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Albert Pujols, the future first ballot Hall of Famer, interviewed for the Los Angeles Angels’ managerial vacancy on Thursday, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t plan to announce interviews.

The meeting went well between Pujols and Angels general manager Perry Minasian, with Pujols reiterating his desire for the job, but no offer was formally made, according to a person with direct knowledge of the talks.

“For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game,’ Pujols told USA TODAY Sports in March, “and now I’m serious about managing. This game has done so much for me, and now, I want to give back.

“I’m ready.’

The Angels’ managerial job became vacant when the Angels did not pick up Ron Washington’s 2026 option.

If he becomes a manager, Pujols, an 11-time All-Star, three-time MVP and two-time World Series champion who hit 703 homers, would become the first 700-homer hitter to ever manage in the major leagues. Pujols, 45, retired after the 2022 season. He became a special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, worked as an analyst for the MLB Network, and has been a guest instructor each spring with the Angels, honoring his 10-year, $10 million personal services contract.

Pujols, who recently married Nicole Fernandez, the daughter of former Dominican president Leonel Fernandez, managed Leones del Escogido to the Caribbean Series championship this past winter. He is scheduled to manage the Dominican Republic next spring in the World Baseball Classic, but would abandon the post if he lands the Angels job.

“He’s ready,’ said Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who managed Pujols 11 years in St. Louis. “And he’s going to be great.

“You talk about integrity. You talk about his IQ. You talk about his discipline. I call him ‘APP: Albert Perfect Pujols.’ When a guy has that much to offer and has so much love for the game, the game benefits when he wants to stay active and share.’

Certainly, there are plenty of star players who have become Hall of Fame-caliber managers. Joe Torre was a nine-time All-Star and batting champion, leading the Yankees to four World Series. Dusty Baker was a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove winner, leading five different teams to the postseason with three pennants and a World Series title. Lou Piniella was an All-Star and two-time World Series champion, and led three different teams to the playoffs and won a World Series championship.

“The key is not whether you’re a great player or not, but whether you have that love for the game,’ La Russa said. “Torre, Dusty, they love the game. And Albert loves the game. He always had the mental side commitment, and was inquisitive, always talking about the game. … So, if you have somebody with the kind of greatness like Albert, and is still motivated to stay close to the game, it’s a win-win for all of us.’’

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, who has known Pujols since 2005 during their time together in St. Louis, said: “I truly believe he’s doing to be a tremendous asset to any organization. A lot about managing is caring about people, and Albert does that. He has such attention to detail. He’s very clear in his messaging, a very principled guy with a great reputation. Really, he’s almost out of central casting for a manager.’

Now, he could be the greatest player to ever be a major-league manager, with Minasian predicting this spring that Pujols would be successful no matter where he manages.

“I always felt his baseball acumen is second-to-none,’ Minasian said. “His desire to win is second-to-none. And his ability to connect with all different kind of players, and make players believe in themselves is a hell of an attribute.

“Just the person, take the baseball part of it out, is impressive. The honesty. The belief. Everything. I think he can do whatever he wants in this game.’’

In the words of Angels great Mike Trout: “I think he’s going to be a great, great manager.’

Pujols, who’s looking forward to pursuing opportunity, believes in his heart he’ll be successful, too.

“I’d love the opportunity to give back to the game of baseball,’’ Pujols said. “I know I don’t have the experience as a manager, but 23 years in this game, you go through a lot. I’m talking about experience from baseball, being on the field and in the locker room. It’s not going from a university to try to be a manager and not having any baseball experience. Old-school mentality can help young mentality.

“I’ve learned from some of the best managers in the game. I believe with my experience, and the way I can communicate with players, I can have success. …

“If they give me the opportunity, I can promise you that I’m going to do my best to prepare the team to win a World Series. Is that a guarantee? No. But I can guarantee that I will prepare the guys to play the game just like I did with that mentality and toughness.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This story has been updated with new information.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The finale of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners turned into an extra-innings marathon behind a combination of brilliant pitching and fielding and lack of clutch hitting until Jorge Polanco came through for Seattle in the 15th inning.

Where does that rank on the list of longest playoff games in MLB history?

By one measure, it’s the longest game of its type we’ve ever seen; when Friday night’s contest in Seattle hit the 14th inning, Fox’s broadcast said it was already the longest winner-take-all game, by innings, in postseason history.

It ended up falling a little short of the overall mark, though.

Here’s a list of the longest MLB playoff games, by innings:

Longest MLB playoff games

  • Game 3, 2022 ALDS (18 innings): Astros 1, Mariners 0
  • Game 3, 2018 World Series (18 innings): Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2
  • Game 2, 2014 NLDS (18 innings): Giants 2, Nationals 1
  • Game 4, 2005 NLDS (18 innings): Astros 7, Braves 6
  • Game 6, 1986 NLCS (16 innings): Mets 7, Astros 6
  • Game 5, 2025 ALDS (15 innings): Mariners 3, Tigers 2
  • Game 2, 2022 ALWC (15 innings): Guardians 1, Rays 0
  • Game 5, 1999 NLCS (15 innings): Mets 4, Braves 3
  • Game 2, 1995 ALDS (15 innings): Yankees 7, Mariners 5
  • Game 1, 2015 World Series (14 innings): Royals 5, Mets 4
  • Game 2, 2015 ALDS (14 innings): Rangers 6, Blue Jays 4
  • Game 3, 2005 World Series (14 innings): White Sox 7, Astros 5
  • Game 5, 2004 ALCS (14 innings): Red Sox 5, Yankees 4
  • Game 2, 1916 World Series (14 innings): Red Sox 2, Robins (Dodgers) 1

This story has been updated with new information.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Locksley Resources Ltd (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) announces a major advancement at its Mojave Project in California. Recent structural mapping has dramatically expanded the target mineralised corridor at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) Prospect and identified a parallel structural target, enhancing the potential for a larger mineralised system across multiple mineralised zones. This expanded target has the potential to strengthen Mojave’s position as a strategic U.S. critical minerals hub, aligned with accelerating domestic supply-chain initiatives.

Highlights

– Structural mapping expands target mineralised corridor at Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) fourfold to 1.2 km, dramatically increasing the exploration target footprint and scale potential

– New parallel structural target zone identified 150m west of the main DAM structure, indicating the potential for a multi-zone system

– Updated 3D geological model defines seven priority follow up surface sampling targets, supporting imminent exploration targeting and JORC Exploration Target work

– Regional mapping identifies lamprophyre dykes, highlighting potential for additional critical mineral occurrences including carbonatites

– Mojave emerging as a district-scale critical minerals hub, strategically aligned with accelerating U.S. onshoring policies

– Third phase structural mapping program to commence late November to continue building geological understanding of the project and identify new targets

– High-grade silver assays up to 216 g/t Ag returned from Hendricks Prospect, alongside anomalous Zn, Pb, and Cu, indicating a broader polymetallic system

The structural geology mapping completed in late August/September 2025 at the Mojave Project has expanded the strike extent of the target structure at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) Prospect from 0.3 km to 1.2 km, representing a ~400% increase and highlighting the potential of the system. Mapping confirmed the continuity of the NNE-striking structural zone that hosts high-grade stibnite mineralisation at DAM, and identified a second, parallel shear zone, approximately 150 m to the west, exhibiting similar alteration and structural characteristics.

The updated geological interpretation also highlights steep north-plunging intersections between the mapped shear zones and folded host rocks as possible mineralisation plunge controls. Collectively, these findings have been incorporated into a new 3D geological model, which has defined seven priority surface sampling targets to guide the next phase of exploration and support the development of a JORC Exploration Target to guide future drilling programs.

The scale and geometry of these target zones align with the type of high-grade, clean stibnite feedstock required to fast-track U.S. antimony supply chains under programs such as DPA Title III and DOE ARPA-E. The program, undertaken by a specialist structural geologist, delivered five key outcomes:

– Significant expansion of geological mapping to the northeast and southwest of the DAM Prospect, extending the target horizon to 1.2 km of strike and materially increasing the scale potential of the mineralised system.

– Completion of new geological maps for the Hendricks Prospect (2.5km south east of DAM) and the Junipero Prospect (1.1km north of the Mountain Pass Mine).

– Identification of multiple lamprophyre dykes across all areas mapped suggest the presence of deepseated mantle tapping structures.

– Updated 3D geological models across the claim package, providing enhanced structural understanding and supporting refined exploration targeting

– Definition of 18 priority target areas for follow-up detailed mapping and intensive sampling programs to further assess mineralisation potential (to commence in October).

Desert Antimony Mine (DAM)

Mapping at DAM focussed on extending to the NE and SW from the previous mapping campaign, resulting in a comprehensive geological map now covering ~1.8km of strike and the development of an updated 3D geological model (Figure 1*). This work has significantly enhanced the understanding of the structural framework and potential controls to mineralisation. Key highlights from mapping and modelling in this area include:

– Confirmation of continuity of the structural zone (which is host to the mineralisation at DAM) for approximately 400m NNE from the existing adits.

– Identification of a second parallel structural zone located approximately 150m west of the main mineralised trend, exhibiting a comparable alteration signature and kinematics to that seen at DAM.

– Extension of the target mineralisation corridor to ~1.2km (previously ~0.3km) representing a ~400% increase in strike length.

– Improved understanding of mineralisation controls, particularly the role of steep north plunging intersections between mapped shears and folded host rocks.

– Definition of seven priority areas for detailed follow up sampling and mapping to refine exploration targeting.

– Enhanced structural interpretation, revealing clear associations between E-W trending stratigraphy and regional fold hinges and NNE striking shear zones, critical for targeting additional mineralised zones.

– Completion of an updated 3D solid geology model, providing a robust foundation for refined drill planning, target prioritisation and the potential definition of a JORC Exploration Target (Figure 1*).

Hendricks Prospect

First pass mapping was undertaken at the Hendricks Prospect (Figure 1*). The area was selected as a priority target area for mapping due to rock chips previously collected by Locksley being elevated in REE.

A significant finding from the mapping was the identification of a substantial shaft and associated workings not previously known by the Company. Initial grab sampling has returned high-grade silver assays of 216g/t Ag with anomalous lead (0.3% Pb), Zinc (0.9%Zn) and Copper (0.1%).

Highlights from mapping and modelling in this area include:

– The overall structural architecture across the Hendricks prospect area shares many similarities with that surrounding the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM).

– Presence of multiple NNE striking shears throughout the mapping area which mirror the orientation of the mineralisation seen at DAM, demonstrating a regional structural consistency and potential for additional zones of mineralisation.

– Highly weathered and altered ENE to ESE striking shear zones with potential to host mineralisation

– Elevated scintillometer readings acquired from on syenogranite dykes, indicating potential for REE mineralisation.

– Multiple prospecting pits/costeans throughout the area proximal to the Hendricks Shaft targeting discrete NNE striking shear zones.

– Definition of 11 priority areas for detailed follow up sampling and mapping.

– A 3D solid geology model of Hendricks Prospect is underway and will be used for 3D target generation and drill program planning.

Mapping completed at the Hendricks Prospect Area has confirmed that target zones of interest continue to the south and will form part of the priority follow up mapping scheduled for late November 2025.

Junipero Prospect

First pass mapping was completed at the Junipero Prospect located just 1.1km north of the Mountain Pass Mine pit crest. The area was targeted due to a gravity high anomaly, the proximity to Mountain Pass and the potential for carbonatites to be found in the area. Highlights from mapping and modelling in this area include:

– Identification of multiple E-W trending lamprophyre dykes across the mapping area indicating deep seated mantle tapping structures highlighting the potential for REE hosting carbonatites throughout the area which could exploit the same pathways.

– Abundant felsic rocks (Tonalites, Syenogranites) providing potential sources of REE when assimilated with carbonatite magmas from the mantle.

– Collection of samples for multielement analysis and whole rock classification.

– A 3D solid geology model of Junipero Prospect has been completed and forms part of the DAM 3D geological model (Figure 1*) and will be used for ongoing 3D target generation and future activity.

Locksley Resources CEO Kerrie Matthews commented:

‘Our second structural mapping program at the Mojave Project has markedly advanced our geological understanding and confirmed the substantial exploration potential of this critical district. The fourfold expansion of the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) target horizon has fundamentally changed the scale of the opportunity, demonstrating the potential for a much larger mineralised system. This success, coupled with high-grade silver confirmed at Hendricks and the identification of multiple regional shear zones, has effectively lit up the entire Mojave Project for polymetallic vein discoveries. These outstanding results strongly validate our rapid exploration and development strategy, aligning perfectly with the accelerating U.S. government focus on securing domestic critical mineral supply chains.’

*To view tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/7WY0FHM0

About Locksley Resources Limited:

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across two key assets: the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development in this highly prospective mineral region.

Mojave Project

Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials’ claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area.

In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic ‘Desert Antimony Mine’, which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With significant surface sample results, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.

Locksley’s North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.

Tottenham Project

Locksley’s Australian portfolio comprises the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, focused on VMS-style mineralisation

Source:
Locksley Resources Limited

Contact:
Locksley Resources Limited
T: +61 8 9481 0389
E: info@locksleyresources.com.au

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Australia-based Predictive Discovery (ASX:PDI) and Canadian company Robex Resources (ASX:RXR,TSXV:RBX,OTC Pink:RSRBF) have agreed on a merger of equals, creating West Africa’s new mid-tier gold producer.

In a joint announcement, the companies said that Predictive Discovery will indirectly acquire all of Robex Resources’ shares.

“(We expect) to issue an aggregate of approximately 2,115 million PDI shares to Robex shareholders, based on the Robex shares outstanding as at the date of this announcement,” Predictive Discovery said.

Under the AU$2.35 billion deal, Robex shareholders will receive 8.667 PDI shares for each Robex share.

Approximately 51 percent of the combined company will be held by PDI shareholders upon completion of the transaction, with the remaining 49 percent going to Robex shareholders. Moreover, the combined company will remain listed on the ASX and an application to list PDI’s ordinary shares on the TSX Venture Exchange will be made.

Both companies highlighted that their West African gold assets, namely PDI’s Bankan project and Robex’s Kiniero project, are situated within a 30 kilometer radius in Guinea. Bankan currently holds a mineral resource of 5.5 million ounces across four deposits, while Kiniero is aiming for its first gold production in late 2025.

The projects hold a resource of approximately 9.5 million ounces gold, including ore reserves at around 4.5 million ounces gold. By 2029, the projected combined production is over 400 kilo ounces per annum.

“(These are) two of West Africa’s largest and most advanced gold development projects,” said PDI CEO and Managing Director Andrew Pardey. “By combining them and leveraging (both companies’) proven track record, we are creating a company that positions Guinea to become one of Africa’s top five gold producers.”

Robex CEO and Managing Director Matthew Wilcox will assume responsibility as CEO and managing director of the combined company. “I am excited to lead a team that brings together deep operational experience, proven development expertise and a shared commitment to responsible growth in West Africa.”

Subject to customary conditions, the transaction is expected to close towards the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Investor Insight

With its flagship platform, virtualplant, already in commercial use across high-value industrial assets, and a growing global footprint through strategic partnerships, RemSense offers investors a unique opportunity to back a scalable, revenue-generating business at the forefront of digital transformation in the resource and infrastructure sectors.

Overview

RemSense Technologies Limited (ASX:REM) is an Australian technology company enabling digital transformation across resource-heavy industries through advanced asset visualisation and drone services. Originally established in 2006 as a developer of drone systems for the defence and industrial sectors, the company expanded into professional drone services in 2012.

In 2019, RemSense made a strategic expansion into high-resolution 3D asset capture and visualisation, culminating in the development of its flagship product, virtualplant. This strategic shift aligns with macro trends in digital transformation, particularly in asset-heavy industries like energy, resources, infrastructure and utilities. The company was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2021.

RemSense is ideally positioned to leverage the growing adoption of digital twin technologies, particularly across mining, oil & gas, manufacturing, utilities, defence, marine and aerospace industries. These sectors are increasingly embracing digital tools to improve safety, reduce costs, and manage assets more efficiently, creating strong and expanding demand for RemSense’s solutions.

In the first half of FY25, RemSense reported $3.12 million in revenue, representing a 178 percent increase over the same period in FY24. The company also recorded its first-ever net profit of $796,892 and achieved positive operational cashflow of $365,539 – a turning point that demonstrates both commercial traction and disciplined financial execution.

Strategic partnerships with Chevron, Newmont Mining and Woodside Energy highlight RemSense’s growing reputation among Tier-1 clients and its ability to scale internationally. These engagements are not pilot programs, but are real, revenue-generating contracts that reinforce RemSense’s value proposition.

Company Highlights

  • Profitable Growth: Delivered $3.12 million in revenue in H1 FY25 – a 178 percent increase year-over-year
  • Tier-1 Client Base: Trusted by major global operators including Chevron, Newmont and Woodside Energy for digital twin and drone technology services.
  • Flagship Platform – virtualplant: A scalable, cutting edge digital twin solution providing real-time operational insights for industrial facilities and infrastructure.
  • Strong legacy drone operations: RPAS Services features CASA-certified pilots and a fleet of custom-engineered drones supporting multiple industrial applications.
  • Serving Critical Industries: Solutions deployed across energy, resources, utilities and infrastructure sectors undergoing rapid digital transformation.
  • Secured Landmark Shell Energy Contract – First major deal with Shell Energy, showcasing the power of its virtualplant platform and Sentient Computing’s 3D technologies. The project marks a key milestone in RemSense’s global expansion, delivering a transformative digital solution to enhance commissioning accuracy, efficiency, safety, and asset performance.

Key Products and Services

Virtual Plant

Virtualplant is RemSense’s flagship digital platform. It’s a high-resolution 3D asset visualisation solution that allows users to explore and interact with industrial facilities remotely, as if on site. By combining drone-based photogrammetry, terrestrial LiDAR, and 360-degree imaging, virtualplant creates immersive, detailed, interactive models of infrastructure such as gas plants, processing facilities and offshore vessels.

The platform supports a wide range of critical functions including remote inspection, maintenance planning, training, safety management, and compliance documentation. It reduces the need for site travel, improves asset visibility, and helps clients identify and address risks before they become costly failures.

Virtualplant is already deployed in high-value applications. In October 2023, Woodside Energy engaged RemSense to create a visual twin of one of its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels. In 2024, Chevron signed a series of global services agreement with RemSense to use the platform for photogrammetry scanning at gas plants in South Asia, Northwest Australia and USA, with a total contract value of more than AU$800,000. These projects reflect the platform’s global relevance and enterprise-grade capabilities.

Additional features enhance the platform’s utility:

  • vTag uses AI to automatically identify and tag equipment based on nameplate data, linking it to asset registers in systems like SAP and IBM Maximo.
  • vDetect automatically identifies physical defects such as corrosion, helping prioritise maintenance.
  • vConnect enables real-time integration with external monitoring and data platforms, creating a unified interface for visual and operational intelligence.

These capabilities make virtualplant more than a visualisation tool, as it becomes a central intelligence layer in clients’ asset ecosystems.

RPAS (Drone) Services

RemSense has a strong legacy in drone operations, with CASA-certified pilots and a fleet of custom-engineered drones equipped with high-end imaging and sensing tools. These drone services support asset inspections, geophysical and vegetation surveys, water sampling, environmental monitoring, traffic studies, and building condition assessments.

Drone data is often the first step in creating virtualplant models. This seamless integration of field data acquisition and platform-based analysis ensures RemSense delivers a complete, end-to-end digital solution for industrial clients.

Management Team

Ross Taylor – Non-executive Chairman

Ross Taylor chartered accountant with a global finance background having worked in London, Australia, New York and Tokyo. He has held senior roles at Deutsche Bank, Bankers Trust and Barclays Capital. His experience in international capital markets brings strong governance and financial oversight to RemSense’s board.

Warren Cook – Managing Director & CEO

With over 25 years of experience in technology development and commercialisation, Warren Cook has led projects in mining, energy and environmental sectors across more than a dozen countries, including Australia, US, Brazil, Canada, France, Indonesia, South Africa and the UK. He was the CEO of acQuire Technology Solutions, delivering information management software solutions for the resources industry.

John Clegg – Non-executive Director

John Clegg has been a chartered accountant since 1965 and has supported more than 50 companies through IPOs, restructures, and strategic growth initiatives. Following his 16-year tenure at Arthur Young & Co (now Ernst & Young), he shifted focus to startup ventures, offering directorship and consulting services. As a seasoned investor, director, consultant and mentor to senior executives, Clegg has left a significant mark on numerous ventures.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Usually, with less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the New York Giants playing in prime time, the fans heading to the exits at MetLife Stadium are their own.

Not on “Thursday Night Football” Oct. 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Giants doubling up the Eagles 34-17 and 9:41 remaining, it was the visiting fans clad in kelly green walking to the concourse on their way toward the marshes of New Jersey. The final score held, and the defending Super Bowl champions fell in consecutive games for the first time since the 2023 season.

The Giants’ malaise over the past several seasons can be further explained by their putrid prime time record. Since the 2019 season, they were 2-20 in night games, including a 1-12 showing at home at MetLife Stadium. 

Enter the rookie combination of quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo, both of whom carried the Giants’ offense. Skattebo (19 rushes, 98 yards) had three rushing touchdowns. Dart also had one on the ground (10 carries for 60 yards before the end-of-game kneel downs) and was 17-for-25 with 195 passing yards and a touchdown through the air. 

‘At times there’s some negativity that’s surrounding here,’ Dart said of his first impression of being a Giant. ‘For us, some of the new guys coming in here, we just got here so we don’t feel like we’re involved in the past. We’ve got a lot of winners on this team.

“We can’t be naive to everything. We hear what people say. It definitely lights a fire in us.”

‘Live by the sword,’ he said, ‘die by the sword.’

The statistical contributions and production are, of course, necessary for change to begin in head coach Brian Daboll’s fourth season at the helm. But the spiritual revitalization they have seemed to ignite – Dart is not lacking “aura,” as the kids say, and Skattebo is slapping cornerbacks on the sideline to celebrate their interceptions – are even more meaningful. 

‘It’s so much energy. It’s just life to our team,’ tight end Daniel Bellinger told USA TODAY Sports about the rookie duo. ‘We’ll have a down moment in a game and they’ll just bring that energy and that juice, like ‘All right, here we go.’”

From the Giants’ first drive, Dart sliced the Eagles’ depleted secondary, especially after cornerback Quinyon Mitchell exited in the first half with a hamstring injury (defensive tackle Jalen Carter was also surprisingly ruled out before kickoff). Dart converted a long third down with a jump ball pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey and put All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun on skates for a 20-yard touchdown run for the Giants’ first score of the game.

On the next drive, Dart stayed calm in the pocket as the Eagles’ pass rush approached. The Ole Miss product turned to his right, found Wan’Dale Robinson for a first down and Robinson did the rest – sprinting down the right sideline for a 35-yard touchdown and an early 13-3 advantage. 

“They just love ball,’ Thomas said of both Dart and Skattebo. ‘They’re not really focused or concerned about how old they are, how many games they’ve been in, just they love football, they’re passionate about it, they play their tails off. And they brings guys with them.” 

Inside the huddle, Bellinger said, Dart is mature and shows almost no nerves while staying in control of his emotions.

“Brings us into the game and ready to (expletive) go,” Bellinger said.

Skattebo scored his first touchdown with 1:19 left before halftime and put New York back on top for good. He added one score in the third and fourth quarter apiece and finished with a taunting penalty for good measure. Seventy-nine of his rushing yards came after contact, while 47 yards came against stacked boxes (eight or more defenders), according to Next Gen Stats

“It’s been awesome,’ Skattebo said of emerging as a fan favorite. ‘They feel the energy. They see it. They know we have something behind us, the little underdog feeling that lights a fire underneath us and gets us to keep going.

“I feel it. But there’s a spark that comes from a lot of guys, too.”

From Day 1, running back Tyrone Tracy said, Skattebo has been outspoken, loud and emotional. His friendly slap of cornerback Cordale Flott, who picked off Jalen Hurts in the red zone, was an example.

“You need someone like that on your team that’s going to speak up and be loud and have that energy and producing like that,” Tracy told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s just him being him. Not everybody’s going to be like that.”

The rookies’ larger roles have also increased the Giants’ efficiency in situational downs; they were 11-for-16 (69%) on third down and scored on all of their red zone and goal-to-go scenarios.

Daboll said he has liked everything about Dart since draft night. The coach doesn’t expect perfection, but the toughness and vision, combined with the athleticism, has been noticed by Daboll. Dart has won two of his first three starts but there remains ‘a lot to work on.” 

“He’ll be the first to tell you that,” Daboll said, “but he’s a leader.” 

Not turning the ball over was a priority and topic of conversation for Dart and Skattebo during their talks since Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, when the Giants coughed the ball up five times.

“We’re just trying to set a standard of intensity here each and every single day,” Dart said.

“Me and him do a lot of things on the side together, talk a lot together, about kind of getting this turned around,” Skattebo said about the time he and Dart spend with one another.

Those conversations may involve just the two of them, but they realize they are not alone in the effort. Getting everybody on the same page, buying into positivity and improving may start with them but it doesn’t end there.

“We need to continue to build and build and build each and every day and have these guys with positive mindsets and get away from that losing mindset,” said Skattebo, who added he felt the sideline’s confidence whether they were trailing by three in the first half or leading by 17 for the last 10 minutes of the game.

“When your quarterback is that way, it’s a lot easier,” Skattebo said.

It’s also not simply Dart or Skattebo changing the vibe.

“It’s everybody in the building,” Skattebo said.

That may be true. But there is no denying that the two precocious ‘Big Blue’ rookies are the heartbeat behind any potential turnaround for the Giants.

This story has been updated with new information.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 at Wrigley Field in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Oct. 9 to force a winner-take-all showdown in Milwaukee.

The Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on Ian Happ’s three-run homer and the score stayed that way until Chicago added runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth to put the game out of reach.

The Brewers won the first two games of the series at home and looked to be heading towards a romp against their NL Central rival, but the Cubs recovered to win Game 3 on Wednesday and delay Milwaukee’s celebrations at least another day.

Now, the series heads back up the Lake Michigan coastline with Game 5 is set for Saturday at American Family Field.

‘We had to earn two hard-fought wins. We did that,’ Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters. ‘Now we get the opportunity and the fun of getting to go close out a series.’

Since the wild card era began in 1995, only seven teams have come back from a 2-0 deficit to win a division series, most recently the New York Yankees in 2017.

Here’s how Thursday’s game unfolded:

Carson Kelly home run overturned

Chicago’s catcher hit a bomb down the left field line that was initially ruled a fair ball inside the foul poll and two-run homer. The play was reviewed and replays showed it was foul, missing the pole by a few inches.

Kelly was called back out to finish the at-bat and grounded out on a play that the Cubs challenged.

Kyle Tucker home run makes it 5-0 Cubs

Kyle Tucker greeted new Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser with an opposite-field solo home, extending Chicago’s lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the seventh.

Tucker, acquired last winter, is a free agent at the end of the season and is expected to fetch one of the biggest contracts in MLB history.

Matt Shaw adds insurance run for Cubs

Carson Kelly reached on an error and Aaron Ashby walked Dansby Swanson before Matt Shaw hit an RBI single to center to make it 4-0. But the Brewers avoided further damage with Ashby getting Michael Busch before Chad Patrick came on to retire Nico Hoerner and strand runners on second and third.

Cubs squander chance to blow it open

Aaron Ashby came on to replace Trevor Megill, who had put runners on first and second in the bottom of the fifth. The Brewers’ lefty walked Kyle Tucker to load the bases but struck out Seiya Suzuki and got Ian Happ to fly out to center to strand all three runners

Matthew Boyd, Cubs escape jam in fifth

After an uneventful fourth inning for both clubs, Chicago starter Matthew Boyd ran into some trouble to start the fifth. Sal Frelick doubled and Blake Perkins walked before No. 9 hitter Joey Ortiz moved them over with a sacrifice bunt.

Boyd was able to punch out Christian Yelich, though, and then was lifted from the game. Boyd went 4.2 innings, finishing with six strikeouts and three walks.

Daniel Palencia came on in relief and got Jackson Chourio to pop out, ending the threat.

The Cubs still lead 3-0.

Score after 3 innings: Cubs 3, Brewers 0

Freddy Peralta finally had a quiet inning in the third, retiring the side in order.

Counterpart Matthew Boyd has had little trouble so far, allowing just one hit and two walks.

Still 3-0 Cubs after 2 innings

Brewers starter Freddy Peralta got himself into another jam in the second, with an infield single followed by a walk with two outs, but this time he managed to get out of it.

Ian Happ homer gives Cubs early lead

The Cubs’ bid to force a decisive Game 5 is off to a good start.

Ian Happ hammered a ball into the right field seats at Wrigley Field to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Brewers starter Freddy Peralta got in trouble as Nico Hoerner reached base with a single and then Kyle Tucker walked to put men on first and second with one out. Peralta got Seiya Suzuki to strike out but Happ pounced on his 1-1 offering down the middle.

Peralta struck out Carson Kelly to end the inning, but significant damage had already been done.

What time is Cubs vs Brewers game tonight?

First pitch in Game 4 is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field.

Where to watch Brewers vs Cubs: TV channel, live stream

Thursday’s Game 4 will air on TBS and HBO Max and can be streamed with Sling TV. With the Phillies-Dodgers game going to extra innings, Game 4 between the Brewers and Cubs is beginning on TNT.

Watch Cubs vs Phillies on Sling TV

Get your MLB postseason questions answered!

USA TODAY Sports MLB reporter Gabe Lacques is taking questions live at 11:30 a.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 10.

Submit questions now and stop by for the full Q&A on USATODAY.com.

Brewers lineup tonight

  1. Christian Yelich (L) DH
  2. Jackson Chourio (R) LF
  3. William Contreras (R) C
  4. Brice Turang (L) 2B
  5. Andrew Vaughn (R) 1B
  6. Caleb Durbin (R) 3B
  7. Sal Frelick (L) RF
  8. Blake Perkins (S) CF

Cubs lineup tonight

  1. Michael Busch (L) 1B
  2. Nico Hoerner (R) 2B
  3. Kyle Tucker (L) DH
  4. Seiya Suzuki (R) RF
  5. Ian Happ (S) LF
  6. Carson Kelly (R) C
  7. Pete Crow-Armstrong (L) CF
  8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
  9. Matt Shaw (R) 3B

Cubs vs Brewers prediction, odds

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A near-nightmare situation for the New York Giants unfolded on MetLife Stadium’s much-maligned turf Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, making his third professional start, stayed down after taking a sack from Eagles defensive lineman Patrick Johnson late in the third quarter and with the Giants leading 27-17.

Dart remained on the ground for a couple of minutes and banged his right leg onto the turf in frustration. He eventually hopped up and jogged off the field. Russell Wilson, New York’s starter for the first three games of the season, replaced him. 

It was later announced that Dart cleared a concussion evaluation, and would reenter the game on the Giants’ ensuing offensive possession. But not before some sideline hijinks involving head coach Brian Daboll and rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who ran over to the blue medical tent as Dart was undergoing tests.

Daboll apologized to the Giants’ team orthopedist, Dr. Scott A. Rodeo, who was standing near the medical tent and drew the head coach’s ire as Dart remained in the tent.

“If you’ve ever been on an NFL sideline there’s a lot of emotions,” Daboll said.

Daboll wanted Dart back on the field as he considered going for a fourth down and was asking how long it would take for Dart to be cleared since he would have burned a timeout ‘not at risk of anything else’ regarding his quarterback, he said.  

“I was in the wrong,” Daboll said.

It felt like an eternity inside the confines of the tent for Dart.  

“It felt so long,” Dart said. “I was just trying to get back on the field. I understand they have a protocol and whatnot but I was just trying to get out there fast.”

Skattebo joked that he was making sure Dart ‘wasn’t hurting anybody in the injury tent.’

“He’s a dog,’ Skattebo said of his fellow rookie. ‘He wants to be back on the field. I knew going over there, I needed to calm down a little bit, because I knew he was going to be on fire. 

“He was a little fired up.”

Dart was 16 of 22 for 187 passing yards and a touchdown throwing the ball and had seven carries for 51 yards and a score on the ground. 

Dart also exited his first start, a win over the Los Angeles Chargers, briefly while being evaluated for a concussion. 

This story has been updated with new information.

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LOS ANGELES – Raja Jackson, the son of former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged attack on a professional wrestler, his lawyers told USA TODAY on Oct. 9.

Raja Jackson, 25, faces one felony count of battery with bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery, according to charging documents obtained by USA TODAY. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 24 at the San Fernando Courthouse in Los Angeles, according to California Superior Court records.

The felony charge carries a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, though charging documents indicate prosecutors are seeking an enhancement that could result in a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison.

Raja Jackson was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in September and released on $50,00 bail, according to the booking records. His lawyer, Michael Freedman, declined to comment on the case beyond the not-guilty plea when reached by USA TODAY.

What is Raja Jackson accused of?

The charges stem from a viral incident where Raja Jackson allegedly interrupted a match during the ‘Knox Experience’ show put on by KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy on Aug. 23. He was seen on a live-streamed video picking up, slamming, and repeatedly punching Stuart Smith, who wrestles under the name Syko Stu.

As seen on the livestream reviewed by USA TODAY, the two appeared to have agreed that Raja Jackson would make a scripted interruption after a heated interaction before the show. The wrestling academy said that the wrestling spot turned into a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith” in a statement posted Aug. 24.

Douglas Malo, a wrestler who was involved in the ensuing melee, previously told USA TODAY in an interview that Smith lost ‘a lot of teeth’ in the incident. The misdemeanor charge stems from Raja Jackson’s altercation with Malo, according to the charging documents.

Smith was released from the hospital Aug. 31 and said in an Instagram post that he suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured bone in his face and a ‘serious head injury.’

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