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Tech Weekly: Market Dives After Week-Long Rally as China/US Tensions Reignite

This week, the technology sector remained the dominant force shaping overall market trends in the US, despite the ongoing complexity of macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

The partial US government shutdown continued to delay key economic reports, creating a data vacuum that heightened reliance on soft data like consumer sentiment surveys. Notably, the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index held steady at a subdued 55, reflecting persistent concerns about high prices and a challenging labor market.

Meanwhile, Canada reported a surprising gain of 60,400 jobs in September, with employment increases concentrated in full-time positions and manufacturing. The unemployment rate held steady at 7.1 percent, defying expectations and signaling a cautious stabilization after recent job losses.

Investor appetite for AI and related innovation remained high, pushing the Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) and S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) to record or near-record levels midweek. However, ongoing trade frictions between the US and China continue posing risks to semiconductor supply chains and international tech trade flows.

On Friday (October 10), China introduced additional export restrictions on rare earth metals and related refining technologies, expanding controls to five more elements critical for electronics, defense and high-tech industries. US President Donald Trump responded by threatening to escalate tariffs on Chinese imports and warned of the potential cancellation of his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping at APEC in South Korea.

The news sent major stock indexes lower, with the S&P 500 seeing its largest decline since tariffs were first announced in April and the Nasdaq Composite losing 3.56 percent. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index led losses, pulling back 6.32 percent.

After a nearly three-year rally fueled by enthusiasm for AI, concerns among analysts and investors about elevated valuations and concentrated exposure in AI-related companies continue to emerge.

The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee warned of an increased risk of market correction, particularly in AI-focused tech firms, due to stretched valuations. They noted high market concentration in the S&P 500’s top five companies, many being AI-centric. Disappointing AI adoption or increased competition could trigger a downturn by reassessing high earnings expectations. Bottlenecks in AI advancements also pose valuation risks.

Similarly, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that AI-fueled global stock prices are overvalued and vulnerable to a sudden correction. She cited weakening job creation and US tariffs as “troubling signs” that could lead to instability and dampen global growth.

Analysts from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) also wrote in a Monday (October 6) note that AI-related debt has reached US$1.2 trillion, making it the largest segment in the investment-grade market. AI companies now represent 14 percent of the high-grade market, exceeding US banks. However, this debt is primarily in investment-grade bonds from companies with strong balance sheets,

This complex interplay of cautious optimism underscores the evolving narratives dominating the tech market.

Three tech stocks that moved markets this week

1. Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD)

AMD’s stock opened over 31 percent higher on Monday after announcing a multi-year deal to supply up to 6 gigawatts of AI chips to OpenAI, starting with its MI450 series in the second half of 2026.

The company extended its gains on Tuesday (October 7) after Jefferies upgraded the stock rating to “buy” as other brokerages hiked their price targets. The news helped temper losses seen throughout the tech sector as trade tensions escalated on Friday.

The partnership grants OpenAI warrants to acquire up to 160 million shares of AMD, representing around 10 percent ownership upon achieving deployment milestones. This deal positions AMD as a major AI hardware supplier and represents a challenge to Nvidia’s dominance in the sector.

2. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

Intel shares jumped as much as 3.05 percent on Friday after the company unveiled its Panther Lake architecture, the first PC processor built on its advanced 18A semiconductor manufacturing process, with high-volume production beginning later this year at its Fab 52 facility in Arizona.

Panther Lake is set to significantly enhance power efficiency and performance, delivering an anticipated 50 percent increase in CPU and GPU capabilities compared to earlier generations. This chip is designed for premium laptops and is central to Intel’s plan to re-establish its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing within the US.

Intel also previewed its first 18A-based server processor, Clearwater Forest, slated for release in the first half of 2026. Panther Lake is scheduled for commercial availability in early 2026, coinciding with major consumer electronics shows.

3. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

Tesla released the long-awaited lower-priced versions of the Model Y and Model 3 on Tuesday, with the Model Y Standard starting at US$39,990.

After an initial rally on Monday following a weekend teaser of the announcement, shares fell by as much as 4.57 percent after an underwhelming reaction to modest price cuts and the vehicles’ lack of key features present in the pricier models.

The company also reportedly paused large-scale production of its humanoid robot Optimus due to technical difficulties and faced a new preliminary safety investigation by the NHTSA into its Full Self-Driving system, covering nearly 2.9 million vehicles amid reports of traffic law violations.

Company announcements helped Intel and AMD weather sector-wide losses on Friday

Chart courtesy of Google Finance

ETF performance

This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) only declined by about 6.27 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) pulled back by approximately 6.49 percent.

For its part, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) only lost 5.86 percent.

These losses occurred against a backdrop of heightening trade tensions between tech’s two largest markets.

Other tech market news

            Tech news to watch next week

            Next week, investors will be closely monitoring a slate of important earnings reports from leading financial and technology companies, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), IBM, Intel and Tesla.

            Additionally, the US government’s shutdown resolution or extension will affect the release of vital economic data, influencing market sentiment and investment strategies.

            On the policy front, investors should watch for Federal Reserve communications for clues on interest rate directions, as well as progress in US-China trade negotiations, which will undoubtedly define the near-term trajectory of the tech market.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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            6 Mins Read

            Crypto Market Update: Altcoins Retreat as Bitcoin ETFs See US$2.7 Billion in Inflows

            Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (October 10) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

            Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

            Bitcoin and Ether price update

            Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$121,578, down by 1.6 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation of the day was US$119,967, and its highest was US$123,548.

            Bitcoin price performance, October 10, 2025.

            Chart via TradingView

            Bitcoin may be trading near record highs, but one of its most respected on-chain indicators suggests the rally could still have significant room to run possibly as far as US$180,000.

            The Mayer Multiple, a long-term metric that compares Bitcoin’s current price to its 200-week moving average, remains well below levels that have historically marked market tops.

            “Bitcoin is at all-time highs and the Mayer Multiple is ice cold,” crypto analyst Frank Fetter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to Fetter, Bitcoin would need to climb to around US$180,000 before the indicator flashes “overbought” conditions, implying that the current cycle could still have room to expand.

            The indicator’s historical context adds weight to that view. During Bitcoin’s 2017 and 2021 peaks, the Mayer Multiple surged well above 2.4, signaling excessive market exuberance before major corrections followed.

            This time, the pattern looks different. The Multiple’s highest level in the current cycle—1.84 in March 2024, when Bitcoin neared US$72,000—never approached prior extremes, according to Glassnode data. Analysts see this moderation as a sign of a more sustainable advance.

            Despite these encouraging on-chain signals, not everyone is convinced the path higher will be smooth. Short-term traders remain divided on whether Bitcoin can maintain momentum into the final quarter of the year.

            Trader Tony “The Bull” Severino argued that Bitcoin may be entering a decisive 100-day window. Writing on X, Severino pointed to the Bollinger Bands indicator on Bitcoin’s weekly chart, which has tightened to levels not seen before. He noted that Bitcoin’s recent inability to hold above US$126,000, after briefly testing the upper band, could signal a short-term pullback before any sustained breakout.

            Ether (ETH) also slid after last week’s rally, but has since recovered some of its losses. It was up by 0.7 percent over 24 hours to US$4,365.58. Ether’s lowest valuation on Friday was US$4,285.77, and its highest was US$4,401.99.

            Altcoin price update

            • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$222.58, an increase of 1.1 percent over the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$217.57.
            • XRP was trading for US$2.83, trading flat over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$2.78, and its highest was US$2.84.

            Derivatives trends

            The crypto derivatives market saw heavy liquidations over the past 24 hours, totaling roughly US$674 million, according to Coinglass data. Long positions accounted for US$505 million of that amount, while short positions made up US$169 million, marking one of October’s sharpest liquidation waves.

            Among major assets, Bitcoin long liquidations reached US$116 million, compared to US$68.22 million in shorts, indicating that overleveraged bullish traders bore the brunt of the latest downturn. Ether long positions were liquidated for US$146 million, against US$34.54 million in shorts, reflecting a similar shakeout of optimistic bets amid heightened volatility.

            Despite the sell-off, futures open interest for Bitcoin rose 0.23 percent in the last four hours to US$90.19 billion, suggesting that traders are gradually re-entering positions or maintaining leverage at elevated levels.

            Ether futures open interest also ticked up 0.22 percent to US$59.53 billion, showing that market participants remain engaged even after widespread liquidations.

            Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) at 72.15 indicates that the asset remains in overbought territory, potentially signaling near-term price swings or corrective moves. Still, the market’s resilience near the US$120,000 level points to continued speculative interest.

            Today’s crypto news to know

            XRP, DOGE, SOL slip as US$2.7 billion flows into Bitcoin ETFs

            Major altcoins faced losses Friday as traders took profits from Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally, even as spot ETF demand remained strong.

            Bitcoin briefly dipped to around US$120,000 overnight before stabilizing near US$122,000, while Ether erased its weekly gains with a 2.4 percent drop.

            Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and Cardano each slid up to 3 percent, according to CoinDesk data. Despite the retreat, US-listed Bitcoin ETFs drew US$2.72 billion in inflows this week, highlighting resilient institutional appetite.

            The ETF surge underscores Bitcoin’s growing role as a “digital safe-haven,” especially as gold surged above Us$4,000 an ounce. However, a possible pullback to the US$107,000–US$115,000 range could be imminent ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 29 policy meeting.

            EU dismisses ECB’s call for new stablecoin rules

            The European Commission said Friday that existing crypto regulations under MiCA are adequate to handle stablecoin risks, pushing back on calls from the European Central Bank for stricter oversight.

            According to a Reuters report, the ECB had urged Brussels to introduce new safeguards against “multi-issuance” models, where stablecoins minted outside the EU could be treated as interchangeable with those issued within.

            Industry groups, including members like Circle, asked the Commission to formally clarify that multi-issuance is allowed under current rules.

            In a statement to Reuters, the Commission said MiCA already provides a “robust and proportionate framework” and that further guidance will be published soon.

            The ECB’s main concern is that redemptions from non-EU tokens could drain reserves inside the bloc, posing systemic risks. Stablecoin issuers countered that their reserve structures already mitigate such threats.

            Bitcoin ETFs extend Uptober gains as Ethereum products lose momentum

            US spot Bitcoin ETFs posted another strong day Tuesday, with US$197.8 million in net inflows, reinforcing Bitcoin’s dominance as institutional investors rotated away from Ethereum products.

            Data from SoSoValue showed total Bitcoin ETF assets climbing to US$164.79 billion, representing nearly 7 percent of Bitcoin’s market cap.

            BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT) led inflows with US$255 million, extending its lead over rivals as total assets surpassed $97 billion. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (BATS:FBTC) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (NYSEARCA:GBTC) saw outflows of US$13 million and US$45 million, respectively.

            The renewed demand follows a surge of US$1.19 billion in inflows earlier this week, the highest since July, with BlackRock again accounting for the majority.

            Bitcoin has gained over 10 percent in October, peaking at US$126,080 before easing to $121,000. Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs snapped their eight-day inflow streak with US$8.7 million in withdrawals, reflecting a temporary pause after a strong start to the month.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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            China outlines more controls on exports of rare earths and technology

            HONG KONG — China outlined new curbs on exports of rare earths and related technologies on Thursday, extending controls over use of the elements critical for many high-tech and military products ahead of a meeting in about three weeks between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

            The regulations announced by the Ministry of Commerce require foreign companies to get special approval to export items that contain even small traces of rare earths elements sourced from China. These critical minerals are needed in a broad range of products, from jet engines, radar systems and electric vehicles to consumer electronics including laptops and phones.

            Beijing will also impose permitting requirements on exports of technologies related to rare earths mining, smelting, recycling and magnet-making, it said.

            China accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s rare earths mining. It also controls roughly 90% of global rare earths processing. Access to such materials is a key point of contention in trade talks between Washington and Beijing.

            As Trump has raised tariffs on imports of many products from China, Beijing has doubled down on controls on the strategically vital minerals, raising concerns over potential shortages for manufacturers in the U.S. and elsewhere.

            It was not immediately clear how China plans to enforce the new policies overseas.

            During a cabinet meeting Thursday, Trump said he had yet to be briefed on the new rules but suggested that the U.S. could stop buying Chinese goods. “We import from China massive amounts,” Trump said. “Maybe we’ll have to stop doing that.”

            Neha Mukherjee, a rare earths analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, called the new export controls “a strategic move by China that mirror some of Washington’s new chip export rules.

            “Most rare earth magnet manufacturers in the U.S., Japan and elsewhere remain heavily dependent on rare earths from China, so these restrictions will force some difficult decisions — especially for any company involved in military uses of rare earths because most of those export licenses are expected to be denied, he said.

            “The message is clear: if the U.S. and its allies want supply chain security, they must build independent value chains from mine to magnet,” Mukherjee said.

            The new restrictions are to “better safeguard national security” and to stop uses in “sensitive fields such as the military” that stem from rare earths processed or sourced from China or from its related technologies, the Commerce Ministry said.

            It said some unnamed “overseas bodies and individuals” had transferred rare earths elements and technologies from China abroad for military or other sensitive uses which caused “significant damage” to its national security.

            The new curbs were announced just weeks ahead of an expected meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea, that begins at the end of this month.

            “Rare earths will continue to be a key part of negotiations for Washington and Beijing,” George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group, said in an emailed comment. “Both sides want more stability but there will be still a lot of noises before the two leaders, President Trump and Xi, can make a final deal next year when they meet. Those noises are all negotiation tactics.”

            These new restrictions will likely prompt additional government and private investments in developing a mine-to-magnet supply chain outside of China. Mukherjee said that $520 million of investments in the American rare earths industry were announced just in the second quarter with most of that coming from the government.

            And there is some progress already being made with American magnet maker Noveon announcing an agreement with Lynas Rare Earths this week to secure a supply of rare earths outside of China from Lynas’ mine in Australia, and MP Materials preparing to begin producing magnets later this year at its new plant in Texas that uses rare earths from the only U.S. mine that it operates in California.

            In July, the U.S. Defense Department agreed to invest $400 million in shares of the Las Vegas company, establish a floor for the price of key elements, and ensure that all of the magnets made at a new plant in the first 10 years are purchased.

            An MP Materials spokesperson said China’s action “reinforces the need for forward-leaning U.S. industrial policy. Building resilient supply chains is a matter of economic and national security.”

            Wade Senti, president of the U.S. permanent magnet company AML, said it’s time to innovate.

            “The game of chess that China is playing underscores the importance of developing innovation that changes the game and puts the United States in leading position,” Senti said.

            Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Commerce Department undersecretary, said the new restrictions are “a significant development and escalation” by extending controls to related technology and equipment and to sectors like chipmakers. “This should be a wake-up call to the U.S. government that we need to invest in and appropriate more to domestic capabilities. Both are critical to rebuild America’s rare earths industrial base,” she said.

            In April, Chinese authorities imposed export curbs on seven rare earth elements shortly after Trump unveiled his steep tariffs on many trading partners including China.

            While supplies remain uncertain, China approved some permits for rare earth exports in June and said it was speeding up its approval processes.

            This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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            NFL Week 6 picks: Do Lions stay hot at Kansas City on Sunday night?

            • Lions-Chiefs could be the sexiest matchup of Week 6 and has a prime-time stage.
            • But Jags-Seahawks or 49ers-Bucs could actually prove the most highly competitive contests.
            • Two more teams will be on their byes for Week 6.

            Week 6 of the NFL’s 2025 regular-season schedule kicks off Thursday night, the heated NFC East rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants resuming with both clubs trying to get back into the win column following defeats last weekend.

            The league’s International Series resumes Sunday morning in London, former U.K. ambassador Woody Johnson’s winless New York Jets technically hosting the suddenly surging Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That will launch a fairly pedestrian lineup of Sunday games – Seahawks-Jaguars and 49ers-Buccaneers appearing to be the best of the bunch.

            “Sunday Night Football” will feature what once looked like – and still could be – a Super Bowl 60 preview as the scalding Detroit Lions, winners of four in a row, visit the floundering but perpetually dangerous Kansas City Chiefs.

            The docket concludes with yet another Monday night doubleheader, Bills-Falcons and Bears-Commanders putting the finishing touches on this week’s menu.

            (The Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings will be off as the second round of byes kick in.)

            How does it all unfold? USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts serve up their weekly selections and scores:

            (Odds provided by BetMGM)

            NFL Week 6 picks, predictions and odds

            • Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
            • Denver Broncos at New York Jets
            • Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
            • Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins
            • Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars
            • Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
            • Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
            • Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts
            • New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints
            • Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders
            • San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
            • Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
            • Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs
            • Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons
            • Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
            This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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            4 Mins Read

            LeBron out for NBA opener, beyond as Lakers star deals with injury

            When the Los Angeles Lakers open the 2025-26 NBA season, they’ll be missing the league’s all-time leading scorer.

            The Lakers announced Thursday, Oct. 9 that LeBron James has been dealing with a sciatica issue on his right side and will be reevaluated in three-to-four weeks. The Lakers had previously said that James was dealing with nerve irritation in his glute.

            With the Lakers set to tip off their regular season Tuesday, Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, that timeline sidelines James for the opener and beyond. The Lakers also have a nationally-televised game Friday, Oct. 24 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

            James has not played in either of Los Angeles’ two preseason games thus far, and he has not practiced fully with the team, though he has been a constant presence in the facility. Recently, James was spotted jogging around the court, putting up shots and layups, though he was doing so casually, not wearing any socks.

            Lakers coach JJ Reddick had said Thursday, Oct. 8 that James was “on his own timeline” in his progression from the injury.

            What does this mean for the Lakers?

            Los Angeles, which is trying to compete in the Western Conference as James is entering the final season of his contract with the team, will likely lean even more heavily on star guard Luka Dončić.   

            James, however, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game last season and remains a key piece of the Lakers’ offense. The team will miss his passing and play-making ability, and defenses are likely to devote extra attention to Dončić while James is sidelined. In theory, teams will likely try to force the ball out of Dončić’s hands, putting more pressure on guard Austin Reaves and forward Rui Hachimura to hit shots.

            Although James’ time on the sideline will come early in the season, the Lakers nonetheless cannot afford to fall behind too much in a Western Conference that is loaded with talented teams.

            The Lakers could opt to start forwards Jarred Vanderbilt or Jake LaRavia in James’ place, or Reddick could opt for a smaller lineup with guards Marcus Smart or Dalton Knecht on the floot.

            What does this mean for LeBron James?

            This will mark the first time that James misses a season opener. Set to enter his NBA record 23rd season, James has been one of the more dependable and available players, even despite his age.

            Still, James will turn 41 in late December and will likely need to manage his usage and body as the season progresses. Known for being a player who is exacting and meticulous about his body and his health, James will likely ensure he is fully healthy before making his return to the court.

            Once he is cleared, however, James may still need some time to acclimate to game speed, as he has missed the bulk of training camp with the nerve issue.

            If James is cleared three weeks from Thursday, James would potentially be available to return for Los Angeles’ sixth game of the season, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Oct. 31.

            If the timeline is pushed to four weeks, James could potentially miss the first nine games of the season, with a Saturday, Nov. 8 contest against the Atlanta Hawks being a potential return.

            James has maintained that he wants to compete for NBA championships, so the nerve issue should not be a significant concern, provided the rest and recovery heals the injury. Given the length of the NBA regular season and playoffs, some missed time is to be expected for a player James’ age.

            This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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            Dodgers knock out Phillies on walk-off error in MLB playoff thriller

            LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers limped through their dress rehearsal during the season, looking at times like they were just a pedestrian team and might even be vulnerable in the postseason.

            Suckers.

            The Dodgers, once again, have turned it on when the calendar flipped to October, and are threatening to go where no National League team has gone in nearly 50 years:

            Winning back-to-back World Series.

            The Dodgers knocked off the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1, in 11 innings Thursday, winning the NL Division Series in four games, and now advance to the National League Championship Series to face the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers-Chicago Cubs series on Monday.

            It was an epic pitching duel, but ended on perhaps the biggest blunder to end a postseason game since New York Mets first baseman Bill Buckner’s gaffe in the 1986 World Series.

            Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering, facing Andy Pages with two outs and the bases loaded in the 11th, appeared to get out of the jam when he induced a soft bouncer. Kerkering fumbled the ball but still had plenty of time to get Pages at first base.

            Instead, he panicked. Big time.

            Kerkering inexplicably threw home and it sailed over catcher J.T. Realmuto, who was pointing for his pitcher to throw to first.

            As the ball rolled to the backstop, the Dodgers were rushing onto the field to celebrate a return trip to the NLCS.

            It’s the first time a postseason series clincher has been decided on an error.

            The Dodgers appear to be peaking at the right time, winning 10 of their last 11 games, dating back to the final week of the regular season.

            And, if you listen to the Dodgers, they feel like they’re just getting started.

            “I still think there’s another gear in there,’ Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy said. “I don’t think we fully reached where we can be at. That’s not saying we are, and that’s not saying we aren’t. But I still think there’s a whole other level in there we haven’t reached yet.’

            Who knows how much better the Dodgers can get the rest of October, but they are a whole lot better now than they were in the summer, believing all along that this day would finally arrive.

            “We knew who we were as a team all year long,’’ Muncy said. “Even though we weren’t playing up to it at certain points we trusted who we were. … There were some rough times this year, but no one was faltering in the clubhouse. And I think the reality was the group of guys we have in there, with the amount of experience and talent to just know we were going to come through it.’

            Let’s be honest, it’s not like the Dodgers had any doubt that they’d be playing in October. They’ve been in the postseason 13 consecutive seasons, winning 12 NL West titles during the stretch.

            It was just a matter of what kind of shape they’d be in once they got into the playoffs.

            “Obviously every year in spring training,’’ Muncy said, “every team’s going to show up with a big speech about our goal this year is to win the World Series, blah, blah, blah. The reality of it is there’s only a handful of teams that can actually say that is a realistic goal. And we’re one of those every single year.

            “So, for us, making the postseason is not something that you should ever take for granted, and we definitely don’t. But we expect to be here. And once we get to this point, it’s a whole other level. And for a couple of years we went through a stretch where we had a little trouble flipping the switch when we got to this point. We rolled through the regular season, and we just couldn’t find a way to flip that switch at this point in the year.

            “The last couple of years, I feel like we’ve found that way. And I think that’s just what’s carrying us.’

            Certainly, this heavyweight bout with the Phillies wasn’t easy, with both teams believing this might have been the World Series two rounds early.

            This game resurrected memories of Steve Carlton and Don Drysdale the way Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez and Tyler Glasnow were pitching. It was an old-fashioned pitching duel between Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers and Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez, with each pitching six shutout innings, turned into a managerial second-guessing delight.

            The move that will certainly be second-guessed into the winter was manager Rob Thomson’s decision in the eighth inning that backfired.

            Sanchez, who tired in the seventh, walked No. 7 hitter Alex Call and then giving up a sharp single to Enrique Hernandez, was pulled. Thomson went to closer Jhoan Duran for a potential eight-out save.

            Duran induced a bouncer to first baseman Bryce Harper for the second out, with the runners advancing to second and third base, and then Thomson made the move that will have radio talk-show hosts screaming for his head.

            He elected to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani.

            Under most circumstances, it would make perfect sense, particularly considering Ohtani has hit two homers in four at-bats off Duran in his career.

            This is not normal circumstances.

            Ohtani has looked awful at the plate this series, with just one hit in 17 at-bats, to go along with eight strikeouts.

            Still, Thomson is well aware of his resume, believing Ohtani could break out at any time, and ordered Duran to intentionally walk him, loading the bases.

            Mookie Betts made him pay the price. Duran walked Betts on a full count, with a 101-mph fastball thrown high for ball four, tying the game at 1-apiece.

            The move took Dodgers manager Dave Roberts off the hook when he pulled Tyler Glasnow after six brilliant innings, giving up just two hits while striking out eight. Glasnow was at only 83 pitches, but Roberts wanted a fresh arm and summoned Emmet Sheehan, who was a starter throughout the regular season, but is in the bullpen for the postseason.

            Realmuto greeted him with a leadoff single to center. Sheehan induced an easy bouncer to Edman at second base, who flipped the ball to shortstop Mookie Betts for one out, but Sheehan was late covering first base, and he missed the return throw from Betts. The ball sailed out of play, allowing Kepler to reach second.

            Nick Castellanos, who was in a 1-for-13 deep freeze, made Sheehan pay for his mistake by lining a double down the left field line, scoring Kepler for the game’s first run.

            The lead lasted right up to Betts’ walk in the bottom of the seventh, turning the game over to the bullpens, with rookie Roki Sasaki retiring all nine batters he faced.

            The Phillies had Duran pitch 1 ⅔ innings, Matt Strahm for an inning, and then turned to starter Jesus Luzardo, who was originally scheduled to pitch Game 5.

            Thomson wanted to make sure there was a Game 5.

            It never happened, thanks to a blunder that will be forever remembered in baseball lore.

            Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

            Here’s how Thursday’s game unfolded:

            Dodgers win on Orion Kerkering error

            The Dodgers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the 11th and Andy Pages hit a comebacker to Orion Kerkering – who went home with his throw but airmailed it, allowing the winning run to score.

            Dodgers’ Alex Vesia stands tall in the 11th

            Dodgers left Alex Vesia came on for the 11th and walked Bryce Harper with one out. Then Alec Bohm hit a ball to the edge of the warning track in center that scared the crowd, but went down as the second out. Vesia threw a wild pitch on his first offering to pinch-hitter Harrison Bader that moved Harper to second, but Vesia eventually won a 10-pitch standoff, whiffing Bader to end the top of the 11th.

            Jesus Luzardo dominates the 10th

            Game 2 starter Jesus Luzardo was brought into the game for the 10th inning and promptly struck out Shohei Ohtani on three pitches. The left-hander got Mookie Betts to fly out and then struck out Teoscar Hernandez to end the inning and send the game to the 11th.

            Roki Sasaki pitches perfect 10th

            Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki set the Phillies down in order in the top of the 10th, retiring all nine batters he has faced through three scoreless innings. Jesus Luzardo will come in for the Phillies to pitch the 10th.

            Tied after nine: MLB playoff extra innings rules

            The Dodgers and Phillies are heading for extra innings in Game 4. Roki Sasaki stayed in the game for a second inning in the ninth and set the Phillies down and has now retired all six batters he faced. Matt Strahm came on for the Phillies and pitched a clean inning to send it to the 10th.

            Major League Baseball’s extra innings format is different in the playoffs from the regular season, getting rid of the ‘ghost runner’ starting on second base once a game goes beyond nine innings.

            Unlike the previous six months of baseball, extra innings in the postseason will not feature the free runner.

            To the ninth: Dodgers 1, Phillies 1

            Roki Sasaki came on to pitch the eighth for the Dodgers and retired the Phillies in order. Jhoan Duran came back out for Philadelphia and set the Dodgers down with two strikeouts sandwiching a grounder, sending the game to the ninth inning tied 1-1.

            Dodgers tie it on Mookie Betts’ RBI walk

            Cristopher Sanchez gave way to Jhoan Duran with runners on first and second in the bottom of the seventh, and the Phillies reliever got Andy Pages for the second out. But manager Rob Thomson opted to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani to load the bases for Mookie Betts. The former MVP worked the count and drew a walk to bring in the tying run.

            Duran struck out Teoscar Hernandez to get out of the inning and send the game to the eighth tied at one.

            Phillies strike first in the seventh

            Emmet Sheehan relieved Tyler Glasnow in the top of the seventh after the Dodgers starter tossed six scoreless innings. He surrendered a leadoff single to J.T. Realmuto then got the first out on Max Kepler’s fielder’s choice but the ball skipped away out of play as the Dodgers tried to turn a double play, putting Kepler on second.

            Nick Castellanos followed with an RBI double just inside third base to bring home the first run of the game.

            But Sheehan retired Bryston Stott and Trea Turner to strand Castellanos on second and keep it a 1-0 game heading into the seventh-inning stretch.

            Dodgers vs Phillies still scoreless into the sixth

            Tyler Glasnow and Cristopher Sanchez have traded zeroes through the first five innings, with each team only managing two hits. Sanchez is only at 62 pitches with no walks and four strikeouts.

            Cristopher Sanchez escapes after Alec Bohm’s error

            WIth runners on first and third and two outs after third baseman Alec Bohm’s error, Phillies starter got Mookie Betts to ground out and end the bottom of the third.

            Game 4 is scoreless heading into the fourth inning.

            Phillies defense shines in the second

            Mookie Betts led off the bottom of the second with a single against Cristopher Sanchez, then Tommy Edman hit a line drive to left field that looked to be heading for the gap until Max Kepler laid out to make a spectacular diving catch. Sanchez then got Will Smith to ground into an inning-ending double play.

            Tyler Glasnow works around Schwarber double

            Game 4 is underway at Dodger Stadium and the Phillies threatened in the top of the first with Kyle Schwarber’s one-out double. But Tyler Glasnow got Bryce Harper to ground out and struck out Brandon Marsh swinging after walking Alec Bohm.

            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.

            Tanner Scott injury update

            LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have not used closer Tanner Scott this postseason, no longer trusting him to pitch in crucial situations, removed him from their postseason roster Thursday before Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

            The Dodgers received permission from MLB to take him off their roster and replace him with left-handed reliever Justin Wrobleski.

            Scott, who received a four-year, $72 million free agent contract, is now ineligible to pitch for the Dodgers until the World Series, if the Dodgers advance. Scott, who had warmed only briefly in their NL wild card series against the Cincinnati Reds, underwent an “abscess incision’ in his lower body, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts calling it a minor procedure. — Bob Nightengale

            Phillies lineup today

            1. Trea Turner (R) SS
            2. Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
            3. Bryce Harper (L) 1B
            4. Alec Bohm (R) 3B
            5. Brandon Marsh (L) CF
            6. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
            7. Max Kepler (L) LF
            8. Nick Castellanos (R) RF
            9. Bryson Stott (L) 2B

            Dodgers lineup today

            1. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
            2. Mookie Betts (R) SS
            3. Teoscar Hernández (R) RF
            4. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
            5. Tommy Edman (S) 2B
            6. Will Smith (R) C
            7. Alex Call (R) LF
            8. Enrique Hernández (R) 3B
            9. Andy Pages (R) CF

            Phillies-Dodgers prediction, odds

            What time is Phillies vs Dodgers game today?

            First pitch is scheduled for 6:08 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium.

            Where to watch Dodgers vs Phillies Game 4: TV channel, stream

            Thursday’s game will air on TBS and HBO Max – and can be streamed with Sling TV.

            Watch Dodgers vs Phillies on Sling TV

            This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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            Eagles run signature play four straight times vs. Giants

            EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Philadelphia Eagles ran the tush push four consecutive times in the second quarter of their “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the New York Giants on Oct. 9. 

            For a total of three yards – and a touchdown, at least. 

            Quarterback Jalen Hurts hardly crossed the plane of the goal line on his fourth attempt, which was actually a second-down rush. Philadelphia first broke out the patented play on third-and-1 from the 3-yard line, and the Giants successfully stood Hurts up for no gain.

            He picked up (a generously-spotted) two yards to convert the fourth-down try, and he was once again stonewalled on first-and-goal. The Eagles finally scored on the next play.

            On one of the replays shown on the video board at MetLife Stadium to incite the home crowd, the slow-motion shot showed right guard Tyler Steen moving prior to the snap.

            Giants head coach Brian Daboll was none too pleased on the sideline. 

            In Week 3, the Eagles appeared to false start on the signature play vs. the Los Angeles Rams, a trend that carried over from Week 2.

            A league memo circulated between Week 2 and 3 to officials informed the refs to call the play with more scrutiny for the rest of the season.

            The Eagles trailed the Giants 20-17 at halftime. 

            This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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            Jon Sumrall calls Tulane as ‘immature’ after win over East Carolina

            Tulane barely survived its Thursday, Oct. 9 showdown against East Carolina, winning 26-19 in a messy game from the Green Wave.

            Although Tulane moves to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in the American Conference, head coach Jon Sumrall — a popular name with regard to Power Four coaching vacancies — was more than a little displeased with the Green Wave’s showing in his postgame interview.

            After the game, Sumrall didn’t make Tulane run wind sprints a la Fran Brown. But he hoarsely expressed his discontent with the down-to-the-wire finish.

            ‘We’re a really sloppy football team that finds ways to win games,’ Sumrall told ESPN on the field after the game. ‘And I’m gonna lose my mind because we’re so immature. We’ve gotta grow up fast. I’m glad we won. I’m not happy with how we played.’

            Indeed, Tulane made its life difficult at every turn. Despite Jake Retzlaff’s arguable best game of the season, Tulane saw East Carolina go 10-of-19 on third down, and the Green Wave got penalized 11 times for 96 yards. A fourth-quarter fumble also nearly did Tulane in after going down 16-12 in the second half.

            Even on the final series, Tulane put East Carolina in Hail Mary territory with two pass interference calls.

            Sumrall himself isn’t without culpability. With Tulane on the East Carolina 4-yard line with 35 seconds left, the Green Wave scored (with the Pirates’ blessing), giving East Carolina the ball one last time instead of setting up kicker Patrick Durkin, who has not missed this season, for a potential walk-off field goal.

            As Tulane continues to play with playoff aspirations that were reinforced with the win, it will need to tighten up. Memphis, South Florida, and North Texas are all legitimate contenders in the American Conference (Tulane only plays Memphis this year out of that group), while James Madison and Old Dominion loom in the Sun Belt and Boise State looks on from the Mountain West.

            For the time being, however, Tulane lives to fight another day.

            This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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            Predictive Discovery and Robex to Merge, Combining West African Gold Projects

            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

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