Sports
Hot at home of late, Rangers aim to sweep Jays
Sep 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) celebrates with Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (15) after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The Texas Rangers aim to continue their recent home success on Thursday afternoon as they vie for a three-game series sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays in Arlington, Texas.
The Rangers (73-79) followed up a 13-run, 13-hit uprising in the series opener on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday. Adolis Garcia belted a two-run homer in the sixth inning for Texas, which improved to 8-2 over its last 10 games at Globe Life Field.
Rookie Wyatt Langford homered and reached base five times on Monday before leading off the sixth with a single on Tuesday.
“We haven’t seen the best of this guy,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said of the 22-year-old Langford.
“No. 1 because of his talent, but how hard he works and how committed he is to his craft. You can play him anywhere in the outfield, hit him anywhere in the top five, six spots in the order. He’s going to be a lot of fun to watch here in the next few years for the fans.”
Garcia has been fun for the fans in his own right. He followed up Langford’s single by crushing a first-pitch sinker over the wall in left field to provide all the offense the Rangers would need on Wednesday.
Alejandro Kirk extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games with a single to lead off the fifth inning on Wednesday for the Blue Jays (72-80).
The Rangers will send Kumar Rocker (0-0, 2.25 ERA) to the mound for his second career start against fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman (12-11, 4.02).
Rocker, 24, overcame a shaky start to his major league debut last Thursday, allowing one run on three hits while striking out seven over four innings. He was pulled after 74 pitches in Texas’ win over the Seattle Mariners.
“We got him where we wanted him, around 75 pitches, and he’s got to feel good about that start,” Bochy said. “I’m sure he was nervous out there, and then the first two guys get hits, and, you know, he’s got runners in scoring position, nobody out, and he made pitches when he had to. So it says a lot about him.”
Gausman, 33, saw his winless skid extend to three starts despite permitting two runs over seven innings in a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.
He went the distance in his last start versus Texas, yielding three runs on four hits in nine innings of a 7-3 home victory on July 27. He is 6-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against the Rangers.
Toronto’s Bo Bichette was a late scratch on Wednesday due to a right middle finger contusion sustained during pregame warmups. The move came one day after the two-time All-Star competed in his first game in two months after being activated from the injured list due to a calf strain.
Also, the Blue Jays announced infielder Will Wagner will undergo surgery on his left knee that will require at least four weeks of rest. He is the son of former major leaguer Billy Wagner.
“He’s probably a little bit relieved that he’s getting this taken care of now,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “He showed really well and he’s a guy we’re confident in and rightfully so.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Texas AG launches probe into FIFA's ticket practices
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at Texas Tech University’s chapter of Turning Point USA’s event for speakers at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock, Texas, Oct. 7, 2025. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into FIFA over alleged deceptive ticketing practices for World Cup matches in his state.
Paxton announced his probe into international soccer’s governing body Tuesday, claiming that FIFA misled fans about the location and quality of seats sold for upcoming matches.
“I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly,” he said in a statement. “Sports have a unique power to bring people together, and FIFA must understand that Texans take their competition — and their consumer rights — seriously.”
Seven matches are taking place at Houston’s NRG Stadium and nine are being played at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, including a semifinal on July 14.
In one example provided by Paxton’s office to USA Today, a fan purchased “Category 1” seats expecting premium views of the field. However, Paxton’s office said FIFA allegedly later adjusted the seat maps to move the fan’s seats to “Category 2,” which have worse views of the action.
FIFA did not respond to a request for comment from USA Today.
State attorneys general in California, New York and New Jersey have launched similar investigations.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Victoria Mboko, Serena Williams' doubles partner, injured
Mar 24, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Victoria Mboko (CAN) hits a forehand against Karolina Muchova (CZE) (not pictured) on day eight of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Serena Williams’ London comeback may have ended prematurely Wednesday when doubles partner Victoria Mboko sustained a knee injury while playing singles at the HSBC Championships.
Mboko grabbed at her left knee after slipping on the grass at the Queen’s Club and was forced to retire. The 19-year-old Canadian was trailing 6-2, 3-4 to Karolina Pliskova, who advanced to the quarterfinals.
“She was improving as the match was going, so it would have been a nice match, but I wish her only the best,” Pliskova said. “Of course, this is not the way I want to win, so hopefully she’s going to be fine for Wimbledon.”
Playing for the first time in nearly four years, the 44-year-old Williams paired with Mboko to win their first doubles match on Tuesday with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 result against third-seeded Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.
Williams and Mboko are scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals on Thursday night.
Mboko, ranked No. 9 in the world, was the No. 3 seed in the singles draw. It was the first retirement of her career at the WTA Tour level.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner in singles, had not played professionally since the 2022 U.S. Open.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Wave sign Spanish GK Sandra Panos to 3-year deal
Sep 4, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; Club America goalkeeper Sandra Panos (1) looks on before the match against Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images The San Diego Wave announced the signing Wednesday of decorated Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Panos.
Panos, 33, arrives from Liga MX Femenil side Club America on a three-year deal through the 2028 NWSL season.
She previously starred at FC Barcelona as a three-time Champions League winner and five-time Liga F champion.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Sandra to San Diego,” sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said. “She is a world-class goalkeeper with experience and leadership at the highest levels of the game, which will be a tremendous addition to our team. Bringing a player of her caliber to the Wave reflects the ambition of our Club as we continue working toward winning a championship, and we’re thrilled to have her join this team.”
Panos allowed just 13 goals in 72 matches across three seasons at Club America from 2024-26.
She earned 54 caps with the Spanish national team from 2012-22, including four starts at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
–Field Level Media
Texas AG launches probe into FIFA's ticket practices
Victoria Mboko, Serena Williams' doubles partner, injured
