Shohei Ohtani sends LA back to the World Series ~
Given that we may have just witnessed the greatest single-game performance in history, people still appear to be overlooking it. Ohtani anticipated to finish the NLCS (up 3-0) against the Brewers in Game Four after he was on the mound during the Divisional Series against the Phillies and had an "alright" game. Ohtani pitched 6.0 innings on Friday night, giving up two hits, zero runs, and 10 strikeouts. Great game already. After that, he walks once and hits 3/3 on offense, all three of which are home runs. Expectations have always been high for him, and he is often discussed, as he has been the so-called "top player" in the MLB since coming over from Japan. Inevitably, it is impossible to normalize what the Dodgers star just accomplished. That was out of this world. Now Los Angeles will play for a second World Series in as many years.
Blue Jays and Mariners battle it out in Game 7 on Monday ~
Most people believed that the ALCS was over after Seattle seized a 2-0 series lead on the road. Nonetheless, the Blue Jays managed to stay alive and return home field advantage to the Rogers Centre for Games Six and Seven, just like they have done all season. Both teams will now compete for a chance to play the Dodgers in the World Series after Toronto won Game Six. It would mean so much to both teams. Being the only Canadian team in the MLB, Toronto has the support of the entire nation. Seattle has never made the World Series in the history of the organization (only team not to do so.) Monday night's Game Seven is going to be spectacular.
Sister Jean passes away at the age of 106 ~
A living legend in the College Basketball world as well as the school of Loyola Chicago, Sister Jean made head-waves across the world being as old as she was and still being one of the most ambitious basketball fans on the planet. She was a very intelligent woman who played an influential role in the Ramblers' run to the Final Four in 2018 (which was one of the most shocking March Madness runs in recent memory) and watched their National Championship victory in 1963 as a fan. In the realm of college basketball, she will always be recognized. Sister Jean, may you rest in peace.
Are the Chiefs finally fully back? Rashee Rice returns in Week 7 ~
Kansas City suddenly seems to be operating on all cylinders after a painful start to the season. KC's first two games against PHI and LAC ended in defeat. Then, in week five, it lost to JAX. Now that their best wide receiver is back from suspension, the Chiefs have won consecutive games. What did he do in his first game back? He caught two touchdown passes in a 31-0 win over the Raiders. Despite a slow start, Patrick Mahomes is still leading the MVP race. The Chiefs might just make another Super Bowl this season.
From Qualifyer to ATP 1000 Champ. Valentin Vacherot reaches new heights ~
Who is Valentin Vacherot? The Monegasque player was not even in the Main Draw of this ATP 1000 tournament in early October, having been ranked below #200 in the ATP Rankings prior to Shanghai. He had to go through a pair of qualifying matches, losing the first set in both to even make the tournament. When he did, he took advantage of it. To achieve the unfathomable, he defeated #82 Laslo Djere, #17 Alexander Bublik, #23 Tomas Machac, #31 Tallon Greikspoor, #11 Holger Rune, #5 Novak Djokovic, and #54 Arthur Rinderknech. (all rankings from before the tournament) After his heroics in Shanghai, he is currently ranked #40 in the world.
James Franklin fired. Mike Norvell fired. Billy Napier fired. Jay Norvell fired. Who's next? ~
According to the preseason rankings, Penn State was the best team going into the season. Without a doubt, the Nittany Lions have fallen short of expectations. The organization has chosen to dismiss head coach James Franklin. Also, their quarterback, Drew Allar, has suffered an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. We think it's somewhat cruel and he has poured so much effort into the program and was just one play away from making it to the National Championship Game last year. Over the previous week, Jay Norvell (CSU), Mike Norvell (FSU), and Billy Napier (Florida) have also been let go. We think that Hugh Freeze (Auburn) could be next after another tough home loss this past weekend.
Las Vegas Aces sweep Phoenix Mercury. Win WNBA Championship ~
Halfway through the WNBA season, something changed in Las Vegas. The Aces were 14-14 and didn't appear to be among the league's top teams until they managed to win all 16 of their games at the end of the season, ending up 30-14. They went on to have the always important home court advantage in every series after earning the second seed in the playoffs. The Aces carried their momentum and rode it through the playoffs with a commanding 4-0 sweep in the finals against Phoenix. Given her performance this season, A'ja Wilson ought to be regarded as the league's most outstanding player at the moment.
Cape Verde to the World Cup in 2026. 2nd smallest country ever ~
Every nation on the planet's goal is to qualify for the World Cup, particularly if it is their first time doing so. The largest sporting competition in the world will be held next summer. Cape Verde, a nation made up of ten distinct volcanic islands with a total land area of slightly more than 4,000 square kilometres, has officially made it. With an estimated population of roughly 540,000, Cape Verde is now the second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup. When the tournament rolls around, the entire country will be hoping for some success!