In their debut, Botafogo beats Seattle 2-1

AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, June 16, 2025, p. a34

Seattle. Although it looked easy, Botafogo ultimately struggled to beat a Seattle Sounders side 2-1, a team that never wavered in their Club World Cup debut, a result that relieved the Brazilians and sealed the victory for the hosts.

Youngster Jair Cunha opened the scoring for Fogão with a header in the 28th minute at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, in the northwest United States, following a free kick.

Before the first half was over, Igor Jesús scored in the 43rd minute with another header. Everything seemed under control.

But the Sounders came out swinging in the second half and cornered the Brazilians. They pulled one back in the 75th minute with a Cristian Roldán header. From then on, it was all uphill for the Brazilians, who ended up waiting for the clock.

The first goal was almost a gift for Fogão . Defender Nouhou Tolo lost his temper and pushed midfielder Artur on the edge of the box and into the referee's face. Alex Telles took the free kick perfectly, and Jair took advantage to score.

With Nouhou booked, the attacks came down the right flank. A connection between Vitinho and Artur resulted in a cross, which Igor Jesús also connected with a header. On the opposing side, goalkeeper Frei prevented further tragedy, while Salvadoran Alex Roldán sought out a partnership with Rusnak and Ferreira, showing initial momentum. But Rio de Janeiro football seemed to have everything under control.

In the second half, Seattle rearranged its defenses, bringing on Bell and Baker Whiting to guard the goal and attempting to push forward to win the game at any cost. The crowd began to rally behind their players, who didn't disappoint the crowd.

The Rave Greens managed to put the Cariocas on the ropes, who were unable to counterattack or react.

In just a few minutes, the Champion of America relinquished control of the match.

AP and AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, June 16, 2025, p. a35

Baltimore. Mexican Ramón Urías hit a strong, well-aimed home run that rocketed into the stands in the first inning. A two-run homer sailed between left-center field and drove in two runs in an 11-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The Baltimore Orioles swept the visiting team in all three of their home games, where they were very effective on offense yesterday, with a grand slam from Dominican Gary Sánchez and another home run from Jordan Westburg.

Cade Povich earned his first win since April 24, and Baltimore secured its third sweep of the season, all in its last five series. The Orioles (30-40) are within 10 games of .500 for the first time since opening the season with a 15-25 record.

Baltimore took a 3-2 lead on Ramon Laureano's RBI single in the fourth off left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (2-6), who was knocked out in the sixth.

Sonoran Urías finished the game with two hits in five at-bats, one of them a home run, with two runs scored and four RBIs.

In Houston, the Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 2-1, with Honduran Mauricio Dubón breaking a 15-at-bat no-hit streak to give his team the win in the tenth inning.

With the game tied 1-1 and after three unsuccessful at-bats today, Dubón hit a line drive to center field out of the reach of Harrison Bader, bringing Jake Meyers to the plate.

Houston has won its fifth consecutive game, leading the American League West with 41 wins and 30 losses.

Ohtani's unique talent

In other news, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-4 on a three-hit day for Japanese pitcher Shohei Ohtani.

The Japanese baseball player will return as a pitcher for the Dodgers this Monday in their game against the San Diego Padres, the California team announced this Sunday.

Ohtani is a unique talent for his hitting and pitching ability, but he hasn't taken the mound since 2023, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels.

In 2024, the Japanese player joined the Dodgers with the most monumental contract in Major League Baseball, worth $700 million over a decade.

▲ Photo ArrowMcLaren

La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, June 16, 2025, p. a35

Mexican driver Patricio O'Ward finished second in the eventful Bommarito Automotive Group 500 race in the IndyCar Series. The victory went to American Kyle Kirkwood, but Pato is closing in on Alex Palou in the championship race.