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Parma scores two own goals in two minutes and falls at Torino

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Parma scored two own goals in two minutes to undo an otherwise tight match and tumble towards a 4-1 defeat by Torino in Serie A on Friday.

Giovanni Simeone scored his second goal in three games to put Torino 1-0 up in the third minute only for Mateo Pellegrino to equalize for Parma 17 minutes later.

But Parma pressed the self destruct button early in the second half.

First, Enrico Delprato turned a Che Adams shot into his own net in the 55th minute and two minutes later Mandela Keita was unlucky when a Simeone shot came off the bar, hit him almost on the goalline and bounced into the net.

Duvan Zapata added an accomplished fourth in stoppage time to guarantee a comfortable win for Torino.

It was only Torino's second win in six games and lifted it two places into 13th.

The defeat snapped a five-game unbeaten run for Parma which remained in 12th, a point above Torino.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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NBA tank watch: What teams are doing to land No. 1 pick in 2026 draft

There are two different races concurrently happening in the NBA.

There are the teams vying for positioning atop the Eastern and Western Conference standings, trying to improve their seeding in the final month of the 2025-26 regular season. And there are teams vying for positioning at the bottom of the standings with the intent to improve their chances to secure high draft picks.

This is particularly magnified because of the projected depth of the 2026 NBA Draft class, with names like Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer headlining.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the teams who are tanking with a rebuild in mind:

NBA MOCK DRAFT: Projecting the first round before Selection Sunday

NBA tank watch

Chicago Bulls (27-39; .409)

12 games back of worst record

Chicago is a confusing team. The Bulls made unconventional moves before the trading deadline, going heavy on guards. Yet, the roster is not good enough to compete and not bad enough to fully tank, even as injuries pile up. Chicago has won three of its last six games.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 4.5%

Memphis Grizzlies (23-42; .354)

8½ games back of worst record

The Grizzlies, after reportedly looking to deal Ja Morant ahead of the trading deadline, have slow-played his return from a left elbow injury. Memphis has lost six consecutive games and 19 of its last 24.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 6%

Dallas Mavericks (22-44; .333)

7 games back of worst record

The Mavericks have continued to develop last year’s No. 1 overall selection, Cooper Flagg, as they rebuild with him as the face of the franchise. Dallas has ruled out a return for Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) this season and is planning to move on from the mistake that was the short-lived Anthony Davis era.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 7.5%

New Orleans Pelicans (22-45; .328)

6½ games back of worst record

This is one of the more interesting cases. The Pelicans will be sending this pick to the Hawks or Bucks as part of their trade last draft to move up to select Derik Queen. So, New Orleans actually has an incentive to win with its current players, just to continue establishing a culture of competitiveness.

Either way, Atlanta and Milwaukee are poised to end up with appealing selections.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 9%

Utah Jazz (20-46; .303)

5 games back of worst record

No team, arguably, has been more overt about its tanking than Utah. The Jazz, at times, have intentionally sat their best players for the entire fourth quarters of games, citing minutes restrictions, after those players had played the previous three quarters. Fourth quarters, of course, are the most important moments of games.

The team has also shut down players like Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee) and Jusuf Nurkić (nose), while star forward Lauri Markkanen (hip) hasn’t played since Feb. 23.

Utah’s first-round pick is Top 8 protected, which makes their positioning particularly precarious. They currently have the fifth-worst record in the NBA.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 10.5%

The Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz currently have the two worst record in the Western Conference (through March 12).

Brooklyn Nets (17-49; .258)

2 games back of worst record

This was always going to be a transitional season for Brooklyn, which kept each of its five first-round selections from the 2025 draft. To their credit, the Nets are still playing their best player in Michael Porter Jr., but the overall roster is so deficient that victories have been tough to come by. The Nets have lost 12 of their last 14, though one of those victories came against the No. 1 seed in the East, the Pistons.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 12.5%

Washington Wizards (16-49; .246)

1½ games back of worst record

If Anthony Davis actually makes his debut for the Wizards this season, it appears that it will come very late in the season. And even then, he likely won’t suit up for very many games. Trae Young has played just three games for Washington, whose defense has been abysmal. For reference: this is the team that allowed Bam Adebayo, a career 16.1-point-per-game scorer, to drop 83 on them.

Washington’s pick is Top 8 protected.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 14%

Sacramento Kings (16-51; .239)

½ game back of worst record)

Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeAndre Hunter have each been shut down and Keegan Murray (sprained ankle) hasn’t played since Feb. 25. Sacramento’s efforts to tank are interesting; they have plenty of veterans still playing with effort, but the roster construction is so poor that it simply doesn’t work.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 14%

Indiana Pacers (15-51; .227)

Their first-round selection is Top 4 and 10-30 protected. Indiana has All-Star Pascal Siakam playing sporadically, and the Pacers have the longest active losing streak in the NBA, at 11 games.

The thing with the Pacers is that, if they’re able to nab one of the top three players in the draft, they instantly become a massive threat next season and beyond, once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his ruptured Achilles tendon.

Current percentage for No. 1 overall pick: 14%

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA tank watch: Teams with best chance to land No. 1 draft pick

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World Baseball Classic quarterfinals thread: USA vs. Canada/Dominican Republic vs. South Korea

Mar 9, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a two run home run in the third inning against Mexico at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Happy Friday, all! The Yankees played earlier today in spring training against the Braves, but a few other Yankees are actually playing tonight. And since the World Baseball Classic is now in the knockout stage, how about we have a game thread for tonight’s two contests?

First up is the Dominican Republic, who looked an absolute powerhouse while steamrolling to a 4-0 record in Pool D. They obliterated Nicaragua, Israel, and the Netherlands by a combined score of 34-5 before beating rival Venezuela in the last game to earn the top spot in the pool. The 7-5 final score doesn’t reflect how in control the D.R. felt, as it was 7-3 for most of the game until Venezuela scratched off some runs in the ninth.

Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, and that familiar Juan Soto fella all had OPS’s north of 1.000 during the four games, and Yankees catcher Austin Wells chipped in a homer, too. They are hungry to match the feats of the the undefeated, Robinson Canó-led 2013 Dominican Republic squad, their only champions in tournament history.

The D.R. is a force to be reckoned with, but it also doesn’t matter how overwhelming they were in pool play. If they slip just once and they lose, it’s over. And South Korea is no foe that should be easily dismissed. They finished second to Japan in Pool A play, but they put a scare into the defending champions during their head-to-head. A narrow extra-innings loss to Chinese Taipei meant that they had to both defeat Australia in their last game, and do so by a wide enough margin to overcome the tiebreakers.

Korea did the job, with a timely sacrifice fly in the ninth giving them that last run they needed to push by the Aussies in a 7-2 triumph. They have a few MLB players on their club in Jung Hoo Lee, Shay Whitcomb, and 2024 Yankees bench player Jahmai Jones, but the true star in pool play was 25-year-old masher Bo Gyeong Moon, who homered twice and posted a 1.779 OPS across the four games. Although Korea is respected as a baseball power and won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, this is actually their first appearance past the WBC’s first round since the tourney’s early days, when they were knocked out by Japan in both the 2006 semifinals and the 2009 championship game.

The starting pitching matchup for this is a fun one too, as 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez squares off with one of the few active players remaining from Korea’s Olympic heroes, former Dodgers/Blue Jays standout Hyun Jin Ryu.

How to watch

Dominican Republic vs. Korea
Pitching Matchup: LHP Cristopher Sánchez vs. LHP Hyun Jin Ryu
Time: 6:30 pm ET
TV: FS2
Location: loanDepot Park — Miami, FL

Oh, Team USA. They should be thanking their lucky stars (and stripes) that they’re still alive in this thing. Manager Mark DeRosa nearly screwed the pooch the other day when he signaled that he was punting the Pool B finale against Italy when the Americans were not, in fact, guaranteed of a quarterfinals spot just yet. Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, and Cal Raleigh all sat, and for as much as I think he’s a decent pitcher, DeRosa stuck with Yankees swingman Ryan Yarbrough for too long in the middle innings despite better bullpen options as the Italians built just enough of a surprising lead that it was too much to overcome. If Mexico had beaten Italy the next day by the right score, then this dream team would’ve had its WBC end in a nightmare.

But hey! It’s all in the past now, and if they win three games, then Team USA will be WBC champions and that will all be a dumb footnote. We’ll see if baseball karma exists and gives underdog Canada a little extra pep in their step against the Aaron Judge and the Americans tonight. Judge had a rough final game of the pool and struck out to end it, but he was also essential to their win over Mexico and ended that first round with a 1.054 OPS. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice against Italy, and the USA offense has also seen great work from Roman Anthony, Gunnar Henderson, and Kyle Schwarber.

To their credit, Canada outright won Pool A with W’s over Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time since the WBC began in 2006. It was an overdue achievement for a country that has produced stars like Fergie Jenkins, Larry Walker, and Joey Votto. Josh Naylor and his brother, Bo, are among the more recognizable faces on this Canadian club, in addition to Tyler O’Neill and old friend Jameson Taillon. The retired James Paxton is also in their bullpen, amusingly. Pool A’s best hitters were the Royals’ Abraham Toro (late of the 2025 Red Sox) and Marlins prospect Owen Caissie (who led the Cubs’ package for Edward Cabrera), who both topped the 1.450 OPS mark.

The Giants’ Logan Webb will get the ball for this one after four innings of one-hit ball against Brazil in the WBC opener, the only blemish a leadoff solo shot by Manny Ramirez’s son, Lucas. (Yes, my back just suffered a twinge writing that. Don’t get me started on actual child Joseph Contreras.) Canada’s pitching is its weak point, as Arizona’s Michael Soroka doesn’t exactly measure up to Webb, who has earned Cy Young votes in four consecutive seasons. Maybe the 2019 Braves version of Soroka could measure up, but he’s had a rough go of it since brutal injuries ravaged his promising career. Then again, the Americans looked like crap again Michael Lorenzen, who had to settle for a contract with the Rockies. You never know with baseball, Suzyn.

How to watch

United States vs. Canada
Pitching Matchup: RHP Logan Webb vs. RHP Michael Soroka
Time: 8:00 pm ET
TV: Fox
Location: Daikin Park — Houston, TX

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Open thread: WBC Quarterfinals, 3/13/26

Juan Soto | / Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Korea at Dominican Republic, 6:30 PM EDT, FS2

Korea lineup

  1. Do Yeong Kim – 3B
  2. Jahmai Jones – LF
  3. Jung Hoo Lee – CF
  4. Hyun Min Ahn – RF
  5. Bo Gyeong Moon – DH
  6. Shay Whitcomb – 1B
  7. Hyeseong Kim – 2B
  8. Dong Won Park – C
  9. Ju Won Kim – SS

SP: Hyun Jin Ryu (LHP)

Dominican Republic lineup

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr. – RF
  2. Ketel Marte – 2B
  3. Juan Soto – LF
  4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
  5. Manny Machado – 3B
  6. Junior Caminero – DH
  7. Julio Rodríguez – CF
  8. Agustín Ramírez – C
  9. Geraldo Perdomo – SS

SP: Cristopher Sánchez (LHP)

USA at Canada, 8:00 PM EDT, FOX

Korea lineup

  1. Bobby Witt Jr. – SS
  2. Bryce Harper – 1B
  3. Aaron Judge – RF
  4. Kyle Schwarber – DH
  5. Alex Bregman – 3B
  6. Roman Anthony – LF
  7. Cal Raleigh – C
  8. Brice Turang – 2B
  9. Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF

SP: Logan Webb

Canada lineup

lineup to follow

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Late Gouiri goal gives Marseille win over Ligue 1 struggler Auxerre

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Substitute Amine Gouiri scored with 11 minutes remaining to give Marseille a 1-0 win over Ligue 1 struggler Auxerre on Friday.

The result left Marseille in third place, three points clear of Lyon, which plays at Le Havre on Sunday. Marseille was seven points behind second-placed Lens and eight adrift of league leader Paris Saint-Germain.

Although the south coast club has been a constant presence among the clubs pushing for a European place next season its form has been inconsistent since the start of the year.

However, Gouiri’s return has added goals to the mix.

The Algeria international missed nine games after a shoulder injury in October but has scored five times since returning to the side in early January.

Here he replaced English defender CJ Egan-Riley after 62 minutes and proved decisive.

Auxerre remained third to last with just one win in its last 11 games. It was five points from safety.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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CSR Weekend Warriors: 3/13-3/15

Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to the weekend.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

This is now an open thread

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How to watch Warriors vs. Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 14: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors on the court during the third quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Prior to beginning a six-game road trip, the Golden State Warriors will host one more home game on Friday night as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and will be broadcast on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.

Previously with the Warriors:

Golden State is looking to regroup after a frustrating back-to-back that ended with a 130-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The defeat came just one day after the Warriors lost to the Utah Jazz, 119-116, marking two disappointing losses to sub-.500 tanking teams.

Against Chicago, the Warriors appeared to be in control late, holding an eight-point lead with 1:31 remaining. But things unraveled quickly in the closing moments. Bulls forward Matas Buzelis scored five unanswered points, promptingWarriors head coach Steve Kerr to foul up three to protect their lead in the closing seconds.

The strategy ultimately backfired after rookie LJ Cryer missed a crucial free throw to give them just a two-point lead. Moments later, a defensive foul by Draymond Green sent Chicago to the line, allowing the Bulls to tie the game in regulation. Chicago then carried that momentum into overtime, pulling away to secure the victory.

After the game, Kerr took responsibility for the late-game sequence, acknowledging that he put Green in a difficult position after sitting him for much of the fourth quarter.

What to watch for tonight:

While the Warriors have had their share of struggles, Minnesota enters Friday’s matchup dealing with problems of their own. The Timberwolves are also riding a three-game losing streak, losing by an average of 22 points during that stretch.

Defensive issues have played a major role in the slide as Minnesota has allowed at least one 30-point scorer in each of those games. In their most recent outing, Kawhi Leonard erupted for 45 points, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 153-128 blowout victory.

While that defensive slump could benefit a Warriors team searching for offensive rhythm, Golden State will still have its hands full with Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star currently ranks third in the NBA in scoring at 29.4 points per game.

The Warriors’ defense has generally held up well this season, but containing opposing stars has been a challenge at times. Expect Golden State to make slowing Edwards a major defensive priority Friday night, with Draymond Green likely taking on much of that assignment.

Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Al Horford

Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Robert

How to watch Regular Season Game 66

Who: Golden State Warriors (32 – 33) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (40 – 26)

When: Friday, March 13th, at 7:00 p.m. PT

Where: Chase Center — San Francisco, California

TV and Streaming: Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area (available on fuboTV)

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Spring Training Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Houston Astros

Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals will tangle with those garbage can banging Houston Astros (sorry, but I can’t let it go) in a Spring Training game on Friday, March 13, 2026. According to MLB.com, Kyle Leahy will get his 4th start of the Spring while the New York Mets will send RHP Kai-Wei Teng to the mound.

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World Baseball Classic quarterfinals: Korea/Dominican Republic, USA/Canada

This is your official game thread for the two World Baseball Classic quarterfinal games that will take place today. Here’s all the info you’ll need.

5:30 p.m. CT: Korea vs. Dominican Republic at loanDepot park, Miami. Pitchers: Hyun-Jin Ryu (LHP) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (LHP). TV: FS2, Fox Deportes. There are also radio broadcasts via Sirius XM (Channel 175) and streaming on MLB Audio. MLB.com Gameday

7 p.m. CT: USA vs. Canada at Daikin Park, Houston. Pitchers: Logan Webb (RHP) vs. Michael Soroka (RHP). TV: Fox-TV, Fox Deportes. There are also radio broadcasts via Sirius XM (Channel 89) and streaming on MLB Audio. MLB.com Gameday

That’s all you should need for tonight’s games. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves. There will be another game thread tomorrow for those quarterfinal games, and for the rest of the games in the WBC.

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Stöger celebrates landmark appearance with superb free kick as Gladbach beats St Pauli

MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Kevin Stöger’s first goal of the season helped Borussia Mönchengladbach beat St. Pauli 2-0 and boost hopes of avoiding Bundesliga relegation on Friday.

Stöger was making his 200th Bundesliga appearance and struck a superb 25-meter free kick over the St. Pauli wall approaching halftime.

Franck Honorat added the second in the second half when he side-footed home a low left-foot drive.

It was a comfortable win for the 12th-placed Gladbach and lifted it four points clear of a packed relegation zone.

Only five points separate Hamburg in 10th place and St. Pauli, which is third from bottom in the last of the relegation places.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Reds face Giants twice in split-squad action Friday night

Feb 24, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Taylor Rogers (left) and identical twin brother Tyler Rogers pose for a portrait together during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It’s a full day of baseball down in the desert as the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants go up against one another twice in split-squad action at both teams’ home parks.

Chase Burns will toe the rubber in the early game, which will begin at 7:05 PM ET. That one’s on the road in Scottsdale at the Giants complex, and a lineup spearheaded by TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Will Benson, and JJ Bleday will back him. Top prospect Tyson Lewis is also in the linep as the DH for the evening as that half of the Reds takes on San Francisco righty Landen Roupp.

There’s no televised feed for that one, but you’ll be able to follow along with San Francisco’s radio broadcast through MLB.com if you so choose.

Over in Goodyear, the other half of the Reds will host the Giants in a game set to begin at 9:05 PM ET under the lights. Brady Singer will get the start opposite Giants lefty Carson Whisenhunt, and the Reds defense behind Singer will feature Elly De La Cuz, Spencer Steer (getting a start at 2B), Sal Stewart at 1B, and Noelvi Marte getting some run in CF. Top prospect Alfredo Duno is in the lineup for that one, but he’ll DH as Tyler Stephenson takes the catching duties.

That game, too, will be untelevised. The Cincinnati radio broadcast crew will be following it, however, so you’ll be able to listen in via MLB.com (or you can fire up your transistor radio and catch it via Amplitude Modulation station 700 WLW).

Hat tip to Redleg Nation’s Doug Gray for posting the travel rosters for both games via Bluesky. Steele Hall is among the reserves for the team in Goodyear, while Ivan Johnson is on the bench for the game in Scottsdale fresh off his appearance for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.

Go Reds! And, go Reds!

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Rockets could use a big win vs. Pelicans

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 10: Kevin Durant #7 and Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans

March 13, 2026

Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas

TV: Space City Home Network

Radio: KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00 CST

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun

Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones

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Astros vs. Cardinals 3/13/2026 Spring Training Game Thread

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Kai-Wei Teng #17 of the Houston Astros throws a bullpen during spring training workouts at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 12, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Astros (7-9-3) travel to Jupiter, FL to face the St. Louis Cardinals (10-8-1) in Grapefruit League play.

RHP Kai-Wei Teng gets his first start of the Spring for Houston, opposed by RHP Kyle Leahy of St. Louis.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 5:05 p.m. CST

Location: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter, FL

TV: MLB Network (HOU blackout)

Streaming: MLB.TV

Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2

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Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL embrace Brad Larsen after wife's death

Former Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen and his two children, Ty and Faith, are feeling the NHL's embrace following his wife Hannah's death after a lengthy battle with cancer.

News of Hannah Larsen's passing was revealed publicly by former Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella, who passed along his condolences to his one-time assistant in Columbus and the Larsen family March 12 during an appearance as an ESPN studio analyst. Larsen has battled cancer twice himself, and Hannah played a key role in supporting him each time.

The Blue Jackets, the team Larsen spent almost a decade working for as a coach, issued a statement March 13 through social media offering the club's "deepest condolences" and "warmest thoughts."

During his time with the Blue Jackets, Larsen coached the team's AHL affiliate as assistant and head coach when it was located in Springfield, Massachusetts, before joining former coach Brad Richards' staff in 2014-15. Tortorella kept him on staff for six seasons before leaving the Blue Jackets under mutual terms that paved the way for Larsen to replace him as head coach.

Larsen spent two difficult seasons running the bench in Columbus amid a spate of injuries that led to his firing at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Larsen and his family stayed in the Columbus area, and the former NHL coach took a year off from his professional career to work with his son Ty's youth team.

He was hired by the Calgary Flames on June 11, 2024, to restart his career as an NHL assistant, but took an indefinite leave of absence Dec. 8, 2024, to rejoin his family and care for his wife after her condition worsened.

After news of Hannah Larsen's passing was disclosed, condolences from many in hockey were posted on social media, including former Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent, who worked closely with Larsen as an assistant and replaced him for the 2023-24 season.

Vincent is now in his second season as head coach for the Montreal Canadiens' AHL affiliate, Laval Rocket.

"Yesterday, we received the terribly sad news of the passing of Hannah, wife of my friend Brad Larsen, after a long battle," he said. "My heart is broken for Brad, their two children, and all of Hannah’s family. Sending them all my love and deepest condolences."

Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets, NHL embrace Brad Larsen after wife's death

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World Baseball Classic 2026: Quarterfinals Day No. 1 thread

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Juan Mejia #47 of the Dominican Republic reacts to getting out of the fifth inning against Venezuelaat loanDepot park on March 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a long and exhilarating group stage, the 2026 World Baseball Classic has seen itself narrowed from 20 teams to eight.

Brazil, Czechia, Nicaragua, and Panama—all having finished at the bottom of their respective pools—have been relegated. These four teams will need to re-qualify for the main tournament in 2029. Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Puerto Rico have all advanced to the knockout stage.

These eight remaining teams will play single elimination games tonight and tomorrow as the field is further cleared down to the last two teams standing for March 17th’s championship bout in Miami, Florida.

Game No. 1: Korea (대한민국) at Dominican Republic (República Dominicana)

Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA

One of three Pool C teams to finish group play with a 2-2 record, Korea knocked out Australia and Chinese Taipei by way of tiebreakers and an incredibly exciting match-up against Samurai Japan. Now Korea is fighting for their first top four World Baseball Classic result since they took home the silver medal in 2009.

Korea will be led tonight by starting pitcher and former MLB star Hyun-jin Ryu. Ryu will be making his second start of the tournament. The 39-year-old lefty worked three innings of one run baseball—off a solo home run—against Chinese Taipei and struck out three batters during the group round.

One of just three 4-0 teams represents a sturdy wall against Korea’s aspirations. The team from the Dominican Republic is absolutely stacked with current and former big league talent on their roster and coaching staff. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Fernando Tatis Jr have been excellent at the plate, backed up by strong pitching that includes current Rockies reliever Juan Mejia and former Rockies reliever Carlos Estévez.

Making the start for the Dominican Republic is 2024 Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Cristopher Sánchez. The left-handed starter wasn’t his sharpest his last time out against Nicaragua, giving up three earned runs on six hits and a walk over 1 1/3 innings. He did, however, strike out four batters in the first inning to escape a bases loaded jam.

First Pitch: 4:30 PM MDT

TV: FS2

Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM

Lineups:

LHP Hyun-jin Ryu vs LHP Cristopher Sánchez

Game No. 2: United States at Canada

Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA

It may sound unlikely, but the powerhouse United States team enters the knockout stage as one of the more controversial teams in this year’s tournament. Despite being one of the most talented rosters on paper, Mark DeRosa’s squad has been accused of not taking the World Baseball Classic seriously this year. From not being aware they were on the verge of elimination, to the manager not knowing who was in his own bullpen, to Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh refusing to shake the hand of MLB teammate and Team Mexico outfielder Randy Arozarena’s hand, the Americans have been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Thanks to a commanding win by undefeated Italy over Mexico, the United States made it to the knockout stage and will be led on the mound by San Francisco Giants righty Logan Webb. Webb pitched a near-flawless four innings during the group stage against Brazil. He struck out six batters and his only blemish was a single hit—a solo home run off the bat of Lucas Ramirez.

USA’s opponent tonight will be Team Canada, who have made the knockout stage for the first time in the history of the World Baseball Classic as the surprise top seed of Pool A. Even though they’re the top seed, Canada remains the underdog. The squad from America’s hat hasn’t defeated the squad from Canada’s pants since the 2006 tournament. They might have some extra motivation as they seek to avenge Team Canada’s loss in the 2026 Olympic hockey finals.

Arizona Diamondbacks righty Michael Soroka will take the mound for the Maples. He pitched three innings of one run baseball against Colombia his last time out with two strikeouts.

First Pitch: 6:00 PM MDT

TV: Fox

Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM

Lineups:

RHP Logan Webb vs RHP Michael Soroka

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