QUICKREADS

How Lionel Messi was convinced to visit India for exhibition tour: Ronaldinho, Emiliano Martinez, and Durga Puja statue

Messi will visit four Indian cities this winter after persuasion from teammates Ronaldinho and Emiliano Martinez. Sports promoter Satadru Dutta facilitated the tour by leveraging positive reviews and showcasing Messi's previous India memories, including a Durga Puja statue tribute.

Shohei Ohtani's no-hit start, 50th HR aren't enough for Dodgers vs. Phils

Rafael Marchan's ninth-inning three-run homer led the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, keeping them in the hunt for the best NL record. Despite Shohei Ohtani's impressive outing and 50th home run, the Dodgers' bullpen faltered, allowing all nine runs. The Phillies remain 1.5 games behind the NL-leading Brewers.

After Ohtani pitches 5 hitless innings, Marchon's 3-run homer rallies Phillies past Dodgers 9-6

In a dramatic game, the Philadelphia Phillies overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6. Rafael Marchon hit a crucial three-run homer in the ninth, while Shohei Ohtani struck out five and hit his 50th homer. The Dodgers' bullpen faltered again, marking their 18th blown lead since July.

Jordan Lawlar's walk-off single in 9th lifts D-backs past Giants

Jordan Lawlar's ninth-inning grounder drove in the winning run as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5, extending their winning streak to four games. Adrian Del Castillo hit a two-run homer, while the Giants struggled, losing their fourth straight. The Diamondbacks remain 1.5 games behind the Mets for the NL wild-card spot.

D-backs rally from early 4-run deficit and beat Giants 6-5 to keep pace in NL playoff race

The Arizona Diamondbacks overcame a four-run deficit to defeat the San Francisco Giants 6-5, with Jordan Lawlar's infield single scoring the winning run in the ninth inning. The victory keeps Arizona in the playoff race, 1.5 games behind the New York Mets for the final NL wild card. The Giants fell three games back in the chase.

Storm force a deciding Game 3 with an 86-83 victory over the Aces after closing on 16-4 run

Skylar Diggins scored 26 points, leading the Seattle Storm to an 86-83 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, forcing a deciding Game 3 in their playoff series. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 24 points and 10 rebounds. Seattle rallied from a 79-70 deficit, securing their first playoff win since 2022. Game 3 will be held in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Marlins build 6-run lead, hang on for victory over Rockies

Eury Perez excelled with five shutout innings as the Miami Marlins narrowly defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-5 in Denver. Miami built a 6-0 lead, but Colorado rallied late, scoring five runs. Ronny Herniquez secured his seventh save despite allowing two runs. The Marlins have won five of their last six games, while the Rockies struggle with 20 losses in 24 games.

Marlins beat Rockies 6-5, sending Colorado to 110th loss of the season

The Miami Marlins defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-5, marking their fifth win in six games. Eury Pérez pitched five scoreless innings, while Dane Myers and Jakob Marsee each contributed two RBIs. The Rockies rallied late, scoring five runs, but ultimately lost their 110th game of the season. Marlins reliever Ronny Henriquez earned his seventh save.

Furious late Storm rally stuns Aces, forces decider in opening series

The Seattle Storm defeated the Las Vegas Aces 86-83, tying their playoff series at one game each. Dominique Malonga's key three-point play and strong fourth-quarter performances from Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler helped Seattle overcome a 14-point deficit. The deciding Game 3 will take place Thursday in Las Vegas.

Real Madrid might encounter another trophy-less season: The early warning signs for the European giants

Real Madrid faces potential trophy-less season with tactical vulnerabilities. Xabi Alonso struggles with right-back depth, inconsistent performance, and reliance on Mbappe's penalties. Early warning signs suggest structural risks in Champions League and La Liga campaigns.

Athletics finally break through against Connelly Early; edge Red Sox

Brett Harris drove in the winning run as the Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox 2-1, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Mitch Spence and Hogan Harris combined for five innings of shutout relief, while Jeffrey Springs allowed one unearned run. Trevor Story shone for Boston, going 3-for-4 and stealing two bases, but the team failed to capitalize with the bases loaded.

Noah Lyles heading into his favorite race at world championships, the 200: 'I don't plan to lose'

Noah Lyles, the three-time defending champion in the 200 meters, is determined to defend his title at the world championships, stating, “I don't plan to lose.” Tensions rise as rivals Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo vie for dominance in a sport fueled by competitiveness. The 200 meters is now the marquee event, with heats starting Wednesday and finals on Friday.

ESPN re-signs Herm Edwards, Jeff Saturday, Andrew 'Hawk' Hawkins and Jason McCourty

ESPN re-signs four veteran reporters - Herm Edwards, Jeff Saturday, Andrew Hawkins, and Jason McCourty - to multi-year deals. They'll continue appearing on various shows like Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and SportsCenter, bringing extensive NFL experience and insights.

‘Simulated…’: Travis Kelce’s ex Kayla Nicole faces backlash for lap dancing with Chris Brown on stage

Travis Kelce's ex Kayla Nicole faced backlash after a video surfaced of her lap dancing with Chris Brown on stage, sparking social media criticism and comparisons to his current fiancée Taylor Swift.

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez plunked again but appears to have dodged injury

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, already dealing with a broken pinkie and a torn UCL, was hit by a pitch on his upper left arm during a game against the Padres. Although he appeared in pain, he later returned to the bench smiling. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated Alvarez was sore but did not require imaging.

Yankees get off to fast start, hang on to edge Twins

Trent Grisham's strong performance, including a homer and three RBIs, helped the New York Yankees secure a 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Despite the Yankees leading 10-1, the Twins mounted a comeback, scoring eight unanswered runs. Yankees closer David Bednar earned his 25th save, preserving the win as the series is tied at one game each.