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NCAA baseball tournament: UNC completes the comeback against USC  When the North Carolina Tar Heels came to bat in the bottom of the eight inning of Game 3 of their Super Regional matchup against USC, the No. 5 team in the nation trailed 3-1, and were just six outs away from elimination.After a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, the Tar Heels are now headed to Omaha for the second time in the last three seasons.UNC got a key hit off the bat of Owen Hull in the bottom of the ninth, the outfielder’s fourth double of the game, to bring home the game-winning run and book a trip to the Men’s College World Series for the Tar Heels.“Oh it means the world,” said Hull to ESPN after the game. “This is one special team and we’re looking forward to playing in Omaha.”UNC dropped Game 1 on Friday, but rode a gem of a start from Jason DeCaro on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3. But the Tar Heels fell behind early, as a balk from Sunday starting pitcher Caden Glauber brought a run home for the Trojans in the top of the first.The Tar Heels tied the game in the bottom of the third on an RBI double from Hull down the right-field line that brought MLB Draft prospect Jake Schaffner around to score from first. But the Trojans tacked on runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, on solo home runs from Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb, to stake USC to a 3-1 lead.Glauber settled in from there, keeping the Tar Heels close.However, USC starter Andrew Johnson was cruising. The sophomore right-hander, who pitched 3.2 innings on Friday in relief to earn the save, lasted deep into Game 3, exiting in the bottom of the eighth after giving up a double to Macon Winslow that brought Hull around to score.USC got out of the eighth with a 3-2 lead, but everything changed in the bottom of the ninth.Adam Troy, who closed out the eighth, retired Tyler Howe on a grounder to second to start the inning. But after Troy walked Cooper Nicholson and started 3-0 to Carter French, USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz came out of the dugout again to pull his closer, turning the game over to Chase Harrell – who got the win in relief on Friday – to get the final two outs.The USC reliever battled back against French to work the count 3-2, with a pair of fastballs low in the zone, but French then laced a single through the right side, advancing Nicholson to third and putting the potential winning run on first.That brought leadoff hitter Schaffner to the plate. He lofted a flyball to center on the first pitch he saw from Harrell, driving it deep enough for Nicholson to come home on the sacrifice fly and tie the game at 3-3:Gavin Gallaher came to the plate next, already a hero in Chapel Hill lore. Back in 2024 Gallaher, then a freshman, belted a walk-off grand slam to cap off a comeback win over Long Island in the Chapel Hill regional. Gallaher walked, bringing Hull, UNC’s RBI leader, to the plate with a pair of runners on and French on second as the potential winning run.Harrell missed with the first two pitches, falling behind 2-0 to Hull, who delivered an RBI single earlier in the game. Following a mound conference, Hull dug into the batter’s box for the third pitch of the at-bat, and lofted a pop-up along the left-field line. But the ball fell harmlessly between USC fielders, giving Hull an extra life.Hull drilled a line drive to deep left-center, and Takeuchi’s sliding attempt on the warning track came up short. It was the fourth double of the game from Hull, sending UNC to the Men’s College World Series for the second time in the last three years.The loss means the Big Ten will be without a team in the Men’s College World Series, as the Trojans were the last team alive in the Super Regionals.  #NCAA #baseball #tournament #UNC #completes #comeback #USC

NCAA baseball tournament: UNC completes the comeback against USC

When the North Carolina Tar Heels came to bat in the bottom of the eight inning of Game 3 of their Super Regional matchup against USC, the No. 5 team in the nation trailed 3-1, and were just six outs away from elimination.

After a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, the Tar Heels are now headed to Omaha for the second time in the last three seasons.

UNC got a key hit off the bat of Owen Hull in the bottom of the ninth, the outfielder’s fourth double of the game, to bring home the game-winning run and book a trip to the Men’s College World Series for the Tar Heels.

“Oh it means the world,” said Hull to ESPN after the game. “This is one special team and we’re looking forward to playing in Omaha.”

UNC dropped Game 1 on Friday, but rode a gem of a start from Jason DeCaro on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3. But the Tar Heels fell behind early, as a balk from Sunday starting pitcher Caden Glauber brought a run home for the Trojans in the top of the first.

The Tar Heels tied the game in the bottom of the third on an RBI double from Hull down the right-field line that brought MLB Draft prospect Jake Schaffner around to score from first. But the Trojans tacked on runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, on solo home runs from Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb, to stake USC to a 3-1 lead.

Glauber settled in from there, keeping the Tar Heels close.

However, USC starter Andrew Johnson was cruising. The sophomore right-hander, who pitched 3.2 innings on Friday in relief to earn the save, lasted deep into Game 3, exiting in the bottom of the eighth after giving up a double to Macon Winslow that brought Hull around to score.

USC got out of the eighth with a 3-2 lead, but everything changed in the bottom of the ninth.

Adam Troy, who closed out the eighth, retired Tyler Howe on a grounder to second to start the inning. But after Troy walked Cooper Nicholson and started 3-0 to Carter French, USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz came out of the dugout again to pull his closer, turning the game over to Chase Harrell – who got the win in relief on Friday – to get the final two outs.

The USC reliever battled back against French to work the count 3-2, with a pair of fastballs low in the zone, but French then laced a single through the right side, advancing Nicholson to third and putting the potential winning run on first.

That brought leadoff hitter Schaffner to the plate. He lofted a flyball to center on the first pitch he saw from Harrell, driving it deep enough for Nicholson to come home on the sacrifice fly and tie the game at 3-3:

Gavin Gallaher came to the plate next, already a hero in Chapel Hill lore. Back in 2024 Gallaher, then a freshman, belted a walk-off grand slam to cap off a comeback win over Long Island in the Chapel Hill regional. Gallaher walked, bringing Hull, UNC’s RBI leader, to the plate with a pair of runners on and French on second as the potential winning run.

Harrell missed with the first two pitches, falling behind 2-0 to Hull, who delivered an RBI single earlier in the game. Following a mound conference, Hull dug into the batter’s box for the third pitch of the at-bat, and lofted a pop-up along the left-field line. But the ball fell harmlessly between USC fielders, giving Hull an extra life.

Hull drilled a line drive to deep left-center, and Takeuchi’s sliding attempt on the warning track came up short. It was the fourth double of the game from Hull, sending UNC to the Men’s College World Series for the second time in the last three years.

The loss means the Big Ten will be without a team in the Men’s College World Series, as the Trojans were the last team alive in the Super Regionals.

#NCAA #baseball #tournament #UNC #completes #comeback #USC

When the North Carolina Tar Heels came to bat in the bottom of the eight inning of Game 3 of their Super Regional matchup against USC, the No. 5 team in the nation trailed 3-1, and were just six outs away from elimination.

After a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, the Tar Heels are now headed to Omaha for the second time in the last three seasons.

UNC got a key hit off the bat of Owen Hull in the bottom of the ninth, the outfielder’s fourth double of the game, to bring home the game-winning run and book a trip to the Men’s College World Series for the Tar Heels.

“Oh it means the world,” said Hull to ESPN after the game. “This is one special team and we’re looking forward to playing in Omaha.”

UNC dropped Game 1 on Friday, but rode a gem of a start from Jason DeCaro on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3. But the Tar Heels fell behind early, as a balk from Sunday starting pitcher Caden Glauber brought a run home for the Trojans in the top of the first.

The Tar Heels tied the game in the bottom of the third on an RBI double from Hull down the right-field line that brought MLB Draft prospect Jake Schaffner around to score from first. But the Trojans tacked on runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, on solo home runs from Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb, to stake USC to a 3-1 lead.

Glauber settled in from there, keeping the Tar Heels close.

However, USC starter Andrew Johnson was cruising. The sophomore right-hander, who pitched 3.2 innings on Friday in relief to earn the save, lasted deep into Game 3, exiting in the bottom of the eighth after giving up a double to Macon Winslow that brought Hull around to score.

USC got out of the eighth with a 3-2 lead, but everything changed in the bottom of the ninth.

Adam Troy, who closed out the eighth, retired Tyler Howe on a grounder to second to start the inning. But after Troy walked Cooper Nicholson and started 3-0 to Carter French, USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz came out of the dugout again to pull his closer, turning the game over to Chase Harrell – who got the win in relief on Friday – to get the final two outs.

The USC reliever battled back against French to work the count 3-2, with a pair of fastballs low in the zone, but French then laced a single through the right side, advancing Nicholson to third and putting the potential winning run on first.

That brought leadoff hitter Schaffner to the plate. He lofted a flyball to center on the first pitch he saw from Harrell, driving it deep enough for Nicholson to come home on the sacrifice fly and tie the game at 3-3:

Gavin Gallaher came to the plate next, already a hero in Chapel Hill lore. Back in 2024 Gallaher, then a freshman, belted a walk-off grand slam to cap off a comeback win over Long Island in the Chapel Hill regional. Gallaher walked, bringing Hull, UNC’s RBI leader, to the plate with a pair of runners on and French on second as the potential winning run.

Harrell missed with the first two pitches, falling behind 2-0 to Hull, who delivered an RBI single earlier in the game. Following a mound conference, Hull dug into the batter’s box for the third pitch of the at-bat, and lofted a pop-up along the left-field line. But the ball fell harmlessly between USC fielders, giving Hull an extra life.

Hull drilled a line drive to deep left-center, and Takeuchi’s sliding attempt on the warning track came up short. It was the fourth double of the game from Hull, sending UNC to the Men’s College World Series for the second time in the last three years.

The loss means the Big Ten will be without a team in the Men’s College World Series, as the Trojans were the last team alive in the Super Regionals.

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#NCAA #baseball #tournament #UNC #completes #comeback #USC

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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