All posts by h716a5.icu

The Blue Jays will be thinking about how close they came to winning the 2025 World Series for years. In one of the best series we’ve ever seen, Toronto came up short, losing to the Dodgers in seven bruising games. Despite L.A.’s victory, much of the discussion after the game has focused on the Blue Jays’ blunders.

Toronto had issues running the bases all series, but three massive mistakes led directly to the team’s downfall. Here’s a look at how they happened and how each could have changed the outcome of the series.

Game 3: Schneider thrown out by a mile

In the epic, 18-inning Game 3 battle we’ll be talking about for years, the Blue Jays had several chances to take a lead in extra innings. Unfortunately, they could never push a run across. Some of that was due to John Schneider’s over-managing, but one instance was simply a bad decision on the bases.

In the top of the 10th inning with two outs and the game tied 5-5, Ty France singled to left and was replaced on the bases by Davis Schneider. Nathan Lukes stepped to the place to face Emmet Sheehan and laced the first pitch he saw down the right field line and into the corner. Schneider was off at the crack of the bat, and third base coach Carlos Febles opted to send him home. It was a horrid decision. Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández has a great arm, as does his relay partner Tommy Edman. Schenider was out by a mile attempting to score.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was on deck and would have stepped into the box with runners on second and third and two outs. The Dodgers likely would have walked him to face Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had pinch-run for Bo Bichette earlier. Still, Toronto would have had a better chance with Kiner-Falefa attempting to get a hit off Sheehan than Schneider running on Hernández and Edman.

Game 6: Barger doubled off second base to lose the game

In Friday night’s matchup in Toronto, the Blue Jays fell 3-1 but had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Roki Sasaki opened the frame by hitting Alejandro Kirk. Then Addison Barger hit a ground-rule double that got stuck under the fence. That likely cost them a run, but created second and third with no outs.

They had three outs to get those runners home and failed to do so.

Tyler Glasnow entered the game for the Dodgers, and Ernie Clement opted to swing at the first pitch he saw, popping out harmlessly to Freddie Freeman at first base. Andrés Giménez then looped a 1-0 pitch into shallow left field, but it hung up just enough for Kike Hernández to sprint in and make a running catch. Barger misread the ball and took off for third base before realizing it wasn’t going to drop. Hernández caught it, fired the ball to second and doubled off Barger, ending the game.

Had Barger held at second, George Springer would have come to the plate with two outs needing only a single to tie the game. Springer was 2-for-4 with an RBI on the night and is arguably Toronto’s second-best hitter. Instead, Barger’s blunder ended the game.

Game 7: Kiner-Falefa’s short lead burns him

In the bottom of the ninth, after the Dodgers tied the game at 4-4 on Miguel Rojas’s improbable solo home run, the Blue Jays had a chance to end it. With Blake Snell on the mound, Guerrero flew out to deep center before Bo Bichette singled to left. Kiner-Falefa pinch ran for him, then Barger walked after a nine-pitch at-bat. L.A. pulled Snell and brought in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who hit Kirk with his second pitch to load the bases. That’s when things got interesting.

On a 1-2 pitch, Daulton Varsho grounded the ball to Rojas at second. He stumbled making the play, but was able to throw a strike home to catcher Will Smith to barely beat Kiner-Falefa coming home. On replay, it was close as to whether Smith kept his foot on home plate, but the play was upheld after a review.

Observers noticed that Kiner-Falefa took almost no lead off third base, and didn’t get much of a secondary lead after Yamamoto began to move towards home plate. He had plenty of room, as Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was playing off the line. Visual evidence is below.

If Kiner-Falefa had taken another step or two off the base, he almost certainly would have scored, as Rojas’s throw home only beat him by inches. That would have ended the game and the series. Instead, he was out, and it was a massive missed opportunity.

With two outs and the bases still loaded, Clement flied out to the warning track, where Andy Pages made an outstanding catch to end the inning.

The game moved to extra innings, where the Dodgers would win it thanks to an 11th-inning Will Smith home run and Yamamoto’s heroic pitching performance.

The Blue Jays had repeated chances to win the series, but in the moments that mattered the most, they came up short. That was the difference.

Du Plessis has 154 IPL appearances and has won two titles with Chennai Super Kings

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2025Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has opted not to put his name in the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to play the Pakistan Super League (PSL).”After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis wrote in a statement on his social media handles.”This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”Related

RR trade Samson to CSK for Jadeja and Curran

Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk on Delhi Capitals' release list

IPL 2026: How the squads stack up ahead of the auction

Du Plessis, who has 154 IPL appearances, did not rule out a return to the competition in the future.”Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t goodbye – you’ll see me again,” he said.”This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessis said. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”ESPNcricinfo LtdIn IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for Delhi Capitals, and even captained the team in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.Overall, du Plessis is the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL. Apart from DC, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.While the IPL season will be played between March and May, it overlaps with the PSL, which is scheduled between April and May.

Sunderland are preparing a stunning €30 million (£26m) move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, with reports in Italy claiming the “monster offer” has already satisfied the Rossoneri hierarchy. They are ready to accept a loan-with-obligation deal in January, leaving the Premier League side now working to convince the hesitant Mexico international to join their ambitious project.

Sunderland want AC Milan's Gimenez this winter

Sunderland have accelerated their push to sign Gimenez, submitting an offer worth around €30 million that AC Milan reportedly view as acceptable. Italian outlets suggest the Black Cats initially pursued a loan, but the structure has shifted to a loan with a conditional obligation to buy due to Milan’s financial needs. Gimenez has registered one goal and two assists in 11 games this season, and despite his struggles, Sunderland believe he is the right profile to boost their attack in January.

Milan appear ready to offload the striker, as Massimiliano Allegri seeks a different type of forward for his system. Previous reports indicated Sunderland and Brentford were both monitoring the player, but the Black Cats have now moved ahead by formally contacting his agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Although the Rossoneri are happy with the bid, the transfer remains dependent on Gimenez himself, who is still evaluating the project before making a final decision.

Sunderland’s interest comes at a time when the club is determined to reinforce their frontline ahead of a push for Champions League qualification. Their defensive performances have kept them high in the table, but scoring has been inconsistent, with just 14 league goals in 12 matches.

AdvertisementAFPSunderland prepared to make 'monster bid' after initial loan deal

The proposed €30m deal is highly appealing to AC Milan, who are eager to secure funds for their own striker search in January. According to La Repubblica, the offer is “adequate to avoid capital losses” and provides crucial liquidity to unlock their incoming transfer plans. The Rossoneri signed Gimenez from Feyenoord with high expectations, but his limited output and stylistic mismatch under Allegri have prompted a willingness to let him go immediately.

For Sunderland, the move represents a continuation of their ambitious new-era strategy under Regis Le Bris, who is determined to elevate the squad into a stable top-six Premier League contender. The Black Cats have been evaluating attacking reinforcements for weeks, particularly given the vast financial inequality between themselves and the league’s elite. Adding a striker entering his prime years, already capped by Mexico and proven in Europe, offers significant value compared to typical Premier League market inflation.

The player’s hesitation stems largely from his desire to succeed at childhood club AC Milan and his previous rejection of Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, close sources indicate he is seriously considering the Premier League switch due to the opportunity for guaranteed minutes. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in Mexico, consistent first-team football is now a priority for the 24-year-old forward.

Getty ImagesGimenez still uncertain about Sunderland move

Gimenez’s proposed move follows several weeks of back-and-forth between Sunderland and his representatives, with Pimenta reviewing the club’s six-month loan proposal and its mandatory €30m purchase clause. The structure benefits all parties: AC Milan recover the majority of what they spent on the striker, Sunderland delay the financial hit until summer, and the player gains a pathway back to prominent form. This delay also allows Sunderland to manage their sporting budget depending on where they finish in the league table.

The Mexican international excelled at Feyenoord before his transfer to Italy, but has struggled to replicate that impact under Allegri. Milan’s tactical shift away from his strengths has reduced his minutes and confidence, creating the conditions for a mid-season departure. Sunderland believe his pressing intensity, movement and finishing, well-suited to Premier League football, will flourish in a system built around faster transitions and structured attacking phases.

Gimenez’s camp understands that Premier League exposure ahead of the World Cup could drastically improve his standing with the national team. Sunderland’s sporting project is being sold to him as an opportunity to become the team’s primary No.9 and an instant fan favourite. While the player remains cautious, his entourage acknowledges that this may be the best available January pathway for his long-term development.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Sunderland hopeful of coup

Sunderland will now focus on convincing Gimenez personally, as AC Milan have already indicated they will accept the €30m package. The Black Cats want the deal completed early in January, but will not wait indefinitely if the striker hesitates too long. 

Manchester United are plotting signings and now look to be on the verge of announcing their latest arrival at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd prepare to take on Crystal Palace

The dust has settled on a disappointing defeat for Manchester United against Everton on Monday night, which will have left Ruben Amorim with plenty to stew over after being denied by a rigid block that refused to budge at Old Trafford.

Arguably, a change of shape or style would’ve heightened the chances of the Red Devils scoring. Still, some excellent saves from Jordan Pickford ended their five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they will now need to reset against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

South London has proved to be one of the toughest destinations in the top-flight this campaign for clubs keen on points, albeit Manchester United will have no choice but to try and defy recent norms in their pursuit of continental qualification.

Come the January window, Amorim will hope to call upon the backing of INEOS in the hunt for new additions, and Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Joao Gomes and Andre are wanted at Old Trafford.

Casemiro could be on his way out at Manchester United, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he may only be kept on under reduced salary conditions, as he said: “So now the desire is from Man Utd obviously to continue with Casemiro, but on different conditions.

“So the salary he has right now is a salary Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future. Not because of unhappiness with the player, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

With that in mind, the Red Devils could now be set to imminently sign a younger midfielder who shares similar traits with the Brazil international.

Man Utd set to sign Cristian Orozco

According to Romano on X, Manchester United are now close to signing Fortaleza midfielder Cristian Orozco for a fee in the region of £756,800 and he will arrive in England over the coming days to seal his move.

Despite never playing senior club football, scouts have compared him to the likes of Moises Caicedo and believe he could be the “next Casemiro” due to his “physically imposing” displays in the engine room.

Capped 13 times at Under-17 level by Colombia, he looks to be the latest in a long line of additions Manchester United have made over recent times with an eye for the future, similar to the likes of Chido Obi-Martin, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

With Casemiro soon to be into the final few months of his contract, the Red Devils may have now done the groundwork to land his long-term replacement.

The Pirates enjoyed a successful season on the mound this year—but they are reportedly following that season with a surprising move.

Pittsburgh is dismissing pitching coach Oscar Marin, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Jon Heyman of the . Marin, 42, had served in that position since 2020.

The reported move comes after the Pirates pitched to an ERA of 3.76—the seventh-best in baseball and the team's lowest in a decade, since it won 98 games in 2015. Pittsburgh also allowed fewer than four runs per game for the first time since '15.

Marin is also the only pitching coach Pirates star Paul Skenes has known since his promotion to the major leagues in 2024. In two years, Skenes is 21-13 with an ERA of 1.96 and 386 strikeouts in 320 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh, which has weathered a reputation as one of North American professional sports' most poorly run teams for decades, has had four winning seasons in the last 30 years and none since 2018.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing third baseman Max Muncy on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, the team announced Thursday.

Muncy heads to the IL after Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor attempted to steal third base and collided with Muncy's lower leg during Wednesday's 5-4 Dodgers win. Muncy tagged Taylor out, but went down clutching his knee and had to limp off the field with assistance from athletic trainer Thomas Albert.

Muncy told reporters Thursday that he is expected to miss about six weeks with the injury.

“It was tough news, but it was also great news in terms of when you look at the play and the injury that could have happened, we possibly got best case scenario,” said Muncy. “There’s no structural damage in there, which is huge. That was definitely a pleasant relief, but the timetable still kind of sucks for me personally. … It was a tough blow, but at the same time, I still get to play baseball this year instead of coming back next year around April.”

The two-time MLB All-Star, who is in his ninth season with the Dodgers organization, was in the middle of a strong campaign before going down with the injury, slashing .250/.375/.457 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs this season.

With Muncy out for the foreseeable future, the Dodgers are calling up outfielder Esteury Ruiz in a corresponding move. Ruiz, who the Dodgers acquired from the Athletics earlier this season, has spent this season in the minor leagues, but previously led the American League in stolen bases in 2023. Ruiz is slashing .292/.394/.458 with eight home runs, 37 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases for Triple-A Oklahoma City this year,

England came unstuck on Multan’s re-used surface, as Pakistan levelled the Test series at 1-1. Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew Miller and Matt Roller to analyse what went wrong

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Oct-2024England were spun out in the second Multan Test, unable to get close in chase of 297. After the dust had settled, Alan Gardner was joined on the pod by Andrew Miller and Matt Roller to discuss Pakistan’s tailor-made approach, whether the toss played a disproportionate role and what to expect from the series decider in Rawalpindi.