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Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com  Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images   When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.1. Rory McIlroyHow do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.2. Scottie Scheffler Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)3. Bryson DeChambeau Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images    In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)4. Patrick Reed Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.5. Tommy FleetwoodThere’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.   #Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com

Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com
Top Five Players To Watch at the Masters Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson | Deadspin.com  Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images   When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.1. Rory McIlroyHow do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.2. Scottie Scheffler Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)3. Bryson DeChambeau Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images    In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)4. Patrick Reed Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.5. Tommy FleetwoodThere’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.   #Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.comMar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.

There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.

As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.

But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.

Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.

1. Rory McIlroy

How do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.

2. Scottie Scheffler

Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn ImagesJan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)

3. Bryson DeChambeau


Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn ImagesFeb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. 

Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)

4. Patrick Reed

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn ImagesApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. 

He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.

5. Tommy Fleetwood

There’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …

I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.

#Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com

Mar 5, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy walks on the 14th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

When the Masters tees off Thursday, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the first time since 1994.

There’s something symbolic about the two best players of their generation, now in their 50s, being simultaneously absent. It isn’t goodbye forever — Mickelson, for example, is out as he attends to a private family health matter, but he has rarely factored into the majors since the LIV Golf schism.

As for Woods, well, that’s another column. His fourth car accident and subsequent vow to seek treatment for recurrent painkiller abuse has engendered pity and exhaustion of patience in equal measure.

But the younger generation(s) of golfers have taken over, and the spotlight at the year’s first major will focus on them even more without Woods or Mickelson walking the property.

Let’s rank the five biggest names to watch at the Masters — not necessarily in terms of their odds to win, but the five whose play this week could shape both the leaderboard and the storylines that follow.

1. Rory McIlroy

How do you follow up a career-defining, stomach-turning, all-time Masters triumph that vanquished a 10-year major drought and earned you the career Grand Slam? How about by winning another? Anything McIlroy does this week will be headline news; he’s the main character in a way Woods and few others have experienced. McIlroy’s stumbling block may be the back tweak he picked up at the Arnold Palmer; he hasn’t competed since going four rounds at The Players Championship, where he never shot better than 71.

2. Scottie Scheffler

Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2026; La Quinta, California, USA; Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of The American Express golf tournament at Pete Dye Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The fact that the 2022 and 2024 Masters champ won 20 PGA Tour events in a four-year span is an immense credit to the man. But let’s see how Scheffler fares at Augusta after experiencing a touch of adversity to begin the year. A string of slow starts eventually ended his lengthy top-10 streak, and now he’s entering major season with just one sub-70 round in his past eight. (Scheffler also missed his Masters tune-up, the Valero Texas Open, as his wife gave birth to their second child.)

3. Bryson DeChambeau

Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn ImagesFeb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

In an alternate universe, we’re discussing DeChambeau as the defending champ this week. He’s grown better at Augusta with wisdom and reps, but in 2025 he wilted late and turned an early lead on Sunday into a disappointing T5. The face of LIV Golf couldn’t ask for better pre-Masters results, winning back-to-back weeks in Singapore and South Africa. 

Does it translate into a DeChambeau dub? (Imagine the YouTube content he could make …)

4. Patrick Reed

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn ImagesApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

You’re forgiven if you’ve lost track of Reed since he went to LIV. 

He has actually left LIV and in his best form since 2018, when Captain America donned his green jacket. Playing a DP World Tour schedule before his inevitable return to the PGA, Reed went win-T2-win in a three-start stretch this winter. He’s finding greens, making putts and returning to one of his best courses (five Masters top-10s, including third last year). That’s someone who can shake up a weekend leaderboard.

5. Tommy Fleetwood

There’s a number of ways we can go with the final spot to meet our self-imposed limit of five. Jon Rahm? Owner of a green jacket and the best form on LIV Golf apart from DeChambeau. Brooks Koepka? A five-time major winner, sure, but he’s in pretty “meh” form in his first year back on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth? If he can just go out in 30 on Sunday …

I’m going to zag and take Fleetwood, arguably the third-best player on the PGA Tour and certainly the best player without a major title. Fleetwood never had a signature win until his breakthrough at the 2025 Tour Championship. But he has top-fived at every major, including T3 at Augusta in 2024. Watch what the consistent Englishman does this week. It may be his time.

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#Top #Players #Watch #Masters #Tiger #Woods #Phil #Mickelson #Deadspin.com

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Ravi Shastri Stand to be unveiled at Wankhede Stadium <div id="content-body-70835412" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Ravi Shastri Stand and stadium gates named in honour of three Mumbai stalwarts — Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji — will be unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Tuesday.</p><p>The honours, which were formally approved by the MCA Apex Council on February 27, recognise the contribution of four distinguished figures to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will grace the unveiling ceremony, which will also be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, Apex Council members and members of the cricketing fraternity.</p><p>As part of the initiative, the Level 1 stand below the Press Box will be named after former India captain Ravi Shastri, acknowledging his role as a player, leader, coach and commentator. Meanwhile, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 5 and Gate No. 6 at the iconic venue will be named after former India stalwarts Dilip Sardesai, Diana Edulji and Eknath Solkar, respectively.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #Ravi #Shastri #Stand #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium

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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