European football: Raphinha hat-trick seals Barcelona win, Como sink Roma

  • Barça thrash Sevilla to restore four-point lead in La Liga

  • Como come from behind to beat 10-man Roma in Serie A

Raphinha bagged a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga. After Real Madrid cut the gap by beating Elche on Saturday, the Spanish champions responded by romping to a comfortable victory.

Dani Olmo and João Cancelo also struck for Hansi Flick’s side, who host Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday. Fans streamed to the stadium to vote in the club’s presidential elections, with either Joan Laporta or Victor Font to be announced the new chief later on Sunday night.

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Chelsea beats Man United 2-0 to retain Women's League Cup

BRISTOL, England (AP) — Chelsea made it back-to-back Women's League Cup trophies by beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

Sonia Bompastor's team successfully defended the trophy with goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones in each half at Ashton Gate.

Chelsea has been the dominant force in England over the past decade, with 18 major trophies over that period.

This was the fourth time it has won the League Cup.

“When you have the opportunity to win a trophy, you have to take it. When you are a winner, that’s what you do. My players deserved it,” Bompastor said.

James put Chelsea ahead in the 19th minute and Beever-Jones doubled the lead in the 76th.

Six-time defending Women's Super League champion Chelsea is currently third in the standings and 10 points behind leader Manchester City with a game in hand.

“We have a really big month with a lot of games, so this is the best way to start the month,” Bompastor said.

___

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

Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets a month after surgery

The New York Mets' early-spring nightmare has ended: Francisco Lindor is back in the lineup.

Lindor underwent surgery Feb. 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, a procedure that figured to jeopardize his availability for opening day. Yet Lindor is leading off and starting at shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, March 15, a full 11 days before the Mets are scheduled to open the season at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lindor, the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, steadily worked through a rehab progression as spring training unfolded and appeared in three minor league games in the past week.

"He's ready to go," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. "It's time for him to start playing for us after checking all the boxes and racking up good days."

Lindor, who struck out in his first plate appearance, debuted with new double-play partner Marcus Semien alongside at second base, and flanked at third by Bo Bichette, who will face his former Blue Jays teammates that made the trip from Dunedin to Port St. Lucie.

He was one of three prominent players who required hamate surgery at the outset of spring training. The hamate bone is typically removed or repaired, and can sideline players from six to eight weeks. Yet Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who underwent surgery Feb. 12 and reported his hand "felt fine," returned around the one-month mark.

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday underwent surgery Feb. 12 as well, but will open the season on the injured list and is expected back in mid-April.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets month after surgery

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League – live

⚽ Updates on the 4.30pm (GMT) kick-off at Anfield
Premier League table | Get in touch with Daniel here

As for Tottenham, Tudor persists with the 3-4-3 formation that could barely suit his players less. Pedro Porro is plays on the right of the central-defenders, which might work better than Joao Palhinha – Terry Venables always liked a full-back there for their speed on the cover and ability to get forward. In midfield, meantime, Archie Gray – the only player not to shame himself in recent weeks – continues in his preferred position, finally doing what he was bought for while, up front, Solanke returns presumably because he couldn’t be risked in Madrid.

I’m really excited to see how Ngumoha does. I love what I’ve seen of him so far, in particular his desire to attack his man, something you can teach, and his timing, which you probably cannot. As we saw last evening, extreme talent is undeniable.

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Kawhi Leonard sets Clippers record, then leaves game early with sprained ankle

What was a historic night for Kawhi Leonard ended on a couple of ugly notes, including Leonard leaving the game with a sprained ankle.

Before his fourth quarter exit, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points, setting a franchise record by scoring 20+ points in 45 straight games he's played, passing a mark set by Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo in the 1974-75 season when the team was still in Buffalo and known as the Braves.

Then, with 9:27 left in the fourth quarter, Leonard rolled his left ankle while trying to defend DeMar DeRozan. He instantly limped off the court, soon went to the locker room and did not return to the game.

There is no word yet on the severity of the injury, if Leonard will miss time, and if so, how much. If he misses more than three more games, he would no longer qualify for postseason awards (and he is very likely headed toward making an All-NBA team).

For the season, in 53 appearances, Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a couple of steals a game. He missed the first 10 games of the season due to foot and ankle issues, but has largely been available for coach Tyronn Lue since then.

The Clippers saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the tanking Kings (who have now won 3-of-4). After starting the season 6-21, the Clippers have bounced back to be above .500 (34-33) and sit as the No. 8 seed in the West. Doing that despite trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline has been an impressive run.

If Leonard misses time, expect newly acquired guards Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin to be asked to carry more of the offensive load.

World Baseball Classic Semifinals Open Thread

Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States second baseman Brice Turang (13) throws out Canada catcher Bo Naylor (23) on a ground ball during the second inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The World Baseball Classic is down to just four teams, as there is one semifinal on Sunday before another on Monday leading into the championship game on Tuesday evening.

Sunday’s matchup features Team USA battling the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. CT on FS1, with Italy and Venezuela battling for the other spot on Monday at 7 p.m. on FS1. Both games will take place at loanDepot Park in Miami.

The Brewers have at least one player on all four of those rosters, as follows:

  • Dominican Republic: RHP Abner Uribe
  • USA: 2B Brice Turang
  • Italy: MLB Pipeline Team No. 6 prospect 3B Andrew Fischer
  • Venezuela: C William Contreras, OF Jackson Chourio, and LHP Ángel Zerpa

Tune into the action today and tomorrow, and feel free to weigh in in the comments with your takes.

George backs Borthwick to lead England at World Cup and takes aim at South Africa

  • Coach ‘the perfect person’ to lead side into World Cup

  • Springboks game ‘an amazing opportunity’ for players

Jamie George has insisted England can go toe-to-toe with South Africa when they lock horns with the world champions in July and believes his side will be among the favourites for next year’s World Cup if Steve Borthwick remains as head coach.

England are on a disappointing run of four straight defeats but, while Saturday’s 48-46 loss to France condemned them to their worst Six Nations campaign, the manner in which Borthwick’s side performed – scoring seven tries in Paris – has given rise to renewed optimism.

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Wilyer Abreu powers Venezuela to the semifinals with a bat flip for the ages

MIAMI, Florida — The party started before the game and spilled outside the park after Venezuela upset the defending World Baseball Classic champions from Japan in a back-and-forth game that thrilled more than 35,000 fans at loanDepot park. The MLB star-studded lineups from both countries played with an energy that matched October baseball, and maybe even put it to shame at times. After all when was the last time you got up for a drink and ran into a drum line with dancing fans at a playoff game?

The game began with a leadoff home run from Ronald Acuña Jr. to give Venezuela an early lead. Shohei Ohtani is not to be trifled with, however and matched that in the bottom of the first for Japan. According to Sarah Langs, no game in MLB history began the way last night’s action between Venezuela and Japan started:

It only got better from there with Gleyber Torres driving in a go-ahead run for Venezuela in the second before Japan chased Venezuela’s starter Ranger Suárez from the game in the third inning. It looked like Japan might put this away with this three-run home run by Shota Morishita, who replaced Seiya Suzuki in the game after Suzuki was injured trying to steal second base:

Venezuela was not to be deterred, however. Jackson Chourio led off the fifth inning with a walk to set up this two-run blast by Maikel García making it just a one-run lead for Japan:

The skip and hop as García rounds first when he knows it’s gone is everything. Or, at least was everything until Wilyer Abreu entered the chat and decided to see if a no doubt home run and bat flip for the ages could power a country of 30 million people:

Some things can only happen at the World Baseball Classic, like running into Daniel Palencia’s mom while browsing in the store and having her joyously pose for a picture of her wearing her son’s team jersey:

Palencia came on to close out the game and was all business as he threw pure gasolina:

Palencia struck out the first two batters before facing Shohei Ohtani. How could this game possibly end otherwise? The greatest baseball player on the face of the Earth had to be thwarted to end such a perfect game. Ohtani popped out to shallow center to end an absolutely wild baseball game:

If you thought the celebrations in the concourse during the game were elite, they had nothing on the energy flowing through loanDepot park after Venezuela won:

Your eyes don’t deceive you at the end of that video, a fan from Japan now decked out in a Venezuela hat borrowed a Venezuelan flag and joined the celebration. He was not alone. The after party spilled into a dance party outside the park where fans of both teams danced until the wee hours of the morning:

These fans may come from opposite sides of the world and speak different languages, but that’s all irrelevant at the World Baseball Classic in Miami. We all know how to dance. We’re all powered on bat flips and vibes. The common language is baseball and we all speak it fluently.

GameThread: Tigers vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees

Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, FL
SB Nation Site:Pinstripe Alley
Media:MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Lineups

TIGERSYANKEES
Matt Vierling – CFTrent Grisham – CF
Kerry Carpenter – DHRandal Grichuk – LF
Colt Keith – 3BCody Bellinger – RF
Spencer Torkelson – 1BGiancarlo Stanton – DH
Riley Greene – LFPaul DeJong – SS
Dillon Dingler – CRyan McMahon – 3B
Javier Baez – SSMax Schuemann – 2B
Zach McKinstry – 2BErnesto Martinez – 1B
Austin Slater – RFAli Sanchez – C

Spring Training Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Washington Nationals

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: JJ Wetherholt #77 talks to Oliver Marmol #37 of the St. Louis Cardinals after beingn hit by a pitch during the third inning of a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 11, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals continue the push for the 2026 regular season with a Sunday Spring Training game versus the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium. According to the St. Louis Cardinals share on social media today, Richard Fitts will get the start for St. Louis. The pitcher for the Washington Nationals will be former Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NBA Game

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The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to complete a weekend home-and-home sweep as they host the Dallas Mavericks this afternoon.

Cleveland had its way with Dallas on Friday, and I’m expecting a similar result today in my Mavericks vs. Cavaliers predictions.

Read on to see how I think this matchup will play out in my NBA picks for Sunday, March 15.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers prediction

Mavericks vs Cavaliers best bet: Cavaliers -15 (-110)

The Dallas Mavericks hosted Friday’s meetings, and the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to cover as 13.5-point favorites on the road in a 138-105 rout. Cleveland was up 17 after the first quarter and never looked back.

Cleveland barely had to push its starters — nobody played as much as 29 minutes — and took advantage of a Mavericks team that has lost three of its last five games by 20+ points.

The Mavs are 0-5 in their last five games as double-digit underdogs. I’m taking Cleveland to cover easily again tonight.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Friday’s meeting finished with a total of 243 points, so I’m taking the Over again in my SGP today. I’ll also bet on James Harden to get Over 2.5 threes, as he's hit at least three shots from beyond the arc in each of his last four games.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers SGP

  • Cavaliers -14.5
  • Over 235.5
  • James Harden Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double danger!

For my longshot parlay, I’m going to take two Cavaliers players to get double-doubles. Both Harden and Evan Mobley can put together double-doubles in different categories, so they won’t be getting in each other’s way.

Let’s round things out by backing Donovan Mitchell to go Over 1.5 steals, something he’s accomplished in five of his last seven games.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers SGP

  • James Harden to record a double-double
  • Evan Mobley to record a double-double
  • Donovan Mitchell Over 1.5 steals

Mavericks vs Cavaliers odds

  • Spread: Mavericks +14.5 | Cavaliers -145
  • Moneyline: Mavericks +750 | Cavaliers -1400
  • Over/Under: Over 235.5 | Under 235.5

Mavericks vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Cavaliers have covered the spread in three straight matchups against the Mavericks. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Cavaliers.

How to watch Mavericks vs Cavaliers

LocationRocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
DateSunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off3:30 p.m. ET
TVNBA TV

Mavericks vs Cavaliers latest injuries

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USA vs Dominican Republic Home Run Picks for the World Baseball Classic Semifinal

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So far in this World Baseball Classic, 21 different players have hit at least two home runs. More than one-third of them come from these teams.

I have two home run hitters in mind for tonight's semifinal matchup, putting the focus on Aaron Judge and Julio Rodriguez.

For more World Baseball Classic best bets, read our complete USA vs. Dominican Republic predictions for March 15.

USA home run pick

Aaron Judge (+185 at DraftKings)

It should come as no surprise that the best right-handed hitter of our era is the biggest favorite to go yard in the game.

Aaron Judge has two homers in the WBC already, and he has three hits, a double, and a homer in his five career at-bats against Luis Severino.

Judge has a 1.072 OPS in the WBC and had a 1.285 OPS with two homers in five pre-WBC spring training games. The Yankees' slugger is in midseason form already. 

Dominican Republic home run pick

Julio Rodriguez (+425 at DraftKings)

Rodriguez is a long shot, but offers great value at +425.

He's batting just .200 in the WBC but has one home run to his name. He also has two career extra-base hits against Skenes, while no other D.R. player on the home run board even has a hit against him...

Rodriguez had a 1.556 OPS in his pre-WBC spring training games, and he's in a great spot to go yard tonight.

How to watch USA vs Dominican Republic and game info

LocationLoanDepot Park, Miami, FL
DateSunday, March 15, 2026
First pitch8:00 p.m. ET
TVFS1

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Spring GameThread: Jays @ Mets

7 Mar 1998: General view of the St. Lucie County Stadium where a spring training game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets is being played in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Dodgers 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Al | Getty Images

There has been a lot of baseball lately. I’m not in middle season baseball watching shape yet.

Today’s lineups:

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSMETS
George Springer – DHFrancisco Lindor – SS
Daulton Varsho – CFMarcus Semien – 2B
Davis Schneider – 2BBo Bichette – 3B
Addison Barger – 3BJorge Polanco – DH
Jesus Sanchez – RFLuis Robert – CF
Nathan Lukes – LFBrett Baty – 1B
Leo Jimenez – SSFrancisco Alvarez – C
Brandon Valenzuela – CMike Tauchman – RF
Charles McAdoo – 1BTyrone Taylor – LF
Grant Rogers – RHPZach Thornton – LHP

A.J. Ewing, Ryan Clifford among Mets reassigned to minor league camp

With Opening Day about a week and a half away, the Mets continue to whittle down their spring training roster.

The Mets announced that 11 players have been reassigned to minor league camp. The players are:

Pitchers - RHP Carl Edwards Jr., LHP Joe Jacques, RHP Ryan Lambert

Catcher - Kevin Parada

Infielders – Ryan Clifford, Jackson Cluff, Grae Kessinger, Jacob Reimer

Outfielders - Ji Hwan Bae, A.J. Ewing, Jose Ramos

Among the highlights of the list is Ewing, who proved exactly why he's been skyrocketing up prospect rankings to become one of the most promising players in the Mets' system. The 21-year-old had a terrific spring with the big league team, hitting .381 with one home run, six RBI, and four stolen bases while posting an OPS of 1.090. 

Clifford, another top prospect in the Mets' farm system, struggled this spring, going just 2-for-20 with seven strikeouts. 

On the pitching side, the 23-year-old Lambert was a standout for the Mets, pitching 3.0 scoreless innings of relief while striking out eight batters of the nine outs he recorded.

There are 53 players remaining in Mets' major league camp

Dodgers vs. Rangers spring training game roster

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 06: Ryder Ryan #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 06, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers play two games at the same time on Sunday. Here is their roster for the contest at Camelback Ranch against the Texas Rangers.

Lineup

Miguel Rojas SS
Kyle Tucker RF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Teoscar Hernández LF
Max Muncy 3B
Andy Pages CF
Alex Freeland 2B
Zyhir Hope DH
Eliézer Alfonzo C

River Ryan starts on the mound, making his fourth appearance of the spring.

Other pitchers

Ryder Ryan is scheduled to pitch at some point after his brother, as are Edgardo Henriquez and Paul Gervase.

Up from the minors are Keynan Middleton (wearing number 95), Cam Day (90), Evan Shaw (91), Javier Bartolozzi (92), Accimias Morales (96), and Nick Robertson (97)

Other position players

Non-roster invitees Noah Miller and Nick Senzel are active for this game.

Up from minor league camp are Eduardo Quintero (06), Mike Sirota (07), Charles Davalan (87), Kole Myers (89), Yeiner Fernandez (01), Kyle Nevin (02), Logan Wagner (09), and catchers Jesus Galiz (08) and Frank Rodriguez (93).