The Tampa Bay Rays lost a combined no-hitter in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals when Carter Jensen struck a two-run home run off Craig Kimbrel on Thursday.
Opener Casey Legumina pitched a flawless start to the game before Ian Seymour delivered a dominant strikeout performance.
The left-handed reliever struck out seven batters to carry the history-chasing effort deep into the contest.
The Florida-based outfit had built a commanding 13-0 advantage heading into the final frame, powered by a remarkable three-homer display from Junior Caminero.
Defensive brilliance falls just short
The pitching staff retired the first 16 batters they faced before Starling Marte drew a full-count walk in the sixth inning to end the perfect game bid.
Left fielder Chandler Simpson preserved the initial unblemished run with a spectacular running catch near the foul pole to deny Salvador Perez in the fifth.
The athletic outfielder also produced a crucial grab on a hard-hit line drive by Ian Collins to successfully navigate the eighth inning.
However, veteran closer Kimbrel walked Marte to open the ninth before Jensen launched a devastating drive over the outfield wall to ruin the milestone.
Historical context of the missed milestone
Matt Garza remains the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter for the American League East club, achieving the feat against the Detroit Tigers in July 2010.
The franchise has never recorded a perfect game throughout its entire existence.
A successful completion would have marked only the second no-hitter of the current major league season, following a combined effort by the Houston Astros in May.
Ironically, Kimbrel previously completed a combined no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2021 campaign.
Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa will face no formal disciplinary action from his club following a nightclub altercation that briefly cost England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson their Test places.
The 21-year-old Samoan back-row was involved in a late-night incident during the early hours of 8 June.
He reportedly threw a punch aimed at fast bowler Atkinson, which missed and instead struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard.
Security Staff Member Declines Police Action
The staff member required stitches for the resulting injury but chose not to escalate the matter to the authorities.
Following the initial news of the altercation, Stokes and Atkinson were immediately stood down from England’s second Test match against New Zealand.
The national team captain and his Surrey team-mate faced an immediate disciplinary investigation regarding a potential breach of strict team protocols.
Independent Regulator Finds Insufficient Evidence
The independent Cricket Regulator subsequently reviewed the clash and found insufficient evidence to formally charge the international duo.
A parallel ECB investigation also cleared the cricketers of any major wrongdoing, paving the way for their swift return to action.
Despite avoiding match bans, the players did receive written conduct warnings for contravening specific contractual obligations.
They were immediately recalled to the senior squad and are currently participating in the ongoing third Test.
Premiership Club Closes the Case
Following the conclusion of the cricket authorities’ investigations, Saracens conducted their own internal review into the rugby prospect’s behaviour.
The Premiership side released a statement confirming they would not be penalising the forward and consider the issue entirely resolved.
Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned.
Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.
Tottenham Hotspur’s owners, the Lewis family, have injected a further £100m into the club to boost working capital and fund significant infrastructure upgrades.
The north London side have turned down interest from several potential buyers, reiterating their long-term commitment despite enduring successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.
This latest financial boost marks the second time in just eight months that the ownership group has provided a massive cash injection.
Overhaul of training facilities
While club sources suggest the funds are primarily designated for general operational costs rather than player acquisitions, the increased liquidity provides greater overall spending power.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham recently detailed extensive improvements planned for the team’s training base during a Fan Advisory Board meeting.
Work is already underway to transform the first-team gym, which had reportedly fallen significantly behind the high standards set by rival top-flight competitors.
“Football and performance are now positioned at the centre of decision-making, which has led to numerous changes.”
Vinai Venkatesham
“An example being work is underway to reshape the first-team environment in the training centre, including a new player briefing/tactical room, a complete transformation to the gym, changes to the player restaurant and making the building feel like a true performance environment.”
“The close season is the first window where changes of this scale can be commenced.”
Aggressive moves in the transfer market
Despite the primary focus on behind-the-scenes facilities, the squad has already seen significant reinforcement during the early stages of the summer window.
Defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke have all been acquired to bolster a struggling backline.
The hierarchy are also reportedly pursuing club-record deals for midfield duo Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
These ambitious targets suggest the board’s recent pledge to prove that actions speak louder than words is being actively implemented both on and off the pitch.
Chelsea are on the verge of completing the £43m signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra after the Italian travelled to London for a medical.
The 21-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
This agreement includes an option to extend his stay in west London until June 2033.
The Premier League side moved swiftly to secure the youngster’s signature, hijacking a proposed deal from Inter Milan.
Financial package edges out Inter Milan
The Nerazzurri were considered clear frontrunners for the promising full-back.
However, the Serie A champions could not match a salary offer that aligns strictly with Chelsea’s heavily bonus-incentivised wage structure.
Stamford Bridge officials highly value the new arrival’s tactical versatility across the defensive line.
He is capable of operating as a right wing-back, a traditional right-back, and can even deputise on the left flank if required.
Competition for defensive spots
The incoming defender’s arrival will provide direct competition for club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Speculation is mounting over Gusto’s long-term future, with the club reportedly open to letting him depart this summer.
A £75m valuation has been placed on the 21-year-old right-back, drawing admiration from several domestic rivals including Manchester City.
Any potential departure for the Frenchman will be delayed until the conclusion of his ongoing World Cup campaign.
The former Lyon defender recently made his first tournament appearance for Les Bleus, replacing Jules Kounde as a late substitute in a weather-affected victory over Iraq.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to send goalkeeper Andre Onana back to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan.
The Cameroonian international is set to return to the club where he spent the entirety of the previous campaign after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
During his initial spell in Turkey, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper impressed significantly, helping his temporary employers secure the Turkish Cup against Konyaspor in May.
United sources indicate an agreement is close to finalisation, preventing an awkward scenario where the £47.2m signing would have to report for pre-season training while actively seeking a departure.
Club officials opted against reintegrating him to compete with Senne Lammens, feeling his substantial salary and extroverted personality could become a distraction on the substitutes’ bench.
Goalkeeping overhaul continues
The Old Trafford hierarchy face further uncertainty regarding their options between the posts as they consider offloading Altay Bayindir should a suitable offer materialise.
A departure for the Turkish international would leave the Red Devils without a recognised deputy to support Lammens, forcing them into the transfer market for reinforcements.
Recently released Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Angus Gunn has emerged as a potential target, despite enduring a difficult evening as Scotland were beaten by Brazil on Wednesday.
Also on the radar is 35-year-old Karl Darlow, who is currently out of contract but remains in ongoing negotiations regarding a new deal with Leeds United.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone has also been linked with a return to Manchester, with the 33-year-old having originally progressed through the esteemed United academy system.
Former England captain Alan Shearer has urged manager Thomas Tuchel to make sweeping changes, including starting Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, for Saturday’s crucial World Cup group match against Panama.
The Three Lions were held to a frustrating draw by Ghana on Tuesday, raising concerns over their attacking output in the tournament.
However, the celebrated Newcastle United legend believes there is no reason for panic as history shows eventual champions frequently drop points in early group stages.
Attacking overhaul needed out wide
Shearer was highly critical of the starting wingers during the sluggish performance against the African nation.
He felt Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke lacked the necessary aggression and consistently struggled to beat their respective defenders.
I didn’t think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana.
The former striker noted that both open-play service and set-piece deliveries were remarkably poor throughout the contest.
Consequently, the BBC pundit expects the German tactician to introduce the Arsenal talisman and the Manchester United forward on the flanks.
Providing the explosive right-winger is fully fit, his inclusion alongside the experienced Mancunian would drastically alter the team’s attacking dynamic.
Defensive uncertainties and structural tweaks
Further changes are anticipated in the backline, with Nico O’Reilly heavily tipped to replace Djed Spence at left-back.
The impressive youngster generated significantly more attacking threat during a brief 15-minute cameo than the side had managed prior to his introduction.
A central defensive switch could also materialise, potentially seeing Manchester City stalwart John Stones return at the expense of Ezri Konsa.
Shearer also highlighted uncharacteristic vulnerability from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, suggesting the frequent defensive rotations may have unsettled the Everton shot-stopper.
Despite largely dominating possession, the European heavyweights survived two major counter-attacking scares that could easily have resulted in a penalty or a red card.
Capitalising on a struggling opponent
Their upcoming Central American opponents are already eliminated from the competition following consecutive defeats.
A victory on Saturday would ensure progression and likely secure top spot in the group, settling any lingering nerves within the camp.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has completed a landmark free transfer to London City Lionesses following her departure from Barcelona.
The Spain international opted to join the Women’s Super League side after carefully considering strong interest from NWSL franchise Boston Legacy.
Her arrival marks a major statement of intent for the ambitious London club, who have already secured the signature of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps this summer.
A transformative signing for the domestic game
The celebrated playmaker departed Catalonia in May, ending a phenomenal 14-year association with the European champions.
During her illustrious tenure, the creative midfielder secured an astonishing ten Primera Division titles and lifted the Champions League trophy on four occasions.
She was recently named the European competition’s Player of the Season after spearheading her former side to victory over Lyon in last month’s showpiece final.
The World Cup winner is widely tipped to claim a third Ballon d’Or later this year, completing a remarkable return to the peak of world football after overcoming a severe ACL injury in 2022.
Backing the Champions League dream
Luring such a universally recognised star demonstrates the immense financial muscle of the Lionesses, who are heavily backed by the investment of owner Michelle Kang.
It is understood that the lucrative contract offered by the English side comfortably surpassed the terms presented by her former employers.
London City head coach Eder Maestre recently declared that his newly assembled squad is actively targeting Champions League qualification next season.
Sky Sports News analyst Anton Toloui highlighted the unprecedented magnitude of the transfer.
“London City mean business by bringing one of the biggest names in the history of the game to the Lionesses.”
Building a new dynasty
The capture of the Spanish centurion is part of a wider strategic recruitment drive designed to establish dominance in the top flight.
Talented forward Freya Godfrey has also committed her long-term future to the project by signing a three-year contract extension this week.
Rumours suggest the ambitious outfit are now targeting further defensive reinforcements, having reportedly explored a move for fellow Barcelona stalwart Mapi Leon.
Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles champion Chris Evert has confirmed her ovarian cancer has returned and will miss Wimbledon to undergo chemotherapy.
The 71-year-old American released a statement on Thursday detailing her diagnosis after undergoing recent CT and PET scans.
The former world number one has already undergone surgery as an initial step in her recovery and will step back from all professional commitments over the coming months.
‘Optimistic and determined’
Evert described the illness as relentless but insisted she remains positive as she prepares to begin her medical treatment.
“I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.”
“Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health.”
“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.”
The three-time All England Club champion will consequently miss her punditry duties at the upcoming grass-court major in London.
Previous health battles and support
The tennis icon was first diagnosed with the disease in 2022 following a preventive hysterectomy, which was prompted by the death of her sister Jeanne from the same illness.
Doctors initially believed the cancer would not return as it was caught early, but the Florida native experienced a recurrence in 2023 before seemingly overcoming it again earlier this year.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, the Hall of Famer claimed 157 singles titles during a dominant career before retiring in 1989.
Fellow tennis greats have rallied behind the legendary competitor following her latest health update.
Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova expressed her unwavering support on social media.
“My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again.”
Multiple-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, alongside active players Donna Vekic and Ajla Tomljanovic, also sent messages of encouragement to the American.