Deadspin | Coming off big wins, Reds, Marlins look to continue strong starts Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise. Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013. On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend. “We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper. Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26. As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24. De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive. “We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said. In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers. Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games. Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay. “We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over. Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.” The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests. Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday. Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season. All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday. Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July. Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Deadspin | Coming off big wins, Reds, Marlins look to continue strong starts
Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise.

Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013.

On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend.

“We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper.

Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26.

As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24.

De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive.

“We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said.

In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers.

Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay.

“We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over.

Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.”

The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests.

Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday.

Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season.

All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday.

Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July.

Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Sports news April 6, 2026

Mar 31, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk (26) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds are on the rise.

Cincinnati, which will open a four-game series at the host Miami Marlins on Monday, is coming off last year’s playoff berth — the franchise’s first such non-shortened-season achievement since 2013.

On Sunday, the Reds completed a three-game road sweep over the Rangers, allowing Texas to score just four runs all weekend.

“We did a good job,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

The Reds on Monday are set to start lefty Brandon Williamson, who is off to a slow start (0-1, 11.57 ERA). However, in his only career appearance, a start, against Miami, Williamson is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA. He throws a fastball (93-96 mph), changeup, curveball, cutter and sweeper.

Bigger picture, Williamson is part of a Reds pitching staff that ranks fifth in the majors in ERA (3.25). That’s great production on the mound, especially considering that Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are on the injured list. Greene, an All-Star in 2024, has some of the best sheer stuff in baseball, and he’s only 26.

As for their position players, shortstop Elly De La Cruz already is a two-time All-Star at age 24.

De La Cruz so far this season is hitting .243 with three homers, five RBIs and a .786 OPS, and Francona wants him to be aggressive.

“We don’t want our good hitters taking,” Francona said.

In the past two years, De La Cruz — who has a great arm and superior speed — has averaged 103.5 runs, 52 steals and 23.5 homers.

Another good Reds hitter is first baseman Sal Stewart, a former Miami prep star who is hitting .367 with a 1.167 OPS. Since his MLB debut last year, he has seven homers in 26 games.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a wild 7-6 win over the host New York Yankees in a game that withstood a 3 1/2-hour rain delay.

“We’re going to try to get some rest, go home and play some good games,” Marlins corner infielder Graham Pauley said after the long day/night was over.

Added Marlins manager Clayton McCullough: “Long rain delay after losing the first two games of this series … trailing by three runs early. … This was a great team win.”

The Marlins will be facing a lefty starter for the third straight game. The Marlins split those two previous contests.

Miami won’t have closer Pete Fairbanks, whose wife is expecting. Because labor will be induced on Monday, Fairbanks was put on paternity leave after being used as an opener on Sunday.

Without Fairbanks, the Marlins might be a bit short on quality relievers on Monday. On Sunday, they used four true relievers: Andrew Nardi, Calvin Faucher, John King and Anthony Bender. King earned the win, and Bender picked up his first save of the season.

All four of those relievers have pitched two straight days and may be unavailable on Monday.

Righty Janson Junk (0-0, 4.15) will get the start. He didn’t get a decision against the White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He got the win and didn’t allow a run in his only career start against the Reds last July.

Offensively, the Marlins are getting good performances from second baseman Xavier Edwards (batting .471 with a 1.147 OPS); third baseman Javier Sanoja (batting .429 with a 1.000 OPS); shortstop Otto Lopez (batting .333 with a .921 OPS); and outfielder Owen Caissie (batting .296 with a .926 OPS).

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Coming #big #wins #Reds #Marlins #continue #strong #starts

Ashwin reveals why he quit IPL: It was mentally disturbing, painful phase with CSK <div id="content-body-70829903" itemprop="articleBody">Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has revealed that he could have played the Indian Premier League (IPL) a bit longer had it not been for a “mentally disturbing” and “painful” phase that he went through during his time with Chennai Super Kings.On his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, the veteran, who retired from international cricket in 2024 before ending his IPL run last year, said he decided to call it quits to save the franchise the dilemma of deciding his fate.“I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK. It was a disappointing season for me personally. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, but I quit because, emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play while managing everything else,” Ashwin said.Ashwin, before announcing his IPL retirement, had sought clarity from CSK about his role after being used sparingly during the 2025 season. He appeared in only nine of CSK’s 14 matches in what was to be his homecoming after starting his IPL journey with the same team.The franchise, which was at the bottom of the heap last season, is continuing to struggle and has already logged three back-to-back losses under Ruturaj Gaikwad.Published on Apr 06, 2026</div> #Ashwin #reveals #quit #IPL #mentally #disturbing #painful #phase #CSK

Deadspin | Cavs overcome slow start to beat Pacers, move to brink of top-four seed Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a slow start in a 117-108 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds and Keon Ellis added 13 points for Cleveland (49-29), which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. Mitchell also had six rebounds and six assists. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. They lead the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks by four games with four to play. Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana (18-60), which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points. The Pacers are 3-4 since ending their franchise-record losing streak at 16 on March 23 at the Orlando Magic. Potter grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out four assists, while Toppin had eight boards and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts. Cleveland scored five straight points early in the fourth on a Nae’Qwan Tomlin 3-pointer and a Mitchell runner, finally pulling ahead for good at 101-96. The Cavaliers tied the game on their first possession of the third quarter when Bryant drained a 3-pointer to make it 58-58. Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to put them in front for the first time at 61-60, but the Pacers held a 91-90 edge going into the fourth. Two free throws by Jackson allowed Indiana to take its largest lead at 47-35 four minutes into the second. It held a 58-55 edge at intermission with Potter and Slawson scoring 14 apiece, countering 19 points from Harden and 15 by Mitchell. Potter and Slawson made two 3-pointers apiece in the first five minutes as the Pacers buried 6-of-8 attempts beyond the arc in seizing a 20-10 advantage. Slawson had nine points in the period, while Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 11. Cleveland gave the night off to starting forward Evan Mobley, guard Sam Merrill and center Jarrett Allen. It also was without forwards Jaylon Tyson (left great toe bone bruise) and Dean Wade (right ankle sprain), who have spent time in the first five due to injuries. All-Star Pascal Siakam (left ankle sprain), Andrew Nembhard (back pain), Aaron Nesmith (cervical strain), Jarace Walker (lower back bruise), Ben Sheppard (right hip sprain) and T.J. McConnell (bilateral hamstring soreness) were among the nine Pacers sidelined. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cavs #overcome #slow #start #beat #Pacers #move #brink #topfour #seed

#Deadspin #Cavs #overcome #slow #start #beat #Pacers #move #brink #topfour #seed">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a slow start in a 117-108 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds and Keon Ellis added 13 points for Cleveland (49-29), which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. Mitchell also had six rebounds and six assists.

The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. They lead the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks by four games with four to play.

Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana (18-60), which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points.

The Pacers are 3-4 since ending their franchise-record losing streak at 16 on March 23 at the Orlando Magic. Potter grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out four assists, while Toppin had eight boards and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts.

Cleveland scored five straight points early in the fourth on a Nae’Qwan Tomlin 3-pointer and a Mitchell runner, finally pulling ahead for good at 101-96.

The Cavaliers tied the game on their first possession of the third quarter when Bryant drained a 3-pointer to make it 58-58. Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to put them in front for the first time at 61-60, but the Pacers held a 91-90 edge going into the fourth.

Two free throws by Jackson allowed Indiana to take its largest lead at 47-35 four minutes into the second. It held a 58-55 edge at intermission with Potter and Slawson scoring 14 apiece, countering 19 points from Harden and 15 by Mitchell.

Potter and Slawson made two 3-pointers apiece in the first five minutes as the Pacers buried 6-of-8 attempts beyond the arc in seizing a 20-10 advantage. Slawson had nine points in the period, while Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 11.

Cleveland gave the night off to starting forward Evan Mobley, guard Sam Merrill and center Jarrett Allen. It also was without forwards Jaylon Tyson (left great toe bone bruise) and Dean Wade (right ankle sprain), who have spent time in the first five due to injuries.

All-Star Pascal Siakam (left ankle sprain), Andrew Nembhard (back pain), Aaron Nesmith (cervical strain), Jarace Walker (lower back bruise), Ben Sheppard (right hip sprain) and T.J. McConnell (bilateral hamstring soreness) were among the nine Pacers sidelined.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cavs #overcome #slow #start #beat #Pacers #move #brink #topfour #seed">Deadspin | Cavs overcome slow start to beat Pacers, move to brink of top-four seed

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a slow start in a 117-108 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds and Keon Ellis added 13 points for Cleveland (49-29), which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. Mitchell also had six rebounds and six assists.

The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. They lead the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks by four games with four to play.

Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana (18-60), which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points.

The Pacers are 3-4 since ending their franchise-record losing streak at 16 on March 23 at the Orlando Magic. Potter grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out four assists, while Toppin had eight boards and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts.

Cleveland scored five straight points early in the fourth on a Nae’Qwan Tomlin 3-pointer and a Mitchell runner, finally pulling ahead for good at 101-96.

The Cavaliers tied the game on their first possession of the third quarter when Bryant drained a 3-pointer to make it 58-58. Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to put them in front for the first time at 61-60, but the Pacers held a 91-90 edge going into the fourth.

Two free throws by Jackson allowed Indiana to take its largest lead at 47-35 four minutes into the second. It held a 58-55 edge at intermission with Potter and Slawson scoring 14 apiece, countering 19 points from Harden and 15 by Mitchell.

Potter and Slawson made two 3-pointers apiece in the first five minutes as the Pacers buried 6-of-8 attempts beyond the arc in seizing a 20-10 advantage. Slawson had nine points in the period, while Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 11.

Cleveland gave the night off to starting forward Evan Mobley, guard Sam Merrill and center Jarrett Allen. It also was without forwards Jaylon Tyson (left great toe bone bruise) and Dean Wade (right ankle sprain), who have spent time in the first five due to injuries.

All-Star Pascal Siakam (left ankle sprain), Andrew Nembhard (back pain), Aaron Nesmith (cervical strain), Jarace Walker (lower back bruise), Ben Sheppard (right hip sprain) and T.J. McConnell (bilateral hamstring soreness) were among the nine Pacers sidelined.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cavs #overcome #slow #start #beat #Pacers #move #brink #topfour #seed

These are still early days in IPL 2026. Teams are still working out their strengths, figuring out weaknesses and honing in on a winning strategy.

For Rajasthan Royals, this opening assessment has been a satisfying exercise, having won its first two games. The latest of those triumphs saw the side outlast Gujarat Titans by six runs in a high-scoring thriller, with pacer Tushar Deshpande delivering a nerveless final over.

On Tuesday, the Royals will have their cricketing faculties further examined as they host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

The opening salvo, though, hasn’t been a satisfactory one for MI. After bettering Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game, the five-time champion stumbled against Delhi Capitals in the second.

The much-vaunted MI batting lineup fell flat against the Capitals, as it eked out a below-par total of 162, which was overhauled with ease.

MI sorely missed the presence of skipper Hardik Pandya, who sat out of the game due to illness. The Indian all-rounder’s absence had a cascading effect on both the batting and bowling setups.

Luckily for MI, Pandya has recovered and will return to lead the side, as confirmed by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has enjoyed a fruitful start to his stint as the Royals’ full-time captain. The 24-year-old’s on-field calls, particularly with bowling choices, have been sharp and game-clinching.

At Parag’s disposal is a bowling attack that covers most bases. In Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, he has a left-right express pace combo which blew away Chennai Super Kings in the side’s first match, here in Guwahati. Backing them up will be the battle-hardened medium pace duo of Sandeep Sharma and Deshpande.

ALSO READ | This loss is on me: CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after heavy loss to RCB

Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja prop up the Royals’ spin attack, with the former scalping four vital wickets against Titans.

The centre of attention in the Royals lineup, though, is teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The left-handed opener has batted with unbridled confidence, whipping up stormy starts in both games of the season.

If there is a sub-plot to look out for on Tuesday, it could be the potential first-ever in-game meeting between Suryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah. The enticing prospect of the high-on-confidence 15-year-old going up against arguably the best bowler of this generation will only add sparkle to an already exciting contest.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#IPL #Faststarting #Rajasthan #Royals #takes #Mumbai #Indians">

RR vs MI, IPL 2026: Fast-starting Rajasthan Royals takes on Mumbai Indians’ might These are still early days in IPL 2026. Teams are still working out their strengths, figuring out weaknesses and honing in on a winning strategy.For Rajasthan Royals, this opening assessment has been a satisfying exercise, having won its first two games. The latest of those triumphs saw the side outlast Gujarat Titans by six runs in a high-scoring thriller, with pacer Tushar Deshpande delivering a nerveless final over.On Tuesday, the Royals will have their cricketing faculties further examined as they host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.The opening salvo, though, hasn’t been a satisfactory one for MI. After bettering Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game, the five-time champion stumbled against Delhi Capitals in the second.The much-vaunted MI batting lineup fell flat against the Capitals, as it eked out a below-par total of 162, which was overhauled with ease.MI sorely missed the presence of skipper Hardik Pandya, who sat out of the game due to illness. The Indian all-rounder’s absence had a cascading effect on both the batting and bowling setups.Luckily for MI, Pandya has recovered and will return to lead the side, as confirmed by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has enjoyed a fruitful start to his stint as the Royals’ full-time captain. The 24-year-old’s on-field calls, particularly with bowling choices, have been sharp and game-clinching.At Parag’s disposal is a bowling attack that covers most bases. In Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, he has a left-right express pace combo which blew away Chennai Super Kings in the side’s first match, here in Guwahati. Backing them up will be the battle-hardened medium pace duo of Sandeep Sharma and Deshpande.ALSO READ | This loss is on me: CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after heavy loss to RCBRavi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja prop up the Royals’ spin attack, with the former scalping four vital wickets against Titans.The centre of attention in the Royals lineup, though, is teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The left-handed opener has batted with unbridled confidence, whipping up stormy starts in both games of the season.If there is a sub-plot to look out for on Tuesday, it could be the potential first-ever in-game meeting between Suryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah. The enticing prospect of the high-on-confidence 15-year-old going up against arguably the best bowler of this generation will only add sparkle to an already exciting contest.Published on Apr 06, 2026 #IPL #Faststarting #Rajasthan #Royals #takes #Mumbai #Indians

mwasimuddin125 0

These are still early days in IPL 2026. Teams are still working out their strengths, figuring out weaknesses and honing in on a winning strategy.
For Rajasthan Royals, this opening assessment has been a satisfying exercise, having won its first two games. The latest of those triumphs saw the side outlast Gujarat Titans by six runs in a high-scoring thriller, with pacer Tushar Deshpande delivering a nerveless final over.
On Tuesday, the Royals will have their cricketing faculties further examined as they host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
The opening salvo, though, hasn’t been a satisfactory one for MI. After bettering Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game, the five-time champion stumbled against Delhi Capitals in the second.
The much-vaunted MI batting lineup fell flat against the Capitals, as it eked out a below-par total of 162, which was overhauled with ease.
MI sorely missed the presence of skipper Hardik Pandya, who sat out of the game due to illness. The Indian all-rounder’s absence had a cascading effect on both the batting and bowling setups.
Luckily for MI, Pandya has recovered and will return to lead the side, as confirmed by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has enjoyed a fruitful start to his stint as the Royals’ full-time captain. The 24-year-old’s on-field calls, particularly with bowling choices, have been sharp and game-clinching.
At Parag’s disposal is a bowling attack that covers most bases. In Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, he has a left-right express pace combo which blew away Chennai Super Kings in the side’s first match, here in Guwahati. Backing them up will be the battle-hardened medium pace duo of Sandeep Sharma and Deshpande.
ALSO READ | This loss is on me: CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after heavy loss to RCB
Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja prop up the Royals’ spin attack, with the former scalping four vital wickets against Titans.
The centre of attention in the Royals lineup, though, is teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The left-handed opener has batted with unbridled confidence, whipping up stormy starts in both games of the season.
If there is a sub-plot to look out for on Tuesday, it could be the potential first-ever in-game meeting between Suryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah. The enticing prospect of the high-on-confidence 15-year-old going up against arguably the best bowler of this generation will only add sparkle to an already exciting contest.
Published on Apr 06, 2026

#IPL #Faststarting #Rajasthan #Royals #takes #Mumbai #Indians">RR vs MI, IPL 2026: Fast-starting Rajasthan Royals takes on Mumbai Indians’ might

These are still early days in IPL 2026. Teams are still working out their strengths, figuring out weaknesses and honing in on a winning strategy.

On Tuesday, the Royals will have their cricketing faculties further examined as they host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

The opening salvo, though, hasn’t been a satisfactory one for MI. After bettering Kolkata Knight Riders in its first game, the five-time champion stumbled against Delhi Capitals in the second.

The much-vaunted MI batting lineup fell flat against the Capitals, as it eked out a below-par total of 162, which was overhauled with ease.

MI sorely missed the presence of skipper Hardik Pandya, who sat out of the game due to illness. The Indian all-rounder’s absence had a cascading effect on both the batting and bowling setups.

Luckily for MI, Pandya has recovered and will return to lead the side, as confirmed by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

ALSO READ | This loss is on me: CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after heavy loss to RCB

Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja prop up the Royals’ spin attack, with the former scalping four vital wickets against Titans.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#IPL #Faststarting #Rajasthan #Royals #takes #Mumbai #Indians

Deadspin | Tigers, Twins focus on turning the page Apr 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II (11) gets tagged out by Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez (28) trying to steal second base in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images The Detroit Tigers do not have to spend much time dwelling about their prime-time loss against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. On Monday, the Tigers will welcome a new day, a new opponent and a new city. Detroit will open a four-game series at the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. It will be a chance for the Tigers to improve on the road, where they are 2-4 to start the season. Meanwhile, the Twins are eager to snap out of an early-season slump. They are 1-2 in each of their first three series and are coming off a 4-1 home loss in 10 innings to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon. It marked the fourth time in nine games this season that the Twins have scored only one run. Manager Derek Shelton is well aware of his team’s struggles at the plate. He said the season is young and the group has time to find its rhythm. “We’re a little in between right now, and I think that’s showing,” Shelton said. “I think that’s why we’re not getting a lot of hard contact. … We need to make some hard contact. “If I had a solution for it, it would be a lot easier. But right now, we’re just … in a little bit of a funk. We need to figure it out.” Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.82 ERA) will make his third start of the season. He is seeking his first win after matching a career high with 13 victories a season ago. In his most recent start, Ryan surrendered five runs on nine hits over four innings in a 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He did not pitch at his typical velocity on a cold, wet day in which he struggled to get his footing on the mound. “The ‘velo’ being down, I’m going to contribute that a little bit to the fact that it was 40 degrees and rainy,” Shelton said. The forecast for Monday’s game calls for another cold day, with temperatures in the 30s. This will be Ryan’s 10th career start against Detroit. In his first nine appearances, he is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA and has struck out 71 in 52 2/3 innings. The Tigers will counter with right-hander Casey Mize (0-0, 1.50 ERA). He will look to build on an impressive season debut in which he limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on four hits in six innings on Tuesday. He walked two and struck out nine in Detroit’s 7-5 loss. “On a personal level, it was a pretty good start,” Mize said. “It’s just unfortunate we didn’t win the game.” Mize is 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 career starts against the Twins. He faced them four times in 2025, going 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA. The Twins and Tigers played each other 13 times last season. Detroit won the season series 8-5 and outscored Minnesota 59-54. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tigers #Twins #focus #turning #page

#Deadspin #Tigers #Twins #focus #turning #page">

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Apr 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II (11) gets tagged out by Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez (28) trying to steal second base in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers do not have to spend much time dwelling about their prime-time loss against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

On Monday, the Tigers will welcome a new day, a new opponent and a new city.

Detroit will open a four-game series at the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. It will be a chance for the Tigers to improve on the road, where they are 2-4 to start the season.

Meanwhile, the Twins are eager to snap out of an early-season slump. They are 1-2 in each of their first three series and are coming off a 4-1 home loss in 10 innings to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

It marked the fourth time in nine games this season that the Twins have scored only one run.

Manager Derek Shelton is well aware of his team’s struggles at the plate. He said the season is young and the group has time to find its rhythm.

“We’re a little in between right now, and I think that’s showing,” Shelton said. “I think that’s why we’re not getting a lot of hard contact. … We need to make some hard contact.

“If I had a solution for it, it would be a lot easier. But right now, we’re just … in a little bit of a funk. We need to figure it out.”

Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.82 ERA) will make his third start of the season. He is seeking his first win after matching a career high with 13 victories a season ago.

In his most recent start, Ryan surrendered five runs on nine hits over four innings in a 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He did not pitch at his typical velocity on a cold, wet day in which he struggled to get his footing on the mound.

“The ‘velo’ being down, I’m going to contribute that a little bit to the fact that it was 40 degrees and rainy,” Shelton said.

The forecast for Monday’s game calls for another cold day, with temperatures in the 30s.

This will be Ryan’s 10th career start against Detroit. In his first nine appearances, he is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA and has struck out 71 in 52 2/3 innings.

The Tigers will counter with right-hander Casey Mize (0-0, 1.50 ERA). He will look to build on an impressive season debut in which he limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on four hits in six innings on Tuesday. He walked two and struck out nine in Detroit’s 7-5 loss.

“On a personal level, it was a pretty good start,” Mize said. “It’s just unfortunate we didn’t win the game.”

Mize is 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 career starts against the Twins. He faced them four times in 2025, going 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA.

The Twins and Tigers played each other 13 times last season. Detroit won the season series 8-5 and outscored Minnesota 59-54.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tigers #Twins #focus #turning #page">Deadspin | Tigers, Twins focus on turning the page

Apr 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II (11) gets tagged out by Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez (28) trying to steal second base in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers do not have to spend much time dwelling about their prime-time loss against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

On Monday, the Tigers will welcome a new day, a new opponent and a new city.

Detroit will open a four-game series at the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in Minneapolis. It will be a chance for the Tigers to improve on the road, where they are 2-4 to start the season.

Meanwhile, the Twins are eager to snap out of an early-season slump. They are 1-2 in each of their first three series and are coming off a 4-1 home loss in 10 innings to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

It marked the fourth time in nine games this season that the Twins have scored only one run.

Manager Derek Shelton is well aware of his team’s struggles at the plate. He said the season is young and the group has time to find its rhythm.

“We’re a little in between right now, and I think that’s showing,” Shelton said. “I think that’s why we’re not getting a lot of hard contact. … We need to make some hard contact.

“If I had a solution for it, it would be a lot easier. But right now, we’re just … in a little bit of a funk. We need to figure it out.”

Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.82 ERA) will make his third start of the season. He is seeking his first win after matching a career high with 13 victories a season ago.

In his most recent start, Ryan surrendered five runs on nine hits over four innings in a 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He did not pitch at his typical velocity on a cold, wet day in which he struggled to get his footing on the mound.

“The ‘velo’ being down, I’m going to contribute that a little bit to the fact that it was 40 degrees and rainy,” Shelton said.

The forecast for Monday’s game calls for another cold day, with temperatures in the 30s.

This will be Ryan’s 10th career start against Detroit. In his first nine appearances, he is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA and has struck out 71 in 52 2/3 innings.

The Tigers will counter with right-hander Casey Mize (0-0, 1.50 ERA). He will look to build on an impressive season debut in which he limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on four hits in six innings on Tuesday. He walked two and struck out nine in Detroit’s 7-5 loss.

“On a personal level, it was a pretty good start,” Mize said. “It’s just unfortunate we didn’t win the game.”

Mize is 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 11 career starts against the Twins. He faced them four times in 2025, going 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA.

The Twins and Tigers played each other 13 times last season. Detroit won the season series 8-5 and outscored Minnesota 59-54.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tigers #Twins #focus #turning #page

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