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Kirby Smart, Georgia in self-improve mode; Alabama on horizon

Syndication: Online AthensGeorgia coach Kirby Smart looks on during the second half of a NCAA Aflac Kickoff game against Tennessee Tech in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

No. 2 Georgia started the off week zeroing in on personal improvement plans and preparation for a showdown with Alabama.

With more than one week to prepare for an opponent, the Bulldogs have won 21 games in a row under Smart.

“I certainly attribute a lot of it to having really good players,” Smart said.

Georgia has two bye weeks under the new SEC schedule and planned for time dedicated to recruiting and with position coaches drilling into fine detail as part of a self scout before rolling into prep for the Crimson Tide.

“We haven’t started on Alabama yet,” Smart said. “We’re working on us right now. As the week goes, we’re honing in on that. We worked on other opponents yesterday, we’ll work on other opponents today.”

The Bulldogs survived a trip to Kentucky last week, leaving Lexington with a 13-12 victory and stands at 3-0. No. 4 Alabama is 3-0 and also on a bye this week.

Smart said the SEC explanation for roughing-the-passer penalty last week on Jalon Walker was that he could have avoided driving Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a transfer from Georgia, into the ground.

“It’s tough. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be that way. It’s going to be that way for a lot of people,” Smart said, noting the league felt Walker could have landed a different way. “They’re trying to protect that position.”

Walker disagreed, but will not dwell on the infraction. He said he can’t wait to dive into Alabama preparation, a game he’s been focused on since losing the 2023 SEC Championship Game.

Saturday’s college football slate intrigues Smart, but he said he won’t be intentional tracking future opponents live — such as new No. 1 Texas — during the bye week.

–Field Level Media

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Ten-man England outlast host Mexico to reach World Cup quarterfinals

July 5, 2026; Mexico City, Mexico; England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates.  Mandatory Credit: Daniel Becerril-Reuters via Imagn Images July 5, 2026; Mexico City, Mexico; England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Becerril-Reuters via Imagn Images

Jude Bellingham recorded a brace and Harry Kane scored his sixth goal of the World Cup and added an assist as England outlasted Mexico 3-2 in a round of 16 instant classic on Sunday night at Mexico City.

England played a man down for the last 48 minutes, including 12 in stoppage time, after Jarell Quansah picked up a straight red card, handing Mexico a rare loss at Estadio Azteca.

England will face Norway in the quarterfinals on July 11 at Miami Gardens, Fla. Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 earlier Sunday.

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored goals as Mexico fell to 70-3-17 at the famed stadium since it opened in 1966.

The start of the match was delayed an hour due to fierce rainstorms in the 7,200-foot elevation but the weather was a nonfactor during the intense match.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made three saves, while Mexico counterpart Raul Rangel stopped two shots.

Mexico had a 21-6 edge in shots and put six on target to England’s five.

England looked in trouble when they went down to 10 players while holding a 2-1 lead.

Quansah made a sliding tackle at Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo and his high spikes collided with Gallardo’s left shin. The play was reviewed and Quansah was given a red card in the 54th minute.

Six minutes later, England padded their lead. The sequence started with a long ball bouncing into the Mexico box. England’s Anthony Gordon was in pursuit and Rangel came out and took Gordon down and a penalty kick was awarded.

Kane stood at the spot before sending a right-footed rocket into the left corner of the net to give England a 3-1 advantage. Kane is one goal off the lead in the Golden Boot competition.

A short time later, Kane was called for a high kick and Mexico were awarded a penalty kick. Jimenez took it in the 69th minute and slowly approached before kicking a left-footer into the left side of the net for his third goal of the tournament.

England were passive for most of the first half before Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds.

Bukayo Saka set up the first one in the 36th minute with some nice maneuvering in the attacking area. He sent a cross to Bellingham, who met the ball with a stellar diving header that went into the left side of the net to give England the lead.

Then Mexico were sloppy in the midfield and England came up with a theft and moved downfield. Kane had the ball and sent it over to Bellingham, who knocked in a right-footer to give England a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute on his fourth goal of the World Cup.

Mexico answered in the 42nd minute off a free kick. Roberto Alvarado sent a left-footed boot toward the box and the ball caromed off the leg of England’s Ezri Konsa. It went directly to Quinones, who sent a right footed-shot into the upper portion of the net for his fourth goal.

Earlier, Mexico had a big chance in the 15th minute but Jimenez’s close-range header was stopped by the left hand of Pickford.

–Field Level Media

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MLB roundup: Marlins ride Eury Perez's 7 perfect innings to wild win over A's

Jul 5, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (39) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn ImagesJul 5, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (39) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Eury Perez dominated with seven perfect innings and the Miami Marlins slugged four homers before holding on for a wild 9-8 victory over the Athletics to complete a three-game sweep Sunday at West Sacramento, Calif.

The Marlins immediately lost the perfect game and no-hitter in the eighth inning once Perez was pulled, as Lake Bachar walked Lawrence Butler and gave up a single to Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. Jonah Heim belted a grand slam and had a career-high six RBIs as the A’s clawed back from down 8-0.

Trailing 9-5, Zack Gelof singled off Pete Fairbanks to start the ninth and Butler followed with a double. Gelof scored on a passed ball by Joe Mack before Fairbanks retired two batters. Fairbanks then walked Max Muncy, who moved to second on defensive indifference, and Heim delivered a two-run single. But Brian Serven grounded out to end the contest.

Right-hander Perez (5-6) struck out eight while throwing 92 pitches. It’s the third time the 23-year-old has pitched seven innings in his career. Heriberto Hernandez reached base five times on three hits and two walks, including two homers, and Otto Lopez had three hits, one homer and three RBIs for Miami to raise his major league-best average to .346.

Mets 10, Braves 9

Nolan McLean settled down after a rocky start to throw six solid innings and visiting New York survived an improbable ninth-inning comeback to beat Atlanta and end a three-game losing streak.

Mets reliever Luke Weaver extended his streak of scoreless innings to 25 with a perfect eighth, but Huascar Brazoban could not hold a 10-3 lead. He allowed five runs, including a grand slam to Drake Baldwin, and forced the Mets to bring in closer Devin Williams to get the final two outs.

Bo Bichette had three hits and three RBIs, while A.J. Ewing and Tyrone Taylor had solo homers for New York. Michael Harris II drove in three runs for the Braves.

Pirates 11, Nationals 5

Konnor Griffin’s two-run single in the eighth inning provided the go-ahead runs as visiting Pittsburgh recorded a win over Washington to claim the series rubber match.

Brandon Lowe hit a three-run homer to cap off the Pirates’ five-run frame. Bryan Reynolds added a solo shot and Nick Gonzales had three hits for Pittsburgh. Gregory Soto (5-2) earned the win in relief, allowing one hit and one run over two innings. Starter Bubba Chandler gave up four runs on six hits over four innings.

Luis Garcia Jr. was 2-for-5 with a two-run homer and Dylan Crews added a solo shot for the Nationals. Brad Lord (5-2) was tagged for all five Pirates runs in the eighth. Cade Cavalli lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits.

Reds 3, Orioles 2

Spencer Steer hit a two-run home run to help Cincinnati end a six-game home losing skid and salvage the finale of the three-game series.

Reds starter Nick Lodolo (3-2) gave up six hits and one run on 87 pitches in six innings. Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan gave up a run in the ninth before nailing down his seventh save. It was his second outing since coming off the IL with a hamstring strain. The right-hander’s last save chance was May 4 and his last save was April 17.

Orioles starter Kyle Bradish (5-9) gave up five hits and three runs while coming up one out short of a complete game. The right-hander walked one and struck out five in 106 pitches.

White Sox 7, Guardians 6

Braden Montgomery scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning on a Sam Antonacci groundout, lifting Chicago past host Cleveland for the victory and a one-game lead over the host squad in the American League Central.

White Sox bulk reliever Erick Fedde (4-6) worked 5 1/3 innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits. Sean Newcomb recorded the last five outs for his third save. Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel each hit two-run homers and Tristan Peters had a solo shot against Guardians starter Tanner Bibee.

Cleveland’s Colin Holderman (4-2) failed to retire a hitter in the sixth and was charged with the loss when Erik Sabrowski induced Antonacci’s groundout. Gabriel Arias belted a three-run shot for the Guardians in the fifth off Fedde, after Chase DeLauter had a two-run homer and Daniel Schneemann added an RBI single in the first.

Twins 6, Yankees 1

Joe Ryan pitched seven scoreless innings and visiting Minnesota rolled to a victory over New York to win its first road series against the Yankees since 2014.

Ryan (6-5) allowed three singles in his fourth scoreless start this season. Brooks Lee had three hits and an RBI after entering the game hitless in his previous 10 at-bats. All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton exited in the first inning after aggravating a hip injury.

Ryan Weathers (3-7) allowed four runs on six hits in four-plus innings for the Yankees, who have lost nine of their last 10 games. New York scored its lone run on a double-play grounder by Jasson Dominguez in the ninth.

Cubs 6, Cardinals 4

Chicago rallied for four runs in the sixth inning and avoided a sweep against visiting St. Louis.

Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad held St. Louis scoreless through 4 2/3 innings, giving up just two hits and two walks. His Cardinals counterpart, Matthew Liberatore (4-6), allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in five-plus innings. Chicago reliever Drew Pomeranz (1-3) earned the decision and Jacob Webb collected this third save.

Pete Crow-Armstrong was the lone Cub with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Nico Hoerner (1-for-3) drove in two runs. Jordan Walker hit his 20th home run of the season and drove in all four St. Louis runs.

Astros 2, Rays 0

Peter Lambert carried a shutout into the sixth inning while Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes clubbed home runs as Houston claimed the rubber match of a three-game home series against Tampa Bay with a victory.

Lambert (7-5) rebounded from his first loss in seven starts by allowing three singles over 5 2/3 innings. Three left-handed Astros relievers combined for the four-hit shutout, keeping the Rays 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. With his fourth-inning homer, Walker has reached 20 home runs in each of the last five seasons.

Tampa Bay right-hander Mason Englert (0-2) was called up from Triple-A Durham for a spot start and delivered career highs of innings pitched (5 2/3), strikeouts (nine) and pitches (101). He allowed two runs on five hits and one walk.

Brewers 3, Diamondbacks 2

Jake Bauers blasted a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning and Milwaukee held on for a win against Arizona in the rubber game of their three-game series in Phoenix.

Jackson Chourio had two hits for the Brewers, who have won five of seven. Milwaukee starter Brandon Sproat allowed one run and five hits over four innings.

Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3) brought a shutout into the seventh inning before he was victimized by Bauers. He allowed two runs on five hits in six-plus innings. Geraldo Perdomo had three hits and scored a run for Arizona, which has lost three of four.

Tigers 6, Rangers 3

Riley Greene had a two-run homer and two-run triple among three hits, leading Detroit to a victory over Texas in Arlington, Texas.

Kevin McGonigle supplied two hits and scored a run as the Tigers completed their road trip with a 5-1 record. Dillon Dingler added a run-scoring single and scored a run. Starter Casey Mize (4-5) allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Jake Burger and Ezequiel Duran hit solo homers for the Rangers. Brandon Nimmo drove in the other Texas run. Kumar Rocker (2-7) was charged with three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Royals 5, Phillies 2

Luinder Avila allowed one run over five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. posted two hits with two runs and Salvador Perez delivered a late two-run double as Kansas City evened its three-game set against visiting Philadelphia.

The Royals led 3-2 in the eighth when Witt and Lane Thomas each walked, then both scored on Perez’s two-out double to the left field wall.

Phillies starter Aaron Nola (3-6) overcame a rocky beginning to last a season-high seven innings. The right-hander gave up three runs and seven hits while striking out seven without a walk. Bryson Stott had two of the five hits.

Rockies 7, Giants 6

Kyle Karros crushed a three-run, go-ahead home run in the eighth inning, rallying Colorado past San Francisco to take the rubber game of a three-game set in Denver.

Four Rockies relievers combined for four innings of four-hit relief, allowing for the comeback after the Giants had gone ahead 6-4 in the sixth inning. Victor Vodnik (3-3) threw a scoreless eighth and Jordan Romano recorded his fifth save. TJ Rumfield had three hits and scored twice, while Hunter Goodman added two singles in an 11-hit attack.

San Francisco’s Drew Gilbert finished 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, while Rafael Devers slugged two homers and Casey Schmitt one, all off Colorado starter Tanner Gordon. Dylan Smith (0-1) yielded Karros’ game-winning blast.

Mariners 4, Blue Jays 0

Emerson Hancock pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and Mitch Garver homered as host Seattle shut out Toronto for the second straight game to take two of three in their weekend series.

The Blue Jays were held without a run for the final 24 innings of the set. Toronto scored twice in the third inning of a 2-0 victory Friday before being routed 11-0 Saturday. Right-hander Hancock (6-4) finished with five strikeouts in a 92-pitch effort.

Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage (4-4) allowed three runs on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in six innings. Nathan Lukes and recently announced All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement accounted for Toronto’s three hits.

Padres 5, Dodgers 2

Manny Machado hit a three-run home run and JP Sears (2-1) went five scoreless innings as visiting San Diego snapped a season-worst eight-game losing streak with a win over Los Angeles.

Fernando Tatis Jr. had an RBI single in a four-run seventh inning as the Padres avoided a four-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. The losing streak was San Diego’s longest since a 10-game skid in 2013. Mason Miller pitched the ninth to collect his 22nd save after not recording one since June 22.

Los Angeles right-hander Kyle Hurt was tagged for four runs in his lone inning of work after starter Emmet Sheehan (4-6) gave up one run over 4 1/3 innings. Alex Freeland and Shohei Ohtani had RBI singles among the team’s four hits.

–Field Level Media

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Neymar says career with Brazil 'over' after loss to Norway

July 5, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; Brazil's Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup.  Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images July 5, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; Brazil’s Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Neymar’s legendary career for Brazil is over, the forward said following the 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16 game on Sunday.

The 34-year-old was emotional in an interview with TV Globo as he was in tears at the conclusion of the match in East Rutherford, N.J., where he scored Brazil’s lone goal on a penalty kick in stoppage time.

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said.

He had made his first international appearance for Brazil in a friendly against the United States on April 10, 2010, at MetLife Stadium, the same venue as on Sunday, and scored in his debut.

Neymar, if he indeed retires from suiting up for Brazil, finishes as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals. The legendary Pele, who recorded 77, was the only Brazilian in four World Cups before Neymar matched him on Sunday.

Cafu had 142 appearances for Brazil, with Neymar’s 130 second on the all-time list.

Neymar’s previous goal for Brazil came in 2023, the last time he played for the national team. Injuries have played a major part as he tore his ACL in 2023 and missed Brazil’s first two group-stage games at the 2026 World Cup because of a right calf injury.

He entered as a substitute and played 15 minutes against Scotland on June 24 and came on the field in the 67th minute for the match Sunday against Norway.

–Field Level Media

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