BOULDER, Colo. – Colorado football coach Deion Sanders returned to the sideline here Saturday Oct. 11 against Iowa State, inspiring his team with his energy just four days after undergoing surgery to clear blood clots in his left leg.

He apparently did not sit down during his team’s 24-17 win against the No. 22 Cyclones. ESPN reported during its broadcast an assistant on the sideline was following Sanders around with a stool in case he needed it. Sanders instead stood and prowled the sideline like normal as his Buffaloes held on for the win in front of 52,698 at Folsom Field.

Sanders, 58, didn’t talk about his situation in his postgame news conference. But his players did after Sanders returned to coach his team at practice the next morning following his surgery Oct. 7.

‘It gave us a reason to fight, a great reason to fight,’ Colorado linebacker Jeremiah Brown said after the game. ‘Coach Prime had the surgery Tuesday. He came back that Wednesday morning after a four-hour surgery. He (was) hurt and he (was) limping on the field, hurting, still running around. He was giving us all the energy we need. So I think that’s all we needed to fight.’

Offensive lineman Zy Crisler said Sanders’ comeback this week ‘motivated the team tremendously.’

‘I mean, going into surgery and the next morning, you had practice is crazy,’ Crisler said. ‘But man, Coach Prime is a warrior. He gonna do what he got to do, and I salute Coach Prime.’

What is Deion Sanders’ health history?

In his previous game Oct. 4 at TCU, Sanders was seen sitting down during the game and took a shoe because he said he was “hurting like crazy” and suspected it was because of blood clots. He has battled blood-circulation issues over the last four years and even had two toes amputated from his left foot in 2021, forcing him to miss three games that year when he was coach at Jackson State.

The surgery on Oct. 7 was the 16^th since that time, according to videos posted by his son Deion Jr. He also had his bladder removed in May after a cancerous tumor was discovered during a medical appointment related to his vascular issues, which have involved arterial blood clots in his lower body.

Other coaches have sat during games

When he returned to the sideline after surgeries in 2021, Sanders coached Jackson State from a motorized wheelchair.

Other coaches have been forced to sit because of health issues, too, although it’s rare. Penn State coach Joe Paterno coached from a seat in the press box late in his career because of health issues. In 2019, Liberty coach Hugh Freeze coached from a bed in the press box as he recovered from a staph infection and back pain.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman also coached a game at Missouri from the press box after suffering from a broken hip.

Coaching from the press box is problematic because it separates the coach from his players on the field and makes it hard for the coach to join his team in the locker room at halftime. Being immobile on the sideline also is problematic because coaches need to follow their teams up and down the field as they communicate with their players and game officials.

Sanders and Colorado (3-4) have an off weekend next week before returning to play Oct. 25 at Utah.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Three WNBA titles in four years.

A four-time league MVP with two WNBA Finals most valuable player awards.

A 16-game winning streak to end the regular season and victories in 25 of their last 28 games.

A sweep in the WNBA’s first best-of-seven championship series.

The Las Vegas Aces once again rule the WNBA, and USA TODAY Sports has crafted a commemorative page print to celebrate the latest incredible season by this dynasty and its galaxy of stars.

The full-page print highlights the Aces’ 2025 championship with stunning photography after their 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4, the giant headline of THREE OF A KIND and a memorable quotes from A’ja Wilson, the four-time league MVP and two-time Finals MVP.

Exclusive page print: Celebrate Aces’ latest title

The 2025 season will live forever in Aces lore and WNBA lore. Available formats include page prints, framed art with multiple frame styles, and canvases and metal prints. Sizes range from 12 inches tall all the way up to 42 inches tall. Pricing starts at $17.95, and bundling discounts are available. Order now at Aces.FrontPagePrint.com.

With championships in 2022, 2023 and now 2025, the Aces joined the old Houston Comets as the only teams to win so many titles in so short a span. The Comets captured four consecutive titles in the league’s first four seasons (1997-2000). The Minnesota Lynx won three titles in five years and four in seven in the 2010s, and the old Detroit Shock won three titles in six years in the 2000s. The game and the league, though, were different then, according to Aces coach Becky Hammon, a longtime pro player and coach who owned a 10-2 career record in the WNBA Finals.

“Those dynasties laid the groundwork, showed how winning should be done and really gave a lot to the W in so far as history,” Hammon said. “But the skill set and the level that these guys are at, to me, it’s not comparable. These ladies are at the top of the game, and it is the best basketball the W has ever seen. From top to bottom.”

Wilson’s performance in the Finals, including 31 points and nine rebounds in Game 4, added to her case as arguably the greatest player of all time. She is the first player in WNBA history to be the MVP, defensive player of the year, Finals MVP and scoring leader in the same season.

“She’s at the top of the list,” Hammon said. “She’s sitting alone on Everest. There’s no one else there.”

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of basketball history with USA TODAY Sports’ commemorative page. Plus, it’s never too early to pick up a perfect holiday gift for the hoops fan in your life.

Exclusive page print: Celebrate Aces’ latest title

Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@gannett.com. Follow him on X @GeneMyers. After nearly a quarter-century as sports editor at the Detroit Free Press, Myers unretired to coordinate book and poster projects across the USA TODAY Network. Check out more books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network — including books on Caitlin Clark’s college career and WNBA rookie season, inspiring female athletes from the state of Indiana, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first NBA championship and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis walked away a winner at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Ennis recorded a pair of knockdowns against Uisma Lima in the first round of the 154-pound bout.

With the victory, Ennis becomes the new WBA Interim World Super Welterweight Champion. Ennis extends his undefeated record to 35 wins, including 31 knockouts.

Uisma Lima had won his last four fights before the loss to Ennis. He falls to 14-2-0 in his professional career.

Here’s what you missed from the Ennis vs. Lima main card on Saturday:

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima fight results

Jaron Ennis overwhelmed Uisma Lima throughout the first round, claiming the victory on Saturday.

Guido Vianello vs. Alexis Barriere results

Guido Vianello got the best of Alexis Barriere in the fifth round after landing several shots. Barriere fell to the ground and sat on the mat as the referee began to count, calling for the end of the fight before reaching the 10-count.

Tahmir Smalls vs. Jose Roman results

Tahmir Smalls dropped Jose Roman in the third round. Despite the early-round knockdown, the fight managed to go the distance before Smalls was declared the winner by unanimous decision.

Dennis Thompson vs. Sean Diaz results

Dennis Thompson won the six-round fight against Sean Diaz by split decision.

How to watch Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima fight

Jaron Ennis will face Uisma Lima on Saturday, October 11 with the whole event broadcasted on DAZN.

• Date: Saturday, October 11
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima main event ringwalks (approx) : 10:47 p.m. ET
• Stream:DAZN

Watch Jason Ennis vs Uisma Lima on DAZN

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima ring walk

• Jaron Ennis and Uisma Lima are expected to walk to the ring at 10:47 p.m. ET.

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima prelim fight results

• Zaquin Moses defeats Antonio Dunton-El Jr. by unanimous decision.
• Giorgio Visioli defeats James Wilkins by unanimous decision.
• Harley Mederos defeats Hylon Williams Jr. by TKO
• Naheem Parker defeats Justin Palmieri by unanimous decision.

When does Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima start?

The Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight card consists of nine fights and will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 11, 2025 with early prelim fights. The main event for the Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight is expected to be around 10:47 p.m. ET. However, the duration of the undercard will impact when Ennis and Lima actually start.

Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight card

• Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima, Super welterweight
• Alexis Barreire vs Guido Vianello, Heavyweight
• Tahmir Smalls vs Jose Roman, Welterweight
• Dennis Thompson vs Sean Diaz, Super bantamweight
• Zaquin Moses vs Antonio Dunton-El Jr., Super featherweight
• Giorgio Visioli vs James Wilkins,  Super featherweight
• Harley Mederos vs Hylon Williams Jr., Lightweight
• Justin Palmieri vs Naheem Parker,  Lightweight

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers pleaded for their fans to show emotion Saturday night, and they got it.

They demanded someone to keep the Chicago Cubs from scoring in the first inning for the first time this National League Division Series, and All-Star closer Trevor Megill delivered.

They wanted their offense to step up, and they smacked three solo homers.

And by the end of the night, there were the Brewers, along with their delirious sellout crowd of 42,743 at American Family Field, wiping away tears from their eyes.

The Brewers did it.

They finally beat the Chicago Cubs, 3-1, winning a postseason series for the first time since 2018, slaying their longtime nemesis in the process.

The Brewers’ reward is that they get to stay home and host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven National League Championship Series on Monday night, in a rematch of their 2018 NLCS.

It took seven years, and now they’ve got their chance at revenge against the Dodgers, overcoming their heartbreak of a year ago when Brewers closer Devin Williams gave up a crushing, game-winning homer to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

“It’s not like we broke down and did something wrong,’’ Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, “it’s just that we had one guy that could not execute pitches, and we had the Mets hot. But there’s something to be learned from it. It’s not over until it’s over, and you’ve got to play it all the way.

“We mentioned it again today, just a little piece of, hey, remember those feelings and remember that awareness that you got to have.’’

The Brewers produced only six hits in the game, but, oh, how those three will be remembered.

It was Contreras hitting a homer in the first inning, followed by Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki answering in the second inning.

It was Andrew Vaughn, who was in the minor leagues for the Chicago White Sox in June, homering in the fourth.

And then, it was second baseman Brice Turang, who hadn’t produced a hit since the first game of the series, homering in the seventh.

Finally, bedlam.

The Brewers crowd, trying to wash away those memories, or maybe even dull them with hours of heavy tailgating before the game, made their emotions known from the jump. They began cheering 30 minutes before the first pitch watching the Brewers take the field, loudly booing the sight of the Cubs taking the field, increasing their boos to another level during the introductions, saving their loudest anger for Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who they view as a traitor for leaving them for the Cubs.

The Brewers did everything they could to get the crowd revved up with Hall of Famer Paul Molitor throwing out the first pitch, former Brewers great Ryan Braun screaming into the mic and waving a rally towel, and then they lowered the lights and played All-Star closer Trevor Megill’s walk-up song, “The Four Horsemen,’’ as he emerged from the bullpen to start the game.

Then, it was on, one of the most unique postseason series in history, with the starting pitchers combining for only 14 innings, and the bullpen pitching 32 innings. It was the first postseason series the starting rotations combined for fewer than three innings.

Megill made sure it would be the first time the Cubs didn’t score in the first inning, too, with a 1-2-3 inning, while the Brewers instead did the honors with Williams Contreras homering off veteran reliever Drew Pomeranz, who had retired 25 consecutive batters.

“I mean, I’ve never really seen anything like it in terms of just the first inning mayhem,’’ Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said, “that has kind of headlined this entire series.’’

The game promptly emerged into a reliever carousel, with the bullpen door opening early and often, beginning in the second inning and carrying through the night. There were nine relievers used in the game, with rookie Jacob Misiorowski the star of the pen in only giving up three hits and one run in four innings.

“In a game like this,’’ Swanson said, “kind of all conventional thinking can go out the window.’’

Indeed, when the Brewers are starting their All-Star closer, and the Cubs are using a 36-year-old reliever who hadn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2021, conventional thinking had no place in this game.

“Drew spent a long time in the minor leagues continuing to try to, as he says, just get one more chance,’’ Counsell said. “And it turns out that that one more chance earned a big role on this team …

“He could have gone home, and he would have had a great career and nobody would have thought twice of it. Nobody would have thought he gave up at all, right? But he kept doing it because he’s doing what he loves to do.

“He kept going, and he’s created some great memories for himself because of it.’’

The Cubs played sloppy in this game with errors by Swanson and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in the first four innings, but it wasn’t a case of nerves, Counsell said, but simply a victim of the Brewers’ offensive style of sacrificing power to put the ball in play.

“They hit the ball on the ground a lot,’’ Counsell said, “I think that is going to lead to defensive errors. That kind of baseball produces errors. So mostly it’s a result of, from that statistic, they have a better chance to do it because of (what) their offensive players are skilled at.’’

Who knows, maybe the crowd really had an effect, with the home team winning all five games this series. The Brewers became unglued at Wrigley Field in front of the Cubs’ faithful, and this time, the Brewers appeared much more relaxed at home.

“We’ve got a really young team,’’ Murphy said. “I think everybody knows that. Maybe by far the youngest team in the postseason. That kind of stuff emotionally can affect guys. They can start to play a little too hard. This game is a game of precision, and the Cubs’ experience and what they’ve been through, they were better in this environment, for sure.’

But on this night, with the crowd willing them to victory, the Brewers were the ones standing tall.

“I admire our team, I have faith in our team,’’ Murphy said. “I think this had to happen this way.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @BNightengale

Brewers vs. Cubs Game 5 highlights

Brewers extend lead on Brice Turang homer

Brice Turang’s first career postseason home run was just a solo shot, but it felt much, much bigger to the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Turang’s seventh-inning drive to center field off Andrew Kittredge extended the Brewers’ lead to 3-1 over the Chicago Cubs in their do-or-die NLDS Game 5. 

The Brewers have never trailed in this game, but hadn’t scratched out a run since Andrew Vaughn’s fourth-inning homer, leaving the Cubs trailing by just a run. 

Turang changed that and gave the Brewers a crucial bit of breathing room as they aim to record the final six outs and advance to the NLCS. 

Cubs-Brewers score update

Chad Patrick bailed out the Milwaukee Brewers and pitched them within six outs of the National League Championship Series. 

Patrick recorded five huge outs, inheriting a two-on, one-out situation, and kept the Chicago Cubs at bay to preserve the Brewers’ 2-1 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh. 

The Brewers are attempting a bullpen game to claim this Game 5 of the NLDS, a feat that requires all parts to fire crisply. But after lefty Aaron Ashby allowed a hit and hit a batter to start the sixth – he did strike out Kyle Tucker to fulfill the three-batter minimum – Patrick, a rookie, was asked to clean it up. 

That he did, getting a lineout from Seiya Suzuki and striking out Ian Happ to end the inning with a fist pump. 

He followed with a clean seventh, striking out Carson Kelly and Dansby Swanson in this, his fourth game of work in the five-game series.  

Brewers pull Jacob Misiorowski

The Miz is a bona fide postseason hero for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Jacob Misiorowski pitched four innings of three-hit relief, giving up a solo home run but nothing else, and handed the Brewers bullpen a 2-1 lead over the Chicago Cubs after five innings of Game 5 of their NL Division Series. 

Misiorowski pitched three scoreless innings in Game 2, earning the win, and his ERA in seven innings of this NLDS is 1.29; he also struck out seven batters against two walks. 

Cubs turn slick double play

William Contreras made hard contact but found second baseman Nico Hoerner’s glove. Hoerner fired to first to double off Jackson Chourio.

Ther Brewers still lead, 2-1.

Brewers take the lead again on Andrew Vaughn homer

The Milwaukee Brewers salvaged Andrew Vaughn’s career and now Vaughn is hoping to pay them back by salvaging their season. 

Vaughn broke a fourth-inning 1-1 tie with a solo home run to left field off Colin Rea’s hanging slider, his second big homer in this NLDS. 

His three-run homer erased a three-run deficit in Game 2, and now the Brewers will nurse a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning in Milwaukee. 

Vaughn was acquired in trade from the Chicago White Sox this season, revitalizing a career that saw him make a trip to the minor leagues this season. 

Score update: Cubs 1, Brewers 1 after three

After the early power show, matters have settled down at American Family Field. 

The Brewers and Cubs remain tied 1-1 through three innings in their decisive NLDS Game 5. 

The Cubs opted for Colin Rea as the second man in their bullpen relay, and he’s been nearly perfect, giving up one hit in two innings. Meanwhile, Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski has calmed the heart rate after giving up a homer to Seiya Suzuki, the first batter he faced, in the second inning. 

He’s given up two more hits but no more runs, and now the intrigue is how long Brewers manager Pat Murphy may stick with his prized rookie. 

Seiya Suzuki ties game with homer off Brewers star rookie

The Milwaukee Brewers won the battle of the openers, but the Chicago Cubs battled back with a quick strike against the Brew Crew’s rookie superstar.

William Contreras hit a two-out solo home run off Drew Pomeranz and the Brewers handed 6-foot-8 rookie Jacob Misiorowski a 1-0 lead. But it didn’t even last one batter, as Seiya Suzuki took a Misiorowski pitch and drove it over the wall in right center field. 

That was a jolt for the Brewers, who in Game 2 got three scoreless relief innings from Misiorowski, the winning pitcher. 

But The Miz settled down and retired the side as the clubs remained tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the second. 

Brewers strike first on William Contreras home run

It’s 1-0 for the home team after one inning after Contreras went yard off Drew Pomeranz on a 3-2 count with two outs.

That’s got to feel good for the Brewers after they were shut out in Game 4.

Trevor Megill fired up after retiring side in first

Megill retired the first three Cubs batters in order, the final coming via a strikeout of Kyle Tucker. The Brewers’ starter was fired up after that, to say the least.

Incredibly, Game 5 is the first game of the series that the Brewers didn’t yield runs in the first inning.

What time is Cubs vs Brewers game?

First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Where to watch Cubs vs Brewers Game 5: TV channel, live stream

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

Watch Cubs vs Brewers Game 5 on Sling TV

Cubs vs Brewers odds

Cubs vs Brewers NLDS Game 5 predictions

BetMGM: Brewers will win

Staff writes: Based on recent trends the model predicts the Brewers will win Saturday‘s MLB game with 55.8% confidence, factoring in game simulations, recent player performances, starting pitchers and injuries.’

Draftkings: Brewers

Zach Thompson writes: ‘The Brewers took the first two games of the series convincingly, 9-3 and 7-3. The Cubs definitely got a big boost from playing at Wrigley Field, but back in Milwaukee, the Brewers should be able to get back in the win column. They’re much more familiar with bullpen games, and Misiorowski is a huge piece of their plan that gives them a significant advantage.’

Sports Illustrated: Brewers

Ryan Gilbert writes: ‘Home-field advantage has held strong in this series with both the Brewers and Cubs winning two games at their home ballparks. We’re back in Milwaukee for Game 5, and it’s hard to see the Brewers losing this one at home. The Brewers went 52-29 at home this season while the Cubs were just 42-39 on the road. Chicago did take two of three in Milwaukee way back in May, but the Brewers have now won four of the last five meetings, including the playoffs, at home.’

Chicago Cubs starting lineup vs Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers lineup vs Chicago Cubs

Cubs, Brewers starting pitchers

Drew Pomeranz and Trevor Megill are starting pitchers in name only for Game 5 of the National League Division Series, as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers deploy “openers” in the winner-take-all game at American Family Field.

And that means the spotlight should soon switch to Brewers rookie flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski.

The instant All-Star pitched three shutout innings to earn the win in Game 2, reaching 104 mph on the radar gun and topping at least 100 mph 31 times in his relatively short stint. Misiorowski has had a full four days of rest and should be ready to roll.

How the Brewers get to The Miz remains a fluid equation in relief of Megill.

“It’s kind of like an equation. If so-and-so needs to be rescued, this is the best rescue guy there in this pocket,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said in his news conference before Game 5. “If he gets through it, here’s the best guy to open the second, based on where we ended. And then you play it out from there.”

For the Cubs, lefty Shota Imanaga is on turn, after getting lit up for four runs in just 2⅔ innings of Game 2. As we saw in Game 5 of the AL Division Series, all hands will be on the proverbial deck for both teams. 

PHOENIX — Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas suffered an apparent shoulder injury during Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Friday at Mortgage Market Arena.

Thomas left the game with 9.2 seconds remaining in the first half after a collision with Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd. Thomas and Loyd bumped shoulders on a screen, which sent the Phoenix forward to the floor. While on the court, Thomas was writhing back and forth in apparent pain, grabbing her shoulder, before teammates and Mercury staff rushed to her side.

Thomas started the second half with a taped right shoulder. She is averaging 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists in the postseason. She was named first-team All-WNBA earlier Friday.

While she was down, the call on Loyd was reviewed for a possible flagrant foul. After review, the call on the floor stood as a common foul, and Thomas headed to the locker room with the Mercury staff. The injury is notable as Thomas has torn labrums in both shoulders and has never had them fixed.

• Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski named Sanders QB2, backing up starter Dillon Gabriel.
• Sanders’ step up comes on the heels of Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals.
• There was some speculation Bailey Zappe, not Sanders, would be named the backup for this weekend. That turned out not to be the case.

It truly might be only a matter of time for Shedeur Sanders.

On Friday, Oct. 10, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski named Sanders QB2, backing up starter Dillon Gabriel as the Browns get set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

Sanders’ step up comes on the heels of Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, who was named starter this season, took snaps for four games before being benched in favor of Gabriel, the team’s 2025 third-round pick.

‘I’m always thinking about our players and what’s best for our players,’ Stefanski said Friday. ‘I want to make sure when it comes to young football players, particularly at the quarterback position, you are intentional about your decision making. And that’s really all it is.’

There was some speculation that Bailey Zappe, not Sanders, would be named the backup for this weekend. That turned out not to be the case with the Sanders promotion.

The Browns QB room has been in a state of flux since the preseason. Sanders was originally QB4 behind Flacco, Gabriel and Kenny Pickett. Pickett was traded to the Raiders ahead of the regular season, easing the path for Sanders’ ascent.

The Browns are searching for their second win of the season and travel to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh in Week 6 for the tilt.

Browns QB depth chart

Here’s how the passers in Cleveland’s QB room line up:

• Dillon Gabriel
• Shedeur Sanders
• Bailey Zappe (practice squad)
• Deshaun Watson (injured)

Sanders now rests comfortably in the QB2 spot behind third-round pick Dillon Gabriel.

The Browns also might see the return of Deshaun Watson this season, who was seen working out at the Browns practice facility earlier this week.

PHOENIX — The Las Vegas Aces have cemented their dynasty, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals on Friday to win their third championship in four years.

The No. 2 seed Aces defeated the No. 4 seed Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 at Mortgage Matchup Center. four-time league. A’ja Wilson, who won league MVP, scored 31 points and won her second WNBA Finals MVP (2023). It’s the eighth time in WNBA history that the league MVP went on to win a championship and Finals MVP in the same season.

‘This team has been through h— and back. Everyone stepped up, we have the greatest player in the world in A’ja Wilson. … Everyone was huge,’ Aces guard Chelsea Gray said through tears to ESPN’s Holly Rowe. ‘True champions.

‘Winning takes care of everything.’

Both the Aces first-round and semifinal playoff series against the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, respectively, went the distance and were decided by a winner-take-all game. But the Aces were able to close out the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in four games.

This championship run may be the most improbable for the Aces, who started the season 11-11, marking their worst start since 2018. The WNBA All-Star weekend marked the turning point for the Aces, who ended the regular season on a 19-3 run, including a 16-game win streak that tied the second longest in league history. 

Here’s all the highlights from Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday:

DeWanna Bonner gets technical foul

Bonner was called for a technical foul with 6:04 remaining in the fourth quarter for arguing with an official after she believed she was fouled on a layup attempt. The Mercury forward is up to eight points, 10 rebounds and one assist. Kahleah Copper later picked up a technical foul with 1:30 remaining.

End of Q3: Aces 76, Mercury 62

The Aces led by as many as 20 points, but the Mercury cut their deficit down to 14 entering the fourth quarter. Only 10 minutes separates the Aces from a WNBA championship. Can the Mercury force a Game 5?

Aces center A’ja Wilson has 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jewell Loyd has 12 points off the bench. Chelsea Gray is up to 11 points and four assists, while Dana Evans has 10 points. 

Mercury guard Kahleah Copper scored 13 of her 22 points in the third quarter. Alyssa Thomas is up to 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts ejected

Emotions are running high during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani was called for a personal foul on Aces gaurd Dana Evans with 2:41 remaining in the third quarter, and the Mercury trailing the Aces 68-54. Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts immediately walked up to official Gina Cross and argued the call. Tibbetts was called for a double technical foul and ejected from the game.

Alyssa Thomas returns after injury

Thomas returned to the bench wearing a warmup jacket at the end of halftime. She took off her warmup jacket to reveal heavy taping on her right shoulder. Thomas entered the game to start the third quarter.

Bam Adebayo in the building

Miami Heat superstar Bam Adebayo, the boyfriend of Aces center A’ja Wilson, was spotted sitting courtside at the Mortgage Matchup Center between Wilson’s parents for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

Halftime: Aces 54, Mercury 38

The Aces put their foot on the gas in the second quarter, outscoring the Mercury 24-17 to take a 16-point lead into halftime. The 3-pointer has been the difference in the first half, with the Aces shooting 52.9% (9-of-17) from beyond the arc. Five different players have knocked down 3s for the Aces, while the Mercury are shooting a dismal 2-of-11 from the 3-point line.

Aces center A’ja Wilson has a game-high 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Chelsea Gray has 10 points, while Jewell Loyd added nine points off the bench, all from beyond the arc.

Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has a team-high 11 points, five rebounds and five assists, but she exited in the closing seconds of the second quarter with an apparent right shoulder injury and is questionable to return. Kahleah Copper has nine points and four rebounds, while DeWanna Bonner has five points. 

The Mercury must clean up their turnovers if they have any shot of forcing a Game 5. Phoenix has committed nine turnovers in the first half, which the Aces have converted to 15 points. Meanwhile, the Aces have only one turnover.  

Alyssa Thomas exits game with apparent shoulder injury

Mercury All-star forward Alyssa Thomas went down with 9.2 seconds remaining in the second quarter after running into a hard screen set by Aces guard Jewell Loyd. Thomas went down clutching her right shoulder and was quickly surrounded by her team, who used towels to shield her as she remained down. Thomas was helped to her feet after several minutes and went back to the locker room as team personnel held her right arm. Loyd was called for a common foul. Thomas had 11 points, five assists and five rebounds at the time of her exit.

End of Q1: Aces 30, Mercury 21

Aces center A’ja Wilson stole a pass from the Mercury’s Kathryn Westbeld with 21.3 seconds remaining in the first quarter and laid it up to push the Aces’ lead back to nine points, the largest of the game. 

The Mercury committed four turnovers in the first quarter, leading to seven points for the Aces. The Aces committed no turnovers in the first quarter. 

Wilson has got to the free throw line early and often in the first quarter, converting four of her five free throw attempts. Wilson is up to a game-high 12 points, three rebounds and two points. Chelsea Gray and NaLyssa Smith each have five points

Kahleah Copper leads the Mercury with five points, while Alyssa Thomas and Monique Akoa Makani each have four points. 

Game 4 of WNBA Finals tips off

Game 4 of the WNBA Finals is underway at Mortgage Matchup Center and the Aces have a three-point advantage with 4:56 remaining in the first quarter, 16-13. 

All of the Aces’ starters have scored so far, led by five points from NaLyssa Smith and four points from A’ja Wilson. The Aces are controlling the boards early with five rebounds (compared to two for the Mercury) and two second chance points.

Alyssa Thomas leads the Mercury with four points, while Kalani Brown has three points off the bench. 

What time is Mercury vs. Aces Game 4?

Game 4 of the WNBA Finals between the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces and No. 4 seed Phoenix Mercury is scheduled to tipoff at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 10, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

Where to watch WNBA Finals: TV, streaming for Game 4

• Date: Friday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
• Location: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix)
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

WNBA starting lineups

Las Vegas Aces starting lineup

Head coach: Becky Hammon

• 0 Jackie Young | G 6′ 0′ – Notre Dame
• 1 Kierstan Bell | F 6′ 1′ – Florida Gulf Coast
• 3 NaLyssa Smith | F 6′ 4′ – Baylor
• 12 Chelsea Gray | G 5′ 11′ – Duke
• 22 A’ja Wilson | C 6′ 5′ – South Carolina

Phoenix Mercury starting lineup

Head coach: Nate Tibbetts

• 2 Kahleah Copper | G 6′ 1′ – Rutgers
• 4 Natasha Mack | C 6′ 4′ – Oklahoma State
• 8 Monique Akoa Makani | G 5′ 11′ – Cameroon
• 14 DeWanna Bonner | F 6′ 4′ – Auburn
• 25 Alyssa Thomas | F 6′ 2′ – Maryland

Will Mercury’s Satou Sabally play in Game 4?

 Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally will not play in Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals, the team announced Thursday. The Phoenix forward has been ruled out after suffering a concussion during Game 3 of the Finals on Wednesday at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Las Vegas Aces roster

Phoenix Mercury roster

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The Seattle Mariners got the best of the Detroit Tigers 3-2 after 15 innings in the winner-take-all Game 5 on Friday, Oct. 10.

With the victory, the Mariners will move on to the American League Championship Series and play the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Mariners haven’t advanced to the ALCS since 2001. The Tigers will have to continue to search for their first ALCS berth since 2013.

Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and George Kirby of the Mariners produced a memorable pitcher’s duel before the game was set to be decided between the respective bullpens.

Leo Rivas hit a single to left field in the seventh inning to bring in Jorge Polanco, who served as the tying run. The game remained tied at 2 until Polanco walked it off with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 15th.

Highlights: Mariners beat Tigers

Final: Mariners 3, Tigers 2

The Tigers and Mariners continue to battle. Luis Castillo and the Mariners get the Tigers’ first three batters out for a scoreless inning. Pitcher Tommy Kahnle starts the bottom of the 15th for the Tigers.

J.P. Crawford singled to right field before Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch. Seattle has runners on first and second and Cal Raleigh at the plate.

Raleigh lined out to center field. Arozarena is safe at second on a throwing error. Crawford moves to third. Julio Rodríguez is intentionally walked and the bases are loaded with one out.

Jorge Polanco singled and Crawford scored to end the game.

Tigers, Mariners not done after 14 innings

Tigers pitcher Jake Flaherty caught Robles stealing to record the third out in the bottom of the 14th. Flaherty initially walked Robles after striking out Leo Rivas.

Bazardo is replaced, Mariners get out of inning

Eduard Bazardo faced three batters and recorded two outs in the top of the 14th inning before he was replaced. Luis Castillo came in to face Javier Báez, who popped out to first, ending the inning.

Mariners, Tigers set another postseason milestone

With the game in the 14th inning, it is now the longest winner-take-all matchup in postseason history.

Jack Flaherty, Tigers send game to 14th

Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty starts the bottom of the 13th inning for Detroit. He faces Mariners star Cal Raleigh.

Raleigh is walked by Flaherty. The Tigers have the winning run on base.

Flaherty also walks Julio Rodriguez. Raleigh moves to second base.

The Tigers’ defense steps up and produces a double play to record the final two outs. The game is headed to the 14th inning.

Tigers reach another postseason mark

Eduard Bazardo struck out all three batters in order in the top of the 13th inning.

The Tigers’ game against the Mariners is headed to the bottom of the 13th inning, tied at 2. This is the Tigers’ longest game by innings in the franchise’s postseason history.

Montero, Tigers escape 12th unscathed

Leo Rivas is walked by Tigers pitcher Keider Montero, putting the winning run on base for the Mariners.

Rivas to second on pickoff error by pitcher K. Montero.

Rivas moves to second on a pickoff error by Montero at first base. Montero appears rattled, hitting Victor Robles in the hand. The play is being reviewed. It was deteremind that Robles was hit by the pitch. Mariners have runners on first and second with no outs in bottom of the 12th.

Randy Arozarena grounded into a double play and the inning is over. The game is moving on to the 13th inning.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Tigers-Mariners marathon continues

Logan Gilbert returned to the mound for his third inning of relief.

Zach McKinstry reached base on an infield single and represented the go ahead run for the Tigers in the top of the 12th inning.

McKinstry moved to second base after Dingler singled to left field.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson calls for Eduard Bazardo out of the bullpen to replace Gilbert.

The Tigers had the bases loaded with two outs after the Mariners intentionally walked Kerry Carpenter.

Bazardo and Seattle managed to overcome the bases loaded jam, after Gleyber Torres flied out to right.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Keider Montero, Tigers send game to 12th

Pitcher Keider Montero did not allow a hit, keeping the game tied through 11 innings of play.

Mariners, Tigers continues

Pitcher Logan Gilbert struck out Colt Keith to send the game to the bottom of the 11th, leaving two of the Tigers’ runners on base.

Gilbert is pitching out of the bullpen for the first time since college. He started 25 games for the Mariners this season.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Mariners lead runners stranded

Victor Robles hit a double to right field off a pitch by Troy Melton, putting the potenital game-winning run on base for Seattle.

The Tigers decided to intentionally walk Cal Raleigh. Mariners had runners on first and second base with two outs before Julio Rodriguez grounded out.

The game will move on to the 11th inning.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Tigers unsuccessful in 10th

Gibert and Julio Rodriguez help send the game to the bottom of the 10th inning. Rodriguez caught fly outs from Dillon Dingler and Javier Báez to record two of the outs in the inning. Gilbert struck out Parker Meadows.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Tigers, Mariners headed to extra innings

Josh Naylor singled to right field on a pitch from Will Vest to get on base and represent the winning run for the Mariners with two outs.

Leo Rivas brought in the tying run earlier in the game but was unable to produce a similar result late in the ninth. Vest strikes him out and sends the game to the 10th inning.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Andrés Muñoz throws hitless inning

Pitcher Andrés Muñoz managed to hold his own for the Mariners at the top of the ninth. He did not allow a hit and managed to get Torkelson and McKinstry to strike out swinging.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Mariners-Tigers remained tied

Pitcher Will Vest managed to get the Tigers through the eighth inning, sending the game to the ninth inning still tied. He struck out both Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez to record the final two outs.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Mariners score tying run

Tigers pitcher Kyle Finnegan starts the seventh inning, replacing Tarik Skubal on the mound. The bullpen will be tasked with putting away the host Mariners to reach the ALCS.

Finnegan walked Jorge Polanco to put the tying run on base for the Mariners.

Naylor would single to right field and move Polanco to second base.

The Mariners and the Tigers made corresponding moves to shake things up as Dominic Canzone appeared set to hit for Mitch Garver and face Tigers pitcher Tyler Holton, but Mariners manager Dan Wilson decided to go with Leo Rivas to pinch-hit in place of Canzone.

Rivas managed to single to left field, bringing in Polanco to score the tying run. Naylor moved to second. Robles grounded into a fielder’s choice to the shortstop and Rivas was out at second to end the inning.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 2

Tarik Skubal gets Tigers through six

Tarik Skubal remains dominant for the Tigers, getting Detroit through the six innings. He allowed just two hits while striking out 13. Skubal set the record for the most strikeouts in a winner-take-all elimination game.

Skubal used a 100 MPH four-seam fastball to put away Cal Raleigh for the final out of the inning.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 1

George Kirby out, Tigers take lead

Mariners manager Dan Wilson meets George Kirby at the mound to take the ball. The pitcher’s night is done.

Kirby allowed three hits while striking out six in five innings of work. The home crowd showed their appreciation for the pitcher as he headed back to the dugout. He threw 66 pitches.

Gabe Speier takes over for Kirby with Kerry Carpenter at the plate and Javier Báez on second, after he doubled to center.

Carpenter hit a 411-foot home run to center field, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead in the top of the 6th.

Score: Tigers 2, Mariners 1

Tarik Skubal throws seven straight strikeouts

Pitcher Tarik Skubal continues to show he’s in control on the mound for the Tigers as he retires the side for a second straight inning. He finished out the fourth inning, throwing back-to-back 100 MPH four-seam fastballs.

Skubal has 10 strikeouts tonight, with the last seven coming in a row. His seven consecutive strikeouts set a new MLB postseason record.

Score: Mariners 1, Tigers 0

Cal Raleigh prevents steal at second, ends innning

Mariners pitcher George Kirby has thrown four scoreless innings so far.

Kirby did hit Tigers designated hitter Colt Keith with a pitch on the top of the foot, putting him on base. Keith doesn’t appear to have an issue with his foot as he attempted to steal second base.

Kirby followed threw on his pitch, before catcher Cal Raleigh got the ball over to the second baseman Jorge Polanco fast enough to end the inning.

Score: Mariners 1, Tigers 0

Tarik Skubal strikes out Cal Raleigh to end third

Skubal made quick work of the Mariners in the bottom of the third, striking out J.P. Crawford, Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh in order.

Score: Mariners 1, Tigers 0

Mariners take early lead against Tigers

Josh Naylor hit a double in the second inning, sending the ball to left field off a pitch thrown by starter Tarik Skubal. Naylor would steal third before Mitch Garver followed up with a sac fly to bring him in. The Mariners take the early lead against the Tigers.

Score: Mariners 1, Tigers 0

Ken Griffey Jr. arrives at T-Mobile Park

Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. was driven out of the tunnel and onto the field at T-Mobile Park ahead of Game 5 on Friday.

Tarik Skubal allows one hit in first

Cal Raleigh produced the only hit for the Mariners against Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal in the bottom of the first inning.

Skubal struck out the final two batters he faced to get the Tigers out of the inning.

Score: Tigers 0, Mariners 0

George Kirby strikes out two early

Mariners pitcher George Kirby has a solid outing in the top of the first inning, allowing a hit and striking out two of the three batters he faced. The Tigers left Riley Green on base.

Score: Tigers 0, Mariners 0

What time is Tigers vs Mariners Game 5 today?

First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Where to watch Mariners vs Tigers: TV channel, live stream

Friday’s Game 5 will air on Fox and can be streamed with Fubo.

Watch Tigers-Mariners ALDS on Fubo

Tigers vs Mariners predictions

USA TODAY Sports’ MLB writers are split on the Tigers-Mariners Game 5:

• Bob Nightengale: Mariners 5, Tigers 1
• Gabe Lacques: Mariners 4, Tigers 3
• Jesse Yomtov: Tigers 5, Mariners 2

Mariners vs Tigers odds

Seattle Mariners starting lineup vs. Tigers

Randy Arozarena, LF

Cal Raleigh, C

Julio Rodríguez, CF

Jorge Polanco, 2B

Eugenio Suárez, 3B

Josh Naylor, 1B

Mitch Garver, DH

Victor Robles, RF

J.P. Crawford, SS

George Kirby, P

Detroit Tigers starting lineup vs. Mariners

Kerry Carpenter, RF

Gleyber Torres, 2B

Riley Greene, LF

Spencer Torkelson, 1B

Colt Keith, DH

Zach McKinstry, 3B

Dillon Dingler, C

Parker Meadows, CF

Javier Báez, SS

Tarik Skubal, P

Mariners expect fan base to make a difference

Mariners manager Dan Wilson expects the team’s fanbase to play a key role in Game 5 against the Tigers at T-Mobile Park on Friday night.

‘T-Mobile is legendary for the feeling that it invokes in players and coaches and those who are out there,’ Wilson told reporters before the game. ‘This is an electric place and this is an electric fan base and they’re going to be out in full force tonight.

The Detroit Tigers ace was absolutely dealing in the winner-take-all Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners. In six brilliant innings, the reigning Cy Young winner (who will likely soon pick up another trophy) struck out 13 Mariners batters while allowing just two hits over 99 pitches.

Skubal’s 13 strikeouts — the last of which was achieved via a 101 mph offering against 60-homer man Cal Raleigh to end the sixth inning — are the most ever by a pitcher in a winner-take-all playoff game, per MLB.

The prior mark in a winner-take-all game was 12 strikeouts, set just recently by Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler in the decisive Game 3 of their wild card series against the Red Sox.

For good measure, Skubal didn’t issue a single walk on the night.

He was lifted after six innings with the Tigers leading 2-1. Unfortunately for Skubal and Detroit, the bullpen surrendered the tying run in the bottom of the seventh and the team lost, 3-2, in 15 innings, ending its season.

Tarik Skubal stats vs. Mariners

Innings: 6

Hits: 2

Runs: 1

Walks: 0

Strikeouts: 13

Pitches: 99

This story has been updated with new information.