an RBI double, and a run scored on Jordan Beck’s groundout before Doyle singled in a run.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Hunter #Goodman #homers #Rockies #power #Reds

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Deadspin | Brewers place LHP Angel Zerpa (forearm) on 15-day injured list <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28753865.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28753865.jpg" alt="MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 17, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Angel Zerpa (61) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Milwaukee Brewers placed left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa on the 15-day injured list with left forearm tightness on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The move was retroactive to Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Brewers called up left-hander Brian Fitzpatrick from Triple-A Nashville.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Zerpa, acquired in an offseason trade with Kansas City, was 0-2 with two saves, a 6.39 ERA, six walks and eight strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings over 12 appearances with Milwaukee.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“This looks like it could be serious. He’s not going to be back any time soon,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said before Wednesday’s game against Arizona. “Big blow, but we’re kind of used to that.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Zerpa, 26, last pitched on Monday, giving up three runs, one hit and one walk with one strikeout in 2/3 of an inning in taking a 6-3 loss in 10 innings to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>The native of Venezuela is 12-9 in his career with two saves, a 4.13 ERA, 59 walks and 158 strikeouts in 189 2/3 innings over 160 regular-season games (eight starts) with Kansas City (2021-25) and Milwaukee. He also was 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five playoff appearances with the Royals in 2024.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Fitzpatrick was 1-1 with a 0.00 ERA, two walks and 11 strikeouts in 10 relief appearances with Nashville. The 6-foot-7 pitcher allowed two runs, but none earned, in 10 1/3 innings. Fitzpatrick, 25, has never pitched in the majors.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Brewers also announced that outfielder Luis Matos has cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Triple-A Sounds. Matos, 24, hit .200 (4-for-20) in nine games in his first season with Milwaukee after parts of three seasons with the San Francisco Giants (2023-25).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Brewers #place #LHP #Angel #Zerpa #forearm #15day #injured #list

Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals">Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals  Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.But that would be as close as they got.Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.“I’m just so thankful to be here.”UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.  #Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals

rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals">Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals

Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals

Veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric were seen sporting a unique badge on the their kits during the opening round of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The world governing body has introduced this intiative to honour the greats of the game for their contributions to the game with customised ‘Legacy’ badges on the sleeve of their shirts.

Both Messi and Ronaldo, eight and five-time Ballon d’Or winners, respectively, became the first players to play in a sixth World Cup this summer.

Messi also led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. His archrival Ronaldo, 41, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time with Portugal.

Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and a third place finish in 2022.

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#badge #Ronaldo #Messi #Modrics #shirts #FIFA #World #Cup">What is the badge on Ronaldo, Messi and Modric’s shirts at FIFA World Cup 2026?  Veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric were seen sporting a unique badge on the their kits during the opening round of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.The world governing body has introduced this intiative to honour the greats of the game for their contributions to the game with customised ‘Legacy’ badges on the sleeve of their shirts.Both Messi and Ronaldo, eight and five-time Ballon d’Or winners, respectively, became the first players to play in a sixth World Cup this summer.Messi also led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. His archrival Ronaldo, 41, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time with Portugal.Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and a third place finish in 2022.Published on Jun 18, 2026  #badge #Ronaldo #Messi #Modrics #shirts #FIFA #World #Cup

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