Here’s how to watch Team USA vs. Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic for free

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An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Aaron Judge watches his two-run home run

Team USA is back in action at the 2026 World Baseball Classic tonight.

In their second of four pool stage games, they’ll face Team Great Britain, who are looking for the first win of the tournament.

Team USA kicked off the WBC last night in a huge win over Brazil. In the 15-5 victory, the team had 10 hits and 17 walks, five of which came in the ninth inning where Team USA scored seven runs. New York Yankees and Team USA captain Aaron Judge opened scoring in the top of the first inning.

2026 world baseball classic: what to know
  • Who: Team USA vs. Team Great Britain
  • When: March 7, 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Daikin Park (Houston, Texas)
  • Channel: FOX
  • Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)

Great Britain lost their tournament-opener 8-2 to Mexico, but the game was closer than the score would suggest as it was tied going into the eighth inning.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will be on the mound for Team USA tonight. The reigning AL Cy Young winner is set to return to Detroit’s spring training following today’s matchup.

Team USA vs. Great Britain WBC start time

Tonight’s (March 7) World Baseball Classic matchup between USA and Great Britain is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch USA vs. Great Britain for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the World Baseball Classic for free. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which you can learn more about below.

World Baseball Classic 2026: Team USA roster

  • Pitchers: David Bednar (Yankees), Matthew Boyd (Cubs), Garrett Cleavinger (Rays), Clay Holmes (Mets), Griffin Jax (Rays), Brad Keller (Phillies), Clayton Kershaw, Nolan McLean (Mets), Mason Miller (Padres), Joe Ryan (Twins), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Tarik Skubal (Tigers), Gabe Speier (Mariners), Michael Wacha (Royals), Logan Webb (Giants), Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox)
  • Catchers: Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Will Smith (Dodgers)
  • Infielders: Alex Bregman (Cubs), Ernie Clement (Blue Jays), Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees), Bryce Harper (Phillies), Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), Brice Turang (Brewers), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
  • Outfielders: Roman Anthony (Red Sox), Byron Buxton (Twins), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Aaron Judge (Yankees)
  • Designated hitter: Kyle Schwarber (Phillies)

World Baseball Classic 2026: Team USA schedule

  • USA (15) vs. Brazil (5), March 6
  • vs. Great Britain, March 7 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
  • vs. Mexico, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
  • vs. Italy, March 10 at 9 p.m. ET (FS1)

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

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Wiggins' career-high 31 powers Florida State over SMU, 91-78

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Chauncey Wiggins tallied a career-high 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Robert McCray V added 17 points, and Florida State cruised by SMU, 91-78 on Saturday.

Wiggins shot 10 of 14 from the floor and 6 for 8 from deep for the Seminoles (17-14, 10-8 Atlantic Coast Conference), who close out the regular season on a three-game winning streak.

FSU closed out the first half on a 16-6 run that sent them into halftime with a 45-27 lead. Wiggins scored 16 points in the first half. The 'Noles led by double figures for the entire second half to cruise to the victory.

Lajae Jones scored 12 points and Kobe MaGee had 10. The Seminoles shot 52% from the floor and 47% from deep, and held SMU to 42% and 39% marks, respectively.

For the Mustangs (19-12, 8-10), Boopie Miller scored a career-high 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting (7 for 11 from deep), and Samet Yigitoglu added 15 (6-of-8 shooting) and grabbed nine rebounds before fouling out. Corey Washington scored 12 points before fouling out.

Up next

SMU: No. 11 seed in the ACC Tournament, will play 14th-seeded Syracuse in the first round on Tuesday.

Florida State: No. 8 seed and first-round bye in the ACC Tournament, will play 9th-seeded Cal in the second round on Wednesday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Pierre scores 18 to lift TCU past Cincinnati, 73-63

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Jayden Pierre had 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, Liutauras Lelevicius added 14 points, and TCU took down Cincinnati 73-63 in a regular-season finale for both teams.

David Punch scored 13 points, dished seven assists and grabbed three steals for the Horned Frogs (21-10, 11-7 Big 12). It was their fifth straight win, setting a new program-best in Big 12 play.

Pierre was 7-for-11 from the field, and the Frogs shot 44% overall and 27% from deep. Cincinnati shot 44% and 42%, respectively.

The game was back-and-forth for much of the first half, with neither team leading by more than four points. A buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Micah Robinson sent the Horned Frogs to the locker room up 32-29.

TCU pulled away in the second half with an early 9-0 run that put them ahead 45-35, and it led by double-figures for most of the final frame. The Frogs did not make a basket in the last 3:28, but went 10-for-12 from the charity stripe to secure the win.

Day Day Thomas led the Bearcats (17-14, 9-9) with 19 points (7-of-14 shooting), four rebounds and two blocks. Baba Miller hauled in 14 rebounds as Cincinnati won the glass battle, 37-30.

Up next

Cincinnati: No. 9 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, will face 16th-seeded Utah in the first round on Tuesday.

TCU: No. 6 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, will face the winner of 11th-seeded Colorado and 14th-seeded Oklahoma State in the second round on Wednesday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Tall scores 22, St. Rose 17 and No. 23 Princeton women wrap up Ivy title with 78-55 win over Yale

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — Fadima Tall scored 22 points, Madison St. Rose added 17 and No. 23 Princeton captured the Ivy League regular-season title with a 78-55 victory over Yale on Saturday.

Leading by 10 points heading to the fourth quarter, Princeton (24-3, 12-2 Ivy League) blew the game open in the final 10 minutes. St. Rose and Tall each scored seven of Princeton's 26 points in the final period.

Not long after Princeton's win, Harvard closed out a 68-64 victory over Columbia, which dropped the Lions one game behind Princeton in the final standings.

Tall made 8 of 10 shots and 5 of 6 free throws. She had five rebounds and four steals. St. Rose made 7 of 11 shots and all three of her free throws as Princeton went 16-for-18 from the line. Skye Belker added 14 points.

Ciniya Moore led Yale (7-20, 3-11) with 19 points, and Marisa Chapman scored 16.

Yale raced out to a 22-15 lead through one quarter before Princeton rallied in the second. The Tigers tied it at 26 midway through the quarter. A 3-pointer by Toby Nweke and three points from Tall led a 6-0 run in the final two minutes, putting the Tigers up 40-32 at halftime.

Up next

Princeton will be the top seed at the four-team Ivy Madness beginning Friday in Ithaca, New York.

Yale did not qualify for the conference tournament. ___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball.

How to watch Warriors vs. Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center on November 11, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors face another tough road test with Saturday night’s primetime matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM PT in Oklahoma City and will be broadcast on ABC.

Previously with the Warriors:

Golden State is coming off what may have been its most impressive win of the season, defeating the Houston Rockets, 115–113, in a Thursday night overtime thriller.

Entering the game as heavy underdogs, the Warriors leaned on effort and pure grit to outlast a much more talented Houston squad. All five starters finished in double figures, led by Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton, who combined for 49 points. But the tone of the game was set early by Draymond Green, whose physical defense on Kevin Durant helped establish the Warriors’ intensity right from the opening tip.

What to watch for tonight:

For Saturday’s game, the injuries just keep piling up for the shorthanded Warriors. Melton is now set to miss the game as he joins a growing injury list that already includes Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, Moses Moody, and others.

And while Thursday’s win was encouraging, Golden State has not won consecutive games since January – a task that won’t get any easier on Saturday either. After facing the fourth-place Rockets, the Warriors now take on the Thunder, who currently ranks as the top team in the Western Conference. Although Oklahoma City will be without two starters in Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, they still feature reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently the NBA’s second leading scorer at 31.7 points per game.

Paired with the NBA’s top-ranked defense, that combination may prove too much for the undermanned Warriors to handle — unless Golden State can once again find a way to manufacture enough offense to keep pace.

Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Pat Spencer, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Al Horford

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams

How to watch Regular Season Game 63

Who: Golden State Warriors (32 – 30) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (49 – 15)

When: Saturday, March 7th, at 5:30 p.m. PT

Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

TV and Streaming: ABC (available on fuboTV)

Why can't Mercyhurst play in NCAA Tournament even if it wins NEC title

The Northeast Conference Tournament ends Tuesday night, but the conference has already determined who it will send to the NCAA Tournament before tipoff in the final.

Long Island will be in March Madness, punching the first official ticket of 2026 after defeating Wagner on Saturday, March 7 in the NEC tournament semifinals. The conference regular-season champion Sharks clinched the spot even though they haven't won the tournament title yet, thanks to who they will face in the championship game.

It will be Long Island vs. Mercyhurst in the NEC title, but Mercyhurst isn't eligible for the NCAA Tournament. Since it made the final with a win over Stonehill, it paved the way for the other participant to get the automatic bid.

Mercyhurst Lakers guard Bernie Blunt (4) drives against Syracuse Orange guard Kiyan Anthony (7) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Why Mercyhurst isn't eligible for NCAA Tournament?

Mercyhurst isn't able to be in March Madness because it is in the middle of its transition to Division I.

The Lakers officially made the jump from Division II to Division I in July 2024, starting the mandatory four-year process under NCAA rules. It means Mercyhurst isn't eligible for the NCAA Tournament until the 2027-28 season.

Another NEC team is going through a similar process in Le Moyne. The Dolphins made the jump in July 2023 and aren't able to make the NCAA Tournament until the 2026-27 season.

There was a scenario in place where Mercyhurst and Le Moyne made the NEC conference championship game. If both of those teams would have made it, then there would have been a game between the two losing semifinalists to determine who gets the automatic spot.

Long Island will have the chance to leave no doubt in their selection by winning the conference title. The Sharks and Lakers will play on Tuesday, March 10 for the NEC crown.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Mercyhurst can't make March Madness if it beats LIU for NEC title

Quick Spring Recap: Jays Beat Phillies

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 7: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the third inning of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on March 7, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jays 1 Phillies 0

The best part of this one was that Max Scherzer started and threw 4 no-hit innings, allowing just 1 walk with 1 strikeouts. He was helped out by some defensive play, but he got through the four innings on just 40 pitches (29 strikeouts). Max was terrific. I didn’t think he’d be ready for opening day but clearly (barring something bad happening) he will be. He did a good job of getting ready, before signing with the Jays.

Other pitchers:

  • Chase Lee: 1 inning, 1 walk, 1 k.
  • Josh Fleming: 1 inning, 2 hits.
  • Lazaro Estrada: 2 clean innings, 1 strikeout.
  • Connor (two o’s) Seabold: 1 inning, 3 strikeouts. Very nice job. Throwing 94-95 mph. He hit a batter.

On offense, we only got 5 hits, but scored the run they needed.

  • Myles Straw: 0 for 2, walk, k. .176. He was also picked off first.
  • Jesús Sánchez: 1 for 3. .227.
  • Eloy Jiménez: 0 for 3, 2 k. .346.
  • Daulton Varsho: 2 for 3. .450.
  • Tyler Heineman: 0 for 2, k. .222.
  • Nathan Lukes: 1 for 2. .176.
  • Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 2. .462.
  • Josh Kasevish: 0 for 2. .389. Made a couple of very nice plays.
  • Charles McAdoo: 0 for 2. .316. Looked good on defense again.

Others:

  • Rafael Lantigua: 1 for 1. .529.
  • Riley Tirotta: 0 for 1. .167.
  • Sean Keys: Walk. .211.
  • Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1, RBI. .267.
  • Edward Duran: 0 for 2. .000.
  • Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 1. .118.
  • Josh Rivera: 0 for 1, k. .167.
  • Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 1. .143.
  • Cutter Coffey: 0 for 1, k. ..071.

The Jays are 4-8-2 this spring. And they have a split squad day tomorrow, both 1:00 Eastern.

  • Jays at Orioles: Cody Ponce vs. Tyler Wells.
  • Tigers at Jays: Bryan Sammons vs. Kevin Gausman.

And Team Canada beat Columbia 8-2 today. USA plays Great Britain today at 8:00 tonight

Newcastle 1-3 Manchester City: FA Cup fifth round – as it happened

City came from behind to swat aside Newcastle and keep their quadruple hopes alive

1 min: The kick-off’s sent long, and Newcastle win a throw deep in City territory on the left. Hall launches long. The ball nearly drops first to Woltemade, then Elanga, but neither can get an effort on target and turn themselves into the Jackie Milburn de nos jours. The 45-second mark ticks over without the scoreboard being troubled.

Newcastle United get the ball rolling. City are kicking towards the Gallowgate in this first half.

Continue reading...

MLB Scores: Mets 3, Cardinals 2

Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Mets came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 3-2 in Kodai Senga’s first Grapefruit League outing.

  • Despite giving up two solo homers, which represented the entirety of the Cardinals’ runs, Kodai Senga looked solid in his spring debut. He touched 99 with his fastball and struck out two batters with the ghost fork working. Senga was working on his breaking stuff in the outing and filled the zone, not issuing any walks in 2 2/3 innings of work.
  • Down 2-0, the Mets threatened in the fifth, but Ronny Mauricio got picked off of first base for the second out of the inning, quashing a potential rally.
  • The Mets had a couple of web gems in this game. Luke Weaver made a nifty diving play on a roller toward first base in the bottom of the fifth, speeding to the bag and laying out, touching his glove to the bag to make the out; it was part of a scoreless inning of relief for Weaver. In the sixth, Cristian Pache showed off his range by leaping up against the wall to rob Nolan Gorman of a double.
  • The Mets finally broke through and cut the Cardinals’ lead in half in the sixth thanks to a Mike Tauchman RBI double, as he continues to make a strong case for the right field job. The Mets could have added on, but unfortunately Bo Bichette ended the rally by grounding into a double play and they had to settle for just the one run.
  • The Mets tied the game in the following frame, as Brett Baty and Luis Torrens sparked a seventh-inning rally with a pair of singles. Cardinals shortstop Yairo Padilla then committed a throwing error on a slow roller up the middle on which he rushed the throw, which skipped on by the first baseman toward the dugout to plate the tying run. Once again the Mets could not add on and left the bases loaded in the inning.
  • But the Mets put runs on the board in three consecutive innings late in the game, as a walk, a single, and an RBI hit from Wyatt young gave the Mets the lead in the eighth.
  • Jack Wenninger earned the win for pitching three scoreless innings to cap off the come from behind victory, striking out five Cardinals in the process. Brooks Raley and Luis García also each contributed a scoreless inning of relief.

The Mets take on the Yankees at Clover Park at 1:10pm EDT tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward!

Kodai Senga makes spring debut, allows two home runs in Mets' win over Cardinals

The Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

New York is now 6-5 in Grapefruit League play.

Here are some takeaways...

-- Kodai Senga had an encouraging first start of spring training, despite allowing two solo home runs.

The right-hander threw 50 pitches (34 strikes) over 2.2 innings, letting up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. He had a solid first inning, getting a pop out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play with his fastball topping out at 98.9 mph

Senga recorded his first strikeout against JJ Wetherholt for the first out of the second inning, catching the star prospect looking on a slider. After a nice catch by Mike Tauchman in right field, Senga gave up a homer to Joshua Baez on a fastball down the middle. Senga gave up the second home run to Miguel Ugento in the third inning with two strikes in the count. The righty was replaced after getting a groundout vs. Masyn Winn.

Overall, Senga's fastball averaged at 96.7 mph (hitting 98-plus three times) and he threw it 18 times (36 percent of pitches). He also worked in a cutter (nine pitches), slider (seven pitches), forkball (seven pitches), sweeper (five pitches), sinker (three pitches), and curveball (one pitch). Opposing hitters swung 25 times and whiffed six times (24 percent).

-- Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts. He struck out the side in the fourth inning against Tauchman, Jorge Polanco (second time), and Bo Bichette.

-- Brett Baty recorded New York's first hit of the game in the top of the fifth inning on a line drive to left field. Baty also showed off his speed and stole second base. He went 2-for-3 at the plate, tacking on a seventh-inning single, and logged six innings at first base defensively.

Tauchman drove in Jackson Cuff from first base on a double to center field in the sixth to make it a 2-1 game. He finished the day 1-for-3 with the RBI. Luis Torrens also went 1-for-3 with a seventh-inning single.

-- Cristian Pache made an impressive catch in the bottom of the sixth inning, slamming into the center field wall to rob Nolan Gorman of extra bases.

-- Luis Garcia, Luke Weaver, and Brooks Raley all tossed scoreless innings. Garcia was the only reliever to not record a strikeout, while Raley was the only one to give up a hit. Weaver also flashed his glove by fielding a bunt and sliding to first to get the out.

-- New York tied the game in the seventh inning on an error and then Wyatt Young recorded a go-ahead RBI-single in the top of the eighth, giving the team a 3-2 lead.

-- Prospect Jack Wenniger threw three scoreless innings to seal the victory, striking out five Cardinals (three in the eighth inning) and allowing three hits. He escaped a first-and-third jam in the ninth thanks to a nice play from Young, charging the ball and throwing home to prevent the game-tying run. Wenninger threw his changeup just as much as his fastball (16 out of 52 pitches), getting seven whiffs (out of nine swings) on the off-speed pitch. His fastball averaged 96.0 mph and topped out at 97.4 mph.

Highlights

What's next

Opening Day starter Freddy Peralta takes the mound on Sunday afternoon against the Yankees.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. on PIX11

Mets' Kodai Senga showing results of productive offseason, ready to put past behind him: 'It's a new me'

The 2026 season will be huge for Kodai Senga.

After the Mets right-hander burst onto the scene in 2023, quickly becoming the team's best starter and earning Rookie of the Year votes, the next two years were marred by injuries and ineffectiveness, especially in 2025. After starting the year looking like he did during his rookie campaign, Senga suffered an injury in June that derailed his season.

Senga never returned to his dominant form and became ineffective on the mound and off the field. The right-hander was simply unhappy with his mechanics to the point where the Mets sent Senga to the minors at the end of the year. Trade rumors swirled this offseason, but Senga is still in a Mets uniform and hoping to put those issues behind him.

Making his spring debut on Saturday, Senga pitched 2.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits (two homers) while striking out two batters. 

"I feel very good, felt very good. Been able to attack all the things I wanted to work on from last year," Senga said after his outing via an interpreter. "I think that’s flourishing now."

The most noticeable aspect of Senga's start was his velocity. According to StatCast, Senga topped out at 98.9 mph and his average velocity was 96.7 mph. The 33-year-old said that's a result of him feeling good physically and with his mechanics.

"It’s clear when I’m not feeling great, the velo doesn’t tick up like that," Senga said. "It’s clear the velo wasn’t there [last year], too. But like I said, I feel good. I’m content with where I’m at. Obviously, there’s still some work to do, but overall I’m happy." 

Senga said he used his first spring start to work on some things and the two solo homers were a result of that, and "no big deal" to the starter. He said he'll continue to use this spring to work on some things, especially getting acclimated to the changes in his mechanics. Senga wasn't willing to go in-depth with the adjustments -- not yet, at least, because the explanation "can get long" -- but reiterated its importance to how he pitches. 

"That’s the most important thing, the mechanical changes that I’ve made," he said. "Battling back from the injury in 2024, getting myself, getting my body back to where I need to be so I can perform. I feel like I’m there now."

In 2024, Senga started the season on the IL with a shoulder strain and when he finally returned in late July, he suffered a calf strain in his first start, which knocked him out until the postseason.

While it's just one spring start, Senga understands that MLB is all about evolution and adjustments. He's approached this offseason with that mentality and continues to attack this spring, preparing himself to be a "new" Kodai Senga.

"I know my body is different from where it was three years ago, now. I’m not really trying to get back to that," Senga said. "It’s a new me and trying to find new mechanics."

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about that "different version" of Senga prior to Saturday's start and that new mentality is encouraging for the skipper. Part of that new mentality is Senga's self-awareness. And with accomplished vets like Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes in the rotation, and youngsters in the form of Nolan McLean, Senga's spot is not guaranteed and he needs to constantly make himself better.

"In this industry, you either perform or you don’t. I haven’t proven anything over here," Senga said. "Keeping that in mind, I was able to spend a good, productive offseason and here I am."

Wrexham 2-4 Chelsea: FA Cup fifth round – as it happened

Chelsea survived a major scare at Cae Ras, twice coming from behind before beating 10-man Wrexham in extra-time

7 min Chelsea look happy to move the ball around and take the sting out of the atmosphere. Wrexham aren’t seeing much of the ball but haven’t been troubled defensively.

4 min A pretty quiet start to the game, at least on the field. The Wrexham fans are still making a very decent noise.

Continue reading...

Ozzie Albies' 3-run walk-off HR lifts Netherlands vs. Nicaragua in WBC

Angel Obando never made it out of the Dominican Summer League, hasn't been affiliated with a Major League Baseball team for eight years yet, at the age of 27, was one strike from pitching Nicaragua to an epic upset over Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on March 7.

Instead, up two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the bases empty and two strikes on the batter, Obando saw a dream outcome for Dusty Baker's Nicaragua squad turned into a nightmare by three major league stars.

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddane Rafaela dunked a squibber into right field - exit velocity, 76.7 mph - to bring the tying run up. San Diego Padres All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts dribbled a ball down the third base line - that struck the bag for a fluke double.

And then, Obando delivered a first-pitch fastball over the heart of the plate to three-time All-Star Ozzie Albies, who with a simple flick sent the ball over the right field wall at loanDepot Park, delivering the heavily favored Netherlands a stunning 4-3 victory that keeps itself alive in Pool D in Miami.

Albies got the standard ice bath after crossing home plate, though his teammates were likely too stunned to produce a garish celebration.

So, too, were the Nicaraguans.

Obando cursed into his mitt after Rafaela's ball dropped into right, as if to foresee the coming calamity. Baker, soon to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, chomped on his toothpick, per usual, in the Nicaraguan dugout.

Yet nine innings of nearly pristine baseball got undone in just three batters, capping a brutal 18-hour sequence for Nicaragua.

They held leads of 1-0 and 3-2 against a Dominican Republic squad that thoroughly outmanned them on paper, and carried a 3-3 tie into the bottom of the sixth in their March 6 opener. But Junior Caminero's home run snapped the deadlock and the dam burst: Dominican Republic 12, Nicaragua 3.

Undaunted, Nicaragua came back just hours later and broke a 1-1 eighth-inning tie on Jeter Downs' two-run homer. Obando, who'd pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against a lineup of five current or recent major league regulars, came back out to close it out.

The first two outs came easily, as a group of Nicaraguan fans gathered behind home plate to video the final out of this upset. Instead, they were left to witness a stunning Netherlands celebration.

And was just one strike, one good hop, away from doing so.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netherlands downs Nicaragua in WBC with three-run walk-off HR

Didier Fuentes dominates, Mike Yastrzemski homers again in 2-2 contest

Grant Holmes took the mound against the Orioles, as the Braves stacked their lineup with most of their regular bats.

Holmes had a mixed day on the mound, as he issued 3 walks in 2.2 innings, something Grant has been prone to in his major league career, but striking out 3 and holding the Orioles scoreless during his time on the mound. He also drew a solid 7 whiffs over his 58 pitches. Tyler Kinley and Dylan Lee each worked scoreless innings in relief with a strikeout each and Kinley issuing a walk. Didier Fuentes came into the game in the sixth and opened some eyes hitting 98 with his fastball, and ultimately ending his first inning with a whiff on 98 above the zone. He did get some defensive help from Drake Baldwin, throwing out a runner attempting to steal second who had never been thrown out in his minor league career. Fuentes came back out for the seventh and was even more dominant, striking out the side and topping out at 98.8 MPH on his fastball. Fuentes drew an impressive 7 whiffs in his 25 pitches. James Karinchak continued his dominant spring, allowing a baserunner on a soft grounder that led to some confusion between Riley at third and Gil at shortstop, but striking out 3 in a scoreless eighth.

On the offensive side, the Braves were pretty quiet for the first half of the game. Michael Harris did draw a walk early in the game, as he continues to look more patient and discerning with pitches this spring than he has been so far in his career. The offense broke out in the sixth, as Drake and Olson started the inning with two hard hit outs and then Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski went back to back with two solo homers as those two have been hitting the ball well this spring.

Hot prospect John Gil continued to demonstrate his advanced approach, drawing another walk in the eighth. The Orioles were able to tie things up at 2 runs on a bit of a weird sequence in the ninth, giving some Braves prospects a chance to walk things off in the ninth, but the youngsters were unable to muster a baserunner, leaving the game as a tie.

Overall, the Braves generally did what you want to see from a spring game. The bats mostly hit the ball well and the pitchers that are of any relevance looked anywhere from fine to great. We’ll be back tomorrow for another 1:05 PM ET start against the Rays.

Game No. 62 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

The final meeting of the season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins arrives under unusual circumstances for both teams.

Pittsburgh will take the ice without two of their superstars—Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin—while Philadelphia arrives with a slightly altered lineup following the trade that sent Bobby Brink to Minnesota and a call-up from Lehigh Valley that will see Alex Bump make his NHL debut. 


1. Pittsburgh Without Crosby and Malkin Changes the Dynamic

For nearly two decades, the identity of the Penguins has revolved around two names: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Therefore, their absence dramatically alters the tactical landscape of this matchup.

Crosby, who is out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury sustained at the Olympics, has an undeniable influence that extends far beyond scoring totals. His puck protection, faceoff dominance, and ability to dictate pace through controlled offensive-zone possession have long forced opposing teams to adjust defensive matchups.

Malkin, who was suspended for five games after slashing Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin, meanwhile, has historically provided the Penguins with a second offensive engine—capable of generating offense through power and creativity in transition.

Without them, Pittsburgh’s attack becomes more distributed but less predictable. The Penguins may lean more heavily on speed through the neutral zone and a committee-style offensive approach rather than the familiar star-driven structure.

For Philadelphia, the challenge is psychological as much as tactical. Rivalry games can produce complacency when star players are absent. The Flyers must resist that temptation. Even without Crosby and Malkin, Pittsburgh remains a team capable of exploiting defensive lapses.


2. The Flyers’ Offensive Structure Must Adjust Without Bobby Brink

The trade sending Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild created both opportunity and disruption within Philadelphia’s forward group.

Brink had become an effective playmaking presence, particularly when deployed alongside Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster. His ability to maintain possession along the boards and distribute the puck under pressure allowed that line to sustain offensive-zone time.

Replacing that skill set is not as simple as just inserting another winger into the lineup.

Without Brink, the Flyers may rely more heavily on collective puck support rather than individual playmaking. Transition entries may need to be simpler, with an emphasis on speed and direct attacks rather than prolonged possession cycles.


3. Alex Bump’s NHL Debut Brings Opportunity

Tonight’s game will also mark the NHL debut of Alex Bump, a winger who has steadily climbed the Flyers’ prospect rankings.

Debuts rarely unfold predictably. Some players attempt to do too much, eager to justify the opportunity. Others play cautiously, prioritizing safe decisions over creative instincts.

The ideal outcome lies somewhere in between.

Bump’s offensive instincts and ability to find open ice made him an intriguing addition to the lineup, but his immediate role will likely be straightforward: forecheck aggressively, move the puck quickly, and avoid unnecessary risks.

If Bump channels that energy into disciplined play, he could provide the Flyers with a spark—particularly against a Penguins defense adjusting to new offensive patterns without its traditional stars.


4. Rivalry Games Demand Emotional Control

The Battle of Pennsylvania has historically produced moments of volatility. For the Flyers, emotional discipline will be crucial.

Rivalry intensity can either elevate a team’s focus or derail its structure. Philadelphia’s recent success has been built on controlled aggression: physical play within a system that prioritizes defensive positioning and puck management.

Maintaining that balance in Pittsburgh’s hostile environment will be essential. The Penguins, especially without Crosby and Malkin, may rely on physical engagement and pace to disrupt Philadelphia’s rhythm.

The Flyers must respond with composure rather than escalation.


Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Trevor Zegras - Christian Dvorak - Owen Tippett

Denver Barkey - Noah Cates - Matvei Michkov 

Alex Bump - Sean Couturier - Nikita Grebenkin 

Carl Grundstrom - Luke Glendening - Garnet Hathaway 

Defense:

Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen

Cam York - Jamie Drysdale

Emil Andrae - Noah Juulsen

Goalies:

Dan Vladar

Sam Ersson

Pittsburgh Penguins

Forwards:

Avery Hayes - Rickard Rakell - Bryan Rust

Egor Chinakhov - Tommy Novak - Ville Koivunen

Anthony Mantha - Ben Kindel - Justin Brazeau 

Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari 

Defense:

Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson 

Samuel Girard - Kris Letang

Ryan Shea - Connor Clifton

Goalies:

Stuart Skinner

Arturs Silovs