Additional sources • AP
Additional sources • AP
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday evening ahead of a second round of peace talks with the United States, in an effort to restore calm in the region.
Shortly after Araghchi’s arrival, his ministry clarified that any talks between Tehran and Washington would be indirect, with messages conveyed to Pakistani officials instead.
Araghchi wasted no time and met late Friday with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
On Saturday morning, he met with Munir and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, officials said.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also due to head to Pakistan on Saturday. Vice President JD Vance will not attend but will instead be on standby in case his presence is “necessary,” the White House said.
A first round of negotiations already took place in Pakistan earlier this month but both sides failed to reach a deal.
Pakistan has emerged as the leading mediator in efforts to end the war, with an initial round of negotiations already held in the capital earlier this month.
However, both sides failed to reach a deal, and as a result, Iran was initially reluctant to send another delegation to Islamabad for a second round.
Islamabad appeared to be under near-lockdown on Saturday morning, with soldiers and police stationed at key intersections, posted on rooftops overlooking major roads, and helicopters circling overhead. Checkpoints, road closures and diversions across the city, particularly near the so-called “red zone” surrounding the negotiation venue.
Meanwhile, Iran has resumed commercial flights at Tehran’s international airport on Saturday, the first time its done so since the conflict with the US and Israel broke out late February.
Flights bound for Istanbul, Oman’s capital of Muscat and the Saudi city of Medina departed from the Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran’s state-run media reported.
Three Istanbul-bound flights were seen departing on Saturday morning on the Flightradar24 tracking platform.
Iran’s airspace has largely remained closed since 28 February, but partially reopened earlier this month when the first ceasefire was announced.
Additional sources • AP
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday evening ahead of a second round of peace talks with the United States, in an effort to restore calm in the region.
Shortly after Araghchi’s arrival, his ministry clarified that any talks between Tehran and Washington would be indirect, with messages conveyed to Pakistani officials instead.
Araghchi wasted no time and met late Friday with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
On Saturday morning, he met with Munir and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, officials said.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also due to head to Pakistan on Saturday. Vice President JD Vance will not attend but will instead be on standby in case his presence is “necessary,” the White House said.
A first round of negotiations already took place in Pakistan earlier this month but both sides failed to reach a deal.
Pakistan has emerged as the leading mediator in efforts to end the war, with an initial round of negotiations already held in the capital earlier this month.
However, both sides failed to reach a deal, and as a result, Iran was initially reluctant to send another delegation to Islamabad for a second round.
Islamabad appeared to be under near-lockdown on Saturday morning, with soldiers and police stationed at key intersections, posted on rooftops overlooking major roads, and helicopters circling overhead. Checkpoints, road closures and diversions across the city, particularly near the so-called “red zone” surrounding the negotiation venue.
Meanwhile, Iran has resumed commercial flights at Tehran’s international airport on Saturday, the first time its done so since the conflict with the US and Israel broke out late February.
Flights bound for Istanbul, Oman’s capital of Muscat and the Saudi city of Medina departed from the Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran’s state-run media reported.
Three Istanbul-bound flights were seen departing on Saturday morning on the Flightradar24 tracking platform.
Iran’s airspace has largely remained closed since 28 February, but partially reopened earlier this month when the first ceasefire was announced.
Additional sources • AP
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday evening ahead of a second…
Gigi's off-the-shoulder white gown, adorned with a 3D yellow flower at the hip, was covered…
A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual took on Boone County in a Rocket League match, which was streamed on YouTube on Thursday, March 5, 2020. The Miami Heretics, G2 Minnesota and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps while the Riyadh Falcons also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.
All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following Major 2. All matches are best-of-five.
Taking on the Boston Breach, the Heretics rolled to victory with wins on Colossus Hardpoint (250-199), Raid Search and Destroy (6-0) and Exposure Overload (4-3).
Minnesota made quick work of Cloud9 New York, posting consecutive victories on Scar Hardpoint (250-93), Scar Search and Destroy (6-1) and Exposure Overload (6-5).
Facing the Carolina Royal Ravens, Toronto opened with a 250-249 win on Scar Hardpoint, then followed up with a 6-4 victory on Raid Search and Destroy before closing out the sweep 4-1 on Scar Overload.
The Vancouver Surge posted a match-opening 250-246 win over Riyadh on Den Hardpoint, but the Falcons bounced back with three straight wins — 6-2 on Plaza Search and Destroy, 4-3 on Scar Overload and 250-174 on Sake Hardpoint.
The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):
–OpTic Texas vs. Toronto KOI
–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota
–FaZe Vegas vs. Riyadh Falcons
–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics
Call of Duty League’s Stage 3 Minor prize pool
1. $20,000, 30 CDL points
2. no money, 20 CDL points
3-4. no money, 10 CDL points
5-8. no money, no CDL points
9-12. no money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Vancouver Surge, Boston Breach
–Field Level Media
A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual took on Boone County in a Rocket League match, which was streamed on YouTube on Thursday, March 5, 2020. The Miami Heretics, G2 Minnesota and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps while the Riyadh Falcons also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.
All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following Major 2. All matches are best-of-five.
Taking on the Boston Breach, the Heretics rolled to victory with wins on Colossus Hardpoint (250-199), Raid Search and Destroy (6-0) and Exposure Overload (4-3).
Minnesota made quick work of Cloud9 New York, posting consecutive victories on Scar Hardpoint (250-93), Scar Search and Destroy (6-1) and Exposure Overload (6-5).
Facing the Carolina Royal Ravens, Toronto opened with a 250-249 win on Scar Hardpoint, then followed up with a 6-4 victory on Raid Search and Destroy before closing out the sweep 4-1 on Scar Overload.
The Vancouver Surge posted a match-opening 250-246 win over Riyadh on Den Hardpoint, but the Falcons bounced back with three straight wins — 6-2 on Plaza Search and Destroy, 4-3 on Scar Overload and 250-174 on Sake Hardpoint.
The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):
–OpTic Texas vs. Toronto KOI
–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota
–FaZe Vegas vs. Riyadh Falcons
–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics
Call of Duty League’s Stage 3 Minor prize pool
1. $20,000, 30 CDL points
2. no money, 20 CDL points
3-4. no money, 10 CDL points
5-8. no money, no CDL points
9-12. no money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Vancouver Surge, Boston Breach
–Field Level Media
A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual…
It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.
Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.
But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.
Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.
It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.
Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.
For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”
In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.
Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.
At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.
“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played a whole domestic season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.
The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.
Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI
Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI
“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.
The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.
“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.
Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.
But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.
Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.
It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.
Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.
For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”
In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.
Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.
At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.
“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played a whole domestic season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.
The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.
Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI
Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI
“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.
The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.
“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact,…
The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
E Sports Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.
Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.
Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.
Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.
On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.
After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.
South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.
Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.
The weekend schedule:
Saturday
Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team
Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects
Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons
Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner
Sunday
Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser
Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner
PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool
1. $300,000 — TBD
2. $175,000 — TBD
3. $120,000 — TBD
4. $80,000 — TBD
5-6. $60,000 — TBD
7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit
9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ
12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere
15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports
–Field Level Media
The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
E Sports Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.
Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.
Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.
Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.
On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.
After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.
South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.
Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.
The weekend schedule:
Saturday
Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team
Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects
Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons
Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner
Sunday
Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser
Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner
PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool
1. $300,000 — TBD
2. $175,000 — TBD
3. $120,000 — TBD
4. $80,000 — TBD
5-6. $60,000 — TBD
7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit
9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ
12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere
15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports
–Field Level Media
The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in…
Spectators will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League final after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a request from franchise owners, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also interior minister in the government, wrote on social media that Sharif has “graciously approved” the presence of fans at the May 3 final in Lahore.
Pakistan’s biggest sports spectacle of the year started behind closed doors late last month with fans asked to stay home because of soaring fuel prices related to the Iran war.
Pakistan’s government had urged people to restrict travel and to work from home because of rising fuel prices and Naqvi had said it wouldn’t be right to have 30,000 fans attending cricket matches every day while the government is asking the public to stay home.
READ | Mustafizur Rahman out of remaining PSL season after BCB withdraws NOC; Nahid Rana too ruled out
The PCB also reduced the number of PSL venues from six to two as part of austerity measures, but barred spectators from PSL games at Lahore and Karachi.
Naqvi said while Sharif was inclined to permit fans, the prime minister emphasised that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimise fuel consumption.
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, Multan Sultans and three-time champion Islamabad United have already qualified for next week’s playoffs ahead of the final.
Defending champion Lahore Qalandars, first-timer Hyderabad Kingmen and Karachi Kings are still in the running to secure the fourth playoff spot.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
Spectators will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League final after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a request from franchise owners, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also interior minister in the government, wrote on social media that Sharif has “graciously approved” the presence of fans at the May 3 final in Lahore.
Pakistan’s biggest sports spectacle of the year started behind closed doors late last month with fans asked to stay home because of soaring fuel prices related to the Iran war.
Pakistan’s government had urged people to restrict travel and to work from home because of rising fuel prices and Naqvi had said it wouldn’t be right to have 30,000 fans attending cricket matches every day while the government is asking the public to stay home.
READ | Mustafizur Rahman out of remaining PSL season after BCB withdraws NOC; Nahid Rana too ruled out
The PCB also reduced the number of PSL venues from six to two as part of austerity measures, but barred spectators from PSL games at Lahore and Karachi.
Naqvi said while Sharif was inclined to permit fans, the prime minister emphasised that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimise fuel consumption.
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, Multan Sultans and three-time champion Islamabad United have already qualified for next week’s playoffs ahead of the final.
Defending champion Lahore Qalandars, first-timer Hyderabad Kingmen and Karachi Kings are still in the running to secure the fourth playoff spot.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
Spectators will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League final after Prime Minister Shehbaz…
Apr 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Nathaniel Lowe belted a two-run walk-off home run late Friday night, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
After Detroit closer Kenley Jansen (0-1) recorded two quick outs in the ninth, Spencer Steer fell behind 0-2 in the count, then singled on a 2-2 pitch. Lowe connected on an 0-1 sinker, hitting his second homer of the game — and the season — to help the Reds win for the eighth time in 10 tries.
Matt McLain also homered twice for Cincinnati, which overcame a 5-0 deficit and extended its best start to a season since 2006. Graham Ashcraft (1-0) tossed a scoreless top of the ninth.
Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter homered in the eighth to give Detroit an 8-7 lead. The Tigers had won 10 of their past 13 entering the Friday contest, which was the opener of a three-game interleague series.
Cincinnati starter Andrew Abbott yielded five runs on six hits across four frames, striking out four and walking two.
Framber Valdez tossed 4 1/3 innings for Detroit, allowing two runs on four hits, walking five and striking out four.
The game, which was delayed 2 hours, 1 minute by rain, ended just before midnight.
Detroit went ahead 1-0 in the second, as Riley Greene connected on his third homer of the year.
Javier Baez’s leadoff homer doubled the lead in the third. After Gleyber Torres walked and Kevin McGonigle singled, Matt Vierling’s two-run double made it 4-0.
Jahmai Jones’ RBI single in the fourth extended the margin to five.
McLain’s two-run homer in the fifth cut the gap to 5-2.
Lowe went deep against Detroit reliever Kyle Finnegan in the sixth, pulling Cincinnati within two.
After the rain delay in the seventh, Cincinnati’s Dane Myers drew a walk from Will Vest before McLain tied the game with a two-run homer.
From there, Elly De La Cruz singled and Vest retired Sal Stewart and Steer. Brant Hurter then replaced Vest. The Reds took the lead as De La Cruz scored on Baez’s throwing error before Tyler Stephenson’s double pushed the lead to 7-5.
Tony Santillan threw the eighth for Cincinnati, surrendering Torkelson’s one-out solo homer. Colt Keith then singled, and one out later, Carpenter hit his sixth homer of the season, returning the lead to Detroit.
–Field Level Media
Apr 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Nathaniel Lowe belted a two-run walk-off home run late Friday night, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
After Detroit closer Kenley Jansen (0-1) recorded two quick outs in the ninth, Spencer Steer fell behind 0-2 in the count, then singled on a 2-2 pitch. Lowe connected on an 0-1 sinker, hitting his second homer of the game — and the season — to help the Reds win for the eighth time in 10 tries.
Matt McLain also homered twice for Cincinnati, which overcame a 5-0 deficit and extended its best start to a season since 2006. Graham Ashcraft (1-0) tossed a scoreless top of the ninth.
Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter homered in the eighth to give Detroit an 8-7 lead. The Tigers had won 10 of their past 13 entering the Friday contest, which was the opener of a three-game interleague series.
Cincinnati starter Andrew Abbott yielded five runs on six hits across four frames, striking out four and walking two.
Framber Valdez tossed 4 1/3 innings for Detroit, allowing two runs on four hits, walking five and striking out four.
The game, which was delayed 2 hours, 1 minute by rain, ended just before midnight.
Detroit went ahead 1-0 in the second, as Riley Greene connected on his third homer of the year.
Javier Baez’s leadoff homer doubled the lead in the third. After Gleyber Torres walked and Kevin McGonigle singled, Matt Vierling’s two-run double made it 4-0.
Jahmai Jones’ RBI single in the fourth extended the margin to five.
McLain’s two-run homer in the fifth cut the gap to 5-2.
Lowe went deep against Detroit reliever Kyle Finnegan in the sixth, pulling Cincinnati within two.
After the rain delay in the seventh, Cincinnati’s Dane Myers drew a walk from Will Vest before McLain tied the game with a two-run homer.
From there, Elly De La Cruz singled and Vest retired Sal Stewart and Steer. Brant Hurter then replaced Vest. The Reds took the lead as De La Cruz scored on Baez’s throwing error before Tyler Stephenson’s double pushed the lead to 7-5.
Tony Santillan threw the eighth for Cincinnati, surrendering Torkelson’s one-out solo homer. Colt Keith then singled, and one out later, Carpenter hit his sixth homer of the season, returning the lead to Detroit.
–Field Level Media
Apr 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a…
LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold on its first-round playoff series against the host, Houston Rockets, with a 112-108 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday.
After James (29 points, 13 rebounds) forced OT with a 3-pointer, Smart scored eight of his 21 points in the extra period to put the Lakers up 3-0 in the Western Conference series.
Smart added a team-high 10 assists while Rui Hachimura put up 22 points for the Lakers, who will look for a sweep of the best-of-seven set on Sunday in Houston.
The Rockets were without leading scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the series. Durant, who missed Game 1 with a knee contusion, was a late scratch due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the fourth quarter of Game 2. Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points and 11 assists.
Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108
Stephon Castle hit for 33 points and rookie reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points and 10 boards as the visiting San Antonio Spurs roared back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series.
The Spurs erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs won with Victor Wembanyama on the bench after the star was ruled out before the game because of concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, with Luke Kornet racking up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Jrue Holiday finished with 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and Deni Avdija produced 19 points and nine assists.
Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Jayson Tatum scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 25 points, while Payton Pritchard added 15 points for the Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points on 12-of-31 shooting for the Sixers. Paul George (18 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17) also made key contributions, but VJ Edgecombe pitched in just 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-7 from long range.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold on its first-round playoff series against the host, Houston Rockets, with a 112-108 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday.
After James (29 points, 13 rebounds) forced OT with a 3-pointer, Smart scored eight of his 21 points in the extra period to put the Lakers up 3-0 in the Western Conference series.
Smart added a team-high 10 assists while Rui Hachimura put up 22 points for the Lakers, who will look for a sweep of the best-of-seven set on Sunday in Houston.
The Rockets were without leading scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the series. Durant, who missed Game 1 with a knee contusion, was a late scratch due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the fourth quarter of Game 2. Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points and 11 assists.
Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108
Stephon Castle hit for 33 points and rookie reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points and 10 boards as the visiting San Antonio Spurs roared back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series.
The Spurs erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs won with Victor Wembanyama on the bench after the star was ruled out before the game because of concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, with Luke Kornet racking up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Jrue Holiday finished with 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and Deni Avdija produced 19 points and nine assists.
Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Jayson Tatum scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 25 points, while Payton Pritchard added 15 points for the Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points on 12-of-31 shooting for the Sixers. Paul George (18 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17) also made key contributions, but VJ Edgecombe pitched in just 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-7 from long range.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold…
Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Michael Harris II delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss.
The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games.
Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score.
Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch.
The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth.
Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save.
Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout.
Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second.
Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday.
–Field Level Media
Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Michael Harris II delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss.
The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games.
Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score.
Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch.
The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth.
Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save.
Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout.
Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second.
Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday.
–Field Level Media
Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits…
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