Cubs second baseman Nico Hoener wasn't expecting to hit a low slider by Reds relief pitcher Yosver Zulueta in the eighth inning of Wednesday afternoon's game. He attempted a check swing, but ended up hitting the ball instead of avoiding contact.
Luckily for Hoerner, his swing had enough power behind it for him to hit a single to left field. As he eyed the ball to make sure it dropped, Hoerner got extremely excited when he realized his mistaken hit was turning into an RBI for him and a run for the Cubs. He was able to bring in his teammate Matt Shaw from second base to home.
Marquee Network caught the perfect shot of Hoerner's reaction once he realized his hit was a happy accident.
Hoerner's RBI single brought in the sixth and final run of the day for the Cubs. Chicago beat Cincinnati 6-1, pushing the Cubs to a 66-48 record to secure a stronger second-place hold in the NL Central behind the MLB-best Brewers.
قال أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، إن فريقه قدم مباراة كبيرة أمام كايزر تشيفز الجنوب أفريقي في الجولة الثانية لمباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.
وتعادل الزمالك مع نظيره كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي، بهدف لكل فريق في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما على ستاد بيتر موكابا في الجولة الثانية لمباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية.
طالع|فيديو | خطأ قاتل من محمد صبحي.. كايزر تشفيز يسجل هدف التعادل أمام الزمالك وأضاف في المؤتمر الصحفي عقب اللقاء :” أشكر اللاعبين على ما قدموه في المباراة، فريق كايزر تشيفز له اسم كبير، ولكنه لم يصل لمرمى الزمالك في الشوط الأول، بينما كانت له فرصة واحدة في الشوط الثاني، في حين أهدرنا العديد من الفرص على مدار الشوطين، واستقبال هدف من خطأ في الدقائق الأخيرة وهو مسؤوليتي الشخصية، ومحمد صبحي حارس كبير”.
وواصل: “حصلنا على نقطة التعادل وسنستعد للمباريات المقبلة من أجل المنافسة على صدارة المجموعة، وأرفض الحديث عن التحكيم في لقاء اليوم”.
وتابع أحمد عبد الرؤوف: “خسرنا نقطتين في مباراة اليوم، واستقبال هدف من خطأ في آخر دقيقة يحزننا جميعًا، والزمالك فريق كبير ينافس على كافة البطولات التي يشارك فيها”.
وبعد نهاية مباريات الجولة الثانية من المجموعة الرابعة، يتصدر فريق المصري الترتيب برصيد 6 نقاط، يأتي الزمالك في المركز الثاني برصيد 4 نقاط، ثم كايزر تشيفز ثالثا بنقطة، وأخيرا زيسكو دون نقاط.
As the Dodgers put a sudden end to Game 6 of the World Series in Rogers Centre, beating the Jays 3–1 on Friday night, the first question on everyone's mind: Who is pitching tomorrow?
For Toronto, we've known for some time that Max Scherzer would be the starter. As Joel Sherman reported Friday night Shohei Ohtani will start. The Dodgers made the decision official Saturday afternoon.
There were at least two options to consider. Tyler Glasnow was due up in the rotation, but Ohtani was the leading option, especially after Friday night.
Glasnow came in for the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6. Ordinarily, that would tilt the scales of decision entirely to Ohtani, but he only threw three pitches.
For what it’s worth, Glasnow did tell reporters after the game that he’ll be available to pitch in Game 7.
Immediately after the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about his thoughts on Ohtani pitching in Game 7.
"Right now there's no wrong answer. [Ohtani is] certainly going to be a part of the pitching plan. With Shohei, it could be two innings, but it could be four innings. I'm not sure where we're going to slot him. We're going to have to talk to him first and see where he feels most comfortable."
Another consideration for Roberts and the Dodgers was that if Ohtani enters in relief and comes out of the game, Los Angeles will lose its designated hitter position. Using him as a starter is the only way to get the Dodgers DH flexibility while working him into the pitching plan.
Scherzer vs. Ohtani in Game 7. Get your popcorn ready.
There's bad news for MLB teams that lost Game 1 of their wild-card series on Tuesday. Based on past results, it's unlikely that they'll come back to win the series.
As USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted, since MLB moved to its current postseason format in 2022, there have been 12 wild-card series. Ten of those 12 series have ended in sweeps. In addition to that, no team that lost the first game has wound up advancing to the next round.
That's really bad news for the Guardians, Padres, Yankees, and Reds, who all lost the opening games of their respective matchups on Tuesday. All head into Wednesday facing elimination, and the numbers suggest they'll all wind up on vacation soon.
The only teams to force a third game under the current format were the Mets in 2022 and the Brewers in 2024.
The 2022 Mets were hosting the Padres at Citi Field, but lost the opener of the series 7-1. They won Game 2 7-3, but lost Game 3 6-0 in the infamous Joe Musgrove ear game.
Last season, the Brewers lost Game 1 of their wild-card series against the Mets 8-4 at American Family Field. They bounced back in Game 2 to win 5-3, but New York bested Milwaukee 4-2 in Game 3.
We'll see if any of the trailing teams can reverse the trend this year.
India have appealed the guilty verdict against Suryakumar Yadav, who was fined 30% of his match fee
Danyal Rasool and Nagraj Gollapudi26-Sep-20254:11
Suryakumar: ‘A few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit’
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty by the ICC of breaching the code of conduct for his comments that alluded to the military skirmish between India and Pakistan, after their group match in the Asia Cup on September 14.It is understood Suryakumar’s not-guilty plea was rejected by ICC match referee Richie Richardson and that he was fined 30% of his match fee. India have appealed against the verdict.Two Pakistan players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, also faced disciplinary hearings on Friday, following their actions in the Super Four game between the two sides on September 21. Farhan was pulled up for his gun celebration after reaching his fifty, while Rauf was captured on camera making gestures that alluded to the downing of aircraft. They are still waiting to hear what sanctions, if any, they face.The PCB had complained to the ICC that Suryakumar’s remarks following the game on September 14 – both at the presentation ceremony and the post-match press conference – constituted a breach of the ICC regulation to avoid political messaging.In its complaint to the ICC, seen by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB quoted Suryakumar’s remarks where he “dedicated today’s victory to our armed forces”. He later specified this dedication was made to India’s armed forces who took part in a military operation against Pakistan in May, which triggered a skirmish between the two sides.Related
Suryakumar told to refrain from making political comments
BCCI lodges complaint with ICC against Farhan and Rauf
Abhishek: Didn't like Pakistan 'coming at us without any reason'
The PCB had demanded the ICC impose a Level 4 sanction – reserved for the most serious breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct – on Suryakumar. It cited past examples of players who were either prevented from what was deemed political messaging or fined for deploying it. The PCB pointed out that in the past the ICC had deemed messages calling attention to the humanitarian disaster caused by Israel’s war in Gaza to be political in nature, most recently when it blocked Usman Khawaja’s attempt to wear shoes with the message “Freedom is a human right” inscribed on them.It could not be confirmed whether the appeal by India has been heard, or when it will take place. Generally, the match referee decides on a time and venue but India face Sri Lanka in the last Super Four match on Friday evening and then play Pakistan in the final on Sunday. If Suryakumar is found guilty after the appeal too, his sanction will be increased accordingly.There was heightened tension between India and Pakistan before their group game began on September 14, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistan at the toss and after the game, which India won by seven wickets. In the Super Four match between the sides, there were a number of confrontations between Pakistan’s bowlers and India’s openers. Abhishek Sharma later accused Pakistan of “coming at us for no reason”.In that game, Farhan celebrated his half-century by miming the firing of a gun, which he later said was a “spur of the moment” decision. Rauf, meanwhile, made numerous gestures depicting the downing of aircraft while fielding on the boundary, in apparent reference to the recent military conflict.ESPNcricinfo understands Farhan and Rauf also pleaded not guilty and contested that the gestures were not political in nature. While no official verdict has been reached on the two players, the PCB privately accept that they are also likely to cop fines.
Even as the humidity went up due to the extended monsoon, both batters kept their cool and raised maiden Test tons, putting South Africa well on top
Mohammad Isam29-Oct-20241:47
Stubbs: ‘Getting to three figures was a big relief’
In local cricket circles, they say that if you have survived Mirpur, Sylhet or Chattogram is a breeze. This is obviously about the pitches at these venues. South Africa’s batters navigated the Shere Bangla National Stadium surface well last week, so when they got to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, it was time to cash in. They did, finishing the first day on 307 for 2, and it was thanks mainly to the tenacity of the young pair of Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs.The two of them hit centuries – the first in Tests for both of them – after South Africa opted to bat, added 201 for the second wicket, and complemented each other when they batted together. Stubbs said afterwards that de Zorzi helped him through his nervous start and a tough period after lunch to keep the pressure on Bangladesh throughout the day.”To get to the three figures was a big relief more than anything,” Stubbs said. “This definitely ranks as my favourite hundred. Till lunch, I was scoring quite freely. After lunch, I was trying hard to get off strike. The ball was [reversing]. It was a good period for them. I grafted it out and once I got the rhythm back, I felt quite comfortable.Related
De Zorzi and Stubbs hit maiden tons to make it South Africa's day
“When the ball got a bit softer after lunch, we thought Taijul [Islam] got one or two to spin. He beat me on the outside [edge]. There was also a little bit of tail on the ball to keep you thinking. They also got the ball to [reverse] just enough to get you thinking. It was a good batting wicket but it was hard to score freely. You were going to get yourself out by giving them your wicket.”Stubbs got through his 198-ball stay by banking on the reverse sweep, his most profitable shot after the cover drive. Stubbs struck three fours with the reverse sweep, including one that went through the covers. De Zorzi, too, was strong on the sweep, which encouraged Stubbs to stick to what worked for him best.”My plan was to sweep before the game, but then I struggled with the actual sweep,” he said. “So it was more the reverse sweep today. Tony was sweeping very well today. Sometimes when it is working on that day, you commit with it. He did it really well.”I was really nervous up front. It was nice batting with Tony. He was very calm. He was flowing quite nicely. I give huge credit to him. Straight after lunch, he started cramping. The mental strength to go through the whole day was unbelievable. We kept reminding each other to not take anything for granted. It was really enjoyable batting with him.”De Zorzi ended the day having batted through the 81 overs for 141 not out, to Stubbs’ 106.Tony de Zorzi batted through the opening day•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa’s major challenge in Bangladesh has also been the unseasonal heat. The extended monsoon has caused the humidity to go up, too, so the visitors have had to endure some tough weather in both Dhaka and Chattogram, where it usually cools down around this time of the year.”It was flippin’ hot in the Caribbean [too],” Stubbs pointed out. “Then we went to the UAE last month. It is about getting used to the uncomfortable heat. I sweat a lot so it is all about trying to keep my gloves dry. Fortunately, I have a nice sponsor who has given a lot of gloves for this tour. That’s the biggest challenge.”Incidentally, Chattogram has been a happy place for South Africa’s batters over the years, especially when it comes to putting together partnerships.In 2003, Boeta Dippenaar and Jacques Rudolph put together 429 for the unbroken third-wicket stand at the old MA Aziz Stadium across the city. It is still the highest Test stand against Bangladesh. And five years on from that, Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie added 415 for the opening stand at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium – a world record for the opening wicket. De Zorzi and Stubbs haven’t threatened those numbers, but theirs is a partnership that is likely to have a similarly big impact on this Test match.
أثار رمزي صالح، حارس مرمى الاهلي السابق، جدلًا واسعًا بعد تصريحاته حول مستقبل الفلسطيني حامد حمدان لاعب فريق بتروجيت، حيث تحدث عن رؤيته الفنية ونصيحته له بالانتقال إلى القلعة الحمراء وعدم الانضمام لـ الزمالك.
وقال رمزي صالح في تصريحات عبر قناة mbc masr 2″: “كنتُ مع حامد حمدان بالأمس، ونصحته بأن يغلق على نفسه دائرة التفكير قليلًا، وألا يسمح لأحد بالتأثير عليه، فاللاعب يحتاج دائمًا إلى الاستقرار، ولا يتوفر ذلك إلا في نادٍ يتمتع بالانضباط والجماهيرية والبطولات”.
وتابع: “وهذه الصفات موجودة في الأهلي والزمالك، غير أن غياب الاستقرار داخل الزمالك يمثل مشكلة حقيقية، ولا أقول ذلك لأنني منتمٍ للأهلي، بل لأنها حقيقة واضحة”.
وعن نصيحته لحامد حمدان، قال: “لا أحد يرفض عرضًا من الأهلي، ولكن القرار في النهاية يعود للاعب وحده”.
طالع أيضًا | رمزي صالح: زمن مصطفى شوبير قادم.. وجلوسه لـ محمد الشناوي مفيد
وأضاف: “أحزنني تصريح شقيقه حين قال إن حمدان لن يلعب إلا لنادي الزمالك، هذا كلام غير واقعي، ولا يجوز قوله، نحن نتحدث عن الاحتراف، وعلى اللاعب أن يبحث عن المكان الذي يطوره ويخدمه من جميع الجوانب: فنيًا وجماهيريًا وإعلاميًا وماديًا، وهناك لاعبون في الزمالك يعانون من مشكلات بسبب عدم استقرار النادي”.
وتابع: “حامد حمدان لاعب ذو قيمة فنية كبيرة، ولديه عروض من أندية في الخليج، وهذا يعزز فرصه، ولهذا كان من غير المناسب أن يطلق شقيقه مثل هذا التصريح؛ فهو بذلك يُغلق أمامه أبوابًا مهمة، وأظن أن حامد نفسه منزعج من كلام شقيقه، فالتعامل معه يجب أن يكون بعقلية اللاعب المحترف”.
وأردف: “وسام أبو علي يمتلك عقلية مختلفة؛ فقد عاش في أوروبا ويتعامل باحترافية بعيدًا عن العاطفة، ولم يتأثر بالبيئة العاطفية الموجودة في عالمنا العربي، لقد نظر للأمر من زاوية الفائدة؛ حصل على عرض جيد، وحقق استفادة له وللنادي الأهلي”.
واختتم: “وسام أبو علي لاعب مؤثر في أي فريق، لكن الأمر برمته كان مرحلة وانتهت، وهو يتحمل مسؤولية قراره”.
Manchester United have an exciting production line of stars for the future, and now appear to be interested in adding to that by capturing a gem that shone at the Under-17 World Cup.
The Red Devils will have enjoyed taking some time over the international break to digest what has been a credible start to the Premier League campaign, even if Ruben Amorim came under pressure during the early stages at Old Trafford.
Sitting tenth with a game in hand, Manchester United could move as high as fourth position with three points against Everton on Monday night, albeit they could be without Matheus Cunha due to a surprise injury concern.
Ben Jacobs confirmed on X that the Brazilian had suffered a head knock during training, forcing him to miss Altrincham’s Christmas light switch-on as a result, sparking attention on social media.
Nevertheless, the nature of his injury looks only to be minor, so there may still be a chance that he features against the Toffees if deemed fit to do so by the Red Devils’ medical staff.
As ever, Manchester United will hope to avoid a mounting list of absentees over the festive period. However, that is bound to affect everyone, especially with a heavy fixture schedule.
The January window could prove pivotal at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are now favourites to sign Ajax prodigy Jorthy Mokio amid concerns over Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.
Now, they also have eyes on a gem who performed at his best during the Under-17 World Cup, which has garnered attention from clubs around Europe.
Man Utd make approach to sign Mohamed Zongo
According to Africa Foot, Manchester United have made an approach to sign Tenakourou Academy star Mohamed Zongo, who they are now keen to hold discussions over signing on a permanent basis.
At only 15 years of age, the Burkina Faso youth international shone at the Under-17 World Cup with two goals and three assists to his name, leading to him being dubbed a “revelation” in some quarters.
Earning man of the match awards several times during the competition, his highlight came in a 1-0 victory over Germany where he was the only scorer in a famous victory for his country.
An attacking midfielder by trade and capable of featuring across the forward areas, Zongo is also on the radar of Manchester City, Villarreal and Anderlecht, illustrating how high his ceiling could potentially be with the correct development path.
Ultimately, he still has a tonne of growth left before coming into contention at first-team level overseas. However, Manchester United may be the best environment to earn his stripes.
Mainoo 2.0: Man Utd can axe Ugarte for one of England's "best young players"
October was certainly a month to remember for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim enjoying the best month of his tenure after taking the reins 12 months ago.
His Red Devils side won all three of their Premier League outings, even beating defending champions Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in just under a decade.
As a result, Amorim has been handed the Premier League Manager of the Month award, with the 40-year-old claiming the trophy for the first time at Old Trafford.
Such a record has catapulted the club up England’s top-flight in 2025/26, with the first-team finally heading in the right direction after getting to grips with the 3-4-2-1 system.
The success of the team is certainly credit to the manager and his tactics, but there’s no denying that he has one player to thank for the recent upturn in league form.
Why Mbeumo won October’s Premier League Player of the Month
As part of the £200m summer spending spree, United landed the signature of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – forking out a staggering £71m for his services.
The Cameroonian arrived with huge expectations after scoring 20 league goals last season, with the attacker already starting to come good after his big-money transfer.
He scored his first top-flight goal in the win against Burnley back in August, but his career at Old Trafford has ignited after his form over the last month.
The 26-year-old played three times in October, scoring three times and registering one assist – subsequently achieving a goal contribution in every game he played – helping him win the division’s Player of the Month award.
He scored within the first two minutes of the victory over Arne Slot’s side on Merseyside, undoubtedly playing a vital role in the triumph and making himself a fan-favourite.
Mbeumo’s goalscoring tally for the month ended with a double against Brighton and Hove Albion, helping Amorim’s side make it three wins in a row for the first time in his tenure.
The United star who should have won Player of the Month
During the last few weeks, numerous United players have managed to catch the eye and are deserving of more credit for their impact in the Premier League.
Senne Lammens made his Red Devils debut in the first triumph over Sunderland at the start of October, with the Belgian since cementing his place as a regular starter between the sticks.
The 23-year-old has already kept a clean sheet in the Premier League, whilst also playing a vital role in the historic victory at Anfield – as he made a total of five saves.
He’s not been alone in impressing, with Amad Diallo also massively thriving despite operating in a somewhat unnatural right-wing-back during the recent run.
However, central midfielder Casemiro has gone somewhat under the radar, especially after his poor form at the start of the campaign, which led to fans questioning his future at the club.
The Brazilian international has since resurrected his career at Old Trafford, with Amorim starting the experienced star in all of the victories during October.
Such a period has allowed the 33-year-old to prove some incredible numbers, many of which should have seen him being named the Player of the Month over Mbeumo.
Casemiro, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered two goals and assists in as his three matches – with both of his efforts coming against Brighton.
However, other numbers such as 90 passes completed and 148 touches showcase his ability to dictate the play despite his deep-lying midfield position.
Casemiro’s stats for Man Utd in October 2025
Statistics
Tally
Games played
3
Goals & assists
2
Minutes played
213
Passes completed
90
Touches
148
Defensive contributions
31
Tackles won
9
Recoveries made
13
Duels won
16
Stats via FotMob
Out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 13 recoveries and 16 duels won, with such numbers allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in a more advanced role.
The revival of Casemiro over recent weeks is nothing short of sensational, with huge credit needing to be directed his way after his recent performances.
Mbeumo has also done superbly well to win the award, but his teammate will no doubt feel aggrieved that he wasn’t able to get his hands on the trophy.
Not Bruno or Mbeumo: Man Utd star is becoming one of the "best in the world"
Manchester United have already unearthed a new world-class under Ruben Amorim.
In a trade deadline stunner, Carlos Correa is headed back to the team he won the World Series with in 2017. According to multiple reports, the three-time All-Star has been traded from the Twins to the Astros.
Correa, 30, is set to move to third base in Houston to finish the season in place of the injured Issac Paredes and upon his arrival, sent a fired-up message to Astros fans:
"I’m coming home and there’s only one goal in mind," he told Brian McTaggart in an interview with MLB.com. "And that’s to win championships."
Houston has been an MLB juggernaut over the last decade, playing in four World Series' since 2017 and winning two of them. Correa won one, and will now look to win another as the Astros sit at 62–47 and in first place in the American League West. The infielder is hitting .267 this season with seven home runs and 31 RBIs.