PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The start time for the MLB game between the New York Mets and the Phillies on Thursday in Philadelphia was moved up one hour due to air quality concerns due to wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota, and an MLS game in Chicago was postponed. Heavy, pungent wildfire smoke darkened skies in the U.S. from the Great Lakes to parts of the East Coast, reducing visibility and prompting warnings that breathing the air outside could be dangerous. Officials in many cities urged residents to stay inside or wear masks outside as air quality reached unhealthy to hazardous levels, meaning it’s unhealthy for anyone, regardless of health conditions.
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is set to have its earliest opening day next year on March 24 except for international games — if there is an opening day. MLB said Thursday its 2027 season will start with a single game to be televised that night by Netflix. The teams have not been chosen. Baseball’s labor contract expires Dec. 1 and a management lockout is expected. In 2022, an agreement wasn’t reached until March 10, causing opening day to be pushed back from March 31 to April 7.
UNDATED (AP) — With the sun obstructed by haze, Spain’s players practiced ahead of the World Cup final outside in northern New Jersey while air conditions are hazardous because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. It was not clear how fast-paced a practice Spain held. Media members are only able to observe the first 15 minutes of what was scheduled to be a hourlong session in East Hanover. Argentina remained in the Atlanta area to work out less than 24 hours after rallying to beat England and reach the final for a second consecutive tournament. Marietta, Georgia, was far enough south to avoid the effects of the fire. The smoke is supposed to clear before Sunday's final Sunday in East Rutherford.
UNDATED (AP) — Lionel Messi has a message for Argentina’s detractors: “Nothing was handed to us.” The Argentina superstar responded to critics who have been bashing the reigning World Cup champions over perceptions of beneficial officiating and favoritism by the soccer establishment. He says the team’s ability to overturn late-game deficits, most recently the semifinal victory over England, is the result of championship pedigree and nothing more. After trailing 1-0 going into the 85th minute, Argentina rallied for a 2-1 win over England on Wednesday to reach the World Cup final. Argentina earlier survived by beating Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time, and rallied for an improbable 3-2 victory over Egypt.
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — So much focus was on the new Royal Birkdale. What the British Open delivered Thursday was a bunch of newcomers. Leading the way is Jackson Suber. This not only is his first time on links golf, it's his first time to Europe. But the 26-year-old American delivered superb shots at the end of his 65 to lead over Dan Brown and Sungjae Im. Bryson DeChambeau quietly had a 67. He was joined by four players in the British Open for the first time. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 68. Rory McIlroy had a rough day on the greens for 72.
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — There were no “I’m so bad at golf” exclamations from Rory McIlroy this time. The puzzled looks, shakes of the head and sagging shoulders said it all. McIlroy shot 2-over 72 in his first round at the British Open that included six bogeys and three missed putts from 4 feet in a four-hole span around the turn. It left him seven shots off the lead held surprisingly by 115th-ranked Jackson Suber. McIlroy arrived at the Open after a seventh-place finish at the Scottish Open where he went viral by shouting “I’m so bad at golf” following a poor approach shot late in his final round. He is the sixth player and only European to complete the career Grand Slam.
NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James remains undecided about where he'll play this season. The NBA's all-time scoring leader and current free agent spoke Thursday but didn't reveal his next team choice. Fans at Fanatics Fest in New York eagerly awaited his decision. James, recording an episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, mentioned teams such as Cleveland, Miami, and Golden State but gave no hints. He confirmed leaving the Lakers after eight seasons. James, the NBA’s oldest active player, has a storied career and is entering his 24th season. Speculation continues as fans await his next move.
MIAMI (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo is inspired by Lionel Messi's success and wants to follow his path. He recently joined the Miami Heat, leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo says he needs pressure to grow and believes Miami is the right place for him. He admires how stars such as Messi, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo set the blueprint for long-sustained success. The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo in a trade, and coach Erik Spoelstra is excited to work with him. Antetokounmpo hopes to win more championships in Miami, following the examples of other great athletes.
NEW YORK (AP) — NBA commissioner Adam Silver says Caitlin Clark has become a “political football” amid debates about officiating and physical play in the WNBA, spurred by a recent play involving the star guard and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. Silver spoke during an onstage conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the Game Plan Summit, presented by CNBC and Boardroom. The play happened during a June 24 game between the Fever and Mercury when Thomas made contact with her fist to Clark’s throat. Thomas was not called for a foul on the play during the game, but the league subsequently upgraded the play to a flagrant foul and suspended her one game.
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