a'ja wilson crowned mvp of women's basketball tournament

A’ja Wilson crowned MVP of women’s basketball tournament at 2024 Olympics

Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson added another title to her legendary career. The two-time WNBA champion received the MVP title for the women’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympics.  Wilson assisted in propelling Team USA women to an exciting victory over France in the final to win an eighth straight gold medal for the United States.  “It’s amazing,” Wilson said after the win. “It truly is a dynasty that we have built here at USAB and it has been incredible. And I am so proud of the resilience that my team showed. We could have fumbled it many times, but we pulled through. To say I am a two-time gold medalist, I am so blessed.” Wilson scored 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in the 67-66 victory and averaged 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks over six matches at the Olympics.  Additionally, she was listed among the All-Star Five for women’s basketball at the Paris Olympics alongside teammate Breanna Stewart, Gabby Williams of France, Alanna Smith of Australia and Emma Meesseman of Belgium.  The eight straight golds snapped a tie with the American men’s program that won seven in a row from 1936-68. The USA women’s win came less than 24 hours after the U.S. men’s team also defeated France in the match. This was the first time in Olympic history that both gold medal games featured the same two teams. 

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nix heads four scoring drives in broncos preseason debut

Bo Nix heads four scoring drives in excellent Broncos preseason debut

Jarrett Stidham might have gotten the start, but rookie Bo Nix started the scoring for the Denver Broncos.  Nix, the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, made his preseason debut in the Denver’s Sunday’s 34-30 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He led the Broncos on four scoring drives to highlight a remarkable initial showing.  In five drives, Nix was the quarterback that led the Broncos to two touchdowns and two field goals, with a laser of a 1-yard touchdown to Marvin Mims.  “It was a good day,” Nix said postgame. “I thought we ran the ball efficiently. Made some good plays in the pass game. Converted some third downs. Got points when we needed to; it was a good job going into half with points and coming out with points, felt like that was a good point in the game. Overall, I thought we did a good job, a huge team win.” Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards for his final line. His touchdown has a 102.3 passer rating, complemented by three runs for 17 yards. Meanwhile, Stidham was 4 of 7 for 37 yards, no TDs, an interception and 32.1 rating. In all fairness to the veteran, neither his interception nor the two futile drives were on him.  “All three of them did a good job,” Payton said, including Zach Wilson, who played for most of the second half and concluded 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards. Nonetheless, the highlights were for Nix and the first-rounder delivered a spectacular performance. His release was quick, his scrambling capacity sensational, and his command of Sean Payton’s offense was on the mark for his first time.  Early in the week, Payton announced that Nix would start for the Broncos in the Week 2 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, August 18th. 

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guardians vs cubs betting predictions

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Cleveland Guardians VS Chicago Cubs betting Predictions

The Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs will begin their three-game series tonight with a Guardians VS Cubs matchup at Progressive Field.  MatchPlug has the MLB Expert Picks, predictions, and odds for Guardians VS Cubs. We are a Hot Prediction Site that offers accurate MLB previews and match analysis. Predictions And Betting Preview For Cleveland Guardians VS Chicago Cubs  Odds as seen on 1XBet. Betting On The Cleveland Guardians After winning on August 2nd, the Cleveland Guardians went on a five-game winning streak. They ruined their efforts with seven consecutive losses, allowing the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals to move within four matches of first place. The Guardians eventually won on Saturday to stop the lossing, but it was too late. Their fight in the division will continue with a Ben Lively start. Lively has a 3.14 ERA and holds opponents under three runs in four of five outings. Saturday’s win was Cleveland’s fifth straight game without scoring over three runs. The lineup has been stuck since July, with periodic victories. For the season, the Guardians have the 12th-most runs per match, 4.59. Their success is due the fourth-lowest strikeout rate and the seventh-most stolen bases. They have hit more home runs that all of last season.  Betting On The Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs won the Crosstown Classic, taking their winning streak to four matches. They had an unusual Sunday off due the two-game set. A refreshed Cubs will nominate All-Star rookie Shota Imanaga in the race for another victory. Imanaga has a 2.75 ERA on the road and has only been charged with over three runs in one road match.  If Chicago wants to keep winning, it’ll need the offence to maintain their performance this month. They average over five runs per match in August, especially because of a .480 slugging percentage. This is above their season averages of 4.23 runs (19th) and .385 slugging (20th). For the season, Chicago is also 23rd in batting average, 21st in home runs, 19th in strikeout percentage, and 17th in OBP. MatchPlug Prediction For Cleveland Guardians VS Chicago Cubs  The Guardians will start Ben Lively, who has permitted nine home runs in his last seven starts. While the Cubs have handed the home run stroke in August; their best in terms of HR%. Leaving the yard a few times, combined with strong pitching, will lead Chicago to a fifth straight win.  Final Prediction: Chicago Cubs Moneyline. 

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mlb expert picks: tigers vs royals

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Detroit Tigers VS Kansas City Royals betting Predictions

The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals will play the third match of their four-game weekend Tigers VS Royals series at Comerica Park on Saturday night.  MatchPlug has the MLB Expert Picks, predictions, and odds for Tigers VS Royals . We are a Hot Prediction Site that offers accurate MLB previews and match analysis. Predictions And Betting Preview For Detroit Tigers VS Kansas City Royals  Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan. When: Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. Time: 23:10 Teams to play: Tigers and Royals. MLB Expert Picks: SPREAD -1.5. Odds as seen on 1XBet. Betting On The Detroit Tigers 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.171 1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5 The Detroit Tigers are six matches under the .500 mark but did not sell all of their assets at the trade deadline. Detroit may not be a worthy contender but it wouldn’t back down in trade discussions involving Tarik Skubal, who is competing for the A.L. Cy Young Award. The Tigers will probably choose a bullpen game on Saturday night. Their pen has been average, scoring a 4.19 ERA and 1.25 WHIP this campaign. They have accumulated 379 strikeouts and 147 walks, conceding 51 long balls this term.  Betting On The Kansas City Royals 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.737 1XBet Over/Under: Under 8.5 Kansas City Royals swept Chicago in their last series, outscoring them 22-11 in the three-game series. It carried that performance into Thursday’s series opener, defeating Detroit by a 7-1 scoreline. The Royals have been pleasantly surprising this season. Their 61-49 record puts them in a good place to reach the postseason, but they have many opponents for the American League Wild Card spot. Michael Lorenzen will pitch for Kansas City tomorrow. In his last appearance, he held the Toronto Blue Jays to one run on three hits in four innings. He is making a debut for the Royals after spending the first half of the season with the Texas Rangers. Lorenzen was 4-4 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 12 road games with Texas.  MatchPlug Prediction For Detroit Tigers VS Kansas City Royals  The Royals scored 29 runs in their last four matches. They slashed .278/.323/.438/.761 in July, averaging 5.2 runs per game. Kansas City should have no challenge demolishing a Tigers bullpen that is home run-prone and inconsistent in keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Final Prediction: Kansas City Royals Below The Spread. 

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pirates vs diamonbacks

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Pittsburgh Pirates VS Arizona Diamondbacks betting Predictions

Two teams competing for an NL wild-card spot will meet at PNC Park on Saturday night for Pirates VS Diamondbacks. MatchPlug has shared MLB best bets today, picks, odds, and predictions for Pirates VS Diamondbacks. We are the best place to get updates, news, and analysis for Major League Baseball. Predictions And Betting Preview For Pittsburgh Pirates VS Arizona Diamondbacks  Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When: Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. Time: 23:40. Teams to play: Pirates and Diamondbacks. MLB Expert Picks: Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Pittsburgh Pirates 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.848 1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5 The Pittsburgh Pirates have a top-of-the-rotation that can defeat any opponent at full-health. One part of that rotation is Mitch Keller, who will pitch for the Pirates on Saturday. Keller faced the Diamondbacks last Sunday, holding them to two runs across 7.0 innings. Pittsburgh has won the last four starts Keller headed and he held all those opponents under three runs.  Pittsburgh has struggled with scoring this season. Trades for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Byran De La Cruz should help with that down the stretch. The Pirates began the series averaging 4.18 runs per contest, 22nd in the MLB. Their lineup is 25th in batting average, 27th in OBP, and 28th in slugging percentage.  Betting On The Arizona Diamondbacks 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.02 1XBet Over/Under: Under 8.5 The Arizona Diamondbacks entered this match in the middle of a 7-1 stretch.Their offense, which added Josh Bell at the trade deadline, scored 63 runs in that span. Arizona is second in runs per game (5.12), even with Christian Walker sideline. They are dangerous in almost every way imaginable. The Diamondbacks will start the weekend fourth in batting average, fourth in OBP, and sixth in slugging percentage. Arizona is in trouble on the mound. Relievers A.J. Puk and Dylan Floro were brought in to help. They’ll boost a bullpen that is 21st in ERA, 25th in FIP, and 26th in WAR. Regardless of the relievers, the Diamondbacks expect more from a rotation that has never been healthy.  MatchPlug Prediction For Pittsburgh Pirates VS Arizona Diamondbacks Fans can expect the Pirates to secure an early lead tonight over the Diamondbacks. In a battle of bullpens, Pittsburgh has the more reliable one. The match will be tight, but a strong pitching staff will allow the hosts to win over Arizona.  Final Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates Moneyline. 

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red sox vs rangers

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Boston Red Sox VS Texas Rangers betting Predictions

The Boston Red Sox will play against the Texas Rangers tonight at Globe Life Field. Don’t miss the Red Sox VS Rangers.  MatchPlug has the MLB best bets today which you can rely on for Red Sox VS Rangers. We are one of the Best sports betting sites to get previews for MLB matches. Predictions And Betting Preview For Boston Red Sox VS Texas Rangers  Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas.  When: Sunday, August 3rd, 2024. Time: 00:05. Teams to play: Red Sox and Rangers. MLB Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.848. Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Boston Red Sox 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.848 1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5 The Boston Red Sox won two of three against the Seattle Mariners in their last series. The Red Sox are seven matches over the .500 mark and still in the mix for an A.L. Wild Card Spot, but they have plenty of competition. They are led by LF Jarren Duran (56.0 WAR), 3B Rafael Devers (4.0 WAR) and LF Tyler O’ Neill (2.1 WAR). Houck will pitch for the guests tomorrow. In his last start, he conceded four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks in a six-inning loss to the New York Yankees. Houck is 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in nine road starts. He hasn’t faced the Rangers this season. He has a 3.86 ERA in two career appearances (7.0 IP) against Texas. Betting On The Texas Rangers 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.02 1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5 The Texas Rangers have lost consecutive series to the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals since sweeping the Chicago White Sox. The defending champions are five matches under .500 and 4.5 matches out of the division lead in the A.L. West. Texas is paced by 2B Marcus Semien (3.4 WAR) and 1B Nathaniel Lowe (2.2 WAR). The Rangers will either make a call-up or opt for a bullpen game tomorrow. Their pen has underperformed in 2024, ranking 27th in ERA (4.46) and 24th in WHIP (1.34) with 49 homers permitted. They are top-ten in strikeouts (401) but have handed out the third-most walks (182). MatchPlug Prediction For Boston Red Sox VS Texas Rangers  The Red Sox hit .283/.343/.496/.839 in July and averaged 5.5 runs per match since the end of May. They have won seven of their last ten matches against the Rangers and enter this series with some momentum after winning a series against N.L. West leader Seattle. With its ace pitching for them, experts are confident Boston will score enough to cover tonight. Final Prediction: Boston Red Sox Moneyline.

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giants vs reds

MLB EXPERT PICKS: San Francisco Giants VS Cincinnati Reds betting Predictions

Two classic NL teams San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds will clash at the Great American Ball Park tonight. Watch Giants VS Reds for a thrilling action. Find the MLB best bets today, predictions, picks, and odds for Giants VS Reds on MatchPlug. We are a Sure Prediction Site to get accurate previews on MLB matches. Predictions And Betting Preview For San Francisco Giants VS Cincinnati Reds  Venue: Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, Ohio. When: Sunday, August 4th, 2024. Time: 00:15. Teams to play: Giants and Reds. MLB Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.729. Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The San Francisco Giants 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.729. 1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5 The San Francisco Giants had a quiet deadline, as trading Jorge Soler was their greatest Trade Deadline move. It seems as if the Giants want to maintain a shot at a playoff spot in October. Winning five of their last six matches have helped this cause. Lefty Blake Snell will get tonight’s start in a bit to keep San Francisco’s momentum alive. Offensively, the Giants have been a worse team on the road all season long, as their OPS drops to .695. This is bad news for a league-average lineup scoring 4.36 runs per game (15th). A lineup that is 24th in home runs sold one of its greatest power threats. Betting On The Cincinnati Reds 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.184 1XBet Over/Under: Under 8.5 The Cincinnati Reds had a weird MLB Trade Deadline too, sending pitchers Frankie Montas and Lucas Sims to other clubs. It was not a trade, but they also signed former Seattle Mariner Ty France. The Reds want to balance the present with the future. The starting pitcher for today, should be a significant piece for both timelines. At the plate, Cincinnati is 14th in scoring, averaging 4.43 runs per contest. They’re most remarkable leading the MLB in stolen bases with 156, led by ELly De La Cruz. The Reds are 17th in slugging percentage thanks to 119 homers (16th) and 22 triples (6th). Still, this lineup is 23rd in OBP, 26th in strikeout percentage, 28th in batting average.  MatchPlug Prediction For San Francisco Giants VS Cincinnati Reds  Offensively, the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds are the same, although the home/road splits favor the Reds. Hunter Greene has been just as strong as Blake Snell lately. The difference, which will determine the game, is that the Reds can trust their relievers. The Giants on the other hand will likely blow the match. Take Cincinnati to win at home.  Prediction: Cincinnati Reds Moneyline.

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mike trout done for the season with another tear in knee

Mike Trout done for the season with another tear in knee

Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian said on Thursday that Mike Trout got an MRI on Wednesday that showed a tear in his left meniscus that was surgically repaired early in the year.  “He’s devastated. I was too,” Minasian said. “I’m not the emotional type but being in the room and hearing the news with him was tough.” Trout’s first tear was on April 29 against the Boston Red Sox and spent months rehabilitating after May 3 surgery. He started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on July 24, when he left after two innings due to knee discomfort.  Trout got a clean MRI last week Thursday and should have started running shortly after. He felt pain in his knee again on Monday, which required the follow-up MRI that now revealed a new tear. It is unclear how he suffered the second tear. “Since my initial surgery on May 3rd to repair my meniscus, my rehabilitation proved longer and more difficult than anticipated,” Trout said in a social media post. “After months of hard work, I was devastated yesterday when an MRI showed a tear in my meniscus that will require surgery again — ending my hopes of returning this season.” It would be an understatement to say that Trout has suffered injuries over the last half-decade. Last campaign, he missed 80 matches due to a fractured left hamate. In 2021, he only appeared in 36 matches due to a right calf strain. And because of the knee injuries this year, Trout will again finish with fewer than 50 games played (29). “Nobody wants to play more. Nobody cares about this building, this fan base, this team more than he does,” Minasian said. “He’s going to come back, have a normal offseason and come back next season and hit 70 home runs and win MVP. Book it.” It is, honestly, a remarkable and unfortunate turn of events for Trout in the last half of what might be a Hall of Fame career. From 2012-19, he was undoubtedly the top player in the sport. In that span, Trout won three AL MVP awards (2014, ‘16 and ‘19), AL Rookie of the Year award (2012), and seven Silver Slugger awards. He was also an All-Star every year. 

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usa women top belgium in quarterfinals

USA women top Belgium, secure spot in quarterfinals

The 2024 Olympic Games have officially begun in Paris, France. Two groups for women’s 5×5 basketball played on Thursday: Group C (Japan, Germany, France, Belgium, USA) and Group B (Australia, Canada, France, Nigeria). Meanwhile, both the USA women and men’s 3×3 teams played a pair of matches.  Below are the updates for the USA women action in the Paris Olympics. USA 87, Belgium 74 – Group C (Women’s 5×5). USA 60, Belgium 53 – Start of 4th quarter USA 46, Belgium 38 – Start of 3rd quarter

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hayward retires after 14 nba seasons

Gordon Hayward hangs boot after 14 NBA seasons with Jazz, Celtics, Hornets and Thunder

Gordon Hayward has retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, on Thursday. His most memorable moment was almost giving Butler a national title over Duke. It was a half-court shot that just missed on the final play of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball championship game.  Hayward played for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder. He was an All-Star in 2017. Gordon averaged 15.2 points in 835 career regular-season matches. And he said he was looking forward to spending quality time with his family.  “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball,” Hayward wrote on social media. “It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.” Hayward expressed gratitude to his parents and family and his agent Mark Bartelstein. Additionally, he thanked his coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors and friends for supporting him. His letter read, “through countless years and cities, helping me exceed my own expectations.” “To all my fans: thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs,” Hayward wrote. “I’ll always cherish the letters of encouragement and the moments we’ve shared around the world. You inspired me to always dream big and improve everyday — and for the young players up next, I challenge you to do the same.”

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