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SRH vs LSG IPL 2026: Shami’s economical spell, Pant 50 helps Lucknow Super Giants pip Sunrisers Hyderabad  A side already backed into a corner by injury and form was pinned to the wall a bit more by a man with a point to prove. Age had bent Mohammed Shami’s back, not his spirit. He arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday with the jersey changed, but the fire burning just as bright. And he struck, not with the fury of youth, but the precision of a legend to set up an eventual five-wicket win for the Lucknow Super Giants. Sunrisers Hyderabad had engraved its orange-hued initials into the PowerPlay with outlandish scoring patterns, but Shami decided to bring the ‘Travishek’ party to a screeching halt. The veteran cleverly mixed his variations to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both undone by the lack of pace. If Rishabh Pant’s call to bowl first drew roaring approval from the partisan home crowd, even as pundits were sceptical, it took twenty minutes for that decision to look inspired as that early excitement gave way to stunned silence around the stadium.Ishan Kishan had barely found his footing when Prince Yadav shattered his off stump, sending the home side’s top three back to the pavilion for their lowest combined total in IPL history. The collapse deepened just beyond the PowerPlay as Liam Livingstone fell, with Pant’s exquisite anticipation cutting short the Englishman’s bid to rebuild the innings.ALSO READ:KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab KingsAt 35 for four, its lowest score at the halfway mark, SRH looked completely adrift, with the Orange Army desperate for a moment of relief. Even a ball trickling past the 30-yard circle was enough to spark applause.That relief finally arrived in emphatic fashion. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen stitched together a breathtaking counterattack, producing SRH’s best partnership for the fifth wicket or lower.The duo added 79 runs in just 30 balls, as they both raced to half centuries. For the first time in the game, the Super Giants appeared rattled. Shami watched from the dugout. While the host ambitiously targeted a score in the 180s to give itself a chance in this contest, Manimaran Siddharth put the brakes on the 116-run stand when Nitish’s swing failed to clear Prince at deep extra cover. Klaasen followed three balls later, his attempted scoop ending in a diving Pant’s gloves. With their departures, the momentum drained away, and LSG quickly regained control to restrict SRH to 156.The Super Giants turned to the tried-and-tested pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to marshal the chase, and Markram quickly provided evidence of his reputation at the top of the order, plundering 17 runs off Nitish’s opening over with crisp, authoritative strokeplay.Eshan Malinga’s dismissal of Marsh was the lone bright spot for Sunrisers during the PowerPlay, which ended with Markram emphatically sending a short ball over fine leg. By the time he was undone by Shivang’s wrong’un in the tenth over, LSG was halfway to victory.A struggling SRH bowling lineup persevered, triggering a brief wobble as it claimed Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s wickets in quick succession. But Pant remained unfazed, as the game dragged right down to the wire. His measured, unbeaten half-century braved all the late twists, taking LSG home with a boundary aimed at his dugout with just a ball to spare. Published on Apr 05, 2026  #SRH #LSG #IPL #Shamis #economical #spell #Pant #helps #Lucknow #Super #Giants #pip #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

SRH vs LSG IPL 2026: Shami’s economical spell, Pant 50 helps Lucknow Super Giants pip Sunrisers Hyderabad

A side already backed into a corner by injury and form was pinned to the wall a bit more by a man with a point to prove. 

Age had bent Mohammed Shami’s back, not his spirit. He arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday with the jersey changed, but the fire burning just as bright. And he struck, not with the fury of youth, but the precision of a legend to set up an eventual five-wicket win for the Lucknow Super Giants. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad had engraved its orange-hued initials into the PowerPlay with outlandish scoring patterns, but Shami decided to bring the ‘Travishek’ party to a screeching halt. The veteran cleverly mixed his variations to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both undone by the lack of pace. 

If Rishabh Pant’s call to bowl first drew roaring approval from the partisan home crowd, even as pundits were sceptical, it took twenty minutes for that decision to look inspired as that early excitement gave way to stunned silence around the stadium.

Ishan Kishan had barely found his footing when Prince Yadav shattered his off stump, sending the home side’s top three back to the pavilion for their lowest combined total in IPL history. The collapse deepened just beyond the PowerPlay as Liam Livingstone fell, with Pant’s exquisite anticipation cutting short the Englishman’s bid to rebuild the innings.

ALSO READ:KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings

At 35 for four, its lowest score at the halfway mark, SRH looked completely adrift, with the Orange Army desperate for a moment of relief. Even a ball trickling past the 30-yard circle was enough to spark applause.

That relief finally arrived in emphatic fashion. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen stitched together a breathtaking counterattack, producing SRH’s best partnership for the fifth wicket or lower.

The duo added 79 runs in just 30 balls, as they both raced to half centuries. For the first time in the game, the Super Giants appeared rattled. Shami watched from the dugout. 

While the host ambitiously targeted a score in the 180s to give itself a chance in this contest, Manimaran Siddharth put the brakes on the 116-run stand when Nitish’s swing failed to clear Prince at deep extra cover. Klaasen followed three balls later, his attempted scoop ending in a diving Pant’s gloves. With their departures, the momentum drained away, and LSG quickly regained control to restrict SRH to 156.

The Super Giants turned to the tried-and-tested pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to marshal the chase, and Markram quickly provided evidence of his reputation at the top of the order, plundering 17 runs off Nitish’s opening over with crisp, authoritative strokeplay.

Eshan Malinga’s dismissal of Marsh was the lone bright spot for Sunrisers during the PowerPlay, which ended with Markram emphatically sending a short ball over fine leg. By the time he was undone by Shivang’s wrong’un in the tenth over, LSG was halfway to victory.

A struggling SRH bowling lineup persevered, triggering a brief wobble as it claimed Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s wickets in quick succession. But Pant remained unfazed, as the game dragged right down to the wire. His measured, unbeaten half-century braved all the late twists, taking LSG home with a boundary aimed at his dugout with just a ball to spare. 

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#SRH #LSG #IPL #Shamis #economical #spell #Pant #helps #Lucknow #Super #Giants #pip #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

A side already backed into a corner by injury and form was pinned to the wall a bit more by a man with a point to prove. 

Age had bent Mohammed Shami’s back, not his spirit. He arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday with the jersey changed, but the fire burning just as bright. And he struck, not with the fury of youth, but the precision of a legend to set up an eventual five-wicket win for the Lucknow Super Giants. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad had engraved its orange-hued initials into the PowerPlay with outlandish scoring patterns, but Shami decided to bring the ‘Travishek’ party to a screeching halt. The veteran cleverly mixed his variations to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both undone by the lack of pace. 

If Rishabh Pant’s call to bowl first drew roaring approval from the partisan home crowd, even as pundits were sceptical, it took twenty minutes for that decision to look inspired as that early excitement gave way to stunned silence around the stadium.

Ishan Kishan had barely found his footing when Prince Yadav shattered his off stump, sending the home side’s top three back to the pavilion for their lowest combined total in IPL history. The collapse deepened just beyond the PowerPlay as Liam Livingstone fell, with Pant’s exquisite anticipation cutting short the Englishman’s bid to rebuild the innings.

ALSO READ:KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings

At 35 for four, its lowest score at the halfway mark, SRH looked completely adrift, with the Orange Army desperate for a moment of relief. Even a ball trickling past the 30-yard circle was enough to spark applause.

That relief finally arrived in emphatic fashion. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen stitched together a breathtaking counterattack, producing SRH’s best partnership for the fifth wicket or lower.

The duo added 79 runs in just 30 balls, as they both raced to half centuries. For the first time in the game, the Super Giants appeared rattled. Shami watched from the dugout. 

While the host ambitiously targeted a score in the 180s to give itself a chance in this contest, Manimaran Siddharth put the brakes on the 116-run stand when Nitish’s swing failed to clear Prince at deep extra cover. Klaasen followed three balls later, his attempted scoop ending in a diving Pant’s gloves. With their departures, the momentum drained away, and LSG quickly regained control to restrict SRH to 156.

The Super Giants turned to the tried-and-tested pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to marshal the chase, and Markram quickly provided evidence of his reputation at the top of the order, plundering 17 runs off Nitish’s opening over with crisp, authoritative strokeplay.

Eshan Malinga’s dismissal of Marsh was the lone bright spot for Sunrisers during the PowerPlay, which ended with Markram emphatically sending a short ball over fine leg. By the time he was undone by Shivang’s wrong’un in the tenth over, LSG was halfway to victory.

A struggling SRH bowling lineup persevered, triggering a brief wobble as it claimed Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s wickets in quick succession. But Pant remained unfazed, as the game dragged right down to the wire. His measured, unbeaten half-century braved all the late twists, taking LSG home with a boundary aimed at his dugout with just a ball to spare. 

Published on Apr 05, 2026

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#SRH #LSG #IPL #Shamis #economical #spell #Pant #helps #Lucknow #Super #Giants #pip #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

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Deadspin | Contending Magic rally from 15-point deficit, upend Pelicans <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666798.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666798.jpg" alt="NBA: Orlando Magic at New Orleans Pelicans" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 05, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) handles the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (23) in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Desmond Bane scored 27 points as the Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the host New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic (42-36), who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Orlando has won three of its last four and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the Miami Heat, with four games remaining.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans (25-54), who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat, losing their way offensively down the stretch through turnovers and lack of ball movement, after they had spent much of the night in a strong position.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Orlando jumped ahead 13-6, fell behind 27-19 on a Missi-inspired 21-6 Pelicans surge, then went back ahead 29-28 after finishing the opening period with a 9-1 rush.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>The Magic moved ahead 45-39 midway through the second frame before going cold on offense, New Orleans taking control with a 13-1 response.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>The Pelicans continued to control the quarter and led 60-52 at halftime.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Orlando shot just 7 of 25 from the floor for the period and 2 of 20 from 3-point range at the half.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>New Orleans stormed out of the blocks after the long break, streaking ahead 72-57, before the Magic rallied.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Banchero’s layup with 5.1 seconds left in the third slashed the deficit to 86-81, before a pair of Williamson free throws with 0.6 ticks on the clock made it 88-81 with one quarter to play.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>After Missi’s dunk had the Pelicans out 96-88, Orlando called a timeout and scored the next 10 points to clinch the lead on a Jalen Suggs trey for the first time since the second frame.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Jamal Cain missed a dunk attempt then, Bey buried a three to put New Orleans back in front, before Bane responded with a 3-pointer to give the Magic the lead back.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Contending #Magic #rally #15point #deficit #upend #Pelicans

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Deadspin | Jakob Markstrom blanks Canadiens, keeps Devils’ playoff hopes alive <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28667027.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28667027.jpg" alt="NHL: New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) celebrates with his teammates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as the visiting Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Sunday to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair or highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal, a streak that started April 1, 2018.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Canadiens No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots in the loss.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Montreal (45-22-10, 100 points) punched a ticket to the playoffs before the puck dropped, but fell to the third spot in the Atlantic Division.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>The Canadiens are tied with Buffalo — two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning — but the Sabres own the tiebreaker with more regulation-time wins. Tampa Bay has six games remaining, while Montreal and Buffalo have five in the chase for the division title.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>On a quest to avenge losing the night before, the Devils came out strong and were rewarded when Meier opened the scoring 47 seconds past the midway point of the opening frame. Jack Hughes weaved around the zone before firing a shot on net, and Meier was on the spot to slide home the loose puck.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Glass doubled the lead late in the second period when he hit the jets while on a two-on-two rush, gained a step past defender Michael Matheson and slipped a wrist shot home at 18:12 of the middle frame.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Brown added an empty-net goal with 3:25 remaining in regulation time.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Canadiens had plenty of scoring chances, especially during four fruitless power plays</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>With a pair of assists, Devils forward Jack Hughes has collected 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 20 games following the Olympic break.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Jakob #Markstrom #blanks #Canadiens #Devils #playoff #hopes #alive

The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.

In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.

In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.

India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.

Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals">Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine reach semifinals  The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.
Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.
Published on Apr 05, 2026  #Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals

Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs   Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”  The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.  All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.  However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.  “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”  Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.  “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.  “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”  The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.  Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.   In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.  In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.  Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.  “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.  There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.  The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.  “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”  Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #CubsMar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.


Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs">Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs   Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”  The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.  All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.  However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.  “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”  Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.  “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.  “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”  The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.  Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.   In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.  In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.  Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.  “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.  There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.  The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.  “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”  Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

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