Sports
Lance Lynn pitches Cards past Pirates
Sep 17, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Brendan Donovan (33) slides safely past Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jared Triolo (19) for a stolen base during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Right-hander Lance Lynn allowed just one run on four hits in six innings as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 on Tuesday night.
Lynn (7-4) walked two and struck out five while improving to 6-0 at home this season.
Jordan Walker hit a homer for the Cardinals (76-75), who have won the first two games of a four-game series.
Ryan Fernandez handled the seventh inning for St. Louis, Matthew Liberatore escaped a jam in a scoreless eighth and Ryan Helsley worked the ninth for his 45th save of the season.
Bryan De La Cruz hit a homer for the Pirates (71-80).
Pittsburgh starter Bailey Falter (8-8) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three.
Falter escaped trouble in the first inning. After Masyn Winn walked and Luken Baker reached on an error that came on a fielder’s choice, Paul Goldschmidt hit into a double play and Nolan Arenado popped out.
De La Cruz’s homer in the second inning put the Pirates up 1-0.
Brendan Donovan hit a leadoff double and stole third base with one out in the bottom of the frame. But Falter retired the next two batters to keep St. Louis off the board.
The Cardinals tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third. Michael Siani hit a leadoff double, stole third and scored on Baker’s one-out triple.
After Goldschmidt reached on catcher interference, Arenado grounded into an inning-ending double play.
St. Louis moved ahead 2-1 in the fourth inning on Walker’s solo shot.
Lynn dodged trouble in the fifth inning. After Nick Yorke hit a one-out single and Michael A. Taylor walked, Nick Gonzales hit into a double play.
Gonzales hit a leadoff double in the eighth and went to third on Bryan Reynolds’ single. However, Liberatore retired the next three batters to hold the 2-1 lead.
The Cardinals made it 3-1 in the bottom of the inning. Winn hit a single and Alec Burleson walked, then Winn took third on a flyout and scored on Arenado’s sacrifice fly.
–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
