Shohei Ohtani has been named the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. This momentous decision highlights Ohtani’s unique talent as a two-way player and comes as the Dodgers aim to secure the championship title in one of baseball’s most significant matches. Under the rules established for the 2022 season, starting pitchers can continue to participate as designated hitters after leaving the mound, making Ohtani’s start more strategically advantageous than using him solely as a relief option.
Ohtani’s performance will be closely watched as he faces Max Scherzer of the Blue Jays, a veteran pitcher known for his extensive playoff experience. The matchup promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the series, with both teams vying for the coveted trophy.
College Football Highlights: Upsets and Victories
In college football, the Texas Longhorns celebrated a narrow 34-31 victory over No. 9 Vanderbilt, propelled by quarterback Arch Manning. Returning from a concussion, Manning threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, including a remarkable 75-yard pass. Texas held a commanding lead of 34-10 in the fourth quarter, but Vanderbilt mounted a late comeback, ultimately falling short when their onside kick attempt rolled out of bounds.
Meanwhile, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continued their dominance with a decisive 38-14 win against Penn State. Quarterback Julian Sayin showcased his skills with 316 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing 20 of 23 attempts. This performance places him alongside Geno Smith as one of only two players since 1985 to achieve three games in a season with over 300 passing yards, at least three touchdowns, no interceptions, and an 85% completion rate.
In an upset, SMU defeated No. 10 Miami 26-20 in overtime, leaving the Hurricanes’ playoff hopes in jeopardy. The game concluded with a 1-yard touchdown run from T.J. Harden, sealing the victory for SMU after a crucial interception from Carson Beck halted Miami’s offensive momentum.
Remarkable Performances in Various Sports
In other sports news, Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, expressed his desire to reinstate cross-country running in the Olympics, possibly at the 2030 Winter Games. He believes the event could attract more international participation, particularly from African nations. Cross-country was last featured in the Summer Olympics in 1924 but was removed due to challenging conditions.
In the NFL, quarterback Jacoby Brissett will make his third consecutive start for the Arizona Cardinals as Kyler Murray continues to recover from a foot injury. Coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Brissett will lead the team against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, with Murray potentially returning if his condition improves.
The Indiana Hoosiers maintained their unbeaten record with a 55-10 victory over Maryland, showcasing their strength in the college football landscape. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for a touchdown and ran for another, despite losing his top receiver to injury early in the game.
Finally, in the Premier League, Arsenal solidified its position at the top with a 2-0 win against Burnley, extending its lead to seven points. Liverpool also secured a much-needed victory against Aston Villa, while Manchester United salvaged a draw against Nottingham Forest. In contrast, Wolverhampton remains winless after a 3-0 defeat to Fulham.
As the sports world continues to evolve, these captivating performances and pivotal moments provide exhilarating narratives for fans across the globe.
