5 days ago
MANAMA, Bahrain - The looming possibility of U.S. strikes on Iran has been met with weary nervousness in the Persian Gulf, as Gulf officials double down on efforts to break through a U.S.-Iran impasse that they know will leave their region vulnerable.
Publicly and privately, leaders in Persian Gulf nations, which bore the brunt of Iranian retaliation because they are home to U.S. bases, are calling for de-escalation as concerns about President Donald Trump's war plans grow. Mediators from Qatar arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of the efforts to negotiate an end to the war, according to a person briefed on the talks, who described the trip as a "last-ditch effort to broker an interim deal between Iran and the U.S." that was happening "in coordination with the U.S."
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Trump has seemed open to a deal - but also to resuming strikes, according to a separate official briefed on the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and envoy, have been pushing for a deal, the official added, as others - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - appear opposed to it.
"The next two days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds," said an Iranian official, who like some others interviewed for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The Americans, they added, are "seeking a positive breakthrough" ahead of the midterm elections.
#official #iranian #post
Publicly and privately, leaders in Persian Gulf nations, which bore the brunt of Iranian retaliation because they are home to U.S. bases, are calling for de-escalation as concerns about President Donald Trump's war plans grow. Mediators from Qatar arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of the efforts to negotiate an end to the war, according to a person briefed on the talks, who described the trip as a "last-ditch effort to broker an interim deal between Iran and the U.S." that was happening "in coordination with the U.S."
Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.
Trump has seemed open to a deal - but also to resuming strikes, according to a separate official briefed on the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and envoy, have been pushing for a deal, the official added, as others - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - appear opposed to it.
"The next two days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds," said an Iranian official, who like some others interviewed for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The Americans, they added, are "seeking a positive breakthrough" ahead of the midterm elections.
#official #iranian #post
7 days ago
Leeds United fans of a certain vintage might bristle at Ao Tanaka's choice of adjective for Bournemouth, but current reality backs him up.
The ****** an international was asked this week about Saturday's game against the Cherries and described both it and the opponent as 'massive.'
The word massive is an emotive one in football. Some fanbases use it sincerely with whole-hearted belief that it applies to their club. Others use it slightly more ironically. Even when it is reasonably applied, the word means different things to different people. Some might take into consideration a club's global presence, stadium size, average attendance or historical success. Others, like Tanaka, look not at Bournemouth's circa 12k capacity ground or historic honours board, but progression up the Premier League table over the last three years, last season's top-six finish and back-to-back-to-back 3-0 wins over AC Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
"This is a massive opponent," said Tanaka. "This is a massive challenge. Bournemouth is such a good team, especially recently, the results have been so good. And it's a massive game for us as well, because we didn't win four games. So we want to win the game. So this is a massive game, massive opponent. [They are] a bit different than last season, because they changed the manager. But still, they have a quality players, quality tactics. So I'm looking forward to playing against them."
Unlike Bournemouth, Leeds cannot boast of nine seasons at Premier League level in the last 11 years but by any other metric can be considered a massive club. Three historic top flight ****** les, an FA Cup, European success, a soon-to-be 53k capacity stadium and a fanbase to fill it are all significant pieces of evidence. Daniel Farke often cautions that the club must learn to walk again in the Premier League before it can run, yet seventh place after eight games can be cautiously described as a step forward from last season.
#game #premier
The ****** an international was asked this week about Saturday's game against the Cherries and described both it and the opponent as 'massive.'
The word massive is an emotive one in football. Some fanbases use it sincerely with whole-hearted belief that it applies to their club. Others use it slightly more ironically. Even when it is reasonably applied, the word means different things to different people. Some might take into consideration a club's global presence, stadium size, average attendance or historical success. Others, like Tanaka, look not at Bournemouth's circa 12k capacity ground or historic honours board, but progression up the Premier League table over the last three years, last season's top-six finish and back-to-back-to-back 3-0 wins over AC Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
"This is a massive opponent," said Tanaka. "This is a massive challenge. Bournemouth is such a good team, especially recently, the results have been so good. And it's a massive game for us as well, because we didn't win four games. So we want to win the game. So this is a massive game, massive opponent. [They are] a bit different than last season, because they changed the manager. But still, they have a quality players, quality tactics. So I'm looking forward to playing against them."
Unlike Bournemouth, Leeds cannot boast of nine seasons at Premier League level in the last 11 years but by any other metric can be considered a massive club. Three historic top flight ****** les, an FA Cup, European success, a soon-to-be 53k capacity stadium and a fanbase to fill it are all significant pieces of evidence. Daniel Farke often cautions that the club must learn to walk again in the Premier League before it can run, yet seventh place after eight games can be cautiously described as a step forward from last season.
#game #premier
7 days ago
LSU's Lane Kiffin staunchly defends 24-team CFP while taking dig at other conferences appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lane Kiffin can play coy sometimes, as many trolls choose to do, but the LSU head coach is making it perfectly clear where he stands on the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff.
Kiffin is not just in favor of this expected format change. He believes it is essential, particularly for an SEC that is brimming with parity and deeply passionate fan bases.
"I think it had to happen," Kiffin said, per On3's Jonathan Wagner. "You could say 12 is better, but not when you take into account the way college football is set up now. The conferences are so different, the four conferences. They are. They're different stadiums, they're different environments, they're different middle to bottom of them. So you're not playing equal schedules, they're not even close."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#lane
Lane Kiffin can play coy sometimes, as many trolls choose to do, but the LSU head coach is making it perfectly clear where he stands on the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff.
Kiffin is not just in favor of this expected format change. He believes it is essential, particularly for an SEC that is brimming with parity and deeply passionate fan bases.
"I think it had to happen," Kiffin said, per On3's Jonathan Wagner. "You could say 12 is better, but not when you take into account the way college football is set up now. The conferences are so different, the four conferences. They are. They're different stadiums, they're different environments, they're different middle to bottom of them. So you're not playing equal schedules, they're not even close."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#lane
29 days ago
The United States military has had 81 aircraft destroyed or damaged in the war with Iran, a Congressional Research Service report released this week says.
The number includes both airplanes and helicopters as well as drones, with the MQ-9 Reaper drone – used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support and combat search and rescue – accounting for more than half of the losses.
But also on the list are some of the Pentagon’s most-prized ***** ets, including an F-35A fighter jet and an E-3 Sentry, the four-engine jet with a large radar dome atop the fuselage used for target tracking and airspace management.
The total cost of the aircraft lost is between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on the Defense Department’s plans for replacements, the report said, citing figures from the Congressional Budget Office.
The total cost of the war is much higher – at least $45 billion, sources have told CNN. That figure doesn’t include damage to infrastructure at US bases in the region, including those where some of the aircraft losses happened.
#congressional #report #including #total
The number includes both airplanes and helicopters as well as drones, with the MQ-9 Reaper drone – used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support and combat search and rescue – accounting for more than half of the losses.
But also on the list are some of the Pentagon’s most-prized ***** ets, including an F-35A fighter jet and an E-3 Sentry, the four-engine jet with a large radar dome atop the fuselage used for target tracking and airspace management.
The total cost of the aircraft lost is between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion, depending on the Defense Department’s plans for replacements, the report said, citing figures from the Congressional Budget Office.
The total cost of the war is much higher – at least $45 billion, sources have told CNN. That figure doesn’t include damage to infrastructure at US bases in the region, including those where some of the aircraft losses happened.
#congressional #report #including #total
2 months ago
Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE:LEU) reported on September 17 that it had signed a multi-year contract to supply high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Antares Nuclear, with deliveries expected to begin before the end of the decade. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the deal includes prepayments from Antares to help fund Centrus' expanded HALEU capacity.
The deal holds strategic importance as Antares is developing compact microreactors for critical missions on Earth and in ***** e. The company was also recently selected for the U.S. Army's Janus Program, a $2.2 billion initiative to build and operate tiny nuclear reactors on military bases, with the hope that they will one day power remote installations.
Amir Vexler, President and CEO of Centrus Energy, commented:
"This contract is another sign that demand for HALEU is real and it is accelerating, and Centrus is in prime position to meet this need. Binding orders from Antares and others are supporting our expansion to commercial-scale production – an expansion that is now well underway. We look forward to supporting Antares' continued growth and success."
dan-meyers-xXbQIrWH2_A-unsplash
#centrus #haleu
The deal holds strategic importance as Antares is developing compact microreactors for critical missions on Earth and in ***** e. The company was also recently selected for the U.S. Army's Janus Program, a $2.2 billion initiative to build and operate tiny nuclear reactors on military bases, with the hope that they will one day power remote installations.
Amir Vexler, President and CEO of Centrus Energy, commented:
"This contract is another sign that demand for HALEU is real and it is accelerating, and Centrus is in prime position to meet this need. Binding orders from Antares and others are supporting our expansion to commercial-scale production – an expansion that is now well underway. We look forward to supporting Antares' continued growth and success."
dan-meyers-xXbQIrWH2_A-unsplash
#centrus #haleu
2 months ago
By Stine Jacobsen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tom Little
COPENHAGEN, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Denmark and Greenland on Saturday said any agreement with the United States would not compromise Greenland's sovereignty, after President Donald Trump said the deal would give Washington "permanent control" over the Arctic island's security, leaving its precise scope unclear.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland said late on Friday they had reached an agreement for the US to develop a significant military presence on Greenland, while prohibiting US adversaries from building their own bases on the island.
Key details of the agreement have not been made public, including the scale of US military presence in the self-governing Danish territory and whether any formal power over foreign policy and resources would be ceded to Washington.
Denmark and Greenland expressed hope that a deal, which is expected to be signed during the UN General ******* embly next week, would end months of uncertainty triggered by Trump's threats to seize control of Greenland.
#greenland #control
COPENHAGEN, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Denmark and Greenland on Saturday said any agreement with the United States would not compromise Greenland's sovereignty, after President Donald Trump said the deal would give Washington "permanent control" over the Arctic island's security, leaving its precise scope unclear.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland said late on Friday they had reached an agreement for the US to develop a significant military presence on Greenland, while prohibiting US adversaries from building their own bases on the island.
Key details of the agreement have not been made public, including the scale of US military presence in the self-governing Danish territory and whether any formal power over foreign policy and resources would be ceded to Washington.
Denmark and Greenland expressed hope that a deal, which is expected to be signed during the UN General ******* embly next week, would end months of uncertainty triggered by Trump's threats to seize control of Greenland.
#greenland #control
2 months ago
Choosing between Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) and Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) requires balancing the steady but challenged automotive retail sector against the high-stakes, high-growth arena of ******* e infrastructure.
Advance Auto Parts operates as a massive retailer for vehicle maintenance, while Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar landers and orbital services. These two businesses represent very different risk-to-reward profiles for 2026 portfolios.
Advance Auto Parts operates as an automotive aftermarket parts retailer, serving both everyday do-it-yourselfers and professional installers like garages or dealerships. In its latest annual report, filed for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026, the company noted it operates over 4,000 stores across North America. As an established player among retail stocks, its strategy relies on balancing these two customer bases, with professional sales accounting for nearly 50% of its total revenue.
In FY 2025, revenue reached $8.6 billion, representing a revenue decline of roughly 5.4% compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the company reported a net income of $44.0 million. This resulted in a thin net margin, a measure of how much profit a company keeps from its total sales, of about 0.5%.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was 2.4x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity, with a higher number suggesting more reliance on borrowing. The so-called current ratio, which tracks the ability to pay short-term debts with short-term ******* ets, was 1.7x. Free cash flow, defined as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $298.0 million for the year.
#parts #operates #total #ratio
Advance Auto Parts operates as a massive retailer for vehicle maintenance, while Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar landers and orbital services. These two businesses represent very different risk-to-reward profiles for 2026 portfolios.
Advance Auto Parts operates as an automotive aftermarket parts retailer, serving both everyday do-it-yourselfers and professional installers like garages or dealerships. In its latest annual report, filed for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026, the company noted it operates over 4,000 stores across North America. As an established player among retail stocks, its strategy relies on balancing these two customer bases, with professional sales accounting for nearly 50% of its total revenue.
In FY 2025, revenue reached $8.6 billion, representing a revenue decline of roughly 5.4% compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the company reported a net income of $44.0 million. This resulted in a thin net margin, a measure of how much profit a company keeps from its total sales, of about 0.5%.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was 2.4x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity, with a higher number suggesting more reliance on borrowing. The so-called current ratio, which tracks the ability to pay short-term debts with short-term ******* ets, was 1.7x. Free cash flow, defined as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $298.0 million for the year.
#parts #operates #total #ratio
2 months ago
As you may have heard, Pete Alonso returned with his new team to Citi Field tonight, and the Mets lost to the Orioles 2-1. Although Jonah Tong pitched admirably, the Mets could not capitalize on their six hits and left nine runners on base.
After Jonah Tong struck out Dylan Beavers to lead off the first inning, Alonso stepped up to thunderous applause, cheers, and chants of his name. He flied out to Carson Benge in right field, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Tong then retired Gunnar Henderson as well for a 1-2-3 start to his day. In the bottom of the inning, Francisco Lindor walked to lead off, but Juan Soto popped out, and Bo Bichette grounded into a double play for the second and third outs to end the inning.
At the top of the second inning, Jackson Holliday looped a one-out single into right field. He reached second on a passed ball by Francisco Alvarez, which had popped out of Alvarez's glove. It proved costly when Heston Kjerstad drilled a double into right field past Brett Baty. The ball made a weird hop past Baty, and Holliday scored the first run of the game. When the Mets came to bat in the second, they loaded the bases with two outs. Marcus Semien drilled a single down the left-field line, and then A.J. Ewing and Baty walked. Unfortunately, they were all stranded when Alvarez struck out on a foul tip for the third out, and the second inning ended with the score Orioles 1, Mets 0.
Alonso drew a two-out walk in the third inning, but was stranded there when Tong struck out Henderson. At the bottom of the third, Juan Soto smacked a one-out single into right field. Benge sneaked a single past third base, but both runners were again stranded when Jared Young grounded out for the third out. At the top of the fourth inning, Holliday hit a ground ball straight to Semien, but Semien could not get it out of his glove in a timely manner, and Holliday made it to first base safely. He was stranded as well, though. At the bottom of the inning, Ewing drilled a home run into right field. Alvarez smacked a ground ball to third base that Coby Mayo initially fielded but bobbled, allowing Alvarez to reach base safely on an infield hit. However, he was also stranded when Lindor struck out, leaving the score Mets 1, Orioles 1, at the end of the fourth inning.
To lead off the fifth inning, Colton Cowser hit a single that Semien knocked down but couldn't get to first base in time. The next three batters went down in order. Soto walked to lead off the bottom of the fifth and, with two outs, stole second base. Young also drew a walk, but Semien grounded out to end the rally attempt there. Tong came back out for the top of the sixth inning and only needed six pitches to retire the three batters he saw. Josh Walker replaced Brandon Young for the Orioles at the bottom of the sixth, and he also worked a 1-2-3 inning. The score remained 1-1.
#field
After Jonah Tong struck out Dylan Beavers to lead off the first inning, Alonso stepped up to thunderous applause, cheers, and chants of his name. He flied out to Carson Benge in right field, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Tong then retired Gunnar Henderson as well for a 1-2-3 start to his day. In the bottom of the inning, Francisco Lindor walked to lead off, but Juan Soto popped out, and Bo Bichette grounded into a double play for the second and third outs to end the inning.
At the top of the second inning, Jackson Holliday looped a one-out single into right field. He reached second on a passed ball by Francisco Alvarez, which had popped out of Alvarez's glove. It proved costly when Heston Kjerstad drilled a double into right field past Brett Baty. The ball made a weird hop past Baty, and Holliday scored the first run of the game. When the Mets came to bat in the second, they loaded the bases with two outs. Marcus Semien drilled a single down the left-field line, and then A.J. Ewing and Baty walked. Unfortunately, they were all stranded when Alvarez struck out on a foul tip for the third out, and the second inning ended with the score Orioles 1, Mets 0.
Alonso drew a two-out walk in the third inning, but was stranded there when Tong struck out Henderson. At the bottom of the third, Juan Soto smacked a one-out single into right field. Benge sneaked a single past third base, but both runners were again stranded when Jared Young grounded out for the third out. At the top of the fourth inning, Holliday hit a ground ball straight to Semien, but Semien could not get it out of his glove in a timely manner, and Holliday made it to first base safely. He was stranded as well, though. At the bottom of the inning, Ewing drilled a home run into right field. Alvarez smacked a ground ball to third base that Coby Mayo initially fielded but bobbled, allowing Alvarez to reach base safely on an infield hit. However, he was also stranded when Lindor struck out, leaving the score Mets 1, Orioles 1, at the end of the fourth inning.
To lead off the fifth inning, Colton Cowser hit a single that Semien knocked down but couldn't get to first base in time. The next three batters went down in order. Soto walked to lead off the bottom of the fifth and, with two outs, stole second base. Young also drew a walk, but Semien grounded out to end the rally attempt there. Tong came back out for the top of the sixth inning and only needed six pitches to retire the three batters he saw. Josh Walker replaced Brandon Young for the Orioles at the bottom of the sixth, and he also worked a 1-2-3 inning. The score remained 1-1.
#field
2 months ago
Since his debut in 2018, Ronald Acuña Jr. has been one of baseball's most exciting players. His power-speed combo has made him one of the sport's best players. In 2019, Acuña fell just short of the elusive 40/40 club. In 156 games, he tallied 41 home runs and 37 stolen bases, which led the National League.
He was on an MVP trajectory in 2021. In 82 games that season, Acuña had a .990 OPS with 24 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Unfortunately, everything changed on July 10 when he tore his ACL attempting to make a leaping catch at the wall down in Miami. During his first three and a half seasons, Acuña was on the fast track to the Hall of Fame. His injury not only slowed that down, but it also raised questions about whether he'd ever be the same again.
The Braves eventually won the World Series, but Acuña was sidelined and could only celebrate from the dugout. Still, though, he received a World Series ring on Opening Day in 2022. He would return to action on April 28 against the Chicago Cubs. However, it was clear that Acuña wasn't the same player. In 119 games, he only hit 15 home runs, and his OPS dropped to .764—the worst mark of his career. It seemed he would never be the same again, but Acuña quieted the doubters with one of the greatest individual seasons in MLB history.
Acuña didn't just make history; the Braves did, too. In 2023, Atlanta finished with the best record in MLB (104-58). That year, they tied the MLB record for home runs in a season (307). Three players, including Acuña (41), hit at least 40 home runs that season. In 2023, MLB also made a slew of rule changes, including making the bases 18 inches. The extra three inches, along with the new pickoff rule, were meant to influence more action on the base paths.
Acuña took full advantage by stealing 73 bases that season. In the process, he became the first, and only, player to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 70 bases. Along the way, he also became the first and only player to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 60 bases.
#home #least
He was on an MVP trajectory in 2021. In 82 games that season, Acuña had a .990 OPS with 24 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Unfortunately, everything changed on July 10 when he tore his ACL attempting to make a leaping catch at the wall down in Miami. During his first three and a half seasons, Acuña was on the fast track to the Hall of Fame. His injury not only slowed that down, but it also raised questions about whether he'd ever be the same again.
The Braves eventually won the World Series, but Acuña was sidelined and could only celebrate from the dugout. Still, though, he received a World Series ring on Opening Day in 2022. He would return to action on April 28 against the Chicago Cubs. However, it was clear that Acuña wasn't the same player. In 119 games, he only hit 15 home runs, and his OPS dropped to .764—the worst mark of his career. It seemed he would never be the same again, but Acuña quieted the doubters with one of the greatest individual seasons in MLB history.
Acuña didn't just make history; the Braves did, too. In 2023, Atlanta finished with the best record in MLB (104-58). That year, they tied the MLB record for home runs in a season (307). Three players, including Acuña (41), hit at least 40 home runs that season. In 2023, MLB also made a slew of rule changes, including making the bases 18 inches. The extra three inches, along with the new pickoff rule, were meant to influence more action on the base paths.
Acuña took full advantage by stealing 73 bases that season. In the process, he became the first, and only, player to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 70 bases. Along the way, he also became the first and only player to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 60 bases.
#home #least
2 months ago
Southern Company (SO) and Vistra (VST) both profited from AI power demand, yet VST shares are down 30% over the past year.
U.S. electricity prices climbed 4% over the past year, outpacing headline inflation and directly contradicting Musk's claim that AI data centers lower consumer bills.
The $180 annual savings Musk cited applies to one Georgia utility's contract; new AI-driven generation will land in rate bases all ratepayers fund.
Just released. Our ***** ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Southern Company didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat SO. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
At 10:18 a.m. ET on Monday, Elon Musk told his audience that "AI data centers resulting in lower electricity prices for consumers" and pointed to a post claiming Georgia Power's new large-load contracts, overwhelmingly data centers, will save customers nearly a billion dollars, erasing about $180 per year from their bills. The post reached more than 503,000 impressions. Twelve days earlier, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey made the same argument on CNBC, saying net electricity prices will be lower when data centers come in. It is becoming an industry talking point. It is also colliding with the price data Americans actually pay.
#data #centers #company #musk
U.S. electricity prices climbed 4% over the past year, outpacing headline inflation and directly contradicting Musk's claim that AI data centers lower consumer bills.
The $180 annual savings Musk cited applies to one Georgia utility's contract; new AI-driven generation will land in rate bases all ratepayers fund.
Just released. Our ***** ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Southern Company didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat SO. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
At 10:18 a.m. ET on Monday, Elon Musk told his audience that "AI data centers resulting in lower electricity prices for consumers" and pointed to a post claiming Georgia Power's new large-load contracts, overwhelmingly data centers, will save customers nearly a billion dollars, erasing about $180 per year from their bills. The post reached more than 503,000 impressions. Twelve days earlier, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey made the same argument on CNBC, saying net electricity prices will be lower when data centers come in. It is becoming an industry talking point. It is also colliding with the price data Americans actually pay.
#data #centers #company #musk
2 months ago
Eli Willits has made his primary goal crystal clear ever since he joined the Nationals organization. He wants to be a big leaguer by the time he is 20 years old. For most players, that is a pipe dream. However, Eli Willits is not most players and he made that very obvious this season.
The 18 year old just finished his first professional season in style. Willits got promoted to Double-A for the last week of the season. While he only got to play three games, the last one was legendary. Willits had a four hit game which included his first AA home run and two stolen bases. It was an amazing final act to a wonderful season.
With Willits finishing the season in AA, he is putting himself in position to make a debut late in 2027. Despite being such a young player, Willits is remarkably polished. This comes from being the son of a big leaguer and being obsessed with the game ever since he could walk.
When I talked to Willits earlier this season, it was very clear that three things truly mattered to him. Eli Willits is all about family, faith and baseball. You will be hard pressed to find a more business-like 18 year old out there. As Willits put it, he grew up in an MLB clubhouse and it is easy to see that.
That baseball IQ manifests itself on the field. When I watched Willits for the first time in Low-A, the thing that stuck out to me most was how natural he looked. Willits looked like a big league caliber defender at shortstop already. While many young shortstops, even the defensively gifted ones make a lot of errors, Willits is already so secure. He only made 8 errors all season as an 18 year old.
#season #year
The 18 year old just finished his first professional season in style. Willits got promoted to Double-A for the last week of the season. While he only got to play three games, the last one was legendary. Willits had a four hit game which included his first AA home run and two stolen bases. It was an amazing final act to a wonderful season.
With Willits finishing the season in AA, he is putting himself in position to make a debut late in 2027. Despite being such a young player, Willits is remarkably polished. This comes from being the son of a big leaguer and being obsessed with the game ever since he could walk.
When I talked to Willits earlier this season, it was very clear that three things truly mattered to him. Eli Willits is all about family, faith and baseball. You will be hard pressed to find a more business-like 18 year old out there. As Willits put it, he grew up in an MLB clubhouse and it is easy to see that.
That baseball IQ manifests itself on the field. When I watched Willits for the first time in Low-A, the thing that stuck out to me most was how natural he looked. Willits looked like a big league caliber defender at shortstop already. While many young shortstops, even the defensively gifted ones make a lot of errors, Willits is already so secure. He only made 8 errors all season as an 18 year old.
#season #year
2 months ago
After an epic 11-inning win Friday night against the Phillies, the Braves were hoping to finish them off in the division race. They got a bit of a boost from the Phillies scratching Jesus Luzardo with long-running shoulder soreness.
Tyler Mahle cruised through the first two hitters before Bryce Harper hit a monster homer and took a comical amount of time rounding the bases, clearly hitting back at the controversy from Zach Wheeler's comments about Ronald Acuna's home run celebrations last week. The Phillies had to be feeling good with a 1-0 lead for a couple innings there, until the Braves essentially ended the game with 8 runs in the fourth inning. Ronald Acuna kicked things off with a towering homer (and a normal home run trot).
La Bestia mode activated 🔥#LocalFordDealer | ronaldacunajr24 pic.twitter.com/blKPAhoG0w
The Braves then got a walk, single, single, single, error, wild pitch, walk, double, and single to score another 7 runs. Drake Baldwin provided the double before things got all the way back around to Acuna for the last single, bringing home the last run of the inning.
Mahle continued to cruise after that Harper homer, finishing 7.0 innings of 1-run ball with no walks, even though he only had 7 whiffs and 3 strikeouts. The Braves added another run on in the sixth with a Ronald ABS strikeout-turned-walk, an error on an Olson ground ball, and an Ozzie sac fly. The Phillies got one back with a solo homer from Crawford in the eighth against Brent Suter. The Braves got another 3 runs against the position-player pitcher for Philly in the eighth, as Kiersey singled, Albies doubled, and Harris hit a homer off the right field foul pole. Suter finished off the Phillies in the ninth, as the Braves only needed to throw Mahle and Suter on the night. The Phillies' bullpen is in rough shape on the other side, after the 11-inning game Friday and the blowout bullpen game they suffered today.
#Phillies #home
Tyler Mahle cruised through the first two hitters before Bryce Harper hit a monster homer and took a comical amount of time rounding the bases, clearly hitting back at the controversy from Zach Wheeler's comments about Ronald Acuna's home run celebrations last week. The Phillies had to be feeling good with a 1-0 lead for a couple innings there, until the Braves essentially ended the game with 8 runs in the fourth inning. Ronald Acuna kicked things off with a towering homer (and a normal home run trot).
La Bestia mode activated 🔥#LocalFordDealer | ronaldacunajr24 pic.twitter.com/blKPAhoG0w
The Braves then got a walk, single, single, single, error, wild pitch, walk, double, and single to score another 7 runs. Drake Baldwin provided the double before things got all the way back around to Acuna for the last single, bringing home the last run of the inning.
Mahle continued to cruise after that Harper homer, finishing 7.0 innings of 1-run ball with no walks, even though he only had 7 whiffs and 3 strikeouts. The Braves added another run on in the sixth with a Ronald ABS strikeout-turned-walk, an error on an Olson ground ball, and an Ozzie sac fly. The Phillies got one back with a solo homer from Crawford in the eighth against Brent Suter. The Braves got another 3 runs against the position-player pitcher for Philly in the eighth, as Kiersey singled, Albies doubled, and Harris hit a homer off the right field foul pole. Suter finished off the Phillies in the ninth, as the Braves only needed to throw Mahle and Suter on the night. The Phillies' bullpen is in rough shape on the other side, after the 11-inning game Friday and the blowout bullpen game they suffered today.
#Phillies #home
2 months ago
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) continues to strengthen its enterprise artificial intelligence offering as it looks to make AI a larger part of its customer relationship management ecosystem. On September 9, reports emerged that the company is prepared to spend as much as $2 billion to acquire Listen Labs, an AI-powered customer research platform.
The potential deal would extend Salesforce's aggressive M&A strategy as the company seeks to expand its generative and agentic AI capabilities. Salesforce recently completed its approximately $3.6 billion acquisition of customer service AI agent provider Fin, formerly Intercom, underscoring management's willingness to use acquisitions to accelerate its AI roadmap.
Listen Labs could add a new layer of customer intelligence to Salesforce's platform. The company uses artificial intelligence to conduct customer interviews through audio and video and ******* yze the resulting responses.
Kritchanut/Shutterstock.com
The potential acquisition could be particularly valuable for Salesforce Agentforce, the company's platform for building and deploying AI agents. Listen Labs could end up providing crucial insights into why customers behave the way they do. Customer interviews and conversations can reveal motivations, preferences, frustrations, and other qualitative information that may not be captured in traditional CRM databases.
#customer #salesforce #platform #artificial
The potential deal would extend Salesforce's aggressive M&A strategy as the company seeks to expand its generative and agentic AI capabilities. Salesforce recently completed its approximately $3.6 billion acquisition of customer service AI agent provider Fin, formerly Intercom, underscoring management's willingness to use acquisitions to accelerate its AI roadmap.
Listen Labs could add a new layer of customer intelligence to Salesforce's platform. The company uses artificial intelligence to conduct customer interviews through audio and video and ******* yze the resulting responses.
Kritchanut/Shutterstock.com
The potential acquisition could be particularly valuable for Salesforce Agentforce, the company's platform for building and deploying AI agents. Listen Labs could end up providing crucial insights into why customers behave the way they do. Customer interviews and conversations can reveal motivations, preferences, frustrations, and other qualitative information that may not be captured in traditional CRM databases.
#customer #salesforce #platform #artificial
2 months ago
First-inning runs alone won't get you over the line most of the time. Stopping at a pair of early solo shots—at least until the ninth inning—the Dodgers' offense left a lot to be desired in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins, as Tyler Glasnow went through plenty of issues in his shortest regular start of the season (4+ IP). The hard-throwing right-hander walked four and seldom looked in rhythm.
Beginning with a bang, the Dodgers made a statement against Tyler Phillips in the first, taking a 2-0 lead with back-to-back long ****** from Mookie Betts and Max Muncy—the one from Betts had special value, given it represented the 10,000th home run in Los Angeles Dodgers history. The problem is that this so-called statement was left at that, with the offense failing to record another hit in Phillips' three-plus innings of work, pitching with a short leash.
By the time Phillips was removed from the game in the fourth, the Marlins had already taken the lead courtesy of a three-run second against Glasnow. Josue De Paula came back from down in the count to earn a walk against Phillips in the fourth, enough for the Marlins to make the call to the bullpen and bring in left-hander Cade Gibson to retire Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers trailed at this early point because Tyler Glasnow seemed to be swimming against the tide for the better part of this one, meshing small periods of dominance with worrisome rallies. After squeezing his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, Glasnow coughed up three runs in the second. The damage started with a two-run shot from Graham Pauley and later on with three straight singles, the last one an RBI knock from Otto Lopez.
It then looked like Glasnow would figure things out with clean innings in the third and fourth, including striking out the side in the latter, but that calmness was short-lived. Walking the first two batters of the fifth, Glasnow was removed, recording just 12 outs and leaving quite a mess for Jack Dreyer, who did himself no favors by loading the bases with an 0-2 HBP. In what felt like a pivotal inning for the Dodgers to remain in this game, they caught all the breaks—an errant throw from Mookie Betts on a routine grounder was snagged by Alex Freeland, preventing multiple runners from scoring, and in the following at-bat, Kyle Tucker flashed the leather with a smooth sliding grab to keep everyone at their stations. With one out, Dreyer induced a timely double play as Agustin Ramírez absolutely smoked a groundball right at Betts. And just like that, the score was at a still manageable 4-2 deficit.
#phillips
Beginning with a bang, the Dodgers made a statement against Tyler Phillips in the first, taking a 2-0 lead with back-to-back long ****** from Mookie Betts and Max Muncy—the one from Betts had special value, given it represented the 10,000th home run in Los Angeles Dodgers history. The problem is that this so-called statement was left at that, with the offense failing to record another hit in Phillips' three-plus innings of work, pitching with a short leash.
By the time Phillips was removed from the game in the fourth, the Marlins had already taken the lead courtesy of a three-run second against Glasnow. Josue De Paula came back from down in the count to earn a walk against Phillips in the fourth, enough for the Marlins to make the call to the bullpen and bring in left-hander Cade Gibson to retire Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers trailed at this early point because Tyler Glasnow seemed to be swimming against the tide for the better part of this one, meshing small periods of dominance with worrisome rallies. After squeezing his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, Glasnow coughed up three runs in the second. The damage started with a two-run shot from Graham Pauley and later on with three straight singles, the last one an RBI knock from Otto Lopez.
It then looked like Glasnow would figure things out with clean innings in the third and fourth, including striking out the side in the latter, but that calmness was short-lived. Walking the first two batters of the fifth, Glasnow was removed, recording just 12 outs and leaving quite a mess for Jack Dreyer, who did himself no favors by loading the bases with an 0-2 HBP. In what felt like a pivotal inning for the Dodgers to remain in this game, they caught all the breaks—an errant throw from Mookie Betts on a routine grounder was snagged by Alex Freeland, preventing multiple runners from scoring, and in the following at-bat, Kyle Tucker flashed the leather with a smooth sliding grab to keep everyone at their stations. With one out, Dreyer induced a timely double play as Agustin Ramírez absolutely smoked a groundball right at Betts. And just like that, the score was at a still manageable 4-2 deficit.
#phillips
2 months ago
Nationals news: How CJ Abrams, James Wood just made MLB history appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Nationals may not reach the postseason this year, but James Wood and CJ Abrams have still performed well. In fact, Wood and Abrams became the second pair of teammates who are 25 years old or younger to record 30 or more home runs and 20 or more stolen bases in a season, according to Sarah Langs. Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor first accomplished the feat with Cleveland in 2018.
Wood stole his 20th (and 21st) base of the season during Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He now has 30 home runs and 21 stolen bases this season. Abrams, meanwhile, has 30 home runs and 28 steals.
The Nationals lead the Angels 4-0 as of this story's writing. The game is not currently over, however.
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#nationals #james #clutchpoints #first
The Washington Nationals may not reach the postseason this year, but James Wood and CJ Abrams have still performed well. In fact, Wood and Abrams became the second pair of teammates who are 25 years old or younger to record 30 or more home runs and 20 or more stolen bases in a season, according to Sarah Langs. Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor first accomplished the feat with Cleveland in 2018.
Wood stole his 20th (and 21st) base of the season during Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He now has 30 home runs and 21 stolen bases this season. Abrams, meanwhile, has 30 home runs and 28 steals.
The Nationals lead the Angels 4-0 as of this story's writing. The game is not currently over, however.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#nationals #james #clutchpoints #first
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Yordan Alvarez was out of the Houston Astros' lineup for a second straight game due to a sore right ankle Saturday.
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
2 months ago
If Carlos Correa is able to return to the Houston Astros lineup by the end of the regular season, he could play second base, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports.
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
2 months ago
College football, in its purest form, is a remarkable game full of tradition, pageantry and so much fun. At the apex of that purity sits rivalry games. Texas-Oklahoma. Ohio State-Michigan. Iowa-Iowa State. There are generations of tradition and hatred built up among the fanbases and the games just bring more juice.
Tonight marks the 73rd meeting of the Cy-Hawk series, which dates back to 1894. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 46-25, officially.
But things have been tight recently. Iowa hasn't officially won this game since 2021 (the 2023 win was vacated) and they haven't won it at home since 2018.
Dating back to 2017, every game in this series has been decided by 10 or fewer points. The Cyclones haven't won this matchup by more than 3 since 2005. The last time either team won by more than 10 in this series was in 2016, when the Hawkeyes emerged victorious 42-3.
This week, we've been exploring the parallels to that 2016 season for this series and there certainly are a few. For starters, that 2016 season marked year one of the Matt Campbell era. Now, 2026 marks year one of the Jimmy Rogers era after Campbell departed for Penn State.
#game #since #games #marks
Tonight marks the 73rd meeting of the Cy-Hawk series, which dates back to 1894. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 46-25, officially.
But things have been tight recently. Iowa hasn't officially won this game since 2021 (the 2023 win was vacated) and they haven't won it at home since 2018.
Dating back to 2017, every game in this series has been decided by 10 or fewer points. The Cyclones haven't won this matchup by more than 3 since 2005. The last time either team won by more than 10 in this series was in 2016, when the Hawkeyes emerged victorious 42-3.
This week, we've been exploring the parallels to that 2016 season for this series and there certainly are a few. For starters, that 2016 season marked year one of the Matt Campbell era. Now, 2026 marks year one of the Jimmy Rogers era after Campbell departed for Penn State.
#game #since #games #marks
2 months ago
India's next Test **** ignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
2 months ago
Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State will meet for the second consecutive season in the 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic on Sept. 12 (6 p.m., HBCU Go). The Golden Lions won last season's meeting 24-20 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Playing in the Southern Heritage Classic is more than just a conference game for the two foes. Both the Braves (1-1) and Golden Lions (1-1) have alumni bases in Memphis and fans from areas not too far away.
Golden Lions coach Alonzo Hampton and Alcorn State coach Cedric Thomas were celebrated at the annual coaches luncheon inside the Renasant Convention Center on Sept. 11.
Hampton reflected on the team's journey back to this event. This will be UAPB's fourth consecutive appearance after having a 1-2 record through three years.
"It has been amazing," Hampton said. "So we get excited, man. Every year we get a chance to come back. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and you know you pray for good weather, and hopefully everything works out. But it's fun. I look forward to it. Our players look forward to it. We stay downtown at the Westin, and the band's coming, so it's just really exciting, man, to come back and be able to do this."
#back #sept
Playing in the Southern Heritage Classic is more than just a conference game for the two foes. Both the Braves (1-1) and Golden Lions (1-1) have alumni bases in Memphis and fans from areas not too far away.
Golden Lions coach Alonzo Hampton and Alcorn State coach Cedric Thomas were celebrated at the annual coaches luncheon inside the Renasant Convention Center on Sept. 11.
Hampton reflected on the team's journey back to this event. This will be UAPB's fourth consecutive appearance after having a 1-2 record through three years.
"It has been amazing," Hampton said. "So we get excited, man. Every year we get a chance to come back. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and you know you pray for good weather, and hopefully everything works out. But it's fun. I look forward to it. Our players look forward to it. We stay downtown at the Westin, and the band's coming, so it's just really exciting, man, to come back and be able to do this."
#back #sept
2 months ago
This may come as somewhat of a shock, but the White Sox lost again Friday night. I know, who could've seen it coming that the team that has looked like a dumpster fire since late August would once again do everything possible to lose a game.
I don't even know how to feel, but I do know I feel numb. Just another game where the White Sox gave false hope, had plenty of opportunities to grab the win, and instead tripped over their own feet and got caught with their pants around their ankles.
It's usually a great sign to get a homer on the first pitch of the game, which Chase Meidroth did later than usual thanks to a 70-minute "rain delay" to start the game. That was followed by a Randal Grichuk double, six total bases on three pitches that got fans hopeful that the team wouldn't completely choke. Unfortunately, the starting burst was followed by a weak ground out and two awful at-bats that ended in strikeouts.
Say I'm a pessimist or "not a real fan," I don't care; anybody that's been following this team lately with a pulse knew what kind of game we were in store for. It was at that time I started checking the score of the Cleveland Guardians, game knowing what was bound to happen. Like a fool who believed in the White Sox, I also believed that maybe the Guardians wouldn't pull a win out of their hat late.
As we kept our eyes on the Cleveland score, the White Sox immediately gave back a run in the first. They never like holding a lead for long, and what are the White Sox if not predictable?
#white #don 't
I don't even know how to feel, but I do know I feel numb. Just another game where the White Sox gave false hope, had plenty of opportunities to grab the win, and instead tripped over their own feet and got caught with their pants around their ankles.
It's usually a great sign to get a homer on the first pitch of the game, which Chase Meidroth did later than usual thanks to a 70-minute "rain delay" to start the game. That was followed by a Randal Grichuk double, six total bases on three pitches that got fans hopeful that the team wouldn't completely choke. Unfortunately, the starting burst was followed by a weak ground out and two awful at-bats that ended in strikeouts.
Say I'm a pessimist or "not a real fan," I don't care; anybody that's been following this team lately with a pulse knew what kind of game we were in store for. It was at that time I started checking the score of the Cleveland Guardians, game knowing what was bound to happen. Like a fool who believed in the White Sox, I also believed that maybe the Guardians wouldn't pull a win out of their hat late.
As we kept our eyes on the Cleveland score, the White Sox immediately gave back a run in the first. They never like holding a lead for long, and what are the White Sox if not predictable?
#white #don 't
2 months ago
The Braves had 'em all the way. Yep, had 'em all the way. At least, that's what we'll tell ourselves whenever a scintilla of a memory of this game pops into our brains, right? It took 12 innings, a brief blip from Chris Sale, and run-scoring scrambles in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh, another huuuuge hit from Ha-Seong Kim, and finally, a walkoff rope off the bat of Drake Baldwin, but the Braves ultimately prevailed in the opener of the final series against their division rivals.
How do you recap this game? It felt like living a few different lifetimes. I guess we'll just go sequentially, but this is a game that warrants watching the highlights.
After a 45-minute weather-related delay, things got started and Sale pretty much picked up where he left off. The top of the Philadelphia order went down on a flyout and two nasty strikeouts. Aaron Nola retired the first two Braves he faced, but then Matt Olson broke a two-week homerless slide with a slice the other way that juuust managed not to go foul and instead became his 38th longball of the year. A homer from the recently homer-shy Braves offense seemed to be an auspicious sign, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
After the first two outs of the eighth, Edmundo Sosa caught a Sale slider and yanked it for a single. Sale then issued a rare walk to Bryan De La Cruz of all people, and then hit J.T. Realmuto with the next pitch, loading the bases.
***Derek Hill complaints interlude***
#things
How do you recap this game? It felt like living a few different lifetimes. I guess we'll just go sequentially, but this is a game that warrants watching the highlights.
After a 45-minute weather-related delay, things got started and Sale pretty much picked up where he left off. The top of the Philadelphia order went down on a flyout and two nasty strikeouts. Aaron Nola retired the first two Braves he faced, but then Matt Olson broke a two-week homerless slide with a slice the other way that juuust managed not to go foul and instead became his 38th longball of the year. A homer from the recently homer-shy Braves offense seemed to be an auspicious sign, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
After the first two outs of the eighth, Edmundo Sosa caught a Sale slider and yanked it for a single. Sale then issued a rare walk to Bryan De La Cruz of all people, and then hit J.T. Realmuto with the next pitch, loading the bases.
***Derek Hill complaints interlude***
#things
2 months ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Drake Baldwin doubled to center field in the 11th inning to score Ha-Seong Kim from first base and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Friday night in the opening game of a key NL East series.
The first-place Braves extended their lead over the Phillies to five games. The teams split a four-game series in Philadelphia that began last Friday.
Luis Arraez's single to left field off Didier Fuentes (7-2) in the 11th drove in designated runner Garrett Stubbs to give Philadelphia a 5-4 lead. Kim's single off Brooks Raley (5-6) in the bottom of the inning drove in Ozzie Albies to tie it. Baldwin followed with the winning double.
Phillies right-hander Jonathan Bowlan blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth. Bowlan gave up a one-out single to Mike Yastrzemski. Pinch-runner DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was recalled before the game, scored from first on Sean Murphy's single up the middle and center fielder Derek Hill's fielding error.
Aaron Nola gave up homers to Matt Olson in the first and Austin Riley in the seventh. Braves left-hander Chris Sale allowed three runs on only three hits in seven innings but struggled with two outs in the second. Edmundo Sosa singled before Sale walked Bryan De La Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases. Derek Hill doubled off the center-field wall to drive in three runs.
#lead
The first-place Braves extended their lead over the Phillies to five games. The teams split a four-game series in Philadelphia that began last Friday.
Luis Arraez's single to left field off Didier Fuentes (7-2) in the 11th drove in designated runner Garrett Stubbs to give Philadelphia a 5-4 lead. Kim's single off Brooks Raley (5-6) in the bottom of the inning drove in Ozzie Albies to tie it. Baldwin followed with the winning double.
Phillies right-hander Jonathan Bowlan blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth. Bowlan gave up a one-out single to Mike Yastrzemski. Pinch-runner DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was recalled before the game, scored from first on Sean Murphy's single up the middle and center fielder Derek Hill's fielding error.
Aaron Nola gave up homers to Matt Olson in the first and Austin Riley in the seventh. Braves left-hander Chris Sale allowed three runs on only three hits in seven innings but struggled with two outs in the second. Edmundo Sosa singled before Sale walked Bryan De La Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases. Derek Hill doubled off the center-field wall to drive in three runs.
#lead
2 months ago
What looked like a good night for the Phillies, a night in which they were able to sneak a few runs across the plate against Chris Sale, turned into a bullpen nightmare.
It started off a little rough for the Phillies, Aaron Nola serving up a home run to Matt Olson that somehow clanged off the fair pole in left field to give the Braves a quick 1-0 lead.
Matt Olson gets the scoring started with home run No. 38! pic.twitter.com/lWQLFbumdp
From there though, Nola was really good. He looked to be struggling with his grip all night long, constantly going back to the rosing bag, to the mound, anywhere to get a good hold on the baseball, but something worked and he kept getting outs.
On offense, he got all the help he needed in the second inning. Sale got the first two outs with ease, then let his foot off the gas. He gave up a single to Edmundo Sosa, walked Bryan de la Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases for your favorite Hill and mine, Derek. Doing what he seemingly has done all year long, Hill delivered with a bases clearing double that put the Phillies up 3-1.
#Phillies #good #olson
It started off a little rough for the Phillies, Aaron Nola serving up a home run to Matt Olson that somehow clanged off the fair pole in left field to give the Braves a quick 1-0 lead.
Matt Olson gets the scoring started with home run No. 38! pic.twitter.com/lWQLFbumdp
From there though, Nola was really good. He looked to be struggling with his grip all night long, constantly going back to the rosing bag, to the mound, anywhere to get a good hold on the baseball, but something worked and he kept getting outs.
On offense, he got all the help he needed in the second inning. Sale got the first two outs with ease, then let his foot off the gas. He gave up a single to Edmundo Sosa, walked Bryan de la Cruz and hit J.T. Realmuto with a pitch to load the bases for your favorite Hill and mine, Derek. Doing what he seemingly has done all year long, Hill delivered with a bases clearing double that put the Phillies up 3-1.
#Phillies #good #olson
2 months ago
NBA ticket prices are turning live basketball into a luxury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA sells access to its biggest moments, but opening-week prices for the 2026-27 season suggest that access increasingly belongs to fans with deep pockets. SeatPick examined the 41 games on the schedule from Oct. 20 through Oct. 25 and calculated a $326 average ticket price across the league.
That figure already represents a serious commitment for one seat. The market becomes even more extreme around marquee teams and matchups. At the opposite end, several fanbases can enter the building for a fraction of that amount. The result resembles two different NBA experiences: one that invites broad participation and another that treats entry as a luxury purchase.
Demand will always separate a major event from an ordinary night on the schedule. Still, a league fueled by emotional investment should care when its most devoted supporters can follow the moment more easily than they can afford to witness it.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#schedule #preferred
The NBA sells access to its biggest moments, but opening-week prices for the 2026-27 season suggest that access increasingly belongs to fans with deep pockets. SeatPick examined the 41 games on the schedule from Oct. 20 through Oct. 25 and calculated a $326 average ticket price across the league.
That figure already represents a serious commitment for one seat. The market becomes even more extreme around marquee teams and matchups. At the opposite end, several fanbases can enter the building for a fraction of that amount. The result resembles two different NBA experiences: one that invites broad participation and another that treats entry as a luxury purchase.
Demand will always separate a major event from an ordinary night on the schedule. Still, a league fueled by emotional investment should care when its most devoted supporters can follow the moment more easily than they can afford to witness it.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#schedule #preferred
2 months ago
What is expected to be a strong Kernersville Middle School baseball team opened its season Tuesday afternoon with a 20-1 rout of Northwest Middle School at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex. The game was called on the 10-run rule after three innings.
At the plate, Colton McClendon led the team with four runs on two hits. He drove in the first two runs with a homer to left field in the first inning.
Carter Martin hit a two-run single, and Austin Newcomb followed with an RBI single. Cooper Forsyth and Aaron Thompson both hit RBI singles in the inning.
Colton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. A walk to Max Garber with the bases loaded brought in another run, and a single by Kamden Rice drove in another run.
KMS added 10 runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored two runs, Colton singled to drove in a run. Kamden doubled, driving in scoring three runs. Jacob King followed with a two-run double. A double by Jayden Rangel scored two runs and Brantley Lawson was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded to drove in the last run of the inning.
#drove #single #kamden
At the plate, Colton McClendon led the team with four runs on two hits. He drove in the first two runs with a homer to left field in the first inning.
Carter Martin hit a two-run single, and Austin Newcomb followed with an RBI single. Cooper Forsyth and Aaron Thompson both hit RBI singles in the inning.
Colton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. A walk to Max Garber with the bases loaded brought in another run, and a single by Kamden Rice drove in another run.
KMS added 10 runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored two runs, Colton singled to drove in a run. Kamden doubled, driving in scoring three runs. Jacob King followed with a two-run double. A double by Jayden Rangel scored two runs and Brantley Lawson was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded to drove in the last run of the inning.
#drove #single #kamden
2 months ago
American League triple-crown contender Yordan Alvarez is out of the Houston Astros' lineup for Friday due to a sore right ankle.
Alvarez twisted his ankle while running the bases in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He went 0-for-3 with 3 strikeouts against Phillies starter Zack Wheeler.
But Alvarez reached base in the eighth inning on an intentional walk from José Alvarado. He advanced to third base on a Jose Altuve double, but stumbled over the bag and was checked out by trainers.
Alvarez stayed in the game, but did not have to run on a Daulton Varsho pop-up. As the designated hitter, he didn't have to take the field in the bottom of the inning.
Astros manager Joe Espada said no imaging was necessary for Alvarez's ankle, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. He did some hitting earlier in the day and could be available to pinch-hit.
#ankle #Phillies #inning
Alvarez twisted his ankle while running the bases in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He went 0-for-3 with 3 strikeouts against Phillies starter Zack Wheeler.
But Alvarez reached base in the eighth inning on an intentional walk from José Alvarado. He advanced to third base on a Jose Altuve double, but stumbled over the bag and was checked out by trainers.
Alvarez stayed in the game, but did not have to run on a Daulton Varsho pop-up. As the designated hitter, he didn't have to take the field in the bottom of the inning.
Astros manager Joe Espada said no imaging was necessary for Alvarez's ankle, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. He did some hitting earlier in the day and could be available to pinch-hit.
#ankle #Phillies #inning
2 months ago
DETROIT — Who knew?
Who knew Tigers rookie Ben Malgeri's superpower was stealing bases? Who knew his sprint speed, as measured in-game by Statcast, is faster than Max Clark's?
True story.
"I didn't know that," Malgeri said, with a smile.
Entering play Friday, Sept. 11, Malgeri was 5-for-5 on steals of second base. And his sprint speed, 29.1 feet per second, ranks in the 91st percentile in baseball.
#malgeri
Who knew Tigers rookie Ben Malgeri's superpower was stealing bases? Who knew his sprint speed, as measured in-game by Statcast, is faster than Max Clark's?
True story.
"I didn't know that," Malgeri said, with a smile.
Entering play Friday, Sept. 11, Malgeri was 5-for-5 on steals of second base. And his sprint speed, 29.1 feet per second, ranks in the 91st percentile in baseball.
#malgeri
2 months ago
Sponsor-backed direct lending volume and deal count ticked up in the three months ended Aug. 31, recovering from the lows seen in Q2 but remaining below Q1 levels, according to new LCD data.
Direct lenders provided an estimated $28 billion across 124 sponsor-backed deals over the past three months, up from $23 billion across 101 deals in Q2, though still short of Q1's $45 billion across 133 deals, according to the latest US LCD Private Credit Monitor.
On a year-to-date basis, sponsor-backed direct lending volume of $87 billion across 322 deals through August runs 27% behind last year's $120 billion (from 356 deals) over the same period, signaling that sponsors remain cautious even as quarterly activity firms up.
Buyout financing has followed a similar path. Direct lenders backed 50 LBOs for roughly $14 billion over the three months through August, an improvement on Q2's 47 deals and $13 billion but still well below Q1's 56 deals and $23 billion. Year-to-date, direct lending buyout volume of $44 billion across 135 deals trails the $57 billion and 154 deals at the same time last year, suggesting sponsors are still hesitant to launch new platform deals amid the higher-for-longer rate backdrop.
Healthcare sector deals accounted for 20% of new-issue direct lending deals in 2026 year-to-date, versus 18% in full-year 2025. Technology's share of new direct lending deals has fallen to 16% YTD, from 18% for FY 2025, representing the largest drop of any sector over the period. Utilities and building materials both saw large increases, though both sectors sit on small relative bases.
#billion #lending #three
Direct lenders provided an estimated $28 billion across 124 sponsor-backed deals over the past three months, up from $23 billion across 101 deals in Q2, though still short of Q1's $45 billion across 133 deals, according to the latest US LCD Private Credit Monitor.
On a year-to-date basis, sponsor-backed direct lending volume of $87 billion across 322 deals through August runs 27% behind last year's $120 billion (from 356 deals) over the same period, signaling that sponsors remain cautious even as quarterly activity firms up.
Buyout financing has followed a similar path. Direct lenders backed 50 LBOs for roughly $14 billion over the three months through August, an improvement on Q2's 47 deals and $13 billion but still well below Q1's 56 deals and $23 billion. Year-to-date, direct lending buyout volume of $44 billion across 135 deals trails the $57 billion and 154 deals at the same time last year, suggesting sponsors are still hesitant to launch new platform deals amid the higher-for-longer rate backdrop.
Healthcare sector deals accounted for 20% of new-issue direct lending deals in 2026 year-to-date, versus 18% in full-year 2025. Technology's share of new direct lending deals has fallen to 16% YTD, from 18% for FY 2025, representing the largest drop of any sector over the period. Utilities and building materials both saw large increases, though both sectors sit on small relative bases.
#billion #lending #three
2 months ago
Reds news: Fans will want to see this Elly De La Cruz MVP debate on MLB Network appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has played his way into the National League MVP conversation during a career-best season, but whether he belongs among the award's leading candidates remains up for debate.
The Reds' 24-year-old shortstop is currently hitting .283 with a .362 on-base percentage, .511 slugging percentage, 26 home runs, 70 RBI, 89 runs, and 25 stolen bases through 127 games played. His all-around production has prompted a national discussion about where he ranks among the NL's best players.
MLB Now took to its official X account, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, sharing a clip of the network's Brian Kenny and Rob Parker debating De La Cruz's MVP credentials in a segment Reds fans will want to see.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#elly #clutchpoints
Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has played his way into the National League MVP conversation during a career-best season, but whether he belongs among the award's leading candidates remains up for debate.
The Reds' 24-year-old shortstop is currently hitting .283 with a .362 on-base percentage, .511 slugging percentage, 26 home runs, 70 RBI, 89 runs, and 25 stolen bases through 127 games played. His all-around production has prompted a national discussion about where he ranks among the NL's best players.
MLB Now took to its official X account, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, sharing a clip of the network's Brian Kenny and Rob Parker debating De La Cruz's MVP credentials in a segment Reds fans will want to see.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#elly #clutchpoints
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