Kaiserslautern have a chance to go into the top three of the 2. Bundesliga standings when they face Magdeburg away from home on matchday 5. The hosts could also go above their opponents with three points.
Here are the two lineups for the 2. Bundesliga clash in Magdeburg.
1. FC Magdeburg: Reimann ©; Bockhorn, Heber, Garcia MacNulty, Nollenberger; Michel, Kwarteng, Hyryläinen; Iyoha, Żukowski, Atik
1. FC Kaiserslautern: Krahl; Elvedi, Gyamfi, Rasmussen; Asta, Sahin, Kunze, Murphy; Yardımcı, Ritter ©; Tazemeta

#three #bockhorn

South Africa and New Zealand conclude the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series with a last meeting in Baltimore in the United States.
The Springboks have secured at least a draw after winning the final match on home soil last weekend to take a 2-1 lead into this encounter.
Rassie Erasmus's side will be in no mood, though, to let the All Blacks square affairs, with a strong selection named by the world champions as they search for another statement performance.
Can New Zealand hit back in what should be an enjoyable occasion at the home of the Baltimore Ravens?
Here's everything you need to know:

#zealand #home #south

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An unorthodox pitching plan worked about as well as the Houston Astros could have hoped Friday. Their offense could not capitalize against another American League contender.
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.

#astros #houston #abreu #tampa

Detroit is still without a permanent general manager, and training camp opens Sept. 17. Shawn Horcoff is running day-to-day operations on an interim basis, with one significant restriction: he cannot make trades. Chris Ilitch has brought in an outside search firm, and the list of outside names has already been trimmed.
Most of the attention has gone to the candidates coming from other organizations. But three of the most credible Red Wings GM candidates already work in the building, and the Wings need to at least consider looking at them.
Steve Yzerman's tenure in Detroit was less than fruitful; fans and ******* ysts both tried to stay faithful to the so-called "Yzerplan." Yzerman stepped down on July 15 after seven seasons that produced zero playoff berths, and he remains with the organization as a senior adviser to Ilitch rather than having been fired outright. During his tenure there seemed to be no urgency to help the team make it back to the playoffs, even though they were within range the past three seasons.
Now, this is not the complete fault of Yzerman, as he was handcuffed by Chris Ilitch. Reports have come out that Yzerman needed approval from Ilitch on certain deals, more specifically signing Steven Stamkos as a free agent, just to see him put up productive seasons — 69 goals across two campaigns for the Nashville Predators, 27 in his first year and 42 in his second.
Yzerman's highlights of acquisitions for the team are trading for Alex DeBrincat and signing Patrick Kane coming off hip surgery. He also had his fair share of misses, such as Andrew Copp ($5.625 AAV/5 years), J.T. Compher ($5.100 AAV/5 years), Michael Rasmussen ($3.200 AAV/4 years), Vladimir Tarasenko ($4.750 AAV/2 years), and the list can go on. He made poor contract extensions and signed aging superstars to try and get any juice that they had left.

#chris

Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi feels José Mourinho wouldn't have subbed Rasmus Hojlund off, as Massimiliano Allegri did against Inter last weekend, but Federico Dimarco's absence will be 'significant' at the Bernabéu tonight.
Inter and Mourinho reunite at the Bernabéu tonight in the opening round of the 2026-27 Champions League, at the same venue where the Special One lifted the Champions League as the Nerazzurri coach in 2010.
Materazzi built a strong bond with Mourinho during the Portuguese's two-year spell at San Siro and recently met the Special One in Italy: "José took a plane specifically to record that footage, and he told me again: 'You and John Terry, the most important centre-backs of my career'," Materazzi told Gazzetta.
The former Italy defender, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, is certainly not surprised that Real Madrid hired Mou last summer.
"No, because I know the relationship he has with Florentino, how much he trusts José," he said.

#Inter #mourinho #league #defender

Old foes South Africa and New Zealand collide in a new series in the first "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour.
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.

#four #years #africa

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa and New Zealand fly together to Baltimore on Sunday to conclude their epic rugby test series without key players Cheslin Kolbe and Ardie Savea.
Both suffered series-ending injuries on Saturday as the world champion Springboks beat the All Blacks 29-24 and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the four-test series.
Kolbe, South Africa's flawless goalkicker in the series, broke his jaw when he was run over by Luke Jacobson, and Savea, the All Blacks captain, possibly dislocated his right shoulder in a clearout by Jasper Wiese. Also, New Zealand center Quinn Tupaea damaged his MCL.
Neither team planned to replace them in the squad for the final match next Saturday at the NFL home of the Baltimore Ravens.
Having guided the Springboks into a series lead after losing the first match, coach Rassie Erasmus was relieved.

#series #south #springboks #blacks

Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner as Inter Milan came from behind to beat Napoli 3-2 and maintain their perfect start to the new Serie A season.
Napoli, with former AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri back at San Siro, had looked in control after two goals in the ******* e of five minutes early in the second half from Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund.
Martinez, though, started the fightback before Marcus Thuram headed an equaliser with eight minutes left and the Inter captain then ******* ed victory in added time after Napoli failed to clear a corner.
It was a lively opening, with Andy Diouf's low shot from the edge of the area forcing Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret into an early save.
The visitors, missing Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay after it was revealed he needs a minor heart procedure, saw Hojlund's stabbed effort at the far post blocked by Martinez in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

#martinez #time #stoppage #half

South Africa edged another ferocious and bruising clash against New Zealand to win the third Test 29-24 on Saturday and go 2-1 up in the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
Both teams scored ⁠four tries in front of 87,976 fans at Soccer City, with the Springboks coming back after trailing in the first half to add to their narrow success in last weekend's second test in Cape Town.
It ⁠proved another classic contest of Springbok forward power against the All Blacks' pacey passing attack, with New Zealand starting furiously but eventually being ⁠worn down by the physicality of their hosts.
Ardie Savea went off nine minutes before halftime with a shoulder injury in a blow to the tourists and he looks uncertain for the final match, which will be played in Baltimore, in the United States, next Saturday.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said: "It was epic and intense, fierce battle in all departments. The scoreboard in the end showed how close it was. Were just happy to win."

#springboks #four #rivalry

Inter produced an epic comeback to beat bitter rivals Napoli 3-2 in a breathless Serie A showdown at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Despite trailing by two goals at the 55-minute mark, Cristian Chivu's side summoned their champions' mentality to overturn the deficit and preserve their perfect start to the Scudetto defense.
There was nothing to separate Inter and Napoli at halftime, with both teams squandering several promising chances to open the scoring. Massimiliano Allegri's team enjoyed a dream start to the second half as Matteo Politano broke the deadlock against his former club only five minutes into the second half.
Buoyed by the Italian winger's opener, Napoli continued to push forward and quickly found what they may have considered a crucial second goal. Rasmus Hojlund launched a perfectly placed low shot into the bottom corner to put clear daylight between the sides, giving Inter a mountain to climb in the final 40 minutes of the game.
However, Lautaro Martinez couldn't have picked a better time for his first goal of the season. El Toro cut Napoli's lead in half only three minutes after Hojlund's goal to initiate the comeback. Still, Inter had to wait until the 82nd minute and Marcus Thuram's thumping header to level the score.
When it looked like they would share the spoils with Napoli, just like they did at this venue last season, Lautaro latched onto the loose ball inside the six-yard box and completed the turnaround. As a result, Inter maintained their 100% start to the season, while Napoli suffered their second consecutive defeat after losing to Como last week.

#season

Thomas Stamm makes three changes from the defeat away to Heidenheim. Ahmet Muhamedbegovic, Nicolai Rapp and Jakob Lemmer come into the starting XI.
Uwe Rösler makes two changes to the eleven from the defeat in Osnabrück last time out. Enis ****** aj and Christian Rasmussen come into the eleven.
Dynamo Dresden (4-3-3): Schreiber; Sterner, Muhamedbegovic, Müller, Rossipal; Wagner, Rapp, Hauptmann; Lemmer, Vermeij, Bobzien
VfL Bochum (4-2-3-1): Horn; Olsen, Steinwender, Mets, Wittek; ****** aj, Pannewig; Miyoshi, Rasmussen, Holtmann; Hofmann

#muhamedbegovic

In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rasmus Højlund discussed, among other things, his time at Manchester United.
When asked about his thoughts on why things didn't work out at Old Trafford, Højlund singled out the arrival of Ruben Amorim after Erik ten Hag's dismissal.
"I don't think anything specific went wrong. I arrived at a club with a manager: it was a difficult year, with many injuries, but we won the FA Cup and I was the top scorer. Then we went through a difficult period and Amorim arrived, an excellent coach but with a different playing style. The team had to adapt, and it was complicated. We all struggled. My first year was a success, the second wasn't. But I played in the Europa League final; if we had won, it would have been a different story. That's football: sometimes it goes well, other times it goes badly, but I'm very happy to have played for the club I dreamed of as a child."
The young Dane moved to Man United ahead of the 2023/24 season from Atalanta on the back of a €79.8m move. In his debut season, he made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing two ****** ists. In his second season, he managed just ten goals and four ****** ists in 52 appearances. Thus followed a season-long loan at Napoli, which was made permanent this summer for €44 million.
The price tag definitely did not help matters for Højlund. While teams often go out of their way to sign players for beyond-reason prices, something United have been particularly wont to do, those price tags do dictate how a player's time at the club is perceived, even when players often hardly play a role in deciding the fee agreed between the negotiating clubs.

#united #things #went

Manchester United is in recovery mode at home to Ipswich Town on Sunday after losing its first game of the new Premier League season.
Jul 27, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half against the ***** nal at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM EDT
Channel: Telemundo; USA Network

#manchester #united #ipswich #town

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus was looking forward to watching New Zealand counterpart Dave Rennie squirm for the next week after tying their four-test series on Saturday.
The Springboks relied on a masterclass of goalkicking by Cheslin Kolbe — seven from seven off the tee — to win the second test 33-26 after New Zealand outscored them on tries 4-3.
World champion South Africa dropped the first test in Johannesburg and hasn't lost consecutive tests at home on Erasmus' watch — since 2018 — and he was relieved they got back into a series in which they started as the heavy favorite.
"Of course I felt the pressure, and the players will tell you I felt the pressure. I try not to put it on them but I was nervous," Erasmus said.
He noted he and the older Rennie were November babies, both Scorpios, and quipped: "That's why he's able to work me out.

#south #africa #erasmus #series

Yankees' Aaron Boone gets questionable job status update amid hot-seat rumor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees have had Aaron Boone as their manager for nine seasons. While they've been a good team for most of those seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2024, they've not won a ***** le since his hiring.
For a storied franchise like the Yankees, this current drought without a ***** le since 2009 is a notable stretch without another World Series championship. Boone is trying to fix that this season. But what if the Yankees are bounced in the postseason again?
Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated shared a hot-seat rumor about Boone that revealed the Yankees and Brian Cashman could finally run out of patience and move on from Boone if the 2026 season result isn't good enough.
"He's been given a long leash by Brian Cashman and the rest of the front office, but patience may run out if the Yankees don't make a deep postseason run this year," Rasmussen writes.

#cashman #seat

On August 17, satellite communications giant Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) selected launch and ****** e systems provider Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) to build the ****** ecraft bus for the U.S. ****** e Force's Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program. Under the initial "Swarm 1" production award, a $218.8 million prime contract won by Viasat in May, Rocket Lab will supply a geosynchronous configuration of its Lightning ****** ecraft platform (Lightning-GEO) to host Viasat's dual-band X/Ka-band anti-jamming payload. Stifel ****** yst Erik Rasmussen maintained a Buy rating on Rocket Lab following the news, citing a "meaningful share" of the award for Rocket Lab that presents a high eight-figure revenue opportunity and positions the company well for follow-on contracts.
Viasat and Rocket Lab present two fundamentally different financial profiles, with Viasat emphasizing scale and improving cash flow while Rocket Lab delivers significantly faster growth. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) generated approximately $1.2 billion in Q1 FY2027 revenue, down 1% year over year, primarily reflecting a 4% decline in its Defense and Advanced Technology segment while Communications Services remained flat. Its net loss narrowed to $52 million from $56 million in Q1 FY2026, helped by lower interest expenses following debt repayment. Adjusted EBITDA declined 7% year over year to $381 million, while free cash flow increased 19% to $72 million, excluding non-recurring items. This improvement helped reduce net leverage to 3.2x, down 0.4x, while quarterly awards increased 10% year over year to $1.3 billion.
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), meanwhile, posted record Q2 2026 revenue of $234.1 million, up 62% year over year, driven by rapid expansion in its ****** e Systems business. Although the company recorded a GAAP net loss of $49.25 million, gross profit increased to $84.57 million, while backlog surged 137% year over year to $2.36 billion. Cash reserves also climbed to $2.13 billion following an ATM equity offering. While Viasat generates roughly five times the revenue and stronger operating cash flow, Rocket Lab is growing at a much faster pace, rapidly scaling its high-margin ****** e Systems business alongside launch services.
Viasat's bull case is supported by strong cash flow generation, with $72 million in free cash flow, and a multi-billion-dollar backlog that provides visibility for continued debt reduction. Its ****** e Force PTS-G win also reinforces the strength of its defense business and could support future growth. However, the bear case centers on declining top-line growth, with revenue down 1% year over year. Heavy capital expenditures on satellite constellations, combined with existing leverage constraints, could limit the company's ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

#viasat #space #cash

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (WRBL) - The magical ride has come to an end, but the legacy of Phenix City's 2026 Little League World Series team is only beginning.
Phenix City fell to Hamilton, Ohio on Wednesday night to end their stay in Williamsport, but the team captured the hearts of baseball fans, both at home and across the country. After battling through the United States Elimination bracket, the team reached the final four in the U.S. before being eliminated.
The team's resilience was on display throughout the tournament. After suffering a 2-0 loss to Tacoma, Washington in their first game, the kids from Phenix City picked up three consecutive wins, including a dramatic 6-5 walk off win over Pennsylvania earlier this week.
Kinley Rasmus set the all-time record for most hits by a girl in a Little League World Series, and is tied for the most strikeouts in a game and most strikeouts overall by a girl in a Little League World Series.
While the dream of bringing home a World Championship came up just short, the team has plenty of accomplishments that won't be forgotten anytime soon, including their undefeated runs through both the Alabama and Southeast Region tournaments.

#little #team #home #game

Alabama is three wins away from reaching the United States Championship game in the 2026 Little League World Series.
The journey continues on Tuesday, August 25 as Phenix City faces Tacoma, Washington — the squad that opened up Alabama's time in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with a loss despite the efforts of Kinley Rasmus on the mound.
Rasmus helped keep Phenix City's Little League World Series hopes alive on Monday when she took the mound in the third inning, after which Alabama came back from a 5-run deficit to win 6-5 in walk-off fashion.
Should Phenix City fall to Washington, the Northwest representatives, again when the teams meet at 2 p.m. CT (ESPN), Alabama's first LLWS run since 1999 will be over.
For live updates on Alabama in the Little League World Series, follow along with The Montgomery Advertiser.

#little #league #rasmus

Alabama is still alive in the 2026 Little League World Series, but there is no longer any room for error.
Phenix City improved to 2-1 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with a 6-5 extra-inning win over Mid-Atlantic, completing a comeback from a 5-0 deficit in the process, on Monday, Aug. 24. The victory kept alive Alabama's first Little League World Series appearance since 1999.
Next for Alabama is a rematch against its tournament-opening opponent, the Northwest representatives from Tacoma, Washington at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Here's a look at where Alabama stands in the Little League World Series bracket and what lies ahead for Phenix City.
REQUIRED READING: Alabama Little League World Series star Kinley Rasmus' mom was standout athlete, too

#alabama #league #city #alive

The Alabama Little League World Series team has a rematch against Washington.
The Phenix City All-Stars stayed alive in the tournament when Brooks Cameron ripped an RBI-single up the middle to secure a 6-5 walk-off win over the West Chester (Pa.) All-Stars on Monday, Aug. 24, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Star girl athlete Kinley Rasmus and company were facing elimination after Alabama fell 2-0 to the Soundview All-Stars out of Tacoma, Washington in its first game of the 2026 Little League World Series last Wednesday.
Alabama has the chance to avenge that defeat in an another elimination game at 2 p.m. CT Tuesday, Aug. 25. The game can be watched on ESPN.
REQUIRED READING: Watch Brooks Cameron's walk-off hit to keep Alabama alive in Little League World Series

#league #game #brooks #alive

DETROIT (AP) — Jonathan Aranda homered and Drew Rasmussen gave up three hits in six strong innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the slumping Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Monday night.
Tampa Bay had lost seven of its last 10, but never trailed against the Tigers, who have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall behind in the race for the final AL wild card.
Rasmussen (14-5) allowed one run to win his seventh straight start. It is the second longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Blake Snell's nine-start streak in 2018.
Bryan Baker pitched the ninth for his 38th save.
Detroit starter Framber Valdez (8-9) gave up four runs — three earned — on eight hits in six innings. He walked two without striking out a batter.

#hits

South Africa and New Zealand collide in the first of four huge Tests in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks have won all three of their warm-up games since arriving in South Africa, and now take on a Springboks side that beat them in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Rassie Erasmus' world champions are unbeaten in their last 12 matches and were narrow victors in the pair's last encounter at Ellis Park.
Another blockbuster encounter could be in store as the landmark series launches in style.
Here's everything you need to know.

#south #africa #series

Old foes South Africa and New Zealand collide in a new series in the first "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour.
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.

#south #greatest

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen died Aug. 18 at 93 from the effects of Parkinson's disease. (Photo by Marc Serota)
In August 1978, Bill Rasmussen was stuck in traffic on Interstate 84 with his son, Scott, trying to solve a problem: They had plans for a sports cable network and enough satellite capacity to cover 8,760 hours a year. What could possibly fill all that time?
Scott offered an answer that sounded almost absurd: play sports all day.
From that traffic jam emerged the blueprint for what became the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, soon known by its initialism, ESPN.
That brainstorm established Rasmussen, who died Aug. 18 at 93 from the effects of Parkinson's disease, as a founding father of around-the-clock sports television and helped change how generations of fans consumed sports.

#sports #rasmussen #died #TRAFFIC

Toulouse and Lyon go head-to-head at Stadium de Toulouse this Saturday in the Ligue 1. Toulouse mark their 56th participation in the competition, whilst Lyon go into their 69th.
In their last fixture, Toulouse suffered a 1-2 reverse against Hamburger SV (Pre-season 2026/27). In their last game, Lyon drew 1-1 with Fenerbahçe (Champions League [Qualification] 2026/27).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Toulouse winning 2-1.
Alejandro Gomes - No Eligibility
Toulouse ( vs Nantes 2026-05-17): Guillaume Restes, Mark McKenzie, Seny Koumbassa, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Djibril Sidibé, Pape Demba Diop, Cristian Cásseres Jr, Dayann Methalie, Santiago Hidalgo, Emersonn, Yann Gboho

#toulouse #mark #saturday

Manchester United are reportedly tracking Ivan Toney and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could become options should Joshua Zirkzee leave.
Although we're less than two weeks away from the end of the summer transfer window, Zirkzee's future remains unclear.
The Dutchman is considering a mere back-up for Benjamin Sesko, and even with the Slovenian's absence, Michael Carrick could still opt to deploy either Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo in the striker role.
For the past 18 months or so, Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italian football. Last January, Roma were close to signing the 25-year-old, but in recent weeks, Juventus emerged as the player's most likely destination, which isn't a total coincidence, given how former Roma director Ricky Massara moved to Turin earlier this summer.
Moreover, Napoli are said to be considered a late-summer target for Zirkzee after selling Romelu Lukaku. This would reunite the former Bologna star with fellow Man Utd struggler Rasmus Hojlund, who managed to revive his career in Southern Italy.

#united #jean

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA(WBRE/WYOU)-- The 79th Little League World Series tossed the first pitch out on Wednesday in Williamsport. Both Lamade Stadium, and Volunteer Stadium hosted a doubleheader as four games highlighted the first day of competition.
The Little League World Series Opening Day Ceremonies started the morning began with the parade of stars into the stadium. Followed by first pitch from MLB World Series Champion, and 10x All-Star Steve Garvey.
The first game of the day featured two teams from the international bracket. Latin America, and the Caribbean battled on Volunteer field, with the game ended on the final play and an outfield ***** ist. Latin American won 2-1 behind a stellar pitching effort from Clemente Sevilla Pichardo. Pichardo struck out twelve batters in 5.2 innings pitched. He also helped his cause at the plate, driving in one of the two Latin American runs. He capped his afternoon with the ***** ist on the final out o the day. Pichardo gunned down the Caribbean runner trying to score from right field to end the ballgame.
Game two of the day was a pitching duel between the Southeast Region, and the Northwest Region in the U.S. bracket. Kinley Rasmus shined for the Southeast champs. She struck out eight batters, matching Mo'ne Davis mark. The game went to extra innings tied 0-0. In the top of the seventh inning, Kasen Workman drove in the game winning runs for the Northwest team. Workman hit a single to right, getting past the outfielder and going to the wall. Winston Weaver picked up the win for the Northwest, tossing two innings of relief.
International play wrapped up with a 7-0 nothing win for the Asia-Pacific region winners over Canada. AP was lead by Ji Hwan Hong and Jae Hyun Maeng. Ji Hwan Hong hit a home run, while Jae Hyun Maeng drove in two with a double. Do Yoon Kim also had a pair of doubles for Asia-Pacific in the win. Four pitchers combined for AP in the six inning shutout of Canada.

#region

Xabi Alonso is at Stamford Bridge with the Blues. Chelsea and Napoli are in contact over a potential transfer for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Napoli manager Max Allegri has made signing a new striker his top priority for the final weeks of the transfer window. Following Romelu Lukaku's permanent move to Fenerbahce, Napoli are keen to add depth and competition for Rasmus Hojlund. Alongside exploratory enquiries for ***** nal's Gabriel Jesus and Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, Jackson has emerged as a highly feasible and attractive option for the Partenopei.
Chelsea are open to selling the Senegal international, provided their steep valuation is met. Jackson spent the 2025/26 season on loan at German champions Bayern Munich, but they opted not to make the deal permanent. Since returning to West London, Jackson's place in Xabi Alonso's plans is uncertain, especially after being omitted from Chelsea's final pre-season fixtures.
With the Blues keen to trim their squad and generate funds, Chelsea have placed a £65 million price tag on the forward. Napoli's entry into the race could prove highly beneficial for the Blues, as it threatens to spark a genuine bidding war.
Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have all monitored Jackson's situation this summer, but so far, interested parties have been reluctant to meet Chelsea's asking price.

#napoli #final #keen

ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen passed away at the age of 93.
Rasmussen brought his vision of a 24/7 all-sports network to life in 1979. Even though he left the network the next year, his impact in helping to launch the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network has far surpassed anyone's reasonable expectations of what could be possible.
In the wake of his passing, several pillars of ESPN's past and present stepped forward to pay tribute.
"Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement released by ESPN. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
"He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn't a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill's legacy," ESPN legend Chris Berman added in the ESPN announcement.

#rasmussen #even

And so it begins.
Rugby ***** ans South Africa and New Zealand have finally arrived at their long-awaited test series, the culmination of the first full-size tour between them in 30 years.
Both teams just need an injury niggle or two to clear up before they run out on Saturday in the high veld citadel of Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The odds favor the undisputed two-time world champion Springboks in their first four-test series with the No. 2-ranked All Blacks since 1976.
As Springboks coach or director for eight years, Rassie Erasmus has an 8-6 record against New Zealand, with one draw. It goes against historical records. The All Blacks lead the head to head by 20 wins primarily because the Springboks find it harder to win in New Zealand.

#blacks #first #Rugby