Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set. Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season. “We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.” Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap. However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5. CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4. Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season. Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation. Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision. Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA. The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games. Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season. “He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #Royals

Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals
Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set. Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season. “We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.” Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap. However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5. CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4. Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season. Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation. Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision. Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA. The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games. Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season. “He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #RoyalsMar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set.

Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season.

“We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.”

Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap.

However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5.

CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4.


Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season.

Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation.

Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision.

Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA.

The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games.

Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season.

“He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #Royals

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Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set.

Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season.

“We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.”

Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap.

However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5.

CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4.

Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season.

Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation.

Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision.

Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA.

The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games.

Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season.

“He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com.

–Field Level Media

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Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of death<img src="https://gdb.voanews.com/9637e9f0-f554-4997-0a41-08dd5c8b1668_cx0_cy3_cw0_w800_h450.jpg" /><br><div id="article-content"> <div class="wsw"> <p>The Vatican issued an update Saturday on the health of Pope Francis, who remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital under the care of doctors, saying that while his prognosis remains “complex,” the pope is no longer in “imminent danger” of death.</p><p>On Friday, the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office announced that since Francis’ condition is now considered stable, barring any major developments, updates on his health will be less frequent. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent four weeks in the hospital and is receiving treatment for double pneumonia.</p><p>Medical bulletins from the pope’s doctors, which had been almost a daily occurrence since his admission to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, will be issued only when there is new information, the press office said Friday. The office emphasized that Francis’ recovery is progressing, but that it will require time to make sure the improvements continue.</p><p>This also means the Holy See’s daily morning update about how the pope spent the night will no longer be issued, which leaves only the evening news briefing for journalists.</p><p>The Vatican said that this is a “a positive sign” for the Catholic faithful, meaning that no news is essentially good news.</p><p>Francis is continuing his prescribed medical treatments, which included motor physiotherapy Friday. He alternates between noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day, according to the Vatican.</p><p>Francis had part of a lung removed as a young man after a pulmonary infection and has in recent years battled recurring bouts of bronchitis.</p><p>On Thursday, the press office said Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his papal election surrounded by health care staff.</p><p>Part of the pope’s hospital stay comes during the Christian season of Lent. It is the annual 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Lent began on March 5.</p> </div> <ul class="authors-highlights"> <li class="authors-highlights__item"> </li> </ul> </div>#Vatican #Francis #stable #imminent #danger #deathEurope, Americas, Pope Francis

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Deadspin | Ailing Ryan Feltner to make scheduled start for Rockies against Astros Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Ryan Feltner had a scary moment in his first start of the season, but it wasn’t as frightening as the one the Colorado Rockies’ right-hander experienced three years ago. Feltner took a line drive off his hip in Toronto on Tuesday and left the game after three innings with tightness in his right glute, but he won’t miss any playing time. Feltner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his scheduled start when Colorado faces the Houston Astros on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series in Denver. Houston will send right-hander Cody Bolton (0-0, 3.00) to the mound. It is a testament to Feltner’s mental fortitude that he didn’t have a big reaction to taking a liner off his hip. On May 13, 2023, Feltner suffered a fractured skull when Nick Castellanos, then with Philadelphia, hit him with a 92-mph liner behind his right ear. Feltner missed four months before starting two games that September and then made 30 starts in 2024, but injuries limited him to six outings last season for the Rockies. He looked sharp in his three scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, giving up only one hit, one walk and striking out four. “He pitched awesome,” catcher Hunter Goodman said. “He had command of all of his pitches. That was the best I have seen him throw this year, including spring training. I’m excited for his next few outings. I think he can build momentum off those.” Feltner has faced the Astros once in his career — on June 26, 2024, in Houston. He allowed four runs — two earned — on six hits over six innings and was the pitcher of record in Colorado’s 7-1 loss. He will try to pitch the Rockies to their first winning streak of the season. Colorado salvaged the finale of a three-game series with Philadelphia on Sunday, 4-1. Houston is coming off a disappointing 12-10 loss in 10 innings to the Athletics on Sunday and enter the series in Denver with some uncertainty. Astros ace Hunter Brown was slated to start Monday night but went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. “He’s disappointed,” Houston manager Joe Espada told reporters on Sunday. “Never been injured, and this is new for all of us, so we’ll see. He didn’t sound concerned, which is good. But also, it’s new, right, so we’re going to let the doctors evaluate him and then we’ll see where we go from there.” Before deciding on Bolton — who pitched one scoreless inning in his lone career appearance against the Rockies in April 2024 — to start, the Astros were considering bringing up Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land. Alexander last pitched Wednesday and would have been on four days’ rest. Other options went away Sunday when Espada used Christian Roa, who was recalled from Sugar Land before the game, and AJ Blubaugh out of the bullpen. However, either could have served as an opener Monday night but would have been limited in innings. Houston’s offense has been putting up runs heading into hitter-friendly Coors Field. The Astros, who had won five games in a row before losing two of the three games against the A’s, have scored 10 or more runs three times already this season. They have 21 in the last two games and are averaging 8.5 runs over the last eight. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ailing #Ryan #Feltner #scheduled #start #Rockies #AstrosMar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Ryan Feltner had a scary moment in his first start of the season, but it wasn’t as frightening as the one the Colorado Rockies’ right-hander experienced three years ago.

Feltner took a line drive off his hip in Toronto on Tuesday and left the game after three innings with tightness in his right glute, but he won’t miss any playing time.

Feltner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his scheduled start when Colorado faces the Houston Astros on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series in Denver.

Houston will send right-hander Cody Bolton (0-0, 3.00) to the mound.

It is a testament to Feltner’s mental fortitude that he didn’t have a big reaction to taking a liner off his hip. On May 13, 2023, Feltner suffered a fractured skull when Nick Castellanos, then with Philadelphia, hit him with a 92-mph liner behind his right ear.

Feltner missed four months before starting two games that September and then made 30 starts in 2024, but injuries limited him to six outings last season for the Rockies.

He looked sharp in his three scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, giving up only one hit, one walk and striking out four.

“He pitched awesome,” catcher Hunter Goodman said. “He had command of all of his pitches. That was the best I have seen him throw this year, including spring training. I’m excited for his next few outings. I think he can build momentum off those.”


Feltner has faced the Astros once in his career — on June 26, 2024, in Houston. He allowed four runs — two earned — on six hits over six innings and was the pitcher of record in Colorado’s 7-1 loss.

He will try to pitch the Rockies to their first winning streak of the season. Colorado salvaged the finale of a three-game series with Philadelphia on Sunday, 4-1.

Houston is coming off a disappointing 12-10 loss in 10 innings to the Athletics on Sunday and enter the series in Denver with some uncertainty. Astros ace Hunter Brown was slated to start Monday night but went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.

“He’s disappointed,” Houston manager Joe Espada told reporters on Sunday. “Never been injured, and this is new for all of us, so we’ll see. He didn’t sound concerned, which is good. But also, it’s new, right, so we’re going to let the doctors evaluate him and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

Before deciding on Bolton — who pitched one scoreless inning in his lone career appearance against the Rockies in April 2024 — to start, the Astros were considering bringing up Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Alexander last pitched Wednesday and would have been on four days’ rest.

Other options went away Sunday when Espada used Christian Roa, who was recalled from Sugar Land before the game, and AJ Blubaugh out of the bullpen. However, either could have served as an opener Monday night but would have been limited in innings.

Houston’s offense has been putting up runs heading into hitter-friendly Coors Field. The Astros, who had won five games in a row before losing two of the three games against the A’s, have scored 10 or more runs three times already this season. They have 21 in the last two games and are averaging 8.5 runs over the last eight.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ailing #Ryan #Feltner #scheduled #start #Rockies #Astros">Deadspin | Ailing Ryan Feltner to make scheduled start for Rockies against Astros Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Ryan Feltner had a scary moment in his first start of the season, but it wasn’t as frightening as the one the Colorado Rockies’ right-hander experienced three years ago. Feltner took a line drive off his hip in Toronto on Tuesday and left the game after three innings with tightness in his right glute, but he won’t miss any playing time. Feltner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his scheduled start when Colorado faces the Houston Astros on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series in Denver. Houston will send right-hander Cody Bolton (0-0, 3.00) to the mound. It is a testament to Feltner’s mental fortitude that he didn’t have a big reaction to taking a liner off his hip. On May 13, 2023, Feltner suffered a fractured skull when Nick Castellanos, then with Philadelphia, hit him with a 92-mph liner behind his right ear. Feltner missed four months before starting two games that September and then made 30 starts in 2024, but injuries limited him to six outings last season for the Rockies. He looked sharp in his three scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, giving up only one hit, one walk and striking out four. “He pitched awesome,” catcher Hunter Goodman said. “He had command of all of his pitches. That was the best I have seen him throw this year, including spring training. I’m excited for his next few outings. I think he can build momentum off those.” Feltner has faced the Astros once in his career — on June 26, 2024, in Houston. He allowed four runs — two earned — on six hits over six innings and was the pitcher of record in Colorado’s 7-1 loss. He will try to pitch the Rockies to their first winning streak of the season. Colorado salvaged the finale of a three-game series with Philadelphia on Sunday, 4-1. Houston is coming off a disappointing 12-10 loss in 10 innings to the Athletics on Sunday and enter the series in Denver with some uncertainty. Astros ace Hunter Brown was slated to start Monday night but went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. “He’s disappointed,” Houston manager Joe Espada told reporters on Sunday. “Never been injured, and this is new for all of us, so we’ll see. He didn’t sound concerned, which is good. But also, it’s new, right, so we’re going to let the doctors evaluate him and then we’ll see where we go from there.” Before deciding on Bolton — who pitched one scoreless inning in his lone career appearance against the Rockies in April 2024 — to start, the Astros were considering bringing up Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land. Alexander last pitched Wednesday and would have been on four days’ rest. Other options went away Sunday when Espada used Christian Roa, who was recalled from Sugar Land before the game, and AJ Blubaugh out of the bullpen. However, either could have served as an opener Monday night but would have been limited in innings. Houston’s offense has been putting up runs heading into hitter-friendly Coors Field. The Astros, who had won five games in a row before losing two of the three games against the A’s, have scored 10 or more runs three times already this season. They have 21 in the last two games and are averaging 8.5 runs over the last eight. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ailing #Ryan #Feltner #scheduled #start #Rockies #Astros

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 #seedApr 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

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 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

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